Use of minipig skin biopsy model as an innovative tool to design topical formulation to achieve desired pharmacokinetics in humans.

In vitro cadaver skin permeation studies are often conducted to characterize the permeation profile of compounds for dermal delivery. However, its utility could be limited in the case of topical products because of lack of reliable prediction of in vivo skin kinetics. In this paper, the use of in vivo skin biopsy data to guide topical formulation development is described.

Radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation: the first 100 cases in Lyon.

The aim of the study was to estimate the efficacy and complications of the first ablations of atrial fibrillation (AF) performed in a single teaching institution. The first 100 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal, persistent or permanent AF treated by application of radiofrequency in the left atrium, were included. In the patients with paroxysmal AF, success was judged as complete in 21 out of the 35 (60%).

Heart rate: an important confounder of pulse wave velocity assessment.

Arterial stiffness is a strong determinant of cardiovascular risk. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an index of arterial stiffness, and its prognostic value has been repeatedly emphasized. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of heart rate (HR) on PWV.