A paternal methyl donor-rich diet altered cognitive and neural functions in offspring mice

Dietary intake of methyl donors, such as folic acid and methionine, shows considerable intra-individual variation in human populations. While it is recognized that maternal departures from the optimum of dietary methyl donor intake can increase the risk for mental health issues and neurological disorders in offspring, it has not been explored whether paternal dietary methyl donor intake influences behavioral and cognitive functions in the next generation. Here, we report that elevated paternal dietary methyl donor intake in a mouse model, transiently applied prior to mating, resulted in offspring animals (methyl donor-rich diet (MD) F1 mice) with deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity and reduced hippocampal theta oscillations. Gene expression analyses revealed altered expression of the methionine adenosyltransferase Mat2a and BK channel subunit Kcnmb2, which was associated with changes in Kcnmb2 promoter methylation in MD F1 mice. Hippocampal overexpression of Kcnmb2 in MD F1 mice ameliorated altered spatial learning and memory, supporting a role of this BK channel subunit in the MD F1 behavioral phenotype. Behavioral and gene expression changes did not extend into the F2 offspring generation. Together, our data indicate that paternal dietary factors influence cognitive and neural functions in the offspring generation.

Improved upper limits on the stochastic gravitational-wave background from 2009-2010 LIGO and Virgo data

Gravitational waves from a variety of sources are predicted to superpose to create a stochastic background. This background is expected to contain unique information from throughout the history of the Universe that is unavailable through standard electromagnetic observations, making its study of fundamental importance to understanding the evolution of the Universe. We carry out a search for the stochastic background with the latest data from the LIGO and Virgo detectors. Consistent with predictions from most stochastic gravitational-wave background models, the data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. Assuming a gravitational-wave spectrum of Ω_{GW}(f)=Ω_{α}(f/f_{ref})^{α}, we place 95% confidence level upper limits on the energy density of the background in each of four frequency bands spanning 41.5-1726 Hz. In the frequency band of 41.5-169.25 Hz for a spectral index of α=0, we constrain the energy density of the stochastic background to be Ω_{GW}(f)<5.6×10^{-6}. For the 600-1000 Hz band, Ω_{GW}(f)<0.14(f/900  Hz)^{3}, a factor of 2.5 lower than the best previously reported upper limits. We find Ω_{GW}(f)<1.8×10^{-4} using a spectral index of zero for 170-600 Hz and Ω_{GW}(f)<1.0(f/1300  Hz)^{3} for 1000-1726 Hz, bands in which no previous direct limits have been placed. The limits in these four bands are the lowest direct measurements to date on the stochastic background. We discuss the implications of these results in light of the recent claim by the BICEP2 experiment of the possible evidence for inflationary gravitational waves.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

Constraints on cosmic strings from the LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave detectors

Cosmic strings can give rise to a large variety of interesting astrophysical phenomena. Among them, powerful bursts of gravitational waves (GWs) produced by cusps are a promising observational signature. In this Letter we present a search for GWs from cosmic string cusps in data collected by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors between 2005 and 2010, with over 625 days of live time. We find no evidence of GW signals from cosmic strings. From this result, we derive new constraints on cosmic string parameters, which complement and improve existing limits from previous searches for a stochastic background of GWs from cosmic microwave background measurements and pulsar timing data. In particular, if the size of loops is given by the gravitational backreaction scale, we place upper limits on the string tension Gμ below 10(-8) in some regions of the cosmic string parameter space.

Smad-interacting protein 1 affects acute and tonic, but not chronic pain

BACKGROUND

Smad-interacting protein 1 (also named Zeb2 and Zfhx1b) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in neuronal development and, when mutated, causes Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS). A corresponding mouse model carrying a heterozygous Zeb2 deletion was comprehensively analysed in the German Mouse Clinic. The most prominent phenotype was the reduced pain sensitivity. In this study, we investigated the role of Zeb2 in inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

METHODS

For this, we tested mutant Zeb2 animals in different models of inflammatory pain like abdominal constriction, formalin and carrageenan test. Furthermore, we studied the pain reactivity of the mice after peripheral nerve ligation. To examine the nociceptive transmission of primary sensory dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, we determined the neuronal activity in the spinal dorsal horn after the formalin test using staining of c-Fos. Next, we characterized the neuronal cell population in the DRGs and in the sciatic nerve to study the effect of the Zeb2 mutation on peripheral nerve morphology.

RESULTS

The present data show that Zeb2 is involved in the development of primary sensory DRG neurons, especially of C- and Aδ fibres. These alterations contribute to a hypoalgesic phenotype in inflammatory but not in neuropathic pain in these Zeb2(+/-) mice.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the under-reaction to pain observed in MWS patients results from a reduced responsivity to nociceptive stimulation rather than an inability to communicate discomfort.

A state observer for the Virgo inverted pendulum

We report an application of Kalman filtering to the inverted pendulum (IP) of the Virgo gravitational wave interferometer. Using subspace method system identification techniques, we calculated a linear mechanical model of Virgo IP from experimental transfer functions. We then developed a Kalman filter, based on the obtained state space representation, that estimates from open loop time domain data, the state variables of the system. This allows the observation (and eventually control) of every resonance mode of the IP mechanical structure independently.

Randomised clinical trial: a comparative dose-finding study of three arms of dual release mesalazine for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Comparative data regarding different regimens of oral mesalazine (mesalamine) for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis are limited.

AIM

To evaluate whether 3.0 g mesalazine once-daily (OD) is superior to the standard treatment of 0.5 g mesalazine three times daily (t.d.s.) and to prove the therapeutic equivalence of OD vs. t.d.s. dosing of total 1.5 g mesalazine for remission maintenance in patients with ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

A 1-year, multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy study was undertaken in patients with endoscopically and histologically confirmed ulcerative colitis in remission. Patients were randomised to oral mesalazine 3.0 g OD, 1.5 g OD or 0.5 g t.d.s. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients still in clinical remission at the final visit, with clinical relapse being defined as CAI score >4 and an increase of ≥3 from baseline.

RESULTS

The primary efficacy endpoint occurred in 162/217 3.0 g OD patients (75%), 129/212 1.5 g OD patients (61%) and 150/218 0.5 g t.d.s. patients (69%) in the intention-to-treat population, and in 152/177 (86%), 121/182 (67%) and 144/185 (78%) in the per protocol population respectively; 3.0 g OD was superior to both low-dose regimens for the primary endpoint (i.e. P < 0.001, 3.0 g OD vs. 1.5 g OD; P = 0.024, 3.0 g OD vs. 0.5 g t.d.s.; superiority test, per protocol population). Safety analysis, including comprehensive renal monitoring, revealed no concern in any treatment group.

CONCLUSION

Mesalazine 3.0 g once daily was the most effective dose for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis of the three regimens assessed, with no penalty in terms of safety.

Once daily versus three times daily mesalazine granules in active ulcerative colitis: a double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine the therapeutic equivalence and safety of once daily (OD) versus three times daily (TID) dosing of a total daily dose of 3 g Salofalk (mesalazine) granules in patients with active ulcerative colitis.

DESIGN

A randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, multicentre, international, phase III non-inferiority study.

SETTING

54 centres in 13 countries.

PATIENTS

380 patients with confirmed diagnosis of established or first attack of ulcerative colitis (clinical activity index (CAI)>4 and endoscopic index > or =4 at baseline) were randomised and treated.

INTERVENTIONS

8-week treatment with either 3 g OD or 1 g TID mesalazine granules.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical remission (CAI< or =4) at study end.

RESULTS

380 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety by intention-to-treat (ITT); 345 for per protocol (PP) analysis. In the ITT population, 79.1% in the OD group (n = 191) and 75.7% in the TID group (n = 189) achieved clinical remission (p<0.0001 for non-inferiority). Significantly more patients with proctosigmoiditis achieved clinical remission in the OD group (86%; n = 97) versus the TID group (73%; n = 100; p = 0.0298). About 70% of patients in both treatment groups achieved endoscopic remission, and 35% in the OD group and 41% in the TID group achieved histological remission. About 80% of all patients preferred OD dosing. Similar numbers of adverse events occurred in 55 patients (28.8%) in the OD group and in 61 patients (32.3%) in the TID group, indicating that the two dosing regimens were equally safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

OD 3 g mesalazine granules are as effective and safe as a TID 1 g schedule. With respect to the best possible adherence of patients to the treatment, OD dosing of mesalazine should be the preferred application mode in active ulcerative colitis.

Ischemia reperfusion injury of the skeletal muscle after selective deafferentation

The present study analyzes the effect of selective deafferentation on the reperfusion injury of the skeletal muscle when nociceptive sensory fibers of the left sciatic nerve are selectively damaged by capsaicin pretreatment in a rat model following tourniquet ischemia (ISC) applied for 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h on the left hind limb. The isometric tetanic contractile force of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was measured after 1 h, and 1, 3, or 7 days of reperfusion. Contractile force of the damaged muscle was compared to the intact contralateral muscle. In another group, ISC was used without capsaicin pre-treatment. After 30 min of ISC, there was no difference between deafferented and non-pretreated groups. Following 1 h ISC, with the exception of 1 h reperfusion, the non-pretreated group produced stronger contractions than the deafferented group. After 2 h ISC, the contractile force of the deafferented muscle was significantly stronger compared to the non-deafferented muscle force at all reperfusion times. In conclusions, it was found that the absence of peptidergic sensory fibers after long-lasting (2 h) ischemia is beneficial in reperfusion injury, whereas the absence of vasodilator peptides has unfavorable effects if tissue damage is milder (after 1 h ischemia).

Time course of leukocyte response and free radical release in an early reperfusion injury of the superior mesenteric artery

The sequence of changes in circulating immune cells and in free radical production was studied during the small intestine reperfusion. Rat small intestine ischemia/reperfusion was induced by a 45 min superior mesenteric artery occlusion followed by a 4-hour reperfusion. Samples of peripheral blood were collected every 20 min during reperfusion. While the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes increased significantly both in the sham-operated controls and the experimental group (about 400 per cent at the end of reperfusion), a decrease in lymphocyte counts to 60 per cent was observed in the experimental group only. Although there were no changes in the counts of total T lymphocytes, a significant reduction in B cell counts was observed. Flow-cytometrical measurements showed no changes in the Tc subpopulation, while the Th subpopulation increased in the experimental group only. Free radical generation in blood (luminometric measurements) increased gradually and reached an eight-fold level by the end of reperfusion in both groups. Thus, it has been shown that the increase in free radical production is mainly due to the increased number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes mobilized already at the initial stages of reperfusion. The reduction in B lymphocyte population is probably due to homing mechanisms

BGP-15, a hydroximic acid derivative, protects against cisplatin- or taxol-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats

The neuroprotective effect of BGP-15 against peripheral sensory neuropathy was studied in rats that were exposed to short-term cisplatin or taxol administration. The changes of nerve conduction velocity were determined in situ after treating the Wistar rats with BGP-15 (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg po daily doses throughout the experiment), cisplatin (1.5 mg/kg ip daily dose for 5 days), or taxol (5.0 mg/kg ip daily dose every other day in a 10-day interval) alone or giving the test compound in combination with cisplatin or taxol. Electrophysiological recordings were carried out in vivo by stimulating the sciatic nerve at both sciatic notch and ankle site. Neither motor nor sensory nerve conduction velocity was altered by any dose level of BGP-15 tested. Both anticancer drugs decreased the sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV). BGP-15 treatment prevented the impairment of SNCV either in part or totally in the cisplatin- or taxol-treated groups. This neuroprotective potential of BGP-15 could be well correlated with its recently described poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase- inhibitory effect and its ability to protect against the damages induced by the increased level of reactive oxygen species in response to anticancer treatment.

Effect of plasticizer on the dynamic surface tension and the free volume of Eudragit systems

The purpose of the present study was to determine the changes of dynamic surface tension of aqueous Eudragit dispersions quantitatively and compare these data with the free volume of the free films formed from several dispersions of different dibutyl sebacate (DBS) concentrations. Eudragit L 30D and Eudragit RL 30D aqueous colloidal polymer dispersions and their cast free films were examined. The concentration of DBS varied in the dispersions from 0 to 20%. The dynamic surface tension of the dispersions were measured by the Du Nouy ring method while the free volume of cast films were determined by positron annihilation spectroscopy. The obtained results show that dynamic surface tension measurements indicate the white point (WP) of Eudragit dispersions by a significant standard deviation increase. This may suggest the applicability of dynamic surface tension measurements for the determination of the WP of polymeric dispersions. A decrease in the WP temperature of Eudragit dispersions with an increasing plasticizer concentration was observed up to the DBS concentration of 10% w/w. Above this concentration neither the WP of the polymer dispersion nor the free volume of the free films of the polymer were changed remarkably.

Immunological aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection

Host defence against Helicobacter pylori infection is a complex system of both specific and non-specific reactions. Among the non-specific defense mechanisms acting on bacteria before they reach the mucus layer in the stomach are digestive enzymes, lyzozyme, lactoferrin and other components with antimicrobal activity. The mucus layer is the final non-specific barrier against the bacteria reaching the gastric mucosa cells. On reaching the gastric mucosa Helicobacter pylori adheres to epithelial cells and bacterial antigens, chemotaxins and other components are liberated. Helicobacter pylori antigens are presented to immunate B lymphocytes, which interact with T-helper lymphocytes to become mature IgA-, IgD-, IgE-, IgG and Ig-M producing plasma cells. IgA dimers of secretory IgA are secreted through the gastric epithelium. IgE antibodies bind to basophils, which mature to histamine-producing mast cells. Histamine activates the acid production in the stomach and contributes to the chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. In addition, T lymphocytes are possible activated by Helicobacter pylori and contribute to the chronic inflammation.

Study of the theophylline content of single coated particles by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The aim of the present study was to determine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) the content uniformity of single theophylline microcapsules of different particle size ranges. Microencapsulation was carried out in a laboratory fluidized bed system using Eudragit L30D aqueous dispersion. Scanning electron microscopy was applied for the characterization of the surface morphology of the prepared theophylline microcapsules of two different particle size ranges. The theophylline content of single particles was determined by GC/MS analysis. It was found that the particle size of microcapsules greatly influenced their theophylline content. The GC/MS analysis was successully applied to indicate the changes in the content uniformity and thus the interparticular costing distribution of single theophylline microcapsules in the presence of several excipients.

[Preformulation study of atenolol-containing solutions.. I. The pH dependence of thermostability]

The stability of atenolol solutions was evaluated under accelerated isothermal degradation conditions at 90 degrees C. A specific and sensitive HPLC method was adapted to study the pH dependence of the stability. The maximum stability of atenolol was achieved at pH 4 with a k value of 1.1 x 10(-3) h-1. The degradation of atenolol followed first-order kinetics at above mentioned conditions.

[Surgical resection of tumors in the distal duodenum]

We present six cases of successfully resected primary tumors of the distal part of duodenum (third and fourth segment). Average age of the four male and two female patients was 59 years (47-80). Distal segmental resection were performed in four, pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy in two cases. Histologically the tumors were five adenocarcinomas, and one gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This tumor causing massive bleeding. In two patients, local lymph nodes were tumor positive, and in one patient synchronous metastasis of the greater omentum was excised during a palliative resection. There was no operative mortality. During a mean follow-up period of 17 months two patients died. Our results support the fact, that radical surgical resection of these tumors, even by segmental resection, provides a more favorable prognosis for duodenal carcinoma than for pancreatic tumors.

Paraquat resistance of weeds--the case of Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq

The paper gives an overview of literature on paraquat resistance of weeds and the proposed mechanism of resistance. New results we achieved on horseweed (Conyza canadensis /L./, Cronq.) are discussed in detail. It was demonstrated that there is no significant constitutive difference related to the paraquat resistance between untreated susceptible and paraquat-resistant horseweed plants. The lower sensitivity of flowering resistant plants may be due to the fact that paraquat content in treated leaves of flowering resistant plants was only 25% as compared to those measured at rosette stage. Our results confirm that paraquat resistance is not based on elevated level and activity of antioxidant enzyme system. The hypothesized role of polyamines in the resistance mechanisms can be excluded. The higher putrescine and total polyamine content of paraquat treated resistant leaves can rather be regarded as a general stress response, than as a symptom of paraquat resistance. A paraquat-inducible protein is supposed to play a role in the resistance, which presumably functions by binding paraquat to an inactivating site and/or by carrying paraquat to metabolically inactive cell compartment (vacuole, cell wall). From model experiments it is concluded that paraquat and diquat preferentially form hydrophylic interactions with proteins containing a higher amount of lysine and glutamic acid. Consequently, the reason for paraquat resistance in horseweed is probably a hydrophylic interaction of paraquat with a protein, leading to inactivation of paraquat through forming a conjugate and/or sequestration into the vacuole or the cell wall.

Influence of chlorhexidine species on the liquid crystalline structure of vehicle

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of three chlorhexidine species, chlorhexidine base and its salts (diacetate and digluconate), on the physico-chemical features of liquid crystalline systems and on drug transport through lipophilic membranes. Nonionic surfactant, Synperonic A7 (PEG(7)-C(13--15)) was selected for the preparation of the liquid crystalline systems. Mixtures of different ratios of Synperonic A7 and water were prepared. The liquid crystalline systems were characterized using polarizing microscopy, small-angle neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Membrane transport was also examined. The addition of chlorhexidine species to the liquid crystalline system modified the structure of the liquid crystalline system. As a result of liquid crystal--drug interaction, the solubility of chlorhexidine base and its diffusion through lipophilic membranes increased in comparison with those of the chlorhexidine salts.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori has no effect on gastric acidity in duodenal ulcer patients--evaluation of 24-h pH monitoring

It is accepted that eradication of Helicobacter pylori leads to healing of chronic active gastritis facilitates ulcer healing and prevents ulcer recurrence in duodenal ulcer (DU) patients. However, it is not entirely known whether the eradication of the bacteria normalizes gastric acid secretion and abolishes dyspeptic symptoms after ulcer healing. This study was aimed to evaluate the intragastric acidity and dyspeptic complaints before, and 3 months after, eradication in 18 endoscopically proven H. pylori positive DU patients. Gastric pH was measured by 24-h continuous intraluminal recording, serum gastrin measurements and Congo-red tests were also performed. Dyspeptic complaints and antacid consumptions were recorded in diary cards, antisecretory therapy was not allowed after the cessation of eradication therapy. Endoscopy, H. pylori status and Congo-red tests were controlled at the 6th and 12th week, while pH measurements and serum gastrin tests were performed at inclusion and 3 months later. Three patients dropped out and in 14 out of the remaining subjects healing of DUs and successful eradication was achieved by the 6th and 12th week controls. The 24-h median pH and the percentage of 24-h pH readings under pH 3 were not changing significantly by the 3-month controls (from 1.9+/-0.5 to 1.8+/-0.4 and from 52.6+/-5.5% to 58.6+/-5%, respectively). Similarly, no significant changes were observed in serum gastrin levels and dyspeptic symptom scores (from 72+/-7 pg/ml to 56.7+/-8 pg/ml and from 2.69+/-0.4 to 1.26+/-0.3, respectively). The antacid consumption was almost stable when compared with the pre- and post-eradication periods. It was concluded that despite successful H. pylori eradication and healing of DU, intragastric acidity does not change significantly at least 3 months after the therapy. The persisting dyspeptic symptoms and the need for antacid consumption suggest that some healed ulcer patients require antisecretory therapy in the post-eradication period.

Intraspecific invariability of the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA of the truffle Terfezia terfezioides in Europe

ITS regions (internal transcribed spacers--ITS1 and ITS2--with the 5.8S gene of the nuclear rDNA) of 25 fruit body samples of Terfezia terfezioides, originating from Hungary and Italy, were compared. The amplification and sequencing of the ITS region was successful with both the ITS1-ITS4 and ITS1F-ITS4 primer pairs. No differences of the restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles were detected among 19 samples collected in one place at the same time. The sequences of the ITS region of 9 samples collected in different localities were highly invariable, differing in only two bases. Thus the intraspecific homogeneity of the ITS region seems to be an important species-specific characteristic of T. terfezioides in contrast to other Terfezia species. As the samples of the species were collected from different and distant localities of Europe, the ITS sequence of T. terfezioides can be considered a very conservative, reliable molecular marker of the fungus.

Effect of the wettability characteristics of polyethylene glycol derivatives on the drug release of wax matrices

The purpose of the present work was to study the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of different polyethylene glycol aqueous solutions and the kinetics of potassium chloride release from wax matrix samples containing polyethylene glycol derivatives. Potassium chloride was embedded into thermosoftening matrix material to produce a sustained-release dosage form. Potassium chloride release was measured by the rotating paddle method of USP 23 and the dissolution process was characterized by a modified Nernst equation. Physicochemical characteristics--surface tension, dynamic contact angle, viscosity--of the polyethylene glycol aqueous solutions were also determined. The results indicate that the adhesion tension of surfactant containing aqueous solutions has a decisive impact on the prediction of the potassium chloride release rate from wax matrices.

The effect of temperature and polymer concentration on dynamic surface tension and wetting ability of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose solutions

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate quantitatively the changes of dynamic surface tension and contact angle of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) aqueous solutions as a function of temperature and polymer concentration of the examined solutions. HPMC aqueous solutions of different concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, 4% w/w) were prepared without plasticizer and with 1% w/w Lutrol F127. Dynamic surface tension of the prepared solutions was determined by the Du Nouy ring method of the KSV Sigma 70 computer-controlled and programmable tensiometer. The dynamic contact angle of Avicel PH-101 tablets was measured against HPMC solutions of various concentrations by the plate method of the KSV Sigma 70 tensiometer. The obtained results indicate that dynamic surface tension measurement can be applied for the accurate determination of the thermal gelation temperature of the prepared HPMC solutions. With increasing concentration of HPMC, dynamic contact angle values of solutions also increased, thus decreasing the spreading behavior on the surface of Avicel tablets.

[Cardiac tamponade caused by intrathoracic pancreatic pseudocyst]

Authors report on a clinical case of a 41 year old chronic alcoholic male patient who was hospitalized due to dominantly chest complaints and mild abdominal discomfort. Bilateral pleural and pericardial effusions were detected by performed examinations. A large multilocular pancreatic pseudocyst expanded into the thoracic cavity was verified in the background of his symptoms. To resolve cardiac tamponade developed repeatedly successful operation was performed and the patient healed. Authors give a brief summary for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac tamponade with pancreatic origin.

The effect of liquid crystalline structure on chlorhexidine diacetate release

The aim of this study was to examine different liquid crystalline preparations containing chlorhexidine diacetate and to find connection between their structure and the kinetic of drug release. Nonionic surfactant, Synperonic A7 (PEG(7)-C(13-15)) was selected for the preparation of the examined liquid crystalline systems. Mixtures of different ratios of Synperonic A7 and water were produced. By increasing the water content of the systems, lamellar and hexagonal liquid crystal structures were observed. For the analysis of the prepared liquid crystalline systems polarising microscopy, rheology study, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic swelling tests were carried out. The chlorhexidine diacetate release was examined by Franz-type vertical diffusion cell apparatus. The chlorhexidine diacetate release from hexagonal liquid crystalline preparations was characterised by zero-order release kinetics, while the drug release from lamellar liquid crystalline systems was described by anomalous (non-Fickian) transport. The results indicate that the drug release kinetic is strongly dependent on the liquid crystalline structure.

[Modification of drug release with application of pharmaceutical technological methods]

Pharmaceutical technological methods, which enable the development of controlled release, prolonged action solid oral dosage forms, are of great importance. The purpose of our study was to apply these methods and evaluate the prepared samples. The first type of the samples were individually coated separated particles, prepared by mixing with lubricant to built up a lubricant film layer on the surface of the drug crystals. The next group of the samples were separately coated particles--wall material was wax--prepared using the following two technologies: fluidisation atomisation process and hot-melt coating. The third group of the samples was the matrix type, where the core material was mixed into the molten mass of the thermosoftening natural coating material or into some synthetic polymer film material. In some cases several surface active agents were added to the molten mixture to achieve a modification in the drug release process and the examined parameters of the samples. For the comparative evaluation of the prepared dosage forms drug release determination and kinetical analysis of the process were maintainly used. The surface morphology was examined on the base of scanning electronmicroscopic and optical microscopic studies. Among the physical and physico-chemical studies particle size analysis was carried out and dynamic contact angles of the solid samples as well as the surface tension decreasing effect was measured to determine the modifying properties of surface active excipients. To sum up, our results demonstrate that the economical and environmentally acceptable melt coating technology was justified as applicable advantageously in a large number of cases for the development of controlled release devices of highly watersoluble drug, even the medical substance is an organic compound having adjustable thermostability.

Examination of the polymorphism of piroxicam in connection with the preparation of a new "soft-patch" type pharmaceutical dosage form

The influence of different solvents (propylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol), as well as different technological procedures (melting, rapid and slow cooling), on the formation of polymorphous piroxicam modifications was examined in the course of the elaboration of a "soft-patch" type of semisolid pharmaceutical dosage form. The thermodynamical behavior, some physicochemical properties (such as melting point, dissolution rate), and infrared (IR) spectrum of the formed (needle and cubic) crystal modifications were studied, and the possibilities of their formation and their avoidance were examined.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in functional dyspepsia: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial with 12 months' follow up. The Optimal Regimen Cures Helicobacter Induced Dyspepsia (ORCHID) Study Group

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether eradication of Helicobacter pylori relieves the symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

DESIGN

Multicentre randomised double blind placebo controlled trial.

SUBJECTS

278 patients infected with H pylori who had functional dyspepsia.

SETTING

Predominantly secondary care centres in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

INTERVENTION

Patients randomised to receive omeprazole 20 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily or placebo for 7 days. Patients were followed up for 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Symptom status (assessed by diary cards) and presence of H pylori (assessed by gastric biopsies and 13C-urea breath testing using urea labelled with carbon-13).

RESULTS

H pylori was eradicated in 113 patients (85%) in the treatment group and 6 patients (4%) in the placebo group. At 12 months follow up there was no significant difference between the proportion of patients treated successfully by intention to treat in the eradication arm (24%, 95% confidence interval 17% to 32%) and the proportion of patients treated successfully by intention to treat in the placebo group (22%, 15% to 30%). Changes in symptom scores and quality of life did not significantly differ between the treatment and placebo groups. When the groups were combined, there was a significant association between treatment success and chronic gastritis score at 12 months; 41/127 (32%) patients with no or mild gastritis were successfully treated compared with 21/123 (17%) patients with persistent gastritis (P=0. 008).

CONCLUSION

No convincing evidence was found that eradication of H pylori relieves the symptoms of functional dyspepsia 12 months after treatment.

Effect of the formulation parameters on the characteristics of pellets

Pelletization is increasingly applied currently for the preparation of solid oral controlled-release dosage forms. The production of the particles, which are regular in shape and size, can be achieved with the application of the proper polymer auxiliary materials and new pharmaceutical technological methods (extrusion, spheronization). Regularity in shape and size, attained by the optimization of several production parameters, can promote the coating procedure. Under optimal conditions, particles were prepared for coating in a high-shear mixer, which is used to produce uniform particles. The effect of the rotating speed of the applied chopper and the amount of microcrystalline cellulose in the composition on the physical characteristics of the pellets was modeled by a second-order polynomial equation fitted to the data gathered by a face-centered central composite statistical design.