Search Results (747)

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to explore the risk factors of histopathological crescent formation in pediatric IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN). Materials and Methods: Enrolled patients with biopsy-proven IgAVN from Zhejiang University’s hospital were split into two groups: 377 with no crescents on histopathology (Group 1) and 364 with crescentic nephritis (Group 2). Collected data included clinical features, lab indicators, histopathological grading, and factors causing glomerular sclerosis. Logistic regression was used to assess factors affecting crescent formation in IgAVN. Double-immunofluorescence assay was used to detect TGF-β1, MCP-1, α-SMA, Collagen I, and FN1 in kidney biopsy specimens. The relationship between kidney fibrosis factors and histopathological grade were analyzed using Chi-square and Pearson tests. Results: A total of 741 patients with IgAVN were included in the study. Univariate logistic regression identified potential factors related to crescent formation, including age, gender, clinical classification, hematuria grade, 24 h urine protein level, peripheral white blood cells (WBCs), serum albumin, Cystatin-C, APTT, and PT. Multivariate analysis revealed statistical significance for age, 24 h urine protein, and WBCs across pathological grades (p < 0.05). Mantel–Haenszel Chi-square tests indicated a linear relationship between IgAVN pathological grade and α-SMA, TGF-β1, MCP-1, and FN1. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a positive correlation between pathological grade and these markers. Conclusions: Age, 24 h urinary protein, and blood WBCs are identified as risk factors for histopathological crescent formation in children with IgAVN. Additionally, a higher pathological grade is associated with more pronounced fibrosis indicators. Full article

Background: The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) was a 3-year, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to test the effects of the MIND diet on cognitive decline in 604 individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia. Here, we describe the genotyping, imputation, and quality control (QC) procedures for the genetic data of trial participants. Methods: DNA was extracted from either whole blood or serum, and genotyping was performed using the Infinium Global Diversity Array. Established sample and SNP QC procedures were applied to the genotyping data, followed by imputation using the 1000 Genomes Phase 3 v5 reference panel. Results: Significant study-site, specimen type, and batch effects were observed. A total of 494 individuals of inferred European ancestry and 58 individuals of inferred African ancestry were included in the final imputed dataset. Evaluation of the imputed APOE genotype against gold-standard sequencing data showed high concordance (98.2%). We replicated several known genetic associations identified from previous genome-wide association studies, including SNPs previously linked to adiponectin (rs16861209, p = 1.5 × 10⁻⁵), alpha-linolenic acid (rs174547, p = 1.3 × 10⁻⁷), and alpha-tocopherol (rs964184, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This dataset represents the first genetic resource derived from a dietary intervention trial focused on cognitive outcomes. It enables investigation of genetic contributions to variability in cognitive response to the MIND diet and supports integrative analyses with other omics data types to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying cognitive decline. These efforts may ultimately inform precision nutrition strategies to promote cognitive health. Full article

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is conditionally essential, as it is synthesized from precursors after UV light exposure, whilst also being obtained from the diet. It has numerous health benefits, with deficiency becoming a major concern globally, such that dietary supplementation has more recently achieved vital importance to maintain satisfactory levels. In recent years, measurements made from blood have, therefore, become critical to determine the status of vitamin D levels in individuals and the larger population. Tests for vitamin D have routinely relied on laboratory analysis with sophisticated equipment, often being slow and costly, whilst rapid immunoassays have suffered from poor specificity and sensitivity. Here, we have evaluated a new rapid immunoassay test on the market (Rapi-D & IgLoo) to quickly and accurately measure vitamin D levels in small capillary blood specimens and compared this to measurements made using the standard laboratory method of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Our results show that vitamin D can be measured very quickly and over a broad range using the new method, as well as correlate relatively well with standard laboratory testing; however, it cannot be fully relied upon currently to accurately diagnose deficiency or sufficiency in individuals. Our statistical and comparative analyses find that the rapid immunoassay with digital quantification significantly overestimates vitamin D levels, leading to diminished diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency. The speed and simplicity of the rapid method will likely provide advantages in various healthcare settings; however, further calibration of this rapid method and testing parameters for improving quantification of vitamin D from capillary blood specimens is required before integration of it into clinical decision-making pathways. Full article

Several chronic inflammatory processes are currently being studied in relation to other systems to better understand the regulation mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. A significant body of evidence supports the role of the nervous system in regulating various immunological processes. This study investigates the relationship between pterygia and the sympathetic nervous system, focusing on their interaction in the inflammatory response and fibrogenic process. Sixteen surgical specimens of primary pterygia and four conjunctival tissue samples were examined, and their morphology was analyzed using hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome stains. The gene expression of adrenergic receptors, as well as inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines, was also assessed. Additionally, both adrenergic receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase were found to be localized within the tissues according to immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. Increased expression of proinflammatory, fibrogenic, and adrenergic genes was observed in the pterygium compared to the healthy conjunctiva. Adrenergic receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase were localized in the basal region of the epithelium and within blood vessels, closely associated with immune cells. Neuroimmunomodulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of pterygia by activating the sympathetic nervous system. At the intravascular level, norepinephrine promotes the migration of immune cells, thereby sustaining inflammation. Additionally, sympathetic nerve fibers located at the subepithelial level contribute to epithelial growth and the fibrosis associated with pterygia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Conventional blood collection can be challenging in a non-clinical or home-based setting. In response, vacuum-assisted lancing devices for capillary blood collection (typically from the upper arm) have gained popularity to broaden access to diagnostic testing. However, these devices are often costly relative to the reimbursement rate for common laboratory testing panels. This study describes the design and evaluation of Comfort Draw™, a simplified and economical vacuum-assisted capillary blood collection device. Methods: Comfort Draw™ was evaluated by 12 participants in a preliminary study and by 42 participants in a follow-up study. Metrics assessed included the following: vacuum pressure of the device, skin temperature generated by the Comfort Draw prep warmer, blood collection volume, and analytical accuracy (for 19 common serum-based analytes). Results: Acceptable blood volume (>400 µL) and serum volume (>100 µL) were collected by Comfort Draw in 85.5% and 95.1% of cases, respectively. Seventeen of the nineteen analytes examined were within CLIA acceptance limits compared to matched venous samples. Self-reported pain scores associated with Comfort Draw collection averaged 0.39 on a scale from 0 to 10. Conclusions: In this preliminary clinical study, Comfort Draw was found to be a valid and relatively painless method for collecting capillary blood specimens. The device’s simple design and lower cost could enable broader applications compared to more complex alternative capillary blood collection devices. Full article

Background: The number of women veterans has been rising steadily since the Gulf War and many assume the functions of their male counterparts. Women face unique obstacles in their service, and it is imperative that differences in physiology not be overlooked so as to provide better and appropriate care to our women in uniform. Despite this influx and incorporation of female talent, dedicated reports contrasting female and male veterans are rare, outside of specific psychological studies. We therefore attempt to contrast gut constituents, absorption, innate immune system, and nutritional differences to provide a comprehensive account of similarities and differences between female and male veterans, from our single-center perspective, as this has not been carried out previously. Herein, we obtained a detailed roster of commonly used biomedical tests and some novel entities to detect differences between female and male veterans. The objective of this study was to detect differences in the innate immune system and other ancillary test results to seek differences that may impact the health of female and male veterans differently. Methods: To contrast biochemical and sociomedical parameters in female and male veterans, we studied the data collected on 450 female veterans and contrasted them to a group of approximately 1642 males, sequentially from 1995 to 2022, all selected because of above-average risk for CRC. As part of this colorectal cancer (CRC) screening cross-sectional and longitudinal study, we also collected stool, urine, saliva, and serum specimens. We used ELISA testing to detect stool p87 shedding by the Adnab-9 monoclonal and urinary organ-specific antigen using the BAC18.1 monoclonal. We used the FERAD ratio (blood ferritin/fecal p87), a measure of the innate immune system to gauge the activity of the innate immune system (InImS) by dividing the denominator p87 (10% N-linked glycoprotein detected by ELISA) into the ferritin level (the enumerator, a common lab test to assess anemia). FERAD ratios have not been performed elsewhere despite past Adnab-9 commercial availability so we have had to auto-cite our published data where appropriate. Results: Many differences between female and males were detected. The most impressive differences were those of the InImS where males clearly had the higher numbers (54,957 ± 120,095) in contrast to a much lower level in females (28,621 ± 66,869), which was highly significantly different (p < 0.004). Mortality was higher in males than females (49.4% vs. 24.1%; OR 3.08 [2.40–3.94]; p < 0.0001). Stool p87, which is secreted by Paneth cells and may have a protective function, was lower in males (0.044 ± 0.083) but higher in females (0.063 ± 0.116; p < 0.031). Immunohistochemistry of the Paneth cell-fixed p87 antigen was also higher in females (in the descending colon and rectum). In contrast, male ferritin levels were significantly higher (206.3 ± 255.9 vs. 141.1 ± 211.00 ng/mL; p < 0.0006). Females were less likely to be diabetic (29.4 vs. 37.3%; OR 0.7 [0.55–0.90]; p < 0.006). Females were also more likely to use NSAIDs (14.7 vs. 10.7%, OR 1.08 [1.08–2.00]; p < 0.015). Females also had borderline less GI bleeding by fecal immune tests (FITs), with 13.2% as opposed to 18.2% in males (OR 0.68 [0.46–1.01]; p = 0.057), but were less inclined to have available flexible sigmoidoscopy (OR 0.68 [0.53–0.89]; p < 0.004). Females also had more GI symptomatology, a higher rate of smoking, and were significantly younger than their male counterparts. Conclusions: This study shows significant differences with multiple parameters in female and male veterans. Full article

Background/Objectives: The correlation between drugs and interstitial lung disease (ILD) is reported, but the presence of the substances of abuse in the lung as a cause of disease has never been proved. In this observational study, our aim was to evaluate a possible correlation between ILD radiological findings and cannabinoids presence in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) or in resected lung tissue in patients with a history of cannabis smoke. Methods: Data of patients with ILD chest CT scan findings and history of drug use, submitted to BAL (Group 1), or to lung apex removal for pneumothorax (Group 2), were retrospectively collected. In both groups, drug presence was investigated. A subgroup of Group 1 was checked for the concomitant presence in blood. Fisher’s test was used to study the association between the detection of the drug and ILD. Results: In Group 1, cannabinoids were present in 12/26 (46.2%) BAL samples. ILD emerged on chest CT in 75% of the cannabinoid-positive and in 20% of the cannabinoid-negative BAL samples (p = 0.0299). In the subgroup, the patients who tested positive for cannabinoids/cocaine on BAL were 55.6%; 0% were positive only on blood (p = 0.0294). In Group 2, cannabinoids were present in 10/15 (66.7%) specimens. ILD was evident, respectively, in 40% and in 0% of the patients with cannabinoid-positive and cannabinoid-negative surgical specimens (p = 0.2308). Conclusions: The prevalence of ILD in patients with cannabinoid-positive BAL and in those with cannabinoid-positive surgical specimens suggests that ILD could be caused by cannabis smoke. The non-concomitant presence of substances in BAL and in blood advocates the diagnostic usefulness of searching for the drug in the target organ. Full article

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. Understanding the feeding behavior and infection rates of these vectors is crucial for disease surveillance and control. We aimed to investigate the natural infection rate of Leishmania spp. in phlebotomines and analyze their blood-feeding patterns in one of the priority areas of the state of São Paulo for the implementation of insecticide-impregnated dog collars. Sand flies were collected from urban and peri-urban areas between 2022 and 2024 using CDC light traps, manual aspiration, and Shannon traps. PCR was used to detect Leishmania DNA (SSU rDNA gene), and blood meal sources (COI gene). A total of 414 sand flies were collected, with 222 engorged females analyzed for blood meals and 192 specimens tested for Leishmania spp. infection. The predominant blood source was humans (67%), followed by chickens (64.1%), and dogs (18.9%), considering that 45.1% of the samples presented mixed blood meals. Leishmania infantum was found in 1% of the samples. These findings highlight the feeding plasticity of sand flies and their potential role in disease transmission, reinforcing the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance and vector control strategies, particularly the implementation of insecticide-impregnated dog collars. Full article

Vermipsyllid parasitize the body surface of sheep, feeding on blood and transmitting diseases, causing severe economic losses to the livestock industry. An outbreak of sheep Vermipsyllid fleas in the mountain pastures of Xinjiang’s Altai region showed that several commonly used commercial anthelmintic drugs had poor therapeutic effects on the prevalent flea species. This study first conducted species identification of Vermipsyllid through morphological analysis of 200 female and 40 male specimens collected from the Altai region, followed by molecular biological identification of 6 randomly selected fleas (3 females and 3 males). Finally, pharmacodynamic experiments were performed to screen for highly effective anthelmintic drugs. Ninety Altai multiparous ewes infected with Vermipsyllid were divided into six groups (fifteen sheep per group): an untreated control group (Ctr), avermectin injection group (Group I), ivermectin injection group (Group II), moxidectin pour-on group (Group III), cypermethrin pour-on group (Group IV), and dichlorvos pour-on group (Group V), with a 14-day trial period. On Day 0, each group received a single treatment according to drug instructions and specified dosages. The number of fleas, flea population reduction rates, and cure rates were measured on Day 0, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14 to screen for effective anthelmintic drugs. Results showed that unfed female and male fleas were grayish-brown. Engorged females reached 14.15 mm in size, appearing pale white or yellow, with their sterna maintaining the original size and shape despite abdominal distension. Female fleas had 20–21 segments on the labium, while males had 16–19 segments. The hind tibiae featured four notches, and each side of the tergite had 13 ± 1 cup-like indentations. Molecular biological identification indicated that the identified fleas belonged to D. ioffi (Vermipsyllidae, Dorcadia Ioff), showing 99.13% sequence similarity with D. ioffi from Xinjiang, China. In pharmacodynamic experiments, the number of D. ioffi in Groups IV and V decreased to zero on both Day 7 and Day 14, which was extremely significantly lower than other groups (p < 0.01). The flea population reduction rates in Groups IV and V reached 100% on both days. By Day 14, the cure rates of Groups I, II, and III were 0%, while those of Groups IV and V were 100%. Avermectin injection, ivermectin injection, and moxidectin pour-on showed poor anthelmintic effects, whereas cypermethrin and dichlorvos pour-on exhibited high anthelmintic activity against this flea species. Full article

We aimed to determine the influence of donors’ vascular function on renal function in recipients and to evaluate the role of Orai1 calcium channels as a potential marker. A prospective collaborative multicenter study was designed. Blood, aorta (HA), mesenteric arteries (HMAs) and corpus cavernosum (HCC) specimens were obtained from organ donors at the kidney procurement procedure (n = 60). Evolution (up to 2 years) of renal function measured as serum creatinine (SCr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was evaluated in respective recipients (n = 64). Vascular responses were determined in HA, HMA and HCC from donors. Tumor necrosis factor-α, asymmetric dimethyl arginine and Orai1 were measured in plasma. Orai1 protein expression was also evaluated in each donor’s aorta. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation (HMA, HCC) and adrenergic contraction (HA) in donors determined renal function in recipients, 12 months post-transplantation. Donors in the best quartile of vascular function predicted lower SCr and higher GFR in kidney recipients for 12/24 months. Plasma Orai1 in donors was negatively correlated with vascular function and predicted renal function at 3–6 months post-transplantation. Donor Orai1 vascular content was associated with reduced vascular function and with poorer recipient renal function for 1-year post-transplantation. Systemic vascular function of kidney donors determines recipients’ renal function at short/mid-term. Donors’ vascular function and recipients’ renal function are negatively associated with donors’ Orai1 vascular expression, being a potential biomarker of renal outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects people worldwide. It is characterized by joint pain, synovial inflammation, and the degradation of articular cartilage with subchondral bone. Presently, there is no known cure, and pharmacological treatment options are limited. Blueberries contain phytochemicals, which have been linked to positive health benefits and may offer therapeutic benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the dose-dependent effects of whole blueberries on arthritis symptoms in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat model of osteoarthritis. Methods: Forty female rats were used for this study. Thirty were injected with MIA to induce joint degradation associated with osteoarthritis. Ten served as controls without MIA induction. The MIA-induced rats were randomized into three groups. All groups were fed a casein-based diet, with two of the MIA-induced groups receiving an addition of whole-blueberry powder at 5% and 10%. Fasted blood specimens and tissues of interest were collected post-euthanasia for analysis. Mechanical allodynia and joint widths were assessed throughout this study. Results: MIA induction resulted in changes in pain behaviors and the development of mechanical allodynia. The MIA injection produced inflammation, pain symptoms, and behaviors that are representative of those observed in humans with osteoarthritis. The incorporation of whole blueberries into diets reduced pain behaviors and inflammation. Conclusions: Overall, whole blueberries showed limited, non-dose-dependent effects in the MIA-induced rat model of osteoarthritis. While some outcomes improved in blueberry-treated groups, the overall results were not consistently significant. These preliminary findings suggest potential biological activity and support the further investigation of blueberries’ therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Automation improves efficiency in laboratory workflow but may fail to detect clinically relevant abnormalities in patients with nephropathy. This study aimed to identify dipstick parameters associated with nephropathy-related sediment findings and to propose practical criteria to guide manual microscopy review based on these associations. Methods: Urine samples from in- and outpatients, primarily from the nephrology unit, were collected at a university hospital from July 2022 to September 2023. Samples were analyzed within two hours using LabUMat 2 and UriSed 3 analyzers. Manual microscopy was performed on all specimens by two experienced technicians. Sediments were classified as suggestive or not of nephropathy based on hematuria with dysmorphism, hyaline and pathological casts, lipiduria, or renal tubular epithelial cells. Results: Of 503 samples, 146 (29%) showed sediment findings indicative of nephropathy, which were significantly associated with dipstick positivity for protein and blood. Among nephropathy samples, 71.2% had protein ≥1+ or blood ≥2+. Using this combination as a criterion for manual sediment review yielded a sensitivity of 71.2%, a specificity of 73.9%, and a 3.84-fold increased relative risk of detecting nephropathy-related elements (p < 0.001). The criteria performed best among nephrology outpatients, with sensitivity of 79.5%, specificity of 63.9%, and relative risk of 3.91 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dipstick protein ≥1+ or blood ≥2+ helps identify patients who may benefit from manual sediment review, supporting diagnostic accuracy in nephropathy. Each institution should define its criteria based on patient profile, analytical methods, and workflow. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ring chromosomes (RCs) can be rare or common depending on the chromosome involved. With interest in the historical RCs identified by our laboratory, we curated instances to provide further information to this research field. Methodology: We carried out a retrospective, single-center study of constitutional RCs identified starting in the late 1980s. Details for 40 RCs with a modal number of 46 chromosomes are featured here. Results: Mosaic and non-mosaic RCs are identified, with a preponderance of pediatric-aged females at first ascertainment. We corroborated an enrichment for acrocentric and X chromosome RCs. Six were ascertained perinatally, with peripheral blood being the most commonly studied postnatal specimen type. Notable RCs included a female fetus with an increased risk for monosomy X, whose mosaic RCY arose secondary to a translocation between the sex chromosomes. In another, a series of complex events formed three structurally aberrant chromosomes, including an RC4 with loss of 4p16.3, corresponding with the observed phenotypic expression of Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome. In another, a mosaic RCX was co-identified with an isochromosome 21q, resulting in a dual diagnosis of trisomy 21 and Turner syndrome. In another, the atypical RC21 structure raises the possibility of a complex rearrangement. Chromosomal microarray data clarified breakpoints and gene dosage imbalances in fifteen, while low-level mosaicism for the RC escaped detection by array in another. Eight RCs were de novo, and parental exclusion was documented for six. Conclusions: This study illustrates the need for cytogenomic follow-up to improve the literature for patients with RCs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fluid dynamic models of the cerebral vasculature are being developed to evaluate intracranial vascular pathology. Fluid–structure interaction modeling provides an opportunity for more accurate simulation of vascular pathology by modelling the vessel wall itself in conjunction with the fluid forces. Accuracy of these models is heavily dependent on the parameters used. Of those studied, elastin has been considered a key component used in aortic and common carotid artery modeling. We studied elastin thickness to determine if there was significant variation between cerebral artery territories to suggest its importance in cerebral blood vessel biomechanical response and provide reference data for modeling intracranial elastin. Elastin thickness was compared to vessel location, thickness, diameter, and laterality within human intracranial arteries. Methods: Tissue was taken from five human cadaveric heads preserved in formaldehyde from each intracranial vessel distribution bilaterally and stained with Van Gieson stain for elastin. A total of 160 normal cerebral vascular artery specimens were obtained from 17 different cerebrovascular regions. Two reviewers measured elastin thickness for each sample at five different locations per sample using Aperio ImageScope (Leica Biosystems, Deer Park, IL, USA). Statistical analysis of the samples was performed using mixed-models repeated measures regression methods. Results: There was a significant difference between anterior circulation (6.01 µm) and posterior circulation (4.4 µm) vessel elastin thickness (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, two predictive models of elastin thickness were presented, utilizing a combination of anterior versus posterior circulation, vessel diameter, and vessel wall thickness, which demonstrated significance for prediction with anterior versus posterior combined with vessel diameter and wall thickness. Conclusions: Elastin thicknesses are significantly different between anterior and posterior circulation vessels, which may explain the differences seen in aneurysm rupture risk for anterior versus posterior circulation aneurysms. Additionally, we propose two potential models for predicting elastin thickness based on vessel location, vessel diameter, and vessel wall thickness, all of which can be obtained using preoperative imaging techniques. These findings suggest that elastin plays an important role in cerebral vascular wall integrity, and this data will further enable fluid–structure interaction modeling parameters to be more precise in an effort to provide predictive modeling for cerebrovascular pathology. Full article

The conditions of animals in captivity have long been a cause for concern, and for that reason should be carefully assessed. In circus activities, animals are used for different purposes, but their needs are different due to their physiological peculiarities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the emotional state and the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium in dromedaries, camels, and llamas subjected to circus management. Blood samples were taken from five specimens of three different species in order to assess the serum concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and the plasma levels of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-Roms) and the animals’ biological antioxidant potential (BAP). The results showed higher levels of d-Roms in dromedaries and llamas than camels and higher concentrations of BAP in camels than other species. Finally, dromedaries showed a higher dopamine concentration than llamas. This preliminary study suggested that some of the species investigated here are more influenced by the circus environment, especially on a relational level. Although the results collected in this study are preliminary and need to be supported by further, more comprehensive investigations from the point of view of welfare assessment, it could be hypothesized that the emotional state and the oxidant/antioxidant balance is very important to assess in an environment such as the circus. Full article