Multigram drug depot systems for extended drug release could transform our capacity to effectively treat patients across a myriad of diseases. For example, tuberculosis (TB) requires multimonth courses of daily multigram doses for treatment. To address the challenge of prolonged dosing for regimens requiring multigram drug dosing, we developed a gastric resident system delivered through the nasogastric route that was capable of safely encapsulating and releasing grams of antibiotics over a period of weeks. Initial preclinical safety and drug release were demonstrated in a swine model with a panel of TB antibiotics. We anticipate multiple applications in the field of infectious diseases, as well as for other indications where multigram depots could impart meaningful benefits to patients, helping maximize adherence to their medication. A gastric resident drug delivery system for prolonged gram-level dosing of tuberculosis treatment.

SummaryBackground: Contrast-induced nephropathy is one of the common causes of acute renal insufficiency after cardiovascular procedures.Hypothesis: The objective of this paper was to analyze the published data on the usefulness of N-acetylcysteine in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy after these procedures.Methods: Trials were selected if they were prospective, randomized, controlled, had selected patients with impaired renal function, used low-osmolality, nonionic contrast media intra-arterially, administered a total of four doses of N-acetylcysteine in addition to intravenous saline hydration, and had contrast-induced nephropathy as their primary outcome. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration by > 0.5 mg/dl or a 25% increase above baseline at or within 48 h post procedure. Metaanalysis was performed using the Fisher's Combined Test with a measure of effect size. The magnitude of the N-acetylcysteine effect was estimated using random-effects models. Homogeneity was evaluated using the chi-square test of homogeneity and standard Q statistic. Reporting bias was explored by the Rosenthal method.Results: The Fisher's Combined Test was significant at p < 0.005 in favor of N-acetylcysteine. The size of the N-acetyl-

Robot operation requires spatial reasoning and can be used for spatial training. This paper proposes exercises for training spatial skills through operating robot manipulators in virtual and real environments. The exercises were implemented in a robotics workshop, and the follow-up indicated a significant advance of the participants in performing mental rotation tasks.