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In this study our aim is to investigate the correlation between depressive symptoms and serum Mg level in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) at Handan First Hospital, China. Additionally, we assessed the diagnostic significance of this relationship and identified pertinent influencing factors. Methods: This study comprises a cohort of 140 individuals undergoing PD for a minimum duration of 3 months at the PD center of the Handan First Hospital. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) served as the assessment tool to evaluate the psychological status of the patients. Serum Mg levels, hemoglobin (Hb), and various demographic and clinical data were collected. Logistic regression and ROC analysis were performed to identify significant predictors of depression. Results: The prevalence of depression was higher in patients with hypomagnesemia (60%) compared to those with normal or elevated Mg levels. Notably, a correlation emerged between abnormal serum Mg levels and the presence of depressive symptoms among individuals undergoing PD. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis revealed that serum Mg levels, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and unemployment significantly influenced the likelihood of occurrence of depression in patients undergoing PD (P< 0.05). Conclusion: In addition, serum Mg levels demonstrate significant predictive value in anticipating onset of depression, indicating that rectifying low serum Mg levels among patients undergoing PD may serve as a preventive measure against depression. Further research is recommended to explore the therapeutic potential of Mg supplementation in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder that severely affects neurodevelopment, and its underlying causes are not yet entirely understood. Research suggests that there may be a connection between the occurrence of ASD and changes in immune responses. This study aims to know if some biochemical and inflammatory cytokines are promising biomarkers for ASD and whether they are involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Methods: The serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-10, 1 L-8, and IL-6 were measured in all of the patients (n = 22) and in the healthy (n = 12) children using ELISA method. Results: The serum concentrations of IL-10 and IL-8 were significantly lower in the ASD patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05) and there were not significant differences between CRP, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-1β levels in two groups. There were positive correlations between CRP and IL-10, also CRP and IL-8, in ASD group. In contrast to the ASD patients, the correlations of IL-8, IL-10, and CRP were not significant in the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of certain biochemical markers and inflammatory cytokines in ASD. Specifically, the lower levels of IL-10 and IL-8 in ASD patients, along with the significant correlations between CRP and these cytokines, suggest an altered immune response in individuals with ASD. These findings support the hypothesis that immune dysregulation may be involved in ASD pathogenesis. Further research is needed to explore these biomarkers and their mechanistic links to ASD, which could lead to improved diagnostics or therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder that severely affects neurodevelopment, and its underlying causes are not yet entirely understood. Research suggests that there may be a connection between the occurrence of ASD and changes in immune responses. This study aims to know if some biochemical and inflammatory cytokines are promising biomarkers for ASD and whether they are involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Methods The serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-10, 1 L-8, and IL-6 were measured in all of the patients (n = 22) and in the healthy (n = 12) children using ELISA method. Results The serum concentrations of IL-10 and IL-8 were significantly lower in the ASD patients compared to the control group (p

The article presents a review of modern literature data on molecular-genetic and biochemical profiles of malignant tumors of varying locations. It is shown that molecular-genetic and transcription profiles of pregnancy-associated malignant tumors are systems consisting of various components, many of which remain poorly researched. Additionally, morphological and biochemical characteristics of the placenta and tumor tissue are discussed. In the recent years, individual researchers and research groups have demonstrated heightened interests in this problem which undoubtedly soon will lead to a deeper and stronger understanding of mechanisms of progression and metastasis of oncological diseases during pregnancy. The knowledge of the principles of normal embryogenesis as a process of intrauterine development of a fetus, as well as investigation of molecular basis of pathogenesis of spontaneous abortion will undoubtedly help in determination of new targets and development of new therapeutical molecules for cancer treatment.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibits variations in terms of patients’ clinical symptoms and levels of routinely employed biochemical markers. The aim of the current study was to determine the correlation between serum levels of the C-X-C chemokine ligand type 12 (CXCL12) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), one of its specific receptors, and disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Background: Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has contribution in development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VAD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). AGEs activate several signaling pathways that have roles in development of those diseases via receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE), this receptor has its soluble form called sRAGE which has ability to bind AGEs but could not induce molecular signaling. Based on this property, sRAGE could work as RAGE decoy and prevent pathological effect of AGEs accumulation. This meta-analysis is aimed to evaluate correlation between sRAGE plasma level and risk of AD, VAD, and MCI. Methods: Standardized mean difference with 95% coincidence interval was used as effect size. Inverse variance was used as analysis method with random effect model. Egger test and funnel plot were used to assess publication bias. Results: We found 424 articles through database searching. Among those articles, 15 articles that fulfilled our eligibility criteria. After selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 5 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Our analysis found that AD and VAD patients have lower levels of plasma sRAGE when compared to healthy control. Significant correlation between low sRAGE plasma level and MCI was not found. However, publication bias is found in MCI group. Publication bias of VAD group could not be assessed due to limited number of studies. Conclusions: Here, we show inverse relationship between sRAGE and the incidence of AD alongside VAD suggests that lower sRAGE plasma levels may be associated with a higher incidence of AD and VAD. However, some limitations in sample size and minimal studies may introduce bias into our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the aging of populations worldwide, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a concern due to its high prevalence and the continued lack of established treatments. Early diagnosis is required as a preventive intervention to modify the disease's progression. In our previous study, we performed peptidomic analysis of serum samples obtained from AD patients and age-matched healthy subjects to seek peptide biomarker candidates for AD by using BLOTCHIP-MS analysis, and identified four peptides as AD biomarker candidates. Objective: The objective was to validate the serum biomarker peptides to distinguish mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in comparison to cognitively healthy controls using a new peptidome technology, the Dementia Risk Test. Methods: We enrolled 195 subjects with normal cognitive function (NC; n = 70), MCI (n = 55), and AD (n = 70), The concentrations of cognitive impairment marker peptides (Fibrinogen α chain (FAC), Fibrinogen β chain (FBC), Plasma protease C1 inhibitor (PPC1I), α2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG)) were quantified by using a selected reaction monitoring assay based on liquid chromatography-MS/MS. Results: The present study confirmed that three peptides, FAC, FBC, and PPC1I, were significantly upregulated during the onset of AD. This three-peptide set was both highly sensitive in determining AD (sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 95.7%, AUC: 0.900) and useful in distinguishing MCI (sensitivity: 61.8%, specificity: 98.6%, AUC: 0.824) from NC. Conclusions: In this validation study, we confirmed the high diagnostic potential of the three peptides identified in our previous study as candidate serum biomarkers for AD. The Dementia Risk Test may be a powerful tool for detecting AD-related pathological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective healing of skin injury involves complex simultaneous processes. Extracts of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.), a plant medicine found in almost all parts of Indonesia, have been essential in traditional wound healing treatments. Phyllanthin is the major therapeutically active lignan present in Phyllanthus species. This study investigated the wound-healing activity. of ointments prepared from a phyllanthin-rich subfraction of meniran leaf in an animal model. Two parameters were measured, namely, hydroxyproline concentration and wound healing percentage. Hydroxyproline is a biochemical marker representing collagen production in wound healing. Seventy-two rats were divided into four groups of 18, including a control group and three groups administered 5, 10, and 15% phyllanthin-rich fraction ointment. Each of the four groups was subdivided according to the treatment duration of 5, 10, and 15 days. The hydroxyproline concentration and wound healing percentage were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's post-hoc test. The increase in hydroxyproline concentration and wound healing percentage showed that the effect of each ointment concentration was significantly different (p <0.05) compared to the control group. The optimal ointment concentration was 10%, with optimal results after 15 days. The study revealed that the phyllanthin-rich sub-fraction isolated from meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) had a wound healing activity on Adult male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Under greenhouse conditions, the resistance of 18 different genotypes of flax to powdery mildew was evaluated. To investigate genetic diversity and identify the molecular and biochemical markers linked to powdery mildew resistance in the tested genotypes, two molecular marker systems—start codon targeted (SCoT) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR)—as well as a biochemical marker (protein profiles, antioxidant enzyme activity, and secondary metabolites) were used. Based on the results, the genotypes were classified into four categories: highly susceptible, susceptible, moderately susceptible, and moderately resistant. The genotypes differed significantly in powdery mildew severity: Polk had a severity of 92.03% and Leona had a severity of 18.10%. Compared to the other genotypes, the moderately resistant genotypes had higher levels of flavonoids, antioxidant enzymes, phenolics, and straw yield; nevertheless, their hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels were lower. Protein profiles revealed 93.75% polymorphism, although the ISSR marker displayed more polymorphism (78.4%) than the SCoT marker (59.7%). Specific molecular and biochemical markers associated with powdery mildew resistance were identified. The 18 genotypes of flax were divided into two major clusters by the dendrogram based on the combined data of molecular markers. The first main cluster included Leona (genotype number 7), considered moderate resistance to powdery mildew and a separate phenetic line. The second main cluster included the other 17 genotypes, which are grouped together in a sub-cluster. This means that, besides SCoT, ISSR markers can be a useful supplementary technique for molecular flax characterization and for identifying genetic associations between flax genotypes under powdery mildew infection.

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.)

Abstract Objective 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and up to 10% of clinically diagnosed pregnancies, and recurrent pregnancy loss is 5% among couples of childbearing ages. Although there are several known causes of pregnancy loss in the first half, including recurrent pregnancy loss, including parental chromosomal abnormalities, uterine malformations, endocrinological disorders, and immunological abnormalities, about half of the cases of pregnancy loss in its first half remain unexplained. Methods The review includes observational controlled studies (case-control or cohort, longitudinal studies, reviews, meta-analyses), which include the study of biochemical factors for predicting pregnancy losses in the first half, in singlet pregnancy. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the research quality. Results Finally, 27 studies were included in the review, which has 134904 examined patients. The results of the review include estimates of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, pregnancy-associated protein – A, angiogenic vascular factors, estradiol, α-fetoprotein, homocysteine and CA-125 as a predictors or markers of the first half pregnancy losses. Conclusion It may be concluded that to date, research data indicate the unavailability of any reliable biochemical marker for predicting pregnancy losses in its first half and require either a combination of them or comparison with clinical evidence. A fairly new model shall be considered for the assessment of α-fetoprotein in vaginal blood, which may have great prospects in predicting spontaneous miscarriages.

Objective To investigate whether serum Col 3–4, a new biochemical marker of synovial tissue turnover, was associated with progression of joint damage in patients with early arthritis. Methods A total of 788 early arthritis patients (<6 months of symptoms, 82% diagnosis of RA, 18% undifferentiated arthritis) from the prospective ESPOIR study were investigated. Progression was defined as an increase of 1 or 5 unit(s) in radiographic van der Heijde modified Sharp score between baseline and 1 or 5 years, respectively. Associations between baseline Col 3–4 and progression were assessed by logistic regression. Results Each standard deviation increase of baseline Col 3–4 levels was associated with an increased 5-yr total damage progression with an odds ratio (OR, 95% CI) of 1.51 (1.21, 1.88), which remained significant when DAS28, C-reactive protein and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies positivity were included in the model [OR (95% CI): 1.34 (1.01, 1.76)]. Further adjustment for bone erosion did not modify the association. Patients with both Col 3–4 in the highest quintile and bone erosion had a >2-fold higher risk of progression [OR (95% CI): 7.16 (2.31, 22)] than patients with either high Col 3–4 [2.91 (1.79, 4.73)] or bone erosion [2.36 (2.38, 3.70)] alone. Similar associations were observed for prediction of 12 months progression. Conclusions Increased serum Col 3–4 is associated with a higher risk of structural progression, independently of major risk factors. Col 3–4 may be useful in association with bone erosion to identify patients with early arthritis at higher risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by juxtaepithelial fibrosis of the oral cavity. It is a precancerous conditiona generalized pathological state of the oral mucosa associated with a significantly increased risk of oral cancer. Lipids are major cell membrane components. The changes in serum lipid levels have long been associated with cancerous and precancerous conditions. So this study is aimed to evaluate the plasma lipid profile in OSMF patients. Objectives. The present study aimed to evaluate the alteration in serum lipid profile in OSMF and to compare them with healthy controls and to correlate the relationship between pathogenesis of OSMF and lipid profile. Materials and methods: It is a case control study. The study included 100 diagnosed cases of OSMF and 100 matched healthy controls. Fasting venous blood of 3 ml was collected in both cases and controls and serum was separated. Fasting serum lipid profile including Total Cholesterol (TC), Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and Tri-Glycerides (TG) were measured using automated analyser. Statistical analysis was done using student 't' test. Pearson's correlation was performed to establish the relationship between study variables. Results: The plasma total cholesterol, TG, LDL, VLDL and HDL levels were significantly reduced in patients with OSMF as compared to the control group.(p<0.005). Conclusion: Our study indicates that there is an inverse relationship between OSMF and serum lipid profile. Decrease in the lipid levels may be considered as a valuable biochemical marker in the early diagnosis and prognosis of oral malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects over 500 million people worldwide. OA patients are symptomatically treated, and current therapies exhibit marginal efficacy and frequently carry safety-risks associated with chronic use. No disease-modifying therapies have been approved to date leaving surgical joint replacement as a last resort. To enable effective patient care and successful drug development there is an urgent need to uncover the pathobiological drivers of OA and how these translate into disease endotypes. Endotypes provide a more precise and mechanistic definition of disease subgroups than observable phenotypes, and a panel of tissue- and pathology-specific biochemical markers may uncover treatable endotypes of OA. We have searched PubMed for full-text articles written in English to provide an in-depth narrative review of a panel of validated biochemical markers utilized for endotyping of OA and their association to key OA pathologies. As utilized in IMI-APPROACH and validated in OAI-FNIH, a panel of biochemical markers may uncover disease subgroups and facilitate the enrichment of treatable molecular endotypes for recruitment in therapeutic clinical trials. Understanding the link between biochemical markers and patient-reported outcomes and treatable endotypes that may respond to given therapies will pave the way for new drug development in OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally each year, 5-7% of pregnancies are preeclampsia affected resulting approximately 70,000 maternal and 500,000 fetal deaths. Preeclampsia adversely affects the mother and fetus causing some severe complications including fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm delivery and perinatal death whereas, maternal complications are linked to hypertension, acute kidney damage, stroke, cardiomyopathy, liver failure, pulmonary edema and death. There are various risk factors for preeclampsia such as previous history of preeclampsia, nulliparity, obesity, chronic hypertension, older age and diabetes mellitus. Preeclampsia is specified by increased arterial blood pressure and proteinuria, whereas, eclampsia is characterized by convulsion, coma or both in preeclamptic patients. Aim & Objective: 1. A descriptive study of biochemical changes as a predictor of severity of preeclampsia and associated maternal and fetal outcome at teritiary care centre. 2. To study the maternal and fetal outcome. Method: Study design: Prospective study. Study setting: Department of OBGY Rohilkhand Medical College And Hospital Bareilly. Study duration: 1 year from November 2022 to August 2023. Study population: All patients coming to our institute during study period according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. Sample size: 100. Results: Majority of study participants were from 26-30 years age group e.g. 30 followed by 21-25,18-20,31-35 and > 35 years age group, 29, 18, 16 and 7 cases respectively. most of the study subjects were primiparous contributing 72 (72%) and 28 (28%) were multipara. majority of subjects delivered through NVD 59, followed by LSCS 26 and AD 15 cases. normal live births were seen in 63 (63%) cases followed by Prematurity 17%, RDS 15%, Early neonatal death 3% and Still birth in 2 cases respectively. Conclusions: The current study findings suggest that serum ALT, ALP, total proteins and albumin levels were significantly different between mild and severe groups of preeclampsia, and these biochemical markers can be utilized to predict and assess the severity of preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoenzymes are variant forms of the same enzyme activity that exhibits different tissue distribution. When cells are damaged, intracellular content leaks into the blood stream, making them potential biochemical markers. Undergraduate health sciences students are expected to interpret laboratory findings of serum levels of biochemical markers and understand their relevance for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. This study aimed to design an electrophoresis laboratory class that challenges health sciences students to discuss the experimental approach and interpret the results obtained from electrophoresis of Creatine Kinase (CK) isoenzymes separation. Mixtures of dyes were used to simulate the serum composition of CK isoenzymes in different clinical conditions and the resulting bands were quantified by densitometry. Two online questionnaires assessed students' learning progress and acceptance of the activity. Undergraduate students from biomedicine (n=10) and medicine (n=42) programs participated in a 120-minute pilot class at Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil. The post-class test showed a 21.9 % increase in correct answers compared to the pre-class test. In the survey, students positively rated the laboratory class, expressing improved understanding of theoretical concepts, recognizing the importance of basic biochemistry for their future careers and comprehending the electrophoretic evaluation of CK isoenzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Detection of the knee joint's early osteoarthritis (OA) is important for its early management and prognosis; however, no reliable single biomarker is available for this purpose. This study aimed to determine the correlation between serum and synovial fluid calprotectin level in detecting early knee OA. Method: In a case-control study, serum and synovial fluid were collected from 283 patients with primary early OA knee and 50 healthy controls. Serum and synovial levels of calprotectin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean serum calprotectin level was 3141 ± 2634 ng/mL in patients with OA knee and 607.08 ± 163.79 ng/mL in the healthy control group (p < 0.001). The mean synovial fluid calprotectin level was 626.1 ± 67.32 ng/mL in the study population and 424.98 ± 78.41 ng/mL in the control group (p < 0.05). Calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the early stages of OA knee. Conclusion: Serum calprotectin level correlates with the synovial fluid level. In the early OA knee, serum calprotectin level increases significantly and decreases afterward. However, the synovial fluid calprotectin level remains static or increases on the progression of the disease. Calprotectin may be used as a biochemical marker for early knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a global disease and an improved diagnostic approach to this orthopedic condition is needed, with an emphasis on inexpensive and minimally invasive techniques. This research aimed to determine the differentiating potential of selected biochemical markers in serum between healthy dogs and dogs with hip dysplasia in a breed-specific study that involved the Tornjak dog population. ANIMALS 99 Tornjak dogs radiographically categorized (Federation Cynologique Internationale procedure and scoring scheme) between December 2019 and April 2021, as having no sign of hip dysplasia or near normal hip joints (nondysplastic group; n = 51) vs mild, moderate, or severe hip dysplasia (dysplastic group; 48). METHODS Serum concentrations and enzyme activity of the biochemical markers hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen II C-terminal propeptide (PIICP), and metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) were compared among adult dogs with or without radiographic hip dysplasia. Statistical tests used to examine the differentiating potential of biochemical markers in Tornjak dog groups were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U test, logistic regression, and receiving operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. RESULTS Tornjak dogs with radiographic CHD had significantly lower serum concentrations of HA and higher concentrations of PIICP and MMP9 activity compared to dogs with radiographically normal hips (P < .05). Selected biochemical markers could distinguish dogs with radiographic CHD from those without CHD with high sensitivity and specificity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These data suggest that the diagnostic technique of measuring serum concentrations of HA, PIICP, and MMP9 activity has a selective ability to distinguish dogs with dysplastic from dogs with normal hips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of adenosine deaminase (ADA) has emerged as a potential biochemical marker for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). An increased level of ADA in blood generally indicates the presence of TB. This study aimed to evaluate the ADA level in pleural fluid with diagnostic accuracy in histologically confirmed patients of pleural TB. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of pleural effusion. Data related to demographics, clinical characteristics, sputum status, predominant cells, ADA levels, and pleural biopsy reports were recorded. Results: Of the 82 patients of exudative pleural effusion, 65 (79.3%) were men. The most common presenting symptoms were cough (87.8%), chest pain (67.1%), fever (64.6%), and shortness of breath (56.1%). The average ADA level was 66.5 IU/L. Pleural biopsy showed that 45.1% of patients were tubercular etiology, 34.1% of patients were malignant, and 20.7% were of nonspecific inflammatory origin. Totally 59.8% of patients had right-sided pleural effusion, whereas 40.2% of patients had left-sided pleural effusion. Majority of the TB patients (81.1%) with ADA level > 40 U/L were diagnosed with tubercular granuloma, whereas 41 patients with malignancy and other patients had ADA level < 40 U/L (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Evaluation of ADA level along with histopathological examination can be easily performed as the routine test in the diagnosis of TB.

Abstract Purpose To retrospectively investigate the epicardial fat volume with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and other risk factors for the prevalence of three-vessel coronary lesion. Materials and methods MDCT was performed on 424 subjects with or without three-vessel coronary lesion. Blood was tested for triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipoprotein a, and fasting blood glucose. Results Among all the subjects, a significant (P

Background: it is known that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) represents a risk factor for the deterioration of renal function as it can adversely impact on the number of nephrons developed in the kidney during nephrogenesis. An interesting molecule is the Cystatin-C (cyst-C): it is considered to have the potency to detect both glomerular and proximal renal injury. Recently, using a quantitative EIA cyst-C detection kit, we found increased levels of cyst-C in the urine of neonates with IUGR. Since cyst-C molecules can be present in both monomer and/or polymer forms, the purpose of this study is to investigate in which forms this molecule is present in the urine of IUGR neonates by Immunoblot SDS-PAGE in order to verify if the presence or absence of a particular type of cyst-C conformation can give more information about the renal functioning. Methods: urine samples were collected from 64 neonates with IUGR, and 86 healthy controls defined as appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Urinary cyst-C was investigated by the Immunoblot SDS-PAGE. Results: in all urine samples, SDS-PAGE analysis showed a reactivity of the IgG anti cyst-C with a complex of about 70 kDa. The monomer form at 13 KDa appeared in 78% of IUGR neonates and in 12% of AGA neonates. Conclusions: this study revealed the presence of monomer cyst-C in the urine of IUGR neonates, and suggests an insufficient and/or non-compensatory reabsorption by tubular cells. Monomeric cyst-C can be considered an early biochemical marker to identify and to select IUGR neonates who need to be monitored for risk of renal injury.

Preeclampsia is an obstetric pathology with striking similarities to COVID-19. The renin-angiotensin system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of both diseases. This report reviews the pharmacological strategies that have been suggested for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia and that are potentially useful also in the treatment of COVID-19. Of note, both pathologies have in common an Angiotensin II-mediated endothelial dysfunction secondary to an angiogenic imbalance, with effects on vasculature, coagulation, and inflammation. These considerations are drawn from cases of the initial SARS-CoV-2 primary infection and may not apply to more recent SARS-CoV-2 variants or infections after COVID vaccination. The treatment options discussed included albumin infusion, aspirin, corticosteroids, the monoclonal antibody eculizumab, hydroxychloroquine, low molecular weight heparin, magnesium, melatonin, metformin, nitric oxide, proton pump inhibitors, statins, therapeutic apheresis, and vitamin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical laboratory practice represents an essential part of clinical decision-making, as it influences 60-70% of medical decisions at all levels of health care. Results of biochemical laboratory tests (BLTs) have a key role in establishment of adequate diagnosis as well as in evaluation of treatment progress and outcome. The prevalence of drug-laboratory test interactions (DLTIs) is up to 43% of patients who had laboratory results influenced by drugs. Unrecognized DLTIs may lead to misinterpreted BLTs results, incorrect or delayed diagnosis, extra costs for unnecessary additional tests or inadequate therapy, as all may cause false clinical decisions. The significance of timely and adequate recognition of DLTIs is to prevent common clinical consequences such as incorrectly interpreted test results, delayed or non-treated condition due to erroneous diagnosis or unnecessary extra tests or therapy. Medical professionals should be educated that it is essential to obtain patient data about medications especially for the drugs used in the last 10 days before biological material collection. Our mini-review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state in this important domain of medical biochemistry with detailed analysis of the effect of drugs on BLTs and to give detailed information to medical specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterised by joint damage, hyperplasia, and degeneration of articular cartilage. In Knee Osteoarthritis KOA pathophysiology, the immune and inflammatory systems are stimulated, and monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets play significant roles. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can indicate the balance of the immune response and have been described as independent and costeffective predictors of numerous inflammatory and immunological illnesses. The present study aimed to study of Biochemical marker in Knee Osteoarthritis. Method: In the present case-control study, a total of 100 KOA cases and 100 healthy were enrolled as per inclusion-exclusion criteria. Patient data, including age, sex, blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Creactive protein (CRP) levels, red blood cell distribution width, and the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score were recorded. Result: The mean age in both cases [56.78±9.61] and the control group [55.37±8.42] were comparable. Male had dominancy in both groups over females however showed a non-significant difference among both groups. Majority of patients were of OA Grade-II (56%). While ROC analysis, all markers showed significant observation (except RBC) with maximum AUC in lymphocytes (0.9871) and neutrophils (0.8310). Amongst the ratio, NLR showed the most significant AUC (0.7815) and correlation (r=0.423) values. All parameters showed a significant correlation with OA grade except Age [p=0.1526], Platelets [p=0.0986], and red blood cell distribution width [p=0.0705]. Conclusion: NLR has a high diagnostic value for KOA, so that it could be a trustworthy marker. However, further multi-centre studies need to increase the reliability of the present observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Retro walking has been shown to acquire a greater metabolic cost, placing a higher cardiopulmonary demand on the body, when compared with forward walking at a similar speed. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of retro walking with that of forward walking on C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) and to understand the influence of independent factors namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BMI on CRP in untrained overweight and obese young adults. Methods: This was a randomised controlled trial whereby 106 participants underwent either retro walking (n = 53) or forward walking (n = 53) treadmill training four times a week for 12 weeks before and after which CRP, BMI, and BP levels were measured. Comparison of the measured values before and after intervention and between the groups was done and influence of BMI and BP on CRP levels was determined. Results: Both groups recorded a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in CRP, BMI, and BP levels postintervention. The participants who underwent retro walking training showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher decrease in all the outcomes as compared with the forward walking group. C‐reactive protein levels were seen to be influenced by BMI and DBP. Conclusion: Retro‐walking training leads to greater decrease in CRP, BMI, and BP when compared with forward walking, and CRP levels are influenced by BMI and DBP. Retro walking treadmill training can be used preferentially to bring about reduction in cardiovascular risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aims Retro walking has been shown to acquire a greater metabolic cost, placing a higher cardiopulmonary demand on the body, when compared with forward walking at a similar speed. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of retro walking with that of forward walking on C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) and to understand the influence of independent factors namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BMI on CRP in untrained overweight and obese young adults. Methods This was a randomised controlled trial whereby 106 participants underwent either retro walking (n = 53) or forward walking (n = 53) treadmill training four times a week for 12 weeks before and after which CRP, BMI, and BP levels were measured. Comparison of the measured values before and after intervention and between the groups was done and influence of BMI and BP on CRP levels was determined. Results Both groups recorded a significant decrease (p

Hazelnuts have recently gathered tremendous attention due to the expansion of the confectionary industry. However, the sourced cultivars fail to perform in initial phase of cultivation as they enter bare survival mode due to changes in climatic zones, for example, Southern Ontario, where the climate is continental, as opposed to the milder climate in Europe and Turkey. Indoleamines have been shown to counter abiotic stress and modulate vegetative and reproductive development of plants. Here, we examined the effect of indoleamines on the flowering response of the dormant stem cuttings of sourced hazelnut cultivars in controlled environment chambers. The stem cuttings were exposed to sudden summer-like conditions (abiotic stress) and the female flower development was assessed in relation to endogenous indoleamine titers. The sourced cultivars responded well to serotonin treatment by producing more flowers compared to the controls or other treatments. The probability of buds resulting in female flowers was highest in the middle region of the stem cuttings. It is interesting to note that the tryptamine titers of the locally adapted, and N-acetyl serotonin titers of native hazelnut cultivars, provided the best explanation for adaptation to the stress environment. Titers of both compounds were compromised in the sourced cultivars which resorted mostly to serotonin concentrations to counter the stress. The indoleamines tool kit identified in this study could be deployed in assessing cultivars for stress adaptation attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity has been long considered as the main diagnostic method of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides poisoning; however, it has been shown that ChE activity may also be altered due to exposure to other non‐organophosphorus toxicants and variety of different medical conditions. Hence, to avoid misdiagnosis, we aimed to systematically review available documents to look for additional biomarkers of OP and carbamate poisoning. The electronic databases in addition to Google scholar were searched for eligible articles on March 2022 using "organophosphate," "carbamate," and "biomarker" including all their similar terms. After collecting the relevant documents, the data were extracted and described qualitatively. In total, data of 66 articles from 51 human and 15 animal studies were extracted. Findings demonstrated that enzymes such as β‐glucuronidase, neuropathy target esterase, amylase, and lipase, in addition to hematological indicators such as CBC, CRP, lactate dehydrogenase, and CPK have high sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of OP poisoning. Findings suggest that using various markers for diagnosis of OP intoxication is helpful for appropriate management, and early identifying the patients at risk of death. The suggested biomarkers also help to avoid misdiagnosis of OP poisoning with other similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To retrospectively investigate the epicardial fat volume with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and other risk factors for the prevalence of three-vessel coronary lesion. Materials and methods: MDCT was performed on 424 subjects with or without three-vessel coronary lesion. Blood was tested for triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipoprotein a, and fasting blood glucose. Results: Among all the subjects, a significant (P < 0.05) negative linear correlation existed between age and ALT or ALT/AST. The epicardial fat had a significant (P < 0.05) negative linear correlation with HDL and Apo A but a positive correlation with age and ApoB/ApoA. The epicardial fat volume and the fasting blood glucose were significantly (P = 0.001) greater in the patients than in the control group, whereas HDL and Apo A were both significantly (P < 0.0001) smaller in the patients than in the control groups. A significant prediction value (P < 0.05) existed in age increase, male gender, epicardial fat increase, low HDL, high LDL, and elevated fasting blood glucose. Conclusion: Three-vessel coronary lesions are more prevalent in subjects with greater volume of epicardial fat and in male gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

it is known that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) represents a risk factor for the deterioration of renal function as it can adversely impact on the number of nephrons developed in the kidney during nephrogenesis. An interesting molecule is the Cystatin-C (cyst-C): it is considered to have the potency to detect both glomerular and proximal renal injury. Recently, using a quantitative EIA cyst-C detection kit, we found increased levels of cyst-C in the urine of neonates with IUGR. Since cyst-C molecules can be present in both monomer and/or polymer forms, the purpose of this study is to investigate in which forms this molecule is present in the urine of IUGR neonates by Immunoblot SDS-PAGE in order to verify if the presence or absence of a particular type of cyst-C conformation can give more information about the renal functioning. urine samples were collected from 64 neonates with IUGR, and 86 healthy controls defined as appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Urinary cyst-C was investigated by the Immunoblot SDS-PAGE. in all urine samples, SDS-PAGE analysis showed a reactivity of the IgG anti cyst-C with a complex of about 70 kDa. The monomer form at 13 KDa appeared in 78% of IUGR neonates and in 12% of AGA neonates. this study revealed the presence of monomer cyst-C in the urine of IUGR neonates, and suggests an insufficient and/or non-compensatory reabsorption by tubular cells. Monomeric cyst-C can be considered an early biochemical marker to identify and to select IUGR neonates who need to be monitored for risk of renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Immunoenzyme assay of biochemical markers is one of the most important methods for examination of pa- tients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Along with the generally accepted NET marker chromogranin A (CgA), another member of the granin family, chromogranin B (CgB), can serve as a complementary marker.Objectives. Analysis of CgB as an additional to CgA biochemical marker in the blood serum of patients with gastric and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.Materials and methods. We examined 79 patients with gastic (n = 14) and pancretic (n = 65) NETS, and 42 particularly healthy people, who were included in the control group. CgB and CgA were determined with ELISA method using the Human Chromogranin B (USCN, China) and Chromogranin A NEOLISA (Eurodiagnostica, Sweden) test systems., Results. CgB levels in gastric and pancreatic NETs were significantly higher than in control group. CgB concentrations were independent of tumor spread and its biological activity. ROC analysis in common group of NETs relative to control group showed AUC for CgB = 0.869 and for CgA AUC = 0.82. According to results in common group of NET patients when used isolated, CgA and CgB have comparable diagnostic sensitivity, which increases in complex use to 82.5 %. In the group of NET patients with low levels of CgA (15.7 ng/ml) was observed in 53.6 % of cases.Conclusion. The combination of CgB and CgA in gastric and pancreatic NETs could increase the diagnostic efficacy of bio- chemical diagnostics. The received data confirms the significance of CgB as a complementary biomarker of NETs.

Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) and mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) deficiencies are rare fatal disorders of fatty acid β-oxidation with no apparent genotype–phenotype correlation. The measurement of acylcarnitines by MS/MS is a current diagnostic workup in these disorders. Nevertheless, false-positive and false-negative results have been reported, highlighting a necessity for more sensitive and specific biomarkers. This study included 54 patients with LCHAD/MTP deficiency that has been confirmed by biochemical and molecular methods. The analysis of acylcarnitines in dried blood spots was performed using ESI-MS/MS. The established “HADHA ratio” = (C16OH + C18OH + C18:1OH)/C0 was significantly elevated in all 54 affected individuals in comparison to the control group. Apart from 54 LCHAD deficiency patients, the “HADHA ratio” was calculated in 19 patients with very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency. As VLCAD-deficient patients did not show increased “HADHA ratio”, the results emphasized the high specificity of this new ratio. Therefore, the “HADHA ratio” was shown to be instrumental in improving the overall performance of MS/MS-based analysis of acylcarnitine levels in the diagnostics of LCHAD/MTP deficiencies. The ratio was demonstrated to increase the sensitivity and specificity of this method and reduce the chances of false-negative results.

The Pediatric Reference Intervals in China (PRINCE) was initiated to establish the reference intervals (RIs) of Chinese children, as well as to make it possible to compare the variability of biochemical markers among countries internationally. Healthy participants, aged up to 20 years, from 11 provinces across China, were enrolled in PRINCE and according to a standard screening procedure, that included a questionnaire survey, physical examinations and laboratory tests. Fasting venous blood specimens were collected. All serum specimens were analyzed with Cobas C702 in the center laboratory, i.e. clinical laboratory of Beijing Children's Hospital, with certified qualification (ISO15189). The nonparametric method recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, was used to calculate the age- and sex-specified RIs. Among the 15,150 participants enrolled, 12,352 children (6,093 males and 6,259 females) were included to calculate RIs. The RIs for total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphate, potassium, sodium, chlorine, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptadase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine and urea were established by age- or sex-partitions. Most biochemical markers displayed larger variability and higher dispersion during the periods between 28 days and 1 year old, and included 4–6 age partitions commonly during 1 to <20 years old. In addition, differences of RIs between sexes usually occurs around the initiation of puberty at 12–13 years old. The age- and sex-specified RIs of 14 biochemical markers in PRINCE study can provide a solid reference, which will be transferred into relevant RIs for other clinical laboratory's platforms according to the CLSI guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate the clinical utility of placental growth factor (PlGF) for the prediction of preeclampsia (PE).Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included women divided into three groups: (1) pregnancies without preconceptional risk of developing PE; (2) pregnancies with a preconceptional and/or current risk of developing PE; (3) PE-complicated pregnancies (control group). Blood samples were collected every 4-5 weeks or during hospitalization from early second trimester until delivery in the group 1 and 2, at the diagnosis of PE in the group 3. Plasma levels of PlGF were measured using The Triage PlGF test (Alere) and considered pathological under the 5th centile for gestational age. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) were calculated.Results: In group 1, 30% of women (3/10) had pathological test but none of them developed PE (Sp 70%, NPV 100%). In group 2 (n = 75), none of the patients with normal test developed PE (0/24), while 39% of women with PlGF < 5th centile (20/51) developed PE (Sn 100%, Sp 44%, PPV 39%, NPV 100%). In group 3 (n = 11) all women except one had a pathological PlGF test (Sn 90%, PPV 100%).Conclusions: Our data support recent studies which identify PlGF as a biochemical marker not only of PE, but also of placental dysfunction. In fact, it is useful for ruling out PE in women at risk because of the high Sn and high NPV: a normal PlGF is related with a positive pregnancy outcome. Therefore, the measurement of this biomarker would simplify PE clinical management and would reduce costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular markers and mapping are used to analyze an organism's genes. They allow the selection of target genetic areas based on marker genotype (and not trait phenotype), facilitate the study of genetic variability and diversity, create linkage maps, and follow individuals or lines carrying certain genes. They may be used to select parental genotypes, remove linkage drag in back-crossing, and choose difficult-to-measure characteristics. Due to a lack of genetic variety in crops, the gene pools of wild crop relatives for future agricultural production have been examined. The invention of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) for linkage mapping allowed for the creation of other traditional approaches such as RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism). Accordingly, the need to describe the polymorphic information content (PIC) of the ideal marker has been raised. Marker selection reliability depends on the marker's relationship to the genomic area of interest. Although informativeness must be estimated for genetic study design, there are no readily available tools. Earlier, PICcalc was developed to calculate heterozygosity (H) and PIC to simplify molecular investigations. These two values were corrected for dominant and co-dominant markers (binary and allelic data) to determine polymorphism quality. Due to the popularity of PICcalc web, we developed a downloadable version called MolMarker with extra functionality to reduce server maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polymyxin B direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) has been tried in acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) patients and has shown clinical benefit. In this study, we tried to investigate the change in oxygenation and serologic markers after PMX-DHP treatment in AE-ILD patients in Korea. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of twenty-two patients who were admitted for AE-ILD and underwent PMX-DHP treatment. Changes in vital signs and laboratory findings before and after treatment were compared and factors related to 90-day mortality were analyzed using the Cox regression model. Results: Of the 22 included patients, 11 (50%) patients were diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In AE-ILD patients treated with PMX-DHP, the 28-day mortality rate was 45.5% and the 90-day mortality rate was 72.7%. The P/F ratio before and after PMX-DHP treatment significantly improved in patients from baseline to 24 h (median (IQR), 116.3 (88.5–134.3) mmHg vs. 168.6 (115.5–226.8) mmHg, p = 0.001), and 48 h (116.3 (88.5–134.3) mmHg vs. 181.6 (108.9–232.0) mmHg, p = 0.003). Also, white blood cells (WBCs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were decreased after PMX-DHP treatment. High acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores were associated with 90-day mortality. Conclusions: In patients with AE-ILD, PMX-DHP treatment was associated with an improved P/F ratio and lower WBC and CRP levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prostate canceris the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in men.Numerous efforts have been made to improve existing diagnostic methods and develop a new biomarker to identify patients with prostate cancer. In line with current literature, we preferred new serum-based biochemical markers as Pentraxin-3, Fetuin-A and Sirtuin-7 in the present study.Materials and Methods: A total of 174 patients aged 42-76 years were included in the study. Patients with prostate cancer (n=38) were enrolled as Group 1 and patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=136) as Group 2. The serum levels of Pentraxin-3, Fetuin-A and Sirtuin-7 levels were compared between the groups.Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.9±7.6 years (p= .001). The mean serum Prostate Specific Antigen levels 32.0±59.6 (2.6-336) ng/mL and 10.0±11.3 (2.5-77.4) ng/mL in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p= .029). The mean serum levels of Pentraxin-3 and Fetuin-Ain Group 1 were statistically significantlydifferent from Group 2(3.3±4.4 ng/mL vs 1.8±2.4 ng/mL, p= .002 and 466.8±11.0 µg/mL vs 513.3±11.0 µg/mL,p= .041,respectively). There was no significant difference between Group 1 and 2 according to serum levels of Sirtuin-7 (12.7±8.2 ng/mL vs 12.7±12.4 ng/mL respectively, p= .145).Conclusion: Pentraxin-3, Fetuin-A and Sirtuin-7 may be effective in the diagnosis of prostate cancerin light of the current literature.In this study, it was found that Pentraxin-3 and Fetuin-A were significantly different in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.Larger-scale prospective studies are needed to determine the importance of Pentraxin-3 and Fetuin-A in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in research and improved neurological intensive care in recent years, the clinical outcome of severely head injured patients is still poor. Primary insult is followed by a complex cascade of molecular and biochemical events that lead to neuroinflammation, brain edema, and delayed neuronal death. No specific pharmacological therapy is currently available which prevents the development of secondary brain injuries, and most therapeutic strategies have failed in translation from bench to bedside. There are limitations of clinical and radiological methods in delineating the exact severity and prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A myriad complex biochemical markers are under investigation to delineate the extent of brain tissue damage and to independently predict the outcome, but a search for simple biomarker still eludes the research. Progesterone, a gonadal hormone and a neurosteroid, although controversial as a neuroprotective agent, may hold promise as a simple biochemical marker of the outcome in severe TBI.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a complicated multifactorial illness involving hereditary and external environmental variables. The symptoms typically appear gradually over a number of years without realizing it. This viewpoint is further supported by the Ayurvedic constitution concept (Prakriti). Prakriti explains the biological variability that is observed in different individuals. This study was conducted a retrospective investigation to examine if there was a link between type 2 diabetes and an individual's constitution based on anthropometric and biochemical characteristics. Physical and mental characteristics and anthropometric and biochemical markers were used to determine reported cases' prevailing Dosha Prakriti (constitution). Based on biochemical and anthropometric data, significant differences in Prakriti were found between the case (T2DM patients) and control (person without diabetes) groups. The incidence of numerous secondary problems linked with T2DM patients was also evaluated according to their Prakriti types, which revealed a positive relationship. The three primary contributing parameters, such as waist-hip ratio, postprandial blood sugar, and serum creatinine, were correctly classified all person with or without diabetes subjects to 90.6% of the time, whereas the constitution-wise study classified person with diabetes and without diabetes individuals of Pitta and Kapha Prakriti to 94.3% and 90%, respectively. A discriminant function was created to predict a person with diabetes and without diabetes based on these three contributing factors. The primary contributing biochemical parameters discovered by Prakriti in the current study could be used as a biochemical disease diagnostic for predicting type 2 diabetes susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Broilers are prone to immunological stress when subjected to unsuitable environmental conditions (such as virus attack, nutrient deficiency and high stocking density), lowering immunity and resulting in inflammatory bowel diseases. The herb-feed additive Artemisia argyi has been applied in poultry production, and its extract may improve small intestinal immune capacity. Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of A. argyi alcohol extract (AAAE) on growth performance and blood biochemical and small intestinal immune markers of broilers challenged with a proinflammatory substance, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The study also examined possible mechanisms of action, and aimed to clarify whether AAAE could be applied as a feed additive. Methods: In total, 192 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were allocated to four groups following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (including six replicates with eight birds per replicate) with two dietary AAAE rates (0 or 750 mg/kg) and two immune stress treatments (LPS or saline injection). Blood and small intestine were sampled on Days 21 and 35. Key results: Dietary AAAE alleviated the LPS-induced decrease in bodyweight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake, and mitigated the elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone concentrations at Day 21 and/or Day 35 in LPS-challenged broilers. AAAE significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated LPS-induced increases in intestinal immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG and IgM) and interleukin (IL-1β and IL-6) concentrations. Moreover, the small intestinal mRNA abundances of the genes TLR4 , MyD88 , NF-κBp65 , IL-1β and IL-6 in LPS-challenged broilers were decreased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary AAAE treatment. Conclusions: These results further demonstrated that AAAE at 750 mg/kg enhanced small intestinal tissue immune capacity of broilers, thereby alleviating LPS-induced immune stress damage in broilers. Its mechanism of action may be related to the mediating of TLR4/NF-κB pathways. Implications: Dietary AAAE can be used to improve the immune function of broilers, and to provide a new scientific theoretical basis for the development of new anti-stress feed additives. The broilers are prone to immunological stress under unsuitable environmental conditions, the low immunity resulting in inflammatory bowel diseases. This study reveals a protective mechanism of Artemisia argyi alcohol extract as a potent antioxidant and demonstrates that AAAE can be efficiently applied in poultry and animal production to promote health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim:Aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum biochemical and blood parameters with aortic rupture and dissection types according to the DeBakey classification.Methods:Forty-three patients, who were admitted to the emergency department between 01.01.2011 and 01.01.2019 with the diagnosis of aortic dissection, were retrospectively evaluated. Gender, age, symptoms at presentation, vital parameters, creatinine and, troponin levels, and hemogram parameters were recorded after blood tests. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-to-platelet ratio were obtained from these values. These results were compared with the presence of aortic rupture and the DeBakey classification.Results:Of the 43 patients included in the study, 30 were male (69.8%), and 13 were female (30.2%). Aortic rupture was seen in two of the 30 male patients (6.7%) and none of the females (p=1.000). There was a significant difference only in blood urine nitrogen and monocyte-to-platelet ratio between patients with and without aortic rupture (p=0.035 and p=0.015, respectively).Conclusion:Most of the routinely evaluated blood and biochemical parameters in aortic dissection cases did not yield significant results in comparison to the DeBakey classification and the presence of rupture. Only blood urea nitrogen and monocyte-to-platelet ratio values were lower in patients with aortic rupture.

Background. Tumors of stroma of the sex cord include a family of tumors that are diverse in structure and biological characteristics, including hormone-active ovarian tumors, such as granulosa cell tumor (GCT) of the ovary and a tumor from Sertoli–Leydig cells. For these types of tumors, of particular importance is the analysis of biochemical markers, among which the most promising is inhibin B.The objective of the study. Comparative analysis of inhibin B levels in the blood serum of patients with stromal cell tumors and other types malignancies.Materials and methods. 64 patients with primary ovarian tumors were examined: 31 – GCT of the ovary, 16 – tumors from Sertoli–Leydig cells, 17 – adenocarcinomas. Comparison group – 20 patients with malignant tumors of other localizations, control – 74 healthy women and 37 patients with benign ovarian tumors. Inhibin B was determined in blood serum using the standardized Inhibin B Gen II ELISA (Beckman Coulter, USA) immunoassay.Results. The analysis of inhibin B levels in last days of the luteal phase, show an increase of marker level in patients with GCT and tumors from Sertoli–Leydig cells, while in ovarian adenocarcinomas and malignant tumors of other locations inhibin B secretion doesn’t differ from the control. The sensitivity of inhibin B in diagnostics of GCT was 93.5 %, in tumor from Sertoli–Leydig cells – 81.3 % with specificity – 100 %.Conclusion. Inhibin B is an effective biomarker of GCT and ovarian tumors from Sertoli–Leydig cells, which results must be interpreted according the functional state of the ovaries.

Mints are herbaceous perennial plants with aromatic leaves that are cultivated for their essential oils. The essential oil of Mint used in pharmaceutical, perfumery and cosmetics applications. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between nine different genotypes of Mentha spicata and M. piperita collected from different regions of Iran according to the seed storage protein profile using the SDS-PAGE method. The electropherogram showed a total of 31 bands of proteins with the molecular weight ranging from 12 kDa to 103 kDa. Among the genotypes G1, G5 and G9 showed the maximum number (26) of protein bands while the minimum number (9) of bands was present in genotype G7. Cluster analysis based on the seed storage protein profile, using the Euclidean distance matrix and the UPGMA method, grouped the evaluated genotypes into three clusters. Five genotypes (G1, G4, G5, G8, and G9) were in group 1, group two contained genotype G3 and the rest of the genotypes were in the third group (G2, G6, G7). Cluster analysis showed that some of the genotypes of two different species of M. piperita and M. spicata were closely related to each other and were in the same group. With regard to M. piperita is a natural hybrid of M. spicata and M.aquatica, this result is expected. The protein variability analysis clearly showed that there was divergence among and within the studied genotypes. It was concluded that this study will be useful for the future breeding and conservation program of Mentha genotypes.