Exercise training improves quality of life in women with subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim was to evaluate the quality of life (HRQoL) in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) after 16 weeks of endurance training. Subjects and methods: In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which 22 women with sHT (median age: 41.5 (interquartile range: 175) years, body mass index: 26.2 (8.7) kg/m2, thyroid stimulating hormone > 4.94 mIU/L and free thyroxine between 0.8 and 1.3 ng/dL were compared to a group of 33 euthyroid women concerned to HRQoL. In the second phase, a randomized clinical trial was conducted where only women with sHT were randomly divided into two groups: sHT-Tr (n = 10) - participants that performed an exercise program - and sHT-Sed (n = 10) - controls. Exercise training consisted of 60 minutes of aerobic activities (bike and treadmill), three times a week, for 16 weeks. The HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in the early and at the end of four months. Results: Women with sHT had lower scores on functional capacity domain in relation to the euthyroid ones (770 ± 23.0 vs. 88.8 ± 14.6; p = 0.020). The sHT-Tr group improved functional capacity, general health, emotional aspects, mental and physical component of HRQoL after training period, while the sHT-Sed group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: After 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training, there were remarkable improvements in HRQoL in women with sHT.

Influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistent and recurrent disease in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy / Influência da tireoidite linfocítica crônica sobre o risco de doença persistente e recorrente em pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide e anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados após a terapia inicial

Abstract Introduction In patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who have negative serum thyroglobulin after initial therapy, the risk of structural disease is higher among those with elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies compared to patients without antithyroglobulin antibodies. Other studies suggest that the presence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistence/recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Objective This prospective study evaluated the influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistence and recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with negative thyroglobulin but elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy. Methods This was a prospective study. Patients with clinical examination showing no anomalies, basal Tg < 1 ng/mL, and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies 8-12 months after ablation were selected. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on histology; Group B, without histological chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Results The time of follow-up ranged from 60 to 140 months. Persistent disease was detected in 3 patients of Group A (6.6%) and in 6 of Group B (8.8%) (p = 1.0). During follow-up, recurrences were diagnosed in 2 patients of Group A (4.7%) and in 5 of Group B (8%) (p = 0.7). Considering both persistent and recurrent disease, structural disease was detected in 5 patients of Group A (11.1%) and in 11 of Group B (16.1%) (p = 0.58). There was no case of death related to the disease. Conclusion Our results do not support the hypothesis that chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistent or recurrent disease, at least in patients with persistently elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Resumo Introdução Em pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide e com tireoglobulina sérica negativa após a terapia inicial, o risco de doença estrutural é maior entre aqueles com anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados em comparação com pacientes sem anticorpos antitireoglobulina. Outros estudos sugerem que a presença de tireoidite linfocítica crônica está associada a um menor risco de persistência/recorrência do carcinoma papilífero de teireoide. Objetivo Este estudo prospectivo avaliou a influência da tireoidite linfocítica crônica sobre o risco de persistência e recorrência do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide em pacientes com tireoglobulina negativa, mas com anticorpos antitireoglobulinas elevados após a terapia inicial. Método Esse foi um estudo prospectivo, no qual foram selecionados pacientes com exame clínico sem anomalias; tireoglobulina basal < 1 ng/mL e anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados 8-12 meses após ablação. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo A, com tireoidite linfocítica crônica no exame histológico; Grupo B, histologicamente sem tireoidite linfocítica crônica. Resultados O tempo de seguimento variou de 60 a 140 meses. Doença persistente foi detectada em 3 pacientes do Grupo A (6,6%) e em 6 do Grupo B (8,8%) (p = 1,0). Durante o seguimento, as recidivas foram diagnosticadas em 2 pacientes do Grupo A (4,7%) e em 5 do Grupo B (8%) (p = 0,7). Considerando tanto a doença persistente quanto a recorrente, doença estrutural foi detectada em 5 pacientes do Grupo A (11,1%) e em 11 do Grupo B (16,1%) (p = 0,58). Não houve nenhum caso de óbito relacionado à doença. Conclusão Nossos resultados não apoiam a hipótese de que a tireoidite linfocítica crônica esteja associada a um menor risco de doença persistente ou recorrente, pelo menos em pacientes com anticorpos antitireoglobulina persistentemente elevados após a terapia inicial do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide.

Effects of hypothermia on lung inflammation in a rat model of meconium aspiration syndrome

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of hypothermia treatment on meconium-induced inflammation. Methods: Fifteen rats were instilled with human meconium (MEC, 1.5 mL/kg, 65 mg/mL) intratracheally and ventilated for 3 hours. Eight rats that were ventilated and not instilled with meconium served as a sham group. In MEC-hypothermia group, the body temperature was lowered to 33±0.5°C. Analysis of the blood gases, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples, and histological analyses of the lungs were performed. Results: The BAL fluid TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in the MEC-hypothermia group than in the MEC-normothermia (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and sham-controlled groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Meconium-induced inflammatory cytokine production is affected by the body temperature control.

Efficiency of cleaning and disinfection of surfaces: correlation between assessment methods / Eficiencia de la limpieza y desinfección de superficies: correlación entre métodos de evaluación / Eficiência da limpeza e desinfecção de superfícies: correlação entre métodos de avaliação

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the correlation among the ATP-bioluminescence assay, visual inspection and microbiological culture in monitoring the efficiency of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of high-touch clinical surfaces (HTCS) in a walk-in emergency care unit. Method: a prospective and comparative study was carried out from March to June 2015, in which five HTCS were sampled before and after C&D by means of the three methods. The HTCS were considered dirty when dust, waste, humidity and stains were detected in visual inspection; when ≥2.5 colony forming units per cm2 were found in culture; when ≥5 relative light units per cm2 were found at the ATP-bioluminescence assay. Results: 720 analyses were performed, 240 per method. The overall rates of clean surfaces per visual inspection, culture and ATP-bioluminescence assay were 8.3%, 20.8% and 44.2% before C&D, and 92.5%, 50% and 84.2% after C&D, respectively (p<0.001). There were only occasional statistically significant relationships between methods. Conclusion: the methods did not present a good correlation, neither quantitative nor qualitatively.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar correlación del test ATP-bioluminiscencia con inspección visual y cultivo microbiológico en monitoreo de eficiencia de limpieza y desinfección (L&D) de superficies clínicas altamente tocadas (SCAT) en unidad de pronta atención. Métodos: estudio comparativo, prospectivo, realizado de marzo a junio de 2015, cuando cinco SCAT fueron muestreadas antes y después de L&D de rutina por los tres métodos. Las SCAT fueron consideradas sucias cuando presentaban: en inspección visual: polvo, deyecciones, humedad y manchas; en cultivo: ≥205 unidades formadoras de colonias por cm2, y en ATP-bioluminiscencia: ≥5 Unidades Relativas de Luz por cm2. Resultados: fueron realizadas 720 evaluaciones, 240 por método. La tasa global de superficies limpias por inspección visual, cultivo y ATP-bioluminiscencia fue, respectivamente, 8,3%, 20,8% y 44,2% antes de la L&D y de 92,5%, 50% y 84,2% después (p<0,001). Existieron sólo asociaciones puntuales estadísticamente significativas entre los métodos. Conclusión: los métodos no presentan buena correlación cuantitativa, ni cualitativa.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a correlação do teste de ATP-bioluminescência com inspeção visual e cultura microbiológica na monitorização da eficiência da limpeza e desinfecção (L&D) de superfícies clínicas altamente tocadas (SCAT) em unidade de pronto atendimento. Métodos: estudo comparativo, prospectivo, conduzido de março a junho de 2015, de forma que cinco SCAT foram amostradas antes e depois da L&D de rotina pelos três métodos. As SCAT foram consideradas sujas quando apresentaram: na inspeção visual, poeira, dejetos, umidade e manchas; na cultura, ≥2,5 unidades formadoras de colônias por cm2 e; no ATP-bioluminescência, ≥5 Unidades Relativas de Luz por cm2. Resultados: foram realizadas 720 avaliações, sendo 240 por método. A taxa global de superfícies limpas por inspeção visual, cultura e ATP-bioluminescência foi, respectivamente, de 8,3%, 20,8% e 44,2% antes da L&D e de 92,5%, 50% e 84,2% após (p<0,001). Houve apenas associações pontuais estatisticamente significativas entre os métodos. Conclusão: os métodos nem apresentaram boa correlação quantitativa, nem, qualitativa.

Analysis of the presence of organic matter (ATP) in mobile devices of healthcare workers in hospitals

We report the result of an awareness campaign about the importance of hand hygiene after using different devices used in assistance to patients, such as tablets, notebooks, mobile phones, identification cards, watches, cameras, showing the level of contamination found after detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via bioluminescence, which enables a quantitative assessment ready and easy to implement. ATP molecules found in all living cells react with the enzyme complex to generate light and represent the presence of organic matter in such objects(AU)

Evaluation of the Western blotting method for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis / Avaliação do método Western Blotting para diagnóstico de toxoplasmose congênita

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the Western blotting method for the detection of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) (IgG-WB) in the serum of children with suspected congenital toxoplasmosis. Methods: We accompanied 47 mothers with acquired toxoplasmosis in pregnancy and their children, between June of 2011 and June of 2014. The IgG-WB was done in house and the test was considered positive if the child had antibodies that recognized at least one band on IgG blots different from the mother's or with greater intensity than the corresponding maternal band, during the first three months of life. Results: 15 children (15.1%) met the criteria for congenital toxoplasmosis and 32 (32.3%) had the diagnosis excluded. The symptoms were observed in 12 (80.0%) children and the most frequent were cerebral calcification in 9 (60.0%), chorioretinitis in 8 (53.3%), and hydrocephalus in 4 (26.6%). IgM antibodies anti-T. gondii detected by chemiluminescence (CL) were found in 6 (40.0%) children and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of T. gondii DNA was positive in 5 of 7 performed (71.4%). The sensitivity of IgG-WB was of 60.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 32.3-83.7%] and specificity 43.7% (95% CI 26.7-62.3%). The sensitivity of IgG-WB increased to 76.0 and 89.1% when associated to the research of IgM anti-T. gondii or PCR, respectively. Conclusions: The IgG-WB showed greater sensitivity than the detection of IgM anti-T. gondii; therefore, it can be used for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis in association with other congenital infection markers.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o método Western Blotting para detecção de IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) (IgG-WB) no soro de crianças com suspeita de toxoplasmose congênita. Métodos: Acompanhamos 47 mães com toxoplasmose adquirida na gravidez e seus filhos, entre junho de 2011 e junho de 2014. O IgG-WB foi feito internamente e o teste foi considerado positivo quando a criança apresentava anticorpos que reconheciam pelo menos uma banda nas manchas de IgG diferente das bandas da mãe ou com maior intensidade do que a banda materna correspondente, durante os primeiros 3 meses de vida. Resultados: Atenderam aos critérios para diagnóstico de toxoplasmose congênita 15 crianças (15,1%) e 32 (32,3%) tiveram o diagnóstico excluído. Os sintomas foram observados em 12 crianças (80%) e os mais frequentes foram calcificação cerebral em nove (60%), coriorretinite em oito (53,3%) e hidrocefalia em quatro (26,6%). Os anticorpos IgM anti-T. gondii detectados por quimiluminescência (QL) foram encontrados em seis crianças (40%) e a reação em cadeia da polimerase (RCP) para detecção do DNA de T. gondii foi positiva em cinco de sete reações (71,4%). A sensibilidade do IgG-WB foi de 60% [intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%, 32,3 a 83,7%] e a especificidade foi de 43,7% (IC de 95%, 26,7 a 62,3%). A sensibilidade do IgG-WB aumentou para 76 e 89,1% quando relacionada à pesquisa de IgM anti-T. gondii ou à RCP, respectivamente. Conclusões: O IgG-WB mostrou maior sensibilidade do que a detecção de IgM anti-T. gondii; portanto, pode ser usado para o diagnóstico de toxoplasmose congênita em associação com outros marcadores de infecção congênita.

Experience with a third-generation parathyroid hormone assay (BIO-PTH) in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism in a Brazilian population

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the usefulness of a third-generation PTH assay in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Subjects and methods Forty-one PHPT patients (4 men and 37 women) with 61.2 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD) years, were studied and had PTH levels measured with two different methods using the same immunochemiluminescent assay plataform (Elecsys 2010 System, Roche). We compared a second-generation assay (I-PTH) with a third-generation PTH assay (Bio-PTH). Two populations of 423 and 120 healthy adults with serum 25OHD levels above 25 ng/mL were used to define normal values in the I-PTH and Bio-PTH assays respectively. Results Normal PTH values based in the healthy adults population were 24.2-78.0 pg/mL for the I-PTH assay and 19.9-58.5 pg/mL for Bio-PTH assay. In PHPT patients, PTH values ranged from 67 to 553 pg/mL (median: 168 pg/mL) using the I-PTH assay and from 55 to 328 pg/mL (median: 111 pg/mL) using the Bio-PTH assay. Results obtained with the Bio-PTH assay were significantly lower (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon). In general I-PTH and Bio-PTH showed highly significant correlation (r = 0.952, p < 0.0001). Passing–Bablok analysis gave a regression equation of Bio PTH = 13.44 + 0.59 x intact PTH. PHPT patients had 25OHD levels ranging from 4 to 36 ng/mL (mean 16.2 ng/mL); 35 subjects (85.3%) had values bellow 25 ng/mL. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that both second and third generation PTH methods are strongly correlated in PHPT patients and control subjects. Lower results with Bio-PTH tests are expected in function of the assay specificity determined by the amino-terminal antibody used.

Clonidine-stimulated growth hormone concentrations (cut-off values) measured by immunochemiluminescent assay (ICMA) in children and adolescents with short stature

OBJECTIVES: To establish cut-off values for growth hormone concentrations using clonidine as a secretagogue and an immunochemiluminescent assay as the method of measurement and to analyze the response time as well as the influence of gender, nutritional status and pubertal stage. METHODS: A total of 225 tests were performed in 3 patient groups, categorized as group 1 (normal), group 2 (idiopathic short stature) and group 3 (growth hormone deficiency). Among the 199 disease-free individuals, 138 were prepubertal, and 61 were pubertal. Clonidine (0.1 mg/m2) was orally administered, and the growth hormone level was measured by immunochemiluminescent assay. The growth hormone peak and the difference between the growth hormone peak and the baseline level were then analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test or the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn’s post hoc test. Cut-off values were determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Group 1 and group 2 had no difference in growth hormone peak, gender, body mass index standard deviation score, or pubertal stage. Group 3 exhibited a significantly lower growth hormone peak than the other groups did. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that growth hormone concentrations ≥ 3.0 ng/mL defined responsiveness to clonidine. In total, 3.02% of individuals in group 1 and group 2 were considered false positive, i.e., these children lacked growth hormone deficiency and had a peak below 3.0 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Clonidine-stimulated growth hormone concentrations ≥3 ng/mL, as measured by immunochemiluminescent assay, suggest responsiveness to the stimulus regardless of gender, body mass index standard deviation score or pubertal stage.

Detección de cortisol salival nocturno en una muestra de sujetos de Santiago de Chile, mediante la técnica deelectroquimioluminicencia / Night salivary cortisol measurement in a sample of volunteers from Santiago using an electroquimioluminicence technique

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone with circadian cycle, it shows high levels in the morning and lower in the night. The salivary cortisol is the biologically active fraction and night measurement has been very useful for improving the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome, an endocrine disorder characterized by high levels of cortisol and loss of their circadian cycle. A disadvantage of this measurement is the establishment of reference ranges, which depends on the population and technique. Therefore the night salivary cortisol values were determined in a sample of 75 healthy volunteers, aged 18-75 years old. Each volunteer collects two samples in consecutive days and these samples were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence. The average of night salivary cortisol of volunteers was 0.165 +/- 0.059 ug/dL with a range from 0.082 to 0.352 ug/dL and no significant differences were found between two samples of cortisol in day 1 and 2. Our results suggest that the proposed cut-off limit 0.32 ug/dL between patients with and without Cushing Syndrome would be suitable for this technique and in our population.

Usefulness of preoperative serum calcitonin in patients with nodular thyroid disease without suspicious history or cytology for medullary thyroid carcinoma / Utilidade da calcitonina sérica pré-operatória em pacientes com doença nodular tireoidiana sem história ou citologia suspeitas para carcinoma medular de tireoide

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of preoperative serum calcitonin (sCT) in patients with nodular disease without suspicion of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in history or cytology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: sCT was measured before thyroidectomy in 494 patients with nodular disease who had no family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, and no cytological suspicion of MTC. RESULTS: Basal sCT was < 10 ng/mL in 482 patients and none of them had MTC. One patient with basal sCT > 100 pg/mL had MTC. Among the 11 patients with basal sCT between 10 and 100 pg/mL, MTC was diagnosed in only one. The two patients with MTC were submitted to total thyroidectomy, combined with elective lymph node dissection indicated exclusively based on hypercalcitoninemia, and sCT was undetectable after six months. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative sCT is useful for the detection of sporadic MTC in patients with nodular disease, even in the absence of suspicious history or cytology.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilidade da calcitonina sérica (sCT) pré-operatória em pacientes com doença nodular sem suspeita de carcinoma medular de tireoide (CMT) pela história e citologia. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Antes da tireoidectomia, sCT foi dosada em 494 pacientes com doença nodular, sem história familiar de CMT ou neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 2 e sem citologia suspeita para CMT. RESULTADOS: sCT basal foi < 10 ng/ml em 482 pacientes e nenhum possuía CMT. Um paciente com sCT basal > 100 pg/ml realmente possuía CMT. Dos 11 pacientes com sCT basal entre 10 e 100 pg/ml, CMT foi diagnosticado em apenas um. Os dois pacientes com CMT foram submetidos à tireoidectomia total com dissecção eletiva de linfonodos, indicada exclusivamente pela hipercalcitoninemia, e após seis meses apresentaram sCT indetectável. CONCLUSÕES: Em pacientes com doença nodular, mesmo sem história ou citologia suspeitas, a sCT pré-operatória é útil para detecção do CMT esporádico.

Nível de cortisol salivar entre crianças em tratamento odontológico - Um estudo piloto / Salivary cortisol levels in children undergoing dental treatment - A pilot study

Objetivo: Situações capazes de induzir à ansiedade, como o tratamento odontológico, correlacionam-se com o aumento do cortisol livre circulante, o qual pode ser utilizado como indicador de estresse. O presente estudo determinou os níveis de cortisol salivar de crianças em tratamento odontológico.Métodos: Foram incluídas crianças com idade entre sete e dez anos atendidas em uma Faculdade de Odontologia no segundo semestre de 2010. Após preenchimento do prontuário clínico, duas amostras de saliva foram coletadas empregando o kit Salivettes®. As amostras foram coletadas em um dia de consulta odontológica, antes da realização do exame físico e imediatamente após o mesmo, enviadas para análise laboratorial por meio de ensaio de quimioluminescência. Os resultados obtidos foram expressos em µg/dL. O teste de Wilcoxon foi aplicado para verificar a diferença dos níveis de cortisol salivar antes e após a consulta na amostra total e entre crianças de mesmo sexo. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para análise da diferença entre grupos de crianças do sexo masculino e feminino. Adotou-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Dezenove crianças participaram da amostra final (9 meninos e 10 meninas). Para a amostra total, as médias de cortisol determinadas foram 0,14 µg/dL e 0,09 µg/dL, nas coletas antes e após a consulta, respectivamente, com diferença significativa (P=0.002). Observou-se redução significativa no nível de cortisol salivar após a realização da consulta (P=0.011) entre as meninas. Conclusão: O período anterior a uma consulta odontológica pode gerar maior ansiedade/estresse entre crianças do que a própria consulta...

Objective: Situations capable of inducing anxiety, such as dental treatment, are associated with an increase of circulating free cortisol, which may be used as a stress indicator. This study measured the salivary cortisol levels of children undergoing dental treatment. Method: Children aged 7 to 10 years undergoing dental treatment at a Dental School in the 2nd semester of 2010 were enrolled in the study. After filling dental chat, two samples of saliva were collected with a Salivettes® kit on the consultation day before and immediately after the physical examination. The samples were sent for laboratory analysis by the chemiluminescence assay. The obtained results were expressed in Ág/dL. The Wilcoxon test was used to verify the difference in the salivary cortisol levels before and after the dental consultation in the whole population and among children of the same gender. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences between the female and male children. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Nineteen children (9 boys and 10 girls) comprised the final sample. The whole population exhibited cortisol levels of 0.14 Ág/dL and 0.09 Ág/dL before and after the consultation, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between them (p=0.002). Among the girls, there was a significant decrease of salivary cortisol levels after the consultation (p=0.011). Conclusion: The period that antecedes a dental consultation may produce greater anxiety/stress in children than the consultation itself...

Detection of matrix metalloproteinase-11 in menstrual blood by enhanced chemiluminescence method / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the forensic application value of detection of matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP-11) in menstrual blood by enhanced chemiluminescence method.@*METHODS@#Menstrual blood, vaginal swab, peripheral blood, saliva stain, urine stain and semen stain were collected to detect whether or not there were MMP-11 using enhanced chemiluminescence method. The specificity and reliability of the MMP-11 assay along with its sensitivity were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The positive detection rate of MMP-11 in menstrual blood was 89.47%, whereas no MMP-11 was found in vaginal swab, peripheral blood, saliva stain, urine stain and semen stain. When 25 microL sample was added, the mass concentration of protein was 1.329 microg/microL, then MMP-11 could be detected. A positive detection rate of 89.58% was observed in MMP-11 positive menstrual blood samples after stored at 4 degrees C for 20 months.@*CONCLUSION@#Enhanced chemiluminescence method is sensitive and specific for detecting MMP-11, and can be applied to distinguish menstrual blood from common stain such as peripheral blood, vaginal fluid.

Autoantibodies against thyroid hormones and their influence on thyroxine determination with chemiluminescence immunoassay in dogs

Autoantibodies against thyroxin (T4AA) and triiodothyronine (T3AA) are present in dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis and have been reported to interfere with immunoassays. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of autoantibodies and to determine whether interference occurs by T4AA, using a non-immunological method (high performance liquid chromatography, HPLC) for thyroxin (T4) measurement. Based on clinical symptoms, T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, 1,339 dogs were divided into six groups: Group 1: hypothyroid (n = 149); Group 2: subclinical thyroiditis (n = 110); Group 3: suspicious for non thyroidal illness (n = 691); Group 4: biochemical euthyroid (n = 138); Group 5: hypothyroid dogs under substitution therapy (n = 141); Group 6: healthy dogs (n = 110). The incidence of T4AA and T3AA, determined using radiometric assay, was low (0.5% and 3.8%) and higher in hypothyroid dogs compared to dogs suspicious for hypothyroidism (Group 2-4) (p<0.05). T4AA was not detected in dogs with normal T4 and elevated TSH. T4 concentrations of T4AA positive samples determined using HPLC were comparable to results obtained by chemiluminescence immunoassay. These findings indicate that the probability of interference of T4AA leading to falsely elevated T4 concentration in the T4 assay seems to be low.

The Relationship between Lewis/Secretor Genotypes and Serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 Levels in a Korean Population / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: The Lewis histo-blood group system consists of 2 major antigens-Lea and Leb-and a sialyl Lewis antigen-carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9. We investigated the distribution of Lewis genotypes and evaluated the relationship between the Lewis/Secretor genotypes and the serum level of CA 19-9 in a Korean population to identify whether the serum CA 19-9 levels are influenced by the Lewis/Secretor genotypes. METHODS: The study included 242 individuals who had no malignancies. Lewis genotyping was performed for the 59T>G, 508G>A and 1067T>A polymorphic sites. The Secretor genotype was determined through analysis of the 357C>T and 385A>T polymorphic sites and the fusion gene. Serum CA 19-9 level was analyzed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: Individuals carrying the 3 common genotypes-Le/Le, Le/le(59,508), and Le/le(59,1067)-accounted for 95% of the study population. In the Korean population, the allelic frequencies of Le, Le(59), le(59,508), and le(59,1067) were 0.731, 0.010, 0.223, and 0.035, respectively. We found a significant difference in serum CA 19-9 concentrations among the 9 Lewis/Secretor genotype groups (P<0.001). The serum CA 19-9 levels in subjects with genotype groups 1 and 2 (Le/- and se/se) were higher than those with genotype groups 3-6 (Le/- and Se/-; 15.63 vs 6.64 kU/L, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Le/Le, Le/le(59,508), and Le/le(59,1067) are frequent Lewis genotypes in Koreans. Because serum CA 19-9 levels are significantly influenced by the Lewis/Secretor genotypes, caution is suggested when interpreting the serum CA 19-9 levels.

Evaluation of ARCHITECT HCV Core Antigen Assay / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (Ag) levels are known to be well correlating with HCV RNA levels, and may be used as an alternative marker of HCV replication for monitoring the response to HCV treatment. However, the low sensitivity of HCV core Ag assay has been an obstacle for clinical use. In this study, recently developed ARCHITECT HCV Ag assay (Abbott Laboratories, USA) was evaluated for analytical performance and clinical usefulness. METHODS: A total of 109 sera from HCV infected patients including various genotypes of HCV (1b, 2, 2a/2c, 2b, and 3a) and 20 sera from healthy donors were used for evaluating the sensitivity, precision, and linearity of the HCV core Ag assay. The cross reactivity with HIV, hepatitis B virus and myeloma proteins (N=5, each) and correlation with HCV RNA PCR assay were also evaluated. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the HCV core Ag assay was 97.2% (106/109) and there were no false positive results and cross reactivity. The within-run, between-run and between-day CVs were 3.0%, 2.5% and 3.0%, respectively. The levels of HCV core antigen showed a good correlation with those of HCV RNA quantification (r=0.940). The HCV Ag assay showed an excellent linearity in the range from 0.63 to 17,114 fmol/L (r=0.999). CONCLUSIONS: The ARCHITECT HCV Ag assay was good in sensitivity, precision, and linearity and its results well correlated with HCV RNA levels. This assay could be used as a good marker of viral replication for monitoring the therapy response in chronically HCV infected patients.

Evaluation of Anti-dsDNA Antibody Tests: Crithidia luciliae Immunofluorescence Test, Immunoblot, Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, Chemiluminescence Immunoassay / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Anti-double stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA) test is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although several methods are available, none of them is completely satisfactory and differences among them have been reported. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of 6 commercial kits for anti-dsDNA detection. METHODS: A total of 142 sera (SLE [N=74], other systemic rheumatic diseases [N=50], other diseases [N=18]) were tested by 6 different assay kits using different antigenic sources of DNA: Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test (CLIFT), salmon testes (immunoblot, IB), human (ELISA I), salmon testes with nucleosome linker (ELISA II), plasmid (ELISA III), and synthetic oligonucleotides (chemiluminescence immunoassay, CLIA). RESULTS: With manufacturers' cut-off values, 6 test kits showed sensitivities of 55.4-91.9%. ELISA I had a greater sensitivity than the other five assays (P0.05). With cut-off values set at 95% of specificity, ELISA II had a higher sensitivity than ELISA III (63.5% vs. 41.9%, P<0.05). IB had poor concordance rates with other assays (42.0-65.0%). Pearson correlation coefficients among 4 quantitative assays were 0.667-0.798. CONCLUSIONS: Six different assays showed various performances depending on the methods and cut-off values used. Except IB, the other five assays can be used for the detection of anti-dsDNA.

Concentraciones de homocisteína y perfil lipídico en preeclámpticas

El objetivo de la investigación fue comparar las concentraciones plasmáticas de homocisteína y perfil lipídico en preeclámpticas y controles además establecer la relación entre la homocisteína y las concentraciones de colesterol, triglicéridos y lipoproteínas. Setenta pacientes fueron seleccionadas y divididas en dos grupos, preeclámpticas (grupo A) y embarazadas normotensas (grupo B), consideradas como controles, estudiadas en forma consecutiva. Se midieron las concentraciones de colesterol total, triglicéridos, lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL- C), baja densidad (LDL-C), muy baja densidad (VLDL) y homocisteína. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las concentraciones de triglicéridos, HDL-C, VLDL, y homocisteína (P < 0,05). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones plasmáticas de colesterol y LDL-C (p=ns). Al analizar exclu ivamente al grupo de las preeclámpticas se encontró que la única correlación significativa y positiva fue observada entre la homocisteína y triglicéridos (r = 0,229; P < 0,05). Se concluye que existen diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de triglicéridos, H D L-C, V LDL y homocisteína entre las preeclámpticas y los controles normotensas. Además, existe una correlación positiva y significativa entre las concentraciones de homocisteína y de triglicéridos en las preeclámpticas

The objective of the research was to compare plasma concentrations of homocysteine and lipid profile in preeclamptic and control patients and establish the relation between homocysteine and cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein concentrations. Seventy patients were selected and divided in two groups, preeclamptic (group A) and normotensive pregnant women (group B) considered as controls, studied in consecutive way. Concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density (HDL-C), low-density (LDL-C), very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and homocysteine were measured. There were significant statically differences in triglycerides, HDL-C, VLDL and homocysteine (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations. When preeclamptic group was analyzed exclusively, there were observed only significant and positive correlation between homocysteine and triglycerides (r=0.229; P < 0.05). It is concluded that there are significant differences in triglycerides, HDL-C, VLDL and homocysteine between preeclamptic and normotensive controls. More over, there is a positive a significant correlation between homocysteine and triglycerides in preeclamptic patients

Imaging of biophoton emission from electrostimulated skin acupuncture point jg4: effect of light enhancers.

Using an ultrasensitive CCD camera, an extremely low light intensity from the acupuncture-sensitive point JG4 at the left hand was recorded. As the intensity of the light was very weak and the time of electrostimulation exceeded the recommended period, the quality of biophoton images was poor. Chemiluminescent and fluorescent hydrophilic, hydrophobic and amphyphilic molecular probes were used to: (i) ensure penetration of probes into skin, (ii) enhance the intensity of BP emission, (iii) shorten time and (iv) obtain information about mechanisms of biophotons generation in EAP-sensitive points and channels. The results obtained partially fulfilled expectations and indicate on the necessity to elaborate special techniques of probes deposition on the skin.

Corresponding measurements of delayed luminescence and impedance spectroscopy on acupuncture points.

Measurements of impedance spectroscopy and delayed luminescence have been performed on the acupuncture points PC4 and PC8 and other two control points of ten volunteers. The results show that there is a highly significant difference between the imaginary parts of the impedance of the acupunctural points and that of the control points. The same difference has not be observed in the values of the total number of counts of delayed luminescence. However a relationship has been detected between the imaginary part of the impedance of PC8 point and the total number of delayed luminescence counts, similar to that one found before for collagen, and it has been seen that the temporal dynamics of the two phenomena measured on one control points are similar. In particular, these final results confirm the close connection between the delayed luminescence and the dielectric properties of biological tissues.