Can NLR, PLR and LMR be used as prognostic indicators in patients with pulmonary embolism? Author’s reply on commentary

We appreciate the comments made by Dr Bedel and colleagues. NLR, PLR and LMR are affected by various diseases such as oncological, collagen tissue, inflammatory, or severe renal/liver diseases [1]. Because of this, we have listed some of the above-mentioned disorders in the tables. Hematological diseases, collagen tissue disease, inflammatory diseases, congenital heart disease, or severe renal/liver disease were therefore excluded from the study. However, the presence of malignancy did not affect our results in regression analysis.Platelets swell until 120 minutes in ethylene diamine tetra acetic (EDTA) and until 60 minutes in citrate [2]. Authors suggest that optimal measuring time should not exceed 120 minutes. The blood samples of the patients were taken within 1 hour after their emergency admission. All blood samples in our study were tested within 1 hour of collection [3]. We used EDTA for whole blood anticoagulation. The mean duration of symptoms prior to admission was 5.04 ± 6.9 days. The drugs such as corticosteroids affect inflammatory parameters. Therefore, we excluded inflammatory diseases without emphasizing corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) Determination is Influenced by Sample Incubation Temperature in Healthy Beagle Dogs

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb200978020223 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 78 (2) ◽

pp. 223-228 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aleš Jerin ◽

Alenka Seliškar ◽

Barbara Lukanc ◽

Janoš Butinar ◽

Alenka Nemec Svete

Keyword(s):

Room Temperature ◽

Incubation Temperature ◽

Beagle Dogs ◽

Specific Test ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Inflammatory Drugs ◽

The Mean ◽

Serum Thromboxane ◽

Mean Concentration ◽

Cox 1

The measurement of serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production by platelets is a specific test for assessment of platelet cyclooxygenase (COX-1) activity following administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sample incubation at 37 °C for one hour on serum TXB2 concentration in comparison with incubation at room temperature. A total of 54 blood samples for serum TXB2 measurements were collected from six healthy beagle dogs into two separate serum tubes. While one group of tubes was incubated in a 37 °C water bath, the second group of tubes was left to coagulate at room temperature, both for one hour. Serum TXB2 concentrations were measured by ELISA. The mean concentration (± SD) of serum TXB2 in the group of samples that were incubated at 37 °C was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher compared to the group of samples incubated at room temperature, 1098 ± 346 μg/l and 550 ± 257 μg/l, respectively. The results of the study provide the information on serum TXB2 concentration in healthy beagle dogs and demonstrate that validated methods for assessment of COX-1 activity by measurement of serum TXB2 should be used in order to make results more reliable and comparable between different studies. The results of this study might be of great help in planning NSAID studies in dogs by providing the information that TXB2 generation by platelets is influenced profoundly by incubation temperature.

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Heparin and proteoglycans as anti-inflammatory drugs

Hämostaseologie ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1656639 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 16 (01) ◽

pp. 56-59

Author(s):

D. J. Tyrrell ◽

C. P. Page

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Therapeutic Applications ◽

Wide Range ◽

Inflammatory Drugs ◽

Anti Inflammatory

SummaryEvidence continues to accumulate that the pleiotropic nature of heparin (beyond its anticoagulant potency) includes anti-inflammatory activities at a number of levels. It is clear that drugs exploiting these anti-inflammatory activities of heparin may offer exciting new therapeutic applications to the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory diseases.

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Association of Retained Fetal Membranes with Haematological Profile in Crossbred Cows

THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY ◽

10.21887/ijvsbt.v12i3.7101 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

Author(s):

K. Rokde ◽

S. Kumar ◽

A. Bhardwaz ◽

S. S. Mahour ◽

S. P. Nema ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Eosinophil Count ◽

Jugular Vein ◽

Dairy Farm ◽

Fetal Membranes ◽

Monocyte Count ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Mean Values ◽

Crossbred Cows ◽

Haematological Profile ◽

The Mean

This study was carried out on clinical cases of retained fetal membranes in crossbred cows presented at College Clinics and College dairy farm and from Villages in and around Mhow. The blood samples were collected from jugular vein just before 12 hr. postpartum and on 7th day postpartum. Haematological profile revealed that the mean values of haemoglobin, neutrophil and monocyte count after 12 hrs and 7th day postpartum were significantly lower and lymphocyte count was significantly higher in RFM cows (n=18) than normally calved cows (n=6). The differences in mean TLC, eosinophil and basophil counts were non-significant at 12 hrs postpartum, however on 7th day postpartum the TLC and eosinophil count were significantly higher and basophil count was non-significantly different in RFM cows than the normally calved cows.

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Incomplete Kawasaki disease - a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal ◽

10.3126/jcmsn.v9i4.10234 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 30-35

Author(s):

S Datta ◽

S Maiti ◽

G Das ◽

A Chatterjee ◽

P Ghosh

Keyword(s):

Kawasaki Disease ◽

Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽

Incomplete Kawasaki Disease ◽

Duration Of Symptoms ◽

Clinical Criteria ◽

Echocardiographic Finding ◽

2D Echocardiography ◽

Acquired Heart Disease ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year

Background The diagnosis of classical Kawasaki Disease was based on clinical criteria. The conventional criteria is particularly useful in preventing over diagnosis, but at the same time it may result in failure to recognize the incomplete form of Kawasaki Disease. Objective To suspect incomplete Kawasaki Disease, because early diagnosis and proper treatment may reduce substantial risk of developing coronary artery abnormality which is one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children. Method Nine cases of incomplete Kawasaki Disease were diagnosed over a period of one year. The diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki Disease was based on fever for five days with less than four classical clinical features and cardiac abnormality detected by 2D- echocardiography. A repeat echocardiography was done after 6 weeks of onset of illness. The patients were treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin and/or aspirin. Result The mean age of the patients was 3.83 years and the mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 12.1 days. Apart from other criteria all of our patients had edema and extreme irritability. All the patients had abnormal echocardiographic finding. Five patients received only aspirin due to nonaffordability of Intravenous Immunoglobulin and four patients received both aspirin and Intravenous Immunoglobulin, but the outcome was excellent in all the cases. Conclusion Incomplete Kawasaki Disease can be diagnosed with more awareness and aspirin alone may be used as a second line therapy in case of non affordability of Intravenous Immunoglobulin. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-4, 30-35 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i4.10234

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POS1281 HOW DOES OBESITY INFLUENCE THE FEATURES OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3602 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 923.4-924

Author(s):

H. Hachfi ◽

D. Khalifa ◽

M. Brahem ◽

N. Ben Chekaya ◽

M. Younes

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Functional Impairment ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Obese Group ◽

University Hospital ◽

Obese Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Duration Of Symptoms ◽

Lequesne Index ◽

The Mean

Background:Knee osteoarthritis and obesity are both major health problems. It is now admitted that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis gets higher with obesity and that weight loss helps knee function and allows patients to avoid surgery.Objectives:The aim of this study was to study the influence of obesity on knee osteoarthritis features.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the university hospital Taher Sfar of Tunisia over a period of 6 months. Patients who had knee osteoarthritis confirmed by radiographs were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and therapeutic data were collected from medical records and visits. Obesity was defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30. Functional impairment was assessed by the Womac index and Lequesne index.Results:The study included 186 patients. There were 31 males and 155 femmes. The mean age was 60±10 years. The percentage of obese patients was 53,8%. The mean age was similar in both groups obese and non obese. There were more women in the obese group compared to the non obese group (p=0.0001), more patients who had diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia (p=0.002). Non-obese patients had a shorter duration of symptoms with no statistical significance (p=0.151). Obese patients had more involvement of both knees (p<0.0001). Obesity did not have an impact on pain severity. Severity of radiological images (p=0,0001) were more frequent in obese patients. Functional impairment was similar in both groups. However, the percentage of patients having a very important functional impairment with Lequesne index was higher in obese patients (p<0.029). Obese patients also needed more physical therapy sessions (p=0.035).Conclusion:Knee osteoarthritis in obese patients is characterized with the femlae gender predominance, bilateral knee involvement, and a more severe images on radiographs. Thus the need for better control of weight and the importance of physical activity.References:[1]Coggon D, Reading I, Croft P, et al. Knee osteoarthritis and obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord J Int Assoc Study Obes 2001; 25: 622–627.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Thiophene-Based Compounds with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Pharmaceuticals ◽

10.3390/ph14070692 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (7) ◽

pp. 692

Author(s):

Ryldene Marques Duarte da Cruz ◽

Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça-Junior ◽

Natália Barbosa de Mélo ◽

Luciana Scotti ◽

Rodrigo Santos Aquino de Araújo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Structural Characteristics ◽

Tiaprofenic Acid ◽

Inflammatory Activity ◽

Drug Candidates ◽

Biological Target ◽

Inflammatory Drugs ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Privileged Structures

Rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis and gout, among other chronic inflammatory diseases are public health problems and represent major therapeutic challenges. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most prescribed clinical treatments, despite their severe side effects and their exclusive action in improving symptoms, without effectively promoting the cure. However, recent advances in the fields of pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and chemoinformatics have provided valuable information and opportunities for development of new anti-inflammatory drug candidates. For drug design and discovery, thiophene derivatives are privileged structures. Thiophene-based compounds, like the commercial drugs Tinoridine and Tiaprofenic acid, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The present review provides an update on the role of thiophene-based derivatives in inflammation. Studies on mechanisms of action, interactions with receptors (especially against cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX)), and structure-activity relationships are also presented and discussed. The results demonstrate the importance of thiophene-based compounds as privileged structures for the design and discovery of novel anti-inflammatory agents. The studies reveal important structural characteristics. The presence of carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides, as well as methyl and methoxy groups, has been frequently described, and highlights the importance of these groups for anti-inflammatory activity and biological target recognition, especially for inhibition of COX and LOX enzymes.

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Handling Associated with Drenching Does Not Impact Survival and General Health of Low Birth Weight Piglets

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020404 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 404

Author(s):

Kevin Van Tichelen ◽

Sara Prims ◽

Miriam Ayuso ◽

Céline Van Kerschaver ◽

Mario Vandaele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Additional Stress ◽

Bioactive Substances ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Panel Test ◽

Esterified Fatty Acids ◽

The Mean

The increase in litter sizes in recent years has resulted in more low birth weight (LBW) piglets, accompanied by a higher mortality. A potential intervention to overcome this is drenching bioactive substances. However, if the act of drenching provokes additional stress in LBW piglets, it might counteract the supplement’s effect and be detrimental for the piglet’s survival. To study the effect of the drenching act, piglets from 67 sows were weighed within 4 h after birth. The mean litter birth weight (MLBW) and standard deviation (SD) were calculated. LBW piglets (n = 76) were defined as weighing between (MLBW-1*SD) and (MLBW-2.5*SD). They were randomly allocated to two treatments: “sham” (conducting the act of drenching by inserting an empty 2.5 mL syringe in the mouth during 20 s, once a day, d1 till d7; n = 37) or “no treatment” (no handling; n = 39). On day 1, 3, 9, 24 and 38, piglets were weighed and scored for skin lesions. Blood samples were collected on day 9 and 38 and analyzed to determine glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea, immunoglobulin G (IgG), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and a standard blood panel test. There was no difference between sham drenched and untreated piglets regarding any of the parameters. In conclusion, this study showed that drenching does not impose a significant risk to LBW piglets and can be applied safely during the first 7 days after birth.

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LRF and TRF test during long-term danazol treatment: increase of the LH and FSH responses but decrease of the prolactin and TSH responses

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.1040001 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 104 (1) ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

J. Leppäluoto ◽

L. Rönnberg ◽

P. Ylöstalo

Keyword(s):

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Follicular Phase ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Hormone Levels ◽

Coefficients Of Variation ◽

The Mean ◽

Thyroid Hormone Levels ◽

Low Serum

Abstract. Seven patients suffering from severe endometriosis were treated with danazol 200 mg × 3 daily for 6 months. Clinical symptoms were alleviated and menses disappeared in response to the treatment. After cessation of the treatment the menstrual bleedings returned in 1–3 months. Blood samples for determination of gonadotrophins, prolactin (Prl), oestradiol (E2), progesterone, thyroid hormones and thyrotrophin in radioimmunoassays were taken and a combined TRF and LRF test carried out in the follicular phase before treatment, at the 6th month of treatment and after reappearance of the first menses. There were no statistically significant changes in the basal levels of serum FSH, LH or TSH during the danazol treatment. Neither was there any change in episodic secretions of FSH, LH or Prl, as determined by the mean coefficients of variation of the hormone levels in seven consecutive samples taken at 20 min intervals. On the other hand, serum E2, Prl and thyroid hormone levels were significantly decreased in the 6th month of treatment. In the TRF-LRF test the responses of serum FSH and LH were significantly higher and those of serum Prl and TSH significantly lower during danazol treatment than before. Prl responses remained lowered after the treatment. It appears that low serum oestrogen levels, induced by the danazol treatment, sensitize the pituitary gonadotrophs to exogenous LRF, but make the sensitivity of thyrotrophs and lactotrophs lower to exogenous TRF. These results thus indicate that danazol does not make the pituitary gonadotrophs insensitive to LRF, but danazol may rather inhibit the secretion of hypothalamic LRF.

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Pattern of plasma progesterone, oestradiol-17β, luteinizing hormone and androgen in non-pregnant buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.1000279 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 100 (2) ◽

pp. 279-284 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

R. C. Arora ◽

R. S. Pandey

Keyword(s):

Luteinizing Hormone ◽

Peak Level ◽

Systemic Circulation ◽

Bubalus Bubalis ◽

High Concentration ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Androgen Level ◽

The Mean ◽

Low Levels

Abstract. Domestic buffaloes were used to characterize the pattern of progesterone, oestradiol-17β, LH and androgen in the systemic circulation following infertile insemination. Concentrations of hormones were measured by RIA in blood samples collected daily or at alternate days following insemination. The concentration of progesterone was lowest on the day of insemination, and increased significantly to a peak level of 4.00 ± 0.60 ng/ml by day 13 post insemination. After day 17, it declined significantly (P < 0.01) to reach low levels by day 21. The concentration of oestradiol-17β was high at the time of insemination and declined significantly (P < 0.01) by day 2 after insemination. It was maintained around the basal level till day 18 with minor peaks in between this period. It again rose significantly (P < 0.01) at subsequent oestrus. The mean level of LH was highest at the time of insemination, and declined significantly (P < 0.01) by day 1 post insemination. It did not vary appreciably till the animal returned to oestrus. The oestrous value of LH and progesterone were negatively correlated (r = −0.77). The androgen level was observed to be high at insemination in 3 out of 5 animals, but the overall pattern of this steroid was inconsistent during the period studied. A high concentration of androgen was recorded in all the animals from day 2–5 before the onset of oestrus.

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Chronic vulval problems: A gynaecologist’s perspective

10.1055/s-0039-1685355 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Akanksha Sharma ◽

Saritha Shamsunder ◽

Geetika Khanna ◽

Neeti Khunger ◽

Vijay Zutshi

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Clinical Examination ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Well Being ◽

Careful Examination ◽

Blue Dye ◽

Lichen Sclerosus Et Atrophicus ◽

Cell Hyperplasia ◽

Duration Of Symptoms ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Chronic vulval symptoms are common complaints in women seeking health care and can significantly interfere with a woman’s sexual function and sense of well being. Many practitioners feel diagnostically challenged, particularly by chronic or recurrent forms of vulval disease. The aim of this study was to assess the role of various diagnostic modalities in evaluation of chronic vulval symptoms. Methods: Between August 2012 and February 2014, 100 women presenting with chronic vulval symptoms (i.e. ≥ 3 months duration) were evaluated. All of them had a thorough clinical history taken including use of vulval washes and creams, a general and gynaecological examination. Patients having chronic vaginal discharge in addition had urethral, vaginal and cervical smear and culture. All women had a careful examination of the vulva with and without magnification. Vulval scrape cytology was taken after moistening the vulva with normal saline and stained by Pap stain. Colposcopy of the vulva was then carried out after applying 5% acetic acid and 1% toluidine blue dye. Vulval biopsy was taken from suspicious areas on colposcopy and further management was based on histopathology report. Results: The mean age of women in our study was 43.57 years (range 22-80 years.), 70% women were pre-menopausal and 30% were post-menopausal. The mean duration of symptoms was 1.625 years (range 6 months - 15 years) and atypical vulval hygiene practices (excessive washing with soaps) was used in 77% of women. The commonest presenting complaint was pruritus in 92% of women; visible lesions on vulva were seen in 20%, pain in 6% and burning sensation in vulva in 5% of women. The histopathology was abnormal in 77 patients; the most common histopathological finding was non-neoplastic epithelial disorders in 64 women {Squamous cell hyperplasia (n=52), Lichen Sclerosus et atrophicus (n=6), other dermatoses including lichen Planus (n=6)}. Vulvar Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (VIN) was seen in 6 patients, 5 were squamous type VIN and 1 was non-squamous type (Paget’s disease). Squamous cell carcinoma was seen in 3 patients; malignant melanoma, benign appendiceal tumor, angiofibroma and neurofibroma in 1 patient. Examination without magnification had sensitivity of 25.97% and with magnification was 29.87% and specificity was 100% for both of them. Cytology had sensitivity and specificity of 75.32% and 86.95% respectively and sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy was 77.92% and 17.39% respectively. Conclusion: Clinical examination with and without magnification had low sensitivity but were highly specific in diagnosing vulvar lesions. A normal vulval smear and colposcopy have a high negative predictive value and are very reassuring. Colposcopy and biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, however clinical examination with naked eyes and magnifying glass are invaluable and can diagnose most of the neoplastic lesions.

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