Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
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With about 2.2 billion of the world' s population at risk, malaria remains as one of the most infectious disease globally. The failure of existing control strategies necessitates the need for vaccine development. Our efforts have been geared on the development of an effective vaccine using SE36 protein based from the N-terminal domain of Serine Repeat Antigen (SERA5) of Plasmodium falciparum. ⋯ Immunological test using squirrel monkeys provided significant protection after P. falciparum challenge infection. No significant safety issues have been identified in healthy, malaria-unexposed adults in a Phase Ia clinical trial in Japan. Cumulative data confirms that the vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic.
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Since its introduction in the late 1980s, intrathecal baclofen(ITB) therapy has become the standard treatment for severe generalized spasticity of both spinal and cerebral origin. More than 50,000 pumps were implanted in the world. ⋯ For a good results we need to discuss factors involved in selecting the appropriate treatment modalities for the individual. The treatment of these patients is optimized in the setting of a multidisciplinary team.
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Ulinastatin, a trypsin inhibitor, is useful as a first-line or a second-line treatment regimen including alternative therapy for IVIG-resistant or IVIG nonresponder Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Mechanisms involving protections against tissue organs and endthelial cell and anti-inflammatory effects by ulinastatin, are dependent on the inhibition of PMN-derived elastase, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and other proinflammatory cytokines/interleukins(IL-1, IL-6, IL-8). Ulinastatin also suppresses the activation of PMN cells, macrophages, and platelets. ⋯ The indications of clinical use include shock and pancreatitis. Off-label uses of ulinastatin have been reported in hematological, hepatic, renal, OB/Gy diseases and cardiovascular diseases including vasculitis syndromes. The efficacy of ulinastatin in aKD remained to be investigated.
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Bioterrorism is terrorism by intentional release of viruses, bacteria, toxins or other agents to cause illness or death in people. Especially, anthrax, smallpox, plague, botulism, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagic fevers are important illness due to biological agents with a high potential for adverse public health impact. ⋯ Furthermore, difficulties in detection and identification of the bioterrorism agents may result in immense harm. Then we need to take actions for the preparation for unexpected events to keep the damage to a minimum.