Comparing immunogenicity and safety following transition from reference rituximab to biosimilar rituximab (DRL_RI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study.

Objectives: To assess immunogenicity and safety in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) transitioning from rituximab [US-licensed rituximab: Reference Product (RP); EU-approved rituximab: Reference Medicinal Product (RMP)] to DRL_RI (proposed rituximab biosimilar), in comparison to those continuing on RP/RMP.

Methods: This double-blind, randomized, Phase 3 study included 140 RA patients having prior exposure to RP/RMP; transitioned to DRL_RI (n = 70) or continued with RP/RMP (n = 70) for two 1000 mg infusions on Days 1 and 15. Assessments included Time-matched Rituximab Concentration (TMRC), anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and ADA titre over 12 weeks, and safety follow-up till 26 weeks.

Insights into general practitioners' self-care across 38 countries during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The adoption of healthy self-care practices has proven necessary for professional life, as they often serve as a shield against stressors in the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic created a high strain on general practitioners (GPs), contributing to increased workload, burnout, and anxiety. The present study aimed to identify self-care practices adopted by GPs amid the COVID-19 pandemic; and to explore the relationships between self-care practices and risk of distress.

Physical urban environment and cardiometabolic diseases in the five largest Bulgarian cities.

This study investigated the associations between residential environmental characteristics and the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases in the five largest Bulgarian cities. Representative cross-sectional survey data (N = 4640 adults) was collected in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Ruse. Participants self-reported diagnosis or medication intake for hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and diabetes mellitus, as well as domestic burning of solid fuel and having a domestic garden.

Are the Soluble Receptors sRAGE, sRANKL, and Osteoprotegerin Associated with Anemia in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with articular and systemic manifestations, and one of the most common is anemia. This study aims to investigate whether the levels of the soluble receptors sRAGE, sRANKL, and OPG are affected by the distribution of RA patients in subgroups according to soluble transferrin receptor/log ferritin (sTfR-F index) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels and to examine their correlation with indicators of iron metabolism, disease activity, and autoimmune and inflammatory changes. The levels of sRANKL and sRAGE were significantly higher in the subgroup of anemia of chronic disease combined with iron deficiency anemia (ACD/IDA) compared to the ACD group: < 0.

Comparative Study of the Fracture Resistance of 3D-Printed and Prefabricated Artificial Teeth for Removable Dentures.

The integration of three-dimensional (3D) printed resin denture teeth represents a significant advancement in digital dentistry. This study aims to assess the ability of 3D-printed denture teeth to withstand chipping and indirect tensile fractures, comparing them with conventionally manufactured resin denture teeth. Four groups, each comprising 30 specimens, were examined: Group 1 featured 3D-printed denture teeth (NextDent, 3D Systems, Soesterberg, The Netherlands), while the others included commercially obtained Ivostar Shade, SpofaDent Plus, and Major Super Lux teeth.

Evaluation of the Influence of Extract on Cognitive Functions and Hippocampal BDNF Expression.

L. has been traditionally applied as a remedy for headaches, rheumatism, digestion, respiratory and neurological problems, and other medical conditions. However, the literature data on its effects on cognitive function are scarce.

Novel Spectroscopic Studies of the Interaction of Three Different Types of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Albumin.

In the present work, we studied the interactions of three types of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with human serum albumin (HSA) by fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The determined binding parameters of the reactions and the thermodynamic parameters, including ΔHo, ΔSo, and ΔGo indicated that electrostatic forces play a major role in the interaction of IONPs with HSA. These measurements indicate a fluorescent quenching mechanism based on IONPs-HSA static complex formation.

and Combined Extracts Cause Immunomodulatory Effects in Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Rats.

and which belong to the Asteraceae family, are widely used plants in traditional medicine. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumor effects are well known. However, there are no data on the effects of their combination.

Impact of Neoadjuvant Therapy on PD-L1 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Correlation with Clinicopathological Factors.

Background: This study aims to deliver more insights on the impact of neoadjuvant treatment on Pd-L1 expression and to evaluate its correlation with clinicopathological factors.

Methods: We reviewed 88 TNBC cases for the period 2021-2023. Data on age, tumor size, stage, and treatment were collected.

A randomized trial on transphyseal vs. physeal-sparing reconstruction in skeletally immature patients: functional outcomes and safety considerations.

Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in Skeletally Immature Patients (SIP) poses challenges due to anatomical and developmental factors. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the Functional Recovery (FR) of pediatric patients undergoing ACL Reconstruction (ACLR), comparing Transphyseal Reconstruction (TPR) and physeal-sparing reconstruction (PSR). Forty-three young athletes (mean age 14.

Development of Nanocomposite Microspheres for Nasal Administration of Deferiprone in Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Elevated brain iron levels are characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. As an iron chelator with short biological half-life, deferiprone leads to agranulocytosis and neutropenia with a prolonged therapeutic course. Its inclusion in sustained-release dosage forms may reduce the frequency of administration.