Safety and tolerability of tafluprost in treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

Glaucoma is one of the most common neuropathies of the optic nerve. An elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a well documented risk factor for the development and progression of this disease. Until now, IOP reduction is the only well documented successful method of glaucoma treatment. Among the many hypotensive drugs, prostaglandin analogs are proved to be the most potent antiglaucoma agents, with very few systemic side effects. A new prostanoid FP receptor analog, tafluprost, has been introduced into the medical treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Many studies have shown that it is an efficient IOP-lowering drug, and that it is safe and well tolerated. A preservative-free tafluprost formulation is as potent as a preserved one, but it has fewer and milder toxic effects on the eye

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) induces apoptosis or necrosis, but has no major influence on the cell cycle of Jurkat cells

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a cationic detergent with a very slow turnover. Because of its strong antibacterial activities, BAK is widely used especially in dentistry and ophthalmology. It is the most commonly used preservative in topical ophthalmic medications. Due to chronicity and widespread use of such treatments, BAK’s side effects are of great importance. BAK toxicity for adherent cells, probably related to its pro-oxidative activities, is time- and dose-dependent. Although lymphocytes often infiltrate superficial eye tissues, the BAK influence on them is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to check BAK cytotoxicity on T lymphocytic Jurkat line cells and to verify the suggestion that BAK can induce G2M cell blocks. A dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect of BAK on lymphoid cells in relatively low concentrations was shown in this study. In lower concentrations, it shows a moderate apoptotic and minimal antiproliferative effect on Jurkat cells, while in higher concentrations it shows a rapid necrotic effect. No G2M cell blocks were observed. Our findings could suggest lymphoid dysfunction during intensive, prolonged topical BAK treatment, even at dosages relatively non-toxic to epithelial eye cells. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 225–230

Transparency in the Governance of Access to and Benefit Sharing from Genetic Resources

This chapter explores the evolution of global ABS governance under the CBD from the perspective of transparency, taking into account the 2010 Nagoya Protocol. In line with the overall framework of this book, we discuss, first, the emergence and framing of transparency in this area of governance. We argue that transparency, which was not initially envisioned as a policy solution, has increasingly moved to center stage in the debate on ABS governance under the CBD,which especially builds on bilateral contracts between providers and users. This move results, not least, from a growing marketization of GR and increasing awareness (through, for example, NGO campaigns) of the lack of information about GR uses. Subsequently, we outline the main elements and instruments of the transparency infrastructure elaborated,and given legal force, in the Nagoya Protocol, including the bilateral, contract-based approach to ABS governance therein. We then discuss the(in)effectiveness of governance by disclosure thus far, as well as prospects for improvement, especially through the Nagoya Protocol. The overall CBD system has performed weakly since the 1990s. Even after negotiation of the Nagoya Protocol, there remains a lasting imbalance between relatively advanced standards and practices for transparency for access and more problematic and imperfect standards for transparency for benefit sharing, which disadvantages least-developed countries and results in calls for capacity-building efforts. The conclusions summarize the results of the analysis

Point Defect Mediated Interface Formation and Appearance of a Cooper Minimum for AlOx Atomic Layer Deposited Films on CH3NH3PbI3

We report on the interaction of CH3NH3PbI3 substrates with AlOx films prepared by atomic layer deposition at room temperature. We use synchrotron radiation based photoemission spectroscopy and study the Pb 4f, I 3d, and Al 2p core levels as well as the corresponding valence band states Pb 5d and O 2p . A Cooper minimum is observed for both the Pb 5d and O 2p states, and it indicates that the bonding at the interface must be covalent. We focus on the electronic properties of the substrate and its interface and identify a delicate charge balance between polaronic and excitonic states in MAPI and AlOx. The perovskite vacancy sites, identified by changes in the core level intensities, mediate the charge balance and covalent interactio

Intellectual Property Rights on Genetic Resources and the Fight Against Poverty

The developmental impact of intellectual property rights (IPRs) on genetic resources (GR) and associated traditional knowledge (TK) has been intensely discussed internationally for more than a decade. In this respect, plant GR for food and agriculture, GR for health as well as the related rights of indigenous and local communities possess particular importance for poverty reduction. The EU can play an important role in advancing regulatory action in this field that enhances the effectiveness of the fight against poverty, both domestically and at the international level. The 2010 Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity that addresses “biopiracy” related to GR/TK is awaiting ratification and full and effective implementation, which will, inter alia, require capacity building especially for least developed countries. Another important contribution to combating biopiracy would be the establishment of a requirement to disclose in patent applications the source of any GR/TK used, as currently under negotiation in the World Trade Organisation and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The rights of indigenous and local communities, especially with respect to their TK, deserve particular protection both in the EU and internationally, to be designed in consultation with these communities. IPRs on seeds and medicines should not be allowed to compromise the human rights to food and health. There is a need for advancing research and development on seeds and medicines that are targeted at low-income populations in developing countries