scholarly journals Lymphatic Filariasis Disseminating to the Upper Extremity

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Maldjian ◽  
Vineet Khanna ◽  
Bevan Tandon ◽  
Matthew Then ◽  
Mohamed Yassin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Proper Treatment ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Diagnostic Dilemma ◽  
Lymphatic Channel ◽  
Common Cause

Lymphatic filariasis is the most common cause of acquired lymphedema worldwide (Szuba and Rockson, 1998). It is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, and its effects are devastating. With over 100 million infected persons, it ranks second only to leprosy as the leading cause of permanent and long-term disability.Wuchereria bancroftiis the etiologic agent in 90% of cases. There is a dearth of published MRI findings with pathologically proven active infections, making this entity even more of a diagnostic dilemma. Imaging may provide the first clue that one is dealing with a parasite and may facilitate proper treatment and containment of this disease. This is the first report of pathologic correlation with MRI findings in the extremity in active filariasis. The magnetic resonance images demonstrate an enhancing, infiltrative, mass-like appearance with partial encasement of vasculature that has not been previously described in filariasis. Low signal strands in T2-hyperintense dilated lymphatic channels are seen and may depict live adult worms. We hypothesize that the low signal strands correspond to the collagen rich acellular cuticle. This, in combination with the surrounding hyperintense T2 signal, corresponding to a dilated lymphatic channel, may provide more specific MRI findings for active nematodal infection, which can prompt early biopsy, pathological correlation, and diagnosis.

scholarly journals A miniPCR-Duplex Lateral Flow Dipstick Platform for Rapid and Visual Diagnosis of Lymphatic Filariae Infection

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1855
Author(s):  
Achinya Phuakrod ◽  
Witsaroot Sripumkhai ◽  
Wutthinan Jeamsaksiri ◽  
Pattaraluck Pattamang ◽  
Sumat Loymek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽  
Pcr Primers ◽  
Lateral Flow ◽  
Thick Blood Smear ◽  
Noncoding Dna ◽  
Lateral Flow Dipstick ◽  
Visual Diagnosis

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected major tropical disease that is a leading cause of permanent and long-term disability worldwide. Significant progress made by the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) has led to a substantial decrease in the levels of infection. In this limitation, DNA detection of lymphatic filariae could be useful due to it capable of detecting low level of the parasites. In the present study, we developed a diagnostic assay that combines a miniPCR with a duplex lateral flow dipstick (DLFD). The PCR primers were designed based on the HhaI and SspI repetitive noncoding DNA sequences of Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti, respectively. The limits of detection and crossreactivity of the assay were evaluated. In addition, blood samples were provided by Thais living in a brugian filariasis endemic area. The miniPCR-DLFD assay exhibited a detection limit of 2 and 4 mf per milliliter (mL) of blood for B. malayi as well as W. bancrofti, respectively, and crossamplification was not observed with 11 other parasites. The result obtained from the present study was in accordance with the thick blood smear staining for the known cases. Thus, a miniPCR-DLFD is an alternative tool for the diagnosis of LF in point-of-collection settings with a modest cost (~USD 5) per sample.

scholarly journals Dental pulp stem cells can improve muscle dysfunction in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Nitahara-Kasahara ◽  
Mutsuki Kuraoka ◽  
Posadas Herrera Guillermo ◽  
Hiromi Hayashita-Kinoh ◽  
Yasunobu Maruoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Dental Pulp ◽  
Systemic Treatment ◽  
Dental Pulp Stem Cells ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Systemic Injection ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits

Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited progressive disorder that causes skeletal and cardiac muscle deterioration with chronic inflammation. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are attractive candidates for cell-based strategies for DMD because of their immunosuppressive properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that systemic treatment with DPSCs might show therapeutic benefits as an anti-inflammatory therapy. Methods To investigate the potential benefits of DPSC transplantation for DMD, we examined disease progression in a DMD animal model, mdx mice, by comparing them with different systemic treatment conditions. The DPSC-treated model, a canine X-linked muscular dystrophy model in Japan (CXMDJ), which has a severe phenotype similar to that of DMD patients, also underwent comprehensive analysis, including histopathological findings, muscle function, and locomotor activity. Results We demonstrated a therapeutic strategy for long-term functional recovery in DMD using repeated DPSC administration. DPSC-treated mdx mice and CXMDJ showed no serious adverse events. MRI findings and muscle histology suggested that DPSC treatment downregulated severe inflammation in DMD muscles and demonstrated a milder phenotype after DPSC treatment. DPSC-treated models showed increased recovery in grip-hand strength and improved tetanic force and home cage activity. Interestingly, maintenance of long-term running capability and stabilized cardiac function was also observed in 1-year-old DPSC-treated CXMDJ. Conclusions We developed a novel strategy for the safe and effective transplantation of DPSCs for DMD recovery, which included repeated systemic injection to regulate inflammation at a young age. This is the first report on the efficacy of a systemic DPSC treatment, from which we can propose that DPSCs may play an important role in delaying the DMD disease phenotype.

scholarly journals QOL-09. WHOLE-BRAIN WHITE MATTER NETWORK CONNECTIVITY IS DISRUPTED BY PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR TREATMENT

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii432-iii432
Author(s):  
Adeoye Oyefiade ◽  
Kiran Beera ◽  
Iska Moxon-Emre ◽  
Jovanka Skocic ◽  
Ute Bartels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Pediatric Brain Tumor ◽  
Pediatric Brain Tumors ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Brain White Matter ◽  
The Right ◽  
Pediatric Brain ◽  
Betweeness Centrality

Abstract INTRODUCTION Treatments for pediatric brain tumors (PBT) are neurotoxic and lead to long-term deficits that are driven by the perturbation of underlying white matter (WM). It is unclear if and how treatment may impair WM connectivity across the entire brain. METHODS Magnetic resonance images from 41 PBT survivors (mean age: 13.19 years, 53% M) and 41 typically developing (TD) children (mean age: 13.32 years, 51% M) were analyzed. Image reconstruction, segmentation, and node parcellation were completed in FreeSurfer. DTI maps and probabilistic streamline generation were completed in MRtrix3. Connectivity matrices were based on the number of streamlines connecting two nodes and the mean DTI (FA) index across streamlines. We used graph theoretical analyses to define structural differences between groups, and random forest (RF) analyses to identify hubs that reliably classify PBT and TD children. RESULTS For survivors treated with radiation, betweeness centrality was greater in the left insular (p < 0.000) but smaller in the right pallidum (p < 0.05). For survivors treated without radiation (surgery-only), betweeness centrality was smaller in the right interparietal sulcus (p < 0.05). RF analyses showed that differences in WM connectivity from the right pallidum to other parts of the brain reliably classified PBT survivors from TD children (classification accuracy = 77%). CONCLUSIONS The left insular, right pallidum, and right inter-parietal sulcus are structurally perturbed hubs in PBT survivors. WM connectivity from the right pallidum is vulnerable to the long-term effects of treatment for PBT.

scholarly journals Progress towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the Americas region

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S33-S38
Author(s):  
Gilberto Fontes ◽  
Eliana Maria Mauricio da Rocha ◽  
Ronaldo Guilherme Carvalho Scholte ◽  
Rubén Santiago Nicholls
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vector Species ◽  
Effective Coverage ◽  
The Third ◽  
Assessment Survey ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Important Progress

Abstract In South and Central America, lymphatic filariasis (LF) is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by Culex quinquefasciatus, the only vector species in this region. Of the seven countries considered endemic for LF in the Americas in the last decade, Costa Rica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago were removed from the World Health Organization list in 2011. The remaining countries, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guyana and Haiti, have achieved important progress in recent years. Brazil was the first country in the Americas to stop mass drug administration (MDA) and to establish post-MDA surveillance. Dominican Republic stopped MDA in all LF-endemic foci: La Ciénaga and Southwest passed the third Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) and the Eastern focus passed TAS-1 in 2018. Haiti passed the TAS and interrupted transmission in >80% of endemic communes, achieving effective drug coverage. Guyana implemented effective coverage in MDAs in 2017 and 2018 and in 2019 scaled up the treatment for 100% of the geographical region, introducing ivermectin in the MDA in order to achieve LF elimination by the year 2026. The Americas region is on its way to eliminating LF transmission. However, efforts should be made to improve morbidity management to prevent disability of the already affected populations.

Semiannual Treatment of Albendazole Alone is Efficacious for Treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis: A Randomized Open-label Trial in Cote d'Ivoire

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allassane F Ouattara ◽  
Catherine M Bjerum ◽  
Méité Aboulaye ◽  
Olivier Kouadio ◽  
Vanga K Marius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽  
Bancroftian Filariasis ◽  
Loa Loa ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Open Label Trial ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background Ivermectin (IVM) plus albendazole (ALB), or IA, is widely used in mass drug administration (MDA) programs that aim to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Africa. However, IVM can cause severe adverse events in persons with heavy Loa loa infections that are common in Central Africa. ALB is safe in loiasis, but more information is needed on its efficacy for LF. This study compared the efficacy and safety of three years of semiannual treatment with ALB to annual IA in persons with bancroftian filariasis. Methods Adults with Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaremia (Mf) were randomized to receive either three annual doses of IA (N=52), six semiannual doses of ALB 400mg (N=45), or six semiannual doses of ALB 800mg (N=47). The primary outcome amicrofilaremia at 36 months. Findings IA was more effective for completely clearing Mf than ALB 400mg or ALB 800mg (79%, CI 67-91; vs. 48%, CI 32-66 and 57%, CI 41-73, respectively). Mean % reductions in Mf counts at 36 months relative to baseline tended to be greater after IA (98%, CI 88-100) than after ALB 400mg (88%, CI 78-98) and ALB 800mg (89%, CI 79-99) (P=0.07 and P=0.06, respectively). Adult worm nest numbers (assessed by ultrasound) were reduced in all treatment groups. Treatments were well tolerated. Interpretation Repeated semiannual treatment with ALB is macrofilaricidal for W. bancrofti and leads to sustained reductions in Mf counts. This is a safe and effective regimen that could be used as MDA to eliminate LF in areas ivermectin cannot be used.

Long-term hearing preservation after surgery for vestibular schwannoma

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone A. Betchen ◽  
Jane Walsh ◽  
Kalmon D. Post
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Class I ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Long Term Preservation ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are now amenable to resection with excellent hearing preservation rates. It remains unclear whether immediately postoperative hearing is a durable result and will not diminish over time. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of long-term preservation of functional hearing following surgery for a VS and to examine factors influencing hearing preservation. Methods. All patients eligible for hearing preservation (Gardner—Robertson Class I or II) who had undergone resection of a VS by a single surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up audiograms and magnetic resonance images were obtained. Of 142 patients deemed eligible for hearing preservation surgery, 38 had immediate postoperative hearing confirmed by an audiogram. In these patients with preserved hearing, the audiographic results demonstrated functional hearing in 30 (85.7%) of 35 patients who underwent repeated testing at a mean follow-up time of 7 years. Delayed hearing loss occurred in five (14.3%) of the 35 patients and did not correlate significantly with the size of the tumor. Hearing improved one Gardner—Robertson class postoperatively in three (7.9%) of the 38 patients. Conclusions. Long-term functional hearing was maintained in 85.7% of patients when it was preserved immediately postoperatively and the result was independent of tumor size. The results of this study emphasize that long-term preservation of functional hearing is a realistic goal following VS surgery and should be attempted in all patients in whom preoperative hearing is determined to be Gardner—Robertson Class I or II.

Thoracic spinal iophendylate-induced arachnoiditis mimicking an intramedullary spinal cord neoplasm

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven W. Hwang ◽  
Rafeeque A. Bhadelia ◽  
Julian Wu
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Unusual Case ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Intramedullary Lesion ◽  
Thoracic Spinal

✓Iophendylate (Pantopaque or Myodil) was commonly used from the 1940s until the late 1980s for myelography, cisternography, and ventriculography. Although such instances are rare, several different long-term sequelae have been described in the literature and associated with intrathecal iophendylate. The authors describe an unusual case of arachnoiditis caused by residual thoracic iophendylate imitating an expansile intramedullary lesion on magnetic resonance images obtained 30 years after the initial myelographic injection.

scholarly journals Long-Term Testosterone Administration Increases Visceral Fat in Female to Male Transsexuals1

1997 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 2044-2047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanda M. H. Elbers ◽  
Henk Asscheman ◽  
Jacob C. Seidell ◽  
Jos A. J. Megens ◽  
Louis J. G. Gooren
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Visceral Fat ◽  
Causal Relation ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Visceral Fat Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fat Depots ◽  
Testosterone Administration ◽  
The Mean

The amount of intraabdominal (visceral) fat is an important determinant of disturbances in lipid and glucose metabolism. Cross-sectional studies in women have found associations between high androgen levels and visceral fat accumulation. The causal relation between these phenomena is unknown. We, therefore, studied prospectively the effect of testosterone administration on body fat distribution in 10 young, nonobese, female to male transsexuals undergoing sex reassignment. Before, after 1 yr, and after 3 yr of testosterone administration, magnetic resonance images were obtained at the level of the abdomen, hip, and thigh to quantify both sc and visceral fat depots. After 1 yr of testosterone administration, sc fat depots at all levels showed significant reductions compared to baseline measurements. The mean visceral fat area did not change significantly, but subjects who gained weight in the first year after testosterone administration showed an increase in visceral fat. After 3 yr of testosterone administration, sc fat depots were no longer significantly lower compared to pretreatment measurements, but the mean visceral fat depot had increased significantly by 13 cm2 (95% confidence interval, 4–22 cm2), a relative increase of 47% (95% confidence interval, 8–91%) from baseline. The increase in visceral fat was most pronounced in those subjects who had gained weight. We conclude that long term testosterone administration in young, nonobese, female subjects increases the amount of visceral fat. In addition, an increase in weight in this hyperandrogenic state leads to a preferential storage of fat in the visceral depot.

scholarly journals Lymphatic filariasis, infection status in Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles species after six rounds of mass drug administration in Masasi District, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza Lupenza ◽  
Dinah B. Gasarasi ◽  
Omary M. Minzi
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽  
Elimination Phase ◽  
Anopheles Species ◽  
The Status ◽  
Household Environment ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Abstract Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination program in Tanzania started in 2000 in response to the Global program for the elimination of LF by 2020. Evidence shows a persistent LF transmission despite more than a decade of mass drug administration (MDA). It is advocated that, regular monitoring should be conducted in endemic areas to evaluate the progress towards elimination and detect resurgence of the disease timely. This study was therefore designed to assess the status of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in Culex quinqefasciatus and Anopheles species after six rounds of MDA in Masasi District, South Eastern Tanzania. Methods Mosquitoes were collected between June and July 2019 using Center for Diseases Control (CDC) light traps and gravid traps for indoor and outdoor respectively. The collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified into respective species. Dissections and PCR were carried out to detect W. bancrofti infection. Questionnaire survey and checklist were used to assess vector control interventions and household environment respectively. A Poisson regression model was run to determine the effects of household environment on filarial vector density. Results Overall, 12 452 mosquitoes were collected of which 10 545 (84.7%) were filarial vectors. Of these, Anopheles gambiae complex, An. funestus group and Cx. quinquefasciatus accounted for 0.1%, 0.7% and 99.2% respectively. A total of 365 pools of Cx. quinquefasciatus (each with 20 mosquitoes) and 46 individual samples of Anopheles species were analyzed by PCR. For Cx. quinquefasciatus pools, 33 were positive for W. bancrofti, giving an infection rate of 0.5%, while the 46 samples of Anopheles species were all negative. All 1859 dissected mosquitoes analyzed by microscopy were also negative. Households with modern latrines had less mosquitoes than those with pit latrines [odds ratio (OR) = 0.407, P < 0.05]. Houses with unscreened windows had more mosquitoes as compared to those with screened windows (OR = 2.125, P < 0.05). More than 80% of the participants own bednets while 16.5% had no protection. Conclusions LF low transmission is still ongoing in Masasi District after six rounds of MDA and vector control interventions. The findings also suggest that molecular tools may be essential for xenomonitoring LF transmission during elimination phase.

scholarly journals Long-Term Follow-Up and Predictors of Functional Outcome after Surgery for Spinal Meningiomas: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3244
Author(s):  
Jenny Pettersson-Segerlind ◽  
Alexander Fletcher-Sandersjöö ◽  
Charles Tatter ◽  
Gustav Burström ◽  
Oscar Persson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Motor Deficit ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Time To Surgery ◽  
Spinal Meningiomas

Spinal meningiomas are the most common adult primary spinal tumor, constituting 24–45% of spinal intradural tumors and 2% of all meningiomas. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative complications, long-term outcomes, predictors of functional improvement and differences between elderly (≥70 years) and non-elderly (18–69 years) patients surgically treated for spinal meningiomas. Variables were retrospectively collected from patient charts and magnetic resonance images. Baseline comparisons, paired testing and regression analyses were used. In conclusion, 129 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 8.2 years. Motor deficit was the most common presenting symptom (66%). The median time between diagnosis and surgery was 1.3 months. A postoperative complication occurred in 10 (7.8%) and tumor growth or recurrence in 6 (4.7%) patients. Surgery was associated with significant improvement of motor and sensory deficit, gait disturbance, bladder dysfunction and pain. Time to surgery, tumor area and the degree of spinal cord compression significantly predicted postoperative improvement in a modified McCormick scale (mMCs) in the univariable regression analysis, and spinal cord compression showed independent risk association in multivariable analysis. There was no difference in improvement, complications or tumor control between elderly and non-elderly patients. We concluded that surgery of spinal meningiomas was associated with significant long-term neurological improvement, which could be predicted by time to surgery, tumor size and spinal cord compression.

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