Systemic immune-inflammation index for predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis.

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent complication that may increase morbidity and mortality risk following cardiac surgery. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is an emerging biomarker that provides an integrated measure of inflammation by incorporating neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts. Recent studies have reported associations between elevated SII and increased POAF risk; however, significant heterogeneity exists regarding its predictive efficacy.

Diagnostic efficacy of serum presepsin for postoperative infectious complications: a meta-analysis.

Background: Postoperative infectious complications (PICs) are major concerns. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for timely treatment and improved outcomes. Presepsin is an emerging biomarker for bacterial infections.

Increased development of T-betCD11c B cells predisposes to lupus in females: Analysis in BXD2 mouse and genetic crosses.

Cardinal features of lupus include elevated B cell activation and autoantibody production with a female sex preponderance. We quantified interactions of sex and genetic variation on the development of autoimmune B-cell phenotypes and autoantibodies in the BXD2 murine model of lupus using a cohort of backcrossed progeny (BXD2 x C57BL/6J) x BXD2. Sex was the key factor leading to increased total IgG, IgG2b, and autoantibodies.

Interrelation of T cell cytokines and autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study.

T-helper cytokines interferon gamma (IFNɣ), interleukin 17 (IL-17) and IL-10 impact systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) directly and indirectly via modulation of autoAb production. We determined the separate and combined effects on clinical manifestations of SLE (N = 62). IFNɣ, IL-17 but not IL-10 were significantly elevated in patients with SLE.

Surfactin Containing -Fermented Products Alleviate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Inhibiting Colonic Inflammation and the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-infectious disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Currently, management of IBD is still a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of surfactin containing -fermented products (SBLF) and commercial surfactin (CS) on the treatment of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model.

IL-4 receptor blockade is a global repressor of naïve B cell development and responses in a dupilumab-treated patient.

Here, we report a case of atopic dermatitis (AD) in a patient who received biweekly doses of dupilumab, an antibody against the IL-4 receptor α chain (IL-4Rα). Single cell RNA-sequencing showed that naïve B cells expressed the highest levels of IL4R compared to other B cell subpopulations. Compared to controls, the dupilumab-treated patient exhibited diminished percentages of IL4R+IGHD+ naïve B cells and down-regulation of IL4R, FCER2 (CD23), and IGHD.

IL-4-Induced Quiescence of Resting Naive B Cells Is Disrupted in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Activated naive (aNAV) B cells have been shown to be the precursor of the CD11cT-bet IgDCD27 double-negative (DN)2 or atypical memory (aMEM) B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To determine factors that maintain resting naive (rNAV) B cells, the transcriptomic program in naive ( ) B cells in human healthy control subjects (HC) and subjects with SLE was analyzed by single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis. In HC, naive B cells expressed IL-4 pathway genes, whereas in SLE, naive B cells expressed type I IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs).

Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities of Pleurocidin-Amide, a Potent Marine Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from Winter Flounder, .

The extensive use of conventional antibiotics has led to the growing emergence of many resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria. Evidence suggests that cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the greatest potential to serve as traditional antibiotic substitutes. Recent studies have also reported that certain AMPs have selective toxicity toward various types of cancer cells.

Lupus nephritis correlates with B cell interferon-β, anti-Smith, and anti-DNA: a retrospective study.

Background: In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), detection of interferon-β (IFNβ) in B cells was found to be most prominent in patients with high anti-Smith (Sm) and renal disease, but a mechanistic connection was not clear. The objective of the present study is to determine the association of IFNβ in peripheral blood naïve B cells with the histopathological features of lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods: The percentage of IFNβ cells in IgDCD27 naïve CD19 B cells (B cell IFNβ) among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 80 SLE patients were analyzed using flow cytometry.

A Comparison of Nurse Aides and Nurses Regarding the Work Competence of Nurse Aides in a Skill-Mixed Institution.

Objective: To compare the differences between the work competencies self-reported by nurse aides' and those perceived by nurses.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was employed. The settings were units implemented a skill mix model institution in Taiwan.

Host Genetics But Not Commensal Microbiota Determines the Initial Development of Systemic Autoimmune Disease in BXD2 Mice.

Objective: To determine the extent to which the gut microbiome influences systemic autoimmunity in a mouse model of lupus.

Methods: We generated germ-free (GF) lupus-prone BXD2 mice, which under normal conditions develop spontaneous germinal centers (GCs) and high titers of serum autoantibodies. GF status was confirmed by gut bacterial culture.

Evaluate the Differences in CT Features and Serum IgG4 Levels between Lymphoma and Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease of the Orbit.

Background: Benign immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD)-characterized as tumors mimicking malignant orbital lymphoma (OL)-responds well to steroids, instead of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery of OL. The objective of this study was to report the differences in computed tomography (CT) features and- serum IgG4 levels of IgG4-ROD and OL.

Methods: This study retrieved records for patients with OL and IgG4-ROD from a pathology database during an eight-year-and-five-month period.

IL-23 Promotes a Coordinated B Cell Germinal Center Program for Class-Switch Recombination to IgG2b in BXD2 Mice.

IL-23 promotes autoimmune disease, including Th17 CD4 T cell development and autoantibody production. In this study, we show that a deficiency of the p19 component of IL-23 in the autoimmune BXD2 (BXD2- ) mouse leads to a shift of the follicular T helper cell program from follicular T helper (Tfh)-IL-17 to Tfh-IFN-γ. Although the germinal center (GC) size and the number of GC B cells remained the same, BXD2- mice exhibited a lower class-switch recombination (CSR) in the GC B cells, leading to lower serum levels of IgG2b.

Supplemental breast cancer-screening ultrasonography in women with dense breasts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Mammography is not effective in detecting breast cancer in dense breasts.

Methods: A search in Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases was conducted from January 1, 1980 to April 10, 2019 to identify women with dense breasts screened by mammography (M) and/or ultrasound (US). Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model.

Initial clinical radiological findings and staging to predict prognosis of primary hepatic angiosarcoma: A retrospective analysis.

Objective: Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) is extremely rare and most patients die within 12 months of diagnosis. The object of the study is to determine the association of initial clinical-radiological features and staging with outcomes in patients with PHA.

Methods: The medical records of adult patients with PHA were retrieved from an electronic medical record database and a pathology database and retrospectively reviewed.

Autoreactive B cells in SLE, villains or innocent bystanders?

The current concepts for development of autoreactive B cells in SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) focus on extrinsic stimuli and factors that provoke B cells into tolerance loss. Traditionally, major tolerance loss pathways are thought to be regulated by factors outside the B cell including autoantigen engagement of the B-cell receptor (BCR) with simultaneous type I interferon (IFN) produced by dendritic cells, especially plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Later, in autoreactive follicles, B-cells encounter T-follicular helper cells (Tfh) that produce interleukin (IL)-21, IL-4 and pathogenic cytokines, IL-17 and IFN gamma (IFNɣ).

Disability, emotional distress and well-being among patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Aim And Objective: To explore the disability, emotional distress and well-being of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Background: Few studies have investigated the correlations between disability, emotional distress and well-being of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Design: This study used a cross-sectional research design.

Dysregulation of T Follicular Helper Cells in Lupus.

Although multiple and overlapping mechanisms are ultimately responsible for the immunopathology observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, autoreactive Abs secreted by autoreactive plasma cells (PCs) are considered to play a critical role in disease progression and immunopathology. Given that PCs derive from the germinal centers (GC), long-term dysregulated GC reactions are often associated with the development of spontaneous autoantibody responses and immunopathology in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. In this review, we summarize the emerging evidence concerning the roles of T follicular helper cells in regulating pathogenic GC and autoreactive PC responses in lupus.

Cutting Edge: Intracellular IFN-β and Distinct Type I IFN Expression Patterns in Circulating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus B Cells.

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type I IFNs promote induction of type I IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) and can drive B cells to produce autoantibodies. Little is known about the expression of distinct type I IFNs in lupus, particularly high-affinity IFN-β. Single-cell analyses of transitional B cells isolated from SLE patients revealed distinct B cell subpopulations, including type I IFN producers, IFN responders, and mixed IFN producer/responder clusters.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Impair B Cell Responses in Lung Cancer through IL-7 and STAT5.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are known suppressors of antitumor immunity, affecting amino acid metabolism and T cell function in the tumor microenvironment. However, it is unknown whether MDSCs regulate B cell responses during tumor progression. Using a syngeneic mouse model of lung cancer, we show reduction in percentages and absolute numbers of B cell subsets including pro-, pre-, and mature B cells in the bone marrow (BM) of tumor-bearing mice.

Questions Frequently Asked of Healthcare Professionals: A 2-Year Data Survey Conducted at a Medical Center.

In this descriptive, retrospective study, we analyzed the types of questions posed by healthcare professionals to drug counselors at a medical center and the types of provision of pharmaceutical advice solicited to improve pharmaceutical care quality and establish clear directions for clinical pharmacist training. We collected 8,558 questions posed by healthcare professionals (physicians, 38%; pharmacists, 39%; nurses, 23%) from the electronic drug information record system from May 2013 to April 2015 in one medical center. Overall, 52% and 45% of calls came from outpatient and inpatient departments, respectively.

Clinical and ultrasonographic features of male breast tumors: A retrospective analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of male breast tumors.

Methods: The medical records of male patients with breast lesions were retrieved from an electronic medical record database and a pathology database and retrospectively reviewed. A total of 112 men (125 breast masses) with preoperative breast ultrasonography (US) were included (median age, 59.

Unmasking Fucosylation: from Cell Adhesion to Immune System Regulation and Diseases.

Fucosylation is a biological process broadly observed in vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, bacteria, and fungi. Fucose moieties on cell-surface glycans are increasingly recognized as critical to many cell-cell interaction and signaling processes. One of the characteristic roles of fucose is its regulation of selectin-dependent leukocyte adhesion that has been well studied over the last two decades.

Role of production of type I interferons by B cells in the mechanisms and pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Type I interferons (IFNs) have a prominent role in many aspects of normal innate and adaptive immunity and autoimmunity. However, cell-type specific information about type I IFN expression and autocrine/paracrine signaling is sparse and mostly focused on non-lymphocyte and non-immune cell populations. A major function of B cells is cytokine production, but surprisingly, type I IFN production by B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been thoroughly investigated.