Neurotoxicity of Coscinium fenestratum stem, a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine.

Coscinium fenestratum is a common medicinal plant widely used in the Indochina region, but scientific data on its safety is very limited. This study aimed to observe the effect of this plant on neurotoxicity and neurobehavior. Oral administration of plant alcoholic extract at dosages of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kgBW for 14 days increased the rats body weight and decreased the neuron density in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. The plant extract significantly increased stereotyped behavior in licking but did not cause anxiolytic activity, anti-depression, sensory motor co-ordination impairment and ataxia. It is concluded that the plant possesses neurotoxicity and is able to induce neurobehavioral changes in rats. Therefore, the application of this plant as either drug or supplementary food should be reconsidered.     

Increased serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M–CSF) in α-and β-thalassaemia syndromes: correlation with anaemia and monocyte activation

Abstract: Serum levels of M–CSF were determined by an ELISA method in 29 and 34 patients with HbH disease (α₁/α₂ or α₁/HbCS) or β⁰-thal/HbE, respectively, in 28 haematologically normal subjects and in five patients with anaemia due to iron deficiency or myelodysplasia. In HbH disease and β⁰-thal/HbE, M–CSF concentrations were significantly higher than those in the normal subjects [986 ± 138 and 1385 ± 133, respectively, vs. 500 ± 33 pg/ml (mean ± SEM); p <0.01, and p <0.001, respectively]. By contrast, in patients with anaemia due to iron deficiency, M–CSF levels were within the normal range. In HbH disease and in β⁰-thal/HbE, M–CSF levels correlated inversely with mean basal Hb values (r = –0.39, p = 0.05 and r = –0.60, p <0.001, respectively). In addition, in some of the HbH and β⁰-thal/HbE patients, monocyte ADCC activities towards red cells were tested and found to be approximately twice as high as those in normal controls [38.3±5.7 and 30.7 ± 4.6 vs. 17.8 ± 1.8 % specific lysis (mean ± SEM), respectively; p <0.01 and p <0.02, respectively]. When thalassaemic patients and normal controls were considered together there was a significant correlation between M–CSF levels and monocyte ADCC activities (r = 0.51, p <0.02). The results suggest that in HbH disease and in β⁰-thal/HbE, raised serum M–CSF contributes to the anaemia by enhancing the effector function of mononuclear phagocytes towards red cells.     

Assessment of basic seminal characteristics, sperm cryopreservation and heterologous in vitro fertilisation in the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

Conservation of the fishing cat, a threatened south-east Asian felid, could benefit from effective ex situ genetic management and breeding programmes, including the use of assisted reproduction. The aims of the present study were to: (1) characterise basal seminal traits of fishing cats in Thailand zoos; and (2) investigate the effect of cryopreservation on sperm motility, acrosomal integrity and in vitro function. Seminal traits were evaluated in electroejaculates collected from eight males. Spermatozoa were diluted in n-tris(hydroxymethyl)-methyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid Tris (TEST)-yolk buffer (TYB) without glycerol, then diluted further with TYB with glycerol (4% final concentration) at either 25 degrees C or after slow cooling to 5 degrees C and frozen in straws over liquid nitrogen vapour. After thawing, sperm function was assessed by insemination of viable domestic cat oocytes. Fishing cat ejaculates averaged (+/- s.e.m.) 43.6 +/- 14.2 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa with 33.5 +/- 6.8% normal sperm morphology. Semen processing had a negligible effect (P > 0.05) on sperm motility and acrosomal integrity, but values were reduced (P < 0.05) after thawing. All thawed samples fertilised domestic cat oocytes, with 62.1% (36/58) of mature oocytes cleaving. Glycerol addition at 5 degrees C resulted in higher (P < 0.05) post-thaw motility and intact acrosomes than glycerol addition at 25 degrees C. In conclusion, good-quality ejaculates can be obtained from Thai fishing cats and their spermatozoa exhibit adequate function after cryopreservation for in vitro fertilisation procedures.     

Albendazole Stimulates the Excretion of Strongyloides stercoralis Larvae in Stool Specimens and Enhances Sensitivity for Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis

We succeeded in stimulation of excretion of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae in stool by oral administration of a single dose of 400 mg albendazole to strongyloidiasis patients. This result overcame the false-negative results of stool examination due to low larval numbers. Stool samples were collected from 152 asymptomatic strongyloidiasis patients in the morning, prior to eating. After breakfast, they were given a dose of 400 mg albendazole, and stool samples were collected the following morning. Agar plate culture (APC), modified formalin-ether concentration technique (MFECT), and direct-smear (DS) methods were used to examine stool specimens within 3 h after defecation. The results before and after albendazole was taken were compared. All APCs that were positive became negative after albendazole administration, while MFECT showed a 1.4- to 18.0-fold increase in larval numbers in 97.4% (148/152) of the samples. The DSs were positive in 3 out of 3 smears at a larval number of ≥45 larvae per g (lpg) of stool, and in 1or 2 out of 3 smears at a larval number between 35 and 44 lpg. At a larval number of <35 lpg, the DS became negative. Interestingly 90.5% (19/21) of the samples that were negative by all methods before albendazole administration became positive by MFECT after the treatment. Thus, MFECT can be effectively used for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis with prior administration of albendazole to the subject.Strongyloidiasis is a helminthic infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a worm that is particularly dangerous for immunosuppressed patients. Although many methods are presently being used to diagnose this disease, a gold standard for the detection of larvae in the stool is still needed (14). Parasitological methods include agar plate culture (APC) (10), the Baermann method (4), the formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT) (13), the quantitative formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique (QFECT) (9), and the newly modified FECT (MFECT) (1). However, each method has its own disadvantages, resulting in false negativity. In addition, female S. stercoralis parasites, unlike other intestinal roundworms, embed in the mucosa of the small intestine, where they lay embryonated eggs that immediately hatch (8). Thus, the larvae are often scanty and irregularly excreted (11, 15). Repeated stool examination is therefore recommended for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis (6). During an intestinal-helminth survey by direct fecal smear (DS) examination, some participants tested negative for Strongyloides larvae. After albendazole treatment for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms, the stools were reexamined. Surprisingly, stools that were previously negative for S. stercoralis larvae became positive (data not shown). It was then considered possible that albendazole treatment could increase the sensitivity of stool examination methods for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Thus, this research aimed to enhance the sensitivity for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis by using a single 400-mg oral dose of albendazole to stimulate the excretion of larvae into the stool for easier detection by MFECT and/or DS, particularly in cases where strongyloidiasis was strongly suspected, such as in patients with unexplained chronic diarrhea and patients returning from areas where strongyloidiasis is endemic.     

Experiences and management of breast cancer‐related lymphoedema: a comparison between South Africa and the United States of America

WANCHAI A., STEWART B.R. & ARMER J.M. (2011) Experiences and management of breast cancer‐related lymphoedema: a comparison between South Africa and the United States of America. International Nursing Review 59 , 117–124 Purpose: Approximately one third of breast cancer survivors are estimated to develop lymphoedema. This study was conducted in the midwestern region of the USA and in Western Cape, South Africa. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast lymphoedema experiences and lymphoedema managements between breast cancer survivors from the two countries . Methods: Using a qualitative research design, data were collected from 29 women with a history of breast cancer‐related lymphoedema (18 women from the USA and 11 women from South Africa ) who consented to semi‐structured interviews. Findings: Six themes regarding effects of lymphoedema emerged from the study including difficulties with daily activities, unmet lymphoedema preparations, facing public curiosity, time‐consuming wrapping, trouble with fitted clothes and a reminder of breast cancer. Four themes regarding lymphoedema management included compression garments, physical activities and faith, as well as other strategies such as compression pumps or antibiotics for infection. Conclusion: Experiences about lymphoedema and its management for breast cancer survivors from both countries were somewhat similar and somewhat different. Collaboration between healthcare providers from both countries should be planned to develop culturally appropriate lymphoedema symptom management interventions for each country.     

Specific IgG antibody subclasses to Angiostrongylus cantonensis in patients with angiostrongyliasis

Total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA and IgM specific antibodies against Angiostrongylus cantonensis somatic antigen were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in sera from proven human angiostrongyliasis (PA) cases, clinically suspected angiostrongyliasis cases with eosinophilic meningitis (EM) and healthy control (HC). The specific IgA antibody in each of the patient groups was significantly higher than those of the HC group (p < 0.05). The mean ELISA value of the specific IgM in the PA group was not significantly different from that of the HC group (p > 0.05). However, the mean specific IgM ELISA value in the EM group was significantly higher than that of the HC group (p < 0.05). The levels of the specific IgG and IgG subclasses in both patient groups were significantly higher than in the healthy control (HC) group (p < 0.001). Major differences were evident in the distribution of the IgG subclass antibodies between the patient groups. The IgG1 antibody demonstrated the highest sensitivity and specificity while the IgM and IgA responses were generally poor in both patient groups. The levels of the specific IgG antibody subclasses possibly explain immune responses to the parasite.     

Performance care practices in complementary and alternative medicine by Thai breast cancer survivors: An ethnonursing study

The purpose of this study was to explore how Thai breast cancer survivors perform care practices in complementary and alternative medicine to promote their health and well-being. Research was conducted using an ethnonursing method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 Thai breast cancer survivors in Thailand. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using the ethnonursing analysis method. The findings showed Thai breast cancer survivors started their care practices in complementary and alternative medicine immediately following a diagnosis of breast cancer. They sought out and gathered alternative medicine information from several sources, such as the people around them, media resources, books, magazines, or newspapers. After gathering information, Thai breast cancer survivors would try out various types of complementary medicines rather than use only one type because of information from other people and their own evaluation. The findings of this study indicate the need for a conversation about complementary medicine use between healthcare providers and Thai breast cancer survivors as an on-going process throughout the cancer trajectory to ensure that safe and holistic care is provided.     

Acute respiratory illness in patients with COPD and the effectiveness of influenza vaccination: a randomized controlled study

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of influenza vaccination on influenza-related acute respiratory illness (ARI) and overall ARI in patients with COPD, and its relationship to the degree of airflow obstruction. DESIGN: Stratified, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: From June 1997 to November 1998 at a single university hospital. Patients and interventions: One hundred twenty-five patients with COPD were stratified based on their FEV(1) as having mild, moderate, and severe COPD. Within each group, they were randomized to the vaccine group (62 patients who received purified, trivalent, split-virus vaccine) or the placebo group (63 patients). MEASUREMENTS: The number of episodes and severity of total ARI, classified as outpatient treatment, hospitalization, and requirement of mechanical ventilation; and the number of episodes and severity of influenza-related ARI. RESULTS: The incidence of influenza-related ARI was 28.1 per 100 person-years and 6.8 per 100 person-years in the placebo group and vaccine group, respectively (relative risk [RR], 0.24 [p = 0.005]; vaccine effectiveness, 76%). The incidences were 28.2, 23.8, and 31.2 per 100 person-years in the patients with mild, moderate, and severe COPD, respectively, in the placebo group, and 4.5, 13.2, and 4.6 per 100 person-years in the patients with mild, moderate, and severe COPD, respectively, in the vaccine group (RR, 0.16 [p = 0.06]; vaccine effectiveness, 84%; RR, 0.55 [p = 0.5]; vaccine effectiveness, 45%; and RR, 0.15 [p = 0.04]; vaccine effectiveness, 85%, in the patients with mild, moderate, and severe COPD, respectively). Bivariate analysis revealed that the effectiveness of influenza vaccination was not modified by the severity of COPD, comorbid diseases, age, gender, or current smoking status. There was no difference in the incidence or severity of total ARI between the placebo group and the vaccine group. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination is highly effective in the prevention of influenza-related ARI regardless of the severity of COPD. Influenza vaccination does not prevent other ARIs unrelated to influenza. The effectiveness of influenza vaccination in the prevention of overall ARI in patients with COPD will depend on how much the proportion of influenza-related ARI contributes to the incidence of total ARI. Influenza vaccination should be recommended to all patients with COPD.     

Different chest radiographic findings of pulmonary paragonimiasis in two endemic countries

We compared the chest radiographic findings of patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) with a report from Korea. The clinical and radiological characteristics of 50 confirmed Laotian pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis patients were studied between March 2003 and June 2007. In 49 patients, the chest radiographs showed abnormal findings (98%). Pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities were found in all 49 patients, whereas pleural effusion was only found in 11 patients (22%). The three most common intraparenchymal findings were multiple small cysts (90%), irregular linear densities (68%), and nodular opacities (40%). The numbers of patients who had these three findings were significantly different from the Korean report (P < 0.001). In conclusion, radiographic findings of pulmonary paragonimiasis may vary among countries.