Hepatic abscess in a pre-existed simple hepatic cyst as a late complication of sigmoid colon ruptured diverticula: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Hepatic abscesses have been reported as a rare complication of diverticulitis of the bowel. This complication is recognized more commonly at the time of the diagnosis of diverticulitis, or ruptured diverticula, but also can be diagnosed prior to surgery, or postoperatively.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>This report describes a man who developed an hepatic abscess within a simple hepatic cyst, two months after operation for ruptured diverticula of the sigmoid colon. The abscess was drained surgically and the patient made a complete recovery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The development of an hepatic abscess in a pre-existing hepatic cyst, secondary to diverticulitis, is a rare complication. A high degree of clinical suspicion is required for immediate diagnosis and treatment.</p

COVID-19 vaccination in patients receiving allergen immunotherapy (AIT) or biologicals:EAACI recommendations

Immune modulation is a key therapeutic approach for allergic diseases, asthma and autoimmunity. It can be achieved in an antigen-specific manner via allergen immunotherapy (AIT) or in an endotype-driven approach using biologicals that target the major pathways of the type 2 (T2) immune response: immunoglobulin (Ig)E, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-4/IL-13 or non-type 2 response: anti-cytokine antibodies and B-cell depletion via anti-CD20. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination provides an excellent opportunity to tackle the global pandemics and is currently being applied in an accelerated rhythm worldwide. The vaccine exerts its effects through immune modulation, induces and amplifies the response against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Thus, as there may be a discernible interference between these treatment modalities, recommendations on how they should be applied in sequence are expected. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) assembled an expert panel under its Research and Outreach Committee (ROC). This expert panel evaluated the evidence and have formulated recommendations on the administration of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with allergic diseases and asthma receiving AIT or biologicals. The panel also formulated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine in association with biologicals targeting the type 1 or type 3 immune response. In formulating recommendations, the panel evaluated the mechanisms of COVID-19 infection, of COVID-19 vaccine, of AIT and of biologicals and considered the data published for other anti-infectious vaccines administered concurrently with AIT or biologicals

Προσφυγικό και ΜΜΕ: Η ειδησεογραφική κάλυψη των protothema.gr και efsyn.gr στα επεισόδια Φεβρουαρίου-Μαρτίου 2020

Τόσο στην Ευρώπη γενικότερα, όσο και στην Ελλάδα ειδικότερα, όσον αφορά το προσφυγικό ζήτημα βρισκόμαστε σε μια κατάσταση τουλάχιστον ενδιαφέρουσα από τη σκοπιά του ρόλου των ΜΜΕ. Η μαζική μετανάστευση εκατομμύρια προσφύγων προς την ευρωπαϊκή ήπειρο, άσκησε και συνεχίζει μέχρι σήμερα να ασκεί πολλή πίεση σε όλες τις χώρες. Λόγω αυτής της αυξημένης πίεσης σε πολιτικό, οικονομικό, εθνικό, πολιτισμικό και ανθρωπολογικό επίπεδο, παρουσιάζει μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον να παρατηρήσουμε τον ρόλο των ΜΜΕ σχετικά με το προσφυγικό ζήτημα. Στόχος της εργασίας αυτής είναι να μελετήσει και να περιγράψει το πώς αποτυπώθηκε σε δύο κυρίαρχες ειδησεογραφικές ιστοσελίδες, το φαινόμενο της προσφυγικής κρίσης στον Έβρο, κατά τον Φεβρουάριο-Μάρτιο του 2020. Η παρούσα εργασία αποσκοπεί να εξάγει χρήσιμα συμπεράσματα σχετικά με το τι είδους πλαισιώσεις χρησιμοποιήθηκαν κατά την ειδησεογραφική κάλυψη εκείνων των ημερών. Τα είδη των πλαισιώσεων καθώς και οι περαιτέρω ερμηνίες που θα εξαχθούν από το είδος της ειδησεογραφικής κάλυψης, θα μας βοηθήσει να αντιληφθούμε την στάση των Μ.Μ.Ε απέναντι στο προσφυγικό ζήτημα.Both in Europe in general and in Greece in particular, as far as the refugee issue is concerned, we are facing a situation that is at least interesting from the point of view of the role of the media. The mass migration of many refugees to the European continent exerted and continues to this day to exert a lot of pressure on all countries. Due to this increased pressure at the political, economic, national, cultural and anthropological level, it is of great interest to observe the role of the media regarding the refugee issue. The aim of this paper is to study and describe how the phenomenon of the refugee crisis in Evros was captured in two mainstream news websites, during February-March 2020. This paper aims to draw useful conclusions about what kind of framings were used during the news coverage of those days. The types of framing as well as the further interpretations that will be extracted from the type of news coverage will help us to understand the attitude of the media towards the refugee issue

CORRELATION OF HISTOCOMPATIBILITY LEUCOCYTE ANTIGENS (HLA) WITH COLORECTAL CANCER

THE PHENOTYPE OF HLA CLASS I AND CLASS II ANTIGENS WAS TESTED IN ONE HUNDRED AND ONE PATIENTS WITH COLORECTAL CANCER. ALL OF THE ANTIGENS HLA-A, B, C, DR AND DQ HAVE BEEN ANALYZED WITH THE MICROLYMPHOCYTOTOXIC TECHNIQUE OF TWO STAGES. THE HLA ANTIGEN FREQUENCIES OF THE PATIENTS WERE COMPARED TO THOSE OF 105 HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS FOR HLA CLASS I ANTIGENS, AND 102 CONTROLS FOR HLA CLASS II ANTIGENS. AN INCREASED PREVALENCE OF HLA-B18 ANTIGEN WAS FOUND IN THE COLORECTALCANCER PATIENT GROUP WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CONTROL POPULATION (27,72% VERSUS14,28%, X2=5,628, P < 0,025, RR=2,3). AN INCREASED PREVALENCE WAS ALSO FOUNDIN THE PATIENTS GROUP (43,56% VERSUS 22,5%, X2=10,136, P < 0,01, RR=2,65). STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT ABSENCE OF HLA-A25 (P < 0,025), B49 (P < 0,05), B53 (P < 0,025) AND B58 (P < 0,01) ANTIGENS WAS ALSO NOTICED. A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT INCREASED PREVALENCE OF HLA-DQ5 ANTIGEN (P < 0,01) WAS FOUND IN PATIENTS WITH RECTAL CANCER. HLA-DR2 AND DR15 ANTIGENS WERE FOUND AT AN INCREASED INCIDENCE IN THE PATIENTS WITH DUKES C STAGE DISEASE. FINALLY, HLA-DQ5 AND A1 ANTIGENS' FREQUENCY WAS STATISTICALLY INCREASED IN THE PATIENTS WITH A FAMILY HISTORY OF COLORECTAL CANCER. THESE RESULTS SUGGEST A GENETIC PREDISPOSITION FOR COLORECTAL CANCER WHICH IS B18 AND/OR DQ5 PHENOTYPE ASSOCIATED.ΜΕΛΕΤΗΘΗΚΑΝ ΟΙ HLA-ΦΑΙΝΟΤΥΠΟΙ 101 ΑΣΘΕΝΩΝ ΜΕ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΧΕΟΣ ΕΝΤΕΡΟΥ ΜΕ ΣΚΟΠΟ ΤΗ ΣΥΣΧΕΤΙΣΗ ΣΥΓΚΕΚΡΙΜΕΝΟΥ HLA-ΦΑΙΝΟΤΥΠΟΥ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΝΕΟΠΛΑΣΜΑ ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΔΕΙΞΗ ΕΝΟΣ ΝΕΟΥ ΠΡΟΔΙΑΘΕΣΙΚΟΥ ΔΕΙΚΤΗ. ΠΡΟΣΔΙΟΡΙΣΤΗΚΑΝ ΤΑ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΑ ΤΩΝ ΣΕΙΡΩΝ HLA-A, B, C, DR ΚΑΙ DQ ΜΕ ΤΗ ΜΙΚΡΟΛΕΜΦΟΚΥΤΤΑΡΟΤΟΞΙΚΗ ΤΕΧΝΙΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΔΥΟ ΣΤΑΔΙΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΟΙ ΣΥΧΝΟΤΗΤΕΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΩΝ ΣΥΓΚΡΙΘΗΚΑΝ ΜΕ ΤΙΣ ΣΥΧΝΟΤΗΤΕΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΝΤΙΣΤΟΙΧΩΝ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΩΝ 105 ΥΓΙΩΝ ΑΤΟΜΩΝ ΓΙΑ ΤΑ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΑ ΤΑΞΗΣ Ι ΚΑΙ 102 ΥΓΙΩΝ ΑΤΟΜΩΝ ΓΙΑ ΤΑ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΑ ΤΑΞΗΣ ΙΙ. Η ΣΤΑΤΙΣΤΙΚΗ ΑΞΙΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΩΝ ΕΓΙΝΕ ΜΕ ΤΗ ΜΕΘΟΔΟ Χ2. ΔΙΑΠΙΣΤΩΘΗΚΕ ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΥΧΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ ΤΑΞΗΣ Ι HLA-B18 ΣΤΟΥΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΣΕ ΣΧΕΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΟΥΣ ΜΑΡΤΥΡΕΣ (27,72% ΕΝΑΝΤΙ 14,28%, Χ2=5,628, P < 0,025), RR=2,3). ΕΠΙΣΗΣ ΒΡΕΘΗΚΕ ΑΥΞΗΜΕΝΗ ΣΥΧΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ ΤΑΞΗΣ ΙΙ HLA-DQS ΣΤΟΥΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΣΕ ΣΧΕΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΟΥΣ ΜΑΡΤΥΡΕΣ (43,36% ΕΝΑΝΤΙ 22,5%, Χ2=10,136, P < 0,01, RR =2,65). ΣΤΑΤΙΣΤΙΚΑ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΗ ΗΤΑΝ Η ΑΠΟΥΣΙΑ ΤΩΝ HLA-A25 (P < 0,025), B47 (P < 0,05), B53 (P < 0,025) ΚΑΙ B58 (P < 0,01). ΣΤΑΤΙΣΤΙΚΑ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΗ ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ HLA-DQS (P < 0,01) ΒΡΕΘΗΚΕ ΕΠΙΣΗΣ ΣΤΟΥΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΜΕ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΛΟΥ, ΕΝΩ ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ HLA-B18 (P < 0,05) ΣΤΟΥΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΜΕ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΤΟΥ ΟΡΘΟΥ. ΜΟΝΟ ΣΤΟΥΣΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΣΤΑΔΙΟΥ (ΚΑΤΑ DUKES ΔΙΑΠΙΣΤΩΘΗΚΕ ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΩΝ HLA-DR2 ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ DR15 (ΣΧΙΣΤΟΥ) (P < 0,05). ΣΤΟΥΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΜΕ ΘΕΤΙΚΟ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΟ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΚΟ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟΥ ΠΑΧΕΟΣ ΕΝΤΕΡΟΥ ΔΙΑΠΙΣΤΩΘΗΚΕ ΠΑΛΙ ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ PQS (P < 0,025, RR=3,43), ΑΛΛΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ Α1 (P < 0,01), RR=5,05). ΤΑ ΕΥΡΗΜΑΤΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΠΙΘΑΝΟΛΟΓΟΥΝ ΤΗΝ ΥΠΑΡΞΗ ΓΕΝΕΤΙΚΟΥ ΠΡΟΔΙΑΘΕΣΙΚΟΥ ΔΕΙΚΤΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΝ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΧΕΟΣ ΕΝΤΕΡΟΥ, Ο ΟΠΟΙΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ Ο HLA-B18 ΚΑΙ/Η DQS ΦΑΙΝΟΤΥΠΟΣ

Comparative Assessment of Affinity-Based Techniques for Oriented Antibody Immobilization towards Immunosensor Performance Optimization

Immunosensor sensitivity and stability depend on a number of parameters such as the orientation, the surface density, and the antigen-binding efficiency of antibodies following their immobilization onto functionalized surfaces. A number of techniques have been developed to improve the performance of an immunosensor that targets one or both of the parameters mentioned above. Herein, two widely employed techniques are compared for the first time, which do not require any complex engineering of neither the antibodies nor the surfaces onto which the former get immobilized. To optimize the different surface functionalization protocols and compare their efficiency, a model antibody-antigen system was employed that resembles the complex matrices immunosensors are frequently faced with in real conditions. The obtained results reveal that protein A/G is much more efficient in increasing antibody loading onto the surfaces in comparison to boronate ester chemistry. Despite the fact, therefore, that both contribute towards the orientation-specific immobilization of antibodies and hence enhance their antigen-binding efficiency, it is the increased antibody surface density attained with the use of protein A/G that plays a critical role in achieving maximal antigen recognition

Islet transplantation: present and future perspectives

Islet cell transplantation can potentially normalize blood glucose levels and stop the progression of clinical complications, and if the transplant is done early in the course of the disease complications may be prevented. Remarkable progress has been made in recent years and islet cell transplantation has resulted in normalization of metabolic control in several patients with Type 1 diabetes in the absence of hypoglycemia. Only a few patients, however, have achieved insulin independence. Issues relating to islet cell engraftment within the liver, prevention of rejection and recurrent autoimmunity, and identification of alternative immunosuppressive drugs that do not adversely affect islet cell function remain to be solved. Thus far, the need for chronic, generalized immunosuppression to prevent rejection of the islets has limited the indication to those patients who have already received another transplant or to those who simultaneously receive islets and another organ (generally a kidney). Identification of immunointervention protocols that allow for engraftment in the absence of deleterious effects on the islets and prevent rejection and recurrent autoimmunity would make this procedure suitable for all patients, including children who have not yet developed long‐term complications of the disease. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Recipients of Cellular or Solid Organ Allografts

Transplantation of solid organs and cells (e.g., islets) has been made possible because of immunosuppressive agents. Cyclosporin A (CsA) or FK506 is often given in combination with other agents, such as polyclonal or monoclonal antibody based induction therapy, steroids, and/or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Immunosuppression must be administered throughout the recipient’s life, and while one year graft survival rates for solid organ transplants are excellent, the survival of transplanted organs drops dramatically over time (1). There are several adverse consequences associated with the use of chronic, generalized anti-rejection agents, including increased incidence of infection and malignancy, stunting of normal growth and development, diabetogenicity, nephrotoxicity, and osteoporosis (2-8)