Efficacy of low intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of erectile dysfunction / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). 【Methods】 A total of 121 ED patients treated during June 2020 and June 2022 were selected as the research objects. According to the International Erectile Index Score (IIEF-EF), the patients were divided into three subgroups:mild (17-25 points), moderate (11-16 points), and severe (0-10 points). The total effective rate, erectile hardness scale (EHS), sex life log questions (SEP), general assessment questionnaire (GAQ), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and adverse reactions of the three groups before treatment, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment were analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 119 patients completed the follow-up. There were significant increases in IIEF-EF and EHS at week 4 and 12 (P<0.05), and the total effective rate was 69.75% and 76.47%, respectively. The total effective rate was significantly higher in the mild and moderate groups than in the severe group at week 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The patients who answered "yes" to SEP2 and SEP3 accounted for 91.60% and 71.43%, respectively at week 4, and 92.44% and 78.15% at week 12, both significantly higher than the rates before treatment (52.10% and 27.73%, P<0.05). The proportion of patients who answered "yes" to GAQl and GAQ2 at week 4 were 84.87% and 71.43%, respectively, and were 82.35% and 70.59% respectively at week 12, with no significant difference. The PSV level significantly increased at week 12 compared to that before treatment [(48.85±14.11) cm/s vs. (41.42±14.90) cm/s] (P<0.05), while the EDV level significantly decreased [(-0.57±7.01) cm/s vs. (2.25± 5.68)cm/s] (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 LIPUS can improve erectile function in ED patients without obvious adverse reactions.

Feasibility of Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) alone as a screening method for antinuclear antibody in connective diseases in India's sub-Himalayan region

Background: For the management of connective tissue disorders (CTDs), antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is essential, both from diagnostic and prognostic points of view. Usually, patterns obtained by ANA-IIF testing correlates to specific autoantibodies as obtained from the test for ENA (by LIA/ELISA, etc.). But to apply these data from western studies, we may need validation in the local population like our subjects in sub-Himalayan (Garhwal region) area where CTDs are common. Also, suppose ANA-IFA pattern's correlation is reliably known in our population, it can minimize the cost of managing CTDs by limiting ENA testing, which is 10 times costlier than ANA-IIF. Hence, this study was undertaken to know the specific autoantibody targets (ENA by LIA) against ANA-IIF patterns in our local population. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional work, serum samples of CTDs were tested for ANA by IIF (Euroimmune AG) and ENA by LIA (Euroline ANA-3G) continuously for 36 months. The manufacturer's kit insert was followed, and results were analyzed applying appropriate statistical methods. Results: Major ANA-IIF patterns were found to be associated with specific autoantibodies, for example, Nuclear homogenous with dsDNA, nucleosomes, histones; speckled pattern with nRNP/Sm, Sm, SSA/Ro-52, SSB; nucleolar pattern with Scl-70, Pm-Scl 100 and centromere pattern with CENP-B. Anticytoplasmic (ACA) are found to be linked with some ANA negative (by IIF) samples, emphasizing the need for careful observation for ACA especially where ANA is not found. Conclusions: In most subjects, specific ENA targets correlated well with ANA-IIF patterns, implying effective cost minimization in CTD management. Similar future prospective studies (with clinical data) can provide a database and reference for our population.

Correlation Of Indirect Immnofluorescence Patterns On Hep2000 With Anti Ds Dna Levels In Patients With Sle

Background: Antinuclear antibody (ANA) detection is very useful in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Association of specific autoantibodies with the immunofluorescence pattern of ANA in SLE as noted in Western medical literature has been taken as reference all over the world. However, in developing countries like India such research or data correlating the autoantibodies and their ANA Indirect Immunofluorescence patterns is inadequate. Objective: To identify the correlation between Indirect immunofluorescence patterns of antinuclear antibody on HEp–2 cell and serum levels of anti– double stranded DNA (anti–dsDNA) in SLE patients. Material and Methods: Serum samples of 108 SLE patients who were diagnosed by ACR (American College of Rheumatology) classification criteria, attending Rheumatology OPD of a tertiary care hospital during the study period of six months were subjected for ANA testing by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp–2 cell and anti–dsDNA levels by ELISA. Results: Out of 108 SLE patients who were all positive by ANA in IIF on HEp–2 cell – exhibited predominantly two fluorescent patterns such as homogeneous in 80 (74%) and speckled 28 (26%) and in those with suspected flare–up homogeneous pattern was strongly associated with anti–dsDNA (p<0.05) and speckled pattern was also predominantly associated with anti–dsDNA (p<0.05). Conclusion: In SLE patients showing either homogeneous or speckled pattern in ANA IIF with suspected flare–up had elevated anti–dsDNA levels

Brotes emergentes de leptospirosis del Amazonas colombiano / Emerging leptospirosis outbreaks in the Colombian Department of Amazonas

Se describe por primera vez una serie de nueve casos con clínica indicativa de leptospirosis en el municipio Puerto Nariño en el departamento Amazonas, Colombia. Se muestran evidencias serológicas de exposición con Rickettsia del grupo de las fiebres manchadas. Los casos fueron clínicamente considerados como síndrome febril de origen desconocido. Se descartó infección por dengue y malaria. El diagnóstico de Leptospira se realizó mediante el método de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real. Igualmente, se detectó la presencia de anticuerpos contra rickettsias del grupo de las fiebres manchadas por inmunofluorescencia Indirecta. Finalmente, se realiza revisión del tema(AU)

A description is provided for the first time of a series of nine cases with a clinical examination suggestive of leptospirosis in the municipality of Puerto Nariño, Department of Amazonas, Colombia. Serological evidence is presented of exposure to Rickettsia, spotted fever group. The cases were clinically considered as febrile syndrome of unknown origin. Infection with dengue or malaria was ruled out. Diagnosis of leptospirosis was achieved by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, indirect immunofluorescence detected the presence of antibodies against rickettsia, spotted fever group. Finally, a review was conducted about the topic(AU)

Comparative study of direct and indirect immunofluorescence for diagnosis of canine pemphigus foliaceus / Estudo comparativo da imunofluorescência direta e indireta para o diagnóstico do pênfigo foliáceo canino

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs. It is characterized by pustules, erosions, and crusts which occur due to the presence of autoantibodies that target intercellular adhesion. Histopathological examination is considered the gold standard pattern in the diagnosis, but may sometimes be inconclusive, especially when the characteristic findings are not identified. New diagnostic tests are continuously being developed and immunofluorescence assays, could be a valuable alternative diagnostic tool. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of direct and indirect immunofluorescence (DIF and IIF) tests for the diagnosis of canine PF. Twenty eight dogs were divided into two groups: Group I with 14 dogs with PF and Group II (control) with 14 dogs with Superficial pyoderma (differential diagnoses of PF). All animals were submitted to skin biopsy to histopathological and DIF. Blood samples were collected to assess IIF. Comparing the DIF results against the histopathology test, there was an agreement of 75% (9/12) with a Kappa index of 0.77 (P<0.001). Considering IIF, the agreement was 100% (14/14), with a Kappa index of 1.0 (P<0.001). We conclude that DIF and IIF are highly effective and were useful and effective complementary examination tests for an improvement in the diagnosis of canine PF.(AU)

O pênfigo foliáceo (PF) é considerado uma das doenças tegumentares autoimunes mais frequentes em cães. Clinicamente, caracteriza-se pela presença de pústulas, erosões e crostas. O exame histopatológico é considerado o teste diagnóstico de eleição, porém pode se mostrar inconclusivo, sobretudo quando os achados característicos da doença não são observados. Novas ferramentas diagnósticas têm sido desenvolvidas e os testes de imunofluorecência são uma valiosa alternativa. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicabilidade das reações de imunofluorescência direta (IFD) e indireta (IFI) para o diagnóstico do PF canino. Vinte e oito cães foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo I com 14 cães com PF e grupo II (controle) com 14 cães com piodermite superficial (um dos principais diagnósticos diferenciais do PF). Todos os animais foram submetidos à biópsia cutânea, seguida de exame histopatológico e IFD. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para realização da IFI. Comparando-se os valores de IFD com o histopatológico, obtiveram-se valores de concordância de 75% (9/12), com índice Kappa de 0,77 (P<0,001). Já na IFI, a concordância foi de 100% (14/14), com índice Kappa de 1,0 (P<0,001). Concluiu-se, então, que a IFD e a IFI apresentaram excelentes resultados e podem ser consideradas novas alternativas diagnósticas do PF canino.(AU)

Anticuerpos antinucleares, imágenes y características obtenidas por inmunofluorescencia: Importancia de los isotipos IgA, IgM e IgG / Antinuclear antibodies, patterns and characteristics obtained by immunofluorescence: The importance of the IgA, IgM and IgG isotypes

La técnica de elección para el screening de anticuerpos antinucleares (ANA) es la inmunofluorescencia indirecta que utiliza como sustrato una línea de células epiteliales de carcinoma de laringe humano (IFI-HEp2), y como antisuero, anti-IgG o anti-Ig totales. Los ANA-IgG son los más importantes para el diagnóstico y monitoreo de las enfermedades del tejido conectivo (ETC), mientras los ANA-IgM son de menor relevancia clínica en estos pacientes. Sin embargo, poco se sabe de los ANA-IgA ya que estos Ac han sido menos investigados. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la prevalencia de los diferentes isotipos de inmunoglobulinas de anticuerpos antinucleares en los pacientes con ETC y evaluar la conveniencia de utilizar conjugados monovalentes o polivalentes. Se procesaron 100 sueros de pacientes con diversas ETC empleando IFI-HEp2, en los cuales se detectó 38% de ANA-IgA (títulos ≥ 1:80) y 12% de ANA-IgM (títulos ≤ 1:160). En 29 casos se detectó IgA en ausencia de IgM, en 3 casos IgM en ausencia de IgA. En todos los casos los ANA-IgG estuvieron presentes. En 6 sueros se observó un cambio de imagen con conjugado anti-IgA y en 3 con conjugado anti-IgM. Debido a la alta prevalencia de ANA-IgA detectada por IFI-HEp2, se destaca la conveniencia de utilizar conjugado anti-Ig totales en lugar de anti-IgG, mientras se desconozca la relevancia de los ANA-IgA en el diagnóstico, pronóstico y seguimiento de las enfermedades reumáticas sistémicas.

The indirect immunofluorescence with epitelial cell line from human laryngeal carcinoma as substrate (IIF-HEp2) and anti-IgG or anti-total Ig as antisera, is the technique currently used for the detection of antinuclear antibodies. The most important antibodies for the diagnosis and follow-up of connective tissue diseases (CTD) are the IgG-ANA, while the IgM-ANA have no clinical relevance. However the IgA-ANA have not been thoroughly investigated so far. The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of different ANA isotypes of Ig antibodies in CTD patients and to evaluate the convenience of the use of monovalent or polyvalent conjugate. We examined the sera of 100 patients with different CTD by IIF-HEp2 and detected a prevalence of 38% IgA-ANA (titles ≥ 1:80) and 12% IgM-ANA (titles ≤ 1:160). In twenty nine cases we detected IgA-ANA in absence of IgM-ANA, and in 3 cases IgM-ANA in absence of IgA-ANA. In all the cases IgG-ANA were present. In 6 sera a change in the immunofluorescence pattern was observed while using anti-IgA conjugate, whereas in 3 the change was observed with the use of anti-IgM conjugate. Because of the high prevalence of ANA-IgA detected by IIF-HEp2, we emphasize the convenience of employing anti-total Ig in spite of anti-IgG conjugated until the role of ANA-IgA is dilucidated in CTD patients, in order to establish its relevance in the diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of systemic rheumatic diseases.

Diagnostic Value of the Antiperinuclear Factor by Indirect Immunofluorescence Method / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: The antiperinuclear factor (APF) has been reported both as a diagnostic tool and as a prognostic marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our purpose is to study the diagnostic value of the APF, and to compare the detection method of the indirect immunofluorescence method (IIF) and the citrullinated cyclic peptides enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CCP-ELISA). METHODS: A total of 131 patients were included in this study. The APF were measured with both the IIF and ELISA. The IIF and ELISA procedures were carried out following the kit's instructions. The medical records such as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythroid sedimentation rate (ESR), the Ritchie index and diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. SPSS (version 10.0, SPSS inc., USA) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The patients were 94 with RA, 26 with osteoarthritis, 7 with fibromyalgia syndrome, and 3 with palindromic rheumatism, 2 with gout, 2 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 1 with Behcet's disease, and 7 with non specific rheumatic diseases. The sensitivity and the specificity of the APF test in patients with RA were 93%, and 81%, while those with the rheumatoid factor (RF) were 91% and 63% , suggesting the APF has a higher specificity than RF. The area under the curve of APF was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.79 - 0.95), but RF was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.67- 0.87). The kappa statistics between the two detection methods IIF and ELISA was 0.667 (P=0.000), indicating disagreement between these two methods. The detection sensitivety and specificity of APF-IIF were 89% and 73%, while those of ELISA were 80% and 73%. The area under the curve of APF-IIF was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.72- 0.90), but CCP-ELISA was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.67- 0.86). There was a statistically significant correlation between the APF grade and the clinical parameters such as RF (r=0.503, P=0.000), CRP (r=0.333, P=0.000) and ESR (r=0.261, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the APF could play a role in diagnosing RA in addition to RF. APF-IIF showed a higher sensitivity than ELISA.

A Study of Indirect Immunofluorescence Staining in the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

No abstract available.