Good Marker Research Articles

Relationship between Iron Saturation Indices and Psychiatric Disorders among Persons Seeking Care at Selected Psychiatry Health Facilities in Ghana

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between iron metabolism and psychiatric disorder and whether iron saturation indices could predict disease severity.
 Study Design: The study was a case-control study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between December 2020 to March 2022 in some selected psychiatric facilities in Ghana.
 Methodology: Venous blood was collected and serum iron, TIBC, ferritin, transferrin and full blood count were quantified to calculate intraindividual variation and to assess the relationships of these iron saturation indices to severity of psychiatric disorders.
 Results: Serum iron (38.98±14.55 µmol/L), ferritin (100.23±84.98 ng/mL) and transferrin saturation (44.35±14.6%) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in group with psychiatric disorders compared with the controls (29.25±8.0 µmol/L; 75.25±42.71 ng/mL and 28.66±7.1%). However, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (102.47±15.01 µmol/L), UIBC (73.22±13.12 µmol/L) and transferrin (4.08±0.6 g/L) concentrations were considerably greater in control group than in the case subjects (88.95±19.73 µmol/L; 49.97±18.32 µmol/L and 3.54±0.79 g/L). One unit increase in BMI is associated with 1.27 (aOR=1.27, p<0.001) times risk of psychiatric disorders and males are 6 (aOR=5.87, p<0.005) times at risk of disorders. At a cut off of ≤65.79 µmol/L, UIBC can distinguish psychiatric disorders from controls.
 Conclusion: Serum iron and transferrin saturation appears to be good prognostic markers of diseases severity but serum iron at cut off of >35.23 µmol/L better classified individuals of severe form of psychiatric disorder.

Anti-Müllerian hormone, testicular descent and cryptorchidism.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a Sertoli cell-secreted glycoprotein involved in male fetal sex differentiation: it provokes the regression of Müllerian ducts, which otherwise give rise to the Fallopian tubes, the uterus and the upper part of the vagina. In the first trimester of fetal life, AMH is expressed independently of gonadotropins, whereas from the second trimester onwards AMH testicular production is stimulated by FSH and oestrogens; at puberty, AMH expression is inhibited by androgens. AMH has also been suggested to participate in testicular descent during fetal life, but its role remains unclear. Serum AMH is a well-recognized biomarker of testicular function from birth to the first stages of puberty. Especially in boys with nonpalpable gonads, serum AMH is the most useful marker of the existence of testicular tissue. In boys with cryptorchidism, serum AMH levels reflect the mass of functional Sertoli cells: they are lower in patients with bilateral than in those with unilateral cryptorchidism. Interestingly, serum AMH increases after testis relocation to the scrotum, suggesting that the ectopic position result in testicular dysfunction, which may be at least partially reversible. In boys with cryptorchidism associated with micropenis, low AMH and FSH are indicative of central hypogonadism, and serum AMH is a good marker of effective FSH treatment. In patients with cryptorchidism in the context of disorders of sex development, low serum AMH is suggestive of gonadal dysgenesis, whereas normal or high AMH is found in patients with isolated androgen synthesis defects or with androgen insensitivity. In syndromic disorders, assessment of serum AMH has shown that Sertoli cell function is preserved in boys with Klinefelter syndrome until mid-puberty, while it is affected in patients with Noonan, Prader-Willi or Down syndromes.

Associations Between BLG, CSN3, DGAT1, GH, PIT1, and PRL Gene Polymorphisms and Milk Production Traits in Holstein Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis.

The current meta-analysis was employed to combine the results of multiple studies into a single estimate related to B-LG, CSN3, DGAT1, PRL, GH, and PIT1 gene polymorphisms and their effects on milk production traits. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigateassociations between B-LG, CSN3, DGAT1, GH, PIT1, and PRLgene polymorphisms with milk production traits in Holstein dairy cows. An extensive search was done from 2002 to 2022year. Statistical analyses were performed by using Stata 11.2 software. Genetic models viz codominant (AA vs. AB, AA vs. BB, and AB vs. BB), dominant (AA + AB vs. BB), recessive (AA vs. AB + BB), and completely over-dominant (AA + BB vs. AB) were applied. The results of meta-analysis of association between B-LG genotypes with milk yield where found a significant (P < 0.05) and with fat and protein contents (P < 0.01). In CSN3 polymorphisms of A/A and A/B genotypes had a significant effect on fat yield (P < 0.05) and protein content (P < 0.01). DGAT1 polymorphisms had a significant effect on milk yield, fat yield, protein yield (P < 0.05), with fat and protein contents showed high effect (P < 0.01). No significant association was detected between GH and milk traits (P > 0.05). PIT1 genotype polymorphisms had a significant effect on milk yield (P < 0.05) and protein content (P < 0.01). PRL genotype polymorphisms were significantly associated with milk yield (P < 0.05), fat content and protein yield (P < 0.01). The B-LG, DGAT1,CSN3 and PRL gene polymorphisms could be utilized as good markers to improve milk production traits in the Holstein cattle breed.

First molecular observation on Mylonchulus hawaiiensis from South Africa.

During a survey of soil nematodes in South Africa, a species of predatory nematodes, namely Mylonchulus hawaiiensis was recovered from soil in the Magoebaskloof mountain of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The morphology of the material studied fit well with the previous populations of the same species. A molecular study of 18S rDNA region of M. hawaiiensis indicated a 100% similarity between the South African population and the Japanese population of M. hawaiiensis (AB361438; AB361439; AB361440; AB361442). In addition, phylogenetic analysis placed all M. hawaiiensis in a group with 0.97 posterior probability. Additionally, ITS rDNA of M. hawaiiensis amplified for the first time. However, Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a morphological variation among the different populations of M. hawaiiensis. In addition, haplotype analysis also revealed that the South African population is close to the Japanese population. In conclusion, 18S rDNA was a good marker for detecting M. hawaiiensis. Measurement, photographs, and phylogenetic position of South African M. hawaiinesis are given.

Cognitive dysfunction at epilepsy onset as a marker for seizure recurrence

BackgroundCognitive dysfunction has been correlated with seizure control in chronic epilepsy and in newly diagnosed epilepsy, which potentially makes it a good marker for predicting disease course and seizure control. However, there is a lack of prospective studies examining the role of cognitive dysfunction in predicting seizure recurrence at the earliest stages of the disease, such as following the first unprovoked seizure (UFS) or new onset epilepsy (NOE). MethodsThirty three adult participants (FS=18, NOE=15) from the Halifax First Seizure Clinic (HFSC) completed a cognitive screening assessment at baseline (typically 3 months following diagnosis); seizure-recurrence was evaluated one year after the initial HFSC visit. ResultsCognitive impairment, defined as at least one z-score in the impaired range (≤-1.5) relative to published test norms, was documented in 76% of the patients with seizure recurrence at follow-up and in 55% without seizure recurrence. Speed/executive functions and Memory were the most frequently affected domains, with impaired performance noted in 35% and 29% of the entire sample, respectively. Although the seizure recurrence vs. non-recurrence groups did not differ significantly on likelihood of impairment in any specific cognitive domains, a regression model of seizure recurrence that included years of education, baseline mood and anxiety scores, normal vs. abnormal baseline MRI, and impaired (vs. unimpaired) function in six cognitive domains was significant overall (Χ2 (10) = 24.04, p =.007*, R2N =.77). The regression model was no longer significant with the cognitive variables removed. ConclusionsSubtle cognitive dysfunction, especially in the domains of executive functions and memory are prevalent in individuals at the earliest stages of epilepsy. In addition to abnormal MRI and EEG findings at baseline, which are far less prevalent in FS and NOE, cognitive factors show promise in helping predict seizure recurrence in these populations.

NEFA can serve as good biological markers for the diagnosis of depression in adolescents

BackgroundThe incidence of adolescent depression has markedly risen in recent years, with a high recurrence rate into adulthood. Diagnosis in adolescents is challenging due to subjective factors, highlighting the crucial need for objective diagnostic markers. MethodsOur study enrolled 204 participants, including healthy controls (n = 88) and first-episode adolescent depression patients (n = 116). Serum samples underwent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis to assess non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) expression. Machine learning and ROC analysis were employed to identify potential biomarkers, followed by bioinformatics analysis to explore underlying mechanisms. ResultsNearly all differentially expressed NEFA exhibited significant downregulation. Notably, nonanoic acid, cis-10-pentadecenoic acid, cis-10-carboenoic acid, and cis-11-eicosenoic acid demonstrated excellent performance in distinguishing adolescent depression patients. Metabolite-gene interaction analysis revealed these NEFAs interacted with multiple genes. KEGG pathway analysis on these genes suggested that differentially expressed NEFA may impact PPAR and cAMP signaling pathways. LimitationsInclusion of diverse populations for evaluation is warranted. Biomarkers identified in this study require samples that are more in line with the experimental design for external validation, and further basic research is necessary to validate the potential depressive mechanisms of NEFA. ConclusionsThe overall reduction in NEFA expression in first-episode adolescent depression patients suggests a potential mediation of depression symptoms through cAMP and PPAR signaling pathways. NEFA levels show promise as a diagnostic tool for identifying first-episode adolescent depression patients.

Predictors of Occult Metastasis and Prognostic Factors in Patients with cN0 Oral Cancer Who Underwent Elective Neck Dissection.

Elective neck dissection (END) is recommended for the management of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) because of the risk of occult metastasis (OM). We hypothesized that some factors predict poor prognosis regardless of a cN0 END. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of OM and prognostic factors in patients with cN0 OSCC who underwent supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND). A retrospective cohort study design was created and implemented. The primary predictive variables in this study were OM and risk factors for poor prognosis after SOHND. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to adjust for the effects of potential confounders on the risk factors for poor prognoses. Among 86 patients with OSCC, OMs were observed in 9 (10.5%). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and vascular invasion are good markers for detecting OM. A Cox multivariable analysis identified two independent predictors of overall survival: pathologic node (pN) and laterality of END. An independent predictive factor for disease-free survival, the surgical margin, was also identified in this study. According to the pN classification, pN1 patients had a worse survival rate than pN2 patients. Therefore, in the case of pN1, regardless of being cN0, additional adjuvant therapy may be necessary.

Evaluation of Phenotypic Tests for Carbapenemase Detection in Enterobacteriaceae in Tunisia.

Introduction: Resistance to carbapenems in Enterobacteriaceae is a challenge for public health. Carbapenemase production is the leading mechanism. This work aims to evaluate four phenotypic methods for carbapenemase detection in comparison with a molecular method. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven nonrepeating Enterobacteriaceae strains with decreased susceptibility to ertapenem were included. Imipenem MIC, Modified Hodge Test (MHT), Neo-Rapid Carb Kit® and KPC, MBL, and OXA-48 Confirm Kit® were performed. Isolates were tested for blaOXA-48, blaNDM, and blaVIM genes by end-point polymerase chain reaction. The results of the molecular study were used as a reference test to determine the performances of the phenotypic tests. Results: Imipenem resistance does not seem to be a good marker for carbapenemase production with a sensitivity of 54% (95% CI: 38-71). MHT showed 82% sensitivity (95% CI: 65-91). Overall, the enzymatic test showed the best performances for carbapenemase detection with 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 89-100) and the best turnaround time. The characterization of carbapenemases classes by the combined discs test demonstrated 88% overall sensitivity (95% CI: 72-95). Conclusion: The results of this study support the combination of the enzymatic and the combined disc tests for carbapenemase detection in Enterobacteria.

Function of homocysteine and HE4 in endometrial carcinoma: verified by prospective experiment.

Timely diagnosis is the key factor to improve the prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EC). To date, no particularly good markers could significantly improve the detection rate of EC. This study aimed to assess the utility of serum markers homocysteine (Hcy), human epididymal protein 4 (HE4), cancer antigen 199 (CA199), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), fibrinogen (Fib), and D-dimer (D-D) for EC diagnosis, especially Hcy of which its role in EC has not been noticed. Pre-test and verification tests were performed. In Pre-test, the diagnostic value of the included markers was evaluated and the right marker was chosen to establish an efficient new risk index for screening EC. In verification tests, the applicability of the new risk index was tested. Several evaluation indices including receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Youden Index, sensitivity (SN), and specificity (SP), were adopted to assess the diagnostic value of the included markers for EC. Hcy may be useful in the diagnosis of EC. Its diagnostic value was not significantly lower than that of HE4. Based on the diagnostic value of Hcy and HE4, a new risk index was established, which demonstrated high value in EC diagnosis (ROC, 0.801), especially among young female patients (age ≤50 years, ROC, 0.871). Furthermore, the level of Hcy, but not HE4, was notably different in normal or benign endometrial lesions, atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH), and EC. The change of Hcy levels could be used to diagnose EC and when taken into consideration together with the detection of HE4, the diagnostic accuracy of EC is further improved.

SFlT-1/PlGF ratio as a predictor of preeclampsia in COVID-19 pregnant patients

The association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and preeclampsia is widely debated in numerous studies. The aim of our study was to investigate whether an increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is a good marker of preeclampsia in pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection. This single centre prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Warsaw. The study group consisted of 68 COVID-19 pregnant patients and 57 SARS-CoV-2 negative pregnant controls. Serum sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was assessed. The two groups did not differ in terms of the frequency of IVF, nulliparity, history of hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia was diagnosed in 10 patients in both groups. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio higher than 38, considered highly suggestive of developing preeclampsia, was found in 20 patients in the COVID-19 group and 15 patients in the control group. The odds of developing preeclampsia in patients with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38 was approximately 4-fold higher in COVID-19 group and 11-fold higher in controls. Sflt-1/PlGF ratio does not differ significantly between the SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-COV-2-negative pregnant patients. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38 is associated with higher odds of the diagnosis of preeclampsia in both of these groups, and therefore may serve as its marker regardless of COVID-19 infection status.

TGFβ-induced EN1 promotes tumor budding of adenoid cystic carcinoma in patient-derived organoid model.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and basal cell adenoma (BCA) share many histological characteristics and often need a differential diagnosis in clinical pathology. Recently, we found homeobox protein engrailed-1 (EN1) was a potential diagnostic marker for ACC in an organoids library of salivary gland tumors (SGTs). Here we aim to confirm EN1 as a differential diagnostic marker for ACC, and further investigate the regulatory mechanism and biological function of EN1 in tumor progression. The transcriptional analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were performed and revealed that EN1 was specifically and highly expressed in ACC, and accurately differentiated ACC from BCA. Furthermore, TGFβ signaling pathway was found associated with ACC, and the regulation of EN1 through TGFβ was detected in the human ACC cell lines and patient-derived organoids (PDOs). TGFβ-induced EN1 was important in promoting tumor budding in the PDOs model. Interestingly, a high level of EN1 and TGFβ1 in the budding tips was observed in ACC clinical samples, and the expression of EN1 and TGFβ1 in ACC was significantly associated with the clinical stage. In summary, our study verified EN1 is a good diagnostic marker to differentiate ACC from BCA. TGFβ-induced EN1 facilitates the tumor budding of ACC, which might be an important mechanism related to the malignant phenotype of ACC.

P1053 Ustekinumab trough concentration could predict the aggravation of endoscopic severity after de-escalation in the sub-analysis of CD-EXTEND study

Abstract Background De-escalation was a useful strategy for improving patient’s QOL and reduction of medical expenses. However, endoscopic data after de-escalation of ustekinumab (UST) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to elucidate UST trough concentration for the prediction of endoscopic aggravation after de-escalation of UST. Methods This CD-EXTEND study was a single-centre prospective observational study approved by the institutional review board of our hospital. Thirty CD patients who selected de-escalate UST treatment after administration of intravenous UST 6 mg/kg and subcutaneous UST 90mg every 8 weeks until 54 weeks were enrolled in this cohort. Endoscopic evaluation was performed at baseline and at one year. Endoscopic aggravation was defied as the increase of SES-CD score. Cut-off values of prediction for endoscopic aggravation was calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Endoscopic evaluation could be evaluated in 25 patients. Endoscopic aggravation was recognized in 9 patients. There was no significant differences of patient’s characteristics and biomarkers including CRP, fecal calprotectin (FC) and Leucin-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) between aggravated and non-aggravated groups at the baseline. However, trough concentration was significantly higher in aggravated group than non-aggravated group at the base line (1.5 ± 0.7 vs 2.8 ± 1.3 μg/mL, p=0.02). CRP, FC and LRG significantly increased in aggravated group, not in non-aggravated group. However, trough concentration significantly decreased in both aggravated and non-aggravated groups. Trough at one year was significantly lower in aggravated group than non-aggravated group (0.44 ± 0.3 vs 1.0 ± 0.71 μg/mL, p=0.02). Cut-off values of trough concentration of prediction for endoscopic aggravation at base line and at one year were 2.15 and 0.4 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion UST trough concentration was a good prediction marker for endoscopic aggravation.

Circulating Hsa-miR499a-5p as markers in dysmobility syndrome patients: a new index for diagnosing dysmobility syndrome based on osteoporosis and predicting fracture risk.

Dysmobility syndrome based on osteoporosis (ODS) is a disease characterized by low bone mass and low muscle mass. Its features are high fracture and high fall risk. Falls and fractures are the most important factors affecting the quality of life and lifespan of ODS. However, there is no serum marker for the evaluation of ODS patients.Our previous studies have shown that the expression of circulating miRNA is stable and is a good marker for disease diagnosis. Therefore, this study aims to explore potential serum markers of ODS. A total of 78 subjects were included in this study. The data including appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, bone mineral density, bone metabolism markers, and other relevant information were collected for analysis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect 19 miRNAs associated with muscle mass reduction. The correlation of quantitative data was analyzed by Pearson. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the performance of miRNA as a biomarker. In this study, we found that the muscle mass and strength of patients with ODS are significantly reduced and are negatively correlated with the risk of fracture. The hsa-miR-499a-5p is specifically downregulated in ODS, and is positively correlated with muscle mass and strength, and negatively correlated with the risk of fracture. Compared with muscle mass and strength, hsa-miR-499a-5p has better sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic marker. hsa-miR-499a-5p is a potential serum biomarker for assessing muscle function and predicting fall or fracture risk in the ODS population.

Effect of Metformin and Vitamin D Supplementation on Metabolic and Hormonal Profiles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women: A Follow-Up Study

Background: Insulin resistance in association with obesity is implicated in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome and its primary characteristic of hyperandrogenism. Metformin at a dose of (1700-2000) mg/day, with and without lifestyle, is associated with a beneficial enhancement in BMI and menstrual cycles. We aimed to determine the role of free testosterone: dihydrotestosterone ratio, and sex hormone binding globulin in the evaluation of the efficacy of metformin and vitamin D in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 infertile women who were diagnosed with PCOS with an age range of (18-40 years). They were classified into Group I: Twenty-five women treated with metformin 850 mg/twice daily and followed for 8 weeks; Group II: Twenty-five women treated with vitamin D3 50.000 IU/wk for the same period. Serum investigations included measurements of prolactin, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, LH, FSH, free testosterone, DHT and SHBG by ELISA technique. Results: This study revealed that the mean values of BMI, HOMA-IR, prolactin and free testosterone: dihydrotestosterone ratio were significantly improved (by lowering) after treatment with metformin and vitamin D. Moreover, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome women treated with metformin revealed significant negative association between HOMA-IR with SHBG (r= -0.593, p=0.009), also significant positive association between HOMA-IR with BMI (r= 0.631, p=0.003). Conclusion: Serum measurements of free testosterone: dihydrotestosterone ratio, along with SHBG, are good biochemical markers that reflect the enhancement of insulin resistance and BMI in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome women post metformin treatment or vitamin D supplementation.

Early M-protein immune reconstitution after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a good prognostic marker for patients with high-risk cytogenetic multiple myeloma.

The presence of transient abnormal protein banding (M-protein immune reconstitution) in serum immunofixation electrophoresis after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma has been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of post-transplant M-protein immune reconstitution on the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. M-protein immune reconstitution was observed in 25.9% (75/290) of patients. The CR rate and MRD negativity were higher in the M-protein immune reconstitution group (85.3% vs. 69.3%, p = 0.013, 81.9% vs. 66.5%, p = 0.014). Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the overall median survival time was longer in the M-protein immune reconstruction group (80 vs. 72 m, p = 0.076; not reached vs. 105 m, p = 0.312). Among patients in the cytogenetic high-risk group, the occurrence of M-protein immune reconstitution predicted better PFS and OS (80 vs. 31 m, p = 0.010; not reached vs. 91 m, p = 0.026). Additionally, in revised-International Staging System stage III patients, PFS and OS were better in those who achieved M-protein immune reconstitution (80 vs. 20 m, p = 0.025; 57 vs. 32 m, p = 0.103). The better prognosis of M-protein immune reconstitution patients may be associated with the acquisition of a deeper response. In high-risk patients, early acquisition of M-protein immune reconstitution may suggest a better prognosis.

Reliability of computed tomography to determine the eligibility of conversion surgery for gastric cancer with para-aortic lymph node metastasis.

259 Background: Although gastric cancer (GC) with para-aortic lymph node (PAN) metastasis is diagnosed as stage IV and basically treated with chemotherapy, it can be the candidate of conversion surgery when PAN metastasis was limited in localized area as oligometastatic status. Recently, we reported that pathological complete response at PAN (pCR at PAN) after chemotherapy was a good surrogate marker in conversion surgery for GC with PAN metastasis. However, it is difficult to predict pCR at PAN before surgery. Computed tomography (CT) is a standard procedure for clinical diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in GC.This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of CT to predict pCR at PAN after chemotherapy. Methods: The study examined patients who received radical gastrectomy with D2 and PAN dissection after chemotherapy for gastric cancer with PAN metastasis (#16a2/b1) from 2004 to 2020. PAN greater than 10mm in long axis was diagnosed as clinically positive. Patients were classified into 2 groups as pPAN-CR and pPAN-nonCR according to the pathological diagnosis of PAN. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values for PAN diagnosis were retrospectively investigated. Moreover, the relationship between shrinkage ratio at PAN and pathological diagnosis was also investigated. Results: A total of 46 patients were examined in the present study. The number of pPAN-CR and pPAN-nonCR patients were 31 and 15, respectively. 5-year overall survival rate was 76% in pPAN-CR and 0% in pPAN-nonCR patients. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PAN were 52.2%, 60.0%, 48.4%, 36.0%, and 28.6%, respectively. Median shrinkage ratio of PAN was 38% (-20%-88%) in pPAN-CR and 40% (-20%-75%) in pPAN-nonCR patients. There was no statistically significant relationship between shrinkage ratio and pathological diagnosis of PAN ( p=0.655). Conclusions: CT diagnosis for PAN after chemotherapy was not reliable. The indication of conversion surgery for GC with PAN metastasis should not be determined based on the size and shrinkage of PAN.

Correlation between Ultrasound Peak Systolic Velocity and Angiography for Grading Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis.

(1) Background: The success of carotid revascularization depends on the accurate grading of carotid stenoses. Therefore, it is important for every vascular center to establish its protocols for the same. In this study, we aimed to determine the peak systolic velocity (PSV) thresholds that can predict moderate and severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenoses. (2) Methods: To achieve this, we enrolled patients who underwent both duplex ultrasound (DUS) and invasive carotid artery digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The degree of ICA stenosis was assessed using the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) and the European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) protocols. The PSV thresholds were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. (3) Results: Our study included 47 stenoses, and we found that the PSV cut-off for predicting ≥70% NASCET ICA stenoses was 200 cm/s (sensitivity 90.32%, specificity 93.75%). However, PSV did not correlate significantly with ≥50% NASCET ICA stenoses. On the other hand, the optimal PSV threshold for predicting ≥80% ECST ICA stenoses was 180 cm/s (sensitivity 100%, specificity 81.82%). (4) Conclusions: Based on our findings, we concluded that PSV is a good and simple marker for the identification of severe stenoses. We found that PSV values correlate significantly with severe NASCET and ECST stenoses, with 200 cm/s and 180 cm/s PSV thresholds. However, PSV was not reliable with moderate NASCET stenoses. In such cases, complementary imaging should be used.

Urinary Androgens Provide Additional Evidence Related to Metabolism and Are Correlated With Serum Androgens in Girls.

Androgen levels are generally measured in serum samples, but urine may be a more feasible option, especially in children, as it is a noninvasive alternative. To assess the correlations of 10 urinary androgen metabolites with 4 serum androgens [dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione, and total and free testosterone] and assess if their correlations differ by participant characteristics. Our study consisted of 44 girls, ages 6-13, who participated in the New York site of the LEGACY Girls Study and had both serum and urine samples collected at the same visit. We performed Pearson's correlation coefficient tests between 4 serum and 10 individual urinary metabolite measures and their sum. We examined the influence of participant characteristics on the magnitude and direction of the correlations. The summed urinary metabolite measures had the highest correlation with free testosterone in serum (global sum, r = 0.83) and correlated least with DHEA-S in serum (global sum, r = 0.64). The correlation between individual urinary metabolites and serum androgens ranged from 0.08 to 0.84.Two 11-oxygenated urinary metabolites (5α-androstane-3α-ol-11,17-dione5β-androstane-3α,11β-diol-17-one) were weakly correlated with all serum androgens. Participant age, weight, height, waist:hip ratio, and pubic hair growth stage changed the correlations between urinary and serum androgens measures between 10% and 213%. The sum of urinary androgen metabolites was a good marker of circulating androstenedione, testosterone, and free testosterone. Individual urinary metabolites provide additional information about the metabolic processes of disease development compared to the antecedent serum androgens.

Evaluation of expression of immunohistochemical markers high molecular weight cytokeratin (HMWCK) and alpha-methylacyl coa racemose (AMACR) in prostatic needle biopsies and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) specimen – A one year observational study

In view of increasing incidence of Prostate cancer with age, its early detection and management is of utmost importance. Digital rectal examination, clinical picture and USG findings are non-specific. In prostatic lesions having a suspicious morphology, IHC staining (HMWCK and AMACR) is done to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. Absence of myoepithelial layer (HMWCK negative) along with cytoplasmic granular staining in glands (AMACR positive) is consistent with malignant diagnosis.To evaluate the utility of IHC markers HMWCK and AMACR in resolving morphologically suspicious foci on Prostatic needle core biopsies and TURP specimens.Observational StudyA total of 30 cases of prostatic lesions were studied. The specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and routinely processed. Haematoxylin-Eosin (H&amp;E) and IHC staining (HMWCK and AMACR) was done in all 30 cases.Data collected was analyzed using appropriate statistical test.A total of 30 cases including 19 cases prostatic needle core biopsies and 11 cases of TURP specimens were included in our study. Histopathological diagnosis included 1 case each of Adenosis, Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and Transitional cell metaplasia; 9 cases of BPH with suspicious foci, 4 cases of LGPIN, 3 cases of HGPIN and 11 cases Prostatic adenocarcinoma. In 5 cases including 3 cases of BPH with suspicious foci and 1 case each of adenosis and AAH, the diagnosis was changed to Prostatic Adenocarcinoma after IHC analysis. We conclude that IHC staining should be done in cases where routine H&amp;E sections have an ambiguous morphology. HMWCK along with AMACR is a good marker combination to differentiate Benign from Malignant lesions.

Effect of Oat Fiber Preparations with Different Contents of β-Glucan on the Formation of Acrylamide in Dietary Bread (Rusks).

In the literature, there are few reports indicating hydrocolloids as a factor capable of reducing the amount of acrylamide formed in food. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the ability of soluble oat fiber to reduce the amount of acrylamide formed in the process of obtaining rusks. The effect of the concentration of β-glucans in oat fiber preparations at 20% and 30% and the amount of preparations used at 10%, 15%, and 20% was investigated. On the basis of the obtained test results, it was shown that the most optimal concentration of oat fiber preparation in rusks recipe is at 15%, regardless of the content of β-glucan in it. This concentration makes it possible to reduce the amount of acrylamide formed in baked goods and rusks by ~70% and ~60%, respectively, while maintaining the desired physical and chemical properties of the product. In addition, it was shown that the browning index and water activity strongly correlate with the content of acrylamide in rusks, which makes them good markers of this compound in rusks. The use of hydrocolloids in the form of oat fiber preparations with different contents of β-glucan as a tool for reducing the amount of acrylamide in rusks, at the same time, offers the possibility of enriching these products with a soluble dietary fiber with health properties.