Raman spectral analysis of the brainstem and responses of neuroglia and cytokines in whole-body gamma-irradiated rats after administration of aminothiol-based radioprotector GL2011

The search for an effective and non-toxic radioprotector is ongoing. We tested a novel, natural aminothiol-based radioprotector, GL2011, that was applied 30 min, 3 h or 6 h after the exposure of male albino Wistar rats to a 6.7 Gy mild dose of gamma radiation. The molecular signatures of radioprotection were investigated with Raman microspectroscopy of brainstem tissue samples. Morphological changes and activation of astrocytes and microglia were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Global markers of neuroinflammation were followed by ELISA to monitor blood plasma levels of proinflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-?) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. A thirty-day follow-up determined survival of unprotected animals 37.5%. A survival increase was observed after radioprotection (75%, irrespective of the time of application). Raman spectra revealed a slightly deleterious effect of radiation on nucleic acids in surviving animals that was mitigated with the radioprotector, as GL2011 preserved the morphology of both astrocytes and microglia, with reduced microglial infiltration. Cytokine assessment revealed an immunomodulatory effect of the novel radioprotector. The overall results point out the positive effects of a single dose of GL2011 applied at different times. The molecular and cellular changes in the brainstem indicate that the radioprotector applied after radiation conferred better protection, which underlines its translation to cure radiation accidents.

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A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3007

Author(s):

José Antonio Mingorance ◽

Pedro Montoya ◽

José García Vivas Miranda ◽

Inmaculada Riquelme

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Motor Function ◽

Whole Body Vibration ◽

Whole Body ◽

Control Group ◽

Body Vibration ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Therapy Program

Whole body vibration has been proven to improve the health status of patients with fibromyalgia, providing an activation of the neuromuscular spindles, which are responsible for muscle contraction. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two types of whole body vibrating platforms (vertical and rotational) during a 12-week training program. Sixty fibromyalgia patients (90% were women) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group A (n = 20), who performed the vibration training with a vertical platform; group B (n = 20), who did rotational platform training; or a control group C (n = 20), who did not do any training. Sensitivity measures (pressure pain and vibration thresholds), quality of life (Quality of Life Index), motor function tasks (Berg Scale, six-minute walking test, isometric back muscle strength), and static and dynamic balance (Romberg test and gait analysis) were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after the therapy program. Although both types of vibration appeared to have beneficial effects with respect to the control group, the training was more effective with the rotational than with vertical platform in some parameters, such as vibration thresholds (p < 0.001), motor function tasks (p < 0.001), mediolateral sway (p < 0.001), and gait speed (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, improvements disappeared in the follow-up in both types of vibration. Our study points out greater benefits with the use of rotational rather than vertical whole body vibration. The use of the rotational modality is recommended in the standard therapy program for patients with fibromyalgia. Due to the fact that the positive effects of both types of vibration disappeared during the follow-up, continuous or intermittent use is recommended.

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Clinical Success Using the Audio-Visual Feedback Training for Cluttering

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_pers-sig17-2019-0018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

pp. 1589-1594

Author(s):

Yvonne van Zaalen ◽

Isabella Reichel

Keyword(s):

Visual Feedback ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Pause Duration ◽

Digital Audio ◽

Male Adolescents ◽

Feedback Training ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Speech Monitoring ◽

Adolescents And Adults

Purpose Among the best strategies to address inadequate speech monitoring skills and other parameters of communication in people with cluttering (PWC) is the relatively new but very promising auditory–visual feedback (AVF) training ( van Zaalen & Reichel, 2015 ). This study examines the effects of AVF training on articulatory accuracy, pause duration, frequency, and type of disfluencies of PWC, as well as on the emotional and cognitive aspects that may be present in clients with this communication disorder ( Reichel, 2010 ; van Zaalen & Reichel, 2015 ). Methods In this study, 12 male adolescents and adults—6 with phonological and 6 with syntactic cluttering—were provided with weekly AVF training for 12 weeks, with a 3-month follow-up. Data was gathered on baseline (T0), Week 6 (T1), Week 12 (T2), and after follow-up (T3). Spontaneous speech was recorded and analyzed by using digital audio-recording and speech analysis software known as Praat ( Boersma & Weenink, 2017 ). Results The results of this study indicated that PWC demonstrated significant improvements in articulatory rate measurements and in pause duration following the AVF training. In addition, the PWC in the study reported positive effects on their ability to retell a story and to speak in more complete sentences. PWC felt better about formulating their ideas and were more satisfied with their interactions with people around them. Conclusions The AVF training was found to be an effective approach for improving monitoring skills of PWC with both quantitative and qualitative benefits in the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social domains of communication.

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Mitigation of Radiation-induced Gastrointestinal System Injury using Resveratrol or Alpha-lipoic Acid: A Pilot Histopathological Study

Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1871523018666191111124028 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 413-424

Author(s):

Bagher Farhood ◽

Gholamreza Hassanzadeh ◽

Peyman Amini ◽

Dheyauldeen Shabeeb ◽

Ahmed Eleojo Musa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipoic Acid ◽

Gamma Ray ◽

Morphological Changes ◽

Gastrointestinal System ◽

Alpha Tocopherol ◽

Whole Body ◽

Histopathological Study ◽

Alpha Lipoic Acid ◽

Pilot Investigation ◽

Radiation Induced

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine possible mitigation of radiationinduced toxicities in the duodenum, jejunum and colon using post-exposure treatment with resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid. Background: After the bone marrow, gastrointestinal system toxicity is the second critical cause of death following whole-body exposure to radiation. Its side effects reduce the quality of life of patients who have undergone radiotherapy. Resveratrol has an antioxidant effect and stimulates DNA damage responses (DDRs). Alpha-lipoic acid neutralizes free radicals via the recycling of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. Objective: This study is a pilot investigation of the mitigation of enteritis using resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid following histopathological study. Methods: 60 male mice were randomly assigned to six groups; control, resveratrol treatment, alpha-lipoic acid treatment, whole-body irradiation, irradiation plus resveratrol, and irradiation plus alpha-lipoic acid. The mice were irradiated with a single dose of 7 Gy from a cobalt-60 gamma-ray source. Treatment with resveratrol or alpha-lipoic acid started 24 h after irradiation and continued for 4 weeks. All mice were sacrificed after 30 days for histopathological evaluation of radiation-induced toxicities in the duodenum, jejunum and colon. Results and Conclusion: Exposure to radiation caused mild to severe damages to vessels, goblet cells and villous. It also led to significant infiltration of macrophages and leukocytes, especially in the colon. Both resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid were able to mitigate morphological changes. However, they could not mitigate vascular injury. Conclusion: Resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid could mitigate radiation-induced injuries in the small and large intestine. A comparison between these agents showed that resveratrol may be a more effective mitigator compared to alpha-lipoic acid.

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P2.11-21 Usefulness of Diffusion-Weighted Whole-Body Imaging with Background Suppression in the Postoperative Follow-up Period

Journal of Thoracic Oncology ◽

10.1016/j.jtho.2019.08.1721 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (10) ◽

pp. S800

Author(s):

K. Suemori ◽

M. Kataoka ◽

D. Okutani ◽

T. Fujita ◽

I. Togami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Whole Body ◽

Background Suppression ◽

Whole Body Imaging ◽

Body Imaging ◽

Diffusion Weighted

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P014: Incidental findings in trauma whole-body CT scans: a systematic review

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2020.222 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (S1) ◽

pp. S69-S69

Author(s):

V. Tsang ◽

K. Bao ◽

J. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Incidental Findings ◽

Traffic Accidents ◽

Road Traffic ◽

Subsequent Treatment ◽

Whole Body ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

Study Results

Introduction: Whole-body computed tomography scans (WBCT) are a mainstay in the work-up of polytrauma or multiple trauma patients in the emergency department. While incredibly useful for identifying traumatic injuries, WBCTs also reveal incidental findings in patients, some of which require further diagnostic testing and subsequent treatment. Although the presence of incidental findings in WBCTs have been well documented, there has been no systematic review conducted to organize and interpret findings, determine IF prevalence, and document strategies for best management. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, PUBMED, and EMBASE. Specific journals and reference lists were hand-mined, and Google Scholar was used to find any additional papers. Data synthesis was performed to gather information on patient demographics, prevalence and type of incidental findings (IFs), and follow-up management was collected. All documents were independently assessed by the two reviewers for inclusion and any disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results: 1231 study results were identified, 59 abstracts, and 12 included in final review. A mean of 53.9% of patients had at least one IF identified, 31.5% had major findings, and 68.5% had minor findings. A mean of 2.7 IFs per patient was reported for articles that included number of total IFs. The mean age of patients included in the studies were 44 years old with IFs more common in older patients and men with more IFs than women. IFs were most commonly found in the abdominal/pelvic region followed by kidneys. Frequency of follow-up documentation was poor. The most common reported mechanisms of injury for patients included in the study were MVA and road traffic accidents (60.0%) followed by falls from >3m (23.2%). Conclusion: Although there is good documentation on the mechanism of injury, patient demographics, and type of IF, follow-up for IFs following acute trauma admission lacks documentation and follow-up and is an identified issue in patient management. There is great need for systematic protocols to address management of IFs in polytrauma patients.

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The importance of maternal pregnancy vitamin D for offspring bone health: learnings from the MAVIDOS trial

Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease ◽

10.1177/1759720x211006979 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

pp. 1759720X2110069

Author(s):

Rebecca J. Moon ◽

Elizabeth M. Curtis ◽

Stephen J. Woolford ◽

Shanze Ashai ◽

Cyrus Cooper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Bone Development ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Later Life ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

Positive Effects

Optimisation of skeletal mineralisation in childhood is important to reduce childhood fracture and the long-term risk of osteoporosis and fracture in later life. One approach to achieving this is antenatal vitamin D supplementation. The Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study is a randomised placebo-controlled trial, the aim of which was to assess the effect of antenatal vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day cholecalciferol) on offspring bone mass at birth. The study has since extended the follow up into childhood and diversified to assess demographic, lifestyle and genetic factors that determine the biochemical response to antenatal vitamin D supplementation, and to understand the mechanisms underpinning the effects of vitamin D supplementation on offspring bone development, including epigenetics. The demonstration of positive effects of maternal pregnancy vitamin D supplementation on offspring bone development and the delineation of underlying biological mechanisms inform clinical care and future public-health policies.

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Waning antibody responses in COVID-19: what can we learn from the analysis of other coronaviruses?

Infection ◽

10.1007/s15010-021-01664-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ali Hamady ◽

JinJu Lee ◽

Zuzanna A. Loboda

Keyword(s):

Cross Reactivity ◽

Antibody Responses ◽

The Novel ◽

Incidence And Mortality ◽

Antibody Titres ◽

Human Coronaviruses ◽

Public Health Strategies ◽

Antibody Dynamics

Abstract Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel betacoronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Due to the continuing surge in incidence and mortality globally, determining whether protective, long-term immunity develops after initial infection or vaccination has become critical. Methods/Results In this narrative review, we evaluate the latest understanding of antibody-mediated immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and to other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and the four endemic human coronaviruses) in order to predict the consequences of antibody waning on long-term immunity against SARS-CoV-2. We summarise their antibody dynamics, including the potential effects of cross-reactivity and antibody waning on vaccination and other public health strategies. At present, based on our comparison with other coronaviruses we estimate that natural antibody-mediated protection for SARS-CoV-2 is likely to last for 1–2 years and therefore, if vaccine-induced antibodies follow a similar course, booster doses may be required. However, other factors such as memory B- and T-cells and new viral strains will also affect the duration of both natural and vaccine-mediated immunity. Conclusion Overall, antibody titres required for protection are yet to be established and inaccuracies of serological methods may be affecting this. We expect that with standardisation of serological testing and studies with longer follow-up, the implications of antibody waning will become clearer.

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Bone mineral density and explanatory factors in children and adults with juvenile dermatomyositis at long term follow-up; a cross sectional study

Pediatric Rheumatology ◽

10.1186/s12969-021-00543-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Henriette Schermacher Marstein ◽

Kristin Godang ◽

Berit Flatø ◽

Ivar Sjaastad ◽

Jens Bollerslev ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Turnover ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Juvenile Dermatomyositis ◽

Inflammatory Myopathy ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Whole Body ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Z Scores

Abstract Background Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in children and adolescents. Both the disease and its treatment with glucocorticoids may negatively impact bone formation. In this study we compare BMD in patients (children/adolescence and adults) with long-standing JDM with matched controls; and in patients, explore how general/disease characteristics and bone turnover markers are associated with BMD. Methods JDM patients (n = 59) were examined median 16.8y (range 6.6–27.0y) after disease onset and compared with 59 age/sex-matched controls. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD of the whole body and lumbar spine (spine) in all participants, and of ultra-distal radius, forearm and total hip in participants ≥20y only. Markers of bone turnover were analysed, and associations with outcomes explored. Results Reduced BMD Z-scores (<−1SD) were found in 19 and 29% of patients and 7 and 9% of controls in whole body and spine, respectively (p-values < 0.05). BMD and BMD Z-scores for whole body and spine were lower in all patients and for < 20y compared with their respective controls. In participants ≥20y, only BMD and BMD Z-score of forearm were lower in the patients versus controls. In patients, BMD Z-scores for whole body and/or spine were found to correlate negatively with prednisolone use at follow-up (yes/no) (age < 20y), inflammatory markers (age ≥ 20y) and levels of interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) (both age groups). In all patients, prednisolone use at follow-up (yes/no) and age ≥ 20y were independent correlates of lower BMD Z-scores for whole body and spine, respectively. Conclusion In long-term JDM, children have more impairment of BMD than adults in spine and whole-body. Associations with BMD were found for both prednisolone and inflammatory markers, and a novel association was discovered with the biomarker of JDM activity, IP-10.

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A Novel Surgical Technique for Large Frontoencephalocele Management: The Mercy Ships Approach

FACE ◽

10.1177/2732501620979323 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 273250162097932

Author(s):

Naikhoba C. O. Munabi ◽

Eric S. Nagengast ◽

Gary Parker ◽

Shaillendra A. Magdum ◽

Mirjam Hamer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Intraoperative Complications ◽

Complication Rates ◽

The Novel ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Lumbar Drain ◽

Cerebral Herniation ◽

Long Nose

Background: Large frontoencephaloceles, more common in low and middle-income countries, require complex reconstruction of cerebral herniation, elongated nose, telecanthus, and cephalic frontal bone rotation. Previously described techniques involve multiple osteotomies, often fail to address cephalad brow rotation, and have high complication rates including up to 35% mortality. This study presents a novel, modified, single-staged technique for frontoencephalocele reconstruction performed by Mercy Ships. This technique, which addresses functional and aesthetic concerns with minimal osteotomies, may help improve outcomes in low resources settings. Methods: Retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent frontoencephalocele reconstruction through Mercy Ships using the technique described. Patient data including country, age, gender, associated diagnoses, and prior interventions were reviewed. Intraoperative and post-operative complications were recorded. Results: Eight patients with frontoencephalocele (ages 4-14 years) underwent surgery with the novel technique in 4 countries. Average surgical time was 6.0 ± 0.9 hours. No intraoperative complications occurred. Post-operatively 1 patient experienced lumbar drain dislodgement requiring replacement and a second had early post-operative fall requiring reoperation for hardware replacement. In person follow-up to 2.4 months showed no additional complications. Follow-up via phone at 1 to 2 years post-op revealed all patients who be satisfied with surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Reconstruction of large frontoencephaloceles can be challenging due to the need for functional closure of the defect and craniofacial reconstruction to correct medial hypertelorism, long nose deformity, and cephalad forehead rotation. The novel surgical technique presented in this paper allows for reliable reconstruction of functional and aesthetic needs with simplified incision design, osteotomies, and bandeau manipulation.

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Synthese neuer Pyridin-C-nukleoside der 2 ,3 -Didesoxyribose durch „inverse“ [4+2]-Cycloaddition Synthesis of Novel Pyridine-C-nucleosides of 2,3-Dideoxyribose by „Inverse“ [4+2]-Cycloaddition

Zeitschrift für Naturforschung B ◽

10.1515/znb-1997-0715 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 52 (7) ◽

pp. 851-858 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gunther Seitz ◽

Johanna Siegl

Keyword(s):

Cycloaddition Reaction ◽

Alder Reaction ◽

Diels Alder ◽

The Novel ◽

Protecting Group ◽

Enol Ethers ◽

Inverse Electron Demand ◽

Diels Alder Reaction ◽

Cyclic Ketene Acetals

The anomeric imido esters 5 and 6, appropriate precursors for C-nucleoside synthesis, were prepared and utilized as heterodienophiles in a Diels-Alder reaction with inverse electron demand to yield the novel, protected 1.2.4-triazine C-nucleosides 8 and 9. They could be deprotected by treatment with 70% trifluoroacetic acid to furnish the free C-nucleosides 10 and 11. The triazine „aglycon“ of 8 contains an electron deficient diazadiene system, highly activated to react with various electron rich dienophiles such as enamines, enol ethers and several cyclic ketene acetals in an „inverse“ [4+2]-cycloaddition reaction. The Diels-Alder adducts spontaneously eliminate N2 and after follow-up reactions the O-TBDPS protected pyridine-C-nucleosides 13, 15, 17,19, 21 and 23 are formed. Removal of the protecting group by treatment with CF3CO2H /H2O leads to the corresponding 2’,3’-dideoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl- pyridines.

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