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Background: Statins bring favourable effects on the clinical prognosis of patients with atherosclerotic disease partly through their anti-inflammatory properties. However, this effect has not been fully verified in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We aimed to test whether statins exert different prognostic effects depending on the degrees of inflammation in patients with PAD. Methods: This study was a sub-analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of 2321 consecutive patients with PAD who received endovascular therapy (EVT). After excluding patients without information on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at the time of index EVT, 1974 patients (1021 statin users and 953 non-users) were classified into four groups depending on CRP levels: low CRP (1.0 mg/dL). A composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and major amputation as the primary endpoint was compared between statin users and non-users in each CRP category. Results: During the median observation period of 316 days, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 112 (11.0 %) statin users and 178 (18.7 %) non-users (log-rank test, p

Introduction: Several studies show that variations in the length of the menstrual cycle significantly affect lipid and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) parameters. There is an acute paucity of literature comparing lipid profiles and CRP in women with short and prolonged menstrual cycle length in the absence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other gynaecological conditions. Aim: To determine the lipid profile and CRP levels in women with short and prolonged menstrual cycle length and compare them with women with a normal menstrual cycle length to identify women at cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: The association of lipid and CRP parameters with menstrual cycle length was evaluated in the present cross-sectional study involving 226 women aged 15-45 years selected from GSMCH, Patiala, Punjab, India, from May 2014 to December 2018. Based on a questionnaire about menstrual bleeding, healthy females were divided into three groups: women with short, normal, and long menstrual cycles. A menstrual cycle length of 24-38 days was considered normal. Lipid profile and CRP were analysed during the menstrual phase of the female monthly cycle in women with short, normal, and prolonged cycles, and the results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA. A p-value of

Introduction: Several studies show that variations in the length of the menstrual cycle significantly affect lipid and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) parameters. There is an acute paucity of literature comparing lipid profiles and CRP in women with short and prolonged menstrual cycle length in the absence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other gynaecological conditions. Aim: To determine the lipid profile and CRP levels in women with short and prolonged menstrual cycle length and compare them with women with a normal menstrual cycle length to identify women at cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: The association of lipid and CRP parameters with menstrual cycle length was evaluated in the present cross-sectional study involving 226 women aged 15-45 years selected from GSMCH, Patiala, Punjab, India, from May 2014 to December 2018. Based on a questionnaire about menstrual bleeding, healthy females were divided into three groups: women with short, normal, and long menstrual cycles. A menstrual cycle length of 24-38 days was considered normal. Lipid profile and CRP were analysed during the menstrual phase of the female monthly cycle in women with short, normal, and prolonged cycles, and the results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 111 (49%) of the 226 females had a normal menstrual cycle duration, whereas the remaining 38 (17%) and 77 (34%) had short and lengthy cycles, respectively. Mean levels of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), lipid ratio, and CRP increased in women with short and long menstrual cycles compared to women with normal menstrual cycles. This increase was significant for TC, TG, VLDL, TC/HDL, and TG/HDL ratios, while HDL was significantly lower (p<0.05). Conclusion: Women with short and long menstrual cycles have a higher risk of developing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in the coming years compared to women with a normal menstrual cycle length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the association of raised CRP with prolonged ICU stay in children with bronchopneumonia at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, for a duration of six months (June 2023 to December 2023). Out of 127 children admitted into ICU, 82 met the inclusion criteria, aged 2-60 months, diagnosed with bronchopneumonia. Upon admission, blood sample was taken for CRP levels and these levels were correlated with ICU stay, TLC count, O2 dependency, and antibiotics duration of the patients. Patients were divided into five groups based on CRP counts. CRP counts less than 0.3 mg/dL were taken as normal. CRP counts from 0.4-0.9 mg/dL were taken as mild, 1-10 mg/dL were considered moderate, 11-49 mg/dL were considered marked, and ≥50 mg/dL were considered severe. Results Out of 82 patients, 45 (54.88%) were males and 37 (45.12%) were females. This study found that raised CRP was present in 73 (89.02%) out of 82 children (p

Background: History of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases risk of periodontal diseases. A pro-inflammatory condition noted in periodontitis is considered a trigger for RA. Thus, periodontal treatment aimed at attenuating the pro-inflammatory state could aid in potentially reducing the risk of RA. Aims: The objective of this research was to assess the effect of periodontal therapy on rheumatoid factor, Disease Activity Score-28, anti-citrullinated protein antibody, and C-reactive protein levels in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and RA. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 28 patients with CP and RA. The study was designed to be a double-blind, randomised controlled clinical study. The samples were randomly categorised to either the treatment group (n = 13) or the control group (n = 15). CP status (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss), clinical rheumatologic status (Disease Activity Score), and biochemical status (C-reactive protein, anti-citrullinated protein antibody, and rheumatoid factor) were assessed at baseline and at follow-up at 8 to 12 weeks. Results: The treatment group showed a highly statistically significant reduction in bleeding on probing (P < .005), probing pocket depth (P < .001), plaque index (P < .001), and C-reactive protein (P < .001); a gain in the clinical attachment loss (P < .001) and an improvement in Disease Activity Score-28 (P = .001) were observed at reassessment following nonsurgical periodontal treatment as compared to the control group. However, blood serum anti-citrullinated protein antibody (P = .002) and rheumatoid factor levels (P = .351) were found to increase from baseline to 8 to 12 weeks following subgingival scaling and root planing. Conclusions: Reduction of inflammation in the periodontium by nonsurgical periodontal therapy did not reduce anti-citrullinated protein antibody and rheumatoid factor levels. However, it has shown improvement in periodontal conditions, and remarkable changes were observed in the clinical Disease Activity Score and C-reactive protein levels of individuals with RA.

Background: Assessment of correlation between peri-implant parameters and C-reactive protein levels among patients with different obesity levels. Materials and Methods: Evaluation of 60 subjects was performed who were scheduled to undergo dental implant therapy for missing mandibular first molars. Three study cohorts were formed, namely, Group A: obese group (BMI between 30 Kg/m2 and 34.9 Kg/m2), Group B: high obese group (BMI over 34.9 Kg/m2), and Group C: non-obese group (BMI under 25 Kg/m2). Each cohort comprised 20 subjects. Dental implant therapy was carried out in all the patients. Peri-implant variables were evaluated in all the patients. Blood samples were obtained, and C-reactive protein levels in subjects having different obesity levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Mean serum C-reactive protein levels among patients of groups A, B, and C occurred to be 3.28 mg/L, 3.65 g/L, and 3.61 g/L, respectively. On comparing numerically, noticeable outcomes were achieved. Mean probing depth among subjects of groups A, B, and C occurred to be 2.9 mm, 3.2 mm, and 1.3 mm, respectively. Mean marginal bone loss among subjects of groups A, B, and C occurred to be 2.1 mm, 2.7 mm, and 0.8 mm, respectively. On comparing numerically, noteworthy outcomes were gathered. Conclusion: There were significantly higher deranged peri-implant inflammatory variables among patients with higher levels of obesity.

Abstract Background Youth drug addiction is a significant social and health problem. Symptoms of the disease include a number of neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders. Possible hormonal disorders and dysregulation of the immune system could also occur. Case presentation We describe a case of a teenage patient with multiple diseases such as esophagitis, allergic disease, and numerous behavioral disorders leading to: self-injury of the body, suicide attempts by drugs overdosing, and experimentation with various psychoactive substances (morphine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, codeine). She was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. A few hours before the admission to the ward, the patient had an intravenous injection of drugs. Toxicological tests confirmed the presence of amphetamine, ecstasy and opioids in the blood and urine. Laboratory tests revealed extremely increased inflammatory parameters, leucopenia, increased levels of IgG, IgA and IgE (total) immunoglobulins, low concentration of vitamin D. Bacteriological examinations were negative. General condition of the patient got better very quickly, antibiotic therapy was abandoned on the 4th day. It was concluded that the cause of the elevated concentration of acute-phase proteins was most likely caused by intoxication with psychoactive drugs. Conclusions The discussed case shows the difficulties of differential diagnosis in a teenage patient struggling with many diseases, who has been abusing drugs for several years. Increased inflammatory parameters in the form of an raised PCT, CRP, NLR, PLR values may be caused by many factors. In adolescents who frequently experiment with psychoactive substances, such cause of these disturbances should also be taken into account.

Dongrui Liang,1 Xiaodong Li2 1Department of Ophthalmology, Baoding No. 1 Central Hospital of Hebei Medical Universtiy, Baoding, Hebei, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nephrology, Baoding No. 1 Central Hospital of Hebei Medical Universtiy, Baoding, Hebei, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiaodong Li, Department of Nephrology, Baoding No. 1 Central Hospital of Hebei Medical Universtiy, Baoding Great Wall North Street No 320, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8618617789590, Email lxd_765@sina.com

Hossam N Alhawatmeh,1 Mohammad Rababa,1 Mahmoud Alfaqih,2 Raya Albataineh,2 Issa Hweidi,1 Awwad Abu Awwad1 1Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Nursing, Irbid, Jordan; 2Jordan University of Science of Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Irbid, JordanCorrespondence: Hossam N Alhawatmeh Tel +962 797413244Fax +962-2-7201065Email hnhawatmeh@just.edu.joPurpose: Mindfulness meditation was used to reduce stress and its responses such as cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) among healthy and ill individuals in various cultures, but its effect has not yet been studied among nursing students, experiencing tremendous stress. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of mindfulness meditation on trait mindfulness, perceived stress, serum cortisol, and serum C-reactive proteins (CRP) in nursing students.Patients and Methods: Using a two-arm, randomized, parallel study (conducted in a large university in Jordan, 108 nursing students were randomly assigned to experimental group receiving five 30-minute weekly sessions of mindfulness meditation and control group sitting quiet during the experimental sessions. Trait mindfulness, perceived stress, serum cortisol, and CRP were measured at baseline and end of the intervention.Results: Using one-way MANOVA and post-hoc comparisons, the results showed that mindfulness meditation was significantly effective in decreasing serum cortisol levels and perceived stress. The mindfulness meditation also decreased CRP and increased trait mindfulness although the results did not reach statistically significant levels.Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for serious consideration of mindfulness meditation in nursing colleges to improve stress and raise immunity in this vulnerable population.Trial Registration: Mindfulness Meditation for Nursing Students: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05099224.Keywords: mindfulness, meditation, nursing students, stress, cortisol, C-reactive proteins

Background: Assessment of correlation between peri-implant parameters and C-reactive protein levels among patients with different obesity levels. Materials and Methods: Evaluation of 60 subjects was performed who were scheduled to undergo dental implant therapy for missing mandibular first molars. Three study cohorts were formed, namely, Group A: obese group (BMI between 30 Kg/m2 and 34.9 Kg/m2), Group B: high obese group (BMI over 34.9 Kg/m2), and Group C: non-obese group (BMI under 25 Kg/m2). Each cohort comprised 20 subjects. Dental implant therapy was carried out in all the patients. Peri-implant variables were evaluated in all the patients. Blood samples were obtained, and C-reactive protein levels in subjects having different obesity levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Mean serum C-reactive protein levels among patients of groups A, B, and C occurred to be 3.28 mg/L, 3.65 g/L, and 3.61 g/L, respectively. On comparing numerically, noticeable outcomes were achieved. Mean probing depth among subjects of groups A, B, and C occurred to be 2.9 mm, 3.2 mm, and 1.3 mm, respectively. Mean marginal bone loss among subjects of groups A, B, and C occurred to be 2.1 mm, 2.7 mm, and 0.8 mm, respectively. On comparing numerically, noteworthy outcomes were gathered. Conclusion: There were significantly higher deranged peri-implant inflammatory variables among patients with higher levels of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Statins bring favourable effects on the clinical prognosis of patients with atherosclerotic disease partly through their anti-inflammatory properties. However, this effect has not been fully verified in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We aimed to test whether statins exert different prognostic effects depending on the degrees of inflammation in patients with PAD., Methods: This study was a sub-analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of 2321 consecutive patients with PAD who received endovascular therapy (EVT). After excluding patients without information on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at the time of index EVT, 1974 patients (1021 statin users and 953 non-users) were classified into four groups depending on CRP levels: low CRP (<0.1 mg/dL), intermediate-low CRP (0.1-0.3 mg/dL), intermediate-high CRP (0.3-1.0 mg/dL), and high CRP (>1.0 mg/dL). A composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and major amputation as the primary endpoint was compared between statin users and non-users in each CRP category., Results: During the median observation period of 316 days, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 112 (11.0 %) statin users and 178 (18.7 %) non-users (log-rank test, p  < 0.001). However, statin therapy was associated with significantly lower event rates only in the intermediate-high- and high-CRP categories ( p  = 0.02 and p  = 0.008, respectively). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that statin use was independently associated with the primary endpoint only in the high-CRP category (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.64 [95 % confidence interval: 0.41-0.98])., Conclusion: Statins may exert favourable prognostic effects in patients with PAD and highly elevated CRP levels., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Objective This study aimed to determine the ability of the C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin ratio (CAR) to predict short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19. Material and methods This retrospective, observational, cohort study included patients with COVID-19. The patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, CRP, albumin, CAR, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, Troponin I and all-cause mortality within 30 days after admission were noted. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed, and odds ratios were calculated to determine the discriminative ability of the parameters. Results A total of 103 patients with a median of age of 57 (20-92) years were included in the study. The rate of 30-day mortality was 4.8% for the study cohort. According to the best Youden’s index, the cut-off value for CRP was determined as 7 (sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 78.6%), and the area under curve (AUC) value was 0.801 (95% confidence interval: 71.1-87.3). According to the best Youden’s index, the cut-off value for CAR was 0.18 (sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 78.6%), and the area under curve (AUC) value was 0.806 (95% confidence interval: 71.6-87.7). There was no statistically significant difference between the AUC values of CRP and CAR (DeLong equality test, p = 0.938). The odds ratios of CRP (>7 mg/L) and CAR (>0.18) for 30-day mortality were 14.667 (95% confidence interval: 1.555-138.299) and 13.818 (95% confidence interval: 1.468-130.076), respectively. Conclusion CAR was not useful in predicting 30-day mortality in patients with COVID-19. The calculation of CAR rather than CRP had no clinically significant contribution to the prediction of 30-day mortality in this patient group.

Background: Youth drug addiction is a significant social and health problem. Symptoms of the disease include a number of neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders. Possible hormonal disorders and dysregulation of the immune system could also occur. Case presentation: We describe a case of a teenage patient with multiple diseases such as esophagitis, allergic disease, and numerous behavioral disorders leading to: self-injury of the body, suicide attempts by drugs overdosing, and experimentation with various psychoactive substances (morphine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, codeine). She was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. A few hours before the admission to the ward, the patient had an intravenous injection of drugs. Toxicological tests confirmed the presence of amphetamine, ecstasy and opioids in the blood and urine. Laboratory tests revealed extremely increased inflammatory parameters, leucopenia, increased levels of IgG, IgA and IgE (total) immunoglobulins, low concentration of vitamin D. Bacteriological examinations were negative. General condition of the patient got better very quickly, antibiotic therapy was abandoned on the 4th day. It was concluded that the cause of the elevated concentration of acute-phase proteins was most likely caused by intoxication with psychoactive drugs. Conclusions: The discussed case shows the difficulties of differential diagnosis in a teenage patient struggling with many diseases, who has been abusing drugs for several years. Increased inflammatory parameters in the form of an raised PCT, CRP, NLR, PLR values may be caused by many factors. In adolescents who frequently experiment with psychoactive substances, such cause of these disturbances should also be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study was undertaken for assessing the C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels and IL-6 levels in patients with peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with confirmed clinical and radiographic diagnosis of peri-implantitis were included in the present study. Another set of 20 subjects who reported for routine health check-up were included as healthy controls. All the subjects were recalled in the morning and fasting (minimum of 12 h) venous blood samples were obtained. Plain vials were used for collecting the venous blood which was sent to the laboratory for biochemical analysis. In the laboratory, levels of CRP were assessed by means of latex enhanced nephelometric method, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was assessed by means of Elisa kit. Results: Mean levels of CRPs in patients of the peri-implantitis group and the control group was found to be 0.795 mg/dL and 0.294 mg/dL respectively. Mean IL-6 levels among the patients of the peri-implantitis group and the control group was found to be 12.178 pg/ml and 6.458 pg/ml respectively. While analyzing statistically, significant results were obtained. Conclusion: Enhanced periodontal inflammation in peri-implantitis patients is accompanied by a considerable increase in the concentration of CRPs and IL-6.

Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has high infectivity and mortality rate. Covid-19 patients can suddenly deteriorate and develop life threatening complications. Hence, there is a need to identify laboratory biomarkers in order to categorize high risk patients. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the role and correlation of laboratory parameters such as total leucocyte count (TLC), absolute lymphocyte count, platelet count, C-Reactive Proteins (CRP), serum ferritin, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum procalcitonin and D-dimer in severe and non-severe Covid-19 patients. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Latifa Women and Child Hospital in the UAE after obtaining ethical committee clearance. Based on the symptoms and the criteria by National Institute of Health, USA, 109 patients were divided into three groups: Non-severe with 75, severe with 18 and critical with 16 patients. Laboratory data of these patients were assessed through the electronic medical records (SALAMA). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 (SPSS/PC; SPSS-25.0, Chicago, USA). Laboratory test profiles were expressed as mean (SD). Independent 't' test and ANOVA were used to study the significance of means. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Result: Males were more severely affected than females. Severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients had a significantly higher TLC, serum LDH, ferritin and CRP and lower absolute lymphocyte count. PCT and D-dimer were significantly elevated in critical group. Conclusion: Along with clinical presentation and radiological findings, biochemical parameter may also be considered as important predictors for assessing severity in covid-19 patients.

Various acute phase reactants are produced in response to inflammatory stimuli, one of them is C-reactive protein. Serum levels of C-Reactive protein are useful to monitor and diagnose inflammatory process associated with disease as it being one of the valuable biomarkers in various clinical conditions, increase in level of C-Reactive protein is found in subjects with periodontal disease, which in turn can act as useful biomarker to diagnose cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcome as they being associated with periodontal disease. This manuscript is brief overview of C-Reactive protein and its relation with periodontal disease and systemic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study was undertaken for assessing the C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels and IL-6 levels in patients with peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with confirmed clinical and radiographic diagnosis of peri-implantitis were included in the present study. Another set of 20 subjects who reported for routine health check-up were included as healthy controls. All the subjects were recalled in the morning and fasting (minimum of 12 h) venous blood samples were obtained. Plain vials were used for collecting the venous blood which was sent to the laboratory for biochemical analysis. In the laboratory, levels of CRP were assessed by means of latex enhanced nephelometric method, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was assessed by means of Elisa kit. Results: Mean levels of CRPs in patients of the peri-implantitis group and the control group was found to be 0.795 mg/dL and 0.294 mg/dL respectively. Mean IL-6 levels among the patients of the peri-implantitis group and the control group was found to be 12.178 pg/ml and 6.458 pg/ml respectively. While analyzing statistically, significant results were obtained. Conclusion: Enhanced periodontal inflammation in peri-implantitis patients is accompanied by a considerable increase in the concentration of CRPs and IL-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has high infectivity and mortality rate. Covid-19 patients can suddenly deteriorate and develop life threatening complications. Hence, there is a need to identify laboratory biomarkers in order to categorize high risk patients. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the role and correlation of laboratory parameters such as total leucocyte count (TLC), absolute lymphocyte count, platelet count, C-Reactive Proteins (CRP), serum ferritin, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum procalcitonin and D-dimer in severe and non-severe Covid-19 patients. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Latifa Women and Child Hospital in the UAE after obtaining ethical committee clearance. Based on the symptoms and the criteria by National Institute of Health, USA, 109 patients were divided into three groups: Non-severe with 75, severe with 18 and critical with 16 patients. Laboratory data of these patients were assessed through the electronic medical records (SALAMA). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 (SPSS/PC; SPSS-25.0, Chicago, USA). Laboratory test profiles were expressed as mean (SD). Independent 't' test and ANOVA were used to study the significance of means. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Result: Males were more severely affected than females. Severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients had a significantly higher TLC, serum LDH, ferritin and CRP and lower absolute lymphocyte count. PCT and D-dimer were significantly elevated in critical group. Conclusion: Along with clinical presentation and radiological findings, biochemical parameter may also be considered as important predictors for assessing severity in covid-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccines are considered to be one of the most cost-effective life-saving interventions in human history. The body's inflammatory response to vaccines has both desired effects (immune response), undesired effects [(acute phase reactions (APRs)] and trade-offs. Trade-offs are more potent immune responses which may be potentially difficult to separate from potent acute phase reactions. Thus, studying acute phase proteins (APPs) during vaccination may aid our understanding of APRs and homeostatic changes which can result from inflammatory responses. Depending on the severity of the response in humans, these reactions can be classified as major, moderate or minor. In this review, types of APPs and their importance in vaccination will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) are ideal substitutes for widely used cadmium‐based QDs and have great application prospects in biological fields due to their environmentally benign properties and human safety. However, the synthesis of InP core/shell QDs with biocompatibility, high quantum yield (QY), uniform particle size, and high stability is still a challenging subject. Herein, high quality (QY up to 72%) thick shell InP/GaP/ZnS core/shell QDs (12.8 ± 1.4 nm) are synthesized using multiple injections of shell precursor and extension of shell growth time, with GaP serving as the intermediate layer and 1‐octanethiol acting as the new S source. The thick shell InP/GaP/ZnS core/shell QDs still keep high QY and photostability after transfer into water. InP/GaP/ZnS core/shell QDs as fluorescence labels to establish QD‐based fluorescence‐linked immunosorbent assay (QD‐FLISA) for quantitative detection of C‐reactive protein (CRP), and a calibration curve is established between fluorescence intensity and CRP concentrations (range: 1–800 ng mL−1, correlation coefficient: R2 = 0.9992). The limit of detection is 2.9 ng mL−1, which increases twofold compared to previously reported cadmium‐free QD‐based immunoassays. Thus, InP/GaP/ZnS core/shell QDs as a great promise fluorescence labeling material, provide a new route for cadmium‐free sensitive and specific immunoassays in biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD34+ cells maintain vascular homeostasis and predict cardiovascular outcomes. We previously evaluated the association of CD34+ cells with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events over 23 months, but long-term CVD outcomes in relation to levels of CD34+ cells in patients on maintenance hemodialysis are unclear. Herein, we analyzed the long-term predictive potential levels of CD34+ cells for CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality. Between March 2005 and May 2005, we enrolled 215 patients on maintenance hemodialysis at Nagoya Kyoritsu Hospital and followed them up to 12.8 years. According to the CD34+ cell counts, patients were classified into the lowest, medium, and highest tertiles. Levels of CD34+ cells were analyzed in association with four-point major adverse CV events (MACEs), CVD death, and all-cause mortality. In univariate analysis age, smoking habit, lower geriatric nutrition risk index, lower calcium × phosphate product, and lower intact parathyroid hormone were significantly associated with the lowest tertile. Whereas, in multivariate analysis, age and smoking habit were significantly associated with the lowest tertile. Among 139 (64.7%) patients who died during a mean follow-up period of 8.0 years, 39 (28.1%) patients died from CVD. Patients in the lowest tertile had a significantly lower survival rate than those in the medium and highest tertiles (p ≤ 0.001). Using multivariable analyses, the lowest tertile was significantly associated with four-point MACEs (hazard ratio 1.80, p = 0.023) and CVD death (hazard ratio 2.50, p = 0.011). In conclusion, our long-term observational study revealed that a low level of CD34+ cells in the circulation predicts CVD outcomes among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The long-term outcomes of artificial nutrition in older people with dysphagia remain uncertain. Enteral nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is one of the major methods of artificial nutrition. Enteral feeding is indicated for patients with a functional gastrointestinal tract. However, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is often inappropriately chosen for artificial nutrition in Japan, even in patients with a functional gastrointestinal tract, as PEG has recently been viewed as an unnecessary life-prolonging treatment in Japan. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes between PEG and TPN. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study investigated long-term outcomes in older patients with dysphagia who received PEG or TPN between January 2014 and January 2017. The primary outcome was survival time. Secondary outcomes were oral intake recovery, discharge to home, and the incidence of severe pneumonia and sepsis. We performed 1-to-1 propensity score matching using a 0.05 caliper. The Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis were used to compare the survival time between groups. Results: We identified 253 patients who received PEG (n = 180) or TPN (n = 73). Older patients, those with lower nutritional states, and severe dementia were more likely to receive TPN. Propensity score matching created 55 pairs. Survival time was significantly longer in the PEG group (median, 317 vs 195 days; P = 0.017). The hazard ratio for PEG relative to TPN was 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.92; P = 0.019). There were no significant differences between the groups in oral intake recovery and discharge to home. The incidence of severe pneumonia was significantly higher in the PEG group (50.9% vs 25.5%, P = 0.010), whereas sepsis was significantly higher in the TPN group (10.9% vs 30.9%, P = 0.018). Conclusions: PEG was associated with a significantly longer survival time, a higher incidence of severe pneumonia, and a lower incidence of sepsis compared with TPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum components of sepsis patients vary with the severity of infection, the resulting inflammatory response, per individual, and even over time. Tracking these changes is crucial in properly treating sepsis. Hence, several blood-derived biomarkers have been studied for their potential in assessing sepsis severity. However, the classical approach of selecting individual biomarkers is problematic in terms of accuracy and efficiency. We therefore present a novel approach for detecting biomarkers using longitudinal proteomics data. This does not require a predetermined set of proteins and can therefore reveal previously unknown related proteins. Our approach involves examining changes over time of both protein abundance and post-translational modifications in serum, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). 2D-PAGE was conducted using serum from n = 20 patients, collected at five time points, starting from the onset of sepsis. Changes in protein spots were examined using 49 spots for which the signal intensity changed by at least two-fold over time. These were then screened for significant spikes or dips in intensity that occurred exclusively in patients with adverse outcome. Individual level variation was handled by a mixed effects model. Finally, for each time transition, partial correlations between spots were estimated through a Gaussian graphical model (GGM) based on the ridge penalty. Identifications of spots of interest by tandem mass spectrometry revealed that many were either known biomarkers for inflammation (complement components), or had previously been suggested as biomarkers for kidney failure (haptoglobin) or liver failure (ceruloplasmin). The latter two are common complications in severe sepsis. In the GGM, many of the tightly connected spots shared known biological functions or even belonged to the same protein; including hemoglobin chains and acute phase proteins. Altogether, these results suggest that our screening method can successfully identify biomarkers for disease states and cluster biologically related proteins using longitudinal proteomics data derived from 2D-PAGE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studying the role of the immune system in the interaction between mental and physical health is challenging. To study individuals with an intensive, longitudinal study design that requires repetitive sampling in their daily life, non-invasive sampling techniques are a necessity. Urine can be collected in a non-invasive way, but this may be demanding for participants and little is known about fluctuation of inflammatory markers in urine over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of non-invasive sampling, and to explore intra-individual differences in inflammatory markers in urine. Materials & methods: Ten healthy individuals collected 24-hour urine for 63 consecutive days. In a pilot analysis, 39 inflammatory markers were examined for detectability in urine, stability over time and under storage conditions, and daily fluctuations. Multiplex analyses were used to quantify levels of eight selected markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), Fractalkine, Interleukin-1 receptor-antagonist (IL-1RA), interferon-α (IFNα), interferon-γ (IFNγ), Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP10), Macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Cross-correlations were calculated between the overnight and 24-hour samples were calculated, to examine whether 24-hour urine could be replaced by the overnight portion for better feasibility. We examined intra- and interindividual differences in the levels of inflammatory markers in urine and the fluctuations thereof. Results: This study showed that levels of selected inflammatory markers can be detected in urine. Cross-correlation analyses showed that correlations between levels of inflammatory markers in the night portion and the 24-hour urine sample varied widely between individuals. In addition, analyses of time series revealed striking inter- and intra-individual variation in levels of inflammatory markers and their fluctuations. Conclusion: We show that the assessment of urinary inflammatory markers is feasible in an intensive day-to-day study in healthy individuals. However, 24-hour urine cannot be replaced by an overnight portion to alleviate the protocol burden. Levels of inflammatory markers show substantial variation between and within persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Regular physical activity may be associated with improved lung function via reduced systemic inflammation, although studies exploring this mechanism are rare. We evaluated the role of C-reactive protein in blood, which is a common marker of systemic inflammation, on the association of physical activity with forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity. Methods: Cross-sectional data on spirometry, C-reactive protein levels and self-reported physical activity (yes/no; ≥2 times and ≥1hr per week of vigorous physical activity) were available in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (N = 2347 adults, 49.3% male, 28–56 years-old). A subsample was also assessed 10 years later using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and tertiles of Metabolic Equivalent of Task—minutes per week spent in vigorous, moderate and walking activities were calculated (N = 671, 49.6% male, 40–67 years-old). Adjusted cross-sectional mixed linear regression models and the “mediate” package in “R” were used to assess the presence of mediation. Results: Despite positive significant associations between nearly all physical activity metrics with forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity, there was no evidence that C-reactive protein levels played a role. An influence of C-reactive protein levels was only apparent in the smaller subsample when comparing the medium to low tertiles of moderate activity (mean difference [95% CIs]: 21.1ml [5.2, 41.9] for forced expiratory volume in one second and 17.3ml [2.6, 38.0] for forced vital capacity). Conclusions: In a population of adults, we found no consistent evidence that the association of physical activity with forced expiratory volume in one second or forced vital capacity is influenced by the level of C-reactive protein in blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this paper was to analyze the general diagnostic strength and performance of in vitro diagnostics for C-reactive protein and procalcitonin based on the results of external quality assessment schemes (EQAs). Methods: We analyzed qualitative and quantitative data on both markers collected by the Society for Promotion Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratories (INSTAND e.V.) from 20 EQAs. The C-reactive protein evaluation was method-specific and the procalcitonin evaluation manufacturer-specific (pseudonymized). Coefficients of variation were determined in order to evaluate interlaboratory comparability and the performance of individual laboratories during the analyzed period was examined. Results: Overall most of our participants were able to correctly distinguish the positive from the negative samples, but we occasionally observed also false-positive results for the immunological detection of C-reactive protein. For the semi-quantitative results of C-reactive protein we observed an overall median difference below 5% except for dry chemistry methods (≤ 21%). For procalcitonin two manufacturer collectives showed a good comparability, while one manufacturer detected up to 42% higher results. The coefficients of variation are promising for both analytes even though they surpass the manufacturer’s indication for some collectives. The performance of individual laboratories during the analyzed period was more stable for C-reactive protein than for procalcitonin. Conclusion: In-vitro diagnostic testing for C-reactive protein and procalcitonin showed promising results in our EQAs but still further improvements are needed. We recommend stepping up research on reference measurement methods for both parameters to possibly enhancing the accuracy and diagnostic strength of such assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the prognostic ability of lactate normalization achieved within 6 and 24 h from septic shock recognition. Data from a septic shock registry from October 2015 to February 2017 were reviewed. The study included 2,102 eligible septic shock patients to analyze the prognostic ability of lactate normalization, defined as a follow-up lactate level <2 mmol/L within six hours of bundle therapy and within 24 hours of delayed normalization. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 21.4%. The rates of lactate normalization within 6 and 24 h were significantly higher in the survivor groups than in the non-survivor group (42.4% vs. 23.4% and 60.2% vs. 31.2%; P<0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both 6- and 24-h lactate normalization were independent predictors (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.75, p<0.001 and OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33–0.54, p<0.001, respectively). When we could not achieve the lactate normalization, the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value to predict mortality were 76.6%, 42.4%, 26.5% and 87.0% respectively for 6-h normalization, and 68.8%, 60.2%, 32.0% and 87.7% respectively for 24-h normalization. Besides 6-h lactate normalization, 24-h delayed lactate normalization was associated with decreasing mortality in septic shock patients. Lactate normalization may have a role in early risk stratification and as a therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare drug survival in patients with axial spondyloarthritis treated with different TNF inhibitors in standard dosage. Methods: Patients fulfilling the Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management cohort were included in this study if a first TNF inhibitor on standard dosage was started after recruitment and if a baseline visit was available. Drug maintenance up to drug discontinuation or dose escalation was compared between TNF inhibitors with multiple adjusted Cox proportional hazards models and multiple imputation for missing baseline covariate data. Results: A total of 966 patients were included (adalimumab 344, etanercept 237, golimumab 214, infliximab 171). Patients on certolizumab (n = 18) were excluded. Patients starting golimumab had lower disease activity as well as better physical function and quality of life in comparison to patients starting another drug. A higher proportion of patients starting infliximab had a history of extra-articular manifestations. Drug dosage was more often escalated during follow-up in patients treated with infliximab than with subcutaneously administered agents. However, no significant differences in time up to drug discontinuation or dose escalation were observed in multiple adjusted analyses if treatment was initiated after 2009, when all 4 TNF inhibitors were available: hazard ratio for infliximab versus etanercept 1.16 (95% confidence interval 0.80; 1.67), p = 0.44, for golimumab versus etanercept 0.80 (0.58; 1.10), p = 0.17 and for adalimumab versus etanercept 0.93 (0.69; 1.26), p = 0.66. Conclusion: In axial spondyloarthritis, drug survival with standard doses of different TNF inhibitors is comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients treated with resection or non-surgical treatment. Here, we investigated the association of elevated CRP (≥1 vs. <1 mg/dL) with (i) recurrence of HCC and (ii) OS after liver transplantation (LT). Methods: Adult HCC patients undergoing orthotopic deceased donor LT at the Medical University of Vienna between 1997 and 2014 were retrospectively analysed. Results: Among 216 patients included, 132 (61.1%) were transplanted within the Milan criteria and forty-two patients (19.4%) had microvascular invasion on explant histology. Seventy patients (32.4%) showed elevated CRP (≥ 1 mg/dL). On multivariate analysis, a CRP ≥ 1 mg/dL was an independent risk factor for HCC recurrence with a 5-year recurrence rate of 27.4% vs. 16.4% (HR 2.33; 95% CI 1.13–4.83; p = 0.022). OS was similar in patients with normal vs. elevated CRP levels. Conclusions: Elevated serum CRP is associated with HCC recurrence after LT and may be a marker for more aggressive tumor biology. Future studies should evaluate whether patients with elevated pre-transplant CRP levels benefit from closer monitoring for HCC recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease that affects mostly children. The children with HFMD also have other immune and metabolic disorders. However, the association of these disorders with the severity of HFMD has not yet been determined. In this study, we used a case-control study design to examine the correlation of immune and metabolic disorders with HFMD development in children. 406 mild and severe patients were recruited and divided into different subgroups based on the number of days from the initial onset time to hospitalization (1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 days). Logistic regression model was used to define the predictors of severe HFMD. We found that the patients from rural area (OR = 1.76, 95% CI [1.19~2.63], P = 0.005) or with body temperature of >39°C (OR = 2.14, 95% CI [1.12~4.12], P = 0.022) exhibited higher risk for severe symptoms. In addition, the risk increased with the rise of body temperature by using a Chis-quare trend test (P = 0.01). We also found that a decreased number of eosinophils was an predictor of severe HFMD at 1, 2, 3,and 4 days post infection (dpi). Decreased levels of Na+, Cl-, and creatine kinase were also predictors at 1 and ≥5 dpi. On the other hand, elevated level of globulin was a predictor for severe HFMD at 4 dpi and ≥5 dpi, and the increased number of neutrophils or increased level of alkaline phosphatase posed risk for severe HFMD at 3 and ≥5 dpi. Our results suggested that rural living, hyperpyrexia, changes in the immune system that include the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils and the levels of IgG and globulin, and metabolic alterations, such as the levels of alkaline phosphatase, Na+, Cl-, and creatine kinase in peripheral blood are predictors of severe HFMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with HIV infection suffer from accelerated aging. In this context, frailty could be a relevant problem that aggravates the quality of life (QoL) and morbi-mortality of these patients. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in HIV-infected patients in our cohort as well as their risk factors and QoL. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of HIV-infected people aged ≥18 years on a stable antiretroviral regimen (ART) ≥1 year. Frailty was defined by ≥3 of 5 Fried's criteria: weight loss, low physical activity, exhaustion, weak grip strength and slow walking time. Variables related to sociodemographics, HIV infection, comorbidities, polypharmacy, and QoL were evaluated. Independent predictors of frailty were evaluated using collinearity in a multivariate logistic regression analyses (backward stepwise elimination). Results: The 248 people studied has a mean age of 49 years, 63.7% were male, and 81% were Caucasian. The prevalence of pre-frailty and fragility was 39.1% and 4.4%, respectively. The main route of HIV acquisition was heterosexual (47.2%). At the inclusion time 26.6% of the patients had AIDS events, 60.9% were anti-HCV negative, and 91.5% had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL (84.3% for ≥1 year); 10.9% had >2 comorbidities, and 13.3% were receiving >5 non-HIV drugs. Frailty patients had a higher age (p 0.006), more sensitive deficits (visual or auditory) (p 0.002), a greater number of falls during the previous year (p 0.0001), a higher Charlson comorbidity index (p 0.001), and a higher VACS index (p 0.001). All comorbidities, excluding bone and liver, were significantly more frequent in fragile patients. The presence of >2 comorbidities and treatment with >5 drugs not related to HIV they were also more frequent in frail patienst (p 0.0001 and p 0.004, respectively). Independent predictors of pre-frailty/frailty in the multivariable analysis differ in men (VACS index, C-reactive protein [CRP], and falls) and women (CRP, AIDS, and menopause). Patients with pre-frailty/frailty had some indicator of a lower QoL. Conclusion: Factors associated with pre-frailty/frailty in HIV-infected patients differ by gender, which should be considered when establishing measures for prevention. The role of menopause in the risk of pre-frailty/frailty warrants further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the responsiveness in terms of correlation of the Hospital Universitario La Princesa Index (HUPI) comparatively to the traditional composite indices used to assess disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to compare the performance of HUPI-based response criteria with that of the EULAR response criteria. Methods: Secondary data analysis from the following studies: ACT-RAY (clinical trial), PROAR (early RA cohort) and EMECAR (pre-biologic era long term RA cohort). Responsiveness was evaluated by: 1) comparing change from baseline (Δ) of HUPI with Δ in other scores by calculating correlation coefficients; 2) calculating standardised effect sizes. The accuracy of response by HUPI and by EULAR criteria was analyzed using linear regressions in which the dependent variable was change in global assessment by physician (ΔGDA-Phy). Results: ΔHUPI correlation with change in all other indices ranged from 0.387 to 0.791); HUPI’s standardized effect size was larger than those from the other indices in each database used. In ACT-RAY, depending on visit, between 65 and 80% of patients were equally classified by HUPI and EULAR response criteria. However, HUPI criteria were slightly more stringent, with higher percentage of patients classified as non-responder, especially at early visits. HUPI response criteria showed a slightly higher accuracy than EULAR response criteria when using ΔGDA-Phy as gold standard. Conclusion: HUPI shows good responsiveness in terms of correlation in each studied scenario (clinical trial, early RA cohort, and established RA cohort). Response criteria by HUPI seem more stringent than EULAR’s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) represent individuals’ subjective assessment of their mental and physical well-being, and is highly predictive of future health. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established marker of inflammation. Low-grade inflammation (LGI), defined as slightly increased CRP levels, is associated with increased risk of several diseases. LGI may reflect subclinical pathology, which could affect individual’s subjective health assessment. This study aimed to examine whether LGI has an independent impact on self-reported health or rather is a mediator of a confounder in a large population of healthy individuals. Methods: Plasma CRP levels were measured in 17,024 participants from the Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS). All participants completed a standard questionnaire including smoking status, and the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12), which is a widely used scale for HRQL. SF-12 is reported as a mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) score. The relationship between LGI (defined as a plasma CRP level between 3 mg/L and 10 mg/L) and MCS or PCS was explored by mediation analysis and adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis. Multiple imputation modelling was used to remedy missing values. The analyses were stratified according to sex and use of combined oral contraception (OC). Results: In the study, 1,542 (10.3%) participants had LGI. PCS was associated with LGI in all strata, i.e. women using OC: RC = -0.36 points lower PCS in participants with LGI vs no LGI, CI: -0.94 to -0.19, women not using OC: RC = -0.63, CI: -1.05 to -0.21 and men: RC = -0.76, CI: -1.10 to -0.42. But LGI had no impact on MCS. Predictors of lower PCS included obesity, current smoking, and waist circumference in all strata. Physical activity in leisure time was the only factor positively associated with PCS. Age and physical activity in leisure time was associated with increased MCS in all strata whereas current smoking was the only strong predictor of a reduction in MCS. Only a small effect of smoking on PCS was mediated through LGI. Conclusion: In this population of healthy individuals, LGI had independent impact on lower self-rated physical health score in HRQL in both sexes, but was not associated with self-rated mental health score. A small and significant effect of smoking on physical health score was mediated through LGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Shift work has been linked to cardio-metabolic diseases, but insight into different shift work-related aspects and chronotype of shift workers and their relation with metabolic risk factors is limited. This study examined the association between current shift work status, frequency and duration of night shift work, chronotype, and metabolic risk factors in a population of health care workers. Methods: Anthropometrics, questionnaires, and blood samples were collected from 503 shift working and 93 non-shift working health care workers employed in hospitals. Body mass index, waist circumference, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL), triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured. Associations of current shift work, frequency (non-night shift worker, 1–2, 3–4, ≥5 night shifts/month) and duration of night shift work (non-night shift workers, <10, 10–19, ≥20 years), and shift workers’ chronotype, with metabolic risk factors were studied using linear regression analysis. Results: Compared to non-shift workers, shift workers’ total cholesterol level was 0.38 mmol/L lower (95%-CI = -0.73 –-0.04) and LDL cholesterol was 0.34 mmol/L lower (95%-CI = -0.60 –-0.08). For all other metabolic risk factors, no differences were found. The association between shift work and LDL cholesterol was especially found among shift workers working night shifts for ≥20 years (B = -0.49 (95%-CI = -0.78 –-0.19)). No differences were found for night shift frequency and chronotype. Conclusion: In this population of health care workers employed in hospitals, no evidence for differences in metabolic risk factors was observed that could underlie a link between shift work and cardio-metabolic diseases. Further research using different aspects of shift work to study the association with metabolic risk factors is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few clinical studies have directly examined the associations of hemoglobin (Hb) levels after hemodialysis (HD) and of the difference in Hb levels before and after HD (ΔHb) with patient outcomes. The present study aimed to determine ΔHb and post-HD Hb levels with nationwide data and to examine their associations with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing HD. Methods: This study is based on data from 2008 and 2009 recorded in the Japanese Renal Data Registry. Study endpoints were all-cause mortality within 1-year. The ΔHb and post-HD Hb level as categorical variables using Cox regression for 1-year mortality, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The median ΔHb was 1.0 g/dl, and the post-HD Hb level was 11.3 g/d. The median pre-HD Hb level was 10.4 g/dl. The risk of mortality was lower with a ΔHb of 0 to 1.0 g/dl (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–1.01) or > 1.0 g/dl (aHR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64–0.84) than with a ΔHb < 0 g/dl. The risk for mortality was also lower with a post-HD Hb of 10 to 11 g/dl (aHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73–0.92), 11 to 12 g/dl (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68–0.87), or > 12 g/dl (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68–0.87) than with a post-HD Hb < 10 g/dl. Conclusions: Both a low ΔHb and a low post-HD Hb level were associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simplifying blood collection is often critical when collecting specimens in remote and/or austere settings. The use of dried blood spots (DBS) offers a practical collection method suitable for a wide variety of analytes. A small volume of whole blood can be obtained rapidly through a minimally invasive heel- or finger-stick using a disposable safety lancet. Once dried, the samples require no further processing, are stable for months or longer, pose minimal risk of disease transmission, and are easy to ship. DBS are often used in demographic health surveys to assess infectious disease status in vulnerable populations. These samples can be used to screen biomarkers of micronutrient deficiency (MND) and inflammation. We recently described a multiplexed immunoarray, the Q-plex human micronutrient array, which can simultaneously quantify seven biomarkers related to MND, inflammation and malarial antigenemia using plasma (alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein, ferritin, histidine-rich protein 2, retinol binding protein, soluble transferrin receptor, and thyroglobulin). In this work, we present a protocol for preparing eluates from DBS samples and their measurement using a modified protocol for this new tool. We evaluated the concordance of analyte concentrations (excluding ferritin) from a panel ninety samples of DBS prepared from anticoagulated venous blood and paired K2-EDTA plasma. The results show high correlation between DBS eluates and wet plasma for five of the six analytes screened, suggesting the Q-plex human micronutrient array can be used with DBS samples, but also highlighting that anticoagulants can have a negative effects on some test components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Most patients with hypothyroidism have autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's), characterized by elevated concentrations of anti-thyroperoxidase (ATPO) antibodies. Both overt hypothyroidism (OH) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including markers of inflammation. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a veridical marker of systemic inflammation. Even a minor increase in hs-CRP is considered a cardiovascular risk; therefore, evidence of a beneficial effect of levothyroxine treatment on hs-CRP could be an argument in favor of therapy for SH., Aim: To assess hs-CRP levels in patients with hypothyroidism and evaluate levothyroxine treatment's effect on hs-CRP., Study Design: This is a cohort study in which patients with hypothyroidism were evaluated before and after treatment with levothyroxine., Methods: 37 patients (17 with OH and 20 with SH) and 38 healthy controls were included in the study. hs-CRP was measured at the baseline visit, then after 2 and 4 months of levothyroxine therapy at a dose necessary to achieve euthyroidism as evidenced by a normal level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)., Results: hs-CRP was significantly increased in OH (p < 0.001) and SH (p = 0.001) at baseline as compared to controls. hs-CRP significantly decreased in SH (2.2±1.6 mg/L at baseline visit, 1.4±1.1 mg/L after 2 months of levothyroxine treatment, P = 0.017) and tended to decrease in OH (2.3±1.6 mg/L at baseline visit, 1.6±1.1 mg/L after 4 months of levothyroxine treatment, P = 0.067*)., Conclusions: Patients with hypothyroidism have increased hs-CRP levels compared to a healthy control group and, thereby, a moderately increased cardiovascular risk. Achievement of euthyroidism by levothyroxine treatment decreased the levels of hs-CRP in patients with hypothyroidism., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Vudu et al.)

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated that in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), plaque destabilization and vessel inflammation, represented by vessel edema, often occur simultaneously in multiple coronaries, as well as extend to the cerebrovascular system. Our aim was to determine whether the inflammatory vascular processes occurring within the coronaries during ACS extend simultaneously to the descending aorta. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 111 patients (56 ACS patients and 55 non-ACS patients with known coronary artery disease) to undergo cardiac magnetic resonance of the thoracic aortic wall at presentation and at three-month follow-up. The primary outcome was change in aortic wall area (AWA) and maximal aortic wall thickness (AWT) from baseline to three-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were baseline and follow-up differences in AWA and AWT, and changes in C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: There was a significant reduction in mean AWA (p = 0.01) and AWT (p = 0.01) between index and follow up scans in ACS group, with no significant changes in non ACS group (both p>0.1) and no difference between ACS and non-ACS groups (p = 0.22). There was no significant difference in AWA and AWT at baseline (p>0.36) and follow-up (p>0.2) between groups. There was a significant reduction in CRP in both groups (p<0.01), with higher reduction in ACS patients (p<0.01) Conclusions: There was a reduction in aortic wall size, aortic wall area, and aortic wall thickness in patients presenting with ACS, and no change in non-ACS patients. There were no interval between-group differences in these measurements. We observed a reduction in C-reactive protein in both groups, with higher reduction noted in ACS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and loneliness are associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular disease. It is unknown whether the co-presence of obesity and loneliness is associated with additional risk for clinically elevated CRP. The present study thus examines their independent and combined effects on elevated CRP in older adults. Data come from 10,912 respondents who completed the 2008 and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Loneliness was measured using an 11-item Loneliness Scale and body mass index was calculated from technician measured height and weight. Our primary outcome is high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to test whether loneliness and BMI category are independent predictors of CRP after adjusting for demographics and other inflammatory-related covariates. In the fully adjusted model for men, obesity (OR = 2.36, p < .0001) was associated with increased odds of hsCRP >3.0. Among females, being overweight (OR = 1.75, p < .0001) or obese (OR = 4.01, p < .0001) were associated increased odds of hsCRP>3.0. Among both men and women, results from fully adjusted models indicated that loneliness was not associated with clinically elevated hsCRP (OR = 1.34, p = .0535; OR = 0.97, p = 0.6776, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pericardial fluid may be representative of the interstitium of the heart. The aim of this study was to discriminate in cardiovascular disease patients between adipocytokines that are produced locally by the heart and those supplied by the circulation. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pBNP), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), leptin, lipocalin-2, neutrophil elastase, proteinase-3, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and adiponectin in venous plasma and pericardial fluid harvested during elective cardio-thoracic surgery (n = 132–152). Results: In pericardial fluid compared to plasma, the levels were significantly smaller (p < 0.001) for leptin, lipocalin-2, neutrophil elastase, proteinase-3, hsCRP and adiponectin. For these biomarkers, the ratio of pericardial fluid-to-plasma level ([PF]/[P], median (interquartile range)) was 0.65 (0.47–1.01), 0.78 (0.56–1.09), 0.23 (0.11–0.60), 0.17 (0.09–0.36), 0.14 (0.08–0.35), and 0.25 (0.15–0.34), respectively. In contrast, pericardial fluid was significantly enriched (p < 0.001) in NT-pBNP ([PF]/[P]: 1.9 (1.06–2.73)) and even more so for FABP4 ([PF]/[P]: 3.90 (1.47–9.77)). Moreover, in pericardial fluid, the adipocytokines interrelated all significantly positive and correlated negative to hsCRP, whereas for NT-pBNP only a significantly positive correlation with adiponectin was found. These interrelations were distinct from those in the plasma, as were the correlations of the pericardial biomarkers with patient characteristics compared to plasma. Conclusions: In cardiovascular disease patients, the pericardial cavity is a distinct adipocytokine microenvironment in which especially FABP4 is mainly derived from the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has revealed that both high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and homocysteine (HCY) are associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease. However, it is unclear whether the coexistence of these conditions accelerates the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We hypothesized that the combination of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and homocysteine (HCY) levels could exacerbate the development of MetS in a large prospective cohort study. We selected data from 3,170 individuals (1,614 men and 1,556 women) who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Participants with high hsCRP and HCY levels were categorized into quartiles. MetS was defined based on the criteria of the modified National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III. The prevalence of MetS was higher in participants with concurrent high hsCRP and HCY compared to those with low hsCRP and HCY levels. The incidence of MetS at the 6-year follow-up was the highest in participants with concomitant high hsCRP and HCY levels, regardless of obesity. Even after adjusting for potential confounding factors including body mass index in a multivariate logistic regression model, subjects with elevated hsCRP and HCY levels had a 2.50-fold increased risk of developing MetS at the six-year follow-up compared to those who did not have high hsCRP and HCY level. MetS is more prevalent in the concurrent presence of elevated hsCRP and HCY levels. The combination of the two conditions may contribute to an increased risk of MetS, but these factors may not be synergistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approaches to screening for active tuberculosis (TB) among people living with HIV are inadequate, leading to missed diagnoses and poor implementation of preventive therapy. Methods: Consecutive HIV-infected adults hospitalized at Mulago Hospital (Kampala, Uganda) between June 2011 and July 2013 with a cough ≥ 2 weeks were enrolled. Patients underwent extensive evaluation for pulmonary TB. Concentrations of 43 cytokines/chemokines were measured at the same time point as C-reactive protein (CRP) in banked plasma samples using commercially-available multiplex kits. Advanced classification algorithms were used to rank cytokines/chemokines for their ability to identify TB, and to model the specificity of the top-ranked cytokines/chemokines individually and in combination with sensitivity constrained to ≥ 90% as recommended for TB screening. Results: The median plasma level of 5 biomarkers (IL-6, INF-γ, MIG, CRP, IL-18) was significantly different between patients with and without TB. With sensitivity constrained to 90%, all had low specificity with IL-6 showing the highest specificity (44%; 95% CI 37.4–49.5). Biomarker panels were found to be more valuable than any biomarker alone. A panel combining IFN-γ and IL-6 had the highest specificity (50%; 95% CI 46.7–53.3). Sensitivity remained high (>85%) for all panels among sputum smear-negative TB patients. Conclusions: Direct measurement of unstimulated plasma cytokines/chemokines in peripheral blood is a promising approach to TB screening. Cytokine/chemokine panels retained high sensitivity for smear-negative TB and achieved improved specificity compared to individual cytokines/chemokines. These markers should be further evaluated in outpatient settings where most TB screening occurs and where other illnesses associated with systematic inflammation are less common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis management guidelines endorse use of biomarkers to support clinical assessment and treatment decisions in septic patients. The impact of biomarkers on improving patient outcomes remains uncertain. Methods: Retrospective observational study of adult sepsis discharges between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015, from Premier Healthcare Database hospitals. Sepsis was defined by an All Patients Refined Diagnosis-Related Group code of 720 (septicemia and disseminated infections). Use of four biomarker strategies was evaluated based on hospital records: (i) >1 procalcitonin (PCT), (ii) 1 PCT, (iii) no PCT but ≥1 C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or lactate and (iv) no sepsis biomarkers. Associations between biomarker use and clinical and cost outcomes were examined. The primary outcome was impact of biomarker strategy on hospital costs per day. Results: Among 933,591 adult sepsis discharges during the study period, 731,392 (78%) had biomarker tests ordered. In multivariable analyses, discharges with >1 PCT had higher hospital costs per day ($1,904; 95% confidence interval [CI] $1,896–$1,911) compared with discharges with no sepsis biomarkers ($1,606; 95% CI $1,658–$1,664). Discharges with >1 PCT also had greater illness severity and antimicrobial exposure compared with other biomarker-use groups. The adjusted odds of dying during hospital stay compared with being discharged were significantly lower for sepsis discharges with >1 PCT (0.64; 95% CI 0.61–0.67) and 1 PCT (0.88; 95% CI 0.85–0.91) compared with no sepsis biomarker use. The proportion of discharges with ≥1 PCT increased almost six-fold during the study; use of other biomarkers remained constant. Conclusions: Between 2012 and 2015, PCT use among sepsis discharges increased six-fold while lactate and CRP use remained unchanged. PCT use was associated with decreased odds of in-hospital mortality but increased hospital costs per day. Serial biomarker monitoring may be associated with improved patient outcomes in the most critically ill septic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uremic pruritus is a common and frustrating symptom among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aimed to examine the prognostic importance of uremic pruritus and to identify the determinants for higher pruritus intensity in PD patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients receiving maintenance PD. A visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to measure the intensity of uremic pruritus. The composite endpoint of PD technique failure or all-cause death was assessed using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. The determinants for the VAS score of uremic pruritus was assessed using a multivariable linear regression model. Results: Among the 85 PD patients, 24 (28%) had uremic pruritus. During a median follow-up of 28.0 months, 12 patients experienced technique failure, and 7 died. We found that a higher VAS score of pruritus intensity was an independent risk factor for technique failure or death (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 2.28; P = 0.003) after adjusting for a variety of confounding factors. We also found that a weekly total Kt/V of less than 1.88, a longer duration of dialysis, a higher dietary protein intake, and higher blood levels of intact parathyroid hormone and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were independent determinants of higher VAS scores of pruritus intensity. Conclusions: Our results show that uremic pruritus is an independent risk factor of technique failure and death in patients receiving PD. We also found that a weekly total Kt/V < 1.88 is associated with higher intensity of uremic pruritus in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) and atherosclerotic inflammation associate with increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Vascular calcification is regulated by osteogenic proteins (OPs). It is unknown whether an association exists between CAC and plasma OPs and if they are affected by atherothrombotic inflammation. We tested the association of osteogenic and inflammatory proteins with CAC and assessed these biomarkers after MI. Methods: Circulating OPs (osteoprotegerin, RANKL, fetuin-A, Matrix Gla protein [MGP]) and inflammatory proteins (C-reactive protein, oxidized-LDL, tumoral necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor [TGF]-β1) were compared between stable patients with CAC (CAC ≥ 100 AU, n = 100) and controls (CAC = 0 AU, n = 30). The association between biomarkers and CAC was tested by multivariate analysis. In patients with MI (n = 40), biomarkers were compared between acute phase and 1–2 months post-MI, using controls as a baseline. Results: MGP and fetuin-A levels were higher within individuals with CAC. Higher levels of MGP and RANKL were associated with CAC (OR 3.12 [95% CI 1.20–8.11], p = 0.02; and OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.04–2.94] respectively, p = 0.035). After MI, C-reactive protein, OPG and oxidized-LDL levels increased in the acute phase, whereas MGP and TGF-β1 increased 1–2 months post-MI. Conclusions: Higher MGP and RANKL levels associate with CAC. These findings highlight the potential role of these proteins as modulators and markers of CAC. In addition, the post-MI increase in OPG and MGP, as well as of inflammatory proteins suggest that the regulation of these OPs is affected by atherothrombotic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify whether serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) levels are associated with an effect of iguratimod as add-on therapy to biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Forty three patients with RA were treated with iguratimod as add-on therapy to bDMARDs. They were classified into remission and non-remission groups at 24 weeks of iguratimod therapy. Remission was defined as a state with a disease activity score (DAS) <2.6 in 28 joints (termed DAS remission) and total power Doppler ultrasound (US) score <3 (termed US remission). The serum MMP-3 levels at baseline and at 12 weeks were compared between these two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in the serum MMP-3 levels at baseline between the DAS and US remission groups and the non-remission group. The serum MMP-3 levels at 12 weeks in the US remission group were significantly lower than those in the non-remission group. The ratios of the serum MMP-3 levels at baseline to those at 12 weeks in both the DAS and US remission groups were significantly lower than those in the non-remission group. An MMP-3 ratio <0.86 was determined as the cut-off value to predict US remission at 24 weeks. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the ratios of the serum MMP-3 levels at baseline to those at 12 weeks could be used to predict remission in RA patients who are administered iguratimod as an add-on to bDMARDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]