Search

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) persists throughout the world with over 65 million registered cases of survivors with post-COVID-19 sequelae, also known as LongCOVID-19 (LongC). LongC survivors exhibit various symptoms that span multiple organ systems, including the nervous system. To search for neurological markers of LongC, we investigated the soluble biomolecules present in the plasma and the proteins associated with plasma neuronal-enriched extracellular vesicles (nEVs) in 33 LongC patients with neurological impairment (nLongC), 12 COVID-19 survivors without any LongC symptoms (Cov), and 28 pre-COVID-19 healthy controls (HC). COVID-19 positive participants were infected between 2020 and 2022, not hospitalized, and were vaccinated or unvaccinated before infection. IL-1β was significantly increased in both nLongC and Cov and IL-8 was elevated in only nLongC. Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol were significantly elevated in nLongC and Cov compared to HC. nEVs from people with nLongC had significantly elevated protein markers of neuronal dysfunction, including amyloid beta 42, pTau181 and TDP-43. This study shows chronic peripheral inflammation with increased stress after COVID-19 infection. Additionally, differentially expressed nEV neurodegenerative proteins were identified in people recovering from COVID-19 regardless of persistent symptoms.

Background: Exercise in adolescence and old age improves cognitive function in older adults, but the combined effect of exercise habits in both periods is controversial. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between exercise habits in adolescence and old age and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to compare regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers associated with cognitive function in older adults. Methods: Baseline data of 1615 participants aged 65–84 years from the Bunkyo Health Study were analyzed. MCI was diagnosed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Participants were divided into four groups based on their exercise habits in adolescence (13–18 years) and old age: no exercise in either period (None-None), exercise in adolescence only (Active-None), exercise in old age only (None-Active), and exercise in both periods (Active-Active). Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of MCI prevalence. Regional brain volumes, such as the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, parietal cortex, and hippocampus, and blood biochemical markers, such as BDNF, IGF-1, and homocysteine, were compared between groups. Results: The OR for MCI was significantly lower in the Active-Active group than in the None-None group (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41–0.94). However, there were no significant differences in regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers between the Active-Active and None-None groups. Conclusions: Older adults with exercise habits in both adolescence and old age have a lower risk of MCI. However, specific regional brain volumes and biochemical markers may not be associated with differences in cognitive function in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The mortality rate among older people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is alarmingly high. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of a novel model for assessing the risk of death in this vulnerable cohort. Methods: We enrolled 199 older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Hubin) between 16 December 2022 and 17 January 2023. Additionally, 90 patients from two other centers (Qiantang and Xixi) formed an external independent testing cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors for mortality. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to select variables associated with COVID-19 mortality. Nine machine-learning algorithms were used to predict mortality risk in older patients, and their performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve analysis, and decision curve analysis. Results: Neutrophil–monocyte ratio, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, C‐ reactive protein, interleukin 6, and D-dimer were considered to be relevant factors associated with the death risk of COVID-19-related death by LASSO regression. The Gaussian naive Bayes model was the best-performing model. In the validation cohort, the model had an AUC of 0.901, whereas in the testing cohort, the model had an AUC of 0.952. The calibration curve showed a good correlation between the actual and predicted probabilities, and the decision curve indicated a strong clinical benefit. Furthermore, the model had an AUC of 0.873 in an external independent testing cohort. Discussion: In this study, a predictive machine-learning model was developed with an online prediction tool designed to assist clinicians in evaluating mortality risk factors and devising targeted and effective treatments for older patients with COVID-19, potentially reducing the mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by an imbalance of the host immune response to infectious factors, potentially leading to life-threatening organ dysfunction. The application of immature platelet fraction (IPF) to assessing the severity and prognosis of sepsis has been previously analyzed. However, the application of IPF combined with other biomarkers to predict sepsis has been rarely reported. Objective To explore the predictive value of IPF combined with other biomarkers in the severity and prognosis of sepsis. Methods A total of 60 sepsis patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch) from November 2020 to November 2022 were retrospectively recruited for analyzing their clinical data. Patients were classified into the severe sepsis group (n=24) and septic shock group (n=36) based on the severity of sepsis. Divided by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, 60 sepsis patients were assigned into the low SOFA group (SOFA score

Abstract Despite advancements, the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment remains at approximately 40%, attributed to factors like pre-cART (combination antiretroviral therapy) irreversible brain injury. People with HIV (PWH) treated with cART do not show significant neurocognitive changes over relatively short follow-up periods. However, quantitative neuroimaging may be able to detect ongoing subtle microstructural changes. In this study, we hypothesized that tensor-valued diffusion encoding metrics would provide greater sensitivity than conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in detecting HIV-associated brain microstructural injury. We further hypothesized that tensor-valued metrics would exhibit stronger associations with blood markers of neuronal and glial injury, such as neurofilament light chain (NFL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as well as with cognitive performance. Using MRI at 3T, 24 PWH and 31 healthy controls underwent cross-sectional examination. The results revealed significant variations in tensor-valued diffusion encoding metrics across white matter regions, with associations observed between these metrics, cognitive performance, NFL and GFAP. Moreover, a significant interaction between HIV status and imaging metrics in gray and white matter was observed, particularly impacting total cognitive scores. Of interest, DTI metrics were less likely to be associated with HIV status than tensor-valued diffusion metrics. These findings suggest that tensor-valued diffusion encoding metrics offer heightened sensitivity in detecting subtle changes associated with axonal injury in HIV infection. Longitudinal studies are needed to further evaluate responsiveness of tensor-valued diffusion b-tensor encoding metrics in the contest HIV-associate mild chronic neuroinflammation.

Abstract A significant increase in circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) occurs with physical exercise, which depends on the type of exertion and the duration. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to investigate the time course of cfDNA and conventional markers of muscle damage from immediately after to 96 h after muscle‐damaging exercise; and (2) to investigate the relationship between cfDNA and indicators of primary (low‐frequency fatigue and maximal voluntary isometric contraction) and secondary (creatine kinase and delayed‐onset muscle soreness) muscle damage in young healthy males. Fourteen participants (age, 22 ± 2 years; weight, 84.4 ± 11.2 kg; height, 184.0 ± 7.4 cm) performed 50 intermittent drop jumps at 20 s intervals. We measured cfDNA and creatine kinase concentrations, maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque, low‐frequency fatigue and delayed‐onset muscle soreness before and at several time points up to 96 h after exercise. Plasma cfDNA levels increased from immediately postexercise until 72 h postexercise (P

Haptoglobin is a plasma protein of mammals that plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis by binding free haemoglobin released from ruptured red blood cells. Trypanosoma brucei can exploit this by internalising haptoglobinhaemoglobin complex to acquire host haem. Here, we investigated the impact of haptoglobin deficiency (Hp-/-) on T. brucei brucei infection and the parasite´s capacity to internalise haemoglobin in a Hp-/- mouse model. The infected Hp-/- mice exhibited normal disease progression, with minimal weight loss and no apparent organ pathology, similarly to control mice. While the proteomic profile of mouse sera significantly changed in response to T. b. brucei, no differences in the infection response markers of blood plasma between Hp-/- and control Black mice were observed. Similarly, very few quantitative differences were observed between the proteomes of parasites harvested from Hp-/- and Black mice, including both endogenous proteins and internalised host proteins. While haptoglobin was indeed absent from parasites isolated from Hp-/-mice, haemoglobin peptides were unexpectedly detected in parasites from both Hp-/- and Black mice. Combined, the data support the dispensability of haptoglobin for haemoglobin internalisation by T. b. brucei during infection in mice. Since the trypanosomes knock-outs for their haptoglobin-haemoglobin receptor (HpHbR) internalised significantly less haemoglobin from Hp-/- mice compared to those isolated from Black mice, it suggests that T. b. brucei employs also an HpHbR-independent haptoglobin-mediated mode for haemoglobin internalisation. Our study reveals a so-far hidden flexibility of haemoglobin acquisition by T. b. brucei and offers novel insights into alternative haemoglobin uptake pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant increase in circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) occurs with physical exercise, which depends on the type of exertion and the duration. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to investigate the time course of cfDNA and conventional markers of muscle damage from immediately after to 96 h after muscle‐damaging exercise; and (2) to investigate the relationship between cfDNA and indicators of primary (low‐frequency fatigue and maximal voluntary isometric contraction) and secondary (creatine kinase and delayed‐onset muscle soreness) muscle damage in young healthy males. Fourteen participants (age, 22 ± 2 years; weight, 84.4 ± 11.2 kg; height, 184.0 ± 7.4 cm) performed 50 intermittent drop jumps at 20 s intervals. We measured cfDNA and creatine kinase concentrations, maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque, low‐frequency fatigue and delayed‐onset muscle soreness before and at several time points up to 96 h after exercise. Plasma cfDNA levels increased from immediately postexercise until 72 h postexercise (P < 0.01). Elevation of postexercise cfDNA was correlated with both more pronounced low‐frequency fatigue (r = −0.52, P = 3.4 × 10−11) and delayed‐onset muscle soreness (r = 0.32, P = 0.00019). Levels of cfDNA change in response to severe primary and secondary muscle damage after exercise. Levels of cfDNA exhibit a stronger correlation with variables related to primary muscle damage than to secondary muscle damage, suggesting that cfDNA is a more sensitive marker of acute loss of muscle function than of secondary inflammation or damaged muscle fibres. What is the central question of this study?How do plasma cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) levels change in response to primary and secondary muscle damage when muscle‐damaging exercise is performed without metabolic stress?What is the main finding and its importance?In this study, we found that cfDNA concentration increases following severe primary and secondary muscle damage after 50 drop jumps. However, acute postexercise increases in cfDNA were higher than following secondary muscle damage and were more correlated with variables related to primary muscle damage (low‐frequency fatigue). This suggests that muscle‐damaging exercise causing no accumulation of metabolites can lead to acute and delayed increases in cfDNA levels. However, they are more sensitive to primary muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3-month supplementation of bovine colostrum (BOV-COL; 8x400 mg per day) on the outcomes of depression treatment in hospitalized patients with substance use disorder (SUD). The hypothesis is that BOV-COL supplementation as an add-on treatment results in favorable alternations in selected blood inflammatory markers or neurotransmitters, leading to better depression treatment outcomes compared with placebo (PLA). Methods: Patients with a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 score =60 points were enrolled. Twenty-nine participants (n=18 in the BOV-COL group and n=11 in the PLA group) completed the protocol. Results: The mean Beck Depression Inventory-II score was significantly reduced after supplementation in both groups. However, the mean 17-point Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score was decreased in the BOV-COL group, but not in the PLA group. In the BOV-COL group, there was a reduction in interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, the IL-6:IL-10 ratio, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), while in the PLA group only IL-6 decreased. Favorable alternations in the total count and differentials of white blood cell subsets were more pronounced in the BOV-COL. There were no changes in neurotransmitter concentrations. Conclusions: BOV-COL supplementation is a promising add-on therapy in patients with depression and SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundExercise in adolescence and old age improves cognitive function in older adults, but the combined effect of exercise habits in both periods is controversial. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between exercise habits in adolescence and old age and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to compare regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers associated with cognitive function in older adults.MethodsBaseline data of 1615 participants aged 65–84 years from the Bunkyo Health Study were analyzed. MCI was diagnosed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Participants were divided into four groups based on their exercise habits in adolescence (13–18 years) and old age: no exercise in either period (None-None), exercise in adolescence only (Active-None), exercise in old age only (None-Active), and exercise in both periods (Active-Active). Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of MCI prevalence. Regional brain volumes, such as the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, parietal cortex, and hippocampus, and blood biochemical markers, such as BDNF, IGF-1, and homocysteine, were compared between groups.ResultsThe OR for MCI was significantly lower in the Active-Active group than in the None-None group (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41–0.94). However, there were no significant differences in regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers between the Active-Active and None-None groups.ConclusionsOlder adults with exercise habits in both adolescence and old age have a lower risk of MCI. However, specific regional brain volumes and biochemical markers may not be associated with differences in cognitive function in older adults.

IntroductionThe mortality rate among older people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is alarmingly high. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of a novel model for assessing the risk of death in this vulnerable cohort.MethodsWe enrolled 199 older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Hubin) between 16 December 2022 and 17 January 2023. Additionally, 90 patients from two other centers (Qiantang and Xixi) formed an external independent testing cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors for mortality. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to select variables associated with COVID-19 mortality. Nine machine-learning algorithms were used to predict mortality risk in older patients, and their performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve analysis, and decision curve analysis.ResultsNeutrophil–monocyte ratio, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, C‐ reactive protein, interleukin 6, and D-dimer were considered to be relevant factors associated with the death risk of COVID-19-related death by LASSO regression. The Gaussian naive Bayes model was the best-performing model. In the validation cohort, the model had an AUC of 0.901, whereas in the testing cohort, the model had an AUC of 0.952. The calibration curve showed a good correlation between the actual and predicted probabilities, and the decision curve indicated a strong clinical benefit. Furthermore, the model had an AUC of 0.873 in an external independent testing cohort.DiscussionIn this study, a predictive machine-learning model was developed with an online prediction tool designed to assist clinicians in evaluating mortality risk factors and devising targeted and effective treatments for older patients with COVID-19, potentially reducing the mortality rates.

Abstract Background The influence of maternal oral and dental health on the occurrence of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (P-PROM) and its underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. This research seeks to investigate the impact of maternal oral and dental health on the incidence of P-PROM and its association with inflammatory markers in the blood. Methods This study adopts a prospective case-control design methodology. The study involved 70 women diagnosed with P-PROM and delivered by an obstetrician and 79 women who had healthy deliveries with no prenatal complications. The values for DMFT (Number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) index, Gingival Index (GI), Plaque index (PI), Pocket depth (PD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL) and medical history were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test and hierarchical binomial logistic regression analysis were applied. It was considered statistically significant at p 0.05). In the regression analysis for possible risk factors that may be effective in P-PROM, oral and dental health parameters were the most effective. Conclusions Oral and dental health of women with P-PROM was found to be worse than that of the control group. Oral and dental health may be a potential risk factor that may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with P-PROM.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is the most serious type of acute pancreatitis (AP) and a common critical disease in clinic. With the continuous improvement of medical level, the mortality rate in the early stage of SAP has decreased significantly, and the peak of death is mainly concentrated in the later stage of the disease and the main cause of death in the later stage is secondary sepsis after infection of pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis. If the risk of secondary sepsis in SAP can be predicted early it can guide the medical staff to carry out appropriate early monitoring and intervention to improve the clinical outcome of patients, The article reviewed the application progress of blood markers to predict secondary sepsis in SAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of maternal oral and dental health on the occurrence of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (P-PROM) and its underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. This research seeks to investigate the impact of maternal oral and dental health on the incidence of P-PROM and its association with inflammatory markers in the blood. Methods: This study adopts a prospective case-control design methodology. The study involved 70 women diagnosed with P-PROM and delivered by an obstetrician and 79 women who had healthy deliveries with no prenatal complications. The values for DMFT (Number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) index, Gingival Index (GI), Plaque index (PI), Pocket depth (PD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL) and medical history were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test and hierarchical binomial logistic regression analysis were applied. It was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: The case group's DMFT, PI, GI, PD values were statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). There was no relationship between DMFT, GI, PD, CAL and inflammatory blood markers (p > 0.05). In the regression analysis for possible risk factors that may be effective in P-PROM, oral and dental health parameters were the most effective. Conclusions: Oral and dental health of women with P-PROM was found to be worse than that of the control group. Oral and dental health may be a potential risk factor that may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with P-PROM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haptoglobin is a plasma protein of mammals that plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis by binding free haemoglobin released from ruptured red blood cells. Trypanosoma brucei can exploit this by internalising haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex to acquire host haem. Here, we investigated the impact of haptoglobin deficiency (Hp-/-) on T. brucei brucei infection and the parasite´s capacity to internalise haemoglobin in a Hp-/- mouse model. The infected Hp-/- mice exhibited normal disease progression, with minimal weight loss and no apparent organ pathology, similarly to control mice. While the proteomic profile of mouse sera significantly changed in response to T. b. brucei, no differences in the infection response markers of blood plasma between Hp-/- and control Black mice were observed. Similarly, very few quantitative differences were observed between the proteomes of parasites harvested from Hp-/- and Black mice, including both endogenous proteins and internalised host proteins. While haptoglobin was indeed absent from parasites isolated from Hp-/-mice, haemoglobin peptides were unexpectedly detected in parasites from both Hp-/- and Black mice. Combined, the data support the dispensability of haptoglobin for haemoglobin internalisation by T. b. brucei during infection in mice. Since the trypanosomes knock-outs for their haptoglobin-haemoglobin receptor (HpHbR) internalised significantly less haemoglobin from Hp-/- mice compared to those isolated from Black mice, it suggests that T. b. brucei employs also an HpHbR-independent haptoglobin-mediated mode for haemoglobin internalisation. Our study reveals a so-far hidden flexibility of haemoglobin acquisition by T. b. brucei and offers novel insights into alternative haemoglobin uptake pathways.

Background and aim: A potentially fatal side effect of decompensated liver cirrhosis is ascites. One potentially dangerous consequence in cirrhotic individuals with ascites is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Diagnostic paracentesis is a method used to diagnose SBP, although it is an invasive procedure. Numerous noninvasive markers were investigated in SBP diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the clinical utility of the noninvasive markers for the diagnosis and treatment response in patients with SBP, namely the lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Patients and methods: This study included 162 cirrhotic patients was conducted. They were divided into 2 groups, group I included 101 cirrhotic patients with SBP and group II included 61 cirrhotic patients without SBP. ascitic fluid sampling and complete blood count (CBC) including ANC, LMR and MPV were done. Results: There was a significant difference between the 2 groups as regard ANC and LMR (p

Exercise and passive heating induce some similar vascular hemodynamic, circulating blood marker, and perceptual responses. However, it remains unknown whether post exercise hot water immersion can synergise exercise derived responses and if they differ from hot water immersion alone. This study investigated the acute responses to post moderate‐intensity exercise hot water immersion (EX+HWI) when compared to exercise (EX+REST) and hot water immersion (HWI+HWI) alone. Sixteen physically inactive middle‐aged adults (nine males and seven females) completed a randomized cross‐over counterbalanced design. Each condition consisted of two 30‐min bouts separated by 10 min of rest. Cycling was set at a power output equivalent to 50% V̇o2 peak. Water temperature was controlled at 40°C up to the mid sternum with arms not submerged. Venous blood samples and artery ultrasound scans were assessed at 0 (baseline), 30 (immediately post stressor one), 70 (immediately post stressor two), and 100 min (recovery). Additional physiological and perceptual measures were assessed at 10‐min intervals. Brachial and superficial femoral artery shear rates were higher after EX+HWI and HWI+HWI when compared with EX+REST (p < 0.001). Plasma nitrite was higher immediately following EX+HWI and HWI+HWI than EX+REST (p < 0.01). Serum interleukin‐6 was higher immediately after EX+HWI compared to EX+REST (p = 0.046). Serum cortisol was lower at 30 min in the HWI+HWI condition in contrast to EX+REST (p = 0.026). EX+HWI and HWI+HWI were more enjoyable than EX+REST (p < 0.05). Irrespective of whether hot water immersion proceeded exercise or heating, hot water immersion enhanced vascular and blood marker responses, while also being more enjoyable than exercise alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: A potentially fatal side effect of decompensated liver cirrhosis is ascites. One potentially dangerous consequence in cirrhotic individuals with ascites is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Diagnostic paracentesis is a method used to diagnose SBP, although it is an invasive procedure. Numerous noninvasive markers were investigated in SBP diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the clinical utility of the noninvasive markers for the diagnosis and treatment response in patients with SBP, namely the lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Patients and methods: This study included 162 cirrhotic patients was conducted. They were divided into 2 groups, group I included 101 cirrhotic patients with SBP and group II included 61 cirrhotic patients without SBP. ascitic fluid sampling and complete blood count (CBC) including ANC, LMR and MPV were done. Results: There was a significant difference between the 2 groups as regard ANC and LMR (p<0.05). In SBP group there was a significant difference in ANC, LMR, MPV before and after the standard\antibiotic treatment. Absolute neutrophil count had sensitivity 79.21%, specificity 63.93% However, the LMR had sensitivity 91.09 %, specificity 68.85 % and MPV had sensitivity 83.17%, specificity 62.30%. When ANC, LMR and MPV were combined, the sensitivity was 91.10% and specificity was 91.80%. Conclusion: This study suggests that the ANC, MPV, and LMR may be utilized as noninvasive markers for the diagnosis of SBP and prediction of treatment response, enabling prompt detection of SBP to minimize its consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease, linked to local and systemic inflammation and predisposing patients to a higher risk of associated comorbidities. Cytokine levels are not widely available for disease progression monitoring due to high costs. Validated low-cost and reliable markers are needed for assessing disease progression and outcome. This study aims to assess the reliability of blood-count-derived inflammatory markers as disease predictors and to identify prognostic factors for disease severity. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three study groups according to disease severity measured by the Body Surface Area (BSA) score: mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis. White blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (d-NLR), systemic immune index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) positively were correlated with disease severity (p < 0.005). d-NLR, NLR, and SII are independent prognostic factors for mild and moderate psoriasis (p < 0.05). d-NLR is the only independent prognostic factor for all three study groups. Moderate psoriasis is defined by d-NLR values between 1.49 and 2.19. NLR, PLR, d-NLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI are useful indicators of systemic inflammation and disease severity in psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThis randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3-month supplementation of bovine colostrum (BOV-COL; 8x400 mg per day) on the outcomes of depression treatment in hospitalized patients with substance use disorder (SUD). The hypothesis is that BOV-COL supplementation as an add-on treatment results in favorable alternations in selected blood inflammatory markers or neurotransmitters, leading to better depression treatment outcomes compared with placebo (PLA).MethodsPatients with a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 score ≥60 points were enrolled. Twenty-nine participants (n=18 in the BOV-COL group and n=11 in the PLA group) completed the protocol.ResultsThe mean Beck Depression Inventory-II score was significantly reduced after supplementation in both groups. However, the mean 17-point Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score was decreased in the BOV-COL group, but not in the PLA group. In the BOV-COL group, there was a reduction in interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, the IL-6:IL-10 ratio, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), while in the PLA group only IL-6 decreased. Favorable alternations in the total count and differentials of white blood cell subsets were more pronounced in the BOV-COL. There were no changes in neurotransmitter concentrations.ConclusionsBOV-COL supplementation is a promising add-on therapy in patients with depression and SUD.

Introduction: Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare genetic condition with a broad phenotypic presentation. This study aims to establish the first Australian cohort of individuals affected by CADASIL (AusCADASIL) and examine its clinical features and longitudinal course, and to investigate neuroimaging and blood biomarkers to assist in early diagnosis and identify disease progression. Methods: Participants will be recruited from six study centres across Australia for an observational study of CADASIL. We aim to recruit 150 participants with diagnosed CADASIL, family history of CADASIL or suspected CADASIL symptoms, and 150 cognitively normal NOTCH3 negative individuals as controls. Participants will complete: 1) online questionnaires on medical and family history, mental health, and wellbeing; 2) neuropsychological evaluation; 3) neurological examination and brain MRI; 4) ocular examination and 5) blood sample donation. Participants will have annual follow-up for 4 years to assess their progression and will be asked to invite a study partner to corroborate their self-reported cognitive and functional abilities.Primary outcomes include cognitive function and neuroimaging abnormalities. Secondary outcomes include investigation of genetics and blood and ocular biomarkers. Data from the cohort will contribute to an international consortium, and cohort participants will be invited to access future treatment/health intervention trials. Discussion: AusCADASIL will be the first study of an Australian cohort of individuals with CADASIL. The study will identify common pathogenic variants in this cohort, and characterise the pattern of clinical presentation and longitudinal progression, including imaging features, blood and ocular biomarkers and cognitive profile.

Background & Objective: Blood markers and CT-scan results can be useful to the prognosis outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aims to evaluate and compare markers and CT-scans during hospitalization regarding death and recovery as the outcomes. Materials & Methods: This longitudinal-observational retrospective study was performed on 133 patients with comatose caused by head trauma from admission to death/discharge in Shohada-E- Tajrish Hospital in Tehran during 2018-2020. The follow-up period lasted 15 days. The patients’ demographic and CT-scans were measured on admission. Blood markers were measured daily. Vital signs and GCS were collected every six hours. These variables were compared in survivor and nonsurvivor groups. Results: Death occurred for 78 patients (58.64%). Tachycardia (OR=60.1, P=0.003), SDH (OR=39.3, P<0.001), ICH (OR=9.91, P<0.001), SAH (OR=13.6, P<0.001) had a significant relationship to death on multivariate logistic regression. The mean TT, PT, INR, GCS, PR, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the beginning of hospitalization were significantly different in the surviving and non-surviving groups. GCS, Cr, BUN, PTT, PT, INR, FBS, and PH had separate lines with spacing without overlap in the two groups in the graphs during hospitalization. Conclusion: Based on the results, the factors such as age, tachycardia, and some CT-scan findings (SAH, ICH, and SDH), as well as high coagulation profile (INR, PTT) and low GCS on admission, were important variables to the prognosis of TBI patients. During hospitalization, high values of BUN, PR, Cr, FBS, PT, and INR and low values of GCS, RR, and PH were associated with a worthwhile outcome. In addition, high changes in BUN, GCS, RR, PR, and BP during hospitalization should be considered a worthwhile prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds This study explored the contribution of peripheral blood markers in diagnosis and prognosis estimation of different stages of laryngeal dysplasia and early glottic cancer. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical, histopathological and laboratory data of 220 patients including hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and platelet counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Results The mean hemoglobin level and platelets count showed differences between histopathological stages of lesions (p = 0.041 and 0.046, respectively). In patients with recurrent lesions mean level of lymphocyte count, NLR and PLR were significant in assessing progression and cancerization (p = 0.005, 0.028 and 0.023, respectively). The univariate analysis recognized level of PLR ≥ 141.74 as significant risk factor of the recurrence of vocal fold hypertrophic lesions (OR = 1.963). Conclusions The levels of blood cells and their ratios seem to be effective in predicting the recurrence of lesion and even more their potential role in indicating malignant progression.

The effectiveness of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) supplementation on enhancing exercise performance in both young and older adults remains a topic of debate. Recent research suggests that BCAAs combined with regular exercise might have an impact on human erythropoiesis, blood dynamics, and iron homeostasis. Given the increasing longevity of the global population, it is crucial to investigate the potential benefits of BCAA supplementation and regular exercise as non-pharmacological interventions for improving the overall health of frail older adults. To assess the influence of a 40-week multicomponent exercise intervention (MEP) combined BCCA supplementation on the haematological indicators of frail older adults (83–93 years old) residing in nursing homes. A prospective, naturalistic, controlled clinical trial employing an intervention-washout-intervention was conducted for this purpose. The study included four experimental groups: MEP plus BCAA supplementation (MEP + BCAA, n = 8), MEP only (n = 7), BCAA supplementation only (n = 7), and control group non exercising (CG, n = 13). Fried's physical frailty (PF) protocol was employed to stratify the participants. Additionally, the assessment included the evaluation of nutritional status, comorbidities, and anthropometric measurements. Among the several haematological markers examined, only mean cellular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCH) [F = 4.09; p

IntroductionCranial and upper-airway anatomy of short-nosed, flat-faced brachycephalic dogs predisposes them to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Periodic apnoea increased inspiratory resistance, and an inability to thermoregulate effectively are characteristic of BOAS, but internationally accepted objective markers of BOAS severity are missing. The objective of this study was to compare the selected blood parameters between non-brachycephalic (NC) and brachycephalic (BC) dogs, exploring the possibility of developing a blood test for BOAS severity grading in the future.MethodsWe evaluated blood biochemistry, complete blood cell counts, red blood cell (RBC) indices, reticulocyte counts, a blood-born marker of intermittent hypoxia (glutathione, NO production), RBC hydration, deformability, and blood markers of metabolic changes and stress between BC (n = 18) and NC (meso- and dolichocephalic, n = 22) dogs.ResultsReticulocyte counts and the abundance of middle-fluorescence immature reticulocytes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. BC dogs had significantly more NO-derived NO2-/NO3- in plasma than NC dogs. RBCs of BC dogs were shedding significantly more membrane, as follows from the intensity of eosin maleimide staining, and had a significantly higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration than NC dogs. Intracellular reduced glutathione content in RBCs of BC dogs was significantly lower, while plasma lactate was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly lower, and cortisol was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Eosinophil counts were significantly lower and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs.DiscussionTaken together, our findings suggest that the brachycephalic phenotype in dogs is associated with alterations at the level of blood cells and, systemically, with oxidation and metabolic changes. The parameters identified within this study should be further investigated for their potential as objective indicators for BOAS.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) persists throughout the world with over 65 million registered cases of survivors with post-COVID-19 sequelae, also known as LongCOVID-19 (LongC). LongC survivors exhibit various symptoms that span multiple organ systems, including the nervous system. To search for neurological markers of LongC, we investigated the soluble biomolecules present in the plasma and the proteins associated with plasma neuronal-enriched extracellular vesicles (nEVs) in 33 LongC patients with neurological impairment (nLongC), 12 COVID-19 survivors without any LongC symptoms (Cov), and 28 pre-COVID-19 healthy controls (HC). COVID-19 positive participants were infected between 2020 and 2022, not hospitalized, and were vaccinated or unvaccinated before infection. IL-1β was significantly increased in both nLongC and Cov and IL-8 was elevated in only nLongC. Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol were significantly elevated in nLongC and Cov compared to HC. nEVs from people with nLongC had significantly elevated protein markers of neuronal dysfunction, including amyloid beta 42, pTau181 and TDP-43. This study shows chronic peripheral inflammation with increased stress after COVID-19 infection. Additionally, differentially expressed nEV neurodegenerative proteins were identified in people recovering from COVID-19 regardless of persistent symptoms.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease, linked to local and systemic inflammation and predisposing patients to a higher risk of associated comorbidities. Cytokine levels are not widely available for disease progression monitoring due to high costs. Validated low-cost and reliable markers are needed for assessing disease progression and outcome. This study aims to assess the reliability of blood-count-derived inflammatory markers as disease predictors and to identify prognostic factors for disease severity. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three study groups according to disease severity measured by the Body Surface Area (BSA) score: mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis. White blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (d-NLR), systemic immune index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) positively were correlated with disease severity (p < 0.005). d-NLR, NLR, and SII are independent prognostic factors for mild and moderate psoriasis (p < 0.05). d-NLR is the only independent prognostic factor for all three study groups. Moderate psoriasis is defined by d-NLR values between 1.49 and 2.19. NLR, PLR, d-NLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI are useful indicators of systemic inflammation and disease severity in psoriasis.

A sixty-three day study that involved twenty (20) West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep aged 8 - 9 months with average live-weight of 7.44 ± 0.18 kgW0.75 was carried out to evaluate nutrients intake, nitrogen metabolism, weight gain and blood profile of sheep fed Pennisetum purpureum was substituted with white mulberry leaves. The sheep were divided into 5 groups of four sheep per group and allotted to individual pens in a Completely Randomized Design. Five diets fed to the sheep were formulated thus: diets A (100 % P. purpureum), B (75 % P. purpureum + 25 % mulberry leaves), C (50 % P. purpureum + 50 % mulberry leaves), D (25 % P. purpureum + 75 % mulberry) and E (100 % mulberry leaves). Dry matter ranged 89.03 - 90.16 % and the highest (21.05 %) crude protein was obtained in diet E. Nutrients intake, daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the treatments. The highest DM (250.38 gW0.75/day) and CP (52.70 gW0.75/day) intake were observed in sheep fed diet E. The diets were adequately digested, highest nitrogen balance (5.75 gW0.75) was obtained in sheep fed diet E. Consequently, the best daily weight gain (16.10 gW0.75g/day) and least feed conversion ratio (15.55). Haematological and serum biochemical indices were within normal range for WAD sheep. Thus, sole feeding of white mulberry leave could offer a reliable source of protein for improved nutrients digestibility and nitrogen utilization by WAD sheep without detrimental effects on their wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to identify an essential blood molecular signature for chacterizing the progression of sepsis-induced acute lung injury using integrated bioinformatic and machine learning analysis. The results showed that a total of 88 functionally related ALI-associated hub genes in sepsis were identified by MCODE analysis and they were enriched in infection and inflammtory responses, lung and cardiovascular disease pathways. These hub genes stratified ALI-sepsis and sepsis and further stratified two subtypes of sepsis-ALI with differential ALI scores, hub gene expression patterns, and levels of immune cells. A seven-gene signature including TNFRSF1A, NFKB1, FCGR2A, NFE2L2, ICAM1 and SOCS3 and PDCD1 was derived from the hub genes. These genes were significantly implicated in immune and metabolism pathways. They were expressed in six circulatory immune cells based on analysis of a single cell RNA sequencing dataset. Furthermore, the seven-gene signature was corrobarated using by integrating 12 machine learning algorithms. A premium three-gene signature NFE2L2, FCGR2A and PDCD1 for differentiating ALI-sepsis from sepsis were also derived from the seven-gene signature based on analysis of the seven core hub genes by the machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the expressions of hub genes were verified in sepsis mice models. Therefore, our study provided an avenue to develop a molecular tool for identify and characterize progression of acute lung injury associated with sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Routine serum inflammatory markers CRP, ESR, and WBC have limited diagnostic value in preoperative diagnosis of FRI. • Histology is characterized by high specificity, with the best sensitivity observed for the quantitative method. • Culture exhibits higher sensitivity than histology, whether qualitative or quantitative. • Microbiology can be improved by increasing sample number, implementing long-term culture, and adjunctive implant sonication. Although fracture-related infection (FRI) is a serious complication following bone fractures, a comprehensive definition and diagnostic criteria have only emerged in recent years. According to this consensus definition, the diagnosis of FRI is based on preoperative and intraoperative suggestive or confirmatory criteria. Serum markers, histology, and microbiological cultures are considered to play a crucial role in the FRI diagnostic pathway. However, at the time of publication of the FRI consensus definition in 2018 and its update in 2020, limited data was available on the accuracy of these diagnostic methods. This review aims to provide an overview of recent publications and discuss whether new evidence has been obtained regarding the value of these current diagnostic techniques. Meanwhile, several studies have confirmed the limited prognostic value of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation ratio, and white blood cell count. Other serologic markers for preoperative diagnosis of FRI with promising diagnostic performance are d-dimer, plasma fibrinogen, platelet count to mean platelet volume ratio, and a risk prediction model that includes soft tissue injury type and fracture complexity in addition to blood markers. However, their true diagnostic value in daily clinical practice needs to be investigated in further studies. Data on histology in FRI diagnosis is still limited, but its potential as a confirmatory criterion seems to lie in its high specificity. Recent studies indicate that tissue culture exhibits moderate sensitivity and high specificity, with sensitivity improvements achieved by sampling of five specimens and long-term culture. Implant sonication also appears to enhance the sensitivity of culture and the detection rate of polymicrobial infections. In conclusion, the true value of diagnostic techniques is difficult to assess, in part because it is measured against a gold standard that is itself imperfect and still evolving, but also because of methodological differences in sample processing or the use of different thresholds. Nevertheless, this review has identified that the value of current diagnostic techniques is high when used in combination. To draw more accurate conclusions about the value of serum markers, histology, and culture including sonication, future studies should be prospective and utilize a greater standardization in sampling and methodological protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Inflammatory blood markers have been associated with oncological outcomes in several cancers, but evidence for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is scanty. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the association between five different inflammatory blood markers and several oncological outcomes. Methods This multi-centre retrospective analysis included 925 consecutive patients with primary HPV-negative HNSCC (median age: 68 years) diagnosed between April 2004 and June 2018, whose pre-treatment blood parameters were available. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammatory marker (SIM), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated; their associations with local, regional, and distant failure, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was calculated. Results The median follow-up was 53 months. All five indexes were significantly associated with OS; the highest accuracy in predicting patients’ survival was found for SIM (10-year OS = 53.2% for SIM

Background Several millions of humans all over the world were affected by the novel coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, Hubei, China, at the end of December 2019, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The epidemic has gradually spread to 208 countries, leading to the death of more than two million and a half people, and this number is rapidly increasing. The rationale of the current study was to assess the role of some simple blood markers in suspecting the outcome of patients with severe infection. Patients and methods A cohort retrospective study was carried out that included critically ill coronavirus disease 2019-infected patients with positive PCR test result who were admitted to the critical care unit within 2 months. Information concerning clinical presentation, laboratory, and radiological findings was collected; moreover, the outcome and the length of critical care stay were documented. Statistical analysis was done, where collected data were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used for the assessment of sensitivity and specificity of blood markers in predicting mortality. Results The number of patients included in the present study was 103. Most patients presented with fever and cough, and the main radiological finding was bilateral ground-glass lesions. On comparing both groups, the group that survived had elevated baseline values of PaO2/FiO2 ratio and lymphocyte count. However, the number of neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer, and serum level of ferritin were lower in this group; nonsurvivors had longer ICU stay. The following parameters were predictors for mortality: older age; increased neutrophil count, NLR, and D-dimer levels; and lower values of PaO2/FiO2 ratio. D-dimer and NLR had the highest sensitivity (81.3 and 87.5%, respectively) with area under the curve of 0.82 and 0.76, respectively. Conclusion Simple blood markers are sensitive parameters for suspecting outcome of severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

During training camps, training load is purposefully intensified. Intensified training loads (TL) are associated with psychological variations, increased fatigue, insufficient recovery, decreased muscular performance, and biological changes in adult athletes, but whether these changes occur during training camps in youth athletes has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess changes in psychometric status, vertical jump performance (i.e., height), and hematological markers before and after an intensive training camp in youth soccer players. In this case, 15male youth soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 14.8 ± 0.4 years; height: 172.0 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 60.8 ± 7.9 kg; training experience: 5.2 ± 0.7 years) completed a 2-week training program consisting of 1 week of moderate TL (MT) and 1 week of intensive training camp (TC). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), TL, monotony, strain, and psychometric status (total quality of recovery (TQR) and well-being indices (sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness) were monitored before each first daily training session across two weeks. The profile of mood states (POMS), countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and blood markers (complete blood count, urea, and creatinine) were assessed before and after TC. TL (d = 5.39, large), monotony (d = 3.03, large), strain (d = 4.38, large), and well-being index (d = 7.5, large) scores increased and TQR (d = 4.6, large) decreased during TC. The TC increased tension, fatigue, and total mood disturbance and decreased vigor (all p <0.01). CMJ performance p < 0.01, d = 0.52, moderate), creatinine (p < 0.01, d = 1.29, large), and leukocyte concentration (p < 0.01, d = 1.4, large) and granulocyte concentration (p < 0.01, d = 1.93, large) increased after TC. Percentage of lymphocytes (p < 0.05, d = 1.17, large) and monocytes (p < 0.01, d = 1.05, large) decreased while the percentage of granulocytes (p < 0.05, d = 0.86, large) increased significantly. Well-being, quality of recovery, mood, granulocyte concentration, and creatinine were all altered during the week-long intensified training camp. These results may provide coaches with valuable information about psychometric status and physiological fatigue and recovery of youth soccer players to better prescribe and adjust training loads during intensive training periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds widely distributed in the Citrus genus. These natural compounds have many health benefits, mainly for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In fact, some these compounds are components of drug products with approved indications for peripheral vascular insufficiency and hemorrhoids. However, information on pharmacological effects of these compounds remains disperse and there is scarce comprehensive analysis of whole data and evidence. These kinds of evidence analyses could be necessary in drug design and the development of novel and innovate drug products in diabetes and hypertension. We aimed to systematically search for evidence on the efficacy of citroflavonoids in diabetes and hypertension in in vivo models. We searched four literature databases based on a PICO strategy. After database curation, twenty-nine articles were retrieved to analyze experimental data. There was high heterogeneity in both outcomes and methodology. Naringenin and hesperetin derivates were the most studied citroflavonoids in both experimental models. More investigation is still needed to determine its potential for drug design and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a recent respiratory illness with high morbidity and mortality; therefore, the study and characterization of blood markers associated with the improvement or deterioration of COVID-19 patients are crucial. This study compared levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), D-dimer, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), c-reactive protein (CRP), 25-OH vitamin D, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, and viremia in mild–moderate and severe–critical COVID-19 patients. In addition, the time course of blood markers was studied in severe–critical cases. The results show that levels of IL-6, PCT, D-dimer, and CRP, the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio, as well as positive viremia and anti-Spike IgGs were higher in severe–critical patients requiring hospitalization. During follow-up, most severe–critical cases displayed similar time patterns of IL-6 and viral load, whereas anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody curves showed an inverse pattern. A decrease in IL-6 levels was associated with the improvement of COVID-19 patients, mostly through a reduced oxygen requirement. This preliminary study suggests that an increase in serum IL-6, PCT, D-dimer and CRP levels and the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio could support the selection of patients with poorer prognosis and the need for an intensive or alternative treatment. Additionally, changes in IL-6 during hospitalization were associated with changes in patient's status mainly with a decrease in oxygen requirements, which indicates that serial measurements of IL-6 could predict the outcome of severe–critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Commonly measured clinical chemistry markers might be indicative of survival and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)., Methods: In a cohort study of 270 ALS patients diagnosed from April 2014 to May 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden, we examined the link between 29 clinical chemistry markers at diagnosis and mortality risk at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after diagnosis. Summary variables from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed the markers' collective impact on survival. We integrated ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) scores with survival data using a joint latent class model to identify patterns of functional decline. Multinomial logistic regression determined how the EFA-derived factors predicted the decline trajectories post-diagnosis., Results: Higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B, and albumin at diagnosis were linked to lower mortality in ALS patients, while increased neurofilament light chain (NfL), leukocyte count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels indicated higher mortality. The 'Red blood cell profile' factor, derived from EFA, emerged as a significant predictor of survival, independent of other prognostic indicators. The joint latent class model identified three distinct patient groups based on functional decline, with 'Red blood cell profile' suggesting a lower likelihood of being in the groups with slower progression., Conclusion: Clinical chemistry markers, including NfL, lipids, albumin, leukocyte count, MCV, MCH, CO 2 , and the 'Red blood cell profile,' were associated with ALS survival. As these markers represent broader bodily functions, integrating them in ALS patient care could improve disease management., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article. Ethical approval and consent to participate: This study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (DNRs: 2014-1815-31-4, 2018-1605-31, and 2021-06397-02). All patients provided informed consent before study participation. Consent for publication: Not applicable., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: This study aims to enhance prognostic accuracy in severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) by developing a novel nomogram that integrates clinical and paraclinical data., Methods: Data from 263 STBI patients were analyzed, focusing on critical variables such as age, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, pupil responsiveness, CT findings, and blood markers. A rigorous regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors. The nomogram underwent internal and external validation, and its predictive performance was compared with existing models through a meta-analysis., Results: The novel nomogram demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for STBI outcomes compared to traditional models. Key predictors, including age, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, pupil responsiveness, CT findings, and specific blood markers, were harmonized to provide a more precise prognostic tool. Validation processes confirmed the robustness and reliability of the nomogram., Conclusion: The developed nomogram represents a significant advancement in STBI prognosis, offering clinicians a powerful tool to improve patient care strategies. By integrating CT imaging and blood parameters, the nomogram enhances the precision of outcome predictions, facilitating better-informed clinical decisions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The author declares no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Abstract Background The coexistence of cirrhosis complicates the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, novel biomarkers for HCC early detection are needed urgently. Traditionally, HCC detection is carried out by evaluating alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels combined with imaging techniques. This work aimed to assess interleukin (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF 2) as possible HCC markers in comparison to AFP in patients with and without HCC. Results ROC analysis showed that IGF2 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) for discriminating HCC from liver cirrhosis (0.86), followed by IL6 (0.82), AFP (0.72), and platelet count (0.6). A four-marker model was developed and discriminated HCC from liver cirrhosis with an AUC of 0.97. The best cut-off was 1.28, at which sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 85%, respectively. For small tumor (< 2 cm), the model had an AUC of 0.95 compared to AFP (0.72). Also, the model achieved perfect performance with AUC of 0.93, 0.94, and 0.95 for BCLC (0-A), CLIP (0-1), and Okuda (stage I), respectively, compared to AFP (AUC of 0.71, 0.69, and 0.67, respectively). Conclusions The four markers may serve as a diagnostic model for HCC early stages and help overcome AFP poor sensitivity.

Background Several millions of humans all over the world were affected by the novel coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, Hubei, China, at the end of December 2019, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The epidemic has gradually spread to 208 countries, leading to the death of more than two million and a half people, and this number is rapidly increasing. The rationale of the current study was to assess the role of some simple blood markers in suspecting the outcome of patients with severe infection. Patients and methods A cohort retrospective study was carried out that included critically ill coronavirus disease 2019-infected patients with positive PCR test result who were admitted to the critical care unit within 2 months. Information concerning clinical presentation, laboratory, and radiological findings was collected; moreover, the outcome and the length of critical care stay were documented. Statistical analysis was done, where collected data were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used for the assessment of sensitivity and specificity of blood markers in predicting mortality. Results The number of patients included in the present study was 103. Most patients presented with fever and cough, and the main radiological finding was bilateral ground-glass lesions. On comparing both groups, the group that survived had elevated baseline values of PaO2/FiO2 ratio and lymphocyte count. However, the number of neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer, and serum level of ferritin were lower in this group; nonsurvivors had longer ICU stay. The following parameters were predictors for mortality: older age; increased neutrophil count, NLR, and D-dimer levels; and lower values of PaO2/FiO2 ratio. D-dimer and NLR had the highest sensitivity (81.3 and 87.5%, respectively) with area under the curve of 0.82 and 0.76, respectively. Conclusion Simple blood markers are sensitive parameters for suspecting outcome of severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer diagnostics based on the detection of protein biomarkers in blood has promising potential for early detection and continuous monitoring of disease. However, the currently available protein biomarkers and assay formats largely fail to live up to expectations, mainly due to insufficient diagnostic specificity. Here, we discuss what kinds of plasma proteins might prove useful as biomarkers of malignant processes in specific organs. We consider the need to search for biomarkers deep down in the lowest reaches of the proteome, below current detection levels. In this regard, we comment on the poor molecular detection sensitivity of current protein assays compared to nucleic acid detection reactions, and we discuss requirements for achieving detection of vanishingly small amounts of proteins, to ensure detection of early stages of malignant growth through liquid biopsy.

Introduction: To date, no validated predictors of response before neoadjuvant therapy (NAD) are currently available in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, different peripheral blood markers were investigated before NAD (pre-NAD) and after NAD/before surgery (post-NAD) to evaluate their influence on the treatment outcomes. Methods: Patients affected by locally advanced NSCLC (cT1-T4/N0-2/M0) who underwent NAD followed by surgery from January 1996 to December 2019 were considered for this retrospective analysis. The impact of peripheral blood markers on downstaging post-NAD and on overall survival (OS) was evaluated using multivariate logistic and Cox regression models. Time to event analysis was performed by means of Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Log Rank tests at 5 years from surgery. Results: Two hundred and seventy-two consecutive patients were included. Most of the patients had Stage III NSCLC (83.5%). N2 disease was reported in 188 (69.1%) patients. Surgical resection was performed in patients with stable disease or downstaging post-NAD. Nodal downstaging was observed in 80% of clinical N2 (cN2) patients. The median follow-up of the total series was 74 months (range 6–302). Five-year OS in the overall population and in N2 population was 74.6% and 73.5%, respectively. The pre-surgery platelets level (PLT) (p = 0.019) and the variation (pre-NAD/post-NAD) of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.024) were identified as independent prognostic factors of OS. The preoperative PLT value (p value = 0.031) was confirmed as the only predictor of NAD response. Conclusions: The clinical role of peripheral blood markers in locally advanced NSCLC needs to be further investigated. Based on these preliminary results, these factors may be used as auxiliary markers for the prediction of response to neoadjuvant treatment and as prognostic factors for stratification in multimodal approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is an autoimmune disease that affects the extraocular muscles and periorbital fat. It most commonly occurs with Graves' Disease (GD) as an extrathyroidal manifestation, hence, it is also sometimes used interchangeably with Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO). Well-known autoimmune markers for GD include thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Ab) which contribute to hyperthyroidism and ocular signs. Currently, apart from radiological investigations, detection of TED is based on clinical signs and symptoms which is largely subjective, with no established biomarkers which could differentiate TED from merely GD. We evaluated a total of 28 studies on potential biomarkers for diagnosis of TED. Articles included were published in English, which investigated clinical markers in tear fluid, orbital adipose-connective tissues, orbital fibroblasts and extraocular muscles, serum, thyroid tissue, as well as imaging biomarkers. Results demonstrated that biomarkers with reported diagnostic power have high sensitivity and specificity for TED, including those using a combination of biomarkers to differentiate between TED and GD, as well as the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Other biomarkers which were upregulated include cytokines, proinflammatory markers, and acute phase reactants in subjects with TED, which are however, deemed less specific to TED. Further clinical investigations for these biomarkers, scrutinising their specificity and sensitivity on a larger sample of patients, may point towards selection of suitable biomarkers for aiding detection and prognosis of TED in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, many researchers have taken serum ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase (Uch-L1) as an indicator of post-traumatic brain injury and associated it with cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cognitive impairment and energy metabolism disorders. The purpose of this study was to detect whether serum Uch-L1 is related to cognition and brain energy metabolism in healthy people, and to explore whether it can be used as an early blood marker of Alzheimer’s disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, adult outpatients from a Grade 3A hospital were recruited. They completed the 18F-FDG-PET/CT examination in the nuclear medicine department and were screened by the Mini Mental State scale (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA). Blood samples were collected from all outpatients to detect the concentration of serum Uch-L1, and the mean standard uptake value (SUVmean) of energy metabolism in the hippocampus during PET/CT examination was collected. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants, 14 participants with cognitive impairment (MMSE score < 27) and 23 controls (MMSE score 27-30) were included. There was a significant difference in the SUVmean of the hippocampus between the cognitive impairment group and the normal control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the SUVmean of the hippocampus and the total score of MMSE in all participants [r = 0.439, 95% CI: (0.139-0.668), p = 0.007]. There were also significant correlations between serum Uch-L1 and MMSE. Based on the significant differences of demographic variables between groups, we conducted a multivariate linear regression analysis of MMSE cognitive scores based on age (X1), length of education (X2) and SUVmean of hippocampus (X3). The regression equation is as follows: Y = 25.709-0.072 X1 + 0.422 X2 + 0.232 X3. CONCLUSIONS: Brain cognitive ability is closely related to energy metabolism and serum Uch-L1 concentration, so serum Uch-L1 may become a blood marker for extensive screening of dementia in the future. We look forward to the introduction of a more accurate and low-cost method for detecting serum Uch-L1 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of QhaliKay: Revista de Ciencias de la Salud is the property of QhaliKay Revista de Ciencias de la Salud 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.)

Background: Blood biomarkers are first-line tools for identifying periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). C-reactive protein (CRP) is currently recognized as the standard biomarker for PJI diagnosis. Other recently reported novel biomarkers, including plasma fibrinogen, platelet count, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet count/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have also shown promise in diagnosing PJI. This study aimed to evaluate whether these biomarkers were superior to CRP for identifying PJI. Methods: Patients who underwent revision hip or knee arthroplasty at our hospital from January 2008 to September 2020 were included consecutively and divided into infected and non-infected groups according to the 2013 International Consensus Meeting Criteria. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CRP, interleukin-6, fibrinogen, platelet count, MLR, NLR, and PLR were analyzed. The diagnostic values of the tested biomarkers and their combinations were compared with CRP based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) using the z-test. Classification trees were constructed to explore more accurate combinations of the tested markers for identifying PJI. Results: A total of 543 patients were included, of whom 245 had PJI. Among the tested biomarkers, CRP with a cutoff of 7.39 mg/L showed the highest AUC, which gave a sensitivity of 79.1% and specificity of 86.0%. The AUCs of pairwise combinations of tested markers including CRP also were inferior to CRP itself, as were combinations derived from classification trees. Conclusions: Preoperative serum CRP with a low cutoff may be the best reliable blood biomarker for identifying PJI, and those traditional or novel available blood biomarkers could not further improve the diagnostic ability on the basis of CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammatory blood markers have been associated with oncological outcomes in several cancers, but evidence for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is scanty. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the association between five different inflammatory blood markers and several oncological outcomes.Methods: This multi-centre retrospective analysis included 925 consecutive patients with primary HPV-negative HNSCC (median age: 68 years) diagnosed between April 2004 and June 2018, whose pre-treatment blood parameters were available. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammatory marker (SIM), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated; their associations with local, regional, and distant failure, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was calculated.Results: The median follow-up was 53 months. All five indexes were significantly associated with OS; the highest accuracy in predicting patients' survival was found for SIM (10-year OS = 53.2% for SIM < 1.40 and 40.9% for SIM ≥ 2.46; c-index = 0.569) and LMR (10-year OS = 60.4% for LMR ≥ 3.76 and 40.5% for LMR < 2.92; c-index = 0.568). While LMR showed the strongest association with local failure (HR = 2.16; 95% CI:1.22-3.84), PLR showed the strongest association with regional (HR = 1.98; 95% CI:1.24-3.15) and distant failure (HR = 1.67; 95% CI:1.08-2.58).Conclusion: Different inflammatory blood markers may be useful to identify patients at risk of local, regional, or distant recurrences who may benefit from treatment intensification or intensive surveillance programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]