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This paper investigates a multi-period multi-product stochastic inventory problem in which a cash-constrained online retailer can leverage order-based loans provided by some Chinese e-commerce platforms to speed up its cash recovery for deferred revenue. Sample average approximation (SAA) and moment-matching scenario tree are adopted to solve this multi-stage problem with the objective of maximising the retailer's expected profit over the planning horizon. We conduct numerical tests based on crawling real data from an online store. The results show that the solutions of the two stochastic modelling approaches are very close. Moreover, the retailer tends to use order-based loans when its initial available cash is limited or it is facing a long revenue delaying length. Practitioners can make use of the modelling techniques in this paper to estimate whether it is beneficial to apply for an order-based loan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionAlzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is defined by β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tau, but Lewy bodies (LBs; ?-synuclein aggregates) are a common co-pathology for which effective biomarkers are needed.MethodsA validated α-synuclein Seed Amplification Assay (SAA) was used on recent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 1638 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants, 78 with LB-pathology confirmation at autopsy. We compared SAA outcomes with neuropathology, Aβ and tau biomarkers, risk-factors, genetics, and cognitive trajectories.ResultsSAA showed 79% sensitivity and 97% specificity for LB pathology, with superior performance in identifying neocortical (100%) compared to limbic (57%) and amygdala-predominant (60%) LB-pathology. SAA+ rate was 22%, increasing with disease stage and age. Higher Aβ burden but lower CSF p-tau181 associated with higher SAA+ rates, especially in dementia. SAA+ affected cognitive impairment in MCI and Early-AD who were already AD biomarker positive.DiscussionSAA is a sensitive, specific marker for LB-pathology. Its increase in prevalence with age and AD stages, and its association with AD biomarkers, highlights the clinical importance of α-synuclein co-pathology in understanding AD's nature and progression.HighlightsSAA shows 79% sensitivity, 97% specificity for LB-pathology detection in AD. SAA positivity prevalence increases with disease stage and age. Higher Aβ burden, lower CSF p-tau181 linked with higher SAA+ rates in dementia. SAA+ impacts cognitive impairment in early disease stages. Study underpins need for wider LB-pathology screening in AD treatment.

Introduction: In Japan, the importance of medical checkups for pet dogs is increasing. In this study, we retrospectively explored the effects of age on plasma biomarkers in healthy small dogs that underwent medical checkups. Methods: Based on the modified American Animal Hospital Association Canine Life Stage Guidelines, 52 healthy small dogs were divided into 3 groups according to their life stage: young adult (1–4 years old), mature adult (5–11 years old), senior (12–15 years old). None of the dogs were obese. Plasma was collected from animals that underwent medical checkups at Muromi Animal Hospital (Fukuoka, Japan). Plasma glucose, triglyceride (TG), total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total cholesterol, and albumin concentrations; alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities; c-reactive protein (CRP), non-esterified fatty acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), serum amyloid A (SAA), insulin, and adiponectin (ADN) concentrations; glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities; and M/L ratio (MDH/LDH) were examined. Changes in the abovementioned plasma biomarker levels were compared between canines in different life stages. Results: Plasma ADN concentrations and GPx, SOD, and MDH activities significantly decreased with age, whereas plasma ALP, BUN, TG, and MDA concentrations gradually increased. Plasma SAA levels measured by the latex agglutination method in 51 of the 52 small dogs that underwent medical checkups were below the detection limit. Conclusion: Plasma ADN concentrations, GPx, SOD activity, and BUN levels may be important biomarkers for clarifying the effect of age in healthy dogs that undergo medical checkups. However, plasma SAA values obtained by the latex agglutination method were not considered an age-related inflammation marker for healthy dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article introduces a novel microstrip slot antenna array (SAA) configuration for radar applications. The proposed antenna is specifically designed for operation in the K-band, spanning from 23 to 24.3 GHz. The antenna structure comprises two substrates: the feed network and ground plane are on the bottom substrate, and the radiating slots are on the top layer of the first substrate. The incorporation of a unique grid feed configuration, featuring 50 Ohm center excitation for the first time, improves the feed mechanism of the microstrip SAA. This innovation contributes to achieving a compact size and high gain. To enhance the side lobe level, the design incorporates a substrate-integrated waveguide-backed cavity, which significantly reduces surface waves. The SAA consists of 25 radiating elements with a gain of 14 dBi. In the elevation and azimuth planes, the half-power beamwidths are measured at 12.1° and 69.1°, respectively. The proposed antenna array’s measured impedance bandwidth ranges from 23.15 to 24.75 GHz, guaranteeing a reflection coefficient (S11) of less than − 10 dB. The suggested antenna's applicability for automotive multi-input multi-output radar has been validated.

Abstract Within the field of clinical research, reports on the stability of avian serum amyloid A (SAA) under varying storage conditions are currently scarce. In this study, avian plasma samples were evaluated for SAA, a major acute-phase protein in birds, to assess how varying storage periods and repeated freeze-thaw cycles impact the stability of SAA in the frozen samples. Seven plasma samples from two species and six plasma samples from three species stored at ‒20 °C were used to evaluate the time and temperature effects accordingly. A chicken-specific SAA ELISA kit was used for the measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were applied, with statistical significance set at P 10% was observed after the fourth cycle in four out of six samples. However, one to three freeze-thaw cycles did not result in a significant decline. Taken together, the results indicate that a negative correlation existed between the mean concentration and multiple freeze-thaw cycles, indicating that these should be avoided where possible.

Abstract Background Sepsis is triggered by pathogenic microorganisms, resulting in a systemic inflammatory response. Liver cirrhosis and sepsis create a vicious cycle: cirrhosis weakens immune function, raising infection risk and hindering pathogen clearance. Optimal treatment outcomes depend on understanding liver cirrhosis patients’ sepsis risk factors. Thus, preventing sepsis involves addressing these risk factors. Therefore, early identification and understanding of clinical characteristics in liver cirrhosis patients with sepsis are crucial for selecting appropriate antibiotics. A case-control study using logistic regression was conducted to examine the prognostic value of amyloid A/lactate level monitoring in identifying sepsis risk factors in liver cirrhosis patients. Methods From March 2020 to March 2022, 136 liver cirrhosis patients treated at our hospital were divided into a sepsis group (n = 35) and a non-sepsis group (n = 101) based on sepsis complications. General clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis screened for liver cirrhosis patients’ sepsis risk factors. Multivariate logistic analysis was subsequently employed to evaluate the risk factors. Sepsis patients were followed up for a month. Based on prognosis, patients were categorized into a poor prognosis group (n = 16) and a good prognosis group (n = 19). Serum amyloid A (SAA) and blood lactic acid (BLA) levels were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the prognostic value of both individual and combined SAA/BLA monitoring. Results Patient data, including age, diabetes history, liver cancer, hepatic artery embolization, recent antibiotic use, invasive procedures within two weeks, APACHE II Scoring, ALB and SAA and BLA levels, were compared between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, showing significant differences (P SAA > BLA. Conclusion In treating liver cirrhosis, prioritize patients with advanced age, a history of hepatic artery embolization, recent invasive operations, history of liver cancer, recent antibiotic exposure, high APACHE II scores and low albumin. Closely monitoring serum SAA and BLA levels in these patients can offer valuable insights for early clinical prevention and treatment.

To observe the effects of ambroxol hydrochloride combined with respiratory muscle strength training on lung function, respiratory muscle strength and serum levels of high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), transforming growth factor-ẞ1 (TGF-β1) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in elderly patients with stable stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: 123 elderly patients with stable stage COPD admitted to our hospital from March 2021 to April 2023 were divided into control group (ambroxol hydrochloride treatment, 61 cases) and observation group (ambroxol hydrochloride combined with respiratory muscle strength training, 62 cases) by random number table method. The efficacy, lung function, respiratory muscle strength, serum HMGB1, TGF-β1, SAA levels and adverse reactions were compared between two groups. Results: Compared with the control group of 78.69%, the clinical total effective rate of the observation group further increased by 93.55% (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) were higher in observation group at 2 months after intervention, and HMGB1, TGF-β1, and SAA were lower (P<0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Ambroxol hydrochloride combined with respiratory muscle strength training in the treatment of elderly patients with stable stage COPD, which can effectively improve the clinical treatment effect, improve the lung function and respiratory muscle strength of patients, and regulate the levels of serum HMGB1, TGF-β1 and SAA without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a cheap, fast and adaptable paper-based biosensing platform can meet the growing needs in the medical device field for rapid, cost-effective and accurate detection of swine flu. Keeping these in view, we developed a paper-based biosensor modified by poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly-(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne (HsGDY) using a dip coating procedure. The fabricated biosensing platform has great mechanical flexibility, as its electrical characteristics were not compromised even after being twisted up to 54 times to an angle of 360°. After the treatment of the fabricated conducting paper with DMSO, it showed an enormous increase in conductivity by ∼2-folds. Further, anti-SAA was immobilized onto this conducting paper through a physical immobilization process, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was immobilized to inhibit nonspecific sites. The developed electrode (BSA/anti-SAA/HsGDY/CP) exhibited sensitivity values of 3.243 μA [log (ng mL–1)]−1 cm–2 (for the concentration range of 1 fg mL–1–1 μg mL–1) and 23.57 μA [log (ng mL–1)]−1 cm–2 (for the concentration range of 10–100 μg mL–1), providing an ultralow detection limit of 0.137 fg mL–1 for SAA detection via the chronoamperometry (CA) technique. The developed sensor was applied successfully for the determination of serum samples spiked with SAA, validating the accuracy of the fabricated biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin-17 (IL-17), lipid carrier protein 2 (LCN2) levels and the severity of disease in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Methods: 152 CSU patients (CSU group) and 130 healthy subjects (control group) admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected. The levels of serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 in CSU group and control group were detected and compared by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CSU patients were divided into mild CSU group (40 cases), moderate CSU group (65 cases) and severe CSU group (47 cases) according to the 7-day urticaria activity score (UAS7), the levels of serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 were compared in three groups. The correlation between serum SAA, IL-17, LCN2 levels and UAS7 in CSU patients was analyzed by Spearman method, the predictive value of serum SAA, IL-17, LCN2 levels on the severity of disease in CSU patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Compared with control group, the levels of serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 in CSU group were increased (P<0.05). The levels of serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 in mild CSU group, moderate CSU group and severe CSU group increased in turn (P<0.05). Serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 levels were positively correlated with UAS7 in CSU patients (r,-0.537, 0.616, 0.573, all p<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of combined detection of serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 levels in predicting moderate CSU and severe CSU were 0.914 and 0.911 respectively, which were greater than 0.769, 0.789, 0.777 and 0.770, 0.807, 0.779 predicted by serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 levels alone (P<0.05). Conclusion: The increase of serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 levels are relate to the severity of disease in CSU patients, the combine detection of serum SAA, IL-17 and LCN2 levels is more effective in predicting the severity of disease in CSU patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the field of clinical research, reports on the stability of avian serum amyloid A (SAA) under varying storage conditions are currently scarce. In this study, avian plasma samples were evaluated for SAA, a major acute-phase protein in birds, to assess how varying storage periods and repeated freeze-thaw cycles impact the stability of SAA in the frozen samples. Seven plasma samples from two species and six plasma samples from three species stored at ‒20 °C were used to evaluate the time and temperature effects accordingly. A chicken-specific SAA ELISA kit was used for the measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were applied, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The SAA concentrations measured daily for 30 days showed no statistically significant differences over time. Freezing-thawing was repeated five times, and a significant negative relationship was confirmed over the cycles (r=‒0.8857, P < 0.05). Although no significance was observed between a decreased concentration and the number of cycles, a decrease in the concentration of > 10% was observed after the fourth cycle in four out of six samples. However, one to three freeze-thaw cycles did not result in a significant decline. Taken together, the results indicate that a negative correlation existed between the mean concentration and multiple freeze-thaw cycles, indicating that these should be avoided where possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a novel microstrip slot antenna array (SAA) configuration for radar applications. The proposed antenna is specifically designed for operation in the K-band, spanning from 23 to 24.3 GHz. The antenna structure comprises two substrates: the feed network and ground plane are on the bottom substrate, and the radiating slots are on the top layer of the first substrate. The incorporation of a unique grid feed configuration, featuring 50 Ohm center excitation for the first time, improves the feed mechanism of the microstrip SAA. This innovation contributes to achieving a compact size and high gain. To enhance the side lobe level, the design incorporates a substrate-integrated waveguide-backed cavity, which significantly reduces surface waves. The SAA consists of 25 radiating elements with a gain of 14 dBi. In the elevation and azimuth planes, the half-power beamwidths are measured at 12.1° and 69.1°, respectively. The proposed antenna array's measured impedance bandwidth ranges from 23.15 to 24.75 GHz, guaranteeing a reflection coefficient (S11) of less than − 10 dB. The suggested antenna's applicability for automotive multi-input multi-output radar has been validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Horses infected by a tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) can develop clinically apparent infections. In humans, vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, while a vaccine is not available for horses. The objective of this study was to describe the immune response in horses after a TBEV vaccination with a human vaccine. (2) Materials and Methods: Seven healthy horses were randomised to a treatment or a control group in a stratified fashion based on TBEV–IgG concentrations on day −4. The treatment group (n = 4) was intramuscularly vaccinated using an inactivated human TBEV vaccine on days 0 and 28; the control group (n = 3) did not receive an injection. A clinical examination and blood sampling were performed on day –4, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 43, 56, 84, and 373. A linear mixed model analysis was used to compare IgG and IgM concentrations, neutralising antibody (nAb) titres, leucocyte count, serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen and globulin concentrations between the groups and time points. (3) Results: The clinical examination was normal in all horses at all time points. There were no significant changes in SAA, globulin, and fibrinogen concentrations and leucocyte count between the groups or time points (all p > 0.05). There was no significant increase in IgG, IgM, or nAb titres in the control group over time (all p > 0.05). In the vaccination group, there was a significant increase in IgG concentration and nAb titres after the second vaccination (p < 0.0001). There was no significant increase in IgM antibodies after the TBEV vaccination (all p > 0.05). One horse in the vaccination group had an IgM concentration above the laboratory reference on day 10. (4) Conclusions: The human TBEV vaccine did not have side effects when used in healthy horses in this study. A significant rise in TBEV-specific IgG antibodies and nAbs after the second vaccination was observed. However, IgG and nAb titres have been shown to decrease within 1 year after vaccination. The results of this study indicate that a vaccination with a human vaccine only induces a mild rise in IgM antibodies and only in previously naive horses. With no significant changes to inflammatory parameters in the vaccinated horses, it remains unclear whether vaccination with the human vaccine leads to protective immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis is triggered by pathogenic microorganisms, resulting in a systemic inflammatory response. Liver cirrhosis and sepsis create a vicious cycle: cirrhosis weakens immune function, raising infection risk and hindering pathogen clearance. Optimal treatment outcomes depend on understanding liver cirrhosis patients' sepsis risk factors. Thus, preventing sepsis involves addressing these risk factors. Therefore, early identification and understanding of clinical characteristics in liver cirrhosis patients with sepsis are crucial for selecting appropriate antibiotics. A case-control study using logistic regression was conducted to examine the prognostic value of amyloid A/lactate level monitoring in identifying sepsis risk factors in liver cirrhosis patients. Methods: From March 2020 to March 2022, 136 liver cirrhosis patients treated at our hospital were divided into a sepsis group (n = 35) and a non-sepsis group (n = 101) based on sepsis complications. General clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis screened for liver cirrhosis patients' sepsis risk factors. Multivariate logistic analysis was subsequently employed to evaluate the risk factors. Sepsis patients were followed up for a month. Based on prognosis, patients were categorized into a poor prognosis group (n = 16) and a good prognosis group (n = 19). Serum amyloid A (SAA) and blood lactic acid (BLA) levels were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the prognostic value of both individual and combined SAA/BLA monitoring. Results: Patient data, including age, diabetes history, liver cancer, hepatic artery embolization, recent antibiotic use, invasive procedures within two weeks, APACHE II Scoring, ALB and SAA and BLA levels, were compared between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups, showing significant differences (P < 0.05). Logistic regression identified factors such as age ≥ 70, recent antibiotic use, recent invasive procedures, history of liver cancer, hepatic artery embolization history, high APACHE II scores, decreased albumin, and elevated SAA and BLA levels as independent sepsis risk factors in liver cirrhosis patients (P < 0.05). Among the 35 sepsis patients, 16 had a poor prognosis, representing an incidence rate of 45.71%. Serum SAA and BLA levels were significantly higher in the poor prognosis group than in the good prognosis group (P < 0.05). The AUC for serum SAA and BLA was 0.831 (95%CI: 0.738–0.924), 0.720 (95%CI: 0.600–0.840), and 0.909 (95%CI: 0.847–0.972), respectively. The combined diagnostic AUC was significantly higher than that of single factor predictions (P < 0.05). The predictive value ranked as follows: joint detection > SAA > BLA. Conclusion: In treating liver cirrhosis, prioritize patients with advanced age, a history of hepatic artery embolization, recent invasive operations, history of liver cancer, recent antibiotic exposure, high APACHE II scores and low albumin. Closely monitoring serum SAA and BLA levels in these patients can offer valuable insights for early clinical prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammary gland is an exocrine gland whose main function is to produce milk. Breast morphogenesis begins in the embryonic period; however, its greatest development takes place during the lactation period. Studies have found the expression of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) in both breast cells and breast milk, yet the function of this protein in these contexts remains unknown. Insufficient milk production is one of the most frequent reasons for early weaning, a problem that can be related to the mother, the newborn, or both. This study aims to investigate the relationship between lactogenesis II (the onset of milk secretion) and the role of SAA in the human breast. To this end, mammary epithelial cell cultures were evaluated for the expression of SAA and the influence of various cytokines. Additionally, we sought to assess the activation pathway through which SAA acts in the breast, its glucose uptake capacity, and the morphological changes induced by SAA treatment. SAA expression was observed in mammary epithelial cells; however, it was not possible to establish its activation pathway, as treatments with inhibitors of the ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and PI3K pathways did not alter its expression. This study demonstrated that SAA can stimulate IL-6 expression, inhibit glucose uptake, and cause morphological changes in the cells, indicative of cellular stress. These mechanisms could potentially contribute to early breastfeeding cessation due to reduced milk production and breast involution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to technological progress and changes in people's aesthetic standards, traditional design models need to be constantly broken through, seeking more efficient and accurate design methods. Seeking effective design models to improve design efficiency and prediction accuracy is an important task. Therefore, this study proposes an indoor scene coloring design model that combines improved K-means clustering and simulated annealing algorithm for this important task. Based on the analysis of indoor scene coloring, particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize K-means clustering to achieve color classification. Combined with simulated annealing algorithm, adaptive adjustment of lighting conditions is achieved to enhance the naturalness and realism of coloring. These results confirmed that the proposed method had the highest average F-value, with an average F-value of 92.524 and 143.601 on both datasets, respectively. The average ARI values were 0.361 and 0.897, respectively. The designed algorithm performed the best and converged faster than other three. Therefore, the proposed method can effectively ensure the consistency between the distribution of data objects after clustering and the actual situation. For indoor scene coloring design, it has important practical significance and provides new possible paths for improving design efficiency and prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this retrospective medical record study, we evaluated if certain diagnostic variables, including Serum Amyloid A (SAA), could differentiate (1) between various clinical disease categories and (2) between cytological findings of severe hepatic lipidosis and other cytological findings in cats diagnosed with increased liver enzymes at a Swedish animal hospital. Grouping into four clinical disease categories (primary liver diseases, trauma, extrahepatic diseases, and other non-specified diagnoses) was based on clinical diagnosis or information from medical records. Serum Amyloid A was found to be higher in the group of cats with diagnoses supporting trauma. Cats with cytological findings supporting severe hepatic lipidosis had lower SAA and were younger, compared to cats with other cytological findings. Distinguishing inflammatory from non-inflammatory liver disease in cats may impact management. The study aim was to evaluate if certain diagnostic variables, including Serum Amyloid A (SAA), differ (1) between various clinical disease categories (Primary liver disease, Extrahepatic, Trauma and Inconclusive) and (2) between cytological findings of severe hepatic lipidosis and other cytological findings in cats with increased liver enzymes. Medical records from 5042 cats, where SAA had been measured, were reviewed, and 566 cats fulfilled inclusion criteria consisting of increased liver enzymes and available biochemical panel results. SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to other diseases (p = 0.008). Cytology results were available in 85 cats, and cats with severe lipidosis had lower serum SAA concentration (p < 0.0001) and were younger (p < 0.0002) compared to cats with other cytological findings. The study shows that SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to cats with other causes of increased liver enzymes and that SAA may be useful to distinguish cats with cytologic evidence of hepatic lipidosis from cats with other liver pathologies. Serum Amyloid A may be a valuable complement to liver cytology when investigating cats with increased liver enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality based physical stress (VRPS) paradigms could eliminate the influence of social factors on participants, and it may be a desirable tool to explore the impact of personality traits on stress levels. In this study, we attempt to explore the effects of VRPS on stress response among individuals with different personality traits. Forty male participants with an average age of 22.79 ± 0.41 years were divided into two groups based on Harm Avoidance (HA) scores of Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), referred to as the Low-HA group and the High-HA group. The stress levels of the participants were assessed using salivary α-amylase (sAA) activity and heart rate variability (HRV) indices pre- and post-stress. The influence of personality traits on stress response among different groups was analyzed. VRPS significantly affected the sAA activity and HRV indicators of both groups. During and after stress, there were significant differences in sAA activity and HRV indicators between the two groups. The sAA levels and HRV indices of the Low-HA group were lower than those of the High-HA group. Furthermore, sAA levels and HRV indices were correlated with the scores of TPQ. VRPS scenarios elicit different stress responses on individuals with different harm avoidance personality traits. Stress evaluation based on VR scenarios presents potential in personality trait assessments, particularly for distinguishing between individuals with low and high HA tendencies.

IntroductionIn Japan, the importance of medical checkups for pet dogs is increasing. In this study, we retrospectively explored the effects of age on plasma biomarkers in healthy small dogs that underwent medical checkups.MethodsBased on the modified American Animal Hospital Association Canine Life Stage Guidelines, 52 healthy small dogs were divided into 3 groups according to their life stage: young adult (1–4 years old), mature adult (5–11 years old), senior (12–15 years old). None of the dogs were obese. Plasma was collected from animals that underwent medical checkups at Muromi Animal Hospital (Fukuoka, Japan). Plasma glucose, triglyceride (TG), total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total cholesterol, and albumin concentrations; alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities; c-reactive protein (CRP), non-esterified fatty acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), serum amyloid A (SAA), insulin, and adiponectin (ADN) concentrations; glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities; and M/L ratio (MDH/LDH) were examined. Changes in the abovementioned plasma biomarker levels were compared between canines in different life stages.ResultsPlasma ADN concentrations and GPx, SOD, and MDH activities significantly decreased with age, whereas plasma ALP, BUN, TG, and MDA concentrations gradually increased. Plasma SAA levels measured by the latex agglutination method in 51 of the 52 small dogs that underwent medical checkups were below the detection limit.ConclusionPlasma ADN concentrations, GPx, SOD activity, and BUN levels may be important biomarkers for clarifying the effect of age in healthy dogs that undergo medical checkups. However, plasma SAA values obtained by the latex agglutination method were not considered an age-related inflammation marker for healthy dogs.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a clinical diagnosis used to define a neurodegenerative process that involves progressive loss of voluntary muscle function and leads to death within 2-5 years after diagnosis, in most cases because of respiratory function failure. Respiratory vital capacity (VC) measurements are reproducible and strong predictors of survival. To understand the role of the innate immune response in progressive VC loss we evaluated ALS clinical trial and biomarker results from a 6-month phase 2 study of NP001, a regulator of innate immune function. All ALS baseline values were similar between treated and controls except for those > 65 years old who were excluded from analysis. Treated patients with plasma CRP ≥ 1.13 mg/L (high CRP) showed a 64% slower rate of VC decline compared with placebo and those with plasma CRP < 1.13 mg/L (low CRP) who showed no response. High CRP patients showed no age associated loss of VC whereas low CRP patients showed an age dependent loss of VC function. Plasma levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) were similarly elevated in high CRP patients consistent with ongoing innate immune activation. Plasma TGFB1 in high CRP treated patients was 95% higher than placebo at 6-months, confirming the activation and release of this anti-inflammatory factor by the innate immune alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M) system. This report is the first to link a biomarker confirmed regulation of the innate immune system with a therapeutic approach for controlling VC loss in ALS patients.

This article presents a dual‐band shared aperture antenna array designed for ASAR applications. The antenna array comprises eight elements for Chebyshev array configurations in both X/Ku‐bands. The proposed array achieves a scanning angle of ±25° by employing an interelement spacing of 0.7 λ. The layout mitigates mutual coupling effects and provides good isolation performance between the X‐ and Ku‐band antenna arrays across all synthesis techniques. Adopting the open, short, and load antenna array achieves different side lobe level (SLL) performances, >−25 dB. The isolation between bands and between the three conditions is quantified as follows: S16 = S61 = −68 dB, S15 = S51 = −55 dB, S12 = S21 = −46 dB, S43 = S34 = −49 dB, and S56 = S65 = −43 dB. The SLL values for each synthesis technique in the X/Ku‐band are as follows: Chebyshev simulated and measured results for open‐ended (X/Ku‐band: −26/−24 dB/−27/−26.8 dB). Furthermore, the antenna array achieves maximum realized gains in different positions (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°) in the X/Ku‐band. The gains for each synthesis technique are as follows: Chebyshev (The measured gain of this X/Ku‐band is high around 16.2/16.5 dBi (open‐ended), 13.1/14.2 dBi (short‐ended), and 15.3/15.2 dBi (load‐ended). The antenna array exhibits a comparatively wide impedance bandwidth Chebyshev (X/Ku‐band: 100/230 MHz). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various wastes can be utilized to produce activated carbon, one of the wastes that can be utilized is nutmeg shell (Myristica fragrans). Activated carbon from nutmeg shells (Myristica fragrans) was used in this study to reduce the content of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions in liquid waste. This research utilized the adsorption method with the batch system to determine the optimum contact time, optimum pH, and adsorption capacity. The characterization of activated carbon was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Surface Area Analyzers (SAA). The content of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions in the filtrate after adsorption was analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of SEM analysis showed that the carbon surface was cleaner and had more open pores after the activation process than before activation. The carbon surface area is 19.6243 m².g-1. From the results of AAS analysis, the optimum time and pH for Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions was 40 min at pH 5 and 70 min at pH 4. With the Freundlich isotherm method, the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for Pb(II) ions was 9.6028 mg.g-1 and Cu(II) ions was 0.035 mg.g-1, and the adsorption effectiveness on liquid waste for Pb and Cu metals was 1.9454 mg.g-1 and 0.4251 mg.g-1, respectively. The results showed that activated carbon from the nutmeg shell (Myristica fragrans) was able to reduce the levels of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions in liquid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SEM‐2 (Space Environment Monitor‐2) instrument embedded on the NOAA‐15 Low Earth Orbit satellite provides measurements of trapped protons in the Van Allen inner belt from 1998 to nowadays. This continuous set of measurements enables us to study the dynamics of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) over more than two solar cycles, particularly, its temporal evolution. We observe that the area of the SAA is anti‐correlated with the solar activity. Two physical processes explain this anticorrelation. First, the more the Sun is active the more it disables the cosmic rays to reach the Earth's magnetosphere and fill in the inner radiation belt with protons. Then, when the Sun is more active, the upper atmosphere is warmer and therefore absorbs more protons from the radiation belt. Then, we investigate the protons flux centroid of the SAA. The temporal evolution of its position, latitude and, longitude is studied over the same time interval (1998–2022). We notice that the latitude of the centroid is also anti‐correlated with the solar activity whereas the longitude seems absolutely independent. The temporal evolution of the position of the centroid shows a drift of the SAA. Indeed from 1998 to 2022 the SAA drifted of about 7° West. The SEM‐2 instrument measures flux for protons of different energies (16, 36, 70, and, 140 MeV). For each energy, the SAA dynamic has a similar trend but with different values. These differences are investigated and the results are discussed. Key Points: The SAA is studied from proton flux measurements values in the inner radiation belt collected during the 1998–2022 period by the SEM‐2 instrument embedded on the NOAA‐15 satelliteThe SAA drifts globally Northward with an anticorrelation of its latitude with the solar activity and 7° Westward over a 24‐years periodThe higher the energy of the protons, the farther north and west the SAA shifts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (p-α-syn) deposition is an important biomarker of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (iPD). Recent studies have reported synucleinopathies in patients with common genetic forms of PD. Objective: This study aimed to detect p-α-syn deposition characteristic in rare genetic PD patients with CHCHD2 or RAB39B mutations. Moreover, this study also aimed to describe peripheral alpha-synuclein prion-like activity in genetic PD patients, and acquire whether the cutaneous synucleinopathy characteristics of genetic PD are consistent with central neuropathologies. Methods: We performed four skin biopsy samples from the distal leg (DL) and proximal neck (C7) of 161 participants, including four patients with CHCHD2 mutations, two patients with RAB39B mutations, 16 patients with PRKN mutations, 14 patients with LRRK2 mutations, five patients with GBA mutations, 100 iPD patients, and 20 healthy controls. We detected cutaneous synucleinopathies using immunofluorescence staining and a seeding amplification assay (SAA). A systematic literature review was also conducted, involving 64 skin biopsies and 205 autopsies of genetic PD patients with synucleinopathy. Results: P-α-syn was deposited in the peripheral cutaneous nerves of PD patients with CHCHD2, LRRK2, or GBA mutations but not in those with RAB39B or PRKN mutations. There were no significant differences in the location or rate of α-syn-positive deposits between genetic PD and iPD patients. Peripheral cutaneous synucleinopathy appears to well represent brain synucleinopathy of genetic PD, especially autosomal dominant PD (AD-PD). Cutaneous α-synuclein SAA analysis of iPD and LRRK2 and GBA mutation patients revealed prion-like activity. Conclusion: P-α-syn deposition in peripheral cutaneous nerves, detected using SAA and immunofluorescence staining, may serve as an accurate biomarker for genetic PD and iPD in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For children with severe aplastic anemia, if the first immunosuppressive therapy (IST) fails, it is not recommended to choose a second IST. Therefore, for patients without matched sibling donor (MSD) and matched unrelated donor (MUD), haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HSCT) can be chosen as a salvage treatment. This article aims to explore the comparison between upfront Haplo-HSCT and salvage Haplo-HSCT after IST. Methods: 29 patients received salvage Haplo-HSCT, and 50 patients received upfront Haplo-HSCT. The two groups received Bu (Busulfan, 3.2mg/kg/d*2d on days -9 to-8), CY (Cyclophosphamide, 60mg/kg/d*2d on days -4 to-3), Flu (fludarabine, 40mg/m2/d*5d on days -9 to -5) and rabbit ATG (Anti-thymocyte globulin, total dose 10mg/kg divided into days -4 to -2). Results: The OS of the salvage Haplo-HSCT group showed no difference to the upfront Haplo-HSCT group (80.2 ± 8.0% vs. 88.7 ± 4.8%, p=0.37). The FFS of the salvage Haplo-HSCT group also showed no difference to the frontline Haplo- HSCT group (75 ± 8.2% vs. 84.9 ± 5.3%, p=0.27). There was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications after transplantation between the two groups, except for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). In the grouping analysis by graft source, the incidence of II-IV aGVHD in patients using PBSC ± BM+UCB was lower than that in the PBSC ± BM group (p=0.010) Conclusion: Upfront Haplo-HSCT and salvage Haplo-HSCT after IST in children with acquired severe aplastic anemia have similar survival outcomes. However, the risk of TMA increases after salvage Haplo-HSCT. This article provides some reference value for the treatment selection of patients. In addition, co-transplantation of umbilical cord blood may reduce the incidence of GVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) leads to abnormal growth of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT), increased macrophage infiltration, and altered secretion of biologically active molecules. This is considered as a precondition for the development of obesity, inflammation, and obesity-related disorders. Therefore, we studied HFD-induced changes in the tissue levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, serum amyloid-A, and interleukin-4 in healthy male Wistar rats. The animals were first divided at random into two groups subjected to either a standard or a high-fat diet. The initial effect of the diet was evaluated after fourteen weeks. In order to study the diet duration effect, the standard diet was given to twelve animals from the HFD group, while the remaining continued with the HFD for an additional four weeks. Our results showed that the HFD barely affected body mass index, conicity, relative fat mass, and Lee indices, whereas it provoked adipocyte hypertrophy and gradually increased the levels of both the pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. The switch from the high-fat to the standard diet resulted in the comparatively fast restoration of the baseline levels of the studied molecules. Although, the prolonged consumption of an HFD causes adipocyte hypertrophy in healthy male animals, the inflammatory process in VAT is well-coordinated, time-dependent, and reversible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the evaluation value of tuberculosis infection T cell spot test (T-SPOT.TB) combined with serum adenosine deaminase (ADA), amyloid A (SAA) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in the diagnosis and treatment outcome of active pulmonary tuberculosis (APTB). Methods: 137 APTB patients (APTB group) and 80 non-APTB patients (control group) who were admitted to Hunan Chest Hospital from October 2021 to October 2022 were selected, all APTB patients received routine anti-tuberculosis treatment, patients were divided into outcome group (92 cases) and non-outcome group (45 cases) according to the treatment outcome. T-SPOT.TB was performed, and serum ADA, SAA and CA125 levels were detected before treatment. The efficacy of T-SPOT.TB combined with serum ADA, SAA and CA125 in the diagnosis of APTB and predicting treatment outcome were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The positive rate of T-SPOT.TB and the levels of serum ADA, SAA and CA125 in APTB group were higher than those in control group(P<0.05). The positive rate of T-SPOT.TB and the levels of serum ADA, SAA and CA125 in non-outcome group were higher than those in outcome group(P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of T-SPOT.TB combined with serum ADA, SAA and CA125 in diagnosing APTB and predicting its treatment outcome were 0.917 and 0.833 respectively, which were higher than those of single index. Conclusion: The positive rate of T-SPOT.TB in APTB patients increased, and the levels of serum ADA, SAA and CA125 increased, which were relate to the poor prognosis after anti-tuberculosis treatment, T-SPOT.TB combined with serum ADA, SAA and CA125 had high value in the diagnosis and treatment outcome evaluation of APTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is known as a stress indicator for the general adult population. However, its clinical significance has not been established in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The subjects consisted of the PD group (n = 146), the control (C) group (n = 109) and the age-matched control (AC) group (n = 79). We explored what clinical indicators are associated with sAA in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Results of factor analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that NRS remained as the only factor related to sAA (p < 0.05). However, sAA was strictly related to age in the two control groups (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in sAA between the PD and AC groups (p < 0.05). The results indicated that sAA could be an indicator of mental stress in patients with PD. In contrast, in the C group, sAA seemed to be mainly influenced by sympathetic tone associated with ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute phase protein Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is synthesised by the liver in response to inflammatory stimuli. Previous studies have revealed that SAA may be a better biomarker of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to C-reactive protein (CRP). This retrospective monocentric study evaluated whether SAA correlates with biomarkers like faecal calprotectin (FC), CRP, the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet count and clinical disease activity of IBD patients. Serum samples from the IBD outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Heidelberg were analysed for SAA concentrations if an FC concentration measurement was available from ±14 days to collection of the serum sample. Three hundred and six serum samples from 265 patients (166 with Crohn's disease, 91 with ulcerative colitis and 8 with IBD unclassified) met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant positive correlation between SAA and FC, CRP, NLR, platelet count and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI). The cut-off for SAA serum concentration at 4.55 mg/L achieved a sensitivity of 57.5% and a specificity of 69.7% for the detection of active inflammation in IBD. SAA may be used as an additional biomarker in the disease monitoring strategy of IBD patients, especially in patients with low CRP concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this prospective study, we assessed biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6 and SAA) from the serum of 120 COVID-19 patients, of whom 70 had chronic kidney disease. All the samples were taken at emergency-department (ED) admission. Our goal was to relate the biomarkers to the results of death and acute kidney injury. All the patients underwent chest computer tomography to estimate the severity score (0–5), which was performed at hospital admission. Finally, biomarkers were also evaluated in a healthy control group and in non-COVID-19-CKD patients. IL-6 and SAA were statistically different between the subgroups, i.e., they were significantly increased in patients with COVID-19. Both of the biomarkers (IL-6 and SAA) were independently associated with mortality, AKI and a higher grade of pathological changes in the lung's parenchyma. Both high baseline levels of IL-6 and SAA on hospital admission were highly correlated with a later ventilatory requirement and mortality, independent of hospital stay. Mortality was found to be significantly higher when the chest CT severity score was 3–4, compared with a severity score of 0–2 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: at the admission stage, IL-6 and SAA are useful markers for COVID-19 patients with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) on the economic development of the Western Balkans. The basic aim of this agreement was the economic development of the countries of this region. Many firms would benefit from trade and contractual relationships with the European Union (EU). The methodology used is the gravity model, which predicts bilateral trade flows based on the economic sizes and distance between the EU and the Western Balkans. The model has been used in international relations to evaluate the impact of treaties on trade, and it has been used to test the effectiveness of trade agreements on the economy. Statistics of export, import, economic growth, etc. have been provided for a ten-year period 2007-2017. This paper is based on the research of Qorraj (2016), Qorraj and Jusufi (2018), and Leka et al. (2022). The relevance of the paper depends on that, within the ten years, there was no significant increase in the exports of these countries to the EU market. This paper concludes that the SAA has not ensured the export growth of these countries because products originating from this region are not competitive in the EU market, EU exports to this region have increased more than the other way around. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Insurance companies are in a special position because of their ability to assess and mitigate the risks faced by their customers. They are susceptible to a series of uncertainties, given their role in protecting individuals, professionals, and businesses. By providing comprehensive coverage and assistance in the event of unforeseen events such as natural disasters, accidents, or loss of life, insurance companies play a vital role in providing financial assistance and mitigating the adverse effects of such events. Insurance companies play a vital role in the economy by providing financial assistance and mitigating the negative effects of unforeseen events. Financial performance indicators, such as financial ratio analysis to measure the health of the insurance company, are essential tools for assessing the financial stability and growth potential of insurance companies. This study found that SAA, the leader of the Algerian insurance market, had good financial performance from 2019 to 2021. Evaluating the financial performance of an insurance company was the objective of this research, with a particular focus on the case of SAAs from 2019 to 2021 by performing an analysis using the ratio method. The case of this study focused on the preparation of financial statements and the presentation of financial performance indicators of SAA, which is the leader of the Algerian insurance market. The results reveal that SAA demonstrated good financial performance over the three-year study period.SAA's financial analysis indicates that the company's financial structure is solid. This research contributes to the field of financial analysis, highlighting the advantages of using financial ratios to assess the financial performance of insurance companies.

Distinguishing inflammatory from non-inflammatory liver disease in cats may impact management. The study aim was to evaluate if certain diagnostic variables, including Serum Amyloid A (SAA), differ (1) between various clinical disease categories (Primary liver disease, Extrahepatic, Trauma and Inconclusive) and (2) between cytological findings of severe hepatic lipidosis and other cytological findings in cats with increased liver enzymes. Medical records from 5042 cats, where SAA had been measured, were reviewed, and 566 cats fulfilled inclusion criteria consisting of increased liver enzymes and available biochemical panel results. SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to other diseases (p = 0.008). Cytology results were available in 85 cats, and cats with severe lipidosis had lower serum SAA concentration (p < 0.0001) and were younger (p < 0.0002) compared to cats with other cytological findings. The study shows that SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to cats with other causes of increased liver enzymes and that SAA may be useful to distinguish cats with cytologic evidence of hepatic lipidosis from cats with other liver pathologies. Serum Amyloid A may be a valuable complement to liver cytology when investigating cats with increased liver enzymes.

Xiaojuan Hu,1,&ast; Jin Xu,1,&ast; Pei Li,2 Hui Zheng3 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nephrology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050004, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xiaojuan Hu, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13524811465, Email hxj819@126.com Hui Zheng, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18017317741, Email zh19841207xx@163.comIntroduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has tremendous detrimental effects on patients’ quality of life, lung function, disease progression and socioeconomic burden. This study aimed to investigate new serum biomarkers for COPD detection. Three recently emerging biomarkers, including Clara cell secretory protein⁃16 (CC16), plasma fibrinogen (FIB) and serum amyloid A (SAA), were investigated for their potential in stratifying the severity of COPD.Methods: A total of 220 patients with AECOPD were recruited. Multivariate logistical regression was used to analyze odds ratios of an array of characteristic of patients, including age, global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD), diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, PaCO2, CC16, FIB, and SAA. Correlations of CC16, FIB and SAA levels to each other, GOLD, and PaCO2 were also measured using Spearman correlation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)/curve analysis was used to assess sensitivity and specificity of CC16, FIB, SAA and the combination of the three markers in identifying AECOPD patients with poor prognosis.Results: Our data suggested that age, GOLD, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, PaCO2, CC16, FIB, and SAA are all significant risk factors for poor prognosis of AECOPD. CC16, FIB and SAA were positively correlated to each other and to GOLD and PaCO2 levels. CC16, FIB and SAA all had a high sensitivity and specificity in identifying patients with a poor prognosis. CC16, FIB and SAA are new markers with potentially high predictive value in AECOPD.Discussion: Our data support further development of these biomarkers to improve clinical management of AECOPD through providing more accurate prognosis of AECOPD patients that enable timely adjustment of treatment plans.Keywords: AECOPD, CC16, FIB, SAA

The salivary a-amylase (sAA) concentration has a potential role as a biological indicator of occupational fatigue. This study aimed to determine the levels of sAA and its influencing factors. This research used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 40 office staff respondents at PT. X (Persero). Mental workload (MWL), sleep quality, and occupational fatigue were measured using the NASA-Total Load Index (TLX), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Industrial Fatigue Research Committee, respectively. Meanwhile, the basic sAA levels was measured through the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method using the Bioenzy® Kit Assay. Descriptive analysis showed that the workers were mostly men, 75% of which had a high education level and 72.5% were of marital status. MWL scoring in NASA-TLX revealed an average score of 70.91, which indicates a high MWL. Pearson's correlation analysis unveiled that occupational fatigue and sleep quality were significantly correlated with sAA concentration. The final model showed that for each one-unit increase in occupational fatigue, the sAA concentration increased by 15.90 U/mL. Furthermore, for every unit increase in sleep quality, the sAA concentration decreased by 13.38 U/mL. sAA concentration can be used as a potential noninvasive biological marker related to sleep quality and occupational fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graft failure after allogeneic transplant for aplastic anemia is problematic. The risk of graft failure depends on multiple variables, including the preparative regimen, donor type, stem cell dose and source among other variables. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with aplastic anemia who underwent matched-sibling allogeneic transplant at a single center. We identified 82 patients who fit the inclusion criteria. One had primary graft failure and was excluded from this analysis. The recipient median age was 22 years. The donor median age was 23 years. The median time from diagnosis to transplant was 1.6 months. The median number of red cell transfusions before transplant was nine. The median number of platelet transfusions before transplant was 18. Thirteen patients developed secondary graft failure, with a cumulative incidence at 5 years of 16% and median time to develop secondary graft failure of 129 days. All patients engrafted with a median time for neutrophil engraftment of 19 days and a median time for platelet engraftment of 22 days. The survival of patients with or without secondary graft failure was not different. Major or bidirectional ABO incompatibility and older recipient age were statistically significantly associated with greater risk of secondary graft failure. Secondary graft failure is a significant complication after allogeneic transplant for SAA. Identification of recipients at risk and mitigating the potential risks of this complication is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of liposomes bi-functionalized with phosphatidic acid and with a synthetic peptide derived from human apolipoprotein E has been evaluated on the aggregation features of different amyloidogenic proteins: human Amyloid β1–40 (Aβ1–40), transthyretin (TTR) variant S52P, human β2microglobulin (β2m) variants ΔN6 and D76N, Serum Amyloid A (SAA). The formation of fibrillar aggregates of the proteins was investigated by ThioflavinT fluorescence assay and validated by Atomic Force Microscopy. The results show that liposomes are preventing the transition of non-aggregated forms to the fibrillar state, with stronger effects on Aβ1–40, β2m ΔN6 and SAA. Liposomes also induce disaggregation of the amyloid aggregates of all the proteins investigated, with stronger effects on Aβ1–40, β2 D76N and TTR. SPR assays show that liposomes bind Aβ1–40 and SAA aggregates with high affinity (KD in the nanomolar range) whereas binding to TTR aggregates showed a lower affinity (KD in the micromolar range). Aggregates of β2m variants showed both high and low affinity binding sites. Computed Structural analysis of protein fibrillar aggregates and considerations on the multidentate features of liposomes allow to speculate a common mechanism of action, based on binding the β-stranded peptide regions responsible for the amyloid formation. Thus, multifunctional liposomes perform as pharmacological chaperones with anti-amyloidogenic activity, with a promising potential for the treatment of a number of protein-misfolding diseases. Amyloidosis is a group of diseases, each due to a specific protein misfolding. Anti-amyloidogenic nanoparticles have been gaining the utmost importance as a potential treatment for protein misfolding disorders. Liposomes bi-functionalized with phosphatidic acid and with a synthetic peptide derived from human apolipoprotein E showed anti-amyloidogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease, which leads to inflammatory destruction of periodontal supporting tissues. Interleukin 14 (IL-14), Interleukin 16 (IL-16) and serum amyloid A (SAA) have been demonstrated to be abnormally expressed in inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this study was performed to analyzed the expression and potential clinical values of IL-14, 1L-16 and SAA in periodontitis. Materials and methods: A total of 100 periodontitis patients and 100 healthy volunteers were recruited and the saliva and serum samples were collected. Then the C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), IL-14, 1L-16 and SAA levels in the saliva and serum of periodontitis patients were measured by Elisa kits. Besides, the significance of CRP, PCT, IL-14, 1L-16 and SAA in periodontitis patients were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The results showed that CRP, PCT, IL-14, 1L-16 and SAA levels were significantly increased in the the saliva and serum of the periodontitis patients. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) of saliva CRP, PCT, IL-14, 1L-16 and SAA for the diagnosis of periodontitis were 0.9035, 0.9435, 0.9508, 0.9500 and 0.9467, respectively. The AUC of serum CRP, PCT, IL-14, 1L-16 and SAA for the diagnosis of periodontitis were 0.9035, 0.9435, 0.9508, 0.9500 and 0.9467, respectively. What's more, the diagnostic value of IL-14, 1L-16 and SAA were enhanced when combining with CRP and PCT. Conclusion and clinical relevance: This study demonstrated that IL-14, IL-16 and SAA expressions were upregulated in periodontitis patients and exhibited a significant significance for periodontitis diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insurance companies are in a special position because of their ability to assess and mitigate the risks faced by their customers. They are susceptible to a series of uncertainties, given their role in protecting individuals, professionals, and businesses. By providing comprehensive coverage and assistance in the event of unforeseen events such as natural disasters, accidents, or loss of life, insurance companies play a vital role in providing financial assistance and mitigating the adverse effects of such events. Insurance companies play a vital role in the economy by providing financial assistance and mitigating the negative effects of unforeseen events. Financial performance indicators, such as financial ratio analysis to measure the health of the insurance company, are essential tools for assessing the financial stability and growth potential of insurance companies. This study found that SAA, the leader of the Algerian insurance market, had good financial performance from 2019 to 2021. Evaluating the financial performance of an insurance company was the objective of this research, with a particular focus on the case of SAAs from 2019 to 2021 by performing an analysis using the ratio method. The case of this study focused on the preparation of financial statements and the presentation of financial performance indicators of SAA, which is the leader of the Algerian insurance market. The results reveal that SAA demonstrated good financial performance over the three-year study period.SAA's financial analysis indicates that the company's financial structure is solid. This research contributes to the field of financial analysis, highlighting the advantages of using financial ratios to assess the financial performance of insurance companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

– This study aims to empirically analyze the asset allocation capabilities of Outsourced Chief Investment Officers (OCIOs) in Korea. The empirical analysis used data from 35 funds that were evaluated by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance from 2012 to 2020. The results of the analysis are summarized as follows. First, this study found that funds that adopted OCIO improved their asset allocation performance. Second, the sensitivity between risk-taking and performance decreased for funds that adopted OCIO. Third, it is found that OCIO adoption improves a fund's asset management execution (tactical capabilities). This study has methodological limitations in which the methodology used in this study is not based on theoretical prior research, but on practical applications. However, considering the need to clearly analyze the capabilities of OCIO and the timeliness of the topic, this study is valuable and can provide meaningful information to funders who are considering adopting OCIO in the future.

Severe Aplastic Anaemia (SAA) is a rare benign disease but carries a high-mortality rate unless treated in a specialised centre. Overwhelming laboratory and clinical evidence points to an autoimmune pathogenesis; although, the aetiology remains obscure in the majority of cases. The differential diagnosis in older patients is problematical and a diagnosis of hypoplastic myelodysplasia remains difficult. This review points out the difficulty in diagnosis without a specific test. Future research needs to define a specific diagnostic test and refine therapeutic interventions.

AbstractAim The effect of liposomes bi-functionalized with phosphatidic acid and with a synthetic peptide derived from human apolipoprotein E has been evaluated on the aggregation features of different amyloidogenic proteins: human Amyloid β1–40 (Aβ1–40), transthyretin (TTR) variant S52P, human β2microglobulin (β2m) variants ΔN6 and D76N, Serum Amyloid A (SAA).Methods The formation of fibrillar aggregates of the proteins was investigated by ThioflavinT fluorescence assay and validated by Atomic Force Microscopy.Results The results show that liposomes are preventing the transition of non-aggregated forms to the fibrillar state, with stronger effects on Aβ1–40, β2m ΔN6 and SAA. Liposomes also induce disaggregation of the amyloid aggregates of all the proteins investigated, with stronger effects on Aβ1–40, β2 D76N and TTR.SPR assays show that liposomes bind Aβ1–40 and SAA aggregates with high affinity (KD in the nanomolar range) whereas binding to TTR aggregates showed a lower affinity (KD in the micromolar range). Aggregates of β2m variants showed both high and low affinity binding sites. Computed Structural analysis of protein fibrillar aggregates and considerations on the multidentate features of liposomes allow to speculate a common mechanism of action, based on binding the β-stranded peptide regions responsible for the amyloid formation.Conclusion Thus, multifunctional liposomes perform as pharmacological chaperones with anti-amyloidogenic activity, with a promising potential for the treatment of a number of protein-misfolding diseases.Key messageAmyloidosis is a group of diseases, each due to a specific protein misfolding.Anti-amyloidogenic nanoparticles have been gaining the utmost importance as a potential treatment for protein misfolding disorders.Liposomes bi-functionalized with phosphatidic acid and with a synthetic peptide derived from human apolipoprotein E showed anti-amyloidogenic activity.

Background: The unpredictable course of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is making good severity assessment tools crucial. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of serum amyloid A (SAA) and other acute-phase reactants (APRs) in ambulatory care COVID-19 patients and identified relationships between these markers and disease outcomes. Methods: From August to November 2020, patients seen in the outpatient department of the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases (Belgrade, Serbia) with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe disease groups based on World Health Organization criteria. SAA, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), ferritin, fibrinogen, D-dimer, albumin, and transferrin were measured. The median values of all APRs were compared between COVID-19 severity groups, hospitalized and non-hospital- ized patients, and survivors and non-survivors. The Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for the classification characteristics assessment of individual APRs for the severity of illness, hospitalization, and survival. Results: Higher levels of SAA, CRF) IL-6, PCT, and lower levels of transferrin and albumin were observed in severe cases, hospitalized patients, and non-survivors. Based on ROC curve analysis AUC for SAA has fair classification per-formance for disease severity (0.794) and death (0.732) and good performance for hospitalization (0.853). Conclusion: SAA is a valuable marker in everyday practice for assessing COVID-19 severity and prognosis in ambulatory patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has received tremendous attention as a potential neuromodulator of cognitive and affective functions, which likely exerts its effects via activation of the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline (LC-NA) system. Reliable effects of taVNS on markers of LC-NA system activity, however, have not been demonstrated yet. Methods: The aim of the present study was to overcome previous limitations by pooling raw data from a large sample of ten taVNS studies (371 healthy participants) that collected salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) as a potential marker of central NA release. Results: While a meta-analytic approach using summary statistics did not yield any significant effects, linear mixed model analyses showed that afferent stimulation of the vagus nerve via taVNS increased sAA levels compared to sham stimulation (b = 0.16, SE = 0.05, p = 0.001). When considering potential confounders of sAA, we further replicated previous findings on the diurnal trajectory of sAA activity. Conclusion(s): Vagal activation via taVNS increases sAA release compared to sham stimulation, which likely substantiates the assumption that taVNS triggers NA release. Moreover, our results highlight the benefits of data pooling and data sharing in order to allow stronger conclusions in research.

Simple Summary: Analysis and classification of effusions is helpful in guiding diagnostic tests to identify an underlying disease. The traditional veterinary classification of effusions does not adequately reflect the disease mechanism causing the effusion in cats and might not sufficiently inform diagnostic work-up. The aim of this study was to assess whether other parameters might aid classification. Sixty-five cats with body cavity effusions (within the abdomen, chest and pericardial sac) were included. Effusions were classified as transudates (e.g., heart failure [n = 18]) or exudates (e.g., inflammation, cancer [n = 47]) based on the disease mechanism causing the effusion, and using the traditional scheme. Several parameters (activity of enzyme lactate dehydrogenase in the effusion; effusion/serum ratio of the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase; effusion/serum total protein ratio; serum–effusion albumin gradient; acute phase proteins in serum and effusion) were analysed in their ability to differentiate exudates from transudates. All tested parameters performed better in classifying effusions in comparison to the traditional scheme. Acute phase proteins were helpful in classifying effusions based on their disease mechanism but could not separate effusion types when using the traditional scheme. This latter finding further supports the classification of effusions based on their disease mechanism. Better classification of effusions might improve disease diagnosis in the future. The traditional veterinary classification (TVC) of effusions based on cell count and total protein (TP) does not adequately reflect the aetiology. Light's criteria (LC) (activity of lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] in the effusion [LDHef], effusion/serum LDH ratio [LDHr], effusion/serum TP ratio [TPr]), serum–effusion albumin gradient (ALBg), acute phase proteins (APPs) [serum amyloid A (SAA), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), haptoglobin] might aid classification. The aim was to evaluate the utility of these parameters except LDHr in differentiating exudates from transudates. Sixty-five cats with effusions (33 peritoneal, 31 pleural, 1 pericardial), with 18 transudates and 47 exudates based on aetiological classification (AC), were included. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of several parameters to identify exudates (based on AC) was assessed. APPs were compared between exudates and transudates based on AC and TVC, with receiver operating characteristics analysis identifying the best APP to recognise exudates. Simplified LC (LDHef, TPr) had an accuracy of 79% and TVC of 48%. ALBg had the highest sensitivity (98%) and LDHef the highest specificity (83%) in identifying exudates in cats. All APPs but effusion SAA could differentiate exudates from transudates based on AC (effusion AGP had the largest area under the curve 0.79) but not TVC. All parameters were better than TVC in identifying exudates. The conformity of APPs with AC but not TVC favours the use of AC to classify effusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have been able to detect α-synuclein (αSyn) seeding in formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from patients with synucleinopathies using seed amplification assays (SAAs), but with relatively low sensitivity due to limited protein extraction efficiency. With the aim of introducing an alternative option to frozen tissues, we developed a streamlined protein extraction protocol for evaluating disease-specific seeding in FFPE human brain. We evaluated the protein extraction efficiency of different tissue preparations, deparaffinizations, and protein extraction buffers using formaldehyde-fixed and FFPE tissue of a single Lewy body disease (LBD) subject. Alternatively, we incorporated heat-induced antigen retrieval and dissociation using a commercially available kit. Our novel protein extraction protocol has been optimized to work with 10 sections of 4.5-µm-thickness or 2-mm-diameter micro-punch of FFPE tissue that can be used to seed SAAs. We demonstrated that extracted proteins from FFPE still preserve seeding potential and further show disease-specific seeding in LBD and multiple system atrophy. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to recapitulate disease-specific αSyn seeding behaviour in FFPE human brain. Our findings open new perspectives in re-evaluating archived human brain tissue, extending the disease-specific seeding assays to larger cohorts to facilitate molecular subtyping of synucleinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]