Blood Tests For Antibodies Research Articles

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin rashes (especially the butterfly rash on the face), fever, chest pain, and sensitivity to sunlight. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests (such as blood tests for antibodies like ANA), and imaging studies. Treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus involves a combination of medications to control symptoms and minimize organ damage, alongside lifestyle changes like sun protection and exercise. SLE can lead to various complications, including kidney damage (lupus nephritis), cardiovascular problems, neurological disorders, osteoporosis, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Statin-Induced Myopathy

Scientific relevance. Being the main class of medicinal products for dyslipidaemia treatment, statins are widely used in clinical practice in various patient populations. However, statins can cause statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), which are the most frequent and, in some cases, even life-threatening adverse reactions associated with these medicinal products.Aim. The study aimed to perform a systematic review of the epidemiology, classification, and physiological pathogenesis of SAMS, risk factors for this complication, and clinical guidelines for primary care physicians regarding the identification and treatment of patients with SAMS.Discussion. SAMS is an umbrella term that covers various forms of myopathies associated with satin therapy. According to the published literature, the prevalence of SAMS varies considerably and may depend on the study design, inclusion criteria, and the medicinal product used. SAMS has multiple putative pathogenic pathways that include genetically determined processes, abnormalities in mitochondrial function, defects in intracellular signalling and metabolic pathways, and immune-mediated reactions. The main known risk factors for developing SAMS include high-dose statins, drug–drug interactions, genetic polymorphisms, female sex, older age, Asian race, history of kidney, liver, and muscle disease, and strenuous physical activity. Given the lack of universally recognised algorithms for diagnosing SAMS, clinicians should consider the clinical presentation and the temporal relationship between statin therapy and symptoms. Other factors to consider include changes in muscle-specific enzyme levels and, in some cases, the results of blood tests for antibodies to 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase.Conclusions. To ensure the safety of statin therapy, it is essential to raise clinicians’ awareness of the risk factors for SAMS, indicative clinical and laboratory findings, and the need for dynamic patient monitoring, including the involvement of clinical pharmacologists.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome as a Cause of Recurrent Portal Vein Thrombosis in a Man with a Medical History of other Thrombosis

Aim: to present a clinical case of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) manifested as recurrent portal vein thrombosis in a man with a medical history of other thromboses.Key points. APS is a syndrome that includes venous and/or arterial thrombosis, various forms of obstetric pathology, thrombocytopenia, as well as a variety of neurological, skin, cardiovascular and hematological disorders. The article presents a clinical case of a male patient with several episodes of vascular thrombosis, two of which (thrombophlebitis of the veins of the lower extremities and stroke) developed at the age of 39 years, and recurrent thrombosis of the portal vein since 2018. For several years, the patient had the diagnosis of cirrhosis based on the presence of signs of portal hypertension. However, the patient's liver function remained practically intact all the time. During the current examination, APS was suspected, and the result of a blood test for antibodies against phospholipids was positive.Conclusion. This clinical case of APS reflects the difficulties in diagnosing this disease. It should be remembered that cases of thrombosis at a young age may be due to APS.

Socio-demographic features of HIV infection in Primorsky Territory

The article presents an analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics of HIV infection in the Primorsky Territory. The data for analysis were taken from the reporting forms of statistical data (information on the results of blood tests for antibodies to HIV, information on the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus) GBUZ «Regional Clinical Hospital No. 2» Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases for the period of 2018–2020. In recent years, the disease has been diagnosed in older age groups. In the general structure of newly diagnosed persons with HIV infection, there remain a consistently high proportion of adults who are the most able-bodied and sexually active. There is a stable increase in the proportion of morbidity and mortality among men in the general structure of patients diagnosed for the first time in the Primorsky Territory. In the total population of HIV-infected patients, the dominant route of HIV transmission is still parenteral (with intravenous drug use), although there is an annual stable decrease in its share in the total number of newly diagnosed patients. Mortality due to the parenteral (narcotic) route of HIV transmission among HIV-positive men is significantly higher in the general structure of HIV-infected. Among the population of Primorsky Krai, the largest number of HIV-infected people are unemployed patients. The proportion of women of reproductive age is increasing, but the detection rate of HIV infection among pregnant women is decreasing. HIV infection affects the most working-age population, affecting demographic indicators. Despite the efforts aimed at combating the epidemic, HIV infection still remains one of the main socially significant threats to the health of all mankind.

Значение гемодинамических расстройств в сосудах сетчатки в течении идиопатических ретиноваскулитов

Relevance of this pathology is since both eyes are affected, characterized by a sluggish, relapsing course, affecting children and adolescents. Since this pathology is based on aseptic inflammation of the vascular wall in the retina of autoimmune origin, leading to hemodynamic disorders, our goal is to study the significance of hemodynamic disorders in various ocular fundus changes in patients with idiopathic retinovasculitis. Special research methods have been performed: autoperimetry, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment and internal structures of the eye, direct and reverse ophthalmoscopy, OCT of optic disc and yellow spot, autofluorescence vascular OCT with central retinal artery and central retinal vein calibrometry, ultrasound Doppler sonography of retinal vessels. Blood tests for antibodies of viral, bacterial and infectious diseases, immune status testing. Results: greater increase in the linear velocity of blood flow in the arteria ophthalmica, central retinal artery and central retinal vein and superior orbital vein in patients with neuroretinopathy: respectively: 64.86±0.46 cm/sec, 62.0±1.03 cm/sec (P<0.01), 21.0±0.7 cm/sec, 20.0±0.76 cm/sec (P<0.05). Angiospasm phenomena prevailed in all patients — RI=0.83±0.010; RI=0.8±0.014 (P<0.05). There were detected venous discirculation in the venous system with increase of linear velocity of blood flow up to 13,5±0,7 cm/sec and 15,0±0,74 cm/sec (P<0,05). In patients with maculodystrophy it was 10.8±0.82 cm/sec and 12.6±0.58 cm/sec (P<0.05). The frequency of hemodynamic disturbances prevailed in neuroretinopathies — 53.1% in arteria ophthalmica, 50% in central retinal artery, 50% in central retinal vein and 39% in superior orbital vein. Conclusion: The major disorders of microcirculation in the retinal arterio-venous system were detected in patients with neuroretinopathies. Microcirculatory disorders detected by ultrasound in patients with idiopathic retinovasculitis allow to determine the tactics, prognosis, and effectiveness of treatment.

Rapid Point-of-Care COVID-19 Diagnosis with a Gold-Nanoarchitecture-Assisted Laser-Scribed Graphene Biosensor.

The global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has revealed the urgent need for accurate, rapid, and affordable diagnostic tests for epidemic understanding and management by monitoring the population worldwide. Though current diagnostic methods including real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) provide sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2, they require relatively long processing time, equipped laboratory facilities, and highly skilled personnel. Laser-scribed graphene (LSG)-based biosensing platforms have gained enormous attention as miniaturized electrochemical systems, holding an enormous potential as point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools. We describe here a miniaturized LSG-based electrochemical sensing scheme for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis combined with three-dimensional (3D) gold nanostructures. This electrode was modified with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody following the proper surface modifications proved by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizations as well as electrochemical techniques. The system was integrated into a handheld POC detection system operated using a custom smartphone application, providing a user-friendly diagnostic platform due to its ease of operation, accessibility, and systematic data management. The analytical features of the electrochemical immunoassay were evaluated using the standard solution of S-protein in the range of 5.0–500 ng/mL with a detection limit of 2.9 ng/mL. A clinical study was carried out on 23 patient blood serum samples with successful COVID-19 diagnosis, compared to the commercial RT-PCR, antibody blood test, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG and IgA test results. Our test provides faster results compared to commercial diagnostic tools and offers a promising alternative solution for next-generation POC applications.

New blood tests for antibodies could show true scale of coronavirus pandemic

How many COVID-19 cases have gone undetected? And are those who had mild cases of the disease—perhaps so mild they dismissed it as a cold or allergies—immune to new infections? If so, they could slow the spread of the burgeoning pandemic Labs and companies around the world have raced to develop antibody tests, and a few have been used in small studies and received commercial approval, including several from China But so far, large-scale data from such tests—for example showing what fraction of people in the hard-hit city of Wuhan, China, might now be immune—is still lacking or at least not public Scientists hope that will soon change as more tests become available

DYNAMICS OF HIV INFECTION DETECTION RATES AMONG VARIOUS POPULATION GROUPS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN

The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of HIV infection detection rates among various groups of the population of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2003–2017. Materials and methods. The statistical data of the form № 4 of the Federal state statistical observation «Data on the results of blood testing for HIV antibodies» in the Republic of Bashkortostan for the period from 2003 to 2017 were analyzed. The time interval was divided into three periods of 5 years. For each of the five-year periods, the average number of HIV testing, the number of HIV-infected people identified, the level and structure of HIV detection for different groups of the population were calculated. The average number of blood tests for antibodies to HIV common to all groups of people in 2008–2012 increased from 866 307 to 938 978 compared to 2003–2007, and then decreased to 768 143 in 2013–2017. The average indicator of the number of blood tests for HIV antibodies in the Republic of Bashkortostan was 212,4 in 2003–2007, 231,1 in 2008–2012, 188,8 per 1000 population in 2013–2017. The average number of HIV testing for men who have sex with men decreased 58 times from 232 in 2003–2007 to 45 in 2008–2012, and then to 4 in 2013–2017. The largest increase in number of HIV testing (2,3 times) was registered among foreign citizens from 12 982 testing in 2003–2007 to 29 610 in 2013–2017. The average indicator of HIV-infected people common for all groups of the population increased 3,8 times from 736 cases in 2003–2007, to 1260 — in 2008–2012 and 2796 — in 2013–2017. The largest increase in HIV cases, in the studied period of time, was recorded among people examined for clinical indication — 6,2 times (from 140 to 862 cases), among foreign citizens an increase of 4,3 times was registered (from 10 to 43 cases), among the population referred to the group «other» — an increase of 4,2 times (from 111 to 469 cases). The average detection rate of HIV-infected people, common for all groups of the population increased 4,4 times, in 2003–2007 it averaged 81,8, in 2013–2017 — 356,9 per 100 000 testing. The highest increase of detection of HIV infection was registered among prisoners from 299,5 to 2644,0 per 100 000 testing (8,8 times), among the people examined for clinical indications from 68,6 to 409,1 (6,0 times), among drug addicts — from 805,9 to 4356,4 (5,4 times), among the population referred to the group «other» — from 45,4 to 244,5 (5,4 times). In the structure of HIV detection during the study period there were also changes, the average percentage of the group examined on clinical indications increased significantly from 19,69±1,49% in 2003–2007 to 32,16±0,90%, in 2013–2017, this category was in the first place in the structure among all population groups. There was an increase in the average percentage of the population referred to the group «other» from 15,61±1,36% to 17,50±0,73%, this category occupied the second place in the structure. In the structure of HIV detection, the average percentage of pregnant women decreased significantly from 11,39±1,19% to 6,60±0,48%. The study of the dynamics of indicators of detectability of HIV infection among various groups of the population allows us to determine the trends in the spread of the disease in society, which further makes it possible to apply the data in the development of preventive measures

Lung cancer CT screening: Psychological responses in the presence and absence of pulmonary nodules

ObjectivesTo determine the psychological response (thoughts, perceptions and affect) to a diagnosis of pulmonary nodules following a novel antibody blood test and computed tomography (CT) scans within a UK population. Materials and methodsThis study was nested within a randomised controlled trial of a blood test (Early CDT®-Lung test), followed by a chest x-ray and serial CT-scanning of those with a positive blood test for early detection of lung cancer (ECLS Study). Trial participants with a positive Early CDT®-Lung test were invited to participate (n = 338) and those agreeing completed questionnaires assessing psychological outcomes at 1, 3 and 6 months following trial recruitment. Responses of individuals with pulmonary nodules on their first CT scan were compared to those without (classified as normal CT) at 3 and 6 months follow-up using random effects regression models to account for multiple observations per participant, with loge transformation of data where modelling assumptions were not met. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the nodule and normal CT groups in affect, lung cancer worry, health anxiety, illness perceptions, lung cancer risk perception or intrusive thoughts at 3 or 6 months post-recruitment. The nodule group had statistically significantly fewer avoidance symptoms compared to the normal CT group at 3 months (impact of events scale avoidance (IES-A) difference between means −1.99, 95%CI −4.18, 0.21) than at 6 months (IES-A difference between means 0.88, 95%CI −1.32, 3.08; p-value for change over time = 0.003) with similar findings using loge transformed data. ConclusionA diagnosis of pulmonary nodules following an Early CDT®-Lung test and CT scan did not appear to result in adverse psychological responses compared to those with a normal CT scan.

OA 06.08 Is Lung Cancer Screening Associated with a Negative Psychological Impact?

Background: Lung cancer screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20%. It is currently recommended in the USA, but not in the UK and ensuring any potential psychological harm is minimized is important. Current evidence is limited to the psychological impact of CT lung cancer screening. This study assesses psychological responses in the Early Cancer Detection Test - Lung Cancer Scotland Study (ECLS Study), whose participants have a tumor antibody blood test (Early CDT®-Lung test) and CT scans only for those with positive blood tests. Method: ECLS study participants were randomized to an Early CDT®-Lung test group or a control group. A sample (n=1032) participated in a nested psychological outcomes study. Questionnaires measured psychological responses (positive and negative affect scale (PANAS), lung cancer worry scale (LCWS) and impact of events scale (IES)) at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-trial recruitment. Psychological responses over time were assessed using multilevel modelling and compared between those in the control group, the test-positive group and the test-negative group. Result: In total, 350, 361 and 321 participants were in the control, test-negative and test-positive groups respectively. Follow-up questionnaire completion rates were ≥90% at all time-points. Baseline psychological measures did not differ significantly between groups. Significant differences were found between PANAS scores, but absolute differences between the groups were very small and unlikely to be clinically significant. The IES avoidance and intrusion scores were significantly higher in the positive than the negative group at all time-points and at 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. However, median scores for both subscales at all the time-points were in the subclinical range. Anxiety about future tests and treatment at 1 month was significantly higher in the test-positive group than the control (OR (95%CI) 3.55 (1.70, 7.41)), or the negative group (OR (95%CI) 5.74 (2.69, 12.2)). Worry about getting lung cancer in the future was significantly higher in the test-positive than the test-negative group at 1 month (OR (95%CI) 2.61 (1.35, 5.02)), 3 months (OR (95%CI) 2.52 (1.30, 4.87)) and 6 months ((OR (95%CI) 2.98 (1.53, 5.82)). Conclusion: Lung cancer screening using a blood test followed by CT scanning for test-positive individuals does not appear to impact on affect, intrusive thoughts or avoidant behavior to a clinically important degree. However, anxiety about future tests and treatment and future worry about lung cancer needs to be addressed if lung cancer screening is implemented in the UK.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in childhood (a case report)

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with selective damage to the optic nerves and spinal cord. The clinical case of a child 11 years old and its course throughout the year, with an onset in the form of an episode of visual impairment with signs of a previously developed partial atrophy of the optic nerves of both eyes and a manifestation of retrobulbar neuritis on the left eye is considered in the article. Repeatedly conducted magnetic resonance examination revealed a pattern of focal lesion of the left and then of the right optic nerve with a violation of the integrity of the blood brain barrier and an extended focus in the structure of the spinal cord of the cervical spine. The blood test for antibody to aquaporin-4 was positive. Optical coherence tomography revealed decrease in the thickness of the peripapillary fibers of the retina in all quadrants in both eyes, which indicates a partial atrophy of the optic nerves of both eyes, as a result of repeatedly transferred retrobulbar neuritis in both eyes.

Acceptance, yield and feasibility of attaching HCV birth cohort screening to colorectal cancer screening in Spain

IntroductionThe US Centers for Disease Control recommends hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening for baby boomers. Spain presents a similar distribution of infected patients. We performed a cross sectional prospective study to evaluate the prevalence of undiagnosed HCV infection in subjects born between 1949 and 1974. MethodsAll out-patients within the age range, both symptomatic and screening procedures, undergoing colonoscopy between December 2014 and June 2015 were offered a HCV antibody blood test and a survey including risk factors for HCV infection and attitude toward HCV screening. Patients with chronic HCV or with a previous negative HCV antibody test were excluded. ResultsA total of 570 subjects, 50% screening procedures, were analyzed. The median age was 55.7, 94.6% were born in Spain and 54.6% were women. Antibodies against HCV were found in 1.6% (95% CI: 0.8–3%) and HCV-RNA in 0.4% (0.1–1.3%). We found no statistically significant differences regarding HCV prevalence, risk factors or socioeconomic characteristics between subjects undergoing colorectal cancer screening and symptomatic subjects. ConclusionSymptomatic and screening subjects undergoing colonoscopy support HCV screening and present a similar HCV risk profile. Results suggest linking colorectal and HCV screening would yield good results.

Adherence to rehabilitation treatment in HIV-positive and HIV-negative opioid-addicted patients with psychiatric comorbidity

IntroductionEarly diagnostics and treatment of comorbid disorders in drug addicts is an integral part of the rehabilitation process and a critical factor in the success of rehabilitation measures as a whole.SubjectsOne hundred and thirty-three patient of inpatient rehabilitation department. The inclusion criteria in the study were: age above 18 years, withdrawal status, diagnosis (F 11.20 ICD-10). They were divided into two groups: HIV positive (n = 38) and HIV negative (n = 95).AimsTo estimate the prevalence of HIV infection and comorbid mental disorders in substance abuse patients and the impact of comorbidities disorders on the compliance.MethodsClinico-anamnestic method, clinical-psychopathological method (criteria ICD-10 and clinical diagnostic scales: PANSS, HADS, MMPI). All participants also had serological blood test for antibodies to HIV.ResultsAccording to our data, the incidence of comorbid mental disorders among HIV negative patients is 65%. The research also showed a correlation (P < 0.05) between HIV infection and mental disorders. So, mental disorders were diagnosed in 82% of HIV infected patients. Patients who stopped their treatment early (n = 42) significantly (P < 0.05) more often had specific personality disorders (17%). Most of them suffered from dissocial personality disorder (9%) and borderline personality disorder (18%).ConclusionsThis analysis showed that HIV is not significant factor (P > 0.05) of early rehabilitation treatment interruption. But comorbid personality disorders in both groups are a significant factor (P < 0.05) of the treatment interruption, while the endogenous, neurotic or affective mental disorders are not.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

Technologies of Blood

In this article I analyze the gender, racial, sexual, and national ideologies at play in the incarceration and forced sterilization of HIV-positive Haitian refugees at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base in the 1990s. Focusing on legal and medical technologies—specifically asylum law and blood medicine—as sites of biopolitical contestation, I examine the process by which these Haitian refugees' blood became the site of international anxieties over legal sovereignty, biopolitics, citizenship, and reproductive rights. This article places the asylum process and the HIV antibody blood test alongside each other as intertwined technologies of confession that seek to parse “good, truthful” desirable bodies from “bad, deceptive” bodies threatening to contaminate the body politic. I argue that penal institutions, military practices, legal frameworks, and medical testing braid together through blood to construct the US nation-state in a transnational frame and in deeply gendered, sexualized, and racialized ways.

Peut-on réellement se passer de la cœlioscopie en cas d’infertilité a trompes normales en hystérosalpingographie ?

The aetiological assessment of an infertile couple includes several complementary biological and morphological examinations. Initial exploration of the female genital tract requires the performance of pelvic ultrasound and hysterosalpingography. The value of systematic laparoscopy in infertility assessment is still subject to debate. The aim of the present review is to evaluate arguments against the systematic use of laparoscopy and to define the place of the other tests as Chlamydia Trachomatis serology, hysterosalpingosonography and MR-IRM. In our opinion, laparoscopy is of course indicated in infertility assessments not only when anomalies are revealed by hysterosalpingography but also in the following circumstances: past history of infection (especially a positive Chlamydia antibody blood test) and/or pelvic surgery (a significant risk of adhesions), unexplained secondary infertility, unexplained infertility after the age of 38 (when choosing between artificial insemination and direct enrolment in an IVF programme) and failure of 3 cycles of good-quality intra-uterine inseminations (with ovarian stimulation and a sufficient number of spermatozoids).

Rapid Test for Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced approval on June 25 of the first rapid blood test for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) for individuals ≥15 years old. It is the only rapid, point-of-care test for the detection of antibodies to the HCV in venous whole blood specimens to gain FDA approval.The OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test can read blood samples and is used to test individuals who are at risk for infection with HCV and people with signs or symptoms of hepatitis. It is a test strip that does not require an additional instrument for diagnosis and provides results in about 20–40 minutes with 99% accuracy. The test strip treated with the sample is read on a device and provides a result as either reactive or nonreactive.“Approval of OraQuick means that more patients can be notified of their HCV infection faster so that they can consult with their physicians for appropriate health measures,” said Jeffrey Shuren, MD, JD, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Getting faster treatment is an important public health step to control this dangerous disease.”OraQuick is not approved for HCV screening of the general population.According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 3.2 million people in the United States chronically infected with HCV and each year, about 17 000 people are newly infected. Chronic HCV infection is a leading reason for a liver transplants in the United States and HCV is associated with an estimated 12 000 deaths annually. Approximately 75%–85% of people who become infected with the HCV develop chronic infection.OraQuick is manufactured by Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based OraSure Technologies Inc. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced approval on June 25 of the first rapid blood test for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) for individuals ≥15 years old. It is the only rapid, point-of-care test for the detection of antibodies to the HCV in venous whole blood specimens to gain FDA approval. The OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test can read blood samples and is used to test individuals who are at risk for infection with HCV and people with signs or symptoms of hepatitis. It is a test strip that does not require an additional instrument for diagnosis and provides results in about 20–40 minutes with 99% accuracy. The test strip treated with the sample is read on a device and provides a result as either reactive or nonreactive. “Approval of OraQuick means that more patients can be notified of their HCV infection faster so that they can consult with their physicians for appropriate health measures,” said Jeffrey Shuren, MD, JD, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Getting faster treatment is an important public health step to control this dangerous disease.” OraQuick is not approved for HCV screening of the general population. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 3.2 million people in the United States chronically infected with HCV and each year, about 17 000 people are newly infected. Chronic HCV infection is a leading reason for a liver transplants in the United States and HCV is associated with an estimated 12 000 deaths annually. Approximately 75%–85% of people who become infected with the HCV develop chronic infection. OraQuick is manufactured by Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based OraSure Technologies Inc.

Pre-operative blood test for antibody to nucleus pulposus may distinguish types of lumbar disc herniation

The types of lumbar disc herniation not only play a key role in planning therapeutic procedure, but also appear to be connected with prognosis. However, it is difficult to distinguish the types preoperatively. To the best of our knowledge, the intervertebral disc is the largest avascular structure in the human body. Once the nucleus pulposus extrudes from the annulus fibrosus or combining with posterior longitudinal ligament, the immune system recognizes it as a foreign body, which may induce the autoimmune reaction ending with production of auto-antibody, that is so-called antibody to nucleus pulposus. The blood test for antibody to nucleus pulposus is ultimately accurate because the result is not relied upon the patient's complain but specific to herniated nucleus pulposus tissue. If this hypothesis is proved to be correct, it could be possible to improve the accuracy of distinguishing types of lumbar disc herniation just by a pre-operative blood test for antibody to nucleus pulposus.

Pediatric allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis

Objective To assess the relationship between allergic conjunctivitis(AC) and allergic rhinitis(AR) in pediatric ophthalmology and E.N.T outpatient clinic. Methods Eight hundred and ninety two patients were enrolled in survey during Mar. 2005∼Jan. 2007, 407 allergic conjunctivitis cases were placed in the ophthalmology clinic group and 485 allergic rhinitis cases were from the E.N.T clinic. The comorbid disorders, histories, symptoms, signs of patients were recorded. Type 1 allergy was tested in 479 cases by a specific IgE antibody blood test. Eosinophils were detected in superficial conjunctival scrapings of the superior tarsal conjunctiva and mucosa surface scrapings of middle nasal meatus in 88 cases with both diseases. Results 302(74%), 374(92%), 116(29%) in 407 cases with allergic conjunctivitis had concomitant eczema, rhinitis and asthma, respectively; 334(69%), 430(89%), 145(30%) in 485 cases with allergic rhinitis had concomitant eczema, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma, respectively. The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis concomitant allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis concomitant allergic conjunctivitis had no significant difference(x 2=2.6, P > 0.05). The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis concomitant eczema and asthma also had no significant difference (x 2=3.08; x 2=0.21, P > 0.05). The degree of severity of two kinds of disease symptoms is not parallel, in the patients with seasonal allergic conjuctivitis(SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis(PAC), the clinical signs of AR were always severer(x 2=258.2, P < 0.05) than those of AC. However, the results coincided with the cases with vernal keratoconjuctivitis(VKC)(x 2=66.5, P < 0.05); Eosinophils were revealed in 50(57%) conjunctival scrapings and nasal mucosa scrapings(x 2=1.5, P > 0.05), 47(53%) cases had positive results in both scrapings. The main aeroallergens were house dust mites, house dust and fungi, and the main food-allergens were fish, crab and shrimp. Conclusion The two disorders were shown to share more similarities than differences, as suggested that allergic conjunctivitis should be considered in future guidelines on preventing the development of rhinitis and asthma in children.

Prevalence of hepatitis and HIV infections and vaccination rates in patients entering the heroin-assisted treatment in Switzerland between 1994 and 2002

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains very prevalent in injection drug users (IDUs). In spite of recommended vaccinations against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), many IDUs remain susceptible to HAV and HBV. Patients entering heroin-assisted treatment between 2000 and 2002 (N = 210) were compared for infectious disease status with patients entering this treatment in 1998 (N = 243) and between 1994 and 1996 (N = 1035). Infection status was determined with the aid of questionnaires and blood tests for antibodies against HAV, HBV core antigen, HCV and HIV. In the cohort 2000-2002 78.3% of the patients were HCV positive, 53.3% were HBV positive, 41.2% were HAV positive and 12.6% were HIV positive. In comparison to the cohorts entering the heroin- assisted treatment at an earlier time, there was a significant reduction of HBV and HAV infections, but not of HCV and HIV infections. 15.6% of the patients entering between 2000 and 2002 were vaccinated against HBV and 10.3% against HAV. 31.1% of patients at entrance were susceptible for HBV and 48.5% for HAV. In comparison to patients entering treatment in 1998 there was no significant increase in patients who were vaccinated against HBV. This data illustrates the need for improving HCV prevention and more consequent vaccination against HBV and HAV in IDUs.

Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Celiac Disease in Children: Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy caused by a permanent sensitivity to gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. It occurs in children and adolescents with gastrointestinal symptoms, dermatitis herpetiformis, dental enamel defects, osteoporosis, short stature, delayed puberty and persistent iron deficiency anemia and in asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Williams syndrome, selective immunoglobulin (Ig)A deficiency and first degree relatives of individuals with celiac disease. The Celiac Disease Guideline Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition has formulated a clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric celiac disease based on an integration of a systematic review of the medical literature combined with expert opinion. The Committee examined the indications for testing, the value of serological tests, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing and histopathology and the treatment and monitoring of children with celiac disease. It is recommended that children and adolescents with symptoms of celiac disease or an increased risk for celiac disease have a blood test for antibody to tissue transglutaminase (TTG), that those with an elevated TTG be referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist for an intestinal biopsy and that those with the characteristics of celiac disease on intestinal histopathology be treated with a strict gluten-free diet. This document represents the official recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition on the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease in children and adolescents.