bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nano-engineering of biomedical prednisolone liposomes: evaluation of the cytotoxic effect on human colon carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Lorente Cristina , Arias José L , Cabeza Laura , Ortiz Raúl , Prados José C , Melguizo Consolación , Delgado Ángel V , Clares-Naveros Beatriz 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Liposomes have attracted the attention of researchers due to their potential to act as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. The present investigation aimed to develop liposomes loaded with prednisolone base and the evaluation of the antiproliferative effect on human colon carcinoma cell lines.

Methods
Liposomes were elaborated by following a reproducible thin film hydration technique. The physicochemical characterization of liposomes included photon correlation spectroscopy, microscopy analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheological behaviour and electrophoresis. On the basis of these data and drug loading values, the best formulation was selected. Stability and drug release properties were also tested.

Key findings
Resulting liposomes exhibited optimal physicochemical and stability properties, an excellent haemocompatibility and direct antiproliferative effect on human colon carcinoma T-84 cell lines.

Conclusions
This study shows direct antitumour effect of prednisolone liposomal formulation, which opens the door for liposomal glucocorticoids as novel antitumour agents.
Cervical myelopathy due to complex Atlanto‐axial malformation including partial atlantal dorsal arch aplasia in a domestic rabbit
Authors: Nessler J. N. , Attig F. , Thöle M. , Raddatz B. , Beineke A. , Fehr M. , Tipold A. , Stein V. M. 
Published: January 2018

A 1‐year‐old dwarf rabbit was presented with sub‐acute progressive tetraparesis. Radiography, CT and MRI revealed compressive cervical myelopathy secondary to a complex atlanto‐axial malformation including partial aplasia of the atlantal dorsal arch, dens malformation, malarticulation and lateral atlanto‐occipital displacement. Owners decided against surgical treatment and elected conservative treatment including analgesia with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, cage rest and physiotherapy. Within 2 months clinical signs deteriorated and the owner elected euthanasia. Subsequent necropsy confirmed imaging findings. Similar cases described in humans and dogs suggest that partial aplasia of the dorsal arch of the atlas might often be an asymptomatic radiologic finding in these species. In contrast, this first description of a similarly affected rabbit demonstrates that complex atlanto‐axial malformations can cause severe clinical signs.
Therapeutic efficacy of low‐dose (25 mg) mirabegron therapy for patients with mild to moderate overactive bladder symptoms due to central nervous system diseases
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Fu , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveThe incidence of overactive bladder (OAB) increases with age, especially in patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mirabegron is a novel medication for the treatment of OAB. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of mirabegron on OAB patients with CNS diseases.MethodsPatients with CVA, PD, dementia, and OAB symptoms were consecutively enrolled in the study group, and mirabegron 25 mg q.d. was prescribed. Clinical effects, evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Urinary Sensation Scale (USS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), as well as urodynamic parameters and adverse events were assessed at baseline and 4 and 12 weeks after treatment.ResultsIn all, 44 patients (mean [± SD] age 77.7 ± 9.49 years) with OAB due to CVA (n = 27), PD (n = 6), and dementia (n = 11) were included in the present prospective study. Mirabegron resulted in significant improvements in symptom scores on the OABSS (P = .02), USS (P = .009), total IPSS (P = .002), Storage and Voiding domains of the IPSS (P = .001 and .017, respectively), and PPBC (P = .001). No significant changes were noted in post‐void residual, maximum flow rate, and voided volume after treatment. Only 5 patients dropped out due to poor therapeutic efficacy and shifted to antimuscarinics. Three patients complained of adverse effects, including dizziness and dysuria. No patient complained of urine retention or constipation.ConclusionMirabegron 25 mg once daily effectively decreased urgency symptoms in elderly OAB patients with CNS lesions after the 12‐week treatment period. The adverse events were mild and only noted in a few cases.
From Drug Safety to Drug Security: A Contemporary Shift in the Policing of Health
Authors: Hornberger Julia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe counterfeiting of medication is increasingly seen as a major threat to health, especially in the light of both the everyday reliance on and a broadening of world‐wide access to pharmaceuticals. Exaggerated or real, this threat has inaugurated, this article argues, a shift from a drug safety regime to a drug security regime that governs the flow of pharmaceuticals and brings together markets, police, and health actors in new ways. This entails a shift from soft disciplinary means aimed at incremental and continued inclusion of defaulters, to one of drastically sovereign measures of exclusion and banishment aimed at fake goods and the people associated with them, in the name of health. Through a multi‐sited ethnographic study, this article shows how such new drug security efforts play themselves out especially in (South) Africa, highlighting a modus operandi of spectacular performativity and of working through suspicion and association rather than factuality, producing value less so for those in need of health than for a petty security industry itself.
Interleukin‐10‐1082A/G polymorphism is associated with renal parenchymal damage in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract
Authors: Miteva Lyuba D , Kostadinova Emilya S , Stanilova Spaska A 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of the study was to investigate whether the functional IL10‐1082A/G polymorphism exert a role in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in children. Also, the serum IL‐10 and its association with genotype and renal parenchymal damage in CAKUT were explored.MethodsIn the current case‐control study, 134 paediatric cases of CAKUT and 382 unrelated controls were included. The genotyping of IL10‐1082A/G polymorphism was performed by amplification refractory mutation system‐PCR and IL‐10 serum level was determined by ELISA.ResultsAlthough, the genotype and allelic frequencies of IL10‐1082 A/G polymorphism in cases and controls were similar (χ2 = 0.459; P = 0.79 and χ2 = 0.426; P = 0.51, respectively), significant different genotype distribution between patients with or without parenchymal damage/reduction was observed (χ2 = 6.9; P = 0.032). The GG‐genotype was more frequent in cases with renal parenchymal damage/reduction compared to patients with preserved parenchyma (22% vs. 9%; OR = 2.987; 95% CI = 0.979–9.468; P = 0.031). On the contrary, the heterozygous genotype was less frequent among cases with parenchymal damage/reduction compared to cases with preserved parenchyma (39% vs. 59%; OR = 0.453; 95% CI = 0.214–0.958; P = 0.024). Additionally, the serum IL‐10 was significantly higher in CAKUT patients compared to age‐sex‐matched controls (median 11.98; IQR: 7.14–31.6 vs. 5.92; IQR: 4.68–14.8; P = 0.0057). Among carriers of GG‐genotype significantly higher IL‐10 level was detected in cases with parenchymal damage/reduction, than cases with preserved parenchyma (P = 0.028).ConclusionOur results suggested that the functional ‐1082A/G polymorphism in IL10 is associated with risk of renal parenchymal damage/reduction rather than genetic predisposition to CAKUT. Additionally, our study supposes that immunoregulatory cytokine IL‐10 might have a significant role in CAKUT.
Developing treatment guidelines for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sanders Donald B. , Wolfe Gil I. , Narayanaswami Pushpa ,   the MGFA Task Force on MG Treatment Guidance
Published: January 2018

AbstractA task force of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America recently published a formal consensus statement intended to be a treatment guide for clinicians caring for myasthenia gravis (MG) patients worldwide. Its development was stimulated by the fact that there is generally no accepted standard of care for MG, and no one treatment is best for all MG patients. Also, there are few randomized trials of treatments in current use, and the generalizability of the few trials that have been successful may be difficult. Fifteen international experts in MG participated in the consensus process, which used a simple consensus to develop preliminary definitions and the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to quantify agreement on treatment guidance statements for seven topics: symptomatic and immunosuppressive treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, impending and manifest myasthenic crisis, thymectomy, juvenile MG, MG with muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase antibodies, and MG in pregnancy. The executive summary of the guidance statement was published with open access to facilitate access by patients and healthcare professionals, and the full statement, with extensive background information, is available online. The guidance statement is a living document that will require updates as new treatments and new information on current treatments become available.
Prolonged corrected QT interval in predicting atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Nixiao , Gong Mengqi , Tse Gary , Zhang Zhiwei , Meng Lei , Yan Bryan P. , Zhang Ling , Wu Gang , Xia Yunlong , Xin‐Yan Gan , Li Guangping , Liu Tong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundCorrected QT interval (QTc) on the electrocardiogram is a marker of ventricular repolarization. Recent studies have examined its value in predicting the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and resultsWe conducted a meta‐analysis to determine whether alterations in QTc interval are associated with an increased risk of incident AF. The PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched for all studies that evaluated the incident AF associated with prolonged QTc interval published before December 2016. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were subsequently performed. A total of six studies including eight data sets for prolonged QTc interval were eligible. Subjects with prolonged QTc interval as a categorical variable had a significantly higher risk of AF during follow‐up (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.24, I2 = 90%) based on Bazett formula. In continuous variable analysis, we found a statistically significant risk for AF (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09–1.25; I2 = 0) every 10‐ms prolongation in QTc. AF type, QTc cut‐off value, geographical location, follow‐up duration, and study population may be the possible reasons for the significant heterogeneity among the studies.ConclusionsProlonged QTc interval is associated with an increased risk of AF. And the potential mechanisms underlying this cause‐and‐effect relationship need further investigation.
Head‐to‐head comparison of acute and chronic pulmonary vein stenosis for cryoballoon versus radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Watanabe Ryo , Sairaku Akinori , Yoshida Yukihiko , Nanasato Mamoru , Kamiya Hiroki , Suzuki Hirohiko , Ogura Yasuhiro , Aoyama Yutaka , Maeda Mayuho , Ando Monami , Eguchi Shunsuke , Inden Yasuya , Kihara Yasuki , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundCryoballoon (CB) applications to pulmonary veins (PVs) can cause stenosis just as radiofrequency (RF) energy deliveries. The goal of the present study was to clarify whether or not there was any difference in the extent of acute or chronic PV narrowing after PV isolation between the two different energy sources.MethodsConsecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who were scheduled to undergo a PV isolation were randomized 1:1 to receive CB or RF ablation. The endpoints were any acute PV narrowing assessed with the use of intracardiac ultrasound during the procedure and PV stenosis measured with cardiac computed tomography at the 3‐month follow‐up.ResultsAn acute reduction in the luminal area of the left superior PV (mean ± standard deviation, –6.8 ± 8.7 vs –19.9 ± 14.7%; P < 0.001) and left inferior PV (–5.1 ± 20.2 vs –15.3 ± 11.6%; P = 0.03) was significantly smaller in the CB arm (N = 25) than the RF arm (N = 25). There was no difference in the extent of PV stenosis 3 months after the ablation between the arms (0–25% stenosis, 90% vs 88%, 25–50% stenosis, 10% vs 12%, >50% stenosis, both 0%; P = 0.82). A greater acute PV narrowing was likely to lead to chronic stenosis in the RF arm (P = 0.004).ConclusionsCB ablation may reduce the acute narrowing of the left‐sided PVs as compared to RF ablation.
Pediatric ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation: Evolving with the advancing apheresis technology: A single‐center experience
Authors: Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Bansal Shyam Bihari , Wadhwani Nikita , Tiwari Aseem , Arora Dinesh , Sharma Reetesh , Nandwani Ashish , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Mahapatra Amit Kumar , Jain Manish , Jha Pranaw , Ghosh Prasun , Bhan Anil , Dhaliwal Maninder , Raghunathan Veena , Kher Vijay 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRecent literature has endorsed favorable outcomes following ABOi kidney transplantation in pediatric population. Nevertheless, reluctance to pursue an ABOi still remains pervasive. This could be ascribed to various legitimate reasons, namely less extensive pediatric ABOi data, technical difficulties encountered during PP, cost restraints, and concerns regarding higher rates of antibody‐mediated rejection, infectious complications, and post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder as compared to adults. However, given the similar excellent outcomes of both ABOi and ABOc kidney transplantation, clinicians should consider this option sooner if a compatible donor or swap is not available. Here, we describe the outcomes of three pediatric ABOi performed at our institute in India (from 2014 till now), wherein distinct apheresis modalities had been employed in each desensitization protocol, and our techniques evolved with advancing science in apheresis. This case series includes India's first published pediatric ABO‐incompatible transplant (Case 2) and the youngest child to undergo ABO‐incompatible renal transplant in SAARC nations (Case 3).
The detection of higher‐order acoustic transitions is reflected in the N1 ERP
Authors: Weise Annekathrin , Schröger Erich , Horváth János 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe auditory system features various types of dedicated change detectors enabling the rapid parsing of auditory stimulation into distinct events. The activity of such detectors is reflected by the N1 ERP. Interestingly, certain acoustic transitions show an asymmetric N1 elicitation pattern: whereas first‐order transitions (e.g., a change from a segment of constant frequency to a frequency glide [c‐to‐g change]) elicit N1, higher‐order transitions (e.g., glide‐to‐constant [g‐to‐c] changes) do not. Consensus attributes this asymmetry to the absence of any available sensory mechanism that is able to rapidly detect higher‐order changes. In contrast, our study provides compelling evidence for such a mechanism. We collected electrophysiological and behavioral data in a transient‐detection paradigm. In each condition, a random (50%–50%) sequence of two types of tones occurred, which did or did not contain a transition (e.g., c‐to‐g and constant stimuli or g‐to‐c and glide tones). Additionally, the rate of pitch change of the glide varied (i.e., 10 vs. 40 semitones per second) in order to increase the number of responding neural assemblies. The rate manipulation modulated transient ERPs and behavioral detection performance for g‐to‐c transitions much stronger than for c‐to‐g transitions. The topographic and tomographic analyses suggest that the N1 response to c‐to‐g and also to g‐to‐c transitions emerged from the superior temporal gyrus. This strongly supports a sensory mechanism that allows the fast detection of higher‐order changes.
Joint Modelling of Survival and Longitudinal Data with Informative Observation Times
Authors: Dai Hongsheng , Pan Jianxin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the joint modelling of survival and longitudinal data with informative observation time points. The survival model and the longitudinal model are linked via random effects, for which no distribution assumption is required under our estimation approach. The estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. The proposed estimator and its estimated covariance matrix can be easily calculated. Simulation studies and an application to a primary biliary cirrhosis study are also provided.
Uncertainty Quantification in Case of Imperfect Models: A Non‐Bayesian Approach
Authors: Kohler Michael , Krzyżak Adam , Mallapur Shashidhar , Platz Roland 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe starting point in uncertainty quantification is a stochastic model, which is fitted to a technical system in a suitable way, and prediction of uncertainty is carried out within this stochastic model. In any application, such a model will not be perfect, so any uncertainty quantification from such a model has to take into account the inadequacy of the model. In this paper, we rigorously show how the observed data of the technical system can be used to build a conservative non‐asymptotic confidence interval on quantiles related to experiments with the technical system. The construction of this confidence interval is based on concentration inequalities and order statistics. An asymptotic bound on the length of this confidence interval is presented. Here we assume that engineers use more and more of their knowledge to build models with order of errors bounded by
. The results are illustrated by applying the newly proposed approach to real and simulated data.
Phacoemulsification outcomes in Boston terriers as compared to non‐Boston terriers: a retrospective study (2002–2015)
Authors: Newbold Georgina M. , Kelch William J. , Chen Thomas , Ward Daniel A. , Hendrix Diane V. H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo compare visual outcome and cause of blindness between two groups of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification.Animals studiedStudy population consisted of 35 Boston terriers (BT; 70 eyes) and 77 non‐Boston terriers (NBT; 154 eyes) that underwent bilateral phacoemulsification surgery.ProceduresMedical records were reviewed to determine visual outcome, complications leading to blindness and follow‐up. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to estimate surgical success at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.ResultsEleven of 35 BT developed known vision loss, with 12 of 70 (17.1%) eyes becoming blind within one year of surgery, and 17 of 77 NBT developed known vision loss, with 19 of 154 (12.3%) eyes becoming blind within 1 year of surgery. No further vision loss was reported among thoseBTwith a 2‐year follow‐up. In theNBTgroup, seven additional dogs, a total of 24 of 77NBTdeveloped vision loss, with a known total of 31 of 154 (20.1%) eyes becoming blind within two years of surgery. These results were not significantly different. The overall surgical success in both groups based on individual eyes was estimated to be between 80 and 90% at 1 year postsurgery and between 65 and 80% at 2 years postsurgery. Glaucoma was the leading cause of vision loss in both groups.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in visual outcomes between a group of BT and a group of NBT undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification at the University of Tennessee between 2002 and 2015. Glaucoma was the leading cause of vision loss in both groups.
Development and validation of the canine visual function instrument
Authors: Miller William W. , Parisi Domenico 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveIn this study, we created the Canine Visual Function Instrument (CVFI) and tested its validity and reliability for assessing the quality of vision of dogs.MethodsWe used Cronbach's alpha to test the strength of the consistency of the questions in the instrument and factor analysis to assess whether the questions achieved unidimensionality in the measurement of dogs’ vision quality.ResultsOur analysis shows that the CVFI is a valid and reliable tool to seek self‐reported observations about dogs’ vision quality from owners. Our results also show that the vision quality scale has high empirical validity and therefore can be used to determine whether a dog has normal vision or moderate or serious visual impairments.ConclusionThe CVFI might have important practical applications in the field of veterinary ophthalmology in two important ways. First, it can be used to determine whether the treatment of dogs with visual impairment improves vision quality. Second, it can be used as a warning system to alert owners about their dogs’ quality of vision.
Nasopharyngeal sialoceles in 11 brachycephalic dogs
Authors: De Lorenzi Davide , Bertoncello Diana , Mantovani Chiara , Bottero Enrico 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo report clinical features, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcomes of brachycephalic dogs with nasopharyngeal sialoceles (NPS).Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsEleven brachycephalic dogs with NPS.MethodsDiagnosis of NPS was based on identification of cystic nasopharyngeal masses containing saliva‐like mucoid material on retroflexed endoscopy. Biopsies were obtained to support the diagnosis. Surgical deroofing was performed under endoscopic guidance, and endoscopic examination was repeated at least 3 months after surgery. The owners rated the outcome of surgery via a follow‐up telephone inquiry.ResultsPugs (n = 8), French bulldogs (n = 2), and English bulldogs (n = 1) were included in this study. Eight of the NPS were ventral, 6 were obstructive, and 2 were multiple; both the obstructive and the multiple sialoceles were ventral. Surgical deroofing of the sialoceles was performed under endoscopic guidance with biopsy forceps in 5 cases and by diode laser in 6 cases. No recurrence was diagnosed. Ten of 11 owners reported that they were satisfied with the outcome.Conclusions and Clinical SignificanceNPS may be an uncommon consequence of chronic nonphysiologic mechanical stress causing changes in minor nasopharyngeal salivary glands. Direct visualization by nasopharyngoscopy is the best technique for detection of NPS, and we advise routine examination of the nasopharynx by endoscope in all brachycephalic dogs before performing surgery. Either endoscopic guided biopsy forceps or diode laser surgery can be used for noninvasive, rapid, and effective resolution of NPS in all of the dogs.
Systematic &amp; Applied Acarology in 2017: new milestones
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Qiang 
Published: January 2018

Systematic & Applied Acarology (SAA) set a new record in 2017: it published 161 papers (155 articles; 2 review papers; 2 short correspondence; 2 editorial pieces) in 2,272 pages. The number of papers published in 2017 increased 18.4% over that in 2016 (136 papers), and the number of pages in 2017 increased 32.7% over that in 2016 (1,712 pages). SAA was the largest acarological journal in 2016 (Zhang 2017). The increase in the size of SAA in 2017 enlarged the gap between it and the second largest journal (Experimental & Applied Acarology published 103 papers in 1,409 pages in 2017).