GIT laboratory journal 

Abstract: The goal of processing liposomes for pharmaceutical drug delivery is to obtain a product with a Gaussian size distribution and a low standard deviation. Liposomes used for cosmetic applications or for food processing do not have strict requirements regarding their size distribution. This article seeks to address the various aspects involved in two processes that are used for the preparation of liposomes. These processes, or methods, are high pressure homogenization and extrusion. This article shall attempt to make the process of selecting between different methods easier. A new method, which involves a combined homogenizer/extruder, is discussed. This method should shorten the process time and decrease energy input.

Abstract: Despite the long history of success in discovering drugs from natural sources, natural products have fallen out of favour in current high throughput screening. However, the diversity of three-dimensional shapes of natural molecules still surpasses that from synthetic compounds. Wider access to previously untapped biodiversity and application of molecular techniques for producing natural product-like compounds ensure that natural products will continue to he important for drug discovery.

Abstract: A novel technology incorporates pumps and valves without moving parts on a chip surface. Using these building blocks that can be combined in a plug-and-play manner, biochemical reactions on the chip are controlled electronically.

Abstract: We determined the iodide and creatinine concentrations in random urine samples (RU) and 24-h urine samples (24 hU) in healthy adults (Group 1, n=68) and in the 24 hU in patients with different thyroid disorders following radio-iodide therapy (Group 2, n=303). The objective was to establish whether the iodide-creatinine (I - /Cr)(μg I - /g creatinine) co-efficient would be a better indicator of daily renal excretion of iodide than the iodide concentration in the urine (c 1 - ) (μg I - /dI), when determined in RU and 24 hU. The statistical evaluation revealed a significant positive linear correlation (p < 0.001) between I - /dl and I - /Cr in the RU. I-/dl and I-/Cr also correlated with the corresponding daily excretion (24 hU) (p<0.001). This means that I - /dl and I - /Cr in RU both supply comparable information for the documentation and monitoring of the course of dietary iodine deficiency in both healthy adults and those with thyroid disorders.