Pamphilius ishikawai feeds on Astilbe: the first record of Pamphiliidae (Hymenoptera) associated with Saxifragaceae.

Based on field observations and rearing experiments in Nagano and Tochigi prefectures in central Honshu, Japan, host plants and life history of a leaf-rolling sawfly, Pamphilius ishikawai Shinohara, 1979, are recorded for the first time. The larva is a solitary leaf-roller on Astilbe. This is the first record of the Saxifragaceae as a host plant of the Pamphiliidae. We made molecular phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene sequences for nine individuals of P. ishikawai feeding on three different species of Astilbe in two localities with different climates and for six outgroup pamphiliine species. It revealed very small genetic variability within P. ishikawai and suggested probable monophyly of the P. sulphureipes group.

Inhalable Spray-Freeze-Dried Powder with L-Leucine that Delivers Particles Independent of Inspiratory Flow Pattern and Inhalation Device.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop inhalable particles that can reach deep into the lungs efficiently independent of inhalation patterns of patients and inhalation devices. We prepared porous particles including L-leucine (Leu), a dispersive agent, by a spray-freeze-drying (SFD) method and examined the influence of inspiratory flow patterns and inhalation devices with various inhalation resistances. METHODS: Four types of SFD powder with different Leu contents (0-10%) were prepared. Scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction were used to measure the morphology and size distribution of the powders. In-vitro inhalation characteristics were determined using a twin-stage liquid impinger equipped with an inspiratory flow pattern simulator. The effects of Leu on the adhesion force and electrostatic property of the particles were evaluated. RESULTS: The inhalation performance of the powders was improved by the addition of Leu. The powders with Leu showed a high inhalation performance regardless of inspiratory flow patterns and devices. The addition of Leu decreased the adhesion force and increased the surface potential of the powders. CONCLUSIONS: The SFD particles with Leu showed high inhalation performance regardless of the inhalation patterns and devices, which was attributed to the decreased adhesion force between particles and increased dispersibility.

Development of dry salbutamol sulfate powder with high inhalation performance independent of inhalation patterns.

While dry powder inhalations are commonly used to treat pulmonary diseases, their clinical performance depends on patient inspiratory flow patterns. The purpose of this study was to develop a new powder with high and stable therapeutic performance for various patients. We applied the supercritical antisolvent (SCF) method to salbutamol sulfate (SS) to prepare a bulky SS particle (SS-SCF). Tests of in vitro inhalation performance with a human inspiratory flow simulator revealed SS-SCF to be less susceptible to inspiratory flow patterns than milled SS. When inspired, the unique structure seemed to be broken resulting in small fragments that could be delivered to the lungs. However, stability tests under physical stress showed tolerance for transportation and handling. In addition, optimization of the concentration of the SS solution applied to SCF method improved the in vitro inhalation performance of SS-SCF. These results indicated that a unique bulky SS powder prepared by the SCF method was useful for dry powder inhalation.