Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on anxiety-related responses in mice

Introduction  

This study was designed to investigate the putative anxiolytic-like activity of ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens (G. sempervirens), produced according to the homeopathic pharmacopeia.     

Screening of army soldiers for Wuchereria bancrofti infection in the metropolitan Recife region, Brazil: implications for epidemiological surveillance

Between 1989 and 1995, blood surveys were performed for Wuchereria bancrofti infection in several barracks of the Brazilian army in the metropolitan Recife region. For initial screening, 60 microliters of capillary blood were examined for microfilaria. All men who tested positive had microfilaria quantified by filtration of venous blood through a polycarbonate membrane. Of 23,773 men screened, 585 (2.5%) had microfilaria (mf). Microfilarial density ranged from < 1-8706 mf/ml of blood. Thirteen individuals had ultra-low microfilarial densities (1 mf/11 ml of blood). Characterization of 174 autochthonous cases made it possible to map 8 new districts in 4 cities within metropolitan Recife region where transmission of W. bancrofti was previously unknown. Routine screening of soldiers in the military may provide important surveillance data for national programmes to eliminate transmission of W. bancrofti.     

Childhood Cancer Registry of the Province of Torino: Survival Patterns since 1967 and Update of Incidence Rates

During 1967-1981, the population-based Childhood (ages 0-14 years) Cancer Registry of the Province of Torino has recorded 1057 resident children with incident cancer. The life status of each child has been ascertained as of December 31, 1983. Sex- and age-specific incidence rates have been stable throughout the period. Annual mortality rates (per million) from leukemias (all types) decreased from 34.0 in 1967-69 to 19.4 in 1979-81. Correspondingly, the survival percentage cumulative of leukemic children at 3 years after diagnosis increased from 16 for children diagnosed in 1967-69 to 57 for those diagnosed in 1979-81. For other cancer types, no increases or debatable decreases in mortality rates and increases in survival rates were recognized.     

Characterising the KMP-11 and HSP-70 recombinant antigens' humoral immune response profile in chagasic patients

Background  

Antigen specificity and IgG subclass could be significant in the natural history of Chagas' disease. The relationship between the different stages of human Chagas' disease and the profiles of total IgG and its subclasses were thus analysed here; they were directed against a crude T. cruzi extract and three recombinant antigens: the T. cruzi kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (rKMP-11), an internal fragment of the T. cruzi HSP-70 protein_192-433, and the entire Trypanosoma rangeli HSP-70 protein.     

Airway control via the Cobrapla™ during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy in five patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of the new supraglottic airway device CobraPLA (CPLA) for performing percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) utilizing continuous fibreoptic visualization of the larynx and trachea and uninterrupted airway control. CLINICAL FEATURES: The percutaneous tracheotomies were carried out in five patients (four males and one female; mean age 72 yr, mean height 164.6 cm, mean weight 74 kg) following the Griggs technique under continuous fibreoptic vision and airway control provided by the CPLA. The mean time required for removal of the ETT, positioning of the CPLA, and confirmation of adequate ventilation and cuff seal was 78 sec. The mean time for the entire PDT procedure was six minutes and 57 sec. In one patient a 7-mm tracheostomy cannula was used, and in the other four patients an 8-mm cannula was used.The hemodynamic and respiratory variables remained stable during the entire procedure; there were no adverse events.At no point was there any significant difficulty in placing the CPLA or in providing ventilation or oxygenation. Each procedure could be observed easily in its entirety through the FOB. CONCLUSIONS: This technique can be considered simple and safe because it is video-assisted and ensures a continuous airway control. The CPLA offers several advantages over some other supraglottic devices when performing this surgical procedure.     

Erythrocyte-mediated delivery of a new homodinucleotide active against human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus

Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) play a central role in the pathogenesis of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and represent one of the main reservoirs of the virus in the body. In addition, MDMs can easily be infected by various herpes viruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). We have synthesized a new antiviral agent (Bis-PMEA) that consists of two 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) molecules bound by a phosphate bridge. This nucleotide analogue, like the parent compound PMEA, has strong and selective activity against HIV-1 and HSV-1. A drug-targeting system previously developed in our laboratory was used for the selective delivery of these drugs to macrophages. Bis-PMEA and PMEA were encapsulated into autologous erythrocytes by a procedure of hypotonic dialysis and isotonic resealing. Loaded erythrocytes were modified to increase their recognition and phagocytosis by human macrophages. By administering Bis-PMEA-loaded erythrocytes to macrophages, 47% of Bis-PMEA and 28% of PMEA was still present 10 days after phagocytosis; in contrast, only 12% of PMEA was found in macrophages receiving PMEA-loaded erythrocytes. Bis-PMEA-loaded erythrocytes were then added to macrophages infected with HIV-1 and HSV-1 and their antiviral activity evaluated. Remarkable protection was obtained against HIV-1 and HSV-1 infection (95 and 85%, respectively). Therefore, Bis-PMEA acts as an efficient antiviral prodrug that, following selective targeting to macrophages by means of loaded erythrocytes, can protect a refractory cell compartment.     

Modifiers of patient-controlled analgesia efficacy. II. Chronic pain

Fifty-eight gynecologic surgical patients using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) were given several psychological questionnaires and their pain was monitored postoperatively. Pain scores were recorded hourly on postoperative day 1. In addition, patients were asked to score retrospectively their overall pain experience while using PCA (Patient Overall Evaluation). Patients having had a history of pain for at least 6 months were considered to have 'chronic pain,' while those who had no history of chronic pain were grouped as 'acute pain' patients. Chronic pain patients spent more time in 'moderate' pain than did acute pain patients. While patients with a history of chronic pain had higher scores on the hourly pain scale compared to acute pain patients, there were no differences between the two groups on the Patient Overall Evaluation. In addition, chronic pain patients reported the same pain levels after completion of PCA as they did during its use, in contrast to acute pain patients whose retrospective pain levels were higher than during PCA use. Compared to acute pain patients, chronic pain patients had higher scores on both the Hypochondriasis and the Hysteria scales of the MMPI. A history of chronic pain may affect the use of patient-controlled analgesia since chronic pain patients may accommodate to a 'moderate' pain level which approximates their preoperative perception of pain. By contrast, acute pain patients who have no 'chronic pain experience' may self-administer pain medication so as to attain a predominately 'mild' level of pain.