bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical Delivery of Apremilast Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Hydrogel for Psoriasis Therapy
Authors: Sindhoor S. M. , Koland Marina 
Published: May 2021

Background: Apremilast (APR) is an orally administered selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor approved to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and is available as an oral tablet formulation. However, its systemic side effects limit its application. The low solubility and permeability of apremilast make it difficult to administer it through the skin. Hence an attempt is made to incorporate apremilast into a suitable nanocarrier to facilitate its topical delivery.
Aims: To formulate and characterize Apremilast loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for the management of psoriasis to reduce the systemic side effects.
Methodology: Apremilast loaded Nanostructured Lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared by melt emulsification accompanied by probe sonication. The formulation was prepared using GMS, Sefsol 218, Tween 80 and Transcutol P as Solid Lipid, Liquid lipid, Surfactant and Penetration Enhancer. The NLC was incorporated into carbapol 934 dispersion to convert it into a gel. The NLC formulation was evaluated for size, Polydispersity Index, Zeta Potential, Entrapment efficiency, Transmission Electron Microscopy. After that, the NLC gel was examined for Spreadability, Extrudabilty, Viscosity, In vitro drug release, Ex vivo permeation, Skin deposition and In vivo studies.
Results: The formulated Apremilast loaded showed particle size of less than 200 nm (i.e.170.32nm) with a narrow PDI of 0.267. Entrapment efficiency revealed that 89.26±01.22% of the drug was entrapped. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the spherical nature of the nanocarrier. The extended-release pattern of the formulated NLC for 24h was observed in the in vitro release studies and followed the Higuchi model(R2=0.9966). Ex vivo permeability showed a 6.14 fold increase in permeability and 74.05±0.25% deposition of apremilast loaded NLC gel compared to apremilast gel. The formulation was stable for three months without significant changes. In vivo skin studies showed that the prepared NLC did not have any skin irritation potential. The antipsoriatic activity demonstrated by the Apremilast loaded NLC gel in the imiquimod induced psoriasis model in mice was comparable to the standard treatment.
Conclusion: Apremilast loaded NLC demonstrated enhanced permeation, improved skin retention and extended-release compared to conventional gel. The developed formulation can be an alternative for psoriasis therapy after clinical trials in the future.
Postoperative Complications of Conventional Polypectomy Versus Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Shaikh Arsalan Ahmed , Mahesar Mona Liza , Ahmed Noman , Yousuf Sajjad , Lakhiar Akhtar Ali , Shaikh Farhan Ahmed 
Published: May 2021

Objective: To compare the postoperative complications of conventional polypectomy versus Endoscopic sinus surgery.
Study Design: This is cross sectional study.
Setting: Study carried out at E.N.T department, Tertiary care hospital from April 2019 - March 2020.
Materials & Methods: 52 out of which 32 were male and 20 were female. Benign nasal polyps within 14 yrs to 80 years from emergency and out- patient department both were included in our study. Only recurrent and neoplastic lesions were not inclusive of this study. Postoperatively the patient was prescribed with oral antibiotics, nasal decongestants and nasal douche with normal saline, followed by local steroids after 1.5 months. The post operative evaluation (both endoscopic and clinical) was done at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months post operatively and data was recorded. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0.
Results: A total of 52 patients were recruited for the study with age ranging from 18 to 40 years. The mean age was 24.65± SD 4.12. There were 32 (61.53%) males and 20 (38.46%) female patients. Two weeks were observed postoperative complications. The intranasal complications after simple intranasal polypectomy i.e. bleeding (SIP 8(30.76%) Versus ESS 5(19.23%)), crusting (SIP 10(38.46%) Versus ESS 6(23.07%)), Synechiae formation (SIP 3(11.53%) Versus ESS 1(3.84%)), recurrence 0% were observed. At upto 6th weeks observed the intranasal complications after simple intranasal polypectomy i.e. bleeding (SIP 5(19.23%) Versus ESS 2(7.69%)), crusting (SIP 6(23.07%) Versus ESS 2(7.69%)), Synechiae formation (SIP 2(7.69%) Versus ESS 1(3.84%)), recurrence 0% were observed. Three months were observed the intranasal complications after simple intranasal polypectomy i.e. bleeding (SIP 1(3.84%) Versus ESS 0%), crusting (SIP 0% Versus ESS 0%), Synechiae formation (SIP 4(15.38%) Versus ESS 3(11.53%)), recurrence 3(11.53%) were observed only in simple intranasal polypectomy group. While the intraorbital and intracranial complications were not observed.
Conclusion: We would like to conclude our study in favor of ESS to be superior to other intranasal polypectomy procedures in terms of post operative complications.
Semantic inhibition disorders in schizophrenic patients assessed by a lexical decision task
Authors: Passerieux C , Hardy-Bayle MC , Widlöcher D 
Published: July 2002

SummaryLexical decision tasks were used in 17 schizophrenic subjects and 11 control subjects, to evaluate the so-called automatic priming of semantic links, and the controlled processes which involve longer lexical anticipation strategies. In this type of trial, inhibition in the recognition of the target word, when the preceding priming word is not semantically linked to it, indicates the activation of such controlled processes. Postulating that patients in the schizophrenic group were heterogeneous in terms of cognition, we compared the resultant scores in two subtypes of schizophrenic patients: paranoid and hebephrenic (CIM-9 criteria). The study demonstrated that there was a difference in performance between the schizophrenic subtypes. Although these findings need to be confirmed, they demonstrate the necessity of determining individual profiles of patients entering the trial, to take into account those of their phenomenological differences that may correspond to differences in cognitive functioning. The results indicate an absence of inhibition, but only in the paranoid group. In these subjects, results were consistent with the hypothesis of a failure to set up controlled processes rather than a stronger “automatic” activation of the semantic links. However, as the results were not significant, the hypothesis remains open to further investigation. The reasons for the nonsignificance of the results and alternative hypotheses are discussed.
Validation of the Arizona Governor's Quality Award criteria: a test of the Baldrige criteria
Authors: Pannirselvam Gertrude P , Siferd Sue P , Ruch William A 
Published: July 2002

AbstractTens of thousands of firms have used the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) criteria to improve the quality of their products and processes. Because the MBNQA data are confidential, there has been no published assessment of the validity and reliability of these criteria for evaluating the quality management practices of an organization. In this research, we analyze data from the Arizona Governor's Quality Award (AGQA) in order to check the validity of the model used to evaluate organizational quality. The criteria for the AGQA closely parallel the MBNQA criteria. Hence, the conclusions drawn from this study provide a basis for generalization to the MBNQA criteria. In the literature review, the MBNQA criteria are compared to two other instruments that have been developed and tested for measuring quality management. The MBNQA criteria are found to be more comprehensive and less prescriptive than the other two. In our research, we examine content validity, construct validity, and predictive validity of the AGQA. Finally, we present our conclusions and implications for researchers and managers.
The prediction of stress fractures using a ‘stressed volume’ concept
Authors: Taylor David , Kuiper Jan‐Herman 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis paper addresses an anomaly which exists in the current literature regarding stress fractures. Analysis of the data on fatigue strength of bone samples in vitro would conclude that these fractures should never occur at the strain levels known to occur in vivo. This anomaly can be resolved by including in the analysis the effect of stressed volume, whereby larger volumes of material are expected to have worse fatigue properties. A Weibull analysis was used to predict the probability of failure, Pf; this was an upperbound prediction because it did not include the effects of remodelling and adaptation. Combining this analysis with a finite element model of the human tibia, we predicted a Pf value of 21% after five weeks of strenuous exercise, which is comparable with reported incidences in military personnel. The high incidence of stress fractures in the cannon bone of racehorses could also be predicted (Pf = 62%, compared to 70% experimentally). The approach can be used to investigate the effect of variables in the exercise regime such as the distance run per day and the use of improved footwear. It can also predict the increased risk of stress fractures in elderly people. The results suggest certain simple rules which may be of clinical value in designing exercise regimes and in understanding the risk factors for this type of injury. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Responses to maternal separation : mechanisms and mediators
Authors: Kuhn Cynthia M. , Schanberg Saul M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractClinical studies indicate the predominance of psychosocial factors (nurturing environment) in the genesis of the Maternal Deprivation Syndrome. Consequences of disrupting mother‐infant interactions range from marked suppression of certain neuroendocrine and physiological systems after short periods of maternal deprivation to retardation of growth and behavioral development after chronic periods. We have shown that maternal separation initiates a complex adaptive biobehavioral response in preweaning rat pups that includes (1) a decrease in the synthesis of ornithine decarboxylase, an obligatory enzyme for normal cell growth and development, (2) a reduction in DNA synthesis, an index of cell multiplication, (3) abnormal patterns of neuroendocrine secretion, and (4) a suppression of cell responses to growth hormone, prolactin and insulin, three major trophic hormones. This unique pattern of adaptation to maternal separation is not related to food or temperature changes but results from a lack of a specific type of tactile stimulation of the pup by the mother. Recently, we have shown that in the absence of “nurturing touch” the brain initiates the suppression of ornithine decarboxylase gene transcription by interfering with the cell's ability to transduce the activating signal induced by the growth promoting hormones. Studies indicate that central endorphinergic pathways may mediate this action. This is accomplished by the downregulation of specific Immediate Early Genes (c‐myc and max) that normally promote the synthesis of this critical growth‐regulatory enzyme. These studies of short‐term maternal separation not only demonstrated that maternal care is a critical regulator of pup physiology and biobehavioral development but that there are marked similarities between this animal model of maternal separation and the delay in growth and development observed in children with the deprivation syndrome or in touch‐deprived premature human neonates. Our identification of a specific type of nurturing touch as a neonatal growth requirement led us to test supplemental tactile stimulation in isolated very‐premature human babies. The result of our intervention with massage was dramatic. Infants not only showed marked gains in weight and behavioral development, but also a significant enhancement in sympatho‐adrenal maturation. We suggest that animal models of maternal deprivation can be used to understand the integrative processing of appropriate sensory input, CNS function and end‐organ physiology required to maintain normal development.
Has there been a decrease in the prevalence of mood disorders in HIV-seropositive individuals since the introduction of combination therapy?
Authors: Alciati A. , Starace F. , Scaramelli B. , Campaniello M. , Adriani B. , Mellado C. , Cargnel A. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryPurpose.The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of current mood disorders in HIV-seropositive patients treated with combined antiretroviral drug therapy including or not protease inhibitors.Subjects and methods.A random sample of 90 subjects consecutively attending, between February 1 and July 31, 1998, the outpatient unit of the Second Department of Infectious Diseases of the ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital in Milan was assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSMIII-R (SCID) and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS).Results.Twenty-three-point-three percent of the subjects were classified in CDC stage A, 32.3% in CDC stage B and 44.4% in CDC stage C. A DSMIII-R psychiatric diagnosis of current mood disorder was found in 4.4% of the recruited sample (dysthymia: 2.2%; adjustment disorder with depressed mood: 2.2%).Conclusions.Direct and indirect effect of new combination therapies, epidemiological changes in social groups affected by HIV and possible modifications in social perception of people with HIV infection may explain, at least in part, the decreased prevalence of current mood disorders observed in our study as compared to prevalence rates reported in the pre-HAART era.
Quality of life of the mentally ill. Reliability of the Swedish version of the Lancashire Quality of Life profile
Authors: Hansson L , Svensson B , Björkman T 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThere has been a growing interest in the quality of life (QoL) of the mentally ill, subsequently a number of instruments to measure QoL have been developed. One of the measures of QoL which has received considerable attention is the Lancashire QoL Profile (LQOLP). The present study investigated test-retest reliability and internal consistency in the Swedish translation of the LQOLP using a cross-sectional sample of 29 inpatients. The results showed that test-retest reliability of subjective life satisfaction in the nine life domains covered by the LQOLP was satisfactory in seven of the domains, and acceptable in two (social relations and religion). Test-retest reliability for total subjective satisfaction score, global well-being, and an interviewer rated QoL were all on a satisfactory level (r > 0.80). The internal consistency and homogeneity of the total subjective QoL scale and the nine life domain subscales was satisfactory except for the social relations scale, where it was somewhat low.
The development and validation of a Spanish version of the quality of life in depression scale (QLDS)
Authors: Cervera-Enguix S. , Ramírez N. , Girala N. , McKenna S.P. 
Published: July 2002

Summary:Objective:The adaptation of the Quality of Life in Depression Scale, the QLDS, into Spanish.Methods:The original UK version of the QLDS was considered by two translation panels, who produced a Spanish translation. Priority was given to conceptual rather than semantic equivalence. This version was then field-tested with 15 depressed patients. The final stage of the research involved a postal survey of 62 patients, who were asked to complete the measure on two occasions.Results:The Spanish QLDS was found to be appropriate and acceptable by depressed patients. The questionnaire's test-retest reliability and internal consistency were both high, and QLDS scores correlated as predicted with scores on sections of the Nottingham Health Profile. The measure was sensitive to different levels of depression as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Conclusion:The Spanish version of the QLDS is suitable for use in clinical trials and for monitoring individual patients in routine clinical practice.
Body Composition in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis and Changes During Interleukin‐12/Interleukin‐23 Inhibition
Authors: Paccou Julien , Bavière Wallis , Sornay‐Rendu Elisabeth , Szulc Pawel , Ramdane Nassima , Cortet Bernard , Chapurlat Roland , Flipo René‐Marc 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveLittle is known about body composition in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Our objective was to compare body composition parameters in PsA patients and healthy controls and then investigate the effects of ustekinumab (UST) on body composition in patients with PsA.MethodsAt baseline, 30 PsA patients were compared cross‐sectionally with 60 healthy controls without PsA, matched for age, sex, menopausal status, and body mass index (BMI). Thirty active PsA patients treated with UST were included in a 6‐month open follow‐up study. Body composition parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months of treatment.ResultsBody composition parameters were different in PsA patients compared to healthy controls; in PsA patients, total and appendicular lean mass were lower (P = 0.013 and P = 0.010, respectively), whereas total fat mass was higher (P < 0.001). In 30% of the PsA patients, skeletal muscle mass was below the cutoff for low muscle quantity (men 7.26 kg/m2, women 5.5 kg/m2), whereas no such change was observed in the control group. After 6 months of treatment with UST, there was no significant change in BMI in 18 of the PsA patients. Total lean mass decreased slightly (P = 0.046), whereas fat mass tended to increase, but not significantly. No significant changes in appendicular lean mass and skeletal muscle mass index were observed.ConclusionIn this study, we found that PsA patients had higher fat mass and lower lean mass than healthy controls. At 6‐months of treatment, total lean mass decreased slightly, whereas fat mass tended to increase, but not significantly.
Nurse‐Led Consultation for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis at Low Disease Activity: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Kwok Suet‐Kei , Tang Lai‐Man , Tsang Hoi‐Lun , Chung Ho‐Yin , Chung Man‐Ho , Ho Carmen T. K. , Lau Chak‐Sing , Cheung Tommy T. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of nurse‐led consultations in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Hong Kong.MethodsThe present work was a single‐center, randomized, open‐label, noninferiority trial. Patients who had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low disease activity (LDA) were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to attend a nurse‐led consultation or rheumatologist follow‐up visit for 2 years. The primary end point was the proportion of patients whose RA remained at LDA. Secondary end points included the proportion of patients with RA in disease remission and the scores recorded on the Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire at 2 years, changes from baseline on the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP), modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS), Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI), Short Form 36 (SF‐36) physical component score, and 19‐item Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR‐19) score.ResultsAmong 280 patients who were randomized equally to either attend nurse‐led consultations or rheumatologist follow‐up visits, 267 patients completed the study. In the nurse‐led consultation and rheumatologist follow‐up groups, 92.1% and 91.4% patients, respectively, remained at LDA at 2 years. The 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the adjusted treatment difference were within the predefined noninferiority margin in both the intention‐to‐treat analysis (95% CI 5.75, 7.15) and the per‐protocol analysis (95% CI 1.67, 7.47). Although the changes in DAS28‐CRP score over 2 years were significantly different between the 2 treatment groups (P < 0.001), there were no significant changes from baseline in SHS, HAQ DI, SF‐36 physical component scores, and CQR‐19 scores. At the end of the study, more patients expressed satisfaction with nurse‐led consultations.ConclusionNurse‐led consultations were not inferior to rheumatologist follow‐up visits in patients with stable RA.
Metacarpophalangeal Joint Impairment in Hand Osteoarthritis and Its Association With Mechanical Factors: Results From the Digital Cohort Osteoarthritis Design Hand Osteoarthritis Cohort
Authors: Kouki Inès , Tuffet Sophie , Crema Michel D. , Rousseau Alexandra , Richette Pascal , Dougados Maxime , Berenbaum Francis , Sellam Jérémie , Courties Alice 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence, distribution, and characteristics associated with radiographic metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of baseline data from the Digital Cohort Osteoarthritis Design, a French monocentric cohort including patients with symptomatic hand OA. We evaluated the prevalence of radiographic MCP joint OA, defined as ≥2 MCP joints with a Kellgren/Lawrence score of ≥2. We compared the prevalence of MCP joint OA in the dominant and nondominant hands. Associations between radiographic MCP joint OA and patient characteristics were studied using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsRadiographic MCP joint OA was present in 138 of the 425 patients (32.5%) but was not severe. Patients with MCP joint OA had a mean age of 69.2 ± 6.9 years, a body mass index of 25 ± 4.2 kg/m2, and 86.2% were women. MCP joint OA was more frequent in the dominant hand and predominated at the first and second MCP joints. In the multivariable analysis, MCP joint OA was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01, 1.10] for each year), manual occupation (OR 3.74 [95% CI 1.21, 11.54]), scaphotrapezial OA (OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.27, 3.72]), and a high number of proximal interphalangeal joints with radiographic OA. MCP joint OA was not associated with metabolic syndrome or hand OA symptoms.ConclusionIn this cross‐sectional study using a hospital‐based hand OA cohort, radiographic MCP joint OA was frequent and associated with structural hand OA features rather than with symptom severity. Our results suggest that the involvement of MCP joints in hand OA is predominantly related to mechanical rather than systemic factors in this population.
Innovations in Biomaterial Design toward Successful RNA Interference Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ward Deidra M. , Shodeinde Aaliyah B. , Peppas Nicholas A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGene regulation using RNA interference (RNAi) therapy has been developed as one of the frontiers in cancer treatment. The ability to tailor the expression of genes by delivering synthetic oligonucleotides to tumor cells has transformed the way scientists think about treating cancer. However, its clinical application has been limited due to the need to deliver synthetic RNAi oligonucleotides efficiently and effectively to target cells. Advances in nanotechnology and biomaterials have begun to address the limitations to RNAi therapeutic delivery, increasing the likelihood of RNAi therapeutics for cancer treatment in clinical settings. Herein, innovations in the design of nanocarriers for the delivery of oligonucleotides for successful RNAi therapy are discussed.