Isolation of seven respiratory viruses in shell vials: a practical and highly sensitive method.

The isolation of respiratory viruses in shell vials was compared with isolation in tube cultures in order to determine the sensitivity of the former, rapid method. Twenty of 21 influenza virus and 15 of 15 parainfluenza virus isolates were recovered in shell vials. One hundred twenty-seven of 138 respiratory syncytial virus isolates were detected in shell vials, but only 10 of 21 adenovirus isolates were positive by the rapid method. Shell vials are very effective for the diagnosis of respiratory viral infections, except for those caused by adenovirus.     

Presynaptic cannabinoid CB2 receptors modulate [3H]‐Glutamate release at subthalamo‐nigral terminals of the rat

Recent studies suggested the expression of CB2 receptors in neurons of the CNS, however, most of these studies have only explored one aspect of the receptors, i.e., expression of protein, messenger RNA, or functional response, and more complete studies appear to be needed to establish adequately their role in the neuronal function. Electron microscopy studies showed the presence of CB2r in asymmetric terminals of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and its mRNA appeared is expressed in the subthalamic nucleus. Here, we explore the expression, source, and functional effects of such receptors by different experimental approaches. Through PCR and immunochemistry, we showed mRNA and protein for CB2rs in slices and primary neuronal cultures from subthalamus. GW833972A, GW405833, and JHW 133, three CB2r agonists dose‐dependent inhibited K⁺‐induced [³H]‐Glutamate release in slices of SNr, and the two antagonist/inverse agonists, JTE‐907 and AM630, but not AM281, a CB1r antagonist, prevented GW833972A effect. Subthalamus lesions with kainic acid prevented GW833972A inhibition on release and decreased CB2r protein in nigral synaptosomes, thus nigral CB2rs originate in subthalamus. Inhibition of [³H]‐Glutamate release was PTX‐ and gallein‐sensitive, suggesting a Gi_βγ‐mediated effect. P/Q Ca²⁺‐type channel blocker, ω‐Agatoxin‐TK, also inhibited the [³H]‐Glutamate release, this effect was occluded with GW833972A inhibition, indicating that the βγ subunit effect is exerted on Ca²⁺channel activity. Finally, microinjections of GW833972A in SNr induced contralateral turning. Our data showed that presynaptic CB2rs inhibit [³H]‐Glutamate release in subthalamo‐nigral terminals by P/Q‐channels modulation through the Gi_βγ subunit and suggested their participation in motor behavior.     

Changes in humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection in liver transplant recipients compared to immunocompetent patients

The protective capacity and duration of humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection are not yet understood in solid organ transplant recipients. A prospective multicenter study was performed to evaluate the persistence of anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies in liver transplant recipients 6 months after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resolution. A total of 71 liver transplant recipients were matched with 71 immunocompetent controls by a propensity score including variables with a well-known prognostic impact in COVID-19. Paired case–control serological data were also available in 62 liver transplant patients and 62 controls at month 3 after COVID-19. Liver transplant recipients showed a lower incidence of anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies at 3 months (77.4% vs. 100%, p < .001) and at 6 months (63.4% vs. 90.1%, p < .001). Lower levels of antibodies were also observed in liver transplant patients at 3 (p = .001) and 6 months (p < .001) after COVID-19. In transplant patients, female gender (OR = 13.49, 95% CI: 2.17–83.8), a longer interval since transplantation (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.36), and therapy with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (OR = 7.11, 95% CI: 1.47–34.50) were independently associated with persistence of antibodies beyond 6 months after COVID-19. Therefore, as compared with immunocompetent patients, liver transplant recipients show a lower prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and more pronounced antibody levels decline.     

Information program applied to the temporal study of pathological processes in animal populations

WinEpi Tasas 2.0 is a new, globally accessible computer program, which has been developed as a research tool for the epidemiological study of the pathological processes which affect animal populations. This new version of the program, based on the experimental version, WinEpi Tasas 1.0, enables users to study the distribution and evolution of diseases in affected populations, over time. This information, combined with data on spatial distribution, is of fundamental importance for the establishment of appropriate control strategies and health policies. Such disease control measures are of particular significance in the current context of emerging and re-emerging diseases. The program can be run in either English or Spanish.     

Newborn hearing screening using the evoked otoacoustic emission: The Philippine General Hospital experience

The evoked otoacoustic emission (EOAE) test is a universally well-known and established procedure for screening the hearing of babies during the newborn period. It has been documented in foreign literature that the prevalence of hearing loss is significantly higher in high-risk neonates. In the Philippine General Hospital, 301 high-risk neonates and 105 non high-risk neonates were screened for hearing loss using the EOAE during a period of one year from March 2000 to March 2001. The initial failure rate in the high-risk population was 33% and 11% in the non high-risk population.     

Laparoscopic diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease. Report of a case

Laparoscopic Surgery with diagnosis objectives in Urology, has many others indications related with different medical specialties, apart from the ones for the urologic area (ectopic test, linfadenectomy, etc...). In our case, the Services of Urology and Hematology, diagnosed a Hodgkin's disease case. The Service of Hematology realized treatment and evolution. Sometimes, the unspecific clinical presentations of the Hodgkin's disease, shows adenopatics masses, detected by Ecografy or TAC. Treatment and prognosis of the Hodgkin's disease, are related with the histological subtype and its spreading.