Development of intravenously administered synthetic RNA virus immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer.

The therapeutic effectiveness of oncolytic viruses (OVs) delivered intravenously is limited by the development of neutralizing antibody responses against the virus. To circumvent this limitation and to enable repeated systemic administration of OVs, here we develop Synthetic RNA viruses consisting of a viral RNA genome (vRNA) formulated within lipid nanoparticles. For two Synthetic RNA virus drug candidates, Seneca Valley virus (SVV) and Coxsackievirus A21, we demonstrate vRNA delivery and replication, virus assembly, spread and lysis of tumor cells leading to potent anti-tumor efficacy, even in the presence of OV neutralizing antibodies in the bloodstream.

The Similarities and Differences Between Glomerular vs. Non-glomerular Diagnoses on Intelligence and Executive Functions in Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease: A Brief Report.

Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) appears to be a heterogeneous group of conditions, but this heterogeneity has not been explored with respect to its impact on neurocognitive functioning. This study investigated the neurocognitive functioning of those with glomerular (G) vs. non-glomerular (NG) diagnoses.

A reassessment of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in glomerular disease.

It has been suggested that soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) is a causative circulating factor for and a biomarker of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Here we undertook validation of these assumptions in both mouse and human models. Injection of recombinant suPAR in wild-type mice did not induce proteinuria within 24 h.

Current treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Tremendous advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), an extremely rare disease. Insights into the molecular biology of aHUS resulted in rapid advances in treatment with eculizumab (Soliris(®), Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.).

Update on Streptococcus pneumoniae associated hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Purpose Of Review: Streptococcus pneumoniae associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (SpHUS) is defined by the occurrence of acute hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury in a patient with a S. pneumoniae infection. We review the pathophysiology, clinical course, treatment and prognosis for SpHUS.