An architecturally rational hemostat for rapid stopping of massive bleeding on anticoagulation therapy.

Hemostatic devices are critical for managing emergent severe bleeding. With the increased use of anticoagulant therapy, there is a need for next-generation hemostats. We rationalized that a hemostat with an architecture designed to increase contact with blood, and engineered from a material that activates a distinct and undrugged coagulation pathway can address the emerging need. Inspired by lung alveolar architecture, here, we describe the engineering of a next-generation single-phase chitosan hemostat with a tortuous spherical microporous design that enables rapid blood absorption and concentrated platelets and fibrin microthrombi in localized regions, a phenomenon less observed with other classical hemostats without structural optimization. The interaction between blood components and the porous hemostat was further amplified based on the charged surface of chitosan. Contrary to the dogma that chitosan does not directly affect physiological clotting mechanism, the hemostat induced coagulation via a direct activation of platelet Toll-like receptor 2. Our engineered porous hemostat effectively stopped the bleeding from murine liver wounds, swine liver and carotid artery injuries, and the human radial artery puncture site within a few minutes with significantly reduced blood loss, even under the anticoagulant treatment. The integration of engineering design principles with an understanding of the molecular mechanisms can lead to hemostats with improved functions to address emerging medical needs.

Differential Impact In Vivo of Pf4-ΔCre-Mediated and Gp1ba-ΔCre-Mediated Depletion of Cyclooxygenase-1 in Platelets in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose aspirin is widely used for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The beneficial effects of low-dose aspirin are attributable to its inhibition of platelet Cox (cyclooxygenase)-1-derived thromboxane A2. Until recently, the use of the Pf4 (platelet factor 4) Cre has been the only genetic approach to generating megakaryocyte/platelet ablation of Cox-1 in mice. However, Pf4-ΔCre displays ectopic expression outside the megakaryocyte/platelet lineage, especially during inflammation. The use of the Gp1ba (glycoprotein 1bα) Cre promises a more specific, targeted approach. METHODS: To evaluate the role of Cox-1 in platelets, we crossed Pf4-ΔCre or Gp1ba-ΔCre mice with Cox-1flox/flox mice to generate platelet Cox-1-/- mice on normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic (Ldlr-/-; low-density lipoprotein receptor) backgrounds. RESULTS: Ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid or adenosine diphosphate in platelet-rich plasma was inhibited to a similar extent in Pf4-ΔCre Cox-1-/-/Ldlr-/- and Gp1ba-ΔCre Cox-1-/-/Ldlr-/- mice. In a mouse model of tail injury, Pf4-ΔCre-mediated and Gp1ba-ΔCre-mediated deletions of Cox-1 were similarly efficient in suppressing platelet prostanoid biosynthesis. Experimental thrombogenesis and attendant blood loss were similar in both models. However, the impact on atherogenesis was divergent, being accelerated in the Pf4-ΔCre mice while restrained in the Gp1ba-ΔCres. In the former, accelerated atherogenesis was associated with greater suppression of PGI2 biosynthesis, a reduction in the lipopolysaccharide-evoked capacity to produce PGE2 (prostaglandin E) and PGD2 (prostanglandin D), activation of the inflammasome, elevated plasma levels of IL-1ß (interleukin), reduced plasma levels of HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein receptor-cholesterol), and a reduction in the capacity for reverse cholesterol transport. By contrast, in the latter, plasma HDL-C and α-tocopherol were elevated, and MIP-1α (macrophage inflammatory protein-1α) and MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) were reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Both approaches to Cox-1 deletion similarly restrain thrombogenesis, but a differential impact on Cox-1-dependent prostanoid formation by the vasculature may contribute to an inflammatory phenotype and accelerated atherogenesis in Pf4-ΔCre mice.

Platelets in Hemostasis, Thrombosis, and Inflammation After Major Trauma.

Trauma currently accounts for 10% of the total global burden of disease and over 5 million deaths per year, making it a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although recent advances in early resuscitation have improved early survival from critical injury, the mortality rate in patients with major hemorrhage approaches 50% even in mature trauma systems. A major determinant of clinical outcomes from a major injury is a complex, dynamic hemostatic landscape. Critically injured patients frequently present to the emergency department with an acute traumatic coagulopathy that increases mortality from bleeding, yet, within 48 to 72 hours after injury will switch from a hypocoagulable to a hypercoagulable state with increased risk of venous thromboembolism and multiple organ dysfunction. This review will focus on the role of platelets in these processes. As effectors of hemostasis and thrombosis, they are central to each phase of recovery from injury, and our understanding of postinjury platelet biology has dramatically advanced over the past decade. This review describes our current knowledge of the changes in platelet behavior that occur following major trauma, the mechanisms by which these changes develop, and the implications for clinical outcomes. Importantly, supported by research in other disease settings, this review also reflects the emerging role of thromboinflammation in trauma including cross talk between platelets, innate immune cells, and coagulation. We also address the unresolved questions and significant knowledge gaps that remain, and finally highlight areas that with the further study will help deliver further improvements in trauma care.

An evolutionary history of F12 gene: Emergence, loss, and vulnerability with the environment as a driver.

In the context of macroevolutionary transitions, environmental changes prompted vertebrates already bearing genetic variations to undergo gradual adaptations resulting in profound anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations. The emergence of new genes led to the genetic variation essential in metazoan evolution, just as was gene loss, both sources of genetic variation resulting in adaptive phenotypic diversity. In this context, F12-coding protein with defense and hemostatic roles emerged some 425 Mya, and it might have contributed in aquatic vertebrates to the transition from water-to-land. Conversely, the F12 loss in marine, air-breathing mammals like cetaceans has been associated with phenotypic adaptations in some terrestrial mammals in their transition to aquatic lifestyle. More recently, the advent of technological innovations in western lifestyle with blood-contacting devices and harmful environmental nanoparticles, has unfolded new roles of FXII. Environment operates as either a positive or a relaxed selective pressure on genes, and consequently genes are selected or lost. FXII, an old dog facing environmental novelties can learn new tricks and teach us new therapeutic avenues.

Dissecting thrombus-directed chemotaxis and random movement in neutrophil near-thrombus motion in flow chambers.

BACKGROUND: Thromboinflammation is caused by mutual activation of platelets and neutrophils. The site of thromboinflammation is determined by chemoattracting agents release by endothelium, immune cells, and platelets. Impaired neutrophil chemotaxis contributes to the pathogenesis of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). In this hereditary disorder, neutrophils are known to have aberrant chemoattractant-induced F-actin properties. Here, we aim to determine whether neutrophil chemotaxis could be analyzed using our previously developed ex vivo assay of the neutrophils crawling among the growing thrombi. METHODS: Adult and pediatric healthy donors, alongside with pediatric patients with SDS, were recruited for the study. Thrombus formation and granulocyte movement in hirudinated whole blood were visualized by fluorescent microscopy in fibrillar collagen-coated parallel-plate flow chambers. Alternatively, fibrinogen, fibronectin, vWF, or single tumor cells immobilized on coverslips were used. A computational model of chemokine distribution in flow chamber with a virtual neutrophil moving in it was used to analyze the observed data. RESULTS: The movement of healthy donor neutrophils predominantly occurred in the direction and vicinity of thrombi grown on collagen or around tumor cells. For SDS patients or on coatings other than collagen, the movement was characterized by randomness and significantly reduced velocities. Increase in wall shear rates to 300-500 1/s led to an increase in the proportion of rolling neutrophils. A stochastic algorithm simulating leucocyte chemotaxis movement in the calculated chemoattractant field could reproduce the experimental trajectories of moving neutrophils for 72% of cells. CONCLUSIONS: In samples from healthy donors, but not SDS patients, neutrophils move in the direction of large, chemoattractant-releasing platelet thrombi growing on collagen.

Phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase at Y346 negatively regulates ITAM-mediated signaling and function in platelets.

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is expressed in a variety of hemopoietic cells. Upon phosphorylation of the platelet immunoreceptor-based activation motif of the glycoprotein VI (GPVI)/Fc receptor gamma chain collagen receptor, both the tyrosine phosphorylation and activity of Syk are increased leading to downstream signaling events. Although it has been established that the activity of Syk is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation, the specific roles of individual phosphorylation sites remain to be elucidated. We observed that Syk Y346 in mouse platelets was still phosphorylated when GPVI-induced Syk activity was inhibited. We then generated Syk Y346F mice and analyzed the effect this mutation exerts on platelet responses. Syk Y346F mice bred normally, and their blood cell count was unaltered. We did observe potentiation of GPVI-induced platelet aggregation and ATP secretion as well as increased phosphorylation of other tyrosines on Syk in the Syk Y346F mouse platelets when compared to WT littermates. This phenotype was specific for GPVI-dependent activation, since it was not seen when AYPGKF, a PAR4 agonist, or 2-MeSADP, a purinergic receptor agonist, was used to activate platelets. Despite a clear effect of Syk Y346F on GPVI-mediated signaling and cellular responses, there was no effect of this mutation on hemostasis as measured by tail-bleeding times, although the time to thrombus formation determined using the ferric chloride injury model was reduced. Thus, our results indicate a significant effect of Syk Y346F on platelet activation and responses in vitro and reveal its complex nature manifesting itself by the diversified translation of platelet activation into physiological responses.

Exploring ligands that target von Willebrand factor selectively under oxidizing conditions through docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

The blood protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric protein that, when activated, binds to blood platelets, tethering them to the site of vascular injury and initiating blood coagulation. This process is critical for the normal hemostatic response, but especially under inflammatory conditions, it is thought to be a major player in pathological thrombus formation. For this reason, VWF has been the target for the development of anti-thrombotic therapeutics. However, it is challenging to prevent pathological thrombus formation while still allowing normal physiological blood coagulation, as currently available anti-thrombotic therapeutics are known to cause unwanted bleeding, in particular intracranial hemorrhage. This work explores the possibility of inhibiting VWF selectively under the inflammatory conditions present during pathological thrombus formation. In particular, the A2 domain of VWF is known to inhibit the neighboring A1 domain from binding to the platelet surface receptor GpIbα, and this auto-inhibitory mechanism has been shown to be removed by oxidizing agents released during inflammation. Hence, finding drug molecules that bind at the interface between A1 and A2 only under oxidizing conditions could restore such an auto-inhibitory mechanism. Here, by using a combination of computational docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy perturbation calculations, a ligand from the ZINC15 database was identified that binds at the A1A2 interface, with the interaction being stronger under oxidizing conditions. The results provide a framework for the discovery of drug molecules that bind to a protein selectively in the presence of inflammatory conditions.

Pharmacology and Clinical Development of Factor XI Inhibitors.

Therapeutic anticoagulation is indicated for a variety of circumstances and conditions in several fields of medicine to prevent or treat venous and arterial thromboembolism. According to the different mechanisms of action, the available parenteral and oral anticoagulant drugs share the common principle of hampering or blocking key steps of the coagulation cascade, which unavoidably comes at the price of an increased propensity to bleed. Hemorrhagic complications affect patient prognosis both directly and indirectly (ie, by preventing the adoption of an effective antithrombotic strategy). Inhibition of factor XI (FXI) has emerged as a strategy with the potential to uncouple the pharmacological effect and the adverse events of anticoagulant therapy. This observation is based on the differential contribution of FXI to thrombus amplification, in which it plays a major role, and hemostasis, in which it plays an ancillary role in final clot consolidation. Several agents were developed to inhibit FXI at different stages (ie, suppressing biosynthesis, preventing zymogen activation, or impeding the biological action of the active form), including antisense oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies, small synthetic molecules, natural peptides, and aptamers. Phase 2 studies of different classes of FXI inhibitors in orthopedic surgery suggested that dose-dependent reductions in thrombotic complications are not paralleled by dose-dependent increases in bleeding compared with low-molecular-weight heparin. Likewise, the FXI inhibitor asundexian was associated with lower rates of bleeding compared with the activated factor X inhibitor apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation, although no evidence of a therapeutic effect on stroke prevention is available so far. FXI inhibition could also be appealing for patients with other conditions, including end-stage renal disease, noncardioembolic stroke, or acute myocardial infarction, for which other phase 2 studies have been conducted. The balance between thromboprophylaxis and bleeding achieved by FXI inhibitors needs confirmation in large-scale phase 3 clinical trials powered for clinical end points. Several of such trials are ongoing or planned to define the role of FXI inhibitors in clinical practice and to clarify which FXI inhibitor may be most suited for each clinical indication. This article reviews the rationale, pharmacology, results of medium or small phase 2 studies, and future perspectives of drugs inhibiting FXI.

Code ICH: A Call to Action.

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most serious type of stroke, leading to high rates of severe disability and mortality. Hematoma expansion is an independent predictor of poor functional outcome and is a compelling target for intervention. For decades, randomized trials aimed at decreasing hematoma expansion through single interventions have failed to meet their primary outcomes of statistically significant improvement in neurological outcomes. A wide range of evidence suggests that ultra-early bundled care, with multiple simultaneous interventions in the acute phase, offers the best hope of limiting hematoma expansion and improving functional recovery. Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage who fail to receive early aggressive care have worse outcomes, suggesting that an important treatment opportunity exists. This consensus statement puts forth a call to action to establish a protocol for Code ICH, similar to current strategies used for the management of acute ischemic stroke, through which early intervention, bundled care, and time-based metrics have substantially improved neurological outcomes. Based on current evidence, we advocate for the widespread adoption of an early bundle of care for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage focused on time-based metrics for blood pressure control and emergency reversal of anticoagulation, with the goal of optimizing the benefit of these already widely used interventions. We hope Code ICH will endure as a structural platform for continued innovation, standardization of best practices, and ongoing quality improvement for years to come.

Procedural-Related Bleeding in Hospitalized Patients With Liver Disease (PROC-BLeeD): An International, Prospective, Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis frequently undergo multiple procedures. The risk of procedural-related bleeding remains unclear, and management is not standardized. We conducted an international, prospective, multicenter study of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis undergoing nonsurgical procedures to establish the incidence of procedural-related bleeding and to identify bleeding risk factors. METHODS: Hospitalized patients were prospectively enrolled and monitored until surgery, transplantation, death, or 28 days from admission. The study enrolled 1187 patients undergoing 3006 nonsurgical procedures from 20 centers. RESULTS: A total of 93 procedural-related bleeding events were identified. Bleeding was reported in 6.9% of patient admissions and in 3.0% of the procedures. Major bleeding was reported in 2.3% of patient admissions and in 0.9% of the procedures. Patients with bleeding were more likely to have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (43.9% vs 30%) and higher body mass index (BMI; 31.2 vs 29.5). Patients with bleeding had a higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score at admission (24.5 vs 18.5). A multivariable analysis controlling for center variation found that high-risk procedures (odds ratio [OR], 4.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.44-8.84), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.46-3.86), and higher BMI (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.10-1.80) independently predicted bleeding. Preprocedure international normalized ratio, platelet level, and antithrombotic use were not predictive of bleeding. Bleeding prophylaxis was used more routinely in patients with bleeding (19.4% vs 7.4%). Patients with bleeding had a significantly higher 28-day risk of death (hazard ratio, 6.91; 95% CI, 4.22-11.31). CONCLUSIONS: Procedural-related bleeding occurs rarely in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Patients with elevated BMI and decompensated liver disease who undergo high-risk procedures may be at risk to bleed. Bleeding is not associated with conventional hemostasis tests, preprocedure prophylaxis, or recent antithrombotic therapy.

Celastrol inhibits platelet function and thrombus formation.

INTRODUCTION: Celastrol is an active pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii and has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Whether Celastrol modulates platelet function remains unknown. Our study investigated its role in platelet function and thrombosis. METHODS: Human platelets were isolated and incubated with Celastrol (0, 1, 3 and 5 µM) at 37 °C for 1 h to measure platelet aggregation, granules release, spreading, thrombin-induced clot retraction and intracellular calcium mobilization. Additionally, Celastrol (2 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administrated into mice to evaluate hemostasis and thrombosis in vivo. RESULTS: Celastrol treatment significantly decreased platelet aggregation and secretion of dense or alpha granules induced by collagen-related peptide (CRP) or thrombin in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Celastrol-treated platelets showed a dramatically reduced spreading activity and decreased clot retraction. Moreover, Celastrol administration prolonged tail bleeding time and inhibited formation of arterial/venous thrombosis. Furthermore, Celastrol significantly reduced calcium mobilization. CONCLUSION: Celastrol inhibits platelet function and venous/arterial thrombosis, implying that it might be utilized for treating thrombotic diseases.

Apolipoprotein A-IV polymorphisms Q360H and T347S attenuate its endogenous inhibition of thrombosis.

Platelets are small anucleate cells that play a key role in thrombosis and hemostasis. Our group previously identified apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) as an endogenous inhibitor of thrombosis by competitive blockade of the αIIbß3 integrin on platelets. ApoA-IV inhibition of platelets was dependent on the N-terminal D5/D13 residues, and enhanced with absence of the C-terminus, suggesting it sterically hinders its N-terminal platelet binding site. The C-terminus is also the site of common apoA-IV polymorphisms apoA-IV-1a (T347S) and apoA-IV-2 (Q360H). Interestingly, both are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we generated recombinant apoA-IV and found that the Q360H or T347S polymorphisms dampened its inhibition of platelet aggregation in human platelet-rich plasma and gel-filtered platelets, reduced its inhibition of platelet spreading, and its inhibition of P-selectin on activated platelets. Using an ex vivo thrombosis assay, we found that Q360H and T347S attenuated its inhibition of thrombosis at both high (1800s-1) and low (300s-1) shear rates. We then demonstrate a conserved monomer-dimer distribution among apoA-IV WT, Q360H, and T347S and use protein structure modelling software to show Q360H and T347S enhance C-terminal steric hindrance over the N-terminal platelet-binding site. These data provide critical insight into increased cardiovascular risk for individuals with Q360H or T347S polymorphisms.

Preparation and Application of Hemostatic Hydrogels.

Hemorrhage remains a critical challenge in various medical settings, necessitating the development of advanced hemostatic materials. Hemostatic hydrogels have emerged as promising solutions to address uncontrolled bleeding due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, tunable physical characteristics, and exceptional hemostatic capabilities. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the preparation and biomedical applications of hemostatic hydrogels is provided. Particularly, hemostatic hydrogels with various materials and forms are introduced. Additionally, the applications of hemostatic hydrogels in trauma management, surgical procedures, wound care, etc. are summarized. Finally, the limitations and future prospects of hemostatic hydrogels are discussed and evaluated. This review aims to highlight the biomedical applications of hydrogels in hemorrhage management and offer insights into the development of clinically relevant hemostatic materials.

Adhesive Nanoparticle-in-Microgel System with ROS Scavenging Capability and Hemostatic Activity for Postoperative Adhesion Prevention.

Postoperative adhesion is a noteworthy clinical complication in abdominal surgery due to the existing physical barriers are unsatisfactory and inefficient in preventing its occurrence. In this work, an elaborate nanoparticle-in-microgel system (nMGel) is presented for postoperative adhesion prevention. nMGel is facilely formed by crosslinking manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles-loaded gelatin microspheres with polydopamine using a modified emulsification-chemical crosslinking method, generating a nano-micron spherical hydrogel. After drying, powdery nMGel with sprayability can perfectly cover irregular wounds and maintains robust tissue adhesiveness even in a wet environment. Additionally, nMGel possesses prominent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, which protects cell viability and preserves cell biological functions in an oxidative microenvironment. Furthermore, nMGel displays superior hemostatic property as demonstrated in mouse tail amputation models and liver trauma models. Importantly, nMGel can be conveniently administrated in a mouse cecal defect model to prevent adhesion between the injured cecum and the peritoneum by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. Thus, the bioactive nMGel offers a practical and efficient approach for ameliorating postsurgical adhesion.

Injectable Hydrogels Including Magnetic Nanosheets for Multidisciplinary Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Magnetic Hyperthermia.

Relapse and unresectability have become the main obstacle for further improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment effect. Currently, single therapy for HCC in clinical practice is limited by postoperative recurrence, intraoperative blood loss and poor patient outcomes. Multidisciplinary therapy has been recognized as the key to improving the long-term survival rate for HCC. However, the clinical application of HCC synthetic therapy is restricted by single functional biomaterials. In this study, a magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel (CG-IM) with iron oxide nanoparticle-loaded mica nanosheets (Iron oxide nanoparticles@Mica, IM) is reported. This biocompatible magnetic hydrogel integrated high injectability, magnetocaloric property, mechanical robustness, wet adhesion, and hemostasis, leading to efficient HCC multidisciplinary therapies including postoperative tumor margin treatment and percutaneous locoregional ablation. After minimally invasive hepatectomy of HCC, the CG-IM hydrogel can facilely seal the bleeding hepatic margin, followed by magnetic hyperthermia ablation to effectively prevent recurrence. In addition, CG-IM hydrogel can inhibit unresectable HCC by magnetic hyperthermia through the percutaneous intervention under ultrasound guidance.

In Situ Sodium Chloride Cross-Linked Fish Skin Collagen Scaffolds for Functional Hemostasis Materials.

Current fish collagen hemostasis for wound healing products is commonly obtained by electrospinning or artificial cross-linking fish collagen fibers which lacks mechanical properties, and biofunctions. Here, a new bio-active fish skin scaffold (FSS) is shown using in situ cross-linked scaleless freshwater fish skin adding adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs)-produced exosomes for hemostasis and wound healing. The structure, pore size, and the thickness of FSS is studied by swelling test, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, and histological analysis. The biofunctions of the FSS are also tested in vitro and in vivo. FSS keeps two functional layers: The dermis layer collagen forms a sponge like structure after swelling and in situ cross-linking treatments. The pore size of the FSS is ≈152 ± 23.54 µm, which is suitable for cells growing, angiogenesis and ASCs exosomes accelerate wound healing. The fat-rich epidermis layer can keep the wound moisty and clean before completely healed. In vitro and in vivo experimental results indicate that FSS+Exosomes enhances rat skin cavity wound healing. In situ sodium chloride cross-linked FSS+Exosomes provides a new strategy as functional hemostatic dressing scaffold for wound healing.

Swift Covalent Gelation Coupled with Robust Wet Adhesive Powder: A Novel Approach for Acute Massive Hemorrhage Control in Dynamic and High-Pressure Wound Environments.

The quest for efficient hemostatic agents in emergency medicine is critical, particularly for managing massive hemorrhages in dynamic and high-pressure wound environments. Traditional self-gelling powders, while beneficial due to their ease of application and rapid action, fall short in such challenging conditions. To bridge this gap, the research introduces a novel self-gelling powder that combines ultrafast covalent gelation and robust wet adhesion, presenting a significant advancement in acute hemorrhage control. This ternary system comprises ε-polylysine (ε-PLL) and 4-arm polyethylene glycol succinyl succinate (4-arm-PEG-NHS) forming the hydrogel framework. Na2HPO4 functions as the "H+ sucker" to expedite the amidation reaction, slashing gelation time to under 10 s, crucial for immediate blood loss restriction. Moreover, PEG chains' hydrophilicity facilitates efficient absorption of interfacial blood, increasing the generated hydrogel's cross-linking density and strengthens its tissue bonding, thereby resulting in excellent mechanical and wet adhesion properties. In vitro experiments reveal the optimized formulation's exceptional tissue compliance, procoagulant activity, biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy. In porcine models of heart injuries and arterial punctures, it outperforms commercial hemostatic agent Celox, confirming its rapid and effective hemostasis. Conclusively, this study presents a transformative approach to hemostasis, offering a reliable and potent solution for the emergency management of massive hemorrhage.

Stoichiometry and architecture of the platelet membrane complex glycoprotein Ib-IX-V.

Glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V is the second most abundant platelet receptor for thrombin and other ligands crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis. Its activity is involved in platelet adhesion to vascular injury sites and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. GPIb-IX-V is a heteromeric complex composed of four subunits, GPIbα, GPIbß, GPV and GPIX, in a stoichiometric ratio that has been wildly debated. Despite its important physiological roles, the overall structure and molecular arrangement of GPIb-IX-V are not yet fully understood. Here, we purify stable and functional human GPIb-IX-V complex from reconstituted EXPi293F cells in high homogeneity, and perform biochemical and structural characterization of this complex. Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy structure of GPIb-IX-V is determined at ∼11 Å resolution, which unveils the architecture of GPIb-IX-V and its subunit organization. Size-exclusion chromatography-multi-angle static light scattering analysis reveals that GPIb-IX-V contains GPIb-IX and GPV at a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio and surface plasmon resonance assays show that association of GPV leads to slow kinetics of thrombin binding to GPIb-IX-V. Taken together, our results provide the first three-dimensional architecture of the intact GPIb-IX-V complex, which extends our understanding of the structure and functional mechanism of this complex in hemostasis and thrombosis.

Deciphering the omicron variant: integrated omics analysis reveals critical biomarkers and pathophysiological pathways.

BACKGROUND: The rapid emergence and global dissemination of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 have posed formidable challenges in public health. This scenario underscores the urgent need for an enhanced understanding of Omicron's pathophysiological mechanisms to guide clinical management and shape public health strategies. Our study is aimed at deciphering the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying Omicron infections, particularly focusing on the identification of specific biomarkers. METHODS: This investigation employed a robust and systematic approach, initially encompassing 15 Omicron-infected patients and an equal number of healthy controls, followed by a validation cohort of 20 individuals per group. The study's methodological framework included a comprehensive multi-omics analysis that integrated proteomics and metabolomics, augmented by extensive bioinformatics. Proteomic exploration was conducted via an advanced Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) system linked with mass spectrometry. Concurrently, metabolomic profiling was executed using an Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) system. The bioinformatics component, fundamental to this research, entailed an exhaustive analysis of protein-protein interactions, pathway enrichment, and metabolic network dynamics, utilizing state-of-the-art tools such as the STRING database and Cytoscape software, ensuring a holistic interpretation of the data. RESULTS: Our proteomic inquiry identified eight notably dysregulated proteins (THBS1, ACTN1, ACTC1, POTEF, ACTB, TPM4, VCL, ICAM1) in individuals infected with the Omicron variant. These proteins play critical roles in essential physiological processes, especially within the coagulation cascade and hemostatic mechanisms, suggesting their significant involvement in the pathogenesis of Omicron infection. Complementing these proteomic insights, metabolomic analysis discerned 146 differentially expressed metabolites, intricately associated with pivotal metabolic pathways such as tryptophan metabolism, retinol metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. This comprehensive metabolic profiling sheds light on the systemic implications of Omicron infection, underscoring profound alterations in metabolic equilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: This study substantially enriches our comprehension of the physiological ramifications induced by the Omicron variant, with a particular emphasis on the pivotal roles of coagulation and platelet pathways in disease pathogenesis. The discovery of these specific biomarkers illuminates their potential as critical targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, providing invaluable insights for the development of tailored treatments and enhancing patient care in the dynamic context of the ongoing pandemic.

Outcomes of vascular closure devices for femoral venous hemostasis following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Access site complications remain common following atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Femoral vascular closure devices (VCDs) reduce time to hemostasis compared with manual compression, although large-scale data comparing clinical outcomes between the two approaches are lacking. METHODS: Two cohorts of patients undergoing AF ablation were identified from 36 healthcare organizations using a global federated research network (TriNetX): those receiving a VCD for femoral hemostasis, and those not receiving a VCD. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) model based on baseline characteristics was used to create two comparable cohorts. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, vascular complications, bleeding events, and need for blood transfusion. Outcomes were assessed during early (within 7 days of ablation) and extended follow-up (within 8-30 days of ablation). RESULTS: After PSM, 28 872 patients were included (14 436 in each cohort). The primary composite outcome occurred less frequently in the VCD cohort during early (1.97% vs. 2.60%, odds ratio (OR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.88; p < .001) and extended follow-up (1.15% vs. 1.43%, OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98; p = .032). This was driven by a lower rate of vascular complications during early follow-up in the VCD cohort (0.83% vs. 1.26%, OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52-0.83; p < .001), and fewer bleeding events during early (0.90% vs. 1.23%, OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.92; p = .007) and extended follow-up (0.36% vs. 0.59%, OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43-0.86; p = .005). CONCLUSION: Following AF ablation, femoral venous hemostasis with a VCD was associated with reduced complications compared with hemostasis without a VCD.