Stimulation of mouse hematopoietic stem cells by angiogenin and DNA preparations

Immature hematopoietic progenitors are a constant source for renewal of hemocyte populations and the basic component of the tissue and cell repair apparatus. A unique property of these cells of internalizing extracellular double-stranded DNA has been previously shown. The leukostimulatory effect demonstrated in our pioneering studies was considered to be due to the feature of this cell. In the present research, we have analyzed the effects of DNA genome reconstructor preparation (DNAgr), DNAmix, and human recombinant angiogenin on both hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitors. Treatment with bone marrow cells of experimental mice with these preparations stimulates colony formation by hematopoietic stem cells and proliferation of multipotent descendants. The main lineage responsible for this is the granulocyte-macrophage hematopoietic lineage. Using fluorescent microscopy as well as FACS assay, co-localization of primitive c-Kit- and Sca-1-positive progenitors and the TAMRA-labeled double-stranded DNA has been shown. Human recombinant angiogenin was used as a reference agent. Cells with specific markers were quantified in intact bone marrow and colonies grown in the presence of inducers. Quantitative analysis revealed that a total of 14,000 fragment copies of 500 bp, which is 0.2% of the haploid genome, can be delivered into early progenitors. Extracellular double-stranded DNA fragments stimulated the colony formation in early hematopoietic progenitors from the bone marrow, which assumed their effect on cells in G0. The observed number of Sca1+/c-Kit+ cells in colonies testifies to the possibility of both symmetrical and asymmetrical division of the initial hematopoietic stem cell and its progeny.

Evaluation of commercial immunodiffusion reagents for detecting serum anti-Paracoccidioides antibodies

ABSTRACT Background: Accurate diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Paracoccidioides antibody detection by double immunodiffusion (DID) is a convenient diagnostic tool, but testing performance can vary based on certain factors. Methods: We assessed DID performance using a commercially prepared Paracoccidioides reagents (IMMY, USA), involving 40 serum specimens, including 20 from patients with proven paracoccidioidomycosis and 20 from patients without the disease. The DID test demonstrated a sensitivity of 90% (95% CI=68%-99%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI=83%-100%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DID using commercial reagents may provide a feasible tool with satisfactory testing performance for anti-Paracoccidioides antibody detection.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients with a Double-lumen Endotracheal Tube / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate risk factors for postoperative sore throat in patients with double-lumen endotracheal intubation. MethodsThe data used in this post-hoc analysis were prospectively collected from a randomized， controlled trial. Age from 18 to 65 years old， ASAI-Ⅲ patients undergoing general anesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube were enrolled. The perioperative data collected retrospectively were as follows： gender， age， smoking history， endotracheal tube diameter， duration of endotracheal tube， dose of Sufentanil， use of Flurbiprofen Axetil， cough after extubation， etc..Dynamometer was applied to assess extubation force. According to occurrence of postoperative sore throat， patients were divided into two groups： those who experienced sore throats and those who did not. Comparative analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to screen the risk factors. ROC curve was used for predicting the predictive value of risk factors. ResultsAmong the 163 patients ， 74 （45.4%） had postoperative sore throat vs 89 （54.6%） not had. Multivariate logistic regression showed female ［OR95%CI=3.83（1.73， 8.50）， P=0.000 1］ and extubation force ［OR95%CI=1.78（1.45， 2.17）， P＜0.001］ were independent risk factors for postoperative sore throat. AUC value showed the extubation force was 0.773［95%CI（0.701， 0.846）， P＜0.001］. Youden index was 0.447， and the cut-off valve of extubation force was 13N. ConclusionFemale and extubation force were risk factors for sore throat in patients with double lumen endotracheal intubation.

Preparation and efficacy evaluation of polyclonal antibodies against serum albumin of five species / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To prepare polyclonal antibodies against the serum albumin of human,cattle,sheep,pig and horse,and evaluate their efficacy in the identification of human serum albumin(HSA). Methods The specific polypeptides of human,cattle,sheep,pig and horse serum albumin were prepared by bioinformatics and polypeptide synthesis method,which were coupled with keyhole limpet hemocyanin(KLH)to prepare the peptide antigen after the purity was identified by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Male New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with polypeptide antigens of five species subcutaneously,with 2 for each kind of antigen. The antiserum was then obtained and purified by Protein A affinity chromatography to prepare the polyclonal antibody. The titers and specificity of the polyclonal antibodies were determined by ELISA and Western blot respectively,and the prepared five species of serum albumin were used to identify HSA products. Results The synthetic peptides of human,cattle,sheep,pig and horse serum albumin had a purity of over 91%,and the corresponding polyclonal antibodies all had the titer of 1∶160 000,which showed specific binding with the corresponding antigens and effectively identified the HSA products. Conclusion The polyclonal antibodies of human cattle,sheep,pig and horse serum albumin prepared in this study have good specificity and the preparation process is simple and rapid,suitable for the mass production,which lays a foundation of the development of HSA rapid identification kit.

Mechanism of ellagic acid improving cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS double transgenic mice based on PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on cognitive function in APP/PS 1 double- transgenic mice, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of ellagic acid on the level of oxidative stress in the hippocampus of double-transgenic mice based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (PI3K/AKT/GSK-3 β) signaling pathway. Methods Thirty-two SPF-grade 6-month-old APP/PS 1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into four groups, namely, APP/PS 1 group, APP/PS1 + EA group, APP/PS1 + LY294002 group, APP/PS 1 + EA + LY294002 group, with eight mice in each group, and eight SPF-grade C57BL/6J wild type mice ( Wild type) were selected as the blank control group. The APP/PS 1 + EA group was given 50 mg · kg

A Randomized，Double-blind，Multi-center Clinical Trial of Tengfu Jiangya Tablets Combined with Valsartan/Amlodipine in Treatment of Grade 2 Hypertension with Hyperactivity of Liver Yang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome. MethodAccording to a randomized，double-blind，and placebo parallel control method，288 patients with grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity from 7 subcenters were included. They were randomly divided into an observation group （144 cases） and a control group （144 cases），and then treated with Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine and placebo combined with valsartan/amlodipine，respectively. The efficacy was evaluated after four weeks of intervention. During the experiment，the safety indicators and adverse reaction events of the subjects were recorded for safety evaluation，and the efficacy indicators and TCM syndrome scores were recorded for effectiveness evaluation. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted on the statistical results of the main efficacy indicators such as blood pressure （BP） compliance rate to ensure the accuracy of the analysis results. 88 groups of blood samples from each of the treatment and control groups were included as test subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected from the patients in the clinical trial on the day before and after medication，and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed on the treated serum. The levels of arachidonic acid （AA），thromboxane B2 （TXB2），and prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） in the serum of the patients before and after treatment were measured to explore the regulation of inflammatory factors in the body by Tengfu Jiangya tablets. ResultA total of 271 patients （133 in the observation group and 138 in the control group） completed the trial. There was no statistically significant difference before and after treatment in such safety indicators as the blood routine （white blood cells，red blood cells，and platelets），urine routine （urinary protein and urinary red blood cells），alanine aminotransferase，aspartate aminotransferase，creatinine，urea，and abnormal electrocardiogram，and no serious adverse reactions were observed. After four weeks，the systolic blood pressure （SBP） difference and diastolic blood pressure （DBP） difference of patients in the observation group were greater than those in the control group（P<0.01）. According to the criteria for determining the antihypertensive effect，the overall response rate in the observation group［89.47%（119/133）］ was higher than that in the control group［57.97%（80/138）］ （Z=2.593，P<0.01）. The SBP compliance rate was 61.65%（82/133） and 37.68%（52/138） in the observation group and control group， respectively. The DBP compliance rate in the observation group was 78.20%（104/133），while in the control group it was 55.07%（76/138）. The overall BP compliance rate in the observation group was 48.12%（64/133），while in the control group it was 23.19%（32/138）. The BP compliance rates in the observation group were all significantly higher than those in the control group（χ2=15.571，16.236，18.404，P<0.01）. According to the criteria for evaluating the therapeutic effect of TCM syndrome integration，the overall response rate of the observation group［57.89%（77/133）］ was higher than that of the control group［38.41%（53/133）］ （Z=-3.172，P<0.01）.Compared with those before treatment， the levels of serum AA and TXB2 in the two groups were significantly decreased after treatment （P<0.01）， and the level of PGE2 in the observation group was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with those of the control group after treatment， the levels of AA and TXB2 in the observation group were significantly decreased， while the level of PGE2 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The results suggest that Tengfu Jiangya tablets can effectively reduce inflammatory factors，reduce the production of inflammatory mediators，and thus prevent the occurrence of inflammatory reactions in the treatment of patients with grade 2 hypertension. ConclusionTengfu Jiangya tablets can more effectively reduce patients' SBP and DBP，improve their BP compliance rates，and improve their TCM syndromes in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity. Its clinical application is safe. Tengfu Jiangya tablets has outstanding clinical efficacy and can be used as an effective intervention method for the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome.

Clinical efficacy of double plasma molecular absorption system and sequential plasma exchange combined with continuous renal replacement therapy in treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure with acute kidney injury / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of double plasma molecular adsorption system （DPMAS） and sequential plasma exchange （PE） combined with continuous renal replacement therapy （CRRT） in the treatment of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF） and acute kidney injury （AKI）. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 90 patients with ACLF and AKI who were hospitalized in The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2019 to December 2022， and according to the method for blood purification， they were divided into DPMAS sequential PE+CRRT group （observation group with 31 patients） and DPMAS sequential PE group （control group with 59 patients）. General data on admission and laboratory markers before and after blood purification were collected from all patients， including hepatic and renal function， coagulation function， and inflammation markers， and estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） and MELD combined with serum sodium concentration （MELD-Na） score were calculated. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data within each group before and after treatment， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsThe observation group had a significantly higher response rate than the control group ［48.4% （15/31） vs 27.1% （16/59）， χ2=4.071， P=0.044］. The methods for blood purification in both groups could effectively improve total bilirubin， alanine aminotransferase， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， prothrombin time activity， serum creatinine （Scr）， procalcitonin （PCT）， C-reactive protein， eGFR， and MELD-Na score （all P<0.05）， and both groups had significant reductions in platelet count （PLT） and hemoglobin （Hb） after treatment （all P<0.05）， while there were no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen， albumin， and international normalized ratio after treatment （all P>0.05）. There were significant differences between the two groups in the changes in AST， Scr， PCT， eGFR， MELD-Na score， Hb， and PLT after treatment （all P<0.05）. ConclusionDPMAS sequential PE combined with CRRT can effectively remove inflammatory mediators， improve renal function， stabilize the internal environment of human body， and achieve a relatively good clinical efficacy.

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy with Blood Stasis， Collateral Obstruction， and Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome with Tongluo Mingmu Capsules： A Randomized， Double-blind， and Multi-center Phase Ⅲ Clinical Trial / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tongluo Mingmu capsules in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy with blood stasis， collateral obstruction， and Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. MethodA randomized， double-blind， positive-control， and multi-center clinical trial design method was used. 416 patients with diabetic retinopathy with blood stasis， collateral obstruction， and Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome in four test centers were included （the ratio of the treatment group to the control group was 3∶1）. On the basis of standardized hypoglycemic treatment， the treatment group was given both four Tongluo Mingmu capsules and two Calcium Dobesilate capsule agents three times a day， while the control group were given both two Calcium Dobesilate capsules and four Tongluo Mingmu capsule agents three times a day. The course of treatment was 12 weeks. The curative effect of Tongluo Mingmu capsules was evaluated by comparing the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy， traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome score， corrected visual acuity， fundus changes， fundus fluorescence angiography， and other curative effect indexes before and after treatment in the two groups. At the same time， general examination， laboratory examination， and adverse events were performed to evaluate the safety of the drug. ResultThe baseline demographic data and disease characteristics of the treatment group and the control group were balanced and comparable， with the difference not statistically significant. After 12 weeks of treatment， the total effective rate of the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy in the treatment group （61.0%， 189/310） was better than that in the control group （44.1%， 45/102）， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=8.880， P<0.01）. The total effective rate of TCM syndromes in the treatment group （88.4%， 259/293） was better than that in the control group （69.9%， 65/93）， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=17.927， P<0.01）. The disappearance rate of dry eyes （χ2=8.305）， dull complexion （χ2=4.053）， lassitude （χ2=10.267）， shortness of breath （χ2=8.494）， and dry stool （χ2=8.657） in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group， and the difference between the groups was statistically significant （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In terms of improving corrected visual acuity （χ2=8.382）， fundus changes （χ2=6.026） ， the treatment group was significantly better than the control group （P<0.05）. During the trial， the incidence of adverse events in the treatment group and the control group was 1.3% and 2.9%， respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. In addition， there were no serious adverse events and adverse events leading to withdrawal in both groups. ConclusionTongluo Mingmu capsules can improve the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy and enhance the efficacy of TCM syndromes， visual acuity， fundus changes， and fundus fluorescein angiography， with great safety. Therefore， it can provide a new alternative therapeutic drug for patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Cell-to-Cell Communications of cGAS-STING Pathway in Tumor Immune Microenvironment / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Targeting cGAS-STING pathway is a promising strategy in tumor treatment. The pattern recognition receptor cGAS identifies dsDNA and catalyzes the formation of the second messenger 2'3'-cGAMP, activating the downstream interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines through the adaptor protein STING. Notably, in tumor immune microenvironment, key components of cGAS-STING pathway are transferred among neighboring cells. The intercellular transmission under these contexts serves to sustain and amplify innate immune responses while facilitating the emergence of adaptive immunity. The membrane-based system, including extracellular vesicles transport, phagocytosis and membrane fusion transmit dsDNA, cGAMP and activated STING, enhancing the immune surveillance and inflammatory. The membrane proteins, including specific protein channel and intercellular gap junctions, transfer cGAMP and dsDNA, which are crucial to regulate immune responses. And the ligand-receptor interactions for interferons transmission amplifies the anti-tumor response. This review elaborates on the regulatory mechanisms of cell-to-cell communications of cGAS-STING pathway in tumor immune microenvironment. We further explore how these mechanisms modulate immunological processes and discuss potential interventions and immunotherapeutic strategies targeting these signaling cascades.

Comparative study on efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in combination with ezetimibe and atorvastatin monotherapy among patients with dyslipidemia – A randomized and double-blind study

Background: Dyslipidemia is defined as the high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A (apo A) levels <10th percentile and/or total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B, or Lipoprotein (a) levels more than the 90th percentile. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination of Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe with Atorvastatin monotherapy among patients with dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blinded, prospective, and parallel-group study. Ninety-two outpatients of age in between 18 and 70 years from the Department of General Medicine who attended the hospital for the treatment of dyslipidemia were selected as study participants. Among 92 patients, 12 patients did not meet the study criteria. The remaining 80 patients were divided into two treatment groups at random and under double-blind conditions (39 in Group A and 41 in Group B). Each patient in both groups was followed for a period of 4 weeks after initiation of therapy. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were recorded at day 1, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks of therapy. Results: In this study, by the end of the study period (4 weeks), tablet Atorvastatin + tablet Ezetimibe combination therapy showed statistical significance difference in reducing mean total cholesterol and mean serum LDL levels in dyslipidemia cases than the group receiving Atorvastatin monotherapy. Conclusion: Atorvastatin in combination with Ezetimibe was more efficacious than Atorvastatin monotherapy in reducing total blood cholesterol and serum LDL levels. Atorvastatin plus Ezetimibe is equally safer as Atorvastatin monotherapy and well tolerated with fewer adverse effects.

Considerações ético-legais sobre a sedação paliativa: a discussão que a pandemia trouxe à tona no norte do Brasil / Ethical and legal considerations for palliative sedation: the debate sparked by the pandemic in northern Brazil / Consideraciones ético-legales sobre la sedación paliativa: la discusión que la pandemia trajo a la luz en el norte de Brasil

Objetivo: analisar o cabimento ético-legal da sedação paliativa, distinguindo-a de condutas que possam ser consideradas eutanásicas e, portanto, penalmente vedadas pelo ordenamento jurídico pátrio e tradicionalmente rechaçadas pelos Códigos de Ética profissionais. Metodologia: mediante pesquisa exploratória bibliográfica, a partir de obras doutrinárias especializadas no tema dos conceitos associados a fim de vida e da disciplina normativa vigente, o estudo buscou cotejar o uso da sedação paliativa com outras condutas e situações relacionadas a terminalidade e morte, de sorte a procurar identificar com maior clareza a qualificação ética e jurídica da prática, sua relevância e licitude no campo dos cuidados paliativos. Resultados: verificou-se que, em meio à crise pandêmica, situações de mistanásia por carência de recursos nas unidades de saúde do estado do Amazonas levaram a uma indevida confusão na compreensão social entre sedação paliativa e eutanásia, impondo-se a necessidade de esclarecer os conceitos e limites entre as condutas. Conclusão: constatou-se a possibilidade jurídica de sedação paliativa como conduta ética e legal, desde que exercida dentro das exigências da boa prática clínica, sem intenção de deliberado encurtamento vital.

Objective: to examine the ethical-legal significance of palliative sedation and to distinguish it from acts that can be described as euthanasia and are therefore prohibited by law in the national legal system and generally rejected by professional ethical Codes. Methods:an exploratory literature review based on textbooks on end-of-life concepts and current normative discipline was conducted to further determine the ethical and legal qualifications of the practice, its relevance and legality in the field of palliative care. Results: The findings revealed that, during the pandemic crisis, misthanasia due to lack of resources in health facilities in the state of Amazonas has led to an undue confusion in social understanding of palliative sedation and euthanasia, so that clarification of the concepts and boundaries between conducts is necessary. Conclusion: the legality of palliative sedation has been confirmed as an ethical and legal behavior, provided it is used within the parameters of good clinical practice and without the intention of deliberately shortening life.

Objetivo: evaluar las implicaciones éticas y legales de la sedación paliativa, diferenciándola de acciones que podrían ser consideradas eutanásicas y, por lo tanto, prohibidas por la ley nacional y tradicionalmente rechazadas por los Códigos de Ética profesional. Metodología: a través de una investigación bibliográfica exploratoria, basada en trabajos doctrinales especializados en el tema de los conceptos asociados al final de la vida y la disciplina normativa actual, el estudio buscó comparar el uso de la sedación paliativa con otras conductas y situaciones relacionadas con la terminalidad y la muerte, con el fin de buscar identificar más claramente la calificación ético-legal de la práctica, su pertinencia y legalidad en el campo de los cuidados paliativos. Resultados: durante la crisis pandémica, las situaciones de mistanasia en las unidades de salud del estado de Amazonas debido a la falta de recursos causaron una confusión indebida en el entendimiento social entre la sedación paliativa y la eutanasia , imponiendo la necesidad de esclarecer los conceptos y límites entre conductas. Conclusión: la sedación paliativa es legal y ética si se realiza dentro de las normas de la buena práctica clínica y sin la intención de reducir deliberadamente la vida.

Choosing the Correct?Sized Adult Double?Lumen Tube: Quest for the Holy Grail

Appropriate size selection of double?lumen tubes (DLTs) for one?lung ventilation (OLV) in adults is still a humongous task. Several important factors are to be considered like patient height, gender, tracheal diameter, left main bronchial diameter, and cricoid cartilage transverse diameter. In addition to radiological assessment of the airway diameters, the manufacturing details of the particular DLT being used also play a significant role in size selection. Optimal positioning of the appropriately sized DLT is indispensable to avoid complications like airway trauma, cuff rupture, hypoxemia, and tube displacement. It is imperative to know whether the one?size?fits?all dictum holds for DLT size selection as claimed by certain studies. Further randomized studies are required for crystallizing standard protocols ascertaining the correct DLT size. This systematic review article highlights the various parameters employed for DLT size selection and explores the newer DLTs used for adult OLV.

Double Outlet Right Ventricle Infective Endocarditis: A Rare Combination and a Therapeutic Challenge

Infective endocarditis involving the right side of the heart occurs rarely and often involves the tricuspid valve. The isolated pulmonary valve infective endocarditis (IPVIE) is a less common condition that occurs in specific population. The double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is an unusual congenital heart disease. The association of DORV and IPVIE darkens the prognosis. We report two cases of the association of DORV and IPVIE. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the base to the diagnosis. Right sided infective endocarditis in the lack of a guided strategy remains a therapeutic challenge.

Effect of double dose plateletpheresis on target yield and donor platelet recovery

Abstract Introduction The demand for apheresis platelets has increased in the recent past and the shrinking donor pool has shifted the trend to collection of double-dose or higher yield of platelets. Objective The present study aimed to determine the effect of double-dose plateletpheresis on the target yield and donor platelet recovery. Methods The study was conducted on 100 healthy plateletpheresis donors, 50 of whom were in the study group, which underwent double-dose plateletpheresis (DDP), and 50 of whom were in the control group for single-donor plateletpheresis. Pre- and post-procedure samples of donors were subjected to a complete blood count. The DDP product was sampled for platelet yield and then split into two parts. Platelet yield, collection efficiency, collection rate, recruitment factor and donor platelet loss were calculated. Results The mean platelet yield in the SDP was 4.09 ± 1.15 × 1011 and in the DDP, 5.93 ± 1.04 × 1011. There was a significant correlation between the pre-donation platelet count and platelet yield. The total of platelets processed for the SDP were 5.42 ± 1.08 × 1011 and for the DDP, 7.94 ± 0.77 × 1011. The collection efficiency was 71.93 ± 25.14% in the SDP and 72.94 ± 16.28% in the DDP, while the collection rates were 0.78 × 1011 and 0.94 × 1011 per minute, respectively. The average recruitment factor observed was 0.98 in the SDP, while it was 0.99 in the DDP. The mean platelet loss observed in the SDP was 35.55 ± 8.53% and in the DDP, 37.76 ± 8.65%. Conclusion The double-dose plateletpheresis supplements the platelet inventory in developing countries where the apheresis donor pool is limited. It is prudent to ensure stringent donor selection criteria for donors donating high-yield platelet products, thus enhancing donor safety and retention.

A comparative study on efficacy and safety of tablet duloxetine 60 mg and tablet gabapentin 300 mg among patients with diabetic polyneuropathy – A randomized double-blind study

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is defined as the presence of symptoms and signs of peripheral nerve damage among patients with diabetes, after ruling out other potential causes. Diabetic neuropathies are one among the most common long-term complications of diabetes. About 60% of diabetic patients are affected by neuropathy. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to study the efficacy and safety of tablet duloxetine 60 mg and tablet gabapentin 300 mg among patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. Materials and Methods: This study was randomized, comparative, double-blind parallel group study which was conducted for a period of 6 months. Sixty patients with diabetic polyneuropathic pain were randomly allocated into two groups. One group received duloxetine 60 mg and other group received gabapentin 300 mg. Efficacy was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS), short form of McGill pain questionnaire, and patients global impression of change score. Safety was assessed using adverse drug reaction profile. Results: In the duloxetine group, the mean VAS score at the baseline was 54.97 ± 6.75, and at 3 months, it was 20.07 ± 5.32 which was statistically significant. In the gabapentin group, the mean score at baseline was 53.57 ± 7.85, and at 3 months, it was 26.57 ± 4.39 which was also statistically significant. The difference between the baseline and 3rd month mean McGill score in both groups was statistically significant. Conclusions: We found that both duloxetine 60 mg once daily and gabapentin 300 mg once daily are effective in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathic pain. However, duloxetine 60 mg once daily is more efficacious than gabapentin 300 mg once daily in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain. Both the drugs are well tolerated but gabapentin is better tolerated than duloxetine.

An atypical presentation of talon cusp: Double talon cusps

Talon cusp is an uncommon developmental anomaly resulting in an extra cusp or cuspal projection on an anterior tooth consisting of normal enamel, dentin, and varying degrees of pulp tissue. Talon cusp shows varied presentations of which the palatal talon cusp has been the most common of all. The management requires an extensive understanding of this clinical entity and the complications associated with its occurrence. In this case series, we are reporting double talon cusps which is a rarity itself, involving the palatal aspect of maxillary central incisors

Trabalho, formação e política em debate na pesquisa-intervenção em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) de Porto Alegre (RS) / Work, professional development, and politics in debate in an intervention-research in a Basic Health Unit in Porto Alegre (RS)

Este artigo coloca em debate a relação entre trabalho, formação e política a partir de uma experiência de pesquisa-intervenção realizada com trabalhadores de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do município de Porto Alegre. Iniciamos posicionando a tríade "trabalho-formação-política" esboçando a compreensão que temos dessa relação. A seguir, apresentamos os principais operadores teórico-metodológicos utilizados na pesquisa, destacando o emprego da cartografia e o dispositivo da instrução ao sósia. Por fim, desenvolvemos trechos do material analisado por meio dos operadores conceituais e metodológicos propostos, indicando que a análise da atividade suscita a colocação de problemas aos saberes construídos no trabalho, constituindo outras maneiras de trabalhar em meio a debates que envolvem decisões relacionadas aos impactos do trabalho para os trabalhadores e o território onde atuam. Concluímos, com base na investigação feita, que a construção de saberes ao trabalhar não é somente uma tessitura de si ou de saberes, mas também, e necessariamente, da própria política, visto que viver o/no/pelo trabalho, renormatizando os processos, implica a tessitura dos modos de viver em conjunto

This article discusses the relationship between work, professional development, and politics based on an intervention-research experience conducted with workers of a Basic Health Unit in the city of Porto Alegre. We begin by positioning the "work-education-politics" triad, outlining our understanding of this relationship. Next, we present the main theoretical-methodological operators used in this research, highlighting the use of cartography and the device of the instruction to the double. Finally, we developed excerpts of the analyzed material with the proposed conceptual and methodological operators, indicating that the analysis of the activity leads to posing problems to the knowledge built at work, constituting other ways of working in the midst of debates that involve decisions related to the impacts of the work for the workers and the territory where they work. We conclude, based on the investigation carried out, that the construction of knowledge when working is not only a weaving of itself, or of knowledge, but also, and necessarily, of the policy itself, since living the/in/through work, normalizing the processes again, implies weaving the modes to live together

Doble colédoco, variante anatómica infrecuente de la vía biliar. Presentación de caso / Double common bile duct, a rare anatomical variant of the bile tract. Case report

Introducción: la presencia de un conducto colédoco doble es una variante anatómica infrecuente con menos de 200 casos publicados en la literatura hasta la fecha, siendo fundamental los estudios preoperatorios que se le deben realizar a los pacientes, a fin de tener la sospecha o el diagnóstico confirmado, no sólo de la variante anatómica, sino de la patología asociada, siendo estas la coledocolitiasis y las patologías malignas del árbol biliar las más frecuentes, aunque gran parte de los casos son hallazgos incidentales e intraoperatorios.Caso clínico : se presenta el caso de masculino de 81 años de edad, con antecedente de colecistectomía 20 años previos, con diagnóstico de síndrome ictérico obstructivo, y estudios de colangiorresonancia y CPRE que reportan coledocolitiasis. Se decide llevar a acto quirúrgico y se diagnóstica la presencia de conducto colédoco doble como hallazgo. Se realiza derivación biliodigestiva de tipo hepaticoyeyunoanastomosis más ligadura de conducto colédoco accesorio con evolución satisfactoria, con alta médica a los 5 días posteriores, y resultado de biopsia negativo para malignidad.Conclusión : el doble colédoco debe ser adecuadamente diagnosticado y estudiado, así no se confirme el diagnóstico preoperatorio los pacientes deben acudir con estos estudios realizados al acto quirúrgico, ya que, dicho tratamiento dependerá fundamentalmente de la patología asociada(AU)

Introduction: the presence of a double common bile duct is an infrequent anatomical variant with less than 200 cases published in the literature to the date, and preoperative studies that must be performed on patients are essential in order to have the suspicion or diagnosis confirmed, not only of the anatomical variant, but also of the associated pathology, these being choledocholithiasis and malignant pathologies of the biliary tract the most frequent, although most of the cases are incidental and intraoperative findings.Clinical case : the case of an 81-year-old male is presented, with a history of cholecystectomy 20 years prior, with a diagnosis of obstructive icteric syndrome, and magnetic resonance cholangiography and ERCP studies that reported choledocholithiasis. It was decided to carry out surgery and the presence of double common bile duct was diagnosed as a finding. Biliodigestive derivation hepaticojejunoanastomosis type and accessory common bile duct ligation was performed with satisfactory evolution, with medical discharge 5 days later, and biopsy result negative for malignancy.Conclusion : the double common bile duct should be properly diagnosed and studied, even if the preoperative diagnosis is not confirmed, patients should attend the surgical procedure with these studies, since said treatment will depend fundamentally on the associated pathology(AU)

Reflexo e sombra: o duplo e o narcisismo em hoffmann e chamisso / Reflection and shadow: the double and the narcissism in hoffmann and chamisso / Reflejo y penumbra: el doble y el narcisismo en hoffman y chamisso

Esta é uma pesquisa qualitativa, em formato de ensaio, que realiza o estudo comparado de duas obras literárias, de A. Von Chamisso e E. T. A. Hoffmann, e de uma anotação do diário deste último para problematizar a repercussão de algumas formas de desestabilizações do Eu na dinâmica psíquica da neurose. O foco dos textos referidos está no fenômeno do duplo na sua forma negativizada, isto é, como o desaparecimento da imagem exterior que dá suporte ao Eu. As ausências da sombra e do reflexo são entendidas como representações metafóricas de uma alteração do Eu que engendra repercussões importantes na homeostase psíquica, sobretudo nas relações sociais de troca. Explora-se daí a menção no diário de Hoffmann de instrumentos ópticos para interrogar o uso desses aparelhos como modelos metapsicológicos na psicanálise. Salienta-se, ainda, a participação de processos de natureza estética na dinâmica psíquica do infamiliar, tomando como referência a ligação entre o conto de Hoffmann e o relato de Stendhal sobre a sua estadia em Florença.(AU)

This is a qualitative research, in essay format, which performs the comparative study of two literary works, by A. Von Chamisso and E. T. A. Hoffmann, and an annotation in the latter's diary to problematize the repercussion of some forms of destabilization of the Ego's in the psychic dynamics of neurosis. The focus of the referred texts is on the phenomenon of the double in its negative form, that is, as the disappearance of the outer image that supports the Ego. The absences of the shadow and the reflection are understood as metaphorical representations of an alteration of the Ego that generates important repercussions on psychic homeostasis, above all in social relationships of exchange. Thus, we analyze the mention of optical instruments in Hoffmann's diary to question the use of these devices as metapsychological models in psychoanalysis. Note, also, the participation of processes of aesthetic nature in the psychic dynamics of the uncanny, taking as reference the connection between Hoffmann's short story and Stendhal's account of his stay in Florence.(AU)

Este ensayo cualitativo realiza un estudio comparativo de dos obras literarias de A. Von Chamisso y de E. T. A. Hoffmann, junto con una anotación en el diario de este último para problematizar la repercusión de algunas formas de desestabilizaciones de la función del Yo en la dinámica psíquica de la neurosis. Los textos se centran en el fenómeno del doble en su forma negativa, como la desaparición de la imagen exterior que sostiene el Yo. Se entienden las ausencias de la penumbra y el reflejo como una representación metafórica de una alteración de la función del Yo que genera importantes repercusiones en la regulación psíquica, sobre todo en las relaciones de intercambio social. Se analiza la presencia en el diario de Hoffmann de instrumentos ópticos para discutir el uso de estos dispositivos como modelos metapsicológicos en psicoanálisis. Se destaca la reverberación de procesos de naturaleza estética en la dinámica psíquica de lo ominoso, tomando como referencia la conexión entre el cuento de Hoffmann y el relato de Stendhal sobre su estancia en Florencia.(AU)

Une double discordance cardiaque complexe décompensée, à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature / A double cardiac discordance decompensated, about a case and review of the literature

La double discordance est une cardiopathie congénitale complexe extrêmement rare, elle se caractérise par une discordance auriculo-ventriculaire suivie d'une autre discordance ventriculo-artérielle. Son diagnostic est posé généralement à l'âge adulte par des examens d'imagerie. Son pronostic dépend essentiellement des autres malformations congénitales cardiaques associées, des arythmies et des troubles de la conduction, ainsi que de la fonction systolique du ventricule droit en position systémique. Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient âgé de 23 ans, porteur d'une cardiopathie congénitale complexe cyanogène. Il s'agit d'une double discordance associée à une large communication interventriculaire sous aortique avec un shunt inversé et une hypoplasie de l'artère pulmonaire. Ce diagnostic a été confirmé par l'imagerie multimodale. Non opéré, le patient a vu son stade fonctionnel s'aggraver rapidement avec une dyspnée qui est passée d'un stade I à un stade III-IV de la New York Heart Association (NYHA), et apparition de signes hypoxiques et congestifs. A travers cette observation, nous avons précisé les caractéristiques anatomocliniques de cette cardiopathie congénitale complexe cyanogène, son exploration, ses options thérapeutiques, ainsi que le rôle péjoratif de son association avec d'autres malformations congénitales.

Double discordance is an extremely rare complex congenital heart disease; It is characterized by atrioventricular discordance followed by another ventriculo-arterial discordance. Its diagnosis is usually made in adulthood by imaging examinations. Its prognosis depends mainly on other associated congenital heart defects, arrhythmias and disorders of the conduction, as well as systolic function of the right ventricle in the systemic position. We report the case of a 23-year-old patient with a complex cyanogen heart disease.It is a double discordance associated to an interventricular communication with reverse shunt and an hypoplasia of the pulmonary artery.This Diagnosis was confirmed in multimodal imaging. Non-operated, the patient saw his functional status worsen rapidly with dyspnea which went from stage I to stage III-IV of the New York Heart Association (NYHA), and appearance of hypoxic and congestive signs. Through this observation, we have clarified the anatomoclinical characteristics of this complex congenital cyanogens heart disease, the necessary explorations and the different therapeutic options, as well as the pejorative role of its association with other congenital malformations.