Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship

\n\nAim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between GD and A-2578C, T-460C and G+405C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VEGF gene, as well as to evaluate whether there are any relationships between genotypes and some clinical/laboratory parameters of GD.\n\nMethods:

We analyzed the genotype and allele distributions of the above mentioned SNPs in 167 patients with established GD diagnosis Selleck HSP990 and 203 healthy controls by real-time PCR combined with melting curve analysis using fluorescence-labeled hybridization probes.\n\nResults: The distribution of VEGF A-2578C and T-460C genotypes and allele frequencies in control and GD groups were not significantly different. With regard to the + 405 polymorphism, the frequency of C allele was 1.8-fold increased in GD patients compared to controls, and the CC genotype was associated with a 4.6-fold increased disease risk. There was no relationship between PHA-848125 some clinical/laboratory parameters with G+405C polymorphism. However, in -2578C allele carrying GD patients the anti-thyroid antibody levels were increased according to wild homozygous. Additionally,

-2578C and -460T alleles were related with early (at age before 40) disease onset.\n\nConclusion: VEGF +405 polymorphism may be a risk factor for GD, while the -2578 SNP is related with increased autoantibody production. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Imperfect base-pairing between microRNA (miRNA) and Mocetinostat the 30-untranslated region of target messenger RNA (mRNA) triggers translational repression of the target mRNA. Here, we provide evidence that human Argonaute 2 targets cap-binding protein (CBP) 80/20-bound mRNAs and exon junction complex-bound mRNAs and inhibits nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which is restricted tightly to CBP80/20-bound

mRNAs. Furthermore, microarray analyses reveal that a subset of cellular transcripts, which are expected to be targeted for NMD, is stabilized by miRNA-mediated gene silencing. The regulation of NMD by miRNAs will shed light on a new post-transcriptional regulation mechanism of gene expression in mammalian cells.”
“Background: In Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Oryza sativa L., a large number of genes encode proteins of unknown functions, whose characterization still remains one of the major challenges. With an aim to characterize these unknown proteins having defined features (PDFs) in plants, we have chosen to work on proteins having a cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) domain. CBS domain as such has no defined function(s) but plays a regulatory role for many enzymes and thus helps in maintaining the intracellular redox balance. Its function as sensor of cellular energy has also been widely suggested.\n\nResults: Our analysis has identified 34 CBS domain containing proteins (CDCPs) in Arabidopsis and 59 in Oryza.

The coincident impacts of these changes on osmoregulatory or immu

The coincident impacts of these changes on osmoregulatory or immune function of the gut are poorly understood.”
“Co-encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin (CUR) find more in poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (PBCA-NPs) were prepared with emulsion polymerization and interfacial polymerization. The mean particle

size and mean zeta potential of CUR-DOX-PBCA-NPs were 133 +/- 5.34 nm in diameter and +32.23 +/- 4.56 mV, respectively. The entrapment efficiencies of doxorubicin and curcumin were 49.98 +/- 3.32% and 94.52 +/- 3.14%, respectively. Anticancer activities and reversal efficacy of the formulations and various combination approaches were assessed using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and western blotting. The results showed that the dual-agent loaded PBCA-NPs system had the similar cytotoxicity to co-administration of two single-agent loaded PBCA-NPs (DOX-PBCA-NPs + CUR-PBCA-NPs), which was slightly higher than that of the free drug combination (DOX + CUR) and one free drug/another agent loaded PBCA-NPs

combination (DOX + GSK690693 supplier CUR-PBCA-NPs or CUR + DOX-PBCA-NPs). The simultaneous administration of doxorubicin and curcumin achieved the highest reversal efficacy and down-regulation of P-glycoprotein in MCF-7/ADR cell lines, an MCF-7 breast carcer cell line resistant to adriamycin. Multidrug resistance can be enhanced by combination delivery of encapsulated cytotoxic drugs and reversal agents. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have been shown Selleck Anlotinib to modulate the immune response and have therapeutic effects in inflammatory disorders. PUFA are also peroxisome proliferators-activator receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma) ligands; a family of ligand-activated transcription factors, which when activated antagonise the pro-inflammatory capability of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B). PPAR gamma plays a role in dendritic cell (DC) maturation and n-3 PUFA have been shown to affect DC maturation by decreasing activation of NF-kappa B. While n-3 PUFA

can function as PPAR ligands, it is not known whether the NF-kappa B-mediated immunomodulatory properties of n-3 PUFA are PPAR gamma-dependent. In this study we examined whether the immunomodulatory effects of n-3 PUFA on DC activation were mediated through activation of PPAR gamma. Treatment of murine bone marrow derived DCs with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 25 mu M) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 25 mu M) attenuated LPS-induced DC maturation. This was characterised by suppression of IL-12 production and expression of CD40, CD80, CD86 and MHC II and enhanced production of IL-10 and expression of IL-10R. This was coincident with enhanced PPAR gamma expression, suppressed NF-kappa B activity and increased the physical interaction and cellular colocalization between NF-kappa B with PPAR gamma.

Osteogenic differentiation was not detected in nonvalvular endoth

Osteogenic differentiation was not detected in nonvalvular endothelial cells. Regions of osteocalcin expression, a marker of osteoblastic differentiation, were detected along the endothelium of mitral valves that had been subjected in vivo to

mechanical stretch.\n\nConclusion-Mitral valve leaflets contain endothelial cells with multilineage mesenchymal differentiation potential, including osteogenic differentiation. This unique feature suggests that postnatal mitral valvular endothelium harbors a reserve of progenitor cells that can contribute to osteogenic and chondrogenic VICs. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2011;31:598-607.)”
“An in-house built instrument was used to fabricate a small internal diameter SB203580 (2 mm) artificial vascular prosthesis from biodegradable chitosan. This new artificial vascular prosthesis has shown a good biocompatibility based on the studies of its cell compatibility, inflammatory reaction, and platelet

adhesion. In an animal test, the prosthesis was used to replace a 4-cm-long section of femoral artery GNS-1480 purchase in each of the seven tested dogs. The patency of the replacement was monitored at regular intervals using Doppler ultrasound diagnostics. Nine months after the implantation, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical study, and scanning electron microscope observation were carried out. Complete decomposition of the prosthesis and replacement by a natural blood vessel were observed. The results suggests A-1210477 mouse that the artificial vascular prosthesis displays many characteristics of the ideal small-diameter artificial vascular, and have the biocompatibility that can be tailored to match those desired in vascular replacement application. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.”
“Association between long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use and increased risk of breast cancer is still under debate.

Functionally relevant genetic variants within the estrogen metabolic pathway may alter exposure to exogenous sex hormones and affect the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. We investigated the associations of common polymorphisms in 4 genes encoding key proteins of the estrogen metabolic pathway, duration of HRT use and their interactions with breast cancer risk. We studied 530 breast cancer cases and 270 controls of the same age and ethnicity participating in a case-control study of postmenopausal women. Duration of HRT use was ascertained through a postal questionnaire. Genotyping was conducted for CYP1B1 (rs1056836), COMT (rs4680), GSTP1 (rs1695) and MnSOD (rs4880) polymorphisms by PCR-based RFLP and TaqMan (R) allelic discrimination method. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression analysis.

A consensus statement of core neuropsychological tests was publis

A consensus statement of core neuropsychological tests was published in 1995 with the intention of guiding investigation into this issue. We conducted a meta-analysis evaluating the evidence for cognitive decline post-CABG surgery. Twenty-eight published studies, accumulating data from up to 2043 patients undergoing CABG surgery, were included.

Results were examined at ‘very early’ (<2 weeks), ‘early’ (3 months) and ‘late’ (6-12 months) time periods post-operatively. Two of the four tests suggested an initial very early decrease in psychomotor speed that was not present at subsequent testing. Sapitinib in vivo Rather, the omnibus data indicated subtle improvement in function relative to pre-operative baseline testing. Our findings suggest improvement in cognitive function in the first year following CABG surgery. This is contrary to the more negative interpretation of results of some individual publications included in our review,

which may reflect poor outcomes in a few patients and/or methodological issues. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“We describe a continuous improvement process in planning, performance, and evaluation of multiple choice examination questions in psychiatry, neurology, psychosomatic medicine, and psychotherapy. We analyzed CAL-101 mw 640 multiple choice questions of 1,419 students during a period of 4 years. Crucial changes concerned the abolishment of problematic question types, implementation of validated new question formats, extension of case-based questions, elongation of question stems, quantitive evaluation of item difficulty, discriminatory value, and the introduction of a peer review system. Consequences of these improvements were greater item difficulty (average 18%) and discriminatory value (average 67%) and reduced

post hoc analysis times. Introduction of peer reviews resulted in longer preparation time, which was however appreciated by the peers due to a clear improvement in item quality.”
“While research on remission in schizophrenia has gained attention, personality VX-680 molecular weight characteristics associated with remission in schizophrenia have been under-studied. A functional valine-to-methionine (Val158Met) polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is shown to modify clinical presentation of schizophrenia despite weak or no association with the disorder itself. Studies also report that this polymorphism can affect personality traits. We aimed to examine personality traits of remitted patients with schizophrenia as compared to symptomatic patients and healthy controls and to investigate whether the COMT Val158Met polymorphism influences their personality. Scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory were compared between 34 remitted outpatients with schizophrenia, age- and sex-matched 72 symptomatic outpatients with schizophrenia, and matched 247 healthy individuals.

Neuronal differentiation of these cells toward gamma aminobutyric

Neuronal differentiation of these cells toward gamma aminobutyric acidergic interneurons appears to be unaltered. The decrease in DCX expression may reduce

plasticity potential within the retrosplenial cortex and attenuate spatial learning and memory function. NeuroReport 23:211-215 (C) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.”
“We developed orthogonal ribosome-mRNA pairs in which the orthogonal ribosome (O-ribosome) specifically translates the orthogonal mRNA and the orthogonal mRNA is not a substrate for cellular ribosomes. O-ribosomes have been used to create new cellular circuits to control gene expression in new ways, they have been used to provide new information selleck chemical about the ribosome, and they form a crucial part of foundational technologies

for genetic code expansion and encoded and evolvable polymer synthesis in cells. The production of O-ribosomes in the cell makes it challenging to study the properties of O-ribosomes in vitro, because no method exists to purify functional O-ribosomes from cellular ribosomes and other cellular components. Here we present a method for the affinity purification of O-ribosomes, via tagging of the orthogonal 16S ribosomal RNA. We demonstrate that the purified O-ribosomes are pure by primer extension assays, and structurally homogenous by gel electrophoresis and sucrose gradients. We demonstrate ABT-737 price the utility of this purification method by providing a preliminary in vitro characterization of Ribo-X, an O-ribosome previously evolved for enhanced unnatural amino acid incorporation in response to amber codons. Our data suggest that the basis of Ribo-X’s in vivo activity Selleck Anlotinib is a decreased affinity for RF1.”
“A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (C-ELISA) using a baculovirus-expressed recombinant nucleocapsid protein antigen (rNDV-N) and an rNDV-N-specific monoclonal antibody (5B3) was developed for the detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies, and its diagnostic performance was evaluated. The specificity and sensitivity of the C-ELISA was found to be 98.4 and 98.9%, respectively,

for chickens, and 98.2 and 97.9% for ducks. However, the C-ELISA showed weak cross-reaction with hyperimmune antisera to some other avian paramyxovirus serotypes. In all experimentally vaccinated chickens, seroconversion rates at 7 d postinoculation were 100 and 40% when measured by C-ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition (HI), respectively. In field trials, the C-ELISA showed positive results in 98.9% of HI-positive sera and 40.8% of HI-negative sera from NDV-vaccinated chickens (n = 705). In domestic ducks (n = 158) from NDV-positive duck farms (n = 8), the positive rates according to C-ELISA were significantly higher than those according to the HI test. At the same time, 98.1% of ducks (n = 209) from NDV-negative duck farms (n = 11) were also negative by C-ELISA.

R , Campos F S , Franco A C & Roehe P M 2009 Efficacy of

R., Campos F.S., Franco A.C. & Roehe P.M. 2009. Efficacy of this website a gE-deleted, bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV1) inactivated vaccine. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 29(7): 545-551. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinarias Desiderio Finamor, Fepagro Saude Animal, Estrada do Conde 6000, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]\n\nBovine

herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) is recognized as a major cause of economic losses in cattle. Vaccination has been widely applied to minimize losses induced by BoHV-1 infections. We have previously reported the development of a differential BoHV1 vaccine, based on a recombinant glycoprotein E (gE)-deleted virus (265gE(-)). In present paper the efficacy of such recombinant was evaluated as an inactivated vaccine. www.selleckchem.com/products/dibutyryl-camp-bucladesine.html Five BoHV-1 seronegative calves were vaccinated intramuscularly on day 0 and boostered 30 days later with an inactivated, oil adjuvanted vaccine containing an antigenic mass equivalent to 10(7.0) fifty per cent

cell culture infectious doses (CCID(50)) of 265gE(-). Three calves were kept as non vaccinated controls. On day 60 post vaccination both vaccinated and controls were challenged with the virulent parental strain. No clinical signs or adverse effects were seen after or during vaccination. After challenge, 2/5 vaccinated calves showed mild clinical signs of infection, whereas all non vaccinated controls displayed intense rhinotracheitis and shed virus for longer and to higher titres than vaccinated calves. Serological responses were detected in all vaccinated animals after the second dose of vaccine, but not on control calves. Following corticosteroid administration in attempting to induce reactivation of the latent infection, no clinical signs were observed in vaccinated

calves, whereas non vaccinated controls showed clinical signs of respiratory disease. In view of its immunogenicity and protective effect upon challenge with a virulent BoHV-1, the oil adjuvanted preparation with the GSK1904529A in vivo inactivated 265gE(-) recombinant was shown to be suitable for use as a vaccine.”
“Despite general support for dimensional models of personality disorder, it is currently unclear which, and how many, dimensions a taxonomy of this kind should include. In an attempt to obtain an empirically-based, comprehensive, and usable structure of personality, three instruments – The Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 + (PDQ-4 +), and the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ) – were administered to 960 outpatients and their scales factor-analyzed following a bass ackwards approach. The resulting hierarchical structure was interpretable and replicable across gender and methods up to seven factors.

3 The birds stunned with N-2 displayed the highest initial r

\n\n3. The birds stunned with N-2 displayed the highest initial reduction in muscle pH, but after 4 h post mortem there were no differences in pH values associated with the various CAS methods.\n\n4. The CAS method alone had no statistically significant effect on the quality of turkey breast muscle when the chilling speed was rapid (0 degrees C for 4 h, followed by storage at 4 degrees C). When the chilling rate RepSox price was slowed (20 degrees C for 4 h followed by storage at 4 degrees C), a significant decrease in cooking loss and in Warner-Bratzler shear force was recorded for birds stun-killed with

CO2.\n\n5. This study shows that anoxic stun-killing with N-2 had no adverse effects on meat quality despite the rapid post mortem pH decrease. The CAS with N-2 allows CCI-779 rapid cooling of carcases without the risk of cold shortening, whereas with CO2-stun-killing of turkeys, the rate of chilling should be slower. Concerning meat quality, all the CAS methods tested were suitable for stunning turkeys.”
“Epicardial adipose tissue is a source of pro-inflammatory

cytokines and has been linked to the development of coronary artery disease. No study has systematically assessed the relationship between local epicardial fat volume (EFV) and myocardial perfusion defects. We analyzed EFV in patients undergoing SPECT myocardial perfusion SN-38 order imaging combined with computed tomography (CT) for attenuation correction. Low-dose CT without contrast was performed in 396 consecutive patients undergoing SPECT imaging for evaluation of coronary artery disease. Regional thickness, cross-sectional areas, and total EFV were assessed. 295 patients had normal myocardial perfusion scans and 101 had abnormal perfusion scans. Mean EFVs in normal, ischemic, and infarcted hearts were 99.8 +/- A 82.3 cm(3), 156.4 +/- A 121.9 cm(3), and 96.3 +/- A 102.1 cm(3), respectively (P smaller than 0.001). Reversible perfusion defects were associated with increased local EFV compared to normal

perfusion in the distribution of the right (69.2 +/- A 51.5 vs 46.6 +/- A 32.0 cm(3); P = 0.03) and left anterior descending coronary artery (87.1 +/- A 76.4 vs 46.7 +/- A 40.6 cm(3); P = 0.005). Our results demonstrate increased regional epicardial fat in patients with active myocardial ischemia compared to patients with myocardial scar or normal perfusion on nuclear perfusion scans. Our results suggest a potential role for cardiac CT to improve risk stratification in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.”
“We report a method for detecting DNA single-base polymerization using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) field effect transistor (FET)-based redox potential sensor array.

The protein patterns showed a high abundance of protein spots in

The protein patterns showed a high abundance of protein spots in the acidic range, including three lectin proteins. The metabolic and defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase, that are associated with antioxidant activity, were mainly found in the basic region. Furthermore, cysteine protease was found in this plant, as had been previously reported in other Zingiberaceae plants.\n\nConclusion: This report presents the protein profiles of the ginger plant, Curcuma comosa. Several interesting proteins were identified in

this plant that may be used as a protein marker and aid in identifying plants of the Zingiberaceae family.”
“On many occasions, homopolysaccharide hydrogel networks alone are not suitable for controlled drug delivery. In this study, interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of sodium alginate (ALG) and etherified selleck products locust bean gum (ELBG) were developed through ionotropic gelation with Al3+ ions, tested for glipizide release, and were compared with homopolymer hydrogel networks. The degree of reticulation in IPNs was explained by the neutralization equivalent, tensile

strength measurement, and drying PP2 kinetics of drug-free hydrogels. IPNs afforded a maximum of 94.40 +/- 0.35% drug entrapment efficiency and exhibited slower drug release profiles up to 8h. Al3+-ALG network almost completed the release of embedded drug in 3.5h; however, the homopolymer Al3+-ELBG network discharged their content at a slow, uniform rate up to 8h like the IPNs. All the networks appeared spherical under scanning electron microscope. In all cases, JNK-IN-8 a faster drug release rate was assumed in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) than in KCl/HCl buffer (pH 1.2) solution. The pH-responsive swelling of the beads was responsible for the variable drug release rate in different media. NonFickian diffusion mechanism was operative for the transport of drug from the IPNs. Moreover, IPNs gained appreciation for their better mechanical strength (63.79 +/- 1.59MPa) than Al3+-ELBG network. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning

calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction analyses indicated a compatible environment for drug encapsualtion and release from the IPNs. The drug release curves of Al3+-ELBG and IPNs were found similar to a reference product. Hence, Al3+-ELBG and IPNs could be useful in controlling diabetes over longer periods.”
“The Omp85/TPS (outer-membrane protein of 85 kDa/two-partner secretion) super-family is a ubiquitous and major class of beta-barrel proteins. This superfamily is restricted to the outer membranes of gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. The common architecture, with an N-terminus consisting of repeats of soluble polypeptide-transport-associated (POTRA) domains and a C-terminal beta-barrel pore is highly conserved.

Associations between fat distribution and CVD risk factors were s

Associations between fat distribution and CVD risk factors were studied with linear regression analyses with adjustment for other body compartments, and subsequent adjustment for insulin sensitivity.\n\nResults: In men, larger LFM was significantly and independently associated with lower triglyceride levels (TGs) and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL)

cholesterol (P < 0.10) and tended to be associated also with lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and lower fasting insulin levels. In women, larger LFM was associated with favorable values of all CVD risk factors, although the associations were not statistically significant. In both sexes, larger TFM was independently and significantly associated with unfavorable values of most CVD risk AP24534 factors, and most associations did not markedly change after adjustment for insulin sensitivity.\n\nDiscussion: In a relatively young and healthy European population, larger LFM is associated with a lower and TFM with a higher cardiovascular and metabolic

risk, which can not be explained by insulin sensitivity.”
“Background and objectives Previous studies reported an association between metabolic syndrome, incident CKD, and proteinuria. This study examined the associations between metabolic syndrome and its components with ESRD and death among those patients Dihydrotestosterone with stages 3 and 4 CKD (estimated GFR=15-59 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)).\n\nDesign, setting, 123 participants, & measurements Patients with stages 3 and 4 CKD (n=25,868) who had data relating to metabolic syndrome and were followed in our health care system were identified using an electronic medical record-based registry. Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk analyses GDC 0032 ic50 were used to study the associations between metabolic syndrome, its components (elevated BP, low HDL cholesterol, elevated serum triglycerides, impaired glucose metabolism, and obesity), and all-cause mortality and ESRD while adjusting for demographics, comorbid conditions, use of

relevant medications, and renal function.\n\nResults Sixty percent of the study population (n=15,605) had metabolic syndrome. In the multivariate-adjusted analysis, presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk for ESRD (hazard ratio=1.33, 95% confidence interval=1.08, 1.64) but not death (hazard ratio=1.04, 95% confidence interval=0.97, 1.12) during a mean follow-up of 2.3 years. Among the individual components of metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose metabolism, elevated triglycerides, and hypertension were associated with increased risk for ESRD, whereas low HDL cholesterol and impaired glucose metabolism were associated with higher risk of death.\n\nConclusions Presence of metabolic syndrome is associated with ESRD but not death in patients with stages 3 and 4 CKD.”
“In the modern era, the prevalence of asthma and allergies are increasing. It has been speculated that environmental exposures are contributing to this rise.

The SMT was selectively adsorbed onto high-silica Y-type zeolite

The SMT was selectively adsorbed onto high-silica Y-type zeolite in the composites. Resultantly, the inhibitory effect of the coexisting materials was reduced, and the composites could remove SMT more effectively compared with TiO2 alone in the secondary effluent.”
“Mitochondria govern many metabolic processes. In addition, mitochondria sense the status of metabolism

and change their functions to regulate energy production, cell death, and thermogenesis. Recent studies have revealed that mitochondrial structural remodeling through division and fusion is critical to the organelle’s Epacadostat molecular weight function. It has also become clear that abnormalities in mitochondrial division and fusion are linked to the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Here, we discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics and their role in cellular and organismal metabolism.”
“The pulmonary route of delivery offers a potential alternative to parenteral administration

of peptides and proteins. Protection of protein structure is essential in both processing and storage of the final formulation. Sugars, such as trehalose and raffinose, have been employed to act as protein stabilisers. Optimisation of the aerodynamic characteristics of microparticles in dry powder inhaler formulations is critical to ensure optimum deposition of the formulation into the respiratory tract.\n\nIn the present study we examine the adaptation to hydrophilic materials, this website specifically the disaccharide, trehalose and the trisaccharide, raffinose, of a previously reported spray drying process for producing nanoporous microparticles (NPMPs). We also investigate the feasibility of incorporating a model protein, lysozyme, into these see more sugar-based NPMPs.\n\nWhile spray drying raffinose

or trehalose from aqueous solution or ethanol:water solutions resulted in non-porous microspheres, spray drying from a methanol:n-butyl acetate mixed solvent system resulted in microparticles which appeared to consist of an agglomeration of individual nanoparticles, i.e. nanoporous/nanoparticulate microparticles.\n\nNPMPs of trehalose and raffinose were amorphous, with glass transition temperatures (Tgs) that were sufficiently high (124 degrees C and similar to 120 degrees C for trehalose and raffinose, respectively) to suggest good physical stability at room temperature and good potential to act as protein carriers and/or stabilisers.\n\nNPMPs demonstrated improved aerosolisation properties compared to spray dried non-porous particles. The successful incorporation of lysozyme into these NPMPs at a sugar to protein weight ratio of 1:4 demonstrated the potential of these systems to act as carriers for peptide or protein drugs which could be delivered via the pulmonary route. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.