Radon in drinking water: Comparison and evaluation of two ionisation chamber activity measurement methods.

In this study the radon activity concentration of water samples from the so called "Thermenlinie" are measured using two different techniques: currents measured with an ionisation chamber setup developed by H. Friedmann are compared with results obtained using a commercially available AlphaGUARD. A fit to compensate for measurements made in non-equilibrium state is applied and the detection limit is estimated.

Indirect comparisons of efficacy and weekly factor consumption during continuous prophylaxis with recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein and conventional recombinant factor VIII products.

INTRODUCTION: Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products with extended half-lives have the potential to improve adherence and outcomes in haemophilia beyond the results obtained with conventional rFVIII products. AIM: In the absence of head-to-head comparisons, annualized bleed rates (ABRs) and weekly factor consumption with rFVIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) and conventional rFVIII products were indirectly compared using studies of continuous prophylaxis. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies of rFVIII products for comparison with rFVIIIFc in the continuous prophylactic treatment of previously treated adolescents and adults with moderate and severe haemophilia A. Mean ABRs were compared between rFVIIIFc and individual rFVIII studies and between rFVIIIFc and a pooled measure for rFVIII estimated by meta-analysis. Comparisons of factor consumption were based on mean or median weekly factor consumption. RESULTS: Results from seven studies of conventional rFVIII products (injections 2-4 times week-1 ) were compared with rFVIIIFc (injections 1.4-2.4 times week-1 ). The pooled mean ABR for rFVIII products was significantly higher compared with rFVIIIFc (difference = 2.0; P = 0.007). Compared with most rFVIII studies, the reported weekly factor consumption was lower with rFVIIIFc [mean differences = 15.5-21.8 IU kg-1 week-1 (17-26%); median differences = 12.7-29.8 IU kg-1 week-1 (16-37%)]. In one comparison, mean weekly factor consumption with rFVIII was significantly lower but mean ABR was significantly higher than rFVIIIFc. CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis with rFVIIIFc may be associated with improved bleeding rates and lower weekly factor consumption than more frequently injected rFVIII products. Relative to rFVIII products with similar bleeding rates, results indicate that rFVIIIFc is associated with reduced weekly factor consumption while requiring fewer prescribed injections.

Importance of an alkaline microenvironment for rapid restitution of the rabbit duodenal mucosa in vitro.

Rapid epithelial restitution after superficial damage of the gastroduodenal mucosa consists of the migration of remaining intact epithelial cells beneath a necrotic layer of mucus and shed cells. Complete reepithelialization occurs within 60 min (rat stomach) to 7 h (rabbit duodenum) and does not involve cell division. The present study investigated rapid restitution of the acid-damaged rabbit duodenal mucosa in vitro under various conditions. Alkaline flux and transmucosal potential difference were measured simultaneously, and computerized morphometry was performed. Rapid restitution was nearly completed 5 h after damage at neutral luminal pH, but it was retarded when the luminal pH (pHL) was kept at 3. Removal of the necrotic layer did not impair restitution at neutral luminal pH but caused delay at acidic pH (pHL = 3.0). Removal of nutrient bicarbonate slightly delayed restitution at pHL = 7.4 and caused complete inhibition at pHL = 3.0. Alkaline secretion was usually stable but was nearly totally abolished after removal of nutrient bicarbonate. The potential difference decreased after acid damage and showed a tendency to recover in parallel with mucosal restitution. This gradual recovery correlated directly with morphometry. The authors assume that rapid restitution of the duodenal mucosa at an acidic luminal pH depends on the presence of a protective necrotic layer and sufficient alkaline secretion to maintain an optimal environment adjacent to the mucosa. Disturbance of this alkaline microenvironment could be important for the development and healing of duodenal ulcer.