The Association of Serum Profile of Transferrin Isoforms with COVID-19 Disease Severity.

Background/Objective: Bearing in mind the relationship of transferrin (TRF) microheterogeneity with the biological activity of its isoforms, we propose, in this study, to determine the association of the profile of TRF isoforms with COVID-19 disease severity and to compare this profile to the profiles of other diseases. Methods: The disease group consisted of 96 patients from whom blood was collected twice, upon admission to the ward and after treatment (on average on the ninth day). TRF isoforms were separated by capillary electrophoresis. The analysis included disease severity, cytokine storm, comorbidities, patient survival, oxygen therapy, and modified early warning scores (MEWSs). Results: The concentration of 5-sialoTRF was higher in patients compared to controls at the beginning and during COVID-19 treatment. The concentration of this isoform varies with the severity of disease and was higher in critical patients than those with a moderate condition. Additionally, the level of 5-sialoTRF was lower and the level of 4-sialoTRF was higher in patients with comorbidities than that in patients without them. The concentration of 5-sialoTRF was lower and the concentration of 4-sialoTRF was higher in surviving patients than in non-surviving patients. There were no statistical changes in TRF isoforms according to presence of cytokine storm, MEWS, and oxygen therapy. Conclusions: We conclude that the profile of TRF isoforms in COVID-19 patients differs from that in other diseases. An increase in the concentration of a sialic acid-rich isoform, 5-sialoTRF, may be a compensatory mechanism, the goal of which is to increase oxygen delivery to tissues and is dependent on the severity of the disease. Additionally, the concentration of 5-sialoTRF may be a prognostic marker of the survival of COVID-19 patients.

The Diagnostic Value of FibroTest and Hepascore as Non-Invasive Markers of Liver Fibrosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of two non-invasive, validated, and patented markers of liver fibrosis, the Hepascore and FibroTest, in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The study group consisted of 74 PSC patients and 38 healthy subjects. All patients had a liver biopsy. The Hepascore and FibroTest were calculated using specific algorithms. The ANOVA rank Kruskal-Wallis test revealed differences in the Hepascore and FibroTest between patients divided according to histological stage (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The Hepascore and FibroTest had significantly higher results in patients with significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) in comparison to those with no significant fibrosis (F1) (p < 0.001 for both tests) and higher values in patients with cirrhosis (F4) when compared to those without cirrhosis (F1-F3) (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The Hepascore test showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 96.8%, a specificity of 100% for fibrosis (at cut-off 0.52) and a diagnostic sensitivity of 95.2%, and a specificity also of 100% for cirrhosis (at 0.80). The FibroTest in point 0.51 for the diagnosis of fibrosis obtained the following values: 58.6%, 90%, 89.5%, and 60%, respectively, and in point 0.73 for the diagnosis of cirrhosis: 42.9%, 100%, 100%, and 45.5, respectively. The Hepascore test reached an excellent diagnostic power in identifying both fibrosis and cirrhosis (AUC = 1.0). The FibroTest and Hepascore are highly valuable for the evaluation of the severity of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in PSC patients and can be used as a primary screening method, allowing for a significant reduction in the need for liver biopsy. Both markers have the required sensitivity and specificity to detect liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and can be equally used in clinical practice, although the Hepascore seems to be a better test because it is more specific.

The Serum Profile of Transferrin Isoforms in Pancreatitis.

Total transferrin concentration changes in acute-phase reactions. Additionally, the alteration of transferrin glycosylation in inflammations can occur. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pancreatitis on the serum profile of transferrin isoforms. The tested groups consisted of 84 patients with acute pancreatitis and 42 patients with chronic hepatitis. Transferrin isoforms were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis on a MINICAP electrophoretic system (Sebia, France). There was a significant decrease in the concentration of pentasialotransferrin in both acute and chronic pancreatitis, and a significant increase in tetrasialotransferrin in the acute pancreatitis group when compared to the control group. There were no significant changes in transferrin isoforms between the acute and chronic pancreatitis groups, and between the edematous and necrotizing forms of the disease. Considering the etiology of acute pancreatitis, we noticed higher values of bile acids and γ-glutamyltransferase in acute pancreatitis of alcoholic etiology than that in pancreatitis of other etiologies. In conclusion, the alterations in transferrin isoform profile in acute and chronic pancreatitis are not organ specific. Because similar changes were observed in hepatitis, we can conclude that the serum profile of transferrin isoforms is involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Non-Invasive Indirect Markers of Liver Fibrosis after Interferon-Free Treatment for Hepatitis C.

The effectiveness of interferon-free therapy during the course of HCV infection has already been confirmed. Liver fibrosis can be assessed in several ways, from biopsies to imaging tests. The present study evaluates the usefulness of non-invasive indirect biomarkers of liver fibrosis (APRI, GAPRI, FORNS, FIB-4, the AP index and HUI score) as markers of the effective treatment of HCV with the 3D regimen. Blood samples were collected from 70 patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C. Patients received the 3D AbbVie regimen for hepatitis C. All patients had HCV genotype 1b. The APRI, GAPRI, FIB-4, FORNS, HUI and AP index (age-platelet score) values were calculated with their respective algorithms. The stage of fibrosis was evaluated on the basis of a liver biopsy and confirmed by FibroScan-based transient elastography. An undetectable level of HCV RNA after 12 weeks of treatment with the 3D regimen indicates 100% eradication of hepatitis C virus. After the treatment, non-invasive indirect markers of liver fibrosis achieved levels below the limit for significant fibrosis, Thus, non-invasive indirect biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis failed to detect the presence of significant fibrosis, which was proved in histopathological examination. However, the eradication of hepatitis C virus by means of the 3D regimen treatment does not mean that patients were completely cured.

Glycosylation in viral hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between hepatitis viruses and host cells is regulated by glycans exposed on the surfaces of human and viruses cells. As the biosynthesis and degradation of human glycoproteins take place at the highest level in the liver, the changes in glycosylation of serum proteins may potentially be useful in the diagnosis of liver pathology. On the other hand, specific alterations in viruses envelope glycans could cause large changes in the entry process of hepatitis viruses into a host cells. SCOPE OF REVIEW: Unique alterations in glycosylation of specific proteins can be detected in HBV and HCV infected patients especially with confirmed fibrosis/cirrhosis. On the other hand, viral envelope proteins that bind to host cells are glycosylated. These glycosylated proteins play a key role in recognition, binding and penetration of the host cells. In this review we summarized the knowledge about significance of glycosylation for viral and host factors. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Glycosylation changes in single serum glycoproteins are noticed in the sera of patients with viral hepatitis. However, a more specific biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis than that of a single glycosylated molecule is systemic investigation of complete set of glycan structures (N-glycome). Glycans play important roles in the viral biology cycle especially as a connecting element with host receptors. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The interaction between virus glycoproteins and cellular receptors, which are also glycoproteins, determines the possibility of virus penetration into host cells. Therefore these glycans can be the targets for the developing of novel treatment strategies of viral hepatitis.

Comparison of hyaluronic acid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and its correlation with parameters of disease activity and duration. The hypothesis was that HA should be increased in rheumatic diseases. We also expected that HA could be a marker of disease activity and inflammation in some of these diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 149 patients with RA, SSc and SLE hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok (Bialystok, Poland) and 30 healthy controls. The concentrations of HA, C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured using Architect ci8200; haemoglobin, platelets on Sysmex XS-800i; and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) on Sediplus S 2000 analysers. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3 PL. RESULTS: Hyaluronic acid was increased in RA, SLE and SSc when compared to controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.011, and P = 0.015, respectively). There were no differences in HA between rheumatic diseases (P = 0.840). Hyaluronic acid positively correlated with SLE activity (P = 0.025). In RA, HA positively correlated with ESR (P = 0.028) and CRP (P = 0.009). However, HA was not found to correlate with the duration of rheumatic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acid concentration undergoes changes in rheumatic diseases with no difference between RA, SLE and SSc. In RA, HA concentration can be a marker of inflammation, while in SLE patients an indicator of disease activity.

Liver function in COVID-19 infection.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease affects multiple organs, including anomalies in liver function. In this review we summarize the knowledge about liver injury found during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with special attention paid to possible mechanisms of liver damage and abnormalities in liver function tests allowing for the evaluation of the severity of liver disease. Abnormalities in liver function observed in COVID-19 disease are associated with the age and sex of patients, severity of liver injury, presence of comorbidity and pre-treatment. The method of antiviral treatment can also impact on liver function, which manifests as increasing values in liver function tests. Therefore, analysis of variations in liver function tests is necessary in evaluating the progression of liver injury to severe disease.

Diagnostic Power of Galectin-3 in Rheumatic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to assess the diagnostic power of galectin-3 and compare its between rheumatic diseases and with routinely used tests such as CRP and ESR. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 49 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and 18 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were enrolled in this study. The control group comprised 30 healthy controls. Serum galectin-3 concentration was measured using immunochemical method. RESULTS: The galectin-3 concentration were significantly elevated in the RA, SSc, and SLE in comparison to the controls (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p < 0.001; respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the serum galectin-3 levels between rheumatic diseases (H = 0.395, p = 0.821). In RA and SSc patients, galectin-3 positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (R = 0.332, p = 0.004; R = 0.384, p = 0.009; respectively). ROC analysis revealed that galectin-3 had an excellent diagnostic power in RA (AUC = 0.911) and SSc (AUC = 0.903) and very good for SLE (AUC = 0.859). CONCLUSION: We concluded that diagnostic power of serum galectin-3 is as great as CRP and ESR in rheumatic diseases and it can be a very good laboratory marker in RA and SSc patients and a useful tool in the diagnosis of SLE.

Changed Profile of Serum Transferrin Isoforms in Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

Liver damage affects the synthesis of proteins and glycoproteins, and alters their posttranslational modification, such as glycosylation changing the serum profile of glycoprotein isoforms. The retention of hydrophobic bile acids in the course of cholestatic liver diseases is a major cause of liver damage in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The study objective was to determine the serum profile of transferrin isoforms in primary biliary cholangitis and compare it to transferrin isoforms profile in extrahepatic cholestasis. The study was carried out in 76 patients with PBC and 40 healthy blood donors. Transferrin isoforms were analyzed by the capillary electrophoresis method. The mean relative concentrations of disialotransferrin and trisialotransferrin in PBC were significantly lower than those in the healthy subjects (p < 0.001, p = 0.011; respectively). None of the transferrin isoforms changed according to the disease severity evaluated by the Ludwig scoring system. However, the disease stage affected the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and albumin level (p = 0.002; p = 0.013 and p = 0.005, respectively). Our results indicate that serum profile of transferrin isoforms alters primary biliary cholangitis and differs in comparison to transferrin isoforms profile in extrahepatic cholestasis. The decreased concentrations of lower sialylated isoforms of transferrin (low percentage share in total transferrin level) are not associated with the histological stage of disease.

Transferrin isoforms analysis by capillary electrophoresis in systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis.

The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are a diseases in which disturbances in plasma proteins glycosylation exist. The aim of the study was to compare the serum profile of transferrin isoforms between SLE and SSc. The study was carried out in 38 patients with SLE and 43 patients with SSc. Transferrin isoforms were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis method. Among the transferrin isoforms only the level of pentasialotransferrin in SLE patients was significantly higher than in SSc patients (p = .014). The median concentrations of trisialotransferrin and pentasialotransferrin were significantly lower in SLE patients (p < .001, p = .042; respectively) and SSc (p = .001, p < .001; respectively) than in the healthy subjects. In contrast, the level of tetrasialotransferrin manifested significant increase in comparison to the controls (p < .001 for all comparisons). The serum profile of transferrin isoforms alters in SLE and SSc but only level of pentasialotransferrin differs between SLE and SSc patients. We confirm that the serum profile of transferrin isoforms in SLE and SSc is unique to these diseases.

Diagnostic Power of Cytokine M-CSF, Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and Tissue Inhibitor-2 (TIMP-2) in Cervical Cancer Patients Based on ROC Analysis.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its specific tissue inhibitor (TIMP-2) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer disease. We investigated the plasma levels and diagnostic power (ROC curve analysis) of M-CSF, MMP-2, TIMP-2 and tumor markers CA 125 and SCC-Ag in cervical cancer (CC) patients as compared to control group. The study included 89 patients with cervical cancer. The control group consisted of 50 healthy, untreated women. The plasma levels of M-CSF, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were determined using ELISA, CA 125 and SCC-Ag - by CMIA method. The median levels of M-CSF, TIMP-2, SCC-Ag and CA 125 in the entire group of CC were significantly different than compared to the healthy women group. MMP-2 showed the highest value of sensitivity from all examined parameters (in stage I of CC - 93.10%, II - 82.76%, III and IV - 96.88%, total group - 92.05%). The highest specificity was obtained by M-CSF (86%). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of M-CSF (0.8051) was the largest of all the tested parameters (even higher than commonly used tumor markers) in the group of cervical cancer. The combination of M-CSF, MMP-2 or TIMP-2 with SCC antigen resulted in an increase AUCs in all cases (0.8760;0.7880;0.8081;respectively). The findings of this study suggest the usefulness of all examined parameters in the diagnostics of CC patients. Out of the tested substances, M-CSF also appears to be the best candidate for cancer diagnostics in all stages of the disease, based on ROC analysis.

Serum profile of transferrin isoforms in rheumatoid arthritis treated with biological drugs.

BACKGROUND: In the chronic inflammation process in the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), many alterations in the expression of plasma proteins, as well as their posttranslational modifications (including glycosylation) can occur. Taking into account the disturbances in protein glycosylation and the emerging new treatment regimens, the aim of this study was to assess the serum profile of transferrin isoforms in RA patients treated with biological drugs. METHODS: The study included 20 patients (16 females and 4 males; mean age: 53.4 years; range: 24-67) with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab. Serum samples were taken 3 times: before and 3 and 6 months during treatment. The isoforms of transferrin were separated by capillary electrophoresis (MINICAP electrophoretic system, Sebia, France) into five major fractions: asialo-, disialo-, trisialo-, tetrasialo- and pentasialotransferrin. The results were calculated as relative concentrations of each fraction. RESULTS: The median trisialotransferrin relative concentrations after 3 and 6 months treatment (4.40% and 4.10%, respectively) were significantly higher (p = 0.013, p = 0.009, respectively) than before treatment (3.50%). The levels of serum pentasialotransferrin were also increased 3 and 6 months following treatment (16.5% and 17.7%, p = 0.005 and p = 0.006, respectively) as compared to those before therapy (14.5%), while tetrasialotransferrin concentrations were lower (80.3% and 78.4%, p = 0.009 and p = 0.008, respectively) than before treatment (81.5%). Trisialotransferrin relative concentration correlated with Hb (p = 0.019), whereas pentasialotransferrin with PLT (p = 0.036) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that treatment with rituximab of RA patients alters the serum profile of transferrin isoforms. Tri-, tetra- and pentasialotransferrin relative concentrations measurements can be a useful tool to monitor therapy.

Noninvasive Indirect Markers of Liver Fibrosis in Alcoholics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic values of noninvasive indirect markers of liver fibrosis: APRI, GAPRI, Forns, FIB-4, Age-Platelet, and Hepascore in alcoholics. Blood samples were collected from a randomized group of 142 alcohol-dependent patients. The diagnosis of dependency was made according to the ICD-10 WHO criteria. The values of noninvasive markers were calculated with specific algorithms. The fibrosis stage was evaluated on the basis of FibroTest. The values of APRI, Forns, FIB-4, GAPRI, AP, and Hepascore differ between various stages of liver fibrosis. Patients with fibrosis stage F0 present lower values of APRI, Forns, FIB-4, GAPRI, and Hepascore in comparison to the patients with stages F1 and F0-F1. Patients with fibrosis stages < F2 have lower values of all noninvasive markers than patients with stages ≥F2. Patients with fibrosis stages ≥F2 but

The Profile of Serum Transferrin Isoforms in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Transferrin, a microheterogeneous iron-transporting N-glycoprotein, is an optimal model for the analysis of the glycosylation profile in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess the transferrin isoforms profile in RA patients at the time of diagnosis and then look into their associations with disease activity. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 48 patients with RA. The patients were males (6) and females (42) (age range: 33-85 years). Control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. Transferrin isoforms were analysed by capillary electrophoresis on MINICAP electrophoretic system. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the relative concentrations of trisialo- (mean ± SD; 2.130 ± 1.112) and pentasialotransferrin (13.562 ± 3.088), and significant increase in tetrasialotransferrin (83.640 ± 3.165) in RA patients when compared to the control group (3.615 ± 1.156; 76.840 ± 5.621; 18.610 ± 6.027, respectively) (U Mann-Whitney test: p < 0.001 for all comparisons). There were no significant changes in the disialotransferrin concentrations in RA patients. Trisialotransferrin concentration correlated with RA activity expressed as DAS 28 in RA patients (p < 0.001). The low trisialotransferrin concentration was also associated with high platelet count and high ESR (p < 0.001 for both). Disialo-, tetrasialo- and pentasialotransferrin concentrations did not correlate with DAS 28. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RA the serum profile of transferrin isoforms is altered. We predict that the levels of trisialylated isoforms of transferrin will serve as a useful biochemical marker of the RA activity.

Diagnostic power of VEGF, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in patients with breast cancer. A multivariate statistical analysis with ROC curve.

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important factor in promoting angiogenesis in malignant processes, matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the degradation of extracellular matrix, which enhances metastasis, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 is its inhibitor. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic power of these parameters in comparison to CA15-3 in breast cancer patients and in relation to the control group. MATERIALS/METHODS: The study included 120 breast cancer patients, 60 patients with benign breast tumors and 60 healthy women. Plasma levels of tested parameters were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, CA15-3 by chemiluminescent microparticle immuno assay. RESULTS: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 showed the highest value of sensitivity in breast cancer group (86.25%) and, more importantly, highest value in breast cancer stage I (85%). Vascular endothelial growth factor also showed high sensitivity (stage I and II-75%, III-85%, IV-70% and 76.25% in total breast cancer group) and the highest specificity (85%) from all tested parameters. It was also the only parameter which had statistically significant area under curve in all stages. In the total breast cancer group all tested parameters showed statistically significant area under curve, but the maximum range was obtained for combination: 'vascular endothelial growth factor + CA15-3'. Vascular endothelial growth factor seems to be the best candidate for diagnosing breast cancer stage I and for differentiating between breast cancer and non-carcinoma cases. CONCLUSIONS: The combined analysis of tested parameters and CA15-3 resulted in an increase in sensitivity and area under curve values, which provides hope for developing new panel of biomarkers that may be used in diagnosing breast cancer in the future.

The concentration of total sialic acid in chronic hepatitis B and C.

BACKGROUND: The synthesis and glycosylation of glycoproteins and glycolipids take place in the liver. Thus, liver diseases may affect serum concentrations of some carbohydrate derivatives, especially the concentration of sialic acid which is attached to the end of oligosaccharide chains. The aim of this study was to measure and compare the serum concentration of total sialic acid in chronic hepatitis B and C. The hypothesis is that both viruses responsible for the development of inflammation work differently at the cellular level. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 90 patients suffering from liver diseases: 50 from chronic hepatitis B and 40 from chronic hepatitis C at the time of diagnosis. The total sialic acid concentration in the serum was measured according to the enzymatic method using a colorimetric procedure. RESULTS: The mean total sialic acid concentration in patients with chronic hepatitis B was significantly lower than the mean concentration in the healthy group, while in patients with chronic hepatitis C, it was significantly higher than that in healthy people and in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B. There were no significant differences in total sialic acid concentrations in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C according to the grade of portal/periportal activity, the grade of lobular activity and the stage of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that chronic viral hepatitis affects the total serum concentration of sialic acid. Moreover, the concentration of total sialic acid may be a useful marker to differentiate between chronic hepatitis B and C but is not useful for evaluation of the progression of these diseases.

Improvements in the perception of facial attractiveness following surgical aesthetic treatment; study based on online before and after photos.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic surgery procedures such as lip augmentation, eyelid correction, face-lifting, or Botox treatment for lines and wrinkles are an important part of cosmetic surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to estimate improvement in appearance following plastic surgery using modern collective intelligence methods of validation. METHODS: A total of 108 photographs showing 54 patients prior to and following cosmetic surgery were downloaded from Internet web presentations of several unnamed plastic surgeons. The same number of photographs depicted each of the four investigated areas of treatment-26 lip enhancement, 26 blepharoplasty, 26 face-lift, 26 botulinum toxin injection. Attractiveness of depicted individuals was assessed by 167 observers. Each photograph was judged separately. RESULTS: Blepharoplasty produced the most remarkable improvement in attractiveness amounting to 32.79 (SD ± 26.35). Improvement following Botox treatment stood at 30.29 (SD ± 24.55), whereas face-lifting produces improvement of 28.70 (SD ± 22.76). Improvement following lip augmentation was estimated at 12.70 (SD ± 29.8). Highest Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was obtained for face-lift and Botox (0.24 and 0.22, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Blepharoplasty, face-lifting, and Botox deliver a significant improvement in facial attractiveness. Additionally, face-lifting and Botox are distinguished by a high level of reproducibility. Our results indicate that lip augmentation is a treatment with a statistically significant, but less marked improvement in attractiveness.

Impact of face proportions on face attractiveness.

BACKGROUND: Proportions of face components appear to play a role in facial attractiveness. AIMS: The aim of the study was to establish the best proportions of face components in relation to whole face shape for facial attractiveness. METHODS: Only one face component (eye, nose, or lips) of a model in a series of photographs was altered using a computer program. Alterations consisted of size reduction or augmentation by 5% or 10%. Each photograph depicted a particular face component altered to either 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, or 110% of its original size. Collages of photographs were shown to 167 individuals (male and female) for a fixed period of 7 seconds. Their task was to indicate the most attractive photograph of a model in a presented collage. RESULTS: In total, 48.1% of individuals preferred enhanced eyes both in males and females. We found that the preferred mean eye size in women was statistically significantly higher than that in men. In total, 64.8% of respondents preferred reduced nose proportions in women (27.5% found a reduction to 90% of the original size more attractive while 37.3% preferred a reduction to 95%). It was demonstrated that the preferred mean nose size was statistically significantly lower in females in comparison with males. Respondents expressed a greater preference for nose reduction in women in comparison with men. 38.4% of respondents (in regard to both male and female mouth) preferred reduced mouth. 40.7% of respondents preferred reduced mouth in the female model. CONCLUSIONS: Our work delivers statistically significant evidence that facial attractiveness increases together with the enlargement of the uncovered eye surface as well as the reduction in nose and lip size. Data were obtained using modern collective intelligence methods of validation. Written consent was obtained from all study participants.

Plasma levels and diagnostic utility of macrophage-colony stimulating factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 as tumor markers in cervical cancer patients.

Macrophage-colony stimulating factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 may play an important role in malignant processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic power of those parameters (serological biomarkers) in comparison to cancer antigen 125 and squamous cell carcinoma antigen in cervical cancer patients and in relation to the control groups. The study included 100 cervical cancer patients, 50 patients with cervical ectropion and 50 healthy women. Plasma levels of tested parameters were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cancer antigen 125, and squamous cell carcinoma antigen by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Plasma levels of all parameters in the total cancer group showed statistical significance (in all cases p < 0.05). In stage I of cancer only medial supraclavicular fossa and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, in stage II all the tested parameters and cancer antigen 125, and in stage III + IV macrophage-colony stimulating factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and cancer antigen 125 showed statistical significance when compared to the healthy volunteers group. Macrophage-colony stimulating factor showed the highest value of sensitivity from all tested parameters (I: 56.25%, II: 72.73%, III + IV: 77.14% and 69% in total cervical cancer group). The highest specificity was obtained by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (94%). Positive predictive values were highest also for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (I: 82.35%, II: 84.21%, III + IV: 88% and 94.55% in total cervical cancer group), negative predictive values for macrophage-colony stimulating factor (I: 75.44%, II: 82.69%, III + IV: 87.5% and 58.11% in total cervical cancer group) and tumor markers. In the total cervical cancer group, all tested parameters showed statistically significant areas under receiver operating characteristic curve, but maximum range was obtained for the combination macrophage-colony stimulating factor + squamous cell carcinoma antigen (0.8723). The combined analysis of tested parameters and tumor markers resulted in an increase in sensitivity and areas under receiver operating characteristic curve values, which provides hope for developing new panel of biomarkers that may be used in the diagnosis of cervical cancer in the future.

Serum profile of transferrin isoforms in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a preliminary study.

It is reported that alterations in protein glycosylation are present in adult rheumatic diseases; however, the data related to pediatric rheumatic conditions are very scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on the serum glycosylation profile of transferrin isoforms. Twenty-five patients with different clinical forms of an active JIA and 22 healthy controls were studied. Serum samples were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis on MINICAP electrophoretic system (Sebia, France) to determine the levels of transferrin isoforms. In patients with JIA, tetrasialotransferrin (median 82.6%; range 68.8-99.5) concentration was lower (P = 0.032), and pentasialotransferrin (median 14%; range 0.5-31.2) was higher (P = 0.020) in comparison to controls (median 84.45; range 79.8-87.4; median 11.55; range 9.7-16.1, respectively). No significant correlations between concentration of transferrin isoforms and disease activity score (JADAS 27) or the degree of disability (VAS and CHAQ) were found. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP levels correlated positively with disialotransferrin (R = 0.493, P = 0.017; R = 0.850, P < 0.001, respectively) and pentasialotransferrin (R = 0.533, P = 0.006; R = 0.491, P = 0.045, respectively), and negatively with trisialotransferrin (R = - 0.546, P = 0.007; R = - 0.515, P = 0.049, respectively) and tetrasialotransferrin (R = - 0.436, P = 0.029; R = - 0.504, P = 0.039, respectively). This preliminary study shows the shifts in transferrin isoforms profile among patients with JIA. Our data indicate a potential clinical utility of the transferrin isoforms measurement, especially tetrasialotransferrin and pentasialotransferrin. Further prospective studies on larger groups of patients should be conducted to validate the results.