Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Mostrar: 20 | 50 | 100
Resultados 1 - 20 de 46
Filtrar
1.
Heliyon ; 10(15): e34857, 2024 Aug 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39166002

RESUMEN

This paper presents a mathematical optimization framework for the strategic placement of quasi-dynamic wireless charging (QWC) stations within road networks to address the charging needs of battery electric buses (BEBs). This study evaluates two scenarios for powering the buses. In the first scenario, a grid-connected system is considered. The optimization aims to minimize annual costs related to capital, operation, and energy losses of the electric bus fleet. This involves determining the optimal locations for QWC stations, the length of power transmitters, and the corresponding battery capacities for the BEBs. Using MATLAB-based optimization tools Casadi and Yalmip, with solvers Bonmin and Fmincon, the optimal configuration includes a 13 kWh battery capacity and a 300 m power transmitter distributed across five bus stop areas. The second scenario employs a chance-constrained optimization approach for an isolated solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS). This system is designed to reliably meet the BEBs' energy requirements throughout the day, considering different seasonal data (winter, summer, all seasons/year-round). The optimization results for the PV and BESS capacities vary with the seasons: 394.247 kW and 2012.6 kWh using summer data, 1762.1 kW and 2738.2 kWh using winter data, and 1610.8 kW and 2741.9 kWh using year-round data. Additionally, the paper examines the impact of varying bus fleet sizes on the optimal battery size and power transmitter combination using a real-world example of the bus route between Khalifa City and Abu Dhabi Downtown in the UAE. The findings suggest that larger batteries with fewer or no charging stations are more economical for smaller fleets. Conversely, as the fleet size increases, a combination of smaller battery sizes and a greater number (and length) of QWC (power transmitters) becomes more cost-effective. This research offers significant insights into the efficient deployment of QWC stations and the integration of renewable energy and energy storage for sustainable urban electric bus networks. The proposed optimization models provide a systematic approach to designing and operating charging infrastructure, contributing to sustainable urban transportation systems. Moreover, the study highlights the influence of seasonal data on PV system sizing and costs.

2.
Viruses ; 16(7)2024 Jun 30.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39066223

RESUMEN

Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 2019, nearly 700 million COVID-19 cases and 7 million deaths have been reported globally. Despite most individuals recovering within four weeks, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 7.5% to 41% develop post-acute infection syndrome (PAIS), known as 'Long COVID'. This review provides current statistics on Long COVID's prevalence, explores hypotheses concerning epidemiological factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, initial COVID-19 severity, and vaccine interactions, and delves into potential mechanisms, including immune responses, viral persistence, and gut dysbiosis. Moreover, we conclude that women, advanced age, comorbidities, non-vaccination, and low socioeconomic status all appear to be risk factors. The reasons for these differences are still not fully understood and likely involve a complex relationship between social, genetic, hormonal, and other factors. Furthermore, individuals with Long COVID-19 seem more likely to endure economic hardship due to persistent symptoms. In summary, our findings further illustrate the multifaceted nature of Long COVID and underscore the importance of understanding the epidemiological factors and potential mechanisms needed to develop effective therapeutic strategies and interventions.


Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Síndrome Post Agudo de COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Comorbilidad , Prevalencia , Femenino , Masculino , Disbiosis
3.
J Pediatr Surg ; 59(8): 1486-1497, 2024 Aug.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38692944

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgeons have faced esophageal reconstruction challenges for decades owing to a variety of congenital and acquired conditions. This work aimed to introduce a reproducible and efficient approach for creating tissue-engineered esophageal tissue using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) cultured in preconditioned mediums seeded on a sheep decellularized tunica vaginalis (DTV) scaffold for partial reconstruction of a rabbit's esophagus. METHODS: DTV was performed using SDS and Triton X-100 solutions. The decellularized grafts were employed alone (DTV group) or after recellularization with BMSCs cultured for 10 days in preconditioned mediums (RTV group) for reconstructing a 3 cm segmental defect in the cervical esophagus of rabbits (n = 20) after the decellularization process was confirmed. Rabbits were observed for one month, after which they were euthanized, and the reconstructed esophagi were harvested for histological analysis. RESULTS: Six rabbits in the DTV group and eight rabbits in the RTV group survived until the end of the one-month study period. Despite histological examination demonstrating that both grafts completely repaired the esophageal defect, the RTV graft demonstrated a histological structure similar to that of the normal esophagus. The reconstructed esophagi in the RTV group revealed the arrangement of the different layers of the esophageal wall with the formation of newly formed blood vessels and Schwann-like cells. CONCLUSION: DTV xenograft is a novel scaffold that promotes cell adhesion and differentiation and might be effectively utilized for regenerating esophageal tissue, paving the way for future clinical trials in pediatric patients.


Asunto(s)
Esófago , Ingeniería de Tejidos , Andamios del Tejido , Animales , Conejos , Ingeniería de Tejidos/métodos , Esófago/cirugía , Ovinos , Esofagoplastia/métodos , Trasplante de Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/métodos
4.
Liver Transpl ; 30(7): 728-741, 2024 Jul 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38315053

RESUMEN

Chronic HCV infection induces interferon and dysregulates immune responses through inflammation and chronic antigenic stimulation. Antiviral drugs can cure HCV, providing a unique opportunity to examine the immunological restoration that does and does not occur when a chronic viral infection is eradicated. We quantified blood cytokines levels and used mass cytometry to immunophenotype peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after HCV cure in 2 groups of patients and controls. At baseline, serum interferon α and soluble CD163 (a macrophage product) were elevated in both liver transplant and nonliver transplant patients compared to controls; the frequencies of several peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations differed from controls; and programmed death protein 1-positivity was increased in nearly all T cell subsets. Many abnormalities persisted after HCV cure, including elevated programmed death protein 1 expression on CD4 naïve and central memory T cells, elevated soluble CD163, and expansion of the plasmablast/plasma cell compartment. Several myeloid-lineage subsets, including Ag-presenting dendritic cells, remained dysregulated. In mechanistic studies, interferon α treatment increased programmed death protein 1 on human T cells and increased T cell receptor signaling. The data identify immunological abnormalities that persist after curative HCV treatment. Before cure, high levels of interferon α may stimulate programmed death protein 1 expression on human T cells, causing persistent functional changes.


Asunto(s)
Antígenos CD , Antígenos de Diferenciación Mielomonocítica , Antivirales , Hepatitis C Crónica , Interferón-alfa , Trasplante de Hígado , Humanos , Trasplante de Hígado/efectos adversos , Masculino , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Femenino , Antígenos CD/inmunología , Antígenos CD/sangre , Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Antígenos de Diferenciación Mielomonocítica/sangre , Antígenos de Diferenciación Mielomonocítica/inmunología , Hepatitis C Crónica/inmunología , Hepatitis C Crónica/tratamiento farmacológico , Hepatitis C Crónica/sangre , Hepatitis C Crónica/cirugía , Interferón-alfa/uso terapéutico , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/inmunología , Receptores de Superficie Celular/sangre , Receptores de Superficie Celular/inmunología , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Anciano , Hepacivirus/inmunología , Hepacivirus/efectos de los fármacos , Leucocitos Mononucleares/inmunología , Citocinas/sangre , Inmunofenotipificación , Resultado del Tratamiento
5.
Life (Basel) ; 14(2)2024 Jan 23.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38398672

RESUMEN

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions worldwide since its outbreak in the winter of 2019. While extensive research has primarily focused on the deleterious respiratory effects of SARS-CoV-2 in recent years, its pan-tropism has become evident. Among the vital organs susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection is the kidney. Post SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients have developed coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), with reported incidences of COVID-19 patients developing acute kidney injury (AKI). Given COVID-19's multisystemic manifestation, our review focuses on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection within the renal system with an emphasis on the current hypotheses regarding the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Emerging studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect the kidney, whereas EVs are involved in the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 particles to other neighboring cells. Once the viral particles are within the kidney system, many proinflammatory signaling pathways are shown to be activated, resulting in AKI. Hence, clinical investigation of urinary proinflammatory components and total urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) with viral particles have been used to assess the severity of AKI in patients with COVID-19. Remarkedly, new emerging studies have shown the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) and ACE2-containing EVs as a hopeful therapeutic tool to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication and block viral entry, respectively. Overall, understanding EVs' physiological role is crucial and hopefully will rejuvenate our therapeutic approach towards COVID-19 patients with AKI.

6.
Viruses ; 16(1)2024 01 18.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38257839

RESUMEN

Since its discovery in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 still makes the headline news [...].


Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Virus ARN , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2/genética , COVID-19/epidemiología , Evolución Biológica
7.
Microorganisms ; 11(12)2023 Dec 10.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38138096

RESUMEN

Acute hepatitis is defined as an inflammation or injury in the hepatocytes that continues for a short period of time (less than 6 months) [...].

8.
BMC Gastroenterol ; 22(1): 542, 2022 Dec 27.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36575373

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Accurate rectal tumor staging guides the choice of treatment options. EUS and MRI are the main modalities for staging. AIM OF THE WORK: To compare the performance of EUS and MRI for loco-regional staging of anorectal cancer after neo-adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Seventy-three (37 male, 36 female) patients with rectal cancer after neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy were enrolled. Histopathological staging after surgery were used as reference for comparing the yield of loco-regional staging for EUS and MRI. EUS and MRI were done 1 month after completion of neo-adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Regarding post-surgical T staging, eight patients had early tumor (T2 = 16 and T1 = 9) and thirty six were locally advanced (T3 = 36), while N staging, forty patients with negative nodes and 33 were positive (N1 = 22 and N2 = 11). Comparing EUS to MRI, it showed a higher sensitivity (95.7% vs. 78.7%), specificity (84.6% vs. 68.0%) and accuracy (91.8% vs. 75.3%) for staging early and locally advanced tumor. Also, it had a higher sensitivity (78.8% vs. 69.7%), specificity (75.0% vs. 65.0%) and accuracy (76.7% vs. 67.1%) for detection of lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: EUS appears to be more accurate than MRI in loco-regional staging of rectal carcinoma after neo-adjuvant therapy.


Asunto(s)
Neoplasias del Ano , Neoplasias del Recto , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Neoplasias del Recto/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias del Recto/terapia , Neoplasias del Recto/patología , Terapia Neoadyuvante , Endosonografía/métodos , Neoplasias del Ano/patología , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad
9.
Molecules ; 27(20)2022 Oct 18.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36296626

RESUMEN

Herein, we report the synthesis of spinel cobalt oxide nanorods (Co3O4 NRs) by a modified co-precipitation approach and examine their larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared Co3O4 NRs were emphasized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that Co3O4 nanostructures have a face-centered spinel cubic crystal structure with a mean crystallite size of 38 nm. These nanostructures have a rod like shape with a mean diameter of 30 nm and an average length of 60 nm. The TGA measurements revealed the high stability of the formed spinel cubic structure at 400 °C. The optical behavior indicates the direct transition of electrons through an optical band gap in the range of 2.92-3.08 eV. These unique chemical and physical properties of Co3O4 NRs enabled them to be employed as a strong agent for killing the C. pipiens. A comparison study was employed between the as-prepared Co3O4 and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum as a control agent of C. pipiens larvae. The results revealed that the as-prepared nanorods have higher mortality against C. pipiens larvae compared with the well-known M. brunneum.


Asunto(s)
Culex , Metarhizium , Nanotubos , Animales , Larva/microbiología , Nanotubos/química , Esporas Fúngicas
10.
JCI Insight ; 6(19)2021 10 08.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34622805

RESUMEN

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by profound primary antibody defects and frequent infections, yet autoimmune/inflammatory complications of unclear origin occur in 50% of individuals and lead to increased mortality. Here, we show that circulating bacterial 16S rDNA belonging to gut commensals was significantly increased in CVID serum (P < 0.0001), especially in patients with inflammatory manifestations (P = 0.0007). Levels of serum bacterial DNA were associated with parameters of systemic immune activation, increased serum IFN-γ, and the lowest numbers of isotype-switched memory B cells. Bacterial DNA was bioactive in vitro and induced robust host IFN-γ responses, especially among patients with CVID with inflammatory manifestations. Patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (Bruton tyrosine kinase [BTK] deficiency) also had increased circulating bacterial 16S rDNA but did not exhibit prominent immune activation, suggesting that BTK may be a host modifier, dampening immune responses to microbial translocation. These data reveal a mechanism for chronic immune activation in CVID and potential therapeutic strategies to modify the clinical outcomes of this disease.


Asunto(s)
Agammaglobulinemia/sangre , Inmunodeficiencia Variable Común/sangre , ADN Bacteriano/sangre , ADN Ribosómico/sangre , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/genética , Enfermedades Genéticas Ligadas al Cromosoma X/sangre , Inflamación/sangre , Adolescente , Adulto , Agammaglobulinemia/inmunología , Anciano , Anemia Hemolítica Autoinmune/sangre , Anemia Hemolítica Autoinmune/complicaciones , Anemia Hemolítica Autoinmune/inmunología , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Traslocación Bacteriana , Niño , Preescolar , Inmunodeficiencia Variable Común/complicaciones , Inmunodeficiencia Variable Común/inmunología , ADN Bacteriano/inmunología , ADN Ribosómico/inmunología , Femenino , Enfermedades Genéticas Ligadas al Cromosoma X/inmunología , Granuloma/sangre , Granuloma/complicaciones , Granuloma/inmunología , Humanos , Cambio de Clase de Inmunoglobulina , Memoria Inmunológica/inmunología , Inflamación/inmunología , Interferón gamma/sangre , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/sangre , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/complicaciones , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/inmunología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Poliendocrinopatías Autoinmunes/sangre , Poliendocrinopatías Autoinmunes/complicaciones , Poliendocrinopatías Autoinmunes/inmunología , Púrpura Trombocitopénica Idiopática/sangre , Púrpura Trombocitopénica Idiopática/complicaciones , Púrpura Trombocitopénica Idiopática/inmunología , Esplenomegalia/sangre , Esplenomegalia/complicaciones , Esplenomegalia/inmunología , Adulto Joven
11.
Arch Virol ; 166(10): 2673-2682, 2021 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34297222

RESUMEN

Traditional veterinary virus vaccines, such as inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines, have achieved tremendous success in controlling many viral diseases of livestock and chickens worldwide. However, many recent viral outbreaks caused by different emerging and re-emerging viruses continue to be reported annually worldwide. It is therefore necessary to develop new control regimens. Nanoparticle research has received considerable attention in the last two decades as a promising platform with significant success in veterinary medicine, replacing traditional viral vector vaccines. However, the field of nanoparticle applications is still in its initial phase of growth. Here, we discuss various preparation methods, characteristics, physical properties, antiviral effects, and pharmacokinetics of well-developed nanoparticles and the potential of nanoparticles or nano-vaccines as a promising antiviral platform for veterinary medicine.


Asunto(s)
Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Nanopartículas/uso terapéutico , Medicina Veterinaria , Virosis/veterinaria , Animales , Antivirales/química , Antivirales/clasificación , Pollos , Ganado , Nanopartículas/química , Nanopartículas/clasificación , Preparaciones Farmacéuticas , Vacunas Virales/química , Vacunas Virales/clasificación , Vacunas Virales/uso terapéutico , Virosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Virosis/prevención & control , Virus/efectos de los fármacos , Virus/inmunología
12.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 1551, 2021 01 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33452360

RESUMEN

Viral hepatitis leads to immune-mediated liver injury. The rate of disease progression varies between individuals. We aimed to phenotype immune cells associated with preservation of normal liver function during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Clinical data and specimens were obtained from 19 HCV-infected patients undergoing liver transplantation. Liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and eight subsets of innate immune cells were delineated by multiparameter flow cytometry. Cytokine assays and microarrays were performed. Intrahepatic CD56Bright/CD16- natural killer (NK) cells comprised the only subset correlating with better liver function, i.e., lower bilirubin (p = 0.0002) and lower model for end stage of liver disease scores (p = 0.03). The signature of liver NK cells from HCV-infected patients included genes expressed by NK cells in normal liver and by decidual NK cells. Portal vein blood had a higher concentration of interleukin (IL)-10 than peripheral blood (p = 0.03). LMCs were less responsive to toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation than PBMCs, with fewer pro-inflammatory gene-expression pathways up-regulated after in vitro exposure to lipopolysaccharide and a TLR-7/8 agonist. Hepatic CD56Bright/CD16- NK cells may be critical for maintaining liver homeostasis. Portal vein IL-10 may prime inhibitory pathways, attenuating TLR signaling and reducing responsiveness to pro-inflammatory stimuli.


Asunto(s)
Hepatitis C/inmunología , Células Asesinas Naturales/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Anciano , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Femenino , Citometría de Flujo/métodos , Hepacivirus/patogenicidad , Hepatitis C/metabolismo , Hepatitis C/fisiopatología , Humanos , Inmunidad Innata/inmunología , Inmunidad Innata/fisiología , Inmunofenotipificación , Células Asesinas Naturales/patología , Leucocitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Hígado/inmunología , Pruebas de Función Hepática/métodos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad
13.
Complement Ther Clin Pract ; 39: 101149, 2020 May.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32379681

RESUMEN

Hot sand baths are used for the treatment musculoskeletal diseases. The aim of this study was to assess beneficial effect of black sand bathing in the treatment of antenatal carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Study was conducted in single case with CTS of the right dominant hand. The treatment time was 20 min/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. CTS were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), pinch gauge dynamometer and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) with electrophysiological studies at baseline and at week 2. Pain intensity (VAS) was decreased (34.2%), Tip, Key and Tripod pinch strengths were increased (14.29%), (19.23%) and (21.74%) respectively. Mean scores on the BCTQ-SSS and BCTSQ-FSS were decreased (23.69%) and (20.7%) respectively. Electrophysiological studies revealed that decreased mMDL (11.47%), increased mSNCV (9.23%) at the end of treatment. The black sand bathing is supported as a complementary therapy in antenatal CTS.


Asunto(s)
Síndrome del Túnel Carpiano/terapia , Calor/uso terapéutico , Arena , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Embarazo , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Escala Visual Analógica
14.
PLoS Pathog ; 15(7): e1007935, 2019 07.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31356648

RESUMEN

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are "natural" interferon α (IFNα)-producing cells. Despite their importance to antiviral defense, autoimmunity, and ischemic liver graft injury, because DC subsets are rare and heterogeneous, basic questions about liver pDC function and capacity to make cytokines remain unanswered. Previous investigations failed to consistently detect IFNα mRNA in HCV-infected livers, suggesting that pDCs may be incapable of producing IFNα. We used a combination of molecular, biochemical, cytometric, and high-dimensional techniques to analyze DC frequencies/functions in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, to examine correlations between DC function and gene expression of matched whole liver tissue and liver mononuclear cells (LMCs), and to determine if pDCs can produce multiple cytokines. T cells often produce multiple cytokines/chemokines but until recently technical limitations have precluded tests of polyfunctionality in individual pDCs. Mass cytometry (CyTOF) revealed that liver pDCs are the only LMC that produces detectable amounts of IFNα in response TLR-7/8 stimulation. Liver pDCs secreted large quantities of IFNα (~2 million molecules of IFNα/cell/hour) and produced more IFNα than PBMCs after stimulation, p = 0.0001. LMCs secreted >14-fold more IFNα than IFNλ in 4 hours. Liver pDC frequency positively correlated with whole liver expression of "IFNα-response" pathway (R2 = 0.58, p = 0.007) and "monocyte surface" signature (R2 = 0.54, p = 0.01). Mass cytometry revealed that IFNα-producing pDCs were highly polyfunctional; >90% also made 2-4 additional cytokines/chemokines of our test set of 10. Liver BDCA1 DCs, but not BDCA3 DCs, were similarly polyfunctional. pDCs from a healthy liver were also polyfunctional. Our data show that liver pDCs retain the ability to make abundant IFNα during chronic HCV infection and produce many other immune modulators. Polyfunctional liver pDCs are likely to be key drivers of inflammation and immune activation during chronic HCV infection.


Asunto(s)
Citocinas/biosíntesis , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Hepatitis C Crónica/inmunología , Interferón-alfa/biosíntesis , Anciano , Antígenos CD1/sangre , Antígenos CD1/metabolismo , Antígenos de Superficie/sangre , Antígenos de Superficie/metabolismo , Quimiocinas/biosíntesis , Células Dendríticas/clasificación , Células Dendríticas/patología , Femenino , Glicoproteínas/sangre , Glicoproteínas/metabolismo , Hepatitis C Crónica/sangre , Hepatitis C Crónica/patología , Humanos , Interferón-alfa/sangre , Interferón gamma/biosíntesis , Interferón gamma/sangre , Hígado/inmunología , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Trombomodulina
15.
Microbiol Immunol ; 63(2): 77-84, 2019 Feb.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30680771

RESUMEN

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious nosocomial infection that affects patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, certain HBV variants are not detected by routine serological tests in Egyptian dialysis units because of mutations that change important viral antigens (Ags). Of note, these mutations can result in the appearance of different HBV variants with different clinical manifestations. Thus, the present study aimed to assess different clinical forms of HBV infections and viral genotypes among patients undergoing HD in the Ismailia governorate of Egypt. To this end, serum samples were collected from 150 patients undergoing HD and screened for HBV-DNA using a nested PCR technique. Positive samples were then screened for HBV serological markers (hepatitis B core antibody [HBcAb], hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B e antibody) using ELISA and the HBV viral load quantitated by qPCR. HBV genotypes were detected by direct sequencing of the partial surface (S) gene. The most common clinical form of HBV infection in our study cohort was overt HBV infection (10%); followed by seropositive occult hepatitis B infection (7.3%), most of whom had an isolated HBcAb. The least common form was the precore mutant (1.3%). All HBV isolates were genotype D. This study reveals the importance of HBcAb and PCR in screening for HBV, especially for detection of occult hepatitis B infection.


Asunto(s)
Genotipo , Virus de la Hepatitis B/aislamiento & purificación , Virus de la Hepatitis B/patogenicidad , Hepatitis B/diagnóstico , Hepatitis B/virología , Diálisis Renal , Adulto , Secuencia de Bases , ADN Viral/análisis , ADN Viral/aislamiento & purificación , Egipto/epidemiología , Femenino , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Hepatitis B/inmunología , Anticuerpos contra la Hepatitis B/sangre , Antígenos de la Hepatitis B/genética , Antígenos de Superficie de la Hepatitis B/sangre , Antígenos e de la Hepatitis B/sangre , Virus de la Hepatitis B/clasificación , Virus de la Hepatitis B/genética , Hepatitis B Crónica/diagnóstico , Hepatitis B Crónica/epidemiología , Hepatitis B Crónica/inmunología , Hepatitis B Crónica/virología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mutación , Filogenia , Prevalencia , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Pruebas Serológicas , Carga Viral
16.
Clin Endosc ; 52(4): 360-364, 2019 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30625265

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has a limited ability to determine the nature of solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs). Most recent ultrasound processors are provided with elastography software, which allows quantification of the tissue hardness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the elasticity score (ES) and strain ratio (SR) in the differentiation of benign pancreatic lesions from malignant pancreatic lesions. METHODS: The study had a retrospective design; it included 97 patients with SPLs and 19 patients with inflammatory lesions. The ES and SR were determined during the examination; finally, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration was performed. RESULTS: In this 2-year study, 116 patients were enrolled (97 with malignant lesions and 19 with benign lesions). There were 69 men and 47 women. Their median age was 55.9 years. A cut-off point was detected at SR of 7.75 with a specificity of 99.9%, sensitivity of 90.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 99.9%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 67.9%, and accuracy of 92.2%. After adding the ES to the SR, the cut-off point at 7.75 resulted in a specificity of 94.6%, sensitivity of 99%, PPV of 98%, NPV of 98.5%, and accuracy of 97%. CONCLUSION: The use of the ES combined with the SR increases the accuracy of differentiation between benign and malignant SPLs and is an effective method for the evaluation of pancreatic masses.

17.
Diagn Ther Endosc ; 2018: 7186341, 2018.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30425445

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The differentiation between malignant and benign lymph nodes (LNs) is important for tumor staging, for detection of prognosis, and for selection of the best treatment strategy in many cancers. On B-mode EUS, there are some known criteria that suggest the malignant nature of LNs; these criteria may be found in benign LNs. The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of elasticity score and SR to differentiate between benign and malignant LNs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective study that included 40 patients with abdominal or mediastinal LNs, either associated with primary masses or isolated, referred for EUS evaluation. Elasticity scores and SR were determined during the examination and finally, EUS-FNA was done at the end of the procedure. RESULTS: In this 2-years study, 40 patients were enrolled (24 malignant; 16 benign). There were 23 males and 17 females. Their mean age was 52.5 years (range: 28-77). ES alone had a specificity of 87.5%, sensitivity of 41.7%, PPV of 83.3%, NPV of 50%, and accuracy of 60%. Based on the ROC curve analysis results, the best cut-off level of SR to obtain the maximum area under the curve (AUC) was 6.7 with a specificity of 99.9%, sensitivity of 57.1%, PPV of 99.9%, NPV of 64%, and accuracy of 77.5%. CONCLUSION: The use of elasticity score and SR increases the reliability of differentiation between benign and malignant LNs and can decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies.

18.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30406036

RESUMEN

Viral mutations acquired during the course of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are known to be associated with the progression and severity of HBV-related liver disease. This study of HBV-infected Saudi Arabian patients aimed to identify amino acid substitutions within the precore/core (preC/C) region of HBV, and investigate their impact on disease progression toward hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients were categorized according to the severity of their disease, and were divided into the following groups: inactive HBV carriers, active HBV carriers, liver cirrhosis patients, and HCC patients. Two precore mutations, W28* and G29D, and six core mutations, F24Y, E64D, E77Q, A80I/T/V, L116I, and E180A were significantly associated with the development of cirrhosis and HCC. Six of the seven significant core mutations that were identified in this study were located within immuno-active epitopes; E77Q, A80I/T/V, and L116I were located within B-cell epitopes, and F24Y, E64D, and V91S/T were located within T-cell epitopes. Multivariate risk analysis confirmed that the core mutations A80V and L116I were both independent predictors of HBV-associated liver disease progression. In conclusion, our data show that mutations within the preC/C region, particularly within the immuno-active epitopes, may contribute to the severity of liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis. Furthermore, we have identified several distinct preC/C mutations within the study population that affect the clinical manifestation and progression of HBV-related disease. The specific identity of HBV mutations that are associated with severe disease varies between different ethnic populations, and so the specific preC/C mutations identified here will be useful for predicting clinical outcomes and identifying the HBV-infected patients within the Saudi population that are at high risk of developing HCC.


Asunto(s)
Carcinoma Hepatocelular/virología , Antígenos del Núcleo de la Hepatitis B/genética , Virus de la Hepatitis B/genética , Hepatitis B Crónica/virología , Cirrosis Hepática/virología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/virología , Mutación Missense , Adulto , Anciano , Sustitución de Aminoácidos , Portador Sano/virología , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Femenino , Virus de la Hepatitis B/aislamiento & purificación , Hepatitis B Crónica/complicaciones , Hepatitis B Crónica/patología , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Arabia Saudita , Adulto Joven
19.
Front Immunol ; 9: 1001, 2018.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29910796

RESUMEN

The complement system bridges innate and adaptive immunity against microbial infections, with viral infection being a major trigger. Activation of the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways have been reported in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and/or cryoglobulinemia. HCV infection leads to dysregulation of complement-mediated immune responses. Clinical and experimental evidence support involvement of complement in intra- and extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection, such as liver fibrosis and type II cryoglobulinemia. In this review, we summarize studies that have investigated the interplay between HCV and the complement system to establish chronic infection and autoimmunity, as well as the association between HCV pathogenesis and abnormal complement profiles. Several unanswered questions are highlighted which suggest additional informative lines of investigation.


Asunto(s)
Autoinmunidad , Complemento C1q/inmunología , Proteínas del Sistema Complemento/inmunología , Crioglobulinemia/inmunología , Hepatitis C Crónica/inmunología , Animales , Activación de Complemento , Crioglobulinemia/virología , Hepacivirus/inmunología , Hepatitis C Crónica/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Cirrosis Hepática/virología , Ratones
20.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29780225

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The sensori-motor manifestations of Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) are usually severe enough to mask the psychiatric and sleep problems which are in need for more attention for better functional outcome. METHODS: This study was performed on 20 GBS patients and 10 healthy controls. Patients were evaluated initially before immunotherapy using the Overall Disability Sum Score (ODSS), Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and one-night polysomnography (PSG) followed by the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to evaluate the mean sleep latencies. Reevaluation was done using the same parameters 1 month after completing immunotherapy. RESULTS: The study showed significant increase in HAS in GBS patients which were positively correlated with the degree of motor disability. The mean sleep latencies of MSLT were significantly shortened and PSG showed shortening of the total sleep time, sleep efficiency, lowest O2 saturation and pulse transit time with increased wake after sleep onset, sleep stage transition index, apnea hypopnea index, desaturation index, arousal index, snore index and periodic limb movement index. One month after immunotherapy, the anxiety symptoms and sleep abnormalities showed non-significant improvements which were not correlated with the improvements in the sensori-motor manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: GBS patients usually have sleep and psychiatric abnormalities which may take longer time to improve than the sensori-motor manifestations. So, they need more attention in the management protocol for early patients' independence and return to usual daily activities.

SELECCIÓN DE REFERENCIAS
DETALLE DE LA BÚSQUEDA