EMID2 is a novel biotherapeutic for aggressive cancers identified by in vivo screening

BACKGROUND

New drugs to tackle the next pathway or mutation fueling cancer are constantly proposed, but 97% of them are doomed to fail in clinical trials, largely because they are identified by cellular or in silico screens that cannot predict their in vivo effect.

METHODS

We screened an Adeno-Associated Vector secretome library (> 1000 clones) directly in vivo in a mouse model of cancer and validated the therapeutic effect of the first hit, EMID2, in both orthotopic and genetic models of lung and pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

EMID2 overexpression inhibited both tumor growth and metastatic dissemination, consistent with prolonged survival of patients with high levels of EMID2 expression in the most aggressive human cancers. Mechanistically, EMID2 inhibited TGFβ maturation and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, resulting in more elastic ECM and reduced levels of YAP in the nuclei of cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

This is the first in vivo screening, precisely designed to identify proteins able to interfere with cancer cell invasiveness. EMID2 was selected as the most potent protein, in line with the emerging relevance of the tumor extracellular matrix in controlling cancer cell invasiveness and dissemination, which kills most of cancer patients.

Recovery from Food Waste-Biscuit Doughs Enriched with Pomegranate Peel Powder as a Model of Fortified Aliment

The aim of the present work is the characterization of biscuit doughs enriched with pomegranate peel powder (PPP) at 3 (PPP3) and 5 (PPP5) wt% in the prospect of developing a fortified aliment as a support of the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract. The total phenolic content of the powder was preliminarily evaluated. Then, the main compounds present in the PPP were identified by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis, being mainly hydrolysable tannins. The PPP was then treated at 180 °C for 20 min to mimic the baking treatment, and its water-soluble fraction (PPPwsf) was then added in the Caco-2 cell culture as a model of the intestinal epithelial barrier to verify its dose-dependent toxicity, ability in counteracting the oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory action. Rheological experiments were performed to predict the macroscopic behavior of the PPP-added doughs during lamination and biscuit baking. SEM investigations gave their contribution to the microscopic comprehension of the dough structure. Finally, a consumer panel composed by thirty volunteers was enrolled to express its opinion on the sensory agreeableness of the biscuits prepared with two different concentrations of PPP compared with the reference dough. The discussion is focused on the biological effects of the main components found in the PPP.

Agarose/κ-carrageenan-based hydrogel film enriched with natural plant extracts for the treatment of cutaneous wounds

Hydrogels for complex and chronic wound dressings must be conformable, absorb and retain wound exudates and maintain hydration. They can incorporate and release bioactive molecules that can accelerate the healing process. Wound dressings have to be in contact with the wound and epidermis, even for long periods, without causing adverse effects. Hydrogel dressing formulations based on biopolymers derived from terrestrial or marine flora can be relatively inexpensive and well tolerated. In the present article hydrogel films composed by agarose (1.0 wt%), κ-carrageenan at three different concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt%) and glycerol (3.0 wt%) were prepared without recourse to crosslinking agents, and characterized for their mechanical properties, morphology, swelling and erosion behavior. The films resulted highly elastic and able to absorb and retain large amounts of fluids without losing their integrity. One of the films was loaded with the aqueous extract from Cryphaea heteromalla (Hedw.) D. Mohr for its antioxidant properties. Absence of cytotoxicity and ability to reduce the oxidative stress were demonstrated on NIH-3T3 fibroblast cell cultures. These results encourage further biological evaluations to assess their impact on the healing process.

The degree of compactness of the incipient High Methoxyl Pectin networks. A rheological insight at the sol-gel transition

Fractal analysis can be properly applied to complex structures, like physical and chemical networks formed by particles or polymers, when they exhibit self-similarity over an extended range of length scales and, hence, can be profitably used not only for their morphological characterization but also for individuating possible relationships between morphology and mechanisms of aggregation and crosslinking, as well as between morphology and physical properties. Several experimental methods are available to determine the fractal dimension of gel networks, including various scattering techniques and microscopies, permeability measurements and rheology. The present study regards the self-assembly kinetics of High Methoxyl Pectin (HMP) solutions with different pectin and sucrose concentrations investigated by rheological measurements to highlight the effects of pectin and sucrose concentrations on the gel point and to evaluate the degree of compactness of the incipient gel networks through an interpretation of the viscoelastic response at the sol-gel transition.

Theoretical Importance of PVP-Alginate Hydrogels Structure on Drug Release Kinetics

BACKGROUND

The new concepts of personalized and precision medicine require the design of more and more refined delivery systems. In this frame, hydrogels can play a very important role as they represent the best surrogate of soft living tissues for what concerns rheological properties. Thus, this paper focusses on a global theoretical approach able to describe how hydrogel polymeric networks can affect the release kinetics of drugs characterized by different sizes. The attention is focused on a case study dealing with an interpenetrated hydrogel made up by alginate and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone).

METHODS

Information about polymeric network characteristics (mesh size distribution and polymer volume fraction) is deduced from the theoretical interpretation of the rheological and the low field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) characterization of hydrogels. This information is then, embodied in the mass balance equation whose resolution provides the release kinetics.

RESULTS

Our simulations indicate the influence of network characteristics on release kinetics. In addition, the reliability of the proposed approach is supported by the comparison of the model outcome with experimental release data.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underlines the necessity of a global theoretical approach in order to design reliable delivery systems based on hydrogels.

Data concerning the rheological behavior of high methoxyl pectin during gelation process

The present data concern the structuring kinetics of aqueous high methoxyl pectin (HMP) solutions at acid pH (3.1), constant pectin concentration (0.2% w/w) and sucrose concentrations ranging from 56 to 65% w/w. Consecutive frequency sweep was applied to samples immediately after their preparation. The generalized Maxwell (gM) model was used to describe the change of the mechanical spectra for each different sucrose concentration and to determine the viscoelastic parameters controlling the gelation of the HMP solutions. The viscosities in the sol region are explored in the range 0 to 55% 0 to 40% (w/w) sucrose concentration.

Potential Applications of Nanocellulose-Containing Materials in the Biomedical Field

Because of its high biocompatibility, bio-degradability, low-cost and easy availability, cellulose finds application in disparate areas of research. Here we focus our attention on the most recent and attractive potential applications of cellulose in the biomedical field. We first describe the chemical/structural composition of cellulose fibers, the cellulose sources/features and cellulose chemical modifications employed to improve its properties. We then move to the description of cellulose potential applications in biomedicine. In this field, cellulose is most considered in recent research in the form of nano-sized particle, i.e., nanofiber cellulose (NFC) or cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). NFC is obtained from cellulose via chemical and mechanical methods. CNC can be obtained from macroscopic or microscopic forms of cellulose following strong acid hydrolysis. NFC and CNC are used for several reasons including the mechanical properties, the extended surface area and the low toxicity. Here we present some potential applications of nano-sized cellulose in the fields of wound healing, bone-cartilage regeneration, dental application and different human diseases including cancer. To witness the close proximity of nano-sized cellulose to the practical biomedical use, examples of recent clinical trials are also reported. Altogether, the described examples strongly support the enormous application potential of nano-sized cellulose in the biomedical field.

Mixed polymeric systems: New ophthalmic viscosurgical device created by mixing commercially available devices

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rheological properties of mixtures of different commercially available ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) containing sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate.

SETTING

Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

DESIGN

Laboratory study.

METHODS

Blends were obtained combining a superviscous cohesive OVD (Healon GV [sodium hyaluronate 1%]) and a medium-viscosity dispersive OVD (Viscoat [sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%]). The 2 substances were combined in different ratios, and the rheological characteristics were analyzed to find the optimum proportion. A new viscous dispersive OVD, Discovisc (hyaluronic acid 1.6%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%) was evaluated for comparison. The storage modulus, loss modulus, crossover point, complex viscosity, shear viscosity, and pseudoplasticity were studied.

RESULTS

The rheological properties of the mixed solution (1:1 and 3:1) showed intermediate characteristics in comparison with the 2 original substances, characterized by a viscosity comparable to that of the superviscous cohesive OVD, but at a higher shear rate (similar to the medium-viscosity dispersive OVD). The new viscous dispersive OVD performed similarly to the medium-viscosity dispersive OVD at low shear rates but was comparable to the superviscous cohesive OVD at high shear rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The mixture of dispersive and cohesive rheological properties in a single OVD might be an advantage during cataract surgery.

Biomimetic Polymers for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Heart failure is a morbid disorder characterized by progressive cardiomyocyte (CM) dysfunction and death. Interest in cell-based therapies is growing, but sustainability of injected CMs remains a challenge. To mitigate this, we developed an injectable biomimetic Reverse Thermal Gel (RTG) specifically engineered to support long-term CM survival. This RTG biopolymer provided a solution-based delivery vehicle of CMs, which transitioned to a gel-based matrix shortly after reaching body temperature. In this study we tested the suitability of this biopolymer to sustain CM viability. The RTG was biomolecule-functionalized with poly-l-lysine or laminin. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) and adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) were cultured in plain-RTG and biomolecule-functionalized-RTG both under 3-dimensional (3D) conditions. Traditional 2D biomolecule-coated dishes were used as controls. We found that the RTG-lysine stimulated NRVM to spread and form heart-like functional syncytia. Regarding cell contraction, in both RTG and RTG-lysine, beating cells were recorded after 21 days. Additionally, more than 50% (p value < 0.05; n = 5) viable ARVMs, characterized by a well-defined cardiac phenotype represented by sarcomeric cross-striations, were found in the RTG-laminin after 8 days. These results exhibit the tremendous potential of a minimally invasive CM transplantation through our designed RTG-cell therapy platform.

Topological characterization of a bacterial cellulose-acrylic acid polymeric matrix

This paper focuses on the micro- and nano-topological organization of a hydrogel, constituted by a mixture of bacterial cellulose and acrylic acid, and intended for biomedical applications. The presence of acrylic acid promotes the formation of two interpenetrated continuous phases: the primary "pores phase" (PP) containing only water and the secondary "polymeric network phase" (PNP) constituted by the polymeric network swollen by the water. Low field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF NMR), rheology, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and release tests were used to determine the characteristics of the two phases. In particular, we found that this system is a strong hydrogel constituted by 81% (v/v) of PP phase the remaining part being occupied by the PNP phase. Pores diameters span in the range 10-100 μm, the majority of them (85%) falling in the range 30-90 μm. The high PP phase tortuosity indicates that big pores are not directly connected to each other, but their connection is realized by a series of interconnected small pores that rend the drug path tortuous. The PNP is characterized by a polymer volume fraction around 0.73 while mesh size is around 3 nm. The theoretical interpretation of the experimental data coming from the techniques panel adopted, yielded to the micro- and nano-organization of our hydrogel.

Physical characterization of alginate-Pluronic F127 gel for endoluminal NABDs delivery

Here we focus the attention on the physical characteristics of a highly biocompatible hydrogel made up of crosslinked alginate and Pluronic F127 (PF127). This is a composite polymeric blend we propose for artery endoluminal delivery of an emerging class of molecules named nucleic acid based drugs (NABDs). The physical characterization of our composite gel, i.e. mesh size distribution and PF127-alginate mutual organization after crosslinking, can significantly determine the NABDs release kinetics. Thus, to explore these aspects, different technical approaches, i.e. rheology, low/high field NMR and TEM, were used. While rheology provided information at the macroscopic and nano-level, the other three approaches gave details at the nano-level. We observe that Pluronic micelles, organizing in cubic ordered domains, generate, upon alginate crosslinking, the formation of meshes (≈ 150 nm) larger than those occurring in a Pluronic-free alginate network (≈ 25 nm). Nevertheless, smaller alginate meshes are still on and can just host un-structured Pluronic micelles and water. Accordingly, the gel structure is quite inhomogeneous, where big meshes (filled by crystalline Pluronic) co-exist with smaller meshes (hosting water and un-structured PF127 micelles). While big meshes offer a considerable hindering action on a diffusing solute, smaller ones represent a sort of free space where solute diffusion is faster. The presence of big and small meshes indicates that drug release may follow a double kinetics characterized by a fast and slow release. Notably, this behavior is considered appropriate for endoluminal drug release to the arterial wall.

Microencapsulation of bioactive principles with an airless spray-gun suitable for processing high viscous solutions

PURPOSE

to design, assemble and test a prototype of a novel production plant, suitable for producing microparticles (MPs) by processing highly viscous feed solutions (FSs).

METHODS

the prototype has been built using a commercial air compressor, a piston pump, an airless spray-gun, a customized air-treatment section, a timer, a rotating base, and a filtration section. Preliminary prototype parameter setting was carried out to individuate the best performing nozzle's dimension, the nebulization timing, and the CaCl2 concentration in the gelation fluid. In addition, prototype throughput (1 L to 5 L) and the range of practicable feed solution (FS) viscosities were assayed. A set of four batches was prepared in order to characterize the MPs, in terms of mean particle size and distribution, flow properties, swelling, encapsulation efficiency and release.

RESULTS

according to a qualitative scoring, the large nozzle was suitable to nebulize FSs at a higher alginate concentration. Conversely, the small nozzle performed better in the processing of FSs with an alginate concentration up to 2% w/v. Only at the highest degree of viscosity, corresponding to 5% w/v of alginate, the FS processing was not technically possible. Among the CaCl2 concentrations considered, 15% w/v was recognized as the most versatile. The prototype appears to be convenient and suitable to grant a high yield starting from 2 L of FS. The flow behavior of the FSs assayed can be satisfactorily described with the Carreau-Yasuda equation and the throughput begins to slightly decrease for FSs at alginate concentrations exceeding 3% w/v. MP morphology was irregular with crumpled shape. The angle of repose indicates a good flowability and the release studies showed gastro-resistance and potential prolonged release applications.

CONCLUSIONS

the novel prototype of production plant is suitable to process large amounts (2 L or more) of FSs, characterized by a high viscosity, to produce MPs suitable for bioactive principle delivery.

Structural characterization of calcium alginate matrices by means of mechanical and release tests

In this paper we have concentrated on the characterization of calcium alginate hydrogels loaded with a model drug (myoglobin) by means of a mechanical approach; in addition, release tests of myoglobin from alginate hydrogels were performed. At a fixed temperature, relaxation tests (mechanical study) were carried out on matrices constituted by different polymer concentrations. The interpretation of the relaxation behavior of the different matrices was conducted using the generalized Maxwell model; as a result of this investigation it was possible to conclude that for polymer concentrations greater than 0.5 g/ 100 mL the matrices behaved as solid materials. In addition, it was observed that the mechanical properties of the matrices increased with polymer concentration. With regard to the release tests, the diffusion coefficient of myoglobin in the matrix in relation to polymer concentrations was determined. The mechanical and release data where then analyzed by Flory's theory and by a modified free-volume theory, respectively, to estimate the network mesh size xi. The comparison between the mesh sizes obtained by the two approaches showed a satisfactory agreement for polymer concentrations greater than 0.5 g/100 mL. It should be noted that the approach proposed here to determine the polymeric network meshes is absolutely general and can be advantageously applied to the characterization of other similar polymeric systems.

Mathematical modelling of NABD release from endoluminal gel paved stent

Coronary restenosis consists of the partial/total re-occlusion of the artery lumen following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA). In order to match this pathology, PTCA is followed by the implantation of rigid scaffolds (stent or coated stent) aimed to contrast the most important mechanical (coronary wall elastic recoil and late remodelling) and biological (smooth muscle cells iper-proliferation) factors leading to restenosis. In the light of the clinical problems recently arisen about the use of traditional coated stents, this paper proposes a theoretical study to comprehend the release kinetics of novel anti-proliferative drugs, i.e. nucleic acid based drugs (NABD), complexed with the proper delivery agent (DA). The release of NABD-DA is supposed to occur from a double gel layer adhering to coronary wall and embedding the stent. The proposed mathematical model assumes that diffusion, convection and cellular internalisation/metabolism are the leading mechanisms ruling drug spreading in the coronary wall. In addition, stent void fraction, positioning (totally embedded or totally out of the coronary wall) and continuous or discontinuous character of the gel layer are other three important model parameters. In order to generalise the results, stent geometry is idealised as a series of not connected, equally spaced, rings positioned in the stented zone. In correspondence of stent strut, drug transport cannot occur. The most important outcomes of this study are that, in the usual void fraction range (0.7-0.9), stent presence does not sensibly affect NABD-DA release kinetics. In addition, whereas stent positioning in the continuous gel configuration (totally embedded or totally out of coronary wall) is not very important, in the discontinuous case, it becomes relevant. Finally, this study evidences that a proper mixture of NABD complexed with different (in dimensions and kind) DA can ensure an almost constant NABD coronary concentration for several months, as requested by clinical observations.

A new heavy internal tamponade in vitreoretinal surgery: an in vitro study

AimTo study the solubility of perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8) in silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) 1000) and to measure the viscosity and the specific gravity of the mixture obtained (heavy silicone oil or HSO tamponade) to define the ideal ratio of these components.MethodsThe solubility diagram of the mixture was obtained with the turbidimetric method, indicating the miscibility of F6H8 and silicone oil 1000 at all the useful temperatures. The viscosity was measured in steady shear conditions by using a controlled stress rheometer (Haake RS150) and a double cone/plate (DC 60/4) system, both at 25 and 37 degrees C for different volume per cent compositions of the mixture. The specific gravity was measured at 37 degrees C using a digital densimeter.ResultsA mixture of F6H8 30 v% and PDMS 70 v% was found to be transparent and stable at all the useful temperatures. By combining these proportions of the two substances, a resultant density of 1.06 g/cm(3) was obtained. The viscosity of the 30% F6H8 mixture was 203 mPa.s at 25 degrees C and 163 mPa.s at 37 degrees C respectively.ConclusionsThe ideal F6H8 and silicone oil mixture can be obtained combining 30% of F6H8 with 70% of silicone oil 1000. This mixture seems to have rheological properties useful for its use as an alternative intraocular heavy tamponade.Eye (2008) 22, 1082-1088; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.144; published online 6 June 2008.

Rheological characterization of polysaccharide-surfactant matrices for cosmetic O/W emulsions

Rheometrical techniques can be profitably used for polysaccharide matrices in order to evaluate their suitability for the preparation of stable cosmetic O/W emulsions. In particular, the rheological properties of aqueous scleroglucan systems were investigated under continuous and oscillatory shear conditions in a polymer concentration range (0.2-1.2% w/w) embracing the sol/gel transition. The effects due to the addition of two different surfactants (up to 10% w/w) were examined at constant polymer concentration (0.4% w/w). The selected additives are a nonionic polymeric siliconic surfactant (dimethicone copolyol) and a cationic surfactant (tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide), respectively. Polysaccharide-surfactant interactions leading to complex formation were detected also through rheology. The combined action of both nonionic and cationic surfactants in the polymer solution was examined at two different surfactant concentration levels (5 and 10% w/w), demonstrating the beneficial effects produced on the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix by the coexistence of both surfactants. Such beneficial effects are confirmed by the stability and rheology shown by the emulsions prepared. In this way, the results point out the good agreement between the rheology of the continuous phase and the final characteristics of the emulsion obtained.

Rheological properties of aqueous Pluronic-alginate systems containing liposomes

Rheological and erosion studies regarding a liposome-containing polymeric blend that is propaedeutic to its use in paving techniques in tubular organs, such as blood vessels, are reported. Attention is focused on an aqueous polymeric blend composed of Pluronic (PF127) and alginate (Protanal LF 10/60) because both polymers, when dissolved in water at a sufficiently high concentration, are subjected to different structural mechanisms, which are driven by temperature increase and addition of bivalent cations, respectively, and both result in marked viscoelastic and plastic properties. After proving the compatibility between PF127 and alginate, we show that the structural transition temperature of the blend, T(ST), can be properly modulated. In particular, we found that T(ST) for an aqueous solution of pure Pluronic 20% w/w is about 21 degrees C and that even slight reductions in polymer concentration result in considerable T(ST) decrease. The addition of salts or alginate (provided as Na-alginate) provokes a substantial decrease of T(ST) and thus the alginate concentration in the blend should not exceed 1% w/w. In addition, liposomes slow down the structural transition but do not substantially affect the rheological properties of the system in the final state at higher temperatures, thus showing that they can be added to the polymeric blend without significant effects. Finally, erosion tests show that after contact with a source of bivalent cations, the polymeric blend containing PF127 and alginate shows an erosion resistance neatly improved with respect to the simple structured Pluronic system having the same polymer concentration. As a whole, all these results constitute the basis for future potential applications of the considered polymeric blend in tubular organs such as blood vessels.

Rheological behavior and structural interpretation of waxy crude oil gels

A waxy crude oil which gels below a threshold temperature has been investigated under static and dynamic conditions, using a combination of rheological methods, optical microscopy, and DSC. Particular attention is given in this work to the influence of the mechanical history on gel strength and to describing the time-dependent rheological behavior. The gels display a strong dependence of the yield stress and moduli on the shear history, cooling rate, and stress loading rate. Of particular interest is the partial recovery of the gel structure after application of small stress or strain (much smaller than the critical values needed for flow onset) during cooling, which can be used to reduce the ultimate strength of the crude oil gel formed below the pour point. A second focus of this study is to further develop the physical interpretation of the mechanism by which wax crystallization produces gelation. Gelation of the waxy crude oil studied is suggested to be the result of the association between wax crystals, which produces an extended network structure, and it is shown that the system displays features common to attractive colloidal gels, for one of which, fumed silica (Aerosil 200) in paraffin oil, rheological data are reported. The colloidal gel model provides a simple and economical basis for explaining the response of the gelled oil to various mechanical perturbations and constitutes a fruitful basis from which to develop technologies for controlling the gelation phenomenon, as suggested by the rheological results reported.

Scleroglucan/borax: characterization of a novel hydrogel system suitable for drug delivery

A new hydrogel, with scleroglucan using borax as a crosslinker, has been prepared. The physical gel has been loaded with a model molecule (theophylline) and the release of the drug from the gel was evaluated. The same system was used to prepare tablets and the delivery of theophylline in different environmental conditions (HCl and SIF) was determined. A recent theoretical approach has been applied to the dissolution profiles obtained from the tablets and a satisfactory agreement has been found with the experimental data. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient of the model molecule was evaluated according to a suitable strategy that was tested on two set of data obtained with different set-ups (permeation and diffusion experiments). A simplified mathematical approach allows to reduce the two-dimensional problem of the Fick's second law in a one-dimensional system leading to a much easier handling of the data without loosing the accuracy of the original problem in two dimensions. The characterization of the gel has been also carried out following the kinetics of swelling in terms of water uptake.

Experimental determination of the theophylline diffusion coefficient in swollen sodium-alginate membranes

In this paper attention is focused on the determination of the drug diffusion coefficient in a swollen polymeric membrane referring to a recent mathematical model (linear model). The main advantage deriving from its use is that, despite its analytical nature and its ability to account for the most important aspects characterising a permeation experiment, it can also be applied in the case of thick membranes. To check the model reliability, a comparison is made with a more complex numerical model and with a largely employed model in terms of data fitting quality. To this purpose, particular care is devoted to the experimental and theoretical tools employed to calculate the auxiliary parameters required by the three models, and with the aim of getting a drug diffusion coefficient value as accurate as possible. Theophylline was chosen as model drug owing to its wide employment in the pharmaceutical field. Membranes were prepared with sodium alginates hydrogels at three different polymer concentrations. The present analysis demonstrates the reliability of the linear model and reveals that the theophylline diffusion coefficient is not significantly affected by the polymer concentration. Indeed, such a parameter is reflected in different membrane thicknesses rather than in different mesh sizes of the polymeric network.

Haemoconcentration, shear-stress increase and carotid artery diameter regulation after furosemide administration in older hypertensives

The aim of the present study was to determine whether changes of carotid wall shear stress induced by changes in blood viscosity after diuretic administration cause carotid arterial dilatation in elderly hypertensives, as reported in the cat. Arterial wall shear rate (ultrasound technique, profilmeter FRP III), the systo-diastolic diameter (echotracking technique) and the mean blood flow velocity and volume of the common carotid artery, the blood viscosity (rotational viscometer) and the finger arterial blood pressure (Finapress Ohmeda) were measured in 12 young volunteers (aged 25+/-2 years) and in 12 elderly hypertensives (aged 80+/-4 years) treated with short-acting calcium antagonists up to 24h before the study, both at baseline and after intravenous furosemide infusion (0.5mg/min), when the haematocrit had increased by at least two percentage points. After furosemide administration the mean arterial blood pressure decreased and blood viscosity and carotid systolic shear stress increased in both groups. However, common carotid artery diameter increased only in the young controls but not in the elderly hypertensives. These data show that an increase in carotid shear stress caused by haemoconcentration induces carotid vasodilatation only in young healthy subjects, and not in elderly hypertensives. This effect may be related to impaired endothelium function and/or arterial wall mechanics.

Drug release from an ensemble of swellable crosslinked polymer particles

This paper presents a new model suitable to describe the drug release from drug delivery systems constituted by an ensemble of drug loaded crosslinked polymer particles. The model accounts for the main factors affecting the drug release such as the particle size distribution, the physical state and the concentration profile of the drug inside the polymeric particles, the viscoelastic properties of the polymer-penetrant system and the dissolution-diffusion properties of the loaded drug. In order to check the validity of the model, release experiments were performed by using crosslinked polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) particles and two different model drugs, MAP (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and TEM (Temazepam). MAP and TEM were chosen because of their completely different dissolution behaviours in water. In particular, TEM undergoes a phase transition to the crystalline state upon dissolution when it is loaded in the polymeric network in the amorphous state. The comparison with the experimental results confirms that the most important factors determining the drug release kinetics can be properly accounted for.

Synergistic gelation of xanthan gum with locust bean gum: a rheological investigation

Many industrial products often include in their formulation more than one polysaccharide to achieve the desired properties during and after processing. Many such mixed systems behave as would be expected from the known properties of the individual polymers. In others, however, their properties are superior to those of either component alone, or may be qualitatively different. In many polysaccharide systems, the combination of a gelling polymer with a nongelling one gives rise to strong synergistic effects, as a consequence of interaction among different chain polymers and formation of mixed junction zones. Probably, the most exploited mixed gels, especially by the food industry, are those involving the microbial polysaccharide xanthan gum (XG) and the plant galactomannans, like locust bean gum (LBG). Concentrated aqueous systems of LBG and XG display quite different rheological properties: the former show the behaviour typical of hyperentangled macromolecular solutions, whereas the flow and viscoelastic properties of XG systems correspond to those of tenuous, weak-gel networks. Interestingly, when mixed together these macromolecules interact to form a firm, thermoreversible gel with synergistic effects. In the present paper we report the results of a thorough investigation of both polymer concentration and temperature effects on the rheological properties of mixed LBG-XG systems in 20 mM KCl under continuous and oscillatory flow conditions. Under continuous shear at 25 degrees C, pure LBG shows the flow properties of a macromolecular solution, with a shear-thinning behaviour and a Newtonian region at low shear rates, whereas the rheological behaviour of XG and all LX mixed systems is that typical of weak-gels. Furthermore, in the mixed systems the viscosity values do not increase monotonically with increasing xanthan concentration, but the synergistic effect has a maximum in accordance with the XG:LBG ratio 1:1. As the temperature is increased from 25 degrees C to 85 degrees C, whilst the LBG system do not show any qualitative change but there is only a parallel, downward shift of viscosity values, in the case of xanthan there is a dramatic change in the corresponding curve profiles, due to the thermally induced helix-coil conformational transition. The differences in the rheological behaviour of the systems examined can be better shown through dynamic tests at 25 degrees C. The strain sweeps performed at constant frequency of oscillation reveal that the mixed systems show higher sensitivity to strain amplitude, and lower strain values must be attained to ensure linear viscoelastic properties. The mechanical spectra clearly show the influence of composition on the viscoelastic properties of these biopolymer systems. All LX systems show the mechanical spectra typical of polysaccharide gels: G' is always much greater than G" and is nearly independent of the applied frequency over a wide frequency range. In addition, the marked gap between the elastic responses of the pure LBG and the LX 1:3 systems demonstrates the strong effect of the initial addition of xanthan to the pure LBG, especially in the low frequency range, whereas the highest synergistic effect is attained for the LX 1:1 system. A comprehensive description of the frequency dependence of both moduli can be suitably obtained through the four-parameter Friedrich model, which belongs to the class of fractional derivative approaches viscoelasticity. The same thermal effect is observed for the XG and all LX mixed systems considered, indicating a progressive change from the behaviour of a typical gel to that of a quasi-solution state, when temperature is increased from 25 degrees C to 85 degrees C. Among all mixed systems, the LX 1:1 has the highest values of the moduli at any temperature considered, and is characterized by the highest gel-sol transition temperature. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)