scholarly journals Biotherapy of mice’s serum 13cH modifies parasitological and immunological parameters of Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (47) ◽  
pp. 105-107
Author(s):  
Fabiana Nabarro Ferraz ◽  
Franciele Karina Da Veiga ◽  
Denise Lessa Aleixo ◽  
Suelen Santos Da Silva ◽  
Wander Rogério Pavanelli ◽  
...  

Background: T. cruzi biotherapies’ alter the infection course by this protozoan [1,2], fact that encourages the evaluation of other highly diluted medicines which modulates host’s immune system. Aim: Evaluate effect of biotherapy produced from mices’s serum in experimental infection by T. cruzi. Methodology: A blind, randomized and controlled study was performed. Animals: 60 male Swiss mice, four weeks old were inoculated intraperitoneally with 1400 trypomastigotes-Y strain and divided: MNI: mice non-infected by T. cruzi; IC: treated with hydroalcoholic solution 7%; BSI13cH: treated with mice’s serum infected by T. cruzi 13cH. Biotherapies: produced from mice’s serum infected by T. cruzi in 13cH dynamization [3]. Treatment: mice were treated 48 hours before and after infection. Subsequently animals were treated 56/56 hours until 9th day of infection (d.i). The medicine was diluted in water (1/100mL) and offered ad libitum, for 16 hours. Parasitological parameters: were evaluated pre-patent and patent period, parasitemia peak, total parasitemia and mortality [4]. Cytokine dosage: IL-4, IL-17, TNF-α and IFN-γ were measured in serum on 0, 8th and 12th d.i., by enzyme immunoassay. Ethics: study was approved by Ethics Committee for Experiments in Animals/UEM. Statistic: data were compared with Mann Whitney or Student t test, significance 5%. Results: BSI13cH showed tendency to increase total parasitemia (p=0.06) and parasitemia peak (p=0.05), with lower patent period (p=0.03) and higher mortality (p=0.03) compared to IC. In dosage of cytokines BSI13cH group showed on 0 d.i. a decrease in IL-17 (p = 0.02) and increased IL-4 (p = 0.01) compared to MNI (baseline value), probably caused by modulation of medication administration 48 hours before infection. IL-17 concentration didn’t vary throughout the infection to BSI13cH, different IC that tended to decrease concentration of cytokine on 8th d.i. IL-4 increased significantly on 0 d.i. to BSI13cH, with subsequent return to baseline values. IC group didn’t change significantly IL-4 value along the infection. IFN-γ concentration on 12th d.i. to BSI13cH was lower (p = 0.00) than IC, which increased this cytokine on 8th and 12th di. TNF-α concentration of BSI13cH followed the same evolution as IC, with an increase on 8th and 12th d.i. (Figure 1). The medicine seems initially promote Th2 response (IL-4), hindering the development of effective Th1 response (INF-γ), causing an increase of parasitemia and animals' death. Conclusions: BSI13cH demonstrated effect in experimental infection by T. cruzi with increased parasitemia, animals’ premature death and modulated immune response differently of IC.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Pilotto ◽  
Maria Cristina Rizzetti ◽  
Alberto Lombardi ◽  
Clint Hansen ◽  
Michele Biggi ◽  
...  

AbstractThere are no effective treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on postural instability in PSP. Twenty PSP patients underwent a session of sham or real cerebellar rTMS in a crossover design. Before and after stimulation, static balance was evaluated with instrumented (lower back accelerometer, Rehagait®, Hasomed, Germany) 30-s trials in semitandem and tandem positions. In tandem and semitandem tasks, active stimulation was associated with increase in time without falls (both p=0.04). In the same tasks, device-extracted parameters revealed significant improvement in area (p=0.007), velocity (p=0.005), acceleration and jerkiness of sway (p=0.008) in real versus sham stimulation. Cerebellar rTMS showed a significant effect on stability in PSP patients, when assessed with mobile digital technology, in a double-blind design. These results should motivate larger and longer trials using non-invasive brain stimulation for PSP patients.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 642
Author(s):  
Bianca Brix ◽  
Olivier White ◽  
Christian Ure ◽  
Gert Apich ◽  
Paul Simon ◽  
...  

Background: Lymphedema arises due to a malfunction of the lymphatic system, leading to extensive tissue swelling. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), which is a physical therapy lasting for 3 weeks and includes manual lymphatic drainages (MLD), leads to fluid mobilization and increases in plasma volume. Here, we investigated hemodynamic responses induced by these fluid shifts due to CDT and MLD. Methods: Hemodynamic parameters were assessed continuously during a sit-to-stand test (5 min baseline, 5 min of standing, and 5 min of recovery). This intervention was repeated on days 1, 2, 7, 14, and 21 of CDT, before and after MLD. Volume regulatory hormones were assessed in plasma samples. Results: A total number of 13 patients took part in this investigation. Resting diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased over three weeks of CDT (p = 0.048). No changes in baseline values were shown due to MLD. However, MLD led to a significant decrease in heart rate during orthostatic loading over all epochs on therapy day 14, as well as day 21. Volume regulatory hormones did not show changes over lymphedema therapy. Conclusion: We did not observe any signs of orthostatic hypotension at rest, as well as during to CDT, indicating that lymphedema patients do not display an elevated risk of orthostatic intolerance. Although baseline hemodynamics were not affected, MLD has shown to have potential beneficial effects on hemodynamic responses to a sit-to-stand test in patients undergoing lymphedema therapy.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa R Sun ◽  
Wendy C Ziai ◽  
Ryan J Felling

Introduction: Intrathecal (IT) cytarabine, an antineoplastic agent with poorly understood neurotoxicity, is commonly administered to children with newly diagnosed leukemia on the first day of induction chemotherapy for central nervous system prophylaxis. Five recent case reports demonstrated severe diffuse cerebral vasospasm leading to neurologic sequelae 4-11 days after administration of IT cytarabine. While these patients developed overt consequences, subclinical vasospasm may lead to more subtle forms of neurotoxicity in a larger group of patients. Recognition of subclinical vasospasm could prevent both overt and subtle consequences. Objective and Hypothesis: We evaluated cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFVs), a marker of vasospasm, as measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, before and after the administration of IT cytarabine. We hypothesized that IT cytarabine increases CBFVs in pediatric leukemia patients in the first two weeks after treatment. Methods: In this prospective before and after study, TCDs were performed on each subject prior to induction chemotherapy and subsequently around days +1, +4, and +8 of induction, before other IT medication administration and within the window of expected vasospasm based on prior cases. Results: In this interim analysis, we found elevated CBFVs compared to age-matched normal values in all arterial distributions measured (though more prominently in anterior circulation), even prior to the administration of IT chemotherapy. Substantial increases in CBFVs were observed after the administration of IT cytarabine in some subjects, though this trend was not observed in all cases. Conclusions: The observed elevations in CBFVs are likely in part due to decreased blood viscosities that resulted from hematologic changes secondary to leukemia. The observed changes in CBFVs after IT cytarabine administration are probably partially due to treatment effects, but the variability between patients suggests that patient and/or disease-specific characteristics may predispose certain children to cerebral vasospasm and its neurologic sequelae. This ongoing study aims to identify clinical features that allow risk stratification in order to develop clinical pathways for preventing neurotoxicity.


2021 ◽  
pp. 8-10
Author(s):  
Nandita Chaturvedi ◽  
Nidhi Nidhi ◽  
Malobika Bhattacharya

Introduction:Vernal keratoconjunctivitis(VKC) is a chronic, recurrent, inammatory disease of ocular surface showing seasonal exacerbation, affecting young children. Topical steroids are the mainstay in the treatment of ocular allergy, but their use should be judicious since they carry serious side effects . Loteprednol and uorometholone carry better safety prole. Present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the efcacy of these two widely used steroids.Objectives:To compare total subjective symptom score (TSSS), total objective sign score (TOSS) and side effects of medications before and after treatment at each visit.Materials & Methods:A prospective randomised controlled study was performed on 92 patients of VKC over four weeks. Patients were allotted to either of the two arms of treatment (i.e. LP 0.5% or FML 0.1%). Subjective and objective assessments of the signs and symptoms of VKC were done using standard scoring methodologies at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post treatment. The main outcome measure was measured in terms of TSSS and TOSS before and after treatment at each visit. Secondary outcomes included side effects. Statistical analysis of the data collected was carried out.Results: Loteprednol showed greater reduction in symptoms initially but by the end of study there was no statistically signicant difference in effect between the two drugs.Conclusions: Final improvement in clinical features and safety prole, at the end of 4 weeks was similar in eyes treated with either of the two drugs. Hence, both the drugs can be safely used in the treatment of VKC.


1972 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 367-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. McLellan

Thirty-one patients with a variety of extrapyramidal disorders were treated with tetrabenazine in doses of 25 to 250 mg. daily for periods varying from 2 weeks to 15 months. Clinical assessment of the patients' disability before and after treatment has confirmed that tetrabenazine effectively suppresses choreiform and ballistic involuntary movements, particularly those associated with Huntington's chorea and cerebrovascular disease. Side effects were encountered frequently and a controlled study in which tetrabenazine is compared with other active drugs is now desirable.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matías E. Rodríguez-Rivas ◽  
Adolfo J. Cangas ◽  
Daniela Fuentes-Olavarría

Stigma toward mental disorders is one of today's most pressing global issues. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the barriers to social inclusion faced by individuals with mental disorders. Concurrently, stigma reduction interventions, especially those aimed at university students, have been more difficult to implement given social distancing and campus closures. As a result, alternative delivery for programs contributing to stigma reduction is required, such as online implementation. This paper reports the results of a controlled study focused on an online multi-component program on reducing stigma toward mental illness that included project-based learning, clinical simulations with standardized patients and E-Contact with real patients. A total of 40 undergraduate students from the Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile, participated in the study. They were randomly divided between an intervention and control group. The intervention group participated in the online multi-component program, while the control group participated in an online educational program on cardiovascular health. We assessed the impact of the program by using the validated Spanish-language versions of the Attribution Questionnaire AQ-27 and the Questionnaire on Student Attitudes toward Schizophrenia with both groups, before and after the intervention. In addition, an ad hoc Likert scale ranging from 0 to 5 was used with the intervention group in order to assess the learning strategies implemented. Following the intervention, the participants belonging to the intervention group displayed significantly lower levels of stereotypes, perception of dangerousness, and global score toward people with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). In addition, participants presented lower levels of dangerousness-fear, avoidance, coercion, lack of solidarity, and global score (p < 0.001). The control group displayed no statistically significant differences in the level of stigma before and after the evaluation, for all of the items assessed. Finally, the overall assessment of each of the components of the program was highly positive. In conclusion, the study shows that online programs can contribute to reducing stigma toward mental disorders. The program assessed in this study had a positive impact on all the dimensions of stigma and all of the components of the program itself were positively evaluated by the participants.


2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Giraldi ◽  
Ramón Ruiz-Maldonado ◽  
Lourdes Tamayo ◽  
Cristina Sosa-de-Martínez

Papular urticaria (PU) is among the commonest skin ailments in children. Induced specific desensitization to insect bites is theoretically an effective means of prevention of PU. In this double blind placebo controlled study, an oral vaccine prepared from insect saliva was compared with placebo (stable vaccine solvent). Vaccine and placebo effectiveness were tested by counting active PU lesions, serum eosinophils, and IgE, before and after 4 months of treatment. Statistically significant differences between oral vaccine and placebo were not found in the clinical or the immunological variables tested. We conclude that, although a lack of oral vaccine efficacy was suspected, larger study samples are needed to strengthen our conclusion.


Author(s):  
Tevhid Aydin ◽  
Ruhusen Kutlu ◽  
Hayriye Alp ◽  
Ibrahim Kilinc

Obesity has become a global epidemic and public health crisis in our country as well as all over the world.We aimed to investigate the changes in serum leptin and nesfatin-1 levels measured before and after acupuncture in overweight/obese patients. This randomized controlled study was carried out on 90 overweight/obese patients. Participants were divided into three groups: Group 1 (Acupuncture), Group 2 (Diet), and Group 3 (Control). Serum leptin and nesfatin-1 levels were measured before and after the intervention. The 30 days leptin values were significantly decreased in the acupuncture group (p=0.040) while they were significantly increased in the control group (p=0.039). It was detected that the nesfatin-1 values were significantly increased in both acupuncture (p=0.032) and diet groups (p=0.017). Also, body weights significantly decreased both in acupuncture (p=0.032) and diet groups (p<0.001). In the present study, auricular acupuncture was found to be more effective than body acupuncture in reducing body weight. Our results support the effects of acupuncture treatment on appetite hormones. Further research on the mechanisms of endogenous and exogenous actions of the recently discovered hormones leptin and nesfatin-1 isneeded.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-114
Author(s):  
R. Yeung ◽  
G. M. Nolan ◽  
H. Levison

The effect of 40 µg of SCH 1000 (ipratropium bromide, an anticholinergic agent) on bronchodilation and suppression of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) was compared with 400 µg of fenoterol and a placebo in a single-blind controlled study. Twenty-seven randomly selected asthmatic children performed a standardized treadmill exercise challenge and the 17 children who were shown to have EIB continued in the study. Pulmonary function was evaluated before and after drug administration and exercise. When individual results were analyzed and grouped according to the responsiveness of EIB to the drugs, two patterns emerged: (1) the EIB was more severe in those (6/17) children who did not respond to either drug than in the rest of the children; (2) the resting pulmonary function was significantly better in the children (4/17) who responded to both drugs than in those (7/17) who responded to fenoterol alone. In conclusion SCH 1000 was shown to be an effective bronchodilator comparable to, but no better than, fenoterol. It had minimal side effects. As an EIB inhibitor it depended on relatively normal base line pulmonary function and only a moderate deterioration following exercise, whereas fenoterol depended on the exercise response alone. Although anticholinergic drugs are not very extensively used, SCH 1000 may be useful in some patients where the β2 adrenergic drugs cause significant side effects or are contraindicated.


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