SPECT imaging of joint inflammation with nanobodies targeting the macrophage mannose receptor in a mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease occurring in approximately 1% of the worldwide population. The disease primarily affects the joints, where inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, invade the synovium and cause cartilage and bone destruction. Currently, it is difficult to efficiently diagnose and monitor early-stage RA. In this study, we investigated whether SPECT/micro-CT imaging with (99m)Tc-labeled Nanobodies directed against the macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) is a useful tool for monitoring and quantifying joint inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a mouse model for RA. The expression of MMR was analyzed on macrophages and osteoclasts generated in vitro and in cells obtained from various organs from mice with CIA.status: publishe

A mindfulness-based intervention for breast cancer patients with cognitive impairment after chemotherapy: Study protocol of a three-group randomized controlled trial.

Background: Mindfulness has been applied to improve cancer care by enhancing psychological well-being. However, little is known about its impact on cognitive impairment experienced by cancer patients after chemotherapy. Mindfulness may be relevant in tackling cognitive impairment by decreasing emotional distress and fatigue, by decreasing inflammation, and by strengthening functional brain connectivity. The aim of the present study protocol is to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. Methods/design: The present study is a three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline, 1 to 3 weeks after the intervention and at 3 months’ follow-up. One hundred and twenty breast cancer patients who ended treatment a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 5 years before, and who have cognitive complaints, will be enrolled. They will be randomized into one of the following three study arms: (1) a mindfulnessbased intervention group (n = 40), (2) an active control condition based on physical training (n = 40), or (3) a treatment as usual (TAU) control group (n = 40). Both the mindfulness-based intervention and the active control condition consist of four group sessions (3 h for the mindfulness condition and 2 h for the physical training) spread over 8 weeks. The primary outcomes will be cognitive symptoms as measured by the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire and changes in functional brain connectivity in the attention network. Secondary outcomes will be (1) levels of emotional distress, fatigue, mindfulness, quality of life; (2) neurocognitive tests; (3) structural and functional brain changes using MR imaging and (4) measures of inflammation. Discussion: The study will examine the impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients. If the findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program to reduce cognitive impairment, it will be possible to improve quality of life for ex-cancer patients. We will inform health care providers about the potential use of a mindfulness-based intervention as a non-pharmaceutical, lowthreshold mental health intervention to improve cognitive impairment after cancer.status: Published onlin

Gut microbiota dynamics and uraemic toxins: one size does not fit all

status: publishe