Mass, Spectroscopy, and Two-Neutron Decay of ^{16}Be

The structure and decay of the most neutron-rich beryllium isotope, ^{16}Be, has been investigated following proton knockout from a high-energy ^{17}B beam. Two relatively narrow resonances were observed for the first time, with energies of 0.84(3) and 2.15(5) MeV above the two-neutron decay threshold and widths of 0.32(8) and 0.95(15) MeV, respectively. These were assigned to be the ground (J^{π}=0^{+}) and first excited (2^{+}) state, with E_{x}=1.31(6)  MeV. The mass excess of ^{16}Be was thus deduced to be 56.93(13) MeV, some 0.5 MeV more bound than the only previous measurement. Both states were observed to decay by direct two-neutron emission. Calculations incorporating the evolution of the wave function during the decay as a genuine three-body process reproduced the principal characteristics of the neutron-neutron energy spectra for both levels, indicating that the ground state exhibits a strong spatially compact dineutron component, while the 2^{+} level presents a far more diffuse neutron-neutron distribution.

Quasifree Neutron Knockout Reaction Reveals a Small s-Orbital Component in the Borromean Nucleus ^{17}B

A kinematically complete quasifree (p,pn) experiment in inverse kinematics was performed to study the structure of the Borromean nucleus ^{17}B, which had long been considered to have a neutron halo. By analyzing the momentum distributions and exclusive cross sections, we obtained the spectroscopic factors for 1s_{1/2} and 0d_{5/2} orbitals, and a surprisingly small percentage of 9(2)% was determined for 1s_{1/2}. Our finding of such a small 1s_{1/2} component and the halo features reported in prior experiments can be explained by the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum, revealing a definite but not dominant neutron halo in ^{17}B. The present work gives the smallest s- or p-orbital component among known nuclei exhibiting halo features and implies that the dominant occupation of s or p orbitals is not a prerequisite for the occurrence of a neutron halo.

Surface Localization of the Dineutron in ^{11}Li

The formation of a dineutron in the ^{11}Li nucleus is found to be localized to the surface region. The experiment measured the intrinsic momentum of the struck neutron in ^{11}Li via the (p,pn) knockout reaction at 246  MeV/nucleon. The correlation angle between the two neutrons is, for the first time, measured as a function of the intrinsic neutron momentum. A comparison with reaction calculations reveals the localization of the dineutron at r∼3.6  fm. The results also support the density dependence of dineutron formation as deduced from Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations for nuclear matter.

Balance of Emission and Dynamical Controls on Ozone During the Korea-United States Air Quality Campaign From Multiconstituent Satellite Data Assimilation

Global multiconstituent concentration and emission fields obtained from the assimilation of the satellite retrievals of ozone, CO, NO2, HNO3, and SO2 from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2, Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere, Microwave Limb Sounder, and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)/OMI are used to understand the processes controlling air pollution during the Korea-United States Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign. Estimated emissions in South Korea were 0.42 Tg N for NO x and 1.1 Tg CO for CO, which were 40% and 83% higher, respectively, than the a priori bottom-up inventories, and increased mean ozone concentration by up to 7.5 ± 1.6 ppbv. The observed boundary layer ozone exceeded 90 ppbv over Seoul under stagnant phases, whereas it was approximately 60 ppbv during dynamical conditions given equivalent emissions. Chemical reanalysis showed that mean ozone concentration was persistently higher over Seoul (75.10 ± 7.6 ppbv) than the broader KORUS-AQ domain (70.5 ± 9.2 ppbv) at 700 hPa. Large bias reductions (>75%) in the free tropospheric OH show that multiple-species assimilation is critical for balanced tropospheric chemistry analysis and emissions. The assimilation performance was dependent on the particular phase. While the evaluation of data assimilation fields shows an improved agreement with aircraft measurements in ozone (to less than 5 ppbv biases), CO, NO2, SO2, PAN, and OH profiles, lower tropospheric ozone analysis error was largest at stagnant conditions, whereas the model errors were mostly removed by data assimilation under dynamic weather conditions. Assimilation of new AIRS/OMI ozone profiles allowed for additional error reductions, especially under dynamic weather conditions. Our results show the important balance of dynamics and emissions both on pollution and the chemical assimilation system performance.

Diurnal and temporal variations of water-soluble dicarboxylic acids and related compounds in aerosols from the northern vicinity of Beijing: implication for photochemical aging during atmospheric transport

Aerosol samples were collected in autumn 2007 on day- and nighttime basis in the northern receptor site of Beijing, China. The samples were analyzed for total carbon (TC) and water-soluble dicarboxylic acids (C2-C12), oxocarboxylic acids (C2-C9), glyoxal and methylglyoxal to better understand the photochemical aging of organic aerosols in the vicinity of Beijing. Concentrations of TC are 50% greater in daytime when winds come from Beijing than in nighttime when winds come from the northern forest areas. Most diacids showed higher concentrations in daytime, suggesting that the organics emitted from the urban Beijing and delivered to the northern vicinity in daytime are subjected to photo-oxidation to result in diacids. However, oxalic acid (C2), which is the most abundant diacid followed by C3 or C4, became on average 30% more abundant in nighttime together with azelaic, ω-oxooctanoic and ω-oxononanoic acids, which are specific oxidation products of biogenic unsaturated fatty acids. Methylglyoxal, an oxidation product of isoprene and a precursor of oxalic acid, also became 29% more abundant in nighttime. Based on a positive correlation between C2 and glyoxylic acid (ωC2) in nighttime when relative humidity significantly enhanced, we propose a nighttime aqueous phase production of C2 via the oxidation of ωC2. We found an increase in the contribution of diacids to TC by 3 folds during consecutive clear days. This study demonstrates that diacids and related compounds are largely produced in the northern vicinity of Beijing via photochemical processing of organic precursors emitted from urban center and forest areas.

Using Bayesian optimization method and FLEXPART tracer model to evaluate CO emission in East China in springtime

Carbon monoxide (CO) is of great interest as a restriction factor for pollutants related to incomplete combustions. This study attempted to evaluate CO emission in East China using the analytical Bayesian inverse method and observations at Mount Hua in springtime. The mixing ratio of CO at the receptor was calculated using 5-day source-receptor relationship (SRR) simulated by a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model (FLEXPART) and CO emission flux. The stability of the inversion solution was evaluated on the basis of repeated random sampling simulations. The inversion results demonstrated that there were two city cluster regions (the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the low reaches of the Yangtze River Delta) where the difference between a priori (Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment-Phase B, INTEX-B) and a posteriori was statistically significant and the a priori might underestimate the CO emission flux by 37 %. A correction factor (a posteriori/a priori) of 1.26 was suggested for CO emission in China in spring. The spatial distribution and magnitude of the CO emission flux were comparable to the latest regional emission inventory in Asia (REAS2.0). Nevertheless, further evaluation is still necessary in view of the larger uncertainties for both the analytical inversion and the bottom-up statistical approaches.

Speed of back-swimming of Lymnaea

The pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, can locomote on its back utilizing the surface tension of the water. We have called this form of movement 'back-swimming'. In order to perform this behavior, the snail must flip itself over on its back so that its foot is visible from above. Little is known about the mechanism of this back-swimming. As a first step for the elucidation of this mechanism, we measured the speed of back-swimming of Lymnaea at the different times of the day. They back-swam significantly faster in the morning than just before dark. These data are consistent with our earlier findings on circadian-timed activity pattern in Lymnaea. Lymnaea appear to secrete a thin membrane-like substance from their foot that may allow them to back-swim. To confirm the existence of this substance and to examine whether this substance is hydrophobic or hydrophilic, we applied a detergent onto the foot during back-swimming. A single drop of 1% Tween 20 drifted Lymnaea away that were still kept at the water surface. These results suggest that Lymnaea secrete a hydrophobic substance from their foot that floats to the water surface allowing Lymnaea to back-swim.

Maturational alterations of peripheral T cell subsets and cytokine gene expression in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a common disorder characterized by thymic hypoplasia, conotruncal cardiac defect and hypoparathyroidism. Patients have a risk of infections and autoimmunity associated with T lymphocytopenia. To assess the immunological constitution of patients, the numerical changes and cytokine profile of circulating T cells were analysed by flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CD3+, CD4+, T cell receptor (TCR)alphabeta+ or CD8alphaalpha+ cell counts were lower, and CD56+ cell counts were higher in patients than in controls during the period from birth to adulthood. The ageing decline of CD3+ or CD4+ cell counts was slower in patients than in controls. The proportion of CD8alphaalpha+ cells increased in controls, and the slope index was larger than in patients. On the other hand, both the number and proportion of Valpha24+ cells increased in patients, and the slope indexes tended to be larger than in controls. The positive correlation of the number of T cells with CD8alphaalpha+ cells was observed only in patients, and that with Valpha24+ cells was seen only in controls. No gene expression levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) or forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) in T cells differed between patients and controls. There was no significant association between the lymphocyte subsets or gene expression levels and clinical phenotype including the types of cardiac disease, hypocalcaemia and frequency of infection. These results indicated that T-lymphocytopenia in 22q11.2 deletion patients became less severe with age under the altered composition of minor subsets. The balanced cytokine profile in the limited T cell pool may represent a T cell homeostasis in thymic deficiency syndrome.

A rare case of recurrent alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer without re-elevation of serum AFP

We report an extremely rare case of recurrent alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer without re-elevation of serum AFP. The patient was a 78-year-old woman with AFP-producing gastric cancer, a rare type of gastric adenocarcinoma. A Borrmann III gastric tumour was surgically resected and AFP-producing gastric cancer was diagnosed based on high levels of serum AFP (705.44 ng/ml) and immunohistochemical examination of the tumour. The serum AFP level decreased to the normal range after resection without any sign of recurrence by imaging, but the patient developed local recurrence of the cancer and died 13 months after surgery. No re-elevation of serum AFP levels was observed after recurrence. Although serum AFP levels are believed to be useful for follow-up in the post-operative period, the possibility that serum AFP levels do not always correlate with the extent of the cancer should be kept in mind.

[A case of breast cancer with multiple organ metastases responding remarkably to combination therapy of CAF (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and 5-FU), 5'-DFUR and MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate)]

A 52-year-old woman complaining of breast tumor was diagnosed as having advanced breast cancer (T4bN1M1-Stage IV), with metastasis of multiple organs (lung, liver, mediastinal and unilateral axillary lymph nodes) after which she underwent tumorectomy. Postoperative adjuvant therapy was performed using combined chemoendocrine therapy (CAF + 5'-DFUR + MPA). Following the endocrine therapy, the metastatic lesions of the liver and lung had disappeared. The adverse effects were not remarkable. Complete remission was continued for 2 years and 3 months, and the patient enjoyed a favorable quality of life.

Whisker growth of l-menthol in coexistence with various excipients

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the mechanism for l-menthol whisker growth. l-Menthol was mixed with an excipient, and the interaction was examined by IR measurement, thermal analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. Then we examined the involvement of the capillary condensation using the pore size distribution measurement. By mixing l-menthol with an excipient with whisker growth, the hydroxyl group stretching band of l-menthol was shifted to the higher wavenumber in the IR spectrum, the melting point and heat of fusion of l-menthol became lower in the thermal analysis, and the diffraction intensity of l-menthol became lower in the powder X-ray diffraction. The excipients with whisker growth showed the tendency to have the meso-pore involved in the capillary condensation in the pore size distribution measurement. From the above results, the whisker growth mechanism is considered as follows. When l-menthol was mixed with an excipient with whisker growth, the crystallinity of l-menthol was lowered and the vapor pressure was increased by the interaction mainly consisting of the hydrogen bond. The generated l-menthol vapor entered meso-pore, the saturated vapor pressure was lowered by the capillary condensation, and the nucleation occurred. The vapor was further supplied, generating the growth of whisker.

Application of Carbopol to controlled release preparations I. Carbopol as a novel coating material

We investigated the application of Carbopol(R) (CP) as a novel coating material prepared with various grades of CP having different degrees of cross-linking and molecular weights. Viscosity and spray mist size of CP aqueous solutions at various concentrations of CP were measured. Core tablets containing theophylline (TP), as a model drug, were coated with CP at various coating ratios. The TP release profile from the CP-coated tablets was studied by the JP13 paddle method. CP tablets were prepared by compressing CP powder, and the swelling behavior of the CP tablets in JP 1st fluid, purified water, and JP 2nd fluid was observed. The spray mist size of all CP aqueous solutions was small at a concentration of 1% and below, and drastically increased over a concentration of 1%. This result suggests that the appropriate concentration of the CP solution for coating is 1% or below. Sustained release of TP from the CP-coated tablets at a coating ratio of only 3% was observed in the JP 1st fluid and purified water, although fast release was observed in the JP 2nd fluid. The fast release in the latter fluid may be due to the fact that CP is an acid material. These results suggest that it is feasible to control the drug release by use of an extremely small amount of CP coating and that CP is useful as a novel coating material.

Controlled release from solid dispersion composed of poly(ethylene oxide)-Carbopol interpolymer complex with various cross-linking degrees of Carbopol

Solid dispersion composed of the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-Carbopol((R)) (CP) interpolymer complex containing phenacetin (PHE) was prepared by using six grades of CP having various cross-linking degrees. We attempted to control the medicine release from the PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the CP grade. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern and differential scanning calorimetry curves suggested that PHE existed in the amorphous state, and PEO in the crystalline state disappeared in the solid dispersions. The release profile of PHE varied depending on the CP grade. A small release rate was observed at CP910 and CP971P that are cross-linked at low and middle degrees, respectively. The Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra showed that the amount of the PEO-CP complex formed by hydrogen bonding changed depending on the CP grade. With the cross-linked CP, a good correlation was observed between the hydrogen bonding percent and the percent released of the PHE after 60 min (D(60 min)), indicating that PHE release was controlled by the amount of PEO-CP complex formation in the solid dispersion. These results show that it is feasible to control the medicine release from PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the CP grade.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease after a cord blood transplant for Diamond-Blackfan anemia

A 7-year-old boy with Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) developed lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) after a cord blood transplant (CBT). 3.1 x 107/kg mononuclear cells from an HLA one-locus mismatched CB were transplanted after conditioning with total body irradiation (8 Gy), cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) and antithymocyte globulin (10 mg/kg). Complete engraftment occurred on day 33 post transplant. Despite the resolution of grade II graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), he died of lymphoma on day 130 post transplant. The tumor was of donor origin, indicating clonal proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B cells. This is the first report of EBV-LPD after CBT. Post-transplant LPD can be a serious EBV-associated complication of CB grafts. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 209-212.

Mouse cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 5 is a functional homologue of a yeast Cdk, pho85 kinase

Mouse cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 5 and yeast Pho85 kinase share similarities in structure as well as in the regulation of their activity. We found that mouse Cdk5 kinase produced in pho85Delta mutant cells could suppress some of pho85Delta mutant phenotypes including failure to grow on nonfermentable carbon sources, morphological defects, and growth defect caused by Pho4 or Clb2 overproduction. We also demonstrated that Cdk5 coimmunoprecipitated with Pho85-cyclins including Pcl1, Pcl2, Pcl6, Pcl9, and Pho80, and that the immunocomplex could phosphorylate Pho4, a native substrate of Pho85 kinase. Thus mouse Cdk5 is a functional homologue of yeast Pho85 kinase.

Suppression of agglomeration in fluidized bed coating. III. Hofmeister series in suppression of particle agglomeration

PURPOSE

Fourteen kinds of salts consisting of various cations and anions in the Hofmeister series were used as additives for suppression of particle agglomeration in the fluidized bed coating. We attempted to clarify the relationship between the suppression effect of the salts and the Hofmeister series of their consistent ions.

METHODS

Fluidized bed coating was carried out with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) aqueous coating solution containing the salts and Celphere as core particles. To elucidate the salting-out power of the salts for HPMC, the transmittance of the coating solutions at 600 nm was measured at various temperatures and the phase separation temperature (T(PS)) was determined from the values at 50% transmittance.

RESULTS

A high suppression effect was observed when the salts including high order ions in the Hofmeister series were added to the coating solution. T(PS) decreased in the presence of the salts except for sodium iodide and sodium thiocyanate and lowered with the higher order ion in the Hofmeister series. The particle agglomeration was suppressed with decrease in T(PS) of the HPMC aqueous coating solution.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been suggested that the suppression effect of a salt on the particle agglomeration depended on the salting-out power of the salt. We regard sodium citrate and potassium citrate as very useful pharmaceutical additives for the suppression of particle agglomeration in actual pharmaceutical coating.

Reduction of tablet coloration at tableting for oily medicine (tocopheryl nicotinate)

The powder (TN-PO) which adsorbed D,L-tocopheryl nicotinate (TN) as an oily medicine was prepared using porous calcium silicate (Florite(R)RE, FLR) as an adsorbing carrier. Tablets (TN-TAB) were produced by compression of TN-PO at different compression pressures. As TN-PO was compressed at the higher TN content in TN-PO and compression pressure, the more TN was exuded from TN-PO, and an increase in the degree of tablet coloration was observed. Therefore, FLR or colloidal silica (AEROSIL(R)200, AER) was newly added to TN-PO at compression to reduce the degree of tablet coloration. Further, the effects of addition of FLR or AER on the crushing strength, friability, porosity and disintegration property of the tablet and the dissolution property of TN from the tablet were studied. After addition of FLR or AER, a similar reduction of tablet coloration was observed. When the addition percentage of FLR to TN-PO exceeded 30%, the crushing strength of the tablet increased significantly. On the other hand, when TN-PO added with AER was compressed, no change was observed in the crushing strength of the tablet. The disintegration time of the tablet with added FLR was shorter than that of the tablet with added AER. At every addition percentage studied, the tablet with added FLR showed a higher releasing ability of TN compared with the tablet with added AER. These results indicate that it is possible to reduce tablet coloration by adding FLR or AER at compression of TN-PO. Further, it is considered that the differences in the crushing strength, disintegration property and dissolution property of TN between the tablets with added FLR or AER resulted in different liquid adsorbing and holding mechanisms of FLR particles and AER particles.

Effects of L-arginine on lower limb vasodilator reserve and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the reactive hyperaemic response of the lower limb increases with improved exercise capacity after acute supplementation with L-arginine, the precursor of nitric oxide, in patients with chronic heart failure.

METHODS

19 patients with chronic heart failure were enrolled in the study. Rest calf blood flow and femoral occlusion induced calf blood flow changes were measured by venous occlusion plethysmography before and after intravenous infusion of 10% L-arginine solution (5 ml/kg for 30 minutes) or placebo. Postexercise calf blood flow was also measured after the experimental infusion. During both postinfusion periods, several exercise capacity indices were determined by a symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise test using a bicycle ergometer.

RESULTS

Baseline calf blood flow, systemic blood pressure, and heart rate showed no significant changes in either of the two experimental conditions. However, the occlusion induced blood flow response was significantly enhanced by L-arginine infusion (mean (SEM) peak flow, 19.6 (1.5) v 28.9 (3.1) ml/min/dl calf tissue; p < 0.01), but not by placebo (peak flow, 19.1 (1.4) v 20.9 (1.8) ml/min/dl calf tissue; NS). Calf blood flow response after exercise was also higher after L-arginine infusion than after placebo (peak flow, 4.8 (0.4) v 6.0 (0.8) ml/min/dl calf tissue; p < 0.05). L-arginine infusion had no significant effect compared with placebo on exercise capacity indices such as peak oxygen uptake (17.1 (1.0) v 15.8 (1.1) ml/min/kg; NS), anaerobic threshold (10.5 (0.6) v 10.4 (0.7) ml/min/kg; NS), and exercise time (296 (23) v 283 (22) s; NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute supplementation with the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine increased lower limb reactive hyperaemia but did not lead to any significant improvement in exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure.

Control of medicine release from solid dispersion composed of the poly(ethylene oxide)-carboxyvinylpolymer interpolymer complex by varying molecular weight of poly(ethylene oxide)

Solid dispersion composed of the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-carboxyvinylpolymer (CP) interpolymer complex containing phenacetin (PHE) was prepared by using nine grades of PEO having different molecular weights from 2000 to 4500000. We attempted to control the medicine release from the PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the molecular weight of PEO. The physicochemical properties of the solid dispersion were analyzed by powder X-ray diffractometry and thermal analysis. The interaction between PEO and CP was analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Transmittance of the polymer solution was measured to study the complexation between PEO and CP. The release profile of PHE varied depending on the molecular weight of PEO. The minimum release rate was observed at the PEO molecular weight of 35000. It was found that the amount of the PEO-CP complex formation by hydrogen bonding changed depending on the molecular weight of PEO. These results indicate that it is feasible to control the medicine release from the PEO-CP solid dispersion by varying the molecular weight of PEO.

Effects of experimental chemoendocrine therapy with a combination of a pure antiestrogen and 5-fluorouracil on human breast cancer cells implanted in nude mice

The antitumor effects of an experimental chemoendocrine therapy combining a new pure antiestrogen ICI 182780 and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were studied on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells implanted in nude mice. ICI 182780 had a dose-dependent antitumor activity, which was potentiated by the concomitant use of 5-FU. When compared with the control group, the estrogen receptor (ER) level in the ICI 182780 group was lower and that in the combination group was markedly lower. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry (FCM) resulted in a lower percentage of S-phase cells (%S) in the treated mice. No significant difference was observed in the 5-FU concentrations in tumor cells, while the 5-FU content in RNA was significantly higher in the combination group. The changes in free thymidylate synthetase (TS) concentration indicated TS synthesis after the administration of 5-FU to be more greatly suppressed in the combination group than in the 5-FU group. These results suggest that ICI 182780 and 5-FU exert their combination effect mainly on ER-positive cells, and that the suppression of TS synthesis in tumor cells and the potentiation of the 5-FU-induced metabolic dysfunction of RNA are thus involved in the mode of action of this combination therapy.

Suppression of agglomeration in fluidized bed coating. II. Measurement of mist size in a fluidized bed chamber and effect of sodium chloride addition on mist size

It has been reported that the degree of particle agglomeration in fluidized bed coating is greatly affected by the spray mist size of coating solution. However, the mist size has generally been measured in open air, and few reports have described the measurement of the mist size in a chamber of the fluidized bed, in which actual coating is carried out. Therefore, using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) aqueous solution as a coating solution, the spray mist size of the coating solution in a chamber of the fluidized bed was measured under various coating conditions, such as the distance from the spray nozzle, fluidization air volume, inlet air temperature and addition of sodium chloride (NaCl) into the coating solution. The mist size in the fluidized bed was compared with that in open air at various distances from the spray nozzle. Further, the relationship between the spray mist size and the degree of suppression of agglomeration at various NaCl concentrations during fluidized bed coating was studied. The mist size distribution showed a logarithmic normal distribution in both cases of the fluidized bed and open air. The number-basis median diameter of spray mist (D50) in the fluidized bed was smaller compared with that in open air. D50 increased with the increasing distance from the spray nozzle in both cases. In the fluidized bed, D50 decreased with the increasing fluidization air volume and inlet air temperature. The effect of NaCl concentration on the mist size was hardly observed, but the degree of suppression of agglomeration during coating increased with the increasing NaCl concentration in the coating solution.

Formation of water-insoluble gel in dry-coated tablets for the controlled release of theophylline

Sodium alginate (ALNa) of a natural polysaccharide is known to form a water-insoluble gel when combined with a bivalent metal. In this study, we prepared tablets containing ALNa and calcium gluconate (GLCa) as a bivalent metal, and studied the application of the water-insoluble gel involving the controlled release of a test drug by permeation of water. Dry-coated tablets containing theophylline (TP) as a model drug, ALNa and GLCa were prepared by the dry power compression method. The controlled release of TP was evaluated by the dissolution test according to JP XIII. The release rate was extremely high for the tablets which contained only TP and GLCa. A zero order or sigmoidal release profile was observed for the tablets that contained only TP and ALNa. On the other hand, the lowest dissolution rate and a sigmoidal release profile were observed for the tablet containing TP and GLCa in its core and ALNa in its outer phase. These results suggest that dry-coated tablets containing ALNa and GLCa and prepared by the direct powder compression method would be useful for the controlled release of drugs.

Studies on development of dosage forms for pediatric use (V) oral mucosal irritation study of gummi drugs in hamster cheek pouch

In the present study we investigated irritation of the oral mucosa and the safety of gummi drugs containing acetaminophen (AAP). The oral mucosae of hamsters were macroscopically examined for any evidence of irritation after gummi drugs were inserted into the cheek pouch and left there for 1 h. The cheek pouch tissue was also macroscopically and microscopically examined 24 h after gummi drugs were withdrawn from the cheek pouch. As a result, no evidence of irritation was found macroscopically 1 h after insertion, or macroscopically and microscopically 24 h after the withdrawal of the gummi drugs or placebos as compared with negative controls (saline). Considering these results, the gummi drugs administered in the present study produced no irritation to the oral mucosa.

Improvement in lower limb vasodilatory reserve and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure due to valvular heart disease

AIMS

Reduced skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise is an important factor contributing to exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure. Reactive hyperaemic blood flow is the maximum flow response necessary to protect tissue against ischaemia and hypoperfusion. We examined the vasodilatory response of the lower limb to ascertain whether response was increased with the improvement in exercise capacity observed after intracardiac surgery in patients with chronic heart failure due to valvular heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Calf blood flow in 23 patients was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography at rest and after a 5 min period of femoral occlusion. Immediately after this evaluation, peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold were assessed by a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test using a bicycle ergometer. Both baseline calf blood flow and peak calf blood flow during reactive hyperaemia were significantly increased after surgery (baseline calf blood flow; from 2.6 +/- 0.2 to 3.8 +/- 0.4 ml.min-1 per 100 ml calf volume, P < 0.05: peak calf blood flow; from 17.5 +/- 1.3 to 25.4 +/- 2.6 ml.min-1 per 100 ml calf volume, P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between changes in peak calf blood flow and improvement in exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake; r = 0.42, P < 0.05; anaerobic threshold; r = 0.68, P < 0.0010).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that exercise tolerance is improved with increased lower limb vasodilatory capacity after recovery from chronic heart failure.

Effects of grinding and tableting on physicochemical stability of an anticancer drug, TAT-59

The effects of grinding and tableting on the physicochemical stability of TAT-59, (E)-4-[1-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]-2-(4-isopropyl) phenyl]-1-butenyl]phenyl monophosphate, were studied. The crystallinity of TAT-59 ground in a planetary ball mill for 0-120 min or compressed at 0-4500 kg/cm2 was evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The surface of TAT-59 was measured under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The physicochemical stability of TAT-59, ground or compressed, was determined by measurements of water content, crystallinity and the amount of hydrolysis product, DP-TAT-59, formed. The crystallinity of ground TAT-59 decreased with increasing grinding time, and the amount of DP-TAT-59 increased with decrease in the crystallinity. Similar to ground TAT-59, the crystallinity of TAT-59 tablet gradually decreased with increasing compression pressure, and the amount of DP-TAT-59 tended to increase with decreasing crystallinity. These findings suggested that the decrease of the crystallinity of TAT-59 by mechanical force, such as grinding and tableting, raised the drug's reactivity and affected its stability.

Studies on internal structure of tablets. VI. stress dispersion in tablets by excipients

The aim of this study was to reduce the stress concentration of a medicine by dispersing the stress in tablets at tableting by addition of excipients. The mechanism of the stress dispersion was elucidated. Phenacetin (PHE) was used as a model of crystalline medicine with a high brittleness, and the degree of stress dispersion was evaluated by the change in the exposed surface area of PHE. To learn the mechanical strength of tablets, the crushing strength and friability were measured, their internal structure was analyzed by the porosity and pore size distribution, and stress relaxation experiments were performed. The results were as follows. Calcium silicate (Florite RE, FLR) showed a high stress dispersion effect, adding a high formability and mechanical strength to tablets. It was thought that the high stress dispersion resulted from the rapid stress relaxation caused by the plastic deformation and brittleness fracture of pores in FLR under a low compression pressure. Thus the stress caused locally on PHE particles may disperse.

Studies on dissolution tests for soft gelatin capsules by the rotating dialysis cell (RDC) method. VI. Preparation and evaluation of ibuprofen soft gelatin capsule

We prepared soft gelatin capsules (SC) containing ibuprofen (IB), a widely used phenylpropionic acid-derived antiphlogistic-analgesic drug. To evaluate the SC, in vitro dissolution tests were performed both by the paddle (PD) method described in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JPXII) and by the rotating dialysis cell (RDC) method which we previously developed and evaluated for application. In vivo, the blood IB concentration was determined after administration to beagles. Higher bioavailability was observed after administration of the SC containing IB than after administration of the bulk IB powder. A higher correlation was observed between the in vitro dissolution behavior and in vivo results by the RDC method than by the PD method, suggesting the usefulness of the RDC method in the dissolution test of SC.

Effects of compression pressure on physical and chemical stability of tablets containing an anticancer drug TAT-59

(E)-4-[1-[4-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]-2-(4-isopropyl) phenyl]-1-butenyl]phenyl monophosphate (TAT-59) is a new drug for the treatment of breast cancer. Physical and chemical stability of mixtures of TAT-59 and microcrystalline cellulose (1:9) compressed at 0, 300, 600 and 1400 kg/cm2 was evaluated by determination of water content, porosity and the amount of hydrolysis product, DP-TAT-59, formed. The water contents and porosity of these tablets scarcely changed during 57 d at 25-60 degrees C under 50% relative humidity (RH). The degradation rate of TAT-59 increased with increasing compression pressure as well as temperature. The apparent activation energy and frequency factor were determined from an Arrhenius plot of the degradation rate. Activation energy of these tablets was almost the same, while the frequency factor tended to increase with increasing compression pressure. The porosity and pore sizes in TAT-59-containing tablets decreased with increasing compressive force. We speculated from these observations that the increase in compression pressure decreased the distance and increased the contact area between TAT-59 and microcrystalline cellulose. The proximity between TAT-59 and moisture presented at the surface of microcrystalline cellulose by compression was considered to enhance the degradation of TAT-59.

Application of calcium silicate for medicinal preparation. I. Solid preparation adsorbing an oily medicine to calcium silicate

Calcium silicate (Florite RE, FLR), a fine porous powder, was recently approved as a medicinal additive. In this study we sought to make a solid preparation by absorbing an oily medicine to FLR; tocopheryl nicotinate (TN) was used as the oily medicine. TN adsorbed to FLR powder (TN-PO) was prepared by adsorbing TN ethanol solution to FLR and granulating with hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) in order to improve the flowability. The results were as follows. FLR showed an excellent liquid holding ability compared with other excipients, and this was attributed to the high capillarity of the pores. In the adsorbing process, FLR particles were granulated with TN overflowing from the pores or adhering to the particle surface. The angle of repose was decreased with increasing TN content, which was attributed to the process of granulation, and the angle of repose of the granules with a binder (TN-GR) was below 40 degrees at any TN content. These results show that FLR is an useful additive for the solid preparation of an oily medicine.

Application of the solid dispersion method to the controlled release of medicine. IV. Precise control of the release rate of a water soluble medicine by using the solid dispersion method applying the difference in the molecular weight of a polymer

Solid dispersions were prepared by the evaporation of ethanol after dissolving into ethanol a water soluble medicine (oxprenolol hydrochloride (OXP)), four grades of water insoluble ethylcellulose (EC) and four grades of water soluble hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), both having different molecular weights. The precise control of the release rat of a water soluble medicine by applying the difference in the molecular weight of polymers was attempted. The pore size distribution in solid dispersion granules was measured before and after the dissolution test by mercury intrusion porosimetry to clarify the mechanism of medicine release from the granules when the molecular weights of polymers were different. The state of medicine in the solid dispersions was analyzed by thermal analysis and X-ray diffractometry. Although the difference was slight, the release rate of OXP from the granules of the OXP-HPC system decreased as the molecular weight of HPC increased. The release behavior of OXP in the OXP-EC system was scarcely affected by the molecular weight of EC. However, in the OXP-EC-HPC system, the release rate markedly decreased with a larger molecular weight of EC. It was thought from the results of the pore size distribution that there were two types of release routes for OXP; dissolving directly into the dissolution medium and diffusing in the swelled HPC phase, caused by the addition of HPC. The decrease in the release rate of OXP in the OXP-EC-HPC system was caused by the increase in the ratio of OXP dissolving via the latter route, occurring with a larger molecular weight of EC. These results suggest that it is feasible to precisely control the release of a water soluble medicine by varying the molecular weight of the polymers in the solid dispersion.

Effects of water content on physical and chemical stability of tablets containing an anticancer drug TAT-59

(E)-4-[1-[4-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]-2-(4-isopropyl) phenyl]-1-butenyl]phenyl monophosphate (TAT-59) is a new drug for the treatment of breast cancer. Physical and chemical stability of a tablet consisting of TAT-59 powder and a few excipients (Formulated tablet), a tablet consisting of only TAT-59 powder (TAT-59 tablet) and TAT-59 powder itself was evaluated based on water content, tensile strength, porosity, the amount of TAT-59 and its hydrolysis product, DP-TAT-59. The water content of Formulated tablet increased with relative humidity (RH), whereas that of TAT-59 tablet and TAT-59 powder scarcely changed. The equilibrium water content of Formulated tablet was much greater than that of the TAT-59 tablet or TAT-59 powder due to adsorbed moisture by the excipients. The tensile strength and porosity of Formulated tablet decreased and increased linearly, respectively, with increasing water content. The degradation rate of TAT-59 decreased in the following order: Formulated tablet > TAT-59 tablet > TAT-59 powder. The relationship between equilibrium water content and degradation rate of the Formulated tablet was determined by the Carstensen equation, in which the interaction order between the drug and water content was 1.9, and the degradation of TAT-59 in Formulated tablet was related to water content. Thus, it was found that the degradation of TAT-59 was accelerated by compression and addition of excipients.

Application of the solid dispersion method to the controlled release of medicine. III. Control of the release of slightly water soluble medicine from solid dispersion granules

In order to control the release rate of slightly water soluble medicine by using the solid dispersion (SD) method, the SD was prepared with a water soluble polymer and the slightly soluble medicine, and the medicine release from the solid dispersion granules was studied. The SD granules were prepared by the evaporation of ethanol after dissolving into ethanol a slightly water soluble medicine (flurbiprofen (FP)) and soluble polymers (hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)). HPC has four grades of molecular weight. The release rate of FP from SD was measured by the rotating basket method (JP XII). The release rate of FP from the SD granules was markedly larger than that from FP powder, and it was larger with a lower HPC molecular weight. It is speculated that these results were mainly based on the molecular dispersion state of FP and HPC in SD.

Studies on internal structure of tablets. III. Manufacturing of tablets containing microcapsules

The aim of this study was to establish the best manufacturing conditions for preparation by the direct compression method of tablets which contain microcapsules having a minimal destruction rate of the coating wall, show the same dissolution pattern as microcapsules, and have enough mechanical strength for practical use, and to elucidate the internal structure of the tablets under the best manufacturing conditions. Degree of destruction of the microcapsule wall was evaluated by the dissolution rate of the medicine in the microcapsules. To learn the mechanical strength of tablets, the crushing strength and friability were measured; their internal structure was analyzed by the porosity and pore size distribution. The best manufacturing conditions for the tablets were thus determined, and it was clarified by analysis of the internal structure that these conditions are markedly affected by the flowability of prescribed powders and the packing state at compression.

Studies on improvement of pharmaceutical preparations prescribed in hospitals. VI. Oxaprozin nasal spray

Many nasal sprays used in the treatment of rhinitis contain a steroidal agent, giving rise to fear of side effects when they are used frequently and continually. Accordingly, we undertook the development of a nasal spray containing oxaprozin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Suitable discharge pressure and surfactants were determined by applying trial aerosols to human subjects in "feeling" tests to assess approval rating. Other tests showed that about 80% of the expelled oxaprozin was released into the nasal cavity, and that the chosen formulation caused only a low level of irritation to the nasal mucosa. Most of the aerosol particles were found to adhere to Kiesselbach's area and the frontal region of the inferior concha, which are the major areas where inflammation and nasal haemorrhage occur. When the nasal spray was administered to 50 patients, a sufficient therapeutic effect was achieved, especially in the treatment of nasal haemorrhage, and side effects have not yet been detected.

Studies on improvement of pharmaceutical preparations prescribed in hospitals. IV. Dibekacin sulfate viscous solution for treatment of mouth and throat wounds

For the purpose of preventing suppuration of wounds of the oral cavity and throat, we attempted to develop a viscous solution of dibekacin sulfate (DKB) as a suitable medication. Solutions of different viscosity and antibacterial potency were prepared by mixing DKB, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), and water in varying proportions. Studies were then performed to ascertain relationships between the concentration of CMC-Na pH and viscosity, and between the viscosity and diffusion of DKB. The concentration of CMC-Na giving rise to optimal clinical efficacy was determined, and the concentration of DKB necessary for clinical treatment was estimated on the basis of the ionic binding constant between DKB and CMC-Na. As a result, the optimum CMC-Na concentration was found to be 2%, while the optimum DKB concentration was estimated to be 100 micrograms/ml.

Studies on improvement of pharmaceutical preparations prescribed in hospitals. V. Nifedipine hollow type suppository

Nifedipine is a calcium antagonist used for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. However, commercial nifedipine preparations are only available in forms suitable for oral administration, e.g. soft capsules and tablets. Therefore, we developed a suppository form in which the drug was incorporated into a hollow type suppository. The suppository preparation was administered to humans for evaluation of the clinical and commercial usefulness. It was as fast-acting as the soft capsule, but the blood concentration of nifedipine immediately after administration was lower than that seen with the soft capsule. It was considered to be superior to the soft capsule and similar to the tablet in terms of its long-acting effect. Thus, the hollow type suppository form of nifedipine should have useful clinical applications.

Studies on improvement of pharmaceutical preparations prescribed in hospitals. II: Study on pharmaceutical manufacturing of dibekacin sulfate gauze tampon

A gauze tampon, which contains an ointment incorporating dibekacin sulfate, was prepared and investigated as a device to prevent bacterial infection after operation of chronic sinusitis. It was proved that no loss of potency occurred upon heat sterilization and that it was stable even after storage for a long period. This gauze tampon was easy to insert into the paranasal sinuses, achieving satisfactory therapeutic efficacy in terms of hemostasis and disinfection. No adverse reactions have been observed.