scholarly journals The monocyte-to-lymphocyte: defining a normal range, sex-specific differences in the tuberculosis disease spectrum and diagnostic indices.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas S Buttle ◽  
Claire Y Hummerstone ◽  
Thippeswamy Billahalli ◽  
Richard J B Ward ◽  
Korina E Barnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Positive Tuberculin Skin Test ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Interferon Gamma Release Assay ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Clinical Role ◽  
Disease Spectrum ◽  
Unselected Population ◽  
Complete Blood Counts

Background. The monocyte–to–lymphocyte (ML) ratio has been advocated as a biomarker in tuberculosis. Our objective was to evaluate its clinical role in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment outcome. Methods. Complete blood counts from an unselected population aged 16 to 65 years defined normal values of the ratio and associations with other indices. Blood counts, inflammatory markers and clinical parameters were measured in patients with and those screened for tuberculosis. We examined the ratio for its associations with these variables and for diagnosis, screening, prediction of poor prognosis and response to treatment. Results. In the unselected population, ML ratios were higher in males than females and correlated with neutrophil counts (Spearmans ρ=0.48, P<0.00001, n=14,573). In 356 patients notified with tuberculosis, ratios were higher in males (high monocyte counts), especially in smear–positive pulmonary tuberculosis (S+PTB), lung cavitation and raised inflammatory markers. The sensitivities for confirmed tuberculosis were 42% (males) and 32% (females), with specificities of 70% and 71% respectively. Using sex–specific cut–offs in 629 adults screened for tuberculosis and with a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon–gamma release assay, diagnostic sensitivities for active tuberculosis were better in males (25%; all and contacts of a S+PTB index, respectively) than females (14–17%) with specificities of 89–96%. Positive likelihood ratios were better with upper limits alone but were still poor (6.64 when screening for tuberculosis, with an area under the curve of 0.688). Ratios did not predict death or response to treatment. Ratios were especially higher in males than female ratios in the 16–45 years age group. Conclusions. Severe tuberculosis and male sex associated with high ML ratios. The ratio performed poorly as a clinical aid.

scholarly journals Individual inflammatory marker abnormalities or inflammatory marker scores to identify primary care patients with unexpected weight loss for cancer investigation?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. Nicholson ◽  
J. L. Oke ◽  
P. Aveyard ◽  
W. T. Hamilton ◽  
F. D. R. Hobbs
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Inflammatory Marker ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Prognostic Scores ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Cancer Registry Data ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Abstract Background Combinations of inflammatory markers are used as prognostic scores in cancer patients with cachexia. We investigated whether they could also be used to prioritise patients attending primary care with unexpected weight loss for cancer investigation. Methods We used English primary care electronic health records data linked to cancer registry data from 12,024 patients with coded unexpected weight loss. For each individual inflammatory marker and score we estimated the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, positive predictive value (PPV) and the area under the curve along with 95% confidence intervals for a cancer diagnosis within six months. Results The risk of cancer associated with two abnormal inflammatory markers combined in a score was higher than the risk associated with individual inflammatory marker abnormalities. However, the risk of cancer in weight loss associated with individual abnormalities, notably a raised C-reactive protein, was sufficient to trigger further investigation for cancer under current NICE guidelines. Conclusions If scores including pairs of inflammatory marker abnormalities were to be used, in preference to individual abnormalities, fewer people would be investigated to diagnose one cancer with fewer false positives, but fewer people with cancer would be diagnosed overall.

Factors affecting progression to permanent atrial fibrillation in an unselected population of patients with non-permanent form of atrial fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
V.L Malavasi ◽  
E Fantecchi ◽  
V Tordoni ◽  
L Melara ◽  
A Barbieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Unselected Population ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard Regression

Abstract Background Natural history of atrial fibrillation (AF) shows a progression of arrhythmia from non-permanent to permanent AF. Permanent AF was found associated with a worse prognosis than non-permanent one. Aim To assess the factors associated with progression to permanent AF in an unselected population of AF patients with non-permanent AF. Methods In this prospective study we enrolled in- as well as out-patients with non-permanent AF and age ≥18 years, with at least one episode of ECG-documented AF within 1 year. The patients were followed-up at 1 month and every 6 months thereafter. Results Out of 523 patients, 314 (60%) were in non-permanent AF (80 [25.5%] paroxysmal AF, 165 [52.5%] persistent AF, 69 [2%] first diagnosed AF), mostly male (188, 59.9%), median age 71 years (IQ range 62–77), median CHA2DS2VASc 3 (1–4), median HATCH score 1 (1–2). After a median follow-up of 701 (IQ range 437–902) days, 66 patients (21%) showed permanent AF. CHA2DS2VASc and HATCH scores were incrementally associated to progression to permanent AF (CHA2DS2VASc χ2 p=0.001; HATCH χ2 p=0.017; p for trend CHA2DS2VASc &lt;0.001, HATCH p=0.001). At multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression the following variables were significantly associated with AF progression: age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.041; 95% CI: 1.004–1.079; p=0.028), at least moderate left atrial (LA) enlargement (&gt;42 ml/m2) (HR 2.092; 95% CI: 1.132–3.866; p=0.018), antiarrhythmics drugs after the enrollment (HR 0.087; 95% CI: 0.011–0.662; p=0.018), EHRA score &gt;2 (HR 0.351; 95% CI: 0.158–0.779; p=0.010) and Valvular HD (HR 2.161; 95% CI: 1.057–4.420; p=0.035). Adding LA dilation to HATCH score (HATCH-LA) and assigning 2 points based on multivariable Cox regression, HATCH-LA was statistically better in ROC curves in prediction of AF progression vs HATCH score (area under the curve 0.695 vs 0.636; DeLong p=0.0225). Survival-free curves on freedom from permanent AF using as discriminator HATCH-LA score ≤2 vs &gt;2 led to a statistically significant difference (χ2=16.080 p&lt;0.001), but the same was not found for HATCH score (χ2 =3.099; p=0.078). Conclusions In patients without permanent AF, progression of AF was independentely related to age, LA dilation, AF symptoms severity, antiarrhythmic drugs and Valvular HD. HATCH score predicted AF progression and adding to it LA dilation (at least moderate) improved patients stratification for the risk of evolution to permanent AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals PIM2 and NF-κβ gene expression in a sample of AML and ALL Egyptian patients and its relevance to response to treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shymaa Kamal El Din Abed El Rahman ◽  
Sanaa Sayed Abd Elshafy ◽  
Mohamed Samra ◽  
Hala Mohammed Ali ◽  
Rabab Afifi Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Acute Leukemia ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Poor Overall Survival ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Complete Blood Counts

Abstract Background The relation between PIM2 and the transcriptional factor NF κβ have been controversial in literature. The significance of PIM2 and NF-κβ genes expression on the incidence of acute leukemia (AML and ALL) and its relevance to the response rate was evaluated. Sixty de novo acute leukemia patients were stratified in 2 groups: 30 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 30 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients and compared to 30 sex- and age-matched controls. The expression level of PIM2 and NF κβ genes was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). The patients were followed with clinical examination and complete blood counts. Results The expression level of PIM2 gene was significantly higher in AML patients (P<0.001) compared to the control group. The mean expression level of NF κβ gene was significantly high in AML and ALL patients compared to the healthy control group (P=0.037 and P<0.001; respectively). The overall survival in AML patients was higher in NF κβ gene low expressers compared to high expressers (P=0.047). The number of AML patients who achieved complete remission was significantly higher in PIM2 gene low expressers in comparison to PIM2 gene high expressers (P=0.042). Conclusion PIM2 and NF κβ genes might have a role in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia, poor overall survival, and failure of response to induction therapy.

Evaluation of the Clinical Role of Strain Elastography in Patients Diagnosed With Congenital Torticollis

2021 ◽  
pp. 875647932098324
Author(s):  
Elif Özyazici Özkan ◽  
Mehmet Burak Ozkan ◽  
İshak Abdurrahman İsik
Keyword(s):  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Muscle Group ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Role ◽  
Congenital Muscular Torticollis ◽  
Cutoff Value ◽  
Strain Elastography ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Muscular Torticollis

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the elasticity of sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) in patients with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). Methods: In all, 41 patients and 22 controls were included in the study, and the elasticity of the patients’ SCM was measured. Echogenicity, thickness, and strain values of the SCM were also obtained. Results: The thickness and strain values of the SCM were higher in the patient group than in the control group ( P = .02 and P = .15). For median values, there was no difference in echogenicity and strain. In the strain elastography evaluation of the receiver operating curve (ROC) for muscle echogenicity in the isoechoic muscle group, the specificity and sensitivity were determined to be 100% and 22%, respectively, for the area under the curve (AOC) value of 0.558 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.424–0.6686), and the cutoff value was <1.4. In the hyperechoic muscle group, the ROC for AUC values was found to be 0.542 (95% CI, 0.411–0.6686), and the cutoff value was >1.4 with 100% sensitivity and 20.75 specificity. Conclusions: The strain elastography technique can be used in the diagnosis of CMT.

Persistent urticarial rash in a newborn

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iwona Dziewa ◽  
Timothy Hahn ◽  
Neeti Bhardwaj
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Initial Evaluation ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Therapeutic Trial ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Diagnostic Modality ◽  
Urticarial Rash

We presented the case of a 1-month-old girl with diffuse urticarial-like rash since birth. The initial evaluation showed elevated inflammatory markers. The response to treatment helped to narrow the diagnosis. In this case, we explored the differential diagnosis of rashes in this age group and the role of a therapeutic trial of medication as a diagnostic modality.

scholarly journals Association of plasma haptoglobin concentration and other biomarkers with bovine respiratory disease status in pre-weaned dairy calves

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia J. Moisá ◽  
Sharif S. Aly ◽  
Terry W. Lehenbauer ◽  
William J. Love ◽  
Paul V. Rossitto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Bovine Respiratory Disease ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves ◽  
Haptoglobin Concentration ◽  
Complete Blood Counts ◽  
Nested Case Control ◽  
Plasma Haptoglobin

We conducted a nested, case-control study of pre-weaned dairy calves ( n = 477; 4 California dairy farms) to assess the association between bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and hematologic biomarkers, including plasma haptoglobin (Hp) and plasma bactericide (PB). At each location, heifer or bull dairy calves were observed 2–4 times per week until confirmed as BRD-positive using parallel interpretation of thoracic ultrasound examination and auscultation. In addition, control calves were enrolled after being confirmed as BRD-negative using ultrasound and auscultation. Complete blood counts (CBC), PB, and Hp concentrations were measured. Hp values were higher in calves with confirmed BRD than in controls ( p < 0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) for the various biomarkers was obtained from the corresponding receiver operating characteristic curves. The AUC for Hp was 0.68, a value greater than those for PB or the remaining CBC parameters, indicating that Hp may be the most useful biomarker of BRD in pre-weaned dairy calves. The cutoff value for Hp was 0.195 g/L.

scholarly journals Value and Diagnostic Efficacy of Fetal Morphology Assessment Using Ultrasound in A Poor-Resource Setting

Diagnostics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ukweh ◽  
Ugbem ◽  
Okeke ◽  
Ekpo
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Diagnostic Efficacy ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: Ultrasound is operator-dependent, and its value and efficacy in fetal morphology assessment in a low-resource setting is poorly understood. We assessed the value and efficacy of fetal morphology ultrasound assessment in a Nigerian setting. Materials and Methods: We surveyed fetal morphology ultrasound performed across five facilities and followed-up each fetus to ascertain the outcome. Fetuses were surveyed in the second trimester (18th–22nd weeks) using the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) guideline. Clinical and surgical reports were used as references to assess the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound in livebirths, and autopsy reports to confirm anomalies in terminated pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, intrauterine fetal deaths, and still births. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, Area under the curve (AUC), Youden index, likelihood ratios, and post-test probabilities. Results: In total, 6520 fetuses of women aged 15–46 years (mean = 31.7 years) were surveyed. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 77.1 (95% CI: 68–84.6), 99.5 (95% CI: 99.3–99.7), and 88.3 (95% CI: 83.7–92.2), respectively. Other performance metrics were: positive predictive value, 72.4 (95% CI: 64.7–79.0), negative predictive value, 99.6 (95% CI: 99.5–99.7), and Youden index (77.1%). Abnormality prevalence was 1.67% (95% CI: 1.37–2.01), and the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 254 (95% CI: 107.7–221.4) and 0.23 (95% CI: 0.16–0.33), respectively. The post-test probability for positive test was 72% (95% CI: 65–79). Conclusion: Fetal morphology assessment is valuable in a poor economics setting, however, the variation in the diagnostic efficacy across facilities and the limitations associated with the detection of circulatory system anomalies need to be addressed.

scholarly journals Association of acylated ghrelin profiles with chronic inflammatory markers in overweight and obese postmenopausal women: a MONET study

2007 ◽  
Vol 157 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
David H St-Pierre ◽  
Jean-Philippe Bastard ◽  
Lise Coderre ◽  
Martin Brochu ◽  
Antony D Karelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Blood Lipid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Acylated Ghrelin ◽  
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Maximal Reduction

Objective: Recent reports have suggested that the existence of associations between hormonal dysregulation and chronic upregulation of inflammatory markers, which may cause obesity-related disturbances. Thus, we examined whether acylated ghrelin (AcylG) and total ghrelin (TotG) levels could be associated with the following inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1). Design: Cross-sectional study consisting of 50 overweight and obese postmenopausal women. Methods: AcylG and TotG levels were assessed at 0, 60, 160, 170, and 180 min of the euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). We evaluated insulin sensitivity, body composition, and blood lipid profiles as well as fasting concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, and sTNF-R1. Results: In fasting conditions, sTNF-R1 was negatively correlated with AcylG (r = −0.48, P < 0.001) levels. In addition, AcylG/TotG was associated negatively with sTNF-R1 (r = −0.44, P = 0.002) and positively with TNF-α (r = 0.38, P = 0.009) values. During the EHC, TotG (at all time points) and AcylG (at 60 and 160 min) values were significantly decreased from fasting concentrations. AcylG maximal reduction and area under the curve (AUC) values were correlated to sTNF-R1 (r = −0.35, P = 0.02 and r = −0.34, P = 0.02, respectively). Meanwhile, the AcylG/TotG AUC ratio was associated negatively with sTNF-R1 (r = −0.29, P < 0.05) and positively with TNF-α (r = 0.36, P = 0.02). Following adjustments for total adiposity, sTNF-R1 remained correlated with fasting and maximal reduction AcylG values. Similarly, AcylG/TotG ratios remained significantly correlated with sTNF-R1 and TNF-α. Importantly, 23% of the variation in sTNF-R1 was independently predicted by fasting AcylG. Conclusion: These results are the first to suggest that both fasting and EHC-induced AcylG profiles are correlated with fasting values of sTNF-R1, a component of the TNF-α system. Thus, AcylG may act, at least in part, as one mediator of chronic inflammatory activity in human obesity.

scholarly journals Value of Xpert MTB/RIF Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Chao Liu ◽  
Yu-Lu Gao ◽  
Dan-Feng Li ◽  
Xi-Yi Zhao ◽  
Yuan-Qing Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
Bronchoalveolar Lavage ◽  
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Culture Method ◽  
Lavage Fluid ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: The performance of Xpert MTB/RIF using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains unclear. Therefore, a systematic review/meta-analysis was conducted. Methods: Studies published before December 31, 2019, were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases using the keywords “pulmonary tuberculosis,” “Xpert MTB/RIF,” and “BAL.” Two independent evaluators extracted the data and assessed the bias risk of the included studies. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC), as well as the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Nineteen trials involving 3019 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared to the culture method, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and the AUC with 95% CIs of Xpert MTB/RIF were 0.87 (0.84–0.90), 0.92 (0.91–0.93), 10.21 (5.78–18.02), 0.16 (0.12–0.22), 78.95 (38.59–161.53), and 0.9467 (0.9462-0.9472), respectively. Relative to the composite reference standard, the observed values were 0.69 (0.65–0.72), 0.98 (0.98–0.99), 37.50 (18.59–75.62), 0.30 (0.21–0.43), 171.98 (80.82–365.96), and 0.9691 (0.9683–0.9699), respectively. All subgroups, except children, showed high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: The use of Xpert MTB/RIF in the context of BAL samples has a high diagnostic performance for PTB (except for children) and may serve as an alternative rapid diagnostic tool.

scholarly journals Diagnostic and prognostic value of miRNAs in hepatoblastoma: A systematic review with meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Wu ◽  
◽  
Lixia Guo ◽  
Kaikai Zhen ◽  
Chao Sun
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Prognostic Indicator ◽  
Diagnostic Odds Ratio ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Diagnostic And Prognostic Value

Review question / Objective: Background and aim: Increasing evidence has revealed the valuable diagnostic and prognostic applications of dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common hepatic malignancy during childhood. However, these results are inconsistent and remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to systematically compile up-to-date information regarding the clinical value of miRNAs in HB. Methods: Articles concerning the diagnostic and prognostic value of single miRNAs for HB were searched from databases. The sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), area under the curve (AUC), and hazard ratios (HRs) were separately pooled to explore the diagnostic and prognostic performance of miRNA. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were further carried out only in the event of heterogeneity. Results: In all, 20 studies, involving 264 HB patients and 206 healthy individuals, met the inclusion criteria in the six included literature articles. For the diagnostic analysis of miRNAs in HB, the pooled SEN and SPE were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72–0.80) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.70–0.80), respectively. Moreover, the pooled PLR was 2.79 (95% CI: 2.12–3.66), NLR was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.26–0.45), DOR was 10.24 (95% CI: 6.55–16.00), and AUC was 0.83, indicating that miRNAs had moderate diagnostic value in HB. For the prognostic analysis of miRNAs in HB, the abnormal expressions of miR-21, miR-34a, miR-34b, miR-34c, miR-492, miR-193, miR-222, and miR-224 in patients were confirmed to be associated with a worse prognosis. The pooled HR was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.20–2.29) for overall survival (OS) and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.31–2.18) for event-free survival (EFS), suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator for HB. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis that examines the diagnostic and prognostic role of dysregulated miRNAs in HB patients. The combined meta-analysis results supported the previous individual finds that miRNAs might provide a new, noninvasive method for the diagnostic and prognostic analyses ofHB.

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