Identification of IL-6 Signalling Components as Predictors of Severity and Outcome in COVID-19.

IL-6 is one of the major mediators of the hyper-inflammatory responses with complex biological functions as it can signal different modes of action. IL-6 by classical signalling has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, while trans-signalling mediates pro-inflammatory effects. The net biological effect of IL-6 is established by multiple factors beyond its absolute concentration.

Increasing access to hematopoietic cell transplantation in Latin America: results of the 2018 LABMT activity survey and trends since 2012.

A total of 5642 hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) in 5445 patients (2196-40% allogeneic and 3249-60% autologous) were reported by 127 teams in 14 Latin American countries that answered the 2018 LABMT/WBMT Global Transplant Activity survey. The transplant rate (defined as the number of first transplants per 10 million inhabitants per year) was 85 (51 autologous and 34 allogeneic) in 2018. The main indications for allogeneic HCT were acute leukemias (60%), while plasma cell disorders and lymphomas were the most common conditions warranting autologous HCT (50 and 36%, respectively).

Long-term efficacy of gliflozins versus gliptins for Type 2 Diabetes after metformin failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

After metformin failure in treatment for diabetes type 2, there is no trivial option for adjuvant medication. The last two oral class medications, gliflozins and gliptins, have different mechanisms of action but have never been compared in long run studies. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to assess the overall long-term efficacy of these drugs after metformin failure.

Psychological profiles in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery or rhinoplasty: a preoperative and preliminary comparison.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess, identify, and compare the personality traits and psychosocial status of two groups of patients undergoing orthognathic surgery and rhinoseptoplasty respectively.

Study Design: This prospective study recruited patients referred for orthognathic surgery and for rhinoseptoplasty. The research protocol included the administrations of questionnaires to the patients during their last visit before surgery, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2), the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the tree drawing test (or Baum test), and the BC Scale.