Translation into Spanish and field-testing of a new score for evaluating psoriasis severity: The Simplified Psoriasis Index (SPI).

Background: The simplified psoriasis index (SPI) was developed in the United Kingdom to provide a simple summary measure for monitoring changes in psoriasis severity and associated psychosocial impact as well as for obtaining information about past disease behavior and treatment. Two complementary versions of the SPI allow for self-assessment by the patient or professional assessment by a doctor or nurse. Both versions have proven responsive to change, reliable, and interpretable, and to correlate well with assessment tools that are widely used in clinical trials - the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and the Dermatology Quality of Life Index.

Mutations in the ribosome biogenesis factor gene LTV1 are linked to LIPHAK syndrome, a novel poikiloderma-like disorder.

In the framework of the UK 100 000 Genomes Project, we investigated the genetic origin of a previously undescribed recessive dermatological condition, which we named LIPHAK (LTV1-associated Inflammatory Poikiloderma with Hair abnormalities and Acral Keratoses), in four affected individuals from two UK families of Pakistani and Indian origins, respectively. Our analysis showed that only one gene, LTV1, carried rare biallelic variants that were shared in all affected individuals, and specifically they bore the NM_032860.5:c.

In situ Formed Implants, Based on PLGA and Eudragit Blends, for Novel Florfenicol Controlled Release Formulations.

Drug controlled release technologies (DCRTs) represent an opportunity for designing new therapies. Main objectives are dose number optimization and secondary effects reduction to improve the level of patient/client acceptance. The present work studies DCRTs based in blended polymeric implants for single dose and long-term therapies of florfenicol (FF), a broad spectrum antibiotic.

An analysis of the microencapsulation of ceftiofur in chitosan particles using the spray drying technology.

Ceftiofur is a third-generation cephalosporin approved to treat numerous infections in production animals. Its commercial formulations are administered daily due to the mean life time, leading to several inconveniences, like operative challenges and non-uniform plasma levels. The objective of this work was to microencapsulate ceftiofur in chitosan particles using spray drying technology to extend the delivery and consequently reduce the dosage frequency.

Design and evaluation of a recyclable intravaginal device made of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer for bovine estrus synchronization.

In bovine estrus synchronization, intravaginal devices made of silicone are used to administer exogenous progesterone with the aim of maintain plasmatic levels above 2 ng ml during the treatment. After their use, devices must be discarded. There is an important concern on the environmental impact of the disposal of these used products due mainly to the non-degradability of the silicone and to the residual content of the hormone.

Oral propranolol in the treatment of proliferating infantile haemangiomas: British Society for Paediatric Dermatology consensus guidelines.

Background: Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are the most common vascular tumours of infancy. Despite their frequency and potential complications, there are currently no unified U.K.

Preparation of TPP-crosslinked chitosan microparticles by spray drying for the controlled delivery of progesterone intended for estrus synchronization in cattle.

Purpose: Planned reproduction in cattle involves regulation of estrous cycle and the use of artificial insemination. Cycle control includes the administration of exogenous progesterone during 5-8 days in a controlled manner allowing females to synchronize their ovulation. Several progesterone delivery systems are commercially available but they have several drawbacks.

Effect of particle size, polydispersity and polymer degradation on progesterone release from PLGA microparticles: Experimental and mathematical modeling.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles containing progesterone were prepared by the solvent extraction/evaporation and microfluidic techniques. Microparticles were characterized by their size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, morphology and thermal properties. The effect of particle size, polydispersity and polymer degradation on the in vitro release of the hormone was studied.

Tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of pediatric hyperhidrosis.

Aim Of The Study: The treatment options for localized hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, anticholinergics, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin and surgery. Tap water iontophoresis (TWI) involves immersing the affected area in tap water and passing a small electrical current through the area. Our aim was to assess the success of this therapy in a pediatric cohort.

The Use of Cellulose Membrane to Eliminate Burst Release from Intravaginal Rings.

Burst release was observed when ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) intravaginal rings were tested for progesterone release in our previous work (Helbling et al. Pharm Res. 31(3):795-808, 2014).

The optimization of an intravaginal ring releasing progesterone using a mathematical model.

Purpose: Progering® is the only intravaginal ring intended for contraception therapies during lactation. It is made of silicone and releases progesterone through the vaginal walls. However, some drawbacks have been reported in the use of silicone.

Recent advances in chitosan films for controlled release of drugs.

Chitosan is a versatile carrier for biologically active agent from a small molecule such as an antibiotic to macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, drug delivery devices based on chitosan can be available in a variety of morphologies including films, fibers, nanoparticles and microspheres. Otherwise the inherent advantages of this polymer such as biocompatibility, tissue adhesions and hydrophilic nature, chitosan can be modified to accomplish a specific purpose, for example improves release kinetics.

Application of the Refined Integral Method in the mathematical modeling of drug delivery from one-layer torus-shaped devices.

A mathematical modeling of controlled release of drug from one-layer torus-shaped devices is presented. Analytical solutions based on Refined Integral Method (RIM) are derived. The validity and utility of the model are ascertained by comparison of the simulation results with matrix-type vaginal rings experimental release data reported in the literature.

Mathematical modeling of drug delivery from one-layer and two-layer torus-shaped devices with external mass transfer resistance.

A mathematical modeling of controlled release of drug from one-layer and two-layer torus-shaped devices with external mass transfer resistance is presented. Analytical solutions based on the pseudo-steady state approximation are derived. The validity of the equations is established in two stages.

Mathematical modeling of drug delivery from torus-shaped single-layer devices.

A mathematical modeling of controlled release of drug from torus-shaped single-layer devices is presented. Analytical solutions based on the pseudo-steady state approximation are derived. The reliability and usefulness of the model are ascertained by comparison of the simulation results with matrix-type vaginal ring experimental release data reported in the literature.

Modeling of dispersed-drug delivery from planar polymeric systems: optimizing analytical solutions.

Analytical solutions for the case of controlled dispersed-drug release from planar non-erodible polymeric matrices, based on Refined Integral Method, are presented. A new adjusting equation is used for the dissolved drug concentration profile in the depletion zone. The set of equations match the available exact solution.

Reliability of dermoscopy in the assessment of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

Objective: Few rheumatologists have access to wide field or video capillaroscopy (abnormal capillaries being highly predictive of CTD), and a key question is whether they should, therefore, purchase a dermatoscope. The aim of this study was to estimate the inter- and intra-observer variability of dermoscopy (magnification 10x) among rheumatologists with little or no experience of the technique. Good reliability is a necessary prerequisite for a test to be a valid clinical or research tool.

Audit of admissions to dermatology beds in Greater Manchester.

We present the results of a prospective questionnaire-based audit of admissions to dermatology beds. We examined the admission practices of clinicians and the outcome in terms of benefit to patients. The majority of patients (90%) were admitted because of the severity of their skin disease but other contributing factors included: inability to cope (40%); need for further investigation or observation (33%); coexisting medical factors (17%); poor social support; transport and psychological factors.

Acquired crateriform hyperkeratotic papules of the lower limbs: an unusual variant of acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa.

We report a man with a 3-year-history of a striking eruption of small, 2-3 mm diameter keratotic, crateriform papules distributed symmetrically over the lower limbs. Morphologically the individual papules closely resembled those described in acrokeratoelastoidosis (AK) of Costa and in focal acral hyperkeratosis of Dowd (FAH). The case is unusual, however, in that there was dramatic involvement of the legs but the hands and feet were largely spared.