Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway Using Itraconazole to Prevent Progression of Barrett's Esophagus to Invasive Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway would prevent progression of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Background: The hedgehog signaling pathway is a leading candidate as a molecular mediator of BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Repurposed use of existing off-patent, safe and tolerable drugs that can inhibit hedgehog, such as itraconazole, could prevent progression of BE to EAC.

Efficacy of Chitosan-Based Dressing for Control of Bleeding in Excisional Wounds.

Excessive bleeding is a complication of wound debridement in patients receiving anticoagulation treatment. Chitosan is a linear, positively charged polysaccharide that has potential as a hemostatic topical dressing. This study examined the hemostatic efficacy of the chitosan based Opticell dressing (Medline Industries, Chicago, Ill) in heparinized rats with excisional wounds mimicking debridement.