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BACKGROUND: Sustained suppression of serum HBV DNA levels with nucleos(t)ide analogues is the most important success obtained in the treatment of chronic HBV infection today. Tenofovir and entecavir provide more robust viral suppression. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare tenofovir and entecavir in terms of viral kinetics, side effects and virological response in patients with chronic HBV infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with tenofovir or entecavir were included in this retrospective study. Using survey analysis, we evaluated independent variables reflecting virological response to treatment and determined whether use of tenofovir or entecavir was one of them. We compared the decline in serum HBV DNA levels at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th months of treatment between two groups. We also compared entecavir and tenofovir in terms of side effect rates. RESULTS: 117 patients [average age: 44 (20-73), 65 males (55.6%), 30 HBeAg positive (25.6%)] were enrolled in the study. Sixty-six patients (56.4%) used tenofovir and 51 (43.6%) patients used entecavir. Virological response was better in patients using tenofovir (Odd's ratio of 1.796 and p = 0.014) and having high fibrosis score (Odd's ratio of 0.182 and p = 0.018). Entecavir was more effective in reducing serum HBV DNA levels at the 3rd month of treatment (serum HBV DNA decline of 4.45 and 3.96 log10 units for entecavir and tenofovir respectively, p = 0.031), but decline rates were similar at other months. There was no difference between patient groups in terms of side effects and discontinuation of treatment due to side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic HBV infection using tenofovir have better virological response than those using entecavir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of this study is to acquire an ideal bone implant contact under the cover of osteogenic effect of osteoblasts derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Materials and methods. Thirty dental implants were used for this study. Implants were placed in sheep mandibles and defects were created 4 mm coronally in the dental implants. These defects were filled with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in one group and with PRP + Osteoblast Cell Culture (OCC) in another group. No procedure was conducted on the control group defects (empty defect group). Eight weeks later, osseointegration was investigated with Bone Implant Contact (BIC) measurements histomorphologically. Data were checked statistically. Results. The variation of BIC rates between Empty Defect Group and PRP groups was significant ( p <0.05). The BIC rate of the PRP group was higher than that of the Empty Defect Group. The variation of BIC rates between Empty Defect Group and PRP + OCC groups was significant ( p <0.05). The BIC rate of the PRP + OCC group was higher than that of the Empty Defect Group. The variation of BIC rates between PRP and PRP + MSC groups was significant ( p<0.05). The BIC rate of the PRP + OCC group was higher than that of the PRP group. At the end of the 8-week healing period, it was observed that the percentage of BIC was highest in the PRP + OCC group. Conclusions. Implant-bone connection was better in the OCC−PRP group compared with the PRP group and the empty defect group. The use of OCC-PRP combination was effective on healing. The BIC value was increased significantly by OCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which performed histopathological characterization after surgical removal of the injection site masses in dogs. The 12 dogs used in the study have exhibited injection site masses 75 days after miscellaneous subcutaneous injections for cough treatment. Chronic inflammatory granulomas were identified in the majority of the cases through histopathological analysis with haematoxylin-eosin and other agents. The study observed no local recurrence or metastasis in any case.

Background: In 2013, Turkey introduced one-dose universal varicella vaccination (UVV) at 12 months of age. Inclusion of a second dose is being considered., Methods: We developed a dynamic transmission model to evaluate three vaccination strategies: single dose at 12 months (1D) or second dose at either 18 months (2D-short) or 6 years of age (2D-long). Costs and utilization were age-stratified and separated into inpatient and outpatient costs for varicella and herpes zoster (HZ). We ran the model including and excluding HZ-related costs and impact of exogenous boosting., Results: Five years post-introduction of UVV (1D), the projected varicella incidence rate decreases from 1,674 cases pre-vaccine to 80 cases/100,000 person-years. By 25 years, varicella incidence equilibrates at 39, 12, and 16 cases/100,000 person-years for 1D, 2D-short, and 2D-long strategies, respectively, using a highly effective vaccine. With or without including exogenous boosting impact and/or HZ-related costs and health benefits, the 1D strategy is least costly, but 2-dose strategies are cost-effective considering a willingness-to-pay threshold equivalent to the gross domestic product. The model predicted a modest increase in HZ burden during the first 20-30 years, after which time HZ incidence equilibrates at a lower rate than pre-vaccine., Conclusions: Our findings support adding a second varicella vaccine dose in Turkey, as doing so is highly cost-effective across a wide range of assumptions regarding the burden associated with varicella and HZ disease., Competing Interests: This work was funded by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (MSD), a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, which manufactures vaccines for both varicella (Varivax and ProQuad) and HZ (Zostavax). Lara J. Wolfson, Vincent J. Daniels, and Matthew Pillsbury are employees of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, and stockholders of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA. Zafer Kurugöl has received consulting fees from MSD Turkey. Cuneyt Yardimci was an employee of MSD Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey, at the time of the study. Jeffrey Kyle is an employee of Atlas Data Systems, Berkeley Heights, NJ, USA. Ener Cagri Dinleyici has received consulting fees from MSD Turkey. Employees of the funders participated in the study design, in the analysis and interpretation of the data, in the preparation of the manuscript, and in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

The Notch signaling pathway is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, and has been recognized as an active pathway in regenerating tissue and cancerous cells. Notch signaling inhibition is considered a viable approach to the treatment of a variety of conditions including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and metastatic melanoma. The discovery that the b-annulated dihydropyridine FLI-06 (1) is an inhibitor of the Notch pathway with an EC50 ≈ 2.5 μM prompted us to screen a library of related analogs. After structure activity studies were conducted, racemic compound 7 was identified with an EC50 = 0.36 μM. Synthesis of individual enantiomers provided (+)-7 enantiomer with an EC50 = 0.13 μM, or about 20-fold the potency of 1., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of whole-body electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on growth plates in growing male rats. Two groups of rats were exposed to either 900 MHz EMF or 1800 MHz EMF 2 h/day for 90 days. Sham control rats were kept under similar conditions without exposure to the EMF. The rats in the EMF group experienced a more rapid weight gain and increase in length (p < 0.05). Calcium, growth hormone, estradiol and testosterone levels in the EMF groups were higher (p < 0.05). The Safranin O staining density of femoral growth plate was lowest in the reserve zone of rats exposed to 1800 MHz and was increased in the proliferative zone of the control group (p < 0.05). The trabecular zone was thinnest among all zones and the reserve and proliferative zones were thicker (p < 0.05) than other zones in 1800 MHz group.In conclusion, 1800 MHz and 900 MHz EMF may cause prolong the growth phase in growing rats.

Aims: We aimed to determine whether mean platelet volume (MPV) is one of the variables that determine the severity of liver fibrosis and inflammation., Materials and Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were divided into two groups: patients with fibrosis scores of 0-3 and 4-6 and patients with histologic activity index scores of 0-9 and 10-18 (according to the Ishak Scoring System). The independent variables determining the severity of liver fibrosis and inflammation were investigated., Results: Two hundred and thirty-eight patients were included in this retrospective study. The fibrosis scores of 29 patients (12.2%) were higher than 3. The independent variables that determined the severity of the fibrosis score were a high level of serum γ-glutamyl transferase and a low blood platelet count (odds ratio and P values were 1.016 and 0.004 for γ-glutamyl transferase, and 0.986 and 0.002 for blood platelet count). The histologic activity indexes of 38 patients (16%) were higher than 9. The independent variables determining the severity of liver inflammation were serum HBV DNA, γ-glutamyl transferase, and globulin levels and the MPV [odds ratio and P values were, respectively, 0.1001 and 0.046 for HBV DNA (×10); 1.016 and 0.004 for γ-glutamyl transferase; 2.247 and 0.039 for globulin; and 1.488 and 0.004 for the MPV]. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the model predicting the severity of liver inflammation were 60.5, 83, 40.3, and 91.7%, respectively (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve=0.775, P=0.0001)., Conclusion: MPV may provide useful information to predict the degree of liver inflammation along with other markers.

Background: Effects of whole cell type immunization on mice Ehrlich tumours were evaluated., Materials and Methods: After preliminary study, mice were divided two major groups; 1 x 1000 and 100 x 1000 live Ehrlich cell transferred major groups, each divided into four subgroups (n: 10). Study groups were immunized with Ehrlich cell lysates in 0, 3, 7, 14th days and after 30 days of last immunization, live Ehrlich cells were transferred. Mice were observed for six months and evaluated for total and cancer free days., Results: Out of 100 x 1000 cell transferred solid type study group, all study group mean and tumour free periods were statistically longer than control groups. All 1 x 1000 Ehrlich cell transferred study groups survived significantly longer than 100 x 1000 Ehrlich cell transferred groups., Conclusions: Ehrlich mice tumours were prevented and survival prolonged with whole cell type immunization. Effects are related to the number of transferred tumor cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate bee venom and hyaluronic acid in the intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis in an experimental rabbit model. Forty-five rabbits were used and they were randomly divided into three groups (BVI, BVII, and HA) and each group was divided to two subgroups to evaluate the radiologic, magnetic resonance imaging, histopathologic, and biochemical evaluation in post treatment second week (a) and twelfth week (b). Radiologically, a significant difference was observed in the HA group (P<0.05). The MRI evaluation of at any time in group BVI(b) was found to be different. No significant differences were seen between the groups, biochemically. Histopathologically, cellularity, and orthochromasia was evident with Safranin-O in the BVI(b) and BVII(a); adhesions were seen in the BVII(a) group and clustering of chondrocyte in the HA(b) group were found to be different. Consequently, intra-articular application of HA and BV for experimental model of osteoarthritis has no significant influence upon recovery after therapy., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To present a novel technique for the treatment of severe congenital flexural forelimb deformities in calves., Methods: Thirteen calves of different breeds and sex with severe congenital flexural forelimb deformities were enrolled in the study. A semicircular external skeletal fixation system composed of 6-hole, 45° carbon-fiber arches, 6 mm threaded rods, half-pin fixation bolts, 6 mm hexagonal nuts, and negative profile end-threaded half-pins were used for pancarpal arthrodesis. Complications, time to first use of the limb, fixator removal time, preoperative and postoperative sagittal plane angles of the fused joints, and functional outcomes were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Final assessments were determined according to functional and cosmetic outcomes., Results: All of the surgically treated carpal joints obtained fusion. Seven of the calves started to use the limb immediately after recovering from anesthesia. In the other six calves, the time ranged from one to two days. Time to fixator removal ranged from 25 to 36 days (mean 30 days). Final outcome was excellent in 11 cases, and good in two cases., Clinical Significance: The technique was found to be a useful method for the treatment of severe congenital flexural forelimb deformities in calves. The cost of the operation is negligible compared to the economic value of beef cattle.

Objective: To describe a lingual arch bar technique for fixation of rostral mandibular body fractures and report outcome in 16 cats., Study Design: Original study., Animals: Cats (n=16) with rostral mandibular body fracture (10 bilateral, 6 unilateral) just caudal to the canine teeth., Methods: Orthodontic wire (Dentaurum® ; 0.9 mm) was used as a lingual arch bar by contouring it to the shape of the lingual side of the alveolar margin, and secured by circum-mandibular wires passed interproximal to teeth. Stability of fixation, occlusion, tolerance to the lingual arch bar, degree of secondary gingivitis/periodontitis, and ability to eat were evaluated clinically, and fracture union was assessed radiographically., Results: The lingual arch bar was well tolerated. Eleven cats without a feeding tube were able to eat within 24 hours. Time to fracture union and appliance removal ranged from 28 to 64 days (mean, 42.5 days). Malocclusion of the rostral part of the fracture occurred in 5 cats; however only 1 required correction., Conclusions: Intraoral stabilization of rostral mandibular fractures using a lingual arch bar is a simple and effective method for the treatment of rostral mandibular fractures just caudal to the canine teeth., (© Copyright 2011 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Objective: To report use of semicircular external skeletal fixators (ESF) for management of femoral fractures in dogs., Study Design: Prospective clinical study., Animals: Dogs (n=16) with femoral fractures (n=18)., Methods: A semicircular ESF system composed of 6-hole 45° or 5-hole 40° carbon-fiber arches, 6 mm threaded rods, half pin fixation bolts, 6 mm nuts, and negative profile end-threaded half pins were used for open repair of femoral fractures. ESF configuration, complications, limb use, fixator removal time, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor., Results: Seventeen fractures with sufficient follow-up healed. Eight dogs started using the limb immediately after waking up from anesthesia whereas initial limb use was 1-4 days after repair in the other dogs. Time to fixator removal ranged from 28 to 63 days (mean, 38 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 13 cases, good in 4, and poor in 1 nonunion., Conclusion: Semicircular ESF combined with open surgical reduction can be used to successfully repair metaphyseal and diaphyseal femoral fractures in young growing dogs., (© Copyright 2011 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Case Description: Two calves with unilateral congenital flexural and torsional limb deformities below the hock joint of the left hindlimb were presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Ondokuz Mayis University. According to clinical, goniometric and radiological examinations, flexural (130°-40°) and torsional (90°-180°) deformities were diagnosed. Except for the limb deformities, both animals were otherwise completely healthy., Treatment and Outcome: In case 1, hock joint arthrodesis was performed using a circular external skeletal fixation system with four full rings 160 mm in diameter. In case 2, the deformity was corrected by fixation after transverse osteotomy at the level of the proximal metatarsals with four full rings 150 mm in diameter, and arthrodesis of the fetlock joint with three full rings 100 mm in diameter. According to clinical examinations and follow-up telephone interviews performed 15 and 24 weeks after discharge, functional use with slight lameness in case 1 and full functional use in case 2 had been achieved., Clinical Relevance: None of the previously reported cases of flexural deformity had radiographic signs similar to those of the calves in our report, and the deformities were not as severe as those reported here. To our knowledge, this is the first report of treatment of unilateral congenital flexural and torsional deformities in calves with a circular external skeletal fixation system.

Forty-three dogs with carpal laxity syndrome were included in the study. The cases were assessed with clinical and radiographical examinations. The case histories were obtained from patient owners. We recommended exercise and commercially available balanced diets for the treatment. In all cases, the clinical recovery period varied between one to four weeks. Healing occurred by the second week in the majority of cases (65.11%). The deformity was observed more frequently in male dogs (n = 30) than in female dogs (n = 13), and in six- to eight-week-old dogs. Carpal Laxity Syndrome is a more general term, used for both hyperextension and hyperflexion deformity. Malnutrition or over-nutrition of rapidly growing large breed puppies causes weakness and irregular tension between extensor and flexor muscle groups, which leads to laxity of the carpal joint. Exercise and commercially available balanced diets without any other treatment is usually enough to achieve physical and functional recovery.

A fast and simple micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic method was developed for the analysis of piribedil in pharmaceutical formulations. The effects of buffer concentration, buffer pH, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) concentration, organic modifier, applied voltage and injection time were investigated. Optimum results were obtained with a 50 mM borate buffer at pH 8.0 containing 50 mM SDS by using a fused silica capillary (50 microm internal diameter, 72 cm effective length). The sample was injected hydrodynamically for 4 s at 50 mbar pressure and the applied voltage was +30 kV. The detection wavelength was set at 205 nm. Diflunisal was used as an internal standard. The analysis was performed at 25 degrees C and the total run time was 14 min. The method was suitably validated with respect to linearity range, limit of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy, specificity and robustness. The linear calibration range was 5-100 microg mL(-1) and the limit of detection was determined as 1 microg mL(-1). The method developed was successfully applied to the determination of piribedil in pharmaceutical formulations. The results were compared with a spectrophotometric method reported in the literature and no significant difference was found statistically.

The electrochemical reduction of fenofibrate at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. Different buffer solutions were used over a wide pH range (3.0-10.0). The best definition of the analytical signals was found in borate buffer (pH 9.0)-tetrabutylammonium iodide mixture containing 12.5% (v/v) methanol at -1.2 V (versus Ag/AgCl). According to cyclic voltammetric studies, the reduction was irreversible and diffusion controlled. The diffusion coefficient was 2.38x10(-6) cm2 s(-1) as determined by chronoamperometry. Under optimized conditions of square-wave voltammetry, a linear relationship was obtained between 0.146-4.96 microg mL(-1) of fenofibrate with a limit of detection of 0.025 microg mL(-1). Validation parameters such as sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and recovery were evaluated. The proposed method was applied to the determination of fenofibrate in pharmaceutical formulations. The results were compared with those obtained by a published high-performance liquid chromatography method. No difference was found statistically.

A simple, sensitive and selective square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric method has been developed and validated for the determination of nifedipine (NIF) in plasma. The assay was performed after single extraction of NIF from alkalinised plasma into organic phase. The adsorption behaviour of NIF on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) was explored by square-wave and cyclic voltammetry. The drug was accumulated at HMDE and a well-defined peak was obtained at -730 mV versus Ag/AgCl in borate buffer of pH 9.0 including 0.01 M KCl. The linear concentration range was 2.89 x 10(-9) M-3.61 x 10(-7) M (1.00-125.01 ng ml(-1)) when using 30 s accumulation time at -300 mV. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were 1.21 x 10(-9) M (0.42 ng ml(-1)) and 2.89 x 10(-9) M (1.00 ng ml(-1)) respectively. The intra-day relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 1.93 to 4.12% at three concentrations and the inter-day RSDs varied from 2.53 to 6.68%. The method was applied, to the plasma of pregnant women suffering from pregnancy induced hypertension, for the determination of NIF. The percentage recoveries varied from 96.26 to 99.49%. It has been shown that NIF could be determined in the presence of its main metabolite (dehydronifedipine) by the developed method., (Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.)

The electrochemical reduction of lansoprazole was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and direct current and differential pulse polarography. The reduction potential was -1.32 V vs. Ag/AgCl with a dropping mercury electrode in a supporting electrolyte consisting of phosphate buffer (pH 9.0)-tetramethylammonium iodide (4 + 1). The reversibility of the electrode reaction and the type of limiting current were studied. The temperature coefficient and the diffusion constant were determined. A mechanism for the electrode reaction was proposed. A new simple and sensitive differential pulse polarographic method was also developed for the quantification of lansoprazole. A linear calibration graph was obtained in the range 0.04-11.35 micrograms ml-1. The limit of detection was 0.03 microgram ml-1 and the intra- and inter-day precisions were 0.84-2.32 and 0.72-3.09%, respectively. The developed method was applied to six different commercial pharmaceutical capsule preparations containing enteric-coated granules. The relative standard deviations ranged from 1.36 to 2.85%. Recovery studies for the accuracy of the method were performed by adding a synthetic mixture to known amounts of lansoprazole and the mean recovery was 100.45%. The data obtained from commercial preparations were compared with those from a published spectrophotometric method. No difference was found statistically.