Safety of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants on Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

The existing evidence on the use of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery is inconclusive and contradictory. Likewise, major society guidelines remain ambivalent about NOAC use around the time of TAVR. The objective of our meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of NOACs in comparison to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in lowering complications following TAVR.

Worsening abdominal pain leading to false laparotomy: A case of acute intermittent porphyria.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), one of the most severe types of acute hepatic porphyria, is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder of heme biosynthesis. We present a case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with severe abdominal pain, subjected to a laparotomy and later developed seizures and other neurological manifestations. Initial investigations showed hyponatraemia.

Efficacy and outcomes of antiplatelet therapy versus oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Recent guidelines suggest that antiplatelet therapy (APT) is the standard of care in the absence of long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) indications in patients post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The superiority of one method over the other remains controversial.

Materials And Methods: Several databases, including MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EMBASE, were electronically searched.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Cisplatin/Paclitaxel Versus Carboplatin/Paclitaxel in Improving Survival and Quality of Life in the Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patient Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

Ovarian cancer, being one of the prevalent gynecological cancers, warrants a therapy that's both effective and well tolerated. After extensive drug testing, combination regimens with paclitaxel plus platinum-based agents such as cisplatin/carboplatin and taxanes, have shown promising results for advanced ovarian cancer. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of two treatment regimens for advanced ovarian cancer: cisplatin/paclitaxel and carboplatin/paclitaxel.

Epigenetics in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Current Understanding and Future Perspectives.

The burgeoning field of epigenetics offers transformative insights into the complex landscape of neurological and psychiatric disorders. By unraveling the intricate interplay between genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, this comprehensive review highlights the multifaceted nature of mental health. The exploration reveals the potential of epigenetic modifications to revolutionize our understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these disorders.

Growth arrest of PPP2R5C and PPP2R5D double knockout mice indicates a genetic interaction and conserved function for these PP2A B subunits.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric phosphatase that controls a wide range of cellular functions. The catalytic activity and intracellular location of PP2A are modulated by its association with regulatory B subunits, including B56 proteins, which are encoded by five separate genes in humans and mice. The specific effects of each B56 protein on PP2A activity and function are largely unknown.

Natural history of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis among relatives in CLL families.

Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) has one of the highest familial risks among cancers. Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), the precursor to CLL, has a higher prevalence (13%-18%) in families with 2 or more members with CLL compared with the general population (5%-12%). Although, the rate of progression to CLL for high-count MBLs (clonal B-cell count ≥500/µL) is ∼1% to 5%/y, no low-count MBLs have been reported to progress to date.

Evaluation of the differentiation status of neural stem cells based on cell morphology and the expression of Notch and Sox2.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from a variety of sources are being developed as cellular therapies aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases. During NSC culture and expansion it is important the cells do not differentiate prematurely because this may have an unfavorable effect on product quality and yield. In our study, we evaluated the use of Notch and Sox2 as markers for undifferentiated human and mouse NSCs.

PP2A-B56γ is required for an efficient spindle assembly checkpoint.

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) is part of a complex feedback system designed to ensure that cells do not proceed through mitosis unless all chromosomal kinetochores have attached to spindle microtubules. The formation of the kinetochore complex and the implementation of the SAC are regulated by multiple kinases and phosphatases. BubR1 is a phosphoprotein that is part of the Cdc20 containing mitotic checkpoint complex that inhibits the APC/C so that Cyclin B1 and Securin are not degraded, thus preventing cells going into anaphase.

Quantitative Flow Cytometry Measurements in Antibodies Bound per Cell Based on a CD4 Reference.

Multicolor flow cytometer assays with fluorescently labeled antibodies are routinely used in clinical laboratories to measure the cell number of specific immunophenotypes and to estimate expression levels of specific receptors/antigens either on the cell surface or intracellularly. The cell number and specific receptors/antigens serve as biomarkers for pathological conditions at various stages of a disease. Existing methods and cell reference materials for quantitative expression measurements have not yet produced results that are of wide clinical interest or are instrument-independent across all fluorescence channels.

Consistent, multi-instrument single tube quantification of CD20 in antibody bound per cell based on CD4 reference.

Detecting changes in the expression levels of cell antigens could provide critical information for the diagnosis of many diseases, for example, leukemia, lymphoma, and immunodeficiency diseases, detecting minimal residual disease, monitoring immunotherapies and discovery of meaningful clinical disease markers. One of the most significant challenges in flow cytometry is how to best ensure measurement quality and generate consistent and reproducible inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory results across multiple cytometer platforms and locations longitudinally over time. In a previous study, we developed a procedure for instrument standardization across four different flow cytometer platforms from the same manufacturer.

Quantification of cells with specific phenotypes I: determination of CD4+ cell count per microliter in reconstituted lyophilized human PBMC prelabeled with anti-CD4 FITC antibody.

A surface-labeled lyophilized lymphocyte (sLL) preparation has been developed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells prelabeled with a fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody. The sLL preparation is intended to be used as a reference material for CD4+ cell counting including the development of higher order reference measurement procedures and has been evaluated in the pilot study CCQM-P102. This study was conducted across 16 laboratories from eight countries to assess the ability of participants to quantify the CD4+ cell count of this reference material and to document cross-laboratory variability plus associated measurement uncertainties.

Quantifying CD4 receptor protein in two human CD4+ lymphocyte preparations for quantitative flow cytometry.

Background: In our previous study that characterized different human CD4+ lymphocyte preparations, it was found that both commercially available cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a commercially available lyophilized PBMC (Cyto-Trol™) preparation fulfilled a set of criteria for serving as biological calibrators for quantitative flow cytometry. However, the biomarker CD4 protein expression level measured for T helper cells from Cyto-Trol was about 16% lower than those for cryopreserved PBMC and fresh whole blood using flow cytometry and mass cytometry. A primary reason was hypothesized to be due to steric interference in anti- CD4 antibody binding to the smaller sized lyophilized control cells.

Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis in healthy blood donors: an unexpectedly common finding.

Circulating monoclonal B cells may be detected in healthy adults, a condition called monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). MBL has also been identified in donated blood, but no systematic study of blood donors has been reported. Using sensitive and specific laboratory methods, we detected MBL in 149 (7.

Bcl-2 level as a biomarker for 13q14 deletion in CLL.

Background: Deletion 13q14.3 is the most common cytogenetic abnormality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Previously it was reported that miR-15/16 is the target of 13q14 deletions and plays a tumor suppressor role by suppressing Bcl-2.

Quantitative detection of zeta-chain-associated protein 70 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Overexpression of zeta-chain-associated protein 70 (ZAP-70) was recently recognized as an independent prognostic marker for the aggressive form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and implementation of quantitative detection of ZAP-70 protein in B cells to clearly distinguish patients with CLL with the aggressive form of the disease. B cells were isolated from patient blood and lysed.

Human CD4+ lymphocytes for antigen quantification: characterization using conventional flow cytometry and mass cytometry.

To transform the linear fluorescence intensity scale obtained with fluorescent microspheres to an antibody bound per cell (ABC) scale, a biological cell reference material is needed. Optimally, this material should have a reproducible and tight ABC value for the expression of a known clinical reference biomarker. In this study, we characterized commercially available cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and two lyophilized PBMC preparations, Cyto-Trol and PBMC-National Institute for Biological Standard and Control (NIBSC) relative to freshly prepared PBMC and whole blood samples.

Combined normal donor and CLL: Single tube ZAP-70 analysis.

Introduction: Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP-70) has been identified as an independent prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Based on our previous studies, we have developed a combined one-tube technology with multiple internal controls to optimize ZAP-70 assessment.

Methods: Forty-eight untreated CLL cases were examined for ZAP-70 expression using a modified 7-color one-tube assay.

Improved ZAP-70 assay using two clones, multiple methods of analysis and clinical correlation.

Introduction: In a companion methodological study, we compared two anti-ZAP-70 clones (1E7.2 AF 488 and SBZAP PE) and four selected methods of analysis. Clinical correlations are required for validation.

Methodological comparison of two anti-ZAP-70 antibodies.

Background: ZAP-70 expression is a stage independent prognostic marker in CLL. However, interlaboratory variation is large, and there is neither a consensus nor a regulatory approved methodology.

Methods: Two anti-ZAP70 clones (1E7.

Long-term follow-up of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis detected in environmental health studies.

Background: Four individuals in whom Monoclonal B cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) had been previously detected were evaluated for the fourth time after 15-18 years since initial testing. All four were environmental health study participants without hematologic malignancies who had elevated absolute B cell counts at initial testing.

Methods: The current laboratory evaluation included complete blood counts, lymphocyte immunophenotypes, immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable (IGHV) gene mutation status, and serum tests for monoclonal immunoglobulins and free light chains.

Commentary: Comparison of current flow cytometry methods for monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis detection.

Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is now recognized as the B-lymphocyte analogue of a monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. MBL can be the precursor of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It may be associated with an autoimmune abnormality or be related to aging (immunosenescence).

Prevalence of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis: a systematic review.

Background: Individuals with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) have been identified in clinic outpatients, in unaffected relatives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and in general populations. MBL and its relationship with CLL have been actively investigated over the last decade. This report systematically reviews the prevalence of MBL in the context of the populations studied and the evolution of laboratory methods used to define MBL.

Common occurrence of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis among members of high-risk CLL families.

Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is an asymptomatic haematological condition characterized by low absolute levels of B-cell clones with a surface immunophenotype similar to that of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). In the general population, MBL increases with age with a prevalence of 5-9% in individuals over age 60 years. It has been reported to be higher among first-degree relatives from CLL families.

Variables in the quantification of CD4 in normals and hairy cell leukemia patients.

Background: Quantitative flow cytometry (QFCM) is being applied in the clinical flow cytometry laboratory. Quantitative normal T-cell CD4 expression represents a biologic standard and quality control agent. However, low levels of CD4 expression were detected in normal T-cells in Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) samples.