Effects of hypoxia on bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells linked to pathogenesis in chronic lung disorders.

Chronic lung disorders involve pathological alterations in the lung tissue with hypoxia as a consequence. Hypoxia may influence the release of inflammatory mediators and growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostaglandin (PG)E. The aim of this work was to investigate how hypoxia affects human lung epithelial cells in combination with profibrotic stimuli and its correlation to pathogenesis.

Development and Validation of CRISPR Activator Systems for Overexpression of CB1 Receptors in Neurons.

Gene therapy approaches using viral vectors for the overexpression of target genes have been for several years the focus of gene therapy research against neurological disorders. These approaches deliver robust expression of therapeutic genes, but are typically limited to the delivery of single genes and often do not manipulate the expression of the endogenous locus. In the last years, the advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have revolutionized many areas of scientific research by providing novel tools that allow simple and efficient manipulation of endogenous genes.

Quality of life can be good after slide tracheoplasty for long-segment tracheal stenosis.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure 'health-related quality of life' (HRQoL) in children following slide tracheoplasty for long-segment tracheal stenosis (LSTS) and to explore the relationship of comorbidities and parental mental health with HRQoL outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with children who had undergone slide tracheoplasty. Participants included parents and children (age 5-15 years) recruited over a 13-month period, who were asked to complete validated measures of HRQoL, development and behaviour.

Regional jejunal perfusion, a new in vivo approach to study oral drug absorption in man.

Recently a new in vivo approach in man, using a regional intestinal perfusion technique, has been developed. The perfusion tube consists of a multichannel tube with two inflatable balloons, which are placed 10 cm apart. The tube is introduced orally and the time required for insertion and positioning of the tube is approximately 1 hr.

Relative bioavailability of olsalazine from tablets and capsules: a drug targeted for local effect in the colon.

The aim of this investigation was to compare two formulations of the prodrug olsalazine (OLZ) with regard to local bioavailability of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the colon. Since 5-ASA can not be measured directly in the colon, the bioavailability was evaluated by studying the plasma concentration and cumulative urinary excretion (Ae) of its main metabolite N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (ac-5-ASA). The absorption of OLZ was also studied.