Dissolution test for silymarin tablets and capsules.

Silybine (SBN), isosilybine (ISBN), silycristine (SCN), silydianine (SDN), and taxifoline (TXF) are the main active flavonoids commonly found in the dried fruits of Silybum marianum, Gaertner (Compositae). Concentrations of these compounds, except TXF, are usually expressed together as silymarin content. This paper describes a simple dissolution test developed to estimate silymarin (Sl) in pharmaceutical formulations. Five commercial products were tested using this new method (including tablets, sugar tablets, and capsules): two from Argentina, one from Brazil, one from Spain, and one from Italy. Results demonstrated that, provided the dosage form disintegrates, amounts dissolved range from 50 to 90% of the labeled value. Products were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV spectrophotometry.

rhVEGF and experimental rat skin flaps: systemic or local administration and morphological characteristics.

Skin flap survival is a significant problem in skin surgery; in particular, inadequate arterial or venous blood supply results in necrosis of the distalmost portion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) of modifying the morphological features of skin flaps. Bilateral epigastric skin flaps were raised in 16 Wistar male rats. The epigastric artery and vein of the left flaps were clamped and then injected with rhVEGF (8 rats) or saline (8 rats). The right flaps were not clamped and received rhVEGF or saline systemically. The rats were euthanized on the seventh day and flap skin samples collected. Tissue fragments were subject to immunohistochemical (rhVEGF, VEGFr, VIII factor, CD34 antibodies), ultrastructural and morphostructural investigations. The results showed that rhVEGF improved the condition of flaps and that systemic administration was effective in promoting the development of an adequate vascular network.

[Fournier's gangrene. Our experience over 10 years. A review of the literature]. / Gangrena de Fournier. Nuestra experiencia en los últimos 10 años. Revisión de la literatura.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience over the last 10 years with Fournier's gangrene, an extensive fulminant infection of the perineoscrotal region, and to review the literature. METHODS: The medical records of 9 patients with Fournier's gangrene that had been diagnosed from January 1988 to December 1997 were reviewed. Patient age, etiology and predisposing factors, microbiological findings, duration of hospital stay, treatment and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years (range 43-71). The source of the gangrene was perirectal (22.22%), urinary (66.66%) and cutaneous (11.11%). Predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, malnutrition and low socio-economic status. All patients were treated with surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. Two patients underwent delayed reconstructive surgery. Cystostomy was performed in 100% of the cases. Two patients died from severe sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia is a severe condition with a high morbidity and mortality. Good management is based on aggressive debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics and intensive supportive care.