Serum Total Albumin Research Articles

The Biochemical Changes in Bone Profile during Pregnancy

Background: Metabolic processes directly affect the bone skeleton in the human body; especially during pregnancy in females. A bone profile obtained from a blood test can reveal the changes on it. Objectives: The present study aims to estimate the changes that occur in some bone components during pregnancy and whether these changes are physiological or pathological. Patients and methods: Blood samples were collected from 126 females who attend to Al-Hadbaa primary health care center and Al-Khansaa Hospital in Mosul city during the period from January to April 2008. These females classified into two main groups; Group-1 consists of 87 normal pregnant females which are subdivided to 3 subgroups according to their gestational age. Group-2 consists of 39 non-pregnant healthy females (control group). The biochemical parameters measured were: serum calcium, serum albumin, serum inorganic phosphorus (iP), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and corrected serum calcium, and the measured data for these parameters were analyzed using different statistical methods. Results: The total serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus and serum albumin decreased in pregnant female compared to the control group, while alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated in pregnant females compared to the non-pregnant females. Conclusion: The increasing in ALP during pregnancy is accompanied by decreasing serum calcium in the 2nd trimester and decreasing in iP in the 3rd trimester that could be a pathological changes related to the bone.

Effect of Different Proportions of Probiotics on Immunological Blood Parameters of Babcock Laying Hens Strain

The research was conducted at the Research Center of Agriculture Faculty of the University of Aleppo. 240 chickens of Babcock B300 strain were used and distributed randomly from day one into four independent groups. Each group included 60 birds distributed into three replicates (20 birds). The control group (A group) was fed a balanced standard feed mixture (1-18 weeks) without additives, while lactic acid bacillus was added to treatments groups according to three levels (50 mg/kg feed; B group, 100 mg/kg feed; C group and 150 mg/kg feed; D group). Haematological analyzes were performed over two- time intervals (1-21 weeks and 22-32 weeks). In the first time interval, results showed that a rise in blood albumin (P<0.001) was also observed in C and D groups compared to the A group. The rates of blood globulin increased (P<0.02) in the D group compared with the rest of the groups. No significant differences were noticed across the various groups for the total number of white blood cells and lymphocytes rates. In the second time interval (productive stage), significant differences (P<0.01) were noticed across the various groups in the percentages of the total protein (the highest value was 4.75 g/dl; B group) and serum albumin (the highest value was 3.26 g/dl; D group). It is concluded from the current study that the addition of probiotics to the mixtures of laying hens had a significant improvement in the immune parameters in the blood.

Mild cognitive impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis and features analysis

Abstract Objective Nervous system damage in patients with SSc has recently attracted attention. In this study, we aimed to explore mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in SSc patients and the characteristics of these patients. Methods A total of 103 SSc patients were consecutively enrolled from July 2018 to May 2019, and 97 matched healthy individuals were also included as controls. Brief cognitive tests, such as the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BJ), were used to assess the cognitive function of all subjects. We compared the differences in MCI between SSc patients and healthy controls, as well as the differences in demographic and clinical features between SSc patients with and without MCI. Associations of quantitative demographic and clinical features with MoCA-BJ scores in the SSc patients were also evaluated. Results The score of MoCA-BJ was lower in the SSc group compared with those in the healthy group [24 (9–30) vs 26 (15–30), P &amp;lt; 0.001]. MCI (MoCA-BJ score ≤ 25) was found in 61.2% (63/103) of the enrolled SSc patients but only in 27.8% (27/97) of the healthy individuals. Other tests evaluating some of the specific domains of cognitive functions showed that the SSc patients had impaired memory, attention and executive ability. Compared with SSc patients without MCI, SSc patients with MCI had lower education level, total serum protein and serum albumin but higher ANA positivity. Conclusion MCI is common in patients with SSc and should be drawn to the attention of rheumatologists. Lower education level, malnutrition and higher ANA positivity were closely related to the cognitive dysfunctions in SSc patients, providing directions for further interventions.

Nomograms Predicting Response and Survival of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated With Anti-PD-1 Therapy

In recent years, anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody has played an increasingly critical role in the treatment of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but there is still a lack of credible biomarkers to predict the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. Our study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the response and survival of patients with ECSS treated with anti-PD-1.A total of 236 patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy between January 2019 and September 2020 were collected in the study retrospectively. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), total lymphocyte count, platelet count (PLT), monocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and serum albumin level at baseline were used to calculate the NLR (ANC/ALC), PLR (PLT/ALC), LMR (ALC/monocyte count), and PNI (10×serum albumin value, g/dL+0.005×total lymphocyte count/mm3). The early response was assessed by the RECIST version 1.1 criteria. Logistic and Cox models were used to identify factors associated with early response and survival, respectively. Nomograms were developed based on significant factors and evaluated by Concordance-index (C-index) and calibration curve. The 1,000 bootstrap samples and calibration curves were used to validate the discrimination of the nomogram.In multivariate logistic regression analysis, NLR < 5 (OR = 0.396, 95% CI: 0.176-0.889, P = 0.025), PNI≥45 (OR = 0.428, 95% CI: 0.189-0.966, P = 0.041) and LDH < 240 (OR = 0.300, 95% CI: 0.137-0.657, P = 0.003) were associated with early response. Moreover, in multivariate Cox analysis, ECOG = 2 (HR = 1.545, 95% CI: 1.011-2.361, P = 0.044), PLR≥200 (HR = 1.679, 95% CI: 1.110-2.541, P = 0.014), PNI < 45 (HR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.049-2.602, P = 0.014) and LDH ≥240 (HR = 1.751, 95% CI: 1.099-2.789, P = 0.018) were independently related with worse progression-free survival (PFS). Besides, ECOG = 2 (HR = 2.548, 95% CI: 1.321-4.914, P = 0.005), PLR≥200 (HR = 1.801, 95% CI: 1.019-3.183, P = 0.043), PNI < 45 (HR = 1.913, 95% CI: 1.077-3.398, P = 0.027) and LDH ≥240 (HR = 2.152, 95% CI: 1.153-4.016, P = 0.016) were independently associated with poorer overall survival (OS). The nomograms showed good accuracy of predicting early response (C-index, 0.723); and 6-, 9- and 12-months PFS (C-index, 0.662) and OS (C-index, 0.719). Calibration curves reflected good discriminative ability of prognosis.The nomogram established by combining the clinical characteristics and peripheral blood markers of patients could effectively predict the prognosis of patients with ESCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy.

Do extraglomerular microvasculature and mesenchymal interstitial cell proliferation indicate a stable course of lupus nephritis?

BackgroundLupus Nephritis (LN) is a major and frequent manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease. Renal biopsy has a pivotal role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of the LN. The aim of this study was to count the mesenchymal interstitial cells utilizing CD34 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and morphometric analysis, correlate them with clinical parameters, class, activity, and chronicity indices and see if it can predict the course of the disease. MethodsA total of 32 renal biopsy blocks were analyzed by H&E stain, special stains, and CD34 IHC. Microvasculature density and interstitial stem cells were highlighted by CD34. These were then counted using a previously standardized computerized digital photomicrograph system (Dewinter Optical Inc) and manual count, respectively. ResultsOut of the 32 cases, Lupus class 3 comprised of 11 (34.38%) cases, class 4 comprised of 16 (50%) cases, and mixed class 4 + 5 had 5 (15.62%) cases. It was found that CD34 expression in the microvasculature (for both microvascular density and mean vascular lumen diameter) decreased in patients of Lupus Nephritis with higher disease activity (p < 0.05). Although not statistically significant, the number of interstitial stem cells increased with lower disease activity. A statistical significance was found between serum total protein, serum albumin, and serum creatinine among the three groups of LN. ConclusionImmunohistochemical staining of renal biopsy with CD34 may be used as a surrogate marker of disease activity in Lupus Nephritis patients.

Epidemiology and Laboratory Investigations in Children with Chronic Liver Diseases in Sohag University Hospital

Background: Chronic liver diseases encompasse metabolic, genetic, drug-induced and inflammatory diseases. The causes of liver disease in children vary with age. In countries where HBV is endemic, perinatal transmission remains the most important cause of chronic infection. The prevalence of hepatitis C infection was much higher in individuals receiving blood products for conditions such as thalassemia or haemophilia. Glycogen storage disorders may present with chronic liver disease. Objectives: To study epidemiological features and laboratory investigations that may affect the incidence in children with chronic liver disease. Patients and methods: Our study included 30 treatment-naive patients with chronic liver disease of different aetiologies referred to the Department of Pediatrics, Sohag University Hospital. All patients were subjected to history taking, general and local examinations, laboratory investigations and measurement of serum ceruloplasmin. Results: The mean age of children was 10.23 years in case group and 10.75 years in control group, ranging between 5.5 to 15 years. The majority of patients were females (53.3%) and the remained patients were males (46.7%). There was significant difference between patient and control groups as regard total leucocytic count. Also, there were significant differences between the two groups regarding ALT, AST, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and concentration and high significant differences regarding serum albumin and prothrombin time. Conclusion: Total leucocytic count, AST, ALT, bilirubin, and serum albumin concentration, and prothrombin time are significant investigations to rule out diagnosis and anticipate complications in patients with chronic liver diseases. ALT and PT are early sensitive markers that anticipate liver decompensation.

Biochemical predictors for Sars-Cov-2 severity.

It is of interest to assess the inflammatory marker profile in SARS-CoV-2 patients and to correlate the levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-Reactive Protein CRP, Ferritin, Creatine kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and liver function analytes total serum proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. A total of 1000 COVID-19 positive patient's data were collected. Laboratory assessments consisted of NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) by cell counter, C Reactive Protein (CRP) by immunoturbidimetry, Ferritin by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) and Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, Total Protein and Albumin by spectrophotometry. The mean plasma CRP levels, NLR, ferritin, CK and LDH levels were higher in severe cases than in non-severe cases, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). All liver function tests such as the total and direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, total protein and albumin were higher in severe patients than non-severe patients and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Data indicate that NLR, CRP, Ferritin, CK, LDH and liver function analytes have a crucial role as prognostic markers for SARS-CoV-2 infections and hence should be routinely recommended for risk assessment and stratification of the patients to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A case-control study.

Though small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is known in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the data on it are scanty and have limitations. Data on IBD patients undergoing glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT) were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the frequency and risk factors of SIBO in IBD compared to 66 healthy controls. Patients with IBD (n=86; 45 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 41 Crohn's disease [CD]) more often had SIBO on GHBT than the healthy subjects (16/86 [18.6%] vs. 1/66 [1.5%]; p=0.002). SIBO was commoner among patients with CD than UC (14/41 [34.1%] vs. 2/45 [4.4%]; p=0.001). The frequency of SIBO among UC patients was comparable to healthy subjects (2/45 [4.4%] vs. 1/66 [1.5%]; p=not significant [NS]). Patients with CD than those with UC had higher values of maximum breath hydrogen and a greater area under the curve for breath hydrogen. Other factors associated with SIBO included female gender (11/16 [68.8%] with vs. 21/70 [30%] without SIBO; p=0.003), and having undergone surgery (8/16 [50%] vs. 6/70 [8.6%]; p=0.0002). SIBO patients had lower levels of total serum protein and albumin than those without SIBO (6.2 ± 1.5 g/dL vs. 7.0 ± 0.9 g/dL, respectively; p=0.009 and 3.5 ± 0.9 g/dL vs. 4.0 ± 0.6 g/dL, respectively; p=0.02). CD, female gender, and surgery for IBD tended to be the independent factors associated with SIBO among IBD patients on multivariate analysis. Patients with IBD, particularly CD, female, and those having undergone surgery, have a higher risk of SIBO than the healthy controls.

Protective effects of selenium on acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats.

Objective(s):Acrylamide (ACR), has wide uses in different industries. ACR induced several toxicities including neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The probable protective effects of selenium on ACR-induced neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats were evaluated.Materials and Methods:Male Wistar rats were studied for 11 days in 8 groups: 1. Control, 2. ACR (50 mg/kg, IP), 3-5. ACR+ selenium (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/kg, IP), 6. ACR+ the most effective dose of selenium (0.6 mg/kg, IP) three days after ACR administration, 7. ACR+ vitamin E (200 mg/kg IP, every other day) 8. Selenium (0.6 mg/kg IP). Finally, behavioral tests were done. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3 proteins in liver and cerebral cortex tissues were measured. Also, the amount of albumin, total protein, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) enzymes were determined in serum. Results:ACR caused the severe motor impairment, increased MDA level and decreased GSH content, enhanced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 proteins in brain and liver tissues. Besides, the level of AST was elevated while the total serum protein and albumin levels were decreased. Administration of selenium (0.6 mg/kg) (from the first day of the experiment and the third day) significantly recovered locomotor disorders, increased GSH content, and reduced MDA level. Also, selenium decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 levels in brain and liver tissues.Conclusion:The oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways have important roles in neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity of ACR. Selenium significantly reduced ACR-induced toxicity through inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Remission after Six Months of Induction Immunosuppressive Treatment with Mycofenolate Mofetil and Prednisolone in Patients with Lupus Nephritis: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Treatment of lupus nephritis consists of six months of induction immunosuppression followed by years of maintenance immunosuppression. The aim of present study was to find the prevalence of remission after six months of induction immunosuppressive treatment with induction therapy in patients with lupus nephritis. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the nephrology unit of department of internal medicine of a tertiary care hospital from September 2018 to September 2020. The study was approved by institutional review committee of same institution (reference number 184/2018). Convenience sampling method was used and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 was used for statistical analysis. Point estimate at 90% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Out of 24 patients, overall remission was seen in 21 patients (87.4%) (90% Confidence Interval= 76.26-98.54). Complete remission and partial remission were seen in 16 (66.6%) and 5 (20.8%) patients respectively resulting in an at the end of six months of induction immunosuppressive treatment. The most common class of lupus nephritis was class IV, 7 patients, followed by class IV+V, and class V, 6 patients in each respectively. The mean 24-hour urinary total protein, serum albumin and serum creatinine were 2492±1051 mg, 2.1±0.4 g/dl, and 0.9±0.1 mg/dl respectively. Adverse events were observed in 6 (25%) patients. Our study shows that good proportions of patients with lupus nephritis achieve clinical remission at the end of six months of induction immunosuppressive treatment with induction therapy, however, at the cost of some tolerable side effects.

Effectiveness of using probiotic Batcinel-K® and CEVAC SET-K® vaccine on some blood parameters in chickens

In the current study, probiotic Batcinel-K® and CEVAC SET-K® vaccine are used to determine their effects on some hematological and biochemical parameters of broiler-chickens. Three hundred broilers chicks "Ross-308" at one-day old were divided into six groups of 50 chicks /each. Blood was taken at 56th, 63rd and 112nd days old. The count of erythrocytes and leukocytes was calculated. Hemoglobin and total serum protein, serum albumin and globulins concentration was determined. Results show that these selected probiotic can improve some of the blood indexes of birds, especially in combination with the vaccine. At the 63rd day old of broilers chicken, globulin parameters in 4th and 5th treatment groups were higher by 2.97% (P

Feeding Crude Glycerin to Finishing Iberian Crossbred Pigs: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Parameters.

Simple SummaryCrude glycerin can be used as a substitute for some feed ingredients in white pig diets. However, there are few reports on its use in Iberian crossbred pigs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three levels of crude glycerin (0, 50, and 100 g/kg) on performance parameters, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters of Iberian × Duroc pigs during the last phase of fattening. The results show that the addition of glycerin did not affect average daily gain, average feed intake, or feed conversion ratio. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein and serum parameter concentrations were statistically similar among the evaluated treatments. It is concluded that crude glycerin up to 100 g/kg could be included in the diets of Iberian pigs for the last fattening phase with no negative effects.A total of 192 Iberian × Duroc pigs kept under intensive conditions were used to investigate the effects of feeding crude glycerin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters. Animals were blocked by initial body weight (96.0 ± 11.3 kg) and allotted to pens (16 pigs per pen). Pens were assigned randomly to one of three dietary treatments (four pens per treatment). Dietary treatments contained 0, 5, or 10% of crude glycerin proportionally substituting for wheat (G0, G5, and G10, respectively). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isoaminoacidic. No significant effect of crude glycerin was observed on average daily gain, average feed intake, or feed conversion ratio. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein was no different between treatments. Total serum protein, albumin, glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 were not affected by glycerin inclusion. In conclusion, crude glycerin up to 100 g/kg can be included in the diets of finishing Iberian crossbred pigs without any negative effect on growth performance, digestibility, or serum metabolic parameters.

Incidence of enteral feeding intolerance and its risk factors in patients with oral and maxillofacial malignancies

To explore the incidence of enteral feeding intolerance and its risk factors in patients with malignant oral and maxillofacial tumors. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 122 patients with malignant oral and maxillofacial tumor admitted in a general hospital for enteral nutrition between March, 2018 and March, 2021. The incidence of intolerance to enteral nutrition was analyzed, and the two groups of patients with and without intolerance were compared for age, gender, height, weight, pathological staging, types of enteral nutrition preparations, clinical treatment (physical hypothermia and nasal delivery), drug usage (sedatives, vasoactive drugs, acid suppressant, potassium preparation, antibiotics and hormones) and biochemical parameters (serum total protein, serum albumin, blood glucose and serum potassium concentration). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of enteral nutritional feeding intolerance in patients. Of the 122 patients, 52 had enteral feeding intolerance with an incidence rate of 42.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that potassium preparation (OR=4.125, P=0.027, 95%CI: 1.178-14.444), sedatives (OR=4.125, P=0.000, 95%CI: 2.007-11.765) and hypoproteinemia (OR=3.557, P=0.010, 95%CI: 1.351-9.366) were independent risk factors of feeding intolerance in patients with malignant oral and maxillofacial tumors, while adding dietary fiber was a protective factor (OR= 0.108, P=0.015, 95%CI: 0.018-0.643). The incidence of enteral feeding intolerance is high in patients with malignant oral and maxillofacial tumors. Enteral nutrition preparations with dietary fiber are recommended for these patients. The patients with potassium preparations, sedatives and hypoproteinemia should be closely monitored for enteral feeding intolerance, and timely intervention should be administered to reduce its incidence.

Nanoselenium versus bulk selenium as a dietary supplement: Effects on growth, feed efficiency, intestinal histology, haemato‐biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) fingerlings

Five isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) diets were formulated to contain two forms of selenium (Se): convention Se named Bulk-Se or Se nanoparticles (Nano-Se), both forms of Se supplemented at two levels 0.4 and 0.8 mg kg−1 diet compared to the control diet without addition for a period of 84 days. Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fingerlings (5.0 ± 0.2 g) fed tested diets in triplicates at a rate of 5% of their total biomass three times a day for 84 days. The results showed that the best growth performance and amylase and lipase enzymes activity (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in fish fed 0.4 or 0.8 mg kg−1 Nano-Se diet. In anterior intestine, fish fed 0.8 mg kg−1 Nano-Se recorded the highest level (p ≤ 0.05) of villi height and width and goblet cell number. The highest values mucosal-to-serosal amplification ratio (MSR) and absorption area of villous were recorded in fish fed 0.4 mg kg−1 Nano-Se. Fish fed 0.8 mg kg−1 Nano-Se recorded the highest value (p ≤ 0.05) of villi height, villi width, MSR and crypt thickness, while fish fed the control diet recorded the lowest level one in posterior intestine. In addition, fish fed 0.8 mg kg−1 Nano-Se noted the best values of haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells and white blood cell count. Alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were lower, while total serum protein, albumin and globulin contents were significantly higher in fish fed diet contained 0.4 or 0.8 mg kg−1 Nano-Se compared to Bulk-Se and control diet. The highest significant values of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase activity accompanied with the lowest MDA value recorded of fish fed diet supplemented with 0.8 mg kg−1 Nano-Se. The results indicated that the inclusion of Nano-Se at 0.8 mg kg−1 was the recommended source and level of Se to improve performance, efficiency of nutrient, digestive enzyme activity and absorption surface of intestine, haemato-biochemical parameters and oxidative stress responses of Nile tilapia compared with other treatments.

Abstract LB184: Induction of ulk1 regulated autophagy by a novel antipsychotic drug leads to apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells

Abstract Pancreatic cancer patients have limited treatment options in spite of several advanced treatment strategies. Pancreatic tumors exhibit high basal autophagy compared to other cancers. Several studies including from our lab reported that enhanced autophagy leads to apoptosis in cancer cells. In this study, we have demonstrated that pimavanserin (PVT) suppresses pancreatic tumor growth by inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis. Our results indicated that PVT induced 1.8 - 5 fold autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, as evaluated by increased acridine orange staining. Furthermore, accumulation of double-membrane vesicles (autophagosomes) and formation of autophagolysosomes were observed with PVT treatment. Genomic analysis by R2 &amp;GEPIA database revealed that PDAC patients exhibited reduced levels of autophagy initiator gene, ULK1. PVT induced the expression of autophagy markers ULK1, FIP200, Atg101, Beclin-1, Atg5, and LC3A/B in several pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, phosphorylation of ULK1 atSer757 was inhibited with PVT treatment. Apoptotic effects of PVT in pancreatic cancer cells were validated by increase in cleavage of caspase3. ULK1 agonist LYN-1604 enhanced the autophagic and apoptotic effects of PVT. On the other hand, autophagy inhibitors chloroquine and bafilomycin blocked the autophagic and apoptotic effects of PVT in pancreatic cancer cells. Our in vivo findings demonstrated that chloroquine abrogated the growth-suppressive effects of PVT by 21% in sub-cutaneously implanted BxPC3 tumor xenografts. Moreover, chloroquine reduced the effects of PVT in inducing the expression of ULK1 and the cleavage of caspase 3 as evaluated by western blotting. Oral administration of PVT suppressed BxPC3 tumor xenografts by 50% in athymic nude mice. In another in vivo experiment, PVT treatment inhibited the growth of orthotopically implanted PANC1 tumors by 77%. Chronic administration of PVT did not exhibit any general signs of toxicity or behavioral side effects in mice. Moreover, long-term administration of PVTdid not altered the clinical chemistry parameters like ALT, AST, total serum protein, calcium, creatinine, BUN, and albumin. Collectively, our results indicate that PVT-mediated pancreatic tumor growth suppression was associated with the induction of autophagy-mediated apoptosis. Since PVT is already available in the clinic with an established safety profile, our results will accelerate its clinical development for pancreatic cancer therapy. Citation Format: Sharavan Ramachandran, Sanjay K. Srivastava. Induction of ulk1 regulated autophagy by a novel antipsychotic drug leads to apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB184.

The Gamma Gap: A Point-of-Care Test That Correlates with Disease Burden and Treatment Response in Multiple Myeloma

Introduction:Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the malignant neoplasm of plasma cells and is often characterized by the production of large amounts of non-functional, monoclonal immunoglobulins (M spike) that serve as a surrogate for tumor burden and treatment response. Currently, the gold standard for monitoring response status is serum and urine protein electrophoresis (SPEP and UPEP, respectively), which quantify the M spike. Unfortunately, the turnaround time for these tests is not immediate; SPEP is ~3 days and UPEP ~7 days. Waiting for news on chemotherapeutic response is a significant psychological stressor for cancer patients and their families, and moreover leads to uncertainty when a clinician is face-to-face with a patient and PEP data are not yet available. Currently the lack of a validated, inexpensive, same-day point-of-care response assessment represents an unmet need. One such test may be the gamma gap (GG). The GG is the calculated difference between a patient's total serum protein and albumin. In patients with a substantial serum M-spike, the GG is typically elevated since excess myeloma-derived immunoglobulins elevate total protein but not albumin. Measurements of both total protein and albumin can be can be obtained from a standard comprehensive metabolic profile (CMP) or equivalent within 1 hour after blood draw. We hypothesized that the GG is a reliable indicator of disease burden and therapeutic response, and can be used as a surrogate point-of-care test for assessing response status in myeloma patients while awaiting SPEP results.Methods: A retrospective chart review study was performed. Patients were included in the study if they met the following criteria: diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 at the Duke Healthcare system, had MM with detectable M spike either undergoing treatment (including relapsed bone marrow transplant patients) or surveillance only, and had both an SPEP and a complete metabolic panel (CMP, including albumin and total protein drawn within 2 weeks of each other) . Patients were excluded if they had a concurrent second malignancy, did not have SPEP and/or CMP for specific timepoints, had light chain disease (because these will not produce an M spike), or were diagnosed before 2000. The sample size was calculated at 200 patients.We assessed patient data at three timepoints: at the beginning of treatment, midway (halfway through the total number of cycles received for a given treatment strategy), and at the end of a given line of treatment. Treatment responses were defined using standard IMWG response criteria. To assess the relationship between the GG and M-spike, formulas were extracted using a linear regression model and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. To evaluate the relationship between GG and treatment response, an ordinal logit regression model was employed.Results: A total of 693 patients were screened. Manual chart review was performed on 349 patients: 200 patients were included in the final analysis and 149 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria. We found that the GG is highly correlated with the serum M-spike at the beginning of treatment, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87 (fitted linear model: M-spike=-2.50+0.95GG) (Figure 1). Similarly, at the midpoint of therapy, GG and M-spike are highly correlated, with a correlation coefficient of 0.84 (fitted linear model: M-spike=-2.33+0.88GG). Importantly, by fitting the logit model, GG is also a significant predictor of treatment response at midpoint, with a p-value of <0.00001. Finally, the GG and M-spike are highly correlated at the end of therapy, with a correlation coefficient of 0.88 (fitted linear model: M-spike=-2.38+0.90GG). Again, GG is also a significant predictor of treatment response at the end of treatment with a p-value of <0.00001.Conclusion: These data suggest that the GG is an accurate predictor of both disease burden as well as treatment responses in patients with a detectable M spike. Importantly, this demonstrates that the GG may be comfortably used by physicians at the bedside as an indicator of treatment response, which can lighten a patient's burden when waiting for SPEP/UPEP. Furthermore, our formulas may be used at the bedside for the calculation of M spike. Our study has important implications in our care of patients with MM. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Clinical Profile and Risk Factors for Severe Disease in 402 Children Hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 from India: Collaborative Indian Pediatric COVID Study Group.

IntroductionThere is a lack of large multicentric studies in children with COVID-19 from developing countries. We aimed to describe the clinical profile and risk factors for severe disease in children hospitalized with COVID-19 from India.MethodsIn this multicentric retrospective study, we retrieved data related to demographic details, clinical features, including the severity of disease, laboratory investigations and outcome.ResultsWe included 402 children with a median (IQR) age of 7 (2–11) years. Fever was the most common symptom, present in 38.2% of children. About 44% had underlying comorbidity. The majority were asymptomatic (144, 35.8%) or mildly symptomatic (219, 54.5%). There were 39 (9.7%) moderate-severe cases and 13 (3.2%) deaths. The laboratory abnormalities included lymphopenia 25.4%, thrombocytopenia 22.1%, transaminitis 26.4%, low total serum protein 34.7%, low serum albumin 37.9% and low alkaline phosphatase 40%. Out of those who were tested, raised inflammatory markers were ferritin 58.9% (56/95), c-reactive protein 33.3% (41/123), procalcitonin 53.5% (46/86) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) 76%. The presence of fever, rash, vomiting, underlying comorbidity, increased total leucocyte count, thrombocytopenia, high urea, low total serum protein and raised c-reactive protein was factors associated with moderate to severe disease.ConclusionFever was the commonest symptom. We identified additional laboratory abnormalities, namely lymphopenia, low total serum protein and albumin and low alkaline phosphatase. The majority of the children were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. We found high urea and low total serum protein as risk factors for moderate to severe disease for the first time.

Effect of RDA Protein on Renal Function in Children with Chronic Kidney Diseases

: Children with chronic kidney diseases have an increased risk of progression to end-stage renal disease, which would ultimately result in lifelong disability and shortening of lifespan. There is no effective intervention such as renal replacement therapy because of high cost and donor shortage. This study aimed to examine the effect of recommended dietary allowance (RDA) protein on chronic kidney diseases (CKD) children without dialysis to halt the progression of CKD by preventing the deterioration of the renal function. In this observational study, 30 children aged 2 - 18 years at different CKD stages without dialysis were selected as the research sample. Anthropometric measurements (namely weight and height) and laboratory assessments (namely S. creatinine. blood urea, total serum albumin, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and CCr) were considered at the beginning of the study. Following the intervention using the RDA protein during three- and six-month periods, anthropometric and laboratory assessments were compared using the preliminary data. Weight, weight for age Z score, and body mass index (BMI) significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05) after three and six months, compared to the preliminary data. Moreover, laboratory assessments such as Hb, S. creatinine, blood urea, and creatinine clearance rate significantly improved (P &lt; 0.05) after three and six months of RDA protein intake without dialysis. The growth and renal function improved following the intervention with recommended dietary allowance protein in CKD children without dialysis.

Thymol and eugenol microemulsion for Rhiphicephalus sanguineus sensu lato control: Formulation development, field efficacy, and safety on dogs

The present study aimed to develop a microemulsion formulation containing thymol and eugenol for field control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato on dogs, as well to evaluate its safety and the physical characteristics of the formulation. The microemulsion using thymol and eugenol (5.0 + 5.0 mg/mL) had as vehicles water, propylene glycol, polysorbate 80 and canola oil. On the next day the preparation (formulation freshly prepared) and after 24 months, the size of the microemulsion droplets, polydispersion index (PdI), organoleptic properties (color, viscosity), and presence of precipitate in the microemulsion were evaluated. For the field assay, on day -1, 10 English Cocker Spaniel dogs were experimentally infested with 200 larvae, 100 nymphs and 30 adults of R. sanguineus s.l. On day 0, after tick counts, the animals were divided into two groups: treated with the freshly prepared microemulsion (10 mL/kg), and control, which received the vehicle (10 mL/kg). Tick counts on dogs were performed daily for three more days. Engorged females were recovered from the dogs and their biological and reproductive parameters were monitored. The dogs’ clinical parameters (temperature, mucosa color, and general physical condition) were evaluated daily. In addition, blood samples were collected before infestation to verify hematological (packed cell volume) and biochemical parameters (total serum protein, albumin, globulins, creatinine, urea, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase). Freshly prepared and 24-month aged microemulsions had droplets with mean sizes of 30.94 nm and 27.93 nm, and PdI values of 0.214 and 0.161, respectively. In addition, no difference in the organoleptic properties and no precipitation formation were observed, indicating physical stability. Treatment with the microemulsion resulted in reduction of larvae (p < 0.05) parasitizing the dogs on day 1 while the number of nymphs and adults was not reduced (P> 0.05). In the evaluation of the reproductive biology of engorged females, the larval hatchability (%) was compromised (p < 0.05), and the microemulsion had control rate of 85.5 %. The microemulsion and its vehicles did not change the clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters of the dogs. We concluded that the microemulsion was efficient against R. sanguineus s.l. by reducing the number of larvae and affecting the reproductive parameters of engorged females, safe for dogs, and stable (physical stability) during a two-year interval.

Alteration in biochemical parameters during plateletpheresis in healthy donors: A compendious analysis.

During plateletpheresis, citrate induces hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which are usually transient and self-limiting, but they can lead to significant donor discomfort. The aim of study was to determine the effect of citrate infusion on a multitude of biochemical parameters during plateletpheresis in healthy donors and to correlate changes with adverse donor reactions. The study was conducted on 60 healthy plateletpheresis donors. Blood samples were drawn on three occasions, a baseline pre-donation sample, 30min at start of procedure and 30min post procedure. Heparinized samples were taken to measure ionized calcium and plain samples to measure serum calcium, serum magnesium, parathyroid hormone, total protein and serum albumin. There was statistically significant decline in mean total calcium (9.27±0.66mg/dl to 8.72±0.87mg/dl) and ionized calcium (3.8±0.51mg/dl to 2.9±0.67mg/dl) from baseline until 30min after the start of procedure respectively. A significant fall in serum magnesium, total protein and serum albumin was observed. The mean parathyroid hormone showed significant increase from baseline levels till at the completion of procedure (19.94±12.1pg/ml to 92.08±36.78pg/ml). If the yield was set constant, there was negative correlation between ACD used and pre-donation platelet count. Majority of adverse donor reactions were hypocalcemic reactions, which were more with Amicus double yield plateletpheresis and were managed with calcium supplementation. Plateletpheresis induces marked reduction in serum calcium and magnesium levels. Moreover, increase in parathyroid hormone levels was significant. In addition, decline in total protein and serum albumin may be a concern in donors also participating in plasmapheresis.