Search

Background and Aim: Papillomaviruses (PVs) infections have been documented in numerous animal species across different regions worldwide. They often exert significant impacts on animal health and livestock production. Scientists have studied natural products for over half a century due to their diverse chemical composition, acknowledging their value in fighting cancer. Acorns (Quercus ilex) are believed to have several unexplored pharmacological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo safety and cancer chemopreventive activity of an infusion extract of Q. ilex in a transgenic mouse model of human PV (HPV)-16, which developed squamous cell carcinomas through a multistep process driven by HPV16 oncogenes. Materials and Methods: Q. ilex extract was prepared by heating in water at 90°C and then characterized by mass spectrometry. Phenolic compounds from this extract were administered in drinking water to female mice in three different concentrations (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 g/mL) over a period of 28 consecutive days. Six groups (n = 6) were formed for this study: group 1 (G1, wildtype [WT], water), group 2 (G2, HPV, water), group 3 (G3, WT, 0.09 g/mL), group 4 (G4, HPV, 0.03 g/mL), group 5 (G5, HPV, 0.06 g/ mL), and group 6 (G6, HPV, 0.09 g/mL). Throughout the experiment, humane endpoints, body weight, food intake, and water consumption were recorded weekly. Following the experimental period, all mice were sacrificed, and blood, internal organs, and skin samples were collected. Blood was used to measure glucose and microhematocrit and later biochemical parameters, such as creatinine, urea, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and total proteins. Histological analysis was performed on skin and organ samples. Results: The administration of Q. ilex extract resulted in a statistically significant increase in relative organ weight among HPV transgenic animals, indicating adaptive biological response to the tested concentrations. Moreover, a reduction in characteristic skin lesions was observed in animals treated with the 0.06 and 0.09 g/mL extract. Conclusion: These results provide a favorable chemopreventive profile for Q. ilex extract at concentrations of 0.06 and 0.09 g/mL. This study highlights the potential of Q. ilex extract as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy against HPV16- associated lesions in transgenic mouse models. The limitation of our study was the durability of transgenic animals. As a more sensitive species, we must always be careful with the durability of the test. We intend to study concentrations of 0.06 and 0.09 g/mL for longer to further investigate their possible effects.

Student Assistants (SAs) are generally regarded as support to the instructor's teaching agency in a course. This case study assesses SAs taking on the more autonomous role of mentor-participants in student teams during an advanced bachelor's co-design course, advancing our understanding of distributing leadership within such open-ended educational contexts. We use semi-structured interviews and grounded theory analysis to understand how students, teachers and SAs experienced and responded to this shift in SA role. We conceptualize that SAs combined the qualities of both the instructor in creating and holding space for learning based on their personal experiences (i.e., mentoring) and the student in being a pro-active learner and contributor themselves (i.e., participant). Herein they acted as models for students, redistributing the traditional hierarchy of teaching (with a fixed object and subject of teaching) across course participants (i.e., instructors, SAs and students) and into more nuanced roles (i.e., teaching, coaching, mentoring and facilitating). Taking on this role as SA allowed students to take charge while being closely and safely supported. Moreover, this arrangement nurtured a sense of community: students reported experiencing an atmosphere of trust, informality and closeness. Instructors took a more distant role in this constellation, taking responsibility for formal assessment. We conclude that this rearrangement of roles facilitated students' personal leadership and development, authentic undergraduate research and challenge-based learning - and outline course design choices that likely contributed to this.

Aim: Aloysia citrodora has a long history of traditional use in treating various ailments. This study evaluated the in vivo chemopreventive efficacy and systemic toxicity of an extract of A. citrodora in a transgenic mouse model of HPV16 (human papillomavirus type 16)-induced cancer. Methods: The experiment involved six groups (n = 5): group 1 (G1, wild-type (WT), water), group 2 (G2, HPV, water), group 3 (G3, WT, 0.013 g/mL), group 4 (G4, HPV, 0.006 g/mL), group 5 (G5, HPV, 0.008 g/mL), and group 6 (G6, HPV, 0.013 g/mL). Throughout the assay, humane endpoints, body weight, food, and water consumption were recorded weekly. The internal organs and skin of the mice were collected for analysis after they were sacrificed. Toxicological parameters that were studied included hematological and biochemical blood markers, splenic and hepatic histology, and hepatic oxidative stress. Results: A. citrodora extract seems to reduce the incidence of dysplastic and in situ carcinoma skin lesions induced by HPV16 in this model, suggesting that dietary supplementation with concentrations of 0.008 g/mL and 0.013 g/mL may have beneficial chemopreventive effects. Conclusions: The extract did not induce any concentration-dependent toxicological effects on any of the parameters included in the study, indicating a favorable toxicological profile under these experimental conditions.

This paper shares the story of a group of four care experienced young people who participated in an arts project in Aberdeenshire. The research was an evaluative case study which gathered the views and experiences of the young people and the arts educators. The findings showed that by adopting a pedagogical approach to arts education, which was participant-led, a climate of trust and mutual respect was supported. The young people developed a growing sense of their potential as creative individuals and an awareness of possible careers in the creative industries, which previously had not been on their radar.

The Regulation (EU) 2019/6 establishes that the veterinary prescriptions should follow a cascade, according to their availability of the market. In sum, the veterinarian is authorized to use a medicine for human use only if there is no product available for the same or other therapeutic indication, in the same or another animal species. This study aims to analyse the application of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 in the pharmacological prescription at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of León. A total of 121 clinical cases, 89 dogs (73.55%) and 32 cats (26.45%) were included. Results revealed that 95 medicines were prescribed, 51 (53.68 %) as veterinary medicines and 44 (46.32 %) as human medicines. From the human medicines, 22 (50.00%) did not have a veterinary alternative in the market; four (9.00%) presented a veterinary medicine in the appropriate formulation for the species; 10 (23.00%) had no alternative in the desired formulation; and 8 (18.00%) had no alternatives for the target species. This study suggested that the cascade was not strictly followed, and several reasons may justify it, such as the lack of veterinary products, different formulations, and differences in costs. An effective, safe and sustainable use of the therapeutic option available can only be accomplished with a rational use of the prescription cascade and a correct use of the Regulation (EU) 2019/6.

Abstract Background To compare the effectiveness of high-resolution dermal ultrasound (US) guided superficial radiotherapy (SRT) to non-image-guided radiotherapy in the treatment of early-stage Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC). Methods A high-resolution dermal ultrasound (US) image guided form of superficial radiation therapy (designated here as US-SRT) was developed in 2013 where the tumor configuration and depth can be visualized prior to, during, and subsequent to treatments, using a 22 megahertz (MHz) dermal ultrasound (US) with a doppler component. We previously published the results using this technology to treat 2917 early-stage epithelial cancers showing a high local control (LC) rate of 99.3%. We compared these results with similar American studies from a comprehensive literature search used in an article/guideline published by American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) on curative radiation treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous cell carcinoma in-situ (SCCIS) lesions from 1988 to 2018. Only U.S. based studies with greater than 100 cases with similar patient/lesion characteristics and stages treated by external beam, electron, or superficial/orthovoltage radiation therapy were included in the criteria for selection. The resultant 4 studies had appropriate comparable cases identified and the data analyzed/calculated with regard to local control. Logistic regression analysis was performed comparing each study to US-SRT individually and collectively with stratification by histology (BCC, SCC, and SCCIS). Results US-SRT LC was found to be statistically superior to each of the 4 non-image-guided radiation therapy studies individually and collectively (as well as stratified by histology subtype) with p-values ranging from p

Abstract Background Various treatments exist for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), but the mainstay is surgical removal. Superficial radiotherapy (SRT) is one non-surgical technique that has been used for over a century but fell out of favor due to the advent of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). A new technology that combines a 22 megahertz (MHz) dermal ultrasound with SRT (US-SRT) enables tumor visualization before, during, and after treatment, and demonstrates increased cure rates and reduced recurrences. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis comparing the local control (LC) of four studies using traditional non-image-guided forms of radiotherapy for NMSC treatment to two seminal studies utilizing high-resolution dermal ultrasound-guided SRT (HRUS-SRT). The four traditional radiotherapy studies were obtained from a comprehensive literature search used in an article published by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) on curative radiation treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous cell carcinoma in-situ (SCCIS) lesions. The meta-analysis employed a logit as the effect size indicator with Q-statistic to test the null hypothesis. Results LC rates for the 2 US-SRT studies were statistically superior to the 4 traditional therapies individually and collectively. When stratified by histology, statistically superior outcomes for US-SRT were observed in all subtypes with p-values ranging from p

Spaulding et al. survey RG/RGG repeats in C. elegans and identify the homologs of Nucleolin (NUCL-1) and GAR1 (GARR-1). RG/RGG repeats are dispensable for nucleolar accumulation but critical for sub-nucleolar phase separation.

Adequate radiographic positioning on the X-ray table is paramount for canine hip dysplasia (HD) screening. The aims of this study were to evaluate femoral parallelism on normal ventrodorsal hip extended (VDHE) view and the effect of femoral angulation (FA) on Norberg Angle (NA) and Hip Congruency Index (HCI). The femoral parallelism was evaluated comparing the alignment of the long femoral axis with the long body axis in normal VDHE views and the effect of FA on NA and HCI on repeated VDHE views with different levels of FA. The femoral long axis in normal VDHE views showed a ranged of FA from −4.85° to 5.85°, mean ± standard deviation (SD) of −0.06 ± 2.41°, 95% CI [−4.88, 4.76°]. In the paired views, the mean ± SD femur adduction of 3.69 ± 1.96° led to a statistically significant decrease NA, and HCI, and femur abduction of 2.89 ± 2.12 led to a statistically significant increase in NA and HCI (p

Man-Lok Lio,1 Chang-Cheng Chang,2 Andy Deng-Chi Chuang,3 Li-Cheng Tsai,4 Chien-Chou Chen5– 8 1Department of General Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan; 2Division of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; 3Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan; 4Department of Dermatology, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; 5Department of dermatology, Joe Chen Beauty Skin Clinic, Taichung City, Taiwan; 6Department of Cosmeceutics and Graduate Institute of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; 7School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; 8Institute of Imaging and Biomedical Photonics, National Yang MingCorrespondence: Chang-Cheng Chang, Email changcc1975@gmail.comBackground: Multiple penetration depths of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for facial rejuvenation have not been quantified.Methods: We enrolled 12 participants (n=24) to undergo one session of HIFU rejuvenation between January 1, 2019, and January 10, 2020. We used a 2-, 4.5-, and 6-mm focal depth transducer on the upper and middle face. We evaluated efficacy on days 60 and 90 by using our specific assessment system.Results: The average eyebrow peak and pupil–eyebrow peak angles significantly increased by 2° (p < 0.0005) and decreased by 1° (p < 0.0001), respectively, at day 90. The shortened eyebrow–iris length indicated that the forehead tissues had lifted and moved medially to the central face. Supraorbital tissues were also vertically elevated, marked by the eyebrow–orbital (p = 0.0016) and vertical palpebral fissure lengths (p = 0.0052), which both exhibited a 0.8-cm elevation. For the midface, the increased canthus–oral–nasal angle (p = 0.5881) and decreased tragus–oral length (p = 0.5881) indicated that laxity had been corrected through lifted oral commissure, though the data were not statistically significant. No serious side effects were observed.Conclusion: HIFU treatment with multiple depths quantitatively improved both upper-facial rejuvenation and midface rejuvenation after a single session.Keywords: HIFU, high-intensity focused ultrasound, facial aging, facial periorbital rejuvenation, midface rejuvenation

Background and Aim: Passive hip laxity (PHL) is considered the primary risk factor for canine hip dysplasia (HD) and is estimated, in stress hip radiographs, using the distraction index (DI). The study aimed to associate the early PHL using the hip Distractor of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (DisUTAD) and the late HD grades. Materials and Methods: A total of 41 dogs (82 hips) were submitted to a follow-up study. First, between 4 and 12 months of age, dogs were radiographed using the DisUTAD hip distractor and were determined the DI for each hip joint. Then, after 12 months of age, dogs were reevaluated for HD using the conventional hip ventrodorsal projection and hips were evaluated for HD using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring system. Results: Hips of dogs' in the second examination with FCI grades of A (n=28), B (n=11), C (n=22), and D and E (n=21) had an early DI of 0.32±0.1, 0.38±0.08, 0.50±0.12, and 0.64±0.11, respectively. Statistical analysis using the general linear model univariate, with the DI as dependent variable and the FCI grades, side and sex as fixed factors, and the post hoc Bonferroni correction test showed significant differences among FCI grades (p

O convívio saudável com animais tem resultados benéficos para as crianças/adolescentes. No entanto, apesar do grande número de animais domiciliados cresce também o abandono gerando uma superpopulação de animais errantes e negligenciados, expondo a população a riscos de zoonoses e acidentes. O projeto objetiva expor os conceitos de bem-estar animal, guarda responsável e zoonoses para crianças/adolescentes e professores do ensino fundamental.

Echinodermata pada dasarnya merupakan indikator kesehatan dan status dari terumbu karang di laut. Dasar perairan yang landai dengan substrat pasir, terumbu karang, dan pecahan karang merupakan habitat bagi hewan jenis Asteroidea, Echinoidea, dan Teripang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi jenis-jenis bintang laut (Asteroidea), bulu babi (Echinoidea), dan teripang (Holothuroidea) dari perairan Pulau Tunda, Kabupaten Serang. Pengamatan Asteroidea, Echinoidea, dan Holothuroidea menggunakan metode line transek yang dimodifikasi, yaitu mengamati subjek dalam jarak yang sama sepanjang garis transek dan kuadrat transek dengan pengamatan 2,5 m di sebelah kanan dan kiri garis line transek. Observasi habitat yang meliputi substrat dan kedalaman, sedangkan jumlah total bintang laut, bulu babi, dan teripang di setiap stasiun dicatat yang selanjutnya sampel didokumentasikan dan diidentifikasi berdasarkan ciri-ciri morfologinya. Di perairan Pulau Tunda ditemukan 2 spesies dari kelas Asteroidea yaitu Linckia laevigata dan Culcita novaeguneae, 3 spesies dari Echinoidea yaitu Diadema antilarum, Diadema setosum, Echinomerta mathaei, dan 3 spesies dari Holothuroidea yaitu Holothuria atra, Holothuria leucospilota, Bohadschia graeffei.

X-ray bone semantic segmentation is one crucial task in medical imaging. Due to deep learning's emergence, it was possible to build high-precision models. However, these models require a large quantity of annotated data. Furthermore, semantic segmentation requires pixel-wise labeling, thus being a highly time-consuming task. In the case of hip joints, there is still a need for increased anatomic knowledge due to the intrinsic nature of the femur and acetabulum. Active learning aims to maximize the model's performance with the least possible amount of data. In this work, we propose and compare the use of different queries, including uncertainty and diversity-based queries. Our results show that the proposed methods permit state-of-the-art performance using only 81.02% of the data, with O(1) time complexity.

Plasmonic nanoheaters are reported that produce a significant local heating when excited by a 532 nm wavelength focused laser beam. A significant temperature increase derives from the strong confinement of electric field enabled by the specific arrangement of Au nanodisks constituting the nanoheater. The thermal response is much more sensitive when layering the gold nanoheaters by a thick layer of doped polymer, reaching a temperature variation of more than 250 °C. The modulation of the excitation by a chopper enables the fine control of the thermal response with a measured maximum temperature variation of about 60 °C in a single period. These intriguing features can be efficiently exploited for the design of novel systems finding application in nano medicine and nano chemistry.

The alteration in the shape of the femoral neck is an important radiographic sign for scoring canine hip dysplasia (CHD). Previous studies have reported that the femoral neck thickness (FNT) is greater in dogs with hip joint dysplasia, becoming progressively thicker with disease severity. The main objective of this work was to describe a femoral neck thickness index (FNTi) to quantify FNT and to study its association with the degree of CHD using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scheme. A total of 53 dogs (106 hips) were randomly selected for this study. Two examiners performed FNTi estimation to study intra- and inter-examiner reliability and agreement. The paired t-test, the Bland-Altman plots, and the intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent agreement and reliability between the measurements of the two examiners and the examiners’ sessions. All joints were scored in five categories by an experienced examiner according to FCI criteria. The results from examiner 1 were compared between FCI categories. Hips that were assigned an FCI grade of A (n = 19), B (n = 23), C (n = 24), D (n = 24), and E (n = 16) had a mean ± standard deviation FNTi of 0.809 ± 0.024, 0.835 ± 0.044, 0.868 ± 0.022, 0.903 ± 0.033, and 0.923 ± 0.068, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Therefore, these results show that FNTi is a parameter capable of evaluating proximal femur bone modeling and that it has the potential to enrich conventional CHD scoring criteria if incorporated into a computer-aided diagnosis capable of detecting CHD.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been increasingly used in the medical imaging field in the past few years. The evaluation of medical images is very subjective and complex, and therefore the application of artificial intelligence and deep learning methods to automatize the analysis process would be very beneficial. A lot of researchers have been applying these methods to image analysis diagnosis, developing software capable of assisting veterinary doctors or radiologists in their daily practice. This article details the main methodologies used to develop software applications on machine learning and how veterinarians with an interest in this field can benefit from such methodologies. The main goal of this study is to offer veterinary professionals a simple guide to enable them to understand the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning and the concepts such as deep learning, convolutional neural networks, transfer learning, and the performance evaluation method. The language is adapted for medical technicians, and the work already published in this field is reviewed for application in the imaging diagnosis of different animal body systems: musculoskeletal, thoracic, nervous, and abdominal.

This work aimed to define a humane endpoint scoring system able to objectively identify signs of animal suffering in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into control and induced group. The induced animals drink a 10% fructose solution for 14 days. Then, received an administration of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Animals’ body weight, water and food consumption were recorded weekly. To evaluate animal welfare, a score sheet with 14 parameters was employed. Blood glucose levels were measured at three time points. After seven weeks of initiating the protocol, the rats were euthanized. The induced animals showed weight loss, polyuria, polyphagia, and polydipsia. According to our humane endpoints table, changes in animal welfare became noticeable after the STZ administration. None of the animals hit the critical score limit (four). Data showed that the most effective parameters to assess welfare in this type 2 diabetes rat induction model were dehydration, grooming, posture, abdominal visualization, and stool appearance. The glycemia was significantly higher in the induced group when compared to the controls (p < 0.01). Induced animals’ murinometric and nutritional parameters were significantly lower than the controls (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that in this rat model of type 2 diabetes with STZ-induced following fructose consumption, our list of humane endpoints is suitable for monitoring the animals’ welfare.

Ikan kembung merupakan spesies yang dominan tertangkap di Perairan Selat Sunda. Daerah penangkapan ikan memiliki karakteristik yang sangat dipengaruhi kondisi oseanografi seperti suhu dan klorofil-a. Suhu permukaan laut merupakan indikator untuk mengukur fenomena-fenomena yang terjadi di lautan seperti fenomena arus, upwelling, front sedangkan klorofil-a yang merupakan indikator kesuburan suatu perairan. Aspek ukuran panjang ikan menjadi fokus utama dalam menentukan daerah penangkapan ikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hasil tangkapan berdasarkan klorofil-a, suhu permukaan laut, dan ukuran panjang ikan yang menghasilkan pemetaan daerah penangkapan ikan kembung di Perairan Selat Sunda. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode kasus. Analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu skoring terkait dengan klorofil-a, suhu permukaan laut, ukuran panjang ikan, dan CPUE. Ukuran panjang ikan merupakan aspek yang memiliki bobot terbesar. Kategori daerah penangkapan ikan terdiri dari kategori daerah penangkapan ikan potensial, potensial sedang, dan tidak potensial. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, jumlah hasil tangkapan ikan kembung di Perairan Selat Sunda selama penelitian yaitu 741 kg. Kategori ukuran ikan layak tangkap terdapat di daerah penangkapan Pulau Peucang, Pulau Panaitan, Teluk Paraja, dan Tanjung Alang-Alang. Kandungan klorofil-a secara keseluruhan termasuk kategori tinggi. Daerah penangkapan yang termasuk kategori potensial yaitu Pulau Peucang, Pulau Panaitan, Tanjung Alang-Alang, dan Teluk Paraja sedangkan daerah penangkapan yang tidak potensial yaitu Tanjung Lesung, Sumur, Sebesi, Tanjung Ketapang, dan Rakata.

Introduction The nanoparticle has become a part of world industry. This substance has been proven as potentially beneficial for its usage as a cata­lyst and semi-conductor due to its high surface area and the effects of the quantum size effect. It exhibits potential characteristics and would be applied in a wider scope of usage compared to bulk particles because the smaller the size of the particles, the more room for the extent of their usage. Nano titanium dioxide application as semi-conductors together with a catalyst is highly attributed to its high photochemical stability and ability to be produced at a low-cost. The consequence of this – exposure of nano titanium dioxide particles to humans – raises concerns regarding health and safety. Therefore, this research action works designed to offer a thorough analysis of toxicology impacts produced by our own synthesis modified hydrothermal in vitro experiments. Material and methods Our nanotitania extraction with 0.05% silver was tested for its toxicity against L929 mouse cells. The cytotoxicity effect of nanotitania extract was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell viability (% CV) was calculated using a formula. Results There are non-cytotoxicity activity of 0.05% nanotitania at concentrations 1.5, 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, and 25 mg/ml on L929 cell lines except at concentration 50 and 100 mg/ml. The result was related to the optical density reading. Conclusions There is no cytotoxic effect of nanotitania extraction with 0.05% silver in the growth inhibition test with L929 mouse with the exception of the 100 mg/ml extract.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, students in Indonesia carried out bold learning from home as a social effort during the pandemic. This bold learning process is considered to be still less effective and efficient and has resulted in some students, especially students having homework during the brave learning period. This has an impact on the psychology of students such as the emergence of depression, anxiety, and stress. Sources of psychological disorders not only from academics but from within themselves also affect mental health. The results of a survey on mental health during the pandemic conducted by the Association of Indonesian Mental Medicine Specialists (PDSKJI) showed that 64.8% of respondents experienced psychological problems in the age group of 19-24 years and over 60 years. In this study the author will make a system of Tests for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Disorders in Students. The results of this test are the severity of each psychological disorder and treatment recommendations based on the test results. The psychological scale used in this study is the DASS-42 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale) which has 42 statements and 3 categories of disorders, namely depression, anxiety, and stress. Each category has 5 levels, namely normal, mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. The Test System for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Disorders for Students uses the Naïve Bayes method with the accuracy of the dataset obtained by 86.44%, so it can be said that this system is running according to the purpose.

Accurate radiographic screening evaluation is essential in the genetic control of canine HD, however, the qualitative assessment of hip congruency introduces some subjectivity, leading to excessive variability in scoring. The main objective of this work was to validate a method-Hip Congruency Index (HCI)-capable of objectively measuring the relationship between the acetabulum and the femoral head and associating it with the level of congruency proposed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), with the aim of incorporating it into a computer vision model that classifies HD autonomously. A total of 200 dogs (400 hips) were randomly selected for the study. All radiographs were scored in five categories by an experienced examiner according to FCI criteria. Two examiners performed HCI measurements on 25 hip radiographs to study intra- and inter-examiner reliability and agreement. Additionally, each examiner measured HCI on their half of the study sample (100 dogs), and the results were compared between FCI categories. The paired t-test and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed no evidence of a systematic bias, and there was excellent reliability between the measurements of the two examiners and examiners’ sessions. Hips that were assigned an FCI grade of A (n = 120), B (n = 157), C (n = 68), D (n = 38) and E (n = 17) had a mean HCI of 0.739 ± 0.044, 0.666 ± 0.052, 0.605 ± 0.055, 0.494 ± 0.070 and 0.374 ± 0.122, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.01). Therefore, these results show that HCI is a parameter capable of estimating hip congruency and has the potential to enrich conventional HD scoring criteria if incorporated into an artificial intelligence algorithm competent in diagnosing HD.

BackgroundSilicone gel removal after breast implant rupture is a difficult task. Silicone is hydrophobic and thus cannot be irrigated effectively with saline. Attempts at mechanical removal with sponges are often partially successful. Incomplete removal results in persistent silicone contamination with possible local inflammation, infection, and silicone granulomata. In this partially quantitative investigation, we assess the de-adhesion ability of different clindamycin formulations against known surfactant controls when combined with silicone gel.MethodsTo demonstrate surfactant properties in vitro, clindamycin phosphate, clindamycin hydrochloride, and a known surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), were compared. An amount of 170 g of silicone gel placed in a dry glass container exhibited strong adherence to the container walls. In separate trials, clindamycin phosphate (300 mg in 100 mL), clindamycin HCl (300 mg in 100 mL), and SDS (1 g in 100 mL) solutions with normal saline were added to the silicone aggregate, and de-adhesion properties were compared.ResultsAll solutions aided in the de-adhesion of the sticky silicone from glass substrate. The SDS had the strongest effect, followed by clindamycin phosphate and then clindamycin HCl. The observed interactions suggested that all of the solutions behaved as ionic surfactant coating the silicone with negative charges via adsorption. However, the phosphate anionic formulation was associated with a greater surfactant effect than HCl.ConclusionsClindamycin acts as a surfactant to aid in the clinical removal of ruptured silicone gel. Clindamycin phosphate seems to have a stronger effect than clindamycin HCl, likely related to the negative charges on the phosphate groups.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease for which signs and symptoms have a negative impact on a patients quality of life (QoL) and mental health. Here, we assess the impact of lebrikizumab on QoL and mental health after 16 weeks of treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. METHODS: Data were analyzed over 16 weeks from two separate phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, monotherapy trials (ADvocate1 and ADvocate2). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the following measures: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale (VAS), EQ-5D-5L index scores (UK and US), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety, and PROMIS Depression. RESULTS: Treatment with lebrikizumab 250 mg every 2 weeks in two studies led to statistically significant improvements (based on nominal p values) versus placebo in DLQI since week 4 (the first timepoint assessed) for the following measures: change from baseline in DLQI total score (ADvocate1 - 7.8 vs - 2.8; ADvocate2 - 7.3 vs - 3.9), proportion of patients with DLQI ≥ 4-point improvement (ADvocate1 69.5% vs 36.2%; ADvocate2 60.5% vs 42.6%), DLQI total score ≤ 5 (ADvocate1 36.7% vs 8.8%; ADvocate2 29.6% vs 10.8%), and DLQI (0, 1) (ADvocate1 12.3% vs 1.7%; ADvocate2 9.2% vs 1.7%). Improvements in DLQI measures, EQ-5D-5L index scores (UK and US), and EQ-5D-5L VAS were sustained through week 16. Additionally, lebrikizumab improved PROMIS Anxiety and PROMIS Depression scores, and improvements were higher in patients with at least a mild score (≥ 55) versus placebo for PROMIS Anxiety (ADvocate1 - 7.43 vs - 1.51; ADvocate2 - 4.95 vs - 0.82) and PROMIS Depression (ADvocate1 - 7.42 vs - 2.46; ADvocate2 - 4.28 vs - 2.00). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with monotherapy 250 mg lebrikizumab for 16 weeks provided clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes related to QoL and mental health for patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Lebrikizumab-treated patients reported improvements in DLQI as early as week 4, the first measure since baseline. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Registration NCT04146363 (ADvocate1) and NCT04178967 (ADvocate2).