Effect of hydrocolloid coatings (Basil seed gum, xanthan, and methyl cellulose) on the mass transfer kinetics and quality of fried potato strips.

In this research, the effect of different temperatures (160, 180, and 190 °C) and hydrocolloid coatings (Basil seed gum [BSG], xanthan gum [XG], methylcellulose [MC], BSG-XG, and BSG-MC mixtures) were investigated on the physicochemical properties (oil uptake, moisture loss, color, microscopic structure, activation energy, and texture), mass transfer kinetic of fried potato strips in deep-fat frying, and oil partitions using frying and postfrying cooling phase. An increase in frying time reduced the moisture content and hardness of potato strips; however, the oil content and color difference increased. The oil content in the coated samples had lower rates than that in the noncoated ones. The treated samples using BSG-xanthan mixture (50:50) and BSG had the lowest oil uptake at 0.13% and 0.14% Dry basis (d.b.), respectively. The maximum and minimum values of effective moisture diffusivity were measured in control and samples coated with BSG-XG and BSG, respectively. As frying temperature increased, the specific rate of oil uptake increased and the equilibrium oil content decreased. Overall, BSG-XG mixture-coated potato strips can be used as a promising product due to absorbing the lowest oil rate and being similar to the control in terms of organoleptic properties.

Acupoint injection of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin polysaccharide nucleic acid for patients with chronic urticaria: A protocol for systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG-PSN) in the treatment of chronic urticaria (CU). METHODS: The following databases will be searched from their inception: Medline, Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, China Science Journal Database, and Wanfang Database. All databases will be searched from the date of creation until October 2019. In addition, we will manually search the list of medical journals as a supplement. The scope of the search included randomized controlled clinical studies related to acupoint injection of BCG-PSN for CU. The primary outcome is the disease activity control. Secondary outcomes include response rate, adverse events, and recurrence rates. The Cochrane RevMan V5.3 Deviation Assessment Tool will be used to assess bias assessment risk, data integration risk, meta-analysis risk, and subgroup analysis risk (if conditions are met). The average difference, standard mean difference and binary data will be used to represent continuous results. RESULTS: This study will comprehensively review the existing evidence on the treatment of CU by acupoint injection of BCG-PSN. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide a judgment basis for the effectiveness and safety of acupoint injection of BCG-PSN in the treatment of CU. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42019139885.

Dietary Xanthan Gum Alters Antibiotic Efficacy against the Murine Gut Microbiota and Attenuates Clostridioides difficile Colonization.

Dietary fiber provides a variety of microbiota-mediated benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory metabolites to pathogen colonization resistance. A healthy gut microbiota protects against Clostridioides difficile colonization. Manipulation of these microbes through diet may increase colonization resistance to improve clinical outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to identify how the dietary fiber xanthan gum affects the microbiota and C. difficile colonization. We added 5% xanthan gum to the diet of C57BL/6 mice and examined its effect on the microbiota through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and short-chain fatty acid analysis. Following either cefoperazone or an antibiotic cocktail administration, we challenged mice with C. difficile and measured colonization by monitoring the CFU. Xanthan gum administration is associated with increases in fiber-degrading taxa and short-chain fatty acid concentrations. However, by maintaining both the diversity and absolute abundance of the microbiota during antibiotic treatment, the protective effects of xanthan gum administration on the microbiota were more prominent than the enrichment of these fiber-degrading taxa. As a result, mice that were on the xanthan gum diet experienced limited to no C. difficile colonization. Xanthan gum administration alters mouse susceptibility to C. difficile colonization by maintaining the microbiota during antibiotic treatment. While antibiotic-xanthan gum interactions are not well understood, xanthan gum has previously been used to bind drugs and alter their pharmacokinetics. Thus, xanthan gum may alter the activity of the oral antibiotics used to make the microbiota susceptible. Future research should further characterize how this and other common dietary fibers interact with drugs.IMPORTANCE A healthy gut bacterial community benefits the host by breaking down dietary nutrients and protecting against pathogens. Clostridioides difficile capitalizes on the absence of this community to cause diarrhea and inflammation. Thus, a major clinical goal is to find ways to increase resistance to C. difficile colonization by either supplementing with bacteria that promote resistance or a diet to enrich for those already present in the gut. In this study, we describe an interaction between xanthan gum, a human dietary additive, and the microbiota resulting in an altered gut environment that is protective against C. difficile colonization.

Levofloxacin Hemihydrate In Situ Gelling Ophthalmic Solution: Formulation Optimization and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is a leading cause of ocular infections requiring short-term therapeutic treatment with frequent administration of drugs on daily basis. Topical dosage forms available in the market for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis such as simple drug solutions and suspensions are rapidly eliminated from the precorneal space upon instillation due to tear turn over and nasolacrimal drainage, limiting intraocular bioavailability of drug to less than 10% of the administered dose. To overcome issues related to conventional drop, an effort was made to design and evaluate prolong release ophthalmic solution of levofloxacin hemihydrate (LFH) using ion-sensitive in situ gelling polymer. Gellan gum was used as the in situ gelling agent. Formulations were screened based on in vitro gelation time, in vitro drug release, and stability towards sol to gel conversion upon storage. The prototype formulations exhibiting quick in vitro gelling time (< 15 s), prolonged in vitro drug release (18-24 h), and stability for at least 6 months at 25°C/40% relative humidity (RH) and 40°C/25% RH were evaluated for pharmacokinetic studies using healthy New Zealand white rabbits. Tested formulations were found to be well-tolerated and showed significant increase in AUC0-24 (22,660.39 h ng/mL) and mean residence time (MRT 12 h) as compared with commercially available solution Levotop PF® (Ajanta Pharma Ltd., India)(AUC0-24 6414.63 h ng/mL and MRT 4 h). Thus, solution formulations containing in situ gelling polymer may serve as improved drug delivery system providing superior therapeutic efficacy and better patient compliance for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Innovative sprayable in situ gelling fluticasone suspension: Development and optimization of nasal deposition.

The aim of this study was to develop an innovative in situ gelling suspension for effective nasal delivery of fluticasone. Pectin, gellan gum and sodium hyaluronate were used as gelling/thickening agents, and Tween 80 as a suspending agent. The influence of the formulation and/or administration parameters on formulation sprayability and nasal deposition was explored with an appropriate experimental design with the range for parameters in the design obtained from previous research and domain knowledge. All formulations exhibited appropriate sprayability and instant gelation upon mixing with simulated nasal fluid exhibiting weak gel properties convenient for nasal delivery. Targeted turbinate deposition depended on administration and formulation parameters, including their interactions. Decrease in the administration angle from horizontal plane, increase in inspiratory flow and presence of sodium hyaluronate significantly increased deposition in turbinate region. Parameters in interactions included concentration of polymers, surfactant and fluticasone, as well as administration angle. Selected formulations with high turbinate deposition exhibited significant increase in viscosity upon gelation, showing potential to prolong the drug retention at the nasal mucosa. The highest effect on the gel viscosity, strength and fluticasone release profile was observed for gellan gum, thus recognised as crucial parameter for the optimisation of overall therapeutic effect.

Effect of PolyGlycopleX (PGX) Consumption on Blood Lipid Profiles in Healthy, Low CVD Risk Overweight Adults.

Raised blood lipid levels are associated with a risk of a cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moderate reductions in several CVD factors such as total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol concentrations may be more effective in reducing overall risk than a major reduction in just one. A blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted with 120 healthy overweight (BMI 25⁻30) adults aged 25⁻70 years who were non-smokers, not diabetic and of low risk of cardiovascular disease, as assessed by the Framingham risk equation. Participants consumed 4.5 g PolyGlycopleX (PGX) as softgel capsules (PGXS) or 5 g PGX granules (PGXG) or 5 g rice flour (RF) with meals three times a day for 12 weeks. Total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol were all significantly reduced (-6%, -5% and -3.5%, respectively) post the PGX granule treatment; however, PGX in softgel capsule form did not affect blood lipid profiles. Daily consumption of PGX granules in overweight low CVD risk adults produced lipid changes indicating a CVD preventative benefit.

Effects of daily consumption of psyllium, oat bran and polyGlycopleX on obesity-related disease risk factors: A critical review.

The persistent obesity crisis, with its increased risk for the metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), continues to damage the health of populations globally, including children. Diets rich in the fiber provided by fruit and vegetables support good metabolic health, although few adults and children achieve the recommended daily target. Daily fiber supplementation, particularly with soluble fiber products, such as psyllium, oat bran, or a newer product such as PolyGlycopleX, may provide a convenient solution. Literature searches were conducted to identify original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses with the search terms psyllium, oat bran, PolyGlycopleX, and PGX, AND adults and children AND overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Data source was Embase and PubMed from 1980 to 2017. The results show that the addition of a soluble fiber product, most notably psyllium, improves blood lipid profiles, particularly total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as glycemic response, and increases satiety, and by thus improving MetS and CVD risk factors, may augment the processes initiated by weight reduction diets. Although less studied than psyllium, the available evidence has shown that ß-glucan present in oat bran has a beneficial effect on MetS and CVD risk factors, particularly blood lipids and glycemia. Early research has found PolyGlycopleX to provide similar benefits to other soluble fiber products, and suggest it may also assist with weight loss. This critical review demonstrates that soluble fiber supplements used as an adjunct to dietary and lifestyle modifications may assist with the treatment of CVD and MetS risk factors. More research is needed to further clarify the benefits of PolyGlycopleX in particular, as well as to develop safe and efficacious recommendations for fiber supplementation of all types for children in general.

Fabrication of injectable CuS nanocomposite hydrogels based on UCST-type polysaccharides for NIR-triggered chemo-photothermal therapy.

Injectable nanocomposite hydrogels containing small copper sulfide nanoparticles (6-8 nm) with a 54.6% photothermal conversion efficiency have been facilely prepared by applying an upper critical solution temperature (UCST)-type biopolymer gellan. This minimally invasive formulation ablates cancer completely in vivo after NIR-triggered chemo-photothermal therapy.

The Addition of Xanthan Gum to Enteral Nutrition Suppresses Postprandial Glycemia in Humans.

The semi-solidified nutrition supplemented with soluble dietary fiber, xanthan gum (XG), inhibited postprandial glycemia in rats. The purpose of the present study is to examine whether XG exerts the same effects in humans. Subjects fasted for 12 h and then ingested the enteral nutrient, Meibalance with or without XG at 9 AM. Blood glucose levels were measured 0, 20, 40, 60, and 120 min after its ingestion. Postprandial blood glucose levels were lower in the XG group than in the control group. At 20 min, postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the XG group (84±5.3 mg/dL) than in the control group (107±7.8 mg/dL) (p<0.05). A significant difference was also observed in ΔAUC between the two groups. These results demonstrate that XG exerts inhibitory effects on glucose excursion in humans.

Facile synthesis and characterization of tailor-made pectin-gellan gum-bionanofiller composites as intragastric drug delivery shuttles.

Olive oil-entrapped diethanolamine-modified high-methoxyl pectin (DMP)-gellan gum (GG)-bionanofiller composites were developed for controlled intragastric delivery of metformin HCl (MFM). DMP had a degree of amidation of 48.7% and was characterized further by FTIR, XRD and DSC analyses. MFM-loaded composites were subsequently accomplished by green synthesis via ionotropic gelation technique using zinc acetate as cross-linker. The thermal, X-ray and infrared analyses suggested an environment in the composites compatible with the drug, except certain degree of attenuation in drug's crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed almost spherical shape of the composites. Depending upon the mass ratios of GG:DMP, types of nanofiller (neusilin/bentonite/Florite) and oil inclusion, the composites exhibited variable drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, 50-85%) and extended drug release behaviours (Q8h, 69-94%) in acetate buffer (pH 4.5). The optimized oil-entrapped Florite R NF/GG: DMP (1:1) composites eluted MFM via case-II transport mechanism and its drug release data was best fitted in zero-order kinetic model. The optimized formulation demonstrated excellent gastroretentive properties and substantial hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These novel hybrid matrices were thus found suitable for controlled intragastric delivery of MFM for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Retinoic acid elicits a coordinated expression of gut homing markers on T lymphocytes of Zambian men receiving oral Vivotif, but not Rotarix, Dukoral or OPVERO vaccines.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) up-regulates, in laboratory animals, the expression of the gut homing markers α4ß7 integrin and CCR9 on lymphocytes, increasing their gut tropism. Here, we show that, in healthy adult volunteers, ATRA induced an increase of these gut homing markers on T cells in vivo in a time dependent manner. The coordinated increase of α4ß7 and CCR9 by ATRA was seen in 57% (12/21) of volunteers and only when given together with an oral Vivotif vaccine. When this coordinated response to ATRA and Vivotif vaccine was present, it was strongly correlated with the gut immunoglobulin A (IgA) specific response to vaccine LPS (ρ = 0.82; P = 0.02). Using RNA-Seq analysis of whole blood transcription, patients receiving ATRA and Vivotif in conjunction showed transcriptomic changes in immune-related pathways, particularly including interferon α/ß signaling pathway, membrane-ECM interactions and immune hubs. These results suggest that exogenous ATRA can be used to manipulate responses to a subclass of oral vaccines, so far limited to a live attenuated Vivotif vaccine.

A novel cosmetic and clinically practicable laser immunotherapy for facial verruca plana: Intense pulsed light combined with BCG-PSN.

BACKGROUND: There is no standard method to remove facial verruca plana and achieve better cosmetic effects. The present study is the first study to use intense pulsed light (IPL) as photothermal therapy (PTT) combined with intra-gluteal injection of bacillus calmette-guerin polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG-PSN), which function as immunotherapy, contracting a new type of clinically available laser immunotherapy (LIT) for the treatment of facial verruca plana. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, cosmetic outcome, and adverse reactions of IPL combined with BCG-PSN for facial verruca plana. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with facial verruca plana were treated with IPL (560-nm filter, 15-17 J/cm2) and all patients were given intra-gluteal injections of BCG-PSN twice a week for 8 weeks combined with IPL once a month in two times. The clinical responses, recurrences, adverse reactions, and rejuvenation outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A complete and excellent response was noted in 17 patients (74%). Of the 676 treated warts, 548 were eradicated and the overall clearance rate was 81%. No patient relapsed during the 20-week follow-up. No obvious adverse reactions was observed. Almost all patients showed an improvement in skin texture after IPL treatment CONCLUSION: We conclude that a novel LIT based on BCG-PSN and IPL for the treatment of facial verruca plana proved to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment modality. This novel LIT can clear skin lesions and achieve a very good cosmetic effect.

Development of a synthetic Vi polysaccharide vaccine for typhoid fever.

Typhoid fever remains a serious public health problem with a high impact on toddlers and young children. Vaccines against the Vi capsular polysaccharide are efficacious against typhoid fever demonstrating that antibodies against Vi confer protection. The currently licensed Vi typhoid vaccines have however limited efficacy and are manufactured by a complex process from wild-type bacteria. Due to these inherent issues with the current vaccines, an alternative vaccine based on an O-acetylated high molecular weight (HMW) polygalacturonic acid (GelSite-OAc™) was generated. The HMW polygalacturonic acid shares the same backbone as the Vi polysaccharide of Salmonella Typhi. The GelSite-OAc™ has a high molecular weight (>1 × 106 Da) and a high degree of O-acetylation (DOAc) (>5 µmole/mg), both exceeding the potency specifications of the current Vi vaccine. Studies in Balb/c mice demonstrated that GelSite-OAc™ was highly immunogenic, inducing a strong antigen-specific antibody response in a DOAc- and dose-dependent manner which was comparable to or higher than those induced by the licensed Vi vaccine. Importantly, the GelSite-OAc™ was shown to be fully protective in mice against lethal challenge with Salmonella Typhi. Furthermore, the GelSite-OAc™ demonstrated a boosting effect or memory response, exhibiting a >2-fold increase in antibody levels upon the second immunization with either GelSite-OAc™ or the Vi vaccine. This novel boosting effect is unique among polysaccharide antigens and potentially makes GelSite-OAc™ effective in people under 2 years old. Together these results suggest that the GelSite-OAc™ could be a highly effective vaccine against Salmonella Typhi.

Effect on Insulin, Glucose and Lipids in Overweight/Obese Australian Adults of 12 Months Consumption of Two Different Fibre Supplements in a Randomised Trial.

Higher fibre intakes are associated with risk reduction for chronic diseases. This study investigated the effects of supplementation with PolyGlycopleX® (PGX), a complexed polysaccharide, on insulin, glucose and lipids in overweight and obese individuals. In this double-blind 12 months study, participants were randomised into three groups: control (rice flour); PGX or psyllium (PSY). Participants followed their usual lifestyle and diet but consumed 5 g of their supplement before meals. Insulin was significantly lower in the PGX and PSY groups compared to control at 3 and 6 months and in the PSY group compared to control at 12 months. Serum glucose was significantly lower in the PGX group at 3 months compared to control. Total cholesterol was significantly lower in the PGX and PSY groups compared to control at 3 and 6 months. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly increased in the PGX group compared to control at 12 months. low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was significantly lower in the PGX group at 3 and 6 months compared to control and in the PSY group at 3 months compared to control. A simple strategy of fibre supplementation may offer an effective solution to glucose, insulin and lipid management without the need for other nutrient modification.

Effect of Fibre Supplementation on Body Weight and Composition, Frequency of Eating and Dietary Choice in Overweight Individuals.

Fibre supplementation can potentially reduce energy intake and contribute to weight loss. The mechanism may be reduced frequency of eating, resulting in reduced food consumption. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of fibre supplementation with PolyGlycopleX® (PGX®), on body weight and composition, frequency of eating and dietary intake in 118 overweight adults. In a three-arm, parallel, blind, randomised controlled trial participants were randomised to one of three groups; 4.5 g PGX as softgels (PGXS), 5 g PGX granules (PGXG) or 5 g rice flour (RF) control. Prior to supplementation and at 12 weeks, participants captured before and after images of all food and beverages consumed within 4 days using a mobile food record app (mFR). The mFR images were analysed for food group serving sizes and number of eating occasions. In the PGXG group, per-protocol analysis [corrected] analysis showed there was a significant reduction in waist circumference (2.5 cm; p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis showed that PGXG supplementation at the recommended dose resulted in a reduction in body weight (-1.4 ± 0.10 kg, p < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) reduction (-0.5 ± 0.10, p < 0.01), reduced number of eating occasions (-1.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.01) and a reduced intake of grain food (-1.52 ± 1.84 serves, p = 0.019). PGXG at the recommended dose resulted in a reduction in weight and BMI which was significantly greater than that for RF (p = 0.001). These results demonstrate the potential benefits of PGX fibre in controlling frequency of eating and in weight loss.

Immunogenicity differences of a 15-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (PCV15) based on vaccine dose, route of immunization and mouse strain.

Pneumococcal disease continues to be a medical need even with very effective vaccines on the market. Globally, there are extensive research efforts to improve serotype coverage with novel vaccines; therefore, conducting preclinical studies in different animal models becomes essential. The work presented herein focuses on evaluating a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) in mice. Initially we evaluated several doses of PCV15 in Balb/c mice. The optimal vaccine dose was determined to be 0.4µg per pneumococcal polysaccharide (PS) (0.8µg of 6B) for subsequent studies. This PS dose was chosen for PCV evaluation in mice based on antibody levels determined by multiplexed electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assays, T-cell responses following in vitro stimulation with CRM197 peptides and protection from pneumococcal challenge. We then selected four mouse strains for evaluation: Balb/c, C3H/HeN, CD1 and Swiss Webster (SW), immunized with PCV15 by either intraperitoneal (IP) or intramuscular (IM) routes. We assessed IgG responses by ECL assays and functional antibody activity by multiplexed opsonophagocytic assays (MOPA). Every mouse strain evaluated responded to all 15 serotypes contained in the vaccine. Mice tended to have lower responses to serotypes 6B, 23F and 33F. The IP route of immunization resulted in higher antibody titers for most serotypes in Balb/c, C3H and SW. CD1 mice tended to respond similarly for most serotypes, regardless of route of immunization. Similar trends were observed with the four mouse strains when evaluating functional antibody activity. Given the differences in antibody responses based on mouse strain and route of immunization, it is critical to evaluate pneumococcal vaccines in multiple animal models to determine the optimal formulation before moving to clinical trials.

Consumption of the Soluble Dietary Fibre Complex PolyGlycopleX(®) Reduces Glycaemia and Increases Satiety of a Standard Meal Postprandially.

The effect of consumption of PolyGlycopleX(®) (PGX(®)) was compared to wheat dextrin (WD) in combination with a standard meal, on postprandial satiety and glycaemia in a double-blind, randomised crossover trial, of 14 healthy subjects trained as a satiety panel. At each of six two-hour satiety sessions, subjects consumed one of three different test meals on two separate occasions. The test meals were: a standard meal plus 5 g PGX; a standard meal plus 4.5 g of PGX as softgels; and a standard meal plus 5 g of WD. Subjects recorded fullness using a labelled magnitude scale at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min and the total area under the curve (AUC), mean fullness vs. time was calculated. The meals with PGX (in granular and softgel form) gave higher satiety (AUC) (477 ± 121 and 454 ± 242 cm·min), than the meal with WD (215 ± 261 cm·min) (p < 0.001). Subjects had blood glucose levels measured after the meals with PGX (granules) and WD. Glucose response (AUC) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) after the PGX meal than for the WD meal.  The high viscosity reported for PGX is a likely mechanism behind the significant satiety and blood glucose modulating effects observed in this study.

Effect of the novel functional fibre, polyglycoplex (PGX), on body weight and metabolic parameters: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hundreds of dietary supplements are marketed as weight loss pills, but the evidence for effectiveness for most is unproven. The objective of this review was to critically appraise and evaluate the evidence from published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of polyglycoplex (PGX), a novel functional fibre, on body weight and metabolic parameters. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches in Medline, Embase, Amed, Cinahl and The Cochrane Library. Only double-blinded RCTs were considered for inclusion. The reporting quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane criteria. Two reviewers independently determined eligibility, assessed the quality of reporting, and extracted the data. RESULTS: We included four RCTs with a total of 217 participants. The RCTs varied in the quality of their reporting. The evidence from the RCTs suggested that PGX has no significant effects on body weight; however, significant reductions were noted for total and LDL cholesterol. Adverse events reported included diarrhea and abdominal bloating. CONCLUSION: The evidence from available RCTs does not indicate that PGX intake causes reductions in body weight. PGX may cause reductions in total and LDL cholesterol. Few trials examining the effects of PGX have been conducted; they are characterized by small sample sizes, deficiencies in reporting quality, and are funded by a single manufacturer. Future clinical trials evaluating its effect should be adequately powered and better reported.

c-Fos induction in mesotelencephalic dopamine pathway projection targets and dorsal striatum following oral intake of sugars and fats in rats.

Overconsumption of nutrients high in fats and sugars can lead to obesity. Previous studies indicate that sugar or fat consumption activate individual brain sites using Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI). Sugars and fats also elicit conditioned flavor preferences (CFP) that are differentially mediated by flavor-flavor (orosensory: f/f) and flavor-nutrient (post-ingestive: f/n) processes. Dopamine (DA) signaling in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the amygdala (AMY) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc), has been implicated in acquisition and expression of fat- and sugar-CFP. The present study examined the effects of acute consumption of fat (corn oil: f/f and f/n), glucose (f/f and f/n), fructose, (f/f only), saccharin, xanthan gum or water upon simultaneous FLI activation of DA mesotelencephalic nuclei (ventral tegmental area (VTA)) and projections (infralimbic and prelimbic mPFC, basolateral and central-cortico-medial AMY, core and shell of NAc as well as the dorsal striatum). Consumption of corn oil solutions, isocaloric to glucose and fructose, significantly increased FLI in all sites except for the NAc shell. Glucose intake significantly increased FLI in both AMY areas, dorsal striatum and NAc core, but not in either mPFC area, VTA or Nac shell. Correspondingly, fructose intake significantly increased FLI in the both AMY areas, the infralimbic mPFC and dorsal striatum, but not the prelimbic mPFC, VTA or either NAc area. Saccharin and xanthan gum intake failed to activate FLI relative to water. When significant FLI activation occurred, highly positive relationships were observed among sites, supporting the idea of activation of a distributed brain network mediating sugar and fat intake.

Application of design of experiment for polyox and xanthan gum coated floating pulsatile delivery of sumatriptan succinate in migraine treatment.

Migraine follows circadian rhythm in which headache is more painful at the awakening time. This needs administration of dosage form at night time to release drug after lag period when pain gets worse. Sumatriptan succinate is a drug of choice for migraine. Sumatriptan succinate has bitter taste, low oral bioavailability, and shorter half-life. Present work deals with application of design of experiment for polyox and xanthan gum in development of press coated floating pulsatile tablet. Floating pulsatile concept was applied to increase gastric residence of the dosage form. Burst release was achieved through immediate release tablet using crospovidone as superdisintegrant (10%). Pulse lag time was achieved using swellable polymer polyox WSR 205 and xanthan gum. 3(2) experimental design was applied. Optimized formulation was evaluated for physical characteristics and in-vitro and in-vivo study. From results, it can be concluded that optimized batch F8 containing polyox WSR205 (72.72%) and xanthan gum (27.27%) of total weight of polymer has shown floating lag time of 55 ± 2 sec, drug content of 100.35 ± 0.4%, hardness of 6 ± 0.1 Kg/cm(2), and 98.69 ± 2% drug release in pulse manner with lag time of 7 ± 0.1 h. Optimized batch showed prolong gastric residence which was confirmed by in-vivo X-ray study.