Octenyl-succinylated inulin for the encapsulation and release of hydrophobic compounds.

Octenyl-succinylated inulins (OSA-inulin) were synthesized in aqueous solutions using inulin with varying degrees of polymerization (DP). They were characterized using H NMR and FTIR and their degrees of substitution were determined. All the samples formed micellar aggregates in aqueous solution above a critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and solubilized beta-carotene.

Data presenting the synthesis of three novel stimuli responsive hyperbranched polymers synthesised via RAFT polymerisation and the bio conjugation of folic acid.

The data presented in this manuscript presents the characterisation spectra of three hyperbranched polymers as discussed in the paper "Folic Acid and Rhodamine Labelled pH Responsive Hyperbranched Polymers: synthesis, characterisation and cell uptake studies" [1]. Characterisation of polymers was performed via H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H NMR) and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). pH responsive characteristics were observed via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).

Synthesis of cationic alkylated chitosans and an investigation of their rheological properties and interaction with anionic surfactant.

Two methods were used to alkylate high M chitosan with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTAC) in order to produce chitosan derivatives that are water-soluble throughout the pH range. In addition, a novel chitosan derivative was created by alkylating one of the products with the GTAC analogue Quab 342 containing C12 alkyl chains. The phase behaviour and rheological characteristics of the chitosan derivatives were studied in the presence of anionic surfactant.

The interfacial, emulsification and encapsulation properties of hydrophobically modified inulin.

Octenyl- and dodecenyl succinic anhydride derivatives (OSA- and DDSA-) of inulin have been synthesised and their solution and interfacial properties have been determined and compared to a commercially available alkylated inulin, Inutec SP1. All samples formed micellar aggregates in solution above a critical concentration (critical aggregation concentration) and were able to 'dissolve' a hydrophobic dye. They were also able to form stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions as assessed by measurements of their droplet size as a function of time.

COAST (Cisplatin ototoxicity attenuated by aspirin trial): A phase II double-blind, randomised controlled trial to establish if aspirin reduces cisplatin induced hearing-loss.

Background: Cisplatin is one of the most ototoxic chemotherapy drugs, resulting in a permanent and irreversible hearing loss in up to 50% of patients. Cisplatin and gentamicin are thought to damage hearing through a common mechanism, involving reactive oxygen species in the inner ear. Aspirin has been shown to minimise gentamicin-induced ototoxicity.

Synthesis, characterisation and physicochemical properties of hydrophobically modified inulin using long-chain fatty acyl chlorides.

A series of inulin derivatives were synthesized in aqueous solution using acyl chlorides with varying alkyl chain length (C10-C16). They were characterised using a number of techniques including MALDI TOF-MS, H NMR and FTIR and their degree of substitution determined. The solution properties of the hydrophobically modified inulins were investigated using dye solubilisation and surface tension and it was confirmed that the molecules aggregated in solution above a critical concentration (critical aggregation concentration, CAC).

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of STeroids Or Pentoxifylline for Alcoholic Hepatitis (STOPAH): a 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial.

Background: Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a distinct presentation of alcoholic liver disease arising in patients who have been drinking to excess for prolonged periods, which is characterised by jaundice and liver failure. Severe disease is associated with high short-term mortality. Prednisolone and pentoxifylline (PTX) are recommended in guidelines for treatment of severe AH, but trials supporting their use have given heterogeneous results and controversy persists about their benefit.

Prednisolone or pentoxifylline for alcoholic hepatitis.

Background: Alcoholic hepatitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by jaundice and liver impairment that occurs in patients with a history of heavy and prolonged alcohol use. The short-term mortality among patients with severe disease exceeds 30%. Prednisolone and pentoxifylline are both recommended for the treatment of severe alcoholic hepatitis, but uncertainty about their benefit persists.

Self-assembly and emulsification properties of hydrophobically modified inulin.

A series of alkenylated inulin samples were synthesized in aqueous solution using alkenyl succinic anhydrides with varying alkenyl chain lengths (C8-C18). The inulin derivatives (ASA-inulins) were characterized using NMR and FTIR and their degree of substitution determined. The solution properties of ASA-inulins were investigated using dye solubilization, surface tension, and dynamic light scattering, and all three techniques confirmed that the molecules aggregated in solution above a critical concentration (critical aggregation concentration, CAC).

Synthesis, characterization and self-assembly of biosurfactants based on hydrophobically modified inulins.

Biosurfactants have been synthesized using a low energy, environmentally friendly process by the derivatization of inulin with octenyl (OSA) and dodecenyl (DDSA) succinic anhydrides in aqueous solution. The inulin and its derivatives have been characterized using gel permeation chromatography/multi angle light scattering (GPC/MALLS), high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and NMR, and the reaction efficiency was found to be between 59 and 95%. The efficiency was generally higher for OSA derivatives compared to DDSA derivatives.

Small strain deformation measurements of konjac glucomannan solutions and the influence of borate cross-linking.

The dynamic rheology of aqueous solutions of konjac glucomannan has been evaluated over a range of concentrations up to 2.35%, and the effect of borate cross-linking of such solutions evaluated in the range 0.02-40 mM borate.

Control of the properties of xanthan/glucomannan mixed gels by varying xanthan fine structure.

The interaction of native xanthan gum, deacetylated xanthan gum and depyruvated xanthan gum with konjac glucomannan has been studied using DSC and controlled stress rheometry. In the absence of electrolyte the DSC cooling curves for native xanthan and deacetylated xanthan showed a single peak and there was a corresponding sharp increase in the storage modulus indicating gel formation. It is apparent that on cooling, association of the konjac glucomannan with the native xanthan molecules is triggered by the xanthan coil-helix transition.

Aspects of birth history and outcome in diplegics attending specialised educational facilities.

Aim: We aimed to study functional mobility and visual performance in spastic diplegic children and adolescents attending specialised schools.

Methods: Spastic diplegia (SD) was confirmed by clinical examination. Birth and related history were added to explore relationships between SD, birth weight (BW) and duration of pregnancy.

Physicochemical characterization of konjac glucomannan.

Four commercial konjac glucomannan (KGM) samples and a glucomannan derived from yeast were characterized by aqueous gel permeation chromatography coupled with multi angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS). Disaggregation of aqueous glucomannan solutions through controlled use of a microwave bomb facilitated reproducible molar mass distribution determination alleviating the need for derivatization of the polymer or the use of aggressive solvents. Further characterization was undertaken by use of capillary viscometry and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS).

Considering the needs of carers: a survey of their views on services.

This paper describes a survey undertaken in Derbyshire. A total of 244 carers responded to a postal questionnaire enquiring about the services they needed, how they rated the services used, how they coped generally, and whether they would need long-term day, respite or residential care. The responses suggested that carers were keen to express their views.

Insult to NHS treatment.

John Moore's statement in the House of Commons this week has prompted me to write.