Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern characterized by a deficiency in insulin production. Considering the systemic toxicity and limited efficacy associated with current antidiabetic medications, there is the utmost need for natural, plant-based alternatives. Herbal medicines have experienced exponential growth in popularity globally in recent years for their natural origins and minimal side effects. Ecuador has a rich cultural history in ethnobotany that plays a crucial role in its people's lives. This study identifies 27 Ecuadorian medicinal plants that are traditionally used for diabetes treatment and are prepared through infusion, decoction, or juice, or are ingested in their raw forms. Among them, 22 plants have demonstrated hypoglycemic or anti-hyperglycemic properties that are rich with bioactive phytochemicals, which was confirmed in several in vitro and in vivo studies. However, Bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri, Costus villosissimus, Juglans neotropica, Pithecellobium excelsum, and Myroxylon peruiferum, which were extensively used in traditional medicine preparation in Ecuador for many decades to treat diabetes, are lacking in pharmacological elucidation. The Ecuadorian medicinal plants used to treat diabetes have been found to have several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids, aldehydes, and terpenoids that are mainly responsible for reducing blood sugar levels and oxidative stress, regulating intestinal function, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, lowering gluconeogenic enzymes, stimulating glucose uptake mechanisms, and playing an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism. However, there is a substantial lack of integrated approaches between the existing ethnomedicinal practices and pharmacological research. Therefore, this review aims to discuss and explore the traditional medicinal plants used in Ecuador for treating DM and their bioactive phytochemicals, which are mainly responsible for their antidiabetic properties. We believe that the use of Ecuadorian herbal medicine in a scientifically sound way can substantially benefit the local economy and industries seeking natural products.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Oligometastatic tumors illustrate a distinct state between localized and systematic disease and might harbor unique biologic features. Moreover, these tumors represent a different clinical entity, with a potential of long-term disease control or even cure, therefore they receive growing attention in the field of urologic oncology. RECENT FINDINGS: Currently, there is no consensus on the definition of oligometastatic prostate cancer, most experts limit it to a maximum of three to five lesions and involvement of no more than two organs, excluding visceral metastases. Quality data on oligometastatic bladder cancer is scarce, however, a consensus of experts defined it as a maximum of three metastatic lesions, either resectable or suitable for stereotactic therapy, without restrictions to the number of organs involved. As for kidney cancer, a maximum number of five metastases, without limitations to the location are defined as oligometastatic, with an important implication of timing of developing metastases since diagnosis of the primary tumor. SUMMARY: Defining oligometastatic state among urological tumors reflecting their distinct biological and clinical behavior is crucial to establish a sound framework for future clinical trials, and to facilitate guideline and policy formulation for improved patient care. Advancements in molecular imaging are expected to transform the field of oligometastatic urologic tumors in the future.
- MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Neoplasm Metastasis * MeSH
- Kidney Neoplasms * pathology therapy MeSH
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms * pathology therapy MeSH
- Prostatic Neoplasms pathology therapy MeSH
- Urologic Neoplasms pathology therapy diagnosis MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Cíl: Hlukový ukazatel Ldvn je používán v hodnocení zdravotních rizik (HRA) pro odhad účinků hluku pomocí vztahů dávka - účinek. Stanovení jeho hodnoty často není možné kvůli nedostupnosti údajů o hluku ve večerní době. Cílem práce je navrhnout metody odhadu hlukového ukazatele Ldvn na základě ukazatele Ldn pro silniční dopravu v podmínkách ČR a stanovit nejistoty vyplývající z tohoto odhadu. Metodika: Bylo analyzováno celkem 217 jednotlivých 24hodinových měření hluku ze silniční dopravy, které byly získány v rámci činnosti Státního zdravotního ústavu a Zdravotního ústavu se sídlem v Ostravě. Medián z vypočtených hodnot rozdílu mezi hlukovými ukazateli Ldvn a Ldn pro jednotlivá měření (koeficient k) slouží k odhadu ukazatele Ldvn podle vzorce: Ldvn ≅ Ldn + k. Výsledky: Byl vypočten koeficient pro celý soubor k = 0,6 a dále dílčí koeficienty k1, k2 a k3 v závislosti na rozdílu ukazatelů LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h. Nejistoty odhadů jsou vyjádřeny pomocí 95% intervalů spolehlivosti. Závěr: Odhad hlukového ukazatele Ldvn pro silniční dopravu doporučujeme provádět přičtením koeficientu k = 0,6 k hodnotám ukazatele Ldn, případně lze použít též koeficienty k1 = 0,5 (pro LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h < 5 dB), nebo k3 = 0,7 (pro LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h ≥ 8 dB). Koeficient k2 (pro LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h mezi 5 a 7,9 dB) je totožný s koeficientem k pro celý soubor. Odhad lze použít pouze po posouzení lokální situace, pokud je očekáván plynulý průběh hladin akustického tlaku během 24 hodin s poklesem denních hodnot směrem k hodnotám nočním a bez výkyvů způsobených lokálními vlivy.
Objective: Noise indicator Lden is used in Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to estimate noise effects using dose-effect relationships. Determination of its value is often impossible due to the unavailability of noise data in the evening. The aim of this paper is to propose estimation methods for noise indicator Lden based on Ldn indicator for road traffic in the conditions of the Czech Republic and to determine the uncertainties of this estimation. Methodology: A total of 217 individual 24-hour road traffic noise measurements were analysed. They were obtained within the framework of the activities of Czech National Institute of Public Health and Public Health Institute Ostrava. The median of calculated values of the difference between noise indicators Lden and Ldn for individual measuring (the coefficient k) is used to estimate indicator Lden according to the formula: Lden ≅ Ldn + k. Results: The coefficient for the whole data set k = 0.6 and subcoefficients k1, k2 and k3 depending on the difference LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h were calculated. The uncertainties of the estimates are expressed by 95% confidence intervals. Conclusion: It is recommended to estimate noise indicator Lden for road traffic by adding coefficient k = 0.6 to the values of indicator Ldn, or alternatively coefficients k1 = 0.5 (for LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h < 5 dB), or k3 = 0.7 (for LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h ≥ 8 dB) can also be used. Coefficient k2 (for LAeq,16h - LAeq,8h between 5 and 7,9 dB) is identical to coefficient k for the whole data set. The estimate can only be used after an evaluation of the local situation if a smooth pattern of sound pressure levels is expected during 24 hours with the decrease of daytime values towards night-time values and without fluctuations due to local impacts.
- MeSH
- Noise, Transportation * prevention & control adverse effects statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Noise prevention & control MeSH
- Risk Assessment methods MeSH
- Health Impact Assessment methods statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Evaluation Studies as Topic MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Review MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease, the local enlargement of the infrarenal aorta, is a serious condition that causes many deaths, especially in men exceeding 65 years of age. Over the past quarter of a century, computational biomechanical models have been developed towards the assessment of AAA risk of rupture, technology that is now on the verge of being integrated within the clinical decision-making process. The modeling of AAA requires a holistic understanding of the clinical problem, in order to set appropriate modeling assumptions and to draw sound conclusions from the simulation results. In this article we summarize and critically discuss the proposed modeling approaches and report the outcome of clinical validation studies for a number of biomechanics-based rupture risk indices. Whilst most of the aspects concerning computational mechanics have already been settled, it is the exploration of the failure properties of the AAA wall and the acquisition of robust input data for simulations that has the greatest potential for the further improvement of this technology.
There is an increasing interest in acoustics for microfluidic applications. This field, commonly known as acoustofluidics involves the interaction of ultrasonic standing waves with fluids and dispersed microparticles. The combination of microfluidics and the so-called acoustic standing waves (ASWs) led to the development of integrated systems for contact-less on-chip cell and particle manipulation where it is possible to move and spatially localize these particles based on the different acoustophysical properties. While it was initially suggested that the acoustic forces could be harmful to the cells and could impact cell viability, proliferation, or function via phenotypic or even genotypic changes, further studies disproved such claims. This review is summarizing some interesting applications of acoustofluidics in the manipulations of biomaterials, such as cells or subcellular vesicles, in works published mainly within the last 5 years.
Cholinergic transmission is essential for survival and reproduction, as it is involved in several physiological responses. In the auditory system, both ascending and descending auditory pathways are modulated by cholinergic transmission, affecting the perception of sounds. The auditory efferent system is a neuronal network comprised of several feedback loops, including corticofugal and brainstem pathways to the cochlear receptor. The auditory efferent system's -final and mandatory synapses that connect the brain with the cochlear receptor- involve medial olivocochlear neurons and outer hair cells. A unique cholinergic transmission mediates these synapses through α9/α10 nicotinic receptors. To study this receptor, it was generated a strain of mice carrying a null mutation of the Chrna9 gene (α9-KO mice), lacking cholinergic transmission between medial olivocochlear neurons and outer hair cells, providing a unique opportunity to study the role of medial olivocochlear cholinergic transmission in auditory and cognitive functions. In this article, we review behavioral and physiological studies carried out to research auditory efferent function in the context of audition, cognition, and hearing impairments. Auditory studies have shown that hearing thresholds in the α9-KO mice are normal, while more complex auditory functions, such as frequency selectivity and sound localization, are altered. The corticofugal pathways have been studied in α9-KO mice using behavioral tasks, evidencing a reduced capacity to suppress auditory distractors during visual selective attention. Finally, we discuss the evolutionary role of the auditory efferent system detecting vocalizations in noise and its role in auditory disorders, such as the prevention of age-related hearing loss.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Reconfiguring the structure and selectivity of existing chemotherapeutics represents an opportunity for developing novel tumor-selective drugs. Here, as a proof-of-concept, the use of high-frequency sound waves is demonstrated to transform the nonselective anthracycline doxorubicin into a tumor selective drug molecule. The transformed drug self-aggregates in water to form ≈200 nm nanodrugs without requiring organic solvents, chemical agents, or surfactants. The nanodrugs preferentially interact with lipid rafts in the mitochondria of cancer cells. The mitochondrial localization of the nanodrugs plays a key role in inducing reactive oxygen species mediated selective death of breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and drug-resistant cell lines. Only marginal cytotoxicity (80-100% cell viability) toward fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes is observed, even after administration of high doses of the nanodrug (25-40 μg mL-1 ). Penetration, cytotoxicity, and selectivity of the nanodrugs in tumor-mimicking tissues are validated by using a 3D coculture of cancer and healthy cells and 3D cell-collagen constructs in a perfusion bioreactor. The nanodrugs exhibit tropism for lung and limited accumulation in the liver and spleen, as suggested by in vivo biodistribution studies. The results highlight the potential of this approach to transform the structure and bioactivity of anticancer drugs and antibiotics bearing sono-active moieties.
- MeSH
- Doxorubicin chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Ovarian Neoplasms * MeSH
- Nanoparticles * chemistry MeSH
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic chemistry MeSH
- Tissue Distribution MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) with chronically relapsing clinical course. Implementation of cytarabine (araC) into induction and salvage regimen became standard of care for majority of MCL patients. In this study, tailored N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based polymer nanotherapeutics containing covalently bound araC (araC co-polymers) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-lymphoma efficacy in vivo using a panel of six patient-derived lymphoma xenografts (PDX) derived from newly diagnosed and relapsed / refractory (R/R) MCL. While free araC led to temporary inhibition of growth of MCL tumors, araC co-polymers induced long-term disappearance of the engrafted lymphomas with no observed toxicity even in the case of PDX models derived from patients, who relapsed after high-dose araC-based treatments. The results provide sound preclinical rationale for the use of HPMA-based araC co-polymers in induction, salvage or palliative therapy of MCL patients.
- MeSH
- Cytarabine pharmacology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local MeSH
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell * drug therapy MeSH
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols MeSH
- Rituximab therapeutic use MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Úvod: Bonebridge je aktivní implantabilní systém pro přímé kostní vedení. Cílem práce je prezentace pilotních výsledků rehabilitace jednostranné hluchoty pomocí tohoto systému. Materiál a metodika: Jsou analyzovány případy tří pacientů s jednostrannou hluchotou, kteří podstoupili v roce 2018 implantaci Bonebridge na Klinice otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brně. Parametry hodnocení: dotazník Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire, experimentální vyšetření prostorového slyšení a test větné srozumitelnosti v hovorovém šumu. Výsledky: Dotazník: v rámci vizuální analogové škály v rozmezí –5 až +5 bodů bylo průměrné hodnocení +2,4 bodu, tedy poslech byl hodnocen jako jednodušší s Bonebridge než bez sluchové pomůcky. Schopnost lokalizace zdroje zvuku byla hodnocena u dvou dotazovaných 0–1 bodem, u jednoho dotazovaného 4 body. Vyšetření prostorového slyšení: bez sluchové pomůcky byla u všech vyšetřovaných schopnost lokalizace zdroje zvuku významně zhoršena. S Bonebridge byla při tolerované odchylce 45° úspěšnost lokalizace zdroje zvuku 75–100 % v rozsahu 0°–360° v horizontální rovině. Test větné srozumitelnosti v hovorovém šumu: největšího zlepšení srozumitelnosti (o 30–100 %) bylo s Bonebridge dosaženo při SNR –5 dB. Závěr: Pomocí Bonebridge není možné u pacientů s jednostrannou hluchotou nahradit binaurální slyšení, jedná se o tzv. pseudobinaurální korekci. Podobně jako jiné implantabilní systémy pro kostní vedení přináší Bonebridge u pacientů s jednostrannou hluchotou benefit v řadě poslechových situací. Pomocí experimentálních audiologických testů byl zjištěn přínos Bonebridge pro rozumění větám v akustickém šumu a zlepšení schopnosti lokalizace zdroje zvuku. Validace výsledků by však vyžadovala větší počet probandů.
Introduction: Bonebridge is a direct bone conduction hearing implantable system. The aim of the work is to present pilot results of rehabilitation of single sided deafness using this system. Material and methods: Analysis of three patients with single-sideded deafness, who underwent BB implantation in 2018 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of St. Anna Hospital in Brno. Evaluation parameters: Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire, experimental examination of directional hearing and hearing in noise test. Results: Questionnaire: Within the visual analog scale in the range of –5 to +5 points, the average rating was + 2.4 points, so listening was rated as easier with Bonebridge than without hearing aids. The ability to locate the sound source was evaluated by 4 and 0–1 points in one and two respondents, respectively. Examination of spatial hearing: without hearing aid, the ability to locate the sound source was significantly impaired in all the examined. With Bonebridge, with a tolerated deviation of 45°, the success rate of sound source localization was 75–100% in the range of 0–360° in the horizontal plane. Hearing in noise test: the greatest improvement in intelligibility (by 30–100%) was achieved with Bonebridge at SNR –5 dB. Conclusion: Bonebridge is not able to restore binaural hearing in patients with single sided deafness, it is a pseudo-binaural correction. Like other implantable bone conduction systems, Bonebridge is benefitial for patients with single sided deafness in a variety of listening situations. Using experimental audiological tests, the contribution of Bonebridge to understanding sentences in acoustic noise and improving the ability to locate the sound source was found. However, validation of the results would require a larger number of probands.
- Keywords
- Bonebridge,
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Hearing Loss, Unilateral * rehabilitation therapy MeSH
- Bone Conduction * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Speech Perception MeSH
- Pilot Projects MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Hearing Aids MeSH
- Speech Reception Threshold Test methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Case Reports MeSH
Nasal cavities are known to introduce antiresonances (dips) in the sound spectrum reducing the acoustic power of the voice. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the vocal tract (VT) of one female subject was created for vowels [a:] and [i:] without and with a detailed model of nasal cavities based on CT (Computer Tomography) images. The 3D FE models were then used for analyzing the resonances, antiresonances and the acoustic pressure response spectra of the VT. The computed results were compared with the measurements of a VT model for the vowel [a:], obtained from the FE model by 3D printing. The nasality affects mainly the lowest formant frequency and decreases its peak level. The results confirm the main effect of nasalization, i.e., that sound pressure level decreases in the frequency region of the formants F1-F2 and emphasizes the frequency region of the formants F3-F5 around the singer's formant cluster. Additionally, many internal local resonances in the nasal and paranasal cavities were found in the 3D FE model. Their effect on the acoustic output was found to be minimal, but accelerometer measurements on the walls of the 3D-printed model suggested they could contribute to structure vibrations.
- MeSH
- Speech Acoustics MeSH
- Phonetics MeSH
- Voice * MeSH
- Voice Quality * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Nasal Cavity diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Computer Simulation MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
