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Agonists of thyroid hormone receptor β (THR-β) decreased LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels in human clinical trials for patients with dyslipidemia. The authors present the highly potent and selective compound ALG-055009 (14) as a potential best in class THR-β agonist. The high metabolic stability and good permeability translated well in vivo to afford a long in vivo half-life pharmacokinetic profile with limited liability for DDI, and it overcomes certain drawbacks seen in recent clinical candidates.

Introduction.Bacterial meningitis is a severe disease with high mortality and frequent residual neurological sequelae. It is associated with multiple risk factors. The aim of the study was to establish the main risk factors associated with bacterial meningitis and to outline the incidence of chronic diseases in patients with bacterial meningitis and their relationship to the patients’ age and etiology of meningitis, if any.

The purpose of this article is to present the process for developing individual indexes of sustainable household actions in several thematic areas of sustainable consumption. These areas are energy efficiency, electricity and water consumption, food consumption, transport use and product disposal. Based on these individual indexes, a proposal for the creation of an aggregated individual household index for sustainable consumption is discussed. Based on the developed indexes, a segmentation of households into three basic segments is proposed. The proposed indexes are designed based on the results of a survey conducted among 342 households from the city of Varna, Bulgaria in the months of January - April 2022. The proposed indexes, after adaptation, can be used as a tool for self-assessment of sustainable household consumption in different cities and countries. In this sense, as a result of their implementation, it is expected that the motivation of households towards inclusion in sustainable consumption will be increased.

The aim of the present study was to identify the adaptability of Normandy cows raised in a loose system to the climatic and technological conditions and to compare their adaptability with already acclimatized Simmental cows in one farm in Southwestern Bulgaria. Total of 20 cows at same age (II – IV lactation) and same body weight (630-660 kg) from both breeds were classified into 2 groups (each having 10 cows) and subjected to skin thickness measurement, fibers total weight determination and fiber categorization during the winter and summer season. The results have shown that during the winter season, the Normandy breed had significantly higher skin thickness at the elbow compared to the Simmental breed, whereas no differences were observed in the skin thickness between both breeds either at the neck or at the middle of the last rib. During the summer season, the differences on the skin thickness compared to the Simmental breed were observed at the neck (p<0.05), whilst at the elbow and at the middle of the last rib no differences were recorded (p>0.05). During the winter seasons, the coat of Normandy cows contained more soft fibers in comparison to the Simmentals cows. Furthermore, the changes in the observed parameters, influenced by climatic conditions showed similar pattern in both breeds. It can be concluded that the two breeds have emphasized their genetic potential and have a good adaptability to the temperate continental climate of the region.

The current state of technology for 3D printing with biomaterials is based on the extrusion of viscous materials. Mostly, extrusion heads utilize pneumatic pressure systems or stepper motors to force the substrate onto a surface. These methods are well developed for high viscouse materials. However, processing low viscous liquids may cause leakages in the system. This could be solved by applying continuous extrusion. Additionally, in order to process gelable substrates, such as gelatine and agar, tempered print heads in combination with a multi stage tempering system are required to prevent the system from clogging. The ongoing work presented in this paper focuses on the development of an extrusion system, which should be able to process multiple viscosities of gelatine sequentially. In order to achieve this, several measurements to examine the properties, as well as the material parameters of different biomaterials are performed. In this process gel point, force resistance and elasticity are the factors of particularly interest. Due to their ability to gel and their availability, the most relevant biomaterials are gelatine and agar. Using this data, an extrusion system involving a peristaltic pump, a heated tube and a nozzle, has been developed. The next step envisaged is to calibrate the extruder based on the obtained data and finally to validate the printing process by printing simple geometric structures. Assuming that a positive evaluation is obtained, the printing system will be tested for printing first organic test structures from patient data using the examined biomaterials.

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. The current standard of care for CHC can achieve cure rates above 95%; however, the drugs in current use are administered for a period of 8–16 weeks. A combination of safe and effective drugs with a shorter treatment period is highly desirable. We report synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 2′,3′- and 2′,4′-substituted guanosine nucleotide analogues. Their triphosphates exhibited potent inhibition of the HCV NS5B polymerase with IC50as low as 0.13 μM. In the HCV replicon assay, the phosphoramidate prodrugs of these analogues demonstrated excellent activity with EC50values as low as 5 nM. A lead compound AL-611showed high levels of the nucleoside 5′-triphosphate in vitro in primary human hepatocytes and in vivo in dog liver following oral administration.

Purpose: While quantification and performance measurement have proliferated widely in academia and the business world, management and organization scholars increasingly agree on the need for a more in-depth focus on the complex dynamics embedded in the construction, use and effects of quantitative measures (pertaining to the thread of research called ethnostatistics). This paper develops a pluralistic method for conducting ethnostatistical research in organizational settings. Whilst presenting practical techniques for conducting research in live settings, it also discusses how historical approaches which focus on source criticism and contextual reconstruction could overcome the limitations of ethnostatistics. Design/methodology/approach: The methodological approach of this paper encompasses an in-depth discussion of the ethnostatistical method, its underlying assumptions and its methodological limitations. Based on this analysis, the authors propose a pluralistic method (model) for conducting ethnostatistical research in organizational settings based on the integration of 1) research practices employed by one of the authors conducting ethnostatistical research in a large multinational organization and 2) best practices from ethnographic and historical research. Findings: This paper suggests how historical approaches can successfully join ethnostatistical enquiries in an attempt to overcome some limitations in existing conventional methods. The developed framework explores four levels of analysis (ethnography, statistics at work, rhetoric of statistics and history of statistics) and suggests practical approaches for each level that can contribute to strengthening the research output and overcoming limitations when using ethnostatistics. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the ethnostatistical field by discussing the intersection between history and ethnography and the ways for their complementary use in organizational and management research on quantification processes. As such it offers unique insights and hands-on experience from conducting ethnostatistical enquiries in live organizational settings.

Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) could be an alternative to multimodality staging of colorectal cancer, but its diagnostic accuracy, effect on staging times, number of tests needed, cost, and effect on treatment decisions are unknown. We aimed to prospectively compare the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of WB-MRI-based staging pathways with standard pathways in colorectal cancer.

Adoptive immunotherapy relies on the isolation, modification, activation, and transfer of antigen-specific T-cells. With constant advances in bioengineering, each individual step in T-cell activation and expansion can be further improved. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on factors influencing the mechanical forces applied on a T-cell during activation. We provide insights from ligand presentation and surface modification and present ideas of a mechanobiological signal transduction from extracellular receptor–ligand interaction to intranuclear gene expression changes as a determining factor of a T-cell response.

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) could be an alternative to multi-modality staging of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its diagnostic accuracy, effect on staging times, number of tests needed, cost, and effect on treatment decisions are unknown. We aimed to prospectively compare the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of WB-MRI-based staging pathways with standard pathways in NSCLC.

We report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 4′-fluoro-2′-C-substituted uridines. Triphosphates of the uridine analogues exhibited a potent inhibition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase with IC50values as low as 27 nM. In an HCV subgenomic replicon assay, the phosphoramidate prodrugs of these uridine analogues demonstrated a very potent activity with EC50values as low as 20 nM. A lead compound AL-335(53) demonstrated high levels of the nucleoside triphosphate in vitro in primary human hepatocytes and Huh-7 cells as well as in dog liver following a single oral dose. Compound 53was selected for the clinical development where it showed promising results in phase 1 and 2 trials.

The European Green Deal policy ambitions set out in the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Zero Pollution Action Plan identify the transition to a Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach to chemicals and materials. The H2020 SUNSHINE project has developed an approach to operationalize SSbD, specifically addressing multi-component nanomaterials (MCNMs), and applied it to two case studies. This approach enables assessment of safety and sustainability aspects at each stage of product development from a lifecycle perspective. This is achieved via a tiered approach that uses qualitative (Tier 1), semi-quantitative (Tier 2) and quantitative (Tier 3) assessment methods. The present work focuses on the Tier 1 (self-assessment) methodology designed to evaluate the safety, functionality and sustainability in the early R&D stages of the lifecycle of chemicals and materials. This approach was developed to be implementable by industries in a straightforward manner as often there is lack of time and/or expertise to engage in resource-intensive safety and sustainability evaluations. The approach was tested using two real industrial case studies, namely nano-enabled PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl substances)-free anti-sticking coating for bakery molds, and nano-drops of essential oil anchored to the surface of nano clays and encapsulated in a polymeric film. The results indicate that these innovative materials have a high probability to have better safety, functionality and sustainability performance compared to conventional benchmark materials.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative-sense RNA virus and a significant cause of respiratory infection in infants and the elderly. No effective vaccines or antiviral therapies are available for the treatment of RSV. ALS-8176 is a first-in-class nucleoside prodrug inhibitor of RSV replication currently under clinical evaluation. ALS-8112, the parent molecule of ALS-8176, undergoes intracellular phosphorylation, yielding the active 5′-triphosphate metabolite. The host kinases responsible for this conversion are not known. Therefore, elucidation of the ALS-8112 activation pathway is key to further understanding its conversion mechanism, particularly given its potent antiviral effects. Here, we have identified the activation pathway of ALS-8112 and show it is unlike other antiviral cytidine analogs. The first step, driven by deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), is highly efficient, while the second step limits the formation of the active 5′-triphosphate species. ALS-8112 is a 2′- and 4′-modified nucleoside analog, prompting us to investigate dCK recognition of other 2′- and 4′-modified nucleosides. Our biochemical approach along with computational modeling contributes to an enhanced structure–activity profile for dCK. These results highlight an exciting potential to optimize nucleoside analogs based on the second activation step and increased attention toward nucleoside diphosphate and triphosphate prodrugs in drug discovery.

AbstractAdsorption of mercury ions on activated carbon, prepared from polymer waste product, polyolefin wax (POW), was studied. The structure and surface properties of the sample are characterized by different methods—N2adsorption, IR spectroscopy, determination of surface oxygen groups. Adsorption studies of mercury(II) from aqueous solution on synthesized activated carbon are investigated under various conditions—agitation time, metal ion concentration, adsorbent quantity, pH. It was established that the adsorption follows both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The activated carbon obtained from POW demonstrates high adsorption capacity toward mercury ions (196.1 mg/g). The results show that Hg2+removal from water solutions increases with the increase of pH from 2 to 5, and slightly decreases at pH > 6.

The paper analyses the way two broadsheets, i.e. the Bulgarian Dnevnik and the British The Independent present Muslim identity within the span of two months and over the influence of international events such as the attack on Charlie Hebdo’s offices. The focus is on the development of the positive image of Muslims through the refutal of the existing negative stereotypes. The study is done on a comparative basis using both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis.

In this article is a report of SnO2deposition by aerosol‐assisted (AA)CVD from tin complexes, [Sn(18‐Cr‐6)Cl4] and [Sn(H2O)2Cl4](18‐Cr‐6). The structure and properties of the precursors, used to synthesize SnO2layers by AACVD for the first time, are characterized with the help of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Each complex is deposited by AACVD at 250, 400, and 500 °C in a flow of N2. The resulting films are studied by XRD and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Gas‐sensing properties of the deposited layers are tested to 10 ppm NO2in air. The maximum sensor response to the analyte is measured at 300 °C.

ABSTRACTThe current paper reviews the available literary data as well as original unpublished data on the distribution and the species' richness of the vertebrate fauna (Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia and Mammalia) in the city of Plovdiv (South Bulgaria) and its relations to the level of urbanization. The species richness of each vertebrate group was presented, along a spatial gradient denoted by three points, representing low, moderate, and high levels of urbanization. We recorded no visible total general pattern of decrease of the total species richness in all studied vertebrate groups from the rural zones to the city center. Some differences in species richness along the urban—rural gradient apparently exist among the taxa. The only vertebrate group that showed a degrease pattern in the species richness from the rural to urban zones were the amphibians. Similar pattern was recorded in the reptiles, except for the urban zone, where a slight increase in the species richness was observed. The fishes and mammals showed very peculiar distribution pattern along the urban-rural gradient with highest species richness in the suburban zone. Possible explanations of these patterns are discussed.

ABSTRACTTy1 is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae retrotransposon with life cycle and structure very similar to the known oncoviruses. The transposition of the Ty1 mobile genetic element is induced by different stress conditions and chemical agents. Mutagens and carcinogens activate Ty1 elements for retrotransposition by certain types of genome injuries through DNA-damage signaling pathways but the mechanism of transcriptional activation by DNA damage has not been enough elucidated. Many of the activators of Ty1 mobility are powerful inducers of oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can generate a variety of DNA lesions and can lead to a significant activation of Ty1 mobility. Recent data indicate that treatment of S. cerevisiae cells with the Ty1-mobility inducer methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) results in increased ROS levels. In response to MMS, both a direct DNA damaging effect and an enhanced ROS levels play role in the activation of Ty retrotransposition. The results obtained in this study provide evidence for a dependence of Ty1 retrotranspsoition on increased production of ROS. The increased ROS levels may have an independent and a key role in the induction of Ty1 retrotransposition by MMS. We suppose that MMS treatment of cells with functioning mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation induces Ty1 retrotransposition by both, increased ROS levels and direct DNA damages, and the increased ROS levels seems to have the major role in the induction of Ty1 mobility.

ABSTRACTFuture treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are likely to include agents that target viral components directly. Here, the preclinical characteristics of ITMN-191, a peptidomimetic inhibitor of the NS3/4A protease of HCV, are described. ITMN-191 inhibited a reference genotype 1 NS3/4A protein in a time-dependent fashion, a hallmark of an inhibitor with a two-step binding mechanism and a low dissociation rate. Under preequilibrium conditions, 290 pM ITMN-191 half-maximally inhibited the reference NS3/4A protease, but a 35,000-fold-higher concentration did not appreciably inhibit a panel of 79 proteases, ion channels, transporters, and cell surface receptors. Subnanomolar biochemical potency was maintained against NS3/4A derived from HCV genotypes 4, 5, and 6, while single-digit nanomolar potency was observed against NS3/4A from genotypes 2b and 3a. Dilution of a preformed enzyme inhibitor complex indicated ITMN-191 remained bound to and inhibited NS3/4A for more than 5 h after its initial association. In cell-based potency assays, half-maximal reduction of genotype 1b HCV replicon RNA was afforded by 1.8 nM; 45 nM eliminated the HCV replicon from cells. Peginterferon alfa-2a displayed a significant degree of antiviral synergy with ITMN-191 and reduced the concentration of ITMN-191 required for HCV replicon elimination. A 30-mg/kg of body weight oral dose administered to rats or monkeys yielded liver concentrations 12 h after dosing that exceeded the ITMN-191 concentration required to eliminate replicon RNA from cells. These preclinical characteristics compare favorably to those of other inhibitors of NS3/4A in clinical development and therefore support the clinical investigation of ITMN-191 for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

ABSTRACTThe present study was aimed at establishing quantitative changes in the lymphocyte subsets of predominantly killer function and activated immunocompetent T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients in the course of salmonella infection and how these parameters correlated with the disease severity and outcome, in terms of early bacterial clearance. 24 adult patients with culture proven gastrointestinal Salmonellosis were enrolled in the study. They were assigned into groups on the basis of the disease severity (moderate and severe form) and on the presence of bacteria in feces upon discharge (excretors and bacteria free patients). Flowcytometric analysis was used to determine the percentage and absolute count per μl blood of: total killer cells (CD56+), lymphocytes with MHC class I restricted killer function (CD8+CD56+), lymphocytes with MHC non restricted killer function (CD8-CD56+), and activated immunocompetent T lymphocytes (CD3+HLA-DR+). It was found out that lymphocytes with killer function decreased during the acute and convalescent disease stage whereas activated immunocompetent T lymphocytes increased. Established changes in the lymphocyte subsets were similar in patients with moderate and severe disease. Only CD56+ count was significantly (p=0.01) higher in patients with severe salmonellosis. In the acute stage, in patients that were bacteria free upon discharge the level of CD56+ was found significantly (p=0.003) higher when compared to that of the remaining bacteria excretors. It is likely that CD56+ level might indicate early elimination of bacteria from feces.

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to establish the quantitative characteristics of the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in patients with salmonellosis and their relationship with severity of the disease and early elimination of bacteria from feces. 24 adult patients with culture proven gastrointestinal salmonellosis were enrolled in the study. They were assigned into groups on the basis of disease severity (moderate or severe) and the presence of bacteria in feces upon discharge (carriers or bacteria free patients). Flowcytometric analysis was used to determine the percentage and absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets per μl/blood as follows: CD19+, CD2+, CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD4+CD29+, CD4+CD45RA+, CD56+, CD8-CD56+, CD8+CD56+ and CD3+HLA-DR+. Immunophenotyping was performed using Epics XL-MCL flowcytometer and monoclonal antibodies (Coulter, USA). It was found out that B lymphocytes (CD19+) and total killer cells (CD56+) were significantly higher in patients with severe infection compared to those with moderate salmonellosis (p=0.03 and 0.01 respectively). On the contrary, T helper lymphocytes (CD3+CD4+) showed a tendency to decrease in patients with severe salmonellosis (p=0.04). In the acute disease stage T helper lymphocytes and total killer cells were significantly higher (p=0.05 and 0.03 respectively) in patients that were bacteria free upon discharge compared to convalescent carriers, whereas B cell levels were significantly lower (p=0.03). This data provide evidence in support of the observation that bacterial clearance is dependent on cell mediated immunity and CD3+CD4+ and CD56+ lymphocytes might serve as a predictor of early bacterial clearance of salmonella bacteria in humans.

ABSTRACTTy1 is a mobile genetic element (transposon) which is transposed spontaneously with a frequency rate of about 1×10−7/element/generation. It was found recently that carcinogens can induce Ty1 transposition to about 1×10−6/element/generation. While molecular background of the spontaneous Ty1 transposition is studied in details, the mechanism of carcinogen induced Ty1 transposition is not known. We found that mitochondrial functions participate in Ty1 transposition. The carcinogen induced Ty1 transposition can not take place in cells with dysfunctional mitochondria (rho−mutants) or cells which fulfill their energy requirement on glycolysis. Contrary to this, the rate of spontaneous Ty1 transposition in mitochondrial mutants is increased. The obtained results suggest the existence of different mechanisms for spontaneous and carcinogen induced transposition of the Ty1 retrotransposon.

ABSTRACTSalmonella bacteria are the major cause of food-borne infectious diarrhea. There is great interest in understanding the pathogenesis and immunogenesis of Salmonella infection. Cytokines are key communicator molecules between host cells and the enteric pathogen Salmonella. Serum levels of IL-1, IL-lra, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ were studied in a prospective controlled study including 36 patients at the acute stage of gastrointestinal salmonellosis. Correlation between them was investigated, as well as between cytokines, body temperature and serum levels of Na+, K+and Cl−. The lowest correlation was found between TNF-α and IL-1ra. A significant and directly proportional correlation was established between IL-12 with IFN-γand TNF-α, as well as in TNF-α/IL-1 β and IL-1β/IL-1ra. The increased body temperature correlated significantly with IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Significant but converse was the correlation between Na+with IL-1β and IL-6, as well as between body temperature with Na+, K+and Cl−. Our data imply evidence for the complicated network in which cytokines act with multiple potential synergistic and antagonistic effects between them participating in the main pathogenetic processes—intoxication and loss of fluids and electrolytes.

ABSTRACTInterleukin—1β and IL-Ira are key mediators in the inflammatory response. The aim of this prospective controlled study was to determine their levels in sera and stool of patients with mild, moderate and severe salmonellosis and to elucidate their association with the course of the disease. Thirty six patients with culture-confirmed gastro-intestinal salmonellosis were considered for this investigation. Serum cytokine concentrations were tested by enzyme-immunoassay in the acute and the convalescent stage and stool ones during the acute stage only. Serum IL-1βand IL-Ira levels were increased in patients during the acute period and convalescence with tendency to recover. IL-1β was sharply raised in sera independently from course severity. Changes in IL-ra serum levels were inversely proportional to the severity of the disease and may serve as an additional diagnostic marker together with increased stool concentrations of both cytokines.

Electrochemical deposition of zirconia on stainless steel has been investigated in order to provide supports of catalysts for NOxreduction. The zirconia films have been obtained in electrolytes based on anhydrous ethyl alcohol. The structure and chemical composition of the films have been characterized by SEM and XPS depth profiling. With rising cathodic voltage, the structure and morphology exhibit essential changes. The most porous structure corresponds to films formed at 21 V, whereas the highest density is achieved at 25 V. The XPS depth profiling data show that the composition in the bulk of the films is close to stoichiometric.

The possibility of modifying the surface structure and chemical composition of zirconia layers on stainless steel by electrochemical deposition of definite amounts of Co, Cu or Co + Cu has been examined. Scanning Auger microscopy studies have revealed the formation of a dispersed layer of metal crystallites on zirconia. Annealing in air at 450 °C causes oxidation of the metal phases and, as a result, the formation of CuO and Co2O3. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

SUMMARYThe changes in morphology, structure and chemical composition of the surface of stainless steel 316 L roughened by an electrochemical treatment have been studied by means of profilometry, SEM and XPS methods. The steel was subjected to a two-stage electrochemical anodic treatment based on the use of electrolytes containing an organic acid and a mixture of inorganic acids, respectively. The anodic treatment caused an essential change in surface morphology and structure, this resulting in an increase of the averaged surface depth Rzfrom 0.28 to 2.58 μm. XPS depth profiling has shown that the iron and nickel concentrations in the surface layer of the roughened steel are slightly reduced.

Characterization of the structure and chemical composition of nickel oxide films formed on AISI 316L stainless steel by electrochemical anodic treatment in an aqueous electrolyte containing 560 g l−1NaOH was made by electron microscopy and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The depth chemical composition, thickness and duplex character of the oxide layers were determined by XPS sputter profiles using 3 keV Ar+ions. The thickness of these layers was found to depend on the electrochemical conditions (current density or working time of the electrolyte). Ageing and heating changed significantly the structure and chemical composition of the layers. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The photo- and thermally induced changes in the dissolution rate of a-AsxS1−xand Ag/AsxS1−xevaporated layers are followed at different temperatures and As contents (x). The activation energy for thermoinduced changes as dependent on x coincides with that of the kinematic viscosity suggesting a similar mechanism. The activation energies for photostimulated changes coincide with the activation energies of changes in the intensity of Raman spectra of AsS3and S2AsAsS2. Comparison of the activation energies for photoinduced relaxation with the dissolution rate and the sensitivity as dependent on x shows that AsS3structures are responsible for the photostructural changes. The photostructural changes in AsxS1−xare the rate determining factor during the photodoping with Ag.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the clinical pattern of contemporary Mediterranean spotted fever in children and to compare it with the clinical pattern in adults. The research involved 257 children. The more common symptoms in children were severe onset, fever, rash, “tache noire,” swelling of lymph nodes and enlarged liver or spleen.

This work explores the first use of UV imaging in liquisolid systems. The aim of this study was to simultaneously measure a model drug propranolol hydrochloride (PPN) release and compact swelling behaviour from liquisolid systems using sesamum radiatum gum by exploiting the visible and UV imaging capabilities of the novel surface dissolution instrument (SDI2). Liquisolid compacts were successfully prepared using polysorbate 80 as the liquid solvent. The influence of either colloidal silica or veegum (magnesium aluminium silicate) was also evaluated in the liquisolid sesamum gum compacts. Solid-state characterization using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) showed a decrease in the crystallinity of the model cationic drug. Visible and UV imaging was successfully used to detect differences between the conventional or physical mixture formulations containing veegum or colloidal silica and the liquisolid preparations as well as differences between their swelling behaviour. The use of this imaging technique provides added insights into the drug release behaviour of formulations.

Thin-film sensors based upon evaporated layers of chalcogenide glasses and sensitive to silver, copper, and lead ions have been developed. The optimal contents of the membranes were established and the electrochemical characteristics were investigated. It was shown that the sensitivity, detection limit, response time, reproducibility, and selectivity to interfering ions are in good agreement with those for traditional bulk ion-selective electrodes.

Local investors gain control of a huge media conglomerate, raising questions about their cozy ties with the ruling party. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Largest demonstrations in Prague since the Velvet Revolution seek to remove prime minister, but that's not likely to happen – for now. A photo essay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important, interesting, or just downright quirky news from TOL's coverage region. Today: Dardanians record historic win; Romanian garbage fears; Russian journalist faces drug charges; Albania's political deadlock grows; and why Eastern Europeans shouldn't play with matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]