scholarly journals Macrolide Therapy in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brygida Kwiatkowska ◽  
Maria Maślińska
Keyword(s):  
Lactone Ring ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Infectious Agent ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Antimicrobial Spectrum ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Block Protein Synthesis ◽  
Atypical Bacteria

Macrolides are a group of antibiotics with a distinctive macrocyclic lactone ring combined with sugars (cladinose, desosamine). The action of macrolides is to block protein synthesis by binding to the subunit of 50S ribosome of bacteria. Prototype macrolide was erythromycin, which came into clinical practice in the 50s of the 20th century. Its antimicrobial spectrum covers the scope of the penicillins but is extended to the impact of atypical bacteria. In the 90s more drugs of this group were synthesized—they have less severe side effects than erythromycin, extended spectrum of Gram-negative bacteria. Macrolides are effective in treating mycobacterial infections especially in patients infected with HIV. It is now known that in addition to antibacterial abilities, macrolides have immunomodulatory effects—they inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL1, 6, and 8) affect transcription factors (NF-κB) as well as costimulaton (CD 80) and adhesion molecules (ICAM). This review article focused not only on the their antimicrobial abilities but also on efficacy in the treatment of several inflammatory disorders independent of the infectious agent. Their wider use as immunomodulators requires further study, which can lead to an extension of indications for their administration.

Challenges and Issues in the Design of Micro-Machined Antennas - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Kumar ◽  
Amar Partap Singh Pharwaha
Keyword(s):  
Patch Antenna ◽  
Ground Plane ◽  
Substrate Material ◽  
Review Article ◽  
High Index ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Machining Process ◽  
Patch Antennas ◽  
Micro Machining ◽  
The Impact

Background: Patch antennas are composed of the substrate material with patch and ground plane on the both sides of the substrate. The dimensions and performance characteristics of the antenna are highly influenced by the choice of the appropriate substrate depending upon the value of their dielectric constant. Generally, low index substrate materials are used to design the patch antenna but there are also some of the applications, which require the implementation of patch antenna design on high index substrate like silicon and gallium arsenide. Objective: The objective of this article is to review the design of antennas developed on high index substrate and the problems associated with the use of these materials as substrate. Also, main challenges and solutions have been discussed to improve the performance characteristics while using the high index substrates. Method: The review article has divided into various sections including the solution of the problems associated with the high index substrates in the form of micro-machining process. Along with this, types of micro machining and their applications have discussed in detail. Results: This review article investigates the various patch antennas designed with micro-machining technology and also discusses the impact of micro-machining process on the performance parameters of the patch antennas designed on high index substrates. Conclusion: By using the micro-machining process, the performance of patch antenna improves drastically but fabrication and tolerances at such minute structures is very tedious task for the antenna designers.

scholarly journals POS1180 TREATMENT COMPLIANCE OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DURING THE FIRST WAVE OF THE SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN PORTUGAL: RESULTS FROM THE COVID IN RA (COVIDRA) SURVEY

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 871.2-871
Author(s):  
F. Araujo ◽  
N. Gonçalves ◽  
A. F. Mourão
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Treatment Compliance ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Attending Physician ◽  
The Impact ◽  
E Mail

Background:The outcomes of the infection by the SARS-CoV-2 in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases were largely unknown during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hypothesized that these patients were at higher risk of morbidity and mortality due to their inherent immune dysfunction and immunosuppressive therapy. Several rheumatology societies issued recommendations urging patients not to stop their anti-rheumatic treatments.Objectives:To assess treatment compliance of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal.Methods:The web-based survey COVIDRA (COVID in RA) was developed to assess the impact of the first wave mandatory confinement in patients with RA focusing on 5 domains: RA symptoms, attitudes towards medication, employment status, physical exercise and mental health. The questionnaire was sent to RA patients through e-mail and social media of the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology and two patient associations; and it was filled locally at two rheumatology centers in Lisbon. Recruitment took place during June and July 2020. Descriptive statistics were generated by the survey software and were afterwards transported and evaluated using appropriate biostatistics software.Results:We obtained 441 valid questionnaires. Most respondents were female (88.4%), caucasian (93.6%), with a mean age of 58 (+/-13) years. The majority (57.6%) had longstanding disease (>10 years) and were treated with csDMARDs (63.2%) and/or bDMARDs/tsDMARDS (23,7%). Only 14% (N=61) discontinued or reduced the dosage or frequency of their RA treatment. Most of these changes were previously planned by the attending physician (27.9%). Only 11 patients (18%) discontinued their immunosuppressive medication out of fear of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 (corresponding to 2.5% of total responders). Another 11 patients did so because they had no prescription, couldn’t go to the community/hospital pharmacy or couldn’t afford the medication. Although these numbers preclude any statistical analysis, when compared to patients who persisted on their treatment, those discontinuing due to fear of contagion were younger (56.4 vs 58.5 years), all female (100 vs 86.8%), with long-lasting disease (≥ 11 years) (90.9% vs 57.5%), more frequently treated with bDMARDs (36.4 vs 23.1%) and presenting more symptoms of depression (54.5 vs 49.7%).Conclusion:Most RA patients complied with their treatment during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Portugal. Only a minority changed their immunosuppressive treatment due to fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Very similar rates of immunosuppressive discontinuation due to fear of contagion were reported by other authors (such as Schmeiser et al, Pineda-sic et al and Fragoulis et al).Disclosure of Interests:Filipe Araujo Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Biogen, Novartis, Menarini, Consultant of: MSD, Nuno Gonçalves: None declared, Ana Filipa Mourão: None declared.

Anemia of Inflammation

Hematology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 (1) ◽  
pp. 276-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy N. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Comorbid Condition ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Hepcidin Expression ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inflammatory Insult ◽  
Anemia Of Inflammation

Abstract Inflammation arising from various etiologies, including infection, autoimmune disorders, chronic diseases, and aging, can promote anemia. The anemia of inflammation (AI) is most often normocytic and normochromic and is usually mild. Characteristic changes in systemic iron handling, erythrocyte production, and erythrocyte life span all contribute to AI. The preferred treatment is directed at the underlying disease. However, when the inflammatory insult is intractable, or the cause has not been diagnosed, there are limited options for treatment of AI. Because anemia is a comorbid condition that is associated with poor outcomes in various chronic disease states, understanding its pathogenesis and developing new tools for its treatment should remain a priority. Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide has taken center stage in recent years as a potent modulator of iron availability. As the technology for quantitative hepcidin analysis improves, hepcidin's role in various disease states is also being revealed. Recent insights concerning the regulatory pathways that modify hepcidin expression have identified novel targets for drug development. As the field advances with such therapeutics, the analysis of the impact of normalized hemoglobin on disease outcomes will confirm whether anemia is a reversible independent contributor to the morbidity and mortality associated with inflammatory diseases.

Impact of a Single Plain Finger Ring on the Bacterial Load on the Hands of Healthcare Workers

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1191-1195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Fagernes ◽  
Egil Lingaas ◽  
Per Bjark
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Paired Comparison ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Quantitative Culture ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Paired Analysis

Objective.To investigate the impact of a single plain finger ring on the number and types of bacteria on the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs).Design.Nonequivalent control groups, posttest only (preexperimental).Methods.A total of 121 HCWs wearing 1 plain ring and 113 HCWs wearing no rings had both hands sampled by the “glove juice” technique. Quantitative culture of the samples was performed and microorganisms were identified.Setting.Two Norwegian acute care hospitals.Participants.A total of 234 HCWs who had physical contact with patients.Results.Total bacterial counts did not differ when hands with rings and hands without rings were compared, both according to nonpaired analysis (which compared the ring-bearing hands of ring-wearing HCWs to the hands of HCWs who did not wear rings [P= .661]) and according to paired analysis (which compared the ring-bearing and ring-free hands of ring-wearing HCWs [P= .071]).Staphylococcus aureuswas recovered from 18.6% of the hands sampled, belonging to 26.9% of the HCWs, but neither paired nor nonpaired analysis showed any association with ring wearing. Gram-negative bacteria were recovered from 20.3% of the hands sampled, belonging to 28.6% of the HCWs. Ring-wearing HCWs were significantly more likely to be carriers of Enterobacteriaceae (P= .006), but paired comparison of the ring-bearing and ring-free hands of these HCWs did not show significant differences (P= .180). Carriage of nonfermentative gram-negative rods did not differ between the 2 groups, by either paired or nonpaired analysis.Conclusions.Wearing a single plain finger ring did not increase the total bacterial load on the hands, nor was it associated with an increased rate of carriage ofS. aureusor nonfermentative gram-negative rods. However, plain rings were associated with an increased rate of Enterobacteriaceae carriage.

scholarly journals Existing Improvements in Simulation of Fire–Wind Interaction and Its Effects on Structures

Fire ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Maryam Ghodrat ◽  
Farshad Shakeriaski ◽  
David James Nelson ◽  
Albert Simeoni
Keyword(s):  
Slope Angle ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Damage Evaluation ◽  
Safety Engineering ◽  
Fire Damage ◽  
Disturbance Interactions ◽  
Fire Modelling ◽  
Fanning Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Interaction Phenomena

This work provides a detailed overview of existing investigations into the fire–wind interaction phenomena. Specifically, it considers: the fanning effect of wind, wind direction and slope angle, and the impact of wind on fire modelling, and the relevant analysis (numerical and experimental) techniques are evaluated. Recently, the impact of fire on buildings has been widely analysed. Most studies paid attention to fire damage evaluation of structures as well as structure fire safety engineering, while the disturbance interactions that influence structures have been neglected in prior studies and must be analysed in greater detail. In this review article, evidence regarding the fire–wind interaction is discussed. The effect of a fire transitioning from a wildfire to a wildland–urban interface (WUI) is also investigated, with a focus on the impact of the resulting fire–wind phenomenon on high- and low-rise buildings.

Lymphoedema after head and neck cancer treatment: an overview for clinical practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Sup4) ◽  
pp. S24-S29
Author(s):  
Claire Jeans ◽  
Bena Brown ◽  
Elizabeth C Ward ◽  
Anne E Vertigan
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Lymphatic System ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Face ◽  
Protein Rich ◽  
The Impact

Lymphoedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system that presents as an atypical swelling and accumulation of protein-rich fluid within the interstitial spaces. Head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) is highly prevalent in patients who have been treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) and may manifest externally on the face and neck; internally within the oral cavity, pharynx or larynx; or as a combination of both. HNL is known to contribute to a wide range of physical, functional and psychological issues, and presents several unique challenges in terms of its management. This review article provides an overview of HNL for clinicians and aims to improve awareness of this condition and the impact it has on patients.

scholarly journals One Health, Fermented Foods, and Gut Microbiota

Foods ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Bell ◽  
Jorge Ferrão ◽  
Lígia Pimentel ◽  
Manuela Pintado ◽  
Tito Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
One Health ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact

Changes in present-day society such as diets with more sugar, salt, and saturated fat, bad habits and unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the likelihood of the involvement of the microbiota in inflammatory diseases, which contribute to global epidemics of obesity, depression, and mental health concerns. The microbiota is presently one of the hottest areas of scientific and medical research, and exerts a marked influence on the host during homeostasis and disease. Fermented foods and beverages are generally defined as products made by microbial organisms and enzymatic conversions of major and minor food components. Further to the commonly-recognized effects of nutrition on the digestive health (e.g., dysbiosis) and well-being, there is now strong evidence for the impact of fermented foods and beverages (e.g., yoghurt, pickles, bread, kefir, beers, wines, mead), produced or preserved by the action of microorganisms, on general health, namely their significance on the gut microbiota balance and brain functionality. Fermented products require microorganisms, i.e., Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, yielding alcohol and lactic acid. Ingestion of vibrant probiotics, especially those contained in fermented foods, is found to cause significant positive improvements in balancing intestinal permeability and barrier function. Our guts control and deal with every aspect of our health. How we digest our food and even the food sensitivities we have is linked with our mood, behavior, energy, weight, food cravings, hormone balance, immunity, and overall wellness. We highlight some impacts in this domain and debate calls for the convergence of interdisciplinary research fields from the United Nations’ initiative. Worldwide human and animal medicine are practiced separately; veterinary science and animal health are generally neither considered nor inserted within national or international Health discussions. The absence of a clear definition and subsequent vision for the future of One Health may act as a barrier to transdisciplinary collaboration. The point of this mini review is to highlight the role of fermented foods and beverages on gut microbiota and debate if the need for confluence of transdisciplinary fields of One Health is feasible and achievable, since they are managed by separate sectors with limited communication.

scholarly journals Improved Derivatives of Bactenecin, a Cyclic Dodecameric Antimicrobial Cationic Peptide

1999 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 1274-1276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manhong Wu ◽  
Robert E. W. Hancock
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptide ◽  
Tryptophan Residue ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Cationic Peptide ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Antimicrobial Spectrum ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Derivatives Of

ABSTRACT Both linear and cyclic derivatives of the cyclic 12-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide bactenecin were designed based on optimization of amphipathicity and charge location. In general, increasing the number of positive charges at the N and C termini and adding an extra tryptophan residue in the loop not only increased the activities against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria but also broadened the antimicrobial spectrum.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulations of Inflammatory Cyclooxygenase-Derived Prostanoids: Molecular Basis and Pathophysiological Consequences

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hedi Harizi
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Immunological Disorders ◽  
Tissue Microenvironment ◽  
Individual Variations ◽  
Fine Regulation ◽  
Additional Level ◽  
The Impact

The potential relevance of prostanoid signaling in immunity and immunological disorders, or disease susceptibility and individual variations in drug responses, is an important area for investigation. The deregulation of Cyclooxygenase- (COX-) derived prostanoids has been reported in several immunoinflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. In addition to the environmental factors and the genetic background to diseases, epigenetic mechanisms involved in the fine regulation of prostanoid biosynthesis and/or receptor signaling appeared to be an additional level of complexity in the understanding of prostanoid biology and crucial in controlling the different components of the COX pathways. Epigenetic alterations targeting inflammatory components of prostanoid biosynthesis and signaling pathways may be important in the process of neoplasia, depending on the tissue microenvironment and target genes. Here, we focused on the epigenetic modifications of inflammatory prostanoids in physiological immune response and immunological disorders. We described how major prostanoids and their receptors can be functionally regulated epigenetically and consequently the impact of these processes in the pathogenesis inflammatory diseases and the development of therapeutic approaches that may have important clinical applications.

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