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Abstract Background An increasing number of publications are suggesting that galectin-3 (Gal-3) and soluble cadherin fragments, such as E-cadherin (sE-CAD) and N-cadherin (sN-CAD), may be considered as cancer markers. Despite the promising results of the studies, there are no data concerning their levels in the plasma of echinococcosis patients. In most cases, echinoccocosis affects the liver, and its symptoms and disease course are very similar to those of liver cancer. The aim of the present study was to observe whether echinococcosis affects the concentration of soluble sN-CAD, sE-CAD fragments and Gal-3 in plasma and to determine which of them could be considered reliable liver cancer markers for further research. Methods The concentrations of sN-CAD, sE-CAD and Gal-3 in the EDTA plasma of patients suffering from echinococcosis (N = 20), liver cancers (N = 10) and healthy subjects (N = 20) were measured using the ELISA method. Results The plasma concentration of sE-CAD was lower (p = 0.0381), and that of Gal-3 higher (p = 0.0288), in echinococcosis than in the healthy group. However, only the concentration of sE-CAD differed significantly among the three analysed groups. In echinococcosis there was a correlation between the sE-CAD and CRP levels (rs = 0.79; p = 0.0066) as well as a correlation between the sE-CAD level and the number of leukocytes (rs = 0.65; p = 0.0210) in the blood. Conclusions Echinococcosis affects the concentration of soluble sE-CAD fragments and Gal-3 in plasma. sE-CAD can be considered as a marker for differentiation between liver cancer and echinoccocossis, a parasitic liver disease similar in symptoms. Further study is required to confirm these preliminary results. Virtual Slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2115657402650448.

Pharmacists are trusted health care professionals. Many patients use over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications and are seen by pharmacists who are the initial point of contact for allergic rhinitis management in most countries. The role of pharmacists in integrated care pathways (ICPs) for allergic diseases is important. This paper builds on existing studies and provides tools intended to help pharmacists provide optimal advice/interventions/strategies to patients with rhinitis. The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)‐pharmacy ICP includes a diagnostic questionnaire specifically focusing attention on key symptoms and markers of the disease, a systematic Diagnosis Guide (including differential diagnoses), and a simple flowchart with proposed treatment for rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity. Key prompts for referral within the ICP are included. The use of technology is critical to enhance the management of allergic rhinitis. However, the ARIA‐pharmacy ICP should be adapted to local healthcare environments/situations as regional (national) differences exist in pharmacy care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Currently there is no direct therapy for liver failure. We have previously described selective plasma exchange therapy using a hemofilter permeable to substances that have a molecular mass of up to 100 kDa. The proof‐of‐concept studies and a Phase I study in patients with decompensated cirrhosis demonstrated that hemofiltration using an albumin‐leaking membrane is safe and effective in removing target molecules, alleviating severe encephalopathy and improving blood chemistry. In this study a novel large‐pore filter for similar clinical application is described. The performance of the filter was studied in vitro; it was found to effectively remove a wide spectrum of pathogenic factors implicated in the pathophysiology of hepatic failure, including protein bound toxins and defective forms of circulating albumin. Data on mass transport characteristics and functionality using various modes of filtration and dialysis provide rationale for clinical evaluation of the filter for artificial liver support using albumin apheresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Retention of indoxyl sulphate and p-cresol sulphate is associated with many diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine serum levels of indoxyl sulphate and p-cresol sulphate, the dynamics of their changes according to age, and their precursors. Methods The study included 180 healthy individuals aged 20-90 years ( n = 180), divided into subgroups by decade ( n = 30 in each subgroup) and into subgroups of ≥65 years ( n = 42) or <65 years ( n = 138). Serum indoxyl sulphate and p-cresol sulphate, tryptophan, and tyrosine were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results The 70-90 years age group had higher indoxyl sulphate than the 50-59 years age group ( P = 0.033). The 70-90 years age group had higher p-cresol sulphate than the 20-29 years ( P < 0.001), 30-39 years ( P < 0.001), 40-49 years ( P = 0.007) and 50-59 years ( P = 0.001) age groups; the 60-69 years age group had higher p-cresol sulphate than the 20-29 years ( P = 0.043) and 30-39 years ( P = 0.011) age groups. Indoxyl sulphate and p-cresol sulphate serum levels were higher in those aged ≥65 years. Indoxyl sulphate and p-cresol sulphate serum levels correlated positively with age, but not with tryptophan and tyrosine, respectively. Conclusions Healthy aging is associated with indoxyl sulphate and p-cresol sulphate serum level increases, which are not linked to tryptophan and tyrosine serum levels. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1022-1026. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of aromatic aldehydes was examined as substrates for salivary aldehyde dehydrogenase (sALDH) and the recombinant ALDH3A1. Para-substituted benzaldehydes, cinnamic aldehyde and 2-naphthaldehydes were found to be excellent substrates, and kinetic parameters for both salivary and recombinant ALDH were nearly identical. It was demonstrated that for the fluorogenic naphthaldehydes the only produced reaction product after incubation in saliva is the carboxylate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]