Respiratory symptoms and small airway dysfunction in current and former smokers without spirometric COPD

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Levodopa inhibits the development of lens-induced myopia in chicks

Animal models have demonstrated a link between dysregulation of the retinal dopamine system and the development of myopia (short‑sightedness). We have previously demonstrated that topical application of levodopa in chicks can inhibit the development of form‑deprivation myopia (fDM) in a dose‑dependent manner. Here, we examine whether this same protection is observed in lens‑induced myopia (LiM), and whether levodopa’s protection against fDM and LiM occurs through a dopamine D1- or D2-like receptor mechanism. To do this, levodopa was first administered daily as an intravitreal injection or topical eye drop, at one of four ascending doses, to chicks developing LiM. Levodopa’s mechanism of action was then examined by co-administration of levodopa injections with D1-like (SCH-23390) or D2-like (spiperone) dopamine antagonists in chicks developing FDM or LIM. For both experiments, levodopa’s effectiveness was examined by measuring axial length and refraction after 4 days of treatment. Levodopa inhibited the development of LIM in a dose-dependent manner similar to its inhibition of fDM when administered via intravitreal injections or topical eye drops. in both fDM and LiM, levodopa injections remained protective against myopia when co‑administered with ScH‑ 23390, but not spiperone, indicating that levodopa elicits its protection through a dopamine D2-like receptor mechanism in both paradigms.This work was partially funded by ANU Connect Ventures through a Discovery Translation Fund Grant (Project ID: DTF216

Author correction : Levodopa inhibits the development of lens-induced myopia in chicks

Animal models have demonstrated a link between dysregulation of the retinal dopamine system and the development of myopia (short‑sightedness). We have previously demonstrated that topical application of levodopa in chicks can inhibit the development of form‑deprivation myopia (FDM) in a dose‑dependent manner. Here, we examine whether this same protection is observed in lens‑induced myopia (LIM), and whether levodopa’s protection against FDM and LIM occurs through a dopamine D1‑ or D2‑like receptor mechanism. To do this, levodopa was first administered daily as an intravitreal injection or topical eye drop, at one of four ascending doses, to chicks developing LIM. Levodopa’s mechanism of action was then examined by co‑administration of levodopa injections with D1‑like (SCH‑23390) or D2‑like (spiperone) dopamine antagonists in chicks developing FDM or LIM. For both experiments, levodopa’s effectiveness was examined by measuring axial length and refraction after 4 days of treatment. Levodopa inhibited the development of LIM in a dose‑dependent manner similar to its inhibition of FDM when administered via intravitreal injections or topical eye drops. In both FDM and LIM, levodopa injections remained protective against myopia when co‑administered with SCH‑23390, but not spiperone, indicating that levodopa elicits its protection through a dopamine D2‑like receptor mechanism in both paradigms

Clinical impact of early post-transplant red cell transfusions in kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) represent a potentially modifiable risk factor for HLA sensitisation and adverse outcomes post transplantation. Evidence of the clinical impact of post-transplant RBCT has been infrequently reported. Herein, we performed a systematic review of available literature to assess the prevalence of RBCT post kidney transplant, and the effect of transfusion on transplant outcomes. Methods: We included studies from 2000 to July 2022, published on Medline, Embase and the Transplant Library. Results: Ten studies were analysed which included a total of 32,817 kidney transplant recipients, with a median transfusion prevalence of 40% (range 18-64%). There was significant heterogeneity between studies in terms of patient and allograft characteristics, immunological risk, and immunosuppression protocols. Analysis of unadjusted outcomes showed that post-transplant RBCTs are associated with inferior patient survival, allograft loss, rejection and donor specific antibodies. Adjusted outcomes were described where available, and supported the adverse associations seen in the unadjusted models in many studies. Discussion: This review demonstrates that RBCT post-transplant are common and maybe associated with inferior outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for high quality prospective evidence of the effect of RBCTs on transplant outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier, CRD42022348763767