Cribado prenatal de aneuploidías mediante análisis de ácido desoxirribonucleíco libre total circulante en plasma materno. Revisión narrativa / Prenatal screening for aneuploidies by analysis of circulating total free deoxyribonucleic acid in maternal plasma. Narrative review

La prueba prenatal no invasiva es un método de cribado de aneuploidías fetales y de resultar con riesgo alto debe ser confirmado a través de prueba genética diagnóstica. Es la prueba de detección más sensible y específica para las aneuploidías fetales comunes y minimiza la realización de técnicas invasivas, solo para las gestantes con riesgo elevado. Se debe realizar asesoramiento genético pre- y poscribado. Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir los fundamentos básicos de la prueba prenatal no invasiva mediante el análisis del ácido desoxirribonucleíco libre circulante en plasma materno para cribado de aneuploidías, y de los métodos primordiales y avances en biología molecular incluyendo las tecnologías de secuenciación de nueva generación, que lo han facilitado, considerando sus beneficios y limitaciones al aplicarla en la práctica clínica, en este campo que cambia con tanta rapidez(AU)

The non-invasive prenatal test is a screening method for fetal aneuploidies and if the result is at high risk, it must be confirmed through diagnostic genetic test. It is the most sensitive and specific detection test for common fetal aneuploidies and minimizes the use of invasive techniques, only for pregnant women at high risk. Genetic counseling should be performed before and after screening. This study aims to describe the basic fundamentals of non-invasive prenatal testing by analyzing free circulating deoxyribonucleic acid in maternal plasma for aneuploidy screening, and the primary methods and advances in molecular biology, including next-generation sequencing technologies, which have facilitated it, considering its benefits and limitations when applying it in clinical practice, in this rapidly changing field(AU)

Aplicação de líquidos ativados com plasma frio na endodontia / Application of plasma-activated liquids in endodontics

O insucesso do tratamento endodôntico é decorrente principalmente da presença de microrganismos remanescentes no canal radicular decorrente da dificuldade de remoção de biofilmes e das limitações dos irrigantes convencionais. Por este motivo, há necessidade de novas alternativas para a desinfecção intracanal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade inibitória de líquidos ativados por plasma frio sobre biofilmes de interesse endodôntico, além de caracterizar as condições para obtenção do líquido ativado e analisar a citotoxicidade dos líquidos. Biofilmes mono e dual espécies de 24 horas foram obtidos a partir de suspensões padronizadas de Candida albicans (ATCC 18804) e Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). Os biofilmes foram expostos aos líquidos ativados, sendo estes água destilada, solução fisiológica e água mineral. Foram incluídos grupos de líquidos não ativados (controles negativos) e grupo controle de crescimento. Após 24 horas, os biofilmes foram expostos ao tratamento por 2 períodos, 1 minuto e 1,5 minutos. O número de células remanescentes foi determinado após semeadura da suspensão microbiana resultante em meios de cultura seletivos. A citotoxicidade dos líquidos ativados frente às células 3T3 foi avaliada. O teste ex vivo foi realizado em canais radiculares de dentes humanos, no qual totalizou 54 dentes humanos unirradiculares que foram preparados, instrumentados e esterilizados para receberem tratamentos com água destilada ativada. Os dados foram analisados pelo software GraphPad Prism, versão 6.01. As comparações foram feitas utilizando testes de análise de variância (ANOVA One-way), seguidas do post-hoc de Tukey, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. A exposição dos líquidos ativados por plasma frio levou a reduções significativas (p<0.0001) em todos os grupos quando comparados ao grupo controle de crescimento e com os grupos dos líquidos não ativados, tanto para biofilmes mono e dual espécies. A Água destilada ativada levou à maior redução em relação aos demais líquidos e o tempo de tratamento mais efetivo foi de 1,5 minutos. Os líquidos ativados não foram citotóxicos para células 3T3. No teste ex vivo, a água destilada ativada levou à redução da viabilidade dos biofilmes em 80% a 91%. Conclui-se os líquidos ativadas com plasma frio apresentaram ação inibitória sobre biofilmes mono e dual espécies formados por C. albicans e E. faecalis, tanto em modelo in vitro quanto ex vivo, com ausência de toxicidade para células 3T3.(AU)

The failure of endodontic treatment is mainly due to the presence of remaining microorganisms in the root canal due to the difficulty in removing biofilms and the limitations of conventional irrigants. For this reason, there is a need for new alternatives for intracanal disinfection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of by cold plasma activated liquids on biofilms of endodontic interest, in addition to characterizing the conditions for obtaining the activated liquid and analyzing the cytotoxicity of the liquids. 24-hours mono- and dual-species biofilms were obtained from standardized suspensions of Candida albicans (ATCC 18804) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). The biofilms were exposed to the activated liquids, which were distilled water, saline solution and mineral water. Non-activated liquid groups (negative controls) and growth control group were included. After 24 hours, the biofilms were exposed to treatment for 2 periods, 1 minute and 1.5 minutes. The number of remaining cells was determined by plating method using selective culture media. The cytotoxicity of activated liquids on 3T3 cells was evaluated. The ex vivo assays were carried out in root canals of human teeth. A total of 54 single-rooted human teeth were prepared, instrumented and sterilized to receive treatments with activated distilled water. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software, version 6.01. Comparisons were made using analysis of variance tests (One-way ANOVA), followed by Tukey's posthoc test, adopting a significance level of 5%. Significant reduction of cell viabilities (p<0.0001) in all groups were observed after exposure to plasma activated liquids when compared to the growth control group and the non-activated liquid groups, both for mono and dual species biofilms. Activated distilled water led to the greatest reduction compared to other liquids and the most effective treatment time was 1.5 minutes. The activated liquids were not cytotoxic to 3T3 cells. In the ex vivo assay, activated distilled water led to a reduction in biofilm viability from 80% to 91%. It is concluded that plasma activated liquids showed inhibitory action on mono and dual species biofilms formed by C. albicans and E. faecalis, both in in vitro and ex vivo models, with no toxicity for 3T3 cells (AU)

A rapid and sensitive High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method with fluorescence detection for quantification of melatonin in small volume rat plasma samples: application to a preclinical study to determine the oral pharmacokinetics of melatonin under gestational conditions

Abstract A novel, simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method was developed and validated for the characterization of the preclinical pharmacokinetics of melatonin under pregnant conditions. Plasma samples (25 µL) were treated with 30 µL of ethanol absolute (containing the internal standard, IS). After a centrifugation process, aliquots of supernant (5 µL) were injected into the chromatographic system. Compounds were eluted on a Xbridge C18 (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size) maintained at 30°C. The mobile phase consisted in a mixture of aqueous solution of 0.4% phosphoric acid and acetonitrile (70:30 v/v). The wavelengths were set at 305 nm (excitation) and 408 nm (emission) and the total analysis time was 8 min/sample. All validation tests were obtained with accuracy and precision, according to FDA guidelines, over the concentration range of 0.005-20 µg/mL. Pharmacokinetic study showed that melatonin systemic exposure increased from day 14, with a significant difference at 19 days of gestation compared to the control group. Our findings suggest a decreased metabolism of melatonin as result of temporary physiological changes that occur throughout pregnancy. However, other maternal physiological changes cannot be ruled out.

Angioedema after rt-PA infusion led to airway emergency: a case report of rescue treatment with fresh frozen plasma

Abstract The authors report the case of a 71-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with acute ischemic stroke. She was treated with rt-PA and interventional endovascular revascularization and developed rapidly progressing angioedema that led to emergency intubation. The standard treatment was not very effective and the swelling improved after infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Angioedema after rt-PA infusion could be a life-threatening emergency that requires quick airway management by skilled professionals. As this condition is triggered by several factors, such as unregulated histamine and bradykinin production, the traditional treatment recommended by the guidelines may not be sufficient and the use of FFP can be considered as a safe and valuable aid.

Blasting the myth of predictive INR changes related to plasma transfusion: an academic institution's experience

Abstract Introduction Plasma transfusion is a common therapeutic strategy used to lower international normalized ratio (INR) values in the non-emergent setting. However, due to lack of evidence of its efficacy, standardized guidelines for this practice have not been well established. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study analyzed 276 inpatient encounters that involved plasma transfusions focusing on change in INR values from pre- to post-transfusion, with respect to the following predictor variables: vitamin K co-administration, number of plasma units transfused, order indication and body mass index (BMI). Results The overall average change in the INR was 1.35. Patients who received vitamin K showed an average change of 2.51, while patients that did not receive vitamin K demonstrated an average change of 0.70. Increased numbers of plasma units transfused showed benefit up to three-unit orders. Greater decreases in the INR were observed for patients requiring plasma for anticoagulation reversal or active bleeding. There was no significant difference in the change in INR based on the BMI. By multivariate and regression analyses, the stepwise addition of each successive predictor variable demonstrated an increase in the shared variance in the outcome of the post-transfusion INR: the pre-transfusion INR and vitamin K co-administration alone was not significant (p= 0.45); the additional number of plasma units transfused was significant (R² = 0.13, p < 0.001), and; the subsequent additional plasma order indications (R² = 0.19, p < 0.001) and BMI (R² = 0.18, p < 0.001) were increasingly significant. Conclusion Taking into consideration the combination of multiple predictive factors may aid in a more efficient use of plasma products.

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of hereditary thrombocytopenia and purpura: a report of five cases and literature review / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To report the clinical manifestations and laboratory features of five patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) and explore its standardized clinical diagnosis and treatment along with a review of literature. Methods: Clinical data of patients, such as age of onset, disease manifestation, personal history, family history, and misdiagnosed disease, were collected. Treatment outcomes, therapeutic effects of plasma infusion, and organ function evaluation were observed. The relationship among the clinical manifestations, treatment outcomes, and ADAMTS13 gene mutation of patients with cTTP was analyzed. Additionally, detection of ADAMTS13 activity and analysis of ADAMTS13 gene mutation were explored. Results: The age of onset of cTTP was either in childhood or adulthood except in one case, which was at the age of 1. The primary manifestations were obvious thrombocytopenia, anemia, and different degrees of nervous system involvement. Most of the patients were initially suspected of having immune thrombocytopenia. Acute cTTP was induced by pregnancy and infection in two and one case, respectively. ADAMTS13 gene mutation was detected in all cases, and there was an inherent relationship between the mutation site, clinical manifestations, and degree of organ injury. Therapeutic or prophylactic plasma transfusion was effective for treating cTTP. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of cTTP vary among individuals, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis that delays treatment. ADAMTS13 activity detection in plasma and ADAMTS13 gene mutation analysis are important bases to diagnose cTTP. Prophylactic plasma transfusion is vital to prevent the onset of the disease.

Plasma Acylcarnitine and Urinary Organic Acid Profiling for the diagnosis of Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorder and Organic Acidurias using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and gas chromatography tandem with mass spectrometry (GC-MS): a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION@#Acylcarnitines in plasma and urinary organic acids are essential diagnostic markers for some Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) such as fatty acid oxidation disorders, and disorders related to organic acids metabolism. By virtue of R. A. 9288, Filipino newborn babies are screened for inherited metabolic disorders via the analysis of dried blood spots (DBS) using MS/MS. @*OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to establish the plasma acylcarnitine (PLAC) and urinary organic acid (UOA) profiles of Filipino newborn babies screened at high risk for IEMS using MS/MS and single quadrupole GC-MS analytical techniques. Further, this study describes the process of determining the true positive cases of fatty acid oxidation disorders and some organic acidurias among screened Filipino newborn babies using different sample types such as plasma and urine via flow injection analysis with tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS) and another technique such as gas chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).@*METHODOLOGY@#Plasma acylcarnitine and urinary organic acid analyses were performed using Waters® MS/MS and Agilent® single quadrupole GC-MS, respectively. Results obtained from PLAC and UOA databases and IEM registry of the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory (BGL) covering the period 2015-2021 were utilized to account for the number of confirmed cases out of the total number screened positive for IEMs. Descriptive statistics was also used to evaluate the detection rates of FAODs and Organic Acidurias in Filipino newborn babies screened to be high risk.@*RESULTS@#Plasma acylcarnitine analysis was introduced by BGL only in 2015. Data from 2015-2021, indicated 176 true positives out of 1642 babies screened at high risk for FAODs and organic acidurias. The use of plasma and urine samples for measurements in MS/MS and GC-MS yielded a detection rate of 10.7% with 104 Filipino newborn babies afflicted with fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD) while 72 were found to be confirmed cases of organic acidurias. Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency was reported to be the most common FAOD with 67 cases. Organic acidurias such as glutaric aciduria type 1 and 3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (3-MCC) deficiency were found to be common with 34 and 26 true positives, respectively. @*CONCLUSION@#The plasma acylcarnitine and urinary organic acid profiles of Filipino newborn babies with fatty acid oxidation disorders and organic acidurias obtained via MS/MS and GC/MS, respectively, were presented in this paper. This study emphasizes the importance of conducting confirmatory testing to establish the true positives from among those Filipino newborns flagged to be at high risk for FAODs or organic aciduria. The confirmatory tests are based on the use of different samples such as urine and plasma in order to detect and quantify biomarkers for FAODs and organic acidurias using two different analytical techniques such as MS/MS and GC-MS. This study warrants further studies directed towards the validation of analytical methodologies for targeted measurements of biomarkers of IEMS in urine and plasma of newborn babies to increase the efficiency of establishing true positives and to determine the efficiency of administration of interventions on Filipino children with genetic disabilities, that is, for monitoring purposes.

Value for combination of T1WI star -VIBE with TWIST -VIBE dynamic contrast -enhanced MRI in distinguishing lung nodules / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#With the increasing detection rate of lung nodules, the qualitative problem of lung nodules has become one of the key clinical issues. This study aims to evaluate the value of combining dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI based on time-resolved imaging with interleaved stochastic trajectories-volume interpolated breath hold examination (TWIST-VIBE) with T1 weighted free-breathing star-volumetric interpolated breath hold examination (T1WI star-VIBE) in identifying benign and malignant lung nodules.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed 79 adults with undetermined lung nodules before the operation. All nodules of patients included were classified into malignant nodules (n=58) and benign nodules (n=26) based on final diagnosis. The unenhanced T1WI-VIBE, the contrast-enhanced T1WI star-VIBE, and the DCE curve based on TWIST-VIBE were performed. The corresponding qualitative [wash-in time, wash-out time, time to peak (TTP), arrival time (AT), positive enhancement integral (PEI)] and quantitative parameters [volume transfer constant (Ktrans), interstitium-to-plasma rate constant (Kep), and fractional extracellular space volume (Ve)] were evaluated. Besides, the diagnostic efficacy (sensitivity and specificity) of enhanced CT and MRI were compared.@*RESULTS@#There were significant differences in unenhanced T1WI-VIBE hypo-intensity, and type of A, B, C DCE curve type between benign and malignant lung nodules (all P<0.001). Pulmonary malignant nodules had a shorter wash-out time than benign nodules (P=0.001), and the differences of the remaining parameters were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). After T1WI star-VIBE contrast-enhanced MRI, the image quality was further improved. Compared with enhanced CT scan, the sensitivity (82.76% vs 80.50%) and the specificity (69.23% vs 57.10%) based on MRI were higher than that of CT (both P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#T1WI star-VIBE and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI based on TWIST-VIBE were helpful to improve the image resolution and provide more information for clinical differentiation between benign and malignant lung nodules.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply: A comparative cross-sectional study of the pre-pandemic and pandemic era

Objective@#The study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local blood supply management in the Davao Region, Philippines from 2019 to 2021 through the analysis of trends in blood supply in Davao Region, Philippines.@*Methodology@#Secondary data from two blood centers in the Davao Region for the years 2019 to 2021 were used to determine the trends on blood donation supply. To evaluate trends, the overall number of blood donors and the quantities of various types of blood components in whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFPs) and platelet concentrate have been compared between pre-pandemic, pandemic periods and as restrictions eased.@*Results@#A substantial decrease of 51.6% in the number of blood donors was seen during 2021 in comparison with 2019. The trend in collection by blood components also showed a significant trend from 2019 to 2021, whole blood (200.8%), packed RBCs (37.1%), fresh frozen plasma (113.6%). While the platelet concentrate supply declined by 34.9% from 2019 to 2020, an increase of 10.7% was noted onwards to 2021.@*Conclusion@#The results demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a major reduction in donation and supply of blood. The challenges faced by blood banks in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply are highlighted by the decrease in the number of donors and by the different trends in the supply of blood components. The targeted efforts to promote blood donation and enhance the resilience of the blood supply during and after the pandemic is important.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of spironolactone and canrenone in plasma samples

Abstract n our study, we aimed to validate a method based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to quantify spironolactone (SPI) and its active metabolite canrenone (CAN) simultaneously in plasma samples to support in vivo experiments. Compounds were separated by using a C18 column with the isocratic elution of a mobile phase composed of 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in methanol-water (60:40 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL min−1. SPI and CAN were detected in na electrospray interface operating in a positive ionization mode and quantified using the selective ion mode monitoring of mass-charge ratios (m/z) of 439.0 for SPI and 363.1 for CAN. After calculating the matrix effect using theoretical equations, we observed the strong interference of plasma in the equipment-generated signal, which required creating analytical curves using the matrix as a solvent. The method was nevertheless linear (r 2 > 0.999) in a concentration range of 0.4-5.0 µg mL−1, as well as precise, with a coefficient of variation less than 5%. SPI's and CAN's recovery rates from the plasma ranged from 87.4% to 112.1%, while their limits of detection (i.e., 0.07 µg mL−1 and 0.03 µg mL−1, respectively) and quantification (i.e., 0.20 µg mL−1 and 0.08 µg mL−1, respectively) in the presence of plasma contaminants were low. Therefore, the bioanalytical method seems to be feasible for quantifying SPI and CAN in plasma

HPLC-MS/MS method for determination of betamethasone in human plasma with application to a dichorionic twin pregnancy pharmacokinetic and placental transfers studies

Abstract Betamethasone (BET) is a synthetic glucocorticoid recommended for pregnant women at imminent risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks to reduce neonatal complications. There are different techniques to describe BET plasma quantification. However, none quantified the plasmatic concentration of BET in dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancies using LC-MS. Our objectives were to develop and validate a method for quantifying BET by LC-MS for pharmacokinetic (PK) and placental transfer studies in DC twin pregnancies. Blood samples were collected after intramuscular administration of a single BET dose containing 6 mg disodium phosphate + 6 mg acetate. BET was determined in plasma by liquid-liquid extraction. The method showed linearity in the range of 2-250 ng/mL, as well as precision and accuracy with a coefficient of variation and relative standard errors ≤ 15%. Additionally, the method presented selectivity and did not present matrix or carry-over effect. Stability tests also presented coefficient of variation and relative standard errors ≤ 15%. This is the first study which describe maternal and fetal plasma concentrations of BET in a DC twin pregnancy. The BET PK parameters were AUC0-∞, CL/F, Vd/F, Cmax, Tmax of 292.20 h*ng/mL, 39.08 L/h, 278.72 L, 25.55 ng/mL and 0.58 h, respectively. The placental transfer ratios of umbilical vein/maternal vein and intervillous space/maternal vein were 0.14 and 0.19 and 0.40 and 0.27 for both twins, respectively. However, a clinical study with more subjects is imperative to confirm this higher concentration of BET in the intervillous space

Development and validation of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify dasatinib in plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Abstract Dasatinib, a potent oral multi-targeted kinase inhibitor against Src and Bcr-Abl, can decrease inflammatory response in sepsis. A simple and cost-effective method for determination of an effective dose dasatinib was established. This method was validated in human plasma, with the aim of reducing the number of animals used, thus, avoiding ethical problems. Dasatinib and internal standard lopinavir were extracted from 180 uL of plasma using liquid-liquid extraction with methyl tert-butil ether, followed by liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. For the pharmacokinetic study, 1 mg/kg of dasatinib was administered to mice with and without sepsis. The method was linear over the concentration range of 1-98 ng/mL for DAS in mice and human plasma, with r2>0.99 and presented intra- and interday precision within the range of 2.3 - 6.2 and 4.3 - 7.0%, respectively. Further intra- and interday accuracy was within the range of 88.2 - 105.8 and 90.6 - 101.7%, respectively. The mice with sepsis showed AUC0-t = 2076.06 h*ng/mL and Cmax =102.73 ng/mL and mice without sepsis presented AUC0-t = 2128.46 h*ng/mL. Cmax = 164.5 ng/mL. The described analytical method was successfully employed in pharmacokinetic study of DAS in mice.

Implementación de tromboelastografia para evitar la transfusión de plasmas fresco congelado en neonatos / Implementation of thrombelastography to avoid transfusion of fresh frozen plasma in neonates

Introducción: actualmente, la indicación principal para la transfusión de FFP es corregir la deficiencia de los factores de coagulación en pacientes con hemorragia activa o sugestión de esta, sin embargo, la práctica clínica ha demostrado que un porcentaje grande de las transfusiones de FFP en neonatología no siguen las recomendaciones de las guías actuales y, en su mayoría, son innecesarias. Objetivo: ampliar el conocimiento que se tiene sobre la transfusión de FFP en neonatología y la implementación de la tromboelastografía para evitar realizar estas intervenciones. Metodología: se realizó una revisión de la literatura en la base de datos PubMed y Elsevier, usando palabras clave como tromboelastografía, transfusión de plasma en neonatos, hemostasia neonatal. Conclusión: se evidenció que los tiempos de coagulación de los neonatos y prematuros sanos son más prolongados en comparación a los adultos, por ello facilita su errada cuando se habla de transfusión de FFP, de ahí que la TEG sea una buena herramienta para evaluar el estado coagulante de los neonatos de manera integral, sin abrir paso a errores de interpretación y facilitando la decisión de tratamientos en los pacientes en UCIN, antes de requerir transfusiones de FFP.

Introduction: Currently the main indication for FFP transfusion is to correct coagulation factor deficiency in patients with active bleeding or its suggestion, however, clinical practice has shown that a large percentage of FFP transfusions in neonatology do not they follow current guideline recommendations and are mostly unnecessary. Objective: To expand the knowledge about these transfusions in neonatology and the implementation of thrombelastography to avoid performing these interventions. Methodology: A review of the literature was carried out in the PubMed and Elsevier databases, using keywords such as "thrombelastography", "plasma transfusion in neonates", "neonatal hemostasis". Conclusion: It was evidenced that the coagulation times of healthy neonates and premature infants are longer compared to adults, thus facilitating their misinterpretation and limiting their use when talking about FFP transfusion, therefore TEG is a good tool. to evaluate the coagulation interpretación y limita su utilización status of neonates in a comprehensive manner, without giving way to interpretation errors and facilitating treatment decisions in patients in the NICU before requiring FFP transfusions.

Plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo en la cicatrización de heridas por cirugía electiva, ¿mito o realidad? Estudio prospectivo experimental / Autologous platelet rich plasma in the healing of wounds by elective surgery, myth or reality? Experimental prospective study

El plasma rico en plaquetas es un producto biológico definido como parte de la fracción plasmática de sangre autóloga con concentración plaquetaria por encima de la línea de base, considerándose como tecnología terapéutica endógena con potencial para estimular y acelerar la cicatrización de los tejidos.Objetivo : Evaluar el uso del plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo en la cicatrización de heridas quirúrgicas de pacientes intervenidos por colecistectomía convencional electiva en el Hospital General Nacional "Dr. Ángel Larralde".Métodos : Estudio cohorte, observacional y analítico, con diseño experimental, prospectivo, de corte longitudinal. Muestra no probabilística, intencional, conformada por pacientes ajustados a criterios de inclusión. Ficha de Recolección de Datos diseñada con las escalas de Vancouver y de Evaluación Objetiva de Paciente y Observador. Los resultados obtenidos se tabularon en una matriz de datos realizada con Microsoft®Excel y, posteriormente, presentados por medio de tablas de distribución de frecuencias y gráficos. Para el análisis e interpretación de los resultados, se recurrió al programa SPSS 26®, de licencia libre. Se utilizó el estadístico Chi Cuadrado.Resultados : Total de 26 pacientes: grupo de estudio con 11 pacientes, grupo control con 15 pacientes. Se calculó valor de p para ambas escalas, resultando˂ 0.05 en todas las observaciones. Conclusión : Se observó una evolución satisfactoria evidente en los pacientes a los cuales se les aplicó el PRP respecto al grupo control, de manera que apoya la premisa de que el PRP contribuye a una cicatrización rápida, sin complicaciones y de fácil obtención(AU)

Platelet-rich plasma is a biological product defined as part of the plasmatic fraction of autologous blood with platelet concentration above the baseline, being considered as an endogenous therapeutic technology with the potential to stimulate and accelerate tissue healing.Objective : To evaluate the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the healing of surgical wounds in patients undergoing elective conventional cholecystectomy at the National General Hospital "Dr. Angel Larralde.Methods : Cohort, observational and analytical study, with an experimental, prospective design, longitudinal cut. Non-probabilistic, intentional sample, made up of patients adjusted to inclusion criteria. Data Collection Sheet designed with the Vancouver scales and the Objective Assessment of Patient and Observer. The results obtained were tabulated in a data matrix made with Microsoft®Excel and, later, presented by means of frequency distribution tables and graphs. For the analysis and interpretation of the results, the free license program SPSS 26® was used. The Chi Square statistic was used.Results : Total of 26 patients: study group with 11 patients, control group with 15 patients. The p value was calculated for both scales, resulting in˂ 0.05 in all observations. Conclusion : An evident satisfactory evolution was observed in the patients to whom the PRP was applied compared to the control group, so that it supports the premise that the PRP contributes to rapid healing, without complications and easy to obtain(AU)

Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline - 16 September 2022

The WHO Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline contains the Organization's most up-to-date recommendations for the use of therapeutics in the treatment of COVID-19. The latest version of this living guideline is available in pdf format (via the 'Download' button) and via an online platform, and is updated regularly as new evidence emerges. This twelfth version of the WHO living guideline now contains 19 recommendations. This latest update provides updated recommendations for remdesivir, addresses the use of combination therapy with corticosteroids, interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blockers and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in patients with severe or critical COVID-19, and modifies previous recommendations for the neutralizing monoclonal antibodies sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab in patients with non-severe COVID-19.

Reflections on the fundamental nature of homeopathic potencies: Plasma, Langmuir Adsorption and Vitalism

There is a pressing need to develop methods and approaches that will identify the fundamental nature of homeopathic potencies. Aims: To bring together recent basic research on potencies, especially that using solvatochromic dyes, and to supplement these results with reliable observations made by Hahnemann and his contemporaries from the very beginnings of homeopathy, together with a detailed examination of the process of trituration and succussion coupled to dilution, in order to significantly limit the number of possible explanations as to the identity of potencies. Methodology: A mixture of lab based and literature studies such that as far as possible all verified and substantiated observations about homeopathic potencies have been examined. Results and Discussion: An understanding of the fundamental nature of homeopathic potencies that includes all known and accepted observations (in vitro, in vivoand clinical) is not realistic without embracing hypotheses involving the emergent properties of complex systems and in particular, vitalistic concepts. Using a vitalistic model it is possible to explain a wide range of seemingly unrelated phenomena -such as the polarising effect of potencies on solvatochromic dyes, the ability to use a range of materials such as water, lactose and cellulose as carriers of potencies, the administering of potencies by olfaction, the antidoting effect of camphor on potency action, the non-linear dependence of potency strength on volume as well as succussion level, the oscillatory behaviour of potencies and experimenter/observer/practitioner effects. Conclusion: A hypothesis in which homeopathic potencies can be seen as self-actuating and autonomous plasma generated by trituration and/or succussion and carried according to Langmuir adsorption models fits the known observations about potencies.

Development and implementation of a COVID-19 convalescent plasma program in a middle-income economy

Abstract Introduction Convalescent Plasma therapy is one of the therapeutic strategies that has been used for patients with the Covid-19 disease. Implementing a program with national extension to supply hospitals with this blood component is a great challenge mainly in a middle-income economy. Objectives Our objective was to develop and implement a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Program which met established quality standards and was adapted to a reality of limited resources. Methods A multicentric convalescent plasma collection program was developed and implemented, based on four main sequential procedures: selective donor recruitment, pre-donation antibody screening (Anti-SARS-CoV-2- Chemiluminescence IgG Abbott), convalescent plasma collection by apheresis or whole-blood processing and distribution to the hospitals according to local demand. Results From the 572 candidates submitted to the pre-donation antibody screening, only 270 (47%) were considered eligible for plasma donation according to the established criteria. Higher levels of total antibody were associated with the donor age being above 45 years old (p= 0.002), hospital admission (p= 0.018), and a shorter interval between the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and plasma donation (p < 0.001). There was no association between the ABO and Rh blood groups and their antibody levels. Of the 468 donations made, 61% were from the collection of whole-blood and 39%, from apheresis. The Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma units obtained were distributed to 21 different cities throughout the country by air or ground transportation. Conclusion The implementation of a Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma program in a continental country with relatively scarce resources is feasible with alternative strategies to promote lower cost procedures, while complying with local regulations and meeting quality standards.

Antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent plasma donors: Can we predict subjects' eligibility?

Abstract Introduction As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic unfolds around the world; answers related to the antibody response against the virus are necessary to develop treatment and prophylactic strategies. We attempted to understand part of the immune response of convalescent plasma donation candidates. Method We carried out a cross-sectional, observational, non-intervention study, testing 102 convalescent plasma donation candidates for antibodies against the virus, relating these data to the time interval between symptom onset and sample collection, age, disease severity, and gender. Results In our sample, the individuals who developed a greater antibody response were the ones who had a longer time interval between symptom onset and sample collection, the ones who had been hospitalized and the subjects above 35 years old. Moreover, 17 individuals did not present any reactive antibodies. Conclusion These results are important in that they raise questions about the role of the humoral response against the virus, as some individuals do not develop antibodies to fight it. In addition, they help develop recruitment strategies for convalescent plasma donors, who should be asymptomatic for at least 21 days and are possibly more likely to have reactive antibodies after 35 days without symptoms.