Combined endovascular coiling and intra-aneurysmal allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for intracranial aneurysms in a rabbit model: a proof-of-concept study

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 707-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Adibi ◽  
Muneer Eesa ◽  
John H Wong ◽  
Arindom Sen ◽  
Alim P Mitha

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and efficacy of clinically translatable adjuvant mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) therapy in improving the healing of coiled aneurysms in a rabbit elastase aneurysm model.MethodsBone marrow-derived MSC populations were isolated from three rabbit donors in a serum-free environment and independently characterized to confirm their identity. Elastase-induced carotid aneurysms were created in nine New Zealand white rabbits. Each animal received one of the following treatments based on previous randomization: (1) coiling alone (control group); (2) coiling with an intra-aneurysmal injection of saline (vehicle group); and (3) coiling with an intra-aneurysmal injection of 5 million allogeneic MSCs (treatment group). The animals were followed for 4 weeks post-treatment, at the end of which blinded analyses of angiograms and histology were performed.ResultsHistological results in the treatment group showed improvements over the control and vehicle groups, although the improvement over the vehicle group was not significant. Intra-aneurysmal cell therapy with 5 million allogeneic MSCs did not result in any major adverse events. Angiographic results did not show any significant difference among groups.ConclusionsThis proof-of-concept study shows that adjuvant MSC therapy for intracranial aneurysms is feasible and may enhance histological improvement of coiled aneurysms at 4 weeks post-treatment.

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-156
Author(s):  
Banita Mistry ◽  
Shameem Ara Begum ◽  
Narayan Saha ◽  
Shyamal Sarker ◽  
Mahua Chandra ◽  
...  

Background: Migraine is the most common cause of severe recurrent headache in children. Flunarizine (FNZ) is safe and effective drug for prevention of migraine in children. Topiramate (TPM) is also successful as a preventive drug for migraine in children on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Objective: This study was done to observe the efficacy of Topiramate and also perform a comparison TPM and FNZ in patients with migraine of severe intensity in our situation. Materials & Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial done from January to July, 2018. This study was carried out in the OPD of Paediatric Neurology department, National Institute of Neurosciences, (NINS) Dhaka. Forty Children, 5-15 years old diagnosed as migraine with/without aura with severe intensity were randomized either as in study group (TPM treatment group) and control group (FNZ treatment group). Primary end point of the study was to find out the efficacy and safety of both TPM and FNZ after 4 months of treatment. Result: Post-treatment frequency of headache/month was significantly decreased in both groups (within group, p <0.001). There was no significant difference considering pre and post-treatment frequency of headache/month between two treatment groups. (pre-treatment p- 0.333 and post-treatment p- 0.401). Adverse events were not significantly different between the groups p<0.387. Conclusion: Topiramate is equally efficacious as Flunarizine in prophylactic treatment of severe migraine in children. Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (3) :153-156


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Ibarra ◽  
Erika Mendieta-Arbesú ◽  
Paola Suarez-Meade ◽  
Elisa García-Vences ◽  
Susana Martiñón ◽  
...  

Background: The chronic phase of Spinal Cord (SC) injury is characterized by the presence of a hostile microenvironment that causes low activity and a progressive decline in neurological function; this phase is non-compatible with regeneration. Several treatment strategies have been investigated in chronic SC injury with no satisfactory results. OBJECTIVE- In this proof-of-concept study, we designed a combination therapy (Comb Tx) consisting of surgical glial scar removal plus scar inhibition, accompanied with implantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and immunization with neural-derived peptides (INDP). Methods: This study was divided into three subsets, all in which Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a complete SC transection. Sixty days after injury, animals were randomly allocated into two groups for therapeutic intervention: control group and animals receiving the Comb-Tx. Sixty-three days after treatment we carried out experiments analyzing motor recovery, presence of somatosensory evoked potentials, neural regeneration-related genes, and histological evaluation of serotoninergic fibers. Results: Comb-Tx induced a significant locomotor and electrophysiological recovery. An increase in the expression of regeneration-associated genes and the percentage of 5-HT+ fibers was noted at the caudal stump of the SC of animals receiving the Comb-Tx. There was a significant correlation of locomotor recovery with positive electrophysiological activity, expression of GAP43, and percentage of 5-HT+ fibers. Conclusion: Comb-Tx promotes motor and electrophysiological recovery in the chronic phase of SC injury subsequent to a complete transection. Likewise, it is capable of inducing the permissive microenvironment to promote axonal regeneration.


2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1431-1439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selcuk Karaman

The effects of audience response systems (ARS) on students' academic success and their perceptions of ARS were examined in this study. Participants, comprising 44 undergraduate students, were randomly assigned to a control or treatment group. The course design was the same for both groups and the instructor prepared the multiple-choice questions in advance; students in the control group responded to these questions verbally whereas the treatment group used ARS. Two paper-based examinations were used to measure the learning of concepts and skills that were taught. Students' perceptions of ARS were collected via a questionnaire. Results showed that ARS usage has a significant learning achievement effect in the first 4 weeks but not at the end of the second 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in retention between either group. Students perceived the ARS tool positively, finding it very enjoyable and useful.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoungwon Baik ◽  
Seon Myeong Kim ◽  
Jin Ho Jung ◽  
Yang Hyun Lee ◽  
Seok Jong Chung ◽  
...  

AbstractWe investigated the efficacy of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI). This was a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, two-arm study. Eighty PD-MCI patients were assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group received donepezil for 48 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Exam and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. Secondary outcome measures were the Clinical Dementia Rating, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III, Clinical Global Impression scores. Progression of dementia was assessed at 48-week. Comprehensive neuropsychological tests and electroencephalography (EEG) were performed at baseline and after 48 weeks. The spectral power ratio of the theta to beta2 band (TB2R) in the electroencephalogram was analyzed. There was no significant difference in the primary and secondary outcome measures between the two groups. However, the treatment group showed a significant decrease in TB2R at bilateral frontotemporoparietal channels compared to the control group. Although we could not demonstrate improvements in the cognitive functions, donepezil treatment had a modulatory effect on the EEG in PD-MCI patients. EEG might be a sensitive biomarker for detecting changes in PD-MCI after donepezil treatment.


Author(s):  
Reem M. Alwhaibi ◽  
Noha F. Mahmoud ◽  
Mye A. Basheer ◽  
Hoda M. Zakaria ◽  
Mahmoud Y. Elzanaty ◽  
...  

Recovery of lower extremity (LE) function in chronic stroke patients is considered a barrier to community reintegration. An adequate training program is required to improve neural and functional performance of the affected LE in chronic stroke patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of somatosensory rehabilitation on neural and functional recovery of LE in stroke patients. Thirty male and female patients were recruited and randomized to equal groups: control group (GI) and intervention group (GII). All patients were matched for age, duration of stroke, and degree of motor impairment of the affected LE. Both groups received standard program of physical therapy in addition to somatosensory rehabilitation for GII. The duration of treatment for both groups was eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures used were Functional Independent Measure (FIM) and Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG), obtained pre- and post-treatment. A significant improvement was found in the FIM scores of the intervention group (GII), as compared to the control group (GI) (p < 0.001). Additionally, QEEG scores improved within the intervention group post-treatment. QEEG scores did not improve within the control group post-treatment, except for “Cz-AR”, compared to pretreatment, with no significant difference between groups. Adding somatosensory training to standard physical therapy program results in better improvement of neuromuscular control of LE function in chronic stroke patients.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Nosheen Manzoor ◽  
Rimsha Safdar ◽  
Hafsa Khan ◽  
Maryam Farooq ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a common condition that results in significant disability. To treat this dysfunction, Mulligan described sustained natural apophyseal gliders (SNAGs) as a manual therapy approach. However, only inconclusive short-term evidence exists for treating CGH with SNAGs. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the effect of SNAGs in the treatment of CGH. METHODS: Fourty female patients ranging from 20 to 40 years with CGH were randomly assigned to two groups: 20 in a treatment group and 20 in a control group. SNAGs were applied to the treatment group while the control group received placebo treatment. Both groups received their respective treatment for 20 minutes, alternately three times per week, for a total of 12 times in four weeks. The outcome measures were the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants were assessed at baseline and at the end of each week. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Independent t-testing was used to reveal changes between groups. One-way ANOVA was used to determine changes within groups. The level of significance was P< 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty participants (100%) in the treatment group and 17 (85%) in the control group had a history of headache aggravation with active movements or passive head positioning. There was no significant difference at baseline (p> 0.05), indicating that both groups were homogeneous at the time of recruitment. The p value (p< 0.05) showed a significant difference in pain and level of disability at three and four weeks (p< 0.05) in patients treated with SNAGs. However, the cervical range of motion (ROM) showed a statistically significant improvement in flexion and extension in the treatment group (p< 0.05) while there was no significant improvement in side flexion and rotation ROM in both groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study found that SNAGs were effective in reducing pain and neck disability and improved ROM in females with CGH.


Author(s):  
Changying Yi ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Meili Fan

<B>Objective:</B> Functional fecal incontinence in children (FFIC), also known as functional fecal disorder in children, is a type of childhood diseases characterized by excretory dysfunction. In the study, we observed the clinical effect of Changqiang acupoint injection on functional fecal incontinence in children (FFIC) by randomized controlled clinical trials. <BR><B>Materials and methods:</B> 140 children with functional fecal incontinence who met the screening criteria were respectively assigned into the treatment group (100 cases) and the control group (40 cases) according to the completely randomized controlled design. In the treatment group, Chuankezhi injection was administrated at the Changqiang acupoint once a week for three weeks (one course of treatment). In contrast, the subjects in the control group was instructed to receive sphincter exercise and defecation training, followed by an assessment on the therapeutic efficacy after one course of treatment. <BR><B>Results:</B> The overall response rate of the two groups was 93.00% (93/100) and 57.50% (23/40), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). The treatment group showed a performance superior to the control group based on the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score System (CCF-FI)—dry stool incontinence, liquid incontinence, gas incontinence, lifestyle change, necessity of using pads or antidiarrheals, the ability to delay defecation, and the total score. The inter-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). <BR><B>Conclusion:</B>Changqiang acupoint injection has significant curative effect on FFIC as demonstrated by significant relief in the symptoms associated with fecal incontinence, and thus is considered as a useful approach to be widely applied in clinical practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-172
Author(s):  
Khilyatul Baroroh ◽  
Suradi Suradi ◽  
Ade Rima

Background: Amplification of inflammation in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the airways, pulmonary and systemic circulation that are characterized by increased plasma level of IL-6 and MDA, resulting in worsening of clinical symptoms. Xanthones in mangosteen pericarp have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially as an adjuntive therapy in acute exacerbations of COPD. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mangosteen pericarp extract to clinical improvements, plasma level of IL-6 and MDA of acute exacerbation COPD patients. A clinical trial of experimental with pretest and posttest was conducted on 34 acute exacerbation of COPD patients in Dr. Moewardi Hospital Surakarta and Dr. Ario Wirawan Lung Hospital Salatiga from April until May 2016. The sample was taken by consecutive sampling. Subjects were divided by randomized double blind technique into the treatment group (n=17) received mangosteen pericarp extract 2x1100mg/day and control group (n = 17) received placebo. Clinical improvements were measured in CAT score and length of stay. CAT score, plasma level of IL-6 and MDA were measured on admission and at discharge. Length of stay based on the number of days of care in hospitals. Results: There was significant difference (p=0,011) towards decreased of IL-6 plasma level between treatment group (-2,17 ± 3,46 pg/ mL) and control group (+1,67 ± 6,81 pg/mL). There were no significant difference towards decreased of length of stay (p=0,34) between treatment group (4,12 ± 1,54 days) and control group (5,24 ± 2,49 days), towards decreased of CAT score (p=0,252) between treatment group (-19,18 ± 3,96) and control group (-18,24 ± 2,75), and towards decreased of MDA plasma level (p=0,986) between treatment group (+0,03 ± 0,36μmol/L) and control group (+0,35 ± 1,58). Conclusions: The addition of mangosteen pericarp extract 2x1100mg/day during hospitalization was significantly lowered plasma levels of IL-6, but were not significant in lowering the CAT score, shortening the length of stay, and reducing the increase in plasma level of MDA.


The utilization of teaching aids is crucial in enhancing students’ mathematical process skills. However, teachers give less accentuation on this aspect of usage which leads to students’ low competence in mathematical process skills. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a developed teaching aids, in particular, a Smart Kit in enhancing mathematical process skills and achievement among selected primary school students in Hulu Kinta, Perak. The experimental method was used in this study. Cluster sampling was used to select the samples. The samples were divided into two groups, the control and treatment groups which each consisted of 36 respondents. The treatment group was engaged with the developed Smart Kit while the students in the control group followed the conventional method of teaching and learning. Measurement and Geometry topics at primary school level were selected and students’ mathematical process skills were assessed based on Malaysia Assessment and Curriculum Standard Documents. The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in problem solving, reasoning and connecting skills between the control group and the treatment group. Furthermore, the mathematical achievement of the treatment group was higher than the control group. In conclusion, the utilization of the developed Smart Kit enhanced students’ problem solving, reasoning and connecting skills, and improved mathematical achievement. In implicative insinuation, the use of the developed Smart Kit can help teachers and students in teaching and learning processes specifically on the topics of Measurement and Geometry.


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