Efficacy and safety of aripiprazole lauroxil in schizophrenic patients presenting with severe psychotic symptoms during an acute exacerbation.

Aripiprazole lauroxil (AL), a new long-acting injectable antipsychotic, demonstrated safety and efficacy in treating acute exacerbation symptoms of schizophrenia in a 12-week placebo-controlled trial of two doses of AL (441mg and 882mg) administered every 4weeks. We performed a post hoc analysis of this trial to evaluate the efficacy of AL in the subgroup of patients with severe psychotic symptoms, defined as those with baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Total score above the median score of 92 (n=309). Change from baseline to Day 85 in PANSS Total score; Positive, Negative, and General Psychopathology subscale scores; and overall response rate were assessed.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is related with coronary flow velocity reserve and diastolic dysfunction in patients with asymmetric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: The relations of elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) and cardiac ischemia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is uncertain. Therefore we designed the study with the following aims: (1) to analyze plasma concentrations of NT-pro-BNP in various subsets of HCM patients; (2) to reveal the correlations of NT-pro-BNP, myocardial ischemia, and diastolic dysfunction; (3) to assess predictors of the elevated plasma levels of NT-pro-BNP.

Methods And Results: In 61 patients (mean age 48.

Can preoperative CEA and CA19-9 serum concentrations suggest metastatic disease in colorectal cancer patients?

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the efficiency of preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate cancer antigen (CA19-9) levels for diagnosing synchronous liver metastases and lymph node in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients.

Subjects And Methods: A total of 300 patients with histologically diagnosed CRC were included in this study between May 2014 and March 2015. The data were obtained prospectively from patient's medical records: medical history, demographics, tumor location, differentiation (grade), depth of the tumor (T), lymph node metastases (N), distant metastases (M), lymphatics, venous and perineural invasion, and disease stage.

Further insight into the bioactivity of the freshwater sponge Ochridaspongia rotunda.

Context: Bioprospection has become a dynamic scientific field that explores novel possibilities for the implementation of natural products in medicine and pharmacy. Compared to marine species from all kingdoms, freshwater species have been highly neglected.

Objective: This work focuses on the screening of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChE) and mutagenic activities of the acetone extract (obtained by maceration) of the freshwater sponge Ochridaspongia rotunda Arndt (Malawispongiidae) in vitro.

Are Heart Failure Management Recommendations and Guidelines Followed in Laboratory Medicine in Europe and North America? The Cardiac Marker Guideline Uptake in Europe (CARMAGUE) Study.

Background: The aim of this survey was to investigate how well heart failure (HF) guidelines for use of natriuretic peptides (NPs) have been implemented in laboratory practice in Europe and North America.

Methods: In 2013 and 2014, a web-based questionnaire was distributed via North American and European biochemical societies. Questions covered assay performed, reason for method choice, decision limits for HF, and laboratory accreditation status.

Si-rich Silicon Nitride for Nonlinear Signal Processing Applications.

Nonlinear silicon photonic devices have attracted considerable attention thanks to their ability to show large third-order nonlinear effects at moderate power levels allowing for all-optical signal processing functionalities in miniaturized components. Although significant efforts have been made and many nonlinear optical functions have already been demonstrated in this platform, the performance of nonlinear silicon photonic devices remains fundamentally limited at the telecom wavelength region due to the two photon absorption (TPA) and related effects. In this work, we propose an alternative CMOS-compatible platform, based on silicon-rich silicon nitride that can overcome this limitation.

Erythropoietin in Predicting Prognosis in Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure.

Background And Aims: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by a rapid progression to multiple organ failure and is associated with a very high mortality rate of 50-90%. Novel therapies are being investigated such as Erythropoietin (EPO). The aim of this prospective cohort study was to analyse the value of EPO in predicting prognosis and determine which patients may benefit most from EPO therapy.

Licheniocin 50.2 and Bacteriocins from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis BGBU1-4 Inhibit Biofilms of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and Listeria monocytogenes Clinical Isolates.

Background: Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) and Listeria monocytogenes have important roles in pathogenesis of various genital tract infections and fatal foetomaternal infections, respectively. The aim of our study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of two novel bacteriocins on biofilms of CoNS and L. monocytogenes genital isolates.

Chemical Defence in a Millipede: Evaluation and Characterization of Antimicrobial Activity of the Defensive Secretion from Pachyiulus hungaricus (Karsch, 1881) (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae).

The chemical defence of the millipede Pachyiulus hungaricus is reported in the present paper, in which a chemical characterization is given and antimicrobial activity is determined. In total, independently of sex, 44 compounds were identified. All compounds belong to two groups: quinones and pentyl and hexyl esters of long-chain fatty acids.

Genetics of suspected thrombophilia in Serbian females with infertility, including three cases, homozygous for FII 20210A or FV 1691A mutations.

Reproductive failure (recurrent foetal loss, unexplained infertility and IVF implantation failure) may be, in a number of cases, explained by thrombophilia, either acquired or inherited. Several genes contribute to thrombophilia, some with major effect (Factor V, Factor II), and some with minor effect (MTHFR, PAI-1, ATIII, etc.).

Effect of Aripiprazole Lauroxil on Metabolic and Endocrine Profiles and Related Safety Considerations Among Patients With Acute Schizophrenia.

Objective: Aripiprazole lauroxil, a long-acting injectable antipsychotic, demonstrated safety and efficacy in treating symptoms of schizophrenia in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Because the metabolic profile of antipsychotics is an important safety feature, the effects of aripiprazole lauroxil on body weight, endocrine and metabolic profiles, and safety were examined in a secondary analysis.

Methods: Patients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR criteria) were randomly assigned to aripiprazole lauroxil 441 mg, aripiprazole lauroxil 882 mg, or placebo intramuscularly once monthly between December 2011 and March 2014.

How Well Do Laboratories Adhere to Recommended Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Myocardial Infarction: The CARdiac MArker Guidelines Uptake in Europe Study (CARMAGUE).

Background: We undertook an assessment of current use of evidence-based guidelines for the use of cardiac biomarkers in Europe (EU) and North America (NA).

Methods: In 2013-2014 a web-based questionnaire was distributed via NA and EU biochemical societies. Questions covered cardiac biomarkers measured, analytical methods used, decision thresholds, and use of decision-making protocols.

Gender differences in the prognostic impact of chronic kidney disease in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction following ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background/aim: Renal function potentially has different prognostic impact in men and women with acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on five-year all-cause mortality in men and women with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Method: We included 348 consecutive STEMI patients who were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and had a left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%.

Thyroglobulin value in patients surgically treated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Introduction: Thyroglobulin is composed glycoprotein, and it is synthesized by follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinomas involves total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine ablation of a potential remaining tissue. The measurement of thyroglobulin in the postoperative follow-up can serve as an indicator of tumor growth or recurrence of the disease.

Problems in diabetes managment in school setting in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Serbia.

Results: The obtained results show that not all children test blood glucose levels at school (50% of children in the 6-10-year-old age group and 67.3% in the age group over 11 years) and that not all children receive insulin at school (81.1% vs.

Antimicrobial Activity of Serbian Propolis Evaluated by Means of MIC, HPTLC, Bioautography and Chemometrics.

New information has come to light about the biological activity of propolis and the quality of natural products which requires a rapid and reliable assessment method such as High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting. This study investigates chromatographic and chemometric approaches for determining the antimicrobial activity of propolis of Serbian origin against various bacterial species. A linear multivariate calibration technique, using Partial Least Squares, was used to extract the relevant information from the chromatographic fingerprints, i.

Interactions between cadmium and decabrominated diphenyl ether on blood cells count in rats-Multiple factorial regression analysis.

The objective of this study was to assess toxicity of Cd and BDE-209 mixture on haematological parameters in subacutely exposed rats and to determine the presence and type of interactions between these two chemicals using multiple factorial regression analysis. Furthermore, for the assessment of interaction type, an isobologram based methodology was applied and compared with multiple factorial regression analysis. Chemicals were given by oral gavage to the male Wistar rats weighing 200-240g for 28days.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide and RISK-PCI Score in the Risk Assessment in Patients with STEMI Treated by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: RISK-PCI score is a novel score for risk stratification of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the RISK-PCI score for early risk assessment in patients with STEMI treated by pPCI.

Methods: In 120 patients with STEMI treated by pPCI, BNP was measured on admission before pPCI.

A European Database of Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum Trichothecene Genotypes.

Fusarium species, particularly Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum, are the main cause of trichothecene type B contamination in cereals. Data on the distribution of Fusarium trichothecene genotypes in cereals in Europe are scattered in time and space.

Elemental analysis of mussels and possible health risks arising from their consumption as a food: The case of Boka Kotorska Bay, Adriatic Sea.

The present study investigated the essential and non-essential elements in cultivated and wild mussels and assessed the health risk arising from their consumption as an impact of rapid growth and intensive production of Mytilus galloprovincialis in the mussel farms of the Boka Kotorska Bay. The concentrations of macro, micro, nonessential and even the small amounts of potentially toxic elements in the cultivated and wild mussels were influenced by industry, tourism and the geohydrology of the Bay. In the case of cultivated mussels, the limiting factor, i.

Influence of Color Education and Training on Shade Matching Skills.

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of education and training on quality of tooth color matching.

Material And Methods: Dental students (N = 174), matched the color of eight shade tabs in a viewing booth, using VITA Linearguide 3D-Master shade guide. The experimental group had color education and training between the before and after session.

Histological parameters of the adrenal cortex after testosterone application in a rat model of the andropause.

Histological analysis of the adrenal cortex, after testosterone application in a rat model of the andropause, was the main subject of the present study. Middle-aged Wistar rats were divided into sham-operated (SO; n=8), orchidectomized (Orx; n=8) and testosterone treated orchidectomized (Orx+T; n=8) groups. Testosterone propionate (5 mg/kg b.

The geochemistry model of the surface sediment determined by using ED-XRF technique: a case study of the Boka Kotorska bay, Adriatic Sea.

The spatial distribution of major oxides (Na2O, K2O, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, MnO, TiO2, P2O5) and numerous elements (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Pb, Sn, Sb, Ba, Sr, Br, Rb, Zr, Mo, Cs, Y, V, Ga, La, U, Th, Nb, W, Sc, Ge, Gd, Yb, Hf, and Ce) was determined by using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on the basis of previously measured organic matter and carbonates. The optimal measuring variables for the investigated oxides and elements were determined by using five standard reference materials. The carbonated sediment type can be determined on the basis of the highest Sr, Sc, La, Nb, Hf, and Yb concentrations followed with the lowest concentrations of the remaining elements and the negative Ce anomaly.

Clinical Significance of Laboratory-determined Aspirin Poor Responsiveness After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Aims: The objective of the present substudy was to examine whether aspirin poor/high responsiveness (APR/AHR) is associated with increased rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and serious bleeding after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Methods: We analyzed 961 consecutive ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction patients who underwent PPCI between February 2008 and June 2011. Multiplate analyser (Dynabite, Munich, Germany) was used for the assessment of platelet reactivity.

Comparison of high glucose concentration blood and crystalloid cardioplegia in paediatric cardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of high glucose content on patients undergoing cold crystalloid versus cold blood cardioplegia in terms of early clinical results, functional myocardial recovery and ischaemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing repair of acyanotic cardiac lesions.

Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either crystalloid (n = 31) or blood cardioplegia (n = 31). Early clinical results were assessed.