Basal and metoclopramide-stimulated prolactin (PRL) serum levels in users and non-users of a copper intrauterine device (TCu-380 IUD).

The study was undertaken to analyze the basal and metoclopramide-stimulated serum PRL levels in healthy parous women users (group 1, n = 12) and non-users (group 2, n = 12) of a TCu-380 IUD. All women had regular menses and were studied between days 18 to 22 of their cycle; none had lactated nor regularly ingested any type of medication during the last six months. After a 10-12 hour overnight fast, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained through an indwelling catheter at -30, -15 and 0 minutes and at 60, 90 and 120 minutes after oral metoclopramide (10 mg). There were no significant differences in serum PRL between both groups, in basal levels nor throughout the test, whether analyzing the mean values at each sampling time, the sum of PRL levels from 60-120 minutes, or the peak levels. No correlation was observed between PRL levels and any of the clinical or obstetric characteristics of the women in both groups. Serum progesterone was greater than or equal to 4.0 ng/ml in all women. Thus, the use of alpha TCu-380 IUD did not induce any significant changes in basal nor in stimulated serum PRL levels.     

Effect of selected fluorinated drugs in a "ringing" gel on rheological behaviour and skin permeation.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different drugs exhibiting different solubility on the viscoelastic properties and on the skin diffusion profile of a ringing gel. In a preliminary rheology study with the placebo gel predominating elastic properties were confirmed and a temperature influence was indicated. Fluconazole, fludrocortisone-acetate, flumethasone-pivalate, flutamide and flufenamic-acid each 1% (w/w) were incorporated into the preparation and oscillatory measurements were performed at temperatures of 25, 28, 32 and 37 degrees C. In all drug containing formulations a high elastic G' value predominated the viscous G' value. The highest G' value could be obtained with the incorporated flumethasone-pivalate. Additionally in almost all cases the G' values decreased with increasing temperature compared to the placebo gel. Additionally in vitro standard diffusion experiments using Franz-type cells and porcine skin were performed. Following rank order of the cumulative drug release after 48 h was obtained: fluconazole>flufenamic-acid>flumethasone-pivalate>flutamide>fludrocortisone-acetate. Furthermore an excellent chemical stability of all incorporated drugs was confirmed over 10 weeks.     

Composite prostheses for the repair of abdominal wall defects: effect of the structure of the adhesion barrier component

The component of a composite prosthesis, which makes contact with the visceral peritoneum, can be reabsorbable or non-reabsorbable, and laminar or reticular. This study was designed to determine whether the composition of this second, barrier component could improve its behavior at this interface. Abdominal wall defects in rabbits were repaired using a polypropylene prosthesis (PP), or the composites Sepramesh (PP+h) or Vicryl (PP+v). Fourteen days after surgery, the implants were evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Prosthetic areas occupied by adhesions (PP: 71.08±5.09, PP+h: 18.55±4.96, P+v: 69.69±16.81%), neoperitoneal thickness (PP: 256.17±21.68, PP+h: 83.11±19.63, PP+v:213.72±35.90 μm) and macrophage counts (PP: 8.73±1.16, PP+h: 27.33±4.13, PP+v: 31.24±3.08%) showed significant differences (P<0.05). The tested biomaterials induced an optimal recipient tissue infiltration. Least adhesion formation was observed on the PP+h implants. This suggests that the second component, although reabsorbable, should be smooth in structure.     

Estado actual del valor pronóstico de los marcadores moleculares en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal y la predicción de respuesta al tratamiento adyuvante

Colorectal cancer is one of the best studied of all malignant diseases interms of genetics and/or molecular prognostic factors. These factors, and relationships with prognosis, may have important implications especially in the design of surgical and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy options. However, the true prognostic significance of all known factors has yet to be realised. We have reviewed the literature with specific focus on the role of molecular markers involved in prognosis and the prediction of response to adjuvant treatment.