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A comprehensive analytical method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous detection of 12 mushroom toxins (ibotenic acid, muscimol, muscarine, β-amanitin, α-amanitin, desoxoviroidin, γ-amanitin, phallisacin, illudin S, phallacidin, phalloidin and illudin M) in mushrooms, serum, urine and simulated gastric fluid. The samples were extracted with water or acetonitrile solution, and the serum sample was further purified with PSA sorbent. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column with gradient elution using methanol and water containing 1 mM ammonia fluoride as a mobile phase. Mass spectrometric acquisition was performed in electrospray positive ionization mode. Good linearities (R2 > 0.994) were obtained for 12 toxins over the range of 0.05~200 µg/L. Matrix-matched calibration curves were used for quantification. The method limits of quantification were 0.01~0.2 mg/kg for mushrooms and 0.15~2.0 µg/L for three biological liquid samples. The mean recoveries of 12 target toxins (spiked at three concentration levels) ranged from 73.0% to 110.3%, with relative standard deviations not exceeding 19.4%, which meets the requirements for the determination of trace compounds in a biological matrix. This method was applied to the analysis of mushroom samples from Yunnan Province. As a result, 11 toxins, not including illudin M, were detected with a concentration range of 0.61~2143 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) is an evolving field presenting variations in its implementation worldwide. This manuscript is delivered by a multidisciplinary Task Force (TF) in LCS. It aims to identify and present existing evidence regarding biomarkers in LCS and form an up-to-date overview of the current evidence. Background: Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) is an evolving field with variations in its implementation in various countries. There are only scarce data from National LCS programs. Aim: We aim to provide an up-to-date overview of the current evidence regarding the use of biomarkers in LCS. Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary Task Force experts' panel collaborated and conducted a systematic literature search, followed by screening, review and synthesis of available evidence. Results: Biomarkers in LCS could be used to improve risk stratification in high-risk participants, improve clarification regarding indeterminate lung nodules and avoid overdiagnosis in suspicious lung findings. Currently, there seem to be promising biomarkers (blood/serum/breath) that have been studied in various trials; however, there is still a lack of solid evidence in clinical validation that would pave the way for their integration into LCS programs. Conclusions: Biomarkers are the next logical step in improving the LCS pathway and its efficiency by playing an adjuvant role in a minimally invasive way. National LCS programs and pilot studies should integrate biomarkers to validate their accuracy in real-life LCS participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diabetes retinopathy (DR) is one of the top listed world health issues. Screening is usually advised for diabetic cases on a routine basis. However, there is only partial access to ophthalmologists in all parts of the world. Irisin is a myokine that is being investigated for this reason. Our study aims to assess the role of irisin in detecting DR. Methods and materials: In a cross-sectional study, 140 diabetes cases, including 70 patients with diabetic retinopathy and 70 patients free from diabetic retinopathy, were enrolled. Demographic and anthropometric data were gathered, and the patients underwent physical examination. Also, microalbuminuria and serum irisin levels were assessed in both groups. The results were compared between the two study groups. Results: Among the enrolled cases, 55 (39.28%) were men, and 85 (60.72%) were women. The disease duration (p = 0.016) and the serum level of HBA1c (p = 0.014) were significantly higher in the diabetic retinopathy group compared to the group free from diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, irisin was significantly higher in the patients free from diabetic retinopathy (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Irisin may have value in screening diabetic retinopathy; however, further studies are needed for this proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of intradermal (ID) versus intramuscular (IM) vaccination with a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-modified live vaccine (MLV) in piglets on serum copeptin and hematological profile. The study included 104 suckling piglets (2 weeks of age) from a commercial farrow-to-finish PRRSV-positive pig farm. Blood samples were collected from piglets at 4, 7, and 10 weeks of age. Blood samples were used for the performance of the complete blood count and examination by PCR for PRRSV and by ELISA for copeptin. No significant differences in serum copeptin levels and the number of blood cell counts were noticed in the same group over time and among groups. In conclusion, it seems that the PRRSV vaccination does not affect the levels of the released copeptin. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) vaccination with a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-modified live vaccine (MLV) in piglets on serum copeptin levels and hematological profile. This study included 104 suckling piglets (2 weeks of age) from a commercial farrow-to-finish pig farm suffering from positive unstable PRRSV status. Animals were assigned to four groups, with two replicates (13 piglets/group/replicate); group A: IM vaccination with a PRRSV MLV vaccine, group B: ID vaccination with the same vaccine, group C: ID of Diluvac Forte, and group D: IM of Diluvac Forte. Blood samples were collected from the same three pigs/group/replicate at 4, 7, and 10 weeks of age. Blood samples were used for the performance of the complete blood count, and they were also examined by PCR for PRRSV and by ELISA for copeptin. No significant differences in serum copeptin levels and the number of blood cell counts (packed cell volume—PCV, numbers of white blood cells—WBCs, and platelets number—PLTs) were noticed in the same group over time and among groups. In conclusion, it seems that the vaccination against PRRSV does not affect the levels of the released copeptin. Based on our results, the measurement of serum copeptin could not be proposed as a potential stress biomarker in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In humans and animals, the D-enantiomer of lactic acid (D-lactate) is normally produced from bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract. During gastroenteric diseases, D-lactate can be produced in large quantities and absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. The purpose of the present study was to measure the serum D-lactate concentrations in dogs with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For this reason, the serum D-lactate concentrations were measured in 10 healthy dogs and 18 dogs with IBD using a commercially available colorimetric assay kit. Our results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum concentrations of D-lactate between dogs with various degrees of IBD and healthy dogs. Further studies are needed to understand potential factors able to influence the serum D-lactate concentrations in dogs affected by IBD. The D-enantiomer of lactic acid (D-lactate) is normally produced from bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract in mammals. In humans, increased D-lactate concentrations are related to gastrointestinal disease, including short bowel syndrome and malabsorptive syndrome. Similarly, increased D-lactate concentrations have been described in calves affected by diarrhea, in cats with gastrointestinal diseases, and in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. The purpose of the present study was to measure the serum D-lactate concentrations in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We retrospectively reviewed data from the database of the VTH of Perugia University, and dogs affected by IBD with serum samples stored at −80 °C were considered eligible for inclusion. A total of 18 dogs with IBD and 10 healthy dogs were included in the study. The dogs with IBD were divided into three subcategories based on the severity of the disease. Serum D-lactate concentrations (μM) were determined using a commercially available colorimetric assay kit (D-Lactate Colorimetric Assay Kit; Catalog #K667-100, BioVision Inc., Milpitas, CA, USA). Our results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum concentrations of D-lactate between dogs with various degrees of IBD and healthy dogs. However, the wide variability of the D-lactate concentrations in dogs with IBD and evidence of increased serum D-lactate concentrations in dogs with confirmed dysbiosis encourage further studies on this topic to understand potential factors influencing the serum D-lactate concentrations in dogs affected by IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a highly efficient magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanocomposite material was prepared using multi-walled carbon nanotubes as carriers. The characterization of the obtained nanocomposite material was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, a vibrating sample magnetometer, a thermogravimetric analyzer, a scanning electron microscope, and a transmission electron microscope. The adsorption properties of the nanocomposite material were evaluated through adsorption experiments, including static adsorption, dynamic adsorption, and selective recognition studies. The prepared nanocomposite material, serving as a selective adsorbent, was applied in magnetic solid-phase extraction. Subsequently, the derivatized samples were analyzed for glucose in fish serum using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Under optimal conditions, the detection limit was 0.30 ng/mL, the quantitation limit was 0.99 ng/mL, satisfactory spiked recovery rates were obtained, and the relative standard deviation was less than 1.1%. Using 2-deoxy-D-ribose as the template molecule and a structural analog of glucose allowed us to eliminate the potential template leakage in qualitative and quantitative analyses, effectively avoiding the issues of false positives and potential quantitative errors, compared to traditional methods. A method for detecting glucose levels in fish serum based on molecularly imprinted polymer technology has been successfully developed to determine the stress and health levels of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depersonalisation-derealization disorder (DPD) is a dissociative disorder that impairs cognitive function and occupational performance. Emerging evidence indicate the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin associated with the dissociative symptoms. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of the immune system in the pathology of DPD. We screened the protein expression in serum samples of 30 DPD patients and 32 healthy controls. Using a mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach, we identified differential proteins that were verified in another group of 25 DPD patients and 30 healthy controls using immune assays. Finally, we performed a correlation analysis between the expression of differential proteins and clinical symptoms of patients with DPD. We identified several dysregulated proteins in patients with DPD compared to HCs, including decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), complement C1q subcomponent subunit B, apolipoprotein A-IV, and increased levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (SERPINA3). Moreover, the expression of CRP was positively correlated with visuospatial memory and the ability to inhibit cognitive interference of DPD. The expression of SERPINA3 was positively correlated with the ability to inhibit cognitive interference and negatively correlated with the perceptual alterations of DPD. The dysregulation of the immune system may be the underlying biological mechanism in DPD. And the expressions of CRP and SERPINA3 can be the potential predictors for the cognitive performance of DPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the various clinical manifestations that characterize Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the scientific community is constantly searching for biomarkers with prognostic value. Surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) are collectins that play a crucial role in ensuring proper alveolar function and an alteration of their serum levels was reported in several pulmonary diseases characterized by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis. Considering that such clinical manifestations can also occur during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we wondered if these collectins could act as prognostic markers. In this regard, serum levels of SP-A and SP-D were measured by enzyme immunoassay in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 51) at admission (T0) and after seven days (T1) and compared with healthy donors (n = 11). SP-D increased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls during the early phases of infection, while a significant reduction was observed at T1. Stratifying SARS-CoV-2 patients according to disease severity, increased serum SP-D levels were observed in severe compared to mild patients. In light of these results, SP-D, but not SP-A, seems to be an eligible marker of COVID-19 pneumonia, and the early detection of SP-D serum levels could be crucial for preventive clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serum (1,3)-beta- d -glucan (BDG) assay gives quicker results and has higher sensitivity than blood cultures, therefore it is advised for early diagnosis of invasive candidemia and/or discontinuation of empirical therapy. Its sensitivity may depend on different factors. The aim of our study was to analyse the in vitro and in vivo BDG levels in clinical isolates of three species of Candida responsible for candidemia. C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. auris strains were collected from blood cultures of patients who had a concurrent (–1 to +3 days) serum BDG test (Fungitell assay). Supernatants of all strains were tested in quadruplicate for BDG levels. Twenty-two C. auris , 14 C. albicans, and ten C. parapsilosis strains were included. The median BDG levels in supernatants were 463 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 379–648) for C. auris , 1080 pg/mL (IQR 830–1276) for C. albican s, and 755 pg/mL (IQR 511–930) for C. parapsilosis , with the significant difference among the species (p < 0.0001). Median serum BDG levels (IQR) were significantly lower in case C. auris and C. parapsilosis vs. C. albicans (p < 0.0001), respectively, 50 pg/mL (IQR 15–161) and 57 pg/mL (IQR 18–332), vs. 372 pg/mL (IQR 102–520). Sensitivity of serum BDG was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18–64) in case of C. auris , 30% (95% CI, 8–65) C. parapsilosis and 78% (95% CI, 49–94) C. albicans candidemia. In our centre C. auris and C. parapsilosis strains have lower BDG content as compared with C. albicans , with a potential impact on serum BDG performance for the diagnosis of candidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the pathophysiology of periodontitis by examining serum and salivary MDA levels in patients with advanced periodontitis and healthy individuals according to the periodontal disease classification revised in the workshop held by the American Association of Chartered Epidemiologists and the European Federation in 2017. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study, and a total of 37 patients who applied to Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, in 2022 for periodontal disorders or controls were included. A total of 37 individuals, aged 25-48 years, with stage III grade C periodontitis (Group 1; 13 patients), stage IV grade C periodontitis (Group 2; 12 patients), and a periodontally healthy group (Group 3; 12 individuals) were included in the study. After the demographic characteristics and body mass index (BMI) data were obtained, the clinical periodontal parameters and serum and saliva MDA values of the individuals were measured. All the obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: Although BMI was lower and education level was higher in the controls (p<0.034), other demographic characteristics did not differ between the groups. When the clinical periodontal parameters were examined, the lowest values were observed in the controls, whereas the highest values were observed in stage IV. The difference between all three groups was statistically significant (p=0.000). Although serum MDA levels did not differ between the groups, the highest MDA level was observed in stage III, and the lowest MDA level was observed in the controls. In addition, salivary MDA levels did not differ between the groups, with the highest MDA level observed in stage III and the lowest MDA level observed in stage IV. Conclusion: The findings of our study showed that systemic and local lipid peroxidation levels increased/decreased in individuals with advanced periodontitis compared with the periodontal healthy group, but this change was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that different oxidative stress mechanisms may also be involved in advanced periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instant screening of patients with a tendency towards developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) is significant for providing preventive measures and treatment. However, the current imaging-based technology cannot meet the requirements in the early stage. Developing biosensor-based liquid biopsy technology could be overcoming this bottleneck problem. Herein, we developed a simple, low-cost, and sensitive electrochemical aptamer biosensor for detecting phosphorylated tau protein threonine 231 (P-tau231), the earliest and one of the most efficacious abnormally elevated biomarkers of AD. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrochemically synthesized on a glassy carbon electrode as the transducer, exhibiting excellent conductivity, and were applied to amplify the electrochemical signal. A nucleic acid aptamer was designed as the receptor to capture the P-tau231 protein, specifically through the formation of an aptamer-antigen complex. The proposed biosensor showed excellent sensitivity in detecting P-tau 231, with a broad linear detection range from 10 to 107 pg/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.31 pg/mL. The recoveries of the biosensor in human serum ranged from 97.59 to 103.26%, demonstrating that the biosensor could be used in complex practical samples. In addition, the results showed that the developed biosensor has good repeatability, reproducibility, and stability, which provides a novel method for the early screening of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in serum has been shown as a biomarker of traumatic brain injury (TBI) which is a significant global public health concern. Accurate and rapid detection of serum GFAP is critical for TBI diagnosis. In this study, a time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic test strip (TRFIS) was proposed for the quantitative detection of serum GFAP. This TRFIS possessed excellent linearity ranging from 0.05 to 2.5 ng/mL for the detection of serum GFAP and displayed good linearity (Y = 598723X + 797198, R2 = 0.99), with the lowest detection limit of 16 pg/mL. This TRFIS allowed for quantitative detection of serum GFAP within 15 min and showed high specificity. The intra-batch coefficient of variation (CV) and the inter-batch CV were both < 4.0%. Additionally, this TRFIS was applied to detect GFAP in the serum samples from healthy donors and patients with cerebral hemorrhage, and the results of TRFIS could efficiently discern the patients with cerebral hemorrhage from the healthy donors. Our developed TRFIS has the characteristics of high sensitivity, high accuracy, and a wide linear range and is suitable for rapid and quantitative determination of serum GFAP on-site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) integrated with psychoeducation in a group of hypertensive patients with clinically significant psychopathological symptoms. Methods: One hundred hypertensive patients completed the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised. Of them, 17 scored above the clinical range (cut‐off = 0.75) on the Global Severity Index and were included in the study. Psychological distress was assessed again after the intervention (T1) and 6 months after the end of treatment (T2). In addition, the cortisol dosage and the heart rate (HR) measurement were collected at both T0 and T2. Then, mediation analyses were carried out to calculate whether psychopathological distress might predict HR through elevated serum cortisol levels, at both T0 and T2. Results: The psychological intervention (CBT integrated with psychoeducation) reduced most of the psychopathological symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatisations, obsessions and compulsions, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity and paranoid ideation) but not cortisol dosage and HR measurement. However, psychological distress indirectly predicted HR via cortisol at T0 but not at T2. Conclusion: These results suggest and encourage the replicability of data in larger sample sizes and the comparison with a control group. Nevertheless, these results highlight a need for a multidimensional assessment of disorders affecting the mental and physical spheres of patients to support their overall well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although rare in childhood, hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by suppressed serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels and increased levels of free triiodothyronin (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) in addition to history and physical examination findings. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causes of hyperthyroidism and the clinical features of the disease in children and to evaluate the treatment. A total of 39 patients with hyperthyroidism diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 in the pediatric endocrinology department were included in the study. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was established on the basis of the suppressed serum TSH level and increased fT3 and/or fT4 levels with clinical findings. Thirty-one (79.5%) patients were female, and the mean age of admission was 14.4 (4.3-17.5) years. Of the cases, 33 (84.6%) were diagnosed with Graves' diseases and 6 (16.7%) with Hashimoto thyroiditis. The most frequent complaints of patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism were irritability (24, 61.5%), palpitation (22, 56.9%), and sweating (21, 53.8%). The most frequent findings were goiter in 31 (79.5%) patients and tachycardia in 27 (69.2%) patients. Serum TSH levels were suppressed in all patients, fT3 levels were increased in 94.4% of them, and fT4 levels were increased in 80.5% of them. In patients with Graves' disease, TSH receptor antagonist was positive in 31 (93.9%) cases, and at least one of the thyroid autoantibodies was positive in all patients. Antithyroid drug treatment was initiated in all patients; 35 of them received methimazole and 4 of them received propylthiouracil. Radioactive iodine treatment was applied to three patients, and two patients were treated surgically who did not respond to antithyroid drug treatment. Antithyroid drug adverse effects were observed in 7 (21.2%) patients, requiring drug discontinuation in 1 patient. Although hyperthyroidism is rare in childhood, its treatment is difficult and requires close follow-up. Treatment options are different for adult patients. There is a need for multicenter studies to evaluate treatment efficacy and long-term outcomes in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is an important infectious disease that has a significant economic impact on dairy farms. Early detection of antibodies against BVD virus within herds can help reduce economic losses resulting from impaired animal health and reproductive performance. However, commercial ELISA tests tend to be expensive and unaffordable for smallholder farmers in Thailand. This study aims to develop an in-house indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies to BVD. Methods: Gene synthesis and codon optimization were performed prior to protein expression. The prepared recombinant NS3 protein was confirmed through western blot analysis. Assay validation involved a comparison with an indirect commercial ELISA using a set of field serum samples (n=497) as references to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy. Measurements for test agreement and assay repeatability were calculated to assess performance. Result: The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.86, indicating good discrimination between BVDVpositive and negative animals. The kappa coefficient, with an identified optimal cut-off value, was 0.577, indicated moderate agreement between the two tests. Additionally, the assay exhibited acceptable repeatability, with coefficients of variations (CVs) of 8.8% and 15.1% for intra-assay and inter-assay variations, respectively. This developed ELISA demonstrates both discriminatory ability and repeatability, making it a valuable alternative tool for the serodiagnosis of BVDV infection, especially in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migrasomes represent a recently uncovered category of extracellular microvesicles, spanning a diameter range of 500 to 3000 nm. They are emitted by migrating cells and harbour a diverse array of RNAs and proteins. Migrasomes can be readily identified in bodily fluids like serum and urine, rendering them a valuable non‐invasive source for disease diagnosis through liquid biopsy. In this investigation, we introduce a streamlined and effective approach for the capture and quantitative assessment of migrasomes, employing wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)‐coated magnetic beads and flow cytometry (referred to as WBFC). Subsequently, we examined the levels of migrasomes in the urine of kidney disease (KD) patients with podocyte injury and healthy volunteers using WBFC. The outcomes unveiled a substantial increase in urinary podocyte‐derived migrasome concentrations among individuals with KD with podocyte injury compared to the healthy counterparts. Notably, the urinary podocyte‐derived migrasomes were found to express an abundant quantity of phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) proteins. The presence of PLA2R proteins in these migrasomes holds promise for serving as a natural antigen for the quantification of autoantibodies against PLA2R in the serum of patients afflicted by membranous nephropathy. Consequently, our study not only pioneers a novel technique for the isolation and quantification of migrasomes but also underscores the potential of urinary migrasomes as a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of KD with podocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on ionic calcium, total calcium and serum magnesium upon hospital admission, taking into account the association of type 2 diabetes as a metabolic comorbidity. Our study included 57 patients: a group of 28 patients without diabetes, but with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, and a second group of 29 patients with type 2 diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The serum level of calcium and magnesium of the patients included in the study did not differ statistically significantly in those with type 2 diabetes compared to those without type 2 diabetes who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the time of hospitalization. Ionic calcium, total calcium, and serum magnesium did not statistically significantly influence the survival of the patients with COVID-19 infection included in this research, but the type of infection severity (mild or moderate) did influence the survival rate. Concerning the diabetic patients, a statistically significant correlation was found between serum total calcium and total serum proteins, and another one between ionic calcium and uric acid, urea, and total cholesterol. Serum total calcium and D-dimers were statistically significantly correlated with being transferred to the intensive care unit. On the other hand, magnesium significantly correlated with lipids (triglycerides, total lipids) and inflammatory (fibrinogen, ESR) biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth disorders resulting in extreme short stature (ESS) are often a result of deficiency in growth hormone (GH) released from the pituitary gland or a defective GH releasing receptor. Genetic defects in the GH1 and GHRHR genes account for around 11.1-20% of ESS cases, resulting in a rare condition called isolated GH deficiency (IGHD). We describe the characterization of a GH1 genetic defect discovered in a 3-year-old male patient with ESS, developmental failure and undetectable serum levels of GH. There was a family history of short stature, with both parents being short. Whole genome sequencing of the patient DNA revealed a large, novel 6 kb homozygous deletion spanning the entire GH1 gene in the patient. While the deletion was homozygous in the proband, it was present in the heterozygous state in the parents. Thus, we report a novel homozygous deletion including the GH1 gene leading to IGHD-type 1A associated with ESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships of serum circNIPSNAP3A and circHIPK3 with metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) remain to be clarified. Three hundred and thirty-eight subjects were categorized into normal coronary artery, atherosclerosis and CAD groups. Clinical data including anthropometric indexes, medical history, and physiological and biochemical parameters were collected. Serum circNIPSNAP3A and circHIPK3 were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. CAD severity was evaluated by clinical manifestation, electrocardiogram and coronary angiography. Both CAD and atherosclerosis groups had a higher serum level of circNIPSNAP3A than the normal coronary artery group (P < 0.05 for all). The subjects with a high percentage (> 66th percentile) of circNIPSNAP3A had higher mean levels of triglycerides, uric acid and homocysteine, and lower mean levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI than those with a low percentage (< 33rd percentile) of circNIPSNAP3A. Notably, circNIPSNAP3A is significantly and independently associated with CAD, and subjects with a high percentage of circNIPSNAP3A had more diseased coronary branches and a higher incidence of acute coronary syndrome than those with a low percentage of circNIPSNAP3A. Regarding circHIPK3, subjects with a medium or high percentage of circHIPK3 had a lower mean level of apolipoprotein AI than those with a low percentage of circHIPK3, but no significant differences in the incidence and severity of CAD among the < 33rd, 33rd-66th, and > 66th percentiles of circHIPK3 were detected. Serum circNIPSNAP3A is related to cardiovascular risk factors and CAD severity, and may be a potential prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target for CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the biggest issues facing modern societies is diabetes, which is becoming more prevalent as a result of changes in daily routines. Numerous studies are currently being conducted to determine the impact of herbal medications on diabetes, given the negative side effects of chemical treatments used to treat the condition. The present study aimed to compare the antidiabetic effects of Caucasian whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) methanolic extract and Ferula brewed extract (Ferula tea). To this end, 40 mice were given 200 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally to induce diabetes in them. The mice were then divided into six groups, each consisting of ten mice: Group 1 included healthy mice that did not receive any treatment and was mentioned as the control; Group 2 was considered the diabetic control group and received a daily treatment of water; Group 3 and 4 received a daily treatment of the chemical drugs Acarbose or Metformin, which are regularly and separately used at a dose of 100 mg/kg of each drug. Group 5 received a daily treatment of 250 mg/kg of Caucasian whortleberry methanolic extract, and group 6 received a daily treatment of 300 mg/kg of Ferula tea. After the 40-day trial, the results showed that Caucasian whortleberry methanolic extract, Ferula tea, and Acarbose significantly reduced serum glucose levels compared to the control. In addition, Caucasian whortleberry methanolic extract caused a significant reduction in triglycerides and alkaline phosphatase. Abbreviations: STZ: Streptozotocin, HDL: High-Density Lipoproteins, LDL: Low-Density Lipoproteins, SGOT: Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase, ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase, HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c, SGPT: Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, CGA: Chlorogenic Acid. FBS: Fast Blood Sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The incidence of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) is high, especially after cardiac surgeries, and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we conducted a prospective observational study to observe serum proteomics differences in PND patients after cardiac valve replacement surgery. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-six patients who underwent cardiac valve surgery were included. They were categorized based on scoring into non-PND group (group non-P) and PND group (group P'). The risk factors associated with PND were analyzed. These patients were further divided into group C and group P by propensity score matching (PSM) to investigate the serum proteome related to the PND by serum proteomics. Results: The postoperative 6-week incidence of PND was 16.8%. Risk factors for PND include age, chronic illness, sufentanil dosage, and time of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Proteomics identified 31 down-regulated proteins and six up-regulated proteins. Finally, GSTO1, IDH1, CAT, and PFN1 were found to be associated with PND. Conclusion: The occurrence of PND can impact some oxidative stress proteins. This study provided data for future studies about PND to general anaesthesia and surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent form of non-infectious rhinitis and is characterized by an immune response mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Aim: This study aims to compare the levels of biochemical markers and other parameters in individuals with AR, non-allergic rhinitis(n-AR), allergic rhinitis accompanied by symptoms of the lower respiratory tract(AR-SLRT), and healthy controls. Study Design: Case control study. Methods: Blood samples from the three study groups, AR (n = 22), n-AR (n=20), AR-SLRT group (n = 21), and the control group (n = 18), were analyzed to ascertain the levels of total IgE, specific IgE, periostin, pendrin, vitamin D, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (Ft3), free thyroxine (Ft4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), as well as the leukocyte formula and hemogram. Results: The AR and n-AR groups had significantly higher hematocrit values in comparison to the control group(p< 0.05). Further, eosinophil counts were significantly higher in the AR and AR-SLRT groups than in the control group(p< 0.05). Total IgE levels were significantly higher in the AR-SLRT group than in the AR, n-AR, and control groups (p< 0.05). The AR group had higher total IgE values compared to the control group and the n-AR group(p< 0.05). The values of ECP, periostin, pendrin, Ft3, Ft4, TSH, anti-TPO, and vitamin D did not differ significantly between the groups(p 0.05). Conclusion: All the investigated groups did not differ in ECP, periostin, pendrin, Ft3, Ft4, TSH, anti-TPO, or vitamin D parameters. The groups with positive AR and AR-SLRT had higher eosinophil counts than the control group. The group with AR-SLRT had higher total IgE concentrations than the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies involving workers at brick kilns in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal have investigated chronic exposure to hazardous levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) common in ambient and occupational environments. Such exposures are known to cause and/or exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the status of systemic inflammation observed in exposed workers at brick manufacturing facilities within the country. In the current study, we sought to elucidate systemic inflammatory responses by quantifying the molecular cytokine/chemokine profiles in serum from the study participants. A sample of participants were screened from a kiln in Bhaktapur, Nepal (n = 32; 53% female; mean ± standard deviation: 28.42 ± 11.47 years old) and grouped according to job category. Blood was procured from participants on-site, allowed to clot at room temperature, and centrifuged to obtain total serum. A human cytokine antibody array was used to screen the inflammatory mediators in serum samples from each of the participants. For the current study, four job categories were evaluated with n = 8 for each. Comparisons were generated between a control group of administration workers vs. fire master workers, administration workers vs. green brick hand molders, and administration workers vs. top loaders. We discovered significantly increased concentrations of eotaxin-1, eotaxin-2, GCSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1, TNF-α, and TIMP-2 in serum samples from fire master workers vs. administration workers (p < 0.05). Each of these molecules was also significantly elevated in serum from green brick hand molders compared to administration workers (p < 0.05). Further, each molecule in the inflammatory screening with the exception of TIMP-2 was significantly elevated in serum from top loaders compared to administration workers (p < 0.05). With few exceptions, the fire master workers expressed significantly more systemic inflammatory molecular abundance when compared to all other job categories. These results reveal an association between pulmonary exposure to PM2.5 and systemic inflammatory responses likely mediated by cytokine/chemokine elaboration. The additional characterization of a broader array of inflammatory molecules may provide valuable insight into the susceptibility to lung diseases among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a lateral flow card for the detection of active Schistosoma haematobium infection. Methods: In order to prepare the immunochromatography lateral flow strip (ICLFS), antibodies purified from schistosomiasis were conjugated passively with gold nanoparticles using a potassium carbonate buffer. Results: The novel ICLFS was able to correctly identify 64 out of 67 samples of schistosomiasis, 6 out of 90 samples of other parasites, and 0 out of 27 control samples. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) were 95.5%, 93.3%, 90%, and 91.4% respectively. Comparatively, the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were 91.1%, 88.8%, 85.9%, and 84.4% respectively. The increased sensitivity and specificity of ICLFS produced superior results to those of sandwich ELISA. Conclusion: In conclusion, ICLFS is more beneficial and precise than sandwich ELISA for detection of S. haematobium infection at early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Animal hoarding has been associated with unhealthy human, animal and environmental conditions that predispose such individuals to serious life-threatening risks such as arson, malnutrition, cruelty and zoonosis. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies among individuals with animal hoarding disorder in Curitiba, Brazil. Methods: 65 residences with register of animal hoarder behavior were visited and 11 residences were included in the study, with a total of 19 individuals consenting participation. A short questionnaire was applied to gather information regarding hoarders and their dogs/cats, and serum samples were screened to detect antibodies (IgG) against antigens of Toxocara spp. Results: Overall, 14/19 individuals (73.7%) presented anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies. In 8/11 (72.7%) households at least one person was seropositive. Seropositivity was higher among women (10/13; 76.9%) than men (4/6; 66.7%). A total of 442 dogs (14–30 dogs; average = 23.3 per household) and 31 cats (1–20 cats; average = 4.8 per household) were observed. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to survey occurrences of toxocariasis among animal hoarders. The high population densities of dogs observed during visits, in conjunction with absence of veterinary care and unsanitary conditions, may indicate that situations of high levels of animal infection and soil contamination were present. Conclusion: In summary, the seroprevalence observed in this study indicated that there was a high risk of Toxocara spp. infection among individuals with animal hoarding disorder. Provision of educational programs to reduce the risk of infection in this population is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of serum CA-125 in acute appendicitis (AA). This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023450988). We included prospective and retrospective original clinical studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of serum CA-125 in AA. A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and OVID. Search terms and keywords were: (appendicitis OR appendectomy) AND (CA-125 OR CA125). Two independent reviewers selected the articles and extracted relevant data. Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 index. A synthesis of the results, standardization of the metrics, and three random-effect meta-analyses were performed. Five studies with data from 533 participants (including 219 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AA and 107 controls) were included in this review. The random-effect meta-analysis of serum CA-125 (AA vs controls) included 3 articles (125 AA and 70 controls) and resulted in a non-significant mean difference [95% CI] of – 6.80 [– 20.51, 6.92] U/mL (p = 0.33). The meta-analysis by subgroups that included only male patients resulted in a significant mean difference [95% CI] of 3.48 [0.46, 6.49] U/mL (p = 0.02). Although serum CA-125 does not appear to be a good overall marker for the diagnosis of AA, our subgroup analyses show that this marker could be useful for diagnosing AA in males. It also appears to be a potentially useful tool for discriminating complicated and uncomplicated AA. However, the limited number of included studies precludes drawing generalizable conclusions. Future prospective studies focused on males and in its potential ability to discriminate between complicated and uncomplicated AA are required. Registration. PROSPERO (CRD42023450988). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The purpose of the paper was to monitor the disease incidence in farm and wild animals in some areas of Kazakhstan, which are most susceptible to leptospirosis, and the typification of isolated pathogens, carried out under the scientific and technical program "Studying the epizootological characteristics of the country territory on particularly dangerous diseases and developing veterinary and sanitary measures to improve their effectiveness" in 2021-2023. Materials and Methods: The material included the reports of veterinary laboratories on leptospirosis in recent years, as well as laboratory tests on samples carried out at the "SANA" research and development enterprise. During this period, 6,701 serum samples from farm animals and 86,651 serum samples from rodents were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The serological results showed antibody titers in the blood of 6.32% of cattle, 5.4% of sheep, 4.2% of horses, and 1.8% of pigs. The highest number of positive samples were found in Turkestan (12.3%), Almaty (11.7%), and Kyzylorda (11.4%) regions. Infection in rodents was lower and ranged from 0.34% to 0.07% during these years. The population of leptospira-causing diseases of animals on the territory of the country is represented by 8 serogroups. Studies in 2022 on the detection of pathogenic leptospires by polymerase chain reaction in 350 samples of blood serum from animals and 350 samples of biomaterial from rodents from different regions of Kazakhstan were negative. Conclusion: Studies conducted as part of this work will help reduce the incidence of disease among the population and animals in Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is closely associated with the aging process, prompting an investigation into the therapeutic potential of Andrographis paniculata extract, Syzygium aromaticum oil, and Pogostemon cablin oil, herbs known for their widespread medicinal use. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant properties of skincare products, including facial wash, moisturizer, and serum formulated with these oild and extract. Utilizing the DPPH assay to evaluate antioxidant activity, we found that all products displayed antioxidant activity, with the serum showing the greatest efficacy (IC50 value of 2792.17 μg/mL) compared to the moisturizer (IC25 value of 2541.73 μg/mL) and facial wash (IC25 value of 2752.01 μg/mL). Notably, all products (with active ingredients) significantly enhanced radical scavenging activity over the product bases (products without active ingredients) at 5000 μg/mL, with percentage improvement as follows: serum 53.48 ± 1.50%, moisturizer 39.5 ± 2.18%, and facial wash 7.23 ± 2.20%. These findings suggest that facial wash, moisturizer, and serum containing the combination of Andrographis paniculata extract, Syzygium aromaticum oil, and Pogostemon cablin oil have the potential to become effective anti-aging treatments in the cosmetic market due to their antioxidant properties. Further studies are needed to assess their mechanism of action as anti-aging cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum bone turnover markers might play a role in the prediction of the development of bone metastases in breast cancer (BC) patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to address the association of serum bone turnover markers with oncologic outcomes. Methods: We included 80 women with BC, who were operated on at the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Homburg/Saar, Germany. Serum samples were obtained prior to surgery and were used for estimation of the concentration of tumor and bone turnover markers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results: At baseline, pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type-1 collagen (ICTP) concentrations were higher in nodal positive vs. negative tumors (Mann–Whitney test p = 0.04). After a median follow-up of 79.4 months, 17 patients developed metastases, with 9 demonstrating, among other organs, osseous metastases. ICTP demonstrated the best area under the curve in the predection of osseous metastases in our cohort (AUC = 0.740, DeLong Test p = 0.005). Univariable Cox proportional hazard models failed to demonstrate significant associations between serum bone turnover markers and oncologic outcomes (progression-free survival, overall survival). Conclusions: Serum bone turnover markers (e.g., ICTP) were able to predict the development of osseous metastases but were not associated with oncologic outcomes. Further investigation and validation are required for the use of such markers in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosensors play an important role in numerous research fields. Quartz crystal microbalances with dissipation monitoring (QCM-Ds) are sensitive devices, and binding events can be observed in real-time. In combination with aptamers, they have great potential for selective and label-free detection of various targets. In this study, an alternative surface functionalization for a QCM-D-based aptasensor was developed, which mimics an artificial cell membrane and thus creates a physiologically close environment for the binding of the target to the sensor. Vesicle spreading was used to form a supported lipid bilayer (SLB) of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphethanolamine-N-(cap biotinyl) (biotin-PE). The SLB was then coated with streptavidin followed by applying a biotinylated aptamer against thrombin. SLB formation was investigated in terms of temperature and composition. Temperatures of 25 °C and below led to incomplete SLB formation, whereas a full bilayer was built at higher temperatures. We observed only a small influence of the content of biotinylated lipids in the mixture on the further binding of streptavidin. The functionalization of the sensor surface with the thrombin aptamer and the subsequent thrombin binding were investigated at different concentrations. The sensor could be reconstituted by incubation with a 5 M urea solution, which resulted in the release of the thrombin from the sensor surface. Thereafter, it was possible to rebind thrombin. Thrombin in spiked samples of human serum was successfully detected. The developed system can be easily applied to other target analytes using the desired aptamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research is to develop a density-based regularization model with error minimization for effective forecasting of severity in chronic kidney disease by considering the clinical test reports of single subject with the observations recorded sequentially over continuous time increments. Time series forecasting model with an emphasis on first order serially correlated errors is proposed to predict the severity transition by observing the abnormal or periodical variation in serum creatinine to facilitate better decision making. The time indexed data pertaining to serum creatinine levels observed from two single subjects and synthetic time series data are considered in the proposed forecasting model. Auto regression model is built after removal of non-stationarity in the data using single differencing. The density of the residuals is estimated and henceforth a density-based regularization is carried out to reduce overfitting by minimizing the errors. The performance metrics of the proposed auto regression model augmented with density-based regularization is compared with the results observed from auto regression with weighted least square, LASSO, Ridge regularization and auto regression moving average models. The proposed model yields a minimum mean squared error value in all three datasets with reduction in overfitting and hence the estimated adjustment terms are differenced with real single subject data to obtain accurate serum creatinine levels, which are used in further forecasting of stage progression in chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, we evaluated sex differences during infection with mouse-adapted H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the C57BL/6J mouse model and compared the cytokine and antibody responses between plasma and serum samples during IAV infection and vaccination. Lethal doses for both H1N1 and H3N2 IAVs were lower for adult females and they suffered with greater morbidity than adult males when infected with sublethal doses. In influenza virus-infected mice, cytokine responses differed between plasma and serum samples. After inactivated influenza virus vaccination and drift variant challenge, adult female mice had greater antibody responses and were better protected. In influenza-vaccinated and challenged mice, binding antibodies were unaffected between paired plasma or serum samples. However, functional antibody assays, including hemagglutination inhibition, microneutralization, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays, were affected by the use of plasma and serum sample types. Our results indicate that careful consideration is required while selecting plasma versus serum samples to measure cytokine and antibody responses during IAV infection and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine immunogenicity remains essential as the severe acute respiratory syncytial virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues to evolve and as additional variants emerge. Neutralizing antibodies are a known correlate of protection for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. A pseudovirus neutralization (PNT) assay was developed and validated at Novavax Clinical Immunology Laboratories to allow for the detection of neutralizing antibodies in vaccine clinical trial sera. The PNT assay was precise, accurate, linear, and specific in measuring SARS-CoV-2 neutralization titers in human serum for ancestral strain and the Omicron subvariants BA.5 and XBB.1.5, with an overall geometric coefficient of variation of ≤43.4%, a percent relative bias within the expected range of −60% to 150%, and a linearity value of R2 > 0.98 for all three strains. This pseudovirus assay will be useful for the analysis of vaccine clinical trial samples to assess vaccine immunogenicity. Future work will focus on modifying the assay for emerging variants, including XBB.1.16, EG.5.1, BA.2.86, and any other variants that emerge in the ongoing pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delirium presents a significant clinical challenge, primarily due to its profound impact on patient outcomes and the limitations of the current diagnostic methods, which are largely subjective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this challenge was intensified as the frequency of delirium assessments decreased in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), even as the prevalence of delirium among critically ill patients increased. The present study evaluated how the serum molecular fingerprint, as acquired by Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, can enable the development of predictive models for delirium. A preliminary univariate analysis of serum FTIR spectra indicated significantly different bands between 26 ICU patients with delirium and 26 patients without, all of whom were admitted with COVID-19. However, these bands resulted in a poorly performing Naïve-Bayes predictive model. Considering the use of a Fast-Correlation-Based Filter for feature selection, it was possible to define a new set of spectral bands with a wider coverage of molecular functional groups. These bands ensured an excellent Naïve-Bayes predictive model, with an AUC, a sensitivity, and a specificity all exceeding 0.92. These spectral bands, acquired through a minimally invasive analysis and obtained rapidly, economically, and in a high-throughput mode, therefore offer significant potential for managing delirium in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation and clarification of the properties of surface-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles in a biological environment are key challenges prior to their medical applications. In the present work, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) combined with the spin labeling technique was utilized to better understand the behavior of nitroxides attached to magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in body fluid. EPR spectra of spin-labeled, silane-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles in human serum and whole blood were recorded and analyzed for both room- and low-temperature values. In all cases, the obtained EPR signal consisted of a broad line from magnetite cores and a characteristic signal from the attached 4-Amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (4-amino-TEMPO). Even for liquid samples, the anisotropic components of magnetic tensors did not fully average out, which was reflected in the differences in the intensity of three narrow hyperfine lines from nitroxide. At 230 K the irregular slow-motion signal from the attached radical was also simulated using the EasySpin toolbox, which allowed to determine the parameters related to magnetic tensors and the dynamics of the spin label. The study showed that the anisotropy of the motion of the spin label 4-amino-TEMPO reflects its interactions with the surrounding medium and the manner of the attachment of the nitroxide to the surface of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we quantified twenty-five types of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the serum of 53 residents from eastern coastal areas in China to investigate the associations between PFAS exposure and various biomarkers of liver and kidney function. These biomarkers included alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum creatinine (SCR), and anti-RO52 antibody levels, among others. We detected 14 PFASs in the serum samples, with total concentrations (Σ14PFASs) ranging from 5.48 to 297 ng ⋅ mL-1. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were the predominant contaminants, exhibiting median concentrations of 9.90 ng⋅mL-1 and 7.45 ng⋅mL-1, respectively. The only emerging polyfluorinated compound identified was polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA), with a median concentration of 0.84 ng⋅ mL-1. Notably, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) showed a significant positive correlation with ALP (r=0.588, P<0.05), suggesting that increased PFBA levels may impair liver function. Conversely, PFOS was significantly negatively correlated with serum creatinine (r = -0.605, P<0.05), indicating its detrimental effects on renal function. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and anti-RO52 antibody titers (r= -0.768, P<0.01), highlighting PFNA as a potential risk factor for autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related fibrosis are urgently needed. This study applies a translational approach to develop a blood-based biomarker panel for fibrosis detection in MASLD. A molecular gene expression signature identified from a diet-induced MASLD mouse model (LDLr−/−.Leiden) is translated into human blood-based biomarkers based on liver biopsy transcriptomic profiles and protein levels in MASLD patient serum samples. The resulting biomarker panel consists of IGFBP7, SSc5D and Sema4D. LightGBM modeling using this panel demonstrates high accuracy in predicting MASLD fibrosis stage (F0/F1: AUC = 0.82; F2: AUC = 0.89; F3/F4: AUC = 0.87), which is replicated in an independent validation cohort. The overall accuracy of the model outperforms predictions by the existing markers Fib-4, APRI and FibroScan. In conclusion, here we show a disease mechanism-related blood-based biomarker panel with three biomarkers which is able to identify MASLD patients with mild or advanced hepatic fibrosis with high accuracy. Accurate non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose MASLD-related fibrosis are urgently needed. Here the authors show a disease mechanism-related blood-based biomarker panel consisting of three biomarkers which is able to accurately identify MASLD patients with mild or advanced hepatic fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited studies are available on vitamin D supplementation in dogs. This study evaluates the effect of a commercial vitamin D3 supplement on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D as well as selected biochemical and hematological parameters in healthy dogs. Eight intact male adult dogs with a mean body weight of 20 kg from mixed breeds were included in the study. After adaptation period, dogs received vitamin D3 supplement at the dose of 50 IU/kg body weight per day. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 28 and 42 of supplementation. Food was used for analysis of vitamin D3 content. Results: Significant increase in serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 was detected since day 14 of supplementation. Changes in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 concentration during time showed an upward significance (p < 0.05). Vitamin D3 content of the food was 2900 IU/kg dry matter. Changes in serum phosphorus levels were upward significant. No dog showed calcium or phosphorus levels above the highest reference level. Liver and kidney parameters remained in the reference range during the experiment. A gradual significant increase was observed in hemoglobin and hematocrit which was started from day 14. Vitamin D3 supplementation had no significant effect on neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes percent during the study. Conclusions: Vitamin D3 supplementation at 50 IU/kg BW daily, increases serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in healthy dogs fed with a diet containing proper amount of this vitamin. It also increases hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in a time dependent manner without inducing adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a world organization for animal health (WOAH) notifiable and economically important transboundary, highly communicable viral disease of small ruminants. PPR virus (PPRV) belongs to the genus Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae. Aim: The present cross-sectional epidemiological investigation was accomplished to estimate the apparent prevalence and identify the risk factors linked with peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in the previously neglected northern border regions of Pakistan. Method: A total of 1300 samples (serum = 328; swabs = 972) from 150 flocks/herds were compiled from sheep (n = 324), goats (n = 328), cattle (n = 324), and buffaloes (n = 324) during 2020–2021 and tested using ELISA for detection of viral antibody in sera or antigen in swabs. Results: An overall apparent prevalence of 38.7% (504 samples) and an estimated true prevalence (calculated by the Rogan and Gladen estimator) of 41.0% (95% CI, 38.0–44 were recorded in the target regions. The highest apparent prevalence of 53.4% (85 samples) and the true prevalence of 57.0%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were documented in the Gilgit district and the lowest apparent prevalence of 53 (25.1%) and the true prevalence of 26.0%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 19.0–33.0) was reported in the Swat district. A questionnaire was designed to collect data about associated risk factors that were put into a univariable logistic regression to decrease the non-essential assumed risk dynamics with a P-value of 0.25. ArcGIS, 10.8.1 was used to design hotspot maps and MedCalc's online statistical software was used to calculate Odds Ratio (OR). Some of the risk factors significantly different (P < 0.05) in the multivariable logistic regression were flock/herd size, farming methods, nomadic animal movement, and outbreaks of PPR. The odds of large-sized flocks/herds were 1.7 (OR = 1.79; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.034–91.80%) times more likely to be positive than small-sized. The odds of transhumance and nomadic systems were 1.1 (OR = 1.15; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.022–58.64%) and 1.0 (OR = 1.02; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.020–51.97%) times more associated to be positive than sedentary and mixed farming systems, respectively. The odds of nomadic animal movement in the area was 0.7 (OR = 0.57; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.014–38.06%) times more associated to be positive than in areas where no nomadic movement was observed. In addition, the odds of an outbreak of PPR in the area were 1.0 (OR = 1.00; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.018–46.73%) times more associated to be positive than in areas where no outbreak of PPR was observed. Conclusions: It was concluded that many northern regions considered endemic for PPR, large and small ruminants are kept and reared together making numerous chances for virus transmission dynamic, so a big threats of disease spread exist in the region. The results of the present study would contribute to the global goal of controlling and eradicating PPR by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diverse and prominent changes in behavior and personality. One of the greatest challenges in bvFTD is to capture, measure and predict its disease progression, due to clinical, pathological and genetic heterogeneity. Availability of reliable outcome measures is pivotal for future clinical trials and disease monitoring. Detection of change should be objective, clinically meaningful and easily assessed, preferably associated with a biological process. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the status of longitudinal studies in bvFTD, evaluate current assessment tools and propose potential progression markers. A systematic literature search (in PubMed and Embase.com) was performed. Literature on disease trajectories and longitudinal validity of frequently-used measures was organized in five domains: global functioning, behavior, (social) cognition, neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers. Evaluating current longitudinal data, we propose an adaptive battery, combining a set of sensitive clinical, neuroimaging and fluid markers, adjusted for genetic and sporadic variants, for adequate detection of disease progression in bvFTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identification of animals in need of medical treatment is important in porcine health management, where analytical samples applicable at farm level could be utilized. Several biomarkers are measurable in saliva, which is less stressful to collect than blood. Saliva sampling is easy to learn and repeatable, making it suitable for monitoring purposes. Previous research suggests that porcine health biomarkers are dependent on production stage and gender, and that combining biomarkers improves diagnostic sensitivity. However, proper monitoring of biomarkers during the complete production cycle has not been studied. We aimed to describe the dynamics of salivary and serum haptoglobin (Hp), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in four production stages (suckling, early growing, late growing, finishing), on commercial Finnish pig farms using a total of 117 piglets. The relationship between gender and biomarker dynamics was investigated, as well as the relationships between these biomarkers in saliva and serum. Results: The highest salivary concentrations of Hp, ADA and IgG were measured in suckling piglets. The differences between production stages were generally larger in saliva than for the corresponding serum biomarkers. All correlation coefficients between salivary biomarkers were positive in each production stage and the strength of the correlation varied from 0.245 to 0.762. No similar trend was observed regarding correlation coefficients either between serum biomarkers or between salivary and serum biomarkers. Gender was associated with some biomarker concentrations. Conclusions: The biomarker dynamics supported previous findings that collection of analytical samples should be conducted in age-matched populations. Positive and even strong relationships between salivary biomarkers indicate the potential to use especially saliva for health monitoring. Our results also suggest the importance of considering gender effects when assessing some salivary or serum biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: The aim of this substudy (Eudra CT No:2019-001997-27)was to assess ATB availability in patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers(IDFUs)in the context of microcirculation and macrocirculation status. Methods: For this substudy, we enrolled 23 patients with IDFU. Patients were treated with boluses of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid(AMC)(12patients) or ceftazidime(CTZ)(11patients). After induction of a steady ATB state, microdialysis was performed near the IDFU. Tissue fluid samples from the foot and blood samples from peripheral blood were taken within 6 hours. ATB potential efficacy was assessed by evaluating the maximum serum and tissue ATB concentrations(Cmax and Cmax-tissue)and the percentage of time the unbound drug tissue concentration exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)(=100% tissue and =50%/60% tissue fT>MIC). Vascular status was assessed by triplex ultrasound, ankle-brachial and toe-brachial index tests, occlusive plethysmography comprising two arterial flow phases, and transcutaneous oxygen pressure(TcPO2). Results: Following bolus administration, the Cmax of AMC was 91.8 ± 52.5 mgmL-1 and the Cmax-tissue of AMC was 7.25 ± 4.5 mgmL-1(P<0.001). The Cmax for CTZ was 186.8 ± 44.1 mgmL-1 and the Cmax-tissue of CTZ was 18.6 ± 7.4 mgmL-1(P<0.0001). Additionally, 67% of patients treated with AMC and 55% of those treated with CTZ achieved tissue fT>MIC levels exceeding 50% and 60%, respectively. We observed positive correlations between both Cmax-tissue and AUCtissue and arterial flow. Specifically, the correlation coefficient for the first phase was r=0.42; (P=0.045), and for the second phase, it was r=0.55(P=0.01)and r=0.5(P=0.021). Conclusions: Bactericidal activity proved satisfactory in only half to two-thirds of patients with IDFUs, an outcome that appears to correlate primarily with arterial flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-mode high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is increasingly used for the analysis of ionic and highly hydrophilic drugs, which are difficult to separate by conventional single-mode HPLC. In the former case, chromatographic separation is achieved using one of the several commercially available mixed-mode stationary phases, typically combinations of reversed and ion-exchange phases. Moreover, mixed-mode stationary phases can be used as solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents. This review focuses on the recent applications of mixed-mode stationary phases in the chromatographic analysis of bioactive compounds, such as drugs, herbicides, and pesticides. Specifically, we briefly summarize HPLC methods utilizing mixed-mode stationary phases and SPE pretreatment procedures utilizing mixed-mode sorbents developed in the last decade, thus providing a reference work for overcoming the difficulties in analyzing ionized or hydrophilic drugs by conventional reversed-phase chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wooden breast myopathy is an abnormality that affects heavyweight, rapidly growing broilers' breast muscle. The understanding of the exact cause of this muscle pathology remains incomplete, necessitating further investigation. Blood biochemical analysis is used to diagnose pathologies and understand disease processes. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine and compare the changes in the blood serum biochemical parameters of broilers without myopathy and those affected by myopathy. Blood samples were collected from male and female 43-day-old broilers with an average live weight of 2.98–3.09 kg. The research results showed that birds with wooden breast had higher levels of creatine kinase, potassium, and alanine aminotransferase. Increased alanine aminotransferase indicated possible liver injury alongside wooden breast myopathy. Elevated creatine kinase and potassium suggested muscle damage, indicating CK as a potential biomarker for WB. Wooden breast (WB) myopathy is a pathology of the pectoralis major muscle. Wooden breast is caused by multiple factors. The exact etiopathogenesis of this myodegenerative pathology is still unclear. Fast-growing commercial lines of broilers that are selected for high breast muscle yields are more susceptible to this myopathy. The biochemical analysis of blood is used to diagnose pathologies and understand disease processes. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine and compare the changes in the blood serum biochemical parameters of Ross 308 chicken broilers without myopathy and those affected by WB myopathy. Blood samples were collected from male and female Ross 308 broilers that were 43 days old, with an average live weight of 2.98–3.09 kg. Representative blood samples were selected from broilers with WB (n = 33) and without WB (n = 33). In the laboratory, the blood was centrifugated, and biochemical tests were performed with an automated computerized biochemistry analyzer. The research results showed that broilers with WB had elevated blood serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) (p = 0.018), potassium (p = 0.010), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p = 0.012). In conclusion, elevated serum levels of CK and potassium indicated that skeletal muscle cells were damaged. Moreover, increased ALT levels suggested a possible association between WB myopathy and liver damage. Additionally, these research findings underscore the diagnostic significance of CK and hint at its potential as a WB biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study thoroughly investigated viral pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in Serbian cattle using serum and nasal swab samples. Conducted in 2024 across 65 randomly selected dairy farms in Serbia, excluding ones with vaccinated cattle, this study categorized the farms by their size: small, medium, and large. Serum samples from adult cattle were tested for antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV, and BPIV3, while nasal swabs from respiratory-symptomatic animals were PCR-tested for viral genome detection. The results showed seropositivity for all four viruses on all of the farms, with BPIV3 being universally positive. Medium-sized and large farms exhibited higher levels of seropositivity for BRSV and BHV-1 compared to small farms (p < 0.05). Our true seroprevalence estimates were 84.29% for BRSV, 54.08% for BVDV, 90.61% for BHV-1, and 84.59% for BPIV3 at the animal level. A PCR analysis of the nasal swabs detected BRSV (20%), BHV-1 (1.7%), BVDV (8%), and BPIV3 (10.9%), with no Influenza D virus found. This study provides crucial insights into viral pathogen prevalence and circulation in Serbian cattle with BRDC, emphasizing the importance of surveillance and control measures to manage respiratory diseases in cattle populations. Bovine respiratory disease complex, a complex respiratory ailment in cattle, results from a combination of viral and bacterial factors, compounded by environmental stressors such as overcrowding, transportation, and adverse weather conditions. Its impact extends beyond mere health concerns, posing significant economic threats to the cattle industry. This study presents an extensive investigation into viral pathogens associated with BRDC in Serbian cattle, utilizing serum samples and nasal swabs. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 across 65 randomly selected dairy farms in Serbia, excluding farms with vaccinated cattle. The farms were categorized by their livestock count: small (≤50 animals), medium (51–200 animals), and large (>200 animals). Serum samples from adult cattle older than 24 months were tested for antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV, and BPIV3. Nasal swab samples from the animals with respiratory signs were tested using PCR for viral genome detection. The results showed seropositivity for all four viruses across all of the farms, with BPIV3 exhibiting universal seropositivity. Medium-sized and large farms demonstrated higher levels of seropositivity for BRSV and BHV-1 compared to small farms (p < 0.05). Our true seroprevalence estimates at the animal level were 84.29% for BRSV, 54.08% for BVDV, 90.61% for BHV-1, and 84.59% for BPIV3. A PCR analysis of the nasal swabs revealed positive detections for BRSV (20%), BHV-1 (1.7%), BVDV (8%), and BPIV3 (10.9%). Influenza D virus was not found in any of the samples. This study provides critical insights into the prevalence and circulation of viral pathogens associated with BRDC in Serbian cattle, emphasizing the importance of surveillance and control measures to mitigate the impact of respiratory diseases in cattle populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The synchronization process of yak estrus plays a crucial role in enhancing the reproductive success rate of yaks and safeguarding the continuation of the species. Metabolomics, a branch of bio-chemistry, primarily focuses on the quantitative analysis of all metabolites within an organism, aiming to identify the relative relationships between metabolites and physiological changes. It serves as a valuable tool for delving into the molecular mechanisms and responses of metabolic pathways under various perturbations. In this study, metabolomics methods were utilized to analyze blood samples collected from non-estrus yaks as well as those that underwent hormonally induced synchronized estrus to identify differential metabolites. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the optimization and application of synchronized estrus technology in yaks, promoting the healthy development of the yak industry. The yak is a unique species of livestock found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas. Due to factors such as late sexual maturity and a low rate of estrus, its reproductive efficiency is relatively low. The process of estrus synchronization in yaks plays a crucial role in enhancing their reproductive success and ensuring the continuation of their species. In order to clarify the characteristics of the serum metabolites of yak estrus synchronization, the yaks with inactive ovaries were compared with the estrus synchronization yaks. In this study, yaks were divided into the inactive ovaries group (IO), gonarelin-induced yak estrus group (GnRH), and chloprostenol sodium-induced yak estrus group (PGF). After the completion of the estrus synchronization treatment, blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the non-estrus yaks in the control group and the yaks with obvious estrus characteristics in the GnRH and PGF groups. Metabolites were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and differential metabolites were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that a total of 70 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the GnRH vs. IO group, and 77 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the PGF vs. IO group. Compared with non-estrus yaks, 36 common significant differential metabolites were screened out after the induction of yak estrus by gonarelin (GnRH) and cloprostenol sodium (PGF), which were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as the beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, bile acid biosynthesis, oxidation of branched chain fatty acids, steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. This study analyzed the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin F (PGF) on the reproductive performance of yaks treated with estrus synchronization, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimization and application of yak estrus synchronization technology and promotes the healthy development of the yak industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leishmania infantum is a single-celled trypanosomatid responsible for canine leishmaniasis, a serious disease that causes a generalized inflammatory reaction including, among others, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly in dogs. Increasing information on leishmaniasis in wildlife shows that many mammalian species can act as reservoirs, being a serious threat to domestic dog populations and public health. Our case describes a female wolf suffering from lameness due to an ulcerative wound on the right forepaw, with hyper-gammaglobulinemia, high serum GPT levels, and positive ELISA tests for antibodies to Leishmania infantum antigens as confirmed by PCR. The wolf responded positively to conventional treatment of leishmaniasis, and all altered parameters were restored. Leishmaniasis in wild canids is a vector-borne disease caused in Europe by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum. To date, there is limited information on clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in wolves due to leishmaniasis. The current clinical case report described a female Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) housed in semi-captivity conditions at the Centro del Lobo Ibérico "Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente", in Robledo de Sanabria, Zamora (Spain), with an interdigital ulcerous wound at the right forepaw, hyper-gammaglobulinemia, and abnormal liver blood parameters. Definitive serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis was established using antileishmanial serum antibodies and PCR analysis of different biological samples. A gold-standard anti-L. infantum treatment protocol consisting in subcutaneous meglumine antimoniate and oral allopurinol combination was installed. However, the presence of pain at the site of injection due to meglumine antimoniate administration forced its substitution by oral miltefosine. A progressive reduction of the levels of anti-L. infantum serum antibodies and the concentrations of gamma-globulin fraction was detected after antileishmanial treatment as well as a decline of liver GPT. To our knowledge, this is the first case of leishmaniasis diagnosed in a wolf housed in semi-captivity conditions, with the condition subsequently treated and successfully cured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a lot of nuclear components. Despite many studies on the genetic background of this disease, the pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of the study is to comprehensively evaluate the polymorphism of the IL-10 promoter gene, its mRNA expression, and the serum IL-10 concentration of SLE female patients and females age-matched controls. Analyzing the association between the level of the tested cytokine and the polymorphism genotype-1082; -819; -592, we found statistically higher serum IL-10 levels in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (11.9 ± 2.2 pg/mL vs. 9.4 ± 1.7 pg/mL, accordingly; p < 0.0001). We did not find statistically significant differences in the gene polymorphism of IL-10 among SLE patients and controls. The most significant observation derived from our study is that IL-10 mRNA transcripts are upregulated in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). According to our results, the presence of the IL-10 genetic polymorphism has no clinical significance for the development of SLE, and subsequent differences in mRNA and IL-10 concentration results from the influence of other factors which should be the subject of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]