Distinct Immunophenotypes in the DNA Index-Based Stratification of Pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Background/objectives: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) presents a challenge in hematological malignancies due to its heterogeneity, which impacts treatment outcomes. Stratification based on the DNA index (DNAi) categorizes patients into favorable prognosis (hyperploid), standard prognosis (normoploid), and uncertain or poor prognosis (hypoploid) groups. In this study, we explored whether specific immunophenotypic markers are associated with each DNAi-based group and their potential connection to prognostic categories, aiming to provide new insights that may contribute to a better understanding of prognosis in B-ALL.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Cytokine Profiling as Predictors of Disease Severity and Survival in Unvaccinated COVID-19 Patients.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying reliable biomarkers for predicting disease severity and patient outcomes in unvaccinated individuals is essential. This study evaluates the efficacy of key hematological markers, including leukocyte and neutrophil counts, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and cytokine profiles (IL-6, INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-17A, CCL2, and CXCL10) for predicting the necessity for mechanical ventilation and assessing survival probabilities.

Methods: We conducted an in-depth analysis on a cohort of COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the relationship between NLR, cytokine profiles, and clinical outcomes, utilizing routine leukocyte counting and cytokine quantification by flow cytometry.

High baseline expression of IL-6 and IL-10 decreased CCR7 B cells in individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection during BNT162b2 vaccination.

The current pandemic generated by SARS-CoV-2 has led to mass vaccination with different biologics that have shown wide variations among human populations according to the origin and formulation of the vaccine. Studies evaluating the response in individuals with a natural infection before vaccination have been limited to antibody titer analysis and evaluating a few humoral and cellular response markers, showing a more rapid and intense humoral response than individuals without prior infection. However, the basis of these differences has not been explored in depth.

Bacteriostatic effect of Echeveria extracts on diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes and non-cytotoxicity on human Caco-2 cells.

Introduction: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes are important aetiological agents of diarrhoeal illness among children from less developed areas, worldwide. Diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes strains are increasingly becoming drug resistant, thus effective and accessible therapeutic alternatives are required for their treatment; herbal extracts may be a potential alternative.

Chemical composition and biological activities of Helicteres vegae and Heliopsis sinaloensis.

Context: Helicteres vegae Cristóbal (Sterculiaceae) (Hv) and Heliopsis sinaloensis B.L. Turner (Asteraceae) (Hs) are endangered and poorly studied plant species; related plants have been used against chronic-degenerative and infectious diseases.