Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract

The current fast-moving, hectic lifestyle has increased the number of individuals worldwide with difficulties in managing stress, which in turn is also affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a natural plant-based dietary supplement comprised of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, purified in phenylpropanoids, in alleviating stress and improving quality of sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Both validated questionnaires and functional tests were performed during the study, whereas questionnaires were used after the washout. As a result, the group taking the lemon verbena extract significantly reduced their perception of stress after 8 weeks, which was corroborated by a significant decrease in cortisol levels. After the washout period, the subjects reported to present even lower stress levels, due to the lasting effect of the ingredient. As for sleep quality, the subjects taking the supplement reported feeling better rested, with a stronger effect observed in women. Sleep tracking using a wearable device revealed that the supplement users improved their times in the deeper stages of sleep, specifically their percentage of time in deep sleep and REM. In conclusion, lemon verbena extract purified in phenylpropanoids is revealed as a natural solution to help individuals to improve their stress and sleep quality.     

Repolarization of tumor infiltrating macrophages and increased survival in mouse primary CNS lymphomas after XPO1 and BTK inhibition

Journal of Neuro-Oncology - Patients diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) often face dismal outcomes due to the limited availability of therapeutic options. PCNSL cells...     

A Study of Incidence and Characteristics of Infections in 476 Patients from a Single Center Undergoing Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Infectious complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We examined 476 patients with hematologic malignancies (401) or solid tumors (75) who underwent ASCT between February 1990 and May 2005. Anti-infectious prophylaxis consisted of different combinations of ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, fluconazole, aerosolized amphotericin B, acyclovir, and intravenous immunoglobulins. Overall, 454 patients (95%) developed fever in the first 60 days after ASCT. In the majority of patients, initial antibiotic therapy consisted of broad-spectrum beta-lactamic with or without amikacin. A glycopeptide was administered as initial therapy in 86 cases. Overall, there were 132 (29%) clinically documented infections (37 pneumonias), 79 (17%) microbiologically documented infections (65 bacteremias), and 243 (54%) fevers of unknown origin. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (18, 25%) and E coli (18, 25%) were the organisms most frequently isolated. The pattern of infection did not change throughout the study except for a significantly higher incidence of bacteremia due to gram-positive bacteria in the first 5 years of the study. Infection-related mortality was 5% (21 cases), with pneumonia the most frequent cause of death. ASCT should be considered a low-risk procedure, although new therapeutic approaches for patients developing severe respiratory infections are still needed.     

Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safe in Cardiac Pacemaker Recipients?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently contraindicated in cardiac pacemaker (PM) recipients. The objectives of this prospective study were to (1) reassess the risks of performing an MRI scan in patients with PM, (2) compared the pacing functions before and after the exposure to MRI, and (3) monitor the development of possible adverse effects. Thirteen patients implanted with an Affinity DR model 5330 PMs (St. Jude Medical) connected to a Tendril model 1388 leads (St. Jude Medical) underwent 2.0 T-MRI for a variety of indications. All patients displayed a stable spontaneous rhythm at the time of the MRI scan and were not considered to be PM-dependent. The sensing and pacing functions were analyzed and the impedance of both leads was measured before and after the scan. The MRI scan was performed with all PM programmed in DDD mode. The sensing configuration was bipolar. All patients were monitored utilizing a standard electrocardiographic monitor and direct verbal communication. PM Inhibition, asynchronous pacing, or inappropriately rapid pacing was not observed. No patient reported discomfort, heat, or motion sensation at the PM implant site. There were no significant differences in the sensing, stimulation, AutoCapture threshold, and lead impedance measurements before and after MRI. The results of this study suggest that performing 2.0 T-MRI scans in patients with Affinity DR model 5330 PM connected to a Tendril model 1388 lead is safe.     

In vitro interaction of micafungin with conventional and new antifungals against clinical isolates of Trichosporon, Sporobolomyces and Rhodotorula

OBJECTIVES: The infections caused by basidiomycetous yeasts are often difficult to resolve. Combined therapy might be useful in those severe cases where a monotherapy was ineffective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of combinations of micafungin with amphotericin B or fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and ravuconazole against isolates of Trichosporon, Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces. METHODS: Twenty-seven clinical isolates were tested, i.e. 10 of Trichosporon asahii, two of Trichosporon mucoides, five of Sporobolomyces salmonicolor and 10 of Rhodotorula glutinis. Drug interactions were assessed by the chequerboard technique using the NCCLS microdilution method (M27-A2). The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was used to classify drug interactions. Results were interpreted as follows: synergy (FICI < or =0.5), no interaction (FICI >0.5 and < or =4.0), or antagonism (FICI >4.0). RESULTS: Micafungin combined with amphotericin B showed the highest percentage of synergic interactions (78%) followed by micafungin/ravuconazole and micafungin/itraconazole (48% for each), and micafungin/fluconazole and micafungin/voriconazole (34% for each). Antagonism was not observed in any case. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the combinations tested, especially micafungin/amphotericin B, have potential for the treatment of basidiomycetous yeast infections.