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Days Post-treatment (day + post-treatment)
Selected AbstractsA Smart Nanoprobe Based On Fluorescence-Quenching PEGylated Nanogels Containing Gold Nanoparticles for Monitoring the Response to Cancer TherapyADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2009Motoi Oishi Abstract A biocompatible, caspase-3-responsive, and fluorescence-quenching smart apoptosis nanoprobe based on a PEGylated nanogel that contains gold nanoparticles (GNPs) (fluorescence quenchers) in the cross-linked polyamine gel core and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled DEVD peptides at the tethered PEG chain ends is prepared for monitoring the cancer response to therapy. FITC,DEVD,nanogel,GNP shows very little fluorescence in the absence of activated caspase-3 (normal cells) through the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process between the GNPs and the FITC molecules, while pronounced fluorescence signals are observed in apoptotic cells because of the cleavage of the DEVD peptide by activated caspase-3 present in the cells, which results in the release of FITC molecules. Thus, remarkable quenching and dequenching of fluorescence signals in response to activated caspase-3 is observed. Apoptotic cells are detected in human hepatocyte (HuH-7) multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs), a commonly used three-dimensional in vitro model mimicking the in vivo biology of tumors, as early as one day post-treatment with staurosporine, an apoptosis-inducing agent; while growth inhibition (i.e., change in size) of the HuH-7 MCTSs is only observed after a delay of three days (i.e., on day 4). This demonstrates the effectiveness of the FITC,DEVD,nanogel,GNP probe as a smart nanoprobe for real-time monitoring as well as a more rapid assessment of the early response to cancer therapy. [source] Differential Long-Term Stimulation of Type I versus Type III Collagen After Infrared IrradiationDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2009YOHEI TANAKA MD BACKGROUND The dermis is composed primarily of type I (soft) and type III (rigid scar-like) collagen. Collagen degradation is considered the primary cause of skin aging. Studies have proved the efficacy of infrared irradiation on collagen stimulation but have not investigated the differential long-term effects of infrared irradiation on type I and type III collagen. OBJECTIVE To determine differential long-term stimulation of type I and type III collagen after infrared (1,100,1,800 nm) irradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS In vivo rat tissue was irradiated using the infrared device. Histology samples were analyzed for type I and III collagen stimulation, visual changes from baseline, and treatment safety up to 90 days post-treatment. RESULTS Infrared irradiation provided long-term stimulation of type I collagen and temporary stimulation of type III collagen. Treatment also created long-term smoothing of the epidermis, with no observed complications. CONCLUSIONS Infrared irradiation provides safe, consistent, long-term stimulation of type I collagen but only short-term stimulation in the more rigid type III collagen. This is preferential for cosmetic patients looking for improvement in laxity and wrinkles while seeking smoother, more youthful skin. [source] The lethal effects of gamma irradiation on larvae of the Huhu beetle, Prionoplus reticularis: a potential quarantine treatment for New Zealand export pine treesENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 3 2000Philip J. Lester Abstract Gamma irradiation was investigated as a possible method for disinfestation of huhu beetle larvae, Prionoplus reticularis White, in Pinus radiata D. Don. Larvae of four representative size classes were irradiated at six doses, and the lethal dose (LD99) calculated from mortality data 3 days and 10 days post treatment. All larval size classes showed a similar sensitivity to gamma irradiation and required 3677 Gray (Gy) and 2476 Gy for a LD99 3 and 10 days post-treatment, respectively. The penetration of gamma irradiation into pine wood was found to be lowest in freshly cut logs, and decreased linearly at a rate of 0.698 Gy mm,1 of wood. The penetration was greatest in wood that had been stored for 2 years, and decreased 0.512 Gy mm,1 of wood. These results are likely to be correlated with wood moisture content. Gamma irradiation appears to be a potential alternative method to fumigation for quarantine treatment of P. reticularis. [source] Reproductive modes in lizards: measuring fitness consequences of the duration of uterine retention of eggsFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2008R. S. Radder Summary 1One of the primary axes of life-history variation involves the proportion of embryonic development for which the offspring is retained within its parent's body; understanding trade-offs associated with prolonging that period thus is a critical challenge for evolutionary ecology. 2Prior to oviposition, most oviparous squamate reptiles retain developing eggs in utero for about one-third of embryogenesis; the strong conservatism in this trait is a major puzzle in reptilian reproduction. To clarify fitness consequences of this prolonged uterine retention, we need to experimentally modify the trait and examine the effects of our manipulation. 3We used transdermal application of corticosterone to induce gravid scincid lizards (Bassiana duperreyi) to lay their eggs ,prematurely', with relatively undeveloped embryos. Corticosterone application induced females to oviposit sooner (mean of 5·41 ± 0·51 days post-treatment) at earlier embryonic developmental stage (27 ± 0·21) than did controls (13·2 ± 1·22 days; embryonic stage 30·4 ± 0·16). 4Corticosterone levels in the egg yolk were unaffected by maternal treatment, so effects of earlier oviposition should not be confounded by endocrine disruption of embryogenesis. Nonetheless, early oviposition reduced hatchling fitness. Hatching success was lower, incubation periods post-laying were increased, and neonates from eggs laid at earlier embryonic stages were smaller and slower. 5These results suggest that retention of developing eggs in utero by oviparous squamates enhances maternal fitness, and does so via modifications to offspring phenotypes rather than (for example) due to accelerated developmental rates of eggs in utero compared to in the nest. 6More generally, our data support optimality models that interpret interspecific variation in the duration of maternal,offspring contact in terms of the selective forces that result from earlier vs. later termination of that maternal investment. [source] Magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate NASHA/Dx gel (ZuidexTM) for stress urinary incontinenceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 10 2006A. FIANU-JONASSON Summary The ZuidexTM, system for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence consists of non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid/dextranomer (NASHA/Dx) gel and a precision guide, the ImplacerTM,. Whether the Implacer accurately deposits NASHA/Dx gel in the desired location within the urethral wall was investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed at a mean of 35 days post-treatment. Three or more deposits were observed in 11 of 16 patients (68.8%), with 39 of the 50 deposits clearly located within the urethral wall, as intended. Fourteen of 16 patients (87.5%) demonstrated improvement in their incontinence at 3 months, sustained at 12 months in 13 patients. No significant correlations between total implant volume and improvements in incontinence were observed at 3 months (p , 0.16) and 12 months (p , 0.30). In conclusion, accurate placement of NASHA/Dx gel into the desired location within the urethral wall was achieved in the majority of cases using the Implacer device, without endoscopic guidance. [source] Isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from the soil and their pathogenicity to two fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae)JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 9-10 2008P. Sookar Abstract The occurrence of deuteromycetous entomopathogenic fungi was determined by examining 224 soil samples from 19 locations in three climatic zones of Mauritius. Three sites were sampled per location: one site under vegetables cultivation, one site under sugar cane plantation and one natural site each within 1 km of each other. Soil samples were baited with the waxmoth larvae Galleria mellonella L. and incubated in the dark at 15, 20, 25 or 30°C for 7, 14 and 21 days. Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from 77 out of 224 (38.6%) soil samples. Metarhizium anisopliae was isolated from 42 (18.8%) samples, Beauveria bassiana from 24 (10.7%), Metarhizium spp. and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus from 5 (2.2%) each and Beauveria spp. from 1 (0.4%). It was observed that M. anisopliae was isolated more frequently from soils under vegetables as compared to soils under sugarcane or habitat with natural vegetation. Beauveria bassiana was isolated more frequently at the lowest incubation temperature (15°C) while M. anisopliae isolates were recovered more frequently at higher temperatures (25 and 30°C). The pathogenicity of seven isolates of M. anisopliae, five isolates of B. bassiana and two isolates of P. fumosoroseus towards the adults of Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera cucurbitae was tested by topical application of conidial suspension of 1 × 106 conidia/ml. All the isolates tested were pathogenic to the two fruit fly species. Mortality of B. zonata varied between 12.0 and 98.0% and between 2.0 and 94.0% in B. cucurbitae at 5 days post-treatment. Our results suggest that entomopathogenic fungi present locally, could be integrated for the control of B. zonata and B. cucurbitae. [source] Protective effects of quercetin on ultraviolet A light-induced oxidative stress in the blood of ratJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Ahmet Kahraman Abstract The oxidative effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) light (320,400 nm) and the antioxidant effects of quercetin were examined in rat blood. For this purpose, rats were divided into three groups: control, ultraviolet (UV) and ultraviolet + quercetin (UV + Q). The UV and UV + Q groups were irradiated for 4 h a day with UVA light (1.25 mW cm2) during periods of 3, 6 and 9 days. Quercetin (50 mg kg,1 body wt.) was administered intraperitoneally in the UV + Q group rats before irradiation periods. Blood was taken 3, 6 and 9 days post-treatment. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased after 9 days of daily exposure to UVA. Whole blood glutathione (GSH) levels significantly declined after 3,9 days of irradiation. Glutathione peroxidase activity on days 6 and 9 and glutathione reductase activities on days 3, 6 and 9 post-irradiation were diminished significantly. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased significantly 3,9 days post-irradiation. The administration of quercetin before the 9-day period of irradiation significantly reduced the increase in plasma MDA value. Whole blood GSH levels significantly decreased with the administration of quercetin on all days. Quercetin significantly increased antioxidant enzymes diminished by UVA irradiation. Exposure of rats to UVA light leads to oxidative stress, reflected by increased MDA and reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The administration of quercetin appears to be a useful approach to reduce the damage produced by UVA radiation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Evaluation of Side Effects and Patients' Perceptions during Tooth BleachingJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 6 2007RALPH H. LEONARD JR. DDS ABSTRACT Objective:, The objective of this nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) study was to compare tooth sensitivity (TS), gingival irritation (GIr), and other side effects, as well as patients' perceptions during tooth bleaching, from treatment with experimental 5 and 7% hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching solutions with those of a commercially available 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) product. Materials and Methods:, Sixty-one participants completed the study wearing a scalloped maxillary treatment tray without reservoirs with the different concentrations of bleaching gels for 30 minutes twice a day for 7 days. Parameters evaluated were changes in gingival index (GI), nonmarginal gingival index, nongingival oral mucosal index, and tooth vitality. Participants were seen pretreatment, after 7 treatment days, and 1 week post-treatment. A daily log form to record TS and GIr was completed by each participant as well as a sensitivity questionnaire at each appointment. Additionally, at 10 months post-treatment, a questionnaire was sent to the participants concerning TS and GIr relative to the treatment process. Results:, Data from end-of-treatment questionnaires, daily log forms, and clinical examination revealed a statistical difference (p, 0.05) in the patients' ranking of and days of TS and GIr between group S (7% HP) and group T (10% CP, control group) at the end of active treatment. There also existed a statistical clinical change in the GI levels for groups R and S compared with the control group T. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in any of the parameters evaluated among the three products at 7 days or 10 months post-treatment. Conclusions:, Participants in group S reported significantly more TS, GIr, and days of each compared with the control. There also existed a significant clinical change in the GI levels for groups R and S compared with the control group T. There was no significant difference among the three products at 7 days post-treatment. After ending treatment, TS/GIr was resolved in 2 to 3 days and did not recur during the 10 months post-treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The experimental HP bleaching solutions, as described in this study, can be used in NGVB with no long-term side effects as evaluated in this study for up to 10 months post-treatment. (J Esthet Restor Dent 19:355,366, 2007) [source] A detailed assessment of the pattern of moxidectin tissue distribution after pour-on treatment in calvesJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2003J. M. Sallovitz The use of topical (pour-on) administration of endectocide drugs in cattle has reached world-wide acceptance. However, only limited information is available on the kinetic behaviour for topically administered moxidectin (MXD). To improve our understanding of the relationship between pharmacokinetics and efficacy for pour-on preparations, MXD concentration profiles were measured in tissues of endo- and ectoparasites location over 35 days postadministration. MXD distribution to the fluid content and mucosal tissue of the abomasum and different intestinal sections (duodenum, ileum, caecum and colon) was assessed. The comparative patterns of MXD distribution to skin and hypodermic tissue from different anatomical sites (backline, rib cage, thigh and face) were also investigated following the pour-on administration. Wide tissue distribution and long residence time characterized the kinetics of topically administered MXD. MXD was recovered between 1 and 35 days post-treatment in all the tissues investigated. The highest MXD availabilities were observed in the skin layers at the site of administration (backline) and in the fat tissue. The fluid contents of different intestinal sections showed MXD concentrations higher than those measured in their respective mucosal tissues, particularly at day 1 post-treatment. MXD concentrations in the skin (epidermis + dermis) were higher than those measured in the hypodermic tissue. Large differences in the availability of MXD in skin from different anatomical regions (backline > rib cage > thigh > face) were observed. The low plasma and the high skin availability indicate the formation of a skin depot of the drug, being released slowly to the plasma and reaching concentrations in systemic tissues (abomasal mucosa, lungs, etc.) similar to those measured after subcutaneous administration. These findings demonstrate that target parasites may be exposed to markedly different drug concentrations according to their location sites, which is particularly relevant for ectoparasites located in different anatomical regions. Knowledge of the tissue distribution of topically administered endectocides contributes to understand the differences observed in efficacy and/or persistence of activity and to optimize their use in cattle. [source] Safety and efficacy of adeno-associated viral vector-mediated insulin gene transfer via portal vein to the livers of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley ratsTHE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 5 2005Young Mi Park Abstract Background Previous studies demonstrating the efficacy of insulin gene therapy have mostly involved use of adenoviral vectors or naked DNA to deliver the insulin gene. However, this procedure may not guarantee long-term insulin production. To improve the performance, we prepared recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) harboring the gene encoding a furin-modified human insulin under the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter [rAAV-hPPI(F12)]. Methods Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were used as a diabetic animal model. The levels of blood glucose, insulin, and HbA1c were measured to test the effect. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed to test the capability of blood glucose disposal. Immunohistochemical staining and Northern blot analyses were performed to survey the expression pattern of the therapeutic insulin gene. Results STZ-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats infused via the portal vein with rAAV-hPPI(F12) produced human insulin and after a 6-h fast were normoglycemic for over 90 days post-treatment, whereas diabetic rats treated with recombinant adenoviral vector harboring the hPPI(F12) gene [rAV-hPPI(F12)] were normoglycemic only for days 3 to 13 post-treatment. Insulin mRNA was detected mainly in the liver of the rAAV-hPPI(F12)-treated diabetic rats. The glucose tolerance capability of the rAAV-hPPI(F12)-treated diabetic rats was comparable to that of non-diabetic rats, even without injection of recombinant insulin. Furthermore, blood HbA1c concentrations in rAAV-hPPI(F12)-treated diabetic rats were reduced to almost the normal level. Importantly, studies of rAV or rAAV vector-dependent side effects on the targeted liver strongly suggested that only rAAV treatment caused no side effects. Conclusions These results demonstrate that our rAAV-mediated in vivo insulin gene therapy provides safer maintenance of the insulin gene expression required for long-term and thus more effective blood glycemic control. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effectiveness of Adenoidectomy and Laser Tympanic Membrane Fenestration,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2001Steven P. Cook MD Abstract Objective Adenoidectomy alone or with tonsillectomy (A±T) is an effective surgical intervention in the management of otitis media in children, especially when it is performed in conjunction with insertion of pressure equalization tubes (PETs). Otorrhea and persistent tympanic membrane (TM) perforation are frequent complications. This study evaluates the effectiveness of intermediate duration middle ear ventilation using laser tympanic membrane fenestration (LTMF) without tube insertion and as an adjunct to adenoidectomy in resolving middle ear disease within the first 90 days after surgery. Study Design This pilot study was a multicenter, prospective clinical cohort trial. Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. The study involved four tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology departments. Fifty children (96 ears) were treated with LTMF in conjunction with A±T from June 1, 1998, through March 30, 1999. Ages ranged from 9 months to 12 years. Patients undergoing A±T who would have been recommended for PET insertion instead underwent middle ear ventilation with LTMF using the OtoLAMÔ device (ESC/Sharplan, Yokneam, Israel). Patients were seen at 30, 60, and 90 days postoperatively. Resolution of otitis media with effusion was determined by clinical examination, which included pneumatic otoscopy, audiometry, and tympanometry. Results Of the treated ears, 88%, 86%, and 83% had clinical resolution of middle ear disease at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. Preoperatively, 45% (n = 85) of ears had normal hearing; 92% (n = 49) had normal hearing at 90 days. Eighty-nine percent (n = 92) had type C2 or B tympanograms preoperatively, and 12% (n = 60) had type C2 or B at 90 days. Conclusion Laser tympanic membrane fenestration in conjunction with adenoidectomy was effective in restoring normal middle ear function at 90 days post-treatment in greater than 80% of children who otherwise may have had placement of PETs. [source] Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of moxidectin and ivermectin after oral administration to beagle dogsBIOPHARMACEUTICS AND DRUG DISPOSITION, Issue 8 2007Sayer I. Al-Azzam Abstract This study compares plasma disposition kinetics of ivermectin and moxidectin after oral administration to beagle dogs experimentally infected with the filarial parasite, Brugia pahangi. Sixteen dogs were selected and randomly allocated into two groups of eight dogs each. Animals in each group received either ivermectin or moxidectin by oral route at a dose of 250 µg/kg. Blood samples were collected from 0.5 h up to 56 days post-treatment and the plasma was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The obtained data were analysed by compartmental and non-compartmental pharmacokinetic techniques. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 234.0 ± 64.3 ng/ml (mean ± SD) were obtained for moxidectin and 132.6 ± 43.0 ng/ml for ivermectin. The terminal elimination half-life was significantly (p<0.01) longer in the moxidectin treated group (621.3 ± 149.3 h) than for ivermectin treated group (80.3 ± 29.8 h). A significantly (p< 0.01) larger Vss/F was obtained for moxidectin (19.21 ± 3.61 l/kg) compared with ivermectin (5.35 ± 1.29 l/kg). The mean estimates of CL/F of moxidectin and ivermectin were 0.0220 ± 0.00381 and 0.0498 ± 0.0179 l/h/kg, respectively. The comparative plasma disposition kinetics of ivermectin and moxidectin in dogs is reported for the first time. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||