Three weeks release BCNU loaded hydrophilic-PLGA microspheres for interstitial chemotherapy: Development and activity against human glioblastoma cells.

The aim of this study is the development of microspheres of BCNU for intracranial administration, as an alternative to marketed novel Gliadel Implant in the treatment of brain tumours. H poly-lactide-co-glycolide biodegradable microspheres of BCNU with a mean size of 33.5 + or - 1.

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles formed by the emulsion-evaporation method: effect of the variables of the different steps of the process on their size.

In the present work the influence of the variables of the microencapsulation procedure on the size of poly (epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles (PECL-MP) obtained by the solvent evaporation method is analysed. This study will allow to choose the work conditions necessary to obtain a suitable PECL-MP size for parenteral administration. Agitation rate in the emulsion formation step, polymer concentration and organic/aqueous phase volume ratio were the variables of the microencapsulation procedure that showed a highest influence on the PECL-MP size.

[Prescription errors in patients admitted to an internal medicine department from the emergency room].

Objective: To identify and quantify emergency room prescription errors upon patient admission in an internal medicine unit, assess their severity and causes, and evaluate their potential clinical impact.

Method: Discrepancies found between emergency room and internal medicine unit prescriptions were analyzed by 4th-year resident pharmacists. Prescription errors were collected and classified according to their severity and potential morbidity, and a medical analysis of service value was performed according to Overhage's method.