Acyclovir delivery matrices based on poly(ethylene glycol)/chitosan semi-interpenetrating networks

Chitosan matrix systems have been studied as potential vehicles for the prolonged release of acyclovir (ACV). The influence of chitosan concentration (from 0.83% to 1.67%) on viscoelastic properties of formulations with and without glyoxal was analyzed. For chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) 400 formulations loss modulus (G') are greater than storage modulus (G'). This corresponds to the characteristic behavior of nonstructured systems. When glyoxal was added to the chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) 400 formulations, gelled matrix was obtained (i.e., G' is higher than G'), except for the lowest chitosan concentration. ACV release rates for the both types of systems, with and without glyoxal, were also determined. The ACV diffusion coefficient values from matrices are less than for the respective formulation without glyoxal and it was found to depend on the crosslink density within the matrices. Viscoelastic parameters, dynamic moduli (G', G'), and complex viscosity (eta*), were correlated with the ACV diffusion coefficients (D). The complex viscosity (eta*) could be used as a parameter of predictive value for the release rate of drugs.     

Closed entry technique for the laparoscopic management of adnexal mass during pregnancy

Management of adnexal masses during pregnancy is challenging for most gynecologists. When surgery is needed, a minimally invasive approach should be preferred. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the closed entry technique for laparoscopic management of adnexal masses during pregnancy. We reviewed clinical records and videos of laparoscopic procedures performed during pregnancy. Seventeen pregnant patients with diagnosis of adnexal mass that required surgery underwent laparoscopic surgery using the closed entry or Veress technique. We searched for complications related to surgery and obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. Median gestational age at the moment of surgery was 17 weeks (range, 6–30⁺⁴ weeks). A total of 18 interventions were performed: 12 salpingo-oophorectomies, 3 cystectomies, 1 salpingectomy, and 2 ovarian detorsions. There were no major operative or entry-related complications. Median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1–5). Perinatal outcomes were as follows: four preterm births (all of them induced), nine full-term deliveries, one early pregnancy loss at 7 weeks, one miscarriage at 18 weeks, and two ongoing uncomplicated pregnancies. Laparoscopic approach using closed entry technique with an individual selection of the puncture site is safe in the management of adnexal masses that require surgery during pregnancy. In our experience, the Veress technique is more versatile as it gives the surgeon more freedom to choose the location of the first trocar in patients with important space limitations due to the size of the adnexal mass and/or the enlarged gravid uterus.     

Effects of salbutamol on exhaled breath condensate biomarkers in acute lung injury: prospective analysis

Introduction  

The benefits of β-adrenergic stimulation have been described in acute lung injury (ALI), but there is still no evidence of its anti-inflammatory effect in these patients. Biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) were used to study the effects of salbutamol on lung inflammation in mechanically ventilated patients with ALI.     

Bilateral hydrosalpinx in patients with Hirschsprung’s disease

Purpose

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is uncommon in females. There are very few reports on the patients' obstetric and gynecological outcome. Hydrosalpinx causes pain and infertility. It is rare in nonsexually active teenagers. It may be because of an intrinsic disease of the fallopian tubes or secondary to surgery. Aim: to describe the relationship between hydrosalpinx and HD or its surgical approach; to report the impact of bilateral hydrosalpinx on fertility in HD.