Biosynthesis of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate with a high molecular weight by methanotroph from methane and methanol

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate （PHB） can be produced by various species of bacteria. Among the possible carbon sources, both methane and methanol could be a suitable substrate for the production of PHB. Methane is cheap and plentiful not only as natural gas, but also as biogas. Methanol can also maintain methanotrophic activity in some conditions. The methanotrophic strain Methylosinus trichosporium IMV3011 can accumulate PHB with methane and methanol in a brief nonsterile process. Liquid methanol （0.1%） was added to improve the oxidization of methane. The studies were carried out using shake flasks. Cultivation was performed in two stages： a continuous growth phase and a PHB accumulation phase under the conditions short of essential nutrients （ammonium, nitrate, phosphorus, copper, iron （Ⅲ）, magnesium or ethylenediamine tetraacetate （EDTA）） in batch culture. It was found that the most suitable growth time for the cell is 144 h. Then an optimized culture condition for second stage was determined, in which the PHB concentration could be much increased to 0.6 g/L. In order to increase PHB content, citric acid was added as an inhibitor of tricarboxylic acid cycle （TCA）. It was found that citric acid is favorable for the PHB accumulation, and the PHB yield was increased to 40% （w/w） from the initial yield of 12% （w/w） after nutrient deficiency cultivation. The PHB produced is of very high quality with molecular weight up to 1.5 × 10^6Da.

Miscibility, Crystallization, and Rheological Behavior of Solution Casting Poly（3-hydroxybutyrate）/poly（ethylene succinate） Blends Probed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Rheology, and Optical Microscope Techniques

The miscibility and crystallization of solution casting biodegradable poly（3-hydroxybuty- rate）/poly（ethylene succinate） （PHB/PES） blends was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, rheology, and optical microscopy. The blends showed two glass transition temperatures and a depression of melting temperature of PHB with compositions in phase diagram, which indicated that the blend was partially miscible. The morphology observation supported this result. It was found that the PHB and PES can crystallize simultaneously or upon stepwise depending on the crystallization temperatures and compositions. The spherulite growth rate of PHB increased with increasing of PES content. The influence of compositions on the spherulitic growth rate for the partially miscible polymer blends was discussed.

γ-hydroxybutyrate protects the liver from warm ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) syndrome remains an important clinical consideration in hepatic sur- gery, hemorrhagic shock, and liver transplantation, -y-hy- droxybutyrate (GHB) has been reported to exert protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury to various or- gans. To investigate whether GHB protects the liver from warm ischemia-reperfusion injury, we performed this study in rats. METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a control group, and three I/R groups pretreated with GHB, GHB plus naloxone or naloxone. After 30 minutes of partial ischemia, followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion in the liver, histomorphological and enzymological changes, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and the plasma level of endothelin-1 were observed. RESULTS: I/R increased the serum levels of alanine ami- notransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehy- drogenase and the plasma level of endothelin-1 significantly (P<0.01), in addition to increase of apoptotic index (AI) from 0.28%±0.25% to 17.68%±1.91%. The levels of he- patic malondialdehyde were markedly increased, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase were markedly de- creased. GHB pretreatment prevented the liver from warm ischemia-reperfusion injury significantly, but naloxone par- tially blocked this effect. CONCLUSION: GHB may significantly protect the liver from hepatic warm ischemia-reperfusion injury via several different mechanisms.

D-β-hydroxybutyrate inhibits microglial activation in a cell activation model in vitro

Microglial activation plays an important role in a panel of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis(MS) and Parkinson's disease(PD),and is a key target for developing therapeutic strategies for these diseases.Ketogenic diet (KD),which is able to inhibit microglial activation in substantia nigra pars compacta of mice,has been shown effective in a mouse model of PD,possibly through increasing D-β-hydroxybutyrate(D-β-HB),a major component of ketone bodies.To verify this,we developed an in vitro model of microglia activation with a microglia line,BV-2,and investigated how D-β-HB have an effect on the LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells.We found D-β-HB is able to recover the cell viability,and inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines such as ROS,nitrite,IL-1β,TNF-α,and IL-6,which otherwise were increased in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells.We conclude that the LPS induced BV-2 cells activation is a valid in vitro model of microglia activation.D-β-HB is able to suppress the activation of BV-2 cells, which might account for one of the possible reasons of KD therapy on the PD model.

Weavability of β-Hydroxybutyrate and β-Hydroxyvalerate Copolymers( PHBV ) /PLA Used in Artificial Blood Vessels

The β-hydroxybutyrate and β-hydroxyvalerate copolymers( PHBV) /polylactic acid( PLA) is a new biocompatible material,which is developed through bacterial fermentation in vivo systems.The PHBV / PLA material could be used to make continuous filaments.However,features of artificial blood vessels,especially small diameter vascular grafts made of PHVB / PLA materials are not known.This research are to evaluate and improve weavability of the PHBV / PLA material, and to explore feasibility of using it in artificial blood vessels.Preliminary results showed that weavability of PHBV / PLV was not good,but its weavability could be improved by using methods of weak chemical,such as sizing.In this research,scanning electron microscope( SEM) was adopted to evaluate weavability of PHBV / PLV after sizing and observe surfaces of yarns and fabrics.Also,in order to set proper parameters in heat settings,differential scanning calorimetry( DSC) was used to identify glass transition temperature.

Disposable Electrochemical Biosensor for Amperometric Measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate and Total Cholesterol

A new type of disposable thin-film amperometric biosensor has been developed for measurement ofβ-hydroxybutyrate and total cholesterol in serum.The biosensor consists of two plain gold electrodes mounted on a Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate.The reagent solution contains bienzymes (cholesterol oxidase and cholesterol esterase for total cholesterol,β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and diaphorase forβ-hydroxybutyrate respectively) with mediator (ferricyanide) were absorption at the surface of electrodes coated by electrodepositing platinum black.The presence of the mediator lowers the applied potential and eliminates the interference from other oxidizable species enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of the biosensor without modifying the dynamic parameters of the response.The enzymes stably retains in the matrices of platinum black film improving the performance of the mediated sensor.The linearity is observed in the concentration range from 1.0×10^(-4) to 1.0×10^(-2) mM and 1.0×10^(-4) mM to 4.99×10^(-3) mM with sensitivity of 1.958μA/mM and 2.447μA/mM respectively.The optimized biosensor exhibits excellent reproducibility and stability retaining more than 90% of its original activity over a period of one month.The simple operation of the biosensor mass-produced at low cost is expected to find clinical application and homecare.

Study on Kinetics of Dissolving Biomass Using Sodium Hypochlorite in the Recovery of Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate

The effects of sodium hypochlorite concentration in the recovery of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) are investigated. A simple reaction equation and a mathematical model describe the reaction kinetics. Results showed that the stoichiometric coefficient increases with increasing CAO/CBO, where CAO is the concentration of the active chlorine at t = 0 and CBO is the initial concentration of the non-PHB materials.

Production of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate)by Fed-Batch Culture of Alcaligenes Eutrophus at Phosphorus Limitation in 50 L fermenter

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is an intracellular carbon and energy storage material accumulated by many kinds of microorganism under unfavorable growth conditions. For the production of PHB, Alcaligenes eutrophus has been widely used because it is easy to grow, and its physiological and biochemical changes during the PHB synthesis is understood in details. A very high concentration and productivity of PHB could be obtained by fed-batch culture of Alcaligenes eutrophus with phosphate limitation in 50 L fermenter.

Analysis of γ-Hydroxybutyrate in Human Urine by LC-MSIMS Method and Its Forensic Application

GHB （γ-hydroxybutyrate） is becoming popular recreational drugs. As a result of its strong sedative and amnesiac effects, GHB has been implicated in a number of DFSA cases. The natural presence of GHB in the human body and its rapid elimination after ingestion make it difficult to detect and to evaluate its roles in suspected GHB-facilitated assaults. The paper describes an analytical method for the determination of GHB in urine using LC-MS/MS. Samples were acidified by ammonium chloride solution and extracted with ethyl acetate, and then the extracts were analysed by LC-MS/MS. The limit of detection was 0.05 p.g/mL （S/N = 3）. The intra- and inter-day precision was within 10.0% at three concentrations. The methods were found to be sensitive, accurate, rapid and suitable for the forensic toxicology to test GHB in real cases.

Effect of Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate on Reproductive Performance and Larval Development of Fenneropenaeus chinensis

In the present study, Fenneropenaeus chinensis individuals were assigned into six groups, and fed with a diet supplemented with 0 （Control）, 0.5% （Group Eos）, 1.0% （Group E1.0）, 2.0% （Group E2.0）, 3.0% （Group E3.0） or 5.0% （Group E5.0） of poly-13-hydroxybutyrate （PHB） during their growth and spawning periods, to explore the effect of PHB on the reproductive performance of parents and the development of larvae. The experi- ment was lasted for 192 d to measure the mortality rate, relative percentage of survival（RPS）, weight gain rate（WGR）, specific growth rate （SGR） and cycle of gonadal development of parental shrimps, number of eggs, number of nauplii, stages of larval development and metamorphosis. The results indicated that PHB had an obvious effect on the fecundity of parental shrimps and growth performance of larva. Compared with control group, the mortality rate of broodstock in experimental groups decreased initially and increased subsequently with the increase of PHB concentration, while RPS showed an opposite pattern. The mortality rate of group E2.0 was the lowest among all groups, showing significant difference from that of other groups（P 〈 0.05） except group E1.0 （P 〉 0.05）. WGR of all experimental groups was higher than that of the control group, among which, group E2.0 and group E5.0 had significantly higher WGR than the control （P〈0.05）. However, there was no significant difference in the cycle of gonadal development between the experimental groups and the control group （P 〉 0.05）. The numbers of eggs and nauplii in the experimental groups were higher than those of the control group. And the numbers of eggs and nauplii in group E2.0 were significantly higher than those of the control （P 〈 0.05）, bud showed no significant difference from those of other groups （P 〉 0.05）. However, there was no significant difference in the duration of larval development and metamorphosis among all the groups. In summary, PHB is capable of improving the reproductive performance of parents and the survival and development of larva in F. chinensis, and 2.0% is the optimal concentration of PHB supplemented to the diet.

Complete Valorization of Olive Mill Wastewater through an Integrated Process for Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate Production

An economical and environmental sustainability of bioplastic production is dependent on the use of low cost and waste C-sources as raw materials. OMW （Olive Mill Wastewater） with its high organic load represents a dangerous polluting waste. Herein the authors present an integrated process for the simultaneous recovery of polyphenols, high value natural antioxidants, production of PHAs （polyhydroxyalkanotes）, thermoplastic bio-polymers, in particular of PHB （poly-3-hydroxybutyrate） starting from OMW. The combination of membrane filtration and bacterial digestion of OMW resulted in very high yields of polyphenols （3 2.5 g/L） and PHB （31.4 mg/L.h） if compared with the state of the art. These results make the technical approach described here effective for reducing the polluting effect of OMW and maximizing the valuable product yield. Moreover the process is readily suitable for an industrial scale PHB production from OMW.

Diagnostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-17 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Despite significant advancements in the medical treatment of primary hepato-cellular carcinoma(PHC)in recent years,enhancing therapeutic effects and im-proving prognosis remain substantial challenges worldwide.AIM To investigate the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and interleukin(IL)-17 in patients with PHC and evaluate their diagnostic value while exploring their relationship with patients’clinical characteristics.METHODS The study included 50 patients with confirmed PHC who visited Wuhan Han-yang Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022,and 50 healthy individuals from the same period served as the control group.Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels in both groups were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,and their diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels.Pathological data of the PHC patients were analyzed to determine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and pathological characteristics.RESULTS Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the study group com-pared to the control group(P<0.05).No significant association was observed between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and gender,age,combined cirrhosis,tumor diameter,or degree of differentiation(P>0.05).However,there was a significant relationship between clinical TNM stage,tumor metastasis,and serum VEGF and IL-17 levels(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum VEGF and IL-17(P<0.05).ROC analysis demonstrated that both serum VEGF and IL-17 had good diagnostic efficacy for PHC.CONCLUSION Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in PHC patients compared to healthy individuals.Their levels were closely related to pathological features such as tumor metastasis and clinical TNM stage,and there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-17.These biomarkers may serve as valuable reference in-dicators for the early diagnosis and treatment guidance of PHC.

Use of a Simple Fabrication Process to Produce a Biosensor： The 3-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase Case

This study was aimed to construct a biodegradable but reliable 3-β-hydroxybutymte biosensor. In this context a versatile paper based biosensor, quickly, easily and cheaply fabricated is reported. The procedure of fabrication is based on the assumption that the introduction of the enzyme in the carbon ink will allow enzyme stabilization and facilitate the study of the catalysis of enzymes and the detection of substrates. To prove this concept we use the enzyme 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, in aqueous solution. This enzyme was chosen because it catalyzes the 3-β-hydroxybutyrate, which results from ketoacidosis. The quantification this substance in the diabetics＇ blood is very important as it can increase the reliability of the diagnosis of glycaemia. To prove the multi-use of this biosensor we not only study the redox process in steady state and during the catalytic process, but also detected and quantify the 3-β-hydroxybutyrate. Our results showed that it was possible to study the redox process that occurred during the catalysis and to confirm the amino acid residues that participate in it. It was also observed that glucose and ascorbic acid can interfere in the detection and quantification of the 3-β-hydroxybutyrate, what should be in mind when the quantification of the 3-β-hydroxybutyrate is made in blood samples.

Production of Poly-b-hydroxybutyrate by Activated Sludge in Sequencing Batch Reactor under Aerobic Conditions

In order to improve poly-β-hydroxybutyrate（PHB） production in activated sludge, the anaerobic/aerobic alternative operating sequencing batch reactor（SBR） process was applied in this paper to accumulate PHB. Effects of nutritional conditions and carbon concentration on PHB accumulation were studied. Results indicated that PHB accumulation reached the highest level and accounted for 11.2 % under anaerobic condition for phosphate limitation and 20.84 % under aerobic condition for nitrogen and phosphate limitation of mixed liquor suspended solid（MLSS）, respectively. In addition, 4 g/L was proved to be the optimum carbon concentration in both anaerobic and aerobic experiments, and the PHB accumulation reached 17.1 %（anaerobic, phosphorus limitation） and 60.4 %（aerobic, nitrogen and phosphorus limitation） of MLSS, respectively. PHB could be successfully extracted with sodium hypochlorite and chloroform method from the activated sludge. In addition, the infrared spectrum showed that the PHB sample extracted was of high purity.

Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Effect of Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate on the Activity of Nonspecific Immunity Related Enzymes in Fenne rope naeus chinensis

[Objective] This study was carried out to explore the effect of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate（PHB） on the performance of the nonspecific immune system in Fenneropenaeus chinensis. [Method] F. chinensis individuals were assigned into six groups, and each group was fed with a diet containing 0（Control）, 0.5%（Group E0.5）, 1.0%（Group E1.0）, 2.5%（Group E2.5）, 5.0%（Group E5.0） or 10.0% PHB（Group E10.0）. The mortality rate and relative percent of survival（RPS） of each group were calculated after 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the total antioxidant capacity（T-AOC）, the activity of acid phosphatase（ACP）, peroxidase（POD） and catalase（CAT）, and the content of malondialdehyde（MDA） in hepatopancreas and serum were measured,and their correlation with PHB concentration was analyzed. [Result] The RPS in PHB treated shrimps increased initially and decreased subsequently with increasing PHB concentration. RPS of Group E1.0 was the highest, showing significant difference from that of other groups（ P 〈0.05）.With the increase in PHB concentration, the activity of immunity related enzymes changed in a similar pattern with RPS： increasing at first and decreasing subsequently. In addition, the activity of the enzymes was elevated in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of PHB administration. Among them, T-AOC in serum of groups E1.0 and E2.5, T-AOC in hepatopancreas of Group E1.0, ACP activity in serum of groups E1.0 and E2.5, ACP activity in hepatopancreas of Group E1.0, CAT activity in groups E0.5, E1.0 and E2.5, CAT activity in hepatopancreas of groups E0.5, E1.0 and E10.0, POD activity in both serum and hepatopancreas of groups E0.5, E1.0 and E2.5, SOD activity in both serum and hepatopancreas of Group E1.0, MDA content in serum of Group E1.0 and MDA content in hepatopancreas of groups E0.5 and E1.0 showed significant difference from those of other groups（P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] PHB can improve the immunity of F. chinensis, 1.0% in feed has the best effect, and the total enzyme activity reaches the highest level in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of PHB administration.

Association of Thyroid Nodules with Various Elements in Urine and Blood Serum: A Case-Control Study

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem caused by various factors,including environmental and nutritional factors and genetic background.The environment can modulate and influence not only the risk of thyroid nodules but also the severity of disease in humans[1].The environment is awash with elements,and all mineral elements,including heavy metals and trace elements,are considered potentially toxic.A significantly higher incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported in populations exposed to low doses of metallic elements in volcanic areas over a long period[2].As research on thyroid disorders continues,it is becoming clear that abnormalities in trace elements in the body can affect the development of thyroid-related disorders.

Exploring the Role of Serum Cystatin C in Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury among On-Pump Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Single-Center Investigation in Bangladesh

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) stands as a prominent postoperative complication in on-pump cardiac surgery, with repercussions on morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization duration. Current diagnostic criteria relying on serum creatinine levels exhibit a delayed identification of AKI, prompting an exploration of alternative biomarkers. Aims and Objectives: This study is designed to overcome diagnostic constraints and explore the viability of serum Cystatin C as an early predictor of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in individuals undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery. The investigation aims to establish the relationship between serum Cystatin C levels and the onset of AKI in patients subjected to on-pump cardiac surgery. Primary objectives involve the assessment of the diagnostic effectiveness of serum Cystatin C, its comparison with serum creatinine, and the exploration of its potential for the early identification and treatment of AKI. Methodology: Conducted as a single-center study at the cardiac surgery department of BSMMU in Bangladesh from September 2020 to August 2022, a comparative cross-sectional analysis involved 31 participants categorized into No AKI and AKI groups based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Data collection encompassed preoperative, post-CBP (cardiopulmonary bypass) conclusion at 2 hours, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2 intervals. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared tests, independent Student’s t-tests, and one-sample t-tests. Significance was set at P Results: The study revealed no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the No AKI and AKI groups, except for CPB time and cross-clamp time. Serum Cystatin C levels in the AKI group exhibited statistical significance at various time points, highlighting its potential as an early detector. Conversely, Serum Creatinine levels in the AKI group showed no statistical significance. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further supported the efficacy of serum Cystatin C, with an Area under the ROC Curve of 0.864 and a cut-off value of 0.55 (p Conclusion: This study supports the superior utility of serum Cystatin C as an early detector of AKI in on-pump cardiac surgery patients compared to serum creatinine. Its ability to identify AKI several hours earlier may contribute to reduced morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The findings underscore the significance of exploring novel biomarkers for improved post-cardiac surgery renal function assessment.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy and its relationship with inflammatory serum biomarkers

AIM:To analyze if a relationship between levels ofinflammatory serum biomarkers and severity of primaryproliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)exists.METHODS:A retrospective case-control study.Thehealthy adult patients with rhegmatogenous retinaldetachment and primary PVR were included in the PVRgroup.For the control group,healthy adults who underwentcataract surgery were included.The grade of PVR wasclassified according to the Retinal Society TerminologyCommittee.Blood samples were obtained before surgery,and processed in MYTHIC 18.Measures of interest wereneutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyteratio(PLR),and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR),thetime between the decrease in visual acuity and surgery,PVRgrade,type of surgery,final best corrected visual acuity,andrate of re-detachment.RESULTS:Totally 240 patients were included,120 ineach group,79(65.8%)and 56(46.7%)were male in thePVR and control group,respectively.PVR A had greaterlevels of monocytes(0.28±0.18 vs 0.12±0.32,P=0.002),neutrophils(4.59±1.51 vs 3.92±1.27,P=0.006),and LMR(9.32±4.42 vs 7.43±3.90,P=0.01).PVR B had a greatermonocyte count(0.30±0.13 vs 0.12±0.32,P=0.001),andPVR C demonstrated higher levels in monocytes(0.27±0.12vs 0.12±0.32,P=0.004),neutrophils(4.39±1.13 vs3.92±1.27,P=0.004),and LMR(9.63±3.24 vs 7.43±3.90,P=0.002)compared to control,respectively.An LMR cut-offvalue of 9.38 predicted PVR with a sensibility of 54.2%andspecificity of 77.5%and NLR cut-off of 1.70 predicted PVRwith a sensibility of 62%and specificity of 54.2%.CONCLUSION:Patients with primary PVR demonstrategreater neutrophil,monocyte,and LMR levels than thecontrol group.Cut-off values obtained from ratios could beuseful in a clinical setting when no posterior view of thefundus is possible due to media opacity.

Alterations in Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins Induced by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Osteosarcoma around the Knee Joint:A Retrospective Analysis

Objective To investigate the serum lipid profiles of patients with localized osteosarcoma around the knee joint before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods After retrospectively screening the data of 742 patients between January 2007 and July 2020,50 patients aged 13 to 39 years with Enneking stage II disease were included in the study.Serum lipid levels,including total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),lipoprotein-α[Lp(a)],and apolipoprotein A1,B,and E(ApoA1,ApoB,and ApoE),and clinicopathological characteristics were collected before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Results The mean levels of TC,TG,and ApoB were significantly increased following neoadjuvant chemotherapy(16%,38%,and 20%,respectively,vs.pretreatment values;P<0.01).The mean levels of LDL-C and ApoE were also 19%and 16%higher,respectively(P<0.05).No correlation was found between the pretreatment lipid profile and the histologic response to chemotherapy.An increase in Lp(a)was strongly correlated with the Ki-67 index(R=0.31,P=0.023).Moreover,a trend toward longer disease-free survival(DFS)was observed in patients with decreased TG and increased LDL-C following chemotherapy,although this difference was not statistically significant(P=0.23 and P=0.24,respectively).Conclusion Significant elevations in serum lipids were observed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with localized osteosarcoma.There was no prognostic significance of pretreatment serum lipid levels on histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.The scale of increase in serum Lp(a)might have a potential prognostic role in osteosarcoma.Patients with increased LDL-C or reduced TG after chemotherapy seem to exhibit a trend toward favorable DFS.