AB Group Research Articles

ABO blood groups and platelet reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention treated with clopidogrel

Abstract Background The association between ABO blood groups and the risk of thrombosis and bleeding in patients with coronary artery disease has been of interest for many years, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Aim To investigate the relationship between the ABO blood groups and the platelet reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treated with clopidogrel. Methods We examined 10,724 consecutive PCI patients in China from January 2013 to December 2013.Among them, 6,740 patients had the results of thromborlastogram (TEG) and the ABO blood groups. Low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) was defined as adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet maximum amplitude of TEG<31mm. Results A total of 6,740 PCI patients (mean age, 58.23±10.27; male, 77.6%) treated with clopidogrel were finally enrolled for analysis. There were 2560 (37.98%) patients in LTPR group. In this group, the multivariate logistic regression showed that the blood group A (OR: 0.885, 95%CI 0.789-0.993, p=0.038) was independent protective factor in the A/non-A model (model 1). Then, we further divided the non-A groups into B, O, AB groups to set the model 2. In model 2, compared to A, multivariate logistic regression showed that only the blood group B (OR: 1.157, 95%CI 1.015-1.320, p=0.030) was independent risk predictors for LTPR, representing a higher risk of bleeding. Conclusions In the large sample real-world study, we reported the relationship between ABO blood groups and platelet reactivityin PCI patients treated with clopidogrel for the first time. Blood group A was an independent protective factor for LTPR, representing a lower risk of bleeding, whereas blood group B was an independent risk factor for LTPR, representing a higher risk of bleeding. These results provide an interesting perspective on blood groups and individualized antithrombotic therapy in patients with coronary artery disease, and further elucidation of the mechanisms is still needed in the future.

Physical, functional and bioactive properties of microencapsulated powders from banana pseudostem and inflorescence extracts

Application of agricultural by-products in the functional food and beverage industry is currently gaining prominence. Banana (Musa spp) is a popular tropical fruit with global production of 124.97 million tonnes. The banana production industry contributes to large amount of solid waste/ banana by-products, such as, pseudostem and inflorescence. Palayankodan (Musa × paradisiaca Mysore AAB group), Nendran (Musa × paradisiaca AAB group) and Njalipoovan (Musa × paradisiaca AB group) are three popular and common cultivars in Kerala, a state in South India. The present study was aimed to extract the potential bioactive compounds from the pseudostem and inflorescence of the above-mentioned cultivars and to standardise the process of microencapsulation using spray drying. Ultrasonication assisted extraction using ethanol as solvent was carried out. The extract and wall material parameters were standardised for microencapsulation. The encapsulated powders were analysed for encapsulation yield, retention efficiency, physical properties, phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and anti-diabetic activity. The encapsulation yields and retention efficiencies of the encapsulated powders were found to be approximately 75 and 70.51%, respectively. Results revealed that the powders exhibited lower bulk density, good solubility and reconstitutability. Scanning electron microscopy was also conducted to reveal the particle morphology. All the powders exhibited smooth, spherical shape, with no pores. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the encapsulated pseudostem and inflorescence extract powders ranged from 2.75 to 3.13 mg GAE/ g of powder and 34.83 to 46.67 mg QE/g of powder, respectively. The present study also reported the in vitro bioactive properties, in terms of antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of the encapsulated powders. The HPLC analysis of the microencapsulated powders revealed the presence of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, trans cinnamic acid, trans ferulic acid, epicatechin and syringic acid. It is clear from the study that the encapsulated powders from banana by-products have a great potential to be utilised by the functional food industry.Graphical

Characteristics of the hemostatic system “P-selectin — von Willebrand factor — metalloprotease ADAMTS13” during childbirth

Introduction. The physiological task of the blood coagulation system during childbirth is to prevent excessive blood loss.Aim: to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics in the system P-selectin-von Willebrand factor (vWF)-metallo-protease ADAMTS13 during natural and uncomplicated childbirth in women with a physiological pregnancy.Materials and methods. The study included 40 pregnant women without somatic pathology, with a physiologically progressing pregnancy that ended with physiological birth (general group). Of these, 16 women had their first birth (group 1), 18 had their second birth (group 2) and 6 had their third birth (group 3). Venous blood sampling was performed at three points throughout the study: 1st point — the onset of labor, 2nd point — 2 hours after childbirth and 3rd point — 24 hours after child -birth. The control group consisted of 25 healthy non-pregnant women. The blood samples were examined for: vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), binding ability of vWF to platelet receptor GPIb (vWF:GPIb), binding ability of vWF to collagen type I (vWF:CBAI) and type III (vWF:CBAIII), antigen and activity ADAMTS13 (ADAMTS13:Ag and ADAMTS13:AC), antibodies to ADAMTS13 (ADAMTS13:AB) and P-selectin.Results. The medians of the studied vWF characteristics in the genera l group were statistically significantly higher compared to the control group at all study points, with the exception of the medians of the vWF:GPIb/vWF:Ag ratio, which in the general group were statistically significantly lower at all study points when compared with the control group. The median values of vWF:GPIb and vWF:Ag in women in the second group were statistically significantly higher at all points of the study, compared with similar indicators in both the first and third groups. The median values of ADAMTS13:AC and ADAMTS13:AB in the overall group were statistically significantly higher when compared with the control group at all study points. Median ADAMTS13:Ag and ADAMTS13:AC/ADAMTS13:Ag ratios were statistically significantly lower at all study points. Individual P-selectin values varied widely from 212.1 to 1398 ng/ml, but the medians of this indicator were statistically significantly higher in all study groups and at all study points compared to the control group.Conclusion. The increase in platelet-binding and collagen-binding abilities of vWF suggests that these adhesive properties of the hemostatic protein play an important role in preventing excessive bleeding during labor. Taking into account the decrease in the vWF:GPIb/vWF:Ag ratio compared to the control group, the adhesion of vWF to collagen is more important under these conditions. Despite the fact that ADAMTS13 concentration does not decrease, an actual twofold increase in its activity provides a sufficient antithrombotic effect. The interaction between vWF and ADAMTS13 under conditions of physiological labor does not lead to excessive formation and accumulation of high-affinity antibodies to ADAMTS13.

Beverage of Brazil Nut and Bocaiuva Almond Enriched with Minerals: Technological Quality and Nutritional Effect in Male Wistar Rats.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the properties of beverages formulated with Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl) and bocaiuva almonds (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. Ex Mart.). Five beverages were developed with Brazil nut, bocaiuva almond, and water (m/m/v), as follows: (i) NB, nut:water, 1:10; (ii) AB, almond:water, 1:10; (iii) NAB1, 1:0.1:10, nut:almond:water; (iv) NAB5, nut:almond:water, 1:0.5:10; and (v) NAB10, nut:almond:water, 1:1:10. The physicochemical, chemical, technological, and microbiological parameters were evaluated. After heat treatment (HT) and enrichment with minerals, the beverages that demonstrated stability in these characteristics were tested in a biological assay. The physical and biochemical parameters of male Wistar rats were evaluated after administering beverages for 28 days. HT decreased the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity; however, it guaranteed microbiological safety. Mineral supplementation changed the colors and increased the pH values of the beverages. After the beverages were administered, the Wistar rats in the (i) NB group showed decreases in retroperitoneal adipose tissue, total cholesterol, and triglycerides; (ii) those in the AB group exhibited decreased triglycerides contents; and (iii) those in the NAB10-group presented decreased liver weights. The beverages evaluated in this study demonstrate a protective effect against risk factors such as fat accumulation in the liver, retroperitoneal adipose tissue, and hypercholesterolemia.

Replacement Dose for Overt Hypothyroidism Induced by Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Antibodies May Be Higher than Recommended.

The present recommendations, consensus, or guidelines for the replacement dosage for hypothyroidism induced by programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy are not uniform, and there are very few special clinical trials that have examined the replacement dosage for it. This article illustrates the clinical characteristics of hypothyroidism induced by PD-1 antibodies (Abs) and reports the recommended replacement dosage for hypothyroidism. Eighteen patients with overt primary hypothyroidism induced by PD-1 Abs (group 1) were selected from 655 patients with different tumor types. Retrospective analysis was performed on patients in group 1 and 18 patients with natural courses of overt primary hypothyroidism who were age- and sex-matched with the patients in group 1 (group 2). The replacement dosages required for the patients in the two groups were compared. Thyroid dysfunction occurred in group 1 after approximately 3.0 ± 1.4 cycles of PD-1 therapy (1-6 stages), with a median time of 61.5 days. The median time of onset of hypothyroidism among all patients was 87.5 days (30-240 days). Most of the patients with hypothyroidism were asymptomatic, and the onset of hypothyroidism was independent of age, sex, TPOAb, TgAb and TSH in group 1 (P>0.05). The average replacement dosage for patients in group 1 was 1.8 ± 0.6 μg/kg/d (0.6-3.2 μg/kg/d). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex, age, TPOAb, TgAb and TSH were not correlated with drug dosage. It seemed that the average maintenance dosage of levothyroxine might need to be 1.8 μg/kg/day for patients with overt hypothyroidism induced by PD-1 Abs.

Analysis of macular thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in various ABO and Rh blood groups

PurposeTo determine the association between ABO and Rh blood groups with retinal structural indices including macular thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling in a tertiary referral eye hospital in Tehran, Iran. Study participants were referred to the hospital laboratory to test their blood group. Ocular examinations were performed including measurement of visual acuity, auto-refraction, subjective refraction, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Retinal imaging was carried out using Spectral-domain OCT under dilated papillary conditions.ResultsThree hundred and twenty-eight individuals were recruited in this study. Of these, 219 (60.7%) were female and the mean age of the participants was 63.29 ± 5.57 years (range: 56 to 83 years). According to the multiple linear regression model, the global peripapillary RNFL thickness [coefficient: -3.05 (95% CI: -5.30 to -0.74); P = 0.010] and peripapillary RNFL thickness in the superior [coefficient: -4.65 (95% CI: -8.40 to -0.89), P < 0.001] and inferior [coefficient: -4.00 (95% CI: -7.81 to -0.19); P = 0.040] quadrants were significantly thinner in individuals with blood type B compared to those with other ABO blood groups. The average [coefficient: 12.69 (95% CI: 4.12–21.64); P = 0.004) and central [coefficient: 16.21 (95%: 6.44–25.97); P = 0.001) macular thicknesses were significantly thicker in AB group compared to other blood groups. The average macular thickness was significantly thinner in Rh + compared to the Rh- group [coefficient: -8.33 (95% CI: -15.4 to -1.25); P = 0.021].ConclusionRetinal structural indices may be related to blood groups implying a genetic linkage. Considering the lack of consistency among various studies, larger trials are needed to explore the effect of ABO and Rh grouping on peripapillary RNFL and macular thicknesses.

Associations of air pollution with acute coronary syndromes based on A/B/AB versus O blood types: case-crossover study

Short-term exposure to air pollutants may contribute to an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study assessed the role of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as well as fine and coarse PM (PM10) air pollution in ACS events and the effect of blood groups on this phenomenon. A retrospectively collected database of 9026 patients was evaluated. The study design was a case-crossover using a conditional logistic regression model. The main analysis focused on PM2.5 levels with a 1 day lag until the ACS event, using threshold-modelled predictor for all patients. Secondary analyses utilized separate threshold-modelled predictors for 2–7-days moving averages and for patients from specific ABO blood groups. Additional analysis was performed with the non-threshold models and for PM10 levels. Short-term exposure to increased PM2.5 and PM10 levels at a 1-day lag was associated with elevated risks of ACS (PM2.5: OR = 1.012 per + 10 µg/m3, 95% CI 1.003, 1.021; PM10: OR = 1.014 per + 10 µg/m3, CI 1.002, 1.025) for all patients. Analysis showed that exposure to PM2.5 was associated with increased risk of ACS at a 1-day lag for the A, B or AB group (OR = 1.012 per + 10 µg/m3, CI 1.001, 1.024), but not O group (OR = 1.011 per + 10 µg/m3, CI 0.994, 1.029). Additional analysis showed positive associations between exposure to PM10 and risk of ACS, with 7-days moving average models stratified by blood group revealing that exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with elevated risk of ACS for patients with group O. Short-term exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with elevated risk of ACS. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was positively associated with the risk of ACS for patients with A, B, or AB blood groups for a 1-day lag, while risk in O group was delayed to 7 days.

Gut microbial diversity and functional characterization in people with alcohol use disorder: A case-control study.

Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) typically have comorbid chronic health conditions, including anxiety and depression disorders, increased sleep disruption, and poor nutrition status, along with gut microbial dysbiosis. To better understand the effects of gut dysbiosis previously shown in individuals with AUD, gut microbiome and metabolome were investigated between three cohorts. Two groups of individuals with AUD included treatment-seeking newly abstinent for at least six weeks (AB: N = 10) and non-treatment-seeking currently drinking (CD: N = 9) individuals. The third group was age, gender, and BMI-matched healthy controls (HC: N = 12). Deep phenotyping during two weeks of outpatient National Institutes of Health Clinical Center visits was performed, including clinical, psychological, medical, metabolic, dietary, and experimental assessments. Alpha and beta diversity and differential microbial taxa and metabolite abundance of the gut microbiome were examined across the three groups. Metabolites derived from the lipid super-pathway were identified to be more abundant in the AB group compared to CD and HC groups. The AB individuals appeared to be most clinically different from CD and HC individuals with respect to their gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings highlight the potential long-term effects of chronic alcohol use in individuals with AUD, even during short-term abstinence.

Increased TGFβ1, VEGF and IFN-γ in the Sputum of Severe Asthma Patients With Bronchiectasis

BackgroundBronchiectasis is one of the most common comorbidities in severe asthma. However, the mechanisms by which asthma promotes the development and progress of this condition are not well defined. This study aimed to analyze the inflammatory phenotypes and quantify the expression of proinflammatory and remodeling cytokines in asthma patients with and without bronchiectasis. MethodsThe study sample comprised individuals with severe asthma and bronchiectasis (group AB, n=55) and a control population of individuals with severe asthma without bronchiectasis (group AC, n=45). Induced sputum samples were obtained and cell types determined by differential cell count. Proinflammatory and bronchial remodeling cytokines (IL-8, neutrophilic elastase, TGFβ1, VEGF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF) were analyzed by immunoassay in sputum supernatant. ResultsNeutrophilic inflammation was the primary phenotype in both asthma groups. Higher levels of TGFβ1, VEGF and IFN-γ were observed in asthma patients with bronchiectasis (group AB) than in controls (group AC) (15 vs 24pg/ml, p=0.014; 183 vs 272pg/ml, p=0.048; 0.85 vs 19pg/ml, p<0.001, respectively). Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) levels were significantly lower in the AB group than in the AC group (1.2 vs 4.4pg/ml, p<0.001). IL-8, neutrophil elastase and TNF-α did not present significant differences between the groups. ConclusionsRaised levels of TGFβ1 and VEGF cytokines may indicate airway remodeling activation in asthma patients with bronchiectasis. The type of inflammation in asthma patients did not differ according to the presence or absence of bronchiectasis.

Dietary supplementation of Astragalus fermentation products improves the growth performance, immunological characteristics, and disease resistance of crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

The fermentation products of Astragalus have been acknowledged for their ability to enhance immune functions. This study assessed the impact of incorporating Astragalus, fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans, on crucian carp’s growth, disease resistance, and immunological characteristics. The experimental groups were fed with common feed (C), C + Astragalus (A), A + Lactobacillus plantarum (AL), A + Bacillus coagulans (AB), and AL + Bacillus coagulans (ALB). The fermented products were mixed with common feed at a 1:99 ratio, and crucian carp were fed 2% of their body weight for four weeks, with sampling conducted on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Disease resistance was evaluated using Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) at a concentration of 0.2 mL (1.0×107 CFU/mL). The final weights in the AL, AB, and ALB groups significantly increased compared to the C group. The ALB group exhibited elevated serum albumin levels, alkaline phosphatase, intestinal lipase, protease enzyme, C3, and IgM gene expression compared to the C group. At the same time, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and glucose contents were significantly reduced. The survival rate significantly increased in all experimental groups after treatment with A. hydrophila. In conclusion, Astragalus products fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans could effectively improve crucian carp’s growth, disease resistance, and immune response.

Impact of Nanoencapsulated Rosemary Essential Oil as a Novel Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Gene Expression of Broiler Chicken.

This study evaluated the effect of free and nanoencapsulated rosemary essential oil (REO) as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and gene expression. Four hundred twenty day-old commercial broiler chicks (VENCOBB) were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments, each having four replicates of fifteen chicks. The dietary treatments comprised control (CON) fed a basal diet only, AB (basal diet + 10 mg enramycin/kg), CS (basal diet + 150 mg chitosan nanoparticles/kg), REOF100 and REOF200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg free REO/kg, respectively), and REON100 and REON200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg nanoencapsulated REO/kg, respectively). Overall (7-42 d), REON200 showed the highest (p < 0.001) body weight gain (1899 g/bird) and CON had the lowest gain (1742 g/bird), while the CS, REOF100 and REOF200 groups had a similar gain, but lower than that of the AB and REON100 groups. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatments. Overall, the feed efficiency increased (p = 0.001) by 8.47% in the REON200 group and 6.21% in the AB and REON100 groups compared with the CON. Supplementation of REO improved (p < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein digestibility, with the highest values in REON100 and REON200. Ether extract, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus digestibility values showed no difference among the groups. The dressing, breast, thigh % increased (p < 0.05) and abdominal fat % decreased (p < 0.001) more in the REON200 group than with other treatments and CON. In breast meat quality, water holding capacity and extract reserve volume increased (p < 0.05) while drip loss and cholesterol content decreased (p < 0.05) in REON100 and REON200. No change was observed in the breast meat color among dietary treatments and CON. The REON100 and REON200 groups had reduced (p < 0.05) meat lipid peroxidation as depicted by the decreased levels of TBARS, free fatty acids and peroxide value compared to other treatments and CON. The expression of the Mucin 2, PepT1 and IL-10 genes was upregulated (p < 0.001) and TNF-α downregulated (p < 0.001) by dietary addition of REO particularly in the nanoencapsulated form compared with the CON. In conclusion, nanoencapsulated REO, especially at 200 mg/kg diet, showed promising results as an antibiotic alternative in improving the performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and upregulation of growth and anti-inflammatory genes.

Relationship between vaginal and oral microbiome in patients of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the microbial variations and biomarkers in the vaginal and oral environments of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (CC) and to develop novel prediction models.Materials and methodsThis study included 164 samples collected from both the vaginal tract and oral subgingival plaque of 82 women. The participants were divided into four distinct groups based on their vaginal and oral samples: the control group (Z/KZ, n = 22), abortion group (AB/KAB, n = 17), HPV-infected group (HP/KHP, n = 21), and cervical cancer group (CC/KCC, n = 22). Microbiota analysis was conducted using full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing with the PacBio platform.ResultsThe vaginal bacterial community in the Z and AB groups exhibited a relatively simple structure predominantly dominated by Lactobacillus. However, CC group shows high abundances of anaerobic bacteria and alpha diversity. Biomarkers such as Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Bacillus, Dialister, Porphyromonas, Anaerococcus, and Prevotella were identified as indicators of CC. Correlations were established between elevated blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and local/systemic inflammation, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, which contribute to unevenness in the vaginal microenvironment. The altered microbial diversity in the CC group was confirmed by amino acid metabolism. Oral microbial diversity exhibited an inverse pattern to that of the vaginal microbiome, indicating a unique relationship. The microbial diversity of the KCC group was significantly lower than that of the KZ group, indicating a link between oral health and cancer development. Several microbes, including Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Veillonella, Streptococcus, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Propionibacterium, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Neisseria, were identified as CC biomarkers. Moreover, periodontal pathogens were associated with blood CRP levels and oral hygiene conditions. Elevated oral microbial amino acid metabolism in the CC group was closely linked to the presence of pathogens. Positive correlations indicated a synergistic relationship between vaginal and oral bacteria.ConclusionHPV infection and CC impact both the vaginal and oral microenvironments, affecting systemic metabolism and the synergy between bacteria. This suggests that the use of oral flora markers is a potential screening tool for the diagnosis of CC.

The Effects of Performance Improvement on Feedback Accuracy and Omission

ABSTRACT Previous research found that instructions to provide feedback and perceived negative reactions to feedback decreased participant measurement accuracy and the likelihood of feedback being provided. The current study aimed to extend that research by evaluating whether improvements in behavior following feedback could maintain accurate measurement and feedback delivery, despite negative reactions. A mixed AB groups design was employed, and 44 participants were assigned across two groups: a control group and a progressive improvement group. All participants experienced negative reactions in response to their feedback. The confederate either maintained the same safety performance in the control group or improved their performance in the progressive improvement group. The progressive improvement group had higher observation accuracy, and the difference was statistically significant (p = .004). They also omitted less feedback than the control group. These data suggest that improvement in the behavior may be one variable that attenuates the impact of a feedback recipient responding negatively.

Thermal ablation with and without adjuvant systemic therapy: a nationwide multicenter observational cohort study of solitary colorectal liver metastases.

Thermal ablation is routinely used for solitary colorectal liver metastases (SCLM), but the added value of adjuvant systemic therapy in SCLM remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes for SCLM treated by ablation alone (AB) versus ablation plus systemic therapy (AS). This multicenter retrospective study using nationwide data from fourteen institutions between October 2010 and May 2023, 369 patients with initial SCLM smaller than 5cm, no extrahepatic metastases, and colorectal cancer R0 resection treated by thermal ablation were included. The crude analysis was used to analyze eligible cases between the two groups. The propensity score matching (PSM) to control for potential confounders in each matched group. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify specific survival benefits. 61.2% (226/369) of eligible patients were treated with AS and 38.8% (143/369) with AB. During the median follow-up period of 8.8 years, 1-/3-/5-year DFS/OS rates did not differ between the two groups, when analyzed via PSM (P=0.52/0.08). Subgroup analysis revealed that AS was significantly associated with better OS than AB in patients with plasma CEA >5ug/L (P=0.036), T (III-IV) category of primary cancer (P=0.034), or clinical risk score (1-2) (P=0.041). In each matched group, we did find a significant difference in drug-related adverse events (P<0.001) between AS group (24.1%, 28/116) and AB group (0.0%, 0/116). For patients with plasma CEA >5ug/L, T (III-IV) category of primary cancer, or clinical risk score (1-2), thermal ablation plus systemic therapy appeared to be associated with improved overall survival. Thermal ablation was equally effective in disease-free survival for treating solitary colorectal liver metastasis, whether with or without adjuvant systemic therapy.

Autoimmune thyroiditis in psoriatic disease

Objectives. To assess autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence in subclinical and clinical psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Materials and methods. 45 female adult Egyptian patients with psoriatic disease were classified into 3 equal groups: PsA, subclinical PsA, and psoriasis. A full assessment was done including Health Assessment Questionnaire, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI), PsA disease activity score (DAPSA), MAdrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index (MASEI), thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4, and FT3), thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Tg and TPO Abs), and thyroid ultrasound. Results. Thyroid abnormalities prevalence was: 33.3% with subclinical hypothyroidism, 80% with positive TPO Ab, and 46.7% with positive Tg Ab in PsA group, 26.7% with subclinical hypothyroidism, 60% with positive TPO Ab, and 33.3% with positive Tg Ab in subclinical PsA group and none in psoriasis group. PsA patients had higher TPO Ab levels compared to psoriasis patients with high statistical significant difference and lower FT3 levels compared to psoriasis patients with statistical significant difference. In subclinical PsA group, MASEI was positively correlated with TPO Ab with high statistical significance and with FT3 and Tg Ab with statistical significance, FT4 was negatively correlated with LEI with high statistical significance, and FT4 was correlated with PASI with statistical significance. In PsA group, TPO Ab was correlated with DAPSA with statistical significance. Conclusions. Autoimmune thyroiditis is more common in PsA than subclinical PsA patients. PsA patients are advised to be tested for TPO and Tg Abs. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a screening tool to detect enthesitis in psoriasis patients.

Effect of enrofloxacin on clinical parameters and mucociliary system of broilers challenged with H9N2 avian influenza/infectious bronchitis viruses.

Effect of antibacterials on mucociliary system and clinical outcome of chickens with mixed viral respiratory conditions is not properly addressed. We evaluated enrofloxacin effects on clinical parameters and mucociliary system of broilers challenged with H9N2/IB viruses. Broilers (105), at the age of 25 days, were randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1 (negative control), no treatment; Group 2 (positive control [PC]) challenged by intranasal and intraocular route. Group 3 (antibiotic [AB]-treated) challenged and also received enrofloxacin started after manifestation of clinical signs (day 2 post-challenge [pc]) and continued for 5 days. Administration of AB was not associated with appreciable changes in body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR) or the severity of clinical signs although it slightly reduced mortality rate as compared to PC group (p>0.05). Virus shedding period and number of virus positive tracheal and caecal tonsil samples were also statistically similar between PC and AB groups. In necropsy, the most profound effect of AB was decreased pleuropneumonia severity score on day 12 pc. Histopathological lesion scores were statistically the same between PC and AB groups. However, the administration of AB increased the number of tracheal goblet cells, with no effect on ciliostasis. We found a weak positive effect of enrofloxacin administration in H9N2/IB-infected chickens. Considering the risks of AB treatment in broiler chickens, the results of this small-scale study do not encourage the benefit of enrofloxacin use in these viral diseases.

Effect of Steroids on Patients With Fibromyalgia/Chromic Widespread Pain: An Observational Study.

Fibromyalgia causes widespread chronic pain. Pain management and treating underlying conditions are of utmost importance. Recent studies found an association of thyroid autoimmunity with fibromyalgia. Pain management of patients with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab) positive was studied sparsely. To determine the effect of steroid (deflazacort) on pain management using numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. A retrospective observational study was undertaken, recruiting patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia as per 2010 American College of Rheumatology guidelines and treated with the steroid, deflazacort 12 mg. Patients with missing details were excluded. Patients were categorized into negative, positive, and strongly positive anti-TPO Ab groups. Baseline and follow-up (3 months) pain score was compared across the groups. Reduction in pain was considered as a primary outcome variable. The study included 128 participants with 98 (76.6%) females and 30 (23.4%) males. The age of the study population was 48±13.29 years. The proportion of hyper, hypo, and euthyroidwas 10 (7.81%), 42 (32.81%), and 76 (59.38%), respectively. The proportion of participants with negative, positive, and strongly positive anti-TPO Ab levels was 41 (32.03)%, 50 (39.06%), and 37 (28.91%), respectively.Baseline pain score was 7.3±1.32 and 3-month follow-up was 4.7±2.46. Steroid response was found in 66 (51.6%). Negative andpositive anti-TPO Ab had a 1-point reduction in pain score from baseline, p-value <0.001. The strongly positive group had 5 points reduction, p-value<0.05. Fibromyalgia patients with thyroid autoimmunity responded well to short courses of steroids. Greater pain relief was observed among those who are strongly positive anti-TPO Ab group.

Autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with type 1 diabetes mellites: A cross-sectional study from Syria.

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) by the presence of antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO Ab). Furthermore, we studied the relationship of clinical and thyroid ultrasound (US) characteristics with anti-TPO Ab. This cross-sectional study was performed in Al- Mowasat and Al-Assad University Hospitals from 2021 to 2023. Clinical, laboratories, and US features were collected and analyzed between positive compared to negative anti-TPO Ab. Of 76 patients, anti-TPO Ab was positive in 12 patients (15.7%) with female predominance [n = 10 (83.3%)]. Gender showed a difference between anti-TPO Ab groups (P = .026). DM duration showed a difference (P = .034), which was dominant for a group of positive anti-TPO Ab (median = 9). The age at DM diagnosis also showed a difference (P = .048), where most patients were under 10- years old at diagnosis [n = 39 (51.3%)] and the highest number of anti-TPO Ab positive patients [n = 7 (58.3%)] were in this age category. US findings showed a significant difference (P = .001). Regarding positive anti-TPO Ab patients, the most frequent US finding was immune pattern [7 (58.3%)], which was more common than in the negative group (12.5%). Age, hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c), and body mass index (BMI) did not present differences (P = .391, 0.692, and 0.453, respectively), however, all anti-TPO Ab positive patients were older than ten years and had HBA1c more than 8. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was abnormal in 2 patients (16.6%) and both in anti-TPO Ab positive group. This study suggests that anti-TPO Ab appears in older patients and with longer MD duration. Also, data support using US and anti-TPO Ab as earlier markers for AITDs, and further recommending regular annual monitoring by US and anti-TPO Ab in all patients with T1DM for AITDs diagnosis, especially in females.

AZD1775 and anti-PD-1 antibody synergistically sensitize hepatoma to radiotherapy.

Radiation (IR)-induced DNA damage triggers cell cycle arrest and has a suppressive effect on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Wee1, a cell cycle regulator, can eliminate G2/M arrest by phosphorylating cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Meanwhile, programed death-1/programed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PDL-1) blockade is closely related to TME. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 and anti-PD-1 antibody (anti-PD-1 Ab) on radiosensitization of hepatoma. The anti-tumor activity of AZD1775 and IR was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on human and mouse hepatoma cells HepG2, Hepa1-6, and H22. The anti-hepatoma mechanism of AZD1775 and IR revealed by flow cytometry and Western blot in vitro . A hepatoma subcutaneous xenograft mice model was constructed on Balb/c mice, which were divided into control group, IR group, AZD1775 group, IR + AZD1775 group, IR + anti-PD-1 Ab group, and the IR + AZD1775 + anti-PD-1 Ab group. Cytotoxic CD8 + T cells in TME were analyzed by flow cytometry. Combining IR with AZD1775 synergistically reduced the viability of hepatoma cells in vitro . AZD1775 exhibited antitumor effects by decreasing CDK1 phosphorylation to reverse the IR-induced G2/M arrest and increasing IR-induced DNA damage. AZD1775 treatment also reduced the proportion of PD-1 + /CD8 + T cells in the spleen of hepatoma subcutaneous xenograft mice. Further studies revealed that AZD1775 and anti-PD-1 Ab could enhance the radiosensitivity of hepatoma by enhancing the levels of interferon γ (IFNγ) + or Ki67 + CD8 T cells and decreasing the levels of CD8 + Tregs cells in the tumor and spleen of the hepatoma mice model, indicating that the improvement of TME was manifested by increasing the cytotoxic factor IFNγ expression, enhancing CD8 + T cells proliferation, and weakening CD8 + T cells depletion. This work suggests that AZD1775 and anti-PD-1 Ab synergistically sensitize hepatoma to radiotherapy by enhancing IR-induced DNA damage and improving cytotoxic CD8 + T cells in TME.

Assessing the associations between plasma C reactive protein, Ab 42/40 ratio, global amyloid and entorhinal tau PET

AbstractBackgroundLower plasma ratio of amyloid beta (Ab42/Ab40) has been associated with brain amyloid, however, the mechanistic link is unclear. Systemic inflammation may contribute to plasma Ab levels and promote or reduce the accumulation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology. C reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker implicated in amyloidosis. Using a cross sectional analysis, we evaluated the relationship between blood levels of CRP and Ab ratio, global amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), and tau PET in the entorhinal cortex where tau accumulates early. We hypothesized that Ab positivity would modify the relationship between CRP and AD pathology.MethodIn 969 cognitively normal participants (age: 50‐87, 781 Ab‐/188 Ab+) (Table 1) from the Health and Aging Brain Study‐ Health Disparities (HABS‐HD), we acquired 18F‐PI‐2620 tau‐PET, florbetaben amyloid PET scans, and plasma measures of Ab 42/40 and CRP. Subjects were categorized by Ab + or Ab ‐ by a global amyloid PET standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) cutoff of 1.08. Within Ab groups, we performed multiple regressions to evaluate associations between 1) global amyloid and entorhinal tau‐PET SUVRs and 2) plasma markers of Ab ratio and CRP. We covaried for age, gender, education, APOE4, and scanner and used false discovery rate (FDR) for multiple comparison corrections.ResultIn Ab+ participants, higher amyloid (b = ‐0.31, p = 0.0005) and tau PET (b = ‐0.36, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with low Ab ratio, but not in Ab‐ for amyloid or tau, with significant interactions by Ab positivity for amyloid (b = ‐0.45, p = 2.65×10−6) and tau (b = ‐0.77, p = 0.0002) (Figure 1). In Ab+ participants, higher CRP was associated with higher Ab ratio (b = 0.21, p = 0.04) and a trend toward lower amyloid (b = ‐0.15, p = 0.084) and tau PET (b = ‐0.22, p = 0.084), but not in Ab‐ participants, with a significant interaction by Ab positivity for Ab ratio (b = 0.46, p = 0.011) (Figure 2) and amyloid (b = ‐0.11, p = 0.0006) and tau PET (b = ‐0.17, p = 0.016).ConclusionIn cognitively intact Ab+ but not Ab‐ adults, higher plasma Ab ratio was associated with lower global amyloid and entorhinal tau PET. In Ab+ participants, higher CRP was associated with blood and brain amyloid and tau levels consistent with less AD pathology.