Response Index Research Articles

Associations of muscle mass, strength, and quality with diabetes and the mediating role of inflammation in two National surveys from China and the United states

AimsThe evidence for joint and independent associations of low muscle mass and low muscle strength with diabetes is limited and mixed. The study aimed to determine the associations of muscle parameters (muscle mass, strength, quality, and sarcopenia) and sarcopenia obesity with diabetes, and the previously unstudied mediating effect of inflammation. Materials and MethodsA total of 13,420 adults from the 2023 China National Health Survey (CNHS) and 5,380 adults from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. Muscle mass was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in the CNHS, and whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the NHANES. Muscle strength was assessed using digital hand dynamometer. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations of muscle parameters and sarcopenia obesity with diabetes. Inflammatory status was assessed using blood cell counts and two systemic inflammation indices (platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and system inflammation response index (SIRI)). Mediation analysis was conducted to examine inflammation’s role in these associations. ResultsLow muscle mass and strength were independently related to diabetes. Low muscle quality was associated with elevated diabetes risk. Sarcopenia has a stronger association with diabetes compared to low muscle strength alone or mass alone (CNHS, odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95 % confidence interval (CI):1.64–2.27; NHANES, OR = 3.80, 95 %CI:2.58–5.58). Participants with sarcopenia obesity exhibit a higher risk of diabetes than those with obesity or sarcopenia alone (CNHS, OR = 2.21, 95 %CI:1.72–2.84; NHANES, OR = 6.06, 95 %CI:3.64–10.08). Associations between muscle parameters and diabetes were partially mediated by inflammation (mediation proportion: 1.99 %-36.64 %, P < 0.05). ConclusionLow muscle mass and muscle strength are independently or jointly associated with diabetes, and inflammation might be a potential mechanism underlying this association. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of sarcopenia and obesity could significantly increase diabetes risk.

Reproduction, growth and oxidative stress in earthworm Eisenia andrei exposed to conventional and biodegradable mulching film microplastics

Plastic contamination in agricultural soils has become increasingly evident. Plastic mulching films are widely used in agricultural practices. However, the increased use of biodegradable plastics has, to some extent, replaced their non-degradable counterparts. The fragmentation of plastics generates microplastics (MPs), posing risk to soil functions and organisms. In this study the effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate biodegradable microplastics (PBAT-BD-MP) originating from mulching films on the earthworm Eisenia andrei were studied. The earthworms were exposed to seven concentrations (0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 % w/w) based on environmentally relevant levels and worst-case scenarios on soil contamination. Survival, growth, reproduction, and biomarkers for oxidative stress [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO)] were analysed. Additionally, the Integrated Biomarker Response Index (IBR) was calculated to assess the overall oxidative stress status of the earthworms. Results showed that PE-MP exposure slightly decreased the biomass of the earthworms towards higher concentrations, whereas PBAT-BD-MPs induced growth at lower concentrations. MPs did not have a significant effect on Eisenia andrei reproduction; however, a slight negative trend was observed in juvenile production with increasing PE-MP concentrations. Both PE-MP and PBAT-BD-MP affected antioxidant system, PE-MPs with changes in CAT and GR levels and PBAT-BD-MPs inducing effects on SOD and LPO levels. Additionally, both MPs exhibited effects on soil parameters, resulting in increased soil pH and water-holding capacity at 5 % concentration. Changes in soil parameters can further affect soil organisms such as earthworms. This study provides understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia andrei. It also shows that MP particles of both conventional and biodegradable mulching films induce oxidative stress, considered as an early-warning indicator for adverse ecological effects, in environmentally relevant concentrations.

Analysis of the immune-inflammatory indices for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer

BackgroundInflammation plays a pivotal role in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Several immune-inflammatory indices, including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lung immune prognostic index (LIPI), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII), have demonstrated their prognostic values in several solid malignancies. However, Comparisons of superiority with these seven indices’ predictive efficacy within metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa (mHSPC) and metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) remain uncertain.MethodsWe retrospectively included 407 patients diagnosed with mHSPC and 158 patients with mCRPC at West China Hospital from 2005 to 2022. The seven immune-inflammatory indices were computed based on hematological data of mHSPC at initial diagnosis and mCRPC at progression to CRPC. Prognostic value for castration-resistant prostate cancer-free survival (CFS), overall survival (OS), prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (PSA-PFS) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression models, and chi-square tests. The predictive performance of each immune-inflammatory index was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) in time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and C-index calculation.ResultsAll seven immune-inflammatory indices were significantly associated with CFS and OS in the mHSPC cohort, as well as with PSA response, PSA-PFS, and OS in the mCRPC cohort. In the mHSPC cohort, LIPI consistently exhibited higher AUC values compared to NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, SII, and SIRI for predicting CFS and OS. This indicates that LIPI had a superior discriminative ability compared to the other indices (C-index of LIPI: 0.643 and 0.686 for CFS and OS, respectively). Notably, the predictive advantage of LIPI over other indices in the mHSPC stage diminished in the mCRPC stage.ConclusionsThis study firstly confirmed the prognostic value of SII, SIRI and LIPI in mHSPC and mCRPC, and revealed that LIPI had a higher predictive power than NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, SII and SIRI in mHSPC. These non-invasive indices can enable clinicians to quickly assess the prognosis of patients.

Blood-Count-Derived Inflammatory Markers as Predictors of Response to Biologics and Small-Molecule Inhibitors in Psoriasis: A Multicenter Study.

Background: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic disorder associated with various comorbidities. Even though biologics and small-molecule inhibitors are the mainstay treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, there is no current consensus regarding which agent should be used for a specific type of patient. This paper aims to test the reliability of blood-count-derived inflammatory markers in assessing treatment response to biologics and small-molecule inhibitors in psoriasis. Material and Methods: Bio-naïve adult patients diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. They were divided into study subgroups based on treatment of choice, and blood-count-derived inflammatory markers were analyzed at baseline, three-month, six-month, and at twelve-month visits. Results: A total of 240 patients were included. The highest number of patients underwent treatment with ixekizumab. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet-to-monocyte ratio (PMR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (d-NLR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) all varied significantly (p < 0.005) between the four visits. The psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score correlated with PLR, d-NLR, and SII, while the psoriasis scalp severity index (PSSI) score correlated with AISI and SIRI. More than half of patients reached the target goal of PASI90 at the six-month visit. A total of 77 patients were super-responders, with the highest number undergoing treatment with ixekizumab. Higher baseline values of d-NLR and SIRI are independent predictors of the super-responder status. Conclusions: Blood-count-derived inflammatory markers can serve as indicators of treatment response to biologics in psoriasis, while d-NLR and SIRI were independent predictors of super-responders in our study.

Comparison of Inflammatory Marker Scoring Systems and Conventional Inflammatory Markers in Patients over 65 Years of Age Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

Background: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of inflammation markers on infection and mortality in patients over 65 years of age monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this study, we attempted to determine the significance of the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV); the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR); the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR); the monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR); the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII); the systemic immune response index (SIRI); multi-inflammatory indices (MIIs) 1, 2, and 3; and the CRP/albumin ratio (a new biomarker) as prognostic and mortality markers in patients over 65 years of age being monitored in the ICU. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study was conducted on patients aged 65 and over who were admitted to two tertiary-level ICUs. Patients with cirrhosis, bone marrow transplantation, hematologic malignancy, steroid intake, current chemotherapy treatment, and neutropenia upon admission to the ICU were excluded from this study. Results: A total of 333 patients were included in this study. The group's 28-day mortality was found to be 31.8%. When each inflammatory marker associated with 28-day mortality was examined, the CRP/albumin ratio was found to be a better indicator than both the NLR and the SIRI, and the results were statistically significant (AUC: 0.665, 95% CI: 0.604-0.726, and p < 0.001). The NLR showed moderate discriminative ability in distinguishing mortality risk (AUC: 0.593, 95% CI: 0.526-0.660, and p = 0.006). Although the SIRI was lower than the NLR, it produced a statistically significant result (AUC: 0.580, 95% CI: 0.514-0.646, and p = 0.019). The CRP/albumin ratio was the most effective inflammatory marker in predicting mortality risk in older patients admitted to the ICU. Conclusions: It is important to monitor inflammatory markers (especially CRP/albumin ratio, NLR, SIRI, and MII 1-2-3) in older patients admitted to the ICU in order to accurately predict 28-day mortality. In the current study, the effects of PIV, MLR, PLR, and SII on the prediction of 28-day mortality in older ICU patients could not be demonstrated. We believe that more clinical studies are needed to determine the effects of PIV, MLR, PLR, and SII on short- and long-term prognoses and survival in older ICU patients.

Detection of closely linked QTLs and candidate genes controlling germination indices in response to drought and salinity stresses in barley

The aim of current study was to identify closely linked QTLs and candidate genes related to germination indices under control, salinity and drought conditions in barley. A total of nine (a major), 28 (eight major) and 34 (five major) closely linked QTLs were mapped on the seven chromosomes in response to control, drought and salinity conditions using genome-wide composite interval mapping, respectively. The major QTLs can be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) projects to increase tolerance to drought and salinity stresses during the germination. Overall, 422 unique candidate genes were associated with most major QTLs. Moreover, gene ontology analysis showed that candidate genes mostly involved in biological process related to signal transduction and response to stimulus in the pathway of resistance to drought and salinity stresses. Also, the protein–protein interaction network was identified 10 genes. Furthermore, 10 genes were associated with receptor-like kinase family. In addition, 16 transcription factors were detected. Three transcription factors including B3, bHLH, and FAR1 had the most encoding genes. Totally, 60 microRNAs were traced to regulate the target genes. Finally, the key genes are a suitable and reliable source for future studies to improve resistance to abiotic stress during the germination of barley.

Systemic immune-inflammatory index and systemic inflammation response index in predicting renal impairment in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of systemic immune-inflammatory index and systemic inflammation response index in predicting early renal impairment in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study which searched the electronic medical records of patients consecutively admitted to Pediatric Endocrinology Unit with the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus between August 2022 and July 2023.ResultsA total of 100 children with the diagnosis of T1DM were enrolled in the study. Early stage diabetic nephropathy (DN) was found in 34 patients. Patients with DN showed significantly higher HbA1C, microalbuminuria, cholesterol, TLC, platelet, neutrophil count, NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI than the DM without DN. It was discovered that DN was independently correlated with NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI.ConclusionsSIRI and SII are easily available and affordable inflammatory markers that may serve as independent early predictors of diabetic nephropathy in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Novel predictors of intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in patients with Kawasaki disease: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of systemic immune inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and pan-immune inflammation value (PIV) in predicting intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance in children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD). The clinical data of pediatric patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease and admitted to our hospital between January 2006 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 771 children diagnosed with KD were included in this study, 86 (11.2%) of whom were diagnosed with IVIG resistance. The correlation between SII, SIRI, PIV and IVIG resistance was evaluated using univariate testing, binary logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Our study found that the SII, SIRI, and PIV were independent risk factors (p=0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.02, respectively). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of the SII, SIRI, and PIV were 0.626 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.553-0.698, p<0.001), 0.571 (95% CI: 0.500-0.642, p=0.032), and 0.568 (95% CI: 0.495-0.641, p=0.040), respectively, and the cutoff values were 2209.66, 3.77, and 1387.825, respectively. The SII, SIRI, and PIV have potential value in predicting IVIG resistance in patients with KD.

Effectiveness and pregnancy outcomes of ultrasound-indicated and physical examination-indicated cervical cerclage: a retrospective study from a single centre

ObjectivePreterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and cervical incompetence (CIC) is a significant contribution. Cervical cerclage (CC) is an effective obstetric intervention. However, many clinical factors affect the success rate of surgery. The objective was to investigate and compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of patients who underwent ultrasound- and physical examination-indicated cervical cerclage and to explore the influencing factors of preterm delivery before 34 weeks.MethodsThe sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data of patients with a diagnosis of cervical incompetence who underwent ultrasound- and physical examination-indicated transvaginal cervical cerclage at Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of the patients were evaluated. Continuous variables were compared using Student’s t test (for normally distributed data) or the Mann-Whitney U test (for nonnormally distributed data). Categorical variables were analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Additionally, logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the associations of inflammatory markers with maternal and neonatal outcomes.ResultsThis study included 141 participants who underwent cervical cerclage, including 71 with ultrasound-indicated cerclage and 70 with physical examination-indicated cerclage. Compared to those in the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, the duration from cerclage to delivery, birth weight, and APGAR score in the physical examination-indicated cerclage group were significantly lower, and the rates of delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks, < 34 weeks, and < 37 weeks of gestation and neonatal mortality were significantly higher (all P < 0.05). Compared to those in the physical ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, in the physical examination-indicated cerclage group, maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Additionally, maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as the CRP, white blood cell count, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII, and SIRI were significantly higher in the group with delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that twin pregnancy had the highest OR for preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation (OR = 3.829; 95% CI 1.413–10.373; P = 0.008), as well as the following: the SII level (OR = 1.001; 95% CI 1.000-1.002; P = 0.003) and CRP level (OR = 1.083; 95% CI 1.038–1.131; P = 0.022). The risk factors for preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation were twin gestation, an increased SII level and an increased CRP level, which had good combined predictive value.ConclusionIn patients with cervical insufficiency, ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage appears to lead to better pregnancy outcomes than physical examination-indicated cerclage. Twin pregnancy and maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as the CRP level and the SII, are associated with preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation.

Evaluation of peripheral blood inflammatory biomarkers in sickle cell disease with and without retinopathy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of blood-cell associated inflammation markers in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell retinopathy (SCR). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SIII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), systemic inflammation modulation index (SIMI) and aggregate systemic inflammation index (AISI) were calculated. This study included 45 healthy controls (Group 1) and 100 SCD (Group 2). Patients in Group 2 were then divided into two groups: without SCR (Group 3) and with SCR (Group 4), and patients with SCR (Group 4) were further divided into two groups: non-proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (NPSCR) (Group 5) and proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSCR) (Group 6). The mean values for NLR, PLR, SIII, SIRI, AISI, and SIMI were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (p = 0.011 for NLR, p = 0.004 for SIII, and p < 0.001 for others). Furthermore, AISI and SIMI parameters demonstrated statistically significant discriminatory power to distinguish Group 5 from Group 6 (p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0006, respectively). Given the critical role of inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of SCD and its related complications, the assessment of blood-cell-associated inflammatory markers may present a pragmatic and advantageous approach to the clinical oversight and therapeutic intervention of SCD.

CHARACTERISTICS OF IMMUNOREACTIVITY IN THE RAT UNDER CONDITIONS OF TOXIC INJURY WITH ACETAMINOPHEN

The aim of this work was to to determine the integral leukocyte indices in animals with toxic damage by acetaminophen on the background of protein deficiency. The study was conducted on 4 groups of animals: Group I - control animals (K); II – rats kept on a low-protein diet (LPD); ІІІ – animals with acetaminophen-induced liver injury receiving complete ration (AII); IV – animals with acetaminophen-induced liver injury that were previously maintained on semi-synthetic low-protein ration (LPD/AII). Preparation of blood smears, their fixation and staining was carried out by the generally accepted method. The ratio of different types of leukocytes in stained blood smears was calculated using a standard method using a leukocyte counter and a microscope (eyepiece × 10, objective × 100). Standard formulas were used to calculate integral hematological indices. It was established that the supply of protein in the diet is critical for the functioning of the immune system under conditions of acetaminophen intoxication, since under these conditions there is a change in leukocyte indices, in particular, the index of immunoreactivity, the index of leukocyte shift, the index of the ratio of neutrophils and lymphocytes, the index of the reactive response of neutrophils, which indicates the intensification of inflammatory processes in the body and the formation of defects in the cellular link of immunity, disruption of the mechanisms of the specific immune response and the formation of a state of endotoxicosis. The obtained results can be used to develop approaches to the early diagnosis of impaired immunoreactivity in animals with toxic damage by acetaminophen against the background of dietary protein deficiency, while the studied integral hematological indicators can be used as additional early diagnostic markers of impaired immunoreactivity and endotoxicosis. Key words: acetaminophen, dietary protein deficiency, leukocytes, immunoreactivity indices

Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score in shoulder pathologies: cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Russian

Background. Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) Score is a single-answer scale widely used within the global medical community. However, to date, it has not been adapted and validated into Russian, particularly as a tool to assess orthopedic shoulder conditions. The aim of the study is to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Russian version of the SANE score as an assessment tool of orthopedic shoulder conditions. Methods. The study included a total of 160 patients with various shoulder pathologies, of which 101 (63%) males and 59 (37%) females. The median age was 45 (37-52) years. At the first stage of the study, we performed cross-cultural adaptation of the SANE score into Russian. The second stage was the validation of the obtained score. Its reliability, validity and responsiveness were evaluated. Reliability was assessed by “test-retest” method. It allowed to measure an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between the SANE score results obtained at the time of the first appointment and again in 14 days. The validity assessment was based on the comparison of the SANE and ASES (have already been adapted into Russian) score results. Responsiveness was assessed using statistical analysis for two dependent samples and calculation of the Guyatt’s Responsivity Index (GRI). Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated as the percentage of patients who reported either minimum or maximum scores. Results. The psychometric properties assessment has revealed good indicators of reliability (ICC = 0.77), validity (a strong direct correlation between SANE and ASES scores = 0.707; a moderate strength inverse correlation with ASES “Intensity of pain” subsection = 0.542) and responsiveness (GRI = 1.861). Floor and ceiling effects accounted for 1% and 3%, respectively, (all below 15%). Conclusions. Adapted to assess the shoulder conditions, the Russian version of the SANE score has good psychometric properties. Its advantage is the combination of completion speed and ease of use with a high-quality integrated subjective assessment of the patients’ set of complaints.

The association between systemic inflammation markers and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BackgroundSystemic inflammation markers have recently been identified as being associated with cardiac disorders. However, limited research has been conducted to estimate the pre-diagnostic associations between these markers and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Our aim is to identify potential biomarkers for early detection of PAF.Methods91 participants in the PAF group and 97 participants in the non-PAF group were included in this study. We investigated the correlations between three systemic inflammation markers, namely the systemic immune inflammation index (SII), system inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), and PAF.ResultsThe proportion of patients with PAF gradually increased with increasing logSII, logSIRI, and logAISI tertiles. Compared to those in the lowest tertiles, the PAF risks in the highest logSII and logSIRI tertiles were 3.2-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively. Conversely, there was no significant correlation observed between logAISI and PAF risk within the highest tertile of logAISI. The restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between the elevation of systemic inflammation markers and PAF risk. Specifically, the incidence of PAF is respectively increased by 56%, 95%, and 150% for each standard deviation increase in these variables. The ROC curve analysis of logSII, logSIRI and logAISI showed that they had AUC of 0.6, 0.7 and 0.6, respectively. It also demonstrated favorable sensitivity and specificity of these systemic inflammation markers in detecting the presence of PAF.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study reveals significant positive correlations between SII, SIRI, and AISI with the incidence of PAF.

Identification of Student Misconception Level Through The Four Tier Dignostic Test as A Result of The Implementation of E-Module Development

Learning in Kurikulum Merdeka guides students not only to wait for information from the teacher, but also to independently obtain good learning resources. Each student's literacy skills will influence their ability to understand material. Students having a misconception still becomes a big threat, therefore the students need specially designed learning media based on materials needed which is listed on the teacher's lesson plan. The learning media was developed in e-modules that can be used both offline and online so as to help reduce misconceptions in the material being studied. This study aims to identify the level of students' misconceptions between classes that use e-modules and those that do not. The research design used a posttest only control group design with questions of the type of four tier diagnostic test. Students answered by google forms and analyzed based on the Certainty of Response Index (CRI) criteria. The results of the implementation of e-modules, that have been developed based on the needs of the teacher's lesson plan, show differences in the level of misconceptions between classes that use it and those who don't. In the experimental class, 33.4% of students stated misconceptions, while in the control class it was 51.7.

Изучение некоторых функциональных характеристик ферментативных гидролизатов пищевых белков

Food allergy is a matter of global concern, proteins being a popular allergen worldwide. Enzymatic protein hydrolysates serve as hypoallergenic components in functional foods. This article describes enzymatic hydrolysates of egg and soy proteins as potential antigens, sensitizers, and antioxidants. The research featured soy protein isolate and egg albumin. The protein hydrolysates were obtained in a two-step process with pepsin and trypsin to measure hydrolysis, total antioxidant activity, and residual antigenicity. The sensitizing ability of native proteins and their hydrolysates was studied using a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test of paw swelling in mice. The egg albumin and soy protein were hydrolyzed by sequentially adding the proteases, i.e., pepsin and trypsin. The degree of protein hydrolysis was calculated against total nitrogen and its contents in non-hydrolyzed raw materials and hydrolysate. It was 82.6% for the egg hydrolysate and 88.3% for the soy hydrolysate, the total antioxidant activity being 114.3 and 91.4 mg/100 mL, respectively. The residual antigenicity of the hydrolysates determined by ELISA in a sandwich version was 1.55×10–4 and 3.30×10–4 RU, respectively. The native egg and soy proteins demonstrated good allergenic properties, and the DTH response index increased fivefold. The hydrolysates reduced the DTH response indices by an average of 3.5 for egg hydrolysate and 2.6 times for soy hydrolysate. The resulting enzymatic hydrolysates of egg albumin and soy protein demonstrated a high degree of hydrolysis and antioxidant activity. They had low residual antigenicity (10–4) and low sensitizing ability. The resulting enzymatic hydrolysates could be used as hypoallergenic components and antioxidants in new functional foods.

Gustative Roussy Immune Score is a Predictor for Major Pathological Response in Rectal Cancer: A Result from the Preoperative Intraarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Radiotherapy (PCAR) Study

Despite the emergence of various treatment strategies for rectal cancer based on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, there is currently a lack of reliable biomarkers to determine which patients will respond well to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Through collecting hematological and biochemical parameters data of patients prior to receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, we evaluated the predictive value of systemic inflammatory indices for pathological response and prognosis in rectal cancer patients. We found that baseline GRIm-Score was an independent predictor for MPR in rectal cancer patients. However, no association was observed between several commonly systemic inflammation indices and long-term outcome.

Predictive value of circulating lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory indexes for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response in rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma patients: A machine learning approach.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of circulating lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory indexes in response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with rectal mucinous adenocarcinomas (MACs). Rectal MAC patients who underwent NCRT and curative resection at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital's Department of Colorectal Surgery between 2016 and 2020 were included in the study. Patients were categorized into good and poor response groups based on their pathological response to NCRT. An independent risk factor-based nomogram model was constructed by utilizing multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithm was applied to build a machine learning (ML)-based predictive model. Feature importance was quantified using the Shapley additive explanations method. Out of the 283 participants involved in this research, 190 (67.1%) experienced an unfavorable outcome. To identify the independent risk factors, logistic regression analysis was performed, considering variables such as tumor length, pretreatment clinical T stage, PNI, and Th/Tc ratio. Subsequently, a nomogram model was constructed, achieving a C-index of 0.756. The ML model exhibited higher prediction accuracy than the nomogram model, achieving an AUROC of 0.824 in the training set and 0.762 in the tuning set. The top five important parameters of the ML model were identified as the Th/Tc ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte, Th lymphocytes, Gross type, and T lymphocytes. Radiochemotherapy sensitivity is markedly influenced by systemic inflammation and lymphocyte-mediated immune responses in rectal MAC patients. Our ML model integrating clinical characteristics, circulating lymphocyte subsets, and inflammatory indexes is a potential assessment tool that can provide a reference for individualized treatment for rectal MAC patients.

Development and validation of a biomarker index for HCC treatment response.

Serum AFP-L3%, AFP, and DCP are useful biomarkers for HCC detection, but their utility in assessing treatment response remains unknown. We aim to evaluate the accuracy of a biomarker model in the detection of posttreatment viable tumors. For model derivation, recipients with HCC undergoing liver transplant from 2018 to 2022 who had biomarkers collected within 3 months before transplant were included. We developed a generalized linear model for detecting posttreatment viable tumors with the 3 biomarkers as covariates, which we termed the "LAD Score." An independent cohort of 117 patients with HCC was used for external validation. Among 205 recipients of transplant, 70.2% had evidence of viable tumor on explant. The median LAD score was higher among patients with viable versus nonviable tumors (1.06 vs. 0.465, p < 0.001). The LAD score had a sensitivity of 55.6% and a specificity of 85.1% at the cutoff of 0.927, which was more accurate than imaging for detecting posttreatment viable tumors (AUROC 0.736 vs. 0.643, respectively; p = 0.045). The superior performance of the LAD score over imaging is primarily driven by its greater accuracy in detecting tumors <2cm in diameter (AUROC of the LAD score 0.721 vs. imaging 0.595, p = 0.02). In the validation data set, the LAD score had an AUROC of 0.832 (95% CI: 0.753, 0.911) with a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 89.4% at the cutoff of 0.927. Our findings suggest the utility of LAD score in treatment response assessment after locoregional therapy for HCC, particularly in detecting small tumors. A larger prospective study is in progress to validate its accuracy and evaluate its performance in recurrence monitoring.

Responsive refractive index sensor based on actively tuning liquid crystal topological edge states

In this paper, using the electric field regulation and low loss properties of liquid crystal materials, a tunable polarization-separated liquid crystal (LC) topological edge state is proposed, whose potential in responsive sensors (RSs) is explored. Adjustment of the measuring range and sensitivity of the RS can be realized by controlling the orientation angle of LC and the analyte proportion. In the case of a low ratio of analytes, as the LC orientation angle changes from 18° to 0°, the measurement range will also vary from 1–1.8 RIU (refractive index unit) to 1.8–2.3 RIU. When adding the proportion of analytes and the number of periods, the normalized sensitivity will be increased from 0.0759 c/d/RIU (c is the propagation speed of light in vacuum, and d is the normalized thickness) to 0.299 c/d/RIU, leading to a reduction in the detection limit from 2.75 × 10−4 to 5 × 10−6 RIU, so biological indicators such as bacteria Leptospira in rodent urine can be detected.

The Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation as a Predictor of Mortality in Stroke Patients.

Background and objectives Stroke, a leading cause of mortality and disability, involves significant inflammation both before and after onset. This study investigates the relationship between the aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) and mortality in stroke patients. The objective is to determine if AISI, an easily accessible biomarker, can predict stroke prognosis. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, the medical records of patients who presented to Harran University Neurology Clinic between January 2018 and September 2023 were reviewed. A total of 200 patients, 106 of whom were diagnosed as having an ischaemic stroke and 94 of whom were diagnosed as having a haemorrhagic stroke, were included in the study. A control group was also formed, which consisted of 100 people of similar age and sex with the patient group. The controls had neither chronic disease nor chronic drug use. Using biochemical and full blood count parameters, neutrophil-to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil to high-density cholesterol ratio (NHR), monocyte to high-density cholesterol ratio, systemic immune inflammation index (SII), systematic immune response index (SIRI) and the AISIwere calculated for all patients and the control group. Results A comparison of the two groups revealed significantly higher NLR, NHR, PLR, LMR, MLR, SII, SIRI and AISI values compared with the controls. NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI and AISI values were significantly higher in haemorrhagic stroke than in ischaemic stroke. Elevated NLR level and SII were correlated to mortality (respectively p:0.000, p = 0.017). SIRI (p = 0.189) and AISI (p = 0.162) were not correlated to mortality. However, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined that mortality increased for patients with AISI values above 507.45 (p = 0.003). Conclusions The AISI was found to be high among stroke patients, especially in haemorrhagic strokes. A relationship was observed between the increase in AISI above a certain value and mortality. The AISI is an accessible biomarker that shows inflammation in stroke patients. Therefore, it can be used to predict the prognosis of stroke.