Vacuum sealing drainage to treat Fournier's gangrene

BACKGROUND

Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) is widely applied in complex wound repair. We aimed to compare traditional debridement and drainage and VSD in treating Fournier's gangrene (FG).

METHODS

Data of patients surgically treated for FG were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 36 patients (men: 31, women: 5; mean age: 53.5 ± 11.3 [range: 28-74] years) included in the study, no patients died. Between-group differences regarding sex, age, BMI, time from first debridement to wound healing, number of debridements, FGSI, and shock were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, lesion diameter, colostomy, VAS score, dressing changes, analgesic use, length of hospital stay, and wound reconstruction method (χ² = 5.43, P = 0.04) exhibited statistically significant differences. Tension-relieving sutures (6 vs. 21) and flap transfer (4 vs. 2) were applied in Groups I and II, respectively.

CONCLUSION

VSD can reduce postoperative dressing changes and analgesic use, and shrunk the wound area, thereby reducing flap transfer in wound reconstruction.

[Clinical report of hoding cricoarytenoid joint reduction with visual laryngoscope under intravenous anesthesia]

Objective: To investigate the reduction effect of hoding cricoarytenoid joint reduction with visual laryngoscope under intravenous anesthesia. Methods: The therapeutic effects of 40 patients with arytenoid dislocation(AD)treated by closed reduction in the single center from January 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 21 males and 19 females, median age 48 years. The etiology, symptoms, preoperative evaluation methods, reduction mode, reduction times, and the recovery of arytenoid cartilage movement and sound after reduction were evaluated and analyzed. Results: All patients had obvious hoarseness and breath sound before treatment. Under stroboscopic laryngoscope or electronic nasopharyngoscope, different degrees of vocal cord movement disorder and poor glottic closure can be seen. There were 28 cases of left dislocation, 9 cases of right dislocation and 3 cases of bilateral dislocation. The etiology of dislocation of cricoarytenoid joint: 25 cases (62.5%) of tracheal intubation under general anesthesia were the most common causes, was as follows by laryngeal trauma, gastroscopy, cough, vomiting and so on. Among them, 28 cases of reduction were initially diagnosed in our department, and 12 cases were diagnosed later after failure of reduction treatment. Of the 40 patients, 6 underwent reduction 24 hours after dislocation; 18 cases from 3 days to 1 month; 7 cases from 1 to 3 months; 6 cases were reset in 3~6 months; Over 6 months in 3 cases. After one reduction, 10 cases (10/40, 25%) recovered normal pronunciation, 14 cases (14/40, 35%) recovered normal pronunciation after two reduction, 10 cases (10/40, 25%) recovered normal pronunciation after three times, 2 cases (2/40, 5%) recovered normal pronunciation after four times, and 1 case (2.5%) recovered normal pronunciation after five times. Thin slice CT scan of larynx and cricoarytenoid joint reconstruction showed the types of AD: subluxation in 37 cases (92.5%) and total dislocation in 3 cases; 28 cases of left dislocation, 9 cases of right dislocation and 3 cases of bilateral dislocation; 29 cases (72.5%) had posterior dislocation and 11 cases (27.5%) had anterior dislocation. All patients were treated by intravenous anesthesia with arytenoid cartilage clamped by cricoarytenoid joint reduction forceps under visual laryngoscope. The curative effect was evaluated by stroboscopic laryngoscope and/or voice analysis at 1-2 weeks after operation. The vocal cord movement returned to normal and the pronunciation was good in 37 cases (92.5%). Conclusions: Hoding cricoarytenoid joint reduction with the vision laryngoscope under intravenous anesthesia is easy to operate and the reduction effect is more stable. It is a effective method for AD.

High resolution front-side visualization of charge stored in EEPROM with scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM)

By exposing floating gates of EEPROM memory cells with frontside sample preparation, scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM) succeeded in reading back the data stored in the memory cells with a 250 nm node size. At an optimized voltage bias of AC = 3 V and DC = 1 V, a clear signal contrast between programmed and erased cells is obtained. The high resolution SNDM signal reveals the details of bowling-pin shape structure of memory cells, providing high confidence in data assignment during forensic applications. Such high resolution also makes SNDM a promising technique for newer generation devices with smaller node size.

Pgc-1α Promotes Phosphorylation, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in H9c2 Cells During the Early Stage of Lipopolysaccharide Induction

Cardiac dysfunction in severe sepsis is associated with increased mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying septic heart dysfunction remain unclear. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (Pgc-1α), concentrations of inflammatory factors, and activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway were examined in H9c2 cells after a 24-h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation period using qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and western blots (WBs), respectively. Pgc-1α was overexpressed and suppressed in cells using a lentivirus vector and siRNA, respectively. The effects of Pgc-1α dysfunction on the release of inflammatory factors and apoptosis were analyzed. Pgc-1α expression was increased after LPS induction for 0.5 h and returned to the pre-induction level at 2 h. Levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α increase after LPS induction for 0.5 h and accumulated in the culture supernatants over time. The WBs revealed the highest Pgc-1α and phospho (p)-p65 protein levels after LPS induction for 0.5 h, followed by a decrease; moreover, the cleaved-caspase-3 level increased after LPS induction for 0.5 h and increased gradually thereafter. A functional analysis of Pgc-1α revealed that overexpression of this protein enhanced LPS-induced inflammatory factors and p-p65 levels and inhibited apoptosis during the early stage after LPS induction (0.5 and 4 h). In contrast, the inhibition of Pgc-1α expression inhibited the LPS expression-associated increases in inflammatory factors and p-p65 and promoted apoptosis. Pgc-1α promoted LPS-induced p65 phosphorylation and inflammatory factor release while inhibiting apoptosis.

Assessment of inflammatory markers and mitochondrial factors in a rat model of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction

The present study aimed to investigate the expression of inflammatory markers and mitochondrial function-related genes, as well as their temporal relationship with cardiac myocyte injury in a rat model of sepsis. The sepsis model was constructed using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Two hours after CLP, the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and TNFα) and myocardial function markers (serum brain natriuretic peptide [BNP], cardiac troponin-I [cTNI], and procalcitonin [PCT]) were increased significantly, falling from around 9 hours postoperatively. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the heart tissue was increased 6 hours after CLP. The heart rate (HR) of rats that underwent CLP decreased 2 hours after surgery and then increased to above-normal values. The left ventricular short axis shortening (FS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were decreased at 2 hours postoperatively and reached a minima at 6 hours. Stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and changes and heart index (CI) results indicated myocardial dysfunction. Western blot analysis demonstrated the increased expression of mitochondrial function-related proteins and activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays revealed that the proportion of proapoptotic cells was significantly higher in rats that underwent CLP than sham surgery at 2 to 24 hours postoperatively. Taken together, our results indicate that-in the rat model-CLP-induced sepsis leads to impaired cardiac function. Furthermore, induction of the expression of mitochondrial function-related genes indicated that myocardial cell mitochondrial function was disrupted, further aggravating cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These results provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.

Poly{[4-(hydroxy)(tosyloxy)iodo]styrene}-promoted aromatisation of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines

Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines undergo smooth aromatisation on oxidation by poly{[4-(hydroxy)(tosyloxy)iodo] styrene} (PS-HTIB) in CH2Cl2 at room temperature to afford the corresponding pyridine derivatives in good yields. The polymeric reagent can be recycled and reused with no obvious loss of activity.

Senescent leaves of Artemisia annua are one of the most active organs for overexpression of artemisinin biosynthesis responsible genes upon burst of singlet oxygen

To dissect and penetrate complexicity regarding the tissue-specific and environment-induced expression modes of cytosolic and plastidial terpene biosynthetic genes in A. annua, corresponding mRNAs relevant to terpene biosynthesis were quantitatively compared among distinctive organs and during different growth stages. Although all examined mRNAs gradually elevate from June to August in tested organs, a putative artemisinin biosynthesis responsible DBR2 mRNA represents the most abundant transcript anyplace and anytime. Apart from others, senescent leaves endow global activation of artemisinin biosynthetic genes and ultimately lead to enhanced artemisinin production. Direct measurement of (1)O (2) burst from senescent leaves strongly supports an involvement of (1)O (2) in conversion from precursor(s) to artemisinin. In the context of environmental stresses, physical and chemical stress signals that include those invoking (1)O (2) burst were evaluated as if inducing artemisinin biosynthetic genes. The quantitative data have reiterated a common pattern of modulating artemisinin production in A. annua by triggering (1)O (2) burst during senescence and under chilling acclimatization. In conclusion, a missing link concatenating senescence-coupled (1)O (2) generation to (1)O (2)-induced upregulation of artemisinin biosynthetic genes has been re-established, which would provide a fertile base for future endeavors pursuing further enhancements of artemisinin production.

Delivery of formoterol from a novel multi-dose inhaler Airmax

Using a proprietary technology known as the X-ACT system--Active-metering, Cyclone-separator Technology, a novel multi-dose inhaler (Airmax) was developed to provide accurate and consistent dosing and a high-fine particle fraction ofthe drug. Formoterol, present as a blend with lactose monohydrate was delivered from Airmax to obtain a nominal formoterol dose of 6 or 12 microg. The devices were tested using a five-stage liquid impinger and a unit dose sampling apparatus, operated under conditions specified in European Pharmacopoeia (2000). Fine-particle dose (FPD) was defined as the dose of the aerosolized drug particles with an aerodynamic diameter < 5 microm and fine particle fraction (FPF) was the ratio of FPD to the total recovered dose. Dose per actuation was found to be 97.0+/-11.5% label claim (LC) or 5.8+/-0.7 microg (n = 140), and 100+/-9.4% LC or 12+/-1.1 microg (n=440), for the 6 and 12 microg strengths, respectively. The mass median aerodynamic diameter was 2.4+/-0.1 microm (n = 14), the geometric standard deviation 2.1+/-0.1 (n = 14), and FPF 44.4+/-24% (n= 14) for both strengths. Thus, the combination of active metering and cyclone separator produces highly consistent doses of formoterol that have a large respirable fraction.

Delivery of salbutamol and of budesonide from a novel multi-dose inhaler Airmax

A novel multi-dose inhaler has been developed to closely approach the characteristics of an "ideal" inhaler. The new device, Airmax, uses proprietary technologies known as the X-ACT system to provide accurate and consistent dosing and excellent lung deposition--even at low inspiratory flow rates--combined with ease of use by the patient. Dose delivery was close to label claim, with relative standard deviation of typically around 5% for through-life emitted mass and around 10% for dose per actuation. At a flow rate (60-70 l/min), which corresponds to 4 kPa pressure drop across the device, the mean fine particle (<5 microm) dose (FPD) from 100, 200 and 400 microg strength budesonide Airmax was around 46, 98 and 244 microg, respectively. The mean FPD from 100 microg strength salbutamol Airmax was approximately 50 microg at the same flow rate. At 30 l/min, the delivered dose from Airmax is over 85% label claim with fine particle fraction of over 35%. Performance was unaffected by shaking or orientation, provided the device was not used completely upside down, and priming was not required. There was no change in dose content uniformity and aerodynamic particle-size distribution after the devices have been stored unwrapped at 30 degrees C/60% RH up to 24 months. Airmax is robust, portable and intuitive to use.

Lactose as a carrier in dry powder formulations: the influence of surface characteristics on drug delivery

The aim of the study was to investigate the interdependence of carrier particle size, surface treatment of the carrier, and inclusion of fines on the drug delivery from dry power inhaler formulations. Two size fractions (< 63 and 63-90 microm) of alpha-lactose monohydrate were subjected to treatment with 95% (v/v) ethanol to introduce small asperities or cavities onto the otherwise smooth surface without substantially changing the particle shape. After blending with albuterol sulfate [ALB; volume median diameter (VMD), 1.9 microm; geometric standard deviation (GSD), 1.5], the solvent-treated lactose produced a fine particle fraction (FPF; < 6.18 microm) and dispersibility of the drug that was significantly (ANOVA p < 0.01) lower than that which resulted from formulations containing untreated lactose of a similar size fraction, after aerosolization at 60 L min(-1) via a Rotahaler. The two size fractions of the treated lactose resulted in similar deposition profiles of ALB. The effects of such surface asperities or cavities of lactose were offset by introducing a small amount (5% w/w) of smaller-sized lactose (5-10 microm) to the powder formulations. The fine lactose increased the FPF and dispersibility of ALB to such a level that all lactose batches, regardless of particle size or whether solvent treated, produced a similar fraction of aerosolized ALB. The inclusion of recrystallized needle lactose (5-15 microm) was superior to micronized lactose in improving the aerosolization of ALB. The findings of this study indicate that the presence and characteristics of the finer fraction of lactose carrier particles dominate over the particle size and surface smoothness of the carrier particles in determining dispersion and deaggregation of drugs from dry powder formulations for inhalation.

Effects of molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone on the glass transition and crystallization of co-lyophilized sucrose

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of molecular weight (MW) of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on glass transition and crystallization of sucrose. Thus, sucrose was co-lyophilized with 2.5 and 5.0% w/w PVP of different molecular weights, which were characterized using gel permeation chromatography. Freeze drying was carried out for 48 h at a shelf temperature of -40 degrees C and a pressure of about 36 Pa. The samples were then dried in a vacuum oven at 24 degrees C for 12 h before drying for a further 12 h at 40 degrees C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to measure the glass transition temperature (Tg), dynamic crystallization temperature (Tc) and isothermal crystallization induction time (tc) at 85 degrees C of sucrose. Isothermal water vapour sorption of each sample was also measured at different relative humidities. Tg values of sucrose varied from 48.3+/-0.8 degrees C for freeze-dried (FD) sucrose alone to 58.8+/-0.8 degrees C for the mixture containing 5.0% PVP of nominal MW 300 K. PVP increased sucrose T(g) significantly (ANOVA P<0.05). Although there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Tg of the mixtures containing 2.5% w/w PVP of different MW, samples with 5.0% PVP of MW 300 K produced a significantly higher (P<0.05) Tg than the other mixtures. All mixtures were shown to possess higher (P<0.01) Tc than FD sucrose alone, which exhibited a T(c) of approximately 85 degrees C. PVP of MW 300 K consistently induced a significantly (P<0.05) higher Tc of sucrose than PVP of smaller MW. Increasing PVP concentration from 2.5 to 5.0% also resulted in a substantial increase in sucrose Tc. Using isothermal water vapour absorption, sucrose tc was found to increase up to over 10 times when it was co-lyophilized with 2.5% PVP, the actual value of tc being dependent upon the MW of the PVP. For example, PVP of MW 300 K resulted in a sucrose tc at 85 degrees C (89.1-95.6 min), which was approximately seven times higher than that of 2.5% PVP of MW 24 or 40 K. A longer tc of sucrose was also observed for mixtures containing PVP of MW 300 K than when sucrose was mixed with PVP of smaller MW. Thus the effect of PVP on sucrose Tg, Tc and tc was found to be dependent upon MW. PVP of higher MW was more efficient in inhibiting sucrose crystallization and by stabilizing glassy structures of the sugar, these polymers may improve the stability of co-lyophilized proteins and peptides.

The use of different sugars as fine and coarse carriers for aerosolised salbutamol sulphate

The aim of this study was to investigate the dispersion and deaggregation of a model drug, salbutamol sulphate (SS), using lactose, mannitol or sorbitol as coarse and fine carriers. Binary and tertiary formulations containing micronised salbutamol sulphate (SS) and sieved (63-90 microm) coarse sugar crystals or salbutamol sulphate (SS) with a mixture of coarse and fine sugar particles were prepared. Factorial design was employed to investigate the effects of three variables, i.e. the chemical entity of the coarse sugar carrier, the chemical entity of the fine sugar and the concentration of fine sugar, on the dispersion and deaggregation of salbutamol sulphate after aerosolisation at 60 l/min via a Rotahaler(R) into a twin stage liquid impinger (TSI). The binary formulations containing the different sugar entities produced differences in the fine (<6.4 microm) particle fraction (FPF) of SS in a decreasing order of mannitol >sorbitol >lactose, but failed to produce efficient dispersion of SS since the FPF was <10%. Adding fine sugar particles and increasing their concentration to the binary mixtures generally resulted in an increase in the FPF of salbutamol sulphate. The chemical nature of the fine carriers was found to play a less important role in determining respirable fraction of the drug than the coarse carriers. In conclusion, other sugars such as mannitol or sorbitol, besides lactose, may be employed as coarse and/or fine carriers for incorporation into dry powder aerosol formulations to increase FPF.

The effects of carrier size and morphology on the dispersion of salbutamol sulphate after aerosolization at different flow rates

We have investigated the interdependence of various factors (particle size, surface smoothness, carrier particle shape, inhalation flow rate) on the deposition of a model drug (salbutamol sulphate) after aerosolization from a model inhaler device (Rotahaler). Different batches of alpha-lactose monohydrate were prepared to have different particle size, particle shape and surface smoothness. Each batch of lactose was then mixed separately with salbutamol sulphate in a ratio of 67.5 : 1 (w/w), under similar conditions. Drug deposition from each formulation was investigated using a 4-stage liquid impinger after aerosolization at 28.3, 60.0 and 96.0 L min(-1) via a Rotahaler. At a flow rate of 28.3 L min(-1), a large portion of drug particles was not emitted from the inhaler, the % emission varying from 29.6% to 66.6% for all formulations investigated. Drug emission tended to increase with particle size of the carrier whilst fine particle fraction, fine particle dose and dispersibility appeared to increase with decreasing particle size but increasing elongation ratio of the carrier particles. Increasing the flow rate to 60.0 L min(-1) was shown to increase drug emission since > 75% total dose was found to be emitted from the inhaler. Again, smaller or more elongated lactose particles resulted in a higher fine particle dose or fine particle fraction of salbutamol sulphate than the coarser carrier, although they produced a similar (analysis of variance P > 0.05) drug emission. Increasing the flow rate to 96.0 L min(-1) did not increase drug emission. Increasing the flow rate resulted in an increase in the fine particle fraction and fine particle dose of salbutamol sulphate from all formulations. The flow rate of the airstream appeared to play the most important role, followed by particle size and elongation ratio of the carrier particles, with the surface smoothness relatively less significant in determining the deposition of salbutamol sulphate from the Rotahaler.

Crystallization of lactose from carbopol gels

PURPOSE

To crystallize lactose under static conditions with a view to preparing crystals of well-defined morphology.

METHODS

et-Lactose monohydrate was crystallized from neutralized Carbopol 934 gels. When the majority of crystals had grown to maturity, the gels were acidified using diluted hydrochloric acid and the crystals were harvested by filtration or centrifugation and washed with ethanol-water mixtures.

RESULTS

Crystals prepared from the gel had a consistently narrower size distribution than control crystals, prepared from solution under constant stirring. If crystallization was effected in the gel without sedimentation of the crystals, then the resultant crystals had smooth surfaces without visually detectable surface roughness or asperities viewed by optical microscopy. The crystals from Carbopol gels also exhibited the uniform shape of an elongated tomahawk regardless of the crystallization conditions, in contrast to crystallization under constant stirring, where the crystal shape of lactose changed with crystallization conditions especially as a function of the initial concentration of lactose. All batches of lactose crystals prepared from Carbopol gels existed as alpha-lactose monohydrate, which showed better flowability than the controls of a similar particle size.

CONCLUSIONS

Crystallization from Carbopol gel produces lactose crystals of uniform size, regular shape, smooth surface, and improved flowability.

The influence of crystallization conditions on the morphology of lactose intended for use as a carrier for dry powder aerosols

Lactose has been widely used as a carrier for inhalation aerosols. The carrier morphology is believed to affect the delivery of the drug. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of crystallization conditions on the morphology of alpha-lactose monohydrate intended for use as the carrier for dry powder aerosols. The crystallization of lactose was carried out from aqueous solutions at different supersaturations, temperatures, different stages of crystallization and in the presence of different water-miscible organic solvents. The majority of lactose crystals were found to be either tomahawk-shaped or pyramidal after crystallization at an initial lactose concentration between 33-43% w/w, but these became prismatic if the lactose concentration was increased to 50% w/w. A further increase in the lactose concentration to 60% w/w led to the preparation of elongated cuboidal crystals. Higher initial lactose concentrations tended to result in the crystallization of more elongated particles. Crystallization at 40 degrees C was shown to prepare lactose crystals with a more regular shape and a smoother surface than those crystallized at 0 degrees C. Lactose particles generated during the later stage of crystallization were found to be more regular in shape with a smoother surface than those prepared in the earlier stage. The addition of 10% (v/v) methanol or ethanol or acetone to the mother liquor increased the growth rate of lactose particles whereas addition of propanol or glycerine inhibited the rate of crystal growth. Lactose crystals prepared in the presence of glycerine were more regularly shaped with a smoother surface than those prepared in the presence of ethanol or acetone. All the resultant crystals were shown to comprise alpha-lactose monohydrate. Lactose crystals could be prepared with a precisely defined morphology by means of carefully controlling the crystallization conditions.

The influence of carrier morphology on drug delivery by dry powder inhalers

Alpha-lactose monohydrate was prepared to have different morphological features but with similar particle size. The crystal shape and surface smoothness of lactose were quantified by a number of shape descriptors and these were supported qualitatively by the visual examination of scanning electron (SE) micrographs of the crystals. All batches of lactose were subjected to a similar history of processing before blending separately with micronised salbutamol sulphate (SS) in a ratio of 67.5:1, w/w, using similar procedures. In vitro deposition of SS from these formulations was investigated after aerosolisation of the formulations at 60 l min(-1) via the Rotahaler and the Cyclohaler into a twin stage liquid impinger. The formulations prepared using the different batches of lactose produced different deposition profiles of SS. The fine particle (< 6.4 microm) fraction (FPF) of aerosolised SS varied from 12.6 +/- 2.4 to 25.6 +/- 1.5% after aerosolisation from the Cyclohaler whilst it changed from 15.0 +/- 2.2 to 24.4 +/- 0.8% after aerosolisation from the Rotahaler. The fine particle dose (FPD) and dispersibility of SS followed a similar trend to the change in the FPF of the drug. No significant difference (ANOVA P > 0.05) was observed for the deposition profiles of SS after aerosolisation from the Rotahaler and the Cyclohaler. The FPF and dispersibility of SS increased with either the surface smoothness (P < 0.01) or elongation ratio (P < 0.01) of lactose crystals. The t-ratio values of FPF and dispersibility of SS generated by changes in the surface smoothness were similar to those resulting from changes in elongation ratio. Increasing either the surface smoothness or the elongation ratio of lactose crystals will increase the potentially respirable fraction of SS from dry powder formulations for inhalation.

The influence of lactose carrier on the content homogeneity and dispersibility of beclomethasone dipropionate from dry powder aerosols

Dry powder formulations for inhalation usually comprise a mixture of coarse lactose (CL), employed as a carrier, and micronized drug. It was the aim of this study to determine the effects of fine lactose (FL), blended as a tertiary component on the mixing homogeneity and dispersibility of a model hydrophobic drug, beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP). BDP particles (volume median diameter (VMD) 4.6 microm) existed mainly as agglomerates, the majority of which were not dispersed into primary particles after aerosolization at a high shear force (4.7 psi). The resultant particle size distribution of BDP was multi-modal with VMD varying between 4.7 and 30.2 microm. Ternary interactive mixtures were prepared to consist of CL, FL and BDP with a fixed ratio of lactose to BDP of 67.5:1 w/w, but two concentrations of FL, i.e. 2.5 and 5%, w/w. The mixing was carried out using different sequences of adding the three components for two mixing times (15 and 60 min). Binary mixtures composed of CL and BDP were prepared for both mixing times as the controls, and these exhibited a coefficient of variation (COV) in BDP content <= 5%. Addition of FL to the binary formulations greatly reduced the content uniformity of BDP if the final powder were prepared by first mixing CL with FL before mixing with the drug (COV>20%, after mixing for 15 min). However, the mixtures, prepared using other mixing sequences, had a similar uniformity of BDP content to the binary mixtures. All ternary mixtures containing 2.5% FL consistently produced a significantly higher (ANOVA P<0.01) fine particle fraction (FPF, 3.1--6.1%) and fine particle dose (FPD, 13.6--30.1 microg) of BDP than the binary mixtures (FPF, 0.3-0.4%; FPD, 1.6-2.1 microg) after aerosolization at 60 l min(-1) via a Rotahaler into a twin stage liquid impinger. The mixing sequences exerted a significant (P<0.05) effect on the dispersion and deaggregation of BDP from the formulations prepared using a mixing time of 15 min but such an effect disappeared when the mixing time was lengthened to 60 min. The dispersibility of BDP was always higher from the ternary mixtures than from the binary mixtures. BDP delivery from dry powder inhalers was improved markedly by adding FL to the formulation, without substantial reduction in the content uniformity of the drug.

The use of different grades of lactose as a carrier for aerosolised salbutamol sulphate

Five different grades of lactose namely, anhydrous lactose, medium lactose, regular lactose, lactose crystals and foremost lactose were fractionated under similar conditions to obtain a size range of 63-90 microm and were characterised using laser diffraction and time-of-flight particle sizing techniques, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy image analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Each of these lactose fractions were then blended separately with micronised salbutamol sulphate in a ratio of 67.5:1 (w/w). The mixing uniformity and percentage recovery of salbutamol sulphate in the powder blends were analysed using a validated HPLC method. The deposition profiles of the drug were determined using a 5-stage liquid impinger after aerosolisation at 60 l min(-1) via a Rotahaler. Despite the identical processing conditions, the lactose fractions were shown to differ in particle size, size distribution and concentrations of fine particles. The particles from each fraction also exhibited different surface textures and dissimilar DSC thermograms. However, all the blends of the lactose with salbutamol sulphate were found to have a relatively high uniformity of salbutamol sulphate content, as suggested by a coefficient of variation of less than 3.2%. Anhydrous and medium lactose produced a more efficient delivery of salbutamol sulphate when aerosolised from the Rotahaler in comparison to other grades of lactose. For example, the fine particle fraction (FPF) and fine particle dose (FPD) of drug from formulations containing anhydrous lactose were 13.4+/-4.2% and 57.3+/-17.6 microg, respectively, which were approximately two times higher than the respective values of the formulation containing regular lactose. Medium lactose resulted in drug FPF (7. 9+/-2.7%) and FPD (32.4+/-11.8 microg), which were significantly (ANOVA P<0.05) higher than the same parameters obtained using lactose crystals, foremost lactose and regular lactose. More efficient drug delivery from anhydrous lactose may be partly attributed to the relatively higher concentration of fine lactose in this grade of carrier, although it showed a rougher surface than the other grades of lactose. However, the relatively high FPF of the drug from medium lactose may have been due to the relatively small mean particle size and smooth surface of the particles. Therefore, the source and grade of lactose may have a substantial effect on drug delivery from dry powder inhaler formulations and care should be taken in establishing appropriate quality control parameters when selecting an appropriate grade of carrier.

Effects of particle size and adding sequence of fine lactose on the deposition of salbutamol sulphate from a dry powder formulation

Ternary mixtures composed of coarse lactose (CL) (90.8 microm), salbutamol sulphate (SS) (5.8 microm) and either micronised lactose (ML) (5 microm) or intermediate sized lactose (IML) (15.9 microm) in a ratio of 66.5:1:1 w/w were prepared using different mixing sequences of the various components. In addition, a binary mixture composed of CL and SS (67.5:1 w/w) was also prepared as the control. The in vitro deposition of SS was measured using a twin stage impinger after aerosolisation at 60 and 90 l min-1 via a Rotahaler. The aerodynamic particle size distribution of both the aerosolised SS and lactose was further analysed using an Andersen cascade impactor at 60 l min-1. All ternary mixtures produced a significantly higher (analysis of variance, P<0.01) fine particle fraction (FPF) and fine particle dose (FPD) of SS than the control after aerosolisation at either 60 or 90 l min-1. Formulations containing the ML produced significantly (P<0.05) higher FPF and FPD of SS than those containing the IML at both aerosolisation flow rates. Different mixing sequences were also shown to result in different deposition profiles of both SS and lactose after aerosolisation of the ternary mixtures containing ML at 60 l min-1. The formulation prepared by first blending ML with CL before mixing with SS produced a higher FPF and FPD of SS but a lower FPF of lactose than the same formulation in terms of composition but prepared using different mixing orders of the three components. In contrast, the formulations containing IML produced a similar deposition profile to SS, regardless of the mixing sequences, and so did the formulations containing ML aerosolised at 90 l min-1. These results suggest that the effect of mixing sequences on drug deposition may become more prominent at lower aerosolisation flow rates and by reducing the size of any added fine lactose.

[Evaluation of detecting 9 tumor markers in serum for diagnosis of primary liver cancer]

Nine tumor markers in serum including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), r-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT), total sialic acid (TSA), ferritin (Ft), ceruloplasmin (CP), LDH isoenzymes and GGT isoenzymes were used for differential diagnosis of primary liver cancer. Of 5 measurement data tested by statistics, CP and TSA were close to normal distribution (P > 0.1), GGT, LDH and alpha 1-AT showed skewness distribution or to be close to normal distribution with in transformation (P > 0.1). The results indicated that the determination of the cut-off value should depend on the statistical distribution of data. Analysis of single and dual-combination tests as well as triple analysis with sequential progressive screening had been performed to evaluate the predictive value of clinical diagnosis, i.e. the sensitivity, the specificity and the correct diagnosis efficiency. Three predictive values of a single test were lower than what clinical diagnosis raqvest. The dual-combination tests had higher specificity but a lower sensitivity. For triple analysis with sequential progressive screening among the liver cancer group (n = 23), the related disease group (n = 44) and the healthy individuals group (n = 40), the correct diagnosis efficiency was 95%, 97.3% and 100%, respectively. This suggests that the method described here has potential value in clinical practice.

[Relationship between HBcAg in the liver and mechanisms of chronic type B hepatitis HBVM in serum]

We detected the presence and distribution of HBcAg in the liver by immunohistochemistry (ABC method) and the presence of HBV-DNA in serum (spot hybridization) and anti-HBe in serum (ELISA) from 59 cases of hepatitis B hospitalized in our hospital, including 47 cases of CAH, 5 cases of CPH, and 7 cases of subacute fulminant hepatitis. 1. HBcAg in the liver was detected in 25 out of 47 cases (53%) of CAH, in 2 out of 5 cases of CPH and in 4 out of 7 cases of subacute fulminant hepatitis. The total percentage was 53% (31/59). 2. There was no positive correlation between HBV replication activity and liver disease activity (P greater than 0.05). Our results did not support the hypothesis that suggests a direct cytopathic effect of HBV. Oppositely, the fact was that the presence, the amount and the patterns of HBcAg in the liver, and the presence of HBV-DNA in serum were predominant in mild CAH compared with those in severe CAH, predominant in CAH without cirrhosis compared with those in CAH with cirrhosis. There was a tendency of inverse correlation between HBV replication activity and liver disease activity. The results above were in line with the concept that HBcAg expressed on the surface of infected hepatocytes may be relevant target for T lymphocyte cytotoxicity. The results have suggested that an immune response to HBV is present, leading to the destruction of most infected cells. 3. There was a positive correlation between HBV-DNA in serum and HBcAg in the liver (P less than 0.005), indicating that HBV-DNA in serum can represent HBV replication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)