Development and validation of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire - Positive/Negative (ERQ-PN): Does the target of emotion regulation matter?

The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) assesses emotion regulation strategies, particularly expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal. However, the ERQ does not discern between regulating positive vs. negative emotions. Recent research suggests that suppression and reappraisal can impact mental health differently when targeting positive vs negative emotions. We developed and validated the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire - Positive/Negative (ERQ-PN), designed to measure positive and negative forms of suppression and reappraisal strategies. We recruited 963 participants (female = 478) through Prolific.com and administered the ERQ-PN. Participants had an average age of 45 years and were predominantly White (74%) and heterosexual (84%). Structural validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analyses. Model fit was estimated using the comparative fit index and the root-mean-square error of approximation. We also used the Bayesian information criterion to compare the fit of different models. Overall, participants used reappraisal more often to decrease negative emotions (vs. increasing positive) and leaned toward using suppression more for negative (vs. positive) emotions. These analyses revealed that the four-factor model (Model 2) delineating four latent variables (positive reappraisal, negative reappraisal, positive suppression, and negative suppression) had a good fit (RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0. 97, TLI = 0.96, χ 2(98) = 531.28, p < 0.001). An incremental validity assessment revealed that positive and negative reappraisal correlated similarly with related mental health constructs. By contrast, suppression of negative vs. positive emotions was differentially associated to the validators tested. The ERQ-PN represents a valid measure of emotion regulation that accounts for both positive and negative emotions.

Computing tools for effective field theories: SMEFT-Tools 2022 Workshop Report, 14-16th September 2022, Zürich.

In recent years, theoretical and phenomenological studies with effective field theories have become a trending and prolific line of research in the field of high-energy physics. In order to discuss present and future prospects concerning automated tools in this field, the SMEFT-Tools 2022 workshop was held at the University of Zurich from 14th-16th September 2022. The current document collects and summarizes the content of this workshop.

Red blood cell flickering activity locally controlled by holographic optical tweezers.

Red blood cells possess a singular mechanobiology, enabling efficient navigation through capillaries smaller than their own size. Their plasma membrane exhibits non-equilibrium shape fluctuation, often reported as enhanced flickering activity. Such active membrane motion is propelled by motor proteins that mediate interactions between the spectrin skeleton and the lipid bilayer. However, modulating the flickering in living red blood cells without permanently altering their mechanical properties represents a significant challenge. In this study, we developed holographic optical tweezers to generate a force field distributed along the equatorial membrane contour of individual red blood cells. In free-standing red blood cells, we observed heterogeneous flickering activity, attributed to localized membrane kickers. By employing holographic optical forces, these active kickers can be selectively halted under minimal invasion. Our findings shed light on the dynamics of membrane flickering and established a manipulation tool that could open new avenues for investigating mechanotransduction processes in living cells.

Spermidine Synthase Localization in Retinal Layers: Early Age Changes.

Polyamine (PA) spermidine (SPD) plays a crucial role in aging. Since SPD accumulates in glial cells, particularly in Müller retinal cells (MCs), the expression of the SPD-synthesizing enzyme spermidine synthase (SpdS) in Müller glia and age-dependent SpdS activity are not known. We used immunocytochemistry, Western blot (WB), and image analysis on rat retinae at postnatal days 3, 21, and 120. The anti-glutamine synthetase (GS) antibody was used to identify glial cells. In the neonatal retina (postnatal day 3 (P3)), SpdS was expressed in almost all progenitor cells in the neuroblast. However, by day 21 (P21), the SpdS label was pronouncedly expressed in multiple neurons, while GS labels were observed only in radial Müller glial cells. During early cell adulthood, at postnatal day 120 (P120), SpdS was observed solely in ganglion cells and a few other neurons. Western blot and semi-quantitative analyses of SpdS labeling showed a dramatic decrease in SpdS at P21 and P120 compared to P3. In conclusion, the redistribution of SpdS with aging indicates that SPD is first synthesized in all progenitor cells and then later in neurons, but not in glia. However, MCs take up and accumulate SPD, regardless of the age-associated decrease in SPD synthesis in neurons.

Isolation of the Antifungal Compound Alliodorin from the Heartwood of Cordia elaeagnoides A. DC. and the In Silico Analysis of the Laccase.

Cordia elaeagnoides A. DC. is an endemic species of Mexico valued for its timber. Renowned for its durability, resistance, and versatile applications in medicine, this tree holds significant commercial importance. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) extract from the heartwood of C. elaeagnoides was studied. Through chromatographic column purification, the compound 8-(2,5-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal, also known as alliodorin, was successfully isolated. Identification of alliodorin was confirmed through comprehensive analysis utilizing NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry techniques. Inhibition tests were conducted using both the THF extract and alliodorin against the rotting fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd, employing the agar well diffusion assay. Remarkably, alliodorin exhibited 100% inhibition with a median lethal concentration of 0.079 mg/mL and a total lethal concentration of 0.127 mg/mL, in comparison to the commercial fungicide benomyl, which requires a concentration of 1 mg/mL. In silico analysis through molecular docking on the laccase enzyme was proposed in order to explain the inhibitory activity against the fungus T. versicolor, as this enzyme is one of the main sources of nutrients and development for the fungus. Based on these findings, we deduced that alliodorin holds promise as a potent antifungal agent, potentially applicable in a wide array of technological and environmentally friendly initiatives.

Influence of a changing wave climate on the quality and morphometry of the stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes (Gmelin, 1789), along the coasts of NW Iberia.

Wave climate is shifting over the last decades along the Atlantic coasts of Europe ultimately driven by large-scale patterns of atmospheric variability forced by anthropogenic global warming. Changes in wave height and surf zone orbital currents are hypothesized to drive marked shifts in the shape of intertidal organisms such as the stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes, whose quality and market price are known to decrease non linearly with the peduncle length: width ratio S. This study evaluates wave trends in NW Iberian Peninsula, using the Spanish Port System 2006-2020 SIMAR wave hindcast. On the other hand, trends in stalked barnacle morphology and quality are estimated from 26 sites at the management regions of Baiona and A Guarda between 2011 and 2020. Results show evidence of temporal changes in barnacle quality and, especially, morphometry caused by simultaneous shifts in winter wave induced orbital currents. Because of the non linear relationship between S and the high quality threshold, large increases in S are usually translated to small reductions in quality. However, we identified a tipping point around S = 2.4 that if surpassed can lead to great drops in barnacle quality. In addition, changes in wave forcing will have different effects at each extraction site, as trends in wave climate are decoupled from barnacle morphometry at steeper sites sheltered from the predominant wave direction. In conclusion, this knowledge could be applied to develop site specific barnacle harvesting strategies based on annual wave climate forecasts. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-024-09838-2.

Sexual dimorphism of Dyschiriini (Coleoptera, Carabidae): Comparative morphological SEM study of palpi sensilla and its possible role in intraspecific chemical communication.

Sexual dimorphism in Dyschiriini (Coleoptera, Carabidae) consists of the presence of an autapomorphic sensory area in apical palpomeres of males, here named as Male Palpi Sensory Area (MPSA). In this work, microstructure of palpi, with focus on MPSA, is characterized and formally described using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Interspecific variability among 13 species and three subgenera of Dyschirius Bonelli, 1810 and one species of Reicheiodes Ganglbauer, 1891 is assessed. Palpi of studied Dyschiriini presented up to 4 sensilla classes (coeloconica, basiconica, digitiformia, trichodea) in both sexes, while males had one more class (sensilla placodea) found grouped in MPSA. Measurements of sensilla and MPSA are provided. Differences among taxa corresponded to development grade of MPSA and its number of sensilla placodea. The MPSA of Dyschirius (Dyschirius) thoracicus Rossi, 1790 were clearly different to the rest of the studied subgenera and species of Dyschirius and Reicheiodes, whose MPSA were similar and had slight intraspecific variability. We suggest that function of MPSA is likely detection of female pheromones, which would evidence chemical communication between sexes. We hypothesize that evolution of MPSA could be related to burrowing habits of Dyschiriini and its possible sexual behavior in soil tunnels. Study of MPSA may help to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among members of the tribe.

Synergistic neuroprotective action of prolactin and 17ß-estradiol on kainic acid-induced hippocampal injury and long-term memory deficit in ovariectomized rats.

PURPOSE: The neuroprotective actions of the ovarian hormone 17ß-estradiol (E2) against different brain lesions have been constantly confirmed in a variety of models including kainic acid (KA) lesions. Similarly, the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL), traditionally associated with lactogenesis, has recently been linked to a large diversity of functions, including neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and cognitive processes. While the mechanisms of actions of E2 as regards its neuroprotective and behavioral effects have been extensively explored, the molecular mechanisms of PRL related to these roles remain under investigation. The current study aimed to investigate whether the simultaneous administration of PRL and a low dose of E2 prevents the KA-induced cognitive deficit and if this action is associated with changes in hippocampal neuronal density. METHODS: Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated with saline, PRL, and/or E2 in the presence or absence of KA. Neuroprotection was assessed by Nissl staining and neuron counting. Memory was evaluated with the novel object recognition test (NOR). RESULTS: On their own, both PRL and E2 prevented short- and long-term memory deficits in lesioned animals and exerted neuroprotection against KA-induced excitotoxicity in the hippocampus. Interestingly, the combined hormonal treatment was superior to either of the treatments administered alone as regards improving both memory and neuronal survival. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results point to a synergic effect of E2 and PRL in the hippocampus to produce their behavioral, proliferative, and neuroprotective effects.

Tuberculosis among children visiting friends & relatives.

BACKGROUND: Most paediatric tuberculosis (TB) cases in low-TB-incidence countries involve children born to migrant families. This may be partially explained by trips to their countries of origin for visiting friends and relatives (VFR). We aimed to estimate the risk of latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB in children VFR. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicentric observational study in Catalonia (Spain) from 06/2017 to 12/2019. We enrolled children aged < 15 years with a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) at baseline and at least one parent from a high-TB-incidence country, and who had travelled to their parent's birth country for ≥21 days. TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) were performed within 8-12 weeks post-return. LTBI was defined as a TST ≥5 mm and/or a positive QFT-Plus. RESULTS: Five hundred children completed the study, equivalent to 78.2 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). Thirteen children (2.6%) were diagnosed with LTBI (16.6/per100 PYFU,95%CI = 8.8-28.5), including two cases (0.4%) of TB (2.5/per100 PYFU, 95%CI = 0.3-9.3). LTBI incidence rates remained high after excluding BCG-vaccinated children (9.7/per100 PYFU,95%CI = 3.9-20.0). Household tobacco smoke exposure was associated with LTBI (aOR = 3.9, 95%CI = 1.1-13.3). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of LTBI in children VFR in high-TB-incidence countries may equal, or perhaps even exceed, the infection risk of the native population. The primary associated risk factor was the presence of smokers in the household. Furthermore, the incidence rate of active TB largely surpassed that of the countries visited. Children VFR in high-TB-incidence countries should be targeted for diagnostic and preventive interventions.

Image-Guided Transrectal Drainage of Pelvic Abscesses in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our technique and share our experience with image-guided transrectal drainage (TRD) of pelvic abscesses in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review and analysis of indications for image-guided TRD and examination of procedural outcomes in pediatric patients with pelvic abscesses over 8 years. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients (33 males and 36 females) with symptomatic pelvic abscesses underwent image-guided TRD. The median age and weight of the patients were 11.5 years (range, 3-18) and 46.8 kg (range, 15.1-118.0), respectively. The etiologies of the pelvic abscesses were perforated appendicitis (72.5%) and post-operative collections (27.5%). All patients presented with abdominal pain. Fever, emesis, and diarrhea were also common symptoms. The size of the pelvic abscesses ranged from 24.0 to 937.1 mL (median, 132.7). Technical success was achieved in 68 of 69 TRD procedures (98.6%). Clinical improvement was observed in all patients with technically successful TRD. The TRD catheter dwell time ranged from 0 to 10 days (median, 4.0). Most patients who underwent TRD for perforated appendicitis subsequently underwent elective appendectomy after the resolution of the pelvic abscess (84.0%). The median time from TRD to elective appendectomy was 2.8 months (range, 0.3-6.1). There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Image-guided TRD is a safe and effective procedure with high technical and clinical success rates for the treatment of pelvic abscesses in children.

Implementation of esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection in Spain: Results from the nationwide registry. / Implementación de la disección endoscópica submucosa esofágica en España: resultados del registro nacional.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the esophagus have not been assessed in our country. Our primary aim was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of the technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the prospectively maintained national registry of ESD. We included all superficial esophageal lesions removed by ESD in 17 hospitals (20 endoscopists) between January 2016 and December 2021. Subepithelial lesions were excluded. The primary outcome was curative resection. We conducted a survival analysis and used logistic regression analysis to assess predictors of non-curative resection. RESULTS: A total of 102 ESD were performed on 96 patients. The technical success rate was 100% and the percentage of en-bloc resection was 98%. The percentage of R0 and curative resection was 77.5% (n=79; 95%CI: 68%-84%) and 63.7% (n=65; 95%CI: 54%-72%), respectively. The most frequent histology was Barrett-related neoplasia (n=55 [53.9%]). The main reason for non-curative resection was deep submucosal invasion (n=25). The centers with a lower volume of ESD obtained worse results in terms of curative resection. The rate of perforation, delayed bleeding and post-procedural stenosis were 5%, 5% and 15.7%, respectively. No patient died or required surgery due to an adverse effect. After a median follow-up of 14months, 20patients (20.8%) underwent surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy, and 9 patients died (mortality 9.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, esophageal ESD is curative in approximately two out of three patients, with an acceptable risk of adverse events.

In situ formation of CuxO/ZnO photocatalysts for efficient simultaneous oxidation of As (III) and adsorption of As (V): Effect of Cu loading.

The introduction of Cu ions onto ZnO leads to alterations in the electrical, optical, and magnetic characteristics of ZnO. These transformations, in turn, result in heightened photocatalytic activity and enhanced stability when employed in the degradation of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Here, a novel photocatalytic-adsorbent system is developed using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures modified with Cu (II) ions in an aqueous solution containing 40 mg/L of As (III). The system utilizes UV-A light (365 nm) as the irradiation source, and the weight percentage of Cu (II) in the composite varies from 0 to 20%. The experimental results reveal significant adsorption of As (III), ranging from 20 to 50%, depending on the solution's Cu (II) content. Remarkably, the ZnO10%Cu composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving 40% adsorption and complete oxidation of As (III) within 25 min of irradiation. Characterization of the composite after the photocatalytic treatment reveals the effective adsorption of As (V) within its structure. Furthermore, no traces of Cu (II) ions are detected in the solution after the reaction, indicating their successful adsorption onto the ZnO surface as Cu (I) and Cu (II) ions. This research marks a significant advancement in harnessing innovative materials for efficient arsenic removal, offering promising insights into the development of novel photocatalytic-adsorbent systems.

Successful pandemic management through computer science: a case study of a financial corporation with workers on premises.

Background: In November 2019, an infectious agent that caused a severe acute respiratory illness was first detected in China. Its rapid spread resulted in a global lockdown with negative economic impacts. In this regard, we expose the solutions proposed by a multinational financial institution that maintained their workers on premises, so this methodology can be applied to possible future health crisis. Objectives: To ensure a secure workplace for the personnel on premises employing biomedical prevention measures and computational tools. Methods: Professionals were subjected to recurrent COVID-19 diagnostic tests during the pandemic. The sanitary team implemented an individual following to all personnel and introduced the information in databases. The data collected were used for clustering algorithms, decision trees, and networking diagrams to predict outbreaks in the workplace. Individualized control panels assisted the decision-making process to increase, maintain, or relax restrictive measures. Results: 55,789 diagnostic tests were performed. A positive correlation was observed between the cumulative incidence reported by Madrid's Ministry of Health and the headcount. No correlation was observed for occupational infections, representing 1.9% of the total positives. An overall 1.7% of the cases continued testing positive for COVID-19 after 14 days of quarantine. Conclusion: Based on a combined approach of medical and computational science tools, we propose a management model that can be extended to other industries that can be applied to possible future health crises. This work shows that this model resulted in a safe workplace with a low probability of infection among workers during the pandemic.

Electronic Medication Reconciliation Tools Aimed at Healthcare Professionals to Support Medication Reconciliation: a Systematic Review.

The development of health information technology available and accessible to professionals is increasing in the last few years. However, a low number of electronic health tools included some kind of information about medication reconciliation. To identify all the electronic medication reconciliation tools aimed at healthcare professionals and summarize their main features, availability, and clinical impact on patient safety. A systematic review of studies that included a description of an electronic medication reconciliation tool (web-based or mobile app) aimed at healthcare professionals was conducted. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: registration number CRD42022366662, and followed PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed using four healthcare databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus with no language or publication date restrictions. We identified a total of 1227 articles, of which only 12 met the inclusion criteria.Through these articles,12 electronic tools were detected. Viewing and comparing different medication lists and grouping medications into multiple categories were some of the more recurring features of the tools. With respect to the clinical impact on patient safety, a reduction in adverse drug events or medication discrepancies was detected in up to four tools, but no significant differences in emergency room visits or hospital readmissions were found. 12 e-MedRec tools aimed at health professionals have been developed to date but none was designed as a mobile app. The main features that healthcare professionals requested to be included in e-MedRec tools were interoperability, "user-friendly" information, and integration with the ordering process.

Resultados maternos y fetales en mujeres embarazadas con enfermedad renal crónica basada en la tasa de filtración glomerular / Maternal And Fetal Outcomes In Pregnant Women With Chronic Kidney Disease Based On Glomerular Filtration Rate

Introducción: el embarazo causa adaptaciones en el riñón, tanto en anatomía como en función, para mantener el entorno extracelular, hemodinámico y hormonal. Sin embargo, estos pueden no llevarse a cabo de manera completamente óptima en presencia de enfermedad renal. El objetivo era estudiar la relación entre la enfermedad renal y los resultados maternos de fetal durante el embarazo, asociado con un rechazo por paciente y/o en relación con el tratamiento especializado. Material y métodos: estudio observacional y retrospectivo en una serie de casos, revisando 134 archivos de pacientes embarazadas con cierto grado de enfermedad renal antes del embarazo. Los resultados maternos registrados fueron: enfermedad hipertensiva durante el embarazo, deterioro renal agudo, necesidad de terapia de sustitución renal y en productos: prematuridad, restricción del crecimiento intrauterino, muerte fetal y aborto espontáneo. Resultados: Resultados maternos: tasa media de filtración glomerular (GFR) de 58.23 ml/min, aumento de peso de 7 kg; La preeclampsia fue diagnosticada en 92 mujeres (55 severas). 46 pacientes mostraron lesión renal aguda, 40 se resolvieron conservativamente; 1 requirió diálisis peritoneal y 15 hemodiálisis (con una decisión retrasada un promedio de un mes por rechazo por paciente y/o pariente). La resolución del embarazo fue por cesárea en 111 pacientes; Nacieron 116 productos antes de las 37 semanas de gestación, con un peso promedio de 1910 g, 94 mostraron restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. Conclusión: la enfermedad renal influyó directamente en el mayor número de resultados adversos maternos y fetales cuando se rechazó la atención médica especializada. Existe una correlación entre el ligero estado de Davison con los estados I, II y IIIA de Kdigo en el análisis de correspondencia

Introduction: Pregnancy causes adaptations in the kidney, both in anatomy and function, to maintain the extracellular, hemodynamic and hormonal environment. However, these may not be carried out completely optimally in the presence of kidney disease. The objective was to study the relation between kidney disease and maternal-fetal outcomes during pregnancy, associated with a rejection by patient and/or relative to specialized treatment. Material and Methods: Observational, retrospective study in a series of cases, reviewing 134 files of pregnant patients with some degree of kidney disease prior to pregnancy. Maternal outcomes recorded were: hypertensive disease during pregnancy, acute renal deterioration, need for renal substitution therapy, and in products: prematurity, restriction of intrauterine growth, fetal death and miscarriage. Results: Maternal outcomes: mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 58.23ml/min, weight gain of 7 kg; preeclampsia was diagnosed in 92 women (55 severe). 46 patients showed acute renal lesion, 40 were conservatively resolved; 1 required peritoneal dialysis and 15 hemodialysis (with decision delayed an average of one month by rejection by patient and/or relative). Resolution of pregnancy was by cesarean in 111 patients; 116 products were born before 37 weeks of gestation, with average weight of 1910 g, 94 showed restriction of intrauterine growth. Conclusion: Kidney disease directly influenced the greater number of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes when specialized medical care was rejected. There is a correlation between slight Davison state with states I, II and IIIa of KDIGO in correspondence analysis.

Advances of Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising technology in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), specifically in the implementation of diagnosis and treatment strategies. Nanotechnology-based approaches, such as nanoparticle-based contrast agents and nanoscale imaging techniques, have shown great potential for enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of HCC detection. These approaches provide high-resolution imaging and allow for the detection of molecular markers and alterations in cellular morphology associated with HCC. In terms of treatment, nanotechnology has revolutionized HCC therapy by enabling targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing off-target effects. Nanoparticle-based drug carriers can be functionalized with ligands specific to HCC cells, allowing for selective accumulation of therapeutic agents at the tumor site. Furthermore, nanotechnology can facilitate combination therapy by co-encapsulating multiple drugs within a single nanoparticle, allowing for synergistic effects and overcoming drug resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in nanotechnology-based approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Further research is needed to optimize the design and functionality of nanoparticles, improve their biocompatibility and stability, and evaluate their long-term safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, the integration of nanotechnology in HCC management holds great promise and may lead to improved patient outcomes in the future.

Low switched memory B cells are associated with no humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine boosters in kidney transplant recipients.

Introduction: The humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and boosters in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is heterogeneous and depends on immunosuppression status. There is no validated immune measurement associated with serological response in clinical practice. Multicolor flow cytometric immunophenotyping could be useful for measuring immune response. This study aimed to study B- and T-cell compartments through Standardized EuroFlow PID Orientation after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and their association with IgG SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity status after two doses or boosters. Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective study to evaluate humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in KTRs. Heterologous regimen: two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and two boosters of BNT162b2 mRNA (n=75). Homologous vaccination: two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA and one BNT162b2 mRNA booster (n=13). Booster doses were administrated to KTRs without taking into account their IgG SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity status. Peripheral blood samples were collected 30 days after the second dose and after the last heterologous or homologous booster. A standardized EuroFlow PID Orientation Tube (PIDOT) and a supervised automated analysis were used for immune monitoring cellular subsets after boosters. Results: A total of 88 KTRs were included and divided into three groups according to the time of the first detected IgG SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity: non-responders (NRs, n=23), booster responders (BRs, n=41), and two-dose responders (2DRs, n=24). The NR group was more frequent on mycophenolate than the responder groups (NRs, 96%; BRs, 80%; 2DRs, 42%; p=0.000). Switched memory B cells in the 2DR group were higher than those in the BR and NR groups (medians of 30, 17, and 10 cells/ul, respectively; p=0.017). Additionally, the absolute count of central memory/terminal memory CD8 T cells was higher in the 2DR group than in the BR and NR groups. (166, 98, and 93 cells/ul, respectively; p=0.041). The rest of the T-cell populations studied did not show a statistical difference. Conclusion: switched memory B cells and memory CD8 T-cell populations in peripheral blood were associated with the magnitude of the humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Boosters increased IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels, CM/TM CD8 T cells, and switched MBCs in patients with seropositivity after two doses. Interestingly, no seropositivity after boosters was associated with the use of mycophenolate and a lower number of switched MBCs and CM/TM CD8 T cells in peripheral blood.

Rare association between giant-cell aortitis and giant-cell aortic valvulitis.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a type of chronic vasculitis that affects medium and large-caliber arteries, frequently related to aortic involvement and, consequently, to aneurysm formation. However, associated valvulitis with giant cells is uncommon. We describe the case of a 50-year-old female patient with aortic aneurysm and valvular insufficiency, whose anatomopathological examination revealed giant-cell aortic valvulitis associated with giant cell aortitis.

Diabetes: a tipping point in neurodegenerative diseases.

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk and progression of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Conversely, diabetes may confer neuroprotection against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It has been posited that perturbations in glucose and insulin regulation, cholesterol metabolism, and mitochondrial bioenergetics defects may underlie the molecular underpinnings of diabetes effects on the brain. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we discuss the evidence from molecular, epidemiological, and clinical studies investigating the impact of diabetes on neurodegeneration and highlight shared dysregulated pathways between these complex comorbidities. We also discuss promising antidiabetic drugs, molecular diagnostics currently in clinical trials, and outstanding questions and challenges for future pursuit.