1,721,088 research outputs found
Different types of botulinum toxin in humans
No full textIn humans, botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotype A (BoNT/A) is a useful therapeutic tool, but different BoNT serotypes may be useful when a specific immune resistance related to BoNT/A is proved. BoNT serotype F (BoNT/F) was injected into human muscles but its effects are shorter compared to BoNT/A, whereas BoNT serotype B (BoNT/B) is effective in humans only if injected at very high doses. BoNT serotype C (BoNT/C) has a general profile of action similar to BoNT/A. Nevertheless, a comparison between these different BoNTs in human has not yet been reported. To establish the general profile of these different BoNTs in humans and the spread in near and untreated muscles we conducted an electrophysiological evaluation in 12 healthy volunteers by injecting BoNT/A (BOTOX 15MU), BoNT/B (NeuroBloc 1500MU), BoNT/F (15MU), BoNT/C (15MU) and a saline solution (placebo) in the abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM) in a double-blind manner. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude variation, before and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the injections, was evaluated in the ADM, the fourth dorsal interosseus, the first dorsal interosseus and the abductor pollicis brevis APB. We detected an earlier recovery for BoNT/F when compared to the other BoNTs. No significant differences in the local or distant BoNT spread was observed among the different serotypes. We conclude that in humans, BoNT/B and BoNT/C have a general profile similar to BoNT/A and as such these serotypes could be alternative therapies to BoNT/A. BoNT/F might be useful when only a short duration of neuromuscular blockade is required
The botulinum toxin treatment of lower facial muscles in patients affected by hemifacial spasm
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A quantitative method to analyze the H reflex latencies from vastus medialis muscle: normal values
No full textThe auxin-like activity of humic substances is related to membrane interactions in carrot cell cultures
No full textA detailed characterization of two humic fractions was performed: One with low
relative molecular mass (LMr<3,500 Da) and one with high relative molecular mass (HMr
>3,500 Da). Distinct 1H NMR spectroscopic patterns were observed for the two fractions.
HMr showed an aromatic proton region, an intense and broad region (3.0–5.0 ppm)
attributed to sugar-like and polyether components, and an intense doublet at 1.33 ppm
(identified as protons of the β-CH3 in lactate). In contrast, LMr did not show resonances
due to aromatic protons and was characterized by a broad unresolved region, assigned to
sugar-like components. The 13C NMR spectra showed that the LMr humic fraction was
richer in carboxylic and aliphatic C groups compared to HMr fraction. These substances
were fluorescein-labeled [fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)], and their interaction with
carrot cells in culture was monitored for 10 d, and compared to FITC–indole-3-acetic acid
(IAA) to clarify their mechanisms of biological activity. After different incubation times,
fluorescein staining of carrot cells and decrease of fluorescein concentration in the culture
medium were evaluated. Fluorescent membrane staining was only present in IAA and the
LMr humic fraction treated cell cultures. A consequential decrease of fluorescein
concentration in the culture media was also observed. Pretreatment of carrot cells with
unconjugated IAA or LMr humic fraction markedly reduced fluorescein staining of both
FITC–IAA and FITC–LMr humic fraction. Blocking tests gave indirect evidence ofpossible binding of the LMr humic fraction to IAA cell membrane receptors. These results
indicate that the two humic fractions behave differently. Only LMr humic fraction, like
IAA, interacts with cellular membranes in carrot cell cultures
Pharmacological differences and clinical implications of various botulinum toxin preparations: A critical appraisal
Full text linkThree different type A botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTAs) — onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA and incobotulinumtoxinA) — are currently marketed in Europe to treat several conditions. Differences between BoNTA preparations, which depend on their specific biotypes and manufacturing processes, lead to clinically relevant pharmacotherapeutic dissimilarities. All three available products are separately recognized and reviewed in American Academy of Neurology guidelines. The neurotoxin load/100U is likewise different among the different BoNTAs, with the result that the specific potency of the 150kD BoNTA neurotoxin is calculated as 137 units/ng for onabotulinumtoxinA, 154 units/ng for abobotulinumtoxinA, and 227 units/ng for incobotulinumtoxinA. It is important for clinicians to have all three BoNTAs available in order to choose the most suitable preparation for the specific indication in the single patient. Commercially available BoNTAs must be recognized as different from one another, and therefore as non-interchangeable. The essential experience of the clinician is of the utmost importance in choosing the most appropriate treatment
Current status of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in the study of kidney tumors.
No full textNuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in the study of human renal neoplastic pathologies has two types of applications:
- The first application is aimed at the clinical use of in vivo spectroscopy as it is commonly employed for other organs, such as brain, prostate and breast (diagnosis, treatment and control, prognosis);
- The second one is due to its ability to identify tissue metabolites. This specificity allows the control of molecular changes, i.e. altered metabolic processes, taking place in renal neoplastic tissues. Thus, it makes a contribution, at molecular level, to the knowledge of tumor biochemistry.
From this point of view, MRS is aimed at either clinical or basic research. For these reasons the chapter is organized according to the research advancements both at biochemical and clinical level
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