Progress in subclinical research of kidney xenotransplantation / 器官移植

Xenotransplantation is an efficient pathway to solve the problem of transplant organ source deficiency in clinical settings. With the increasing progress of gene editing technique and immune suppression regimen, important development has been achieved on researches regarding pig to non-human primate kidney xenotransplantation, which provides a good condition for the introduction of the technique in the clinical application. In view of the substantial difference between human and non-human primate, and to meet the needs of current ethic requirements, it is necessary to perform subclinical studies for pig to human kidney xenotransplantation. In recent years, such subclinical studies with regard to the genetically modified pig to brain death recipient kidney xenotransplantation had been performed, indicating that kidney xenotransplantation gradually began to transit to the clinical development stage. However, donor/recipient selection and immune suppression regimen has not reached a consensus yet, and has to be clarified in subclinical studies. In this article, the current status and confronted problems of donor/recipient selection, immune suppression regimen and post transplantation management in the subclinical studies of kidney xenotransplantation were reviewed, aiming to promote the clinical transformation of kidney xenotransplantation to the clinical application.

A spatial case-control study on symptomatic and inapparent primary dengue infections in an endemic city in Brazil

ABSTRACT We conducted a spatial case-control study nested in a dengue incidence cohort to explore the role of the spatial and socioeconomic factors in the proportion of symptomatic (cases) and inapparent primary dengue virus infections (controls). Cohort participants were children and adolescents (2 to 16 years of age) at the beginning of the follow-up. Case definitions were, for symptomatic cases, fever plus a positive lab result for acute dengue (NS1, RT-PCR, ELISA IgM/IgG), and for inapparent infection a positive result for dengue IgG (ELISA) in subjects without symptoms and with a previously negative result at baseline. The covariates included sociodemographic factors, residential location, and socioeconomic context variables of the census tracts of residence of cases and controls. We used principal component analysis to reduce the contextual covariates, with the component values assigned to each one based on their residences. The data were modeled in a Bayesian context, considering the spatial dependence. The final sample consisted of 692 children, 274 cases and 418 controls, from the first year of follow-up (2014-2015). Being male, older age, higher educational level of the head of the family and having a larger number of rooms in the household were associated with a greater chance of presenting dengue symptomatic infection at the individual level. The contextual covariates were not associated with the outcome. Inapparent dengue infection has extensive epidemiological consequences. Relying solely on notifications of symptomatic dengue infections underestimates the number of cases, preserves a silent source of the disease, potentially spreading the virus to unaffected areas.

Encoding of speech sounds with frequency-following response in infants with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A case-controlled study

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the frequency-following response (FFR) for sustained neural activity. Methods: 39 individuals, aged between 20 to 47 months old were divided into 2 groups: (i) 20 individuals without prenatal exposure to the congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) or hydrocephaly, normal development, no risk factors for hearing loss or syndromic hearing impairment and (ii) 19 individuals diagnosed with CZS and microcephaly - based on imaging studies linked to the clinical presentation of the condition. All participants exhibited normal click-ABR tests. FFR waveforms were documented using the /da/ syllable employing the Navigator Pro. The statistical analysis used was ANOVA (p-value <0.05). Results: no distinctions were observed concerning the variables of group, age, or gender with respect to FFR latency values, except for an interaction between gender and group for latency values associated with waves V and F. Children with CZS and microcephaly showed a difference for latency values in wave V for both males and females, when compared to the control group. Conclusion: children presented with CZS and microcephaly showed higher average latencies for waves V, A, C, D and F (male) compared to the control group, whereas, in waves E, F (female) and O they showed higher values in the control group.

Evaluation of the quality of prenatal care in Colombia during the 2016 Zika outbreak in endemic and non-endemic areas

Objetive: To evaluate the quality of prenatal care during the outbreak of Zika virus infection in endemic and non-endemic vector-borne regions in Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive study of prenatal care supplemented by interviews to explore personal experiences during the epidemic. A total of 40 pregnant women in endemic areas and 44 in nonendemic areas participated. Information collected included previous pregnancies, reasons for starting prenatal care, information about Zika, prenatal care (activities of doctors, nurses, laboratories, and images), and perceptions of quality. Then, 8 interviews were conducted with pregnant women diagnosed with Zika. Questioned about knowledge of Zika and the quality of medical care services. Results: Problems with laboratories and diagnostic images were found in both regions and dehumanizing treatment in the endemic region. Women from the endemic region received news and communications about the effects of Zika during pregnancy, causing anxiety and fear among some women. The quality of health care was not what the women expected and they thought they would receive more care from doctors and nurses. Discussion: Our findings show deficiencies in education provided in health institutions. The experience during prenatal control in the endemic regions was imprecise and the information came from other sources, different from the health sector. Adittionally, support and follow-up was deficient as well. It's possible that health professionals have few knowledge about information management, which generated confusion, fear and uncertainty among the pregnant women about the adverse effects on the newborns. Conclusions: Findings suggest deficiencies in the technical quality of the prenatal care provided, particularly in the region that was endemic for vector-borne diseases. Reproductive health services and the technical quality of prenatal care need to be strengthened, especially during a sanitary crisis.

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la atención prenatal durante la epidemia de Zika en regiones endémicas y no endémicas de infecciones trasmitidas por vectores en Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de la atención prenatal complementado con entrevistas, con el fin de explorar experiencias personales durante la epidemia. Participaron 40 gestantes en zona endémica y 44 en no endémicas. La información recolectada incluyó embarazos previos, razones para iniciar control prenatal, información sobre Zika, control prenatal (actividades de médicos, enfermeras, laboratorios e imágenes) y percepción de calidad. Luego se realizaron 8 entrevistas a gestantes con diagnóstico de Zika. Se interrogó sobre conocimiento del Zika y calidad de los servicios de atención médica. Resultados: Se encontraron problemas con laboratorios e imágenes diagnósticas en ambas regiones y trato deshumanizado en la región endémica. Las gestantes en la región endémica recibieron noticias y comunicados sobre los efectos de Zika durante el embarazo, lo que causó ansiedad y miedo en algunas mujeres. La calidad de la atención medica no era la deseada y pensaron que recibirían mejor atención de médicos y enfermeras. Discusión: Nuestros hallazgos demuestran educación deficiente en las instituciones de salud. La experiencia durante el control prenatal en las regiones endémicas fue imprecisa y venía de fuentes diferentes al sector salud. Además, el soporte y seguimiento fue deficiente. Es probable que el personal de salud tenga poco conocimiento sobre cómo manejar la información, lo cual generó confusión, miedo e incertidumbre entre las gestantes sobre los efectos adversos en los bebes. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren deficiencia en la calidad técnica de la atención prenatal, particularmente en la región endémica. Es necesario fortalecer los servicios de salud reproductiva y la calidad técnica de la atención prenatal, especialmente durante crisis sanitaria.

Síndrome de Ramsay Hunt en paciente epiléptico en Santander, Colombia: Reporte de caso

El Síndrome de Ramsay Hunt es una entidad infrecuente, con una incidencia de 5 por cada 100.000 personas por año. Esta condición se caracteriza por una reactivación del virus de la varicela-zoster en el nervio facial. Su diagnóstico implica un reto para el médico puesto que suele ser netamente clínico, con la aparición de una triada consistente en: otalgia, parálisis facial ipsilateral y vesículas en el canal auditivo. El objetivo del artículo es presentar el caso de una mujer de 49 años de edad, con antecedente de epilepsia en tratamiento anticonvulsivante, quien ingresa con la triada clínica antes descrita, asociada a visión borrosa derecha y vértigo. La paciente fue tratada con antivirales y corticoides orales, presentando una resolución clínica favorable dado una reducción de más del 50% de las lesiones cutáneas. No se identificaron diferencias respecto a la presentación clínica de este síndrome al compararse con pacientes no epilépticos.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a rare entity, with an incidence of 5 per 100,000 people per year. This condition is characterized by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the facial nerve. Its diagnosis implies a challenge for the physician since it is usually a clinical diagnosis, with the appearance of a clinical triad consisting of: otalgia, ipsilateral facial paralysis and vesicles in the ear canal. The objective of the article is to present the case of a 49-year-old woman, with a history of epilepsy receiving anticonvulsant treatment, who was admitted with the aforementioned clinical triad, associated with blurred right vision and vertigo. The patient was treated with oral antiviral management and oral corticosteroids, presenting a favorable clinical resolution given a reduction of more than 50% of the skin lesions. No differences were identified regarding the clinical presentation of this syndrome when compared with non-epileptic patients.

Desarrollo y validación de un método de suspensión basado en células Vero para la detección del virus Zika / Development and validation of a vero cell-based suspension method for the detection of Zika virus

Objetivo . Desarrollar y validar un método de suspensión celular utilizando células Vero 76 para el cultivo del virus Zika (ZIKV) basado en la infección de células recién sembradas no adheridas. Material y métodos . Se utilizaron tres multiplicidades de infección diferentes del ZIKV para desarrollar y comparar este novedoso método con el método estándar de monocapa de células confluentes. Además, validamos preliminarmente el método de suspensión utilizando muestras clínicas caracterizadas como positivas o negativas para el ZIKV. El método estándar de monocapa se utilizó como método de referencia, y el aislamiento viral se confirmó mediante un RT-PCR específico del ZIKV. Se estimó la sensibilidad e intervalos de confianza del 95% para el método de suspensión. Asimismo, se realizó una comparación técnica del método de suspensión contra el método de monocapa. Resultados . Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que tanto la carga viral como la replicación del ZIKV fueron comparables entre los métodos de infección en monocapa y en suspensión. Aunque ambos métodos fueron adecuados para cultivar y aislar el ZIKV, el método de suspensión se caracterizó por ser más fácil, barato y rápido, así como una técnica de aislamiento sensible. En comparación con el método de monocapa, el método de suspensión fue cuatro veces más sensible en la detección del ZIKV en casos inconclusos por RT-PCR. Conclusiones . El método de suspensión tiene el potencial de ser un método eficaz para cultivar y aislar el ZIKV y su uso es potencialmente útil tanto en la investigación como en entornos clínicos.

Objective. To develop and validate a cell suspension method using Vero 76 cells for culturing Zika virus (ZIKV) based on infection of detached freshly seeded cells. Material and methods. Three different multiplicities of infection of ZIKV were used to develop and compare this novel method to the standard confluent cell monolayer method. In addition, we preliminary validated the cell suspension method using well-characterized ZIKV positive and negative clinical samples. The standard confluent cell monolayer method was used as the reference method, and viral isolation was confirmed by a ZIKV-specific RT-PCR. The sensitivity and its 95% confidence intervals for the cell suspension method were estimated. Also, a technical comparison of the cell suspension method against the cell monolayer method was performed. Results. Our findings suggested that both the viral load and replication of ZIKV were comparable between both monolayer- and suspension-infection methods. Although both methods were suitable for culturing and isolating ZIKV, the cell suspension method was easier, cheaper, and quicker as well as a sensitive isolation technique. The cell suspension method was significantly more sensitive in detecting Zika in inconclusive cases by RT-PCR, with a fourfold increase compared to the confluent cell monolayer method. Conclusion. The cell suspension method has the potential to be an effective method for cultivating and isolating ZIKV and its application is potentially useful in both research and clinical settings.

Evaluación del neurodesarrollo en niños con exposición intrauterina al virus del Zika: estudio observacional transversal / Developmental assessment of children with intrauterine exposure to Zika virus: cross-sectional observational study

El virus del Zika produce desenlaces adversos para el desarrollo del sistema nervioso. Este estudio describe el neurodesarrollo cognitivo, adaptativo, comunicativo, social y motor de niños expuestos intrauterinamente al virus del Zika y hace una evaluación del neurodesarrollo con la escala de Battelle a los tres años después del nacimiento. Participaron 30 niños con una media de edad al momento de la evaluación de 37,5 (RIC: 35,7-39,2) meses. Se halló una edad equivalente en meses en las áreas: motora 25,8 (DE: 7,8), adaptativa 26,7 (DE: 5,8), comunicativa 30,2 (DE: 6,9), personal social 33,5 (DE: 8,3) y cognitiva 35,6 (DE: 5,9). Los niños presentaron retraso en el desarrollo para la edad cronológica, 25 niños presentaban retraso en una de las cinco áreas evaluadas. Una alta proporción de niños expuestos al virus del Zika durante la gestación presentaron retraso en el desarrollo, principalmente en el dominio adaptativo y motor.

Zika virus infection affects the development of the nervous system. This study describes the cognitive, adaptative, communicative, social and motor neurodevelopment of children exposed to Zika virus in utero. We used the Batelle scale to assess neurodevelopment three years after birth. Thirty children were included, who had a mean age at evaluation of 37.5 (IQR: 35.7-39.2) months. We found the following equivalent ages in months for each area: motor 25.8 (SD: 7.8), adaptive 26.7 (SD: 5.8), communicative 30.2 (SD: 6.9), social personal 33.5 (SD: 8.3) and cognitive 35.6 (SD: 5.9). Children showed development delay for their chronological age, 25 children were delayed in one of the five areas assessed. A high rate of children exposed to Zika virus during gestation presented delayed developmental age, mainly regarding the adaptive and motor areas.

Single-center "Argentine" analysis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders: incidence, histopathological characteristics and EBV status

ABSTRACT Introduction: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoid proliferations occurring after solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. The primary aims of our study were to characterize cumulative incidence of PTLDs, clinical and pathological features according to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status and survival. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study on adult and pediatric patients, from January 2001 to December 2017. The cumulative incidence of PTLD was calculated by analyzing all the patients transplanted at our hospital, based on the database of the Organ Donation and Ablation Authority of Argentina (INCUCAI). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival. Results: Fifty-eight cases of biopsy-confirmed PTLD were identified and 12 cases of clinical data were incomplete and these patients were excluded. The median age at the time of the PTLD diagnosis was 17.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 9 - 57). The median interval between transplant and PTLD diagnosis was 39 months (IQR 9 - 113). The most commonly transplanted organ was the liver (24 cases, 52.2%), followed by kidney (20 cases, 43.5%). The Epstein-Barr encoding region in situ hybridization (EBER ISH) was positive in 29 (69.8%) of the 43 evaluable biopsies. The PTLD cumulative incidence was 1.84% (95%CI 1.77 - 1.91) for solid organ and 0.84% (95%CI 0.48 - 1.2) for bone marrow transplant patients. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 0.77 (95%CI 0.61 - 0.87). Subgroups by the EBV EBER status, transplant type, PTLD subtype and age group (adult vs. pediatric) showed no statistically significant association with the overall survival. Conclusion: The PTLD incidence was similar to that of previous series and the EBER did not appear as a relevant factor in our patient survival.

Impetrações judiciais de mães de crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus zika: das motivações aos desfechos / Impetracciones judiciales de madres de personas menores con síndrome congénito del virus zika: De las motivaciones a los resultados / Judicial impetractions of mothers of children with congenital zika virus syndrome: From motivations to outcomes

Introdução: As famílias de crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika (SCZ) convivem com dificuldades para suprir suas necessidades de saúde, portanto acionam o poder judiciário para gozar do seu direito à saúde. Objetivo: Apreender as principais motivações das impetrações judiciais requeridas por mães de crianças com SCZ e seus desfechos. Metodologia: Estudo exploratório documental com abordagem qualitativa, realizado no sítio eletrônico JusBrasil e coleta procedida em março de 2020. Foram incluídas 15 impetrações judiciais publicadas entre janeiro de 2016 e junho de 2019. A análise lexical através do software IRaMuTeQ e a análise de conteúdo temática foram realizadas. Resultados: O acesso às tecnologias assistivas é a principal motivação para impetrações judiciais, com vistas a assegurar melhora no desenvolvimento da criança e consequente independência da criança. As decisões judiciais beneficiaram as crianças com SCZ, fundamentadas no direito à saúde, direito à vida e proteção, e o direito de ir e vir. Conclusão: Para mitigar os impactos da judicialização da saúde as autoridades sanitárias e judiciárias podem investir em melhor vigilância e monitoramento dos fatores de risco e morbidades; rigor nos protocolos sanitários que envolvem migração de pessoas em zonas fronteiriças; ofertas de condições ambientais e de moradia dignas; realização de cuidados preventivos com destaque para a eficiência da imunização; além da organização e funcionamento de uma rede de atenção à saúde eficaz com abordagem interdisciplinar.

Introducción: Las familias de personas menores con síndrome de zika congénito (SZC) viven con dificultades para satisfacer sus necesidades de salud, por lo que hacen un llamado al Poder Judicial para gozar de este derecho. Objetivo: Conocer las principales motivaciones de las demandas presentadas por madres de niños y niñas con SZC y sus desenlaces. Metodología: Estudio documental exploratorio con enfoque cualitativo, realizado en el sitio web de JusBrasil y recogido en marzo de 2020. Se incluyeron 15 juicios publicados entre enero de 2016 y junio de 2019 en JusBrasil. Se realizó el análisis léxico a través del software IRaMuTeQ y el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: El acceso a las tecnologías asistenciales es la principal motivación de las demandas, con el fin de asegurar la mejora en el desarrollo de la persona menor y su consecuente independencia. Las decisiones judiciales beneficiaron a niñas y niños con SZC, basadas en los derechos a la salud, a la vida y protección y a ir y venir. Conclusiones: Para mitigar los impactos de la judicialización en salud, las autoridades sanitarias y judiciales pueden invertir en una mejor vigilancia y seguimiento de los factores de riesgo y morbilidades, rigor en los protocolos sanitarios que implican la migración de personas en zonas fronterizas, ofrecer condiciones ambientales y habitacionales dignas, realizar cuidados preventivos, con énfasis en la eficiencia de la inmunización, además de la organización y operación de una red de atención de salud efectiva con enfoque interdisciplinario.

Introduction: Families of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CSZ) live with difficulties to meet their health needs; therefore, they resort to the law system in order claim their right to health. Objective: To apprehend the main motivations and outcomes of the lawsuits filed by mothers of children with CSZ. Methodology: Exploratory documentary study with a qualitative approach carried out on the JusBrasil website and collected in March 2020. The study included 15 lawsuits published between January 2016 and June 2019 in JusBrasil. A lexical analysis through the IRaMuTeQ software and a thematic content analysis were performed. Results: The access to assistive technologies is the main motivation for the lawsuits; these are issued with the objective to ensure improvement in the child's development and further independence of the child. Court decisions benefited children with CSZ based on the right to health, the right to life and protection, and the right to come and go. Conclusion: To mitigate the impacts of health judicialization, health and judicial authorities can invest in better surveillance and monitoring of the risk factors and morbidities, strictness in the health protocols that involve migration of people in border areas, offering of decent environmental and housing conditions, execution of preventive care with emphasis on the efficiency of immunization, as well as the organization and execution of an effective health care network with an interdisciplinary approach.

Fiebre de origen desconocido como forma de presentación de fiebre chikungunya en varón joven

La fiebre chikungunya es una enfermedad viral descrita por primera vez en 1952. Actualmente se informan brotes esporádicos de fiebre chikungunya a nivel país (abril 2022). Presentamos el caso de un varón joven con fiebre chikungunya en fase subaguda la cual se presentó al ingreso hospitalario como fiebre de origen desconocido.

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease first described in 1952. Sporadic outbreaks of chikungunya fever are currently reported nationwide (April 2022). We present the case of a young man with chikungunya fever in the subacute phase which presented at hospital admission as fever of unknown origin.

Establishment and application of hepatic organoid model of hepatitis B virus infection / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To establish the hepatic organoid of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the basis of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and an inverted colloidal crystal polyethylene glycol scaffold (ICC), and to evaluate the antiviral effect of nucleoside drugs.Methods:iPSC was differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells (HLC), and inoculated into ICC to construct a hepatic organoid. The relative mRNA expressions of Nanog homeobox (NANOG), sex determining region Y-box (SOX) 2, SOX17, forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and albumin (ALB) were detected by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Confocal laser microscopy was used to photograph the three-dimension (3D) structure of organs. The expression of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) in HLC was analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. HepG2.2.15 cells were used to extract HBV virus particles to infect hepatic organoid. The relative expression of HBV pregenome RNA (pgRNA) in cells was detected by RT-qPCR. The expressions of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in cytoplasm were observed under confocal laser microscopy. A total of 0.5 μmol/L entecavir and 0.5 μmol/L lamivudine were used to treat the infected cells respectively. The relative expression of HBV pgRNA in infected and uninfected cells was detected by RT-qPCR. Independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results:Within 21 days of iPSC differentiation, the mRNA expressions of NANOG and SOX2 in stem cells markers decreased ( F=158.90 and 8.31, respectivley; P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively), while the mRNA expressions of SOX17 and FOXA2 in the endoderm increased first and then decreased ( F=37.23 and 82.57, respectively, both P<0.001). In the later stage of differentiation, the mRNA expressions of AFP and ALB in liver cells increased ( F=4.65 and 34.64, respectively, P=0.012 and P<0.001, respectively), and all differences were statistically significant. NTCP was highly expressed in differentiated cells detected by Western blot and fluorescence microscopy, the protein expression level was 0.803±0.099. Confocal laser microscopy confirmed that the differentiated cells expressed ALB and presented spherical structure in ICC. The expression of HBV pgRNA and the immunostaining of HBsAg and HBcAg confirmed that HBV successfully infected hepatic organoid. Three days after the application of entecavir and lamivudine, the HBV pgRNA level decreased significantly both in entecavir group (0.665±0.220) and lamivudine group (0.503±0.117) compared to the uninfected cells (3.347±0.454), and the differences were both statistically significant ( t=10.53 and 12.72, respectively, both P<0.001). Conclusions:HLC display hepatic specific genes ALB and NTCP. Hepatic organoids constructed with iPSC and ICC have human liver function and can be infected by HBV. Entecavir and lamivudine could effectively inhibit the replication of HBV in hepatic organoids.

Blood donors with HBV core anti-body: a follow-up study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the role of anti-HBc detection in current blood screening strategy by the follow-up of repeated donors with antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen. 【Methods】 Plasma samples were collected randomly from Dalian Blood Center. to test anti-HBc(dual reagents) and anti-HBs via ELISA. The re-donation of eligible donors who were anti-HBc+ and donors reactive to HBV detection were followed up. 【Results】 A total of 1 291 plasma samples were collected randomly from May 2017 to March 2018, among which 405 samples(31.4%)were anti-HBc+. The median age of anti-HBc+ group was observed much higher than that of anti-HBc-group (39 vs 31 years old) (P0.05). Among the 405 anti-HBc+ donors, 3 donors were OBI (0.7%), of which one was screened out in second donation. No HBV DNA was detected out in 3 OBI cases. 【Conclusion】 Although anti-HBc detection is not suitable in blood screening currently, it is of great value in the assessment of blood donor re-entry for HBV reactive donors in blood screening due to the high anti-HBc prevalence among blood donors.

Evolutionary Law of Syndrome and Syndrome Elements during the Malignant Transformation of Chronic Hepatitis B / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo clarify the evolutionary laws of syndromes and syndrome elements at different stages during the malignant transformation of chronic hepatitis B （CHB）. MethodsA total of 671 patients with hepatitis B virus infection， who were admitted to the outpatient and inpatient departments of Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from July 1st， 2020 to June 30th， 2021， were included， involving 120 cases of CHB， 340 cases of hepatitis B liver cirrhosis （HBLC）， 64 cases of precancerous lesions with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis （PLHC）， and 147 cases of hepatitis B liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. A Survey form of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome during malignant transformation of chronic hepatitis B was designed， and the general information， auxiliary examination and the four examinations results were collected. Factor analysis and K-means clustering were used to determine and statistically analyze the syndrome and syndrome elements. ResultsFive traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome types were identified in CHB patients， while there were six TCM syndrome types in HBLC， PLHC and HCC stages. Among CHB patients， the main syndromes were liver constraint and spleen deficiency （53.33%） and liver-gallbladder damp-heat （21.67%）， and the dominant syndrome elements were qi stagnation （27.60%）， heat （17.71%） and qi deficiency （17.71%）. In the HBLC stage， the syndromes were mainly blood stasis obstructing the collaterals （23.83%） and liver constraint and spleen deficiency （22.35%）， with dominant syndrome elements being blood stasis （19.25%）， dampness （17.46%）， and qi deficiency （15.01%）. For the PLHC stage， the primary syndrome types were blood stasis obstructing the collaterals （29.68%） and liver-kidney yin deficiency （20.31%）， and the leading syndrome elements were blood stasis （22.12%）， yin deficiency （15.93%）， and qi deficiency （15.04%）. In the HCC stage， the syndrome was dominated by blood stasis obstructing the collaterals （33.34%） and liver-kidney yin deficiency （19.73%）， with the main syndrome elements being blood stasis （24.52%）， yin deficiency （16.09%）， and qi deficiency （15.33%）. During the progression of CHB to malignancy， there was a gradual decrease in excess syndromes including liver-gallbladder damp-heat and water-dampness internal obstruction from 21.67% to 19.04%. In contrast， deficiency syndromes including liver-kidney yin deficiency and spleen-kidney yang deficiency increased from 15.83% to 31.97%. Additionally， excess syndrome elements including qi stagnation， heat and dampness decreased from 59.89% to 34.48%， while deficiency syndrome elements including qi deficiency， yin deficiency and yang deficiency increased from 32.30% to 41.00%. ConclusionDuring the malignant transformation of CHB， there exists a progression of syndrome and syndrome elements， shifting from qi stagnation， heat and qi deficiency to blood stasis （predominantly excess）， dampness and qi deficiency， and then to blood stasis （predominantly deficiency）， yin deficiency and qi deficiency， characterized by “deficiency-excess complex， and shift from excess to deficiency”.

Assessment of renal function in chronic hepatitis C patients / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background@#The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD) still remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether HCV really affects renal function, and to analyze the association between clinical effects of CHC and decreased kidney function (assessed by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level).@*Aim@#Study of renal dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C virus infection@*Materials and Methods@#An estimated 222 patients with HCV infection and 222 age- and sex-matched community-based control individuals without HCV were enrolled (1:1, case and control ratio) in this study between from June 2022 to March 2023. We used the modification of diet in renal diseases to calculate eGFR. This study was approved by the review board of the Ethics Subcommittee of Ach Medical University and followed the Declaration of Helsinki. All statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 26.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continuous variebles were presented as mean ± standard deviation, while categorical data was represented as numbers and percentages. Independent t-tests were used to compare the differences in parametric variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the follow-up period. Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with recurrence. @*Results@#The median age of the respondents was 40 (range 21-70). In the case group, the speed of hanging judgment was 105.3±24.5, and in the control group, it was 118.7±18.5, which was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05, p<0.05). It was observed that the rate of filtration of the renal is below 90 or the loss of renal function increases with age (47.50±9.3 vs 40.21±11.1; p<0.01). In order to reduce the effect of age, when evaluating the renal function of participants over 45 years of age in the case-control group, the HCV was 99.69 in the case group and 111.05 in the control group, although there was an age effect on the decline in HCV in both groups, but it decreased more in the HCV-infected group. When comparing two groups (<3.25, >3.25) with liver fibrosis degree above and below 3.25, the higher degree of fibrosis affects the decrease in the rate of hepatic filtration (112.92±19.8 vs 105.23±27.1; p<0.01). The proportion of cryoglobulinemia was high when renal dysfunction was beginning or when the GFR was below 90 (<90). Logistic regression analysis showed that cryoglobulinemia had the greatest influence on the decrease in glomerular filtration rate (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.97-9.00, p<0.05). The relationship between age and the decline in hanging judgment speed was statistically significant and directly moderate (r=0.95, p=0.009). On the other hand, there is a statistical relationship between gender and the decrease in the speed of hanging judgment, with a probable and weak correlation (r=0.07, p=0.01).@*Conclusion@#Our study found that the patients with HCV infection are associated with a low eGFR compared with non-HCV–infected patients. This association is consistent in age, gender, cryoglobulinemia and liver fibrosis patients.

Application of ureteral stent in kidney transplantation / 器官移植

Ureteral stricture, urine leakage and other urinary complications are likely to occur after kidney transplantation, which severely affect the function of renal allograft and even lead to renal allograft loss. Ureteral stent plays a critical role in kidney transplantation, which could promote the urine flow from kidney to bladder after kidney transplantation, lower the pressure within the ureter and reduce the risk of early urinary complications. However, it may also cause urinary tract infection, stent-related complications and BK virus infection, etc. Therefore, clinicians should flexibly grasp the indications for ureteral stent removal. In this article, the application, potential adverse reactions and the timing of removal of ureteral stent in the field of kidney transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical decision-making related to ureteral stent after kidney transplantation.

Anti-infectious pneumonia target discovery and molecular mechanism study of Jingfang Granules / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to identify the direct pharmacological targets of Jingfang Granules in treating infectious pneumonia via "target fishing" strategy. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of Jingfang Granules in treating infectious pneumonia was also investigated based on target-related pharmacological signaling pathways. First, the Jingfang Granules extract-bound magnetic nanoparticles were prepared, which were incubated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced mouse pneumonia tissue lysates. The captured proteins were analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS), and the target groups with specific binding to the Jingfang Granules extract were screened out. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis was used to identify the target protein-associated signaling pathways. On this basis, the LPS-induced mouse model of infectious pneumonia was established. The possible biological functions of target proteins were verified by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and immunohistochemical assay. A total of 186 Jingfang Granules-specific binding proteins were identified from lung tissues. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target protein-associated signaling pathways mainly included Salmonella infection, vascular and pulmonary epithelial adherens junction, ribosomal viral replication, viral endocytosis, and fatty acid degradation. The target functions of Jingfang Granules were related to pulmonary inflammation and immunity, pulmonary energy metabolism, pulmonary microcirculation, and viral infection. Based on the in vivo inflammation model, Jingfang Granules significantly improved the alveolar structure of the LPS-induced mouse model of infectious pneumonia and down-regulated the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6). Meanwhile, Jingfang Gra-nules significantly up-regulated the expressions of key proteins of mitochondrial function COX Ⅳ and ATP, microcirculation-related proteins CD31 and Occludin, and proteins associated with viral infection DDX21 and DDX3. These results suggest that Jingfang Gra-nules can inhibit lung inflammation, improve lung energy metabolism and pulmonary microcirculation, resist virus infection, thus playing a protective role in the lung. This study systematically explains the molecular mechanism of Jingfang Granules in the treatment of respiratory inflammation from the perspective of target-signaling pathway-pharmacological efficacy, thereby providing key information for clinical rational use of Jingfang Granules and expanding potential pharmacological application.

Cacto development: care program for mothers of children with congenital zika syndrome / Desarrollo de cacto: programa de atención a madres de niños con síndrome de zika congénito / Desenvolvimento do cacto: programa de cuidado às mães de crianças com síndrome congênita do zika

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop a unitary caring program for mothers of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome. Method: this is a methodological study, based on Unitary Caring Science, developed in two phases: creation, consisting of six moments, and content validity, through the participation of 36 experts on the subject, professional caregivers and mothers. The Content Validity Index and the Content Validity Ratio were used for data analysis. Results: the program was named CACTO, composed of seven care modalities: Taking care of my mind; Upright and correct position; Taking care of my sleep; Family that is together; Mirror mirror on the wall; Mother who takes care of mother; Facing prejudices. CACTO was validated with a Content Validity Index ≥0.88 and critical Content Validity Ratio values greater than or equal to the cutoff point defined for each group of experts. Conclusion: the translation of Unitary Caring Science into a care program encourages professionals to promote innovative care, valuing acceptance, autonomy, citizenship and critical awareness, advocating in favor of emancipatory interactional care. CACTO is a technological innovation that can transform professional care, promote the resolution of mothers' health needs and enhance the quality of life of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome, family and caregivers themselves.

RESUMEN Objetivo: desarrollar un programa de atención unitaria para madres de niños con síndrome congénito causado por el virus Zika. Método: estudio metodológico, basado en la Ciencia del Cuidado Unitario, desarrollado en dos fases: creación, compuesta por seis momentos, y validación de contenido a través de la participación de 36 expertos en el tema, cuidadores profesionales y madres. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron el Índice de Validez de Contenido y la Razón de Validez de Contenido. Resultados: el programa se denominó CACTO, compuesto por siete modalidades de atención: Cuidando mi mente; Posición erguida y correcta; Cuidando mi sueño; Familia que llega junta; Espejo, espejo mío; Madre que cuida a la madre; Enfrentando los prejuicios. CACTO fue validado con un Índice de Validez de Contenido ≥0.88 y valores críticos de Relación de Validez de Contenido mayores o iguales al punto de corte definido para cada grupo de expertos. Conclusión: la traducción de la Ciencia del Cuidado Unitario en un programa de cuidado alienta a los profesionales a promover un cuidado innovador, valorando la aceptación, la autonomía, la ciudadanía y la conciencia crítica, abogando por el cuidado interaccional emancipador. El CACTO es una innovación tecnológica que puede transformar la atención profesional, promover la resolución de las necesidades de salud de las madres y mejorar la calidad de vida de los niños con síndrome congénito causado por el virus Zika, la familia y los propios cuidadores.

RESUMO Objetivo: desenvolver um programa de cuidado unitário às mães de crianças com Síndrome Congênita do vírus Zika. Método: estudo metodológico, fundamentado na Ciência do Cuidado Unitário, desenvolvido em duas fases: criação, constituída por seis momentos, e validação de conteúdo mediante participação de 36 experts na temática, cuidadoras profissionais e mães. O Índice de Validação de Conteúdo e o Content Validity Ratio foram utilizados para análise dos dados. Resultados: o programa foi nomeado de CACTO, composto por sete modalidades de cuidado: Cuidando da minha mente; Posição ereta e correta; Cuidando do meu sono; Família que chega junto; Espelho espelho meu; Mãe que cuida de mãe; Enfrentando preconceitos. O CACTO foi validado com Índice de Validação de Conteúdo ≥0,88 e valores do Content Validity Ratio crítico maior ou igual ao ponto de corte definido para cada grupo de experts. Conclusão: a translação da Ciência do Cuidado Unitário em programa de cuidado estimula as profissionais a promoverem cuidados inovadores, valorizando o acolhimento, autonomia, cidadania e consciência crítica, advogando em favor do cuidado interacional emancipatório. O CACTO é uma inovação tecnológica que pode transformar os cuidados profissionais, promover resolutividade das necessidades de saúde das mães e potencializar qualidade de vida da criança com Síndrome Congênita do vírus Zika, família e das próprias cuidadoras.

Relationship between microcephaly and indicators of social inequality in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the relationship between microcephaly and social inequality indicators in the state of Paraíba during the biennium January 2015 and December 2016. Methods Ecological study with data from newborn microcephaly records and municipal socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic indicators was conducted using two health information systems from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (SINASC and SINAN) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. A Poisson multiple regression model was applied with a significance level of 5%. Results Among 223 municipalities in Paraíba, 74 registered new cases of microcephaly. The number of Zika virus cases, number of inhabitants, number of households without adequate water supply, and household income were predictor variables of the number of new cases of microcephaly in Paraíba. Conclusion Microcephaly is associated with indicators of social inequality in Paraíba. Zika virus cases, water supply, and family income are the indicators that best explain the increase in microcephaly cases. Therefore, these variables must be monitored by health professionals and authorities.

Health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy associated with congenital Zika infection / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em crianças com paralisia cerebral associada a síndrome da Zika congênita

Abstract Objective: To describe the health-related quality of life (QOL) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) associated with congenital Zika infection. Methods: Cross-sectional study of a consecutive series of children, followed in a referral multicentric rehabilitation network in Brazil. We invited the caregivers to respond to the Brazilian version of the Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILDTM) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0™. We used absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Results: The sample consisted of 193 children, at mean age of 50.3±7.6 months. We observed a predominance of children with cerebral palsy (CP) with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V (93.7%). Epilepsy (88.4%) was the most common comorbidity. CPCHILDTM mean scores were activities of daily living (ADL)/personal care 43.2±12.6; positioning, transferring and mobility 33.7±16.5; comfort and emotions 84.4±15.2; communication and social interaction (CoSI) 48.2±24.3; health 70.9±17.1; and overall quality of life (OQOL) 72.1±17.1. Total score was 54.8±11.3. Conclusions: Among children with cerebral palsy (CP) related to congenital Zika syndrome, the quality of life (QOL) scores were very similar to other populations with cerebral palsy (CP). The activities of positioning, transferring and mobility had the greatest impact on health-related quality of life (QOL). Rehabilitation strategies and public policies should prioritize aspects related to mobility for this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em crianças com paralisia cerebral associada à infecção congênita pelo zika. Métodos: Estudo transversal de série consecutiva de casos de crianças acompanhadas em uma rede multicêntrica de reabilitação no Brasil. Convidamos o(s) cuidador(es) a responder à versão brasileira do Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILDTM). A análise estatística foi realizada com o pacote estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0™. Para variáveis categóricas, foram utilizadas frequências absolutas e relativas e, para variáveis contínuas, média e desvio padrão. Resultados: Cento e noventa e três crianças, com idade média de 50,3±7,6 meses, foram incluídas. Observou-se predomínio de crianças com paralisia cerebral Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) nível V (93,7%). Epilepsia (88,4%) foi a comorbidade mais comum. As pontuações médias do CPCHILDTM foram: atividades de vida diária/cuidados pessoais 43,2±12,6; posicionamento, transferência e mobilidade 33,7±16,5; conforto e emoções 84,4±15,2; comunicação e interação social 48,2±24,3; saúde 70,9±17,1; e qualidade de vida geral 72,1±17,1. A pontuação total foi 54,8±11,3. Conclusões: Entre as crianças com paralisia cerebral relacionada à síndrome do zika congênita, as atividades de posicionamento, transferência e mobilidade tiveram maior impacto na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, semelhantemente a outras etiologias de paralisia cerebral. As estratégias de reabilitação e as políticas públicas devem priorizar os aspectos relacionados à mobilidade dessa população.

Hipertensión intracraneal idiopática asociada a infección por COVID 19

Se presenta el caso de una paciente adulta joven con antecedente de ovario poliquístico e infección reciente por COVID 19 que inicia con cuadro de astenopia y visión borrosa junto con cefalea, se realiza fondo de ojo con papiledema bilateral, estudios de laboratorio y neuro imagen sin hallazgos positivos, también punción lumbar con presión de apertura elevada por lo que se diagnostica hipertensión intracraneal idiopática con posterior mejoría post punción.

The case of a young adult patient is presented with a history of polycystic ovary and recent infection by COVID 19 that starts with asthenopia and blurred vision along with headache, fundus examination with bilateral papilledema was performed, laboratory and neuroimaging studies without positive findings, also lumbar puncture with elevated opening pressure so idiopathic intracranial hypertension was diagnosed with subsequent post puncture improvement.