Physical and pharmacokinetic characterization of Soluvec™, a novel, solvent-free aqueous ivermectin formulation.

To describe application of the Quicksol™ solvent-free approach to solubilize ivermectin (IVM). Lyophilized IVM complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was resolubilized in aqueous polysorbate-80, generating Soluvec™. Lyophilizate was examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry; Soluvec, by dynamic light scattering.

Obesity in South and Southeast Asia-A new consensus on care and management.

Obesity is a chronic disease in which the abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat leads to impaired health and increased risk of mortality and chronic health complications. Prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly in South and Southeast Asia, with potentially serious consequences for local economies, healthcare systems, and quality of life. Our group of obesity specialists from Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam undertook to develop consensus recommendations for management and care of adults and children with obesity in South and Southeast Asia.

Acute infusion effects in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients receiving alemtuzumab under a modified prophylaxis regimen.

Background: Use of alemtuzumab in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is limited by safety concerns, notably risk of rare, serious vascular events. Along with other vital sign (VS) changes, acute increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) is monitored as a marker of vascular risk. Peri-infusion prophylaxis is used to manage clinical risk by moderating cytokine release; protocols are not fully specified and vary across sites.

Transition of Topical Therapy Formulation in Psoriasis: Insights from a Canadian Practice Reflective.

Patient preferences for psoriasis treatment may affect treatment adherence and disease control; changing topical formulation may improve adherence and patient acceptance of treatment. This study explored dermatologists' reasons for transitioning psoriasis patients from an ointment or gel (Dovobet®) formulation to an aerosol foam (Enstilar®) formulation of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD), and to assess the success of this transition. Medical records of 81 Canadian patients from 9 dermatologists were retrospectively reviewed for symptoms affecting quality of life, reasons for transitioning treatment, and whether transition was successful.

Treatment Choices in a National Cohort of Canadian Women With Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids.

Objectives: To describe treatment choices made at the time of enrollment in CAPTURE, a Canadian patient registry for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs), and to define demographic and clinical characteristics that independently predict these choices.

Methods: Women arranging appointments for UF care were eligible to enrol. At the time of the enrollment visit, women's self-reported treatment histories were noted, along with their clinical characteristics.

Canadian Patients' Preferences in Topical Psoriasis Care: Insights From the PROPEL Surveys.

Background: Patients with psoriasis of all severities employ topical treatment, either alone or in combination. Promoting Patient Engagement at the Leading Edge of Topical Psoriasis Treatment (PROPEL) surveyed Canadian dermatologists and their patients about their attitudes toward topical care.

Objectives: To identify gaps between patients and dermatologists regarding the burden of psoriasis, the burden of treatment, and priorities for topical care to Canadian patients with psoriasis.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 1: Introduction to the Guidelines.

Background: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal and squamous cell carcinoma, represents the most common malignancy.

Objective: The aim of this document is to provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners on NMSC management.

Methods: After conducting a literature review, the group developed recommendations for prevention, management, and treatment of basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and actinic keratoses.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 4: Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy. Growth of BCCs leads to local destruction of neighbouring healthy skin and underlying tissue and can result in significant functional and cosmetic morbidity.

Objective: To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding management of BCCs.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 3: Management of Actinic Keratoses.

Background: Actinic keratosis (AK) and cheilitis (AC) are lesions that develop on photodamaged skin and may progress to form invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

Objective: To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding management of AKs and ACs.

Methods: Literature searches and development of graded recommendations were carried out as discussed in the accompanying introduction (chapter 1 of the NMSC guidelines).

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 5: Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second-most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Objective: To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding management of SCCs.

Methods: Literature searches and development of graded recommendations were carried out as discussed in the accompanying introduction (chapter 1 of the NMSC guidelines).

Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 2: Primary Prevention of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.

Background: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal and squamous cell carcinoma (BCC and SCC), represents the most common malignancy.

Objective: To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding primary prevention of NMSC.

Methods: Structured literature searches were conducted, using search terms including prevention, sunscreen, and sun prevention factor.

Treatment of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML): a Canadian consensus.

Patients over age 60 comprise the majority of those diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but treatment approaches in this population are variable, with many uncertainties and controversies. Our group conducted a literature review to summarize the latest information and to develop a consensus document with practical treatment recommendations. We addressed five key questions: selection criteria for patients to receive intensive induction chemotherapy; optimal induction and post-remission regimens; allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); treatment of patients not suitable for induction chemotherapy; and treatment of patients with prior hematological disorders or therapy-related AML.

Practical approaches to the use of lenalidomide in multiple myeloma: a canadian consensus.

In Canada, lenalidomide combined with dexamethasone (Len/Dex) is approved for use in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Our expert panel sought to provide an up-to-date practical guide on the use of lenalidomide in the managing RRMM within the Canadian clinical setting, including management of common adverse events (AEs). The panel concluded that safe, effective administration of Len/Dex treatment involves the following steps: (1) lenalidomide dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance and the extent of neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, (2) dexamethasone administered at 20-40 mg/week, and (3) continuation of treatment until disease progression or until toxicity persists despite dose reduction.

Topical psoriasis therapy in the age of biologics: evidence-based treatment recommendations.

Background: Although the range of therapeutic options has expanded dramatically in recent years, topical agents remain ubiquitous and indispensable tools for treating psoriasis at all levels of severity. The 2009 Canadian psoriasis guidelines considered evidence supporting various monotherapies and combination regimens.

Objective: Here we review all approved topical agents, including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, vitamin D analogues, and retinoids, used in psoriasis and develop additional treatment recommendations, using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) system to evaluate strength of evidence, as in the original guidelines.

Barriers to effective insulin treatment: the persistence of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Background: Contrary to longstanding recommendations on type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, the de facto standard of care in Canada includes lag times of many years prior to introducing effective glycemic control. Even patients transitioned to insulin may continue to experience poor glycemic control, with attendant diabetic complications, suggesting poor adherence or inadequate dose titration.

Objective: To identify barriers to timely and effective use of insulin in T2D.

Canadian guidelines for the management of plaque psoriasis: overview.

New clinical treatment guidelines for plaque psoriasis, written by a panel of 16 Canadian dermatologists, were recently published online. These Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Plaque Psoriasis are evidence based and free of any influence from corporate sponsors and have been endorsed by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA). The Guidelines offer treatment recommendations for mild and moderate to severe body psoriasis, as well as for psoriasis affecting specific areas of the skin, such as the facial, flexural, and genital areas; nails; scalp; and palms and soles.

Simple enzymatic means to neutralize DNA contamination in nucleic acid amplification.

Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) is prone to false positives when contaminating DNA molecules are present at the start of a reaction. Contaminants that derive from earlier work using a given primer pair (carryover PCR products) are of particular concern when those primers are used routinely, as in clinical diagnostics or environmental monitoring. In addition, contamination by genomic DNA can significantly interfere with quantitative and qualitative analysis of RNAs by RT-PCR.