Detection of clinically relevant variants in the gene below 10% allelic frequency: A multicenter study by ERIC, the European Research Initiative on CLL.

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the reliability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect variants ≤10% allelic frequency (low-VAF) is debated. We tested the ability to detect 23 such variants in 41 different laboratories using their NGS method of choice. The sensitivity was 85.

Characterization of Chitinase 3-like protein 1 spatiotemporal distribution in human post-traumatic brain contusions and other neuropathological scenarios.

Chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is emerging as a promising biomarker for assessing intracranial lesion burden and predicting prognosis in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Following experimental TBI, Chi3l1 transcripts were detected in reactive astrocytes located within the pericontusional cortex. However, the cellular sources of CHI3L1 in response to hemorrhagic contusions in human brain remain unidentified.

Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Induces Long-Term Changes in the Cytokine Milieu of Kidney Transplant Recipients.

The impact of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection on the mid- and long-term balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains unclear. We measured plasma levels of 12 Th1/Th2-type cytokines (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-γ, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α) in a cohort of 290 KTRs at four time points through month 12 after transplantation. Cytokine levels at each point were compared according to the previous documentation of HCMV replication by two approaches: "cumulative exposure" from the time of transplantation and "recent exposure" within the 2-3 months preceding cytokine assessment.

National trends in heart failure admissions in Peru: Insights on regional and demographic disparities from 2018 to 2023.

Background: Heart failure (HF) represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where demographic shifts and healthcare disparities influence disease patterns. This study aimed to analyze trends in HF admissions across Peru from 2018 to 2023.

Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of emergency department morbidity records of patients aged ≥20 years registered in the National Superintendence of Health (SUSALUD) database.

Electrophisiological monitoring of pain in non-communicative critically ill patients.

Electrophysiological monitoring of pain provides objective measures that allow for pain control and adjustment of analgesia in non-communicative patients. Among the available electrophysiological devices, automated infrared pupillometry, Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI), and Nociception Level Index (NOL®) stand out. These non-invasive measurement systems analyze the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system response to painful stimuli by observing pupillary dilatation and reactivity (pupillometry), heart rate during respiration (ANI), or a combination of multiple parameters from the nociceptive-autonomic medullary circuit (NOL®).

Acute physical exercise and ambulatory blood pressure in resistant hypertension.

Objectives: The effects of acute physical exercise in patients with resistant hypertension remain largely unexplored compared with hypertensive patients in general. We assessed the short-term effects of acute moderate-intensity (MICE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on the clinic (BP) and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) of patients with resistant hypertension.

Methods: Using a crossover randomized controlled design, 10 participants (56 ± 7 years) with resistant hypertension performed three experimental sessions: MICE, HIIE, and control.

Newly identified cell types crucial for gut commensal tolerance.

The generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) through interactions with antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is essential for establishing tolerance to gut commensals. Recent findings highlight the critical role of RORγt-lineage APCs, especially in gut-associated lymphoid tissues, in the induction of microbiota-specific peripheral Tregs and maintaining gut immune homeostasis.

The impact of blood eosinophil count and FeNO on benralizumab effectiveness in clinical practice: An ORBE II subanalysis.

Background: The ORBE II study showed the real-world effectiveness of benralizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). This subgroup analysis aimed to characterize patients and outcomes based on baseline blood eosinophil count (BEC) and/or fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels.

Methods: In this analysis of the ORBE II retrospective study, SEA patients receiving benralizumab were categorized into subgroups based on individual or combined BEC/FeNO levels, according to the following thresholds: high BEC (hiBEC): ≥300 cells/μL; low BEC (loBEC): <300 cells/μL; high FeNO (hiFeNO): ≥50 ppb; low FeNO (loFeNO): <50 ppb.

Diagnostic models to differentiate Takotsubo syndrome from acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims: Differentiation between patients with Takotsubo syndrome and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a challenge. We performed a systematic review to identify and evaluate diagnostic predictive models to distinguish both conditions.

Methods And Results: We performed an electronic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus until January 2024.

Gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease: Understanding molecular pathways and potential therapeutic perspectives.

Accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and progression. This narrative review explores the complex interplay between GM, the immune system, and the central nervous system in AD. We discuss mechanisms through which GM dysbiosis can compromise intestinal barrier integrity, enabling pro-inflammatory molecules and metabolites to enter systemic circulation and the brain, potentially contributing to AD hallmarks.

Effect of Probiotics on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Schizophrenia: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Inflammatory markers play a pivotal role in schizophrenia, as they provide insight into the neuroinflammatory processes occurring in the context of the disorder. Elevated levels of these markers, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP), can indicate an underlying immune system dysregulation, potentially influencing symptom severity and progression. Recognizing these markers has led to investigate the use of probiotics as an adjuvant to improve the treatment of schizophrenia.

Comorbidities Associated With Different Degrees of Severity in Children and Young People Hospitalized With Acute COVID-19.

In this prospective cohort study with 2326 hospitalized children and young people with coronavirus disease 2019 in Spain and Colombia, 36.4% had comorbidities. Asthma, recurrent wheezing, chronic neurological, cardiac and pulmonary diseases significantly increased the risk of severe outcomes such as death, mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit admission.

Diagnostic Performance of Two Different Techniques to Quantify CMV-Specific Cell-Mediated Immunity in Intermediate-Risk Seropositive Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background: Kidney transplant (KT) recipients at intermediate risk for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection constitute a potential target for individualized prevention strategies informed by the CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMV-CMI). The optimal method for the functional assessment of CMV-CMI in this group remains unclear.

Methods: We included 74 CMV-seropositive KT recipients that did not receive T-cell-depleting induction and were managed by preemptive therapy.

Efficacy outcomes of CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy treatment in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer according to PAM50 intrinsic subtype: Primary results of SOLTI-1801 CDK-PREDICT study.

Introduction: The prognostic value of PAM50 intrinsic subtypes (IS), cell cycle, and immune-related gene expression in HR+ /HER2- advanced breast cancer (BC) treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) and endocrine therapy (ET) in a first-line metastatic setting is unclear. This study evaluates these biomarkers in metastatic biopsies from patients diagnosed with HR+ /HER2- advanced BC.

Methods: CDK-PREDICT study is a multicentric, ambispective observational cohort study conducted in six Spanish hospitals.

Attitude Towards Vaccination Among University Students at a Spanish University: Relationships with Sociodemographic and Academic Variables.

Objectives: This descriptive, cross-sectional study examines the attitude towards vaccination of students at the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) and explores its relationship with sociodemographic and academic variables using a bivariate analysis and linear and logistic regression.

Methods: The attitude towards vaccination of 3577 students of different disciplines was assessed using an online version of the Questionnaire on Attitudes and Behaviours towards Vaccination. In addition, all students were asked if they sought information produced by anti-vaccination groups and whether they identified as "anti-vaccine".

Infection by Trichosporon Inkin in Lung Transplant: Rare Infection, or Not So Rare?

The incidence of invasive fungal infections has increased in recent years among transplant patients, with Trichosporon inkin being a rare but relevant etiological agent. This study examines the experience of our multidisciplinary lung transplant unit in the diagnosis and treatment of 6 cases of T. inkin infection in transplant patients from 2016 to 2023.

High-risk Cytomegalovirus in Heart Transplant: How Can We Improve?

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with worse outcomes after heart transplant (HT). CMV mismatch (donor positive, recipient negative serology, D+/R-) increases the risk of infection. Guidelines recommend 3 to 6 months of antiviral prophylaxis in these patients.

Rationale and design of the beta-blockers in tako-tsubo syndrome study: a randomized clinical trial (β-Tako).

Introduction Y Objectives: Tako-tsubo syndrome (TTS) is a cardiac condition that mimics acute coronary syndrome, characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction in the absence of culprit coronary artery stenosis. Although its etiology remains unknown, reversible microvascular dysfunction secondary to an adrenergic surge is thought to play a role. Treatment is empirical, although most patients receive beta-blockers (BB) in clinical practice.

Effect of hydrophobic proteins in modulating the mechanical properties of lung surfactant membranes.

Pulmonary surfactant is a membranous complex that enables breathing dynamics at the respiratory surface. Extremely low values of surface tension are achieved at end-expiration thanks to a unique mixture of lipids and proteins. In particular, the hydrophobic surfactant proteins, specially the protein SP-B, are crucial for surfactant biophysical function, in order to provide the surfactant lipid matrix with the ability to form membranous multi-layered interfacial films that sustain optimal mechanical properties.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Follow-up of Children and Adolescents With HIV Infection in Guatemala.

We conducted a retrospective study to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children living with HIV in Guatemala. A reduction in physical consultations and laboratory tests was observed in prepandemic versus pandemic period. However, immunovirological status of the children showed no differences.

Tailored management strategies for IgA nephropathy based on clinical presentations.

The treatment landscape for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is rapidly evolving with the introduction of novel therapies targeting diverse disease pathways. Some have already been approved in different countries, while others are under investigation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with encouraging results. However, almost all performed RCTs have included only patients with refractory non-nephrotic proteinuria and preserved renal function.