Can Emax and platelet count truly differentiate between benign and malignant liver lesions?

This letter critically evaluates Jiang et al's article on the differentiation of benign and malignant liver lesions using Emax and platelet count.Despite notable findings,significant methodological and interpretative limitations are identified.The study lacks detailed assay conditions for Emax measurement,employs inadequate statistical methods without robust multivariate analysis,and does not provide clinically relevant threshold values.The nomogram's reliance on Emax as a major diagnostic contributor is questionable due to attenuation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with cirrhosis.Moreover,the study's limitations,such as selection bias and confounding factors,are not adequately addressed.Future research should adopt more rigorous methodologies,including prospective studies with larger cohorts and standardized protocols for biomarker measurement,to enhance validity and clinical applicability.

Platelet rich plasma and anterior cruciate ligament repair:A new frontier,or a short term adjunct

Platelet rich plasma(PRP)is an autologous blood product rich in platelets,showing promise in reducing inflammation and accelerating healing.While extensively utilized in plastic surgery,dermatology,and osteoarthritis treatment,its application in anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)injuries is limited.This article examines PRP's potential in ACL reconstruction(ACLR),exploring its history,current usage,controversies and future directions.PRP has demonstrated significant early benefits in ligamentisation and vascularisation post-ACLR,though its long-term efficacy is inconsistent.Studies suggest that PRP may serve as both an adjunct therapy in ACLR to enhance initial healing and reduce postoperative complications,and as a non-surgical alternative for small ACL tears.Despite these promising findings,outcome variability necessitates further high-quality research to optimize PRP formulations and determine its most effective applications.The exploration of PRP as a treatment modality in ACLR offers promising but varied outcomes.PRP holds considerable promise as both an adjunct and alternative to traditional ACLR.This article underscores the need for targeted research to fully realize PRP's therapeutic potential in ACL treatment,aiming to inform future studies and clinical practices.By understanding PRP's mechanisms of efficacy and identifying the most beneficial patient populations,PRP could significantly impact orthopaedics and sports medicine,improving recovery pathways and patient outcomes.

补阳还五汤联合银杏达莫注射液对脑梗死患者P-selection、VEGF水平的影响

目的分析脑梗死采用银杏达莫注射液与补阳还五汤联合治疗对患者血清P-选择素(P-selection)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)水平的影响。方法选取2014年3月-2016年10月郑州人民医院收治的82例脑梗死患者,采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,各41例。两组均给予常规治疗,观察组加用银杏达莫注射液与补阳还五汤联合治疗,比较两组临床疗效(优良率)、治疗前后血清P-selection、VEGF水平及ADL评分。结果观察组优良率为95.12%(39/41),高于对照组73.17%(30/41)(P <0.05);观察组治疗后血清P-selection水平较对照组低,血清VEGF水平较对照组高(P <0.05);治疗后两组ADL评分均较治疗前升高,且观察组升高幅度大于对照组(P <0.05)。结论脑梗死采用银杏达莫注射液与补阳还五汤联合治疗效果显著,可降低血清P-selection水平,提高血清VEGF水平,改善患者日常活动能力。

Higher platelet P-selectin in male patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy males

AIM： To observe if the total amount of platelet P-selectin （tP-selectin） in patients with inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） was related to disease entity or activity, 5-aminosalicylic acid （5-ASA） medication or gender. METHODS： tP-selectin was measured by immunoassay in seventeen IBD patients and twelve healthy controls. RESULTS： Compared to controls, there was no difference of tP-selectin in patients related to disease entity or activity and 5-ASA medication. When the groups were split according to gender the male patient group showed higher levels of tP-selectin compared to male controls （153 ng/mL vs 94 ng/mL, P〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Increased tP-selectin levels may alter the inflammatory response and susceptibility to thromboembolic disease. As previously shown with soluble P-selectin, tP-selectin shows gender dependent differences important to consider in future studies.

Relationship between platelet P-selectin and severity of acute coronary syndromes

Objective Recent studies reveal important roles ofplatelet P-selectin on progression of atherosclerosis.In the present study, we examine the relation between platelet P-selectin expression and severity of acute coronary syndromes.Methods One hundred and eighty-four consecutive patients with proven or clinically suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS) were enrolled in the study. Level of P-selectin expression was determined by flow cytometry.Platelet P-selectin level was expressed as the percentage of P- selectin positive platelet.Results The level of P-selectin was higher in patients with a single diseased coronary artery or multiple diseased arteries compared to those with normal coronary arteries.P-selectin expression was significantly and positively correlated with angiographic Gensini score (r=0.323,P=0.029).Multiple regression analyses showed that the association of the percentage of P- selectin-positive platelets with ACS was independent of other clinical factors.Conclusions Platelet P-selectin is associated with severity of acute coronary syndromes in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Chemokine platelet factor 4 accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon elongation

Schwann cells in peripheral nerves react to traumatic nerve injury by attempting to grow and regenerate.Howeve r,it is unclear what factors play a role in this process.In this study,we searched a GEO database and found that expression of platelet factor 4 was markedly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury.Platelet factor is an important molecule in cell apoptosis,diffe rentiation,survival,and proliferation.Further,polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the change in platelet factor 4 in the sciatic nerve at different time points after injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that platelet factor 4 was secreted by Schwann cells.We also found that silencing platelet factor 4 decreased the proliferation and migration of primary cultured Schwann cells,while exogenously applied platelet factor 4 stimulated Schwann cell prolife ration and migration and neuronal axon growth.Furthermore,knocking out platelet factor 4 inhibited the prolife ration of Schwann cells in injured rat sciatic nerve.These findings suggest that Schwann cell-secreted platelet factor 4 may facilitate peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon growth.Thus,platelet factor 4 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic peripheral nerve injury.

Red cell distribution width/platelet ratio estimates the 3-year risk of decompensation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-induced cirrhosis

BACKGROUND For compensated advanced chronic liver disease(cACLD)patients,the first decompensation represents a dramatically worsening prognostic event.Based on the first decompensation event(DE),the transition to decompensated advanced chronic liver disease(dACLD)can occur through two modalities referred to as acute decompensation(AD)and non-AD(NAD),respectively.Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension(CSPH)is considered the strongest predictor of decompensation in these patients.However,due to its invasiveness and costs,CSPH is almost never evaluated in clinical practice.Therefore,recognizing noninvasively predicting tools still have more appeal across healthcare systems.The red cell distribution width to platelet ratio(RPR)has been reported to be an indicator of hepatic fibrosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease(MASLD).However,its predictive role for the decompensation has never been explored.AIM In this observational study,we investigated the clinical usage of RPR in predicting DEs in MASLD-related cACLD patients.METHODS Fourty controls and 150 MASLD-cACLD patients were consecutively enrolled and followed up(FUP)semiannually for 3 years.At baseline,biochemical,clinical,and Liver Stiffness Measurement(LSM),Child-Pugh(CP),Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD),aspartate aminotransferase/platelet count ratio index(APRI),Fibrosis-4(FIB-4),Albumin-Bilirubin(ALBI),ALBI-FIB-4,and RPR were collected.During FUP,DEs(timing and modaities)were recorded.CSPH was assessed at the baseline and on DE occurrence according to the available Clinical Practice Guidelines.RESULTS Of 150 MASLD-related cACLD patients,43(28.6%)progressed to dACLD at a median time of 28.9 months(29 NAD and 14 AD).Baseline RPR values were significantly higher in cACLD in comparison to controls,as well as MELD,CP,APRI,FIB-4,ALBI,ALBI-FIB-4,and LSM in dACLD-progressing compared to cACLD individuals[all P<0.0001,except for FIB-4(P:0.007)and ALBI(P:0.011)].Receiving operator curve analysis revealed RPR>0.472 and>0.894 as the best cut-offs in the prediction respectively of 3-year first DE,as well as its superiority compared to the other non-invasive tools examined.RPR(P:0.02)and the presence of baseline-CSPH(P:0.04)were significantly and independently associated with the DE.Patients presenting baseline-CSPH and RPR>0.472 showed higher risk of decompensation(P:0.0023).CONCLUSION Altogether these findings suggest the RPR as a valid and potentially applicable non-invasive tool in the prediction of timing and modalities of decompensation in MASLD-related cACLD patients.

Clinical significance of platelet mononuclear cell aggregates in patients with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of sepsis combined with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)has increased owing to the enhanced awareness among medical profes-sionals and the continuous development of modern medical technologies,while early diagnosis of ARDS still lacks specific biomarkers.One of the main patho-genic mechanisms of sepsis-associated ARDS involves the actions of various pathological injuries and inflammatory factors,such as platelet and white blood cells activation,leading to an increase of surface adhesion molecules.These adhesion molecules further form platelet-white blood cell aggregates,including platelet-mononuclear cell aggregates(PMAs).PMAs has been identified as one of the markers of platelet activation,here we hypothesize that PMAs might play a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of this complication.METHODS We selected 72 hospitalized patients diagnosed with sepsis as the study population between March 2019 and March 2022.Among them,30 patients with sepsis and ARDS formed the study group,while 42 sepsis patients without ARDS comprised the control group.After diagnosis,venous blood samples were imme-diately collected from all patients.Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the expression of PMAs,platelet neutrophil aggregates(PNAs),and platelet aggregates(PLyAs)in the serum.Additionally,the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score was calculated for each patient,and receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to assess diagnostic value.RESULTS The study found that the levels of PNAs and PLyAs in the serum of the study group were higher than those in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,the expression of PMAs in the serum of the study group was significantly upregulated(P<0.05)and positively correlated with the APACHE II score(r=0.671,P<0.05).When using PMAs as a diagnostic indicator,the area under the curve value was 0.957,indicating a high diagnostic value(P<0.05).Furthermore,the optimal cutoff value was 8.418%,with a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.819 and specificity of 0.947.CONCLUSION In summary,the serum levels of PMAs significantly increase in patients with sepsis and ARDS.Therefore,serum PMAs have the potential to become a new biomarker for clinically diagnosing sepsis complicated by ARDS.

Case of Refractory Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy Associated with May-Heglin Anomaly after Repeated Platelet Transfusions

May-Heglin Anomaly is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by macrothrombocytopenia with a platelet function that is usually preserved. Platelets play an essential role in hemostasis. During pregnancy, a woman is susceptible to complications, including postpartum hemorrhage. Monitoring patients’ hemostatic functions and observing the patient’s clinical picture to maintain patient safety is paramount, while avoiding unnecessary therapeutic measures. This case report presents a rare instance of May-Heglin Anomaly (MHA) in a 35-year-old pregnant patient, with refractory thrombocytopenia despite receiving multiple platelet transfusions. Initially referred to as gravida 5 para 4 with severe thrombocytopenia at 28 weeks gestation, throughout her pregnancy, she was closely monitored and received over 40 units of platelets, which failed to increase her platelet count significantly. She delivered a healthy baby via vaginal delivery at 38 weeks, with her platelet count still critically low. This report highlights the challenges of managing MHA in pregnancy, the inefficacy of standard thrombocytopenia treatments such as platelet transfusion in MHA patients, and the importance of tailored management strategies to ensure maternal and fetal safety.

Kelp Fucoidans Facilitate Vascular Recanalization via Inhibiting Excessive Activation of Platelet in Deep Venous Thrombosis Model of Mouse

This study was carried out explore the mechanism underlying the inhibition of platelet activation by kelp fucoidans in deep venous thrombosis(DVT)mouse.In the control and sham mice,the walls of deep vein were regular and smooth with intact intima,myometrium and adventitia.The blood vessel was wrapped with the tissue and there was no thrombosis in the lumen.In the DVT model,the wall was uneven with thicken intima,myometrium and adventitia.After treated with fucoidans LF1 and LF2,the thrombus was dissolved and the blood vessel was recanalized.Compared with the control group,the ROS content,ET-1 and VWF content and the expression of PKC-βand NF-κB in the model were significantly higher(P<0.05);these levels were significantly reduced following treatments with LF2 and LF1.Compared with H_(2)O_(2)treated-HUVECs,combined LF1 and LF2 treatment resulted in significant decrease in the expression of PKC-β,NF-κB,VWF and TM protein(P<0.05).It is clear that LF1 and LF2 reduces DVT-induced ET-1,VWF and TM expressions and production of ROS,thus inhibiting the activation of PKC-β/NF-κB signal pathway and the activation of coagulation system and ultimately reducing the formation of venous thrombus.

Aspirin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting platelet activity

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common malignant liver disease in the world.Platelets(PLTs)are known to play a key role in the maintenance of liver homeostasis and the pathophysiological processes of a variety of liver diseases.Aspirin is the most classic antiplatelet agent.However,the molecular mechanism of platelet action and whether aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity need further study.AIM To explore the impact of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin on the development of HCC.METHODS Platelet-rich plasma,platelet plasma,pure platelet,and platelet lysate were prepared,and a coculture model of PLTs and HCC cells was established.CCK-8 analysis,apoptosis analysis,Transwell analysis,and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to analyze the effects of PLTs on the growth,metastasis,and inflammatory microenvironment of HCC.RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of platelet activation on tumor-related signaling pathways.Aspirin was used to block the activation and aggregation of PLTs both in vitro and in vivo,and the effect of PLTs on the progression of HCC RESULTS PLTs significantly promoted the growth,invasion,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,and formation of an inflammatory microenvironment in HCC cells.Activated PLTs promoted HCC progression by activating the mitogenactivated protein kinase/protein kinase B/signal transducer and activator of transcription three(MAPK/AKT/STAT3)signaling axis.Additionally,aspirin inhibited HCC progression in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting platelet activation.CONCLUSION PLTs play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC,and aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity.These results suggest that antiplatelet therapy has promising application prospects in the treatment and combined treatment of HCC.

Apoptosis-resistant megakaryocytes produce large and hyperreactive platelets in response to radiation injury

Background:The essential roles of platelets in thrombosis have been well recognized.Unexpectedly,thrombosis is prevalent during thrombocytopenia induced by cytotoxicity of biological,physical and chemical origins,which could be suffered by military personnel and civilians during chemical,biological,radioactive,and nuclear events.Especially,thrombosis is considered a major cause of mortality from radiation injury-induced thrombocytopenia,while the underlying pathogenic mechanism remains elusive.Methods:A mouse model of radiation injury-induced thrombocytopenia was built by exposing mice to a sublethal dose of ionizing radiation(IR).The phenotypic and functional changes of platelets and megakaryocytes(MKs)were determined by a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo assays,including flow cytometry,flow chamber,histopathology,Western blotting,and chromatin immunoprecipitation,in combination with transcriptomic analysis.The molecular mechanism was investigated both in vitro and in vivo,and was consolidated using MK-specific knockout mice.The translational potential was evaluated using a human MK cell line and several pharmacological inhibitors.Results:In contrast to primitive MKs,mature MKs(mMKs)are intrinsically programmed to be apoptosis-resistant through reprogramming the Bcl-xL-BAX/BAK axis.Interestingly,mMKs undergo minority mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization(MOMP)post IR,resulting in the activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of IFN genes(cGAS-STING)pathway via the release of mitochondrial DNA.The subsequent interferon-β(IFN-β)response in mMKs upregulates a GTPase guanylate-binding protein 2(GBP2)to produce large and hyperreactive platelets that favor thrombosis.Further,we unmask that autophagy restrains minority MOMP in mMKs post IR.Conclusions:Our study identifies that megakaryocytic mitochondria-cGAS/STING-IFN-β-GBP2 axis serves as a fundamental checkpoint that instructs the size and function of platelets upon radiation injury and can be harnessed to treat platelet pathologies.

Inverse relationship between platelet Akt activity and hippocampal atrophy:A pilot case-control study in patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Akt plays diverse roles in humans.It is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),which is caused by insulin resistance.Akt also plays a vital role in human platelet activation.Furthermore,the hippocampus is closely associated with memory and learning,and a decrease in hippocampal volume is reportedly associated with an insulin-resistant phenotype in T2DM patients without dementia.AIM To investigate the relationship between Akt phosphorylation in unstimulated platelets and the hippocampal volume in T2DM patients.METHODS Platelet-rich plasma(PRP)was prepared from the venous blood of patients with T2DM or age-matched controls.The pellet lysate of the centrifuged PRP was subjected to western blotting to analyse the phosphorylation of Akt,p38 mitogen-activated protein(MAP)kinase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH).Phosphorylation levels were quantified by densitometric analysis.Hippocampal volume was analysed using a voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer’s disease on magnetic resonance imaging,which proposes the Z-score as a parameter that reflects hippocampal volume.RESULTS The levels of phosphorylated Akt corrected with phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase were inversely correlated with the Z-scores in the T2DM subjects,whereas the levels of phosphorylated Akt corrected with GAPDH were not.However,this relationship was not observed in the control patients.CONCLUSION These results suggest that an inverse relationship may exist between platelet Akt activation and hippocampal atrophy in T2DM patients.Our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying T2DM hippocampal atrophy.

Platelet indices as predictors of poor glucoregulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus adults at Bishoftu General Hospital,Ethiopia

BACKGROUND Diabetes is a chronic metabolic syndrome that has become a global public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality.It is a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic condition characterized by increased platelet activation and alterations in platelet indices.However,the use of platelet indices as predictors of poor glucoregulation has not been fully evaluated in this context,and evidence for their role as predictors of poor glycemic status in diabetic patients is limited.AIM To evaluate platelet indices and determine their prognostic significance in relation to inadequate glucoregulation among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at Bishoftu General Hospital in Ethiopia,from June 15 to August 12,2022.METHODS A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 261 participants including 174 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and 87 non-diabetic controls.The systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants.Data were collected using structured questionnaires,physical measurements,checklists,and laboratory tests.Platelet parameters and fasting blood glucose levels were determined from blood samples using Sysmex-XN550 and CobasC311 analyzers,respectively.The hematology analyzer output was checked and participants were also screened for malaria parasites using a prepared blood smear.Collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis.Theχ^(2) test,Mann-Whitney U test,Kruskal-Wallis test,post hoc test,Spearman correlation,and receiver operating characteristic curve were used for analysis.A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS The results of our study indicate that diabetic patients have significantly higher levels of platelet distribution width(PDW),mean platelet volume(MPV),platelet large cell ratio(PLCR),and plateletcrit(PCT)compared to healthy individuals(P<0.001).Furthermore,these indices were found to be significantly elevated in individuals with poor glycemic control in T2DM compared to those with good glycemic control and healthy controls.We also observed significant correlations between these indices and various anthropometric and clinical variables.Our findings suggest that PDW,with a cut-off value of 15.75 fL and an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.803,MPV,with a cut-off value of 12.25 fL and an AUC of 0.774,PLCR,with a cut-off value of 36.3%and an AUC of 0.775,and PCT,with a cut-off value of 0.24%and an AUC of 0.761,can serve as predictors of poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.CONCLUSION The observed correlation between diabetic patients and a significant increase in platelet indices has highlighted their potential as predictors of poor glycemic control in diabetes.Therefore,regular screening and profiling of platelet indices is recommended as part of the follow-up process for individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Intra-articular interventions in osteoarthritis:Navigating the landscape of hyaluronic acid,mesenchymal stem cells,and plateletrich plasma

Osteoarthritis(OA)poses a substantial burden on patients,leading to pain,functional decline,and reduced quality of life.While conventional treatments focus on symptom management,disease-modifying interventions are yet to be established.This review explores the efficacy of intra-articular interventions,particularly hyaluronic acid(HA),mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),and platelet-rich plasma(PRP),in the context of OA management.HA injections,with diverse formulations like Hylan G-F20,sodium hyaluronate,and hyaluronan,present varying outcomes,necessitating a nuanced understanding of their effectiveness and timing.MSC therapy,derived from adipose tissue,umbilical cord,or bone marrow,shows promising results in clinical improvement,with adipose-derived MSCs demonstrating efficacy in maintaining benefits over 6 mo.Conversely,bone-marrow-derived MSCs show limited effectiveness,highlighting the need for sourcespecific considerations.PRP has emerged as a superior option for long-term pain reduction and quality of life improvement,with leukocyte-poor formulations and a critical platelet count of 10 billion demonstrating optimal results.This comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of intra-articular interventions in OA management,emphasizing the need for personalized and evidence-based approaches to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Prognostic utility of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio in patients with solitary hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND The prognostic impact of preoperative gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio(GPR)levels in patients with solitary hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)following radical resection has not been established.AIM To examine the clinical utility of GPR for prognosis prediction in solitary HBVrelated HCC patients.METHODS A total of 1167 solitary HBV-related HCC patients were retrospectively analyzed.GPR levels were compared with 908 non-HCC individuals.Overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS)were evaluated,and cox proportional hazard model analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors.Differences in characteristics were adjusted by propensity score matching(PSM).Subgroup and stratified survival analyses for HCC risks were performed,and a linear trend of the hazard ratio(HR)according to GPR levels was constructed.RESULTS GPR levels of patients with solitary HBV-related HCC were higher than those with hepatic hemangiomas,chronic hepatitis B and healthy control(adjusted P<0.05).Variable bias was diminished after the PSM balance test.The low GPR group had improved OS(P<0.001)and RFS(P<0.001)in the PSM analysis and when combined with other variables.Multivariate cox analyses suggested that low GPR levels were associated with a better OS(HR=0.5,95%CI:0.36-0.7,P<0.001)and RFS(HR=0.57,95%CI:0.44-0.73,P<0.001).This same trend was confirmed in subgroup analyses.Prognostic nomograms were constructed and the calibration curves showed that GPR had good survival prediction.Moreover,stratified survival analyses found that GPR>0.6 was associated with a worse OS and higher recurrence rate(P for trend<0.001).CONCLUSION Preoperative GPR can serve as a noninvasive indicator to predict the prognosis of patients with solitary HBVrelated HCC.

Platelet counts to spleen diameter ratio:A promising noninvasive tool for predicting esophageal varices in cirrhosis patients

BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of progressive liver fibrosis as a consequence of chronic liver inflammation,wherein the standard hepatic architecture is replaced by regenerative hepatic nodules,which eventually lead to liver failure.Cirrhosis without any symptoms is referred to as compensated cirrhosis.Complications such as ascites,variceal bleeding,and hepatic encephalopathy indicate the onset of decompensated cirrhosis.Gastroesophageal varices are the hallmark of clini-cally significant portal hypertension.AIM To determine the accuracy of the platelet count-to-spleen diameter(PC/SD)ratio to evaluate esophageal varices(EV)in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specia-lized Hospital and Adera Medical Center from January 1,2019,to December 30,2023.Data were collected via chart review and direct patient interviews using structured questionnaires.The data were exported to the SPSS software version 26 for analysis and clearance.A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted for splenic diameter,platelet count,and PC/SD ratio to obtain sensitivity,speci-ficity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,positive likelihood ratio,and negative likelihood ratio.RESULTS Of the 140 participants,67%were men.Hepatitis B(38%)was the most common cause of cirrhosis,followed by cryptogenic cirrhosis(28%)and hepatitis C(16%).Approximately 83.6%of the participants had endoscopic evidence of EV,whereas 51.1%had gastric varices.Decompensated cirrhosis and PC were associated with the presence of EV with adjusted odds ratios of 12.63(95%CI:3.16-67.58,P=0.001)and 0.14(95%CI:0.037-0.52,P=0.004),respectively.A PC/SD ratio<1119 had a sensitivity of 86.32%and specificity of 70%with area under the curve of 0.835(95%CI:0.736-0.934,P<0.001).CONCLUSION A PC/SD ratio<1119 predicts EV in patients with cirrhosis.It is a valuable,noninvasive tool for EV risk assess-ment in resource-limited settings.

Salivary C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume as possible diagnostic markers for late-onset neonatal pneumonia

BACKGROUND Neonatal sepsis,a formidable threat to newborns,is a leading cause of neonatal mortality,with late-onset sepsis manifesting after 72 hours post-birth being particularly concerning.Pneumonia,a prevalent sepsis presentation,poses a significant risk,especially during the neonatal phase when lung defenses are compromised.Accurate diagnosis of pneumonia is imperative for timely and effective interventions.Saliva,a minimally invasive diagnostic medium,holds great promise for evaluating infections,especially in infants.AIM To investigate the potential of serum C-reactive protein(CRP),salivary CRP(sCRP),and mean platelet volume(MPV)as diagnostic markers for late-onset neonatal pneumonia(LONP).METHODS Eighty full-term neonates were systematically examined,considering anthropometric measurements,clinical manifestations,radiology findings,and essential biomarkers,including serum CRP,sCRP,and MPV.RESULTS The study reveals noteworthy distinctions in serum CRP levels,MPV,and the serum CRP/MPV ratio between neonates with LONP and healthy controls.MPV exhibited a robust discriminatory ability[area under the curve(AUC)=0.87]with high sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff value of>8.8.Correlations between serum CRP,sCRP,and MPV were also identified.Notably,sCRP demonstrated excellent predictive value for serum CRP levels(AUC=0.89),underscoring its potential as a diagnostic tool.CONCLUSION This study underscores the diagnostic promise of salivary and serum biomarkers,specifically MPV and CRP,in identifying and predicting LONP among neonates.These findings advocate for further research to validate their clinical utility in larger neonatal cohorts.

不同激活剂对富血小板血浆生长因子的影响

背景:生长因子是富血小板血浆在临床治疗中发挥作用的关键效应分子,不同激活剂激活富血小板血浆后生长因子浓度存在差异,是影响临床疗效的重要因素。目的:分析不同激活剂对富血小板血浆中生长因子质量浓度的影响。方法:招募12名健康志愿者,采集EDTA-K2抗凝静脉血,应用二次离心法制备富血小板血浆。比较静脉血与富血小板血浆中生长因子的质量浓度差异。将富血小板血浆分别与4种激活剂(生理盐水、凝血酶、葡萄糖酸钙、葡萄糖酸钙+凝血酶)按照体积比10∶1混匀,置于37℃恒温水浴箱孵育30 min,离心后提取上清液,检测生长因子质量浓度;利用血琼脂平板检测上清液中的细菌生长情况;采用Pearson相关分析不同激活剂与富血小板血浆中生长因子质量浓度的相关性,血小板计数值与富血小板血浆中生长因子质量浓度的相关性。结果与结论:(1)富血小板血浆中血小板衍生生长因子BB、血小板衍生生长因子AB、血管内皮生长因子、表皮生长因子的质量浓度分别是静脉血中对应生长因子质量浓度的8.7,22.2,2.3,2.8倍(P <0.05);(2)与生理盐水组比较,凝血酶组、葡萄糖酸钙组、葡萄糖酸钙+凝血酶组中血小板衍生生长因子BB、血小板衍生生长因子AB、血管内皮生长因子、表皮生长因子质量浓度升高(P <0.05);凝血酶组、葡萄糖酸钙组血小板衍生生长因子BB质量浓度高于葡萄糖酸钙+凝血酶组(P <0.05),凝血酶组血小板衍生生长因子AB质量浓度高于葡萄糖酸钙组、葡萄糖酸钙+凝血酶组(P <0.05),凝血酶组表皮生长因子质量浓度低于葡萄糖酸钙组、葡萄糖酸钙+凝血酶组(P <0.05);(3)血琼脂平板实验结果显示4组上清液中均无细菌生长;(4)Pearson相关分析显示,富血小板血浆中血小板衍生生长因子BB质量浓度与凝血酶存在正向强相关性(r=0.683,P <0.05),血管内皮生长因子质量浓度与凝血酶、葡萄糖酸钙、葡萄糖酸钙+凝血酶激混合剂存在正向强相关性(r=0.730,0.789,0.686,P <0.05);富血小板中血小板计数值与4种生长因子质量浓度均无相关性(P> 0.05);(5)结果提示,不同激活剂对富血小板血浆中生长因子浓度产生不同影响,建议临床根据不同生长因子质量浓度和治疗需求选择不同激活剂,以提高临床疗效。