Low-dose and same day use of polyethylene glycol improves image of video capsule endoscopy: A multi-center randomized clinical trial.

Background And Aim: Clear visualization of the small bowel is a requirement for satisfactory video capsule endoscopy (VCE). The aim of this study was to identify the optimal dose and timing of polyethylene glycol (PEG) for small bowel preparation before VCE.

Methods: A total of 410 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized trial.

The glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor PDMP sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to MEK/ERK inhibitor AZD-6244.

Here we show that d,l-Threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP), a glycosphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor, increases the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to the novel MEK-ERK inhibitor AZD-6244. AZD-6244 and PDMP co-administration induced massive pancreatic cancer cell death and apoptosis, more potently than either drug alone. We discovered that AZD-6244 induced ceramide production in pancreatic cancer cells, yet the excess ceramide was metabolically removed in the long-term (24-48h).

Pre-clinical evaluation of cinobufotalin as a potential anti-lung cancer agent.

Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and around the world. Due to the pre-existing or acquired chemo-resistance, the current standard chemotherapy regimens only show moderate activity against lung cancer. In the current study, we explored the potential anti-lung cancer activity of cinobufotalin in vivo and in vitro, and studied the underlying mechanisms.