Search

Mathematical simulation of drug diffusion is a significant tool for predicting the bio‐transport process. Moreover, the reported models in the literature are based on Fick's approach, which leads to an infinite propagation speed. Consequently, it is essential to construct a mathematical model to represent the diffusion processes for estimating drug concentrations at different sites and throughout the circulation. Thus, in this article, the diffusion process is employed to propose three models for estimating the drug release from multi‐layer cylindrical tablets. A fractional model is presented based on Fick's approach, while classical and fractional Cattaneo models are presented using the relaxed principle. Various numerical methods are used to solve the specified problem. The numerical scheme's stability and convergence are demonstrated. Drug concentration and mass profiles are presented for the tablet and the external medium and compared with the in vivo plasma profiles. The results show the efficiency and precision of the proposed fractional models based on the fourth‐order weighted‐shifted Grünwald–Letnikov difference operator approximation. These models are compatible with the in vivo data compared with the classical Fick's one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we report the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) coated with the surfactants para‐amino‐N‐((1‐decylpyridin‐1‐ium bromide)‐4‐yl) benzamide and para‐amino‐N‐((1‐dodecylpyridin‐1‐ium bromide)‐4‐yl) benzamide (P10 and P12, respectively). P10 and P12‐coated AgNP were stable, as confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and other surface activity parameters. Both P10 and P12 and the coated AgNP formulations were investigated for their activity against sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). Overall, our results showed the importance of coating AgNP with surfactants (P10 and P12) in the design and development of new biocides against SRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Erectile dysfunction is defined as inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction. It is a serious problem that increases by age. The physiology of penile erection depends mainly on nitric oxide release. Objectives: Compare the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil 50 mg alone or in combination with l‐arginine 3 g/day orally on the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Material and methods: Randomized controlled study with two parallel groups of erectile dysfunction patients; One group received sildenafil 50 mg every other day, while the other group received a combination of sildenafil (every other day)/l‐arginine on a daily base. Efficacy was assessed using International Index of Erectile Function‐5 score at the baseline and after 8 weeks. Side effects were evaluated across the two groups. Results: The mean age was 56.3 ± 5 and 56.2 ± 4.4 years in sildenafil and combination groups, respectively. International Index of Erectile Function‐5 score was comparable between the two groups at the baseline (p value 0.44). International Index of Erectile Function‐5 score was improved from 15.3 ± 2.5 at baseline to 19.2 ± 2.3 after treatment, and this was statistically significant with p value <0.0001. The score was slightly better in combination group in which the average International Index of Erectile Function‐5 score was (19.8 ± 2.2) vs. (18.5 ± 2.3) in sildenafil group with p value 0.05. Side effects were more or less the same between the two groups except for gastritis which was more common on combination group. Conclusion: Adding l‐arginine to sildenafil demonstrated more efficacy than sildenafil alone for treatment of erectile dysfunction patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teeth can be extracted due to multiple factors. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to identify the relative contribution of restorative treatments to tooth loss. The study reviewed records of 826 patients (1102 teeth). Patient's gender, age and education were obtained. In addition to the main reason for extraction (caries, periodontal disease, pre-prosthetic extraction, restorative failure and remaining root), the following information was collected about each extracted tooth: type, the status of caries if any (primary or secondary) and pulpal status (normal or reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, necrotic or root canal treated) and type and size of restoration, if present. Following data collection, descriptive analysis was performed. A log-linear model was used to examine the association between restorative treatment and tooth loss and between reasons for tooth loss and type of tooth. Lower molars followed by upper molars were the most commonly extracted teeth. Teeth with no restorations or with crowns were less likely to be extracted ( P < 0·001). Lower and upper molars and lower premolars were more likely to be extracted due to restorative failure, while lower anterior teeth were more likely to be extracted due to periodontal disease ( P < 0·05). Twenty two per cent of the extractions was due to restorative failure, and at least 65·9% of these teeth had secondary caries. Gender, age and educational level were factors that affect tooth loss. In conclusion, teeth receiving multiple restorative therapies were more likely to be extracted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors has become the first-line treatment of erectile dysfunction nowadays. The daily application of tadalafil has become a line of treatment of other diseases such as pulmonary hypertension and cardiomyopathy. This study aimed at exploring whether the chronic use of tadalafil has an adverse effect on the testes and semen of old albino rats. Sixty male albino rats were divided into three groups. Group 1: given 2 ml saline orally for 90 days. Group 2: received tadalafil orally (1.8 mg kg−1 day−1 for 3 months equivalent to 20 mg day−1 for 3 months as in human dose) and Group 3: received tadalafil orally (1.8 mg kg−1 day−1 for 6 months equivalent to 20 mg day−1 for 6 months as in human dose). Animals were observed daily for signs of toxicity and mortality. Body weight and food consumption were recorded once a week. After sacrificing the animals, gross examination of the testes was performed in situ and then the epididymis was processed for the evaluation of sperm parameters and testes with other organs relative weight was calculated. Testicular histopathological examination was performed to evaluate microscopic changes in the seminiferous tubules. The mean testicular weight was significantly lower in animals of Group 3, and no significant changes were observed in Group 2. Sperm count showed a significant time-dependent decrease. Sperm motility decreased significantly in both groups with higher effect in Group 3. Incidence of abnormal forms increased in both groups (about 5 and 7 times in Group 2 and 3 respectively). Histological examination revealed mild changes in Group 2 and moderate changes in Group 3 in the form of loosely packed connective stroma around seminiferous tubules, reduction in number of spermatogenic cells with sloughing of many spermatocytes within the lumen of some tubules. Large vacuoles appeared in the tubules which contained a fewer number of sperm. Sperm bundles were degenerated in most tubules and completely absent in others. It is concluded that chronic daily use of tadalafil produces detrimental effects on the structure and function of the testes of old male albino rats which are duration dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

- We present 7 patients (5 adult females and 2 neonate males) with adrenal cysts. The cysts included 1 hydatid, 1 lymphatic and 5 pseudocysts. Three cysts were diagnosed pre-operatively and all were resected surgically. The existence of true epithelial cysts of the adrenal gland is doubted by many authors; the present series includes most types of adrenal cyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R 2 = 0.25). We conclude that the preoperative ultrasound examination is of value for predicting difficulties encountered during LC, but it is not the sole predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The World Health Organization's (WHO's) proposed International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition (ICD-11) includes several major revisions to substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses. It is essential to ensure the consistency of within-subject diagnostic findings throughout countries, languages and cultures. To date, agreement analyses between different SUD diagnostic systems have largely been based in high-income countries and clinical samples rather than general population samples. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of, and concordance between diagnoses using the ICD-11, The WHO's ICD 10th edition (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th and 5th editions (DSM-IV, DSM-5); the prevalence of disaggregated ICD-10 and ICD-11 symptoms; and variation in clinical features across diagnostic groups., Design: Cross-sectional household surveys., Setting: Representative surveys of the general population in 10 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Iraq, Northern Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain) of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative., Participants: Questions about SUDs were asked of 12 182 regular alcohol users and 1788 cannabis users., Measurements: Each survey used the World Mental Health Survey Initiative version of the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (WMH-CIDI)., Findings: Among regular alcohol users, prevalence (95% confidence interval) of life-time ICD-11 alcohol harmful use and dependence were 21.6% (20.5-22.6%) and 7.0% (6.4-7.7%), respectively. Among cannabis users, 9.3% (7.4-11.1%) met criteria for ICD-11 harmful use and 3.2% (2.3-4.0%) for dependence. For both substances, all comparisons of ICD-11 with ICD-10 and DSM-IV showed excellent concordance (all κ ≥ 0.9). Concordance between ICD-11 and DSM-5 ranged from good (for SUD and comparisons of dependence and severe SUD) to poor (for comparisons of harmful use and mild SUD). Very low endorsement rates were observed for new ICD-11 feature for harmful use ('harm to others'). Minimal variation in clinical features was observed across diagnostic systems., Conclusions: The World Health Organization's proposed International Classification of Diseases, 11th edition (ICD-11) classifications for substance use disorder diagnoses are highly consistent with the ICD 10th edition and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). Concordance between ICD-11 and the DSM 5th edition (DSM-5) varies, due largely to low levels of agreement for the ICD harmful use and DSM-5 mild use disorder. Diagnostic validity of self-reported 'harm to others' is questionable., (© 2018 Society for the Study of Addiction.)