Cubic liquid crystalline structures in diluted, concentrated and highly concentrated emulsions for topical application: Influence on drug release and human skin permeation.

Novel emulsions with a nanostructured continuous phase have been proposed as controlled drug delivery systems to enhance topical delivery of active ingredients avoiding systemic effects. In this study, oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions with two surfactant/water (S/W) weight ratios of 40:60 and 35:65, and oil concentrations of 10 wt% (diluted emulsion), 40 wt% (concentrated emulsion) and 85 wt% (highly concentrated emulsion) have been investigated to identify the presence of liquid crystalline structures and their influence on drug release and skin permeation. The emulsions have been characterized in terms of visual appearance, rheology and drug release.

Conventional Polysomnography Is Not Necessary for the Management of Most Patients with Suspected Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Noninferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rationale: Home respiratory polygraphy may be a simpler alternative to in-laboratory polysomnography for the management of more symptomatic patients with obstructive sleep apnea, but its effectiveness has not been evaluated across a broad clinical spectrum.

Objectives: To compare the long-term effectiveness (6 mo) of home respiratory polygraphy and polysomnography management protocols in patients with intermediate-to-high sleep apnea suspicion (most patients requiring a sleep study).

Methods: A multicentric, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial with two open parallel arms and a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed in 12 tertiary hospitals in Spain.