Background: A new rapid Immunochromatographic test (ICT) kit (MPT64 TB Ag Kit) for detection of MPT64 Antigen in M. tuberculosis (MTB) isolates used for rapid identification of MTB isolates developed by SD (Standard D...Background: A new rapid Immunochromatographic test (ICT) kit (MPT64 TB Ag Kit) for detection of MPT64 Antigen in M. tuberculosis (MTB) isolates used for rapid identification of MTB isolates developed by SD (Standard Diagnostics) Bio line, South Korea was evaluated. The ICT is a rapid, reliable and cheaper method that can be used instead of conventional biochemical tests for confirming MTB in culture isolates in resource limited laboratories. The study also evaluated the ability of ICT to detect MPT64-Antigen before the micro MGIT could signal positive. Material/Methods: A total of 450 sputum samples of individual patients were used for the study. 152 isolates of Mycobacteria were recovered from solid and liquid media. These strains were tested for the detection of MPT64-antigen. H37Rv strain was served as the positive reference control and also used for early detection of Antigen experiment. Findings: The development of bands on both test and sample region when H37Rv strain was tested were seen (MPT64 antigen positive). When 138 MTB isolates were tested, it showed a similar banding pattern indicating 100% sensitivity. MPT64 band formation was not detected in any of the 14 isolates indicating 100% specificity. Both PPV & NPV were 100%. All the isolates negative for MPT64 Ag were confirmed as MOTT by conventional bio-chemical PNBA. The H37Rv strain showed a faint band from the 2nd day onwards from inoculation till 3rd day in the earlier Antigen detection experiment. Conclusion: Rapid identification of MTB culture isolate is a pressing need for diagnosis and proceeding to perform drug susceptibility testing. MPT64 TB Ag detection ICT kit is a rapid, reliable method, good substitute for molecular identification methods, and conventional biochemical test which is time-consuming and technically demanding. The early detection of Antigen can be used as an effective tool in diagnosis.展开更多
INTRODUCTIONSialyl Lewis-X antigen ,correlated with carcinoma, is a group of carbohydrate antigen containing oligosaccharide expressed of embryonic tisue and glycoproteins on cell surface of embryonic tissue[1].The SL...INTRODUCTIONSialyl Lewis-X antigen ,correlated with carcinoma, is a group of carbohydrate antigen containing oligosaccharide expressed of embryonic tisue and glycoproteins on cell surface of embryonic tissue[1].The SLeX antigen located on cell surface is synthesized principally by two enzymes ,al ,3fucosyltransfrease and a2, 3sialyctransferase.In adults ,SLeX antigen is expressed principally on the surfaces of granulocytic cells and some tumor cells .展开更多
AIM To detect antibodies against Helicobacter pylori spiral and coccoid antigens in human sera. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 278 patients with gastric diseases. A 3 day old culture of H. pylori...AIM To detect antibodies against Helicobacter pylori spiral and coccoid antigens in human sera. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 278 patients with gastric diseases. A 3 day old culture of H. pylori on chocolate blood agar was used to provide spiral form. ‘Synchronous’ coccoids were cultured in (BHY) (brain heart infusion supplemented with 10% horse serum and 0 4% yeast extract) medium in a chemostat. Antigens from spiral and coccoid form were prepared using acid glycine extraction. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect serum IgG antibodies against spiral and coccoid forms of H. pylori . RESULTS Seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was higher in patients with gastric ulcer (79%) and gastric cancer (83%) than those with non ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) (44%) and other diseases (45%) ( P <0 05). IgG antibodies against spiral and coccoid antigens were detected in 50 7% (141/278) and 49 6% (138/278) , respectively. CONCLUSION The spiral and coccoid forms of H. pylori coexist in patients infected with the bacterium.展开更多
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome(PRRS) is one of the most important diseases of swine industry. The causal agent, PRRS-virus(PRRSV), is able to evade the host immune response and survive in the organism c...Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome(PRRS) is one of the most important diseases of swine industry. The causal agent, PRRS-virus(PRRSV), is able to evade the host immune response and survive in the organism causing transient infections. Despite all scientific efforts, there are still some gaps in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease. Antigen presenting cells(APCs), as initiators of the immune response, are located in the first line of defense against microorganisms, and are responsible for antigen recognition, processing and presentation. Dendritic cells(DCs) are the main type of APC involved in antigen presentation and they are susceptible to PRRSV infection. Thus, PRRSV replication in DCs may trigger off different mechanisms to impair the onset of a host effective immune response against the virus. On the one side, PRRSV may impair the basic functions of DCs by regulating the expression of major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ and CD80/86. Other strategy followed by the virus is the induction of cell death of APCs by apoptosis, necrosis or both of them. The impairment and/or cell death ofAPCs could lead to a failure in the onset of an efficient immune response, as long as cells could not properly activate T cells. Future aspects to take into account are also discussed in this review.展开更多
BACKGROUND Donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)against human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-DQ are increasingly recognized as major contributors to antibody-mediated rejection(AMR)and graft failure in kidney transplantation.Howeve...BACKGROUND Donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)against human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-DQ are increasingly recognized as major contributors to antibody-mediated rejection(AMR)and graft failure in kidney transplantation.However,their clinical impact remains understudied in Morocco.AIM To evaluate the presence and implications of anti-HLA-DQ DSAs in Moroccan kidney transplant recipients.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the immunological profiles and clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients screened for anti-HLA antibodies between 2015 and 2020,who developed anti-HLA-DQ DSAs either before or after transplantation.Anti-HLA antibodies were identified using Luminex®single antigen bead technology,and clinical follow-up included graft function assessment,biopsy interpretation,and evaluation of immunosuppression.RESULTS In the pre-transplant group(n=6 with confirmed donor typing),patients with low to moderate median fluorescence intensity(MFI)anti-HLA-DQ DSAs(MFI 561-1581)underwent successful transplantation and maintained stable graft function under optimized immunosuppression.In contrast,in the post-transplant group(n=6 with confirmed donor typing),the emergence of de novo anti-HLA-DQ DSAs was consistently associated with AMR,with MFI values reaching up to 19473,with biopsy-proven AMR in 5 of 6 cases and suspicion of AMR in 1 case.Two representative cases are detailed to illustrate the clinical impact of DQ DSAs:one patient developed high-level anti-DQB1*02 de novo DSA(MFI 12029)with persistent AMR after 5 years,while another developed anti-DQA1*05:01 de novo DSA after an early AMR episode but maintained stable graft function after 5 years(creatinine 1.48 mg/dL).CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the clinical significance of anti-HLA-DQ DSAs in Moroccan kidney transplant recipients.While preformed DSAs with low immunogenicity may permit successful transplantation,de novo DSAs strongly correlate with AMR.Proactive monitoring,including routine DSA screening and HLA-DQ typing,could improve graft outcomes by enabling early intervention and better donor selection.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate outcomes in resectable cholangiocarcinoma patients and to determine prognostic factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among newly-diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma patients from January 2009...AIM: To evaluate outcomes in resectable cholangiocarcinoma patients and to determine prognostic factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among newly-diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma patients from January 2009 to December 2011 who underwent curative resection in Srinakarind Hospital (a 1000-bed university hospital). Two hundred and sixty-three cholangiocarcinoma patients with good performance were enrolled. These patients had pathological reports with clear margins or microscopic margins. Prognostic factors which included clinical factors, serum liver function test as well as serum tumor makers at presentation,tumor data, and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were determined by uniand multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median overall survival time was 17 mo (95%CI: 13.2-20.7); and 1-, 2-, and 3year survival rates were 65.5%, 45.2% and 35.4%. Serum albumin levels, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, staging classifications by American Joint Committee on cancer, pathological tumor staging, lymph node metastases, tumor grading, surgical margin status, and if adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, were shown to be significant prognostic factors of resectable cholangiocarcinoma by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis, however, established that only abnormal serum CEA [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68; P = 0.027] and lymph node metastases (HR 2.27; P = 0.007) were significantly associated with a decrease in overall survival, while adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.71; P = 0.067) and surgical margin negative (HR 0.72; P = 0.094) tended to improve survival time. CONCLUSION: Serum CEA and lymph node metastases which were associated with advanced stage tumors become strong negative prognostic factors in cholangiocarcinoma.展开更多
The development of a vaccine based on human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein(Env) that elicits potent protective antibodies against infection has been challenging. Recently, we compared the a...The development of a vaccine based on human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein(Env) that elicits potent protective antibodies against infection has been challenging. Recently, we compared the antibody production patterns of HIV-1 Env gp120 and hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg) to provide insights into how we may improve the protective efficacy of Env-based immunogens. Our previous study showed that HIV Env and HBsAg display different mechanisms of antibody elicitation and that T cells facilitate the responses to repeated immunizations. Here, to elucidate the detailed roles of primary immunization in immune memory response formation and antibody production, we immunized C57BL/6 mice with each antigen and evaluated the development of T follicular helper(Tfh) cells, germinal centers,and the memory responses involved in prime and boost immunizations. We found that after prime immunization, compared with HBsAg, gp120 induced higher frequencies of Tfh cells and programmed death(PD)-1^+T cells, greater major histocompatibility complex II expression on B cells, comparable activated B cells, but weaker germinal center(GC)reactions and memory B cell responses in the draining lymph nodes, accompanied by slower antibody recall responses and poor immune memory responses. The above results suggested that more PD-1^+T cells arising in primary immunization may serve as major contributors to the slow antibody recall response elicited by HIV-1 Env.展开更多
Objectives:To investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine"heche assisted preg-nancy recipe (HCAPR)" on estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor (PR), pro-lifierating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and ...Objectives:To investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine"heche assisted preg-nancy recipe (HCAPR)" on estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor (PR), pro-lifierating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)in endometrium of infertile women.Methods: The S-P immunohistochemical assay was used to observe expression ofER, PR , PCNA and VEGF in late proliferative phase before and after the HCAPR treat-ment.Results: After the treatment, the expression of ER,PR,PCNA and VEGF in nucleiof glandular epithelium and stromal cells was significantly stronger (all P＜0. 001) re-spectively than that before treatment , especially the expression of PCNA and VEGF.Conclusions: These results suggest that traditional Chinese medicine HCAPR oftonifying kidney and regulating menstruation increased the synthesis of ER,PR, PCNAand VEGF, which may promote normal growth and development of the endometrium ,improve the micro-environment of the endometrium, and enhance uterine receptivity.The evidence may provide theoretical basis for therapy infertility with Chinese herbalmedicine.展开更多
Objectives:B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)-targeted antibody–drug conjugates(ADCs)have emerged as promising therapies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM),but the overall efficacy and safety profile is uncl...Objectives:B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)-targeted antibody–drug conjugates(ADCs)have emerged as promising therapies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM),but the overall efficacy and safety profile is unclear.This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the safety and efficacy of BCMA-ADCs in development for RRMM.Methods:A systematic search was conducted using six bibliographic databases and ClinicalTrials.gov up to November 2024.Studies were eligible if they were human clinical trials or animal studies evaluating BCMA-ADCs and reported efficacy and safety outcomes.Data extraction and quality assessments were conducted using validated tools,including ROBINS-I and SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool.Results:A total of 21 studies were included:16 clinical trials and five animal studies.Key findings included that belantamab mafodotin demonstrated variable but generally durable response rates(32%–85%)and a broad range of progression-free survival(PFS)(2.8–36.6 months),albeit with ocular toxicities in 51%–96%.Among newer candidates,MEDI2228 showed median PFS 5.1–6.6 months with 14%discontinuation for ocular symptoms,while AMG 224 had an overall response rate(ORR)of 23%(9/40)with anemia 21%,thrombocytopenia 24%,and ocular adverse events(AEs)21%.Animal studies supported the tumor-eradicating potential of all BCMA-ADC candidates,although safety signals such as hepatic and renal toxicity were noted with HDP-101.The risk of bias assessment revealed generally moderate to serious concerns in human trials,while the overall quality of the animal studies was acceptable.Conclusions:BCMA-targeted ADC candidates show encouraging efficacy in RRMM,particularly belantamab mafodotin.However,frequent AEs,especially ocular and hematologic toxicities,underscore the need for optimization in ADC design.Further research should prioritize enhancing safety while maintaining clinical benefit.展开更多
BACKGROUND Prevalence of the main rheumatic diseases in the Republic of Sakha(Yakutia)[RS(Y)],one of the regions of the Russian Federation,differs from the other regions of the Russian Federation due to its ethnic and...BACKGROUND Prevalence of the main rheumatic diseases in the Republic of Sakha(Yakutia)[RS(Y)],one of the regions of the Russian Federation,differs from the other regions of the Russian Federation due to its ethnic and geographic features.Knowledge regarding the prevalence and structure of juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA)allows us to shape the work of the pediatric rheumatology service in the region correctly,and optimize the healthcare system and the need for medica-tions.AIM To describe the epidemiological,demographic,clinical,and laboratory characteristics of children with JIA in the RS(Y)and evaluate the main outcomes.METHODS This retrospective cohort study assessed all the data from the medical histories of the patients(n=225)diagnosed with JIA(2016-2023)in the Cardiorheumatology Department of the M.E.Nikolaev National Center of Medicine.Pearson'sχ²test,Fisher's exact test,Mann–Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analyses.RESULTS The ethnic prevalence of JIA is higher in Sakha than in Russian children at 110.1 per 100000 children and 69.4 per 100000 children,respectively.The prevalence of JIA among boys and girls in Sakha was similar,unlike in Russians,where the number of girls predominated.The JIA categories were as follows:(1)Systemic arthritis:3.5%;(2)Oligoarthritis(persistent and extended):33.8%;(3)Rheumatoid factor(RF)(+)polyarthritis:0.9%;(4)RF(-)polyarthritis:14.7%;(5)Enthesitis-related arthritis(ERA):44%;and(6)Psoriatic arthritis:3.1%.Prevalence of the ERA category was 4.4 times higher in Sakha children,but the prevalence of systemic arthritis was 2.9 times lower compared to Russians(P=0.0005).The frequency of uveitis was 10.2%,and the frequency of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)B27 was 39.6%in JIA children.Biologic treatment was received by 40.4%of JIA children and 45.3%achieved remission.CONCLUSION Higher JIA prevalence,male and ERA predominance,related to a higher frequency of HLA B27 are typical in RS(Y).These data might improve the pediatric rheumatology health service.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a global public health concern. HBV causes chronic infection in patients and can lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other severe liver diseases. Thus, understand...Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a global public health concern. HBV causes chronic infection in patients and can lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other severe liver diseases. Thus, understanding HBV-related pathogenesis is of particular importance for prevention and clinical intervention. HBV surface antigens are indispensable for HBV virion formation and are useful viral markers for diagnosis and clinical assessment. During chronic HBV infection, HBV genomes may acquire and accumulate mutations and deletions, leading to the expression of defective HBV surface antigens. These defective HBV surface antigens have been found to play important roles in the progression of HBV-associated liver diseases. In this review, we focus our discussion on the nature of defective HBV surface antigen mutations and their contribution to the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatitis B. The relationship between defective surface antigens and occult HBV infection are also discussed.展开更多
AIM:To prospectively explore the role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in gallbladder bile in patients with colorectal carcinoma and the morphological and clinical features of neoplasia and the occurrence of hepatic ...AIM:To prospectively explore the role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in gallbladder bile in patients with colorectal carcinoma and the morphological and clinical features of neoplasia and the occurrence of hepatic metastases. METHODS:CEA levels in the gallbladder and peripheral blood were studied in 44 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 10 patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis.CEA samples were collected from the gallbladder bile and peripheral blood during the operation,immediately before extirpating the colorectal neoplasia or cholecystectomy. Values of up to 5 ng/ml were considered normal for bile and serum CEA. RESULTS:In the 44 patients with colorectal carcinoma who underwent operation with curative intent,the average level of serum CEA was 8.5 ng/ml (range:0.1 to 111.0 ng/ ml) and for bile CEA it was 74.5 ng/ml (range:0.2 to 571.0 ng/ml).In the patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis who underwent cholecystectomy,the average level of serum CEA was 2.9 ng/ml (range:1.0 to 3.5 ng/ml) and for bile CEA it was 1.2 ng/ml (range:0.3 to 2.9 ng/ml). The average duration of follow-up time was 16.5 months (range:6 to 48 months).Four patients who underwent extirpation of the colorectal carcinoma without evidence of hepatic metastasis and with an average bile CEA value of 213.2 ng/ml presented hepatic metastases between three and seventeen months after removal of the primary colorectal neoplasia.Three of them successfully underwent extirpation of the hepatic lesions. CONCLUSION:High CEA levels in gallbladders of patients undergoing curative operation for colorectal carcinoma may indicate the presence of hepatic metastases.Such patients must be followed up with special attention to the diagnosis of such lesions.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spetroscopic Imaging (MRSI) combined with total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) and free prostate-specific ant...Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spetroscopic Imaging (MRSI) combined with total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) in selecting candidates for biopsy. Subjects and Methods: 246 patients with elevated tPSA (median: 7.81 ng/ml) underwent endorectal MRI and MRSI before Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy (10 peripheral + 2 central cores);patients with positive biopsies were treated with radical intention;those with negative biopsies were followed up and underwent MRSI before each additional biopsy if tPSA rose persistently. Mean follow-up: 27.6 months. We compared MRI, MRSI, tPSA, and fPSA with histopathology by sextant and determined the association between the Gleason score and MRI and MRSI. We determined the most accurate combination to detect prostate cancer (PCa) using receiver operating curves;we estimated the odds ratios (OR) and calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Results: No difference in tPSA was found between patients with and without PCa (p = 0.551). In the peripheral zone, the risk of PCa increased with MRSI grade;patients with high-grade MRSI had the greatest risk of PCa over time (OR = 328.6);the model including MRI, MRSI, tPSA, and fPSA was more accurate (Area under Curve: AUC = 95.7%) than MRI alone (AUC = 85.1%) or fPSA alone (AUC = 78.1%), but not than MRSI alone (94.5%). In the transitional zone, the model was less accurate (AUC = 84.4%). The association (p = 0.005) between MRSI and Gleason score was significant in both zones. Conclusions: MRSI is useful in patients with elevated tPSA. High-grade MRSI lesions call for repeated biopsies. Men with negative MRSI may forgo further biopsies because a significantly high Gleason lesion is very unlikely.展开更多
AIM To test whether a simple animal, Caenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans), can be used as an alternative model to study the interaction between hepatitis B virus antigens(HBs Ag) and host factors. METHODS Three plasmids...AIM To test whether a simple animal, Caenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans), can be used as an alternative model to study the interaction between hepatitis B virus antigens(HBs Ag) and host factors. METHODS Three plasmids that were able to express the large, middle and small forms of HBs Ags(LHBs Ag, MHBs Ag, and SHBs Ag, respectively) driven by a ubiquitous promoter(fib-1) and three that were able to express SHBs Ag driven by different tissue-specific promoters were constructed and microinjected into worms. The brood size, egglaying rate, and gonad development of transgenic worms were analyzed using microscopy. Levels of m RNA related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, enpl-1, hsp-4, pdi-3 and xbp-1, were determined using reverse transcription polymerase reaction(RT-PCRs) in three lines of transgenic worms and dithiothreitol(DTT)-treated wild-type worms. RESULTS Severe defects in egg-laying, decreases in brood size, and gonad retardation were observed in transgenic worms expressing SHBs Ag whereas moderate defects were observed in transgenic worms expressing LHBs Ag and MHBs Ag. RT-PCR analysis revealed that enpl-1, hsp-4 and pdi-3 transcripts were significantly elevated in worms expressing LHBs Ag and MHBs Ag and in wild-type worms pretreated with DTT. By contrast, only pdi-3 was increased in worms expressing SHBs Ag. To further determine which tissue expressing SHBs Ag could induce gonad retardation, we substituted the fib-1 promoter with three tissue-specific promoters(myo-2 for the pharynx, est-1 for the intestines and mec-7 for the neurons) and generated corresponding transgenic animals. Moderate defective phenotypes were observed in worms expressing SHBs Ag in the pharynx and intestines but not in worms expressing SHBs Ag in the neurons, suggesting that the secreted SHBs Ag may trigger a cross-talk signal between the digestive track and the gonad resulting in defective phenotypes. CONCLUSION Ectopic expression of three forms of HBs Ag that causes recognizable phenotypes in transgenic worms suggests that C. elegans can be used as an alternative model for studying virus-host interactions because the resulting phenotype is easily detected through microscopy.展开更多
Objective： To determine the adjuvant potential of artemisinin with a soluble leishmanial antigen in vaccinating BALB/c mice. Methods： Seventy two female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into six groups. The mice w...Objective： To determine the adjuvant potential of artemisinin with a soluble leishmanial antigen in vaccinating BALB/c mice. Methods： Seventy two female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into six groups. The mice were vaccinated with soluble Leishmania antigens （SLA） alone, artemisinin co-administered with SLA, SLA and Bacille Calmette Gu fin （BCG） vaccine, and artemisinin and BCG alone. Unvaccinated mice formed the control group. The induction of cell-mediated immunity following vaccination was determined by measuring in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interleukin （IL）-4, IL-5 and gamma interferon （IFN-γ） determined by flow cytometry. Protection against L. major was determined by quantifying parasite burdens in L. major infected footpads using a limiting dilution assay and by measuring lesion sizes of the infected footpad compared to the contralateral uninfected footpad. Results： Mice receiving SLA plus artemisinin produced significantly high levels of IL-4 and IL-5 （P 〈 0.05） and low levels of IFN-γ, resulting in exacerbated disease. In addition, subcutaneous administration of SLA ＋ artemisinin, artemisinin alone or SLA alone resulted in the development of large footpad swellings and high parasite loads that were comparable to those of the control unvaccinated mice （P 〉 0.05）, resulting in exacerbated disease. Conclusion： These data suggest that artemisinin is not a suitable adjuvant for Leishmania vaccines. However, since artemisinin has been shown to be effective against Leishmania parasites in vitro and in vivo, further studies ought to be conducted to determine its immunochemotherapeutic potential when co-administered with Leishmania antigens.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the relationship between prostatespecific antigen(PSA) levels and(1) bladder outlet obstruction(BOO) and(2) the severity of prostate inflammation.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two consecutive pat...AIM: To investigate the relationship between prostatespecific antigen(PSA) levels and(1) bladder outlet obstruction(BOO) and(2) the severity of prostate inflammation.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP) were prospectively included. Patients with proven urinary tract infection and/or known prostate cancer were excluded. PSA levels, International Prostate Symptoms Score(IPSS), prostate weight, post residual volume and pressure flow parameters were determined. A histopathological assessment of the presence and severity of inflammation was also performed.RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 69.1 ± 8.6 years(45-90 years), with mean preoperative PSA levels of 4.7 ± 5.4 ng/m L(0.2-32.5 ng/m L) and IPSS of 15.7 ± 6.9(0-32). Mean Pdet Q max was 96.3 ± 34.4 cm H2O(10-220 cm H2O). The mean resected prostate weight was 39.4 ± 27.3 g(3-189 g). Correlations were observed between PSA(logarithmic) and resected prostate weight(r = 0.54; P < 0.001), PSA(logarithmic) and Pdet Q max(r = 0.17; P = 0.032), and resected prostate weight and Pdet Q max(r = 0.39; P < 0.001). Furthermore, low correlations were observed between PSA(logarithmic) and active(r = 0.21; P < 0.0001) and chronic(r = 0.19; P = 0.005) inflammation. CONCLUSION: In this study we showed a correlation between BOO(Pdet Q max) and PSA(logarithmic). Furthermore, we demonstrated a weak correlation between PSA(logarithmic) and active as well as chronic prostatic inflammation.展开更多
In multiple sclerosis(MS),human endogenous retrovirus W family(HERV-W)envelope protein,pHERV-W ENV,limits remyelination and induces microglia-mediated neurodegeneration.To better understand its role,we examined the so...In multiple sclerosis(MS),human endogenous retrovirus W family(HERV-W)envelope protein,pHERV-W ENV,limits remyelination and induces microglia-mediated neurodegeneration.To better understand its role,we examined the soluble pHERV-W antigen from MS brain lesions detected by specific antibodies.Physico-chemical and antigenic characteristics confirmed differences between pHERV-W ENV and syncytin-1.pHERV-W ENV monomers and trimers remained associated with membranes,while hexamers self-assembled from monomers into a soluble macrostructure involving sulfatides in MS brain.Extracellular hexamers are stabilized by internal hydrophobic bonds and external hydrophilic moieties.HERV-W studies in MS also suggest that this diffusible antigen may correspond to a previously described highmolecular-weight neurotoxic factor secreted by MS B-cells and thus represents a major agonist in MS pathogenesis.Adapted methods are now needed to identify encoding HERV provirus(es)in affected cells DNA.The properties and origin of MS brain pHERV-W ENV soluble antigen will allow a better understanding of the role of HERVs in MS pathogenesis.The present results anyhow pave the way to an accurate detection of the different forms of pHERV-W ENV antigen with appropriate conditions that remained unseen until now.展开更多
AIM To determine whether proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is present in the peripheral circulation and whether PCNA levels correlate with enhanced regenerative activity.METHODS In animal studies, adult male S...AIM To determine whether proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is present in the peripheral circulation and whether PCNA levels correlate with enhanced regenerative activity.METHODS In animal studies, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=3-4/ group) were sacrificed at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours following 70% partial hepatectomy. At each interval, sera were analyzed by Western blot for PCNA by two monoclonal antibodies (PC-10 and 19F-4). In human studies, sera from 4 patients with liver cirrhosis and 4 healthy controls were tested in a similar manner.RESULTS The PC-10 monoclonal antibody identified a protein with a molecular mass of 120 KD which remained stable in rat sera for 24 hours following partial hepatectomy, then increased 1.5-fold at 48 hours prior to returning to baseline at 96 hours after partial hepatectomy. However, it was not detected in the sera of patients with or without liver disease. In the 19F-4 monoclonal antibody, a protein with a molecular mass of approximately 46 KD was found. which was present in rat sera prior to partial hepatectomy and for 12 hours after surgery. Thereafter, levels fell by approximately 50% at 24 hours, 65% at 36 hours and 75% at 48 hours where they remained until 96 hours after partial hepatectomy. The decrease in levels correlated with the extent of partial hepatectomy. In human sera, the appearance of this inhibitory cell nuclear antigen (ICNA) was higher in the sera of patients with cirrhosis than in healthy controls.CONCLUSION The PC-10 monoclonal antibody can detect a protein in the circulation when active hepatic regenerative activity is taking place. The 19F-4 monoclonal antibody, however, identifies a protein in both rat and human sera that inversely correlates with hepatic regenerative activity. This protein which is tentatively referred to as inhibitory cell nuclear antigen (ICNA) may be used in documenting the extent of suppression of hepatic regeneration.展开更多
Reports manifest a continuing need for the development of rapid and on-site (point of care) assays. Current diagnostic methods commonly used for detection of antibodies and antigens have significant limitations. Scien...Reports manifest a continuing need for the development of rapid and on-site (point of care) assays. Current diagnostic methods commonly used for detection of antibodies and antigens have significant limitations. Scientists at Micro Detect, Inc. have developed an innovative diagnostic device (method) that can be utilized broadly for antibody/antigen interactions including diagnostic assays in the medical, veterinary and food industries. The developed device can be utilized for the detection of antibodies against a single antigen or vice versa. It can also be tailored for specific panels that detect antigens or antibodies for diverse infectious agents, proteins, hormones, tumor markers, autoimmune markers, and allergens. Additionally, it can also be used for detection of toxins, antitoxins, nucleic acids, enzymes, drugs, etc. in both humans and animals. Specimens used in different formats of the device can be tears, saliva, whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, stool, and other bodily discharges. The good intra and inter precisions and acceptable linearity of the device support reliable use of the device. The CV of the device is 1.9% - 2.2%. Likewise, the performance of the device using 92 confirmed negative and positive specimens via a typical assay showed 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 96.8% efficacy, 80% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. The results of our feasibility study suggest reliable utility of a device for rapid, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and on-site (point of care) diagnostic assays. This presents a potential breakthrough in diagnostic methodologies that can be integrated into modern medicine and food industries.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the expression of the hepatitis B virus(HBV)1.3-fold genome plasmid(pHBV1.3)in an immortalized mouse hepatic cell line induced by SV40T-antigen(SV40T)expression.METHODS:Mouse hepatic cells were isol...AIM:To investigate the expression of the hepatitis B virus(HBV)1.3-fold genome plasmid(pHBV1.3)in an immortalized mouse hepatic cell line induced by SV40T-antigen(SV40T)expression.METHODS:Mouse hepatic cells were isolated from mouse liver tissue fragments from 3-5 d old Kunming mice by the direct collagenase digestion method and cultured in vitro.The pRSV-T plasmid was transfected into mouse hepatic cells to establish an SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cell line.The SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cells were identified and transfected with the pHBV1.3 plasmid.The levels of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)and hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)in the supernatant were determined by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay at 24,48,72 and 96 h after transfection.The expressions of HBsAg and hepatitis B c antigen(HBcAg)in the cells were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence analysis.The presence of HBV DNA replication intermediates in the transfected cells and viral particles in the supernatant of the transfected cell cultures was monitored using the Southern hybridization assay and transmission electronic microscopy,respectively.RESULTS:The pRSV-T plasmid was used to immortalize mouse hepatocytes and an SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cell line was successfully established.SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cells have the same morphology and growth characteristics as primary mouse hepatic cells can be subcultured and produce albumin and cytokeratin-18 in vitro.Immortalized mouse hepatic cells did not show the characteristics of tumor cells,as alpha-fetoprotein levels were comparable(0.58±0.37 vs 0.61±0.31,P=0.37).SV40LTimmortalized mouse hepatic cells were then transfected with the pHBV1.3 plasmid,and it was found that the HBV genome replicated in SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cells.The levels of HBsAg and HBeAg continuously increased in the supernatant after the transfection of pHBV1.3,and began to decrease 72 h after transfection.The expressions of HBsAg and HBcAg were observed in the pHBV1.3-transfected cells.HBV DNA replication intermediates were also observed at72 h after transfection,including relaxed circular DNA,double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA.Furthermore,a few 42 nm Dane particles,as well as many22 nm subviral particles with a spherical or filamentous shape,were detected in the supernatant.CONCLUSION:SV40T expression can immortalize mouse hepatic cells,and the pHBV1.3-transfected SV40T-immortalized mouse hepatic cell line can be a new in vitro cell model.展开更多
文摘Background: A new rapid Immunochromatographic test (ICT) kit (MPT64 TB Ag Kit) for detection of MPT64 Antigen in M. tuberculosis (MTB) isolates used for rapid identification of MTB isolates developed by SD (Standard Diagnostics) Bio line, South Korea was evaluated. The ICT is a rapid, reliable and cheaper method that can be used instead of conventional biochemical tests for confirming MTB in culture isolates in resource limited laboratories. The study also evaluated the ability of ICT to detect MPT64-Antigen before the micro MGIT could signal positive. Material/Methods: A total of 450 sputum samples of individual patients were used for the study. 152 isolates of Mycobacteria were recovered from solid and liquid media. These strains were tested for the detection of MPT64-antigen. H37Rv strain was served as the positive reference control and also used for early detection of Antigen experiment. Findings: The development of bands on both test and sample region when H37Rv strain was tested were seen (MPT64 antigen positive). When 138 MTB isolates were tested, it showed a similar banding pattern indicating 100% sensitivity. MPT64 band formation was not detected in any of the 14 isolates indicating 100% specificity. Both PPV & NPV were 100%. All the isolates negative for MPT64 Ag were confirmed as MOTT by conventional bio-chemical PNBA. The H37Rv strain showed a faint band from the 2nd day onwards from inoculation till 3rd day in the earlier Antigen detection experiment. Conclusion: Rapid identification of MTB culture isolate is a pressing need for diagnosis and proceeding to perform drug susceptibility testing. MPT64 TB Ag detection ICT kit is a rapid, reliable method, good substitute for molecular identification methods, and conventional biochemical test which is time-consuming and technically demanding. The early detection of Antigen can be used as an effective tool in diagnosis.
文摘INTRODUCTIONSialyl Lewis-X antigen ,correlated with carcinoma, is a group of carbohydrate antigen containing oligosaccharide expressed of embryonic tisue and glycoproteins on cell surface of embryonic tissue[1].The SLeX antigen located on cell surface is synthesized principally by two enzymes ,al ,3fucosyltransfrease and a2, 3sialyctransferase.In adults ,SLeX antigen is expressed principally on the surfaces of granulocytic cells and some tumor cells .
文摘AIM To detect antibodies against Helicobacter pylori spiral and coccoid antigens in human sera. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 278 patients with gastric diseases. A 3 day old culture of H. pylori on chocolate blood agar was used to provide spiral form. ‘Synchronous’ coccoids were cultured in (BHY) (brain heart infusion supplemented with 10% horse serum and 0 4% yeast extract) medium in a chemostat. Antigens from spiral and coccoid form were prepared using acid glycine extraction. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect serum IgG antibodies against spiral and coccoid forms of H. pylori . RESULTS Seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was higher in patients with gastric ulcer (79%) and gastric cancer (83%) than those with non ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) (44%) and other diseases (45%) ( P <0 05). IgG antibodies against spiral and coccoid antigens were detected in 50 7% (141/278) and 49 6% (138/278) , respectively. CONCLUSION The spiral and coccoid forms of H. pylori coexist in patients infected with the bacterium.
基金Supported by The Spanish Ministry of Education and Science,No.AGL2009-12438/GAN
文摘Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome(PRRS) is one of the most important diseases of swine industry. The causal agent, PRRS-virus(PRRSV), is able to evade the host immune response and survive in the organism causing transient infections. Despite all scientific efforts, there are still some gaps in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease. Antigen presenting cells(APCs), as initiators of the immune response, are located in the first line of defense against microorganisms, and are responsible for antigen recognition, processing and presentation. Dendritic cells(DCs) are the main type of APC involved in antigen presentation and they are susceptible to PRRSV infection. Thus, PRRSV replication in DCs may trigger off different mechanisms to impair the onset of a host effective immune response against the virus. On the one side, PRRSV may impair the basic functions of DCs by regulating the expression of major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ and CD80/86. Other strategy followed by the virus is the induction of cell death of APCs by apoptosis, necrosis or both of them. The impairment and/or cell death ofAPCs could lead to a failure in the onset of an efficient immune response, as long as cells could not properly activate T cells. Future aspects to take into account are also discussed in this review.
基金Supported by the National Science and Technology Research Center(Morocco)“PhD-Associate Scholarship-PASS”Program,No.88UH2C2023.
文摘BACKGROUND Donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)against human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-DQ are increasingly recognized as major contributors to antibody-mediated rejection(AMR)and graft failure in kidney transplantation.However,their clinical impact remains understudied in Morocco.AIM To evaluate the presence and implications of anti-HLA-DQ DSAs in Moroccan kidney transplant recipients.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the immunological profiles and clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients screened for anti-HLA antibodies between 2015 and 2020,who developed anti-HLA-DQ DSAs either before or after transplantation.Anti-HLA antibodies were identified using Luminex®single antigen bead technology,and clinical follow-up included graft function assessment,biopsy interpretation,and evaluation of immunosuppression.RESULTS In the pre-transplant group(n=6 with confirmed donor typing),patients with low to moderate median fluorescence intensity(MFI)anti-HLA-DQ DSAs(MFI 561-1581)underwent successful transplantation and maintained stable graft function under optimized immunosuppression.In contrast,in the post-transplant group(n=6 with confirmed donor typing),the emergence of de novo anti-HLA-DQ DSAs was consistently associated with AMR,with MFI values reaching up to 19473,with biopsy-proven AMR in 5 of 6 cases and suspicion of AMR in 1 case.Two representative cases are detailed to illustrate the clinical impact of DQ DSAs:one patient developed high-level anti-DQB1*02 de novo DSA(MFI 12029)with persistent AMR after 5 years,while another developed anti-DQA1*05:01 de novo DSA after an early AMR episode but maintained stable graft function after 5 years(creatinine 1.48 mg/dL).CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the clinical significance of anti-HLA-DQ DSAs in Moroccan kidney transplant recipients.While preformed DSAs with low immunogenicity may permit successful transplantation,de novo DSAs strongly correlate with AMR.Proactive monitoring,including routine DSA screening and HLA-DQ typing,could improve graft outcomes by enabling early intervention and better donor selection.
基金Supported by The Khon Kaen University Publication Clinic,Research
文摘AIM: To evaluate outcomes in resectable cholangiocarcinoma patients and to determine prognostic factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among newly-diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma patients from January 2009 to December 2011 who underwent curative resection in Srinakarind Hospital (a 1000-bed university hospital). Two hundred and sixty-three cholangiocarcinoma patients with good performance were enrolled. These patients had pathological reports with clear margins or microscopic margins. Prognostic factors which included clinical factors, serum liver function test as well as serum tumor makers at presentation,tumor data, and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were determined by uniand multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median overall survival time was 17 mo (95%CI: 13.2-20.7); and 1-, 2-, and 3year survival rates were 65.5%, 45.2% and 35.4%. Serum albumin levels, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, staging classifications by American Joint Committee on cancer, pathological tumor staging, lymph node metastases, tumor grading, surgical margin status, and if adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, were shown to be significant prognostic factors of resectable cholangiocarcinoma by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis, however, established that only abnormal serum CEA [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68; P = 0.027] and lymph node metastases (HR 2.27; P = 0.007) were significantly associated with a decrease in overall survival, while adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.71; P = 0.067) and surgical margin negative (HR 0.72; P = 0.094) tended to improve survival time. CONCLUSION: Serum CEA and lymph node metastases which were associated with advanced stage tumors become strong negative prognostic factors in cholangiocarcinoma.
基金supported by the Grant of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant number 81271824, 81772190, 81601755)the Grant of National Science and Technology Major Project (Grant number 2012ZX10001009-002003)
文摘The development of a vaccine based on human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein(Env) that elicits potent protective antibodies against infection has been challenging. Recently, we compared the antibody production patterns of HIV-1 Env gp120 and hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg) to provide insights into how we may improve the protective efficacy of Env-based immunogens. Our previous study showed that HIV Env and HBsAg display different mechanisms of antibody elicitation and that T cells facilitate the responses to repeated immunizations. Here, to elucidate the detailed roles of primary immunization in immune memory response formation and antibody production, we immunized C57BL/6 mice with each antigen and evaluated the development of T follicular helper(Tfh) cells, germinal centers,and the memory responses involved in prime and boost immunizations. We found that after prime immunization, compared with HBsAg, gp120 induced higher frequencies of Tfh cells and programmed death(PD)-1^+T cells, greater major histocompatibility complex II expression on B cells, comparable activated B cells, but weaker germinal center(GC)reactions and memory B cell responses in the draining lymph nodes, accompanied by slower antibody recall responses and poor immune memory responses. The above results suggested that more PD-1^+T cells arising in primary immunization may serve as major contributors to the slow antibody recall response elicited by HIV-1 Env.
文摘Objectives:To investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine"heche assisted preg-nancy recipe (HCAPR)" on estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor (PR), pro-lifierating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)in endometrium of infertile women.Methods: The S-P immunohistochemical assay was used to observe expression ofER, PR , PCNA and VEGF in late proliferative phase before and after the HCAPR treat-ment.Results: After the treatment, the expression of ER,PR,PCNA and VEGF in nucleiof glandular epithelium and stromal cells was significantly stronger (all P＜0. 001) re-spectively than that before treatment , especially the expression of PCNA and VEGF.Conclusions: These results suggest that traditional Chinese medicine HCAPR oftonifying kidney and regulating menstruation increased the synthesis of ER,PR, PCNAand VEGF, which may promote normal growth and development of the endometrium ,improve the micro-environment of the endometrium, and enhance uterine receptivity.The evidence may provide theoretical basis for therapy infertility with Chinese herbalmedicine.
文摘Objectives:B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)-targeted antibody–drug conjugates(ADCs)have emerged as promising therapies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM),but the overall efficacy and safety profile is unclear.This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the safety and efficacy of BCMA-ADCs in development for RRMM.Methods:A systematic search was conducted using six bibliographic databases and ClinicalTrials.gov up to November 2024.Studies were eligible if they were human clinical trials or animal studies evaluating BCMA-ADCs and reported efficacy and safety outcomes.Data extraction and quality assessments were conducted using validated tools,including ROBINS-I and SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool.Results:A total of 21 studies were included:16 clinical trials and five animal studies.Key findings included that belantamab mafodotin demonstrated variable but generally durable response rates(32%–85%)and a broad range of progression-free survival(PFS)(2.8–36.6 months),albeit with ocular toxicities in 51%–96%.Among newer candidates,MEDI2228 showed median PFS 5.1–6.6 months with 14%discontinuation for ocular symptoms,while AMG 224 had an overall response rate(ORR)of 23%(9/40)with anemia 21%,thrombocytopenia 24%,and ocular adverse events(AEs)21%.Animal studies supported the tumor-eradicating potential of all BCMA-ADC candidates,although safety signals such as hepatic and renal toxicity were noted with HDP-101.The risk of bias assessment revealed generally moderate to serious concerns in human trials,while the overall quality of the animal studies was acceptable.Conclusions:BCMA-targeted ADC candidates show encouraging efficacy in RRMM,particularly belantamab mafodotin.However,frequent AEs,especially ocular and hematologic toxicities,underscore the need for optimization in ADC design.Further research should prioritize enhancing safety while maintaining clinical benefit.
文摘BACKGROUND Prevalence of the main rheumatic diseases in the Republic of Sakha(Yakutia)[RS(Y)],one of the regions of the Russian Federation,differs from the other regions of the Russian Federation due to its ethnic and geographic features.Knowledge regarding the prevalence and structure of juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA)allows us to shape the work of the pediatric rheumatology service in the region correctly,and optimize the healthcare system and the need for medica-tions.AIM To describe the epidemiological,demographic,clinical,and laboratory characteristics of children with JIA in the RS(Y)and evaluate the main outcomes.METHODS This retrospective cohort study assessed all the data from the medical histories of the patients(n=225)diagnosed with JIA(2016-2023)in the Cardiorheumatology Department of the M.E.Nikolaev National Center of Medicine.Pearson'sχ²test,Fisher's exact test,Mann–Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analyses.RESULTS The ethnic prevalence of JIA is higher in Sakha than in Russian children at 110.1 per 100000 children and 69.4 per 100000 children,respectively.The prevalence of JIA among boys and girls in Sakha was similar,unlike in Russians,where the number of girls predominated.The JIA categories were as follows:(1)Systemic arthritis:3.5%;(2)Oligoarthritis(persistent and extended):33.8%;(3)Rheumatoid factor(RF)(+)polyarthritis:0.9%;(4)RF(-)polyarthritis:14.7%;(5)Enthesitis-related arthritis(ERA):44%;and(6)Psoriatic arthritis:3.1%.Prevalence of the ERA category was 4.4 times higher in Sakha children,but the prevalence of systemic arthritis was 2.9 times lower compared to Russians(P=0.0005).The frequency of uveitis was 10.2%,and the frequency of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)B27 was 39.6%in JIA children.Biologic treatment was received by 40.4%of JIA children and 45.3%achieved remission.CONCLUSION Higher JIA prevalence,male and ERA predominance,related to a higher frequency of HLA B27 are typical in RS(Y).These data might improve the pediatric rheumatology health service.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China,No.31770180the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS,No.2016303
文摘Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a global public health concern. HBV causes chronic infection in patients and can lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other severe liver diseases. Thus, understanding HBV-related pathogenesis is of particular importance for prevention and clinical intervention. HBV surface antigens are indispensable for HBV virion formation and are useful viral markers for diagnosis and clinical assessment. During chronic HBV infection, HBV genomes may acquire and accumulate mutations and deletions, leading to the expression of defective HBV surface antigens. These defective HBV surface antigens have been found to play important roles in the progression of HBV-associated liver diseases. In this review, we focus our discussion on the nature of defective HBV surface antigen mutations and their contribution to the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatitis B. The relationship between defective surface antigens and occult HBV infection are also discussed.
文摘AIM:To prospectively explore the role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in gallbladder bile in patients with colorectal carcinoma and the morphological and clinical features of neoplasia and the occurrence of hepatic metastases. METHODS:CEA levels in the gallbladder and peripheral blood were studied in 44 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 10 patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis.CEA samples were collected from the gallbladder bile and peripheral blood during the operation,immediately before extirpating the colorectal neoplasia or cholecystectomy. Values of up to 5 ng/ml were considered normal for bile and serum CEA. RESULTS:In the 44 patients with colorectal carcinoma who underwent operation with curative intent,the average level of serum CEA was 8.5 ng/ml (range:0.1 to 111.0 ng/ ml) and for bile CEA it was 74.5 ng/ml (range:0.2 to 571.0 ng/ml).In the patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis who underwent cholecystectomy,the average level of serum CEA was 2.9 ng/ml (range:1.0 to 3.5 ng/ml) and for bile CEA it was 1.2 ng/ml (range:0.3 to 2.9 ng/ml). The average duration of follow-up time was 16.5 months (range:6 to 48 months).Four patients who underwent extirpation of the colorectal carcinoma without evidence of hepatic metastasis and with an average bile CEA value of 213.2 ng/ml presented hepatic metastases between three and seventeen months after removal of the primary colorectal neoplasia.Three of them successfully underwent extirpation of the hepatic lesions. CONCLUSION:High CEA levels in gallbladders of patients undergoing curative operation for colorectal carcinoma may indicate the presence of hepatic metastases.Such patients must be followed up with special attention to the diagnosis of such lesions.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spetroscopic Imaging (MRSI) combined with total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) in selecting candidates for biopsy. Subjects and Methods: 246 patients with elevated tPSA (median: 7.81 ng/ml) underwent endorectal MRI and MRSI before Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy (10 peripheral + 2 central cores);patients with positive biopsies were treated with radical intention;those with negative biopsies were followed up and underwent MRSI before each additional biopsy if tPSA rose persistently. Mean follow-up: 27.6 months. We compared MRI, MRSI, tPSA, and fPSA with histopathology by sextant and determined the association between the Gleason score and MRI and MRSI. We determined the most accurate combination to detect prostate cancer (PCa) using receiver operating curves;we estimated the odds ratios (OR) and calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Results: No difference in tPSA was found between patients with and without PCa (p = 0.551). In the peripheral zone, the risk of PCa increased with MRSI grade;patients with high-grade MRSI had the greatest risk of PCa over time (OR = 328.6);the model including MRI, MRSI, tPSA, and fPSA was more accurate (Area under Curve: AUC = 95.7%) than MRI alone (AUC = 85.1%) or fPSA alone (AUC = 78.1%), but not than MRSI alone (94.5%). In the transitional zone, the model was less accurate (AUC = 84.4%). The association (p = 0.005) between MRSI and Gleason score was significant in both zones. Conclusions: MRSI is useful in patients with elevated tPSA. High-grade MRSI lesions call for repeated biopsies. Men with negative MRSI may forgo further biopsies because a significantly high Gleason lesion is very unlikely.
基金Supported by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,grants Nos.CMRPD1C0812,CMRPD1C0813 and BMRP742(to Lo SJ)
文摘AIM To test whether a simple animal, Caenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans), can be used as an alternative model to study the interaction between hepatitis B virus antigens(HBs Ag) and host factors. METHODS Three plasmids that were able to express the large, middle and small forms of HBs Ags(LHBs Ag, MHBs Ag, and SHBs Ag, respectively) driven by a ubiquitous promoter(fib-1) and three that were able to express SHBs Ag driven by different tissue-specific promoters were constructed and microinjected into worms. The brood size, egglaying rate, and gonad development of transgenic worms were analyzed using microscopy. Levels of m RNA related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, enpl-1, hsp-4, pdi-3 and xbp-1, were determined using reverse transcription polymerase reaction(RT-PCRs) in three lines of transgenic worms and dithiothreitol(DTT)-treated wild-type worms. RESULTS Severe defects in egg-laying, decreases in brood size, and gonad retardation were observed in transgenic worms expressing SHBs Ag whereas moderate defects were observed in transgenic worms expressing LHBs Ag and MHBs Ag. RT-PCR analysis revealed that enpl-1, hsp-4 and pdi-3 transcripts were significantly elevated in worms expressing LHBs Ag and MHBs Ag and in wild-type worms pretreated with DTT. By contrast, only pdi-3 was increased in worms expressing SHBs Ag. To further determine which tissue expressing SHBs Ag could induce gonad retardation, we substituted the fib-1 promoter with three tissue-specific promoters(myo-2 for the pharynx, est-1 for the intestines and mec-7 for the neurons) and generated corresponding transgenic animals. Moderate defective phenotypes were observed in worms expressing SHBs Ag in the pharynx and intestines but not in worms expressing SHBs Ag in the neurons, suggesting that the secreted SHBs Ag may trigger a cross-talk signal between the digestive track and the gonad resulting in defective phenotypes. CONCLUSION Ectopic expression of three forms of HBs Ag that causes recognizable phenotypes in transgenic worms suggests that C. elegans can be used as an alternative model for studying virus-host interactions because the resulting phenotype is easily detected through microscopy.
文摘Objective： To determine the adjuvant potential of artemisinin with a soluble leishmanial antigen in vaccinating BALB/c mice. Methods： Seventy two female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into six groups. The mice were vaccinated with soluble Leishmania antigens （SLA） alone, artemisinin co-administered with SLA, SLA and Bacille Calmette Gu fin （BCG） vaccine, and artemisinin and BCG alone. Unvaccinated mice formed the control group. The induction of cell-mediated immunity following vaccination was determined by measuring in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interleukin （IL）-4, IL-5 and gamma interferon （IFN-γ） determined by flow cytometry. Protection against L. major was determined by quantifying parasite burdens in L. major infected footpads using a limiting dilution assay and by measuring lesion sizes of the infected footpad compared to the contralateral uninfected footpad. Results： Mice receiving SLA plus artemisinin produced significantly high levels of IL-4 and IL-5 （P 〈 0.05） and low levels of IFN-γ, resulting in exacerbated disease. In addition, subcutaneous administration of SLA ＋ artemisinin, artemisinin alone or SLA alone resulted in the development of large footpad swellings and high parasite loads that were comparable to those of the control unvaccinated mice （P 〉 0.05）, resulting in exacerbated disease. Conclusion： These data suggest that artemisinin is not a suitable adjuvant for Leishmania vaccines. However, since artemisinin has been shown to be effective against Leishmania parasites in vitro and in vivo, further studies ought to be conducted to determine its immunochemotherapeutic potential when co-administered with Leishmania antigens.
基金the ‘Kwaliteitsfonds Jessa ZH’ for the financial support
文摘AIM: To investigate the relationship between prostatespecific antigen(PSA) levels and(1) bladder outlet obstruction(BOO) and(2) the severity of prostate inflammation.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP) were prospectively included. Patients with proven urinary tract infection and/or known prostate cancer were excluded. PSA levels, International Prostate Symptoms Score(IPSS), prostate weight, post residual volume and pressure flow parameters were determined. A histopathological assessment of the presence and severity of inflammation was also performed.RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 69.1 ± 8.6 years(45-90 years), with mean preoperative PSA levels of 4.7 ± 5.4 ng/m L(0.2-32.5 ng/m L) and IPSS of 15.7 ± 6.9(0-32). Mean Pdet Q max was 96.3 ± 34.4 cm H2O(10-220 cm H2O). The mean resected prostate weight was 39.4 ± 27.3 g(3-189 g). Correlations were observed between PSA(logarithmic) and resected prostate weight(r = 0.54; P < 0.001), PSA(logarithmic) and Pdet Q max(r = 0.17; P = 0.032), and resected prostate weight and Pdet Q max(r = 0.39; P < 0.001). Furthermore, low correlations were observed between PSA(logarithmic) and active(r = 0.21; P < 0.0001) and chronic(r = 0.19; P = 0.005) inflammation. CONCLUSION: In this study we showed a correlation between BOO(Pdet Q max) and PSA(logarithmic). Furthermore, we demonstrated a weak correlation between PSA(logarithmic) and active as well as chronic prostatic inflammation.
文摘In multiple sclerosis(MS),human endogenous retrovirus W family(HERV-W)envelope protein,pHERV-W ENV,limits remyelination and induces microglia-mediated neurodegeneration.To better understand its role,we examined the soluble pHERV-W antigen from MS brain lesions detected by specific antibodies.Physico-chemical and antigenic characteristics confirmed differences between pHERV-W ENV and syncytin-1.pHERV-W ENV monomers and trimers remained associated with membranes,while hexamers self-assembled from monomers into a soluble macrostructure involving sulfatides in MS brain.Extracellular hexamers are stabilized by internal hydrophobic bonds and external hydrophilic moieties.HERV-W studies in MS also suggest that this diffusible antigen may correspond to a previously described highmolecular-weight neurotoxic factor secreted by MS B-cells and thus represents a major agonist in MS pathogenesis.Adapted methods are now needed to identify encoding HERV provirus(es)in affected cells DNA.The properties and origin of MS brain pHERV-W ENV soluble antigen will allow a better understanding of the role of HERVs in MS pathogenesis.The present results anyhow pave the way to an accurate detection of the different forms of pHERV-W ENV antigen with appropriate conditions that remained unseen until now.
文摘AIM To determine whether proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is present in the peripheral circulation and whether PCNA levels correlate with enhanced regenerative activity.METHODS In animal studies, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=3-4/ group) were sacrificed at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours following 70% partial hepatectomy. At each interval, sera were analyzed by Western blot for PCNA by two monoclonal antibodies (PC-10 and 19F-4). In human studies, sera from 4 patients with liver cirrhosis and 4 healthy controls were tested in a similar manner.RESULTS The PC-10 monoclonal antibody identified a protein with a molecular mass of 120 KD which remained stable in rat sera for 24 hours following partial hepatectomy, then increased 1.5-fold at 48 hours prior to returning to baseline at 96 hours after partial hepatectomy. However, it was not detected in the sera of patients with or without liver disease. In the 19F-4 monoclonal antibody, a protein with a molecular mass of approximately 46 KD was found. which was present in rat sera prior to partial hepatectomy and for 12 hours after surgery. Thereafter, levels fell by approximately 50% at 24 hours, 65% at 36 hours and 75% at 48 hours where they remained until 96 hours after partial hepatectomy. The decrease in levels correlated with the extent of partial hepatectomy. In human sera, the appearance of this inhibitory cell nuclear antigen (ICNA) was higher in the sera of patients with cirrhosis than in healthy controls.CONCLUSION The PC-10 monoclonal antibody can detect a protein in the circulation when active hepatic regenerative activity is taking place. The 19F-4 monoclonal antibody, however, identifies a protein in both rat and human sera that inversely correlates with hepatic regenerative activity. This protein which is tentatively referred to as inhibitory cell nuclear antigen (ICNA) may be used in documenting the extent of suppression of hepatic regeneration.
文摘Reports manifest a continuing need for the development of rapid and on-site (point of care) assays. Current diagnostic methods commonly used for detection of antibodies and antigens have significant limitations. Scientists at Micro Detect, Inc. have developed an innovative diagnostic device (method) that can be utilized broadly for antibody/antigen interactions including diagnostic assays in the medical, veterinary and food industries. The developed device can be utilized for the detection of antibodies against a single antigen or vice versa. It can also be tailored for specific panels that detect antigens or antibodies for diverse infectious agents, proteins, hormones, tumor markers, autoimmune markers, and allergens. Additionally, it can also be used for detection of toxins, antitoxins, nucleic acids, enzymes, drugs, etc. in both humans and animals. Specimens used in different formats of the device can be tears, saliva, whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, stool, and other bodily discharges. The good intra and inter precisions and acceptable linearity of the device support reliable use of the device. The CV of the device is 1.9% - 2.2%. Likewise, the performance of the device using 92 confirmed negative and positive specimens via a typical assay showed 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 96.8% efficacy, 80% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. The results of our feasibility study suggest reliable utility of a device for rapid, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and on-site (point of care) diagnostic assays. This presents a potential breakthrough in diagnostic methodologies that can be integrated into modern medicine and food industries.
基金Supported by Jinan Science and Technology Bureau,Shandong Province,China,No.200705095-4
文摘AIM:To investigate the expression of the hepatitis B virus(HBV)1.3-fold genome plasmid(pHBV1.3)in an immortalized mouse hepatic cell line induced by SV40T-antigen(SV40T)expression.METHODS:Mouse hepatic cells were isolated from mouse liver tissue fragments from 3-5 d old Kunming mice by the direct collagenase digestion method and cultured in vitro.The pRSV-T plasmid was transfected into mouse hepatic cells to establish an SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cell line.The SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cells were identified and transfected with the pHBV1.3 plasmid.The levels of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)and hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)in the supernatant were determined by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay at 24,48,72 and 96 h after transfection.The expressions of HBsAg and hepatitis B c antigen(HBcAg)in the cells were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence analysis.The presence of HBV DNA replication intermediates in the transfected cells and viral particles in the supernatant of the transfected cell cultures was monitored using the Southern hybridization assay and transmission electronic microscopy,respectively.RESULTS:The pRSV-T plasmid was used to immortalize mouse hepatocytes and an SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cell line was successfully established.SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cells have the same morphology and growth characteristics as primary mouse hepatic cells can be subcultured and produce albumin and cytokeratin-18 in vitro.Immortalized mouse hepatic cells did not show the characteristics of tumor cells,as alpha-fetoprotein levels were comparable(0.58±0.37 vs 0.61±0.31,P=0.37).SV40LTimmortalized mouse hepatic cells were then transfected with the pHBV1.3 plasmid,and it was found that the HBV genome replicated in SV40LT-immortalized mouse hepatic cells.The levels of HBsAg and HBeAg continuously increased in the supernatant after the transfection of pHBV1.3,and began to decrease 72 h after transfection.The expressions of HBsAg and HBcAg were observed in the pHBV1.3-transfected cells.HBV DNA replication intermediates were also observed at72 h after transfection,including relaxed circular DNA,double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA.Furthermore,a few 42 nm Dane particles,as well as many22 nm subviral particles with a spherical or filamentous shape,were detected in the supernatant.CONCLUSION:SV40T expression can immortalize mouse hepatic cells,and the pHBV1.3-transfected SV40T-immortalized mouse hepatic cell line can be a new in vitro cell model.
