An Observational Study on the Pharmacokinetics of Oseltamivir in Lactating Influenza Patients.

Influenza infection may lead to serious complications in the postpartum period, therefore, oseltamivir treatment in these patients and their breastfed infants is of great importance. However, the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir in postpartum lactating women with acute influenza infection, and the consequent infant exposure to oseltamivir are still unknown, and these data would help in assessing risk and the need for dose adjustment in breastfed infants. Six lactating women with influenza-like symptoms, at a standard dose of 75 mg oral oseltamivir twice daily for 5 days, were recruited in this phase IV clinical study during the 2011/2012 H1N1 pandemic seasons. Breast milk/colostrum and venous blood samples were taken at multiple timepoints, maternal urine samples were obtained from total output within the 12-hour observational period following the seventh dose of oseltamivir. Oseltamivir phosphate (OP) reached a maximum 69.5 ± 29.4 ng/mL concentration in breast milk, higher than that found in the plasma, and showed elimination within ~ 8 hours. Oseltamivir carboxylate (active metabolite of OP) showed a lower, nearly steady-state concentration in breast milk during the observational period (maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) = 38.4 ± 12.9 ng/mL). Based on estimated daily milk consumption of exclusively breastfed infants, their calculated daily exposure is < 0.1% of the infant dose of oseltamivir for treatment of influenza as per marketing authorization. Here, we provide the first maternal breast milk pharmacokinetic data for oral multiple-dose oseltamivir in lactating patients with influenza and showed that its concentration in the breast milk is not sufficient to reach a therapeutic dose for breastfed infants.

Image-based and machine learning-guided multiplexed serology test for SARS-CoV-2.

We present a miniaturized immunofluorescence assay (mini-IFA) for measuring antibody response in patient blood samples. The method utilizes machine learning-guided image analysis and enables simultaneous measurement of immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG responses against different viral antigens in an automated and high-throughput manner. The assay relies on antigens expressed through transfection, enabling use at a low biosafety level and fast adaptation to emerging pathogens. Using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as the model pathogen, we demonstrate that this method allows differentiation between vaccine-induced and infection-induced antibody responses. Additionally, we established a dedicated web page for quantitative visualization of sample-specific results and their distribution, comparing them with controls and other samples. Our results provide a proof of concept for the approach, demonstrating fast and accurate measurement of antibody responses in a research setup with prospects for clinical diagnostics.

Professional Athletes Maintain High TNF-Alpha or IFN-Gamma Related Inflammatory Status after Recovering from COVID-19 Infection without Developing a Neutralizing Antibody Response.

INTRODUCTION: Professional athletes are endangered by COVID-19 and belong to the high-risk population due to their lifestyle. To obtain information on the behavior of COVID-19 in professional athletes, serological, cytokine, and virus neutralization capacities were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hungarian national teams participated in international sports events during the early phases of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. Altogether, 29 professional athletes volunteered to donate plasma. Their serological status was evaluated by IgA, IgM, and IgG ELISAs and the highest virus neutralization titer in an in vitro live tissue assay. Plasma cytokine patterns were analyzed with a Bioplex multiplex ELISA system. RESULTS: Surprisingly, only one athlete (3%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while IgA was more common (31%). Neither plasma showed direct virus neutralization in a titer over 1:10; hence, they were not suitable for reconvalescent treatment. The 'cytokine storm' markers IL-6 and IL-8 were at baseline levels. In contrast, either the TNF-alpha-related cytokines or the IFN-gamma-associated cytokines were elevated. There was a strong negative correlation between the TNF-alpha- or IFN-gamma-related cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Professional athletes are susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 infection without developing long-term immunity through neutralizing immunoglobulins. Elevated secretory and cellular immunity markers indicate that these systems are probably responsible for virus elimination in this subpopulation.

Albumin as a Biomaterial and Therapeutic Agent in Regenerative Medicine.

Albumin is a constitutional plasma protein, with well-known biological functions, e.g., a nutrient for stem cells in culture. However, albumin is underutilized as a biomaterial in regenerative medicine. This review summarizes the advanced therapeutic uses of albumin, focusing on novel compositions that take advantage of the excellent regenerative potential of this protein. Albumin coating can be used for enhancing the biocompatibility of various types of implants, such as bone grafts or sutures. Albumin is mainly known as an anti-attachment protein; however, using it on implantable surfaces is just the opposite: it enhances stem cell adhesion and proliferation. The anticoagulant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of albumin allow fine-tuning of the biological reaction to implantable tissue-engineering constructs. Another potential use is combining albumin with natural or synthetic materials that results in novel composites suitable for cardiac, neural, hard and soft tissue engineering. Recent advances in materials have made it possible to electrospin the globular albumin protein, opening up new possibilities for albumin-based scaffolds for cell therapy. Several described technologies have already entered the clinical phase, making good use of the excellent biological, but also regulatory, manufacturing and clinical features of serum albumin.

Baseline clinical characteristics of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction enrolled in the BUDAPEST-CRT Upgrade trial.

AIMS: The BUDAPEST-CRT Upgrade study is the first prospective, randomized, multicentre clinical trial investigating the outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) upgrade in heart failure (HF) patients with intermittent or permanent right ventricular (RV) pacing with wide paced QRS. This report describes the baseline clinical characteristics of the enrolled patients and compares them to cohorts from previous milestone CRT studies. METHODS AND RESULTS: This international multicentre randomized controlled trial investigates 360 patients having a pacemaker (PM) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device for at least 6 months prior to enrolment, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤35%), HF symptoms (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class II-IVa), wide paced QRS (>150 ms), and ≥20% of RV pacing burden without having a native left bundle branch block. At enrolment, the mean age of the patients was 73 ± 8 years; 89% were male, 97% were in NYHA class II/III functional class, and 56% had atrial fibrillation. Enrolled patients predominantly had conventional PM devices, with a mean RV pacing burden of 86%. Thus, this is a patient cohort with advanced HF, low baseline LVEF (25 ± 7%), high N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels (2231 pg/ml [25th-75th percentile 1254-4309 pg/ml]), and frequent HF hospitalizations during the preceding 12 months (50%). CONCLUSION: When compared with prior CRT trial cohorts, the BUDAPEST-CRT Upgrade study includes older patients with a strong male predominance and a high burden of atrial fibrillation and other comorbidities. Moreover, this cohort represents an advanced HF population with low LVEF, high NT-proBNP, and frequent previous HF events. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02270840.

Ocular paraneoplastic pemphigoid / Szemészeti érintettséggel járó paraneoplasiás pemphigoid

Paraneoplastic mucous membrane pemphigoid, a rare pemphigoid variant is associated with primary malignancy, and characterised by fulminant progression and frequent ineffectivity of classical systemic immunosuppression. In this paper, the clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutical challenges are presented through three cases. Detailed history and analysis of the immunofluorescent samples help the diagnosis. The therapeutic goal is to prevent the progression with systemic immunosuppressive treatment, which can be contraindicated during the ongoing oncological therapy. In absence of consent in the exact diagnostic criteria and management protocol of this rare condition, consultation with other specialists (ophthalmologist, dermatologist, dentist, ear-nose-throat specialist, immunologist) has high importance in early diagnosis and treatment.

Early Transfusion of Convalescent Plasma Improves the Clinical Outcome in Severe SARS-CoV2 Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma harvested from convalescent COVID-19 patients (CCP) has been applied as first-line therapy in the early phase of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic through clinical studies using various protocols. METHODS: We present data from a cohort of 267 hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients who received CCP. No transfusion-related complications were reported, indicating the overall safety of CCP therapy. RESULTS: Patients who eventually died from COVID-19 received CCP significantly later (3.95 versus 5.22 days after hospital admission) and had higher interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels (28.9 pg/ml versus 102.5 pg/ml) than those who survived. In addition, CCP transfusion caused a significant reduction in the overall inflammatory status of the patients regardless of the severity of disease or outcome, as evidenced by decreasing C-reactive protein, IL6 and ferritin levels. CONCLUSION: We conclude that CCP transfusion is a safe and effective supplementary treatment modality for hospitalized COVID-19 patients characterized by better expected outcome if applied as early as possible. We also observed that IL-6 may be a suitable laboratory parameter for patient selection and monitoring of CCP therapy effectiveness.

A Pilot Clinical Study of Hyperacute Serum Treatment in Osteoarthritic Knee Joint: Cytokine Changes and Clinical Effects.

The serum fraction of platelet-rich fibrin (hyperacute serum) has been shown to improve cartilage cell proliferation in in vitro osteoarthritic knee joint models. We hypothesize that hyperacute serum may be a potential regenerative therapeutic for osteoarthritic knees. In this study, the cytokine milieu at the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic knee joints exposed to hyperacute serum intraarticular injections was investigated. Patients with knee osteoarthritis received three injections of autologous hyperacute serum; synovial fluid was harvested before each injection and clinical monitoring was followed-up for 6 months. Forty osteoarthritic-related cytokines, growth factors and structural proteins from synovial fluid were quantified and analysed by Multivariate Factor Analysis. Hyperacute serum provided symptomatic relief regarding pain and joint stability for OA patients. Both patients "with" and "without effusion knees" had improved VAS, KOOS and Lysholm-Tegner scores 6 months after of hyperacute serum treatment. Synovial fluid analysis revealed two main clusters of proteins reacting together as a group, showing strong and significant correlations with their fluctuation patterns after hyperacute serum treatment. In conclusion, hyperacute serum has a positive effect in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritic knees. Moreover, identified protein clusters may allow the prediction of protein expression, reducing the number of investigated proteins in future studies.

Comparison of virus neutralization activity and results of 10 different anti-SARS-CoV-2 serological tests in COVID-19 recovered plasma donors.

Serological testing is a tool to predict protection against later infection. This potential heavily relies on antibody levels showing acceptable agreement with gold standard virus neutralization tests. The aim of our study was to investigate diagnostic value of the available serological tests in terms of predicting virus neutralizing activity of serum samples drawn 5-7 weeks after onset of symptoms from 101 donors with a history of COVID-19. Immune responses against Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), Spike1 and 2 proteins and Nucleocapsid antigens were measured by various ELISA tests. Neutralizing antibody activity in serum samples was assessed by a cell-based virus neutralization test. Spearman correlation coefficients between serological and neutralization results ranged from 0.41 to 0.91 indicating moderate to strong correlation between ELISA test results and virus neutralization. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA tests in the prediction of neutralization were 35-100% and 35-90% respectively. No clear cut off levels can be established that would reliably indicate neutralization activity. For some tests, however, a value below which the sample is not expected to neutralize can be established. Our data suggests that several of the ELISA kits tested may be suitable for epidemiological surveys 1-2 months after the infection, estimating whether a person may have recently exposed to the virus. Sensitivities considerably superseding specificity at the cut-off values proposed by the manufacturers suggest greater potential in the identification of insufficient antibody responses than in confirming protection. Nevertheless, the former might be important in assessing response to vaccination and characterizing therapeutic plasma preparations.

Ocular Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: Current State of Pathophysiology, Diagnostics and Treatment.

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a systemic cicatrizing autoimmune disease that primarily affects orificial mucous membranes, such as the conjunctiva, the nasal cavity, the oropharynx, and the genitalia. Ocular involvement occurs in about 70% of all MMP cases. Ocular MMP (OcMMP) also encompasses the conditions linear immunoglobulin A disease, mucosal dominated epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and anti-laminin 332/anti-epiligrin/anti-laminin 5 pemphigoid. It is a complex clinical entity that may lead to ocular surface failure and result in inflammatory and infectious complications, as well as potentially devastating visual loss. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are of paramount importance and require a high level of expertise as this condition can be extremely challenging to diagnose and treat even for experienced clinicians. In this review we provide an up-to-date insight on the pathophysiology of OcMMP, with an emphasis on the current state of its diagnostics and therapeutics. Our the aim is to increase our understanding of OcMMP and highlight modern diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Bistetrazine-Cyanines as Double-Clicking Fluorogenic Two-Point Binder or Crosslinker Probes.

Fluorogenic probes can be used to minimize the background fluorescence of unreacted and nonspecifically adsorbed reagents. The preceding years have brought substantial developments in the design and synthesis of bioorthogonally applicable fluorogenic systems mainly based on the quenching effects of azide and tetrazine moieties. The modulation power exerted by these bioorthogonal motifs typically becomes less efficient on more conjugated systems; that is, on probes with redshifted emission wavelength. To reach efficient quenching, that is, fluorogenicity, even in the red range of the spectrum, we present the synthesis, fluorogenic, and conjugation characterization of bistetrazine-cyanine probes with emission maxima between 600 and 620 nm. The probes can bind to genetically altered proteins harboring an 11-amino acid peptide tag with two appending cyclooctyne motifs. Moreover, we also demonstrate the use of these bistetrazines as fluorogenic, covalent cross-linkers between monocyclooctynylated proteins.

Adiponectin Receptors Are Less Sensitive to Stress in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Background: Adiponectin and leptin are implicated in the initiation and pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The serum concentrations of these adipokines has been extensively studied in AD, however little is known about their receptors in this disease. Objective: We developed a novel approach to examine whether the receptors of adiponectin (AdipoR1 and -R2) and/or leptin (LepR) can contribute to AD pathomechanism. To achieve this, we investigated the effect of both genetic and environmental factors associated with AD on the expression of these receptors. Method: We used C57BL/6J (WT) and APP(swe)/Presen(e9d)1 (AD) mice. Both strains were exposed to restraint stress (RS) daily for 6h over different time periods. Then, we measured the mRNA expression of AdipoR1, AdipoR2 and LepR and the level of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 proteins in the hippocampal and prefrontal cortical areas of each mouse. Results: We detected brain region specific transcriptomic changes of adiponectin receptors induced by APP and PS1 transgenes. Both acute and chronic RS caused significant elevations in AdipoR1 mRNA expression in the hippocampus of WT mice. In the prefrontal cortex, the mRNA expression of AdipoR1 followed a biphasic course. In AD mice, RS did not promote any changes in the expression of AdipoR1 mRNA and AdipoR1 protein levels. AdipoR2 mRNA in AD animals, however, showed a significant increase in the prefrontal cortex during RS. Regarding AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA and protein expression, relevant changes could be measured during stress exposure in both brain areas. Furthermore, stress exposed groups exhibited little change in LepR mRNA expression. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that carrying the transgenes associated with AD induces modification in the expression of both adiponectin receptors. In the case of a normal genetic background, these receptors also appear to be sensitive to environmental factors, while in a genetically determined AD model less response to stress stimuli could be observed. The results suggest that modification of adipokine receptors could also be considered in the therapeutic approach to AD.

A Double-Clicking Bis-Azide Fluorogenic Dye for Bioorthogonal Self-Labeling Peptide Tags.

Herein, we give the very first example for the development of a fluorogenic molecular probe that combines the two-point binding specificity of biarsenical-based dyes with the robustness of bioorthogonal click-chemistry. This proof-of-principle study reports on the synthesis and fluorogenic characterization of a new, double-quenched, bis-azide fluorogenic probe suitable for bioorthogonal two-point tagging of small peptide tags by double strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The presented probe exhibits remarkable increase in fluorescence intensity when reacted with bis-cyclooctynylated peptide sequences, which could also serve as possible self-labeling small peptide tag motifs.

Cytoskeletal protein translation and expression in the rat brain are stressor-dependent and region-specific.

Stress is an integral component of life that can sometimes cause a critical overload, depending on the qualitative and quantitative natures of the stressors. The involvement of actin, the predominant component of dendritic integrity, is a plausible candidate factor in stress-induced neuronal cytoskeletal changes. The major aim of this study was to compare the effects of three different stress conditions on the transcription and translation of actin-related cytoskeletal genes in the rat brain. Male Wistar rats were exposed to one or other of the frequently used models of physical stress, i.e. electric foot shock stress (EFSS), forced swimming stress (FSS), or psychosocial stress (PSS) for periods of 3, 7, 14, or 21 days. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of ß-actin, cofilin and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK-1) were determined by qRT- PCR and western blotting from hippocampus and frontal cortex samples. Stressor-specific alterations in both ß-actin and cofilin expression levels were seen after stress. These alterations were most pronounced in response to EFSS, and exhibited a U-shaped time course. FSS led to a significant ß-actin mRNA expression elevation in the hippocampus and the frontal cortex after 3 and 7 days, respectively, without any subsequent change. PSS did not cause any change in ß-actin or cofilin mRNA or protein expression in the examined brain regions. EFSS, FSS and PSS had no effect on the expression of MAPK-1 mRNA at any tested time point. These findings indicate a very delicate, stress type-dependent regulation of neuronal cytoskeletal components in the rat hippocampus and frontal cortex.

Different administration schedules of darbepoetin alfa affect oxidized and reduced glutathione levels to a similar extent in 5/6 nephrectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: The development of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) with extended serum half-lives has allowed marked prolongation of the administration intervals. The level of oxidative stress is increased in chronic kidney disease, and is reportedly decreased after long-term ESA treatment. However, the effect of different dosing regimens of ESAs on oxidative stress has not been elucidated. METHODS: Five-sixths nephrectomized (NX) rats received either 0.4 µg/kg darbepoetin alfa (DA) weekly or 0.8 µg/kg DA fortnightly between weeks 4 and 10. NX animals receiving saline and a sham-operated (SHAM) group served as controls. The levels of oxidized and reduced glutathione (GSSG, GSH) were followed from blood samples drawn fortnightly. RESULTS: During the follow-up, the ratios GSSG/GSH showed similar trends in both DA groups, levels being significantly lower than those in the SHAM group at weeks 8 and 10. GSSG levels were lower than the baseline throughout the study in all groups except for NX controls. The GSH levels were increased in all three NX groups (weeks 6-10) compared with both the baseline and the SHAM group CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the extent of oxidative stress is similar in response to different dosing regimens of DA in 5/6 NX rats when comparable hemoglobin levels are maintained. These findings remain to be confirmed in chronic kidney disease patients.

Lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF) and dry eye: a multicentre study.

AIMS: The study was designed to test the clinical application of the grading of lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF) as a diagnostic test for dry eye. METHODS: At 12 centres in 11 countries, 272 eyes of 272 dry eye patients (75 men, 197 women) were examined. Their mean age was 52.7±16.2 years. The LIPCOF were graded according to the method of Höh et al. The tear film break-up time (BUT) was measured, and fluorescein staining and the Schirmer 1 test were performed. The subjective symptoms were evaluated by 16 questions. RESULTS: The LIPCOF score demonstrated significant positive correlations with age, dry eye disease severity and fluorescein staining (r>0.2, p<0.001), and negative correlations with BUT and results of the Schirmer 1 test (r<-0.2, p<0.001). The LIPCOF score exhibited a significant correlation with the overall subjective symptoms (r=0.250, p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of LIPCOF grading for discriminating between normal and dry eyes were best with the cut-off between LIPCOF degrees 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: The displayed medium sensitivity and specificity, and good positive predictive value of the LIPCOF test support the use of LIPCOF grading as a simple, quick and non-invasive dry eye screening tool.

[Acute and chronic stress induced changes in gene transcriptions related to Alzheimer's disease]. / Az akut es krónikus stressz hatása az Alzheimer- kór patomechanizmusában szerepet játszó gének transzkripciójára.

Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that stress may be implicated in the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our study aimed to investigate the effects of acute and chronic immobilization stress (IS) on the gene transcriptions of beta-actin, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and mitogen activated protein kinase-1 (MAPK-1), proteins related to synaptic plasticity and neuronal degeneration. Male Wistar rats were exposed to IS for five hours daily for 3 days (acute stress) or through 7-14-21 days (chronic stress). At the end of exposure periods, total RNA was purified from the cortex and hippocampus. The amounts of beta-actin, APP and MAPK-1 mRNA were determined with real time PCR method. Our results indicate that the mRNA expression of beta-actin and APP followed a U-shaped time-response curve. Both acute and chronic IS caused a significant increase in beta-actin and MAPK-1 mRNA expression. Significant APP mRNA elevation was observed only by the 3rd week after RS. Our findings demonstrate that both acute and chronic IS lead to gene transcriptional changes of beta-actin, APP and MAPK-1. These proteins maintain the normal function of the cytoskeleton and the synaptic plasticity. The above changes may lead to cognitive deterioration, and the development of AD.

Restraint stress in rats alters gene transcription and protein translation in the hippocampus.

Stress is a relatively new and emerging risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Severe stress can alter brain characteristics such as neuronal plasticity, due to changes in the metabolism of cytoskeletal proteins. In this study, male Wistar rats were exposed to restraint stress (RS) for 5 h daily for different time periods. At the end of the exposure periods, the amounts of ß-actin, cofilin, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK-1) RNAs and proteins were investigated. The mRNA expressions of ß-actin, cofilin and MAPK-1 followed U-shaped time course. Acute (3 days) and chronic (21 days) RS caused a fourfold and tenfold increases, respectively, in hippocampal ß-actin mRNA expression. In the case of cofilin mRNA expression, elevations were detected in the hippocampus on days 3, 7 and 21. The APP mRNA level was increased on day 21. On protein level, chronic stress elevated the levels of ß-actin, cofilin and APP in the hippocampus. These results suggest that stress causes the induction of some genes and proteins that are also elevated in AD selectively in the hippocampal region of the rat brain.

Tear film function in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis outside the pollen season.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis can manifest itself through tear film instability and symptoms of eye discomfort during the pollen season. This study investigated whether seasonal allergic inflammation defines tear film instability outside the season. METHODS: Twenty-three control subjects and 13 ragweed-allergic patients were involved (21 female, 15 male; mean age 26.6 ± 5.4 years). Outside the pollen season, subjective ocular symptoms, non-invasive tear film break-up time, lower tear meniscus height and the tear lipid layer's interference pattern grade were recorded. C3a complement activation level was also measured in collected tear samples. RESULTS: Non-invasive tear film break-up time, lower tear meniscus height, C3a complement activation level and the incidence of the different grades of tear lipid pattern did not differ significantly in the two examined groups (p ≥ 0.223). The mean eye symptom score outside the season was greater in the allergic group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.062). The C3a complement activation level showed a significant and inverse correlation with the lipid layer grade (r = -0.343, p = 0.017). Among the participants with thinner tear lipid layers, the complement activation in the tear samples was higher than among those patients with normal tear lipid layers. CONCLUSION: Seasonal allergic inflammation did not cause permanent tear film instability and eye symptoms were not observed outside the pollen season.