Role of the IL8 rs4073 polymorphism in central nervous system toxicity in patients receiving multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment / Papel do polimorfismo rs4073 do gene IL8 na toxicidade do sistema nervoso central em pacientes em tratamento para tuberculose multirresistente

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the role of the IL8 rs4073 polymorphism in predicting the risk of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity in patients receiving standard pharmacological treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: A cohort of 85 consenting MDR-TB patients receiving treatment with second-line antituberculosis drugs had their blood samples amplified for the IL8 (rs4073) gene and genotyped. All patients were clinically screened for evidence of treatment toxicity and categorized accordingly. Crude and adjusted associations were assessed. Results: The chief complaints fell into the following categories: CNS toxicity; gastrointestinal toxicity; skin toxicity; and eye and ear toxicities. Symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity were reported by 59% of the patients, and symptoms of CNS toxicity were reported by 42.7%. With regard to the genotypes of IL8 (rs4073), the following were identified: AA, in 64 of the study participants; AT, in 7; and TT, in 11. A significant association was found between the dominant model of inheritance and CNS toxicity for the crude model (p = 0.024; OR = 3.57; 95% CI, 1.18-10.76) and the adjusted model (p = 0.031; OR = 3.92; 95% CI, 1.13-13.58). The AT+TT genotype of IL8 (rs4073) showed a 3.92 times increased risk of CNS toxicity when compared with the AA genotype. Conclusions: The AT+TT genotype has a tendency to be associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical features during MDR-TB treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o papel do polimorfismo rs4073 do gene IL8 na previsão do risco de toxicidade do sistema nervoso central (SNC) em pacientes em tratamento farmacológico padrão para tuberculose multirresistente (TBMR). Métodos: Amostras de sangue de uma coorte de 85 pacientes com TBMR que assinaram um termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e que estavam recebendo tratamento com medicamentos antituberculosos de segunda linha foram amplificadas para o gene IL8 (rs4073) e genotipadas. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados clinicamente quanto a evidências de toxicidade do tratamento e categorizados de acordo com os achados. Foram avaliadas as associações brutas e ajustadas. Resultados: As principais queixas enquadraram-se nas seguintes categorias: toxicidade do SNC; toxicidade gastrointestinal; toxicidade cutânea; e toxicidade ocular e ototoxicidade. Sintomas de toxicidade gastrointestinal foram relatados por 59% dos pacientes, e sintomas de toxicidade do SNC foram relatados por 42,7%. Foram identificados os seguintes genótipos de IL8 (rs4073): AA, em 64 dos participantes; AT, em 7; TT, em 11. Houve associação significativa entre o modelo dominante de herança e toxicidade do SNC no modelo bruto (p = 0,024; OR = 3,57; IC95%: 1,18-10,76) e no ajustado (p = 0,031; OR = 3,92; IC95%: 1,13-13,58). O genótipo AT+TT do gene IL8 (rs4073) apresentou risco 3,92 vezes maior de toxicidade do SNC que o genótipo AA. Conclusões: O genótipo AT+TT tende a se associar a um maior risco de características clínicas adversas durante o tratamento da TBMR.

Corneal transplantation and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report / Transplante de córnea e infecção concomitante por SARS-CoV-2: relato de caso

ABSTRACT This report was aimed at presenting a case of neurotrophic keratitis and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient who has recently undergone a corneal DALK transplant. One month after corneal transplantation with adequate corneal epithelialization, the patient presented neurotrophic keratitis with a torpid course of the corneal transplant coinciding with a SARS-CoV-2 infection, with an excessive host immune response. In addition, the patient presented a re-positivization of nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction of SARS-CoV-2 with past disease after starting treatment with autologous serum eye drops. The implications at the ophthalmological level of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be clarified as the time the illness progresses and we learn more about how it acts. In this case, the disparity of signs and symptoms, the antecedent of corneal surgery, and the possibility of a herpetic infection as a cause of the primary leukoma suggested neurotrophic keratitis. Nonetheless, the involvement of systemic SARS-CoV-2 infection in the process, triggering an excessive host immune response at the corneal level with an increase in inflammatory cytokines must be taken into account. No relationship was found between treatment with autologous serum and re-positivization of nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction, presenting the patient a favorable response to treatment.

RESUMO O objetivo deste relato foi apresentar um caso de ceratite neurotrófica e infecção concomitante por SARS-CoV-2 em paciente submetido recentemente a transplante de córnea DALK. Um mês após o transplante de córnea com adequada epitelização da córnea, o paciente apresentou ceratite neurotrófica com curso tórpido do transplante de córnea, coincidindo com infecção por SARS-CoV-2, com resposta imune excessiva do hospedeiro. Além disso, o paciente apresentou repositivização da reação em cadeia da polimerase nasofaríngeo de SARS-CoV-2, com doença pregressa após iniciar tratamento com colírio de soro autólogo. As implicações a nível oftalmológico da infecção por SARS-CoV-2, podem ser esclarecidas à medida que a doença progride e aprendemos mais sobre sua forma de atuação. Neste caso, a disparidade de sinais e sintomas, o antecedente de cirurgia de córnea e a possibilidade de infecção herpética como causa do leucoma primário sugeriram ceratite neurotrófica. No entanto, deve-se levar em consideração o envolvimento da infecção sistêmica por SARS-CoV-2 no processo, desencadeando uma resposta imune excessiva do hospedeiro no nível da córnea, com aumento de citocinas inflamatórias. Não foi encontrada relação entre o tratamento com soro autólogo e a repositivização da reação em cadeia da polimerase nasofaríngea, apresentando ao paciente uma resposta favorável ao tratamento.

Pathogenesis of Diabetes from Theory of Spleen Deficiency Causing Diabetes Based on Intestinal Innate Immunity / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In western medicine， the small intestine anatomically belongs to the digestive system and is also an important immune organ of the body. The innate immune system of the small intestine consists of a tissue barrier， innate immune cells， and innate immune molecules. The dysfunction of any part can cause metabolic disorders and eventually lead to diabetes. In the pathogenesis of diabetes， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has the theory of ''spleen deficiency causing diabetes''， which points out that the impaired spleen function results in inadequate transformation， impaired essence spread， and turbidity by essence accumulation， which is the core pathological link of blood glucose metabolism disorder in diabetes. In terms of the relationship between the small intestine and the spleen， the theory of TCM holds that the small intestine is located in the abdomen and the abdomen is dominated by the spleen. The digestion， absorption， and endocrine functions of the small intestine are also similar to the functions of spleen in governing movement and transformation and spreading essence by virtue of spleen Qi. Therefore， the anatomical and physiological functions of the small intestine in western medicine are closely related to the spleen in TCM. At the same time， the spleen is closely related to the innate immune function of the small intestine in TCM. The spleen participates in the generation and distribution of defense Qi， and the process of defense Qi playing the external function is similar to the process of the activation of the innate immune response. The spleen is also an important organ involved in fluid metabolism， which can cooperate with the lung and kidney to timely remove turbid fluid from the body. It can also work with the stomach as the hub of Qi ascending and descending and regulate the physiological activities of "clear Yang" and "turbid Yin"， so as to ensure the homeostasis of the internal environment of the body， which is the basis for maintaining the normal function of the innate immunity of the small intestine. Therefore， taking "spleen deficiency causing diabetes" as a bridge， the theory of TCM and western medicine were combined to explain the relationship between small intestinal innate immunity imbalance and the pathogenesis of diabetes from the perspective of TCM， which is helpful to understand the pathogenesis of diabetes in a deeper level and also provide a new perspective and new way for the prevention and treatment of this disease with TCM.

Research progress on immunomodulatory properties of periodontal ligament stem cells / 口腔疾病防治

@#Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have the potential for multidirectional differentiation and are the preferred seed cells for periodontal tissue regeneration. In recent years, a large number of studies have confirmed that PDLSCs also possess broad immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, in-depth exploration of their specific molecular mechanisms is of great significance for the treatment of periodontitis. The aim of this paper is to summarize the research progress on the regulation of PDLSCs on various immune cells and the effect of the inflammatory environment on the immune characteristics of PDLSCs to provide an important theoretical basis for the allotransplantation of PDLSCs and improve the therapeutic effect of periodontal tissue regeneration. Studies have shown that PDLSCs possess a certain degree of immunosuppressive effect on both innate and acquired immune cells, and inflammatory stimulation may lead to the impairment of the immunoregulatory properties of PDLSCs. However, current studies are mainly limited to in vitro cell tests and lack in-depth studies on the immunomodulatory effects of PDLSCs in vivo. In vivo studies based on cell lineage tracing and conditional gene knockout technology may become the main directions for future research.

Desenlace fatal en paciente con coinfección entre SARS-CoV-2 y dengue

La COVID-19, resultado de la infección por el SARS-CoV-2, se caracteriza por su afectación en las células alveolares del sistema respiratorio. Sin embargo, se ha documentado la posibilidad de una coinfección con el virus del dengue (DENV), lo que desencadena una respuesta inflamatoria sistémica severa. Esta respuesta inflamatoria intensificada conlleva a una liberación sustancial de ARN viral en el citoplasma celular, lo que amplifica la carga viral y agrava el daño pulmonar, provocando disfunción orgánica múltiple. En el caso del DENV, la infección induce una tormenta de citoquinas que incrementa la permeabilidad capilar, resultando en la fuga de plasma. El presente reporte tiene como objetivo describir un caso de un paciente adulto varón con coinfección por COVID-19 y dengue que tuvo un desenlace fatal.

COVID-19, a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is characterized by a primary impact on the alveolar cells of the respiratory system. However, the possibility of co-infection with dengue virus (DENV) has been documented, triggering a severe systemic inflammatory response. This heightened inflammatory response leads to a substantial release of viral RNA into the cellular cytoplasm, which amplifies the viral load and aggravates lung damage, causing multiple organ dysfunction. In the case of DENV, the infection induces a cytokine storm that increases capillary permeability, resulting in plasma leakage. The present report aims to describe a case of an adult male patient with COVID-19 and dengue co-infection who had a fatal outcome.

Consecuencias inmunológicas de la infección materna por VIH en el recién nacido no infectado / Immunologic consequences of maternal HIV infection in the uninfected newborn

Resumen Con la implementación de estrategias de cuidado perinatal, la tasa de transmisión vertical del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) ha disminuido considerablemente en el mundo. A pesar de no mostrar cargas virales, los infantes expuestos al VIH no infectados (ENI) cursan en sus primeros meses de vida con mayores tasas de morbimortalidad. Esto se relaciona con enfermedades infecciosas por microorganismos oportunistas y menor respuesta a las vacunas en comparación con infantes sin exposición al virus, lo que sugiere alteraciones en su sistema inmunitario. En esta revisión abordamos diferentes evidencias de alteraciones en las respuestas inmunitarias innatas y adaptativas de infantes ENI que pudieran explicar esta disfuncionalidad inmunitaria. Adicionalmente, este conocimiento ayuda a entender cómo se desarrolla el sistema inmunitario desde los primeros momentos de gestación que servirán para encontrar alternativas de manejo y terapias para el bienestar de los infantes con esta condición.

Abstract With the implementation of perinatal care strategies, the rate of vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has decreased considerably worldwide. Despite the absence of viral loads, infants exposed to HIV not infected during gestation have higher morbidity and mortality rates. This is found to be related to infectious diseases by opportunistic microorganisms and lower response to vaccines in their first months of life compared to non-HIV exposed infants, suggesting alterations in their immune system. In this review we address different evidence of alterations in the innate and adaptive immune responses of HIV exposed infants that could explain their immune dysfunctionality. Additionally, this knowledge helps to understand how the immune system develops from the early stages of gestation and will serve to find management alternatives and therapies for the welfare of the infants with this condition.

La viruela sísmica aspectos relacionados a la fisiopatología, genoma, patogénesis, transmisión, replicación e inmunología

Introducción: La viruela símica es una enfermedad zoonótica identificada por primera vez en 1958. El virus es un miembro del género Orthopoxvirus, de la familia Poxviridae. Infecta a una amplia variedad de mamíferos y se desconoce su reservorio natural. Objetivos: Describir los aspectos importantes relacionados a la fisiopatología, genoma, patogénesis, transmisión, replicación e inmunología de la viruela símica. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos originales, reportes de casos, revisiones bibliográficas y sistemáticas en el Portal Regional de la BVS, PubMed, Science, Nature y Lancet. Se consultaron los informes de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud sobre la viruela símica. Resultados: La propagación del virus de la viruela símica puede ocurrir a través del contacto cercano con lesiones, fluidos corporales, gotitas respiratorias y objetos contaminados. Una vez dentro del organismo, el virus infecta mucosas, células epiteliales y células inmunitarias de los tejidos adyacentes. El virus se replica y disemina rápidamente a través del sistema hemático y linfático. Las células T desempeñan un papel importante en la regulación de la respuesta inmunitaria contra el virus. Sin embargo, los Orthopoxvirus han desarrollado varios mecanismos para la evasión de la respuesta inmunitaria. Conclusiones: Los aspectos importantes descritos que se tuvieron en cuenta acerca de la transmisión de la viruela símica han tenido cambio significativo con el tiempo. El brote mundial de viruela símica de 2022 presentó una cadena de transmisión principalmente entre humanos asociada al contacto sexual.

Introduction: Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that was first identified in 1958. The virus is a member of Orthopoxvirus genus, of Poxviridae family. It infects wide variety of mammals and its natural reservoir is unknown. Objectives: To describe the important aspects related to pathophysiology, genome, pathogenesis, transmission, replication and immunology of monkeypox. Methods: A search of original articles, case reports, bibliographic and systematic reviews was carried out in VHL Regional Portal, PubMed, Science, Nature and Lancet. Reports from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization on monkeypox were consulted. Results: Spread of monkeypox virus can occur through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects. Once inside the body, the virus infects mucous membranes, epithelial cells and immune cells of adjacent tissues. The virus replicates and spreads rapidly through the blood and lymphatic system. T cells play an important role in regulating the immune response against the virus. However, Orthopoxviruses have developed several mechanisms to evade the immune response. Conclusions: The important aspects described, taken into account about monkeypox transmission, have significantly changed over time. 2022 global monkeypox outbreak presented a chain of transmission primarily among humans associated with sexual contact.

Aspectos inmunológicos en preeclampsia / Immunologic Aspects in Preeclampsia

Resumen La preeclampsia es una patología con alta morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. En esta enfermedad la placenta es un órgano de choque donde la inflamación y la respuesta inmunológica generan el daño que se traduce en el cuadro clínico característico. La tríada clásica en preeclampsia está integrada por hipertensión, edema y proteinuria, por lo que se piensa que el endotelio debe estar afectado por la actividad inflamatoria-inmunológica. El sistema inmunológico actúa en el desarrollo del embarazo y lo hace a diferentes tiempos y regulando de manera fisiológica. Tanto componentes celulares como humorales de la respuesta innata y adquirida han sido estudiados en pacientes con preeclampsia y se ha determinado que su participación es decisiva en la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad. La participación del sistema inmunológico en la fisiopatología de la preeclampsia alcanza un alto nivel de complejidad pues interacciona con otros sistemas (coagulación, renal, cardiovascular y endocrinológico entre otros) favoreciendo así la enfermedad. Es por esto que el tratamiento debe ser integral, con una visión holística del padecimiento y que requiere de un equipo multidisciplinario, que actué armónicamente para así alcanzar el mayor éxito terapéutico con la menor frecuencia de secuelas para el binomio madre-feto o madre-recién nacido. En la gestación se desarrolla la denominada "tolerancia inmunológica del embarazo", en ese estado de tolerancia inmunológica las células B y T pueden reconocer antígenos específicos (por ejemplo, los paternos) y posteriormente activarse y generar la respuesta inmunológica, por lo que la preeclampsia podría ser considerada como una patología autoinmune, donde la perdida de la tolerancia inmunológica sería la piedra angular en la fisiopatología, conocer como limitar o regular esta activación celular anómala podría servir para proponer nuevos acercamientos terapéuticos y controlar así esta enfermedad.

Abstract Preeclampsia is a pathology with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this disease, the placenta is an organ of shock where inflammation and the immune response generate the damage that results in the characteristic clinical scenario. The classic triad in preeclampsia is made up of hypertension, edema, and proteinuria, so it is thought that the endothelium must be affected by inflammatory-immunological activity. The immune system acts in the development of pregnancy and does so at different times and regulating physiologically. Both, cellular and humoral components of the innate and acquired response have been studied in patients with preeclampsia and it has been determined that their participation is decisive in the pathophysiology of this disease. The involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia reaches a high level of complexity since it interacts with other systems (coagulation, renal, cardiovascular and endocrinological among others) thus favoring the disease. For this reason, treatment must be comprehensive, with a holistic vision of the condition and requires a multidisciplinary team that acts harmoniously to achieve the greatest therapeutic success with the least frequency of sequelae for the mother-fetus or mother-newborn dyads. During pregnancy, the so-called "immunological tolerance of pregnancy" develops, in this state of immunological tolerance the B and T cells can recognize specific antigens (for example, the paternal ones) and later activate and generate the immune response, which is why preeclampsia could being considered an autoimmune pathology, where the loss of immunological tolerance would be the cornerstone of pathophysiology, knowing how to limit or regulate this abnormal cell activation could help to propose new therapeutic approaches and thus control this disease.

Regulación de la respuesta inflamatoria dependiente de citocinas / Regulation of the inflammatory response dependent on cytokines i: en

Las citocinas son hormonas proteicas que permiten la comunicación intercelular, estimulan la activación de receptores de membrana específicos, poseen funciones de diferenciación celular y proliferación, participan en la quimiotaxis, así como en el crecimiento y la modulación de la secreción de inmunoglobulinas; no obstante, su acción principal está dada por la regulación del mecanismo de la inflamación. Las principales citocinas encargadas de esto son las interleucinas 1, 8, 12 y 16; además del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa e interferones, todas ellas proinflamatorias. Las interleucinas 6 y 12 también actúan en la inmunidad específica.

Cytokines are protein hormones that allow the intercellular communication, stimulate the activation of specific membrane receptors, have cell differentiation functions and proliferation, participate in the chemotaxis, as well as in the growth and modulation of immunoglobulin secretion; nevertheless, their main action is given by the regulation of the inflammation mechanism. The main cytokines in charge of this are interleukins 1, 8, 12 and 16, besides the tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferons, all of them proinflammatory. Interleukins 6 and 12 also act in the specific immunity.

Infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Infection is a major complication in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Newly diagnosed patients are at high risk of developing infection caused by encapsulated bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophylus influenzae. Method and Results: However, once treatment is initiated, the spectrum of pathogens causing infection broadens, depending on the treatment regimens. With disease progression, cumulative immunosuppression occurs as a consequence of multiple treatment lines and the risk of infection further increases. On the other hand, the use of targeted therapies in the treatment of CLL have brought new risks of infection, with an increased incidence of invasive fungal diseases, particularly aspergillosis, in patients receiving Bruton kinase inhibitors. Conclusion: In this article, we review the epidemiology of infection in patients with CLL, taking into account the treatment regimen, and briefly discuss the management of infection.

Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Neutrophil Oxidative Burst in Children

Objective To ascertain the efect of human immunodefciency virus (HIV) infection, as well as, antiretroviral therapy (ART) on neutrophil oxidative burst in children. Methods Fifty-fve children living with HIV infection (30 receiving ART for?2 y, 25 treatment-naïve) and 30 healthy controls, aged 18 mo–18 y, were assessed for hemogram and neutrophil oxidative burst. The treatment-naïve children were followed up and the above tests were repeated after 6 mo of ART. Results Mean (SD) serum MPO activity at 6 mo after ART [32.1 (±19.9) U/L] was comparable to that at disease onset [17.2 (±23.0) U/L], although it was signifcantly higher compared to that in children on ART?2 y [13.3 (±15.8) U/L] and controls [12.1 (±11.9) U/L]. Median fuorescence intensity (MFI) of unstimulated DHR was highest at 6 mo after ART and in the treatment-naïve group, which was signifcantly higher than in the controls, as well as, children receiving ART?2 y. Stimulation index was highest in the control group [442.4 (341.9–562.9)], which was comparable to that in children on ART?2 y [304.2 (153.2–664.8)], but was signifcantly higher than the treatment-naïve cohort [266.1 (148.2–339.4)] and children on ART for 6 mo [318.8 (154.9–395.6)]. Conclusion A hyperinfammatory state caused by an increased serum myeloperoxidase enzyme activity and increased basal neutrophil oxidative burst was seen in untreated HIV infection and during initial 6 mo of ART. ART given for?2 y normalized the impaired neutrophilic phagocytic functions.

Evaluation of usage of immunity boosters among the citizens of Pune district during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Post the coronavirus disease (COVID-19 pandemic), there was a spike in demand for immunity boosters, leading to the irrational use of supplements. To assess the usage of immunity boosters among the citizens of Pune City and correlate the side effects associated with supplements. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to May 2021 in Pune. Data, such as demographic, supplement intake (allopathic, homeopathic, and ayurvedic/home remedies), duration, frequency of supplements, and side effects associated with supplements, were collected through a personal interview and e-form circulation. The correlation of the immunity boosters with the side effects was done using Karl Pearson’s Correlation test in SPSS software version 22.0. Results: Out of 1006, the ayurvedic supplements/home remedies were preferred by 906 (98%) allopathic supplements by 599 (65%) and homeopathic supplements by 256 (28%) participants. The commonly reported side effects were acidity (37%), headache (29.6%), nausea (9%), loss of appetite (8.8%), diarrhea (7%), stomach ache (6%), cough (5.6%), and constipation (4.1%). These side effects had a weak positive linear proportionality with ayurvedic supplements such as amla (r = 0.162), Giloy Vati (r = 0.139), turmeric (r = 0.108), and Kadha (r = 0.102); also, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D showed a linear proportionality with loss of appetite (r = 0.15), headache (r = 0.12), and cough (r = 0.12), respectively. A higher incidence of side effects such as nausea (r = 0.267), diarrhea (r = 0.243), headache (r = 0.164), and acidity (r = 0.113) was observed when supplements were taken for 6 months. Conclusion: Most participants were on immunity boosters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concluded that using immunity boosters in excess or for more than 6 months causes side effects, the most recurrent ones being acidity, headache, nausea, and lack of appetite.

Prognostic value of Gustave Roussy immune score in operable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background: The Gustave Roussy immune score (GRIm score) is a laboratory index developed to predict survival in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy and has shown that the pretreatment value is an independent prognostic factor for survival. In this study, we aimed to determine prognostic significance of GRIm score for pancreatic adenocarcinoma that have not been determined in the literature for pancreatic cancer before. The reason for choosing this scoring is to show that the immune scoring system works as a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer known as immune?desert tumor via immune properties of microenvironment. Methods: Medical records of patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, who were treated and followed up between December 2007 and July 2019 at our clinic, were reviewed retrospectively. GRIm scores of each patient were calculated at the time of diagnosis. Survival analysis were performed according to risk groups. Results: A total of 138 patients were included in the study. While 111 (80.4%) patients were in the low?risk group; 27 (19.6%) were in high?risk group according to GRIm score. Median OS was 36.9 months (95% Confidence interval (CI): 25.42�.56) in lower GRIm scores, and it was 11.1 months (95% CI: 6.83�.44) in higher GRIm scores (P = 0.002). One?two?three?year OS rates were 85% versus 47%, 64% versus 39%, 53% versus 27% for low versus high GRIm scores, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that high GRIm score was an independent poor prognostic factor. Conclusion: GRIm can be used as a noninvasive, easily applicable, practical prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer patients

IMPACT OF FEAR ON DEMOGRAPHY PROFILE AND EDUCATION TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS DURING COVID19 PANDEMIC

Every human being, from birth to death, is inevitably accompanied by the dominant emotion of fear. It starts when we perceive a physical or emotional threat to our life that poses a variety of risks. The customer was structurally exposed to the dread that is present in the possibility of impending infection, per the research findings at the period of "lockdown" (average score = 4.26; standard deviation = 0.865; relative standard deviation = 22.3%). Evidently, all people have a deep-seated dread of COVID-19 infection, which manifests as conscious and unconscious anxieties and phobias that influence purchases, but it can also be a helpful defence mechanism that prevents us from dying before our time. According to respondents, existential insecurity and imbalance are the root causes of fear during a pandemic (average score = 4.57, standard deviation = 1.41, and relative deviation = 21.8%). Additionally, fear was defined for the purposes of this study as an unpleasant, uncomfortable feeling related to a current or potential COVID-19 threat that increases intake in both men and women. Because the specific elements of the threat affect the emotional reaction, the perception of risk and danger, and the consumption of dietary supplements, it is crucial to consider the peculiarities of the threat of coronavirus infection. This is confirmed by the finding that 75% of respondents reported their use of dietary supplements has increased since the pandemic's beginning

Dietary Immunomodulators - An Organic Boom in the Management of Chronic Diseases

Immunology involves all the defence mechanisms occurring in the body after the invasion of any infectious agent and the ability to resist this infection. The micronutrients like essential proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, D, E and folic acid), fatty acids, minerals (iron, selenium, zinc and copper) and certain phytochemicals are of prime importance towards healthy immune system. In addition to these nutritional components, intestinal microflora and certain bacteria (probiotic bacteria) also play an important role in the modulation of healthy immune system. There is an ongoing trend of usage of immunomodulators to combat various chronic diseases like viral diseases, cancers, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on various immunomodulators available in daily dietary meals, its positive and negative effects on immune system and its role in management of chronic illness as an adjunct to other modalities to achieve positive health benefits with minimal side effects.

Integrating Role of Immunity in Cancer: Journey from Immune Surveillance to Tumour Escape

Cancer immunoediting is crucial to understand the success or failure of a tumor. Immune system plays dual roles in tumor development and progression, promoting or suppressing tumor depending on tumor microenvironment and the events that lead to initiation of carcinogenesis. The immune system has potential to recognize and destroy tumors, and thus function as a primary defense mechanism against cancer. On the other hand, unresolved immune responses can result in the growth and progression of cancer. Objectives: The host immune system determines tumour fate in three phases (Elimination, Equilibrium and Escape) and ac- cording to this theory, it blocks adaptive and innate tumour responses or promotes conditions that favour tumour progression. Conclusion: The purpose of this review is to emphasise the importance of immunity in tumour promotion and suppression.

A comparative evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety of Falknor’s needling versus autoimplantation in cutaneous warts

Background: Warts, the most common manifestation caused by human papillomaviruses. Treatment is needed because of risk of transmission, cosmetic point of view, multiple, painful, and disfigurement caused by warts. Aims and Objectives: In this study, two techniques of autologous therapy are compared in terms of safety and efficacy. Falknor’s needling and autoimplantation, both are minimally invasive procedures with the aim of treating one wart and inducing immunity against the viral infected cells. Materials and Methods: Forty patients of clinically diagnosed cutaneous warts were randomly divided into two groups. In Group A, Falknor’s needling was performed on a single lesion in each patient. In Group B, autoimplantation was done by harvesting a single lesion and then implanting the tissue in subcutaneous tissue of the patient at other body site. Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS software v. 23 (IBM Statistics, Chicago, USA) and Microsoft Office 2007. Both the modalities showed excellent response (P = 0.504) in the treatment of warts with Grade 4 improvement in 85% (17 patients each) in both the modalities, with 5% of the patients showing Grade 2 and Grade 3 improvement each in needling group. Conclusion: Both the modalities of autologous therapy are simple, easy to perform, safe, and cheap modalities with excellent results in the treatment of cutaneous warts.

Efecto de la inmunidad celular en el tratamiento de las úlceras del pie diabético con Heberprot-P® / Effect of cellular immunity in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with Heberprot-P®

Introducción: Los diabéticos muestran una disminuida función del sistema inmune. Su complicación más temida es la aparición de las úlceras del pie. El Heberprot-P® tiene efectos beneficiosos en la curación de estas úlceras. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la inmunidad celular en el tratamiento de las úlceras del pie diabético con Heberprot-P®. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, prospectivo, de serie de casos, en 30 pacientes con úlcera de pie diabético, ingresados en el Instituto Nacional de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular. Se administraron 75 µg de Heberprot-P®, tres veces por semana, a través de vías peri- e intralesional, durante ocho semanas. Se evaluaron las variables edad, sexo, glucemia en ayunas, creatinina, urea, ácido úrico, prueba de hipersensibilidad retardada, porcentaje de granulación, tiempo de cierre de la lesión y localización de la úlcera, antes de comenzar el tratamiento, a las 4 y 8 semanas. Resultados: Se precisó un predominio del 60 por ciento en el sexo femenino y del color de piel blanca. Los niveles de glucemia y creatinina se comportaron más elevados en los anérgicos; la urea fue similar tanto en anérgicos como en reactivos; y el ácido úrico resultó mayor en hombres reactivos y en mujeres anérgicas. Hubo mayor proporción de reactivos (63,6 por ciento), que en la cuarta semana presentaron un tejido de granulación igual o mayor al 50 por ciento; y a la octava, igual o mayor al 70 por ciento. Conclusiones: La condición en los pacientes diabéticos de ser reactivo a las pruebas de hipersensibilidad retardada con úlcera de pie diabético de tipo neuropática, tratados con Heberprot-P®, está asociada directamente con una mejor respuesta en la cicatrización de sus lesiones, mediante la formación del tejido de granulación, que favorece el cierre total o parcial de la lesión. Esto no ocurrió con los pacientes anérgicos a dicha prueba(AU)

Introduction: Diabetics show decreased immune system function. Its most feared complication is the appearance of foot ulcers. Heberprot-P® has beneficial effects in healing these ulcers. Objective: To assess the effect of cellular immunity in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with Heberprot-P®. Methods: An observational, prospective, case series study was conducted in 30 patients with diabetic foot ulcer admitted to the National Institute of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. 75 µg of Heberprot-P®, three times a week, were administered through peri- and intralesional routes, during eight weeks. The variables age, sex, fasting blood glucose, creatinine, urea, uric acid, delayed hypersensitivity test, percentage of granulation, time of closure of the lesion and location of the ulcer, before starting treatment, at 4 and 8 weeks were evaluated. Results: A predominance of 60 % in females and white skin color were specified. Blood glucose and creatinine levels behaved higher in the anergics; urea was similar in both anergics and reagents; and uric acid was higher in reactive men and anergic women. There was a higher proportion of reagents (63.6 por ciento), which in the fourth week presented a granulation tissue equal to or greater than 50 por ciento; and at the eighth week, it was equal to or greater than 70 por ciento. Conclusions: The condition of being reactive to delayed hypersensitivity tests in diabetic patients with diabetic foot ulcer of neuropathic type, treated with Heberprot-P® is directly associated with a better response in the healing of their lesions, through the formation of granulation tissue, which favors the total or partial closure of the lesion. This did not occur with patients who were anergic to this test(AU)

Implications of the non-specific effect induced by Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine on vaccine recommendations

Abstract Objectives: Since the beginning of its use for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB) in 1921, other uses of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) have been proposed, particularly in the treatment of malignant solid tumors, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. Its beneficial impact on other infections, by nontuberculous mycobacteria, and by viruses, has been more often studied in recent years, especially after the introduction of the concept of trained immunity. The present study's objective was to review the possible indications of BCG and the immunological rationale for these indications. Data source: Non-systematic review carried out in the PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar databases, using the following search terms: "BCG" and "history", "efficacy", "use", "cancer", "trained immunity", "other infections", "autoimmune diseases". Data synthesis: There is epidemiological evidence that BCG can reduce overall child morbidity/mortality beyond what would be expected from TB control. BCG is able to promote cross-immunity with nontuberculous mycobacteria and other bacteria. BCG promotes in vitro changes that increase innate immune response to other infections, mainly viral ones, through mechanisms known as trained immunity. Effects on cancer, except bladder cancer, and on autoimmune and allergic diseases are debatable. Conclusions: Despite evidence obtained from in vitro studies, and some epidemiological and clinical evidence, more robust evidence of in vivo efficacy is still needed to justify the use of BCG in clinical practice, in addition to what is recommended by the National Immunization Program for TB prevention and bladder cancer treatment.