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Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory... Jul 2023Detection of hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cells in urine (hematuria) is characterized by a large number of pitfalls. Clinicians and laboratory specialists must be... (Review)
Review
Detection of hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cells in urine (hematuria) is characterized by a large number of pitfalls. Clinicians and laboratory specialists must be aware of these pitfalls since they often lead to medical overconsumption or incorrect diagnosis. Pre-analytical issues (use of vacuum tubes or urine tubes containing preservatives) can affect test results. In routine clinical laboratories, hematuria can be assayed using either chemical (test strips) or particle-counting techniques. In cases of doubtful results, Munchausen syndrome or adulteration of the urine specimen should be excluded. Pigmenturia (caused by the presence of dyes, urinary metabolites such as porphyrins and homogentisic acid, and certain drugs in the urine) can be easily confused with hematuria. The peroxidase activity (test strip) can be positively affected by the presence of non-Hb peroxidases (e.g. myoglobin, semen peroxidases, bacterial, and vegetable peroxidases). Urinary pH, haptoglobin concentration, and urine osmolality may affect specific peroxidase activity. The implementation of expert systems may be helpful in detecting preanalytical and analytical errors in the assessment of hematuria. Correcting for dilution using osmolality, density, or conductivity may be useful for heavily concentrated or diluted urine samples.
Topics: Humans; Hematuria; Peroxidase; Hemoglobins; Erythrocytes; Osmolar Concentration
PubMed: 37079906
DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0260 -
Global Cardiology Science & Practice Aug 2023Migraine is a common neurological disorder affecting 12% of the global population. The common risk factors are adolescent age, genetics, and female sex, and are... (Review)
Review
Migraine is a common neurological disorder affecting 12% of the global population. The common risk factors are adolescent age, genetics, and female sex, and are triggered by hormonal fluctuations, emotional stress, sensory overload, weather changes, alcohol consumption, fasting, cheese, chocolate, smoked fish, yeast extract, cured meats, artificial sweeteners, food preservatives containing nitrates and nitrites, and sleep disturbances. Migraine with aura is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events, such as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and cardiac arrhythmias, and has recently been added to the QRISK3 cardiovascular disease prediction score. Population-based cohort studies have shown a significant association of migraine with aura and cardiac arrhythmias, most importantly atrial fibrillation. Patients suffering from migraine with aura are at an increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias; thus, it is essential to screen these patients for undiagnosed cardiovascular disorders.
PubMed: 37575293
DOI: 10.21542/gcsp.2023.20 -
Journal of Comparative Effectiveness... Nov 2023The patent expiry of Humira in 2018 opened up the current European market to eight adalimumab biosimilars - (in alphabetical order) Amgevita, Amsparity, Hulio, Hukyndra,... (Review)
Review
The patent expiry of Humira in 2018 opened up the current European market to eight adalimumab biosimilars - (in alphabetical order) Amgevita, Amsparity, Hulio, Hukyndra, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Imraldi and Yuflyma - for the treatment of various immune and inflammatory conditions. Amjevita, Hadlima, Hyrimoz and Yuflyma have recently become available in the USA, with others expected to reach this market in 2023 as the US patent protection for Humira ends. Although adalimumab biosimilars demonstrate efficacy, safety and immunogenicity similar to the originator, they may differ in product excipient(s) and preservatives, along with their device type(s). Physicians may find it both difficult and time consuming to navigate their way among the array of available adalimumab biosimilars when they need to make a treatment decision. This article explores the characteristics of various adalimumab biosimilars to help clinicians navigate the various options available across Europe and the USA. In addition to drug selection, effective patient-physician communication is needed to nurture realistic patient expectations and minimise potential nocebo effects when prescribing biosimilars.
Topics: Humans; Adalimumab; Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals; Expert Testimony; Europe
PubMed: 37855223
DOI: 10.57264/cer-2023-0117 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023For thousands of years till nowadays, (NS) has served as a common spice and food preservative. Its seed extracts, seed oil, and essential oil in traditional medicine... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
For thousands of years till nowadays, (NS) has served as a common spice and food preservative. Its seed extracts, seed oil, and essential oil in traditional medicine have been used to remedy many ailments such as headaches, fever, gastric complaints, and even rheumatism. In addition, the antibacterial, virucidal, fungicidal, and antiparasitic properties of NS are well known. However, studies on the possible immunomodulatory effects of black cumin are relatively scarce. This article discusses in vitro and in vivo research supporting the immunomodulatory role of NS.
METHODS
The review is based on articles, books, and conference papers printed until September 2022, found in the Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar databases.
RESULTS
Experimental findings were reported concerning the ability of NS to modulate inflammation and immune responses or cytotoxic activity.
CONCLUSIONS
All results suggest that NS can potentially be employed in developing effective therapeutic agents for regulating immune reactions.
PubMed: 37507880
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071340 -
Journal of Renal Nutrition : the... Nov 2023While dialysis has been the prevailing treatment paradigm for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), emphasis on conservative and preservative management... (Review)
Review
While dialysis has been the prevailing treatment paradigm for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), emphasis on conservative and preservative management in which dietary interventions are a major cornerstone have emerged. Based on high-quality evidence, international guidelines support the utilization of low-protein diets as an intervention to reduce CKD progression and mortality risk, although the precise thresholds (if any) for dietary protein intake vary across recommendations. There is also increasing evidence demonstrating that plant-dominant low-protein diets reduce the risk of developing incident CKD, CKD progression, and its related complications including cardiometabolic disease, metabolic acidosis, mineral and bone disorders, and uremic toxin generation. In this review, we discuss the premise for conservative and preservative dietary interventions, specific dietary approaches used in conservative and preservative care, potential benefits of a plant-dominant low-protein diet, and practical implementation of these nutritional strategies without dialysis.
Topics: Humans; Renal Dialysis; Dietary Proteins; Disease Progression; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Kidney; Diet, Protein-Restricted
PubMed: 37394104
DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2023.06.010 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent investigations on different biopolymers obtained from renewable sources for use as edible coatings [...].
The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent investigations on different biopolymers obtained from renewable sources for use as edible coatings [...].
Topics: Edible Films; Biocompatible Materials; Food Preservation; Food Packaging; Food Preservatives
PubMed: 37373077
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129929 -
Biotechnology Advances Oct 2023Lipopeptides are surface active, natural products of bacteria, fungi and green-blue algae origin, having diverse structures and functionalities. In analogy, a number of... (Review)
Review
Lipopeptides are surface active, natural products of bacteria, fungi and green-blue algae origin, having diverse structures and functionalities. In analogy, a number of chemical synthesis techniques generated new designer lipopeptides with desirable features and functions. Lipopetides are self-assembly guided, supramolecular compounds which have the capacity of high-density presentation of the functional epitopes at the surface of the nanostructures. This feature contributes to their successful application in several industry sectors, including food, feed, personal care, and pharmaceutics. In this comprehensive review, the novel class of ribosomally synthesized lipopeptides is introduced alongside the more commonly occuring non-ribosomal lipopeptides. We highlight key representatives of the most researched as well as recently described lipopeptide families, with emphasis on structural features, self-assembly and associated functions. The common biological, chemical and hybrid production routes of lipopeptides, including prominent analogues and derivatives are also discussed. Furthermore, genetic engineering strategies aimed at increasing lipopeptide yields, diversity and biological activity are summarized and exemplified. With respect to application, this work mainly details the potential of lipopeptides in personal care and cosmetics industry as cleansing agents, moisturizer, anti-aging/anti-wrinkling, skin whitening and preservative agents as well as the pharmaceutical industry as anitimicrobial agents, vaccines, immunotherapy, and cancer drugs. Given that this review addresses human applications, we conclude on the topic of safety of lipopeptide formulations and their sustainable production.
Topics: Humans; Lipopeptides; Bacteria; Genetic Engineering; Cosmetics; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Surface-Active Agents
PubMed: 37460047
DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108210 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The growing number of antibiotic resistance genes is putting a strain on the ecosystem and harming human health. In addition, consumers have developed a cautious... (Review)
Review
The growing number of antibiotic resistance genes is putting a strain on the ecosystem and harming human health. In addition, consumers have developed a cautious attitude towards chemical preservatives. Colostrum and milk are excellent sources of antibacterial components that help to strengthen the immunity of the offspring and accelerate the maturation of the immune system. It is possible to study these important defenses of milk and colostrum, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, etc., as biotherapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of numerous infections caused by microbes. Each of these components has different mechanisms and interactions in various places. The compound's mechanisms of action determine where the antibacterial activity appears. The activation of the antibacterial activity of milk and colostrum compounds can start in the infant's mouth during lactation and continue in the gastrointestinal regions. These antibacterial properties possess potential for therapeutic uses. In order to discover new perspectives and methods for the treatment of bacterial infections, additional investigations of the mechanisms of action and potential complexes are required.
PubMed: 38534686
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030251