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Background and Purpose: Laboratory tests are an inseparable element in modern medicine. They provide us with valuable clues for making a diagnosis or monitoring treatment. One of the most frequently ordered biochemical tests is the determination of the level of CRP in the blood. The aim of the study is to present the clinical usefulness of this study and to present knowledge about C-reactive protein. Current state of knowledge: It is produced mainly by the liver, but the latest reports confirm local synthesis, among others, in arterial endothelial cells. The most common reason for the increase in the level of CRP is the appearance of infection, during which time its concentration may increase by up to 1000 times. Elderly patients have a weaker immune system response than younger patients, therefore the rise in CRP may be less pronounced. Other reasons are autoimmune diseases, cancer, or acute or chronic inflammation. As a result of cel damage, pro-inflammatory cytokines are secreted, which stimulate the production of CRP. Most scientific sources consider CRP ≥ 10 mg/L to be significant. Values of 3-10mg/L are considered a slight increase in CRP levels. Such CRP values were found in about 1/3 of the American population. Conclusions: The CRP level should not be interpreted as an isolated medical parameter, but in conjunction with other tests and the patient's current state of health. Based on the amount of CRP in the blood and changes in its concentration over time, we can check the response to treatment and predict the course of some diseases.

INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease has become a universal health problem and has resulted in millions of hospitalization and deaths. Coronavi- rus is a multi-system infection predominantly affecting the respiratory system, resulting in various hematological and biochemical alterations reflected in various investigations. Multitudes of research establishing the role of biomarkers in coronavirus infection are ongoing globally. This study aimed at studying the common biochemical markers like CRP, LDH, and D-dimer to access the severity of the disease and hospital outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary care hospital in western Nepal among RT-PCR-positive ICU patients who were ≥ 18 years for a period of six months (May 1 to October 30, 2020). Demographic, clinical, and laborato- ry data were collected from hospital records and the results were analyzed. RESULTS Among 110 admitted patients, 56 were females and 54 were males. The mean age of presentation was 56.5 years. Shortness of breath, cough, and fever were the main presenting complaints. CRP was high in 95% of patients, LDH in 94.5%, and D-dimer in 81.67% of patients. Mechanical ventilation was required in 19.9%, complications were observed in 67.27% and in-hospital mortality was 11.6%. The most common cause of death was acute respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSION Biomarkers like CRP, LDH, and D-dimer can be used for stratifying coronavirus disease patient’s severity and clinical outcome which may later be helpful in identifying risk patients and taking immediate actions in terms of treatment, care, and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen: Objetivo: encontrar una relación entre los niveles de proteína C reactiva (PCR) y fibrinógeno, y la extensión de la aterosclerosis en el síndrome coronario agudo. Métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron 873 pacientes con síndrome coronario atendidos en un hospital entre 2016 y 2018. Se analizaron niveles de PCR y fibrinógeno, marcadores metabólicos y extensión de la aterosclerosis coronaria. Resultados: no se halló correlación positiva entre los niveles de PCR y fibrinógeno y los marcadores metabólicos, así como tampoco con enfermedad de uno, dos y tres vasos (p 0,829; p 0,810). Conclusiones: los niveles sanguíneos de PCR y fibrinógeno se relacionan con la tasa de eventos cardiovasculares, pero no se ha podido demostrar que exista relación entre estos y la severidad de la aterosclerosis coronaria. Abstract: Objective: To determine whether there is a relationship between C - reactive protein and fibrinogen levels and the extent of atherosclerosis in acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted that include 873 patients with coronary syndrome treated in a hospital between the years 2016 and 2018. An analysis was made that included C - reactive protein and fibrinogen levels, metabolic markers, extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Results: No positive correlation was found between the C - reactive protein and fibrinogen levels and the metabolic markers, nor with one, two, or three vessel disease (P = .829; P = .810). Conclusions: Although blood C-Reactive Protein and fibrinogen levels are associated with the rate of cardiovascular events, this study was unable to demonstrate whether there is a relationship between these and the severity of the coronary atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases is the first leading cause of mortality in the world and depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in cardiac patients. The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing depression and mood-related mortality in this population is controversial. Aim: Hence, the present study aimed to study the effectiveness of CBT in depression and C- reactive protein (hs-CRP) in coronary patients. Method: The present study was experimental and the study design was pre-test, post-test, with follow-up and active control group. The statistical population comprised the patients referred to the Isfahan Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center in 2018, among whom 50 patients were randomly selected and assigned into experimental and active control groups. The experimental group received group CBT for 8 weeks and the active control group received usual medical education. The data were collected by the Beck Depression Inventory and Quantitative hs-CRP Detection Kit. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. Results: The results showed no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in depression and hs-CRP in the post-test and follow-up stages (P>0.05); therefore, CBT had no significant effect on depression and hs-CRP in coronary patients. Conclusion: These findings indicate that CBT is not effective in reducing depression and negative prognosis in these patients. These findings might suggest the use of alternative therapies by cardiovascular psychologists.

To evaluate the prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) at different thresholds in patients with advanced cancer in palliative care. Prospective cohort study with patients evaluated at a palliative care unit in Brazil between July 2016 and March 2020. We included patients ≥ 20 years old, both sexes, able to provide the necessary information or accompanied by someone able to do so, and Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 30 %. The exclusion criteria were the absence of laboratory data and previous diagnosis of autoimmune and infectious diseases. The thresholds analyzed were: CRP < 5 vs. 5-10 vs. > 10 mg/L, albumin < 2.4 vs. 2.4-2.9 vs. 3.0-3.5 vs. > 3.5 g/dL; CAR <1.2 vs. 1.2–2.0 vs. > 2.0, and mGPS equal to 0 vs. 1 vs. 2. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models (with hazard ratios [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) were used to evaluate prognostic value, and the concordance statistic (C-statistic) was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of these thresholds to predict death within 90 days. A total of 1,877 patients were included. Median overall survival was 51 (19;124) days and decreased in line with the deterioration of the inflammatory biomarkers. According to the Cox regression models, HR increased as the thresholds worsened (CRP: 1.74 [95% CI, 1.50-2.02] to 2.30 [95% CI, 2.00-2.64]; albumin: 1.77 [95% CI, 1.52-2.07] to 2.60 [95% CI, 2.15-3.14]; CAR: 1.47 [95% CI, 1.21-1.77] to 2.35 [95% CI, 2.05-2.69]; mGPS: 1.78 [95% CI, 1.40-2.23] to 1.89 [95% CI, 1.65-2.15]). All the inflammatory biomarkers evaluated showed discriminatory accuracy for predicting death (C-statistic >0.70), with CAR as the best parameter (C-statistic: 0.80). Our results suggest that CRP, albumin, CAR, and mGPS can be used as clinically meaningful biomarkers to stratify patients with advanced cancer in palliative care according to the severity of these indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: postoperative complications are common after surgery for both benign and malignant disease, and results in infections, extended hospital stay, delayed return to normal status, increased financial burden and long-term morbidity hence early recognition of surgical complications and management is of utmost importance. Aim: To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in determining the post-operative complications following major abdominal surgeries. Methods: this two-year prospective observational study was carried out at acharya vinoba bhave hospital and risk factors for post-operative complications in 100 eligible patients who were undergone major abdominal surgeries were identified using uni and multivariate analysis. Cut Coff values, PPV, sensitivity and specificity of CAR and CRP was analysed by ROC curve. Results: in our study 62% patient developed post-operative complications and CAR on post-op. day three found to be independent risk factor for prediction of post-op. complication and has higher PPV than CRP. CAR cut-off value of 2.16 is associated with more post op complications. Conclusion: From our study it can be hypothesized that patients having CAR value of more than 2.16 on post op day 3 should be monitored carefully for development of complications. So that early intervention could reduce the unwanted sequelae associated with it.

DNA methylation in blood may adapt to conditions affecting our health, such as inflammation, and multiple studies have identified differential DNA methylation related to smoking, obesity and various diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate previously reported, and explore possible new, associations between levels of inflammatory markers and DNA methylation in blood. We used a well-characterized study population consisting of 127 individuals, all of whom were participants in the population-based Västerbotten Intervention Programme cohort and had provided two blood samples, ten years apart. Levels of CRP and 160 other proteins were measured in plasma, and DNA methylation levels (assessed using the 850K Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip) were measured in white blood cell DNA. Associations between CpG methylation and protein levels were estimated using linear mixed models. In the study we were able to confirm the direction for 85 of 102 previously reported protein-methylation associations. Depicting associations in a network allowed us to identify CpG sites with associations to multiple proteins, and ten CpG sites were each associated with three or more inflammatory markers. Furthermore, two genetic regions included nine additional unreported CpG sites that may represent trans-acting methylation sites. Our study supports a complex interaction between DNA methylation and circulating proteins involved in the inflammatory response. The notion of trans-acting methylation sites affecting, or being affected by, the expression of genes on completely different chromosomes should be taken into account when interpreting results from epigenome-wide association studies.

Background: This study aimed to assess the baseline levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and monitor the natural course of these serum markers after uneventful primary total joint arthroplasty.Methods: This prospective study enrolled 81 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty. The level of serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 15, and 45. Mean peak values, peak times, and distribution were compared between D-Dimer, CRP, and ESR.Results: The mean preoperative serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR level was 412 ± 260 (range 200-980) ng/mL, 2.93 ± 2.1 (range 1-18) mg/L, and 22.88 ± 17.5 (range 3-102) mm/h, respectively. The highest mean peak for D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was at postoperative day 1, 3, and 5, respectively.Conclusion: D-dimer levels reached peak levels on postoperative day 1 and then declined rapidly to a plateau level by postoperative day 3. A second, albeit small, peak in the level of D-dimer occurred on postoperative day 15. The level of CRP and ESR remained elevated for much longer with CRP returning to baseline on postoperative day 45 and the level of ESR had not returned back to normal on postoperative day 45. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Médicas UIS is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander 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.)

ترمب الذرايين ىه حالة ترمب األوعية الدمهية الشاتجة من تراكم المهيحات حهل جدار الذريان مسا يؤدي إلى تزييق الذريان ويؤدي إلى مزاعفات شديدة. داء السقهسات ىه عدوى طفيمية انتيازية تدبب مزاعفات مرضية في السرضى الذين يعانهن من نقص السشاعة مسا يؤدي إلى زيادة العبء عمى الجياز السشاعي لدى ىؤالء السرضى. تيدف ىذه الدراسة إلى تقييم معدل اإلصابة بداء السقهسات في مرضى ترمب الذرايين وقدرتو عمى تغيير مدتهيات البروتين التفاعمي C وفيتامين D3 .تم جسع 150عيشة دم واختبارىا لهجهد األجدام السزادة لـ IgG و IgM السزادة لمسقهسات باستخدام مقايدة السستص السشاعي السرتبط باإلنزيم .(ELISA (باإلضافة إلى ذلك ، تم تقدير -C البروتين التفاعمي سي (RP-C (في السرل في جسيع السهاد باستخدام اختبار تثبيت الالتكس ، في حين تم تقدير VtD3 بهاسطة جياز .MiniVidas أظيرت الشتائج فروق معشهية (05.0≤ P (بين جسيع السجسهعات السدروسة. تذير ىذه الشتائج إلى أن انخفاض مدتهيات VD3 يؤدي إلى زيادة حدوث عدوى السقهسات الكهندية في مرضى ترمب الذرايين. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality among low birth weight and preterm babies in developing countries. The main objective of this study is to find the level of micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in neonatal sepsis. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the neonatal unit over six months period (November 2019 to April 2020). All preterm, term and post-term babies with neonatal sepsis delivered at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital were enrolled. Ethical clearance was received from the Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College (Ref: 181020191). Convenient sampling method was applied and statistical analysis was done with Statistical package for social sciences 19 version. Results: Out of 75 babies, confirm sepsis is 13 (17.3%), probable sepsis is 40 (53.4%) and suspected sepsis is 22 (29.2%). Micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation level is elevated (≥15mm in 1st hr) in 25 (33.3%) babies with a mean micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation level 9.32±5.4 (2-18) mm in 1st hr. The elevated micro- Erythrocyte sedimentation level was seen in relation to sepsis types and C-reactive protein. Conclusions: The bedside micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation level aids in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Background: Gestational diabetes is the second common disorder in pregnancy period, which is detected in 24–28 weeks of gestational age through screening tests. Low-grade systematic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. C–Reactive Protein (CRP), an acute phase protein produced by hepatocytes, may be associated with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate serum levels of CRP in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and impaired glucose tolerance test compared with control subjects. Materials and Methods: This observational longitudinal study was conducted on 176 pregnant women in Isfahan. After administration of a CRP test in these women in the first trimester, a screening test of Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) with 50-g oral glucose was conducted in 24–28 weeks of gestational age. Then, CRP levels and GCT were compared. Results: Serum CRP levels were not significantly correlated with positive GCT among the women. In GDM patients, there was not a significant correlation between CRP and BMI. Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between maternal serum CRP level and gestational diabetes. Maternal serum CRP level in the first trimester cannot predict Intolerance Glucose Test (IGT) in 26–30 weeks of gestational age.

Markers of systemic inflammation and bacterial infection such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin are commonly evaluated parameters in everyday medical practice. They are useful in quick assessment of patients condition, and the utility of CRP and procalcitonin as a marker of infection has been confirmed. An ideal marker of an inflammatory reaction should take into account many features. It should be remembered that we can not always choose one, more valuable biomarker. Interpretation of the results depends on numerous factors such as clinical status, weight and age. Both markers have their limitations. Early inflammatory disease diagnosis, properly implemented effective antibiotic therapy can contribute to the reduction of mortality.

Seraj Ahmed Khan,1 Sudha Agrawal,2 Nirmal Baral,1 Madhab Lamsal1 1Department of Biochemistry, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal; 2Department of Dermatology and Venereology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal Background: Psoriasis is a dermatological disorder with a multifactorial origin and is associated with many biochemical and immunological changes. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the association of serum ADA activity, uric acid (UA), and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) with psoriasis and the role of ADA in disease severity. Materials and methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 50 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed psoriasis patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were taken and analysis of the biochemical parameters was performed according to Giuisti and Galanti method, uricase and ELISA technique for ADA activity, UA, and hs-CRP, respectively. The severity of the disease was scored according to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Statistical analysis of differences within and between the study groups was carried out using the Student’s t-test, one-way post hoc ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation. Linear regression was used to establish the independent association of ADA with disease severity. Results: The serum ADA activity, UA, and hs-CRP levels of the psoriatic patients were found to be significantly higher (P

Fariba Keramat,1,2 Hamid Reza Ghasemi Basir,3 Elham Abdoli,2 Arghavan Shafiei Aghdam,4 Jalal Poorolajal5 1Brucellosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Sina Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 3Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 4School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 5Research Center for Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Background: The concentration of diagnostic markers such as inflammatory biomarkers including procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) increases in bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to compare serum PCT and CRP levels with CURB-65 ranking, in the patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Patients and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 93 hospitalized patients with a definite diagnosis of CAP, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled. Serum PCT and CRP levels and their relations with CURB-65 criteria were assessed. Results: The mean serum levels of PCT and CRP were 3.64±12.32 ng/mL and 75.01±51.93 mg/L, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between CURB-65 criteria and serum levels of PCT (P=0.0001) and CRP (P=0.007), which means that the concentration of these two inflammatory biomarkers increased with an increase in the score of CURB-65 criteria. Moreover, there was a statistically significant association between the serum level of PCT and the outcomes of the disease (P

Introduction: Hip fractures are a vital mortality and morbidity problem in the elderly population. This study investigates the role of the c-reactive protein/albumin ratio in mortality after hip fractures. Materials and Method: The records of 144 patients ages 65 years and older who underwent hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' records included age, gender, fracture type, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, the time between fracture and surgery, the time between surgery and discharge, length of hospital stay, preexisting comorbidities, preoperative c-reactive protein and albumin levels, and mortality. Results: The median age of the patients was 79 years (range: 65-101). Regarding sex, 89 patients (61.8%) were female, and 55 patients (38.2%) were male. Based on the univariate analysis, age, comorbidity = 3, American Society of Anesthesiologists score = 4, the time between fracture and surgery = 2 days, the time between surgery and discharge = 5 days, c-reactive protein = 79 mg/L, albumin < 2.85 g/dL, and c-reactive protein/albumin ratio = 29 were found to be risk factors for mortality. Based on the binary logistic regression analysis, age = 85 years, comorbidity = 3, and c-reactive protein/albumin ratio = 29 were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: C-reactive protein/albumin ratio = 29 was a reliable indicator of mortality in elderly patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures. Additionally, being over the age of 85 and having three or more comorbidities was associated with an increased mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: postoperative complications are common after surgery for both benign and malignant disease, and results in infections, extended hospital stay, delayed return to normal status, increased financial burden and long-term morbidity hence early recognition of surgical complications and management is of utmost importance. Aim: To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in determining the post-operative complications following major abdominal surgeries. Methods: this two-year prospective observational study was carried out at acharya vinoba bhave hospital and risk factors for post-operative complications in 100 eligible patients who were undergone major abdominal surgeries were identified using uni and multivariate analysis. Cut Coff values, PPV, sensitivity and specificity of CAR and CRP was analysed by ROC curve. Results: in our study 62% patient developed post-operative complications and CAR on post-op. day three found to be independent risk factor for prediction of post-op. complication and has higher PPV than CRP. CAR cut-off value of 2.16 is associated with more post op complications. Conclusion: From our study it can be hypothesized that patients having CAR value of more than 2.16 on post op day 3 should be monitored carefully for development of complications. So that early intervention could reduce the unwanted sequelae associated with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Inflammatory cytokines increase in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome. This review focuses on inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-á), and adiponectin, a cytokine produced by adipose tissue and associated with insulin sensitivity. Despite the major role of cytokines in the development of T2D, in the case of adiponectin still is a matter of debate as the best strategy to change proper inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing inflammatory markers of CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 leads to increasing cardiovascular disease. Change in lifestyle represents a successful strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks Pilates training on serum levels of IL-6, CRP and TNF-α in inactive overweight women. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study 28 volunteer overweight women (with average BMI of 27.2, 1.1 ± kg/m2) participated. They were randomly divided into training group (n=14) and control group (n=14). Pilates exercise training was performed during 12 weeks (3 sessions per week, 60 min per session). Blood samples were collected in two stages, 48 hours before and 48 hours after the last exercise after 12-14 hours fasting status. During the 12 weeks, the control group had no exercise training. Results: In within group comparsion, only serum levels of CRP in the training group was significantly decreased (P=0.048) and in between group comparsion there were no significant difference in serum levels of CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 in training group compare to control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: However, from statistical point of view there was no significant difference between the two groups. It can be said that the implementation of Pilates training can have beneficial effects on serum levels of some inflammatory markers in this way reduced CRP in inactive women with overweight. Lowering serum CRP levels is with reducing body fat and improving body composition. So physical activity can be considered as an essential part of the lifestyle of adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yan Wang,1–3,* Lin Yang,1–3,* Liangping Xia,1–3 Yong Chen1–3 1Department of VIP, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Recent studies have indicated that the C-reactive protein/albumin (CRP/ALB) ratio (CAR) may represent a simple inflammation-based index for assessing the host inflammatory response. In this study, the prognostic value of the CAR for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was assessed.Methods: A total of 1,168 non-metastatic NPC patients from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively included. The optimal cutoff value for CAR was defined by the Cutoff Finder online tool. Propensity case-matched analysis was performed to adjust for potential differences in baseline characteristics. Subsequently, the prognostic value of the CAR for DMFS was validated in a 756 validation cohort with NPC.Results: The optimal CAR cutoff value was 0.081. Patients with high CAR values had significantly poorer DMFS than those with low CAR in univariate and multivariate analyses before propensity score matching. The CAR could also significantly stratify patients into different risks of developing distant metastasis in subgroup analysis. Propensity score analyses showed that CAR remained a prognostic factor for DMFS, thus excluding other interpretations and selection bias. Moreover, the prognostic value of the CAR was robustly confirmed in the external validation cohort.Conclusion: CAR is an inexpensive and easy-to-measure inflammatory index that may aid clinicians in the development of individualized treatment and follow-up strategies for patients with non-metastatic NPC. Keywords: nasopharyngeal carcinoma, metastasis, prognosis, propensity score, C-reactive protein, albumin

Background: Chronic periodontitis causes systemic inflammation and increases C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP has been implicated as a possible mediator of associating periodontitis and several systemic diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate systemic levels of CRP in patients with chronic periodontitis in comparison to periodontally healthy individuals. Materials and methods: A total of 80 individuals were included in this study. 40 patients with severe chronic periodontitis aged 40, and 40 sex matched periodontally healthy subjects were recruited from the patients attending Dpartment of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan. Body Mass Index (BMI) was under 25 kg/m2 in all the patients and controls. Peripheral blood samples were taken and CRP levels were estimated in serum samples using the C - reactive protein – hs (CRP-hs) LATEX – High sensitivity (Biosystem S.A). Result: CRP levels in women in the test group (3.64 +- 2.77 mg/l) was significantly higher than the women in the control group (p < 0.001); however, the difference between males in the two study groups was not significant (p=0.13). Conclusion: Periodontitis results in higher systemic levels of CRP. Elevated inflammatory factor may increase inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic lesions and potentially increase the risk for cardiovascular events.

Introduction: Preeclampsia is one of the most common complications in pregnancy and a main cause of death in the perinatal period. The early diagnosis of severe disease form is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the serum high sensitive C - reactive protein (hs-CRP) and severity of preeclampsia. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted between 2013 October -2014 February in third trimester pregnant women that had been admitted to Qazvin Kosar Hospital they were divided into three groups as: the first included 50 healthy pregnant women (control), the second included 45 women with mild preeclampsia and the third group included 42 women with severe pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure was measured after at least 10 minutes resting in a sitting position. Blood samples were taken six hours after admission and the hs-CRP measured by immunoturbidometric method using bionic kit. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, x2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The average serum levels of hs-CRP were 2.4 in the control, 8.7 in the mild and 32.6 in the severe preeclampsia groups and this difference were significant in all the three groups. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the serum levels of hs-CRP can be used in the prediction and diagnosis of the severity of preeclampsia.

Background: Gestational diabetes is the second common disorder in pregnancy period, which is detected in 24-28 weeks of gestational age through screening tests. Low-grade systematic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. C-Reactive Protein (CRP), an acute phase protein produced by hepatocytes, may be associated with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate serum levels of CRP in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and impaired glucose tolerance test compared with control subjects. Materials and Methods: This observational longitudinal study was conducted on 176 pregnant women in Isfahan. After administration of a CRP test in these women in the first trimester, a screening test of Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) with 50-g oral glucose was conducted in 24-28 weeks of gestational age. Then, CRP levels and GCT were compared. Results: Serum CRP levels were not significantly correlated with positive GCT among the women. In GDM patients, there was not a significant correlation between CRP and BMI. Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between maternal serum CRP level and gestational diabetes. Maternal serum CRP level in the first trimester cannot predict Intolerance Glucose Test (IGT) in 26-30 weeks of gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ｏｂｊｅｃｔｉｖｅ　Ｔｏ ｉｎｖｅｓｔｉｇａｔｅ ｔｈｅ ｒｏｌｅ ｏｆ ＣＴ ｓｉｇｎｓ ｏｆ ｔｈｏｒａｃｏａｂｄｏｍｉｎａｌ ｃｏｍｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎｓ，ｓｅｒｕｍ ｃａｌｃｉｕｍ，ａｎｄ ｓｅｒｕｍ Ｃ － ｒｅａｃｔｉｖｅ ｐｒｏｔｅｉｎ （ＣＲＰ）ｉｎ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｉｎｇ ｄｉｓｅａｓｅ ｓｅｖｅｒｉｔｙ ｉｎ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ ｗｉｔｈ ａｃｕｔｅ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ （ＡＰ）． Ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ　Ａ ｒｅｔｒｏｓｐｅｃｔｉｖｅ ａｎａｌｙｓｉｓ ｗａｓ ｐｅｒｆｏｒｍｅｄ ｆｏｒ ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｏｆ ｔｈｏｒａｃｏａｂｄｏｍｉｎａｌ ＣＴ ａｎｄ ｂｌｏｏｄ ｅｘａｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ９５ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ ｗｉｔｈ ＡＰ ｗｈｏ ｗｅｒｅ ｔｒｅａｔｅｄ ｉｎ Ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｉｓｔｉｃ Ｍｅｄｉｃａｌ Ｃｅｎｔｅｒ ｏｆ Ｃｈｉｎｅｓｅ Ｐｅｏｐｌｅ'ｓ Ａｒｍｅｄ Ｐｏｌｉｃｅ Ｆｏｒｃｅ ｆｒｏｍ Ｄｅｃｅｍｂｅｒ ２０１７ ｔｏ Ｄｅｃｅｍｂｅｒ ２０１８． Ｔｈｅ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｄｉｖｉｄｅｄ ｉｎｔｏ ｓｅｖｅｒｅ ＡＰ （ＳＡＰ）ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｉｔｈ １３ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ ａｎｄ ｍｉｌｄ ＡＰ （ＭＡＰ）ｇｒｏｕｐ ｗｉｔｈ ８２ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ． Ｔｈｅ ａｓｓｏｃｉａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ＣＴ ｓｉｇｎｓ ｏｆ ｔｈｏｒａｃｏａｂｄｏｍｉｎａｌ ｃｏｍｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎｓ，ｓｅｒｕｍ ｃａｌｃｉｕｍ，ａｎｄ ｓｅｒｕｍ ＣＲＰ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｓｅｖｅｒｉｔｙ ｏｆ ＡＰ ｗａｓ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｄ． Ｔｈｅ ｔ － ｔｅｓｔ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｆｏｒ ｃｏｍｐａｒｉｓｏｎ ｏｆ ｎｏｒｍａｌｌｙ ｄｉｓｔｒｉｂｕｔｅｄ ｃｏｎｔｉｎｕｏｕｓ ｄａｔａ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｇｒｏｕｐｓ，ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ Ｍａｎｎ － Ｗｈｉｔｎｅｙ Ｕ ｔｅｓｔ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｆｏｒ ｃｏｍｐａｒｉｓｏｎ ｏｆ ｎｏｎ － ｎｏｒｍａｌｌｙ ｄｉｓｔｒｉｂｕｔｅｄ ｃｏｎｔｉｎｕｏｕｓ ｄａｔａ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｇｒｏｕｐｓ；ｔｈｅ ｃｈｉ － ｓｑｕａｒｅ ｔｅｓｔ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｆｏｒ ｃｏｍｐａｒｉｓｏｎ ｏｆ ｃａｔｅｇｏｒｉｃａｌ ｄａｔａ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｇｒｏｕｐｓ． Ａ ｌｏｇｉｓｔｉｃ ｒｅｇｒｅｓｓｉｏｎ ｍｏｄｅｌ ｗａｓ ｅｓｔａｂｌｉｓｈｅｄ ｂａｓｅｄ ｏｎ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｍｂｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｒｅｌａｔｅｄ ｉｎｄｉｃｅｓ， ａｎｄ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｅｄ ｐｒｏｂａｂｉｌｉｔｙ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ａｓ ａ ｎｅｗ ｉｎｄｅｘ ｆｏｒ ａｎａｌｙｓｉｓ；ｔｈｅ ｒｅｃｅｉｖｅｒ ｏｐｅｒａｔｏｒ ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｉｓｔｉｃ （ＲＯＣ）ｃｕｒｖｅ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｔｏ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｅ ｔｈｅ ｅｆｆｅｃｔｉｖｅｎｅｓｓ ｏｆ ｅａｃｈ ｉｎｄｅｘ ｉｎ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｎｇ ｄｉｓｅａｓｅ ｓｅｖｅｒｉｔｙ． Ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ　Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ＭＡＰ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ＳＡＰ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｈａｄ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔｌｙ ｈｉｇｈｅｒ ｉｎｃｉｄｅｎｃｅ ｒａｔｅｓ ｏｆ ａｓｃｉｔｅｓ，ｐｎｅｕｍｏｎｉａ，ａｎｄ ｐｌｅｕｒａｌ ｅｆｆｕｓｉｏｎ （χ２ ＝８． ５６１，８． １２０，ａｎｄ ９． ７５０，ａｌｌ Ｐ ＜ ０.0５），ｗｈｉｌｅ ｔｈｅｒｅ ｗａｓ ｎｏ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔ ｄｉｆｆｅｒｅｎｃｅ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｉｎｃｉｄｅｎｃｅ ｒａｔｅ ｏｆ ｐｅｒｉｔｏｎｉｔｉｓ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｔｈｅ ｔｗｏ ｇｒｏｕｐｓ （Ｐ ＞０.0５）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ＭＡＰ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ＳＡＰ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｈａｄ ａ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔｌｙ ｈｉｇｈｅｒ ｓｅｒｕｍ ｌｅｖｅｌ ｏｆ ＣＲＰ （Ｚ ＝１９． １６，Ｐ ＜０.0５），ａ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔｌｙ ｌｏｎｇｅｒ ｌｅｎｇｔｈ ｏｆ ｈｏｓｐｉｔａｌ ｓｔａｙ （ｔ ＝３． ９７，Ｐ ＜０.0５），ａｎｄ ａ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔｌｙ ｌｏｗｅｒ ｌｅｖｅｌ ｏｆ ｂｌｏｏｄ ｃａｌｃｉｕｍ （ｔ ＝ ４． ２１，Ｐ ＜ ０.0５）． Ｔｈｅ ｌｏｇｉｓｔｉｃ ｒｅｇｒｅｓｓｉｏｎ ａｎａｌｙｓｉｓ ｓｈｏｗｅｄ ｔｈａｔ ａｓｃｉｔｅｓ （ｏｄｄｓ ｒａｔｉｏ ［ＯＲ］＝ ４.９９２，９５％ ｃｏｎｆｉｄｅｎｃｅ ｉｎｔｅｒｖａｌ ［ＣＩ］：２.0８７ －６． ５４３，Ｐ ＝ ０.0１２），ｐｎｅｕｍｏｎｉａ （ＯＲ ＝ １． ２７３，９５％ ＣＩ：１.0１３ － １． ５２０，Ｐ ＝ ０.0４２）， ａｎｄ ｐｌｅｕｒａｌ ｅｆｆｕｓｉｏｎ （ＯＲ ＝３． ５２１，９５％ ＣＩ：１.0８０ －４． ６９１，Ｐ ＝ ０.0２２）ｗｅｒｅ ｉｎｄｅｐｅｎｄｅｎｔ ｒｉｓｋ ｆａｃｔｏｒｓ ｆｏｒ ＳＡＰ，ｗｈｉｌｅ ｐｅｒｉｔｏｎｉｔｉｓ （ＯＲ ＝ １.００７，９５％ ＣＩ：０． ９９０ －１． １７５，Ｐ ＝０． １５６）ｗａｓ ｎｏｔ ａｎ ｉｎｄｅｐｅｎｄｅｎｔ ｒｉｓｋ ｆａｃｔｏｒ． Ｔｈｅ ＲＯＣ ｃｕｒｖｅ ａｎａｌｙｓｉｓ ｓｈｏｗｅｄ ｔｈａｔ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｄｉｓｅａｓｅ ｓｅｖｅｒｉｔｙ，ｐｅｒｉｔｏｎｉｔｉｓ，ａｓｃｉｔｅｓ，ｐｎｅｕｍｏｎｉａ，ａｎｄ ｐｌｅｕｒａｌ ｅｆｆｕｓｉｏｎ ｈａｄ ａｎ ａｒｅａ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ＲＯＣ ｃｕｒｖｅ （ＡＵＣ）ｏｆ0. ６３５，０． ７３８，０． ７１４， ａｎｄ0. ７１０，ｒｅｓｐｅｃｔｉｖｅｌｙ，ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ｏｆ ｔｈｅｓｅ ＣＴ ｓｉｇｎｓ ｈａｄ ａｎ ＡＵＣ ｏｆ0. ８０７；ｓｅｒｕｍ ｃａｌｃｉｕｍ ａｎｄ ＣＲＰ ｈａｄ ａｎ ＡＵＣ ｏｆ0. ７８９ ａｎｄ ０.８３５，ｒｅｓｐｅｃｔｉｖｅｌｙ，ａｎｄ ｓｅｒｕｍ ｃａｌｃｉｕｍ ａｎｄ ＣＲＰ ｃｏｍｂｉｎｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ｏｆ ＣＴ ｓｉｇｎｓ ｈａｄ ａｎ ＡＵＣ ｏｆ0. ９０１． Ｃｏｎｃｌｕｓｉｏｎ　Ｓｅｒｕｍ ｃａｌｃｉｕｍ ａｎｄ ＣＲＰ ｃｏｍｂｉｎｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ｏｆ ｔｈｏｒａｃｏａｂｄｏｍｉｎａｌ ＣＴ ｓｉｇｎｓ （ｐｅｒｉｔｏｎｉｔｉｓ，ａｓｃｉｔｅｓ，ｐｎｅｕｍｏｎｉａ，ａｎｄ ｐｌｅｕｒａｌ ｅｆｆｕｓｉｏｎ）ｈａｖｅ ｈｉｇｈ ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃｉｔｙ，ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ，ａｎｄ ａｃｃｕｒａｃｙ ｉｎ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｎｇ ｄｉｓｅａｓｅ ｓｅｖｅｒｉｔｙ ｉｎ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ ｗｉｔｈ ＡＰ，ａｎｄ ｔｈｅｒｅｆｏｒｅ，ｉｔ ｈａｓ ａ ｈｉｇｈ ｃｌｉｎｉｃａｌ ｖａｌｕｅ ａｎｄ ｈｏｌｄｓ ｐｒｏｍｉｓｅ ｆｏｒ ｃｌｉｎｉｃａｌ ａｐｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎ． [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ｏｂｊｅｃｔｉｖｅ　Ｔｏ ｉｎｖｅｓｔｉｇａｔｅ ｔｈｅ ｃｌｉｎｉｃａｌ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｍｅａｓｕｒｅｍｅｎｔ ｏｆ ｉｎｔｒａ － ａｂｄｏｍｉｎａｌ ｐｒｅｓｓｕｒｅ （ＩＡＰ），Ｃ － ｒｅａｃｔｉｖｅ ｐｒｏｔｅｉｎ （ＣＲＰ），ａｎｄ ｐｒｏｃａｌｃｉｔｏｎｉｎ （ＰＣＴ）ｉｎ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ ｗｉｔｈ ａｃｕｔｅ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｉｎ ｌａｔｅ ｐｒｅｇｎａｎｃｙ． Ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ　Ａ ｔｏｔａｌ ｏｆ ８０ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ ｗｉｔｈ ａｃｕｔｅ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｉｎ ｌａｔｅ ｐｒｅｇｎａｎｃｙ （≥２８ ｇｅｓｔａｔｉｏｎａｌ ｗｅｅｋｓ）ｗｈｏ ｗｅｒｅ ｈｏｓｐｉｔａｌｉｚｅｄ ｉｎ Ｄｅｐａｒｔｍｅｎｔ ｏｆ Ｏｂｓｔｅｔｒｉｃｓ ａｎｄ Ｇｙｎｅｃｏｌｏｇｙ ａｎｄ Ｄｅｐａｒｔｍｅｎｔ ｏｆ Ｈｅｐａｔｏｂｉｌｉａｒｙ Ｓｕｒｇｅｒｙ ｉｎ Ｔｈｅ Ｆｉｒｓｔ Ａｆｆｉｌｉａｔｅｄ Ｈｏｓｐｉｔａｌ ｏｆ Ｎａｎｈｕａ Ｕｎｉｖｅｒｓｉｔｙ ｆｒｏｍ Ｓｅｐｔｅｍｂｅｒ ２００８ ｔｏ Ｓｅｐｔｅｍｂｅｒ ２０１８ ｗｅｒｅ ｅｎｒｏｌｌｅｄ，ａｎｄ ａｍｏｎｇ ｔｈｅｓｅ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ，４５ ｗｉｔｈ ｍｉｌｄ ｏｒ ｍｏｄｅｒａｔｅｌｙ ｓｅｖｅｒｅ ａｃｕｔｅ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｅｎｒｏｌｌｅｄ ａｓ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ａｎｄ ３５ ｗｉｔｈ ｓｅｖｅｒｅ ａｃｕｔｅ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｗｅｒｅ ｅｎｒｏｌｌｅｄ ａｓ ｏｂｓｅｒｖａｔｉｏｎ ｇｒｏｕｐ． Ｒｅｌａｔｅｄ ｃｌｉｎｉｃａｌ ｄａｔａ ｗｅｒｅ ｃｏｌｌｅｃｔ ｅｄ，ｉｎｃｌｕｄｉｎｇ ＩＡＰ，ＣＲＰ，ＰＣＴ，ｆｅｔａｌ ｄｉｓｔｒｅｓｓ，ａｎｄ ｎｅｏｎａｔａｌ Ａｐｇａｒ ｓｃｏｒｅ． Ｔｈｅ ｔ － ｔｅｓｔ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｆｏｒ ｃｏｍｐａｒｉｓｏｎ ｏｆ ｃｏｎｔｉｎｕｏｕｓ ｄａｔａ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｔｗｏ ｇｒｏｕｐｓ，ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｃｈｉ － ｓｑｕａｒｅ ｔｅｓｔ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｆｏｒ ｃｏｍｐａｒｉｓｏｎ ｏｆ ｃａｔｅｇｏｒｉｃａｌ ｄａｔａ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｔｗｏ ｇｒｏｕｐｓ． Ａ Ｐｅａｒｓｏｎ ｃｏｒｒｅｌａｔｉｏｎ ａｎａｌｙｓｉｓ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｔｏ ｉｎｖｅｓｔｉｇａｔｅ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｒｒｅｌａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ＣＲＰ，ＰＣＴ，ａｎｄ ＩＡＰ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｓｅｖｅｒｉｔｙ ｏｆ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ａｎｄ ｐｏｏｒ ｆｅｔａｌ ｏｕｔｃｏｍｅｓ （ｆｅｔａｌ ｄｉｓｔｒｅｓｓ ａｎｄ ｎｅｏｎａｔａｌ Ａｐｇａｒ ｓｃｏｒｅ ａｔ １ ｍｉｎｕｔｅ ａｆｔｅｒ ｂｉｒｔｈ）． Ｔｈｅ ｒｅｃｅｉｖｅｒ ｏｐｅｒａｔｉｎｇ ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｉｓｔｉｃ （ＲＯＣ）ｃｕｒｖｅ ｗａｓ ｕｓｅｄ ｔｏ ｃａｌｃｕｌａｔｅ ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍａｌ ｃｕｔ － ｏｆｆ ｖａｌｕｅｓ ｏｆ ｔｈｅｓｅ ｉｎｄｉｃｅｓ ｆｏｒ ａｃｃｕｒａｔｅ ｄｉａｇｎｏｓｉｓ ａｎｄ ｃｏｒｒｅｓｐｏｎｄｉｎｇ ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ ａｎｄ ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃｉｔｙ，ｉｎ ｏｒｄｅｒ ｔｏ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｅ ｔｈｅｉｒ ｖａｌｕｅ ｉｎ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｎｇ ａｃｕｔｅ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｉｎ ｌａｔｅ ｐｒｅｇｎａｎｃｙ． Ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ　Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ｏｂｓｅｒｖａｔｉｏｎ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｈａｄ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔｌｙ ｈｉｇｈｅｒ ｌｅｖｅｌｓ ｏｆ ＣＲＰ （１８５． ９２ ±２３． ５９ ｍｇ/Ｌ ｖｓ １２０． ９２ ±２０.0２ ｍｇ/Ｌ，ｔ ＝ １３． ３１８，Ｐ ＜ ０.0０１），ＰＣＴ （１２． ９３ ±３． １６ ｎｇ/ｍｌ ｖｓ ５． ６７ ± １． ６５ ｎｇ/ｍｌ，ｔ ＝ １２． ２９８，Ｐ ＜ ０.0０１），ａｎｄ ＩＡＰ （１２． ６７ ± １． ４０ ｍｍ Ｈｇ ｖｓ ５． ７７ ± １． １０ ｍｍ Ｈｇ，ｔ ＝ ２３. ８５８，Ｐ ＜０.0０１）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｏｂｓｅｒｖａｔｉｏｎ ｇｒｏｕｐ，ｔｈｅ ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ ｇｒｏｕｐ ｈａｄ ａ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔｌｙ ｌｏｗｅｒ ｉｎｃｉｄｅｎｃｅ ｒａｔｅ ｏｆ ｆｅｔａｌ ｄｉｓｔｒｅｓｓ （６ ／４５ ｖｓ １５ ／３５，χ２ ＝８． ８ ６４，Ｐ ＝０.0０３）ａｎｄ ａ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔｌｙ ｈｉｇｈｅｒ ｎｅｏｎａｔａｌ １ － ｍｉｎｕｔｅ Ａｐｇａｒ ｓｃｏｒｅ （８． ２２ ±０． ６７ ｖｓ ５． ９７ ±０． ７８，ｔ ＝ －１３． ８１７， Ｐ ＜０.0０１）． Ｔｈｅ ｃｏｒｒｅｌａｔｉｏｎ ａｎａｌｙｓｉｓ ｓｈｏｗｅｄ ｔｈａｔ ＩＡＰ ｗａｓ ｐｏｓｉｔｉｖｅｌｙ ｃｏｒｒｅ ｌａｔｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ＣＲＰ，ＰＣＴ，ａｎｄ Ｒａｎｓｏｎ ｓｃｏｒｅ ｆｏｒ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｉｎ ｌａｔｅ ｐｒｅｇｎａｎｃｙ （ｒ ＝０． ８１４，０． ７１２，ａｎｄ0. ７８８，ａｌｌ Ｐ ＜０.0０１）ａｎｄ ｗａｓ ｎｅｇａｔｉｖｅｌｙ ｃｏｒｒｅｌａｔｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｎｅｏｎａｔａｌ １ － ｍｉｎｕｔｅ Ａｐｇａｒ ｓｃｏｒｅ （ｒ ＝ －０． ８２０， Ｐ ＜０.0０１）． ＣＲＰ ｈａｄ ａｎ ａｒｅａ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ＲＯＣ ｃｕｒｖｅ （ＡＵＣ）ｏｆ0. ８３８ ａｔ ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍａｌ ｃｕｔ － ｏｆｆ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ １５８． ３２ ｍｇ/Ｌ，ｗｉｔｈ ａ ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｏｆ ７７. １％ ａｎｄ ａ ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃｉｔｙ ｏｆ ９３． ３％ ；ＰＣＴ ｈａｄ ａｎ ＡＵＣ ｏｆ0. ８５３ ａｔ ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍａｌ ｃｕｔ － ｏｆｆ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ １０． ２３ ｎｇ/Ｌ，ｗｉｔｈ ａ ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｏｆ ７１． ４％ ａｎｄ ａ ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃｉｔｙ ｏｆ ９７． ８％ ；ＩＡＰ ｈａｄ ａｎ ＡＵＣ ｏｆ0. ９０３ ａｔ ｔｈｅ ｏｐｔｉｍａｌ ｃｕｔ － ｏｆｆ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ １０.0９ ｍｍ Ｈｇ，ｗｉｔｈ ａ ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｏｆ ８２． ９％ ａｎｄ ａ ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃｉｔｙ ｏｆ ９５． ６％ ． Ｃｏｎｃｌｕｓｉｏｎ　Ｔｈｅ ｍｅａｓｕｒｅｍｅｎｔ ｏｆ ＩＡＰ，ＣＲＰ，ａｎｄ ＰＣＴ ｈａｓ ａ ｇｏｏｄ ｖａｌｕｅ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｅａｒｌｙ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｓｅｖｅｒｅ ａｃｕｔｅ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｉｎ ｐｒｅｇｎａｎｃｙ ａｎｄ ｃａｎ ｈｅｌｐ ｔｏ ｄｅｔｅｒｍｉｎｅ ｔｈｅ ｓｅｖｅｒｉｔｙ ｏｆ ｐａｎｃｒｅａｔｉｔｉｓ ｉｎ ｌａｔｅ ｐｒｅｇｎａｎｃｙ ａｎｄ ｄｅｃｉｄｅ ｔｈｅ ｔｉｍｉｎｇ ｏｆ ｔｅｒｍｉｎａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｐｒｅｇｎａｎｃｙ． [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation in blood may adapt to conditions affecting our health, such as inflammation, and multiple studies have identified differential DNA methylation related to smoking, obesity and various diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate previously reported, and explore possible new, associations between levels of inflammatory markers and DNA methylation in blood. We used a well-characterized study population consisting of 127 individuals, all of whom were participants in the population-based Västerbotten Intervention Programme cohort and had provided two blood samples, ten years apart. Levels of CRP and 160 other proteins were measured in plasma, and DNA methylation levels (assessed using the 850K Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip) were measured in white blood cell DNA. Associations between CpG methylation and protein levels were estimated using linear mixed models. In the study we were able to confirm the direction for 85 of 102 previously reported protein-methylation associations. Depicting associations in a network allowed us to identify CpG sites with associations to multiple proteins, and ten CpG sites were each associated with three or more inflammatory markers. Furthermore, two genetic regions included nine additional unreported CpG sites that may represent trans-acting methylation sites. Our study supports a complex interaction between DNA methylation and circulating proteins involved in the inflammatory response. The notion of trans-acting methylation sites affecting, or being affected by, the expression of genes on completely different chromosomes should be taken into account when interpreting results from epigenome-wide association studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim:Acute phase proteins are proteins built by factors such as inflammation, necrosis, bacterial infection, virus and malignancies and its value will changes in plasma and serum. UTI is one of the probable infection that changes this protein. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between serum C- reactive protein and causative factors in patients with urinary tract infection was in 1393. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 2400 patients with suspected urinary tract infection were referred to medical clinics during five months urine culture were performed. ELISA and turbidity test were used to measure the amount of blood C- reactive protein. The urinary tract infection in patients with more than 105 colonies was considered as a positive culture, and then phenotypic test infection was performed by API kit. In addition; to confirming the results obtained DNA Sequencing experiments were conducted on genes Sr RNA 16. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: Among the total of 2400 patients with suspected urinary tract infection, 100 patients had positive culture with 69% E.coli, 10% klebsiella, 6% enterococcus, 5% Enterobacter 2% and 3% were the other bacteria respectively. The results indicated that the level of CRP in the UTI patients increased to 56.8%. In addition, no association was found between blood levels of C- reactive protein and the type of the bacterial agents. Conclusion: the level of C- reactive protein blood was inceased in urinary tract infections increased, but this increase is not related to the type of bacteria. .

Amaç: İdrar yolu enfeksiyonu, çocukluk çağının en sık görülen enfeksiyonlarından biridir. Piyelonefritin uzun dönemde görülen sekelleri nedeniyle sistitten ayırımı önemlidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, çocuklarda 99mTc-Dimerkaptosüksinik Asid ile sintigrafik görüntüleme yapılmaksızın piyelonefrit ayırımını yapmakta prokalsitonin ve C-Reaktif Protein gibi belirteçlerin tanısal değerini saptamak, 99mTc-Dimerkaptosüksinik Asid ile sintigrafik görüntüleme yapılacak hastalar konusunda yol gösterici olup olmayacağını belirlemektir. Materyal ve Metod: Bu çalışmaya, 3 ay ile 16 yaş arasında, ilk kez idrar yolu enfeksiyonu geçiren 50 çocuk dahil edilmiştir. Retrospektif gözleme dayalı bir çalışmadır. Piyelonefrit tanısı için serum C-Reaktif Protein ve prokalsitonin düzeylerinin ortanca değeri, duyarlılık, özgüllük ve cut-off değerleri saptandı. Bulgular: Hastaların 32’si (%64) piyelonefrit tanısı alırken, 18 (%36) hasta sistit tanısı aldı. Piyelonefrit tanısı için CReaktif Protein cut-off değeri %69 duyarlılık ve %61 özgüllük ile 34 mg/L iken, prokalsitonin için bu değer %69 duyarlılık ve %66 özgüllük ile 0,23 ng/mL saptandı. Her iki belirteçin birlikte kullanılması ise %63 duyarlılık ve %78 özgüllük ile piyelonefrit tanısını destekledi. Sonuç: Çocuklarda piyelonefrit tanısını koymakta serum prokalsitonin ve C-Reaktif Proteinin birlikte değerlendirilmesi, 99mTc-Dimerkaptosüksinik Asid ile sintigrafik görüntüleme yapılacak hastalarda yol gösterici olabilir. Böylece çocuklar 99mTc-Dimerkaptosüksinik Asid ile sintigrafik görüntülemenin dezavantajlarından uzak tutulabilir.

In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the protective effects of Prunus laurocerasus fruit extract in the indomethacine-induced gastric ulcer model, which one of the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Experimental animals were divided into four groups (Control, Prunus laurocerasus, Indomethacine and Omeprazole groups). The groups I and III was given isotonic saline, the group II was given 500 mg/kg Prunus laurocerasus extract and the group IV was given 5 mg/kg omeprazole orally. On the 11th day of the study, a single dose of 100 mg/kg indomethacine was administered orally to the II, III and IV groups. The levels of cyclooxygenase - 2 (COX-2) and C - reactive protein (CRP) increased significantly in indomethacine group (P<0.001), while significantly decreased with the application of Prunus laurocerasus (P<0.05, P<0.001 respectively) and omeprazole (P<0.01, P<0.001 respectively). It was determined that interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels were increased in the indomethacin group (P<0.05). It was detected that IL-6 and TNF-a levels decreased with both Prunus laurocerasus and omeprazole administration, but these decreases were not statistically significant. In conclusion, it has been detected that Prunus laurocerasus has an omeprazole-like effect, which is one of the standard drugs in the market, when lowering CRP and COX-2 levels in gastric ulcer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is considered as one of major causes of disability and subsequent death. This study aimed to assess one of vascular marker 'C-Reactive protein' response with usage of antiplatelet aspirin vs. clopidogrel in Kirkuk city. A prospective follow-up study was achieved in Kirkuk city in Medicine and Neurology department of Azadi Teaching Hospital starting at 1st February 2018 ending to 1st December 2018, included 60 acute stroke patients. It had been found that there is an acute elevation of CRP blood levels in both aspirin and clopidogrel treated groups in acute ischemic stroke patients and fall on subsequent months. In conclusion, that there is no statistical significant difference between prescribing of aspirin or clopidogrel treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients on CRP blood levels, as well known that CRP is one of prognostic markers, so usage of aspirin or clopidogrel as monotherapy in secondary prevention had same prognostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As inflammation had a role in every stage of atherogenesis and hypertension, in turn leading to Cardiovascular Disease. Hs-CRP level estimation can be an important screening method for assessing the risk. Thus, this study to evaluate the effect of essential hypertension on hs- CRP levels in Indian adult population. As well as clustering of other cardiovascular risk factors in comparison with a control group in a population. Acase-control study was carried out in of Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow, and Uttar Pradesh. All patients coming in out-patient department were screened for inclusion & exclusion criteria. Those selected were subjected to screening of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases & serum hs CRP estimation. Significant CAD risk factors in our cases came out to be: higher weight (p-value: 0.0470), raised BMI (>25) (p-value: 0.005), higher waist circumference (p-value: 0.0010) & smoking (p-value: 0.008). Average hs-CRP values in the hypertensive group (cases) was higher (2.85 ± 2.4 mg/L) than in normotensive group (control) (2.36 ± 2.08 mg/L). No significant difference in values among the controlled & uncontrolled group of previously diagnosed hypertensives was observed but a significant difference was found between newly diagnosed Stage I & Stage II hypertensives. Also, though not significant a rising trend was noted in hs-CRP values with an increase in the risk category. On CAD risk stratification according to hs CRP values cases hada significantly higher prevalence of hs-CRP levels than controls. Conclusion: The study did not reveal any significant difference in hs CRP values in hypertensives than from the normotensive population. But the significant difference between Stage I & Stage II of hypertension was observed in hs-CRP values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was aimed to determine the effect of Ger-minated Barley Foodstuff (GBF) administration on serum C-reactive pro-tein (CRP) levels and clinical signs in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Methods: Forty-six patients were randomly allocated into GBF group and control group. Subjects in control group received only conventional drug therapy, while the GBF group received 30g GBF per day (3 times a day) by oral administration during 2 month along with routine medications. Results: The mean serum CRP in the GBF group decreased significantly (P=0.017) compared with the baseline. Although the frequency of clinical signs including the number of episodes diarrhea, degree of visible blood in stool, degree of abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, vomiting, and anorex-ia decreased in the GBF group but it was statistically significant only in the case of abdominal pain and cramping. However, this reduction was only significant in the case of abdominal pain and cramping (P=0.016) Conclusions: The consumption of GBF along with the current medication may be efficient in attenuating the inflammation and clinical signs of UC patients.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of early measurement of serum inflammatory mediators for infectious pancreatic necrosis secondary to severe acute; pancreatitis ( SAP). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 166 patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2012 to January 2017. According to the presence or absence of secondary infectious pancreatic necrosis, the patients were divided into infection group with 58 patients and non - infection group with 108 patients. The; serum levels of inflammatory factors were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve was used for the analysis of indices with statistical significance. The; independent samples t - test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the ehi - square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Results Of all 166 SAP patients. 58 experienced secondary infectious pancreatic necrosis, resulting in an incidence rate of 34. 9%. Compared with the non - infection group, the; infection group had significantly higher serum lipase, procalcitonin (PCT), C - reactive protein (CRP), and APACHE II score (t = 8.679. 20.416. 18.429. and 8.563. all P<0.05). The; ROC curve analysis showed that serum lipase, PCT. CRP. and APACHE II score had areas under the ROC curve of 0. 647.0.877. 0. 823 . and 0. 655 . respectively. with cut - off values of 612.5 U/L ,7.5 ng/ml, 226. 5 mg/L, and 16.5 points , sensitivities of 68. 5% . 91.2% . 86. 8% , and 60. 5% . and specificities of 59. 3% , 83. 6% , 80. 1% , and 68. 7% , respectively. Conclusion The abnormally elevated serum levels of CRP and PCT have a certain predictive value for infectious pancreatic necrosis secondary to SAP with convenient and fast operation. and therefore, it holds promise for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The association between C-reactive protein (CRP) level, symptoms, and activities of daily living (ADL) in advanced cancer patients is unclear. Methods Secondary data analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study consisted of 2426 advanced cancer patients referred to palliative care settings was conducted to examine the cross-sectional relationships between CRP level, symptoms, and ADL disabilities. Laboratory data, symptoms, ADL, and manual muscle testing (MMT) results were obtained at baseline. Participants were divided into four groups: low (CRP < 1 mg/dl), moderate (1 = < CRP <5 mg/dl), high (5 = < CRP < 10 mg/dl), and very high CRP (10 mg/dl = < CRP). The proportions of eight symptoms, five ADL disabilities, and three categories of MMT according to the CRP groups were tested by chi-square tests. Multiple-adjusted odd ratios (ORs) were calculated by using ordinal logistic regression after adjustment for age, gender, site of primary cancer, metastatic disease, performance status, chemotherapy, and setting of care. Results A total of 1702 patients were analysed. Positive rates of symptoms and ADL disabilities increased with increasing CRP level. In the very high-CRP group, rates of positivity for anorexia, fatigue, and weight loss were 89.8%, 81.0%, and 79.2%, respectively, and over 70% of patients received assistance for bathing, dressing, going to the toilet, and transfer. The grade of MMT also deteriorated with increasing CRP level. Adjusted ORs for the accumulated symptoms significantly increased with increasing CRP level in the moderate-CRP, high-CRP, and very high-CRP groups [1.6 (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.0), P < 0.001; 2.5 (1.9-3.2), P < 0.001; 3.5 (2.7-4.6), P < 0.001, respectively]. Adjusted ORs for the accumulated ADL disabilities significantly increased in the very high-CRP groups [2.1 (1.5-2.9), P < 0.001]. Conclusions Associations between CRP level, symptoms, and ADL were observed in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of C reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosing neonatal sepsis keeping blood culture as gold standard. STUDY DESIGN: A Cross sectional study PLACE AND DURATION: At Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH), Rawalpindi from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2013. METHODOLOGY: In this study 136 neonates were enrolled who presented with the clinical suspicion of sepsis. Quantitative C reactive protein and blood cultures of all such patients were drawn and sent to the laboratory. Cut off value of 6 mg/dl was taken as positive CRP result. Blood culture and CRP results of all patients were compared to each other. Blood culture was taken as gold standard for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. RESULTS: Out of 136 patients Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of CRP was found to be 23.93%, 57.89%, 77.77%, 11.00% and 26.47% respectively. CONCLUSION: As the sensitivity and specificity of CRP has turned out to be low so it is concluded that CRP cannot be adopted as an isolated and unique biochemical marker for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis could be defined as a clinical entity because of generalized bacterial infection within 28 days of life and showing a positive blood culture. It is probably responsible for 30- 50% of the total neonatal deaths each year. Timely diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is critical because in neonates the illness can progress more rapidly than adults. The blood culture report takes at least 72 hours. Therefore, a simple test with quick availability of results can be helpful to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Aim: To evaluate the utility of sepsis screen in early diagnosis of neonatal septicemia and to study various hematological parameters, changes in peripheral blood smear, evaluate the performance of microerythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum C-reactive protein and serum direct bilirubin in neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis. Materials and Methods: The present, study was done in our institute from October 2013 to October 2015. CBC was done on 191 clinically suspected cases of neonatal sepsis along with Micro ESR, Serum CRP and direct bilirubin. Differential leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil count, immature neutrophils: total neutrophils ratio was done from Field stained peripheral smears. Blood culture was done in Microbiology Department. Exclusion criteria were neonates with major congenital anomalies and those who have already received antibiotics. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software, version 20th and unpaired ‘t’- test. Result: Out of 191 cases studied, 91 were culture positive. CRP (84.6%) and immature : total neutrophils ratio(75.8%) showed highest sensitivity, Whereas absolute neutrophil count(99.0%) along with serum direct bilirubin (93.0%) and corrected total leucocyte count (93.0%)showed highest specificity. Positive predictive value was highest for absolute neutrophil count (97.5%) and CRP (84.8%). Conclusion: Serum CRP is the most sensitive marker of sepsis. Use of peripheral smear study, serum direct bilirubin and micro ESR together with CRP can be used effectively as a sepsis screen for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Objective: To study the association of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and C - reactive protein (CRP) with microbiologically documented cases of sepsis versus clinically documented cases of sepsis. Materials and Methods: Seventy nine pediatric patients with sepsis were studied. Relevant specimens were processed for bacterial or fungal etiology. TNF-a was detected by enzyme immunoassay and CRP was detected by latex agglutination. Thirty healthy cases were included in the study to establish baseline TNF-α levels. Results: Forty two (53.2%) patients had a microbiologically documented sepsis. Among Gram negative bacilli Escherichia coli was the most common isolate followed by Klebsiella spp. Staphyloccus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae predominated among the Gram positive cocci. Patients with a positive culture had significantly higher TNF-α levels than patients with a negative culture (70pg/ml vs. 33 pg/ml P < 0.01). Further, pure gram negative infection correlated with significantly higher TNF-α levels than pure (P < 0.01) gram positive infection. The CRP values did not highlight these differences significantly. Conclusions: TNF-α level was significantly raised in patients with sepsis. TNF-a levels were raised significantly in culture positive cases in general and in Gram negative infections in particular. Serum TNF-α was a more sensitive marker for different categories of sepsis compared to CRP and microbiology culture.

The aim of this study was to investigate C-reactive protein (CRP) level in preeclampsia (PE) and its association with the severity of the disease. This cross-sectional study included 43 women with mild PE, 43 women with severe PE, and 43 healthy pregnant. They were selected in the third trimester of pregnancy in the Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran, from March 2006 to March 2007. Mean diastolic pressure and level of proteinuria were used as indicators of the severity of the disease. The results were analyzed by t-test and spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Hemoglobin, aspartate and alanine transaminase, creatinine and urine protein excretion, serum CRP, and alkaline phosphatase were higher in women with PE. There were significant correlations between serum CRP levels and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.5, P = 0), urinary protein excretion (r = 0.5, P = 0), creatinine (r = 0.2, P = 0.003), spartate transaminase (r = 0.3, P = 0), alanine transaminase (r = 0.2, P = 0.006), and Hemoglobin (r = 0.2, P = 0.001). There were a negative correlation between serum CRP and weight of the new born (r = -0.09, P = 0.01) and gestational age in the time of delivery (r = -0.07, P = 0). We showed higher levels of CRP in women with PE. Elevated serum levels of CRP in PE women are, thus, correlated with severity of disease.

Background Inflammation might link microbial exposures to insulin resistance. We investigated the cross-sectional association between periodontal microbiota, inflammation and insulin resistance. Methods The Oral Infections, Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance Study (ORIGINS) enrolled 152 diabetes-free adults (77% female) aged 20-55 years (mean = 34 ± 10). Three hundred and four subgingival plaque samples were analysed using the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray to measure the relative abundances of 379 taxa. C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor- α and adiponectin were assessed from venous blood and their z-scores were summed to create an inflammatory score ( IS). Insulin resistance was defined via the HOMA- IR. Associations between the microbiota and both inflammation and HOMA- IR were explored using multivariable linear regressions; mediation analyses assessed the proportion of the association explained by inflammation. Results The IS was inversely associated with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria and positively associated with Firmicutes and TM7 ( p-values < 0.05). Proteobacteria levels were associated with insulin resistance ( p < 0.05). Inflammation explained 30-98% of the observed associations between levels of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria or Firmicutes and insulin resistance ( p-values < 0.05). Eighteen individual taxa were associated with inflammation ( p < 0.05) and 22 with insulin resistance ( p < 0.05). No findings for individual taxa met Bonferroni-adjusted statistical significance. Conclusion Bacterial measures were related to inflammation and insulin resistance among diabetes-free adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of maternal serum c-reactive protein (CRP), lipid peroxide, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), to predict the interval between membrane rupture and delivery in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).Methods: The present prospective study included patients with singleton pregnancies experiencing PPROM at earlier than 34 weeks of pregnancy who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery between August 1, 2010 and July 31, 2013 at Chonnam National University Hospital, Republic of Korea. Patients were categorized based on whether delivery occurred within 3 days of PPROM or after. CRP levels, lipid peroxide (using malondialdehyde levels), ORAC, protein carbonyl, and other potential risk factors were compared between the groups.Results: There were 72 patients included. Maternal serum CRP levels, malondialdehyde levels, and Bishop Score were higher in patients who underwent delivery within 3 days (all P<0.05); ORAC levels were lower among these patients (P=0.002). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that CRP, malondialdehyde, and ORAC levels were predictive of delivery within 3 days after PPROM.Conclusion: Maternal serum CRP, malondialdehyde, and ORAC levels at admission were useful in predicting the latent period in patients with PPROM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association between pre-eclampsia severity and biochemical and ultrasonography markers.Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken of women with severe pre-eclampsia (group 1, n=90), mild pre-eclampsia (group 2, n=90), or a normal pregnancy (group 3, n=90) who attended a hospital in Egypt in October 2013-April 2015. Associations between pre-eclampsia and biochemical, cardiotocography, and ultrasonography markers were investigated.Results: There were significant differences between the groups in C-reactive protein (331.44±112.38, 251.43±59.05, and 23.81±16.19 nmol/L; P≤0.05 for all), platelet count (113.40±36.72, 172.93±57.60, and 212.68±70.00×109 /L; P≤0.05 for group 1 comparisons), alanine transaminase (52.24±14.83, 38.34±13.12, and 23.11±6.92 U/L; P≤0.05 for group 1 comparisons), and serum uric acid (600.80±117.19, 481.83±118.97, and 243.89±53.54 μmol/L; P=0.050 for group 3 comparisons). Cardiotocography score was worse among women with severe pre-eclampsia than among those in the other two groups (P=0.039 for both comparisons). Biophysical profile score and umbilical artery resistance index differed by group (P≤0.05 for all). Middle cerebral artery resistance index was lower among women with severe pre-eclampsia (P≤0.05).Conclusion: The levels of C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, and alanine transaminase, and the platelet count were linked with the presence and severity of pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The relationship between carotid artery calcification ( CAC) and tooth loss was investigated and its association with inflammatory mediator levels was evaluated. Subjects and methods Ninety-two participants were examined for health and periodontal status. Panoramic radiographs were obtained for CAC identification. C-reactive protein ( CRP), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1) levels were measured. Results Fifteen participants (16.3%) had CAC, 12 (80.0%) of whom were female. Mean age of participants with CAC was 55.3 ± 12.2 years, while that of participants without CAC was 48.9 ± 9.4 years. Median number of tooth loss in participants with CAC was 11, whereas that of individuals without CAC was 3 ( P = 0.008). Age and presence of CAC were associated with the number of tooth loss, independent of health status ( β = 0.452, P = <0.001 and β = 0.257, P = 0.005). Based on CRP levels, 10 participants (71.4%) were at intermediate risk of coronary heart disease (range, 1.0-2.3 μg ml−1), while four participants (28.6%) were at low risk (<1.0 μg ml−1). CRP, ICAM-1, or VCAM-1 levels were not significantly related to the presence of CAC or tooth loss. Conclusions Patients with higher tooth loss have a greater prevalence of CAC. Patients with CAC should be referred for medical consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acute-phase proteins ( APPs) are sensitive markers of inflammation, and serum C-reactive protein ( CRP) recently has been shown to be a useful diagnostic marker in dogs with bacterial pneumonia ( BP). In humans with community-acquired pneumonia, APPs also have great utility as follow-up markers aiding in the assessment of treatment response. Objectives The aim of our study was to investigate the applicability of APPs as markers of treatment response in dogs with BP. Animals Nineteen dogs diagnosed with BP and 64 healthy dogs. Methods The study was conducted as a prospective longitudinal observational study. Serum CRP, serum amyloid A ( SAA), and haptoglobin concentrations were followed during a natural course of BP. Normalization of serum CRP was used to guide the duration of antibiotic treatment (treatment was stopped 5-7 days after CRP normalized) in 8 of 17 dogs surviving to discharge; 9 of 17 dogs were treated according to conventional recommendations. Results All measured APPs initially were significantly increased, but the magnitude of increase was not correlated to disease severity. C-reactive protein and SAA concentrations decreased rapidly after initiation of antimicrobial treatment. When normalization of serum CRP was used to guide the duration of antibiotic treatment, treatment duration was significantly ( P = .015) decreased without increasing the number of relapses. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Serum CRP and SAA reflected the recovery process well and therefore may be used as markers of treatment response. According to the results, the normalization of serum CRP may be used to guide the duration of antibiotic treatment in dogs with BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of C-reactive protein (CRP) during different stages of stroke had been shown in several studies. There is still no definite document about the correlation of CRP level and size of infarct in stroke. We studied the correlation of the acute level of CRP with size of infarct in stroke. Methods: A total of 90 consecutive patients with acute stroke admitted in Fatemeh Zahra University Hospital in Bushehr city were studied. Levels of CRP were measured at admission time and 48 hours later. Sizes of infarct and types of stroke were determined with Computerized Tomography scanning. The excluded patients were those with infection, stroke in brain stem, a delay more than 24 hours after attack of stroke and Transient Ischemic Attacks. CRP level was measured quantitatively using ELISA method. Results: No correlation between the first CRP levels and variables of age, size of infarct and type of stroke was detected. Size of infarct was correlated with the second CRP (r=0.41, P

Background Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection is associated with cognitive deficits in humans, an association potentially mediated or moderated by folate concentration or inflammation. Materials and Methods We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( NHANES) datasets to examine whether folate concentration or inflammation mediates or moderates the relationship between H. pylori and cognitive function. Models were performed using linear, Poisson, and zero-inflated Poisson regression, and we performed separate analyses for groups aged 20-59 and 60-90 years with sample sizes ranging from 700 to 1700. Results We did not find evidence of mediation in either age group. In the 20- to 59-year group, interactions between H. pylori and ferritin ( p values ranging from .004 to .039) were associated with worse processing speed, better working memory, and worse reaction time. Interactions between H. pylori and fibrinogen ( p values ranging from .023 to .045), C-reactive protein ( CRP) ( p = .023), and the inflammatory index ( p = .045) were associated with worse processing speed. In 60- to 90-year-olds, H. pylori interacted with ferritin and the inflammatory index to predict fewer mathematical errors ( p values of .036 and .023). Interactions with folate ( p values of .016 and .006) and C-reactive protein ( p values ranging from <.001 to .048) were inconsistent in directionality. Conclusions In this dataset, representative of the US population, inflammation and folate concentrations moderated but did not mediate the association between H. pylori seropositivity and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]