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Repeated Treatment (repeated + treatment)
Selected AbstractsThe effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on peach fruit (Prunus persica L. cv. Jiubao) ripening and disease resistanceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Hongxia Liu Summary In order to learn how 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) affects ripening and disease-resistance of peach fruit (Prunus persica L. cv. Jiubao) after harvest, they were treated with 1-MCP and some were inoculated with Penicillium expansum. Treating peach fruit with 0.2 ,L L,1 of 1-MCP at 22 °C for 24 h effectively slowed the decline in fruit firmness. The minimal concentration of 1-MCP able to inhibit fruit softening was 0.6 ,L L,1. Changes in other parameters related to peach ripening, such as content of soluble solids, total soluble sugar, titratable acidity, soluble pectin and ethylene production were also significantly reduced or delayed by 1-MCP. Repeated treatment of peach with 1-MCP resulted in more effective inhibition of ripening. Post-harvest decay of peach fruit was reduced by treatment with 1-MCP and disease progress in fruit inoculated with P. expansum was reduced. The activities of phenylalanine ammonialyase, polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase in the inoculated fruit were also enhanced by 1-MCP. [source] Fustin flavonoid attenuates ,-amyloid (1,42)-induced learning impairmentJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 16 2009Chun-Hui Jin Abstract Natural flavonoids ameliorate amyloid-, peptide (A,)-induced neurotoxicity. We examined whether the fustin flavonoid affects A,-induced learning impairment in mice. Repeated treatment with fustin significantly attenuated A, (1,42)-induced conditioned fear and passive avoidance behaviors. This effect was comparable to that of EGb761, a standard extract of ginkgo. Fustin treatment significantly prevented decreases in acetylcholine (ACh) levels, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, and ChAT gene expression induced by A, (1,42). Fustin also consistently suppressed increases in acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity and AChE gene expression induced by A, (1,42). In addition, fustin significantly attenuated A, (1,42)-induced selective decreases in muscarinic M1 receptor gene expression and muscarinic M1 receptor binding activity (as determined by [3H]pirenzepine binding) by modulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. These effects of fustin were reversed by treatment with dicyclomine, a muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist, and SL327, a selective ERK inhibitor, but not by chelerythrine, a pan-protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. Taken together, our results suggest that fustin attenuates A, (1,42)-impaired learning, and that the ERK/CREB/BDNF pathway is important for the M1 receptor-mediated cognition-enhancing effects of fustin. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Botulinum toxin A for palmar hyperhidrosisJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 6 2001U Wollina Abstract Objective We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A on severe palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods Ten patients with recalcitrant palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with intercutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox; 200 U for each hand). Patients were followed up to 23 months (mean ± SD: 12.1 ± 6.2 months). Results Botulinum toxin significantly reduced abnormal sweating within 1 week in 100% of the patients. In six patients with a follow-up of 12 months or more the antisudorific effect lasted 12.3 ± 5.5 months. The longest response duration was 22 months. Repeated treatment was performed in five patients with unchanged clinical efficacy. The only side-effect was tolerable pain from the intracutaneous injections in patients where a nerve block was not performed. Conclusions Botulinum toxin A (200 U Botox per palm) was able to induce long-term remission in palmar hyperhidrosis without significant acute and long-term side-effects. Strictly intracutaneous injection of small volumes is recommended. So far, response to repeated treatments did not show evidence of neutralizing antibody induction. [source] Efficacy of systemic ganciclovir as a therapeutic strategy for cytomegalovirus-associated anterior uveitis in immunocompetent patientsACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009M ANGI Purpose Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated anterior uveitis is a newly recognized entity that accounts for half of patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome. To date, the therapeutic management of these patients remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of systemic Ganciclovir as a treatment for PCR-proven CMV-associated hypertensive anterior uveitis. Methods Retrospective interventional study of 27 consecutive patients treated in a single centre between 2002 and 2008. Main outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior chamber inflammation. Results All patients responded to systemic Ganciclovir, with mean IOP dropping from 32 to 14 mmHg (p<0,05). Relapses occurred in 50% of cases within one year from the first antiviral course. Repeated treatment allowed control of the disease in 75% of cases (follow-up range: 12-78 months). Conclusion Ganciclovir is effective but remains a suspensive therapeutic strategy. [source] Laser Microbeams and Optical Tweezers in Ageing ResearchCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 1 2009Paulius Grigaravi Abstract We show how a technique developed within the framework of physics and physical chemistry,in a true interdisciplinary approach,can answer questions in life sciences that are not solvable by using other techniques. Herein, we focus on blood-pressure regulation and DNA repair in ageing studies. Laser microbeams and optical tweezers are now established tools in many fields of science, particularly in the life sciences. A short glimpse is given on the wide field of non-age-research applications in life sciences. Then, optical tweezers are used to show that exerting a vertical pressure on cells representing the inner lining of blood vessels results in bursts of NO liberation concomitant with large changes in cell morphology. Repeated treatment of such human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) results in stiffening, a hallmark of manifest high blood pressure, a disease primarily of the elderly. As a second application in ageing research, a laser microbeam is used to induce, with high spatial and temporal resolution, DNA damages in the nuclei of U2OS human osteosarcoma cells. A pairwise study of the recruitment kinetics of different DNA repair proteins reveals that DNA repair starts with non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), a repair pathway, and may only after several minutes switch to the error-free homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway. Since DNA damages,when incorrectly repaired,accumulate with time, laser microbeams are becoming well-used tools in ageing research. [source] Evaluation of the rodent micronucleus assay by a 28-day treatment protocol: Summary of the 13th Collaborative Study by the Collaborative Study Group for the Micronucleus Test (CSGMT)/Environmental Mutagen Society of Japan (JEMS),Mammalian Mutagenicity Study Group (MMS)ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 2 2001Shuichi Hamada Abstract To examine whether micronucleus tests can be incorporated into general toxicology assays, we performed micronucleus tests applying the treatment protocols typically used in such assays. In this 13th Collaborative Study of the CSGMT, both rats and mice were tested, although rats were used in the majority of the studies. Fifteen mutagens were tested in rats, mainly by oral (p.o.) administration. Micronucleus induction was evaluated 2, 3, and 4 days, and 1, 2, 3, and 28 days after the beginning of the treatment in the peripheral blood, and at 28 days in the bone marrow. Of the 15 chemicals that induced micronuclei in rats in short-term assays, two chemicals (1,2-dimethylhydrazine·2HCl and mitomycin C) were negative in all our experiments, possibly because of insufficient dose levels. The remaining 13 were positive within the estimated dose range of a general toxicology assay, suggesting the possibility of integrating the micronucleus assay into general toxicology assays. Three patterns were observed in micronucleus induction during the period of repeated treatment: (1) gradual increases in micronucleus frequency with sequential doses, (2) a peak at 3,5 days followed by gradual decreases in micronucleus frequency with sequential doses, and (3) a rapid increase in micronucleus frequency followed by a plateau. We evaluated factors that might have been involved in those patterns, such as the spleen function, target organ exposure, extramedullary hematopoiesis, hypothermia, and hypoxia. Another factor we considered was dosage. Because the dosages employed in a general toxicity assay are usually lower than those used in short-term micronucleus assays, this discrepancy was considered the greatest potential problem for integrating the micronucleus assay into general toxicology assays. Our results indicate that the integration of the micronucleus assay into a 28-day toxicological assay is feasible. To serve this purpose, blood samples collected 4 days after the beginning of treatment and blood and bone marrow samples collected at autopsy should be examined. Furthermore, although it is recognized that mice may be suitable for performing independent micronucleus assays, we propose that rats can provide biologically important and relevant information regarding potential chemical mutagens that can be evaluated under conditions used in the conduct of general toxicology studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 37:93,110, 2001 © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Contrasting Effects of Zonisamide and Acetazolamide on Amygdaloid Kindling in RatsEPILEPSIA, Issue 11 2001Koichi Hamada Summary: ,Purpose: Zonisamide (ZNS) and acetazolamide (AZM) are two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that differ in clinical efficacy. To elucidate the mechanisms of action of these compounds, we investigated their therapeutic and prophylactic effects in rats by using a kindling model of partial epilepsy. Methods: Electrodes were implanted into the left amygdala of adult male Wistar rats. The animals were stimulated at the afterdischarge threshold until five stage 5 seizures were induced. The generalized seizure threshold was then determined. Therapeutic effects were examined in rats manifesting successive convulsions with near-threshold stimulation. To test prophylactic effects, drugs were administered intraperitoneally before daily kindling stimulation until the animal had a stage 5 seizure or reached day 18. Results: ZNS (10,40 mg/kg; n = 6) suppressed kindled seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Repeated administration for 7 days produced tolerance to anticonvulsive effects. AZM (25,200 mg/kg; n = 7) showed limited therapeutic effect, alleviating only the clonic convulsion in stage 5 seizures and reducing afterdischarge duration. Secondary generalization was not significantly suppressed during repeated treatment (50,200 mg/kg; n = 6). ZNS, 25 or 40 mg/kg (n = 8), significantly retarded seizure development; 15.0 or 17.0 daily stimulations were required to produce a stage 5 seizure. AZM, 50,200 mg/kg (n = 6), also retarded seizure development, with 14.0,14.8 stimulations required. Conclusions: ZNS exhibited modest therapeutic and prophylactic effects, whereas AZM showed mainly prophylactic effects. Hypotheses are presented that may explain the mechanisms of action of these drugs. [source] PRECLINICAL STUDY: Atypical development of behavioural sensitization to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ,Ecstasy') in adolescent rats and its expression in adulthood: role of the MDMA chiralityADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Nora Von Ameln ABSTRACT Despite the great popularity of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) as a drug of abuse, not much is known about the detailed mechanisms of the acute and subchronic effects of the drug. There is especially a lack of information about the distinct behavioural effects of its optical isomers (enantiomers) R- and S-MDMA compared with the racemic RS-MDMA. For this purpose, adolescent rats were repetitively treated during two treatment stages (stage 1: days 1,10; stage 2: days 15, 17, 19) with RS-MDMA (5 or 10 mg/kg) or each of the respective enantiomers (5 mg/kg). The repeated treatment started on postnatal day (PND) 32 and locomotor activity was measured on each day by means of a photobeam-equipped activity box system. RS-MDMA or S-MDMA administration led acutely to massive hyperlocomotion and subchronically, to the development of behavioural sensitization after a short habituation period. R-MDMA was free of hyperactivating effects and even decreased locomotor behaviour upon repeated treatment. Nevertheless, co-administration of R-MDMA increased the hyperactivity of S-MDMA and made the S-MDMA induced behavioural sensitization state-dependent. The animals pre-treated with R-MDMA showed a sensitized response in adulthood when tested with RS-MDMA. Our results indicated that even in the absence of substantial neurotoxicity, both MDMA enantiomers can lead to long-term changes in brain circuitry and concomitant behavioural changes when repeatedly administered in adolescence. The sensitization development was most pronounced in the animals treated with S- and RS-MDMA; the animals with R-MDMA did not develop sensitization under repeated treatment but expressed a sensitized response when challenged with RS-MDMA. [source] Behavioral Consequences of Repeated Nicotine During Adolescence in Alcohol-Preferring AA and Alcohol-Avoiding ANA RatsALCOHOLISM, Issue 2 2009Heidi Kemppainen Background:, Epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to nicotine at adolescent age is associated with increased potential to use alcohol and that genetic predisposition may further increase the risk. The present study addressed adolescent vulnerability to repeated nicotine exposure and its influence on subsequent ethanol self-administration by investigating interactions between nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization and voluntary ethanol consumption in alcohol preferring AA (Alko Alcohol) and alcohol nonpreferring ANA (Alko Non-Alcohol) rat lines selected for differential ethanol intake. Methods:, Adolescent and adult rats received 10 injections of nicotine (0.5 mg/kg s.c.), given every second day from postnatal day (Pnd) 27 and 75, respectively. Nicotine-induced (0.5 mg/kg) locomotor activity was measured acutely after the first injection, and after the repeated treatment with nicotine on Pnds 52 and 86 in the adolescent groups and on Pnd 99 in the adult groups. After this, acquisition of voluntary ethanol (10% v/v) consumption as well as nicotine-induced (0.5 mg/kg) ethanol intake was measured in the AA rats. Results:, Adolescent AA rats were more sensitive than adolescent ANA rats to the locomotor effects of nicotine. They were also stimulated more than adult AA rats, but such a difference was not found among ANA rats. Adolescent and adult rats did not differ in their susceptibility to nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization. Genetic predisposition to ethanol self-administration did not interact with development of behavioral sensitization in either adolescents or adults. Acquisition of ethanol intake was enhanced in the adolescent groups relative to the adult groups in a manner that was independent of the nicotine treatment. An increase in ethanol intake was found after challenging animals with nicotine, and this effect was enhanced in the nicotine-treated adolescent group. Conclusions:, These findings provide no or little support for the views that adolescent animals are more sensitive to the neurobehavioral effects of repeated exposure to nicotine and that exposure to nicotine in adolescence may contribute to enhanced vulnerability to ethanol abuse. Furthermore, genetic predisposition to high or low ethanol self-administration does not seem to be a factor that influences individual vulnerability to the neurobehavioral effects of repeated administration of nicotine. [source] N -nitrosodimethylamine changes the expression of glutathione S -transferase in the liver of male mice: The role of antioxidantsJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2008S. A. Sheweita Abstract The present study investigated the protective effect of gossypol, selenium, zinc, or glutathione (GSH) against dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced hepatotoxicity in the livers of male mice. The expression and the activity of glutathione S -transferase (GST), levels of GSH, and free radicals (malondialdehyde (MDA)), as well as the activity of glutathione reductase were determined after the treatment of mice for seven consecutive days with low or high doses of gossypol, selenium, zinc, or GSH. In experimental groups, DMN was administered as a single dose for 2 h after the repeated dose treatments of mice for seven consecutive days with each antioxidant. DMN reduced the expression and inhibited the activity of GST. However, repeated treatments of mice with low-dose gossypol or high dose of either selenium or GSH followed by a single dose of DMN induced the expression and the activity of GST. In contrast, low-dose treatments of mice with zinc, selenium, or GSH followed by a single dose of DMN reduced the expression and the activity of GST compared to either control or DMN-treated groups. In addition, high-dose treatment with either gossypol or selenium markedly induced the levels of GSH compared to either control or DMN-treated groups. Interestingly, pretreatment of mice with high dose of either gossypol or selenium for seven consecutive days followed by a single dose of DMN decreased the levels of MDA, whereas DMN induced such levels. It is concluded that high dose of either gossypol or selenium is a stronger protector than zinc and GSH in ameliorating the toxic effects of DMN. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:389,395, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20255 [source] Treatment of Refractory, Chronic Low Back Pain with Botulinum Neurotoxin A: An Open-Label, Pilot StudyPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 3 2006Bahman Jabbari MD ABSTRACT Objective., To study the short- and long-term effects of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A, Botox®, Allergan Inc.) on refractory chronic low back pain. Design., The effect of botulinum neurotoxin A on chronic low back pain was prospectively studied in 75 patients with repeated treatments over a period of 14 months. Pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS]), pain frequency (pain days), and perceived functional status (Oswestry scale) were assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 months. BoNT-A was injected into para-spinal muscles at 4,5 levels (between L1 and S1) unilaterally or bilaterally. The dose per site varied from 40 to 50 units. The total dose per session ranged from 200 to 500 units. Reinjections were performed at 4 months only when pain returned. Results., At 3 weeks, 40 patients (53%) and at 2 months, 39 patients (52%) reported significant pain relief. The change in VAS, Oswestry score, and pain days was significant compared with baseline at 2 months after each injection period (P < 0.005) and remained so over subsequent treatments. Among initial responders, 91% continued responsiveness over the length of the study. Three patients (4%), after the first treatment, had a mild flulike reaction that lasted 2,5 days. Conclusion., Botulinum neurotoxin A may be beneficial in patients with chronic low back pain. A favorable initial response predicts subsequent responsiveness. The treatment is well tolerated, and side effects are mild and transient. [source] Self-regulating hyperthermia induced using thermosensitive ferromagnetic material with a low Curie temperatureCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008Hajime Saito Hyperthermia has been used for many years to treat a variety of malignant tumors. The Curie temperature (Tc) is a transition point at which magnetic materials lose their magnetic properties, causing a cessation of current and thus heat production. The Tc enables automatic temperature control throughout a tumor as a result of the self-regulating nature of the thermosensitive material. We have developed a method of magnetically-induced hyperthermia using thermosensitive ferromagnetic particles (FMPs) with low Tc (43°C), enough to mediate automatic temperature control. B16 melanoma cells were subcutaneously injected into the backs of C57BL/6 mice, after which tumors were allowed to grow to 5 mm in diameter. FMPs were then injected into the tumors, and the mice were divided into three groups: group I (no hyperthermia, control); group II (one hyperthermia treatment); and group III (hyperthermia twice a week for 4 weeks). When exposed to a magnetic field, the FMPs showed a sharp rise in heat production, reaching the Tc in tissue within 7 min, after which the tissue temperature stabilized at approximately the Tc. In groups I and II, all mice died within 30,45 days. In group III, however, 6 of 10 mice remained alive 120 days after beginning treatment. Our findings suggest that repeated treatment with magnetically-induced self-regulating hyperthermia, mediated by FMPs with a low Tc, is an effective means of suppressing melanoma growth. A key advantage of this hyperthermia system is that it is minimally invasive, requiring only a single injection for repeated treatments with automatic temperature control. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 805,809) [source] Longterm follow-up of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of refractory glaucomaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010Paolo Frezzotti Abstract. Purpose:, This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLCP) in advanced refractory glaucoma. Methods:, A total of 124 eyes in 121 patients with advanced glaucoma refractory to medical treatment were treated consecutively with TDLCP. Success was defined as final intraocular pressure (IOP) of 5,21 mmHg in eyes with visual acuity (VA) of more than hand movements (HM) and relief of pain in eyes with VA of HM or less, including blind eyes. Results:, Mean patient age was 65.6 ± 17.1 years (range 14,91 years). Mean follow-up was 17 ± 14.6 months (range 3,42 months). Mean pretreatment IOP was 29.9 ± 8.4 mmHg (range 17,58 mmHg) and IOP at last follow-up was 20.8 ± 8 mmHg (range 6,45 mmHg) (p < 0.001). The number of laser applications (mean 9.2 ± 2.8, range 4,15) and maximal laser power (mean 2.01 ± 0.22 mW, range 1.3,3.0 mW) were not associated with lower postoperative IOP. Intraocular pressure of , 21 mmHg was recorded in 63.0% of eyes at the last follow-up visit. Overall, 28 (21.7%) eyes required at least one retreatment. No phthisis bulbi or persistent hypotonia developed. Conclusions:, TDLCP is an effective and safe method for the treatment of advanced refractory glaucoma, although repeated treatments are often necessary. [source] Intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (Macugen®) for diabetic macular oedemaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2009Giuseppe Querques Abstract. Purpose:, To report the functional and anatomical outcomes resulting from the use of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (Macugen®) in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Methods:, We conducted a retrospective outcome analysis, by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), of eyes with DMO treated with intravitreal pegaptanib sodium. Moreover, we evaluated the foveal transverse photoreceptor (PR) band integrity in the OCT images at the time of the last follow-up visit. Results:, Sixty-three eyes of 48 patients with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were included for analysis. Intravitreal pegaptanib was found to produce significant improvements in mean BCVA (p = 0.019) and reductions in mean central macular thickness (CMT) (p < 0.001) as soon as the 6-week follow-up. Most eyes (60/63) required a mean of 3.03 ± 0.9 repeated treatments, over a mean follow-up period of 6.7 ± 1.2 months, to achieve significant improvements in mean BCVA (p < 0.001) and mean CMT (p < 0.001). In our series, the lower visual acuities tended to congregate in the group with the less-defined PR band (p < 0.001) and the lower CMT tended to congregate in the group with the best-defined PR band (p = 0.04), even though the higher CMT did not tend to congregate in the group with the less-defined PR band. Conclusion:, Our findings demonstrate that selective inhibition by intravitreal pegaptanib sodium of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-165 may produce a clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefit in the treatment of DMO. [source] | ||||||||||||||||