Significant Reduction (significant + reduction)

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Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Significant Reduction

  • highly significant reduction


  • Selected Abstracts


    Pregabalin, tiapride and lorazepam in alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a multi-centre, randomized, single-blind comparison trial

    ADDICTION, Issue 2 2010
    Giovanni Martinotti
    ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of this trial was to compare lorazepam with non-benzodiazepine medications such as pregabalin and tiapride in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). These drugs were chosen for their inhibitorial effects on the hypersecretion of neurotransmitters usually observed in AWS. Craving reduction and improvement of psychiatric symptoms were the secondary end-points. Methods One hundred and ninety subjects affected by current alcohol dependence were considered consecutively: 111 were enrolled and divided into three groups of 37 subjects each. Within a treatment duration of 14 days, medication was given up to the following maximum doses (pregabalin 450 mg/day; tiapride 800 mg/day; lorazepam 10 mg/day). Withdrawal (CIWA-Ar), craving [visual analogue scale (VAS); Obsessive and Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS)], psychiatric symptoms [Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R)] and quality of life (QL-index) rating scales were applied. Results On the CIWA-Ar score, all the groups showed a significant reduction between times (P < 0.001) with a higher reduction for the pregabalin group (P < 0.01) on items regarding headache and orientation. Retention in treatment was lower in the tiapride group (P < 0.05), while the number of subjects remaining alcohol free was higher in the pregabalin group (P < 0.05). Significant reduction between baseline and the end of the treatment was found in all the groups at the OCDS and the VAS for craving, at the SCL-90-R and QL-index (P < 0.001). Discussion All the medications in the trial showed evidence of safety and efficacy in the treatment of uncomplicated forms of AWS, with some particular differences. The efficacy of pregabalin was superior to that of tiapride, used largely in research trials and, for some measures, to that of the ,gold standard', lorazepam. Accordingly, pregabalin may be considered as a potentially useful new drug for treatment of AWS, deserving further investigation. [source]


    Effect of Dipotassium Clorazepate on Ainygdaloid-Kiiidling and Comparison Between Amygdaloid- and Hippocampal-Kindled Seizures in Rats

    EPILEPSIA, Issue 2000
    Kouichiro Amano
    Purpose: We reportcd previously that dipotassium clorazcpate (potassium 7-chloro-2, 3-dihydro-2-oxo-S-phcnyI- l H- l, 4-bcnzodiazepinc-3-carboxylate potassium hydroxide: DC), an antianxiety drug, suppressed hippocampel kindled scizures in rats i n a dose-dependent manner (Amano et al. Psychiatry Clin Neuroscienccs 1998; 52: 459,462). Its effect on kindling, howcver, has not been evaluated. Moreover, differcnces in the anticonvulsive effccts of conventional anticonvulsants bctween amygdaloid-and hippocampal-kindlcd seizures have becn reportcd (Kamci et al. Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn I98 1; 249: 164,176). To clarify the anticonvulsive propcrties of DC, we examined its effects on amygdaloid kindling and compared it for 7 succcssive days against amygdaloid- and hippocampal-kindled seizures using thc rat kindling model of epilcpsy. Methods: Adult inale Wistar rata weighing 220,330 g werc used. Electrodes were implanted stereotaxically into thc left basoiatcfiil amygdala or the left dorsal hippocampus under pcntobarhital ancsthesia. Expcriment 1: Anticonvulsive effect on amygdaloid-kindled seizurcs. Rats having >5 consecutive stage-5 seimrcs were htimulated at the generalizcd seizure-triggering threshold (GST) intensity 30 minutes after i.p. administration or DC or saline. Experiment 2: Effect on amygdala kindling. In other groups of Tiits, the amygdala was stimulated once daily following 30 minutes i.p. administration or DC at 5 mg/kg or saline until the first stage-5 seizure was attained. Experimcnt 3: Comparison of anticonvulsive effect bctween amygdaloid- and hippocampal-kindled scizures. In other groups of rats having 5 consecutive stage-5 seizures, the GST was determined. Furthermorc, rats having >I0 stage-5 scizures induced at thc GST intensity were testcd once a day for 7 consecutive days. Thc stimulation was delivercd 30 minutes aftcr i.p. administration of DC or saline. Results: Expcriment I: DC suppresscd amygdaloid-kindled scizures in a dose-depcndent manner. Significant reduction of aftcr-discharge duration compared with the control group was observed at dosagcs of 2 mg/kg or more, hut complete suppression of after-discharges was observed in only I of 7 sessions at the highcst dose. Expcriment 2: Thc number of stimulations rcquired for the first stage-5 seiiurc in the 5 mg/kg dosage group was 14.1+1.4 stimulations, which was significantly greater than the 10.2+1.7 stimulations in the control group (P4.01). The contralateral cortical afterdischarge duration i n the DC treated group was signilicantly shortcr than thc afterdischarge duration in the amygdala at the first 7 stimulations, whereas it was significantly shorter only the first 3 stimulations i n the control group. Experiment 3: DC suppressed amygdaloid-kindled seizures at 2 and 5 mg/kg, whcreas I mg/kg or morc suppresscd hippocampal-kindlcd seizures. Conclusions: Thc result of the present study suggcst that thc principal anticonvulsive cffect of DC is likely to be relatcd mainly to attenuation of propagation of scizure activity rather than to an elevatcd seizure threshold, which may support our previously findings that increased stimulus intensity could not complctcly reverse thc anticonvulsive effects of DC. Thus, differences in effective dosages in both amygdaloid- and hippocampal-kindled seizures may suggcst a difference in the neuronal mechanisms that arc cvolved in this kindling. The present study dcmonstratcd that DC has a modest anticonvulsive effect without serious adverse effccts, which indicates thc clinical uscfulness of DC for treatment intractable epilepsy. [source]


    Effect of Autogenic Training on Drug Consumption in Patients With Primary Headache: An 8-Month Follow-up Study

    HEADACHE, Issue 3 2003
    Terezia Zsombok MD
    Objective.,To examine the effects of Schultz-type autogenic training on headache-related drug consumption and headache frequency in patients with migraine, tension-type, or mixed (migraine plus tension-type) headache over an 8-month period. Background.,Behavioral treatments often are used alone or adjunctively for different types of headache. There are, however, only a few studies that have compared the efficacy and durability of the same treatment in different types of primary headache, and the effects of treatment on headache-related drug consumption rarely have been assessed even in these studies. Methods.,Twenty-five women with primary headache (11 with mixed headache, 8 with migraine, and 6 with tension-type headache) were evaluated via an open-label, self-controlled, 8-month, follow-up study design. After an initial 4 months of observation, patients began learning Schultz-type autogenic training as modified for patients with headache. They practiced autogenic training on a regular basis for 4 months. Based on data from headache diaries and daily medication records, headache frequencies and the amounts of analgesics, "migraine-specific" drugs (ergots and triptans), and anxiolytics taken by the patients were compared in the three subgroups over the 8-month period. Results.,From the first month of implementation of autogenic training, headache frequencies were significantly reduced in patients with tension-type and mixed headache. Significant reduction in frequency was achieved in patients with migraine only from the third month of autogenic training. Decreases in headache frequencies were accompanied by decreases in consumption of migraine drugs and analgesics resulting in significant correlations among these parameters. Reduction in consumption of anxiolytic drugs was more rapid and robust in patients with tension-type headache compared to patients with migraine, and this outcome failed to show any correlation with change in headache frequency. Conclusion.,Schultz-type autogenic training is an effective therapeutic approach that may lead to a reduction in both headache frequency and the use of headache medication. [source]


    Antibacterial effects of MDPB against anaerobes associated with endodontic infections

    INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 8 2010
    N. Izutani
    Izutani N, Imazato S, Noiri Y, Ebisu S. Antibacterial effects of MDPB against anaerobes associated with endodontic infections. International Endodontic Journal. Abstract Aim, To investigate the antibacterial effects of 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), an antibacterial monomer synthesized by combining quaternary ammonium with a methacryloyl group, against three anaerobes associated with endodontic infections using planktonic and biofilm cells. Methodology, The antibacterial activity of unpolymerized MDPB against Enterococcus faecalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella nigrescens was examined by agar-disc diffusion tests and determination of the minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC). Rapid killing effects of MDPB against three bacteria in planktonic form were examined by a cell number counting method, and those against biofilm cells were assessed by a viability staining method. Results, MDPB demonstrated inhibition against all of the bacteria tested by agar-disc diffusion tests. The MIC/MBC values of MDPB for the three anaerobes were much smaller than those of other resin monomers, although greater compared with those of cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine diacetate for E. faecalis and F. nucleatum. Significant reduction in viable planktonic cells was obtained by contact with 250 ,g mL,1 of MDPB for 20 s (P < 0.05, Fisher's PLSD tests), and 40 s contact with 500 ,g mL,1 or 20 s contact with 1000 ,g mL,1 of MDPB resulted in more than 90% killing. Biofilm cells of all species were completely killed by application of 1000 ,g mL,1 of MDPB for 60 s. Conclusion, MDPB was found to have strong antibacterial effects against E. faecalis, F. nucleatum and P. nigrescens, and such effects were rapidly exhibited even against biofilm cells, suggesting the usefulness of application of MDPB to resin-based materials for root canal filling. [source]


    Fast single domain,subdomain BEM algorithm for 3D incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 12 2009
    Jure Ravnik
    Abstract In this paper acceleration and computer memory reduction of an algorithm for the simulation of laminar viscous flows and heat transfer is presented. The algorithm solves the velocity,vorticity formulation of the incompressible Navier,Stokes equations in 3D. It is based on a combination of a subdomain boundary element method (BEM) and single domain BEM. The CPU time and storage requirements of the single domain BEM are reduced by implementing a fast multipole expansion method. The Laplace fundamental solution, which is used as a special weighting function in BEM, is expanded in terms of spherical harmonics. The computational domain and its boundary are recursively cut up forming a tree of clusters of boundary elements and domain cells. Data sparse representation is used in parts of the matrix, which correspond to boundary-domain clusters pairs that are admissible for expansion. Significant reduction of the complexity is achieved. The paper presents results of testing of the multipole expansion algorithm by exploring its effect on the accuracy of the solution and its influence on the non-linear convergence properties of the solver. Two 3D benchmark numerical examples are used: the lid-driven cavity and the onset of natural convection in a differentially heated enclosure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of erythromycin in patients with knee effusion due to osteoarthritis

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2009
    Shahram SADREDDINI
    Abstract Objective:, The efficacy of erythromycin in treatment of knee effusion due to osteoarthritis was evaluated. Method:, We assessed efficacy and safety of erythromycin during 16 weeks in patients enrolled in a randomized double-blind study. One hundred and eight patients with knee effusion due to osteoarthritis (OA) received 12-week courses of erythromycin or placebo allocated randomly, and were followed for 4 months. Acetaminophen 650 mg/day was used in both groups, while they received no other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) during the course of the study. Our patients were divided in two groups, erythromycin in doses of 200 mg four times per day was given to the first group (51 patients) over the first 3 months of the study and in the second group we used placebo with the same dosage and schedule (53 patients). Outcomes improvement for the erythromycin-treated group was assessed by a significantly higher mean score from baseline to the end of the trial, compared with placebo group. Patients were examined monthly during the treatment period. Measurement values included recording of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire subscales (pain, stiffness and function), range of motion and knee circumference. Results:, Erythromycin produced a higher response rate than placebo in treatment of knee effusion due to OA. Significant reduction in knee circumference (P < 0.0005) and pain (P < 0.001) with functional improvement (P < 0.0005) were seen. At the first month after treatment, 11.8% (6 patients) in erythromycin and 9.4% (5 patients) in placebo groups had 50% pain reduction, which was not significant (P = 0.75). At the fourth month, 50% reduction of pain was seen in 45.1% (23 patients) of the erythromycin and 11.3% (6 patients) of the placebo group. This was statistically significant (P < 0.0005). Erythromycin treatment was well tolerated and mild adverse events caused no discontinuation during the study. Conclusion:, This is a placebo-controlled study of macrolid efficacy on knee effusion due to OA in a short period. Results of this research showed the better efficacy of erythromycin in controlling effusion and pain with functional improvement in patients with knee effusion due to OA. [source]


    Sildenafil-mediated neovascularization and protection against myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury in rats: role of VEGF/angiopoietin-1

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 6b 2008
    Srikanth Koneru
    Abstract Sildenafil citrate (SC), a drug for erectile dysfunction, is now emerging as a cardiopulmonary drug. Our study aimed to determine a novel role of sildenafil on cardioprotection through stimulating angiogenesis during ischaemia (I) reperfusion (R) at both capillary and arteriolar levels and to examine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) in this mechanistic effect. Rats were divided into: control sham (CS), sildenafil sham (SS), control + IR (CIR) and sildenafil + IR (SIR). Rats were given 0.7 mg/kg, (i.v) of SC or saline 30 min. before occlusion of left anterior descending artery followed by reperfusion (R). Sildenafil treatment increased capillary and arteriolar density followed by increased blood flow (2-fold) compared to control. Treatment with sildenafil demonstrated increased VEGF and Ang-1 mRNA after early reperfusion. PCR data were validated by Western blot analysis. Significant reduction in infarct size, cardiomyocyte and endothelial apoptosis were observed in SC-treated rats. Increased phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS and expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and thioredoxin, hemeoxygenase-1 were observed in SC-treated rats. Echocardiography demonstrated increased fractional shortening and ejection fraction following 45 days of reperfusion in the treatment group. Stress testing with dobutamine infusion and echocardiogram revealed increased contractile reserve in the treatment group. Our study demonstrated for the first time a strong additional therapeutic potential of sildenafil by up-regulating VEGF and Ang-1 system, probably by stimulating a cascade of events leading to neovascularization and conferring myocardial protection in in vivo I/R rat model. [source]


    Forensic Considerations in Cases of Neurofibromatosis,An Overview

    JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 5 2007
    Roger W. Byard M.B.B.S.
    Abstract:, Neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 are inherited neurocutaneous disorders characterized by a variety of manifestations that involve the circulatory system, the central and peripheral nervous systems, the skin, and the skeleton. Significant reduction in lifespan occurs in both conditions often related to complications of malignancy and hypertension. Individuals with these conditions may also be the subject of medicolegal autopsy investigation if sudden death occurs. Unexpected lethal events may be associated with intracranial neoplasia and hemorrhage or brainstem compression. Vasculopathy with fibrointimal proliferation may result in critical reduction in blood flow within the coronary or cerebral circulations, and aneurysmal dilatation may be associated with rupture and life-threatening hemorrhage. An autopsy approach to potential cases should include review of the history/hospital record, liaison with a clinical geneticist (to include family follow-up), a full external examination with careful documentation of skin lesions and nodules, measurement of the head circumference in children, photography, possible radiologic examination, a standard internal autopsy examination, documentation of the effects of previous surgery and/or chemo/radiotherapy, examination for specific tumors, specific examination and sampling of vasculature (renal, cerebral, and cardiac), formal neuropathologic examination of brain and spinal cord, possible examination of the eyeballs, examination of the gastrointestinal tract, histology to include tumors, vessels, gut, and bone marrow, toxicological testing for anticonvulsants, and sampling of blood and tissue for possible cytogenetic/molecular evaluation if required. [source]


    Retrograde Wallerian degeneration of cranial corticospinal tracts in cervical spinal cord injury patients using diffusion tensor imaging

    JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 10 2008
    Saurabh Guleria
    Abstract Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has the potential to reveal disruption of white matter microstructure in chronically injured spinal cords. We quantified fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) to demonstrate retrograde Wallerian degeneration (WD) of cranial corticospinal tract (CST) in cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Twenty-two patients with complete cervical SCI in the chronic stage were studied with DTI along with 13 healthy controls. Mean FA and MD values were computed for midbrain, pons, medulla, posterior limb of internal capsule, and corona radiata. Significant reduction in the mean FA and increase in MD was observed in the cranial CST in patients with SCI compared with controls, suggesting retrograde WD. Statistically significant inverse FA and MD changes were noted in corona radiata, indicating some restoration of spared white matter tracts. Temporal changes in the DTI metrics suggest progressing degeneration in different regions of CST. These spatiotemporal changes in DTI metrics suggest continued WD in injured fibers along with simultaneous reorganization of spared white matter fibers, which may contribute to changing neurological status in chronic SCI patients. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Reduced expression of CD9 in oral squamous cell carcinoma: CD9 expression inversely related to high prevalence of lymph node metastasis

    JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 2 2001
    Jingo Kusukawa
    Abstract: Because CD9 is implicated in cell growth, cell adhesion and cell motility, altered CD9 expression might be involved in cancer invasion and metastasis. We have studied the immunolocalization of CD9 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Sections prepared from paraffin-embedded specimens from patients with SCC of the oral cavity were stained with a monoclonal anti-CD9 antibody by means of the streptoavidin biotin method. Significant reduction or complete loss of CD9 expression was observed in cancer cells at the periphery of the cancer nests in the advancing front of invading tumor. Among 78 cases of oral SCCs examined, 46 (59.0%) cases were completely negative for CD9 expression. Loss of CD9 expression in cancer tissue strongly correlated with a high incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis (P=0.001). Thus a close examination of CD9 in SCC tissue would be useful for the prognosis of patients with oral carcinoma. [source]


    Foot problems and effectiveness of foot care education in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus

    PEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 6 2008
    Mohd Hafiz Mohamad Rasli
    Objectives:, To assess foot care in paediatric and adolescent patients with diabetes mellitus and to evaluate the effectiveness of foot care education given to participants. Research design and methods:, An 8-month prospective study of foot care in children and adolescents with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended diabetes clinics at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, where foot examination was performed at baseline and at follow-up. Patients and parents were given oral and written advice regarding foot care. Results:, Five hundred and fifty-seven patients were examined at baseline, and 312 patients were reviewed at follow-up 3,6 months later. The majority of foot problems found at first assessment were potentially modifiable disorders of skin and nails (68.8%). The remainder (31.2%) were structural musculoskeletal disorders requiring referral to a podiatrist/orthotist. A total of 532 foot problems were recorded at baseline in a cohort of 557 patients and 161 foot problems at follow-up of 312 patients. Significant reduction of modifiable foot problems was seen at follow-up, particularly in those with longer duration of diabetes and in those whose body mass index was higher. Conclusions:, This study highlights the importance of foot examination and foot care advice for children and adolescents with diabetes. Larger prospective studies are required to establish prevalence and to optimize preventive interventions. [source]


    Fluorescence Kinetics of Protoporphyrin-IX Induced from 5-ALA Compounds in Rabbit Postballoon Injury Model for ALA-Photoangioplasty

    PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    Oh-Choon Kwon
    Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is one of the photodynamically active substances that are endogenously synthesized in the metabolic pathway for heme as a precursor. Aminolevulinic acid-esters are more lipophilic than conventional 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and some of them are currently being approved as new drugs for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In order to investigate the pharmacokinetics of ALA and ALA-ethyl ester (ALA-ethyl) in the atheromatous plaque and normal aortic wall of rabbit postballoon injured artery, each 60 mg kg,1 of ALA or ALA-ethyl was injected intravenously followed by serial detection of PpIX fluorescence of harvested arteries at 0,48 h post-injection. Maximum PpIX build-up in the atheromatous plaque was seen at 2 h after injecting ALA. In contrast, it occurred at 9 h after injecting ALA-ethyl. In addition, the selective build-up of ALA in the atheromatous plaque compared to normal vessel wall was much higher (10 times) than that of ALA-ethyl. The time of maximum fluorescence intensity of PpIX was employed as drug-light-interval for subsequent PDT treatment of the atheromatous plaque with 50,150 J cm,1 of light dose. Significant reduction in plaque was observed without damage of the medial wall at both groups, but smooth muscle cell (SMC) was still present in the media region below the PDT-treated atheromatous plaque. In conclusion, ALA may be a more effective compound for endovascular PDT treatment of the atheromatous plaque compared with ALA-ethyl based on their pharmacokinetics, but further optimization of PDT methodology remains to remove completely residual SMC in the media for preventing potential restenosis. [source]


    Spectral Properties of Pro-multimodal Imaging Agents Derived from a NIR Dye and a Metal Chelator

    PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
    Zongren Zhang
    ABSTRACT Monomolecular multimodal imaging agents (MOMIAs) are able to provide complementary diagnostic information of a target diseased tissue. We developed a convenient solid-phase approach to construct two pro-MOMIAs (before incorporating radiometal) derived from 1,4,7,10-tetraazacy-clododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and cypate, a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye analogous to indocyanine green (ICG). The possible interaction between d orbitals of transition metal DOTA complexes or free metals and the p orbitals of cypate chromophore could quench the fluorescence of pro-MOMIAs. However, we did not observe significant changes in the spectral properties of cypate upon conjugation with DOTA and subsequent chelation with metals. The fluorescence intensity of the chelated and nonmetal-chelated PRO-MOMIAs remained fairly the same in dilute 20% aqueous dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution (1 × 10,6M). Significant reduction in the fluorescence intensity of pro-MOMIAs occurred in the presence of a large excess of metal ions (> 1 molar ratio for indium and 20-fold for a copper relative to pro-MOMIA). This study suggests the feasibility of using MOMIAs for combined optical and radioisotope imaging. [source]


    Antivascular Tumor Eradication by Hypericin-mediated Photodynamic Therapy,

    PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2002
    Bin Chen
    ABSTRACT Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hypericin has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in different tumor models, and tumor vascular damage was suggested to be mainly responsible for the antitumoral effect. Here, we demonstrate tumor vascular damage and its consequence on local tumor control after hypericin-mediated PDT by using both short and long drug,light intervals. Radiation-induced fibrosarcoma-1 tumors were exposed to laser light at either 0.5 or 6 h after a 5 mg/kg dose of hypericin. Tumor perfusion was monitored by fluorescein dye,exclusion assay and by Hoechst 33342 staining of functional blood vessels. Significant reduction in tumor perfusion was found immediately after both PDT treatments. A complete arrest of vascular perfusion was detected by 15 h after the 0.5 h-interval PDT, whereas well-perfused areas could still be found at this time in tumors after the 6 h-interval PDT. A histological study confirmed that primary vascular damage was involved in both PDT treatments. Tumor cells appeared intact shortly after light treatment, degenerated at later hours and became extensively pycnotic at 24 h after the 0.5 h-interval PDT. PDT under this condition led to complete tumor cure. In contrast, significant numbers of viable tumor cells, especially at the tumor periphery, were found histologically at 24 h after the 6 h-interval PDT. No tumor cure was obtained when PDT was performed at this time. Our results strongly suggest that targeting the tumor vasculature by applying short drug,light interval PDT with hypericin might be a promising way to eradicate solid tumors. [source]


    T and B lymphocyte depletion has a marked effect on the fibrosis of dystrophic skeletal muscles in the scid/mdx mouse,

    THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
    A Farini
    Abstract Abnormal connective tissue proliferation following muscle degeneration is a major pathological feature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic myopathy due to lack of the sarcolemmal dystrophin protein. Since this fibrotic proliferation is likely to be a major obstacle to the efficacy of future therapies, research is needed to understand and prevent the fibrotic process in order to develop an effective treatment. Murine muscular dystrophy (mdx) is genetically homologous to DMD, and histopatological alterations are comparable to those of the muscles of patients with DMD. To investigate the development of fibrosis, we bred the mdx mouse with the scid immunodepressed mouse and analysed fibrosis histologically; we used ELISA analysis to determine TGF-,1 expression. Significant reduction of fibrosis and TGF-,1 expression was found in the muscles of the scid/mdx mice. However, we observed similar centrally located nuclei, necrosis, muscle degeneration and muscle force compared to the mdx animals. These data demonstrate a correlation between the absence of B and T lymphocytes and loss of fibrosis accompanied by reduction of TGF-,1, suggesting the importance of modulation of the immune system in DMD. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    A Simple Noninvasive Test to Detect Vascular Disease in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: A Novel Method

    THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2006
    MSc (Urol.), Shawket Alkhayal MB ChB
    ABSTRACT Introduction., The association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming increasingly evident. Both conditions are thought to share a common denominator, which is endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, testing endothelial function in ED patients may serve to detect vascular disease in this cohort of patients. Aims., To investigate whether measuring the reactive hyperemic response (RHR) of the forearm vessels through a simple noninvasive method could identify vascular disease in patients with ED. Patients and Methods., Forty-eight male subjects were recruited into the study, 35 of whom presented to the sexual dysfunction clinic with a complaint of ED, and 13 healthy subjects served as a control group. The ED patients were subdivided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of CVD or its risk factors. The RHR of the forearm vessels was measured noninvasively in all subjects by using a handheld Doppler device. Results., Significant reduction in the peak systolic velocity ration was observed in ED patients with concomitant CVD or risk factors in comparison with the other ED patients with no CVD or risk factors and the control group. Results were highly significant on both occasions (P < 0.001). The 50% recovery time was not significantly different between any of the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion., Our results suggest that those patients with impaired RHR have an abnormality in their vascular system, which is likely to be the cause of their ED and CVD. Using this simple noninvasive method can help to identify vascular disease in ED patients. It can also be used to suggest vascular disease in any patient, where further tests might be indicated. Alkhayal S, Lehmann V, and Thomas P. A simple noninvasive test to detect vascular disease in patients with erectile dysfunction: A novel method. J Sex Med 2006;3:331,336. [source]


    Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus,

    ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2010
    Lingyun Sun
    Objective Umbilical cord (UC),derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown marked therapeutic effects in a number of diseases in animal studies, based on their potential for self-renewal and differentiation. No data are available on the effectiveness of UC MSC transplantation (MSCT) in human autoimmune disease. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of allogeneic UC MSCT in patients with severe and treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We conducted a single-arm trial that involved 16 SLE patients whose disease was refractory to standard treatment or who had life-threatening visceral involvement. All of the patients gave consent and underwent UC MSCT. Clinical changes were evaluated before and after transplantation using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), measurement of serum antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti,double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, serum complement C3 and C4, and albumin levels, and assessment of and renal function. Evaluation of potential mechanisms of MSCT effects focused on the percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells and serum levels of cytokines. Results From April 2007 to July 2009, a total of 16 patients with active SLE were enrolled and underwent UC MSCT. The median followup time after MSCT was 8.25 months (range 3,28 months). Significant improvements in the SLEDAI score, levels of serum ANA, anti-dsDNA antibody, serum albumin, and complement C3, and renal function were observed. Clinical remission was accompanied by an increase in peripheral Treg cells and a re-established balance between Th1- and Th2-related cytokines. Significant reduction in disease activity was achieved in all patients, and there has been no recurrence to date and no treatment-related deaths. Conclusion Our findings indicate that UC MSCT results in amelioration of disease activity, serologic changes, and stabilization of proinflammatory cytokines. These data provide a foundation for conducting a randomized controlled trial of this new therapy for severe and treatment-refractory SLE. [source]


    Preservation of Endothelium Nitric Oxide Release by Pulsatile Flow Cardiopulmonary Bypass When Compared With Continuous Flow

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009
    Ettore Lanzarone
    Abstract The aim of this work is to analyze endothelium nitric oxide (NO) release in patients undergoing continuous or pulsatile flow cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Nine patients operated under continuous flow CPB, and nine patients on pulsatile flow CPB were enrolled. Plasma samples were withdrawn for the chemiluminescence detection of nitrite and nitrate. Moreover the cellular component was withdrawn for the detection of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the erythrocytes, and an estimation of systemic inflammatory response was carried out. Significant reduction in the intraoperative concentration with respect to the preoperative was observed only under continuous flow CPB for both nitrite and NOx (nitrite + nitrate) concentration (P = 0.010 and P = 0.016, respectively). Significant difference in intraoperative nitrite concentration was also observed between the groups (P = 0.012). Finally, erythrocytes showed a certain endothelial NOS activity, which did not differ between the groups, and no differences in the inflammatory response were pointed out. The significant reduction of NO2 - concentration under continuous perfusion revealed the strong connection among perfusion modality, endothelial NO release, and plasmatic nitrite concentration. The similar erythrocyte eNOS activity between the groups revealed that the differences in blood NO metabolites are mainly ascribable to the endothelium release. [source]


    Gene expression in arcuate nucleus-median eminence of rats treated with leptin or ciliary neurotrophic factor

    BIOFACTORS, Issue 2 2007
    Suresh Ambati
    Abstract Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leptin are cytokine-like hormones and act on their corresponding receptors in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). The present study was designed to assess effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of leptin and CNTF on gene expression in micropunched hypothalamic arcuate nucleus-median eminence (ARCME) complex samples from rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with lateral cerebroventricular cannulas for administration of control, 10 ,g/d leptin or 5 ,g/d CNTF for four days. Real-time Taqman RT-PCR was used to quantitatively compare the mRNA levels of selected genes in the ARC-ME complex. Leptin and CNTF increased ARC-ME mRNA levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by 64.5 and 124.7% (p < 0.01), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) by 258.9 and 1063.9% (p < 0.01), cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) by 102.7 and 123.1% (p < 0.01), and proopiomelanocortin (POMC2) by 374.1 and 264.9% (p < 0.01), respectively. Leptin increased growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) by 309.9% (p < 0.01), while CNTF increased janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mRNA by 31.7% (p < 0.01) and decreased gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 (GNRH1) by 59.7% (p < 0.01), mitogen activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) by 19.4% (p < 0.05) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by 74.5% (p < 0.05). Significant reduction in daily food intake and body weights by both the treatments was observed. Also, decrease in weights of fat pads was concomitant with lowered serum insulin and leptin levels. Our findings show that leptin and CNTF engage both convergent and divergent pathways involved in feeding, cellular signaling, inflammation, and other related regulatory systems. [source]


    Effects of immersion water temperature on whole-body fluid distribution in humans

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2004
    J. M. Stocks
    Abstract Aim:, In this study, we quantified acute changes in the intracellular and extracellular fluid compartments during upright neutral- and cold-water immersion. We hypothesized that, during short-term cold immersion, fluid shifts would be wholly restricted to the extracellular space. Methods:, Seven males were immersed 30 days apart: control (33.3 ° SD 0.6 °C); and cold (18.1 ° SD 0.3 °C). Posture was controlled for 4 h prior to a 60-min seated immersion. Results:, Significant reductions in terminal oesophageal (36.9 ° ± 0.1 °,36.3 ° ± 0.1 °C) and mean skin temperatures (30.3 ° ± 0.3 °,23.0 ° ± 0.3 °C) were observed during the cold, but not the control immersion. Both immersions elicited a reduction in intracellular fluid [20.17 ± 6.02 mL kg,1 (control) vs. 22.72 ± 9.90 mL kg,1], while total body water (TBW) remained stable. However, significant plasma volume (PV) divergence was apparent between the trials at 60 min [12.5 ± 1.0% (control) vs. 6.1 ± 3.1%; P < 0.05], along with a significant haemodilution in the control state (P < 0.05). Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentration increased from 18.0 ± 1.6 to 58.7 ± 15.1 ng L,1 (P < 0.05) during cold immersion, consistent with its role in PV regulation. We observed that, regardless of the direction of the PV change, both upright immersions elicited reductions in intracellular fluid. Conclusion:, These observations have two implications. First, one cannot assume that PV changes reflect those of the entire extracellular compartment. Second, since immersion also increases interstitial fluid pressure, fluid leaving the interstitium must have been rapidly replaced by intracellular water. [source]


    In-Situ ozonation of contaminated groundwater

    ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 3 2000
    Michael A. Nimmer
    This paper presents case studies in the application of insitu ozone sparging to remediate petroleum contaminated groundwater. This technology was developed and installed due to shortcomings with other conventional remedial technologies evaluated for groundwater remediation. The main objective of this study was to develop a system to supply ozone to the groundwater aquifer and to evaluate the system performance in the field. Three different applications were evaluated for this study, all containing petroleum-contaminated groundwater. The ozone sparging system consists of an air compressor, ozone generator, a programmable logic controller, and associated gauges and controls. The mixture of air and ozone is injected into the groundwater aquifer through microporous sparge points contained in various sparge well designs. The initial results from the three applications demonstrated that ozone sparging is a viable alternative to remediate petroleum -contaminated groundwater. Significant reductions in petroleum constituents we re observed shortly after system start-up at all sites. During the one to two years operation at the three sites, a number of maintenance items we re identified; these items we re addressed by modifications to the system design and operation. A long-term evaluation of the system operation has not yet been performed. [source]


    Effects of contaminated sediment on the epidermis of mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2000
    Laurent C. Mézin
    Abstract Secretion of mucus by epidermal goblet cells protects fish against many biological, physical, and chemical insults encountered in the environment. This study monitored changes in hemoglobin concentration in epidermal mucus and in the density, diameter, and mucus quality of epidermal goblet cells in the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, following exposure to creosote-contaminated sediment from the Elizabeth River, Virginia, USA. Fish were exposed for 13 d in flow-through aquaria to either uncontaminated (US) or contaminated (CS) sediments and were sampled periodically. The condition index was lower and the mortality rate and the occurrence of epidermal lesions were higher in CS-exposed fish than in US-exposed fish. Hemoglobin contents in epidermal mucus from the former group were significantly higher than from the latter. Significant reductions in both size and density of goblet cells in CS-exposed fish suggested a mucus secretion rate exceeding its production rate. Significant changes in mucin types between treatments did not occur until day 13 and are not believed to be directly related to the creosote present in the contaminated sediment. These results all indicate that exposure to creosote-contaminated sediment had a profound and deleterious effect on fish health. [source]


    Transthyretin as a potential CSF biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies: effects of treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    K. Schultz
    Background:, Previous studies have indicated that transthyretin (TTR) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are altered in depression and dementia. The present study aimed to investigate whether CSF TTR can be used to discriminate between patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) with or without medication, as well as to reveal whether CSF TTR correlates with depression in dementia. Methods:, CSF samples from 59 patients with AD, 13 patients with DLB and 13 healthy controls were collected, and biochemical analysis was performed. Subjects were assessed for the presence of depression. Results:, No significant differences in CSF TTR were found between AD, DLB, and control subjects or between depressed and non-depressed dementia patients. Interestingly, we found a significant reduction in CSF TTR (14%) in AD patients who were medicated with cholinesterase inhibitors compared to those AD patients who were not. Conclusions:, Significant reductions in CSF TTR were found after cholinesterase inhibitor treatment in patients with AD compared to untreated individuals. CSF TTR was unaltered in patients with DLB and had no relationship to depression in the present cohort with dementias. [source]


    Almotriptan Reduces the Incidence of Migraine-Associated Symptoms: A Pooled Analysis

    HEADACHE, Issue 2002
    Roger Cady MD
    Objectives.,Evaluate the reduction in migraine-associated symptoms after administration of a single oral dose of almotriptan. Methods.,This pooled analysis (N=1773) used data from three randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trials (studies A, B, and C) to determine the incidence of migraine-associated symptoms (defined as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia) 2 hours after a single oral dose of study medication (almotriptan, sumatriptan, or placebo). Outcome data was extracted from studies A and B for placebo and the almotriptan 6.25-mg and 12.5-mg groups, and from study C for placebo, almotriptan 12.5-mg, and sumatriptan 100-mg groups. Results.,The incidence of nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia at 2 hours after dosing with study medication was significantly reduced (all P < .05) with almotriptan 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg compared with placebo. The percentage of patients with vomiting was lower with both doses of almotriptan in studies A and B compared with placebo, although differences were significant only for the 6.25-mg dose in study A (P < .001). For study C, the incidence of nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia was similar for almotriptan and sumatriptan and lower than with placebo at 2 hours after dosing. Significant reductions (all P < .05) versus placebo were observed in the incidence of vomiting and phonophobia with almotriptan 12.5 mg, and photophobia and phonophobia with sumatriptan 100 mg. Conclusion.,Almotriptan provides relief from migraine-associated symptoms of nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia, and thus represents an attractive treatment option for a wide spectrum of migraine symptomatology. [source]


    Antiepileptic Drugs in Migraine Prevention

    HEADACHE, Issue 2001
    Ninan T. Mathew MD
    Migraineurs may continue to experience attacks, despite daily use of one or more agents from a wide range of drugs, including , -blockers, calcium channel blockers, serotonin antagonists, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and antiepileptic agents. Divalproex sodium is the only antiepileptic drug approved for migraine prevention. Gabapentin, topiramate, and other antiepileptic agents are being evaluated for migraine prevention and treatment. Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of divalproex, gabapentin, and topiramate for migraine prevention generally were composed of a prospective baseline period, a dose titration period, and a fixed-dose treatment period. The primary efficacy variable was a reduction in the 28-day frequency of migraine headache. Patients receiving divalproex for 12 weeks at doses up to 1500 mg/day achieved significant decreases in the migraine frequency (P<.05), corresponding to reductions of 30% to 40% compared with baseline. Nearly half of the divalproex-treated patients had a 50% or more reduction from baseline in headache frequencies (P.05). Asthenia, vomiting, somnolence, tremor, and alopecia were common adverse events associated with divalproex. Significant reductions in migraine frequency were also observed with gabapentin (1800 to 2400 mg/day) when compared with placebo (P<.01), and nearly half of all patients treated at the highest dose experienced a reduction in headache rate of 50% or more. Somnolence was the most commonly reported adverse event among the gabapentin-treated patients. Two single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluated topiramate for migraine prevention. A lower 28-day migraine frequency was seen during 18 weeks of administration at a maximum daily dose of 200 mg (P = .09). In a second study, a significantly lower mean 28-day migraine frequency was observed during 16 weeks of treatment with topiramate (P = .0015). Mean reduction in migraine frequency was also significantly greater in topiramate-treated patients (P = .0037). Paresthesias, diarrhea, somnolence, and altered taste were commonly reported adverse events in the topiramate-treated patients. Unlike some patients given divalproex or gabapentin, some given topiramate reported weight loss. Large, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials may prove the effectiveness of novel antiepileptic drugs in migraine prevention. [source]


    TRIZAL study: switching from successful HAART to TrizivirTM (abacavir-lamivudine-zidovudine combination tablet): 48 weeks efficacy, safety and adherence results

    HIV MEDICINE, Issue 2 2003
    C Katlama
    Objective To assess the antiviral efficacy, safety, and adherence in subjects who switched to TrizivirÔ following long-term HIV-1 RNA suppression. Study design A randomized, open-label, multicentre, 48-week comparative study in subjects who have received two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus a protease inhibitor or an nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or three nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for at least 6 months, with a history of undetectable plasma HIV-1 RNA since initiation of therapy and plasma viral load of < 50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL at screening. Methods Subjects were randomized 1:1 to continue their current treatment or to switch to a simplified treatment with TrizivirÔ administered twice daily. Assessments included plasma HIV-1 RNA, lymphocyte counts, clinical laboratory evaluations, adverse events, and adherence to treatment (obtained via subject self-report). Treatment failure was defined as a plasma viral load of , 400 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL on two consecutive occasions or premature discontinuation of randomized treatment. Results At week 48, the proportion of treatment failures in TrizivirÔ arm (23/106, 22%) was noninferior to that observed in continued arm (23/103, 22%) with a treatment difference stratified by prior ART of 1.2%[-10.1; 12.5]. Incidence of adverse events was similar in both treatment groups. The incidence of possible hypersensitivity reaction in the TrizivirÔ arm was 10%. Significant reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels were observed in the TrizivirÔ arm (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion Switching to TrizivirÔ offers a potent and simplified regimen with equivalent efficacy and significant improvement in lipid abnormalities compared to continued triple therapy. [source]


    Service User Outcomes of Staff Training in Positive Behaviour Support Using Person-Focused Training: A Control Group Study

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 1 2007
    Ian M. Grey
    Background, Effectively supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities who display challenging behaviours continues to be a priority for service providers. Person-focused training (PFT) is a model of service delivery which provides staff with skills in functional assessment and intervention development. Existing longitudinal data from a study of 138 cases suggest that implementation of staff-developed behaviour support plans through PFT is effective in reducing challenging behaviour in approximately 77% of cases [McClean et al.Journal of Intellectual Disability Research (2005) vol. 49, pp. 340,353]. However, no control group was used in this study. Method, The current study involves the use of a control group of individuals with challenging behaviours matched against those selected for PFT over a 6-month period. Groups were matched on type of challenging behaviour, duration of challenging behaviour, gender and level of disability. Information on the frequency, management difficulty and severity of challenging behaviour was collected pre- and post-training using the Checklist of Challenging Behaviours (CCB) for both groups. Observational data were collected for the target group alone. Rates of psychotropic medication were tracked across the training period. Results, Significant reductions in the frequency, management difficulty and severity of challenging behaviour were found for service users in the target group but not in the control group after 6 months. No significant changes were found in the use of psychotropic medication for either group over the 6-month period. Conclusion, Overall results suggest that PFT is an effective model for providing support to individuals with challenging behaviours. [source]


    Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on clinical and immunological response and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with moderate periodontitis

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 10 2007
    Ana Belén Navarro-Sanchez
    Abstract Objetives: The purpose of this study was to compare the local efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy between type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients and the effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control. Background: A complex two-way relationship exists between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. Material and Methods: After selection, 20 subjects (10 diabetic and 10 non-diabetic) underwent baseline examination, periodontal clinical study and biochemical analysis of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). After the pre-treatment phase, subgingival scaling and root planing were performed. Subsequently, all subjects continued the maintenance programme and were re-examined at 3 and 6 months. Results: Diabetic and non-diabetic subjects responded well after therapy, showing a very similar progression during the follow-up period. Both groups showed clinically and immunologically significant improvements. Significant reductions were also found in the total volume of GCF and levels of interleukin-1, and tumour necrosis factor- ,. Diabetic subjects showed an improvement in their metabolic control. The change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) was statistically significant at 3 and 6 months. Conclusions: The clinical and immunological improvements obtained were accompanied by a significant reduction in HbA1C values in type 2 diabetic subjects. Larger studies are needed to confirm this finding and establish whether periodontal therapy has a significant effect on glycaemic control. [source]


    Effects of smoking and gingival inflammation on salivary antioxidant capacity

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
    Nurcan Buduneli
    Abstract Aim: This study evaluated possible effects of smoking and gingival inflammation on salivary antioxidants in gingivitis patients. Methods: Twenty otherwise healthy gingivitis patients (10 self-reported smokers) and 20 periodontally and systemically healthy volunteer subjects were enrolled in the study. Whole saliva samples and full-mouth clinical periodontal recordings were obtained at baseline and one month following initial phase of treatment in gingivitis patients. Salivary cotinine, glutathione and ascorbic acid concentrations, and total antioxidant capacity were determined, and the data generated were tested by non-parametric tests. Results: Salivary cotinine measurements resulted in re-classification of three self-reported non-smokers as smokers. Smoker patients revealed significantly higher probing depths but lower bleeding values than non-smoker patients (p=0.044 and 0.001, respectively). Significant reductions in clinical recordings were obtained in non-smoker (all p<0.05) and smoker (all p<0.01) patients following periodontal treatment. Salivary total glutathione concentrations were reduced following therapy in gingivitis patients who smoke (p<0.01). Otherwise, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in biochemical parameters at baseline or following treatment (p>0.05). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, neither smoking nor gingival inflammation compromised the antioxidant capacity of saliva in systemically healthy gingivitis patients. [source]


    Fungistatic Activity of Heat-Treated Flaxseed Determined by Response Surface Methodology

    JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008
    Y. Xu
    ABSTRACT:, The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the fungistatic activity of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and a fresh noodle system. The radial growth of Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus, and a Penicillium sp. isolated from moldy noodles, as well as the mold count of fresh noodle enriched with heat treated flaxseed, were used to assess antifungal activity. A central composite design in the response surface methodology was used to predict the effect of heating temperature and time on antifungal activity of flaxseed flour (FF). Statistical analysis determined that the linear terms of both variables (that is, heating temperature and time) and the quadratic terms of the heating temperature had significant (P < 0.05) effects on the radial growth of all 3 test fungi and the mold count log-cycle reduction of fresh noodle. The interactions between the temperature and time were significant for all dependent variables (P < 0.05). Significant reductions in antifungal activities were found when FF was subjected to high temperatures, regardless of heating time. In contrast, prolonging the heating time did not substantially affect the antifungal activities of FF at low temperature. However, 60% of the antifungal activity was retained after FF was heated at 100 °C for 15 min, which suggests a potential use of FF as an antifungal additive in food products subjected to low to mild heat treatments. [source]