Comparison of retinal nerve fiber layer thinning and retinal ganglion cell loss after optic nerve transection in adult albino rats

We compared the time-course and magnitude of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning with that of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss after intraorbital optic nerve transection (IONT) in adult rats

COVID-19 infection in adult patients with hematological malignancies: a European Hematology Association Survey (EPICOVIDEHA)

Background: Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) are at high risk of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19). A better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes may improve clinical management in these patients. We therefore studied baseline characteristics of HM patients developing COVID-19 and analyzed predictors of mortality. Methods: The survey was supported by the Scientific Working Group Infection in Hematology of the European Hematology Association (EHA). Eligible for the analysis were adult patients with HM and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 observed between March and December 2020. Results: The study sample includes 3801 cases, represented by lymphoproliferative (mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma n = 1084, myeloma n = 684 and chronic lymphoid leukemia n = 474) and myeloproliferative malignancies (mainly acute myeloid leukemia n = 497 and myelodysplastic syndromes n = 279). Severe/critical COVID-19 was observed in 63.8% of patients (n = 2425). Overall, 2778 (73.1%) of the patients were hospitalized, 689 (18.1%) of whom were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Overall, 1185 patients (31.2%) died. The primary cause of death was COVID-19 in 688 patients (58.1%), HM in 173 patients (14.6%), and a combination of both COVID-19 and progressing HM in 155 patients (13.1%). Highest mortality was observed in acute myeloid leukemia (199/497, 40%) and myelodysplastic syndromes (118/279, 42.3%). The mortality rate significantly decreased between the first COVID-19 wave (March–May 2020) and the second wave (October–December 2020) (581/1427, 40.7% vs. 439/1773, 24.8%, p value < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, age, active malignancy, chronic cardiac disease, liver disease, renal impairment, smoking history, and ICU stay correlated with mortality. Acute myeloid leukemia was a higher mortality risk than lymphoproliferative diseases. Conclusions: This survey confirms that COVID-19 patients with HM are at high risk of lethal complications. However, improved COVID-19 prevention has reduced mortality despite an increase in the number of reported cases.EPICOVIDEHA has received funds from Optics COMMITTM (COVID-19 Unmet Medical Needs and Associated Research Extension) COVID-19 RFP program by GILEAD Science, United States (Project 2020-8223)

Thermocoagulation induced focal ischemic model v1

The thermocoagulation model is a type of focal cerebral ischemia with craniectomy. It represents an opportunity to study permanent ischemic brain lesions with good reproducibility and low mortality </p

Bioequivalence of two lithium formulations in healthy volunteers

Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the maximum exposure and extent of bioavailability of two lithium carbonate (CAS 554-13-2) containing 300 mg tablet formulations (test and reference) for oral administration. Method. This bioequivalence study was conducted in a 2-period crossover design with a washout phase of 7 days. Plasma samples were obtained by blood sampling over 72 h in each period. Twenty-four healthy volunteers of both genders participated in the trial. Samples were analyzed by a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Resulting Li+ concentrations were used for determination of the pharmacokinetic parameters AUC(last), AUC(inf) and C-max. Results: 90 % confidence intervals for AUC(last), AUC(inf), and C-max were 96.81-107.44 98.44-109.54 % and 98.60-111.33 respectively. Conclusion: All 90 % and 95 % confidence intervals were inside the limits defined by the FDA Guidance for Industry (80 %-125 %) and thus stated that test and reference formulation may be accepted as bioequivalent, with regard to both, maximum exposure and extent of bioavailability.56752452

Therapeutics with SPION-labeled stem cells for the main diseases related to brain aging: a systematic review

Larissa T Alvarim,1,3,* Leopoldo P Nucci,2,* Javier B Mamani,1 Luciana C Marti,1 Marina F Aguiar,1,2 Helio R Silva,1,3 Gisele S Silva,1 Mariana P Nucci-da-Silva,4 Elaine A DelBel,5,6 Lionel F Gamarra1&ndash;31Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil; 2Universidade Federal de S&atilde;o Paulo, UNIFESP, S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil; 3Faculdade de Ci&ecirc;ncias M&eacute;dicas da Santa Casa de S&atilde;o Paulo, S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil; 4Departamento de Radiologia, Hospital das Cl&iacute;nicas, Universidade de S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil; 5Universidade de S&atilde;o Paulo-Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeir&atilde;o Preto, S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil; 6NAPNA- N&uacute;cleo de Apoio a Pesquisa em Neuroci&ecirc;ncias Aplicadas, S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil*These authors contributed equally to this workAbstract: The increase in clinical trials assessing the efficacy of cell therapy for structural and functional regeneration of the nervous system in diseases related to the aging brain is well known. However, the results are inconclusive as to the best cell type to be used or the best methodology for the homing of these stem cells.&nbsp;This systematic review analyzed published data on SPION (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle)-labeled stem cells as a therapy for brain diseases, such as ischemic stroke, Parkinson&rsquo;s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and dementia. This review highlights the therapeutic role of stem cells in reversing the aging process and the pathophysiology of brain aging, as well as emphasizing nanotechnology as an important tool to monitor stem cell migration in affected regions of the brain.Keywords: iron oxide, dementia, stem cell, stroke, Parkinson&rsquo;s disease, sclerosis disease, brain agin