Exercise and health for active ageing

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Neural Stem Cells Engineered to Express Three Therapeutic Factors Mediate Recovery from Chronic Stage CNS Autoimmunity

© The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a major challenge. Here we genetically engineer neural stem cells (NSCs) to produce a triply therapeutic cocktail comprising IL-10, NT-3, and LINGO-1-Fc, thus simultaneously targeting all mechanisms underlie chronicity of MS in the central nervous system (CNS): persistent inflammation, loss of trophic support for oligodendrocytes and neurons, and accumulation of neuroregeneration inhibitors. After transplantation, NSCs migrated into the CNS inflamed foci and delivered these therapeutic molecules in situ. NSCs transduced with one, two, or none of these molecules had no or limited effect when injected at the chronic stage of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; cocktail-producing NSCs, in contrast, mediated the most effective recovery through inducing M2 macrophages/microglia, reducing astrogliosis, and promoting axonal integrity and endogenous oligodendrocyte/neuron differentiation. These engineered NSCs simultaneously target major mechanisms underlying chronicity of multiple sclerosis (MS) and encephalomyelitis (EAE), thus representing a novel and potentially effective therapy for the chronic stage of MS, for which there is currently no treatment available

Evolving trends in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 waves. The ACIE appy II study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide

Avanços na Unidade de Reabilitação do Hospital Universitário da UFJF

Não se aplic

Role of yeasts in healthy and impaired gut microbiota: the gut mycome

Although several studies have been published on the gut microbiota composition, they are mainly focused on bacteria. Therefore, the world of gut yeasts, the "gut mycome", is still unclear. Over the last years, brand new gut microbiota analysis techniques have been applied to the study of yeasts, with exciting results both in health and in disease. A therapeutic potential for many gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal diseases has been recognized for selected yeast strains, such as Saccharomyces boulardii. This narrative review represents an overview of the new evidences regarding the "gut mycome"

Rifaximin for the treatment of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Rifaximin is a non-absorbable, semisynthetic antibiotic that acts as an inhibitor of bacterial RNA synthesis, with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Due to its poor absorption, rifaximin has an increased exposure to the intestine, thus it is suitable for the treatment of many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathogenesis, gut microbiota impairment may play a major role. The possibility of modulating intestinal bacteria using antibiotics, in particular, rifaximin, has been demonstrated to improve IBS symptoms in non-constipation subtypes of IBS