Perceptual learning of a crowding task: Effects of anisotropy and optotype.

Visual crowding refers to the impairment of recognizing peripherally presented objects flanked by distractors. Crowding effects, exhibiting a certain spatial extent between target and flankers, can be reduced by perceptual learning. In this experiment, we investigated the learning-induced reduction of crowding in normally sighted participants and tested if learning on one optotype (Landolt-C) transfers to another (Tumbling-E) or vice versa. Twenty-three normally sighted participants (18-42 years) trained on a crowding task in the right-upper quadrant (target at 6.5 degrees eccentricity) over four sessions. Half of the participants had the four-alternative forced-choice task to discriminate the orientation of a Landolt-C, the other half of participants had the task to discriminate the orientation of a Tumbling-E, each flanked by distractors. In the fifth session, all participants switched to the other untrained optotype, respectively. Learning success was measured as reduction of the spatial extent of crowding. We found an overall significant and comparable learning-induced reduction of crowding in both conditions (Landolt-C and Tumbling-E). However, only in the group who trained on the Landolt-C task did learning effects transfer to the other optotype. The specific target-flanker-constellations may modulate the transfer effects found here. Perceptual learning of a crowding task with optotypes could be a promising tool in rehabilitation programs to help improve peripheral vision (e.g. in patients with central vision loss), but the dependence of possible transfer effects on the optotype and distractors used requires further clarification.

Stability of Aprepitant Injectable Emulsion in Alternate Infusion Bags, in Refrigerated Storage, and Admixed with Dexamethasone and Palonosetron.

PURPOSE: The stability of aprepitant injectable emulsion is evaluated in various admixture bags and solutions, under different storage conditions, and when combined with other antiemetics. METHODS: A volume of 18 mL aprepitant injectable emulsion was added to infusion bags (either non-di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP], polyvinyl chloride [PVC]-containing bags or non-DEHP, non-PVC bags) containing 100, 130, or 250 mL of 0.9% normal saline solution (NSS) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W). Bags were stored at controlled room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 12 hours or refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours. Compatibility/stability was also assessed in admixtures combined with either dexamethasone or palonosetron. At specified time points, bags were tested for appearance, pH, assay for aprepitant (ie, percent label claim of aprepitant) and aprepitant-related substances, Z-average particle size, globule size distribution, particulate matter, and DEHP content (PVC bags). In separate analyses to assess microbial burden, bags containing aprepitant were inoculated with seven different organisms and assessed for microbial growth. RESULTS: There was no detectable impact on the physicochemical properties or potential to promote microbial growth of aprepitant when diluted with various amounts of either NSS or D5W and when admixed with either dexamethasone or palonosetron at room temperature for at least 6 hours or during refrigeration for up to 72 hours in either PVC- or non-PVC-containing bags. CONCLUSION: Aprepitant-containing admixtures are stable under these conditions, a finding that may improve patient and provider convenience and reduce medication wastage.

A rapid method for determining dynamic binding capacity of resins for the purification of proteins.

Biolayer interferometry is a novel method for quantifying macromolecules, such as proteins, in solution. The presence of other, non-binding molecules does not interfere with quantification, which allows one to measure the concentration of the molecule of interest in a crude mixture. Here we apply this method to determining the dynamic binding capacity of affinity resins.

Characterization of a complex glycoprotein whose variable metabolic clearance in humans is dependent on terminal N-acetylglucosamine content.

Glycoproteins can be cleared from circulation if they carry oligosaccharide structures that are recognized by specific receptors. High-mannose type and asialo complex oligosaccharides are cleared by the mannose and asialoglycoprotein receptors, respectively. This paper presents the protein and terminal saccharide characterization for nine batches of a glycoprotein developed for pharmaceutical use. Each of these batches was evaluated in human pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, and had similar terminal elimination half-lives, but the initial clearance of this glycoprotein varied between batches. The protein is lenercept, an immunoadhesin comprising the Fc domain of human IgG1 and two tumor necrosis factor (TNF) binding domains derived from the extracellular portion of the TNFR1(p55). Lenercept is manufactured in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and is extensively N-glycosylated but is devoid of high-mannose glycans. The pharmacokinetic variability between these lots only correlated with terminal N-acetylglucosamine and not with terminal galactose, sialic acid or any polypeptide related parameter. The data emphasize the need for appropriate analytical methods for the characterization of glycoproteins, especially those designed for long half-lives, and show that assessment of the content of all three terminal saccharides is sufficient to ensure consistency of their PK performance properties.

Situación de salud de la mujer en Argentina / Health status of women in Argentina

El informe, a través de la información del Programa Nacional de Estadísticas de Salud, de la Secretaria de Salud del Ministério, actualiza los datos de los indicadores de salud desde 1984; referidos a la mujer en Argentina. Comienza con los porcentajes de población femenina según el censo del 80, por grupos de edad, comparándo los con los hombres. Son analizados datos sobre esperanza de vida; riesgos de muerte, enfermedad por edad; promedio de hijos nacidos vivos por mujer; tasas de natalidad; mortalidad materna por edad y causas; porcentaje de partos con asisténcia médica por educación, lugar de residencia y estado conyugal de las madres; tasas de mortalidad infantil; problemas de salud mental, alcoholismo y drogadicción. Ante al diagnóstico efectuado se llegó a la conclusión de revitalizar el Programa de Mujer, Salud y Desarrollo considerando los aspectos de la mujer en cada programa de salud y en otras áreas sociales

Situación de salud de la mujer en Argentina / Health status of women in Argentina

El informe, a través de la información del Programa Nacional de Estadísticas de Salud, de la Secretaria de Salud del Ministério, actualiza los datos de los indicadores de salud desde 1984; referidos a la mujer en Argentina. Comienza con los porcentajes de población femenina según el censo del 80, por grupos de edad, comparándo los con los hombres. Son analizados datos sobre esperanza de vida; riesgos de muerte, enfermedad por edad; promedio de hijos nacidos vivos por mujer; tasas de natalidad; mortalidad materna por edad y causas; porcentaje de partos con asisténcia médica por educación, lugar de residencia y estado conyugal de las madres; tasas de mortalidad infantil; problemas de salud mental, alcoholismo y drogadicción. Ante al diagnóstico efectuado se llegó a la conclusión de revitalizar el Programa de Mujer, Salud y Desarrollo considerando los aspectos de la mujer en cada programa de salud y en otras áreas sociales