Evaluation of sialic acid and acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloids A) in healthy and avian infection bronchitis virus-infected chicks

Forty-five 24-day-old Cobb chicks infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and ten healthy 24-day-old Cobb chicks without any clinical signs of IBV as control group were selected for the study. All of the diseased chicks showed some or all of the clinical signs of infectious bronchitis including gasping, coughing and nasal discharge, wet eyes, swollen sinuses, reduction of food consumption and weight gain. Diagnosis of IBV was based on clinical signs and ELISA test. Blood samples were taken from the wing vein into two tubes: one containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and one without EDTA. Haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA) and protein-bound sialic acid (PBSA) concentrations were measured. All of the study variables were significantly higher in diseased birds compared with control group. Results showed that there were significant positive correlations between TSA, LBSA and PBSA in both groups. No correlation was observed between Hp and SAA with any other parameters; however, there was significant negative correlation between Hp and SAA in the control group. Results for receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that area under the curve (AUC) for TSA, LBSA, PBSA, Hp and SAA were 0.93, 0.98, 0.90, 0.90 and 0.80, respectively. According to AUC, LBSA was the most sensitive factor to change in the diseased birds. It can be concluded that in naturally occurring IBV infection, significant increases in TSA, LBSA, PBSA, Hp and SAA concentrations are expected and among study variables, LBSA had the most obvious change so it may be considered as the most sensitive parameter.     

Evaluation of sialic acids, TNF-α, INF-γ, and acute-phase proteins in cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease

The present study was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of sialic acids, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and gamma-interferon (INF-γ) and their correlation with acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen) in cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Thirty cows were diagnosed and confirmed for FMD. Ten clinically healthy adult cattle were selected as a control group. Serum haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA), protein-bound sialic acid (PBSA), TNF-α, and INF-γ were measured by validated standard methods. All parameters were significantly higher in the diseased animals compared with the healthy group (P < 0.001 in all cases). There were significant associations between Hp and INF-γ, fibrinogen with TSA, fibrinogen with PBSA, TSA with PBSA, and TNF-α with ceruloplasmin in the control group. In the FMD group, significant associations were observed for PBSA with TSA, PBSA with LBSA, and TNF-α with ceruloplasmin. The results of this study revealed that inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, INF-γ, and sialic acids) and acute-phase proteins (SAA, Hp, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen) concentrations increased in FMD-infected cattle in response to viral infection. However, more detailed future studies are required to characterize such responses and to improve the development of novel control strategies against FMD.     

Alterations of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and sialic acids in malignant ovine theileriosis

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of the severity of Theileria lestoquardi (hirci) infection on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and sialic acid concentration in blood sera in a naturally infected sheep. Infected animals (diseased group) comprised 50 Iranian fat-tailed sheep, about 1–2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria lestoquardi (hirci), were divided into three subgroups according to parasitemia rates (<2%, 2–4%, and >4%). As a control group, ten noninfected sheep were also selected. Hematological parameters and levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and sialic acid (TSA, LBSA, and PBSA) concentrations were measured in both groups. The results showed significant increases in the level of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and sialic acid concentrations in infected sheep compared with noninfected ones (P?<?0.05). The increased level of TNF-α and IFN-γ in infected sheep may indicate the role of these cytokines to inhibit the growth and development of the parasite in infected host cells. Also, it is speculated that preventing the establishment of parasites by inhibiting the differentiation of trophozoites to schizonts is another aspect of the enhanced activity of these substances. In addition, increased levels of sialic acid concentration during parasitemia presumably stimulate the host immune response and influence the parasite–host cell adhesion. Clearly, further molecular and biochemical investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms involved in immunopathogenesis of malignant ovine theileriosis.     

Identifying relationships among acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin) and clinical findings in dairy calf diarrhea

The acute phase response is a nonspecific inflammatory reaction of the host that occurs shortly after any tissue injury. The response includes changes in the concentration of plasma proteins called acute phase proteins (APPs). Calf diarrhea is an important disease that occurs in association with the interaction of various infectious agents and calf susceptibility. The economic losses is associated with death loss and treatment costs, reduction of live weight gain, and reduction of productive life span, which may be considerable. The aim of the present study was to identify relationships among APPs in calves with diarrhea in the different clinical features. Holstein calves (50) within 1 day to 4 months old with signs of diarrhea and healthy calves (40) with similar age and sex were selected. Standard clinical examinations and also dehydration degree were carried out on each calf and were recorded. Calves with clinical signs of diarrhea were divided in different groups based on the severity of the clinical findings, fever and degree of dehydration. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein from all calves into vacutainers containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for separating plasma and without EDTA for serum biochemical analysis. APP [haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen (Fib), and ceruloplasmin (Cp)] concentrations were measured using validated standard methods. The results indicated a significant increases in APPs in diarrheic calves which was most obvious in Hp and SAA (P?<?0.001). Calves with severe clinical signs of diarrhea had a significant increases in their Hp and SAA (P?<?0.001) compared to calves with moderate or without systemic clinical signs. Diarrheic calves with fever compared to diarrheic calves without fever had a significant increases in their Hp and SAA (P?<?0.01). Also, diarrheic calves with severe dehydration compared to diarrheic calves with mild and moderate dehydration had significant increases in Hp and SAA (P?<?0.05), and these parameters (Hp, SAA, Fib, and Cp) among calves with mild and moderate dehydration had no significant changes. Our results indicated that monitoring the APP responses in diarrheic calves with different clinical signs could be useful as prognostic tools and facilitate treatment decisions.     

Oxidant/antioxidant balance and trace elements status in sheep with liver cystic echinococcosis

This study aimed to determine the trace elements and oxidative stress markers as contributory factors causing liver injury and erythrocyte destruction in sheep with liver cystic echinococcosis. In comparison to healthy control, the index of serum lipid peroxidation assessed by the malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly (P?<?0.001) higher and the concentrations of serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron) were significantly (P?<?0.001) lower in sheep with liver cystic echinoccocosis. No significant differences were observed for erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase activities between infected and healthy groups. In infected sheep, a significant positive correlation of MDA with aspartate transaminase (AST) (r?=?0.636, P?=?0.000) and erythrocyte GPx (r?=?0.373, P?=?0.043) was observed. By contrast, serum MDA concentration was negatively correlated with the values of TAS (r?=??0.559, P?=?0.001) and packed cell volume (PCV; r?=??0.473, P?=?0.008). On the other hand, there was a significant negative correlation between serum TAS concentration and the levels of AST (r?=??0.433, P?=?0.017) and MDA (r?=??0.559, P?=?0.001). By contrast, serum TAS was positively correlated with the value of PCV (r?=?0.728, P?=?0.000). From the present study, it was concluded that cystic echinococcosis in sheep is associated with oxidative stress. The resulting oxidative stress seems to have a role in the injury of hepatocytes and erythrocytes.     

Comparative biochemical studies on natural Trypanosoma evansi infection in she-camels

The biochemical changes associating Trypanosoma evansi infection in pregnant and non-pregnant camels were investigated. Based on pregnancy diagnosis and serological findings, camels were classified into four groups as non-pregnant healthy camels (N?=?6), non-pregnant camels infected with T. evansi (N?=?6), pregnant healthy camels (N?=?6), and pregnant camels infected with Trypanosoma evansi (N?=?8). The results revealed significant decreases (p?<?0.05) in serum total proteins, albumin and globulins levels, and significant increases (p?<?0.05) in serum total cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in pregnant camels infected with T. evansi compared with healthy pregnant camel. On the other hand, there were hyperproteinemia and hyperglobulinemia in healthy pregnant camel compared with non-pregnant camel. It could be concluded that the biochemical changes associating T. evansi infection in pregnant camels are hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoglobulinemia and increased serum total cholesterol and BUN levels.     

Characterization of Interleukin-33 and Soluble ST2 in Serum and Their Association with Disease Severity in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction

This study aims to test the serum levels of interleukin-33 (IL-33) and soluble ST2 (sST2) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to evaluate their association with disease severity.

Methods

Sixty-nine patients with CKD were enrolled, disease severity was assessed, and clinical data were collected. Twelve healthy volunteers served as healthy individuals. Serum IL-33 and sST2 were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The patients were classified into five categories based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). No difference was found as to the serum concentration of IL-33 between CKD patients and healthy individuals (p?=?0.656), while a higher serum level of sST2 was found in CKD patients (p?=?0.003). The correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the serum level of sST2 and disease severity (r?=?0.586; p?p?=?0.001). Serum sST2 correlated with parathyroid hormone (r?=?0.412; p?r?=?0.545; p?r?=??0.494; p?Conclusion An elevated concentration of serum sST2 is found in CKD patients and correlates with disease severity. Serum sST2 may be also associated with parathyroid hormone disorder of CKD. The sST2 may have an important role in the development of CKD or as a marker of disease severity.     

Selenium and lipid subfractions in Egyptian type 2 diabetes patients

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between serum selenium (Se) levels and lipid subfraction among Egyptian type 2 diabetes patients and their association with the severity of the disease. The study was conducted on 60 type 2 diabetic adults with BMI <30 divided according to disease duration into two groups: group 1 with disease duration less than 5 years and group 2 with a disease duration more than 5 years. Thirty age- and sex-matched apparently healthy volunteers were considered as the control group. Serum selenium was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry lipid subfractions including small dense low density lipoprotein (sd LDL) which was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by high-performance liquid chromatography. All participants do not receive Se supplementation. The mean serum Se level in participants with diabetes was as follows: group 2?=?62.70?±?5.73, group 1?=?70.58?±?4.158, and control subjects?=?79.80?±?5.37 μg/l (p?=?0.00). Se was found to be an independent protective factor with an OR of 0.29 and 95 % CI of 0.06–1.3. Mean serum sd LDL in participants with diabetes was as follows: group 2?=?43.81?±?13.70, group 1?=?25.77?±?5.28, and control group?=?15.99?±?5.32 (p?=?0.00). Correlation study, between studied parameters, revealed positive correlation between sd LDL and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (r?=?0.730, p?=?0.001). On the other hand, negative correlation was encountered between apolipoprotein A (Apo A) and Apo B (r?=??0.514, p?=?0.001) as well as Apo A and sd LDL (r?=??0.697, p?=?0.001). Selenium correlated negatively with both Apo B (r?=??0.669, p?=?0.001) and sd LDL (r?=??0.671, p?=?0.001) and positively with Apo A (r?=?0.513, p?=?0.001). In a sample of the Egyptian population, low serum Se levels were positively associated with the prevalence of diabetes. Until findings from prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are available, Se intake, including Se supplementation, should be recommended for primary or secondary diabetes prevention in populations with inadequate selenium status.     

Mast Cells in Human Stenotic Aortic Valves Are Associated with the Severity of Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is characterized by extensive calcification of the aortic valve leaflets and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Activated mast cells (MCs) may participate in the induction of fibrosis and calcification with ensuing valve stiffening. We sought to investigate whether the number of MCs within stenotic aortic valves is associated with the severity of AS. We studied 43 patients (19 men, 24 women) with dominant AS (age, 64.2?±?5.9 years; mean transvalvular pressure gradient, 62.11?±?24.47 mmHg) without atherosclerotic vascular disease, undergoing elective aortic valve replacement. MCs were detected in the excised valves by immunostaining. Aortic valves from five healthy subjects obtained on autopsy served as negative controls. The number of tryptase- and chymase-positive MCs was increased in AS valves compared with the control valves (6.9 [2.3–18.9]/mm² vs. 0.7 [0–2.2]/mm², P?=?0.0001 and 3.2 [2.1–9.4]/mm² vs. 0.3 [0–1.9]/mm², P?=?0.002, respectively). MCs that colocalized with macrophages and neovessels were detected mainly in the calcified regions of the leaflets. The number of MCs positively correlated with maximal (r?=?0.73, P?<?0.0001) and mean (r?=?0.78, P?<?0.0001) gradients and maximal aortic jet velocity (r?=?0.68, P?=?0.0005). An inverse correlation with aortic valve area (r?=??0.71, P?=?0.0001) was also observed. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that MC number and valve thickness were significantly associated with mean transvalvular gradient (R ²?=?0.74, P?<?0.000001) in AS patients. Increased MC number within human stenotic aortic valves is associated with the severity of AS.     

Acute phase proteins in relation to various inflammatory diseases of calves

The aim of the present study was to further evaluate the concentrations of major acute phase proteins in calves with respiratory diseases and to determine the influence of other commonly occuring diseases on the concentrations of these inflammatory proteins in calves. Into the evaluation we included 69 sick calves with clinical signs of various inflammatory diseases such as respiratory diseases (n?=?46), diarrhoea (n?=?10), omphalophlebitis (n?=?5) and multisystemic diseases (n?=?8). The calves were of a Slovak spotted breed, lowland black spotted breed or their crossbreeds at the age from 2?weeks to 6?months. Blood for the investigations was taken once, when the clinical signs of the diseases were obvious. Blood samples were analysed for haptoglobin, serum amyloid A and fibrinogen. The results obtained in sick animals were compared with those in 28 clinically healthy calves. In calves suffering from respiratory diseases, we found significantly higher concentrations of haptoglobin (P?<?0.001), serum amyloid A (P?<?0.001) as well as fibrinogen (P?<?0.001) than in clinically healthy calves. Insignificantly higher concentrations of serum amyloid A were obtained also in calves with signs of diarrhoea and omphalophlebitis, while the values of haptoglobin and fibrinogen were not markedly different from those measured in healthy animals. An opposite trend was observed in calves affected by multisystemic diseases with non-significantly higher concentrations of haptoglobin and fibrinogen. Thus, the presented data showed increased production of evaluated acute phase proteins in calves with respiratory diseases, and indicated that other diseases in calves, e.g. diarrhoea and omphalophlebitis, as well as multisystemic diseases, although in a less extent, may also induce an acute phase response.     

Correlations of serum leptin with lipids, lipoproteins, and thyroid hormones in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

To evaluate the correlations of the serum leptin with lipids, lipoproteins, and thyroid hormones in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), the serum concentration of leptin and its correlations with cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipids, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-cholesterol), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-cholesterol), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol), and triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormones were measured in 80 clinically healthy water buffaloes. The serum concentration of leptin had no significant correlation with the measured lipids, lipoproteins, and thyroid hormones (p?>?0.05). Separate evaluation of age groups showed that serum leptin had a significant difference between both sexes in buffaloes up to 2?years of age (p?<?0.01). In male buffaloes, the serum concentration of leptin had a significant correlation with age (r?=?0.545, p?=?0.011) and there was a marginally significant difference in serum leptin between buffaloes up to 2?years of age and buffaloes more than 5?years old (p?=?0.06). These relationships were not previously measured in water buffalo and were partially different from those of other species.     

Association of E-selectin Gene Polymorphism (S128R) with Ischemic Stroke and Stroke Subtypes

E-selectin is an important inflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke. We investigated the association of E-selectin gene polymorphism (S128R) with ischemic stroke and its subtypes. We studied 610 patients with ischemic stroke and 610 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The ischemic stroke was classified according to Trial of Org10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST). E-selectin gene polymorphism (S128R) was determined by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. We found statistically significant difference in the genotypic distribution between patients and controls (for AC vs. AA, χ ²?=?49.5; p?<?0.001, odds ratio?=?5.47(95 % CI, 3.25–9.21). A significant difference was observed in the frequency of C and A alleles in patients and controls (for C vs. A, χ ²?=?47.4; p?<?0.001, odds ratio?=?5.13 (95 % CI, 3.06–8.57). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the most predictive risk factor for stroke was AC genotype (adjusted odds ratio?=?1.450 (95 % CI, 1.23–2.75) and p?=?0.001), hypertension, smoking, and diabetes (p?=?0.001 in each case). We also found a significant association of AC genotype with intracranial large artery atherosclerosis (p?<?0.01, odds ratio?=?9.37, (95 % CI, 5.31–16.5) and small artery occlusion (p?<?0.0001, odds ratio?=?9.81 (95 % CI, 4.94–19.4). Our results indicate that the individuals bearing AC genotype of E-selectin gene polymorphism (S128R) are more prone to stroke than AA genotype.     

Measuring acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen) in healthy and infectious bursal disease virus-infected chicks

The present study was conducted to evaluate the changes of acute phase proteins (APPs) in healthy and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV)-infected chicks. Blood samples were taken from 20 healthy chicks as control group and 45 and 20 chicks with mild and severe clinical signs of IBDV, respectively. Sera were isolated and measurement of haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin, serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen were done for all chicks using validated methods. Results showed significant differences in ceruloplasmin and SAA between healthy and infected chicks (P < 0.05). Sera of infected chicks showed a significant decrease in ceruloplasmin level but a significant increase in SAA level (P < 0.05). These differences were more prominent in severely infected chicks than in mildly infected chicks. There were no significant differences in fibrinogen and Hp between healthy and infected chicks (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that in naturally occurring gumboro, a significant decrease in ceruloplasmin and a significant increase in SAA are expected. Among the APPs measured in this study, SAA appears to be the most sensitive parameter.     

Evaluation of serum haptoglobin in clinically healthy Iranian camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 70 clinically healthy dromedary camels according to their age (1–2, 2–3, 3–4, 4–5 and >5 years) and sex. Serum Hp was measured according to preservation of the peroxidase activity of haemoglobin, which is directly proportional to the amount of haptoglobin. Age and sex had no significant effect on the serum concentration of Hp in clinically healthy Iranian dromedary camels.     

Comparative studies on biochemical and cytological constituents of synovial fluids in some farm animals

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the difference in the synovial fluid constituents in cattle, buffaloes, camels, and donkeys. A total number of 20 clinically healthy adult male animals (cattle (N?=?5), buffaloes (N?=?5), camels (N?=?5), and donkeys (N?=?5) were subjected to study. Synovial fluid samples were collected from the metacarpophalangeal joint under complete aseptic conditions. The samples were examined physically, cytologically, and biochemically. Synovial fluid analysis revealed significant variations in specific gravity, total leukocyte counts, total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose levels, and alkaline phosphatase activity among investigated animal species.     

The correlation between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis> infection and prenatal depression in pregnant women

Previous studies have demonstrated that latent toxoplasmosis is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. We evaluated the correlation between Toxoplasma gondii infection and prenatal depression. In this case–control study, we enrolled 116 depressed pregnant women and 244 healthy controls. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate the depression symptom severity in study participants. All participants were screened for the anti-Toxoplasma IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprevalence of T. gondii did not significantly differ between the depressed pregnant women and healthy controls (OR?=?1.4; 95 % CI?=?0.9–2.19; P?=?0.142). T. gondii IgG titer was significantly higher in depressed women (18.6?±?10.9 IUs) than those in the control group (13.6?±?8.1 IUs) (z?= ?5.36, P?<?0.001). The T. gondii–positive depressed women showed a positive correlation of T. gondii IgG titer with the EPDS scores (r?=?0.52; P?<?0.01). The mean EPDS score was also significantly higher in the T. gondii–positive depressed women (20.7?±?2.7) compared with the controls (18.36?±?2.7) (P?<?0.001). The results obtained from the current study revealed that T. gondii infection might affect susceptibility to depression and severity of depressive symptoms in pregnant women, particularly in those patients who have high antibody titers. Further study is required to fully elucidate the characteristics and mechanisms of this association.     

Single-leg vertical jump test as a functional test after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background

The aim of this study was to identify the correlations between the single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) test and subjective and objective tests which were used widely for determining return-to-sports (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Serum Growth Arrest-Specific Protein 6 Levels are a Reliable Biomarker of Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Purpose

Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) has been suggested to be a biomarker of disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE). We investigated the clinical significance of this protein in Korean SLE.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 150 SLE patients and 50 normal controls (NC). In addition, follow-up samples were collected from 50 SLE patients.

Results

Serum Gas6 levels of SLE patients (43.01?±?28.02 ng/mL) were higher than those of NC (20.15?±?9.23 ng/mL, p?<?0.001). When evaluated sensitivity and specificity of the Gas6 for diagnosing SLE using ROC curves, the sensitivity and specificity were 72.7 % and 84 % with a cut-off value of 25.3 ng/mL. In the ROC analysis of Gas6, anti-dsDNA antibody, ESR, complement 3 and complement 4 to identify patients with active lupus, area under the curve (AUC) of Gas6 was highest with 0.763. Serum Gas6 levels were significantly higher in the patients with serositis (70.04?±?30.85 ng/mL) and renal disorder (65.66 ±32.28 ng/mL) compared to those without (41.88?±?27.44 ng/mL, p?=?0.033, 40.3?±?26.33 ng/mL, p?=?0.001, respectively). Gas6 levels were correlated positively with anti-dsDNA antibody (r?=?0.199, p?=?0.015), ESR (r?=?0.204, p?=?0.013) and SLEDAI (r?=?0.512, p?<?0.001). In addition, serum Gas6 levels were correlated negatively with hemoglobin (r?=??0.165, p?=?0.043), lymphocyte count (r?=??0.165, p?=?0.043), complement 3 (r?=??0.343, p?<?0.001) and complement 4 (r?=??0.316, p?<?0.001). Furthermore, change in serum Gas6 levels was correlated with change in SLEDAI levels in the SLE patients that were followed up (r?=?0.524, p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

These results suggest that serum Gas6 can be a reliable clinical marker for monitoring disease activity and treatment response in SLE.     

8-Isoprostane, prostaglandin E2, C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in antiphospholipid syndrome: a pilot study

Objective

To test the inflammation and oxidative stress hypothesis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients and to identify possible associations with clinical and laboratory features of the disease.

Methods

Serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), 8-isoprostane and prostaglandin E2 (PGE) were assayed in the sera of 45 APS patients and then compared to control groups made up of 15 antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) negative patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 15 aPL negative subjects with pregnancy-related morbidity, 15 aPL negative patients with thrombosis, 15 subjects with persistently positive aPL with no signs or symptoms of APS, and 15 healthy volunteers from among the hospital staff.

Results

APS patients showed significantly higher CRP (p?=?0.01), SAA (p?p?=?0.05) and PGE2 (p?=?0.001) plasma levels as compared to controls. Among APS subjects, significantly higher 8-isoprostane and PGE2 levels were observed in patients with triple positivity for aPL (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies) compared to APS patients with single or double aPL positivity.

Conclusion

Both inflammation and oxidative stress, as measured by SAA, CRP, 8-isoprostane and PGE2, occur in APS and seem to be related to triple positivity for aPL.     

Comparison of the ProCyte Dx analyzer with the ADVIA 2120 and the manual differential for validation of equine and bovine hemograms

The aim of this study was to evaluate the laser-based in-house hematology analyzer ProCyte Dx performing a complete hemogram for bovine and equine blood samples. This is a prospective study of clinically healthy or ill horses (n?=?175) and cattle (n?=?115). EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were analyzed within 3–6 h after sampling. Routine hemogram variables including differential counts were compared to reference methods (ADVIA 2120, 200-cell manual differential leukocyte count). Statistical analysis was performed twice, i.e., prior to and after exclusion of specimens with graphical reports (dot plots) indicative of invalid separation of cellular populations. Coefficient of variation was <3 % (CBC) and <7 % (differential count) except for eosinophils and monocytes (cattle) and platelets (PLTs) (horse). Linearity was excellent except for equine platelets. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (r _s) revealed a good to excellent (r _s?=?0.99–0.80) correlation between both analyzers for the majority of variables except for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (r _s?=?0.33–0.65), equine platelets assessed with impedance count (r _s?=?0.79), and monocytes (both species). Biases were close to 0; however, for MCHC, hemoglobin (HGB), and PLTs large biases were seen for both species. There was a favorable correlation with the reference methods for the majority of variables. The large biases of HGB and HGB-derived variables were caused by the methodology of the ADVIA. As for other analyzers, correct PLT and monocyte count are difficult. Dot plot analysis is a useful tool to detect invalid separation of cellular populations and thus the necessity to perform a manual differential count.