RESUMO
Abstract: Many of the devastating pandemics and outbreaks of last centuries have been caused by enveloped viruses. The recent pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously endangered the global health system. In particular, hospitals have had to deal with a frequency in the emergency room and a request for beds for infectious diseases never faced in the last decades. It is well-known that hospitals are environments with a high infectious risk. Environmental control of indoor air and surfaces becomes an important means of limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In particular, to preserve an adequate indoor microbiological quality, an important non-pharmacological strategy is represented by Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and finishing materials. Starting from the SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes, the paper investigates the hospital risk analysis and management, the indoor air quality and determination of microbial load, surface management and strategies in cleaning activities, HVAC systems' management and filters' efficiency. In conclusion, the paper suggests some strategies of interventions and best practices to be taken into considerations for the next steps in design and management.
Assuntos
Microbiologia do Ar , Poluição do Ar em Ambientes Fechados , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Instalações de Saúde , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2/isolamento & purificação , Ar Condicionado , COVID-19/transmissão , Materiais de Construção , Infecção Hospitalar/prevenção & controle , Infecção Hospitalar/transmissão , Contaminação de Equipamentos , Desenho de Equipamento , Filtração/instrumentação , Filtração/métodos , Calefação , Arquitetura Hospitalar , Humanos , Material Particulado , Medição de Risco , Ventilação/instrumentaçãoRESUMO
This study investigates the relationship between fine resolution, local-scale biophysical and socioeconomic contexts within which land degradation occurs, and the human responses to it. The research draws on experimental data collected under different territorial and socioeconomic conditions at 586 field sites in five Mediterranean countries (Spain, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco). We assess the level of desertification risk under various land management practices (terracing, grazing control, prevention of wildland fires, soil erosion control measures, soil water conservation measures, sustainable farming practices, land protection measures and financial subsidies) taken as possible responses to land degradation. A data mining approach, incorporating principal component analysis, non-parametric correlations, multiple regression and canonical analysis, was developed to identify the spatial relationship between land management conditions, the socioeconomic and environmental context (described using 40 biophysical and socioeconomic indicators) and desertification risk. Our analysis identified a number of distinct relationships between the level of desertification experienced and the underlying socioeconomic context, suggesting that the effectiveness of responses to land degradation is strictly dependent on the local biophysical and socioeconomic context. Assessing the latent relationship between land management practices and the biophysical/socioeconomic attributes characterizing areas exposed to different levels of desertification risk proved to be an indirect measure of the effectiveness of field actions contrasting land degradation.
Assuntos
Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Mineração de Dados/métodos , Política Ambiental , Agricultura , Política Ambiental/economia , Incêndios , Grécia , Humanos , Marrocos , Análise de Componente Principal , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Solo , Espanha , Tunísia , Turquia , Abastecimento de ÁguaAssuntos
Praias/organização & administração , Betacoronavirus , Infecções por Coronavirus/prevenção & controle , Pandemias/prevenção & controle , Pneumonia Viral/prevenção & controle , Betacoronavirus/fisiologia , COVID-19 , Infecções por Coronavirus/transmissão , Humanos , Itália , Pneumonia Viral/transmissão , SARS-CoV-2 , Isolamento Social , Escarro/virologia , Microbiologia da ÁguaRESUMO
Immune evasion strategies are important for the onset and the maintenance of viral infections. Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to counteract or suppress the host immune response. We have previously characterized two syncytial (syn) variants of Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) strain F, syn14-1 and syn17-2, obtained by selective pressure with a natural carrageenan. These variants showed a differential pathology in vaginal and respiratory mucosa infection in comparison with parental strain. In this paper, we evaluated the modulation of immune response in respiratory mucosa by these HSV-1 variants. We observed altered levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-6 in lungs of animals infected with the syn14-1 and syn17-2 variants compared with the parental strain. Also, we detected differences in the recruitment of immune cells to the lung in syn variants infected mice. Both variants exhibit one point mutation in the sequence of the gene of glycoprotein D detected in the ectodomain of syn14-1 and the cytoplasmic tail of syn17-2. Results obtained in the present study contribute to the characterization of HSV-1 syn variants and the participation of the cellular inflammatory response in viral pathogenesis.
Assuntos
Citocinas/metabolismo , Herpesvirus Humano 1/imunologia , Infecções Respiratórias/imunologia , Infecções Respiratórias/patologia , Animais , Feminino , Herpesvirus Humano 1/genética , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Mucosa/imunologia , Mucosa/patologia , Mutação Puntual , Infecções Respiratórias/virologia , Proteínas do Envelope Viral/genéticaRESUMO
Abstract: There is only limited epidemiological information on Orthorexia Nervosa; the aim of the present study is, therefore, to assess the prevalence of ON in a population of young adults and to identify possible specific features and eventual psychopatological dimensions. 1317 participants (732 females and 585 males; mean age 22.36 yrs) completed a battery containing the orthorexia measure (ORTHO-15), statements about demographic characteristics as well as physiological parameters. The mean ORTO-15 score was 31.89; considering the cut-off of 40 in the reference test, our results showed a 11.9% prevalence of ON. Analyzing the characteristics of the orthorexic group, the prevalence in females compared to males appears to be statistically very significant (115 vs 43; 72.8% vs 27.2%); moreover shows higher and statistically significant scores in each of the 15 items of the reference test compared to the non-orthorexic group. Our data confirming that ON might be a relevant and potentially underestimate phenomenon in the community. Further studies are warranted in order to explore the diagnostic boundaries of this syndrome, its course and outcome, and the possible therapeutic strategies.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Alimentação e da Ingestão de Alimentos , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Ortorexia Nervosa , Transtornos da Alimentação e da Ingestão de Alimentos/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Comportamento Alimentar , Inquéritos e Questionários , Itália/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Logging and agricultural exploitation have led to the degradation of Araucaria Forest remnants and the alteration of its last preserved patches. This forest typology contains many endangered plant species, as is the case of the tree Oreopanax fulvus Marchal. To support conservation of this species and understand how different landscape matrices can influence its populations, we evaluated the demographic structure and spatial distribution of O. fulvus in two Araucaria Forest remnants in Paraná state. We delimited two plots (urban and rural population), each with 1 ha, subdivided them into 100 subplots (10 x 10 m), and recorded diameter at ground level (DGL), height, and coordinates of two post-germinative developmental stage of individuals. In each subplot, we measured slope, luminosity, and canopy height. We used Ripley's K function analysis to describe distribution patterns of the species and the spatial relationship between mature and juvenile trees. We performed correlations between abundance and environmental and structural variables of the O. fulvus populations. Abundance varied between remnants, from 183 individuals/ha (12 mature and 171 juvenile) to 1306 individuals/ha (10 and 1296). The remnants varied in abundance and plant frequency. The species showed an investment in seedling banks. Most juvenile had DGL up to 3.0 cm and height up to 1.0 m and presented aggregated spatial distribution, while adults had random distribution. In the rural population juvenile abundance were correlated with canopy height (positively) and distance to mature trees (negatively). The slope was correlated for both sites, but oppositely, indicating that other factors might have interfered in the regeneration abundance. The urban remnant showed a high abundance of this endangered species, calling attention for potential studies in urban arborization, management and conservation of these remnants.
Assuntos
Espécies em Perigo de Extinção , População Rural , Humanos , Animais , Brasil , Florestas , Árvores , Densidade DemográficaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Recognition of acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMesI) in patients with aortic dissection (AoD) may be a challenge and exploratory laparotomy is often performed. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed our experience with the use of diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) for the early detection of AMesI in patients with AoD, either undergoing medical treatment or after open/endovascular interventions. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2011, 202 consecutive AoDs were treated in our centre (71 acute type A AoD; 131 acute and chronic type B AoD). Among the 17 (8.4%) patients in which AMesI was suspected, nine (52.9%) were selected for DL. Three DLs were performed during medical treatment of patients with acute type B AoD, six after treatment of AoD (both surgical and endovascular). Three second-look DLs were also performed. Eight DLs were negative, three showed AMesI and the patients underwent successful emergent revascularisation. One DL was not conclusive and laparotomy was required. Among the eight patients not submitted to DL, one case of bowel infarction was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: In our series DL was feasible and safe. The low invasiveness and repeatability were the main advantages. Although additional experience is mandatory, DL seems a promising technique for the detection of AMesI in patients with AoD.
Assuntos
Aneurisma Aórtico/complicações , Dissecção Aórtica/complicações , Isquemia/diagnóstico , Laparoscopia , Doenças Vasculares/diagnóstico , Adulto , Idoso , Dissecção Aórtica/diagnóstico por imagem , Dissecção Aórtica/terapia , Aneurisma Aórtico/diagnóstico por imagem , Aneurisma Aórtico/terapia , Aortografia/métodos , Diagnóstico Precoce , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Humanos , Isquemia/diagnóstico por imagem , Isquemia/etiologia , Isquemia/patologia , Isquemia/terapia , Itália , Masculino , Isquemia Mesentérica , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Estudos Retrospectivos , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Doenças Vasculares/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Vasculares/etiologia , Doenças Vasculares/patologia , Doenças Vasculares/terapia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Large-scale production of gene therapeutics comprising equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) -based lentiviral vectors (LVs) would benefit from the development of producer cell lines enabling the generation of larger quantities of vector than achievable by transient systems. Such cell lines would contain three vector components (Gag/Pol, VSV-G envelope and genome expression constructs). As the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G) envelope protein is cytotoxic, its expression must be regulated. It is also desirable to regulate Gag/Pol expression to minimise metabolic burden on the cell. The Tet repressor (TetR) system was selected to regulate expression of VSV-G and Gag/Pol, necessitating the introduction of a fourth construct, encoding TetR, into the cell line. We have generated an inducible packaging cell line that shows tight control of the packaging components, and high-titre vector production on transient transfection of the EIAV genome. The cell line is stable for at least 7 weeks in the absence of selective pressure. To verify that this packaging cell line can support the generation of producer cell lines it was transfected stably with an EIAV genome cassette encoding ProSavin; a gene therapeutic for Parkinson's disease. Producer cell lines were generated, which on induction, yielded ProSavin with titres comparable to the transient system.
Assuntos
Regulação da Expressão Gênica/genética , Vetores Genéticos , Vírus da Anemia Infecciosa Equina/genética , Lentivirus/genética , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/genética , Proteínas Repressoras/genética , Proteínas do Envelope Viral/genética , Animais , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Western Blotting , Técnicas de Cultura de Células/métodos , Linhagem Celular , Células Clonais , Doxiciclina/farmacologia , Proteínas de Fusão gag-pol/genética , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Terapia Genética/métodos , Instabilidade Genômica/genética , Fases de Leitura Aberta , Plasmídeos , DNA Polimerase Dirigida por RNA , Proteínas Repressoras/farmacologia , Transfecção/métodos , Montagem de Vírus/genética , Replicação ViralRESUMO
The understanding of the processes occurring in Nature has been a continuing concern throughout the history of mankind. Intellectual tools employed towards this goal were specific for each period and have been largely based on the prevailing paradigms that reigned in the past. In this work we present evidence that supports the idea of viruses as key agents mediating natural processes linked to the evolution of organisms, particularly those involved in the flux of genes in the environment. This point of view tinges our perception of Nature and prompts us to include "viral" creativity and plasticity among the tools we employ to analyze those processes far beyond actual paradigms. Experimental data to support this proposal arose during the study of the interaction of the human pathogen, herpes simplex virus (HSV) with sulfated polysaccharides during multiplication of the virus in vitro. Sulfated polysaccharides are the main chemical structures found in carrageenans (CGNs) that are natural products obtained from seaweeds, which proved to be strong inhibitors for the virus. Here we describe the interaction between virus and CGNs as a suitable scenario for the emergence of viral variants which proved to be markedly attenuated for mice. A striking feature of these variants is that they showed changes at the level of conserved regions of the genome such as the DNA polymerase and thymidine kinase genes. In view of these findings, the importance of HSV evolution towards attenuated variants by the action of polysaccharides is also discussed. Attenuation may be considered part of a natural evolutionary process enabling the virus to contribute with valuable information for the host.
Assuntos
Evolução Molecular , Vírus , Animais , Transferência Genética Horizontal , Vida , Camundongos , Polissacarídeos , Simplexvirus , SulfatosRESUMO
AIM: To evaluate factors affecting patient and kidney survival after renal transplant. PATIENT AND METHODS: Among 361 patients undergoing renal transplant: 52% (n = 189) were simultaneous with pancreas transplant (SPKT group) and 48% (n = 172), a kidney transplant alone (KT group). Out of 361 patients, 75% (n = 270) were diabetics. The patients were 220 (61%) men and 141 (39%) women of mean age 41 +/- 9 years. The mean time of dialysis was 42 +/- 21 months (range 0 to 126), and the mean duration of diabetes 24 +/- 7 years (range 5 to 51). A Cox regression analysis was done. RESULTS: The multivariate analysis revealed that in the final model diabetes and donor age were significant predictors of kidney graft survival; moreover, diabetes and recipient age were predictors of patient survival. Overall patient survival was significantly greater among nondiabetic patients (P = .002) or in diabetic patients who received SPKT, when compared with diabetics in whom only the kidney was transplanted (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes and donor age were independent prognostic factors affecting kidney graft survival after renal transplant, and recipient age and diabetes were prognostic factors affecting patient survival. Combined pancreas and kidney transplantation should be offered to patients with end-stage diabetic nephropathy.
Assuntos
Sobrevivência de Enxerto/fisiologia , Transplante de Rim/fisiologia , Adulto , Cadáver , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/cirurgia , Nefropatias Diabéticas/cirurgia , Feminino , Humanos , Doadores Vivos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Transplante de Pâncreas/fisiologia , Análise de Regressão , Doadores de Tecidos/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent epidemiological studies showed an increase in ulcerative colitis among children, especially in its aggressive form, requiring surgical treatment. Although medical therapeutic strategies are standardized, there is still no consensus regarding indications, timing and kind of surgery. This study aimed to define the surgical management of paediatric ulcerative colitis and describe attitudes to it among paediatric surgeons. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. All national gastroenterology units were invited to participate. From January 2009 to December 2013, data on paediatric patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis that required surgery were collected. RESULTS: Seven units participated in the study. Seventy-one colectomies were performed (77.3% laparoscopically). Main surgical indications were a severe ulcerative colitis attack (33.8%) and no response to medical therapies (56.3%). A three-stage strategy was chosen in 71% of cases. Straight anastomosis was performed in 14% and J-pouch anastomosis in 86% of cases. A reconstructive laparoscopic approach was used in 58% of patients. Ileo-anal anastomosis was performed by the Knight-Griffen technique in 85.4% and by the pull-through technique in 9.1% of patients. Complications after colectomy, after reconstruction and after stoma closure were reported in 12.7, 19.3 and 35% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there is general consensus regarding indications for surgery. The ideal surgical technique remains under debate. Laparoscopy is a procedure widely adopted for colectomy but its use in reconstructive surgery remains limited. Longer follow-up must be planned to define the quality of life of these patients.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Colite Ulcerativa/cirurgia , Gastroenterologia , Proctocolectomia Restauradora/métodos , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Colite Ulcerativa/tratamento farmacológico , Colostomia/efeitos adversos , Defecação , Resistência a Medicamentos , Incontinência Fecal/etiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Itália , Masculino , Pouchite/etiologia , Proctocolectomia Restauradora/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Our study aims at disclosing epidemiology and most relevant clinical features of esophageal atresia (EA) pointing to a model of multicentre collaboration. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire was sent to all Italian Units of pediatric surgery in order to collect data of patients born with EA between January and December 2012. The results were crosschecked by matching date and place of birth of the patients with those of diagnosis-related group provided by the Italian Ministry of Health (MOH). RESULTS: A total of 146 questionnaires were returned plus a further 32 patients reported in the MOH database. Basing on a total of 178 patients with EA born in Italy in 2012, the incidence of EA was calculated in 3.33 per 10,000 live births. Antenatal diagnosis was suspected in 29.5% patients. 55.5% showed associated anomalies. The most common type of EA was Gross type C (89%). Postoperative complications occurred in 37% of type C EA and 100% of type A EA. A 9.5% mortality rate was reported. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Italian cross-sectional nationwide survey on EA. We can now develop shared guidelines and provide more reliable prognostic expectations for our patients.
Assuntos
Atresia Esofágica/epidemiologia , Diagnóstico Pré-Natal , Inquéritos e Questionários , Fístula Traqueoesofágica/epidemiologia , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Grupos Diagnósticos Relacionados , Atresia Esofágica/diagnóstico , Feminino , Humanos , Incidência , Recém-Nascido , Itália/epidemiologia , Masculino , Gravidez , Fístula Traqueoesofágica/diagnóstico , Adulto JovemRESUMO
In the present study, the protective effect of 1T1, a lambda-carrageenan extracted from the red seaweed Gigartina skottsbergii was evaluated in a murine model of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genital infection. Six to eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were intravaginally inoculated with a lethal dose of HSV-2 (MS strain) and pre- or post-infection treated with different doses of a 10mg/ml solution of 1T1. A single topical administration of 1T1 shortly before infection of BALB/c mice with HSV-2 protected 9 out of 10 mice from HSV-2-induced lesions and mortality, compared with only 10% survival in control mice. In addition, 1T1 produced a total blockade in virus shedding in the vaginal secretions. When 1T1 pre-treatment was reinforced with a second dose 2h after infection, total protection was observed even when the prophylactic administration had taken place at 60min before infection. The irreversible virucidal action of 1T1 against herpes virus seems to be responsible of its protective effect against virus replication and mortality following vaginal HSV-2 infection.
Assuntos
Antivirais/administração & dosagem , Carragenina/administração & dosagem , Herpes Genital/prevenção & controle , Doenças Vaginais/prevenção & controle , Animais , Chlorocebus aethiops , Feminino , Herpes Genital/mortalidade , Herpes Genital/fisiopatologia , Herpesvirus Humano 2 , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Vagina/virologia , Doenças Vaginais/mortalidade , Doenças Vaginais/fisiopatologia , Doenças Vaginais/virologia , Células Vero , Eliminação de Partículas ViraisRESUMO
The lambda-carrageenan 1T1, the kappa/iota-carrageenan 1C1 and the mu/nu-type 1C3, isolated from the red seaweed Gigartina skottsbergii, proved to be potent and selective inhibitors of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. The antiviral IC50 values determined by virus yield inhibition assay in different cell lines ranged from 0.4 to 3.3 microg/ml, and no cytotoxic effects, measured by trypan blue exclusion on stationary or proliferating cells, tetrazolium salt method or cell protein synthesis, were observed. Time of addition and attachment studies suggested that the main target for antiviral action of the three carrageenans was virus adsorption, whereas no effect on virus internalization, or early or late protein synthesis was detected. However, the lambda-carrageenan 1T1 was still significantly inhibitory when added any time after adsorption. The pretreatment of virions with the carrageenans showed that 1C1 and 1C3 lacked direct inactivating effect at concentrations near the antiviral IC50 but 1T1 exerted virucidal action. The cyclization of 1T1 to afford the derivative 1T1T1 maintained the antiviral activity but eliminated the virucidal properties. Thus, the structure of 1T1 seems to be responsible for its differential behavior from 1C1 and 1C3, probably allowing a more stable binding to HSV, leading to virion inactivation. In contrast, 1C1 and 1C3 fail to bind with high affinity to virus alone, but are able to interfere with the interaction between HSV particles and the cell.
Assuntos
Antivirais/química , Antivirais/farmacologia , Carragenina/química , Carragenina/farmacologia , Simplexvirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Adsorção , Animais , Antivirais/isolamento & purificação , Carragenina/isolamento & purificação , Carragenina/toxicidade , Linhagem Celular , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Chlorocebus aethiops , Herpesvirus Humano 1/efeitos dos fármacos , Herpesvirus Humano 1/fisiologia , Herpesvirus Humano 2/efeitos dos fármacos , Herpesvirus Humano 2/fisiologia , Humanos , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Alga Marinha/química , Simplexvirus/fisiologia , Células Vero , Vírion/efeitos dos fármacos , Replicação Viral/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
In 36 patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus anticoagulant (LA), as assessed by aPTT and diluted aPTT, and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) were studied. 14 patients, had a clinical history complicated by thrombosis and/or miscarriages. Among patients with thrombosis LA was positive in 42% and in 100% of patients when assessed by aPTT and diluted aPTT respectively; aCL were positive in 85.7% of patients. Among patients without a clinical history of thrombosis, 1 had prolonged aPTT, 3 had prolonged diluted aPTT and 5 had aCL positivity. Diluted aPTT was more sensitive than aPTT and aCL (p less than 0.01) to thrombosis and miscarriages; specificity to thrombosis and miscarriages ranged from 77.3% for aCL and 86.4% for diluted aPTT to 95.5% for aPTT but not significant differences were found. The study suggests that LA, as assessed by a sensitive test like diluted aPTT, is strongly associated to thrombosis and should therefore be considered an important risk factor.
Assuntos
Aborto Espontâneo/etiologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/complicações , Trombose/etiologia , Adulto , Autoanticorpos/sangue , Fatores de Coagulação Sanguínea/imunologia , Fatores de Coagulação Sanguínea/metabolismo , Cardiolipinas/imunologia , Feminino , Humanos , Inibidor de Coagulação do Lúpus , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/sangue , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tempo de Tromboplastina Parcial , Gravidez , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
A novel series of DL-galactan hybrids extracted from the red seaweed Gymnogongrus torulosus, was evaluated for its in vitro antiviral properties against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and dengue virus 2 (DEN-2). These compounds were very active against both viruses with inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values in the range 0.6-16 microg/ml for HSV-2 and 0.19-1.7 microg/ml for DEN-2, respectively, as determined in a virus plaque reduction assay in Vero cells. The DL-galactans lacked of cytotoxic effects, on stationary as well as on actively dividing cells, and anticoagulant properties. Some of the compounds showed a variable level of direct inactivating effect on both virions, with virucidal concentration 50% values exceeding the IC50s obtained by plaque reduction assay. Full inhibitory activity was achieved when the galactans were present during virus adsorption period, suggesting that the mode of action of these compounds is an interference in the binding of the surface envelope glycoprotein with the cell receptor.
Assuntos
Antivirais/farmacologia , Vírus da Dengue/efeitos dos fármacos , Galactanos/farmacologia , Herpesvirus Humano 2/efeitos dos fármacos , Alga Marinha/química , Adsorção/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Antivirais/isolamento & purificação , Antivirais/toxicidade , Chlorocebus aethiops , Galactanos/isolamento & purificação , Galactanos/toxicidade , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Simplexvirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Tempo de Trombina , Células Vero , Proteínas do Envelope Viral/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
Carrageenans extracted from cystocarpic and tetrasporic Stenogramme interrupta were analysed by chemical and spectroscopic methods. The carrageenan from cystocarpic plants is composed predominantly of 0.5 M KCl-insoluble and 1 M KCl-soluble fractions. The insoluble fraction contained iota-carrageenan as the major component with alpha-carrageenan and pyruvated carrageenan as minor components. The soluble fraction is highly heterogeneous and did not contain the precursors mu- and nu-carrageenans. The polysaccharide from tetrasporic plants is composed of zeta- and lambda-carrageenans, and low sulfated galactans. It is soluble in KCl and partly cyclized by alkaline treatment. The antiviral and anticoagulant properties of the insoluble polysaccharide fraction from cystocarpic S. interrupta and the polysaccharide from tetrasporic S. interrupta are reported the results of which suggest promising antiherpetic activity.
Assuntos
Antivirais/química , Carragenina/química , Alga Marinha/química , Animais , Anticoagulantes/química , Anticoagulantes/farmacologia , Antivirais/farmacologia , Carragenina/farmacologia , Chile , Chlorocebus aethiops , Herpesvirus Humano 1/efeitos dos fármacos , Herpesvirus Humano 1/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Herpesvirus Humano 2/efeitos dos fármacos , Herpesvirus Humano 2/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Células VeroRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an effective noninvasive treatment for patients with angina pectoris. However, the hemodynamic effects of EECP are still unknown and have been theorized to simulate the clinical use of the intra-aortic balloon pump, enhancing cardiac output, stroke volume, and retrograde aortic diastolic flow. METHODS: Twelve hemodynamic parameters were measured, using the BioZ System (CardioDynamics International Corporation, San Diego, Calif) after 1 hour (n=22) and after 35 hours (n=16) of EECP treatment compared with baseline. The BioZ System noninvasively measures hemodynamic parameters using the thoracic electrical bioimpedance method. RESULTS: One hour of EECP treatment revealed a significant decrease in cardiac output, stroke volume, contractility, afterload, preload, and myocardial energy production, but systolic time ratios and thoracic fluid content were unchanged. However, after 35 hours of therapy, stroke volume (P < or = 0.05), index of contractility (P < or = 0.05), and thoracic fluid content (P < or = 0.01) were decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The acute reduction in contractility, preload, and concurrent bradycardia may have favorable hemodynamic effects for patients with angina pectoris. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of EECP therapy and its efficacy for patients with angina pectoris.
Assuntos
Angina Pectoris/terapia , Contrapulsação , Hemodinâmica , Idoso , Angina Pectoris/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
The antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 of kappa/l-, partially cyclized mu/v-, and lambda-carrageenans isolated from the red seaweed Gigartina skottsbergii and their cyclized derivatives was analyzed. lambda-Carrageenans and the partially cyclized mu/v-carrageenan were the most potent inhibitors of herpes viruses (including acyclovir-resistant variants and clinical isolates), with IC50 values lower than 1 microgram ml-1 against both serotypes and selectivity indices higher than 10(3). kappa/l-Carrageenans were slightly less effective than the other two types with IC50 values in the range 1.6-4.1 micrograms ml-1. Antiherpetic activity was directly correlated to the amount of alpha-D-galactose 2,6-disulfate residues in the natural carrageenans. The cyclization of the alpha-D-galactose 6-sulfate and 2,6-disulfate units into 3,6-anhydro-alpha-D-galactose and 3,6-anhydro-alpha-D-galactose 2-sulfate residues in these polysaccharides, in general, lowers the antiherpetic activity of the derivatives with respect to the natural carrageenans. Some carrageenans showed a very reduced anticoagulant activity only at concentrations that were considerably higher than the IC50, whereas others were totally devoid of anticoagulant properties. Among natural carrageenans, the mu/v-type IC3 shows the best relationship between antiviral efficacy and lack of anticoagulant action, resulting a very promising compound.
Assuntos
Anticoagulantes/química , Anticoagulantes/farmacologia , Antivirais/química , Antivirais/farmacologia , Carragenina/química , Carragenina/farmacologia , Animais , Anticoagulantes/isolamento & purificação , Antivirais/isolamento & purificação , Sequência de Carboidratos , Carragenina/isolamento & purificação , Chlorocebus aethiops , Herpesvirus Humano 1/efeitos dos fármacos , Herpesvirus Humano 1/isolamento & purificação , Herpesvirus Humano 2/efeitos dos fármacos , Herpesvirus Humano 2/isolamento & purificação , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Substâncias Macromoleculares , Estrutura Molecular , Peso Molecular , Alga Marinha/química , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Tempo de Trombina , Células VeroRESUMO
AIMS AND BACKGROUND: In the treatment of pancreatic carcinomas, one modality is intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). A study was carried out to assess the feasibility of IORT alone or in a multimodality approach with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and external radiotherapy and to compare local control and survival of patients. Another objective of this retrospective study was to verify prognostic factors in resected patients treated with IORT. METHODS: From January 1985 through September 1992, 54 adenocarcinomas of the pancreas (unresectable and resected patients) were treated with IORT by electron beam at the San Raffaele Hospital and then analyzed. Comparison was also carried out between IORT-treated resected patients and a non-randomized control group of resected patients treated without IORT in the same period. RESULTS: In unresectable patients treated by laparotomy bypass and IORT, overall median survival was 6 months and 8 months in non-metastatic patients. Relief of severe pain present in 14 patients was observed in 85% within 12 days of IORT. As regards resected patients, the most important finding was that significantly better local control resulted from IORT. In fact, overall, local relapses were 25% in the IORT group and 55.8% in the non-IORT group (control group); instead, survival of the IORT group was not significantly longer than that of the control group. From a statistical analysis of resected patients treated with IORT and performed on prognostic factors on the basis of available data, survival was significantly influenced by tumor pathologic grading and diameter; postoperative adjuvant therapy was not a significant prognosis factor. CONCLUSIONS: IORT has a role in local control of unresectable pancreatic carcinomas and in control of resultant severe pain. In resected patients, IORT is effective in decreasing local recurrences but has little impact on survival. To obtain more satisfactory results, new and more effective adjuvant therapies and better abdominal prophylaxis should be tested.