The bioavailability of griseofulvin from microsized and ultramicrosized tablets in nonfasting volunteers

Tablets of either microsized or ultramicrosized griseofulvin (2 x 125 mg), were administered to 6 healthy volunteers of either sex just before a breakfast containing 4o g. of butter. The plasma concentration of griseofulvin were determined 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 24, and 32 h. after dosing using a spectrofluorometric method, and pharmacokinetic parameters (Cp max, t max, AUC 0 - greater than 32) were calculated. These parameters were found to be; Cp max = 0.0.681 +/- 0.1 mu/ml, t max. = 2.51 +/- 0.33 h. and AUC = 14.14 +/- 2.33 micrograms h/ml for microsized tablets and Cp max = 0.80 +/- 0.08 +/- g/ml, t max = 2.44 +/- 0.54 and AUC = 16.25 +/- 1.16 microgram h/ml for ultramicrosized tablets. Our results show that mean peak plasma level and AUC (0 - greater than 32) are only slightly higher for the ultramicrosized preparation and the time to peak plasma level is similar in two preparations. Therefore, it is concluded that coadministration of griseofulvin with food will tend to reduce the difference between the bioavailability of the two type of preparations.     

Expanding the role of the ureteroscope

Although the rigid ureteroscope was designed exclusively for the diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions of the ureter, its smaller diameter and extended length allow for its increased use in endoscopic procedures that cannot be performed successfully with a cystoscope. The indications can be divided into 3 categories: 1) difficult ureteral catheterizations, 2) augmented bladders and diverticula, and 3) narrow, strictured urethras and bladder necks. Several cases from each category are presented to illustrate the expanded role of the rigid ureteroscope in daily urological practice.     

Determination of heavy metals in albumen of hen eggs from the Markazi Province (Iran) using ICP-OES technique

Increase of distribution of environmental contaminants such as heavy metals have been caused the knowledge of the safety and hygiene of food is very important, especially eggs, because of its role in the daily diet. There are very few studies about the investigation of the heavy metal contents in egg-white. In this study, six heavy metals include Aluminium (Al), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Antimony (Sb) in egg-white from 32 industrial poultry farms were investigated, by ICP-OES. All the samples were collected in all area of Markazi Province, Iran in autumn 2013. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in egg-white as follows: 0.119 for Al, 0.785 for As, 0.750 for Pb, 0.249 for Cd, 0.270 for Hg and 0.186?mg/kg for Sb. Also, the concentration of the some heavy metals were higher than maximum allowable concentration that probably it is associated to use pesticides and activities of industrial factories around the poultry farms.     

Cannabidiol promotes neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus during an abstinence period in rats following chronic exposure to methamphetamine

Metabolic Brain Disease - Chronic methamphetamine (meth) abuse can lead to certain deficits in the hippocampal function by affecting the hippocampal neurogenesis and plasticity. To determine...     

Low gradient ascites： A seven-year course review

AIM: To study the patients with low gradient ascites in hospitals of Guilan Province (northern Iran). METHODS: Patients admitted in hospitals of Guilan Province with low gradient ascites from 1993 to 2000 were enrolled in the study. Serum and ascitic fluid albumin levels were determined by biochemical reactions. The serum-ascitic albumin gradient (SAAG) less than 1.1 g/dL was considered low. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 9.0 software and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 148 patients enrolled in the study, 72 (48.6%) were males and 76 (51.4%) were females with a mean age of 59.03±13.54 years. Tuberculous peritonitis was the most frequent cause of low gradient ascites in 68 (45.9%). Other most frequent causes were cancer in 62 (41.9%), nephrotic syndrome in 9 (6%), pancreatitis in 6 (4%). Peritoneal cancer was found in 22 (35%), ovarian and gastric cancers were found in 14 (22.5%) and 12 (19.3%), respectively. All of which were the causes of ascites. The mean SAAG was 0.68±0.19 g/dL. The mean serum and ascitic fluid albumin concentrations were higher in tuberculous patients (P<0.006), but lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was higher in cancer patients (P<0.0001). In peritoneal tuberculosis, mean ascitic glucose concentration was significantly lower than other patients (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis should be considered in all patients with low gradient ascites especially in developing countries (like Iran), as the first cause of ascites. In the approach to patients with low gradient ascites, ascitic fluid glucose, and LDH level are useful indicators for decision making.