Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/Clinical-Investigation.1000117
M. Komzák, R. Hart, L. Paša, P. Smid, D. Náhlík, T. Pavlík
Background: Rotational instability after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and subsequent reconstruction may be caused by the rupture of the anterolateral structures of the knee, specifically the anterolateral ligament (ALL). There are more techniques to improve the rotational stability of the knee. The objective of this randomised cohort study was: (1) To evaluate the knee rotational stability after the single-bundle ACL reconstruction (SB) with addition of the ALL reconstruction and to compare it with the double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique (DB). (2) To analyse when the ALL is necessary to reconstruct. Methods and findings: 60 patients underwent the ACL reconstruction with the average age of 29.5 years. In thirty patient’s knees the ACL was replaced with quadriceps muscle graft using the SB technique in combination with the ALL reconstruction by the gracilis graft (ALL group). With another thirty patients the ACL was reconstructed performing DB technique with the use of hamstring tendons (DB group). The rotational stability was studied before and after the reconstruction of the ACL in time “zero” using the computer navigation system. In the ALL group, the rotational stability was also analysed after the ALL reconstruction. Before the surgery, the mean internal rotational instability (IR) was 18.7° in DB group and 19.1° in ALL groups. After the DB reconstruction, IR stability improved to 10.4°. After the ACL reconstruction in the ALL group, the IR stability was 13.3°. When the ALL was added, the IR stability improved up to 9.8°. In cases where IR stability achieved 12° after the ACL reconstruction, the addition of the ALL reconstruction would not further significantly improve the IR stability. Conclusions: The SB reconstruction of the ACL using the quadriceps muscle graft in combination with the ALL reconstruction restores the IR stability of the knee to same extent as DB reconstruction does. If the IR stability after the SB reconstruction achieves 12°, the ALL reconstruction is no longer necessary
{"title":"Biomechanical assessment of the reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament during anterior cruciate ligament surgery","authors":"M. Komzák, R. Hart, L. Paša, P. Smid, D. Náhlík, T. Pavlík","doi":"10.4172/Clinical-Investigation.1000117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/Clinical-Investigation.1000117","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Rotational instability after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and subsequent reconstruction may be caused by the rupture of the anterolateral structures of the knee, specifically the anterolateral ligament (ALL). There are more techniques to improve the rotational stability of the knee. The objective of this randomised cohort study was: (1) To evaluate the knee rotational stability after the single-bundle ACL reconstruction (SB) with addition of the ALL reconstruction and to compare it with the double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique (DB). (2) To analyse when the ALL is necessary to reconstruct. Methods and findings: 60 patients underwent the ACL reconstruction with the average age of 29.5 years. In thirty patient’s knees the ACL was replaced with quadriceps muscle graft using the SB technique in combination with the ALL reconstruction by the gracilis graft (ALL group). With another thirty patients the ACL was reconstructed performing DB technique with the use of hamstring tendons (DB group). The rotational stability was studied before and after the reconstruction of the ACL in time “zero” using the computer navigation system. In the ALL group, the rotational stability was also analysed after the ALL reconstruction. Before the surgery, the mean internal rotational instability (IR) was 18.7° in DB group and 19.1° in ALL groups. After the DB reconstruction, IR stability improved to 10.4°. After the ACL reconstruction in the ALL group, the IR stability was 13.3°. When the ALL was added, the IR stability improved up to 9.8°. In cases where IR stability achieved 12° after the ACL reconstruction, the addition of the ALL reconstruction would not further significantly improve the IR stability. Conclusions: The SB reconstruction of the ACL using the quadriceps muscle graft in combination with the ALL reconstruction restores the IR stability of the knee to same extent as DB reconstruction does. If the IR stability after the SB reconstruction achieves 12°, the ALL reconstruction is no longer necessary","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"27 1","pages":"95-102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74126291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000115
M. Rousse, H. Schutte, M. Guy, G. Clairefond, R. Shrivastava
Background: Pharyngitis is caused principally by primary viral infection: virus growth causes lysis of throat mucosa cells, leading to inflammation, secondary bacterial infection, accumulation of contaminants on the throat, and clinical signs of sore throat infection. Currently available drugs only provide partial therapeutic action or relief. Since pharyngitis is a multifactorial condition, a multi target treatment should be more effective. We tested a novel hypertonic, highly osmotic, filmogen liquid bandage which can mechanically clean the throat surface to quickly alleviate the symptoms while also eliminating their causing pathogens. A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Methods and findings: A 14-day, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, efficacy and safety study was conducted in 36 treated with Test Product (TP) v/s 18 treated with Comparator Product (CP, containing saline solution) patients suffering from sore throat infection. Products were applied as spray, every 20 to 30 min. during the first 2-3 hours then 3-4 times daily, for a maximum 14 days, and primary and secondary sore throat infection-related parameters were evaluated on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14. Saline solution showed some beneficial effects on sore throat, but the TP proved significantly more effective, producing not only very rapid but also durable effects on all clinical signs of pharyngitis. The statistically significant effectiveness and rapidity of results obtained with the test product, led to faster recovery and reduced need for antibiotics compared to the CP group. No treatmentrelated undesirable or adverse effect was observed. Conclusions: This novel hypertonic, highly osmotic, filmogen liquid bandage is a safe and effective treatment for pharyngitis.
{"title":"A randomized, double-blind, controlled study to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of novel filmogen osmotic treatment for pharyngitis","authors":"M. Rousse, H. Schutte, M. Guy, G. Clairefond, R. Shrivastava","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000115","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Pharyngitis is caused principally by primary viral infection: virus growth causes lysis of throat mucosa cells, leading to inflammation, secondary bacterial infection, accumulation of contaminants on the throat, and clinical signs of sore throat infection. Currently available drugs only provide partial therapeutic action or relief. Since pharyngitis is a multifactorial condition, a multi target treatment should be more effective. We tested a novel hypertonic, highly osmotic, filmogen liquid bandage which can mechanically clean the throat surface to quickly alleviate the symptoms while also eliminating their causing pathogens. A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Methods and findings: A 14-day, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, efficacy and safety study was conducted in 36 treated with Test Product (TP) v/s 18 treated with Comparator Product (CP, containing saline solution) patients suffering from sore throat infection. Products were applied as spray, every 20 to 30 min. during the first 2-3 hours then 3-4 times daily, for a maximum 14 days, and primary and secondary sore throat infection-related parameters were evaluated on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14. Saline solution showed some beneficial effects on sore throat, but the TP proved significantly more effective, producing not only very rapid but also durable effects on all clinical signs of pharyngitis. The statistically significant effectiveness and rapidity of results obtained with the test product, led to faster recovery and reduced need for antibiotics compared to the CP group. No treatmentrelated undesirable or adverse effect was observed. Conclusions: This novel hypertonic, highly osmotic, filmogen liquid bandage is a safe and effective treatment for pharyngitis.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"55 1","pages":"75-88"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91126947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000103
Belkhodja H, B. A., M. B.
Title: Antibacterial Effect of Polyphenols Extracted from Different Honeys against Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus present multiple problems of nosocomial infectious diseases, in addition to the multidrug resistance. Our work aims to evaluate the antibacterial effect of four polyphenolic extracts from honey against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Methods and findings: An extraction of polyphenol was carried out from different honey samples collected from different sites of the Algerian territory. Then, the study of the antibacterial effect was performed by the determination of inhibition diameter and the minimal inhibitory concentration. The results indicated that the extracts of honey presented different total phenolic content with high value of 76 ± 1.1 mg GAE/100 g of fresh weight. It was clearly showed the sensitivity of MRSA against polyphenolic extracts. This inhibitory effect was found for the four samples tested with varying degrees of inhibition. The polyphenolic extract of Jijel has the highest inhibitory effect among all extracts with the MIC of 0.095 I¼l/ml. Conclusions: The study of the antibacterial effect of honey extracts allowed us to present an alternative way against the infectious diseases.
{"title":"Antibacterial effect of polyphenols extracted from different honeys against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus","authors":"Belkhodja H, B. A., M. B.","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000103","url":null,"abstract":"Title: Antibacterial Effect of Polyphenols Extracted from Different Honeys against Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus present multiple problems of nosocomial infectious diseases, in addition to the multidrug resistance. Our work aims to evaluate the antibacterial effect of four polyphenolic extracts from honey against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Methods and findings: An extraction of polyphenol was carried out from different honey samples collected from different sites of the Algerian territory. Then, the study of the antibacterial effect was performed by the determination of inhibition diameter and the minimal inhibitory concentration. The results indicated that the extracts of honey presented different total phenolic content with high value of 76 ± 1.1 mg GAE/100 g of fresh weight. It was clearly showed the sensitivity of MRSA against polyphenolic extracts. This inhibitory effect was found for the four samples tested with varying degrees of inhibition. The polyphenolic extract of Jijel has the highest inhibitory effect among all extracts with the MIC of 0.095 I¼l/ml. Conclusions: The study of the antibacterial effect of honey extracts allowed us to present an alternative way against the infectious diseases.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"149 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76751047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000119
K. Kawaura, T. Itoh, Kazutosi Hamada, H. Kitakata, Sadahumi Azukisawa, H. Okamura, S. Urashima, M. Sakurai, M. Ishizaki
Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has been widely adopted, and its use is increasing in Japan due to the rapid aging of society and promotion of medical care at home. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is performed in patients with a variety of underlying basic diseases. Therefore, a procedure that is safe and less burdensome for the patient is required. Material and methods: We studied a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure that is both safe and less burdensome, in 260 patients undergoing gastrostomy in our department. The items studied were postoperative risk factors for fever, postoperative risk factors for elevated leukocyte count, and risk factors for C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation. Results: Serious complications were fewer with the three-point fixing method of the abdominal and gastric walls. Multivariate analysis indicated that the conventional Pull method was an independent risk factor for fever (P<0.0001), and the bedridden state of the patient was a risk factor for leukocyte elevation. High Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI) was an independent risk factor for CRP elevation. Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy performed with the Modified Introducer method by fixing the abdominal and gastric walls showed fewer complications and reduced burden on the patient compared to other methods.
{"title":"Selection of Methods for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) that is more Safety and Useful Techniques on the Patients","authors":"K. Kawaura, T. Itoh, Kazutosi Hamada, H. Kitakata, Sadahumi Azukisawa, H. Okamura, S. Urashima, M. Sakurai, M. Ishizaki","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000119","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has been widely adopted, and its use is increasing in Japan due to the rapid aging of society and promotion of medical care at home. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is performed in patients with a variety of underlying basic diseases. Therefore, a procedure that is safe and less burdensome for the patient is required. Material and methods: We studied a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure that is both safe and less burdensome, in 260 patients undergoing gastrostomy in our department. The items studied were postoperative risk factors for fever, postoperative risk factors for elevated leukocyte count, and risk factors for C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation. Results: Serious complications were fewer with the three-point fixing method of the abdominal and gastric walls. Multivariate analysis indicated that the conventional Pull method was an independent risk factor for fever (P<0.0001), and the bedridden state of the patient was a risk factor for leukocyte elevation. High Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI) was an independent risk factor for CRP elevation. Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy performed with the Modified Introducer method by fixing the abdominal and gastric walls showed fewer complications and reduced burden on the patient compared to other methods.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"14 1","pages":"111-118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75148501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000120
Benjamin Arko-Boham, E. Tagoe, BerniceAdjorogbe, N. Aryee, S. M. Adadey, O. Quaye, J. Clegg-Lamptey
Background: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphism has been associated with breast cancer; however, there are conflicting results. Little or no information exists in the Ghanaian population. Aim: To determine the association between GST polymorphic genes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) and susceptibility to breast cancer in Ghanaian population. Method: 112 whole blood samples were retrieved from -80oC freezer. Samples comprised 56 female breast cancer patients. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from records. Patients were age matched with 56 controls. Genomic DNA was extracted; GSTTI and GSTM1 genes amplified using multiplex PCR with appropriate primers and the resultant amplicons separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The prevalence of GSTT1 null in patients was 42.9% and with greater association with breast cancer (OR=2.84, 95% CI=1.52–5.29, p=0.001). The heterozygous GSTT1 null/GSTM1 genotype was strongly associated with breast cancer (OR=3.02, 95% CI=1.61–5.66, p 0.05). However, the presence of both genes was not a risk factor of breast cancer in the patients (OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.28–1.09, p=0.030). Conclusion: The GSTT1 null and GSTT1 null / GSTM1 genotypes may be potential risk factors for breast cancer susceptibility.
{"title":"Glutathione S-Transferase T1 and M1 Gene Polymorphisms among Breast Cancer Susceptible Ghanaians","authors":"Benjamin Arko-Boham, E. Tagoe, BerniceAdjorogbe, N. Aryee, S. M. Adadey, O. Quaye, J. Clegg-Lamptey","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000120","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphism has been associated with breast cancer; however, there are conflicting results. Little or no information exists in the Ghanaian population. Aim: To determine the association between GST polymorphic genes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) and susceptibility to breast cancer in Ghanaian population. Method: 112 whole blood samples were retrieved from -80oC freezer. Samples comprised 56 female breast cancer patients. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from records. Patients were age matched with 56 controls. Genomic DNA was extracted; GSTTI and GSTM1 genes amplified using multiplex PCR with appropriate primers and the resultant amplicons separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The prevalence of GSTT1 null in patients was 42.9% and with greater association with breast cancer (OR=2.84, 95% CI=1.52–5.29, p=0.001). The heterozygous GSTT1 null/GSTM1 genotype was strongly associated with breast cancer (OR=3.02, 95% CI=1.61–5.66, p 0.05). However, the presence of both genes was not a risk factor of breast cancer in the patients (OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.28–1.09, p=0.030). Conclusion: The GSTT1 null and GSTT1 null / GSTM1 genotypes may be potential risk factors for breast cancer susceptibility.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"6 1","pages":"119-125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88588316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000110
S. Genc, Zeynep Kusku-Kiraz, E. Dervişoğlu, N. Oztop, N. Dinccag, F. Gurdol
Background: It has been shown that the synthesis and secretion of cytokines is influenced by the imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant status. In this study, the relation between the circulating levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and proinflammatory cytokines was searched in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients in order to evaluate the possible role of oxidative stress in ongoing proinflammatory condition and impaired glucose homeostasis. Methods and findings: 33 pregnant women with GDM and 20 pregnant free of any maternal or fetal disorders were included in the study. Visfatin, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and anti-ox-LDL levels were determined by ELISA. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total antioxidant status (TOS) were measured spectrophotometrically. In the GDM group, MDA levels were significantly elevated (p=0.001), while the increment in TOS showed a borderline significance (p=0.05) as compared to the control group. Anti-ox-LDL of both groups remained unchanged. Serum IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly high (p=0.039, and p=0.04) in the GDM group, visfatin and IL-10 were similar in both groups. Slight but no significant increases in TNF-α levels were observed. TNF-α was associated with anti-ox-LDL (r=0.307, p=0.038) and HbA1c (r=0.352, p=0.05), MDA were correlated with TNF-α (r=0.420, p=0.004), TNF-α /IL-1β ratio (r=0.421, p=0.018), and with HbA1c (r=442, p=0.013). Anti-ox-LDL was correlated with TNF-α /IL-10 ratio (r=-0.361, p=0.046). Conclusion: Our results indicated that MDA and TOS levels are elevated in close association with hyperglycemia and some proinflammatory cytokines in GDM patients. According to our study, reestablishment of the oxidant/antioxidant balance should be considered as one of the main therapeutic targets in order to establish normoglycemia as well as to outweigh the inflammatory state in GDM.
{"title":"The Relation Of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers With Proinflammatory Cytokines In Gestational Diabetes","authors":"S. Genc, Zeynep Kusku-Kiraz, E. Dervişoğlu, N. Oztop, N. Dinccag, F. Gurdol","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000110","url":null,"abstract":"Background: It has been shown that the synthesis and secretion of cytokines is influenced by the imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant status. In this study, the relation between the circulating levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and proinflammatory cytokines was searched in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients in order to evaluate the possible role of oxidative stress in ongoing proinflammatory condition and impaired glucose homeostasis. Methods and findings: 33 pregnant women with GDM and 20 pregnant free of any maternal or fetal disorders were included in the study. Visfatin, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and anti-ox-LDL levels were determined by ELISA. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total antioxidant status (TOS) were measured spectrophotometrically. In the GDM group, MDA levels were significantly elevated (p=0.001), while the increment in TOS showed a borderline significance (p=0.05) as compared to the control group. Anti-ox-LDL of both groups remained unchanged. Serum IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly high (p=0.039, and p=0.04) in the GDM group, visfatin and IL-10 were similar in both groups. Slight but no significant increases in TNF-α levels were observed. TNF-α was associated with anti-ox-LDL (r=0.307, p=0.038) and HbA1c (r=0.352, p=0.05), MDA were correlated with TNF-α (r=0.420, p=0.004), TNF-α /IL-1β ratio (r=0.421, p=0.018), and with HbA1c (r=442, p=0.013). Anti-ox-LDL was correlated with TNF-α /IL-10 ratio (r=-0.361, p=0.046). Conclusion: Our results indicated that MDA and TOS levels are elevated in close association with hyperglycemia and some proinflammatory cytokines in GDM patients. According to our study, reestablishment of the oxidant/antioxidant balance should be considered as one of the main therapeutic targets in order to establish normoglycemia as well as to outweigh the inflammatory state in GDM.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"6 1","pages":"43-48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91366307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000112
C. Fontana, M. Favaro, P. Sordillo, C. Sarrecchia, S. Minelli, M. C. Bossa, A. Altieri, C. Favalli
Background: Traditional culturing approaches either on native (NV) or on prosthetic valves (PV) are still not efficient in detecting pathogens responsible of infection. In fact, despite the continuous development of microbiological technologies, a truly valid technique that could be used as reference has yet to be found. Here we present a revised version of traditional culture methods based on a pre-treatment of both NVs and PVs by DL–dithiothreitol (DTT). Methods and findings: A total of 79 specimens were included in the study: 54 were NVs and 25 were PVs. We compared the results of both culturing methods and molecular assays performed on NVs/PVs collected in two different periods named pre-DTT and post-DTT, respectively. The protocol consisted in treating NV/PV by an appropriate volume of DTT, following which the suspension of bacteria/DTT was used for culture and molecular assay. In pre-DTT period five specimens were culture-positive and one was positive by molecular assay only (1/20; 5%), showing a culture positivity rate of 25% (5/20). In the post-DTT period, of 59 specimens processed, 19 were culture positive (19/59; 32%). Moreover, PCRs performed on specimens treated with DTT contributed to the identification of six additional positive specimens plus an identification of poly-microbial infection lost by culture (7/59; 12%). Conclusion: Our findings show that the use of DTT can be helpful in increasing the identification of microorganisms involved in NV/PV infections. Given its simple and cost-effective use and considering the issue that this technique does not require any specific instrumentation, it could easily be introduced in any laboratories. However, since our study included a limited number of specimens, more extensive studies are needed to further confirm our results.
{"title":"Microbiological Approach in Diagnosing Native and Heart Valves Prosthesis Infections","authors":"C. Fontana, M. Favaro, P. Sordillo, C. Sarrecchia, S. Minelli, M. C. Bossa, A. Altieri, C. Favalli","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000112","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Traditional culturing approaches either on native (NV) or on prosthetic valves (PV) are still not efficient in detecting pathogens responsible of infection. In fact, despite the continuous development of microbiological technologies, a truly valid technique that could be used as reference has yet to be found. Here we present a revised version of traditional culture methods based on a pre-treatment of both NVs and PVs by DL–dithiothreitol (DTT). Methods and findings: A total of 79 specimens were included in the study: 54 were NVs and 25 were PVs. We compared the results of both culturing methods and molecular assays performed on NVs/PVs collected in two different periods named pre-DTT and post-DTT, respectively. The protocol consisted in treating NV/PV by an appropriate volume of DTT, following which the suspension of bacteria/DTT was used for culture and molecular assay. In pre-DTT period five specimens were culture-positive and one was positive by molecular assay only (1/20; 5%), showing a culture positivity rate of 25% (5/20). In the post-DTT period, of 59 specimens processed, 19 were culture positive (19/59; 32%). Moreover, PCRs performed on specimens treated with DTT contributed to the identification of six additional positive specimens plus an identification of poly-microbial infection lost by culture (7/59; 12%). Conclusion: Our findings show that the use of DTT can be helpful in increasing the identification of microorganisms involved in NV/PV infections. Given its simple and cost-effective use and considering the issue that this technique does not require any specific instrumentation, it could easily be introduced in any laboratories. However, since our study included a limited number of specimens, more extensive studies are needed to further confirm our results.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"26 1","pages":"59-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85693329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000116
F. Antonucci, Walter Mir, Ola, C. Fontana
Background: The aim of this study was to compare two different Bacterial Vaginosis diagnosis criteria, Nugent’s score system and Hay/Ison criterion, by using Gram-stained vaginal smears. Materials and findings: Gram-stained smears were prepared with 10 μl and 30 μl of 100 vaginal samples, collected in ESwab®, by the WASP® automatic system. All smears were examined at 1000X magnification and assessed using both Nugent and Hay/Ison criteria. In addition, the presence of clue cells was recorded. All the slides were assessed by two different readers and reviewed by a supervisor. Considering the 10 μl smears, Nugent’s scoring results were: 90 patients with normal vaginal flora, five with intermediate flora and five with Bacterial Vaginosis. Instead, Hay/Ison criterion results were: 83 patients had Grade I, 12 Grade II and 5 Grade III. About the 30 μl ESwab® smears, the Nugent’s scoring results were: 92 patients with normal vaginal flora, three intermediate flora and five with Bacterial Vaginosis. In contrast, the results obtained by using the Hay/Ison criterion were: 84 patients had Grade I, 12 had Grade II and 4 had Grade III. Clue cells were detected in all the Bacterial Vaginosis cases. Conclusions: The Hay/Ison criterion is a credible alternative to the Nugent’s score system for the diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis. Furthermore, the combination of WASP® automatic system and the Hay/Ison criterion can represent a fast and reliable workflow, especially in those laboratories where the request of vaginal culture tests is extremely high.
{"title":"Comparison between Nugent's and Hay/Ison scoring criteria for the diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis in WASP prepared vaginal samples","authors":"F. Antonucci, Walter Mir, Ola, C. Fontana","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000116","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The aim of this study was to compare two different Bacterial Vaginosis diagnosis criteria, Nugent’s score system and Hay/Ison criterion, by using Gram-stained vaginal smears. Materials and findings: Gram-stained smears were prepared with 10 μl and 30 μl of 100 vaginal samples, collected in ESwab®, by the WASP® automatic system. All smears were examined at 1000X magnification and assessed using both Nugent and Hay/Ison criteria. In addition, the presence of clue cells was recorded. All the slides were assessed by two different readers and reviewed by a supervisor. Considering the 10 μl smears, Nugent’s scoring results were: 90 patients with normal vaginal flora, five with intermediate flora and five with Bacterial Vaginosis. Instead, Hay/Ison criterion results were: 83 patients had Grade I, 12 Grade II and 5 Grade III. About the 30 μl ESwab® smears, the Nugent’s scoring results were: 92 patients with normal vaginal flora, three intermediate flora and five with Bacterial Vaginosis. In contrast, the results obtained by using the Hay/Ison criterion were: 84 patients had Grade I, 12 had Grade II and 4 had Grade III. Clue cells were detected in all the Bacterial Vaginosis cases. Conclusions: The Hay/Ison criterion is a credible alternative to the Nugent’s score system for the diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis. Furthermore, the combination of WASP® automatic system and the Hay/Ison criterion can represent a fast and reliable workflow, especially in those laboratories where the request of vaginal culture tests is extremely high.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"16 1","pages":"89-93"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89431260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000105
J. Hesselink
Repositioning of old drugs in new indications is a hot topic. However, there are some hurdles to take, and one is related to financial attractiveness. We will discuss two examples to solve this problem based on patents: phenytoin cream for neuropathic pain and amantadine extended release for dyskinesia and other neurological disorders, and discuss amantadine, its history of repositioning and its patents in more detail. Both molecules are respectable old compounds, phenytoin was synthesized more than a century ago, and amantadine in the 50s of last century. Amantadine was first recognized as an antiviral compound in the 60s of last century, and was approved by the FDA for flu prophylaxes in 1966. Parkinson was its first repositioning indication, triggered by a case study in 1968. Subsequently a great variety of indications were explored, from fatigue in multiple sclerosis, enuresis nocturna, ADHD, up to pathological gambling and recovery after head injury. Amantadine is currently developed as an extended release formulation for levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease (preapproval phase). It is protected by a patent from 2009, claiming a special formulation and time of intake. While its antiviral mechanism of action has been clarified, the mechanisms of action in other indications are still quite enigmatic. At the end of last century, it was stipulated that amantadine and comparable drugs with unexplained mechanisms may deserve additional studies to enfold its full therapeutic potential. Based on an analysis of the clinical perspectives for amantadine at that time it was felt necessary to developing an infrastructure for funding research on new purposes for older drugs after they lose patent protection. Nearly 2 decades later such recommendation still remains valid.
{"title":"Amantadine and phenytoin: patent protected cases of drug repositioning","authors":"J. Hesselink","doi":"10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/CLINICAL-INVESTIGATION.1000105","url":null,"abstract":"Repositioning of old drugs in new indications is a hot topic. However, there are some hurdles to take, and one is related to financial attractiveness. We will discuss two examples to solve this problem based on patents: phenytoin cream for neuropathic pain and amantadine extended release for dyskinesia and other neurological disorders, and discuss amantadine, its history of repositioning and its patents in more detail. Both molecules are respectable old compounds, phenytoin was synthesized more than a century ago, and amantadine in the 50s of last century. Amantadine was first recognized as an antiviral compound in the 60s of last century, and was approved by the FDA for flu prophylaxes in 1966. Parkinson was its first repositioning indication, triggered by a case study in 1968. Subsequently a great variety of indications were explored, from fatigue in multiple sclerosis, enuresis nocturna, ADHD, up to pathological gambling and recovery after head injury. Amantadine is currently developed as an extended release formulation for levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease (preapproval phase). It is protected by a patent from 2009, claiming a special formulation and time of intake. While its antiviral mechanism of action has been clarified, the mechanisms of action in other indications are still quite enigmatic. At the end of last century, it was stipulated that amantadine and comparable drugs with unexplained mechanisms may deserve additional studies to enfold its full therapeutic potential. Based on an analysis of the clinical perspectives for amantadine at that time it was felt necessary to developing an infrastructure for funding research on new purposes for older drugs after they lose patent protection. Nearly 2 decades later such recommendation still remains valid.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"26 1","pages":"11-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79666366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.4172/Clinical-Investigation.1000111
R. Zhong, Hao Wang, Zhihua Tao, Qingfeng Chen, Zheng Zhang, X. Pu, L. Wang, Wei Chen, Hui Yuan, Ying Cao, Xing Gao, Yijie Zheng, P. Yin
Background: The aim of this study was to establish the 99th percentile value for high sensitivity troponin I in a normal healthy Chinese population and to analyze the differences between different age groups and sex and regions. Methods and Findings: The study included 1,537 cases of normal healthy subjects who were chosen according to a strict inclusion criterion. They were recruited from different regions of China and separated in different age groups. All patients were carefully scanned for any diseases or factors that might influence cardiac troponin levels. The measurement of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin was standardized and tests were repeated several times and all results recorded. We used ARCHITECT-i2000 (Abbott Laboratories, Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA) for measurement of all high sensitivity cardiac troponins. The overall value of the 99th percentile value was 26.42 pg/ml. For the male group 99th percentile value was 29.40 pg/ml and for the female group 99th percentile value was 19.46 pg/ml. The difference in cardiac troponin 99th percentile value for the male and female normal group was statistically significant (P 65 years old had a higher level of high sensitivity cardiac troponin and the difference was statistically significant when compared with other groups. The 99th percentile value corresponded to an imprecision of less than 10%. Conclusions: We established the 99th percentile value for cardiac troponin in the Chinese population and the normal range for males and females and we evaluated the analytical performance of ARCHITECT high sensitivity troponin I assays.
{"title":"Multi-Center Study of the 99th Percentile Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin I in A Normal Healthy Chinese Population","authors":"R. Zhong, Hao Wang, Zhihua Tao, Qingfeng Chen, Zheng Zhang, X. Pu, L. Wang, Wei Chen, Hui Yuan, Ying Cao, Xing Gao, Yijie Zheng, P. Yin","doi":"10.4172/Clinical-Investigation.1000111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4172/Clinical-Investigation.1000111","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The aim of this study was to establish the 99th percentile value for high sensitivity troponin I in a normal healthy Chinese population and to analyze the differences between different age groups and sex and regions. Methods and Findings: The study included 1,537 cases of normal healthy subjects who were chosen according to a strict inclusion criterion. They were recruited from different regions of China and separated in different age groups. All patients were carefully scanned for any diseases or factors that might influence cardiac troponin levels. The measurement of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin was standardized and tests were repeated several times and all results recorded. We used ARCHITECT-i2000 (Abbott Laboratories, Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA) for measurement of all high sensitivity cardiac troponins. The overall value of the 99th percentile value was 26.42 pg/ml. For the male group 99th percentile value was 29.40 pg/ml and for the female group 99th percentile value was 19.46 pg/ml. The difference in cardiac troponin 99th percentile value for the male and female normal group was statistically significant (P 65 years old had a higher level of high sensitivity cardiac troponin and the difference was statistically significant when compared with other groups. The 99th percentile value corresponded to an imprecision of less than 10%. Conclusions: We established the 99th percentile value for cardiac troponin in the Chinese population and the normal range for males and females and we evaluated the analytical performance of ARCHITECT high sensitivity troponin I assays.","PeriodicalId":10369,"journal":{"name":"Clinical investigation","volume":"34 1","pages":"49-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79902940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：