"He looks gorgeous" - iuMR images and the transforming of foetal and parental identities.

The MERIDIAN study examined whether in-utero MRI (iuMRI) improves the accuracy of diagnosis of foetal brain abnormalities, when used as an adjunct to ultrasound anomaly scanning. A diagnostic iuMRI differs from routine ultrasound screening because of its infrequent use and scanning procedure. Nested within this trial, this sociological study explored the acceptability of iuMRI as a technology and its contribution to parental decision-making.

Mechanisms of cell death and treatment prospects in motor neuron disease.

Scientific evidence is emerging to indicate that motor neuron injury in motor neuron disease may reflect a complex interplay between genetic factors, oxidative stress, and imbalance of the glutamatergic excitatory control of motor neurons, which may result in damage to critical target proteins and organelles. The relative importance of these factors is likely to vary in different subgroups of patients. Protein aggregation may play a role in some forms of motor neuron injury, and the eventual demise of motor neurons may occur by a programmed cell death pathway.

Gastrointestinal dynamics and pharmacology for the optimum design of controlled-release oral dosage forms.

This article encompasses a brief discussion of the principles of pharmacodynamics of different types of drugs and the mechanisms of absorption at different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The importance of factors such as the pH, the unstirred layer or microclimate, gastric emptying, intestinal contact time, metabolism in the gut wall, and bacterial degradation in the colon is discussed. Methods that can be used to alter the absorption of drugs such as formulation in a viscous form, a form that floats in the stomach, position release forms, combination with other drugs that may influence absorption, etc.