Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016, to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The Sero-prevalence of hbsag among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI = [3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI = [1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with Sero-prevalence of HBV. Conclusions: The Sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection

Prevalencia de Sífilis, Hepatitis B y Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana en población masculina privada de la libertad de un establecimiento carcelario en Bogotá-Colombia. Año 2019 / Prevalence of Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the male prison population in Bogotá, Colombia in 2019

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de sífilis, hepatitis B y virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en una población privada de la libertad de un establecimiento carcelario masculino de Bogotá D.C.-Colombia en 2019. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en un establecimiento carcelario masculino de Bogotá, se incluyeron personas privadas de la libertad, mayores de 18 años. Los sujetos fueron sometidos a pruebas de detección de anticuerpos contra el Treponema pallidum, Antígenos de Superficie contra hepatitis B (HBsAg) y Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) y respondieron un cuestionario estructurado para la descripción de conductas de riesgo. Resultados: Participaron 447 sujetos, ubicados en 7 pabellones del establecimiento carcelario. La prevalencia de sífilis fue del 5.8% (IC95% 3.8 - 8.4), del 1.1% para VIH (IC95% 0.4 - 2.6), y del 0.45% para hepatitis B crónica (IC95% 0.05 - 1.6). Discusión: A pesar de que la prevalencia documentada para estas patologías es más alta que en la población general, los resultados son más bajos que los reporta dos en instituciones de condiciones similares en otras latitudes. Se recomienda que el establecimiento continúe desarrollando políticas de promoción y prevención de estas patologías dentro de su población.

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of syphilis, hepatitis B and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the male prison population in Bogotá, Colombia in 2019. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a male prison center in Bogotá, in which sequential sampling, stratified by ward, included people deprived of liberty, over 18 years of age and who voluntarily agreed to participate in the investigation. Subjects underwent tests for antibodies to Treponema pallidum, Surface Antigens against hepatitis B (HBsAg) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and they answered a structured questionnaire for the description of risk behaviors. Results: A total of 447 subjects were included, belonging to 7 prison wards. The prevalence of syphilis was 5.8% (95% CI 3.8 - 8.4), 0.5% for chronic hepatitis B (95% CI 0.05 - 1.6) and 1.1% for HIV (95% CI 0.4 - 2.6). Discussion: Although the documented prevalence for these pathologies is higher than in the general population, the results are lower than those reported in other institutions with similar conditions in other latitudes. It is recommended that the institution continue to strengthen its policies for the promotion and prevention of these pathologies within its population.

Impact of cell harvesting methods on detection of cell surface proteins and apoptotic markers

Assays based on the flow cytometry technique allow a convenient analysis of multiple cellular parameters; however, their results should be interpreted cautiously due to a strong impact of confounding factors. Different techniques in cell culturing such as either enzymatic or mechanic detachment of adherent cells can heavily influence the structure of the cell membrane or presence of the surface antigens leading to strong false positive signals, and finally, substantial experimental bias. The aim of our study was to assess and compare the impact of cell harvesting methods (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic) on the apoptosis process and on the surface antigen cytometric analyses. We found significant differences in the quality of analysis in terms of the amount of detected surface markers determined by the detachment method. Our results demonstrated clearly how important it is to carefully choose the appropriate detachment method and may help to avoid mistakes in experiment planning. In conclusion, we recommend to adjust the detachment method to the type of analyzed markers (surface antigens or translocated phosphatidylserine).

Research Advances in the Treatment of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Based on Surface Antigen Expression --Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a common malignant tumor in hematopoietic system. Although the remission rate of the patients with adult B-ALL is similar to those with childhood B-ALL, the rate of long-term disease-free survival (DFS) rate is significantly lower, once recurrence, the remission rate of routine chemotherapy is low and the prognosis is so poor. Based on the expression of tumor cell surface antigens(such as CD19, CD20 and CD22), the specific monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), and other targeted immunotherapy can greatly improve the efficacy of B-ALL patients, especially for patients with relapse and refractory. In this review, the progress of immunotherapy against B-ALL cell surface antigen is summarized briefly.

Expression and Purification of Recombinant Mayaro Virus Envelope Glycoproteins E1 and E2 to Develop a Mayaro Virus Detection System

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that produces an acute, usually non-fatal, febrile illness including Mayaro fever. Like other alphaviruses, the MAYV E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins are major viral surface antigens that play a key role in host recognition and infection. Here, we report expression and purification methods for recombinant MAYV E1 (rE1) and rE2 using a baculovirus system. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) revealed that rE1 and rE2 were antigenic and reacted with human anti-MAYV IgG and IgM. Cross-reactivity was also confirmed with human anti-Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) IgG and IgM. Furthermore, we developed an immunochromatographic strip test (IST) with rE2 to diagnose MAYV infection. Thus, purified rE2 may be valuable tool for rapidly diagnosing MAYV infection.

Dramatic polarization in genitourinary expert opinions regarding the clinical utility of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Objectives: To ascertain the opinions of North American genitourinary (GU) experts regarding inclusion of technologies such as prostate - specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and C - 11 choline positron emission tomography (PET) into routine practice. Materials and Methods: A survey was distributed to North American GU experts. Questions pertained to the role of PSMA and C - 11 PET in PCa management. Participants were categorized as "supporters" or "opponents" of incorporation of novel imaging techniques. Opinions were correlated with practice patterns. Results: Response rate was 54% and we analyzed 42 radiation oncologist respondents. 17 participants (40%) have been in practice for > 20 years and 38 (90%) practice at an academic center. 24 (57%) were supporters of PSMA and 29 (69%) were supporters of C - 11. Supporters were more likely to treat pelvic nodes (88% vs. 56%, p < 01) and trended to be more likely to treat patients with moderate or extreme hypofractionation (58% vs. 28%, p = 065). Supporters trended to be more likely to offer brachytherapy boost (55% vs. 23%, p = 09), favor initial observation and early salvage over adjuvant radiation (77% vs. 55%, p = 09), and to consider themselves expert brachytherapists (69% vs. 39%, p = 09). Conclusions: There is a polarization among GU radiation oncology experts regarding novel imaging techniques. A correlation emerged between support of novel imaging and adoption of treatment approaches that are clinically superior or less expensive. Pre - existing biases among GU experts on national treatment - decision panels and leaders of cooperative group studies may affect the design of future studies and influence the adoption of these technologies in clinical practice.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Among Blood Donors in Eastern Saudi Arabia: Results From a Five-Year Retrospective Study of HBV Seromarkers

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmissible hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major problem worldwide. Recently, confirmatory nucleic acid tests (NATs) for HBV DNA have been employed in several countries. We assessed the prevalence and yearly trends of HBV infection in blood donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, screening for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), and HBV DNA. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015, a total of 22,842 donors were screenedfor HBsAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA using the HBsAg Qualitative II kit (Abbott, Ireland Diagnostics Division, Sligo, Ireland), ARCHITECT Anti-hepatitis B core antigen antibody (HBc) II Assay kit (Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Wiesbaden, Germany), and NAT Procleix Ultrio Elite Assay kit (Grifols Diagnostic Solutions Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 739 (3.24%) donors were HbsAg(+), anti-HBc(+), or HBV DNA(+); 63 (0.28%) were HbsAg(+), anti-HBc(+), and HBV DNA(+). Twelve (0.05%) were anti-HBc(+) and HBV DNA(+) but HBsAg(−); they were considered to have occult infection. Further, 664 (2.91%) were HBsAg(−) but anti-HBc(+), indicating chronic or resolving infection. HBV prevalence increased significantly from 2011 to 2012, increased marginally till 2013, and showed a decreasing trend from 2013 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The five-year prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (3.24%) is lower than that reported for other regions in the country. The occult HBV infection rate of 0.05% emphasizes the importance of NATs in isolating potential infectious blood units.

Cell Surface Antigen Display for Neuronal Differentiation-Specific Tracking

Cell therapeutic agents for treating degenerative brain diseases using neural stem cells are actively being developed. However, few systems have been developed to monitor in real time whether the transplanted neural stem cells are actually differentiated into neurons. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology capable of specifically monitoring neuronal differentiation in vivo. In this study, we established a system that expresses cell membrane-targeting red fluorescent protein under control of the Synapsin promoter in order to specifically monitor differentiation from neural stem cells into neurons. In order to overcome the weak expression level of the tissue-specific promoter system, the partial 5′ UTR sequence of Creb was added for efficient expression of the cell surface-specific antigen. This system was able to track functional neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells transplanted in vivo, which will help improve stem cell therapies.

Rhoptry antigens as Toxoplasma gondii vaccine target

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection, caused by a unicellular protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. It is estimated that over one-third of the world's population has been exposed and are latently infected with the parasite. In humans, toxoplasmosis is predominantly asymptomatic in immunocompetent persons, while among immunocompromised individuals may be cause severe and progressive complications with poor prognosis. Moreover, seronegative pregnant mothers are other risk groups for acquiring the infection. The life cycle of T. gondii is very complex, indicating the presence of a plurality of antigenic epitopes. Despite of great advances, recognize and construct novel vaccines for prevent and control of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals is still remains a great challenge for researchers to select potential protein sequences as the ideal antigens. Notably, in several past years, constant efforts of researchers have made considerable advances to elucidate the different aspects of the cell and molecular biology of T. gondii mainly on microneme antigens, dense granule antigens, surface antigens, and rhoptry proteins (ROP). These attempts thereby provided great impetus to the present focus on vaccine development, according to the defined subcellular components of the parasite. Although, currently there is no commercial vaccine for use in humans. Among the main identified T. gondii antigens, ROPs appear as a putative vaccine candidate that are vital for invasion procedure as well as survival within host cells. Overall, it is estimated that they occupy about 1%–30% of the total parasite cell volume. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress of ROP-based vaccine development through various strategies from DNA vaccines, epitope or multi epitope-based vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines to vaccines based on live-attenuated vectors and prime-boost strategies in different mouse models.

Virulence genes of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries

Streptococcus mutans is one of the important bacteria that forms dental biofilm and cause dental caries. Virulence genes in S. mutans can be classified into the genes involved in bacterial adhesion, extracellular polysaccharide formation, biofilm formation, sugar uptake and metabolism, acid tolerance, and regulation. The genes involved in bacterial adhesion are gbps (gbpA, gbpB, and gbpC) and spaP. The gbp genes encode glucan-binding protein (GBP) A, GBP B, and GBP C. The spaP gene encodes cell surface antigen, SpaP. The genes involved in extracellular polysaccharide formation are gtfs (gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD) and ftf, which encode glycosyltransferase (GTF) B, GTF C, and GTF D and fructosyltransferase, respectively. The genes involved in biofilm formation are smu630, relA, and comDE. The smu630 gene is important for biofilm formation. The relA and comDE genes contribute to quorum-sensing and biofilm formation. The genes involved in sugar uptake and metabolism are eno, ldh, and relA. The eno gene encodes bacterial enolase, which catalyzes the formation of phosphoenolpyruvate. The ldh gene encodes lactic acid dehydrogenase. The relA gene contributes to the regulation of the glucose phosphotransferase system. The genes related to acid tolerance are atpD, aguD, brpA, and relA. The atpD gene encodes F1F0-ATPase, a proton pump that discharges H⁺ from within the bacterium to the outside. The aguD gene encodes agmatine deiminase system and produces alkali to overcome acid stress. The genes involved in regulation are vicR, brpA, and relA.

Seroprevalence of Surface Antigen and Antibody Positive Rate of Hepatitis B Virus in Low-Income People

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to provide health screening for low-income people and early diagnosis and treatment for health risk factors and diseases for the promotion of the health of vulnerable people. This study was also aimed toward the implementation of a comprehensive cancer health screening system to improve quality of life.METHODS: This study was conducted in 1,546 subjects aged >40 years who underwent free cancer screening between February and December 2017 in the Jeollanam-do region. In the first, we performed a survey HBsAg, Anti-HBs, 54 peoples with hepatitis B abnormalities were checked to secondary screening, HBeAg/Anti-HBe, HBV DNA.RESULTS: The overall HBsAb total seropositivity rate was 59.8% (924/1,546), and the HBsAb total seronegativity rate was 40.2% (622/1,546). The HBsAg total seropositivity rate was 3.8% (58/1,546) overall, 1.7% (26/1,546) in the men, and 2.1% (32/1,546) in the women. The HBeAg seropositivity rate was 11.1% (6/54) in the second hepatitis B screening.CONCLUSION: We found that the positivity and negativity rates of HBsAb (Anti-HBs) were similar to those reported in other studies, but the positivity rate of HBeAg was slightly higher in the second hepatitis screening. In future surveys, factors must be analyzed, including an additional investigation of the related health risk factors to confirm the factors that affect diagnosis and initial evaluation results.

Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) attenuates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway1

Abstract Purpose: To explore the effect of milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SAKI). Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized to control, sham, CLP, CLP+PBS, and CLP+rmMFG-E8 groups. SAKI was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Recombinant mouse MFG-E8 (rmMFG-E8) (20 μg/kg) or PBS (vehicle) was administered intraperitoneally. Blood, urine and renal tissue were collected at 24 h after CLP. Blood samples were tested for serum kidney injury biomarker and cytokines. Urine samples were collected to detect KIM-1, and NGAL. Real-time PCR was tested for Bax and Bcl-2. TUNEL staining was used to determine renal apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and proteins in the NF-κB pathway. Results: MFG-E8 alleviated SAKI by decreasing serum Cre, BUN, urine KIM-1 and NGAL and by mitigating renal pathological changes significant (p < 0.05). IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α were significantly inhibited by MFG-E8 (p < 0.05). Apoptosis induced by SAKI was markedly suppressed by MFG-E8. Finally, MFG-E8 attenuated the activation of the NF-��B signaling pathway in SAKI. Conclusion: MFG-E8 has beneficial effects on SAKI, which may be achieved by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

Clinical perspectives of PSMA PET/MRI for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer imaging has become an important diagnostic modality for tumor evaluation. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) has been extensively studied, and the results are robust and promising. The advent of the PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has added morphofunctional information from the standard of reference MRI to highly accurate molecular information from PET. Different PSMA ligands have been used for this purpose including 68gallium and 18fluorine-labeled PET probes, which have particular features including spatial resolution, imaging quality and tracer biodistribution. The use of PSMA PET imaging is well established for evaluating biochemical recurrence, even at low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, but has also shown interesting applications for tumor detection, primary staging, assessment of therapeutic responses and treatment planning. This review will outline the potential role of PSMA PET/MRI for the clinical assessment of PCa.

Activation of phagocytosis by immune checkpoint blockade / 医学前沿

Inhibition of macrophage-mediated phagocytosis has emerged as an essential mechanism for tumor immune evasion. One mechanism inhibiting the innate response is the presence of the macrophage inhibitory molecule, signal regulatory protein-α (SIRPα), on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and its cognate ligand cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) on tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment. On the basis of a recently discovered programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) in TAMs, we discuss the potential inhibitory receptors that possess new functions beyond T cell exhaustion in this review. As more and more immune receptors are found to be expressed on TAMs, the corresponding therapies may also stimulate macrophages for phagocytosis and thereby provide extra anti-tumor benefits in cancer therapy. Therefore, identification of biomarkers and combinatorial therapeutic strategies, have the potential to improve the efficacy and safety profiles of current immunotherapies.

Consensus of Chinese experts on the application of molecular imaging targeting prostate specific membrane antigen in prostate cancer patients / 中华外科杂志

Recently, prostate cancer has become the most common male urological cancer worldwide. However, it was difficult for the currently widely available imaging modalities to precisely diagnose this disease. With the development of nuclear medical technology, molecular imaging targeting prostate specific membrane antigen has been introduced into China. To promote the standardization of this imaging modality, the experts consensus was published by Chinese Anticancer Association Genitourinary Oncology Committee and recommendations for its application in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer were attached, which would be helpful for doctors who are conducting or preparing for this examination.

Association of Cytokines with Alanine Aminotransferase, Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen and Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Cytokines play an important role in occurrence and recovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of cytokines concentration and its correlation to alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA), hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg), and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).@*Methods@#Thirteen healthy individuals (HI), 30 chronic HBV-infected patients in immune tolerant (IT) phase, and 55 CHB patients were enrolled between August 2015 and May 2017. The peripheral blood samples were collected from all individuals. The levels of interferon (IFN)-α2, interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, HBV-DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg and liver function were measured. The quantitative determinations of cytokines levels, including IFN-α2, IL-10, and TGF-β1 were performed using Luminex multiplex technology. The correlation of cytokines to ALT, HBV-DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg was analyzed by linear regression analysis.@*Results@#IFN-α2 levels were similar between HI and IT groups (15.35 [5.70, 67.65] pg/ml vs. 15.24 [4.07, 30.73] pg/ml, Z = -0.610, P = 0.542), while it elevated significantly in CHB group (35.29 [15.94, 70.15] pg/ml vs. 15.24 [4.07, 30.73] pg/ml; Z = -2.522, P = 0.012). Compared with HI group (3.73 [2.98, 11.92] pg/ml), IL-10 concentrations in IT group (5.02 [2.98, 10.11] pg/ml), and CHB group (7.48 [3.10, 18.00] pg/ml) slightly increased (χ = 2.015, P = 0.365), and there was no significant difference between IT and CHB group (Z = -1.419, P = 0.156). The TGF-β1 levels among HI (3.59 ± 0.20 pg/ml), IT (3.62 ± 0.55 pg/ml), and CHB groups (3.64 ± 0.30 pg/ml) were similar (χ = 2.739, P = 0.254). In all chronic HBV-infected patients (including patients in IT and CHB groups), the elevation of IFN-α2 level was significantly associated with ALT level (β= 0.389, t = 2.423, P = 0.018), and was also negatively correlated to HBV-DNA load (β = -0.358, t = -2.308, P = 0.024), HBsAg (β = -0.359, t = -2.288, P = 0.025), and HBeAg contents (β = -0.355, t = -2.258, P = 0.027). However, when both ALT level and cytokines were included as independent variable, HBV-DNA load, HBsAg, and HBeAg contents were only correlated to ALT level (β = -0.459, t = -4.225, P = 0.000; β = -0.616, t = -6.334, P = 0.000; and β = -0.290, t = -2.433, P = 0.018; respectively).@*Conclusions@#IFN-α2 elevation was associated with ALT level in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, in CHB patients, only ALT level was correlated to HBV-DNA, HBsAg and HBeAg contents.

Effects of Compound Zhebei Granule () Combined with Doxorubicin on Expression of Specific Surface Antigens in Mice with Transplanted KG-1a Cells / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Compound Zhebei Granule (, CZG) combined with doxorubicin hydrochloride (adriamycin, ADM) on specific surface antigens in mice with KG-1a transplanted cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established by injection of the acute myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a into the axillary flfl anks of BALB/c-nude mice. Twenty-four tumor bearing mice were divided into 4 groups according to a random number table, including normal saline control group, ADM group, high-dose CZG group, and mid-dose CZG group, with 6 mice in each group. Drug administration occurred on the 14th day after cell inoculation, and normal saline control group mice were gavaged with normal saline at 0.2 mL/10 g every other day. ADM group mice were intraperitoneally injected with ADM 1 mg/kg [conversion of adults, 40 mg/(m•d)] every other day. High- and mid-dose CZG groups mice were gavaged with CZG at the dose of 8 and 4 g/kg respectively every other day and intraperitoneally injected with ADM (1 mg/kg) every other day. The administration period lasted for 10 days. The tumor xenografts were made into mononuclear cell suspensions after dissection, and the expressions of specific surface antigens, including CD34CD38, CD34CD38CD123, CD34CD38CD96 and CD34CD38CD33, in KG-1a cell line tumor xenografts were detected by flfl ow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control and ADM groups, expression of CD34CD38 in the two CZG groups was significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, expression of CD34CD38CD123 in the two CZG groups decreased (P<0.05). The high-dose CZG group showed more obvious outcomes compared with the ADM group (P<0.05). Compared with the control and ADM groups, the expression of CD34CD38CD96 and CD34CD38CD33 in the two CZG groups decreased (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CZG combined with doxorubicin could reduce the expression of CD34CD38, CD34CD38CD123, CD34CD38CD96 and CD34CD38CD33 in KG-1a cell line tumor xenografts, which shows that CZG could target leukemia stem cells and play a role in chemosensitization.</p>

Analysis of Reentry Test for the Donors Showing Reactivity or Grey Zone in a HBV Surface Antigen Assay by a Chemiluminescent Immunoassay / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: If donors who were deferred due to the reactivity or grey zone in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) assay want to donate blood again, they need to pass reentry tests. On the other hand, approximately half of the donors who are subject to the reentry tests cannot be reentered. This study examined the association between the sample to cutoff (S/Co) value of the HBsAg assay and the final results of the reentry test. METHODS: This study analyzed the S/Co values of the HBsAg assay and the final results of the reentry tests for the 3,947 donors from January 2008 to December 2017 using the database of Blood Information Management System of the Korean Red Cross. RESULTS: 1,767 donors (44.8%) were not reentered among 3,947 deferred donors. Among 1,585 donors showing ≥10 of the S/Co value in the HBsAg screening test, 1,542 donors (97.3%) were not reentered. The additional reentry tests were performed on 120 donors who were not reentered in the first reentry test; 98 donors (81.7%) were still not reentered. Overall, 4.6% of the donors showing a grey zone in the HBsAg assay were not reentered. CONCLUSION: The reentry test needs to be restricted for the deferred donors showing a more than 10 S/Co value. The application of the grey zone of current HBsAg assay will need to be continued to enhance the HBV-related blood safety.

Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Is Significantly Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease: a Population-based, Matched Case-control Study

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations including chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the association between HBV and CKD is not clear. This study investigated the association between chronic HBV infection and CKD in a nationwide multicenter study. METHODS: A total of 265,086 subjects who underwent health-check examinations in 33 hospitals from January 2015 to December 2015 were enrolled. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive cases (n = 10,048), and age- and gender-matched HBsAg negative controls (n = 40,192) were identified. CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or proteinuria as at least grade 2+ of urine protein. RESULTS: HBsAg positive cases showed a significantly higher prevalence of GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (3.3%), and proteinuria (18.9%) than that of the controls (2.6%, P < 0.001, and 14.1%, P < 0.001, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, HBsAg positivity was an independent factor associated with GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² along with age, blood levels of albumin, bilirubin, anemia, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Likewise, HBsAg positivity was an independent factor for proteinuria along with age, male, blood levels of bilirubin, protein, albumin, and HbA1c. A subgroup analysis showed that HBsAg positive men but not women had a significantly increased risk for GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². CONCLUSION: Chronic HBV infection was significantly associated with a GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and proteinuria (≥ 2+). Therefore, clinical concern about CKD in chronic HBV infected patients, especially in male, is warranted.

Comparison of the characteristics of canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells extracted from different sites and at different passage numbers

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have desirable characteristics for use in therapy in animal models and veterinary medicine, due to their capacity of inducing tissue regeneration and immunomodulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences between canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) extracted from subcutaneous (Sc) and visceral (Vs) sites. Surface antigenic markers, in vitro differentiation, and mineralized matrix quantification of AD-MSCs at different passages (P₄, P₆, and P₈) were studied. Immunophenotypic analysis showed that AD-MSCs from both sites were CD44+, CD90+, and CD45−. Moreover, they were able, in vitro, to differentiate into fat, cartilage, and bone. Sc-AD-MSCs preserve in vitro multipotentiality up to P₈, but Vs-AD-MSCs only tri-differentiated up to P₄. In addition, compared to Vs-AD-MSCs, Sc-AD-MSCs had greater capacity for in vitro mineralized matrix synthesis. In conclusion, Sc-AD-MSCs have advantages over Vs-AD-MSCs, as Sc AD-MSCs preserve multipotentiality during a greater number of passages, have more osteogenic potential, and require less invasive extraction.