A New Augmentation Strategy against Depression Combining SSRIs and the N-terminal Fragment of Galanin (1-15).

Depression is one of the most disabling mental disorders, with the second highest social burden; its prevalence has grown by more than 27% in recent years, affecting 246 million in 2021. Despite the wide range of antidepressants available, more than 50% of patients show treatment-resistant depression. In this review, we summarized the progress in developing a new augmentation strategy based on combining the N-terminal fragment of Galanin (1-15) and SSRI-type antidepressants in animal models.

MYC-rearranged mature B-cell lymphomas in children and young adults are molecularly Burkitt Lymphoma.

Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) include Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and a subset of high-grade tumors with features intermediate between these entities whose genetic and molecular profiles have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we have characterized 37 aggressive B-NHL in CAYA, 33 with high-grade morphology, and 4 DLBCL with MYC rearrangement (MYC-R), using targeted next-generation sequencing and the aggressive lymphoma gene expression germinal center B-cell-like (GCB), activated B-cell-like (ABC), and dark zone signatures (DZsig). Twenty-two tumors had MYC-R without BCL2 breaks, and two MYC-non-R cases had BCL6 translocations. MYC-R cases, including DLBCL, carried BL-related mutations and copy number alterations. Conversely, MYC-non-R lymphomas had alterations in the B-cell receptor signaling/NF-κB pathway (71%). DZsig was expressed in 12/13 of MYC-R tumors but only in 2/10 of MYC-non-R GCB tumors (P < 0.001). The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) of the whole cohort was 79.6%. TP53 and KMT2C mutations conferred inferior outcome (3-year EFS P < 0.05). Overall, MYC-R lymphomas in CAYA have a molecular profile similar to BL regardless of their high-grade or DLBCL morphology, whereas MYC-non-R has more heterogeneous genetic alterations closer to that of DLBCL.

Low Silver/Copper Exchange in a Copper-Phosphate Enzyme Nanoflower Hybrid Extremely Enhanced Antimicrobial Efficacy against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria.

Infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to many drugs are a major threat to public health in many countries around the world. Here we demonstrate the creation of heterogeneous catalytic nanomaterials with outstanding antimicrobial properties against several superbugs. We have shown that replacing a small amount of copper in a generated copper-phosphate-enzyme nanoflower hybrid with silver drastically increases the antimicrobial capacity of the nanomaterial. In this sense, it has been confirmed that the exchange generated silver phosphate nanoparticles on the Cu nanoflowers, with control of the nanoparticle diameter size. The Fenton catalytic activity of the Ag-containing nanobiohybrids was affected, showing better performance with lower amounts of silver in the final hybrid. This effect was confirmed by their antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli, where the Ag4Cu32@CALB hybrid displayed a log reduction of 3.9, an efficiency more than 5000 times higher than that obtained with copper nanoflowers (Cu36@CALB). The hybrid also showed excellent efficacy against other bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium smegmatis with log reductions of 7.6, 4.3, and 1.8, respectively.

A Systematic Evaluation for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Non-institutionalized Elderly Patients with Home Care-based in the Community.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD) increases the risk of hospitalization and the use of health services; however, it is often detected and studied in institutionalized patients with limited attention given to the community. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OD and its associated factors after conducting a program consisting of a systematic assessment of OD for in patients living independently in their dwellings and requiring home-based care. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving a systematic assessment of disabled and elderly patients enrolled in a home-based primary care program at three urban centers (Barcelona, Spain). OD was assessed using the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test. Data on morbidity, incontinence, functional independence, pressure sore risk, brain deficit, social risk, nutritional status, and healthcare utilization were collected. Prevalence was determined, and differences between OD and non-OD patients were analysed using independent tests. Associations between OD and hospital admissions, emergency department visits, emergency home ambulance use, and consultations with family physicians or primary care nurses were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for covariates. We included 1,002 patients with a mean age of 88.75 years old (SD = 8.19), 73.05% of whom were female. The prevalence of OD was 25.95% (95% CI 23.26%-28.78%). OD was associated with past pneumonia episodes (adjusted OR: 5.09, 95% CI: 2.2-11.79), increased frequency of cough and common cold (adjusted OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18), and more family physician consultations (adjusted OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.10). These findings highlight that OD remains an underdiagnosed geriatric syndrome in the community setting. Implementing systematic OD diagnoses assessments, especially among home care-based patients could reduce the incidence of secondary pneumonia, decrease cough episodes, and lower the frequency of clinician consultations.

Calbindin and Girk2/Aldh1a1 define resilient vs vulnerable dopaminergic neurons in a primate Parkinson's disease model.

The differential vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) is a critical and unresolved question in Parkinson´s disease. Studies in mice show diverse susceptibility of subpopulations of nigral dopaminergic neurons to various toxic agents. In the primate midbrain, the molecular phenotypes of dopaminergic neurons and their differential vulnerability are poorly characterized. We performed a detailed histological study to determine the anatomical distribution of different molecular phenotypes within identified midbrain neurons and their selective vulnerability in control and MPTP-treated monkeys. In the ventral tier of the SNc (nigrosome), neurons rich in Aldh1a1 and Girk2 are intermingled, whereas calbindin is the marker that best identifies the most resilient neurons located in the dorsal tier and ventral tegmental area, recapitulating the well-defined dorsoventral axis of susceptibility to degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In particular, a loss of Aldh1a1+ neurons in the ventral SNc was observed in parallel to the progressive development of parkinsonism. Aldh1a1+ neurons were the main population of vulnerable dopaminergic nigrostriatal-projecting neurons, while Aldh1a1- neurons giving rise to nigropallidal projections remained relatively preserved. Moreover, bundles of entwined Aldh1a1+ dendrites with long trajectories extending towards the substantia nigra pars reticulata emerged from clusters of Aldh1a1+ neurons and colocalized with dense cannabinoid receptor 1 afferent fibers likely representing part of the striatonigral projection that is affected in human disorders, including Parkinson´s disease. In conclusion, vulnerable nigrostriatal-projecting neurons can be identified by using Aldh1a1 and Girk2. Further studies are needed to define the afferent/efferent projection patterns of these most vulnerable neurons.

Neurovascular and immune factors of vulnerability of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons in non-human primates.

Dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tier of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) degenerate prominently in Parkinson's disease (PD), while those in the dorsal tier and ventral tegmental area are relatively spared. The factors determining why these neurons are more vulnerable than others are still unrevealed. Neuroinflammation and immune cell infiltration have been demonstrated to be a key feature of neurodegeneration in PD. However, the link between selective dopaminergic neuron vulnerability, glial and immune cell response, and vascularization and their interactions has not been deciphered. We aimed to investigate the contribution of glial cell activation and immune cell infiltration in the selective vulnerability of ventral dopaminergic neurons within the midbrain in a non-human primate model of PD. Structural characteristics of the vasculature within specific regions of the midbrain were also evaluated. Parkinsonian monkeys exhibited significant microglial and astroglial activation in the whole midbrain, but no major sub-regional differences were observed. Remarkably, the ventral substantia nigra was found to be typically more vascularized compared to other regions. This feature might play some role in making this region more susceptible to immune cell infiltration under pathological conditions, as greater infiltration of both T- and B- lymphocytes was observed in parkinsonian monkeys. Higher vascular density within the ventral region of the SNc may be a relevant factor for differential vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. The increased infiltration of T- and B- cells in this region, alongside other molecules or toxins, may also contribute to the susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons in PD.

Emergency department prediction model for 30-day mortality after hip fracture: the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) cohort.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to design and validate a predictive model for 30-day mortality in a cohort of patients from the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) with variables collected at the Emergency Department. METHODS: Retrospective study of a prospective database of hip fracture patients ⩾75 years old between 1 January 2017 and 30 September 2019. Patient characteristics, type of fracture and osteoprotective medication were collected at the Emergency Department. Univariate analysis compared the results between patients alive and deceased 30 days after hospital discharge. The variables associated with 30-day mortality in the regression analysis were age >85 years, male sex, indoors pre-fracture mobility, dementia, ASA score >3, pathological fracture, and vitamin D intake. A score scale was created with these variables. Discriminative performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration was assessed by applying Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and predicted-to-observed mortality was compared. RESULTS: A total of 29,875 hip fracture cases were included in the study. The 30-day mortality of the overall cohort was 7.7%. A scale of 0-9 points was created, with a cut-off point of 4 points for the determination of patients at high risk of mortality. The AUC was 0.886. RNFC score presented good level of calibration (p = 0.139). The predicted-to-observed ratio was 1.09. CONCLUSIONS: The RNFC predictive model with variables collected at the Emergency Department showed an excellent predictive capacity for 30-day mortality in patients after hip fracture.

Female-specific enhancement of eosinophil recruitment and activation in a type 2 innate inflammation model in the lung.

A sex disparity in asthma prevalence and severity exists in humans. Multiple studies have highlighted the role of innate cells in shaping the adaptive immune system in chronic asthma. To explore the sex bias in the eosinophilic response, we delivered IL-33 to the lungs of mice and delineated the kinetics by which the inflammatory response was induced. Our data demonstrate that females recruited more eosinophils capable of responding to IL-33. Eosinophil activation occurred selectively in the lung tissue and was enhanced in females at all time points. This increase was associated with increased ex vivo type 2 cytokine and chemokine production and female-specific expansion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells lacking expression of the killer-cell lectin-like receptor G1. Our findings suggest that the enhanced eosinophilic response in females is due, firstly, to a greater proportion of eosinophils recruited to the lungs in females that can respond to IL-33; and secondly, to an enhanced production of type 2 cytokines in females. Our data provide insight into the mechanisms that guide the female-specific enhancement of eosinophil activation in the mouse and form the basis to characterize these responses in human asthmatics.

Recent Advances on the Design and Applications of Antimicrobial Nanomaterials.

Present worldwide difficulties in healthcare and the environment have motivated the investigation and research of novel materials in an effort to find novel techniques to address the current challenges and requirements. In particular, the use of nanomaterials has demonstrated a significant promise in the fight against bacterial infections and the problem of antibiotic resistance. Metal nanoparticles and carbon-based nanomaterials in particular have been highlighted for their exceptional abilities to inhibit many types of bacteria and pathogens. In order for these materials to be as effective as possible, synthetic techniques are crucial. Therefore, in this review article, we highlight some recent developments in the design and synthesis of various nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, Zn, or Cu), metal hybrid nanomaterials, and the synthesis of multi-metallic hybrid nanostructured materials. Following that, examples of these materials' applications in antimicrobial performance targeted at eradicating multi-drug resistant bacteria, material protection such as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), or additives in construction materials have been described.

Design and Synthesis of Copper Nanobiomaterials with Antimicrobial Properties.

In this work, nanostructured copper materials have been designed, synthetized, and evaluated in order to produce a more efficient and sustainable copper bionanohybrid with catalytical and antimicrobial properties. Thus, conditions are sought where the most critical steps are reduced or minimized, such as the use of reducing agents or the cryogenization step. In addition, the new materials have been characterized through different techniques, and their oxidative and reductive capacities, as well as their antimicrobial activity, have been evaluated. The addition of different quantities of a reducing agent in the synthesis method generated copper bionanohybrids with different metallic species, nanoparticles sizes, and structures. The antimicrobial properties of the bionanohybrids were studied against different strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through two different methods: by counting the CFU and via the disk diffusion test, respectively. The bionanohybrids have demonstrated that different efficiencies depending on the bacterial strain were confronted with. The Cu-PHOS-100% R hybrids with the highest percentage of reduction showed the best antimicrobial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria (>96 or >77% in 4 h, respectively) compared to 31% bacteria reduction using Cu-PHOS-0% R. Also, the antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis materials was obtained with Cu-PHOS-100% R (31 mm inhibition zone and 125 µg/mL minimum inhibitory concentration value). Interestingly, the better antimicrobial activity of the nanobiohybrids against Gram-positive bacteria Mycobacterium smegmatis was obtained with some with a lower reduction step in the synthesis, Cu-PHOS-10% R or Cu-PHOS-20% R (>94% bacterial reduction in 4 h).

Copper(i) as a reducing agent for the synthesis of bimetallic PtCu catalytic nanoparticles.

This work investigates the potential utilization of Cu(i) as a reducing agent for the transformation of the platinum salt K2PtCl4, resulting in the production of stable nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a bimetallic composition, incorporating copper within their final structure. This approach offers a convenient and accessible methodology for the production of bimetallic nanostructures. The catalytic properties of these novel nanomaterials have been explored in various applications, including their use as artificial metalloenzymes and in the degradation of dyes. The findings underscore the significant potential of Cu(i)-mediated reduction in the development of functional nanomaterials with diverse catalytic applications.

Hiding in plain sight: Genome-wide recombination and a dynamic accessory genome drive diversity in Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris.

Understanding the origins of variation in agricultural pathogens is of fundamental interest and practical importance, especially for diseases that threaten food security. Fusarium oxysporum is among the most important of soil-borne pathogens, with a global distribution and an extensive host range. The pathogen is considered to be asexual, with horizontal transfer of chromosomes providing an analog of assortment by meiotic recombination. Here, we challenge those assumptions based on the results of population genomic analyses, describing the pathogen's diversity and inferring its origins and functional consequences in the context of a single, long-standing agricultural system. We identify simultaneously low nucleotide distance among strains, and unexpectedly high levels of genetic and genomic variability. We determine that these features arise from a combination of genome-scale recombination, best explained by widespread sexual reproduction, and presence-absence variation consistent with chromosomal rearrangement. Pangenome analyses document an accessory genome more than twice the size of the core genome, with contrasting evolutionary dynamics. The core genome is stable, with low diversity and high genetic differentiation across geographic space, while the accessory genome is paradoxically more diverse and unstable but with lower genetic differentiation and hallmarks of contemporary gene flow at local scales. We suggest a model in which episodic sexual reproduction generates haplotypes that are selected and then maintained through clone-like dynamics, followed by contemporary genomic rearrangements that reassort the accessory genome among sympatric strains. Taken together, these processes contribute unique genome content, including reassortment of virulence determinants that may explain observed variation in pathogenic potential.

Too Lucky to Be a Victim? An Exploratory Study of Online Harassment and Hate Messages Faced by Social Media Influencers.

Influencers are persistently exposed through social media. Once almost unapproachable, celebrities are now open to daily interaction with the public. From comments, polls, emails, and even private messages, the public can engage with their celebrities with a mere click. While this engagement provides influencers with advantages, it also renders them particularly susceptible to online harassment and toxic critics. This paper investigates the characteristics, impact, and reactions to cyber victimisation among social media influencers. To accomplish this objective, the paper presents the findings of two studies: a self-reported online victimisation survey conducted among Spanish influencers and an online ethnography. The results indicate that over 70% of influencers have encountered some form of online harassment and toxic critics. Cyber victimisation, its effects, and reactions vary across socio-demographic characteristics and the influencers' profiles. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis of the online ethnography reveals that harassed influencers can be classified as non-ideal victims. The implications of these findings for the literature are discussed.

Preparation of Highly Stable and Cost-Efficient Antiviral Materials for Reducing Infections and Avoiding the Transmission of Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.

The current global pandemic due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has demonstrated the necessity to develop novel materials with antimicrobial and antiviral activities to prevent the infection. One significant route for the spread of diseases is by the transmission of the virus through contact with contaminated surfaces. Antiviral surface treatments can help to reduce or even avoid these hazards. In particular, the development of active-virucidal fabrics or paints represents a very important challenge with multiple applications in hospitals, public transports, or schools. Modern, cutting-edge methods for creating antiviral surface coatings use either materials with a metal base or sophisticated synthetic polymers. Even if these methods are effective, they will still face significant obstacles in terms of large-scale applicability. Here, we describe the preparation of fabrics and paints treated with a scaled-up novel nanostructured biohybrid material composed of very small crystalline phosphate copper(II) nanoparticles, synthesized based on a technology that employs the use of a small amount of biological agent for its formation at room temperature in aqueous media. We demonstrate the efficient inactivation of the human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, and non-enveloped human rhinovirus 14 (HRV-14) (>99.9%) using an inexpensive, ecologically friendly coating agent. The reactive oxygen species produced during the oxidation of water or the more intensive reaction with hydrogen peroxide are believed to be the cause of the antiviral mechanism of the nanostructured material. In contrast to the release of a specific antiviral drug, this process does not consume the surface coating and does not need regeneration. A 12-month aging research that revealed no decline in antiviral activity is proof that the coating is durable in ambient circumstances. Also, the coated fabric can be reused after different washing cycles, even at moderate to high temperatures.

Decoding the molecular heterogeneity of pediatric monomorphic post-solid organ transplant lymphoproliferative disorders.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) represent a broad spectrum of lymphoid proliferations, frequently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The molecular profile of pediatric monomorphic PTLDs (mPTLDs) has not been elucidated, and it is unknown whether they display similar genetic features as their counterpart in adult and immunocompetent (IMC) pediatric patients. In this study, we investigated 31 cases of pediatric mPTLD after solid organ transplantation, including 24 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), mostly classified as activated B cell, and 7 cases of Burkitt lymphoma (BL), 93% of which were EBV positive. We performed an integrated molecular approach, including fluorescence in situ hybridization, targeted gene sequencing, and copy number (CN) arrays. Overall, PTLD-BL carried mutations in MYC, ID3, DDX3X, ARID1A, or CCND3 resembling IMC-BL, higher mutational burden than PTLD-DLBCL, and lesser CN alterations than IMC-BL. PTLD-DLBCL showed a very heterogeneous genomic profile with fewer mutations and CN alterations than IMC-DLBCL. Epigenetic modifiers and genes of the Notch pathway were the most recurrently mutated in PTLD-DLBCL (both 28%). Mutations in cell cycle and Notch pathways correlated with a worse outcome. All 7 patients with PTLD-BL were alive after treatment with pediatric B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma protocols, whereas 54% of patients with DLBCL were cured with immunosuppression reduction, rituximab, and/or low-dose chemotherapy. These findings highlight the low complexity of pediatric PTLD-DLBCL, their good response to low-intensity treatment, and the shared pathogenesis between PTLD-BL and EBV-positive IMC-BL. We also suggest new potential parameters that could help in the diagnosis and the design of better therapeutic strategies for these patients.

BBB opening with focused ultrasound in nonhuman primates and Parkinson's disease patients: Targeted AAV vector delivery and PET imaging.

Intracerebral vector delivery in nonhuman primates has been a major challenge. We report successful blood-brain barrier opening and focal delivery of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vectors into brain regions involved in Parkinson's disease using low-intensity focus ultrasound in adult macaque monkeys. Openings were well tolerated with generally no associated abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signals. Neuronal green fluorescent protein expression was observed specifically in regions with confirmed blood-brain barrier opening. Similar blood-brain barrier openings were safely demonstrated in three patients with Parkinson's disease. In these patients and in one monkey, blood-brain barrier opening was followed by 18F-Choline uptake in the putamen and midbrain regions based on positron emission tomography. This indicates focal and cellular binding of molecules that otherwise would not enter the brain parenchyma. The less-invasive nature of this methodology could facilitate focal viral vector delivery for gene therapy and might allow early and repeated interventions to treat neurodegenerative disorders.

Meningitis por Listeria: serie de casos en un hospital de tercer nivel y utilidad de las nuevas técnicas de diagnóstico microbiológico / Listeria meningitis: case series in a tertiary level hospital and the usefulness of new microbiological diagnostic techniques

Introducción: La meningitis por Listeria monocytogenes (MLM) es una entidad grave con complicaciones a corto plazo. La reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) puede ayudar a mejorar su diagnóstico y pronóstico. Objetivos: Conocer las características de los pacientes diagnosticados de meningitis por L. monocytogenes en los últimos años, a través de diferentes métodos microbiológicos. Pacientes y Métodos: Serie de casos de pacientes adultos ingresados con MLM en el Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España, durante doce años (2009-2021). Se describieron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, microbiológicas, radiológicas y terapéuticas. Resultados: Se registraron doce pacientes con MLM (edad media 67,5 años, 75% varones). En ocho se obtuvo un cultivo positivo a L. monocytogenes. La RPC en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) fue positiva en los dos casos en los que se realizó la prueba. El tratamiento dirigido en todos los casos fue ampicilina durante 21 días. Se registraron complicaciones en un cuarto de los casos. Del total de pacientes uno falleció. Conclusiones: La MLM es una enfermedad poco frecuente y de difícil diagnóstico. En nuestra serie de casos los dos pacientes diagnosticados por RPC tuvieron resultado de cultivo de LCR negativo, y presentaron buena evolución. La determinación de RPC podría permitir diagnosticar un mayor número de casos y con mayor precocidad.

Background: Listeria monocytogenes meningitis (LMM) is a serious entity with short-term complications. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can help to improve its diagnosis and prognosis. Aim: To know the characteristics of patients diagnosed with meningitis by L. monocytogenes in recent years, through different microbiological methods. Methods: Case series of adult patients admitted with LMM at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos of Madrid, Spain, during twelve years (2009-2021). Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, radiological and therapeutic variables were described. Results: Twelve patients with LMM were recorded (mean age 67.5 years, 75% male). Eight had a positive culture for L. monocytogenes. cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR was positive in the two cases in which the test was performed. Treatment in all cases was ampicillin for 21 days. Complications were recorded in a quarter of the cases. One patient died. Conclusions: LMM is a rare and difficult to diagnose disease. In our series of cases, the two patients diagnosed by PCR had negative CSF culture results, and presented good evolution. PCR determination could allow a greater number of cases to be diagnosed earlier.

Evaluation of the EUROIMMUN Aspergillus antigen immunoenzyme assay in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples.

INTRODUCTION: The most widely used marker for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the detection of galactomannan by ELISA. This study describes the evaluation of the results obtained by Euroimmun Aspergillus antigen ELISA (EIA-GM-E) in serum samples and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) from patients at risk of IA, and compares these results with those obtained by Bio-Rad Galactomannan EIA (EIA-GM-BR). METHODS: Anonymous retrospective case-control comparative study in 64 serum samples and 28 BAL from 51 patients. RESULTS: Overall agreement of the results of the two assays was observed in 72 of 92 samples (78.3%). The sensitivity of EIA-GM-BR and EIA-GM-E in serum samples was 88.9% and 43.2%, respectively, and 100% and 88.9% for BAL. The specificity of EIA-GM-BR and EIA-GM-E in serum samples was 91.9% for both assays, and 68.4% and 84.2% in BAL. There were no statistically significant differences in the results of both assays. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods show good results for the discrimination of patients with IA when BAL is tested, or serum in case of EIA-GM-BR.

Chronic Treatment with Somatostatin Analogues in Recurrent Type 1 Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GC-1) represent an uncommon subtype of neoplasms. Endoscopic resection has been proposed as the treatment of choice; active surveillance may be performed in those smaller than 1 cm, while gastric surgery may be performed for those with frequent recurrences. The antiproliferative effect of somatostatin analogues (SSA) is well known, and their action on GC-1s has been postulated as a chronic treatment to reduce recurrence. METHODS: A two-centered, retrospective, observational study that included nine patients (55.6% women) diagnosed with GC-1, receiving long-term treatment with SSA, with a median follow-up from baseline of 22 months, was undertaken. Endoscopic follow-up, extension study, and analytical values of chromogranin A (Cg A) and gastrin were collected. RESULTS: In total, 88.9% of patients presented partial or complete response. Treatment with SSA was the only independent factor with a trend to prevent tumor recurrence (Odds Ratio 0.054; p = 0.005). A nonsignificant tendency toward a decrease in CgA and gastrin was observed; lack of significance was probably related to concomitant treatment with proton pump inhibitors in some patients. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic treatment with SSA is a feasible option for recurrent GC-1s that are difficult to manage using endoscopy or gastrectomy. Randomized clinical trials to provide more scientific evidence are still needed.

Graphene-TLL-Cu2ONPs Hybrid as Highly Efficient Catalyst for Degradation of Organic Compounds.

In this work, Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) were created in situ on graphene functionalized with Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (G@TLL) where site-oriented supported TLL acted as template and binder in the presence of copper salt by tailorable synthesis under mild conditions, producing a heterogeneous catalyst. Cu2O NPs were confirmed by XRD and XPS. The TEM microscopy showed that the nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed over the G@TLL surface with sizes of 53 nm and 165 nm. This G@TLL-Cu2O hybrid was successfully used in the degradation of toxic organic compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and Rhodamine B (RhB). In the case of TCE, the hybrid presented a high catalytic capacity, degrading 60 ppm of product in 60 min in aqueous solution and room temperature without the formation of other toxic subproducts. In addition, a TOF value of 7.5 times higher than the unsupported counterpart (TLL-Cu2O) was obtained, demonstrating the improved catalytic efficiency of the system in the solid phase. The hybrid also presented an excellent catalytic performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) obtaining a complete degradation (48 ppm) in 50 min in aqueous solution and room temperature and with the presence of a green oxidant as H2O2.