Is there a rendezvous for SARS-CoV-2 and Agmatine?

The catastrophe of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The respiratory system appears to be ground zero in the majority of the patients. However, many other organs can get infected by cytokines, chemokines and other mediators released in response to the presence of the virus. The neurotropism by the SARS-CoV-2 is established beyond doubt. In addition to non-specific symptoms, the symptoms specific to central and/or peripheral nervous system diseases as well as neuromuscular diseases have been observed in numerous clinical cases. These observations and the experiences with other coronavirus infections earlier and flu pandemics raise concerns not only about the neurological effects in active disease but also about the long-term effects generated by the infection, immune and inflammatory functions. The knowledge of biological actions of agmatine in the backdrop of physiological events instigated by invading SARS-CoV-2 and host’s response, especially in neural events, focuses on the possible overlaps of biomolecular pathways at a number of instances. This is not surprising since the factors stimulated during SARS-CoV-2 infection are the disease-generating neuroinflammatory components altered by agmatine. Hence, we hypothesize the possible beneficial role of agmatine in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on a narrative review of the literature, agmatine can be proposed as a plausible beneficial candidate for supporting treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and for addressing post-infection neurological complications.

Survey among Russian doctors on routine electroencephalography

The aim of the work was to assess how accurately specialists, performing EEG, apply the recommendations in their daily practice.Materials and Methods. An anonymous survey was conducted of 210 specialists in functional diagnostics and neurologists performing routine electroencephalography. The survey consisted of nine mandatory single-choice questions.Results. Only 9 respondents out of 210 (4.3%) perform routine EEG completely in accordance with the Recommendations of the Expert Council of Neurophysiology of the Russian Anti-Epileptic League on performing the routine EEG.' Of these, only three specialists (1.4% of the total number of respondents) answered that a functional diagnostics doctor is present throughout the entire examination.Conclusion: Despite the wide distribution and extensive experience in the use of EEG, there is no uniform practice of its implementation by doctors in the Russian Federation. Standardization of the methodology of its performance will increase confidence in EEG results among doctors of clinical specialties, increase the degree of inter-expert agreement among functional diagnostics physicians, and improve the quality of diagnosis of central nervous system diseases. To do this, it is necessary to develop webinar and educational programs on the methodology of EEG under the auspices of professional associations of doctors of functional diagnostics, neurophysiologists, neurologists.

Role of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Reflex in Central Nervous System Diseases

In several central nervous system diseases, it has been reported that inflammation may be related to the etiologic process, therefore, therapeutic strategies are being implemented to control inflammation. As the nervous system and the immune system maintain close bidirectional communication in physiological and pathological conditions, the modulation of inflammation through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex has been proposed. In this review, we summarized the evidence supporting chemical stimulation with cholinergic agonists and vagus nerve stimulation as therapeutic strategies in the treatment of various central nervous system pathologies, and their effect on inflammation.

Application of a HPLC-Q/TOF method with post-column compensation for separation and identification of polar impurities in Cytidine disodium triphosphate for injection

Background: Cytidine Disodium Triphosphate (CTP-2Na) for injection is mainly used for treating nervous system diseases. Currently, there are few studies focused on the separation and identification of polar impurities in CTP-2Na for injection, which is important for ensuring drug safety and efficacy. Objective: The study aimed to establish an HPLC-Q/TOF method for the separation and identification of polar impurities in CTP-2Na for injection. Methods: Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters Atlantis T3 column using 5 mM aqueous ammonium acetate solution as the mobile phase in an isocratic elution mode. A postcolumn compensation technology was used to improve the ionization efficiency of impurities in the spray chamber. Results: Three polar impurities (disodium cytidine tetraphosphate, disodium cytidine diphosphate, disodium cytidine monophosphate) were detected in CTP-2Na for injection. The former one is probably the overreaction product during the production of CTP-2Na, the latter two were reported as degradation products. The fragmentation patterns of cytidine phosphate compounds in negative ion mode are summarized. Conclusion: This study provides a good reference for the separation and identification of polar impurities in nucleotide drugs.

Smac/DIABLO can predict postoperative delirium in elderly patients after cardiac surgery : A prospective nested case-control study

Background：Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication following cardiac surgery. Mitochondrial injury, demonstrated by excessively activated oxidative stress and regulating cell apoptosis, has been reported to contribute to POD. [Mitophagy](https://www.geenmedical.com/article?id=34752757&type=true), apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis had been known to play a critical role in degenerative nervous system diseases. However, the serum change of Smac/DIABLO in POD induced by cardiac surgery/anesthesia is still undetermined. We designed the study to determine the expression level of SMAC/DIABLO in POD patients. Methods：A nested case-control study was performed, including 21 POD patients and a matched group of 63 non-POD controls.