Serological Markers Research Articles

Predict the effect of the number of positive preoperative serum tumor markers on the surgical method and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients based on mediation analysis

Objective: To investigate the effect of the number of positive preoperative serological tumor markers on the surgical approach and prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: This is a retrospective case-series study. Data from 548 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after radical resection from October 2010 to April 2019 were retrospectively collected in 10 hospitals of China. There were 277 males and 271 females with an age of (57.8±10.2)years(range:23 to 84 years). Four hundred and twenty-six patients(77.7%) had at least one positive preoperative serum tumor marker. The data collection included the results of 4 preoperative serological tumor markers,other preoperative indicators(5 prodromal symptoms, 6 medical history,8 preoperative serological indicators,5 preoperative imaging indicators,and 14 preoperative pathological examination indicators),baseline data (gender and age),surgical methods,and prognostic follow-up data. Four preoperative results of serologic tumor marker and surgical procedure were converted into categorical variables. The number of positive preoperative serum tumor markers was used as the treatment variable,the surgical method was used as the mediating variable,and the survival time was used as the outcome variable. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to screen for other preoperative indicators which were independent factors that influenced the surgical procedure and the prognosis of patients as covariates to analyze the mediating effect. Results: Of the 548 patients included in the study, 176 patients (32.1%) underwent partial hepatectomy,151 patients(27.5%) underwent hemihepatectomy, and 221 patients(40.3%) underwent partial hepatectomy or hemihepatectomy combined with other treatments. The results of the univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the number of positive serum tumor markers,intrahepatic bile duct dilatation,portal vein invasion,pathological differentiation,pathological type,vascular invasion,T stage,N stage and maximum tumor diameter were independent factors influencing the surgical procedure(all P<0.05). Intrahepatic bile duct dilatation,pathological differentiation and T stage were independent prognostic factors for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(all P<0.05). Intrahepatic bile duct dilatation,differentiation and T stage were included as covariates in the mediation effect model. The results showed that the number of positive serum tumor markers before surgery had a negative predictive effect on the survival time of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (β=-0.092, P=0.039),and had a positive predictive effect on the surgical method (β=0.244,P<0.01). The number of positive serum tumor markers had a negative predictive effect on the survival time of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (β=-0.151, P=0.002). Direct and indirect effects accounted for 71.3% and 28.7% of total effects,respectively. Conclusions: The higher the positive number of preoperative tumor markers,the worse the prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The number of positive cells not only directly affects the prognosis of patients,but also indirectly affects the prognosis of patients by affecting the surgical method.

Cystica indeterminata – A novel intriguing pelvic pathology in a 9-year-old girl

Abstract Intra-abdominal cystic lesions are commonly associated with visceral locations such as renal, hepatic, pancreatic, ovarian/adnexal, and mesenteric. Rarely, nonvisceral locations such as retroperitoneum, free intra-peritoneum, prevertebral space, and pelvis harbor cystic lesions. In almost all these lesions, radiology, histopathology, immunostaining, and serology markers are able to assign a definite origin and pathogenesis. Very rarely a clear diagnosis is not possible, and these lesions have been designated as “indeterminate” lesions. We report the first case of “cystica indeterminata” with completely obscure origin and histopathogenesis in a 9-year-old female child. Clinical, radiological, seromarkers, histopathology, related differentials, and pathogenesis have been discussed. We hypothesize that aborted organogenesis or acquired degenerative/involutory changes may lead to such indeterminate lesions.

Malnutrition in total joint arthroplasty: what should the orthopaedic surgeon consider?

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is rising globally, with an associated increase in associated complications, necessitating increased efforts in prevention of these complications with pre-operative optimisation. Malnutrition has been highlighted as one of the most important pre-operative modifiable risk factors to be addressed in TJA, with the term malnutrition in orthopaedic surgery having a broad definition that encompasses a wide range of nutritional abnormalities from undernutrition to overnutrition contributing to the outcomes of TJA. Complications associated with malnutrition include periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), periprosthetic fracture, dislocations, aseptic loosening, anaemia, prolonged length of stay (LOS), increased mortality, and raised health care costs. Standardised nutritional scoring tools, anthropometric measurements, and serological markers are all options available in pre-operative nutritional assessment in TJA, but there is no consensus yet regarding the standardisation of what parameters to assess and how to assess them. Abnormal parameters identified using any of the assessment methods results in the diagnosis of malnutrition, and correction of these parameters of overnutrition or undernutrition have shown to improve outcomes in TJA. With the multiple nutritional parameters contributing to the success of total joint arthroplasty, it is imperative that orthopaedic surgeon has a thorough knowledge regarding nutritional peri-operative optimisation in TJA.

Corneal Epithelial Thickness in Sjogren's Disease: A Pilot Study.

This study was to assess corneal epithelial thickness (CET) in patients with Sjogren's disease (SjD). A retrospective chart review was conducted of SjD patients from September 2021 to January 2022. Patient demographics, unanesthetized Schirmer's test, serologic markers, and symptoms as measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were reviewed. Epithelial thickness from both eyes was measured using anterior segment OCT at the central 3mm and concentric 5mm, 7mm, and 9mm zones for the superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal corneal quadrants. Associations between corneal epithelial thickness with patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and symptoms were evaluated using regression models. Fifteen SjD patients (100% female) were included with a mean age of 58.4 years. Patients with Sjogren's disease had a significantly thinner superior corneal epithelium compared to the inferior epithelium (mean 47.7mm vs 53.1mm, p = 0.001). The epithelial thickness mean standard deviation (MSD) was significantly inversely correlated with the unanesthetized Schirmer test (r=-0.39, p = 0.005), suggesting that an overall variability of CET correlates with decreased aqueous tear production. SS-A, SS-B, ANA, and RF positivity were not associated with any measures of CET. This pilot study suggests that there is significant superior versus inferior thinning of corneal epithelium in Sjogren's patients. There was a significant correlation between variability of corneal epithelial thickness and decreased tear production in Sjogren's patients. Further larger studies are needed to understand the relationship of CET with objective and subjective measurements of ocular surface disease.

Serologic extracellular matrix remodeling markers are related to fibrosis stage and prognosis in a phase 2b trial of simtuzumab in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Novel noninvasive predictors of disease severity and prognosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are needed. This study evaluated the ability of extracellular matrix remodeling markers to diagnose fibrosis stage and predict PSC-related fibrosis progression and clinical events. Liver histology and serum markers of collagen formation (propeptide of type III collagen [Pro-C3], propeptide of type IV collagen, propeptide of type V collagen), collagen degradation (type III collagen matrix metalloproteinase degradation product and type IV collagen matrix metalloproteinase degradation product), and fibrosis (enhanced liver fibrosis [ELF] score and its components [metalloproteinase-1, type III procollagen, hyaluronic acid]) were assessed in samples from baseline to week 96 in patients with PSC enrolled in a study evaluating simtuzumab (NCT01672853). Diagnostic performance for advanced fibrosis (Ishak stages 3-6) and cirrhosis (Ishak stages 5-6) was evaluated by logistic regression and AUROC. Prognostic performance for PSC-related clinical events and fibrosis progression was assessed by AUROC and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Among 234 patients, 51% had advanced fibrosis and 11% had cirrhosis at baseline. Baseline Pro-C3 and ELF score and its components provided moderate diagnostic ability for discrimination of advanced fibrosis (AUROC 0.73-0.78) and cirrhosis (AUROC 0.73-0.81). Baseline Pro-C3, ELF score, and type III procollagen provided a moderate prognosis for PSC-related clinical events (AUROC 0.70-0.71). Among patients without cirrhosis at baseline, median changes in Pro-C3 and ELF score to week 96 were higher in those with than without progression to cirrhosis (both p < 0.001). Pro-C3 correlated with fibrosis stage, and Pro-C3 and ELF score provided discrimination of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis and predicted PSC-related events and fibrosis progression. The results support the clinical utility of Pro-C3 and ELF score for staging and as prognostic markers in PSC.

Multiplex PCR in septic arthritis and periprosthetic joint infections microorganism identification: Results from the application of a new molecular testing diagnostic algorithm.

Pathogen identification is key in the treatment of septic arthritis (SA) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). This study evaluates the outcome of the application of a new, score-based SA and PJI diagnostic algorithm, which includes the execution of molecular testing on synovial fluid. A score-based diagnostic algorithm, which includes serologic and synovial fluid markers determination using multiplex PCR (mPCR) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) molecular testing, has been applied to a consecutive series of patients with clinically suspected SA or PJI. Patients with a score ≥6 underwent synovial fluid molecular testing, together with traditional culture, to identify the pathogen and its genetically determined antibiotic resistance. One hundred and seventeen joints in 117 patients (62.5% women; average age 73 years) met the criteria for possible SA/PJI. The affected joint was the knee in 87.5% (joint replacement 66.5%; native joint 21%) and the hip in 12.5% (all replaced joints). 43/117 patients (36.7%) were ultimately diagnosed with SA/PJI. Among the various testing technologies applied, mPCR was the main determinant for pathogen identification in 63%, standard culture in 26%, and mNGS in 11%.Staphylococcus aureusand Enterococcus faecalis were the top two microorganisms identified by mPCR, whileStaphylococcus epidermidiswas the prevalent organism identified by NGS. mPCR detected the presence/absence of the genetically determined antibiotic resistance of all identified microorganisms. The average timeframe for pathogen identification was 3.13 h for mPCR, 4.5 days for culture, and 3.2 days for NGS. Molecular diagnostic technologies represent an innovative screening for fast microorganism identification when a joint infection is clinically suspected. Level IV, case series.

Serological markers of transfusion transmissible infections and ABO blood groups in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

To ascertain the prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) across diverse donor groups in the Najran province. Additionally, to establish a potential association between the development of TTI and the donors' blood group, as determined by the ABO/Rh blood grouping system. Blood donation data of 4120 donors, spanning from January to December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. The blood were screened for TTI markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc), anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), anti-human immunodeficiency viruses 1 and 2 (anti-HIV1&2), anti-human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (anti-HTLV-1&2), and syphilis antigen. Positive TTI markers were detected in 10.9% of the donors. The most detected TTI marker was anti-HBc (8.9%), followed by HBsAg (0.7%). Other markers were individually detected in <1% of the donors. Anti-HBc-positive was significantly elevated among non-Saudi blood donors. There was an association between age groups and anti-HCV (p=0.002), anti-HTLV (p=0.004) and syphilis antigen (p=0.02) markers positivity. The AB positive blood group exhibited the most positivity for TTI markers, followed by O positive blood group. Similarly, association was found between ABO group and HBsAg (p=0.01), anti-HBc (p=0.001), and anti-HCV (p<0.001) markers positivity. Emphasis on implementing robust screening measures for donated blood is underscored by this study. There is the need for future study to extensively evaluate TTI status to enhance our understanding of the trend in TTI.

Serological immune biomarker for disease severity in dengue-infectedpediatric hospitalized patients.

Clinical manifestation of dengue disease ranges from asymptomatic, febrile fever without warning sign (DOS) to serious outcome dengue with warning sign (DWS) and severe disease (SD) leading to shock syndrome and death. The role of antibody response in natural dengue infection is complex and not completely understood. Here, we aimed to assess serological marker for disease severity. Antibody response of dengue-confirmed pediatric patients with acute secondary infection were evaluated against infecting virus, immature virus, and recombinant envelop protein. Immature virus antibody titers were significantly higher in DWS as compared to DOS (p = 0.0006). However, antibody titers against recombinant envelop protein were higher in DOS as compared to DWS, and antibody avidity was significantly higher against infecting virus in DOS. Serum samples of DOS patients displayed higher in vitro neutralization potential in plaque assay as compared to DWS, whereas DWS serum samples showed higher antibody-dependent enhancement in the in vitro enhancement assays. Thus, antibodies targeting immature virus can predict disease severity and could be used in early forecast of disease outcome using anenzyme-linked immunoassay assaysystem which is less laborious and cheaper than plaque assay system for correlates of protection and could help optimize medical care and resources.

Phenotypic subgroup in serologically active clinically quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus: A cluster analysis based on CSTAR cohort

Serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) is a state within systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by elevated serologic markers without clinical activity. The heterogeneity in SACQ patients poses challenges in disease management. This multicenter prospective study aimed to identify distinct SACQ subgroups and assess their utility in predicting organ damage. SACQ was defined as a sustained period of at least 6months with persistent serologic activity, marked by positive anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies and/or hypocomplementemia, and without clinical activity. Cluster analysis was employed, utilizing 16 independent components to delineate phenotypes. Among the 4,107 patients with SLE, 990 (24.1%) achieved SACQ within 2.0± 2.3 years on average. Over a total follow-up of 7,105.1 patient years, 340 (34.3%) experienced flares, and 134 (13.5%) developed organ damage. Three distinct SACQ subgroups were identified. Cluster 1 (n= 219, 22.1%) consisted predominantly of elderly males with a history of major organ involvement at SLE diagnosis, showing the highest risk of severe flares (16.4%) and organ damage (27.9%). Cluster 2 (n= 279, 28.2%) was characterized by milder disease and a lower risk of damage accrual (5.7%). Notably, 86 patients (30.8%) in cluster 2 successfully discontinued low-dose glucocorticoids, with 49 of them doing so without experiencing flares. Cluster 3 (n= 492, 49.7%) featured the highest proportion of lupus nephritis and a moderate risk of organ damage (11.8%), with male patients showing significantly higher risk of damage (hazard ratio [HR]= 4.51, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.82-11.79). This study identified three distinct SACQ clusters, each with specific prognostic implications. This classification could enhance personalized management for SACQ patients. This work was funded by the National Key R&D Program (2021YFC2501300), the Beijing Municipal Science& Technology Commission (Z201100005520023), the CAMS Innovation Fund (2021-I2M-1-005), and National High-Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding (2022-PUMCH-D-009).

Rheumatic diseases in the elderly: Challenges and management

Abstract The elderly demographic is seeing a gradual rise as a proportion of the overall global population, whilst also experiencing high rates of musculoskeletal issues, requiring specialized care. The management of rheumatic diseases in the elderly presents unique challenges due to the complex interplay among physiological changes, cognitive decline, and altered immune responses. Such conditions can be categorized into those progressing from earlier life stages (such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthritis, and gout) and those predominantly emerging in old age (such as polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, osteoarthritis, crystal arthropathies, and osteoporosis), each with distinct characteristics and management needs. These diseases often present atypically with nonspecific symptoms and altered serological markers, complicating diagnosis and management due to increased toxicity risks and comorbidities. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that includes cardiovascular health monitoring, bone density maintenance, gastrointestinal tolerance management, infection prevention, and mental health support are essential to improve outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients with rheumatic diseases.

Estimation of IL-8 and TNF-α Levels in Pediatric Diarrhea Patients Infected with Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7

Abstract Background: Verotoxins are bacterial virulence factors produced by E. coli O157:H7, transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Objectives: The aim of this article was to diagnose E. coli O157:H7 which causes diarrhea and sometimes develops into HUS, which considers pig health problems and estimates the levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the sera of pediatric patients infected with Enterohemorrhagic E. coli compared to the control group. Materials and Methods: Stool and blood samples were collected from 421 pediatric patients with diarrhea, ranging in age from birth to 13 years old, from March to October 2022. Samples were collected from Al Noor Teaching Hospital, Babylon Hospital for Pediatric and Gynecology, Hilla, Iraq. E. coli O157:H7 was cultured on eosin methylene blue (EMB) and Sorbitol MacConkey agar (SMA), confirmed by biochemical test and cultured on HiCrome E. coli O157:H7 selective medium which was an agar base supplemented with cefixime tellurite agar. Serum from 30 pediatric diarrhea patients infected with E. coli O157:H7 compared with 30 healthy children as control group used to determine serum levels of IL-8 and TNF-α by sandwich ELISA. Results: The results revealed that out of the total 421 samples used in this study, E. coli O157H:7, represented 7% (30 of 421) stool samples. This 30serum samples of infected children as well as 30 samples from healthy children subjected to the estimate serum level of IL-8 and TNF-α which record significant differences P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05 to this cytokines in different age group; the mean of IL-8 level was 283.62 ± 17.8 pg/mL (7–9 years), and the mean of TNF-α was 208.62 ± 28.7 pg/mL (10–13 years) comparative with the control group of 80.58 ± 15.4pg/mL and 32.50 ± 7.5 pg/mL, respectively, and also result showed an increased mean level of IL-8 than TNF-α in the male comparative with female 195.19 ± 10.4 pg/mL and 159.05 ± 12.4 pg/mL, respectively, comparative with the control group. The result showed no significant differences in IL-8 and TNF-α between watery diarrhea (192.43 ± 24.3 pg/mL and 136.05 ± 20.4 pg/mL) and bloody diarrhea (189.02 ± 22.5 pg/mL and 123.80 ± 13.5 pg/mL), and also result showed significant increase of mean sera level of IL-8 than TNF-α in formula feeding children comparative with breastfeeding children (187.87 ± 19.5 pg/mL and 119.93 ± 17.4 pg/mL, respectively). Conclusion: The finding of this study suggested that increased levels of IL-8 and TNF-α are present in all age groups, in male comparative with female, and also in pediatric diarrhea feeding by formula than breastfeeding and no differences of this cytokine according to consistency of diarrhea. These results contribute to using the immune profile as a serological marker for diagnosing diarrhea caused by E. coli O157:H7 in comparison with the control group.

Applicability of the MASEI index in enthesis and its association with other indices/serological markers of activity in patients with spondyloarthritis

IntroductionThe enthesis is one of the target organs in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), since inflammation of it, known as enthesitis, can be observed, which in many patients with spondyloarthritis could go unnoticed. ObjectiveTo find the relationship between the MASEI index (MAdrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index) in entheses and other indices/serological activity markers (such as BASDAI, DAPSA or ASDAS and ESR, CRP) in spondyloarthritis patients. Materials and methodsObservational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Data were collected from patients with SpA who underwent musculoskeletal ultrasound using the MASEI index and who were treated in our clinics from May 2021 to September 2021. As appropriate, the variables evaluated were described using frequency and central tendency/dispersion measures. First, we tested the normality of all the variables using a Shapiro–Wilk test. Then we studied the correlation of parametric and non-parametric numerical variables, using Pearson's and Spearman's coefficients. We used the T-Student, Mann–Whitney U, and chi-square tests for the categorical variables. ResultsWe analyzed 24 patients with SpA (with a mean age of 50.50±10.63 years), 8 women and 16 men. The variables have the following average levels: ASDAS 2.35 (±1.09); BASDAI (for those with axial involvement) 4.54 (±2.93); DAPSA (for psoriatic arthritis) 10.98 (±6.85), and total MASEI 19.88 (±14.77). We found a correlation between the total MASEI and the following variables: ASDAS (Pearson coefficient=.696), BASDAI (Spearman coefficient=.823), and DAPSA (Pearson coefficient=.823). ConclusionPatients with spondyloarthritis with more significant disease activity measured by ASDAS, BASDAI/DAPSA, and the serological markers of inflammation CRP and ESR present a higher total MASEI than patients who are controlled.

Seroprevalence, Risk Factors and Immunological Response against Hepatitis B Virus Among Students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among university students was investigated. Both serological markers of HBV and immune response were assessed. The results revealed significant associations between infection and high-risk behaviors. Full Abstract Hepatitis B Virus is of major public health interest as it accounts for significant mortality globally. The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV infection, the possible potential risk factors, and the immunological response among students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, from December 2022 to April 2023. Structured questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic information as well as possible risk factors related to the infection. Out of 139 study participants (10 females and 129 males screened randomly for HBsAg using a rapid HBsAg test kit, 17 (12.2%) were seropositive, and 122 (87.8%) were seronegative. The sera of the positive participants were further screened for HBeAg, anti-(HBs, HBe, and HBc) using one-step cassette diagnostic kits. Of the 17 positive samples screened, none were reactive for anti-HBs antibodies and HBeAg.; while 15 were positive anti-HBc and anti-HBe, indicating a response to natural infection. Sexual activity, unprotected sexual practices, use of already used sharp objects, and awareness of HBV infection were significantly associated (P&lt;0.05) with the viral infection. The study indicates high endemicity in the study area. It is recommended that Nigerian Universities mandate the Hepatitis B virus vaccine for newly intake students. More awareness should be created about the dangers of unprotected sexual practice use or sharing of used sharp objects, among other possible factors.

Plasmodium vivax serological exposure markers: PvMSP1-42-induced humoral and memory B-cell response generates long-lived antibodies.

Plasmodium vivax serological exposure markers (SEMs) have emerged as promising tools for the actionable surveillance and implementation of targeted interventions to accelerate malaria elimination. To determine the dynamic profiles of SEMs in current and past P. vivax infections, we screened and selected 11 P. vivax proteins from 210 putative proteins using protein arrays, with a set of serum samples obtained from patients with acute P. vivax and documented past P. vivax infections. Then we used a murine protein immune model to initially investigate the humoral and memory B cell response involved in the generation of long-lived antibodies. We show that of the 11 proteins, especially C-terminal 42-kDa region of P. vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP1-42) induced longer-lasting long-lived antibodies, as these antibodies were detected in individuals infected with P. vivax in the 1960-1970s who were not re-infected until 2012. In addition, we provide a potential mechanism for the maintenance of long-lived antibodies after the induction of PvMSP1-42. The results indicate that PvMSP1-42 induces more CD73+CD80+ memory B cells (MBCs) compared to P. vivax GPI-anchored micronemal antigen (PvGAMA), allowing IgG anti-PvMSP1-42 antibodies to be maintained for a long time.

Hepatitis B Virus in People who Inject Drugs and Men who Have Sex With Men With HIV in India: A Cross-sectional Study.

People with HIV (PWH) who are coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have a higher risk of mortality compared with PWH alone. Populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM) are particularly at high risk for HBV acquisition; yet, limited epidemiological data from these populations exist on HBV prevalence from low- and middle-income country settings (LMICs). We characterized the prevalence and correlates of HBV serological markers in a sample of PWID and MSM with HIV recruited across 15 Indian cities using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). Testing of stored specimens for the presence of these markers was performed on the Abbott ARCHITECT i1000 as per the manufacturer's instructions. Correlates of ever being infected with HBV (reactive for anti-HBc and/or HBsAg) and chronic HBV (reactive for HBsAg) among those ever infected were assessed using univariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression models accounting for site-level clustering. A total of 2198 (95%) of the 2314 participants recruited for the trial were screened for HBV markers. The median age among the PWID and MSM participants was 30 and 32 years, respectively. The prevalence of ever being infected with HBV was 75.6% vs 46.9% in PWID vs MSM, respectively (P < .01); prevalence of chronic infection was also higher in PWID vs MSM (14.1% vs 9.5%; P < .01). Correlates of ever being infected with HBV among PWID included unstable housing (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.02) and sharing injection paraphernalia (aOR, 2.70), and among MSM, correlates included history of injection drug use (aOR, 4.87) and gender identity. The prevalence of isolated core (anti-HBc in the absence of anti-HBs) was 34.7% vs 29.4% in PWID vs MSM (P < .05). Vaccination serostatus was <10% in both populations. In this large sample of PWID and MSM with HIV, we observed a high prevalence of serology consistent with HBV infection and low vaccination, highlighting the need for routine screening and catch-up vaccination. The high prevalence of isolated anti-HBc reactivity highlights the need to understand the risk of reactivation with this serological pattern.

Relationship between thyroid hormone levels and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: A clinical study.

This study investigates the correlation between thyroid hormone levels and metabolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who exhibit normal thyroid function and metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The objective is to identify a scientific basis for the management of T2DM complicated by MASLD, aiming to refine clinical strategies and enhance patient well-being. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0, employing independent sample t-tests for normally distributed data and logarithmic transformations for non-normal data to meet analysis prerequisites. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis elucidated the impact of various factors on the risk of MASLD in T2DM patients. Elevated levels of FT3 may be associated with an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, the FT3/FT4 ratio has been validated as an effective serological marker for predicting the risk of MASLD. In patients with DM2 and normal thyroid function, changes in thyroid hormone levels are closely related to the occurrence of MASLD. Elevated levels of FT3, total triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone are associated with an increased risk of MASLD. FT3, TT3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone have important clinical value in the diagnosis of patients with T2DM complicated with MASLD.

P040 A prospective study to assess the association of serological markers (interleukins 17, 31 and 33) with disease severity and response to antihistamines in paediatric chronic spontaneous urticaria

P040 A prospective study to assess the association of serological markers (interleukins 17, 31 and 33) with disease severity and response to antihistamines in paediatric chronic spontaneous urticaria

Safety and DIVA Capability of Novel Live Attenuated Classical Swine Fever Marker Vaccine Candidates in Pregnant Sows.

Classical Swine Fever (CSF), a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar, results in significant economic losses in the swine industry. In endemic regions, prophylactic vaccination and stamping-out strategies are used to control CSF outbreaks. However, sporadic outbreaks and persistent infections continue to be reported. Although the conventional attenuated CSF vaccines protect pigs against the disease, they do not allow for the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), limiting their use as an eradication tool. In this study, three targeted attenuation strategies were employed to generate vaccine candidates based on the current prevalent CSFV group 2 strains GD18 and QZ07: a single deletion of H79 in Erns (QZ07-sdErnsH-KARD), double deletion of H79 and C171 in Erns (GD18-ddErnsHC-KARD and QZ07-ddErnsHC-KARD), and deletion of H79 in Erns combined with a 5-168 amino acids deletion of Npro (GD18-ddNpro-ErnsH-KARD). Additionally, a negative serological marker with four substitutions in a highly conserved epitope in E2 recognized by the monoclonal antibody 6B8 was introduced in each candidate for DIVA purposes. The safety of these four resulting vaccine candidates was evaluated in pregnant sows. Two candidates, GD18-ddErnsHC-KARD and QZ07-sdErnsH-KARD were found to be safe for pregnant sows and unlikely to cause vertical transmission. Both candidates also demonstrated potential to be used as DIVA vaccines, as was shown using a proprietary blocking ELISA based on the 6B8 monoclonal antibody. These results, together with our previous work, constitute a proof-of-concept for the rational design of CSF antigenically marked modified live virus vaccine candidates.

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection among treatment-naive persons living with HIV in Ghana.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) constitutes a significant global health challenge, with more than 2 billion people infected globally and almost 291 million chronic cases. In Africa, coinfection of HBV with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is high, yet the condition remains overlooked in many countries. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved HIV survival, viral hepatitis continues to contribute to morbidity and mortality. Occult Hepatitis B infection (OBI), characterized by a low-level of HBV DNA in individuals with negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), is an emerging concern among HIV seropositive individuals due to the risk of HBV reactivation and associated complications, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ghana has an estimated HBV/HIV coinfection prevalence of 13.6% making it important to also determine potential cases of OBI. This study aims to assess OBI prevalence in persons living with HIV (PLHIV). A cross-sectional study was conducted in five health facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis. HBV-related serological markers were determined among 116 PLHIV using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. HBV DNA was extracted from 30 participants found to be HBsAg negative but positive for hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb+). Nested PCR was employed in detecting HBV DNA and HBV viral load was performed using qPCR. The median age of the participants was 37 years (IQR 22-65). Serologically, 7.8% (n = 9, 95% CI: 3.5-22.7), 12.1% (n = 14), and 25.9% (n = 30) tested positive for solely HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb respectively. OBI prevalence among HBsAg-/HBcAb+ participants was 16.7% (n = 5, 95% CI: 6.5-23.7) with a median HBV DNA level of 139.2 IU/ml (IQR, 96.7-142.0). The prevalence of OBI among HIV-positive participants in the Cape Coast Metropolis highlights the need to consider screening for HBV among HIV patients using nucleic acid amplification tests. This can inform medical management and reduce the risk of liver complications, including HCC.

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among HIV-infected patients in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, November 2002 to July 2023

We tested HIV-infected people with HBV serological markers of Ningxia. Of 1008 HIV-positive individuals, 70 (6.9 %) tested positive for HBsAg, 570 (56.5 %) tested positive for anti-HBs, and 483 (47.9 %) tested positive for anti-HBc. Of 70 HBV-positive individuals, 13 (18.5 %) tested positive for HBeAg, 31 (44.3 %) tested positive for anti-HBe, 3 (4.2 %) exhibited acute infection.