The Metabolism and Transplacental Transfer of Oseltamivir in the Ex Vivo Human Model

Oseltamivir phosphate is extensively metabolized in the ex vivo human placenta model, and the transplacental passage of the metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate is incomplete. Objective. To evaluate the metabolism and transplacental transfer of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in the ex vivo human placental model. Study Design. Perfusion studies were performed in six placentas from term, uncomplicated deliveries. Concentrations of oseltamivir phosphate (OP) that were 5-6 fold, 20–30 fold, and 600–800 fold above the therapeutic peak were tested, as neither OP nor its active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate (OC), could be detected at near-therapeutic concentrations. The transplacental transfer and accumulation of OC were assessed using the 14C antipyrine reference method. Results. OP was extensively metabolized to OC. In the 4 placentas with the highest concentration of OP, OC had a mean clearance index of 0.13 ± 0.08, suggesting that transplacental passage occurs at a relatively low rate. Measurable fetal accumulation occurred in the two placentas with the highest initial concentrations. Conclusions. Oseltamivir phosphate was extensively metabolized in the ex vivo model. Transplacental transfer of the metabolite was incomplete and accumulation was minimal

The 20 GHz proof-of-concept test model results for a multiple scan beam dual reflector antenna

A full scale 20 GHz antenna model was designed, fabricated and tested. The model is intended to test the low sidelobe beam scanning capability of a new class of an offset dual reflector and feed array configuration. The offset main reflector and subreflector surfaces are custom shaped by a computer synthesis procedure. The derived optics result in beam scan loss under 1 db over the + or - 12.3 beamwidths by + or - 5.8 beamwidths scan volume while maintaining low sidelobes. It is found that the measured and computed patterns are in good agreement

Effects of Percussive Massage Treatments on Symptoms Associated With Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

Percussive massage (PM) is an emerging recovery treatment, but the research on its effects post-eccentric exercise (post-EE) is limited. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of PM on maximal isometric torque (MIT), range of motion (ROM), and an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) of soreness from 24-72 h post-EE. METHODS: Seventeen untrained, college-aged subjects (14 women and 3 men) performed 60 eccentric elbow flexion actions with their nondominant arms. Nine subjects received 1 minute of PM on their nondominant arm’s biceps brachii immediately, 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE, versus eight rested quietly (control [CON]). In order, the NRS, ROM, and MIT were collected pre-eccentric exercise (pre-EE) and after treatment (AT) at 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE. The NRS was also collected before treatment (BT). Electromyographic (EMG) amplitude was collected during the MIT and normalized to pre-EE. MIT was made relative to body mass. All measures were analyzed via separate two-way (group × time) mixed factorial ANOVAs. RESULTS: There was no interaction (p = 0.22) for MIT but a main effect for time (p \u3c 0.001), indicating an approximately (approx.) 12% decrease (p = 0.02) from pre-EE to 24 h post-EE. Values returned to pre-EE by 48 h (p = 0.47). There was no interaction (p = 0.55) or main effect of time (p = 0.47) for EMG. An interaction (p \u3c 0.001) for ROM showed that the PM group had higher values than the CON at 24 (p = 0.01), 48 (p = 0.01), and 72 h (p = 0.04) by approx. 8, 6, and 6°, respectively. The PM group returned to pre-EE (p \u3e 0.05) faster than the CON (PM: 48 h, CON: 72 h) and exceeded (p \u3c 0.001) their pre-EE at 72 h by approx. 4°. An interaction (p = 0.01) for NRS revealed that the groups did not differ BT at 24 (p = 0.11), 48 (p = 0.052), and 72 h (p = 0.10). However, the PM group’s NRS lowered from BT to AT within the 24 (p \u3c 0.001), 48 (p \u3c 0.001), and 72 h (p = 0.01) visits by approx. 1 point per visit. As a result, the PM group had lower values (p \u3c 0.001) than the CON AT at 24, 48, and 72 h by approx. 3, 2, and 2 points, respectively. Lastly, the PM group returned their NRS to pre-EE (p \u3e 0.05) faster than the CON (PM: BT 72 h, CON: never). CONCLUSION: The PM treatments improved ROM without affecting MIT or muscle activation 24-72 h post-EE. Although the PM did not enhance the recovery from soreness until 72 h, it consistently provided immediate, temporary relief when used 24-72 h post-EE

Radiation-induced micronucleus induction in lymphocytes identifies a high frequency of radiosensitive cases among breast cancer patients: a test for predisposition?

Enhanced sensitivity to the chromosome-damaging effects of ionizing radiation is a feature of many cancer-predisposing conditions. We previously showed that 42% of an unselected series of breast cancer patients and 9% of healthy control subjects showed elevated chromosomal radiosensitivity of lymphocytes irradiated in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. We suggested that, in addition to the highly penetrant genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which confer a very high risk of breast cancer and are carried by about 5% of all breast cancer patients, there are also low-penetrance predisposing genes carried by a much higher proportion of breast cancer patients, a view supported by recent epidemiological studies. Ideally, testing for the presence of these putative genes should involve the use of simpler methods than the G2 assay, which requires metaphase analysis of chromosome damage. Here we report on the use of a simple, rapid micronucleus assay in G0 lymphocytes exposed to high dose rate (HDR) or low dose rate gamma-irradiation, with delayed mitogenic stimulation. Good assay reproducibility was obtained, particularly with the HDR protocol, which identified 31% (12 out of 39) of breast cancer patients compared with 5% (2 out of 42) of healthy controls as having elevated radiation sensitivity. In the long term, such cytogenetic assays may have the potential for selecting women for intensive screening for breast cancer

Chorioamnionitis: Association of Nonreassuring Fetal Heart-rate Patterns and Interval From Diagnosis to Delivery on Neonatal Outcome

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether selected fetal heart-rate (FHR) patterns and the interval from diagnosis to delivery in pregnancies complicated by chorioamnionitis could predict neonatal outcome