Biopharmaceutical assessment of eye drops containing aloe (Aloe arborescens Mill.) and neomycin sulphate

The subject of the studies was eye drops made of aloe, containing the group of aloe chemical substances of anti-inflammatory use and neomycin sulphate. The aim of the studies was to evaluate the permeability of biologically active aloe substances, determined as aloenin, through synthetic lipophilic and hydrophilic membranes in a standard perfusion apparatus and in vitro verification of the transport possibilities of these substances through the isolated cornea of pig's eye. The permeability process of biologically active aloe substances determined as aloenin, through synthetic lipophilic and hydrophilic membranes, was analyzed using the first-order kinetics. Estimated quotas of permeability rate constant show that the investigated chemical compounds of aloe, included in the eye drops, diffused through the applied membranes. The studies of permeability through isolated pig's cornea proved that biologically active aloe substances could not overcome this biological barrier. On the basis of biopharmaceutical studies it can be concluded that the eye drops containing aloe and neomycin sulphate, due to the lack of permeating abilities through the eye cornea, should be particularly useful in the treatment of inflammations and infections of external parts of the eye, such as conjuctiva, eyelid edges, lacrimal sac and cornea.     

Influence of water extracts from the surface of two yew (Taxus) species on mites (Tetranychus urticae)

Taxus cuspidata and Taxus media var. Hicksii contain paclitaxel, among other taxoids, on the surface of the needles. These compounds were removed by 5-s dipping of the needles in water just below its boiling point at 96 degrees C and at 60 degrees C and 40 degrees C. Taxus cuspidata contained a fourfold higher concentration of paclitaxel than Taxus media var. Hicksii. The extract with the higher concentration of paclitaxel was more harmful to the mites Tetranychus urticae Koch, increasing their mortality 150%, prolonging development by ca. 20% and lowering the average fecundity from 112 in the control to 16.13 after treatment with Taxus cuspidata; also, the net reproductive rate dropped from 70.24 to 6.70, which is more than a tenfold reduction.     

Intraoperative studies and studies on selected parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis following implantation of DALLON H prostheses with greater surface wettability

TRICOMED S.A. (Poland) has modified its own knitted polyester vascular prosthesis by change in its physical and chemical characteristics and using hydrophilia. The work has aimed at evaluation of intraoperative tightness and evaluation of change in the number of selected parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis following implantation of a hydrophilic vascular graft into the thoracic aorta defect in piglets. In view of the experimental tests performed it has been noticed that use of DALLON H prosthesis is easy and the handling of the graft is the same as that of other knitted vascular grafts. DALLON H prosthesis does not need preclotting and it reaches immediate tightness after the blood flow has been restored. In view of the results of the blood studies after implantation coagulation activation in endogenous and exogenous system (aPTT and PT), and increase in activity of factor XII and VII. Concentration of fibrinogen was at a higher level. Thrombin III activation remained at the same level after a primary increase, but protein C activation was decreased. Plasminogen activation was higher which means that the fibrinolytic system was activated. Changes in the level of evaluated indicators were observed until day 14 after implantation of the prosthesis. On day 21st the values of the selected parameters were equal with the values prior to implantation.     

Effect of capsaicin on ion transport in the caecum of rabbits

Effect of capsaicin, a stimulator of C-fibres, on ion transport in the caecum of rabbits was studied using electrophysiological methods, designed to evaluate ionic currents occurring in epithelial tissues. The experiments consisted in measuring transepithelial electrical potential difference (dPD) of an isolated fragment of rabbit's caecum, placed in a Ussing apparatus. The ion transport was modified through incubation in Ringer solution, supplemented with amiloride, bumetanide, and capsaicin. Capsaicin was also administered with peristalting pump. The experiments demonstrated that the inhibition of sodium ions transport caused by incubation with amiloride and incubation with capsaicin slowed down mechanical reaction to electrical potential difference. On the other hand, immediately after the administration, the capsaicin effect on C-fibres modified electrophysiological reaction of the caecum to mechanical stimulation. Physiological and pharmacological experiments reveal that a component dependent on activation of C-fibres contributes to the reaction of ion transport activation following mechanical stimulation.     

Interaction between cerebellar neurons

Cross-correlation methods were applied to examine interaction between the cerebellar cortex and the interaction between Purkinje neurons and neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei. Patterns of interaction between different cerebellar cortical neurons are described.     

Catheter induced septicaemia

The most serious catheter-related infections, such as septicaemia are associated with the central venous catheters rather than the peripheral catheters. The main sources of microorganisms are the patient's skin and hospital environment. Bacteria can gain access to blood via the external or the internal catheter surfaces. A number of approaches for the prevention of sepsis associated with catheters have been proposed, with limited success. Beside the careful aseptic techniques, the development of antibacterial polymers offers the greatest potential for further reduction of risk of catheter-related sepsis. However, there is evidence suggesting that an appropriate training of staff in the management and care of catheters is fundamental to achieve a reduction in the incidence of catheter-related infections.     

Chosen environmental factors and their effect on the incidence of overweight and obesity in the population of Podlasie Region

The study was conducted to evaluate chosen environmental factors that may contribute to overweight or obesity among the population of Podlasie. Socio-economic status, physical activity and the use of condiments and medications were assessed. The investigations, treated as preliminary, used questionnaire technique and involved 150 volunteers (132 women and 18 men), aged 18-69 years (women; mean 37.4 +/- 12.50) and 18-62 (men; mean 30.0 +/- 11.03). In the majority of subjects the first symptoms of obesity appeared in childhood and puberty. Overweight was familial in 69.6% of women and in 77.7% of men (statistically significant risk factor), which could reflect genetic load or similar lifestyle. Frequency and type of recreational and sports activity were evaluated. Over 77% of the subjects examined declared little and inadequately matched physical activity. The knowledge of health state was unsatisfactory and obesity was considered only in cosmetic terms. Prophylactic actions should intend to educate the whole society, propagate healthy lifestyle and to increase physical activity. People with overweight and obesity should tend to normalise body mass and thus to improve metabolic parameters and general feeling.     

STD screening,testing, case reporting,and clinical and partner notification practices: a national survey of US physicians

OBJECTIVES: This study presents results from a national survey of US physicians that assessed screening, case reporting, partner management, and clinical practices for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV infection. METHODS: Surveys were mailed to a random sample of 7300 physicians to assess screening, testing, reporting, and partner notification for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. RESULTS: Fewer than one third of physicians routinely screened men or women (pregnant or nonpregnant) for STDs. Case reporting was lowest for chlamydia (37 percent), intermediate for gonorrhea (44 percent), and higher for syphilis, HIV, and AIDS (53 percent-57 percent). Physicians instructed patients to notify their partners (82 percent-89 percent) or the health department (25 percent-34 percent) rather than doing so themselves. CONCLUSIONS: STD screening levels are well below practice guidelines for women and virtually nonexistent for men. Case reporting levels are below those legally mandated; physicians rely instead on patients for partner notification. Health departments must increase collaboration with private physicians to improve the quality of STD care.     

Mortality from lung cancer in workers exposed to sulfur dioxide in the pulp and paper industry

Our objective in this study was to evaluate the mortality of workers exposed to sulfur dioxide in the pulp and paper industry. The cohort included 57,613 workers employed for at least 1 year in the pulp and paper industry in 12 countries. We assessed exposure to SO(2) at the level of mill and department, using industrial hygiene measurement data and information from company questionnaires; 40,704 workers were classified as exposed to SO(2). We conducted a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) analysis based on age-specific and calendar period-specific national mortality rates. We also conducted a Poisson regression analysis to determine the dose-response relations between SO(2) exposure and cancer mortality risks and to explore the effect of potential confounding factors. The SMR analysis showed a moderate deficit of all causes of death [SMR = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.87-0.96] among exposed workers. Lung cancer mortality was marginally increased among exposed workers (SMR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.98-1.18). After adjustment for occupational coexposures, the lung cancer risk was increased compared with unexposed workers (rate ratio = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.14-1.96). There was a suggestion of a positive relationship between weighted cumulative SO(2) exposure and lung cancer mortality (p-value of test for linear trend = 0.009 among all exposed workers; p = 0.3 among workers with high exposure). Neither duration of exposure nor time since first exposure was associated with lung cancer mortality. Mortality from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and from leukemia was increased among workers with high SO(2) exposure; a dose-response relationship with cumulative SO(2) exposure was suggested for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For the other causes of death, there was no evidence of increased mortality associated with exposure to SO(2). Although residual confounding may have occurred, our results suggest that occupational exposure to SO(2) in the pulp and paper industry may be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.