Fibrinogen: Structure, abnormalities and laboratory assays.

Fibrinogen is the primary precursor protein for the fibrin clot, which is the final target of blood clotting. It is also an acute phase reactant that can vary under physiologic and inflammatory conditions. Disorders in fibrinogen concentration and/or function have been variably linked to the risk of bleeding and/or thrombosis. Fibrinogen assays are commonly used in the management of bleeding as well as the treatment of thrombosis. This chapter examines the structure of fibrinogen, its role in hemostasis as well as in bleeding abnormalities and measurement thereof with respect to clinical management.

Heavy Metal and Trace Element Levels in Hair Samples from Fishermen in Turkey: The Fish/Ermen Heavy Metal Study (FHMS).

Toxic chemicals from polluted seas can enter the human body through seafood consumption and cause health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected heavy metals and trace elements among fishermen who frequently consumed seafood and controls who consumed seafood less frequently in four provinces on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, which is heavily polluted by industrial activities. Fourteen elements (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc) were analyzed in hair samples using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer method. Levels of arsenic (0.147 ± 0.067 µg/g vs. 0.129 ± 0.070 µg/g, p = 0.025), chromium (0.327 ± 0.096 µg/g vs. 0.269 ± 0.116 µg/g, p < 0.01), nickel (0.469 ± 0.339 µg/g vs. 0.403 ± 0.368 µg/g, p = 0.015), strontium (1.987 ± 1.241 µg/g vs. 1.468 ± 1.190 µg/g, p < 0.01), and zinc (103.3 ± 43.1 µg/g vs. 92.7 ± 37.4 µg/g, p = 0.047) were higher in the fisherman group than in the control group. No difference was found between the groups in terms of other elements. The findings suggest that heavy metal-trace element contamination in the Sea of Marmara may increase the exposure levels of individuals to some chemicals through seafood consumption.

The prevalence and topographic distribution of penile calcification in a large cohort: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of penile calcification in the population remains uncertain. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of penile calcification in a large cohort of male patients undergoing non-contrast pelvic tomography. A total of 14 545 scans obtained from 19 participating centers between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed within a 3-months period. Eligible scans (n = 12 709) were included in the analysis. Patient age, penile imaging status, presence of calcified plaque, and plaque measurements were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between calcified plaque, patient age, plaque characteristics, and plaque location. Among the analyzed scans, 767 (6.04%) patients were found to have at least one calcified plaque. Patients with calcified plaque had a significantly higher median age (64 years (IQR 56-72)) compared to those with normal penile evaluation (49 years (IQR 36-60) (p < 0.001). Of the patients with calcified plaque, 46.4% had only one plaque, while 53.6% had multiple plaques. There was a positive correlation between age and the number of plaques (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). The average dimensions of the calcified plaques were as follows: width: 3.9 ± 5 mm, length: 5.3 ± 5.2 mm, height: 3.5 ± 3.2 mm, with an average plaque area of 29 ± 165 mm² and mean plaque volume of 269 ± 3187 mm³. Plaques were predominantly located in the proximal and mid-penile regions (44.1% and 40.5%, respectively), with 77.7% located on the dorsal side of the penis. The hardness level of plaques, assessed by Hounsfield units, median of 362 (IQR 250-487) (range: 100-1400). Patients with multiple plaques had significantly higher Hounsfield unit values compared to those with a single plaque (p = 0.003). Our study revealed that patients with calcified plaques are older and have multiple plaques predominantly located on the dorsal and proximal side of the penis.

Undefilled blood tube containing EDTA: Is it an inappropriate sample for HbA1c assay?

Introduction: Blood samples having inappropriate volume are a substantial part of preanalytical errors. Inadequate sample volume for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test may be a common problem of patients with diabetes mellitus having vascular changes. In this study, we compared HbA1c concentrations of underfilled and appropriately filled blood collection tubes. Materials and methods: To compare HbA1c concentrations, blood samples were collected into 2 mL tubes containing K3-EDTA from 109 subjects. Two blood samples (underfilled and appropriately filled) were drawn from a patient by the same personnel and materials. HbA1c measurements were assayed on a Cobas 6000 analyser module c 501 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). The HbA1c% results were compared by t-test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank statistical methods (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). Bias analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 4.0. Results: Underfilled samples were classified three groups (group 1, N = 44; group 2, N = 36; and group 3, N = 29) according to the filling ratio of the samples; 0.5 mL and below (< 25%), 0.5-1.0 mL (25-50%), and 1.0-2.0 mL (> 50%), respectively. When we compared underfilled tubes with pairing filled tubes, there was a statistically significant difference only with tubes filled less than 25% (P = 0.030). Furthermore, we have done bias analysis between paired tubes according to the diagnostic cut-off value of 6.5%. The bias was more prominent in up to 50% underfilled blood tubes (1.1%), when HbA1c concentrations were below the diagnostic cut-off of 6.5%. Conclusions: We suggest that the blood tubes with EDTA for HbA1c measurement should be filled with at least 50% to avoid clinical variations.

The Investigation of Therapeutic Implications of Mast Cell Stabilizer Cromolyn Sodium on Cholestasis and Cholestatic Pruritus in Experimental Cholestasis.

BACKGROUND: Relevant studies have indicated that hepatic mast cells may have potential roles in the progression of cholestasis and cholestasis-induced itch. We aimed to compare the effects of cromolyn sodium and other medications on cholestatic pruritus, serum biochemistry, histamine, total bile acids, autotaxin, liver histopathology, and mast cell distribution in tissues in an experimental cholestasis model conducted by bile duct ligation. METHODS: Rats received the determined treatment consecutively for 10 days in addition to bile duct ligation. On the 5th and 10th days of the experiment, the rats' itching behaviors were observed for 5 minutes. After 10 days, blood and tissue samples were taken. RESULTS: Significant decreases in serum histamine and autotaxin levels, plasma total bile acids, total bilirubin, and biliary enzymes were reported only in cromolyn sodium-treated rats compared to the control group. In immunohistochemistry of the liver samples, the peribiliary mast cells stained positive for autotaxin. Except for bile duct infarctus, all histopathological findings of cholestasis significantly improved only in cromolyn sodium-treated and sertraline-treated rats. The liver and peritoneal mast cells significantly decreased only in cromolyn sodium-treated rats compared to the control group. On the 10th day of the experiment, the mean duration of itching was significantly lower in all groups, except for naloxone- and ondansetron-treated rats. CONCLUSION: Cromolyn sodium has promising antipruritic efficacy and provides biochemical and histopathological recovery of the relevant parameters of cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation. For the first time in the literature, we showed that peribiliary mast cells can produce autotaxin, which is a very important pruritogenic signal in the setting of cholestasis.

Cyclophilin A and D Levels in Acute Coronary Syndrome and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate cyclophilin levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their association with the clinical characteristics of these patients. METHODS: We enrolled 150 patients with ACS (n=75 ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], n = 75 non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]). For comparison, 25 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Levels of cyclophilin A, cyclophilin D, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in both the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) groups and the healthy group. We examined the effects of cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, age, gender, and smoking on these parameters. RESULTS: Cyclophilin A levels were significantly lower in the STEMI group, while cyclophilin D and CRP levels were significantly higher in all AMI groups (P < 0.05). A negative correlation existed between cyclophilin A and troponin T and CK-MB (respectively r = -0.287, P < 0.001; r = -0.231, P = 0.005). However, there was no correlation between cyclophilin D and the cardiac markers. A positive correlation was observed between cyclophilin D and CRP (r = 0.219, P = 0.004). Cyclophilin A was associated with hypertension, whereas cyclophilin D was associated with the female gender and dyslipidemia (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a decrease in cyclophilin A indicates a more severe disease in STEMI and an increase in cyclophilin D in both STEMI and NSTEMI may be valuable markers. Therefore, further detailed studies are warranted to monitor their changes and interactions in ACS patients.

Legionella pneumophila PPIase Mip Interacts with the Bacterial Proteins SspB, Lpc2061, and FlaA and Promotes Flagellation.

The peptidyl-prolyl-cis/trans-isomerase (PPIase) macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) contributes to the pathogenicity and fitness of L. pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease. Here, we identified the stringent starvation protein SspB, hypothetical protein Lpc2061, and flagellin FlaA as bacterial interaction partners of Mip. The macrolide FK506, which inhibits the PPIase activity of Mip, interfered with the binding of Lpc2061. Moreover, we demonstrated that the N-terminal dimerization region and amino acid Y185 in the C-terminal PPIase domain of Mip are required for the binding of Lpc2061 and FlaA. The modeling of the interaction partners and global docking with Mip suggested nonoverlapping binding interfaces, and a molecular dynamic simulation predicted an increased stability for the tripartite interaction of Lpc2061, Mip, and FlaA. On the functional level, we demonstrated that Mip promotes L. pneumophila flagellation, which is positively influenced by the binding of Lpc2061 and reduced by FK506. Also, L. pneumophila mutants expressing the Y185A or the monomeric Mip variant, which bind less Lpc2061, were nonmotile, were less flagellated, and yielded less FlaA when quantified. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which a PPIase and its bacterial interaction partners were demonstrated to influence flagellation.

Comparison of Fibrinogen Concentrations Determined by the Clauss Method with Prothrombin-Derived Measurements on an Automated Coagulometer.

BACKGROUND: This research aims to compare fibrinogen results, obtained from the Clauss and PT-derived method on the Cobas t511 analyzer, in patients with specific categories of disease. A second aim was to determine the reference range for these 2 methods. METHODS: We retrospectively compared fibrinogen concentrations of 914 patients obtained by the Clauss and PT-derived methods on the Cobas t511 coagulation analyzer from the laboratory information system. Fibrinogen data was segregated into a healthy outpatient population and those populations with possible fibrinogen abnormalities including pregnancy, chronic illness, liver disease, heart and vascular diseases, and clinical suspicion of COVID-19. All data were analyzed using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Reference ranges were determined from fibrinogen results of the healthy outpatient population who presented for a clinic check-up. RESULTS: All fibrinogen results were grouped and compared according to fibrinogen values (low, normal, and high), international normalized ratio (INR) values (<1.2, 1.2-2.0, and >2.0), and diagnosis. There were statistically significant positive correlations in all groups (P < 0.05), except for low fibrinogen values (P = 0.96). Results with INR value <1.2 had the highest correlation between 2 methods. CONCLUSION: The PT-derived method can be used alone in the Cobas t511 analyzer, especially in patients with an INR <1.2. Reported new reference ranges of the PT-derived method could help to determine and compare the clinical significance of fibrinogen methods. Further studies must be focused on the conditions in which PT-derived fibrinogen results should be directed to the Clauss test.

The evaluation of urinary calprotectin levels for prediction of acute cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Calprotectin is a protein molecule that is released from inflammatory cells. Measurement of calprotectin in various body fluids has recently gained significant importance for differentiating inflammatory and noninflammatory events. The subject has aroused interest in the field of nephrology and some renal pathologies in which urinary calprotectin levels have been studied. In this study, the measurement of urinary calprotectin level and its use for determining acute cisplatin nephrotoxicity in a group of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received cisplatin-based oncological treatments have been investigated. The study included 41 patients who received cisplatin-based treatments for non-small cell lung cancer between January 2019 and January 2020. The patients were excluded from this study who were with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, serum creatinine (sCr) >1.5 mg/dL, a history of urinary tract infection, and nephrotoxic drug use in the past month. Baseline and 48-hour sCr values and baseline, 6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour urinary calprotectin levels of all patients were measured. Four of the 41 patients who received cisplatin treatment were excluded because their 48-hour sCr values could not be accessed. The control group included 29 patients. While there was no difference between the cisplatin group and the control group in terms of baseline sCr and eGFR values, the cisplatin group had significantly higher urinary calprotectin values. Of the 37 patients treated with cisplatin, 7 (18.9%) developed cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The comparison of groups with (group 1) and without cisplatin nephrotoxicity (group 2) showed comparable mean age and male sex ratio. Baseline sCr and eGFR values were similar in both groups. The cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity group had significantly higher 48-hour sCr and significantly lower 48-hour eGFR values. Baseline, 12-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour urinary calprotectin levels were similar in groups with and without cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Recent studies have demonstrated that urinary calprotectin level measurement can be used to distinguish intrinsic acute kidney disease from prerenal kidney disease. However, the comparison of groups with and without cisplatin nephrotoxicity in our study showed no difference in urinary calprotectin levels. However, there is a need for large-scale studies using combined urinary biomarkers.

Cellular adaptation of Clostridioides difficile to high salinity encompasses a compatible solute-responsive change in cell morphology.

Infections by the pathogenic gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile cause severe diarrhoeas up to a toxic megacolon and are currently among the major causes of lethal bacterial infections. Successful bacterial propagation in the gut is strongly associated with the adaptation to changing nutrition-caused environmental conditions; e.g. environmental salt stresses. Concentrations of 350 mM NaCl, the prevailing salinity in the colon, led to significantly reduced growth of C. difficile. Metabolomics of salt-stressed bacteria revealed a major reduction of the central energy generation pathways, including the Stickland-fermentation reactions. No obvious synthesis of compatible solutes was observed up to 24 h of growth. The ensuing limited tolerance to high salinity and absence of compatible solute synthesis might result from an evolutionary adaptation to the exclusive life of C. difficile in the mammalian gut. Addition of the compatible solutes carnitine, glycine-betaine, γ-butyrobetaine, crotonobetaine, homobetaine, proline-betaine and dimethylsulfoniopropionate restored growth (choline and proline failed) under conditions of high salinity. A bioinformatically identified OpuF-type ABC-transporter imported most of the used compatible solutes. A long-term adaptation after 48 h included a shift of the Stickland fermentation-based energy metabolism from the utilization to the accumulation of l-proline and resulted in restored growth. Surprisingly, salt stress resulted in the formation of coccoid C. difficile cells instead of the typical rod-shaped cells, a process reverted by the addition of several compatible solutes. Hence, compatible solute import via OpuF is the major immediate adaptation strategy of C. difficile to high salinity-incurred cellular stress.

Association between Psoriasis Disease and IFN-λ Gene Polymorphisms.

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic immune-mediated skin diseases, having a strong genetic predisposition. Psoriasis is a T-cell-mediated disease with a mixed Th1/Th17 cytokines environment. IL-23/IL-17 axis hyperactivation is the primary pathogenesis. Psoriasis lesions have been known to exhibit high IFN-λ1 and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) expression, which appears to be driven by Th17 cells. However, the role and mechanism of IFN-λs in psoriasis disease remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between IL-28B and IL-29 gene polymorphisms with psoriasis disease and clinical severity. We performed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-28B rs12979860 (IL-28 C/T), rs8099917 (IL-28 T/G), and IL-29 rs30461 (IL-29 T/C) in 140 patients with psoriasis disease and 159 healthy controls using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The genotype and allele frequency distributions of the rs12979860 (IL-28 C/T) and rs30461 (IL-29 T/C) polymorphisms were similar in the patient and control groups and were not statistically significant. The TG genotype of rs8099917 was statistically significantly different in patients from both groups. The TG genotype increased the risk of disease1.9-fold. The G allele may be associated with the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Investigation of thermal damage in bone drilling: Hybrid processing method and pathological evaluation of existing methods.

In this study, a hybrid processing method using saline and cryogen cooler is proposed to keep the temperature below the threshold level during bone drilling. Drilling experiments were performed dry, saline, cryogen and, hybrid (saline + cryogen). At the end of the experiment, tool wear, the effect of the methods on the temperature, and the pathological evaluation of the thermal damage were investigated. The advantageous methods for bone drilling were proposed as a hybrid, saline, cryogenic and dry machining, respectively. In addition, it was observed that when cryogen was applied directly to the cutting area, it caused damage to the cell wall structure by the formation of ice crystals in the bone matrix. For this reason, it was recommended to be applied to the body of the cutting tool and it was found that cryogen flow rate has a significant effect on tool wear.

Role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin T in predicting right ventricular recovery in myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The determinants of right ventricular (RV) recovery after successful revascularization in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are not clear. Besides, the relationship between Troponin T (TnT), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and improvement in RV function is also unknown. This study hypothesizes that a lower TnT and NT-proBNP level would be associated with RV recovery. METHODS: One hundred forty-eight STEMI patients were included in our study. Echocardiography were performed before and 12-18 weeks after discharge. Patients were divided into three groups according to the changes in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as 53 patients with ≥10% change, 41 patients with 1-9% change, and 54 patients ≤0% change. RV recovery was accepted as ≥10% TAPSE improvement and the predictors of RV recovery were investigated. RESULTS: RV recovery was detected in 35.8% of the patients. Low baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (OR: 0.91 [0.84-0.98], p=0.023), NT-proBNP (OR: 0.93 [0.89-0.98], p=0.014), TnT (OR: 0.84 [0.68-0.93], p=0.038), inferior myocardial infarction (OR: 2.66 [1.10-6.40], p=0.028), wall motion score index ratio (OR: 0.93 [0.88-0.97], p=0.002) and post-percutaneous coronary intervention TIMI flow 3 (OR: 5.84 [1.41-24.22], p=0.015) were determined as independent predictors of RV recovery. Being in the high TnT group 4.2 times, and being in the high NT-proBNP group 5.3 times could predict the failure to achieve RV recovery. Furthermore, when high TnT level was combined with high NT-proBNP level, the odds ratio of failure to achieve RV recovery was the highest (OR: 8.03 [2.59-24.89], p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower TnT and lower NT-proBNP level was associated with better improvement in RV function in STEMI patients.

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 is Related with Left Ventricular Recovery in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction after Successful Reperfusion by Primary Percutaneous Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The determinants of left ventricular (LV) recovery after successful revascularization in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are not clear. In addition, the relationship between growth differentiation factor15 (GDF-15) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement is also unknown. This study hypothesizes that a low GDF-15 level would be associated with LVEF recovery. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-one STEMI patients were included in this study. Echocardiographic examinations were performed before and 12-18 weeks after discharge. The patients were divided into three groups according to the changes in LVEF as 62 patients with ≥ 10% change, 47 patients with 1-9% change, and 52 patients ≤ 0% change. LV recovery was defined as ≥ 10% LVEF improvement and the predictors of LV recovery were investigated. Moreover, two groups were created according to GDF-15 values, and the follow-up/baseline echocardiographic parameters were compared between these groups. RESULTS: LV recovery was detected in 38.5% of the patients. Low baseline LVEF [odds ratio (OR): 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-0.94, p = 0.001], low GDF-15 (OR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.68-0.93, p = 0.004), previous angina (OR: 2.34, 95% CI 1.10-4.96, p = 0.027), and symptom-to-balloon time (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-1.00, p = 0.043) were independent predictors of LV recovery. The ratios of follow-up/baseline LV end-diastolic volume index, LV end-systolic volume index and wall motion score index were lower in the low GDF-15 group (0.96 vs. 1.04, p < 0.001; 0.96 vs. 1.10, p < 0.001; 0.89 vs. 0.96, p < 0.001). Moreover, being in the low GDF-15 group was associated with LV recovery (OR: 2.93, 95% CI 1.43-6.02, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower GDF-15 level was associated with better LV improvement and less adverse remodeling in STEMI patients.

Predicting long-term cardiovascular outcomes in myocardial infarction survivors using multiple biomarkers.

Aim: Although there are short- and long-term prognostic studies in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), the data that can be used to predict the clinical outcome following discharge is limited. Materials & methods: We analyzed creatinine kinase-MB and troponin related to myonecrosis, suppression of tumorigenicity 2 and NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide related to myocardial stress, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin related to inflammation in 259 MI patients. Results: Being in the high group for myocardial stress (odds ratio [OR]: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.398-8.547, p = 0.004) and inflammation markers (OR: 4.30, 95% CI: 1.690-10.899, p = 0.001) predicted major cardiovascular adverse events while myonecrosis markers could not (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.671-4.306, p = 0.263). Conclusion: Using multimarker risk stratification composed of inflammation and myocardial stress biomarkers improves the prediction of major cardiovascular adverse events in MI survivors.

Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Whole-Blood Samples of the Fishermen in Turkey: The Fish/Ermen Heavy Metal Study (FHMS).

Selected heavy metal-trace element (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, and V) levels were determined by the ICP-MS method in whole-blood samples of fishermen and control group who accommodate in four provinces of the Marmara Sea. Mercury (1.267 ± 1.061 µg/L to 0.796 ± 0.853 µg/L) and lead (17.8 ± 9.0 µg/L to 12.0 ± 6.83 µg/L) levels were higher in the fishermen group than that of control group (p < 0.001 for both). There was no difference between the fishermen group and the control group in terms of whole-blood levels of other elements. Total monthly fish consumption was 9340.4 gr in the fishermen group and 326.4 gr in the control group, and the difference between the groups was significant (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of having amalgam dental filling (p > 0.05). The results suggest that consuming high amounts of sea products caught from the Marmara Sea is a source for some heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which poses a public health risk. Unlike the control group, the positive correlation between arsenic, copper, and strontium levels and age in fishermen can also be evaluated as an indicator of chronic exposure.

Could sST2 Predict Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: One of the most worrying complications of primary percutaneous coronary interventions is contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) that is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in myocardial infarction. In this study, we questioned whether soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2), which has thought to play a role in inflammatory processes, cardiac remodeling, and fibrosis could give an idea about the development of CIN in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional observational study and includes 357 consecutive STEMI patients. Demographic features, medical history, laboratory parameters, and procedural characteristics were compared according to CIN's development. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was selected to detect independent risk factors of CIN. RESULTS: In the study, 81 patients (22.7%) who developed CIN were identified. The concentration of sST2 in CIN (+) group was higher than that of CIN (-) group (40.6±21.0 ng/mL vs 31.5±13.0 ng/L, p<0.001). Independent predictors of CIN development were diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.059; 95% CI, 1.093-3.879; p=0.025), eGFR (OR, 0.983; 95% CI, 0.972-0.995; p=0.006), lower systolic blood pressure (OR, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.960-0.993; p=0.006), total procedure time (OR, 1.030; 95% CI, 1.011-1.049; p=0.002), and sST2 (OR, 1.101; 95% CI; 1.046-1.160; p<0.001). Besides, the risk of developing CIN in the high sST2 group is 3.06 times higher than the low group sST2 group regardless of other risk factors. CONCLUSION: sST2 levels on admission in STEMI patients are useful in predicting CIN development.

The potential of Raman and FT-IR spectroscopic methods for the detection of chlorine in human nail samples.

Although chlorine (Cl2) has been used as a chemical warfare agent since World War I there is no known specific and reliable biomarker to indicate the presence of chlorine. We distinguished chlorinated human nails from unchlorinated ones using Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy. This research was carried out between October 2018 and July 2019 on two nail samples taken from 55 male and 104 female volunteers. One sample from each participant was chlorinated, while the second sample was used as a control. Spectral data were collected from chlorinated and unchlorinated (control) human nails using Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. Raman measurements were made between 100 and 3200 cm-1, while FT-IR measurements were recorded over the range of 650 to 4000 cm-1. Partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to develop classification models for each spectral instrument. Results showed that the control and chlorinated nail samples were successfully discriminated with similar results achieved with both instruments. Minor differences were observed in the performance of classification models. The FT-IR spectroscopy model (sensitivity = 95%, specificity = 99%, accuracy = 97%) was found to be more successful with a smaller margin of error (sensitivity = 95%, specificity = 99%, accuracy = 96%) compared to the Raman spectroscopy model. This method can be used successfully for both ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnosis of chlorine exposure.

Serum HDL Associated Antioxidant Activity in Alzheimer's Disease: Paraoxonase1 and Dysfunctional HDL.

BACKGROUND: Human serum paraoxonase1 (PON1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) associated antioxidant enzymes. We aimed to research the PON1 activity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) not accompanied with any disorders and other conditions influencing the PON1 activity. METHODS: We studied the PON1 activity and PON1 related lipid parameters in two groups, probable sporadic late onset AD (n:30) and those with healthy subjects (n:32). These groups were homogeneous, in which the subjects did not have any cardiovascular risk factors or other conditions affecting PON1 activity. RESULTS: We found increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and significantly decreased PON1 activity in the AD patients. A patient with a PON1 activity value of ≤ 151 U/L had a 5.48-fold higher risk for AD, compared to those with a PON1 activity value of > 151 U/L. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased PON1 activity may play a role in the oxidative stress (OS) related pathogenesis of AD. An increased HDL-C with the decreased PON1 activity may bring the concept of dysfunctional HDL into question in the pathogenesis of AD. It may be emphasized in the pathogenesis of AD for further studies.

Effects of garlic oil (allium sativum) on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats: Garlic oil and experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an important health problem. The most important hypotheses for the pathogenesis of this disease are the deterioration of immune responses and loss of tolerance against bacteria in the enteric flora. Although IBD has been widely investigated, its treatment remains difficult. This study aims to investigate the effects of garlic oil (GO) on an experimental colitis model. METHODS: Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into four equal groups as follows: group 1 (sham), group 2 (control), group 3 (topical treatment) and group 4 (topical and systemic treatment). An acetic acid-induced colitis model was produced in groups 2, 3 and 4 and was administered normal saline, topical GO and topical and systemic GO, respectively. RESULTS: Hydroxyproline levels were lower in the treatment groups than in the control group. TNF-α levels were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2. Macroscopic scores were significantly lower in group 4 than in group 2. Significant differences were observed between the treatment and control groups according to their epithelial loss. CONCLUSION: GO can reduce colonic damage and inflammation in the acetic acid-induced colitis model, with effects on both local and systemic treatments, but with a more pronounced effect in local treatment.