In vitro assessment of Momordica charantia/Hypericum perforatum oils loaded PCL/Collagen fibers: Novel scaffold for tissue engineering.

The research on tissue engineering applications has been progressing to manufacture ideal tissue scaffold biomaterials. In this study, a double-layered electrospun biofiber scaffold biomaterial including Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Collagen (COL) fibrous inner layer and PCL/ Momordica charantia (MC) and Hypericum perforatum (HP) oils fibrous outer layer was developed to manufacture a functional, novel tissue scaffold with the advantageous mechanical and biological properties. The main approach was to combine the natural perspective using medicinal oils with an engineering point of view to fabricate a potential functional scaffold for tissue engineering. Medicinal plants MC and HP are rich in functional oils and incorporation of them in a tissue scaffold will unveil their potential to augment both new tissue formation and wound healing. In this study, a novel double-layered scaffold prototype was fabricated using electrospinning technique with two PCL fiber layers, first is composed of collagen, and second is composed of oils extracted from medicinal plants. Initially, the composition of plant oils was analyzed. Thereafter the biofiber scaffold layers were fabricated and were evaluated in terms of morphology, physicochemistry, thermal and mechanical features, wettability, in vitro bio-degradability. Double-layered scaffold prototype was further analyzed in terms of in vitro biocompatibility and antibacterial effect. The medicinal oils blend provided antioxidant and antibacterial properties to the novel PCL/Oils layer. The results signify that inner PCL/COL layer exhibited advanced biodegradability of 8.5% compared to PCL and enhanced wettability with 11.7° contact angle. Strength of scaffold prototype was 5.98 N/mm2 thanks to the elastic PCL fibrous matrix. The double-layered functional biofiber scaffold enabled 92% viability after 72 h contact with fibroblast cells and furthermore provided feasible attachment sites for the cells. The functional scaffold prototype's noteworthy mechanical, chemical, and biological features enable it to be suggested as a different novel biomaterial with the potential to be utilized in tissue engineering applications.

GaN/ZnO hybrid nanostructures for improved photocatalytic performance: One-step synthesis.

Nanostructured semiconductor materials are considered potential candidates for the degradation of textile wastewater via the photocatalytic process. This study aims to produce hexagonal gallium nitride (GaN) nanoplates and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in a deionized water environment utilizing a one-step arc discharge process. Detailed characterization of samples has been completed via scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV visible spectroscopy methods. The hybrid nanostructure morphologies consist of nanoplates and nanorods of different sizes. The photoperformance of GaN/ZnO hybrid nanostructures was assessed via the malachite green (MG) dye degradation under UV exposure. Under UV exposure, the degradation yield reached 98% in 60 min. Compared to individual ZnO and GaN nanoparticles, the photocatalytic reaction rate of the GaN/ZnO photocatalyst is 2.2 and 3.6 times faster, respectively. Besides, the GaN/ZnO hybrid nanostructures show excellent photocatalytic stability. The energy consumption of the photocatalytic degradation in the presence of GaN/ZnO hybrid nanostructures was 1.688 kWhL-1. These results demonstrate that the GaN/ZnO hybrid nanostructures with improved photocatalytic activity are a reasonable option for the decomposition of textile wastewater under UV light exposure.

Acute Coronary Syndrome After Whole-Body Electrical Myostimulation.

Whole body electrical myostimulation (WB-EMS) is an alternative exercise training method. The effects of this exercise program on hemodynamics and coronary circulation have recently been investigated. However acute coronary syndrome associated with WB-EMS has not been reported before. In this case report, we present a patient who underwent WB-EMS in a sports center for weight control and admitted to the emergency department with chest pain started in the second session of the training. Her electrocardiogram showed ischemic T-wave changes in the inferior leads. Additionally, troponin levels were elevated. A coronary angiogram was performed with the diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiogram revealed severe vasospasm in the right coronary artery, which resolved with intracoronary nitroglycerin. She uneventfully discharged with medical treatment. This case report is the first patient with acute coronary syndrome associated with WB-EMS in the literature.

The effects of a combination treatment with mesenchymal stem cell and platelet-rich plasma on tendon healing: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects that the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) following tendon repair have on the strength and healing of the tendon and also to examine the possible mechanisms of action that take place. METHODS: The Achilles tendons of 80 rats were repaired and divided into eight groups. Following the repairs, MSCs obtained from humans were injected into the rat tendons in groups 1 and 2, a combination of MSCs from humans and PRP from rats was injected into the tendons in groups 3 and 4, and PRP from rats was injected into the tendons in groups 5 and 6. These procedures all took place simultaneously. Groups 7 and 8 did not receive any injections following the repairs. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the first and second months following the procedures, and biomechanical and histopathological analyses were performed. RESULTS: Inflammatory cell density increased most significantly in the combined group when compared to the first and second months. T he fibroblast density on the tendon repair region was significantly lower in the second-months groups of each intervention compared to their first-month groups (p = 0.001). For the analysis of the maximum tensile breaking force, the behaviors of the groups over time were significant when compared to the control groups (p = 0.0015). Also, the mean maximum breaking force in the combined group was statistically significantly higher at the end of the second month than at the end of the first month (p = 0.0008).

Enhancement of PCL/PLA Electrospun Nanocomposite Fibers Comprising Silver Nanoparticles Encapsulated with Thymus Vulgaris L. Molecules for Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been recognized for their outstanding antibacterial activities, which are required for antibacterial coating materials in therapeutic applications. A bacterial-resistant electrospun nanofibrous mat made of polycaprolactone (PCL) in combination with polylactide acid (PLA) containing silver nanoparticles encapsulated with Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) extract (eAgNPs) was fabricated in order to assess the potential of applicability in biomedical applications such as cancer treatment, wound healing, or surgical sutures. In the current study, PCL and PLA used as the basis polymers were blended with biosynthesized eAgNPs, pure AgNPs, and thyme extract (TE) to observe the effects of additives in terms of antibacterial and anticancer activity and morphologic, thermal, mechanical, biocompatibility, and biodegradability properties. The biological characteristics of fabricated electrospun nanofibrous mats were evaluated in vitro. Physicochemical characteristics of the nanofibrous mats were examined by UV-vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical tensile testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric examination (TGA), and water contact angles (WCAs). The results showed that a biodegradable nanofiber scaffold with a mean fiber diameter of 280 nm is morphologically homogeneous and highly hydrophobic, has higher tensile strength than PCL/PLA nanocomposite fiber, and is resistant to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The cytotoxic and anticancer properties of nanomaterials were defined using L929 and SK-MEL-30 cells. The developed material inhibited cell proliferation and led to apoptosis of cell lines. It can be suggested that the use of Thymus vulgaris L. extract-encapsulated silver nanoparticle-doped PCL/PLA nanofibers produced by the electrospinning method has the potential for cancer therapy in skin tumor cell lines.

The advent of thermoplasmonic membrane distillation.

Freshwater scarcity is a vital societal challenge related to climate change, population pressure, and agricultural and industrial demands. Therefore, sustainable desalination/purification of salty/contaminated water for human uses is particularly relevant. Membrane distillation is an emerging hybrid thermal-membrane technology with the potential to overcome the drawbacks of conventional desalination by a synergic exploitation of the water-energy nexus. Although membrane distillation is considered a green technology, efficient heat management remains a critical concern affecting the cost of the process and hindering its viability at large scale. A multidisciplinary approach that involves materials chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials and polymer science is required to solve this problem. The combination of solar energy with membrane distillation is considered a potentially feasible low-cost approach for providing high-quality freshwater with a low carbon footprint. In particular, recent discoveries about efficient light-to-heat conversion in nanomaterials have opened unprecedented perspectives for the implementation of sunlight-based renewable energy in membrane distillation. The integration of nanofillers enabling photothermal effects into membranes has been demonstrated to be able to significantly enhance the energy efficiency without impacting on economic costs. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the state of the art, the opportunities, open challenges and pitfalls of the emerging field of solar-driven membrane distillation. We also assess the peculiar physicochemical properties and synthesis scalability of photothermal materials, as well as the strategies for their integration into polymeric nanocomposite membranes enabling efficient light-to-heat conversion and freshwater.

Dimensionally controlled graphene-based surfaces for photothermal membrane crystallization.

Membrane-based photothermal crystallization - a pioneering technology for mining valuable minerals from seawater and brines - exploits self-heating nanostructured interfaces to boost water evaporation, so achieving a controlled supersaturation environment that promotes the nucleation and growth of salts. This work explores, for the first time, the use of two-dimensional graphene thin films (2D-G) and three dimensional vertically orientated graphene sheet arrays (3D-G) as potential photothermal membranes applied to the dehydration of sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate hypersaline solutions, followed by salt crystallization. A systematic study sheds light on the role of vertical alignment of graphene sheets on the interfacial, light absorption and photothermal characteristics of the membrane, impacting on the water evaporation rate and on the crystal size distribution of the investigated salts. Overall, 3D-G facilitates the crystallization of the salts because of superior light-to-heat conversion leading to a 3-fold improvement of the evaporation rate with respect to 2D-G. The exploitation of sunlight graphene-based interfaces is demonstrated as a potential sustainable solution to aqueous wastes valorization via recovery in solid phase of dissolved salts using renewable solar energy.

Prevention of peritendinous adhesions with electrospun poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) bioabsorbable nanofiber: An experimental study.

In this study, we investigated the application of poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) in the rat Achilles tendon injury model for the prevention or alleviation of peritendinous adhesion and guidance of Achilles tendon regeneration. In the study, 48 rats were used and the rats were randomized by closed envelope method and divided into 4 mating groups in groups of 12. Left Achilles tendons of the non-PLGA-treated control group (groups 1 and 2) were cut and repaired. In the PLGA-treated groups (groups 3 and 4) the left Achilles tendons were cut and repaired, then PLGA bioabsorbable material was wrapped around the repair line. The rats in the 1st and 3rd groups were sacrificed at the end of the 1st month, and the rats in the 2nd and 4th groups at the end of the 2nd month. The degree of tendon adhesion in the Group 3 was lower in comparison with Group 1. Similarly, compared with Group 2, the degree of tendon adhesion in the Group 4 was lower. Inflammatory density, vascularization and fibrosis were higher in the experimental group. When the Group 3 and Group 1, and Group 2 and Group 4 were compared, adhesion length (p = 0.004, p = 0.041), adhesion characteristics (p = 0.049, p = 0.039) and adhesion severity (p = 0.007, p = 0.025) were found have statistically significant tendon healing in the PLGA-treated group, respectively. Significant difference was observed in inflammatory cell density, vascular density and fibrosis for Group 1 and Group 3, (p = 0.027, p = 0.041, p = 0.002), respectively. Similarly, significant difference was observed in inflammatory cell density, vascular density and fibrosis for Group 2 and Group 4, (p = 0.002, p = 0.027, p = 0.011), respectively. As a result, it was considered that poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) material significantly reduces peritendinous adhesions, and this effect could occur with the vascular density, inflammatory density and fibrosis as indicated in histopathological examination. These data suggest that PLGA membrane has good biocompatibility and alleviates tendon adhesion after injury.

Potential of nafimidone derivatives against co-morbidities of epilepsy: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico investigations.

Nafimidone is known for its clinical antiepileptic effects and alcohol derivatives of nafimidone were reported be potent anticonvulsants. These compounds are structurally similar to miconazole, which is known to inhibit cholinesterases, protect neurons, and ameliorate cognitive decline. Herein, we aimed to reveal the potential of three nafimidone alcohol esters (5 g, 5i, and 5 k), which were previously reported for their anticonvulsant effects, against co-morbidities of epilepsy such as inflammatory and neuropathic pain, cognitive and behavioral deficits, and neuron death, and understand their roles in related pathways such as γ-butyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptor and cholinesterases using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used for cytotoxicity evaluation, hippocampal slice culture assay for neuroprotection, formalin test for acute and inflammatory pain, sciatic ligation for neuropathic pain, Morris water maze and open field locomotor tasks for cognitive and behavioral deficits, radioligand binding for GABAA receptor affinity, spectrophotometric methods for cholinesterase inhibition in vitro, and molecular docking in silico. The compounds were non-toxic to fibroblast cells. 5 k was neuroprotective against kainic acid-induced neuron death. 5i reduced pain response of mice in both the acute and the inflammatory phases. 5i improved survival upon status epilepticus. The compounds showed no affinity to GABAA receptor but inhibited acetylcholinesterase, 5 k also inhibited butyrylcholinesterase. The compounds were predicted to interact mainly with the peripheric anionic site of cholinesterase enzymes. The title compounds showed neuroprotective, analgesic, and cholinesterase inhibitory effects, thus they bear promise against certain co-morbidities of epilepsy with neurological insults.

Azoles containing naphthalene with activity against Gram-positive bacteria: in vitro studies and in silico predictions for flavohemoglobin inhibition.

Azoles are first-line drugs used in fungal infections. Topical antifungals, such as miconazole and econazole, are known to be active against Gram-positive bacteria, which was reported to result from bacterial flavohemoglobin (flavoHb) inhibition. Dual antibacterial/antifungal action is believed to have benefits for antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this study, we tested antibacterial effects of an in-house library of naphthalene-bearing azoles, some of which were reported as potent antifungals, in an attempt to find dual-acting hits. Several potent derivatives were obtained against the Gram-positive bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. 9 was active at a minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) less than 1 µg/ml against E. faecalis and S. aureus, and 10 against S. aureus. 16 was also potent against E. faecalis and S. aureus (MIC = 1 and 2 µg/ml, respectively). Six more were active against S. aureus with MIC ≤ 4 µg/ml. In vitro cytotoxicity studies showed that the active compounds were safe for healthy cells within their MIC ranges. According to the calculated descriptors, the library was found within the drug-like chemical space and free of pan-assay interference compounds (PAINS). Molecular docking studies suggested that the compounds might be bacterial flavohemoglobin (flavoHb) inhibitors and the azole and naphthalene rings were important pharmacophores, which was further supported by pharmacophore modeling study. As a result, the current study presents several non-toxic azole derivatives with antibacterial effects. In addition to their previously reported antifungal properties, they could set a promising starting point for the future design of dual acting antimicrobials. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

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.

Tuning the Electrochemical Properties of Novel Asymmetric Integral Sulfonated Polysulfone Cation Exchange Membranes.

In this study, novel asymmetric integral cation exchange membranes were prepared by the wet phase inversion of sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) solutions. SPSf with different degrees of sulfonation (DS) was synthesized by variation in the amount of chlorosulfonic acid utilized as a sulfonating agent. The characterization of SPSf samples was performed using FTIR and 1H-NMR techniques. SPSf with a DS of 0.31 (0.67 meq/g corresponding ion exchange capacity) was chosen to prepare the membranes, as polymers with a higher DS resulted in poor mechanical properties and excessive swelling in water. By a systematic study, the opportunity to tune the properties of SPSf membranes by acting on the composition of the polymeric solution was demonstrated. The effect of two different phase inversion parameters, solvent type and co-solvent ratio, were investigated by morphological and electrochemical characterization. The best properties (permselectivity of 0.86 and electrical resistance of 6.3 Ω∙cm2) were obtained for the membrane prepared with 2-propanol (IPA):1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) in a 20:80 ratio. This membrane was further characterized in different solution concentrations to estimate its performance in a Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) operation. Although the estimated generated power was less than that of the commercial CMX (Neosepta) membrane, used as a benchmark, the tailor-made membrane can be considered as a cost-effective alternative, as one of the main limitations to the commercialization of RED is the high membrane price.

In silico Repurposing of Drugs for pan-HDAC and pan-SIRT Inhibitors: Consensus Structure-based Virtual Screening and Pharmacophore Modeling Investigations.

OBJECTIVES: Drug repurposing is a highly popular approach to find new indications for drugs, which greatly reduces time and costs for drug design and discovery. Non-selective inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) isoforms including sirtuins (SIRTs) are effective against conditions like cancer. In this study, we used molecular docking to screen Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs to identify a number of drugs with a potential to be repurposed for pan-HDAC and pan-SIRT inhibitor activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The library of FDA-approved drugs was optimized using MacroModel. The crystal structures of HDAC1-4, 6-8, SIRT1-3, 5, 6 were prepared before the library was docked to each structure using Glide, FRED, and AutoDock Vina/PyRx. Consensus scores were derived from the docking scores obtained from each software. Pharmacophore modeling was performed using Phase. RESULTS: Based on the consensus scores, belinostat, bexarotene, and cianidanol emerged as top virtual pan-HDAC inhibitors whereas alosetron, cinacalcet, and indacaterol emerged as virtual pan-SIRT inhibitors. Pharmacophore hypotheses for these virtual inhibitors were also suggested through pharmacophore modeling in agreement with the molecular docking models. CONCLUSION: The consensus approach enabled selection of the best performing drug molecules according to different software, and good scores against isoforms (virtual pan-HDAC and pan-SIRT inhibitors). The study not only proposes potential drugs to be repurposed for HDAC and SIRT-related diseases but also provides insights for designing potent de novo derivatives.

Assessment of arterial stiffness and epicardial adipose tissue thickness in predicting the subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease. Recognition of subclinical atherosclerotic vascular changes before clinical manifestation in an asymptomatic population is important for risk stratification and optimal management, which finally leads to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the risk of premature subclinical atherosclerosis by evaluating epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and arterial stiffness parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 60 consecutive patients meeting modified New York criteria for AS compared to 60 controls matched for age and sex. Patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors were excluded. Arterial stiffness parameters and EATT (examined via echocardiography) values of all patients and control groups were measured. RESULTS: There was no difference between basal characteristic and echocardiographic parameters in patients with AS and in the control group. EATT and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were higher in the AS patients compared to the control group. EATT was 5.74 ± 1.22 mm and 4.91 ± 1.21 mm (p < .001) and PWV was 9.90 ± 0.98 m/s and 6.46 ± 0.83 m/s (p = .009) in the AS and control groups, respectively. Also, PWV was significantly correlated with EATT, age, and central blood pressure in patients with AS. CONCLUSIONS: EATT and PWV, markers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, were significantly higher in patients with AS than the control group. In addition, in this study, it has been shown that there is a significant relationship between PWV and EATT in patients with AS.

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.

Antibacterial azole derivatives: Antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and in silico mechanistic studies.

Azole antifungal drugs are commonly used in antifungal chemotherapy. Antibacterial effects of some topical antifungals, such as miconazole and econazole, have lately been revealed, which suggests a promising venue in antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this study, we tested an in-house azole collection with antifungal properties for their antibacterial activity to identify dual-acting hits using the broth microdilution method. The in vitro screen yielded a number of potent derivatives against gram-positive bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Compound 73's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value less than 1 µg/ml against S. aureus; however, none of the compounds showed noteworthy activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). All the active compounds were found safe at their MIC values against the healthy fibroblast cells in the in vitro cytotoxicity test. Molecular docking studies of the most active compounds using a set of docking programs with flavohemoglobin (flavoHb) structure, the proposed target of the azole antifungals with antibacterial activity, presented striking similarities regarding the binding modes and interactions between the tested compounds and the antifungal drugs with crystallographic data. In addition to being noncytotoxic, the library was predicted to be drug-like and free of pan-assay interference compounds (PAINS). As a result, the current study revealed several potential azole derivatives with both antifungal and antibacterial activities. Inhibition of bacterial flavoHb was suggested as a possible mechanism of action for the title compounds.

Decrease in Pulse Wave Velocity is Associated with Clinical Improvement in Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness is an independent determinant of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks. The relationship between the increase in arterial stiffness parameters and the severity of stroke has been shown in previous studies. We aimed to investigate the association between clinical improvement and changes in arterial stiffness parameters in patients presenting acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A total of 107 patients were enrolled in this study. On the first and seventh day of the hospitalization, 24 h non-invasive blood pressure was monitored and arterial stiffness parameters were measured. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to determine the severity of stroke, and the Modified Rankin Scale was used to determine dependency and to evaluate functional improvements. RESULTS: Arterial stiffness parameters of augmentation index (AIx@75) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were significantly higher in patients who died during hospitalization than patients who were discharged (respectively p <0.001, p = 0.04). In the group with clinical improvement, PWV values measured on the seventh day were significantly lower than PWV values measured on the first day (p = 0.032). When the changes in PWV value measured on the first and seventh day for both groups were analyzed using mixed ANOVA test, p value were significant (p = 0.033). Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses showed that negatively change in PWV and CDBP independently predicts the clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Increased AIx@75 and PWV appear to be associated with higher in-hospital mortality rates in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, clinical improvement in patients with ischemic stroke is associated with a decrease in PWV .

The Prognostic Utility of Plasma NGAL Levels in ST Segment Elevation in Myocardial Infarction Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are markedly higher. In addition, plasma NGAL levels were increased in patients with acute and chronic heart failure as a complication of myocardial infarction. In this study, we investigated whether there is a difference between the prognostic use of plasma NGAL levels in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: 235 consecutive STEMI patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into groups according to LVEF. Plasma NGAL, troponin I, creatine kinase MB (CKMB), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Finally, the study population examined with 34 reduced LVEF and 34 preserved LVEF consisted of a total of 68 patients (12 females; mean age, 61.5 ± 14.7). All patients were followed up prospectively for 6 months. This study group was divided into two subgroups as the patients who died (n = 14) and survived (n = 34), and plasma NGAL levels of the groups were compared. RESULTS: The median of NGAL was 190.08 ng/ml. Age, troponin I, CKMB, CRP, glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine were higher in reduced LVEF groups. Plasma NGAL levels were also higher in reduced LVEF than in preserved LVEF, but statistically not significant (p=0.07). Plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher in death patients than in survived patients (p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the level to detect isolated cardiovascular mortality with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 77% was 190 ng/mL for NGAL. CONCLUSION: Plasma NGAL levels can be used to predict cardiovascular mortality in STEMI patients.