Influence of protamine shell on nanoemulsions as a carrier for cyclosporine-A skin delivery

Novel protamine-based nanosystems have been studied for cyclosporine-A (CsA) skin delivery. Core-shell structure systems have been developed to this end. These vehicles have particles sizes of 200–300?nm, a low polydispersity index and a zeta potential which varies between ?16?mV and +35?mV. The resulting four nanosystems efficiently encapsulated CsA in their oily nucleus (60–80%) and released this drug in a controlled manner. These formulations have shown a high stability in aqueous suspension in storage conditions at 4?°C (for at least 21?months) and in acetate buffer at a physiological temperature of 37?°C (for at least 24?h). Ex vivo transdermal diffusion experiments using Franz diffusion cells and 2- to 3-day-old pig skin as a biological barrier were performed. All nanoformulations designed produced an increase in CsA transdermal delivery and two of these nanosystems presented a marked promoting effect; the more relevant parameters were smaller particle size (200?±?7?nm) and negative superficial charge. Finally, the ability of these nanosystems to enhance retention of CsA in the skin was also studied. The protamine disposition in the shell influenced CsA skin retention. Therefore, the incorporation of CsA into the nanosystems studied here makes them suitable vehicles for CsA transdermal administration.     

The effect of different exposure parameters on radiation dose in digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis: A phantom study

IntroductionThere are concerns regarding the increase in radiation dose among women undergoing both digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different exposure parameters on entrance skin dose (ESD) and average glandular dose (AGD) for DM and DBT using a phantom.MethodsThe ESD and AGD of 30 DM and DBT (cranio-caudal projection) examinations using a tissue equivalent phantom where acquired using a GE Senographe Essential DM unit. Commercial phantoms were used to simulate three different breast thicknesses and compositions. Tube potential, tube load, and target/filter combinations were also varied with ESD and AGD recorded directly from the DM unit. Comparisons were made using the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.ResultsThe individual ESD values for 4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm thick phantoms for DM and DBT at Rh/Rh target/filter combination and 30–32 kV/56 mAs levels were 5.06 and 4.18 mGy; 5.82 and 5.08 mGy; and 7.26 and 11.4 mGy, respectively; while AGDs were 1.57 and 1.30 mGy, 1.33 and 1.39 mGy; and 1.29 and 3.60 mGy, respectively. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in AGD for DM (P = .029) but not for DBT (P = 0.368). The Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests showed no statistically significant difference for ESD or AGD between both DM and DBT techniques (P = .827 and .513). The percentage differences in ESD for phantom thicknesses of 4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm between DBT and DM ranged between −21% and 36%; while for AGD between −21% and 64.2%.ConclusionsThe ESD and AGD for single view projection in DM and DBT showed differences at 4 and 6 cm breast thicknesses and compositions but not at 5 cm thickness with 30–32 kV and a Rh/Rh target/filter combination.Implications for practiceA fibro-fatty breast results in less radiation dose variations in terms of ESD and AGD between DM and DBT techniques.     

功能优先的新型下颌骨缺损分类（COM）法及临床应用

下颌骨缺损多由良恶性肿瘤切除、创伤和感染所致,会导致患者不同程度的颜面畸形和生理功能障碍。下颌骨缺损具有复杂性,不同部位、范围的缺损,将产生不同程度的形态和功能损害,相应的修复重建难度也不相同。因此,下颌骨缺损的精准分类对功能性重建及术后康复意义重大。本文在前期大量临床实践基础上提出了新的基于髁区（condyle region）、区（occlusion region）和肌区（muscle region）3大不同功能区域的新型下颌骨缺损分类方法,即COM法,希望有助于下颌骨的功能性修复重建指导及康复效果预测。     

Body position and oxygenation: An intriguing relationship

Dyspnea and hypoxemia are among the most common symptoms and signs that need to be assessed in clinical practice.This case illustrates how simple steps in history taking and physical examination can be crucial for diagnosis.We present a patient with intermittent hypoxemia, initially attributed to a pulmonary infection. However, the hypoxemia persisted even after successful treatment of the infection. Computed tomography angiography of the chest and ventilation/perfusion lung scan excluded pulmonary embolism.We then observed that the hypoxemia and dyspnea were triggered by orthostatism. An echocardiogram with a bubble test showed a patent foramen ovale, with a right-to-left shunt, without pulmonary hypertension. After percutaneous closure of the foramen ovale, the symptoms completely resolved.This is a case of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, which is usually associated with patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect and is typically observed in the elderly. The features and causes of this curious syndrome are discussed.     

表皮生长因子冻干粉对敏感性皮肤屏障功能 改善作用的临床观察

目的 评价外用含有表皮生长因子（EGF）的护肤品对敏感性皮肤生理功能的影响及不良反应。方法 首 先受试者接受斑贴试验检测接触过敏情况,对30例敏感性皮肤受试者面部外用含有EGF的护肤品,受试者早晚洁面 后按推荐剂量（0.4~0.5 mL）每日2次,连续使用28 d。在治疗前及治疗后7 、14、21、28 d分别对受试者皮肤生理功能 进行检测并做乳酸试验,同时对受试者皮损改善情况及安全性进行评价。结果 30例斑贴试验结果均为阳性,阳性 项目前3位的是硫柳汞、芳香混合物、重铬酸钾。与治疗前相比,治疗后14 d患者面部含水量、油脂含量开始呈增加 趋势,pH值呈减小趋势（P＜0.05）;而经皮水流失情况在治疗后21 d,乳酸试验和皮损改善评分在治疗 7 d起呈减少 趋势（P＜0.05）。治疗前,治疗后7、14、21、28 d的阳性率呈逐渐降低趋势（P＜0.001）,28 d后乳酸刺激试验仍为阳性 的7例受试者中2例为硫酸镍（++）、2例1项（+）、1例4项（+）、2例5项（+）。皮损改善率呈增加趋势（P=0.058）,斑贴 试验示治疗28 d皮损仍无明显改善者的4例中2例5项（+）、2例4项（+）。治疗前后均未发生不良反应,无一例患者 脱落。结论 含有EGF的护肤产品有效、安全且有助于恢复敏感皮肤患者的皮肤屏障功能。