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Pharmaceutical
Terms modified by Pharmaceutical Selected AbstractsRapid Determination of Gallamine Triethiodide (Flaxedil®) and Pancuronium Bromide (Pavulon®) in Pharmaceutical and Urine Matrices by Means of Modified-Carbon-Paste Ion-Selective ElectrodesHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 4 2005A new analytical method for the determination of gallamine triethiodide (Flaxedil®; 1) and pancuronium bromide (Pavulon®; 2), two muscle relaxants used in surgical operations and in pain relief, has been developed. Our approach relies on rapid, precise, and sensitive potentiometric sensors based on modified-carbon-paste ion-selective electrodes (CP-ISEs). Linear calibration graphs in the working ranges of ca. 4.5,892 and 7.3,733,,g/ml (in H2O, pH,7.0, T=25°) were established for 1 and 2, respectively; and Nernst slopes corresponding to three- or two-electrons transfers, respectively, were obtained. The method works best in a pH range of 7,9. Average relative errors of 2.12 and 2.14%, with average standard deviations of 1.98,2.47 and 2.64,3.45, respectively, were obtained for urine samples of 1 and 2. The corresponding relative errors for the pharmaceutical samples were 1.59 and 1.64%, with standard deviations of 0.54,1.34 and 0.52,1.67, respectively. Statistical Student and F tests were applied to the data, and satisfactory results were obtained. [source] Pharmaceutical industry-sponsored meetings: good value or just a free meal?INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2001S. L. Carney Abstract Although the role of the pharmaceutical industry in continuing medical education (CME) has been debated for many years, industry CME funding continues to increase. Because of concern about the educational quality of industry CME, the Hunter Postgraduate Medical Institute (HPMI), an independent Newcastle and Hunter Valley CME provider, evaluated the use and quality of industry CME as reported by rural and urban general practitioners, physicians and psychiatrists. Furthermore, clinicians were asked if they supported increased industry-funded independent CME. Sixty-two per cent of general practitioners and 71% of psychiatrists attended at least three industry-organized meetings each year, compared with 24% of physicians. Twenty-five per cent of general practitioners attended five or more such meetings. Industry meetings were judged to be of good to excellent quality by 81% of generalists, 79% of physicians and 87% of psychiatrists. All clinical groups ranked the topic and then speaker as the most important reason for attending, with CME points, venue and the sponsor ranked lowest. Eighty to 90% of doctors supported a greater role of industry-funded independent CME. Despite the absence of current data on the use and perceived benefits of industry CME, these preliminary results suggest that industry CME is playing an increasingly important role in clinician education. However, many clinicians and industry representatives support a greater role by independent postgraduate organizations in industry-sponsored CME. (Intern Med J 2001; 31: 488,491) [source] Recent Applications of Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions in the Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical, and Fine Chemical IndustriesADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 18 2009Christian Torborg Abstract Palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions have become a central tool for the synthesis of biologically active compounds both in academia and industry. Most of these transformations make use of easily available substrates and allow for a shorter and more selective preparation of substituted arenes and heteroarenes compared to non-catalytic pathways. Notably, molecular-defined palladium catalysts offer high chemoselectivity and broad functional group tolerance. Considering these advantages, it is not surprising that several palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions have been implemented in the last decade into the industrial manufacture of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. In this review different examples from 2001,2008 are highlighted, which have been performed at least on a kilogram scale in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. [source] Pharmaceutical and immunological evaluation of human papillomavirus viruslike particle as an antigen carrierJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2006Roxana M. Ionescu Abstract We report the preparation and the immunogenicity of a conjugate vaccine obtained by chemically conjugating a variant of the extracellular peptide fragment of influenza type A M2 protein to the human papillomavirus (HPV) viruslike particle (VLP). Conjugates comprised of approximately 4000 copies of the antigenic peptide per VLP are obtained as the result of the reaction between a C-terminal cysteine residue on the peptide and the maleimide-activated HPV VLP. The resulting conjugates have an average particle size slightly larger than the carrier and present enhanced overall stability against chemical and thermal-induced denaturation. The M2-HPV VLP conjugates lost the binding affinity for anti-HPV conformational antibodies but retained reactivity to a M2-specific monoclonal antibody. The conjugate vaccine formulated with aluminum adjuvant and delivered in two doses of 30-ng peptide was found to be highly immunogenic and conferred good protection against lethal challenge of influenza virus in mice. These results suggest that HPV VLP can be used as a carrier for synthetic or small antigens for the development of subunit vaccines. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 95:70,79, 2006 [source] Pharmaceutical and immunological evaluation of a single-shot hepatitis B vaccine formulated with PLGA microspheresJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 4 2002Li Shi Abstract A single-shot Hepatitis B vaccine formulation using poly(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide acid (PLGA) microspheres as a delivery system was examined using a variety of biophysical and biochemical techniques as well as immunological evaluation in C3H mice. PLGA microsphere encapsulation of the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), a lipoprotein particle, resulted in good recoveries of protein mass, protein particle conformational integrity, and in vitro antigenicity. Some partial delipidation of the HBsAg, however, was observed. The loading and encapsulation efficiency of HBsAg into the PLGA microspheres were measured along with the morphology and size distribution of the vaccine-loaded PLGA microspheres. The in vitro release kinetics of HBsAg from the PLGA microspheres was evaluated and found to be affected by experimental conditions such as stirring rate. HBsAg showed enhanced storage stability at 37°C in the slightly acidic pH range reported to be found inside PLGA microspheres; thus, the antigen is relatively stable under conditions of temperature and pH that may mimic in vivo conditions. The immunogenicity of the microsphere formulations of HBsAg was compared with conventional aluminum adjuvant formulated HBsAg vaccine in C3H mice. Comparisons were made between aluminum formulations (one and two injections), PLGA microsphere formulations (single injection), and a mixture of aluminum and PLGA microsphere formulations (single injection). The nine-month serum antibody titers indicate that a single injection of a mixture of aluminum and PLGA-formulated HBsAg results in equal or better immune responses than two injections of aluminum-formulated HBsAg vaccine. Based on these invitro and in vivo studies, it is concluded that HBsAg can be successfully encapsulated and recovered from the PLGA microspheres and a mixture of aluminum-adjuvanted and PLGA-formulated HBsAg can auto-boost an immune response in manner comparable to multiple injections of an aluminum-formulated vaccine. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:1019,1035, 2002 [source] Pharmaceutical and pharmacological importance of peptide transportersJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Matthias Brandsch Peptide transport is currently a prominent topic in membrane research. The transport proteins involved are under intense investigation because of their physiological importance in protein absorption and also because peptide transporters are possible vehicles for drug delivery. Moreover, in many tissues peptide carriers transduce peptidic signals across membranes that are relevant in information processing. The focus of this review is on the pharmaceutical relevance of the human peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2. In addition to their physiological substrates, both carriers transport many ,-lactam antibiotics, valaciclovir and other drugs and prodrugs because of their sterical resemblance to di- and tripeptides. The primary structure, tissue distribution and substrate specificity of PEPT1 and PEPT2 have been well characterized. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the substrate binding sites and the three-dimensional structure of these proteins. Until this pivotal information becomes available by X-ray crystallography, the development of new drug substrates relies on classical transport studies combined with molecular modelling. In more than thirty years of research, data on the interaction of well over 700 di- and tripeptides, amino acid and peptide derivatives, drugs and prodrugs with peptide transporters have been gathered. The aim of this review is to put the reports on peptide transporter-mediated drug uptake into perspective. We also review the current knowledge on pharmacogenomics and clinical relevance of human peptide transporters. Finally, the reader's attention is drawn to other known or proposed human peptide-transporting proteins. [source] Pharmaceutical and therapeutic Potentials of essential oils and their individual volatile constituents: a reviewPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2007Amr E. Edris Abstract Essential oils and their volatile constituents are used widely to prevent and treat human disease. The possible role and mode of action of these natural products is discussed with regard to the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and thrombosis, as well as their bioactivity as antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidants and antidiabetic agents. Their application as natural skin penetration enhancers for transdermal drug delivery and the therapeutic properties of essential oils in aroma and massage therapy will also be outlined. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Determinants and sequelae associated with utilization of acetaminophen versus traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in an elderly populationARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2002Elham Rahme Objective Acetaminophen is recommended as initial therapy for patients with arthritis, particularly those at increased risk of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID),induced gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. However, higher doses of acetaminophen inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and have been associated with GI events. This study was undertaken to compare the observed and adjusted rates of GI events (hospitalizations, ulcers, dyspepsia, GI prophylaxis) occurring with higher versus lower doses of acetaminophen. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of subjects ages ,65 years who received a prescription for acetaminophen or NSAID between 1994 and 1996. Pharmaceutical and medical records were reviewed for 1 year of historical data prior to the index prescription of acetaminophen or non-aspirin NSAID. Risk factors for GI events were identified based on the historical data. To further control for bias, patients were categorized by propensity score (the likelihood of receiving acetaminophen, given defined risk factor values). Records were then reviewed for the duration of the index prescription or 30 days, whichever was less, to generate data on the occurrence of GI events. Determinants of acetaminophen utilization were identified using logistic regression, and rates of GI events for each therapy were examined using Poisson regression analyses, controlling for duration of exposure, individual risk factors, and propensity scores. Results The study included 26,978 patients in the NSAID cohort and 21,207 in the acetaminophen cohort. Determinants of acetaminophen utilization compared with NSAIDs (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) included recent hospitalization (8.6 [7.7,9.5]), concomitant anticoagulation therapy (3.2 [2.7,3.8]), age >85 years (2.3 [2.1,2.4]), and history of prior GI events, especially those requiring hospitalization (14.6 [11.7,18.7]). Unadjusted rates of GI hospitalization, ulcer, and dyspepsia were higher for patients in the acetaminophen cohort than for those in the NSAID cohort. The occurrence of GI events in acetaminophen-treated patients was dose dependent, with rate ratios (compared with high-dose NSAIDs and adjusted for risk susceptibility) ranging from 0.6 (95% confidence interval 0.5,0.7) for ,650 mg/day to 1.0 (0.9,1.1) for >3,250 mg/day. Conclusion In this cohort, acetaminophen utilization is more common in patients at higher risk of GI events. After adjustment for risk susceptibility, patients receiving higher doses of acetaminophen have higher rates of GI events compared with those receiving lower doses. [source] Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Differences between Micellar Doxorubicin (NK911) and Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil)CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 10 2002Yoshihisa Tsukioka The stability and biological behavior of an in vitro system of doxorubicin (DXR) entrapped in NK911, polymer micelles, was examined and compared with those of DXR entrapped in Doxil, polyethylene-glycol-conjugated liposomes. The fluorescence of DXR inside micelles or liposomes in an aqueous solution is known to be strongly quenched by the outer shells of the micellar or liposomal formation. Thus, by measuring the fluorescence intensity of DXR released from NK911 or Doxil, we could determine the stability of the micellar or liposomal DXR formation. Furthermore, NK911 was found to be less stable than Doxil in saline solution. In drug distribution experiments using an in vitro solid tumor model, when spheroids formed from two human colonic cancer lines, HT-29 and WiDr, and a human stomach cancer line, MKN28, were exposed to NK911, DXR was distributed throughout the spheroids, including their center. On the other hand, when the spheroids were exposed to Doxil, DXR was distributed only to the surface of the spheroids. It has been suggested that Doxil can deliver DXR to a solid tumor more efficiently than NK911 via the EPR (enhanced permeability and retention) effect, because Doxil may be more stable in plasma than NK911. On the other hand, DXR packed in NK911 may be distributed by diffusion to cancer cells distant from the tumor vessel, because NK911 can leak out of the tumor vessel and may be able to release free DXR more easily than Doxil. It has been suggested that drug carrier systems such as liposomes and micelles should be selected appropriately bearing in mind the characteristics of the tumor vasculature and the tumor interstitium. [source] Enabling Continuous-Flow Chemistry in Microstructured Devices for Pharmaceutical and Fine-Chemical ProductionCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 25 2008Norbert Kockmann Dr. Abstract Microstructured devices offer unique transport capabilities for rapid mixing, enhanced heat and mass transfer and can handle small amounts of dangerous or unstable materials. The integration of reaction kinetics into fluid dynamics and transport phenomena is essential for successful application from process design in laboratory to chemical production. Strategies to implement production campaigns up to tons of pharmaceutical chemicals are discussed, based on Lonza projects. Mikrostrukturierte Bauteile bieten überragende Transporteigenschaften für schnelle Vermischung, erhöhte Wärme- und Stoffübertragung und können geringe Mengen gefährlicher oder instabiler Stoffe handhaben. Die Integration der Reaktionskinetik in die Transportvorgänge ist wichtig für erfolgreiche Anwendungen von der Prozesssynthese im Labor bis zur Produktion. Scale-up-Strategien für die Produktion von pharmazeutischen Chemikalien werden anhand von Lonza-Projekten gezeigt. [source] Histologic Analysis of Clinical Biopsies Taken 6 Months and 3 Years after Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation with 80% Bovine Hydroxyapatite and 20% Autogenous Bone Mixed with Fibrin GlueCLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH, Issue 2 2001Mats Hallman DDS Abstract: Background: Bovine hydroxyapatite (Bio-Oss®, Geistlich Pharmaceutical, Wollhausen, Switzerland) has been suggested to be used in maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures prior to or in conjunction with implant placement. However, the long-term histologic fate of this material is not well understood. Purpose: The aim with this study was to histologically evaluate the tissue response in patients to a mixture of bovine hydroxyapatite (BH), autogenous bone, and fibrin glue 6 months and 3 years after a maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure. Materials and Method: Biopsies were taken from a group of 20 consecutive patients 6 months (n = 16) and 3 years (n = 12) after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with a mixture of BH (80%), autogenous bone (20%), and fibrin glue and prepared for histologic analysis. Results: Light microscopy and morphometry from biopsies taken after 6 months showed various amounts of mineralized bone tissue. The specimen area was occupied by 54.1 ± 12.6% nonmineralized tissue, followed by 21.2 ± 24.5% lamellar bone, 14.5 ± 10.3% BH particles, and 10.2 ± 13.4% woven bone. The nonmineralized tissue seen in bone-forming areas consisted of a loose connective tissue, rich with vessels and cells. There were no signs of resorption of the BH particles. The lamellar bone appeared to have originated from the recipient site and was seldom in contact with the BH particles. After 3 years, the nonmineralized tissue area had decreased to 36.0 ± 19.0% (p > .05) and consisted mainly of bone marrow tissue. The surface area of lamellar bone had increased to 50.7 ± 22.8% (p > .05), and there was almost no immature bone. The mean specimen area occupied by BH particles, was 12.4 ± 8.7% and had not changed from 6 months (not significant). Moreover, the sizes of the particles were similar after 6 months and 3 years. The degree of BH particle,bone contact had increased from 28.8%± 19.9% after 6 months to 54.5 ± 28.8% after 3 years (p > .05). Conclusion: Histology of specimens from maxillary sinuses augmented with 80% BH particles, 20% autogenous bone, and fibrin glue showed a positive bone tissue response after 6 months and 3 years after augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor prior to implant placement in a group fo 20 patients. The bone surrounding and in contact with the BH particles after 6 months was mainly immature woven bone, which with time was replaced by mature lamellar bone filling the interparticle space as observed in the 3-year specimens. Moreover, bone-integrated BH particles seem to be resistant to resorption. The results indicate that the procedure may be considered when only small amounts of intraoral autogenous bone graft are available. [source] From necessity to responsibility: evidence for corporate environmental citizenship activities from a developing country perspectiveCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2007Fatma Küskü Abstract The objective of this study is to focus on corporate activities conducted to protect and preserve the environment, and to evaluate these activities with respect to social responsibility in a developing country setting. This study also tries to find out whether corporations take part in these activities due to social expectations and legal obligations or due to their own social awareness. The data was collected from Turkey, which is a good example of a developing country with its economic situation. Corporations from the automotive, pharmaceutical and textile industries were studied, as the products and the process of production of these industries pose a threat to the environment. The research findings show that in adopting environmental citizenship policies corporations are more influenced by ,obligatory regulations' coming from institutional forces than by ,voluntary regulations' coming from their own social awareness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Nonprofit organizations and pharmaceutical research and developmentDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 7 2009Walter H. Moos Abstract Not-for-profit or nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are playing an increasingly important role in providing solutions to the significant challenges faced by both large pharmaceutical and smaller biotechnology companies in today's world. NPOs chartered for the public benefit are common in the United States and in selected other parts of the world. The largest NPOs in the U.S. with bioscience programs include Battelle, the Midwest Research Institute, the Research Triangle Institute, Southern Research, and SRI International. To provide a perspective on NPO business models, 10 SRI case studies spanning a broad range of technical and business initiatives are summarized herein, including basic and contract research, discovery of new drugs and biologics, pharmaceutical and biotech R&D services, technology pivots, company spin-ins and spin-outs, and the creation of new NPOs. The article concludes with lessons learned and food for thought for both pharmaceutical companies and outsourcing participants. Drug Dev Res 70: 461,471, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The alcohol industry and public interest scienceADDICTION, Issue 2 2010Kerstin Stenius ABSTRACT Aims This report argues that the growing involvement of the alcohol industry in scientific research needs to be acknowledged and addressed. It suggests a set of principles to guide ethical decision-making in the future. Methods We review relevant issues with regard to relationships between the alcohol industry and the international academic community, especially alcohol research scientists. The guiding principles proposed are modelled after expert committee statements, and describe the responsibilities of governmental agencies, the alcohol industry, journal editors and the academic community. These are followed by recommendations designed to inform individuals and institutions about current ,best practices' that are consistent with the principles. Findings and conclusions Growing evidence from the tobacco, pharmaceutical and medical fields suggests that financial interests of researchers may compromise their professional judgement and lead to research results that are biased in favour of commercial interests. It is recommended that the integrity of alcohol science is best served if all financial relationships with the alcoholic beverage industry are avoided. In cases where research funding, consulting, writing assignments and other activities are initiated, institutions, individuals and the alcoholic beverage industry itself are urged to follow appropriate guidelines that will increase the transparency and ethicality of such relationships. [source] A common standard for conflict of interest disclosure in addiction journalsADDICTION, Issue 11 2009Merrill Goozner ABSTRACT This paper presents a common standard for conflict of interest disclosure. The common standard was drafted by the authors, following consultation with a multi-disciplinary group of journal editors, publishers, bioethicists and other academics. It is presented here for the benefit of authors, editorial managers, journal editors and peer reviewers to stimulate discussion and to provide guidance to authors in reporting real, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. It is particularly relevant to addiction specialty journals because of the potential conflicts of interest associated with funding from the alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical and gambling industries. Following an appropriate period of vetting the common standard within the scientific community, it is recommended that journal editors adopt journal policies and reporting procedures that are consistent across journals. [source] Nanotube Membrane Based BiosensorsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 1-2 2004Punit Kohli Abstract We review highly sensitive detection based on electrochemical methods. These methods are based on monodisperse gold and alumina nanotubule membranes with inside diameter approaching molecular dimensions. The analyte species can be detected by measuring a change in trans-membrane current when the analyte is added to the nanotubule-based cell. The second method entails the use of a concentration change based on the nanotubule membrane. Biomemtic ion-gated channels micropore and nanotubule membrane sensors are also reviewed. These synthetic ion channels can be switched from an "off" state to an "on" state in response to an external chemical stimulus. Using these methods, we have achieved detection limits as low as 10,pM. Potential applications for these biosensors are in fields such as bioanalytical, biomedical, pharmaceutical and drug discovery. [source] A new evaluation technique for the detection of impurities in purified proteins via CE with native UV-LIFELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 2 2010Audrey Rodat Abstract An analytical methodology for quality control analyses of IgG and their impurities is presented using a new UV-LIF (266,nm) detector inside the cassette of a CE instrument and its performance was evaluated. The observed sensitivity was very close to that obtained by silver staining of slab gels (LOD of 25,ng/mL), while the sensitivity of the analysis is 80 times better than with CE/UV absorption (214,nm). Examples of the analysis of pharmaceutical and other commercial IgGs are provided and the kinetics of the reduction of IgG by ,-mercaptoethanol is reported, demonstrating the ease of performing the analysis. [source] Recent advances in the analysis of antibiotics by CE and CECELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 1 2010María Castro-Puyana Abstract This article reviews the latest advances in the development of analytical methodologies by CE and CEC for the analysis of different groups of antibiotics. CZE and MEKC have been the most employed CE modes. Analytical information on experimental conditions, detection mode, and LOD are provided to the readers. In addition, the main applications performed in the pharmaceutical, biological, food, and environmental fields have been reviewed emphasizing the sample preparation requirements. The publications reviewed cover the period of time from June 2007 to May 2009. [source] Children's Sense of Self in Relation to Clinical Processes: Portraits of Pharmaceutical TransformationETHOS, Issue 3 2009Elizabeth Carpenter-Song This article presents in-depth accounts of pharmaceutical transformation from the perspective of two children diagnosed with behavioral and emotional disorders. These portraits provide the basis for an examination of the complex interrelation between self and clinical processes. Narrative data were collected in the context of a 13-month anthropological study of the lived experiences of children diagnosed with behavioral and emotional disorders and their families living in the northeastern United States. Participating families (N=20) were from diverse racial/ethnic (African American, Euro-American, and Latino) and socioeconomic backgrounds. Psychiatric diagnoses and pharmaceuticals present tangible constraints in the lives of children that call attention to otherwise fluid and ephemeral self processes. These accounts suggest that psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medications present dilemmas for children's developing sense of self, revealing limitations to biopsychiatric "pharmaceutical promises." [children, self processes, subjective experience, psychiatric disorder, pharmaceuticals] [source] Effect of various extraction conditions on the phenolic contents of pomegranate seed oilEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Hajar Abbasi Abstract Pomegranate seeds are byproducts of the pomegranate juice industry. Because of the presence of large amounts of certain pharmaceutical and nutraceutical components in the seeds, a proper extraction method to obtain these components is highly demanded in the food industry. In this study, the effect of different extraction methods on the total phenolic contents of the oil extracted from pomegranate seeds of the Malas variety from Shahreza, Iran, was investigated. Four different extraction methods including normal stirring, Soxhlet, microwave irradiation and ultrasonic irradiation using two types of organic solvents as well as a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method using CO2 as solvent were applied. The different organic solvents of this study did not indicate any significant differences in the total phenolic contents of the extracted oils, but the extracted oils from the various conditions of SFE indicated wide changes in the amount of phenolic compounds (7.8,72.1,mg/g). The total phenolic content of the extracted oil from one of the SFE runs was several times greater than those in the extracted oils using organic solvents. [source] The Influence of Magnetic Fields on the Mechanical Behaviour of Granular Materials Used for Foundry Moulding: Numerical and Experimental Analysis,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2006P.-M. Geffroy Understanding the mechanical behaviour of granular materials is of financial importance in many industries, including the geotechnical [1], pharmaceutical and foundry sectors. In the latter, granular materials are used as mould elements for lost foam (sand) and magnetic moulding (steel shot) processes. This study focuses on optimising mould geometry and magnetic field characteristics (intensity and orientation) to obtain the desired dimensions of the final product. [source] The adaptive response of anaerobically grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae to hydrogen peroxide is mediated by the Yap1 and Skn7 transcription factorsFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 8 2008Anthony G. Beckhouse Abstract The molecular mechanisms involved in the ability of cells to adapt and respond to differing oxygen tensions are of great interest to the pharmaceutical, medical and fermentation industries. The transcriptional profiles reported in previous studies of cells grown under anaerobic, aerobic and dynamic growth conditions have shown significantly altered responses including induction of genes regulated by the oxidative stress transcription factor Yap1p when oxygen was present. The present study investigated the phenotypic changes that occur in cells when shifted from anaerobic to aerobic growth conditions and it was found through mutant analyses that the elevated activity of Yap1p during the shift was mediated by the phospholipid hydroperoxide-sensing protein encoded by GPX3. Cell viability and growth rate were unaffected even though anaerobically grown cells were found to be hypersensitive to low doses of the oxidative stress-inducing compound hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Adaptation to H2O2 treatment was demonstrated to occur when anaerobically grown wild-type cells were aerated for a short time that was reliant on the Yap1p and Skn7p transcription factors. [source] The Colours of MoleculesIMAGING & MICROSCOPY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2006Chemical Force Microscopy Enables a New Look on Surfaces Abstract As the surface functionality is gaining more and more relevance in modern surface technology, the need for an analytical tool with chemical sensitivity and high lateral resolution is becoming important more than ever. In this article, we introduce the novel method "Chemical Force Microscopy" (CFM), which is enabling the chemical mapping of the surface with nm-resolution for the first time. This method has proved to be efficient to optimise and understand different processes on industrial surfaces. In the fields like plasma, coating, cell biology, pharmaceutical and printing technologies, this method has shown to be supremely efficient. [source] Environmental risk assessment of human pharmaceuticals in the European Union: A case study with the ,-blocker atenololINTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue S1 2010Anette Küster Abstract ,-Adrenergic receptor blockers (,-blockers) are applied to treat high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and heart rhythm disturbances. Due to their widespread use and limited human metabolism, ,-blockers are widely detected in sewage effluents and surface waters. ,-Adrenergic receptors have been characterized in fish and other aquatic animals, so it can be expected that physiological processes regulated by these receptors in wild animals may be affected by the presence of ,-blockers. Because ecotoxicological data on ,-blockers are scarce, it was decided to choose the ,-blocker atenolol as a case study pharmaceutical within the project ERAPharm. A starting point for the assessment of potential environmental risks was the European guideline on the environmental risk assessment of medicinal products for human use. In Phase I of the risk assessment, the initial predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of atenolol in surface water (500,ng L,1) exceeded the action limit of 10,ng L,1. Thus, a Phase II risk assessment was conducted showing acceptable risks for surface water, for groundwater, and for aquatic microorganisms. Furthermore, atenolol showed a low potential for bioaccumulation as indicated by its low lipophilicity (log KOW,=,0.16), a low potential for exposure of the terrestrial compartment via sludge (log KOC,=,2.17), and a low affinity for sorption to the sediment. Thus, the risk assessment according to Phase II-Tier A did not reveal any unacceptable risk for atenolol. Beyond the requirements of the guideline, additional data on effects and fate were generated within ERAPharm. A 2-generation reproduction test with the waterflea Daphnia magna resulted in the most sensitive no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) of 1.8,mg L,1. However, even with this NOEC, a risk quotient of 0.003 was calculated, which is still well below the risk threshold limit of 1. Additional studies confirm the outcome of the environmental risk assessment according to EMEA/CHMP (2006). However, atenolol should not be considered as representative for other ,-blockers, such as metoprolol, oxprenolol, and propranolol, some of which show significantly different physicochemical characteristics and varying toxicological profiles in mammalian studies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:514,523. © 2009 SETAC [source] Giving and receiving of gifts between pharmaceutical and medical specialists in AustraliaINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 12 2006A. Wilson No abstract is available for this article. [source] Aroma, touch and well-being: following the mind to wellnessINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 3 2004J. C. Brahms Fragrances have been used since ancient times to deliver a variety of benefits. The term aromatherapy was first coined in the 1920s by a French chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefossé, referring specifically to the use of natural fragrance essential oils to treat injury and disease. More recently, the discovery that touch is an important part of healthy human development has led to a greater understanding of its role as an essential part of maintaining wellness. With the growing mainstream acceptance of holistic health care, herbal remedies and nutraceuticals, aromatherapy has become much more broadly defined to include benefits which are strictly cosmetic in nature. Today, a variety of products ranging from candles to dish-washing liquids are marketed with ,aromatherapy' benefits. Although there is no legal definition of aromatherapy in the U.S.A., specific claims can affect whether a product is considered a cosmetic or a pharmaceutical. Outside of the U.S.A., the term aromatherapy itself has very specific connotations which can affect the regulatory status of potential product introductions. In recent years, a number of new tools such as psychophysical measures and brain imaging techniques have greatly enhanced our knowledge of how touch and aromas are interpreted by the mind and body. This symposium will review the current state of our understanding in this area with the objective of providing a clearer understanding of the sometimes subtle differences of the role of fragrance and touch in maintaining well-being and enhancing personal attractiveness vs. those which are pharmacological in nature. [source] Linear PI control of batch exothermic reactors with temperature measurementINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL, Issue 3 2006Jose Alvarez-Ramirez Abstract A wide variety of speciality materials and fine chemicals such as plastics, pharmaceutical and microelectronics components are produced in batch reactors. The nonlinear, transient and finite-time features of the batch reactors give rise to complex process and control design problems. In particular, the safe operation of exothermic reactors depends on the adequate functioning of a temperature tracking controller, and to a good extent, the same is true for the attainment of a suitable compromise between productivity and product quality attributes. While the stabilization problem of continuous exothermic chemical reactors has been recently addressed with rigorous asymptotic-stability methods, the same kind of studies have not yet been performed for the finite-time batch reactor case. In this paper, the problem of designing a temperature tracking controller for an exothermic batch reactor, with n species and m reactions, is addressed under the following premises: (i) only the reactor temperature is measured, (ii) the (typically uncertain) reaction rate and heat exchange nonlinear functions are unknown, (iii) the controller must be linear and easy to tune, and (iv) the closed-loop reactor motion must be stable in a suitable sense. The combination of industrial-oriented inventory control concepts in conjunction with singular perturbation results yields a linear controller with a combined feedforward-PI feedback structure, antireset windup scheme, and conventional-like tuning rules. The controller: (i) tracks, arbitrarily fast and close, a prescribed temperature trajectory, with admissibly deviated concentration motions, and (ii) quickly recovers the behaviour of an exact model-based nonlinear I/O linearizing controller. The proposed design is put in perspective with the geometric and IMC nonlinear control approaches. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Oxycellulose: Significant characteristics in relation to its pharmaceutical and medical applicationsADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Bajerová Martina Abstract As a biomaterial, cellulose can be converted into a wide range of derivatives with desired properties for a variety of medical, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications. The oxidation of cellulose yields oxidized cellulose (OC, oxycellulose, 6-carboxycellulose). OC represents an important class of biocompatible and bioresorbable polymers. In vivo bioabsorption of OC occurs via chemical depolymerization and enzymatic hydrolysis. Despite the fact OC is well established as a hemostatic agent and is widely used in a clinical practice, it still attracts a great interest and its new applications, especially pharmaceutical, are investigated. The present review is focused on characterization of OC's physical and chemical properties. Its synthesis and mechanisms involved in its in vivo and in vitro biodegradation are discussed. Medical and biomedical applications of OC are summarized, and especially its hemostatic, enterosorbent, and wound-healing properties are described. In addition to these applications, OC could be used as a pharmaceutical excipient in solid (e.g., tablets, microparticles), semisolid (e.g., gels), as well as liquid (e.g., suspensions) dosage forms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:199,208, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20161 [source] Fungal tyrosinases: new prospects in molecular characteristics, bioengineering and biotechnological applicationsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006S. Halaouli Abstract Tyrosinases are type-3 copper proteins involved in the initial step of melanin synthesis. These enzymes catalyse both the o -hydroxylation of monophenols and the subsequent oxidation of the resulting o -diphenols into reactive o -quinones, which evolve spontaneously to produce intermediates, which associate in dark brown pigments. In fungi, tyrosinases are generally associated with the formation and stability of spores, in defence and virulence mechanisms, and in browning and pigmentation. First characterized from the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus because of undesirable enzymatic browning problems during postharvest storage, tyrosinases were found, more recently, in several other fungi with relevant insights into molecular and genetic characteristics and into reaction mechanisms, highlighting their very promising properties for biotechnological applications. The limit of these applications remains in the fact that native fungal tyrosinases are generally intracellular and produced in low quantity. This review compiles the recent data on biochemical and molecular properties of fungal tyrosinases, underlining their importance in the biotechnological use of these enzymes. Next, their most promising applications in food, pharmaceutical and environmental fields are presented and the bioengineering approaches used for the development of tyrosinase-overproducing fungal strains are discussed. [source] In Silico Modeling and Simulation of Bone Biology: A ProposalJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2005Nadine A Defranoux Abstract Contemporary, computer-based mathematical modeling techniques make it possible to represent complex biological mechanisms in a manner that permits hypothesis testing in silico. This perspective shows how such approaches might be applied to bone remodeling and therapeutic research. Currently, the dominant conceptual model applied in bone research involves the dynamic balance between the continual build-up and breakdown of bone matrix by two cell types, the osteoblasts and osteoclasts, acting together as a coordinated, remodeling unit. This conceptualization has served extraordinarily well as a focal point for understanding how mutations, chemical mediators, and mechanical force, as well as external influences (e.g., drugs, diet) affect bone structure and function. However, the need remains to better understand and predict the consequences of manipulating any single factor, or combination of factors, within the context of this complex system's multiple interacting pathways. Mathematical models are a natural extension of conceptual models, providing dynamic, quantitative descriptions of the relationships among interacting components. This formalization creates the ability to simulate the natural behavior of a system, as well as its modulation by therapeutic or dietetic interventions. A number of mathematical models have been developed to study complex bone functions, but most include only a limited set of biological components needed to address a few specific questions. However, it is possible to develop larger, multiscale models that capture the dynamic interactions of many biological components and relate them to important physiological or pathological outcomes that allow broader study. Examples of such models include Entelos' PhysioLab platforms. These models simulate the dynamic, quantitative interactions among a biological system's biochemicals, cells, tissues, and organs and how they give rise to key physiologic and pathophysiologic outcomes. We propose that a similar predictive, dynamical, multiscale mathematical model of bone remodeling and metabolism would provide a better understanding of the mechanisms governing these phenomena as well as serve as an in silico platform for testing pharmaceutical and clinical interventions on metabolic bone disease. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||