A comprehensive review of Toxoplasma gondii biology and host-cell interaction: Challenges for a plant-based vaccine

Toxoplasmosisis a worldwide-distributed infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which causes a wide range of clinical syndromesin humans, mammals and birds. T. gondiiis considered a parasite of veterinary and medical importance, because it maycause abortion or congenital disease in its intermediate hosts. Despite theeconomic losses associated with T. gondiiinfection in farm animals and the socio-economic impact caused by this zoonoticdisease in the human population, there is no effective treatment available forhumans or animals able to eliminate the parasite from the host once the chronicinfection has been established. The only commercial vaccine is the S48 strainof attenuated tachyzoites for use in sheep. However, this vaccine causes sideeffects, has a short life time and induces a short-term immunity. So far, noacellular vaccine against toxoplasmosis has been commercialized. In fact, futurechallenges include the development of an effective vaccine to preventtoxoplasmosis. Most parasitologists and vaccinologists agree that futureefforts should be concentrated on developing multi-antigen vaccines and moreefficient delivery systems able to express heterologous proteins abundantly aswell as on searching for immunization schedules and adequate adjuvants toenhance the protective responses. To achieve this, platforms for the productionof acellular vaccines based on the use of plants can have an important role.Fil: Sander, Valeria Analía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); ArgentinaFil: Ángel, Sergio Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); ArgentinaFil: Clemente, Marina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús). Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Raúl Alfonsín" (sede Chascomús); Argentin

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in Italy: third national survey.

BACKGROUND: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasing worldwide, mostly because of improved technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status of CSII in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physicians from 272 diabetes centers received a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology, and management of patients on CSII. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen centers (79.8%) joined the study and, by the end of April 2013, gave information about 10,152 patients treated with CSII: 98.2% with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 81.4% adults, 57% female, and 61% with a conventional pump versus 39% with a sensor-augmented pump. CSII advanced functions were used by 68% of patients, and glucose sensors were used 12 days per month on average. Fifty-eight percent of diabetes centers had more than 20 patients on CSII, but there were differences among centers and among regions. The main indication for CSII was poor glucose control. Dropout was mainly due to pump wearability or nonoptimal glycemic control. Twenty-four hour assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers. A full diabetes team (physician+nurse+dietician+psychologist) was available in 23% of adult-care diabetes centers and in 53% of pediatric diabetes units. CONCLUSIONS: CSII keeps increasing in Italy. More work is needed to ensure uniform treatment strategies throughout the country and to improve pump use

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in Italy: Third National Survey

Background: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasing worldwide, mostly because of improved technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status of CSII in Italy. Materials and Methods: Physicians from 272 diabetes centers received a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology, and management of patients on CSII. Results: Two hundred seventeen centers (79.8%) joined the study and, by the end of April 2013, gave information about 10,152 patients treated with CSII: 98.2% with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 81.4% adults, 57% female, and 61% with a conventional pump versus 39% with a sensor-augmented pump. CSII advanced functions were used by 68% of patients, and glucose sensors were used 12 days per month on average. Fifty-eight percent of diabetes centers had more than 20 patients on CSII, but there were differences among centers and among regions. The main indication for CSII was poor glucose control. Dropout was mainly due to pump wearability or nonoptimal glycemic control. Twenty-four hour assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers. A full diabetes team (physician+nurse+dietician+psychologist) was available in 23% of adult-care diabetes centers and in 53% of pediatric diabetes units. Conclusions: CSII keeps increasing in Italy. More work is needed to ensure uniform treatment strategies throughout the country and to improve pump use