The use of a quartz crystal microbalance as an analytical tool to monitor particle/surface and particle/particle interactions under dry ambient and pressurized conditions: a study using common inhaler components.

Metered dose inhalers (MDI) and multidose powder inhalers (MPDI) are commonly used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and asthma. Currently, analytical tools to monitor particle/particle and particle/surface interaction within MDI and MPDI at the macro-scale do not exist. A simple tool capable of measuring such interactions would ultimately enable quality control of MDI and MDPI, producing remarkable benefits for the pharmaceutical industry and the users of inhalers.

Preparation of theophylline inhalable microcomposite particles by wet milling and spray drying: The influence of mannitol as a co-milling agent.

Inhalable theophylline particles with various amounts of mannitol were prepared by combining wet milling in isopropanol followed by spray drying. The effect of mannitol as a co-milling agent on the micromeritic properties, solid state and aerosol performance of the engineered particles was investigated. Crystal morphology modelling and geometric lattice matching calculations were employed to gain insight into the intermolecular interactions that may influence the mechanical properties of theophylline and mannitol.

Nanoparticle agglomerates of indomethacin: The role of poloxamers and matrix former on their dissolution and aerosolisation efficiency.

Nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and assembled to microsized agglomerates with and without matrix formers (mannitol and L-leucine) by coupling wet milling and spray drying to harmonise the advantages of NPs with handling and aerodynamics of microparticles without induction of amorphisation. Indomethacin was selected as poorly water-soluble drug and poloxamers with different ratios of hydrophilic to hydrophobic domains were evaluated as stabilisers comparatively to D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene-glycol succinate (TPGS). Particle size of nanosuspensions and morphology, size, crystal form, drug loading, redispersibility, in vitro dissolution, and in vitro aerosolisation of NP-agglomerates were determined.

Synthetic small interfering RNA down-regulates caspase-3 and affects apoptosis, IL-1 β, and viability of porcine proximal tubular cells.

Proximal tubular cells are most vulnerable to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in renal transplantation. Caspase-3 can be up-regulated by IRI due to a variety of pathogenic processes such as oxidative damage. This study utilized synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) to posttranscriptionally silence target gene, caspase-3, may represent a feasible approach to produce transient effects, but avoid side actions caused by viral vectors.

Changes in concentrations of microcystins in rainbow trout, freshwater mussels, and cyanobacteria in Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoehu.

Microcystin concentrations in cyanobacteria and their accumulation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and freshwater mussels (Hyridella menziesi) in Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoehu (New Zealand) were investigated. Hatchery rainbow trout were added to an enclosure in Lake Rotoiti where concentrations of microcystins in the phytoplankton and cyanobacterial cell concentrations could be closely monitored. Rainbow trout that were free to roam in the entire area of each lake were also included in the study.

Assessing the impact of pollution on aquatic systems at a global and regional level.

In developing a methodology for the ongoing Global International Waters Assessment, major gaps have become apparent in our ability to make comparative assessments of pollution. A pragmatic impacts scoping methodology has been developed and tested. A more effective assessment protocol however, requires a better knowledge of the relationship between pollution sources and biological effects with less reliance on chemical monitoring.

A review of the terms agglomerate and aggregate with a recommendation for nomenclature used in powder and particle characterization.

The terms "agglomerate" and "aggregate" are widely used by powder technologists to describe assemblages of particles that are found in dry powders and powders in liquid suspensions. Each term has a specific meaning but, unfortunately, they are frequently interchanged at will and this has resulted in universal confusion. This confusion is perpetuated by conflicting definitions in national and international standards and this presents problems when describing powder properties or communicating results in reports and research papers.