Excessive mortality and morbidity in ESRD is associated with retention of SMWP and inflammatory cytokines not well removed by HFD. 12 ESRD subjects (8M, 4F, age 48±9) were enrolled in a study comparing 1 week of HFD (Fresenius F70NR) with 1 week HFD combined (CRx) with a new model of an adsorption column that removes SMWP from blood (BetaSorbTM, Renal Tech). SMWP (MW 11.8–21 kDa), beta2 microglobulin (β2m), angiogenin, leptin, retinol binding protein (rbp), and interleukin-18 (IL18), were measured pre- and post- treatment and % reduction calculated. Average β2m clearance (ACβ2m) and total removal (Tβ2m) were measured during 1 HFD and 1 CRx. Dialysis parameters were constant (BFR 300–400 ml/min, DFR 800 ml/min) and all measured plasma values were corrected for UF.TableClinically insignificant changes in leukocytes, platelets and albumin were observed with CRx. Significant reductions in SMWP relevant to ESRD were achieved. Addition of the BetaSorbTM offers potentially significant benefits not afforded by HFD.

Interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were significantly increased in sera from Sicilian patients with acute boutonneuse fever (BF) compared with those of healthy controls, IFN-gamma levels dropped sharply within the second week after infection, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels gradually declined; in convalescent patients only were they in the normal range, In contrast, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated in vitro with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) produced low levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma in acute BF that were compatible with the reduction in the levels of CD4(+), CD4(+)/CD45RO(+), and CD4(+)/CD45RA(+) cells. In vitro production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 from PBMC stimulated with PHA was not significantly modified during the various phases of the infection compared with control PBMC, which could be due to the persistence of high levels of CD14(+) monocytes compensating for the decrease in CD20(+) B cells.

963 sera from contacts, persons from various localities, and blood donors were examined with a commercially produced kit for micro-immunofluorescence for the presence of antibodies to Rickettsia conorii. 10·6% of sera were serologically positive. The higher rates of positivity were observed in sera of contacts (19%) and persons from Mussomeli (20%) and Ustica (18·4%), the lower rates in blood donors from Palermo (3·5%). These results support the view that there is an occupational risk factor related to a rural environment.

(1982). Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) and ELISA tests in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis. Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology: Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 229-231.