Spray coated pellets as carrier system for mucoadhesive drug nanocrystals.

High pressure homogenization can be employed to produce drug nanocrystals with a number of advantages, like improved solubility behaviors, better drug targeting or even increased mucoadhesiveness. To obtain a controlled drug delivery system it is necessary to transform the resulting nanosuspension into a solid dosage form. The present study shows the feasibility to use a mucoadhesive nanosuspension of poorly soluble hydrocortisone acetate produced by high pressure homogenization as layering dispersion in a fluidized bed process, followed by the application of an enteric coating to achieve a controlled drug release. To point out the advantages of drug nanocrystals the new fomulation was compared with a formulation containing micronized drug. Both formulations were characterized with regard to their particle size and crystallinity by using laser diffractometry, photon correlation spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The pellet morphology was characterized by using the environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). In the in vitro dissolution tests an accelerated dissolution velocity and an increased drug release could be shown for the pellets containing drug nanocrystals.     

Surfactant

Surfactant, a complex substance containing specific proteins and phospholipids, is essential for gas exchange in the lungs. Research shows that surfactant not only lowers surface tension, but also plays a role in host defense. Surfactant replacement therapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. New information on endogenous surfactant composition including surfactant apoproteins has led to advances in the surfactant replacement products currently available. Because of the success of surfactant deficiency treatment in neonates, surfactant replacement therapy has been studied in both the pediatric and adult population for the treatment of other respiratory disorders. This article describes the composition, metabolism, and function of endogenous surfactant and other uses of surfactant replacement therapies in neonates.     

Imaging of the elbow: a review of imaging findings in acute and chronic traumatic disorders of the elbow.

Traumatic injuries of the elbow are frequent in patients of all ages but are particularly common in young children and adolescents engaged in normal play and athletic competition. Injury may result primarily due to direct trauma or may be secondary to transmission of forces through the elbow following a fall on an outstretched hand. In middle-aged and older individuals, chronic repetitive injuries tend to predominate. In all patients, radiographs remain the initial imaging study of choice. Many patients, however, may need advanced cross-sectional imaging (i.e. MRI, CT, or ultrasound) either at presentation or during the course of their treatment and follow-up. This article reviews the imaging appearance of common acute and chronic traumatic disorders of the elbow.