Quantiferon Monitor Testing Sheds Light on Immune System Disparities between Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Individuals.

The aim of this study was to conduct QuantiFERON Monitor (QFM) testing in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which is used to monitor the state of the immune system through the non-specific stimulation of leukocytes followed by determining the level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) released from activated cells. Additionally, we tested the level of selected cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-33, VEGF) from stimulated blood samples to further understand the immune response. This study builds upon a previously published study, utilizing activated serum samples that were initially used for IFN-γ determination. However, our current focus shifts from IFN-γ to exploring other cytokines that could provide further insights into the immune response. A screening was conducted using Luminex technology, which yielded promising results. These results were then further elaborated upon using ELISA to provide a more detailed understanding of the cytokine profiles involved. This study, conducted from August 2019 to June 2023, included 280 participants: 98 RRMS patients treated with fingolimod (fMS), 96 untreated patients with progressive MS (pMS), and 86 healthy controls (HC). Our results include Violin plots showing elevated IL-1α in pMS and fMS. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in the interleukin levels between groups, with IL-1ra and age as key predictors in differentiating HC from pMS and IL-1ra, IL-1α, age, and EDSS in distinguishing pMS from fMS. These findings suggest cytokines' potential as biomarkers in MS progression and treatment response.

The dependence of age on ulnar nerve conductive study parameter adaptation after compressive ulnar neuropathy operations in the elbow.

BACKGROUND: According to some studies, peripheral nerve injury healing is prolonged in elderly patients. Compressive ulnar neuropathy in the elbow (UNE) is the second most common compressive mononeuropathy. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the effect of age on the postoperative ulnar nerve injury repair rate. Our aim was to evaluate age-related differences in the electrophysiological parameters before and approximately 100 days after operations for cubital tunnel syndrome. METHODS: This retrospective study included 103 patients who underwent in situ ulnar nerve decompressions in the elbow. The included patients suffered from paraesthesia and hypoesthesia in their ulnar nerve distribution, hypertrophy, and weakening of the hand muscles, which were innervated by the ulnar nerve. Concurrently, these patients met the EGM diagnostic criteria for UNE. The age dependency on the differences between the preoperative and postoperative parameter values that were measured during the conductive studies was estimated using a regression analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant deceleration of the monitored parameter adaptation, which included segmental conduction velocity in the elbow area and CMAP amplitude during the above-elbow stimulation of the ulnar nerve, was found. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar nerve injury repair in the cubital tunnel area after a UNE operation proceeds significantly slower in elderly patients.

Psychosocial implications and the duality of life outcomes for patients with prostate carcinoma after bilateral orchiectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The study presented focuses on patients' psychosocial status after a prostate cancer diagnosis that underwent a bilateral orchiectomy. METHODS: We evaluated the psychosocial implications of 89 patients with prostate cancer after performing castration and a bilateral orchiectomy. RESULTS: Patients suffered significantly more from sleep disorders during hospitalisation when compared to their time prior to an orchiectomy (p<0.0005). There were some increases in the severity of sleep disorder after discharge (level of evidence p<0.05). However, no additional medications for sleep disorders were required. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the abuse of medication (p<0.001). Ten per cent of the patients were in the care of a psychologist or a psychiatrist before their diagnosis, and 21% asked for the help of a psychologist or a psychiatrist after having a bilateral orchiectomy. The occurrence of mood disorders is also very different than the occurrence of sleep disorders. Mood disorders occurred much less often after orchiectomy and discharge (p>0.085) compared with the period before surgery. Forty per cent of the patients had mood disorders before their operation, while only 37% still had these after discharge. There was a significant decrease in abuse of medication for anxiety. Twenty-four per cent of the patients took medication during hospitalisation, and only 10% continued after orchiectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that patients who were notified about their cancer diagnosis, particularly their health status, exhibited moderate stress and psychological impact.