Establishment and characterization of two new pig cell lines for use in virological diagnostic laboratories

Two pig cell lines derived from kidney and trachea tissues and referred to as newborn swine kidney (NSK) and newborn pig trachea (NPTr) were established following serial culture of primary cells. They were characterized by an epithelial-like morphology, high capacity to replicate and stability of the cell monolayer for several days after seeding. Their modal chromosome number was modified in comparison to that of primary swine cells and they both displayed a transforming potential in vitro and displayed oncogenicity in nude mice. Infection with pig endogenous retroviruses was detected. Almost all the swine viruses tested, i.e., pseudorabies virus, pig parvovirus, hog cholera virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus of swine, encephalomyocarditis virus, swine vesicular disease virus and the enteroviruses, except pig reproductive respiratory syndrome virus, were capable of replicating in the new cell lines with titres similar to the ones detected in the reference culture systems. Furthermore, all the selected influenza virus sub-types isolated from human, swine and avian species replicated with cytopathic effect in NSK and NPTr cells, whereas, of all the equine influenza viruses tested only the Miami and Suffolk sub-types replicated.     

Information and communication technology in chronic diseases: a patient’s opportunity

The increasing aging population, the prevalence of chronic diseases and rising costs have brought about some unique health care challenge to our global society. In response to the unmet health care needs, researchers are actively seeking for innovative solutions that target for (1) prevention of diseases and (2) personalized diagnosis and treatment. It is envisaged that by taking preventive measures for health monitoring, diagnosing and treating patients with a personalized approach at an early stage of disease development, health care will be more cost effective and sustainable. The authors provide an overview of the advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and explain how some innovative health solutions, through the use of Telemedicine, can now be an opportunity for patients and their family.     

A pilot study of nurse-led, home-based telecardiology for patients with chronic heart failure

We assessed the feasibility of home-based telecardiology for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Seventy-four CHF patients were enrolled into a programme of telephone follow-up and single-lead electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring. The patients transmitted their ECG data by fixed telephone line to a receiving station, where a nurse was available for an interactive teleconsultation. Patients were followed up for a mean (SD) of 307 (108) days; 1467 calls were analysed (213 ad hoc consultations and 1254 scheduled consultations). A total of 124 cardiovascular events were recorded. Modifications to therapy were suggested in response to 119 calls; hospital admissions were suggested for 13 patients, further investigations for 7 and a consultation with the patient's general practitioner for 13. No action was taken after 1330 calls. Twenty-two ECG abnormalities were recorded. In 63 patients receiving the beta-blocker carvedilol, the mean dosage increased from 36 to 42 mg. In the previous year there were 1.8 hospitalizations per patient, while in the follow-up period there were 0.2 hospitalizations per patient. Following up CHF patients using a nurse-led telecardiology programme seems to be feasible and useful.     

Predictive value of amino acids in the treatment of major depression with fluvoxamine

Sixteen outpatients (mean age +/- SD 50.18 +/- 11.55 years; 11 females and 5 males) affected by major depression without melancholia (DSM-IV) were included in the study. The control group consisted of 11 healthy volunteers (mean age +/- SD 39.90 +/- 13.39 years; 2 females and 9 males). Patients were treated with fluvoxamine (FVX) 100-300 mg daily. Clinical assessment was performed using the Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety and Depression (HRS-A; HRS-D) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) at basal time (T(0)), after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks (T(8)). Plasma and platelet amino acid levels were determined at T(0) in all the subjects and also at T(8) in depressed patients. A significant clinical improvement was observed in depressed patients according to the HRS-A (p = 0.004), HRS-D (p = 0.008) and CGI (p = 0.002). A negative correlation (r = -0.53, p = 0.049) was found between platelet levels of valine and HRS-D improvement rate. Patients showed significantly higher tyrosine/large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) and lower tryptophan/LNAAs, ratios which could represent an index of good response to a serotonergic drug like FVX.     

Lithium safety in the prophylaxis of bipolar disorders: a study with plasma levels

From many decades efficacy of lithium salts, as mood stabilizers, has been largely recognized, but their tolerability, in particular during intermediate or long-term treatments is still discussed. The most frequently described side effects can affect several organs. Aim of the study was to evaluate lithium carbonate tolerability after a "brief" (1 month-4 years), "intermediate" (5-9 years) and "longterm" (10-21 years) treatment of patients affected by Bipolar Disorders (BD). 27 patients (14 males, 13 females), aged from 20 to 78 years (mean 49.03 years +/- 14.61 SD), affected by BD, type I, according to DSM IV criteria were included into the study. Our data suggest a good tolerability of lithium salts without significant differences among the three different periods of treatment.     

Time course of pulmonary function before admission into ICU. A two-year retrospective study of COLD patients with hypercapnia.

Changes in cardiopulmonary function were retrospectively evaluated back to two years before acute exacerbations requiring ICU admission in 16 COLD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory insufficiency (age: 61 +/- 6 years, group A). Fifteen hypercapnic COLD patients matched for age, sex, lung function, and blood gas values not requiring an ICU admission in a period of two years, served as control subjects (age: 66 +/- 7, group B). Periodic assessments of spirometry, arterial blood gas values, echocardiography, body weight, and red blood cell count performed in stable state were compared for differences between groups and changes over a period of two years. The results indicated that basal body weight, rate of deterioration over time in FEV1, VC, blood gas values, bicarbonates, and RVD may be related to the necessity of ICU admission in COLD patients with hypercapnic respiratory insufficiency.     

Physical rehabilitation in coronary patients who have suffered from episodes of cardiac failure.

The effects of bicycle training for 5 weeks were evaluated in 12 patients after myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%) and at least one episode of cardiac failure in the past. The patients were divided into two groups of six according to the Weber classification: Group B (VO2/kg/min: 16-20) and Group C (VO2/kg/min: 10-15). Cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated during a maximal exercise test and a simultaneous catheterization of the right side of the heart before and after the training. An increase in the capacity for work was recorded in Group B (p < 0.02), while Group C remained unchanged. A statistically significant increase in minute ventilation (p < 0.05) and VO2/kg/min (p < 0.0006) was recorded in Group B. Group C showed an increase in the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.03). All of the other parameters remained unchanged after training. We conclude that physical rehabilitation improves the tolerance to exercise in patients with a mildly depressed cardiac function (Group B) but not in patients with a very depressed cardiac function (Group C).     

Acute exacerbations in severe COLD patients. Treatment using positive pressure ventilation by nasal mask.

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical effectiveness of a treatment schedule with intermittent positive pressure ventilation via nasal mask in 49 patients with acute exacerbations of COLD. According to the ability to successfully tolerate a preliminary trial with NIPPV, patients were submitted either to standard treatment plus NIPPV (25 patients) or to ST alone (24 patients). The ST consisted of medical, oxygen and physical therapy. The NIPPV was delivered by a volume cycled ventilator in control mode at least 4 h a day for five consecutive days a week, for three weeks. Comparison of baseline with measurements performed after 10 and 21 days of treatment respectively showed a significant improvement in PaO2 and in PaCO2 in both groups. After 21 days of treatment, VC, FEV1, inspiratory muscle strength, and dyspnea significantly improved in both groups. No significant difference was found between groups at any time of treatment. We conclude that the treatment schedule of NIPPV used is not more effective than ST alone in acute exacerbations of COLD.