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1.
Educ Prim Care ; 32(4): 198-201, 2021 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33568022

RESUMO

In recent years the need to teach primary care providers to better care for transgender and non-binary (trans) patients has garnered significant scholarly and public attention. The alarming why motivating this surge in trans health primary care education has already been firmly established and needs no further comment. Instead, we offer new perspectives on how to do trans health primary care education. From treasured 'trans 101' educational interventions to trans health 'clinical pearls', the prevailing model used to teach primary care learners represents time-limited cultural competency-based education, which we argue creates an isolated education 'island'. In rethinking this approach, we present an introduction to the concepts of knowledge integration and the transfer of learning and apply them to show how trans health knowledge and skills should be structured within existing curricula to support effective learning and application. These instructional design considerations have yet to be extensively explored when teaching primary care learners trans health content and may be critical to building pedagogy that ultimately improves healthcare delivery. We conclude that trans health - and trans patients themselves - must not be treated as an isolated education island of knowledge and practice. Rather, it is the responsibility of educators to design instruction that encourages learners to integrate this knowledge with foundational principles of primary care; building bridges across a continent of primary care practice landscapes in turn.


Assuntos
Pessoas Transgênero , Currículo , Atenção à Saúde , Humanos , Aprendizagem , Atenção Primária à Saúde
2.
Mol Psychiatry ; 23(4): 932-942, 2018 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28461699

RESUMO

Despite decades of research, the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) is still not well understood. Structural brain differences have been associated with BD, but results from neuroimaging studies have been inconsistent. To address this, we performed the largest study to date of cortical gray matter thickness and surface area measures from brain magnetic resonance imaging scans of 6503 individuals including 1837 unrelated adults with BD and 2582 unrelated healthy controls for group differences while also examining the effects of commonly prescribed medications, age of illness onset, history of psychosis, mood state, age and sex differences on cortical regions. In BD, cortical gray matter was thinner in frontal, temporal and parietal regions of both brain hemispheres. BD had the strongest effects on left pars opercularis (Cohen's d=-0.293; P=1.71 × 10-21), left fusiform gyrus (d=-0.288; P=8.25 × 10-21) and left rostral middle frontal cortex (d=-0.276; P=2.99 × 10-19). Longer duration of illness (after accounting for age at the time of scanning) was associated with reduced cortical thickness in frontal, medial parietal and occipital regions. We found that several commonly prescribed medications, including lithium, antiepileptic and antipsychotic treatment showed significant associations with cortical thickness and surface area, even after accounting for patients who received multiple medications. We found evidence of reduced cortical surface area associated with a history of psychosis but no associations with mood state at the time of scanning. Our analysis revealed previously undetected associations and provides an extensive analysis of potential confounding variables in neuroimaging studies of BD.


Assuntos
Transtorno Bipolar/diagnóstico por imagem , Transtorno Bipolar/patologia , Substância Cinzenta/patologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Transtorno Bipolar/metabolismo , Encéfalo/patologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Córtex Cerebral/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Lobo Frontal/patologia , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neuroimagem , Córtex Pré-Frontal/patologia , Transtornos Psicóticos/patologia , Fatores Sexuais , Lobo Temporal/patologia , Adulto Jovem
3.
Public Health ; 166: 121-127, 2019 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30476780

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to (1) explore physical and verbal abuse experience, perpetrators of abuse and abuse reporting behaviours of Filipino foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong and (2) examine associations between their abuse experience and depression level. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey METHODS: We purposively sampled participants at the Statue Square of Hong Kong on three Sunday afternoons between June and August 2017. Using a self-administered questionnaire, measures include sociodemographic and housing environment variables, physical and verbal abuse experience and depression level measured using the Depression Subscale of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21-D). Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with the DASS-21-D score. RESULTS: The response rate was 86.1% and 105 participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 20.5% and 34.4% had experienced physical and verbal abuse, respectively, in the past 12 months. Majority of perpetrators were female employers and children. Meanwhile, 16.7% of the abuse victims did not report their cases. Among those who reported, only a few (19.4%) reported their cases to formal organizations (agency and police). Factors significantly associated with the DASS-21-D score include physical abuse (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.12-3.34), verbal abuse (B = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.16-3.00), non-disclosure of physical abuse experience (B = 5.68, 95% CI = 0.18-11.18) and living space satisfaction (B = -1.50, 95% CI = -2.12 to -0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Physical and verbal abuse among foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong were underreported to formal organizations and were associated with depression. Legislative enforcement of a comprehensive abuse reporting mechanism and mental health service should be considered.


Assuntos
Cuidadores/psicologia , Depressão/epidemiologia , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/psicologia , Abuso Físico/psicologia , Comportamento Verbal , Adulto , Cuidadores/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Transversais , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Hong Kong/epidemiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Filipinas/etnologia , Abuso Físico/estatística & dados numéricos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem
4.
Mol Psychiatry ; 22(6): 900-909, 2017 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27137745

RESUMO

The neuro-anatomical substrates of major depressive disorder (MDD) are still not well understood, despite many neuroimaging studies over the past few decades. Here we present the largest ever worldwide study by the ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis) Major Depressive Disorder Working Group on cortical structural alterations in MDD. Structural T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 2148 MDD patients and 7957 healthy controls were analysed with harmonized protocols at 20 sites around the world. To detect consistent effects of MDD and its modulators on cortical thickness and surface area estimates derived from MRI, statistical effects from sites were meta-analysed separately for adults and adolescents. Adults with MDD had thinner cortical gray matter than controls in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), anterior and posterior cingulate, insula and temporal lobes (Cohen's d effect sizes: -0.10 to -0.14). These effects were most pronounced in first episode and adult-onset patients (>21 years). Compared to matched controls, adolescents with MDD had lower total surface area (but no differences in cortical thickness) and regional reductions in frontal regions (medial OFC and superior frontal gyrus) and primary and higher-order visual, somatosensory and motor areas (d: -0.26 to -0.57). The strongest effects were found in recurrent adolescent patients. This highly powered global effort to identify consistent brain abnormalities showed widespread cortical alterations in MDD patients as compared to controls and suggests that MDD may impact brain structure in a highly dynamic way, with different patterns of alterations at different stages of life.


Assuntos
Córtex Cerebral/patologia , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/diagnóstico por imagem , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/patologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Encéfalo/patologia , Córtex Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Feminino , Lobo Frontal/patologia , Substância Cinzenta/patologia , Giro do Cíngulo/patologia , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Masculino , Neuroimagem/métodos , Neuroimagem/psicologia , Córtex Pré-Frontal/patologia , Lobo Temporal/patologia
5.
Appl Environ Microbiol ; 83(15)2017 08 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28526787

RESUMO

Hydrogenotrophic methanogens typically require strictly anaerobic culturing conditions in glass tubes with overpressures of H2 and CO2 that are both time-consuming and costly. To increase the throughput for screening chemical compound libraries, 96-well microtiter plate methods for the growth of a marine (environmental) methanogen Methanococcus maripaludis strain S2 and the rumen methanogen Methanobrevibacter species AbM4 were developed. A number of key parameters (inoculum size, reducing agents for medium preparation, assay duration, inhibitor solvents, and culture volume) were optimized to achieve robust and reproducible growth in a high-throughput microtiter plate format. The method was validated using published methanogen inhibitors and statistically assessed for sensitivity and reproducibility. The Sigma-Aldrich LOPAC library containing 1,280 pharmacologically active compounds and an in-house natural product library (120 compounds) were screened against M. maripaludis as a proof of utility. This screen identified a number of bioactive compounds, and MIC values were confirmed for some of them against M. maripaludis and M. AbM4. The developed method provides a significant increase in throughput for screening compound libraries and can now be used to screen larger compound libraries to discover novel methanogen-specific inhibitors for the mitigation of ruminant methane emissions.IMPORTANCE Methane emissions from ruminants are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and new technologies are required to control emissions in the agriculture technology (agritech) sector. The discovery of small-molecule inhibitors of methanogens using high-throughput phenotypic (growth) screening against compound libraries (synthetic and natural products) is an attractive avenue. However, phenotypic inhibitor screening is currently hindered by our inability to grow methanogens in a high-throughput format. We have developed, optimized, and validated a high-throughput 96-well microtiter plate assay for growing environmental and rumen methanogens. Using this platform, we identified several new inhibitors of methanogen growth, demonstrating the utility of this approach to fast track the development of methanogen-specific inhibitors for controlling ruminant methane emissions.


Assuntos
Produtos Biológicos/farmacologia , Técnicas de Cultura/métodos , Metano/metabolismo , Methanobrevibacter/efeitos dos fármacos , Mathanococcus/efeitos dos fármacos , Rúmen/microbiologia , Ruminantes/microbiologia , Animais , Técnicas de Cultura/instrumentação , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos , Methanobrevibacter/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Methanobrevibacter/metabolismo , Mathanococcus/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Mathanococcus/metabolismo , Rúmen/metabolismo , Ruminantes/metabolismo
6.
Anaesthesia ; 77(2): 229, 2022 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34382205

Assuntos
COVID-19 , Aerossóis , Humanos
7.
Eur J Neurol ; 23(8): 1351-60, 2016 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27194393

RESUMO

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Emerging research suggests the use of self-regulation (SR) for improving functional regain in patients post stroke. SR is proposed to produce an added effect to effective modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT). This study aimed to examine the effect of a self-regulated mCIMT programme (SR-mCIMT) for functional regain in patients with sub-acute stroke. METHODS: Eighty-six patients completed the trial: SR-mCIMT, n = 29; mCIMT, n = 31; or conventional functional rehabilitation, n = 26. All interventions were 2-week therapist-guided training. Outcome measurements, taken by a blinded assessor, examined arm function [Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)], daily task performance [Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (Lawton IADL)] and self-perceived arm use in functional tasks [Motor Activity Log (MAL)]. RESULTS: Significant differences were found with the SR-mCIMT outperforming the other groups after the intervention (ARAT, P = 0.006; FMA, Lawton IADL and MAL, all Ps < 0.001). In terms of the carry-over effect, the SR-mCIMT group outperformed in the hand and coordination subscales of ARAT and FMA (P = 0.012-0.013) and the self-perceived quality of arm use (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: A combination of SR and mCIMT could produce an added effect in functional regain in patients post stroke.


Assuntos
Atividades Cotidianas , Modalidades de Fisioterapia , Autocontrole , Reabilitação do Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/fisiopatologia , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica/fisiologia , Resultado do Tratamento
9.
Hong Kong Med J ; 22(3): 270-8, 2016 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27101791

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: This review covers the recent literature on fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging, with emphasis on techniques, advances, common indications, and safety. METHODS: We conducted a search of MEDLINE for articles published after 2010. The search terms used were "(fetal OR foetal OR fetus OR foetus) AND (MR OR MRI OR [magnetic resonance]) AND (brain OR cerebral)". Consensus statements from major authorities were also included. As a result, 44 relevant articles were included and formed the basis of this review. RESULTS: One major challenge is fetal motion that is largely overcome by ultra-fast sequences. Currently, single-shot fast spin-echo T2-weighted imaging remains the mainstay for motion resistance and anatomical delineation. Recently, a snap-shot inversion recovery sequence has enabled robust T1-weighted images to be obtained, which is previously a challenge for standard gradient-echo acquisitions. Fetal diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are also being developed. With multiplanar capabilities, superior contrast resolution and field of view, magnetic resonance imaging does not have the limitations of sonography, and can provide additional important information. Common indications include ventriculomegaly, callosum and posterior fossa abnormalities, and twin complications. There are safety concerns about magnetic resonance-induced heating and acoustic damage but current literature showed no conclusive evidence of deleterious fetal effects. The American College of Radiology guideline states that pregnant patients can be accepted to undergo magnetic resonance imaging at any stage of pregnancy if risk-benefit ratio to patients warrants that the study be performed. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal brain is a safe and powerful adjunct to sonography in prenatal diagnosis. It can provide additional information that aids clinical management, prognostication, and counselling.


Assuntos
Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Fetais/diagnóstico por imagem , Feto/diagnóstico por imagem , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Diagnóstico Pré-Natal/métodos , Adulto , Imagem de Tensor de Difusão , Feminino , Idade Gestacional , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/efeitos adversos , Gravidez
11.
Reprod Toxicol ; 108: 56-61, 2022 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35101563

RESUMO

Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332; NMV) the antiviral component of PAXLOVID™ is a potent and selective inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), which plays a critical role in viral replication. PAXLOVID, comprised of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (used as a pharmacokinetic enhancer), is an oral therapy currently in development as a therapeutic option for those infected with SARS-CoV-2 to prevent progression to severe disease, hospitalization, and death. PAXLOVID has been shown to be efficacious against hospitalization and death in two Phase 2/3 clinical studies that evaluated non hospitalized patients both with and without high risk factors for progression to severe illness. Given that males and females of reproductive age are included in the intended patient population, we assessed the potential effects of NMV up to the limit dose of 1000 mg/kg/day in ICH guideline embryo-fetal development studies in rats and rabbits, and a fertility and early embryonic development study in rats. There were no effects on male and female fertility or early embryonic development in rats, and no severe manifestations of developmental toxicity in rats or rabbits. The lack of adverse findings reported here in nonclinical species is consistent with the intended therapeutic target of NMV (a virus specific protein not present in mammalian cells), the favorable off-target selectivity profile, and lack of genetic toxicity. The results of these nonclinical studies with NMV along with existing ritonavir safety information indicate that there are no clinically relevant risks associated with PAXLOVID administration during pregnancy and in males and females of reproductive age.


Assuntos
Antivirais/toxicidade , Tratamento Farmacológico da COVID-19 , Desenvolvimento Embrionário/efeitos dos fármacos , Fertilidade/efeitos dos fármacos , Lactamas/toxicidade , Leucina/toxicidade , Nitrilas/toxicidade , Prolina/toxicidade , Ritonavir/toxicidade , Animais , Combinação de Medicamentos , Feminino , Infertilidade/induzido quimicamente , Masculino , Gravidez , Coelhos , Ratos , Ratos Wistar
12.
Br J Anaesth ; 106(1): 124-30, 2011 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21059701

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that lower local anaesthetic (LA) volumes can be used for ultrasound (US)-guided interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB). However, no study has examined whether US can reduce the volume required when compared with nerve stimulation (NS) for ISB. Our aim was to do this by comparing the minimum effective analgesic volumes (MEAVs). METHODS: After ethics approval and informed consent, patients undergoing shoulder surgery were recruited to this randomized, double-blind, up-down sequential allocation study. The volume used for both US and NS was dependent upon the success or failure of the previous block. Success was defined as a verbal rating score of 0/10, 30 min after surgery. Ten needle passes were allowed before defaulting to the opposite group. Patients received general anaesthesia. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed by a blinded observer. Statistical comparisons of continuous variables were performed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test as appropriate. Categorical variables were analysed using χ² test. MEAV values were estimated using log-transformed up-down independent pairs analysis and probit regression. Significance was assumed at P<0.05 (two-sided). RESULTS: The MEAV required to provide effective analgesia was significantly (P=0.034) reduced to 0.9 ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3-2.8] in the US group from 5.4 ml (95% CI 3.4-8.6) in the NS group. Fewer needle passes were needed to identify the brachial plexus with US (1 vs 3; P<0.0001) and patients had less pain at 30 min after surgery (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: US reduces the number of attempts, LA volume, and postoperative pain when compared with NS for ISB.


Assuntos
Anestésicos Locais/administração & dosagem , Bloqueio Nervoso/métodos , Adulto , Idoso , Artroscopia , Plexo Braquial/anatomia & histologia , Plexo Braquial/diagnóstico por imagem , Plexo Braquial/fisiologia , Método Duplo-Cego , Esquema de Medicação , Estimulação Elétrica/métodos , Feminino , Fentanila/administração & dosagem , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Medição da Dor/métodos , Articulação do Ombro/cirurgia , Ultrassonografia de Intervenção/métodos
13.
Aust Dent J ; 66(4): 358-370, 2021 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34031885

RESUMO

Nasorespiratory obstruction has been purported to influence dentofacial growth adversely. This has sparked considerable debate for decades with a resurgence in interest in 'airway friendly orthodontics' among both general and specialist dental practitioners. This critical review aims to evaluate the current literature relating to two questions: does nasorespiratory obstruction alter dentofacial growth, and does early intervention targeted at alleviating nasorespiratory obstruction improve dentofacial growth? The strength of association between nasorespiratory obstruction, mouth breathing and a long face is weak. The common methodological flaws in research include unblinded and cross-sectional study designs, a lack of adequate controls, inadequate follow-up, subjective assessments and inadequate statistical power. Vertical dentofacial growth has a strong genetic influence, which implies a relatively minor contribution of environmental factors including airway obstruction. The current evidence does not support recommending procedures, such as adenotonsillectomy and maxillary expansion, with the singular aim of negating a hyperdivergent (vertical) dentofacial growth pattern. In light of low-quality evidence, both the World Health Organization guidelines and ethical principles dictate that greater emphasis is placed on avoiding harm and wastage of resources over alternative options. These findings call for quality improvement in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and continuing professional development for health professionals.


Assuntos
Odontólogos , Ortodontia , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Respiração Bucal , Papel Profissional
14.
Calcif Tissue Int ; 87(5): 398-405, 2010 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20838781

RESUMO

Uncertainties exist regarding whether FGF-23 production is influenced by PTH and its involvement in bone formation. We evaluated FGF-23 response and its relation to changes in biomarkers of bone formation following intermittent PTH treatment. Twenty-seven women with a mean [SD] age of 75.8 [5.4] years with postmenopausal osteoporosis were treated with PTH(1-34) for 18 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at 6 and 18 months at the lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH). Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 1-3, 6-9, and 12-18 months. Serum calcium, phosphate, PTH, 25(OH)vitamin D, 1,25(OH)(2)vitamin D, markers of bone turnover, FGF-23, and sclerostin were measured. BMD increased at both the LS (11.6%, P < 0.001) and TH (2.5%, P < 0.01). The bone formation marker P1NP increased early (baseline mean [SD] 39.9 [24.4] µg/l, 1-3 months 88 [37.9] µg/l; P < 0.001) and remained higher than baseline throughout 18 months. FGF-23 also increased, with a peak response at 6-9 months (increase 65%, P = 0.002). Serum phosphate remained stable. A significant increase in 1.25(OH)(2)vitamin D (P = 0.02) was seen at 1-3 months only. A small but significant reduction in sclerostin was seen at 6-9 (P = 0.02) and 12-18 months (P = 0.06). There was a positive correlation between changes in P1NP and FGF-23 (6-9 months r = 0.78, P < 0.001). FGF-23 is increased by intermittent PTH(1-34). This is related to early changes in P1NP, suggesting that the skeletal effects of PTH may involve FGF-23. Further studies are required to elucidate this.


Assuntos
Proteínas Morfogenéticas Ósseas/sangue , Fatores de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/sangue , Osteogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Osteoporose Pós-Menopausa/tratamento farmacológico , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/farmacologia , Teriparatida/análogos & derivados , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Biomarcadores/sangue , Densidade Óssea/efeitos dos fármacos , Densidade Óssea/fisiologia , Feminino , Fator de Crescimento de Fibroblastos 23 , Humanos , Osteogênese/fisiologia , Osteoporose Pós-Menopausa/metabolismo , Teriparatida/farmacologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Regulação para Cima/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação para Cima/fisiologia
15.
RSC Med Chem ; 11(12): 1366-1378, 2020 Dec 17.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34095844

RESUMO

The alarming reduction in drug effectiveness against bacterial infections has created an urgent need for the development of new antibacterial agents that circumvent bacterial resistance mechanisms. We report here a series of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors that demonstrate potent activity against a range of Gram-positive and selected Gram-negative organisms, including clinically-relevant and drug-resistant strains. In part 1, we present a detailed structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis that led to the discovery of our previously disclosed compound, REDX05931, which has a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.06 µg mL-1 against fluoroquinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Although in vitro hERG and CYP inhibition precluded further development, it validates a rational design approach to address this urgent unmet medical need and provides a scaffold for further optimisation, which is presented in part 2.

16.
RSC Med Chem ; 11(12): 1379-1385, 2020 Dec 17.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34095845

RESUMO

Building on our previously-reported novel tricyclic topoisomerase inhibitors (NTTIs), we disclose the discovery of REDX07965, which has an MIC90 of 0.5 µg mL-1 against Staphylococcus aureus, favourable in vitro pharmacokinetic properties, selectivity versus human topoisomerase II and an acceptable toxicity profile. The results herein validate a rational design approach to address the urgent unmet medical need for novel antibiotics.

17.
Br J Surg ; 96(11): 1323-35, 2009 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19847872

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Smad7, a protein that occupies a strategic position in fibrogenesis, inhibits the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta/Smad signalling pathway. In this study the therapeutic potential of exogenous Smad7 in preventing fibrogenesis in postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion was investigated. METHODS: Intra-abdominal adhesion was induced in a rodent model by peritoneal abrasion. Smad7 was delivered into the peritoneal cavity by a non-viral ultrasound-microbubble-mediated naked gene transfection system. The effect of Smad7 transgene on adhesion formation was studied by measuring changes in TGF-beta, fibrogenic factors, alpha-SMA and Smad2/3 activation in the anterior abdominal wall. RESULTS: Four weeks after surgical abrasion, all rats developed significant peritoneal adhesion with enhanced TGF-beta expression, increased levels of extracellular matrix components and activated myofibroblasts, accompanied by decreased Smad7 expression and increased Smad2/3 activation. In rats treated with the Smad7 transgene, the incidence and severity of peritoneal adhesion were significantly reduced, with biochemical downregulation of fibrogenic factors and inhibition of Smad2/3 activation. Serial quantitation using magnetic resonance imaging revealed a significant reduction in adhesion areas from day 14 onwards. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-microbubble-mediated gene transfection provides timely targeted gene delivery for the treatment of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.


Assuntos
Técnicas de Transferência de Genes , Vetores Genéticos/fisiologia , Doenças Peritoneais/prevenção & controle , Proteína Smad7/administração & dosagem , Aderências Teciduais/prevenção & controle , Transgenes/fisiologia , Parede Abdominal , Animais , Matriz Extracelular/patologia , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Microbolhas , Doenças Peritoneais/metabolismo , Doenças Peritoneais/patologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Via Transcriptase Reversa , Proteína Smad2/metabolismo , Proteína Smad3/metabolismo , Proteína Smad7/genética , Aderências Teciduais/metabolismo , Aderências Teciduais/patologia , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/biossíntese , Regulação para Cima
18.
J Cell Biol ; 115(1): 59-66, 1991 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-1918139

RESUMO

Studies with populations of macrophages have produced conflicting results concerning the possibility that the concentration of intracellular ionized calcium [( Ca2+]i) may act as an important mediator for phagocytosis. Since asynchronous changes in [Ca2+]i in individual cells undergoing phagocytosis may be averaged to undetectability in population studies, we studied single adhering murine macrophages using fura-2 and our previously described digital imaging system. The proportion of macrophages phagocytosing IgG-coated latex beads was greater than for uncoated beads (percent phagocytosing cells: 71 +/- 7 vs. 27 +/- 7, P less than 0.01). Phagocytosis of IgG-coated and uncoated beads was always associated with a calcium transient that preceded the initiation of phagocytosis. No calcium transients were detected in cells that bound but did not phagocytose beads. Four major differences between Fc receptor-mediated and nonspecific phagocytosis were detected: (a) the duration of calcium transients was longer for nonspecific phagocytosis compared with Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis (69.9 +/- 10.2 vs. 48.7 +/- 4.7 s, P less than 0.05) and the magnitude of calcium transients was less for nonspecific phagocytosis (178 +/- 43 vs. 349 +/- 53 nM, P less than 0.05); (b) removal of extracellular calcium abolished the calcium transients associated with nonspecific phagocytosis but had no effect on those associated with receptor-mediated phagocytosis; (c) in the absence of extracellular calcium, buffering intracellular calcium with a chelator reduced Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis but had no additive inhibitory effect on nonspecific phagocytosis; and (d) inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with staurosporine inhibited nonspecific phagocytosis but had no effect on receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Our observations suggest that despite both types of phagocytosis being associated with intracellular calcium transients, the role played by intracellular calcium in the signaling pathways may differ for Fc receptor-mediated and nonspecific phagocytosis by elicited murine macrophages.


Assuntos
Cálcio/fisiologia , Macrófagos/fisiologia , Fagocitose , Receptores Fc/fisiologia , Alcaloides/farmacologia , Animais , Ácido Egtázico/farmacologia , Técnicas In Vitro , Látex , Camundongos , Microesferas , Cavidade Peritoneal/citologia , Fagocitose/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteína Quinase C/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteína Quinase C/fisiologia , Transdução de Sinais , Estaurosporina
19.
Bone Joint J ; 101-B(2): 154-161, 2019 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30700115

RESUMO

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) on the risk of re-operation at an adjacent level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 235 consecutive patients who had undergone decompression-only surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis and had a minimum five-year follow-up. There were 106 female patients (45.1%) and 129 male patients (54.9%), with a mean age at surgery of 66.8 years (sd 11.3). We excluded those with adult deformity and spondylolisthesis. Presenting symptoms, levels operated on initially and at re-operation were studied. MRI measurements included the anteroposterior diameter of the bony spinal canal, the degree of disc degeneration, and the thickness of the ligamentum flavum. DSS was defined by comparative measurements of the bony spinal canal. Risk factors for re-operation at the adjacent level were determined and included in a multivariate stepwise logistic regression for prediction modelling. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 235 patients, 21.7% required re-operation at an adjacent segment. Re-operation at an adjacent segment was associated with DSS (p = 0.026), the number of levels decompressed (p = 0.008), and age at surgery (p = 0.013). Multivariate regression model (p < 0.001) controlled for other confounders showed that DSS was a significant predictor of re-operation at an adjacent segment, with an adjusted OR of 3.93. CONCLUSION: Patients with DSS who have undergone lumbar spinal decompression are 3.9 times more likely to undergo future surgery at an adjacent level. This is a poor prognostic indicator that can be identified prior to index decompression surgery.


Assuntos
Descompressão Cirúrgica/efeitos adversos , Vértebras Lombares/cirurgia , Estenose Espinal/cirurgia , Idoso , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Vértebras Lombares/diagnóstico por imagem , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Reoperação , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Estenose Espinal/complicações , Estenose Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem
20.
Mol Neurobiol ; 56(7): 5146-5156, 2019 Jul.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30519816

RESUMO

In MRI scans of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), reductions in brain volume are often apparent. However, it is unknown whether such brain abnormalities are influenced by genetic determinants that partially overlap with those underlying AN. Here, we used a battery of methods (LD score regression, genetic risk scores, sign test, SNP effect concordance analysis, and Mendelian randomization) to investigate the genetic covariation between subcortical brain volumes and risk for AN based on summary measures retrieved from genome-wide association studies of regional brain volumes (ENIGMA consortium, n = 13,170) and genetic risk for AN (PGC-ED consortium, n = 14,477). Genetic correlations ranged from - 0.10 to 0.23 (all p > 0.05). There were some signs of an inverse concordance between greater thalamus volume and risk for AN (permuted p = 0.009, 95% CI: [0.005, 0.017]). A genetic variant in the vicinity of ZW10, a gene involved in cell division, and neurotransmitter and immune system relevant genes, in particular DRD2, was significantly associated with AN only after conditioning on its association with caudate volume (pFDR = 0.025). Another genetic variant linked to LRRC4C, important in axonal and synaptic development, reached significance after conditioning on hippocampal volume (pFDR = 0.021). In this comprehensive set of analyses and based on the largest available sample sizes to date, there was weak evidence for associations between risk for AN and risk for abnormal subcortical brain volumes at a global level (that is, common variant genetic architecture), but suggestive evidence for effects of single genetic markers. Highly powered multimodal brain- and disorder-related genome-wide studies are needed to further dissect the shared genetic influences on brain structure and risk for AN.


Assuntos
Anorexia Nervosa/diagnóstico por imagem , Anorexia Nervosa/genética , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Estudo de Associação Genômica Ampla/métodos , Análise da Randomização Mendeliana/métodos , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genética , Encéfalo/fisiologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Humanos , Desequilíbrio de Ligação/genética , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Tamanho do Órgão
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