Preparation and Biological Evaluation of Ethylcellulose Microspheres Containing Tolmetin

Tolmetin microspheres were prepared by the coacervation process from the ethylcellulose. Microspheres were obtained both in presence and without protecting colloids, such as polyisobutilene (PIB) or ethyl-vinylacetate copolimers (EVA). The effect of these agents on the preparation, drug content, wall thickness, surface morphology, drug dissolution arid release from microspheres, were evaluated. The dissolution rate analysis was carried out also in the presence of a surfactant (Tween 80) at different pH values.

In addition, microspheres containing Tolmetin as a core material were submitted to biological tests, in comparison with the free drug, to evaluate upon experimental models the antipyretic activity and the gastric tolerability.     

Electrical properties of electron-gun-evaporated InAs thin films

Measurements of the resistivity and the Hall coefficient versus the temperature (77–300 K) and the magnetic field (0–11 kG) were performed on InAs thin films (100–1500 Å thick) obtained by vacuum evaporation from an electron gun and condensation onto glass substrates at room temperature. Analysis of the electrical results reveals the typical behaviour of disordered structures. The conductivity versus temperature curves exhibit an anomalous sharp variation which appears to separate two temperature ranges characterized by different conductivity slopes. Observation of the samples in a transmission electron microscope reveals the polycrystalline structure of the films. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis shows the sample to be non-stoichiometric with an excess of indium in the inner layers and the presence of indium and arsenic oxides at the surface of the films. Numerical analysis, performed with a multiparametric best-fit procedure, shows that the conductivity conforms to the percolation conductivity model but with an exponential temperature dependence, in accordance in the high temperature region with the more recent hypotheses regarding disordered structures.     

Hashimoto''s thyroiditis and HLA in Caucasian Italians

Sudden infant death syndrome is the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, accounting for 7,000 to 10,000 deaths per year. For the parents, the unexpectedness and guilt can be overwhelming. The long, difficult grief process has a great effect on marital relationships, surviving siblings, and subsequent children. Increasing the nurse's understanding of the effects of sudden infant death syndrome can enhance the support the parents receive. A caring attitude and follow-up throughout the grief process are necessary.     

Divergent pathways regulate ligand-independent activation of ER alpha in SK-N-BE neuroblastoma and COS-1 renal carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate our experience with primary carcinomas of the female urethra, by analysing the impact of tumour variables and treatment on overall, disease-specific, local recurrence- and metastasis-free survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1958 and 1994, 72 women (median age 60 years, mean 59, range 21-84) with primary urethral carcinoma were identified. They were followed for a median (range) of 85 (0-384) months. The patients were stratified by stage, nodal status, histology, treatment, type of surgery, site of disease, year of diagnosis and smoking habit. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis, stage, nodal status, type of surgery and site of the disease were important factors for survival and recurrence. In a multivariate analysis, primary stage, nodal status and site of disease were independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSION: Current modalities of treatment are ineffective for local control and survival; new treatment strategies are needed for female urethral cancers.