Early activation and recruitment of invariant natural killer T cells during liver ischemia-reperfusion: the major role of the alarmin interleukin-33.

Over the past thirty years, the complexity of the αβ-T cell compartment has been enriched by the identification of innate-like T cells (ITCs), which are composed mainly of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. Based on animal studies using ischemia-reperfusion (IR) models, a key role has been attributed to iNKT cells in close connection with the alarmin/cytokine interleukin (IL)-33, as early sensors of cell-stress in the initiation of acute sterile inflammation. Here we have investigated whether the new concept of a biological axis of circulating iNKT cells and IL-33 applies to humans, and may be extended to other ITC subsets, namely MAIT and γδ-T cells, in the acute sterile inflammation sequence occurring during liver transplant (LT).

Representativeness of laboratory sampling procedures for the analysis of trace metals in soil.

This study was conducted to assess the representativeness of laboratory sampling protocols for purposes of trace metal analysis in soil. Five laboratory protocols were compared, including conventional grab sampling, to assess the influence of sectorial splitting, sieving, and grinding on measured trace metal concentrations and their variability. It was concluded that grinding was the most important factor in controlling the variability of trace metal concentrations.

Timing of (supplemental) parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients: a systematic review.

Supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) is used in a step-up approach when full enteral support is contraindicated or fails to reach caloric targets. Recent nutrition guidelines present divergent advices regarding timing of SPN in critically ill patients ranging from early SPN (<48 h after admission; EPN) to postponing initiation of SPN until day 8 after Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission (LPN). This systematic review summarizes results of prospective studies among adult ICU patients addressing the best timing of (supplemental) parenteral nutrition (S)PN.

The blood pressure-lowering effect of renal denervation is inversely related to kidney function.

Objectives: In renal denervation (RDN), a wide range in the blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect has been reported. On the basis of the current knowledge of pathophysiology, we hypothesized that the BP-lowering effect of RDN would be inversely related to kidney function. Second, we investigated whether direct and indirect variables of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) would be related as well.

Effects of carotid endarterectomy or stenting on arterial diameters in the circle of Willis.

Background: In patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, the circle of Willis (CoW) is the primary collateral pathway. We compared luminal diameters in the CoW before and after carotid revascularization and compared the effects of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and stenting on these diameters.

Methods: At a single center in the International Carotid Stenting Study, 139 patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis of 50% or more were randomized to stenting (n = 81) or CEA (n = 58).