The effect of endotoxin-contaminated medium on in vitro fertilization and development of bovine oocytes matured in vitro.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of bacterial endotoxin in the bovine serum albumin (BSA) used to supplement media utilized for sperm preparation and co-culture of bovine sperm and oocytes affects in vitro penetration and embryonic development of oocytes matured in vitro. The chromogenic limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test was used for quantification of the content of endotoxin. The proportion of penetrated ova was significantly greater (P greater than 0.0005) for the endotoxin-contaminated group (89%) versus the non-contaminated group (61%), but this was probably not due to endotoxin contamination. The presence of endotoxin resulted in a high rate of polyspermy (27% versus 4%, respectively; P greater than 0.0005), while the occurrence of parthenogenetic activation was the same for each group (8%). The proportion of total embryos put into culture that developed to the blastocyst stage by day 8 was similar (30% and 26%) for the contaminated and non-contaminated group, respectively. Fifty-three and 69%, respectively, hatched on day 10. These results suggest that endotoxin induces polyspermy, but has no adverse effect on embryonic development.

Endoscopic evaluations of potentially ulcerogenic drugs. A new in vivo porcine test model.

A new test model in living pigs is presented. The model is easy to manage and, in contrast with other test models, it is unnecessary to euthanize the animals. The animals keep their value and can be slaughtered later. We advise the use of only one period of 'pill-feeding', because more periods will stress the animals and probably inhibit normal weight gain. We suggest this model as the method of choice in the evaluation of local ulcerogenic effects of drug substances in oral pharmaceutical formulations. An endoscopic evaluation in vivo of the ulcerogenic effect of potassium chloride in different microencapsulated preparations, wax-matrix formulations, a liquid preparation, and a noncoated reference formulation showed one of the microencapsulated preparations to induce a significantly lesser degree of gastric mucosal damage than did all the other preparations. The gastric injury following a slow-release iron preparation and alprenolol (Aptine) was similar to that following the slow-release and the wax-matrix preparations of potassium chloride. Potassium chloride mixture caused gastric mucosal damage to the same extent as the other commonly used preparations of potassium chloride. Potassium chloride supplement causes gastric mucosal damage, but the results from the present in vivo porcine test model suggest that the severity of the injury seems to be a matter of appropriate drug formulation.

Alternatives to optimal administration of tablets.

This controlled investigation of 27 volunteers compared the effect of cold and lukewarm tap water and carbonated water on the passage through the esophagus of a large circular tablet containing barium sulphate and of the same size and specific gravity as an acetylsalicylic acid tablet (Kodimagnyl). The influence of yoghurt on the passage of the same tablet was also examined. The investigation emphasized the importance of taking tablets together with 100 ml of liquid. A comparison of the transit times for tablets taken together with 100 ml of cold carbonated water and 100 ml of lukewarm tap water showed a significantly better passage when the tablets were taken with cold carbonated water (p = 0.01). A similar advantage of carbonated liquids was seen when tablets were taken with 25 ml of lukewarm tap water as compared with 25 ml of cold carbonated water (p = 0.01). Administration of a tablet in a tablespoon of yoghurt is a good alternative, even though the bioavailability of certain preparations may be reduced.

Oesophageal transit of six commonly used tablets and capsules.

The oesophageal transit of six commonly used tablets and capsules containing barium sulphate was evaluated radiologically using fluoroscopy in 121 healthy volunteers. To determine the influence of the subject's position and the amount of water taken each subject swallowed three preparations while recumbent and standing and with 25 ml or 100 ml of water. Failure of swallowing (defined as oesophageal transit taking more than 90 seconds) occurred in 22% of 726 swallowings, but globus was complained of in only 33% of these. Sixty per cent of the volunteers had difficulty in taking one or more of the preparations. Many preparations adhered to the oesophageal membrane and started to disintegrate in the lower part of oesophagus. It is recommended that subjects should remain standing for at least 90 seconds after taking capsules or tablets and that all preparations should be taken with at least 100 ml of water. Small tablets are swallowed most easily. Liquid forms of medication (suspensions) should be considered for bedridden patients and those who have difficulty in swallowing.

Septic complications in colo-rectal surgery after 24 hours versus 60 hours of preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation. I. Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed to compare 24 hours and 60 hours of preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation by means of gentamicin + vancomycin + mycostatin. 83 patients undergoing elective colo-rectal operations completed the study (Tablet I), and the two groups proved similar in terms of age, sex, diagnosis, surgical procedures and operation time (Table II). No significant difference in septic complications was found between patients receiving 24 hours and 60 hours of preoperative treatment (Table III). Wound infection occurred significantly more frequently in operations of long duration (Table IV). Cultures made from infected wounds revealed a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in half of the cases, whereas pure aerobic or anaerobic infections were equally frequent (Table V).

Septic complications in colo-rectal surgery after 24 hours versus 60 hours of preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation. II. Significance of bacterial concentrations in the bowel for contamination of the operation field and subsequent wound infection.

In a controlled study, the results of peroral preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation administered for 24 vs. 60 hours, respectively, were compared. No differences were found in concentrations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria or in concentrations of antibiotics in colonic contents. Contamination of the operation field during operation was examined by quantitative culture of irrigation fluid from the peritoneal cavity and subcutaneous tissue. A significant correlation was found between concentrations of bacteria in colonic contents and the degree of contamination in the peritoneal cavity and subcutaneous tissue. A significant correlation was also found between contamination of the operation field and subsequent development of wound infection.