Freeze Drying and Vial Breakage: Misconceptions, Root Causes and Mitigation Strategies for the Pharmaceutical Industry

Vial breakage during or following freeze drying (lyophilization) is a well-known and documented phenomenon in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the underlying mechanism and probable root causes are not well characterized. Mostly, the phenomenon is attributed to the presence of crystallizing excipients, such as mannitol in the formulation, while other potential factors are often underestimated or not well studied. In this work we document a systematic multipronged approach to characterize and identify potential root cause(s) of vial breakage during lyophilization. Factors associated with formulation, product configuration, primary container and production process stress conditions were identified and their impact on vial breakage was studied in both lab and manufacturing scale conditions. Studies included: 1) strain gauge and lyophilization analysis for stress on glass vials with different formulation conditions and fill volumes, 2) manufacturing fill-finish process risk assessment (ex. loading and frictive force impact on the vials), and 3) glass vial design and ruggedness (ex. glass compression resistance or burst strength testing). Importantly, no single factor could be independently related to the extent of vial breakage observed during production. However, a combination of formulation, fill volume, and vial weakening processes encountered during at-scale production, such as vial handling, shelf loading and unloading, were identified to be the most probable root causes for the low levels of vial breakage observed. The work sheds light on an often-encountered problem in the pharmaceutical industry and the results presented in this paper argue against the simplistic root-cause explanations reported in literature. The work also provides insight into the possibility of implementing mitigative approaches to minimize or eliminate vial breakage associated with lyophilized drug products.

Dopaminergic regulation of inflammation and immunity in Parkinson's disease: friend or foe?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting 7-10 million people worldwide. Currently, there is no treatment available to prevent or delay PD progression, partially due to the limited understanding of the pathological events which lead to the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in the brain, which is known to be the cause of PD symptoms. The current available treatments aim at compensating dopamine (DA) deficiency in the brain using its precursor levodopa, dopaminergic agonists and some indirect dopaminergic agents. The immune system is emerging as a critical player in PD. Therefore, immune-based approaches have recently been proposed to be used as potential antiparkinsonian agents. It has been well-known that dopaminergic pathways play a significant role in regulating immune responses in the brain. Although dopaminergic agents are the primary antiparkinsonian treatments, their immune regulatory effect has yet to be fully understood. The present review summarises the current available evidence of the immune regulatory effects of DA and its mimics and discusses dopaminergic agents as antiparkinsonian drugs. Based on the current understanding of their involvement in the regulation of neuroinflammation in PD, we propose that targeting immune pathways involved in PD pathology could offer a better treatment outcome for PD patients.

The PROB-PD trial: a pilot, randomised, placebo-controlled study protocol to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of probiotics in modulating peripheral immunity in subjects with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. No disease-modifying treatment is available, and therapy is symptomatic. The histopathologic hallmark is the loss of dopaminergic neurons and accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in surviving neurons, but the underlying pathophysiology is unclear. Inflammatory mechanisms seem to play a prominent role, with an imbalance of immune functions and neurotoxicity caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Involvement of peripheral adaptive immunity, with an imbalance in T cell subpopulations and in the expression of transcriptional factors in CD4+ T cells, has also been reported. Although clinical presentation is defined by motor symptoms, patients also report non-motor symptoms, often before the onset of a clinically established disease. Etiopathogenesis of PD is unknown, but an initial aggregation of α-syn in the gut, with subsequent propagation along the vagus nerve to the brain has been hypothesised. Interestingly, in an α-syn overexpressing murine model, the absence of gut microbiota prevented both microglia activation and motor impairment, thus pointing to a fundamental role of microbiota in the development of PD. Magistrelli et al. showed that in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of PD patients, probiotics modulate the in vitro production of cytokines toward an anti-inflammatory profile and reduce the production of ROS.

METHODS

This is a pilot randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial protocol for a 12-week treatment with probiotics. At least 80 patients affected by PD will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the treatment or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. General inclusion criteria will be the onset of PD 2 to 5 years before the trial and absence of autoimmune comorbidities or immunomodulating therapy. Our primary endpoint is the assessment of changes in extracellular cytokine levels (Interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10) and ROS production. Secondary outcomes include changes in lymphocyte subpopulations and transcriptional factors mRNA levels.

DISCUSSION

This study is designed to highlight the potential beneficial role of probiotics administration on peripheral immunity through the modulation of gut microbiota. Explorative outcomes will be evaluated to assess variations in motor and non-motor symptoms and the possible correlation with probiotics administration.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05173701. Registered 08 November 2021.

Medium-term outcome of liver recipients from COVID-19 donors

Background

COVID-19 is associated with thrombotic complications and can result in hepatobiliary injury. Excellent early outcomes have been reported in recipients of solid non-lungs organs from SARS-CoV-2-infected donors, however longer follow-up data are lacking. We aimed to describe the medium-term outcome of our liver transplants (LT) from COVID-19 donors.

Methods

From 11/2020 to 03/2022, we consecutively enrolled all patients who received a graft from COVID-19 donor in our Centre. Protocol liver biopsy and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) after 1-year from LT were reported.

Results

In the study period 12/213 (5.6%) adult LT patients received a COVID-19 donor (11 active, 1 resolved COVID-19)¹. Eleven patients underwent end-to-end biliary anastomosis and 1 biliodigestive anastomosis. Recipients’ and donors’ characteristics are reported in table 1. Two recipients tested SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive on nasopharyngeal swab at LT and one was treated with sotrovimab on day-1 after LT. None of the patients developed COVID-19 after LT. One patient underwent hepatic artery thrombectomy at day-1 and died after 320 days for HCC recurrence. Until now: -10 patients underwent protocol MRCP (median time from LT 562 days, IQR 245-614), which showed: 7 no visible abnormalities, 1 donor-recipient's bile duct size discrepancy, 2 caliber changes <50% at the anastomotic level (untreated for the absence of cholestasis); -7 patients underwent protocol liver biopsy (median time from LT 553 days, IQR 311-557) which showed 1 acute cellular rejection (RAI 4/9) successfully treated with steroids; no signs of fibrosis, rejection or biliopathy in the other 6 patients.

Conclusions

11/12 patients who received a LT from COVID-19 donors are alive, without evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. At a median follow-up of 1.5 years, protocol liver biopsy and MRCP did not show biliopathy, supporting the utilization of COVID-19 donors to expand the donor pool and reduce the waiting list mortality.

Inflammatory markers at baseline correlate with subsequent clinical response to quetiapine in patients with bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies proposed the existence of a correlation between patients' inflammatory status and therapy response in bipolar disorder (BD). Here we investigated the correlation between levels of inflammatory markers and quetiapine (QUE) effects in BD patients.

METHODS

In 15 hospitalised BD patients, we investigated changes in inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and cytokines after a 6-week treatment with QUE monotherapy.

RESULTS

We found QUE treatment to significantly reduce CRP and IL-6 plasma levels. Moreover, we found higher CRP and IL-6 plasma levels at baseline correlated with better improvement of patients' clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The reported results, although preliminary, could be useful in clinical practice, providing not only markers for QUE response, but also allowing for identification of new targets and new therapies for the treatment of this condition.

Pharmacological counseling in hepatotoxicity induced by macitentan and selexipag: a case report

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive, debilitating condition characterized by increased resistance in the pulmonary arterial circulation. Current treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension include endothelin receptor antagonists such as bosentan, sitaxentan, ambrisentan, macitentan, and oral prostacyclin receptor agonists such as selexipag. Endothelin receptor antagonists have been associated with liver injury, while hepatotoxicity was not reported for selexipag. Although genetic variability has been indisputably associated with variability in drug response, no study has been designed until now to assess its effects on the pharmacokinetics of endothelin receptor antagonists or selexipag.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 58-year-old female Caucasian patient with a dramatic increase in plasma levels of transaminases after treatment with macitentan and selexipag, drugs whose risk of causing liver injury has so far been considered limited. After therapy discontinuation, plasma levels of transaminases returned to baseline, thus suggesting a role of these drugs in the observed hepatotoxicity. After pharmacological counseling, we decided to introduce ambrisentan for the patient’s treatment. After 7 months of treatment, no liver injury has been reported. To evaluate the role of genetic factors in the observed hepatotoxicity, we genotyped the patient for single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with macitentan, ambrisentan, or selexipag metabolism. We found a genetic profile associated with a poor metabolizer (PM) phenotype for CYP2C8 and CYP2C9, key enzymes for elimination of both macitentan and selexipag. The reported results suggest that an allelic profile associated with low activity for CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 enzyme could be a potential risk factor for macitentan and selexipag-induced liver injury and could provide a possible marker for early identification of subjects at higher risk of developing hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary approach based on clinical evaluation, as well as pharmacological counseling and evaluation of the patient’s genetic profile, might be useful for identification of patients with a high chance of drug-induced liver injury, avoiding unnecessary risks in therapy selection and prescription.

Early Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis of 392 Cases in Italy

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. The knowledge of COVID-19 pathophysiology soon provided a strong rationale for the early use of both anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic drugs; however, its evidence was slowly and partially incorporated into institutional guidelines. The unmet needs of COVID-19 outpatients were taken care of by networks of physicians and researchers. We analyse the characteristics, management and outcomes in COVID-19 outpatients who were taken care of by physicians within the IppocrateOrg Association. In this observational retrospective study, volunteering doctors provided data on 392 COVID-19 patients. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years (range: 0.5–97), and patients were taken care of in COVID-19 stage 0 (15.6%), stage 1 (50.0%), stage 2a (28.8%) and stage 2b (5.6%). Many patients were overweight (26%) or obese (11.5%), with chronic comorbidities (34.9%), mainly cardiovascular (23%) and metabolic (13.3%). The most frequently prescribed drugs included: vitamins and supplements (98.7%), aspirin (66.1%), antibiotics (62%), glucocorticoids (41.8%), hydroxychloroquine (29.6%), enoxaparin (28.6%), colchicine (8.9%), oxygen therapy (6.9%), and ivermectin (2.8%). Hospitalization occurred in 5.8% of cases, mainly in stage 2b (27.3%). A total of 390 patients (99.6%) recovered; one patient was lost at follow up, and one patient died after hospitalization. This is the first real-world study describing the behaviours of physicians caring for COVID-19 outpatients, and the outcomes of COVID-19 early treatment. The lethality in this cohort was 0.2%, while overall, and over the same period, the COVID-19 lethality in Italy was over 3%. The drug use described in this study appears effective and safe. The present evidence should be carefully considered by physicians and political decision makers.

Effect of quetiapine on inflammation and immunity: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Knowledge about the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders is increasing in the last decades and evidence from literature suggests a central role for immuno-inflammatory mechanisms in these illnesses. The antipsychotic quetiapine acts on dopamine and serotonin signalling and well-established evidence demonstrates that these neurotransmitters can modulate immune functions in healthy and diseased conditions. Starting from this perspective, in the last few decades, a number of studies attempted to identify quetiapine effects on immune functions in order to highlight a possible additional effect of this drug in psychotic diseases, although no conclusive results were obtained.

METHODS

We critically reviewed preclinical and clinical studies evaluating quetiapine effects on immune systems, suggesting strategies for future work in this field.

RESULTS

Computerised search, in PubMed and Embase databases, was performed in March 2020: 120 studies were identified but only 29 relevant papers were selected for detailed review.

CONCLUSION

Despite some interesting preliminary findings about anti-inflammatory effects of quetiapine, mainly supported by preclinical studies, it is possible to conclude further studies are needed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of this drug and achieve a better understanding of its relevance on clinical outcomes to finally identify new therapeutic approaches in psychiatric treatment.KeypointsMounting evidence points to a role for immuno-inflammatory mechanisms in psychiatric disorders.Quetiapine (QUE) acts on catecholamine (dopamine and norepinephrine) and serotonin signalling.The immunomodulatory effects of catecholamines are well established.Treatment with QUE in psychiatric disorders could leverage immunomodulatory effects.QUE unclear role in immune function modulation suggests future work.

Dopaminergic Inhibition of Human Neutrophils is Exerted Through D1-Like Receptors and Affected By Bacterial Infection

BACKGROUND

Dopamine (DA) affects immune functions in healthy subjects and during disease by acting on D1-like (D1 and D5) and D2-like (D2, D3 and D4) dopaminergic receptors (DR), however its effects on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are still poorly defined.

METHODS

We investigated DR expression in human PMN and the ability of DA to affect cell migration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Experiments were performed on cells from healthy subjects (HS) and from patients (Pts) with bacterial infections as well, during the acute phase and after recovery. Some experiments were also performed in mice KO for the DRD5 gene.

RESULTS

PMN from HS express both D1-like and D2-like DR, and exposure to DA results in inhibition of activation-induced morphological changes, migration and ROS production which depend on the activation of D1-like DR. In agreement with these findings, DA inhibited migration of PMN obtained from wild-type mice, but not from DR D5 KO mice. In Pts with bacterial infections, during the febrile phase D1-like DR D5 on PMN were downregulated and DA failed to affect PMN migration. Both D1-like DR D5 expression and DA-induced inhibition of PMN migration were however restored after recovery.

CONCLUSION

Dopaminergic inhibition of human PMN is a novel mechanism which is likely to play a key role in the regulation of innate immunity. Evidence obtained in Pts with bacterial infections provides novel clues for the therapeutic modulation of PMN during infectious disease.

The Effects of COVID-19-Related Restrictions on Parkinson's Disease Patients in Italy: Results of a Structured Survey

COVID-19 was first identified in China in late 2019 and spread globally, originating a pandemic. To limit the spreading of the virus, many countries, including Italy, introduced social distancing measures and limited human movement. The Italian government declared a lockdown of the whole country lasting about two months, and the introduced restrictive rules heavily impacted patients with chronic neurological diseases because of the reduced access to healthcare and community support services. In Parkinson’s disease, studies confirmed lockdown restrictions increase levels of psychological distress, impose limitations on physical activities, and cause a lack of clinical assistance. This study aims at investigating the impact of the pandemic during and beyond the lockdown period in such patients using an online survey. A total of 387 total patients accessed the survey and were asked about their personal experiences during and after lockdown. The results show a significant impact on people’s lives even months after lockdown restrictions were lifted, with a substantial and durable worsening in different aspects of daily life, heavily influenced by impaired access to health services—particularly physical therapies, including personal physical activity—and readily available clinical counselling, with an overall observation of worsening symptoms control. These aspects should be carefully considered in the assessment of global health care strategies to overcome the current pandemic and its broader effects.

Temporal Horn Enlargements Predict Secondary Hydrocephalus Diagnosis Earlier than Evans' Index

The aim of this study was to identify early radiological signs of secondary hydrocephalus. We retrieved neuroradiological data from scans performed at various times in patients who underwent surgery for secondary hydrocephalus due to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), or brain tumour (BT). Baseline measurements, performed on the earliest images acquired after the neurological event (T0), included Evans’ index, the distance between frontal horns, and the widths of both temporal horns. The next neuroimage that showed an increase in at least one of these four parameters—and that lead the surgeon to act—was selected as an indication of ventricular enlargement (T1). Comparisons of T0 and T1 neuroimages showed increases in Evans’ index, in the mean frontal horn distance, and in the mean right and left temporal horn widths. Interestingly, in T1 scans, mean Evans’ index scores > 0.30 were only observed in patients with BT. However, the temporal horn widths increased up to ten-fold in most patients, independent of Evans’ index scores. In conclusion temporal horn enlargements were the earliest, most sensitive findings in predicting ventricular enlargement secondary to TBI, SAH, or BT. To anticipate a secondary hydrocephalus radiological diagnosis, clinicians should measure both Evans’ index and the temporal horn widths, to avoid severe disability and poor outcome related to temporal lobe damage.

Catecholamines and children obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder in children and is characterized by recurrent total or partial upper airway collapse episodes during sleep. OSA is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and neurobehavioural complications related to sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation. A key role in originating these complications and in underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms can be attributed to altered catecholamines (CAs) metabolism.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA Statement guidelines for research studies correlating OSA in children with catecholamines.

RESULTS

Only 13 studies out of 151 reports were included in the review. Most studies (9 out of 13) showed increased secretion for some catecholamines in patients with a sleep-related breathing disorder or OSA compared to a control group or post treatment control group.

CONCLUSION

OSA can activate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and increase catecholamines (CAs) production, perhaps contributing to increased morbidity. However, underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain still unclear.

Preoperative brain shift is a prognostic factor for survival in certain neurosurgical diseases other than severe head injury: a case series and literature review

Preoperative brain shift after severe brain injury is a prognostic factor for survival. The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative brain shift in conditions other than severe head injury has significant prognostic value. We analyzed a radiological database of 800 consecutive patients, who underwent neurosurgical treatment. Brain shift was measured at two anatomical landmarks: Monro’s foramina (MF) and the corpus callosum (CC). Four hundred seventy-three patients were included. The disease exerting the highest mean brain shift was acute subdural hematoma (MF 11.6 mm, CC 12.4 mm), followed by intraparenchymal hematoma (MF 10.2 mm, CC 10.3 mm) and malignant ischemia (MF 10.4 mm, CC 10.5 mm). On univariate analysis, brain shift was a significant negative factor for survival in all diseases (p < 0.001). Analyzed individually by group, brain shift at both anatomical landmarks had a statistically significant effect on survival in malignant ischemia and at one anatomical landmark in chronic subdural and intraparenchymal hematomas. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the only independent factor negatively impacting survival was brain shift at MF (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84–0.95) and CC (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85–0.96). Brain shift is a prognostic factor for survival in patients with expansive intracranial lesions in certain neurosurgical diseases. MF and CC are reliable anatomical landmarks and should be quoted routinely in radiological reports as well as in neurosurgical practice.

Durability of Dolutegravir-Based Regimens: A 5-Year Prospective Observational Study

This study evaluates the frequency and causes of dolutegravir (DTG) discontinuation along 5 years of follow-up, in both antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive and experienced people living with HIV (PLWH). This is a prospective multi-center cohort study enrolling PLWH on DTG from July 2014 until November 2020. DTG-durability was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. The Cox proportional-hazards model was used for estimating the hazard ratio (HR) of DTG discontinuation for any cause, and for adverse events (AEs). Nine hundred sixty-three PLWH were included, 25.3% were women and 28.0% were ART-naive. Discontinuations for any causes were 10.1 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 8.9-11.5] per 100 person-years, similar in most regimens, with the apparent exception of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine+DTG (p < 0.0001). In the multivariable Cox regression model, non-Caucasian ethnicity, age ≥50 years, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were associated with a higher probability of DTG interruption. The incidence rate of virological failure was 0.4 (95% CI 0.2-0.7) per 100 person-years, while the estimated discontinuation rate for AEs was 4.0 (3.2-4.9) per 100 person-years. Thirty-four DTG interruptions were due to grade ≥3 events (10 central nervous system, 6 hypersensitivity, 3 renal, 3 myalgia/asthenia, 3 abdominal pain, 2 gastrointestinal, and 7 other events). People with lower body mass index, age ≥50 years, and lower eGFR were at higher risk of AEs, while dual combinations were protective (HR 0.41 compared with abacavir/lamivudine/DTG, 95% CI 0.22-0.77). In this prospective observational study, we found high DTG durability and a low rate of virological failures. Dual therapies seemed protective toward AEs and might be considered, when feasible, a suitable option to minimize drug interactions and improve tolerability.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of three sticky traps to monitor four species of cockroaches (Hexapoda: Blattaria) with simulated use tests

Background

Cockroaches are the pest of major concern for the disinfestation programs of the sanitary system in Italy. Hygienic-sanitary interest is linked to the role of mechanical vectors of pathogens and to their allergological potential. Sticky traps are the best tool to monitor the presence of these insects and several types of them are available on the market. In most of the cases the traps are not indicated for a given species, but, instead, generically for cockroaches. Domestic cockroaches differ in morphology, size and habits. Consequently, the effectiveness of the trap can change in relation to the target species.

Materials and methods

In this study three of the most employed traps in Italy were compared: the INDIA trap with and without its attractant tablet (hereafter mentioned as INDIA-A and INDIA-E, respectively), the ZAPI Simply trap and the CATCHMASTER Spider & Insect Glue trap. We chose the four most common species of cockroach (Blattodea) in Italy, Blatta orientalis (L.), Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattidae), Blattella germanica (L.) and Supella longipalpa (F.) (Blattellidae). Each species of cockroach was tested separately inside arenas containing one of the traps. Each test (one species with one kind of trap) was replicated five times.

Results and discussion

The INDIA-A trap collected more cockroaches of every species, followed by the INDIA-E. The ZAPI trap caught less specimens of each species in respect to the INDIA traps, with the only exception of B. orientalis, for which the ZAPI trap caught more than the INDIA-E. The CATCHMASTER trap performed significantly less for all the species. B. orientalis was the species most abundantly caught by all traps, followed by B. germanica, S. longipalpa and P. americana. No significant difference was observed in the catch according to the developmental stage. In general, there was no particular predisposition of any trap to catch a particular species.

Conclusions

It is not possible to indicate a model of trap for each species of cockroach, but it is clear that different traps have different performances in terms of attractiveness and capture. Therefore, the choice of the trap affects the results of the monitoring, and as consequence, the evaluation of the infesting population of the pest.

Insects and SARS-CoV-2: Analysis of the Potential Role of Vectors in European Countries

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus responsible for the pandemic that developed in China in late 2019. Transmission of the virus is predominantly direct, through exposure to infected respiratory secretions. As far as we know, arthropods play a key role in the transmission and spread of several viruses, and thus their role in the spread of COVID-19 deserves to be studied. The biological transmission of viral agents through insects is very complex. While mechanical transmission is more likely to happen, biological transmission is possible via blood-sucking arthropods, but this requires a high grade of compatibility between the vector and the pathogen. If the biological and mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by blood-sucking arthropods is excluded, a mechanical transmission by urban pests could take place. This risk is very low but it could be important in isolated environmental conditions, where other means of transmission are not possible. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in non-blood-sucking arthropods in infected buildings, like hospitals and retirement homes, should be investigated.

Cavitation clusters in lipid systems - Ring-up, bubble population, and bifurcated streamer lifetime

The processing of oils is vital to their ultimate use within the food industry. Control over the physical properties of such materials could be achieved through the application of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU). However, the exact mechanism, centred upon acoustic cavitation, is currently unclear. To investigate the cavitation environment in oils further, the ring-up of a HIU source in an oil media is studied in the presence and absence of a pre-existing bubble population. High-speed imaging and acoustic measurements within the system is demonstrated to be extremely useful in characterising the dynamics present under non steady-state conditions. The behaviour of the clusters generated in the first 1000 ms under these conditions is shown to be significantly different depending on the bubble population. A bifurcated streamer (BiS), originating from a unique bi-cluster event, is only observable in the presence of a bubble population during the ring-up process to higher cluster orders. In addition, the lifetime of this BiS event is highly temperature dependent and is shown to be a good marker for the viscosity of the oil employed.

SHadow Under the Lamp (SHUL): Smoking behavior of the health professionals

Background

Smoking cessation is the best option a health professional can offer to the patients for averting the preventable causes of mortality and morbidity.

Purpose

To determine smoking behavior, preferred cessation methods, and attitudes towards smoking cessation amongst health professionals.

Methods

The cross-sectional study, conducted in six countries, included doctors and nurses working at different hospital settings. Participants responded anonymously to an online questionnaire.

Results

Among 1109 participants, 36% were from Saudi Arabia, 14% from Nepal, 14% from Indonesia, 12% from Australia, 12% from Jordan, and 12% from Pakistan. Mean age was 33 years, 61% were females and 58% were nurses. One in eight (12%) was daily smoker. Among current smokers, 42% smoked 2-9 cigarettes/day, and 26% had their first cigarette within 5-30 minutes after waking up. Half of the smokers perceived it as 'very important' to quit smoking, 30% had tried to quit in the last six months, and 31% preferred to have a group quit program with the same health professionals. Only 17% had formal training on smoking cessation, but 57% were interested to receive one. Half of the participants said they (53%) 'always' asked patients if they smoked, but 89% said they advised to quit, 76% said they assessed intention to quit, 28% said they assisted by providing materials on cessation, and 33% said they arranged follow up for cessation. Compared to current smokers, never smokers were more likely to 'always' ask patients if they smoked (78% vs. 22%, p = 0.044, ORs 1.39, 95%CIs 1.01-1.91), assist smokers by setting quit dates (74% vs. 26%, p = 0.039, ORs 1.54, 95%CIs 1.03-2.29), arrange follow up (77% vs. 23%, p = 0.044, ORs 1.40, 95%CIs 1.01-1.94).

Conclusions

Health professionals reported moderately good behavior around advice to smokers, but it is much worse among current smokers. Health professionals who smoke should be both encouraged to quit and to better support their patients to do so.

Key messages

Smoking cessation support for patients was not good among health professionals, who were smokers. Health professionals need to quit smoking in order to provide better cessation support for patients.

Intracranial meningioma and concomitant cavernous malformation: A series description and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Intracranial meningioma with concomitant cavernous malformation has been rarely described in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the correct neurosurgical conduct.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrieved clinical and radiological data for 39 outpatients or patients that underwent surgery (mean age: 60 years; n = 25 females) for a single or multiple meningiomas and concomitant single or multiple cavernous malformations. Cavernous malformations were classified according to Zabramski's type scale. Our results were compared to results published in the literature.

RESULTS

All patients had at least one meningioma and at least one concomitant cavernous malformation. Most meningiomas and cavernous malformations were located in the supratentorial region. Nine patients (23 %) had multiple meningiomas and nine had concomitant multiple cavernous malformations. Cavernous malformations were classified as type I (n = 0), type II (n = 9), type III (n = 11), or type IV (n = 19). The surgical priority was meningioma removal. A single patient underwent simultaneous removal of a meningioma and a contiguous cavernous malformation. In the postoperative period and long term follow-up, no complications occurred related to cavernous malformations, intra- or extra-lesional bleeding, or morphology/size changes. Years after surgical treatment, a new type IV cavernous malformation occurred in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings corroborate that meningioma removal should take priority in patients with intracranial meningioma and concomitant cavernous malformation. Concomitant cavernous malformations showed no change in morphology or size; therefore, they should merely be observed during follow-up. In patients that harbor a single meningioma, a type IV cavernous malformation should preferably be considered a concomitant cerebral microbleed.

Exo-Ocean Exploration with Deep-Sea Sensor and Platform Technologies

One of Saturn's largest moons, Enceladus, possesses a vast extraterrestrial ocean (i.e., exo-ocean) that is increasingly becoming the hotspot of future research initiatives dedicated to the exploration of putative life. Here, a new bio-exploration concept design for Enceladus' exo-ocean is proposed, focusing on the potential presence of organisms across a wide range of sizes (i.e., from uni- to multicellular and animal-like), according to state-of-the-art sensor and robotic platform technologies used in terrestrial deep-sea research. In particular, we focus on combined direct and indirect life-detection capabilities, based on optoacoustic imaging and passive acoustics, as well as molecular approaches. Such biologically oriented sampling can be accompanied by concomitant geochemical and oceanographic measurements to provide data relevant to exo-ocean exploration and understanding. Finally, we describe how this multidisciplinary monitoring approach is currently enabled in terrestrial oceans through cabled (fixed) observatories and their related mobile multiparametric platforms (i.e., Autonomous Underwater and Remotely Operated Vehicles, as well as crawlers, rovers, and biomimetic robots) and how their modified design can be used for exo-ocean exploration.

Smoking among female daily smokers in Surabaya, Indonesia

OBJECTIVES

Nationally representative studies suggest 1-2% of Indonesian women (2.3 million) smoke various tobacco products daily; however, in recent years, there has been concern that the tobacco industry has successfully increased female smoking. Our objective was to describe current cigarette smoking behaviors, past quit attempts, and intention to quit of female daily smokers in Surabaya, Indonesia.

STUDY DESIGN

Survey.

METHODS

Female daily smokers (n = 112) in Surabaya, Indonesia, the country's second largest city, were recruited to participate in a survey during 2018. Convenience sampling was utilized in two malls. Potential participants were intercepted in or near designated smoking areas and invited to the nearby data collection site. Survey items from Global Adult Tobacco Survey and the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project were utilized.

RESULTS

Participants self-reported smoking 13.8 cigarettes per day (7.3 white machine-rolled cigarettes per day, 4.2 kreteks per day, and 2.4 roll-your-own cigarettes per day). Over 75% smoked their first cigarette within 30 min of waking. Over 53% had a heaviness of smoking index score suggesting moderate or high addiction. Approximately half (51%) did not attempt to quit smoking in the previous 12 months, and 55% planned to quit beyond 6 months or not at all.

CONCLUSIONS

Our sample smoked five to six more cigarettes per day than female daily smokers in previous national surveys. Relative to previous studies, our data suggest an unexpected preference for white machine-rolled cigarettes and that there could be, at a minimum, pockets of increased smoking and addiction among female daily smokers in Indonesia.

Changes in HCV Viremia following LDL Apheresis in a HCV Positive Patient with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

It has been suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be associated with beta-lipoprotein in human serum. According to this, the LDL receptor could promote endocytosis of such a virus. In the present study, we evaluated the changes in HCV viremia in a HCV positive patient with familial hypercholesterolemia, undergoing both selective (DALI System, Fresenius) and non-selective (plasma exchange) LDL apheresis. HCV-RNA levels did not decrease following selective LDL apheresis, on the contrary showed a random, odd variation pattern (from –35% to +72%). Conversely, plasma exchange steadily induced a drop in HCV viremia (–35/43%), to a lower extent than that of a totally intravascular plasmaprotein, i.e., alpha 2-macroglobulin (–53/54%). These data indicate that beta-lipoprotein may not function as a plasma carrier of HCV, at least in the present case. Moreover, a continuous, quantitatively unforeseeable circulation of HCV virions from the intravascular plasma compartment to other extravascular and intracellular sites, seems to occurr during an apheresis session.

A simplified regimen of targeted antifungal prophylaxis in liver transplant recipients: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a severe complication of liver transplantation burdened by high mortality. Guidelines recommend targeted rather than universal antifungal prophylaxis based on tiers of risk.

METHODS

We aimed to evaluate IFI incidence, risk factors, and outcome after implementation of a simplified two-tiered targeted prophylaxis regimen based on a single broad-spectrum antifungal drug (amphotericin B). Patients presenting 1 or more risk factors according to literature were administered prophylaxis. Prospectively collected data on all adult patients transplanted in Turin from January 2011 to December 2015 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Patients re-transplanted before postoperative day 7 were considered once, yielding a study cohort of 581 cases. Prophylaxis was administered to 299 (51.4%) patients; adherence to protocol was 94.1%. Sixteen patients developed 18 IFIs for an overall rate of 2.8%. All IFI cases were in targeted prophylaxis group; none of the non-prophylaxis group developed IFI. Most cases (81.3%) presented within 30 days after transplantation during prophylaxis; predominant pathogens were molds (94.4%). Only 1 case of candidemia was observed. One-year mortality in IFI patients was 33.3% vs 6.4% in patients without IFI (P = .001); IFI attributable mortality was 6.3%. At multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for IFI were renal replacement therapy (OR = 8.1) and re-operation (OR = 5.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a simplified targeted prophylaxis regimen appeared to be safe and applicable and was associated with low IFI incidence and mortality. Association of IFI with re-operation and renal replacement therapy calls for further studies to identify optimal prophylaxis in this subset of patients.

Age, Sex, and Racial Differences in Neuroimaging Use in Acute Stroke: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Limited information is available regarding differences in neuroimaging use for acute stroke work-up. Our objective was to assess whether race, sex, or age differences exist in neuroimaging use and whether these differences depend on the care center type in a population-based study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) and transient ischemic attack were identified in a metropolitan, biracial population using the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study in 2005 and 2010. Multivariable regression was used to determine the odds of advanced imaging use (CT angiography/MR imaging/MR angiography) for race, sex, and age.

RESULTS

In 2005 and 2010, there were 3471 and 3431 stroke/TIA events, respectively. If one adjusted for covariates, the odds of advanced imaging were higher for younger (55 years or younger) compared with older patients, blacks compared with whites, and patients presenting to an academic center and those seen by a stroke team or neurologist. The observed association between race and advanced imaging depended on age; in the older age group, blacks had higher odds of advanced imaging compared with whites (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.12-1.61; P < .01), and in the younger group, the association between race and advanced imaging was not statistically significant. Age by race interaction persisted in the academic center subgroup (P < .01), but not in the nonacademic center subgroup (P = .58). No significant association was found between sex and advanced imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a large, biracial stroke/TIA population, there is variation in the use of advanced neuroimaging by age and race, depending on the care center type.

Consumer sensory evaluation and chemical composition of beef gluteus medius and triceps brachii steaks from cattle finished on forage or concentrate diets

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cattle finishing diet and muscle type on meat quality. Consumer sensory response, proximate composition, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds were assessed from the gluteus medius (GM) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles of cattle ( = 6 per diet) which were grain-finished (USUGrain) on conventional feedlot or 2 forage diets, a perennial legume, birdsfoot trefoil-finished (USUBFT; ), and grass-finished (USUGrass; ). Diet had an interacting effect with muscle for all sensory attributes ( ≤ 0.002), except aroma and flavor ( ≥ 0.078). In forage-finished beef, tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of GM was greater ( < 0.05) than TB, whereas for USUGrain, the tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of both muscles were similar ( > 0.05) but the juiciness of TB was more liked than USUGrain GM ( < 0.05). The juiciness of forage-finished beef did not differ ( > 0.05) between GM and TB. Lower ( < 0.05) intramuscular fat (IMF) percent was determined for USUGrass beef in comparison with USUGrain beef. The IMF percent of USUBFT beef was similar ( > 0.05) to both USUGrass and USUGrain beef. However, IMF percent was not impacted by muscle type ( = 0.092). The ratio of -6:-3 fatty acids was affected by muscle dependent on diet ( = 0.016). The ratio of -6:-3 fatty acids was affected by the interaction of muscle × diet ( = 0.016). Between forage diets (USUGrass and USUBFT), -6:-3 ratios were similar ( > 0.05) between GM and TB, whereas within USUGrain, the GM was greater ( < 0.05) than the TB. Cumulative MUFA was greater ( < 0.05) in USUGrain compared with both USUGrass and USUBFT, which were similar ( > 0.05). Strecker aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, and methional were affected ( ≤ 0.036) by muscle and found to have a greater concentration in GM compared with TB. Overall, consumers determined that USUGrain GM and TB had similar ( > 0.05) quality ratings. However, within forage-finished beef, the GM was perceived more frequently ( < 0.05) to be of premium quality and the forage-finished TB was more frequently ( < 0.05) rated as having unsatisfactory quality. These findings were in agreement with ratings of tenderness and overall liking. Therefore, in the context of our consumer group grilled GM and TB steaks, grain-finished beef provided more uniform quality and eating experience compared with forage-finished beef.

IL15 induces a potent antitumor activity in NK cells isolated from malignant pleural effusions and overcomes the inhibitory effect of pleural fluid

Natural Killer (NK) cells are capable of recognizing and killing cancer cells and play an important role in tumor immunosurveillance. However, tumor-infiltrating NK cells are frequently impaired in their functional capability. A remarkable exception is represented by NK cells isolated from malignant pleural effusions (PE) that are not anergic and, upon IL2-induced activation, efficiently kill tumor cells. Although IL2 is used in various clinical trials, severe side effects may occur in treated patients. In this study, we investigated whether also other clinical-grade cytokines could induce strong cytotoxicity in NK cells isolated from pleural fluid of patients with primary or metastatic tumors of different origins. We show that PE-NK cells, cultured for short-time intervals with IL15, maintain the CD56^bright phenotype, a high expression of the main activating receptors, produce cytokines and kill tumor cells in vitro similarly to those treated with IL2. Moreover, IL15-activated PE-NK cells could greatly reduce the growth of established tumors in mice. This in vivo antitumor effect correlated with the ability of IL15-activated PE-NK cells to traffic from periphery to the tumor site. Finally, we show that IL15 can counteract the inhibitory effect of the tumor pleural microenvironment. Our study suggests that IL15-activated NK cells isolated from pleural fluid (otherwise discarded after thoracentesis) may represent a suitable source of effector cells to be used in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.

Cavitation clusters in lipid systems – surface effects, local heating and streamer formation

Cavitation clusters in lipid materials (specifically sunflower oil): high-speed streamers and local heating effects.

PKCε is a regulator of hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and highly debilitating degenerative disease whose complex pathogenesis and the multiplicity of the molecular processes involved, hinder its complete understanding. Protein Kinase C (PKC) novel isozyme PKCε recently proved to be an interesting molecule for further investigations as it can represent an intriguing, new actor in the acquisition of a OA phenotype by the chondrocyte.

DESIGN

PKCε was modulated in primary chondrocytes from human OA patient knee cartilage samples by means of short hairpin RNA (ShRNA) and the expression of cartilage specific markers observed at mRNA and protein level. The involvement of Histone deacetylases (HDACs) signaling pathway was also investigated through the use of specific inhibitors MS-275 and Inhibitor VIII.

RESULTS

PKCε loss induces up-regulation of Runt-domain transcription factor (RUNX2), Metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and Collagen X (COL10) as well as an enhanced calcium deposition in OA chondrocyte cultures. In parallel, PKCε knock-down also leads to SOX9 and Collagen II (COL2) down-modulation and to a lower deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM). This novel regulatory role of PKCε over cartilage hypertrophic phenotype is exerted via an HDAC-mediated pathway, as HDAC2 and HDAC4 expression is modulated by PKCε. HDAC2 and HDAC4, in turn, are at least in part responsible for the modulation of the master transcription factors RUNX2 and SOX9, key regulators of chondrocyte phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

PKCε prevents the phenotypic progression of the OA chondrocyte, acting on cartilage specific markers through the modulation of the transcription factors SOX9 and RUNX2. The loss of PKCε enhances, in fact, the OA hypertrophic phenotype, with clear implications in the pathophysiology of the disease.