Simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and hypoxanthine at a TiO/graphene quantum dot-modified electrode.

A TiO/graphene quantum dots composite (TiO/GQDs) obtained by in situ synthesis of GQDs, derived from coffee grounds, and peroxo titanium complexes was used as electrode modifier in the simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and hypoxanthine. The TiO/GQDs material was characterized by photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray mapping. The TiO/GQDs-GCE exhibits better electrochemical activity for uric acid and hypoxanthine than GQDs/GCE or TiO/GCE in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements.

Efficacy and safety of ocrelizumab in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: Real-world experience of two Swiss multiple sclerosis centers.

Background: Ocrelizumab (OCR) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against CD-20 positive lymphocytes, mainly B-lymphocytes. OCR is approved for treatment of primary progressive (PPMS) and relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). This study aims to provide real-world safety and efficacy data of people with RMS treated with OCR in two Swiss Multiple Sclerosis (MS) centers.

Sex differences in multiple sclerosis relapse presentation and outcome: a retrospective, monocentric study of 134 relapse events.

Background: Reporting of sex-specific analyses in multiple sclerosis (MS) is sparse. Disability accrual results from relapses (relapse-associated worsening) and independent thereof (progression independent of relapses).

Objectives: A population of MS patients during relapse treated per standard of care was analyzed for sex differences and short-term relapse outcome (3-6 months) as measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) change.

Swiss recommendations for the diagnosis, management and follow-up of post-COVID condition in primary care medicine (2023).

No abstract available.

Anti-kelchlike protein 11 antibody-associated encephalitis: Two case reports and review of the literature.

Background And Purpose: Kelchlike protein 11 antibodies (KLHL11-IgGs) were first described in 2019 as a marker of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs). They have mostly been associated with testicular germ cell tumors (tGCTs).

Methods: Two patients with KLHL11-IgG encephalitis are reported, and the literature is comprehensively reviewed.

Sugarcane leave-derived cellulose nanocrystal/graphene oxide filter membrane for efficient removal of particulate matter.

The goal of this study is to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from sugarcane leaves (SCL) and fabricate filter membranes. Filter membranes consisting of the CNC and varying amount graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated using vacuum filtration technique. The α-cellulose content increased from 53.

Multiple sclerosis as a model to investigate SARS-CoV-2 effect on brain atrophy.

Introduction: Data on structural brain changes after infection with SARS-CoV-2 is sparse. We postulate multiple sclerosis as a model to study the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on brain atrophy due to the unique availability of longitudinal imaging data in this patient group, enabling assessment of intraindividual brain atrophy rates.

Methods: Global and regional cortical gray matter volumes were derived from structural MRIs using FreeSurfer.

Mycophenolate mofetil as second line treatment in autoimmune hepatitis - A retrospective single center analysis.

Background: Most patients with autoimmune hepatitis respond to standard treatment with steroids and azathioprine. While the disease is usually fatal if untreated, patients who respond well to therapy have an excellent prognosis. Nevertheless, second-line treatment is necessary in approximately 20% of patients, due to either intolerance or insufficient response to first line treatment.

Leptomeningeal enhancement under different MS immunotherapies: A monocentric retrospective cohort study of 214 patients.

Background: Leptomeningeal inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) mainly affects meningeal B-cell follicle-like structures linked to cortical and subpial lesions and can be visualized as leptomeningeal enhancement (LME).

Objective: To evaluate the evolution of LME under different MS immunotherapies.

Methods: A total of 214 MS patients treated with anti-CD20 therapies or fingolimod at the university hospital Bern were screened for LME.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: A contributing factor to multiple sclerosis fatigue?

Objective: Fatigue is one of the most disabling and difficult to treat symptoms of autoimmune diseases and frequently presents in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Hypogammaglobulinemia for immunoglobulin G (IgG) affects approximately 8-25% of PwMS. We performed a retrospective analysis to investigate the association of MS-fatigue and IgG hypogammaglobulinemia.

Sex and gender differences in autoimmune demyelinating CNS disorders: Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein antibody associated disorder (MOGAD).

Multiple sclerosis (MS), Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and Myelin-Oligodendrocyte-Glycoprotein antibody associated disorder (MOGAD) are demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) of autoimmune origin. Here, we summarize general considerations on sex-specific differences in the immunopathogenesis and hormonal influences as well as key clinical and epidemiological elements. Gender-specific issues are widely neglected starting with the lacking separation of sex as a biological variable and gender comprising the sociocultural components.

Multidimensional phenotyping of the post-COVID-19 syndrome: A Swiss survey study.

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects approximately 10-25% of people after a COVID-19 infection, irrespective of initial COVID-19 severity. The aim of this project was to assess the clinical characteristics, course, and prognosis of post-COVID-19 syndrome using a systematic multidimensional approach.

Patients And Methods: An online survey of people with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome, distributed via Swiss COVID-19 support groups, social media, and our post-COVID-19 consultation, was performed.

[Hypogammaglobulinemia and Multiple Sclerosis - An Overlooked Correlation?].

Hypogammaglobulinemia and Multiple Sclerosis - An Overlooked Correlation? Hypogammaglobulinemias occur in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) without immunotherapy in 8.1% of patients and with immunotherapy (not drug-specific) in up to 26.4% of affected individuals.

Ocrelizumab-related neutropenia: Effects of age, sex and bodyweight using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Objective: Neutropenia is a rare complication of anti-CD20 treatment, such as Ocrelizumab (OCR) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Using FDA´s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), a post-marketing, open access pharmacovigilance database, we aimed to identify risk factors of neutropenia in OCR-treated patients.

Methods: Data were retrieved from FAERS identifying OCR-treated patients with and without neutropenia.

Comparison of mRNA Vaccinations with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in Anti-CD20-Treated Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

: Anti-CD20-treated patients are at risk of a reduced humoral immune response during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Our aim was to compare the antibody response after two vaccinations with the mRNA vaccines BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in patients with multiple sclerosis. : Data from the University Hospital of Bern and Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne were retrospectively collected from medical records and then analyzed.

Fatigue in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: Clinical Phenomenology, Comorbidities and Association With Initial Course of COVID-19.

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects approximately 10-25% of people suffering from COVID-19 infection, irrespective of initial COVID-19 severity. Fatigue is one of the major symptoms, occurring in 30-90% of people with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This study aims at describing factors associated with fatigue in people with Post-COVID-19 seen in our newly established Post-Covid clinic.

[Primary CNS Vasculitis - An Overview].

Primary CNS Vasculitis - An Overview Cerebral vasculitis, especially the primary vasculitis of the central nervous systems (primary CNS vasculitis), are rare inflammatory diseases of the small- and medium-sized vessels of the CNS. The pathogenesis of primary CNS vasculitis is unclear. Infectious triggers are hypothesized to induce an activation of the immune system with resulting inflammation of the blood vessels within the CNS.

Real-life evaluation of molecular multiplex IgE test methods in the diagnosis of pollen associated food allergy.

Background: Diagnosis of food allergies is challenging, as combining information from specific IgE (sIgE)-sensitization pattern and skin prick tests (SPTs) with clinical history is necessary for a personalized management of allergic patients. The aim of this study was to compare two molecular tests, the ImmunoCAP ISAC (ISAC) and the Allergy Explorer, version 2 (ALEX ) in the context of pollen food syndrome (PFS) diagnosis in a real-life scenario, to assess the benefit of multiplex testing in PFS patients.

Methods: Diagnosis of food allergy was performed in 53 patients.

Accelerated Course of Alveolar Echinococcosis After Treatment With Steroids in a Patient With Autoimmune Encephalitis.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic infection caused by the fox tapeworm ​​​​​​ We report the case of a patient who developed an accelerated course of AE with diffuse liver involvement after high-dose steroid treatment for autoimmune encephalitis. Immunosuppressive therapies present us with new challenges regarding the management of AE. With this article, we would like to draw attention to the importance of a screening program for AE before planned immunosuppressive therapy.

Predicting conversion to multiple sclerosis in patients with radiologically isolated syndrome: a retrospective study.

Aims: To retrospectively analyse the Bernese radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) cohort with the goal of developing a prediction score for conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: A total of 31 patients with RIS were identified by screening medical records of neurological patients seen at the University Hospital of Bern between 2004 and 2017 for the diagnoses 'radiologically isolated syndrome' and 'RIS' adhering to 2009 Okuda recommendations. We analysed clinical, paraclinical and magnetic resonance imaging data during a maximum follow-up period of 3 years and identified significant predictors of conversion to MS.

Vaccine Hesitancy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Preparing for the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Challenge.

Objective: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex public health issue referring to concerns about safety, efficacy, or need for vaccination. Using pneumococcal vaccination, which is recommend in anti-CD20-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, as a model, we assessed vaccination behavior in patients with MS to prepare for the upcoming SARS-CoV-2 vaccination challenge.

Methods: By a medical chart review, we retrospectively identified patients with MS treated with ocrelizumab at the University Hospital Bern in 2018-2020.

Persisting lymphopenia and dimethyl fumarate: A clinical commentary.

Severe prolonged lymphopenia as rare side-effect of dimethyl fumarate is mostly reversible. Caldito et al. report a case of persistent severe lymphopenia over 5 years after discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate.