tions) measures. Future research may benefit from adopting the combined approach used in this study to explore pragmatics in ASD. Differences between caregivers’ perceptions and the performances of individuals with ASD should be considered, as well as the influence of various factors on their communication.This study aimed to optimize the preparation process of albendazole (ABZ) solid dispersion (SD) and enhance its dissolution rate and oral bioavailability in dogs. The ABZ-SD formulations were prepared by a fusion method with ABZ and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), poloxamer 188 (P 188) polymers at various weight ratios or the combination of PEG 6000&P 188. The characterizations of the optimal formulations were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in vitro dissolution test and molecular docking. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study was conducted in beagle dogs. As a result, ABZ solid dispersion based on PEG 6000&P 188 (12) was successfully prepared. The ABZ-SD formulation could significantly improve the apparent solubility and dissolution rate of ABZ compared with commercial tablets. Furthermore, the water solubility of ABZ-SD was improved mainly based on hydrogen bond association. Besides, at an oral dosage of 15 mg/kg ABZ, the SDs had higher Cmax values and areas under the curve (AUCs) compared to those of commercial ABZ tablets. Preparation of ABZ-loaded SDs by PEG 6000&P 188 is a promising strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of ABZ.Purpose Key word signing (KWS) entails using manual signs to support the natural speech of individuals with normal hearing and who have communication difficulties. While manual signs from the local sign language may be used for this purpose, some KWS systems have opted for a distinct KWS lexicon. Distinct KWS lexicon typically aims for higher sign iconicity or recognizability to make the lexicon more accessible for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We sought to determine if, in the Belgian Dutch context, signs from such a distinct KWS lexicon (Spreken Met Ondersteuning van Gebaren [Speaking With Support of Signs; SMOG]) were indeed more iconic than their Flemish Sign Language (FSL) counterparts. Method Participants were 224 adults with typical development who had no signing experience. They rated the resemblance between a FSL sign and its meaning. Raw data on the iconicity of SMOG from a previous study were used. Translucency was statistically and qualitatively compared between the SMOG lexicon and their FSL counterparts. Results SMOG had an overall higher translucency than FSL and contained a higher number of iconic signs. Conclusion This finding may support the value of a separate sign lexicon over using sign language signs. Nevertheless, other aspects, such as wide availability and inclusion, need to be considered.Purpose To determine the effectiveness of ablation for pulmonary metastases (PM) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods Between 2010 and 2017, the study analyzed 39 patients who had a median age of 59 years. Primary HCC was under control and the number of PM was less than 5 (median 2), with a maximum diameter of ≤60 mm (median 15 mm). The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS). Secondary endpoints included technique success (TS), complication and tumor response. TS referred to PM treated using the treatment protocol. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model was conducted on the potential risk factors (univariate p 2) of PM (HR 0.555, 95% CI 0.311-0.991, p = 0.047) were found to be the independent risk factors for predicting OS.Conclusion Percutaneous thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment for PM from HCC.Aorto-caval fistula can be associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm. The fistula can manifest with nonspecific symptoms. selleck inhibitor The rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the leading symptoms. The symptoms and the necessity of treatment are related to these acute conditions. This article describes the case of a 78 years old man with a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm and aorto-caval fistula that was presented with a sudden onset of abdominal pain, dyspnoea, hypotension and cardiac insufficiency with an acute cor pulmonale. Urgent surgery was performed – aneurysm resection with transaortic suture of the fistula and aortic replacement using a Dacron graft. Resuscitation and defibrillation were needed during the surgery due to fibrillation cardiac arrest, which were successful. The post-operative period was complicated with a persisting consciousness disorder of the patient and persisting myocardial ischaemia, resulting in the patients death 3 weeks after the surgery. The aim of this report is to point out the severity of this condition, the various treatment options of this uncommon disease with an uncertain prognosis, and also the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, essential in the entire treatment process as well as in the primary diagnosis.Introduction Although gastroenteritis is considered to be a non-surgical disease, rare complications necessitating surgical intervention may occur. Case report We present a patient who underwent acute small bowel resection due to an abdominal abscess, which developed in association with Salmonella enteritis.Introduction Thymectomy has always been considered an important treatment modality for patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Because of the absence of randomized trials, its exact role was not clear and was even questioned by some. Indications for surgery were made on empirical basis. It was not until the results of the first randomized double- blinded multicentric study were published, where the combined surgical treatment of patients with nonthymomatous MG was proved superior to conservative treatment alone. In this study the technique of extensive thymectomy via longitudinal sternotomy was used as a mainstay of surgical treatment. In the advent of minimally invasive techniques a variety of options were presented for minimally invasive surgical treatment of thymic pathology. Methods The authors present a retrospective analysis of short term results using the slightly modified method of “Minimally Invasive Maximal Thymectomy” developed by Zielinski over a 10 year period (20082018). Besides the demographics, we assessed the peri- and postoperative results such as the length of surgery, blood loss, the need for conversion, learning curve impact, the lengths of drainage and hospital stay and the complication rate, both surgical and systemic.