Antiinflammatory 2-benzyl-4-sulfonyl-4H-isoquinoline-1,3-diones: novel inhibitors of COX-2

A series of 2-benzyl-4-sulfonyl-4H-isoquinoline-1,3-diones was prepared. Members of this series are potent and selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in both microsomal and cellular assays. Two representatives demonstrated activity in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats upon oral administration.     

Enhanced mass resolving power, sensitivity, and selectivity in laser desorption Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry by ion axialization and cooling

Ion cooling and axialization produced by azimuthal quadrupolar excitation in the presence of ion-neutral collisions are applied to laser desorption Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LD/FT/ICR-MS). With this technique, the large kinetic and internal energies of ions generated by laser desorption processes can be cooled effectively by collisions of ions with neutral argon atoms (at > 5 x 10(-7) Torr). After sufficient cooling in the source compartment of a dual ion trap, the axialized ions may be transferred to the analyzer compartment for detection at much lower pressure (and thus much higher mass resolving power). Enhancements in both FT/ICR mass resolving power and sensitivity are observed; moreover, ion isolation with high selectivity at high pressure is also demonstrated.     

Drop stabilisation by inorganic solids in suspension polymerisation: modification by electrolytes using a wax model

Finely divided inorganic solids can be used for drop stabilisation in suspension polymerisation. Usually solids are dispersed in water in the presence of electrolytes formed during their preparation. Experiments, using a wax model as described previously,¹ have been carried out by using two inorganic solids, magnesium phosphate and calcium phosphate, in either the presence or absence of electrolytes. The experiments showed that the effect of electrolytes depends on both the inorganic solid which is used and on the nature of the electrolyte which is present. Magnesium phosphate was a destabiliser in the absence of electrolytes but could act as a stabiliser in the presence of sodium sulphate. Calcium phosphate acted as a stabiliser both in the presence and in the absence of electrolytes.     

Postoperative fatigue after laparoscopic surgery

Postoperative fatigue (POF) appears to be less following laparoscopic surgery but this has not been proven previously. This study compared a group of patients who had undergone open cholecystectomy with a group undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Postoperative fatigue was found to be decreased in duration in the patients having laparoscopic surgery, returning to pre-operative fatigue levels by 14 days, compared to 28 days for open surgery. Postoperative pain in the first 24 h and the early metabolic response to surgery were similar for both groups. The authors conclude that laparoscopic surgery is associated with decreased POF and that this is unlikely to be accounted for by a decrease in the early metabolic response to surgery.     

Characterization of partially saturated poly(propylene fumarate) for orthopaedic application

Neointimal formation and arterial wall remodeling are pivotal causes of luminal narrowing in atherogenesis and restenosis. Arterial remodeling refers to a series of dynamic structural changes that arteries may undergo in response to various stimuli, including changes in blood flow and pressure, and acute injury. The biological mechanisms involved in arterial remodeling are poorly understood and are currently a main target for research. We have recently focused on the role of the arterial wall microcirculation (ie, vasa vasorum) in arterial remodeling after injury. In the past, a correlation between arterial wall neovascularization and the accumulation of arterial plaque has been documented; however, the dynamic role of these microvessels in arterial repair and luminal narrowing has not been examined. The type of arterial injury, the nature of the lesion that develops, and the arterial compartment in which angiogenesis occurs may determine the role of the vasa vasorum in arterial narrowing. In this review, we highlight the data that link arterial wall neovascularization with lesion formation and the process of arterial remodeling.     

Spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine in elderly patients: effect of site of injection on spread of analgesia

In this randomized, observer-blind study, we have examined, in elderly patients, the effect of site of injection on analgesia levels after spinal injection of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution. Thirty male patients, aged 68-87 yr, undergoing minor urological surgery during spinal anaesthesia received 3 ml of a 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution at either the L3-4 (n = 15) or L4-5 (n = 15) interspace. The solution was injected with the patient in the sitting position. The patient remained sitting for 2 min and was then placed in the supine horizontal position. Analgesia levels were assessed bilaterally using pin-prick. The highest analgesia levels did not differ between groups (medians were approximately T7). There were no significant differences in the time to maximum cephalad spread of analgesia, maximum degree of motor block or haemodynamic changes. We conclude that injection at the L4-5 interspace has no advantage compared with injection at the L3-4 interspace.