Comparative in vitro release and clinical pharmacokinetics of leuprolide from Luphere 3M Depot, a 3-month release formulation of leuprolide acetate.

A 3-month depot formulation of leuprolide acetate (Luphere 3M Depot) with a mean microsphere diameter of 22.3 μm was prepared aseptically by spray-drying glacial acetic acid solution of the drug and polylactic acid, and lyophilization in a d-mannitol solution. The encapsulation efficiency and loading content of the drug in the Luphere 3M Depot were 94.

The Clinical Features and Predisposing Factors of Asymptomatic Erosive Esophagitis.

Background: Asymptomatic erosive esophagitis (AEE) is considered an erosive esophagitis without the typical reflux symptoms, but the clinical course and significance of AEE is still unclear.

Aim: We investigated the prevalence and predisposing factors of AEE, and tried to determine its clinical features and significance.

Methods: Subjects, who had at least two health inspections (upper endoscopy, self-reporting questionnaire, and serum Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody test) at our center, were enrolled.

Using irregularly spaced current peaks to generate an isolated attosecond X-ray pulse in free-electron lasers.

A method is proposed to generate an isolated attosecond X-ray pulse in free-electron lasers, using irregularly spaced current peaks induced in an electron beam through interaction with an intense short-pulse optical laser. In comparison with a similar scheme proposed in a previous paper, the irregular arrangement of current peaks significantly improves the contrast between the main and satellite pulses, enhances the attainable peak power and simplifies the accelerator layout. Three different methods are proposed for this purpose and achievable performances are computed under realistic conditions.

Nodule Regression in Adults With Nodular Gastritis.

Background: Nodular gastritis (NG) is associated with the presence of infection, but there are controversies on nodule regression in adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors that are related to the nodule regression in adults diagnosed as NG.

Methods: Adult population who were diagnosed as NG with infection during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at our center were included.

Does 2 L Polyethylene Glycol Plus Ascorbic Acid Increase the Risk of Renal Impairment Compared to 4 L Polyethylene Glycol?

Background: The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based solutions is the gold standard for bowel preparation. However, PEG use might be associated with the risk of acute kidney injury.

Aims: We aimed to compare the safety of 2 L PEG plus ascorbic acid (AA) versus 4 L PEG.

The Value of Elastic Modulus Index as a Novel Surrogate Marker for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification by Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Carotid Ultrasonography.

Background: Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and the presence of carotid plaque have been used for risk stratification of cardiovascular disease (CVD). To date, however, the association between multi-directional functional properties of carotid artery and CVD has not been fully elucidated. We sought to explore the multi-directional mechanics of the carotid artery in relation to cardiovascular risk.

Psychological treatment of comorbid asthma and panic disorder in Latino adults: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

Confusion between panic and asthma symptoms can result in serious self-management errors. A cognitive behavior psychophysiological therapy (CBPT) intervention was culturally adapted for Latinos consisting of CBT for panic disorder (PD), asthma education, differentiation between panic and asthma symptoms, and heart rate variability biofeedback. An RCT compared CBPT to music and relaxation therapy (MRT), which included listening to relaxing music and paced breathing at resting respiration rates.

Time course of left atrial reverse remodelling after mitral valve surgery and the impact of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the time course of left atrial (LA) reverse remodelling (LARR) after mitral valve (MV) surgery in patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and examine the impact of left ventricular (LV) mechanical function on LARR.

Methods: A total of 140 patients (73 males, age 54 ± 16 years) with chronic severe MR undergoing MV surgery were analysed. All patients underwent two-dimensional, Doppler and speckle-tracking echocardiography before and after surgery (1 week, 6 months and 12 months).

Impact of endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation on sphincter of Oddi function: a prospective randomized study.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (≤8 mm in diameter) preserves sphincter of Oddi (SO) function. However, it is still unknown whether papillary function is preserved after endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation (EPLBD, ≥12 mm in diameter). We investigated SO function after EPLBD with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) by endoscopic manometry, up to 1 year after the procedure.

Does the antibody production ability affect the serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG titer?

Aim: To investigate the relationship between serum titers of anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) immunoglobulin G (IgG) and hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBsAb).

Methods: Korean adults were included whose samples had positive Giemsa staining on endoscopic biopsy and were studied in the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)/HBsAb serologic assay, pepsinogen (PG) assay, and H.

Impact of renal impairment on platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes during chronic dual antiplatelet therapy following coronary stenting.

Aims: Clinical utilization of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with renal impairment (RI) following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) represents an urgent, unmet need choosing optimal agents, duration of treatment, and potential dose/regimen adjustment. The lack of any large randomized trials specifically in RI patients, and the absence of the uniformed clinical data reporting policy, clouds the reality. Moreover, triaging RI patients is problematic due to ongoing kidney deterioration, and the fact that RI patients are prone to both vascular occlusions and bleeding.

Association between Aortic Atheroma and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

Background And Purpose: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVDs) are related with large artery atherosclerosis. However, the association between aortic atheroma (AA) and cerebral small vessel disease has rarely been reported. This study evaluated the relationship between presence and burden of AAs and those of SVDs in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Is endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation safe for treating large CBD stones?

In recent years, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been shown to be an effective technique for the removal of large or difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones, as an alternative to EST. Reviewing the literature published since 2003, it is understood that EPLBD has fewer associated overall complications than EST. Bleeding occurred less frequently with EPLBD than with EST.

Association of Thoracic Aorta Calcium Score With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis After Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: Substantial aortic calcification is known to be associated with aortic stiffening and subsequent left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. This study examined whether the thoracic aorta calcium score (TACS) is related to LV hypertrophy and whether it leads to an adverse prognosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) after aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients (mean age, 64 ± 11 years) with isolated severe AS who underwent noncontrast computed tomography of the entire thoracic aorta and who received AVR.

Transient aggregation of chitosan-modified poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles in the blood stream and improved lung targeting efficiency.

Chitosan (CS)-modified poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and their lung targetability after intravenous administration was elucidated. PLGA NPs (mean diameter: 225nm; polydispersity index: 0.11; zeta potential: -15mV), 0.

Preclinical assessment of a modified Occlutech left atrial appendage closure device in a canine model.

Background: LAA occlusion has a similar stroke prevention efficacy compared to anticoagulation treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a modified Occlutech® left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device in a canine model.

Methods: The device was implanted in 10 dogs (33±1kg) using fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance.

Advanced Left Atrial Remodeling and Appendage Contractile Dysfunction in Women Than in Men Among the Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Potential Mechanism for Stroke.

Background: The risk of stroke imposed by atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly greater in women than men; however, the mechanism remains elusive. We hypothesized that left atrial (LA) remodeling and poor contractile function of LA appendage (LAA) would be more predominant in women than men among AF patients.

Methods And Results: A total of 579 AF patients (216 women vs age-, AF type-, and incidences of heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, and vascular disease-matched 363 men, 61.

The outcome of endoscopic management of bile leakage after hepatobiliary surgery.

Background/aims: Despite improvements in surgical techniques and postoperative patient care, bile leakage can occur after hepatobiliary surgery and may lead to serious complications. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment of bile leakage after hepatobiliary surgery.

Methods: The medical records of 20 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography because of bile leakage after hepatobiliary surgery from August 2009 to September 2014 were reviewed retrospectively.

Normal Echocardiographic Measurements in a Korean Population Study: Part II. Doppler and Tissue Doppler Imaging.

Background: Hemodynamic and functional evaluation with Doppler and tissue Doppler study as a part of comprehensive echocardiography is essential but normal reference values have never been reported from Korean normal population especially according to age and sex.

Methods: Using Normal echOcaRdiographic Measurements in a KoreAn popuLation study subjects, we obtained normal reference values for Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography including tricuspid annular velocities according to current guidelines and compared values according to gender and age groups.

Results: Mitral early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (A) velocity as well as E/A ratio were significantly higher in women compared to those in men.

Assessment of Mitral Paravalvular Leakage After Mitral Valve Replacement Using Cardiac Computed Tomography: Comparison With Surgical Findings.

Background: The diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for detection of paravalvular leakage (PVL) after mitral valve replacement has not been investigated in a large population. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of CT for diagnosis of mitral PVL using surgical findings as the standard reference and to compare the diagnostic performance of CT with those of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods And Results: A total of 204 patients with previous mitral valve replacement who underwent cardiac CT were retrospectively included.

Fabry disease in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a practical approach to diagnosis.

This study aimed to develop a new set of screening criteria that is easily applicable and highly sensitive for the detection of patients at high risk of Fabry disease (FD) among hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. We prospectively studied 273 consecutive unrelated patients who were referred to HCM clinic for unknown left ventricular hypertrophy. Among the 273 patients, we selected 65 high-risk patients who fulfilled at least one of our newly proposed screening criteria.

Deceleration time of left ventricular outflow tract flow as a simple surrogate marker for central haemodynamics at rest and as well as during exercise.

Background: The shape and duration of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) flow has not been applied to assess the central haemodynamics, although LVOT flow is confronted with afterload of arterial system during systole. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the LVOT flow parameters are related with central systolic blood pressure (BP) and arterial compliance at rest and as well as during exercise.

Methods: We studied 258 subjects (175 females, age 61 ± 11 years) with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function who underwent supine bicycle stress echocardiography and arterial tonometry simultaneously at rest and at peak exercise.

Clinical Implications and Determinants of Left Atrial Mechanical Dysfunction in Patients With Stroke.

Background And Purpose: The evaluation of sources of cardioembolism with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with stroke is crucial but semi-invasive. We hypothesized that the size and mechanical function of the left atrium (LA) assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) could provide useful information on high risk of cardioembolism on TEE in patients with stroke. Furthermore, we sought to define the determinants of LA mechanical dysfunction in these patients.

Effect of End-Stage Renal Disease on Rate of Progression of Aortic Stenosis.

This study aimed to investigate the progression of mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and determine its metabolic and hemodynamic contributors and clinical outcomes. A total of 74 patients with ESRD (50 men, age 72 ± 11 years) with mild-to-moderate AS were compared with 79 age- and gender-matched controls with normal kidney function. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic features and clinical outcomes including aortic valve (AV) intervention, hospitalization due to heart failure, and cardiovascular death were analyzed.