Recommendations for the safe use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cirrhosis based on a systematic review of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety data.

Purpose: The popularity of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is increasing among patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis has a major impact on the pharmacokinetics of drugs, potentially increasing adverse events. Safe use of drugs in cirrhosis requires a diligent risk-benefit analysis.

Evaluation of the importance of mixing during preparation of antibiotic infusions.

Background: The mixing step after medication addition to the infusion bag is frequently omitted during the preparation of drug infusions. However, the importance of mixing when preparing antibiotic infusions is still unknown.

Methods: The primary aim of this study was to assess the importance of the mixing step by comparing the concentrations of unmixed antibiotic infusions (cefuroxime, flucloxacillin, meropenem, and vancomycin) with the declared concentration at regular intervals during infusion.

A yeast-based phenotypic screen for aquaporin inhibitors.

Aquaporins mediate transport of water or small, uncharged solutes across cellular membranes according to the prevailing osmotic and chemical gradients. Because of their implication in human diseases and pathophysiological states, aquaporins are considered as potential drug targets. Yet, specific aquaporin inhibitors for in vivo studies are not available.

Demonstrating circulation in vasculogenic mimicry patterns of uveal melanoma by confocal indocyanine green angiography.

Purpose: Vasculogenic mimicry patterns, formed by highly invasive melanoma cells, connect to endothelial cell-lined blood vessels and contain fluid in vitroand in vivo. This study was designed to determine if fluid leaks into vasculogenic mimicry patterns without circulation, or if fluid circulates in and clears from these patterns.

Methods: Indocyanine green (ICG) laser scanning confocal angiography (Heidelberg Retinal Angiograph (HRA); Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed on nine patients with posterior choroidal melanoma in an institutional setting.