Status report - Geographic retail food environment measures for use in public health. / Rapport d'étape - Indicateurs géographiques de l'environnement alimentaire de la vente au détail pour l'intervention en santé publique.

The Association of Public Health Epidemiologists in Ontario (APHEO) Core Indicators Work Group standardizes definitions and calculation methods for over 120 public health indicators to enhance accurate and standardized community health status reporting across public health units in Ontario. The Built Environment Subgroup is a multi-disciplinary group made up of planners, researchers, policy analysts, registered dietitians, geographic information systems (GIS) analysts and epidemiologists. The Subgroup selected and operationalized a suite of objective, standardized indicators intended to help public health units and regional health authorities assess their community retail food environments. The Subgroup proposed three indicators that use readily available data sources and GIS tools to characterize geographic access to various types of retail food outlets within neighbourhoods in urban settings. This article provides a status report on the development of these food environment indicators.

RÉSUMÉ: Le groupe de travail sur les indicateurs de base de l'Association des épidémiologistes en santé publique de l'Ontario (AESPO) a pour mandat d'uniformiser les définitions et les méthodes de calcul de plus de 120 indicateurs de la santé publique dans le but de fournir un cadre précis et commun à l'ensemble des bureaux de santé publique de l'Ontario pour la production de rapports sur l'état de santé des communautés. Le sous-groupe chargé de l'environnement bâti est une équipe multidisciplinaire composée de planificateurs, de chercheurs, d'analystes des politiques, de diététistes agréés, d'analystes de système d'information géographique (SIG) et d'épidémiologistes. Le sous-groupe a sélectionné et opérationnalisé un certain nombre d'indicateurs objectifs et uniformes en vue d'aider les bureaux de santé publique et les autorités sanitaires régionales à évaluer les environnements alimentaires de vente au détail de leur communauté. Le sous-groupe a proposé trois indicateurs s'appuyant sur des sources de données facilement accessibles et sur des données obtenues par suite d'analyses SIG pour caractériser l'accessibilité géographique à divers types de commerces d'alimentation au détail dans des quartiers urbains. Le présent article propose un rapport d'étape sur la mise au point de ces indicateurs de l'environnement alimentaire.

Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence, safety and acceptability of Ornibel®, a new polymer composition contraceptive vaginal ring (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.00/3.474 mg) compared with Nuvaring® (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg).

OBJECTIVE: To show the clinical development of Ornibel® (ExeltisHealthcare, Spain) a contraceptive vaginal ring manufactured with a new polymer composition and containing etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol, compared to Nuvaring® (MSD, Spain). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Randomised, single dose, 2-period, 2-sequence, 2-stage crossover, comparative bioavailability study conducted in 40 healthy female subjects. All subjects received both treatments for 28 days in each of two periods, separated by a 28 days washout. Ornibel® contains etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.00/3.47 mg and Nuvaring® contains etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg, both rings delivering 120/15 µg/day. For the calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters, 37 blood samples were collected up to 840 h after each ring insertion to quantify plasma concentrations of etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol using a validated MS/MS-HPLC. Safety was assessed by adverse events recording, clinical laboratory and vital signs and tolerability by vaginal examination. Acceptability was investigated by a 5-point scale questionnaire. RESULTS: Bioequivalence was demonstrated in the first stage as the 94.12% Confidence Intervals of the primary parameters laid within the 80-125% acceptance range for both etonogestrel (Cmax: 96.81-112.20%; AUC0-504h: 98.71-108.61%; AUC0-t: 100.14-109.10%) and ethinylestradiol. (Cmax: 105.91-120.62%; AUC0-504h: 105.47-114.59%; AUC0-t: 108.31-117.61%). During the first day of use a burst effect was observed with Nuvaring®, with significantly higher level of ethinylestradiol (Cmax0-24h ratio: 78.34%, 94.12CI: 73.55-83.45%). Both products were well tolerated and accepted, without significant differences between them. CONCLUSION: Ornibel® is bioequivalent to Nuvaring® in terms of efficacy, safety, tolerability and acceptability. The new polymer composition provides Ornibel® with more stability and gradual hormonal release during the first day of use, particularly for ethinylestradiol.

Randomized Comparative Bioavailability of a Novel Three-Dimensional Printed Fast-Melt Formulation of Levetiracetam Following the Administration of a Single 1000-mg Dose to Healthy Human Volunteers Under Fasting and Fed Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Rapidly disintegrating or 'fast-melt' oral formulations have been developed recently to facilitate drug intake among patients. Even though these formulations have helped to improve therapy adherence, some of their limitations include: the dissolution time, their facility to be swallowed, and the dosage strengths that may be accommodated. To overcome these limitations, a novel, porous, quickly disintegrating, and easier-to-swallow fast-melt formulation based on powder-liquid, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology has been developed. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the relative bioavailability of a novel 3DP fast melt containing levetiracetam in healthy male and female subjects. METHODS: This study included 33 subjects in a three-way crossover design. The 3DP fast-melt formulation was compared against the conventional immediate-release tablet of levetiracetam (Keppra(®)) after a single 1000-mg dose administration under fasting conditions following the bioequivalence criteria used by the US Food and Drug Administration. This study also evaluated the food effect on the bioavailability of the levetiracetam 3DP fast melt. A small sip of liquid was used to administer the fast-melt formulation. RESULTS: The novel 3DP fast melt showed rapid oral disintegration (mean duration of 11 s from a sip of water to completion of swallowing) following its administration, and did not affect the pharmacokinetic profile of levetiracetam. A lower absorption peak was observed after administration of the 3DP fast melt under fed conditions, as expected. In addition, time of maximum measured plasma concentration was delayed by approximately 3.5 h under fed conditions. These effects are unlikely to be of clinical significance with long-term administration, and may help reduce the adverse events and facilitate compliance. Finally, no change in the oral mucosa was observed with the 3DP fast melt while being as safe and well tolerated as the standard levetiracetam tablet. CONCLUSION: This study quantified the rapid disintegration of the 3DP levetiracetam fast melt and confirmed its equivalent rate and extent of absorption to the conventional immediate-release tablet in the fasted state, using standard bioequivalence criteria.

Epigenomics and bolting tolerance in sugar beet genotypes.

In sugar beet (Beta vulgaris altissima), bolting tolerance is an essential agronomic trait reflecting the bolting response of genotypes after vernalization. Genes involved in induction of sugar beet bolting have now been identified, and evidence suggests that epigenetic factors are involved in their control. Indeed, the time course and amplitude of DNA methylation variations in the shoot apical meristem have been shown to be critical in inducing sugar beet bolting, and a few functional targets of DNA methylation during vernalization have been identified. However, molecular mechanisms controlling bolting tolerance levels among genotypes are still poorly understood. Here, gene expression and DNA methylation profiles were compared in shoot apical meristems of three bolting-resistant and three bolting-sensitive genotypes after vernalization. Using Cot fractionation followed by 454 sequencing of the isolated low-copy DNA, 6231 contigs were obtained that were used along with public sugar beet DNA sequences to design custom Agilent microarrays for expression (56k) and methylation (244k) analyses. A total of 169 differentially expressed genes and 111 differentially methylated regions were identified between resistant and sensitive vernalized genotypes. Fourteen sequences were both differentially expressed and differentially methylated, with a negative correlation between their methylation and expression levels. Genes involved in cold perception, phytohormone signalling, and flowering induction were over-represented and collectively represent an integrative gene network from environmental perception to bolting induction. Altogether, the data suggest that the genotype-dependent control of DNA methylation and expression of an integrative gene network participate in bolting tolerance in sugar beet, opening up perspectives for crop improvement.

The impact of new partial AUC parameters for evaluating the bioequivalence of prolonged-release formulations.

To demonstrate bioequivalence (BE) between two prolonged-release (PR) drug formulations, single dose studies under fasting and fed state as well as at least one steady-state study are currently required by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Recently, however, there have been debates regarding the relevance of steady-state studies. New requirements in single-dose investigations have also been suggested by the EMA to address the absence of a parameter that can adequately assess the equivalence of the shape of the curves. In the draft guideline issued in 2013, new partial area under the curve (pAUC) pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were introduced to that effect. In light of these potential changes, there is a need of supportive clinical evidence to evaluate the impact of pAUCs on the evaluation of BE between PR formulations. In this retrospective analysis, it was investigated whether the newly defined parameters were associated with an increase in discriminatory ability or a change in variability compared to the conventional PK parameters. Among the single dose studies that met the requirements already in place, 20% were found unable to meet the EMA's new requirements in regards to the pAUC PK parameters. When pairing fasting and fed studies for a same formulation, the failure rate increased to 40%. In some cases, due to the high variability of these parameters, an increase of the sample size would be required to prove BE. In other cases however, the pAUC parameters demonstrated a robust ability to detect differences between the shapes of the curves of PR formulations. The present analysis should help to better understand the impact of the upcoming changes in European regulations on PR formulations and in the design of future BE studies.

Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of trimebutine 3-thiocarbamoylbenzenesulfonate (GIC-1001) in a randomized phase I integrated design study: single and multiple ascending doses and effect of food in healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: Trimebutine 3-thiocarbamoylbenzenesulfonate (GIC-1001) is a new drug intended to be used for the management of visceral pain in patients undergoing sedation-free, full colonoscopy. The objectives of this Phase I, single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, integrated study were to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of GIC-1001 after single ascending doses (SAD) and multiple ascending doses (MAD) and to evaluate the influence of food on the pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. METHODS: GIC-1001 or placebo was orally administered to 80 healthy male and female subjects (non- or ex-smokers) aged 18 to 50 years with a body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m(2). The SAD portion of the study consisted of 5 cohorts with dose levels of 125 to 1000 mg. The MAD portion included 4 cohorts in which subjects received TID doses of 125 to 500 mg over 7 days (19 consecutive doses). Subjects were randomized (6:2) to receive GIC-1001 or placebo. The third portion of the study included a single 375-mg dose of GIC-1001 in a randomized, 2-period, crossover design to assess the influence of food (n = 8 subjects). Safety was evaluated by using adverse events (AEs), vital signs, ECGs, physical examination, cardiac monitoring, and laboratory test results. The analytes were assayed by using validated HPLC-MS/MS methods. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated by using a noncompartmental analysis, and regression models were used to assess dose linearity. To evaluate the effect of food, 90% CIs of the ratio of geometric least squares means from ln-transformed pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. FINDINGS: The most frequently reported drug-related AEs were of nervous system and gastrointestinal origin. The most common AEs included headache, somnolence, and nausea. After single-dose administration, Tmax of trimebutine ranged from 1.0 to 1.5 hours. Cmax and AUCT were linear (nonlinearity P ≥ 0.05) and proportional (P < 0.05) over the studied dose range. Food increased the Cmax and AUC of trimebutine; the ratio of geometric least squares means (90% CI) were 140% (84-234) and 174% (138-221), respectively. In the MAD study portion, the Tmax of trimebutine ranged from 0.5 to 2 hours and AUCτ increased from 38 to 170 ng · h/mL. AUCτ and Cmax were linear and proportional over the studied dose range. IMPLICATIONS: GIC-1001 was well tolerated, and its safety profile was similar to that of placebo. Pharmacokinetics of GIC-1001 and its metabolites were mainly linear and proportional over the studied dose ranges. Steady state was generally considered to be reached after 3 days. Food consumption affected the pharmacokinetic profile of the analytes differently. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01738425.).

The FLC-like gene BvFL1 is not a major regulator of vernalization response in biennial beets.

Many plant species in temperate climate regions require vernalization over winter to initiate flowering. Flowering Locus C (FLC) and FLC-like genes are key regulators of vernalization requirement and growth habit in winter-annual and perennial Brassicaceae. In the biennial crop species Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris in the evolutionarily distant Caryophyllales clade of core eudicots growth habit and bolting time are controlled by the vernalization and photoperiod response gene BTC1 and the downstream BvFT1-BvFT2 module. B. vulgaris also contains a vernalization-responsive FLC homolog (BvFL1). Here, to further elucidate the regulation of vernalization response and growth habit in beet, we functionally characterized BvFL1 by RNAi and over-expression in transgenic plants. BvFL1 RNAi neither eliminated the requirement for vernalization of biennial beets nor had a major effect on bolting time after vernalization. Over-expression of BvFL1 resulted in a moderate late-bolting phenotype, with bolting after vernalization being delayed by approximately 1 week. By contrast, RNAi-induced down-regulation of the BvFT1-BvFT2 module led to a strong delay in bolting after vernalization by several weeks. The data demonstrate for the first time that an FLC homolog does not play a major role in the control of vernalization response in a dicot species outside the Brassicaceae.

Divergence of host range and biological properties between natural isolate and full-length infectious cDNA clone of the Beet mild yellowing virus 2ITB.

Plant infection by poleroviruses is restricted to phloem tissues, preventing any classical leaf rub inoculation with viral RNA or virions. Efficient virus inoculation to plants is achieved by viruliferous aphids that acquire the virus by feeding on infected plants. The use of promoter-driven infectious cDNA is an alternative means to infect plants and allows reverse genetic studies to be performed. Using Beet mild yellowing virus isolate 2ITB (BMYV-2ITB), we produced a full-length infectious cDNA clone of the virus (named BMYV-EK) placed under the control of the T7 RNA polymerase and the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoters. Infectivity of the engineered BMYV-EK virus was assayed in different plant species and compared with that of the original virus. We showed that in vitro- or in planta-derived transcripts were infectious in protoplasts and in whole plants. Importantly, the natural aphid vector Myzus persicae efficiently transmitted the viral progeny produced in infected plants. By comparing agroinoculation and aphid infection in a host range assay, we showed that the engineered BMYV-EK virus displayed a similar host range to BMYV-2ITB, except for Nicotiana benthamiana, which proved to be resistant to systemic infection with BMYV-EK. Finally, both the BMYV-EK P0 and the full-length clone were able to strongly interfere with post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Identification of differentially methylated regions during vernalization revealed a role for RNA methyltransferases in bolting.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris altissima) is a biennial root crop with an absolute requirement for cold exposure to bolt and flower, a process called vernalization. Global DNA methylation variations have been reported during vernalization in several plants. However, few genes targeted by DNA methylation during vernalization have been described. The objectives of this study were to identify differentially methylated regions and to study their involvement in bolting induction and tolerance. Restriction landmark genome scanning was applied to DNA from shoot apical meristems of sugar beet genotypes, providing a direct quantitative epigenetic assessment of several CG methylated genes without prior knowledge of gene sequence. Several differentially methylated regions exhibiting variations of gene-body DNA methylation and expression during cold exposure and/or between genotypes were identified, including an AROGENATE DEHYDRATASE and two RNA METHYLCYTOSINE TRANSFERASE sequences. One RNA METHYLCYTOSINE TRANSFERASE sequence displayed gene-body hypermethylation and activation of expression, while the other was hypomethylated and inhibited by cold exposure. Global RNA methylation and phenolic compound levels changed during cold exposure in a genotype-dependent way. The use of methyl RNA immunoprecipitation of total RNA and reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed mRNA methylation in a vernalized bolting-resistant genotype for the FLOWERING LOCUS 1 gene, a repressor of flowering. Finally, Arabidopsis mutants for RNA METHYLCYTOSINE TRANSFERASE and AROGENATE DEHYDRATASE were shown to exhibit, under different environmental conditions, early or late bolting phenotypes, respectively. Overall, the data identified functional targets of DNA methylation during vernalization in sugar beet, and it is proposed that RNA methylation and phenolic compounds play a role in the floral transition.

Genic DNA methylation changes during in vitro organogenesis: organ specificity and conservation between parental lines of epialleles.

During differentiation, in vitro organogenesis calls for the adjustment of the gene expression program toward a new fate. The role of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation is suggested but little is known about the loci affected by DNA methylation changes, particularly in agronomic plants for witch in vitro technologies are useful such as sugar beet. Here, three pairs of organogenic and non-organogenic in vitro cell lines originating from different sugar beet (Beta vulgaris altissima) cultivars were used to assess the dynamics of DNA methylation at the global or genic levels during shoot or root regeneration. The restriction landmark genome scanning for methylation approach was applied to provide a direct quantitative epigenetic assessment of several CG methylated genes without prior knowledge of gene sequence that is particularly adapted for studies on crop plants without a fully sequenced genome. The cloned sequences had putative roles in cell proliferation, differentiation or unknown functions and displayed organ-specific DNA polymorphism for methylation and changes in expression during in vitro organogenesis. Among them, a potential ubiquitin extension protein 6 (UBI6) was shown, in different cultivars, to exhibit repeatable variations of DNA methylation and gene expression during shoot regeneration. In addition, abnormal development and callogenesis were observed in a T-DNA insertion mutant (ubi6) for a homologous sequence in Arabidopsis. Our data showed that DNA methylation is changed in an organ-specific way for genes exhibiting variations of expression and playing potential role during organogenesis. These epialleles could be conserved between parental lines opening perspectives for molecular markers.

Consumer inhalation exposure to formaldehyde from the use of personal care products/cosmetics.

We measured consumer exposure to formaldehyde (FA) from personal care products (PCP) containing FA-releasing preservatives. Six study subjects applied facial moisturiser, foundation, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, hair conditioner, hair styling gel or body lotion at the 90th percentile amount of EU PCP consumer use. FA air concentrations were measured in the empty room, in the presence of study subjects prior to PCP use, and for one hour (breathing zone, area monitoring) after PCP use. The mean FA air concentration in the empty bathroom was 1.32 ± 0.67 µg/m³, in the presence of subjects it was 2.33 ± 0.86 µg/m³). Except for body lotion and hair conditioner (6.2 ± 0.1.9 or 4.5 ± 0.1.5 µg/m³, respectively), mean 1-h FA air concentrations after PCP use were similar to background. Peak FA air concentrations, ranging from baseline values (2.2 µg/m³; shower gel) to 11.5 µg/m³ (body lotion), occurred during 0-5 to 5-10 min after PCP use. Despite of exaggerated exposure conditions, FA air levels were a fraction of those considered to be safe (120 µg/m³), occurring in indoor air (22-124 µg/m³) or expired human breath (1.4-87 µg/m³). Overall, our data yielded evidence that inhalation of FA from the use of PCP containing FA-releasers poses no risk to human health.

Study on the bioequivalence of two formulations of eplerenone in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions: data from a single-center, randomized, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover bioequivalence study.

BACKGROUND: Eplerenone (CAS 107724-20-9) prevents the binding of aldosterone, a key hormone in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS), which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and is indicated, in addition to standard therapy including beta-blockers, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in stable patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF < or = 40%) and clinical evidence of heart failure after recent myocardial infarction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the bioequivalence of a new eplerenone 50 mg formulation (test formulation) vs. the reference product, as required by European regulatory authorities for the marketing of a generic product. METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover study in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions. Plasma samples were collected up to 24 h post-dosing and plasma eplerenone levels were determined by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography and by tandem mass spectrometry detection (ie, the LC-MS/MS method). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental analysis. Area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to time of last non-zero concentration (AUClast) and maximum observed concentration (Cmax) were the main evaluation criteria. All of the above-mentioned pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using 90% geometric confidence interval of the ratio (T/R) of least-squares means from the ANOVA of the 1n-transformed parameter. Tolerability was monitored using physical examination, including vital sign measurements and laboratory analysis. RESULTS: According to the classical approach, the 90% geometric confidence intervals obtained by analysis of variance for AUClast and Cmax were within the predefined ranges (80.00-125.00%). CONCLUSION: Bioequivalence between test and reference formulations, both in terms of rate and extension of absorption, under fasting conditions was concluded according to European guidelines. Both formulations were well tolerated.

Time course and amplitude of DNA methylation in the shoot apical meristem are critical points for bolting induction in sugar beet and bolting tolerance between genotypes.

An epigenetic control of vernalization has been demonstrated in annual plants such as Arabidopsis and cereals, but the situation remains unclear in biennial plants such as sugar beet that has an absolute requirement for vernalization. The role of DNA methylation in flowering induction and the identification of corresponding target loci also need to be clarified. In this context, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris altissima) genotypes differing in bolting tolerance were submitted to various bolting conditions such as different temperatures and/or methylating drugs. DNA hypomethylating treatment was not sufficient to induce bolting while DNA hypermethylation treatment inhibits and delays bolting. Vernalizing and devernalizing temperatures were shown to affect bolting as well as DNA methylation levels in the shoot apical meristem. In addition, a negative correlation was established between bolting and DNA methylation. Genotypes considered as resistant or sensitive to bolting could also be distinguished by their DNA methylation levels. Finally, sugar beet homologues of the Arabidopsis vernalization genes FLC and VIN3 exhibited distinct DNA methylation marks during vernalization independently to the variations of global DNA methylation. These vernalization genes also displayed differences in mRNA accumulation and methylation profiles between genotypes resistant or sensitive to bolting. Taken together, the data suggest that the time course and amplitude of DNA methylation variations are critical points for the induction of sugar beet bolting and represent an epigenetic component of the genotypic bolting tolerance, opening up new perspectives for sugar beet breeding.

Expression of the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus p25 protein induces hormonal changes and a root branching phenotype in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The RNA-3-encoded p25 protein was previously characterized as one of the major symptom determinants of the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus. Previous analyses reported the influence of the p25 protein in root proliferation phenotype observed in rhizomania disease on infected sugar beets (Beta vulgaris). A transgenic approach was developed, in which the p25 protein was constitutively expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia (Col-0) ecotype in order to provide new clues as to how the p25 protein might promote alone disease development and symptom expression. Transgenic plants were characterized by Southern blot and independent lines carrying single and multiple copies of the transgene were selected. Mapping of the T-DNA insertion was performed on the monocopy homozygote lines. P25 protein was localized both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of epidermal and root cells of transgenic plants. Although A. thaliana was not described as a susceptible host for BNYVV infection, abnormal root branching was observed on p25 protein-expressing A. thaliana plants. Moreover, these transgenic plants were more susceptible than wild-type plants to auxin analog treatment (2,4-D) but more resistant to methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA) and to lesser extend to salicylic acid (SA). Hormonal content assays measuring plant levels of auxin (IAA), jasmonate (JA) and ethylene precursor (ACC) revealed major hormonal changes. Global transcript profiling analyses on roots displayed differential gene expressions that could corroborate root branching phenotype and stress signaling modifications.

2010 white paper on recent issues in regulated bioanalysis & global harmonization of bioanalytical guidance.

The 4th Calibration and Validation Group Workshop on Recent Issues in Regulated Bioanalysis, a 2-day full immersion workshop, was organized by the Calibration and Validation Group. Contract research organizations, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies came together to discuss several 'hot' topics concerning bioanalytical issues and regulatory challenges and to reach a consensus among panelists and attendees on many points regarding method validation of small and large molecules.

Determination of naproxen using DBS: evaluation & pharmacokinetic comparison of human plasma versus human blood DBS.

BACKGROUND: Dried blood spots (DBS) sampling is a well-known technology for qualitative determination such as DNA analysis and screening of newborn metabolic disorders. The scientific community has recently expressed interest in applying the DBS technique for quantitative determination of drugs in biological fluid. RESULTS: Two new bioanalytical assays were developed and validated for the determination of naproxen in human plasma and in DBS samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem MS. Furthermore, plasma and DBS clinical samples were collected from four subjects enrolled as part of a bioequivalence study. Concentration data for plasma and DBS samples were determined and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles in plasma and in DBS samples were compared. CONCLUSIONS: A strong correlation between PK data obtained by the DBS and conventional plasma method was observed, which makes DBS a valuable technique for further naproxen bioavailability and PK investigations and studies.

Pharmacokinetic interaction study between eslicarbazepine acetate and topiramate in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Combination therapy is frequently required in the management of epilepsy. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction between eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) 1200 mg once daily and topiramate (TPM) 200 mg once daily in healthy subjects. METHODS: Multiple-dose, open-label, one-sequence study in two parallel groups of 16 healthy male volunteers. After an 8-day treatment with ESL (Group A) or TPM (Group B), ESL and TPM were co-administered for 19 days. A bioequivalence approach based on a within-subject comparison was used to investigate a potential drug-drug interaction. End/start of treatment geometric mean ratios (GMR, %) and 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) were calculated for maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve over the dosing interval at steady-state (AUC(ss)) of eslicarbazepine (ESL major active metabolite), R-licarbazepine (ESL minor active metabolite) and TPM at Day 8 and Day 27. RESULTS: In Group A, eslicarbazepine GMR (90% CI) was 86.79% (81.06%; 92.94%) for C(max) and 92.70% (89.21%; 96.32%) for AUC(ss). In Group B, TPM GMR (90% CI) was 81.50% (77.48%; 85.89%) for C(max) and 81.81% (79.69%; 84.00%) for AUC(ss). The 90% CI of eslicarbazepine C(max) and AUC(ss) fell within the pre-specified bioequivalence range (80.00%; 125.00%), allowing it to be concluded that the extent of systemic exposure to eslicarbazepine was unaffected by the concomitant administration of TPM. The 90% CI for topiramate AUC(ss) was borderline in relation to the pre-specified bioequivalence range and topiramate C(max) fell outside the pre-specified bioequivalence range. Therefore, the extent of systemic exposure to TPM following co-administration with ESL was not formally bioequivalent to the extent of systemic exposure to TPM when TPM was administered alone. However, there was no difference between TPM elimination half-life following TPM co-administered with ESL and TPM administered alone (24.0 and 24.3 h, respectively). The bioavailability of R-licarbazepine was essentially bioequivalent. Two subjects discontinued due to adverse events. No clinical interaction appeared to be present in terms of adverse events when both drugs were given concomitantly. CONCLUSION: Concomitant administration of eslicarbazepine acetate 1200 mg once daily and topiramate 200 mg once daily showed no significant change in exposure to eslicarbazepine but an 18% decrease in exposure to topiramate, most likely caused by a reduced bioavailability of topiramate. No dose adjustment is required.

Identification of differentially expressed root genes upon rhizomania disease.

Rhizomania is one of the most devastating sugar beet diseases. It is caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), which induces abnormal rootlet proliferation. To understand better the physiological and molecular basis of the disorder, transcriptome analysis was performed by restriction fragment differential display polymerase chain reaction (RFDD-PCR), which provided differential gene expression profiles between non-infected and infected sugar beet roots. Two distinct viral isolates were used to detect specific or general virus-induced genes. Differentially expressed genes were selected and identified by sequence analysis, followed by reverse Northern and reverse transcriptase PCR experiments. These latter analyses of different plants (Beta vulgaris and Beta macrocarpa) infected under distinct standardized conditions revealed specific and variable expressions. Candidate genes were linked to cell development, metabolism, defence signalling and oxidative stress. In addition, the expression of already characterized genes linked to defence response (pathogenesis-related protein genes), auxin signalling and cell elongation was also studied to further examine some aspects of the disease. Differential expression was retrieved in both B. vulgaris and B. macrocarpa. However, some candidate genes were found to be deregulated in only one plant species, suggesting differential response to BNYVV or specific responses to the BNYVV vector.