Alterations of gut microbiota‐derived metabolites in gestational diabetes mellitus and clinical significance

BackgroundThe change in the characteristics of the gut microbiota is linked to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, whether and how the gut microbiota‐derived metabolites change in GDM is uncertain. Here, we aimed to determine associations between the gut microbiota‐derived metabolites and GDM.MethodsUsing targeted metabolomics approaches, 7 types of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), 38 types of bile acids (BAs), and 5 types of trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO), and its derivatives of serum samples were obtained from pregnant women with GDM (n = 24), and healthy pregnant controls (HC, n = 28) were detected to identify the metabolic signature of GDM to investigate the potential biomarkers. Moreover, we assessed the associations between gut microbiota‐derived metabolites and clinical parameters.ResultsIn our study, the gut microbiota‐derived metabolites signatures were significantly different between GDM and HC. Quantitative results showed the levels of isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, GUDCA, THDCA + TUDCA, and LCA‐3S were significantly higher in GDM, but the level of TMAO and its derivatives did not change significantly. Some altered gut microbiota‐derived metabolites were significantly correlated with glucose and lipid levels. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of generalized linear models showed that gut microbiota‐derived metabolites may be potential biomarkers of GDM.ConclusionThis study highlights gut microbiota‐derived metabolites alterations in GDM and correlation of the clinical indicators, which provides a new direction for future studies aiming to novel serum biomarker for early detection or target of drug therapy of GDM.     

Estimation of homocysteine concentration as an indicator of foetal death in pregnant Chinese women with preeclampsia: A case–control study

IntroductionThis study evaluated whether changes in homocysteine concentrations in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE) might be useful for predicting foetal death.Materials and methodsThis study evaluated 1,368 PE women at two Chinese centres. Medical records were reviewed to collect data regarding maternal age, homocysteine concentrations and other clinical parameters.ResultsMaternal serum homocysteine concentrations were significantly higher in the group with PE than control. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed between the foetal death and survival groups in terms of body mass index, neonatal weight, previous deliveries, gestation length and adverse pregnancy history. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that upper‐quartile homocysteine concentration was a significant risk factor of foetal death in the group with PE, and overall survival rate of patients with high homocysteine concentrations during pregnancy was significantly lower than those with low level (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that foetal death was associated with upper‐quartile homocysteine concentrations in the group with PE, it can be an indicator of foetal death throughout the pregnancy.     

The role of platelet parameters for the diagnosis of preeclampsia among pregnant women attending at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital antenatal care unit,Gondar, Ethiopia

BackgroundPreeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy‐related illness characterized by high blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria after the 20th gestational week (GW). Platelet (PLT) parameter changes are the common hematological abnormalities observed in PE patients. The main aim of this study was to assess the role of PLT parameters for PE diagnosis among pregnant women.MethodsA comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital. A total of 126 pregnant women (63 normotensive [NT] and 63 PE) were recruited using a convenient sampling method. Three milliliter blood was collected from each participant, and PLT parameters were determined using Sysmex XS‐500i analyzer. An independent t‐test supplemented with receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) were used for comparisons and diagnostic value of PLT parameters between the study groups.ResultsPlatelet count (PC) was significantly lower in the PE group compared to that in the NT group, whereas mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P‐LCR), and platelet distribution width (PDW) were significantly higher in PE. MPV had the largest area under the curve (AUC) [0.91: 95% CI; 0.85–0.96] followed by PC [0.79: 95% CI; 0.72–0.87]. MPV can differentiate PE patients from NT pregnant women at cut‐off value ≥12.10 fl (84.1% sensitivity and 87.3% specificity) while PC can indicate PE at a cut‐off value ≤176.5 × 10⁹/L (65.1% sensitivity and 87.3% specificity).ConclusionA decreased PC and an increased MPV, P‐LCR, and PDW can be used as a simple, cost‐effective, quick, and reliable method of PE screening. Of them, MPV is the best indicator of PE.     

Application of thromboelastography in diagnosing normal pregnancies and pregnancies with complications

BackgroundThis observational study aimed to compare the potential application of thromboelastography (TEG) in diagnosing women with normal pregnancy (NP) and women with threatened abortion (TA), missed abortion (MA), embryo arrest (EA), fetal death (FD), history of abnormal pregnancy (HAP), and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (AA).MethodsAccording to the relevant clinical criteria, patients were divided into groups, and their blood samples were subjected to TEG. Next, the parameters R, K, α‐angle, MA, LY‐30, G, and coagulation index (CI) were analyzed. Partial correlation analysis was used to analyze correlation between groups of data. LSD‐t test and Dunnett''s T3 test were used to analyze continuous variables. Ordinal categorical variables were compared using ordinal logistic regression analysis and estimate odds ratio of risk factors. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to detect the ability of TEG to recognize various parameters, and areas under the curve were compared using Delong''s test for diagnosing pregnancy‐related diseases.ResultsMA had a negative effect on the MA parameter in TEG; EA had a negative effect on the MA and G parameters; HAP had a negative effect on the CI parameter and a positive effect on the R parameter; AA had a negative effect on the CI parameter. Compared with that of the NP group, the G of the EA (p = 0.014) group and the CI of the TA (p = 0.036) MA (p = 0.08) EA (p = 0.026) HAP (p = 0.000004) and AA (p = 0.002) groups were reduced. In the ordinal logistic regression analysis, compared with that of the NP group, the high R value of the HAP group accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 48.76, p = 0.001); the high K value of the AA group accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 17.00, p = 0.023); the angle value distributions of the TA and AA groups were different from that of the NP group (OR = 3.30, p = 0.039; OR = 0.14, p = 0.029); the low MA value of the MA, EA, and HAP groups accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 0.16, p = 0.03; OR = 0.26, p = 0.005; OR = 0.11, p = 0.008); and the low CI value of the HAP group accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 0.09, p = 0.005). In the ROC analysis, there were no significant differences in the TEG parameters of pregnant women belonging to the NP and TA, NP and MA, NP and EA, NP and FD, NP and HAP, and NP and AA groups (p > 0.05).     

Diagnostic value of periostin in lung cancer‐related malignant pleural effusion

BackgroundPeriostin (POSTN) is an extracellular matrix protein that is overexpressed in lung cancer and is considered an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of POSTN and to further evaluate the diagnostic value of POSTN combined with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer ratio [CR: serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)/pleural effusion adenosine deaminase (PE ADA)] in lung cancer‐related malignant PE (MPE).MethodsA total of 108 patients with PE, including 54 with lung cancer and 54 with benign lung disease, were enrolled in this study. The POSTN levels of PE and serum were detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Information on the expression of PE and serum CEA, serum LDH, and PE ADA was collected from medical records.ResultsThe levels of PE POSTN in MPE of patients with lung cancer were significantly higher than those in patients with benign PE (p < 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of PE POSTN for lung cancer‐related MPE were respectively 77.78% and 68.52% when the cutoff value was determined to be 53.45 ng/ml. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that PE POSTN has a high diagnostic value in MPE associated with lung cancer [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.764], and the combination of PE POSTN, PE CEA, and CR can improve the diagnostic accuracy of lung cancer‐related MPE (AUC = 0.948).ConclusionPOSTN can be used as a potential marker for lung cancer‐related MPE diagnosis.     

Establishment of assay method‐ and trimester‐specific reference intervals for thyroid hormones during pregnancy in Chengdu,China

BackgroundThe reference intervals of thyroid hormone will change at different stages of pregnancy because of physiological alterations. On the other hand, the reference intervals of thyroid hormone will also change in different detection systems due to the manufacturer''s methodology as well as a different race. The objective of this study was to establish the assay method‐ and trimester‐specific reference intervals for thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine for pregnant women in Chengdu.MethodsA prospective, population‐based cohort study involved 23,701 reference samples of pregnant women during the three trimesters and 8646 non‐pregnant women with pre‐pregnancy clinical and laboratory tests. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated as the reference intervals for thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine at each trimester of pregnant women according to ATA Guidelines.ResultsThe reference interval of thyroid‐stimulating hormone in the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles has a significant increasing trend from the first trimester, to second trimester and to third trimester, which was 0.08–3.79 mIU/L for the first trimester, and 0.12–3.95 mIU/L for the second trimester and 0.38–4.18 mIU/L for the third trimester, respectively (p < 0.001). However, the reference intervals of free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine in the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles have significant decreasing trends from the first trimester, to second trimester and to third trimester, which were 11.87–18.83 pmol/L and 3.77–5.50 pmol/L for the first trimester, and 11.22–18.19 pmol/L and 3.60–5.41 pmol/L for the second trimester, and 10.19–17.42 pmol/L and 3.37–4.79 pmol/L for the third trimester, respectively (both p < 0.001).ConclusionIt is necessary to establish assay method‐ and trimester‐specific reference intervals for thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine because the reference intervals of these thyroid hormones are significantly different at different stages of pregnancy.     

A panel of three serum microRNA can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma is cancer with unique epidemiological characteristics, showing obvious ethnicity, gender, and geographical prevalence. More and more evidence shows that microRNAs are stable in serum and are specific to different tumor types. Therefore, miRNA is a new non‐invasive biomarker for cancer detection.MethodsThe experiment is divided into three stages, namely, the screening stage, the training stage, and the verification stage. We took 54 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 108 healthy controls as the research objects. We use the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) to evaluate the diagnostic value of miRNA. Finally, a three‐miRNA panel with high diagnostic efficiency was constructed. In addition, we conducted biological information analysis of these miRNAs to explore their functions.ResultsIn NPC patients, the expression of five serum miRNAs (miR‐29c‐3p, miR‐143‐5p, miR‐150‐5p, miR‐145‐3p, and miR‐205‐5p) is significantly dysregulated. Among them, the diagnostic value of these three miRNAs (miR‐29c‐3p, AUC = 0.702; miR‐143‐5p, AUC = 0.733; and miR‐205‐5p, AUC = 787) is more prominent. The diagnostic panel constructed by them has a higher diagnostic value (AUC = 0.902). Through the analysis of the TCGA data set, the target gene of the three‐miRNA panel may be KLF7, NRG1, SH3BGRL2, and SYNPO2.ConclusionThe three‐miRNA panel (miR‐29c‐3p, miR‐143‐5p, and miR‐205‐5p) may become a novel non‐invasive biological marker for nasopharyngeal cancer screening.     

A novel prognosis prediction model,including cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4, ischemia‐modified albumin,lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2, glial fibrillary acidic protein,and homocysteine,for ischemic stroke in the Chinese hypertensive population

BackgroundThere is still a lack of tools to assess the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients induced by hypertension. In this study, we built a novel prognostic assessment model for ischemic stroke in the Chinese hypertensive population.MethodsMass spectrometry technique was used to analyze the changes in serum protein profiles of hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke. A total of 314 hypertensive patients were divided into the testing group (206 patients) and the validation group (108 patients).ResultsCompared with hypertensive patients without ischemic stroke, serum cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA), lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and homocysteine (HCY) levels were significantly increased among hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke (p < 0.05). Then, we built a novel prognostic assessment model for hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke [Logit(P) = 29.172–1.088*CTLA‐4–0.952*IMA‐0.537*Lp‐PLA2 −0.066*GFAP −0.149*HCY]. It showed higher efficiency (AUC = 0.981, sensitivity = 95.5%, specificity = 93.8%) than any single marker. The estimated probability was 0.739, which means if higher than 0.739, it was classified into poor prognosis. Compared with the estimated probability ≤0.739 group, the survival rate of hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke in the estimated probability >0.739 group was significantly decreased (χ ² = 40.001, p < 0.001). In the validation group, our novel prognostic assessment model still showed good efficiency (AUC = 0.969, sensitivity = 89.4%, specificity = 92.5%; χ ² = 47.551, p < 0.001).ConclusionCurrent novel prognostic assessment model we have built is of great value in the prognostic evaluation for ischemic stroke in the Chinese hypertensive population.     

Predictive values of various serum biomarkers in women with suspected preeclampsia: A prospective study

BackgroundPreeclampsia (PE) prediction has been shown to improve the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the PE prediction values of a series of serum biomarkers.MethodsThe singleton pregnant women (20–36 gestational weeks) with PE‐related clinical and/or laboratory presentations were recruited and had the blood drawn at their first visits. The following markers were tested with the collected serum samples: soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1), placental growth factor (PlGF), thrombomodulin (TM), tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (tPAI‐C), complement factors C1q, B, H, glycosylated fibronectin (GlyFn), pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A2 (PAPP‐A2), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), uric acid (UA), and cystatin C (Cysc).ResultsOf the 196 recruited subjects, 25% (n = 49) developed preeclampsia before delivery, and 75% remained preeclampsia negative (n = 147). The serum levels of sFlt‐1, BUN, Cre, UA, Cysc, and PAPP‐A2 were significantly elevated, and the PlGF level was significantly decreased in the preeclampsia‐positive patients. In the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses, the area under the curves were listed in the order of decreasing values: 0.73 (UA), 0.67 (sFlt‐1/PlGF), 0.66 (Cysc), 0.65 (GlyFn/PlGF), 0.64 (PAPP‐A2/PlGF), 0.63 (BUN), 0.63 (Cre), and 0.60 (PAPP‐A2). The positive predictive values of these serum markers were between 33.1% and 58.5%, and the negative predictive values were between 80.9% and 89.5%.ConclusionsThe serum markers investigated in current study showed better performance in ruling out than ruling in PE. Absence of pre‐defined latency period between blood draw and the onset of PE limits the clinical utility of these markers.     

The downregulation of miR‐22 and miR‐372 may contribute to gestational diabetes mellitus through regulating glucose metabolism via the PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 pathway

BackgroundIdentifying effective regulatory mechanisms will be significant for Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis and treatment.MethodsThe expressions of miR‐22 and miR‐372 in placenta tissues from 75 pregnant women with GDM and 75 matched healthy controls and HRT8/SVneo cells (a model of insulin resistance) were analyzed by qPCR. The expressions of PI3K, AKT, IRS, and GLUT4 in high glucose‐treated HRT8/SVneo cells transfected with miR‐22 or miR‐372 mimics or inhibitors was assessed by Western blot. A luciferase gene reporter assay was employed to verify miRNAs'' target genes.ResultsThe expressions of miR‐22 and miR‐372 in placental tissues from GDM patients and HRT8/SVneo cells were significantly decreased compared with the respective controls. The GLUT4 expression was significantly decreased in the placenta tissues of GDM and HRT8/SVneo cells with high glucose transfected with miR‐22 and miR‐372 inhibitors. We confirmed that SLC2A4, the gene encoding GLUT4, was a direct target of miR‐22 and miR‐372. In this study, we report that the lower expressions of miR‐22 and miR‐372 in placental tissue from GDM patients.ConclusionOur results further suggested that the downregulations of miR‐22 and miR‐372 may contribute to GDM through regulating the PI3K/GLUT4 pathway.     

Placental metabolic profiling in gestational diabetes mellitus: An important role of fatty acids

AimGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Accumulating studies have reported metabolites that are significantly associated with the development of GDM. However, studies on the metabolism of placenta, the most important organ of maternal‐fetal energy and material transport, are extremely rare. This study aimed to identify and discuss the relationship between differentially expressed metabolites (DEM) and clinical parameters of the mothers and newborns.MethodsIn this study, metabolites from 63 placenta tissues (32 GDM and 31 normal controls) were assayed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐HRMS).ResultsA total of 1297 annotated metabolites were detected, of which 87 significantly different in GDM placenta. Lipids and lipid‐like molecules accounted for 62.1% of DEM as they were significantly enriched via the “biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids” and “fatty acid biosynthesis” pathways. Linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid appeared to be good biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of GDM. In addition, the level of PC(14:0/18:0) was negatively correlated with neonatal weight. 14 metabolites significantly different in male and female offspring, with the most increase in female newborns.ConclusionEven if maternal blood glucose level is well controlled, there are still metabolic abnormalities in GDM. Lipids and lipid‐like molecules were the main differential metabolites, especially unsaturated fatty acids.     

Age‐ and sex‐specific reference intervals for superoxide dismutase enzyme and several minerals in a healthy adult cohort

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to establish RIs for clinically important markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in a cohort of healthy Iranian adults.MaterialsA subsample from MASHAD cohort study was used to assess serum SOD, copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Serum SOD was measured according to its inhibitory potential of pyrogallol oxidation. Micro‐ and macro‐minerals were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry and a BT3000 autoanalyzer, respectively. Sex‐ and age‐specific RIs were then calculated based on CLSI Ep28‐A3 guidelines.ResultsReference value distributions for studied parameters did not demonstrate any age‐specific differences that were statistically significant. In addition, sex partitioning was not required for all parameters, apart from serum magnesium, which showed a wider range in females (0.81–1.26 mg/dl) compared with males (0.82–1.23 mg/dl).ConclusionThe RIs established in this study can be expected to improve mineral assessment and clinical decision‐making in the Iranian adult population.     

Serum osteoprotegerin level in hemodialysis patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer in relation to atherosclerosis

AimsTo assess the relation of high serum OPG level and carotid atherosclerosis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer.Materials and MethodsWe examined 209 MHD patients with and without carotid atherosclerosis (83 patients and 126 patients) to establish the relation between OPG and atherosclerosis.ResultsThe proportion of carotid atherosclerosis was 39.7%. The median serum OPG level was 45.3 pmol/L. Serum OPG had a good predicting value for atherosclerosis in MHD patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer (AUC = 0.934, p < 0.001, cutoff value = 43.35 pmol/L, Se = 81.3%, Sp = 90.9%).ConclusionsIn this study, serum OPG had a good predicting value for atherosclerosis in MHD patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer.     

The diagnostic model for early detection of gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetic nephropathy

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and gestational diabetic nephropathy (GDN) have become an increasingly serious problem worldwide, which can cause a large number of adverse pregnancy consequences for mothers and infants. However, the diagnosis of GDM and GDN remains a challenge due to the lack of optimal biomarkers, and the examination has high requirements for patient compliance. We aimed to establish a simple early diagnostic model for GDM and GDN.MethodsWe recruited 50 healthy pregnant (HP), 99 GDM patients, 99 GDN patients at Daping Hospital. Renal function indicators and blood cell indicators were collected for all patients.ResultsCompared with HP, GDM, and GDN patients exhibited significantly higher urea/creatinine ratio and NEU. The diagnostic model1 based on the combination of urea/creatinine ratio and NEU was built using logistic regression. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of the diagnostic model was 0.77 (0.7, 0.84) in distinguishing GDM from HP, and the AUC of the diagnostic model was 0.94 (0.9, 0.97) in distinguishing GDN from HP. Meanwhile, the diagnostic model2 based on the combination of β2‐mG, PLT, and NEU in GDM and GDN patients was built using logistic regression, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC ROC) was 0.79 (0.73, 0.85), which was larger than the individual biomarker AUC.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that the diagnostic model established by the combination of renal function indicators and blood cell indicators could facilitate the differential diagnosis of GDM and GDN patients.     

妊娠期糖尿病孕妇血栓弹力图和传统凝血功能指标结果比较

目的分析血栓弹力图和传统凝血功能指标在妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)孕妇凝血功能中的评估价值。方法选取该院2017年10月至2018年12月收治的60例GDM孕妇纳入研究组,选取60例健康孕妇纳入对照组。使用全自动血凝仪对所有研究对象的凝血酶原时间(PT)、活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)和纤维蛋白原(FIB)指标进行测定,根据PT计算国际标准化比值(INR);使用血栓弹力图仪检测两组R值、K值、α角、MA和CI值。采用全自动血细胞分析仪进行血小板计数(PLT)检测。比较两组传统凝血功能指标和血栓弹力图指标的差异。结果除APTT外,研究组PT、FIB及INR均明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组R值、K值明显高于对照组,α角、MA和CI值明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组、对照组的PLT、妊娠不良结局发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论使用血栓弹力图对GDM孕妇的凝血功能异常状态进行观察是对传统凝血功能指标的补充,对于预测GDM孕妇是否有存在凝血功能异常,以及是否有血栓形成倾向有重要意义,值得临床推广。     

The lower expression of circulating miR‐210 and elevated serum levels of HIF‐1α in ischemic stroke; Possible markers for diagnosis and disease prediction

Background Stroke, either due to ischemia or hemorrhage, causes acute neurological damages to the brain. There is shortage of reliable biomarkers for ischemic stroke (IS), and we therefore investigated the serum concentrations of microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) and hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), as possible diagnostic and/or prognostic markers for IS.MethodsSerum samples were acquired from 52 IS patients and their healthy counterparts at five time points: upon admission, 24 and 48 h after admission, upon discharge and 3 months later. Serum levels of miR‐210 and HIF‐1α were respectively analyzed using real time RT‐PCR and ELISA. Diagnostic and prognostic accuracy tests were performed to assess the value of suggested biomarkers.ResultsIS patients demonstrated higher levels of serum HIF‐1α and lower miR‐210 in comparison to the healthy subjects. MiR‐210 was suggested to be a weak diagnostic biomarker at the time of admission (AUC = 0.61; p = 0.05), while HIF‐1α was an acceptable diagnostic marker for IS (AUC = 0.73; p < 0.0001). The higher expression of miR‐210 and lower levels of HIF‐1α were associated with better survivals in IS patients.ConclusionsSerum miR‐210 is a weak diagnostic marker of IS. Serum HIF‐1α is a better biomarker in diagnosing IS patients but further work in larger groups, including those with hemorrhagic stroke is necessary to confirm its diagnostic utility. Similarly, the prognostic potentiality of miR‐210 and HIF‐1α was acceptable but needs bigger sample size and longer follow‐up to be statistically confirmed.     

Establishing reference intervals for vitamins A and E in Chinese elderly people using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

BackgroundVitamins A and E play important roles in sustaining life activities and maintaining a good physical condition. However, most people, particularly the elderly, experience micronutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for vitamins A and E in Chinese elderly people using a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method.MethodsA total of 356 apparently healthy individuals aged ≥64 years who underwent health checkups were randomly selected for the study. Vitamin A and E levels were measured using LC‐MS/MS. The effect of sex on vitamin A and E levels was evaluated, and RIs were established using a parametric method.ResultsFemales showed significantly higher levels of vitamin E than males (p < 0.05). However, no significant sex‐specific difference was observed with vitamin A levels. The RI for vitamin A in the elderly was 0.283–0.730 mg/L. For vitamin E, the RIs were 4.39–15.63, 4.51–16.14, and 4.41–14.67 mg/L for the total, female, and male participants, respectively. In multiple linear regression, alanine aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, urea, glucose, and uric acid levels increased with increasing vitamin A levels (p < 0.05), and total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased with increasing vitamin E levels (p < 0.05). Direct bilirubin levels decreased with increasing vitamin E levels (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study established RIs for vitamins A and E in Chinese elderly individuals using an LC‐MS/MS method. We also found that females had significantly higher vitamin E levels than males. The findings could provide a scientific basis for interpreting vitamin status in the elderly.     

Real‐life effectiveness of biological therapies on symptoms in severe asthma with comorbid CRSwNP

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different antibody therapies on nasal polyp symptoms in patients treated for severe asthma.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients with severe asthma and comorbid CRSwNP who were treated with anti‐IgE, anti‐IL‐5/R or anti‐IL‐4R. CRSwNP symptom burden was evaluated before and after 6 months of therapy.ResultsFifty patients were included hereof treated with anti‐IgE: 9, anti‐IL‐5/R: 26 and anti‐IL‐4R: 15 patients. At baseline median SNOT‐20 was similar among groups (anti‐IgE: 55, anti‐IL‐5/R: 52 and anti‐IL‐4R: 56, p = 0.76), median visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal symptoms was 4, 7 and 8 (p = 0.14) and VAS for total symptoms was higher in the anti‐IL‐4R group (4, 5 and 8, p = 0.002). After 6 months SNOT‐20 improved significantly in all patient groups with median improvement of anti‐IgE: −8 (p < 0.01), anti‐IL‐5/R: −13 (p < 0.001) and anti‐IL‐4R: −18 (p < 0.001), with larger improvement in the anti‐IL‐4R group than in anti‐IgE (p < 0.001) and anti‐IL‐5/R (p < 0.001) groups. VAS nasal symptoms improved by median anti‐IgE: 0 (n.s.), anti‐IL‐5/R: −1 (p < 0.01) and anti‐IL‐4R: −3 (p < 0.001), VAS total symptoms by anti‐IgE: −1 (n.s.), anti‐IL‐5/R: −2 (p < 0.001) and anti‐IL‐4R: −2 (p < 0.001).ConclusionsTreatment by all antibodies showed effectiveness in reducing symptoms of CRSwNP in patients with severe asthma, with the largest reduction observed in anti‐IL‐4R‐treated patients.     

The clinical value of high fluorescent lymphocytes and smudge cells in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis

BackgroundThe diagnostic value of high fluorescent lymphocytes (HFLC) and smudge cells in diseases like sepsis has been confirmed. In this study, we explore the diagnostic value of HFLC and smudge cells for infectious mononucleosis (IM).MethodsSixty‐two IM patients, 67 healthy controls, 84 patients with upper respiratory tract virus infection, and 35 patients with malignant lymphoid diseases were enrolled. The complete blood counts and leukocyte differential counts are tested, and the smudge cells were manually counted.ResultsThe value of HFLC% and smudge cells of the IM group were significantly higher than those of healthy controls and disease controls (p < 0.05), and the HFLC% value of IM patients was positively correlated with the number of reactive lymphocytes (r = 0.265). When the cutoff value of HFLC% was 0.4%, and the diagnostic value of IM was high (AUC = 0.995). When the smudge cells >2/100 nucleated cells, it can show better (AUC = 1.000). When the cutoff value of the HFLC% was 1.2%, it can effectively distinguish IM patients from upper respiratory tract virus infection patients (AUC = 0.934); when smudge cells >16/100 nucleated cells, it also has high differential diagnosis value (AUC = 0.913). In addition, the AUC of the combination HFLC% and smudge cells for the differential diagnosis can be increased to 0.968. The performance value of single HFLC% (AUC = 0.942) for distinguishing IM from malignant lymphoid diseases was better than smudge cells and combine index with the cutoff value of 0.4%.ConclusionHFLC% and smudge cells can be used as effective indicators in the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of IM.