RESUMO
Globally, vaccination has reduced the prevalence of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. However, neonatal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) meningitis continues to remain a problematic infection of the central nervous system. Here, we report a case of bacterial meningitis in a 34-day old male baby who presented with fever. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test on the day of admission showed an increase in cell count with decreased glucose level. A rapid latex test of the CSF using a commercial kit diagnosed the causative pathogen as GBS. We administered the antibiotics ampicillin, cefotaxime, gentamicin and panipenem/betamipron to the patient for over 14 days. Partial seizures were frequently observed during the course and were well-controlled with midazolam and phenobarbital. Brain magnetic resonance imaging on day 17 showed subdural hygroma in the frontal region, and 99mTc ethyl-cysteinate dimer-single photon emission computed tomography confirmed a decreased cerebral blood flow predominantly in the left frontal region. After three years of follow-up, the condition of the patient improved without any neurological sequelae. Our report highlights that rapid identification of the causative organism is essential in infantile late-onset meningitis. In addition, we consider that the latex kit-based rapid testing of CSF is beneficial for identifying the causative agent of bacterial meningitis.
Assuntos
Meningites Bacterianas , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Técnicas Bacteriológicas , Haemophilus influenzae , Humanos , Lactente , Testes de Fixação do Látex , Masculino , Meningites Bacterianas/diagnóstico , Meningites Bacterianas/tratamento farmacológico , Streptococcus pneumoniaeRESUMO
Background. The prevalence of allergies is steadily increasing worldwide; however, the pathogenesis is still unclear. We hypothesized that Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) may contribute to allergy development. This organism can be present in dairy foods, it can elicit an immunomodulatory switch from a Th1 to a Th2 response, and it has been speculated that it is linked to several human autoimmune diseases. To determine the contribution, sera from 99 individuals with various atopic disorders and 45 healthy nonallergic controls were assessed for total IgE levels and successively for MAP-specific IgE by ELISA. Results. The mean total serum IgE level in allergic patients was 256 ± 235 IU/mL, and in the healthy controls it was 62 ± 44 IU/mL (AUC = 0.88; p < 0.0001). Among the patient groups, 50 of the 99 subjects had increased IgE total level ≥ 150 IU/mL, while 49 subjects had IgE ≤ 150 IU/mL (mean level: 407 ± 256 IU/mL versus 106 ± 16 IU/mL; p < 0.0001). Additionally, 6 out of 50 subjects (12%) with IgE ≥ 150 IU/mL and none (0%) with IgE ≤ 150 IU/mL were positive for specific MAP IgE (AUC = 0.63; p = 0.03). Conclusion. The present study revealed that MAP has the ability to induce specific IgE and might contribute to the induction of allergic inflammation in genetically predisposed individuals.
RESUMO
Phosphatidylcholine-polymer-coated plastic slides were utilized for the fabrication of peptide microarrays for cellular kinome analysis. According to the non-fouling features of the surface, the signal-to-noise ratio of the detection of phosphorylated peptides improved by about 100-fold from that of a peptide microarray fabricated on a glass slide blocked by a commercial BSA-based reagent. When the phosphatidylcholine-polymer-coated peptide microarray was applied to the analysis of the kinome of HCC827 cells, hyperactivation of c-Src and EGFR were successfully detected.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/metabolismo , Vidro/química , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/análise , Fosfatidilcolinas/química , Polímeros/química , Análise Serial de Proteínas , Proteínas Quinases/análise , Corantes Fluorescentes , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/química , Fosfoproteínas/análise , Fosforilação , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
Although placental proteins play multiple roles in fetal and placental development and in the maintenance of pregnancy, many remain inadequately characterized. In the present study, we comprehensively analyzed these proteins by using a proteomic approach. Samples were denatured with guanidine hydrochloride, which was found to be superior to the commonly used urea for the present purpose, and subjected to 2-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis (2-DE) to obtain placental proteome maps. The identified protein spots (ca. 60% of the total) on the proteome maps included several pregnancy-related proteins (PRPs). Furthermore, a novel 2D immunoblotting (2-DI) analysis of molecules related to pre-eclampsia revealed three immunopositive spots that appeared to correspond to dynactin p-50, a protein related to cell turn-over. The rate of positivity for dynactin p-50-reactive antibodies was significantly (P=0.0024) higher in 26 pre-eclamptic women than in 58 normally pregnant women. These results indicate that dynactin p-50 may be involved in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia.
Assuntos
Proteínas Associadas aos Microtúbulos/análise , Placenta/química , Pré-Eclâmpsia/metabolismo , Gravidez/metabolismo , Proteoma/análise , Adulto , Anticorpos/imunologia , Complexo Dinactina , Eletroforese em Gel Bidimensional , Feminino , Guanidina/química , Humanos , Proteínas Associadas aos Microtúbulos/sangue , Placenta/metabolismo , Desnaturação ProteicaRESUMO
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a purine enzyme which is essential for the proliferation, maturation and function of lymphoid cells, and congenital deficiency of this enzyme is associated with severe combined immunodeficiency disease. The activity of ADA has changed in diseases characterized by the alteration of cell-mediated immunity such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and tuberculosis, so ADA has been considered as a nonspecific marker of cell-mediated immunity. In this study we examined changes in serum total ADA activity and the patterns of two ADA isoenzymes, ADA1 and ADA2 in normal pregnant women, and evaluated the possible role of the alteration of cell-mediated immunity during normal pregnancy as causes of changes in ADA activity. We measured serum activities of total ADA, ADA1 and ADA2 in normal pregnant women in the third trimester (n=24) and age-matched healthy nonpregnant women (n=24). Peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes were also measured. In normal pregnant women, serum total ADA activity averaged 10.5 +/- 0.5 U/L, which was significantly lower than in nonpregnant women (14.0 +/- 0.5 U/L ) (p<0.05), and mean serum ADA2 activity also significantly reduced that of nonpregnant women (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in ADA1 activity in normal pregnant and nonpregnant women. The decrease in total ADA activity was accompanied by the decrease in lymphocyte count. These results suggest that reduced serum total ADA activity reflects decrease in ADA2 activity, and which may be in part associated with depressed cell-mediated immunity during normal pregnancy.
Assuntos
Adenosina Desaminase/sangue , Isoenzimas/sangue , Gravidez/sangue , Adulto , Contagem de Células , Feminino , Humanos , Linfócitos/enzimologia , Linfócitos/imunologia , Monócitos/enzimologia , Monócitos/imunologia , Terceiro Trimestre da Gravidez/sangueRESUMO
This study investigated changes in the proportion of T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cells in cord blood after premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and evaluate the effects of PROM on the intrauterine fetal immune status. The proportion of CD3-positive T cells secreting interferon (IFN)-gamma as an index of Th1 cells, and interleukin (IL)-4 as an index of Th2 cells in cord blood of 12 newborns with and without PROM, were analyzed by flow cytometry. In cord blood of newborns with PROM, the proportion of IFN-gamma secreting cells significantly increased, and the proportion of IL-4 secreting cells was rather high but not significantly higher than that of newborns without PROM. These changes eventually caused a shift in the Th1/Th2 ratio to Th1 dominance in PROM. There was no significant correlation between the proportion of IFN-gamma secreting cells and the duration of PROM before the onset of labor. These results suggest that the increase in the proportion of IFN-gamma secreting cells after PROM, which eventually cause the Th1/Th2 ratios to show the Th1 predominance, may reflect in part intrauterine fetal immune responses to PROM.
Assuntos
Sangue Fetal/imunologia , Ruptura Prematura de Membranas Fetais/sangue , Feto/imunologia , Células Th1/imunologia , Células Th2/imunologia , Adulto , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Citometria de Fluxo , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Interferon gama/metabolismo , Interleucina-4/metabolismo , GravidezRESUMO
Localization and role of bursin during Bursa of Fabricius (BF) ontogeny were examined by immunohistochemical staining and by in ovo injection with anti-bursin antibody. Mouse monoclonal anti-bursin antibody HU2 was generated by immunization with synthetic bursin. It recognized reticular cells (REC), follicular associated epithelium (FAE), FAE-supporting cells, and the basal layer of interfollicular epithelium (IFE) in the mature BF. Bu-1(+) cells were first detectable in the mesenchyme area at 13 days of embryogenesis (E13) before bud formation, then lined up along the bud, and homed into the bud at around E15. IgM(+) cells were detected in the bud after E13. Bursin was first observed at the under edge of the bud. Injection of HU2 into embryonal vein at E13 suppressed the appearance of IgM(+) cells in the Bursa at E17. These results indicate that bursin exists beneath the bud and may act on the appearance of IgM(+) cells during BF ontogeny.
Assuntos
Linfócitos B/citologia , Bolsa de Fabricius/embriologia , Oligopeptídeos/fisiologia , Animais , Anticorpos Monoclonais/imunologia , Especificidade de Anticorpos , Diferenciação Celular , Embrião de Galinha , Feminino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Oligopeptídeos/imunologiaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma adenosine and serum uric acid levels in women with preeclampsia. Maternal arterial blood sampling was performed to measure serum uric acid and plasma adenosine levels in 20 pregnant women complicated by preeclampsia and 22 normal pregnant women at 33-38 weeks of gestation. The average plasma adenosine levels were 0.31 +/- 0.12 micromol/l in the normal pregnant group and 0.45 +/- 0.11 micromol/l in the preeclampsia group. The mean serum uric acid level in women with preeclampsia was 5.9 +/- 0.60 mg/dl, significantly higher than in the normal pregnant women (4.4 +/- 0.69 mg/dl). Positive correlations were found between serum uric acid and plasma adenosine levels in both the group with (r(2) = 0.38, p < 0.05) and the group without (r(2) = 0.54, p < 0.05) preeclampsia. There was also a significant correlation between serum uric acid and plasma adenosine levels on the whole (r(2) = 0.59, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that increased adenosine is a contributing source of preeclamptic hyperuricemia.
Assuntos
Adenosina/sangue , Pré-Eclâmpsia/sangue , Ácido Úrico/sangue , Adulto , Artérias , Feminino , Idade Gestacional , Humanos , GravidezRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of plasma adenosine in platelet aggregation in preeclampsia. We measured the plasma adenosine concentration [ADO] and in vitro platelet aggregation in the third trimester of normal pregnant (n = 15) and preeclamptic women (n = 15). The mean plasma [ADO] in preeclampsia was 0.68 +/- 0.08 microM (means +/- SEM), significantly higher than in normal pregnancy (0.42 +/- 0.09 microM) (p < 0.05). In preeclampsia, platelet aggregation in response to collagen was approximately 40% lower than that in normal pregnancy (p < 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between the plasma [ADO] and platelet aggregation in vitro (r = -0.27, p < 0.05). These results suggest reduced platelet aggregation in preeclampsia may be at least in part attributed to an elevation of the the plasma [ADO].
Assuntos
Adenosina/sangue , Adenosina/farmacologia , Agregação Plaquetária/efeitos dos fármacos , Pré-Eclâmpsia/sangue , Adulto , Colágeno/farmacologia , Feminino , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Contagem de Plaquetas , Gravidez , Terceiro Trimestre da GravidezRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of carotid ultrasonography in screening for significant coronary artery disease (% diameter stenosis > or = 75%). METHODS: Five hundred sixty patients (342 males, 218 females, mean age 66.4 years) underwent both coronary angiography and carotid ultrasonography. Gensini's coronary score was calculated as a quantitative parameter of coronary atherosclerosis. The most hypertrophic intimal-medial complex thickness (IMT) of the bilateral common carotid arteries (distal and proximal to the echo probe in each artery) was measured within 2 or 3 cm from the carotid bifurcation. The mean IMT (mean of these 4 sites), the maximum IMT (maximum of these 4 sites), and number of plaques (localized hypertrophy of IMT > or = 1.1 mm) were calculated as a quantitative parameter of carotid atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The screening parameters were determined as 0.85 mm mean IMT, 1.1 mm maximum IMT, and at least 2 sites of plaque. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate for the detection of coronary artery disease were 57.3%, 61.6% and 59.6% for mean IMT, 43.5%, 71.1% and 58.6% for maximum IMT, and 60.8%, 70.5% and 66.1% for number of plaques. Furthermore, the overall results (except maximum IMT) were 73.3%, 49.2% and 60.2%. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that carotid ultrasonography is useful as a non-invasive and easy screening method for coronary artery disease. Furthermore, carotid ultrasonography will allow routine observations to follow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
Assuntos
Artéria Carótida Primitiva/diagnóstico por imagem , Doença das Coronárias/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Angiografia Coronária , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Túnica Íntima/diagnóstico por imagem , Túnica Média/diagnóstico por imagem , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction in early pregnancy increases maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality and might be diagnosed mistakenly as hyperemesis gravidrum. Prompt diagnosis and therapy is essential. CASE: A 29-year-old primigravida was admitted at 13 weeks' gestation with small bowel obstruction. After jejunotomy, total parenteral nutrition was given until oral intake was resumed completely 1 month after surgery. She was discharged with no complications and the rest of her pregnancy and delivery were uneventful. CONCLUSION: Small bowel obstruction in early pregnancy should be diagnosed expeditiously and can be treated with jejunotomy and total parenteral nutrition.
Assuntos
Doenças do Íleo/terapia , Obstrução Intestinal/terapia , Jejuno/cirurgia , Nutrição Parenteral Total , Complicações na Gravidez/terapia , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Doenças do Íleo/etiologia , Doenças do Íleo/cirurgia , Obstrução Intestinal/etiologia , Obstrução Intestinal/cirurgia , Complicações na Gravidez/cirurgiaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to measure changes in plasma adenosine concentration [ADO] during a normal pregnancy and to evaluate the possible role of platelets and red blood cells (RBC) as causes of changes in plasma [ADO]. We measured the plasma [ADO] in normal pregnant women (n = 11) during the first, second and third trimesters. The mean plasma [ADO] in the third trimester was 0.41 +/- 0.08 microM (means +/- SEM), significantly higher than in the first and second trimesters (p < 0.05). In pregnant women, platelet and RBC counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration decreased slightly throughout the pregnancy. The elevation in the plasma [ADO] correlated inversely with the platelet count (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). These results suggest that an increase in the plasma [ADO] in the third trimester may be attributed to the enhanced adenosine release from activated platelets.
Assuntos
Adenosina/sangue , Trimestres da Gravidez/sangue , Gravidez/sangue , Adulto , Contagem de Eritrócitos , Feminino , Hematócrito , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Contagem de PlaquetasAssuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacocinética , Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/metabolismo , Antibacterianos/metabolismo , Células CACO-2 , Citocromo P-450 CYP3A , Sistema Enzimático do Citocromo P-450/metabolismo , Portadores de Fármacos , Humanos , Macrolídeos , Oxigenases de Função Mista/metabolismoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate plasma adenosine levels during normal pregnancy and to evaluate the possible roles of platelet activation and 5'-nucleotidase as causes of changes in adenosine levels. STUDY DESIGN: We measured plasma adenosine levels, the platelet activation markers beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4, and 5'-nucleotidase activity, which catalyzes dephosphorylation from adenosine monophosphate to adenosine, in 34 nonpregnant women and 34 women with normal pregnancies in the third trimester. RESULTS: The mean plasma adenosine level in pregnant women was 0.59 +/- 0.08 micromol/L (mean +/- SEM), which was significantly higher than that found in nonpregnant women (0.18 +/- 0.04 micromol/L; P <.01). In pregnant women plasma beta-thromboglobulin levels, platelet factor 4 levels, and 5'-nucleotidase activity were significantly higher than in nonpregnant women (P <.05). CONCLUSION: The increase of plasma adenosine may be attributed at least in part to platelet activation and an increase of 5'-nucleotidase activity during normal pregnancy. This increase may be an endogenous compensatory mechanism that diminishes platelet activation and maintains vessel integrity during normal pregnancy.
Assuntos
Adenosina/sangue , Gravidez/sangue , 5'-Nucleotidase/sangue , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Fator Plaquetário 4/análise , Valores de Referência , beta-Tromboglobulina/análiseRESUMO
We present here a case of B-cell-type mediastinal malignant lymphoma during pregnancy complicated by placental involvement. In this case, some nodular high-echo patterns were recognized in the placenta by ultrasonography. A cesarean section and resection of the mediastinal tumor were performed at 33 weeks and 6 days of gestation due to the deterioration of the dyspnea. A female infant weighing 1,868 g was delivered and she is now a healthy 2-year-old. The mother, however, died of the disease 1 month after surgery, due to progression of the tumor. The placenta showed numerous white firm nodules varying from 3 mm to 3 cm in diameter. The pathologic findings of both the mediastinal tumor and the placenta indicated primary mediastinal (thymic) B-cell lymphoma.
Assuntos
Linfoma de Células B/patologia , Neoplasias do Mediastino/patologia , Placenta , Complicações Neoplásicas na Gravidez/patologia , Adulto , Cesárea , Evolução Fatal , Feminino , Humanos , Linfoma de Células B/cirurgia , Neoplasias do Mediastino/cirurgia , Metástase Neoplásica , Placenta/diagnóstico por imagem , Placenta/patologia , Gravidez , Complicações Neoplásicas na Gravidez/cirurgia , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
At 16 weeks' gestation, ultrasonography demonstrated a band-like structure in the amniotic cavity of a 27-year-old woman. Color Doppler imaging revealed blood flow in this band-like structure and a diagnosis of a placenta with succenturiate lobe rather than an amniotic band was made.
Assuntos
Síndrome de Bandas Amnióticas/diagnóstico por imagem , Placenta/anormalidades , Ultrassonografia Doppler em Cores , Ultrassonografia Pré-Natal , Adulto , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Feminino , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Placenta/irrigação sanguínea , GravidezRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The appropriate date of delivery in twin pregnancies is supposed to be earlier than that in singleton pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare two strategies for managing twin pregnancies (i.e., immediate induction and expectant management). METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent immediately induced labor by administration of oral prostaglandin E(2) at 37 weeks, while 19 patients underwent expectant management. RESULTS: The average gestational age at delivery in the induction group was 37.5 +/- 0.4 weeks, significantly earlier than that in the expectant management group (39.0 +/- 1.1 weeks). However, there were no significant differences in the average birth weight between the two groups (2, 700 +/- 330 g in the induction group vs. 2,672 +/- 392 g in the expectant management group). The cesarean delivery rate in the induction group was 18%, not significantly different from that in the expectant management group (32%). The most common indication for cesarean section in the expectant management group was maternal infection, while there was no maternal infection in the induction group (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: It may be acceptable do intervene in twin pregnancies earlier than in singleton pregnancies during term.
Assuntos
Trabalho de Parto Induzido , Gêmeos , Adulto , Índice de Apgar , Peso ao Nascer , Cesárea , Dinoprostona/administração & dosagem , Feminino , Ruptura Prematura de Membranas Fetais , Idade Gestacional , Humanos , Mecônio , GravidezRESUMO
The aim of this study was to compare the fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler waveforms in growth-retarded twin fetuses with (n = 11) and without (n = 24) twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Umbilical artery (UA) and fetal MCA Doppler velocity waveforms were recorded on admission. The mean values of the UA pulsatility index (PI) of smaller twin fetuses with and without TTTS were significantly higher than those of normal singleton pregnancies. The mean values of the MCA PI of smaller twin fetuses in the TTTS group (+0.7 +/- 1 SD) were significantly higher than those of normal singleton pregnancies on admission, and these levels did not markedly change following amniocentesis. On the other hand, the values of the MCA of the growth-retarded fetuses without TTTS (-0.9 +/- 1 SD) were significantly lower than those of normal singleton pregnancies. Our findings suggest that measurement of fetal MCA PI is a useful method to assess growth-retarded fetuses in monochorionic twin pregnancies.
Assuntos
Transfusão Feto-Fetal/fisiopatologia , Fluxometria por Laser-Doppler , Artéria Cerebral Média/embriologia , Adulto , Amniocentese , Doenças em Gêmeos , Feminino , Retardo do Crescimento Fetal/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Artéria Cerebral Média/fisiopatologia , Gravidez , Fluxo Pulsátil , Estudos Retrospectivos , Artérias Umbilicais/embriologia , Artérias Umbilicais/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
The diagnosis of brain death by Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging is reported in a fetus at 23 weeks' gestation. This is believed to be the first instance in which brain death has been shown in a premature fetus with a brain-stem anomaly.
Assuntos
Morte Encefálica/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Dandy-Walker/diagnóstico , Doenças Fetais/diagnóstico , Ultrassonografia Pré-Natal , Aborto Espontâneo , Adulto , Encéfalo/irrigação sanguínea , Morte Encefálica/diagnóstico por imagem , Morte Encefálica/patologia , Artérias Carótidas/embriologia , Artérias Carótidas/fisiopatologia , Síndrome de Dandy-Walker/diagnóstico por imagem , Síndrome de Dandy-Walker/patologia , Feminino , Doenças Fetais/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Fetais/patologia , Frequência Cardíaca Fetal , Humanos , Fluxometria por Laser-Doppler , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Gravidez , Segundo Trimestre da Gravidez , Fluxo Sanguíneo Regional , Ultrassonografia DopplerRESUMO
A decrease in amniotic fluid in prolonged pregnancy is associated with increased fetal morbidity. However, few investigations have been reported on the prediction of this condition. Fetal renal arterial pulsatility index (PI), hourly fetal urine production rate (HFUPR) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) at 39 weeks were studied in 51 singleton pregnancies with (n = 14) and without oligohydramnios (AFI < 5, n = 37) in prolonged pregnancy. There was no difference in the average fetal renal arterial PI and HFUPR between the oligohydramnios group and the normal group. However, the average AFI in the oligohydramnios group was 7.5 +/- 0.9, which was lower than that in the normal group (p < 0.05). We speculated that AFI value at 39 weeks is useful for predicting the incidence of oligohydramnios in prolonged pregnancy.