Capsule Systems Research Articles

Upper oesophageal images and Z-line detection with 2 different small-bowel capsule systems

Transmission of oesophageal images may vary between different small-bowel capsule endoscopy models. A retrospective review of 100 examinations performed with 2 different Small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) systems (PillCam(®) and MiroCam(®)) was performed. The oral cavity/aero-digestive tract (i.e., tongue, uvula and/or epiglottis) was captured/identified in almost all (99%) of PillCam(®) videos but in none of MiroCam(®) cases, P < 0.0001. Furthermore, oesophageal images (i.e., from the upper oesophageal sphincter to the Z-line were captured in 99% of PillCam(®) videos (mean ± SD, 60.5 ± 334.1 frames, range: 0-3329 frames) and in 66% of MiroCam(®) cases (mean ± SD, 11.1 ± 46.5 frames, range: 0-382 frames), P < 0.0001. The Z-line was identified in 42% of PillCam(®) videos and 17% of MiroCam(®), P = 0.0002. This information might be useful when performing SBCE in patients with high risks for aspiration.

Pharmaceutical polymorphs quantified with transmission Raman spectroscopy

AbstractThe quantification of polymorphs in dosage forms is important in the pharmaceutical industry. Conventional Raman spectroscopy of solid‐state pharmaceuticals may be used for this, but it has some limitations such as sub‐sampling and fluorescence. These problems can be mitigated through the use of transmission Raman spectroscopy (TRS). The efficacy of TRS measurements for the prediction of polymorph content was evaluated using a ranitidine hydrochloride test system. Four groups of ranitidine hydrochloride‐based samples were prepared: three containing form I and II ranitidine hydrochloride and microcrystalline cellulose (spanning the ranges 0–10%, 90–100% and 0–100% form I fraction of total ranitidine hydrochloride), and a fourth group comprising form I ranitidine hydrochloride (0–10%) spiked commercial formulation. Transmission and conventional Raman spectroscopic measurements were recorded from both capsules and tablets of the four sample groups. Prediction models for polymorph and total ranitidine hydrochloride content were more accurate for the tablet than for the capsule systems. TRS was found to be superior to conventional backscattering Raman spectroscopy in the prediction of polymorph and total ranitidine hydrochloride content. The prediction model calculated for form I content across the 0–100% range was appropriate for process control [ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) equal to 14.62 and 7.42 for tablets and capsules, respectively]. The 10% range calibrations for both form I and total ranitidine hydrochloride content were sufficient for screening (RPDs greater than 2.6). TRS is an effective tool for polymorph process control within the pharmaceutical industry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Environmental impacts of different methods of coffee preparation

AbstractThe environmental impacts of coffee consumption inter alia depend on the preparation method used by consumers. Preparation methods such as filter drip, pod machines and fully automatic coffee machines are the most common ones in Germany: 62% of the consumers use a filter drip machine to brew their coffee, 23% use filter pad machines and 15% use espresso machines such as fully automatic coffee machines or capsule systems. The aim of the different studies presented in this paper was to identify the critical environmental issues along the life cycle of coffee and to compare the different preparation methods of coffee regarding their influence on the environmental impacts. Within the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Pilot Project Germany, the PCF of one cup of a special type of coffee was analysed on behalf of Tchibo GmbH (Überseering, Hamburg, Germany). As the results show, the preparation by the consumer is one crucial part of the entire life cycle of coffee, making up a share of 30% of the overall emissions. Another hot spot is the cultivation of coffee beans with 55%. Concerning the use phase, research shows that environmental impacts vary significantly depending on the preparation method used by the consumer. Main drivers are differences in power consumption of the respective technologies. Furthermore, different packagings of the coffee play a decisive role. Comparing the analysed appliances and defined usage scenarios in this study, the French press and filter drip machine performed best, followed by the filter pad machine. In contrast, the environmental impacts of the analysed fully automatic coffee machine and the capsule machine were highest. The reason for this was the high power consumption, especially in the machines' sleep and standby mode. Additionally, capsule machines contribute to the environmental impacts because of the aluminium and/or plastic packaging of the capsules, automatic coffee machines because of their cleaning and rinsing programmes.The detailed results indicate a significant savings potential in the use phase. The impacts not only depend on the specific energy efficiency of the chosen appliance but also on the usage behaviour.

Technische Neuerungen in der Videokapselendoskopie

Die Entwicklung der Videokapselendoskopie ist seit ihrer Einführung vor fast zehn Jahren rasant vorangeschritten. Neben der Verbesserung vorhandener Videokapselmodelle und einer Erweiterung des Indikationsspektrums sind inzwischen Videokapselsysteme zur Exploration des Dünndarms von vier verschiedenen Firmen erhältlich, deren diagnostische Güte und Bildqualität in mehreren Studien belegt werden konnten. Die aktu­ellen Entwicklungen in der Videokapsel­endoskopie umfassen Innovationen im Bereich der Hardware wie die Verbesserung von Auflösung, Blickweite und Batterieleistung, die bidirektionale Kommunikation zwischen Kapsel und ­Receiver sowie eine adaptive Bildfrequenz. Ferner wurden Neuerungen im Bereich der Software wie der Progress Indicator, Flexible Intelligent Colour Enhancement und der Mosaikmodus eingeführt. Ziele dieser Entwicklungen sind Verbesserung der diagnostischen Sensitivität, Optimierung des Energieverbrauchs mit Verlängerung der Laufzeit, Verkürzung der Befundungsdauer und Erhöhung der Patientenakzeptanz für die Kapselendoskopie mit der möglichen Zukunftsperspektive z. B. von Darmkrebsvorsorgeuntersuchungen zu Hause. Mithilfe o. g. Verbesserungen konnte eine Erhöhung der diagnostischen Sensitivität für eine neue Kolonkapsel bereits in einer ersten Studie belegt werden, Nachweise für das Erreichen der übrigen Ziele stehen aus. Weitere Innovationen im Bereich Software werden von einem Preprocessing der Kapselfilme erwartet, im Bereich der Hardware von verschiedenen Systemen zur Kapselsteuerung, zur chemischen Analyse und zur loka­len Medikamentenfreisetzung. Die Zweckmäßigkeit und klinische Relevanz dieser expe­rimentellen Ansätze bedarf weiterer Evaluation und Entwicklung, bevor an einen klinischen Einsatz gedacht werden kann.

Pall introduces TFF capsule and Allegro systems

Pall introduces TFF capsule and Allegro systems

MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROCAPSULES

▪ Abstract In recent years microcapsule systems have found applications in many areas of science and technology. Their use to a large extent depends on how mechanical properties are understood and controlled. Here we review different experimental techniques recently developed to probe microcapsule mechanics and to characterize other physical properties of the shell material and capsule interior. We illustrate the potential of these experimental techniques and theoretical models by using data obtained for polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules, one of the most promising systems that shows extremely rich behavior. Applications and/or extensions of methods to study other capsule systems, including bioengineered composites and even living cells, would be straightforward.

Occupational hygiene practices of dentists in southern Thailand

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and nature of infection control, radiation control and handling of mercury, reported by dentists in southern Thailand. A cross-sectional study with self-report questionnaire to all 220 dentists working in 14 provinces in southern Thailand in 1997. 178 dentists (80.9%) aged 22-54 years responded. All reported wearing personal protective measures, at least sometimes and using high level disinfection (formerly sterilisation) procedures for handpieces. Most (93.8%) reported changing sterilised handpieces for each patient. The most commonly reported method of high level disinfection was alcohol (37.1%). Just over two-thirds (68.0%) reported having HBV vaccination. Most (94.3%) reportedly took precautions when radiographs were taken and (89.9%) reported protecting their eyes with a UV/blue light shield or filter while using these units. About half of dentists (51.7%) reported storing excess amalgam under water compared with 20.1% that they stored it in a closed box. 77.7% reported using sealed mercury amalgam capsule systems, at least sometimes. Nearly half (47.1%) reported disposing of used capsules in the bin. The present study has indicated that occupational hygiene practices of dentists in southern Thailand are generally consistent with published guidelines for infection control and also with other populations of dentists studied in the areas of infection control and radiation protection. Further continuing education and investigation of appropriate interventions to promote good occupational hygiene standards may also be needed.

Clinical comparison of postoperative sensitivity for a glass ionomer and a zinc phosphate luting cement

In 60 patients, 120 partial and full-coverage restorations were cemented on vital abutment teeth with either a glass ionomer or a zinc phosphate luting cement. A split-mouth design and a patient blind data acquisition protocol were used. During an average observation period of 17.3 months there were no differences between the two types of luting cements in regard to subjective and clinical parameters. A high incidence of postoperative hypersensitivity, which is often said to accompany the use of glass ionomer luting cements, was not observed. With the cementation method used in this study, the glass ionomer cement Ketac-Cem Maxicap was an acceptable alternative to conventional zinc phosphate cement. Capsule systems make the clinical handling of glass ionomer luting cements safe and easy and should be used routinely in dental practice.

Bond Strength of Grouted Reinforcing Bars

The authors describe the effects of hole preparation method, grout type, hole diameter, bar size, embedment length, cover, bar surface condition, orientation of the installed bar, and concrete strength on the bond strength of grouted reinforcing bars. Hole preparation method, using a high-speed vacuum drill or a hand-held electric hammer drill, and cleaning methods, using a fiber bottle brush with water, a fiber bottle brush without water, or compressed air only are compared. Two capsule systems, two two-component grout systems, and two nonshrink grout systems are evaluated. Bar installations include vertical, sloped, and horizontal bars. Test results are used to develop rational design and construction requirements. The bond strength of grouted reinforcing bars is not highly sensitive to differences in the hole preparation or cleaning methods studied. Grouts that provide strong bond at the grout-concrete interface provide higher bond strengths than grouts that undergo failure at the grout-concrete interface. With the exception of bars anchored by capsule systems, the bond strength provided by grouts is not sensitive to hole diameter. Bond strength increases with increasing embedment length, cover, and bar size. The bond strength of grouted reinforcement is insensitive to the presence of epoxy coating. Vertically and horizontally anchored bars may display different bond strengths, depending on the grout used.

The effect of PH on fibrillogenesis of collagen in the egg capsule of the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula

The collagen of the egg capsule of the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula is stored and secreted by the secretory cells of the D-zone of the nidamental gland (Rusaouën-Innocent, 1990b). The collagen appears to pass through several morphologically distinct textures during storage, secretion and fibril formation which may represent different lyotropic liquid crystalline phases (Knight et al., 1993). In the present communication we report evidence that a fall in hydrogen ion concentration induces fibrillogenesis during the secretion of the dogfish egg capsule. In an attempt to understand the factors involved in collagen assembly, we investigated the effects of subjecting isolated collagen storage granules in vitro to solutions ranging in pH from 2–11 and Na +, K +, Ca ++, Mg ++, Zn ++ and Cu ++ ions at concentrations varying from 0.01–0.5 M. From pH 2 to pH 4 most granules appeared completely amorphous; from pH 5 to pH 7 granules showed the following previously reported liquid crystalline textures: isotropic, lamellar, micellar, hexagonal columnar, transversely banded twisted nematic, and unbanded twisted nematic. At pH 8 granules showed both the hexagonal columnar phase (phase IV) and small quantities of the final fibrillar phase together with a previously undescribed texture. The latter texture, which we refer to as phase VII, had a D period (17.5 nm) half that of the lamellar texture (phase II) and the final egg capsule fibrils (phase VI). From pH 9 to pH 11, only the final fibrillar texture (phase VI) together with small quantities of the new texture (phase VII) were present. Na +, K +, Ca ++, Mg ++, Zn ++ and Cu ++ ions did not appear to have an observable effect on the phases found in isolated granules at pH 7.0. The role of pH in collagen storage and fibrillogenesis was confirmed by direct estimation of the pH in vivo using vital staining with neutral red, a range of pH indicators applied to unfixed cryostat sections and direct measurements of the pH of the jelly within the egg capsule. The implications of these findings for the mechanism of collagen storage and fibrillogenesis in the dogfish egg capsule and other collagenous systems are discussed.

Immobilization of plant cell cultures in complex coacervate capsules for secondary metabolite production

Abstract Complex coacervate capsule systems have been developed for concurrent immobilization and permeabilization of plant cell cultures. These systems take advantage of the ability of polycationic chitosans to form networks with polyanionic biopolymers such as alginates or carrageenans. The effects of chitosans on the permeabilization and viability of Daucus carota and Chenopodium rubrum cells indicate that water soluble chitosans are superior to acid soluble ones. Also the role of metabolic precursors of desired compounds and the effects of elicitors on product biosynthesis are discussed.

Mercury vapour associated with amalgam capsule and waste storage.

Abstract— Mercury vapour levels were measured by probe within containers and in close proximity to containers of two types of disposable amalgam capsules, of collections of used capsules in unsealed cartons, and of containers used for storage of amalgam waste. Three types of storage media for amalgam waste were tested and residue from spent capsules weighed.Vapour levels were found to be below recommended safety limits but indicate that these capsule systems require attention as a potential mercury hygiene hazard.

Intramural hematoma of the duodenum associated with peroral small-bowel biopsy

PERORAL BIOPSY of the small bowel is now a well-accepted diagnostic technique. Procedures are simple, problems are uncommon, and the yield of information is good. At the present time, more than 15 biopsy capsule systems are available. A review of the various capsules and procedures has been published recently.¹ Duodenal hematoma, although not uncommonly the result of external trauma to the abdomen, has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported as a complication of small-bowel biopsy. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 21-year-old white soldier was admitted to a naval hospital in November 1964 with a three-month history of diarrhea manifested by eight to ten watery, foul-smelling stools per day. Initially the diarrhea was painless, but soon abdominal cramping occurred. In four months he lost 10 kg (22 lb). Family history, personal history, and review of systems were not helpful. He was noted to be a thin, pale individual in

Intramural Hematoma of the Duodenum Associated With Peroral Small-Bowel Biopsy

PERORAL BIOPSY of the small bowel is now a well-accepted diagnostic technique. Procedures are simple, problems are uncommon, and the yield of information is good. At the present time, more than 15 biopsy capsule systems are available. A review of the various capsules and procedures has been published recently. 1 Duodenal hematoma, although not uncommonly the result of external trauma to the abdomen, has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported as a complication of small-bowel biopsy. Report of a Case A 21-year-old white soldier was admitted to a naval hospital in November 1964 with a three-month history of diarrhea manifested by eight to ten watery, foul-smelling stools per day. Initially the diarrhea was painless, but soon abdominal cramping occurred. In four months he lost 10 kg (22 lb). Family history, personal history, and review of systems were not helpful. He was noted to be a thin, pale individual in