Biochemical analysis of Hyalomma dromedarii salivary glands and gut tissues using SR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy

Ticks are obligatory voracious blood feeders infesting diverse vertebrate hosts, that have a crucial role in the transmission of diverse pathogens that threaten human and animal health. The continuous emergence of tick-borne diseases due to combined worldwide climatic changes, human activities, and acaricide-resistant tick strains, necessitates the development of novel ameliorative tick control strategies such as vaccines. The synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared micro-spectroscopy (SR-FTIR) is a bioanalytical microprobe capable of exploring the molecular chemistry within microstructures at a cellular or subcellular level and is considered as a nondestructive analytical approach for biological specimens. In this study, SR-FTIR analysis was able to explore a qualitative and semi-quantitative biochemical composition of gut and salivary glands of Hyalomma dromedarii (H. dromedarii) tick detecting differences in the biochemical composition of both tissues. A notable observation regarding Amide I secondary structure protein profile was the higher ratio of aggregated strands in salivary gland and beta turns in gut tissues. Regarding the lipid profile, there was a higher intensity of lipid regions in gut tissue when compared to salivary glands. This detailed information on the biochemical compositions of tick tissues could assist in selecting vaccine and/or control candidates. Altogether, these findings confirmed SR-FTIR spectroscopy as a tool for detecting differences in the biochemical composition of H. dromedarii salivary glands and gut tissues. This approach could potentially be extended to the analysis of other ticks that are vectors of important diseases such as babesiosis and theileriosis.

The African Light Source: history, context and future

The African Light Source (AfLS) project is now almost eight years old. This article assesses the history, current context and future of the project. There is by now considerable momentum in building the user community, including deep training, facilitating access to current facilities, growing the scientific output, scientific networks and growing the local laboratory-scale research infrastructure. The Conceptual Design Report for the AfLS is in its final editing stages. This document specifies the socio-economic and scientific rationales and the technical aspects amongst others. The AfLS is supported by many national and Pan-African scientific professional bodies and voluntary associates across many scientific disciplines, and there are stakeholders throughout the continent and beyond. The current roadmap phases have expanded to include national and Pan-African level conversations with policy makers through new Strategic Task Force groups. The document summarizes this progress and discusses the future of the project.

Synchrotron Fourier-Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy: Characterization of in vitro polarized tumor-associated macrophages stimulated by the secretome of inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer cells

Studies suggested that the pathogenesis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is related to inflammatory manifestations accompanied by specific cellular and molecular mechanisms in the IBC tumor microenvironment (TME). IBC is characterized by significantly higher infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that contribute to its metastatic process via secreting many cytokines such as TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 that enhance invasion and angiogenesis. Thus, there is a need to first understand how IBC-TME modulates the polarization of TAMs to better understand the role of TAMs in IBC. Herein, we used gene expression signature and Synchrotron Fourier-Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (SR-μFTIR) to study the molecular and biochemical changes, respectively of in vitro polarized TAMs stimulated by the secretome of IBC and non-IBC cells. The gene expression signature showed significant differences in the macrophage's polarization-related genes between stimulated TAMs. FTIR spectra showed absorption bands in the region of 1700-1500 cm^-1 attributed to the amide I ν(C=O), & ν_AS (CN), δ (NH), and amide II ν(CN), δ (NH) proteins bands. Moreover, three peaks of different intensities and areas were detected in the lipid region of the νCH₂ and νCH₃ stretching modes positioned within the 3000-2800 cm^-1 range. The PCA analysis for the second derivative spectra of the amide regions discriminates between stimulated IBC and non-IBC TAMs. This study showed that IBC and non-IBC TMEs differentially modulate the polarization of TAMs and SR-μFTIR can determine these biochemical changes which will help to better understand the potential role of TAMs in IBC.

Abstract 6132: Synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy: Characterization of tumor infiltrating monocytes stimulated by the secretome of inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer cells

Background: Many studies suggested that the pathogenesis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is related to inflammatory manifestations and changes in tumor microenvironment (TME). IBC characterized by significantly higher infiltration of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs contribute to the metastatic process in IBC patients via secreting many cytokines such as TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 that enhance invasion and angiogenesis. To understand the role of TAMs in IBC, there is a need to firstly understand how IBC TME affect the polarization of tumor infiltrated monocytes via using sensitive and accurate analytical tool. Synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy (SR-µFTIR) is a highly advanced analytical approach has the ability to detect any biochemical changes even prior to any morphological changes. Herein we will use SR-µFTIR to study the biochemical changes in tumor infiltrating monocytes after stimulation by the secretome of non-IBC and IBC breast cancer cells.

Methods: ten breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study (5 IBC and 5 non-IBC). tumor infiltrated monocytes were isolated from patient’s blood samples which collected during modified radical mastectomy surgery. The isolated monocytes were stimulated with the secretome of MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and SUM149 cell line. Synchrotron FTIR Microspectroscopy (SR-FTIRM) single cell analysis was done at SESAME light source. The obtained raw spectral data were processed and analyzed using OMNIC©, PeakFit© V4.12, and Unscrambler© X v.10.4 software.

Results: The obtained FTIR spectra showed very intense absorption bands in the region of 1700- 1500 cm-1 attributed to the amide I (ν(C=O), & νAS (C-N), δ (N-H) and amide II ν(C-N), δ (N-H) proteins bands, with a strong broad signal in the 3600-3200 cm-1 related to the νN-H Amides A and B. In addition, three peaks of different intensity and area were detected in the lipids region of the vCH2 and vCH3 stretching modes positioned within the 3000 - 2800 cm-1 range. Curve fitting assignment clearly demonstrate some differences between the three stimulated monocytes in both amide I and II, and lipids regions. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scores plot of the second derivative spectra of the amide region explain 77% of the variance, with 63% explained by PC1 and 14% explained by PC2. On the other hand, the PCA scores plot of the lipid region explain a total of 92% of the variance with PC1 explaining 72% and PC2 explaining 20%.

Conclusion: The obtained results showed that there is different effect of non-IBC and IBC cells on the polarization of tumor infiltrating monocytes even with the cell surface markers look the same and from this, we may start to understand different roles of TAMs in IBC microenvironment.

Citation Format: Hossam T. Mohamed, Gihan Kamel, Aya A. El-Sharkawy, Noura El-Husseiny, Mohamed El-Shinawi, Mona M. Mohamed. Synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy: Characterization of tumor infiltrating monocytes stimulated by the secretome of inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6132.

Synchrotron Radiation Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR) spectroscopy in exploring ancient human hair from Roman period Juliopolis: Preservation status and alterations of organic compounds

We explore the preservation status and alterations of organic compounds in Roman period human hairstrandsfrom a specific individual (M196) excavated at Juliopolis (JP). How do these organic compounds present in this c. 2000-year-old human hair compare to those present in modern hair? Alterations to organic compounds in archaeological human hair are caused by biological degradative processes dependent on multifactorial processes acting on the hair since the deposition of a body in a mortuary context. We investigate the type of organic compounds present using Synchrotron Radiation Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR). Juliopolis (Iuliopolis) is an ancient multiperiod city, located in the Çayırhan district of Nallıhan, northwest of Ankara. The Juliopolis necropolis from which M196 was recovered was in use throughout the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, and yielded over 700 tombs with numerous human remains. One tomb (M196) contained human remains of exceptional preservation status, including substantial amounts of hair. Human hair from archaeological contexts is not only extremely rare, but importantly, has high analytical value, with potential for analysis of diet, geographical origins, ancient DNA, metal exposure, and other aspects of life in a time-resolved manner. These data make significant contributions to the life history of the individual (osteobiography), as well as contribute towards key archaeological questions. As these analyses are in their majority destructive, prior evaluation of the preservation of sufficient amounts of the organic compounds on which many such analyses rely upon is crucial, to avoid unnecessary loss of precious ancient samples. The results of our SR-FTIR analyses at SESAME synchrotron show that keratin in the JP M196 is more degraded in comparison to the modern reference sample. However, the results also point to clear potential for further analyses with techniques relying on organic compound preservation, such as C and N isotopic analyses for diet, and aDNA.

Investigating the molecular structure of plasma in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy by synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality which, in many cases, is derived from the progressive kidney dysfunction due to diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, synchrotron-Fourier-transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy was used to identify molecular changes in the lipid and protein regions in the plasma of patients with different stages of DN (mild, moderate, severe and end-stage), and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without DN. Our results revealed different conformational changes in the proteins secondary structure between DN stages, and between DN and T2DM groups illustrated by peak shifts and intensity alterations. End-stage DN showed the highest CH₂/CH₃ ratio and intensity of the carbonyl group in protein-carbonyl region compared to other DN stages indicating high level of unsaturation and lipid peroxidation and oxidation conditions. Moreover, end-stage DN group was characterized by a decrease in amide I and amide II absorption signals which reflected a sign of hypoalbuminemia. When compared to T2DM, DN group demonstrated a higher oxidation state as confirmed via the high intensity of the carbonyl group and the high level of malondialdehyde. The current study highlights the promising role of SR-FTIR microspectroscopy as a new sensitive analytical approach that can be used to provide better understanding of the pathophysiology of DN, and guide the development of new preventive therapies and treatments.

Mummified embalmed head skin: SR-FTIR microspectroscopic exploration

This case report details the examination of the skin of an Egyptian mummified head with a possible skin disorder. The head, thought to be dated in the first half of the 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom (1570-1400 BCE) belongs to the Museum of Forensic Anthropology, University of Madrid. Initial histological examination demonstrated evidence of chronic inflammation, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). However, confirmation of pathology could be confounded by both the age of the specimen and the process of preservation by mummification. In this case report, Synchrotron Radiation Fourier Transform Microspectroscopy (SR-µFTIR) was used to add novel insights into embalmed mummified tissue. More precisely, FTIR is used for the first time on the specific specimens, while no other similar studies have been performed on these samples priorly. Additionally, modern skin tissue was examined too, in order to compare the amount of degradation to the mummified one. Whilst the FTIR results confirmed the results from the initial histological study, they also showed a biochemical modification of the mummified skin that could be indicative of tissue degradation. The latter was supported by comparing it to FTIR results of the modern tissue used.

The first infrared beamline at the Middle East SESAME synchrotron facility

SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) is the only synchrotron light facility in the Middle East and neighboring regions, officially opened in 2017. Among the identification and construction of the first operational beamlines, infrared spectromicroscopy was selected as one of the two beamlines to be opened to the general users' program (the so-called Day-1 beamlines). Being one of the most demanded techniques by various scientific communities in the Middle East, the beamline has been designed and implemented in the framework of a collaboration agreement with the French synchrotron facility, SOLEIL. The design, construction and initial performances of the IR beamline (D02-IR), nowadays operational, are reported.

Synchrotron Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (sFTIRM) analysis of unfolding behavior of electrospun collagen nanofibers

Collagen nanofibers are popular extracellular matrix (ECM) materials in regenerative medicine. Electrospinning of collagen dissolved in organic solvents is widely used for fabricating anisotropic collagen nanofibers; however, such fibers are water-soluble and require cross-linking before use as scaffolds for cell culture. Herein, in-situ crosslinking during electrospinning process is suggested by using different chemical agents, namely genipin and glutaraldehyde, and physical crosslinking method (UV light). sFTIRM; Synchrotron Fourier-Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy is a powerful tool that sheds light on the molecular structure of collagen nanofibers. Applied extraction methods caused shifts on protein band positions. Electrospinning process prevents self-assembly of collagen molecules and obtained electrospun collagen nanofibers have lower band positions. Crosslinkers have effect on the secondary structure of collagen molecules. Among different crosslinkers, genipin in-situ crosslinking process perform better in preserving the native structure of electrospun collagen nanofibers than the physical crosslinking method (UV).

Synchrotron Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (sFTIRM) analysis of Al-induced Alzheimer's disease in rat brain cortical tissue

Aluminium (Al) is reported to promote beta amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, free radical production and disturb acetylcholine metabolism leading to cognitive dysfunction that are strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we utilized synchrotron Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (sFTIRM) to analyse the fine structure of proteins and lipids in the rat cortical brain tissues in response to AlCl₃ toxicity and Lepidium sativum (LS) treatment after 42 and 65 days. For statistical analysis, we used principal component analysis (PCA). Our results showed profusion of gauche rotomers form in membrane lipid acyl chains that increases the membrane fluidity and disorder only in AD group indicated by the detected sνCH₂ band shift to higher frequency. All half bands width (HBW) values of the decomposed amide I band showed marked decrease in AD group compared to the other tested groups, together with an increase in the amounts of β-sheets (1641 cm^-1) protein and random coil structure (1654 cm^-1). These were indicated by a drastic increase in the percentage areas ratios of (1638 cm^-1/1654 cm^-1) and (1641 cm^-1/1654 cm^-1) that may be attributed to a stronger the hydrogen bonds that stabilize the protein conformational structure and/or the increase of the β-strand length due to misfolded Aβ formation in response to Al toxicity through transit phase/phases dominated by random coil structure. In curative group, LS treatment reversed these changes and restored the protein and lipid integrities. To conclude, sFTIRM is a powerful tool that shed light on the biomolecular structure of AD-like cortical brain tissue and considered the therapeutic potential of LS as a promising natural AD treatment.

Investigating the molecular structure of placenta and plasma in pre-eclampsia by infrared microspectroscopy

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious hypertensive disorder with unclear etiology and lack of reliable diagnostic tests. In this study, IR microspectroscopy was applied to identify molecular changes associated with the pathogenesis of PE in placental tissues and plasma samples from pre-eclamptic women and normotensive matched controls. The obtained spectra were analyzed by multivariate analysis in the spectral ranges of 3050-2800 cm^-1 and 1855-1485 cm^-1 corresponding to lipid and protein-carbonyl components, respectively. In the lipid region, an increase in CH₂/CH₃ ratio was noticed and higher level of unsaturation index in placenta was evident. New lipid species emerged as a consequence of oxidative stress. The more intense peak at 1740 cm^-1 in PE reflected higher level of LDL and VLDL. In the protein region, a decrease in the α-helix structure associated with gain in β-sheet and β-turn structures was detected. Our results revealed significant conformational changes in the protein secondary structure in PE illustrated by peak shifts and intensity alterations, particularly in amide I component. Variations in lipid order, membrane integrity, fatty acid saturation and plasma lipid profile were also detected in PE. The ROC curve generated from plasma samples yielded AUC values of 98.4% and 99.9% for lipid and protein-carbonyl regions, respectively. The current study shed light on the promising role of IR microspectroscopy as a new analytical tool that can aid in providing better diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology of PE.

Use of CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnea admitted to the general ward: effect on length of stay and readmission rate

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities. Despite increased awareness of OSA and its treatments, the management of OSA in the hospital setting remains below expectations.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the demographics, clinical characteristics, and hospital course on 413 consecutive patients with a history of OSA on domiciliary CPAP therapy admitted to the general medical ward and analyzed the prevalence of CPAP use and its effect on length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rate, and time-to-readmission in our tertiary care teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Of the 413 study participants, 264 (64.0 %) patients were receiving CPAP during their hospital admission. Patients who were receiving CPAP therapy during their hospitalization had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (41.4 vs. 36.8 kg/m(2), p < 0.001) and were more likely to be African-American (p = 0.01) and have congestive heart failure (CHF) (42.0 vs. 31.0 %, p = 0.038) peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (26.0 vs. 15.0 %, p = 0.013), and uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001) than those who were not. CPAP therapy in the hospital setting did not affect LOS (4.7 vs. 4.0 days, p = 0.291), readmission rate (11.0 % for both groups), or time-to-readmission (20.8 vs. 22.3 days, p = 0.762).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients who are on domiciliary CPAP therapy were receiving CPAP therapy while admitted to the general medical ward of a tertiary care academic hospital. Presence of comorbid conditions such as obesity and certain cardiovascular diseases may have increased the likelihood of prescribing CPAP therapy while in the hospital. In-hospital CPAP therapy did not appear to significantly influence short-term outcomes such as hospital LOS, readmission rate, or time-to-readmission.

Second-order susceptibility spectra for δ-BiB₃O₆ polymer nanocomposites deposited on the chalcogenide crystals

The optimized conditions for the enhancement of the second harmonic generation in the composites of the orthorhombic δ-BiB3O6:Pr(3+) nanoparticles embedded in polyvinyl alcohol films and deposited on the AgGaGe2Se6, AgGaGe2.7Si0.3Se8 (90 mol.% AgGaGe3Se8 - 10 mol.% AgGaSi3Se8), and AgGaGe3Se8:Cu substrates were established. The highest second-order susceptibility was achieved during the Ag-Ga-Ge-Se crystalline substrates photo-illumination by nanosecond laser pulses of about 2900 nm wavelength. The effect was found to be completely reversible after the interruption of the photo-inducing stimulation. Complementary studies of Atomic Force Microscopy, AFM, X-ray Diffraction, XRD, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and DFT simulations of spectral dependences of the corresponding second-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities, were performed.

[Retroprostatic cyst draining ejaculatory ducts with secondary obstructive azoospermia]

Obstructive azoospermia constitutes 35 to 40% of azoospermia. Etiologies may be acquired or rarely congenital. Congenital utricular or Mullerian duct cyst may result in compression of ejaculatory ducts. However, they must be differentiated from exceptional wolffian or urogenital cysts, which are located at the same site but in which ejaculatory ducts may drain inside. We report a case of retroprostatic duct cyst diagnosed during work up of male infertility where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the drainage of both ejaculatory ducts inside and the presence of a thin canal ended blindly in the wall of prostatic urethra. Transurethral resection guided by MRI has been performed resulting in urethral drainage of the cyst, relieving of obstruction and normalization of spermogramm.

An assay for the determination of sirolimus levels in the lymphocyte of transplant patients

Both tacrolimus (TAC) and sirolimus (SRL) bind to the same immunophilin FKBP12; however, their mechanisms of action are distinct. SRL inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin (TOR), which is an enzyme critical to the immune function. TOR inhibition blocks the signal that mediates T-cell proliferation by preventing cell-cycle progression from G1 to S phase. Moreover, TOR inhibition results in a decrease in antibody production by blocking B-cell proliferation and maturation into antibody producing cells. The use of SRL has resulted in a decrease in the number of rejection episodes. As with other immunosuppressive agents, SRL can cause dose-related side effects, the most notable of which are hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Thus, therapeutic drug monitoring to assess efficacy and toxicity has became a necessity. SRL blood levels do not correlate with its bioactivity and are affected by the concomitant use of other immunosuppressive drugs. To determine the bioactivity of SRL we have developed an assay to determine the level of Sirolimus per lymphocyte of transplant patients. The levels were correlated with lymphocyte count.

METHODS

Whole blood samples from patients on SRL were collected in Ethylene Diamine Tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) vacutainer tubes. Immediately the lymphocytes from 2 mL of blood were separated using 1.5 mL of Ficoll gradient, by centrifugation for 30 minutes at 2500 RPM. The lymphocytes were washed three times with phosphate-bufferd saline and the pellet suspended in 150 microL of Middle East research institute (MERI) drug extraction solution (Beirut, Lebanon), which was then added to 300 microL of IMx solublizing reagent. The cytoplasmic SRL concentrations in lymphocytes were measured using kits supplied from Abbott diagnostics or by high-performance liquid tomography. A corresponding whole blood sample from each patient was used to measure blood levels. To determine the level per lymphocyte, the value obtained was divided by the number of lymphocytes and expressed as Pg/cell. A pharmacokinetic profile for both blood and lymphocytes was constructed for each patient using data corresponding to predose C(0), 1 hour (C(1)) and 2 hours (C(2)) after the dose. The lymphocyte enumeration for C(0), C(1), and C(2) was performed using the FACS Calibur Flow Cytometer from Becton Dickinson. The average dose was 2.86 +/- 1.27 mg/d with a C(0) = 8.05 +/- 4.24, C(1) = 21.9 +/- 8.9 ng/mL, and C(2) = 23 +/- 0.03 ng/mL. Although there was a significant correlation (P=.0975) between the dose and C(0), there was no correlation between the dose and C(0) level on the lymphocyte count P=.897. However, there was a strong correlation between SRL lymphocyte levels (pg/cell) and the lymphocyte count (r(2)=.6.06). The higher the concentration of the drug the lower the lymphocyte counts. The assay is sensitive to within 0.45 pg/cell, reproducible with a coefficient of variance (CV) of 6.4% within assay and 7.5% for intraassay.

Switchability of neoral and equoral according to Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if a drug product contains a drug substance that is chemically identical and is delivered to the site of action at the same rate and extent as another drug product, then it is equivalent and can be substituted (switchable) for that drug product. Methods used to define bioequivalence as stated by the FDA rules (FDA 21 CFR 320, 24) are (1) pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in healthy volunteers, (2) comparative clinical trials, and (3) pharmacodynamic (PD) studies (bioactivity). We evaluated the switchability of Equoral (IVAX-USA) with Neoral (Novartis Switzerland using all FDA rules. In a single oral dose, we undertook a comparative bioavailability study of Equoral (IVAX, USA) Neoral (Novartis, USA), and Neoral (Novartis UK). The pharmacokinetics of Equoral and Neoral were determined with blood levels at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 hours. The area under curve (AUC), AUC extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-inf), rate of absorption (Tmax), extent of absorption (Cmax), half time (t1/2) of Equoral and Neoral were all within the 90% confidence interval of 80% to 125% boundaries. A comparative multinational multicenter clinical trial in stable renal transplant patients included 70 patients (22 women and 48 men) of mean age of 33 years (range, 26 to 43) was performed in Turkey, Lebanon, and Pakistan. In this study the ratios of LSM and the 90% confidence intervals for the Nontransformed/Parameters (AUC0-t, AUCinf, Tmax, and Cmax) of Equoral and Neoral SGC were 98% and 95%, respectively, which are within the 80% to 125% FDA acceptance range. For immunosuppressive drugs, the site of action is the lymphocyte and the measurable response is the decrease in lymphocyte count caused by the relative concentration of the drug in the lymphocyte. In a controlled switch, fixed-dose study, both Equoral and Neoral achieved the same concentration in the lymphocytes and caused the same degree of lymphocyte count reduction. The results of the testing (bioavailability-bioequivalence, clinical studies, and pharmacodynamic-bioactivity) required by FDA for interchangeability ("switchability") of immunosuppressive agents suggests that Neoral and Equoral are switchable.

Mycophenolic acid plasma trough level: correlation with clinical outcome

OBJECTIVES

Assess the relationship between clinical diagnosis, state of immunosuppression, mycophenolic acid (MPA) plasma trough levels (MPACmin), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosage in renal transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MPACmin were determined in 30 kidney transplant patients, of whom 7 exhibited biopsy-proven acute rejection. The remaining 23 had normal graft function. Graft outcome, defined by clinical diagnosis and serum creatinine level, was compared according to MPACmin, MMF dosage, and total lymphocyte count (LC).

RESULTS

Patients with acute rejection had similar MPACmin (2.4 +/- 1.7 microg/mL), MMF dosages (1.7 +/- 0.5 g), and LCs (0.001165 +/- 0.0040 x 10(9)/L) when compared with normal patients (2.2 +/- 0.7 microg/mL, 1.7 +/- 0.4 g and 0.001160 +/- 0.00527 x 10(9)/L) respectively. Rejection rates were comparable irrespective of MPACmin)ranges and higher in those receiving the 1-g dose (30%) when compared with those receiving 1.5-g and 2-g doses (12.5% and 11.7%). No relationship was observed between MPACmin and MMF doses, and neither parameter correlated with LC.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that MPACmin is a poor correlate of clinical outcome and state of immunosuppression. Although the usually recommended dosage of MMF (2 g) may be associated with acute rejection, low-dose MMF (1 g) seems to constitute a higher risk.

The pharmacokinetics of equoral versus neoral in stable renal transplant patients: a multinational multicenter study

We studied the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of the new generic cyclosporine formulation, Equoral capsules, after the switch from original formulation Neoral capsules in stable renal transplant patients. The study was carried out in accordance with the basic principles defined in the US 21 CFR Part 312.20 and the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study included clinically stable first renal transplant patients maintained on cyclosporine with no rejection episode during the past 6 months. Hematology, biochemistry, and urine chemistry were determined on day 7, and day 21. The patients were all switched to Neoral (lot number 416MFD0601) on day 0 when the first sparse sampling PK was performed. On day 14 a 12-hour PK profile included predose, 30 minutes; 1 hour; 1 hour 30 minutes; 2 hours; 3 hours; 4 hours; 5 hours; 6 hours; 8 hours; 10-hours and 12-hour samples. Cyclosporine levels were determined using a CYA kit (Abbott TDx). On day 15 the patients were switched from Neoral capsules to Equoral capsules (lot 5T111014) at an equivalent dosage (mg/mg). The second sparse sampling PK was performed on day 21 and a 12-hour PK was performed on day 28. On the morning of day 29 patients were switched from Equoral capsules to Neoral capsules at an equivalent dosage (mg/mg). Additional concentrations were measured on days -7, 18, and 35. Safety parameters were monitored at each visit. The pharmacokinetics of both formulations were equivalent. The mean AUC for Neoral and Equoral was 2856 and 2892, respectively. The ratios of LSM and the 90% confidence intervals for the in-transformed parameters (AUC o-t, AUC inf, and Cmax) of Equoral and Neoral SGC were 98% and 95%, respectively, suggesting that Equoral and Neoral SGC are bioequivalent.

Effect of a combination of the new antischistosomal drug Ro 15-5458 and praziquantel on different strains of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

The possible additive or synergistic effects of both praziquantel (CAS 55268-74-1) and a new antischistosomal drug, Ro 15-5458 (10-(2-diethylamino)thyl)-9-acridanone(thiazolidin-2-yl-i dene)hydrazone, CAS 92928-47-7) were studied in two different strains of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice, namely CD susceptible and SO4 resistant strains. Assessment of cure was performed using the following parameters: hepatic and intestinal tissue egg load and distribution, oogram changes in the small intestine and histopathological examination of the mice livers. In this study, a combination was used between 1/3 the curative doses of praziquantel and Ro 15-5458. This combination therapy proved to be beneficial as regards the percentage parasite reduction and hepatic worm shift (99.4% and 100%, respectively, in the CD susceptible mouse strains, compared to 84.1% and 34.8% in the SO4 resistant strains). Treatment with subcurative doses of praziquantel and Ro 15-5458 resulted in 78.6% intestinal dead ova and 21.4% mature ones. This score shifted to 98.6% and 1.4% dead and mature ova, respectively, in the SO4 resistant strains. Again the range of liver granulomata in the CD susceptible and SO4 resistant strains receiving subcurative doses of both drugs was 4-6 and 2-5, respectively, in five successive low power fields, while in the infected untreated control mice, this range reached 8-11 and 5-9, respectively. Histopathological sections of the liver revealed a small fibrocellular granuloma with few inflammatory cells and excess fibrous collagen tissue deposition in animals undergoing the combination therapy. This contrasts with the large fibrocellular granulomata seen in the infected untreated control mice. These results may be of value in endemic areas of schistosomiasis, due to the unexpected emergence of drug resistance against the currently used antischistosomal drug, praziquantel in these areas.

Pulmonary development in the fetal one-humped camel: morphometry

The structural development of the fetal camel lung is described and quantified morphometrically in this report. During fetal development the lung weight and volume increased polynomially with body length. The correlation coefficient between lung weight and body length is +0.991, and between lung volume and body length is +0.995. Volume density of the future bronchial tree showed a progressive increment with gestational age and is relatively higher in male than female fetuses, and the differences are statistically significant at 340-420 mm CRL. The proportion of lung tissue occupied by saccular airspaces increased enormously during the canalicular and alveolar stage, and the differences between both sexes are statistically significant at the former stage. The number of alveoli per unit area correlates closely with body length (r = +0.928) and the correlation coefficient between alveolar diameter and body length is +0.991. On the other hand, the correlation coefficient between the number of alveolar ducts per unit area and body length is -0.993, and is about +0.977 between the diameter of alveolar ducts and body length.