Through coproparasitological examination of both groups, enteroparasites were detected in 15 of 200 individuals examined (7.5%;

CI: 5.1-9.9). S. stercoralis was the most frequent parasite 10/200 (5%; CI: 4.2-5.8), being significantly higher in males and in individuals with autonomy for daily living activities. There were no statistical differences in the prevalence of parasites between the two groups compared. In conclusion, S. stercoralis infection was highly prevalent in elderly patients and it does not depend on whether the individual Mcl-1 apoptosis was institutionalized or not.”
“Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) inflammatory attacks are often triggered by metabolic or physical stress. mTOR signaling and autophagy modulate cellular responses to metabolic danger signals. In this study, we investigated the implication of mTOR inhibition and autophagy in FMF pathophysiology. mTOR inhibition induced MEFV gene 3-MA molecular weight expression in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) from healthy individuals, whereas it had no effect on PMNs from attack-free FMF patients.

A significant reduction in pyrin levels in PMNs from FMF patients after mTOR inhibition was also observed. Pyrin levels in control PMNs remained unaffected. Moreover, the basal autophagic status in PMNs from FMF patients was reduced, as indicated by the lower LC3B-II/I ratio and ATG mRNA expression levels. However, mTOR inhibition had similar effects on the induction of autophagy in the two groups. The differential pyrin expression after metabolic stress induction and the impaired basal autophagy suggest a potential role in the triggering of FMF attacks. (C) 2011 selleckchem American Society for Histocompatibility and lmmunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rightsreserved.”
“Background: Several injectable disease-modifying drugs are available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) to control disease progression and reduce relapse frequency and severity. However, the benefits offered by treatment may be compromised by suboptimal levels of adherence to prescribed regimens. Objective: To examine what is now known about adherence

to MS therapies, and to discuss how technological advances may affect adherence in the future, with reference to examples from other therapy areas. Results: Perceived lack of efficacy and therapy-related adverse events are important factors influencing poor adherence. Comprehensive patient education and support are vital in maintaining adherence to MS therapies. Also, improvements in the tolerability, convenience of administration and patient acceptability of MS therapies may enhance adherence. This may be achieved by adjustments to drug formulation and the use of injection devices. Auto-injector devices have been shown to reduce the incidence of injection-site reactions and discomfort in patients with MS, and it is hoped that improvements in delivery technology may further enhance patient motivation to remain adherent to MS therapy in the future.