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Medical Science Monitor : International... Apr 2024BACKGROUND COVID-19 increases the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute pulmonary embolism (APE), and acute...
BACKGROUND COVID-19 increases the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute pulmonary embolism (APE), and acute myocarditis (AMyo). The actual impact of CVDs on mortality of patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. This study aimed to determine whether CVDs influence the course of COVID-19 pneumonia and if they can be easily detected by using common tests and examinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data of 249 consecutive patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a dedicated cardiology department were analyzed. On admission, clinical status, biomarkers, computed tomography, and bedside echocardiography were performed. RESULTS D-dimer level predicted APE (AUC=0.850 95% CI [0.765; 0.935], P<0.001) with sensitivity of 69.4% and specificity of 96.2% for a level of 4968.0 ng/mL, and NT-proBNP predicted AMyo (AUC=0.692 95% CI [0.502; 0.883], P=0.004) and showed sensitivity of 54.5%, with specificity of 86.5% for the cut-off point of 8970 pg/mL. Troponin T levels were not useful for diagnostic differentiation between CVDs. An extent of lung involvement predicted mortality (OR=1.03 95% CI [1.01;1.04] for 1% increase, P<0.001). After adjusting for lung involvement, ACS increased mortality, compared with COVID-19 pneumonia only (OR=5.27 95% CI [1.76; 16.38] P=0.003), while APE and AMyo did not affect risk for death. CONCLUSIONS D-dimer and NT-proBNP, but not troponin T, are useful in differentiating CVDs in patients with COVID-19. ACS with COVID-19 increased in-hospital mortality independently from extent of lung involvement, while coexisting APE or AMyo did not.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Aged; Pulmonary Embolism; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Cardiovascular Diseases; Peptide Fragments; SARS-CoV-2; Biomarkers; Myocarditis; Echocardiography; Acute Disease; Referral and Consultation; Troponin T
PubMed: 38644597
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942612 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024ADAMTS13, a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13, regulates the length of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers and their...
ADAMTS13, a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13, regulates the length of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers and their platelet-binding activity. ADAMTS13 is constitutively secreted as an active protease and is not inhibited by circulating protease inhibitors. Therefore, the mechanisms that regulate ADAMTS13 protease activity are unknown. We performed an unbiased proteomics screen to identify ligands of ADAMTS13 by optimizing the application of BioID to plasma. Plasma BioID identified 5 plasma proteins significantly labeled by the ADAMTS13-birA* fusion, including VWF and plasminogen. Glu-plasminogen, Lys-plasminogen, mini-plasminogen, and apo(a) bound ADAMTS13 with high affinity, whereas micro-plasminogen did not. None of the plasminogen variants or apo(a) bound to a C-terminal truncation variant of ADAMTS13 (MDTCS). The binding of plasminogen to ADAMTS13 was attenuated by tranexamic acid or ε-aminocaproic acid, and tranexamic acid protected ADAMTS13 from plasmin degradation. These data demonstrate that plasminogen is an important ligand of ADAMTS13 in plasma by binding to the C-terminus of ADAMTS13. Plasmin proteolytically degrades ADAMTS13 in a lysine-dependent manner, which may contribute to its regulation. Adapting BioID to identify protein-interaction networks in plasma provides a powerful new tool to study protease regulation in the cardiovascular system.
Topics: Fibrinolysin; von Willebrand Factor; ADAMTS13 Protein; ADAM Proteins; Tranexamic Acid; Ligands; Plasminogen
PubMed: 38643218
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59672-6 -
European Review For Medical and... Apr 2024Plasma D-dimer levels >0.5 mg/L are encountered in various conditions besides venous thromboembolism (VTE). Recent studies use them as a prognostic indicator for...
OBJECTIVE
Plasma D-dimer levels >0.5 mg/L are encountered in various conditions besides venous thromboembolism (VTE). Recent studies use them as a prognostic indicator for systemic and inflammatory diseases. The clinical significance of abnormal levels is unclear in osteomyelitis patients with baseline elevation. Our study reviews the occurrence and significance of >0.5 mg/L D-dimer levels in different types of osteomyelitis.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This study involved 125 individuals, out of which 94 were male and 31 were female. The patients were divided into two groups based on the results of bacterial culture testing. Group A comprised those who tested positive for bacterial culture, while group B included those who tested negative. Out of 68 samples tested, 56% were found to have Staphylococcus aureus. All 125 patients underwent blood testing, which included measuring the D-dimer levels, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and MHR monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio in different types of osteomyelitis. The statistical analysis of these tests was carried out.
RESULTS
Although there were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) count, Neutrophil count, Lymphocyte count, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as the NLR, PLR, LMR, MHR, HDL-C ratio. The C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher in group A (26.13±50.30) than in group B (10.76±18.70) (p<0.05). D-dimer levels were elevated in 40.8% of patients with bacterial culture-positive osteomyelitis, negative culture osteomyelitis, implants with fractures, and no trauma osteomyelitis. No correlation was found between the increase in D-dimer levels and the presence of bacterial culture or implant-related osteomyelitis in patients.
CONCLUSIONS
No significant correlation was found between D-dimers and osteomyelitis, including positive bacterial cultures, implant-related osteomyelitis, or osteomyelitis without trauma. However, 40% of the patients had higher D-dimer levels.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Leukocyte Count; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Osteomyelitis; Monocytes; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38639505
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202404_35894 -
Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular... Apr 2024Although cardiopulmonary bypass procedures remain a critical treatment option for heart disease, they come with risks, including hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid is known to...
INTRODUCTION
Although cardiopulmonary bypass procedures remain a critical treatment option for heart disease, they come with risks, including hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid is known to reduce morbidity and mortality in surgical hemorrhage.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid, which is routinely used to treat hemorrhage, in decreasing the amount of intraoperative and postoperative drainage.
METHOD
A total of 80 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included in this retrospective study. Forty patients who received tranexamic acid during the operation were assigned to Group 1, while 40 patients who did not receive tranexamic acid were assigned to Group 2. Patient data were collected from the hospital computer system and/or archive records after applying exclusion criteria, and the data were recorded. Statistical analyses were then performed to compare the data.
RESULTS
Age, sex, height, weight, body surface area, flow, and ejection fraction percentages, preoperative hematological parameters, and intraoperative variables (except tranexamic acid) were similar between the groups (P>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of intraoperative (through the heart-lung machine) and postoperative red blood cell transfusion rates, intraoperative and postoperative bleeding drainage amounts, as well as postoperative hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet, and red blood cell levels (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
We concluded that intraoperative and postoperative use of tranexamic acid in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass has positive effects on hematological parameters, reducing blood product use, and bleeding drainage amount.
Topics: Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Retrospective Studies; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Drainage; Blood Loss, Surgical
PubMed: 38630021
DOI: 10.21470/1678-9741-2023-0181 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapeutic approach for treating Crohn's disease (CD). The new method of FMT, based on the automatic washing...
BACKGROUND
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapeutic approach for treating Crohn's disease (CD). The new method of FMT, based on the automatic washing process, was named as washed microbiota transplantation (WMT). Most existing studies have focused on observing the clinical phenomena. However, the mechanism of action of FMT for the effective management of CD-particularly in-depth multi-omics analysis involving the metagenome, metatranscriptome, and metabolome-has not yet been reported.
AIM
To assess the efficacy of WMT for CD and explore alterations in the microbiome and metabolome in response to WMT.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective, open-label, single-center clinical study. Eleven CD patients underwent WMT. Their clinical responses (defined as a decrease in their CD Activity Index score of > 100 points) and their microbiome (metagenome, metatranscriptome) and metabolome profiles were evaluated three months after the procedure.
RESULTS
Seven of the 11 patients (63.6%) showed an optimal clinical response three months post-WMT. Gut microbiome diversity significantly increased after WMT, consistent with improved clinical symptoms. Comparison of the metagenome and metatranscriptome analyses revealed consistent alterations in certain strains, such as , , and . In addition, metabolomics analyses demonstrated that CD patients had elevated levels of various amino acids before treatment compared to the donors. However, levels of vital amino acids that may be associated with disease progression (, L-glutamic acid, gamma-glutamyl-leucine, and prolyl-glutamine) were reduced after WMT.
CONCLUSION
WMT demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in CD treatment, likely due to the effective reconstruction of the patient's microbiome. Multi-omics techniques can effectively help decipher the potential mechanisms of WMT in treating CD.
Topics: Humans; Amino Acids; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Crohn Disease; Escherichia coli; Metagenome; Microbiota; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 38617453
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i11.1572 -
Nutrients Mar 2024In cardiology, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and warfarin are among the most commonly used prophylactic therapies against thromboembolic events. Drug-drug interactions are... (Review)
Review
Potential Drug-Nutrient Interactions of 45 Vitamins, Minerals, Trace Elements, and Associated Dietary Compounds with Acetylsalicylic Acid and Warfarin-A Review of the Literature.
In cardiology, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and warfarin are among the most commonly used prophylactic therapies against thromboembolic events. Drug-drug interactions are generally well-known. Less known are the drug-nutrient interactions (DNIs), impeding drug absorption and altering micronutritional status. ASA and warfarin might influence the micronutritional status of patients through different mechanisms such as binding or modification of binding properties of ligands, absorption, transport, cellular use or concentration, or excretion. Our article reviews the drug-nutrient interactions that alter micronutritional status. Some of these mechanisms could be investigated with the aim to potentiate the drug effects. DNIs are seen occasionally in ASA and warfarin and could be managed through simple strategies such as risk stratification of DNIs on an individual patient basis; micronutritional status assessment as part of the medical history; extensive use of the drug-interaction probability scale to reference little-known interactions, and application of a personal, predictive, and preventive medical model using omics.
Topics: Humans; Vitamins; Trace Elements; Warfarin; Aspirin; Vitamin A; Vitamin K; Minerals
PubMed: 38612984
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070950 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024In this study, gilthead sea bream () fast muscle myoblasts were stimulated with two pro-growth treatments, amino acids (AA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf-1), to...
Exploring the Integrated Role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in Regulating the Transcriptional Response to Amino Acids and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 in Gilthead Sea Bream () Myoblasts.
In this study, gilthead sea bream () fast muscle myoblasts were stimulated with two pro-growth treatments, amino acids (AA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf-1), to analyze the transcriptional response of mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and to explore their possible regulatory network using bioinformatic approaches. AA had a higher impact on transcription (1795 mRNAs changed) compared to Igf-1 (385 mRNAs changed). Both treatments stimulated the transcription of mRNAs related to muscle differentiation (GO:0042692) and sarcomere (GO:0030017), while AA strongly stimulated DNA replication and cell division (GO:0007049). Both pro-growth treatments altered the transcription of over 100 miRNAs, including muscle-specific miRNAs (myomiRs), such as , , , , and . Among 111 detected lncRNAs (>1 FPKM), only 30 were significantly changed by AA and 11 by Igf-1. Eight lncRNAs exhibited strong negative correlations with several mRNAs, suggesting a possible regulation, while 30 lncRNAs showed strong correlations and interactions with several miRNAs, suggesting a role as sponges. This work is the first step in the identification of the ncRNAs network controlling muscle development and growth in gilthead sea bream, pointing out potential regulatory mechanisms in response to pro-growth signals.
Topics: Animals; Amino Acids; Sea Bream; RNA, Long Noncoding; Insulin-Like Peptides; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; MicroRNAs; Myoblasts; Antifibrinolytic Agents; RNA, Messenger; Sarcomeres
PubMed: 38612703
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073894 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Currently, photocatalysis of the two-dimensional (2D) conjugated phthalocyanine framework with a single Fe atom (CPF-Fe) has shown efficient photocatalytic activities...
Currently, photocatalysis of the two-dimensional (2D) conjugated phthalocyanine framework with a single Fe atom (CPF-Fe) has shown efficient photocatalytic activities for the removal of harmful effluents and antibacterial activity. Their photocatalytic mechanisms are dependent on the redox reaction-which is led by the active species generated from the photocatalytic process. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of CPF-Fe antimicrobial activity has not been sufficiently explored. In this study, we successfully synthesized CPF-Fe with great broad-spectrum antibacterial properties under visible light and used it as an antibacterial agent. The molecular mechanism of CPF-Fe against and was explored through multi-omics analyses (transcriptomics and metabolomics correlation analyses). The results showed that CPF-Fe not only led to the oxidative stress of bacteria by generating large amounts of h and ROS but also caused failure in the synthesis of bacterial cell wall components as well as an osmotic pressure imbalance by disrupting glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and TCA cycle pathways. More surprisingly, CPF-Fe could disrupt the metabolism of amino acids and nucleic acids, as well as inhibit their energy metabolism, resulting in the death of bacterial cells. The research further revealed the antibacterial mechanism of CPF-Fe from a molecular perspective, providing a theoretical basis for the application of CPF-Fe photocatalytic antibacterial nanomaterials.
Topics: Multiomics; Amino Acids; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Escherichia coli; Indoles; Isoindoles
PubMed: 38611880
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071601 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024A single combi oven, known for its versatility, is an excellent choice for a variety of chicken soup preparations. However, the impact of universal steam ovens on the...
A single combi oven, known for its versatility, is an excellent choice for a variety of chicken soup preparations. However, the impact of universal steam ovens on the flavor quality of chicken soup remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the impact of different cooking methods on the aroma and taste of chicken soup. Three cooking methods with various stewing times were compared: ceramic pot (CP), electric pressure cooker (EPC), and combi oven (CO). Analyses were conducted using electron-nose, electron-tongue, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), automatic amino acid analysis, and chemometric methods. A total of 14 amino acids, including significant umami contributors, were identified. The taste components of CP and CO chicken soups were relatively similar. In total, 39 volatile aroma compounds, predominantly aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols, were identified. Aldehydes were the most abundant compounds, and 23 key aroma compounds were identified. Pearson's correlation analyses revealed distinct correlations between various amino acids (e.g., glutamic acid and serine) and specific volatile compounds. The aroma compounds from the CP and CO samples showed similarities. The results of this study provide a reference for the application of one-touch cooking of chicken soup in versatile steam ovens.
Topics: Animals; Odorants; Chickens; Steam; Taste; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Amino Acids; Aldehydes; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Cooking
PubMed: 38611810
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071532 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is the preferred strategy for synthesizing most peptides for research purposes and on a multi-kilogram scale. One key to the success... (Review)
Review
Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is the preferred strategy for synthesizing most peptides for research purposes and on a multi-kilogram scale. One key to the success of SPPS is the continual evolution and improvement of the original method proposed by Merrifield. Over the years, this approach has been enhanced with the introduction of new solid supports, protecting groups for amino acids, coupling reagents, and other tools. One of these improvements is the use of the so-called "safety-catch" linkers/resins. The linker is understood as the moiety that links the peptide to the solid support and protects the C-terminal carboxylic group. The "safety-catch" concept relies on linkers that are totally stable under the conditions needed for both α-amino and side-chain deprotection that, at the end of synthesis, can be made labile to one of those conditions by a simple chemical reaction (e.g., an alkylation). This unique characteristic enables the simultaneous use of two primary protecting strategies: tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc). Ultimately, at the end of synthesis, either acids (which are incompatible with Boc) or bases (which are incompatible with Fmoc) can be employed to cleave the peptide from the resin. This review focuses on the most significant "safety-catch" linkers.
Topics: Solid-Phase Synthesis Techniques; Alkylation; Amino Acids; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Resins, Plant; Peptides
PubMed: 38611709
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071429