We report here results of clinical trials on a birth control vaccine, consisting of a heterospecies dimer of the .3 subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) associated noncovalently with the a subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone and coijugated to tetanus and diphtheria toxoids as carriers, that induces antibodies of high avidity (Ka 1010 M-) against hCG. Fertile women exposed to conception over 1224 cycles recorded only one pregnancy at antibody titers of >50 ng/ml (hCG bioneutralization capacity). The antibody response declines with time; fertility was regained when titers fell to <35 ng/ml. This study presents evidence of the feasibility of a vaccine for control of human fertility.A number of contraceptive methods are available; they do not, however, suit all potential users. There is need to develop additional methods, in particular those that are reversible, require only periodic intake, and do not disturb menstrual regularity or bleeding. Vaccines regulating fertility offer promising prospects to meet these specifications. The rationale for these vaccines is to induce the formation of antibodies and/or cell-mediated immunity to intercept selectively a process critical to the success of reproduction. A number of potential antigens are being investigated (1-7). Among these are hormones, which play an important role in the regulation of fertility. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an early signal of conception and is considered essential for establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy. An advantage in choosing hCG as a target for immunocontraception is that its inactivation would not interfere with other physiological processes in the female, such as ovulation and production of sex steroid hormones.Carrier conjugation with tetanus toxoid (TT) was proposed as a strategy to overcome the immunological tolerance of a woman against hCG (8). This initial prototype vaccine (/3hCG-TT adsorbed on alum) had limitations. It induced high antibody titers in only a small percentage of women, and those with low titers were not protected from pregnancy (9). Three changes were made to enhance immunogenicity.(i) An adjuvant, the sodium phthalyl derivative of lipopolysaccharide, was included in the first injection. This nonpyrogenic adjuvant is usable in aqueous phase (10). Its use doubled, on average, anti-hCG titers and increased the frequency of high responders.(ii) The intrinsic immunogenicity of (3hCG was enhanced by associating it noncovalently with the a subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone (LH) to form a heterospecies dimer (HSD), a laboratory-made hormone that attains a conformation which recognizes receptors on target tissues (whereas isolated subunits do not) and generates a steroidogenic response even superior to that by hCG (11). HSD linked to carriers was indeed found to be more immunogenic than ,8hCG in rats and monkeys (12). Moreover, the antibodies had better capacity to neutralize the bioactivity of hCG (11,13 It was important to determine whether the antibodies induced by the HSD-and 8hC...
nCPAP helped reduce respiratory distress significantly compared to standard care.
Introduction:We present our experience of comparison of endoscopic treatment of vesical calculus in bladder stone.Materials and Methods:This study included 67 patients of bladder stone treated in this hospital from between June 2006 to December 2009 who were randomly assigned in three groups—group 1 (transurethral removal using a nephroscope), group 2 (transurethral removal using a cystoscope), and group 3 (percutaneous removal using a nephroscope).Results:Statistical significant difference was observed in operating time—group 1 (32.1+ 8.5 mins), group 2 (69.2 +16.3), and group 3 (46 + 7.3). Statistically significant difference was also observed in the postoperative stay of the patient, which was highest for the group 3 patients. Complete clearance was achieved in all the patients. Group 1 had maximum number of urethral entries as compared to other two groups in consideration.Conclusions:Transurethral stone removal using a nephroscope is safe and efficacious method of stone removal without increasing the morbidity of the patients.
Context:Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), platelet concentrate composed of cytokines and structural glycoproteins trapped within polymerized fibrin meshwork, has the potential to accelerate healing of periodontal tissues. Amnion membrane has also attracted a lot of attention in periodontal regeneration due to the presence of variety of growth factors.Aims:The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the regenerative potential of autologous PRF with and without amnion membrane in the treatment of Grade II furcation defects.Settings and Design:This was a double-masked randomized, split-mouth design study.Materials and Methods:Fifteen patients with thirty mandibular degree II furcation defects were randomly allotted into Group I (PRF and amnion membrane) and Group II (PRF). Clinical parameters such as plaque index and gingival index-at defect site along with probing pocket depth, and relative attachment level and furcation defect depth were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Assessment of radiographic parameters was done at baseline and 6 months postoperatively aided by computer-assisted tomography (Dentascan).Statistical Analysis Used:For intragroup variations, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and for comparison between the two groups/intergroup variations, Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test was performed.Results:All clinical and radiographic parameters showed statistically significant improvement at the sites treated with PRF and amnion membrane compared to those with PRF alone.Conclusions:Within the limitation of this study, there was greater pocket reduction, attachment level gain, and bone fill at sites treated with PRF and amnion membrane as compared to PRF alone.
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