scholarly journals Recent Advances in Photodynamic Therapy against Fungal Keratitis

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2011
Author(s):  
Jia-Horung Hung ◽  
Chaw-Ning Lee ◽  
Huai-Wen Hsu ◽  
I-Son Ng ◽  
Chi-Jung Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Rose Bengal ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Fungal Keratitis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
The Us ◽  
In Trans ◽  
Anti Fungal

Fungal keratitis is a serious clinical infection on the cornea caused by fungi and is one of the leading causes of blindness in Asian countries. The treatment options are currently limited to a few antifungal agents. With the increasing incidence of drug-resistant infections, many patients fail to respond to antibiotics. Riboflavin-mediated corneal crosslinking (similar to photodynamic therapy (PDT)) for corneal ectasia was approved in the US in the early 2000s. Current evidence suggests that PDT could have the potential to inhibit fungal biofilm formation and overcome drug resistance by using riboflavin and rose bengal as photosensitizers. However, only a few clinical trials have been initiated in anti-fungal keratitis PDT treatment. Moreover, the removal of the corneal epithelium and repeated application of riboflavin and rose bengal are required to improve drug penetration before and during PDT. Thus, an improvement in trans-corneal drug delivery is mandatory for a successful and efficient treatment. In this article, we review the studies published to date using PDT against fungal keratitis and aim to enhance the understanding and awareness of this research area. The potential of modifying photosensitizers using nanotechnology to improve the efficacy of PDT on fungal keratitis is also briefly reviewed.

scholarly journals Assessment of Rose Bengal Versus Riboflavin Photodynamic Therapy for Inhibition of Fungal Keratitis Isolates

2014 ◽  
Vol 158 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-70.e2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Arboleda ◽  
Darlene Miller ◽  
Florence Cabot ◽  
Mukesh Taneja ◽  
Mariela C. Aguilar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Rose Bengal ◽  
Fungal Keratitis

scholarly journals Comparison of an oncology clinical decision-support system’s recommendations with actual treatment decisions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suthida Suwanvecho ◽  
Harit Suwanrusme ◽  
Tanawat Jirakulaporn ◽  
Surasit Issarachai ◽  
Nimit Taechakraichana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Clinical Decision Support ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Treatment Decisions ◽  
Therapeutic Options ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Rectal Cancers

Abstract Objective IBM(R) Watson for Oncology (WfO) is a clinical decision-support system (CDSS) that provides evidence-informed therapeutic options to cancer-treating clinicians. A panel of experienced oncologists compared CDSS treatment options to treatment decisions made by clinicians to characterize the quality of CDSS therapeutic options and decisions made in practice. Methods This study included patients treated between 1/2017 and 7/2018 for breast, colon, lung, and rectal cancers at Bumrungrad International Hospital (BIH), Thailand. Treatments selected by clinicians were paired with therapeutic options presented by the CDSS and coded to mask the origin of options presented. The panel rated the acceptability of each treatment in the pair by consensus, with acceptability defined as compliant with BIH’s institutional practices. Descriptive statistics characterized the study population and treatment-decision evaluations by cancer type and stage. Results Nearly 60% (187) of 313 treatment pairs for breast, lung, colon, and rectal cancers were identical or equally acceptable, with 70% (219) of WfO therapeutic options identical to, or acceptable alternatives to, BIH therapy. In 30% of cases (94), 1 or both treatment options were rated as unacceptable. Of 32 cases where both WfO and BIH options were acceptable, WfO was preferred in 18 cases and BIH in 14 cases. Colorectal cancers exhibited the highest proportion of identical or equally acceptable treatments; stage IV cancers demonstrated the lowest. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a system designed in the US to support, rather than replace, cancer-treating clinicians provides therapeutic options which are generally consistent with recommendations from oncologists outside the US.

scholarly journals Comments on New Integrative Photomedicine Equipment for Photobiomodulation and COVID-19

Photonics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 303
Author(s):  
Gerhard Litscher ◽  
Laura Marinela Ailioaie
Keyword(s):  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Home Therapy ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Scientific Status ◽  
Therapy Studies

Up to now it has not yet been scientifically proven whether the technical methods of photonics in the field of photobiomodulation (PBM), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser acupuncture in connection with COVID-19 have achieved effective medical success. As part of this short technical note, an overview of the current scientific status is given and new equipment from our own research area is briefly presented. Although there are still many unanswered questions, it seems to be emerging that PBM and PDT in connection with the corresponding photosensitizers may make it appear worthwhile to perform experimental and clinical studies, primarily as so-called home therapy studies. In any case, the technical requirements for this are already in progress.

scholarly journals From Rheumatoid Factor to Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies and Anti-Carbamylated Protein Antibodies for Diagnosis and Prognosis Prediction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 686
Author(s):  
Chao-Yi Wu ◽  
Huang-Yu Yang ◽  
Shue-Fen Luo ◽  
Jenn-Haung Lai
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Bone Destruction ◽  
Response To Therapy ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Prognosis Prediction ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Systemic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Citrullinated Protein

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease mainly involving synovial inflammation and articular bone destruction. RA is a heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical presentations, prognoses and therapeutic responses. Following the first discovery of rheumatoid factors (RFs) 80 years ago, the identification of both anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (anti-CarP Abs) has greatly facilitated approaches toward RA, especially in the fields of early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of the disease. Although these antibodies share many common features and can function synergistically to promote disease progression, they differ mechanistically and have unique clinical relevance. Specifically, these three RA associating auto-antibodies (autoAbs) all precede the development of RA by years. However, while the current evidence suggests a synergic effect of RF and ACPA in predicting the development of RA and an erosive phenotype, controversies exist regarding the additive value of anti-CarP Abs. In the present review, we critically summarize the characteristics of these autoantibodies and focus on their distinct clinical applications in the early identification, clinical manifestations and prognosis prediction of RA. With the advancement of treatment options in the era of biologics, we also discuss the relevance of these autoantibodies in association with RA patient response to therapy.

scholarly journals Treatment options in moderate and severe depression: decision analysis supporting a clinical guideline

2006 ◽  
Vol 189 (6) ◽  
pp. 494-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judit Simon ◽  
Stephen Pilling ◽  
Rachel Burbeck ◽  
David Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Resource Utilisation ◽  
Moderate Depression ◽  
The Cost

BackgroundTreatment options for depression include antidepressants, psychological therapy and a combination of the two.AimsTo develop cost-effective clinical guidelines.MethodSystematic literature reviews were used to identify clinical, utility and cost data. A decision analysis was then conducted to compare the benefits and costs of antidepressants with combination therapy for moderate and severe depression in secondary care in the UK.ResultsOver the 15-month analysis period, combination therapy resulted in higher costs and an expected 0.16 increase per person in the probability of remission and no relapse compared with antidepressants. The cost per additional successfully treated patient was £4056 (95% CI 1400–18 300); the cost per quality-adjusted life year gained was £5777 (95% CI 1900–33 800) for severe depression and £14 540 (95% CI 4800–79 400) for moderate depression.ConclusionsCombination therapy is likely to be a cost-effective first-line secondary care treatment for severe depression. Its cost-effectiveness for moderate depression is more uncertain from current evidence. Targeted combination therapy could improve resource utilisation.

scholarly journals Pharmacologic treatment of osteoporosis – 2011

2011 ◽  
Vol 152 (33) ◽  
pp. 1320-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Péter Lakatos
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
Fracture Risk ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Osteoporotic Fractures ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Similar Efficacy ◽  
High Fracture ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Treatment Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects approximately 9% of the population in Hungary resulting in about 100 000 osteoporotic fractures annually. Thirty-five percent of patients with hip fractures due to osteoporosis will die within 1 year. Direct costs of osteoporosis exceed 25 billion forints per year. Apparently, cost-effective reduction of bone loss and consequent fracture risk will add up to not only financial savings but improvement in quality of life, as well. A number of pharmacological modalities are available for this purpose. The mainstay of the treatment of osteoporosis is the bisphosphonate group that includes effective anti-resorptive compounds mitigating bone loss and fragility. The recently registered denosumab exhibits similar efficacy by neutralizing RANK ligand, however, marked differences can be observed between the two drug classes. Strontium has a unique mechanism of action by rebalancing bone turnover, and thus, providing an efficient treatment option for the not fast bone losers who are at high fracture risk. The purely anabolic teriparatide is available for the extremely severe osteoporotic patients and for those who do not respond to other types of therapy. Older treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy, raloxifene, tibolone or calcitonin may also have a restricted place in the management of osteoporosis. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1320–1326.

Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinopathies: Update on Development Progress

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-226
Author(s):  
Susan Sun ◽  
Sandra R. Montezuma
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Supportive Therapy ◽  
The Us ◽  
Retinal Disorders ◽  
The Status ◽  
Therapy Treatment

Inherited retinopathies are a group of genetic disorders that lead to blindness and/or vision impairment. Until now, treatment options for inherited retinopathies largely remained limited to supportive therapy. Gene therapy is an attractive therapeutic technique that allows repair of diseased genes, and it has shown success in vision improvement for patients affected by retinal disorders caused by genetic mutations. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the first gene therapy treatment for the eye, indicated for biallelic RPE65 mutation associated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), in December of 2017. Additionally, results from other ongoing clinical trials could further establish gene therapy as the milestone treatment that plays a role in disease process reversal for inherited retinopathies. This review article provides an update on the status of gene therapy for treatment of a variety of retinopathies, including LCA, choroideremia, achromatopsia, Stargardt disease, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, and X-linked retinoschisis. Furthermore, this article explores transport methods of the genetic material, as well as therapy-delivery approaches used in the clinical setting.

scholarly journals Sleep disordered breathing at the extremes of age: the elderly

Breathe ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison McMillan ◽  
Mary J. Morrell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older People ◽  
Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
List Type ◽  
Pressure Therapy ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Disordered Breathing

Key pointsSleep disordered breathing (SDB) is common and its prevalence increases with age. Despite this high prevalence, SDB is frequently unrecognised and undiagnosed in older people.There is accumulating evidence that SDB in older people is associated with worsening cardio- cerebrovascular, cognitive and functional outcomes.There is now good evidence to support the use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in older patients with symptomatic SDB.Educational aimsTo highlight the prevalence and presentation of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in older people.To inform readers about the risk factors for SDB in older people.To explore the impact of SDB in older people.To introduce current evidence based treatment options for SDB in older people.Sleep disordered breathing (SBD) increases in prevalence as we age, most likely due to physiological and physical changes that occur with ageing. Additionally, SDB is associated with comorbidity and its subsequent polypharmacy, which may increase with increasing age. Finally, the increased prevalence of SDB is intrinsically linked to the obesity epidemic. SDB is associated with serious outcomes in younger people and, likewise, older people. Thus, identification, diagnosis and treatment of SDB is important irrelevant of age. This article reviews the age-related changes contributing to SDB, the epidemiology and the risk factors for SDB in older people, the association of SDB with adverse outcomes, and diagnostic and treatment options for this population.

scholarly journals The Management of Older Adults with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Geriatrics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ogden ◽  
Hao Xie ◽  
Wen Ma ◽  
Joleen Hubbard
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Score ◽  
Nccn Guidelines ◽  
The Us ◽  
Localized Disease ◽  
Clinical Trial Enrollment ◽  
Current Guidelines

Pancreatic cancer is the eleventh most common cancer, yet it is the third leading cause of mortality. It is also largely a disease of older adults, with the median age of 71 at diagnosis in the US, with <1% of diagnoses occurring prior to age 50. Current NCCN guidelines recommend surgery for localized disease, followed by adjuvant therapy and/or consideration of enrollment in a clinical trial. For metastatic disease, current guidelines recommend clinical trial enrollment or systemic chemotherapy based on results from the landmark ACCORD-11 and MPACT trials. However, these trials focused heavily on younger, more fit patients, with the ACCORD-11 trial excluding patients over age 75 and the MPACT trial having 92% of its patients with a Karnofsky performance score >80. This article summarizes the available evidence in current literature in regards to the best treatment options for older adults, who represent the majority of pancreatic cancer diagnoses.

scholarly journals Precision medicine applications for severe asthma

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 117-135
Author(s):  
Orit Gourgy Hacohen ◽  
Shai Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Precision Medicine ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Oral Corticosteroid ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Blood Eosinophil ◽  
Eosinophilic Asthma ◽  
Severe Eosinophilic Asthma ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
New Treatment

Asthma is a heterogeneous condition in which multiple pathological pathways manifest with similar symptoms. Severe asthma (SA) is challenging to manage and comprises a significant health and economic burden. Many studies have been conducted in an attempt to define different clinical phenotypes that translate into biological endotypes, with the goal of tailoring treatment based on precision medicine. This review summarizes the current evidence for the treatments of SA, and in particular, the biologic treatments that are currently available: omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab. We found only limited high-quality direct evidence regarding treatment with anti-IgE (omalizumab) in SA patients. Data regarding anti-interleukin (IL)-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab) showed beneficial effects in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) with different levels of blood eosinophils used in clinical trials. Dupilumab, anti-IL-4/IL-13, was shown to be effective in SEA and is the only agent currently FDA-approved for the indication of oral corticosteroid dependent asthma, regardless of the blood eosinophil level. This review also summarizes the existing knowledge regarding the characteristics of the patient who may respond to the different therapies. As of today, more studies are needed to better understand the diverse mechanisms that underlie SA phenotypes. We have not yet adequately reached the goal of precision medicine. Additional studies are necessary in order to find novel surrogate markers that can predict the response to a specific biologic therapy, especially in patients who are oral corticosteroid dependent. In addition, efforts must be invested into research looking for new treatment options for patients with non-type-2 inflammation SA. Statement of novelty: we review the current evidence regarding tailored treatment therapies in SA, with a particular focus on the knowledge regarding patient selection for specific biologic treatments.

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