scholarly journals Alteration of Cytokine Profiles in Uranium Miners Exposed to Long-Term Low Dose Ionizing Radiation

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Li ◽  
YiShui Chen ◽  
XiaoLiang Li ◽  
ShuJie Lei ◽  
QingFeng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Doses ◽  
Cytokine Profiles ◽  
Uranium Miners ◽  
Antibody Arrays ◽  
Experimental Group

Objective.The aim of the study is to estimate the immune function through cytokine profiles in sera of uranium mines.Methods.Antibody arrays were used to detect 50 cytokines in sera of uranium miners. Miners who had continuously worked underground for <5 years were treated as control group and those who worked for⩾5 years as experimental group.Results.Of 28 measurable cytokines, the release of IL-1α, IL-1RI, IL-15, IL-3, and IP-10 were significantly upregulated in the experimental group, and no cytokine was found significantly downregulated. Other proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, and TNFαlevels were slightly upregulated in the experimental group. With adjustment to age, BMI, and cigarette smoking, IL-1αand IL-3 levels increased significantly with underground time.Conclusion.Alteration of cytokine profiles in this study may indicate persistent inflammatory responses in uranium miners exposed to long-term low doses radiation.

scholarly journals Combined low-dose everolimus and low-dose tacrolimus after Alemtuzumab induction therapy: a randomized prospective trial in lung transplantation

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Benazzo ◽  
Ara Cho ◽  
Anna Nechay ◽  
Stefan Schwarz ◽  
Florian Frommlet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Kidney Function ◽  
Induction Therapy ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Maintenance Immunosuppression

Abstract Background Long-term outcomes of lung transplantation are severely affected by comorbidities and development of chronic rejection. Among the comorbidities, kidney insufficiency is one of the most frequent and it is mainly caused by the cumulative effect of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Currently, the most used immunosuppression protocols worldwide include induction therapy and a triple-drug maintenance immunosuppression, with one calcineurin inhibitor, one anti-proliferative drug, and steroids. Our center has pioneered the use of alemtuzumab as induction therapy, showing promising results in terms of short- and long-term outcomes. The use of alemtuzumab followed by a low-dose double drug maintenance immunosuppression, in fact, led to better kidney function along with excellent results in terms of acute rejection, chronic lung allograft dysfunction, and survival (Benazzo et al., PLoS One 14(1):e0210443, 2019). The hypothesis driving the proposed clinical trial is that de novo introduction of low-dose everolimus early after transplantation could further improve kidney function via a further reduction of tacrolimus. Based on evidences from kidney transplantation, moreover, alemtuzumab induction therapy followed by a low-dose everolimus and low-dose tacrolimus may have a permissive action on regulatory immune cells thus stimulating allograft acceptance. Methods A randomized prospective clinical trial has been set up to answer the research hypothesis. One hundred ten patients will be randomized in two groups. Treatment group will receive the new maintenance immunosuppression protocol based on low-dose tacrolimus and low-dose everolimus and the control group will receive our standard immunosuppression protocol. Both groups will receive alemtuzumab induction therapy. The primary endpoint of the study is to analyze the effect of the new low-dose immunosuppression protocol on kidney function in terms of eGFR change. The study will have a duration of 24 months from the time of randomization. Immunomodulatory status of the patients will be assessed with flow cytometry and gene expression analysis. Discussion For the first time in the field of lung transplantation, this trial proposes the combined use of significantly reduced tacrolimus and everolimus after alemtuzumab induction. The new protocol may have a twofold advantage: (1) further reduction of nephrotoxic tacrolimus and (2) permissive influence on regulatory cells development with further reduction of rejection episodes. Trial registration EUDRACT Nr 2018-001680-24. Registered on 15 May 2018

scholarly journals Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum on the Immune System in Young Female Basketball Players. Randomized Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Anna Skarpańska-Stejnborn ◽  
Mirosława Cieślicka ◽  
Hanna Dziewiecka ◽  
Sławomir Kujawski ◽  
Anita Marcinkiewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Bovine Colostrum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
System Function ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Immune System Function ◽  
Experimental Group

An intensive physical exercise program could lead to a decrease in immune system function. Effects of long-term supplementation of bovine colostrum on the response of immune function on physical exercise test in athletes were examined. Twenty-seven elite female basketball players (age 16–19) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Eventually, n = 11 athletes completed intervention in the experimental group (3.2 g bovine colostrum orally twice a day for 24 weeks), while n = 9 athletes in the control group were given a placebo. Before the supplementation, after 3 and 6 months, subjects performed the physical exercise stress test. Before, just after, and 3 h after physical exercise testing, blood was drawn and immune system indicators were examined. Plasma interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-2, IL-10, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, creatine kinase (CK MM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and WBC, lymphocyte (LYM), monocyte (MON), and granulocyte (GRA) were measured. A statistically significant change in IL-10 in response to the exercise program during the supplementation period in both groups was observed (p = 0.01). However, the results of the rest of the comparisons were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Contrary to our initial hypothesis, there were no significant effects of bovine supplementation on the dynamics of immune system function indicators.

scholarly journals Effects of Rapamycin Combined with Low Dose Prednisone in Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaming Li ◽  
Zhaoyue Wang ◽  
Lan Dai ◽  
Lijuan Cao ◽  
Jian Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Treg Cells ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Foxp3 Mrna ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Dose Prednisone ◽  
Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia

We conducted this randomized trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of rapamycin treatment in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Eighty-eight patients were separated into the control (cyclosporine A plus prednisone) and experimental (rapamycin plus prednisone) groups. The CD4+CD25+CD127lowregulatory T (Treg) cells level, Foxp3 mRNA expression, and the relevant cytokines levels were measured before and after treatment. The overall response (OR) was similar in both groups (experimental group versus control group: 58% versus 62%,P=0.70). However, sustained response (SR) was more pronounced in the experimental group than in the control group (68% versus 39%,P<0.05). Both groups showed similar incidence of adverse events (7% versus 11%,P=0.51). As expected, the low pretreatment baseline level of Treg cells was seen in all patients (P<0.001); however, the experimental group experienced a significant rise in Treg cell level, and there was a strong correlation between the levels of Treg cells and TGF-beta after the treatment. In addition, the upregulation maintained a stable level during the follow-up phase. Thus, rapamycin plus low dose prednisone could provide a new promising option for therapy of ITP.

The effect of experimental low zearalenone intoxication on ovarian follicles in pre-pubertal bitches

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gajęcka
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Ovarian Follicles ◽  
Apoptotic Index ◽  
Proliferation Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Average Body ◽  
Proliferative Ability

AbstractCompanion animals, including bitches, may be exposed to zearalenone (ZEN) toxins that are often present in feed, and ZEN intoxication may lead to ovarian dysfunction. This study involved evaluation of the degree of ZEN-induced hypo stimulation of ovary by determination of proliferative and apoptotic indices and description of the ultra-structural organization of ovarian follicles in pre-pubertal bitches subjected to experimental, long-term exposure to low-dose ZEN mycotoxicosis. The experiment involved 30 clinically healthy, immature Beagle bitches aged approximately 70 days with initial average body weight of 8 kg, randomly divided into three groups of 10 animals each: two experimental groups (EI and EII) and a control group (C). Over a period of 42 days, ZEN was administered per os to EI animals at a dose of 50 μg/kg BW, and to EII bitches at a dose of 75 μg/kg BW. Control group animals were fed placebo containing no ZEN for 42 days. Analytical samples of the mycotoxin were administered daily in gelatin capsules before morning feeding. All the bitches were subjected to ovario-hysterectomy at the end of the experiment. Proliferation index (PCNA method) and apoptotic index (TUNEL test) values were determined by immune-histological analyses. The median for apoptotic index was determined at 13.45 for group EI, 17.84 for group EII, and 8.59 for group C. The median for proliferation index was determined at 35.25 for group EII, 42.44 for group EI, and 70.60 for group C. The results of ultra-structural examinations of the ovaries revealed that experimental, ZEN-induced hyperestrogenism enhanced apoptosis and lowered the proliferative ability of follicular cells what contributed to organelle destruction in pre-pubertal bitches. The changes observed were particularly advanced in EII animals, which were administered a higher dose of ZEN.

Enlargement of cerebrospinal fluid spaces in long-term benzodiazepine abusers

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 869-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Schmauss ◽  
J.-C. Krieg
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Withdrawal Therapy ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Dose Dependent Effect ◽  
Age And Sex

SynopsisIn 17 benzodiazepine (BDZ) dependent in-patients a CT scan was performed before initiation of withdrawal therapy. The evaluation of the ventricular to brain ratio (VBR) by standardized and computerized measurements revealed significantly higher mean VBRs for both high-and low-dose BDZ-dependent patients compared to the mean VBR of an age- and sex-matched control group. In addition, the mean VBR of high-dose BDZ-dependent patients (N = 8) was significantly higher than the mean VBR of low-dose BDZ-dependent patients (N = 9). This difference could not be accounted for by the age of the patients or duration of BDZ-dependency and, therefore, suggests a dose-dependent effect of BDZs on the enlargement of internal CSF-spaces. On the other hand, higher values for the width of external CSF-spaces were found to be related to increasing age of the patients and duration of BDZ-dependency.

scholarly journals Effects of low-dose aspirin on the osseointegration process in rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Lupepsa ◽  
Paula Vargas-Sanchez ◽  
Marcella Goetz Moro ◽  
Leomar Emanuel Almeida Mecca ◽  
Marcela Claudino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Implant Placement ◽  
Dose Aspirin ◽  
Low Dose Aspirin ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Bone To Implant Contact ◽  
Bone Deposition

Abstract Background Several drugs are capable of promoting changes in bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term low-dose aspirin (LDA) therapy on implant osseointegration. Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/group) according to oral gavage solution received prior (42 days) to the implant surgery on the tibia. The control group was treated with saline solution for 7 (CG-7) and 28 (CG-28) days. The use of low-dose aspirin was performed in AG groups (6.75 mg/kg of aspirin) for 7 (AG-7) and 28 (AG-28) days. After experimental periods, histomorphometric evaluation of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the bone area between threads (BABT) was performed. Results Reduced BIC values were detected in AG-7 (62.8% ± 17.1) group compared to AG-28 (91.9% ± 5.4), CG-7 (82.7% ± 15.2), and CG-28 (89.9% ± 9.7). BABT evaluation revealed lower values in AG-7 (70.9% ± 15.2) compared to AG-28 (95.4% ± 3.7) and CG-28 (87.1% ± 10.2) groups. Conclusions The treatment with low doses of aspirin promoted a discrete inhibitory effect in the early stages (7 days) of repair after implant placement, specifically in the bone deposition. However, these effects were not detected in the late stages (28 days), considering BIC and BABT parameters.

scholarly journals The effect of iodine and strumigens long-term foodborne intake on histometrical parameters of thyroid gland in gimmers

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 1365-1369
Author(s):  
Zdeněk Peksa ◽  
Jan Trávníček ◽  
Roman Konečný ◽  
František Jelínek ◽  
Hana Dušová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Gland ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Rapeseed Meal ◽  
Iodine Intake ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Iodine ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Experimental Group

In 2010 and 2011 two experiments on gimmers of Šumava mountain sheep were performed. The first experiment was carried out on 12 animals (experimental period was 11 months); control group was fed with 3 mg I*kg−1 in dry matter per day and experimental group was fed with 5 mg I*kg−1 in dry matter per day. The second experiment lasted 10 months and it was carried out on 12 animals. Feed ration for control group contained 10 mg I*kg DM−1. Feed ration for experimental group contained 10 mg I*kg DM−1 too; moreover it included rapeseed meal and 1 g of sodium nitrate. The aim of the first experiment was focused on impact of high iodine intake on structure of thyroid gland. The aim of the second experiment was to discover effect of strumigens during high iodine intake on structure of thyroid gland. The animals were slaughtered after the experiment and there was executed the dissection of thyroid gland. The samples of thyroid gland were processed during classic paraffin method and dyed with haematoxylin and eosin. For finding of histometrical parameters was used program Leica IM 500 Version 4.0. The length, the width and the area of follicles were measured. The follicles were divided into three groups after this procedure (by the length); in each group were measured 20 thyreocytes. In group with intake 5 mg I*kg DM−1 (experiment from year 2010): higher weight of thyroid (p < 0.01), significant higher (p < 0.05) proportional representation of large and medium follicles, significantly (p < 0.05) higher average size of follicles, demonstrably lower (p < 0.05) height of epithelium were found. There were not found any differences in monitored parameters between the groups from experiment which was carried out during the year 2011. After comparing results from the both experiments significantly higher percentage representation of large follicles a significantly lower representation of small follicles, distinctly higher average size and higher height of epithelium in all size categories, in groups with iodine intake 10 mg I*kg DM−1was found (from second experiment – year 2011).

scholarly journals Longitudinal impact and effects of booster sessions in a cognitive training program for healthy elderly

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Matias Felix ◽  
Marcela Mansur Alves ◽  
Mariana Teles ◽  
Laura Jamison ◽  
Hudson Golino
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Longitudinal Impact ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Booster Sessions ◽  
Experimental Group

This paper reports the results from a three-years follow-up study to access the long-term efficacy of a cognitive training for healthy older adults and investigates the effects of booster sessions on the cognitive performance of the participants using an innovative analytical approach from information theory. Design: semi-randomized quasi-experimental controlled design. Participants: 50 healthy older adults, (M = 73.3, SD = 7.77) were assigned into an experimental (N = 25; Mean age = 73.9; SD = 8.62) and a passive control group (N = 25; mean age = 72.9; SD = 6.97). Instruments: six subtests of WAIS and two episodic memory tasks. Procedures: the participants were assessed in four occasions: after the end of the original intervention, pre-booster sessions (three years after the original intervention), immediately after the booster sessions and three months after the booster sessions. Results: the repeated measures ANOVA showed that two gains reported in the original intervention were identified in the follow-up: Coding (F(1, 44) = 11.79, MSE = 0.77, p = .001, ηˆG2 = .084) and Picture Completion (F(1, 47) = 10.01, MSE = 0.73, p = .003, ηˆG2 = .060). After the booster sessions, all variables presented a significant interaction between group and time favorable to the experimental group (moderate to high effect sizes). To compare the level of cohesion of the cognitive variables between the groups, an entropy-based metric was used. The experimental group presented a lower level of cohesion in three of the four measurement occasions, suggesting a differential impact of the intervention with immediate and short-term effects, but without long-term effects.

scholarly journals Cytogenetic biomonitoring of Brazilian dentists occupationally exposed to low doses of X-radiation

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cintia Kaori Miyaji ◽  
Ilce Mara de Syllos Cólus
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Negative Control Group ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Doses ◽  
Confounding Factors ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Personal Questionnaire

Exposure to X-rays (ionizing radiation) may cause chromosomal aberrations (CA) in somatic or germinative cells in exposed individuals, and may lead to manifestations of diseases such as cancer. This study was carried out to assess the CA frequency in lymphocytes obtained by means of temporary culture of peripheral blood from dentists in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, who have worked for more than ten years with X-rays. The results obtained from the experimental group were compared with a matched negative control group, which had never been exposed to X-rays. All individuals, dentists and controls, answered a personal questionnaire, from which a profile of each group was obtained. Slides, prepared after the cultures, were stained with Giemsa, and 100 to 200 metaphase cells were analyzed per individual. CA frequencies and types were registered and statistical tests were not necessary to evaluate the obtained data. The analysis of mitotic index (MI) did not indicate significant differences (p < 0.05) between the group of individuals exposed to X-rays and the control group. The analyzed confounding factors did not influence the results of MI and CA frequencies.

A Long-Term Follow-Up of Participants in the Trois-Rivières Semi-Longitudinal Study of Growth and Development

1998 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Trudeau ◽  
Louis Laurencelle ◽  
Janie Tremblay ◽  
Mirjana Rajic ◽  
Roy J. Shephard
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Experimental Subjects ◽  
Back Problems ◽  
Experimental Group

The purpose of this project was to undertake a long-term follow-up of participants in the Trois-Rivières Growth and Development Study. Some 20 years after their initial involvement in the program, two groups were compared: experimental subjects (n =150) who had received 5 one-hour sessions of specialized physical education per week throughout their 6 years of primary school, and the original control group (n = 103). All subjects completed a questionnaire regarding current patterns of physical activity (PA), attitudes and beliefs about PA, and perceived barriers to PA. Principal results indicate: (a) More experimental than control women exercise 3 times or more per week, (b) experimental subjects more commonly perceived their health to be very good to excellent, (c) control subjects in general felt less psychological dependency on exercise, and (d) women in the experimental group had a lower relative risk of back problems.

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