Echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and immature granulocyte are novel inflammatory predictors of acute ischemic stroke: a prospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the most common type of stroke. Inflammation is the primary factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Use of immature granulocytes (IGs) has been recommended as a new indicator of systemic inflammation. However, data on the association between echocardiographic epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFT) and IGs in patients with AIS are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the presences of IGs, epicardial fat tissue and AIS. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study in a tertiary-care university hospital in Antalya, Turkey. METHODS: Our study included 53 AIS patients and 41 healthy controls with age and gender compatibility. Blood samples and transthoracic echocardiography of all participants were compared. RESULTS: IG levels were significantly higher in patients with AIS than in controls (0.62 ± 0.36 versus 0.28 ± 0.02, P < 0.001). The mean EFT was 3.74 ± 0.61 mm in the control group and 6.33 ± 1.47 mm in the AIS patient group. EFT was significantly greater in AIS patients than in controls (P < 0.001). For the optimum cut-off value for IG (0.95), the area under the curve (AUC) was determined to be 0.840; sensitivity was determined to be 81.1% and specificity, 92.5%. For the optimum cut-off value for EFT (4.95 mm), the AUC was determined to be 0.953; sensitivity was determined to be 90.6% and specificity, 90%. CONCLUSIONS: IG and echocardiographic EFT are clinical markers that can be used to predict AIS risk.

Nelore females along a new Brazilian agricultural frontier: hematological and clinical-biochemical approaches / [Abordagens hematológicas e bioquímicas clínicas de fêmeas Nelore na nova fronteira agrícola brasileira]

The Nelore breed is the second largest bovine breed in the world and has actively participated in the expansion of new Brazilian agricultural frontiers. In this context, the purpose of this study was to determine the hematological and biochemical reference intervals of healthy Nelore matrices raised under an extensive regime without supplementation along southwest of Piauí state. Blood samples were collected from fifty-five multiparous female of the Nelore breed. Biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed using a parametric statistical method with 95% CI of reference limits. The average values of red blood cells, hemoglobin as well as hematimetric indices showed reference ranges similar to reference standards. The hematocrit as well as granulocytes and agranulocytes presented alterations typical of animals raised in environments with higher temperatures. Mineral, enzymatic, protein and metabolic profiles were similar to other bovine breeds but with a narrower range of values. However, lower mean values were observed for levels of ionized calcium, total protein and urea. Nelore females present slightly different biochemical and hematological profiles from other breeds, which might result from the environmental and nutritional management applied and the natural deficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium in the region's pastures.(AU)

Nelore é a segunda maior raça bovina do mundo e tem participado ativamente da expansão das novas fronteiras agrícolas brasileiras. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os intervalos de referência hematológicos e bioquímicos de matrizes Nelore criadas em regime extensivo sem suplementação, ao longo do sudoeste do estado do Piauí. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 55 fêmeas multíparas da raça Nelore. Os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos foram analisados por método estatístico paramétrico com IC 95% para os limites de referência. Os valores médios de hemácias, hemoglobina e índices hematimétricos apresentaram intervalos de referência semelhantes aos padrões de referência. Tanto o hematócrito quanto os granulócitos e os agranulócitos apresentaram alterações típicas de animais criados em ambientes com temperaturas mais elevadas. Os perfis mineral, enzimático, proteico e metabólico foram semelhantes aos de outras raças bovinas, mas com uma faixa de valores mais estreita. No entanto, valores médios mais baixos foram observados para os níveis de cálcio ionizado, proteína total e ureia. Fêmeas Nelore apresentam perfis bioquímicos e hematológicos ligeiramente diferentes de outras raças, o que pode resultar dos manejos ambiental e nutricional aplicados e da deficiência natural de nitrogênio, fósforo e cálcio nas pastagens da região.(AU)

Effect of PADI4 on the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines During NB4 Cells Differentiation / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) during the process of differentiation into granulocyte of NB4 cells induced by all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and whether PADI4 is involved in the inflammatory cytokines expression.@*METHODS@#Granulocyte differentiation model of NB4 cells induced by ATRA was established. The cell morphology changes were observed by Wright-Giemsa staining. The expression of cell differentiation marker CD11b was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of PADI4 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and interleukin (IL) 1β was analyzed by ELISA, and also examined with the knockdown of PADI4 expression by siRNA.@*RESULTS@#After NB4 cells induced by ATRA, the cytoplasm increased and the ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic was reduced. Nuclear dented, and rod-shaped nucleus, lobulated phenomenon increased (P<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis results showed that the cell surface molecule CD11b expression increased (P<0.01). RT-PCR and Western blot showed the expression of PADI4 increased at both transcriptional and translational levels during the process of the differentiation. ELISA showed TNF-α and IL-1β secretion increased in differentiated macrophages, while they could be inhibited by PADI4-specific siRNA.@*CONCLUSION@#During the differentiation into granulocyte of NB4 cells induced by ATRA, PADI4 expression increased. Furthermore, PADI4 appeared to play a critical role in inflammatory cytokines secretion.

A Case of Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis Associated with Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor: An Unusual Presentation

Drug-induced vasculitis is an inflammation of small-sized blood vessel caused by the use of drugs. It accounts for approximately 10% of acute cutaneous vasculitis. Propylthiouracil, hydralazine, and allopurinol have been widely known as causative agents. The most common clinical feature of drug-induced vasculitis is palpable purpura on lower extremities. A 66-year-old Korean female presented with erythematous nodules on upper chest and back. She had been on medication for multiple myeloma. Laboratory results showed neutropenia. After a single injection of filgrastim (recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), she developed cutaneous lesions with concurrent increase in absolute neutrophil count. A skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. After discontinuation of filgrastim injection, her skin lesions disappeared spontaneously.

Myelodysplastic syndrome: validation of flow cytometry multilineage score system / Síndrome mielodisplásica: validação de ficha de escore multilinhagem por citometria de fluxo

ABSTRACT Objective To validate multilineage score system correlating results of flow cytometry, cytogenetics, cytomorphology and histology from samples of patients with suspected myelodysplastic syndrome or cytopenia of unknown origin. Methods A retrospective study analyzing laboratory data of 49 patients with suspected myelodysplastic syndrome or cytopenia of unknown origin, carried out between May and September 2017. The inclusion criteria were availability of flow cytometry results, and at least one more method, such as morphology, histology or cytogenetics. Thirty-eight patients were classified as diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes, whereas 11 were classified as normal. Patients were evaluated based on score systems, Ogata score and flow cytometry multilineage score. Results Comparing the scores obtained in the Ogata score and the multilineage score, it was observed that in four cases the Ogata score was zero or 1 point, while the multilineage score was higher than 3 points. In addition, in 12 cases with Ogata score of 2, the multilineage score was greater than 3. Conclusion The flow cytometry multilineage score system demonstrated to be more effective in dysplasia analysis, by assessing the erythroid, monocytic, granulocytic and precursor cell lineages, apart from the parameters evaluated by the Ogata score.

RESUMO Objetivo Validar ficha de escore multilinhagem correlacionando resultados obtidos de citometria de fluxo, citogenética, citomorfologia e histologia de amostras de pacientes com suspeita de síndrome mielodisplásica ou citopenias a esclarecer. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de análise de dados laboratoriais de 49 pacientes com suspeita clínica de síndrome mielodisplásica ou citopenias a esclarecer realizado entre maio e setembro de 2017. Os critérios de inclusão foram a disponibilidade de resultados de citometria de fluxo e de, pelo menos, outra metodologia, entre morfologia, histologia, ou citogenética. Trinta e oito pacientes foram classificados como diagnosticados com síndromes mielodisplásicas enquanto 11 foram classificados como normais. Os pacientes foram avaliados utilizando sistemas de escore, escore de Ogata e ficha multilinhagem. Resultados Comparando as pontuações obtidas no escore de Ogata e na ficha multilinhagem, observou-se que, em quatro casos, o score de Ogata foi zero ou 1 ponto, enquanto, pela ficha multilinhagem, a pontuação foi superior a 3 pontos. Além disso, em 12 casos com escore de Ogata 2, a pontuação pela ficha multilinhagem foi superior a 3. Conclusão A ficha multilinhagem demonstrou ser mais eficaz na análise de displasia por avaliar as linhagens eritroide, monocítica, granulocítica e células precursoras, além dos parâmetros avaliados no escore de Ogata.

Analysis of hematologic parameters of donors, patients, and granulocyte concentrates to predict successful granulocyte transfusion

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte transfusion (GTx) is performed as a supportive therapy in severe neutropenic patients caused by various conditions. The study aimed to analyze the hematologic parameters of donors, patients, and granulocyte concentrates to predict successful GTx. METHODS: This study was performed in 281 donors, with their granulocyte concentrates being collected through apheresis, and in 54 severe neutropenic patients who had various hematologic diseases. Complete blood cell counts of donors pre- and post-apheresis, granulocyte concentrates, and patients pre- and post-GTx were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to survival at discharge (Group S, survival; Group D, dead) to compare various factors including age, infection status, pre- and post-GTx total white blood cell counts (TWBCC) and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), total number of GTx, infused TWBCC and ANC per weight, and use of G-CSF during therapy. RESULTS: Overall data of patients showed that both TWBCC and ANC were significantly increased after GTx (median values at pre-GTx, TWBCC=0.40×109/L, ANC=0.14×109/L; post-GTx, TWBCC=0.57×109/L, ANC=0.29×109/L, both P<0.0001). After GTx, Group S (N=25) showed significantly higher TWBCC and ANC than Group D (N=29) (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). Using different cutoff levels, post-GTx TWBCC greater than 0.5×109/L showed statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). None of the other factors showed statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The TWBCC and ANC after GTx were significant factors to predict patients' outcome. Therefore, follow-up of those two parameters may be helpful to select or consider other therapeutic modalities including additional GTx.

Evaluation of Time and Temperature Stability of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Cells by Flow Cytometry

BACKGROUND: Flow cytometry analysis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is significantly affected by the methodology used. The lack of data on the effect of age and refrigeration on PNH clone stability motivated us to study these aspects using flow cytometry. METHODS: Peripheral blood was collected from six patients, of which two presented with PNH. All samples were tested immediately and stored at room temperature (RT, 20–25℃) and at 4℃ for re-analysis at 24, 48, 72 hr and 7 days. Anti-CD59-fluorescein isothiocyanate (Beckman Coulter, USA) and anti-CD235a-phycoerythrin (PE; Beckman Coulter) were used to stain red blood cells (RBCs). Fluorescein-labeled proaerolysin (Cedarlane, Canada), anti-CD15-PE (Beckman Coulter), anti-CD24-PE-cyanin 5 (Beckman Coulter), and anti-CD45-PE-cyanin 7 (Beckman Coulter) were used to stain granulocytes. Flow cytometry was performed using a FC500 flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter). The effects of time and temperature were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: No significant differences in the gated percentage of RBCs and PNH clone size of RBCs were observed between the RT and 4℃ groups up to 7 days of testing. The percentage of gated neutrophils decreased with specimen age (P<0.001) and a better correlation with baseline was obtained at 4℃ than at RT (P=0.014). Neutrophil PNH clones were stable until 48 hr and 72 hr at RT and 4℃, respectively, and could not be analyzed at 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: RBC analysis was successfully performed up to 7 days. For neutrophils, testing within 48 hr is recommended, because the number of gated cells decreases significantly with age.

Comparison of the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in ICR mouse stocks of three different origins / 한국실험동물학회지

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes many people to suffer from pneumonia, septicemia, and other diseases worldwide. To identify the difference in susceptibility of and treatment efficacy against S. pneumoniae in three ICR mouse stocks (Korl: ICR, A:ICR, and B:ICR) with different origins, mice were infected with 2 × 106, 2×107, and 2×108 CFU of S. pneumoniae D39 intratracheally. The survival of mice was observed until three weeks after the infection. The three stocks of mice showed no significant survival rate difference at 2 × 106 and 2 × 107 CFU. However, the lung and spleen weight in the A:ICR stock was significantly different from that in the other two stocks, whereas the liver weight in B:ICR stock was significantly lower than that in the other two stocks. Interestingly, no significant CFU difference in the organs was observed between the ICR stocks. The level of interferon gamma inducible protein 10 in Korl:ICR was significantly lower than that in the other two stocks. The level of granulocyte colony stimulating factor in B:ICR was significantly lower than in the other two stocks. However, tumor-necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels showed no significant difference between the ICR stocks. In the vancomycin efficacy test after the S. pneumoniae infection, both the single-dose and double-dose vancomycin-treated groups showed a significantly better survival rate than the control group. There was no significant survival difference between the three stocks. These data showed that Korl:ICR, A:ICR, and B:ICR have no susceptibility difference to the S. pneumoniae D39 serotype 2.

Hematopoiesis Activity of Sambucus javanica on Chloramphenicol-induced Aplastic Anemia Mouse Model

Hematopoiesis has a pivotal role in the maintenance of body homeostasis. Ironically, several hematological disorder caused by chemicals, drugs, and other environmental factors lead to severe bone marrow failure. Current treatments like stem cell transplantation and immunosuppression remain ineffective to ameliorate this diseases. Therefore, a newtreatment to overcome this entity is necessary, one of them by promoting the usage of medicinal plants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the hematopoiesis potency of S. javanica berries and leaves extracts in chloramphenicol (CMP)-induced aplastic anemia mice model. In this present study, several types of blood progenitor cell such as TER-119⁺VLA-4⁺ erythrocytes lineage, Gr-1⁺ granulocytes, and B220⁺ B-cell progenitor cells were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Accordingly, we revealed that S. javanica berries and leaves extracts significantly promoted TER-119⁺VLA-4⁺ erythrocytes lineage and Gr-1⁺ granulocytes after exposed by CMP. Thus, these results suggested that S. javanica berries and leaves extracts might have hematopoiesis activity in CMP-induced aplastic anemia mice model.

Delta Neutrophil Index as an Early Marker of Sepsis in Burn Patients

Bacteriological, cytological and histopathological evaluation of the reproductive tract of slaughtered cows / Avaliação bacteriológica, citológica e histopatológica do trato reprodutivo de vacas abatidas

Reproductive diseases, mainly endometritis, are important hurdles in cattle raising, In the current study we evaluated gross, bacteriological, cytological, and histological findings from selected sites of the genital from 23 slaughtered cows and tested whether there is an association between these findings and the probability of reaching a reliable diagnosis. The results from the examinations of macroscopic aspects of uterine secretions, the cytological, bacteriological, and histopathological findings were then correlated. There was no significant correlation (P>0.05) of the statistical data from different parts of the genital tract. Trueperella pyogenes and Escherichia coli were isolated from the vagina in 3/23 cases. In only 2/23 samples Enterococcus faecalis and a gram-negative, oxidase-positive bacteria were isolated from the cervix uteri. Only Staphylococcus epidermidis, in 1/23 case, was isolated from the uterus. Histopathological findings in uterus from samples of Groups II (moderate lesions) and III (severe lesions) did not translated in grossly visible changes. Samples from reproductive tracts with secretion in the vagina and cervix uteri had no detectable changes in the other parameters analyzed from this portion. Uterus with positive bacterial culture had evidence of ascendant inflammation judging by the high granulocyte count in the three analyzed portions. This study reinforces that vaginitis and cervicitis in the cow diagnosed only by clinical examination does not reflect the real status of the uterine health. For this reason, treatment of uterine disorders should be conducted based on reliable tests to determine the appropriate therapy for each situation.(AU)

Doenças reprodutivas causam altas perdas econômicas nos rebanhos bovinos, sendo a endometrite uma das alterações mais relevantes. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar a associação dos achados fisiopatológicos em exames macroscópicos, bacteriológicos, citológicos e histopatológicos nas porções do trato genital de 23 vacas abatidas, bem como avaliar a necessidade de associação destes exames para efetuar diagnóstico fidedigno. A avaliação macroscópica da secreção, os exames histopatológico, citológico e as bactérias identificadas foram correlacionados. Não houve associação (P>0,05) dos resultados nas diferentes porções do trato genital. Na vagina foram isoladas as bactérias Trueperella pyogenes e Escherichia coli. Na cérvix, em apenas 2/23 (8,6%) amostras isolou-se Enterococcus faecalis e gram negativo oxidase positiva. No útero houve isolamento apenas da bactéria Staphylococcus epidermidis. As amostras histopatológicas classificadas em grupo II e III não apresentaram alterações detectadas no exame macroscópico. As amostras com secreção não fisiológica na vagina e cérvix não apresentaram alterações nos outros exames na porção uterina. A amostra com cultura bacteriológica positiva no útero demonstrou uma infecção ascendente através da alta contagem de granulócitos nas três porções analisadas. O presente estudo reforça o conceito de que a vaginite e cervicite diagnosticadas pelo exame clinico na vaca não retratam o real status da saúde uterina e por esta razão, o tratamento do útero deve ser conduzido com critério, alicerçado nos exames complementares para definir a terapia adequada para cada situação.(AU)

Dapsone modulates lipopolysaccharide-activated bone marrow cells by inducing cell death and down-regulating tumor necrosis factor-α production

Dapsone, an antibiotic, has been used to cure leprosy. It has been reported that dapsone has anti-inflammatory activity in hosts; however, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of dapsone has not been fully elucidated. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of dapsone on bone marrow cells (BMs), especially upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We treated BMs with LPS and dapsone, and the treated cells underwent cellular activity assay, flow cytometry analysis, cytokine production assessment, and reactive oxygen species assay. LPS distinctly activated BMs with several characteristics including high cellular activity, granulocyte changes, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production increases. Interestingly, dapsone modulated the inflammatory cells, including granulocytes in LPS-treated BMs, by inducing cell death. While the percentage of Gr-1 positive cells was 57% in control cells, LPS increased that to 75%, and LPS plus dapsone decreased it to 64%. Furthermore, dapsone decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of LPS-treated BMs. At a low concentration (25 µg/mL), dapsone significantly decreased the production of TNF-α in LPS-treated BMs by 54%. This study confirmed that dapsone has anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-mediated inflammation via modulation of the number and function of inflammatory cells, providing new and useful information for clinicians and researchers.

Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Horses in Korea

The identification and characterization of pathogenic and zoonotic tick-borne diseases like granulocytic anaplasmosis are essential for developing effective control programs. The differential diagnosis of pathogenic Anaplasma phagocytophilum and non-pathogenic A. phagocytophilum-like Anaplasma spp. is important for implementing effective treatment from control programs. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in horses in Korea by nucleotide sequencing and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism assay. Of the 627 horses included in the study, only 1 (0.2%) was infected with A. phagocytophilum. Co-infection with A. phagocytophilumlike Anaplasma spp. was not detected in the study. The 16S rRNA sequence of A. phagocytophilum was similar (99.5–100%) to A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA isolated from horses in other countries. PCR adapted to amplify A. phagocytophilum groEL and msp2 genes failed to generate amplicons, suggesting genetic diversity in these genes. This study is the first molecular detection of A. phagocytophilum in horses in Korea. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis and animal infection of A. phagocytophilum have been reported in Korea recently. Because of vector tick distribution, global warming, and the increase of the horse industry, horses should be considered as a potential reservoir for A. phagocytophilum, and cross infectivity should be evaluated even though a low prevalence of infection was detected in this study. Furthermore, continuous surveillance and effective control measures for A. phagocytophilum should be established to prevent disease distribution and possible transmission to humans.

Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Pochonin D, a Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor, against Rhinovirus Infection

Human rhinoviruses (HRV) are one of the major causes of common cold in humans and are also associated with acute asthma and bronchial illness. Heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a molecular chaperone, is an important host factor for the replication of single-strand RNA viruses. In the current study, we examined the effect of the Hsp90 inhibitor pochonin D, in vitro and in vivo, using a murine model of human rhinovirus type 1B (HRV1B) infection. Our data suggested that Hsp90 inhibition significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokine production and lung damage caused by HRV1B infection. The viral titer was significantly lowered in HRV1B-infected lungs and in Hela cells upon treatment with pochonin D. Infiltration of innate immune cells including granulocytes and monocytes was also reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) by pochonin D treatment after HRV1B infection. Histological analysis of the lung and respiratory tract showed that pochonin D protected the mice from HRV1B infection. Collectively, our results suggest that the Hsp90 inhibitor, pochonin D, could be an attractive antiviral therapeutic for treating HRV infection.

Serial Changes in Mannose-Binding Lectin in Patients with Sepsis / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to infection. We investigated whether serial changes in MBL levels are associated with the prognosis of patients diagnosed with septic shock, and correlated with cytokine levels. METHODS: We enrolled 131 patients with septic shock in the study. We analyzed the serum samples for MBL and cytokine levels at baseline and 7 days later. Samples on day 7 were available in 73 patients. RESULTS: We divided the patients with septic shock into four groups according to serum MBL levels ( < 1.3 µg/mL or ≥1.3 µg/mL) on days 1 and 7. Patients with low MBL levels on day 1 and high MBL levels on day 7 showed a favorable prognosis for 28-day survival (odds ratio, 1.96, 95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.87; p=0.087). The high MBL group on day 7 showed a significant decrease in monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-γ, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels compared with the low MBL group on day 7. CONCLUSION: The increase in MBL levels of patients with septic shock may suggest a favorable prognosis and attenuate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.

Delta Neutrophil Index as an Early Marker for Distinguishing Myeloid from Childhood Acute Leukemia / 임상소아혈액종양

BACKGROUND: The accurate and early diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is important to choose proper treatment option depending on the risk stratification. The delta neutrophil index (DNI) is a relatively new blood marker that indicates the proportion of immature granulocytes in peripheral blood circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the DNI for detecting AML in the early phase of acute leukemia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed laboratory tests and bone marrow study results of 163 pediatric patients with acute leukemia admitted to the emergency department, who were diagnosed with acute leukemia. An automatic analyzer (ADVIA 2120 Hematology System; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Forchheim, Germany) was used to measure the DNI in the peripheral blood of each patient. RESULTS: The mean DNI was significantly different between the AML (N=39) and non-AML (N=124) groups (P < 0.05), and the DNI was the only significant marker for predicting AML in patients with acute leukemia (odds ratio, 1.328; P < 0.05). The DNI more than 4.4% has the highest predictability for distinguishing the patients with AML from the patients with acute leukemia. The mean DNI of the acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL, N=8) group was statistically higher than that of the non-APL group (N=31, P=0.019), but the DNI was not significant in the univariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The DNI might be a promising peripheral blood marker for predicting AML in the early work-up of patients with acute leukemia.

Flow-Cytometric Analysis of HNA-2 Expression and Phenotypes Among Thai Blood Donors

BACKGROUND: Antibodies specific to human neutrophil antigen (HNA), especially HNA-2, are implicated in various conditions, including neonatal alloimmune neutropenia, febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, and transfusion-related acute lung injury. The distribution of the HNA-2 phenotype frequencies in the Thai population remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate HNA-2 phenotype frequencies in Thai blood donors and to compare the relationships of sex and age with HNA-2 expression. METHODS: EDTA blood samples were collected from 220 unrelated healthy Thai blood donors, including 150 males and 70 females, with ages ranging from 20 to 57 years. Polymorphonuclear cells were isolated and stained with monoclonal antibodies clone MEM-166 and clone 2D1, which are specific to human CD177 (HNA-2) and CD45, respectively. HNA-2 expression according to sex and age was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Among the 220 donors, HNA-2-positive and HNA-2-null-phenotype frequencies were 0.995 and 0.005, respectively. Mean antigen expression was significantly higher in women (71.01±15.46%) than in men (64.59±18.85%; P < 0.05). No significant differences in HNA-2 expression were found between different age groups. HNA-2 phenotype frequencies were similar to those in Asian, African, American, and Brazilian populations, but were significantly different from those in eastern Japanese, Korean, and French populations (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of HNA-2 phenotype frequencies in a Thai population, and the data will be helpful in predicting the risk of HNA-2 alloimmunization and in recruiting granulocyte panel donors.

Investigation of Immune-Regulatory Effects of Mageumsan Hot Spring via Protein Microarray In Vitro

BACKGROUND: Empirical evidences for efficacy of hot spring (HS) water in inflammatory skin disorders have not been substantiated with sufficient, immunological “hard evidence”. Mageumsan HS water, characterized by its weakly-alkaline properties and low total dissolved solids content, has been known to alleviate various immune-inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: The trial attempted to quantitatively analyze in vitro expression levels of chemical mediators in cutaneous inflammation from HaCaT cell line treated with Mageumsan HS, and suggest the likely mode of action through which it exerts the apparent anti-inflammatory effects in AD. METHODS: Using membrane-based human antibody array kit, customized to include 30 different, keratinocyte-derived mediator proteins, their expression levels (including interleukin [IL]-1, IL-6, IL-8, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor) were assessed in vitro. Selected key proteins were further quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There was a clear pattern of overall suppression of the mediators, especially those noted for their pro-inflammatory role in AD (monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted, cutaneous T-cell-attracting chemokine, Eotaxin, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, etc.). Also, reduced expression of involucrin and cytokeratin 1 was also reduced in the HS-treated group. CONCLUSION: The present study has shown that Mageumsan HS water may exert its effects on inflammatory skin disorders through regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. These evidences are to be supported with further future investigations to elucidate immunological mechanism behind these beneficial effects of HS water in the chronically inflamed skin of AD.

Busulfan plus melphalan versus high-dose melphalan as conditioning regimens in autologous stem cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND: High-dose melphalan (HDMEL) represents the standard conditioning regimen before autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM), but recent updates have suggested combination of melphalan with bulsulfan (BUMEL) is also associated with favorable outcomes. We performed the current study to address the lack of comparative studies between the two conditioning regimens in Asian populations. METHODS: Using the Korean National Health Insurance and Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service databases, 1,304 patients newly diagnosed with MM undergoing ASCT between January 2010 and December 2014 were identified. Patients were divided according to conditioning regimen (HDMEL vs. BUMEL), and after case matching, 428 patients undergoing HDMEL conditioning were compared to 107 patients undergoing BUMEL conditioning with respect to clinical course and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 52.5% for the HDMEL conditioning group versus 70.3% for the BUMEL conditioning group (P=0.043). The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 82.0% versus 83.5% (P=0.525), respectively. Although not statistically significant, BUMEL conditioning was associated with more platelet transfusion, while HDMEL was associated with more granulocyte colony stimulating factor support. In multivariate analysis, BUMEL conditioning was not inferior to HDMEL conditioning in regard to both PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that BUMEL is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to HDMEL conditioning, with better PFS.