High-speed centrifugation rather than Lipoclear reagent can be used for removing the interference of lipemia on serological tests of infectious diseases: AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.

The aim of this study was to investigate the interference of lipemia on measurement of HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, anti-HCV, HIV Ag/Ab, and anti-TP in serum by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and compare lipemia removing performance between high-speed centrifugation and Lipoclear reagent. Mixed native serum samples (NSs) and hyperlipemia serum samples (HLS) were prepared for the investigated parameters. The levels of these parameters in NS and HLS were determined by CMIA on an Abbott ARCHITECT i2000SR immunoassay analyzer. HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-TP were affected with relative bias >12.5% (acceptable limit) when the level of triacylglycerol (TG) was higher than 27.12 mmol/L in HLS. Clinically unacceptable bias were observed for HBeAg and anti-HBe in HLS with TG higher than 40.52 mmol/L. However, anti-HCV and HIV Ag/Ab were not interfered in severe lipemia with TG < 52.03 mmol/L. In addition, the Lipoclear reagent did not reduce the interference of lipemia with relative bias from -62.50% to -18.02%. The high-speed centrifugation under the optimized condition of 12 000g for 10 min successfully removed the interference of lipemia with relative bias from -5.93% to 0% for HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, and anti-TP. To conclude, high-speed centrifugation can be used for removing the interference of lipemia to measure HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, and anti-TP. Accordingly, a standardized sample preanalytical preparation of the patients and other screening participants as well as a specimen examination procedure for removing lipemia interference on the serological tests was recommended.

Association between the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition and immunity play an important role in many chronic diseases. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been proposed as a comprehensive indicator of an individual's immune and nutritional status. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the association between the PNI and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2001-2014 for participants with CKD. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index and matched to NHANES participants. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for all-cause mortality.Results: The patients were 72.5 ± 9.8 years old, and 47.57% were male. The median follow-up was 58 months, and the mortality rate in patients with CKD was 30.27%. A higher PNI protected against all-cause mortality in patients with CKD, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.98 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97-0.99). After grouping according to PNI quartiles, statistically significant between-group differences were observed in survival probabilities. The aHR for the lowest PNI quartile compared to the highest PNI quartile was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.26-2.14). Sensitivity analysis further supported this association. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed an L-shaped association between the PNI and all-cause mortality in patients with CKD, with a critical value of 50.5. CONCLUSIONS: The PNI is a protective factor in patients with CKD, with an L-shaped decrease in all-cause mortality with an increasing PNI.

The endogenous factors affecting the detection of serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies by ELISA.

To investigate endogenous interference factors of the detection results of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgM/IgG. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG in sera of 200 patients without COVID-19 infection, including rheumatoid factor (RF) positive group, antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive group, pregnant women group, and normal senior group, with 50 in each group and 100 normal controls. The level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG in pregnant women was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (p = 0.000), but there was no significant difference between other groups. The levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgM in the pregnant women group, normal senior group, ANA positive group, and RF positive group were significantly higher than that in the normal control group (p < 0.05), with significant higher false-positive rates in these groups (p = 0.036, p = 0.004, p = 0.000, vs. normal control group). Serum RF caused SARS-CoV-2 IgM false-positive in a concentration-dependent manner, especially when its concentration was higher than 110.25 IU/L, and the urea dissociation test can turn the false positive to negative. ANA, normal seniors, pregnant women, and RF can lead to false-positive reactivity of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and/or IgG detected using ELISA. These factors should be considered when SARS-CoV-2 IgM or IgG detection is positive, false positive samples caused by RF positive can be used for urea dissociation test.

Unmatched Virus Preservation Solution may Impede One-Step Reagent for Detection of 2019-nCoV RNA.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: 2019 Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is still pandemic now. RT-qPCR detection was the most common method for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, facilitated by amounts of nucleic acid testing kits. However, the accuracy of nucleic acid detection is affected by various factors such as specimen collection, specimen preparation, reagents deficiency, and personnel quality. RESULTS: In this study, we found that unmatched virus preservation solution will inhibit N gene and OFR-1ab gene (two independent genes of SARS-CoV-2) amplification in one-step detection reagent. CONCLUSIONS: Despite just being a particular phenomenon we found in our work to fight 2019-nCoV, we concluded that unmatched virus preservation solution may have an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection which may lead to incorrect clinical diagnosis.

Normal Reference Intervals of Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratio, Lymphocyte-To-Monocyte Ratio, and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index in Healthy Adults: a Large Multi-Center Study from Western China.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that the hematological components of the systemic inflammatory response, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) are efficient prognostic indicators in patients with cancers. Most of the studies did not investigate the reference intervals (RIs) of these parameters in healthy controls. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on healthy ethnic Han population aged between 18 and 79 years of age by retrieving the data from a healthy routine examination center database and laboratory infor-mation system of four participating centers in western China. By following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), RIs of each parameter was established and validated. RESULTS: The analysis included 5,969 healthy subjects. We found that the individual's gender can significantly influence PLR, LMR, and SII (all p < 0.05), but not NLR (p > 0.05). Surprisingly, we also found that with an increase in age, the PLR, LMR, and SII tend to decrease, while NLR remained stable. PLR, LMR, and SII values were significantly higher in the young adults (18 - 64 years) than in old adults (65 - 79 years) (p < 0.001). The RIs of NLR, PLR (adults), PLR (old adults), LMR and SII were 0.88 - 4.0, 49 - 198, 42 - 187, 2.63 - 9.9, 142 x 109/L - 804 x 109/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study addresses possible variations and establishes consensus for the NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII RIs for healthy Han Chinese adults in western China. Further, established RIs can standardize clinical applications and promote the use of these indicators into the routine complete blood count report.

Effect of serum inflammatory factors in predicting co-infection with influenza viruses and Omicron.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the key differences in laboratory indicators between mono-infection and co-infection by influenza viruses and Omicron to facilitate timely adjustments in patient treatment strategies. METHODS: Prealbumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were analyzed in 161 COVID-19 cases infected by SARS-CoV-2 (wild type), 299 cases infected by Omicron, 95 cases infected by influenza virus A/B (Flu A/B) and 133 co-infection cases infected with Flu A/B and Omicron. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression equation were used to analyze the clinical predictive capacity of prealbumin and CRP in coinfected patients. RESULTS: The co-infected and wild-type infected patients had significantly different CRP and prealbumin levels compared to mono-infected patients with Omicron or Flu A/B (p < .001). The ROC curve results indicated that prealbumin was more efficient than CRP in identifying co-infection from Omicron (AUC: 0.867 vs. 0.724) or Flu A/B (AUC: 0.797 vs. 0.730), and joint prediction significantly improved the diagnostic ability to discriminate co-infection from mono-infection (AUC: 0.934 and 0.887). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that prealbumin is a valuable indicator that can warn of co-infection and guide timely treatment decisions. Joint prediction may offer an even more effective diagnostic tool for discriminating co-infection from mono-infection.

Enhancing breast cancer treatment: mesoporous dopamine nanoparticles in synergy with chrysin for photothermal therapy.

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers, primarily affecting women. Among its subtypes, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is particularly common. Inhibiting estrogen's effects is crucial for treating ER+ breast cancer, but current therapies often have significant side effects and limitations. Chrysin, a natural flavonoid, has shown potential in reducing estrogen receptor expression, but its poor water solubility hampers clinical application. This study explores the use of mesoporous dopamine nanoparticles (mPDA) to enhance the delivery and efficacy of Chrysin, combined with photothermal therapy (PTT), for breast cancer treatment. Methods: Chrysin-loaded mPDA nanoparticles (Chrysin@mPDA) were synthesized and characterized for their morphology, drug-loading efficiency, stability, and photothermal properties. Network pharmacology was used to predict Chrysin's mechanisms in breast cancer, which were validated through gene expression analysis in cell experiments. The therapeutic efficacy of Chrysin@mPDA with and without PTT was evaluated in a mouse model of breast cancer, with tumor volume and weight measured. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess estrogen receptor expression and immune cell infiltration in tumor tissues. Results: Chrysin@mPDA nanoparticles demonstrated a high drug-loading capacity and excellent stability. Photothermal studies confirmed the nanoparticles' ability to generate heat upon laser exposure, significantly enhancing Chrysin release in acidic conditions with laser irradiation. Network pharmacology identified key target genes affected by Chrysin, including ESR1, BRCA1, CTNNB1, and BAX, which were validated through qPCR. In vivo, the combination of Chrysin@mPDA and PTT significantly reduced tumor volume and weight, decreased estrogen receptor-positive cells, and increased infiltration of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues. Discussion: The study highlights the potential of Chrysin-loaded mPDA nanoparticles combined with PTT as an effective strategy for breast cancer treatment. This approach addresses the limitations of Chrysin's solubility and enhances its therapeutic efficacy through synergistic mechanisms. The dual action of Chrysin in modulating gene expression and PTT in inducing localized hyperthermia and immune response suggests a promising avenue for improved breast cancer prognosis and reduced recurrence.

Relationship between self-efficacy and adherence to self-management and medication among patients with chronic diseases in China: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effects of self-efficacy on adherence to self-management and medication among patients with chronic diseases in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 2047 patients with chronic diseases in 120 cities across China was conducted between May and September 2021 using a multi-stage sampling method. Self-efficacy was measured using the New General Self-Efficacy Scale. The adherence to self-management was measured using the item response theory based self-management adherence scale, and the medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Scale for the Chronically Ill. The adherence to self-management and medication were evaluated by linear regression and logistic regression models, respectively. RESULTS: After adjusting for all covariates, self-efficacy was significantly associated with adherence to self-management (ß =0.207, 95% CI =0.064-0.350, P = 0.005), but not with medication adherence (for[middle/low]: OR = 1.119, 95% CI =0.828-1.511, P = 0.47; for[high/low]: OR = 1.281, 95% CI =0.935-1.754, P = 0.12). In subgroup analysis, self-efficacy positively correlated with adherence to self-management in patients with multiple chronic diseases (ß =0.286, 95% CI =0.037-0.535, P = 0.03), but not in those with only one chronic disease (P = 0.12). Self-efficacy was not significantly associated with medication adherence in any of the subgroups. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy was positively associated with adherence to self-management in patients with chronic diseases, but not with medication adherence. Enhanced health education in patients with one chronic disease alone may have an association with better adherence to self-management and medication in daily life.

Diagnostic performance of blood-based liquid biopsies in hepatocellular carcinoma: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer associated with poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve its prognosis. Blood-based liquid biopsies are promising methods in detecting HCC. However, their accuracies have not been systematically assessed, so it is essential to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of blood-based liquid biopsies in detecting HCC. METHODS: We will search PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) for the relevant studies that assessed the diagnostic performance of blood-based liquid biopsies including circulating tumor cells(CTCs), circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA), and exosomes(EVs) in HCC patients from inception to September 2020. Two researchers will independently extract the data and use Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) to evaluate the quality of included literature. We will also conduct the pool diagnostic value, heterogeneity across studies and reporting bias. All the statistical analysis will be conducted by Stata V.15.0 and Meta-disc V.1.4. RESULTS: This review will evaluate the pooled diagnostic value of blood-based liquid biopsies in HCC. CONCLUSION: This review will summarize the current published evidence of blood-based liquid biopsies in diagnosing HCC, which may provide a great opportunity for promotion and application of them. OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK(OSF) REGISTRATION NUMBER: September 3, 2020. https://osf.io/9n4yz.

Dynamic monitoring of immune function indexes in COVID-19 patients.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics and dynamic variations of immune indexes in nine COVID-19 patients in Zigong, China. We used flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure the absolute levels of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, respectively. We found that CRP, LDH, HBDH, CD4/CD8 and IgE levels were increased in 6/9 patients, while PA and the absolute numbers of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes decreased in 7/9 patients. From disease onset through 63 days of follow-up, SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were consistently higher than those of SARS-CoV-2 IgM, reaching peaks on days 28 and 13, respectively. IgM levels decreased to normal 35 days after disease onset, while IgG levels remained elevated through day 63. IgE levels varied similarly to SARS-CoV-2 IgM. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may elicit allergic immune responses in patients and that the levels of CRP, PA, LDH, and HBDH, as well as the absolute numbers of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes could be used as early diagnostic markers of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lastly, the dynamic variation of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies could guide the timing of blood collection for plasma exchange.