Fast and cost-effective protocol to produce Paracoccidioides spp. antigens

Introduction. The existing methods for Paracoccidioides spp. antigen production are problematic in terms of standardization, specificity, stability, repeatability, and reproducibility. Objective. To optimize the methodology for Paracoccidioides spp. antigen production and evaluate its applicability in paracoccidioidomycosis immunodiagnosis. Materials and methods. The antigens were obtained from Paracoccidioides lutzii isolates (01, 66, and 8334), Paracoccidioides brasiliensis sensu stricto (113), and Paracoccidioides restripiensis (B-339). These fungi were grown at 36 °C ± 1 °C, on modified Fava-Netto agar, according to Freitas et al. (2018). Paracoccidioides lutzii antigens were obtained after 5, 10, and 20 days of culture, whereas P. brasiliensis and P. restripiensis antigens were obtained after 10 days. Antigens were evaluated in natura, 10 and 20 times concentrated. Antigenic capacity was evaluated using a double immunodiffusion assay against serum samples from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis, and random blood donors. Results. Cross-reactivity between Paracoccidioides spp. antigens was observed when P. brasiliensis, P. restrepiensis antigens, and P. lutzii antigens were evaluated with the polyclonal antibodies against P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis, respectively. No cross-reactivity was obtained for polyclonal antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, and random blood donors. The proposed protocol allowed stable, repeatable, and reproducible genus-specific antigen production at a low cost and in a short cultivation time. Conclusion. The proposed protocol allowed us to obtain genus-specific antigens that can be developed and reproduced in all laboratories in Brazil and South America, where paracoccidioidomycosis is a neglected disease, contributing to an early diagnosis, especially in endemic regions, regardless of the species.

Introducción. Los métodos existentes para la producción de los antígenos de Paracoccidioides spp. son problemáticos en su estandarización, especificidad, estabilidad, repetibilidad y reproducibilidad. Objetivo. Optimizar la metodología para la producción de antígenos de Paracoccidioides spp. y evaluar su aplicabilidad en el inmunodiagnóstico de la paracoccidioidomicosis. Materiales y métodos. Los antígenos se obtuvieron de aislamientos de P. lutzii (01, 66 y 8334), P. brasiliensis sensu stricto (113) y P. restripiensis (B-339). Estos hongos se cultivaron a 36 °C ± 1 °C en agar Fava-Netto modificado, según Freitas et al. (2018). Los antígenos de P. lutzii se obtuvieron a los 5, 10 y 20 días de cultivo y los antígenos de P. brasiliensis y P. restripiensis se obtuvieron a los 10 días. Los antígenos se evaluaron in natura, concentrados 10 y 20 veces. La capacidad antigénica se evaluó mediante un ensayo de inmunodifusión doble con muestras de suero de pacientes con paracoccidioidomicosis, histoplasmosis, aspergilosis y donantes de sangre aleatorios. Resultados. Se observó reacción cruzada con Paracoccidioides spp. cuando se evaluaron los antígenos de P. brasiliensis, P. restrepiensis y P. lutzii frente a los anticuerpos policlonales contra P. lutzii y P. brasiliensis, respectivamente. No hubo reactividad cruzada con los anticuerpos policlonales contra Histoplasma capsulatum y Aspergillus fumigatus, ni contra los donantes de sangre aleatorios. El protocolo propuesto permitió la producción estable, repetible y reproducible de antígenos dirigidos de un género específico (Paracoccidiodes) en un tiempo corto de cultivo y a un menor costo. Conclusión. El protocolo propuesto permitió obtener antígenos específicos de un género, que pueden ser desarrollados y reproducidos en todos los laboratorios de Antígenos de Paracoccidioides spp.: protocolo rápido Brasil y Surámerica donde la paracoccidioidomicosis es una enfermedad endémica y desatendida. Estos antígenos pueden contribuir al diagnóstico precoz de la infección, independientemente de la especie.

ASIA and BIA-ALCL as adverse reactions to silicone breast implants / ASIA e BIA-ALCL como reações adversas aos implantes mamários de silicone

Adjuvant-induced autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome leads to capsular contracture and fibrosis from the oxidation that takes place in silicone. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma occurs through the development of a seroma, with the formation of a periprosthetic effusion, or through the infiltration of the condition itself. To analyze these conditions, a review of the literature was carried out on the symptoms and pathophysiology of the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, searched using the terms "ASIA breast silicone," "Lymphoma," "Adjuvants" "Immunologic" " Breast Implants" on the PubMed platform. Analyzing the data obtained, it was noted that the symptoms of the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants are nonspecific, such as fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, morning stiffness, and night sweats, and therefore need attention. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma presents with breast pain, periprosthetic effusion, and palpable mass, among other characteristics. Because of these aspects, it is concluded that a good investigation should be carried out when nonspecific symptoms appear, regardless of the time the surgery was performed since these complications can occur years later.

A síndrome autoimune/inflamatória induzida por adjuvantes leva à contratura capsular e fibrose pela oxidação que acontece no silicone. O linfoma anaplásico de grandes células ocorre através do desenvolvimento de um seroma, com a formação de derrame periprotético ou por uma infiltração da própria afecção. Para análise destes acometimentos, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura acerca da sintomatologia e fisiopatologia da síndrome autoimune/inflamatória induzida por adjuvantes e linfoma anaplásico de grandes células, pesquisada através dos termos "ASIA breast silicone" "Lymphoma" "Adjuvants" "Immunologic" "Breast Implants" na plataforma PubMed. Analisando os dados obtidos, notou-se que os sintomas da síndrome autoimune/inflamatória induzida por adjuvantes são inespecíficos, como fadiga, mialgia, artralgia, rigidez matinal e suores noturnos, e, portanto, necessitam de atenção. Já o linfoma anaplásico de grandes células se apresenta com dor mamária, derrame periprotético, massa palpável, dentre outras características. Em vista destes aspectos, conclui-se que uma boa investigação deve ser realizada ao surgirem sintomas inespecíficos, independentemente do tempo que a cirurgia foi realizada, uma vez que estas complicações podem ocorrer anos após a cirurgia.

Effects of transversus abdominis plane block on pain, rehabilitation indexes and immune function in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) on pain, rehabilitation indexes and immune function of postoperative in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.Methods:A total of 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery admitted to Jiading Branch of Shanghai First People′s Hospital/Jiangqiao Hospital of Jiading District and Shanghai First People′s Hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were selected as the study subjects, including 43 patients performed epidural block (control group) and 57 patients performed TAPB (observation group). The clinical indicators, vital signs parameters, pain degree, immune function in the two groups were compared.Results:The exhausting time, defecation time, getting out of bed time and hospitalization time in observation group were shorter than those in control group: (2.71 ± 0.54) d vs. (2.99 ± 0.66) d, (3.02 ± 0.49) d vs. (3.49 ± 0.56) d, (3.20 ± 0.89) d vs. (3.85 ± 1.08) d, (6.81 ± 0.98) d vs. (7.71 ± 1.08) d, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and heart rate at pre-anesthesia, immediate incision of the skin, end of the surgery between two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). The scores of visual analogue scale at 4, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The levels of CD 3+, CD 4+, CD 4+/CD 8+ and IgM after surgery for 3 d in the observation group were higher than those in the control group: 0.512 ± 0.054 vs. 0.487 ± 0.051, 0.280 ± 0.036 vs. 0.222 ± 0.032, 1.36 ± 0.29 vs. 1.17 ± 0.26, (152.53 ± 34.3) kU/L vs. (138.86 ± 31.18) kU/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:TAPB can effectively reduce the degree of postoperative pain and immunosuppression after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, so as to promote postoperative rehabilitation of patients.

Severe COVID-19 complicated with mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion of the corpus callosum: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

Since the global COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19, has been associated with a range of diseases whose atypical manifestations have been increasingly reported. The mild encephalitis or encephalopathy associated with reversible corpus callosum lesions or mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a rare clinical and radiographic syndrome. At present, the pathogenesis of MERS caused by COVID-19 is still unclear, and its pathogenesis may include hypoxic damage, inflammatory response, immune disorders, changes in osmotic pressure, excitatory amino acid toxicity, oxidative stress and functional abnormalities of renin-angiotensin system. This paper reports a case of severe COVID-19 complicated with MERS, and discusses the pathogenesis from a pathophysiological point of view.

Association of inhibitory receptor T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain with immune disorders in chronic HBV infection / 临床肝胆病杂志

Persistent HBV infection alters the expression of receptors on the surface of innate and acquired immune cells, which may cause a variety of immune disorders and finally lead to immune escape and disease chronicity. Studies have shown that the upregulation of inhibitory receptors is the main cause of immune disorders in patients, and blocking inhibitory receptors can restore immune function to a certain extent. T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) is a new type of inhibitory receptor attracting much attention at present, and it is highly expressed in NK cells and T cells. It has been found that TIGIT plays an important role in chronic viral infection, and this article briefly reviews the research advances in the association between TIGIT and immune disorders in chronic HBV infection.

Comparación entre inmunomoduladores y crioterapia para el tratamiento de lesiones genitales en mujeres con VPH / Comparison between immunomodulators and cryotherapy for the treatment of genital lesions in women with HPV / Comparação entre imunomoduladores e crioterapia para o tratamento de lesões genitais em mulheres com HPV

El virus del papiloma humano es una infección prevalente, que puede infectar cualquier mucosa del cuerpo y causar verrugas genitales externas o condilomas genitales y cáncer de cuello uterino. El tratamiento es difícil con una alta recurrencia y persistencia de las mismas, lo que afecta mayormente a mujeres jóvenes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar una comparación entre inmunomoduladores y crioterapia para el tratamiento de lesiones genitales en mujeres con VPH. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura científica, entre inmunomoduladores y crioterapia para el tratamiento de lesiones genitales en mujeres con VPH de los últimos 20 años, donde se identificaron publicaciones de revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis. Se concluyó que la elección de los inmunomoduladores al igual que la crioterapia es mejor utilizarlos cuando existe lesiones clínicas inducidas por el VPH en la región genital y perianal en mujeres, dependiendo de la cantidad, el tamaño, la gravedad, la ubicación de las verrugas y las preferencias del paciente.

Human papillomavirus is a prevalent infection, which can infect any mucosa of the body and cause external genital warts or genital warts and cervical cancer. Treatment is difficult with a high recurrence and persistence of the same, which mainly affects young women. The objective of the present study was to compare immunomodulators and cryotherapy for the treatment of genital lesions in women with HPV. A narrative bibliographic review of the scientific literature was carried out, between immunomodulators and cryotherapy for the treatment of genital lesions in women with HPV of the last 20 years, where publications of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified. It was concluded that the choice of immunomodulators, like cryotherapy, is better used when there are clinical lesions induced by HPV in the genital and perianal region in women, depending on the number, size, severity, location of the warts and patient preferences.

O papilomavírus humano é uma infecção prevalente, que pode infectar qualquer mucosa do corpo e causar verrugas genitais externas ou verrugas genitais e câncer cervical. O tratamento é difícil com alta recorrência e persistência da mesma, que acomete principalmente mulheres jovens. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar imunomoduladores e crioterapia para o tratamento de lesões genitais em mulheres com HPV. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica narrativa da literatura científica, entre imunomoduladores e crioterapia para tratamento de lesões genitais em mulheres com HPV dos últimos 20 anos, onde foram identificadas publicações de revisões sistemáticas e metanálises. Concluiu-se que a escolha de imunomoduladores, como a crioterapia, é melhor utilizada quando há lesões clínicas induzidas pelo HPV na região genital e perianal em mulheres, dependendo do número, tamanho, gravidade, localização das verrugas e preferências da paciente.

Síndrome autoimune induzida por adjuvantes desencadeada por implantes mamários de silicone: revisão sistemática / Adjuvant-induced autoimmune syndrome triggered by silicone breast implants: systematic review

A síndrome autoimune induzida por adjuvantes (ASIA) e seus critérios diagnósticos foram descritos por Shoenfeld em 2011, relacionando sintomas de autoimunidade a adjuvantes, como o silicone, presente em próteses mamárias. Essa revisão sistemática objetivou reunir dados da literatura sobre a sintomatologia, a incidência e os tratamentos propostos para ASIA causada por implantes mamários de silicone (IMS). Foram realizadas pesquisas nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, Embase e Cochrane, utilizando os descritores "Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants", "Breast implant" e "Silicone Implant Incompatibility Syndrome". A estratégia de busca gerou 95 artigos, dos quais 20 foram incluídos na revisão. São as três as principais teorias sugeridas pelos autores para explicar o desenvolvimento da síndrome: predisposição genética, silicone bleeding e a formação de uma cápsula periprótese. As manifestações clínicas mais frequentemente descritas incluem fadiga crônica, artralgia, mialgia, distúrbios cognitivos e do sono. Não há consenso sobre os achados laboratoriais e os fatores de risco associados, além disso, estudos recentes propõem a ampliação dos critérios diagnósticos inicialmente descritos. O tratamento adequado permanece controverso, envolvendo desde o uso de medicações até o explante da prótese. Apesar dos artigos revisados sugerirem a existência da ASIA relacionada aos IMS, sua fisiopatologia precisa é desconhecida, os sintomas relatados são inespecíficos e o tempo entre a exposição e o surgimento das manifestações é incerto. Por meio dessa revisão sistemática, conclui-se que, até o presente momento, não existem evidências científicas suficientes para estabelecer a causalidade do desenvolvimento da síndrome autoimune induzida por adjuvantes decorrente de implantes mamários de silicone.

Adjuvant-induced autoimmune syndrome (ASIA) and its diagnostic criteria were described by Shoenfeld in 2011, relating symptoms of autoimmunity to adjuvants, such as silicone, present in breast implants. This systematic review aimed to gather data from the literature on symptomatology, incidence and proposed treatments for ASIA caused by silicone breast implants (SBI). Searches were carried out in PubMed, LILACS, Embase and Cochrane databases, using the descriptors "Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants," "Breast implant," and "Silicone Implant Incompatibility Syndrome." The search strategy generated 95 articles, of which 20 were included in the review. The authors suggest three main theories to explain the development of the syndrome: genetic predisposition, silicone bleeding and the formation of a periprosthetic capsule. The most frequently described clinical manifestations include chronic fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia, and cognitive and sleep disorders. There is no consensus on laboratory findings and associated risk factors; recent studies propose expanding the diagnostic criteria initially described. Adequate treatment remains controversial, ranging from medications to prosthesis explantation. Although the reviewed articles suggest the existence of ASIA related to SBI, its precise pathophysiology is unknown, the symptoms reported are nonspecific, and the time between exposure and the onset of manifestations is uncertain. This systematic review concludes that, to date, there is not enough scientific evidence to establish the causality of the development of adjuvant-induced autoimmune syndrome resulting from silicone breast implants.

Eculizumab, a successful treatment for atypical postpartum hemolytic-uremic syndrome: a case report / Eculizumab, un tratamiento exitoso en el síndrome hemolítico-urémico atípico puerperal: un caso clínico

Atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare entity characterized by the association of acute kidney failure, thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia due to the dysregulation of the alternative pathway of the complement system. It is included within the thrombotic microangiopathies. The following aHUS was developed in the immediate puerperium in the context of severe preeclampsia. The patient was a primiparous woman of 30+1 weeks who required hospitalization for anticonvulsant and hypotensive treatment, and who underwent an emergency cesarean section due to a pathological cardiotocographic pattern. 36 hours after delivery, the patient presented with sudden dyspnea and cognitive deterioration, progressing in a few hours to renal and multiorgan failure. Blood test showed severe anemia, thrombopenia and hypertransaminemia. In view of the fast evolution and severity, it was decided to treat with Eculizumab, although the scientific evidence was very poor. Aside from the supportive treatment performed in the Intensive Care Unit, the patient was successfully treated with Eculizumab, with favorable evolution over the following months and restoration of kidney function, although need for chronic hypotensive treatment remained.

El síndrome hemolítico-urémico atípico (SHUa) es una entidad rara caracterizada por la asociación de insuficiencia renal aguda, trombocitopenia y anemia hemolítica microangiopática debido a la desregulación de la vía alternativa del sistema del complemento. Se incluye dentro de las microangiopatías trombóticas. Se presenta un SHUa que se desarrolló en el puerperio inmediato en el contexto de una preeclampsia grave. La paciente era una primípara de 30+1 semanas que requirió hospitalización para tratamiento anticonvulsivo e hipotensor, y a la que se le practicó una cesárea de urgencia por un patrón cardiotocográfico patológico. A las 36 horas del parto, la paciente presentó una disnea súbita y un deterioro cognitivo progresivo, que evolucionó en pocas horas a un fallo renal agudo y multiorgánico. La analítica mostró anemia severa, trombopenia e hipertransaminemia. Ante la rápida evolución y gravedad, se decidió tratar con Eculizumab, aunque la evidencia científica era escasa. Aparte del tratamiento de soporte realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, la paciente fue tratada con éxito con Eculizumab, con evolución favorable en los meses siguientes y restablecimiento de la función renal, aunque se mantuvo la necesidad de tratamiento hipotensor crónico.

Embarazo ectópico roto con fracción beta de la hormona gonadotropina coriónica humana negativa: reporte de caso / Ruptured ectopic pregnancy with negative human chorionic gonadotropin hormone beta fraction: case report

Resumen El embarazo ectópico roto es una emergencia quirúrgica cuyo diagnóstico, gracias a la interrelación de la cuantificación de la fracción beta de la hormona gonadotropina coriónica humana (HCG-β) y los hallazgos ultrasonográficos, se ha hecho más preciso. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico se vuelve difícil cuando clínicamente se encuentran datos sugestivos de embarazo ectópico con una HCG-β negativa. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 25 años acude a valoración por referir 12,2 semanas de retraso menstrual, asociado a sangrado transvaginal y signos de irritación peritoneal, que cuenta con HCG-β negativa (< 5 mUI/ml). Se realizó un rastreo ultrasonográfico encontrando abundante líquido libre en cavidad, sin evidencia de embarazo intrauterino. Ante la alta sospecha de embarazo ectópico se realizó laparotomía exploradora, encontrando hallazgos sugestivos de embarazo ectópico roto, y se realizó salpingectomía. Finalmente, en el estudio posoperatorio se confirmó por histopatología un embarazo ectópico roto. Existen muy pocos reportes en la literatura internacional de pacientes con características clínicas de embarazo ectópico roto, con HCG-β negativa. Es importante la difusión de este tipo de casos con la finalidad de mejorar los abordajes diagnósticos y no restar importancia ante la sospecha clínica, a pesar de presentar una HCG-β negativa.

Abstract Broken ectopic pregnancy is a surgical emergency that due to the relation between the serum quantification of the of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) and the ultrasonographic findings, there have been improvements to reach a precise diagnosis. However, there are very few reported cases in the literature where a broken ectopic pregnancy is described with negative serum results in β-HCG. We present a case report of a 25-year-old patient came to the evaluation for referring 12.2 weeks of menstrual delay, associated with transvaginal bleeding and data of peritoneal irritation, she had a negative β-HCG fraction (< 5 mIU/ml). A scan was performed ultrasound finding abundant free fluid in the cavity, without evidence of intrauterine pregnancy. Given the high suspicion of ectopic pregnancy, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding findings suggestive of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, a salpingectomy was performed. Finally, in the postoperative study, a ruptured ectopic pregnancy was confirmed by histopathology. There are very few reported internationally were found a patient with clinical characteristics of broken ectopic pregnancy, with a β-HCG negative. It is important the scientific diffusion of this type of cases with the purpose of improving the diagnostic approaches and not underestimating importance to the clinical suspicion, despite presenting negative β-HCG results.

Manejo clínico y diagnóstico para pacientes con enfermedades de inmunodeficiencia primaria por déficit de producción de anticuerpos / Clinical management and diagnosis for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases due to deficiency of antibody production

1. INTRODUCCIÓNLas inmunodeficiencias primarias son un grupo de más de 400 enfermedades, en las cuales el sistema inmune pierde sus funciones de reconocimiento de patógenos o funciona de forma inapropiada. Algunas de ellas son relativamente comunes; mientras otras son raras. Estas enfermedades son en ocasiones de por vida, debilitantes y costosas1,2.Sin embargo, muchos progresos se han hecho desde su des-cripción original en el año de 1952. Se han dado grandes pasos en cuanto a su entendimiento de las Inmunodeficiencias Pri-marias a nivel genético, de sus características, y tratamiento. Algunos tipos afectan un único tipo de célula; otros afectan más de un componente del sistema inmune2,3.Tomando en cuenta que la aproximación es entre 1-2% de la población, a nivel país se puede decir que un aproximado entre 170 000 a 340 000 pacientes en el país no cuentan con un diagnóstico y muchos mueren por falta de este. El número de afiliados al Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social hasta julio de 2021 es de 3 672,611 por lo que se considera que un estimado de 36 726 a 73 452 pacientes podrían presentar este tipo de enfermedades y requerir de atención por infecciones a repetición, enfermedad autoinmune y enfermedades linfopro-liferativas, además de que sin un tratamiento específico po-drían fallecer debido a infecciones graves o tener discapacidad permanente, lo que implica mayor carga para el sistema de Seguridad Social en subsidios y menores ingresos. Ecuador, cuenta con 86 pacientes diagnosticados, según la base de datos de la Sociedad Latino-Americana de Inmunodeficiencias4.Algunas terapias, como la de reemplazo para inmunoglobu-linas, a la que es tributaria más del 60% de estas patologías permite que la esperanza de vida y la morbilidad casi alcancen a aquellos que no presentan la enfermedad5­7.

1. INTRODUCTIONPrimary immunodeficiencies are a group of more than 400 diseases, in which the immune system loses its pathogen recog-nition functions or functions inappropriately. Some of them are relatively common, while others are rare. These diseases are sometimes lifelong, debilitating, and costly1,2. However, much progress has been made since its original description in 1952. Great strides have been made in understanding Primary Immunodeficiencies at the genetic level, their characteristics, and treatment. Some types affect only one type of cell; others affect more than one component of the immune system2,3. Considering that the approximation is between 1 to 2% of the population, at the country level we could say that approximately between 170 000 to 340 000 patients in the country do not have a diagnosis and many die due to lack of it. The number of social security affiliates until July 2021 is 3 672,611, so we could consider that approximately 36 726 to 73 452 patients could present this type of disease and require care for recurrent infections, autoimmune disease and lymphoproliferative diseases, in addition to the fact that without specific treatment they could die due to serious infections or have permanent disability, which implies a greater burden for the social security system in subsidies and lower income. Currently the country has 86 diagnosed patients, according to the database of the Latin American Society of Immunodeficiencies4. Many of the therapies, such as immunoglobulin replacement therapy, to which more than 60% of these pathologies are de-pendent, allow life expectancy and morbidity to almost reach those who do not have the disease 5­7.

Aspectos técnicos y clínicos de la prueba cruzada de histocompatibilidad en el trasplante de órganos solidos / Technical and clinical aspects of the histocompatibility crossmatch assay in solid organ transplantation

La presencia de anticuerpos dirigidos contra los antígenos leucocitarios humanos (Human Leukocyte Antigens, HLA) que se expresan en las células del donante, es uno de los factores de riesgo más importantes asociados con las complicaciones clínicas después del trasplante. La prueba cruzada es una de las pruebas de histocompatibilidad más eficaces para la detección de anticuerpos específicos contra el donante en los receptores de injertos. En los primeros métodos de la prueba cruzada, se utilizaba la citotoxicidad dependiente del complemento, que es útil para detectar dichos anticuerpos responsables del rechazo hiperagudo del injerto, pero carece de la sensibilidad adecuada. Por ello, se desarrollaron métodos de pruebas cruzadas más sensibles, entre ellas, la prueba cruzada por citometría de flujo que hoy se considera el método preferido. En este artículo se revisa la evolución de la prueba cruzada y los factores más importantes que deben tenerse en cuenta al realizarla y al interpretar los resultados de esta prueba fundamental para la supervivencia a largo plazo del injerto.

The presence of antibodies directed against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) expressed on donor cells is a significant risk factor for serious clinical complications after transplantation. The crossmatch assay is one of the most important tests available for the detection of donor-specific antibodies in potential allograft recipients. Early crossmatch methods utilized complement-dependent cytotoxicity, which is useful for detecting the donor-specific anti- HLA antibodies responsible for hyperacute allograft rejection but lacks adequate sensitivity. Consequently, more sensitive crossmatch methods have been developed, ultimately leading to the flow cytometry crossmatch as the currently preferred methodology. Herein, we review the evolution of the crossmatch assay and the most important factors to consider when performing and interpreting the results of this fundamental assay for ensuring the long-term survival of the transplanted organ.

Multiparametric assay of screening for the diagnosis of mycoses of interest in Public Health: standardization of methodology / Ensaio multiparamétrico de triagem para diagnóstico de micoses de interesse em Saúde Pública: padronização da metodologia

The standardization and validation of a multiplex assay requires the combination of important parameters such as sensitivity and specificity, acceptable levels of performance, robustness, and reproducibility. We standardized a multiparametric Dot-blot aimed at the serological screening of paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. A total of 148 serum were evaluated: 10 from healthy subjects, 36 from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, 62 from patients with histoplasmosis, and 40 from patients with aspergillosis. It was found that the multiparametric Dot-blot showed a high percentage of cross-reactivity. However, when evaluated individually, in the serological screening of histoplasmosis, a good performance was observed when compared to the double immunodiffusion assay, considered the gold standard test, with 100% co-positivity and 83.3% co-negativity. The performance of serological screening for aspergillosis was not satisfactory when compared to double immunodiffusion, showing 71.4% co-positivity and 100% co-negativity. The evaluation of the stability of nitrocellulose membranes showed that membranes sensitized with H. capsulatum antigen remained stable for 90 days and those sensitized with A. fumigatus antigen for 30 days. We conclude that the use of crude antigens was not suitable for the standardization of the multiparametric Dot-blot assay, due to the high cross-reactivity, and that further tests should be performed with purified proteins (AU).

A padronização e validação de um ensaio multiplex requer a combinação de parâmetros importantes, como sensibilidade e especificidade, níveis aceitáveis de desempenho, robustez e reprodutibilidade. Este trabalho padronizou um Dot-blot multiparamétrico visando a triagem sorológica da paracoccidioidomicose, histoplasmose e aspergilose. Foram avaliadas 148 amostras de soro: 10 de indivíduos saudáveis, 36 de pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose, 62 de pacientes com histoplasmose e 40 de pacientes com aspergilose. Verificou-se que o Dot-blot multiparamétrico apresentou elevado percentual de reatividade cruzada. Entretanto, quando avaliado individualmente, na triagem sorológica da histoplasmose observou-se bom desempenho quando comparado ao ensaio de imunodifusão dupla, considerado o teste padrão ouro, com 100% de co-positividade e 83,3% de co-negatividade. O desempenho da triagem sorológica da aspergilose não foi satisfatório quando comparado a imunodifusão dupla, apresentando 71,4% de co-positividade e 100% de co-negatividade. A avaliação da estabilidade das membranas de nitrocelulose mostrou que membranas sensibilizadas com antígeno de H. capsulatum permaneceram estáveis por 90 dias e as sensibilizadas com antígeno de A. fumigatus, por 30 dias. Concluímos que o uso de antígenos brutos não foi adequado para a padronização do ensaio de Dot-blot multiparamétrico, devido ao alto índice de reatividade cruzada, e que novos testes devem ser realizados com proteínas purificadas (AU).

Mieloma múltiple en Chile. Uso de drogas noveles en dos centros nacionales

Background: The incorporation of novel drugs, such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators, improved considerably the survival of patients with multiple myeloma. Aim: To evaluate the effect on survival of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators in patients with multiple myeloma in two national hospitals. Material and Methods: Review of clinical records from two hospitals of Santiago. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic data was obtained from 144 patients with multiple myeloma diagnosed between 2002 and 2016. Results: Information was retrieved from 78 patients at one center and from 66 at the other center. The mean age at diagnosis was 58 and 62 years, the proportion of males was 53% and 52%, and presentation at stage III was 34% and 46%, respectively. The use of novel drugs, mainly bortezomib, was 90% in one of the centers and 3% in the other one. The use of autologous stem-cell transplantation was 47% and 3% respectively. The median overall survival of patients from the centers with and without access to novel drugs was 117 and 71 months respectively (p < 0.05). The five-year overall survival was 93 and 43% respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of novel drugs, especially bortezomib, and autologous stem-cell transplantation significantly improved the survival of multiple myeloma patients treated in national hospitals. It is necessary to include them as a first line treatment.

Current status and research progress of microfluidic immunochips in medical detection / 中华检验医学杂志

The traditional-immunological strategies for clinical laboratories often rely on large and expensive instruments and skilled operators, and the measurement time is also long. However, the sensitivity of these strategies is still unsatisfactory. It is urgent to research and develop the point-of-care testing (POCT) featured as a highly sensitive, accurate, and rapid/POCT diagnosis. The Microfluidic chips have multi-advantages that are suitable for the clinical POCT diagnosis: high sensitivity, throughput, and automation. Recently, the Microfluidic-immune chips developed based on the microfluidic technology combined with immune detection have considered not only hotspots in the related research but also benefit to the tumor marker detection, antigen and antibody detection of infectious diseases, autoantibody detection, hormone detection, and other fields. However, there are still many challenges to be overcome during the application of chips, such as more effective microfluidic manipulation, more sensitive collection, and analysis of reaction signals.

Progress on allergen immunotherapy during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation periods / 中华围产医学杂志

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), also known as allergen vaccine desensitization, is currently the only treatment that can change the natural course of allergic diseases. AIT for pregnant women is a protective factor for neonatal allergies. Existing findings suggest that AIT should not be started during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, or lactation periods, but can be continued if has already been started before; unexpected pregnancy during AIT does not require termination; AIT shows no obvious adverse effects on fetuses, infants, and young children. The latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of AIT during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation periods were reviewed.

Research progress in mechanism of high mobility group box 1 regulating inflammatory response / 中华创伤杂志

Inflammatory reaction dominated by defense response will arise against infection and trauma. As an important proinflammatory cytokine, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is widely expressed in all nuclear cells to mediate the inflammatory response. However, the biological functions of HMGB1 in inflammation vary depending on the type of HMGB1 protein modification and the localization in the cell. HMGB1 protein will be modified as acetylation of lysine residues, methylation of lysine residues, oxidation of cysteine residues, phosphorylation of serine residues, glycosylation of asparagine residues, adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation and lactylation of the protein in the nucleus, migrate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and release into the extracellular compartment. Extracellular HMGB1 can bind to receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptors, activate cells and regulate inflammatory responses. The authors review the research progress in regulatory mechanism of HMGB1 in inflammation response from aspects of its post-translational modifications, releases, biological roles and binding receptors, hoping to provide theoretical basis for finding the targets of inflammation intervention.

The effect of modified Miccoli surgery in the treatment of patients with benign thyroid diseases and its influence on the postoperative aesthetic degree of scar score and the expression of pain factors / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of modified Miccoli surgery in the treatment of patients with benign thyroid disease and its intervention on the postoperative aesthetic degree of scar score and the expression of pain factors.Methods:The clinical data of 114 patients with benign thyroid diseases in Hankou Hospital from February 2018 to February 2020 were collected, 57 cases with traditional open thyroid surgery were enrolled in the open group, and 57 cases with modified Miccoli surgery were enrolled in the modified group. The surgery related indicators, postoperative recovery indicators, complications and preoperative, postoperative 1, 3 d serum pain factors substance P (SP), β-endorphin (β-EP), dynorphin ( DYN), immune function indexes CD 3+, CD 4+, CD 8+, parathyroid function related indexes parathyrotropic hormone(PTH), blood calcium, 3 months and 6 months after surgery of observer scar evaluation scale (OSAS), Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores were compared between the two groups. Results:The length of incision, recovery time of neck movement, and hospital stay and the intraoperative blood loss were lower than those in the open group: (2.2 ± 0.4) cm vs. (6.5 ± 0.7) cm, (19.6 ± 4.8) h vs. (28.2 ± 7.8) h, (4.8 ± 1.4) d vs. (7.1 ± 1.8) d, (21.9 ± 5.1) ml vs. (39.5 ± 7.0) ml, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of serum SP, β-EP and DYN in the modified group were lower than those in the open group at 1 and 3 d after operation: 1 d after surgery:(87.40 ± 12.25) ng/L vs. (114.96 ± 15.79) ng/L, (149.34 ± 21.49) ng/L vs.(192.15 ± 26.43) ng/L, (1.14 ± 0.21) mg/L vs. (1.59 ± 0.30) mg/L; 3 d after surgery: (80.18 ± 10.79) ng/L vs.(96.24 ± 12.36) ng/L, (137.46 ± 18.57) ng/L vs. (168.24 ± 21.50) ng/L, (0.94 ± 0.16) mg/L vs. (1.27 ± 0.25) mg/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of CD 3+ and CD 4+ in the modified group were higher than those in the open group at 1 and 3 d after the operation, and the CD8+ level was lower than that of the open group: 1 d after surgery: 0.597 ± 0.053 vs. 0.542 ± 0.049, 0.382 ± 0.041 vs. 0.362 ± 0.036, 0.308 ± 0.048 vs. 0.332 ± 0.060; 3 d after surgery: 0.615 ± 0.060 vs. 0.580 ± 0.055, 0.408 ± 0.051 vs. 0.385 ± 0.046, 0.290 ± 0.038 vs. 0.317 ± 0.045, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of serum PTH and blood calcium in the modified group were higher than those in the open group at 1 and 3 d after operation: 1 d after surgery: (29.12 ± 6.58) ng/L vs. (20.67 ± 5.14) ng/L, (1.86 ± 0.22) mmol/L vs. (1.59 ± 0.10) mmol/L; 3 d after surgery: (36.39 ± 7.65) ng/L vs. (24.08 ± 5.97) ng/L, (2.03 ± 0.18) mmol/L vs. (1.72 ± 0.14) mmol/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The OSAS and VSS scores of the modified group were lower than those of the open group at 3 and 6 months after surgery: 3 months after surgery: (15.9 ± 3.3) scores vs. (24.7 ± 6.9) scores, (4.4 ± 1.5) scores vs. (8.1 ± 3.2) scores; 6 months after surgery: (10.3 ± 2.7) scores vs. (17.1 ± 5.4) scores, (3.3 ± 1.2) scores vs. (6.9 ± 2.4) scores, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the modified group was lower than that in the open group: 3.51%(2/57) vs. 15.79%(9/57), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of modified Miccoli surgery in patients with benign thyroid diseases can reduce the length of the incision, reduce the impact on postoperative pain stress, immune function, and parathyroid function, speed up the process of postoperative recovery, improve the appearance of postoperative aesthetic degree of scar, and reduce the risk of complications.

Progress of immunological surveillance in the treatment-free remission of chronic myelogenous leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

With the wide application of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), to obtain treatment-free remission (TFR) has gradually become the long-term goal for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Self-renewing leukemia stem cells during disease progression are related with the recurrence, and surveillance of residual leukemic cells is hypothesized to be one of the critical factors in successful TFR. On the way to obtain TFR, many breakthroughs have been made in innate and adaptive immunity of CML cells. This paper reviews the immune function of CML patients, the role of the immune markers in maintaining TFR, and the exploration of TKI combined with new immunomodulator therapy to achieve a greater degree of TFR.