Abstract: A device for measuring Radon gas concentrations comprises a measuring chamber (20) equipped with a detecting device (23), adapted to detect alpha particles from Radon gas; the device of the invention further comprises a collecting electrode (22) external to the measuring chamber (20), adapted to collect the electrically charged decay products of Radon coming from the measuring chamber (20). A control unit (30) times the passage between two operating stages (I, II) in which the detecting device (23) and the collecting electrode (22) are active at different times.

Abstract: A method for measuring the mean velocity (VH) of an extracorporeal blood fluid or infusion fluid, by means of retroinjection interferometry, comprises the step of emitting a first laser light beam (41), from the laser cavity (40) of a semiconductor laser source (60), reflection of a second laser beam (45) by the fluid (50) and consequent generation of interference with the first laser beam (41) inside the laser cavity (40), detection of the interference signal by a monitoring photodiode (46), and processing, by means of an electronic processing and control circuit (100), of the interference signal detected. The invention also comprises an apparatus (62) for implementing the method described and an extracorporeal circuit (58) comprising said apparatus. The invention also comprises a method for replacing a laser source in said apparatus.

Abstract: In a laser eye treatment apparatus, a probe light source generates a secondary emitted light emanating from a treatment area of retinal tissue that is irradiated by a treatment light source. An optical detector detects the secondary emitted light. A processor statistically analyzes the secondary emitted light to determine a temperature of the treatment area of retinal tissue.

Abstract: In a laser eye treatment apparatus, a probe light source generates a secondary emitted light emanating from a treatment area of retinal tissue that is irradiated by a treatment light source. An optical detector detects the secondary emitted light. A processor statistically analyzes the secondary emitted light to determine a temperature of the treatment area of retinal tissue.

Abstract: A composition for the relief and/or prevention of climacteric and menopausal disorders affecting women in pre-, peri- or post-menopause, comprising Soy Isoflavones and viable lactic acid bacteria preferably Lactobacillus sporogenes aimed to enhance the absorption of Soy Isoflavones, the composition being provided in dosage forms for oral administration. Preferably the composition also comprises Equisetum arvense dry extract and a pharmaceutically acceptable calcium salt and/or Vitamin D3.

Abstract: A composition for the relief and/or prevention of climacteric and menopausal disorders affecting women in pre-, peri- or post-menopause, comprising Soy Isoflavones and viable lactic acid bacteria preferably Lactobacillus sporogenes aimed to enhance the absorption of Soy Isoflavones, the composition being provided in dosage forms for oral administration. Preferably the composition also comprises Equisetum arvense dry extract and a pharmaceutically acceptable calcium salt and/or Vitamin D3.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for determining a diagnostic glucose level in a human subject includes a light source (30) that produces collimated light at a selected wavelength. The collimated light is arranged such that it passes through a portion of an eye (12) of the subject and reflects off an eye lens (16) at a selected angle (&thgr;B) as reflected light. A polarization analyzer (70) measures a polarization of the reflected light that exits the eye (12). A path length processor (68) determines an optical path length (L&lgr;) of the reflected light within an aqueous humor (22) of the eye (12). A glucose level processor (90) computes a glucose concentration based on the measured polarization and the determined optical path length (L&lgr;).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for determining a diagnostic glucose level in a human subject includes a light source (30) that produces collimated light at a selected wavelength. The collimated light is arranged such that it passes through a portion of an eye (12) of the subject and reflects off an eye lens (16) at a selected angle (&thgr;B) as reflected light. A polarization analyzer (70) measures a polarization of the reflected light that exits the eye (12). A path length processor (68) determines an optical path length (L&lgr;) of the reflected light within an aqueous humor (22) of the eye (12). A glucose level processor (90) computes a glucose concentration based on the measured polarization and the determined optical path length (L&lgr;).

Abstract: The invention is represented by a transdermal medicated patch for the extended release of 17.beta.-estradiol to the skin. The transdermal patch is formed by an outer covering, a matrix containing from 1% to 5% (w/w) 17.beta.-estradiol, and a protective liner which is removed before use. The matrix is formed of pressure-sensitive adhesive acrylic copolymers, in which the active ingredient is dissolved or dispersed. The acrylic copolymers are obtained by radical copolymerization of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, acrylic acid, vinyl acetate, hydroxyethyl acrylate or a mixture thereof. Optionally quantities of less than 0.5% (w/w) of other substances may be added.

Abstract: Compounds which can be represented by general formula (I) indicated below, ##STR1## and in which the anthranilic acid aromatic ring may be mono- or di-substituted by the R.sub.1 group which can be selected independently from hydrogen, methyl and chloro, and in which the substituents at the chiral center (marked with an asterik in formula (I)) have the R (Rectus) configuration.

Abstract: Derivatives of glutamic and aspartic of formula (I) are described ##STR1## where the compounds are potent receptor antagonists of gastrin at the peripheral level and of cholecystokinin at the level of the central nervous system.

Abstract: A compound represented by the general formula (I) shown below ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be used as the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical preparation. The pharmaceutical preparation is desirable for its anti-ulcer activity, for therapeutic use against tumors sustained by gastrin and other bioactive polypeptides correlated therewith, for therapeutic use in treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, for the treatment of pathological conditions of the central nervous system linked to imbalances in the neural physiological levels of gastrin or other bioactive polypeptides correlated therewith, for use in the treatment and prevention of pathological eye conditions caused by surgical treatment of cataracts or chronic ocular inflammation, and for the prevention of diseases of other sensory organs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to glutamic acid and aspartic acid derivatives represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted phenyl groups, unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted phenylamino groups, a 2(beta)naphthyl group, and heterocyclic, monocyclic and dicyclic groups; R.sub.2 is selected from heterocyclic spiro groups, aminoalkyladamantyl groups, alkylamino groups, C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 cycloalkylamino groups and dicyclic amino groups (condensed); R.sub.3 is H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 ; A is a bond or a linear or branched alkylene group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; W is a tertiary amino group or a heterocyclic group; and r is 1 or 2. The compounds have a potent antagonistic effect on gastrin and cholecystokinin and can be used to treat diseases which are linked to imbalances in the physiological levels of gastrin, cholecystokinin or other biologically active polypeptides related thereto.

Abstract: Compounds represented by general formula (I) and (II), in which r is 1 or 2, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are selected independently from H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 and CHO, provided that R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are not simultaneously CHO, and in which R.sub.1 is selected from: an aminoalkyl adamantyl group, a monocyclic aminoalkyl group, a dicyclic aminospiro group, a dicyclic amino group (orthofused), a dicyclic amino group, and azacycloalkyl group, an azadicyclic group (orthofused), a dicyclic azaspiro group, and azadicyclic group, and azacycloalkyl group, and a linear or branched aminoalkyl group.

Abstract: There are described optically active derivatives of (R) 5-pentylamino-5-oxopentanoic acid and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, having antagonistic activity towards cholecystokinin, and with the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is selected from the groups 2-naphthyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl and 3,4-dimethylphenyl and R.sub.2 is a pentyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group with 4 carbon atoms, and in which the substituents on the central chiral group (marked with an asterisk in Formula (I)), have the R (rectus) conformation.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula (I), in which r is 1 or 2, R.sub.1 is selected independently from: unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted phenyl groups, unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted phenylamino groups, the 2(beta)-naphthyl group, and heterocyclic, monocyclic or dicyclic groups; R.sub.2 is selected independently from: heterocyclic spiro groups, aminoalkyladamantyl groups, alkylamino groups, C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 cycloalkylamino groups, and dicyclic amino groups (condensed); R.sub.3 is H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 ; A is a bond or a linear or branched alkylene group comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; W is a tertiary amino group or a heterocyclic group.

Abstract: Amidic derivatives of glutamic, aspartic and 2-amino adipic acids represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein r is from 1 to 3, R.sub.1 is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, R.sub.2 is a 8-azaspiro(4.5)decan-8-yl group or a 3-azaspiro(5.5)decan-3-yl group, wherein said compound has a chiral center marked with an asterisk in said formula (I), thus forming a racemic (R,S) form or an isomeric form. The amidic derivatives are useful in treating ulcers, hypergastrinaemia-activated tumors, pathological conditions of CNS, biliary dyskinesia, colitis, pancreatistis, and surgically induced myosis.

Abstract: There are described optically active derivatives of (R) 5-pentylamino-5-oxopentanoic acid and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, having antagonistic activity towards cholecystokinin, and with the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is selected from the groups 2-naphthyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl and 3,4-dimethylphenyl and R.sub.2 is a pentyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group with 4 carbon atoms, and in which the substituents on the central chiral group (marked with an asterisk in Formula (I)), have the R (rectus) conformation.

Abstract: There are described optically active derivatives (R) 5-pentylamino-5-oxopentanoic acid and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, having antagonistic activity towards cholecystokinin, and with the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is selected from the groups 2-naphthyl, 3,4-dichlorobenzoyl and 3,4-dimethylbenzoyl and R.sub.2 is a pentyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group with 4 carbon atoms, and in which the substituents on the central chiral group (marked with an asterisk in Formula (I)), have the R (rectus) conformation.

Abstract: New original derivatives are described of 5-pentylamino-5-oxopentanoic and 4-pentylamino-4-oxobutanoic acids having the formula: ##STR1## in which n is 1 or 2, R.sub.1 is selected from the groups 2-naphthyl, 2 (or 3)-quinolinyl, 2 (or 3)-indolyl, 2 (or 3)-benzofuranyl, 2 (or 3)-benzothiophenyl, and R.sub.2 is a pentyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group with 4 or 5 carbon atoms, preferably pentyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl or 3-ethoxypropyl.The compounds have a powerful antagonistic activity towards cholecystokinin and are particularly useful in the treatment of illnesses of the digestive system, such as colitis, biliary diskinesia, pancreatitis or in the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system imputable to deficiencies in the physiological neuron levels of cholecystokinin or other related bioactive polypeptides.