Serum Levels Of Protein Research Articles

Assessment of etiological factors of hyperkalemia development in cats

Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels in the blood, can have a serious effect on the body. High potassium levels can be both a cause and a consequence of impaired cell function, including cells of the heart, nervous system, muscles and other organs. The purpose of the presented study was to identify and evaluate the etiological causes leading to the development of hyperkalemia in cats in St. Petersburg with subsequent statistical processing of the results obtained. The serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, glucose, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, as well as the activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (AlAt), aspartate aminotransferase (AsAt) and alkaline phosphatase were determined. The study of biochemical parameters was carried out according to generally accepted methods. It was revealed that the most common causes of hyperkalemia in cats include disorders of the urinary system (52%) – acute renal failure, less often chronic kidney disease, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (24%), oncological processes (19%). It was also revealed that the survival rate for 7 days after diagnosis was approximately the same in groups with different levels of hyperkalemia and amounted to about 60-67%, which indicates the rapid reversibility of adverse reactions resulting from hyperkalemia with timely intervention. In the future, the study is planned to expand with the capture and analysis of individual nosological units and breed characteristics, as well as dietary characteristics, the ratio to the severity of the condition, the analysis of life expectancy and survival.

Effect of a probiotic supplement (Bacillus subtilis) on struggling behavior, immune response, and meat quality of shackled broiler chickens exposed to preslaughter stress

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a dietary probiotic supplement on struggling behavior, immune response, and meat quality of shackled broiler chickens exposed to preslaughter stress. Two hundred and ten 1-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were divided among 21 floor pens (10 chicks per pen). The pens were randomly distributed to 1 of 3 dietary treatments containing a probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, at 0 (control), 0.25 (0.25×), and 0.5 (0.5×) g/kg (n = 7). At the end of the experiment (d 35), birds were transported for a journey of 80 km to the abattoir, each crate contained 5 pen mates, 2 birds of them (2 bird per crate, total 14 birds per treatment) were randomly selected for testing. Struggling behavior measurements began after the birds had arrived at the abattoir. Serum and muscle samples (right leg and breast) were collected for immune response and meat quality parameters. The results indicated that probiotic supplemented broilers had lower breast muscle protein carbonyls and serum levels of IgM but higher breast muscle total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to those of controls. In addition, probiotic supplemented broilers' leg and breast muscle had higher color lightness and greater water holding capacity (WHC%) with lower cooking loss (CL) and lower pH values (P < 0.05). Probiotic supplemented broilers' breast and leg meat was also tastier (P < 0.05) compared to controls. There were no treatment effects on other measured parameters including struggling behavior, serum IgA and IgG concentrations, and breast muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) (P > 0.05). These results suggest that the probiotic supplement could be an alternative management tool for promoting broiler health and welfare by modifying immune response and meat quality.

Moderate intensity aerobic exercise alleviates motor deficits in 6-OHDA lesioned rats and reduces serum levels of biomarkers of Parkinson's disease severity without recovery of striatal dopamine or tyrosine hydroxylase

Alleviation of motor impairment by aerobic exercise (AE) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients points to activation of neurobiological mechanisms that may be targetable by therapeutic approaches. However, evidence for AE-related recovery of striatal dopamine (DA) signaling or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) loss has been inconsistent in rodent studies. This ambiguity may be related to the timing of AE intervention in relation to the status of nigrostriatal neuron loss. Here, we replicated human PD at diagnosis by establishing motor impairment with >80% striatal DA and TH loss prior to initiating AE, and assessed its potential to alleviate motor decline and restore DA and TH loss. We also evaluated if serum levels of neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), biomarkers of human PD severity, changed in response to AE. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was infused unilaterally into rat medial forebrain bundle to induce progressive nigrostriatal neuron loss over 28 days. Moderate intensity AE (3× per week, 40 min/session), began 8–10 days post-lesion following establishment of impaired forelimb use. Striatal tissue DA, TH protein and mRNA, and serum levels of NfL/GFAP were determined 3-wks after AE began. Despite severe striatal DA depletion at AE initiation, forelimb use deficits and hypokinesia onset were alleviated by AE, without recovery of striatal DA or TH protein loss, but reduced NfL and GFAP serum levels. This proof-of-concept study shows AE alleviates motor impairment when initiated with >80% striatal DA loss without obligate recovery of striatal DA or TH protein. Moreover, the AE-related reduction of NfL and GFAP serum levels may serve as objective blood-based biomarkers of AE efficacy.

Comparative effects of insulin pump and injection on gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy outcomes and serum biomarkers

BACKGROUND Insulin injection is the basic daily drug treatment for diabetic patients. AIM To evaluate the comparative impacts of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). METHODS Based on the treatment modality received, the patients were allocated into two cohorts: The CSII group and the multiple daily injections (MDI) group, with each cohort comprising 210 patients. Comparative assessments were made regarding serum levels of serum-secreted frizzled-related protein 5, homocysteine, and C1q/TNF-related protein 9. Furthermore, outcomes such as fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose levels, pain assessment scores, and the incidence of complications were evaluated post-treatment. RESULTS The CSII group displayed notably lower fasting plasma glucose and 2-h postprandial glucose levels in comparison to the MDI group (P &lt; 0.05). Subsequent analysis post-treatment unveiled a significantly higher percentage of patients reporting no pain in the CSII group (60.00%) in contrast to the MDI group (36.19%) (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the CSII group exhibited a markedly reduced occurrence of fetal distress and premature rupture of membranes compared to the MDI group (P &lt; 0.05). However, there were no significant variances observed in other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). A statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the groups (χ 2 = 11.631, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION The utilization of CSII via an insulin pump, as opposed to MDI, can significantly enhance the management of insulin administration in patients with GDM by diversifying the sites of insulin delivery. This approach not only promotes optimal glycemic control but also regulates metabolic factors linked to blood sugar, reducing the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications. The clinical relevance and importance of CSII in GDM management highlight its wide-ranging clinical usefulness.

Serum C-reactive protein to albumin ratio as a potential risk indicator of pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci: a multicenter retrospective study.

The aim of the study was to describe psittacosis pneumonia and to assess the predictive value of the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in psittacosis pneumonia for severity. Data on psittacosis pneumonia cases diagnosed using metagenomic sequencing were collected from three hospitals in Shanghai, China from Oct. 2019 to Oct. 2022. Serum levels of C-reactive protein and albumin were measured and the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) was calculated. Spearman's correlation analysis, ordered logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were conducted to examine the correlation and predictive ability of the three indicators on the severity of the disease. A total of 27 patients with psittacosis pneumonia were enrolled, with an average age of 62 years and 70.4% being male. 44.4% of patients had a clear history of contact with poultry or birds. The predominant symptom was fever (100%). Patients treated in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) had a higher likelihood of experiencing wheezing (88.9% versus 33.3%, P=0.013) and chest tightness (88.9% vs. 33.3%, P=0.013) than those in the general ward (Non-RICU). The proportion of patients with pleural effusion was significantly higher in the RICU compared to the Non-RICU (88.9% vs. 38.9%, P=0.019). The RICU group had a significantly higher CAR than the Non-RICU group (9.41 vs. 4.05, P=0.017). This result was accompanied by higher intubation and ventilator support (33.3% vs. 0.0%, P=0.029), higher PCT and CRP levels and lower albumin and PaCO2 levels in the RICU than in the Non-RICU. Logistic regression analysis indicated that CAR (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.07-2.06, P=0.017) was risk factor for prolonged hospitalization (> 14 days). Elevated serum CAR levels were found to be associated with a greater risk of severe psittacosis pneumonia. Consequently, it may serve as an uncomplicated and useful diagnostic tool for clinicians to promptly and precisely ascertain the severity of psittacosis pneumonia, ultimately aiding them in devising the most optimal therapeutic plan.

Serum alkaline phosphatase is a strong predictor of mortality in ESKD patients: analysis of the RISCAVID cohort

BackgroundMortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients remains unacceptably high compared with that of the general population and despite the continuous improvement of dialysis techniques. This study aimed to assess the role of alkaline phosphatase serum levels on cardiovascular and overall mortality in the RISCAVID study cohort through a long follow-up period, looking for associations with known risk factors for poor outcome.MethodsIn June 2004, a prospective observational study was started focusing on the cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis patients who lived in the north-west area of Tuscany (RISCAVID, “RISchio CArdiovascolare nei pazienti afferenti all’Area Vasta In Dialisi”). The RISCAVID cohort included 572 prevalent patients on maintenance HD for at least three months. Morbid or fatal events were prospectively recorded at 6-month intervals for a follow up time of 216 months.ResultsIn univariable Cox regression analysis, dialysis technique, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, peripheral vascular disease, and intact parathyroid hormone and total calcium serum levels were significantly associated with baseline alkaline phosphatase serum levels. Cox multivariable analysis showed that elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels (the highest quartile), advanced age, dialysis vintage, type of vascular access, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, C-reactive protein and calcium serum levels, history of cardiovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease were independent predictors of overall mortality in maintenance HD patients. The fourth quartile of alkaline phosphatase was associated with all-cause 10-year mortality (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.177–1.834) with a 47% increase with respect to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quartiles. This was also observed for 18-year all-cause mortality.ConclusionsAdjusted proportional analysis showed the alkaline phosphatase value to be an independent and powerful predictor of overall mortality in the hemodialysis population.Graphical

Growth Performance of and Liver Function in Heat-Stressed Magang Geese Fed the Antioxidant Zinc Ascorbate and Its Potential Mechanism of Action.

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of zinc ascorbate (AsA-Zn), its effects on the growth performance of and liver function in Magang geese under heat stress, and its potential mechanism. At AsA-Zn concentrations of 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 µmol/L, the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS·+) radical scavenging rate increased significantly by 120.85%, 53.43%, 36.12%, and 0.99%, respectively, compared with that of ascorbic acid (AsA), indicating that AsA-Zn had better antioxidant performance in vitro. In this study, Magang geese were divided into a control group (basal diet, CON) and experimental groups, who received the basal diet supplemented with 400mg/kg AsA or 30 (AsA-Zn30), 60 (AsA-Zn60), or 90 (AsA-Zn90) mg/kg AsA-Zn. AsA-Zn supplementation considerably reduced the feed-to-gain ratio, whereas both AsA and AsA-Zn significantly increased the thymus index. Moreover, AsA-Zn supplementation improved serum protein levels, lipid metabolism, liver function, and antioxidant capacity while reducing hepatocyte vacuolar degeneration. Furthermore, supplementation with AsA-Zn60 significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity and decreased the malondialdehyde content in the serum, liver, and hepatic mitochondria (P < 0.05), with more pronounced effects in the AsA-Zn60 group. Moreover, supplementation with ASA-Zn regulated the Nrf 2 signaling pathway and significantly increased the expression of genes encoding antioxidant-related factors in the liver. In conclusion, AsA-Zn has good antioxidant activity, and AsA-Zn supplementation may improve the antioxidant capacity of heat-stressed geese and promote their growth. Supplementation with 30mg/kg AsA-Zn is recommended.

Blood smears analysis: a valuable tool for profiling circulating erythrocytes and leukocytes in mouse model of leishmaniasis

Although blood smear analysis can yield valuable insights into the health status of laboratory animals, it is not frequently performed in studies involving mouse models of leishmaniasis. Thus, to underscore its importance, we conducted microscopic evaluation of blood smears prepared from 10 µL of blood from L. (L.) amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice. Subsequently, we explored potential correlations between the identified hematological alterations, clinical evaluation data, and serum levels of total proteins (TP), albumin (Alb), globulins (Glob), IL-17A, and IL-10. Our findings revealed that infected mice exhibited an increased erythrocyte count, alongside a higher prevalence of microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes. Moreover, it was observed elevated relative and absolute numbers of neutrophils and monocytes and reduced relative and absolute numbers of lymphocytes. A significant proportion of monocytes and lymphocytes in infected animals displayed reactive features. The relative number of lymphocytes was negatively correlated with the serum levels of Glob. Furthermore, the frequency of reactive lymphocytes was positively correlated with the serum levels of Glob and IL-17A. There was also a positive correlation between the absolute number of neutrophils and the serum levels of IL-17A and the frequency of reactive monocytes and the serum levels of Glob. Therefore, these findings, collectively, underscore the importance of blood smear analysis for elucidating both the quantitative and qualitative hematological changes experimentally induced by Leishmania infection. Integration of this technique into research protocols involving different mouse models of leishmaniasis holds immense potential for advancing our knowledge of this infectious disease and enhancing clinical management strategies.

Effect of Dietary Addition of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed on Growth Performance, Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Faecal Microbiota of Kankrej Calves

The experiment was conducted during the month of February and March, 2023 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of dietary addition of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed on growth performance, haemato-biochemical profile and faecal microbiota of Kankrej calves. Eighteen Kankrej calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+5 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation and Basal diet+10 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation for a period of 60 days. Results revealed that there was numerically higher body weight gains were observed in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily than the control, the difference was statistically not significant (p&gt;0.05) among the treatment groups. The mean faecal counts (log10 cfu g-1 in fresh faeces) of lactobacillus were increased, while coliform were reduced in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily as compared to control group. There was no effect (p&gt;0.05) on the haemoglobin, haematocrit, total erythrocytes count and total leucocytes count among the treatment groups. No difference (p&gt;0.05) was found in serum levels of total proteins, albumin, globulin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT and AST concentrations among the treatment groups. It may be concluded that dietary fennel seed powder supplementation in calves improved growth performance and had beneficial effect on faecal microbiota with higher faecal lactobacillus count and lower faecal coliform count. Fennel seed supplementation did not affect haemato-biochemical profile of calves.

Admission levels of serum biomarkers have additive and cumulative prognostic value in traumatic brain injury

Elevated levels of CNS-derived serum proteins are associated with poor outcome in traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the value of adding acute serum biomarker levels to common clinical outcome predictors lacks evaluation. We analyzed admission serum samples for Total-Tau (T-Tau), Neurofilament light chain (Nfl), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in a cohort of 396 trauma patients including 240 patients with TBI. We assessed the independent association of biomarkers with 1-year mortality and 6–12 months Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) score, as well as the additive and cumulative value of biomarkers on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Marshall Score for outcome prediction. Nfl and T-Tau levels were independently associated with outcome (OR: Nfl = 1.65, p = 0.01; T-Tau = 1.99, p < 0.01). Nfl or T-Tau improved outcome prediction by GCS (Wald Chi, Nfl = 6.8–8.8, p < 0.01; T-Tau 7.2–11.3, p < 0.01) and the Marshall score (Wald Chi, Nfl = 16.2–17.5, p < 0.01; T-Tau 8.7–12.4, p < 0.01). Adding T-Tau atop Nfl further improved outcome prediction in majority of tested models (Wald Chi range 3.8–9.4, p ≤ 0.05). Our data suggest that acute levels of serum biomarkers are independently associated with outcome after TBI and add outcome predictive value to commonly used clinical scores.

PREX proteins level correlation with insulin resistance markers and lipid profile in obese and overweight non-diabetic patients

Metabolic dysregulation and obesity are associated with many metabolic alterations, including impairment of insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia. Recent studies highlight the key role of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate-dependent Rac exchange proteins (PREX proteins) in the pathogenesis of obesity, advocating further elucidation of their potential therapeutic implications. The present study aimed to estimate the serum level of PREX proteins and its potential association with insulin resistance markers and plasma lipids level in obese and overweight non-diabetic patients. The study included 30 persons classified as obese, 30 as overweight, and 30 healthy individuals of similar age and gender. The levels of PREX1 and PREX2 were measured using ELISA kits, insulin, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and total lipid profile were determined using appropriate photometric kits. HOMA-IR was used as a measure of insulin sensitivity. According to the obtained results, obese non-diabetic patients had higher serum PREX1 level compared to both overweight and normal-weight individuals. PREX1 correlated positively with the markers of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. PREX2 level was shown to be lower both in obese compared to overweight patients and in overweight compared to normal-weight individuals. PREX2 correlated negatively with the markers of insulin resistance but not with the markers of dyslipidemia. Keywords: dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, overweight, PREX proteins

Effectiveness of a novel diet in attenuation of clinical activity of disease in patients with ulcerative colitis: a randomized, clinical trial

Dietary intake plays a pivotal role in ulcerative colitis (UC) initiation and prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined Mediterranean, low-FODMAP diet accompanied with partial enteral nutrition (PEN) on clinical and para-clinical characteristics of patients with UC. Fifty patients with active mild to moderate UC were received either a combined diet or a regular diet for 6 weeks. Before and after the intervention, disease activity index, quality of life and some inflammatory and oxidative stress factors were measured using valid and reliable questionnaires and blood sampling. Disease activity index was significantly decreased in the combined diet group in comparison to control diet group (p = 0.043), and baseline data (p < 0.001). Moreover, the quality of life score increased significantly in the combined diet group compared to the control group, and the baseline data (p < 0.001). Serum level of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) decreased significantly in the combined group (p < 0.01), while it increased in the control group non-significantly. Serum total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) changes were not statistically significant in two groups. This study indicates that this combination diet has the potential to be used as a safe and highly effective approach in patients with significant intestinal symptoms. Further clinical trial studies with different duration of intervention are needed to confirm these results.Trial registration: The study was registered on IRCT.ir with registration number of IRCT20100524004010N38, on 25/04/2023.

Molecular frequency of bovine leukemia virus in Creole cattle of Eastern Colombia

Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL), caused by the bovine leukosis virus (BLV), is a global infectious disease affecting livestock. This study focuses on studying the frequency and genetic traits of BLV in three Creole breeds including Chino Santandereano (Chino), Casanareño (CAS), and Sanmartinero (SM) in Eastern Colombia. We implemented a cross-sectional survey between 2019 and 2020 across four departments (Arauca, Casanare, Santander and Meta) in Eastern Colombia to assess the molecular characteristics of BLV infection in these breeds. A total of 253 cattle were analyzed, of which 42.6 %, 28.8 %, and 28.4 % belonged to the Chino, CAS, and SM breeds, respectively. BLV provirus was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) targeting the conserved region of the env viral gene. Subsequently, the obtained amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. The overall BLV infection frequency was 26.48 % (95 % CI: 21.01 – 31.98 %), with Chino exhibiting the highest frequency (35.1 %) following by SAM and CAS, respectively (P < 0.05). Other epidemiological variables associated with the infection included age, department, and season (P < 0.05). BLV-positive animals exhibited elevated levels of total serum proteins (P < 0.05), while molecular characterization revealed the exclusive circulation of BLV genotype 1 within these breeds. This study provides an updated assessment of BLV infection in Creole breeds from the eastern of Colombia, underscoring their lower infection frequency compared to introduced breeds and their reduced susceptibility to developing clinical signs. The epidemiological and molecular characteristics observed should be considered in developing control programs aimed at improving genetic resistance to BLV in Colombian cattle.

An Observational Study on C-Reactive Protein to Platelet Ratio in Neonatal Sepsis.

Neonatal sepsis is a serious medical condition affecting many individuals in the developing world. C-reactive protein (CRP) level in serum and platelet counts have been reported to have role in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. To evaluate the CRP to Platelet ratio (CPR) in relation to time and blood culture reports in neonatal sepsis patients from a tertiary care centre in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. The present observational study was conducted at the level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care centre in Aurangabad city of Marathwada region in Maharashtra from September 2022 to July 2023. The study included 120 neonates (delivered after completion of 28-42 weeks of gestation) with clinical/culture-positive sepsis. The newborns of seropositive mothers, neonates delivered in other hospitals, babies with congenital dysmorphic features, and babies requiring surgical procedures were excluded from the study. Blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) and CRP were collected on days 1, 3 and 5. Blood cultures were sent on day 1 of illness. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the parameters of CPR, CRP, and platelet count in blood culture-positive and blood culture-negative neonatal sepsis patients on days 1, 3 and 5. Blood culture was positive in 37 (30.8%) cases. A repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant overall difference in the CPR across days 1, 3, and 5 (p = 0.006). The CPR was significantly higher in culture-positive neonates compared to culture-negative neonates (p = 0.042). Higher CPR in blood culture-positive neonates compared to blood culture-negative neonates supports the role of CPR in the diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis.

IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 as Possible Predictors of Response to Lifestyle Intervention-Results from Randomized Controlled Trials.

Lifestyle interventions can prevent type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, some individuals do not experience anticipated improvements despite weight loss. Biomarkers to identify such individuals at early stages are lacking. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF- 1) and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1(IGFBP-1) were shown to predict T2DM onset in prediabetes. We assessed whether these markers also predict the success of lifestyle interventions, thereby possibly guiding personalized strategies. We analyzed the fasting serum levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-1, and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) in relation to changes in metabolic and anthropometric parameters, including intrahepatic lipids (IHLs) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in 345 participants with a high risk for prediabetes (54% female; aged 36-80 years). Participants were enrolled in three randomized dietary intervention trials and assessed both at baseline and one year post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 28), and significance was set at p < 0.05. Within the 1-year intervention, overall significant improvements were observed. Stratifying individuals by baseline IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 percentiles revealed significant differences: higher IGF-1 levels were associated with more favorable changes compared to lower levels, especially in VAT and IHL. Lower baseline IGFBP-1 levels were associated with greater improvements, especially in IHL and 2 h glucose. Higher bioactive IGF-1 levels might predict better metabolic outcomes following lifestyle interventions in prediabetes, potentially serving as biomarkers for personalized interventions.

Comparison of serum levels of interleukin 33 in combination with serum levels of C-reactive protein, Immunoglobulin G, Immunoglobulin A, and Immunoglobulin M in recurrent pregnancy loss: A case-control study.

One of the critical cases of recurrent pregnancy loss is immunological factors, whereas obtaining effective prevention or treatment is necessary for cognition of reasons. In this study, we tried to evaluate some immunological factors related to recurrent pregnancy loss. This case-control study was conducted on 66 women at the age of 18-35 yr who were referred to the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ali Ibn Abi Taleb hospital, Zahedan, Iran, from August-December 2019. Interleukin 33 (IL-33) serum levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunoglobulin G, Immunoglobulin A, Immunoglobulin M (IgM), and C-reactive protein levels were measured by serology and hematology methods. The mean age of total participants was 30.8 3.80 yr. The mean serum IL-33 in the case group was 318.5 254.1 pg/ml and was lower than the control group (354.2 259.9 pg/ml), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.52). The level of C-reactive protein in the case and control was not significantly different (p = 0.27), and Immunoglobulin A and Immunoglobulin G in the case and control were also not significantly different (p = 0.46, and p = 0.16, respectively), but there were significant differences (p = 0.003) between the level of the IgM in the case and control groups. No statistically significant difference was observed in the IL-33 serum level, for at least 4-6 months after the last abortion in the case group and the final live birth in the control group. In contrast, serum levels of IgM were statistically significant. Finally, the need for more studies is felt according to the different results of the previous studies in this field.

Effects of protein-enriched nutritional support on skeletal muscle mass and rehabilitative outcomes in brain tumor patients: a randomized controlled trial

Patients with brain tumors require extensive and prolonged rehabilitation efforts as they suffer from lesion-induced motor weakness as well as treatment-related side effects, often leading to a significant decline in function. Protein supplements have shown positive effects on promoting muscle strength and physical performance in various tumor etiologies. However, reports on their effects specifically in brain tumor patients remain scarce. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of protein supplements in enhancing rehabilitative outcomes via muscle strengthening and functional gain in brain tumor patients with neurological demise. Sixty brain tumor patients were randomly assigned to either a protein supplement or a control group, receiving either protein supplements or a placebo for 6 weeks, in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation therapy. Assessments before and after the intervention included laboratory tests, anthropometric measures using bioimpedance analysis, and functional assessments, which included the MMSE, the modified Barthel Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Timed Up and Go test, the 6-min walk test, the isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength test, and the handgrip power. After the intervention, the levels of serum hemoglobin, protein, albumin, and C-reactive protein were improved in both groups, however, the change was significant only in the protein group. The muscle strength was enhanced in both groups, however, the significant increase in pinch grasp power was only noted in the protein group (P < 0.05). The distance on 6MWT was also significantly extended at follow-up in the protein group (P < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis according to nutritional status, the moderate malnutrition group showed greater augmentation of muscle mass than those with adequate nutrition (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the amelioration of malnutrition was observed only the in protein group. This study using protein supplements to promote the rehabilitative potential of brain tumor patients revealed a significant effect on improving hemodynamic nutritional indices, muscle power reimbursement, and functional improvement, especially in malnourished patients. The safety and feasibility of protein supplements in brain tumor patients were affirmative in this study. Further studies with more patients may help confirm the secondary functional gain resulting from increased muscle power.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Research Information Service, CRIS no. KCT0009113 on Jan 12, 2024.

Moderate-intensity Exercise Alleviates Rat's Systemic Inflammation Induced by Repeated Exposure to Lipopolysaccharide.

The protective impacts of physical activity against inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions have been demonstrated. In this study, the impacts of moderate-intensity exercise on oxidative stress-associated factors and proinflammatory cytokines levels as well as the count of white blood cells (WBC) were assessed in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered model of inflammation. Wistar rats were randomized into these groups (8 rats in each): (1) control; (2) LPS; (3) moderate exercise (EX); and (4) moderate exercise + LPS (EX+LPS). Exercise groups were trained for 8 weeks (30 min, 6 days/week) at 15 m/min speed. During the final week of the experiment, 1 mg/kg/day of intraperitoneal LPS was administered for 5 days. On day 56, from the rats' hearts, peripheral blood was taken for biochemical evaluation. LPS enhanced serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)- 1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), metabolites of nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the counts of total WBC, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils, but decreased serum levels of thiol as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity versus the control rats. Moderate exercise reduced the levels of thiol, CAT, and SOD, but increased TNF-α level, and total WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes counts versus the control group. In the EX+LPS group, moderate exercise decreased cell counts and diminished MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and CRP levels, while increasing thiol level, CAT, and SOD versus the LPS group. In our study, exercise preconditioning reduced inflammation induced by LPS by ameliorating inflammatory cytokine levels, WBC counts, and oxidative damage, while improving antioxidant defenses.

***ECD*** maternal C-reactive protein as a predictor of neonatal sepsis

ABSTRACT Systemic bacterial infection in the newborn has a significant impact on neonatal mortality and morbidity. Non-invasive prenatal markers of risk could be useful in the prediction and prevention of neonatal sepsis. We evaluated the association of maternal third-trimester serum level of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with neonatal sepsis in a sample of infants in the JAKids pregnancy and birth cohort study. A population-based nested case–control design was used to identify cases and controls of neonatal sepsis from the subset of infants in the JAKids study whose mothers had serum archived in the early third trimester and who were admitted to newborn intensive care. Cases were 25 neonates with neonatal sepsis identified from hospital records. Controls were a random sample of 62 sepsis-free neonates matched to cases within three gestational age strata – ≤32 weeks, 33–36 weeks, and ≥37 weeks. Mothers of neonatal sepsis cases ≥37 weeks had significantly higher mean levels of maternal CRP protein than mothers of controls (11.0 mg/dL ± 3.0 vs. 8.7 mg/dL ± 5.9; p < .05). Differences in maternal CRP were not found in sepsis cases born ≤32 weeks (9.5 mg/dL ± 4.2 vs 5.8 mg/dL ± 4.0, p = .23) nor in sepsis cases born at 33–36 weeks (9.0 mg/dL ± 3.6 vs 11.9 mg/dL ± 7.8, p = .34). Maternal third-trimester C-reactive protein levels were elevated in mothers of term-born neonates with sepsis, but not in the mothers of preterm neonates with sepsis.

Exploring serum α‑synuclein and its autoantibodies in essential tremor: implications for diagnosis and symptom correlations.

There is no definite biomarker for confirming the diagnosis of essential tremor (ET) or differentiating it from other diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease. The present study aimed to investigate the serum levels of the α-synuclein protein (α-syn) and its autoantibodies in patients with ET compared with healthy controls and its relation to motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with ET. Serum α-syn and its autoantibodies were measured in 32 patients with ET and 32 age- and sex-matched controls. Both groups were assessed using the non-motor symptoms scale, MoCA, Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. Tremor was assessed using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale. The serum α-syn concentration in patients with ET was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (P<0.001), with a positive predictive value of 0.81 and a negative predictive value of 0.75, while the serum anti-a-syn autoantibody concentration was not significantly different between the two groups. There were no correlations between serum α-syn or its autoantibodies and patients' clinical characteristics. Furthermore, patients with ET had worse cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, non-motor symptoms and quality of life. The serum α-syn concentration was lower in patients with ET than in controls, with favorable predictive values, suggesting that it could serve as a biomarker for ET diagnosis.