Clinical, epidemiologic, and virologic features of dengue in the 1998 epidemic in Nicaragua

From July to December 1998, a hospital- and health center-based surveillance system for dengue was established at selected sites in Nicaragua to better define the epidemiology of this disease. Demographic and clinical information as well as clinical laboratory results were obtained, and virus isolation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and serologic assays were performed. World Health Organization criteria were used to classify disease severity; however, a number of patients presented with signs of shock in the absence of thrombocytopenia or hemoconcentration. Therefore, a new category was designated as "dengue with signs associated with shock" (DSAS). Of 1,027 patients enrolled in the study, 614 (60%) were laboratory-confirmed as positive cases; of these, 268 (44%) were classified as dengue fever (DF); 267 (43%) as DF with hemorrhagic manifestations (DFHem); 40 (7%) as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF); 20 (3%) as dengue shock syndrome (DSS); and 17 (3%) as DSAS. Interestingly, secondary infection was not significantly correlated with DHF/DSS, in contrast to previous studies in Southeast Asia. DEN-3 was responsible for the majority of cases, with a minority due to DEN-2; both serotypes contributed to severe disease. As evidenced by the analysis of this epidemic, the epidemiology of dengue can differ according to geographic region and viral serotype.

Mg,Al layered double hydroxides with intercalated indomethacin: Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological study

Magnesium aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH) with a molar Mg/Al ratio of 2.0 have been prepared with intercalated indomethacin following two routes: reconstruction from a previously calcined Mg(2)Al-CO(3) LDH, and coprecipitation from the corresponding chlorides. The solids have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and (13)C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopies and thermal stability (differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis). Intercalation of the drug is attained by both routes; however, while coprecipitation leads to a single layered structure, contamination with another layered MgAl-CO(3) phase occurs by the reconstruction method. The amount of drug intercalated, as well as the height of the gallery, are larger by the coprecipitation than by the reconstruction one. The data obtained support a somewhat tilted, upwards orientation of the drug molecules forming an interdigited bilayer, in the case of the sample prepared by coprecipitation, with the carboxylate groups pointing towards the hydroxyl layers. However, in the case of the sample prepared by reconstruction, the molecules are forming a tilted, upwards monolayer. The solids prepared are stable up to 250 degrees C. Pharmacological studies in vivo show that intercalation of the drug in the LDH reduces the ulcerating damage of the drug.

Epicardial adipose tissue is an independent predictor of coronary atherosclerotic burden

INTRODUCTION

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may play an active role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this work was to study the relations between EAT, abdominal visceral fat (AVF), and coronary atherosclerotic burden as assessed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT).

POPULATION AND METHODS

Two hundred fifteen patients without known CAD referred to 64-SCT during a 6-months period were included. All patients underwent a standardized protocol including quantification of AVF, EAT, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and coronary angiography by MSCT.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifteen patients, with mean age of 58 ± 11 years, in which 61% were males, with mean body mass index (BMI) of 28 ± 4 kg/m(2) were included. EAT volume was directly associated with male sex, age, BMI, abdominal circumference, AVF, number of coronary segments with atherosclerotic plaques (p<0.01 for all), number of segments with significant stenoses, and presence of metabolic syndrome components (p<0.05). CAC increased by 14.7% per additional 10 ml of EAT volume. Adjusting for age, gender, and AVF changed this increase to 7.5%. After adjusting for all considered confounders, there was still an independent association, with a CAC increase of 3.7% per additional 10 ml of EAT. A significant interaction was found between EAT volume and gender and between EAT volume and obesity: an increase of EAT was associated with an increase of additional 8% of CAC in men, and additional increase of 5% in non-obese individuals (p<0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

EAT volume positively relates to coronary atherosclerotic burden, as assessed by CAC; this correlation was shown to be independent of AVF.

All-in-one optical heater-thermometer nanoplatform operative from 300 to 2000 k based on Er(3+) emission and blackbody radiation

A single nanoplatform integrating laser-induced heat generation by gold nanoparticles and temperature sensing up to 2000 K via (Gd,Yb,Er)2 O3 nanorods is demonstrated, which presents considerable potential for nanoscale photonics and biomedicine. Blackbody emission is ascertained from the temperature increment with AuNP concentration, emission color coordinates as a function of the laser pump power, and Planck's law of blackbody radiation.

Novel microporous europium and terbium silicates

The synthesis and structural characterization of the first examples of microporous europium(III) and terbium(III) silicates (Na(4)K(2)X(2)Si(16)O(38) x 10H(2)O, X = Eu, Tb) are reported. The structure of these solids was solved by powder X-ray diffraction ab initio (direct) methods and further characterized by chemical analysis (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (23)Na and (29)Si magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR, and luminescence spectroscopy. Both materials display interesting photoluminescence properties and present potential for applications in optoelectronics. This work illustrates the possibility of combining in a given silicate microporosity and optical activity.

Determination of the degree of acetylation of chitin materials by 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy

13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool to quantify the degree of acetylation of chitin and chitosan. In order to optimise the parameters which afford quantitative 13C cross-polarisation magic-angle spinning NMR spectra, a detailed relaxation study has been carried out on selected chitin and deacetylated chitin samples. A relaxation delay of 5 s and a contact time of 1 ms have been found to yield quantitative NMR spectra of samples with deacetylation degree values of 0.68 and 0.16. The measured spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T(1rhoH), are in the range 6.4-8.9 ms for chitin and 4.3-7.3 ms for deacetylated chitin, while TCH values for both samples are very similar and range from 0.03 to 0.19 ms. Spin-counting experiments indicate that, within experimental error, all carbon is detected by NMR indicating that the samples studied contain no (or very few) paramagnetic centres.

Pancreatitis and primary hyperparathyroidism: forty cases

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in 1.5-7% of cases. The relationship of cause and effect between the two diseases has been debated.

METHODS

To evaluate this relationship, the clinical, biochemical and pathological data on 1435 patients operated on for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) over the past 30 years were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 1224 of these patients had biologically proven and cured PHPT and 211 patients had renal HPT (RHPT). The diagnosis of pancreatitis (PTS) was based on a high serum amylase level and/or abnormalities on ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan explorations. Only patients without biliary stones were included in the PTS group associated with HPT.

RESULTS

A total of 3.2% (n = 40) of patients with PHPT had PTS, which was acute in 18 cases, subacute in 8 cases and chronic in 14 cases. This rate of PTS is higher than in a random hospital population. Surgical cure of HPT was followed by the spontaneous healing of 17/18 acute PTS, whereas six of the 22 patients with subacute or chronic PTS developed complications due to the evolution of their disease (diabetes, pancreatic duct stenosis treated by surgery). A single diseased gland was found in 27 patients with PTS, which is in favour of primary parathyroid disease, being responsible for, and not a consequence of, PTS. Only the serum calcium (13.0 vs 12.1 g/dL) level was significantly increased in PHPT patients with PTS, when compared to those without PTS. The calcium level is probably of major importance in the development of PTS, which was never encountered in 211 patients with RHPT, who had low calcium and high PTH levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that (i) the PTS-PHPT association is not incidental; (ii) PTS is the consequence and not the cause of PHPT; (iii) hypercalcaemia seems to be a major factor in the development of PTS in PHPT patients; and (iv) cure of PHPT leads to the healing of acute PTS, whereas it does not affect the evolution of subacute and chronic PTS.

Controlling hydrolysis and dispersion of AlN powders in aqueous media

Aqueous suspensions of aluminum nitride (AlN) powders have been prepared in the presence of different surface-active agents, namely, H3PO4 and an anionic surfactant, to avoid the hydrolysis of AlN powders and to enhance dispersion. The most determinant parameters to the hydrolysis process (DeltapH and time of contact) and the stabilization of AlN particles in water (surface crystallinity, surface chemical modification, and surface ionic charge) were seen to be strongly dependent on the acidic agent. The H3PO4 treatment was effective against hydrolysis of AlN due to the formation of a phosphate-based protection layer on the particles' surface, and, although it keeps the pH of the suspension below 4, it does not guarantee a good dispersion. The individual adsorption of the anionic surfactant at the surface of AlN particles suspensions did not completely suppress the hydrolysis but it did enhance the degree of dispersion. A proper combination of the two types of surface-active agents enabled the preparation of AlN aqueous suspensions of relatively low viscosity and high AlN concentration, which can be a good starting point for aqueous-based colloidal shaping techniques or for freeze granulation or spray drying to obtain suitable granulate powder characteristics for dry-pressing technologies. An adsorption mechanism of the surface-active agents onto the particles' surface is proposed and supported by NMR and FT-IR analyses.

Protective effects of hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oil in animal models of acute inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis

Virgin olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, and its beneficial health effects have been related with oleic acid and phenolic compounds content. Hydroxytyrosol, a typical virgin olive oil phenolic compound, has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as previously reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oil at 0.5 and 5 mg/kg in a rodent model of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by intradermic administration, in male Wistar rats, of Freund's adjuvant with collagen type II on days 1 and 21. Hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oils were administrated by gavage from day 23 until day 35. The treatment at 5-mg/kg dose significantly decreased paw edema (P<.01), histological damage, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and markedly reduced the degree of bone resorption, soft tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, improving articular function in treated animals. Acute inflammation, induced by carrageenan, was also evaluated for hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oils at 0.5 and 5 mg/kg. Both doses significantly reduced paw edema (P<.001). Our results suggest that the supplementation of refined olive oil with hydroxytyrosol may be advantageous in rheumatoid arthritis with significant impact not only on chronic inflammation but also on acute inflammatory processes.

A 13C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of cork cell wall structure: the effect of suberin removal

Solid state 13C NMR measurements of cork, before and after suberin removal, showed that aliphatic suberin is spatially separated from carbohydrate and lignin and experiences higher motional freedom. Two types of chain methylenes, differing in chemical shift and in dynamic properties, were identified in aliphatic suberin. Experimental evidence indicated that the more motionally hindered methylenes are those situated nearer the linkages of aliphatic suberin to the cell wall. These linkages were shown to involve -CH2O- groups, probably engaged in ester linkages to phenylpropane units and carbohydrate C6 carbons. Spectral intensity changes indicated that, during the first steps of alkaline desuberization, these linkages are broken and the shorter aliphatic suberin chains removed. Longer chains require hydrolysis of the ester linkages within the chains and are removed upon stronger alkaline treatment. T1(C), T1 rho (H) and T1 rho (C) relaxation times have shown that the removal of suberin from cork leads to a motionally restricted and more compact environment, on the megahertz and mid-kilohertz timescales. The properties of cork suberin showed that suberin organization in cork is distinct from that in potato tissue.

Effect of opicapone and entacapone upon levodopa pharmacokinetics during three daily levodopa administrations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Opicapone is a novel third generation catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor. The purpose of this study was to compare the levodopa pharmacokinetic profile throughout a day driven by the COMT inhibition either following repeated doses of opicapone or concomitant administration with entacapone.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, gender-balanced, parallel-group study was performed in 4 groups of 20 healthy subjects each. Four subjects in each group received placebo during the entire study. Sixteen subjects in one group received placebo once daily for 11 days and on day 12, 200 mg entacapone concomitantly with each levodopa/carbidopa dose (three times separated by a 5-h interval). Sixteen subjects in each of the remaining three groups received respectively 25, 50, and 75 mg opicapone once daily for 11 days and on day 12, placebo concomitantly with each levodopa/carbidopa dose.

RESULTS

Levodopa minimum plasma concentration (Cmin) for each levodopa/carbidopa dose and for the mean of all levodopa/carbidopa doses increased substantially with all active treatments (entacapone and opicapone) when compared to the control group (placebo), with values ranging from 1.7-fold (200 mg entacapone) to 3.3-fold (75 mg opicapone). No statistical difference was found for levodopa peak of systemic exposure (as assessed by maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax)) between all active treatments and placebo. A significant increase in the levodopa extent of systemic exposure (as assessed by concentration-time curve (AUC)) occurred with all opicapone treatments in relation to placebo. No statistical difference was found for levodopa AUC when entacapone was compared to placebo. When compared to entacapone, both 50 and 75 mg opicapone presented a significant increase for the levodopa AUC. All active treatments significantly inhibited both peak (as assessed by Emax) and extent (as assessed by effect-time curve (AUEC)) of the COMT activity in relation to placebo. When compared to entacapone, all opicapone treatments significantly decreased the extent (AUEC) of the COMT activity due to a long-lasting and sustained effect. The tolerability profile was favorable for all active treatments.

CONCLUSION

Opicapone, a novel third generation COMT inhibitor, when compared to entacapone, provides a superior response upon the bioavailability of levodopa associated to more pronounced, long-lasting, and sustained COMT inhibition. The tolerability profile was favorable. On the basis of the results presented in this study and along with the earlier pharmacology studies, it is anticipated that opicapone adjunct therapy at the dosages of 25 and 50 mg will provide an enhancement in levodopa availability that will translate into clinical benefit for Parkinson's disease patients.

(MeLi)4(dem)1.5]infinity] and [(thf)3Li3M3[(NtBu)3S--how to reduce aggregation of parent methyllithium

Organolithium compounds play the leading role among the organometallic reagents in synthesis and in industrial processes. Up to date industrial application of methyllithium is limited because it is only soluble in diethyl ether, which amplifies various hazards in large-scale processes. However, most reactions require polar solvents like diethyl ether or THF to disassemble parent organolithium oligomers. If classical bidentate donor solvents like TMEDA (TMEDA= N,N,N',N'tetramethyl-1,2-ethanediamine) or DME (DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane) are added to methyllithium, tetrameric units are linked to form polymeric arrays that suffer from reduced reactivity and/or solubility. In this paper we present two different approaches to tune methyllithium aggregation. In [[(MeLi)4(dem)1,5)infinity] (1; DEM = EtOCH2OEt, diethoxymethane) a polymeric architecture is maintained that forms microporous soluble aggregates as a result of the rigid bite of the methylene-bridged bidentate donor base DEM. Wide channels of 720 pm in diameter in the structure maintain full solubility as they are coated with lipophilic ethyl groups and filled with solvent. In compound 1 the long-range Li3CH3...Li interactions found in solid [[(MeLi)4]infinity] are maintained. A different approach was successful in the disassembly of the tetrameric architecture of [((MeLi)4]infinity]. In the reaction of dilithium triazasulfite both the parent [(MeLi)4] tetramer and the [[Li2[(NtBu)3S]]2] dimer disintegrate and recombine to give an MeLi monomer stabilized in the adduct complex [(thf)3Li3Me-[(NtBu)3S]] (2). One side of the Li3 triangle, often found in organolithium chemistry, is shielded by the tripodal triazasulfite, while the other face is mu3-capped by the methanide anion. This Li3 structural motif is also present in organolithium tetramers and hexamers. All single-crystal structures have been confirmed through solid-state NMR experiments to be the same as in the bulk powder material.

Effectiveness of opicapone and switching from entacapone in fluctuating Parkinson disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of opicapone as add-on to levodopa and the effects of switching from entacapone over 1 year of treatment in patients with fluctuating Parkinson disease.

METHODS

After completion of a placebo- and entacapone-controlled double-blind study of opicapone (5, 25, or 50 mg), 495 patients continued to a 1-year extension phase in which patients were treated with opicapone. Patients began with once-daily opicapone 25 mg for 1 week, followed by individually tailored levodopa and/or opicapone dose adjustments. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline in absolute "off" time based on patient diaries. Other outcomes included proportion of responders, scale-based assessments, and standard safety assessments.

RESULTS

One year of treatment with opicapone reduced "off" time by a half-hour (33.8 minutes) vs the open-label baseline and >2 hours (126.9 minutes) vs the double-blind baseline. Whereas patients who were originally treated with opicapone 50 mg in the double-blind phase maintained their efficacy, switching treatments led to further decreases in "off" time (-64.9, -39.3, -27.5, and -23.0 minutes for switching from placebo, entacapone, and opicapone 5 and 25 mg, respectively). Dyskinesia was the most frequently reported adverse event (14.5%) and was managed by adjustment of dopaminergic therapy. No new safety concerns were observed with long-term opicapone administration.

CONCLUSION

Long-term use of opicapone provided sustained efficacy over 1 year. Switching from entacapone to opicapone led to enhanced efficacy under the conditions of the study.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with Parkinson disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations, long-term use (52 weeks) of opicapone is well tolerated and reduces "off" time.

Patterns of haplotype diversity within the serpin gene cluster at 14q32.1: insights into the natural history of the alpha1-antitrypsin polymorphism

The levels of haplotype diversity associated with different alpha1-antitrypsin (PI) alleles were assessed by the analysis of three microsatellites located within or close to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), alpha1-antitrypsin [PI-(TG)n] and protein C inhibitor [PCI-(TG)n] loci in three populations with different historic backgrounds: Portugal, the Basque Country and São Tomé Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea). Unlike the more distant PCI-(TG)n repeat, allelic variation at PI-(TG)n reflected distinct phases of mutational recovery of microsatellite diversity around different founder alleles and showed a considerable differentiation between alpha1-antitrypsin protein variants. In accordance with population history, the Basque sample presented overall reduced levels of microsatellite variation. The African sample, although presenting the highest PCI-(TG)n diversity, showed a lineage-specific reduction in PI-(TG)n heterozygosity within the oldest M1Ala213 variant that could have been caused by (1) selection at a closely linked locus or (2) biases in the microsatellite mutation process leading to a stable equilibrium distribution. Age estimates of alpha1-antitrypsin variants based on microsatellite variation suggest that the Z deficiency allele appeared 107-135 generations ago and could have been spread in Neolithic times. The S mutation has an older 279- to 470-generation age, indicating that its high frequencies in Iberia did not result from a recent bottleneck and that PI*S could have originated in this region. M2 and M3 types had lower age estimates than would be expected from their wide geographical distributions, suggesting that their dispersion in Europe might have been preceded by important bottlenecks.

13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared studies of the thermal decomposition of cork

The thermal decomposition of cork has been studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning (CP-MAS), high-power 1H decoupling (HPDEC) and cross-polarization depolarization-polarization (CPDP). Waxes and other soluble components of cork begin to decompose at ca. 150 degrees C. This is accompanied by partial decomposition of suberin, probably initiated at the points of attachment to the cell wall. The carbohydrates begin to decompose at ca. 200 degrees C. The decomposition of lignin begins at 250-300 degrees C, while suberin undergoes further degradation. Significant amounts of coke are formed in the process. At 400 degrees C cork has been transformed into coke with traces of partially decomposed suberin. The thermal decomposition of cork is dependent on the calcination time, particularly in the 200-350 degrees C range.

Alginate films containing Lactobacillus plantarum as wound dressing for prevention of burn infection

The topical application of lactobacilli is receiving attention for the prevention of superficial skin and burn wound infections. We studied the properties of Lactobacillus plantarum immobilized in calcium alginate films and investigated the antibacterial activity of these films in a model burn wound in rats. A multiresistant clinical isolate, VIM-2-metallo-β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was used as the indicator strain. Films incorporating L. plantarum at cell concentrations of 10(8)cfu/mL caused a reduction of 5-6 log(10) in P. aeruginosa in the model burn wounds. L. plantarum immobilized in freeze-dried calcium alginate films remained viable during six months of storage at 4 °C.

Effectiveness and safety of opicapone in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations: the OPTIPARK open-label study

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of opicapone, a once-daily catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor, have been established in two large randomized, placebo-controlled, multinational pivotal trials. Still, clinical evidence from routine practice is needed to complement the data from the pivotal trials.

METHODS

OPTIPARK (NCT02847442) was a prospective, open-label, single-arm trial conducted in Germany and the UK under clinical practice conditions. Patients with Parkinson's disease and motor fluctuations were treated with opicapone 50 mg for 3 (Germany) or 6 (UK) months in addition to their current levodopa and other antiparkinsonian treatments. The primary endpoint was the Clinician's Global Impression of Change (CGI-C) after 3 months. Secondary assessments included Patient Global Impressions of Change (PGI-C), the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8), and the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). Safety assessments included evaluation of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs).

RESULTS

Of the 506 patients enrolled, 495 (97.8%) took at least one dose of opicapone. Of these, 393 (79.4%) patients completed 3 months of treatment. Overall, 71.3 and 76.9% of patients experienced any improvement on CGI-C and PGI-C after 3 months, respectively (full analysis set). At 6 months, for UK subgroup only (n = 95), 85.3% of patients were judged by investigators as improved since commencing treatment. UPDRS scores at 3 months showed statistically significant improvements in activities of daily living during OFF (mean ± SD change from baseline: - 3.0 ± 4.6, p < 0.0001) and motor scores during ON (- 4.6 ± 8.1, p < 0.0001). The mean ± SD improvements of - 3.4 ± 12.8 points for PDQ-8 and -6.8 ± 19.7 points for NMSS were statistically significant versus baseline (both p < 0.0001). Most of TEAEs (94.8% of events) were of mild or moderate intensity. TEAEs considered to be at least possibly related to opicapone were reported for 45.1% of patients, with dyskinesia (11.5%) and dry mouth (6.5%) being the most frequently reported. Serious TEAEs considered at least possibly related to opicapone were reported for 1.4% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Opicapone 50 mg was effective and generally well-tolerated in PD patients with motor fluctuations treated in clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in July 2016 at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02847442).

Ab initio structure determination of a small-pore framework sodium stannosilicate

The structure of a small-pore framework sodium stannosilicate Na(2)SnSi(3)O(9).2H(2)O (AV-10) has been determined ab initio from powder X-ray diffraction data (XRD). The unit cell is orthorhombic (space group C222(1), Z = 4) with cell dimensions a = 7.9453(5), b = 10.3439(7), c = 11.6252(7) A, V = 955 A(3). The structure of AV-10 is composed of corner sharing SnO(6) octahedra and SiO(4) tetrahedra, forming a three-dimensional framework structure. The SiO(4) tetrahedra form helix chains along [001] interconnected by SnO(6) octahedra. The SnO(6) octahedra are isolated by SiO(4) tetrahedra and, thus, there are no Sn-O-Sn linkages. AV-10 has been characterized by chemical analysis, powder XRD, scanning electron microscopy, (29)Si, (119)Sn, single- and (FAM) triple-quantum (23)Na MAS NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The zeolitic water of AV-10 is reversibly lost. The dehydrated material has been studied in situ by powder XRD, TGA, and, in particular, triple-quantum (23)Na MAS NMR.

Influence of Conditioning Time of Universal Adhesives on Adhesive Properties and Enamel-Etching Pattern

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of application protocol in resin-enamel microshear bond strength (μSBS), in situ degree of conversion, and etching pattern of three universal adhesive systems.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Sixty-three extracted third molars were sectioned in four parts (buccal, lingual, and proximals) and divided into nine groups, according to the combination of the main factors-Adhesive (Clearfil Universal, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc, Tokyo, Japan; Futurabond U, VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany; and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA)-and enamel treatment/application time (etch-and-rinse mode [ER], self-etch [SE] application for 20 seconds [SE20], and SE application for 40 seconds [SE40]). Specimens were stored in water (37°C/24 h) and tested at 1.0 mm/min (μSBS). The degree of conversion of the adhesives at the resin-enamel interfaces was evaluated using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The enamel-etching pattern was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

In general, the application of the universal adhesives in the SE40 produced μSBS and degree of conversion that were higher than in the SE20 (p<0.01) and similar to the ER mode. The deepest enamel-etching pattern was obtained in the ER mode, followed by the SE40.

CONCLUSIONS

The active and prolonged application of universal adhesives in the SE mode may be a viable alternative to increase the degree of conversion, etching pattern, and resin-enamel bond strength.

Pharmacokinetic interaction study between eslicarbazepine acetate and topiramate in healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE

Combination therapy is frequently required in the management of epilepsy. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction between eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) 1200 mg once daily and topiramate (TPM) 200 mg once daily in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Multiple-dose, open-label, one-sequence study in two parallel groups of 16 healthy male volunteers. After an 8-day treatment with ESL (Group A) or TPM (Group B), ESL and TPM were co-administered for 19 days. A bioequivalence approach based on a within-subject comparison was used to investigate a potential drug-drug interaction. End/start of treatment geometric mean ratios (GMR, %) and 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) were calculated for maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve over the dosing interval at steady-state (AUC(ss)) of eslicarbazepine (ESL major active metabolite), R-licarbazepine (ESL minor active metabolite) and TPM at Day 8 and Day 27.

RESULTS

In Group A, eslicarbazepine GMR (90% CI) was 86.79% (81.06%; 92.94%) for C(max) and 92.70% (89.21%; 96.32%) for AUC(ss). In Group B, TPM GMR (90% CI) was 81.50% (77.48%; 85.89%) for C(max) and 81.81% (79.69%; 84.00%) for AUC(ss). The 90% CI of eslicarbazepine C(max) and AUC(ss) fell within the pre-specified bioequivalence range (80.00%; 125.00%), allowing it to be concluded that the extent of systemic exposure to eslicarbazepine was unaffected by the concomitant administration of TPM. The 90% CI for topiramate AUC(ss) was borderline in relation to the pre-specified bioequivalence range and topiramate C(max) fell outside the pre-specified bioequivalence range. Therefore, the extent of systemic exposure to TPM following co-administration with ESL was not formally bioequivalent to the extent of systemic exposure to TPM when TPM was administered alone. However, there was no difference between TPM elimination half-life following TPM co-administered with ESL and TPM administered alone (24.0 and 24.3 h, respectively). The bioavailability of R-licarbazepine was essentially bioequivalent. Two subjects discontinued due to adverse events. No clinical interaction appeared to be present in terms of adverse events when both drugs were given concomitantly.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant administration of eslicarbazepine acetate 1200 mg once daily and topiramate 200 mg once daily showed no significant change in exposure to eslicarbazepine but an 18% decrease in exposure to topiramate, most likely caused by a reduced bioavailability of topiramate. No dose adjustment is required.

Chemical characterization of a red raspberry fruit extract and evaluation of its pharmacological effects in experimental models of acute inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis

Berries are an important dietary source of fibres, vitamins, minerals and some biologically active non-nutrients. A red raspberry fruit extract was characterized in terms of phenolic content and the anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects were evaluated in two experimental models of inflammation. The antioxidant potential of the extract, the cellular antioxidant activity and the effects over neutrophils' oxidative burst were also studied to provide a mechanistic insight for the anti-inflammatory effects observed. The extract was administered in a dose of 15 mg kg(-1), i.p. and significantly inhibited paw oedema formation in the rat. The same dose was administered via i.p. and p.o. routes in the collagen-induced arthritis model in the rat. The extract showed pharmacological activity and was able to significantly reduce the development of clinical signs of arthritis and markedly reduce the degree of bone resorption, soft tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, preventing articular destruction in treated animals.