Assessment of Inter-Laboratory Variability for Flow Cytometric Crossmatch Testing: Lessons Learned from Proficiency Surveys.

Detection of antibody directed against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) using a combination of flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXM) and antibody tests, is an important responsibility of Histocompatibility laboratories. Proficiency testing surveys utilize the results of these assays to assess concordance across multiple laboratories. In this study, we reviewed the ASHI Proficiency Testing (PT) antibody and crossmatching (AC) survey results obtained over a 6-year period, to evaluate the degree and nature of inter-laboratory FCXM and antibody assay variability.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation modulates quiet standing in healthy adults: stimulation site and cognitive style matter.

The study explored the effects of transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tES) on postural control. Subjects were divided into field-dependent (FD) and field-independent (FI) groups according to their cognitive style. FD subjects use an exteroceptive afferent stream for spatial orientation, while FI subjects use an interoceptive stream.

Original Moxonidine and Generics: Where is the Edge of Difference?

Aim: To compare the efficacy of adding original moxonidine and its generics to previous ineffective antihypertensive therapy in patients with poorly controlled arterial hypertension (AH).

Material And Methods: This observational prospective non-randomized study included 120 patients with poorly controlled blood pressure on the previous antihypertensive therapy. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, including anthropometric and laboratory indexes, and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (24-h BPM) at baseline and after 12 weeks of observation.

The Impact of HLA-DQαβ Heterodimer Mismatch on Living Donor Kidney Allograft Outcomes.

Background: HLA-DQ mismatch has been identified as a predictor of de novo donor-specific HLA antibody formation and antibody-mediated rejection. There are insufficient data to guide the incorporation of DQ mismatch into organ allocation decisions.

Methods: We used a retrospective longitudinal cohort of adult living donor kidney transplant recipients from 11 centers across the United States for whom high-resolution class II typing was available.

PGT-M for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1: development of a STR panel and a report of two clinical cases.

Purpose: To present the developed preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and the outcomes of IVF with PGT.

Methods: PGT was performed for two unrelated couples from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) with the risk of SCA1 in one spouse. We have developed a system for PGT of a monogenic disease (PGT-M) for SCA1, which includes the analysis of a panel of 11 polymorphic STR markers linked to the ATXN1 gene and a pathogenic variant of the ATXN1 gene using nested PCR and fragment analysis.

Morphofunctional State of the Ovaries in Rats with Experimental Model of Functional Cysts and Their Treatment with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist.

The morphofunctional features of the ovaries were evaluated in rats with functional ovarian cysts model treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist. Administration of the antagonist significantly (p=0.009) reduced the number of cysts and the growth of follicles in the ovaries.

Effect of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist on the Expression Patterns of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Androgen Receptor, and Luteinizing Hormone Receptor in an Experimental Rat Model of Functional Ovarian Cysts.

We studied the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), androgen receptor (AR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in the ovaries under the conditions of the modeling and subsequent treatment of functional ovarian cysts with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (ant-GnRH). The intensity of IGF-1, LHR, and AR expression in the generative elements of rat ovaries changed under conditions of functional ovarian cysts simulation, as well as during treatment with ant-GnRH. In both experimental groups, the expression levels of the studied markers in preantral follicles and epithelial lining of cysts were found to be related to the number of growing follicles and cysts.

Utilizing proficiency testing survey data to create advanced educational content: the virtual crossmatch challenge model.

Proficiency testing (PT) surveys include data from laboratories across the world and are ideal for creating advanced educational content, beyond just consensus grading. Educational challenges provide a unique opportunity to probe common laboratory practices and risk assessment, especially in cases where there is no "analyte" tested. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility evaluation between donor and recipient pairs has been traditionally assessed using T-cell and B-cell physical crossmatches.

Posture of Healthy Subjects Modulated by Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is used to restore locomotion and body weight support in patients with severe motor disorders. We studied the effects of this non-invasive stimulation on postural control in healthy subjects. Stimulation at the L1-L2 vertebrae was performed to activate the extensor muscles of the lower limbs.

COVID-19 infection and vaccination rarely impact HLA antibody profile in waitlisted renal transplant candidates- a multicenter cohort.

Although rare, infection and vaccination can result in antibodies to human leukocyte antigens (HLA). We analyzed the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination on HLA antibodies in waitlisted renal transplant candidates. Specificities were collected and adjudicated if the calculated panel reactive antibodies (cPRA) changed after exposure.

Current donor selection strategies for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Since the first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) was performed by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas in 1957, the field has advanced with new stem cell sources, immune suppressive regimens, and transplant protocols.

Immunological considerations-HLA matching and management of high immunological risk recipients.

Lung transplant outcomes remain inferior largely due to mismatching in human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) that leads to chronic rejection and chronic allograft dysfunction. The mismatched donor HLAs can be recognized by the effector T cells or donor-specific HLA antibodies. This review summarizes mechanisms leading to immune responses as a result of HLA mismatching.

Mismatch epitope load predicts de novo-DSA-free survival in pediatric liver transplantation.

Background: Our knowledge of de novo anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) in liver transplantation continues to be defined. We hypothesized that differences of HLA-DR/DQ mismatches can improve precision in alloimmune risk categorization and be applied to tailor immunosuppression.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 244 pediatric patients consecutively transplanted at our center between 2003 and 2019 was performed to identify patients tested for dnDSA.

Development of an industrial cyber-physical platform for small series production using digital twins.

The article describes an industrial cyber-physical platform for small series production using digital twins under development at ITMO University (Saint Petersburg, Russia). The platform is based on the following approaches: group technology, adaptive and selective assembling, and digital twin of production systems and processes. The article presents a mechanism for constructing a unified manufacturing process, and results of an integrated multiscale simulation of an injection moulding process.

Graft Versus Host Disease After Intestinal Transplantation: A Single-center Experience.

Background: Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is an uncommon but highly morbid complication of intestinal transplantation (ITx). In this study, we reviewed our 17-y experience with GVHD focusing on factors predicting GVHD occurrence and survival.

Methods: Retrospective review of 271 patients who received 1 or more ITx since program inception in 2003 with survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Hypercalcemia in Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma with an Elevated Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide Associated with Early Richter Transformation.

Hypercalcemia in malignancy is associated with multiple mechanisms and occurs in up to 20-30% of cancer patients. We report a case of small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) associated with hypercalcemia and an elevation in parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) in the setting of a Richter transformation. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR on lymph node biopsy specimens obtained before and after transformation showed an 8-fold increase in PTHrP mRNA levels and about 2-fold decrease in the levels of its cognate receptor PTHR1.

Guiding therapeutic plasma exchange for antibody-mediated rejection treatment in lung transplant recipients - a retrospective study.

Antibody-Mediated Rejection (AMR) due to donor-specific antibodies (DSA) is associated with poor outcomes after lung transplantation. Currently, there are no guidelines regarding the selection of treatment protocols. We studied how DSA characteristics including titers, C1q, and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values in undiluted and diluted sera may predict a response to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and inform patient prognosis after treatment.

Operational tolerance in intestinal transplantation.

By presenting the first case report of true operational tolerance in an intestinal transplant patient, we aim to demonstrate that tolerance is possible in a field that has been hampered by suboptimal outcomes. Although operational tolerance has been achieved in liver and kidney transplantation, and some intestinal transplant patients have been able to decrease immunosuppression, this is the first instance of true operational tolerance after complete cessation of immunosuppression. A patient received a deceased-donor small intestinal and colon allograft with standard immunosuppressive treatment, achieving excellent graft function after overcoming a graft-versus-host-disease episode 5 months posttransplant.

Stevioside Has the Maximum Biological Activity among Natural Stevia Diterpenes.

The concentrations of steviol and its derivatives stimulating the growth of wheat plants were measured: 10 for stevioside and 10 М for steviol and isosteviol. It was found that stevioside increased the activity of amylolytic enzymes and protein content, as well as frost tolerance of the roots of wheat seedlings. Thus, stevioside can be recommended for the development of complex phytopreparations for stimulating the growth processes and increasing the resistance of wheat plants to low temperatures.

Serum dilutions as a predictive biomarker for peri-operative desensitization: An exploratory approach to transplanting sensitized heart candidates.

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of cardiac allografts mediated by anti-HLA Donor Specific Antibodies (DSA) is one of the major barriers to successful transplantation for the treatment of end-stage heart failure. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a first-line treatment for pre-transplant desensitization. However, indications for treatment regimens and treatment end-points have not been well established.

Ytterbium increases transmembrane water transport in Zea mays roots via aquaporin modulation.

In our study, the rare earth element ytterbium (Yb) was demonstrated to affect water exchange in roots of Zea mays seedlings. Herewith, the overall membrane permeability (P) increased. The P increase was determined by aquaporin activity but not the membrane lipid component since the closure of aquaporin channels due to low intracellular pH abolished the positive effect of Yb on P.

Discovery of Metabolic Biomarkers Predicting Radiation Therapy Late Effects in Prostate Cancer Patients.

Patients presenting with prostate cancers undergo clinical staging evaluations to determine the extent of disease to guide therapeutic recommendations. Management options may include watchful waiting, surgery, or radiation therapy. Thus, initial risk stratification of prostate cancer patients is important for achieving optimal therapeutic results or cancer cure and preservation of quality of life.

Effect of Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor Blockade on Heart Activity in Rat Fetuses.

Cardiac activity parameters were analyzed in rat fetuses with preserved placental circulation on gestation days 17-20 after administration of muscarinic receptor blocker atropine either directly to the fetuses, or to the females. The obtained results attested to the absence of chronotropic effect from the cholinergic system in rats during the fetal period. At the same time, changes in heart rate variability observed after atropine injection showed that cholinergic receptors are involved into heart rhythm regulation in rat fetuses and that their role increases from the 17th to 20th day of the embryonic period.

Donor-Specific HLA Antibodies as Biomarkers of Transplant Rejection.

This article reviews the current evidence to classify donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) using Food and Drug Administration-National Institutes of Health Biomarkers, EndpointS, and other Tools (BEST) resource terms as diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, monitoring, and risk biomarkers for graft rejection. The emphasis is on DSA characteristics, including the DSA levels determined by mean fluorescence intensity and/or titers, the ability to activate a complement cascade (C1q, C3d, and C4d binding), and specific IgG subclasses to define distinct roles of DSAs as biomarkers in clinical practice. In addition, technical limitation of DSA testing is discussed.

Assessing the utilization of high-resolution 2-field HLA typing in solid organ transplantation.

HLA typing in solid organ transplantation (SOT) is necessary for determining HLA-matching status between donor-recipient pairs and assessing patients' anti-HLA antibody profiles. Histocompatibility has traditionally been evaluated based on serologically defined HLA antigens. The evolution of HLA typing and antibody identification technologies, however, has revealed many limitations with using serologic equivalents for assessing compatibility in SOT.