Response of timber growth and avian communities to quality vegetation management in mid-rotation crp pine plantations

Treesearch

Brandon G. Sladek; Ian A. Munn; L. Wes Burder; Scott D. Roberts

2006-01-01

Provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill gave Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants greater flexibility to implement mid-contract management activities that encourage wildlife habitat improvement and timber production. Quality Vegetation Management (QVM) is one such technique that utilizes the selective herbicide Imazapyr and prescribed burning. Timber growth (d.b.h...

7 CFR 1469.23 - Program payments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... AGRICULTURE LOANS, PURCHASES, AND OTHER OPERATIONS CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM Contracts and Payments § 1469.23 Program payments. (a) Stewardship component of CSP payments. (1) The conservation stewardship plan... Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) land rental data, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental rates...

Soil microbial community restoration in conservation reserve program semi-arid grasslands

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in the Southern High Plains (SHP) is known to play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health by reducing soil erosion. However, the restoration of its soil biological health (biological community and its function) over time have not been clearly elucidated...

Herbaceous weed control in an old-field planted longleaf pine stand

Treesearch

Bryan C. McElvany; E. David Dickens; Philip R. Torrance

2006-01-01

Abstract—Over 110,000 acres of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) have been planted on old fields in Georgia since 1998 in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Part of the CRP guidelines mandate that no more than 500 trees acre-1 are planted. This relatively low planting density, coupled with shade intolerance and high cost of containerized...

C-reactive protein response to a vegan lifestyle intervention.

PubMed

Sutliffe, Jay T; Wilson, Lori D; de Heer, Hendrik D; Foster, Ray L; Carnot, Mary Jo

2015-02-01

This brief lifestyle intervention, including a vegan diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and various legumes, nuts and seeds, significantly improved health risk factors and reduced systemic inflammation as measured by circulating CRP. The degree of improvement was associated with baseline CRP such that higher levels predicted greater decreases. The interaction between gender and baseline CRP was significant and showed that males with higher baseline CRP levels appeared to have a more robust decrease in CRP due to the intervention than did their female counterparts. It is likely that the vegetable and high fiber content of a vegan diet reduces CRP in the presences of obesity. Neither the quantity of exercise nor the length of stay was significant predictors of CRP reduction. Additionally, those participants who had a vegan diet prior to the intervention had the lowest CRP risk coming into the program. Direct measure of body fat composition, estrogen and other inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha would enhance current understanding of the specific mechanisms of CRP reduction related to lifestyle interventions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program and inflammatory state on endothelial progenitor cells in acute coronary syndrome patients.

PubMed

Cesari, Francesca; Marcucci, Rossella; Gori, Anna Maria; Burgisser, Costanza; Francini, Sara; Sofi, Francesco; Gensini, Gian Franco; Abbate, Rosanna; Fattirolli, Francesco

2013-09-01

Among the benefits of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program for patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). However not all patients respond to CR with an increase of EPC. We performed this study to identify the characteristics of patients who will not benefit from an increase of EPCs at the end of a CR program. 112 ACS patients were admitted to a four-week CR program. EPCs, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and NT-ProBNP levels were determined at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the CR program. All patients performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test at T1 and at T2. EPCs were defined as CD34+KDR+, CD133+KDR+ and CD34+CD133+KDR+. hsCRP and NT-ProBNP were measured by nephelometric and immunometric method, respectively. At T2, we observed a significant increase of EPCs (p=0.001), VO2 peak, Watt max HDL-cholesterol (p<0.0001) and a significant decrease (p<0.001) of hsCRP and NT-ProBNP, triglycerides, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference. Variations of VO2 peak were significantly correlated with the variations of EPCs. Patients with increased EPCs showed significantly (p=0.01) lower baseline levels of CRP and higher basal Watt max (p=0.04). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the lowest tertile of baseline hsCRP significantly affected the likelihood of having an increase of EPCs at the end of the CR program. A CR program determines an increase of EPCs with a decrease of CRP and NT-ProBNP. A different trend for EPCs can be detected among patients correlated to CRP levels and exercise tolerance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

77 FR 14726 - Information Collection Request; Economic Assessment of Conservation Reserve Program Lands for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-13

... improve CRP selection criteria and program implementation. Having information on recreation-related jobs... Hunting. OMB Control Number: 0560-NEW. Type of Request: New. Abstract: As specified in the Food...

Soil particulate organic matter dynamics after conservation reserve program land is converted to cropland

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this project is to compare the soil C quality in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) vs. land under Sorghum cropping or rangeland in the Southern High Plains. Whole soils as well as light fraction particulate organic matter (lfPOM) was assessed using diffuse reflectance Fourier trans...

Carbon debt of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands converted to bioenergy production.

PubMed

Gelfand, Ilya; Zenone, Terenzio; Jasrotia, Poonam; Chen, Jiquan; Hamilton, Stephen K; Robertson, G Philip

2011-08-16

Over 13 million ha of former cropland are enrolled in the US Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), providing well-recognized biodiversity, water quality, and carbon (C) sequestration benefits that could be lost on conversion back to agricultural production. Here we provide measurements of the greenhouse gas consequences of converting CRP land to continuous corn, corn-soybean, or perennial grass for biofuel production. No-till soybeans preceded the annual crops and created an initial carbon debt of 10.6 Mg CO(2) equivalents (CO(2)e)·ha(-1) that included agronomic inputs, changes in C stocks, altered N(2)O and CH(4) fluxes, and foregone C sequestration less a fossil fuel offset credit. Total debt, which includes future debt created by additional changes in soil C stocks and the loss of substantial future soil C sequestration, can be constrained to 68 Mg CO(2)e·ha(-1) if subsequent crops are under permanent no-till management. If tilled, however, total debt triples to 222 Mg CO(2)e·ha(-1) on account of further soil C loss. Projected C debt repayment periods under no-till management range from 29 to 40 y for corn-soybean and continuous corn, respectively. Under conventional tillage repayment periods are three times longer, from 89 to 123 y, respectively. Alternatively, the direct use of existing CRP grasslands for cellulosic feedstock production would avoid C debt entirely and provide modest climate change mitigation immediately. Incentives for permanent no till and especially permission to harvest CRP biomass for cellulosic biofuel would help to blunt the climate impact of future CRP conversion.

Grassland bird associations with introduced and native grass Conservation Reserve Program fields in the Southern High Plains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thompson, Thomas R.; Boal, Clint W.; Lucia, Duane

2009-01-01

We examined relative abundances of grassland birds among Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields seeded with 2 monocultures of introduced grass species and 2 mixes of native grasses in the Southern High Plains of Texas. We assessed bird compositions among these 4 cover types and between the cover types pooled into categories of introduced and native fields. Breeding season bird diversity and total abundance did not differ among cover types or between introduced and native fields. Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum), Cassin's Sparrows (Aimophila cassinii), and Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) accounted for more than 90% of breeding season detections. Grasshopper Sparrows were the most abundant and found in all cover types. Cassin's Sparrows were 38% to 170% more abundant among the native seed mix without buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides) compared to 3 other cover types. Although this association was statistically lost when cover types were pooled into introduced or native fields (U = 93.5, P = 0.91), the species was still 50% more abundant among native CRP than introduced CRP fields. Meadowlarks occurred ubiquitously but at very low numbers during the breeding season. During winter, avian abundance was 44% greater among native CRP than introduced CRP fields. Meadowlarks, Homed Larks (Eremophila alpestris), and Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) accounted for 94% of all winter detections. Meadowlarks occurred ubiquitously, but Horned Larks and Savannah Sparrows were 157% and 96% more abundant, respectively, among native CRP than introduced CRP fields. Our data suggest that monocultures of introduced grasses may benefit some bird species but also that native seed mixes may have a more positive influence through increased diversity and abundance of grassland birds. However, pooling cover types into the broader categories of introduced or native grasses may dampen or occlude biologically meaningful results. It may be prudent to avoid broad categorization of CRP fields based solely on native or introduced grass cover when assessing habitat associations of grassland birds.

Soil bacterial and fungal community responses across a conservation reserve program chronosequence in Texas high plains region

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We investigated changes in soil bacterial and fungal communities with increasing restoration time across a Conservation Reserve Program chronosequence (CRP) on fine sandy loam soils in the Texas high plains region. Soil samples (0-10cm) were collected in 2012 and 2014 from seven dryland croplands (0...

Modeling land use and cover change: Predicting re-enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program using GIS and data mining procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherbaniuk, Mykola Vasylyovych

In this research, the concept of the CRP lands being re-enrolled or returned to crop production was considered as a part of a larger conceptual domain of land use and cover change (LUCC). The aim of the study was to develop models for predicting the probability of farmers' re-enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in the Cache River Watershed, in Southern Illinois. The results of these analyses showed that the probability of the CRP re-enrollment is a function of a number of factors including both the economic incentives to farmers as well as the spatial and non-spatial characteristics of the farms and the CRP land parcels. Both logistical regressions and decision tree models confirmed the importance of seven individual variables. It was found that the probability of CRP re-enrollment was higher for parcels located closer to a stream, the national forest, a road and a town. Also higher re-enrollment was indicated for predominant farm location adjacent to the national forest and within a floodplain and on dry soils, higher proportion of farmland in pasture and higher elevation and population density. Alternatively, the probability of re-enrollment was found to be lower closer to an interstate highway, predominant farm location adjacent to the national refuge and higher proportion of farmland in row crops. The probability of CRP re-enrollment was found to be higher at higher CRP rental rates, lower commodity prices, lower cropland acreage, and lower proportion of farmland in cropland. For two additional important determinants, the probability of re-enrollment was found to be higher for lower proportion of cropland enrolled in CRP and in cases where the farmer was both the owner and operator. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the spatial heterogeneity of farms and land parcels (as accounted by spatial variables that were found to be relevant) should be taken into account while malting the plans for the CRP re-enrollment for the 2007 farm bill.

Landowner and practitioner perspectives on private land conservation programs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lute, Michelle L.; Gillespie, Caitlyn R.; Fontaine, Joseph J.; Martin, Dustin R.

2018-01-01

Efforts to reverse declines in native grasslands benefit from agricultural policies that encourage private land conservation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) improved conservation across landscapes but enrollment has declined. We used sequential exploratory mixed methods to compare landowner and conservation practitioners’ perceptions, evaluate perceived benefits, and identify potential improvements to CRP. Focus groups of practitioners informed a quantitative survey of landowners who had properties >160 total acres in Nebraska. Results suggest potential misalignment in perceptions between practitioners and landowners. Practitioners were concerned that conservation, especially of wildlife, was secondary to profit. But the majority of landowners valued CRP-related ecosystem services, including native pollinators. Practitioners posited that younger landowners were primarily profit motivated, but CRP enrollment did not differ by demographics. Practitioners and landowners identified rule complexity as a major challenge and practitioner–landowner relationships as critical to success. Findings suggest that practitioners may underestimate non-economic motivations and illuminate opportunities to encourage private land conservation.

Carbon debt of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands converted to bioenergy production

PubMed Central

Gelfand, Ilya; Zenone, Terenzio; Jasrotia, Poonam; Chen, Jiquan; Hamilton, Stephen K.; Robertson, G. Philip

2011-01-01

Over 13 million ha of former cropland are enrolled in the US Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), providing well-recognized biodiversity, water quality, and carbon (C) sequestration benefits that could be lost on conversion back to agricultural production. Here we provide measurements of the greenhouse gas consequences of converting CRP land to continuous corn, corn–soybean, or perennial grass for biofuel production. No-till soybeans preceded the annual crops and created an initial carbon debt of 10.6 Mg CO2 equivalents (CO2e)·ha−1 that included agronomic inputs, changes in C stocks, altered N2O and CH4 fluxes, and foregone C sequestration less a fossil fuel offset credit. Total debt, which includes future debt created by additional changes in soil C stocks and the loss of substantial future soil C sequestration, can be constrained to 68 Mg CO2e·ha−1 if subsequent crops are under permanent no-till management. If tilled, however, total debt triples to 222 Mg CO2e·ha−1 on account of further soil C loss. Projected C debt repayment periods under no-till management range from 29 to 40 y for corn–soybean and continuous corn, respectively. Under conventional tillage repayment periods are three times longer, from 89 to 123 y, respectively. Alternatively, the direct use of existing CRP grasslands for cellulosic feedstock production would avoid C debt entirely and provide modest climate change mitigation immediately. Incentives for permanent no till and especially permission to harvest CRP biomass for cellulosic biofuel would help to blunt the climate impact of future CRP conversion. PMID:21825117

Effects of emergency haying on vegetative characteristics within selected Conservation Reserve Program fields in the Northern Great Plains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Allen, A.W.; Cade, B.S.; Vandever, M.W.

2001-01-01

Successional changes in vegetation composition within seeded grasslands may effect attainment of long term conservaation objectives. Comparisons between vegetation composition within Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields planted to cool season, introduced grasses hayed for emergency we, and non hayed fields of the same age and species composition were completed to determine potential effects of periodic haying. Emergency haying had little long term effect on vegetation height/density, percent cover of live pass, or forb cover when compared to characteristics within non hayed fields?. The presence of legumes [primarily alfalfa (Medicago sativa L)] increased in response to haying, whereas, abundance of noxious weeds [chiefly Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense (L) Scop.)] diminished. Implications for long term management CRP grassland to achieve wildlife habitat objectives are discussed.

Selected effects of the Conservation Reserve Program on program participants: A report to survey respondents

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vandever, Mark W.; Allen, Arthur W.; Sexton, Natalie R.

2002-01-01

As a result, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was asked to survey CRP contractees on these issues. Preliminary results from this study have been furnished to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are being considered as new conservation and management policies for the CRP are being developed (as part of the recently passed Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002). This report includes preliminary results of the study and is being sent to survey respondents. A formal publication of survey results is also being prepared and should be completed by the winter of 2002.

7 CFR 623.4 - Eligible land.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... restored on the land under a CRP contract, or under a Federal or State wetland restoration program with an... AGRICULTURE WATER RESOURCES EMERGENCY WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM § 623.4 Eligible land. (a) Except as otherwise... condition and repairing related floodwater control systems; (3) Is likely to have its wetland value restored...

Conservation Reserve Program mitigates grassland loss in the lesser prairie-chicken range of Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haukos, David A.; Spencer, David; Hagen, Christian A.; Daniels, Melinda D.; Goodin, Doug

2017-01-01

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the overall occupied range of the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) has declined by 84% commensurate with population trends. Much of this decline has been attributed to the loss and fragmentation of native grasslands throughout the lesser prairie-chicken range. However, quantification of changes in land cover in the distribution of the lesser prairie-chicken is lacking. Our objectives were to (1) document changes in the areal extent and connectivity of grasslands in the identified lesser prairie-chicken range in Kansas, USA, (>60% of extant lesser prairie-chicken population) from the 1950s to 2013 using remotely sensed data and (2) assess the potential of the Conservation Reserve Program (U.S. Department of Agriculture Program converting cropland to permanent cover; CRP) to mitigate grassland loss. Digital land cover maps were generated on a decadal time step through spectral classification of LANDSAT images and visual analysis of aerial photographs (1950s and 1960s). Landscape composition and configuration were assessed using FRAGSTATS to compute a variety of landscape metrics measuring changes in the amount of grassland present as well as changes in the size and configuration of grassland patches. With the exception of a single regional portion of the range, nearly all of the grassland converted to cropland in the lesser prairie-chicken range of Kansas occurred prior to the 1950s. Prior to the implementation of CRP, the amount of grassland decreased 3.6% between the 1950s and 1985 from 18,455 km2 to 17,788 km2. Since 1985, the overall amount of grassland in the lesser prairie-chicken range has increased 11.9% to 19,898 km2 due to implementation of CRP, although the area of grassland decreased between 1994 and 2013 as CRP contracts were not renewed by landowners. Since 1986 grassland in Kansas became more connected and less fragmented in response to the CRP. While the CRP has been successful in increasing grassland quantity and connectivity throughout the lesser prairie-chicken range in Kansas, offsetting loss of grassland since the 1950s, abundance and occupied range of lesser prairie-chickens has declined since the 1980s, suggesting that habitat quality is the principal factor influencing population demography of the species. Although the CRP is contributing to conservation actions for lesser prairie-chickens, efforts to improve habitat quality throughout the range of the lesser prairie-chicken are likely necessary to meet management goals. Continuation of the CRP faces an uncertain future in the face of rising commodity prices, energy development, and reduction in program scope, leaving open the possibility that these areas that have created habitat for lesser prairie-chickens could be lost.

National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico II (RENAPREC II).

PubMed

Ilarraza-Lomelí, Hermes; García-Saldivia, Marianna; Rojano-Castillo, Jessica; Justiniano, Samuel; Cerón, Norma; Aranda-Ayala, Zulema-L; Rodríguez, Azucena; Hernández, Alejandro; Cassaigne, María-Elena; Cantero, Raúl; Gasca, Pablo; Hinojosa, Tania; Alonso, Jesús; Romo, Ricardo; Lara, Jorge; Pimentel, Elizabeth; Zavala, Juana; Rius-Suárez, María-Dolores; Cherebetiu, Gabriel; Cortés, Othniel; Almaraz, Alejandro; Mendoza, Pedro; Silva, Jesús; Tirado, Enrique; Martínez, Leonel

The aim of this paper is to compare the state of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs (CRP) in 2009 with 2015. Focus is directed on health care, training of health-providers, research, and the barriers to their implementation. All authors of RENAPREC-2009, and other cardiac rehabilitation leaders in Mexico were requested to participate. These centres were distributed into two groups: RENAPREC-2009 centres that participated in 2015, and the new CRP units. In 2009 there were 14 centres, two of which disappeared and another two did not respond. CRP-units increased by 71% (n=24), and their geographic distribution shows a centripetal pattern. The coverage of CRP-units was 0.02 centres per 100,000 inhabitants. Only 4.4% of eligible patients were referred to CRP, with a rate of 10.4 patients/100,000 inhabitants in 2015. The ratio of Clinical Cardiologists to Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists was 94:1, and the ratio of Intervention Specialists to cardiac rehabilitation experts was 16:1. Cardiac rehabilitation activities and costs varied widely. Patient dropout rate in phase II was 12%. Several barriers were identified: financial crisis (83%), lack of skilled personnel (67%), deficient equipment (46%), inadequate areas (42%), and a reduced number of operating centres (38%). CRPs in Mexico are still in the process of maturing. Mexican CRP-centres have several strengths, like the quality of the education of the professionals and the multidisciplinary programs. However, the lack of referral of patients and the heterogeneity of procedures are still their main weaknesses. Copyright © 2016 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

A win-win on agricultural lands: creating wildlife habitat through agroforestry

Treesearch

Gary Bentrup

2014-01-01

The 2014 Farm Bill reduces conservation program spending by $6 billion—the first decrease in conservation funding by a Farm Bill since the inclusion of conservation incentives in 1985. These funding cuts will impact habitat enhancement on private lands, typically accomplished through Farm Bill incentive programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the...

The Conservation Reserve Program: Planting for the future

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hyberg, Skip; Allen, Arthur

2006-01-01

Proceedings are now available from a scientific and technical forum held to review ongoing and planned research, identify lessons learned, and determine future research needs for the purpose of developing a rigorous scientific basis for future CRP policy discussions.

Effects of haying on breeding birds in CRP grasslands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Igl, Lawrence D.; Johnson, Douglas H.

2016-01-01

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program that is available to agricultural producers to help protect environmentally sensitive or highly erodible land. Management disturbances of CRP grasslands generally are not allowed unless authorized to provide relief to livestock producers during severe drought or a similar natural disaster (i.e., emergency haying and grazing) or to improve the quality and performance of the CRP cover (i.e., managed haying and grazing). Although CRP grasslands may not be hayed or grazed during the primary bird-nesting season, these disturbances may have short-term (1 yr after disturbance) and long-term (≥2 yr after disturbance) effects on grassland bird populations. We assessed the effects of haying on 20 grassland bird species in 483 CRP grasslands in 9 counties of 4 states in the northern Great Plains, USA between 1993 and 2008. We compared breeding bird densities (as determined by total-area counts) in idle and hayed fields to evaluate changes 1, 2, 3, and 4 years after haying. Haying of CRP grasslands had either positive or negative effects on grassland birds, depending on the species, the county, and the number of years after the initial disturbance. Some species (e.g., horned lark [Eremophila alpestris], bobolink [Dolichonyx oryzivorus]) responded positively after haying, and others (e.g., song sparrow [Melospiza melodia]) responded negatively. The responses of some species changed direction as the fields recovered from haying. For example, densities for common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), and clay-colored sparrow (Spizella pallida) declined the first year after haying but increased in the subsequent 3 years. Ten species showed treatment × county interactions, indicating that the effects of haying varied geographically. This long-term evaluation on the effects of haying on breeding birds provides important information on the strength and direction of changes in bird populations following a disturbance. Results from this study can help guide management of CRP and other grasslands and inform future agricultural programs that address biomass energy production. © 2016 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Developmental origins of chronic inflammation: a review of the relationship between birth weight and C-reactive protein.

PubMed

deRosset, Leslie; Strutz, Kelly L

2015-07-01

The developmental origins of adult disease hypothesis suggests that the intrauterine environment may program postnatal health outcomes through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation. The purpose of this article was to review the literature on the association between infant birth weight and C-reactive protein (CRP), markers of the fetal environment and inflammation, respectively. We used PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, the citation lists of the reviewed literature, and recommendations from experts in the field to identify potential articles. Inclusion criteria for the studies, regardless of study design, included human subjects, documented or self-reported infant birth weight, and a minimum of one measurement of CRP (during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood). Several studies demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between birth weight and CRP in adulthood, although in many cases only after controlling for markers of current adiposity. No studies significantly linked birth weight to CRP in childhood or adolescence. Longitudinal studies, including multigenerational studies, are needed to further understand whether adult CRP has origins in the fetal environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Conservation reserve program: benefit for grassland birds in the northern plains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reynolds, R.E.; Shaffer, T.L.; Sauer, J.R.; Peterjohn, B.G.

1994-01-01

During the past few decades numbers of some species of upland-nesting birds in North America have declined. Duck species such as mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), northern pintail (A. acuta) and blue-winged teal (A. discors) have declined since the early 1970s and have remained low since 1985 (Caithamer et al. 1993). Some grassland-dependent nonwaterfowl species also have declined since 1966, as indicated by the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) (Robbins et al. 1986). For prairie-nesting ducks, population declines can be attributed mostly to low recruitment, partially as a result of low nest success. Klett et al. (1988) concluded that nest success (probability of ≥1 egg of clutch hatches) in much of the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region was inadequate to maintain populations of the five most common upland-nesting duck species studied, and that predators were the most important cause of nest failure. Over the years, as grassland areas have been converted to cropland, ducks have concentrated their nesting in the remaining areas of available habitat, where predators such as red fox (Vulpes vulpes), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and badger (Taxidea taxus) forage (Cowardin et al. 1983). The reasons for declining populations of grassland nonwaterfowl birds are not clear but the loss of suitable grassland-nesting habitat probably is an important factor. Currently, approximately 95 percent of the land in North Dakota is used for agricultural purposes, of which over 60 percent is used for annual crop production (Haugse 1990). Of the grassland that remains, 95 percent is used for livestock production. This probably had a severe impact on grassland bird species that seek idle grass cover for nesting. The 1985 and 1990 U.S. Farm Bills include provisions under the Food Security Act to fund a cropland-idling program called the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Over 36 million acres have been enrolled nationwide in the CRP since 1985 (Osborn 1993), and up to 25 percent of cropland in some counties has been converted primarily to grass. In North Dakota, nearly 3 million acres have been enrolled. Over 90 percent of the CRP plantings in North Dakota are grass and grass-legume mix composed primarily of wheatgrass (Agropyron spp.), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), alfalfa (Medicago saliva) and sweetclover (Melilotus spp.). Mixes of these species have been reported to attract high densities of nesting ducks (Duebbert and Kantrud 1974). According to the CRP provisions, the land must remain idle for the 10-year contract period, with the exception of emergency provisions for haying or grazing. CRP appears to have great potential for benefiting many species of grassland-nesting birds. There have been efforts to document the importance of the CRP to migratory birds in the Upper Great Plains of the U.S. Kantrud (1993) studied duck nest success in CRP cover and concluded that nest success was higher than in planted cover on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). Johnson and Schwartz (1993a) measured the use of CRP fields by nonwaterfowl birds and reported that several species have responded positively by colonizing CRP fields. They concluded that CRP has the potential to help reverse the population declines of several species. We investigated the importance of CRP to upland-nesting ducks and certain other grassland-nesting birds. For ducks, we compared nest success in CRP cover with nest success in planted cover on WPAs in the same period (1992-93) and with that of an earlier period (1980-84). For nonwaterfowl, we used BBS data to compare the trends in populations of certain species found in CRP, for the periods 1966-86 (pre-CRP cover establishment) and 1987-92 (post-CRP cover establishment) in North Dakota.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hellwinckel, Chad; Clark, Christopher; Langholtz, Matthew

We used a socioeconomic model to estimate the land-use implications on the U.S. Conservation Reserve Program from potential increases in second-generation biofuel production. A baseline scenario with no second-generation biofuel production is compared to a scenario where the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) volumes are met by 2022. We allow for the possibility of converting expiring CRP lands to alternative uses such as conventional crops, dedicated second-generation biofuel crops, or harvesting existing CRP grasses for biomass. Our results indicate that RFS2 volumes (RFS2-v) can be met primarily with crop residues (78% of feedstock demand) and woody residues (19% of feedstock demand)more » compared with dedicated biomass (3% of feedstock demand), with only minimal conversion of cropland (0.27 million hectares, <1% of total cropland), pastureland (0.28 million hectares of pastureland, <1% of total pastureland), and CRP lands (0.29 million hectares of CRP lands, 3% of existing CRP lands) to biomass production. Meeting RFS2 volumes would reduce CRP re-enrollment by 0.19 million hectares, or 4%, below the baseline scenario where RFS2 is not met. Yet under RFS2-v scenario, expiring CRP lands are more likely to be converted to or maintain perennial cover, with 1.78 million hectares of CRP lands converting to hay production, and 0.29 million hectares being harvested for existing grasses. A small amount of CRP is harvested for existing biomass, but no conversion of CRP to dedicated biomass crops, such as switchgrass, are projected to occur. Although less land is enrolled in CRP under RFS2-v scenario, total land in perennial cover increases by 0.15 million hectares, or 2%, under RFS2-v. Sensitivity to yield, payment and residue retention assumptions are evaluated.« less

Initial nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane costs of converting conservation reserve program grassland to row crops under no-till vs. conventional tillage.

PubMed

Ruan, Leilei; Philip Robertson, G

2013-08-01

Around 4.4 million ha of land in USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts will expire between 2013 and 2018 and some will likely return to crop production. No-till (NT) management offers the potential to reduce the global warming costs of CO2 , CH4 , and N2 O emissions during CRP conversion, but to date there have been no CRP conversion tillage comparisons. In 2009, we converted portions of three 9-21 ha CRP fields in Michigan to conventional tillage (CT) or NT soybean production and reserved a fourth field for reference. Both CO2 and N2 O fluxes increased following herbicide application in all converted fields, but in the CT treatment substantial and immediate N2 O and CO2 fluxes occurred after tillage. For the initial 201-day conversion period, average daily N2 O fluxes (g N2 O-N ha(-1)  d(-1) ) were significantly different in the order: CT (47.5 ± 6.31, n = 6) ≫ NT (16.7 ± 2.45, n = 6) ≫ reference (2.51 ± 0.73, n = 4). Similarly, soil CO2 fluxes in CT were 1.2 times those in NT and 3.1 times those in the unconverted CRP reference field. All treatments were minor sinks for CH4 (-0.69 ± 0.42 to -1.86 ± 0.37 g CH4 -C ha(-1)  d(-1) ) with no significant differences among treatments. The positive global warming impact (GWI) of converted soybean fields under both CT (11.5 Mg CO2 e ha(-1) ) and NT (2.87 Mg CO2 e ha(-1) ) was in contrast to the negative GWI of the unconverted reference field (-3.5 Mg CO2 e ha(-1) ) with on-going greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. N2 O contributed 39.3% and 55.0% of the GWI under CT and NT systems with the remainder contributed by CO2 (60.7% and 45.0%, respectively). Including foregone mitigation, we conclude that NT management can reduce GHG costs by ~60% compared to CT during initial CRP conversion. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

78 FR 48035 - Conservation Reserve Program, Re-Enrollment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-07

... purpose of CRP is to cost- effectively assist producers in conserving and improving soil, water, wildlife... producers in conserving and improving soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources by converting..., Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Soil conservation, Technical assistance, Water resources, Wildlife...

Land use effects on pesticides in sediments of prairie pothole wetlands in North and South Dakota.

PubMed

McMurry, Scott T; Belden, Jason B; Smith, Loren M; Morrison, Shane A; Daniel, Dale W; Euliss, Betty R; Euliss, Ned H; Kensinger, Bart J; Tangen, Brian A

2016-09-15

Prairie potholes are the dominant wetland type in the intensively cultivated northern Great Plains of North America, and thus have the potential to receive pesticide runoff and drift. We examined the presence of pesticides in sediments of 151 wetlands split among the three dominant land use types, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), cropland, and native prairie, in North and South Dakota in 2011. Herbicides (glyphosate and atrazine) and fungicides were detected regularly, with no insecticide detections. Glyphosate was the most detected pesticide, occurring in 61% of all wetlands, with atrazine in only 8% of wetlands. Pyraclostrobin was one of five fungicides detected, but the only one of significance, being detected in 31% of wetlands. Glyphosate was the only pesticide that differed by land use, with concentrations in cropland over four-times that in either native prairie or CRP, which were equal in concentration and frequency of detection. Despite examining several landscape variables, such as wetland proximity to specific crop types, watershed size, and others, land use was the best variable explaining pesticide concentrations in potholes. CRP ameliorated glyphosate in wetlands at concentrations comparable to native prairie and thereby provides another ecosystem service from this expansive program. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

C-Reactive Protein and Resistance Exercise in Community Dwelling Old Adults.

PubMed

Ramel, A; Geirsdottir, O G; Jonsson, P V; Thorsdottiri, I

2015-08-01

C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase reactant, has been associated with atherosclerosis and has also been discussed as a target for intervention. The effects of resistance exercise on CRP are currently not clear. The present analysis investigated the response of CRP to resistance exercise in old adults. Intervention study. Community. Old Icelandic adults (N = 235, 73.7 ± 5.7 years, 58.2% female). Twelve-week resistance exercise program (3 times/week; 3 sets, 6-8 repetitions at 75-80% of the 1-repetition maximum) designed to increase strength and muscle mass of major muscle groups. C-reactive protein (CRP). Mean CRP levels were 7.1 ± 4.6 mg/dL at baseline, thirty-six (15.6%) subjects had abnormally high CRP (>10 mg/L) values at baseline. After the resistance exercise program the overall changes in CRP were minor and not significant. However, CRP decreased considerably in participants with high CRP at baseline (-4.28 ± 9.41 mg/L; P = 0.015) but increased slightly in participants with normal CRP (0.81 ± 4.58 mg/L, P = 0.021). Our study shows that the concentrations of circulating CRP decreased considerably after a 12-week resistance exercise program in participants with abnormally high CRP at baseline, possibly reducing thus risk for future disease. CRP changed little in participants with normal CRP at the start of the study.

Persistence of triclopyr in Alaska subarctic environments

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Field dissipation and vertical mobility of the butoxyethyl ester of triclopyr was assessed in two distinct geographic locations within the state of Alaska. Interior sites near Delta Junction included vegetated plots within highway rights-of-way (ROW) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields and...

Habitat preferences of migrant and wintering northern harriers in northwestern Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Littlefield, C.D.; Johnson, D.H.

2005-01-01

We studied habitat preferences of northern harriers ( Circus cyaneus) in four counties of the Southern High Plains of northwestern Texas from October 1989 to May 1995. Harriers generally arrived in late July and departed in April. They hunted over a variety of habitats in the study area but mainly in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands and vegetated playa basins. CRP grasslands, playa basins, and shortgrass prairie were used disproportionately to their availability, whereas winter wheat was used less than its availability. Brown harriers (adult females or subadults of either sex) foraged in CRP about as often as adult males but more frequently in playas and prairies, whereas adult males foraged more in winter wheat. As underground water sources for irrigation continue to be depleted, agricultural practices are likely to change. Depending on how the land is used after irrigation ceases, harriers may benefit if CRP grasslands, vegetated playas, and shortgrass prairies persist. If dominant land use reverts to livestock grazing, however, the harrier population will be negatively affected.

Soil Ecosystem Recovery Should Be Quantifiable

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) costs close to two billion dollars in federal funds every year; and yet, it is challenging to evaluate its effectiveness to assist the decision making process. Using a combination of physical properties and microbial indicators, we found that it is possible to make...

Impacts of management practices on bioenergy feedstock yield and economic feasibility on Conservation Reserve Program grasslands

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, Eric K.; Aberle, Ezra; Chen, Chengci

Perennial grass mixtures planted on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land are a potential source of dedicated bioenergy feedstock. Long-term nitrogen (N) and harvest management are critical factors for maximizing biomass yield while maintaining the longevity of grass stands. A six-year farm-scale study was conducted to understand the impact of weather variability on biomass yield, determine optimal N fertilization and harvest timing management practices for sustainable biomass production, and estimate economic viability at six CRP sites in the United States. Precipitation during the growing season was a critical factor for annual biomass production across all regions, and annual biomass production wasmore » severely reduced when growing season precipitation was below 50% of average. The N rate of 112 kg ha -1 produced the highest biomass yield at each location. Harvest timing resulting in the highest biomass yield was site-specific and was a factor of predominant grass type, seasonal precipitation, and the number of harvests taken per year. The use of N fertilizer for yield enhancement unambiguously increased the cost of biomass regardless of the harvest timing for all six sites. The breakeven price of biomass at the farmgate ranged from 37 dollars to 311 dollars Mg -1 depending on the rate of N application, timing of harvesting, and location when foregone opportunity costs were not considered. Breakeven prices ranged from 69 dollars to 526 dollars Mg -1 when the loss of CRP land rental payments was included as an opportunity cost. Annual cost of the CRP to the federal government could be reduced by over 8% in the states included in this study; however, this would require the biomass price to be much higher than in the case where the landowner receives the CRP land rent. Lastly, this field research demonstrated the importance of long-term, farm-scale research for accurate estimation of biomass feedstock production and economic viability from perennial grasslands.« less

Impacts of management practices on bioenergy feedstock yield and economic feasibility on Conservation Reserve Program grasslands

DOE PAGES

Anderson, Eric K.; Aberle, Ezra; Chen, Chengci; ...

2015-12-21

Perennial grass mixtures planted on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land are a potential source of dedicated bioenergy feedstock. Long-term nitrogen (N) and harvest management are critical factors for maximizing biomass yield while maintaining the longevity of grass stands. A six-year farm-scale study was conducted to understand the impact of weather variability on biomass yield, determine optimal N fertilization and harvest timing management practices for sustainable biomass production, and estimate economic viability at six CRP sites in the United States. Precipitation during the growing season was a critical factor for annual biomass production across all regions, and annual biomass production wasmore » severely reduced when growing season precipitation was below 50% of average. The N rate of 112 kg ha -1 produced the highest biomass yield at each location. Harvest timing resulting in the highest biomass yield was site-specific and was a factor of predominant grass type, seasonal precipitation, and the number of harvests taken per year. The use of N fertilizer for yield enhancement unambiguously increased the cost of biomass regardless of the harvest timing for all six sites. The breakeven price of biomass at the farmgate ranged from 37 dollars to 311 dollars Mg -1 depending on the rate of N application, timing of harvesting, and location when foregone opportunity costs were not considered. Breakeven prices ranged from 69 dollars to 526 dollars Mg -1 when the loss of CRP land rental payments was included as an opportunity cost. Annual cost of the CRP to the federal government could be reduced by over 8% in the states included in this study; however, this would require the biomass price to be much higher than in the case where the landowner receives the CRP land rent. Lastly, this field research demonstrated the importance of long-term, farm-scale research for accurate estimation of biomass feedstock production and economic viability from perennial grasslands.« less

Report on the Development of a Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) Educational Technician Program (Museum and Archive Use).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kobelin, Joel

A close range photogrammetry (CRP) technician training program was developed at Miami-Dade Community College and used to teach the technology to 16 students. Although the results of the study show that it is possible to teach CRP in a two-year program, the technology is too new in the United States to support a sustaining educational program. The…

7 CFR 1410.10 - Restoration of wetlands.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 10 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Restoration of wetlands. 1410.10 Section 1410.10... OF AGRICULTURE LOANS, PURCHASES, AND OTHER OPERATIONS CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM § 1410.10 Restoration of wetlands. (a) An owner or operator who entered into a CRP contract on land that is suitable for...

Cost of areal reduction of gulf hypoxia through agricultural practice.

PubMed

Whittaker, Gerald; Barnhart, Bradley L; Srinivasan, Raghavan; Arnold, Jeffrey G

2015-02-01

A major share of the area of hypoxic growth in the Northern Gulf of Mexico has been attributed to nutrient run-off from agricultural fields, but no estimate is available for the cost of reducing Gulf hypoxic area using agricultural conservation practices. We apply the Soil and Water Assessment Tool using observed daily weather to simulate the reduction in nitrogen loading in the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) that would result from enrolling all row crop acreage in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Nitrogen loadings at the outlet of the UMRB are used to predict Gulf hypoxic area, and net cash farm rent is used as the price for participation in the CRP. Over the course of the 42 year simulation, direct CRP costs total more than $388 billion, and the Inter-Governmental Task Force goal of hypoxic area less than 5000 square kilometers is met in only two years. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Energy and conservation benefits from managed prairie biomass

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jungers, Jacob M.; Trost, Jared J.; Lehman, Clarence L.; Tilman, David; Booth, Elaine

2011-01-01

Marginally productive land, such as that enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), may provide acreage and economic incentives for cellulosic energy production. Improving the yields from these lands will help establish a biomass producer?s position in the marketplace. The effects of water and nitrogen on biomass yields were investigated in both a plot-scale experiment and a broad-scale survey of CRP lands. The plot-scale experiment demonstrated that irrigation improved mixed-species prairie biomass yields more than nitrogen fertilizer on coarse-textured, marginally productive soils. Experimental plots amended with both irrigation and moderate (but not high) nitrogen produced more biomass than other treatment combinations, but this trend was not statistically significant. The survey of biomass yields on CRP lands across four Midwestern States indicates that yields are better correlated with June rainfall than any other individual month. Applying nutrient-enriched water such as agricultural runoff could benefit prairie yields if applied at appropriate times.

Does habitat fragmentation influence nest predation in the shortgrass prairie?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howard, M.N.; Skagen, S.K.; Kennedy, P.L.

2001-01-01

We examined the effects of habitat fragmentation and vegetation structure of shortgrass prairie and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands on predation rates of artificial and natural nests in northeastern Colorado. The CRP provides federal payments to landowners to take highly erodible cropland out of agricultural production. In our study area, CRP lands have been reseeded primarily with non-native grasses, and this vegetation is taller than native shortgrass prairie. We measured three indices of habitat fragmentation (patch size, degree of matrix fragmentation, and distance from edge), none of which influenced mortality rates of artificial or natural nests. Vegetation structure did influence predation rates of artificial nests; daily mortality decreased significantly with increasing vegetation height. Vegetation structure did not influence predation rates of natural nests. CRP lands and shortgrass sites did not differ with respect to mortality rates of artificial nests. Our study area is only moderately fragmented; 62% of the study area is occupied by native grassland. We conclude that the extent of habitat fragmentation in our study area does not result in increased predation in remaining patches of shortgrass prairie habitat.

C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin as Early Markers of Septic Complications after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Morbidly Obese Patients Within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program.

PubMed

Muñoz, José Luis; Ruiz-Tovar, Jaime; Miranda, Elena; Berrio, Diana Lorena; Moya, Pedro; Gutiérrez, Manuel; Flores, Raquel; Picó, Carlos; Pérez, Ana

2016-05-01

The performance of most bariatric procedures within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs has resulted in considerable advantages, including a reduction in the length of hospital stay to 2 to 3 days. However, some postoperative complications can appear after the patient has been discharged. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of various acute-phase parameters determined 24 and 48 hours after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as bariatric procedure, for predicting septic complications, such a surgical site infection (SSI), in the postoperative course. A prospective study of 115 morbidly obese patients who underwent LSG within an ERAS program between 2012 and 2015 was conducted. Blood analysis was performed 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Acute-phase parameters (C-reactive protein [CRP], procalcitonin, and fibrinogen) and WBC count were investigated. Septic complications were observed in 13 patients (11.3%). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis at 24 hours postoperatively, a cutoff level of CRP at 70 mg/L achieved 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity for predicting SSI, and a cutoff level of procalcitonin at 0.2 ng/mL achieved 70% sensitivity and 90% specificity. At 48 hours postoperatively, a cutoff level of CRP at 150 mg/L and procalcitonin at 0.95 ng/mL achieved 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for predicting SSI. The use of CRP and procalcitonin in the first day and especially in the second day postoperative can predict septic complications after LSG. This is most useful for patients within an ERAS program who will be discharged early. Copyright © 2016 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulatory Effect of Inflammation on Blood Pressure Reduction via Therapeutic Lifestyle Change.

PubMed

Milani, Richard V; Lavie, Carl J

2009-01-01

Since inflammatory status, as determined by C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, is correlated with many cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors and major CV events, we sought to determine if median levels of CRP can modulate blood pressure changes as well as other CV risk factors that are typically improved by therapeutic lifestyle changes with formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training (CRET) programs. We retrospectively evaluated CRP status and standard CV risk factors both before and after formal, phase II CRET programs (12 weeks; 36 educational and exercise sessions) in 635 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease after major CV events. The median CRP level at baseline was 3.2 mg/L (range, 0.2-80.1 mg/L; mean, 5.8±8.4 mg/L). After CRET, both the patients with high and those with low CRP concentrations exhibited statistically significant improvements in most CV risk factors when their CRP levels were divided by median levels. However, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure improved in patients with low CRP levels (each by -4%) but did not change significantly in patients with high CRP levels. In multiple regression models, only young age, low CRP levels, and low body mass index were significant independent predictors of improved mean arterial blood pressure after CRET. In contrast to patients with coronary artery disease and low levels of CRP, patients with high baseline CRP levels did not demonstrate significant reductions in blood pressure after therapeutic lifestyle changes via formal CRET programs.

Environmental impact of converting Conservation Reserve Program land to perennial bioenergy crops in Illinois.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanc-Betes, E.; Hudiburg, T. W.; Khanna, M.; DeLucia, E. H.

2017-12-01

Reducing dependence on fossil fuels by the 20% by 2022 mandated by the Energy Independence and Security Act would require 35 billion Ga of ethanol and the loss of 9 to 12 Mha of food producing land to biofuel production, challenging our ability to develop a sustainable bioenergy source while meeting the food demands of a growing population. There are currently 8.5 Mha of land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a US government funded program to incentivize the retirement of environmentally sensitive cropland out of conventional crop production. About 63% of CRP land area could potentially be converted to energy crops, contributing to biofuel targets without displacing food. With high yields and low fertilization and irrigation requirements, perennial cellulosic crops (e.g. switchgrass and Miscanthus) not only would reduce land requirements by up to 15% compared to prairies or corn-based biofuel, but also serve other conservation goals such as C sequestration in soils, and water and air quality improvement. Here, we use the DayCent biogeochemical model to assess the potential of CRP land conversion to switchgrass or Miscanthus to provide a sustainable source of biofuel, reduce GHG emissions and increase soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in the area of Illinois, which at present contributes to 10% of the biofuel production in the US. Model simulations indicate that the replacement of traditional corn-soy rotation with CRP reduces GHG emissions by 3.3 Mg CO2-eq ha-1 y-1 and increases SOC storage at a rate of 0.5 Mg C ha-1 y-1. Conversion of CRP land to cellulosic perennials would further reduce GHG emissions by 1.1 Mg CO2-eq ha-1 y-1 for switchgrass and 6.2 Mg CO2-eq ha-1 y-1 for Miscanthus, and increase C sequestration in soils (1.7 Tg C for switchgrass and 7.7 Tg C for Miscanthus in 30 years). Cellulosic energy crops would increase average annual yields by approximately 5.6 Mg ha-1 for switchgrass and 13.6 Mg ha-1 for Miscanthus, potentially producing 78 and 188 million Ga of bioethanol annually, respectively. This represents an increase of 5% and 12% in the Illinois annual biofuel production, displacing up to 4% of current fossil fuel consumption in the state of Illinois without detriment for food production.

Valuing ecosystem and economic services across land-use scenarios in the Prairie Pothole Regions of the Dakotas, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gascoigne, William R.; Hoag, Dana; Koontz, Lynne; Tangen, Brian A.; Shaffer, Terry L.; Gleason, Robert A.

2011-01-01

This study uses biophysical values derived for the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North and South Dakota, in conjunction with value transfer methods, to assess environmental and economic tradeoffs under different policy-relevant land-use scenarios over a 20-year period. The ecosystem service valuation is carried out by comparing the biophysical and economic values of three focal services (i.e. carbon sequestration, reduction in sedimentation, and waterfowl production) across three focal land uses in the region [i.e. native prairie grasslands, lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve and Wetlands Reserve Programs (CRP/WRP), and cropland]. This study finds that CRP/WRP lands cannot mitigate (hectare for hectare) the loss of native prairie from a social welfare standpoint. Land use scenarios where native prairie loss was minimized, and CRP/WRP lands were increased, provided the most societal benefit. The scenario modeling projected native prairie conversion to cropland over the next 20 years would result in a social welfare loss valued at over $4 billion when considering the study's three ecosystem services, and a net loss of about $3.4 billion when reductions in commodity production are accounted for.

Drought effect on selection of conservation reserve program grasslands by white-tailed deer on the Northern Great Plains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grovenburg, T.W.; Jacques, C.N.; Klaver, R.W.; Jenks, J.A.

2011-01-01

Limited information exists regarding summer resource selection of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in grassland regions of the Northern Great Plains. During summers 2005-2006, we analyzed habitat selection of adult female white-tailed deer in north-central South Dakota. We collected 1905 summer locations and used 21 and 30 home ranges during 2005 and 2006, respectively, to estimate habitat selection. Results indicated that selection occurred at the population (P < 0.001) and home range (P < 0.001) levels. Deer selected for Conservation Reserve Program grasslands and corn during both summers and shifted selection temporally within summer. Use of CRP grasslands occurred during early summer; 73.1 and 88.9% of locations in CRP were documented prior to 1 Jul. during 2005 and 2006, respectively. Conversely, selection for corn occurred during late summer; 86.0 and 68.4% of locations in corn were documented after 1 Jul. during 2005 and 2006, respectively. Additionally, deer selected for forested cover and rural development areas containing permanent water sources during extreme drought conditions during 2006. Deer likely selected for fields of CRP grasslands during early summer for cover and natural forages, such as clover (Trifolium sp.), prior to the period when agricultural crops become available. Drought conditions occurring in semiarid prairie grassland regions may reduce food and water availability and contribute to subsequent changes in deer habitat selection across the range of the species.

Modulatory Effect of Inflammation on Blood Pressure Reduction via Therapeutic Lifestyle Change

PubMed Central

Milani, Richard V.; Lavie, Carl J.

2009-01-01

Purpose: Since inflammatory status, as determined by C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, is correlated with many cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors and major CV events, we sought to determine if median levels of CRP can modulate blood pressure changes as well as other CV risk factors that are typically improved by therapeutic lifestyle changes with formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training (CRET) programs. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated CRP status and standard CV risk factors both before and after formal, phase II CRET programs (12 weeks; 36 educational and exercise sessions) in 635 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease after major CV events. Results: The median CRP level at baseline was 3.2 mg/L (range, 0.2–80.1 mg/L; mean, 5.8±8.4 mg/L). After CRET, both the patients with high and those with low CRP concentrations exhibited statistically significant improvements in most CV risk factors when their CRP levels were divided by median levels. However, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure improved in patients with low CRP levels (each by −4%) but did not change significantly in patients with high CRP levels. In multiple regression models, only young age, low CRP levels, and low body mass index were significant independent predictors of improved mean arterial blood pressure after CRET. Conclusions: In contrast to patients with coronary artery disease and low levels of CRP, patients with high baseline CRP levels did not demonstrate significant reductions in blood pressure after therapeutic lifestyle changes via formal CRET programs. PMID:21603441

Land use effects on pesticides in sediments of prairie pothole wetlands in North and South Dakota

USGS Publications Warehouse

McMurry, Scott T.; Belden, Jason B.; Smith, Loren M.; Morrison, Shane A.; Daniel, Dale W.; Euliss, Betty R.; Euliss, Ned H. Jr.; Kensinger, Bart J.; Tangen, Brian

2016-01-01

Prairie potholes are the dominant wetland type in the intensively cultivated northern Great Plains of North America, and thus have the potential to receive pesticide runoff and drift. We examined the presence of pesticides in sediments of 151 wetlands split among the three dominant land use types, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), cropland, and native prairie, in North and South Dakota in 2011. Herbicides (glyphosate and atrazine) and fungicides were detected regularly, with no insecticide detections. Glyphosate was the most detected pesticide, occurring in 61% of all wetlands, with atrazine in only 8% of wetlands. Pyraclostrobin was one of five fungicides detected, but the only one of significance, being detected in 31% of wetlands. Glyphosate was the only pesticide that differed by land use, with concentrations in cropland over four-times that in either native prairie or CRP, which were equal in concentration and frequency of detection. Despite examining several landscape variables, such as wetland proximity to specific crop types, watershed size, and others, land use was the best variable explaining pesticide concentrations in potholes. CRP ameliorated glyphosate in wetlands at concentrations comparable to native prairie and thereby provides another ecosystem service from this expansive program.

Management of conservation reserve program grasslands to meet wildlife habitat objectives

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vandever, Mark W.; Allen, Arthur W.

2015-01-01

An involved American population will continue to expect governmental policies to enhance long-term protection of natural resources and public health. Recent investigations furnish evidence that the collective economic value of environmental benefits delivered by the CRP likely exceed program costs. The mounting significance placed on environmentally-responsible land management is based in part on public recognition that social, aesthetic, and recreational values enhance the traditional uses of agricultural land.

C-reactive protein as early predictor of complications after minimally invasive colorectal resection.

PubMed

Pedrazzani, Corrado; Moro, Margherita; Mantovani, Guido; Lazzarini, Enrico; Conci, Simone; Ruzzenente, Andrea; Lippi, Giuseppe; Guglielmi, Alfredo

2017-04-01

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and enhanced recovery programs have been increasingly adopted in colorectal surgery. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the usefulness of the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration measured on postoperative day 3 (POD-3) as an early predictor of severe complications after minimally invasive colorectal resection. From January 2014 to December 2015, 160 patients underwent resection of colorectal disease by MIS at the Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University of Verona Hospital Trust. Among these, CRP measurement was available on POD-3 in 143 patients. Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery was necessary in 18 patients (12.6%). The mean POD-3 CRP concentration was significantly higher in patients who did than did not require conversions (205.6 ± 89.6 mg/L versus 104.6 ± 85.8 mg/L, respectively; P < 0.001), even in the absence of postoperative complications, and these patients were therefore excluded from the subsequent analysis. No deaths occurred during the study period, but complications occurred in 39 patients (31.2%). Among these, 24 patients (61.5%) developed surgery-related complications. A POD-3 CRP concentration of 120 mg/L was highly reliable for excluding the occurrence of surgery-related and severe complications. The negative predictive values for excluding surgery-related and severe complications was 86.8% and 97.7%, respectively. Assessment of the POD-3 CRP concentration after colorectal MIS is clinically significant for excluding the occurrence of surgery-related and severe complications. This measurement is a largely available, inexpensive, and easy-to-use tool that allows early and safe discharge in the setting of colorectal MIS and enhanced recovery programs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Controls of vegetation structure and net primary production in restored grasslands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Munson, Seth M.; Lauenroth, William K.

2014-01-01

1. Vegetation structure and net primary production (NPP) are fundamental properties of ecosystems. Understanding how restoration practices following disturbance interact with environmental factors to control these properties can provide insight on how ecosystems recover and guide management efforts. 2. We assessed the relative contribution of environmental and restoration factors in controlling vegetation structure, above- and below-ground investment in production across a chronosequence of semiarid Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields recovering from dryland wheat cropping relative to undisturbed grassland. Importantly, we determined the role of plant diversity and how seeding either native or introduced perennial grasses influenced the recovery of vegetation properties. 3. Plant basal cover increased with field age and was highest in CRP fields seeded with native perennial grasses. In contrast, fields seeded with introduced perennial grasses had tall-growing plants with relatively low basal cover. These vegetation structural characteristics interacted with precipitation, but not soil characteristics, to influence above-ground NPP (ANPP). Fields enrolled in the CRP program for >7 years supported twice as much ANPP as undisturbed shortgrass steppe in the first wet year of the study, but all CRP fields converged on a common low amount of ANPP in the following dry year and invested less than half as much as the shortgrass steppe in below-ground biomass. 4. ANPP in CRP fields seeded with native perennial grasses for more than 7 years was positively related to species richness, whereas ANPP in CRP fields seeded with introduced perennial grasses were controlled more by dominant species. 5. Synthesis and applications. Seeding with introduced, instead of native, perennial grasses had a strong direct influence on vegetation structure, including species richness, which indirectly affected NPP through time. However, the effects of restoring either native or introduced grasses on NPP were secondary to low water availability. Therefore, restoration strategies that maximize basal cover and below-ground biomass, which promote water acquisition, may lead to high resilience in semiarid and arid regions.

Study of High Sensitive C-Reactive Protein (HS-CRP) After Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Patients Undergoing Isolated CABG.

PubMed

Johari Moghadam, Adel; Azizinejad, Saied

2016-12-01

Although cardiac rehabilitation is known as a tool to reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular complications, its specific role in the reduction of hs-CRP as a marker of inflammation and a proven marker of cardiovascular risk needs further investigation. The present study aims at elucidating the effects of a full course of conventional cardiac rehabilitation program for the period of eight weeks, on the levels of hs-CRP in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. In this case study, 30 consecutive patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (isolated CABGS), and a full 8-week cardiac rehabilitation program in Tehran Heart Center, were investigated. A group of 30 similar patients, who enrolled in the same period of rehabilitation program but did not participate in practice, was considered as a control group. Serum levels of hs-CRP in both groups were measured retrospectively and in similar days before the start of rehabilitation program and at the end of it (or 8 weeks after initial registration for the control group). Levels of hs-CRP in the rehabilitation group and control group were 5.9 7.7 and 6.3 6.9 respectively before start of the program which was not statistically meaningful ( P -Value = 0.833). However, after the program, level of hs-CRP in the two tested groups changed to 2.3 5.1 and 5.7 6.1 respectively which showed a meaningful correlation ( P -Value = 0.023). These results also showed that decrease in hs-CRP level in the rehabilitated group but not in the control group was statistically meaningful (with P -Value of 0.037 and 0.0723 respectively). In patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, participating in a full course of cardiac rehabilitation for 8 weeks has resulted in a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels as a marker of cardiovascular risk.

The effect of short-term cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Mlakar, Polona; Salobir, Barbara; Cobo, Nusret; Jug, Borut; Terčelj, Marjeta; Sabovič, Mišo

2014-03-01

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an important biomarker of risk for coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality. We investigated the influence of short-term cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on values of hsCRP and classical risk factors, including metabolic syndrome. hsCRP and classical risk factors were measured before and after completed 2-week CR program in 30 men after AMI. The comparison group comprised 30 age-balanced healthy men, with no risk factors for coronary heart disease. As expected, in comparison to healthy individuals, patients had higher values of hsCRP; furthermore, smokers had significantly higher hsCRP values than nonsmokers. Patients had more expressed markers of metabolic syndrome and due to pharmacological therapy lower blood pressure, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). After CR was completed, a significant drop in hsCRP (P=0.006) and improvement of metabolic syndrome parameters (lower body mass index, blood pressure, LDL-C, triglycerides) was observed in nonsmokers, whereas no such changes occurred in smokers. Our study revealed that hsCRP and metabolic syndrome parameters can be substantially reduced by a 2-week CR program; however, this effect is present only in nonsmokers. Thus, all patients entering the CR program after AMI should be advised to quit smoking before entering the program to achieve optimal benefits.

Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as early markers of anastomotic leak after laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program.

PubMed

Muñoz, José Luis; Alvarez, María Oliva; Cuquerella, Vicent; Miranda, Elena; Picó, Carlos; Flores, Raquel; Resalt-Pereira, Marta; Moya, Pedro; Pérez, Ana; Arroyo, Antonio

2018-03-08

C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) have been described as good predictors of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery, obtaining the highest diagnostic accuracy on the 5th postoperative day. However, if an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program is performed, early predictors are needed in order to ensure a safe and early discharge. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of CRP, PCT, and white blood cell (WBC) count determined on first postoperative days, in predicting septic complications, especially anastomotic leak, after laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed within an ERAS program. We conducted a prospective study including 134 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an ERAS program between 2015 and 2017. The primary endpoint investigated was anastomotic leak. CRP, PCT, and WBC count were determined in the blood sample extracted on postoperative day 1 (POD 1), POD 2 and POD 3. Anastomotic leak (AL) was detected in 6 patients (4.5%). Serum levels of CRP and PCT, but not WBC, determined on POD 1, POD 2, and POD 3 were significantly higher in patients who had AL in the postoperative course. Using ROC analysis, the best AUC of the CRP and PCT levels was on POD 3 (0.837 and 0.947, respectively). A CRP cutoff level at 163 mg/l yielded 85% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 99% negative predictive value (NPV). A PCT cutoff level at 2.5 ng/ml achieved 85% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 44% positive predictive value, and 99% NPV. CRP and PCT are relevant markers for detecting postoperative AL after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Furthermore, they can ensure an early discharge with a low probability of AL when an ERAS program is performed.

Modeling effects of conservation grassland losses on amphibian habitat

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mushet, David M.; Neau, Jordan L.; Euliss, Ned H.

2014-01-01

Amphibians provide many ecosystem services valued by society. However, populations have declined globally with most declines linked to habitat change. Wetlands and surrounding terrestrial grasslands form habitat for amphibians in the North American Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). Wetland drainage and grassland conversion have destroyed or degraded much amphibian habitat in the PPR. However, conservation grasslands can provide alternate habitat. In the United States, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the largest program maintaining grasslands on agricultural lands. We used an ecosystem services model (InVEST) parameterized for the PPR to quantify amphibian habitat over a six-year period (2007–2012). We then quantified changes in availability of amphibian habitat under various land-cover scenarios representing incremental losses (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of CRP grasslands from 2012 levels. The area of optimal amphibian habitat in the four PPR ecoregions modeled (i.e., Northern Glaciated Plains, Northwestern Glaciated Plains, Lake Agassiz Plain, Des Moines Lobe) declined by approximately 22%, from 3.8 million ha in 2007 to 2.9 million ha in 2012. These losses were driven by the conversion of CRP grasslands to croplands, primarily for corn and soybean production. Our modeling identified an additional 0.8 million ha (26%) of optimal amphibian habitat that would be lost if remaining CRP lands are returned to crop production. An economic climate favoring commodity production over conservation has resulted in substantial losses of amphibian habitat across the PPR that will likely continue into the future. Other regions of the world face similar challenges to maintaining amphibian habitats.

Patterns of C-reactive protein ratio response to antibiotics in pediatric sepsis: A prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Lanziotti, Vanessa Soares; Póvoa, Pedro; Prata-Barbosa, Arnaldo; Pulcheri, Lucas Berbet; Rabello, Ligia S C F; Lapa E Silva, José Roberto; Soares, Marcio; Salluh, Jorge I F

2018-04-01

Evaluate sequential C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements and patterns of CRP-ratio response to antibiotic therapy during first 7days in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of septic children. Prospective, cohort study of children (1month-12years) admitted at 3 PICUs, with diagnosis of sepsis with <72h course. CRP-ratio was calculated in relation to D0_CRP value. Children were classified according to an individual pattern of CRP-ratio response: fast - CRP_D4 of therapy was <0.4 of D0_CRP; slow - continuous but slow decrease of CRP; non - CRP remained ≥0.8 of D0_CRP; biphasic - initial CRP decrease to levels <0.8 of D0_CRP followed by secondary rise ≥0.8. 103 septic children (age-median: 2yrs; 54% male) were prospectively included (infection focus: 65% respiratory, 12.5% central nervous system). Overall PICU mortality was 11.7%. 102 children could be classified according to a predefined CRP-ratio response pattern. Time-dependent analysis of CRP-ratio and CRP course of the different patterns were significantly different. Besides, PICU mortality rate was significantly different according CRP-ratio response patterns: fast response 4.5%; slow response 5.8%; non-response 29.4%; biphasic response 42.8%. In pediatric sepsis, CRP-ratio serial evaluation was useful in early identification of patients with poor outcome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hospital-based versus hybrid cardiac rehabilitation program in coronary bypass surgery patients in western Iran: effects on exercise capacity, risk factors, psychological factors, and quality of life.

PubMed

Najafi, Farid; Nalini, Mahdi

2015-01-01

The efficacy of alternative delivery models for a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) in low- and middle-income countries is not well documented. This study compared the traditional hospital-based CRP with a hybrid CRP in western Iran. This observational study was conducted with postcoronary surgery patients in Imam-Ali Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Both program models included 2 phases: (1) a common preliminary phase (2-4 weeks) involving exercise training and a plan to control cardiac risk factors; and (2) a complementary phase (8 weeks) consisting of group educational classes and exercise training conducted 3 times a week in the hospital or once a week accompanied by phone calls in the hybrid program. Changes in exercise capacity, blood pressure, lipids, resting heart rate, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, depression, anxiety, and quality of life as well as differences in attendance at hospital sessions were investigated. From a total of 887 patients, 780 (87.9%) completed the programs. There was no association between course completion and type of CRP. Mean age of patients completing the programs was 55.6 ± 8.7 years and 23.8% were female. The hospital-based (n = 585) and hybrid (n = 195) programs resulted in a significant increase in exercise capacity (P < .001 for both). Additional improvements in other outcomes were noted and attendance rates were similar in both CRPs. A well-designed hybrid CRP can be a viable alternative for hospital-based CRP in low- and middle-income countries where there are no appropriate health facilities in remote areas.

The serum level of C-reactive protein in patients undergoing GnRH agonist protocols for in vitro fertilization cycle.

PubMed

Liu, B; Zhang, L; Guo, R W; Wang, W J; Duan, X Q; Liu, Y W

2014-01-01

The synchronization of the uterus and mature eggs at the molecular level is the key factor in embryo transfer, and the regulation of synchronization depends on a variety of cytokines. C-reactive protein (CRP), as the first acute phase reaction protein, is involved in the entire process of embryo transfer. The study is designed to investigate the correlation among CRP, sex hormone, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycle, and pregnancy outcome. Ninety-two patients who accepted in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycles because of tubal factor were included in the study. Seventy treated cases were included to complete final analysis with the full set of results. Respectively on the second day of the menstruation (Day-2) in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) short program treatment, on the morning in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment (Day-hCG) and the embryo transplant day (Day-ET), plasma CRP level was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlativity among CRP level, sex hormone, COH, and pregnancy outcome was analyzed by statistical methods. In the short program GnRH-a of 70 cases, there was no relationship between serum CRP level and the infertility age, gonadotropin (Gn) dosage, number of oocytes retrieved, the number of normal fertilization, and sex hormone. In the short program of GnRH-a, the change of serum CRP levels in Day-2, Day-hCG, Day-ET: serum CRP in Day-2 < Day-hCG < Day-ET and the level of serum CRP gradually increased in Day-2, Day-hCG, and Day-ET in both the pregnant group and non-pregnant group. In non-pregnant group, the ratio of hCG/D2 and ET/hCG-day were significantly higher than the pregnant group. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.806, indicating the accuracy of diagnostic tests is medium, the authors chose the point which presents the ratio of CRP in Day-ET to Day-hCG which was less than 1.752 as a predictor of treatment outcome, the sensitivity of the experiment was 77.8%, and the specificity 75%. CRP as a sensitive inflammatory marker, CRP ratio of Day-ET/Day-hCG could be a predictor of treatment outcome by ROC curve analysis in COH program.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gelfand, Ilya; Cui, Mengdi; Tang, Jianwu

Climate change is causing the intensification of both rainfall and droughts in temperate climatic zones, which will affect soil drying and rewetting cycles and associated processes such as soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes. Here, we investigated the effect of soil rewetting following a prolonged natural drought on soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N 2O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2) in an agricultural field recently converted from 22 years in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). We compared responses to those in a similarly managed field with no CRP history and to a CRP reference field. We additionally compared soil GHGmore » emissions measured by static flux chambers with off-site laboratory analysis versus in situ analysis using a portable quantum cascade laser and infrared gas analyzer. Under growing season drought conditions, average soil N 2O fluxes ranged between 0.2 and 0.8 μg N m -2 min -1 and were higher in former CRP soils and unaffected by nitrogen (N) fertilization. After 18 days of drought, a 50 mm rewetting event increased N 2O fluxes by 34 and 24 fold respectively in the former CRP and non-CRP soils. Average soil CO 2 emissions during drought ranged from 1.1 to 3.1 mg C m -2 min -1 for the three systems. CO 2 emissions increased ~2 fold after the rewetting and were higher from soils with higher C contents. Observations are consistent with the hypothesis that during drought soil N 2O emissions are controlled by available C and following rewetting additionally influenced by N availability, whereas soil CO 2 emissions are independent of short-term N availability. Finally, soil GHG emissions estimated by off-site and in situ methods were statistically identical.« less

Cellulosic feedstock production on Conservation Reserve Program land: Potential yields and environmental effects

DOE PAGES

LeDuc, Stephen D.; Zhang, Xuesong; Clark, Christopher M.; ...

2016-02-26

Producing biofuel feedstocks on current agricultural land raises questions of a ‘food-vs.-fuel’ trade-off. The use of current or former Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land offers an alternative; yet the volumes of ethanol that could be produced and the potential environmental impacts of such a policy are unclear. Here, we applied the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate model to a US Department of Agriculture database of over 200 000 CRP polygons in Iowa, USA, as a case study. We simulated yields and environmental impacts of growing three cellulosic biofuel feedstocks on CRP land: (i) an Alamo-variety switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.); (ii)more » a generalized mixture of C4 and C3 grasses; (iii) and no-till corn ( Zea mays L.) with residue removal. We simulated yields, soil erosion, and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks and fluxes. We found that although no-till corn with residue removal produced approximately 2.6–4.4 times more ethanol per area compared to switchgrass and the grass mixture, it also led to 3.9–4.5 times more erosion, 4.4–5.2 times more cumulative N loss, and a 10% reduction in total soil carbon as opposed to a 6–11% increase. Switchgrass resulted in the best environmental outcomes even when expressed on a per liter ethanol basis. Our results suggest planting no-till corn with residue removal should only be done on low slope soils to minimize environmental concerns. Altogether, this analysis provides additional information to policy makers on the potential outcome and effects of producing biofuel feedstocks on current or former conservation lands.« less

Land Conservation in an Evolving Agricultural Industry: Trade-offs to Consider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, J. S.; Murray, B. C.; McCarl, B. A.; Jackson, R. B.

2008-12-01

This study analyzes the interactions of land conservation policy with biofuel expansion using an economic model of the U.S. forest and agricultural sectors. The world agricultural industry is changing rapidly under emerging market and policy-based pressures. An important driver in the U.S. is the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), which mandates significant expansion in biofuels production (up to 36 billion gallons/year by 2022). Traditional land conservation practices such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) are at risk in this changing agricultural climate, as the opportunity costs of reverting to cropland continue to rise. Large- scale reversion of CRP acreage is likely to lead to substantial losses in soil carbon, biodiversity, soil erosion protection, and water quality. However, given the increased competition for land resources, continued efforts to maintain the CRP could induce land use change (LUC) and agricultural development from even more sensitive ecosystems, including native grasslands and forests. This study uses economic modeling to study CRP reversion and LUC under multiple scenarios, including: 1) Baseline assumptions of growth in world agricultural demand and energy prices, with and without CRP reversion; 2) Implementation of the RFS while maintaining the CRP; and 3) RFS with CRP reversion allowed. The study is done using the FASOMGHG model (Lee, McCarl et al, 2008), which is well suited for this analysis as it: 1) Depicts land use competition between crops, pasture, CRP, and forestry over a 100 year period 2) Contains comprehensive GHG accounting across the sectors, 3) Allows land in the CRP to revert to cultivation at an economically optimal rate as land values increase, and 4) Extensively models biofuel and conventional agricultural production possibilities. Results generated to date show significant reversion to cultivation, even under the baseline (36% of the total CRP stock by 2020). Implementing the RFS further pressures conservation practices (exhibiting a 53.4% reversion rate). This reversion is a logical, low cost extensification of crop land; higher reversion rates are observed where agricultural land is most valuable, such as in Iowa and Illinois. Forecasted CRP re-cultivation accompanies environmental degradation in the form of increased chemical applications, irrigation water use and soil erosion relative to the baseline. However, if the CRP is maintained at current levels then this would shift LUC to other conversions, including a greater loss of forest amounting to 6.3 million acres relative to a case where land in CRP freely reverts. This increase in deforestation is likely to spill over into other countries as well. The net carbon loss of deforested land negates the carbon benefits of maintaining the CRP in its current state. Thus, while the environmental impacts of re-cultivating conservation lands are potentially serious, maintaining the CRP in its current form could induce LUC and even greater GHG and environmental emissions. The study concludes by discussing the environmental and economic trade-offs of land conservation under the aforementioned scenarios, and offers policy recommendations for future land conservation initiatives.

Phylogeny and expression analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid-P (SAP) like genes reveal two distinct groups in fish.

PubMed

Lee, P T; Bird, S; Zou, J; Martin, S A M

2017-06-01

The acute phase response (APR) is an early innate immune function that is initiated by inflammatory signals, leading to the release of acute phase proteins to the bloodstream to re-establish homeostasis following microbial infection. In this study we analysed the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) whole-genome database and identified five C-reactive protein (CRP)/serum amyloid P component (SAP) like molecules namely CRP/SAP-1a, CRP/SAP-1b, CRP/SAP-1c, CRP/SAP-2 and CRP/SAP-3. These CRP/SAP genes formed two distinct sub-families, a universal group (group I) present in all vertebrates and a fish/amphibian specific group (group II). Salmon CRP/SAP-1a, CRP/SAP-1b and CRP/SAP-1c and CRP/SAP-2 belong to the group I family whilst salmon CRP/SAP-3 is a member of group II. Gene expression analysis showed that the salmon CRP/SAP-1a as well as serum amyloid A-5 (SAA-5), one of the major acute phase proteins, were significantly up-regulated by recombinant cytokines (rIL-1β and rIFNγ) in primary head kidney cells whilst the other four CRP/SAPs remained refractory. Furthermore, SAA-5 was produced as the main acute phase protein (APP) in Atlantic salmon challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida (aroA(-) strain) whilst salmon CRP/SAPs remained unaltered. Overall, these data illustrate the potential different functions of expanded salmon CRP/SAPs to their mammalian homologues. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

A comprehensive review of Farm Bill contributions to wildlife conservation, 1985-2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heard, P.L.; Allen, A.W.; Best, Louis B.; Brady, S.J.; Burger, W.; Esser, A.J.; Hackett, E.; Johnson, D.H.; Pederson, R.L.; Reynolds, R.E.; Rewa, C.; Ryan, M.R.; Molleur, R.T.; Buck, P.

2000-01-01

A comprehensive review of the scientific literature was undertaken to determine wildlife responses to programs established under the conservation title of the 1985 Food Security Act as amended in 1990 and 1996 (Farm Bill). Literature was annotated and summaries of wildlife responses were provided for the Conservation Reserve Program CRP, Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The report recognized that Farm Bill conservation programs were created to serve many purposes. Foremost among these purposes was to enable Americaa??s farmers and ranchers to be better stewards of their lands. In general, wildlife responded positively to improvements in land stewardship, particularly when the needs of wildlife were considered in conservation planning and implementation. Whereas authors acknowledged that their understanding of wildlife responses to Farm Bill conservation programs was still incomplete, they concluded that these programs were making significant contributions toward conservation of the nationa??s fish and wildlife resources.

Human C-reactive protein gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome are associated with premature coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Abd El-Aziz, Tarek A; Mohamed, Rasha H

2013-12-15

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome (MetS) with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). 116 patients with PCAD (58 with MetS and 58 without MetS) and 119 controls were included in the study. CRP gene +1059 G>C polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Serum hs-CRP was measured using high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Carriers of C allele of the CRP +1059 G>C polymorphism had 3.37 fold increased risk to develop MetS in patients with PCAD. In addition CRP gene and hs-CRP levels were independent risk factors for PCAD and MetS. The present study provides new evidence that the presence of CRP +1059 G>C polymorphism and hs-CRP levels are independent determinants of PCAD and MetS in Egyptians. The results of our study suggest a synergistic effect of CRP C allele with classical risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and MetS. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aspirin possibly reduces cerebrovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients with higher C-reactive protein level: subanalysis from the JPAD trial.

PubMed

Soejima, Hirofumi; Ogawa, Hisao; Morimoto, Takeshi; Nakayama, Masafumi; Okada, Sadanori; Sakuma, Mio; Uemura, Shiro; Kanauchi, Masao; Doi, Naofumi; Jinnouchi, Hideaki; Sugiyama, Seigo; Waki, Masako; Saito, Yoshihiko

2013-09-01

There are few data that demonstrate a significant effect of aspirin therapy for diabetic patients as primary prevention for cardiovascular events. A guideline recommends the use of aspirin as a primary prevention strategy in patients with diabetes who are at increased cardiovascular risk including those who have additional risk factors. To clarify the effect of primary prevention with aspirin therapy on diabetic patients, the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the incidence of atherosclerotic events was investigated in participants in the Japanese primary prevention of atherosclerosis with aspirin for diabetes (JPAD) trial. We divided the JPAD participants according to the CRP level at enrollment; CRP ≥0.1mg/dl: high CRP group, CRP <0.1mg/dl: low CRP group. The high CRP group consisted of 1131 patients and the low CRP group consisted of 398 patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence of primary atherosclerotic events between the high CRP group and the low CRP group. Of the atherosclerotic events, the incidence of cerebrovascular events, however, was significantly higher in the high CRP group than in the low CRP group. The incidence of cerebrovascular events was higher in the high CRP group than in the low CRP group in patients without aspirin therapy, although there was no significant difference in the incidence of the cerebrovascular events between the high CRP group and the low CRP group in patients undergoing aspirin therapy. Aspirin therapy may reduce cerebrovascular events in diabetic patients with higher CRP. Aspirin therapy could be an additional strategy as primary prevention for diabetic patients with higher CRP. Copyright © 2013 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic properties of C-reactive protein for detecting pneumonia in children.

PubMed

Koster, Madieke J; Broekhuizen, Berna D L; Minnaard, Margaretha C; Balemans, Walter A F; Hopstaken, Rogier M; de Jong, Pim A; Verheij, Theo J M

2013-07-01

The diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) level for pneumonia in children is unknown. As a first step in the assessment of the value of CRP, a diagnostic study was performed in children at an emergency department (ED). In this cross-sectional study, data were retrospectively collected from children presenting with suspected pneumonia at the ED of Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein in The Netherlands between January 2007 and January 2012. Diagnostic outcome was pneumonia yes/no according to independent radiologist. (Un)adjusted association between CRP level and pneumonia and diagnostic value of CRP were calculated. Of 687 presenting children, 286 underwent both CRP measurement and chest radiography. 148 had pneumonia (52%). The proportion of pneumonia increased with CRP level. Negative predictive values declined, but positive predictive values increased with higher CRP thresholds. Univariable odds ratio for the association between CRP level and pneumonia was 1.2 (95% CI 1.11-1.21) per 10 mg/L increase. After adjustment for baseline characteristics CRP level remained associated with pneumonia. CRP level has independent diagnostic value for pneumonia in children presenting at the ED with suspected pneumonia, but low levels do not exclude pneumonia in this setting. These results prompt evaluation of CRP in primary care children with LRTI. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Serum C-Reactive Protein Level on Admission to Predict Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

PubMed

Hioki, Hirofumi; Watanabe, Yusuke; Kozuma, Ken; Yamamoto, Masanori; Naganuma, Toru; Araki, Motoharu; Tada, Norio; Shirai, Shinichi; Yamanaka, Futoshi; Higashimori, Akihiro; Mizutani, Kazuki; Tabata, Minoru; Takagi, Kensuke; Ueno, Hiroshi; Hayashida, Kentaro

2018-04-12

The relation between C-reactive protein (CRP) level on admission and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unclear. To evaluate the impact of serum CRP level on mortality after TAVI, we assessed 1,016 patients with CRP who underwent TAVI and 538 patients with high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) level who underwent TAVI on admission in the OCEAN (Optimized Transcatheter Valvular Intervention)-TAVI registry. Study population was stratified into 2 groups (high/low), according to the median of CRP and hs-CRP on admission. We assessed the impact of high CRP and hs-CRP level on all-cause death after TAVI. During 2-year follow-up, all-cause death after TAVI was 9.4% in patients with CRP and 11.9% in patients with hs-CRP. Median value of serum CRP was 0.10 mg/dl in both CRP and hs-CRP. Patients with high CRP (>0.10 mg/dl) had significantly higher incidence of all-cause death compared with those with low CRP (11.5% vs 7.6%, log-rank p = 0.015). Multivariate Cox regression analysis with a time-varying covariate demonstrated that high CRP was an independent predictor of all-cause death within the first 3 months (hazard ratio 2.78, 95% CI 1.30 to 5.95) compared with from 3 months to 2 years (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.36) (P for interaction = 0.008). Inversely, these results were not observed in the stratification using hs-CRP on admission. In conclusion, high CRP on admission was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause death after TAVI, particularly within the first 3 months after TAVI. Risk stratification using CRP may be a simple and useful strategy to identify high-risk patients who undergo TAVI. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Patterns of C-reactive protein ratio predicts outcomes in healthcare-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients with cancer.

PubMed

Rabello, Ligia S C F; Póvoa, Pedro; Lapa E Silva, Jose R; Azevedo, Luciano C P; da Silva Ramos, Fernando Jose; Lisboa, Thiago; Soares, Marcio; Salluh, Jorge I F

2017-12-01

Describe the patterns of C-reactive protein relative changes in response to antibiotic therapy in critically ill cancer patients with healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) and its ability to predict outcome. Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of critically ill cancer patients with HCAP. CRP was sampled every other day from D0 to D6 of antibiotic therapy. Patients were classified according to an individual pattern of CRP-ratio response: fast - CRP at D4 of therapy was <0.4 of D0 CRP; slow - a continuous but slow decrease of CRP; non - CRP remained ≥0.8 of D0 CRP; biphasic - initial CRP decrease to levels <0.8 of the D0 CRP followed by a secondary rise ≥0.8. 129 patients were included and septic shock was present in 74% and invasive mechanical ventilation was used in 73%. Intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality rates were 47% and 64%, respectively. By D4, both CRP and CRP-ratio of survivors were significantly lower than in nonsurvivors (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). Both time-dependent analysis of CRP-ratio of the four previously defined patterns (p<0.001) as ICU mortality were consistently different [fast 12.9%, slow 43.2%, biphasic 66.7% and non 71.8% (p<0.001)]. CRP-ratio was useful in the early prediction of poor outcomes in cancer patients with HCAP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sensitive detection of C-reactive protein using optical fiber Bragg gratings.

PubMed

Sridevi, S; Vasu, K S; Asokan, S; Sood, A K

2015-03-15

An accurate and highly sensitive sensor platform has been demonstrated for the detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) using optical fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). The CRP detection has been carried out by monitoring the shift in Bragg wavelength (ΔλB) of an etched FBG (eFBG) coated with an anti-CRP antibody (aCRP)-graphene oxide (GO) complex. The complex is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. A limit of detection of 0.01mg/L has been achieved with a linear range of detection from 0.01mg/L to 100mg/L which includes clinical range of CRP. The eFBG sensor coated with only aCRP (without GO) show much less sensitivity than that of aCRP-GO complex coated eFBG. The eFBG sensors show high specificity to CRP even in the presence of other interfering factors such as urea, creatinine and glucose. The affinity constant of ∼1.1×10(10)M(-1) has been extracted from the data of normalized shift (ΔλB/λB) as a function of CRP concentration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vegetation changes over 12 years in ungrazed and grazed Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands in the central and southern plains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cade, Brian S.; Vandever, Mark W.; Allen, Arthur W.; Terrell, James W.

2005-01-01

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) established under the 1985 Food Security Act has the fundamental objectives of jointly providing economic support to segments of the agricultural community and conservation of natural resources (Osborn, 1997; Heard and others, 2000). Although soil loss on highly erodable lands was the principal natural resource conservation issue addressed in the 1985 CRP, improving water quality and wildlife habitat both became important considerations as the program evolved (Farmer and others, 1988). For example, Best and others (1997) found that production of young birds on CRP fields in the Midwest was ≥15 times the production on row-crop fields because of improved habitat. The increasing importance of wildlife habitat is reflected in continuing refinement of the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to quantify the potential benefits of enrolling lands in CRP (Osborn, 1997; Ribaudo and others, 2001). The refinements reflect input furnished by federal, state, and non-government organizations seeking greater wildlife habitat quality on CRP lands (Roseberry and David, 1994; Hughes and others, 1995; Millenbah and others, 1996; Patterson and Best, 1996; Rodgers, 1999; Allen and others, 2001).Refinement in the EBI has changed the types of grasses planted on newly enrolled land. In early CRP signups (1 through 11), 71% of new grassland acres were planted to introduced grasses and legumes [Conservation Practice (CP) 1] while 29% of the acres were planted to native grasses (CP2) (Osborn and others, 1992). By the 27th signup in July 2004, over 34.8 million acres (14 million ha) were enrolled in the CRP. More than 73% of these lands were planted to various mixtures of introduced (CP1) or native (CP2) grasses for a minimal contract period of 10 years (USDA, 2004). Continuation of grass plantings under the 2002 Farm Bill may result in CRP lands furnishing grass dominated cover for 20 or more consecutive years. The species of grass established in seeded grasslands can have a major influence on the potential quality of wildlife habitat where vegetation is maintained over a multi-year period. Different species of grass may have comparable abilities to alleviate soil erosion but furnish dissimilar qualities of wildlife habitat (fig. 1). For example, smooth brome, an introduced cool-season grass (grass species and scientific names are presented in table 1), is highly valued for its erosion control and forage attributes (Casler and Carlson, 1995). Switchgrass, a native warm-season grass, also is valued for its soil and water conservation qualities (Moser and Vogel, 1995) but provides greater benefits for some species of wildlife (Clubine, 1995). The quality of nesting and winter cover for ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) furnished by smooth brome on northeastern Colorado CRP lands is inferior to that provided by the taller, more robust switchgrass (Allen, 1994). Characteristics of the agricultural landscape surrounding individual CRP fields also play a role in the wildlife habitat potential of CRP plantings (Weber and others, 2002; Nusser and others, 2004). of native and seeded grasslands change in response to the presence (and absence) of physical disturbances such as fire, grazing, tillage, and haying (Hobbs and Huenneke, 1992; Millenbah and others, 1996; Allen and others, 2001; Renfrew and Ribic, 2001; Swengel and Swengel, 2001). The perpetuation of diversity in species composition and vegetation structure following disturbance sustains desirable habitat for a variety of grassland-dependent wildlife (Hall and Willig, 1994; Barnes and others, 1995; King and Savidge, 1995; Granfors and others, 1996; Herkert and others, 1996; Kurzejeski, 1996; Patterson and Best, 1996; Klute and others, 1997). Undisturbed grasslands have lower grass and forb species diversity, greater amounts of dead plant material, decreased as well as seasonally delayed productivity, and diminished structural diversity of vegetation (Peet and others, 1975; Rice and Parenti, 1978; Butler and Briske, 1988; Campa and Winterstein, 1992). Recommendations for the timing of disturbance to increase grass and forb species diversity range from 3 to 8 years following establishment of seeded grasslands in the northern Great Plains and Midwest (Duebbert and others, 1981; Higgens, 1987; Millenbah and others, 1996). The management interval, however, is affected by climatic conditions, soils, grass species, and management history of the individual stand. We quantified changes in vegetation structure and species composition across the typical 10-year contract period in undisturbed southern and central Great Plains CRP fields (fig. 2) planted to introduced and native grasses. In addition, we compared changes in vegetation in fields grazed during the emergency release of 1996 by comparing conditions prior to grazing and two and four years post grazing relative to changes in similar fields that were not grazed. Documentation of long-term changes in vegetation structure and composition for fields planted to common grass seed mixtures across a wide range of environmental conditions provides information to improve long-term wildlife habitat potential, guide program administration, and define management practices that yield economic benefits to operators while still meeting wildlife and conservation objectives. Emergency grazing provisions of the CRP are controversial. Although grazing can alter vegetative characteristics and reduce habitat quality in the short-term (Temple and others, 1999), periodic disturbance may be necessary to maintain habitat quality, and more information is needed assessing long-term effects of emergency grazing on vegetative structure and species composition. 

Case Outcomes in a Communication-and-Resolution Program in New York Hospitals.

PubMed

Mello, Michelle M; Greenberg, Yelena; Senecal, Susan K; Cohn, Janet S

2016-12-01

To determine case outcomes in a communication-and-resolution program (CRP) implemented to respond to adverse events in general surgery. Five acute-care hospitals in New York City. Following CRP implementation, hospitals recorded information about each CRP event for 22 months. Risk managers prospectively collected data in collaboration with representatives from the hospital's insurer. External researchers administered an online satisfaction survey to clinicians involved in CRP events. Among 125 CRP cases, disclosure conversations were carried out in 92 percent, explanations were conveyed in 88 percent, and apologies were offered in 72.8 percent. Three quarters of events did not involve substandard care. Compensation offers beyond bill waivers were deemed appropriate in 9 of 30 of cases in which substandard care caused harm and communicated in six such cases. In 44 percent of cases, hospitals identified steps that could be taken to improve safety. Clinicians had low awareness of the workings of the CRP, but high satisfaction with their experiences. The bulk of CRPs' work is in investigating and communicating about events not caused by substandard care. These CRPs were quite successful in handling such events, but less consistent in offering compensation in cases involving substandard care. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Short-term drought response of N 2O and CO 2 emissions from mesic agricultural soils in the US Midwest

DOE PAGES

Gelfand, Ilya; Cui, Mengdi; Tang, Jianwu; ...

2015-07-17

Climate change is causing the intensification of both rainfall and droughts in temperate climatic zones, which will affect soil drying and rewetting cycles and associated processes such as soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes. Here, we investigated the effect of soil rewetting following a prolonged natural drought on soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N 2O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2) in an agricultural field recently converted from 22 years in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). We compared responses to those in a similarly managed field with no CRP history and to a CRP reference field. We additionally compared soil GHGmore » emissions measured by static flux chambers with off-site laboratory analysis versus in situ analysis using a portable quantum cascade laser and infrared gas analyzer. Under growing season drought conditions, average soil N 2O fluxes ranged between 0.2 and 0.8 μg N m -2 min -1 and were higher in former CRP soils and unaffected by nitrogen (N) fertilization. After 18 days of drought, a 50 mm rewetting event increased N 2O fluxes by 34 and 24 fold respectively in the former CRP and non-CRP soils. Average soil CO 2 emissions during drought ranged from 1.1 to 3.1 mg C m -2 min -1 for the three systems. CO 2 emissions increased ~2 fold after the rewetting and were higher from soils with higher C contents. Observations are consistent with the hypothesis that during drought soil N 2O emissions are controlled by available C and following rewetting additionally influenced by N availability, whereas soil CO 2 emissions are independent of short-term N availability. Finally, soil GHG emissions estimated by off-site and in situ methods were statistically identical.« less

Sediment accretion rates and sediment composition in Prairie Pothole wetlands under varying land use practices, Montana, United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Preston, T.M.; Sojda, R.S.; Gleason, R.A.

2013-01-01

Increased sedimentation and nutrient cycle changes in Prairie Pothole Region wetlands associated with agriculture threaten the permanence and ecological functionality of these important resources. To determine the effects of land use on sedimentation and nutrient cycling, soil cores were analyzed for cesium-137 (137Cs), lead-210 (210Pb), and potassium-40 (40K) activities; textural composition; organic and inorganic carbon (C); and total nitrogen (N) from twelve wetlands surrounded by cropland, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands, or native prairie uplands. Separate soil cores from nine of these wetlands were also analyzed for phosphorus (P), nitrate (NO3), and ammonium (NH4) concentrations. Wetlands surrounded by cropland had significantly greater linear sediment accretion rates than wetlands surrounded by CRP or native prairie. Linear sediment accretion rates from wetlands surrounded by cropland were 2.7 and 6 times greater than wetlands surrounded by native prairie when calculated from the initial and peak occurrence of 137Cs, respectively, and 0.15 cm y−1 (0.06 in yr−1) greater when calculated from 210Pb. Relative to wetlands surrounded by CRP, linear sediment accretion rates for wetlands surrounded by cropland were 4.4 times greater when calculated from the peak occurrence of 137Cs. No significant differences existed between the linear sediment accretion rates between wetlands surrounded by native prairie or CRP uplands. Wetlands surrounded by cropland had increased clay, P, NO3, and NH4, and decreased total C and N concentrations compared to wetlands surrounded by native prairie. Wetlands surrounded by CRP had the lowest P and NO3 concentrations and had clay, NH4, C, and N concentrations between those of cropland and native prairie wetlands. We documented increased linear sediment accretion rates and changes in the textural and chemical properties of sediments in wetlands with cultivated uplands relative to wetlands with native prairie uplands. These findings demonstrate the value of the CRP at protecting wetland catchments to reduce sedimentation.

Effects of a Cognitive Rehearsal Program on Interpersonal Relationships, Workplace Bullying, Symptom Experience, and Turnover Intention among Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Kang, Jiyeon; Kim, Jeung Im; Yun, Seonyoung

2017-10-01

This research aimed to investigate the effects of a cognitive rehearsal program (CRP) on workplace bullying among nurses. A randomized controlled trial was performed. Participants were 40 nurses working in different university hospitals in B city, South Korea. The experimental group was provided with a 20-hour CRP comprising scenarios on bullying situations, standard communication, and role-playing. To evaluate effects of the CRP, we measured interpersonal relationships, workplace bullying, symptom experience, and turnover intention at preand post-intervention. Follow-up effect was measured in the experimental group only at 4 weeks after the intervention. After the intervention, there were significant differences in interpersonal relationships (F=6.21, p=.022) and turnover intention (F=5.55, p=.024) between experimental and wait-list groups. However, there was no significant difference in workplace bullying or symptom experience between the 2 groups. The beneficial effects on interpersonal relationships and turnover intention lasted at least up to 4 weeks after CRP. The CRP for workplace bullying improves interpersonal relationships and decreases turnover intention. So it can be utilized as one of the personal coping strategies to reduce the the turnover among nurses. Further studies on the effects of unit- or hospital-based CRP and on the long-term effects of CRP are necessary. © 2017 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Estimated Annual Net Change in Soil Carbon per US County, 1990-2004

DOE Data Explorer

West, Tristram O.; Brandt, Craig C.; Wilson, Bradly S.; Hellwinckel, Chap M.; Tyler, Donald D.; Marland, Gregg; De La Torre Ugarte, Daniel D.; Larson, James A.; Nelson, Richard G.

2008-01-01

These data represent the estimated net change (Megagram per year) in soil carbon due to changes in the crop type and tillage intensity. Estimated accumulation of soil carbon under Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)lands is included in these estimates. Negative values represent a net flux from the atmosphere to the soil; positive values represent a net flux from the soil to the atmosphere. As such, soil carbon sequestration is represented here as a negative value.

Differences in residents' self-reported confidence and case experience between two post-graduate rotation curricula: results of a nationwide survey in Japan.

PubMed

Ohde, Sachiko; Deshpande, Gautam A; Takahashi, Osamu; Fukui, Tsuguya

2014-07-12

In Japan, all trainee physicians must begin clinical practice in a standardized, mandatory junior residency program, which encompasses the first two years of post-graduate medical training (PGY1 - PGY2). Implemented in 2004 to foster primary care skills, the comprehensive rotation program (CRP) requires junior residents to spend 14 months rotating through a comprehensive array of clinical departments including internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, obstetrics-gynecology (OBGYN), pediatrics, psychiatry, and rural medicine. In 2010, Japan's health ministry relaxed this curricular requirement, allowing training programs to offer a limited rotation program (LRP), in which core departments constitute 10 months of training, with electives geared towards residents' choice of career specialty comprising the remaining 14 months. The effectiveness of primary care skill acquisition during early training warrants evaluation. This study assesses self-reported confidence with clinical competencies, as well as case experience, between residents in CRP versus LRP curricula. A nation-wide cross-sectional study of all PGY2 physicians in Japan was conducted in March 2011. Primary outcomes were self-report confidence for 98 clinical competency items, and number of cases experienced for 85 common diseases. We compared confidence scores and case experience between residents in CRP and LRP programs, adjusting for parameters relevant to training. Among 7506 PGY2 residents, 5052 replied to the survey (67.3%). Of 98 clinical competency items, CRP residents reported higher confidence in 12 items compared to those in an LRP curriculum, 10 of which remained significantly higher after adjustment. CRP trainees reported lower confidence scores in none of the items. Out of 85 diseases, LRP residents reported less experience with 11 diseases. CRP trainees reported lower case experience with one disease, though this did not remain significant on adjusted analysis. Confidence and case experience with OBGYN- and pediatrics-related items were particularly low among LRP trainees. Residents in the specialty-oriented LRP curriculum showed less confidence and less case experience compared to peers training in the broader CRP residency curriculum. In order to foster competence in independent primary care practice, junior residency programs requiring experience in a breadth of core departments should continue to be mandated to ensure adequate primary care skills.

Lemon detox diet reduced body fat, insulin resistance, and serum hs-CRP level without hematological changes in overweight Korean women.

PubMed

Kim, Mi Joung; Hwang, Jung Hyun; Ko, Hyun Ji; Na, Hye Bock; Kim, Jung Hee

2015-05-01

The lemon detox program is a very low-calorie diet which consists of a mixture of organic maple and palm syrups, and lemon juice for abstinence period of 7 days. We hypothesized that the lemon detox program would reduce body weight, body fat mass, thus lowering insulin resistance and known risk factors of cardiovascular disease. We investigated anthropometric indices, insulin sensitivity, levels of serum adipokines, and inflammatory markers in overweight Korean women before and after clinical intervention trial. Eighty-four premenopausal women were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group without diet restriction (Normal-C), a pair-fed placebo diet group (Positive-C), and a lemon detox diet group (Lemon-D). The intervention period was 11 days total: 7 days with the lemon detox juice or the placebo juice, and then 4 days with transitioning food. Changes in body weight, body mass index, percentage body fat, and waist-hip ratio were significantly greater in the Lemon-D and Positive-C groups compared to the Normal-C group. Serum insulin level, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance scores, leptin, and adiponectin levels decreased in the Lemon-D and Positive-C groups. Serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were also reduced only in the Lemon-D group. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels remained stable in the Lemon-D group while they decreased in the Positive-C and Normal-C groups. Therefore, we suppose that the lemon detox program reduces body fat and insulin resistance through caloric restriction and might have a potential beneficial effect on risk factors for cardiovascular disease related to circulating hs-CRP reduction without hematological changes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A simple, effective media access protocol system for integrated, high data rate networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foudriat, E. C.; Maly, K.; Overstreet, C. M.; Khanna, S.; Zhang, L.

1992-01-01

The operation and performance of a dual media access protocol for integrated, gigabit networks are described. Unlike other dual protocols, each protocol supports a different class of traffic. The Carrier Sensed Multiple Access-Ring Network (CSMA/RN) protocol and the Circulating Reservation Packet (CRP) protocol support asynchronous and synchronous traffic, respectively. The two protocols operate with minimal impact upon each other. Performance information demonstrates that they support a complete range of integrated traffic loads, do not require call setup/termination or a special node for synchronous traffic control, and provide effective pre-use and recovery. The CRP also provides guaranteed access and fairness control for the asynchronous system. The paper demonstrates that the CSMA-CRP system fulfills many of the requirements for gigabit LAN-MAN networks most effectively and simply. To accomplish this, CSMA-CRP features are compared against similar ring and bus systems, such as Cambridge Fast Ring, Metaring, Cyclic Reservation Multiple Access, and Distributed Dual Queue Data Bus (DQDB).

Evapotranspiration of annual and perennial biofuel crops in a variable climate

DOE PAGES

Abraha, Michael; Chen, Jiquan; Chu, Housen; ...

2015-02-06

Eddy covariance measurements were made in seven fields in the Midwest USA over 4 years (including the 2012 drought year) to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) of newly established rain-fed cellulosic and grain biofuel crops. Four of the converted fields had been managed as grasslands under the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 22 years, and three had been in conventional agriculture (AGR) soybean/corn rotation prior to conversion. In 2009, all sites were planted to no-till soybean except one CRP grassland that was left unchanged as a reference site; in 2010, three of the former CRP sites and the three former AGRmore » sites were planted to annual (corn) and perennial (switchgrass and mixed-prairie) grasslands. The annual ET over the 4 years ranged from 45% to 77% (mean = 60%) of the annual precipitation (848–1063 mm; November–October), with the unconverted CRP grassland having the highest ET (622–706 mm). In the fields converted to annual and perennial crops, the annual ET ranged between 480 and 639 mm despite the large variations in growing-season precipitation and in soil water contents, which had strong effects on regional crop yields. Results suggest that in this humid temperate climate, which represents the US Corn Belt, water use by annual and perennial crops is not greatly different across years with highly variable precipitation and soil water availability. Thus, large-scale conversion of row crops to perennial biofuel cropping systems may not strongly alter terrestrial water balances.« less

Evapotranspiration of annual and perennial biofuel crops in a variable climate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abraha, Michael; Chen, Jiquan; Chu, Housen

Eddy covariance measurements were made in seven fields in the Midwest USA over 4 years (including the 2012 drought year) to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) of newly established rain-fed cellulosic and grain biofuel crops. Four of the converted fields had been managed as grasslands under the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 22 years, and three had been in conventional agriculture (AGR) soybean/corn rotation prior to conversion. In 2009, all sites were planted to no-till soybean except one CRP grassland that was left unchanged as a reference site; in 2010, three of the former CRP sites and the three former AGRmore » sites were planted to annual (corn) and perennial (switchgrass and mixed-prairie) grasslands. The annual ET over the 4 years ranged from 45% to 77% (mean = 60%) of the annual precipitation (848–1063 mm; November–October), with the unconverted CRP grassland having the highest ET (622–706 mm). In the fields converted to annual and perennial crops, the annual ET ranged between 480 and 639 mm despite the large variations in growing-season precipitation and in soil water contents, which had strong effects on regional crop yields. Results suggest that in this humid temperate climate, which represents the US Corn Belt, water use by annual and perennial crops is not greatly different across years with highly variable precipitation and soil water availability. Thus, large-scale conversion of row crops to perennial biofuel cropping systems may not strongly alter terrestrial water balances.« less

Effects of aerobic and anaerobic training programs together with omega-3 supplement on interleukin-17 and CRP plasma levels in male mice.

PubMed

Alizadeh, Hamid; Daryanoosh, Farhad; Moatari, Maryam; Hoseinzadeh, Khadijeh

2015-01-01

Herein, we studied the effects of two different exercise protocols on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels along with the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) consumption along with two different types of physical activities on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels in trained male mice. A total of 130 adult male mice of Syrian race with the age of 2 months and the weight of 35±1 grams were selected. At the beginning, 10 mice were killed in order to determine the amounts of pre-test variables. The rest of the mice were randomly divided into 6 groups including control group (n=20), supplement (n=20), aerobic exercise (n=20), anaerobic exercise (n=20), supplementaerobic exercise (n=20), and supplement-anaerobic exercise (n=20). Blood samples were withdrawn from the tail under intraperitoneal ketamine and xylasine anaesthesia. The anaerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 3 sessions per week; the aerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 5 sessions per week. At the end of the training program, the blood sample from each group was taken in order to measure the CRP and IL-17 levels. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences among the groups. The results showed that there was a significant difference in IL-17 and CRP plasma levels between the groups after 8 weeks (P<0.05). Following the two different training programs, both IL-17 and CRP plasma levels increased, although these observed increases were not same for two measured variables. The results might also show that the effect of the supplement depends on the type of training.

Effects of aerobic and anaerobic training programs together with omega-3 supplement on interleukin-17 and CRP plasma levels in male mice

PubMed Central

Alizadeh, Hamid; Daryanoosh, Farhad; Moatari, Maryam; Hoseinzadeh, Khadijeh

2015-01-01

Background: Herein, we studied the effects of two different exercise protocols on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels along with the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) consumption along with two different types of physical activities on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels in trained male mice. Methods: A total of 130 adult male mice of Syrian race with the age of 2 months and the weight of 35±1 grams were selected. At the beginning, 10 mice were killed in order to determine the amounts of pre-test variables. The rest of the mice were randomly divided into 6 groups including control group (n=20), supplement (n=20), aerobic exercise (n=20), anaerobic exercise (n=20), supplementaerobic exercise (n=20), and supplement-anaerobic exercise (n=20). Blood samples were withdrawn from the tail under intraperitoneal ketamine and xylasine anaesthesia. The anaerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 3 sessions per week; the aerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 5 sessions per week. At the end of the training program, the blood sample from each group was taken in order to measure the CRP and IL-17 levels. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences among the groups. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in IL-17 and CRP plasma levels between the groups after 8 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusion: Following the two different training programs, both IL-17 and CRP plasma levels increased, although these observed increases were not same for two measured variables. The results might also show that the effect of the supplement depends on the type of training. PMID:26793627

Syncytin-1, an endogenous retroviral protein, triggers the activation of CRP via TLR3 signal cascade in glial cells.

PubMed

Wang, Xiuling; Liu, Zhongchun; Wang, Peigang; Li, Shan; Zeng, Jie; Tu, Xiaoning; Yan, Qiujin; Xiao, Zheman; Pan, Mengxian; Zhu, Fan

2018-01-01

Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric disorder that impacts on social functioning and quality of life, and there is accumulating evidence that inflammation is a potential pathogenic mechanism of schizophrenia. However, the mechanism of inflammation possibly occurred in schizophrenia has not been well understood. The endogenous retroviral protein syncytin-1 and inflammatory marker CRP are both abnormally expressed in schizophrenia patients. CRP is one of the markers of bacterial infection generally. Less clear is whether virus or viral protein can trigger the activation of CRP. Here, we detected a robust increase of the levels of syncytin-1 and CRP in schizophrenia patients, and displayed a positive correlation and marked consistency between expressions of syncytin-1 and CRP in schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, overexpression of syncytin-1 significantly elevated the levels of CRP, TLR3, and IL-6 in both human microglia and astrocytes. TLR3 deficiency impaired the expressions of CRP and IL-6 induced by syncytin-1. Importantly, we observed a cellular co-localization and a direct interaction between syncytin-1 and TLR3. Additionally, knockdown of IL-6 inhibited the syncytin-1-induced CRP expression. Thus, the totality of these results showed that viral protein syncytin-1 could trigger the activation of CRP, which might explain the elevated CRP in sterile inflammation and exhibit a novel mechanism for regulation of inflammation by syncytin-1 in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels are associated with abnormal heart rate recovery in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Kaya, Cemil; Akgül, Ebru; Pabuccu, Recai

2010-06-01

To determine heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its relation to C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Prospective clinical study. University hospital. Sixty-eight women with PCOS and 68 healthy women were included this study. Heart rate recovery was evaluated. We measured serum levels of CRP and Hcy. The presence of insulin resistance was investigated using homeostasis model assesment (HOMA-IR). Heart rate recovery, CRP, Hcy. Heart rate recovery was significantly decreased in women with PCOS compared with control group women. Subjects with abnormal HRR had significantly greater levels of CRP and Hcy. The PCOS patients with HRR in the top tertile compared with the bottom quartile tended to have lower mean CRP and Hcy levels. The HRR was significantly and negatively correlated with age, CRP, Hcy, HOMA-IR, and body mass index. C-reactive protein and Hcy are independent determinants of HRR. The CRP and Hcy levels may affect the development and progression of abnormal HRR in PCOS. Crown Copyright (c) 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predictive value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis.

PubMed

Kaplan, Mustafa; Ates, Ihsan; Akpinar, Muhammed Yener; Yuksel, Mahmut; Kuzu, Ufuk Baris; Kacar, Sabite; Coskun, Orhan; Kayacetin, Ertugrul

2017-08-15

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) increases and albumin decreases in patients with inflammation and infection. However, their role in patients with acute pancreatitis is not clear. The present study was to investigate the predictive significance of the CRP/albumin ratio for the prognosis and mortality in acute pancreatitis patients. This study was performed retrospectively with 192 acute pancreatitis patients between January 2002 and June 2015. Ranson scores, Atlanta classification and CRP/albumin ratios of the patients were calculated. The CRP/albumin ratio was higher in deceased patients compared to survivors. The CRP/albumin ratio was positively correlated with Ranson score and Atlanta classification in particular and with important prognostic markers such as hospitalization time, CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In addition to the CRP/albumin ratio, necrotizing pancreatitis type, moderately severe and severe Atlanta classification, and total Ranson score were independent risk factors of mortality. It was found that an increase of 1 unit in the CRP/albumin ratio resulted in an increase of 1.52 times in mortality risk. A prediction value about CRP/albumin ratio >16.28 was found to be a significant marker in predicting mortality with 92.1% sensitivity and 58.0% specificity. It was seen that Ranson and Atlanta classification were higher in patients with CRP/albumin ratio >16.28 compared with those with CRP/albumin ratio ≤16.28. Patients with CRP/albumin ratio >16.28 had a 19.3 times higher chance of death. The CRP/albumin ratio is a novel but promising, easy-to-measure, repeatable, non-invasive inflammation-based prognostic score in acute pancreatitis. Copyright © 2017 The Editorial Board of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases International. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prospective associations of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and CRP genetic risk scores with risk of total knee and hip replacement for osteoarthritis in a diverse cohort.

PubMed

Shadyab, A H; Terkeltaub, R; Kooperberg, C; Reiner, A; Eaton, C B; Jackson, R D; Krok-Schoen, J L; Salem, R M; LaCroix, A Z

2018-05-22

To examine associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and polygenic CRP genetic risk scores (GRS) with risk of end-stage hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA), defined as incident total hip (THR) or knee replacement (TKR) for OA. This study included a cohort of postmenopausal white, African American, and Hispanic women from the Women's Health Initiative. Women were followed from baseline to date of THR or TKR, death, or December 31, 2014. Medicare claims data identified THR and TKR. Hs-CRP and genotyping data were collected at baseline. Three CRP GRS were constructed: 1) a 4-SNP GRS comprised of genetic variants representing variation in the CRP gene among European populations; 2) a multilocus 18-SNP GRS of genetic variants significantly associated with CRP levels in a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies; and 3) a 5-SNP GRS of genetic variants significantly associated with CRP levels among African American women. In analyses conducted separately among each race and ethnic group, there were no significant associations of ln hs-CRP with risk of THR or TKR, after adjusting for age, body mass index, lifestyle characteristics, chronic diseases, hormone therapy use, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. CRP GRS were not associated with risk of THR or TKR in any ethnic group. Serum levels of ln hs-CRP and genetically-predicted CRP levels were not associated with risk of THR or TKR for OA among a diverse cohort of women. Copyright © 2018 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ecosystem Services Derived from Wetland Conservation Practices in the United States Prairie Pothole Region with an Emphasis on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Conservation Reserve and Wetlands Reserve Programs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gleason, Robert A.; Laubhan, Murray K.; Euliss, Ned H.

2008-01-01

Implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) has resulted in the restoration of approximately 2,200,000 ha (5,436,200 acres) of wetland and grassland habitats in the Prairie Pothole Region. These restored habitats are known to provide various ecosystem services; however, little work has been conducted to quantify and verify benefits on program lands (lands enrolled in the CRP and WRP) in agriculturally dominated landscapes of the Prairie Pothole Region. To address this need, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service, initiated a study to develop and apply approaches to quantify changes in ecosystem services resulting from wetland restoration activities funded by the USDA. To accomplish this goal, the USGS conducted a comprehensive, stratified survey of 204 catchments (wetland and surrounding uplands contributing runoff to the wetland) in 1997 and 270 catchments in 2004 to gather data necessary for estimating various ecosystem services. In 1997 and 2004, the surveys included catchments with seasonal and semipermanent wetlands that were restored as part of USDA conservation programs, as well as nonprogram catchments in native prairie. Additionally, in 2004 data collection was expanded to include temporary wetlands for all treatments and nonprogram cropped catchments for all wetland classes: temporary, seasonal, and semipermanent. A key element in the sample design is that catchments span an alteration gradient ranging from highly altered, such as cropland, to minimally altered, such as native prairie. Therefore, we evaluated restoration programs by comparing changes in program (restored) catchments to nonprogram (cropland and native prairie) catchments. Information collected during both surveys included easily measured soil, vegetation, and morphological variables that were used to estimate the following ecosystem services: plant community quality and richness, carbon sequestration, floodwater storage, sediment and nutrient reduction, and potential wildlife habitat suitability. In this report, we evaluate the extent that these ecosystem services changed in restored wetlands relative to cropland and native prairie baselines. In most cases, our results indicate restoration activities funded by the USDA have positively influenced ecosystem services in comparison to a cropped wetland baseline; however, most benefits were only considered at a site-specific scale, and better quantification of off-site benefits associated with conservation programs will require detailed spatial data on all land areas enrolled in conservation programs.

C-reactive protein in atherosclerosis - A risk marker but not a causal factor? A 13-year population-based longitudinal study: The Tromsø study.

PubMed

Eltoft, Agnethe; Arntzen, Kjell Arne; Hansen, John-Bjarne; Wilsgaard, Tom; Mathiesen, Ellisiv B; Johnsen, Stein Harald

2017-08-01

CRP predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) in large epidemiologic studies. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of CRP in atherosclerosis formation and progression in a prospective population-based study. 6503 middle-aged subjects from The Tromsø study had serum CRP, carotid ultrasound and complete covariate data collected at baseline in 1994. Of these, 4730 and 2917 attended follow-up surveys with repeated assessments in 2001 and 2007, respectively. The cross-sectional associations between CRP and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, and the longitudinal associations between baseline CRP and novel plaque formation and plaque progression were assessed in generalized estimating equations and linear mixed models stratified by sex. At baseline, traditional risk factors and plaque prevalence increased by CRP risk categories (<1 mg/L, 1-3 mg/L, and >3 mg/L) in both sexes. In cross-sectional analyses, multivariable-adjusted CRP was associated with plaque prevalence and total plaque area (TPA) in men and women. Age-adjusted baseline CRP >3 mg/L compared to CRP <1 mg/L predicted novel plaque formation (OR 1.44, CI 1.08-1.92) and TPA progression (β = 0.0.029 (CI, 0.003-0.056)) in men, but not in women. In neither men nor women was baseline CRP a predictor of TPA-progression or novel plaque formation when adjusted for traditional risk factors. CRP was associated with plaque presence and TPA in cross-sectional analyses, but was not an independent predictor of novel plaque formation or plaque progression. Our findings suggest that CRP may link to CVD by other mechanisms than promoting formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Increased expression of C-reactive protein gene in inflamed gingival tissues could be derived from endothelial cells stimulated with interleukin-6.

PubMed

Maekawa, Tomoki; Tabeta, Koichi; Kajita-Okui, Keiko; Nakajima, Takako; Yamazaki, Kazuhisa

2011-11-01

Epidemiological studies have suggested periodontitis as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular risk, is elevated in periodontitis patients. Therefore, local infection-induced elevation of systemic CRP could account for the relationship between the 2 diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of CRP production in the periodontal tissues has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of CRP production in periodontal tissues. Gene expression of CRP in gingival biopsies was analysed by quantitative PCR. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs), human gingival fibroblasts (HGFBs), and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were characterized for CRP-producing ability by incubating with interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and Porphyromonas gingivalis strain W83. Gene expression of CRP is significantly elevated in periodontitis lesions compared with gingivitis lesions. HCAECs, but not HGECs and HGFBs, produced CRP in response to IL-6 and IL-1β in the presence of sIL-6R. In contrast to IL-6, the effect of IL-1β on CRP production was indirect via induction of IL-6. IL-1β was produced by HGECs and HGFBs with stimulation of P. gingivalis antigens. These results suggest that CRP induced locally by periodontal infection may play another role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, and to a much lesser extent, has the potential to modulate systemic CRP level by extra-hepatic CRP production. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neutrophil CD64, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin in the identification of sepsis in the ICU - Post-test probabilities.

PubMed

Jämsä, Joel; Ala-Kokko, Tero; Huotari, Virva; Ohtonen, Pasi; Savolainen, Eeva-Riitta; Syrjälä, Hannu

2018-02-01

We were interested in whether C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) distinguish sepsis from non-septic controls and whether a combination of CRP, PCT, and neutrophil CD64 improves identification of sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU). We analyzed the CRP and PCT concentrations from 27 patients with sepsis and 15 ICU controls. In addition, CD64 on neutrophils was measured using quantitative flow cytometry. We present a multiple marker analysis for sepsis diagnostics combining neutrophil CD64, CRP, and PCT using post-test analysis. The CRP and PCT values separated sepsis and non-septic ICU patients. In post-test analysis, CRP provided a positive probability of 0.48 and a negative probability of 0.053 for sepsis in the ICU; while, the corresponding values were 0.35 and 0.0059, respectively, for PCT and 0.62 and 0.0013, respectively, for neutrophil CD64. When neutrophil CD64 was analyzed with PCT and CRP, the probabilities were 0.98 and <0.001, respectively. Neutrophil CD64 expression was superior to PCT and CRP for the identification of sepsis in ICU. Positive post-test probability for any combinations of simultaneously analyzed CRP, PCT and CD64 showed improved diagnostic accuracy for sepsis. This approach may be useful for guiding antibiotic treatment in ICU. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prognostic Significance of Pre-treatment Serum C-Reactive Protein Level in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix.

PubMed

Bodner-Adler, Barbara; Kimberger, Oliver; Schneidinger, Cora; Kölbl, Heinz; Bodner, Klaus

2016-09-01

To evaluate pre-treatment serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level as a prognostic parameter in patients with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Pre-treatment CRP levels were analyzed to determine potential associations with clinicopathological parameters and to assess prognostic value in 46 patients with sole adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. The mean (±SD) pre-treatment serum CRP level was 5.82 (7.21) mg/l. Serum CRP concentration significantly correlated positively with age at diagnosis (p=0.001), lymphovascular space invasion (p=0.0026), recurrent disease (p=0.0001) and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (p=0.0002). In multivariate Cox regression models with age, FIGO stage, histological grade and lymph node status, elevated CRP and cancer antigen 125 levels were associated with shortened survival (p<0.05). Overall 5-year survival rate of patients with pre-treatment serum CRP level <5.0 mg/l was 100% compared to 46.9% for patients with pre-treatment CRP level ≥5.0 mg/l. Serum CRP level can be seen as an additional independent prognostic parameter in patients with the rare histological subtype adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

The effects of phase III cardiac rehabilitation in serum and salivary Hs-CRP and anthropometric measurements in patients with coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Jamshidpour, Boshra; Moghadam, Behrouz Attarbashi; Vasaghi-Gharamaleki, Behnoosh; Mirzaii-Dizgah, Iraj; Nejatian, Mostafa

2013-09-01

Cardiac rehabilitation is a key part in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by its anti-infammatory effects. However, the effect of exercise training programs on salivary concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with coronary artery disease has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phase III cardiac rehabilitation on serum and salivary levels of hs-CRP, in relation to the anthropometric measurements of obesity and the relationship between salivary and serum levels of hs-CRP in CAD male patients. Forty male volunteers (45-75 years) with CAD participated in 6 to 8 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise training consisting of 45 minutes sessions of treadmill, stationary bicycle and arm ergometer. Anthropometric measurements of obesity, serum level of hs-CRP, stimulated and nonstimulated salivary level of hs-CRP were measured at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of exercise sessions. All anthropometric measurements increased (p < 0.05) following cardiac rehabilitation except waist-hip ratio. Serum hs-CRP level reduced by 36% independent to the anthropometric measurements changes. Stimulated and nonstimulated salivary hs-CRP level decreased 68 and 54%, respectively, after 24 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation. Nonstimulated salivary hs-CRP levels correlated to serum levels of hs-CRP at baseline and after 24 sessions (p < 0.05). Phase III cardiac rehabilitation seems to be effective to improve serum and salivary hs-CRP concentrations independent of anthropometric measurements. Nonstimulated salivary hs-CRP measurement could be a surrogate for blood measurement of hs-CRP during cardiac rehabilitation in male patients with CAD.

Short-term bird response to harvesting switchgrass for biomass in Iowa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murray, L.D.; Best, Louis B.

2003-01-01

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides habitat for grassland birds, but as contracts expire, some CRP fields might be returned to rowcrop production. One alternative to returning CRP fields to rowcrops is to produce switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for use as a biomass fuel. Because the biomass is harvested during the fall and winter, breeding birds would not be directly affected by mowing the fields bur might be influenced by changes in vegetation structure resulting from the harvest. We evaluated bird abundances and nest success in totally harvested, partially harvested (alternating cut and uncut strips), and nonharvested CRP switchgrass fields in southern Iowa, USA, in 1999 and 2000. Species richness did not differ among harvest treatments. Abundances of most species (16 of 18) were not affected by the harvesting of switchgrass fields, and strip width did not affect bird numbers in strip-harvested fields. Grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) were more abundant in harvested portions of fields, and more sedge wrens (Cistothorus platensis) were recorded in nonharvested areas. The residual vegetation in nonharvested areas provided nest cover for species that begin nesting early in the season (e.g., northern harrier [Circus cyaneus] and ring-necked pheasant [Phasianus colchicus]). Nest success rates of grasshopper sparrows and common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) were similar to those reported by other studies in switchgrass fields and might be sufficient to maintain stable populations. In general, switchgrass biomass fields create breeding habitat for some grassland birds, and a mixture of harvested and nonharvested fields would be more beneficial to grassland birds than totally harvesting or partially harvesting all switchgrass fields.

Importance of NADPH oxidase-mediated redox signaling in the detrimental effect of CRP on pancreatic insulin secretion.

PubMed

Chan, Pei-Chi; Wang, Ya-Chin; Chen, Yi-Ling; Hsu, Wan-Ning; Tian, Yu-Feng; Hsieh, Po-Shiuan

2017-11-01

Elevations in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are positively correlated with the progress of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the effect of CRP on pancreatic insulin secretion is unknown. Here, we showed that purified human CRP impaired insulin secretion in isolated mouse islets and NIT-1 insulin-secreting cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. CRP increased NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, which simultaneously promoted the production of nitrotyrosine (an indicator of RNS, reactive nitrogen species) and TNFα, to diminish cell viability, insulin secretion in islets and insulin-secreting cells. These CRP-mediated detrimental effects on cell viability and insulin secretion were significantly reversed by adding NAC (a potent antioxidant), apocynin (a selective NADPH oxidase inhibitor), L-NAME (a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor), aminoguanidine (a selective iNOS inhibitor), PDTC (a selective NFκB inhibitor) or Enbrel (an anti-TNFα fusion protein). However, CRP-induced ROS production failed to change after adding L-NAME, aminoguanidine or PDTC. In isolated islets and NIT-1 cells, the elevated nitrotyrosine contents by CRP pretreatment were significantly suppressed by adding L-NAME but not PDTC. Conversely, CRP-induced increases in TNF-α production were significantly reversed by administration of PDTC but not L-NAME. In addition, wild-type mice treated with purified human CRP showed significant decreases in the insulin secretion index (HOMA-β cells) and the insulin stimulation index in isolated islets that were reversed by the addition of L-NAME, aminoguanidine or NAC. It is suggested that CRP-activated NADPH-oxidase redox signaling triggers iNOS-mediated RNS and NFκB-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production to cause β cell damage in state of inflammation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Water-quality trends in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin using sediment cores from reservoirs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Metre, Peter C.; Mahler, B.J.; Callender, Edward C.

1997-01-01

In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began full implementation of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program (Leahy and others, 1990). Also in 1991, the State of Texas established the Clean Rivers Program (CRP) administered by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). The coring study reported here was a collaborative effort between the NAWQA Program and the CRP Rio Grande Border Environmental Assessment Team, with additional funding support from the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1.

Carbon sequestration in dryland soils and plant residue as influenced by tillage and crop rotation.

PubMed

Sainju, Upendra M; Lenssen, Andrew; Caesar-Thonthat, Thecan; Waddell, Jed

2006-01-01

Long-term use of conventional tillage and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow systems in the northern Great Plains have resulted in low soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. We examined the effects of two tillage practices [conventional till (CT) and no-till (NT)], five crop rotations [continuous spring wheat (CW), spring wheat-fallow (W-F), spring wheat-lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) (W-L), spring wheat-spring wheat-fallow (W-W-F), and spring wheat-pea (Pisum sativum L.)-fallow (W-P-F)], and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) planting on plant C input, SOC, and particulate organic carbon (POC). A field experiment was conducted in a mixture of Scobey clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, Aridic Argiborolls) and Kevin clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, Aridic Argiborolls) from 1998 to 2003 in Havre, MT. Total plant biomass returned to the soil from 1998 to 2003 was greater in CW (15.5 Mg ha(-1)) than in other rotations. Residue cover, amount, and C content in 2004 were 33 to 86% greater in NT than in CT and greater in CRP than in crop rotations. Residue amount (2.47 Mg ha(-1)) and C content (0.96 Mg ha(-1)) were greater in NT with CW than in other treatments, except in CT with CRP and W-F and in NT with CRP and W-W-F. The SOC at the 0- to 5-cm depth was 23% greater in NT (6.4 Mg ha(-1)) than in CT. The POC was not influenced by tillage and crop rotation, but POC to SOC ratio at the 0- to 20-cm depth was greater in NT with W-L (369 g kg(-1) SOC) than in CT with CW, W-F, and W-L. From 1998 to 2003, SOC at the 0- to 20-cm depth decreased by 4% in CT but increased by 3% in NT. Carbon can be sequestered in dryland soils and plant residue in areas previously under CRP using reduced tillage and increased cropping intensity, such as NT with CW, compared with traditional practice, such as CT with W-F system, and the content can be similar to that in CRP planting.

The predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute pancreatitis - is interval change in CRP an additional indicator of severity?

PubMed

Stirling, Aaron D; Moran, Neil R; Kelly, Michael E; Ridgway, Paul F; Conlon, Kevin C

2017-10-01

Using revised Atlanta classification defined outcomes, we compare absolute values in C-reactive protein (CRP), with interval changes in CRP, for severity stratification in acute pancreatitis (AP). A retrospective study of all first incidence AP was conducted over a 5-year period. Interval change in CRP values from admission to day 1, 2 and 3 was compared against the absolute values. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve and likelihood ratios (LRs) were used to compare ability to predict severe and mild disease. 337 cases of first incidence AP were included in our analysis. ROC curve analysis demonstrated the second day as the most useful time for repeat CRP measurement. A CRP interval change >90 mg/dL at 48 h (+LR 2.15, -LR 0.26) was equivalent to an absolute value of >150 mg/dL within 48 h (+LR 2.32, -LR 0.25). The optimal cut-off for absolute CRP based on new, more stringent definition of severity was >190 mg/dL (+LR 2.72, -LR 0.24). Interval change in CRP is a comparable measure to absolute CRP in the prognostication of AP severity. This study suggests a rise of >90 mg/dL from admission or an absolute value of >190 mg/dL at 48 h predicts severe disease with the greatest accuracy. Copyright © 2017 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of exercise on c-reactive protein in healthy patients and in patients with heart disease: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Hammonds, Tracy L; Gathright, Emily C; Goldstein, Carly M; Penn, Marc S; Hughes, Joel W

2016-01-01

Decreases in circulating hsCRP have been associated with increased physical activity and exercise training, although the ability of exercise interventions to reduce hsCRP and which individuals benefit the most remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates the ability of exercise to reduce hsCRP levels in healthy individuals and in individuals with heart disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted that included exercise interventions trials from 1995 to 2012. Forty-three studies were included in the final analysis for a total of 3575 participants. Exercise interventions significantly reduced hsCRP (standardized mean difference -0.53 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.74 to -0.33). Results of sub-analysis revealed no significant difference in reductions in hsCRP between healthy adults and those with heart disease (p = .20). Heterogeneity between studies could not be attributed to age, gender, intervention length, intervention type, or inclusion of diet modification. Exercise interventions reduced hsCRP levels in adults irrespective of the presence of heart disease.​. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Milk C-reactive protein in canine mastitis.

PubMed

Vasiu, Iosif; Dąbrowski, Roman; Martinez-Subiela, Silvia; Ceron, Jose J; Wdowiak, Anna; Pop, Raul Alexandru; Brudaşcă, Florinel Gheorghe; Pastor, Josep; Tvarijonaviciute, Asta

2017-04-01

Presence of mastitis in lactating bitches can become life threatening for both the bitch and pups. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a possible utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) in both milk and serum for canine mastitis diagnosis. Our study showed that milk CRP levels ranged between 0.1 and 4.9μg/mL and from 0.3 to 40.0μg/mL in healthy and diseased bitches (P<0.01), respectively, while serum CRP levels ranged between 2.0 and 8.6μg/mL and between 0.3 and 162.3μg/mL in healthy and diseased bitches (P<0.01), respectively. Milk and serum CRP levels were higher in both clinical and subclinical mastitis when compared with healthy controls (P<0.05 in all cases). However, no significant differences were recorded in CRP concentrations between clinical and subclinical cases. Based on these results, it could be concluded that serum and milk CRP could be useful in order to diagnose canine mastitis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal changes in C-reactive protein, proform of eosinophil major basic protein, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A during weight changes in obese children.

PubMed

Lausten-Thomsen, Ulrik; Gamborg, Michael; Bøjsøe, Christine; Hedley, Paula L; Hagen, Christian Munch; Christiansen, Michael; Holm, Jens-Christian

2015-03-01

Childhood obesity is associated with several complications, including cardiovascular comorbidity. Several biomarkers, such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), proform of eosinophil major basic protein (Pro-MBP) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), have equally been linked to increased cardiovascular susceptibility. This study investigates these biomarkers during weight loss and regain in obese children. A longitudinal study during a 12-week weight loss program with a 28 months follow-up was conducted. Anthropometrics and plasma concentrations of hs-CRP, Pro-MBP, and PAPP-A were measured at baseline; at days 14, 33 and 82 during weight loss; and at months 10, 16, and 28 during follow-up. Fifty-three boys and 62 girls aged 8-15 years with a median body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) at baseline of 2.78 (boys), and 2.70 (girls) were included. Ninety children completed the weight loss program and 68 children entered the follow-up program. Pro-MBP and PAPP-A, but not hs-CRP, exhibited individual-specific levels (tracking) during weight loss and regain. The PAPP-A/Pro-MBP correlation was strong, whereas the hs-CRP/PAPP-A correlation was weak during weight fluctuations. Hs-CRP changes reflect weight changes. PAPP-A and Pro-MBP exhibited tracking during weight perturbations and may contribute as early risk markers of cardiovascular susceptibility.

Engagement with Cognitively-Based Compassion Training is associated with reduced salivary C-reactive protein from before to after training in foster care program adolescents.

PubMed

Pace, Thaddeus W W; Negi, Lobsang Tenzin; Dodson-Lavelle, Brooke; Ozawa-de Silva, Brendan; Reddy, Sheethal D; Cole, Steven P; Danese, Andrea; Craighead, Linda W; Raison, Charles L

2013-02-01

Children exposed to early life adversity (ELA) have been shown to have elevated circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers that persist into adulthood. Increased inflammation in individuals with ELA is believed to drive the elevated risk for medical and psychiatric illness in the same individuals. This study sought to determine whether Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT) reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) in adolescents in foster care with high rates of ELA, and to evaluate the relationship between CBCT engagement and changes in CRP given prior evidence from our group for an effect of practice on inflammatory markers. It was hypothesized that increasing engagement would be associated with reduced CRP from baseline to the 6-week assessment. Seventy-one adolescents in the Georgia foster care system (31 females), aged 13-17, were randomized to either 6 weeks of CBCT or a wait-list condition. State records were used to obtain information about each participant's history of trauma and neglect, as well as reason for placement in foster care. Saliva was collected before and again after 6 weeks of CBCT or the wait-list condition. Participants in the CBCT group completed practice diaries as a means of assessing engagement with the CBCT. No difference between groups was observed in salivary CRP concentrations. Within the CBCT group, practice sessions during the study correlated with reduced CRP from baseline to the 6-week assessment. Engagement with CBCT may positively impact inflammatory measures relevant to health in adolescents at high risk for poor adult functioning as a result of significant ELA, including individuals placed in foster care. Longer term follow-up will be required to evaluate if these changes are maintained and translate into improved health outcomes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Land-use legacies regulate decomposition dynamics following bioenergy crop conversion

DOE PAGES

Kallenbach, Cynthia M.; Stuart Grandy, A.

2014-07-14

Land-use conversion into bioenergy crop production can alter litter decomposition processes tightly coupled to soil carbon and nutrient dynamics. Yet, litter decomposition has been poorly described in bioenergy production systems, especially following land-use conversion. Predicting decomposition dynamics in postconversion bioenergy production systems is challenging because of the combined influence of land-use legacies with current management and litter quality. To evaluate how land-use legacies interact with current bioenergy crop management to influence litter decomposition in different litter types, we conducted a landscape-scale litterbag decomposition experiment. We proposed land-use legacies regulate decomposition, but their effects are weakened under higher quality litter andmore » when current land use intensifies ecosystem disturbance relative to prior land use. We compared sites left in historical land uses of either agriculture (AG) or Conservation Reserve Program grassland (CRP) to those that were converted to corn or switchgrass bioenergy crop production. Enzyme activities, mass loss, microbial biomass, and changes in litter chemistry were monitored in corn stover and switchgrass litter over 485 days, accompanied by similar soil measurements. Across all measured variables, legacy had the strongest effect (P < 0.05) relative to litter type and current management, where CRP sites maintained higher soil and litter enzyme activities and microbial biomass relative to AG sites. Decomposition responses to conversion depended on legacy but also current management and litter type. Within the CRP sites, conversion into corn increased litter enzymes, microbial biomass, and litter protein and lipid abundances, especially on decomposing corn litter, relative to nonconverted CRP. However, conversion into switchgrass from CRP, a moderate disturbance, often had no effect on switchgrass litter decomposition parameters. Thus, legacies shape the direction and magnitude of decomposition responses to bioenergy crop conversion and therefore should be considered a key influence on litter and soil C cycling under bioenergy crop management.« less

Rangewide genetic analysis of Lesser Prairie-Chicken reveals population structure, range expansion, and possible introgression

USGS Publications Warehouse

Oyler-McCance, Sara J.; DeYoung, Randall W; Fike, Jennifer; Hagen, Christian A.; Johnson, Jeff A.; Larsson, Lena C.; Patten, Michael

2016-01-01

The distribution of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) has been markedly reduced due to loss and fragmentation of habitat. Portions of the historical range, however, have been recolonized and even expanded due to planting of conservation reserve program (CRP) fields that provide favorable vegetation structure for Lesser Prairie-Chickens. The source population(s) feeding the range expansion is unknown, yet has resulted in overlap between Lesser and Greater Prairie-Chickens (T. cupido) increasing the potential for hybridization. Our objectives were to characterize connectivity and genetic diversity among populations, identify source population(s) of recent range expansion, and examine hybridization with the Greater Prairie-Chicken. We analyzed 640 samples from across the range using 13 microsatellites. We identified three to four populations corresponding largely to ecoregions. The Shinnery Oak Prairie and Sand Sagebrush Prairie represented genetically distinct populations (F ST > 0.034 and F ST > 0.023 respectively). The Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic and Mixed Grass ecoregions appeared admixed (F ST = 0.009). Genetic diversity was similar among ecoregions and N e ranged from 142 (95 % CI 99–236) for the Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic to 296 (95 % CI 233–396) in the Mixed Grass Prairie. No recent migration was detected among ecoregions, except asymmetric dispersal from both the Mixed Grass Prairie and to a lesser extent the Sand Sagebrush Prairie north into adjacent Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic (m = 0.207, 95 % CI 0.116–0.298, m = 0.097, 95 % CI 0.010–0.183, respectively). Indices investigating potential hybridization in the Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic revealed that six of the 13 individuals with hybrid phenotypes were significantly admixed suggesting hybridization. Continued monitoring of diversity within and among ecoregions is warranted as are actions promoting genetic connectivity and range expansion.

Adding exercise to rosuvastatin treatment: influence on C-reactive protein, monocyte toll-like receptor 4 expression, and inflammatory monocyte (CD14+CD16+) population.

PubMed

Coen, Paul M; Flynn, Michael G; Markofski, Melissa M; Pence, Brandt D; Hannemann, Robert E

2010-12-01

Statin treatment and exercise training can reduce markers of inflammation when administered separately. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of rosuvastatin treatment and the addition of exercise training on circulating markers of inflammation including C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, and CD14+CD16+ monocyte population size. Thirty-three hypercholesterolemic and physically inactive subjects were randomly assigned to rosuvastatin (R) or rosuvastatin/exercise (RE) groups. A third group of physically active hypercholesterolemic subjects served as a control (AC). The R and RE groups received rosuvastatin treatment (10 mg/d) for 20 weeks. From week 10 to week 20, the RE group also participated in an exercise training program (3d/wk). Measurements were made at baseline (Pre), week 10 (Mid), and week 20 (Post), and included TLR4 expression on CD14+ monocytes and CD14+CD16+ monocyte population size as determined by 3-color flow cytometry. Serum CRP was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TLR4 expression on CD14+ monocytes was higher in the R group at week 20. When treatment groups (R and RE) were combined, serum CRP was lower across time. Furthermore, serum CRP and inflammatory monocyte population size were lower in the RE group compared with the R group at the Post time point. When all groups (R, RE, and AC) were combined, TLR4 expression was greater on inflammatory monocytes (CD14+CD16+) compared with classic monocytes (CD14+CD16⁻) at all time points. In conclusion, rosuvastatin may influence monocyte inflammatory response by increasing TLR4 expression on circulating monocytes. The addition of exercise training to rosuvastatin treatment further lowered CRP and reduced the size of the inflammatory monocyte population, suggesting an additive anti-inflammatory effect of exercise. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

C-reactive protein and procalcitonin for the early detection of anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal surgery: pilot study in 100 patients.

PubMed

Lagoutte, N; Facy, O; Ravoire, A; Chalumeau, C; Jonval, L; Rat, P; Ortega-Deballon, P

2012-10-01

Anastomotic leakage is the most important complication after colorectal surgery. Its prognosis depends on its early diagnosis. C-reactive protein (CRP) has already shown its usefulness for the early detection of anastomotic leaks. Procalcitonin (PCT) is widely used in intensive care units and is more expensive, but its usefulness in the postoperative period of digestive surgery is not well established. Between May 2010 and June 2011, 100 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were prospectively included in a database. CRP and PCT were measured before surgery and daily until postoperative day 4. All intraabdominal infections were considered as anastomotic leaks, regardless of their clinical impact and their management. The kinetics of PCT and CRP were recorded, as well as their accuracy for the detection of anastomotic fistula. The incidence of fistula was 13% and the overall mortality rate was 2%. Both CRP and PCT were significantly higher in patients with leakage. Areas under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) for CRP were higher than those for PCT each day. The best accuracy was obtained for CRP on postoperative day 4 (areas under the ROC curve were 0.869 for CRP and 0.750 for PCT). Procalcitonin is neither earlier nor more accurate than CRP for the detection of anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal surgery. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

High levels of vitamin D in relation to reduced risk of schizophrenia with elevated C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Zhu, Dao-min; Liu, Yong; Zhang, Ai-guo; Chu, Zhao-xue; Wu, Qing; Li, Hui; Ge, Jin-fang; Dong, Yi; Zhu, Peng

2015-08-30

There is growing evidence on the novel role of vitamin D in reducing inflammation. This study aimed to examine the hypothesis that vitamin D is inversely associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with schizophrenia, and high levels of vitamin D may be linked to reduced risk of schizophrenia with elevated CRP. Ninety-three patients with schizophrenia and 93 family-matched controls were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Plasma concentrations of CRP and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured using commercial kits. Information about demographic characteristics and clinic data were obtained by interviews or medical records. Mean levels of CRP and 25(OH)D were 43.3% higher and 26.7% lower for patients compared to controls, respectively. 25(OH)D were inversely associated with CRP in the patients, but not in the controls. The proportions of patients significantly increased with increasing quartiles of CRP, while significantly decreased with increasing quartiles of 25(OH)D. Among individuals with high CRP, participants with high 25(OH)D have significantly lower proportion (adjusted OR =0.217, 95% CI 0.063, 0.751) of schizophrenia compared to those with low 25(OH)D. The evidence suggested that high levels of vitamin D may be linked to reduced risk of schizophrenia with elevated CRP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interval training based on ventilatory anaerobic threshold increases cardiac vagal modulation and decreases high-sensitivity c-reative protein: randomized clinical trial in coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Tamburus, Nayara Y; Paula, Roberta F L; Kunz, Vandeni C; César, Marcelo C; Moreno, Marlene A; da Silva, Ester

2015-01-01

Autonomic dysfunction and inflammatory activity are involved in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), and exercise training has been shown to confer a cardiovascular benefit. To evaluate the effects that interval training (IT) based on ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) has on heart rate variability (HRV) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, as well as the relationship between both levels, in patients with CAD and/or cardiovascular risk factors (RF). Forty-two men (aged 57.88±6.20 years) were divided into two training groups, CAD-T (n= 12) and RF-T (n= 10), and two control groups, CAD-C (n= 10) and RF-C (n=10). Heart rate and RR intervals in the supine position, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, and hs-CRP levels were measured before and after IT. HRV was analyzed by spectral and symbolic analysis. The CAD-T and RF-T underwent a 16-week IT program of three weekly sessions at training intensities based on the VAT. In the RF-T, cardiac sympathetic modulation index and hs-CRP decreased (p<0.02), while cardiac parasympathetic modulation index increased (p<0.02). In the CAD-T, cardiac parasympathetic modulation index increased, while hs-CRP, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures decreased (p<0.02). Both control groups showed increase in hs-CRP parameters (p<0.02). There was a strong and significant association between parasympathetic and sympathetic modulations with hs-CRP. The IT program based on the VAT promoted a decrease in hs-CRP associated with improvement in cardiac autonomic modulation.

Chronic kidney disease, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease risk in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Kochi, Masako; Kohagura, Kentaro; Shiohira, Yoshiki; Iseki, Kunitoshi; Ohya, Yusuke

2018-03-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a prototypic systemic autoimmune inflammatory condition, confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, chronic kidney disease (CKD) was suggested to increase the risk of CVD in RA patients, and inflammation was identified as a critical, nontraditional CKD-associated risk factor for CVD. This study aimed to examine the combined effects of CKD and CVD in RA patients. In this retrospective evaluation of 428 RA patients, the outcome of interest was the incidence of CVD. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60mL/min/1.73m 2 and/or positive dipstick tests for proteinuria of ≥3 months duration. C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as an inflammation marker, and a high CRP level was defined as a mean CRP value of ≥0.57mg/dL during the first 6 months of follow-up. Patients were categorized as follows: non-CKD with low CRP, non-CKD with high CRP, CKD with low CRP, and CKD with high CRP. During a median follow-up of 89 months, 67 patients (16%) had CKD, and 38 (9%) developed CVD. Using patients with non-CKD and low CRP as a reference group, the adjusted hazard ratios (HR, 95% confidence interval) for CVD were 1.88 (0.25-9.44) for patients with CKD/low CRP and 9.71 (3.27-31.97) for those with CKD/high CRP. The coexistence of CKD and inflammation was associated with a higher risk of CVD than either condition alone in RA patients. Inflammation might increase the risk of CVD especially in patients with CKD. Copyright © 2017 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1: Assessing pollinator habitat services to optimize conservation programs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Iovanna, Richard; Ando , Amy W.; Swinton, Scott; Hellerstein, Daniel; Kagan, Jimmy; Mushet, David M.; Otto, Clint R.; Rewa, Charles A.

2017-01-01

Pollination services have received increased attention over the past several years, and protecting foraging area is beginning to be reflected in conservation policy. This case study considers the prospects for doing so in a more analytically rigorous manner, by quantifying the pollination services for sites being considered for ecological restoration. The specific policy context is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which offers financial and technical assistance to landowners seeking to convert sensitive cropland back to some semblance of the prairie (or, to a lesser extent, forest or wetland) ecosystem that preceded it. Depending on the mix of grasses and wildflowers that are established, CRP enrollments can provide pollinator habitat. Further, depending on their location, they will generate related services, such as biological control of crop pests, recreation, and aesthetics. While offers to enroll in CRP compete based on cost and some anticipated benefits, the eligibility and ranking criteria do not reflect these services to a meaningful degree. Therefore, we develop a conceptual value diagram to identify the sequence of steps and associated models and data necessary to quantify the full range of services, and find that critical data gaps, some of which are artifacts of policy, preclude the application of benefit-relevant indicators (BRIs) or monetization. However, we also find that there is considerable research activity underway to fill these gaps. In addition, a modeling framework has been developed that can estimate field-level effects on services as a function of landscape context. The approach is inherently scalable and not limited in geographic scope, which is essential for a program with a national footprint. The parameters in this framework are sufficiently straightforward that expert judgment could be applied as a stopgap approach until empirically derived estimates are available. While monetization of benefit-relevant indicators of yield changes (crop and honey) and of habitat benefits due to enhanced pollination and pest bio-control services would be relatively straightforward, the merits of proceeding when other services cannot be valued now should be carefully considered.

Kinetics of C-reactive protein in children with congenital heart diseases in the early period after cardiosurgical treatment with extracorporeal circulation.

PubMed

Jaworski, Radoslaw; Haponiuk, Ireneusz; Irga-Jaworska, Ninela; Chojnicki, Maciej; Steffens, Mariusz; Szofer-Sendrowska, Aneta; Zielinski, Jacek; Juscinski, Jacek

2014-03-01

The aim of the study was to assess postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) serum kinetics in children without clinical signs of infection after atrial and ventricular septal defects closure in terms of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Fifty-two patients met inclusion criteria and were divided into 2 groups: group A (antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin given up to 48 h postoperatively) and group B (antibiotic prophylaxis with amoxicillin and clavunic acid given more than 48 h postoperatively). The CRP was measured perioperatively in both groups. The CRP evaluation was the part of routine lab-tests during perioperative period, without any modification of the typical perioperative strategy. In the postoperative period CRP was measured after 24h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h in both groups. There were no differences between CRP levels between both groups of patients. The peak CRP values were observed after 48 h after the operation in ECC in both groups and decreased in the next postoperative days. In children with congenital heart defects undergoing cardiosurgical treatment with the use of ECC the assessing CRP values in the first postoperative day remains questionable. The maximum peak CRP value after operation with ECC can be much higher than the reference values without infection complications. Single CRP assessment in early postoperative period in these groups of children can lead to over-diagnosis of infections and antibiotics abuse. Copyright © 2014 Medical University of Bialystok. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein and Homocysteine in Large-Artery Atherosclerotic Stroke: a Prospective Observational Study.

PubMed

Ye, Zusen; Zhang, Zhizhong; Zhang, Hao; Hao, Yonggang; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Wenhua; Xu, Gelin; Liu, Xinfeng

2017-03-01

Our objective is to investigate whether C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in the acute phase of large-artery atherosclerotic stroke predict long-term functional disability and recurrent vascular events. Patients with first-ever large-artery atherosclerotic ischemic stroke were prospectively registered in the Nanjing Stroke Registry Program between January 2012 and June 2014. Venous blood samples were collected within 2 weeks after the index stroke. Patients were followed up for 1 year. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed in survival analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were applied to identify predictors of functional disability and recurrent vascular events, respectively. A total of 625 eligible patients (458 males) were evaluated. During the 1-year follow-up period, 63 patients suffered recurrent vascular events. An elevated CRP level is an independent predictor of poor functional disability at 1 year (P for trend = .002), in both males (P for trend = .017) and females (P for trend = .042). Hcy showed no relationship with functional disability. No significant relationship between CRP and Hcy levels and recurrent vascular events was found in total patients in multiple models. Stratified by sex, high Hcy levels were associated with recurrent vascular events in females (P for trend = .036) but not in males. Elevated CRP levels are associated with poor functional disability in patients with large-artery atherosclerotic stroke at 1 year, and Hcy is a relatively moderate predictor of recurrent vascular events in female patients with large-artery atherosclerotic stroke at 1 year. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bird productivity and nest predation in agricultural grasslands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ribic, Christine; Guzy, Michael J.; Anderson, Travis J.; Sample, David W.; Nack, Jamie L.

2012-01-01

Effective conservation strategies for grassland birds in agricultural landscapes require understanding how nesting success varies among different grassland habitats. A key component to this is identifying nest predators and how these predators vary by habitat. We quantified nesting activity of obligate grassland birds in three habitats [remnant prairie, cool-season grass Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields, and pastures) in southwest Wisconsin, 2002-2004. We determined nest predators using video cameras and examined predator activity using track stations. Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) nested primarily in CRP fields, and Grasshopper Sparrow (A. savannarum) in remnant prairies. Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) nested evenly across all three habitats. Daily nest survival rate for Eastern Meadowlark varied by nesting stage alone. Daily nest survival rate for Grasshopper Sparrow varied by nest vegetation and distance to the nearest woody edge; nest survival was higher near woody edges. In CRP fields, most predators were grassland-associated, primarily thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). In pastures, one-third of the nest predators were grassland-associated (primarily thirteen-lined ground squirrels) and 56% were associated with woody habitats (primarily raccoons, Procyon lotor). Raccoon activity was greatest around pastures and lowest around prairies; regardless of habitat, raccoon activity along woody edges was twice that along non-woody edges. Thirteen-lined ground squirrel activity was greater along prairie edges than pastures and was greater along nonwoody edges compared to woody edges. In CRP fields, raccoon activity was greater along edges compared to the interiors; for ground squirrels these relationships were reversed. Using video camera technology to identify nest predators was indispensable in furthering our understanding of the grassland system. The challenge is to use that knowledge to develop management actions for both birds and predators.

Evaluation of saliva collection devices for the analysis of proteins.

PubMed

Topkas, Eleni; Keith, Patricia; Dimeski, Goce; Cooper-White, Justin; Punyadeera, Chamindie

2012-07-11

Human saliva mirrors the body's health and can be collected non-invasively, does not require specialized skills and is suitable for large population based screening programs. The aims were twofold: to evaluate the suitability of commercially available saliva collection devices for quantifying proteins present in saliva and to provide levels for C-reactive protein (CRP), myoglobin, and immunoglobin E (IgE) in saliva of healthy individuals as a baseline for future studies. Saliva was collected from healthy volunteers (n=17, ages 18-33years). The following collection methods were evaluated: drool; Salimetrics® Oral Swab (SOS); Salivette® Cotton and Synthetic (Sarstedt) and Greiner Bio-One Saliva Collection System (GBO SCS®). We used AlphaLISA® assays to measure CRP, IgE and myoglobin levels in human saliva. Significant (p<0.05) differences in the salivary flow rates were observed based on the method of collection, i.e. salivary flow rates were significantly lower (p<0.05) in unstimulated saliva (i.e. drool and SOS), when compared with mechanically stimulated methods (p<0.05) (Salivette® Cotton and Synthetic) and acid stimulated method (p<0.05) (SCS®). Saliva collected using SOS yielded significantly (p<0.05) lower concentrations of myoglobin and CRP, whilst, saliva collected using the Salivette® Cotton and Synthetic swab yielded significantly (p<0.05) lower myoglobin and IgE concentrations respectively. The results demonstrated significantly relevant differences in analyte levels based on the collection method. Significant differences in the salivary flow rates were also observed depending on the saliva collection method. The data provide preliminary baseline values for salivary CRP, myoglobin, and IgE levels in healthy participants and based on the collection method. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

77 FR 35938 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-15

... surveying licensed deer, upland game bird and waterfowl hunters. Hunting is a major component of... game bird and waterfowl hunter in ND and SD. The survey is needed to estimate the amount of hunting... CRP lands to hunters in ND and SD to evaluate the benefits of the CRP program. Without data on hunter...

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi): Botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine.

PubMed

Yu, Xin; Sun, Shuang; Guo, Yuyan; Liu, Yan; Yang, Dayu; Li, Guoyu; Lü, Shaowa

2018-06-28

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Rutaceae, CRP), commonly called as Chenpi () in Chinese, is most frequently used as a qi-regulating drug in thousands of Chinese medicine prescriptions. CRP is found mainly in major citrus-producing areas such as the Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Fujian, and Zhejiang Provinces of China. Since thousands of years in China, CRP has been used widely in clinical practice to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion, anepithymia, diarrhea, cough, expectoration, and so on. Currently, CRP is listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The present paper reviews the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and toxicology of CRP. Information on CRP was gathered from various sources including the books on traditional Chinese herbal medicine; scientific databases including Elsevier, PubMed, and ScienceDirect; Baidu Scholar; CNKI; and others and from different professional websites. Approximately 140 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from CRP. Among them, volatile oils and flavonoids are generally considered as the main bioactive and characteristic ingredients. CRP possesses wide pharmacological effects such as having a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties; and a protective effect on the liver and nerve. Moreover, hesperidin is chosen as an indicator in the quantitative determination of CRP, and the quantity of aflatoxin in CRP must not exceed the standard limit mentioned in the pharmacopoeia. In brief, CRP has a warming nature, and hence, it can be used in harmony with a lot of medicines. CRP not only exhibits its effects individually but also aids other medicines exhibit a better effect. CRP can be consumed with tea, food, alcohol, and medicine. Irrespective of the form it is being consumed, CRP not only shows a synergistic effect but also has strengths on its own. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that CRP has marked bioactivities, especially on the diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems. The bioactivities of CRP are useful for its clinical application and provide prospects for the development of drugs as well as food and health products for people. Although CRP is a commonly used drug in the traditional Chinese herbal prescription, there is an urgent need for further research on its synergistic effect with other herbs based on the compatibility theory of TCM, which would further increase our understanding on the compatibility theory of TCM. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modulation of C-reactive protein and plasma omega-6 fatty acid levels by phospholipase A2 gene polymorphisms following a 6-week supplementation with fish oil.

PubMed

Tremblay, B L; Rudkowska, I; Couture, P; Lemieux, S; Julien, P; Vohl, M C

2015-12-01

This clinical trial investigated the impact of a six-week supplementation with fish oil and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PLA2G4A and PLA2G6 genes on total omega-6 fatty acid (n-6 FA) levels in plasma phospholipids (PL) and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in 191 subjects. Interaction effects between SNPs and supplementation modulated total n-6 FAs and CRP levels in both men and women. Associations between SNPs and total n-6 FA levels and between SNPs and CRP levels were identified in men, independently of supplementation. Supplementation decreased total n-6 FAs without affecting plasma CRP levels. Changes in CRP levels correlated positively with changes in total n-6 FAs in men (r=0.25 p=0.01), but not in women. In conclusion, total n-6 FA levels in plasma PL and plasma CRP levels are modulated by SNPs within PLA2G4A and PLA2G6 genes alone or in combination with fish oil supplementation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increased impact of a contraceptive vaginal ring with ethinyl estradiol and nestorone on C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Rad, Mandana; Burggraaf, Jacobus; Sitruk-Ware, Regine L; de Kam, Marieke L; Cohen, Adam F; Kluft, Cornelis

2012-11-01

OBJECTIVE & STUDY DESIGN: In a parallel design, 23 and 22 healthy pre-menopausal women were randomly administered a contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) delivering 150/15 μg Nestorone®/ethinyl estradiol (EE) daily or an oral contraceptive (OC) containing levonorgestrel and EE (150/30 μg) for three cycles, to compare the effects on C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation. ANCOVA was performed with baseline values as covariate. The CVR caused [estimate of difference (95% CI), 109% (16-275%)] higher levels of CRP than the OC, while no difference was observed for leukocyte 1% (-13/+17%) and monocyte counts 6% (-9/+23%). The greater increase in CRP was confined to CVR recipients exhibiting low pre-treatment CRP-levels, whereas no difference was observed in the increases for recipients in the highest tertile of pre-treatment CRP levels. The difference in CRP rise in CVR and OC users does not correspond with the effects on other markers of inflammation and is most likely due to a specific difference in the effect of ethinyl-estradiol combined with nestorone in cases with low CRP. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Grassland bird productivity in warm season grass fields in southwest Wisconsin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Byers, Carolyn M.; Ribic, Christine; Sample, David W.; Dadisman, John D.; Guttery, Michael

2017-01-01

Surrogate grasslands established through federal set-aside programs, such as U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), provide important habitat for grassland birds. Warm season grass CRP fields as a group have the potential for providing a continuum of habitat structure for breeding birds, depending on how the fields are managed and their floristic composition. We studied the nesting activity of four obligate grassland bird species, Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), and Henslow's Sparrow (A. henslowii), in relation to vegetative composition and fire management in warm season CRP fields in southwest Wisconsin during 2009–2011. Intraspecific variation in apparent nest density was related to the number of years since the field was burned. Apparent Grasshopper Sparrow nest density was highest in the breeding season immediately following spring burns, apparent Henslow's Sparrow nest density was highest 1 y post burn, and apparent Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark nest densities were higher in post fire years one to three. Grasshopper Sparrow nest density was highest on sites with more diverse vegetation, specifically prairie forbs, and on sites with shorter less dense vegetation. Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and Henslow's Sparrow apparent nest densities were higher on sites with deeper litter; litter was the vegetative component that was most affected by spring burns. Overall nest success was 0.487 for Bobolink (22 d nesting period), 0.478 for Eastern Meadowlark (25 d nesting period), 0.507 for Grasshopper Sparrow (22 d nesting period), and 0.151 for Henslow's Sparrow (21 d nesting period). The major nest predators were grassland-associated species: thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), American badger (Taxidea taxus), and western fox snake (Elaphe vulpina). Overall depredation rate was not affected by the number of years since the site had been burned. The diversity of vegetation on warm season CRP fields created by management using fire provides a continuum of structure for obligate grassland birds to use for breeding and habitat for a diversity of nest predators.

Crevicular and serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in periodontal health and disease.

PubMed

Kumari, Minal; Pradeep, A R; Priyanka, N; Kalra, Nitish; Naik, Savitha B

2014-06-01

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that are involved in destruction of the periodontal structures. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of MCP-4 and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in periodontal health and disease and to find a correlation between MCP-4 and hsCRP in GCF and serum. 40 subjects (20 males and 20 females) were selected and divided into three groups based on clinical parameters and radiologic parameters: Group 1 (10 healthy); Group 2 (15 gingivitis subjects) and Group 3 (15 chronic periodontitis subjects). The levels of serum and GCF MCP-4 were determined by ELISA and hsCRP levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry method. The mean GCF and serum concentration of MCP-4 were the highest for group 3 followed by group 2 and least in group 1. Similarly, the mean hsCRP concentrations were highest for group 3 and least in group 1. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between serum and GCF MCP-4 and hsCRP levels and periodontal parameters. The levels of MCP-4 and hsCRP increased from healthy to periodontitis. It can be proposed that MCP-4 and hsCRP are the potential biomarkers of inflammation in periodontal health and disease. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Point-of-care C-reactive protein-based tuberculosis screening for people living with HIV: a diagnostic accuracy study.

PubMed

Yoon, Christina; Semitala, Fred C; Atuhumuza, Elly; Katende, Jane; Mwebe, Sandra; Asege, Lucy; Armstrong, Derek T; Andama, Alfred O; Dowdy, David W; Davis, J Luke; Huang, Laurence; Kamya, Moses; Cattamanchi, Adithya

2017-12-01

Symptom-based screening for tuberculosis is recommended for all people living with HIV. This recommendation results in unnecessary Xpert MTB/RIF testing in many individuals living in tuberculosis-endemic areas and thus poor implementation of intensified case finding and tuberculosis preventive therapy. Novel approaches to tuberculosis screening are needed to help achieve global targets for tuberculosis elimination. We assessed the performance of C-reactive protein (CRP) measured with a point-of-care assay as a screening tool for active pulmonary tuberculosis. For this prospective study, we enrolled adults (aged ≥18 years) living with HIV with CD4 cell count less than or equal to 350 cells per μL who were initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) from two HIV/AIDS clinics in Uganda. CRP concentrations were measured at study entry with a point-of-care assay using whole blood obtained by fingerprick (concentration ≥10 mg/L defined as screen positive for tuberculosis). Sputum samples were collected for Xpert MTB/RIF testing and culture. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of point-of-care CRP and WHO symptom-based screening in reference to culture results. We repeated the sensitivity analysis with Xpert MTB/RIF as the reference standard. Between July 8, 2013, and Dec 15, 2015, 1237 HIV-infected adults were enrolled and underwent point-of-care CRP testing. 60 (5%) patients with incomplete or contaminated cultures were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 1177 patients (median CD4 count 165 cells per μL [IQR 75-271]), 163 (14%) had culture-confirmed tuberculosis. Point-of-care CRP testing had 89% sensitivity (145 of 163, 95% CI 83-93) and 72% specificity (731 of 1014, 95% CI 69-75) for culture-confirmed tuberculosis. Compared with WHO symptom-based screening, point-of-care CRP testing had lower sensitivity (difference -7%, 95% CI -12 to -2; p=0·002) but substantially higher specificity (difference 58%, 95% CI 55 to 61; p<0·0001). When Xpert MTB/RIF results were used as the reference standard, sensitivity of point-of-care CRP and WHO symptom-based screening were similar (94% [79 of 84] vs 99% [83 of 84], respectively; difference -5%, 95% CI -12 to 2; p=0·10). The performance characteristics of CRP support its use as a tuberculosis screening test for people living with HIV with CD4 count less than or equal to 350 cells per μL who are initiating ART. HIV/AIDS programmes should consider point-of-care CRP-based tuberculosis screening to improve the efficiency of intensified case finding and increase uptake of tuberculosis preventive therapy. National Institutes of Health; President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief; University of California, San Francisco, Nina Ireland Program for Lung Health. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of C-reactive protein levels in patients who do and do not develop atrial fibrillation during electrophysiologic study.

PubMed

Pirat, Bahar; Atar, Ilyas; Ertan, Cagatay; Bozbas, Huseyin; Gulmez, Oyku; Müderrisoglu, Haldun; Ozin, Bulent

2007-11-15

C-reactive protein (CRP) was increased in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate CRP after inducing AF in 39 patients undergoing electrophysiologic study (EPS). After a diagnostic EPS, programmed atrial stimulation with 3 extra stimuli from the right atrium was performed in all patients. CRP was measured before and 6 and 24 hours after the procedure. Patients in whom AF was induced were monitored for 24 hours. AF was induced in 18 of 39 patients. Twenty-one patients without a tachyarrhythmia constituted the control group. Groups were similar with regard to age, gender, incidences of hypertension and diabetes, and history of coronary artery disease. On average, AF lasted 4.8 hours, and spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm was observed in all patients. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to baseline and 6-hour CRP values between groups. However, mean CRP at 24 hours was significantly higher in patients with AF compared with controls (10 +/- 11 and 3.9 +/- 4.2 mg/L; p = 0.04). In conclusion, induction of AF during EPS led to increased CRP. This finding suggested that increased CRP may be the consequence of AF.

Metabolic syndrome and C-reactive protein in bank employees.

PubMed

Cattafesta, Monica; Bissoli, Nazaré Souza; Salaroli, Luciane Bresciani

2016-01-01

The ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) is used for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, but it is not well described as a marker for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MS). An observational and transversal study of bank employees evaluated anthropometric, hemodynamic, and biochemical data. CRP values were determined using commercial kits from Roche Diagnostics Ltd, and MS criteria were analyzed according to National Cholesterol Education Program's - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). A total of 88 individuals had MS, and 77.3% (n=68) of these showed alterations of us-CRP (P=0.0001, confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.34). Individuals with MS had higher mean values of us-CRP in global measures (P=0.0001) and stratified by sex (P=0.004) than individuals without the syndrome. This marker exhibited significant differences with varying criteria for MS, such as waist circumference (P=0.0001), triglycerides (P=0.002), and diastolic blood pressure (P=0.007), and the highest levels of us-CRP were found in individuals with more MS criteria. us-CRP was strongly associated with the presence of MS and MS criteria in this group of workers. us-CRP is a useful and effective marker for identifying the development of MS and may be used as a reference in routine care.

Grappling with Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: A Study of Elementary-Level Teacher Candidates' Learning across Practicum and Diversity Coursework Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daniel, Shannon M.

2016-01-01

This investigation of teacher candidates' (TCs) learning in their pre-service elementary education program demonstrates how TCs grappled with enacting culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) in their practicum sites. Interviews with TCs, analyzed with Lucas and Villegas's (2002) tenets of CRP, reveal how TCs thought about equitable instruction in…

C-reactive protein expression is up-regulated in apical lesions of endodontic origin in association with interleukin-6.

PubMed

Garrido, Mauricio; Dezerega, Andrea; Bordagaray, María José; Reyes, Montserrat; Vernal, Rolando; Melgar-Rodríguez, Samantha; Ciuchi, Pía; Paredes, Rodolfo; García-Sesnich, Jocelyn; Ahumada-Montalva, Pablo; Hernández, Marcela

2015-04-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is the prototype component of acute-phase proteins induced ultimately by interleukin (IL)-6 in the liver, but it is unknown whether periradicular tissues locally express CRP. The present study aimed to identify whether CRP messenger RNA synthesis occurs in situ within apical lesions of endodontic origin (ALEOs) and healthy periodontal ligament and its association with IL-6 and to determine their protein levels and tissue localization. Patients with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and healthy volunteers presenting at the School of Dentistry, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile, were enrolled. ALEOs and healthy teeth were obtained and processed for either immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence to assess IL-6 and CRP tissue localization, whereas healthy periodontal ligaments were processed as controls for real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for their RNA expression levels and multiplex assay to determine their protein levels. Statistic analysis was performed using the unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney test according to data distribution and Pearson correlation. IL-6 and CRP were synthesized in ALEOs, whereas their RNA expression and protein levels were significantly higher when compared with healthy periodontal ligament. IL-6 and CRP immunolocalized to the inflammatory cells, vascular endothelial cells, and mesenchymal cells. Both, IL-6 and CRP colocalized in ALEOs, and a positive correlation was found between their expression levels (P < .05). IL-6 and CRP messenger RNA are constitutively expressed in periodontal ligament and up-regulated in ALEOs along with higher protein levels. Given their pleiotropic effects, IL-6 and CRP protein levels in apical tissues might partially explain the development and progression of ALEOs as well as potentially asymptomatic apical periodontitis-associated systemic low-grade inflammation. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Changes in historical Iowa land cover as context for assessing the environmental benefits of current and future conservation efforts on agricultural lands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gallant, Alisa L.; Sadinski, Walt; Roth, Mark F.; Rewa, Charles A.

2011-01-01

Conservationists and agriculturists face unprecedented challenges trying to minimize tradeoffs between increasing demands for food, fiber, feed, and biofuels and the resulting loss or reduced values of other ecosystem services, such as those derived from wetlands and biodiversity (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 2005a, 2005c; Maresch et al. 2008). The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-234, Stat. 923, HR 2419, also known as the 2008 Farm Bill) reauthorized the USDA to provide financial incentives for agricultural producers to reduce environmental impacts via multiple conservation programs. Two prominent programs, the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), provide incentives for producers to retire environmentally sensitive croplands, minimize erosion, improve water quality, restore wetlands, and provide wildlife habitat (USDA FSA 2008a, 2008b; USDA NRCS 2002). Other conservation programs (e.g., Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program) provide incentives to implement structural and cultural conservation practices to improve the environmental performance of working agricultural lands. Through its Conservation Effects Assessment Project, USDA is supporting evaluation of the environmental benefits obtained from the public investment in conservation programs and practices to inform decisions on where further investments are warranted (Duriancik et al. 2008; Zinn 1997).

High C-reactive protein levels are associated with depressive symptoms in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Faugere, M; Micoulaud-Franchi, J-A; Faget-Agius, C; Lançon, C; Cermolacce, M; Richieri, R

2018-01-01

Depressive symptoms are frequently associated with schizophrenia symptoms. C - Reactive protein (CRP), a marker of chronic inflammation, had been found elevated in patients with schizophrenia and in patients with depressive symptoms. However, the association between CRP level and depressive symptoms has been poorly investigated in patients with schizophrenia. The only study conducted found an association between high CRP levels and antidepressant consumption, but not with depressive symptoms investigated with the Calgary Depression Rating Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). The aim of this study was to evaluate CRP levels and depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, and to determine whether high CRP levels are associated with depressive symptoms and/or antidepressant consumption, independently of potential confounding factors, especially tobacco-smoking and metabolic syndrome. Three hundred and seven patients with schizophrenia were enrolled in this study (mean age = 35.74 years, 69.1% male gender). Depressive symptoms was investigated with the CDSS. Patients were classified in two groups: normal CRP level (≤ 3.0mg/L) and high CRP level (> 3.0mg/L). Current medication was recorded. 124 subjects (40.4%) were classified in the high CRP level group. After adjusting for confounding factors, these patients were found to have higher CDSS scores than those with normal CRP levels in multivariate analyses (p = 0.035, OR = 1.067, 95% CI = 1.004-1.132). No significant association between CRP levels and antidepressants consumption was found. The size sample is relatively small. The cut-off point for high cardiovascular risk was used to define the two groups. CRP was the sole marker of inflammation in this study and was collected at only one time point. The design of this study is cross-sectional and there are no conclusions about the directionality of the association between depression and inflammation in schizophrenia. This study found an association between high rates of CRP levels and depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, but no association with antidepressant consumption. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of inflammation in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serum C-reactive protein and white blood cell count in morbidly obese surgical patients.

PubMed

Chen, Sheng-Bin; Lee, Yi-Chih; Ser, Kong-Han; Chen, Jung-Chien; Chen, Shu Chung; Hsieh, Hsing-Fang; Lee, Wei-Jei

2009-04-01

Obesity has been widely recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition and associated with elevated inflammatory indicators including C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Recent studies have shown elevated CRP or WBC is a significant risk factor for cardiac events and stroke but the clinical significance of CRP and WBC has not been clearly studied in morbidly obese patients. This study is aimed at the clinical significance of WBC and CRP in morbidly obese patients and the change after bariatric surgery. The study was a prospectively controlled clinical study. From December 1, 2001 to January 31, 2006, of 640 (442 females and 198 males) consecutive morbid obese patients enrolled in a surgically supervised weight loss program with at least 1 year's follow-up were examined. Of the patients, 476 (74.4%) had elevated CRP and 100 (15.6%) had elevated WBC at preoperative study. CRP and WBC were significantly related and both increased with increasing body mass index (BMI). CRP is also increased with increasing waist, glucose level, hemoglobin, albumin, Ca, insulin, C-peptide, and metabolic syndrome while WBC is increased with metabolic syndrome but decreased with increasing age. Multivariate analysis confirmed fasting glucose level and hemoglobin are independent predictors of the elevation of CRP while age is the only independent predictor for elevated WBC. Both WBC and CRP levels decreased rapidly after obesity surgery. These improvements resulted in a 69.8% reduction of CRP and 26.4% reduction of WBC 1 year after surgery. Although individuals who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass lost significantly more weight (36.8 +/- 11.7 kg vs. 17.3 +/- 10.8 kg; p = 0.000) and achieved a lower BMI (27.8 +/- 4.6 vs. 35.0 +/- 5.5; p = 0.000) than individuals who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding, there was no difference in the resolution of elevated CRP 1 year after surgery (95.9% vs. 84.5%; p = 0.169) and WBC (99.4% vs. 98.3%; p = 0.323). Both baseline WBC and CRP are elevated in morbid obese patients but CRP has a better clinical significance. Significant weight reduction 1 year after surgery markedly reduced CRP and WBC with a resolution rate of 93.9% and 98.2% separately. Obesity surgery performed by laparoscopic surgery is recommended for obese patients with elevated CRP or WBC.

Exercise reduces C-reactive protein and improves physical function in automotive workers with low back pain.

PubMed

Kim, Sang Kook; Jung, Ilho; Kim, Jae Hee

2008-06-01

Little is known about the effect of exercise on C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with low back pain (LBP). The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 8-week exercise intervention on CRP and physical function in automotive workers with LBP. Thirteen male workers (40 +/- 6 years) with LBP completed an 8-week multicomponent exercise intervention program which consisted of resistance training, swimming, stretching and hiking. Serum CRP concentration and physical functions were measured at baseline and after 8-week exercise intervention. Compared to baseline, CRP levels decreased by 38% (P = 0.005), back flexibility improved, isokinetic leg strengths increased (all P < 0.05), and back strength tended to increase. The results of the present study show that CRP levels decrease with exercise in subjects with LBP and physical function improves. This suggests that exercise-related decreases in inflammation in persons with LBP are associated with improvements in physical function.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contributions to wildlife habitat, management issues, challenges and policy choices--an annotated bibliography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Allen, Arthur W.; Vandever, Mark W.

2012-01-01

The following bibliography presents brief summaries of documents relevant to Conservation Reserve Program relations to wildlife habitat, habitat management in agriculturally dominated landscapes, and conservation policies potentially affecting wildlife habitats in agricultural ecosystems. Because the literature summaries furnished provide only sweeping overviews, users are urged to obtain and evaluate those papers appearing useful to obtain a more complete understanding of study findings and their implications to conservation in agricultural ecosystems. The bibliography contains references to reports that reach beyond topics that directly relate to the Conservation Reserve Program. Sections addressing grassland management and landowner surveys/opinions, for example, furnish information useful for enhancing development and administration of conservation policies affecting lands beyond those enrolled in conservation programs. Some sections of the bibliography (for example, agricultural conservation policy, economics, soils) are far from inclusive of all relevant material written on the subject. Hopefully, these sections will serve as fundamental introductions to related issues. In a few instances, references may be presented in more than one section of the bibliography. For example, individual papers specifically addressing both non-game and game birds are included in respective sections of the bibliography. Duplication of citations and associated notes has, however, been kept to a minimum.

Statistical Assessment of a Paired-site Approach for Verification of Carbon and Nitrogen Sequestration on CRP Land

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucharik, C.; Roth, J.

2002-12-01

The threat of global climate change has provoked policy-makers to consider plausible strategies to slow the accumulation of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. One such idea involves the sequestration of atmospheric carbon (C) in degraded agricultural soils as part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). While the potential for significant C sequestration in CRP grassland ecosystems has been demonstrated, the paired-site sampling approach traditionally used to quantify soil C changes has not been evaluated with robust statistical analysis. In this study, 14 paired CRP (> 8 years old) and cropland sites in Dane County, Wisconsin (WI) were used to assess whether a paired-site sampling design could detect statistically significant differences (ANOVA) in mean soil organic C and total nitrogen (N) storage. We compared surface (0 to 10 cm) bulk density, and sampled soils (0 to 5, 5 to 10, and 10 to 25 cm) for textural differences and chemical analysis of organic matter (OM), soil organic C (SOC), total N, and pH. The CRP contributed to lowering soil bulk density by 13% (p < 0.0001) and increased SOC and OM storage (kg m-2) by 13 to 17% in the 0 to 5 cm layer (p = 0.1). We tested the statistical power associated with ANOVA for measured soil properties, and calculated minimum detectable differences (MDD). We concluded that 40 to 65 paired sites and soil sampling in 5 cm increments near the surface were needed to achieve an 80% confidence level (α = 0.05; β = 0.20) in soil C and N sequestration rates. Because soil C and total N storage was highly variable among these sites (CVs > 20%), only a 23 to 29% change in existing total organic C and N pools could be reliably detected. While C and N sequestration (247 kg C ha{-1 } yr-1 and 17 kg N ha-1 yr-1) may be occurring and confined to the surface 5 cm as part of the WI CRP, our sampling design did not statistically support the desired 80% confidence level. We conclude that usage of statistical power analysis is essential to insure a high level of confidence in soil C and N sequestration rates that are quantified using paired plots.

Serum levels of C-reactive protein in patients with stable coronary artery disease: JUPITER in perspective.

PubMed

Saely, Christoph H; Rein, Philipp; Vonbank, Alexander; Drexel, Heinz

2010-10-29

The JUPITER trial has recently demonstrated an outstanding reduction of cardiovascular events by 20 mg rosuvastatin/day in subjects with high CRP who were apparently healthy at baseline. However, absence of atherosclerosis in JUPITER was based on the subjects' history and not proven objectively. To put the results of JUPITER in perspective, we evaluated serum CRP in a consecutive series of 703 statin-naïve Caucasian patients with angiographically proven stable CAD. From these stable CAD patients, only 69.2% met the ≥2.0 mg/l serum CRP inclusion criterion of the JUPITER trial. Median CRP [interquartile range] in our CAD patients was 3.3 [1.6-6.6] mg/l, which was significantly (p<0.001) lower than the median CRP in JUPITER (4.2 mg/l). Our results point to considerable subclinical atherosclerosis in the patients studied in JUPITER. The impressive results of that trial may not be generalizable to healthy populations all over the world. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

C-reactive protein testing does not decrease antibiotic use for acute cough illness when compared to a clinical algorithm.

PubMed

Gonzales, Ralph; Aagaard, Eva M; Camargo, Carlos A; Ma, O John; Plautz, Mark; Maselli, Judith H; McCulloch, Charles E; Levin, Sara K; Metlay, Joshua P

2011-07-01

Antibiotics are commonly overused in adults seeking emergency department (ED) care for acute cough illness. To evaluate the effect of a point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test on antibiotic treatment of acute cough illness in adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a single urban ED in the United States. The participants were adults (age ≥ 18 years) seeking care for acute cough illness (≤ 21 days duration); 139 participants were enrolled, and 131 completed the ED visit. Between November 2005 and March 2006, study participants had attached to their medical charts a clinical algorithm with recommendations for chest X-ray study or antibiotic treatment. For CRP-tested patients, recommendations were based on the same algorithm plus the CRP level. There was no difference in antibiotic use between CRP-tested and control participants (37% [95% confidence interval (CI) 29-45%] vs. 31% [95% CI 23-39%], respectively; p = 0.46) or chest X-ray use (52% [95% CI 43-61%] vs. 48% [95% CI 39-57%], respectively; p = 0.67). Among CRP-tested participants, those with normal CRP levels received antibiotics much less frequently than those with indeterminate CRP levels (20% [95% CI 7-33%] vs. 50% [95% CI 32-68%], respectively; p = 0.01). Point-of-care CRP testing does not seem to provide any additional value beyond a point-of-care clinical decision support for reducing antibiotic use in adults with acute cough illness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sex based levels of C-reactive protein and white blood cell count in subjects with metabolic syndrome: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program.

PubMed

Gharipour, Mojgan; Ramezani, Mohammad Arash; Sadeghi, Masuomeh; Khosravi, Alireza; Masjedi, Mohsen; Khosravi-Boroujeni, Hossein; Rafieian-Kopaei, Mahmoud; Sarrafzadegan, Nizal

2013-06-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) are proinflammatory markers. They are major pathophysiological for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to address the independent associations between MetS and WBC counts and serum CRP levels and evaluation of their magnitude in relation to the MetS, based on the sex in the Iranian adults. In this cross-sectional study, subjects who met the MetS criteria, based on the Adult Treatment Panel III were selected from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program database. A questionnaire containing the demographic data, weight, height, waist, and hip circumference of the respondents was completed for each person. Blood pressure was measured and the anthropometric measurements were done, and fasting blood samples were taken for 2 h postload plasma glucose (2 hpp). Serum [total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein] levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and CRP as well as WBC counts were determined. The univariate analyses were carried out to assess the relation between the CRP levels, WBC counts with the MetS in both sexes the. In men with the abdominal obesity, the higher levels of WBC count, high serum triglyceride and blood glucose levels, a low serum HDL level, and raised systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed. However, the higher serum CRP levels were only observed in those with the low serum HDL-cholesterol levels. The mean values of the WBC counts were statistically different between the men with and without MetS, but the mean values of the CRP levels were similar between the two groups. In women, the mean values of WBC count and CRP levels were statistically different in the subjects with and without a MetS components (except for the low serum HDL levels and high diastolic blood pressure for the WBC measures and abdominal obesity for the CRP measures) and for those with and without MetS. The age and smoking adjusted changes in the CRP levels and WBC counts correlated with the number of Mets components in the women. The findings of this study suggest substantial implications for the prevention and management of the MetS and atherosclerotic diseases, as these involve the suppression of inflammatory conditions rather than the incitement of anti-inflammatory conditions.

Monomeric C-reactive protein and Notch-3 co-operatively increase angiogenesis through PI3K signalling pathway.

PubMed

Boras, Emhamed; Slevin, Mark; Alexander, M Yvonne; Aljohi, Ali; Gilmore, William; Ashworth, Jason; Krupinski, Jerzy; Potempa, Lawrence A; Al Abdulkareem, Ibrahim; Elobeid, Adila; Matou-Nasri, Sabine

2014-10-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is the most acute-phase reactant serum protein of inflammation and a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease. Its expression is associated with atherosclerotic plaque instability and the formation of immature micro-vessels. We have previously shown that CRP upregulates endothelial-derived Notch-3, a key receptor involved in vascular development, remodelling and maturation. In this study, we investigated the links between the bioactive monomeric CRP (mCRP) and Notch-3 signalling in angiogenesis. We used in vitro (cell counting, wound-healing and tubulogenesis assays) and in vivo (chorioallantoic membrane) angiogenic assays and Western blotting to study the angiogenic signalling pathways induced by mCRP and Notch-3 activator chimera protein (Notch-3/Fc). Our results showed an additive effect on angiogenesis of mCRP stimulatory effect combined with Notch-3/Fc promoting bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) proliferation, migration, tube formation in Matrigel(TM) with up-regulation of phospho-Akt expression. The pharmacological blockade of PI3K/Akt survival pathway by LY294002 fully inhibited in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis induced by mCRP/Notch-3/Fc combination while blocking Notch signalling by gamma-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) partially inhibited mCRP/Notch-3/Fc-induced angiogenesis. Using a BAEC vascular smooth muscle cell co-culture sprouting angiogenesis assay and transmission electron microscopy, we showed that activation of both mCRP and Notch-3 signalling induced the formation of thicker sprouts which were shown later by Western blotting to be associated with an up-regulation of N-cadherin expression and a down-regulation of VE-cadherin expression. Thus, mCRP combined with Notch-3 activator promote angiogenesis through the PI3K/Akt pathway and their therapeutic combination has potential to promote and stabilize vessel formation whilst reducing the risk of haemorrhage from unstable plaques. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sleep Duration Trajectories and Systemic Inflammation in Young Adults: Results From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health).

PubMed

Bakour, Chighaf; Schwartz, Skai; O'Rourke, Kathleen; Wang, Wei; Sappenfield, William; Couluris, Marisa; Chen, Henian

2017-11-01

This study examines the effects of short and long sleep duration patterns in young adults on the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as the potential effect modification by sex. Using data from waves III (age 18-26) and IV (age 24-32) of the National Longitudinal study of adolescent to adult health, we examined the association between sleep trajectories in young adults, and the risk of elevated high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. Short sleep trajectories were associated with significantly elevated log-transformed hs-CRP (coefficient = 0.11, p-value .03) and with significantly higher odds of having hs-CRP levels > 3 mg/L (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.29, 2.67). The association was modified by sex, with the association between short sleep duration and hs-CRP limited to males. Both the continuous (coefficient 0.117, p-value = .0362) and the categorized hs-CRP (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.48, 3.30) were significantly elevated with short sleep durations in males, whereas no significant associations were seen in females with short sleep durations. By contrast, log hs-CRP was significantly elevated in females with long sleep durations (coefficient = 0.232, p-value = .0296), with a nonsignificant increase in the odds of having hs-CRP levels greater than 3 mg/L (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.75, 2.93), whereas there were no associations with long sleep duration in males. Systemic inflammation, measured by an elevated level of hs-CRP, is seen with persistent short sleep duration in young adult men and persistent long sleep duration in young adult women. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Impact of metabolic syndrome on CRP levels].

PubMed

Rodilla, E; Costa, J A; Mares, S; Miralles, A; González, C; Sánchez, C; Pascual, J M

2006-09-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess whether the metabolic syndrome (MS) and parameters involved in its diagnosis might influence serum CRP values. Cross-sectional study in outpatients of a HTA and Vascular Risk clinic. MS was diagnosed according to National Cholesterol Educational Program ATP-III guidelines, and hs-CRP was analyzed by nephelometry. A total of 1,969 patients (47% male) were evaluated and distributed into four groups: 1) 1,220 non-diabetics without MS; 2) 384 non-diabetics with MS; 3) 153 diabetics without MS, and 4) 212 diabetics with MS. Patients with MS had higher CRP in both non-diabetic 3.0 (1.7-4.4) mg/l vs. 1.7 (0.9-3.4) mg/l; p=0.001 (MW), and diabetic patients: 2.8 (1.5-4.6) mg/l vs. 2.2 (0.9-4.3) mg/l; p=0.01 (MW). Diabetic patients without MS had CRP values not different to non-diabetic without MS. CRP values increased in relation to the number of parameters included in the MS from 1.7 (2.2) mg/l, in patients without any parameters, to 4.2 (2.8) mg/l in patients who fulfilled five parameters (p=0.001) (KW). In multiple regression analysis abdominal obesity (p=0.001), TG (p=0.001) and glucose (p=0.02) were associated with CRP levels after correcting for other factors. Abdominal obesity (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.5-2.4; p=0.001) and TG (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1 -1.7; p=0.003), but not glucose were independent factors related to the presence of high levels of CRP (>3 mg/l) in a logistic regression analysis. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients with MS have high CRP levels. Of the five components of MS, the most closely related to CRP is abdominal obesity.

Increased plasma nesfatin-1 levels may be associated with corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels in patients with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Xia, Qing-Rong; Liang, Jun; Cao, Yin; Shan, Feng; Liu, Yang; Xu, Ya-Yun

2018-05-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the plasma nesfatin-1, corticosterone, and inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α) concentrations cross-sectionally in patients with major depressive disorder. Subjects in the patient group were randomly selected from the Anhui Mental Health Center, and subjects in the control group were selected from healthy volunteers. Healthy control subjects were matched in terms of weight and body mass index. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to evaluate both groups. ELISAs were used for the measurement of plasma nesfatin-1, corticosterone, IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels. The HAM-D scores and average nesfatin-1, corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder than those in the control group. Positive correlation was found between nesfatin-1 and corticosterone (r = 0.305, P = 0.007), IL-6 (r = 0.333, P = 0.003), and CRP (r = 0.244, P = 0.034) concentrations. Increased plasma nesfatin-1 levels may be associated with corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels in patients with major depressive disorder. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The fibrinogen/CRP ratio as a new parameter for the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with HELLP syndrome and as a predictive factor for neonatal outcome.

PubMed

Windsperger, Karin; Lehner, Rainer

2013-02-01

The aim of this study was to determine if the fibrinogen/C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio could be used in obstetrics as a predictor for a disseminated intravascular coagulation. One hundred eleven patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome at the Department of Obstetrics and Fetomaternal Medicine (General Hospital, Vienna, Austria) were selected and divided into 2 groups (overt disseminated intravascular coagulation, no overt disseminated intravascular coagulation). The classical parameters and the fibrinogen/CRP ratio were compared. The analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS statistical package (SPSS, Inc, Cary, NC). The fibrinogen/CRP ratio showed significant differences. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed for the ratio (area under the curve, 0.74) significantly better discriminative power than for fibrinogen (area under curve, 0.59). The odds ratio for the fibrinogen/CRP ratio was 7.04. Finally, significant correlations between the ratio and the neonatal outcome were found. We suggest the implementation of the fibrinogen/CRP ratio within patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome as a diagnostic and prognostic factor for the occurrence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations on Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese Participants of a Preventive Health Program.

PubMed

Mastroeni, Silmara S B S; Munasinghe, Lalani L; Pham, Truong-Minh; Loehr, Sarah A; Ekwaru, John Paul; Mastroeni, Marco F; Veugelers, Paul J

2016-11-04

The hypothesized effect of vitamin D on C-reactive protein (CRP) has received substantial attention as a potential means to alleviate the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, observational studies have been inconsistent in their reporting of associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and CRP concentrations, and trials and meta analyses have been inconsistent in their conclusions regarding the effect of vitamin D supplementation on CRP concentrations. These supplementation trials were mostly conducted among patients with more or less inflammatory complications and did not consider potential distinctive effects by weight status. To further our understanding of the potential influences of vitamin D on CRP, we analyzed longitudinal observations of 6755 participants of a preventative health program. On average, serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased from 88.3 to 121.0 nmol/L and those of CRP decreased from 1.7 to 1.6 mg/L between baseline and follow up. Relative to obese participants without temporal increases in 25(OH)D, those who showed improvements of <25, 25-50, 50-75, and more than 75 nmol/L at follow up were 0.57 (95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.88), 0.54 (0.34-0.85), 0.49 (0.30-0.80), and 0.48 (0.29-0.78) times as likely to have elevated CRP concentrations (≥1 mg/L), respectively. These associations were less pronounced and not statistically significant for normal weight and overweight participants. Herewith, the findings suggest that promotion of adequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations among obese individuals along with healthy lifestyles may alleviate the public health burden associated with cardiovascular disease.

The Effect of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations on Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese Participants of a Preventive Health Program

PubMed Central

Mastroeni, Silmara S. B. S.; Munasinghe, Lalani L.; Pham, Truong-Minh; Loehr, Sarah A.; Ekwaru, John Paul; Mastroeni, Marco F.; Veugelers, Paul J.

2016-01-01

The hypothesized effect of vitamin D on C-reactive protein (CRP) has received substantial attention as a potential means to alleviate the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, observational studies have been inconsistent in their reporting of associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and CRP concentrations, and trials and meta analyses have been inconsistent in their conclusions regarding the effect of vitamin D supplementation on CRP concentrations. These supplementation trials were mostly conducted among patients with more or less inflammatory complications and did not consider potential distinctive effects by weight status. To further our understanding of the potential influences of vitamin D on CRP, we analyzed longitudinal observations of 6755 participants of a preventative health program. On average, serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased from 88.3 to 121.0 nmol/L and those of CRP decreased from 1.7 to 1.6 mg/L between baseline and follow up. Relative to obese participants without temporal increases in 25(OH)D, those who showed improvements of <25, 25–50, 50–75, and more than 75 nmol/L at follow up were 0.57 (95% confidence interval: 0.37–0.88), 0.54 (0.34–0.85), 0.49 (0.30–0.80), and 0.48 (0.29–0.78) times as likely to have elevated CRP concentrations (≥1 mg/L), respectively. These associations were less pronounced and not statistically significant for normal weight and overweight participants. Herewith, the findings suggest that promotion of adequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations among obese individuals along with healthy lifestyles may alleviate the public health burden associated with cardiovascular disease. PMID:27827910

Elevated levels of Hs-CRP and IL-6 after delivery are associated with depression during the 6 months post partum.

PubMed

Liu, Hao; Zhang, Yang; Gao, Yutao; Zhang, Zhenyu

2016-09-30

The objective of this study is to determine whether inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6) early in the postpartum period contribute to the development of postpartum depression (PPD). From 4 May 2014 to 30 June 2014, all eligible women not on medication for depression giving birth at the Beijing Chao-Yang hospital were consecutively recruited and followed up for 6 months. Depression symptoms were measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and inflammatory biomarkers (Hs-CRP and IL-6) were tested. During the study period, 296 women were enrolled and completed follow-up. In these women, 45 (15.2%) were considered as meeting the criteria for PPD. Serum levels of Hs-CRP and IL-6 in women with PPD were significantly higher than those without PPD (all P<0.0001). Receiver operating characteristics to predict PPD demonstrated areas under the curve of IL-6 of 0.861 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.801-0.922), which was superior to Hs-CRP (0.837 (95% CI, 0.781-0.894), P<0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, IL-6 and Hs-CRP were independent predictors of PPD. The present study demonstrates a strong relationship between elevated serum Hs-CRP and IL-6 levels at admission and the development of PPD within 6 months. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A computer graphics display and data compression technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teague, M. J.; Meyer, H. G.; Levenson, L. (Editor)

1974-01-01

The computer program discussed is intended for the graphical presentation of a general dependent variable X that is a function of two independent variables, U and V. The required input to the program is the variation of the dependent variable with one of the independent variables for various fixed values of the other. The computer program is named CRP, and the output is provided by the SD 4060 plotter. Program CRP is an extremely flexible program that offers the user a wide variety of options. The dependent variable may be presented in either a linear or a logarithmic manner. Automatic centering of the plot is provided in the ordinate direction, and the abscissa is scaled automatically for a logarithmic plot. A description of the carpet plot technique is given along with the coordinates system used in the program. Various aspects of the program logic are discussed and detailed documentation of the data card format is presented.

C-reactive Protein in Periodontitis and its Comparison with Body Mass Index and Smoking Behaviour.

PubMed

Gupta, S; Pradhan, S; Kc, S; Shakya, S; Giri, M

2017-01-01

Chronic periodontitis is an infectious disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment loss, and bone loss. In addition to declining oral health, there is always low grade infection present in periodontitis. Studies show increased levels of systemic biomarkers in periodontal disease such as CRP, which is considered a key-marker of CVD. Research has also shown positive association between BMI and smoking with periodontitis and CRP. The objective of the study was to assess the levels of CRP in patients with and without periodontitis and their relation with BMI and smoking behaviour. Patients visiting the Dental department of Bir Hospital were invited to participate in the study. Total 31 subjects in each group: Case (periodontitis) and Control (without periodontitis) were selected using convenience sampling technique. All subjects underwent periodontal examination by a single examiner. Serum CRP samples were taken before periodontal treatment. Data analysis was done by SPSS 17 software program. Increase in mean CRP levels in periodontitis (5.8595mg/L) with high statistical significance (P=0.000) in comparison to subjects without periodontitis (1.1214mg/L) was observed. BMI showed positive association with periodontitis (P=0.046) but not with CRP (0.213). Smoking behaviour showed no significant relation with either CRP (P=0.344) or periodontitis (P=0.541). We found highly significant association between periodontitis and CRP levels but not always with BMI and smoking. CRP, which is an established marker for CVD was significantly increased in periodontal infections. Hence, a close interaction among Physician, Periodontist and Patient to prevent adverse health situations is recommended.

Habitat availability is a more plausible explanation than insecticide acute toxicity for U.S. grassland bird species declines

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hill, Jason M.; Egan, J. Franklin; Stauffer, Glenn E.; Diefenbach, Duane R.

2014-01-01

Grassland bird species have experienced substantial declines in North America. These declines have been largely attributed to habitat loss and degradation, especially from agricultural practices and intensification (the habitat-availability hypothesis). A recent analysis of North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) “grassland breeding” bird trends reported the surprising conclusion that insecticide acute toxicity was a better correlate of grassland bird declines in North America from 1980–2003 (the insecticide-acute-toxicity hypothesis) than was habitat loss through agricultural intensification. In this paper we reached the opposite conclusion. We used an alternative statistical approach with additional habitat covariates to analyze the same grassland bird trends over the same time frame. Grassland bird trends were positively associated with increases in area of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands and cropland used as pasture, whereas the effect of insecticide acute toxicity on bird trends was uncertain. Our models suggested that acute insecticide risk potentially has a detrimental effect on grassland bird trends, but models representing the habitat-availability hypothesis were 1.3–21.0 times better supported than models representing the insecticide-acute-toxicity hypothesis. Based on point estimates of effect sizes, CRP area and agricultural intensification had approximately 3.6 and 1.6 times more effect on grassland bird trends than lethal insecticide risk, respectively. Our findings suggest that preserving remaining grasslands is crucial to conserving grassland bird populations. The amount of grassland that has been lost in North America since 1980 is well documented, continuing, and staggering whereas insecticide use greatly declined prior to the 1990s. Grassland birds will likely benefit from the de-intensification of agricultural practices and the interspersion of pastures, Conservation Reserve Program lands, rangelands and other grassland habitats into existing agricultural landscapes.

Habitat availability is a more plausible explanation than insecticide acute toxicity for U.S. grassland bird species declines.

PubMed

Hill, Jason M; Egan, J Franklin; Stauffer, Glenn E; Diefenbach, Duane R

2014-01-01

Grassland bird species have experienced substantial declines in North America. These declines have been largely attributed to habitat loss and degradation, especially from agricultural practices and intensification (the habitat-availability hypothesis). A recent analysis of North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) "grassland breeding" bird trends reported the surprising conclusion that insecticide acute toxicity was a better correlate of grassland bird declines in North America from 1980-2003 (the insecticide-acute-toxicity hypothesis) than was habitat loss through agricultural intensification. In this paper we reached the opposite conclusion. We used an alternative statistical approach with additional habitat covariates to analyze the same grassland bird trends over the same time frame. Grassland bird trends were positively associated with increases in area of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands and cropland used as pasture, whereas the effect of insecticide acute toxicity on bird trends was uncertain. Our models suggested that acute insecticide risk potentially has a detrimental effect on grassland bird trends, but models representing the habitat-availability hypothesis were 1.3-21.0 times better supported than models representing the insecticide-acute-toxicity hypothesis. Based on point estimates of effect sizes, CRP area and agricultural intensification had approximately 3.6 and 1.6 times more effect on grassland bird trends than lethal insecticide risk, respectively. Our findings suggest that preserving remaining grasslands is crucial to conserving grassland bird populations. The amount of grassland that has been lost in North America since 1980 is well documented, continuing, and staggering whereas insecticide use greatly declined prior to the 1990s. Grassland birds will likely benefit from the de-intensification of agricultural practices and the interspersion of pastures, Conservation Reserve Program lands, rangelands and other grassland habitats into existing agricultural landscapes.

Habitat Availability Is a More Plausible Explanation than Insecticide Acute Toxicity for U.S. Grassland Bird Species Declines

PubMed Central

Hill, Jason M.; Egan, J. Franklin; Stauffer, Glenn E.; Diefenbach, Duane R.

2014-01-01

Grassland bird species have experienced substantial declines in North America. These declines have been largely attributed to habitat loss and degradation, especially from agricultural practices and intensification (the habitat-availability hypothesis). A recent analysis of North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) “grassland breeding” bird trends reported the surprising conclusion that insecticide acute toxicity was a better correlate of grassland bird declines in North America from 1980–2003 (the insecticide-acute-toxicity hypothesis) than was habitat loss through agricultural intensification. In this paper we reached the opposite conclusion. We used an alternative statistical approach with additional habitat covariates to analyze the same grassland bird trends over the same time frame. Grassland bird trends were positively associated with increases in area of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands and cropland used as pasture, whereas the effect of insecticide acute toxicity on bird trends was uncertain. Our models suggested that acute insecticide risk potentially has a detrimental effect on grassland bird trends, but models representing the habitat-availability hypothesis were 1.3–21.0 times better supported than models representing the insecticide-acute-toxicity hypothesis. Based on point estimates of effect sizes, CRP area and agricultural intensification had approximately 3.6 and 1.6 times more effect on grassland bird trends than lethal insecticide risk, respectively. Our findings suggest that preserving remaining grasslands is crucial to conserving grassland bird populations. The amount of grassland that has been lost in North America since 1980 is well documented, continuing, and staggering whereas insecticide use greatly declined prior to the 1990s. Grassland birds will likely benefit from the de-intensification of agricultural practices and the interspersion of pastures, Conservation Reserve Program lands, rangelands and other grassland habitats into existing agricultural landscapes. PMID:24846309

Effect of increased leptin and C-reactive protein levels on mortality: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PubMed

Amrock, Stephen M; Weitzman, Michael

2014-09-01

Leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) have each been linked to adverse cardiovascular events, and prior cross-sectional research suggests that increased levels of both biomarkers pose an even greater risk. The effect of increased levels of both leptin and CRP on mortality has not, however, been previously assessed. We used data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) to estimate the mortality effect of high leptin and high CRP levels. Outcomes were compared with the use of inverse-probability-weighting adjustment. Among 6259 participants included in the analysis, 766 were in their sex-specific, population-weighted highest quartiles of both leptin and CRP. Median follow-up time was 14.3 years. There was no significant difference in adjusted all-cause mortality between the groups (risk ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-1.54). Similar results were noted with the use of several different analytic methods and in many subgroups, though high leptin and CRP levels may increase all-cause mortality in males (hazard ratio, 1.80, 95% CI, 1.32-2.46; P for interaction, 0.011). A significant difference in cardiovascular mortality was also noted (risk ratio, 1.54, 95% CI, 1.08-2.18), though that finding was not confirmed in all sensitivity analyses.. In this observational study, no significant difference in overall all-cause mortality rates in those with high leptin and high CRP levels was found, though high leptin and CRP levels appear associated with increased mortality in males. High leptin and CRP levels also likely increase risk for cardiovascular death.. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Possible involvement of corticosterone and serotonin in antidepressant and antianxiety effects of chromium picolinate in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depression and anxiety in rats.

PubMed

Dubey, Vivek Kumar; Ansari, Faraha; Vohora, Divya; Khanam, Razia

2015-01-01

In the present study, we investigated the effects of chromium picolinate (CrP) on behavioural and biochemical parameters in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression and anxiety in rats. The normal and stressed male Swiss albino rats were administered CrP (8 and 16μg/mL in drinking water), they received stressors for seven days (each day one stressor) and this cycle was repeated three times for 21 days. On 22nd day, behaviour assessments followed by biochemical estimations were conducted. The results showed that treatment of CrP produced significant antidepressant effect, which has been evidenced by decrease in immobility time in modified forced swimming test (FST) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression in rats. In elevated plus maze (EPM), CrP (16μg/mL) showed significant reduction in time spent in open arm. CrP (8μg/mL and 16μg/mL) also showed significant decrease in number of entries in open arm that shows antianxiety effect of CrP in CUMS rats. It was also found that CrP (8 and 16μg/mL) significantly increased 5-HT concentration in the discrete regions of brain (cortex and cerebellum). On the other hand, the plasma corticosterone level was significantly decreased with CrP (16μg/mL). The results suggested that increase in the concentration of 5-HT and decrease in plasma corticosterone levels could be responsible for improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety in CUMS induced depression and anxiety in rats. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Combined use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio prior to elective coronary angiography and oral glucose tolerance tests.

PubMed

Wen, Zhu-zhi; Geng, Deng-feng; Luo, Jin-gang; Wang, Jing-feng

2011-11-01

The study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the combination of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and apolipoprotein B (apoB)/apoA-1 ratio for the outcomes of coronary angiography (CAG), echocardiography and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Hs-CRP, apoB, apoA-1, and the profiles of CAG, echocardiography and OGTTs as well as traditional risk factors were measured in 1757 cardiology patients. Hs-CRP or apoB/apoA-1 ratio was significantly correlated with the presence and severity of angiographic profiles, the levels of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV mass and LV mass index, and the presence of abnormal glucose metabolism. The combination of hs-CRP and apoB/apoA-1 ratio had greater correlation with abnormal glucose metabolism than its individual components in patients with normal fasting glucose, and was an independent predictor for coronary artery disease. The combination of hs-CRP and apoB/apoA-1 ratio may be a strong predictor for coronary artery disease and abnormal glucose metabolism. Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The properties conferred upon triple-helical collagen-mimetic peptides by the presence of cysteine residues.

PubMed

Slatter, David A; Bihan, Dominique G; Jarvis, Gavin E; Stone, Rachael; Pugh, Nicholas; Giddu, Sumana; Farndale, Richard W

2012-07-01

Recently, the ability of polymeric collagen-like peptides to regulate cell behavior has generated great interest. A triple-helical peptide known as collagen-related peptide (CRP) contains the sequence (Gly-Pro-Hyp)(10). With Gly-Pro-Cys triplets appended to both of its termini, designated CRP(cys), chemical cross-linking using heterobifunctional reagents generates CRP(cys)-XL, a potent, widely used, polymeric agonist for platelet Glycoprotein VI, whereas non-cross-linked, monomeric CRP(cys) antagonizes Glycoprotein VI. Here, we describe how cysteine in these triplets may also undergo random air-induced oxidation, especially upon prolonged storage or repeated freeze-thawing, to form disulphide bonds, resulting in a lesser degree of polymerization than with chemical cross-linking. We investigated the monomeric and polymeric states of these and other cysteine-containing collagen-derived peptides, using gel filtration and dynamic light scattering, allowing the size of a CRP-XL aggregate to be estimated. The effect of cysteine thiols upon peptide adsorption to surfaces and subsequent platelet responses was investigated. This demonstrated that cysteine is required for strong binding to glass coverslips and to plastic plates used in ELISA assays. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Increased serum C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease.

PubMed

Reimann, M J; Ljungvall, I; Hillström, A; Møller, J E; Hagman, R; Falk, T; Höglund, K; Häggström, J; Olsen, L H

2016-03-01

Cardiovascular disease in humans and dogs is associated with mildly increased circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP). Few studies have evaluated associations between circulating CRP and canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and the results reported have been divergent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum concentrations of CRP, determined using a novel automated canine-specific high-sensitivity CRP assay (Gentian hsCRP), were associated with severity of MMVD and selected clinical variables in dogs. The study included 188 client-owned dogs with different severities of MMVD. Dogs were classified based on ACVIM consensus statement guidelines (group A, n = 58; group B1, n = 56; group B2, n = 38; group C, n = 36). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF; group C) had significantly higher CRP concentrations (median, 2.65 mg/L; quartile 1-quartile 3, 1.09-5.09) compared to dogs in groups A (median, 0.97 mg/L; quartile 1-quartile 3, <0.50-1.97; P = 0.001), B1 (median, 0.78 mg/L; quartile 1-quartile 3, <0.50-1.73, P <0.0001) and B2 (median, 0.60 mg/L; quartile 1-quartile 3, <0.50-1.23; P <0.0001). Other variables reflecting disease severity, including left atrial to aortic root ratio (P = 0.0002, adjusted r(2) = 0.07) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalised for bodyweight (P = 0.0005, adjusted r(2) = 0.06), were positively associated with CRP concentration, but the association disappeared if dogs with CHF were excluded from analysis. In conclusion, slightly higher CRP concentrations were found in dogs with CHF whereas severity of asymptomatic MMVD showed no association with CRP concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serial C-reactive protein measurements in patients treated for suspected abdominal tuberculosis.

PubMed

Sharma, Vishal; Mandavdhare, Harshal S; Lamoria, Sandeep; Singh, Harjeet; Kumar, Amit

2018-06-01

Response to treatment is often used as a criterion for the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. To determine utility of serum C reactive protein (CRP) in assessment of response to anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) in abdominal tuberculosis (ATB). We retrospectively analysed the database of patients with suspected ATB (intestinal and/or peritoneal). Response to ATT was assessed using subjective and objective (ulcer healing or ascites resolution) parameters. Serum CRP levels were estimated at baseline and then at 2 months and 6 months of ATT. One hundred and twelve patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 36.57 ± 15.04 years and 54.46% (61/112) were males. Sixty-six patients (58.92%) had intestinal, 28 (25%) had peritoneal and 18 (16.07%) had both. Eleven patients had a normal CRP at baseline while 101 had elevated levels. The CRP levels declined in 94 patients at 6 months. One patient with increased levels at 2 months had multi-drug resistant TB. Seven patients showed elevated or plateaued CRP levels on follow-up. These patients had underlying Crohn's disease (3 patients), peritoneal carcinomatosis (1), inter-current infection (1), lymphoma (1) and non-healing ulcers (1). Lack of decline in CRP may suggest alternative diagnosis or drug-resistant tuberculosis. Copyright © 2017 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Education, gender, and state-level disparities in the health of older Indians: Evidence from biomarker data.

PubMed

Lee, Jinkook; McGovern, Mark E; Bloom, David E; Arokiasamy, P; Risbud, Arun; O'Brien, Jennifer; Kale, Varsha; Hu, Peifeng

2015-12-01

Using new biomarker data from the 2010 pilot round of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), we investigate education, gender, and state-level disparities in health. We find that hemoglobin level, a marker for anemia, is lower for respondents with no schooling (0.7g/dL less in the adjusted model) compared to those with some formal education and is also lower for females than for males (2.0g/dL less in the adjusted model). In addition, we find that about one third of respondents in our sample aged 45 or older have high C-reaction protein (CRP) levels (>3mg/L), an indicator of inflammation and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We find no evidence of educational or gender differences in CRP, but there are significant state-level disparities, with Kerala residents exhibiting the lowest CRP levels (a mean of 1.96mg/L compared to 3.28mg/L in Rajasthan, the state with the highest CRP). We use the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition approach to explain group-level differences, and find that state-level disparities in CRP are mainly due to heterogeneity in the association of the observed characteristics of respondents with CRP, rather than differences in the distribution of endowments across the sampled state populations. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigating possible biological targets of Bj-CRP, the first cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) isolated from Bothrops jararaca snake venom.

PubMed

Lodovicho, Marina E; Costa, Tássia R; Bernardes, Carolina P; Menaldo, Danilo L; Zoccal, Karina F; Carone, Sante E; Rosa, José C; Pucca, Manuela B; Cerni, Felipe A; Arantes, Eliane C; Tytgat, Jan; Faccioli, Lúcia H; Pereira-Crott, Luciana S; Sampaio, Suely V

2017-01-04

Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are commonly described as part of the protein content of snake venoms, nevertheless, so far, little is known about their biological targets and functions. Our study describes the isolation and characterization of Bj-CRP, the first CRISP isolated from Bothrops jararaca snake venom, also aiming at the identification of possible targets for its actions. Bj-CRP was purified using three chromatographic steps (Sephacryl S-200, Source 15Q and C18) and showed to be an acidic protein of 24.6kDa with high sequence identity to other snake venom CRISPs. This CRISP was devoid of proteolytic, hemorrhagic or coagulant activities, and it did not affect the currents from 13 voltage-gated potassium channel isoforms. Conversely, Bj-CRP induced inflammatory responses characterized by increase of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, after 1 and 4h of its injection in the peritoneal cavity of mice, also stimulating the production of IL-6. Bj-CRP also acted on the human complement system, modulating some of the activation pathways and acting directly on important components (C3 and C4), thus inducing the generation of anaphylatoxins (C3a, C4a and C5a). Therefore, our results for Bj-CRP open up prospects for better understanding this class of toxins and its biological actions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parental perception of child weight and inflammation: Perceived overweight is associated with higher child c-reactive protein.

PubMed

Sutin, Angelina R; Rust, George; Robinson, Eric; Daly, Michael; Terracciano, Antonio

2017-12-01

Self-perceived overweight and weight discrimination are associated with inflammation in adulthood. We test whether there is an intergenerational association of parent perception of child overweight on higher levels of child c-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation implicated in stress. Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2014 (N=4988). Parents reported their perception of their child's weight; CRP was assayed from children's blood samples. Children whose parents perceived them as overweight had higher CRP levels than children who were perceived about the right weight; perceived underweight was also associated with higher CRP (F(2,4977)=9.23, p<.001). These associations were independent of the child's objective weight status and waist circumference and held when the sample was limited to children with objective overweight and obesity. These results suggest an intergenerational transfer of the psychological perception of body weight from parents to the inflammatory health of their child. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of C-reactive protein as a clinical biomarker in naturally heartworm-infected dogs: a field study.

PubMed

Venco, Luigi; Bertazzolo, Walter; Giordano, Guglielmo; Paltrinieri, Saverio

2014-11-15

Canine heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is considered a pulmonary disease, which leads to pulmonary hypertension, and in the late stage, may induce right cardiac insufficiency. Adult worms are localized in the pulmonary arteries, which undergo endothelial damage (proliferative endoarteritis), the severity of which depends on the duration of infection and the worm burden. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major canine acute-phase protein that rapidly increases in a wide range of inflammatory conditions and rapidly decreases when inflammation resolves. CRP is therefore considered a sensitive but nonspecific marker of inflammation. Pulmonary arterial damage in canine heartworm may induce an increase in CRP concentrations similar to what occurs in humans with endoarteritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether CRP may be a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in canine heartworm, whether it may be used for staging and monitoring canine heartworm, and whether its concentration depends on worm burden or on pulmonary arterial damage. Serum CRP concentrations were determined in 57 dogs with heartworm disease, 47 of which were grouped according to parasite burden (low: n=11; high: n=10) or on severity of pulmonary hypertension (mild: n=16; severe: n=10). An additional 23 heartworm-free cardiopathic dogs were grouped on the absence of pulmonary hypertension (n=8), presence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n=6), or presence of cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension (n=3) due to previous heartworm disease that had been treated (n=6). Twenty control dogs also were sampled for CRP concentrations. Results show that CRP was significantly increased (p<0.001) in dogs with heartworm or cardiomyopathy compared with concentrations in controls. In the heartworm group, CRP was significantly increased (p<0.001) in dogs with mild or severe pulmonary hypertension but not in dogs with low or high parasite burden without pulmonary hypertension. Heartworm-free cardiopathic dogs had significantly high (p<0.01) CRP concentrations if affected by DCM or pulmonary hypertension. ROC curves showed that CRP has good discriminating power for pulmonary hypertension (AUC=0.92 for the entire dataset, 1.00 for dogs with heartworm) and that pulmonary hypertension in heartworm must be suspected when CRP values are higher than 6.8 mg/dL. Conversely, severe pulmonary hypertension is suspected only if CRP values are very high (>29.8 mg/L). In conclusion, CRP can be used as a marker of endothelial arteritis and pulmonary hypertension in dogs with heartworm. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serratia marcescens Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein Controls Transcription of EepR, a Novel Regulator of Antimicrobial Secondary Metabolites.

PubMed

Stella, Nicholas A; Lahr, Roni M; Brothers, Kimberly M; Kalivoda, Eric J; Hunt, Kristin M; Kwak, Daniel H; Liu, Xinyu; Shanks, Robert M Q

2015-08-01

Serratia marcescens generates secondary metabolites and secreted enzymes, and it causes hospital infections and community-acquired ocular infections. Previous studies identified cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) as an indirect inhibitor of antimicrobial secondary metabolites. Here, we identified a putative two-component regulator that suppressed crp mutant phenotypes. Evidence supports that the putative response regulator eepR was directly transcriptionally inhibited by cAMP-CRP. EepR and the putative sensor kinase EepS were necessary for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including prodigiosin- and serratamolide-dependent phenotypes, swarming motility, and hemolysis. Recombinant EepR bound to the prodigiosin and serratamolide promoters in vitro. Together, these data introduce a novel regulator of secondary metabolites that directly connects the broadly conserved metabolism regulator CRP with biosynthetic genes that may contribute to competition with other microbes. This study identifies a new transcription factor that is directly controlled by a broadly conserved transcription factor, CRP. CRP is well studied in its role to help bacteria respond to the amount of nutrients in their environment. The new transcription factor EepR is essential for the bacterium Serratia marcescens to produce two biologically active compounds, prodigiosin and serratamolide. These two compounds are antimicrobial and may allow S. marcescens to compete for limited nutrients with other microorganisms. Results from this study tie together the CRP environmental nutrient sensor with a new regulator of antimicrobial compounds. Beyond microbial ecology, prodigiosin and serratamolide have therapeutic potential; therefore, understanding their regulation is important for both applied and basic science. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk in bipolar disorder patients: A systematic review.

PubMed

Marshe, Victoria S; Pira, Shamira; Mantere, Outi; Bosche, Bert; Looper, Karl J; Herrmann, Nathan; Müller, Daniel J; Rej, Soham

2017-10-03

New research is revealing a strong association between inflammatory markers with bipolar disorder (BD), potentially due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors in BD. We aimed to synthesize the literature examining the association between the clinically most relevant inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with BD. MEDLINE, Embase and PsychInfo were systematically searched for all relevant English language articles published prior to April 2017. Articles were included if they examined the association between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors/disease in BD. Fifteen relevant articles were retrieved. Studies were mostly cross-sectional and heterogeneous in the cardiovascular risk factors investigated. Overall, elevated CRP was associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, elevated body mass index, higher waist circumference, and obesity. CRP was inconsistently associated with elevated fasting glucose, insulin levels, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, and low high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Atypical antipsychotic use may mediate some of these effects. No study examined CRP's association with actual cardiovascular disease (e.g. coronary artery disease) in BD. In BD, CRP is associated with increases in several cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting that systemic inflammation could be a shared driving force for both outcomes of BD and cardiovascular risk. Further longitudinal research is needed in this area to verify causality, including an examination of actual cardiovascular disease. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments with anti-inflammatory effects should also be investigated, particularly in patients with increased CRP, for their potential to reduce cardiovascular risk in BD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

C-reactive protein distribution and correlation with traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the Italian population.

PubMed

Casula, Manuela; Tragni, Elena; Zambon, Antonella; Filippi, Alessandro; Brignoli, Ovidio; Cricelli, Claudio; Poli, Andrea; Catapano, Alberico L

2013-03-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) increases during an inflammatory response; its plasma levels are believed to be an independent predictor of future atherosclerotic disease. We report the distribution of plasma levels of CRP and its possible relationship with other cardiovascular risk factors in an Italian cohort. CRP was assessed in frozen plasma samples of 1949 participants in the CHECK study (2001-2005), which collected clinical and biochemical data from randomly selected subjects (40-79 years) in the setting of Italian general practice. Median CRP (interquartile range) was higher in women (1.42 [0.58-2.86] vs 1.28 [0.58-2.50]; p=.163), in people aged ≥ 65 years (1.74 [0.89-3.34] vs 1.11 [0.52-2.45]; p<.001), in patients with obesity (2.37 [1.27-4.15] vs 1.16 [0.52-2.41]; p<.001), metabolic syndrome (2.12 [1.16-3.72] vs 1.10 [0.50-2.38]; p<.001), or higher cardiovascular risk (2.03 [1.01-3.42] vs 1.19 [0.53-2.50]; p<.001). Stepwise regression analysis showed significant associations (R(2)=.264) of circulating log(e)CRP with body mass index, fibrinogen, apoB, age, gender, smoking habits, physical inactivity, creatinine levels, and systolic blood pressure. This study provides epidemiological data of CRP in the Italian population and reinforces the existing evidences about the close correlation between CRP and markers of inflammation and adiposity. Copyright © 2012 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of memantine on C-reactive protein and lipid profiles in bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Chang, Hui Hua; Chen, Po See; Wang, Tzu-Yun; Lee, Sheng-Yu; Chen, Shiou-Lan; Huang, San-Yuan; Hong, Jau-Shyong; Yang, Yen Kuang; Lu, Ru-Band

2017-10-15

Balance in the immune system plays roles in bipolar disorder (BD) and its metabolic co-morbidities. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist with anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of memantine adjunct treatment on metabolic status of BD are unclear. During the 12 weeks period, a total of 191 BD patients were enrolled and split into valproate (VPA) + placebo and VPA + memantine (5mg/day) arms. The fasting plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and metabolic indices were assessed. BD patients were stratified according to their initial CRP level. A cut-off value of initial CRP level of 2322ng/mL discriminated the waist circumference in these BD patients after 12-week VPA treatment. In the high CRP (> 2322ng/mL) group, patients in the VPA + memantine arm had a significantly decreased in their CRP (p= 0.009), total cholesterol (p= 0.002), LDL (p= 0.002) levels, BMI (p= 0.001), and waist circumference (p< 0.001), compared to those in the VPA + placebo arm. However, analysis of the low CRP group did not showed the effect. We recruited BD patients in depressed states and the sample size was relative small. The effects of the fixed dose of memantine on metabolic indices were 12-week follow up in BD patients treated with VPA. BD patients with high initial CRP levels receiving memantine adjunct treatment have a reduced risk of inflammation and metabolic imbalance. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the long-term outcome for memantine adjunct therapy in BD patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Different Effects of BMI and WC on Organ Damage in Patients from a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program after Acute Coronary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Xu, Lin; Zhao, Hui; Qiu, Jian; Zhu, Wei; Lei, Hongqiang; Cai, Zekun; Huang, Wenhua; Zhang, Heye; Zhang, Yuan-Ting

2015-01-01

One of the purposes of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is to monitor and control weight of the patient. Our study is to compare the different obesity indexes, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), through one well-designed CR program (CRP) with ACS in Guangzhou city of Guangdong Province, China, in order to identify different effects of BMI and WC on organ damage. In our work, sixty-one patients between October 2013 and January 2014 fulfilled our study. We collected the vital signs by medical records, the clinical variables of body-metabolic status by fasting blood test, and the organ damage variables by submaximal exercise treadmill test (ETT) and ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) both on our inpatient and four-to-five weeks of outpatient part of CRP after ACS. We mainly used two-tailed Pearson's test and liner regression to evaluate the relationship of BMI/WC and organ damage. Our results confirmed that WC could be more accurate than BMI to evaluate the cardiac function through the changes of left ventricular structure on the CRP after ACS cases. It makes sense of early diagnosis, valid evaluation, and proper adjustment to ACS in CRP of the obesity individuals in the future. PMID:26247035

Elevated C-reactive protein and posttraumatic stress pathology among survivors of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.

PubMed

Rosen, Rebecca L; Levy-Carrick, Nomi; Reibman, Joan; Xu, Ning; Shao, Yongzhao; Liu, Mengling; Ferri, Lucia; Kazeros, Angeliki; Caplan-Shaw, Caralee E; Pradhan, Deepak R; Marmor, Michael; Galatzer-Levy, Isaac R

2017-06-01

Systemic inflammation has emerged as a promising marker and potential mechanism underlying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship between posttraumatic stress pathology and systemic inflammation has not, however, been consistently replicated and is potentially confounded by comorbid illness or injury, common complications of trauma exposure. We analyzed a large naturalistic cohort sharing a discrete physical and mental health trauma from the destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) towers on September 11, 2001 (n = 641). We evaluated the relationship between multiple physical and mental health related indices collected through routine evaluations at the WTC Environmental Health Center (WTC EHC), a treatment program for community members exposed to the disaster. C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, was examined in relation to scores for PTSD, PTSD symptom clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions/mood, arousal), depression and anxiety, while controlling for WTC exposures, lower respiratory symptoms, age, sex, BMI and smoking as potential risks or confounders. CRP was positively associated with PTSD severity (p < 0.001), trending toward association with depression (p = 0.06), but not with anxiety (p = 0.27). CRP was positively associated with re-experiencing (p < 0.001) and avoidance (p < 0.05) symptom clusters, and trended toward associations with negative cognitions/mood (p = 0.06) and arousal (p = 0.08). In this large study of the relationship between CRP and posttraumatic stress pathology, we demonstrated an association between systemic inflammation and stress pathology (PTSD; trending with depression), which remained after adjusting for potentially confounding variables. These results contribute to research findings suggesting a salient relationship between inflammation and posttraumatic stress pathology. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Carbon Debt of CRP Lands Converted to Annual and Perennial Bioenergy Crops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraha, M.; Gelfand, I.; Hamilton, S. K.; Chen, J.; Robertson, G. P.

2017-12-01

The net greenhouse gas fluxes of an ecosystem are directly influenced by land use conversions. In the USA, 5 Mha of grassland in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) have been converted to agricultural production in response to higher demand for corn grain biofuel. The global warming impact (GWI) of these biofuel crops can remain positive for many years following the conversions until the "carbon debt" incurred upon conversion is repaid. Model estimates suggest that 340-351 ×106 Mt of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) would be released to the atmosphere after the conversions. These estimates, while highly uncertain, appear to have payback times of decades or even centuries. In a field experiment conducted from 2009-16, we converted CRP grassland and conventionally-tilled agricultural (AGR) land to grain (corn) and cellulosic (switchgrass and restored prairie) biofuel feedstocks. We conducted life cycle analysis (LCA) on all converted lands by accounting for greenhouse gas fluxes related to farming operations, agronomic inputs, and soil-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchanges. We found that cumulative carbon debt for the conversion on former CRP grasslands over the 8 years is -295, 652 and 7661 gCO2eq m-2 for switchgrass, restored prairie and corn, respectively, where a positive debt indicates net emissions to the atmosphere. These indicate that the switchgrass field repaid its carbon debt in the 8th year following conversion; and the restored prairie field will likely repay its carbon debt in the next year. The corn field, however, is projected to pay its carbon debt in another 250 years. The same biofuel crops established on former AGR lands became net CO2eq sinks within two years following the conversion. Our findings indicate that the GWI estimates and the time needed to repay CO2eq debt due to conversion of grasslands to bioenergy crops is underestimated by current models.

Grassland bird responses to land management in the largest remaining tallgrass prairie.

PubMed

Rahmig, Corina J; Jensen, William E; With, Kimberly A

2009-04-01

Extensive habitat loss and changing agricultural practices have caused widespread declines in grassland birds throughout North America. The Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma--the largest remaining tallgrass prairie--is important for grassland bird conservation despite supporting a major cattle industry. In 2004 and 2005, we assessed the community, population, and demographic responses of grassland birds to the predominant management practices (grazing, burning, and haying) of the region, including grasslands restored under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). We targeted 3 species at the core of this avian community: the Dickcissel (Spiza americana), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna). Bird diversity was higher in native prairie hayfields and grazed pastures than CRP fields, which were dominated by Dickcissels. Although Dickcissel density was highest in CRP, their nest success was highest and nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Moluthrus ater) lowest in unburned hayfields (in 2004). Conversely, Grasshopper Sparrow density was highest in grazed pastures, but their nest success was lowest in these pastures and highest in burned hayfields, where cowbird parasitism was also lowest (in 2004). Management did not influence density and nest survival of Eastern Meadowlarks, which were uniformly low across the region. Nest success was extremely low (5-12%) for all 3 species in 2005, perhaps because of a record spring drought. Although the CRP has benefited grassland birds in agricultural landscapes, these areas may have lower habitat value in the context of native prairie. Hayfields may provide beneficial habitat for some grassland birds in the Flint Hills because they are mowed later in the breeding season than elsewhere in the Midwest. Widespread grazing and annual burning have homogenized habitat-and thus grassland-bird responses-across the Flint Hills. Diversification of management practices could increase habitat heterogeneity and enhance the conservation potential of the Flint Hills for grassland birds.

Child Maltreatment, Inflammation, and Internalizing Symptoms: Investigating the Roles of C-Reactive Protein, Gene Variation and Neuroendocrine Regulation

PubMed Central

Cicchetti, Dante; Handley, Elizabeth D.; Rogosch, Fred A.

2015-01-01

Prior research has found inconsistent evidence regarding the association among childhood adversity, inflammation, and internalizing symptoms, perhaps because previous studies have yet to adequately integrate important factors such as the timing of the adversity, genetic variation, and other relevant processes such as neuroendocrine regulation. The aims of the present study were threefold: 1) Determine whether the effect of the timing of child maltreatment on C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, varies by CRP gene variation; 2) Explore whether links between salivary CRP and childhood internalizing symptoms depend on the presence and timing of maltreatment experiences; 3) Investigate the role of CRP in the relations between child neuroendocrine regulation and internalizing symptoms and examine whether these associations are moderated by the presence and timing of child maltreatment. Participants included a sample of 267 maltreated and 222 nonmaltreated children (M age= 9.72, SD=0.99; 52.4% male; 66% African-American) who attended a summer day camp research program designed for school-aged low-income children. Department of Human Services records were examined to determine the onset and recency of maltreatment for children in the maltreated group. Results indicated that among children with recent onset maltreatment, those with at least one A allele from CRP SNP rs1417938 evidenced significantly higher CRP levels compared to recently maltreated children carrying the TT genotype. Moreover, higher levels of CRP were associated with higher levels of internalizing symptoms only for recently maltreated children. Finally, we did not find support for salivary CRP as a mechanism in the relation between neuroendocrine regulation and childhood internalizing symptoms. Our findings highlight the importance of the timing of child maltreatment and have important implications for characterizing variability in inflammation and internalizing symptoms among youth. PMID:25997771

Selection of symptomatic patients with Crohn's disease for abdominopelvic computed tomography: role of serum C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Desmond, Alan N; O'Regan, Kevin; Malik, Neera; McWilliams, Sebastian; O'Neill, Siobhan; Quigley, Eamonn M; Shanahan, Fergus; Maher, Michael M

2012-11-01

Results of previous studies have shown that repeated abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations can lead to substantial cumulative diagnostic radiation exposure in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Improved selection of patients referred for CT will reduce unnecessary radiation exposure. This study examines if serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration predicts which symptomatic patients with CD are likely to have significant disease activity or disease complications (such as abscess) detected on abdominopelvic CT. All abdominopelvic CTs performed on patients with CD at a tertiary referral centre during the period June 2003 to June 2008 were identified. CT findings were coded by a pair of independent blinded senior radiologists for (i) small bowel luminal disease, (ii) large bowel luminal disease, (iii) mesenteric inflammatory changes, (iv) penetrating disease (fistulas, abscess, or phlegmon), (v) acute disease complications (obstruction or perforation), and (vi) acute non-CD findings. Imaging findings were correlated with serum CRP checked within 14 days before imaging. The reference range for CRP was defined as 0-5 mg/L. A total of 147 patients with symptomatic CD had a CRP assay performed within 14 days before undergoing abdominopelvic CT. The median time from CRP assay to imaging was 2 days (interquartile range, 0-6 days). Median CRP before imaging was 24 mg/L (interquartile range, 6-88 mg/L). CT was normal in 34 of 147 case (23.1%). Patients with normal CRP (n = 36) were significantly less likely to have penetrating disease (odds ratio [OR], 0.04 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.01-0.7]; P < .001) or large bowel luminal disease (OR, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.1-0.8]; P < .05). Normal CRP excluded penetrating disease with a sensitivity of 1.0 (95% CI, 0.87-1.0). CRP levels did not correlate with the presence of small bowel luminal disease (n = 82), mesenteric inflammatory changes (n = 68), or acute disease complications (n = 10). Symptomatic patients with CD and normal serum CRP are unlikely to have evidence of abscess, fistulating disease, or large bowel luminal disease detected on abdominopelvic CT. However, abdominopelvic CT may demonstrate evidence of clinically significant non-penetrating CD or complications, including perforation and acute obstruction, regardless of serum CRP concentration. Copyright © 2012 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Challenges of Implementing a Communication-and-Resolution Program Where Multiple Organizations Must Cooperate.

PubMed

Mello, Michelle M; Armstrong, Sarah J; Greenberg, Yelena; McCotter, Patricia I; Gallagher, Thomas H

2016-12-01

To implement a communication-and-resolution program (CRP) in a setting in which liability insurers and health care facilities must collaborate to resolve incidents involving a facility and separately insured clinicians. Six hospitals and clinics and a liability insurer in Washington State. Sites designed and implemented CRPs and contributed information about cases and operational challenges over 20 months. Data were qualitatively analyzed. Data from interviews with personnel responsible for CRP implementation were triangulated with data on program cases collected by sites and notes recorded during meetings with sites and among project team members. Sites experienced small victories in resolving particular cases and streamlining some working relationships, but they were unable to successfully implement a collaborative CRP. Barriers included the insurer's distance from the point of care, passive rather than active support from top leaders, coordinating across departments and organizations, workload, nonparticipation by some physicians, and overcoming distrust. Operating CRPs where multiple organizations must collaborate can be highly challenging. Success likely requires several preconditions, including preexisting trust among organizations, active leadership engagement, physicians' commitment to participate, mechanisms for quickly transmitting information to insurers, tolerance for missteps, and clear protocols for joint investigations and resolutions. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Changes in malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein concentrations after lifestyle modification are related to different metabolic syndrome-associated pathophysiological processes.

PubMed

Moreto, Fernando; Kano, Hugo T; Torezan, Gabriel A; de Oliveira, Erick P; Manda, Rodrigo M; Teixeira, Okesley; Michelin, Edilaine; Correa, Camila R; Burini, Roberto C

2015-01-01

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is often accompanied by pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory processes. Lifestyle modification (LiSM) may act as primary treatment for these processes. This study aimed to elucidate influencing factors on changes of malondialdehyde (MDA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after a LiSM intervention. Sixty subjects (53 yrs, 84% women) clinically approved to attend a 20 weeks LiSM-program were submitted to weekly nutritional counseling and physical activities combining aerobic (3 times/week) and resistance (2 times/week) exercises. Before and after intervention they were assessed for anthropometric, clinical, cardiorespiratory fitness test (CRF) and laboratory markers. Statistical analyses performed were multiple regression analysis and backward stepwise with p<0.05 and R(2) as influence index. LiSM was responsible for elevations in CRF, healthy eating index (HEI), total plasma antioxidant capacity (TAP) and HDL-C along with reductions in waist circumference measures and MetS (47-40%) prevalence. MDA and CRP did not change after LiSM, however, we observed that MDA concentrations were positively influenced (R(2)=0.35) by fasting blood glucose (β=0.64) and HOMA-IR (β=0.58) whereas CRP concentrations were by plasma gamma-glutamyltransferase activity (β=0.54; R(2)=0.29). Pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory states of MetS can be attenuated after lifestyle modification if glucose metabolism homeostasis were recovered and if liver inflammation were reduced, respectively. Copyright © 2015 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LeDuc, Stephen D.; Zhang, Xuesong; Clark, Christopher M.

Producing biofuel feedstocks on current agricultural land raises questions of a ‘food-vs.-fuel’ trade-off. The use of current or former Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land offers an alternative; yet the volumes of ethanol that could be produced and the potential environmental impacts of such a policy are unclear. Here, we applied the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate model to a US Department of Agriculture database of over 200 000 CRP polygons in Iowa, USA, as a case study. We simulated yields and environmental impacts of growing three cellulosic biofuel feedstocks on CRP land: (i) an Alamo-variety switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.); (ii)more » a generalized mixture of C4 and C3 grasses; (iii) and no-till corn ( Zea mays L.) with residue removal. We simulated yields, soil erosion, and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks and fluxes. We found that although no-till corn with residue removal produced approximately 2.6–4.4 times more ethanol per area compared to switchgrass and the grass mixture, it also led to 3.9–4.5 times more erosion, 4.4–5.2 times more cumulative N loss, and a 10% reduction in total soil carbon as opposed to a 6–11% increase. Switchgrass resulted in the best environmental outcomes even when expressed on a per liter ethanol basis. Our results suggest planting no-till corn with residue removal should only be done on low slope soils to minimize environmental concerns. Altogether, this analysis provides additional information to policy makers on the potential outcome and effects of producing biofuel feedstocks on current or former conservation lands.« less

Understanding the relation between socioeconomic position and inflammation in post-menopausal women: education, income and occupational prestige.

PubMed

Pedersen, Jolene Masters; Budtz-Jørgensen, Esben; De Roos, Anneclaire; Garcia, Lorena; Lund, Rikke; Rod, Naja Hulvej; Kroenke, Candyce; Chan, Kei Hang Katie; Liu, Simin; Michael, Yvonne

2017-12-01

The role of occupational prestige, a direct measure of the perceived status of job and job holder, in inflammation is unknown. To contribute to understanding the pathways by which socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with inflammation, we aimed to estimate the direct effects of education, income and occupational prestige on C-reactive protein (CRP) and to describe the relationship between these markers and CRP. The study was based on 2026 post-menopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative-Observational Study. Occupational prestige was determined by linking a text description of longest held occupation with a social status item from the Occupational Information Network. Path analysis was employed to estimate direct and mediated effects. The study suggests that higher levels of education, income, and occupational prestige are associated with 8% (95% CI as percentage change -12, -4), 5% [95% CI (-8, -2) and 4% (95% CI - 7, -1)] lower levels of CRP, respectively. The inverse association between education and CRP was explained by the effect of education on income and occupational prestige. The effect of occupational prestige on CRP was independent of mediators in the model. The findings indicate that education may work to influence CRP primarily through increasing income and occupational prestige and provides evidence that occupational prestige captures a unique aspect of SEP. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Saliva C-reactive protein as a biomarker of metabolic syndrome in diabetic patients.

PubMed

Dezayee, Zhian Mahmood Ibrahim; Al-Nimer, Marwan Salih Mohamad

2016-01-01

Human C-reactive protein (CRP) has been used in the risk assessment of coronary events. Human saliva mirrors the body's health and well-being and is noninvasive, easy to collect, and ideal for third-world countries as well as for large patient screening. This study aimed to screen the saliva CRP qualitatively in patients with diabetes (Type 1 and 2) taking in considerations, the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome. Center for diabetes mellitus, prospective study. A total number of 50 Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, 25 Type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, and 25 healthy subjects were recruited from the center for diabetes mellitus. Each patient was assessed clinically, and the anthropometric measures, glycemic status, and lipid profiles were determined. Stimulated salivary flow rate and saliva CRP were determined. All calculations analysis was made using Excel 2003 program for Windows. The results showed that the salivary flow rate in T1D was less than healthy subjects and T2D and CRP was found positive (6 mg/L) in 36% and 56% of patients with T1D and T2D, respectively. Saliva CRP was found to be related to the anthropometric measurement, blood pressure, and glycemic control. We conclude that saliva CRP may be used as a biomarker for metabolic syndrome and its value is obvious in T2D rather than in T1D.

Effects of adjunctive N-acetylcysteine on depressive symptoms: Modulation by baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Porcu, Mauro; Urbano, Mariana Ragassi; Verri, Waldiceu A; Barbosa, Decio Sabbatini; Baracat, Marcela; Vargas, Heber Odebrecht; Machado, Regina Célia Bueno Rezende; Pescim, Rodrigo Rossetto; Nunes, Sandra Odebrecht Vargas

2018-05-01

Outcomes in a RCTs of 12 weeks of theclinical efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an adjunctive treatment on depression and anxiety symptoms and its effects on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. A wide array of measures were made. The 17-item version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17); the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A); Sheehan Disability Scale; Quality of Life; Clinical Global Impression (CGI); anthropometrics measures; and vital signs and biochemical laboratory. There were no significant differences among the groups regarding demographic, clinical features, use of medication, metabolic syndrome and comorbidities. From baseline to week 12, individuals receiving NAC, versus placebo, had a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms on HDRS 17 (p < 0.01) and anxiety symptoms on HAM-A (p = 0.04), but only for individuals with levels of hs-CRP > 3 mg/L at baseline. Individuals receiving NAC with baseline levels of hs-CRP > 3 mg/L, had more significant reduction in uric acid levels compared to individuals with baseline levels of hs-CRP ≤ 3 mg/L on week 12. Participants receiving placebogained significantly more weight during the 12 weeks for baseline levels of hs-CRP ≤ 3 mg/L and hs-CRP > 3 mg/L, and individuals receiving NAC in both groups did not have significant weight change during the 12 weeks. No individuals were withdrawn from the study because of adverse event. NAC group exhibited significantly greater reduction on hs-CRP levels than placebo group from baseline to week 12. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier; NCT02252341. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

C-reactive protein levels and risk of disabling dementia with and without stroke in Japanese: the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS).

PubMed

Chei, Choy-Lye; Yamagishi, Kazumasa; Ikeda, Ai; Noda, Hiroyuki; Maruyama, Minako; Cui, Renzhe; Imano, Hironori; Kiyama, Masahiko; Kitamura, Akihiko; Asada, Takashi; Iso, Hiroyasu

2014-10-01

Studies have shown that elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) predicts stroke, which is a risk factor for dementia. It remains, however, unclear whether hs-CRP increases risk of dementia. A prospective nested case-control study of Japanese 40-69 years of age was conducted using frozen serum samples collected from approximately 7531men and women who participated in cardiovascular risk surveys from 1984 to 1994 in one community and 1989-1995 in another community under the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS). Two control subjects per case were matched by sex, age, community, and year of serum storage. The hs-CRP was measured using a latex particle-enhanced immunonephelometric assay. Between 1999 and 2013, we identified 275 disabling dementia cases (96 cases with history of stroke and 179 without it). There was a positive association between hs-CRP levels and risk of dementia with history of stroke. No significant association was observed between hs-CRP levels and risk of dementia without history of stroke. After adjustment for hypertension, diabetes and other confounding variables, the positive association remained statistically significant. The multivariable odds ratios associated with 1-SD increment of log hs-CRP were 1.02 (0.87-1.20) for total dementia, 1.35 (1.02-1.79) for dementia with history of stroke, and 0.89 (0.72-1.10) for dementia without history of stroke. Elevated hs-CRP levels were associated with increased risk of disabling dementia in individuals with history of stroke but not in those without it. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adiposity as a full mediator of the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation in schoolchildren: The FUPRECOL Study.

PubMed

Garcia-Hermoso, A; Agostinis-Sobrinho, C; Mota, J; Santos, R M; Correa-Bautista, J E; Ramírez-Vélez, R

2017-06-01

Studies in the paediatric population have shown inconsistent associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation independently of adiposity. The purpose of this study was (i) to analyse the combined association of cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and (ii) to determine whether adiposity acts as a mediator on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hs-CRP in children and adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 935 (54.7% girls) healthy children and adolescents from Bogotá, Colombia. The 20 m shuttle run test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. We assessed the following adiposity parameters: body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass index and the sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness. High sensitivity assays were used to obtain hs-CRP. Linear regression models were fitted for mediation analyses examined whether the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hs-CRP was mediated by each of adiposity parameters according to Baron and Kenny procedures. Lower levels of hs-CRP were associated with the best schoolchildren profiles (high cardiorespiratory fitness + low adiposity) (p for trend <0.001 in the four adiposity parameters), compared with unfit and overweight (low cardiorespiratory fitness + high adiposity) counterparts. Linear regression models suggest a full mediation of adiposity on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hs-CRP levels. Our findings seem to emphasize the importance of obesity prevention in childhood, suggesting that having high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may not counteract the negative consequences ascribed to adiposity on hs-CRP. Copyright © 2017 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Albumin and C-reactive protein have prognostic significance in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Lee, Jae Hyuk; Kim, Jooyeong; Kim, Kyuseok; Jo, You Hwan; Rhee, JoongEui; Kim, Tae Youn; Na, Sang Hoon; Hwang, Seung Sik

2011-06-01

This study aims to determine the association of commonly used biochemical markers, such as albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP), with mortality and the prognostic performance of these markers combined with the pneumonia severity index (PSI) for mortality and adverse outcomes in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The data were gathered prospectively for patients hospitalized with CAP via the emergency department. Laboratory values, including CRP and albumin, clinical variables, and the PSI were measured. Primary outcomes were 28-day mortality and survival times. Secondary outcome was admission to the intensive care unit, vasopressor use, or the need for mechanical ventilation during the hospital stay. A total of 424 patients were included. The 28-day mortality was 13.7%. C-reactive protein and albumin were significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors. In logistic regression analysis, CRP and albumin were independently associated with 28-day mortality (P < .05). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed improved mortality prediction by adding CRP or albumin to the PSI scale. The Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that high serum albumin (≥3.3 mg/dL) had a hazard ratio of 0.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.9), and high CRP (≥14.3 mg/dL) had a hazard ratio of 2.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.4). For predicting secondary outcome, adding albumin to PSI increased areas under the curve significantly, but CRP did not. Albumin and CRP were associated with 28-day mortality in hospitalized patients with CAP, and these markers increased prognostic performance when combined with the PSI scale. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The association of mid-to late-life systemic inflammation with white matter structure in older adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

PubMed

Walker, Keenan A; Windham, B Gwen; Power, Melinda C; Hoogeveen, Ron C; Folsom, Aaron R; Ballantyne, Christie M; Knopman, David S; Selvin, Elizabeth; Jack, Clifford R; Gottesman, Rebecca F

2018-08-01

We examined whether the pattern of middle- to late-life systemic inflammation was associated with white matter (WM) structural abnormalities in older adults. A total of 1532 participants (age = 76.5; standard deviations = 5.4) underwent 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging to quantify white matter hyperintensity volume and whole-brain WM microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, was measured at 3 visits (21 and 14 years before, and concurrent with, neuroimaging). Participants were categorized into 1 of 6 groups based on their 21-year pattern of low (<3 mg/L) versus elevated (≥3 mg/L) CRP. Compared to the group with low CRP at all 3 visits, the group that transitioned from low to elevated CRP during midlife demonstrated greatest white matter hyperintensity volume and poorest WM microstructural integrity, after adjusting for demographic variables and cardiovascular risk factors. Participants with high CRP at all visits also demonstrated greater WM structural abnormalities, but only after accounting for differential attrition. These results suggest that increasing and persistent inflammation in the decades spanning middle-to late-life may promote WM disease in older adults. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biomarkers kinetics in the assessment of ventilator-associated pneumonia response to antibiotics - results from the BioVAP study.

PubMed

Póvoa, Pedro; Martin-Loeches, Ignacio; Ramirez, Paula; Bos, Lieuwe D; Esperatti, Mariano; Silvestre, Joana; Gili, Gisela; Goma, Gemma; Berlanga, Eugenio; Espasa, Mateu; Gonçalves, Elsa; Torres, Antoni; Artigas, Antonio

2017-10-01

Our aim was to evaluate the role of biomarker kinetics in the assessment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) response to antibiotics. We performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study to evaluate in 37 microbiologically documented VAP, the kinetics of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), mid-region fragment of pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM). The kinetics of each variable, from day 1 to 6 of therapy, was assessed with a time dependent analysis comparing survivors and non-survivors. During the study period kinetics of CRP as well as its relative changes, CRP-ratio, was significantly different between survivors and non-survivors (p=0.026 and p=0.005, respectively). On day 4 of antibiotic therapy, CRP of survivors was 47% of the initial value while it was 96% in non-survivors. The kinetics of other studied variables did not distinguish between survivors and non-survivors. In survivors the bacterial load also decreased markedly. Adequate initial antibiotic therapy was associated with lower mortality (p=0.025) and faster CRP decrease (p=0.029). C-reactive protein kinetics can be used to identify VAP patients with poor outcome as soon as four days after the initiation of treatment. (Trial registration - NCT02078999; registered 3 August 2012). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between high sensitivity CRP and suicidal ideation in the Korean general population.

PubMed

Park, Ryoung Jin; Kim, Yang Hyun

2017-09-01

Inflammation has been linked with a potential critical role in suicide. The purpose of this study is to examine the relation of CRP with suicidal behavior in the Korean population. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 4693 Korean adults aged 20-81 years who participated in the 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. High sensitivity CRP levels were measured by immunoturbidimetric method. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were assessed by using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed in 2017. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 4.9% and that of suicide attempt was 0.4%. Suicidal ideation was more prevalent in the highest compared with the lowest serum CRP quartile (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.11-2.89) after adjustment for age, sex, household income, educational level, marital status, employment status, alcohol dependency, current smoking, physical activity, BMI, sleep duration, number of chronic diseases, restriction on activity, subjective health status, perceived stress, depression and depressive mood (p for trend<0.05). In conclusion, elevated levels of CRP were associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation among South Korean adults. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.

Fast-track program vs traditional care in surgery for gastric cancer.

PubMed

Chen, Zhi-Xing; Liu, Ae-Huey Jennifer; Cen, Ying

2014-01-14

To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of fast-track program vs traditional care in laparoscopic or open surgery for gastric cancer. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library databases were electronically searched for published studies between January 1995 and April 2013, and only randomized trials were included. The references of relevant studies were manually searched for further studies that may have been missed. Search terms included "gastric cancer", "fast track" and "enhanced recovery". Five outcome variables were considered most suitable for analysis: postoperative hospital stay, medical cost, duration to first flatus, C-reactive protein (CRP) level and complications. Postoperative hospital stay was calculated from the date of operation to the date of discharge. Fixed effects model was used for meta-analysis. Compared with traditional care, fast-track program could significantly decrease the postoperative hospital stay [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.19, 95%CI: -1.79--0.60, P = 0.0001, fixed model], duration to first flatus (WMD = -6.82, 95%CI: -11.51--2.13, P = 0.004), medical costs (WMD = -2590, 95%CI: -4054--1126, P = 0.001), and the level of CRP (WMD = -17.78, 95%CI: -32.22--3.35, P = 0.0001) in laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer. In open surgery for gastric cancer, fast-track program could also significantly decrease the postoperative hospital stay (WMD = -1.99, 95%CI: -2.09--1.89, P = 0.0001), duration to first flatus (WMD = -12.0, 95%CI: -18.89--5.11, P = 0.001), medical cost (WMD = -3674, 95%CI: -5025--2323, P = 0.0001), and the level of CRP (WMD = -27.34, 95%CI: -35.42--19.26, P = 0.0001). Furthermore, fast-track program did not significantly increase the incidence of complication (RR = 1.39, 95%CI: 0.77-2.51, P = 0.27, for laparoscopic surgery; and RR = 1.52, 95%CI: 0.90-2.56, P = 0.12, for open surgery). Our overall results suggested that compared with traditional care, fast-track program could result in shorter postoperative hospital stay, less medical costs, and lower level of CRP, with no more complications occurring in both laparoscopic and open surgery for gastric cancer.

In college and in recovery: Reasons for joining a Collegiate Recovery Program

PubMed Central

Laudet, Alexandre B.; Harris, Kitty; Kimball, Thomas; Winters, Ken C.; Moberg, D. Paul

2016-01-01

Objective Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs), a campus-based peer support model for students recovering from substance abuse problems, grew exponentially in the past decade, yet remain unexplored. Methods This mixed methods study examines students’ reasons for CRP enrollment to guide academic institutions and referral sources. Students (N = 486) from the 29 CRPs nationwide operating in 2012 completed an online survey in 2013. Results Students were somewhat older than traditional age (mean age = 26). Now sober for three years (mean), they had experienced severe dependence on multiple substances. One third reported they would not be in college were it not for a CRP, and 20% would not be at their current institution. Top reasons for joining a CRP was the need for same age peer recovery support, and wanting to ‘do college sober’ recognizing that college life challenges sobriety. Conclusions CRPs appear to meet their mission of allowing recovering students to pursue educational goals in ‘an abstinence hostile environment’ and emphasize the need for more institutions to address the support needs of students in recovery. PMID:26731130

Impact of fulminant hepatic failure in C-reactive protein?

PubMed

Silvestre, Joana Pedro da Silva; Coelho, Luis Miguel da Cruz; Póvoa, Pedro Manuel Sarmento Rodrigues

2010-12-01

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) refers to the rapid development of severe acute liver injury with impaired synthetic function, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy in a person who previously had a normal liver or had a well-compensated liver disease. It is a rare complication in critically ill patients and carries a very bad prognosis. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), a useful marker of infection, is produced exclusively by the liver. The aim of this study was to assess CRP concentrations in patients with FHF. We prospectively identified patients with sepsis and FHF treated at the intensive care unit (ICU). Data collected included admission diagnosis, medical history, systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. C-reactive protein and white cell count were measured at admission and then daily until ICU discharge. We included 7 patients with FHF and sepsis. Six patients died with severe multiple organ failure. Six patients were already admitted with FHF, with the remaining one being diagnosed at the 26th day of ICU stay. All patients present severe coagulopathy. In all septic patients, despite clinical deterioration, CRP levels were markedly decreased sometimes reaching undetectable levels. In septic patients with FHF, CRP is more a marker of severe liver dysfunction and should not be used as a marker of infection. As a result, in a patient admitted with a very high suspicion of infection and an abnormally low CRP concentration or with a marked CRP decline despite persistent septic shock, severe hepatic failure should be ruled out. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of aerobic versus strength-based training on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in older adults.

PubMed

Martins, Raul A; Neves, Ana P; Coelho-Silva, Manuel J; Veríssimo, Manuel T; Teixeira, Ana Maria

2010-09-01

Increased levels of inflammatory markers, namely, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), have been associated with several chronic diseases including atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Forty-five women and men aged >64 years participated in the study and were randomly assigned to two exercise intervention groups and a non-exercising control group. The participants assigned to the exercising groups followed a 16-week exercise protocol based either on aerobic training (AT) or strength training (ST) followed by a further 16 weeks off-training period. The control group (C) remained sedentary throughout the study. Evaluation of body mass, BMI, waist circumference, aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, upper-body strength, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and hs-CRP were performed at baseline, after 16 weeks (post-training for the exercise groups) and at 32 weeks (follow-up). Both, AT and ST groups significantly increased functional fitness at the end of the exercise programs when compared to baseline values. hs-CRP concentrations were maintained throughout the study for the C group, while decreasing 10% at 16 weeks and 51% at 32 weeks for the AT group. In the ST group the hs-CRP concentrations decreased by 11 and 39% at 16 and 32 weeks, respectively. Decreases in hs-CRP concentrations were statistically significant for the AT and ST groups at the 32-week evaluation when compared to baseline. Reduction in hs-CRP concentrations seemed to be associated with strength gains and adiposity loss.

Communication-and-resolution programs: the challenges and lessons learned from six early adopters.

PubMed

Mello, Michelle M; Boothman, Richard C; McDonald, Timothy; Driver, Jeffrey; Lembitz, Alan; Bouwmeester, Darren; Dunlap, Benjamin; Gallagher, Thomas

2014-01-01

In communication-and-resolution programs (CRPs), health systems and liability insurers encourage the disclosure of unanticipated care outcomes to affected patients and proactively seek resolutions, including offering an apology, an explanation, and, where appropriate, reimbursement or compensation. Anecdotal reports from the University of Michigan Health System and other early adopters of CRPs suggest that these programs can substantially reduce liability costs and improve patient safety. But little is known about how these early programs achieved success. We studied six CRPs to identify the major challenges in and lessons learned from implementing these initiatives. The CRP participants we interviewed identified several factors that contributed to their programs' success, including the presence of a strong institutional champion, investing in building and marketing the program to skeptical clinicians, and making it clear that the results of such transformative change will take time. Many of the early CRP adopters we interviewed expressed support for broader experimentation with these programs even in settings that differ from their own, such as systems that do not own and control their liability insurer, and in states without strong tort reforms.

C-reactive protein and its relation to high blood pressure in overweight or obese children and adolescents

PubMed Central

Noronha, Juliana Andreia F.; Medeiros, Carla Campos M.; Cardoso, Anajás da Silva; Gonzaga, Nathalia Costa; Ramos, Alessandra Teixeira; Ramos, André Luiz C.

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and high blood pressure (BP) in overweight or obese children and adolescents. METHODS Cross-sectional study with 184 overweight or obese children and adolescents aged from two to 18 years old, from April, 2009 to April, 2010. The classification of nutritional status used the body mass index (BMI). Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention curve, individuals were classified as: overweight (BMI between the 85th-95th percentiles), obesity (BMI between 95th-97th percentiles) and severe obesity (BMI >97th percentile). Abnormal values were considered for systolic BP (SBP) and/or diastolic (DBP) if ≥90th percentile of the BP curve recommended for children and adolescents in the V Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension, for waist circumference (WC) if ≥90th percentile of the curve established by the National Cholesterol Education Program, and for high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) if >3mg/dL. To evaluate the association of inadequate values of CRP and the studied groups, chi-square test and analysis of variance were applied, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17.0 and adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS Among the evaluated sample, 66.3% were female, 63.5%, non-white, 64.1% had severe obesity, 78.3% had altered WC and 70.6% presented high BP. There was a significant association of CRP high levels with altered WC and BMI ≥97th percentile. In adolescents, high CRP was related to high SBP. CRP mean values were higher in individuals with elevated SBP. CONCLUSIONS Inadequate values of hs-CRP were associated with severe obesity and high SBP in the studied population. These markers can be used to identify children and adolescents at higher risk for developing atherosclerosis. PMID:24142315

The contribution of childhood cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity to inflammation in young adults.

PubMed

Sun, Cong; Magnussen, Costan G; Ponsonby, Anne-Louise; Schmidt, Michael D; Carlin, John B; Huynh, Quan; Venn, Alison J; Dwyer, Terence

2014-12-01

Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity may influence cardiovascular risk through their effects on inflammation. The long-term effects of these modifiable factors on adult inflammation remain uncertain. The associations of childhood and adulthood cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity with adult inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen] were examined. 1,976 children examined in 1985 and re-examined as young adults in 2004-2006 were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity were assessed at both waves. CRP and fibrinogen were measured at follow-up. Higher childhood fitness was associated with lower adult inflammation in both sexes. After adjusting for childhood adiposity, the association with CRP attenuated in males, but remained in females (average reduction of CRP 18.1% (95% CI 11.3-24.4%) per 1-SD increase in childhood fitness). Higher adult fitness, adjusting for childhood fitness (an increase in fitness from childhood to adulthood), was associated with lower adult CRP in females and lower fibrinogen in males. Higher childhood and adulthood adiposity (an increase in adiposity from childhood to adulthood) were associated with higher adult inflammation in both sexes. Prevention programs to increase fitness and reduce adiposity in childhood, and maintain a favorable fitness and weight into adulthood, may lead to reduction in adult systemic inflammation. © 2014 The Obesity Society.

Associations of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids with the concentrations of C-reactive protein, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and adiponectin in 1373 men.

PubMed

Takkunen, M J; de Mello, V D F; Schwab, U S; Ågren, J J; Kuusisto, J; Uusitupa, M I J

2014-10-01

Dietary and endogenous fatty acids could play a role in low-grade inflammation. In this cross-sectional study the proportions of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids (EMFA) and the concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and adiponectin were measured and their confounder-adjusted associations examined in 1373 randomly selected Finnish men aged 45-70 years participating in the population based Metsim study in Eastern Finland. The sum of n-6 EMFAs, without linoleic acid (LA), was positively associated with concentrations of CRP and IL-1Ra (r partial=0.139 and r partial=0.115, P<0.001). These associations were especially strong among lean men (waist circumference <94 cm; r partial=0.156 and r partial=0.189, P<0.001). Total n-3 EMFAs correlated inversely with concentrations of CRP (r partial=-0.098, P<0.001). Palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) correlated positively with CRP (r partial=0.096, P<0.001). Cis-vaccenic acid (18:1n-7) was associated with high concentrations of adiponectin (r partial=0.139, P<0.001). In conclusion, n-6 EMFAs, except for LA, correlated positively with the inflammatory markers. Palmitoleic acid was associated with CRP, whereas, interestingly, its elongation product, cis-vaccenic acid, associated with anti-inflammatory adiponectin. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Apolipoproteins C-II and C-III as nutritional markers unaffected by inflammation.

PubMed

Isshiki, Miwa; Hirayama, Satoshi; Ueno, Tsuyoshi; Ito, Masayuki; Furuta, Ayaka; Yano, Kouji; Yamatani, Kotoko; Sugihara, Masami; Idei, Mayumi; Miida, Takashi

2018-06-01

Rapid turnover proteins (RTPs), such as transthyretin (TTR), retinol binding protein (RBP), and transferrin (Tf), provide an accurate assessment of nutritional status but are susceptible to inflammation. Lipid-related markers, which have short half-lives in serum, may be better suited for nutritional assessment. We sought to identify sensitive nutritional markers unaffected by inflammation. Fasting serum samples were collected from 30 malnourished inpatients and 25 healthy volunteers. Malnourished inpatients were divided into 2 groups: a low-C-reactive protein (CRP) group (CRP < 20 mg/l, n = 15) and a high-CRP group (CRP ≥ 20 mg/l, n = 15). Lipid-related markers, traditional nutritional markers, RTPs, micronutrients, and ketone bodies were measured and compared among the groups. Apolipoprotein (Apo)C-II and ApoC-III concentrations were lower in malnourished inpatients than in the control group. There was no significant difference in ApoC-II and ApoC-III between the low- and high-CRP groups. Carnitine transporters and ketone bodies did not show a significant difference among the three groups. Albumin, TTR, RBP, and Tf concentrations were lowest in the high-CRP group, intermediate in the low-CRP group, and highest in the control group. These results indicate that ApoC-II and ApoC-III are appropriate nutritional biomarkers unaffected by inflammation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Myocardial blood flow reserve is impaired in patients with aortic valve calcification and unobstructed epicardial coronary arteries.

PubMed

Nel, Karen; Nam, Michael C Y; Anstey, Chris; Boos, Christopher J; Carlton, Edward; Senior, Roxy; Kaski, Juan Carlos; Khattab, Ahmed; Shamley, Delva; Byrne, Christopher D; Stanton, Tony; Greaves, Kim

2017-12-01

Although calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is associated with coronary atherosclerosis, it is not known whether early CAVD is associated with coronary microcirculatory dysfunction (CMD). We sought to investigate the relationship between myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) - a measure of CMD, and early CAVD in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease. We also determined whether this relationship was independent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hs-CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation. 183 patients with chest pain and unobstructed coronary arteries were studied. Aortic valve calcification score (AVCS), coronary total plaque length (TPL), and coronary calcium score were quantified from multislice CT. MBFR was assessed using vasodilator myocardial contrast echocardiography. Hs-CRP was measured from venous blood using a particle-enhanced immunoassay. Mean (±SD) participant age was 59.8 (9.6) years. Mean AVCS was 68 (258) AU, TPL was 15.6 (22.2) mm, and median coronary calcification score was 43.5AU. Mean MBFR was 2.20 (0.52). Mean hs-CRP was 2.52 (3.86) mg/l. Multivariable linear regression modelling incorporating demographics, coronary plaque characteristics, MBFR, and inflammatory markers, demonstrated that age (β=0.05, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08, P=0.007), hs-CRP (β=0.09, CI: 0.02, 0.16, P=0.010) and diabetes (β=1.03, CI: 0.08, 1.98, P=0.033), were positively associated with AVCS. MBFR (β=-0.87, CI: -1.44, -0.30, P=0.003), BMI (β=-0.11, CI: -0.21, -0.01, P=0.033), and LDL (β=-0.32, CI: -0.61, -0.03, P=0.029) were negatively associated with AVCS. TPL and coronary calcium score were not independently associated with AVCS when included in the regression model. Coronary microvascular function as determined by measurement of myocardial blood flow reserve is independently associated with early CAVD. This effect is independent of the presence of coronary artery disease and also systemic inflammation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

North Dakota

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1999-01-01

North Dakota prairies contain numerous wetlands. The complex functions of these prairie wetlands have been of interest for decades. The hydrology, water chemistry, and biological characteristics of these wetlands are highly variable because of extreme warm/cold and wet/dry conditions. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been conducting studies (fig. 1) to gain insight into the functions of the prairie wetlands. The USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown has maintained an active wetland research program since the mid-1960’s. Current work in North Dakota began in 1978, and focuses on the response of biological communities to climate-induced variations in hydrology and chemistry, and on evaluating the success of previously drained wetlands restored under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and on similar lands. The information provided from this long-term study has provided the bulk of our knowledge about prairie wetlands, and has provided land managers with valuable information to manage the Nation’s prairie wetland resource.

Combination of c-reactive protein and squamous cell carcinoma antigen in predicting postoperative prognosis for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

PubMed

Feng, Ji-Feng; Chen, Sheng; Yang, Xun

2017-09-08

We initially proposed a useful and novel prognostic model, named CCS [Combination of c-reactive protein (CRP) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC)], for predicting the postoperative survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Two hundred and fifty-two patients with resectable ESCC were included in this retrospective study. A logistic regression was performed and yielded a logistic equation. The CCS was calculated by the combined CRP and SCC. The optimal cut-off value for CCS was evaluated by X-tile program. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the predictive factors. In addition, a novel nomogram model was also performed to predict the prognosis for patients with ESCC. In the current study, CCS was calculated as CRP+6.33 SCC according to the logistic equation. The optimal cut-off value was 15.8 for CCS according to the X-tile program. Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that high CCS group had a significantly poor 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) than low CCS group (10.3% vs. 47.3%, P <0.001). According to multivariate analyses, CCS ( P =0.004), but not CRP ( P =0.466) or SCC ( P =0.926), was an independent prognostic factor. A nomogram could be more accuracy for CSS (Harrell's c-index: 0.70). The CCS is a usefull and independent predictive factor in patients with ESCC.

Impact of Obesity and Other Chronic Conditions on Lifestyle Exercise During the Year After Completion of Cardiac Rehabilitation.

PubMed

Sattar, Abdus; Josephson, Richard; Moore, Shirley M

2017-07-01

Patients who attend cardiac rehabilitation programs have a high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). The extent to which different constellations of MCC influence lifestyle exercise in the year after completion of an outpatient phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) is unknown. Our objective was to examine the effects of MCC on lifestyle exercise in the year after completion of a CRP. The effects of different constellations of comorbidities on objectively measured lifestyle exercise were examined using data from a randomized controlled trial testing lifestyle behavior change interventions in patients with cardiac events (n = 379) who completed a phase 2 CRP. Adjusting for important covariates, the relationships between the primary outcome, exercise amount, and the presence of common chronic conditions (hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and arthritis) were studied using robust linear mixed-effects models. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and their dyads, triads, and quads have a negative impact on amount of exercise. For example, the cooccurrences of obesity and hypertension reduced lifestyle exercise by 2.83 hours per month (95% CI, 1.33-4.33) after adjustment for the effects of covariates. The presence of obesity was a major factor in the comorbid constellations affecting lifestyle exercise. The presence of obesity and other chronic conditions negatively impacts lifestyle exercise in the year after a CRP. The magnitude of the effect depends on the comorbidities. Different constellations of comorbid conditions can be used to identify those persons at greatest risk for not exercising after cardiac rehabilitation.

The interactive effects of nocturnal sleep and daytime naps in relation to serum C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Mantua, Janna; Spencer, Rebecca M C

2015-10-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a general marker of inflammation that has been differentially linked with sleep. Elevated CRP (ie, high inflammation) has been associated with either short/insufficient sleep duration or long sleep duration, both, or neither. Daytime napping has also been tied to increased and decreased inflammation. We attempted to unify these findings by examining the relationship between CRP and sleep duration in conjunction with napping in a healthy young adult cohort. Participants were young adults (mean age = 29.05 years, n = 2147) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) cohort, a nationally representative longitudinal sample. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests examined whether self-reported sleep duration (short, medium, or long) and nap frequency (none-few days/week; most days/week; every day) interacted in relation to CRP. Standard covariates (ie, age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, physical activity, depression, snoring, systolic blood pressure, clinical symptoms, and household income) were used. There was a linear increase in CRP with increased napping [contrast estimate = 0.265, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.045-0.485), P = 0.018]. There was also an interaction between sleep duration and napping frequency in relation to CRP (F4,2128 = 2.90, P = 0.021). Inflammation differed between nap groups within the long and short sleep groups. Our results suggest that increased napping is an independent predictor of inflammation in young adults. These results also provide evidence for interactive effects of inflammation, nocturnal sleep, and daytime naps. Our findings confirm that excess sleep, insufficient sleep, frequent napping, and infrequent napping can all be linked with elevated CRP, but these relationships depend on both nocturnal and daytime sleep patterns. These analyses will guide future work to more specifically examine sleep-inflammation processes and directionality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of the systemic inflammatory response on plasma zinc and selenium adjusted for albumin.

PubMed

Ghashut, Rawia A; McMillan, Donald C; Kinsella, John; Vasilaki, Aikaterini T; Talwar, Dinesh; Duncan, Andrew

2016-04-01

The magnitude of systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by C-reactive protein (CRP), is a major factor associated with lower zinc and selenium. They may also be influenced by their binding proteins, such as albumin. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between plasma zinc, selenium and the systemic inflammatory response in a large cohort of patients referred for nutritional screen and also to examine these relationships in patients with critical illness. Patients referred for nutritional assessment of zinc (n = 743) and selenium (n = 833) and 114 patients with critical illness were examined. Intra-assay imprecision was <10% for these analytes. In the nutritional screen cohort, plasma zinc was significantly associated with CRP (rs = -0.404, p < 0.001) and albumin (rs = 0.588, p < 0.001). For each CRP category (≤10, 11-80, >80 mg/l) the zinc/albumin ratio x100 was similar (31, 33 and 32 respectively, p = 0.029). Plasma selenium was significantly associated with CRP (rs = -0.489, p < 0.001) and albumin (rs = 0.600, p < 0.001). With increasing CRP category (≤10, 11-80, >80 mg/l) the selenium/albumin ratio ×100 was lower (2.3, 2.1 and 1.8 respectively, p < 0.001). Similar relationships were also observed in the cohort of patients with critical illness. Plasma zinc was associated with both CRP and albumin. The impact of the systemic inflammatory response could be largely adjusted by albumin concentrations. Plasma selenium was associated with both CRP and albumin. The impact of the systemic inflammatory response on plasma selenium concentrations could not be reasonably adjusted by albumin concentrations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Chronically raised C-reactive protein is inversely associated with cortical β-amyloid in older adults with subjective memory complaints.

PubMed

Hooper, Claudie; De Souto Barreto, Philipe; Cantet, Christelle; Cesari, Matteo; Payoux, Pierre; Salabert, Anne Sophie; Vellas, Bruno

2018-04-25

Inflammation promotes amyloidogenesis in animals and markers of inflammation are associated with β-amyloid (Aβ) in humans. Hence, we sought to examine the cross-sectional associations between chronically elevated plasma C reactive protein (CRP) and cortical Aβ in 259 non-demented elderly individuals reporting subjective memory complaints from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT). Cortical-to-cerebellar standard uptake value ratios were obtained using [ 18 F] florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET). CRP was measured in plasma using immunoturbidity. Chronically raised CRP was defined as having 2 consecutively high CRP readings (>3 mg/l ≤ 10 mg/l) between study baseline and the 1 year visit (visits were performed at baseline, 6 months, 1 year and then annually). Associations were explored using adjusted multiple linear regression. Chronically raised CRP was found to be inversely associated with cortical Aβ (B-coefficient: -0.054, SE: 0.026, p = 0.040) and this association seemed to be specific to apolipoprotein E (Apo E) ε4 carriers (B-coefficient: -0.130, SE: 0.058, p = 0.027). CRP as an isolated reading measured closest to PET scan was also inversely associated with cortical Aβ when CRP was treated as a dichotomized variable (high CRP > 3 mg/l ≤ 10 mg/l, B-coefficient: -0.048, SE: 0.023, p = 0.043). Our preliminary findings suggest that inflammation might be beneficial in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease as the immune systems attempts to combat Aβ pathology particularly in ApoE ε4 carriers. Investigating the temporal relationships between cerebral Aβ and a panel of inflammatory markers would provide further evidence as to whether chronic inflammation might modulate amyloidogenesis in vivo. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of hs-CRP and visseral adiposity index in patients with policystic ovary syndrome by clinical and laboratory findings.

PubMed

Ün, B; Dolapçıoğlu, K S; Güler Okyay, A; Şahin, H; Beyazıt, A

2016-09-01

In this study, we aimed to evaluate two cardiovascular risk markers, hs-CRP and visseral adiposity index, in patients with policystic ovary syndrome in association with clinical and laboratory findings. Study group included 75 patients who were diagnosed as PCOS according to the criteria of AE-PCOS 2006 and control group included 75 non-PCOS patients who were subsequently admitted to outpatient clinic for smear control, with urinary or vaginal symptoms. Physical and sonographic examinations were made to all subjects. Mean arterial pressure, waist/hip ratio and body mass index were calculated. Fasting blood glucose and insulin, HbA1c, lipids, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), estradiol, follicle stimulating hormon, luteinising hormone, tiroid stimulating hormone, prolaktin, total testosteron and sex hormone binding globulin were tested in venous blood samples collected from cases following overnight fast in follicular phase of spontaneous or induced menstruation. Visceral adiposity index was also calculated. No statistically significant difference was found between PCOS group and control group concerning hs-CRP and VAI (p>0.05). When patients in PCOS group were further grouped as obese and non-obese, hs-CRP and VAI values in obese group were significantly higher than those in non-obese group (p<0.001). However, when control group were further grouped as obese and non-obese, there was no significant difference in terms of hs-CRP between groups (p>0.05), VAI values were significantly higher in obese control group (p<0.05). According to the results of our study, hs-CRP stands for a better and more specific marker than VAI to determine metabolic components and predictive risks for cardiovascular diseases in patients with PCOS. Further studies with larger populations are needed in order to determine cardiovascular risks particularly in young PCOS patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlation of MCP-4 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a marker of inflammation in obesity and chronic periodontitis.

PubMed

Pradeep, A R; Kumari, Minal; Kalra, Nitish; Priyanka, N

2013-03-01

Obesity is increasing in prevalence worldwide and has emerged as a strong risk factor for periodontal disease. Conversely, the remote effects of periodontal disease on various systemic diseases have been proposed. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of MCP-4 and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in obese and non-obese subjects with chronic periodontitis and to find a correlation between MCP-4 and hsCRP in GCF and serum. Forty subjects (20 males and 20 females) were selected and divided into four groups (10 subjects in each group), based on clinical parameters: group NOH (non-obese healthy), group OH (obese healthy), Group NOCP (non-obese with chronic periodontitis) and group OCP (obese with chronic periodontitis). The levels of serum and GCF MCP-4 were determined by ELISA and hsCRP levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry method. The mean GCF and serum concentration of MCP-4 was highest for group OCP followed by group NOCP, group OH (in GCF); group OH, group NOCP(in serum) and least in group NOH. The mean hsCRP concentration was highest for group OCP followed by group OH, group NOCP and group NOH. A significant positive correlation was found between serum and GCF MCP-4 and hsCRP levels. GCF MCP-4 concentrations increased in periodontal disease compared to health and correlated positively with the severity of disease indicating it as a novel marker of periodontal disease. The serum concentration of MCP-4 was found to be more in obese group as compared to nonobese group indicating it as a marker of obesity. Furthermore, based on the positive correlation of MCP-4 and hsCRP found in this study, it can be proposed that MCP-4 and hsCRP may be the markers linking chronic inflammation in obesity and periodontal disease. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transthyretin levels: Potential biomarker for monitoring nutritional support efficacy and clinical complications risk in patients receiving parenteral nutrition.

PubMed

Borges de Oliveira Nascimento Freitas, Renata Germano; Hessel, Gabriel; Junqueira Vasques, Ana Carolina; Negrão Nogueira, Roberto José

2018-04-01

Nutritional support is an effective strategy to restore or maintain nutritional status, to reduce clinical complications, hospitalization period and the morbidity/mortality risk of hospitalized patients. So, a good marker is important to evaluate the nutritional support. This study aims to evaluate the evolution of transthyretin levels in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) during 14 days. Longitudinal study of 88 hospitalized patients. The assessments and samples were taken during the first 72 h (T0), on the 7th day (T7) and 14th day (T14) of PN. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Medical Sciences at UNICAMP (No 538/2011). The C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were high and albumin and transthyretin levels were low at baseline. From T0 to T14, only transthyretin increased (p = 0.03). According to the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve, we found that the transthyretin had some improvement when the CRP levels were less than 10.4 mg/dl (T7). According to the CRP/albumin ratio, all patients classified as without risk for complications were discharged from the hospital. In addition, we observed that patients with transthyretin reduction had a concomitant higher risk for complications according to their ratio CRP/albumin (p = 0.03). CRP/albumin ratio was associated with the evolution of transthyretin levels. Transthyretin values showed significant improvement in the 14 days of PN. Especially, less inflamed patients (ie CRP less than 10.4 mg/dl) improved their transthyretin levels. So, CRP value at day 7 that predicts the transthyretin and transthyretin is a good biomarker for classification of nutritional support and clinical complications risk in patients receiving PN. Copyright © 2017 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The usefulness of evaluation of: ferritin, ultrasensitive CRP and tissue specific polypeptide 18th (TPS) in assessment of therapy efficacy in patients with nasal polyps].

PubMed

Pałac, Jacek; Bratek, Szczepan; Partyka, Robert; Misiołek, Maciej

2014-01-01

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is social, clinical and cost-effective problem, by reason of bothersome symptoms, chronic nature of the disease, tendency to recur and lack of satisfying treatment. The aim of this study is assessment of suitability of hsCRP, ferritin and blood levels in nasal polyps patients in evaluation of treatment efficacy. The study enrolled 38 patients between 20 and 68 years of age. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Levels of ultrasensitive CRP ferritin and TPS have been measured in all patients. The ultrasensitive CRP levels have been measured by chemiluminescence method. Ferritin levels have been measured by MEIA method. The TPS levels have been measured by chemiluminescence method. Comparison of mean ferritin levels in both study groups in each stage of observation shows the significant difference of mean values in only 6 weeks after surgery. Mean ferritin level is significantly lower in group I than in group II (p<0.05). Mean hsCRP levels vary from one corresponding to ferritin levels. Statistically significant difference between study groups in 2nd and 6th week after surgery has been ascertained (p<0.05). Similarly, like in ferritin levels, the TPS levels are significantly different in 6th week after surgery. Analysis of ferritin, hsCRP and TPS serum levels indicates that these may be useful in assessment of treatment efficacy in patients with nasal polyps. Rise of the chosen inflammatory state parameter level in the postoperative monitoring and anti-inflammatory treatment introduction in nasal polyps patients may inhibit the recurrence of the disease. Copyright © 2013 Polish Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z.o.o. All rights reserved.

Race/ethnicity moderates the relationship between depressive symptom severity and C-reactive protein: 2005-2010 NHANES data.

PubMed

Case, Stephanie M; Stewart, Jesse C

2014-10-01

Because few studies have examined depression facets or potential moderators of the depression-inflammation relationship, our aims were to determine whether particular depressive symptom clusters are more strongly associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and whether race/ethnicity moderates these relationships. We examined data from 10,149 adults representative of the U.S. population (4858 non-Hispanic White, 1978 non-Hispanic Black, 2260 Mexican American, 1053 Other Hispanic) who participated in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2010. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and high-sensitivity serum CRP was quantified by latex-enhanced nephelometry. Total (p<.001), somatic (p<.001), and nonsomatic (p=.001) depressive symptoms were each positively related to serum CRP in individual models. However, in the simultaneous model that included both symptom clusters, somatic symptoms (p<.001), but not nonsomatic symptoms (p=.98), remained associated with serum CRP. Evidence of moderation by race/ethnicity was also observed, as six of the nine depressive symptoms×race/ethnicity interactions were significant (ps<.05). Among non-Hispanic Whites, the pattern of results was identical to the full sample; only somatic symptoms (p<.001) remained related to serum CRP in the simultaneous model. No relationships between total, somatic, or nonsomatic symptoms and serum CRP were observed among the non-Hispanic Black, Mexican American, or Other Hispanic groups. Our findings indicate that the link between depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation may be due to the somatic symptoms of sleep disturbance, fatigue, appetite changes, and psychomotor retardation/agitation and may be strongest among non-Hispanic Whites. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Loss of cAMP/CRP regulation confers extreme high hydrostatic pressure resistance in Escherichia coli O157:H7.

PubMed

Vanlint, Dietrich; Pype, Brecht J Y; Rutten, Nele; Vanoirbeek, Kristof G A; Michiels, Chris W; Aertsen, Abram

2013-08-16

Application of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) constitutes a valuable non-thermal pasteurization process in modern food conservation. Triggered by our interest in the rapid adaptive evolution towards HHP resistance in the food-borne pathogen E. coli O157:H7 (strain ATCC 43888) that was demonstrated earlier, we used genetic screening to identify specific loci in which a loss-of-function mutation would be sufficient to markedly increase HHP survival. As such, individual loss of RssB (anti RpoS-factor), CRP (catabolite response protein) and CyaA (adenylate cyclase) were each found to confer significant HHP resistance in the 300MPa range (i.e. >1,000-fold), and this phenotype invariably coincided with increased resistance against heat as well. In contrast to loss of RssB, however, loss of CRP or CyaA also conferred significantly increased resistance to 600MPa (i.e. >10,000-fold), suggesting cAMP/CRP homeostasis to affect extreme HHP resistance independently of increased RpoS activity. Surprisingly, none of the rapidly emerging HHP-resistant mutants of ATCC 43888 that were isolated previously did incur any mutations in rssB, crp or cyaA, indicating that a number of other loci can guide the rapid emergence of HHP resistance in E. coli O157:H7 as well. The inability of spontaneous rssB, crp or cyaA mutants to emerge during selective enrichment under HHP selection likely stems from their decreased competitive fitness during growth. Overall, this study is the first to shed light on the possible genetic strategies supporting the acquisition of HHP resistance in E. coli O157:H7. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Expression of C-Reactive Protein and Serum Amyloid A in Early to Late Manifestations of Lyme Disease.

PubMed

Uhde, Melanie; Ajamian, Mary; Li, Xueting; Wormser, Gary P; Marques, Adriana; Alaedini, Armin

2016-12-01

 Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, triggers host immune responses that affect the clinical outcome and are a source of biomarkers with diagnostic utility. Although adaptive immunity to B. burgdorferi has been extensively characterized, considerably less information is available about the development of innate acute-phase responses in Lyme disease. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the expression of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), the prototype acute-phase response proteins, in the context of the varying manifestations associated with Lyme borreliosis.  Circulating concentrations of CRP and SAA in patients with a range of early to late objective manifestations of Lyme disease and in individuals with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome were compared with those in healthy control groups.  CRP and SAA levels were significantly elevated in early localized and early disseminated Lyme disease but not in the later stages of active infection. Levels of CRP, but not SAA, were also found to be significantly increased in patients with antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis and in those with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.  These findings indicate that circulating CRP and SAA levels are highest when the concentration of spirochetes is greatest in skin and/or blood and that levels decline after the dissemination of the organism to extracutaneous sites in subsequent stages of infection. The data also suggest that antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome are associated with elevated CRP responses that are driven by inflammatory mechanisms distinct from those in active infection. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Serum C-reactive protein in patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty. Prospective study.

PubMed

Torrens, Carlos; Santana, Fernando; Marí, Raquel; Puig, Lluis; Alier, Albert

2017-09-01

The objective of the study was to determine the normalization curve of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in elective shoulder arthroplasty. A prospective study including 58 consecutive patients who had undergone elective shoulder arthroplasty. Forty-one patients had received a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, 13 a Total Shoulder Arthroplasty and 4 a Hemiarthroplasty. Based on a pilot study, blood samples to determine CRP values were obtained at baseline (1 h before surgery), on the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 8th and 14th postoperative days. All the patients included presented no postoperative complications during inpatient stay or any re-admission during the three months after surgery. Mean CRP values showed a rapid increase on the 1st postoperative day (7-fold higher than the baseline in cuff tear arthropathy, 11-fold higher in primary osteoarthritis, 1-fold higher in acute fracture) and reached a peak on the 2nd postoperative day (14-fold higher than the baseline in cuff tear arthropathy, 24-fold higher in primary osteoarthritis and 2-fold higher in acute fracture). After the 2nd postoperative day CRP values began to slowly decrease reaching the normal range in the 14th postoperative day. Serum CRP levels after elective shoulder arthroplasty rapidly increase to reach a maximum peak after the 2nd surgery day and then slowly decrease to return to normality on the 14th day. Knowing the normalization curve of CRP can be a helpful tool to help in the diagnosis of acute infections in elective shoulder arthroplasty. Copyright © 2017 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Periodontal disease is associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein in non-diabetic, non-smoking acute myocardial infarction patients.

PubMed

Kodovazenitis, George; Pitsavos, Christos; Papadimitriou, Lambros; Deliargyris, Efthymios N; Vrotsos, Ioannis; Stefanadis, Christodoulos; Madianos, Phoebus N

2011-12-01

A link between periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular events has been proposed, but confounding by shared risk factors such as smoking and diabetes remains a concern. We examined the prevalence of PD and its contribution to C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and in subjects without AMI and with angiographically nonobstructive coronary disease in the absence of these confounding risk factors. Periodontal status and admission CRP levels were evaluated in 87 non-diabetic and non-smoking subjects undergoing cardiac catheterization. The study group comprised of 47 patients with documented AMI, and 40 subjects without AMI and with angiographically nonobstructive coronary disease (ANCD group). Both the prevalence of PD and CRP levels were significantly higher in AMI patients compared with ANCD subjects (38.3% vs. 17.5%, p=0.03 and 44.3 vs. 8.5 mg/L, p<0.001 respectively). PD was associated with higher CRP levels in AMI patients (52.5 vs. 36.1 mg/L, p=0.04) as well as in ANCD subjects, however, in this group this was not significant (12.6 vs. 7.6 mg/L, p=0.5). Multivariable regression analysis confirmed two separate measures of PD as strong and independent contributors to elevated CRP levels in AMI patients (R2 = 0.28, R2 = 0.30, p=0.001). PD contributes to elevated CRP levels in non-diabetic, non-smoking AMI patients, independently of other confounding factors. These findings imply that periodontitis may emerge as a novel target for reducing future risk in AMI survivors. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mobile-phone-based home exercise training program decreases systemic inflammation in COPD: a pilot study.

PubMed

Wang, Chun-Hua; Chou, Pai-Chien; Joa, Wen-Ching; Chen, Li-Fei; Sheng, Te-Fang; Ho, Shu-Chuan; Lin, Horng-Chyuan; Huang, Chien-Da; Chung, Fu-Tsai; Chung, Kian Fan; Kuo, Han-Pin

2014-08-30

Moderate-intensity exercise training improves skeletal muscle aerobic capacity and increased oxidative enzyme activity, as well as exercise tolerance in COPD patients. To investigate whether the home-based exercise training program can reduce inflammatory biomarkers in patients with COPD, twelve patients using mobile phone assistance and 14 with free walk were assessed by incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), spirometry, strength of limb muscles, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory cytokines. Patients in the mobile phone group improved their ISWT walking distance, with decrease in serum CRP after 2 months, and sustained at 6 months. Patients in the control group had no improvement. Serum IL-8 in the mobile phone group was significantly reduced at 2, 3 and 6 months after doing home exercise training compared to baseline. IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly elevated at 3 and 6 months in control group, while there were no changes in mobile phone group. The strength of limb muscles was significantly greater compared to baseline at 3 and 6 months in the mobile phone group. A mobile-phone-based system can provide an efficient home endurance exercise training program with improved exercise capacity, strength of limb muscles and a decrease in serum CRP and IL-8 in COPD patients. Decreased systemic inflammation may contribute to these clinical benefits. (Clinical trial registration No.: NCT01631019).

Salivary markers in patients with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Pallos, Debora; Leão, Mariella V P; Togeiro, Fernanda C F B; Alegre, Larissa; Ricardo, Lucilene Hernandes; Perozini, Caroline; Ruivo, Gilson Fernandes

2015-12-01

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a progressive loss of renal function over a period of months or years. The major function of the kidneys is the removal of metabolic waste products, electrolytes and water. When this function is impaired, systemic changes, oral complications and alterations in salivary composition may occur. This study aimed to compare the levels of immunological and inflammatory components in the saliva samples from patients that undergo to hemodialysis treatment (HD), without HD and control. This study evaluated IgA, IgG, C reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO) in saliva samples from 119 patients, who were divided into the control group (C), chronic renal failure (CRF) patient group and CRF patients on hemodialysis treatment (HD) group. IgA and IgG levels were analyzed by ELISA. Nitric oxide levels were determined indirectly by the nitrite concentration using Griess reagent; CRP by agglutination tests; and total proteins, by Bradford assay. The HD group showed significantly higher levels of IgG, IgA and CRP compared with the control and CRF groups. The CRF group presented the same amounts of IgG, IgA and CRP as the C group but significantly higher levels of NO similar to the HD group. Renal disease, particularly hemodialysis treatment during renal disease, seems to alter salivary immunological and inflammatory components. Thus, analyzing the levels of IgA, IgG, NO and CRP in saliva may be beneficial for monitoring renal disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Socioeconomic status discrimination and C-reactive protein in African-American and White adults.

PubMed

Van Dyke, Miriam E; Vaccarino, Viola; Dunbar, Sandra B; Pemu, Priscilla; Gibbons, Gary H; Quyyumi, Arshed A; Lewis, Tené T

2017-08-01

We examined the association between socioeconomic status (SES) discrimination and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a biracial cohort of middle-aged adults using an intersectionality framework. Participants were 401 African-American and White adults from a population-based cohort in the Southeastern United States. SES discrimination was self-reported with a modified Experiences of Discrimination Scale, and CRP levels were assayed from blood samples. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations among SES discrimination, race, education, and CRP after controlling for age, gender, racial and gender discrimination, financial and general stress, body mass index, smoking, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms. Intersectional effects were tested using race×SES discrimination, education×SES discrimination and race×education×SES discrimination interactions. Adjusting for sociodemographics, racial discrimination, gender discrimination, and all relevant two-way interaction terms, we observed a significant race×education×SES discrimination interaction (p=0.019). In adjusted models stratified by race and education, SES discrimination was associated with elevated CRP among higher educated African-Americans (β=0.29, p=0.018), but not lower educated African-Americans (β=-0.13, p=0.32); or lower educated (β=-0.02, p=0.92) or higher educated (β=-0.01, p=0.90) Whites. Findings support the relevance of SES discrimination as an important discriminatory stressor for CRP specifically among higher educated African-Americans. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low-grade systemic inflammation: a partial mediator of the relationship between diabetes and lung function.

PubMed

Giovannelli, Jonathan; Trouiller, Philippe; Hulo, Sébastien; Chérot-Kornobis, Natalie; Ciuchete, Alina; Edmé, Jean-Louis; Matran, Régis; Amouyel, Philippe; Meirhaeghe, Aline; Dauchet, Luc

2018-01-01

An association has been consistently found between diabetes mellitus and decreased lung function. We evaluated to what extent low-grade inflammation (as measured by the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) could explain this relationship. A sample of 1878 middle-aged adults from the cross-sectional Enquête Littoral Souffle Air Biologie Environnement survey without self-reported pulmonary and atherosclerosis disease was included. A mediation analysis was performed to assess and quantify the hs-CRP level as a mediator of the relationship between diabetes and lung function. Diabetes was associated with higher hs-CRP level (+22.9%, 95% confidence interval = [5.1, 43.6]). The hs-CRP (>4 vs. ≤1 mg/L) was associated with lower percentage predicted values for the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (-4% [-6.1, -1.9]) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (-4.4% [-6.5, -2.3]). Diabetes was associated with FEV1 (-3.5% [-5.8, -1.3]) and FVC (-3.6% [-5.9, -1.3]). The proportion of the effect that is mediated by hs-CRP was 12% [2.4, 37] and 13% [3.7, 39.4] for FEV1 and FVC, respectively. Our results suggest that low-grade systemic inflammation could only explain a small part of the relationship between diabetes and lung function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Traditional and pyramidal resistance training systems improve muscle quality and metabolic biomarkers in older women: A randomized crossover study.

PubMed

Ribeiro, Alex S; Schoenfeld, Brad J; Souza, Mariana F; Tomeleri, Crisieli M; Venturini, Danielle; Barbosa, Décio S; Cyrino, Edilson S

2016-06-15

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of RT performed in a pyramid (PR) and traditional (TD) straight set training system on muscle quality and metabolic biomarkers in older women. Twenty-five physically independent older women (67.6±5.1years, 65.9±11.1kg, 154.7±5.8cm) performed a RT program in TD and PR training systems in a balanced crossover design. Measurements of muscle quality, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose (GLU), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were obtained at different moments. The TD program consisted of 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions maximum (RM) with a constant weight for the 3 sets, whereas the PR training consisted of 3 sets of 12/10/8 RM with incremental weight for each set. The training was performed in 2 phases of 8weeks each, with a 12-week washout period between phases. Significant (P<0.05) improvements were observed in both groups for muscle quality (TD=+8.6% vs. PR=+6.8%), GLU (TD=-4.5% vs. PR=-1.9%), TG (TD=-18.0% vs. PR=-11.7%), HDL-C (TD=+10.6 vs. PR=+7.8%), LDL-C (TD=-23.3% vs. PR=-21.0%), and CRP (TD=-19.4% vs. PR=-14.3%) with no differences between training systems. These results suggest that RT improves muscle quality and metabolic biomarkers of older women independently of the training system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lipid, lipoproteins, C-reactive protein, and hemostatic factors at baseline in the diabetes prevention program.

PubMed

2005-10-01

Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) appear to be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) due at least in part to an increased prevalence of risk factors. We evaluated lipid, lipoprotein, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels at study entry in the largest multiethnic cohort of participants with IGT described, namely in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Measurements were performed at the baseline visit of 3,819 randomized participants of the DPP. Among 3,622 participants who were not taking lipid-lowering medicines, cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed in relation to demographic, anthropometric, and metabolic measures. Major determinants of risk factors were assessed in multivariate analysis. Over 40% of participants had elevated triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and CRP levels and reduced HDL cholesterol levels. Men had higher triglyceride and tPA and lower HDL cholesterol concentrations and smaller LDL particle size than women, whereas women had higher CRP and fibrinogen levels. African Americans had less dyslipidemia but higher fibrinogen levels, and Asian Americans had lower CRP and fibrinogen levels than Caucasians and Hispanics. The surrogate measure of insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) had the strongest association with HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and tPA levels and LDL particle size. BMI had the greatest influence on CRP and fibrinogen levels. Using median splits of indexes of insulin resistance and insulin secretion (insulin-to-glucose ratio), participants with greater insulin resistance had a more adverse CVD risk-factor profile, whereas insulin secretion had little influence on risk factors. The pattern of CVD risk factors in participants with IGT in the DPP exhibits substantial heterogeneity and is significantly influenced by race, sex, and age, as well as by obesity, glucose, and insulin measures. The degree of insulin resistance, as reflected by HOMA-IR, showed the greatest association with the cardiovascular risk factors.

Lipid, Lipoproteins, C-Reactive Protein, and Hemostatic Factors at Baseline in the Diabetes Prevention Program

PubMed Central

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE — Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) appear to be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) due at least in part to an increased prevalence of risk factors. We evaluated lipid, lipoprotein, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels at study entry in the largest multiethnic cohort of participants with IGT described, namely in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS — Measurements were performed at the baseline visit of 3,819 randomized participants of the DPP. Among 3,622 participants who were not taking lipid-lowering medicines, cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed in relation to demographic, anthropometric, and metabolic measures. Major determinants of risk factors were assessed in multivariate analysis. RESULTS — Over 40% of participants had elevated triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and CRP levels and reduced HDL cholesterol levels. Men had higher triglyceride and tPA and lower HDL cholesterol concentrations and smaller LDL particle size than women, whereas women had higher CRP and fibrinogen levels. African Americans had less dyslipidemia but higher fibrinogen levels, and Asian Americans had lower CRP and fibrinogen levels than Caucasians and Hispanics. The surrogate measure of insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) had the strongest association with HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and tPA levels and LDL particle size. BMI had the greatest influence on CRP and fibrinogen levels. Using median splits of indexes of insulin resistance and insulin secretion (insulin-to-glucose ratio), participants with greater insulin resistance had a more adverse CVD risk-factor profile, whereas insulin secretion had little influence on risk factors. CONCLUSIONS — The pattern of CVD risk factors in participants with IGT in the DPP exhibits substantial heterogeneity and is significantly influenced by race, sex, and age, as well as by obesity, glucose, and insulin measures. The degree of insulin resistance, as reflected by HOMA-IR, showed the greatest association with the cardiovascular risk factors. PMID:16186282

Project Pals: A Description of a High School-Based Tutorial Program Using Corrective Reading and Peer-Delivered Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marchand-Martella, Nancy; Martella, Ronald C.; Bettis, Daniel F.; Blakely, Molly Riley

2004-01-01

The purpose of this investigation was to assess implementation aspects of a peer-delivered Corrective Reading Program (CRP), entitled "Project PALS" (Peer Assisted Learning System), in six area high schools. Specifically, high schools provided details on the following aspects of their programs: school and teachers, students receiving peer…

An Assessment of the Computer Science Activities of the Office of Naval Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

A Panel of the Naval Studies Board of the National Research Council met for two days in October 1985 to assess the computer science programs of the ... Office of Naval (ONR). These programs are supported by the Contract Research Program (CRP) as well as the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Naval

Partitioning CO2 Fluxes in Transitional Bioenergy CROPS:EFFECT of Land Use Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zenone, T.; Chen, J.; Hamilton, S. K.; Robertson, G. P.

2010-12-01

The demand for alternatives to petroleum is increasing the production of bioenergy. Undisturbed ecosystems in different part of the globe were converted to bioenergy cultivations. In this study we examined the effect of land conversion on C Pools and fluxes using the Eddy Covariance (EC) technique in seven sites in southwestern Michigan undergoing such conversions. Of the seven sites, four had been managed for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) during the last 20 years to maintain them as grasslands. The other three were cultivated in a corn/soybean rotation. The effects of land use change were studied during 2009 when six of the fields (three CRP and three crop fields) were converted to soybean cultivation, with the 7th site remained as a grassland reference. Daytime estimates of ecosystem respiration (Reco) were obtained from the night NEE-temperature relationship. An Arrhenius-type model was used to describe the temperature dependence of Reco. The Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) was then obtained by subtracting Reco from NEE. Soil CO2 fluxes (SRR) were measured in all sites with a portable EGM-4 infrared gas analyzer (PP-Systems, UK). SRR, soil temperature, and soil moisture were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures analyses on one factor. SRR was modeled using a nonlinear regression function to describe SRR as dependant on soil temperature and soil moisture, expressed as soil water content relative to the soil water content at field capacity (RSWC). Standard errors of nonlinear regression parameters were estimated by a bootstrapping algorithm. During winter the agricultural sites were essentially carbon (C) neutral while the grasslands were C sources, with average emissions of 15 g C m-2 month-1. The annual NEP at sites converted from CRP to soybeans had a net emission of 156 (± 25) - 128 (± 27) g C m-2 year-1. The sites previously cultivated as corn/soybean rotation was a net C uptake, with NEP ranging from -91 (± 26) to -57 (± 21) g C m-2 year-1. At one site characterized by a lower soil C content and lower biomass production, the NEP was 31 (± 10) g C m-2 year-1. Annual changes in SRR were significantly different between CRP and the agricultural sites, while there were no significant differences among the three sites of each group. The annual SRR ranged from 831 to 749 g C m-2 year-1 at the CRP sites and from 311 to 274 g C m-2 year-1 at the agricultural site. Cumulative SRR showed a strong correlation (r2 = 0.88; p = 0.001) with soil organic matter (SOC). Annual average GPP was 579 (± 47) g C m-2 year-1 at the CRP sites and 685 (± 31) g C m-2 year-1 at the agricultural sites. Overall, the conversion of CRP to soybean cultivation in preparation for biofuel crop production induced net C emissions in all sites investigated.

The impact of an exercise intervention on C - reactive protein during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Hawkins, Marquis; Braun, Barry; Marcus, Bess H; Stanek, Edward; Markenson, Glenn; Chasan-Taber, Lisa

2015-06-24

C-reactive protein (CRP) during pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal outcomes such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Randomized trials suggest that exercise programs may be associated with reductions in CRP in non-pregnant populations; however, such studies have not been conducted among pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an individually-tailored motivationally-matched exercise intervention on CRP in pregnant women. The Behaviors Affecting Baby and You study was a randomized controlled trial of prenatal physical activity to prevent the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in women at increased risk. Women were randomized to either a 12-week exercise intervention (n = 84) or a comparison health and wellness intervention (n = 87). High sensitivity CRP (mg/dL) was measured using a commercial immunoassay kit. Physical activity was measured using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Mixed model analyses were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on change in CRP using an intent-to-treat approach. CRP decreased (-0.09 mg/dL, 95 % CI: -0.25, 0.07) from pre- to post-intervention in the exercise arm (p = 0.14) and increased (0.08 mg/dL, 95 % CI: -0.07, 0.24) (p = 0.64) in the health and wellness arm; however the between group difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). Findings did not differ according to ethnic group or pre-pregnancy body mass index. In a secondary analysis based on self-reported physical activity, women who decreased their time spent in sports/exercise experienced a mean increase in CRP (0.09 mg/dL, 95 % CI: -0.14, 0.33), whereas women who maintained or increased their sports/ exercise experienced a mean decrease in CRP (-0.08 mg/dL, 95 % CI: -0.23, 0.08) (p = 0.046). Findings from this randomized trial in an ethnically and socio-economically diverse population of pregnant women were consistent with a positive impact of the exercise intervention on CRP levels, but not of statistical significance. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00728377 . Registered 2 August 2008.

Estimating the impact of adding C-reactive protein as a criterion for lipid lowering treatment in the United States.

PubMed

Woloshin, Steven; Schwartz, Lisa M; Kerin, Kevin; Welch, H Gilbert

2007-02-01

There is growing interest in using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to help select patients for lipid lowering therapy--although this practice is not yet supported by evidence of benefit in a randomized trial. To estimate the number of Americans potentially affected if a CRP criteria were adopted as an additional indication for lipid lowering therapy. To provide context, we also determined how well current lipid lowering guidelines are being implemented. We analyzed nationally representative data to determine how many Americans age 35 and older meet current National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) treatment criteria (a combination of risk factors and their Framingham risk score). We then determined how many of the remaining individuals would meet criteria for treatment using 2 different CRP-based strategies: (1) narrow: treat individuals at intermediate risk (i.e., 2 or more risk factors and an estimated 10-20% risk of coronary artery disease over the next 10 years) with CRP > 3 mg/L and (2) broad: treat all individuals with CRP > 3 mg/L. Analyses are based on the 2,778 individuals participating in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with complete data on cardiac risk factors, fasting lipid levels, CRP, and use of lipid lowering agents. The estimated number and proportion of American adults meeting NCEP criteria who take lipid-lowering drugs, and the additional number who would be eligible based on CRP testing. About 53 of the 153 million Americans aged 35 and older meet current NCEP criteria (that do not involve CRP) for lipid-lowering treatment. Sixty-five percent, however, are not currently being treated, even among those at highest risk (i.e., patients with established heart disease or its risk equivalent)-62% are untreated. Adopting the narrow and broad CRP strategies would make an additional 2.1 and 25.3 million Americans eligible for treatment, respectively. The latter strategy would make over half the adults age 35 and older eligible for lipid-lowering therapy, with most of the additionally eligible (57%) coming from the lowest NCEP heart risk category (i.e., 0-1 risk factors). There is substantial underuse of lipid lowering therapy for American adults at high risk for coronary disease. Rather than adopting CRP-based strategies, which would make millions more lower risk patients eligible for treatment (and for whom treatment benefit has not yet been demonstrated in a randomized trial), we should ensure the treatment of currently defined high-risk patients for whom the benefit of therapy is established.

Effect of resistance training on C-reactive protein, blood glucose and lipid profile in older women with differing levels of RT experience.

PubMed

Ribeiro, Alex S; Tomeleri, Crisieli M; Souza, Mariana F; Pina, Fábio Luiz C; Schoenfeld, Brad J; Nascimento, Matheus A; Venturini, Danielle; Barbosa, Décio S; Cyrino, Edilson S

2015-12-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a progressive resistance training (RT) program on C-reactive protein (CRP), blood glucose (GLU), and lipid profile in older women with differing levels of RT experience. Sixty-five older women (68.9 ± 6.1 years, 67.1 ± 13.1 kg) were separated according to RT experience: an advanced group composed by 35 participants who previously carried out 24 weeks of RT and a novice group composed by 30 participants without previous experience in RT (n = 30). Both groups performed a RT program comprised of eight exercises targeting all the major muscles. Training was carried out 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), GLU, and CRP concentrations were determined pre- and post- intervention after 12 h fasting. A significant group by time interaction (P < 0.05) for the TC (novice = -1.9% vs. advanced = 1.0%), and CRP (novice = -22.9% vs. advanced = -54.5%) was observed. A main effect of time (P < 0.05) was identified for the GLU (novice = -2.6% vs. advanced = -6.6%), TG (novice = -12.9% vs. advanced = -5.7%), HDL-C (novice = +6.7% vs. advanced = +2.6%), and LDL-C (novice = -34.0% vs. advanced = -25.4%). These results suggest that RT improves the metabolic profile of older women and that training for a longer period of time seems to produce more pronounced reductions mainly on CRP.

Terahertz conductivity of twisted bilayer graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chia, Elbert E. M.; Zou, Xingquan; Shang, Jingzhi; Leaw, Jianing; Luo, Zhiqiang; Luo, Liyan; Cheong, Siew Ann; Su, Haibin; Zhu, Jian-Xin; Castro Neto, A. H.; Yu, Ting

2013-03-01

Using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, the real part of optical conductivity [σ1 (ω) ] of twisted bilayer graphene was obtained at different temperatures (10 - 300 K) in the frequency range 0.3 - 3 THz. On top of a Drude-like response, we see a strong and narrow peak in σ1 (ω) at ~2.7 THz. We analyze the overall Drude-like response using a disorder-dependent (unitary scattering) model, then attribute the peak at 2.7 THz to an enhanced density of states at that energy, that is caused by the presence of van Hove singularities arising from a commensurate twisting of the two graphene layers. Singapore MOE AcRF Tier 2 (ARC 23/08), NRF-CRP (NRF-CRP4-2008-04), NNSA of the U.S. DOE at LANL (DE-AC52-06NA25396), LANL LDRD Program, NRF-CRP (R-144-000-295-281), DOE DE-FG02-08ER46512, ONR MURI N00014-09-1-1063.

7 CFR 1410.64 - Transition Incentives Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... the land to production using sustainable grazing or crop production methods; (3) Modify the CRP... plan; and (3) Implement sustainable grazing or crop production in compliance with the conservation plan...

7 CFR 1410.64 - Transition Incentives Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... the land to production using sustainable grazing or crop production methods; (3) Modify the CRP... plan; and (3) Implement sustainable grazing or crop production in compliance with the conservation plan...

7 CFR 1410.64 - Transition Incentives Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... the land to production using sustainable grazing or crop production methods; (3) Modify the CRP... plan; and (3) Implement sustainable grazing or crop production in compliance with the conservation plan...

7 CFR 1410.64 - Transition Incentives Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... the land to production using sustainable grazing or crop production methods; (3) Modify the CRP... plan; and (3) Implement sustainable grazing or crop production in compliance with the conservation plan...

C-reactive protein levels in girls with lower urinary tract symptoms.

PubMed

Tarhan, H; Ekin, R G; Can, E; Cakmak, O; Yavascan, O; Mutlubas Ozsan, F; Helvaci, M; Zorlu, F

2016-04-01

Daytime lower urinary tract (LUT) conditions are identified as daytime incontinence problems for children in whom any cause of neuropathy and uropathy has been excluded. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common marker of acute or chronic inflammation and infection. Increased CRP levels have been detected in the studies conducted on adults diagnosed with overactive bladders and interstitial cystitis. This study aimed to investigate the role of serum CRP levels in girls suffering from daytime LUT conditions. Out of the 752 patients who presented to the outpatient clinics with lower urinary tract symptoms, 709 were excluded due to: being boys, having previous urinary tract surgery, an active urinary tract infection, a neurological anomaly, a urinary system anomaly, having rheumatic disease, any chronic disease, any febrile infection over the past week, a history of constipation, and enuresis nocturna. Forty-three girls with LUT conditions and aged 8-10 years were included in the study as the patient group. Forty girls who attended the urology outpatient clinic without LUT conditions, or active urinary tract infections and any chronic disease requiring follow-up constituted the control group. Under the control of the parents, all subjects were asked to fill out 3-day voiding diaries. The voiding diaries identified frequency, urgency, urgency urinary incontinence, and functional bladder capacity data. All subjects also completed a dysfunctional voiding scoring system (DVSS). The serum CRP levels of all subjects were measured. There was a significant difference in serum CRP levels and DVSS between the patient group and the control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.001). The mean serum CRP levels showed a significant increase when frequency and urgency scores were ≥8, the urge incontinence score was ≥2 and the DVS score DVSS was ≥14 in the voiding diaries of the patient group (Table). Lower urinary tract dysfunction is defined as a condition involving abnormalities of filling and/or emptying of the bladder. This frequently encountered problem constitutes >40% of all pediatric urology outpatient visits. The relationship between LUT conditions and serum CRP in both genders has been detected. However, it is believed that to our knowledge, this is the first study looking at the relationship between daytime LUTS and increased CRP levels in children. The most important limitations of the study were: having a small number of patients, and the sample consisting of only one gender and a specific age group. The serum CRP levels were significantly higher in the girls with daytime LUT conditions than in the control group. Also, the CRP levels significantly increased as DVSS, frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence scores increased. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discriminatory potential of C-reactive protein, cytokines, and fecal markers in infectious gastroenteritis in adults.

PubMed

Weh, Julia; Antoni, Christoph; Weiß, Christel; Findeisen, Peter; Ebert, Matthias; Böcker, Ulrich

2013-09-01

This study evaluates potential markers in blood and stools for their ability to distinguish bacterial from viral gastroenteritis. A total of 108 patients were prospectively recruited, of which 27 showed bacterial, 30 viral, and 51 no detectable pathogen, respectively. Cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells as well as the 2 fecal markers lactoferrin and calprotectin were determined. Statistics comprised Kruskal-Wallis test and U test in addition to an assessment of receiver operating characteristic. Interferon γ (IFNγ) levels were significantly increased in the viral group compared to the bacterial and nonspecific group. For the bacterial group, both fecal markers lactoferrin and calprotectin as well as CRP were significantly higher in comparison to the other 2 groups. To differentiate between bacterial and viral gastroenteritis, CRP, serum IFNγ, and the fecal proteins lactoferrin and calprotectin may be useful. A corresponding algorithm should be evaluated prospectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Balneotherapy in Psoriasis Rehabilitation.

PubMed

Péter, Iván; Jagicza, Anna; Ajtay, Zénó; Boncz, Imre; Kiss, István; Szendi, Katalin; Kustán, Péter; Németh, Balázs

2017-01-01

This study aimed to report a balneotherapy-based psoriasis rehabilitation protocol and assess its effectivity. Eighty psoriatic patients who underwent a 3-week-long inward balneotherapy-based rehabilitation were enrolled. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined on admission and before discharge. The mean PASI score and CRP level -determined on admission and before discharge-decreased significantly after the 3-week-long rehabilitation 7.15±7.3 vs. 2.62±3.05 (p<0.001) and 4.1±3.8 vs. 3.5±3.1 (p=0.026). A negative correlation was found between PASI delta and the number of spa therapies received (r=-0.228). After completing the 3-week-long spa therapy based rehabilitation, both PASI score and CRP levels showed improvement of psoriasis. The complex spa therapy used during the rehabilitation is an effective tool to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and improve the patient's well-being. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Childhood trauma and parental style: Relationship with markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and aggression in healthy and personality disordered subjects.

PubMed

Fanning, Jennifer R; Lee, Royce; Gozal, David; Coussons-Read, Mary; Coccaro, Emil F

2015-12-01

Recent studies suggest that early life trauma is associated with elevations in circulating markers of inflammation in human subjects. History of aggression as a behavior, or aggression as a personality trait, is also associated with elevations of these inflammatory markers. Since early life trauma is associated with the development and maintenance of aggression in later life we examined the relationship of early life adversity, plasma inflammation markers (IL-6 and CRP) and oxidative stress markers (8-OH-DG and 8-ISO), and aggression in adult subjects with (n=79) and without (n=55) personality disorder. We used a series of mediated and moderated path models to test whether the effects of early adversity on later aggression may be mediated through markers of inflammation. Childhood abuse and parental control were associated with basal IL-6 and CRP concentrations. Path modeling suggested that childhood abuse was associated with aggression indirectly through CRP while parental control influenced aggression indirectly through IL-6 and CRP. Furthermore, these effects were independent of the effect of current depression. The results suggest that disruption of inflammatory processes represent one pathway by which early adversity influences aggression. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of inflammation during fixed orthodontic treatment.

PubMed

Bilgic, Fundagul; Akinci Sozer, Ozlem; Ozcan, Oguzhan; Gurpinar, Ahmet Burak; Yilmaz, Hakki; Ay, Yazgi

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to assess effects of fixed orthodontic therapy on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, CBC parameters and levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), total protein (TP), and albumin (Alb). Blood samples (7ml) were drawn at baseline, on days 1 and 7, and three months after placement of braces in the study group, while only one blood sample was drawn at baseline in the control group. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured by nephelometric method. Friedman two-way variance analysis was used to assess values with skewed distribution obtained at baseline, on days 1 and 7, in the third month. Wilcoxon rank sign test was performed if median values were unequal. During measurement periods, there were significant increases in hs-CRP level, WBC count and neutrophil count while a significant decrease in Na level (p<0.05). K level was significantly decreased on the day 1. No significant differences were detected in other biochemical parameters evaluated. Elevation in serum hs-CRP levels and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio within first 3 months indicates that a systemic immune response develops against therapy in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of postexercise consumption of a kefir beverage on performance and recovery during intensive endurance training.

PubMed

O'Brien, K V; Stewart, L K; Forney, L A; Aryana, K J; Prinyawiwatkul, W; Boeneke, C A

2015-11-01

This study was designed to determine whether kefir accentuates the positive health benefits assessed by measures in fitness, body composition, or both, as a measure of cardiovascular disease risk as well as the biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP). Sixty-seven adult males and females aged 18 to 24 yr were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: (1) endurance training + control beverage, (2) endurance training +kefir beverage,(3) active control + control beverage, or (4) active control + kefir beverage. The exercise groups completed 15 wk of structured endurancetraining while the active control groups maintained their usual exercise routine. Additionally, each group was assigned to either a kefir or a calorie/macronutrient matched placebo beverage that was consumed twice per week. No significant interactions were found among groups with respect to outcome variables with the exception of serum CRP. The endurance training was effective in improving 1.5-mile (2.41 km) times and kefir supplementation may have been a factor in attenuating the increase in CRP that was observed over the course of the intervention period. This preliminary study suggests that kefir may be involved in improving the risk profile for cardiovascular disease as defined by CRP. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Catabolite Repressor Protein-Cyclic AMP Complex Regulates csgD and Biofilm Formation in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Hufnagel, David A; Evans, Margery L; Greene, Sarah E; Pinkner, Jerome S; Hultgren, Scott J; Chapman, Matthew R

2016-12-15

The extracellular matrix protects Escherichia coli from immune cells, oxidative stress, predation, and other environmental stresses. Production of the E. coli extracellular matrix is regulated by transcription factors that are tuned to environmental conditions. The biofilm master regulator protein CsgD upregulates curli and cellulose, the two major polymers in the extracellular matrix of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) biofilms. We found that cyclic AMP (cAMP) regulates curli, cellulose, and UPEC biofilms through csgD The alarmone cAMP is produced by adenylate cyclase (CyaA), and deletion of cyaA resulted in reduced extracellular matrix production and biofilm formation. The catabolite repressor protein (CRP) positively regulated csgD transcription, leading to curli and cellulose production in the UPEC isolate, UTI89. Glucose, a known inhibitor of CyaA activity, blocked extracellular matrix formation when added to the growth medium. The mutant strains ΔcyaA and Δcrp did not produce rugose biofilms, pellicles, curli, cellulose, or CsgD. Three putative CRP binding sites were identified within the csgD-csgB intergenic region, and purified CRP could gel shift the csgD-csgB intergenic region. Additionally, we found that CRP binded upstream of kpsMT, which encodes machinery for K1 capsule production. Together our work shows that cAMP and CRP influence E. coli biofilms through transcriptional regulation of csgD IMPORTANCE The catabolite repressor protein (CRP)-cyclic AMP (cAMP) complex influences the transcription of ∼7% of genes on the Escherichia coli chromosome (D. Zheng, C. Constantinidou, J. L. Hobman, and S. D. Minchin, Nucleic Acids Res 32:5874-5893, 2004, https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkh908). Glucose inhibits E. coli biofilm formation, and ΔcyaA and Δcrp mutants show impaired biofilm formation (D. W. Jackson, J.W. Simecka, and T. Romeo, J Bacteriol 184:3406-3410, 2002, https://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JB.184.12.3406-3410.2002). We determined that the cAMP-CRP complex regulates curli and cellulose production and the formation of rugose and pellicle biofilms through csgD Additionally, we propose that cAMP may work as a signaling compound for uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) to transition from the bladder lumen to inside epithelial cells for intracellular bacterial community formation through K1 capsule regulation. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Randomized Trial of Plaque-Identifying Toothpaste: Decreasing Plaque and Inflammation.

PubMed

Fasula, Kim; Evans, Carla A; Boyd, Linda; Giblin, Lori; Belavsky, Benjamin Z; Hetzel, Scott; McBride, Patrick; DeMets, David L; Hennekens, Charles H

2017-06-01

Randomized data are sparse about whether a plaque-identifying toothpaste reduces dental plaque and nonexistent for inflammation. Inflammation is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is accurately measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a sensitive marker for cardiovascular disease. The hypotheses that Plaque HD (TJA Health LLC, Joliet, Ill), a plaque-identifying toothpaste, produces statistically significant reductions in dental plaque and hs-CRP were tested in this randomized trial. Sixty-one apparently healthy subjects aged 19 to 44 years were assigned at random to this plaque-identifying (n = 31) or placebo toothpaste (n = 30) for 60 days. Changes from baseline to follow-up in dental plaque and hs-CRP were assessed. In an intention-to-treat analysis, the plaque-identifying toothpaste reduced mean plaque score by 49%, compared with a 24% reduction in placebo (P = .001). In a prespecified subgroup analysis of 38 subjects with baseline levels >0.5 mg/L, the plaque-identifying toothpaste reduced hs-CRP by 29%, compared with a 25% increase in placebo toothpaste (P = .041). This plaque-identifying toothpaste produced statistically significant reductions in dental plaque and hs-CRP. The observed reduction in dental plaque confirms and extends a previous observation. The observed reduction in inflammation supports the hypothesis of a reduction in risks of cardiovascular disease. The direct test of this hypothesis requires a large-scale randomized trial of sufficient size and duration designed a priori to do so. Such a finding would have major clinical and public health implications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differential susceptibility of white matter tracts to inflammatory mediators in schizophrenia: an integrated DTI study.

PubMed

Prasad, Konasale M; Upton, Catherine H; Nimgaonkar, Vishwajit L; Keshavan, Matcheri S

2015-01-01

The pathophysiological underpinnings of impaired anatomical and functional connectivity are not precisely known. Emerging data suggest that immune mediators may underlie such dysconnectivity. We examined anatomical brain connections using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data in relation to interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among early-course clinically stable schizophrenia subjects compared to healthy controls (HC). DTI data were acquired in 30 directions with 2 averages. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) maps were separately processed using FSL4.1.9 and Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS). Threshold free cluster enhancements (TFCE) were examined employing familywise error (FWE) corrections for multiple testing within linear regression models including age, sex and socioeconomic status as covariates. IL-6 and CRP were assayed using highly sensitive and specific sandwich immunosorbent assays. The groups did not differ in age and sex as well as in the IL-6 and CRP levels. IL-6 levels were negatively correlated with the FA and positively correlated with RD among schizophrenia subjects but not HC. The voxel clusters that showed significant correlations were localized to the forceps major, the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus. CRP levels showed similar pattern except for lack of correlation with RD on any cluster that corresponded to the forceps major. Our results suggest that the IL-6 and CRP contribute to impaired anisotropy of water diffusion in selected pathways that have been previously associated with schizophrenia suggesting differential susceptibility of selected neural pathways to immune mediators. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Label-free capacitive biosensor for sensitive detection of multiple biomarkers using gold interdigitated capacitor arrays.

PubMed

Qureshi, Anjum; Niazi, Javed H; Kallempudi, Saravan; Gurbuz, Yasar

2010-06-15

In this study, a highly sensitive and label-free multianalyte capacitive immunosensor was developed based on gold interdigitated electrodes (GID) capacitor arrays to detect a panel of disease biomarkers. C-reactive protein (CRP), TNFalpha, and IL6 have strong and consistent relationships between markers of inflammation and future cardiovascular risk (CVR) events. Early detection of a panel of biomarkers for a disease could enable accurate prediction of a disease risk. The detection of protein biomarkers was based on relative change in capacitive/dielectric properties. Two different lab-on-a-chip formats were employed for multiple biomarker detection on GID-capacitors. In format I, capacitor arrays were immobilized with pure forms of anti-CRP, -TNFalpha, and -IL6 antibodies in which each capacitor array contained a different immobilized antibody. Here, the CRP and IL6 were detected in the range 25 pg/ml to 25 ng/ml and 25 pg/ml to 1 ng/ml for TNFalpha in format I. Sensitive detection was achieved with chips co-immobilized (diluted) with equimolar mixtures of anti-CRP, -IL6, and -TNFalpha antibodies (format II) in which all capacitors in an array were identical and tested for biomarkers with sequential incubation. The resulting response to CRP, IL6, and TNFalpha in format II for all biomarkers was found to be within 25 pg/ml to 25 ng/ml range. The capacitive biosensor for panels of inflammation and CVR markers show significant clinical value and provide great potential for detection of biomarker panel in suspected subjects for early diagnosis. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The interaction between a HSP-70 gene variant with dietary calories in determining serum markers of inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

PubMed

Mehramiz, Mehrane; Hassanian, Seyed Mahdi; Mardan-Nik, Maryam; Pasdar, Alireza; Jamialahmadi, Khadijeh; Fiuji, Hamid; Moetamani-Ahmadi, Mehrdad; Parizadeh, Seyed Mohammad Reza; Moohebati, Mohsen; Heidari-Bakavoli, Alireza; Ebrahimi, Mahmoud; Ferns, Gordon A; Ghayour-Mobarhan, Majid; Avan, Amir

2017-10-24

The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally is attributable to an interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Gene × diet interaction studies aim to explore how a modifiable factor interacts with genetic predispositions. Here we have explored the interaction of a heat shock protein (HSP70) gene polymorphism (+1267A > G) with dietary intake and their possible association with serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, that is a major component of CVD risk. HSP70 genotype was determined using a TaqMan real time PCR based method.Dietary intake was assessed using a dietary questionnaire. Serum high sensitivity (Hs) CRP and other cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by routine methods. This included coronary angioplasty to determine the presence of coronary artery stenosis. There were significant differences between serum lipid profile and Hs-CRP across the genotypes for Hsp70. The carriers of G allele had higher serum hs-CRP concentrations, compared with the AA homozygotes, with the wild genotype. Interaction analysis showed the association was modulated by total energy intake; the interaction of high energy intake with GG genotype: RERI = 0.77, AP = 0.26, S = 1.6. We have found a significant association between the +1267A > G variant of the HSP70 gene with cardiovascular risk factors and serum hs-CRP concentrations. It is possible that a low energy diet could ameliorate the unfavorable effects of G allele of HSP70. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, a biomarker for systemic inflammatory response syndrome in patients with nephrolithiasis.

PubMed

Zhu, Wei; Liu, Min; Wang, Guang-Chun; Che, Jian-Ping; Xu, Yun-Fei; Peng, Bo; Zheng, Jun-Hua

2014-03-01

The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) in the prognosis of patients presenting with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with nephrolithiasis. Urine NGAL protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 87 patients presenting with nephrolithiasis who were diagnosed as SIRS. Additionally, 52 patients presenting with nephrolithiasis but without urinary tract infection and 30 healthy controls were also included in the study. Levels of serum CRP and PCT were also taken into consideration. Median urinary NGAL levels were significantly increased in the SIRS cohorts compared with nephrolithiasis without urinary tract infection patients (4.28 ng/mL versus 2.69 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and NGAL was markedly elevated even in the early stage of SIRS (3.23 ng/mL versus 2.69 ng/mL, P < 0.001). According to the receiver-operating characteristic analysis, NGAL demonstrated a high diagnostic value compared with either PCT or CRP. In the later stage of SIRS, NGAL remained a highly sensitive (76.8%) and specific (86.5%) diagnostic marker compared with either PCT or CRP. Moreover, the area under the curves of NGAL (0.822) were also superior to those seen in either PCT (0.657) or CRP (0.761). Urinary NGAL is a highly sensitive and specific predictor of SIRS for patients presenting with nephrolithiasis. Further study of NGAL as a reliable biomarker of SIRS is required. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of a self-instructional module on the child rearing knowledge and practice of women with epilepsy.

PubMed

Saramma, P P; Sarma, P S; Thomas, Sanjeev V

2014-06-01

Women with epilepsy (WWE) have poorer knowledge and skill in child rearing than women without epilepsy. To evaluate the effect of a self-instructional module (SIM) on the child rearing knowledge (CRK) and practice (CRP) of WWE and developmental outcome of their babies. One hundred women in first trimester of pregnancy that were enrolled in to the Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy and consenting to participate were given a self instructional module (SIM) or a comparator booklet by random concealed allocation. Their child rearing knowledge (CRK) was assessed by a standardized protocol at entry (first trimester) and at 3-4 months postpartum. Their child rearing practice (CRP) was evaluated in third postpartum month. The developmental outcome of babies was assessed at 1 year of age as per registry protocol. Eighty eight women completed this 1 year study. The CRK score was significantly higher (p=.034) for the intervention group (32.91±5) when compared to the comparator group (30.61±5) However, a corresponding improvement in CRP score was not observed for the former. Developmental outcome of 68 babies showed a positive weak correlation between CRP and developmental quotient both mental and motor. The intervention group demonstrated significant increase in their CRK. Nevertheless the results did not indicate a significant improvement in the CRP. The SIM improved the CRK of WWE. Nevertheless, the child rearing practices did not show corresponding improvement. Copyright © 2014 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein does not improve the differential diagnosis of HNF1A-MODY and familial young-onset type 2 diabetes: A grey zone analysis.

PubMed

Bellanné-Chantelot, C; Coste, J; Ciangura, C; Fonfrède, M; Saint-Martin, C; Bouché, C; Sonnet, E; Valéro, R; Lévy, D-J; Dubois-Laforgue, D; Timsit, J

2016-02-01

Low plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been suggested to differentiate hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha-maturity-onset diabetes of the young (HNF1A-MODY) from type 2 diabetes (T2D). Yet, differential diagnosis of HNF1A-MODY and familial young-onset type 2 diabetes (F-YT2D) remains a difficult challenge. Thus, this study assessed the added value of hs-CRP to distinguish between the two conditions. This prospective multicentre study included 143 HNF1A-MODY patients, 310 patients with a clinical history suggestive of HNF1A-MODY, but not confirmed genetically (F-YT2D), and 215 patients with T2D. The ability of models, including clinical characteristics and hs-CRP to predict HNF1A-MODY was analyzed, using the area of the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, and a grey zone approach was used to evaluate these models in clinical practice. Median hs-CRP values were lower in HNF1A-MODY (0.25mg/L) than in F-YT2D (1.14mg/L) and T2D (1.70mg/L) patients. Clinical parameters were sufficient to differentiate HNF1A-MODY from classical T2D (AUROC: 0.99). AUROC analyses to distinguish HNF1A-MODY from F-YT2D were 0.82 for clinical features and 0.87 after including hs-CRP. For the grey zone analysis, the lower boundary was set to miss<1.5% of true positives in non-tested subjects, while the upper boundary was set to perform 50% of genetic tests in individuals with no HNF1A mutation. On comparing HNF1A-MODY with F-YT2D, 65% of patients were classified in between these categories - in the zone of diagnostic uncertainty - even after adding hs-CRP to clinical parameters. hs-CRP does not improve the differential diagnosis of HNF1A-MODY and F-YT2D. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

In College and in Recovery: Reasons for Joining a Collegiate Recovery Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laudet, Alexandre B.; Harris, Kitty; Kimball, Thomas; Winters, Ken C.; Moberg, D. Paul

2016-01-01

Objective: Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs), a campus-based peer support model for students recovering from substance abuse problems, grew exponentially in the past decade, yet remain unexplored. Methods: This mixed-methods study examines students' reasons for CRP enrollment to guide academic institutions and referral sources. Students (N =…

[Relationship between C-reactive protein gene polymorphaisms and chronic periodontitis].

PubMed

Liu, Juan; Meng, Shu; Ding, Yi; Wu, Ya-fei

2010-06-01

To investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) + 1444C/T, CRP+1059G/C polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis (CP) in a Han Chinese population. Clinical periodontal parameters [attachment loss (AL) probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP)], and serum CRP levels were examined in CP patients (n = 126) and healthy subjects (n = 113). The mean serum CRP level [(1.74 ± 1.67) mg/L] was significantly higher in the CP group than in the control group [(0.57 ± 0.39) mg/L], P < 0.001. In the control group, serum CRP levels were significantly lower in subjects with the CRP +1059 GC and CC genotypes than those with the CRP +1059 GG genotype (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between genotypes in the CP group. In CP and the control groups, serum CRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with the CRP + 1444 CT and TT genotypes compared to those with the CRP + 1444 CC genotype (P < 0.5). The percentage of CRP + 1059 C allele was 6.7% (17/252) in the CP group and 4.9% (11/226) in the control group. The percentage of CRP + 1444 T allele was 6.3% (16/252) in the CP group and 5.3% (12/226) in the control group (P > 0.5). There was no significant difference between groups in both allele frequencies (P > 0.5). The association of CRP + 1059G/C, CRP + 1444 C/T polymorphisms with CP was not found in a regression model (P > 0.5). The presence of a CRP + 1059C-allele was associated with lower serum CRP levels and the presence of a CRP + 1444T-allele was associated with higher serum CRP levels. However, the data suggested that CRP + 1059G/C, CRP + 1444 C/T polymorphisms were not significantly associated with serum CRP levels of chronic periodontitis patients in ethnic Han Chinese.

Final Report of the Impacts of the National Math + Science Initiative's (NMSI's) College Readiness Program on High School Students' Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherman, Dan; Li, Yibing; Darwin, Marlene; Taylor, Suzanne; Song, Mengli

2017-01-01

The National Math + Science Initiative's (NMSI's) College Readiness Program (CRP) is an established program whose goal is to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in high schools to improve students' readiness for college. It provides teacher, student, and school supports to promote high school students' success in…

Calculating the ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score if the conventional c-reactive protein level is below the limit of detection or if high-sensitivity c-reactive protein is used: an analysis in the DESIR cohort.

PubMed

Machado, Pedro; Navarro-Compán, Victoria; Landewé, Robert; van Gaalen, Floris A; Roux, Christian; van der Heijde, Désirée

2015-02-01

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) is a composite measure of disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis. The aims of this study were to determine the most appropriate method for calculating the ASDAS using the C-reactive protein (CRP) level when the conventional CRP level was below the limit of detection, to determine how low CRP values obtained by high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) measurement influence ASDAS-CRP results, and to test agreement between different ASDAS formulae. Patients with axial spondyloarthritis who had a conventional CRP level below the limit of detection (5 mg/liter) were selected (n = 257). The ASDAS–conventional CRP with 11 different imputations for the conventional CRP value (range 0–5 mg/liter, at 0.5-mg/liter intervals) was calculated. The ASDAS-hsCRP and ASDAS using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were also calculated. Agreement between the ASDAS formulae was tested. The ASDAS-hsCRP showed better agreement with the ASDAS-CRP calculated using the conventional CRP imputation values of 1.5 and 2.0 mg/liter and with the ASDAS-ESR than with other imputed formulae. Disagreement occurred mainly in lower disease activity states (inactive/moderate disease activity). When the CRP value was <2 mg/liter, the resulting ASDAS-CRP scores may have been inappropriately low. When the conventional CRP level is below the limit of detection or when the hsCRP level is <2 mg/liter, the constant value of 2 mg/liter should be used to calculate the ASDAS-CRP score. There is good agreement between the ASDAS-hsCRP and ASDAS-ESR; however, formulae are not interchangeable.

Changes in glucose disposal after a caloric restriction-induced weight loss program in obese postmenopausal women: characteristics of positive and negative responders in a Montreal-Ottawa New Emerging Team study.

PubMed

Myette-Côté, Étienne; Doucet, Éric; Prud'homme, Denis; Rabasa-Lhoret, Rémi; Lavoie, Jean-Marc; Brochu, Martin

2015-01-01

This study aims to investigate individual characteristics that explain interindividual variations in glucose disposal in response to a 6-month weight loss program in obese postmenopausal women. The cohort was divided into tertiles based on changes in glucose disposal after weight loss. Only women in the upper tertile (positive responders: Δ glucose disposal ≥ 0.92 mg/kg/min; n = 19) and lower tertile (negative responders: Δ glucose disposal ≤ -0.23 mg/kg/min; n = 19) were considered for analyses. Outcome measures included body weight, lean body mass (LBM), LBM index (= LBM / height [m]), fat mass (FM), FM index (= FM / height [m]), visceral fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, interleukin-6, lipid profile, physical activity levels, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, glucose disposal by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique, and resting blood pressure. At baseline, positive responders had higher triglycerides and hsCRP levels and lower glucose disposal (0.01 < P < 0.05) than negative responders. Except for visceral fat, the entire cohort showed significant decreases in all measures of body composition (P < 0.005) after weight loss, with greater decreases in body weight, body mass index, and FM index in positive responders (P < 0.005). Finally, data revealed that only positive responders showed decreases in LBM, LBM index, and hsCRP levels after weight loss (P between 0.01 and 0.001). An important interindividual variability in changes in glucose disposal after weight loss is observed. Interestingly, participants who display improvements in glucose disposal also show significant decreases in LBM, LBM index, and hsCRP after weight loss.

Cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome in obese youth enrolled in a multidisciplinary medical weight management program: implications of musculoskeletal pain, cardiorespiratory fitness, and health-related quality of life.

PubMed

Briggs, Matthew S; Spees, Colleen; Bout-Tabaku, Sharon; Taylor, Christopher A; Eneli, Ihuoma; Schmitt, Laura C

2015-04-01

Obese youth demonstrate the same obesity-associated morbidities observed in obese adults, including poor cardiorespiratory fitness, poor quality of life, and reports of musculoskeletal pain. The purposes of this study were to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and evaluate the odds of metabolic syndrome in obese youth based on measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, and pain. A medical chart review of 183 obese youth in a medical weight management program was conducted. Measures of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome were recorded. Groups were categorized based on Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) score, Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL)-Physical Function score, PedsQL-Psychosocial Health score, and reports of musculoskeletal pain. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression. Thirty-three percent of the entire sample had C-reactive protein (CRP) levels >3.0 mg/dL and 30% were categorized as having metabolic syndrome. Patients with lower PACER scores demonstrated a greater prevalence of CRP levels >3.0 mg/dL versus those with higher PACER scores (45% vs. 12%; P=0.01). There were no other differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors or metabolic syndrome when categorized by PACER, PedsQL, or pain. Those with CRP levels >3.0 mg/dL demonstrated increased odds of metabolic syndrome-[odds (95% confidence interval, CI): 4.93 (1.24-19.61); P=0.02]. Overall, results do not show differences in cardiovascular risk in obese youth when categorized by PACER, PedsQL, or reports of MSK pain. Elevated CRP may be a useful predictor of metabolic syndrome in obese youth and warrants further investigation.

Intake of traditional Inuit diet vary in parallel with inflammation as estimated from YKL-40 and hsCRP in Inuit and non-Inuit in Greenland.

PubMed

Schæbel, L H; Vestergaard, H; Laurberg, P; Rathcke, C N; Andersen, S

2013-06-01

Chronic low-grade inflammation is involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. This was rare in pre-western Inuit who lived on a diet that consisted mainly of marine mammals rich in n-3 fatty acids. To assess the association between biomarkers of inflammation and the intake of traditional Inuit diet in addition to Inuit ethnicity. YKL-40 and hsCRP were measured in serum from 535 Inuit and non-Inuit living in the capital city Nuuk in West Greenland or in the main town or a settlement in rural East Greenland. Dietary habits were assessed by an interview-based food frequency questionnaire. The participation rate was 95%. YKL-40 was higher in Inuit than in non-Inuit (p < 0.001), in Inuit with a higher intake of traditional Inuit diet (p < 0.001), and in Inuit from rural compared to urban areas (p < 0.001). It also rose with age (p < 0.001), alcohol intake (0.019) and smoking (p < 0.001). Inuit had higher hsCRP compared to non-Inuit (p = 0.003) and hsCRP increased in parallel with intake of traditional Inuit foods (p < 0.001). Alcohol associated with a decrease in hsCRP in Inuit (p = 0.004). YKL-40 and hsCRP increased with higher intakes of traditional Inuit diet after adjusting for ethnicity, gender, age, smoking, alcohol intake and BMI. Biomarkers of inflammation vary in parallel with the intake of traditional Inuit diet. A diet based on marine mammals from the Arctic does not reduce inflammatory activity and it may be speculated that markers of inflammation reflect the disease rather than the cause of the disease. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein level: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

PubMed

Saboori, S; Falahi, E; Eslampour, E; Zeinali Khosroshahi, M; Yousefi Rad, E

2018-04-17

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in clinical trial studies. A systematic search was carried out on clinical trial studies published in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases completed by manual search on reference list of eligible studies accomplished by November 4, 2017. Of a total number of 508 studies found in the first step of literature search, only 11 were included with 264 participants in supplementation groups and 287 in control groups. Estimated pooled random effects size analysis showed a significant reducing effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on CRP level (-0.72 mg/l, 95% CI; -1.4, -0.04; P = 0.03) with a significant heterogeneity between the selected studies. Sub-group analysis showed that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation could significantly reduce serum CRP level when the baseline CRP level was greater than 3 mg/l (-1.02 mg/l, 95% CI: -1.3, -0.73) and when trial duration was >8 weeks (-0.99 mg/l, 95% CI: -1.29, -0.70). Results of subgroup analysis also showed that alpha lipoic acid supplementation could decrease CRP level only in non-diabetic patients (-1.02 mg/l, 95% CI: -1.31, -0.74). Results of the current meta-analysis study showed that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation could significantly decrease CRP level in patients with elevated levels of this inflammatory marker. Copyright © 2018 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diet quality, inflammation, and the ankle brachial index in adults with or without cardiometabolic conditions.

PubMed

Mattei, Josiemer; Sotres-Alvarez, Daniela; Gellman, Marc; Castañeda, Sheila F; Hu, Frank B; Tucker, Katherine L; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Kaplan, Robert C

2018-08-01

Diet quality may influence non-traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors - namely, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the ankle-brachial index (ABI). Pre-existing traditional cardiometabolic conditions may confound this association. We aimed to determine whether diet quality was associated with high-risk CRP or ABI, independently from traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. Baseline data were analyzed from US-Hispanics/Latinos aged 18-74 y without previously-diagnosed CVD participating in the population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos cohort. Included were 14,623 participants with CRP data, and 7892 participants (≥45 y) with ABI data. Diet quality was measured with the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Nearly 35% of Hispanics/Latinos had high-risk CRP concentration and 6.3% had high-risk ABI (peripheral artery disease (PAD): 4.2%; arterial stiffness: 2.1%). After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity, the odds (95% confidence interval) of having high-risk ABI were 37% (5, 44%) lower per 10-unit increase in AHEI (p = 0.018). The association was marginally significant for PAD (0.77 (0.58, 1.00); p = 0.05), and non-significant for arterial stiffness (p = 0.16). Each 10-unit increase in AHEI was associated with 21% (10, 30%) lower odds of high-risk CRP (p = 0.0002) after similar adjustments. There were no significant interactions between AHEI and age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, or pre-existing cardiometabolic conditions for associations with ABI. The association between AHEI and high-risk CRP was stronger for those with diabetes (p-interaction < 0.0001), obesity (p-interaction = 0.005), or ages 45-74 y (p-interaction = 0.011). Higher diet quality is associated with lower inflammation and less adverse ABI among Hispanics/Latinos, independently from traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Treatment with GLP1 receptor agonists reduce serum CRP concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Mazidi, Mohsen; Karimi, Ehsan; Rezaie, Peyman; Ferns, Gordon A

2017-07-01

To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RAs) therapy on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched for the period up until March 16, 2016. Prospective studies evaluating the impact of GLP-1 RAs on serum CRP were identified. A random effects model (using the DerSimonian-Laird method) and generic inverse variance methods were used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I 2 index. Random effects meta-regression was performed using unrestricted maximum likelihood method to evaluate the impact of potential moderator. International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42016036868. Meta-analysis of the data from 7 treatment arms revealed a significant reduction in serum CRP concentrations following treatment with GLP-1 RAs (WMD -2.14 (mg/dL), 95% CI -3.51, -0.78, P=0.002; I 2 96.1%). Removal of one study in the meta-analysis did not change the result in the sensitivity analysis (WMD -2.14 (mg/dL), 95% CI -3.51, -0.78, P=0.002; I 2 96.1%), indicating that our results could not be solely attributed to the effect of a single study. Random effects meta-regression was performed to evaluate the impact of potential moderator on the estimated effect size. Changes in serum CRP concentration were associated with the duration of treatment (slope -0.097, 95% CI -0.158, -0.042, P<0.001). This meta-analysis suggests that GLP-1 RAs therapy causes a significant reduction in CRP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Response of soil respiration to climate across biofuel crops and land use histories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Y.; Chen, J.; Shao, C.; Shen, W.; Zenone, T.; John, R.; Deal, M.; Hamilton, S. K.; Robertson, G. P.

2013-12-01

Land use change (LUC) due to the worldwide increasing production of biofuel crops creates carbon debt that would require decades to repay. The payback time depends on the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 and more determined by the carbon loss, such as soil respiration, than photosynthesis offset. Soil respiration is not only an important part of ecosystem respiration, but is also highly correlated with ecosystem production, via substrate subsidies from plants. Both autotrophic and heterotrophic soil respiration were regulated by climated-induced factors (e.g. soil temperature and soil water content) and also affected by substrate supply. In 2009, three sites in conservation reserve program (CRP) and conventional corn-soybean rotation agricultural lands (AG), were converted to soybean production, in experimental sites at Kellogg Biological Station, MI. In 2010, the three sites of differential previous land uses were then converted to corn (Cr), switchgrass (Sw) and prairie mixture (Pr) production. A reference site has been maintained CRP status since then. We used chamber-based method to assess total and heterotrophic soil respirations rate (SRRt and SRRh) from control treatment (C) and root exclusion treatment (E) at all sites, in 2011 and 2012, to explore how soil respiration rate (SRR) respond to the change of abiotic and biotic factors. Our results show that soil temperature (Ts) are important factors that affect SRR patterns. At the beginning of growing season, SRRs are low (average SRRt and SRRh are 3.19 and 3.11 umol CO2/m2s, respectively, on April 10th, 2011) when soil temperature is low. SRRs in general increased over time in a year, peaked in late July- early August, 1-2 weeks after soil temperature arrive its peak (maximum average SRRt and SRRh are 8.64 and 5.68, respectively, on August 3rd/4th, 2011). Soil water content (VWC) did not affect the time of SRR peak but limited its amount; when VWCs were extremely low in 2012 (average VWC at C and E treatment decreased 2.25% and 8.55%, respectively, in mid-summer between 2011 and 2012), SRRs were also comparatively low (average SRRt and SRRh decreased 5.57 and 3.12 umol CO2/m2s, respectively, in 2012). Besides, substrate supply importantly regulates SRRs; the patterns of SRR coincide that of crop growth through a growing season. SRRs of annual plan (corn) sites have very narrow peaks while SRRs of perennial crops (all of the rest crops in the experiment) have extended periods of highest SRRs. This may be a consequence of the difference between the phenology of annual and perennial crops. Generally, SRRh are lower than SRRt at all AG and reference sites (the difference between SRRh and SRRt are 5.23, 2.32, 3.87 and 6.03 at AG-Cr, AG-Sw, AG-Pr and reference site, respectively) in mid-summer in 2011, however, the difference between SRRh and SRRt are close at CRP sites (the difference are 1.42, 1.87 and -0.07 at CRP-Cr, CRP-Sw and CRP-Pr site). Large amount of carbon released into soil due to land use change at CRP sites would lead to high SRRh.

Immunometabolic parameters in overweight dogs during weight loss with or without an exercise program.

PubMed

Vitger, A D; Stallknecht, B M; Miles, J E; Hansen, S L; Vegge, A; Bjørnvad, C R

2017-04-01

The influence of physical activity on metabolic health in overweight dogs is unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate biomarkers of immunometabolic health in relation to changes in physical activity and adiposity. Client-owned overweight dogs participated in a 12-wk intervention based on caloric restriction combined with a training program (fitness and diet [FD] group, n = 8), or caloric restriction alone (diet-only [DO] group, n = 8). Physical activity was monitored by accelerometry. All dogs were fed the same diet and achieved similar weight loss. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 6- and 12-wk intervention. Insulin resistance was evaluated from plasma insulin and C-peptide as well as homeostasis model assessment. Inflammation and dyslipidemia were evaluated from circulating leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemoattractant factor-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and cholesterol. Accelerometer counts in both groups were high compared with previous reports of physical activity in overweight dogs. No difference in blood parameters was evident between groups, evaluated by linear mixed-effects model (P > 0.05). Within the groups, the following changes were significant by t-test (P < 0.05): leptin decreased in both groups. Within the FD group, IL-8, MCP-1, and CRP decreased at 6 wk and IL-8 and cholesterol at 12 wk. Within the DO group, C-peptide and HOMA decreased at 6 wk and C-peptide at 12 wk. We conclude that, for both groups, weight loss resulted in minor indications of improved immunometabolic health, whereas this level of physical activity did not add further benefits. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The risk stratification and prognostic evaluation of soluble programmed death-1 on patients with sepsis in emergency department.

PubMed

Zhao, Yongzhen; Jia, Yumei; Li, Chunsheng; Fang, Yingying; Shao, Rui

2018-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy of soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) for risk stratification and prediction of 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis, we compared serum sPD-1 with procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) score. A total of 60 healthy volunteers and 595 emergency department (ED) patients were recruited for this prospective cohort study. According to the severity of their condition on ED arrival, the patients were allocated to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome group (130 cases), sepsis group (276 cases), severe sepsis group (121 cases), and septic shock group (68 cases). In addition, all patients with sepsis were also divided into the survivor group (349 cases) and nonsurvivor group (116 cases) according to the 28-day outcomes. When the severity of sepsis increased, the levels of sPD-1 gradually increased. The levels of sPD-1, PCT, CRP and the MEDS score were also higher in the nonsurvivor group compared to the survivor group. Logistic regression suggested that sPD-1, PCT, and the MEDS score were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality of patients with sepsis. Area under the curve (AUC) of sPD-1, PCT and the MEDS score for 28-day mortality was 0.725, 0.693, and 0.767, respectively, and the AUC was improved when all 3 factors were combined (0.843). Serum sPD-1 is positively correlated with the severity of sepsis, and it is valuable for risk stratification of patients and prediction of 28-day mortality. Combining sPD-1 with PCT and the MEDS score improves the prognostic evaluation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Conformational Change in C-Reactive Protein Enhances Leukocyte Recruitment and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

PubMed

Thiele, Jan R; Zeller, Johannes; Kiefer, Jurij; Braig, David; Kreuzaler, Sheena; Lenz, Yvonne; Potempa, Lawrence A; Grahammer, Florian; Huber, Tobias B; Huber-Lang, M; Bannasch, Holger; Stark, G Björn; Peter, Karlheinz; Eisenhardt, Steffen U

2018-01-01

C-reactive protein circulates as a pentameric protein (pCRP). pCRP is a well-established diagnostic marker as plasma levels rise in response to tissue injury and inflammation. We recently described pro-inflammatory properties of CRP, which are mediated by conformational changes from pCRP to bioactive isoforms expressing pro-inflammatory neo-epitopes [pCRP* and monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP)]. Here, we investigate the role of CRP isoforms in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Rat kidneys in animals with and without intraperitoneally injected pCRP were subjected to IRI by the time of pCRP exposure and were subsequently analyzed for monocyte infiltration, caspase-3 expression, and tubular damage. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was analyzed pre-ischemia and post-reperfusion. CRP effects on leukocyte recruitment were investigated via intravital imaging of rat-striated muscle IRI. Localized conformational CRP changes were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using conformation specific antibodies. 1,6-bis(phosphocholine)-hexane (1,6-bisPC), which stabilizes CRP in its native pentameric form was used to validate CRP effects. Leukocyte activation was assessed by quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction by CRP isoforms ex vivo and in vitro through electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Signaling pathways were analyzed by disrupting lipid rafts with nystatin and subsequent ROS detection. In order to confirm the translational relevance of our findings, biopsies of microsurgical human free tissue transfers before and after IRI were examined by immunofluorescence for CRP deposition and co-localization of CD68 + leukocytes. The application of pCRP aggravates tissue damage in renal IRI. 1,6-bisPC reverses these effects via inhibition of the conformational change that leads to exposure of pro-inflammatory epitopes in CRP (pCRP* and mCRP). Structurally altered CRP induces leukocyte-endothelial interaction and induces ROS formation in leukocytes, the latter can be abrogated by blocking lipid raft-dependent signaling pathways with Nystatin. Stabilizing pCRP in its native pentameric state abrogates these pro-inflammatory effects. Importantly, these findings are confirmed in human IRI challenged muscle tissue. These results suggest that CRP is a potent modulator of IRI. Stabilizing the native pCRP conformation represents a promising anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategy by attenuation of leukocyte recruitment and ROS formation, the primary pathomechanisms of IRI.

Association of circulating pro-inflammatory marker, Leucine-Rich-α2-Glycoprotein (LRG1), with obesity and changes following metabolic/bariatric surgery.

PubMed

Pek, Sharon Li Ting; Cheng, Anton Kui Sing; Lin, Michelle Xueqin; Wong, Moh Sim; Liang, Eric Chan Zit; Moh, Angela Mei Chung; Sum, Chee Fang; Lim, Su Chi; Tavintharan, Subramaniam

2018-06-08

Obesity confers substantial excess risk for morbidity and mortality, especially for Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Leucine-Rich-α2-Glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), a novel pro-inflammatory factor, was recently reported to be higher in patients with T2D with complications of peripheral arterial disease. Association of LRG1, obesity and weight loss is unknown. We examined whether plasma LRG1 is associated with obesity in health screening participants and if it predicts future weight loss in morbidly obese patients after metabolic/bariatric surgery. Cohort 1 was a cross-sectional study from a Health Screening program (n=616) in a tertiary hospital. Cohort 2 was a prospective study of morbidly obese patients (n=231) who underwent metabolic/bariatric surgery with follow-up weight measurements. Anthropometric data, baseline fasting glucose, plasma adiponectin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) and LRG1 were measured. Post-surgery blood, after metabolic/bariatric surgery, were available for LRG1and HsCRP measurements in 57 patients. In the group with highest tertile of LRG1, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and HsCRP were significantly higher, while total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and adiponectin were lower than tertile 2 and tertile 1. Generalized linear model analysis showed that female gender (p<0.0001), non-Chinese ethnicity (p<0.019) and higher HsCRP (p<0.0001) levels were independent and significant determinants of higher plasma LRG1 levels. After adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity and baseline BMI, female gender (p=0.020), higher pre-surgery BMI (p=0.001) and lower pre-surgery LRG1 (p=0.002) remained statistically significant predictors for greater weight loss. Plasma LRG1 increased significantly [from 28.2 (21.9 - 36.8) to 34.9 (22.6 - 49.5)]μg/ml (p=0.003) within 1.5 months, after metabolic/bariatric surgery. Our study demonstrates that LRG1 level is positively associated with obesity and a lower level of plasma LRG1 predicts weight loss in metabolic/bariatric surgery. Our novel findings suggest LRG1, itself or in combination with other known factors, is a potential biomarker of inflammation and obesity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The cyclic-AMP receptor protein (CRP) regulon in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans includes leukotoxin

PubMed Central

Feuerbacher, Leigh A.; Burgum, Alex; Kolodrubetz, David

2011-01-01

The cyclic-AMP receptor protein (CRP) acts as a global regulatory protein among bacteria. Here, the CRP regulon has been defined in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans using microarray analysis of A. actinomycetemcomitans strain JP2 wild type cells compared to an isogenic crp deletion mutant. Genes whose expression levels changed at least 2-fold with p ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Of the 300 genes identified as being CRP-regulated, 139 were CRP-activated, including leukotoxin, with the remaining being CRP-repressed. The 300 genes represent 14.2% of ORFs probed which is significantly higher than what has been reported for CRP regulons in other bacteria. If the CRP-regulated genes are put into 17 functional classes, all 17 categories had at least 1 CRP-regulated gene. Several functional categories, mainly transport and binding proteins and energy metabolism proteins, were disproportionately represented in the CRP-regulated subset of genes relative to their overall representation in the genome. This is similar to the patterns seen in other bacteria. Finally, quantitative RT-PCR was used to show that the leukotoxin RNA levels were repressed 16-fold in the CRP mutant indicating that CRP activates leukotoxin transcription. However, this regulation appears to be acting through another regulatory protein since the leukotoxin promoter, unlike ~129 other promoters of CRP-regulated genes, does not have a match to the consensus CRP binding site. Several candidate genes for this intermediary transcription factor have been identified in the CRP-regulon. PMID:21575705

Effect of duration of upper- and lower-extremity rehabilitation sessions and walking speed on recovery of interlimb coordination in hemiplegic gait.

PubMed

Kwakkel, Gert; Wagenaar, Robert C

2002-05-01

The effects of different durations of rehabilitation sessions for the upper extremities (UEs) and lower extremities (LEs) on the recovery of interlimb coordination in hemiplegic gait in patients who have had a stroke were investigated. Fifty-three subjects who had strokes involving their middle cerebral arteries were assigned to rehabilitation programs with (1) an emphasis on the LEs, (2) an emphasis on the paretic UE, or (3) a condition in which the paretic arm (UE) and leg (LE) were immobilized with an inflatable pressure splint (control treatment). The 3 treatment regimens were applied for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, during the first 20 weeks after onset of stroke. All subjects also participated in a rehabilitation program 5 days a week that consisted of 15 minutes of UE exercises and 15 minutes of LE exercises in addition to a weekly 11/2-hour session of training in activities of daily living. A repeated-measures design was used. Differences among the 3 treatment regimens were evaluated in terms of comfortable and maximal walking speeds. In addition, mean continuous relative phase (CRP) between paretic arm and leg (PAL) movements and nonparetic arm and leg (NAL) movements and standard deviations of CRP of both limb pairs as a measurement of stability (variability) were evaluated. Comfortable walking speed improved in the group that received interventions involving the LEs compared with the group that received interventions involving the UEs and the group that received the control treatment. No differences among the 3 treatment conditions were found for the mean CRP of NAL and PAL as well as the standard deviation of CRP of both limb pairs. With the exception of an improved comfortable walking speed as a result of a longer duration of rehabilitation sessions, no differential effects of duration of rehabilitation sessions for the LEs and UEs on the variable we measured related to hemiplegic gait were found. Increasing walking speed, however, resulted in a larger mean CRP for both limb pairs, with increased stability and asymmetry of walking, indicating that walking speed influences interlimb coordination in hemiplegic gait.

Exercise-based interventions and C-reactive protein in overweight and obese youths: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

García-Hermoso, Antonio; Sánchez-López, Mairena; Escalante, Yolanda; Saavedra, Jose M; Martínez-Vizcaíno, Vicente

2016-04-01

One of the most commonly measured markers of inflammation in clinical settings is C-reactive protein (CRP). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of physical exercise interventions on modifying the levels of serum CRP in children and adolescents with excess of weight. Two independent reviewers assessed articles from seven databases. Studies were limited to physical exercise interventions in children and adolescents diagnosed as overweight or obese, and including a comparison control group. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using random-effects model and potential moderators were explored (i.e., weight status, ages, duration of study, frequency of exercise per week, and duration of session). The heterogeneity of the studies was estimated using Cochran's Q-statistic and I(2). Nine randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria (n = 427 youths). Overall, results suggest a nonsignificant trend toward a reduction CRP levels (WMD = -0.72 mg/l; 95% confidence interval: -1.52 to 0.08; P = 0.077). Also, there were not significant moderators of exercise effects on CRP. These results suggest that exercise programs in children and adolescents not mitigate the inflammatory effects of excess weight, although there was a trend toward reduction.

Circuitry Linking the Catabolite Repression and Csr Global Regulatory Systems of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Pannuri, Archana; Vakulskas, Christopher A; Zere, Tesfalem; McGibbon, Louise C; Edwards, Adrianne N; Georgellis, Dimitris; Babitzke, Paul; Romeo, Tony

2016-11-01

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and the cAMP receptor protein (cAMP-CRP) and CsrA are the principal regulators of the catabolite repression and carbon storage global regulatory systems, respectively. cAMP-CRP controls the transcription of genes for carbohydrate metabolism and other processes in response to carbon nutritional status, while CsrA binds to diverse mRNAs and regulates translation, RNA stability, and/or transcription elongation. CsrA also binds to the regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) CsrB and CsrC, which antagonize its activity. The BarA-UvrY two-component signal transduction system (TCS) directly activates csrB and csrC (csrB/C) transcription, while CsrA does so indirectly. We show that cAMP-CRP inhibits csrB/C transcription without negatively regulating phosphorylated UvrY (P-UvrY) or CsrA levels. A crp deletion caused an elevation in CsrB/C levels in the stationary phase of growth and increased the expression of csrB-lacZ and csrC-lacZ transcriptional fusions, although modest stimulation of CsrB/C turnover by the crp deletion partially masked the former effects. DNase I footprinting and other studies demonstrated that cAMP-CRP bound specifically to three sites located upstream from the csrC promoter, two of which overlapped the P-UvrY binding site. These two proteins competed for binding at the overlapping sites. In vitro transcription-translation experiments confirmed direct repression of csrC-lacZ expression by cAMP-CRP. In contrast, cAMP-CRP effects on csrB transcription may be mediated indirectly, as it bound nonspecifically to csrB DNA. In the reciprocal direction, CsrA bound to crp mRNA with high affinity and specificity and yet exhibited only modest, conditional effects on expression. Our findings are incorporated into an emerging model for the response of Csr circuitry to carbon nutritional status. Csr (Rsm) noncoding small RNAs (sRNAs) CsrB and CsrC of Escherichia coli use molecular mimicry to sequester the RNA binding protein CsrA (RsmA) away from lower-affinity mRNA targets, thus eliciting major shifts in the bacterial lifestyle. CsrB/C transcription and turnover are activated by carbon metabolism products (e.g., formate and acetate) and by a preferred carbon source (glucose), respectively. We show that cAMP-CRP, a mediator of classical catabolite repression, inhibits csrC transcription by binding to the upstream region of this gene and also inhibits csrB transcription, apparently indirectly. We propose that glucose availability activates pathways for both synthesis and turnover of CsrB/C, thus shaping the dynamics of global signaling in response to the nutritional environment by poising CsrB/C sRNA levels for rapid response. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Associations of Metabolic Syndrome, Elevated C-Reactive Protein, and Physical Activity in U.S. Adolescents.

PubMed

Williams, Bethany D; Richardson, Michael R; Johnson, Tammie M; Churilla, James R

2017-12-01

The aim was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and physical activity (PA) as well as the odds of MetS criteria in those active versus inactive utilizing a representative sample of U.S. adolescents. The study sample (n = 676) included male and female adolescent (12-17 years) participants in the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The criteria analyzed were based on a modified definition of MetS using the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Current adult cut points were used to determine elevated CRP. Activity was estimated using reported days per week and minutes per day of moderate/vigorous PA. The MetS criteria with the highest and lowest overall prevalence estimates were elevated fasting glucose and elevated blood pressure (20.7% [95% confidence interval, 17.02-24.38] and 5.7% [95% confidence interval, 3.70-7.70], respectively). The prevalence of elevated CRP was 7.1% (6.3% and 7.8% in males and females, respectively; p = .42). The prevalence of insufficient PA was 75.0%. Odds of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly lower in active adolescents when compared with inactive adolescents (odds ratio = .39, p < .05). In a representative sample of U.S. adolescents, elevated fasting glucose is the most prevalent MetS criterion. One out of five U.S. adolescents has elevated fasting glucose, and three out four do not meet the daily federal PA recommendations. Adolescents meeting the federal PA recommendation demonstrate approximately 60% lower odds of having low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Copyright © 2017 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Minnesota wood energy scale-up project 1994 establishment cost data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Downing, M.; Pierce, R.; Kroll, T.

1996-03-18

The Minnesota Wood Energy Scale-up Project began in late 1993 with the first trees planted in the spring of 1994. The purpose of the project is to track and monitor economic costs of planting, maintaining and monitoring larger scale commercial plantings. For 15 years, smaller scale research plantings of hybrid poplar have been used to screen for promising, high-yielding poplar clones. In this project 1000 acres of hybrid poplar trees were planted on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land near Alexandria, Minnesota in 1994. The fourteen landowners involved re-contracted with the CRP for five-year extensions of their existing 10-year contracts. Thesemore » extended contracts will expire in 2001, when the plantings are 7 years old. The end use for the trees planted in the Minnesota Wood Energy Scale-up Project is undetermined. They will belong to the owner of the land on which they are planted. There are no current contracts in place for the wood these trees are projected to supply. The structure of the wood industry in the Minnesota has changed drastically over the past 5 years. Stumpage values for fiber have risen to more than $20 per cord in some areas raising the possibility that these trees could be used for fiber rather than energy. Several legislative mandates have forced the State of Minnesota to pursue renewable energy including biomass energy. These mandates, a potential need for an additional 1700 MW of power by 2008 by Northern States Power, and agricultural policies will all affect development of energy markets for wood produced much like agricultural crops. There has been a tremendous amount of local and international interest in the project. Contractual negotiations between area landowners, the CRP, a local Resource Conservation and Development District, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and others are currently underway for additional planting of 1000 acres in spring 1995.« less

Intra-limb coordination in karate kicking: Effect of impacting or not impacting a target.

PubMed

Quinzi, Federico; Sbriccoli, Paola; Alderson, Jacqueline; Di Mario, Alberto; Camomilla, Valentina

2014-02-01

This study aimed to investigate the kicking limb coordinative patterns adopted by karate practitioners (karateka) when impacting (IRK), or not impacting (NIRK) a target during a roundhouse kick. Six karateka performed three repetitions of both kicks while kicking limb kinematics were recorded using a stereophotogrammetric system. Intra-limb coordination was quantified for hip and knee flexion-extension from toe-off to kick completion, using the Continuous relative phase (CRP). Across the same time interval, thigh and shank angular momentum about the vertical axis of the body was calculated. For all trials, across all participants, CRP curve peaks and maximum and minimum angular momentum were determined. A RM-ANOVA was performed to test for differences between kicking conditions. The CRP analysis highlighted, during the central portion of both kicks, a delayed flexion of the hip with respect to the knee. Conversely, during the terminal portion of the CRP curves, the NIRK is performed with a more in-phase action, caused by a higher hip angular displacement. The NIRK is characterized by a lower angular momentum which may enhance control of the striking limb. It would seem that the issue of no impact appears to be solved through the control of all segments of the kicking limb, in contrast to the primary control of the lower leg only observed during the IRK. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mangiferin alleviates hypertension induced by hyperuricemia via increasing nitric oxide releases.

PubMed

Yang, Hua; Bai, Wenwei; Gao, Lihui; Jiang, Jun; Tang, Yingxi; Niu, Yanfen; Lin, Hua; Li, Ling

2018-06-06

Mangiferin, a natural glucosyl xanthone, was confirmed to be an effective uric acid (UA)- lowering agent with dual action of inhibiting production and promoting excretion of UA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of mangiferin on alleviating hypertension induced by hyperuricemia. Mangiferin (30, 60, 120 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically to hyperuricemic rats induced by gavage with potassium oxonate (750 mg/kg). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum levels of UA, nitric oxide (NO), C-reactionprotein (CRP) and ONOO - were measured. The mRNA and protein levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), CRP were also analyzed. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used in vitro studies. Administration of mangiferin significantly decreased the serum urate level and SBP at 8 weeks and last to 12 weeks. Further more, mangiferin could increase the release of NO and decrease the level of CRP in blood. In addition, mangiferin reversed the protein expression of eNOS, CRP, ICAM-1 and ONOO - in aortic segments in hyperuricemic rats. The results in vitro were consistent with the observed results in vivo. Taken together, these data suggested that mangiferin has played an important part in alleviating hypertension induced by hyperuricemia via increasing NO secretion and improving endothelial function. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Program Evaluation of a Credit Recovery Program to Improve Graduation Rates for At-Risk High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parks, David R.

2011-01-01

Research has shown that low graduation rates are a problem in high schools across the United States. The problem is significant at a small, inner-city charter high school in a southwestern US state that had a 2008 graduation rate of 34%. After assessing the situation, educators at this school developed the Credit Retrieval Program (CRP) to help…

Solid-phase classical complement activation by C-reactive protein (CRP) is inhibited by fluid-phase CRP-C1q interaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sjoewall, Christopher; Wetteroe, Jonas; Bengtsson, Torbjoern

2007-01-05

C-reactive protein (CRP) interacts with phosphorylcholine (PC), Fc{gamma} receptors, complement factor C1q and cell nuclear constituents, yet its biological roles are insufficiently understood. The aim was to characterize CRP-induced complement activation by ellipsometry. PC conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (PC-KLH) was immobilized to cross-linked fibrinogen. A low-CRP serum with different amounts of added CRP was exposed to the PC-surfaces. The total serum protein deposition was quantified and deposition of IgG, C1q, C3c, C4, factor H, and CRP detected with polyclonal antibodies. The binding of serum CRP to PC-KLH dose-dependently triggered activation of the classical pathway. Unexpectedly, the activation was efficientlymore » down-regulated at CRP levels >150 mg/L. Using radial immunodiffusion, CRP-C1q interaction was observed in serum samples with high CRP concentrations. We propose that the underlying mechanism depends on fluid-phase interaction between C1q and CRP. This might constitute another level of complement regulation, which has implications for systemic lupus erythematosus where CRP is often low despite flare-ups.« less

Correlation of rheumatoid arthritis activity indexes (Disease Activity Score 28 measured with ESR and CRP, Simplified Disease Activity Index and Clinical Disease Activity Index) and agreement of disease activity states with various cut-off points in a Northeastern Brazilian population.

PubMed

Medeiros, Marta Maria das Chagas; de Oliveira, Brenda Maria Gurgel Barreto; de Cerqueira, João Victor Medeiros; Quixadá, Raquel Telles de Souza; de Oliveira, Ídila Mont'Alverne Xavier

2015-01-01

The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and its versions have been used to measure rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity, but there is no consensus about which one is the best. Determine the correlation among indexes (DAS28 ESR, DAS28 CRP, SDAI and CDAI) and evaluate agreement of activity strata using different cutoff points. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were cross-sectionally evaluated with data collection to calculate the DAS28 (ESR and CRP), SDAI and CDAI, using different cut-offs for defining remission, mild, moderate and high activity. Pearson correlations were calculated for continuous measures and agreement (kappa test) for the strata (remission, mild, moderate and high activity). Of 111 patients included, 108 were women, age 55.6 years, 11-year disease duration. DAS28 (ESR) was significantly higher than DAS28 (CRP) (4.0 vs. 3.5; p<0.001) and the values remained higher after stratification by age, gender, disease duration, rheumatoid factor and HAQ. Correlations among indexes ranged from 0.84 to 0.99, with better correlation between SDAI and CDAI. Agreements among activity strata ranged from 46.8% to 95.8%. DAS28 (CRP) with cut-off point for the remission of 2.3 underestimated disease activity by 45.8% compared with DAS28 (ESR). SDAI and CDAI showed agreement of 95.8%. The four indexes were associated with disease duration and HAQ. Although the activity indexes show good correlation, they show discrepancies in activity strata, thus requiring more researches to define a better index and better cutoff points. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Combined Plasma Elevation of CRP, Intestinal-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (I-FABP), and sCD14 Identify Older Patients at High Risk for Health Care-Associated Infections.

PubMed

Paillaud, Elena; Bastuji-Garin, Sylvie; Plonquet, Anne; Foucat, Emile; Fournier, Bénédicte; Boutin, Emmanuelle; Le Thuaut, Aurélie; Levy, Yves; Hue, Sophie

2018-01-16

We hypothesized that low-grade inflammation was driven by microbial translocation and associated with an increased risk of health care-associated infections (HAIs). We included 121 patients aged 75 years or over in this prospective cohort study. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), I-FABP, and sCD14-as markers for low-grade inflammation, intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, and monocyte activation, respectively-were measured at admission. HAIs occurred during hospitalization in 62 (51%) patients. Elevated hs-CRP (≥6.02 mg/L, ie, the median) was associated with a significantly higher HAI risk when I-FABP was in the highest quartile (odds ratio [OR], 4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.39-11.49; p = .010). In patients with hs-CRP elevation and highest-quartile I-FABP, sCD14 elevation (≥0.65 µg/mL, ie, the median) was associated with an 11-fold higher HAI risk (OR, 10.8; 95% CI, 2.28-51.1; p = .003). Multivariate analyses adjusted for invasive procedures and comorbidities did not change the associations linking the three markers to the HAI risk. Increased levels of hs-CRP, I-FABP, and sCD14 may reflect loss of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity with microbial translocation leading to monocyte activation and low-grade inflammation. In our cohort, these markers identified patients at high risk for HAIs. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Long-term effect of antiepileptic drug switch on serum lipids and C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Mintzer, Scott; Miller, Rachael; Shah, Krunal; Chervoneva, Inna; Nei, Maromi; Skidmore, Christopher; Sperling, Michael R

2016-05-01

Prior studies have shown that switching patients from inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or topiramate reduces serum lipids and C-reactive protein (CRP). These studies were all of short duration, and some drugs, such as zonisamide, have not been investigated. We recruited 41 patients taking phenytoin or carbamazepine who were being switched to zonisamide, lamotrigine, or levetiracetam. We measured serum lipids and CRP before the switch, >6weeks after, and >6months after. An untreated control group (n=14) underwent similar measurement. We combined these data with those of our previous investigation (n=34 patients and 16 controls) of a very similar design. There were no differences in outcome measures between the two inducing AEDs nor among the three noninducing AEDs. Total cholesterol (TC), atherogenic lipids, and CRP were higher under inducer treatment than in controls. All measures were elevated under inducer treatment relative to noninducer treatment, including TC (24mg/dL higher, 95% CI: 17.5-29.9, p<0.001) and CRP (72% higher, 95% CI: 41%-111%, p<0.001). The difference between drug treatments was clinically meaningful for atherogenic lipids (16%, 95% CI: 11%-20%, p<0.001) but small for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (5%, 95% CI: 1%-9%, p<0.05). All measures were stable between 6weeks and 6months after drug switch. We demonstrate that switching from inducing to noninducing AEDs produces an enduring reduction in serum lipids and CRP. These results provide further evidence that inducing AEDs may be associated with elevated vascular disease risk. These are the first vascular risk marker data in patients taking zonisamide, which shows a profile similar to that of other noninducing AEDs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Airflow obstruction, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors in the AGES Reykjavik study.

PubMed

Gudmundsson, Gunnar; Margretardottir, Olof Birna; Sigurdsson, Martin Ingi; Harris, Tamara B; Launer, Lenore J; Sigurdsson, Sigurdur; Olafsson, Orn; Aspelund, Thor; Gudnason, Vilmundur

2016-09-01

Airflow limitation, i.e. reduced forced expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV1), is associated with increased prevalence of atherosclerosis, however, causal mechanisms remain elusive. The objective of the study was to determine if the association between airflow obstruction and markers of atherosclerosis is mediated by systemic inflammation. 1154 subjects from the longitudinal AGES Reykjavik study were included. Population characteristics, systemic inflammation markers from blood (white blood cell counts (WBC) and level of C-reactive protein (CRP)) were compared between patients with and without airflow limitation defined by reduced FEV1 on spirometry. Atherosclerosis burden was quantified by measurements of coronary artery calcium, aortic arch and distal aortic calcification in addition to carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT). Subjects were split into four groups according to smoking status and whether airflow limitation was present. There was a higher overall burden of atherosclerosis in ever-smokers compared to never-smokers, and in individuals with airflow obstruction compared to individuals without airflow obstruction. After adjusting for population characteristics, Framingham cardiovascular risk factors and markers of systemic inflammation (WBC and CRP), there was a significantly increased aortic arch and distal aorta calcification and higher CIMT measurement in individuals with airflow obstruction compared to individuals without airflow obstruction. After adjusting for population characteristics, Framingham cardiovascular risk factors and markers of systemic inflammation (WBC and CRP), there was a significantly increased aortic arch and distal aorta calcification and higher CIMT measurement in individuals with airflow obstruction compared to individuals without airflow obstruction. Systemic inflammation (WBC and CRP) does not appear to mediate the association between airflow limitation and atherosclerosis. Only airflow limitation and not systemic inflammation (WBC and CRP) appears to be an independent predictor of atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of four novel risk markers for screening asymptomatic individuals to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the US population.

PubMed

van Kempen, Bob J H; Ferket, Bart S; Steyerberg, Ewout W; Max, Wendy; Myriam Hunink, M G; Fleischmann, Kirsten E

2016-01-15

High sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), coronary artery calcification on CT (CT calcium), carotid artery intima media thickness on ultrasound (cIMT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) improve prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but the benefit of screening with these novel risk markers in the U.S. population is unclear. A microsimulation model evaluating lifelong cost-effectiveness for individuals aged 40-85 at intermediate risk of CVD, using 2003-2004 NHANES-III (N=3736), Framingham Heart Study, U.S. Vital Statistics, meta-analyses of independent predictive effects of the four novel risk markers and treatment effects was constructed. Using both an intention-to-treat (assumes adherence <100% and incorporates disutility from taking daily medications) and an as-treated (100% adherence and no disutility) analysis, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), lifetime costs (2014 US $), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER in $/QALY gained) of screening with hsCRP, CT coronary calcium, cIMT and ABI were established compared with current practice, full adherence to current guidelines, and ubiquitous statin therapy. In the intention-to-treat analysis in men, screening with CT calcium was cost effective ($32,900/QALY) compared with current practice. In women, screening with hsCRP was cost effective ($32,467/QALY). In the as-treated analysis, statin therapy was both more effective and less costly than all other strategies for both men and women. When a substantial disutility from taking daily medication is assumed, screening men with CT coronary calcium is likely to be cost-effective whereas screening with hsCRP has value in women. The individual perceived disutility for taking daily medication should play a key role in the decision. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inflammatory markers and physical performance in middle-aged and older people in Indonesia.

PubMed

Sujarwoto, Sujarwoto; Tampubolon, Gindo

2015-07-01

although recent studies have suggested that inflammation may play an important role in the process of ageing and in the development of disabilities, knowledge about the role of inflammation in physical performance decline among middle-aged and older people in the context of developing countries is limited. to examine the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the activities of daily living (ADL) among middle-aged (40-54 years old) and older (55-96 years old) people in Indonesia. data from a population-based sample, the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) 2007, were analysed. The data consist of 1,702 respondents of middle age (40-54 years old) and 2,017 older respondents who had completed information on ADL and CRP. CRP concentrations in Dried Blood Spot (DBS) specimens were measured, using the validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Thirteen items of ADL were used to measure physical performance. A three-level linear model was applied to take advantage of the nested structure of data at the individual level within the household and community levels. high levels of CRP were significantly associated with lower ADL for middle-aged and older people (P < 0.001). The model was adjusted for co-morbid conditions, health risk factors, medications, depressive symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics. the significant association between the high level of CRP and lower ADL among older people in Indonesia is in line with earlier studies in the context of developed countries. This study provides an extension in which the significant association was also found in middle-aged people (40-54 years old). © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Epicatechin attenuates atherosclerosis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on diet-induced human-CRP and NFκB in vivo.

PubMed

Morrison, Martine; van der Heijden, Roel; Heeringa, Peter; Kaijzel, Eric; Verschuren, Lars; Blomhoff, Rune; Kooistra, Teake; Kleemann, Robert

2014-03-01

Previous studies investigating flavanol-rich foods provide indications for potential cardioprotective effects of these foods, but the effects of individual flavanols remain unclear. We investigated whether the flavanol epicatechin can reduce diet-induced atherosclerosis, with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular risk factors dyslipidaemia and inflammation. ApoE*3-Leiden mice were fed a cholesterol-containing atherogenic diet with or without epicatechin (0.1% w/w) to study effects on early- and late-stage atherosclerosis (8 w and 20 w). In vivo effects of epicatechin on diet-induced inflammation were studied in human-CRP transgenic mice and NFκB-luciferase reporter mice. Epicatechin attenuated atherosclerotic lesion area in ApoE*3-Leiden mice by 27%, without affecting plasma lipids. This anti-atherogenic effect of epicatechin was specific to the severe lesion types, with no effect on mild lesions. Epicatechin mitigated diet-induced increases in plasma SAA (in ApoE*3-Leiden mice) and plasma human-CRP (in human-CRP transgenic mice). Microarray analysis of aortic gene expression revealed an attenuating effect of epicatechin on several diet-induced pro-atherogenic inflammatory processes in the aorta (e.g. chemotaxis of cells, matrix remodelling), regulated by NFκB. These findings were confirmed immunohistochemically by reduced lesional neutrophil content in HCE, and by inhibition of diet-induced NFκB activity in epicatechin-treated NFκB-luciferase reporter mice. Epicatechin attenuates development of atherosclerosis and impairs lesion progression from mild to severe lesions in absence of an effect on dyslipidaemia. The observed reduction of circulating inflammatory risk factors by epicatechin (e.g. SAA, human-CRP), as well as its local anti-inflammatory activity in the vessel wall, provide a rationale for epicatechin's anti-atherogenic effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Duration, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Experimental Sleep Deprivation.

PubMed

Irwin, Michael R; Olmstead, Richard; Carroll, Judith E

2016-07-01

Sleep disturbance is associated with inflammatory disease risk and all-cause mortality. Here, we assess global evidence linking sleep disturbance, sleep duration, and inflammation in adult humans. A systematic search of English language publications was performed, with inclusion of primary research articles that characterized sleep disturbance and/or sleep duration or performed experimental sleep deprivation and assessed inflammation by levels of circulating markers. Effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted and pooled using a random effect model. A total of 72 studies (n > 50,000) were analyzed with assessment of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Sleep disturbance was associated with higher levels of CRP (ES .12; 95% CI = .05-.19) and IL-6 (ES .20; 95% CI = .08-.31). Shorter sleep duration, but not the extreme of short sleep, was associated with higher levels of CRP (ES .09; 95% CI = .01-.17) but not IL-6 (ES .03; 95% CI: -.09 to .14). The extreme of long sleep duration was associated with higher levels of CRP (ES .17; 95% CI = .01-.34) and IL-6 (ES .11; 95% CI = .02-20). Neither sleep disturbances nor sleep duration was associated with TNFα. Neither experimental sleep deprivation nor sleep restriction was associated with CRP, IL-6, or TNFα. Some heterogeneity among studies was found, but there was no evidence of publication bias. Sleep disturbance and long sleep duration, but not short sleep duration, are associated with increases in markers of systemic inflammation. Copyright © 2016 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma C-reactive protein concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Mazidi, Mohsen; Kengne, Andre Pascal; Banach, Maciej

2018-02-01

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective interventional studies was to investigate the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) on plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. PubMed/Medline, Web of Science (WoS), Cochrane Database and Google Scholar databases were searched (up to December 2016) to identify prospective studies evaluating the impact of CQ10 supplementation on CRP. Random effects models meta-analysis was used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis used the leave-one-out method, and heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I 2 index. Systematic review PROSPERO database registration: CRD42016038155. From a total of 119 entries identified via searches, 7 studies were finally included to the analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated a non-significant reduction in CRP concentrations following supplementation with CQ10 with a weighted mean difference [WMD] of -0.25mg/l (95% confidence intervals [CI] -0.56 to 0.06, I 2 =42.0%). The WMD for the effects on interleukin 6 (IL6) was -0.72pg/dl, (95% CI -1.24 to -0.24, I 2 =51.8%). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. Random-effects meta-regression revealed that changes in plasma CRP levels were independent of the dosage of CQ10 (slope: -0.0005; 95% CI: -0.005, 0.004; p=0.832) while duration of supplementation was the dependent mediator (slope: slope: -0.111; 95% CI: -0.21, -0.004; p=0.042). In conclusion, CQ10 supplementation has a borderline favourable effect on CRP levels, and a significant effect on IL-6 level. This suggests that CQ10 supplementation likely attenuates subclinical inflammation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Occupational semicircular lipoatrophy associated with serum adipokine abnormalities].

PubMed

Reinoso-Barbero, Luis; Díaz-Garrido, Ramón; González-Gómez, María-Fernanda; Olarrea, José; Gómez-Gallego, Félix; Bandrés, Fernando

2015-10-21

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between semicircular lipoatrophy (SL), inflammation marker (high sensibility C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), adipokines (leptine, chemerine and vaspine) and autoimmune markers (rheumatoid factor [RF], C3 and C4 complement fractions, antinuclear antibodies [ANA], HLA DR3, and DR4). Chemerine is an adipokine, but also is an immunity marker. A case-control study was performed in May 2013; 21 cases were included. The closest healthy coworker to each case was used as a control. We calculated Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. We found statistical significance (P<.05) between SL and raised hs-CRP, raised leptine and low chemerine. i) There seems to be an underlying inflammatory component (raised hs-CRP) in SL; ii) adipokine alteration (raised leptine and low chemerine) supports the idea that adipocytic differentiation is affected in SL, and iii) we have not found any immune marker associated with SL, except chemerine itself, which could explain a possible association between SL and immunity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Effect of turpentine oil on C-reactive protein (CRP) production in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

PubMed

Liu, Youchang; Iwasaki, Tadashi; Watarai, Shinobu; Kodama, Hiroshi

2004-09-01

The effect of turpentine oil on C-reactive protein (CRP) production was studied in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Serum CRP concentration was estimated by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using anti-rainbow trout CRP monoclonal antibody (mAb) AC4 and polyclonal antibody. Intracellular CRP was demonstrated by flow cytometry using anti-trout CRP mAb. Hepatocytes, head kidney macrophages, spleen lymphocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes showed reaction against AC4, but RTG-2 fibroblastic line cells, derived from rainbow trout gonad did not. This is the first report on the detection of intracellular CRP in fish. CRP levels decreased significantly 1 day after intramuscular injection of turpentine oil and remained low for 14 days. Significant decreases in the expression of CRP in hepatocytes, head kidney macrophages and spleen lymphocytes after injection of turpentine oil were found. The reduction of serum CRP concentration after turpentine oil injection may be attributed to decreases in intracellular CRP synthesis.

No effect of C-reactive protein on early atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotein E*3-leiden/human C-reactive protein transgenic mice.

PubMed

Trion, A; de Maat, M P M; Jukema, J W; van der Laarse, A; Maas, M C; Offerman, E H; Havekes, L M; Szalai, A J; Princen, H M G; Emeis, J J

2005-08-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. It is not clear whether CRP is causally involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Mouse CRP is not expressed at high levels under normal conditions and increases in concentration only several-fold during an acute phase response. Because the dynamic range of human CRP is much larger, apolipoprotein E*3-Leiden (E3L) transgenic mice carrying the human CRP gene offer a unique model to study the role(s) of CRP in atherosclerosis development. Atherosclerosis development was studied in 15 male and 15 female E3L/CRP mice; E3L transgenic littermates were used as controls. The mice were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet to induce atherosclerosis development. Cholesterol exposure did not differ between E3L/CRP and E3L mice. Plasma CRP levels were on average 10.2+/-6.5 mg/L in male E3L/CRP mice, 0.2+/-0.1 mg/L in female E3L/CRP mice, and undetectable in E3L mice. Quantification of atherosclerosis showed that lesion area in E3L/CRP mice was not different from that in E3L mice. This study demonstrates that mildly elevated levels of CRP in plasma do not contribute to the development of early atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic E3L/CRP mice.

Evaluation of the Microsemi CRP, an automated hematology analyzer for rapid 3-part WBC differential and CRP using whole blood.

PubMed

Nomura, N; Saito, K; Ikeda, M; Yuasa, S; Pastore, M; Chabert, C; Kono, E; Sakai, A; Tanaka, H; Ikemoto, T; Takubo, T

2015-08-01

We evaluated the basic performance of Microsemi CRP, an unique automated hematology analyzer which can simultaneously measure CBC including 3-part WBC differential (3-Diff) and CRP using whole blood treated with EDTA-2K anticoagulant. We found that it produced generally the acceptable results for all parameters performed (repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, interference effect, carry over, and correlation) using control materials, fresh human whole bloods, and serum samples. CBC data examined using Microsemi CRP showed the good correlation with the previous model, Micros CRP200 (r ≧ 0.9), and also those obtained using the routine analyzer, ADVIA 2120i (r ≧ 0.989). Concerning the 3-Diff, both GRA (%) and LYM (%) showed the excellent correlation coefficient between Microsemi CRP and Micros CRP200 (r ≧ 0.992) as well as ADVIA 2120i (r ≧ 0.957). MON (%) showed good correlation between Microsemi CRP and Micros CRP200 (r = 0.959), but lower correlation between Microsemi CRP and ADVIA 2120 i (r = 0.471). CRP data showed the good correlation with HITACHI7600 (r ≧ 0.997) and Micros CRP200 (r ≧ 0.997). From these findings, we concluded that Microsemi CRP seemed the convenient laboratory analyzer in the setting of point of care testing (POCT) especially at NICU or primary care unit. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Predictors of Early Readmission in Patients With Cirrhosis After the Resolution of Bacterial Infections.

PubMed

Piano, Salvatore; Morando, Filippo; Carretta, Giovanni; Tonon, Marta; Vettore, Elia; Rosi, Silvia; Stanco, Marialuisa; Pilutti, Chiara; Romano, Antonietta; Brocca, Alessandra; Sticca, Antonietta; Donato, Daniele; Angeli, Paolo

2017-10-01

In patients with cirrhosis, infections represent a frequent trigger for complications, increasing frequency of hospitalizations and mortality rate. This study aimed to identify predictors of early readmission (30 days) and of mid-term mortality (6 months) in patients with liver cirrhosis discharged after a hospitalization for bacterial and/or fungal infection. A total of 199 patients with cirrhosis discharged after an admission for a bacterial and/or fungal infection were included in the study and followed up for a least 6 months. During follow-up, 69 patients (35%) were readmitted within 30 days from discharge. C-reactive protein (CRP) value at discharge (odds ratio (OR)=1.91; P=0.022), diagnosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure during the hospital stay (OR=2.48; P=0.008), and the hospitalization in the last 30 days previous to the admission/inclusion in the study (OR=1.50; P=0.042) were found to be independent predictors of readmission. During the 6-month follow-up, 47 patients (23%) died. Age (hazard ratio (HR)=1.05; P=0.001), model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (HR=1.13; P<0.001), CRP (HR=1.85; P=0.001), refractory ascites (HR=2.22; P=0.007), and diabetes (HR=2.41; P=0.010) were found to be independent predictors of 6-month mortality. Patients with a CRP >10 mg/l at discharge had a significantly higher probability of being readmitted within 30 days (44% vs. 24%; P=0.007) and a significantly lower probability of 6-month survival (62% vs. 88%; P<0.001) than those with a CRP ≤10 mg/l. CRP showed to be a strong predictor of early hospital readmission and 6-month mortality in patients with cirrhosis after hospitalization for bacterial and/or fungal infection. CRP values could be used both in the stewardship of antibiotic treatment and to identify fragile patients who deserve a strict surveillance program.

A Statistically Based Training Diagnostic Tool for Marine Aviation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

mission essential task list MDG maneuver description guide MOS military occupational specialty MSHARP Marine Sierra Hotel Aviation Reporting Program...include the Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS) Marine Corps, the Current Readiness Program (CRP), and the Marine Sierra Hotel Aviation...Beuschel, 2008). Many of these systems focus on business decisions regarding how companies can increase their bottom line, by appealing to customers more

A Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial of a Cognitive Remediation Program for Childhood Survivors of a Pediatric Malignancy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butler, Robert W.; Copeland, Donna R.; Fairclough, Diane L.; Mulhern, Raymond K.; Katz, Ernest R.; Kazak, Anne E.; Noll, Robert B.; Patel, Sunita K.; Sahler, Olle Jane Z.

2008-01-01

Survivors of childhood cancer whose malignancy and/or treatment involved the central nervous system may demonstrate a consistent pattern of neurocognitive deficits. The present study evaluated a randomized clinical trial of the Cognitive Remediation Program (CRP). Participants were 6- to 17-year-old survivors of childhood cancer (N = 161; 35%…

A Study of the Impact of Transformative Professional Development on Hispanic Student Performance on State Mandated Assessments of Science in Elementary School

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Carla C.; Fargo, Jamison D.

2014-11-01

This paper reports the findings of a study of the impact of the transformative professional development (TPD) model on student achievement on state-mandated assessments of science in elementary school. Two schools (one intervention and one control) participated in the case study where teachers from one school received the TPD intervention across a 2-year period while teachers at the other school received no program and continued business as usual. The TPD program includes a focus on the core conceptual framework for effective professional development (Desimone in Educ Res 38:181-199, 2009) as well as an emphasis on culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) and other effective science instructional strategies. Findings revealed that participation in TPD had a significant impact on student achievement for Burns Elementary with the percentage of proficient students growing from 25 % at baseline to 67 % at the end of the 2-year program, while the comparison school did not experience similar growth. Implications for future research and implementation of professional development programs to meet the needs of teachers in the realm of CRP in science are discussed.

High-affinity RNA aptamers to C-reactive protein (CRP): newly developed pre-elution methods for aptamer selection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orito, N.; Umekage, S.; Sato, K.; Kawauchi, S.; Tanaka, H.; Sakai, E.; Tanaka, T.; Kikuchi, Y.

2012-03-01

We have developed a modified SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) method to obtain RNA aptamers with high affinity to C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a clinical biomarker present in plasma, the level of which increases in response to infections and noninfectious inflammation. The CRP level is also an important prognostic indicator in patients with several syndromes. At present, CRP content in blood is measured immunochemically using antibodies. To develop a more sensitive method using RNA aptamers, we have attempted to obtain high-affinity RNA aptamers to CRP. We succeeded in obtaining an RNA aptamer with high affinity to CRP using a CRP-immobilized Sepharose column and pre-elution procedure. Pre-elution is a method that removes the weak binding portion from a selected RNA population by washing for a short time with buffer containing CRP. By surface plasmon-resonance (SPR) analysis, the affinity constant of this aptamer for CRP was calculated to be KD = 2.25×10-9 (M). The secondary structure, contact sites with CRP protein, and application of this aptamer will be described.

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy as a career choice-perspective of students and physiotherapists in Portugal.

PubMed

Marques, Alda; Oliveira, Ana; Machado, Ana; Jácome, Cristina; Cruz, Joana; Pinho, Tânia; Hall, Andreia; Alvelos, Helena; Brooks, Dina

2018-05-07

We investigated Portuguese physiotherapy students' and physiotherapists' (1) perceptions of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy (CRP); (2) factors that influenced their decision to pursue a career in CRP; and (3) suggestions to develop CRP. Online surveys were disseminated to final year students and physiotherapists. A number of 189 students (mean age 23 [SD 6] years; 78% ♀) and 375 physiotherapists (mean age 31 [SD 8] years; 78% ♀) participated. Students' opinions about CRP were positively influenced by lecturers (n = 112, 69%), clinical experiences (n = 110, 68%), and scientific evidence (n = 93, 57%). Only 13% of students were "extremely interested" in specializing in CRP. Interest in the area and clinical exposure were the main factors influencing students to pursue a career in CRP. A percentage of 15 of responding physiotherapists were working in CRP. Their decision to pursue a CRP career was most influenced by their interest in the area (n = 37, 67%) and opportunity to work in acute settings (n = 31; 56%). Main suggestions to develop CRP were (1) include placements in CRP; (2) emphasize health promotion within the curriculum; and (3) develop CRP skills in broader contexts and training. Strategies focusing on changing the curriculum, increasing exposure to CRP, providing good mentorship, developing health promotion activities, and creating postgraduate courses may increase the attractiveness for CRP.

Genetic Variation Affects C-Reactive Protein Elevations in Crohn's Disease.

PubMed

Moran, Christopher J; Kaplan, Jess L; Winter, Harland S

2018-04-28

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a serum marker that is used to measure disease activity in Crohn's disease (CD). However, a subset of CD patients have normal CRP during flares. In rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, genetic variants can restrict CRP elevations during flares. This study sought to determine if common CRP genetic variants affect CRP values during active CD. Subjects with CD who participated in the Partners HealthCare BioBank were genotyped for 5 common CRP genetic variants (rs2794520, rs3122012, rs3093077, rs2808635, and rs1800947). Medical records were reviewed to determine disease activity and the highest CRP value during active CD. CRP values during active infection or malignancy at the time of the test were excluded. CRP values were compared by genotype using the Mann-Whitney test. The study included 199 subjects with active CD (21 to 86 years of age). Subjects with the rs2794520 TT genotype had a lower CRP than subjects with the CC genotype (58.3 mg/L vs 28.4 mg/L, P = 0.008). Subjects with the rs1800947 CG genotype had a lower CRP than those with the CC genotype (54.3 mg/L vs 22.4 mg/L, P < 0.0001); 41.6% of TT subjects had a normal CRP compared with 24.1% of CT subjects and 16.5% of CC subjects (P = 0.041). This study demonstrates that rs2794520 and rs1800947 are associated with a restriction of CRP elevations during active CD. While CRP is typically a reliable biomarker in CD, there is a subset of CD patients with a genetically determined restriction of CRP in whom other disease markers should be utilized.

Effect of Weight Loss with or without Exercise on Inflammatory Markers and Adipokines in Postmenopausal Women: The SHAPE-2 Trial, A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

van Gemert, Willemijn A; May, Anne M; Schuit, Albertine J; Oosterhof, Blanche Y M; Peeters, Petra H; Monninkhof, Evelyn M

2016-05-01

We investigated the effect of equivalent weight loss, by a hypocaloric diet or mainly exercise, on inflammatory markers and adipokines in overweight postmenopausal women. Women were randomized to a diet (n = 97), mainly exercise (n = 98), or control group (n = 48). Goal of both interventions was to lose 5 to 6 kg bodyweight by a hypocaloric diet or an exercise program (4 hours/week) combined with a small caloric intake restriction. Outcomes after 16 weeks included serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL6, adiponectin, and leptin. Both intervention groups achieved the target weight loss. Controls remained weight stable. Compared with control, hsCRP decreased with mainly exercise [treatment effect ratio (TER) = 0.64] and borderline statistically significant with diet (TER = 0.77). There was a suggestively larger effect of exercise, directly compared with diet (TER = 0.83). Leptin decreased with both interventions: mainly exercise (TER = 0.55) and diet (TER = 0.59), versus control. Effects attenuated and lost significance after adjusting for change in body fat percentage, and to a lesser extent when adjusting for fitness. No effects were seen on IL6 and adiponectin. A 16-week randomized intervention inducing comparable weight loss by a hypocaloric diet or mainly exercise, resulted in favorable effects on serum hsCRP and leptin. We found a possible more beneficial effect on hsCRP with mainly exercise versus diet. These effects of exercise were established by changes in body fat percentage and physical fitness. A modest amount of weight loss in postmenopausal women reduces hsCRP and leptin levels which might be associated with a lower breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(5); 799-806. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

C-reactive protein and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide as biomarkers in acute exacerbations of COPD leading to hospitalizations.

PubMed

Chen, Yu-Wei Roy; Chen, Virginia; Hollander, Zsuzsanna; Leipsic, Jonathon A; Hague, Cameron J; DeMarco, Mari L; FitzGerald, J Mark; McManus, Bruce M; Ng, Raymond T; Sin, Don D

2017-01-01

There are currently no accepted and validated blood tests available for diagnosing acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). In this study, we sought to determine the discriminatory power of blood C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the diagnosis of AECOPD requiring hospitalizations. The study cohort consisted of 468 patients recruited in the COPD Rapid Transition Program who were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of AECOPD, and 110 stable COPD patients who served as controls. Logistic regression was used to build a classification model to separate AECOPD from convalescent or stable COPD patients. Performance was assessed using an independent validation set of patients who were not included in the discovery set. Serum CRP and whole blood NT-proBNP concentrations were highest at the time of hospitalization and progressively decreased over time. Of the 3 classification models, the one with both CRP and NT-proBNP had the highest AUC in discriminating AECOPD (cross-validated AUC of 0.80). These data were replicated in a validation cohort with an AUC of 0.88. A combination of CRP and NT-proBNP can reasonably discriminate AECOPD requiring hospitalization versus clinical stability and can be used to rapidly diagnose patients requiring hospitalization for AECOPD.

Biological profiling of prospective antidepressant response in major depressive disorder: Associations with (neuro)inflammation, fatty acid metabolism, and amygdala-reactivity.

PubMed

Mocking, R J T; Nap, T S; Westerink, A M; Assies, J; Vaz, F M; Koeter, M W J; Ruhé, H G; Schene, A H

2017-05-01

A better understanding of factors underlying antidepressant non-response may improve the prediction of which patients will respond to what treatment. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with alterations in fatty acid metabolism, (neuro)inflammation and amygdala-reactivity. However, their mutual relations, and the extent to which they are associated with prospective antidepressant-response, remain unknown. To test (I) alterations in (neuro)inflammation and its associations with fatty acid metabolism and amygdala-reactivity in MDD-patients compared to controls, and (II) whether these alterations are associated with prospective paroxetine response. We compared 70 unmedicated MDD-patients with 51 matched healthy controls at baseline, regarding erythrocyte membrane omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA), inflammation [serum (high-sensitivity) C-reactive protein (CRP)], and in a subgroup amygdala-reactivity to emotional faces using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (N=42). Subsequently, we treated patients with 12 weeks paroxetine, and repeated baseline measures after 6 and 12 weeks to compare non-responders, early-responders (response at 6 weeks), and late-responders (response at 12 weeks). Compared to controls, MDD-patients showed higher CRP (p=0.016) and AA (p=0.019) after adjustment for confounders at baseline. AA and CRP were mutually correlated (p=0.043). In addition, patients showed a more negative relation between AA and left amygdala-reactivity (p=0.014). Moreover, AA and CRP were associated with antidepressant-response: early responders showed lower AA (p=0.018) and higher CRP-concentrations (p=0.008) than non-responders throughout the study. Higher observed CRP and AA, their mutual association, and relation with amygdala-reactivity, are corroborative with a role for (neuro)inflammation in MDD. In addition, observed associations of these factors with prospective antidepressant-response suggest a potential role as biomarkers. Future studies in independent samples are needed to replicate and test the clinical applicability of these biological predictors for treatment response to result in a precision/personalized medicine approach for treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

C-reactive protein (+1444C>T) polymorphism influences CRP response following a moderate inflammatory stimulus.

PubMed

D'Aiuto, Francesco; Casas, Juan P; Shah, Tina; Humphries, Steve E; Hingorani, Aroon D; Tonetti, Maurizio S

2005-04-01

Elevations in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration are associated with an increased risk of future coronary events in prospective studies and it has been suggested that CRP could be used to aid risk prediction. A +1444C>T polymorphism in the CRP gene has been associated with differences in CRP concentration. We investigated the effect of this polymorphism on the CRP response to periodontal therapy, an intermediate inflammatory stimulus. Clinical parameters, CRP, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were evaluated in 55 consecutive patients suffering from periodontitis at baseline, 1, 7 and 30 days after an intensive course of periodontal treatment. In a multivariate analysis individuals homozygous for the +1444T allele showed higher CRP concentrations (day 1, 21.10+/-4.81 mg/L and day 7, 4.89+/-0.74 mg/L) compared with C-allele carriers (day 1, 12.37+/-1.61 mg/L and day 7, 3.08+/-2.00 mg/L). This effect was independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory factors known to affect CRP concentrations. CRP genotype may need to be considered when CRP values are used in coronary risk prediction.

Abdominal adiposity is the main determinant of the C-reactive response to injury in subjects undergoing inguinal hernia repair

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Obesity and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (a sensitive marker of inflammatory activity) are associated with most chronic diseases. Abdominal adiposity along with age is the strongest determinant of baseline CRP levels in healthy subjects. The mechanism of the association of serum CRP with disease is uncertain. We hypothesized that baseline serum CRP is a marker of inflammatory responsiveness to injury and that abdominal adiposity is the main determinant of this responsiveness. We studied the effect of abdominal adiposity, age and other environmental risk factors for chronic disease on the CRP response to a standardised surgical insult, unilateral hernia repair to not only test this hypothesis but to inform the factors which must be taken into account when assessing systemic inflammatory responses to surgery. Methods 102 male subjects aged 24-94 underwent unilateral hernia repair by a single operator. CRP was measured at 0, 6, 24 and 48 hrs. Response was defined as the peak CRP adjusted for baseline CRP. Results Age and waist:hip ratio (WHR) were associated both with basal CRP and CRP response with similar effect sizes after adjustment for a wide-range of covariates. The adjusted proportional difference in CRP response per 10% increase in WHR was 1.50 (1.17-1.91) p = 0.0014 and 1.15(1.00-1.31) p = 0.05 per decade increase in age. There was no evidence of important effects of other environmental cardiovascular risk factors on CRP response. Conclusion Waist:hip ratio and age need to be considered when studying the inflammatory response to surgery. The finding that age and waist:hip ratio influence baseline and post-operative CRP levels to a similar extent suggests that baseline CRP is a measure of inflammatory responsiveness to casual stimuli and that higher age and obesity modulate the generic excitability of the inflammatory system leading to both higher baseline CRP and higher CRP response to surgery. The mechanism for the association of baseline CRP and waist:hip ratio to chronic disease outcomes could be through this increase in inflammatory system excitability. PMID:23391158

Sensitive detection of C-reactive protein in serum by immunoprecipitation-microchip capillary gel electrophoresis.

PubMed

Herwig, Ela; Marchetti-Deschmann, Martina; Wenz, Christian; Rüfer, Andreas; Redl, Heinz; Bahrami, Soheyl; Allmaier, Günter

2015-06-01

Sepsis represents a significant cause of mortality in intensive care units. Early diagnosis of sepsis is essential to increase the survival rate of patients. Among others, C-reactive protein (CRP) is commonly used as a sepsis marker. In this work we introduce immune precipitation combined with microchip capillary gel electrophoresis (IP-MCGE) for the detection and quantification of CRP in serum samples. First high-abundance proteins (HSA, IgG) are removed from serum samples using affinity spin cartridges, and then the remaining proteins are labeled with a fluorescence dye and incubated with an anti-CRP antibody, and the antigen/antibody complex is precipitated with protein G-coated magnetic beads. After precipitation the complex is eluted from the beads and loaded onto the MCGE system. CRP could be reliably detected and quantified, with a detection limit of 25 ng/μl in serum samples and 126 pg/μl in matrix-free samples. The overall sensitivity (LOQ = 75 ng/μl, R(2) = 0.9668) of the method is lower than that of some specially developed methods (e.g., immune radiometric assay) but is comparable to those of clinically accepted ELISA methods. The straightforward sample preparation (not prone to mistakes), reduced sample and reagent volumes (including the antibodies), and high throughput (10 samples/3 h) are advantages and therefore IP-MCGE bears potential for point-of-care diagnosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio, and C-reactive Protein as New and Simple Prognostic Factors in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Semeniuk-Wojtaś, Aleksandra; Lubas, Arkadiusz; Stec, Rafał; Syryło, Tomasz; Niemczyk, Stanisław; Szczylik, Cezary

2018-02-02

Inflammation plays a crucial role in cancer development. In this study, we evaluate the prognostic values of systemic inflammation markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) for the progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for published studies on the effect of NLR, PLR, and CRP in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In the meta-analysis, NLR (hazard ratio [HR], 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-3.18; P = .003) and PLR (HR, 6.96; 95% CI, 5.04-9.62; P < .001) had a significant influence on progression-free survival, whereas all considered proinflammatory markers had a significant impact on overall survival: NLR (HR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.67-2.73; P < .001), PLR (HR, 14.67; 95% CI, 11.10-19.57; P < .001), and CRP (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.26-3.05; P = .003). Inflammation markers such as NLR, PLR, and CRP are predictors of clinical outcome and could provide additional information to individualize treatment. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Why cellular communication during plant reproduction is particularly mediated by CRP signalling.

PubMed

Bircheneder, Susanne; Dresselhaus, Thomas

2016-08-01

Secreted cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) represent one of the main classes of signalling peptides in plants. Whereas post-translationally modified small non-CRP peptides (psNCRPs) are mostly involved in signalling events during vegetative development and interactions with the environment, CRPs are overrepresented in reproductive processes including pollen germination and growth, self-incompatibility, gamete activation and fusion as well as seed development. In this opinion paper we compare the involvement of both types of peptides in vegetative and reproductive phases of the plant lifecycle. Besides their conserved cysteine pattern defining structural features, CRPs exhibit hypervariable primary sequences and a rapid evolution rate. As a result, CRPs represent a pool of highly polymorphic signalling peptides involved in species-specific functions during reproduction and thus likely represent key players to trigger speciation in plants by supporting reproductive isolation. In contrast, precursers of psNCRPs are proteolytically processed into small functional domains with high sequence conservation and act in more general processes. We discuss parallels in downstream processes of CRP signalling in both reproduction and defence against pathogenic fungi and alien pollen tubes, with special emphasis on the role of ROS and ion channels. In conclusion we suggest that CRP signalling during reproduction in plants has evolved from ancient defence mechanisms. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Resilience and biomarkers of health risk in Black smokers and nonsmokers.

PubMed

Berg, Carla J; Haardörfer, Regine; McBride, Colleen M; Kilaru, Varun; Ressler, Kerry J; Wingo, Aliza P; Saba, Nabil F; Payne, Jackelyn B; Smith, Alicia

2017-11-01

Blacks are disproportionately affected by tobacco-related illnesses as well as traumatic events associated with psychiatric conditions and smoking. We examined the potential protective nature of resilience within this context, hypothesizing resilience differentially moderates the associations of traumatic experiences to depressive symptoms and to biomarkers of health risk among Black ever versus never smokers. Measures of resilience, traumatic experiences, depressive symptoms, and biomarkers (interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], allostatic load) were obtained among 852 Blacks recruited from Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Ever smokers experienced more trauma (p < .001) and depressive symptoms (p = .01). Structural equation modeling indicated that, in ever smokers, childhood trauma was positively associated with depressive symptoms (p < .001); resilience was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p = .01). Depressive symptoms were positively associated with IL-6 (p = .03), which was positively associated with allostatic load (p = .01). Adulthood trauma was associated with higher CRP levels (p = .03). In never smokers, childhood (p < .001) and adulthood trauma (p = .01) were associated with more depressive symptoms. Adulthood trauma was also associated with higher CRP levels (p < .001), which was positively associated with allostatic load (p < .001). Never smokers with higher resilience had a negative association between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms whereas those with lower resilience had a positive association between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms. Resilience was negatively associated with CRP levels (p < .001). Interventions targeting resilience may prevent smoking and adverse health outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Interleukin-20 circulating levels in obese women: effect of weight loss.

PubMed

Maiorino, M I; Schisano, B; Di Palo, C; Vietri, M T; Cioffi, M; Giugliano, G; Giugliano, D; Esposito, K

2010-03-01

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. Interleukin-20 (IL-20) is a pleiotropic cytokine thought to be involved in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating levels of IL-20 are elevated in obese women and whether they could be affected by a substantial decrease in body weight. Fifty obese and 50 age-matched, normal weight, premenopausal women participated in the study. Obese women entered into a medically supervised weight loss program aimed at reducing body weight to 90% of baseline. We measured anthropometric, glucose and lipid parameters, and IL-20, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) circulating levels. Circulating IL-20 and CRP levels were significantly higher in obese than control women (P=0.01), while IL-10 levels were significantly lower; IL-20 levels were positively associated with body weight (r=0.35; P=0.02) and visceral fat (waist-hip ratio; r=0.32; P=0.025). Caloric restriction-induced weight loss (>10% of original weight) over 6 months reduced IL-20 levels from 152 (112/184) to 134 (125/153)pg/ml (median and 25%/75%; P=0.03), and it was positively associated with changes in body mass index and waist-hip ratio. In premenopausal obese women, IL-20 levels are higher than matched normal weight control women, are associated with body weight and waist-hip ratio, and are reduced by weight loss. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relating management practices and nutrient export in agricultural watersheds of the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sprague, Lori A.; Gronberg, Jo Ann M.

2012-01-01

Relations between riverine export (load) of total nitrogen (N) and total phosphorus (P) from 133 large agricultural watersheds in the United States and factors affecting nutrient transport were evaluated using empirical regression models. After controlling for anthropogenic inputs and other landscape factors affecting nutrient transport-such as runoff, precipitation, slope, number of reservoirs, irrigated area, and area with subsurface tile drains-the relations between export and the area in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) (N) and conservation tillage (P) were positive. Additional interaction terms indicated that the relations between export and the area in conservation tillage (N) and the CRP (P) progressed from being clearly positive when soil erodibility was low or moderate, to being close to zero when soil erodibility was higher, to possibly being slightly negative only at the 90th to 95th percentile of soil erodibility values. Possible explanations for the increase in nutrient export with increased area in management practices include greater transport of soluble nutrients from areas in conservation tillage; lagged response of stream quality to implementation of management practices because of nitrogen transport in groundwater, time for vegetative cover to mature, and/or prior accumulation of P in soils; or limitations in the management practice and stream monitoring data sets. If lags are occurring, current nutrient export from agricultural watersheds may still be reflecting the influence of agricultural land-use practices that were in place before the implementation of these management practices.

Patterns of c-reactive protein RATIO response in severe community-acquired pneumonia: a cohort study.

PubMed

Coelho, Luís M; Salluh, Jorge I F; Soares, Márcio; Bozza, Fernando A; Verdeal, Juan Carlos R; Castro-Faria-Neto, Hugo C; Lapa e Silva, José Roberto; Bozza, Patrícia T; Póvoa, Pedro

2012-12-12

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission remains a severe medical condition, presenting ICU mortality rates reaching 30%. The aim of this study was to assess the value of different patterns of C-reactive protein (CRP)-ratio response to antibiotic therapy in patients with severe CAP requiring ICU admission as an early maker of outcome. In total, 191 patients with severe CAP were prospectively included and CRP was sampled every other day from D1 to D7 of antibiotic prescription. CRP-ratio was calculated in relation to D1 CRP concentration. Patients were classified according to an individual pattern of CRP-ratio response with the following criteria: fast response - when D5 CRP was less than or equal to 0.4 of D1 CRP concentration; slow response - when D5 CRP was > 0.4 and D7 less than or equal to 0.8 of D1 CRP concentration; nonresponse - when D7 CRP was > 0.8 of D1 CRP concentration. Comparison between ICU survivors and non-survivors was performed. CRP-ratio from D1 to D7 decreased faster in survivors than in non-survivors (p = 0.01). The ability of CRP-ratio by D5 to predict ICU outcome assessed by the area under the ROC curve was 0.73 (95% Confidence Interval, 0.64 - 0.82). By D5, a CRP concentration above 0.5 of the initial level was a marker of poor outcome (sensitivity 0.81, specificity 0.58, positive likelihood ratio 1.93, negative likelihood ratio 0.33). The time-dependent analysis of CRP-ratio of the three patterns (fast response n = 66; slow response n = 81; nonresponse n = 44) was significantly different between groups (p < 0.001). The ICU mortality rate was considerably different according to the patterns of CRP-ratio response: fast response 4.8%, slow response 17.3% and nonresponse 36.4% (p < 0.001). In severe CAP, sequential evaluation of CRP-ratio was useful in the early identification of patients with poor outcome. The evaluation of CRP-ratio pattern of response to antibiotics during the first week of therapy was useful in the recognition of the individual clinical evolution.

Serum C-reactive protein concentrations in healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs.

PubMed

Wong, Valerie M; Kidney, Beverly A; Snead, Elisabeth C R; Myers, Sherry L; Jackson, Marion L

2011-09-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker for inflammation in people and dogs. In people, an association between CRP concentration and atherosclerosis has been reported. Atherosclerosis is rare in dogs, but the Miniature Schnauzer breed may be at increased risk for developing this vascular disease. It is not known if CRP concentrations in Miniature Schnauzer dogs differ from those in other dog breeds. Our objectives were to validate an automated human CRP assay for measuring CRP in dogs and compare CRP concentrations in healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs with those in non-Miniature Schnauzer breeds. Sera from 37 non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs with inflammatory disease were pooled and used to validate a human CRP immunoturbidimetric assay for measuring canine CRP. Blood was collected from 20 healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs and 41 healthy dogs of other breeds. Median serum CRP concentration of healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs was compared with that of healthy non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs. The human CRP assay measured CRP reliably with linearity between 0 and 20 mg/L. CRP concentration for healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs (median 4.0 mg/L, minimum-maximum 0-18.2 mg/L) was significantly higher than for the healthy non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs (median 0.1 mg/L, minimum-maximum 0-10.7 mg/L); 17 of the 20 Miniature Schnauzer dogs had values that overlapped with those of the non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs. Median CRP concentration of Miniature Schnauzer dogs was slightly higher than that of other breeds of dogs. A relationship between higher CRP concentration in Miniature Schnauzer dogs and idiopathic hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, and possible increased risk for atherosclerosis remains to be determined. ©2011 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Modified C-reactive protein is expressed by stroke neovessels and is a potent activator of angiogenesis in vitro.

PubMed

Slevin, Mark; Matou-Nasri, Sabine; Turu, Marta; Luque, Ana; Rovira, Norma; Badimon, Lina; Boluda, Susana; Potempa, Lawrence; Sanfeliu, Coral; de Vera, Nuria; Krupinski, Jerzy

2010-01-01

Native C-reactive protein (nCRP) is a pentameric oligo-protein and an acute phase reactant whose serum expression is increased in patients with inflammatory disease. We have identified by immunohistochemistry, significant expression of a tissue-binding insoluble modified version or monomeric form of CRP (mCRP) associated with angiogenic microvessels in peri-infarcted regions of patients studied with acute ischaemic stroke. mCRP, but not nCRP was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of damaged neurons. mCRP co-localized with CD105, a marker of angiogenesis in regions of revascularisation. In vitro investigations demonstrated that mCRP was preferentially expressed in human brain microvessel endothelial cells following oxygen-glucose deprivation and mCRP (but not column purified nCRP) associated with the endothelial cell surface, and was angiogenic to vascular endothelial cells, stimulating migration and tube formation in matrigel more strongly than fibroblast growth factor-2. The mechanism of signal transduction was not through the CD16 receptor. Western blotting showed that mCRP stimulated phosphorylation of the key down-stream mitogenic signalling protein ERK1/2. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation blocked the angiogenic effects of mCRP. We propose that mCRP may contribute to the neovascularization process and because of its abundant presence, be important in modulating angiogenesis in both acute stroke and later during neuro-recovery.

Slightly elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations are associated with carotid atherosclerosis in women with varying degrees of glucose tolerance.

PubMed

Prahl, Ulrica; Wikstrand, John; Bergström, Göran M L; Behre, Carl Johan; Hulthe, Johannes; Fagerberg, Björn

2010-11-01

We examined whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ≥2.0 mg/L was associated with increased intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque burden, and plaque echolucency in carotid arteries. Women (n = 635) from a population sample of 64-year-old females with varying degrees of glucose tolerance underwent risk factor assessment, measurement of hsCRP, and ultrasound examinations of the carotid arteries. Participants with hsCRP levels ≥2.0 mg/L had elevated carotid bulb IMT independently of other cardiovascular risk factors compared with those with hsCRP <2.0 mg/L. The participants with plaques in the highhsCRP group had larger total plaque area compared to those with plaque in the lower hsCRP group. Plaque echolucency did not differ between groups. High-sensitivity CRP levels ≥2.0 mg/L were accompanied by elevated IMT in the carotid bulbs independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. Total plaque area was larger among women with plaques in the high hsCRP group versus the lower hsCRP group.

Aptamer-conjugated live human immune cell based biosensors for the accurate detection of C-reactive protein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Jangsun; Seo, Youngmin; Jo, Yeonho; Son, Jaewoo; Choi, Jonghoon

2016-10-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric protein that is present in the bloodstream during inflammatory events, e.g., liver failure, leukemia, and/or bacterial infection. The level of CRP indicates the progress and prognosis of certain diseases; it is therefore necessary to measure CRP levels in the blood accurately. The normal concentration of CRP is reported to be 1-3 mg/L. Inflammatory events increase the level of CRP by up to 500 times; accordingly, CRP is a biomarker of acute inflammatory disease. In this study, we demonstrated the preparation of DNA aptamer-conjugated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Apt-PBMCs) that specifically capture human CRP. Live PBMCs functionalized with aptamers could detect different levels of human CRP by producing immune complexes with reporter antibody. The binding behavior of Apt-PBMCs toward highly concentrated CRP sites was also investigated. The immune responses of Apt-PBMCs were evaluated by measuring TNF-alpha secretion after stimulating the PBMCs with lipopolysaccharides. In summary, engineered Apt-PBMCs have potential applications as live cell based biosensors and for in vitro tracing of CRP secretion sites.

Effect of a vitamin and mineral supplementation on glycemic status: Results from a community-based program.

PubMed

Kimball, Samantha M; Emery, J C Herbert; Lewanczuk, Richard Z

2017-12-01

Diet is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. As cofactors necessary for enzyme function of all metabolic pathways, vitamins and minerals have the potential to improve glucose metabolism. We investigated the effects of a nutrient intervention program on glycemic status. We used a form of natural experiment to compare Pure North program participants (n = 1018) that received vitamin D alone (Vital 1) or vitamin D in combination with other nutrients (Vital 2) during two different time periods. Changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycemic status were characterized over one and two years. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased significantly in both Vital 1 (to 111  ±  49 nmol/L) and Vital 2 (to 119  ±  52 nmol/L) over one year. HbA1c and hs-CRP were significantly reduced over time in Vital 2. Higher 25(OH)D levels after one year were associated with larger decreases in HbA1c and hs-CRP in Vital 2. At one year, 8% of Vital 2 and 16% of Vital 1 participants progressed from normoglycemia to prediabetes/diabetes, whereas 44% of Vital 2 and 8% of Vital prediabetes/diabetes subjects regressed to normoglycemia. Vitamin D combined with other nutrients was associated with a reduced risk of progression to diabetes and with an increased rate of reversion to normoglycemia in high risk participants. The results suggest that nutrient supplementation regimes may provide a safe, economical and effective means for lowering diabetes risk. Further examination of this potential via randomized controlled trials is warranted.

C-reactive protein as a marker of melanoma progression.

PubMed

Fang, Shenying; Wang, Yuling; Sui, Dawen; Liu, Huey; Ross, Merrick I; Gershenwald, Jeffrey E; Cormier, Janice N; Royal, Richard E; Lucci, Anthony; Schacherer, Christopher W; Gardner, Julie M; Reveille, John D; Bassett, Roland L; Wang, Li-E; Wei, Qingyi; Amos, Christopher I; Lee, Jeffrey E

2015-04-20

To investigate the association between blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with melanoma and overall survival (OS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS), and disease-free survival. Two independent sets of plasma samples from a total of 1,144 patients with melanoma (587 initial and 557 confirmatory) were available for CRP determination. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to evaluate the relationship between CRP and clinical outcome. Among 115 patients who underwent sequential blood draws, we evaluated the relationship between change in disease status and change in CRP using nonparametric tests. Elevated CRP level was associated with poorer OS and MSS in the initial, confirmatory, and combined data sets (combined data set: OS hazard ratio, 1.44 per unit increase of logarithmic CRP; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.59; P < .001; MSS hazard ratio, 1.51 per unit increase of logarithmic CRP; 95% CI, 1.36 to 1.68; P < .001). These findings persisted after multivariable adjustment. As compared with CRP < 10 mg/L, CRP ≥ 10 mg/L conferred poorer OS in patients with any-stage, stage I/II, or stage III/IV disease and poorer disease-free survival in those with stage I/II disease. In patients who underwent sequential evaluation of CRP, an association was identified between an increase in CRP and melanoma disease progression. CRP is an independent prognostic marker in patients with melanoma. CRP measurement should be considered for incorporation into prospective studies of outcome in patients with melanoma and clinical trials of systemic therapies for those with melanoma. © 2015 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

C-Reactive Protein As a Marker of Melanoma Progression

PubMed Central

Fang, Shenying; Wang, Yuling; Sui, Dawen; Liu, Huey; Ross, Merrick I.; Gershenwald, Jeffrey E.; Cormier, Janice N.; Royal, Richard E.; Lucci, Anthony; Schacherer, Christopher W.; Gardner, Julie M.; Reveille, John D.; Bassett, Roland L.; Wang, Li-E; Wei, Qingyi; Amos, Christopher I.; Lee, Jeffrey E.

2015-01-01

Purpose To investigate the association between blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with melanoma and overall survival (OS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS), and disease-free survival. Patients and Methods Two independent sets of plasma samples from a total of 1,144 patients with melanoma (587 initial and 557 confirmatory) were available for CRP determination. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to evaluate the relationship between CRP and clinical outcome. Among 115 patients who underwent sequential blood draws, we evaluated the relationship between change in disease status and change in CRP using nonparametric tests. Results Elevated CRP level was associated with poorer OS and MSS in the initial, confirmatory, and combined data sets (combined data set: OS hazard ratio, 1.44 per unit increase of logarithmic CRP; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.59; P < .001; MSS hazard ratio, 1.51 per unit increase of logarithmic CRP; 95% CI, 1.36 to 1.68; P < .001). These findings persisted after multivariable adjustment. As compared with CRP < 10 mg/L, CRP ≥ 10 mg/L conferred poorer OS in patients with any-stage, stage I/II, or stage III/IV disease and poorer disease-free survival in those with stage I/II disease. In patients who underwent sequential evaluation of CRP, an association was identified between an increase in CRP and melanoma disease progression. Conclusion CRP is an independent prognostic marker in patients with melanoma. CRP measurement should be considered for incorporation into prospective studies of outcome in patients with melanoma and clinical trials of systemic therapies for those with melanoma. PMID:25779565

Is C-reactive protein a marker of obstructive sleep apnea?

PubMed Central

Li, Kun; Wei, Peng; Qin, Yanwen; Wei, Yongxiang

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease, distinguished by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, with an inflammatory component. C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are markers of systemic inflammation and may serve as biomarkers of OSA. Methods: Scientific studies published from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2016 were obtained via searches of PubMed, Embase, SCI, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) using relevant terms. Studies concerning serum CRP level/ hs-CRP in OSA patients were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Studies were included if they conform with our specific criteria of inclusion. Eligible studies were subjected to quality review, data extraction, and meta-analysis by using RevMan (version 5.2) and STATA (version 12.0). Results: There were 15 studies that met inclusion criteria that included a total of 1297 subjects. Meta-analysis revealed that serum CRP levels in the OSA group were 1.98 mmol/L higher than those in control group (95% confidence interval: 1.39–2.58, P < .01). Similarly, serum hs-CRP levels in the OSA group were 1.57 mmol/L higher than that in the control group (95% confidence interval: 0.96–2.18, P < .01). Subgroup analysis showed greater differences between OSA patients and controls in the setting of obesity (body mass index)> = 30. The total weighted mean difference (WMD) between OSA and controls within the subgroup of subjects who had a CRP was 2.10; for hs-CRP, the WMD was 2.49. Comparing OSA patients of mean apnea hypopnea index> = 15 and controls, the total WMD for the CRP subgroup was 2.19; for the hs-CRP subgroup, the WMD was 1.70. Conclusion: In our meta-analysis, serum CRP/hs-CRP levels were discovered to be higher in OSA patients compared with control subjects. Those with higher body mass index and apnea hyponea index demonstrated larger differences in CRP/hs-CRP levels. These data are consistent with an inflammatory component of OSA pathophysiology and support the role of CRP/hs-CRP as a biomarker in this disease. PMID:28489776

Culturally Responsive Computing: A Theory Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Kimberly A.; Sheridan, Kimberly M.; Clark, Kevin

2015-01-01

Despite multiple efforts and considerable funding, historically marginalized groups (e.g., racial minorities and women) continue not to enter or persist in the most lucrative of fields--technology. Understanding the potency of culturally responsive teaching (CRT), some technology-enrichment programs modified CRP principles to establish a…

C-reactive protein is differentially modulated by co-existing infections, vitamin deficiencies and maternal factors in pregnant and lactating indigenous Panamanian women.

PubMed

González-Fernández, Doris; Pons, Emérita Del Carmen; Rueda, Delfina; Sinisterra, Odalis Teresa; Murillo, Enrique; Scott, Marilyn E; Koski, Kristine G

2017-06-02

The usefulness of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a non-specific marker of inflammation during pregnancy and lactation is unclear in impoverished populations where co-existing infections and vitamin deficiencies are common. This cross-sectional study in Panama recruited 120 pregnant and 99 lactating Ngäbe-Buglé women from 14 communities in rural Panama. Obstetric history, indoor wood smoke exposure, fieldwork, BMI, vitamins A, B 12 , D, and folic acid, and inflammation markers (CRP, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), plateletcrit and cytokines) were measured. Multiple regressions explored both associations of CRP with other inflammatory markers and associations of CRP and elevated CRP based on trimester-specific cut-offs with maternal factors, infections and vitamin deficiencies. CRP was higher in pregnancy (51.4 ± 4.7 nmol/L) than lactation (27.8 ± 3.5 nmol/L) and was elevated above trimester specific cut-offs in 21% of pregnant and 30% of lactating women. Vitamin deficiencies were common (vitamin A 29.6%; vitamin D 68.5%; vitamin B 12 68%; folic acid 25.5%) and over 50% of women had two or more concurrent deficiencies as well as multiple infections. Multiple regression models highlighted differences in variables associated with CRP between pregnancy and lactation. In pregnancy, CRP was positively associated with greater indoor wood smoke exposure, caries and hookworm and negatively associated with Ascaris and vaginal Lactobacillus and Bacteroides/Gardnerella scores. Consistent with this, greater wood smoke exposure, caries as well as higher diplococcal infection score increased the odds of trimester-elevated CRP concentrations whereas longer gestational age lowered the likelihood of a trimester-elevated CRP. During lactation, folic acid deficiency was associated with higher CRP whereas parity, number of eosinophils and Mobiluncus score were associated with lower CRP. Also, a higher BMI and Trichomonas vaginalis score increased the likelihood of an elevated CRP whereas higher parity and number of eosinophils were associated with lower likelihood of an elevated CRP. Infections both raise and lower CRP concentrations in pregnant and lactating mothers. Only folic acid deficiency during lactation was associated with higher CRP concentrations. Caution is required when interpreting CRP concentrations in pregnant and lactating women who have co-existing nutrient deficiencies and multiple infections.

Association of socioeconomic status with inflammatory markers: a two cohort comparison.

PubMed

Fraga, Sílvia; Marques-Vidal, Pedro; Vollenweider, Peter; Waeber, Gérard; Guessous, Idris; Paccaud, Fred; Barros, Henrique; Stringhini, Silvia

2015-02-01

To assess the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and inflammatory markers using two different European population samples. We used data from the CoLaus (N=6412, Lausanne, Switzerland) and EPIPorto (N=1205, Porto, Portugal) studies. Education and occupational position were used as indicators of socioeconomic status (SES). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was available for both cohorts. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were available in CoLaus; leukocyte count and fibrinogen in EPIPorto. We showed that low SES was significantly associated with high inflammation in both studies. We also showed that behavioural factors contributed the most to SES differences in inflammation. In both studies the larger difference between the lowest and the highest SES was observed for hs-CRP. In the Swiss sample, a linear association between education and hs-CRP persisted after adjustment for all mediating factors and confounders considered (p for linear trend <0.001). Large social differences exist in inflammatory activity, in part independently from demographic and behavioural factors, chronic conditions and medication use. SES differences in inflammation are also similar in countries with different underlying socioeconomic conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Smartphone-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Chung, Heewon; Ko, Hoon; Thap, Tharoeun; Jeong, Changwon; Noh, Se-Eung; Yoon, Kwon-Ha; Lee, Jinseok

2016-01-01

We introduce a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) that utilizes only a smartphone, with no external devices. As an efficient guide for cardiac rehabilitation exercise, we developed an application to automatically indicate the exercise intensity by comparing the estimated heart rate (HR) with the target heart rate zone (THZ). The HR is estimated using video images of a fingertip taken by the smartphone's built-in camera. The introduced CRP app includes pre-exercise, exercise with intensity guidance, and post-exercise. In the pre-exercise period, information such as THZ, exercise type, exercise stage order, and duration of each stage are set up. In the exercise with intensity guidance, the app estimates HR from the pulse obtained using the smartphone's built-in camera and compares the estimated HR with the THZ. Based on this comparison, the app adjusts the exercise intensity to shift the patient's HR to the THZ during exercise. In the post-exercise period, the app manages the ratio of the estimated HR to the THZ and provides a questionnaire on factors such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and leg pain during exercise, as objective and subjective evaluation indicators. As a key issue, HR estimation upon signal corruption due to motion artifacts is also considered. Through the smartphone-based CRP, we estimated the HR accuracy as mean absolute error and root mean squared error of 6.16 and 4.30bpm, respectively, with signal corruption due to motion artifacts being detected by combining the turning point ratio and kurtosis.

Smartphone-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: Feasibility Study

PubMed Central

Chung, Heewon; Yoon, Kwon-Ha; Lee, Jinseok

2016-01-01

We introduce a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) that utilizes only a smartphone, with no external devices. As an efficient guide for cardiac rehabilitation exercise, we developed an application to automatically indicate the exercise intensity by comparing the estimated heart rate (HR) with the target heart rate zone (THZ). The HR is estimated using video images of a fingertip taken by the smartphone’s built-in camera. The introduced CRP app includes pre-exercise, exercise with intensity guidance, and post-exercise. In the pre-exercise period, information such as THZ, exercise type, exercise stage order, and duration of each stage are set up. In the exercise with intensity guidance, the app estimates HR from the pulse obtained using the smartphone’s built-in camera and compares the estimated HR with the THZ. Based on this comparison, the app adjusts the exercise intensity to shift the patient’s HR to the THZ during exercise. In the post-exercise period, the app manages the ratio of the estimated HR to the THZ and provides a questionnaire on factors such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and leg pain during exercise, as objective and subjective evaluation indicators. As a key issue, HR estimation upon signal corruption due to motion artifacts is also considered. Through the smartphone-based CRP, we estimated the HR accuracy as mean absolute error and root mean squared error of 6.16 and 4.30bpm, respectively, with signal corruption due to motion artifacts being detected by combining the turning point ratio and kurtosis. PMID:27551969

7 CFR 623.6 - Transfer of lands from the CRP to the EWRP.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Transfer of lands from the CRP to the EWRP. 623.6... Transfer of lands from the CRP to the EWRP. Land that is subject to an existing CRP contract administered... requested by the owner and approved by CCC, the CRP contract for the property will be terminated or...

Allexiviruses may have acquired inserted sequences between the CP and CRP genes to change the translation reinitiation strategy of CRP.

PubMed

Yoshida, Naoto; Shimura, Hanako; Masuta, Chikara

2018-06-01

Allexiviruses are economically important garlic viruses that are involved in garlic mosaic diseases. In this study, we characterized the allexivirus cysteine-rich protein (CRP) gene located just downstream of the coat protein (CP) gene in the viral genome. We determined the nucleotide sequences of the CP and CRP genes from numerous allexivirus isolates and performed a phylogenetic analysis. According to the resulting phylogenetic tree, we found that allexiviruses were clearly divided into two major groups (group I and group II) based on the sequences of the CP and CRP genes. In addition, the allexiviruses in group II had distinct sequences just before the CRP gene, while group I isolates did not. The inserted sequence between the CP and CRP genes was partially complementary to garlic 18S rRNA. Using a potato virus X vector, we showed that the CRPs affected viral accumulation and symptom induction in Nicotiana benthamiana, suggesting that the allexivirus CRP is a pathogenicity determinant. We assume that the inserted sequences before the CRP gene may have been generated during viral evolution to alter the termination-reinitiation mechanism for coupled translation of CP and CRP.

Failure of CRP decline within three days of hospitalization is associated with poor prognosis of Community-acquired Pneumonia.

PubMed

Andersen, Stine Bang; Baunbæk Egelund, Gertrud; Jensen, Andreas Vestergaard; Petersen, Pelle Trier; Rohde, Gernot; Ravn, Pernille

2017-04-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-known acute phase protein used to monitor the patient's response during treatment in infectious diseases. Mortality from Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP) remains high, particularly in hospitalized patients. Better risk prediction during hospitalization could improve management and ultimately reduce mortality levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate CRP on the 3rd day (CRP3) of hospitalization as a predictor for 30 days mortality. A retrospective multicentre cohort study of adult patients admitted with CAP at three Danish hospitals. Predictive associations of CRP3 (absolute levels and relative decline) and 30 days mortality were analysed using receiver operating characteristics and logistic regression. Eight hundred and fourteen patients were included and 90 (11%) died within 30 days. The area under the curve for CRP3 level and decline for predicting 30 days mortality were 0.64 (0.57-0.70) and 0.71 (0.65-0.76). Risk of death was increased in patients with CRP3 level >75 mg/l (OR 2.44; 95%CI 1.36-4.37) and in patients with a CRP3 decline <50% (OR 4.25; 95%CI 2.30-7.83). In the multivariate analysis, the highest mortality risk was seen in patients who failed to decline by 50%, irrespective of the actual level of CRP (OR 7.8; 95%CI 3.2-19.3). Mortality risk increased significantly according to CRP decline for all strata of CURB-65 score. CRP responses day 3 is a valuable predictor of 30 days mortality in hospitalized CAP patients. Failure to decline in CRP was associated with a poor prognosis irrespective of the actual level of CRP or CURB-65.

Transcription activation mediated by a cyclic AMP receptor protein from Thermus thermophilus HB8.

PubMed

Shinkai, Akeo; Kira, Satoshi; Nakagawa, Noriko; Kashihara, Aiko; Kuramitsu, Seiki; Yokoyama, Shigeyuki

2007-05-01

The extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB8, which belongs to the phylum Deinococcus-Thermus, has an open reading frame encoding a protein belonging to the cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) family present in many bacteria. The protein named T. thermophilus CRP is highly homologous to the CRP family proteins from the phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria, and it forms a homodimer and interacts with cAMP. CRP mRNA and intracellular cAMP were detected in this strain, which did not drastically fluctuate during cultivation in a rich medium. The expression of several genes was altered upon disruption of the T. thermophilus CRP gene. We found six CRP-cAMP-dependent promoters in in vitro transcription assays involving DNA fragments containing the upstream regions of the genes exhibiting decreased expression in the CRP disruptant, indicating that the CRP is a transcriptional activator. The consensus T. thermophilus CRP-binding site predicted upon nucleotide sequence alignment is 5'-(C/T)NNG(G/T)(G/T)C(A/C)N(A/T)NNTCACAN(G/C)(G/C)-3'. This sequence is unique compared with the known consensus binding sequences of CRP family proteins. A putative -10 hexamer sequence resides at 18 to 19 bp downstream of the predicted T. thermophilus CRP-binding site. The CRP-regulated genes found in this study comprise clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated (cas) ones, and the genes of a putative transcriptional regulator, a protein containing the exonuclease III-like domain of DNA polymerase, a GCN5-related acetyltransferase homolog, and T. thermophilus-specific proteins of unknown function. These results suggest a role for cAMP signal transduction in T. thermophilus and imply the T. thermophilus CRP is a cAMP-responsive regulator.

Nanocrystalline diamond sensor targeted for selective CRP detection: an ATR-FTIR spectroscopy study.

PubMed

Andersson, Per Ola; Viberg, Pernilla; Forsberg, Pontus; Nikolajeff, Fredrik; Österlund, Lars; Karlsson, Mikael

2016-05-01

Protein immobilization on functionalized fluorine-terminated nanocrystalline (NCD) films was studied by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy using an immobilization protocol developed to specifically bind C-reactive protein (CRP). Using an ATR-FTIR spectroscopy method employing a force-controlled anvil-type configuration, three critical steps of the ex situ CRP immobilization were analyzed. First, the NCD surface was passivated by deposition of a copolymer layer consisting of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. Second, a synthetic modified polypeptide binder with high affinity to CRP was covalently attached to the polymeric film. Third, CRP dissolved in aqueous buffer in concentrations of 10-20 μg/mL was added on the functionalized NCD surface. Both the amide I and II bands, due to the polypeptide binder and CRP, were clearly observed in ATR-FTIR spectra. CRP amide I bands were extracted from difference spectra and yielded bands that agreed well with the reported amide I band of free (non-bonded) CRP in solution. Thus, our results show that CRP retains its secondary structure when it is attached to the polypeptide binders. Compared to previous IR studies of CRP in solution, about 200 times lower concentration was applied in the present study. Graphical Abstract Direct non-destructive ATR-FTIR analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP) selectively bound to functionalized nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) sensor surface.

Neurokinin 3 receptor and phosphocholine transferase: missing factors for pathogenesis of C-reactive protein in preeclampsia.

PubMed

Parchim, Nicholas F; Wang, Wei; Iriyama, Takayuki; Ashimi, Olaide A; Siddiqui, Athar H; Blackwell, Sean; Sibai, Baha; Kellems, Rodney E; Xia, Yang

2015-02-01

C-reactive protein (CRP), an innate immune mediator, is elevated in the circulation before symptoms in patients with preeclampsia, a severe hypertensive pregnancy disorder with high mortality and morbidity. However, the specific sources underlying increased CRP and the role of elevated CRP in preeclampsia are undefined. Here, we report that circulating CRP levels are significantly increased in a large cohort of normotensive pregnant individuals when compared with nulligravid women and is further increased in patients with preeclampsia. These findings led us to discover further that placental syncytiotrophoblasts are previously unrecognized cellular sources of CRP and underlie elevated CRP in normotensive pregnant women and the additional increase in patients with preeclampsia. Next, we demonstrated that injection of CRP induces preeclampsia features, including hypertension (157 mm Hg CRP treated versus 119 mm Hg control), proteinuria (35.0 mg/μg CRP treated versus 14.1 mg/μg control), kidney, and placental damage and increased levels of sFlt-1 in pregnant mice but not in nonpregnant mice. Our study implicates that phosphocholine transferase, a placental-specific enzyme post-translationally modifying neurokinin B, is essential for the pathogenic role of CRP in preeclampsia through activation of the neurokinin 3 receptor. Overall, our studies have provided significant new insight on the pathogenic role of CRP in preeclampsia and highlighted innovative therapeutic strategies. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Elevated CRP levels predict poor outcome and tumor recurrence in patients with thymic epithelial tumors: A pro- and retrospective analysis

PubMed Central

Janik, Stefan; Bekos, Christine; Hacker, Philipp; Raunegger, Thomas; Ghanim, Bahil; Einwallner, Elisa; Beer, Lucian; Klepetko, Walter; Müllauer, Leonhard; Ankersmit, Hendrik J.; Moser, Bernhard

2017-01-01

Objective Scarce information exists on the pathogenesis of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), comprising thymomas, thymic carcinomas (TCs) and neuroendocrine tumors. C-reactive protein (CRP) increases during certain malignancies. We aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of CRP in patients with TETs. Results Pretreatment CRP serum concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with TETs, particularly TCs and metastatic TETs. After complete tumor resection CRP serum concentrations were decreased (p = 0.135) but increased significantly in case of tumor recurrence (p = 0.001). High pretreatment CRP was associated with significantly worse 5- and 10-year freedom-from recurrence (FFR) (p = 0.010) and was a negative prognostic factor for FFR (HR 3.30; p = 0.015). IL-6 (not IL-1β) serum concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with TETs but we did not detect CRP tissue expression in TETs. Materials and Methods Pretreatment CRP serum concentrations were retrospectively analyzed from 128 surgical patients (1990–2015). In a subset of 68 patients longitudinal analysis of CRP was performed. Additionally, immunohistochemical tumor CRP expression and serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β were measured. Conclusions Hence, diagnostic measurement of serum CRP might be useful to indicate highly aggressive TETs and to make doctors consider tumor recurrences during oncological follow-up. PMID:28514756

A systematic review and meta-analyses on C-reactive protein in relation to periodontitis.

PubMed

Paraskevas, Spiros; Huizinga, John D; Loos, Bruno G

2008-04-01

Elevated plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) is regarded as a risk predictor for cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review explored the robustness of observations that CRP is elevated in periodontitis. Similarly, the effect of periodontal therapy on CRP levels was investigated. Selection of publications was based on: (1) cross-sectional (case-control) studies; (2) longitudinal (treatment) studies; (3) high-sensitivity CRP measurement; (4) median and/or mean (+/-SD) values presented; and (5) subjects with no systemic disorders. Screening of the initially 448 identified studies and reference checking resulted in 18 suitable papers. The majority of the studies showed that CRP levels are higher in patients than in controls. Often, studies showed that patients had CRP levels >2.1 mg/l. A meta-analysis of 10 cross-sectional studies showed that the weighted mean difference (WMD) of CRP between patients and controls was 1.56 mg/l (p<0.00001). Evidence from available treatment studies (n=6) showed lower levels of CRP after periodontal therapy. Eligible treatment studies in a meta-analysis demonstrated a WMD of reductions of CRP after therapy of 0.50 mg/L (95% CI 0.08-0.93) (p=0.02). There is strong evidence from cross-sectional studies that plasma CRP in periodontitis is elevated compared with controls. There is modest evidence on the effect of periodontal therapy in lowering the levels of CRP.

Obesity can predict and promote systemic inflammation in healthy adults.

PubMed

Ellulu, Mohammed S; Khaza'ai, Huzwah; Rahmat, Asmah; Patimah, Ismail; Abed, Yehia

2016-07-15

To find out the differences on biomedical data between obese and non-obese participants, and to identify risk factors associated with systemic inflammation in healthy Palestinian adults. A cross-sectional study involved 105 apparently healthy adults. Interview questionnaire was used to collect personal information. Participants were excluded if they suffered from acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, or continued using medicines, which might affect the biomedical results. In association with increased Body Mass Index (BMI), the obese group displayed significant higher markers including: interleukin 6 (IL-6), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), total cholesterol (TC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Obese group in association with increased waist circumference (WC) was higher significantly in inflammatory markers (IL-6, hs-CRP), lipid profile (TC) and triglyceride (TG), and blood pressure (SBP, DBP). A tertile of a feature of systemic inflammation (hs-CRP) was created, by Ordinal Logistic Regression, after adjusting for the age, gender, smoking habits, physical activity pattern, father and mother's health history; risk factors were the increased BMI [OR: 1.24] (95% CI: 1.005-1.548, P=0.050), IL-6 [OR: 3.35] (95% CI: 1.341-8.398, P=0.010), DBP [OR: 1.19] (95% CI: 1.034-1.367, P=0.015), and reduced Adiponectin [OR: 0.59] (95% CI: 0.435-0.820, P=0.001). Finally, BMI correlated with IL-6 and hs-CRP (r=0.326, P=0.005; r=0.347, P<0.001; respectively), and hs-CRP correlated with IL-6 (r=0.303, P=0.010), and inversely with Adiponectin (r=-0.342, P=0.001). The increased level of IL-6 and reduced Adiponectin, which strongly associated with obesity, indicated that having high BMI is a useful marker in association with IL-6 and further developed systemic inflammation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Childhood maltreatment severity is associated with elevated C-reactive protein and body mass index in adults with schizophrenia and bipolar diagnoses.

PubMed

Aas, Monica; Dieset, Ingrid; Hope, Sigrun; Hoseth, Eva; Mørch, Ragni; Reponen, Elina; Steen, Nils Eiel; Laskemoen, Jannicke Fjæra; Ueland, Thor; Aukrust, Pål; Agartz, Ingrid; Andreassen, Ole A; Melle, Ingrid

2017-10-01

Several studies have described an association between childhood maltreatment and inflammatory markers in the psychotic disorders (schizophrenia [SZ] and bipolar disorder [BD]). Previous studies have been relatively small (<50 participants), and the severity of abuse and the putative influence of body mass index (BMI) have not been properly investigated. The combined effects of childhood abuse severity and clinical diagnosis on inflammatory markers were investigated in a large sample (n=483) of patients with a disorder on the psychosis spectrum and in healthy controls (HCs). Plasma levels of inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 [TNFR-R1], glycoprotein 130 [gp130]) were analyzed, and BMI and data on childhood trauma events, on the basis of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), were obtained from all participants. Patients had increased levels of hs-CRP (P<0.001, Cohens d=0.4), lower levels of gp130 (P<0.001, Cohens d=0.5), higher BMI (P<0.001, Cohens d=0.5) and reported more childhood maltreatment experiences (P<0.001, Cohens d=1.2) than the HC group. The severity of childhood abuse (up to three types of abuse: sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse) was associated with elevated BMI (f=8.46, P<0.001, Cohen's d=0.5) and hs-CRP (f=5.47, P=0.001, Cohen's d=0.3). Combined effects of patient status and severity of childhood abuse were found for elevated hs-CRP (f=4.76, P<0.001, Cohen's d=0.4). Differences among the groups disappeared when BMI was added to the model. Trauma-altered immune activation via elevated hs-CRP in patients with SZ and BD may be mediated by higher BMI; however, the direction of this association needs further clarification. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sleep disturbance and longitudinal risk of inflammation: Moderating influences of social integration and social isolation in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

PubMed

Cho, Hyong Jin; Seeman, Teresa E; Kiefe, Catarina I; Lauderdale, Diane S; Irwin, Michael R

2015-05-01

Both sleep disturbance and social isolation increase the risk for morbidity and mortality. Systemic inflammation is suspected as a potential mechanism of these associations. However, the complex relationships between sleep disturbance, social isolation, and inflammation have not been examined in a population-based longitudinal study. This study examined the longitudinal association between sleep disturbance and systemic inflammation, and the moderating effects of social isolation on this association. The CARDIA study is a population-based longitudinal study conducted in four US cities. Sleep disturbance - i.e., insomnia complaints and short sleep duration - was assessed in 2962 African-American and White adults at baseline (2000-2001, ages 33-45years). Circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured at baseline and follow-up (2005-2006). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and subjective and objective social isolation (i.e., feelings of social isolation and social network size) were measured at follow-up. Sleep disturbance was a significant predictor of inflammation five years later after full adjustment for covariates (adjusted betas: 0.048, P=0.012 for CRP; 0.047, P=0.017 for IL-6). Further adjustment for baseline CRP revealed that sleep disturbance also impacted the longitudinal change in CRP levels over five years (adjusted beta: 0.044, P=0.013). Subjective social isolation was a significant moderator of this association between sleep disturbance and CRP (adjusted beta 0.131, P=0.002). Sleep disturbance was associated with heightened systemic inflammation in a general population over a five-year follow-up, and this association was significantly stronger in those who reported feelings of social isolation. Clinical interventions targeting sleep disturbances may be a potential avenue for reducing inflammation, particularly in individuals who feel socially isolated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pathophysiological condition changes the conformation of a flexible FBG-related protein, switching it from pathogen-recognition to host-interaction.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Yang, Lifeng; Anand, Ganesh Srinivasan; Ho, Bow; Ding, Jeak Ling

2011-10-01

Although homeostatic disturbance of the blood pH and calcium in the vicinity of tissue injury/malignancy/local infection seems subtle, it can cause substantial pathophysiological consequences, a phenomenon which has remained largely unexplored. The fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs) containing fibrinogen-like domain (FBG) represent a conserved protein family with a common calcium-binding region, implying the presence of elements responsive to physiological perturbation. Here, we studied the molecular interaction between a representative FREP, the M-ficolin, and an acute phase blood protein, the C-reactive protein (CRP), both of which are known to trigger and control seminal pathways in infection and injury. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, we showed that the C-terminal region of M-ficolin FBG underwent dramatic conformational change upon pH and calcium perturbations. Biochemical and biophysical assays showed that under defined pathophysiological condition (pH 6.5, 2.0 mM calcium), the FBG:CRP interaction occurred more strongly compared to that under physiological condition (pH 7.4, 2.5 mM calcium). We identified the binding interface between CRP and FBG, locating it to the pH- and calcium-sensitive C-terminal region of FBG. By site-directed mutagenesis, we determined H284 in the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-binding pocket of the FBG, to be the critical CRP-binding residue. This conformational switch involving H284, explains how the pathophysiologically-driven FBG:CRP interaction diverts the M-ficolin away from GlcNAc/pathogen-recognition to host protein-protein interaction, thus enabling the host to regain homeostatic control. Our elucidation of the binding interface at the flexible FBG domain provides insights into the bioactive centre of the M-ficolin, and possibly other FREPs, which might aid future development of immunomodulators. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Interaction of SNP in the CRP gene and plasma fatty acid profile in inflammatory pattern: A cross-sectional population-based study.

PubMed

Oki, Erica; Norde, Marina M; Carioca, Antônio A F; Ikeda, Renata E; Souza, José M P; Castro, Inar A; Marchioni, Dirce M L; Fisberg, Regina M; Rogero, Marcelo M

2016-01-01

To assess the interaction of three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the C-reactive protein (CRP) gene and plasma fatty acid (FA) levels in modulating inflammatory profile. A total of 262 subjects, aged >19 y and <60 y, participated in a cross-sectional, population-based study performed in Brazil. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1205, rs1417938, and rs2808630) spanning the CRP gene were genotyped. Eleven plasma inflammatory biomarkers and plasma FA profile were determined. Cluster analysis was performed to stratify individuals based on eleven inflammatory biomarkers into two groups: an inflammatory (INF) and a noninflammatory group. The INF cluster had higher age, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure; higher levels of triacylglycerol, high-sensitivity CRP, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-10, soluble monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, C16:0, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and omega (n)-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid; and greater C20:4n-6, C18:1/18:0, and C20:4/20:3 ratios than the noninflammatory group. Statistically significant gene-plasma C16:1n-7 interaction was detected for rs1417938 (P = 0.047). Those with a dominant homozygous rs2808630 had a lower risk of belonging to the INF group with the upper 50th percentile of C20:4n-6, n-3 highly unsaturated FA, and C20:4/20:3 ratio. Regarding rs1205, A allele carriers had lower risk of being in the INF group when C20:5n-3 and n-3 highly unsaturated FA levels were greater than the median. The INF group exhibited changes in metabolic parameters that predispose this group to chronic disease, where polymorphisms in the CRP gene modulated the risk of being in the INF group depending on individual plasma fatty acid and lipid profile. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy on inflammatory biomarkers and cardiac remodeling: The paradox of functional and echocardiographic response.

PubMed

Almeida-Morais, Luís; Abreu, Ana; Oliveira, Mário; Silva Cunha, Pedro; Rodrigues, Inês; Portugal, Guilherme; Rio, Pedro; Soares, Rui; Mota Carmo, Miguel; Cruz Ferreira, Rui

2018-02-01

Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can currently be assessed by clinical or echocardiographic criteria, and there is no strong evidence supporting the use of one rather than the other. Reductions in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to be associated with CRT response. This study aims to assess variation in BNP and CRP six months after CRT and to correlate this variation with criteria of functional and echocardiographic response. Patients undergoing CRT were prospectively enrolled between 2011 and 2014. CRT response was defined by echocardiography (15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume) and by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (10% increase in peak oxygen consumption) from baseline to six months after device implantation. A total of 115 patients were enrolled (68.7% male, mean age 68.6±10.5 years). Echocardiographic response was seen in 51.4% and 59.2% were functional responders. There was no statistical correlation between the two. Functional response was associated with a significantly greater reduction in BNP (-167.6±264.1 vs. -24.9±269.4 pg/ml; p=0.044) and CRP levels (-1.6±4.4 vs. 2.4±9.9 mg/l; p=0.04). Nonetheless, a non-significant reduction in BNP and CRP was observed in echocardiographic responders (BNP -144.7±260.2 vs. -66.1±538.2 pg/ml and CRP -7.1±24.3 vs. 0.8±10.3 mg/l; p>0.05). An increase in exercise capacity after CRT implantation is associated with improvement in myocardial remodeling and inflammatory biomarkers. This finding highlights the importance of improvement in functional capacity after CRT implantation, not commonly considered a criterion of CRT response. Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Relation of uric acid to serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and to hepatic steatosis.

PubMed

Keenan, Tanya; Blaha, Michael J; Nasir, Khurram; Silverman, Michael G; Tota-Maharaj, Rajesh; Carvalho, Jose A M; Conceição, Raquel D; Blumenthal, Roger S; Santos, Raul D

2012-12-15

Increased uric acid (UA) is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease. However, the independent role of UA is still debated because it is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors including obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study assessed the association of UA with increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), increased ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL), sonographically detected hepatic steatosis, and their clustering in the presence and absence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. We evaluated 3,518 employed subjects without clinical cardiovascular disease from November 2008 through July 2010. Prevalence of hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L was 19%, that of TG/HDL ≥3 was 44%, and that of hepatic steatosis was 43%. In multivariable logistic regression after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and confounders, highest versus lowest UA quartile was associated with hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 2.28, p = 0.04), TG/HDL ≥3 (OR 3.29, 95% CI 2.36 to 4.60, p <0.001), and hepatic steatosis (OR 3.10, 95% CI 2.22 to 4.32, p <0.001) independently of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Association of UA with hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L became nonsignificant in analyses stratified by obesity. Ascending UA quartiles compared to the lowest UA quartile demonstrated a graded increase in the odds of having 2 or 3 of these risk conditions and a successive decrease in the odds of having none. In conclusion, high UA levels were associated with increased TG/HDL and hepatic steatosis independently of metabolic syndrome and obesity and with increased hs-CRP independently of metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Childhood victimization and inflammation in young adulthood: A genetically sensitive cohort study.

PubMed

Baldwin, Jessie R; Arseneault, Louise; Caspi, Avshalom; Fisher, Helen L; Moffitt, Terrie E; Odgers, Candice L; Pariante, Carmine; Ambler, Antony; Dove, Rosamund; Kepa, Agnieszka; Matthews, Timothy; Menard, Anne; Sugden, Karen; Williams, Benjamin; Danese, Andrea

2018-01-01

Childhood victimization is an important risk factor for later immune-related disorders. Previous evidence has demonstrated that childhood victimization is associated with elevated levels of inflammation biomarkers measured decades after exposure. However, it is unclear whether this association is (1) already detectable in young people, (2) different in males and females, and (3) confounded by genetic liability to inflammation. Here we sought to address these questions. Participants were 2232 children followed from birth to age 18years as part of the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study. Childhood victimization was measured prospectively from birth to age 12years. Inflammation was measured through C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in dried blood spots at age 18years. Latent genetic liability for high inflammation levels was assessed through a twin-based method. Greater exposure to childhood victimization was associated with higher CRP levels at age 18 (serum-equivalent means were 0.65 in non-victimized Study members, 0.74 in those exposed to one victimization type, and 0.81 in those exposed to poly-victimization; p=0.018). However, this association was driven by a significant association in females (serum-equivalent means were 0.75 in non-victimized females, 0.87 in those exposed to one type of victimization, and 1.19 in those exposed to poly-victimization; p=0.010), while no significant association was observed in males (p=0.19). Victimized females showed elevated CRP levels independent of latent genetic influence, as well as childhood socioeconomic status, and waist-hip ratio and body temperature at the time of CRP assessment. Childhood victimization is associated with elevated CRP levels in young women, independent of latent genetic influences and other key risk factors. These results strengthen causal inference about the effects of childhood victimization on inflammation levels in females by accounting for potential genetic confounding. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Systemic inflammatory markers associated with cardiovascular disease and acute and chronic exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) among US NHANES adults with metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Dabass, Arvind; Talbott, Evelyn O; Rager, Judith R; Marsh, Gary M; Venkat, Arvind; Holguin, Fernando; Sharma, Ravi K

2018-02-01

There has been no investigation to date of adults with metabolic syndrome examining the association of short and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) air pollution with cardiovascular-disease related inflammatory marker (WBC and CRP) levels in a nationally representative sample. The goal of this study is to assess the susceptibility of adults with metabolic syndrome to PM 2.5 exposure as suggested by increased cardiovascular-disease related inflammatory marker levels. A cross sectional analysis of adult National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants (2000-2008) was carried out with linkage of CDC WONDER meteorological data and downscaler modeled USEPA air pollution data for census tracts in the continental United States. Participants were non-pregnant NHANES adults (2000-2008) with complete data for evaluating presence of metabolic syndrome and laboratory data on WBC and CRP. Exposures studied included short (lags 0-3 days and their averages), long-term (30 and 60 day moving and annual averages) PM 2.5 exposure levels at the census tract level in the continental United States. The main outcomes included CRP and WBC levels the day of NHANES study visit analyzed using multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, gender, race, education, smoking status, history of any cardiovascular disease, maximum apparent temperature and ozone level, for participants with and without metabolic syndrome. A total of 7134 NHANES participants (35% with metabolic syndrome) met the inclusion criteria. After adjusting for confounders, we observed a significant effect of PM 2.5 acutely at lag day 0 on CRP level; a 10µg/m 3 rise in lag day 0 PM 2.5 level was associated with a 10.1% increase (95% CI: 2.2-18.6%) in CRP levels for participants with metabolic syndrome. For those without metabolic syndrome, the change in CRP was -1.3% (95% CI -8.8%, 6.8%). There were no significant associations for WBC count. In this first national study of the effect of PM 2.5 air pollution on levels of cardiovascular-disease related inflammatory markers in adults with metabolic syndrome, CRP levels were found to be significantly increased in those with this condition with increased fine particulate matter levels at lag day 0. With one third of US adults with metabolic syndrome, the health impact of PM 2.5 in this sensitive population may be significant. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 623.4 - Eligible land.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... a fair market value that is less than the estimated costs of restoring the land to productive... restored on the land under a CRP contract, or under a Federal or State wetland restoration program with an...

Influence of point-of-care C-reactive protein testing on antibiotic prescription habits in primary care in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Schuijt, Tim J; Boss, David S; Musson, Ruben E A; Demir, Ayse Y

2018-03-27

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics represents a serious global challenge that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. One of the most important causes of this threat is antibiotic overuse. The Dutch College of General Practitioners (DCGP) recommends the use of point-of-care (POC) testing for C-reactive protein (CRP) in two guidelines ('Acute Cough' and 'Diverticulitis') to achieve a more sensible prescription pattern of antibiotics. To evaluate the use of POC-CRP testing in light of the DCGP guidelines and the effect of CRP measurements on antibiotic prescription policy in primary care. In a prospective observational study, which included 1756 patients, general practitioners (GPs) were asked to complete a questionnaire after every POC-CRP testing, stating the indication for performing the test, the CRP result and their decision whether or not to prescribe antibiotics. Indications were verified against the DCGP guidelines and categorized. Antibiotic prescription was evaluated in relation to CRP concentrations. Indications to perform POC-CRP test and the prescription pattern of antibiotics based on CRP value varied considerably between GPs. Differences in antibiotic prescription rate were most obvious in patients who presented with CRP values between 20 and 100 mg/l, and could in part be explained by the indication for performing POC-CRP test and patient age. Most GPs followed the DCGP guidelines and used low CRP values to underpin their decision to refrain from antibiotic prescription. Peer-based reflection on differences in POC-CRP usage and antibiotic prescription rate amongst GPs may further nourish a more critical approach to prescription of antibiotics.

A new automated turbidimetric immunoassay for the measurement of canine C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Piñeiro, Matilde; Pato, Raquel; Soler, Lourdes; Peña, Raquel; García, Natalia; Torrente, Carlos; Saco, Yolanda; Lampreave, Fermín; Bassols, Anna; Canalias, Francesca

2018-03-01

In dogs, as in humans, C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute phase protein that is rapidly and prominently increased after exposure to inflammatory stimuli. CRP measurements are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious and inflammatory diseases. The study aim was to develop and validate a turbidimetric immunoassay for the quantification of canine CRP (cCRP), using canine-specific reagents and standards. A particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay was developed. The assay was set up in a fully automated analyzer, and studies of imprecision, limits of linearity, limits of detection, prozone effects, and interferences were carried out. The new method was compared with 2 other commercially available automated immunoassays for cCRP: one turbidimetric immunoassay (Gentian CRP) and one point-of-care assay based on magnetic permeability (Life Assays CRP). The within-run and between-day imprecision were <1.7% and 4.2%, respectively. The assay quantified CRP proportionally in an analytic range up to 150 mg/L, with a prozone effect appearing at cCRP concentrations >320 mg/L. No interference from hemoglobin (20 g/L), triglycerides (10 g/L), or bilirubin (150 mg/L) was detected. Good agreement was observed between the results obtained with the new method and the Gentian cCRP turbidimetric immunoassay. The new turbidimetric immunoassay (Turbovet canine CRP, Acuvet Biotech) is a rapid, robust, precise, and accurate method for the quantification of cCRP. The method can be easily set up in automated analyzers, providing a suitable tool for routine clinical use. © 2018 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma C-reactive protein and aggression in personality-disordered subjects: a pilot study.

PubMed

Coccaro, Emil F; Lee, Royce; Coussons-Read, Mary

2015-02-01

C-reactive protein (CRP), in the plasma, serves as a marker of systemic inflammation and has been shown to correlate with history of actual aggressive behavior, and as a personality trait of aggressive tendency, in human subjects. This pilot study was conducted to determine if plasma CRP levels are correlated with cerebrospinal fluid levels (CSF CRP) and if CSF CRP also correlates with aggression. If so, this would suggest a role for central inflammatory processes in human aggression. Both plasma and basal lumbar CSF samples were obtained from 17 subjects with DSM-5 personality disorder and assayed for CRP. Plasma and CSF CRP levels were correlated (r = 0.65, p = 0.005) and each correlated with aggression (Plasma: r = 0.53, p = 0.029; CSF: r = 0.84, p < 0.001). When considered simultaneously, CSF CRP, but not plasma CRP, uniquely correlated with aggression. No relationship was seen with other measures of psychopathology. These data suggest a positive relationship between central nervous system CRP and aggression in humans.

CRP in acute appendicitis--is it a necessary investigation?

PubMed

Amalesh, T; Shankar, M; Shankar, R

2004-01-01

Appendectomy is one of the commonest procedures in surgery. In spite of various investigations used to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, the rate of normal appendices removed is still about 15-30%. Many studies have investigated the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute appendicitis, but with conflicting results. In a prospective, double blind study, blood for the measurement of serum C-reactive protein was collected pre-operatively from 192 children before going to the operating theatre for appendectomy. The histopathology was grouped into positive (acute appendicitis) and negative (normal appendix) and this was correlated with CRP values. CRP was normal in 14 out of 33 negative explorations (normal appendix on histopathology). The specificity and sensitivity of serum CRP was 42% and 91% respectively. The predictive value of a positive (raised CRP) and negative (normal CRP) test is 88% and 48% respectively. We conclude that neither raised nor normal CRP value is helpful in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. CRP is not a good tool for helping the surgeon make the diagnosis of appendicitis and it should not be measured in suspected appendicitis.

A Study of Novice Science Teachers' Conceptualizations of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Redman, Elizabeth Horst

This qualitative study examined new science teachers' conceptualization of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP). The study followed six novice science teachers from their preservice teaching placements into their first jobs as instructors of record, observing in their classrooms and interviewing them about their use of CRP. The study sought to understand (1) how the participating teachers conceptualize CRP in science, and (2) what challenges the teachers faced in trying to implement CRP. Findings suggest that the teachers conceptualized CRP in ways that were consistent with Enyedy, Danish and Fields' (2011) interpretations of relevance: relevance of authentic purpose, relevance of content and/or context, and relevance of practices. The teachers, however, translated those interpretations of relevance into their conceptualizations and classroom practice in a variety of ways. While they encountered difficulties in conceptualizing and practicing CRP, they also made productive moves in their practice and evidenced positive elements in their conceptualizations of CRP. In order to address the challenges these teachers faced in implementing CRP, I suggest an approach to teacher preparation in CRP that builds upon the understandings and productive moves the teachers evidenced in this study.

Estimating the Impact of Adding C-Reactive Protein as a Criterion for Lipid Lowering Treatment in the United States

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Lisa M.; Kerin, Kevin; Welch, H. Gilbert

2007-01-01

Background There is growing interest in using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to help select patients for lipid lowering therapy—although this practice is not yet supported by evidence of benefit in a randomized trial. Objective To estimate the number of Americans potentially affected if a CRP criteria were adopted as an additional indication for lipid lowering therapy. To provide context, we also determined how well current lipid lowering guidelines are being implemented. Methods We analyzed nationally representative data to determine how many Americans age 35 and older meet current National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) treatment criteria (a combination of risk factors and their Framingham risk score). We then determined how many of the remaining individuals would meet criteria for treatment using 2 different CRP-based strategies: (1) narrow: treat individuals at intermediate risk (i.e., 2 or more risk factors and an estimated 10–20% risk of coronary artery disease over the next 10 years) with CRP > 3 mg/L and (2) broad: treat all individuals with CRP > 3 mg/L. Data source Analyses are based on the 2,778 individuals participating in the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with complete data on cardiac risk factors, fasting lipid levels, CRP, and use of lipid lowering agents. Main measures The estimated number and proportion of American adults meeting NCEP criteria who take lipid-lowering drugs, and the additional number who would be eligible based on CRP testing. Results About 53 of the 153 million Americans aged 35 and older meet current NCEP criteria (that do not involve CRP) for lipid-lowering treatment. Sixty-five percent, however, are not currently being treated, even among those at highest risk (i.e., patients with established heart disease or its risk equivalent)—62% are untreated. Adopting the narrow and broad CRP strategies would make an additional 2.1 and 25.3 million Americans eligible for treatment, respectively. The latter strategy would make over half the adults age 35 and older eligible for lipid-lowering therapy, with most of the additionally eligible (57%) coming from the lowest NCEP heart risk category (i.e., 0–1 risk factors). Conclusion There is substantial underuse of lipid lowering therapy for American adults at high risk for coronary disease. Rather than adopting CRP-based strategies, which would make millions more lower risk patients eligible for treatment (and for whom treatment benefit has not yet been demonstrated in a randomized trial), we should ensure the treatment of currently defined high-risk patients for whom the benefit of therapy is established. PMID:17356986

Vitamin C treatment reduces elevated C-reactive protein

PubMed Central

Block, Gladys; Jensen, Christopher D.; Dalvi, Tapashi B.; Norkus, Edward P.; Hudes, Mark; Crawford, Patricia B.; Holland, Nina; Fung, Ellen B.; Schumacher, Laurie; Harmatz, Paul

2009-01-01

Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker that predicts cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether vitamins C or E could reduce CRP. Healthy nonsmokers (n=396) were randomized to three groups:1000 mg/day vitamin C, 800 IU/day vitamin E, or placebo, for two months. Median baseline CRP was low, 0.85 mg/L. No treatment effect was seen when all participants are included. However, significant interaction was found, indicating that treatment effect depends on baseline CRP concentration. Among participants with CRP indicative of elevated cardiovascular risk (≥1.0 mg/L), vitamin C reduced median CRP by 25.3% vs. Placebo (p=0.02), (median reduction in the vitamin C group, 0.25 mg/L, 16.7%). These effects are similar to those of statins. The vitamin E effect was not significant. In summary, treatment with vitamin C but not E significantly reduced CRP among individuals with CRP ≥ 1.0 mg/L. Among the obese, 75% had CRP ≥ 1.0 mg/L. These data extend previous results in smokers, and identify CRP levels susceptible to reductions. Research is needed to determine whether reducing this inflammatory biomarker with vitamin C could reduce diseases associated with obesity. But research on clinical benefits of antioxidants should limit participants to persons with elevations in the target biomarkers. PMID:18952164

Predictive value of high sensitivity CRP in patients with diastolic heart failure.

PubMed

Michowitz, Yoav; Arbel, Yaron; Wexler, Dov; Sheps, David; Rogowski, Ori; Shapira, Itzhak; Berliner, Shlomo; Keren, Gad; George, Jacob; Roth, Arie

2008-04-25

C-reactive protein (CRP) has been tested in patients with systolic heart failure (HF) and mixed results have been obtained with regards to its potential predictive value. However, the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with diastolic HF is not established. We studied the predictive role of high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) in patients with diastolic HF. HsCRP levels were measured in a cohort of CHF outpatients, 77 patients with diastolic HF and 217 patients with systolic HF. Concentrations were compared to a large cohort of healthy population (n=7701) and associated with the HF admissions and mortality of the patients. Levels of hsCRP did not differ between patients with systolic and diastolic HF and were significantly elevated compared to the cohort of healthy subjects even after adjustment to various clinical parameters (p<0.0001). In patients with diastolic HF, hsCRP levels associated with New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA-FC) (r=0.31 p=0.01). On univariate Cox regression model hsCRP levels independently predicted hospitalizations in patients with systolic but not diastolic HF (p=0.047). HsCRP concentrations are elevated in patients with diastolic HF and correlate with disease severity; their prognostic value in this patient population should be further investigated.

Pro-inflammatory and atherogenic circulating factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated to metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Lucero, Diego; Zago, Valeria; López, Graciela I; Graffigna, Mabel; Fainboim, Hugo; Miksztowicz, Verónica; Meroño, Tomás; Belli, Susana; Levalle, Oscar; Wikinski, Regina; Brites, Fernando; Berg, Gabriela; Schreier, Laura

2011-01-14

It is not elucidated if liver fat deposits associated to metabolic syndrome (MS) aggravate the atherogenic state. We evaluated, in MS patients, if the presence of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis (HS) determines differences in inflammatory markers and VLDL characteristics. Seventy-five patients with MS were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence or absence of HS, assessed by ultrasound. Lipid profile, free fatty acids (FFA), VLDL composition, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and soluble adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1) were measured. HS patients presented increased triglycerides levels, HOMA-IR and FFA. Patients with HS showed a reduction in adiponectin (p = 0.04) and increase in hs-CRP (p = 0.02), independently of insulin-resistance (IR). FFA correlated positively with TNF-α (p = 0.04) and inversely with adiponectin (p = 0.01). hs-CRP correlated with all inflammatory markers, independently of IR: TNF-α (r = 0.34, p = 0.02), sVCAM-1 (r = 0.29 p = 0.03), sICAM-1 (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), adiponectin (r = -0.34, p = 0.04). HS patients presented higher VLDL mass and number of particles. Adiponectin correlated with VLDL cholesterol content (r = -0.47, p = 0.04), independently of IR. VLDL, once secreted, would suffer from changes, becoming more atherogenic. Simple HS would play an important role increasing cardiovascular risk, independently of IR. hs-CRP may represent a useful biomarker of this condition. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of wet cupping on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and heat shock protein 27 antibody titers in patients with metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Farahmand, Seyed Kazem; Gang, Li Zhi; Saghebi, Seyed Ahmad; Mohammadi, Maryam; Mohammadi, Shabnam; Mohammadi, Ghazaleh; Ferns, Gordan A; Ghanbarzadeh, Majid; Razmgah, Gholamreza Ghayour; Ramazani, Zahra; Ghayour-Mobarhan, Majid; Esmaily, Habibollah; Bahrami Taghanaki, Hamidreza; Azizi, Hoda

2014-08-01

It has previously been reported that increased level of serum heat shock proteins (Hsps) antibody in patients with metabolic syndrome. It is possible that the expression of Hsp and inflammatory markers can be affected by cupping and traditional Chinese medicine. There is a little data investigating the effects of cupping on markers of inflammation and Hsp proteins, hence, the objective of this study was evaluation of the effects of wet cupping on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Hsp27 antibody titers in patients with metabolic syndrome. Serum Hs-CRP and Hsp27 antibody titers were assessed in samples from 126 patients with metabolic syndrome (18-65 years of age) at baseline, and after 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. One hundred and twenty-six patients were randomly divided into the experimental group treated with wet cupping combined with dietary advice, and the control group treated with dietary advice alone using a random number table. Eight patients in case group and five subjects in control groups were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 software and a repeated measure ANCOVA. Serum hs-CRP titers did not change significantly between groups (p>0.05) and times (p=0.27). The same result was found for Hsp27 titers (p>0.05). Wet-cupping on the interscapular region has no effect on serum hs-CRP and Hsp27 patients with metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Low Volume Interval Training on Resting Blood Pressure in Pre-hypertensive Subjects: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Skutnik, Benjamin C; Smith, Joshua R; Johnson, Ariel M; Kurti, Stephanie P; Harms, Craig A

2016-01-01

Clinically pre-hypertensive adults are at a greater risk of developing hypertension, stiffened arteries, and other cardiovascular risks. Endurance exercise training has been shown to improve elevated resting blood pressure and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. However, a primary barrier preventing individuals from engaging in regular physical activity is a lack of time. The purpose of our study was to determine if a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol would be as effective as continuous aerobic endurance training (ET) on resting blood pressure in pre-hypertensive participants. Additionally, this study investigated the effects of HIIT vs. ET on CRP. Twelve pre-hypertensive participants (33.3±6.1 yrs; 3M/9W) participated in 8 weeks of cycle ergometer exercise training. The ET exercised for 30 continuous min/day, 4 days/week at 40% VO2max reserve. The HIIT exercised at a 1:1 work-to-rest for 20 min/day, 3 days/week at 60% peak power. Resting mean arterial pressure and CRP were compared throughout the study. Both groups showed decreases (p<0.001) in mean arterial pressure (ET: -11.5 ± 5.9 mmHg; HIIT: -8.6 ± 4.8 mmHg) following the 8 weeks. For CRP, there was a significant decrease (p=0.014) as a main effect of time. VO2max increased (p<0.001) approximately 25% for both HIIT and ET. These preliminary data suggest HIIT and ET similarly decreased resting blood pressure and increased VO2max.

A prospective clinical trial to assess peripheral venous catheter-related phlebitis using needleless connectors in a surgery department.

PubMed

Ronen, Ohad; Shlomo, Fanny; Ben-Adiva, Gila; Edri, Zehava; Shema-Didi, Lilach

2017-10-01

The use of intravascular catheters is often complicated by phlebitis, which is associated with increased morbidity and extended duration of hospitalization. We conducted a study to investigate the impact of needleless intravenous access devices on the rate of phlebitis in peripheral venous catheters (PVCs). We prospectively recruited patients in 2 phases. The first group was treated with a regular cap, and the second group was treated with a needleless connector. The incidence of catheter-related phlebitis (CRP) was recorded as the primary end point. A total of 620 PVCs using regular caps were inserted into 340 patients and CRP rates were recorded. In the second phase of the study, 169 PVCs using needleless connectors were inserted into 135 patients. In the group treated with the regular cap, the CRP rate was 60% compared with 7% in the group treated with the needleless cap (P <.001). Consequently, the number of catheter replacements was decreased from 1.9 on average to 1.3 (P <.001). In both phases, patients who developed phlebitis had a statistically significant longer mean hospitalization period (P <.001), as were patients in the regular cap group (P <.01). The use of needleless connectors was found to be associated with a significant reduction of CRP in peripheral veins in a surgery department setting. The decreased morbidity resulted in a lower number of catheter replacements and duration of hospitalization. Copyright © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Very low-dose fluvastatin-valsartan combination decreases parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Lunder, Mojca; Janić, Miodrag; Savić, Vedran; Janež, Andrej; Kanc, Karin; Šabovič, Mišo

2017-05-01

Previously we revealed the effectiveness of a new therapeutic approach with a short-term, very-low dose fluvastatin-valsartan combination on the improvement of arterial function in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (T1DM). In this study we explored whether this approach influences inflammation and oxidative stress and explored any association of these effects with arterial function improvement. This was a supplementary analysis of the two previous double blind randomized studies (included 44 T1DM patients). Treatment group received very-low dose fluvastatin-valsartan, the control group received placebo. Blood samples were collected and inflammation parameters: high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and oxidative stress parameter total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. Treatment decreased hsCRP values (by 56.5%, P<0.05) and IL-6 values (by 33.6%, P<0.05) and increased TAS values (by 21.1%; P<0.05) after 30days of treatment. High sensitivity CRP and TAS remained decreased 3months after treatment discontinuation. Importantly, the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative action significantly correlated with arterial function improvement. The approach consisting of short-term (30days) treatment with a very low-dose fluvastatin-valsartan combination acts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative in T1DM patients. These observations along with the improvement of arterial function support the assumption that this approach could have an important clinical benefit in T1DM patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinical and quantitative analysis of patients with crowned dens syndrome.

PubMed

Takahashi, Teruyuki; Tamura, Masato; Takasu, Toshiaki; Kamei, Satoshi

2017-05-15

Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a radioclinical entity defined by calcium deposition on the transverse ligament of atlas (TLA). In this study, the novel semi-quantitative diagnostic criteria for CDS to evaluate the degree of calcification on TLA by cervical CT are proposed. From January 2010 to September 2014, 35 patients who were diagnosed with CDS by cervical CT were adopted as subjects in this study. Based on novel criteria, calcium deposition on TLA was classified into "Stage" and "Grade", to make a score, which was evaluated semi-quantitatively. The correlation between calcification score and CRP level or pain score, and the effects of treatments, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, were statistically analyzed. The total calcification score from added "Stage" and "Grade" scores demonstrated a significantly strong and linear correlation with CRP level (R 2 =0.823, **p<0.01). In the multiple comparison test for the treatment effects, significant improvement of the CRP level and pain score were demonstrated after corticosteroid therapy (**p<0.01) compared with NSAIDs. In the conditional logistic regression analysis, the rapid end of corticosteroid therapy was an independent risk factor for relapse of cervico-occipital pain [OR=50.761, *p=0.0419]. The degree of calcification on TLA evaluated by the novel semi-quantitative criteria significantly correlated with CRP level. In the treatment of CDS, it is recommended that a low dosage (15-30mg) of corticosteroids be used as first-line drugs rather than conventional NSAID therapy. Additionally, it is also recommended to gradually decrease the dosage of corticosteroids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lack of association between depression and C-reactive protein level in the baseline of Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

PubMed

de Menezes, Sara Teles; de Figueiredo, Roberta Carvalho; Goulart, Alessandra Carvalho; Nunes, Maria Angélica; M Benseñor, Isabela; Viana, Maria Carmen; Barreto, Sandhi Maria

2017-01-15

Depression has been linked to increased levels of inflammatory markers in clinical studies, but results from general population samples are inconsistent. We aimed to investigate whether depression was associated with serum CRP levels in a cross-sectional analysis of a large cohort from a middle-income country. We analyzed baseline data from 14,821 participants (35-74 years) of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Current depression (last 7 days) was assessed by the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R). Because individuals on antidepressants could be negative on CIS-R due to their therapeutic effect, the explanatory variable had three categories: (1) negative on CIS-R and not using antidepressant (reference); (2) negative on CIS-R but using antidepressant; (3) positive on CIS-R with/without antidepressant use. Associations with CRP were investigated by general linear model (GLM). After adjustments for confounders, neither current depression, nor antidepressant use was statistically associated with elevated CRP levels. Additionally, analyzes stratified by gender, type and severity of depression did not change the results. The reference group in our analysis might include participants with a lifetime history of depression. Additionally, the exclusion of questions on weight fluctuation and appetite from the CIS-R applied in ELSA-Brasil may have slightly underestimated the prevalence of depression, as well as limited our ability to assess the presence of somatic symptoms. This study found no association between current depression, use of antidepressants, and serum CRP levels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prognostic impact of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio on the overall survival of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancers receiving palliative chemotherapy

PubMed Central

Koh, Young W.; Lee, Hyun W.

2017-01-01

Abstract Recent studies have indicated that the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with various carcinomas. However, no studies have explored the association between the ratio of CRP/Alb and clinical outcome of inoperable patients with nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). We examined the prognostic impact of CRP/Alb ratio on 165 stage IV NSCLC receiving palliative chemotherapy. The optimal cutoff level of CRP/Alb ratio was set at 0.195. The median follow-up time was 9 months (range, 1–74 months). On univariate analysis, high CRP/Alb ratio (≥0.195) was correlated (P < .001) with poorer overall survival (OS). Subgroup analysis of adenocarcinoma showed that CRP/Alb ratio was significantly (P < .001) associated with OS. Multivariate analysis showed that CRP/Alb ratio was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio: 2.227, P = .001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the CRP/Alb ratio had a significant (P = .001) prognostic impact on adenocarcinoma patients receiving platinum chemotherapy. Elevated CRP/Alb ratio was significantly associated with male gender (P = .002) and smoking history (P = .009). The results of this study suggest that the CRP/Alb ratio might be used as a simple, inexpensive, and independent prognostic factor for OS of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas receiving platinum chemotherapy. PMID:28489774

Absence of diurnal variation of C-reactive protein concentrations in healthy human subjects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meier-Ewert, H. K.; Ridker, P. M.; Rifai, N.; Price, N.; Dinges, D. F.; Mullington, J. M.

2001-01-01

BACKGROUND: The concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) in otherwise healthy subjects has been shown to predict future risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. CRP is synthesized by the liver in response to interleukin-6, the serum concentration of which is subject to diurnal variation. METHODS: To examine the existence of a time-of-day effect for baseline CRP values, we determined CRP concentrations in hourly blood samples drawn from healthy subjects (10 males, 3 females; age range, 21-35 years) during a baseline day in a controlled environment (8 h of nighttime sleep). RESULTS: Overall CRP concentrations were low, with only three subjects having CRP concentrations >2 mg/L. Comparison of raw data showed stability of CRP concentrations throughout the 24 h studied. When compared with cutoff values of CRP quintile derived from population-based studies, misclassification of greater than one quintile did not occur as a result of diurnal variation in any of the subjects studied. Nonparametric ANOVA comparing different time points showed no significant differences for both raw and z-transformed data. Analysis for rhythmic diurnal variation using a method fitting a cosine curve to the group data was negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that baseline CRP concentrations are not subject to time-of-day variation and thus help to explain why CRP concentrations are a better predictor of vascular risk than interleukin-6. Determination of CRP for cardiovascular risk prediction may be performed without concern for diurnal variation.

Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Target for Therapy or Trouble?

PubMed

Kraus, Virginia B; Jordan, Joanne M

2007-02-07

High sensitivity serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has come into clinical use as a marker of risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition to a role as a marker of disease, CRP has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD. Specific small-molecule inhibitors of CRP have recently been developed with the intent of mitigating cardiac damage during acute myocardial infarction. However, the use of CRP, both as a risk marker and a disease target are controversial for several reasons. Serum hs-CRP concentrations can be elevated on the basis of genetics, female gender, and non-Caucasian ethnicity. It is not clear, in these contexts, that elevations of hs-CRP have any pathological significance. As a non-specific indicator of inflammation, CRP is also not a specific indicator of a single disease state such as cardiovascular disease but elevated concentrations can be seen in association with other comorbidities including obesity and pulmonary disease. In sharp contrast to the proposed inhibition of CRP for cardiovascular disease treatment, the infusion of CRP has been shown to have profound therapeutic benefits for autoimmune disease and septic shock. The balance between the risks and benefits of these competing views of the role of CRP in disease and disease therapy is reminiscent of the ongoing controversy regarding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for musculoskeletal disease and their cardiovascular side effects. Soon, NSAIDs may not be the only agents about which Rheumatologists and Cardiologists may spar.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis cAMP Receptor Protein (Rv3676) Differs from the Escherichia coli Paradigm in Its cAMP Binding and DNA Binding Properties and Transcription Activation Properties*

PubMed Central

Stapleton, Melanie; Haq, Ihtshamul; Hunt, Debbie M.; Arnvig, Kristine B.; Artymiuk, Peter J.; Buxton, Roger S.; Green, Jeffrey

2010-01-01

The pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a burst of cAMP upon infection of macrophages. Bacterial cyclic AMP receptor proteins (CRP) are transcription factors that respond to cAMP by binding at target promoters when cAMP concentrations increase. Rv3676 (CRPMt) is a CRP family protein that regulates expression of genes (rpfA and whiB1) that are potentially involved in M. tuberculosis persistence and/or emergence from the dormant state. Here, the CRPMt homodimer is shown to bind two molecules of cAMP (one per protomer) at noninteracting sites. Furthermore, cAMP binding by CRPMt was relatively weak, entropy driven, and resulted in a relatively small enhancement in DNA binding. Tandem CRPMt-binding sites (CRP1 at −58.5 and CRP2 at −37.5) were identified at the whiB1 promoter (PwhiB1). In vitro transcription reactions showed that CRP1 is an activating site and that CRP2, which was only occupied in the presence of cAMP or at high CRPMt concentrations in the absence of cAMP, is a repressing site. Binding of CRPMt to CRP1 was not essential for open complex formation but was required for transcription activation. Thus, these data suggest that binding of CRPMt to the PwhiB1 CRP1 site activates transcription at a step after open complex formation. In contrast, high cAMP concentrations allowed occupation of both CRP1 and CRP2 sites, resulting in inhibition of open complex formation. Thus, M. tuberculosis CRP has evolved several distinct characteristics, compared with the Escherichia coli CRP paradigm, to allow it to regulate gene expression against a background of high concentrations of cAMP. PMID:20028978

Targeting C-reactive protein for the treatment of cardiovascular disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pepys, Mark B.; Hirschfield, Gideon M.; Tennent, Glenys A.; Ruth Gallimore, J.; Kahan, Melvyn C.; Bellotti, Vittorio; Hawkins, Philip N.; Myers, Rebecca M.; Smith, Martin D.; Polara, Alessandra; Cobb, Alexander J. A.; Ley, Steven V.; Andrew Aquilina, J.; Robinson, Carol V.; Sharif, Isam; Gray, Gillian A.; Sabin, Caroline A.; Jenvey, Michelle C.; Kolstoe, Simon E.; Thompson, Darren; Wood, Stephen P.

2006-04-01

Complement-mediated inflammation exacerbates the tissue injury of ischaemic necrosis in heart attacks and strokes, the most common causes of death in developed countries. Large infarct size increases immediate morbidity and mortality and, in survivors of the acute event, larger non-functional scars adversely affect long-term prognosis. There is thus an important unmet medical need for new cardioprotective and neuroprotective treatments. We have previously shown that human C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute-phase protein that binds to ligands exposed in damaged tissue and then activates complement, increases myocardial and cerebral infarct size in rats subjected to coronary or cerebral artery ligation, respectively. Rat CRP does not activate rat complement, whereas human CRP activates both rat and human complement. Administration of human CRP to rats is thus an excellent model for the actions of endogenous human CRP. Here we report the design, synthesis and efficacy of 1,6-bis(phosphocholine)-hexane as a specific small-molecule inhibitor of CRP. Five molecules of this palindromic compound are bound by two pentameric CRP molecules, crosslinking and occluding the ligand-binding B-face of CRP and blocking its functions. Administration of 1,6-bis(phosphocholine)-hexane to rats undergoing acute myocardial infarction abrogated the increase in infarct size and cardiac dysfunction produced by injection of human CRP. Therapeutic inhibition of CRP is thus a promising new approach to cardioprotection in acute myocardial infarction, and may also provide neuroprotection in stroke. Potential wider applications include other inflammatory, infective and tissue-damaging conditions characterized by increased CRP production, in which binding of CRP to exposed ligands in damaged cells may lead to complement-mediated exacerbation of tissue injury.

Genetic variation in C-reactive protein (CRP) gene may be associated with risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and CRP concentrations.

PubMed

Shih, P Betty; Manzi, Susan; Shaw, Penny; Kenney, Margaret; Kao, Amy H; Bontempo, Franklin; Barmada, M Michael; Kammerer, Candace; Kamboh, M Ilyas

2008-11-01

The gene coding for C-reactive protein (CRP) is located on chromosome 1q23.2, which falls within a linkage region thought to harbor a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility gene. Recently, 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CRP gene (+838, +2043) have been shown to be associated with CRP concentrations and/or SLE risk in a British family-based cohort. Our study was done to confirm the reported association in an independent population-based case-control cohort, and also to investigate the influence of 3 additional CRP tagSNP (-861, -390, +90) on SLE risk and serum CRP concentrations. DNA from 337 Caucasian women who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for definite (n = 324) or probable (n = 13) SLE and 448 Caucasian healthy female controls was genotyped for 5 CRP tagSNP (-861, -390, +90, +838, +2043). Genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction, pyrosequencing, or TaqMan assays. Serum CRP levels were measured using ELISA. Association studies were performed using the chi-squared distribution, Z-test, Fisher's exact test, and analysis of variance. Haplotype analysis was performed using EH software and the haplo.stats package in R 2.1.2. While none of the SNP were found to be associated with SLE risk individually, there was an association with the 5 SNP haplotypes (p < 0.001). Three SNP (-861, -390, +90) were found to significantly influence serum CRP level in SLE cases, both independently and as haplotypes. Our data suggest that unique haplotype combinations in the CRP gene may modify the risk of developing SLE and influence circulating CRP levels.

[Relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and obesity/metabolic syndrome in children].

PubMed

Chen, Fangfang; Wang, Wenpeng; Teng, Yue; Hou, Dongqing; Zhao, Xiaoyuan; Yang, Ping; Yan, Yinkun; Mi, Jie

2014-06-01

To explore the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and obesity/metabolic syndrome (MetS) related factors in children. 403 children aged 10-14 and born in Beijing were involved in this study. Height, weight, waist circumference, fat mass percentage (Fat%), blood pressure (BP), hsCRP, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C) were observed among these children. hsCRP was transformed with base 10 logarithm (lgCRP). MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation 2007 definition. Associations between MetS related components and hsCRP were tested using partial correlation analysis, analysis of covariance and linear regression models. 1) lgCRP was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, Fat%,BP, FPG, LDL-C and TC while negatively correlated with HDL-C. With BMI under control, the relationships disappeared, but LDL-C (r = 0.102). 2) The distributions of lgCRP showed obvious differences in all the metabolic indices, in most groups, respectively. With BMI under control, close relationships between lgCRP and high blood pressure/high TG disappeared and the relationship with MetS weakened. 3) Through linear regression models, factors as waist circumference, BMI, Fat% were the strongest factors related to hsCRP, followed by systolic BP, HDL-C, diastolic BP, TG and LDL-C. With BMI under control, the relationships disappeared, but LDL-C(β = 0.045). hsCRP was correlated with child obesity, lipid metabolism and MetS. Waist circumference was the strongest factors related with hsCRP. Obesity was the strongest and the independent influencing factor of hsCRP.

M1 Macrophages but Not M2 Macrophages Are Characterized by Upregulation of CRP Expression via Activation of NFκB: a Possible Role for Ox-LDL in Macrophage Polarization.

PubMed

Kaplan, Marielle; Shur, Anna; Tendler, Yvgeny

2018-04-23

Arterial macrophages comprise a heterogeneous population: pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2). Since C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions, understanding of CRP regulation in macrophages could be crucial to decipher inflammatory patterns in atherogenesis. We aimed to analyze CRP expression in M1/M2 macrophages and to question whether it involves NFκB signaling pathway. Furthermore, we questioned whether oxidative stress affect macrophage phenotype and modulate macrophage CRP expression. M1/M2 macrophage polarization was validated using THP-1 macrophages. CRP mRNA and protein expression were determined using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Involvement of NFκB was determined by nuclear translocation of p50 subunit and the use of NFκB inhibitor. Involvement of oxidative stress in macrophage phenotypes induction was studied using oxidized-LDL (Ox-LDL) and antioxidants. M1 macrophages were characterized by elevated CRP mRNA expression (by 67%), CRP protein levels (by 108%), and upregulation of NFκB activation compared to control, but these features were not shared by M2 macrophages. Macrophages incubation with Ox-LDL led to a moderate M1 phenotype combined with a M2 phenotype, correlated with increased CRP mRNA expression. Antioxidants inhibited by up to 86% IL6 expression but did not significantly affect IL10 secretion. Antioxidants significantly inhibited CRP expression in M1 macrophages, but not in M2 macrophages. Elevated expression of CRP was characteristic of M1 macrophages rather than M2 through NFκB activation. Oxidative stress could be one of the endogenous triggers for macrophage activation to a mixed M1 and M2 phenotype, in association with increased expression of CRP.

Multidisciplinary VA Cardiac Rehabilitation: Preliminary Results and Treatment Efficacy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daly, Susan S.; And Others

Initial studies have suggested that a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) may improve the physical and psychological functioning of participants. However, these studies have generally addressed a relatively young group of employed adult males. Three studies were designed to target an older, generally retired Veterans Administration population for…

Advancing Alternate Tools: Why Science Education Needs CRP and CRT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dodo Seriki, Vanessa

2018-01-01

Ridgeway and Yerrick's paper, "Whose banner are we waving?: exploring STEM partnerships for marginalized urban youth," unearthed the tensions that existed between a local community "expert" and a group of students and their facilitator in an afterschool program. Those of us who work with youth who are traditionally…

Community Mapping as a Tool for Developing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Tambra O.; Bryson, Brandy S.

2018-01-01

Despite more than two decades of research supporting the use of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) to increase academic outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students, teacher education programs continue to struggle with helping preservice teachers to develop this pedagogical stance. This article explores the process and outcomes of a…

Clinical utility of C-reactive protein to predict treatment response during cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations.

PubMed

Sharma, Ashutosh; Kirkpatrick, Gordon; Chen, Virginia; Skolnik, Kate; Hollander, Zsuzsanna; Wilcox, Pearce; Quon, Bradley S

2017-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a systemic marker of inflammation that correlates with disease status in cystic fibrosis (CF). The clinical utility of CRP measurement to guide pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) treatment decisions remains uncertain. To determine whether monitoring CRP during PEx treatment can be used to predict treatment response. We hypothesized that early changes in CRP can be used to predict treatment response. We reviewed all PEx events requiring hospitalization for intravenous (IV) antibiotics over 2 years at our institution. 83 PEx events met our eligibility criteria. CRP levels from admission to day 5 were evaluated to predict treatment non-response, using a modified version of a prior published composite definition. CRP was also evaluated to predict time until next exacerbation (TUNE). 53% of 83 PEx events were classified as treatment non-response. Paradoxically, 24% of PEx events were characterized by a ≥ 50% increase in CRP levels within the first five days of treatment. Absolute change in CRP from admission to day 5 was not associated with treatment non-response (p = 0.58). Adjusted for FEV1% predicted, admission log10 CRP was associated with treatment non-response (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.14 to 5.91; p = 0.03) and shorter TUNE (HR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.27; p = 0.008). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of admission CRP to predict treatment non-response was 0.72 (95% CI 0.61-0.83; p<0.001). 23% of PEx events were characterized by an admission CRP of > 75 mg/L with a specificity of 90% for treatment non-response. Admission CRP predicts treatment non-response and time until next exacerbation. A very elevated admission CRP (>75mg/L) is highly specific for treatment non-response and might be used to target high-risk patients for future interventional studies aimed at improving exacerbation outcomes.

Distribution and determinants of serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein in a population of young adults: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

PubMed

Raitakari, M; Mansikkaniemi, K; Marniemi, J; Viikari, J S A; Raitakari, O T

2005-11-01

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a suggested risk marker for cardiovascular disease. We aimed at investigating the distribution and determinants of CRP levels in young adults. Population-based study. A total of 2,120 participants aged 24-39 years. Main outcome measures. Distribution of CRP, and the relationship between CRP and risk factors. CRP concentration (mean+/-SD) was 1.43+/-3.26 mg L(-1) in men, 1.36+/-2.36 mg L(-1) in women who did not use oral contraceptives (OC) and 3.69+/-6.01 mg L(-1) in women who used OCs. In total, 8.8% of men, 10.3% of non-OC user women and 35.3% of OC user women had CRP concentration >3 mg L(-1) (recommended cut-off point of high risk for cardiovascular disease). In univariate analysis, CRP was associated with obesity indices and physical activity amongst both sexes. In men, the multivariate correlates of CRP included waist circumference (P<0.0001), smoking (<0.0001) and HDL cholesterol (P=0.024) (inverse association). These three variables explained 21.9% (model R(2)) of the total variation in CRP, waist circumference having the greatest influence (partial R(2)=19.6%). In women, the multivariate correlates of CRP included OC use (P<0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (P<0.0001), triglycerides (<0.0001) and physical activity (P=0.025) (inverse association). These four variables explained 38.2% (model R(2)) of the total variation in CRP, with OC use (partial R(2)=18.4%) and BMI (partial R(2)=18.0%) having the greatest influence. The determinants of CRP level include obesity and smoking in men, and obesity, OC use and physical activity in women. About one in three of healthy women who use OCs have CRP concentration exceeding 3 mg L(-1).

Multibiomarker disease activity score and C-reactive protein in a cross-sectional observational study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without concomitant fibromyalgia.

PubMed

Lee, Yvonne C; Hackett, James; Frits, Michelle; Iannaccone, Christine K; Shadick, Nancy A; Weinblatt, Michael E; Segurado, Oscar G; Sasso, Eric H

2016-04-01

To examine the association between a multibiomarker disease activity (MBDA) score, CRP and clinical disease activity measures among RA patients with and without concomitant FM. In an observational cohort of patients with established RA, we performed a cross-sectional analysis comparing MBDA scores with CRP by rank correlation and cross-classification. MBDA scores, CRP and clinical measures of disease activity were compared between patients with RA alone and RA with concomitant FM (RA and FM) by univariate and multivariate analyses. CRP was ⩽1.0 mg/dl for 184 of 198 patients (93%). MBDA scores correlated with CRP (r = 0.755, P < 0.001), but were often discordant, being moderate or high for 19%, 55% and 87% of patients with CRP ⩽0.1, 0.1 to ⩽0.3, or 0.3 to ⩽1.0 mg/dl, respectively. Among patients with CRP ⩽1.0 mg/dl, swollen joint count (SJC) increased linearly across levels of MBDA score, both with (P = 0.021) and without (P = 0.004) adjustment for CRP, whereas CRP was not associated with SJC. The 28-joint-DAS-CRP, other composite measures, and their non-joint-count component measures were significantly greater for patients with RA and FM (n = 25) versus RA alone (n = 173) (all P ⩽ 0.005). MBDA scores and CRP were similar between groups. MBDA scores frequently indicated RA disease activity when CRP did not. Neither one was significantly greater among patients with RA and FM versus RA alone. Thus, MBDA score may be a useful objective measure for identifying RA patients with active inflammation when CRP is low (⩽1.0 mg/dl), including RA patients with concomitant FM. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology.

Do Genetic Markers of Inflammation Modify the Relationship between Periodontitis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? Findings from the SHIP Study.

PubMed

Akinkugbe, A A; Avery, C L; Barritt, A S; Cole, S R; Lerch, M; Mayerle, J; Offenbacher, S; Petersmann, A; Nauck, M; Völzke, H; Slade, G D; Heiss, G; Kocher, T; Holtfreter, B

2017-11-01

An association between periodontitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported by experimental animal and epidemiologic studies. This study investigated whether circulating levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and a weighted genetic CRP score representing markers of inflammatory burden modify the association between periodontitis and NAFLD. Data came from 2,481 participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania who attended baseline examination that occurred between 1997 and 2001. Periodontitis was defined as the percentage of sites (0%, <30%, ≥30%) with probing pocket depth (PD) ≥4 mm, and NAFLD status was determined using liver ultrasound assessment. Serum CRP levels were assayed at a central laboratory, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously identified through genome-wide association studies as robustly associated with serum CRP were combined into a weighted genetic CRP score (wGS CRP ). Logistic regression models estimated the association between periodontitis and NAFLD within strata of serum CRP and separately within strata of the wGS CRP . The prevalence of NAFLD was 26.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.6, 28.1) while 17.8% (95% CI, 16.0-19.6) had ≥30% of sites with PD ≥4 mm. Whereas the wGS CRP was not a modifier ( P interaction = 0.8) on the multiplicative scale, serum CRP modified the relationship between periodontitis and NAFLD ( P interaction = 0.01). The covariate-adjusted prevalence odds ratio of NAFLD comparing participants with ≥30% of sites with PD ≥4 mm to those with no site affected was 2.39 (95% CI, 1.32-4.31) among participants with serum CRP <1 mg/L. The corresponding estimate was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.57-1.66) for participants with serum CRP levels of 1 to 3 mg/L and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.65-1.93) for participants with serum CRP >3 mg/L. Periodontitis was positively associated with higher prevalence odds of NAFLD, and this relationship was modified by serum CRP levels.

Lifestyle and clinical factors associated with elevated C-reactive protein among newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study from the nationwide DD2 cohort.

PubMed

Svensson, Elisabeth; Mor, Anil; Rungby, Jørgen; Berencsi, Klara; Nielsen, Jens Steen; Stidsen, Jacob V; Friborg, Søren; Brandslund, Ivan; Christiansen, Jens Sandahl; Beck-Nielsen, Henning; Sørensen, Henrik Toft; Thomsen, Reimar W

2014-08-28

We aimed to examine the prevalence of and modifiable factors associated with elevated C-reactive Protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in men and women with newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) in a population-based setting. CRP was measured in 1,037 patients (57% male) with newly diagnosed Type 2 DM included in the prospective nationwide Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes (DD2) project. We assessed the prevalence of elevated CRP and calculated relative risks (RR) examining the association of CRP with lifestyle and clinical factors by Poisson regression, stratified by gender. We used linear regression to examine the association of CRP with other biomarkers. The median CRP value was 2.1 mg/L (interquartile range, 1.0 - 4.8 mg/L). In total, 405 out of the 1,037 Type 2 DM patients (40%) had elevated CRP levels (>3.0 mg/L). More women (46%) than men (34%) had elevated CRP. Among women, a lower risk of elevated CRP was observed in patients receiving statins (adjusted RR (aRR) 0.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-0.9)), whereas a higher risk was seen in patients with central obesity (aRR 2.3 (95% CI 1.0-5.3)). For men, CRP was primarily elevated among patients with no regular physical activity (aRR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-1.9)), previous cardiovascular disease (aRR1.5 (95% CI 1.2-1.9) and other comorbidity. For both genders, elevated CRP was 1.4-fold increased in those with weight gain >30 kg since age 20 years. Sensitivity analyses showed consistent results with the full analysis. The linear regression analysis conveyed an association between high CRP and increased fasting blood glucose. Among newly diagnosed Type 2 DM patients, 40% had elevated CRP levels. Important modifiable risk factors for elevated CRP may vary by gender, and include low physical activity for men and central obesity and absence of statin use for women.

CRP: Collaborative Research Project (A Mathematical Research Experience for Undergraduates)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsley, Jason; Rusinko, Joseph

2017-01-01

The "Collaborative Research Project" ("CRP")--a mathematics research experience for undergraduates--offers a large-scale collaborative experience in research for undergraduate students. CRP seeks to widen the audience of students who participate in undergraduate research in mathematics. In 2015, the inaugural CRP had 100…

[Ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein associated to nutritional status and biochemical profile in Mexican shoolchildren].

PubMed

Haro-Acosta, María Elena; Ruíz Esparza-Cisneros, Josefina; Delgado-Valdez, Jesús Hernán; Díaz-Molina, Raúl; Ayala-Figueroa, Rafael Iván

2014-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation with low serum levels, which are not usually detectable. In order to assess cardiovascular risk in adults apparently healthy, ultrasensitive methods are used, and the CRP measured through these techniques is known as ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (US-CRP). Some researchers report an association of US-CRP with some anthropometric parameters in children with no apparent disease. The aim was to associate US-CRP with nutritional status and biochemical profiles in Mexican schoolchildren. In this cross-sectional study 300 healthy children (aged 10 to 12 years) were evaluated. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage, glucose, lipid profiles and US-CRP were measured. Exclusion criteria was: US-CRP > 10mg/L. We used multivariate regression models. 53.7 % were girls and 46.3 % were boys. The US-CRP median was of 0.3 mg/L (range: 0.3 mg/L-6.8 mg/L), and it was positively and significantly correlated with BMI (ß = 0.226, p = 0.032) and LDL-C (ß = -0.267, p = 0.007) and negatively associated with cholesterol (ß = -0.267, p = 0.007). There is an association between US-CRP and cardiovascular risk indicators, such as obesity and some lipid disorder in childhood; therefore, US-CRP may be used for close examination in Mexican children.

[Comparison of two methods for rapid determination of C-reactive protein with the Tina-quant].

PubMed

Oremek, G M; Luksaite, R; Bretschneider, I

2008-03-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) as an acute phase protein is an important diagnostic marker for the presence and course of human processes. Out of the acute phase proteins it is one of those the concentrations increase most rapidly with its sensitivity being superior to other markers of inflammation, such as leukocytosis, erythrocytic sedimentation rate, and fever. This study compared two-point-of-care assays with the standard laboratory method Tina-quant CRP processed on a Hitachi 917: the immunofiltration assay NycoCard CRP Whole Blood and the turbidimetric immunoassay Micros CRP. Both methods are carried in the presence of a patient, by using capillary or venous blood. Seventy-eight blood samples were analyzed first in the standard laboratory routine and then by both rapid test assays. The precision of both assays was determined from the confidence interval. The results were statistically analyzed by arithmetic standard deviation mean method, variation coefficient, Spearman correlation index, Wilcoxon and Bland-Altman tests, and Passing-Bablock regression. NycoCard CRP Whole Blood showed a correlation coefficient of R = 0.9838; the precision had a coefficient of variation of CV = 1.8759% while As compared with Tina-quant CRP had R = 0.9934 and CV = 0.9160%. Both assays indicated the same results as Tina-quant CRP. Both Tina-quant CRP and NycoCard CRP Whole Blood give the best fit for the rapid determination of CRP.

Generation of thromboxane A2 and aorta-contracting activity from platelets stimulated with modified C-reactive protein.

PubMed Central

Simpson, R M; Prancan, A; Izzi, J M; Fiedel, B A

1982-01-01

The classical acute phase reactant, C-reactive protein (CRP), appears in markedly elevated concentration in the sera of individuals undergoing reactions of acute inflammation and tissue degradation. We previously demonstrated that like IgG, appropriately purified CRP could be thermally modified (H-CRP) such that it enhanced platelet activation in plasma and initiated platelet responses in isolated systems. We now report that this direct platelet activation by modified CRP results in the secretion of both platelet dense body and alpha-granule constituents, and is sensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-removing enzyme system creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase. Thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis of prostanoate endproducts following platelet activation with H-CRP revealed the formation of thromboxane B2 (the hydrated endproduct of thromboxane A2), an important endogenous platelet activator and contractor of vascular tissue; bioassay on rabbit aorta strips of supernatants obtained from platelets undergoing challenge with H-CRP supported the TLC analysis. Complexes formed between CRP and one major ligand, the polycation, were found to share certain platelet activating properties with H-CRP, as does latex-aggregated CRP. These data imply a potential agonist role for this acute phase reactant in platelet physiology and suggest that the interaction of modified forms of CRP with the platelet at sites of vascular damage could have pathological significance. PMID:7118160

C-reactive protein concentration and risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and mortality: an individual participant meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kaptoge, Stephen; Di Angelantonio, Emanuele; Lowe, Gordon; Pepys, Mark B; Thompson, Simon G; Collins, Rory; Danesh, John

2010-01-09

Associations of C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration with risk of major diseases can best be assessed by long-term prospective follow-up of large numbers of people. We assessed the associations of CRP concentration with risk of vascular and non-vascular outcomes under different circumstances. We meta-analysed individual records of 160 309 people without a history of vascular disease (ie, 1.31 million person-years at risk, 27 769 fatal or non-fatal disease outcomes) from 54 long-term prospective studies. Within-study regression analyses were adjusted for within-person variation in risk factor levels. Log(e) CRP concentration was linearly associated with several conventional risk factors and inflammatory markers, and nearly log-linearly with the risk of ischaemic vascular disease and non-vascular mortality. Risk ratios (RRs) for coronary heart disease per 1-SD higher log(e) CRP concentration (three-fold higher) were 1.63 (95% CI 1.51-1.76) when initially adjusted for age and sex only, and 1.37 (1.27-1.48) when adjusted further for conventional risk factors; 1.44 (1.32-1.57) and 1.27 (1.15-1.40) for ischaemic stroke; 1.71 (1.53-1.91) and 1.55 (1.37-1.76) for vascular mortality; and 1.55 (1.41-1.69) and 1.54 (1.40-1.68) for non-vascular mortality. RRs were largely unchanged after exclusion of smokers or initial follow-up. After further adjustment for fibrinogen, the corresponding RRs were 1.23 (1.07-1.42) for coronary heart disease; 1.32 (1.18-1.49) for ischaemic stroke; 1.34 (1.18-1.52) for vascular mortality; and 1.34 (1.20-1.50) for non-vascular mortality. CRP concentration has continuous associations with the risk of coronary heart disease, ischaemic stroke, vascular mortality, and death from several cancers and lung disease that are each of broadly similar size. The relevance of CRP to such a range of disorders is unclear. Associations with ischaemic vascular disease depend considerably on conventional risk factors and other markers of inflammation. British Heart Foundation, UK Medical Research Council, BUPA Foundation, and GlaxoSmithKline. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

IL-6, a central acute-phase mediator, as an early biomarker for exposure to zinc-based metal fumes.

PubMed

Baumann, R; Joraslafsky, S; Markert, A; Rack, I; Davatgarbenam, S; Kossack, V; Gerhards, B; Kraus, T; Brand, P; Gube, M

2016-12-12

Systemic C-reactive protein (CRP) increases 1day after short-term inhalation of welding fumes containing zinc and/or copper. The aim of the current study was to find further, possibly earlier systemic biomarkers after inhalation of different welding fumes containing zinc and traces of aluminum, with or without copper, as these metal combinations become more common in modern joining technology. The study group consisted of 15 non-smoking male volunteers with healthy lung function data and without any occupational metal fume exposure. On 4 different exposure days, the members of the study group were exposed under controlled conditions to ambient air or 3 different welding fumes for 6h. Spirometric and impulse oscillometric measurements and differential blood counts were performed and serum samples were collected before exposure and 6, 10 and 29h after start of exposure. The biomarker concentrations in serum were measured by electrochemiluminescent assays. Systemic increases of IL-6 peaked significantly at 10h compared to baseline ("ZincZinc": P=0.0005 (median increase (m. incr.)=1.36pg/mL); "ZincAlu": P=0.0012 (m. incr.=1.48pg/mL); "AluBronze": P=0.0005 (m. incr.=2.66pg/mL)). At 29h, CRP and serum amyloid A (SAA) increased distinctively ("ZincZinc": P=0.032 (m. incr.=0.65μg/mL) [CRP], 0.077 (m. incr.=0.61μg/mL) [SAA]; "ZincAlu": P=0.001 (m. incr.=1.15μg/mL) [CRP], 0.0024 (m. incr.=0.94μg/mL) [SAA]; "AluBronze": P=0.002 (m. incr.=2.5μg/mL) [CRP], 0.002 (m. incr.=0.97μg/mL) [SAA]). The median increases of CRP and IL-6 were most pronounced for the welding fume which contained besides zinc also copper (AluBronze). For differentiating AluBronze from control exposure, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the IL-6 increases (10h versus 0h) was 0.931. The additional inflammatory mediators [vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), cell counts] and the lung function parameters did not show any significant changes after exposure. Consistent with its role of the mediation of the acute-phase response, systemic increases of IL-6 after welding fume exposure peak at 10h before the increases of the acute-phase reactants CRP and SAA at 29h. IL-6 may represent a highly sensitive and early biomarker for the exposure to metal fumes containing zinc and copper. As IL-6, CRP and SAA are independent, strong risk markers for future cardiovascular diseases, these data may particularly be important for long-term welders with respect to their cardiovascular health. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

C-reactive protein induces release of both endothelial microparticles and circulating endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo: further evidence of endothelial dysfunction.

PubMed

Devaraj, Sridevi; Kumaresan, Pappanaicken R; Jialal, Ishwarlal

2011-12-01

Inflammation is pivotal in atherosclerosis. A key early event in atherosclerosis is endothelial dysfunction. C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototypic marker of inflammation in humans, is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, and there is mounting evidence to support its role in atherothrombosis. CRP has been shown to promote endothelial dysfunction both in vitro and in vivo. Emerging biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction include circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs). However, there is a paucity of data examining the effect of CRP on CEC and EMP production in vitro and in vivo. In this report, we treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with increasing concentrations of CRP (0-50 μg/mL) or boiled CRP. We counted CECs and EMPs by flow cytometry. Although CRP treatment resulted in a significant increase in release of both CECs and EMPs, boiled CRP failed to have an effect. Pretreatment of HAECs with sepiapterin or diethylenetriamine NONOate, both of which preserve nitric oxide (NO), resulted in attenuation of CRP's effects on CECs and EMPs. CD32 and CD64 blocking antibodies but not CD16 antibody or lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 small interfering RNA (LOX-1 siRNA) prevented CRP-induced production of CECs and EMPs. Furthermore, delivery of human CRP to Wistar rats compared with human serum albumin resulted in significantly increased CECs and EMPs, corroborating the in vitro findings. We provide novel data that CRP, via NO deficiency, promotes endothelial dysfunction by inducing release of CECs and EMPs, which are biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma prognostic determination using pre-operative serum C-reactive protein levels.

PubMed

Lin, Zi-Ying; Liang, Zhen-Xing; Zhuang, Pei-Lin; Chen, Jie-Wei; Cao, Yun; Yan, Li-Xu; Yun, Jing-Ping; Xie, Dan; Cai, Mu-Yan

2016-10-12

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute inflammatory response biomarker, has been recognized as an indicator of malignant disease progression. However, the prognostic significance of CRP levels collected before tumor removal in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma requires further investigation. We sampled the CRP levels in 140 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent hepatectomies with regional lymphadenectomies between 2006 and 2013. A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological data was performed. We focused on the impact of serum CRP on the patients' cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival rates. High levels of preoperative serum CRP were significantly associated with well-established clinicopathologic features, including gender, advanced tumor stage, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between high levels of serum CRP and adverse cancer-specific survival (P = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001). In patients with stage I/II intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for cancer-specific survival. In patients with stage I/II or stage III/IV, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for recurrence-free survival (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate analysis identified serum CRP level in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05). We confirmed a significant association of elevated pre-operative CRP levels with poor clinical outcomes for the tested patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Our results indicate that the serum CRP level may represent a useful factor for patient stratification in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma management.

Major depression, C-reactive protein, and incident ischemic heart disease in healthy men and women.

PubMed

Surtees, Paul G; Wainwright, Nicholas W J; Boekholdt, S Matthijs; Luben, Robert N; Wareham, Nicholas J; Khaw, Kay-Tee

2008-10-01

To investigate how C-reactive protein (CRP) and major depressive disorder (MDD) relate to each other and to incident ischemic heart disease (IHD). Studies have shown that both depression and raised CRP concentration predict IHD and that elevated CRP is linked with increased risk of depression. A prospective case-control study of healthy men and women, aged 45 to 79 years, was undertaken within the United Kingdom European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk study. CRP concentration was measured for 726 (fatal or nonfatal) IHD cases and 1688 matched controls who completed a baseline MDD self-assessment, defined by restricted Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition diagnostic criteria. Past-year MDD was associated with increased CRP concentration levels (4.31 mg/L for participants who reported episodes of MDD in the past year versus 3.65 mg/L for those who did not; p = .003), and the odds ratio for incident IHD associated with higher CRP concentration was 2.02 (comparing the top versus bottom quartile of CRP; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.52-2.68), adjusted for cigarette smoking, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol. The association between past-year MDD and IHD was independent of CRP (odds ratio = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.01-2.37, with adjustments as above, and additionally for CRP). Evidence from this study is supportive of an association between MDD and CRP although it suggests that CRP does not account for the association between MDD and future IHD.

Rapid and Low-Cost CRP Measurement by Integrating a Paper-Based Microfluidic Immunoassay with Smartphone (CRP-Chip).

PubMed

Dong, Meili; Wu, Jiandong; Ma, Zimin; Peretz-Soroka, Hagit; Zhang, Michael; Komenda, Paul; Tangri, Navdeep; Liu, Yong; Rigatto, Claudio; Lin, Francis

2017-03-26

Traditional diagnostic tests for chronic diseases are expensive and require a specialized laboratory, therefore limiting their use for point-of-care (PoC) testing. To address this gap, we developed a method for rapid and low-cost C-reactive protein (CRP) detection from blood by integrating a paper-based microfluidic immunoassay with a smartphone (CRP-Chip). We chose CRP for this initial development because it is a strong biomarker of prognosis in chronic heart and kidney disease. The microfluidic immunoassay is realized by lateral flow and gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric detection of the target protein. The test image signal is acquired and analyzed using a commercial smartphone with an attached microlens and a 3D-printed chip-phone interface. The CRP-Chip was validated for detecting CRP in blood samples from chronic kidney disease patients and healthy subjects. The linear detection range of the CRP-Chip is up to 2 μg/mL and the detection limit is 54 ng/mL. The CRP-Chip test result yields high reproducibility and is consistent with the standard ELISA kit. A single CRP-Chip can perform the test in triplicate on a single chip within 15 min for less than 50 US cents of material cost. This CRP-Chip with attractive features of low-cost, fast test speed, and integrated easy operation with smartphones has the potential to enable future clinical PoC chronic disease diagnosis and risk stratification by parallel measurements of a panel of protein biomarkers.

Rapid and Low-Cost CRP Measurement by Integrating a Paper-Based Microfluidic Immunoassay with Smartphone (CRP-Chip)

PubMed Central

Dong, Meili; Wu, Jiandong; Ma, Zimin; Peretz-Soroka, Hagit; Zhang, Michael; Komenda, Paul; Tangri, Navdeep; Liu, Yong; Rigatto, Claudio; Lin, Francis

2017-01-01

Traditional diagnostic tests for chronic diseases are expensive and require a specialized laboratory, therefore limiting their use for point-of-care (PoC) testing. To address this gap, we developed a method for rapid and low-cost C-reactive protein (CRP) detection from blood by integrating a paper-based microfluidic immunoassay with a smartphone (CRP-Chip). We chose CRP for this initial development because it is a strong biomarker of prognosis in chronic heart and kidney disease. The microfluidic immunoassay is realized by lateral flow and gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric detection of the target protein. The test image signal is acquired and analyzed using a commercial smartphone with an attached microlens and a 3D-printed chip–phone interface. The CRP-Chip was validated for detecting CRP in blood samples from chronic kidney disease patients and healthy subjects. The linear detection range of the CRP-Chip is up to 2 μg/mL and the detection limit is 54 ng/mL. The CRP-Chip test result yields high reproducibility and is consistent with the standard ELISA kit. A single CRP-Chip can perform the test in triplicate on a single chip within 15 min for less than 50 US cents of material cost. This CRP-Chip with attractive features of low-cost, fast test speed, and integrated easy operation with smartphones has the potential to enable future clinical PoC chronic disease diagnosis and risk stratification by parallel measurements of a panel of protein biomarkers. PMID:28346363

Use of crisis management interventions among suicidal patients: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Bryan, Craig J; May, Alexis M; Rozek, David C; Williams, Sean R; Clemans, Tracy A; Mintz, Jim; Leeson, Bruce; Burch, T Scott

2018-05-10

Previous research supports the efficacy of the crisis response plan (CRP) for the reduction of suicidal behaviors as compared to treatment as usual (TAU). Patient perspectives and use of the CRP, and their relationship to later suicidal thoughts, remain unknown. A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial comparing a standard CRP (S-CRP), a CRP enhanced with reasons for living (E-CRP), and TAU in a sample of 97 active-duty U.S. Army personnel was conducted. Participants were asked about their use, perceptions, and recall of each intervention. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the conditional effects of intervention use, perceptions, and recall on severity of suicide ideation during follow-up. Across all treatment groups, over 80% of participants retained their written CRP up to 6 months later, but less than 25% had the written plan in their physical possession at the time of each assessment. Participants in S-CRP and E-CRP were more likely to recall self-management strategies and sources of social support. Participants in TAU were more likely to recall use of professional healthcare services and crisis management services. All three interventions were rated as highly useful. More frequent use of the E-CRP and recall of its components were associated with significantly reduced suicide ideation as compared to TAU. Both CRPs have high acceptability ratings. The effect of both CRPs on reduced suicide ideation is associated with patient recall of components. More frequent use of the E-CRP is associated with larger reductions in suicide ideation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Estimation of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with periodontal disease and without coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Anitha, V; Nair, Sushma; Shivakumar, V; Shanmugam, M; Priya, B Meena; Rajesh, P

2015-01-01

HsCRP (Highly sensitive C reactive protein) is a global indicator for future vascular events in adults detected in blood stream 48 hours before the cardiovascular event. Periodontal disease may increase blood levels of inflammatory markers like IL-6, CRP and HsCRP. Hence the aim of the present study is to evaluate the presence of elevated HsCRP levels in chronic periodontitis patients. 100 patients who reported for cardiac master health check up were enrolled in the study. The periodontal status was assessed using periodontal probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. The decayed, missing and filled tooth was recorded using DMFT index. The venous samples of these patients were obtained for recording HsCRP levels. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between HsCRP level and probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss and DMFT. The correlation value was 0.051, 0.025 and 0.101 respectively, the correlation is statistically significant for probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level (P>0.05). Chi-square test was performed to study the association between gender and HsCRP, Diabetes Mellitus and HsCRP and Hypertension and HsCRP; the results showed that there is no significant association between any of the above mentioned factors and HsCRP level in blood. We found an increased level of HsCRP in patients with chronic periodontitis which revealed the susceptibility of these patients to cardiac diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke. Hence present day focus in the line of management of cardiac patient has changed from the periodontal perspective.

Efficacy of a chairside diagnostic test kit for estimation of C-reactive protein levels in periodontal disease.

PubMed

Nagarale, Girish; Ravindra, S; Thakur, Srinath; Setty, Swati

2010-10-01

C-reactive protein [CRP] levels increase to hundreds of mg/mL within hours following infection. Studies have shown that serum CRP levels were elevated in periodontal disease. However, in all the previous studies, CRP levels were measured by using high-sensitivity CRP assay kits with minimal detection limits of 0.1 to 3 mg/L, which was much below the normal value of 10 mg/L. These high-sensitivity CRP assays need a proper laboratory setup, and these methods cannot be used as a routine chair-side test in the dental office. The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum CRP levels in subjects with periodontal disease by using a rapid chair-side diagnostic test kit with a lower detection limit of 6 mg/L and to compare the CRP levels before and after periodontal therapy. A total of 45 systemically healthy subjects were selected for the study. Subjects were divided into three groups: group A: healthy controls, group B: gingivitis, group C: periodontitis. Serum levels of CRP were determined by using a latex slide agglutination method with commercially available kit with lower detection limit of 6 mg/L. CRP was negative in all the 15 subjects in groups A and B at baseline, 7th and 30th day. CRP was positive only in 2 subjects in Group C at baseline and 7th day. Estimation of serum CRP by using a rapid chair-side diagnostic test kit is not of any significance in subjects with periodontitis.

Efficacy of a chairside diagnostic test kit for estimation of C-reactive protein levels in periodontal disease

PubMed Central

Nagarale, Girish; Ravindra, S.; Thakur, Srinath; Setty, Swati

2010-01-01

Background: C-reactive protein [CRP] levels increase to hundreds of mg/mL within hours following infection. Studies have shown that serum CRP levels were elevated in periodontal disease. However, in all the previous studies, CRP levels were measured by using high-sensitivity CRP assay kits with minimal detection limits of 0.1 to 3 mg/L, which was much below the normal value of 10 mg/L. These high-sensitivity CRP assays need a proper laboratory setup, and these methods cannot be used as a routine chair-side test in the dental office. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum CRP levels in subjects with periodontal disease by using a rapid chair-side diagnostic test kit with a lower detection limit of 6 mg/L and to compare the CRP levels before and after periodontal therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 systemically healthy subjects were selected for the study. Subjects were divided into three groups: group A: healthy controls, group B: gingivitis, group C: periodontitis. Serum levels of CRP were determined by using a latex slide agglutination method with commercially available kit with lower detection limit of 6 mg/L. Results: CRP was negative in all the 15 subjects in groups A and B at baseline, 7th and 30th day. CRP was positive only in 2 subjects in Group C at baseline and 7th day. Conclusion: Estimation of serum CRP by using a rapid chair-side diagnostic test kit is not of any significance in subjects with periodontitis. PMID:21731244

Reduced high-molecular-weight adiponectin and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein are synergistic risk factors for metabolic syndrome in a large-scale middle-aged to elderly population: the Shimanami Health Promoting Program Study.

PubMed

Tabara, Yasuharu; Osawa, Haruhiko; Kawamoto, Ryuichi; Tachibana-Iimori, Rieko; Yamamoto, Miyuki; Nakura, Jun; Miki, Tetsuro; Makino, Hideich; Kohara, Katsuhiko

2008-03-01

In Western countries, one of the most important modifiable targets for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin is an adipose tissue-specific plasma protein that inversely associates with metabolic syndrome. Among several molecular isoforms, high-molecular-weight (HMW) complex is considered the active form. Increased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration also associates with metabolic syndrome, and adiponectin could modulate plasma C-reactive protein levels. Here, through cross-sectional investigation, we investigated whether reduced HMW adiponectin and increased hsCRP levels in plasma are synergistically associated with metabolic syndrome. Measurement of HMW complex of adiponectin is one of the novelties of this study. We analyzed 1845 community-dwelling middle-aged to elderly subjects (62+/-13 yr). Plasma HMW adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA. Clinical parameters were obtained from the subjects' personal health records, evaluated at their annual medical check-up. Each component of metabolic syndrome, except for raised blood pressure, showed significantly lower plasma HMW adiponectin concentrations for both men and women (P<0.001). In contrast, plasma hsCRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with metabolic disorders (P<0.001). After adjusting for other confounding factors, HMW adiponectin [log normalized, odds ratio 0.084 (95% confidence interval 0.050-0.142), P<0.001] and hsCRP [3.009 (2.175-4.163), P<0.001] were identified as independent determinants of metabolic syndrome. In addition to the direct associations, we also observed a synergistic effect between these two molecules (F=11.8, P<0.001). Reduced HMW adiponectin and elevated hsCRP are synergistically associated with the accumulation of metabolic disorders. The combination of these markers would be useful for identifying at-risk populations.

Lake Nutrient Responses to Integrated Conservation Practices in an Agricultural Watershed.

PubMed

Lizotte, Richard E; Yasarer, Lindsey M W; Locke, Martin A; Bingner, Ronald L; Knight, Scott S

2017-03-01

Watershed-scale management efforts to reduce nutrient loads and improve the conservation of lakes in agricultural watersheds require effective integration of a variety of agricultural conservation best management practices (BMPs). This paper documents watershed-scale assessments of the influence of multiple integrated BMPs on oxbow lake nutrient concentrations in a 625-ha watershed of intensive row-crop agricultural activity during a 14-yr monitoring period (1996-2009). A suite of BMPs within fields and at field edges throughout the watershed and enrollment of 87 ha into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) were implemented from 1995 to 2006. Total phosphorus (TP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), ammonium, and nitrate were measured approximately biweekly from 1996 to 2009, and total nitrogen (TN) was measured from 2001 to 2009. Decreases in several lake nutrient concentrations occurred after BMP implementation. Reductions in TP lake concentrations were associated with vegetative buffers and rainfall. No consistent patterns of changes in TN or SRP lake concentrations were observed. Reductions in ammonium lake concentrations were associated with conservation tillage and CRP. Reductions in nitrate lake concentrations were associated with vegetative buffers. Watershed simulations conducted with the AnnAGNPS (Annualized Agricultural Non-Point Source) model with and without BMPs also show a clear reduction in TN and TP loads to the lake after the implementation of BMPs. These results provide direct evidence of how watershed-wide BMPs assist in reducing nutrient loading in aquatic ecosystems and promote a more viable and sustainable lake ecosystem. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

7 CFR 1468.21 - Contract requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... provisions of § 1468.24 of this part; (iv) Agree to forego participation in CRP, EQIP, and the cost-share... those practices transferred from terminated CRP and EQIP contracts and WRP cost-share agreements. For persons wishing to transfer from CRP, EQIP, or WRP to CFO, practices included in CRP or EQIP contracts or...

7 CFR 1410.51 - Transfer of land.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... of, the land subject to a CRP contract, as determined by the Deputy Administrator, such new owner or operator, upon the approval of CCC, may become a participant to a new CRP contract with CCC for the... existing CRP contract, the new owner or operator shall assume all obligations of the CRP contract of the...

The C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Clyne, B; Olshaker, J S

1999-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) was identified in 1930 and was subsequently considered to be an "acute phase protein," an early indicator of infectious or inflammatory conditions. Since its discovery, CRP has been studied as a screening device for inflammation, a marker for disease activity, and as a diagnostic adjunct. Improved methods of quantifying CRP have led to increased application to clinical medicine. In the emergency department (ED), CRP must be interpreted in the clinical context; no single value can be used to rule in or rule out a specific diagnosis. We conclude that CRP has limited utility in the ED. It may be a useful adjunct to serial examinations in equivocal presentations of appendicitis in those centers without ready access to computed tomography (CT) scan. It may be elevated with complications or treatment failures in patients with pneumonia, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and urinary tract infections. In patients with meningitis, neonatal sepsis, and occult bacteremia, CRP is usually elevated. However, CRP has no role in diagnosing these clinical entities, and a normal CRP level should never delay antibiotic coverage.

Cytoskeleton-interacting LIM-domain protein CRP1 suppresses cell proliferation and protects from stress-induced cell death

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Latonen, Leena; Jaervinen, Paeivi M.; Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki

2008-02-15

Members of the cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family are actin cytoskeleton-interacting LIM-domain proteins known to act in muscle cell differentiation. We have earlier found that CRP1, a founding member of this family, is transcriptionally induced by UV radiation in human diploid fibroblasts [M. Gentile, L. Latonen, M. Laiho, Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis provoked by UV radiation-induced DNA damage are transcriptionally highly divergent responses, Nucleic Acids Res. 31 (2003) 4779-4790]. Here we show that CRP1 is induced by growth-inhibitory signals, such as increased cellular density, and cytotoxic stress induced by UV radiation or staurosporine. We found that high levels of CRP1more » correlate with differentiation-associated morphology towards the myofibroblast lineage and that expression of ectopic CRP1 suppresses cell proliferation. Following UV- and staurosporine-induced stresses, expression of CRP1 provides a survival advantage evidenced by decreased cellular death and increased cellular metabolic activity and attachment. Our studies identify that CRP1 is a novel stress response factor, and provide evidence for its growth-inhibitory and cytoprotective functions.« less

The effect of a gold coin fine on C-reactive protein test ordering in a tertiary referral emergency department.

PubMed

Mallows, James L

2013-12-16

To examine the effect of an education campaign based around a gold coin fine on ordering of C-reactive protein (CRP) tests. A retrospective analysis of CRP test ordering before and after the intervention in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary referral hospital in metropolitan Sydney that sees about 60,000 patients per annum. The date of the intervention - 2 August 2013 - corresponded with Jeans for Genes Day. Number of CRP tests ordered in the ED. 1290 CRP tests were ordered before the intervention (1-31 July), and 394 were ordered after the intervention (2-31 August). This decrease in CRP test ordering was despite an increased number of ED presentations in August compared with July (5219 v 5497 presentations). This represented an absolute reduction in the rate of CRP test ordering of 17.6% (95% CI, 16.2%-18.9%; P < 0.001). The threat of a gold coin fine for ordering a CRP test, as part of a broader education campaign, significantly reduced the number of CRP tests ordered in a tertiary referral ED.

Do productive activities reduce inflammation in later life? Multiple roles, frequency of activities, and C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Kim, Seoyoun; Ferraro, Kenneth F

2014-10-01

The study investigates whether productive activities by older adults reduce bodily inflammation, as indicated by C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomeasure associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study uses a representative survey of adults aged 57-85 from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 1,790). Linear regression models were used to analyze the effects of multiple roles (employment, volunteering, attending meetings, and caregiving) and the frequency of activity within each role on log values of CRP concentration (mg/L) drawn from assayed blood samples. Number of roles for productive activities was associated with lower levels of CRP net of chronic conditions, lifestyle factors, and socioeconomic resources. When specific types of activity were examined, volunteering manifested the strongest association with lower levels of inflammation, particularly in the 70+ group. There was no evidence that frequent engagement in volunteer activity was associated with heightened inflammation. Productive activities-and frequent volunteering in particular-may protect individuals from inflammation that is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

hs-CRP is strongly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD): A data mining approach using decision tree algorithm.

PubMed

Tayefi, Maryam; Tajfard, Mohammad; Saffar, Sara; Hanachi, Parichehr; Amirabadizadeh, Ali Reza; Esmaeily, Habibollah; Taghipour, Ali; Ferns, Gordon A; Moohebati, Mohsen; Ghayour-Mobarhan, Majid

2017-04-01

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is an important public health problem globally. Algorithms incorporating the assessment of clinical biomarkers together with several established traditional risk factors can help clinicians to predict CHD and support clinical decision making with respect to interventions. Decision tree (DT) is a data mining model for extracting hidden knowledge from large databases. We aimed to establish a predictive model for coronary heart disease using a decision tree algorithm. Here we used a dataset of 2346 individuals including 1159 healthy participants and 1187 participant who had undergone coronary angiography (405 participants with negative angiography and 782 participants with positive angiography). We entered 10 variables of a total 12 variables into the DT algorithm (including age, sex, FBG, TG, hs-CRP, TC, HDL, LDL, SBP and DBP). Our model could identify the associated risk factors of CHD with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of 96%, 87%, 94% and respectively. Serum hs-CRP levels was at top of the tree in our model, following by FBG, gender and age. Our model appears to be an accurate, specific and sensitive model for identifying the presence of CHD, but will require validation in prospective studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The CUG-initiated larger form coat protein of Chinese wheat mosaic virus binds to the cysteine-rich RNA silencing suppressor.

PubMed

Sun, Liying; Andika, Ida Bagus; Shen, Jiangfeng; Yang, Di; Ratti, Claudio; Chen, Jianping

2013-10-01

Some viruses use alternative translation initiation at non-AUG codons as a strategy to produce multiple proteins during gene expression. Here we show that, using this strategy, Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV; Furovirus) expresses a larger form of coat protein (N-ext/CP) in infected plants. Site-directed mutagenesis and transient expression analysis confirmed that CWMV N-ext/CP is initiated at an upstream in-frame CUG codon at nucleotide position 207-209 of RNA 2, which adds a 39 amino acid (aa) N-terminal extension to the major CP. Interestingly, in planta and in vitro analyses indicated that CWMV N-ext/CP but not CP interacts with the CWMV cysteine-rich protein (CRP), an RNA silencing suppressor. We further determined that the N-terminal 39 aa extension, particularly the 10 aa region immediately upstream of the major CP coding region is responsible for the interaction of N-ext/CP with CRP. In an Agrobacterium co-infiltration assay, co-expression with N-ext/CP did not affect CRP silencing suppression activity. Thus the alternative translation initiation at a CUG codon provides the CWMV N-ext/CP with the ability to bind to the viral silencing suppressor. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Self-reported experiences of discrimination and inflammation among men and women: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Kershaw, Kiarri N; Lewis, Tené T; Diez Roux, Ana V; Jenny, Nancy S; Liu, Kiang; Penedo, Frank J; Carnethon, Mercedes R

2016-04-01

To examine associations of lifetime and everyday discrimination with inflammation independent of sociodemographic characteristics. Cross-sectional associations of self-reported experiences of everyday discrimination and lifetime discrimination with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were examined by gender in a multiethnic sample of 3,099 men and 3,468 women aged 45-84 years. Everyday discrimination, lifetime discrimination due to any attribution, and lifetime discrimination attributed to race/ethnicity were based on self-report, and IL-6 and CRP were assayed from blood samples. Among women, higher levels of all 3 discrimination measures were significantly associated with higher IL-6 in models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, recent infection, anti-inflammatory medication use, and hormone replacement therapy use. All associations were attenuated with adjustment for body mass index (BMI). For men, everyday discrimination was inversely associated with IL-6 in all adjusted models. Lifetime discrimination was not related to IL-6 among men. Discrimination was unassociated with CRP in all models for both men and women. The association between discrimination and inflammation varied by gender and marker of inflammation. These findings highlight the complex relationship between discrimination and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and point to areas in need of further research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Decreased C-reactive protein levels in Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

O'Bryant, Sid E; Waring, Stephen C; Hobson, Valerie; Hall, James R; Moore, Carol B; Bottiglieri, Teodoro; Massman, Paul; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon

2010-03-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant that has been found to be associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) in histopathological and longitudinal studies; however, little data exist regarding serum CRP levels in patients with established AD. The current study evaluated CRP levels in 192 patients diagnosed with probable AD (mean age = 75.8 +/- 8.2 years; 50% female) as compared to 174 nondemented controls (mean age = 70.6 +/- 8.2 years; 63% female). Mean CRP levels were found to be significantly decreased in AD (2.9 microg/mL) versus controls (4.9 microg/mL; P = .003). In adjusted models, elevated CRP significantly predicted poorer (elevated) Clinical Dementia Rating Scale sum of boxes (CDR SB) scores in patients with AD. In controls, CRP was negatively associated with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and positively associated with CDR SB scores. These findings, together with previously published results, are consistent with the hypothesis that midlife elevations in CRP are associated with increased risk of AD development though elevated CRP levels are not useful for prediction in the immediate prodrome years before AD becomes clinically manifest. However, for a subgroup of patients with AD, elevated CRP continues to predict increased dementia severity suggestive of a possible proinflammatory endophenotype in AD.

Decreased C-Reactive Protein Levels in Alzheimer Disease

PubMed Central

O’Bryant, Sid E.; Waring, Stephen C.; Hobson, Valerie; Hall, James R.; Moore, Carol B.; Bottiglieri, Teodoro; Massman, Paul; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon

2011-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant that has been found to be associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) in histo-pathological and longitudinal studies; however, little data exist regarding serum CRP levels in patients with established AD. The current study evaluated CRP levels in 192 patients diagnosed with probable AD (mean age = 75.8 ± 8.2 years; 50% female) as compared to 174 nondemented controls (mean age = 70.6 ± 8.2 years; 63% female). Mean CRP levels were found to be significantly decreased in AD (2.9 µg/mL) versus controls (4.9 µg/mL; P = .003). In adjusted models, elevated CRP significantly predicted poorer (elevated) Clinical Dementia Rating Scale sum of boxes (CDR SB) scores in patients with AD. In controls, CRP was negatively associated with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and positively associated with CDR SB scores. These findings, together with previously published results, are consistent with the hypothesis that midlife elevations in CRP are associated with increased risk of AD development though elevated CRP levels are not useful for prediction in the immediate prodrome years before AD becomes clinically manifest. However, for a subgroup of patients with AD, elevated CRP continues to predict increased dementia severity suggestive of a possible proinflammatory endophenotype in AD. PMID:19933496

Agglutination of intravenously administered phosphatidylcholine-containing lipid emulsions with serum C-reactive protein.

PubMed

Tugirimana, Pierrot; Speeckaert, Marijn M; Fiers, Tom; De Buyzere, Marc L; Kint, Jos; Benoit, Dominique; Delanghe, Joris R

2013-04-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is able to bind phospholipids in the presence of calcium. We wanted to investigate the reaction of CRP with various commercial fat emulsions and to explore the impact of CRP agglutination on serum CRP levels. Serum specimens were mixed with Intralipid 20% (soybean oil-based fat emulsion), Structolipid (structured oil-based fat emulsion), Omegaven (fish oil-based fat emulsion), or SMOFlipid (mixed soybean oil-, olive oil-, and fish oil-based emulsion) in Tris-calcium buffer (pH 7.5). After 30 minutes of incubation at 37°C, CRP-phospholipid complexes were turbidimetrically quantified and flow cytometric analysis was performed. Similarly, CRP complexes were monitored in vivo, following administration of fat emulsion. CRP was able to agglutinate phospholipid-containing lipid droplets present in the soybean oil-based fat emulsion and the structured oil-based fat emulsion. To a lesser extent, agglutination was observed for fish oil-containing fat emulsions, whereas no agglutination was noticed for the mixed soybean oil-, olive oil-, and fish oil-based emulsion. Results for propofol-containing emulsions were comparable. Agglutination correlated with phospholipid content of the emulsions. When in vivo agglutination occurred, plasma CRP values dropped due to consumption of CRP by phospholipid-induced agglutination. In this in vitro experiment, we demonstrated agglutination of CRP with phospholipids in various fat emulsions. Research studies are required in patients to determine which effects occur with various intravenous fat emulsions.

The cAMP receptor protein CRP can function as an osmoregulator of transcription in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Landis, L; Xu, J; Johnson, R C

1999-12-01

Transcription of the P1 promoter of the Escherichia coli proP gene, which encodes a transporter of osmoprotectants, is strongly induced by a shift to hyperosmotic media. Unlike most other osmotically regulated promoters, the induction occurs for a brief period of time, corresponding to the replacement of intracellular K(+) glutamate with osmoprotecting compounds. This burst of proP transcription is correlated with the osmolarity-dependent binding of the cAMP receptor protein CRP to a site within the proP P1 promoter. We show that CRP-cAMP functions as an osmotically sensitive repressor of proP P1 transcription in vitro. Binding of CRP to the proP promoter in vivo is transiently destabilized after a hyperosmotic shift with kinetics that correspond to the derepression of transcription, whereas Fis and Lac repressor binding is not osmotically sensitive. Similar osmotic regulation of proP P1 transcription by the CRP* mutant implies that binding of cAMP is not responsible for the unusual osmotic sensitivity of CRP activity. Osmotic regulation of CRP activity is not limited to proP. Activation of the lac promoter by CRP is also transiently inhibited after an osmotic upshift, as is the binding of CRP to the galdelta4P1 promoter. These findings suggest that CRP functions in certain contexts to regulate gene expression in response to osmotic changes, in addition to its role in catabolite control.

[Clinical Values of Combined Detection of CRP and D-D for AL Patients Complicated with DIC].

PubMed

Ji, Xue-Hong

2015-12-01

To explore the clinical values of the combined detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer (D-D) for acute leukemia (AL) patients complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Among 52 cases of AL, 20 cases of AL complicated with DIC were selected as AL+DIC group, 32 cases of AL were selected as AL group, 30 healthy volunteers were used as control group; the detected values of CRP and D-D in 3 groups were compared. The CRP and D-D levels in AL+DIC group were significantly higher than those in AL and control groups (P < 0.05); the CRP and D-D levels in AL group were significatly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). The D-D level and complicated DIC rate in patients with CRP < 10 mg/L were significantly lower than those in patients with CRP 10-100 and >100 mg/L (P <0.05), while the D-D level and complicated DIC rate in patients with 10-100 mg/L were significantly lower than those in patients with CRP > 100 mg/L (P <0.05). After treatment of patients, the CRP and D-D levels in AL and AL+DIC groups were obviously reduced as compared with levels of these 2 groups before treatment (P <0.05); the CRP and D-D levels in AL+DIC after treatment were significantly higher than those in AL group (P <0.05). The combined detection of CRP and D-D possesses a higher reference value for diagnosis and differentiation of AL and AL complicated with DIC, thus also has an important role in evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of AL.

Decreased C-reactive protein induces abnormal vascular structure in a rat model of liver dysfunction induced by bile duct ligation.

PubMed

Jun, Ji Hye; Choi, Jong Ho; Bae, Si Hyun; Oh, Seh Hoon; Kim, Gi Jin

2016-09-01

Chronic liver disease leads to liver fibrosis, and although the liver does have a certain regenerative capacity, this disease is associated with dysfunction of the liver vessels. C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced in the liver and circulated from there for metabolism. CRP was recently shown to inhibit angiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of CRP levels on angiogenesis in a rat model of liver dysfunction induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). The diameter of the hepatic vein was analyzed in rat liver tissues using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression levels of angiogenic factors, albumin, and CRP were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. A tube formation assay was performed to confirm the effect of CRP on angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with lithocholic acid (LCA) and siRNA-CRP. The diameter of the hepatic portal vein increased significantly with the progression of cirrhosis. The expression levels of angiogenic factors were increased in the cirrhotic liver. In contrast, the expression levels of albumin and CRP were significantly lower in the liver tissue obtained from the BDL rat model than in the normal liver. The CRP level was correlated with the expression of albumin in hepatocytes treated with LCA and siRNA-CRP. Tube formation was significantly decreased in HUVECs when they were treated with LCA or a combination of LCA and siRNA-CRP. CRP seems to be involved in the abnormal formation of vessels in hepatic disease, and so it could be a useful diagnostic marker for hepatic disease.

The value of time-averaged serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in prediction of mortality and dropout in peritoneal dialysis patients.

PubMed

Liu, Shou-Hsuan; Chen, Chao-Yu; Li, Yi-Jung; Wu, Hsin-Hsu; Lin, Chan-Yu; Chen, Yung-Chang; Chang, Ming-Yang; Hsu, Hsiang-Hao; Ku, Cheng-Lung; Tian, Ya-Chung

2017-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a useful biomarker for prediction of long-term outcomes in patients undergoing chronic dialysis. This observational cohort study evaluated whether the time-averaged serum high-sensitivity CRP (HS-CRP) level was a better predictor of clinical outcomes than a single HS-CRP level in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). We classified 335 patients into three tertiles according to the time-averaged serum HS-CRP level and followed up regularly from January 2010 to December 2014. Clinical outcomes such as cardiovascular events, infection episodes, newly developed malignancy, encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), dropout (death plus conversion to hemodialysis), and mortality were assessed. During a 5-year follow-up, 164 patients (49.0%) ceased PD; this included 52 patient deaths (15.5%), 100 patients (29.9%) who converted to hemodialysis, and 12 patients (3.6%) who received a kidney transplantation. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test revealed a significantly worse survival accumulation in patients with high time-average HS-CRP levels. A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a higher time-averaged serum HS-CRP level, older age, and the occurrence of cardiovascular events were independent mortality predictors. A higher time-averaged serum HS-CRP level, the occurrence of cardiovascular events, infection episodes, and EPS were important predictors of dropout. The receiver operating characteristic analysis verified that the value of the time-average HS-CRP level in predicting the 5-year mortality and dropout was superior to a single serum baseline HS-CRP level. This study shows that the time-averaged serum HS-CRP level is a better marker than a single baseline measurement in predicting the 5-year mortality and dropout in PD patients.

Association of C-Reactive Protein With Bacterial and Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Pneumonia Among Children Aged <5 Years in the PERCH Study

PubMed Central

Le, Tham; O’Brien, Katherine L.; Murdoch, David R.; Prosperi, Christine; Baggett, Henry C.; Brooks, W. Abdullah; Feikin, Daniel R.; Hammitt, Laura L.; Howie, Stephen R. C.; Kotloff, Karen L.; Levine, Orin S.; Scott, J. Anthony G.; Thea, Donald M.; Awori, Juliet O.; Baillie, Vicky L.; Cascio, Stephanie; Chuananon, Somchai; DeLuca, Andrea N.; Driscoll, Amanda J.; Ebruke, Bernard E.; Endtz, Hubert P.; Kaewpan, Anek; Kahn, Geoff; Karani, Angela; Karron, Ruth A.; Moore, David P.; Park, Daniel E.; Rahman, Mohammed Ziaur; Salaudeen, Rasheed; Seidenberg, Phil; Somwe, Somwe Wa; Sylla, Mamadou; Tapia, Milagritos D.; Zeger, Scott L.; Deloria Knoll, Maria; Madhi, Shabir A.; O’Brien, Katherine L.; Levine, Orin S.; Knoll, Maria Deloria; Feikin, Daniel R.; DeLuca, Andrea N.; Driscoll, Amanda J.; Fancourt, Nicholas; Fu, Wei; Hammitt, Laura L.; Higdon, Melissa M.; Kagucia, E. Wangeci; Karron, Ruth A.; Li, Mengying; Park, Daniel E.; Prosperi, Christine; Wu, Zhenke; Zeger, Scott L.; Watson, Nora L.; Crawley, Jane; Murdoch, David R.; Brooks, W. Abdullah; Endtz, Hubert P.; Zaman, Khalequ; Goswami, Doli; Hossain, Lokman; Jahan, Yasmin; Ashraf, Hasan; Howie, Stephen R. C.; Ebruke, Bernard E.; Antonio, Martin; McLellan, Jessica; Machuka, Eunice; Shamsul, Arifin; Zaman, Syed M.A.; Mackenzie, Grant; Scott, J. Anthony G.; Awori, Juliet O.; Morpeth, Susan C.; Kamau, Alice; Kazungu, Sidi; Ominde, Micah Silaba; Kotloff, Karen L.; Tapia, Milagritos D.; Sow, Samba O.; Sylla, Mamadou; Tamboura, Boubou; Onwuchekwa, Uma; Kourouma, Nana; Toure, Aliou; Madhi, Shabir A.; Moore, David P.; Adrian, Peter V.; Baillie, Vicky L.; Kuwanda, Locadiah; Mudau, Azwifarwi; Groome, Michelle J.; Mahomed, Nasreen; Baggett, Henry C.; Thamthitiwat, Somsak; Maloney, Susan A.; Bunthi, Charatdao; Rhodes, Julia; Sawatwong, Pongpun; Akarasewi, Pasakorn; Thea, Donald M.; Mwananyanda, Lawrence; Chipeta, James; Seidenberg, Phil; Mwansa, James; Wa Somwe, Somwe; Kwenda, Geoffrey; Anderson, Trevor P.; Mitchell, Joanne

2017-01-01

Abstract Background. Lack of a gold standard for identifying bacterial and viral etiologies of pneumonia has limited evaluation of C-reactive protein (CRP) for identifying bacterial pneumonia. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of CRP for identifying bacterial vs respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia in the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) multicenter case-control study. Methods. We measured serum CRP levels in cases with World Health Organization–defined severe or very severe pneumonia and a subset of community controls. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of elevated CRP for “confirmed” bacterial pneumonia (positive blood culture or positive lung aspirate or pleural fluid culture or polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) compared to “RSV pneumonia” (nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal or induced sputum PCR-positive without confirmed/suspected bacterial pneumonia). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the performance of elevated CRP in distinguishing these cases. Results. Among 601 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–negative tested controls, 3% had CRP ≥40 mg/L. Among 119 HIV-negative cases with confirmed bacterial pneumonia, 77% had CRP ≥40 mg/L compared with 17% of 556 RSV pneumonia cases. The ROC analysis produced an area under the curve of 0.87, indicating very good discrimination; a cut-point of 37.1 mg/L best discriminated confirmed bacterial pneumonia (sensitivity 77%) from RSV pneumonia (specificity 82%). CRP ≥100 mg/L substantially improved specificity over CRP ≥40 mg/L, though at a loss to sensitivity. Conclusions. Elevated CRP was positively associated with confirmed bacterial pneumonia and negatively associated with RSV pneumonia in PERCH. CRP may be useful for distinguishing bacterial from RSV-associated pneumonia, although its role in discriminating against other respiratory viral-associated pneumonia needs further study. PMID:28575375

C-reactive protein as a screening test for HIV-associated pulmonary tuberculosis prior to antiretroviral therapy in South Africa.

PubMed

Shapiro, Adrienne E; Hong, Ting; Govere, Sabina; Thulare, Hilary; Moosa, Mahomed-Yunus; Dorasamy, Afton; Wallis, Carole L; Celum, Connie L; Grosset, Jacques; Drain, Paul K

2018-05-28

There is an urgent need for more accurate screening tests for tuberculosis(TB). We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a screening test for active TB in HIV-infected ambulatory adults. CRP levels were measured in blood collected at the time of HIV testing.Diagnostic accuracy of CRP for pulmonary TB was calculated (reference standard: TB culture), compared to the WHO 4-symptom screen, consisting of cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Diagnostic accuracy was also calculated for CRP in a larger cohort of HIV-infected adults with a positive symptom screen (reference standard: clinical or microbiological TB). Among 425 HIV-infected outpatients systematically tested for pulmonary TB, TB culture was positive in 42 (10%), 279 (66%) had at least one TB-related symptom and 197 (46%) had a CRP >5 mg/L. The sensitivity of CRP and the TB symptom screen to detect TB was the same (90.5%; 95%CI 77.4-97.3) but specificity of CRP was higher than for the TB symptom screen (58.5% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001). Of persons with no symptoms and normal CRP, 99 (98%) had no TB. In another cohort of 749 patients presenting with at least one TB-related symptom and clinically evaluated, CRP had a sensitivity of 98.7% and specificity of 48.3%. In HIV-infected outpatients, CRP was as sensitive but substantially more specific than TB symptom screening. Use of CRP as a screening tool to exclude active TB could identify the same number of HIV-associated TB cases, but reduce the use of diagnostic sputum testing in TB-endemic regions.

Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin and Pancreatic Stone Protein in Pediatric Sepsis.

PubMed

Wu, Qiong; Nie, Jun; Wu, Fu-Xia; Zou, Xiu-Lan; Chen, Feng-Yi

2017-03-30

BACKGROUND To investigate the prognostic value of procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and pancreatic stone protein (PSP) in children with sepsis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 214 patients with sepsis during hospitalization were enrolled. Serum levels of PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP were measured on day 1 of hospitalization and the survival rates of children were recorded after a follow-up of 28 days. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to test the association of PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP with pediatric critical illness score (PCIS). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors contributing to patients' death. The AUC was used to determine the value of PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP in the prognosis of patients with sepsis. RESULTS The expression of PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP in the dying patients was higher than in the surviving patients (p<0.001). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that serum PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP levels were negatively correlated with PCIS (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with sepsis (p<0.001). ROC analysis showed the AUC values of PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77-0.88), 0.76 (95% CI, 0.70-0.82), and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.67-0.79), respectively. The combined AUC value of PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP, was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.87-0.95), which was significantly increased compared with PCT, hs-CRP, or PSP (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The combination of serum PCT, hs-CRP, and PSP represents a promising biomarker of risk, and is a useful clinical tool for risk stratification of children with sepsis.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Guoyue, E-mail: yuanguoyue@hotmail.com; Jia, Jue; Di, Liangliang

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CRP increases TNF-{alpha} and IL-6 genes expression in matured 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CRP suppresses adiponectin, leptin and PPAR-{gamma} mRNA levels in matured 3T3-L1 cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Wortmannin reverses effects of CRP on adiponectin, TNF-{alpha} and leptin mRNA levels. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CRP may regulate IR, obesity and metabolic syndrome by this mechanism. -- Abstract: Adipose tissue is now recognized to be an important endocrine organ, secreting a variety of adipokines that are involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered as one of the most sensitive markers of inflammation. A number ofmore » studies have shown that elevation of CRP concentrations is an independent predictive parameter of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is also strongly associated with various components of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of CRP on adipokines genes expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that CRP inhibited adiponectin, leptin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-{gamma}) genes expression and raised tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA levels in matured 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose and time-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase by wortmannin partially reversed the effects of CRP on adiponectin, TNF-{alpha} and leptin genes expression. These results collectively suggest that CRP regulates adiponectin, TNF-{alpha}, leptin, IL-6 and PPAR-{gamma} genes expression, and that might represent a mechanism by which CRP regulates insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome.« less

Measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and nerve-growth-factor (NGF) concentrations in serum and urine samples of dogs with neurologic disorders.

PubMed

Kordass, Ulrike; Carlson, Regina; Stein, Veronika Maria; Tipold, Andrea

2016-01-08

The purpose of this study was to prove the hypothesis that C-reactive protein (CRP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) may be potential biomarkers for lower urinary tract disorders and may be able to distinguish between micturition dysfunctions of different origin in dogs with spinal cord diseases. NGF- and CRP- concentrations were measured in serum and urine samples using specific ELISA-Kits. Results in urine were standardized by urine-creatinine levels. CRP in serum was detectable in 32/76 and in urine samples in 40/76 patients. NGF could be measured in all serum and in 70/76 urine samples. Urinary CRP concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with micturition dysfunction (p = 0.0009) and in dogs with different neurological diseases (p = 0.0020) compared to the control group. However, comparing dogs with spinal cord disorders with and without associated micturition dysfunction no significant difference could be detected for NGF and CRP values in urine or serum samples. Additionally, levels did not decrease significantly, when measured at the time when the dogs regained the ability to urinate properly (urinary NGF p = 0.7962; urinary CRP p = 0.078). Urine samples with bacteria and/or leukocytes had no significant increase in urinary NGF (p = 0.1112) or CRP (p = 0.0534) concentrations, but higher CRP-levels in urine from dogs with cystitis were found compared to dogs without signs of cystitis. From these data we conclude that neither CRP nor NGF in urine or serum can be considered as reliable biomarkers for micturition disorders in dogs with spinal cord disorders in a clinical setting, but their production might be part of the pathogenesis of such disorders. Significantly higher levels of CRP could be found in the urine of dogs with micturition dysfunctions compared to control dogs. This phenomenon could potentially be explained by unspecific extrahepatic CRP production by smooth muscle cells in the dilated bladder.

Low C-Reactive Protein Levels in a Traditional West-African Population Living in a Malaria Endemic Area

PubMed Central

Eriksson, Ulrika K.; van Bodegom, David; May, Linda; Boef, Anna G. C.; Westendorp, Rudi G. J.

2013-01-01

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are reported to be elevated in populations of African descent living in affluent environments compared to populations of European ancestry. However, the natural history of CRP levels in populations of African descent living under adverse environments remains largely unknown. Methods CRP levels were measured with a high sensitivity assay in 624 apparently healthy individuals who contributed blood as part of a study on innate immune responsiveness in a traditional Ghanaian population living under adverse environmental conditions in a malaria endemic area. As a comparison, we included CRP measurements from 2931 apparently healthy individuals from the Dutch population that were included in the same batch of CRP analyses. Associations between CRP and body mass index (BMI), immune responsiveness, and P. falciparum parasitaemia were investigated. Results In an age- and sex-adjusted model, CRP levels were 0.54 mg/L lower in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (1.52 vs. 0.98 mg/L, p<0.001). When accounting for the substantially higher average BMI in the Dutch compared to the Ghanaians (25.6 vs. 18.4 kg/m2) the difference in CRP levels disappeared. BMI associated positively with CRP in the Dutch but not in the Ghanaians. In individuals with an acute phase response, CRP levels were higher in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (24.6 vs. 17.3 mg/L, p = 0.04). Levels of CRP were positively related to immune responsiveness and P. falciparum parasitaemia (all p<0.001) among Ghanaians. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that West-Africans do not exhibit an inherently high inflammatory state. The role of genes, environment and gene-environment interaction in explaining reports of elevated CRP levels in populations of African ancestry when compared to other ethnicities living in affluent environments thus merits further investigation. PMID:23922912

GlycA and hsCRP are independent and additive predictors of future cardiovascular events among patients undergoing angiography: The intermountain heart collaborative study.

PubMed

Muhlestein, Joseph B; May, Heidi T; Galenko, Oxana; Knowlton, Kirk U; Otvos, James D; Connelly, Margery A; Lappe, Donald L; Anderson, Jeffrey L

2018-04-06

GlycA is an inflammatory marker that is raised in patients with cardiometabolic diseases and associated with cardiovascular (CV) events. We sought to determine if GlycA adds independent value to hsCRP for CV risk prediction. Patients in the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study who underwent coronary angiography and had plasma GlycA and hsCRP levels were studied (n = 2996). Patients were followed for 7.0 ± 2.8 years. GlycA and hsCRP were moderately correlated (r = 0.46, P < .0001). GlycA and hsCRP concentrations were stratified into high and low categories by their median values. Multivariable cox hazard regression was utilized to determine the associations of GlycA quartiles, as well as high and low categories of GlycA and hsCRP, with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and stroke. The highest GlycA quartile was associated with future MACE [HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.22-1.69; P < .0001]. Patients with high GlycA and high hsCRP had more diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, HF, renal failure and MI, but not coronary artery disease. High GlycA and hsCRP (H/H) versus low GlycA and hsCRP (L/L) was associated with MACE, death and HF hospitalization, but not MI or stroke. Combined MACE rates were 33.5%, 41.3%, 35.7% and 49.1% for L/L, L/H, H/L and H/H categories of GlycA/hsCRP, respectively (P-trend < .0001). The interaction between GlycA and hsCRP was significant for the outcome of death (P = .03). In this study, levels of GlycA and hsCRP were independent and additive markers of risk for MACE, death and HF hospitalization. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Comparison of the disease activity score using erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in African Americans with rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Tamhane, Ashutosh; Redden, David T; McGwin, Gerald; Brown, Elizabeth E; Westfall, Andrew O; Reynolds, Richard J; Hughes, Laura B; Conn, Doyt L; Callahan, Leigh F; Jonas, Beth L; Smith, Edwin A; Brasington, Richard D; Moreland, Larry W; Bridges, S Louis

2013-11-01

The Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28) has been increasingly used in clinical practice and research studies of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have reported discordance between DAS28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) versus C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with RA. However, such comparison is lacking in African Americans with RA. This analysis included participants from the Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluation of African Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CLEAR) registry, which enrolls self-declared African Americans with RA. Using tender and swollen joint counts, separate ESR-based and CRP-based DAS28 scores (DAS28-ESR3 and DAS28-CRP3) were calculated, as were DAS28-ESR4 and DAS28-CRP4, which included the patient's assessment of disease activity. The scores were compared using paired t-test, simple agreement and κ, correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots. Of the 233 included participants, 85% were women, mean age at enrollment was 52.6 years, and median disease duration at enrollment was 21 months. Mean DAS28-ESR3 was significantly higher than DAS28-CRP3 (4.8 vs 3.9; p < 0.001). Similarly, mean DAS28-ESR4 was significantly higher than DAS28-CRP4 (4.7 vs 3.9; p < 0.001). ESR-based DAS28 remained higher than CRP-based DAS28 even when stratified by age, sex, and disease duration. Overall agreement was not high between DAS28-ESR3 and DAS28-CRP3 (50%) or between DAS28-ESR4 and DAS28-CRP4 (59%). DAS28-CRP3 underestimated disease activity in 47% of the participants relative to DAS28-ESR3 and DAS28-CRP4 in 40% of the participants relative to DAS28-ESR4. There was significant discordance between the ESR-based and CRP-based DAS28, a situation that could affect clinical treatment decisions for African Americans with RA.

Low C-reactive protein levels in a traditional West-African population living in a malaria endemic area.

PubMed

Eriksson, Ulrika K; van Bodegom, David; May, Linda; Boef, Anna G C; Westendorp, Rudi G J

2013-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are reported to be elevated in populations of African descent living in affluent environments compared to populations of European ancestry. However, the natural history of CRP levels in populations of African descent living under adverse environments remains largely unknown. CRP levels were measured with a high sensitivity assay in 624 apparently healthy individuals who contributed blood as part of a study on innate immune responsiveness in a traditional Ghanaian population living under adverse environmental conditions in a malaria endemic area. As a comparison, we included CRP measurements from 2931 apparently healthy individuals from the Dutch population that were included in the same batch of CRP analyses. Associations between CRP and body mass index (BMI), immune responsiveness, and P. falciparum parasitaemia were investigated. In an age- and sex-adjusted model, CRP levels were 0.54 mg/L lower in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (1.52 vs. 0.98 mg/L, p<0.001). When accounting for the substantially higher average BMI in the Dutch compared to the Ghanaians (25.6 vs. 18.4 kg/m(2)) the difference in CRP levels disappeared. BMI associated positively with CRP in the Dutch but not in the Ghanaians. In individuals with an acute phase response, CRP levels were higher in the Ghanaian compared to the Dutch cohort (24.6 vs. 17.3 mg/L, p = 0.04). Levels of CRP were positively related to immune responsiveness and P. falciparum parasitaemia (all p<0.001) among Ghanaians. Our study demonstrates that West-Africans do not exhibit an inherently high inflammatory state. The role of genes, environment and gene-environment interaction in explaining reports of elevated CRP levels in populations of African ancestry when compared to other ethnicities living in affluent environments thus merits further investigation.

Effect of periodontal therapy on serum C-reactive protein levels in patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis: a clinicobiochemical study.

PubMed

Patil, Veena A; Desai, Manthan H

2013-03-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal therapy on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. A total of 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) were included in the study with 20 subjects in each of the groups classified based on community periodontal index (CPI) scores: I: Healthy, II: Gingivitis, III: Mild periodontitis. Periodontal therapy was performed on groups II and III patients. Venous blood was collected from each subject at baseline and 3 months after periodontal therapy. The collected sample was subjected to biochemical analysis to detect CRP levels by using immunoturbidimetric method. The present study demonstrated that the periodontitis group had a higher mean CRP levels (2.49 ± 0.47 ng/ml) as compared to the gingivitis group (1.40 ± 0.32 ng/ml) and healthy group (0.56 ± 0.20 ng/ml). The mean CRP values after periodontal therapy were found to be reduced to 0.44 ± 0.23 ng/ml in group II and 1.30 ± 0.36 ng/ml in group III patients. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that CRP level progressively increases from periodontal health to disease. A decrease in CRP levels with periodontal treatment was also observed. Due to its opsonizing abilities CRP plays an important role in the innate host defence. It can be hypothesized that CRP is a potential biomarker of periodontal disease. A number of studies have reported elevated serum CRP levels in periodontitis subjects. Long standing periodontal disease and raised CRP levels enhance the risk of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accidents and preterm low birth weight infants. There is also evidence that effective periodontal therapy can lower serum CRP levels. However, the data of interventional studies on CRP in gingivitis and periodontitis is scarce.

The association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and metabolic risk factors in black and white South African women: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

George, Cindy; Evans, Juliet; Micklesfield, Lisa K; Olsson, Tommy; Goedecke, Julia H

2018-01-01

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is associated with metabolic risk, however it is unclear whether the relationship is confounded by racial/ethnic differences in socioeconomic status (SES), lifestyle factors or central adiposity. The aims of the study was, (1) to investigate whether hsCRP levels differ by race/ethnicity; (2) to examine the race/ethnic-specific associations between hsCRP, HOMA-IR and serum lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C)]; and (3) to determine whether race/ethnic-specific associations are explained by SES, lifestyle factors or waist circumference (WC). The convenience sample comprised 195 black and 153 white apparently health women, aged 18-45 years. SES (education, assets and housing density) and lifestyle factors (alcohol use, physical activity and contraceptive use) were collected by questionnaire. Weight, height and WC were measured, and fasting blood samples collected for hsCRP, glucose, insulin, and lipids. Black women had higher age- and BMI-adjusted hsCRP levels than white women ( p  = 0.047). hsCRP was associated with HOMA-IR ( p  < 0.001), TG (p < 0.001), TC ( p  < 0.05), HDL-C (p < 0.05), and LDL-C ( p  < 0.05), independent of age and race/ethnicity. The association between hsCRP and lipids differed by race/ethnicity, such that hsCRP was positively associated with TG and LDL-C in white women, and inversely associated with HDL-C in black women. Higher hsCRP was also associated with higher TC in white women and lower TC in black women. Furthermore, when adjusting for SES and lifestyle factors, the associations between hsCRP, and TC and TG, remained, however the associations between hsCRP, and HDL-C and LDL-C, were no longer significant. Although circulating hsCRP may identify individuals at increased metabolic risk, the heterogeneity in these associations between racial/ethnic groups highlights the need for prospective studies investigating the role of hsCRP for risk prediction in different populations.

The cyclic AMP receptor protein, CRP, is required for both virulence and expression of the minimal CRP regulon in Yersinia pestis biovar microtus.

PubMed

Zhan, Lingjun; Han, Yanping; Yang, Lei; Geng, Jing; Li, Yingli; Gao, He; Guo, Zhaobiao; Fan, Wei; Li, Gang; Zhang, Lianfeng; Qin, Chuan; Zhou, Dongsheng; Yang, Ruifu

2008-11-01

The cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) is a bacterial regulator that controls more than 100 promoters, including those involved in catabolite repression. In the present study, a null deletion of the crp gene was constructed for Yersinia pestis bv. microtus strain 201. Microarray expression analysis disclosed that at least 6% of Y. pestis genes were affected by this mutation. Further reverse transcription-PCR and electrophoretic mobility shift assay analyses disclosed a set of 37 genes or putative operons to be the direct targets of CRP, and thus they constitute the minimal CRP regulon in Y. pestis. Subsequent primer extension and DNase I footprinting assays mapped transcriptional start sites, core promoter elements, and CRP binding sites within the DNA regions upstream of pla and pst, revealing positive and direct control of these two laterally acquired plasmid genes by CRP. The crp disruption affected both in vitro and in vivo growth of the mutant and led to a >15,000-fold loss of virulence after subcutaneous infection but a <40-fold increase in the 50% lethal dose by intravenous inoculation. Therefore, CRP is required for the virulence of Y. pestis and, particularly, is more important for infection by subcutaneous inoculation. It can further be concluded that the reduced in vivo growth phenotype of the crp mutant should contribute, at least partially, to its attenuation of virulence by both routes of infection. Consistent with a previous study of Y. pestis bv. medievalis, lacZ reporter fusion analysis indicated that the crp deletion resulted in the almost absolute loss of pla promoter activity. The plasminogen activator encoded by pla was previously shown to specifically promote Y. pestis dissemination from peripheral infection routes (subcutaneous infection [flea bite] or inhalation). The above evidence supports the notion that in addition to the reduced in vivo growth phenotype, the defect of pla expression in the crp mutant will greatly contribute to the huge loss of virulence of this mutant strain in subcutaneous infection.

Correlation of CRP, fasting serum triglycerides and obesity as cardiovascular risk factors.

PubMed

Firdous, Samar

2014-05-01

To determine the correlation of C-reactive protein (CRP) with fasting triglycerides (TG) among pre-obese and obese patients without established diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). A comparative cross-sectional study. Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January to June 2010. Patients with BMI > 23 kg/m2 aged between 18 - 65 years were inducted and above variables were studied. Patients with signs of fluid retention, collagen vascular disease, CAD, patients on corticosteroids, immunomodulators or lipid lowering medications and febrile patients were not recruited. Body mass index was also determined. Independent sample t-test was applied to see the mean difference of age, CRP level and triglycerides level in relation to gender. Chi-square test was used to see the association between qualitative variables. ANOVA was applied to see CRP and fasting serum TG level in relation to BMI categories. Pearson correlation and simple linear regression was applied to see the dependency of CRP and triglycerides with BMI. P-value ² 0.05 was taken as significant. Raised CRP was major finding among all groups of BMI. Most of obese and pre-obese patients were young and middle aged and belonged to pre-obese group followed by class-1 and class-2 obesity. CRP level increased with body mass index. No such trend was observed for triglycerides. There was an intermediate positive correlation between CRP and BMI and triglycerides and BMI showed a weak negative correlation. If BMI increases by 1 unit on the average, CRP rises by 0.239 times and this unit rise was significant. Whereas 1 unit rise increase in triglycerides on the average cause CRP to decrease -0.006 times but this value was insignificant. Raised CRP and high fasting TG were major findings in all age groups especially among young and middle aged people. Obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and raised CRP are interrelated suggesting that obesity is not only linked to hypertriglyceridemia but vascular inflammation among pre-obese and obese without overt diabetes mellitus causes high CRP as well and this can be used as a marker to predict the future risk of CAD. However, in the absence of dyslipidaemia, raised CRP can still be considered as a strong predictor of CAD and stroke.

Familial aggregation of circulating C-reactive protein in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Sasidevi, Arunachalam; Vellanki, Priyathama; Kunselman, Allen R; Raja-Khan, Nazia; Dunaif, Andrea; Legro, Richard S

2013-03-01

What is the heritability of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their first-degree relatives? Women with PCOS and their siblings are more likely to have elevated CRP levels when both of their parents have elevated CRP. This PCOS family-based study indicates that CRP levels are likely a heritable trait. Previous studies have established that an elevated blood level of CRP is variably present in women with PCOS, and may be present independent of metabolic status. A familial based phenotyping study consisting of 81 families comprised of PCOS patients and their first-degree relatives for 305 subjects. Study conducted at an academic health center. An elevated CRP level was defined as >28.6 nmol/l. To account for familial clustering, generalized estimating equations with a logit link were used to model the association between elevated CRP levels in patients with PCOS and their siblings with their parental group (A = neither parent with elevated CRP; B = one parent with elevated CRP; C= both parents with elevated CRP), adjusting for gender, age and BMI of the offspring. We did additional heritability analyses by using a variance component estimation method for CRP levels, adjusting for sex, age and BMI. We observed elevated CRP levels in 94% of the offspring in group C, 45% in group B and 10% in group A after adjusting for age, gender and BMI of the offspring. The median BMI of the offspring in group A, B and C were 30.0, 28.7 and 31.2 kg/m², respectively. Heritability estimates of CRP levels ranged from 0.75 to 0.83 and remained significant after excluding for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our small sample size increases the possibility of a type 1 error. This is a single report in an adequately powered but limited sample size study identifying the strong heritability of CRP levels. Replication in other large family cohorts is necessary. These findings support the concept that there is an increased cardiovascular disease risk profile in families of women with PCOS. This research was supported by National Institutes of Health grants U54HD-034449 and P50 HD044405 (A.D.). Priyathama Vellanki is supported in part by NIH/NIDDK Training Grant T32 DK007169.

Quality Indicators for Competitive Employment Outcomes: What Special Education Teachers Need to Know in Transition Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooke, Valerie Ann; Revell, Grant; Wehman, Paul

2009-01-01

The quality of job outcomes achieved by youth with disabilities who are transitioning into employment varies widely across the country. Special education teachers, youth with disabilities, families, community rehabilitation program (CRP) staff providing employment services, and others involved in assisting transitioning youth can benefit from a…

Fostering Growth and Development of Recovering Students in Higher Education through Servant Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Anne

2014-01-01

Servant leadership is a leadership style complementary to a lifestyle of recovery from a substance use disorder. Across the country, thousands of students in recovery from substance use disorders are pursuing higher education. Support for students in recovery is increasing, primarily through collegiate recovery programs (CRP) that are being…

Genetic Loci Influencing C-reactive Protein Levels and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

PubMed Central

Elliott, Paul; Chambers, John C.; Zhang, Weihua; Clarke, Robert; Hopewell, Jemma C.; Peden, John F.; Erdmann, Jeanette; Braund, Peter; Engert, James C.; Bennett, Derrick; Coin, Lachlan; Ashby, Deborah; Tzoulaki, Ioanna; Brown, Ian J.; Mt-Isa, Shahrul; McCarthy, Mark I.; Peltonen, Leena; Freimer, Nelson B.; Farrall, Martin; Ruokonen, Aimo; Hamsten, Anders; Lim, Noha; Froguel, Philippe; Waterworth, Dawn M.; Vollenweider, Peter; Waeber, Gerard; Jarvelin, Marjo-Riitta; Mooser, Vincent; Scott, James; Hall, Alistair S.; Schunkert, Heribert; Anand, Sonia S.; Collins, Rory; Samani, Nilesh J.; Watkins, Hugh; Kooner, Jaspal S.

2009-01-01

Context: Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are independently associated with risk of coronary heart disease, but whether CRP is causally associated with coronary heart disease or merely a marker of underlying atherosclerosis is uncertain. Objective: To investigate association of genetic loci with CRP levels and risk of coronary heart disease. Design, setting and participants: We first carried out a genome-wide association (n=17,967) and replication study (n=14,747) to identify genetic loci associated with plasma CRP concentrations. Data collection took place between 1989 and 2008 and genotyping between 2003 and 2008. We carried out a Mendelian randomisation study of the most closely associated SNP in the CRP locus and published data on other CRP variants involving a total of 28,112 cases and 100,823 controls, to investigate the association of CRP variants with coronary heart disease. We compared our finding with that predicted from meta-analysis of observational studies of CRP levels and risk of coronary heart disease. For the other loci associated with CRP levels, we selected the most closely associated SNP for testing against coronary heart disease among 14,365 cases and 32,069 controls. Main outcome measure: Risk of coronary heart disease. Results: Polymorphisms in five genetic loci were strongly associated with CRP levels (% difference per minor allele): SNP rs6700896 in LEPR (−14.7% [95% Confidence Interval {CI}], −17.5 – −11.9, P=1.6×10−21), rs4537545 in IL6R (−10.8% [95% CI, −13.8 – −7.7], P=5.1×10−11), rs7553007 in CRP locus (−20.7% [95% CI, −23.5 – −17.9], P=3.3×10−38), rs1183910 in HNF1A (−13.6% [95% CI, −16.4 – −10.6], P=1.2×10−17) and rs4420638 in APOE-CI-CII (−21.8% [95% CI, −25.4 – −18.1], P=2.1×10−25). Association of SNP rs7553007 in the CRP locus with coronary heart disease gave odds ratio (OR) 0.98 (95% CI, 0.94 – 1.01) per 20% lower CRP. Our Mendelian randomisation study of variants in the CRP locus showed no association with coronary heart disease: OR 1.00 (95% CI, 0.97 – 1.02) per 20% lower CRP, compared with OR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.94 – 0.95) predicted from meta-analysis of the observational studies of CRP levels and coronary heart disease (Z-score −3.45, P<.001). SNPs rs6700896 in LEPR (OR 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02 – 1.09] per minor allele), rs4537545 in IL6R (OR 0.94 [95% CI, 0.91 – 0.97]) and rs4420638 in the APOE-CI-CII cluster (OR 1.16 [95% CI, 1.12 – 1.21]) were all associated with risk of coronary heart disease. Conclusions: The lack of concordance between the effect on coronary heart disease risk of CRP genotypes and CRP levels argues against a causal association of CRP with coronary heart disease. PMID:19567438

Cognitive rehabilitation in patients with gliomas: a randomized, controlled trial.

PubMed

Gehring, Karin; Sitskoorn, Margriet M; Gundy, Chad M; Sikkes, Sietske A M; Klein, Martin; Postma, Tjeerd J; van den Bent, Martin J; Beute, Guus N; Enting, Roelien H; Kappelle, Arnoud C; Boogerd, Willem; Veninga, Theo; Twijnstra, Albert; Boerman, Dolf H; Taphoorn, Martin J B; Aaronson, Neil K

2009-08-01

Patients with gliomas often experience cognitive deficits, including problems with attention and memory. This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the effects of a multifaceted cognitive rehabilitation program (CRP) on cognitive functioning and selected quality-of-life domains in patients with gliomas. One hundred forty adult patients with low-grade and anaplastic gliomas, favorable prognostic factors, and both subjective cognitive symptoms and objective cognitive deficits were recruited from 11 hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group or to a waiting-list control group. The intervention incorporated both computer-based attention retraining and compensatory skills training of attention, memory, and executive functioning. Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological (NP) tests and self-report questionnaires on cognitive functioning, fatigue, mental health-related quality of life, and community integration at baseline, after completion of the CRP, and at 6-month follow-up. At the immediate post-treatment evaluation, statistically significant intervention effects were observed for measures of subjective cognitive functioning and its perceived burden but not for the objective NP outcomes or for any of the other self-report measures. At the 6-month follow-up, the CRP group performed significantly better than the control group on NP tests of attention and verbal memory and reported less mental fatigue. Group differences in other subjective outcomes were not significant at 6 months. The CRP has a salutary effect on short-term cognitive complaints and on longer-term cognitive performance and mental fatigue. Additional research is needed to identify which elements of the intervention are most effective.

Adiponectin and markers of metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents: impact of 8-mo regular physical exercise program.

PubMed

Nascimento, Henrique; Costa, Elísio; Rocha, Susana; Lucena, Clarice; Rocha-Pereira, Petronila; Rêgo, Carla; Mansilha, Helena Ferreira; Quintanilha, Alexandre; Aires, Luísa; Mota, Jorge; Santos-Silva, Alice; Belo, Luís

2014-08-01

Adiponectin circulates as low-, medium-, and high-molecular-weight multimers (LMW, MMW, and HMW) and influences lipid profile and insulin resistance (IR), HMW being considered as the most biologically active form. We aimed to study the relation between adiponectin and markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) in pediatric obesity, and the impact of physical exercise. The study consisted of a cross-sectional part and an 8-mo physical exercise program. Lipid profile, insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), total adiponectin (TA), and homeostasis model assessment IR (HOMA-IR) were measured. Adiponectin multimers were studied in a prepubertal group. Obesity is associated with increased dyslipidemia, IR, and inflammation. TA is correlated inversely with adiposity, triglycerides, HOMA-IR, and CRP, and positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc)/total cholesterol (TC) ratio. HMW mimicked TA associations. The intervention program led to a reduction of TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), insulin, HOMA-IR, and trunk percentage of fat, and an increase of HDLc/TC ratio, in the obese group. BMI improvements prevented adiponectin reduction and correlated with increments in HMW and MMW. Obesity-related increase in MS features might be linked to lower adiponectin. HMW and MMW were the multimers that most explained the MS features. The intervention program improved the lipid profile and IR, and prevented the reduction of adiponectin.

Serum Adipocytokine Levels as Surrogate Markers for Disease Activity of Crohn's Disease.

PubMed

Kim, Su Hwan; Jang, Seung Hyeon; Kim, Ji Won; Kim, Byeong Gwan; Lee, Kook Lae; Kim, You Sun; Han, Dong Soo; Kim, Joo Sung

2017-05-01

Determining inflammatory activity is crucial for assessing disease activity and for tailoring therapy in patients with Crohn׳s disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate adipocytokine levels in patients with CD and to determine whether they can serve as surrogate markers for disease activity. Serum samples and information regarding the clinical features of patients in the CD Network Project registry were collected from March 2009 to February 2012. Patients with CD and disease duration of at least 2 years were enrolled in this study. Fasting serum leptin, adiponectin, obestatin and ghrelin levels were measured, and their correlation with clinical features of the patients was analyzed. Serum adipocytokine levels were evaluated according to disease activity as determined by CD activity index score. A total of 153 patients with CD were included. Serum ghrelin levels negatively correlated with patient age (P = 0.041) and age at diagnosis (P = 0.017), and positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P = 0.017). Multiple regression analysis showed that serum ghrelin levels were related only to CRP levels (P = 0.032). Like ghrelin, serum leptin levels were also related to CRP levels (P < 0.001). Obestatin and adiponectin levels were not related to CRP levels. Serum adipocytokine levels did not significantly differ across different disease locations or behaviors. Serum ghrelin levels were significantly lower in patients with CD with a history of surgery than in those without (P = 0.007). Serum ghrelin and leptin levels may be useful as surrogate markers for disease activity in patients with CD. Copyright © 2017 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Systemic inflammation as a predictor of brain aging: Contributions of physical activity, metabolic risk, and genetic risk.

PubMed

Corlier, Fabian; Hafzalla, George; Faskowitz, Joshua; Kuller, Lewis H; Becker, James T; Lopez, Oscar L; Thompson, Paul M; Braskie, Meredith N

2018-05-15

Inflammatory processes may contribute to risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-related brain degeneration. Metabolic and genetic risk factors, and physical activity may, in turn, influence these inflammatory processes. Some of these risk factors are modifiable, and interact with each other. Understanding how these processes together relate to brain aging will help to inform future interventions to treat or prevent cognitive decline. We used brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan 335 older adult humans (mean age 77.3 ± 3.4 years) who remained non-demented for the duration of the 9-year longitudinal study. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) in a subset of 226 adults to evaluate whether measures of baseline peripheral inflammation (serum C-reactive protein levels; CRP), mediated the baseline contributions of genetic and metabolic risk, and physical activity, to regional cortical thickness in AD-relevant brain regions at study year 9. We found that both baseline metabolic risk and AD risk variant apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4), modulated baseline serum CRP. Higher baseline CRP levels, in turn, predicted thinner regional cortex at year 9, and mediated an effect between higher metabolic risk and thinner cortex in those regions. A higher polygenic risk score composed of variants in immune-associated AD risk genes (other than APOE) was associated with thinner regional cortex. However, CRP levels did not mediate this effect, suggesting that other mechanisms may be responsible for the elevated AD risk. We found interactions between genetic and environmental factors and structural brain health. Our findings support the role of metabolic risk and peripheral inflammation in age-related brain decline. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Beneficial Effects of Pentoxifylline Plus Losartan Dual Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes with Nephropathy.

PubMed

Rabizadeh, Soghra; Dehghani Firouzabadi, Fatemeh; Noshad, Sina; Esteghamati, Sadaf; Afarideh, Mohsen; Ghajar, Alireza; Ganji, Morsaleh; Saadat, Mohammad; Heidari, Behnam; Najafi, Mohammad Taghi; Nakhjavani, Manouchehr; Esteghamati, Alireza

2018-05-01

This study was designed to comparatively assess the effects of add-on pentoxifylline to losartan versus increasing the dose of losartan on serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the urinary albumin excretion (UAE) rate in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. In an open-label, single-center, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial (NCT03006952), 30 patients received b.i.d. dose of pentoxifylline 400mg plus daily dose of losartan 50mg (pentoxifylline arm) and 29 patients received b.i.d. dose of losartan 50mg (losartan arm) during a 12-week follow-up period. Serum NT-proBNP, serum hsCRP and UAE levels all significantly decreased from baseline in both trial arms. The pentoxifylline and losartan trial arms were equally effective in reducing serum NT-proBNP levels during the course of trial (multivariable adjusted model P value = 0.864, effect size = 0.2%). There was a greater decrease in UAE and serum hsCRP levels in the pentoxifylline arm (P = 0.034, effect size = 7.8%; P = 0.009, effect size = 11.7%, respectively). Conversely, patients in the losartan arm achieved better systolic and diastolic blood pressure control (P < 0.001, effect size = 25.4%; P = 0.010, effect size = 11.3%, respectively). Circulating NT-proBNP levels equally and significantly reduced from baseline in the pentoxifylline and losartan treatment arms, in parallel with comparatively superior decreases of UAE and serum hsCRP in the pentoxifylline arm, and larger decreases of systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the losartan arm. Copyright © 2018 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum ficolin-2 correlates worse than fecal calprotectin and CRP with endoscopic Crohn's disease activity.

PubMed

Schaffer, Thomas; Schoepfer, Alain M; Seibold, Frank

2014-09-01

Ficolin-2 is an acute phase reactant produced by the liver and targeted to recognize N-acetyl-glucosamine which is present in bacterial and fungal cell walls. We recently showed that ficolin-2 serum levels were significantly higher in CD patients compared to healthy controls. We aimed to evaluate serum ficolin-2 concentrations in CD patients regarding their correlation with endoscopic severity and to compare them with clinical activity, fecal calprotectin, and CRP. Patients provided fecal and blood samples before undergoing ileo-colonoscopy. Disease activity was scored clinically according to the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) and endoscopically according to the simplified endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD). Ficolin-2 serum levels and fecal calprotectin levels were measured by ELISA. A total of 136 CD patients were prospectively included (mean age at inclusion 41.5±15.4 years, 37.5% females). Median HBI was 3 [2-6] points, median SES-CD was 5 [2-8], median fecal calprotectin was 301 [120-703] μg/g, and median serum ficolin-2 was 2.69 [2.02-3.83] μg/mL. SES-CD correlated significantly with calprotectin (R=0.676, P<0.001), CRP (R=0.458, P<0.001), HBI (R=0.385, P<0.001), and serum ficolin-2 levels (R=0.171, P=0.047). Ficolin-2 levels were higher in CD patients with mild endoscopic disease compared to patients in endoscopic remission (P=0.015) but no difference was found between patients with mild, moderate, and severe endoscopic disease. Ficolin-2 serum levels correlate worse with endoscopic CD activity when compared to fecal calprotectin or CRP. Copyright © 2014 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Usefulness of analytical parameters in the management of paediatric patients with suspicion of acute pyelonephritis. Is procalcitonin reliable?

PubMed

Bañuelos-Andrío, L; Espino-Hernández, M; Ruperez-Lucas, M; Villar-Del Campo, M C; Romero-Carrasco, C I; Rodríguez-Caravaca, G

To investigate the usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT) and other analytical parameters (white blood cell count [WBC], C-reactive protein [CRP]) as markers of acute renal damage in children after a first febrile or afebrile urinary tract infection (UTI). A retrospective study was conducted on children with a first episode of UTI admitted between January 2009 to December 2011, and in whom serum PCT, CRP and white blood cell count were measured, as well as assessing the acute renal damage with renal scintigraphy with 99m Tc-DMSA (DMSA) within the first 72h after referral. A descriptive study was performed and ROC curves were plotted, with optimal cut-off points calculated for each parameter. The 101 enrolled patients were divided into two groups according to DMSA scintigraphy results, with 64 patients being classified with acute pyelonephritis (APN), and 37 with UTI. The mean WBC, CRP and PCT values were significantly higher in patients with APN with respect to normal acute DMSA. The area under the ROC curve was 0.862 for PCR, 0.774 for WBC, and 0.731 for PCT. The optimum statistical cut-off value for PCT was 0.285ng/ml (sensitivity 71.4% and specificity 75%). Although the mean levels of fever, WBC, CRP, and PCT were significantly increased in patients with APN than in those who had UTI, the sensitivity and specificity of these analytical parameters are unable to predict the existence of acute renal damage, making the contribution by renal DMSA scintigraphy essential. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Reg3β is associated with cardiac inflammation and provides prognostic information in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Lörchner, Holger; Widera, Christian; Hou, Yunlong; Elsässer, Albrecht; Warnecke, Henning; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Hulot, Jean-Sebastien; Braun, Thomas; Wollert, Kai C; Pöling, Jochen

2018-05-01

Regenerating islet-derived protein 3 beta (Reg3β) is a cardiomyocyte-derived chemokine for macrophages that is upregulated after myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. Here, we hypothesized that monitoring Reg3β expression might provide specific information on the degree of cardiac inflammation, which is a key determinant in disease progression and prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The expression of Reg3β and other inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured by immunoblotting at serial time points in the hearts and serum of mice with acute MI. We identified a rapid increase of Reg3β, CRP and MPO expression in cardiac tissue and serum within the first 24 h after MI. The expression of Reg3β peaked at day 4 and thereby paralleled the kinetic profile of the early immune-inflammatory response at sites of cardiac injury, which has been characterized by multicolor flow cytometry. In a retrospective analysis including 322 ACS patients and 117 apparently healthy individuals, we detected increased Reg3β serum concentrations in ACS patients on admission by ELISA. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant relationships between Reg3β and hs-CRP, age, diabetes and NT-proBNP in ACS. Moreover, elevated Reg3β levels on admission were associated with an increased risk of death independent of cardiovascular risk factors and hs-CRP. Reg3β is a prognostic biomarker for ACS and is strongly associated with the intensity of cardiac inflammation. Accordingly, Reg3β may complement established strategies of acute risk assessment in the management of ACS. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lower C-reactive protein and IL-6 associated with vegetarian diets are mediated by BMI.

PubMed

Jaceldo-Siegl, K; Haddad, E; Knutsen, S; Fan, J; Lloren, J; Bellinger, D; Fraser, G E

2018-03-13

The mechanism by which vegetarian diets are associated with less inflammation is not clear. We investigated the role of BMI as a mediator in the relationship between vegetarian diet and concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α. We used data from participants of the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2) Calibration (n = 893) and Biological Manifestations of Religion (n = 478) sub-studies. Vegetarian diet variations were determined based on reported intake of animal products assessed by FFQ. Combining all participants, the proportion of non-vegetarians (NVs), partial vegetarians (PVs), lacto-ovo vegetarians (LOVs), and strict vegetarians (SVs) was 44%, 16%, 31%, and 9%, respectively. NV and PV participants were older than other dietary groups, and non-vegetarians had the highest BMI. Mediation analyses supported the mediating effect of BMI in associations of vegetarian diet with CRP (p < 0.001 each for PV, LOV and SV), and with IL-6 (p < 0.05 each for PV, LOV and SV). Mediation by BMI was not evident between vegetarian diet and the biomarkers IL-10 and TNF-α. A direct pathway was significant only in the association between strict vegetarians and CRP (p = 0.017). The lower CRP and IL-6 concentrations among vegetarians may be mediated by BMI. Copyright © 2018 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of physical activity level on biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance over 5 years in outpatients with coronary heart disease (from the Heart and Soul Study).

PubMed

Jarvie, Jennifer L; Whooley, Mary A; Regan, Mathilda C; Sin, Nancy L; Cohen, Beth E

2014-10-15

Higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower rates of coronary heart disease (CHD). Previous studies have suggested that this is due partly to lower levels of inflammation and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine whether physical activity level was associated with inflammation or insulin resistance during a 5-year period in outpatients with known CHD. A total of 656 participants from the Heart and Soul Study, a prospective cohort study of outpatients with documented CHD, were evaluated. Self-reported physical activity frequency was assessed at baseline and after 5 years of follow-up. Participants were classified as low versus high activity at each visit, yielding 4 physical activity groups: stable low activity, decreasing activity (high at baseline to low at year 5), increasing activity (low at baseline to high at year 5), and stable high activity. Year 5 markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6, and fibrinogen) and insulin resistance (insulin, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin) were compared across the 4 activity groups. After 5 years of follow-up, higher activity was associated with lower mean levels of all biomarkers. In the fully adjusted regression models, CRP, interleukin-6, and glucose remained independently associated with physical activity frequency (log CRP, p for trend across activity groups = 0.03; log interleukin-6, p for trend = 0.01; log glucose, p for trend = 0.003). Subjects with stable high activity typically had the lowest levels of biomarkers. In conclusion, in this novel population of outpatients with known CHD followed for 5 years, higher physical activity frequency was independently associated with lower levels of CRP, interleukin-6, and glucose. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics and C-Reactive Protein Modelling of Anti-IL-6 Antibody (PF-04236921) in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Autoimmune Disease.

PubMed

Li, Cheryl; Shoji, Satoshi; Beebe, Jean

2018-05-18

The purpose of this study was to characterize pharmacokinetics (PK) of PF-04236921, a novel anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody, and its pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) relationship on serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Crohn's disease (CD) METHODS: Population modelling analyses were conducted using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. Data from 2 phase 1 healthy volunteer studies, a phase 1 RA study, a Phase 2 CD study, and a Phase 2 SLE study were included. A 2-compartment model with first order absorption and linear elimination and a mechanism-based indirect response model adequately described the PK and PK/PD relationships, respectively. Central compartment volume of distribution (Vc) positively correlated with body weight. Clearance (CL) negatively correlated with baseline albumin concentration and positively correlated with baseline CRP and creatinine clearance, and was slightly lower in females. After correcting for covariates, CL in CD subjects was approximately 60% higher than other populations. Maximum inhibition of PF-04236921 on CRP production (I max ) negatively correlated with baseline albumin. I max positively correlated with baseline CRP and the relationship was captured as a covariance structure in the PK/PD model. Integrated population PK and PK/PD models of PF-04236921 have been developed using pooled data from healthy subjects and autoimmune patients. The current model enables simulation of PF-04236921 PK and PD profiles under various dosing regimens and patient populations and should facilitate future clinical study of PF-04236921 and other anti-IL6 monoclonal antibodies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Evaluating the buffering vs. direct effects hypotheses of emotional social support on inflammatory markers: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Mezuk, Briana; Diez Roux, Ana V; Seeman, Teresa

2010-11-01

Social support is associated with cardiovascular disease mortality, however, the physiologic mechanisms underlying this relationship remains unspecified. This study evaluated the association of social support with inflammatory markers associated with cardiovascular risk: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrinogen. We evaluated two competing models of the support-inflammation relationship: first, that low social support is directly associated with inflammation, and second, that high support acts to buffer the effect of stress on inflammation. Using data from the baseline interview of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (N = 6814, 53% female, age 45-84 years) we assessed the independent and interacting associations of social support and stress with inflammation. Social support was measured by the emotional social support index. Stressors in multiple domains (work, family, finances, interpersonal) were assessed. Serum CRP, IL-6, and fibrinogen were analyzed from fasting samples using high-sensitivity assays. Multivariate linear regression, including models stratified by gender and age group (45-64 and 65-84 years), was used to assess the direct and buffering relationships between social support, stress, and inflammation. In bivariate analyses low social support was associated with higher levels of all three markers. In adjusted models, low support was associated with higher lnCRP (B: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.30) among men but not women. High social support buffered the relationship between stress and CRP among middle-aged women only (P for interaction 0.042). Overall, social support was only modestly associated with inflammation in this relatively healthy sample, and these relationships varied by age and gender. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between social isolation and inflammatory markers in depressed and non-depressed individuals: results from the MONICA/KORA study.

PubMed

Häfner, S; Emeny, R T; Lacruz, M E; Baumert, J; Herder, C; Koenig, W; Thorand, B; Ladwig, K H

2011-11-01

Depressed individuals not only suffer from chronic low grade inflammation, but also exhibit an inflammatory hyper-responsiveness to acute stress. We investigate whether chronic stress also induces an exaggerated inflammatory response in individuals with increased depression features. As model for chronic stress, social isolation was chosen. Interleukin (IL)-6 and hs-CRP levels were assessed in 1547 subjects (847 men and 700 women), derived from the population-based MONICA/KORA study. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess depressed mood (depression and exhaustion subscale) and social isolation (social network index). The relationship between the two inflammatory markers, social isolation and depressed mood was examined taking into account interactions social isolation × depressed mood using multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, alcohol, and physical activity. Analyses were performed in men and women separately. We observed a significant interaction between depressed mood and social isolation regarding IL-6 and hs-CRP, respectively in men (p-value=0.02 for IL-6 and <0.01 for hs-CRP), evidencing a substantial synergistic effect of social isolation, and depressed mood on inflammatory responses. Furthermore, depressed and socially isolated men had highly significantly elevated IL-6 levels (geometric mean: 3.76 vs. 1.92 pg/ml, p-value <0.01) and heightened hs-CRP levels (geometric mean: 2.01 vs. 1.39 mg/l, p=0.08) in comparison with non-depressed and socially integrated men. In women, no significant associations were seen. The interaction of depressed mood and social isolation elicits a substantial synergistic impact on inflammatory markers in men, but not in depressed women. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Maternal inheritance does not predict cholesterol levels in children with familial hypercholesterolemia.

PubMed

Narverud, Ingunn; van Lennep, Jeanine Roeters; Christensen, Jacob J; Versmissen, Jorie; Gran, Jon Michael; Iversen, Per Ole; Aukrust, Pål; Halvorsen, Bente; Ueland, Thor; Ulven, Stine M; Ose, Leiv; Veierød, Marit B; Sijbrands, Eric; Retterstøl, Kjetil; Holven, Kirsten B

2015-11-01

Pregnancy exerts metabolic changes with increasing levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides as prominent features. Maternal hypercholesterolemia may thus contribute to an unfavorable in utero environment potentially influencing the susceptibility of adult cardiovascular disease in the offspring. We investigated the impact of maternal familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) on pre-treatment plasma lipids and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in non-statin treated FH children. Children with FH (n = 1063) aged between 0 and 19 years were included. Of these, 500 had inherited FH maternally, 563 paternally and 97.6% had a verified FH mutation. Information about inheritance, mutation type and pretreatment levels of blood lipids and CRP was retrieved from the medical records. There were no significant differences in the plasma levels of lipids and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with maternal FH compared with children with paternal FH, (0.12 ≤ P ≤ 0.90). Independent of which parent transmitted FH, children with LDL receptor negative mutations had significantly higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol and Apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol and ApoA1, compared with children with other LDL receptor mutations (P < 0.001). Maternal inheritance of FH was not associated with detectable long-term effects in the offspring's phenotype measured by adverse lipid profiles and increased CRP levels, whereas a LDL receptor negative mutation was associated with an unfavorably phenotype in FH offspring. Our findings do not support the fetal origin of adulthood disease hypothesis, while at the same time not excluding the hypothesis since other pathways leading to atherosclerosis may be involved. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Concentration of selenium, zinc, copper, Cu/Zn ratio, total antioxidant status and c-reactive protein in the serum of patients with psoriasis treated by narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy: A case-control study.

PubMed

Wacewicz, Marta; Socha, Katarzyna; Soroczyńska, Jolanta; Niczyporuk, Marek; Aleksiejczuk, Piotr; Ostrowska, Jolanta; Borawska, Maria H

2017-12-01

Psoriasis is a common, an inflammatory skin disease. Trace elements may play an active role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this study was to estimate the concentration of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and Cu/Zn ratio as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) and c-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum of patients with psoriasis. In this case-control study sixty patients with psoriasis and fifty-eight healthy people were examined. Serum levels of Se, Zn and Cu were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu/Zn ratio was calculated. TAS was measured spectrophotometrically. CRP was analyzed by immunoturbidimetric method. Clinical activity of psoriasis was evaluated using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Serum concentration of Se in patients with psoriasis (71.89±16.90μg/L) was lower as compared to the control group (79.42±18.97μg/L) and after NB-UVB. Cu level of patients was higher (1.151±0.320mg/L) as compared to controls (1.038±0.336mg/L), but Zn level did not differ. We observed higher Cu/Zn ratio (p<0.05) in examined patients than in the control group and after NB-UVB. We found decrease TAS before and after NB-UVB. CRP levels was found to be normal range. A significant correlation coefficient between CRP and Cu/Zn was observed. The study showed some disturbances in the serum levels of trace elements and TAS in psoriatic patients. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.

Chromobacterium spp. harbour Ambler class A β-lactamases showing high identity with KPC.

PubMed

Gudeta, Dereje Dadi; Bortolaia, Valeria; Jayol, Aurélie; Poirel, Laurent; Nordmann, Patrice; Guardabassi, Luca

2016-06-01

The origin of KPC is unknown. The aim of this study was to detect progenitors of KPC in silico and to functionally verify their β-lactam hydrolysis activity. The sequence of KPC-2 was used to mine the NCBI protein sequence database. The best non-KPC hits were analysed by amino acid (aa) alignment and phylogenetic tree construction. Genes encoding KPC-2 homologues were expressed in Escherichia coli. The carbapenemase activities of the recombinant strains were characterized by the CarbaNP test and UV spectrophotometry and MICs of selected β-lactams were determined. Genes encoding the closest KPC-2 homologues were identified on the chromosome of Chromobacterium piscinae strain ND17 (CRP-1, 76% aa identity), Chromobacterium sp. C-61 (CRS-1, 70% aa identity) and Chromobacterium haemolyticum DSM19808 (CRH-1, 69% aa identity). All three Chromobacterium β-lactamases were phylogenetically more related to KPC than to other Ambler class A β-lactamases. The 27 bp region preceding the start codon of blaCRP-1 displayed high nucleotide identity to the corresponding region upstream from blaKPC (74%). Heterologous expression of blaCRP-1 and to a lesser extent of blaCRH-1 in E. coli significantly increased the MICs of meropenem and most cephalosporins. The CarbaNP test was positive for both recombinant strains, but spectrophotometric analysis confirmed higher carbapenemase activity for CRP-1-producing clones. The recovery of three class A β-lactamases with up to 76% aa identity to KPC from distinct Chromobacterium species is highly indicative of the role played by this genus in the evolution of KPC. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Lower extremity strength, systemic inflammation and all-cause mortality: Application to the "fat but fit" paradigm using cross-sectional and longitudinal designs.

PubMed

Buckner, Samuel L; Loenneke, Jeremy P; Loprinzi, Paul D

2015-10-01

No study has applied the "fat-but-fit" paradigm with respect to muscular strength as an index of fitness, despite muscular strength being independently associated with functional ability and mortality. To examine the relationship between lower extremity muscular strength, C-reactive protein (CRP), and all-cause mortality among normal weight, overweight and obese individuals. Data from the 1999-2002 NHANES were used (N=2740 adults; ≥ 50 years). CRP values were obtained from a blood sample. Lower body isokinetic knee extensor strength (IKES) was assessed using a Kin Kom MP isokinetic dynamometer. Participant data was linked to death certificate data from the National Death Index to ascertain all-cause mortality status. Participants were classified, based on body mass index (BMI) and strength as: normal weight and unfit (<75th IKES percentile); overweight and unfit; obese and unfit: normal weight and fit (≥ 75th IKES percentile); overweight and fit; and obese and fit. Independent of physical activity and other confounders, compared to those who were normal weight and unfit, unfit overweight (β=.14, p=0.009), unfit obese (β=.33, p<0.001), and obese and fit (β=.17, p=0.008) participants, had higher CRP levels. However, there was no difference in CRP levels between normal weight and unfit participants and overweight and fit participants (β=0.04, p=0.35). Compared to normal weight unfit adults, overweight fit (HR=0.28; 95% CI: 0.11-0.70; p=0.008) adults had a lower hazard rate for all-cause mortality. These finding suggest that increased lower body strength, independent of physical activity, may reduce premature all-cause mortality and attenuate systemic inflammation among overweight adults. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Examination of the role of obesity in the association between childhood trauma and inflammation during pregnancy.

PubMed

Mitchell, Amanda M; Porter, Kyle; Christian, Lisa M

2018-02-01

Childhood trauma is associated with negative perinatal health outcomes including mood disorders and shorter gestation. However, effects of early life exposures on maternal biology are poorly delineated. This study examined associations between childhood trauma and inflammation, as well as the mediating role of obesity in this relationship. This study examined a racially diverse sample of 77 pregnant women assessed in early, mid, and late pregnancy. Assessments included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, and prepregnancy BMI. Per linear mixed models, while no direct relationships were observed between childhood trauma with IL-6 or TNF-α, physical (95% CI: 0.007, 0.080) and emotional (95% CI: 0.005, 0.046) abuse as well as emotional neglect (95% CI: 0.010, 0.051) predicted elevated CRP. Effects remained after adjustment for race, income, education, smoking status, medical conditions, and depressive symptoms. PROCESS analyses showed BMI mediated the relationship between physical abuse and both serum CRP (95% CI: 0.014, 0.062) and IL-6 (95% CI: 0.009, 0.034). Exposure to childhood trauma, particularly emotional abuse, physical abuse, and emotional neglect, is associated with inflammation in pregnant women. Obesity served as 1 pathway by which physical abuse contributed to elevations in serum CRP and IL-6. Interventions targeting maternal obesity prior to pregnancy may help mitigate the effects of childhood trauma on perinatal health. These findings have relevance for understanding biological and behavioral pathways by which early life exposures contribute to maternal health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Inflammatory and Nutritional Serum Markers as Predictors of Peri-operative Morbidity and Survival in Ovarian Cancer.

PubMed

Kumar, Amanika; Torres, Michelle L; Cliby, William A; Kalli, Kimberly R; Bogani, Giorgio; Aletti, Giovanni; Nitschmann, Caroline C; Multinu, Francesco; Weaver, Amy L; Block, Matthew S; Mariani, Andrea

2017-07-01

To identify preoperative nutritional and inflammatory markers that predict perioperative outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Fifty patients who underwent primary debulking for advanced (stage III/IV) OC were selected from a cohort of patients who underwent surgery between 2002 and 2009. We analyzed C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL6) and albumin and their impact on mortality and surgical outcomes. Two patients were excluded since they did not have adequate measurements of CRP and IL6. Among the remaining patients, 25 (52%) were ≥70 years old. Nine (19%), 12 (25%) and 12 (25%) patients had low serum albumin (<3.0 g/dl), elevated CRP (≥70 mg/l) and elevated IL6 (≥24 pg/ml), respectively. Age was a significant predictor of non-home discharge (p=0.01). Low serum albumin (<3.0 g/dl) was a predictor of death within 6 month (p=0.03). Elevated CRP (≥70 mg/l) was a predictor of non-home discharge (p=0.02), death within 6 months (p=0.02), death within 12 months (p=0.04), and longer hospital stay (p=0.01). Elevated IL6 (≥24 pg/ml) was a predictor of non-home discharge (p=0.002) and surgical complications (p=0.02), and also associated with longer hospital stay (p=0.03). Poor nutrition and high inflammatory status negatively influence surgical and oncological outcomes of patients with OC. These preoperative markers can be used for selection of patients for neoadjuvant chemotherapy at high risk of short survival, non-home discharge and long hospital stay. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Use of a Combination Biomarker Algorithm To Identify Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients with Suspected Sepsis at Very Low Likelihood of Bacterial Infection.

PubMed

Han, Jennifer H; Nachamkin, Irving; Coffin, Susan E; Gerber, Jeffrey S; Fuchs, Barry; Garrigan, Charles; Han, Xiaoyan; Bilker, Warren B; Wise, Jacqueleen; Tolomeo, Pam; Lautenbach, Ebbing

2015-10-01

Sepsis remains a diagnostic challenge in the intensive care unit (ICU), and the use of biomarkers may help in differentiating bacterial sepsis from other causes of systemic inflammatory syndrome (SIRS). The goal of this study was to assess test characteristics of a number of biomarkers for identifying ICU patients with a very low likelihood of bacterial sepsis. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a medical ICU of a university hospital. Immunocompetent patients with presumed bacterial sepsis were consecutively enrolled from January 2012 to May 2013. Concentrations of nine biomarkers (α-2 macroglobulin, C-reactive protein [CRP], ferritin, fibrinogen, haptoglobin, procalcitonin [PCT], serum amyloid A, serum amyloid P, and tissue plasminogen activator) were determined at baseline and at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after enrollment. Performance characteristics were calculated for various combinations of biomarkers for discrimination of bacterial sepsis from other causes of SIRS. Seventy patients were included during the study period; 31 (44%) had bacterial sepsis, and 39 (56%) had other causes of SIRS. PCT and CRP values were significantly higher at all measured time points in patients with bacterial sepsis. A number of combinations of PCT and CRP, using various cutoff values and measurement time points, demonstrated high negative predictive values (81.1% to 85.7%) and specificities (63.2% to 79.5%) for diagnosing bacterial sepsis. Combinations of PCT and CRP demonstrated a high ability to discriminate bacterial sepsis from other causes of SIRS in medical ICU patients. Future studies should focus on the use of these algorithms to improve antibiotic use in the ICU setting. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Unemployment and inflammatory markers in England, Wales and Scotland, 1998-2012: Meta-analysis of results from 12 studies.

PubMed

Hughes, Amanda; Kumari, Meena; McMunn, Anne; Bartley, Mel

2017-08-01

Unemployment represents for many affected individuals a substantial source of psychosocial stress, and is linked to both increased risk of morbidity and mortality and adverse health-related behaviours. Few studies have examined the association of unemployment with systemic inflammation, a plausible mediator of the associations of psychosocial stress and health, and results are mixed and context dependent. This study examines the association of unemployment with C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, two markers of systemic inflammation. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using a multilevel modelling approach, including 12 national UK surveys of working-age participants in which CRP and fibrinogen were measured between 1998 and 2012 (N=30,037 economically active participants). The moderating impact of participant age and UK country was explored. CRP and fibrinogen were elevated in unemployed compared to employed participants; jobseekers were also more likely (Odds Ratio: 1.39, p<0.001) to have CRP levels corresponding to high cardiovascular risk (>3mg/L), after adjustment for age, gender, education, long-term illness, smoking, and body mass index. Associations were not explained by mental health. Associations peaked in middle-age, and were stronger in Scotland and Wales than in England. Our study demonstrates that systemic inflammation is associated with an important but little-studied aspect of the social environment, as it is elevated in unemployed compared to employed survey participants. Modifications suggest the association of unemployment and inflammation is substantially influenced by contextual factors, and may be especially strong in Wales, where further investigation of this relationship is needed. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparative usefulness of inflammatory markers to indicate bacterial infection-analyzed according to blood culture results and related clinical factors.

PubMed

Nishikawa, Hirokazu; Shirano, Michinori; Kasamatsu, Yu; Morimura, Ayumi; Iida, Ko; Kishi, Tomomi; Goto, Tetsushi; Okamoto, Saki; Ehara, Eiji

2016-01-01

To assess relationships of inflammatory markers and 2 related clinical factors with blood culture results, we retrospectively investigated inpatients' blood culture and blood chemistry findings that were recorded from January to December 2014 using electronic medical records and analyzed the data of 852 subjects (426 culture-positive and 426 culture-negative). Results suggested that the risk of positive blood culture statistically increased as inflammatory marker levels and the number of related factors increased. Concerning the effectiveness of inflammatory markers, when the outcome definition was also changed for C-reactive protein (CRP), the odds ratio had a similar value, whereas when the outcome definition of blood culture positivity was used for procalcitonin (PCT), the greatest effectiveness of that was detected. Therefore, the current results suggest that PCT is more useful than CRP as an auxiliary indication of bacterial infection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Testing the methodology for dosimetry audit of heterogeneity corrections and small MLC-shaped fields: Results of IAEA multi-center studies

PubMed Central

Izewska, Joanna; Wesolowska, Paulina; Azangwe, Godfrey; Followill, David S.; Thwaites, David I.; Arib, Mehenna; Stefanic, Amalia; Viegas, Claudio; Suming, Luo; Ekendahl, Daniela; Bulski, Wojciech; Georg, Dietmar

2016-01-01

Abstract The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a long tradition of supporting development of methodologies for national networks providing quality audits in radiotherapy. A series of co-ordinated research projects (CRPs) has been conducted by the IAEA since 1995 assisting national external audit groups developing national audit programs. The CRP ‘Development of Quality Audits for Radiotherapy Dosimetry for Complex Treatment Techniques’ was conducted in 2009–2012 as an extension of previously developed audit programs. Material and methods. The CRP work described in this paper focused on developing and testing two steps of dosimetry audit: verification of heterogeneity corrections, and treatment planning system (TPS) modeling of small MLC fields, which are important for the initial stages of complex radiation treatments, such as IMRT. The project involved development of a new solid slab phantom with heterogeneities containing special measurement inserts for thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) and radiochromic films. The phantom and the audit methodology has been developed at the IAEA and tested in multi-center studies involving the CRP participants. Results. The results of multi-center testing of methodology for two steps of dosimetry audit show that the design of audit procedures is adequate and the methodology is feasible for meeting the audit objectives. A total of 97% TLD results in heterogeneity situations obtained in the study were within 3% and all results within 5% agreement with the TPS predicted doses. In contrast, only 64% small beam profiles were within 3 mm agreement between the TPS calculated and film measured doses. Film dosimetry results have highlighted some limitations in TPS modeling of small beam profiles in the direction of MLC leave movements. Discussion. Through multi-center testing, any challenges or difficulties in the proposed audit methodology were identified, and the methodology improved. Using the experience of these studies, the participants could incorporate the auditing procedures in their national programs. PMID:26934916

Testing the methodology for dosimetry audit of heterogeneity corrections and small MLC-shaped fields: Results of IAEA multi-center studies.

PubMed

Izewska, Joanna; Wesolowska, Paulina; Azangwe, Godfrey; Followill, David S; Thwaites, David I; Arib, Mehenna; Stefanic, Amalia; Viegas, Claudio; Suming, Luo; Ekendahl, Daniela; Bulski, Wojciech; Georg, Dietmar

2016-07-01

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a long tradition of supporting development of methodologies for national networks providing quality audits in radiotherapy. A series of co-ordinated research projects (CRPs) has been conducted by the IAEA since 1995 assisting national external audit groups developing national audit programs. The CRP 'Development of Quality Audits for Radiotherapy Dosimetry for Complex Treatment Techniques' was conducted in 2009-2012 as an extension of previously developed audit programs. The CRP work described in this paper focused on developing and testing two steps of dosimetry audit: verification of heterogeneity corrections, and treatment planning system (TPS) modeling of small MLC fields, which are important for the initial stages of complex radiation treatments, such as IMRT. The project involved development of a new solid slab phantom with heterogeneities containing special measurement inserts for thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) and radiochromic films. The phantom and the audit methodology has been developed at the IAEA and tested in multi-center studies involving the CRP participants. The results of multi-center testing of methodology for two steps of dosimetry audit show that the design of audit procedures is adequate and the methodology is feasible for meeting the audit objectives. A total of 97% TLD results in heterogeneity situations obtained in the study were within 3% and all results within 5% agreement with the TPS predicted doses. In contrast, only 64% small beam profiles were within 3 mm agreement between the TPS calculated and film measured doses. Film dosimetry results have highlighted some limitations in TPS modeling of small beam profiles in the direction of MLC leave movements. Through multi-center testing, any challenges or difficulties in the proposed audit methodology were identified, and the methodology improved. Using the experience of these studies, the participants could incorporate the auditing procedures in their national programs.

Interactions between C-reactive protein genotypes with markers of nutritional status in relation to inflammation.

PubMed

Nienaber-Rousseau, Cornelie; Swanepoel, Bianca; Dolman, Robin C; Pieters, Marlien; Conradie, Karin R; Towers, G Wayne

2014-11-11

Inflammation, as indicated by C-reactive protein concentrations (CRP), is a risk factor for chronic diseases. Both genetic and environmental factors affect susceptibility to inflammation. As dietary interventions can influence inflammatory status, we hypothesized that dietary effects could be influenced by interactions with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene. We determined 12 CRP SNPs, as well as various nutrition status markers in 2010 black South Africans and analyzed their effect on CRP. Interactions were observed for several genotypes with obesity in determining CRP. Lipid intake modulated the pro-inflammatory effects of some SNPs, i.e., an increase in both saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid intake in those homozygous for the polymorphic allele at rs2808630 was associated with a larger increase in CRP. Those harboring the minor alleles at rs3093058 and rs3093062 presented with significantly higher CRP in the presence of increased triglyceride or cholesterol intake. When harboring the minor allele of these SNPs, a high omega-6 to -3 ratio was, however, found to be anti-inflammatory. Carbohydrate intake also modulated CRP SNPs, as HbA1C and fasting glucose levels interacted with some SNPs to influence the CRP. This investigation highlights the impact that nutritional status can have on reducing the inherent genetic susceptibility to a heightened systemic inflammatory state.

A novel interdigitated capacitor based biosensor for detection of cardiovascular risk marker.

PubMed

Quershi, Anjum; Gurbuz, Yasar; Kang, Weng P; Davidson, Jimmy L

2009-12-15

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a potential biomarker whose elevated levels in humans determine cardiovascular disease risk and inflammation. In this study, we have developed a novel capacitive biosensor for detection of CRP-antigen using capacitor with interdigitated gold (GID) electrodes on nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) surface. The NCD surface served as a dielectric layer between the gold electrodes. GID-surface was functionalized by antibodies and the immobilization was confirmed by Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR) and contact angle measurements. The CRP-antigen detection was performed by capacitive/dielectric-constant measurements. The relaxation time and polarizability constants were estimated using Cole-Cole model. Our results showed that the relaxation time constant (tau) of only CRP-antibody was within 10(-16)-10(-13)s, which was increased to 10(-11)s after the incubation with CRP-antigen, suggesting that the CRP-antigen was captured by the antibodies on GID-surface. In addition, polarizability constant (m) of CRP was also increased upon incubation with increasing concentration of CRP-antigen. Our results showed that the response of GID-NCD-based capacitive biosensor for CRP-antigen was dependent on both concentration (25-800ng/ml) as well as frequency (50-350MHz). Furthermore, using optimized conditions, the GID-NCD based capacitive biosensor developed in this study can potentially be used for detection of elevated levels of protein risk markers in suspected subjects for early diagnosis of disease.

Comparative Evaluation of C-reactive Proteins in Pregnant Women with and without Periodontal Pathologies: A Prospective Cohort Analysis.

PubMed

Mannava, Padmakanth; Gokhale, Sunil; Pujari, Sudarshan; Biswas, Krishna P; Kaliappan, Satish; Vijapure, Shashank

2016-06-01

Inflammation of tooth supporting structures is referred to as periodontitis. C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels are usually increased in case of chronic inflammatory process like periodontitis. Association of CRP with pregnancy has been observed in the past, which includes most commonly preterm delivery, preeclampsia, etc. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that CRP may act as a link between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hence, we aim to evaluate the plasma CRP levels in pregnant women with and without periodontal pathologies. The study included 210 pregnant women who reported to the hospital with periodontal problems and for routine checkups. All the patients were divided into three groups based on the presence and absence of periodontal pathologies. Russell's Periodontal Index Score was used for the evaluation of periodontal status of the subjects. While comparing the mean CRP levels in all the three study groups, statistically significant results were obtained. Statistically significant results were obtained while comparing the mean CRP levels in group C patients before treatment and after treatment therapy. The CRP levels were estimated by taking blood samples. Paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the correlation between the two parameters. Casual association might exist between the CRP levels and periodontal diseases in pregnant women and the CRP levels may also get elevated in pregnant women.

Sensitivity of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-reactive Protein in Childhood Bone and Joint Infections

PubMed Central

Kallio, Markku J. T.; Kallio, Pentti E.; Peltola, Heikki

2009-01-01

In addition to the examination of clinical signs, several laboratory markers have been measured for diagnostics and monitoring of pediatric septic bone and joint infections. Traditionally erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and leukocyte cell count have been used, whereas C-reactive protein (CRP) has gained in popularity. We monitored 265 children at ages 3 months to 15 years with culture-positive osteoarticular infections with a predetermined series of ESR, CRP, and leukocyte count measurements. On admission, ESR exceeded 20 mm/hour in 94% and CRP exceeded 20 mg/L in 95% of the cases, the mean (± standard error of the mean) being 51 ± 2 mm/hour and 87 ± 4 mg/L, respectively. ESR normalized in 24 days and CRP in 10 days. Elevated CRP gave a slightly better sensitivity in diagnostics than ESR, but best sensitivity was gained with the combined use of ESR and CRP (98%). Elevated ESR or CRP was seen in all cases during the first 3 days. Measuring ESR and CRP on admission can help the clinician rule out an acute osteoarticular infection. CRP normalizes faster than ESR, providing a clear advantage in monitoring recovery. Level of Evidence: Level II, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. PMID:19533263

The Complementary Role of High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis and Severity Assessment of Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khakzad, Mohammad Reza; Javanbakht, Maryam; Shayegan, Mohammad Reza; Kianoush, Sina; Omid, Fatemeh; Hojati, Maryam; Meshkat, Mojtaba

2012-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a beneficial diagnostic test for the evaluation of inflammatory response. Extremely low levels of CRP can be detected using high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test. A considerable body of evidence has demonstrated that inflammatory response has an important role in the pathophysiology of autism. In this study, we evaluated…

Assessing salivary C-reactive protein: Longitudinal associations with systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in women exposed to intimate partner violence

PubMed Central

Out, Dorothée; Hall, Rosalie J.; Granger, Douglas A.; Page, Gayle G.; Woods, Stephanie J.

2012-01-01

This study evaluated individual differences in levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) measured in saliva, cross-sectionally and prospectively, in relation to systemic inflammation and risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Plasma and saliva samples, later assayed for CRP, were collected multiple times from an ethnically diverse group of women seeking help from domestic violence crisis shelters-agencies (N = 107; mean age at study start = 34 years). Plasma and saliva CRP levels were moderately associated cross-sectionally and across two years. There were indications that saliva CRP levels were, on average, higher in the morning than evening. Higher levels of saliva and plasma CRP were associated with a higher body mass index, but did not differ between women who did and did not smoke. Salivary CRP reliably discriminated between high and low levels of plasma CRP, using a clinically relevant cutoff point of 3 mg/L, recommended by the American Heart Association. Results build upon an emerging literature suggesting that under specific conditions levels of CRP in saliva may reflect low-grade inflammation and have the potential to serve as a screen for CVD risk status. PMID:22326517

C-reactive protein, marker for evaluation of systemic inflammatory response in preeclampsia.

PubMed

Mihu, D; Costin, N; Mihu, Carmen Mihaela; Blaga, Ligia Daniela; Pop, Raluca Bogdana

2008-01-01

Determination by a high sensitivity technique of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation in women with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy and investigation of the relationship between CRP and the severity of the preeclamptic syndrome. The study included 40 women with preeclampsia and 40 control subjects with normal pregnancies in the last trimester of pregnancy. The serum CRP concentration was determined using the universal high sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assay. The serum CRP concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in preclampsia (5.69 +/- 1.8 mg/L) compared to normal pregnancy (2.89 +/- 1.2 mg/L). In women with preeclampsia, CRP correlated positively and significantly with diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria and uric acid levels. Maternal CRP values also correlated negatively and significantly with fetal weight at birth. Our results demonstrate that serum CRP is increased in preeclampsia and represents a marker of the severity of the preeclamptic syndrome and of fetal weight at birth. Taking into consideration these observations and the fact that CRP testing is rapid and relatively inexpensive, we recommend the use of this acute phase reagent in clinical practice, in all women with preeclampsia in order to establish the prognosis of the disease.

C-reactive protein levels: a prognostic marker for patients with head and neck cancer?

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Recent advances in understanding complex tumor interactions have led to the discovery of an association between inflammation and cancer, in particular for colon and lung cancer, but only a very few have dealt with oral cancer. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the significance of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as a parameter for development of lymph node metastases or recurrence. Materials and methods In 278 patients with oral cancer, preoperative CRP levels were compared with development of recurrence and metastasis. Results In 27 patients from the normal CRP group, and in 21 patients from the elevated CRP group, local recurrence was observed. Concerning lymph node metastases, 37 patients were in the normal group and 9 patients in the elevated CRP group. No significant correlation could be found between elevated CRP levels and metastasis (p = 0.468) or recurrence (p = 0.137). Conclusion Our findings do not appear to support a correlation between preoperative CRP levels and development of recurrence or metastases. In further studies, CRP levels in precancerous lesions and in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) positive patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) should be studied. PMID:20673375

C-reactive protein levels: a prognostic marker for patients with head and neck cancer?

PubMed

Kruse, Astrid L; Luebbers, Heinz T; Grätz, Klaus W

2010-08-02

Recent advances in understanding complex tumor interactions have led to the discovery of an association between inflammation and cancer, in particular for colon and lung cancer, but only a very few have dealt with oral cancer. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the significance of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as a parameter for development of lymph node metastases or recurrence. In 278 patients with oral cancer, preoperative CRP levels were compared with development of recurrence and metastasis. In 27 patients from the normal CRP group, and in 21 patients from the elevated CRP group, local recurrence was observed. Concerning lymph node metastases, 37 patients were in the normal group and 9 patients in the elevated CRP group. No significant correlation could be found between elevated CRP levels and metastasis (p = 0.468) or recurrence (p = 0.137). Our findings do not appear to support a correlation between preoperative CRP levels and development of recurrence or metastases. In further studies, CRP levels in precancerous lesions and in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) positive patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) should be studied.

Is the COPD assessment test (CAT) effective in demonstrating the systemic inflammation and other components in COPD?

PubMed

Sarioglu, N; Hismiogullari, A A; Bilen, C; Erel, F

2016-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently a complex, multicomponent disorder. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) has been increasingly used to assess COPD patients. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CAT and inflammation markers and other COPD components. We enrolled 110 stable COPD patients and 65 control subjects in this study. All patients completed the CAT questionnaire and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dispnea scale. The quality of life of these patients was measured with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Levels of TNFα, IL-6, CRP were determined in blood samples. In COPD patients, serum levels of TNFα (109.5 ± 58 pg/ml), IL-6 (10.3 ± 18 pg/ml), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (1.6 ± 1.7 mg/L) were found to be significantly higher compared to controls (TNF-α: 14.6 ± 18 pg/ml, IL-6: 2.14 ± 1.9 pg/ml, CRP: 0.4 ± 0.3mg/L, p<0.001). These markers were correlated with smoking (r from 0.27 to 0.35, p<0.001), FEV1 (r from -0.39 to -0.57, p<0.001), FVC (r from -0.32 to -0.37, p<0.001) and FEV1/FVC (r from -0.31 to -0.66, p<0.001). The CAT score correlated with GOLD spirometric stages, mMRC dyspnea score, number of exacerbations in the previous year and FEV1 (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between levels of CRP and the CAT score (r=0.43, p<0.001) but no similar relationship between levels of TNFα and IL-6 and the CAT was observed. Systemic inflammation persists in the stable period of COPD. CRP, one of the inflammation markers, was correlated with the CAT. Further studies are required to confirm the relationship between CAT and biomarkers. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Soda Intake Is Directly Associated with Serum C-Reactive Protein Concentration in Mexican Women.

PubMed

Tamez, Martha; Monge, Adriana; López-Ridaura, Ruy; Fagherazzi, Guy; Rinaldi, Sabina; Ortiz-Panozo, Eduardo; Yunes, Elsa; Romieu, Isabelle; Lajous, Martin

2018-01-01

Soda intake is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of diet sodas, often considered healthy alternatives to sodas, could also increase the likelihood of cardiovascular outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the relation between soda and diet soda and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 825 Mexican women free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and for whom serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), C-peptide, adiponectin, and leptin were available. Mean ± SD age was 45.9 ± 6.6 y, the majority of women were premenopausal (60.4%), and the prevalence of obesity was 35%. We estimated the adjusted percentage differences in biomarkers and 95% CIs by performing multiple linear regression models comparing categories of consumption for soda and diet soda adjusting for age, family history of heart disease, menopause, menopausal hormone therapy, socioeconomic status, region, smoking, physical activity, alcohol intake, and dietary patterns. In the entire study sample we observed a 50% higher serum CRP concentration in women in the highest soda intake quartile (median intake: 202.9 mL/d, IQR: 101.4, 304.3 mL/d) compared to those in the lowest (median intake: 11.8 mL/d, IQR: 0.0, 152.1 mL/d). After stratification by menopausal status, results remained significant only for premenopausal women. Premenopausal women in the highest quartile of soda intake had 56% higher CRP concentration relative to women in the lowest quartile. We observed no significant association with the other biomarkers. After further adjustment for body mass index, a potential mediator, results remained significant only for CRP. Diet soda consumption was not associated with any of the biomarkers. Consumption of soda was associated with adverse levels in a biomarker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk, serum CRP, in Mexican women. These results add to the accumulating evidence on soda and cardiovascular risk. More research is necessary to understand the potential impact of artificially sweetened sodas. © 2018 American Society for Nutrition. All rights reserved.

Comparison of cardiovascular risk algorithms in patients with vs without rheumatoid arthritis and the role of C-reactive protein in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Alemao, Evo; Cawston, Hélène; Bourhis, François; Al, Maiwenn; Rutten-van Molken, Maureen; Liao, Katherine P; Solomon, Daniel H

2017-05-01

The aims were to compare the performance of cardiovascular risk calculators, Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and QRISK2, in RA and matched non-RA patients and to evaluate whether their performance could be enhanced by the addition of CRP. We conducted a retrospective analysis, using a clinical practice data set linked to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data from the UK. Patients presenting with at least one RA diagnosis code and no prior cardiovascular events were matched to non-RA patients using disease risk scores. The overall performance of the FRS and QRISK2 was compared between cohorts, and assessed with and without CRP in the RA cohort using C-Index, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the net reclassification index (NRI). Four thousand seven hundred and eighty RA patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 3.8 years. The C-Index for the FRS in the non-RA and RA cohort was 0.783 and 0.754 (P < 0.001) and that of the QRISK2 was 0.770 and 0.744 (P < 0.001), respectively. Log[CRP] was positively associated with cardiovascular events, but improvements in the FRS and QRISK2 C-Indices as a result of inclusion of CRP were small, from 0.764 to 0.767 (P = 0.026) for FRS and from 0.764 to 0.765 (P = 0.250) for QRISK2. The NRI was 3.2% (95% CI: -2.8, 5.7%) for FRS and -2.0% (95% CI: -5.8, 4.5%) for QRISK2. The C-Index for the FRS and QRISK2 was significantly better in the non-RA compared with RA patients. The addition of CRP in both equations was not associated with a significant improvement in reclassification based on NRI. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Clinical significance of the serum biomarker index detection in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

PubMed

Purevdorj, Narangerel; Mu, Yun; Gu, Yajun; Zheng, Fang; Wang, Ran; Yu, Jinwei; Sun, Xuguo

2018-02-01

To explore a panel of serum biomarkers for laboratory diagnosis of pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). The blood white blood cells (WBC) and serum levels of serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin E (IgE), C-reactive protein (CRP), complement component 3 (C3), complement component 4 (C4), and ASO (anti-streptolysin O) were detected in 127 patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), 110 cases of septicemia patients, and 121 healthy volunteers. The diagnostic ability of biomarkers selected from HSP and septicemia patients was analyzed by ROC curve. By designing the calculation model, the biomarker index was calculated for laboratory diagnosis of HSP and differential diagnosis between HSP and septicemia. The levels of serum WBC, CRP, IL-6 and SAA in the septicemia patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Compared with the healthy individuals, serum levels of WBC, CRP, IL-6, SAA, IgA and IgM were significantly increased in patients with HSP (p<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of SAA, IgA, IgM, WBC, IL-6, and CRP in the patients with HSP was 0.964, 0.855, 0.849, 0.787, 0.765, and 0.622, respectively. The values of SAA, IgA, IgM, WBC, IL-6, and CRP in septicemia patients were 0.700, 0.428, 0.689, 0.682, 0.891, and 0.853, respectively. Biomarker index=SAA+IgA/4000+IgM/4000×0.4CRPmean valueCRPi . The biomarker index in HSP patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy controls. However, the biomarker index in septicemia patients was significantly lower than the control. The biomarker index of HSP patients is higher than that of the control group. While in the infectious disease represented by septicemia, it is decreased. The detection of biomarker index could exclude the interference of infection as the auxiliary examination to HSP patients. Copyright © 2017 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fatigue During and After Breast Cancer Therapy-A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Reinertsen, Kristin V; Engebraaten, Olav; Loge, Jon H; Cvancarova, Milada; Naume, Bjørn; Wist, Erik; Edvardsen, Hege; Wille, Elisabeth; Bjøro, Trine; Kiserud, Cecilie E

2017-03-01

Chronic fatigue (CF) in breast cancer (BC) survivors is multifactorial and may be caused by immune activation triggered by BC or its treatment. In the Neoadjuvant Avastin in Breast Cancer study, BC patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (FEC100→taxane) ± bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody with fatigue as a potential side effect. To examine fatigue levels and prevalence of CF before and during chemotherapy and at follow-up, and their associations with C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinical variables. Eighty-four HER2-negative patients with cT2-4N0-3M0 BC responded to questionnaires and had CRP measured before treatment (T0), after FEC100 (T1), after taxanes before surgery (T2), and at two-year follow-up (T3). The prevalence of CF increased from 8% at T0 to 36% at T3, P < 0.0001. Fatigue levels peaked during chemotherapy from 12.0 at T0 to 20.0 at T2, and declined to 16.7 at T3, P < 0.001. Women with CF at T3 had higher fatigue levels at T0, T2, and T3 than those without CF (P ≤ 0.01). Psychological distress (P = 0.03) and pain (P = 0.04) at T3 were associated with CF at T3. Only psychological distress remained a significant predictor in multivariate analysis. CRP increased from T0 to T1 (P < 0.01) and declined to baseline values at T3, but changes were not associated with bevacizumab treatment. No association was found between bevacizumab or CRP, and fatigue levels or CF. Neither bevacizumab treatment nor low-grade systemic inflammation as measured by CRP was associated with the increased fatigue levels and raised prevalence of CF, observed during and after BC therapy. Increased fatigue levels at baseline and psychological distress at T3 were associated with CF at T3. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Women with epilepsy have poorer knowledge and skills in child rearing than women without epilepsy.

PubMed

Saramma, P P; Sarma, P S; Thomas, Sanjeev V

2011-09-01

Epilepsy can negatively impact the child rearing ability of women because of the risk related to seizures, adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs and psychosocial factors. To compare the child rearing knowledge (CRK) and practices (CRP) of women with epilepsy (WWE) with a matched group of women without epilepsy (WWoE). This study was carried out in the Kerala registry of epilepsy and pregnancy (KREP) at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in India. We prospectively recruited 100 WWE in first trimester of pregnancy from the KREP and 93 age, education and parity matched pregnant WWoE from the antenatal clinics of the Government medical college Thiruvananthapuram. Their child rearing knowledge (CRK) and practices (CRP) were evaluated with previously validated protocols. The CRK was assessed at the time of enrolment (first trimester of pregnancy) and the CRP was assessed when the baby was three to four months old. Eighty-eight women each from WWE and WWoE had completed the study, over a period of three years. WWE and WWoE were comparable for age (25.56±4.66 and 25.69±4.49 years), pregnancy outcome and type of delivery. WWE had excess fetal loss and postnatal seizures. The CRK was significantly lower for WWE (23.53±6.3) than for WWoE (26.08±5.3). The CRP was significantly lower for WWE (25.01±9.6) than for WWoE (28.14±7.1). WWE performed poorer in all domains of child rearing practices namely feeding, growth and development, cleaning and protection and infant stimulation. Poorer CRK was strongly associated with lower CRP while several demographic and economic characteristics were not relevant. WWE fared poorer in feeding and nursing their babies in spite of having the right knowledge in that domain. This may be due to several undisclosed concerns and social dynamics that need to be addressed while preparing any interventions. Copyright © 2011 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[hsCRP protein in children and adolescents with diabetes type 1].

PubMed

Głowińska-Olszewska, Barbara; Urban, Mirosława; Peczyńska, Jadwiga; Koput, Alicja

2007-01-01

HsCRP protein is known as a novel marker of low grade inflammatory state, which characterises an atherosclerotic process in its early stages. Contrary to a large amount of data on inflammatory markers in diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome in adults, little is known so far about the inflammatory process in diabetes type 1, especially in children. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of hsCRP protein in children and adolescents with diabetes type 1 depending on coexisting additional risk factors for atherosclerosis and microvascular complications. 127 children and adolescents with diabetes duration 6.7+/-3.3 years, aged 14.9+/-3.1, were studied. The control group consisted of 52 healthy children aged 14.9+/-2.8 years, matched acc. to gender. HsCRP level was assessed with use of immunoturbidymetric, latex augmented method (Tina-quant CRP (Latex) HS, Roche). HsCRP in the whole study group was nearly significantly higher compared to control group: 0.17+/-0.2 vs. 0.078+/-0.1 mg/dl, p=0.072. In diabetic hypertensive children (n=38) we found significantly higher levels of hsCRP compared to controls (0.27+/-0.3 vs. 0.07 mg/dl, p=0.008) and compared to diabetic normotensive children (0.13+/-0.22 mg/dl; p=0.024). Diabetic obese patients (n=23) had significantly higer hsCRP compared to controls (0.24+/-0.3 vs. 0.07+/-0.1 mg/dl, p=0.04). In 14 studied diabetic children we found coexisting hypertension and obesity, and we found further increase in hsCRP level - 0.28+/-0.3 mg/dl. In diabetic children with microangiopathy hsCRP level was 0.22+/-0.2 mg/dl, and it was insignificantly higher compared to controls and to diabetic children without complications. Correlation analysis showed interrelations between hsCRP and systolic blood pressure (r=0.2; p=0.04) and HbA1c (r=0.25; p=0.015). In stepwise regression analysis hsCRP was related to systolic blood pressure, HbA1c and the triglycerides level (R=0.37; p=0.003). In children and adolescents with diabetes type 1 we proved significantly higher levels of hsCRP in case of a coexistence of hypertension and/or obesity. Elevated hsCRP in children with diabetes type 1 and hypertension and/or obesity reflects low grade inflammatory state in the course of metabolic syndrome.

Chemicalome and metabolome profiling of polymethoxylated flavonoids in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium based on an integrated strategy combining background subtraction and modified mass defect filter in a Microsoft Excel Platform.

PubMed

Zeng, Su-Ling; Duan, Li; Chen, Bai-Zhong; Li, Ping; Liu, E-Hu

2017-07-28

Detection of metabolites in complex biological matrixes is a great challenge because of the background noise and endogenous components. Herein, we proposed an integrated strategy that combined background subtraction program and modified mass defect filter (MMDF) data mining in a Microsoft Excel platform for chemicalome and metabolome profiling of the polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs) in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP). The exogenously-sourced ions were firstly filtered out by the developed Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) program incorporated in the Microsoft Office. The novel MMDF strategy was proposed for detecting both target and untarget constituents and metabolites based on narrow, well-defined mass defect ranges. The approach was validated to be powerful, and potentially useful for the metabolite identification of both single compound and homologous compound mixture. We successfully identified 30 and 31 metabolites from rat biosamples after oral administration of nobiletin and tangeretin, respectively. A total of 56 PMFs compounds were chemically characterized and 125 metabolites were captured. This work demonstrated the feasibility of the integrated approach for reliable characterization of the constituents and metabolites in herbal medicines. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement of serum C-reactive protein concentration for discriminating between suppurative arthritis and osteoarthritis in dogs.

PubMed

Hillström, Anna; Bylin, Jonas; Hagman, Ragnvi; Björhall, Karin; Tvedten, Harold; Königsson, Kristian; Fall, Tove; Kjelgaard-Hansen, Mads

2016-10-28

In a dog with joint pain, it is important to determine whether it has suppurative joint disease, characterized by exudation of neutrophils in the synovial fluid, or not, as this affects choice of diagnostic tests and treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether measurement of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration could be used to discriminate between dogs with suppurative arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, the concentrations of serum and synovial fluid interleukin (IL) 6 concentrations were measured in dogs with joint disease and in healthy dogs, and were correlated to serum CRP concentrations. Dogs with joint pain were enrolled prospectively and were classified to have suppurative arthritis or OA based on synovial fluid analysis and radiographic/arthroscopic findings. Healthy Beagles were enrolled as a comparative group. CRP and IL-6 concentrations were measured with canine-specific immunoassays. The performance of CRP concentration in discriminating between dogs with suppurative arthritis and OA was evaluated using a previously established clinical decision limit for CRP (20 mg/l), and by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis. Comparisons of CRP and IL-6 concentrations between groups were performed using t-tests, and correlations by Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Samples were obtained from 31 dogs with suppurative arthritis, 34 dogs with OA, and 17 healthy dogs. Sixty-two out of 65 dogs with joint disease were correctly classified using the clinical decision limit for CRP. Evaluation of ROC curve and regression analysis indicated that serum CRP concentrations could discriminate between suppurative arthritis and OA. Dogs with suppurative arthritis had higher serum CRP and serum and synovial fluid IL-6 concentrations compared to dogs with OA (p < 0.001). Dogs with OA had higher synovial fluid IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.001), but not higher serum CRP (p = 0.29) or serum IL-6 (p = 0.07) concentrations, compared to healthy dogs. There was a positive correlation between synovial fluid IL-6 and serum CRP concentrations (r s  = 0.733, p < 0.001), and between serum IL-6 and serum CRP concentrations (r s  = 0.729, p < 0.001). CRP concentration was found to discriminate well between dogs with suppurative arthritis and OA.

Arsenite activates NFκB through induction of C-reactive protein

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Druwe, Ingrid L.; Sollome, James J.; Sanchez-Soria, Pablo

2012-06-15

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein in humans. Elevated levels of CRP are produced in response to inflammatory cytokines and are associated with atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Exposure to inorganic arsenic, a common environmental toxicant, also produces cardiovascular disorders, namely atherosclerosis and is associated with insulin-resistance. Inorganic arsenic has been shown to contribute to cardiac toxicities through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that result in the activation of NFκB. In this study we show that exposure of the hepatic cell line, HepG2, to environmentally relevant levels of arsenite (0.13 to 2 μM) results inmore » elevated CRP expression and secretion. ROS analysis of the samples showed that a minimal amount of ROS are produced by HepG2 cells in response to these concentrations of arsenic. In addition, treatment of FvB mice with 100 ppb sodium arsenite in the drinking water for 6 months starting at weaning age resulted in dramatically higher levels of CRP in both the liver and inner medullary region of the kidney. Further, mouse Inner Medullary Collecting Duct cells (mIMCD-4), a mouse kidney cell line, were stimulated with 10 ng/ml CRP which resulted in activation of NFκB. Pretreatment with 10 nM Y27632, a known Rho-kinase inhibitor, prior to CRP exposure attenuated NFκB activation. These data suggest that arsenic causes the expression and secretion of CRP and that CRP activates NFκB through activation of the Rho-kinase pathway, thereby providing a novel pathway by which arsenic can contribute to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. -- Highlights: ► Exposure to arsenic can induce the expression and secretion of CRP. ► Mice treated with NaAsO{sub 2} showed higher levels of CRP in both the liver and kidney. ► mIMCD-3 were stimulated with CRP which resulted in activation of NFκB. ► CRP activates NFκB through activation of the Rho-kinase pathway. ► Data provide novel pathway for arsenic role in metabolic and cardiovascular disease.« less

C-reactive protein +1444CT (rs1130864) genetic polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and C-reactive protein levels.

PubMed

Delongui, Francieli; Lozovoy, Marcell Allyson Batisti; Iriyoda, Tatiana Mayiumi Veiga; Costa, Neide Tomimura; Stadtlober, Nicole Perugini; Alfieri, Daniela Frizon; Flauzino, Tamires; Dichi, Isaias; Simão, Andréa Name Colado; Reiche, Edna Maria Vissoci

2017-08-01

The T rare allele of +1444CT (rs1130864) polymorphism of C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with increased CRP levels in some inflammatory conditions, but its role on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and on CRP levels in SLE patients remains uncertain. The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between the rs1130864 CRP polymorphism with SLE susceptibility, disease activity, and CRP levels in SLE Brazilian patients. The study enrolled 176 SLE patients and 137 controls. SLE disease activity was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). The rs1130864 CRP polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. SLE patients presented higher body mass index (p = 0.046) and CRP levels (p = 0.017) than controls. The genotype and allele frequencies of patients differed from controls [CC vs. CT = odds ratio (OR) 1.730, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.068-2.803, p = 0.035; CC vs. TT = OR 3.667, 95% CI 1.410-9.533, p = 0.009; C vs. T = OR 1.883, 95% CI 1.299-2.728, p = 0.001)]. Patients carrying the T allele presented higher CRP levels (p = 0.009), were more frequent Caucasians (p = 0.018), and with no use of immunosuppressive treatment (p = 0.004) than those carrying the C allele. However, the SLEDAI and anti-double-stranded DNA positivity did not differ from those carrying T vs. C allele (p = 0.595 and p = 0.243, respectively). The rs1130864 CRP polymorphism was associated with SLE susceptibility and CRP levels, but not with disease activity, suggesting that this polymorphism may play a role in the pathophysiology of SLE through increasing the CRP that, probably, plays an inflammatory role in SLE pathophysiology.

Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein Serum Concentration and the 1846 C>T (rs1205) Polymorphism in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome from Western Mexico.

PubMed

Reynoso-Villalpando, Gabriela Lizet; Padilla-Gutiérrez, Jorge Ramón; Valdez-Haro, Angélica; Casillas-Muñoz, Fidel; Muñoz-Valle, José Francisco; Castellanos-Nuñez, Edgar; Chávez-Herrera, Juan Carlos; Valle, Yeminia

2017-05-01

To determine the relationship among the 1846 C>T (rs1205) polymorphism, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) serum levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from Western Mexico. Three hundred participants in the control group (CG) and 300 patients with ACS from Western Mexico were included in the study. Genotyping was performed with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) concentration was measured by immunonephelometry. For IL-6 measurement, we used a solid-phase sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Serum CRP concentration was increased in patients compared with controls (19 mg/L vs. 2.00 mg/L; p < 0.0001). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction exhibited a higher CRP concentration than without elevation (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) and patients with unstable angina (21.81, 17.10, and 5.91 mg/L; p < 0.01). The rs1205 CRP polymorphism was not associated with ACS; however, T carriers had lower CRP concentrations than C/C (2.80 mg/L vs. 5.20 mg/L; p = 0.004) in CG and ACS (17.76 vs. 21.45; p = 0.046). IL-6 showed a strong positive correlation with CRP concentration in ACS patients (rho = 0.74, p < 0.0001). Patients with ACS had increased CRP levels compared with CG, and this appears to be related with ACS clinical spectrum severity. The rs1205 polymorphism is not a susceptibility genetic marker to ACS in Western Mexico population; however, the T allele is associated with lower CRP concentration. Further studies are needed to confirm the prognostic value of ACS and IL-6/CRP correlation, but it could be a reliable test for predicting adverse cardiac events in the Mexican population.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) as a simple and independent prognostic factor in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type.

PubMed

Li, Ya-Jun; Li, Zhi-Ming; Xia, Yi; Huang, Jia-Jia; Huang, Hui-Qiang; Xia, Zhong-Jun; Lin, Tong-Yu; Li, Su; Cai, Xiu-Yu; Wu-Xiao, Zhi-Jun; Jiang, Wen-Qi

2013-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of the inflammatory response, and it shows significant prognostic value for several types of solid tumors. The prognostic significance of CRP for lymphoma has not been fully examined. We evaluated the prognostic role of baseline serum CRP levels in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). We retrospectively analyzed 185 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL. The prognostic value of the serum CRP level was evaluated for the low-CRP group (CRP≤10 mg/L) versus the high-CRP group (CRP>10 mg/L). The prognostic value of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) were evaluated and compared with the newly developed prognostic model. Patients in the high-CRP group tended to display increased adverse clinical characteristics, lower rates of complete remission (P<0.001), inferior progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.001), and inferior overall survival (OS, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated serum CRP levels, age >60 years, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were independent adverse predictors of OS. Based on these four independent predictors, we constructed a new prognostic model that identified 4 groups with varying OS: group 1, no adverse factors; group 2, 1 factor; group 3, 2 factors; and group 4, 3 or 4 factors (P<0.001). The novel prognostic model was found to be superior to both the IPI in discriminating patients with different outcomes in the IPI low-risk group and the KPI in distinguishing between the low- and intermediate-low-risk groups, the intermediate-low- and high-intermediate-risk groups, and the high-intermediate- and high-risk groups. Our results suggest that pretreatment serum CRP levels represent an independent predictor of clinical outcome for patients with ENKTL. The prognostic value of the new prognostic model is superior to both IPI and KPI.

Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) as a Simple and Independent Prognostic Factor in Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

PubMed Central

Xia, Yi; Huang, Jia-Jia; Huang, Hui-Qiang; Xia, Zhong-Jun; Lin, Tong-Yu; Li, Su; Cai, Xiu-Yu; Wu-Xiao, Zhi-Jun; Jiang, Wen-Qi

2013-01-01

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of the inflammatory response, and it shows significant prognostic value for several types of solid tumors. The prognostic significance of CRP for lymphoma has not been fully examined. We evaluated the prognostic role of baseline serum CRP levels in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 185 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL. The prognostic value of the serum CRP level was evaluated for the low-CRP group (CRP≤10 mg/L) versus the high-CRP group (CRP>10 mg/L). The prognostic value of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) were evaluated and compared with the newly developed prognostic model. Results Patients in the high-CRP group tended to display increased adverse clinical characteristics, lower rates of complete remission (P<0.001), inferior progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.001), and inferior overall survival (OS, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated serum CRP levels, age >60 years, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were independent adverse predictors of OS. Based on these four independent predictors, we constructed a new prognostic model that identified 4 groups with varying OS: group 1, no adverse factors; group 2, 1 factor; group 3, 2 factors; and group 4, 3 or 4 factors (P<0.001). The novel prognostic model was found to be superior to both the IPI in discriminating patients with different outcomes in the IPI low-risk group and the KPI in distinguishing between the low- and intermediate-low-risk groups, the intermediate-low- and high-intermediate-risk groups, and the high-intermediate- and high-risk groups. Conclusions Our results suggest that pretreatment serum CRP levels represent an independent predictor of clinical outcome for patients with ENKTL. The prognostic value of the new prognostic model is superior to both IPI and KPI. PMID:23724031

Association of C-Reactive Protein With Bacterial and Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Pneumonia Among Children Aged <5 Years in the PERCH Study.

PubMed

Higdon, Melissa M; Le, Tham; O'Brien, Katherine L; Murdoch, David R; Prosperi, Christine; Baggett, Henry C; Brooks, W Abdullah; Feikin, Daniel R; Hammitt, Laura L; Howie, Stephen R C; Kotloff, Karen L; Levine, Orin S; Scott, J Anthony G; Thea, Donald M; Awori, Juliet O; Baillie, Vicky L; Cascio, Stephanie; Chuananon, Somchai; DeLuca, Andrea N; Driscoll, Amanda J; Ebruke, Bernard E; Endtz, Hubert P; Kaewpan, Anek; Kahn, Geoff; Karani, Angela; Karron, Ruth A; Moore, David P; Park, Daniel E; Rahman, Mohammed Ziaur; Salaudeen, Rasheed; Seidenberg, Phil; Somwe, Somwe Wa; Sylla, Mamadou; Tapia, Milagritos D; Zeger, Scott L; Deloria Knoll, Maria; Madhi, Shabir A

2017-06-15

Lack of a gold standard for identifying bacterial and viral etiologies of pneumonia has limited evaluation of C-reactive protein (CRP) for identifying bacterial pneumonia. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of CRP for identifying bacterial vs respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia in the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) multicenter case-control study. We measured serum CRP levels in cases with World Health Organization-defined severe or very severe pneumonia and a subset of community controls. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of elevated CRP for "confirmed" bacterial pneumonia (positive blood culture or positive lung aspirate or pleural fluid culture or polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) compared to "RSV pneumonia" (nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal or induced sputum PCR-positive without confirmed/suspected bacterial pneumonia). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the performance of elevated CRP in distinguishing these cases. Among 601 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative tested controls, 3% had CRP ≥40 mg/L. Among 119 HIV-negative cases with confirmed bacterial pneumonia, 77% had CRP ≥40 mg/L compared with 17% of 556 RSV pneumonia cases. The ROC analysis produced an area under the curve of 0.87, indicating very good discrimination; a cut-point of 37.1 mg/L best discriminated confirmed bacterial pneumonia (sensitivity 77%) from RSV pneumonia (specificity 82%). CRP ≥100 mg/L substantially improved specificity over CRP ≥40 mg/L, though at a loss to sensitivity. Elevated CRP was positively associated with confirmed bacterial pneumonia and negatively associated with RSV pneumonia in PERCH. CRP may be useful for distinguishing bacterial from RSV-associated pneumonia, although its role in discriminating against other respiratory viral-associated pneumonia needs further study. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Rosiglitazone Decreases C-Reactive Protein to a Greater Extent Relative to Glyburide and Metformin Over 4 Years Despite Greater Weight Gain

PubMed Central

Kahn, Steven E.; Haffner, Steven M.; Viberti, Giancarlo; Herman, William H.; Lachin, John M.; Kravitz, Barbara G.; Yu, Dahong; Paul, Gitanjali; Holman, Rury R.; Zinman, Bernard

2010-01-01

OBJECTIVE C-reactive protein (CRP) is closely associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease in both diabetic and nondiabetic populations. In the short term, commonly prescribed antidiabetic agents have different effects on CRP; however, the long-term effects of those agents are unknown. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In A Diabetes Outcome Progression Trial (ADOPT), we examined the long-term effects of rosiglitazone, glyburide, and metformin on CRP and the relationship among CRP, weight, and glycemic variables in 904 subjects over 4 years. RESULTS Baseline CRP was significantly correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), A1C, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. CRP reduction was greater in the rosiglitazone group by −47.6% relative to glyburide and by −30.5% relative to metformin at 48 months. Mean weight gain from baseline (at 48 months) was 5.6 kg with rosiglitazone, 1.8 kg with glyburide, and −2.8 kg with metformin. The change in CRP from baseline to 12 months was correlated positively with change in BMI in glyburide (r = 0.18) and metformin (r = 0.20) groups but not in the rosiglitazone (r = −0.05, NS) group. However, there was no longer a significant correlation between change in CRP and change in HOMA-IR, A1C, or waist-to-hip ratio in any of the three treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Rosiglitazone treatment was associated with durable reductions in CRP independent of changes in insulin sensitivity, A1C, and weight gain. CRP in the glyburide and metformin groups was positively associated with changes in weight, but this was not the case with rosiglitazone. PMID:19808911

Serum hsCRP: A Novel Marker for Prediction of Cerebrovascular Accidents (Stroke).

PubMed

Patgiri, Dibyaratna; Pathak, Mauchumi Saikia; Sharma, Pradeep; Kutum, Tridip; Mattack, Nirmali

2014-12-01

Strokes are caused by disruption of the blood supply to the brain. This may result from either blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. Yearly 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke. India ranks second worldwide in terms of deaths from stroke. The incidence of stroke increases with age affecting the economically productive middle aged population. Hypertension and male sex are other risk factors for stroke. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein whose concentration rises in blood following inflammation. Formerly, assays for CRP detected its rise only after significant inflammation. However, recently developed high sensitivity assays (hsCRP) enable the measurement of CRP in individuals who are apparently healthy. Several studies indicate that hsCRP is elevated in individuals who are at risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease or Cerebrovascular events, the elevation may be found years before the first detection of vascular problems. In the absence of other biochemical markers, the present study aimed to evaluate the predictive and diagnostic role of hsCRP in stroke. The study consisted of 50 patients of acute stroke admitted in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. The control population consisted of two groups - 50 age and sex matched controls with hypertension (Hypertensive control group) and 50 age and sex matched controls with no obvious disease constituted the Normal control group. hsCRP levels were measured in all the groups and compared statistically. hsCRP is an acute phase reactant whose concentration rises in stroke as well as in those at risk. The rise may be identified even before the appearance of risk factors. Hence, hsCRP may be useful as a predictive and diagnostic marker in stroke.

Is Cerebrospinal Fluid C-reactive Protein a Better Tool than Blood C-reactive Protein in Laboratory Diagnosis of Meningitis in Children?

PubMed Central

Malla, Kalpana K.; Malla, Tejesh; Rao, K. Seshagiri; Basnet, Sahisnuta; Shah, Ravi

2013-01-01

Objectives: This study aimed to test whether C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement could differentiate between different types of meningitis and become a routine test. Methods: A prospective study included 140 children admitted to Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal, between July 2009 and June 2011. The subjects had a blood test and detailed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, including blood and CSF CRP levels. Results: Of those admitted, 31.1% had pyogenic meningitis (PM), 26.2% partially treated meningitis (PPM), 33% viral meningitis (VM), and 9.7% tubercular meningitis (TBM), with 26.4% controls. Organisms were isolated in 12.5% of the cases by blood culture and 25% of cases through CSF culture. Blood CRP was positive in all groups, with the highest values in PM (53.12 ± 28.88 mg/dl) and PPM (47.55 ± 34.34 mg/dl); this was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). The CSF CRP levels were significantly higher (P <0.001) in PM (45.75 ± 28.50 mg/dl) and PPM (23.11 ± 23.98 mg/dl). The sensitivity and specificity of blood CRP was 90.62%, 88.88%, 64.7%, 70% and 32.4%, 30.97%, 24.52%, 26.12% and that of CSF CRP was 96.87%, 66.66%, 20.58%, 10% and 74.73%, 63.71%, 50.94%, 55.35% for PM, PPM, VM and TBM, respectively. Conclusion: Because of its high sensitivity, both CSF CRP and blood CRP can be used to screen for bacterial meningitis (both PM and PPM). CSF CRP screening yielded results with a higher specificity than blood CRP; hence, it can be a supportive test along with CSF cytology, biochemistry, and microbiology for diagnosing meningitis. PMID:23573388

Inverse association linking serum levels of potential antioxidant vitamins with C-reactive protein levels using a novel analytical approach.

PubMed

Cheng, Hui G; Alshaarawy, Omayma; Cantave, Marven D; Anthony, James C

2016-10-01

Exposures to antioxidants (AO) are associated with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), but the pattern of evidence is mixed, due in part to studying each potential AO, one at a time, when multiple AO exposures might affect CRP levels. By studying multiple AO via a composite indicator approach, we estimate the degree to which serum CRP level is associated with serum AO level. Standardised field survey protocols for the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006 yielded nationally representative cross-sectional samples of adults aged 20 years and older (n 8841). NHANES latex-enhanced nephelometry quantified serum CRP levels. Liquid chromatography quantified serum concentrations of vitamins A, E and C and carotenoids. Using structural equations, we regressed CRP level on AO levels, and derived a summary estimate for a composite of these potential antioxidants (CPA), with covariates held constant. The association linking CPA with CRP was inverse, stronger for slightly elevated CRP (1·8≤CRP<10 mg/l; slope= -1·08; 95 % CI -1·39, -0·77) and weaker for highly elevated CRP (≥10 mg/l; slope= -0·52; 95 % CI -0·68, -0·35), with little change when covariates were added. Vitamins A and C, as well as lutein+zeaxanthin, were prominent contributors to the composite. In these cross-sectional data studied via a composite indicator approach, the CPA level and the CRP level were inversely related. The stage is set for more confirmatory longitudinal or intervention research on multiple vitamins. The composite indicator approach might be most useful in epidemiology when several exposure constructs are too weakly inter-correlated to be studied via formal measurement models for underlying latent dimensions.

Chromium Supplementation Improves Glucose Tolerance in Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats

PubMed Central

Abdourahman, Aicha; Edwards, John G.

2016-01-01

Summary Chromium supplementation (Cr) may be useful in the management of diabetes and appears to improve some aspects of glucose handling. However, several studies have used either high doses of Cr supplementation or have placed control animals on a Cr-deficient diet. We therefore wanted to test whether Cr dosages in the ranges that more closely approximate recommended levels of supplementation in humans are efficacious in glycemic control under normal dietary conditions. Euglycemic Wistar or diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats (a model of nonobese NIDDM) were assigned to water (control) or chromium picolinate (Cr-P) supplementation (1 or 10 mg/kg/day) groups for up to 32 weeks. Glucose tolerance was tested following an overnight fast by injecting sterile glucose (1.0 g/kg, i.p.) and then measuring blood glucose at select times to determine the sensitivity to glucose by calculation of the area under the curve. Cr-P did not significantly alter the growth of the animals. In the euglycemic Wistar rats, Cr-P supplementation did not alter the response to a glucose tolerance test. In the GK rats, Cr-P supplementation significantly improved glucose tolerance at both levels of Cr-P supplementation (1 mg/kg/day: H20; 100 ± 11%; Cr-P 70 6 8%; 10 mg/kg/day: H20; 100 ± 10%; Cr-P 66 ± 9 %). Cr-P supplementation produced a small improvement in some indices of glycemic control. There were no differences observed for the two levels of Cr-P supplementation suggested that we did not identify a threshold for Cr-P effects, and future studies may use lower doses to find a threshold effect for improving glucose tolerance in diabetics. PMID:18629917

A sensitive and innovative detection method for rapid C-reactive proteins analysis based on a micro-fluxgate sensor system

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhen; Zhi, Shaotao; Feng, Zhu; Lei, Chong; Zhou, Yong

2018-01-01

A sensitive and innovative assay system based on a micro-MEMS-fluxgate sensor and immunomagnetic beads-labels was developed for the rapid analysis of C-reactive proteins (CRP). The fluxgate sensor presented in this study was fabricated through standard micro-electro-mechanical system technology. A multi-loop magnetic core made of Fe-based amorphous ribbon was employed as the sensing element, and 3-D solenoid copper coils were used to control the sensing core. Antibody-conjugated immunomagnetic microbeads were strategically utilized as signal tags to label the CRP via the specific conjugation of CRP to polyclonal CRP antibodies. Separate Au film substrates were applied as immunoplatforms to immobilize CRP-beads labels through classical sandwich assays. Detection and quantification of the CRP at different concentrations were implemented by detecting the stray field of CRP labeled magnetic beads using the newly-developed micro-fluxgate sensor. The resulting system exhibited the required sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, and selectivity. A detection limit as low as 0.002 μg/mL CRP with a linearity range from 0.002 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL was achieved, and this suggested that the proposed biosystem possesses high sensitivity. In addition to the extremely low detection limit, the proposed method can be easily manipulated and possesses a quick response time. The response time of our sensor was less than 5 s, and the entire detection period for CRP analysis can be completed in less than 30 min using the current method. Given the detection performance and other advantages such as miniaturization, excellent stability and specificity, the proposed biosensor can be considered as a potential candidate for the rapid analysis of CRP, especially for point-of-care platforms. PMID:29601593

Socioeconomic indices as independent correlates of C-reactive protein in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

PubMed

Brummett, Beverly H; Babyak, Michael A; Singh, Abanish; Jiang, Rong; Williams, Redford B; Harris, Kathleen Mullan; Siegler, Ilene C

2013-01-01

To examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to understand how SES may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and thus identify targets for prevention measures. Path models were used to examine direct and indirect associations of four indices of SES (objective early life built environment ratings, parental and participant education, and income) with CRP measured during early adulthood using data from the National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Study (n = 11,371; mean age = 29 years, range = 24-32 years; 53.8% women, 28.0% black participants). The present study examined potential mediation of the association of SES with CRP by way of body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol consumption within white and black men and women. BMI was a mediator of the relation between parent education and CRP for white men (path coefficient [γ] = -0.05, p < .001) and women (γ = -0.05, p < .001). Smoking mediated the income-CRP (γ = -0.01, p < .01) and the education-CRP (γ = -0.07, p < .001) relation for white men. BMI mediated the relation between all measures of SES and CRP for white women (γ values between -0.02 and -0.05; p values < .01). None of the risk factors mediated the SES-CRP relation in black participants. These findings indicate that the association of SES with CRP is influenced by both the timing and type of SES measure examined. In addition, race and sex play a role in how potential mediators are involved with the SES-CRP relationship, such that BMI and smoking were mediators in white men, whereas BMI was the sole mediator in white women.

C-reactive protein estimation: a quantitative analysis for three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a randomized control trial.

PubMed

Salgia, Gaurav; Kulkarni, Deepak G; Shetty, Lakshmi

2015-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) estimation for quantitative analysis to assess anti-inflammatory action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after surgery in maxillofacial surgery. This study was to evaluate the efficacy of CRP as a quantitative analysis for objective assessment of efficacy of three NSAIDs in postoperative inflammation and pain control. The parallel study group design of randomization was done. Totally 60 patients were divided into three groups. CRP was evaluated at baseline and postoperatively (immediate and 72 h) after surgical removal of impacted lower third molar. The respective group received the drugs by random coding postoperatively. The assessment of pain control and inflammation using NSAIDs postoperatively after surgical removal of impacted lower third molar was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed with CRP levels. The blood sample of the patient was assessed immediate postoperatively and after 72 h. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for assessment of pain and its correlation with CRP levels. Comparison of difference in levels of CRP levels had P < 0.05 with immediate postoperative and baseline levels. The duration of surgery with association of CRP levels P = 0.425 which was nonsignificant. The pain score was increased with mefenamic acid (P = 0.003), which was significant on VAS. Diclofenac had the best anti-inflammatory action. There was a significant increase in CRP levels in immediate postoperative values and 72 h. CRP test proved to be a useful indicator as a quantitative assessment tool for monitoring postsurgical inflammation and therapeutic effects of various anti-inflammatory drugs. CRP test is a useful indicator for quantitative assessment for comparative evaluation of NSAIDs.

C-Reactive Protein and Prediction of 1-Year Mortality in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients

PubMed Central

Bazeley, Jonathan; Bieber, Brian; Li, Yun; Morgenstern, Hal; de Sequera, Patricia; Combe, Christian; Yamamoto, Hiroyasu; Gallagher, Martin; Port, Friedrich K.

2011-01-01

Summary Background and objectives Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels remains uncommon in North America, although it is now routine in many countries. Using Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study data, our primary aim was to evaluate the value of CRP for predicting mortality when measured along with other common inflammatory biomarkers. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We studied 5061 prevalent hemodialysis patients from 2005 to 2008 in 140 facilities routinely measuring CRP in 10 countries. The association of CRP with mortality was evaluated using Cox regression. Prediction of 1-year mortality was assessed in logistic regression models with differing adjustment variables. Results Median baseline CRP was lower in Japan (1.0 mg/L) than other countries (6.0 mg/L). CRP was positively, monotonically associated with mortality. No threshold below which mortality rate leveled off was identified. In prediction models, CRP performance was comparable with albumin and exceeded ferritin and white blood cell (WBC) count based on measures of model discrimination (c-statistics, net reclassification improvement [NRI]) and global model fit (generalized R2). The primary analysis included age, gender, diabetes, catheter use, and the four inflammatory markers (omitting one at a time). Specifying NRI ≥5% as appropriate reclassification of predicted mortality risk, NRI for CRP was 12.8% compared with 10.3% for albumin, 0.8% for ferritin, and <0.1% for WBC. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the value of measuring CRP in addition to standard inflammatory biomarkers to improve mortality prediction in hemodialysis patients. Future studies are indicated to identify interventions that lower CRP and to identify whether they improve clinical outcomes. PMID:21868617

Rosiglitazone decreases C-reactive protein to a greater extent relative to glyburide and metformin over 4 years despite greater weight gain: observations from a Diabetes Outcome Progression Trial (ADOPT).

PubMed

Kahn, Steven E; Haffner, Steven M; Viberti, Giancarlo; Herman, William H; Lachin, John M; Kravitz, Barbara G; Yu, Dahong; Paul, Gitanjali; Holman, Rury R; Zinman, Bernard

2010-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is closely associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease in both diabetic and nondiabetic populations. In the short term, commonly prescribed antidiabetic agents have different effects on CRP; however, the long-term effects of those agents are unknown. In A Diabetes Outcome Progression Trial (ADOPT), we examined the long-term effects of rosiglitazone, glyburide, and metformin on CRP and the relationship among CRP, weight, and glycemic variables in 904 subjects over 4 years. Baseline CRP was significantly correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), A1C, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. CRP reduction was greater in the rosiglitazone group by -47.6% relative to glyburide and by -30.5% relative to metformin at 48 months. Mean weight gain from baseline (at 48 months) was 5.6 kg with rosiglitazone, 1.8 kg with glyburide, and -2.8 kg with metformin. The change in CRP from baseline to 12 months was correlated positively with change in BMI in glyburide (r = 0.18) and metformin (r = 0.20) groups but not in the rosiglitazone (r = -0.05, NS) group. However, there was no longer a significant correlation between change in CRP and change in HOMA-IR, A1C, or waist-to-hip ratio in any of the three treatment groups. Rosiglitazone treatment was associated with durable reductions in CRP independent of changes in insulin sensitivity, A1C, and weight gain. CRP in the glyburide and metformin groups was positively associated with changes in weight, but this was not the case with rosiglitazone.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its Association with Periodontal Disease: A Brief Review.

PubMed

Bansal, Tushika; Pandey, Anita; D, Deepa; Asthana, Ashish K

2014-07-01

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums characterised by a loss of attachment between the tooth and bone, and bone loss. C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation is a part of the acute phase response to acute and chronic inflammation. Many epidemiological studies have shown that serum CRP levels were elevated in patients with chronic periodontitis. CRP levels increase to hundreds of μg/ml within hours following infection. It out-performs erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in terms of responsiveness and specificity for inflammation. While CRP elevation is suggestive of inflammation or infection in the appropriate clinical context, it can also occur with obesity and renal dysfunction. Conversely, a lack of CRP elevation in inflammation may be seen with hepatic failure, as well as during flares of conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Autoantibodies to C-reactive protein is a common finding in SLE, but not in primary Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Sjöwall, Christopher; Eriksson, Per; Almer, Sven; Skogh, Thomas

2002-11-01

The occurrence of antibodies to human C-reactive protein (CRP) was analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 56 patient sera known to contain antibodies to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and in 16 sera from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), 15 rheumatoid arthritis, 31 Crohn's disease, and 37 ulcerative colitis. Eighty-seven per cent of the patients with anti-dsDNA antibodies had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the remaining had autoimmune hepatitis. The cut-off for positive anti-CRP test was set at the 95th percentile of 100 healthy blood donors. Twenty of 56 anti-dsDNA sera (36%) and two of 16 SS sera (13%) had antibodies reactive with human CRP, whereas all other samples were negative. Thirteen of 27 SLE patients (48%) were positive on at least one occasion. The sera containing anti-CRP antibodies only reacted with surface-bound antigen, but not with native CRP in solution. In conclusion, we found that autoantibodies to CRP are common in sera from patients with anti-dsDNA antibodies. It is not likely that this explains the relative failure of CRP response in patients with active SLE. However, it cannot be excluded that anti-CRP autoantibodies have other biological potentials of pathophysiological interest in SLE, for instance by binding to CRP deposited on cell and tissue surfaces.

The different maturation of the corticospinal tract and corticoreticular pathway in normal brain development: diffusion tensor imaging study

PubMed Central

Yeo, Sang Seok; Jang, Sung Ho; Son, Su Min

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose: The corticospinal tract (CST) and corticoreticular pathway (CRP) are known to be important neural tracts for motor development. However, little is known about the difference in maturation of the CST and CRP. In this study, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we investigated maturation of the CST and CRP in typically developed children and normal healthy adults. Methods: We recruited 75 normal healthy subjects for this study. DTI was performed using 1.5-T, and the CST and CRP were reconstructed using DTI-Studio software. Values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and fiber volume (FV) of the CST and CRP were measured. Results: In the current study, the threshold points for CST and CRP maturation were different in normal brain development. Change in FA value of the CST showed a steep increase until 7 years of age and then a gradual increase until adulthood, however, the CRP showed a steep increase only until 2 years of age and then a very gradual increase or plateau until adulthood. In terms of FV, the CST showed a steep increase until 12 years and then a gradual increase until adulthood, in contrast, the CRP showed gradual increase of FV across whole age range (0–25 years). Conclusion: The difference in maturation process between CST and CRP appears to be related to different periods of fine and gross motor development. This radiologic information can provide a scientific basis for understanding development in motor function. PMID:25309378

Cooperative DNA binding of heterologous proteins: Evidence for contact between the cyclic AMP receptor protein and RNA polymerase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Y.L.; Garges, S.; Adhya, S.

1988-06-01

Four cAMP-independent receptor protein mutants (designated CRP* mutants) isolated previously are able to activate in vivo gene transcription in the absence of cAMP and their activity can be enhanced by cAMP or cGMP. One of the four mutant proteins, CRP*598 (Arg-142 to His, Ala-144 to Thr), has been characterized with regard to its conformational properties and ability to bind to and support abortive initiation from the lac promoter. Binding of wild-type CRP to its site on the lac promoter and activation of abortive initiation by RNA polymerase on this promoter are effected by cAMP but not by cGMP. CRP*598 canmore » activate lacP{sup +}-directed abortive initiation in the presence of cAMP and less efficiently in the presence of cGMP or in the absence of cyclic nucleotide. DNase I protection (footprinting) indicates that cAMP-CRP* binds to its site on the lac promoter whereas unliganded CRP* and cGMP-CRP* form a stable complex with the ({sup 32}P)lacP{sup +} fragment only in the presence of RNA polymerase, showing cooperative binding of two heterologous proteins. This cooperative binding provides strong evidence for a contact between CRP and RNA polymerase for activation of transcription. Although cGMP binds to CRP, it cannot replace cAMP in effecting the requisite conformational transition necessary for site-specific promoter binding.« less

Coping strategy and social support modify the association between perceived stress and C-reactive protein: a longitudinal study of healthy men and women.

PubMed

Shimanoe, Chisato; Hara, Megumi; Nishida, Yuichiro; Nanri, Hinako; Otsuka, Yasuko; Horita, Mikako; Yasukata, Jun; Miyoshi, Nobuyuki; Yamada, Yosuke; Higaki, Yasuki; Tanaka, Keitaro

2018-05-01

Inconsistent associations have been reported between perceived stress and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. We previously observed a male-specific inverse relationship between perceived stress and CRP in a cross-sectional study. In the present study, we examined the longitudinal association between changes in perceived stress and CRP, and further analyzed whether changes in coping strategies and social support modify this association. This study included 8454 participants in both a baseline survey and a follow-up survey 5 years later. Psychosocial measures (i.e. perceived stress, coping strategies, and social support) and CRP concentrations were measured by identical means in both surveys. Consistent with our previous findings, increased perceived stress was significantly associated with lower CRP in men (p trend  = .037), but not in women. Increased "emotional expression," a coping strategy, was also associated with lower CRP in women (p trend  = .024). Furthermore, interactions between perceived stress and a coping strategy (positive reappraisal) or social support on CRP were found in men (p interaction  = .007 and .038, respectively); the above inverse association between stress and CRP was not detected for participants with diminished positive reappraisal or social support. In conclusion, increases in perceived stress during a 5-year period were associated with decreases in CRP among healthy men, and the observed association was possibly modified by coping strategy or social support.

The cAMP receptor protein CRP can function as an osmoregulator of transcription in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Landis, Lenore; Xu, Jimin; Johnson, Reid C.

1999-01-01

Transcription of the P1 promoter of the Escherichia coli proP gene, which encodes a transporter of osmoprotectants, is strongly induced by a shift to hyperosmotic media. Unlike most other osmotically regulated promoters, the induction occurs for a brief period of time, corresponding to the replacement of intracellular K+ glutamate with osmoprotecting compounds. This burst of proP transcription is correlated with the osmolarity-dependent binding of the cAMP receptor protein CRP to a site within the proP P1 promoter. We show that CRP–cAMP functions as an osmotically sensitive repressor of proP P1 transcription in vitro. Binding of CRP to the proP promoter in vivo is transiently destabilized after a hyperosmotic shift with kinetics that correspond to the derepression of transcription, whereas Fis and Lac repressor binding is not osmotically sensitive. Similar osmotic regulation of proP P1 transcription by the CRP* mutant implies that binding of cAMP is not responsible for the unusual osmotic sensitivity of CRP activity. Osmotic regulation of CRP activity is not limited to proP. Activation of the lac promoter by CRP is also transiently inhibited after an osmotic upshift, as is the binding of CRP to the galΔ4 P1 promoter. These findings suggest that CRP functions in certain contexts to regulate gene expression in response to osmotic changes, in addition to its role in catabolite control. PMID:10601034

Synthesis and characterization of a novel inhibitor of C-reactive protein-mediated proinflammatory effects.

PubMed

Kumaresan, Pappanaicken R; Devaraj, Sridevi; Huang, Wenzhe; Lau, Edmond Y; Liu, Ruiwu; Lam, Kit S; Jialal, Ishwarlal

2013-06-01

Numerous studies have shown that high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels predict cardiovascular disease and augur a poor prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Much in vitro and in vivo data support of a role for CRP in atherogenesis. There is an urgent need to develop inhibitors that specifically block the biological effects of CRP in vivo. The one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial library method has been used to discover ligands against several biological targets. In this study, we use a novel fluorescence-based screening method to screen an OBOC combinatorial library for the discovery of peptides against human CRP. Human CRP was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and human serum albumin (HuSA) was labeled with phycoerythrin (PE) and used for screening. The OBOC library LWH-01 was synthesized on TentaGel resin beads using a standard solid-phase "split/mix" approach. By subtraction screening, eight peptides that bind specifically to CRP and not to HuSA were identified. In human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) incubated with CRP, inhibitors CRPi-2, CRPi-3, and CRPi-6 significantly inhibited CRP-induced superoxide, cytokine release, and nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) activity. Molecular docking studies demonstrate that CRPi-2 interacts with the two Ca(2+) ions in the single subunit of CRP. The binding of CRPi-2 is reminiscent of choline binding. Future studies will examine the utility of this inhibitor in animal models and clinical trials.

Comparison of cardiovascular disease risk in two main forms of periodontitis

PubMed Central

Chopra, Rahul; Patil, Sudhir R.; Mathur, Shivani

2012-01-01

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant and has been proved to be a significant predictor of future cardiovascular events. Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between periodontitis and elevated CRP levels. However, comparison between the levels of CRP in two main forms of periodontitis is ambiguous. This study aims at determining and comparing the relative levels of serum CRP in aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 systemically healthy subjects were divided into three groups of 80 based on having generalized aggressive periodontitis, chronic generalized periodontitis and non-periodontitis (NP; controls). Venous blood samples were collected for quantitative CRP analysis using turbidimetric immunoassay. Results: Mean CRP levels were significantly greater in both generalized aggressive periodontitis (7.49±2.31 mg/l) and chronic generalized periodontitis (4.88±1.80 mg/l) groups as compared to NP (0.68±0.23 mg/l) controls. Moreover, CRP levels were significantly higher in aggressive periodontitis as compared to chronic periodontitis patients. Also, CRP levels positively correlated with the amount of periodontal destruction as measured by probing depth and clinical attachment loss for both chronic generalized periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicated that periodontitis should be of particular concern in younger individuals, where elevated levels of CRP may contribute to early or more rapid cardiovascular disease in susceptible patients. Thus, further research should be carried out at a community level to ascertain these findings. PMID:22363367

Relation between C-reactive protein levels and body composition in a multiethnic sample of school children in Hawaii.

PubMed

Brown, Daniel E; Mautz, William J; Warrington, Miyako; Allen, Lenard; Tefft, Harold A T; Gotshalk, Lincoln; Katzmarzyk, Peter T

2010-01-01

Adipose cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines that stimulate hepatic production of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP levels are associated with adiposity levels in adults, adolescents, and older children but not in young children (age 2-3). This study examined the relation between CRP, adiposity, and cardiovascular and metabolic variables including blood pressure, glucose, and blood lipids in two young cohorts of children, averaging approximately 5.5 and 8.5 years, respectively. Children (N = 125) from eight elementary schools in the multiethnic community of Hilo Hawaii were recruited to fill out questionnaires, undergo anthropometrics and air displacement plethysmography, have resting blood pressure measured, and provide a finger stick blood sample for analysis of CRP, glucose, and blood lipids. There were no significant differences between the cohorts in ethnic make up, household income, or parents' educational attainment. No significant relation was found between CRP and either adiposity or cardiovascular/metabolic variables in the younger cohort. However, significant correlations were found between CRP and adiposity measures and blood pressure in the older cohort. There was no marked difference in association of CRP with BMI versus waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. In neither cohort was CRP significantly related to glucose or blood lipids. Both amount of fat mass and time duration for possessing the adipose tissue may be important factors in determining the relation between CRP and both adiposity and blood pressure. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) on surfactant function

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, J.J.; Sanders, R.L.; McAdam, K.P.

1989-12-01

Plasma levels of the acute-phase reactant, C-reactive protein (CRP), increase up to one thousand-fold as a result of trauma or inflammation. CRP binds to phosphorylcholine (PC) in a calcium-ion dependent manner. The structural homology between PC and the major phospholipid component of surfactant, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), led to the present study in which we examined if CRP levels might be increased in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and subsequently interfere with surfactant function. Our results showed that CRP levels in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) was increased in patients with ARDS (97.8 +/- 84.2 micrograms/mg total protein vs. 4.04more » +/- 2.2 micrograms/mg total protein in normals). Our results show that CRP binds to liposomes containing DPPC and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). As a result of this interaction, CRP inhibits the surface activity of a PG-DPPC mixture when tested with a Wilhelmy surfactometer or with the Enhorning pulsating bubble apparatus. Furthermore, the surface activity of a clinically used surfactant replacement, Surfactant TA (2 mg/ml), was also severely impaired by CRP in a dose-dependent manner (doses used ranging from 24.5 to 1,175 micrograms/ml). In contrast, human serum albumin (HSA) at 500 and 900 micrograms/ml had no inhibitory effect on Surfactant TA surface activity. These results suggest that CRP, although not an initiating insult in ARDS, may contribute to the subsequent abnormalities of surfactant function and thus the pathogenesis of the pulmonary dysfunction seen in ARDS.« less

C-reactive protein reference percentiles among pre-adolescent children in Europe based on the IDEFICS study population.

PubMed

Schlenz, H; Intemann, T; Wolters, M; González-Gil, E M; Nappo, A; Fraterman, A; Veidebaum, T; Molnar, D; Tornaritis, M; Sioen, I; Mårild, S; Iacoviello, L; Ahrens, W

2014-09-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is involved in a wide range of diseases. It is a powerful marker for inflammatory processes used for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. We aimed to establish reference values as data on the distribution of serum CRP levels in young European children are scarce. Reference values of high-sensitivity CRP concentrations were calculated for 9855 children aged 2.0-10.9 years, stratified by age and sex. The children were recruited during the population-based European IDEFICS study (Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health Effects in Children and infantS) with 18 745 participants recruited from 2007 to 2010. In 44.1% of the children, CRP values were below or equal the detection limit of 0.2 mg/l. Median CRP concentrations showed a slight negative age trend in boys and girls, whereas serum CRP values were slightly higher in girls than in boys across all age groups. Our population-based reference values of CRP may guide paediatric practice as elevated values may require further investigation or treatment. Therefore, the presented reference values represent a basis for clinical evaluation and for future research on risk assessment of diseases associated with increased CRP levels among children.

Affinity of C-Reactive Protein toward FcγRI Is Strongly Enhanced by the γ-Chain

PubMed Central

Röcker, Carlheinz; Manolov, Dimitar E.; Kuzmenkina, Elza V.; Tron, Kyrylo; Slatosch, Holger; Torzewski, Jan; Nienhaus, G. Ulrich

2007-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototype human acute phase protein, is widely regarded as a key player in cardiovascular disease, but the identity of its cellular receptor is still under debate. By using ultrasensitive confocal imaging analysis, we have studied CRP binding to transfected COS-7 cells expressing the high-affinity IgG receptor FcγRI. Here we show that CRP binds to FcγRI on intact cells, with a kd of 10 ± 3 μmol/L. Transfection of COS-7 cells with a plasmid coding for both FcγRI and its functional counterpart, the γ-chain, markedly increases CRP affinity to FcγRI, resulting in a kd of 0.35 ± 0.10 μmol/L. The affinity increase results from an ∼30-fold enhanced association rate coefficient. The pronounced enhancement of affinity by the γ-chain suggests its crucial involvement in the CRP receptor interaction, possibly by mediating interactions between the transmembrane moieties of the receptors. Dissociation of CRP from the cell surfaces cannot be detected throughout the time course of several hours and is thus extremely slow. Considering the pentameric structure of CRP, this result indicates that multivalent binding and receptor clustering are crucially involved in the interaction of CRP with nucleated cells. PMID:17255341

C-reactive protein specifically binds to Fcgamma receptor type I on a macrophage-like cell line.

PubMed

Tron, Kyrylo; Manolov, Dimitar E; Röcker, Carlheinz; Kächele, Martin; Torzewski, Jan; Nienhaus, G Ulrich

2008-05-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a prototype acute-phase protein that may be intimately involved in human disease. Its cellular receptors are still under debate; the main candidates are FcR for immunoglobulin G, as CRP was shown to bind specifically to FcgammaRI and FcgammaRIIa. Using ultrasensitive confocal live-cell imaging, we have studied CRP binding to FcgammaR naturally expressed in the plasma membranes of cells from a human leukemia cell line (Mono Mac 6). These macrophage-like cells express high levels of FcgammaRI and FcgammaRII. They were shown to bind fluorescently labeled CRP with micromolar affinity, KD = (6.6 +/- 1.5) microM. CRP binding could be inhibited by pre-incubation with human but not mouse IgG and was thus FcgammaR-specific. Blocking of FcgammaRI by an FcgammaRI-specific antibody abolished CRP binding essentially completely, whereas application of antibodies against FcgammaRII did not have a noticeable effect. In fluorescence images of Mono Mac 6 cells, the intensity patterns of bound CRP were correlated with those of FcgammaRI, but not FcgammaRII. These results provide clear evidence of specific interactions between CRP and FcgammaR (predominantly FcgammaRI) naturally expressed on macrophage-like cells.

Socioeconomic position, health behaviors, and C-reactive protein: A moderated-mediation analysis

PubMed Central

Kershaw, Kiarri N.; Mezuk, Briana; Abdou, Cleopatra M.; Rafferty, Jane A.; Jackson, James S.

2010-01-01

Objective We sought to understand the link between low SEP and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by examining the association between SEP, health-related coping behaviors, and C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker and independent risk factor for CVD in a US sample of adults. Design We used a multiple mediation model to evaluate how these behaviors work in concert to influence CRP levels and whether these relationships were moderated by gender and race/ethnicity. Main outcome measures CRP levels were divided into two categories: elevated CRP (3.1–10.0 mg/L) and normal CRP (≤ 3.0 mg/L). Results Both poverty and low educational attainment were associated with elevated CRP, and these associations were primarily explained through higher levels of smoking and lower levels of exercise. In the education model, poor diet also emerged as a significant mediator. These behaviors accounted for 87.9% of the total effect of education on CRP and 55.8% the total effect of poverty on CRP. We also found significant moderation of these mediated effects by gender and race/ethnicity. Conclusion These findings demonstrate the influence of socioeconomically-patterned environmental constraints on individual-level health behaviors. Specifically, reducing socioeconomic inequalities may have positive effects on CVD disparities through reducing cigarette smoking and increasing vigorous exercise. PMID:20496985

Homocysteine and C-reactive protein as useful surrogate markers for evaluating CKD risk in adults.

PubMed

Chuang, Chung-Hsun; Lee, Yi-Yen; Sheu, Bor-Fuh; Hsiao, Cheng-Ting; Loke, Song-Seng; Chen, Jih-Chang; Li, Wen-Cheng

2013-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP) as potential markers for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults in Taiwan, and to identify associations between these factors and CKD, stratifying by gender. This cross-sectional study analyzed multi-center data retrospectively. Data were collected from 22,043 adult Taiwanese at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital from 2005 to 2011. Smoking/drinking history, personal medical/medication history, pregnancy, fasting times as well as laboratory parameters, including homocysteine and CRP were measured and analyzed. Significant differences were observed between four homocysteine and CRP quartiles in eGFR and CKD. For males, only one model showed significant associations between plasma homocysteine and CKD, while in females, all three models showed significant associations with CKD. On the contrary, the gender difference in the case of CRP was opposite. Combined homocysteine and CRP were associated with CKD in males but not in females. Among Taiwanese adults, plasma homocysteine is associated with CKD in females and plasma hsCRP is associated with CKD in males. High hsCRP/high homocysteine is associated with elevated CKD risk in male. Our results suggest that homocysteine and hsCRP may be useful surrogate markers for evaluating CKD risk in adults. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

C-reactive protein (CRP) and long-term air pollution with a focus on ultrafine particles.

PubMed

Pilz, Veronika; Wolf, Kathrin; Breitner, Susanne; Rückerl, Regina; Koenig, Wolfgang; Rathmann, Wolfgang; Cyrys, Josef; Peters, Annette; Schneider, Alexandra

2018-04-01

Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution contributes to the global burden of disease by particularly affecting cardiovascular (CV) causes of death. We investigated the association between particle number concentration (PNC), a marker for ultrafine particles, and other air pollutants and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a potential link between air pollution and CV disease. We cross-sectionally analysed data from the second follow up (2013 and 2014) of the German KORA baseline survey which was conducted in 1999-2001. Residential long-term exposure to PNC and various other size fractions of particulate matter (PM 10 with size of <10 μm in aerodynamic diameter, PM coarse 2.5-10 μm or PM 2.5  < 2.5 μm, respectively), soot (PM 2.5 abs: absorbance of PM 2.5 ), nitrogen oxides (nitrogen dioxide NO 2 or oxides NO x , respectively) and ozone (O 3 ) were estimated by land-use regression models. Associations between annual air pollution concentrations and hs-CRP were modeled in 2252 participants using linear regression models adjusted for several confounders. Potential effect-modifiers were examined by interaction terms and two-pollutant models were calculated for pollutants with Spearman inter-correlation <0.70. Single pollutant models for PNC, PM 10 , PM coarse , PM 2.5 abs, NO 2 and NO x showed positive but non-significant associations with hs-CRP. For PNC, an interquartile range (2000 particles/cm 3 ) increase was associated with a 3.6% (95% CI: -0.9%, 8.3%) increase in hs-CRP. A null association was found for PM 2.5 . Effect estimates were higher for women, non-obese participants, for participants without diabetes and without a history of cardiovascular disease whereas ex-smokers showed lower estimates compared to smokers or non-smokers. For O 3 , the dose-response function suggested a non-linear relationship. In two-pollutant models, adjustment for PM 2.5 strengthened the effect estimates for PNC and PM 10 (6.3% increase per 2000 particles/cm 3 [95% CI: 0.4%; 12.5%] and 7.3% per 16.5 μg/m 3 [95% CI: 0.4%; 14.8%], respectively). This study adds to a scarce but growing body of literature showing associations between long-term exposure to ultrafine particles and hs-CRP, one of the most intensely studied blood biomarkers for cardiovascular health. Our results highlight the role of ultrafine particles within the complex mixture of ambient air pollution and their inflammatory potential. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 1410.52 - Violations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) If a participant fails to carry out the terms and conditions of a CRP contract, CCC may terminate the CRP contract. (2) If the CRP contract is terminated by CCC in accordance with this paragraph: (i) The...

FEV1 inversely correlates with metalloproteinases 1, 7, 9 and CRP in COPD by biomass smoke exposure

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis. The aim of the present work was to determine plasma concentrations of MMPs and CRP in COPD associated to biomass combustion exposure (BE) and tobacco smoking (TS). Methods Pulmonary function tests, plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and CRP were measured in COPD associated to BE (n = 40) and TS (n =40) patients, and healthy non-smoking (NS) healthy women (controls, n = 40). Results Plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 and CRP were higher in BE and TS than in the NS healthy women (p <0.01). An inverse correlation between MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and CRP plasma concentrations and FEV1 was observed. Conclusions Increase of MMPs and CRP plasma concentrations in BE suggests a systemic inflammatory phenomenon similar to that observed in COPD associated to tobacco smoking, which may also play a role in COPD pathogenesis. PMID:24980707

Evaluation of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis fluid C-reactive protein in patients with peritonitis.

PubMed

Ramanathan, Kumaresan; Padmanabhan, Giri; Vijayaraghavan, Bhooma

2016-05-01

Severe peritonitis causing death is one of the most devastating complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Since the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in PD fluid has not been assessed, the objective of the present study is to evaluate its predictive value and clinical correlation in patients on PD with peritonitis. One hundred and twenty patients on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) were enrolled and their serum and fluid CRP (Fl. CRP) were evaluated at the start of CAPD. All patients who developed peritonitis were further evaluated for serum and fluid CRP. The patients were categorized into four groups, namely: normal patients (control group), patients with peritonitis, patients with peritonitis leading to catheter removal, and death due to peritonitis. Sixty-five patients developed peritonitis of whom, catheter removal was performed in eight patients. Five patients died due to peritonitis-related complications. Fl. CRP showed a significant difference among the three groups, unlike S. CRP. Estimation of CRP in the peritoneal fluid may be a useful marker to monitor the onset of peritonitis.

FEV1 inversely correlates with metalloproteinases 1, 7, 9 and CRP in COPD by biomass smoke exposure.

PubMed

Montaño, Martha; Sansores, Raul H; Becerril, Carina; Cisneros, Jose; González-Avila, Georgina; Sommer, Bettina; Ochoa, Leticia; Herrera, Iliana; Ramírez-Venegas, Alejandra; Ramos, Carlos

2014-06-30

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis. The aim of the present work was to determine plasma concentrations of MMPs and CRP in COPD associated to biomass combustion exposure (BE) and tobacco smoking (TS). Pulmonary function tests, plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and CRP were measured in COPD associated to BE (n = 40) and TS (n =40) patients, and healthy non-smoking (NS) healthy women (controls, n = 40). Plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 and CRP were higher in BE and TS than in the NS healthy women (p <0.01). An inverse correlation between MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and CRP plasma concentrations and FEV1 was observed. Increase of MMPs and CRP plasma concentrations in BE suggests a systemic inflammatory phenomenon similar to that observed in COPD associated to tobacco smoking, which may also play a role in COPD pathogenesis.