Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Konstanze Plaschke, Thorsten Brenner, Mascha O. Fiedler, Tobias Hoelle, Maik von der Forst, Robert Christian Wolf, Juergen Kopitz, Johannes Gebert, Markus A. Weigand
Summary: This study identified distinct protein expression changes in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) from sepsis-associated delirium (SAD) patients, indicating their potential as biomarkers for SAD pathogenesis. The upregulated proteins included paraoxonase-1 (PON1), thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), and full fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG), while the downregulated proteins comprised immunoglobulin (IgHV3) and complement subcomponent (C1QC). Further research with larger samples and comprehensive data collection is needed to validate these findings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jan Remsik, Jessica A. Wilcox, N. Esther Babady, Tracy A. McMillen, Behroze A. Vachha, Neil A. Halpern, Vikram Dhawan, Marc Rosenblum, Christine A. Iacobuzio-Donahue, Edward K. Avila, Bianca Santomasso, Adrienne Boire
Summary: Cancer patients with neurologic sequelae of COVID-19 have meningeal inflammatory cytokines without viral neuroinvasion, mainly driven by type II interferon and correlated with the degree of neurological dysfunction. The neuroinflammatory process persists weeks after recovery from acute respiratory infection, leading to long-term neurocognitive dysfunction. Anti-inflammatory treatments may play a role in managing neurological complications of COVID-19 infection.
Article
Neurosciences
Jan Tonnesen, Sabina Hrabetova, Federico N. Soria
Summary: The brain extracellular space (ECS) is a complex interstitial reticulum that plays a crucial role in intercellular communication. Diffusion is the primary mechanism for the transportation of neuroactive substances within the ECS. Recent nanoscopic imaging techniques have revealed the dynamic nature of the ECS and its heterogeneous diffusivity across brain regions. The geometry of the ECS and the properties of the interstitial fluid and extracellular matrix determine the diffusivity, which can be regulated independently.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Martin Kaag Rasmussen, Humberto Mestre, Maiken Nedergaard
Summary: The brain has the ability to shift its gears between wakefulness and sleep, with information processing and behavior dominating in wakefulness and homeostatic functions prevailing during sleep. The brain relies on the glymphatic system, a fluid system comprised of the cerebrospinal fluid and perivascular spaces formed by astrocytic vascular endfeet, to clear waste products and maintain homeostasis. This system is especially active during sleep, driven by the cardiac cycle, respiration, and slow vasomotion.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mallahalli. S. Manu, Hirohiko Hohjoh, Takashi Yamamura
Summary: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease characterized by demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and brain, leading to various neurological symptoms. Recent studies suggest that circulating extracellular vesicles may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MS.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Michael T. Bounajem, Frederik Denorme, John L. Rustad, Robert A. Campbell, Ramesh Grandhi
Summary: Non-acute subdural hematomas (NASHs) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly with recurrences. This study found that levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in NASH membranes are correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting VEGF may play a key role in NET-related inflammation in NASH.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Kiyomi, Kensuke Yoshida, Chie Arai, Risa Usuki, Kyosuke Yamazaki, Naoto Hoshino, Akira Kurokawa, Shinobu Imai, Naoto Suzuki, Akira Toyama, Munetoshi Sugiura
Summary: This study investigated the salivary inflammatory mediators associated with oral mucositis (OM) in cancer patients. The findings showed that salivary concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF were significantly increased in the post-treatment group compared to the pre-treatment group, and there were positive correlations between their levels and OM grade. Additionally, oral mucosal dryness was significantly higher in cancer patients compared to healthy volunteers. Therefore, salivary levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF may serve as biomarkers for the occurrence and grade of OM in cancer patients. Monitoring oral mucosal dryness and practicing good oral hygiene before cancer treatment are essential.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madlen Reinicke, Judith Leyh, Silke Zimmermann, Soroth Chey, Ilijana Begcevic Brkovic, Christin Wassermann, Julia Landmann, Dieter Luetjohann, Berend Isermann, Ingo Bechmann, Uta Ceglarek
Summary: Plant sterols (PSs) must be obtained through diet as mammals cannot synthesize them. Obesity induced by a high-fat diet leads to decreased levels of PSs in the blood and brain, which have anti-neuroinflammatory effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Kaitlynn P. Olczak, Kevin J. Otto
Summary: During neural stimulation, it is important to consider the impact of electrical stimulation on biological molecules, especially those with low oxidation potentials like ascorbic acid (AA). Research findings indicate that significant AA oxidation occurs even at stimulation levels typically deemed safe.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Xianjie Cai, Qingyuan He, Wei Wang, Chunlin Li, Hui Wang, Feng Yin, Tong Li, Dongsheng Kong, Yanxing Jia, Hongfeng Li, Junhao Yan, Xunbin Wei, Qiushi Ren, Yajuan Gao, Shuangfeng Yang, Huaiyu Tong, Yun Peng, Hongbin Han
Summary: In this study, a new method was developed to accelerate the drainage of brain interstitial fluid (ISF) in the extracellular space (ECS). The method involved a minimally invasive surgery that implanted a branch of the external carotid artery in the epidural space, resulting in a pulsation effect on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The results showed that the drainage of ISF from the caudate nucleus to the ipsilateral cortex was significantly accelerated, along with increases in the volume fraction of the ECS and molecular diffusion rate. This study provides a new perspective on the treatment of brain diseases through the brain ECS.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Zareba, Jacek Szymanski, Zuzanna Homoncik, Malgorzata Czystowska-Kuzmicz
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant role in lung inflammation by transferring molecular cargo in BALF, influencing the alveolar microenvironment. The information transferred by EVs can induce and propagate lung diseases, especially lung cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Guzman-Beltran, Laura Elena Carreto-Binaghi, Claudia Carranza, Martha Torres, Yolanda Gonzalez, Marcela Munoz-Torrico, Esmeralda Juarez
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a high burden infectious disease worldwide, with inflammation and inadequate antioxidant defense mechanisms believed to contribute to lung damage in TB. This study aimed to evaluate alveolar space-derived metabolites of redox state and inflammation in TB patients and healthy controls using exhaled breath condensate (EBC), finding lower GSH levels and higher levels of inflammatory and oxidant molecules in TB patients' EBC. There was no correlation between EBC and serum, highlighting the importance of measuring local biomarkers for pharmacological and follow-up studies in pulmonary tuberculosis.
Article
Surgery
Luxwell Jokonya, Tariro Lavender Mduluza-Jokonya, Ignatius Esene, Garikai Mwale, Nqobile Sindiswa Thango, Takafira Mduluza, Thajasvarie Naicker
Summary: This study provides epidemiological data on craniopharyngioma in Zimbabwe and examines the biochemical composition of the cystic component in pediatric patients. The incidence of CP in Zimbabwe is similar to global rates. Certain biochemical components were found to be significantly elevated in the cystic fluid.
FRONTIERS IN SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Konstantinos Sfakianoudis, Petroula Tsioulou, Evangelos Maziotis, Sokratis Grigoriadis, Argyro Glava, Nikolaos Nitsos, Polina Giannelou, Evangelos Makrakis, Agni Pantou, Anna Rapani, Michael Koutsilieris, George Mastorakos, Konstantinos Pantos, Mara Simopoulou
Summary: This study investigated follicular fluid from patients with poor and normal ovarian response during natural assisted reproductive technology cycles. Results showed similarities between the two groups in terms of inflammatory, apoptotic, and growth factors, with normal responders having higher levels of G-CSF.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Abdisa Tufa, Tewodros Haile Gebremariam, Tsegahun Manyazewal, Tewodros Getinet, Dominic-Luc Webb, Per M. Hellstrom, Solomon Genet
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate plasma inflammatory mediator concentrations in patients with SARS-CoV-2 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and identify potential biomarkers related to disease severity. The results showed that CRP, SAA, VCAM-1, CXCL10, CCL22, and IL-10 levels may serve as reliable indicators of COVID-19 severity and aid in prognosis and treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
J. N. Jarvis, D. S. Lawrence, D. B. Meya, E. Kagimu, J. Kasibante, E. Mpoza, M. K. Rutakingirwa, K. Ssebambulidde, L. Tugume, J. Rhein, D. R. Boulware, H. C. Mwandumba, M. Moyo, H. Mzinganjira, C. Kanyama, M. C. Hosseinipour, C. Chawinga, G. Meintjes, C. Schutz, K. Comins, A. Singh, C. Muzoora, S. Jjunju, E. Nuwagira, M. Mosepele, T. Leeme, K. Siamisang, C. E. Ndhlovu, A. Hlupeni, C. Mutata, E. van Widenfelt, T. Chen, D. Wang, W. Hope, T. Boyer-Chammard, A. Loyse, S. F. Molloy, N. Youssouf, O. Lortholary, D. G. Lalloo, S. Jaffar, T. S. Harrison
Summary: The study shows that a treatment regimen that includes a single high dose of liposomal amphotericin B combined with flucytosine and fluconazole is noninferior to the current WHO-recommended treatment for HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa, with fewer adverse events.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Charlotte Elisabeth Teunissen, Ursula Rohlwink, Dasja Pajkrt, Petrus J. W. Naude
Summary: Biomarkers in body fluids can be used for diagnosing, prognosing, and monitoring neurological diseases. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers are particularly useful for diagnosing infectious neurological diseases. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and HIV are significant health burdens in Africa and have negative impacts on brain health. Inflammatory molecules and brain injury molecules have potential diagnostic and prognostic value in these diseases. More cost-effective and sensitive technologies are needed to discover biomarkers and improve healthcare for these important problems globally.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
David A. Barr, Charlotte Schutz, Avuyonke Balfour, Muki Shey, Mireille Kamariza, Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Timothy J. de Wet, Ryan Dinkele, Amy Ward, Kathryn A. Haigh, Jean-Paul Kanyik, Valerie Mizrahi, Mark P. Nicol, Robert J. Wilkinson, David G. Lalloo, Digby F. Warner, Graeme Meintjes, Gerry Davies
Summary: This study developed methods to measure the bacillary load of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bloodstream infection (MTBBSI) in HIV-positive patients and investigated its response to anti-TB therapy and its relationship with mortality. The findings suggest that the developed methods can be used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and may facilitate interventional trials in severe HIV-associated tuberculosis.
Article
Microbiology
Noha Abdelgawad, Mvuwo (Phophi) Tshavhungwe, Ursula Rohlwink, Helen McIlleron, Mahmoud T. Abdelwahab, Lubbe Wiesner, Sandra Castel, Chanel Steele, Johannes (Nico) Enslin, Nqobile Sindiswa Thango, Paolo Denti, Anthony Figaji
Summary: This analysis provides insights into the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and its penetration into brain tissue. The study characterizes the distribution of rifampicin in cerebrospinal fluid, lumbar and ventricular fluid, and brain extracellular fluid. It confirms rifampicin's ability to reach the brain tissue and provides valuable information for further research and treatment of TBM.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Claudia A. Smith, Ursula K. Rohlwink, Katya Mauff, Nqobile S. Thango, Thembani S. Hina, Shamiel Salie, Johannes M. N. Enslin, Anthony A. Figaji
Summary: This study aimed to examine the cerebrovascular pressure reactivity index (PRx) in a large cohort of children with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and its association with physiologic variables and outcome. The findings showed that PRx had a strong correlation with poor outcome in sTBI patients and could potentially be useful in clinical care.
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Travis S. CreveCoeur, Nikita G. Alexiades, Christopher M. Bonfield, Douglas L. Brockmeyer, Samuel R. Browd, Jason Chu, Anthony A. Figaji, Mari L. Groves, Todd C. Hankinson, David H. Harter, Steven W. Hwang, Andrew Jea, Steven G. Kernie, Jeffrey R. Leonard, Jonathan E. Martin, Matthew E. Oetgen, Alexander K. Powers, Curtis J. Rozzelle, David L. Skaggs, Jennifer M. Strahle, John C. Wellons, Michael G. Vitale, Richard C. E. Anderson
Summary: The objective of this modified Delphi study was to investigate and establish consensus on the medical management of children with moderate and severe acute spinal cord injury (SCI) during their initial hospitalization. The study was motivated by the lack of consensus in the literature regarding the medical management of pediatric SCI patients. The study involved an international, multidisciplinary group of physicians and resulted in consensus statements in various areas of care. Rating: 8/10.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY-SPINE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Buse Sarigul, Randy S. Bell, Randall Chesnut, Sergio Aguilera, Andras Buki, Giuseppe Citerio, D. Jamie Cooper, Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Michael Diringer, Anthony Figaji, Guoyi Gao, Romergryko G. Geocadin, Jamshid Ghajar, Odette Harris, Alan Hoffer, Peter Hutchinson, Mathew Joseph, Ryan Kitagawa, Geoffrey Manley, Stephan A. Mayer, David K. Menon, Geert Meyfroidt, Daniel B. Michael, Mauro Oddo, David O. Okonkwo, Mayur B. Patel, Claudia Robertson, Jeffrey V. Rosenfeld, Andres M. Rubiano, Juan Sahuquillo, Franco Servadei, Lori Shutter, Deborah D. Stein, Nino Stocchetti, Fabio Silvio Taccone, Shelly D. Timmons, Eve Tsai, Jamie S. Ullman, Paul Vespa, Walter Videtta, David W. Wright, Christopher Zammit, Gregory W. J. Hawryluk
Summary: Best practice guidelines have been developed for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) care, but there is a lack of understanding about goals of care decisions and processes. A survey was conducted among panelists from the Seattle International severe traumatic Brain Injury Consensus Conference (SIBICC), revealing variability in prognostication and goals of care decisions. The panelists suggested the need for consensus on acceptable neurological outcomes and chances of achieving them. The imprecision of prognostication and existing tools hinders standardization of care-limiting decisions.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Berjo Dongmo Takoutsing, Alvaro Yanez Touzet, Jay J. Park, Seong Hoon Lee, Emily R. Bligh, Abdullah Egiz, Conor S. Gillespie, Anthony Figaji
Summary: This study aims to review and compare the management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries. The study will involve a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies. The findings will contribute to improving the management of infant hydrocephalus in LMICs.
Article
Immunology
Muki Shehu Shey, Avuyonke Balfour, Nomawethu Masina, Abulele Bekiswa, Charlotte Schutz, Rene Goliath, Rachel Dielle, Patrick DMC. Katoto, Katalin Andrea Wilkinson, David Lewinsohn, Deborah Anne Lewinsohn, Graeme Meintjes
Summary: In this study, it was found that individuals who showed resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection despite sustained exposure had lower secretion of IFN-gamma, a cytokine traditionally associated with Mtb infection. However, these individuals showed similar secretion levels of other immune response-related cytokines and chemokines, indicating their ability to mount non-IFN-gamma immune responses to Mtb infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Tatiana Barichello, Carlos Henrique Rocha Catalao, Ursula K. Rohlwink, Martijn van der Kuip, Dan Zaharie, Regan S. Solomons, Ronald van Toorn, Marceline Tutu van Furth, Rodrigo Hasbun, Federico Iovino, Vivian Ssonko Namale
Summary: Bacterial meningitis varies globally in terms of incidence, case fatality rates, and etiological agents. Africa has the highest prevalence of bacterial meningitis, particularly in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are the main pathogens in adults and children over one year old, while Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus are common in neonatal meningitis.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Cari Stek, Muki Shey, Khuthala Mnika, Charlotte Schutz, Friedrich Thienemann, Robert J. Wilkinson, Lutgarde Lynen, Graeme Meintjes
Summary: The relationship between the LTA4H genotype and the development of paradoxical tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) and the efficacy of prednisone in preventing TB-IRIS were investigated in a clinical trial. However, no association was found between the LTA4H genotype and the incidence of TB-IRIS or the efficacy of prednisone.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jill Combrinck, Phophi Tshavhungwe, Ursula Rohlwink, Nico Enslin, Nqobile Thango, Jed Lazarus, Katie Kriegler, Sandra Castel, Noha Abdelgawad, Helen Mcilleron, Paolo Denti, Lubbe Wiesner, Anthony Figaji
Summary: This study found significant differences in drug concentrations between spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ventricular CSF in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The concentrations of total protein and rifampicin were higher in spinal CSF than in ventricular CSF.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)