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Abstract Aspergillosis represents a spectrum of fungal diseases which are caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Animal models have been developed and used to address immune-based mechanisms of defense against these fungi. Invertebrate models enabled mass screening of virulence attributes of Aspergillus species as well as mechanisms of acquired resistance to antifungal agents. This review represents a concise view of cellular and humoral participants in an immune response to Aspergillus gained mostly from rodent models of aspergillosis. The survey of immune defense mechanisms was given, including the role of innate immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, innate-like lymphocytes) and receptors in antifungal response, the significance of dendritic cells in activation of specific adaptive T cell-mediated immune responses and the regulatory mechanisms of excessive response. Insight into innate immune defense mechanisms gained using non-vertebrate models of infections with Aspergillus sp. was given as well. The contribution of animal models to the current knowledge of immune mechanisms of resistance or susceptibility to these fungi was stressed and the significance of data gained from these models in forming the basis for the design of therapeutic strategies in prevention and/or treatment of aspergillosis was pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective Was to investigate glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) responses to a graded maximal exercise test and recovery period in athletes and sedentary subjects. Subjects and methods Twelve trained man (TG) and twelve untrained men (UTG) performed an incremental maximal treadmill test. Blood samples were taken from all subjects in the morning before, at the end of the test and after 30 minutes of recovery. Insulin, glucose and FFA levels were determined at these points in time. Results Glucose concentration did not differ between TG and UTG at rest. Glucose levels increased steadily during exercise in both groups, but this increase was significant only in UTG at the end of the exercise test (+18.71%; P < 0.05) and after 30 min of recovery (+12.05%; P < 0.05) compared to basal levels. FFA concentrations at rest were significantly higher in TG than UTG ( P < 0.05). FFA concentration initially significantly decreased during exercise in TG (–50.00%; P < 0.05), and increased during recovery period, but stayed significantly lower than rest values (–25.00%; P < 0.05). In UTG, FFA levels insignificantly decreased ( P > 0.05) during exercise and recovery period. Insulin concentration significantly increased during exercise in both groups (+23.89% in TG and +47.64% in UTG, P < 0.05), and stayed significantly higher in recovery period in UTG (+60.82%; P < 0.05). Conclusion The data presented indicate that chronic physical training markedly influences serum FFA profile in trained group. Our findings also indicate that metabolic response to one bout of maximal-intensity exercise test depends on training status of the subjects and that trained subjects (athletes) could have higher substrate flexibility under high energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background the complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)-Sudeck disease is a frequent complication of a distal radius at the typical site fracture (DRF). Aim of the study was to evaluate the conventional physical agents application alone and combined with light therapy for treatment of distal radius at the typical site fracture and to follow-up patients for the CRPS occurrence in a six months period. Material and method Study comprised 52 female patients with DRF, involved after removing of the plaster and divided into two age-matched groups. Besides identical drug therapy, group 1 was treated with cryotherapy, exercises and group 2 with cryotherapy, exercises and the bioptron (polarized, polychromatic, non-coherent low energy radiation) light on the wrist and dorsal side of the hand. Patients were evaluated at 0, 7 and 15 days for pain [Visual Numerical Rating Scale (VAS)], range of the wrist motion-supination and pronation, and the hand fist forming capacity and followed up for 6 months. Results were analysed by computer statistic programme SPSS 20.0. Results Pain was significantly decreased in group 2 at 15th day of therapy. Significant improvement in supination was shown for group 2 on 7th ( P = 0.019) and 15th day of treatment ( P = 0.001). Both groups have shown significant improvement in VAS, supination and pronation on 15th day of therapy, as compared to baseline ( P = 0.000). The complete hand fist forming capacity was achieved in 16 (61.5%) patients in group 1 and 19 (73.1%) in group 2. In a 6 months period of follow-up, CRPS was developed in 4 patients (15.4%) from group 1. Conclusion Bioptron light therapy combined with conventional therapy has shown good pain control, significant degree of pain reduction and improvement of the wrist motion range, with no CRPS development within the 6 months period of follow-up. Further studies would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]