Development of taste-masking microcapsules containing azithromycin by fluid bed coating for powder for suspension and in vivo evaluation.

This research aims to develop bitter taste-masking microcapsules containing azithromycin (AZI) by a simpler and familiar method, fluid-bed coating technology, in comparison with Zithromax®. Cores of microcapsules, AZI microparticles, were prepared by fluid-bed granulation, then taste-masking polymer was covered on by fluid-bed coating technique. Eudragit L100, Eudragit RL100, and ethyl cellulose in single and combined with Eudragit L100 and Eudragit E100 were used as taste-masking polymers. The obtained microcapsules were characterised by taste-masking ability, in vitro release, SEM, coating thickness, and coating efficiency. Combination of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit E100 (3:1) in coating thickness of 45.13 ± 2.12% w/w prevents AZI release from microcapsules below bitter taste threshold (1.78 ± 1.17 µg/ml). Bioavailability of powders containing AZI microcapsules and pH modulators (50 mg Na3PO4 and 35 mg Mg(OH)2) was not significantly different from the reference product (Zithromax®, Pfizer, New York, NY) in the rabbit model (p > 0.05). These results support the possibility of developing a generic product containing AZI.

Prenatal exposure to valproic acid causes allodynia associated with spinal microglial activation.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. Additionally, difficulties in sensory processing commonly occur in ASD. Sensory abnormalities include heightened or reduced sensitivity to pain, but the mechanism underlying sensory phenotypes in ASD remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that microglia play an important role in forming and refining neuronal circuitry, and thus contribute to neuronal plasticity and nociceptive signaling. In the present study, we investigated the age-dependent tactile sensitivity in an animal model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) and subsequently assessed the involvement of microglia in the spinal cord in pain processing. Pregnant ICR (CD1) mice were intraperitoneally injected with either saline or VPA (500 mg/kg) on embryonic day 12.5. Male offspring of VPA-treated mothers showed mechanical allodynia at both 4 and 8 weeks of age. In the spinal cord dorsal horn in prenatally VPA-treated mice, the numbers and staining intensities of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-positive cells were increased and the cell bodies became enlarged, indicating microglial activation. Treatment with PLX3397, a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, for 10 days resulted in a decreased number of spinal microglia and attenuated mechanical allodynia in adult mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Additionally, intrathecal injection of Mac-1-saporin, a saporin-conjugated anti-CD11b antibody to deplete microglia, abolished mechanical allodynia. These findings suggest that prenatal VPA treatment causes allodynia and that spinal microglia contribute to the increased nociceptive responses.

Eutectic friction transfer lithography: a facile solid-state route for highly crystalline semiconducting polymers.

Herein, we report a solid-state lithography technique utilizing eutectic friction transfer lithography (EFTL). The EFTL technique employs eutectic pellets made of semiconducting polymers and volatile organic solid matrices. Using frictional heating and eutectic melting, various semiconducting polymer crystals were formed by a simple rubbing process under mild conditions. The strong anisotropic optical properties suggest that J-type packing is dominant in EFTL microwires because of the highly extended and planarized crystal structures.

Factors associated with HIV viral load suppression on antiretroviral therapy in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on HIV viral suppression rates among men and women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and factors associated with HIV RNA viral load (VL) suppression in Vietnam. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1255 adult patients on ART for at least 1 year across four provinces in Vietnam. Data collection included a standardised questionnaire, routine laboratory testing, and an HIV VL assay. Bivariate and logistic multivariate analyses were conducted to assess viral suppression rates and factors associated with unsuppressed HIV VL. RESULTS: The median age was 34.5 years and the median time on ART was 46 months. Gender was 66% male (n=828) and 34% female (n=427). HIV viral suppression below 1000 copies/mL was 93%. Viral suppression among woman was not significantly different than among men (93.7% vs 92.9%; P=0.59). On multivariate analysis, unsuppressed HIV VL was independently associated with lower CD4 cell count, social isolation, high stigma, not receiving a single-tablet daily regimen, multiple late appointments in past year, and immunological failure. CONCLUSION: On-treatment viral load suppression rates in Vietnam are high and already exceed the UNAIDS 90% target for viral suppression on ART. Gender does not impact viral suppression rates of patients on ART in Vietnam. Access to routine viral load testing should be improved, adherence monitoring and counselling streamlined, and ART regimens simplified to maintain viral suppression rates, as more people start ART. Psychological and social factors are also associated with unsuppressed HIV VL, necessitating treatment support interventions to address social isolation and stigma among people living with HIV in Vietnam.

Evaluation the effect of pantoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (PAC500) in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer patients with H.pylori infection

Therapeutics; Helicobacter pylori; Duodenal Ulcer; Stomach Ulcer; Pharmaceutical Preparations; 2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; Amoxicillin; Clarithromycin Study on the effect of PAC500 regimen in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease with H. pylori (+) in 33 patients. The results showed that, this regimen is good with the mean value of pain relief is 6.5 days in addition to the high percentage of ulcer healing (96.9%: protocol and 93.9%: intention of treatment) and the high percentage of H.pylori eradication (87.5%: protocol and 84.8%: intention of treatment). Beside, there is an improvement of the acute gastritis lesion on gastric mucosa after the eradication. But the high percentage of side-effects (81.8%) must be considered, bitter sensation of the mouth is the most common and can be tolerated. Reported only 1 case had to withdraw this trial because of vomitting side-effect