Preparation and characterization of chitosan‐based dispersions

Complexation of chitosan in aqueous solutions by low molecular weight electrolytes is one of the simplest methods for the preparation of aqueous chitosan dispersions. In this work, the influence of storage time, sulfate concentration, method of preparation and surfactant content on some properties of the resultant chitosan dispersions (turbidity, viscosity and zeta potential) was analyzed. Turbidimetry was adequate to monitor the formation of particles, while viscometry was suitable to monitor changes in the dispersing phase. An analysis of the properties of these systems, mainly in terms of particle–particle and macromolecule–macromolecule interactions was carried out. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

An in vitro model of traumatic neuronal injury: loading rate-dependent changes in acute cytosolic calcium and lactate dehydrogenase release

We developed a new in vitro model of neuronal injury using NT2-N cells to examine the effects of hydrodynamic loading rate on intraneuronal calcium dynamics and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Our apparatus consisted of a parallel disk viscometer which induced fluid shear stress with well-defined magnitudes and loading rates to cultured cells. We found that the deformation response of the cells was dependent on the severity of the insult, with increased cellular strains generated for higher shear stresses at a constant loading rate. Peak intracellular free calcium concentration correlated with strain, suggesting that mechanical deformation may regulate calcium response. Slowly applied fluid shear stress elicited no response, whereas high loading rates resulted in peak calcium increases 2.9 to 3.6 times baseline values as injury severity was increased. LDH release measured within 5 min after the insult correlated with loading rate. In addition, LDH release continued to increase out to 24 h following high loading rate conditions, demonstrating that the application of fluid shear stress led to prolonged cell damage. The acute response in NT2-N cells subjected to an insult with the CSID is dependent on the loading rate, and these results suggest that initial membrane deformation may trigger subsequent events.     

The classification of diseases of the temporomandibular joint

There were 2040 patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases in the investigation including clinical, physiological, X-ray methods of research, contrast arthrotomography, computer arthrotomography and magnetic resonance tomography. The changes of structure in different lesions were estimated. The result of received data was elaboration of classification of TMJ internal derangements with estimation of clinical forms in according with structural changes and characteristics of syndromes.     

Expression of p21(waf1/cip1) protein in transitional cell bladder tumours and its prognostic value

Selective antagonists to the Type 3 serotonin receptor (5HT3) in combination with corticosteroids are now considered the standard of care for the prevention of emesis from moderately to highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Here we address issues of optimal dose, schedule and route of administration of four currently available selectable 5HT3 antagonists. This paper utilizes an evidence based medicine approach to the literature regarding this class of drugs, emphasizing the results large, randomized, controlled trials to make formal recommendations concerning optimal use of this important new class of anti-emetic agents. We conclude that for each drug there is a plateau in therapeutic efficacy at a definable dose level above which further dose escalation does not improve outcome. Furthermore, a single dose is as effective as multiple doses or continuous infusion, and finally, emerging data demonstrate that the oral route is equally efficacious as the intravenous route of administration, even with highly emetogenic chemotherapy.     

The health status of children up to 14 years old living in an area of long-term post-accident exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation

An assessment is submitted of morbidity rates and physical development of children aged under 14, residing in the territories being monitored after the Chernobyl Power Plant accident. A high level of disharmony in physical development of the children examined was recordable, as was an excess in morbidity of both general and separate classes of disease entities among the pediatric population having been victims of the Chernobyl accident, as compared to that in relatively "clean" areas and in Ukraine as a whole.     

Microbiologic study of organ-cultured donor corneas

When initiating monotherapy for the treatment of essential hypertension, multiple determinants factor into the decision. The goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure and lessen the likelihood of progression to target organ failure. Physicians frequently prioritize these determinants and make decisions to initiate monotherapy based on the race of an individual. All too often, however, the black/white issue is overstated and given too much consideration. The overall goal of this review is to suggest the appropriate "role" for racial profiling in the initial selection of an antihypertensive agent.