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Biomedical subjects

S Vlachou

Publications and source records attributed to S Vlachou.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Behavioral pharmacological properties of a novel cannabinoid 1',1'-dithiolane delta8-THC analog, AMG-3.

Newly developed cannabinoids may hold the promise of the development of useful and safe drugs. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral effects of the novel 1',1'-dithiolane delta8-HC analogue AMG-3, a cannabinomimetic molecule with high affinity for CB1/CB2 receptors. This analog was chosen for its binding affinity to these receptors, which is higher than that reported for delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta8-THC). Behavioral responses were assessed after the administration of AMG-3 (1, 2, 4, 8 mg/kg, i.p.) in the open field, on the bar test, on the hot plate and in the intracranial self-stimulation procedure. AMG-3 increased the reactivity time on the hot plate in a dose- and time-dependent manner, indicating a long-lasting analgesic effect (at least 24 h). The substance was found dose-dependently to decrease spontaneous motor activity and to induce catalepsy, particularly at the highest dose (8 mg/kg). AMG-3 did not affect the rewarding value of intracranial self-stimulation, except to increase the reward threshold at the highest dose (8 mg/kg). The effects of the highest dose of AMG-3 on spontaneous activity and on the self-stimulation paradigm were completely reversed by pre-treatment with the CB1 receptor antagonist AM-251. These findings indicate that the administration of AMG-3 to rats elicits a specific behavioral profile, most probably associated with the activation of CB1 receptors and without effects indicating abuse potential.

Animals↗

(13)C nuclear magnetic relaxation study of segmental dynamics of the heteropolysaccharide pullulan in dilute solutions.

(13)C spin-lattice relaxation times (T(1)) and nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOE) were measured as a function of temperature and magnetic field strength for the heteropolysaccharide pullulan in two solvents, water and dimethyl sulfoxide. The relaxation data of the endocyclic ring carbons were successfully interpreted in terms of chain segmental motions by using the bimodal time-correlation function of Dejean de la Batie, Laupretre, and Monnerie. On the basis of the calculated correlation times for segmental motion, the flexibilities of the pullulan chain at a repeat-unit level have been studied and compared with the segmental mobility of the homopolysaccharides amylose and dextran in the same solvents. The internal rotation of the free hydroxymethyl groups about the exocyclic C-5 [bond] C-6 bonds superimposed on segmental motion has been described as a diffusion process of restricted amplitude. The rate and amplitude of the internal rotation of the free hydroxymethyl groups were not affected by the local geometry of the pullulan chain.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

Ossifying fibroma of the temporal bone.

A rare case of ossifying fibroma of the temporal bone is presented. Fibro-osseous lesions are benign neoplasms but may show an aggressive behaviour when invading important anatomical structures. The lack of experience in the treatment of those tumours is reflected in the small relative literature. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the few cases already reported.

Adolescent↗

Ectopic thymic cyst in the neck.

Ectopic thymic tissue in the neck is rarely reported in medical literature. This paper presents the case of a young female, who presented with a soft, fluctuating mass in the left side of her neck. Surgical excision revealed an ectopic thymic cyst. Ectopic thymic tissue may be an infrequent finding, but it should be included in the differential diagnosis of neck masses, especially in children. This case report is accompanied by a short review of the relative literature.

Adult↗

Multiple-frequency tympanometry in children with acute otitis media.

Multiple-frequency tympanometry (MFT) is a sweep-frequency method of acoustic immittance measurement, recently introduced in clinical practice. It provides values for the resonant frequency of the middle ear system. The purpose of this study was to use MFT to collect information about the mechanoacoustical changes occurring to the middle ear system after acute otitis media and to compare it with the results of conventional, low probe-tone tympanometry. Children with acute otitis media were followed up with both methods for 1 month after an episode of acute infection. Also, children with normal hearing were studied to establish normative data. Resonant frequency of the middle ear was found to be lower than normal even 1 month past the initial episode, for all types of 226-Hz tympanograms. MFT seemed to record changes in the middle ear after acute otitis media that 226-Hz tympanometry was unable to detect, implying persistence of pathology. More extended research will illuminate the clinical value of this method in the follow-up of acute otitis media.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

Prognostic value of multiple-frequency tympanometry in acute otitis media.

Multiple-frequency tympanometry (MFT) and conventional 226-Hz tympanometry were performed in 86 ears of children affected by acute otitis media (AOM) after therapy. In a 3-month follow-up period, the recurrence rate of AOM and persistence of middle-ear effusion in these children were evaluated in comparison with the early results of the two methods, as well as the relation of MFT findings to the possibility of development of AOM sequelae. It seems that abnormal resonant frequency values and recordings by MFT right after an episode of AOM indicate persistence of changes in the mass and stiffness balance of the middle ear, not demonstrated by conventional tympanometry, that could be responsible for a higher probability of AOM sequelae.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗