Expression of sPD-L1 levels in an ex vivo liver perfusion model.

The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) acts as a central inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor. The soluble form of its primary ligand, sPD-L1, was found to be elevated in the serum of patients with cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic inflammation. So far, the hepatic origin of sPD-L1 has received relatively little attention and is therefore the subject of this study in the context of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of liver grafts.

SARS-CoV-2 hijacks host CD55, CD59 and factor H to impair antibody-dependent complement-mediated lysis.

The complement system is a vital anti-microbial defence mechanism against circulating pathogens. Excessive complement activation can have deleterious outcomes for the host and is consequently tightly modulated by a set of membrane-associated and fluid-phase regulators of complement activation (RCAs). Here, we demonstrate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) hijacks host cellular RCA members CD55 and CD59 and serum-derived Factor H (FH) to resist antibody-dependent complement-mediated lysis triggered by immunized human sera.

Efficacy and safety of gene therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec in children with spinal muscular atrophy in the D-A-CH-region: a population-based observational study.

Background: Real-world data on gene addition therapy (GAT) with onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA), including all age groups and with or without symptoms of the disease before treatment are needed to provide families with evidence-based advice and realistic therapeutic goals. Aim of this study is therefore a population-based analysis of all patients with SMA treated with OA across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH).

Methods: This observational study included individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treated with OA in 29 specialized neuromuscular centers in the D-A-CH-region.

HEARRING group genetic marker study: genetic background of CI patients.

Background: While cochlear implantation (CI) and electric acoustic stimulation (EAS) have a positive outcome in most cases, their effectiveness varies depending on the etiology of the hearing loss. Among the various etiologies, genetic factors are the leading cause of hearing loss and may impact CI and EAS outcomes.

Aims/objectives: To reveal the genetic background of the hearing loss in CI/EAS patients in each ethnic population, we undertook a multi-center study involving the genetic testing of hearing loss in CI/EAS patients from 10 centers.

Pharmacological therapies for male infertility.

Male factor infertility is a multifaceted problem that affects approximately 50% of couples suffering from infertility. Causes of male infertility include endocrine disturbances, gonadotoxins, genetic abnormalities, varicocele, malignancies, infections, congenital or acquired urogenital abnormalities, iatrogenic factors, immunological factors, and idiopathic reasons. There are a variety of treatment options for male infertility, depending on the underlying cause(s).

Impact of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors on Disease Characteristics in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer Treated with Radical Prostatectomy: A European Association of Urology Young Academic Urologists Prostate Cancer Working Group Multi-institutional Study.

Background And Objective: Collagen biosynthesis is intricately involved in the development and progression of solid tumors. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) impede TGF-β-mediated collagen synthesis in tumors by hindering activation of the angiotensin receptor. Our aim was to investigate a potential association between RASi use and the aggressiveness of prostate cancer (PCa).

Tumor immune microenvironment analysis of non-small cell lung cancer development through multiplex immunofluorescence.

Background: Emerging evidence has underscored the crucial role of infiltrating immune cells in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development and progression. With the implementation of screening programs, the incidence of early-stage NSCLC is rising. However, the high risk of recurrence and poor survival rates associated with this disease necessitate a deeper understanding of the TIME and its relationship with driver alterations.

Microarchitectural properties of compacted cancellous bone allografts: A morphology micro-computed tomography analysis.

Massive bone loss poses a significant challenge in defect reconstruction. The use of compacted allografts is a valuable technique to reconstruct bone stock. This study aimed to assess the impact of compression on the microstructure of native cancellous bone chips with a micro-CT analysis.

Limited cellular uptake of liposomes: Might thiolated phospholipids hold the key?

Aim: It was the aim of this study to evaluate the impact of surface thiolation on cellular uptake of liposomes.

Methods: Liposomes were prepared via the thin lipid film method, incorporating cholesterol, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholin (DPPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphothioethanol). The characterization of liposomes included size, polydispersity index, surface morphology, zeta potential and stability in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid.

Determination of anthraquinones in Frangula alnus by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography.

Anthraquinones are the major bioactive compounds in alder buckthorn, a plant with a long history of use for the treatment of obstipation in European and Asian traditional medicine. As these metabolites are also associated with toxic side effects, reliable analytical techniques for their determination are essential. Previously described methods mainly utilized Liquid Chromatography for this purpose, as the photometric assay described in the current edition of the European Pharmacopoeia lacks selectivity.

Glutaraldehyde Cross-Linking of Salt-Induced Fibrinogen Hydrogels.

Covalent cross-linking is a common strategy to improve the mechanical properties of biological polymers. The most prominent field of application of such materials is in medicine, for example, in the form of bioprinting, drug delivery, and wound sealants. One biological polymer of particular interest is the blood clotting protein fibrinogen.

High beta-amyloid(1-40) cerebrospinal fluid concentrations precede increase of serum biomarkers in a case with severe HELLP syndrome.

Beta-amyloid peptides and tau protein concentrations were analysed at second and third trimester pregnancy in cerebrospinal fluid in a 27-year old woman who developed severe HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome. Contrary to a healthy pregnant control the beta-amyloid(1-40) load was much higher and the ratios beta-amyloid peptides(1-42/1-40) and phospho-tau/tau had increased before delivery. We observed that in early HELLP syndrome increased beta-amyloid levels preceded vascular biomarker changes.

Eighteen-Month Hybrid Closed-Loop Use in Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Single-Arm Multicenter Trial.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the longer-term safety and efficacy of hybrid closed-loop (CL) therapy in very young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Research Design And Methods: Following a 16-week multinational, randomized crossover trial comparing hybrid CL with sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy in 74 very young children aged 1-7 years with T1D, participants were invited to an extension phase using CL for a further 18 months. Outcomes were compared with the primary-phase SAP period and primary-phase CL period.

A Single Intratympanic Triamcinolone Acetonide Administration Elicits Long-Term Reduction in Impedances Following Cochlear Implantation.

Background: Intracochlear fibrosis and inflammation remain important limitations in cochlear implantation (CI). Glucocorticoids are routinely used to ameliorate the inflammatory response following CI. This study investigates the long-term effects of an intratympanically-applied triamcinolone-acetonide suspension on intracochlear impedance changes in CI recipients and investigates differences in drug concentrations and timepoints of injection.

Age- and sex-dependent associations between self-reported physical activity levels and self-reported cardiovascular risk factors: a population-based cross-sectional survey.

Background: The amount of regular physical activity (PA) can modulate the prevalence of traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as obesity, systemic hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, how different PA levels either below (< 600 MET min/week), within (600-1200 MET min/week), or above (> 1200 MET min/week) the range of the minimal WHO recommendations impact the age- and sex-dependent prevalence of these risk factors remains to be elucidated.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate these relationships using population-based self-reported data collected in a central European country (Austria, 2019).

Longitudinal Evaluation of Individuals With Severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Pi∗ZZ Genotype).

Background & Aims: Homozygous Pi∗Z mutation in alpha-1 antitrypsin (Pi∗ZZ genotype) predisposes to pulmonary loss-of-function and hepatic gain-of-function injury. To facilitate selection into clinical trials typically targeting only 1 organ, we systematically evaluated an international, multicenter, longitudinal, Pi∗ZZ cohort to uncover natural disease course and surrogates for future liver- and lung-related endpoints.

Methods: Cohort 1 recruited 737 Pi∗ZZ individuals from 25 different centers without known liver comorbidities who received a baseline clinical and laboratory assessment as well as liver stiffness measurement (LSM).