Equilibrium electroconvective instability.

Since its prediction 15 years ago, hydrodynamic instability in concentration polarization at a charge-selective interface has been attributed to nonequilibrium electro-osmosis related to the extended space charge which develops at the limiting current. This attribution had a double basis. On the one hand, it has been recognized that neither equilibrium electro-osmosis nor bulk electroconvection can yield instability for a perfectly charge-selective solid. On the other hand, it has been shown that nonequilibrium electro-osmosis can. The first theoretical studies in which electro-osmotic instability was predicted and analyzed employed the assumption of perfect charge selectivity for the sake of simplicity and so did the subsequent studies of various time-dependent and nonlinear features of electro-osmotic instability. In this Letter, we show that relaxing the assumption of perfect charge selectivity (tantamount to fixing the electrochemical potential of counterions in the solid) allows for the equilibrium electroconvective instability. In addition, we suggest a simple experimental test for determining the true, either equilibrium or nonequilibrium, origin of instability in concentration polarization.

Reexamination of electrodiffusion time scales.

The characteristic time scales in ac ionic conduction near equilibrium are reassessed via consideration of a selection of one-dimensional model problems. It is observed that, in addition to the two basic electrodiffusion time scales, those of diffusion relaxation in the macroscopic- and Debye-scale domains, T and t{D} (the latter identical with the bulk charge relaxation time), some intermediate time scales are present in each system. It is concluded that, due to insensitivity of the electric double layers to harmonic voltage disturbances, the short-time response on the t{D} scale is determined by the quasielectroneutral bulk.

Direct observation of a nonequilibrium electro-osmotic instability.

We present a visualization of the predicted instability in ionic conduction from a binary electrolyte into a charge selective solid. This instability develops when a voltage greater than critical is applied to a thin layer of copper sulfate flanked by a copper anode and a cation selective membrane. The current-voltage dependence exhibits a saturation at the limiting current. With a further increase of voltage, the current increases, marking the transition to the overlimiting conductance. This transition is mediated by the appearing vortical flow that increases with the applied voltage.

[Complementary and alternative medicines taken by cancer patients]. / Médecines complémentaires et alternatives suivies par les patients cancéreux en France.

244 cancer patients from 2 public hospitals (one adult, one pediatric) and one private clinic receiving chemotherapy were asked about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Nearly 28% used one or several CAM, especially homeopathy (60%), special diets or dietary supplements (44%), mistletoe (40%) and less frequently acupuncture or other treatments. These CAM are started 4 to 5 months after the onset of chemotherapy. The reasons for using CAM are enhance host defenses, better tolerance of treatment, but also for nearly 27% to treat cancer. All patients were treated by anticancer classical treatments and none thought to stop them. CAM are prescribed especially by homeopathic doctors. 30% of patients using CAM did not inform their oncologist of their CAM treatment. The same conclusions were drawn for the only 10 pediatric patients. The majority of all patients did not take any CAM before their cancer. In a multivariate analysis, female, young age (30-50 y) are correlated to CAM. All patients taking CAM are satisfied by the CAM treatment with good subjective results on their general status, fatigue and nausea-vomiting. These results are similar to other studies done in Europe.

In vivo immunomodulatory profile of telithromycin in a murine pneumococcal infection model.

In addition to bactericidal activity, macrolide antibacterials possess clinically relevant properties such as immunomodulatory activity. Whether such activity extends to novel antibacterials that are structurally related to macrolides, such as the ketolides, remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo immunomodulatory profile of the first ketolide antibacterial - telithromycin in a murine neutropenic thigh infection model. Specific pathogen-free, female ICR mice were rendered transiently neutropenic with intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide. Thighs were inoculated with 10(6) colony-forming units of a single clinical isolate of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Once inoculated, mice (n=500) received single oral doses of telithromycin (10, 25 or 50 mg/kg of body weight) or no treatment (control). Blood was obtained via cardiac puncture prior to and at 2, 4, 8, and 24 h after dose administration for determination of cytokine concentrations. Significant post-inoculation elevations of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 were noted in untreated controls over 24 h. Telithromycin attenuated these increases and the suppression of both IL-6 and IL-10 release was observed to be dose dependent. Systemic concentrations of IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha showed an upward trend over the initial 8-h post-inoculation period in the telithromycin group. These data therefore reveal novel in vivo immunomodulatory effects of telithromycin. Further studies are warranted to determine whether such effects contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of the drug in patients with acute respiratory tract infections.

Exhaled breath condensate: methodological recommendations and unresolved questions.

Collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a noninvasive method for obtaining samples from the lungs. EBC contains large number of mediators including adenosine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, isoprostanes, leukotrienes, nitrogen oxides, peptides and cytokines. Concentrations of these mediators are influenced by lung diseases and modulated by therapeutic interventions. Similarly EBC pH also changes in respiratory diseases. The aim of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Task Force on EBC was to identify the important methodological issues surrounding EBC collection and assay, to provide recommendations for the measurements and to highlight areas where further research is required. Based on the currently available evidence and the consensus of the expert panel for EBC collection, the following general recommendations were put together for oral sample collection: collect during tidal breathing using a noseclip and a saliva trap; define cooling temperature and collection time (10 min is generally sufficient to obtain 1-2 mL of sample and well tolerated by patients); use inert material for condenser; do not use resistor and do not use filter between the subject and the condenser. These are only general recommendations and certain circumstances may dictate variation from them. Important areas for future research involve: ascertaining mechanisms and site of exhaled breath condensate particle formation; determination of dilution markers; improving reproducibility; employment of EBC in longitudinal studies; and determining the utility of exhaled breath condensate measures for the management of individual patients. These studies are required before recommending this technique for use in clinical practice.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of polar lipids. II. Procedure for a phospholipid derivative of methotrexate.

Phospholipid derivatives of methotrexate (MTX) having enhanced membrane penetration (DP-71 being the most important) are potential prodrugs for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as diseases involving abnormal cell proliferation. The previously published reversed-phase HPLC methods for similar compounds, phospholipid derivatives of valproic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), could not be used for MTX derivatives due to highly basic character of the MTX core molecule. The new HPLC procedure using gradient elution was developed as a compromise between the pharmacopoeial method for MTX and the previous "generic" procedure for phospholipid derivatives of NSAIDs. The newly developed method is sensitive, selective, reproducible, and stability indicating. Identification of major related compounds was carried out. The bioanalytical applications of this method, as well as of the derived isocratic procedure, are discussed and illustrated by examples of pharmacokinetic studies.

Interactions of VIP, secretin and PACAP(1-38) with phospholipids: a biological paradox revisited.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), secretin and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide(1-38)(PACAP(1-38)) are widely distributed amphipathic mammalian neuropeptides that exert diverse biological effects in target tissues located distant from their site of release. However, the half-life of exogenously-administered VIP, secretin and PACAP(1-38) in the bloodstream is relatively short (minutes) due to rapid degradation and inactivation. This seemingly paradoxical behavior suggests the presence of an innate system(s) that protects the peptides from degradation in vivo. To this end, VIP, secretin and PACAP(1-38) express distinct biophysical properties that once released may protect them from degradation in biological fluids. They self-aggregate at low (nanomolar) concentrations and interact avidly with biomimetic phospholipid monolayers and bilayers at physiological concentrations. The latter evokes conformational transition of the VIP, secretin and PACAP(1-38) molecules from predominantly random coil in aqueous solution to alpha-helix, the preferred peptide conformation for receptor interaction, in phospholipids. These features increase peptide stability and amplify bioactivity in vivo. Collectively, these data suggest the presence of an endogenous targeted delivery platform for VIP, secretin and PACAP(1-38). This innate system may constitute a novel molecular recognition paradigm that could also apply to other amphipathic neuropeptides. Importantly, the distinct behavior of VIP, secretin and PACAP(1-38) in the presence of phospholipids could be exploited to develop novel, long-acting therapeutic formulations of these peptides.

[Representing patients hospitalized under legal commitment at district psychiatric committees].

The Tel Aviv-Central District Office of the Public Defenders' Office has begun, as a trial project, to represent patients hospitalized under enforced commitments at district psychiatric committee hearings concerning their welfare. This experimental trial was carried out at the Abarbanel Mental Health Center starting 1st January 2000. The results illustrate that the chances of a patient hospitalized under enforced commitment being discharged from hospital are better if he is represented. It is particularly better when cooperation exists between his public defender and his treating psychiatrist. The results emphasize that the inclusion of the defender in the process affects the work program of the committee and its decisions, especially the examination of facts, the hearing of witnesses, the quality of the psychiatric assessment, the examination of the legal aspects and the summing up of the findings. From feedback received, it appears that all parties involved in the process feel that representation on behalf of the patients by the legal defenders results in more just and worthy decisions in every public aspect of the process. The authors recommend that legal representation be extended to all patients who are hospitalized under enforced commitments.

Reversed-phase liquid chromatography of biologically active lipophilic chelators. II. Improvement of chromatographic performance and selected applications in biochemical analysis.

Lipophillic derivatives of strong calcium chelator BAPTA--DP-b99 and DP-109--are potential drug substances for cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The previously published reversed phase HPLC methods for these compounds suffered from integration problems due to gradient dip, insufficient repeatability and peak shape. A C4 column rapidly aged. The addition of acetic acid to the organic part and of ammonium acetate to the aqueous part results in more symmetric peaks, improves method precision and solves integration problems. Washing the column in both directions with a combination of methanol, tetrahydrofuran and water extends its use. The improved methods are sensitive, selective, reproducible, and stability indicating. Impurities and degradation products were identified by LC-MS. Versatile detection techniques can be used with these HPLC methods, allowing performance of bioanalysis with mass spectrometric or flow scintillation detectors. The bioanalytical application of these methods is illustrated by examples of pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies with the labeled compounds.

Reverse phase HPLC for polar lipids. Simple and selective HPLC procedures for analysis of phospholipid-based derivatives of valproic acid and various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

DP-VPA (SPD 421) is a new compound, where valproic acid is chemically bound to lecithin. It is a novel prodrug of valproic acid with targeted action for the treatment of epilepsy. RP-HPLC stability indicating method has been developed for this and relative compounds. Versatile detection techniques could be used with these LC procedures. The absence of non-volatile components in the mobile phase allows running the method with evaporative light scattering and MS-detectors. The method appeared to be sensitive, selective, reproducible, and stability indicating. It could be easily upgraded to bioanalytical procedures applying LC-MS technique. The method could be used as 'generic' for numerous compounds having similar design of the molecules, such as lecithin-based derivatives of diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen, and indometacin. The strategy of HPLC method development for polar lipids is discussed.

VIP receptors as molecular targets of breast cancer: implications for targeted imaging and drug delivery.

Receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP-R) are overexpressed in human breast cancer. This phenomenon may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications because carrier systems loaded with imaging or therapeutic agents, and with surface ligands to VIP-R could potentially be actively targeted to breast cancer. Previously, we have prepared sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) with VIP non-covalently associated on their surface. However, these liposomes were not able to actively target to breast cancer in rats in situ, most probably due to dissociation of non-covalently associated VIP from SSL. Hence, there is a need to conjugate VIP covalently to SSL. This study aims to begin to address this issue and to test the targeting ability of VIP-SSL to n-methyl nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat breast cancer in vitro. First, VIP was conjugated to DSPE-PEG(3400)-NHS [1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-n-[poly(ethylene glycol)]-N-hydroxy succinamide, PEG M(w) 3400] under mild conditions to obtain a predominantly 1:1 conjugate of VIP and DSPE-PEG(3400) (DSPE-PEG(3400)-VIP), as evidenced by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Next, DSPE-PEG(3400)-VIP was inserted into preformed fluorescent cholesterol (BODIPY-Chol) labeled SSL by incubation at 37 degrees C. To test breast cancer targeting ability in vitro, these VIP-SSL were subsequently incubated with MNU-induced rat breast cancer tissue sections. The results showed that when compared to fluorescent SSL without VIP or non-covalently attached VIP, significantly more VIP-SSL were attached to rat breast cancer tissues indicating that SSL with covalently attached VIP can be actively targeted to rat breast cancer tissues. This targeted carrier system is currently being explored for functional imaging and targeted chemotherapy of breast cancer.

Adenosine A(1) receptors mediate plasma exudation from the oral mucosa.

The purpose of this study was to pharmacologically characterize the adenosine receptor subtype(s) that mediates adenosine-induced increases in macromolecular efflux from the intact hamster cheek pouch. Using intravital microscopy, we found that 1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chlorophenyl)-xanthine (PACPX), a selective adenosine receptor-1 antagonist, but not 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX), a selective adenosine receptor-2 antagonist, significantly attenuated adenosine-induced leaky site formation and increased clearance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (molecular mass, 70 kDa) from the intact hamster cheek pouch (P < 0.05). Both compounds had no significant effects on bradykinin-induced responses. Nanomolar concentrations of R(-)-N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine [R(-)-PIA], a selective adenosine A(1) agonist, evoked significant, concentration-dependent increases in macromolecular efflux. This response was significantly attenuated by PACPX but not by DMPX. In contrast, CGS-21680, a selective adenosine A(2) agonist, increased macromolecular efflux but only at micromolar concentrations. This response was significantly attenuated by DMPX but not by PACPX. Suffusion of nitroglycerin had no significant effects on R(-)-PIA- and CGS-21680-induced responses. In addition, suffusion of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, had no significant effects on adenosine-induced responses. Indomethacin had no significant effects on adenosine-, R(-)-PIA-, and CGS-21680-induced increases in macromolecular efflux. Collectively, these data indicate that adenosine increases macromolecular efflux from the intact hamster cheek pouch by stimulating high-affinity adenosine A(1) receptors in a specific, nitric oxide- and prostaglandin-independent fashion.

Effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa endotoxin on vasodilation in the intact spinotrapezius muscle.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether short-term exposure to clinically relevant concentrations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs vasoreactivity of resistance arterioles in the intact spinotrapezius muscle microcirculation and, if so, to determine the mechanisms mediating this response. Using intravital microscopy, we found that 60-min suffusion of P. aeruginosa LPS (0.03-3.0 microg/ml) on the in situ hamster spinotrapezius muscle elicited an immediate, profound, and prolonged concentration-dependent vasodilation (P < 0.05). This response was reversible once suffusion of P. aeruginosa LPS was stopped. Pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10.0 microM), a nonselective nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, but not N(G)-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester, abrogated P. aeruginosa LPS-induced vasodilation and elicited a small, albeit significant, vasoconstriction. Indomethacin had no significant effects on P. aeruginosa LPS-induced responses. P. aeruginosa LPS had no significant effects on acetylcholine- and nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation in the spinotrapezius muscle. Collectively, these data indicate that short-term exposure to clinically relevant concentrations of P. aeruginosa LPS evokes an immediate, potent, prolonged, and reversible NO-dependent, prostaglandin-independent vasodilation in skeletal muscles in vivo. We suggest this response could play an important role in the pathophysiology of the profound vasomotor dysfunction observed in the peripheral circulation of patients with P. aeruginosa sepsis syndrome.

Liposomal VIP potentiates DNA synthesis in cultured oral keratinocytes.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether association of vasoactive intestinal peptide with sterically stabilized liposomes (VIP on SSL) amplifies DNA synthesis evoked by the peptide in cultured chemically transformed hamster oral keratinocytes (HCPC-1) and, if so, whether this response in mediated, in part, by SSL-induced inactivation of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.15.1), two ectoenzymes that modulate HCPC-1 cell growth, in these cells. We found that VIP (10(-9)-10(-6) M) alone elicited a modest, albeit significant, concentration-dependent increase in DNA synthesis in HCPC-1 cells that was maximal after 48-72-h incubation (p < 0.05). VIP on SSL potentiated DNA synthesis in these cells relative to VIP alone. The magnitude of VIP on SSL-induced responses was 1.2-1.6-fold higher than that of VIP alone with maximal effects observed at 10(-9) M and 10(-6) M after 72- and 48-h incubation, respectively. Empty SSL had no significant effects on DNA synthesis. Empty SSL and VIP on SSL had no significant effects on NEP 24.11 and ACE activity in HCPC-1 cells. Collectively, these data indicate that association of VIP with SSL potentiates DNA synthesis in cultured oral keratinocytes relative to VIP alone and that this response is not related to non-specific effects of SSL.

Detection of VIP receptors in MNU-induced breast cancer in rats: implications for breast cancer targeting.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28 amino acid neuropeptide with a wide range of biological activities. Receptors for VIP (VIP-R) are overexpressed in breast cancer, where they may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Although N-methyl nitrosourea (MNU)-induced breast cancer in rats is used extensively as a model to study mammary carcinogenesis, there is no information about the expression of VIP-R in this model. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of VIP-R in MNU-induced breast cancer in rats so that this model can be used to perform studies involving VIP-R. Breast cancer was induced in 36-day-old virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats, by a single intravenous injection of MNU (50 mg/kg body weight). The breast tumors were detected 100-150 days after injection. The normal and cancerous rat breast tissue were excised and 20 micro sections were incubated with 40 nM fluorescein-labeled VIP (Fluo-VIP(TM)), in the presence and absence of 1000-fold excess unlabeled VIP, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) or secretin. The sections were visualized under a fluorescence microscope and photographed. Fluo-VIP(TM) stained rat breast cancer tissue homogeneously and to a much greater extent than normal rat breast tissue (p < 0.05). This staining was specific as indicated by displacement of Fluo-VIP(TM) by excess unlabeled VIP and PACAP. Displacement of Fluo-VIP(TM) by secretin indicated the probable presence of VIP receptors of type VPAC1 (VIP receptor subtype 1) in the rat breast. These data suggest that, as in human breast cancer, VIP-R, predominantly of type VPAC1, are overexpressed in MNU-induced rat breast cancer tissue as compared to the normal rat breast tissue. Thus, MNU-induced rat breast cancer model can be used as a tool to study the functional role of VIP-R in human mammary carcinogenesis and VIP-R mediated active breast cancer targeting. This could have implications in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of human breast cancer.