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AimsThe aims of this study was to report anatomical changes of the ganglion cell complex (GCC), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and macular volume in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We also investigated the correlation between anatomical and functional changes in terms of visual acuity and macular sensitivity investigated and visual fields.MethodsProspective comparative study included 105 eyes of 53 consecutive patients. The patients were divided into two groups: group A included 56 eyes of 28 patients with diagnosis of MS; group B involved 49 eyes of 25 healthy patients. The examination included Goldmann tonometry, biomicroscopic and fundus oculi examination, retinography, GCC examination, circumpapillary RNFL (cpRNFL), and macular volume. The functional test included measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, and MP.ResultsMS group showed a significant reduced GCC, cpRNFL, macular volume, BCVA, visual field, and macular sensitivity compared with the control group (P

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and the prevalence of neutralising antibodies (NABs) to three interferon beta (IFNβ) products in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Sera were tested from 125 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Patients were treated with IFNβ-1b (Betaferon, n = 29) 8 MIU subcutaneously every other day, IFNβ-1a (Avonex, n = 44) 30 µg intramuscularly once weekly, or IFNβ-1a (Rebif, n = 36) 22 µg subcutaneously three times weekly for 6 to 18 months. An additional 16 patients were treated with Rebif 22 µg intramuscularly once or twice weekly. NABs were assessed using the cytopathic effect assay before treatment and every three months during treatment. Patients with two or more consecutive positive samples were considered to be persistent NAB positive (NAB+). Results: At baseline, no patients were NAB+. NABs developed during the first three months of treatment and continued to develop until month 18. Over 18 months of treatment, the risk of being persistent NAB+ was 31% for Betaferon, 15% for Rebif, and 2% for Avonex (Betaferon versus Avonex, p = 0.001; Betaferon versus Rebif, p = 0.19; Rebif versus Avonex, p = 0.04). In all patients with one or more NAB+ samples, the risk of becoming NAB+ was 38% for Betaferon, 18% for Rebif, and 7% for Avonex (Betaferon versus Avonex, p = 0.0007; Betaferon versus Rebif, p = 0.10; Rebif versus Avonex, p = 0.07). At month 18, the prevalence of persistent NAB+ patients was 31.6% for Betaferon, 18.7% for Rebif, and 4% for Avonex. Numbers of NAB+ patients observed were similar with intramuscular Rebif and with subcutaneous Rebif. Conclusion: The three IFNβ preparations have different degrees of immunogenicity, with Betaferon producing the highest incidence of NABs and Avonex the lowest. These differences should be considered by neurologists when selecting treatment for their patients with MS because NABs can reduce both bioavailability and clinical efficacy of IFNβ.

Cloricromen is a new drug that inhibits platelet aggregation in man and in experimental thrombosis. Twenty patients with a history of atherothrombotic stroke received cloricromen (100 mg, twice daily) for 30 days in order to evaluate its effects on plasma fibrinogen, antithrombin III, and other variables of the haemostatic system. A statistically significant decrease in the prothrombin time ( P < 0.01) was found only after 30 days of therapy. This decrease was transient and disappeared 15 days after the end of treatment. No statistically significant changes in plasma fibrinogen levels, antithrombin III, partial thromboplastin time, or platelet count were observed compared with baseline values. No side-effects were reported. This study did not reveal an effect of cloricromen on coagulative variables in patients with cerebrovascular occlusive disease.

Background Temporins are small antimicrobial peptides secreted by the Rana temporaria showing mainly activity against Gram-positive bacteria. However, different members of the temporin family, such as Temporin B, act in synergy also against Gram-negative bacteria. With the aim to develop a peptide with a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity we designed and analyzed a series of Temporin B analogs. Methods Peptides were initially obtained by Ala scanning on Temporin B sequence; antimicrobial activity tests allowed to identify the TB-G6A sequence, which was further optimized by increasing the peptide positive charge (TB-KKG6A). Interactions of this active peptide with the LPS of E. coli were investigated by CD, fluorescence and NMR. Results TB-KKG6A is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low concentrations. The peptide strongly interacts with the LPS of Gram-negative bacteria and folds upon interaction into a kinked helix. Conclusion Our results show that it is possible to widen the activity spectrum of an antimicrobial peptide by subtle changes of the primary structure. TB-KKG6A, having a simple composition, a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and a very low hemolytic activity, is a promising candidate for the design of novel antimicrobial peptides. General significance The activity of antimicrobial peptides is strongly related to the ability of the peptide to interact and break the bacterial membrane. Our studies on TB-KKG6A indicate that efficient interactions with LPS can be achieved when the peptide is not perfectly amphipathic, since this feature seems to help the toroidal pore formation process. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. Background Temporins are small antimicrobial peptides secreted by the Rana temporaria showing mainly activity against Gram-positive bacteria. However, different members of the temporin family, such as Temporin B, act in synergy also against Gram-negative bacteria. With the aim to develop a peptide with a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity we designed and analyzed a series of Temporin B analogs. Methods Peptides were initially obtained by Ala scanning on Temporin B sequence; antimicrobial activity tests allowed to identify the TB-G6A sequence, which was further optimized by increasing the peptide positive charge (TB-KKG6A). Interactions of this active peptide with the LPS of E. coli were investigated by CD, fluorescence and NMR. Results TB-KKG6A is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low concentrations. The peptide strongly interacts with the LPS of Gram-negative bacteria and folds upon interaction into a kinked helix. Conclusion Our results show that it is possible to widen the activity spectrum of an antimicrobial peptide by subtle changes of the primary structure. TB-KKG6A, having a simple composition, a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and a very low hemolytic activity, is a promising candidate for the design of novel antimicrobial peptides. General significance The activity of antimicrobial peptides is strongly related to the ability of the peptide to interact and break the bacterial membrane. Our studies on TB-KKG6A indicate that efficient interactions with LPS can be achieved when the peptide is not perfectly amphipathic, since this feature seems to help the toroidal pore formation process. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

OBJECTIVES: Approved multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments include subcutaneous and intramuscular interferon beta (IFN-β) Patient satisfaction during long-term IFN-β treatment is crucial. This study investigated the satisfaction of patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with IFN-β-1a (Rebif) by the autoinjection system, Rebiject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study recruited subjects with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 76) from 19 neurological centers in Italy who were eligible for subcutaneous IFN-β-1a treatment either as a first immunomodulatory therapy or as a switch from other treatments. Patients received IFN-β-1a 44 μg 3 times weekly via the Rebiject system. A questionnaire on the use of Rebiject and the most common adverse effects related to IFN-β-1a administration was completed monthly under the supervision of trained nurses. RESULTS: Satisfaction with treatment was reported by 80.2% of patients who received at least 1 dose. Advantages reported for the Rebiject system included its convenience (53% of all patients), ease of use (25%), reduced trauma and pain (11% and 6%, respectively), and reduced local skin reactions (5%). No significant changes from baseline were observed regarding the frequency or severity of local reactions. CONCLUSIONS: During the 1-year observation of this small cohort, most patients considered the Rebiject system to be convenient, with a third of the patients feeling that the system was easier to use than conventional procedures. Rebiject was also associated with less pain and trauma in some patients. Use of Rebiject may facilitate IFN-β-1a administration and may lead to an increase in compliance and adherence, thus increasing the effectiveness of treatment. © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.