Prebiotics as excipients for enhancement of stability and functionality of Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis with potential application as symbiotics in food and pharmaceuticals

Objective: Formulations containing probiotics are promoted due to health benefits. During lyophilization and subsequent storage in the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria are exposed to stress conditions that can lead to impairment and loss of viability. Methods: The suitability of various excipients for enhancing the stability and functionality of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis during storage as freeze-dried powder and through exposure to acid and bile was investigated. Cells were lyophilized in the presence of sucrose, trehalose, lactose, cellobiose and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and stored at 4 °C or 25 °C. The effect of diverse protectants on the persistence after exposure to acid and bile environment was examined through determination of the colony forming units, the β-glucosidase and β-galactosidase activity and the membrane integrity changes. Results: Cells freeze-dried in the presence of cryoprotectants had comparable survivability during storage at 4 °C whereas the survival rate at 25 °C of cells protected by cellobiose and FOS was higher than for those protected with sucrose and trehalose. Furthermore, the respective excipients used as cryoprotectants enhanced the stability of cells exposed to simulated gastric and small intestinal medium. Stabilization may be achieved through different mechanism of action such as protecting the membrane integrity and as metabolizable substrates. Overall, prebiotic and thus metabolizable protectants including cellobiose and FOS were superior to other protectants used. Conclusion: In symbiotic formulas with B. infantis, these sugars might serve as prebiotics and stabilizers of this probiotic strain during lyophilization, storage and in gastrointestinal conditions simultaneously, potentially increasing its health-promoting effects.

32nd International Austrian Winter Symposium : Zell am See, the Netherlands. 20-23 January 2016

A1 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in staging and restaging of Prostate Cancer Patients: comparative study with 18F-Choline PET/CT

W Langsteger, A Rezaee, W Loidl, HS Geinitz, F Fitz, M Steinmair, G Broinger, L Pallwien-Prettner, M Beheshti

A2 F18 Choline PET – CT: an accurate diagnostic tool for the detection of parathyroid adenoma?

L Imamovic, M Beheshti, G Rendl, D Hackl, O Tsybrovsky, M Steinmair, K Emmanuel, F Moinfar, C Pirich, W Langsteger

A3 [18F]Fluoro-DOPA-PET/CT in the primary diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma

A Bytyqi, G Karanikas, M Mayerhöfer, O Koperek, B Niederle, M Hartenbach

A4 Variations of clinical PET/MR operations: An international survey on the clinical utilization of PET/MRI

T Beyer, K Herrmann, J Czernin

A5 Standard Dixon-based attenuation correction in combined PET/MRI: Reproducibility and the possibility of Lean body mass estimation

I Rausch, P Rust, MD DiFranco, M Lassen, A Stadlbauer, ME Mayerhöfer, M Hartenbach, M Hacker, T Beyer

A6 High resolution digital FDG PET/MRI imaging for assessment of ACL graft viability

K Binzel, R Magnussen, W Wei, MU Knopp, DC Flanigan, C Kaeding, MV Knopp

A7 Using pre-existing hematotoxicity as predictor for severe side effects and number of treatment cycles of Xofigo therapy

A Leisser, M Nejabat, M Hartenbach, G Kramer, M Krainer, M Hacker, A Haug

A8 QDOSE – comprehensive software solution for internal dose assessment

Wencke Lehnert, Karl Schmidt, Sharok Kimiaei, Marcus Bronzel, Andreas Kluge

A9 Clinical impact of Time-of-Flight on next-generation digital PET imaging of Yttrium-90 radioactivity following liver radioembolization

CL Wright, K Binzel, J Zhang, Evan Wuthrick, Piotr Maniawski, MV Knopp

A10 Snakes in patients! Lessons learned from programming active contours for automated organ segmentation

M Blaickner, E Rados, A Huber, M Dulovits, H Kulkarni, S Wiessalla, C Schuchardt, RP Baum, B Knäusl, D Georg

A11 Influence of a genetic polymorphism on brain uptake of the dual ABCB1/ABCG2 substrate [11C]tariquidar

M Bauer, B Wulkersdorfer, W Wadsak, C Philippe, H Haslacher, M Zeitlinger, O Langer

A12 Outcome prediction of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery from P-glycoprotein activity. Pooled analysis of (R)-[11C]-verapamil PET data from two European centres

M Bauer, M Feldmann, R Karch, W Wadsak, M Zeitlinger, MJ Koepp, M-C Asselin, E Pataraia, O Langer

A13 In-vitro and in-vivo characterization of [18F]FE@SNAP and derivatives for the visualization of the melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1

M Zeilinger, C Philippe, M Dumanic, F Pichler, J Pilz, M Hacker, W Wadsak, M Mitterhauser

A14 Reducing time in quality control leads to higher specific radioactivity of short-lived radiotracers

L Nics, B Steiner, M Hacker, M Mitterhauser, W Wadsak

A15 In vitro 11C-erlotinib binding experiments in cancer cell lines with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations

A Traxl, Thomas Wanek, Kushtrim Kryeziu, Severin Mairinger, Johann Stanek, Walter Berger, Claudia Kuntner, Oliver Langer

A16 7-[11C]methyl-6-bromopurine, a PET tracer to measure brain Mrp1 function: radiosynthesis and first PET evaluation in mice

S Mairinger, T Wanek, A Traxl, M Krohn, J Stanek, T Filip, M Sauberer, C Kuntner, J Pahnke, O Langer

A17 18F labeled azidoglucose derivatives as “click” agents for pretargeted PET imaging

D Svatunek, C Denk, M Wilkovitsch, T Wanek, T Filip, C Kuntner-Hannes, J Fröhlich, H Mikula

A18 Bioorthogonal tools for PET imaging: development of radiolabeled 1,2,4,5-Tetrazines

C Denk, D Svatunek, T Wanek, S Mairinger, J Stanek, T Filip, J Fröhlich, H Mikula, C Kuntner-Hannes

A19 Preclinical evaluation of [18F]FE@SUPPY- a new PET-tracer for oncology

T Balber, J Singer, J Fazekas, C Rami-Mark, N Berroterán-Infante, E Jensen-Jarolim, W Wadsak, M Hacker, H Viernstein, M Mitterhauser

A20 Investigation of Small [18F]-Fluoroalkylazides for Rapid Radiolabeling and In Vivo Click Chemistry

C Denk, D Svatunek, B Sohr, H Mikula, J Fröhlich, T Wanek, C Kuntner-Hannes, T Filip

A21 Microfluidic 68Ga-radiolabeling of PSMA-HBED-CC using a flow-through reactor

S Pfaff, C Philippe, M Mitterhauser, M Hartenbach, M Hacker, W Wadsak

A22 Influence of 24-nor-ursodeoxycholic acid on hepatic disposition of [18F]ciprofloxacin measured with positron emission tomography

T Wanek, E Halilbasic, M Visentin, S Mairinger, B Stieger, C Kuntner, M Trauner, O Langer

A23 Automated 18F-flumazenil production using chemically resistant disposable cassettes

P Lam, M Aistleitner, R Eichinger, C Artner

A24 Similarities and differences in the synthesis and quality control of 177Lu-DOTA-TATE, 177Lu -HA-DOTA-TATE and 177Lu-DOTA-PSMA (PSMA-617)

H Eidherr, C Vraka, A Haug, M Mitterhauser, L Nics, M Hartenbach, M Hacker, W Wadsak

A25 68Ga- and 177Lu-labelling of PSMA-617

H Kvaternik, R Müller, D Hausberger, C Zink, RM Aigner

A26 Radiolabelling of liposomes with 67Ga and biodistribution studies after administration by an aerosol inhalation system

U Cossío, M Asensio, A Montes, S Akhtar, Y te Welscher, R van Nostrum, V Gómez-Vallejo, J Llop

A27 Fully automated quantification of DaTscan SPECT: Integration of age and gender differences

F VandeVyver, T Barclay, N Lippens, M Troch

A28 Lesion-to-background ratio in co-registered 18F-FET PET/MR imaging – is it a valuable tool to differentiate between low grade and high grade brain tumor?

L Hehenwarter, B Egger, J Holzmannhofer, M Rodrigues-Radischat, C Pirich

A29 [11C]-methionine PET in gliomas - a retrospective data analysis of 166 patients

N Pötsch, I Rausch, D Wilhelm, M Weber, J Furtner, G Karanikas, A Wöhrer, M Mitterhauser, M Hacker, T Traub-Weidinger

A30 18F-Fluorocholine versus 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose for PET/CT imaging in patients with relapsed or progressive multiple myeloma: a pilot study

T Cassou-Mounat, S Balogova, V Nataf, M Calzada, V Huchet, K Kerrou, J-Y Devaux, M Mohty, L Garderet, J-N Talbot

A31 Prognostic benefit of additional SPECT/CT in sentinel lymph node mapping of breast cancer patients

S Stanzel, G Pregartner, T Schwarz, V Bjelic-Radisic, B Liegl-Atzwanger, R Aigner

A32 Evaluation of diagnostic value of TOF-18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with suspected pancreatic cancer

S Stanzel, F Quehenberger, RM Aigner

A33 New quantification method for diagnosis of primary hyperpatahyroidism lesions and differential diagnosis vs thyropid nodular disease in dynamic scintigraphy

A Koljević Marković, Milica Janković, V Miler Jerković, M Paskaš, G Pupić, R Džodić, D Popović

A34 A rare case of diffuse pancreatic involvement in patient with merkel cell carcinoma detected by 18F-FDG

MC Fornito, D Familiari

A35 TSH-stimulated 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent/metastatic radioiodine-negative differentiated thyroid carcinomas in patients with various thyroglobuline levels

P Koranda, H Polzerová, I Metelková, L Henzlová, R Formánek, E Buriánková, M Kamínek

A36 Breast Dose from lactation following I131 treatment

WH Thomson, C Lewis

A37 A new concept for performing SeHCAT studies with the gamma camera

WH Thomson, J O’Brien, G James, A Notghi

A38 Whole body F-18-FDG-PET and tuberculosis: sensitivity compared to x-ray-CT

H Huber, I Stelzmüller, R Wunn, M Mandl, F Fellner, B Lamprecht, M Gabriel

A39 Emerging role 18F-FDG PET-CT in the diagnosis and follow-up of the infection in heartware ventricular assist system (HVAD)

MC Fornito, G Leonardi

A40 Validation of Poisson resampling software

WH Thomson, J O’Brien, G James

A41 Protection of PET nuclear medicine personnel: problems in satisfying dose limit requirements

J Hudzietzová, J Sabol, M Fülöp

Strategies for the evaluation and selection of potential vaginal probiotics from human sources: an exemplary study

During the last years, the application of probiotics in gynaecological clinical practice has gained increasing relevance regarding therapy and prevention. This trend has also provoked the need for having tailored pharmaceutical preparations containing powerful microbial strains with defined properties. For the development of such preparations, several factors and criteria have to be considered, thereby not only focusing on identity and safety aspects as well as individual properties of the bacterial strains, but also on technological issues, such as stability and targeted release from the preparation. Against this background, this report exemplarily addresses the development procedure of a probiotic bacterial formulation for gynaecological application, covering the search for suitable strains, assessing their microbiological, molecular biological and physiological characterisation, and the selection for their use in clinical trials. In detail, starting with 127 presumptive lactobacilli isolates of vaginal origin, a step-by-step selection of candidate strains meeting special criteria was thoroughly examined, finally leading to a preparation consisting of four individual Lactobacillus strains that possess particular significance in women's urogenital health. Relevant issues and quality criteria of probiotic preparations used in gynecology are addressed and exemplarily introduced.

[Direct and indirect costs of fractures due to osteoporosis in Austria]

OBJECTIVES

We examined the financial burden of osteoporosis in Austria.

METHODS

We took both direct and indirect costs into consideration. Direct costs encompass medical costs such as expenses for pharmaceuticals, inpatient and outpatient medical care costs, as well as other medical services (e.g., occupational therapies). Non-medical direct costs include transportation costs and medical devices (e.g., wheel chairs or crutches). Indirect costs refer to costs of productivity losses due to absence of work. Moreover, we included costs for early retirement and opportunity costs of informal care provided by family members. While there exist similar studies for other countries, this is the first comprehensive study for Austria. For our analysis, we combined data of official statistics, expert estimates as well as unique patient surveys that are currently conducted in the course of an international osteoporotic fracture study in Austria.

RESULTS

Our estimation of the total annual costs in the year 2008 imposed by osteoporosis in Austria is 707.4 million €. The largest fraction of this amount is incurred by acute hospital treatment. Another significant figure, accounting for 29% of total costs, is the opportunity cost of informal care.

CONCLUSIONS

The financial burden of osteoporosis in Austria is substantial. Economic evaluations of preventive and therapeutic interventions for the specific context of Austria are needed to inform health policy decision makers.

Optimization of the radiosynthesis of the Alzheimer tracer 2-(4-N-[11C]methylaminophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole ([11C]PIB)

[(11)C]PIB is still the standard PET compound for Alzheimer imaging targeting beta-amyloid plaques. We aimed to establish a fully-automated procedure for the synthesis and purification of [(11)C]PIB with a high degree of reliability and improved specific activity as well as a suitable and fast quality control assay. The optimum reaction conditions were 75°C, 4 mg/mL precursor yielding at 48.0±2.7% (EOS, based on [(11)C]CH(3)OTf, corrected for decay), 183±14 GBq/μmol specific activity and >99% radiochemical purity. Time consumption was kept to a minimum (40 min from EOB) and overall yields were enough to serve 2 consecutive patients with a single preparation.

Similar central actions of intravenous methohexitone suspension and solution in the rabbit

The central actions of solutions of methohexitone sodium and suspensions of methohexitone given intravenously in equimolar doses have been compared. The administrations induced identical anaesthesia. Because, in general, drugs acting upon the central nervous system are poorly soluble in water, this finding should be useful for routine pharmacological investigations as it avoids the use of organic solvents which may themselves affect the central nervous system.

Phenotype-related differential alpha-2,6- or alpha-2,3-sialylation of glycoprotein N-glycans in human chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

Sialic acids frequently occur at the terminal positions of glycoprotein N-glycans present at chondrocyte surfaces or in the cartilage matrix. Sialic acids are transferred to glycoproteins in either alpha-2,3 or alpha-2,6 linkage by specific sialyltransferases (SiaTs) and can potentially affect cell functions and cell-matrix interactions. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the expression of the human chondrocyte phenotype and the sialylation of chondrocyte glycoprotein N-glycans.

METHODS

The transcription of 5 SiaT was quantified using real-time Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. N-glycan analysis was performed using LC-ESI-MS. Primary human chondrocytes were cultured in monolayer or alginate beads and compared to the chondrocyte cell lines C-28/I2 and SW1353. In addition, effects of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on primary cells were assessed.

RESULTS

Primary human chondrocytes predominantly express alpha-2,6-specific SiaTs and accordingly, alpha-2,6-linked sialic acid residues in glycoprotein N-glycans. In contrast, the preponderance of alpha-2,3-linked sialyl residues and, correspondingly, reduced levels of alpha-2,6-specific SiaTs are associated with the altered chondrocyte phenotype of C-28/I2 and SW1353 cells. Importantly, a considerable shift towards alpha-2,3-linked sialic acids and alpha-2,3-specific SiaT mRNA levels occurred in primary chondrocytes treated with IL-1beta or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

CONCLUSION

The expression of the differentiated chondrocyte phenotype is linked to the ratio of alpha-2,6- to alpha-2,3-linked sialic acids in chondrocyte glycoprotein N-glycans. A shift towards altered sialylation might contribute to impaired cell-matrix interactions in disease conditions.

Radiosynthesis of a novel potential adenosine A3 receptor ligand, 5-ethyl 2,4-diethyl-3-((2-[18F]fluoroethyl)sulfanylcarbonyl)-6-phenylpyridine-5-carboxylate ([18F]FE@SUPPY:2)

Since, to date very limited information on the distribution and function of the adenosine A3 receptor is available, the development of suitable radioligands is needed. Recently, we introduced [ 18F]FE@SUPPY (5-(2-[ 18F]fluoroethyl) 2,4-diethyl-3-(ethylsulfanylcarbonyl)-6-phenylpyridine-5-carboxylate) as the first PET-ligand for the A3R. Regarding the metabolic profile – this class of dialkylpyridines comprises two ester functions within one molecule, one carboxylic and one thiocarboxylic – one could expect carboxylesterases significantly contributing to cleavage and degradation. Therefore, our aim was the development of [ 18F]FE@SUPPY:2 (5-ethyl 2,4-diethyl-3-((2-[ 18F]fluoroethyl)sulfanylcarbonyl)-6-phenylpyridine-5-carboxylate), the functional isomer containing the label at the thiocarboxylic moiety.

For satisfactory yields in high scale radiosyntheses, a reaction temperature of 75 °C has to be applied for at least 20 min using 20 mg/mL of precursor. So far, 6 complete high-scale radiosyntheses were performed. Starting from an average of 51.2±21.8 GBq (mean±SD) [ 18F]fluoride, 5.8±4.1 GBq of formulated [ 18F]FE@SUPPY:2 (12.0±5.4%, based on [ 18F]fluoride, not corrected for decay) were prepared in 75±8 min.

Beauveria brongniartii subjected to spray-drying in a composite carrier matrix system

The negative aspects of chemical pesticides are of growing concern to the public. Thus, there is a strong effort to exploit environmentally friendly possibilities for pest management. One strategy is the application of biocontrol agents such as the fungus Beauveria brongniartii. In this context, the central objective of the research presently described is to investigate spray drying as a preservation method for fungal conidia to obtain a practical formulation for spray application. An aqueous binary mixture composed of skim milk (SM) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K90) was examined as encapsulation matrix. The influence of different inlet/outlet temperature adjustments, the composition of the carrier system and the conidia concentration were examined with respect to their influence on spore viability. Results indicate that air outlet temperatures up to 53 +/- 2 degrees C resulted in a slight reduction of conidial viability (approximately 3%). Microencapsulated conidia have been subjected to storage tests with and without the addition of silica gel capsules at various temperatures. Results show that survival is inversely related to storage temperatures and residual moisture levels of the spray dried powders. The highest survival rates were observed at moisture contents of 3% and a temperature of 10 degrees C. Moreover, production characteristics like entrapment efficacy, shape and size were investigated. Furthermore, the composition of the carrier matrix was optimised to result in production yields of 25%. Results show that spray drying is a useful, economic encapsulation technology for aerial conidia of Beauveria brongniartii resulting in highly concentrated, spray dried powders of 92% viability.

Comparison between chondroprotective effects of glucosamine, curcumin, and diacerein in IL-1beta-stimulated C-28/I2 chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of glucosamine (GlcN), curcumin, and diacerein in immortalized human C-28/I2 chondrocytes at the cellular and the gene expression level. This study aimed to provide insights into the proposed beneficial effects of these agents and to assess the applicability of the C-28/I2 cell line as a model for the evaluation of chondroprotective action.

METHODS

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-stimulated C-28/I2 cells were cultured in the presence of GlcN, curcumin, and diacerein prior to the evaluation of parameters such as viability, morphology and proliferation. The impact of GlcN, curcumin, and diacerein on gene expression was determined using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR).

RESULTS

At the transcriptional level, 5 mM GlcN and 50 microM diacerein increased the expression of cartilage-specific genes such as aggrecan (AGC) and collagen type II (COL2), while reducing collagen type I (COL1) mRNA levels. Moreover, the IL-1beta-mediated shift in gene expression pattern was antagonized by GlcN and diacerein. These effects were associated with a significant reduction in cellular proliferation and the development of chondrocyte-specific cell morphology. In contrast, curcumin was not effective at lower concentrations but even damaged the cells at higher amounts.

CONCLUSIONS

Both GlcN and diacerein promoted a differentiated chondrocytic phenotype of immortalized human C-28/I2 chondrocytes by altering proliferation, morphology, and COL2/COL1 mRNA ratios. Moreover, both agents antagonized inhibitory effects of IL-1beta by enhancing AGC and COL2 as well as by reducing COL1 mRNA levels.

Vaginal Lactobacillus microbiota of healthy women in the late first trimester of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to characterise the dominant species of Lactobacillus colonising the vagina of healthy pregnant women, to examine some of their phenotypic and genotypic properties, and to gain a better understanding of the potential role of species, which might be associated with infection-free status.

DESIGN

A prospective descriptive cohort study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna and Medical School, Vienna, Austria.

SAMPLE

A total of 200 women in the late first trimester of pregnancy without clinical signs of vaginal infection were included in the study. Of these, 126 women were found to have a normal vaginal flora based on Gram stain.

METHODS

Culture probes from those 126 women were further processed for identification of Lactobacillus species. Overall, 168 colonies from 84 women were identified as belonging to the Lactobacillus genus. Based on the combined results of microbiological methods and genus-specific, multiplex, and species-specific polymerase chain reaction, lactobacilli were recovered from 72 women.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Identification of Lactobacillus species of the vaginal flora of healthy pregnant women.

RESULTS

The most frequently occurring species were Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus gasseri, followed by Lactobacillus jensenii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results may have implications on the composition and on the use of Lactobacillus preparations for the prevention of recurrent vaginal infection.

Lectin binding studies on C-28/I2 and T/C-28a2 chondrocytes provide a basis for new tissue engineering and drug delivery perspectives in cartilage research

The present study was performed to evaluate the applicability of plant lectins as mediators of bioadhesion in cartilage research using human chondrocyte cell lines C-28/I2 and T/C-28a2. The bioadhesive properties of fluorescein-labelled lectins with different carbohydrate specificities were investigated by flow cytometry. Specificity of the lectin-cell interactions was ascertained by competitive inhibition using complementary carbohydrates. As compared to that of other lectins, the interaction between wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and chondrocytic cells was characterised by remarkable cytoadhesion, adequate binding strength and a high degree of specificity for N-acetyl-glucosamine as contained in hyaluronan chains. We therefore suggest WGA to be a promising candidate for mediating bioadhesion to low-adhesive scaffolds in cartilage tissue engineering. Moreover, the WGA-association rate of C-28/I2 and T/C-28a2 cells was dependent on temperature indicating cellular uptake of membrane-bound WGA. Intracellular enrichment was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Equilibration of intracellular pH gradients with monensin resulted in the reversal of quenching effects indicating accumulation of WGA within acid compartments of chondrocytic cells. Thus, WGA might be internalised into chondrocytes together with hyaluronan via the CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway and accumulated within lysosomes. This physiological process could represent a feasible pathway to target WGA-functionalised drug delivery devices into chondrocytes.

Deficiences in phenotype expression and function of dentritic cells from patients with early breast cancer

PURPOSE

Monocytes derived from patients with early breast cancer (EBC) have shown functional deficiencies. These functional deficiencies are characterized by changes in phenotype and morphology. We have expanded these investigations to dendritic cells generated from monocytes from patients with early breast cancer. -

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Peripheral blood from 36 patients with EBC and from 26 healthy age-matched women was drawn and prepared for ex vivo generation of dendritic cells (DC) by incubation with granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 4 (IL4). The phenotype of DC was examined by flow-cytometry. T cell - proliferation was induced with tetanus toxoid pulsed autologous dendritic cell. -

RESULTS

Dendritic cells generated from monocytes from EBC-patients showed a significantly lower expression of the phenotype-associated antigens CD1a, CD83, CD80, CD86 and CD54 than the dendritic cells from healthy controls. T cell - proliferation in response to TT-pulsed autologous dendritic cells was significantly decreased when induced with dendritic cells from patients with early breast cancer, when compared to healthy controls. Morphologically, only dendritic cells from healthy women possessed prominent dendrites indicating maturity. -

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that dendritic cells generated from monocytes from patients with early breast cancer express an immature phenotype, exhibit immature morphology and show functional deficits when compared to the cells derived from healthy age-matched controls. Whether these findings offer a potential target for therapeutic interventions remains to be elucidated.

Optimization of a formulation containing viable lactic acid bacteria

In the present study, gastric juice resistant tablet formulations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were developed, using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) as well as alginates, apple pectin and Metolose as matrix forming components. To optimize the formulation-using survival rate in acid medium, and disintegration time in intestinal fluid as test parameters-tablets were modified with respect to LAB content, amount of applied excipients per tablet, and compaction forces. A decrease of viable cells of not more than one log unit after 2h of incubation in acid medium was desired, as well as a disintegration time of 1h in phosphate buffer pH 6.8. It was found that the amount of HPMCAS in the tablet correlates with gastric juice resistance. As HPMCAS also leads to a decrease of disintegration time in intestinal fluid, slight amounts of this excipient were preferred. The best protective qualities against artificial gastric juice were observed when tablets were prepared from compaction mixtures of LAB, HPMCAS and sodium alginate.

Action of pyrethrum-based formulations against grain weevils

Pyrethrum extract, containing six insecticidal esters, has a long history of successful application in the control of stored products. Its low environmental hazard makes it an ideal pesticide for outdoor pre-harvest treatment. However the disadvantage of its low light stability then becomes apparent. This drawback can be overcome by the complexation of pyrethrum extract with gamma-cyclodextrin. Primary object of the conducted studies was to investigate the effect of complexation upon the insecticidal action against the grain weevil, an important storage pest in temperate climates. To slow down the quick metabolism of pyrethrum by the insects' microsomal system synergistic substances are added. Additional to the already well-known piperonyl butoxide two natural synergists, sesamol and tocopherol acetate, were combined with pyrethrum extract to investigate their synergistic activity. A complex of pyrethrum with gamma-cyclodextrin, with piperonyl butoxide as synergist, has a slightly enhanced action compared to a commercial product, which contained pyrethrum in its free form. Sesamol and tocopherol acetate also display a synergistic action, but to a much smaller degree, even if applied in larger amounts. The optimal concentration of pyrethrum was found to be 0.3% combined with 3% piperonyl butoxide.

Clustering of Saccharomyces boulardii strains within the species S. cerevisiae using molecular typing techniques

AIMS

This study was undertaken to characterize and differentiate therapeutically relevant Saccharomyces yeasts. Among the isolates were so-called Saccharomyces boulardii strains, which are considered as probiotic agents, but whose taxonomic assignment is controversial. Moreover, the discriminative power of the applied molecular typing techniques should be evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genotyping was performed using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of rDNA spacer regions and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Species-specific PCR assigned all of the product isolates to the species S. cerevisiae. By combining the other techniques, all isolates could be discriminated. Moreover, it could be demonstrated that probiotic S. boulardii strains form a separate cluster located within the species.

CONCLUSIONS

With the exception of species-specific PCR, all of the applied methodologies were suitable for subspecies typing and indicated a close relationship between the probiotic strains.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The methods applied in this study are considered powerful tools for quality control of therapeutically relevant yeasts. It is of crucial importance, especially regarding S. boulardii yeasts, to verify the identity of the correct strain, since the beneficial properties are considered to be strain-specific.

Characterization of microcapsules: recommended methods based on round-robin testing

Alginate beads, as well as microcapsules based on alginate, cellulose sulphate and polymethylene-co-guanidine, were produced at diameters of 0.4, 1.0 and 1.5 mm. These standard materials were tested, by independent laboratories, in regards to water activity, bead or capsule size, mechanical resistance and transport behaviour. The water activity and mechanical resistance were observed to increase with bead and capsule size. Transport properties (ingress) were assessed using a variety of low molar mass and macromolecular probes. It was observed that the penetration of Vitamin B12 increased with bead diameter, as did dextran penetration. However, for the membrane-containing microcapsules, larger membrane thickness, observed for the larger capsules, retarded ingress. The authors, who are part of a European working group, recommend that permeability be assessed either using a large range of probes or a broad molar mass standard, with measurements at one or two molar masses insufficient to simulate the behaviour in application. Mechanical compression is seen as a good means to estimate elasticity and rupture of beads and capsules, with the sensitivity of the force transducer, which can vary from microN to tens of N, required to be tuned to the anticipated bead or capsule strength. Overall, with the exception of the mechanical properties, the precision in the inter-laboratory testing was good. Furthermore, the various methods of assessing transport properties agreed, in ranking, for the beads and capsules characterized, with gels having smaller radii being less permeable. For microcapsules, the permeation across the membrane dominates the ingress, and thicker membranes have lower permeability.

Utilization of prebiotic carbohydrates by yeasts of therapeutic relevance

AIMS

To investigate 17 strains of therapeutically relevant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (including 10 strains of so-called S. boulardii) isolated from various pharmaceutical products, feed supplements and brewer's yeast for their capability of utilizing selected carbohydrates of prebiotic importance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Automated turbidimetric measurements and conventional test combinations were used to examine the basic sugar assimilation profiles of the test strains. It was shown that none of the so-called S. boulardii strains utilized galactose and palatinose. Among the prebiotic substrates, the yeasts indicated a pronounced preference for metabolizing the fructo-oligosaccharides.

CONCLUSION

Yeast strains of therapeutic relevance can be successfully combined with certain prebiotics in symbiotic formulations.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of this study may serve as a basis for the development of new pharmaceutical preparations for medical therapy and a better understanding of intestinal micro-ecology.

TABLET FORMULATIONS OF VIABLE LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

The aim of this work was to develop a gastric juice-resistant tablet formulation of viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB). As excipients, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) and sodium alginate were applied to enhance gastric juice-resistance, and Avicel® as used to modifytablet disintegration in the intestine. The formulation was optimized using statistical experimentaldesign methodology. The influence of the relevant process variables (amounts of excipients applied and compaction force) on the loss of viable cells during the tablet production, on acid stability, and on tablet disintegration time was investigated. It was found that the content of HPMCAS and the compaction force were the most important test variables for tablet preparation. They influence theloss of bacteria during the tableting process, gastric juice resistance, and the disintegration time of tablets after incubation in artificial intestinal fluid. Avicel® had little influence on all three test parameters, while sodium alginate only affected disintegration time in phosphate buffer pH 6.8.

Predicting the free energies of complexation between cyclodextrins and guest molecules: linear versus nonlinear models

PURPOSE

In the present paper, linear and nonlinear models for complexation of alpha- beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin with guest molecules are developed, with the aim of free energy prediction and interpretation of the association process.

METHODS

Linear and nonlinear regression is used to correlate experimental free energies of complexation with calculated molecular descriptors. Molecular modeling supports the interpretation of the results.

RESULTS

Highly predictive models are obtained, although the structural variability of the compounds used for their deduction is large, reaching from synthetic heterocycles to steroids and prostaglandins.

CONCLUSIONS

The scaled regression coefficients give insight to the complexation mechanisms, which appear to be different for the three types of cyclodextrins.

[Dosage forms of phytogenic drugs]

Herbal drug formulation is a challenge in pharmaceutical technology due to the complex physicochemical properties of these multicomponent materials. Potential instabilities of the pharmacologically active and coactive substances as well as incompatibilities and interactions of the extracted compounds and excipients have to be considered. Microbial contamination of the applied plant material might limit the shelf life of the products. Using state of the art methods in formulation stable preparations are obtained; additionally compliance of drugs might be enhanced due to simplified application or better sensorial quality. Nowadays, besides traditional pharmacopoeial aqueous, ethanolic, or (partially) dried extracts fluid, semisolid, or solid dosage forms of these extracts are in use, for example syrups, juices, drops, liniments, gels, ointments, creams, suppositories, tablets, coated tablets (dragees) as well as soft and hard gelatine capsules.

Toxicity of a particulate formulation for the intraperitoneal application of mitoxantrone

Mitoxantrone (MXN) has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in the intraperitoneal treatment of malignancies. However, severe local toxicity is dose limiting. Therefore, a particulate formulation of MXN, the drug incorporated in albumin microspheres, was evaluated concerning tolerability. Survival rates as well as alterations in body weight, food intake, water intake, urine volume, urine specific gravity, urine protein content, and complete blood count were observed following single or multiple intraperitoneal injections of MXN solution, dispersions containing MXN-loaded microspheres or unloaded microspheres, and the injection vehicle to female and male Sprague-Dawley rats. Applied MXN dosage was equivalent to 30 mg/m2 body surface area. Unloaded microspheres were well tolerated without signs of toxicity. Application of MXN solution or MXN-loaded microspheres resulted in similar survival rates (56% 9 weeks after single injection) and in a comparable bone marrow toxicity (mainly leucopenia). Body weight, food and water intake as well as urine volume were decreased following application of MXN solution, whereas a progressive gain in weight and no remarkable alterations in nutrition and urine excretion were noted after administration of MXN-loaded and unloaded microspheres, or of the injection vehicle. In conclusion, intraperitoneal injection of MXN incorporated in albumin microspheres exhibits in part less toxicity than conventional treatment.

Evaluation of mitoxantrone-loaded albumin microspheres following intraperitoneal administration to rats

Mitoxantrone has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in the regional treatment of intraperitoneal malignancies. However, severe local toxicity was dose limiting. Consequently, a new injectable sustained delivery formulation of mitoxantrone has been developed: the drug was incorporated (8.2 w/w%) in highly hydrophilic albumin microspheres. In vitro drug release profile was modified by matrix crosslinking extent. The extractable amount of residual crosslinking agent (glutaraldehyde) in the microspheres was lower than 6 ppm. Mitoxantrone concentration in peritoneal fluid and plasma was determined up to 72 h after intraperitoneal administration of 30, 60 and 120 mg mitoxantrone per m2 body surface area as solution and in the form of a dispersion containing mitoxantrone-loaded microspheres to rats. Data analysis revealed sustained release of mitoxantrone from microspheres into peritoneal fluid in all dosage groups. The initial high drug levels in peritoneal fluid and plasma observed after application of mitoxantrone in the solution form were prevented by administration of the drug incorporated in microspheres. However, tumoricidal drug levels in peritoneal fluid were maintained over a comparable time span. In addition, preliminary toxicity data suggest a superior local tolerability of mitoxantrone-loaded microspheres. The dose of intraperitoneally administered mitoxantrone might be increased from 30 to 60 mg per m2 body surface area using the slow release formulation. In conclusion, the described microsphere drug delivery system for mitoxantrone might overcome dose-limiting drug toxicity.

Preparation and central action of propofol/hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin complexes in rabbits

Inclusion complexes of propofol (CAS 2078-54-8) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) were examined in aqueous solution and in the solid state by phase solubility technique, IR-spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Solid complexes obtained by kneading method were dissolved in artificial plasma leading to a colloidal solution which was suitable for intravenous administration. In the in vivo studies propofol (15 mg/kg) was given intravenously to rabbits in equimolar doses as cyclodextrin complexes and as Diprivan. The central action of the drug was verified by recording the bioelectrical activity of the precentral cortex. The statistical evaluation of the results do not indicate differences in onset, duration and maximum of action between the two dosage forms.

Pharmacological actions of central nervous system depressants given intravenously as suspensions

Three central nervous system (CNS) depressants, methohexital (sodium), midazolam (maleate), and flunitrazepam, were given intravenously to rabbits in equimolar doses as suspensions and solutions. The mean diameters of the particles in the suspensions were 770, 840, and 460 nm, respectively. The CNS actions were verified by recording the bioelectrical activity of the precentral cortex. The suspensions were tolerated well. There were no differences in onset, duration, and maximal intensity of action between suspension and solution of each drug. The results of this study should facilitate pharmacological studies of drugs acting on the CNS that are insoluble in water.

[Biological availability of different oral cimetidine preparations in the dog]

Bioavailability of Different Oral Dosage Forms of Cimetidine in Dogs. The bioavailability of cimetidine (200 mg) after oral administration to awake dogs was increased significantly by using tablets containing alginate. In addition the timespan was prolonged during which therapeutic plasma concentrations were maintained. Release and absorption of cimetidine were retarded from tablets containing methacrylic acid-copolymers, but the bioavailability was decreased from this dosage form and therapeutic plasma concentrations were not reached.