Blastomycosis in indiana: digging up more cases.

Background: The endemic region of blastomycosis historically has included the state of Indiana. However, few published reports of blastomycosis exist to substantiate this distinction. A surge of patients with blastomycosis in central Indiana (Indianapolis and surrounding counties) beginning in 2005 prompted us to review our local experience.

Synthesis, metabolism and in vitro cytotoxicity studies on novel lavendamycin antitumor agents.

A series of lavendamycin analogues with two, three or four substituents at the C-6, C-7 N, C-2', C-3' and C-11' positions were synthesized via short and efficient methods and evaluated as potential NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)-directed antitumor agents. The compounds were prepared through Pictet-Spengler condensation of the desired 2-formylquinoline-5,8-diones with the required tryptophans followed by further needed transformations. Metabolism and toxicity studies demonstrated that the best substrates for NQO1 were also the most selectively toxic to NQO1-rich tumor cells compared to NQO1-deficient tumor cells.

Surgical management of pulmonary and mediastinal sequelae of histoplasmosis: a challenging spectrum.

Background: Histoplasmosis may result in a spectrum of complications that require thoracic surgical intervention. We reviewed our 17-year experience in the management of histoplasmosis to determine outcomes as well as gain insight into the distribution of complications requiring surgical intervention.

Methods: The hospital records of patients who underwent surgical treatment for complications related to histoplasmosis from 1991 to 2008 were reviewed.

Hepatic, ocular, and cutaneous sarcoidosis.

Sarcoid affecting the skin, eye, or liver can be symptomatic of or cause significant morbidity. When disease is sever, alternative therapies may be needed.

Lavendamycin antitumor agents: structure-based design, synthesis, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) model validation with molecular docking and biological studies.

A 1H69 crystal structure-based in silico model of the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) active site has been developed to facilitate NQO1-directed lavendamycin antitumor agent development. Lavendamycin analogues were designed as NQO1 substrates utilizing structure-based design criteria. Computational docking studies were performed using the model to predict NQO1 substrate specificity.

Bronchoalveolar lavage as a research tool.

Researchers over the past 40 years have utilized bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as a tool to help expand our knowledge of pulmonary medicine. Many reports have documented BAL as a safe procedure for research subjects. New technologies, such as flow cytometry, have provided much needed insight into the mechanisms behind several pulmonary diseases.

Endobronchial capillary hemangioma: case report and review of the literature.

A 66-year-old man with mitral stenosis on coumadin presents with hemoptysis caused by a capillary hemangioma of the proximal airways. Argon plasma coagulation was utilized to treat the lesions resulting in resolution of hemoptysis. Tracheobronchial capillary hemangiomas are rare in adults, but are easily discovered and treated with bronchoscopic intervention.