Compact localized boundary states in a quasi-1D electronic diamond-necklace chain.

Zero-energy modes localized at the ends of one-dimensional (1D) wires hold great potential as qubits for fault-tolerant quantum computing. However, all the candidates known to date exhibit a wave function that decays exponentially into the bulk and hybridizes with other nearby zero-modes, thus hampering their use for braiding operations. Here, we show that a quasi-1D diamond-necklace chain exhibits an unforeseen type of robust boundary state, namely compact localized zero-energy modes that do not decay into the bulk.

Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube: an extra mile.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in children has multiple etiologies but fortunately is not encountered commonly by pediatricians. Aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) in children is a rare cause of UGIB and it is mainly secondary to accidental ingestion of foreign bodies, particularly disc batteries, or after cardiothoracic surgery. In this study, we report a case of a 3-year-old child who developed de novo AEF with no prior injury to the esophagus.

Atypical Presentations of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: Case Series.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes a lower respiratory tract infection in affected patients. RSV has also been infrequently linked to extrapulmonary diseases in children. We report four children who had unusually severe clinical manifestations of RSV infections requiring critical care admission.

Eosinophilic Pneumonia in a Patient with Bronchial Myiasis: Case report and literature review.

Pulmonary myiasis is an unusual form of myiasis in humans and has been recently identified as a cause of eosinophilic pneumonia. We report the case of a 13-year-old Omani boy who presented to the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman, in October 2014 with respiratory distress. Bronchial aspirates revealed features of eosinophilic pneumonia.

Severe Pertussis Pneumonia managed with Exchange Transfusion.

We describe in this case report one month old baby admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with severe pertussis pneumonia. The baby was deteriorating despite being on supportive management including High Frequency Oscillator ventilation (HFOV). However, she showed dramatic improvement after exchange blood transfusion (ET) and was discharged home.

Cultivation practices and manufacturing processes to produce Hoodia gordonii extract for weight management products.

Hoodia gordonii (Masson) Sweet ex Decne., is a succulent shrub, indigenous to the arid regions of southern Africa. Indigenous people have historically utilised certain species of Hoodia, including H.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ritodrine hydrochloride administered orally and intramuscularly to female healthy volunteers.

Ritodrine hydrochloride ((R,S)-4-hydroxy-alpha-[1-[2-((4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]amino)ethyl]benzenemethanol, CAS 26652-09-5) is a direct-acting sympathomimetic agent with a predominant beta-adrenergic activity and a selective action on beta2-receptors. A clinical trial was carried out to investigate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of ritodrine hydrochloride administered at the doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg p.o.

Pharmacokinetics of isoxsuprine hydrochloride administered orally and intramuscularly to female healthy volunteers.

Isoxsuprine (1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(1-methyl-2-phenoxyethylamino)-1-propanol, CAS 395-28-8) is a peripheral vasodilator that also stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors. It causes a direct relaxation of vascular and uterine smooth muscles and produces positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. It is widely used to arrest premature labour and miscarriage.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of safinamide, a neuroprotectant with antiparkinsonian and anticonvulsant activity.

Objective: This paper describes the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics, in terms of monoamino oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibition, in male healthy volunteers of orally administered safinamide, a new neuroprotectant that in experimental models has demonstrated strong anticonvulsant and antiparkinson activities.

Methods: Four clinical trials covering the dose range of 25-10,000 microg/kg were carried out to describe pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and tolerability of safinamide, administered in single or repeated dose regimen to steady state, including a food interaction trial. All the above trials were carried out after the Ethics Committee's approval and signature of the consent form by the volunteers.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic comparative study of zofenopril and enalapril in healthy volunteers.

Zofenopril calcium (CAS 81938-43-4) is a new angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which in addition to the typical activity of the class, proved to possess a specific cardioprotective effect due also to the presence of the sulfhydryl group. In this trial zofenopril calcium and enalapril maleate (CAS 76095-16-4) were given to 20 healthy volunteers of both sexes in repeated dose regiment at two dose levels: 30 mg and 60 mg zofenopril calcium and 10 mg and 20 mg enalapril maleate. The study was conducted according to a two-period, two-sequence, crossover design, with washout.

Comparative bioavailability of two formulations containing atenolol and chlortalidone associated in a 4:1 fixed combination.

Atenolol (CAS 29122-68-7) and chlortalidone (CAS 77-36-1) are marketed associated in a 4:1 strength ratio (100/25 and 50/12.5 mg) for the treatment of hypertension. According to EU guidelines, the bioequivalence of one dosage strength can also cover additional strengths when the pharmacokinetics of a given drug is linearly related with the dose.

Amlodipine bioequivalence achieved with a very sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric bioassay.

Amlodipine (CAS 88150-42-9) is a 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, one of the most widely used drugs for the management of essential hypertension. In developing manidipine (CAS 120092-68-4), a new antihypertensive drug, amlodipine was selected as the reference comparator drug in a Phase III double blind clinical trial. However, manidipine is formulated in hard gelatin capsules, whereas amlodipine is presented as a tablet.

Pharmacokinetics of diclofenac after oral administration of its potassium salt in sachet and tablet formulations.

This paper reports the results of a pharmacokinetic study involving 24 healthy volunteers and designed to characterise the rate and extent of diclofenac absorption after the administration of a single dose of diclofenac (CAS 15307-86-5) potassium salt 50 mg in sachet (Voltfast) and tablet (Cataflam) formulations. Timed plasma concentrations of diclofenac during a 12-h-period after dosing were measured by means of HPLC with UV detection at 275 nm and a quantification limit of 10 ng/ml; the method was fully validated for pharmacokinetic purposes. These plasma concentrations were used to calculate Cmax, tmax, trapezoidal AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity and t1/2 by means of noncompartmental analysis.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of zofenopril in healthy volunteers.

This study was carried out to investigate the pharmacokinetics of zofenopril (CAS 81938-43-4) and zofenoprilat, the behaviour of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) (pharmacodynamics) following the administration of zofenopril calcium at the single oral dose of 60 mg in eighteen healthy volunteers. This open label, one-way study was carried out in a single centre on 18 healthy volunteers. The volunteers received an oral single 60 mg dose of zofenopril calcium following an overnight fast.

Abnormal Ca(2+) regulation in oligodendrocytes from the dysmyelinating jimpy mouse.

Jimpy (jp) is a point mutation in the gene on the X chromosome which codes for the major myelin proteolipid protein. Most oligodendrocytes (OLs) in the jp mouse undergo cell death at the time when they should be actively myelinating. Loss of mature OLs results in severe CNS dysmyelination.