Mass transport analysis of the particle drifting effect in a biphasic diffusion apparatus.

Formulations containing colloidal particles, such as micelles, nanocrystals, and amorphous drug nanoparticles, are widely used to enhance the oral absorption of poor soluble drugs. The underlying mechanism was proposed to be the particle drifting effect, where the particles effectively reduce the diffusional resistance of the aqueous boundary layer by releasing the free drug near the surface of the absorption site, such as a membrane, the intestinal mucosa, or an interface. However, it remains challenging to appropriately interpret experimental data or to accurately predict enhanced permeation rate provided by particle drifting effect.

The particle drifting effect in vivo: impact of dose and animal species.

The presence of drug nanoparticles is believed to promote oral drug absorption through the particle drifting effect. These particles act as vehicles that penetrate the diffusion boundary layer adjacent to the intestinal membrane, releasing the drug near the mucosal surface, and thereby enhancing drug absorption. Despite extensive in vitro studies demonstrating the potential of this mechanism to improve drug absorption, in vivo evaluations of the particle drifting effect remain limited.

Heller myotomy in patients with prior endoscopic interventions vs the treatment-naïve.

Background: Definitive palliation for achalasia is surgical myotomy; however, patients frequently undergo endoscopic treatments prior to myotomy. Surgeons may perceive myotomy to be more challenging after prior treatments, due to scarring and fusion of dissection planes, but outcomes compared to the treatment-naïve remain unclear. Hence, we compared institutional Heller myotomy outcomes in patients who underwent pre-myotomy endoscopic treatments to those who did not.

The Value of Fundoplication in the Treatment of Type I Achalasia.

Background: Type I achalasia comprises 20% of achalasia and has nearly absent esophageal motor activity. Concerns that fundoplication decreases the effectiveness of Heller myotomy in these patients has increased adoption of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Hence, we compared outcomes after Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication vs POEM.

Development and Characterization of Hygroscopicity-Controlled Sustain Release Formulation of Divalproex Sodium.

Objectives: Divalproex sodium (DS), being a hygroscopic drug, requires low humidity during product manufacturing. This study aims to develop a hygroscopicity controlled sustained release formulation of DS that can be manufactured in relatively high humid conditions in facilities lacking dehumidifiers.

Materials And Methods: This study focuses on the role of polyethylene glycol (PEG-8000) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K100M) as polymers of choice to control hygroscopicity and retard release of DS using solid dispersion technique.

A comparative study of robotic and laparoscopic approaches to Heller myotomy.

Objective: Minimally invasive Heller myotomy for achalasia is commonly performed laparoscopically, but recently done with robotic assistance. We compare outcomes of the 2 approaches.

Methods: From January 2010 to January 2020, 447 patients underwent Heller myotomy with anterior fundoplication (170 with robotic assistance and 277 laparoscopically).

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for palliation of achalasia: A video atlas.

Video 1Video available at: https://www.jtcvs.org/article/S2666-2507(21)00513-7/fulltext.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy provides effective palliation in type III achalasia.

Background: Type III achalasia outcomes have historically been met with limited success after conventional laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and pneumatic dilation. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a promising alterative for a multitude of reasons. Our objective was to investigate POEM outcomes in palliating type III achalasia.

Minimally Invasive "3-Stitch" Modification of the Dor Fundoplication: Simple and Effective.

Background: A 180-degree anterior (Dor) fundoplication is usually paired with an esophagogastric myotomy in the surgical treatment of achalasia. The traditional technique, however, is not easily reversible and the execution is variable. This study examined a simplified ''3-stitch'' Dor fundoplication that addressed these challenges and presented the results.