Nematic textures in colloidal dispersions of Na-fluorohectorite synthetic clay.

We have studied stable strata of gravity-induced phase separation in suspensions of synthetic Na-fluorohectorite clay in saline solutions. We have observed how the strata depend on clay concentration as well as on salt content. The mass distribution and density variation at the isotropic-nematic interface indicate that existing models and assumptions in existing simulations are able to relatively well account for the observed behavior.

The isotropic-nematic interface in suspensions of Na-fluorohectorite synthetic clay.

Colloidal suspensions of Na-fluorohectorite synthetic clay platelets in saline water exhibit coexisting isotropic and nematic phases, due to gravitational separation of the polydisperse particles. We study the ordering of the platelets at the interfaces between various coexisting phases. Four different experimental techniques are employed: visual observation of birefringence, synchrotron wide angle and small-angle X-ray scattering, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Long-acting beta2-agonists or leukotriene receptor antagonists as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of persistent asthma.

It is well accepted that the combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) is effective in achieving asthma control, as it treats both components of asthma pathophysiology, namely inflammation and smooth muscle dysfunction of the airways. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) can also be used as add-ons to ICS therapy in patients whose asthma is not controlled by ICSs alone. The purpose of this review is to compare the effectiveness of ICSs plus LABAs with that of ICSs plus LTRAs for the treatment of persistent asthma that is not controlled by ICSs alone.

The salmeterol/fluticasone combination is more effective than fluticasone plus oral montelukast in asthma.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination product (SFC) with fluticasone propionate (FP) plus oral montelukast (M) over 12 weeks in symptomatic asthma patients. The study was a multinational, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group design in patients aged > or = 15 years. After a 4-week run-in during which all patients received FP 100 microg twice daily, patients were randomised to inhaled SFC (50/100 microg) twice daily or inhaled FP 100 microg twice daily and oral M 10 mg once daily.

Evaluation of different inhaled combination therapies (EDICT): a randomised, double-blind comparison of Seretide (50/250 microg bd Diskus vs. formoterol (12 microg bd) and budesonide (800 microg bd) given concurrently (both via Turbuhaler) in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy safety and cost of Seretide (salmeterol/fluticasone propionate (Salm/FP), 50/250 microg bd) via Diskus with formoterol (Form; 12 microg bd) and budesonide (Bud; 800 microg bd) given concurrently (Form+Bud) via Turbuhaler in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma who were uncontrolled on existing corticosteroid therapy. The study used a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group design, consisting of a 2-week run-in period on current corticosteroid therapy (1000-1600 microg/day of BDP or equivalent) and a 12-week treatment period. Symptomatic patients (n = 428) with FEV1 of 50-85% predicted and increased symptom scores or reliever use during run-in were randomly allocated to receive either Salm/FP (50/250 microg bd) via a single Diskus inhaleror Form+Bud (12+800 microg bd) via separate Turbuhalers.