Risk Factors of On-Pump Conversion during Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft.

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) procedures can avoid the complications of an on-pump bypass. However, some cases unexpectedly require conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass during OPCABG. The risk factors associated with a sudden need for cardiopulmonary bypass were analyzed.

Formulation of novel dry powder inhalation for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate with capsule-based device.

The aim of this study was to develop a novel fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol xinafoate (SX)-loaded dry powder inhaler (DPI) system, which was composed of powder formulation and performance. The air flow resistances were determined with various types of DPI device, showing that the modified RS01 device gave the specific resistance similar to the commercial DPI device. The particle properties of FP, SX, and inhalation grade lactose particles, such as particle size, size distribution, and fine content, were assessed.

Novel dabigatran etexilate hemisuccinate-loaded polycap: Physicochemical characterisation and in vivo evaluation in beagle dogs.

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel dabigatran etexilate hemisuccinate (DEH) salt-loaded polycap with bioequivalence to the dabigatran etexilate mesylate (DEM)-loaded commercial product. DEH prepared with dabigatran etexilate base (DE) and succinic acid was less hygroscopic but less soluble than DEM. Numerous micronized DEHs and DEH-loaded solid dispersions were prepared employing the spiral jet-milling and spray-drying techniques, respectively.

Clinical Effect of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Mitral Stenosis after Mitral Valve Replacement.

Background: Mitral stenosis (MS) remains one of the important heart diseases. There are many factors that influence the clinical outcomes, and little is known about how left ventricular (LV) dysfunction clinically affects the prognosis of the patient with MS after mitral valve replacement (MVR). We reviewed our clinical experiences of MVR in patients with MS who had LV dysfunction.

Development of novel prasugrel base microsphere-loaded tablet with enhanced stability: Physicochemical characterization and in vivo evaluation in beagle dogs.

The objective of this study was to develop a novel prasugrel base microsphere-loaded tablet (PBMST) with enhanced stability as a bioequivalent to the commercial prasugrel hydrochloride-loaded tablet. Numerous prasugrel base-loaded microspheres were prepared with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), colloidal silica and various acidifying agents using a spray-drying process, and the physicochemical properties, solubility and stability were investigated. The PBMSTs were prepared and their dissolution, pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs and stability were evaluated compared to commercial prasugrel hydrochloride-loaded tablets.

Effect of HM30181 mesylate salt-loaded microcapsules on the oral absorption of paclitaxel as a novel P-glycoprotein inhibitor.

The purpose of this study was to develop HM30181 mesylate salt (HM30181M)-loaded microcapsules as a novel P-glycoprotein inhibitor for enhancing the oral absorption of paclitaxel. The effect of various carriers including hydrophilic polymers and solvents on the solubility of HM30181M were evaluated. Among the hydrophilic polymers and solvents tested, HPMC and methylene chloride (and ethanol) provided the highest HM30181M solubility.

Effect of magnesium carbonate on the solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability of fenofibric acid powder as an alkalising solubilizer.

To investigate the possibility of developing a novel oral pharmaceutical product using fenofibric acid instead of choline fenofibrate, the powder properties, solubility, dissolution and pharmacokinetics in rats of fenofibrate, choline fenofibrate and fenofibric acid were compared. Furthermore, the effect of magnesium carbonate, an alkalising agent on the solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability of fenofibric acid was assessed, a mixture of fenofibric acid and magnesium carbonate being prepared by simple blending at a weight ratio of 2/1. The three fenofibrate derivatives showed different particle sizes and melting points with similar crystalline shape.

Novel montelukast sodium-loaded stable oral suspension bioequivalent to the commercial granules in rats.

To develop a montelukast sodium-loaded stable oral suspension bioequivalent to the commercial granules in rats, several montelukast sodium-loaded suspensions were prepared with a suspending agent, stabilizers and anti-aggregation agents, and their stabilities were investigated by visually observing the sedimentation phenomenon and determining the concentration of the degradation product. Moreover, dissolution and pharmacokinetic studies of the optimized formulation were examined in rats compared to commercial montelukast sodium-loaded granules. Avicel RC-591 (Avicel), a suspending agent, prevented the sedimentation of these suspensions at >2.

Biphasic activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated SW480 colorectal cancer cells.

Cancer cells have different characteristics due to the genetic differences where these unique features may strongly influence the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Here, we show that the spontaneous reactivation of extracellular signalregulated kinase (ERK), distinct from conventional ERK activation, represents a potent mechanism for cancer cell survival. We studied ERK1/2 activation in vitro in SW480 colorectal cancer cells.

A Rare Cause of Secondary Hypertension in A Young Adult.

Reninoma is a rare, renin-secreting, benign renal neoplasm that can cause secondary hypertension. We report a case of a 21-year-old man who suffered from progressively worsening headache for 2 months with a history of hypertension for 7 years. Laboratory studies showed normal potassium level, increased basal plasma renin activity, and normal serum aldosterone level.

Novel fenofibric acid-loaded controlled release pellet bioequivalent to choline fenofibrate-loaded commercial product in beagle dogs.

The objective of this study was to develop a novel fenofibric acid-loaded controlled release pellet showing enhanced, or equivalent to, bioavailability compared with two commercially available products containing fenofibrate or choline fenofibrate. The effect of solubilizing agents on drug solubility and the impact of fillers on core properties were investigated. Among them, magnesium carbonate most improved drug solubility, and κ-carrageenan provided the best spherical cores.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of paclitaxel by solid dispersion granulation.

The main objective of this study was to develop novel orally administrable tablets containing solid dispersion granules (SDG) of amorphous paclitaxel (PTX) prepared by fluid bed technology, and to evaluate its in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK) in beagle dogs. The SDG were prepared using optimized composition by fluid bed technology, and characterized for solid-state properties. The release study of SDG tablet (SDG-T) in simulated gastric fluid showed a rapid release of PTX, reaching maximum dissolution within 20 min.

Ginsenoside fractions regulate the action of monocytes and their differentiation into dendritic cells.

Background: Panax ginseng (i.e., ginseng) root is extensively used in traditional oriental medicine.

Development of a novel bi-coated combination capsule containing mosapride and probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome.

The objective of this study was to develop a novel combination product containing mosapride and probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Enteric-coated hard gelatin capsules containing probiotics were prepared to protect acid-labile probiotics from the stomach by spray coating with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, and then coated with various hydrophilic polymer solutions containing mosapride. The influence of different hydrophilic polymers on the aqueous solubility and dissolution of sparingly soluble mosapride from the capsule was investigated to select the one which imparted highest solubility to mosapride in an aqueous solution.

Development of novel fast-dissolving tacrolimus solid dispersion-loaded prolonged release tablet.

The goal of this research was to develop a novel prolonged release tablet bioequivalent to the commercial sustained release capsule. A number of tacrolimus-loaded fast-dissolving solid dispersions containing various amounts of DOSS were prepared using the spray drying technique. Their solubility, dissolution and pharmacokinetics in rats were studied.

A case of right sinus of valsalva rupture with dissection into interventricular septum causing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an uncommon anomaly of the aorta. Rupture of SVA often precipitates dramatic clinical complications, including heart failures. Right SVAs are the most common type, and when they rupture, they usually rupture into the right ventricle or right atrium.

Left atrial myxoma presenting with unusual cystic form.

Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary benign tumors of uncertain etiology. They usually present as polypoid or oval-shaped masses projecting into a heart chamber from the interatrial septum and have a soft, gelatinous consistency without a cystic structure. We report a case of left atrial myxoma with a single cystic form.

Zanamivir oral delivery: enhanced plasma and lung bioavailability in rats.

The objective of this study was to enhance the oral bioavailability (BA) of zanamivir (ZMR) by increasing its intestinal permeability using permeation enhancers (PE). Four different classes of PEs (Labrasol(®), sodium cholate, sodium caprate, hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin) were investigated for their ability to enhance the permeation of ZMR across Caco-2 cell monolayers. The flux and Papp of ZMR in the presence of sodium caprate (SC) was significantly higher than other PEs in comparison to control, and was selected for further investigation.

Sildenafil vaginal suppositories: preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Aim: The main objective was to investigate the in vitro release profile/kinetics, and in vivo plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) and organ biodistribution (BD) of the prepared sildenafil vaginal suppositories (SVS).

Methods: Suppositories containing 25 mg of sildenafil were prepared by the cream melting technique using Witepsol H-15 as a suppository base. The suppositories were characterized for weight variation, content uniformity, hardness, disintegration time and crystallinity change.

Outcomes of Mitral Valve Repair: Quadrangular Resection versus Chordal Replacement.

Background: Mitral valve repair for posterior mitral leaflet (PML) prolapse has been considered to be a standard treatment because of its high success rate and high level of patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of two different techniques of PML prolapse, quadrangular resection (QR) and chordal replacement (CR).

Materials And Methods: The subjects consisted of 56 patients who had undergone mitral valve repair for PML prolapse between November 1997 and December 2010.

A novel surface-attached carvedilol solid dispersion with enhanced solubility and dissolution.

A novel surface-attached, spray-dried solid dispersion containing poorly water-soluble carvedilol (CV) without any change in the crystallinity was prepared using water, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) and Tween 80. The solid dispersion was optimized by investigating the effects of the weight ratios of Tween 80/PVP K30 and carrier/drug on the aqueous solubility of CV. The optimum solid dispersion consisted of a relatively low carrier to drug weight ratio: the weight ratio of CV/PVP K30/Tween 80 was 12/4/2.

Development of raloxifene-solid dispersion with improved oral bioavailability via spray-drying technique.

The purpose of this study was to develop a raloxifene-loaded solid dispersion with enhanced dissolution rate and bioavailability via spray-drying technique. Solid dispersions of raloxifene (RXF) were prepared with PVP K30 at weight ratios of 1:4, 1:6 and 1:8 using a spray-drying method, and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and solubility and dissolution tests. The bioavailability of the solid dispersion in rats was also evaluated compared to those of RXF powder and commercial product.

Continuous "over and over" suture for tricuspid ring annuloplasty.

Background: A ring implantation in the tricuspid annulus requires many interrupted mattress sutures for correction of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). In this study, tricuspid ring annuloplasty was performed by 2-0 polypropylene continuous suture instead of multiple interrupted 2-0 polyester mattress sutures, and the efficacy of the method was evaluated.

Materials And Methods: This study included 20 patients who underwent tricuspid ring annuloplasty by continuous suture between May 2009 and July 2010.

Effect of dose and dosage interval on the oral bioavailability of docetaxel in combination with a curcumin self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS).

The present study investigated the effects of a curcumin self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered docetaxel in rats. A single dose of docetaxel was orally administered (30 mg/kg) alone or after oral curcumin SEDDS (25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) administration with time intervals of 0, 15 and 30 min, respectively. After oral administration, the C (max) and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of docetaxel were significantly increased (0 min, p < 0.

Effects of silymarin and formulation on the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel in rats.

The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of silymarin, an inhibitor of the P-glycoprotein efflux pump, on oral bioavailability of paclitaxel in rats, and to compare pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel between a commercial formulation of paclitaxel (Taxol®) and a paclitaxel microemulsion. Oral bioavailability of paclitaxel in a Taxol® formulation was enhanced in the combination with silymarin (10 and 20mg/kg). In particular, the mean maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-)(t)) of paclitaxel in the Taxol® formulation were significantly increased 3-fold and 5-fold compared with control, respectively, following oral co-administration with 10mg/kg of silymarin (p<0.