Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root sherbet (extract): Microencapsulation and storage stability

The objectives of this study were to produce microencapsulated liquorice root extract (LRE) and determine storage stability of the product obtained. Maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) as wall material were used to produce microencapsulated LRE by spray drying technology. Ratio of MD to GA was determined by response surface methodology. Three parameters: microencapsulation yield (MY), microencapsulation efficiency (ME), and Carr index as response were evaluated for optimization. MD emulsion was best for microencapsulation of LRE. Control emulsion was prepared without using any wall material. MD and control emulsions were stored for 6 months. Both preserved their bioactive and physical properties during storage. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of MD and control emulsions ranged from 8.09–9.09 and 34.59–39.02 mg GAE/g (TPC); 44.78–51.27 and 136.13–171.08 mg TEAC/g (AA), respectively, during storage. Furthermore, moisture content, water activity, solubility, wettability, Carr index, and Hausner ratio of samples were found to vary between 1.54–3.12%, 0.16–0.32, 93.54–99.22%, 180–240 sec, 22.5–35.63, and 1.29–1.56, respectively, during storage. This study provides direct comparative data on properties of LRE powders produced without using wall material and microencapsulated using wall material by spray drying

Prevalence and risk factors of allergies in turkey (PARFAIT): Results of a multicentre cross-sectional study in adults

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergies in Turkey (PARFAIT) study was planned to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for asthma and allergic diseases in Turkey. The present analysis used data from 25,843 parents of primary school children, obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. A total of 25,843 questionnaires from 14 centres were evaluated. In rural areas, the prevalences asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis and eczema in males were: 8.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.9-9.1%), 13.5% (95% CI 12.8-14.2%), 17.5% (95% CI 16.7-18.2%) and 10.8% (95% CI 10.211.4%), respectively; and in females were: 11.2% (95% CI 10.9-11.8%), 14.7% (95% CI 14.315.1%), 21.2% (95% CI 20.4-22.0%) and 13.1% (95% CI 2.4-13.8%), respectively. In urban areas, the corresponding prevalences in males were: 6.2% (95% CI 5.8-6.6%), 10.8% (95% CI 10.311.3%), 11.7% (95% CI 11.4-12.0%) and 6.6% (95% CI 6.2-7.0%), respectively; and in females were: 7.5 % (95% CI 7.9-7.1%), 12.0% (95% CI 11.7-12.3%), 17.0% (95% CI 16.4-17.6%) and 7.3% (95% CI 6.9-7.7%), respectively. Having an atopic first-degree relative or any other atopic diseases had significant effects on the prevalence of allergic diseases. Housing conditions, such as living in a shanty-type house, visible moulds at home and use of wood or biomass as heating or cooking material were associated with one or more allergic diseases. Although genetic susceptibility is strongly associated, country-and population-based environmental factors may contribute to increased prevalence rates of allergic diseases. Copyright © ERS Journals Ltd 2009

Radiation Shielding Properties of Shotcrete

Shotcrete is a concrete spraying of concrete or mortar that may be accomplished through either a dry- or wet-mix process. It is made of normal weight aggregates which have a density of approximately 2323 kg/$m^3$. For the most part, shotcrete is used in underground excavations in rock and repair work in constructions. In this study, linear attenuation coefficient (μ, $cm^{-1}$) was measured for shotcrete produced with dry mix process. Measurements were carried out by gamma spectrometry containing NaI(Tl) detector and multichannel analyzer

The Effects of Inhaled Steroid and Theophylline on Systemic Inflammation in Copd

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic disease characterized by chronic, progressive airflow limitation and airway inflammation. In this study, our aim is to compare the effects of inhaled corticosteroids and theophylline on systemic inflammatory markers in COPD. Twenty-nine moderate to severe COPD patients were randomly separated into two groups. In Group 1, inhaled corticosteroids (fluticasone propionate, 1000 meg/day) were added to regular bronchodilator therapy for 8 weeks, and theophylline (400mg/day) was added in Group 2. Pulmonary function tests were performed and serum CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were measured before and after treatment. There was a statistically significant decrease in serum CRP levels in both groups following treatment (ICS group 1.06±1.2 vs 0.49±0.22 mg/dl p< 0.05; THEO group 1.66±2.23 vs 0.59±0.35 mg/dl p< 0.05). There was a significant reduction in serum TNF-α levels in the THEO group (3.82±3.44 vs 1.89±1.33 pg/ml p< 0.05). There was no significant change in IL-6 level following treatment in either group. There was a significant increase in FEV 1 in the ICS group while a non-significant increase was noted in the THEO group following treatment. It has been suggested that both ICS and THEO could be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of COPD. Furthermore, the measurement of serum inflammatory markers is an easy and non-invasive method for the determination and follow-up of systemic inflammation in COPD. Further studies including larger patient population are needed

The effects of inhaled steroid and theophylline on systemic inflammation in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic disease characterized by chronic, progressive airflow limitation and airway inflammation. In this study, our aim is to compare the effects of inhaled corticosteroids and theophylline on systemic inflammatory markers in COPD. Twenty-nine moderate to severe COPD patients were randomly separated into two groups. In Group 1, inhaled corticosteroids (fluticasone propionate, 1000 mcg/ day) were added to regular bronchodilator therapy for 8 weeks, and theophylline (400mg/day) was added in Group 2. Pulmonary function tests were performed and serum CRP, TNF-?, and IL-6 levels were measured before and after treatment. There was a statistically significant decrease in serum CRP levels in both groups following treatment (ICS group 1.06±1.2 vs 0.49±0.22 mg/dl p&lt; 0.05; THEO group 1.66±2.23 vs 0.59±0.35 mg/dl p&lt; 0.05). There was a significant reduction in serum TNF-? levels in the THEO group (3.82±3.44 vs 1.89±1.33 pg/ml p&lt; 0.05). There was no significant change in IL-6 level following treatment in either group. There was a significant increase in FEV 1 in the ICS group while a non-significant increase was noted in the THEO group following treatment. It has been suggested that both ICS and THEO could be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of COPD. Furthermore, the measurement of serum inflammatory markers is an easy and non-invasive method for the determination and follow-up of systemic inflammation in COPD. Further studies including larger patient population are needed. Copyright © by BIOLIFE, s.a.s

Inhaler Technique in Asthma: How Does It Relate to Patients\u27 Preferences and Attitudes Toward Their Inhalers?

Background: Correct inhaler technique can increase medication efficacy, reducing both dose and side effects. Patient preference for inhaler device has not been fully explored, and we hypothesized that if patients have a preference and can choose their inhaler, they might be more likely to use it correctly. Our aim was to determine the preferences, attitudes, and perceptions of patients with asthma toward their inhalers, and to evaluate whether any of these factors were related to inhalation technique. Methods: Twenty-five patients with asthma (mean age 43.1 years) participated. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative patient satisfaction and preference questionnaires (PASAPQ) were used to explore patients\u27 preferences, attitudes, and perceptions about their inhalers. Objective inhalation technique assessment was performed. Data were triangulated to identify characteristics that could indicate a relationship between inhaler technique, satisfaction, preference, and decision making. Results: Themes from qualitative interviews were as follows: asthma inhalers and expectations; inhaler preference; characteristics of an ideal inhaler; perceived effectiveness of inhalers; and inhalers and patient decision making. PASAPQ scores indicated that all patients were at least somewhat satisfied with their inhalers, regardless of technique. Only 12% of inhalers were used correctly, despite pilot PASAPQ data suggesting that most patients were confident with their technique. The inhaler technique was unlikely to be related to satisfaction, perception of inhaler devices, or choice in device selection. Patients with correct inhaler technique were more aware of their asthma and expressed motivation to achieve optimal asthma control. Conclusions: The majority of the asthmatic patients did not use their inhaler(s) correctly, despite most having confidence in their technique. Patients attributed confidence in their inhaler technique to their belief that their inhaler was effective. Most patients had not been involved in decision making about which inhalation device to use. These findings highlight the lack of understanding of the important role of correct inhaler technique in asthma management

multicentric cross-sectional study in children

The Prevalence And Risk Factors of Allergies in Turkey (PARFAIT) study was planned to evaluate prevalence and risk factors of asthma and allergic diseases and also to find out which geographical variables and/or climatic conditions play a role determining the prevalence of allergic diseases in Turkish school children. Study was planned as cross-sectional questionnaire-based. About 25,843 questionnaires from 14 centers were appropriate for analysis. Parental history of allergy, having an atopic sibling and other atopic disease in index case was significant risk factors for all allergic diseases. Breast feeding decreased the risk of current asthma (OR: 0.92, CI: 0.86-0.99) and wheezing (OR: 0.93, CI: 0.87-0.99) but not allergic rhinitis and eczema. Respiratory infection in the past was an important risk factor for the occurrence of allergic diseases especially for asthma which was increased 4.53-fold. Children exposed to household smoke were significantly at higher risk of asthma, wheezing, and allergic rhinitis (OR: 1.20, CI: 1.08-1.33; OR: 1.21, CI: 1.09-1.34; and OR: 1.32, CI: 1.21-1.43, respectively). All allergic diseases were increased in those children living in areas which have altitude of below 1000 m and mean yearly atmospheric pressure above 1000 mb. The study has suggested that household and country-specific environmental factors are associated with asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis, and eczema risk during childhood in Turkey.C1 Eskisehir Osmangazi Univ, Asthma & Allergy Working Grp Turkish Thorac Soc, Eskisehir, Turkey.Eskisehir Osmangazi Univ, Dept Publ Hlth, Eskisehir, Turkey.Kocaeli Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Kocaeli, Turkey.Abant Izzet Baysal Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Duzce, Turkey.Celal Bayar Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Manisa, Turkey.Ondokuz Mayis Univ, Dept Publ Hlth, Samsun, Turkey.Firat Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Elazig, Turkey.Afyon Kocatepe Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Afyton, Turkey.Ataturk Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Erzurum, Turkey.Uludag Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Bursa, Turkey.Yuzuncu Yil Univ, Dept Internal Med, Van, Turkey.Pamukkale Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Denizli, Turkey.Acibadem Hosp, Istanbul, Turkey.State Hosp, Tarsus, Turkey.Suleyman Demirel Univ, Dept Pulm Dis, Isparta, Turkey