scholarly journals Toxocariasis as a Rare Parasitic Complication of a Transthoracic Spine Surgery Procedure

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1328
Author(s):  
Jan Soukup ◽  
Jan Cerny ◽  
Martin Cegan ◽  
Petr Kelbich ◽  
Tomas Novotny
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Vertebral Body Replacement ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Microscopic Evaluation ◽  
Second Procedure ◽  
Undercooked Meat ◽  
Toxocara Species

Human toxocariasis is a helminthozoonosis caused by the migration of Toxocara species larvae through an organism. The infection in humans is transmitted either by direct ingestion of the eggs of the parasite, or by consuming undercooked meat infested with Toxocara larvae. This parasitosis can be found worldwide, but there are significant differences in seroprevalence in different areas, depending mainly on hot climate conditions and on low social status. However, the literature estimates of seroprevalence are inconsistent. Infected patients commonly present a range of symptoms, e.g., abdominal pain, decreased appetite, restlessness, fever, and coughing. This manuscript presents a case report of a polytraumatic patient who underwent a two-phase spinal procedure for a thoracolumbar fracture. After the second procedure, which was a vertebral body replacement via thoracotomy, the patient developed a pathologic pleural effusion. A microscopic cytology examination of this effusion revealed the presence of Toxocara species larvae. Although the patient presented no specific clinical symptoms, and the serological exams (Enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot) were negative, the microscopic evaluation enabled a timely diagnosis. The patient was successfully treated with albendazole, with no permanent sequelae of the infection.

Alterations in Vascular Endothelial Cell-related Plasma Proteins In Thalassaemic Patients and their Correlation with Clinical Symptoms

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (04) ◽  
pp. 1045-1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Butthep ◽  
A Bunyaratvej ◽  
Y Funahara ◽  
H Kitaguchi ◽  
S Fucharoen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Plasma Proteins ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cell ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Leg Ulcers

SummaryAn increased level of plasma thrombomodulin (TM) in α- and β- thalassaemia was demonstrated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nonsplenectomized patients with β-thalassaemia/ haemoglobin E (BE) had higher levels of TM than splenectomized cases (BE-S). Patients with leg ulcers (BE-LU) were found to have the highest increase in TM level. Appearance of larger platelets in all types of thalassaemic blood was observed indicating an increase in the number of younger platelets. These data indicate that injury of vascular endothelial cells is present in thalassaemic patients.

scholarly journals Human Milk Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 089033442110301
Author(s):  
Hannah G. Juncker ◽  
M. Romijn ◽  
Veerle N. Loth ◽  
Tom G. Caniels ◽  
Christianne J.M. de Groot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Milk ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Milk Antibodies ◽  
Over Time

Background: Human milk contains antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These antibodies may serve as protection against COVID-19 in infants. However, the evolution of these human milk antibodies over time is unclear. Research Aim: To elucidate the evolution of immunoglobulin A (IgA) against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This longitudinal follow-up study included lactating mothers ( N = 24) who had participated in the COVID MILK study. To assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, serum and human milk samples were collected 14–143 days after the onset of clinical symptoms related to COVID-19. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay was used to detect antibodies against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Results: SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remain present up to 5 months (143 days) in human milk after onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 IgA in human milk seems to gradually decrease over time. Conclusion: Human milk from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent lactating mothers contains specific IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein up to at least 5 months post-infection. Passive viral immunity can be transferred via human milk and may serve as protection for infants against COVID-19. Dutch Trial Register on May 1st, 2020, number: NL 8575, URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8575 .

Evaluation of serum neuron specific enolase levels among patients with primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome

Cephalalgia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 033310242110466
Author(s):  
Jaimala Kishore ◽  
Fouzia Shaikh ◽  
Adnan Mustafa Zubairi ◽  
Sana Mirza ◽  
Montaser N Alqutub ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Neuron Specific Enolase ◽  
Burning Mouth Syndrome ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Painful Condition ◽  
Burning Mouth ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Serum Neuron Specific Enolase

Introduction Burning mouth syndrome is a painful condition of the oral cavity with ambiguous pathogenesis and diagnosis. Neuron-specific enolase is increased in several conditions including peripheral neuropathy of diabetes, ophthalmopathies, spinal cord injuries and tumors. Evidence on association of burning mouth syndrome and neuron-specific enolase is limited. Aim This study aims to evaluate neuron-specific enolase levels in primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome patients and compare the levels of neuron-specific enolase with associated conditions in secondary burning mouth syndrome. Methods One hundred and twenty-eight patients of more than 18 years of age with no gender predilection and having clinical symptoms of burning mouth syndrome and 135 healthy subjects were included. All the patients fulfilled Scala’s criteria for the diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome, including “primary” (idiopathic) and “secondary” (resulting from identified precipitating factors) burning mouth syndrome patients. Blood samples were obtained from burning mouth syndrome patients. Serum neuron-specific enolase was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To compare means and standard deviations, among primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome, data was analysed with analysis of variance and multiple comparisons test. Results The mean age of the study participants for burning mouth syndrome and healthy subjects was 53.30 and 51.6 years, respectively. Amongst the secondary burning mouth syndrome group, 32 (25%) of the patients had menopause, 15 (11.7%) had diabetes, eight (6.2%) of the patients had nutritional deficiency, seven (5.4%) had combined diabetes, menopause, and depression, six (4.6%) had combined diabetes and depression, four (3.1%) were diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome. A minor percentage of 2.3% (three) had gastroesophageal reflux disease, while the remaining three (2.3%) patients in the secondary burning mouth syndrome group were on anti-depressants. There was a statistically significant increase in the levels of neuron-specific enolase in primary burning mouth syndrome as compared to the secondary burning mouth syndrome and healthy groups. Among the subgroups of secondary burning mouth syndrome, diabetic individuals showed a significant increase in neuron-specific enolase level when compared with other conditions in the secondary burning mouth syndrome patients. Discussion and conclusion: The raised serum neuron-specific enolase levels in patients suffering from primary burning mouth syndrome highlight a possible neuropathic mechanism. It was also increased in the sub-group of secondary burning mouth syndrome patients having diabetes. Although it cannot be ascertained whether the deranged values in the diabetic group were due to burning mouth syndrome or due to diabetes, the raised quantity of neuron-specific enolase in the primary burning mouth syndrome group is a reliable diagnostic indicator. Future studies on the assessment of neuron-specific enolase levels as a diagnostic tool for onset and management of primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome are recommended.

scholarly journals Circulating Heme Oxygenase-1: Not a Predictor of Preeclampsia but Highly Expressed in Pregnant Women Who Subsequently Develop Severe Preeclampsia

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valéria C. Sandrim ◽  
Mayara Caldeira-Dias ◽  
Heloisa Bettiol ◽  
Marco Antonio Barbieri ◽  
Viviane Cunha Cardoso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Severe Preeclampsia ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Potential Biomarker

Preeclampsia is the major cause of maternal and fetal deaths worldwide. Circulating biomarker concentrations to predict preeclampsia must be determined. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) concentration in both plasma and urine samples from pregnant women before the development of preeclampsia and to identify a potential biomarker for preeclampsia development. We performed a case-control study nested in a prospective study cohort at University Hospital of the Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. Of 1400 pregnant women evaluated at 20–25 weeks of gestation, 460 delivered in hospitals outside our institution. Of 940 pregnant women who completed the protocol, 30 developed preeclampsia (cases, 14 cases of severe preeclampsia and 16 cases of mild preeclampsia). Healthy pregnant women (controls, n=90) were randomly selected from the remaining 910 participants. HO-1 concentration was evaluated in plasma/urine samples by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. We found similar HO-1 levels in the plasma and urine for case and control groups. In the subgrouped preeclampsia, lower plasma HO-1 levels were found in mild compared with severe preeclampsia. We conclude that plasma HO-1 levels were not altered at 20–25 weeks of gestation before the manifestation of preeclampsia symptoms. Pregnant women who subsequently develop severe preeclampsia show higher expression of HO-1. This may be indicative of important underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms that differentiate between mild and severe preeclampsia and may possibly be related to a higher prooxidative status even before the development of clinical symptoms.

scholarly journals Role of the stratospheric chemistry-climate interactions in the hot climate conditions of the Eocene

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Szopa ◽  
Rémi Thiéblemont ◽  
Slimane Bekki ◽  
Svetlana Botsyun ◽  
Pierre Sepulchre
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Structure ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Ozone Layer ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Total Column Ozone ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Ozone Distribution ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Ozone Column

Abstract. The stratospheric ozone layer plays a key role in atmospheric thermal structure and circulation. Although stratospheric ozone distribution is sensitive to changes in composition and climate, the modifications of stratospheric ozone are not usually considered in climate studies at geological time scales. Here, we evaluate with a chemical-climate model the potential role of stratospheric ozone chemistry in the case of the Eocene hot conditions. We show that the structure of the ozone layer is significantly different under these conditions (4×CO2 climate and high concentrations of tropospheric N2O and CH4). While at mid and high latitudes, the total column ozone is found to be enhanced, the tropical ozone column remains more or less unchanged. These ozone changes are related to the stratospheric cooling and an acceleration of stratospheric Brewer-Dobson circulation simulated under Eocene climate. The meridional distribution of the total ozone column appears also to be strongly modified, showing particularly pronounced mid-latitudes maxima and steeper negative poleward gradient from these maxima. These anomalies are consistent with changes in the seasonal evolution of the polar vortex during the winter, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Compared to a pre-industrial atmospheric composition, the changes in local ozone concentration reach up to 40 % for zonal annual mean and affect temperature by a few Kelvins in the middle stratosphere. As inter-model differences in simulating the deep past temperatures are quite high, the consideration of atmospheric chemistry, which is computationally demanding in Earth system models, may seem superfluous. However, our results suggest that using stratospheric ozone calculated by the model (and hence more physically consistent with Eocene conditions) instead of the commonly specified preindustrial ozone distribution can change the simulated global surface air temperature by 14 %. This error is of the same order as the effect of non-CO2 boundary conditions (topography, bathymetry, solar constant & vegetation). Moreover, the results highlight the sensitivity of stratospheric ozone to hot climate conditions. Since the climate sensitivity to stratospheric ozone feedback largely differs between models, it must be better constrained not only for deep past conditions but also for future climates.

scholarly journals Experimental Study of the Effect of Curing Mode on Concreting in Hot Weather

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-248
Author(s):  
Nassima Bakir
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Concrete Surface ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Water Evaporation ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Hot Weather ◽  
Job Site

Most developing countries have hot climate, ordinary jobsites characterized by reduced of human resources, equipment and infrastructures. The objective of this article is to make an experimental study of the influence of the hot climate such as that of Algeria, on the different properties of concrete in the fresh state, such as excessive water evaporation from the concrete surface, increased demand for water, increased slump loss corresponding to additional water on job-site, higher plastic shrinkage cracking and difficulty in controlling air content. At the hardened state, we could mention a reduction of strength at 28 days, decreased durability resulting from cracking at long-term period. To show the problems linked to concreting under these conditions and to present the appropriate solutions concrete or mortar can withstand the conditions in which it is implemented. Thus, negative effects caused principally by hot weather concreting motivated the choice of the such study. The research experimental work conditions in which the cementitious matrix was kept concerned two different environments, namely hot and dry climate conditions (t = 40°, h = 0%) alike the climate of the region of M'sila., and that of a medium with a hot and humid environment (t = 40°, h = 100%). The output of the investigation demonstrated the crucial role of the cure method in hot regions. The comparison of results for a reference concrete kept in air without any curing measures with two curing types simulating hot weather environment of the region M’sila was undertaken. These obtained outcome results were discussed based on the influence of climatic conditions to conclude procedures for hot weather concreting and suitable cure methods.

scholarly journals Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Immunoglobulin M Antibodies against Measles Virus

2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Roodbari ◽  
M. H. Roustai ◽  
A. Mostafaie ◽  
H. Soleimanjdahi ◽  
R. Sarrami Foroshani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Measles Virus ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Maculopapular Rash ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Elisa System

ABSTRACT Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus infection, with typical clinical symptoms including maculopapular rash, fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. Despite implementation of widespread vaccination programs throughout the world, the rates of global morbidity and mortality are still considerable. This study was performed to design a reliable indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure measles-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM). First, human IgM was purified, and then an anti-IgM antibody was produced in rabbits and purified in a multistep process. The rabbit IgG against human IgM was conjugated with peroxidase. Measles virus-infected Vero cells produced viral antigen. One hundred serum samples from infants of 9 to 18 months of age, mostly vaccinated, were evaluated for determining the presence of specific IgM antibodies against measles virus. The samples were also evaluated for neutralizing antibodies against measles virus by a microneutralization test (MNT). By comparing the results of the ELISA with those of MNT, it was demonstrated that ELISA had a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 92%, respectively. On the other hand, when the results obtained by our ELISA system were compared with those of an imported measles virus IgM ELISA kit (EIAgen; Adaltis Italia SPa, Bologna, Italy), a high level of agreement was shown (k = 0.926).

Origin and formation model of Eocene dolomite in the upper Niubao Formation of Lunpola Basin, Tibetan Plateau

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-50
Author(s):  
Xiaoquan Chen ◽  
Fengcun Xing ◽  
Shu Jiang ◽  
Yongchao Lu ◽  
Zhongrong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Hot Springs ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Hydrothermal Fluids ◽  
Lake Basin ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Strong Evaporation ◽  
Semi Arid

Using fresh cores samples, we determined the origin and formation process of Eocene lacustrine dolomites in the Tibetan Plateau through petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses. Dolomitic rocks were collected from the upper member of Eocene Niubao Formation in the Lunpola Basin, and consist of dolomitic mudstone, argillaceous dolomite, dolomite-bearing mudstone and mud-bearing dolomite. These dolomites are dominated by aphanotopic and micro-crystalline dolomites, with minor amounts of euhedral or subhedral powder- and fine-crystalline dolomites. Carbon and oxygen stable isotopes, combined with ubiquitous gypsum in study area, indicates a semi-saline continental lake under strong evaporative conditions. The revealed relatively high temperature of dolomitization(33.8°C–119.1°C), combined with hydrothermal minerals such as cerous phosphate and barite, reflect the participation of dolomite from hot fluids. Moreover, the inferred dolomitization temperatures decrease gradually toward the centre of the lake basin, suggesting the resurgence of hydrothermal fluids along a fault zone on the lake margin. This proves that frequent thermal events occurred at the boundary fault of the Lunpola Basin margin during early Himalayan orogenesis. In addition, Jurassic carbonates interacting with hydrothermal fluids, as well as strong evaporation conditions, likely provided favourable conditions for the formation of primary lime sediments. A rich source of Mg2+ brought by volcanic ash, hydrothermal fluids, and the Jurassic carbonates then created conditions for dolomitization during the depositional period. Strong evaporation under a relatively hot climate enhanced penecontemporaneous dolomitization, thus forming dolomite. Tibetan Plateau was under arid to semi-arid climate conditions, and there was a widespread distribution of dolostones in western, central, and northern China during the Eocene period. The hydrothermal dolomites of the upper Niubao Formation testify for active hot springs, while lacustrine dolomite imply arid or semi-arid climates during the Eocene, in the early stages of Himalayan orogenesis.

scholarly journals Chamaejasmine Isolated from Wikstroemia dolichantha Diels Suppresses 2,4-Dinitrofluoro-benzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in SKH-1 Hairless Mice

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae-Young Kim ◽  
No-June Park ◽  
Jonghwan Jegal ◽  
Sangho Choi ◽  
Sang Woo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Topical Administration ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Specific Ige ◽  
Transepidermal Water Loss ◽  
Skin Barrier Function ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Dermal Thickness

Plants of the genus Wikstroemia have long been used as traditional medicines to treat diseases like pneumonia, rheumatism, and bronchitis. This study was designed to determine the effect of chamaejasmine, a biflavonoid present in W. dolichantha, on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced murine model of AD. Initially, we examined the anti-allergic activities of ten flavonoids from W. dolichantha by measuring β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells. Subsequently, an SKH-1 hairless mouse model of AD was developed based on the topical application of DNCB. Chamaejasmine (0.5%) or pimecrolimus (1%, positive control) were applied to dorsal skins of DNCB-sensitized AD mice for two weeks. Serum IL-4 and IgE levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration were measured using a Tewameter TM210 and a SKIN-O-MAT, respectively. Of the ten flavonoids isolated from W. dolichantha, chamaejasmine most potently inhibited DNP-specific IgE-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Topical administration of chamaejasmine attenuated the clinical symptoms of DNCB-induced dermatitis (i.e., itching, dryness, erythema, and edema). Histological analyses demonstrated that dermal thickness and mast cell infiltration in dermis were significantly reduced by chamaejasmine. In addition, 0.5% chamaejasmine inhibited DNCB-induced increases in total IL-4 and IgE levels in serum, improved skin barrier function, and increased epidermis moisture. Our findings suggest chamaejasmine might be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of atopic diseases.

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