scholarly journals A critical analysis about the supposed role of azithromycin in the treatment of covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 11-21
Author(s):  
Ricardo Ruan Santana ◽  
Bárbara Oliva Barbosa ◽  
José Rivaldo de Oliveira Soares ◽  
Rayssa Mielo Colombo ◽  
Victória Rafaela Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Considerable Effect ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Viral Agent ◽  
Broad Spectrum Antibiotic ◽  
One Year ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

After over one year, the coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) has still affected millions of people. For this reason, global efforts to promote better treatment of covid-19 have been undertaken focused on the repurposing of existing medications.In Brazil, azithromycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been used in association with other drugs as an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral agent, regardless of bacterial co-infection. Indeed, data from experimental studies have demonstrated the capacity of this drug in reducing the production of infection-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. However, observational studies revealed conflicting results regarding its effect, whereas well-conducted clinical trials have not shown a considerable effect of this agent on the improvement of clinical outcomes. This narrative review addressed the possible role of this antibiotic in the management of covid-19, based on data from clinical and preclinical studies.

Contradicting findings of gender bias in teaching evaluations: Evidence from two experiments in Denmark

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Skorkjær Binderkrantz ◽  
Mette Bisgaard ◽  
Berit Lassesen
Keyword(s):  
Gender Bias ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Performance Evaluations ◽  
Student Evaluations Of Teaching ◽  
Teaching Evaluations ◽  
Public Sector Employees ◽  
Evaluation Of Teaching

The role of gender in the interaction between citizens and public sector employees attracts increasing attention. Notably, gender effects have been described in performance evaluations across different contexts. With respect to student evaluations of teaching, a series of observational studies as well as experimental studies have found that women are evaluated lower than men. In this paper, we conduct two experiments in Denmark to test whether a similar gender bias is present in a national context that is generally considered among the most gender equal. Study 1 investigates differences in the evaluation of two similar presentations by teachers reported to be either male or female. Study 2 focuses on the evaluation of teaching material prepared by men and women respectively. The two studies arrive at similar conclusions: There is no gender bias in favor of men in the evaluations made by students. The paper discusses the implications of these findings.

scholarly journals State anxiety and alcohol choice: Evidence from experimental and online observational studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1237-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maddy L Dyer ◽  
Alexander G Board ◽  
Lee Hogarth ◽  
Steph F Suddell ◽  
Jon E Heron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Drinking To Cope ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Experimentally Induced

Background: Experimental studies have investigated the effects of physical, psychological and pharmacological stressors (that induce state anxiety) on alcohol outcomes. However, no study has investigated the effects of state anxiety on alcohol outcomes, and the moderating role of drinking to cope (DTC) motives, using the 7.5% carbon dioxide (CO2) challenge. Aims: We aimed to investigate the relationships between state anxiety and alcohol-related outcomes (primarily alcohol choice). We also explored whether DTC motives moderated these relationships. Methods: We conducted two experiments using the 7.5% CO2 challenge (Studies 1 and 2) and an observational study (Study 3) ( ns = 42, 60 and 219, respectively), to triangulate findings. Results: In Study 1, experimentally induced state anxiety increased alcohol choice ( p < .001, ηp2 = .29). This finding was replicated in Study 2, but the effect was weaker ( p = .076, ηp2 = .06). Furthermore, DTC moderated the effect ( p = .013, ηp2 = .11). However, in Study 3 there was no clear evidence of an association between naturally occurring state anxiety and alcohol choice ( b = 0.05, p = .655), or a moderating role of DTC ( b = 0.01, p = .852). Conclusions: Experimentally induced, but not naturally occurring, state anxiety increases alcohol choice, although state anxiety levels were lower in the non-manipulated sample.

scholarly journals The Role of Inflammatory Cytokine and Inflammatory Regulator Protein Related to Severity of Joint Effusion in Osteoarthritis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (A) ◽  
pp. 214-219
Author(s):  
Radiyati Umi Partan ◽  
Rachmat Hidayat ◽  
Muhammad Reagan ◽  
Putri Muthia
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokine ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Regulatory Proteins ◽  
Joint Fluid ◽  
Joint Effusion ◽  
Assay Method ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory degenerative articular disease characterized by damage narrowing the joint gap, pain, and loss of joint function. Joint effusion is a clinical feature often found in OA patients and believed to be directly proportional to the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin 1B (IL-1B), and various other regulatory proteins such as transcription factor proteins, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATC1), and chromosome 1 open reading frame 38 (C1orf38). AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the role of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-alpha and IL-1B) and transcription regulatory proteins (NFATC1 and C1orf38) with the severity of joint effusion in OA patients. METHODS: This study was an observational study with a case series study approach. A total of 80 study subjects with OA joint effusions were included in the study. The diagnosis of OA was based on clinical and radiologic assessment from American College of Rheumatology. Data of clinical severity were assessed with Kellgren-Lawrence criteria, stroke test score, and Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. Random blood examination was performed to obtain erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and qualitative C-reactive protein to evaluate the level of inflammation in the body. TNF-alpha, IL-1B, NFATC1, and C1orf38 levels were assessed in joint fluid using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The correlation was analyzed with the Pearson correlation test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The severity of OA joint effusion was not correlated to ESR (p adjusted = 0.169; r = 0.078), TNF-alpha (p adjusted = 0.112; r = −0.087), IL-1B (p adjusted = 0.136, r = −0.078), C1orf38 (p adjusted = 0.121; r = −0.088), and NFATC1 (p adjusted = 0.102; r = −0.081). CONCLUSION: Pro-inflammatory cytokines of TNF-alpha and IL-1B, and the transcription factors of pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expression, NFATC1, and C1orf38, did not correlate with the severity of joint effusion in OA.

scholarly journals Intratympanic corticosteroid perfusion in the therapy of Meniere’s disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 291-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snezana Sankovic-Babic ◽  
Rade Kosanovic ◽  
Zoran Ivankovic ◽  
Snezana Babac ◽  
Milica Tatovic
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Minimally Invasive Surgical ◽  
Hearing Function ◽  
One Year

Introduction. Over the last two decades the intratympanic perfusion of corticosteroids has been used as a minimally invasive surgical therapy of Meniere?s disease. According to experimental studies the antiinflammatory, immunoprotective, antioxidant and neuroprotective role of the locally perfused corticosteroids was noticed in the inner ear structures. The recovery of action potentials in the cells of the Corti organ was confirmed as well as a decreased expression of aquaporine-1, a glycoprotein responsible for labyrinth hydrops and N and K ions derangement. Objective. The study showed results of intratympanic perfusion therapy with dexamethasone in patients with retractable Meniere?s disease who are resistant to conservative treatment. Methods. Single doses of 4 mg/ml dexamethasone were given intratympanically in 19 patients with retractable Meniere?s disease. Six single successive doses of dexamethasone were administered in the posteroinferior quadrant of the tympanic membrane. Follow-up of the patients was conducted by using a clinical questionnaire a month after completed perfusion series as well as on every third month up to one year. Results. One month after completed first course of perfusions, in 78% of patients, vertigo problems completely ceased or were markedly reduced. The recovery of hearing function was recorded in 68% and marked tinnitus reduction in 84% of patients. After a year of follow-up, in 63% of patients the reduction of vertigo persisted, while hearing function was satisfactory in 52%. Tinitus reduction was present in 73% of patients. Conclusion. Intratympanic perfusion of dexamethasone in patients with Meniere?s disease is a minimally invasive therapeutic method that contributes to the reduction of the intensity of vertigo recurrent attacks, decrease of the intensity of tinnitus and improvement of the average hearing threshold. Patients with chronic diseases and Meniere?s disease who are contraindicted for systemic administration of cortocosteroids (hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, peptic ulcer, etc.) have an additional therapeutic option by dexamethasone intratympanic perfusion.

Exploring the role of exposure to green space in preventing anxiety and depression among young people aged 14-24 living in urban settings: a systematic review 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Bray ◽  
Rebecca Reece ◽  
Danielle Sinnett ◽  
Faith Martin ◽  
Robert Hayward
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Urban Settings ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Despite the growing problem of anxiety and depression amongst young people aged 14-24 years living in urban settings, reviews about the role of exposure to green space or nature in preventing anxiety and depression tend to focus on children, adults or sometimes adolescents. This review aims to explore whether, and if so how, exposure to green space reduces the risk of anxiety and depression among young people aged 14-24 living in urban settings.MethodsCINAHL plus, Global Health, MEDLINE, ProQuest: Dissertations and Theses, PsycINFO, Scopus and OpenGrey were searched for research published in English between January 2000 and June 2020, including all study designs. Results 9,208 sources were identified and 48 were included. Experimental studies provided evidence that walking or being in a green space improves mood and state anxiety immediately following the intervention. Observational studies suggest that social interaction, physical activity, and mindfulness mediate the relationship between exposure to green space and mental health. We propose that the absence of noise and traffic and the presence of nature promotes mindfulness and restoration.ConclusionsThis review provides evidence to clinicians about the value of green social prescribing, and to policymakers about the value of bringing the benefits of forests, vegetation and nature into cities, and ensuring that these spaces are accessible and safe for young people to use.

Cooperation in primates

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Albiach-Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Cooperative Behavior ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
History Of ◽  
Methodological Difficulties

Observational studies have suggested that some nonhuman primates’ cooperative behavior may rely on their capacity to share goals and understand the role of their partners. Experimental studies have tried to find evidence for this under controlled conditions, investigating aspects like the degree of organization in different primate species and the individuals’ capacity to recognize and choose good partners, switch roles with them, and care about their outcomes. Often, the results have been mixed. Partly, this is because of the methodological difficulties inherent to empirical research. In this paper, I offer a critical, methodological review of the experimental studies done in the last years on nonhuman primates’ cooperation, I discuss their findings, and suggest possible solutions to some of the procedural problems. Hopefully, this will contribute to improve the design of future studies and therefore our knowledge about the evolutionary history of cooperation.

scholarly journals The action of metformin on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance (NF-kB signal pathway)

2012 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-28
Author(s):  
A V Lavrenko ◽  
N L Kutsenko ◽  
L A Kutsenko ◽  
T V Mamontova ◽  
I P Kaĭdashev
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Signal Pathway ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Peptide Level ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of the NF-kB signal pathway in the realization of the anti-inflammatory and insulin-synthesizing activities of metformin in the patients presenting with coronary heart disease (CHD) associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). It was shown that the introduction of a one-month course of metformin therapy in the combined treatment of CHD resulted in the decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1-beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha. Simultaneously, the serum C-peptide level decreased. These effects of metformin were mediated through the NF-kB-signal pathway. It is concluded that the inclusion of metformin in the combined treatment of coronary heart disease in the patients with metabolic syndrome prevent activation of NF-kB under the influence of endogeneous pro-inflammatory cytokines.

scholarly journals Brain–kidney interaction: Renal dysfunction following ischemic stroke

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Zhao ◽  
Tao Yan ◽  
Michael Chopp ◽  
Poornima Venkat ◽  
Jieli Chen
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcome ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Cerebral Injury ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
The Brain

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with long-term debilitating effects. Accumulating evidence from experimental studies as well as observational studies in patients suggests a cross talk between the brain and kidney after stroke. Stroke may lead to kidney dysfunction which can adversely impact patient outcome. In this review article, we discuss the epidemiology and mechanisms of brain–kidney interaction following ischemic stroke. Specifically, we discuss the role of the central autonomic network, autoregulation, inflammatory and immune responses, the role of extracellular vesicles and their cargo microRNA, in mediating brain–kidney interaction following stroke. Understanding the bidirectional nature of interaction between the brain and kidney after cerebral injury would have clinical implications for the treatment of stroke and overall patient outcome.

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