Immunoregulatory properties of cell free DNA.

Cell free DNA (cfDNA) is detectable at low concentrations in the plasma of healthy subjects and at high concentrations in disorders characterized by a high rate of necrotic events, such as tumors and vasculitis, leading to the release of necrotic DNA into the surrounding tissue and the bloodstream. Although cfDNA may act as a danger signal by binding to DNA sensors, triggering inflammation and immune responses, elevated cfDNA concentrations instead may exert immunoregulatory activities. Here, we show that exogenously administered cfDNA mediates immunoregulatory functions in vivo, in particular, it protects lupus-prone mice from disease progression and favors tumor growth in tumor-challenged mice.

Development and validation of an ECG algorithm based on lead V3 morphology to determine the origin of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias.

Introduction: Preoperatively distinguishing the origin of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs) exhibiting a precordial transition around V3 is essential for effectively planning the ablation procedure; nonetheless, this proves challenging since neighboring anatomical structures exhibit similar VA morphologies. Several diagnostic criteria analyzing leads V1 and V2 have been proposed to overcome this limitation, whose accuracy has been reviewed; recently, interest has shifted to V3. We conducted a thorough analysis of leads V1 to V3 to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of existing criteria and to develop a novel diagnostic algorithm.

The point on the treatment of arrhythmic storm.

Arrhythmic storm is a clinical emergency associated with high mortality, which requires multi-disciplinary management. Reprogramming of the implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) aimed at reducing shocks, adrenergic blockade using beta-blockers, sedation/anxiolysis, and blockade of the stellate ganglion represent the first simple and effective manoeuvres, but further suppression of arrhythmias with antiarrhythmics is often required. A low-risk patient (e.

Acute pediatric encephalitis: etiology, course, and outcome of a 12-year single-center immunocompetent cohort.

Background: Encephalitis is an uncommon but severe disorder due to an inflammation of the brain parenchyma, usually diagnosed on clinical, laboratory, electroencephalographic, and neuroradiological features. New causes of encephalitis have been reported in recent years, so diagnostic criteria have changed over time. We report on a single-center experience of a pediatric Hospital, the hub of its region, over 12 years (2008-2021), with the evaluation of all children managed for acute encephalitis.

Role of miRNAs shuttled by mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in modulating neuroinflammation.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and neuroregenerative properties, which support their therapeutic potential for inflammatory/neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One mode of action through which MSCs exert their immunomodulatory effects is release of extracellular vesicles that carry proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs), which, once transferred, modify the function of target cells. We identified nine miRNAs significantly dysregulated in IFN-γ-primed MSCs, but present at different levels in their derived small extracellular vesicles (s-EV).

Challenging Cases of Wide Complex Tachycardias: Use and Limits of Algorithms.

Electrocardiographic algorithms are particularly useful to differentiate, in the presence of a wide complex tachycardia, between supraventricular aberrancy and ventricular tachycardias (VT). There are numerous limitations to the sensitivity and specificity of these algorithms including the presence of accessory pathways, use of antiarrhythmic drugs, congenital heart diseases, electrolytes impairments, and artificial pacing. Once the diagnosis of VT has been reached, other algorithms can help in localizing the origin of the ventricular arrhythmia.

A Comparison of 3 Established Skeletal Age Estimation Methods in an African Group From Benin and an Italian Group From Southern Italy.

Age estimation is a crucial matter in several forensic and legal instances. The literature recommends carrying out hand and wrist radiograph to assess skeletal age. Much research has been conducted to examine the application of various methods in different categories.

Not just right experience: is it influenced by feelings of guilt?

Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience increased guilt. Further, these individuals often report uncomfortable sensations of things being not quite right ("not just right experiences"--NJREs). As to the relation between these psychological phenomena, it was hypothesized that feelings of guilt may enhance NJRE.

Immunological prevention of a multigene cancer syndrome.

Vaccines effectively prevent the onset of tumors in transgenic mice carrying activated oncogenes; however, human tumors are caused by combined alterations in oncogenes and oncosuppressor genes. We evaluated the impact of prophylactic vaccines in HER-2/neu transgenic, p53 wild-type/null mice that succumb to an aggressive cancer syndrome comprising mammary and salivary gland carcinomas and rhabdomyosarcoma. A vaccine made of allogeneic mammary carcinoma cells expressing HER-2/neu and interleukin 12 afforded long-term protection from tumor onset.