Methods: A 2(3) factorial design was adopted to develop poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) celecoxib-loaded microparticles (F1-F8). To minimize drug-percentages released before colon, another coat of Eudragit (R) S100 was applied. In vitro characterization of microparticles involved topography, determination of particle size and entrapment efficiency (EE %). Time for 50% drug release (t(50%)) and drug-percentages released after 2 hours (Q(2h)) and 4 hours (Q(4h)) were statistically compared. Estimation

of drug pharmacokinetics following oral GSK923295 solubility dmso administration of double-coat microparticles (F10) was studied in rats.

Results: PCL-single-coat microparticles were spherical, discrete with a size range of 60.66 +/- 4.21-277.20 +/- 6.10 mu m. Direct correlations were observed between surfactant concentration and EE%, Q(2h) and Q(4h). The PCL M. wt. and drug: PCL ratio had positive influences on EE% and negative impacts on Q(2h) and Q(4h). When compared to the best achieved PCL-single-coat microparticles (F2), the double-coat microparticles (F10) showed satisfactory drug protection; Q(2h) and Q(4h) were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased from 31.84 +/- 1.98% and 54.72 +/- 2.10% to 15.92 +/- 1.78% and 26.93 +/- 2.76%, respectively. When compared to celecoxib powder, F10

microparticles enhanced the bioavailability AG-881 inhibitor and extended the duration of drug-plasma concentration in rats.

Conclusion: The developed double-coat CX-6258 supplier microparticles could be considered as a promising celecoxib extended-release colon-targeting system.”
“Poly(lactic acid)/organo-montmorillonite (PLA/OMMT) nanocomposites toughened with maleated styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS-g-MAH) were prepared by melt-compounding using co-rotating twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The dispersibility and intercalation/exfoliation

of OMMT in PLA was characterized using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties of the PLA nanocomposites was investigated by tensile and Izod impact tests. Thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimeter were used to study the thermal behaviors of the nanocomposite. The homogenous dispersion of the OMMT silicate layers and SEBS-g-MAH encapsulated OMMT layered silicate can be observed from TEM. Impact strength and elongation at break of the PLA nanocomposites was enhanced significantly by the addition of SEBS-g-MAH. Thermal stability of the PLA/OMMT nanocomposites was improved in the presence of SEBS-g-MAH. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012″
“Background: Children with rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapy are a high-risk group for influenza virus infection; however, few data are available regarding the efficacy and safety of influenza vaccine for those individuals.

Methods: This was a prospective study evaluating the immunogenicity and safety of influenza vaccine in 49 children (mean +/- standard deviation: 12.1 +/- 4.