Renal function's impact on serum neurofilament levels in patients with multiple sclerosis: an exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: sNfL, a promising biomarker for neuroaxonal damage in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), requires cautious interpretation due to several comorbidity influences. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of renal function on sNfL levels in MS patients. METHODS: This retrospective study stratified patients by MS clinical phenotype, acute inflammatory activity (AIA) status-defined as relapse or gadolinium-enhancing lesions within 90 days of sample collection-renal function, assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and age (< 40 years, 40-60 years, > 60 years). Comparative analysis of sNfL levels across these groups was performed. The sNfL-eGFR relationship was examined using linear and non-linear regression models, with the best fit determined by R2 and the F estimator. RESULTS: Data from 2933 determinations across 800 patients were analyzed. Patients with renal insufficiency (RI) (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and mild renal impairment (MDRF) (eGFR 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2) showed significantly higher sNfL levels compared to those with normal renal function, a pattern also observed in age groups 40 years and older. No significant differences were found between MDRF patients and those with AIA. Among RI patients, no differences in sNfL levels were observed between relapsing-remitting and progressive MS phenotypes. A regression S-Curve model was identified as the best fit, illustrating a marked increase in sNfL levels beginning at an eGFR of approximately 75 mL/min/1.73 m2. DISCUSSION: Caution is advised when interpreting sNfL levels for monitoring MS in patients with impaired renal function.

Feasibility, safety, and tolerability of two modalities of plasma exchange with albumin replacement to treat elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease in the AMBAR study.

BACKGROUND: In the Alzheimer Management by Albumin Replacement (AMBAR) study, mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients were treated with a plasma exchange (PE) program. Feasibility and safety of PE in this specific population are poorly understood and were analyzed in detail in this study. METHODS: Qualified patients were treated with 6 weeks of weekly conventional therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with albumin replacement followed by monthly low-volume plasma exchange (LVPE) for 12 months. The patients were divided into four groups: placebo (sham PE treatment), low-albumin (20 g), low-albumin + intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (10 g), and high-albumin (40 g) + IVIG (20 g). Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and analyzed for all PE treatment groups and PE modalities. RESULTS: PE procedure-related AEs were more common in the active treatment groups (16.9% out of 1283 TPE and 12.5% out of 2203 LVPE were associated with at least one AE, a similar rate than in other PE indications) than in the placebo group (0.7% out of 1223 sham PE). Percentage of procedures with at least one AEs was higher with central venous access compared to peripheral venous access in all three active treatment groups (20.1% vs 13.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The TPE and LVPE procedures used in the AMBAR study on mild-to-moderate AD population were as safe and feasible as in other therapeutic applications of PE or routine plasmapheresis.

Facial Injuries in the National Basketball Association.

BACKGROUND: Sport injuries can negatively impact physical and psychological aspects of athletes. There is a gap in the literature regarding facial trauma present in basketball. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify and describe facial trauma present in the National Basketball Association (NBA). STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This is a retrospective cohort study in which the sample (n = 206) consists of players that missed games due to facial injuries in the NBA, the data were collected from a public access online resource. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The predictor variables were player position (center, point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and power forward), team conference (Eastern/Western), and if played games occurred in playoff season. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: The primary outcome variable was the injury location (upper, middle, and lower facial third), and the secondary outcome was type of injury (soft tissue/bone fracture). COVARIATES: Player's age, height, weight, and body mass index were collected. ANALYSES: χ2 and logistic regression were calculated to determine associations between predictor and outcome variables. Logistic regression was used to determine if variables were predictive for injury. Odds ratio was also computed for significant results. P value less than .05 (95% confidence interval) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 206 players missed games due to facial injuries, and a total of 212 injuries were quantified. The mean age of the injured players was 27.24 ± 4.06 years, mean height (centimeters) was 201 ± 59.31 cm, mean weight (kilograms) was 99.48 ± 12.41 kg, and body mass index was 24.52 ± 1.75 kg/m2. Of the 212 injuries, none of them occurred in the upper facial third, 158 (75%) were in the middle third, and 54 (25%) were in the lower third; 151 of them were fractures (61%) and 61 were soft tissue injuries (29%). Most injuries were concentrated in centers (23%) and power forwards (23%). The most common fracture occurred in the nasal bones (39.2%), and most soft tissue injuries occurred in the eye globes (25%). Almost all injuries occurred during regular season games (97%), and the Eastern conference was slightly predominant (52%). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Significant facial trauma in the NBA has risen in recent years. The player's position, height, and weight were the primary factors associated with facial trauma in the NBA.

High incidence of surgery and initiation of medical therapies after colectomy for ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease unclassified.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite novel medical therapies, colectomy has a role in the management of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU). This study aimed to determine the incidence of unplanned surgery and initiation of immunomodulatory or biologic therapy (IMBT) after colectomy in patients with UC or IBDU, and identify associated factors. METHODS: Data of patients with preoperative diagnosis of UC or IBDU who underwent colectomy and were followed up at a single tertiary centre was retrospectively collected. The primary outcome was the risk of unplanned surgery and initiation of IMBT during follow-up after colectomy. Secondary outcomes were development of Crohn's disease-like (CDL) complications and failure of reconstructive techniques. RESULTS: 68 patients were included. After a median follow-up of 9.9 years, 32.4% of patients underwent unplanned surgery and IMBT was started in 38.2%. Unplanned surgery-free survival was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.8-91.6%) at 1 year, 76% (95% CI 63.2-84.9%) at 5 years and 69.1% (95% CI 55-79.6%) at 10 years. IMBT-free survival was 96.9% (95% CI 88.2-99.2%) at 1 year, 77.6% (95% CI 64.5-86.3%) at 5 years and 63.3% (95% CI 48.8-74.7%) at 10 years. 29.4% of patients met criteria for CDL complications. CDL complications were significantly associated to IMBT (hazard ratio 4.5, 95% CI 2-10.1). CONCLUSION: In a retrospective study, we found a high incidence of unplanned surgery and IMBT therapy initiation after colectomy among patients with UC or IBDU. These results further question the historical concept of surgery as a "definitive" treatment.

Neuroimaging analyses from a randomized, controlled study to evaluate plasma exchange with albumin replacement in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: additional results from the AMBAR study.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to detect structural and functional brain changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) with albumin replacement, as part of the recent AMBAR phase 2b/3 clinical trial. METHODS: Mild-to-moderate AD patients were randomized into four arms: three arms receiving PE with albumin (one with low-dose albumin, and two with low/high doses of albumin alternated with IVIG), and a placebo (sham PE) arm. All arms underwent 6 weeks of weekly conventional PE followed by 12 months of monthly low-volume PE. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric analyses and regional and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) were performed. RESULTS: MRI analyses (n = 198 patients) of selected subcortical structures showed fewer volume changes from baseline to final visit in the high albumin + IVIG treatment group (p < 0.05 in 3 structures vs. 4 to 9 in other groups). The high albumin + IVIG group showed no statistically significant reduction of right hippocampus. SPM 18FDG-PET analyses (n = 213 patients) showed a worsening of metabolic activity in the specific areas affected in AD (posterior cingulate, precuneus, and parieto-temporal regions). The high-albumin + IVIG treatment group showed the greatest metabolic stability over the course of the study, i.e., the smallest percent decline in metabolism (MaskAD), and least progression of defect compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: PE with albumin replacement was associated with fewer deleterious changes in subcortical structures and less metabolic decline compared to the typical of the progression of AD. This effect was more marked in the group treated with high albumin + IVIG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (AMBAR trial registration: EudraCT#: 2011-001,598-25; ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01561053).

Validation of a sustainable internationally monitored cervical cancer screening system using a visual smartphone inspection in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a cervical cancer screening program based on visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol's iodine using a smartphone in a sub-urban area of very low resources in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo). METHODS: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted at Monkole Hospital and it included women between the ages of 25-70 years after announcing a free cervical cancer screening campaign through posters placed in the region of our hospital. Questionnaires collected sociodemographic and behavioral patients characteristics. In the first consultation, we gathered liquid-based cytology samples from every woman. At that time, local health providers performed two combined visual inspection techniques (5% acetic acid and Lugol's iodine) while a photograph was taken with a smartphone. Two international specialists evaluated the results of the smartphone cervicography. When a visual inspection was considered suspicious, patients were offered immediate cryotherapy. Cytological samples were sent to the Pathology Department of the University of Navarra for cytological assessment and human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA genotyping. RESULTS: A total of 480 women participated in the study. The mean age was 44.6 years (range 25-65). Of all the patients, only 18.7% were infected with HPV (75% had high-risk genotypes). The most frequent high-risk genotype found was 16 (12.2%). The majority (88%) of women had normal cytology. After comparing combined visual inspection results with cytology, we found a sensitivity of 66.0%, a specificity of 87.8%, a positive predictive value of 40.7%, and a negative predictive value of 95.3% for any cytological lesion. The negative predictive value for high-grade lesions was 99.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer screening through combined visual inspection, conducted by non-specialized personnel and monitored by experts through smartphones, shows encouraging results, ruling out high-grade cytological lesions in most cases. This combined visual inspection test is a valid and affordable method for screening programs in low-income areas.

Hybrid revascularization of chronic limb-threatening ischemia using popliteal below-knee and tibial trifurcation open endarterectomy distally plus inter-woven nitinol stenting proximally.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is frequently due to multilevel, heavily calcified lesions, and it is often associated with desert foot. Effective revascularization currently presents an additional challenge due to the increasing age, comorbidities, and frailty related to these patients. Pure endovascular treatment often fails to achieve effective and durable revascularization and it is associated with still high amputation rates. We present a novel hybrid approach and discuss its usefulness for limb salvage in complex infrainguinal lesions. METHODS: Two no-option patients for both anatomical and medical-comorbidity reasons, were treated consecutively for CLTI. Both of them had prior failed percutaneous endovascular treatment, and bypass revascularization had been ruled out. We describe the technical details of an aggressive, but still less invasive hybrid approach, consisting of open distal popliteal artery (PA) and tibial trifurcation endarterectomy plus patch angioplasty, associated with proximal endovascular treatment with inter-woven nitinol stent from the superficial femoral artery (SFA) to the endarterectomized area. RESULTS: Technical success and salvage of the affected limb were achieved in both cases, presenting significant postoperative clinical and hemodynamic improvement and allowing early discharge hospital at home. There was no surgical wound infection or other complications. CONCLUSION: This hybrid approach through a single incision is safe and effective in the short term and can be used with excellent results for CLTI in high-risk and /or no-option patients.

Neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, and quality-of-life assessments in Alzheimer's disease patients treated with plasma exchange with albumin replacement from the randomized AMBAR study.

INTRODUCTION: We report the effects of plasma exchange (PE) with albumin replacement on neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients in a phase 2b/3 trial (Alzheimer's Management by Albumin Replacement [AMBAR] study). METHODS: Three hundred forty-seven patients were randomized into placebo (sham-PE) and three PE-treatment arms with low/high doses of albumin, with/without intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Specific test measurements were performed at baseline; month 2 (weekly conventional PE); months 6, 9, and 12 (monthly low-volume PE [LVPE]); and month 14. RESULTS: The PE-treated mild-AD cohort improved their language fluency and processing speed versus placebo at month 14 (effect sizes: >100%; P-values: .03 to .001). The moderate-AD cohort significantly improved short-term verbal memory (effect sizes: 94% to >100%; P-values: .02 to .003). The progression of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of PE-treated was similar to placebo. Mild-AD patients showed improved QoL (P-values: .04 to .008). DISCUSSION: PE-treated AD patients showed improvement in memory, language abilities, processing speed, and QoL-AD. No worsening of their psychoaffective status was observed.

Chronic hyperammonemia induces peripheral inflammation that leads to cognitive impairment in rats: Reversed by anti-TNF-α treatment.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic hyperammonemia induces neuroinflammation which mediates cognitive impairment. How hyperammonemia induces neuroinflammation remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether: chronic hyperammonemia induces peripheral inflammation, and whether this then contributes to neuroinflammation, altered neurotransmission and impaired spatial learning - before assessing whether this neuroinflammation and impairment is reversible following hyperammonemia elimination or treatment of peripheral inflammation with anti-TNF-α. METHODS: Chronic hyperammonemia was induced by feeding rats an ammonia-containing diet. Peripheral inflammation was analyzed by measuring PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10. We tested whether chronic anti-TNF-α treatment improves peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, membrane expression of glutamate receptors in the hippocampus and spatial learning. RESULTS: Hyperammonemic rats show a rapid and reversible induction of peripheral inflammation, with increased pro-inflammatory PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6, followed at around 10 days by reduced anti-inflammatory IL-10. Peripheral anti-TNF-α treatment prevents peripheral inflammation induction and the increase in IL-1b and TNF-α and microglia activation in hippocampus of the rats, which remain hyperammonemic. This is associated with prevention of the altered membrane expression of glutamate receptors and of the impairment of spatial memory assessed in the radial and Morris water mazes. CONCLUSIONS: This report unveils a new mechanism by which chronic hyperammonemia induces neurological alterations: induction of peripheral inflammation. This suggests that reducing peripheral inflammation by safe procedures would improve cognitive function in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. LAY SUMMARY: This article unveils a new mechanism by which chronic hyperammonemia induces cognitive impairment in rats: chronic hyperammonemia per se induces peripheral inflammation, which mediates many of its effects on the brain, including induction of neuroinflammation, which alters neurotransmission, leading to cognitive impairment. It is also shown that reducing peripheral inflammation by treating rats with anti-TNF-α, which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, prevents hyperammonemia-induced neuroinflammation, alterations in neurotransmission and cognitive impairment.

Effects of Albumin Treatment on Systemic and Portal Hemodynamics and Systemic Inflammation in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We investigated the effect of albumin treatment (20% solution) on hypoalbuminemia, cardiocirculatory dysfunction, portal hypertension, and systemic inflammation in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with and without bacterial infections. METHODS: We performed a prospective study to assess the effects of long-term (12 weeks) treatment with low doses (1 g/kg body weight every 2 weeks) and high doses (1.5 g/kg every week) of albumin on serum albumin, plasma renin, cardiocirculatory function, portal pressure, and plasma levels of cytokines, collecting data from 18 patients without bacterial infections (the Pilot-PRECIOSA study). We also assessed the effect of short-term (1 week) treatment with antibiotics alone vs the combination of albumin plus antibiotics (1.5 g/kg on day 1 and 1 g/kg on day 3) on plasma levels of cytokines in biobanked samples from 78 patients with bacterial infections included in a randomized controlled trial (INFECIR-2 study). RESULTS: Circulatory dysfunction and systemic inflammation were extremely unstable in many patients included in the Pilot-PRECIOSA study; these patients had intense and reversible peaks in plasma levels of renin and interleukin 6. Long-term high-dose albumin, but not low-dose albumin, was associated with normalization of serum level of albumin, improved stability of the circulation and left ventricular function, and reduced plasma levels of cytokines (interleukin 6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, and vascular endothelial growth factor) without significant changes in portal pressure. The immune-modulatory effects of albumin observed in the Pilot-PRECIOSA study were confirmed in the INFECIR-2 study. In this study, patients given albumin had significant reductions in plasma levels of cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from 2 trials (Pilot-PRECIOSA study and INFECIR-2 study), we found that albumin treatment reduced systemic inflammation and cardiocirculatory dysfunction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. These effects might be responsible for the beneficial effects of albumin therapy on outcomes of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. ClinicalTrials.gov, Numbers: NCT00968695 and NCT03451292.

Sustained hyperammonemia induces TNF-a IN Purkinje neurons by activating the TNFR1-NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Patients with liver cirrhosis may develop hepatic encephalopathy. Rats with chronic hyperammonemia exhibit neurological alterations mediated by peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. Motor incoordination is due to increased TNF-a levels and activation of its receptor TNFR1 in the cerebellum. The aims were to assess (a) whether peripheral inflammation is responsible for TNF-a induction in hyperammonemic rats, (b) the cell type(s) in which TNF-a is increased, (c) whether this increase is associated with increased nuclear NF-κB and TNFR1 activation, (d) the time course of TNF-a induction, and (e) if TNF-a is induced in the Purkinje neurons of patients who die with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: We analyzed the level of TNF-a mRNA and NF-κB in microglia, astrocytes, and Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of hyperammonemia. We assessed whether preventing peripheral inflammation by administering an anti-TNF-a antibody prevents TNF-a induction. We tested whether TNF-a induction is reversed by R7050, which inhibits the TNFR1-NF-κB pathway, in ex vivo cerebellar slices. RESULTS: Hyperammonemia induced microglial and astrocyte activation at 1 week. This was followed by TNF-a induction in both glial cell types at 2 weeks and in Purkinje neurons at 4 weeks. The level of TNF-a mRNA increased in parallel with the TNF-a protein level, indicating that TNF-a was synthesized in Purkinje cells. This increase was associated with increased NF-κB nuclear translocation. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the increase in TNF-a were reversed by R7050, indicating that they were mediated by the activation of TNFR1. Preventing peripheral inflammation with an anti-TNF-a antibody prevents TNF-a induction. CONCLUSION: Sustained (4 weeks) but not short-term hyperammonemia induces TNF-a in Purkinje neurons in rats. This is mediated by peripheral inflammation. TNF-a is also increased in the Purkinje neurons of patients who die with liver cirrhosis. The results suggest that hyperammonemia induces TNF-a in glial cells and that TNF-a released by glial cells activates TNFR1 in Purkinje neurons, leading to NF-κB nuclear translocation and the induction of TNF-a expression, which may contribute to the neurological alterations observed in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy.

Spacing the Administration Interval of Anti-TNF Agents: A Valid Strategy for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

BACKGROUND: Increasing the interval of administration of anti-TNF agents over the duration specified in the data sheet is not common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of IBD patients treated with this strategy. METHODS: Patients with IBD who were treated with infliximab or adalimumab at intervals > 8 weeks or > 2 weeks, respectively, because of persistent clinical remission, were identified at local databases of the ENEIDA registry (a nationwide registry promoted by the Spanish Working Group in Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis-GETECCU) of two referral centers. Treatment success was considered if patients remained in clinical remission with the same schedule or without biological therapy at the end of follow-up, and if no return to the conventional schedule, dose-escalation, change in biological agent, or a course of systemic corticosteroids or surgery were required. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were included, 60 treated with infliximab and 25 with adalimumab. The spaced schedule was initiated after a median of 25 months on anti-TNF treatment (IQR 14-49). Throughout a median follow-up of 34 months (IQR 21-47), fifty patients (59%) fulfilled the success criteria of the spaced strategy. No differences were found regarding type of IBD or anti-TNF agent. Baseline C-reactive protein levels and disease duration at the time of starting anti-TNF treatment were the only factors associated with treatment success. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TNF administration at longer intervals than those provided in the data sheet may be an efficacious, convenient, and cheaper treatment option, particularly in patients in whom anti-TNF treatment was initiated early.

Venous stasis retinopathy in a ten-year-old boy with ocular hypertension: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Central retinal vein occlusion is a variable disease pattern. Preliminary stages of a complete occlusion of the central vein, wich are subsumed under the term venous stasis retinopathy, may occur as transient blurred vision and with subtle alterations of the fundus. Course and prognosis are benign, visual acuity usually recovers. By now, venous stasis retinopathy in children due to Valsalva maneuver has not been described in literature yet. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an impressive case of venous stasis retinopathy in a 10-year-old boy with ocular hypertension and megalocornea due to increased intraocular pressure provoked by Valsalva maneuver. Main symptom was transient blurred vision in the left eye. The intraocular pressure was 28 mmHg, fundus exam revealed tortuous veins and a flame shaped hemorrhage at 7 o'clock. Total recovery under topical antiglaucomatous therapy could be observed after 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Acute increase in intraocular pressure, provoked by Valsalva maneuver is a risk factor for venous stasis retinopathy. Further general and vascular risk factors should be ruled out by extensive examination. Children with ocular hypertension might be at higher risk for impending vein occlusion as shown in this case.

A randomized, controlled clinical trial of plasma exchange with albumin replacement for Alzheimer's disease: Primary results of the AMBAR Study.

INTRODUCTION: This phase 2b/3 trial examined the effects of plasma exchange (PE) in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Three hundred forty-seven patients (496 screened) were randomized (1:1:1:1) into three PE treatment arms with different doses of albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement (6-week period of weekly conventional PE followed by a 12-month period of monthly low-volume PE), and placebo (sham). RESULTS: PE-treated patients performed significantly better than placebo for the co-primary endpoints: change from baseline of Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL; P = .03; 52% less decline) with a trend for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog; P = .06; 66% less decline) scores at month 14. Moderate-AD patients (baseline Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] 18-21) scored better on ADCS-ADL (P = .002) and ADAS-Cog (P = .05), 61% less decline both. There were no changes in mild-AD patients (MMSE 22-26). PE-treated patients scored better on the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-sb) (P = .002; 71% less decline) and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS-CGIC) (P < .0001; 100% less decline) scales. DISCUSSION: This trial suggests that PE with albumin replacement could slow cognitive and functional decline in AD, although further studies are warranted.

Nosema ceranae in South American Native Stingless Bees and Social Wasp.

Besides the incipient research effort, the role of parasites as drivers of the reduction affecting pollinator populations is mostly unknown. Given the worldwide extension of the beekeeping practice and the diversity of pathogens affecting Apis mellifera populations, honey bee colonies are a certain source of parasite dispersion to other species. Here, we communicate the detection of the microsporidium Nosema ceranae, a relatively new parasite of honey bees, in stingless bees (Meliponini) and the social wasp Polybia scutellaris (Vespidae) samples from Argentina and Brazil by means of duplex PCR. Beyond the geographic location of the nests, N. ceranae was detected in seven from the eight Meliponini species analyzed, while Nosema apis, another common parasite of A. mellifera, was absent in all samples tested. Further research is necessary to determine if the presence of the parasite is also associated with established infection in host tissues. The obtained information enriches the current knowledge about pathologies that can infect or, at least, be vectored by native wild pollinators from South America.

Synergistic cytotoxicity of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor ABT-888 and temozolomide in dual-drug targeted magnetic nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis because of a lack of effective treatment options. The objective of this study was to examine a new strategy for HCC treatment, namely the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitor (ABT-888) together with Temozolomide (TMZ) incorporated onto magnetic nanoparticles. METHODS: Magnetic Fe3 O4 /Fe cores were encapsulated within a silica shell to facilitate the simultaneous incorporation of ABT-888 and TMZ. In vitro tests were performed with HepG2, Hep3B and PLC-PRF-5 liver tumoural cell lines and with WRL-68 liver non-tumoural cells. RESULTS: The magnetic nanocarriers were loaded simultaneously with ABT-888 and TMZ. High stability and extended release were achieved in culture medium. Confocal microscopy images showed that drug-loaded particles were uptaken and accumulated into the cytoplasm of liver tumoural cells, inducing the following effects: G2/M cell cycle arrest (P < 0.05), accumulation of DNA damage (P < 0.05), mitochondrial depolarization (P < 0.01), reduction in BCL-xL, FOS, JUND gene expression (P < 0.05), PARP-1 fragmentation, Caspase-3 activation and apoptotic cell death (P < 0.05). Interestingly, drugs loaded onto nanoparticles exhibited better efficiency than free drugs (cell death triggered by drug delivery nanosystem: 53.5% vs. 34.5% by free drugs, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These magnetic nanocompounds are able to incorporate both drugs simultaneously, enter the tumour cells and release them. ABT-888/TMZ/NPs decrease the transcription of key genes involved in tumour survival and induce apoptotic cell death in a more effective manner than is achieved by free drugs.

Quality of life and mental health status in caregivers of pediatric patients with nephropathic cystinosis.

There are few studies assessing psychological burden and quality of life (QoL) in caregivers of pediatric patients with nephropathic cystinosis, a severe chronic disease. This observational, single-center study aimed to explore the levels of anxiety, depression, care burden, and QoL status in caregivers of patients with nephropathic cystinosis. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) were administered to caregivers of pediatric patients with nephropathic cystinosis. Nine caregivers of pediatric patients with nephropathic cystinosis participated in the study (6 boys and 3 girls; mean age, 12.6 ± 4.2 years). All participating caregivers were the patient's mothers. Of the 9 caregivers, 6 showed anxiety/depression and 4 severe care burden. Overall, SF-36 QoL domains with a worse perception by caregivers were 'general health' and 'health change over time'. Mothers without depression/anxiety and low care burden had better QoL perception (p = 0.02). All caregivers with high care burden showed anxiety/depression. In our study cohort, caregivers of pediatric patients with nephropathic cystinosis showed high levels of anxiety/depression, high care burden, and impaired QoL, highlighting the importance of detecting psycho-social issues to implement strategies that relieve family stress and improve coping strategies.

Effect of plasma exchange with albumin replacement on albumin functionality and organ dysfunction in acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Background & Aims: Effective treatments for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are a major unmet need. This proof-of-concept pilot study was aimed at evaluating the effects of plasma exchange (PE) with albumin 5% (PE-A5%) on albumin functional capacity and organ dysfunction in patients with ACLF. Methods: Ten adult patients were enrolled in a single-center phase II, prospective, open-label, non-controlled study. Six PE-A5% sessions were performed in 10 days followed by a 1-month follow-up visit. Albumin functional capacity and circulatory function were assessed, as were renal, cerebral, and liver function, and systemic inflammation. The main safety variable was the percentage of PE sessions associated with at least one procedure-related adverse event (AE). Results: Patients with ACLF showed lower albumin binding capacity, lower antioxidant capacity, and lower levels of albumin with preserved structure compared to healthy donors (n = 19). From baseline to day 11, PE-A5% treatment increased albumin levels and improved albumin binding capacity to Sudlow site II (15.3±1.6 mg/ml to 18.9±1.7 mg/ml; p = 0.003), fatty acid-binding capacity (8.2±1.4 µM to 3.1±1.5 µM; p = 0.013) and antioxidant capacity (human mercaptalbumin 9.5±1.5 mg/ml to 14.6±1.6 mg/ml; p = 0.001). Native albumin levels were increased throughout day 1-11 PE-A5% sessions (6.5±1.0 mg/ml to 10.2±1.4 mg/ml; p = 0.035). PE-A5% improved systemic hemodynamics (mean arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac index), renal function (creatinine level, blood urea nitrogen), cerebral function (hepatic encephalopathy grade), liver parameters (transaminases, bilirubin) and inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein, leukocyte count). All patients had at least one of the 78 AEs reported, mostly mild (product/procedure-related: 36%). Sixteen serious AEs were reported in eight patients (procedure/product-related: none). Conclusions: PE-A5% was a safe procedure associated with positive effects on albumin functionality, and circulatory, renal, cerebral, and liver function in patients with ACLF. Impact and implications: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical condition characterized by severe systemic inflammation, organ failure, and high mortality. Plasma exchange removes patient's plasma containing pathogenic substances, replacing it with 5% albumin and fresh frozen plasma (PE-A5%). In this study, cirrhotic patients with ACLF were treated with PE-A5%, which was a safe procedure that increased binding and antioxidant capacity of patients' albumin, while improving circulatory, kidney, brain, and liver functions. These beneficial effects could impact survival in ACLF. ClinicalTrialsgov Identifier: NCT01201720. EudraCT number: 2010-021360-15.