Stability of adrenocorticotropic hormone in whole blood samples: effects of storage conditions.

Introduction: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a peptide secreted by pituitary gland that plays an important role in regulating cortisol secretion. Its determination is difficult because of instability in whole blood. Several factors that influence ACTH stability in blood before analysis have been identified: temperature, hemolysis, time to centrifugation and presence of protease inhibitors. Published results on ACTH whole blood stability seem contradictory. Materials and methods: We performed a stability study in 10 healthy volunteers. Three different conditions were tested: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at 4 °C, EDTA + aprotinin at 4 °C, EDTA + aprotinin at room temperature. Stability was evaluated for 8 hours. Adrenocorticotropic hormone measurements and hemolysis index were performed respectively on Cobas e602 and c701 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). We compared percentage deviations with total change limit using a threshold of 7.5%. Results: We showed that ACTH is stable 8 hours with EDTA at 4 °C, 4 hours with EDTA + aprotinin at 4 °C and 2 hours with EDTA + aprotinin at 22 °C. Conclusions: Aprotinin does not appear to give ACTH greater stability but can be used without exceeding 4 hours at 4 °C. Refrigerated pouch transport also seems to be more appropriate for ACTH in whole blood.

Discovery and engineering of a novel peptide, Temporin-WY2, with enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacy against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Infections by drug-resistant microorganisms are a threat to global health and antimicrobial peptides are considered to be a new hope for their treatment. Temporin-WY2 was identified from the cutaneous secretion of the Ranidae frog, Amolops wuyiensis. It presented with a potent anti-Gram-positive bacterial efficacy, but its activity against Gram-negative bacteria and cancer cell lines was unremarkable. Also, it produced a relatively high lytic effect on horse erythrocytes. For further improvement of its functions, a perfect amphipathic analogue, QUB-1426, and two lysine-clustered analogues, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, were synthesised and investigated. The modified peptides were found to be between 8- and 64-fold more potent against Gram-negative bacteria than the original peptide. Additionally, the 6K analogues showed a rapid killing rate. Also, their antiproliferation activities were more than 100-fold more potent than the parent peptide. All of the peptides that were examined demonstrated considerable biofilm inhibition activity. Moreover, QUB-1426, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, demonstrated in vivo antimicrobial activity against MRSA and E. coli in an insect larvae model. Despite observing a slight increase in the hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity of the modified peptides, they still demonstrated a improved therapeutic index. Overall, QUB-1426, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, with dual antimicrobial and anticancer functions, are proposed as putative drug candidates for the future.

Mutations in linker-2 of KLF1 impair expression of membrane transporters and cytoskeletal proteins causing hemolysis.

The SP/KLF family of transcription factors harbour three C-terminal C2H2 zinc fingers interspersed by two linkers which confers DNA-binding to a 9-10 bp motif. Mutations in KLF1, the founding member of the family, are common. Missense mutations in linker two result in a mild phenotype. However, when co-inherited with loss-of-function mutations, they result in severe non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia. We generate a mouse model of this disease by crossing Klf1+/- mice with Klf1H350R/+ mice that harbour a missense mutation in linker-2. Klf1H350R/- mice exhibit severe hemolysis without thalassemia. RNA-seq demonstrate loss of expression of genes encoding transmembrane and cytoskeletal proteins, but not globins. ChIP-seq show no change in DNA-binding specificity, but a global reduction in affinity, which is confirmed using recombinant proteins and in vitro binding assays. This study provides new insights into how linker mutations in zinc finger transcription factors result in different phenotypes to those caused by loss-of-function mutations.

Lavandula dentata L. essential oil: a promising antifungal and antibiofilm agent against oral Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is the main fungal species involved in oral candidiasis, and its increasing resistance to pharmacological treatment encourages the search for improved antifungal agents. Lavandula dentata L. essential oil (LD-EO) has been recognized for its antimicrobial activity, but little is known about its role against oral C. albicans. This study evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm activities, mechanisms of action, and toxicity of LD-EO from Brazil against oral strains of C. albicans. Antifungal activity was assessed based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), association study with miconazole (Checkerboard method), and sorbitol and ergosterol assays. Inhibition of biofilm formation and disruption of preformed biofilm were considered when studying the effects of the product. Additionally, the toxicity of LD-EO was evaluated by a hemolysis assay on human erythrocytes. Phytochemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified eucalyptol (33.1%), camphor (18.3%), and fenchone (15.6%) as major constituents. The test substance showed mainly fungicidal activity (MIC100 = 8 µg/mL; MFC = 16 µg/mL), including against two miconazole-resistant isolates of C. albicans. The effects of LD-EO were synergistic with those of miconazole and appeared not to involve damage to the fungal cell wall or plasma membrane. Its effectiveness in inhibiting biofilm formation was higher than the effect of disrupting preformed biofilm. Finally, the product exhibited low hemolytic activity at MIC. Based on the favorable and novel results described here, LD-EO could constitute a promising therapeutic alternative for oral candidiasis, including miconazole-resistant cases.

Biocompatibility and potential anticancer activity of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles against nasal squamous cell carcinoma.

Chemotherapy as a cornerstone of cancer treatment is slowly being edged aside owing to its severe side effects and systemic toxicity. In this case, nanomedicine has emerged as an effective tool to address these drawbacks. Herein, a biocompatible carrier based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd2O3@BSA) was fabricated for curcumin (CUR) delivery and its physicochemical features along with its potential anticancer activity against nasal squamous cell carcinoma were also investigated. It was found that the fabricated Gd2O3@BSA containing CUR (Gd2O3@BSA-CUR) had spherical morphology with hydrodynamic size of nearly 26 nm, zeta-potential of -36 mV and high drug (CUR) loading capacity. Drug release profile disclosed that the release of CUR from the prepared Gd2O3@BSA-CUR nanoparticles occurred in a sustained- and pH-dependent manner. Also, in vitro cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the fabricated Gd2O3@BSA nanoparticles possessed excellent biosafety toward HFF2 normal cells, while Gd2O3@BSA-CUR appeared to display the greatest anticancer potential against RPMI 2650 and CNE-1 cancer cell lines. The results also show that the Gd2O3@BSA nanoparticles were compatible with the blood cells with minor hemolytic effect (< 3%). The manufactured NPs were found to be completely safe for biological applications in an in vivo subacute toxicity study. Taken together, these finding substantiate the potential anticancer activity of Gd2O3@BSA-CUR nanoparticles against nasal squamous cell carcinoma, but the results obtained demand further studies to assess their full potential.

Molecular Pro-Apoptotic Activities of Flavanone Derivatives in Cyclodextrin Complexes: New Implications for Anticancer Therapy.

This study evaluates the antiproliferative potential of flavanones, chromanones and their spiro-1-pyrazoline derivatives as well as their inclusion complexes. The main goal was to determine the biological basis of molecular pro-apoptotic activities and the participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in shaping the cytotoxic properties of the tested conjugates. For this purpose, changes in mitochondrial potential and the necrotic/apoptotic cell fraction were analyzed. Testing with specific fluorescent probes found that ROS generation had a significant contribution to the biological anticancer activity of complexes of flavanone analogues. TT (thrombin time), PT (prothrombin time) and APTT (activated partial tromboplastin time) were used to evaluate the influence of the compounds on the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathway. Hemolysis assays and microscopy studies were conducted to determine the effect of the compounds on RBCs.

The Possible Effects of Galectin-3 on Mechanisms of Renal and Hepatocellular Injury Induced by Intravascular Hemolysis.

Intravascular hemolysis is a central feature of congenital and acquired hemolytic anemias, complement disorders, infectious diseases, and toxemias. Massive and/or chronic hemolysis is followed by the induction of inflammation, very often with severe damage of organs, which enhances the morbidity and mortality of hemolytic diseases. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a ß-galactoside-binding lectin that modulates the functions of many immune cells, thus affecting inflammatory processes. Gal-3 is also one of the main regulators of fibrosis. The role of Gal-3 in the development of different kidney and liver diseases and the potential of therapeutic Gal-3 inhibition have been demonstrated. Therefore, the objective of this review is to discuss the possible effects of Gal-3 on the process of kidney and liver damage induced by intravascular hemolysis, as well as to shed light on the potential therapeutic targeting of Gal-3 in intravascular hemolysis.

Construction and Evaluation of BAL-PTX Co-Loaded Lipid Nanosystem for Promoting the Anti-Lung Cancer Efficacy of Paclitaxel and Reducing the Toxicity of Chemotherapeutic Drugs.

Purpose: The present study aimed to develop a lipid nanoplatform, denoted as "BAL-PTX-LN", co-loaded with chiral baicalin derivatives (BAL) and paclitaxel (PTX) to promote the anti-lung cancer efficacy of paclitaxel and reduce the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Methods: BAL-PTX-LN was optimized through central composite design based on a single-factor experiments. BAL-PTX-LN was evaluated by TEM, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, hemolysis rate, release kinetics and stability. And was evaluated by pharmacokinetics and the antitumor efficacy studied both in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo safety profile of the formulation was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Results: BAL-PTX-LN exhibited spherical morphology with a particle size of 134.36 ± 3.18 nm, PDI of 0.24 ± 0.02, and with an encapsulation efficiency exceeding 90%, BAL-PTX-LN remained stable after 180 days storage. In vitro release studies revealed a zero-order kinetic model of PTX from the liposomal formulation. No hemolysis was observed in the preparation group. Pharmacokinetic analysis of PTX in the BAL-PTX-LN group revealed an approximately three-fold higher bioavailability and twice longer t1/2 compared to the bulk drug group. Furthermore, the IC50 of BAL-PTX-LN decreased by 2.35 times (13.48 µg/mL vs 31.722 µg/mL) and the apoptosis rate increased by 1.82 times (29.38% vs 16.13%) at 24 h compared to the PTX group. In tumor-bearing nude mice, the BAL-PTX-LN formulation exhibited a two-fold higher tumor inhibition rate compared to the PTX group (62.83% vs 29.95%), accompanied by a ten-fold decrease in Ki67 expression (4.26% vs 45.88%). Interestingly, HE staining revealed no pathological changes in tissues from the BAL-PTX-LN group, whereas tissues from the PTX group exhibited pathological changes and tumor cell infiltration. Conclusion: BAL-PTX-LN improves the therapeutic effect of poorly soluble chemotherapeutic drugs on lung cancer, which is anticipated to emerge as a viable therapeutic agent for lung cancer in clinical applications.

Dual protection of aqueous garlic extract biomolecules against hemolysis and its oxidation products in preventing inflammation.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is recognized as functional food, rich in bioactive compounds that can combat diseases associated with oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the protective potential of aqueous garlic extract against hemolysis and oxidation. Despite being caused by membrane fragility, hemolysis can lead to inflammation through the oxidation of its products, and in some cases, even exacerbate it in certain pathological contexts. Supplementation with antioxidant molecules can improves oxidative status, in this study, we selected garlic, an excellent functional food, and targeted its effects using aqueous extract and pure molecules. The aqueous garlic extract was prepared under safe conditions and subjected to toxicity on human neutrophils and red blood cells before experimentation. The results indicate that aqueous garlic extract significantly reduces hemolysis with a maximum protection of  98. 74 ± 1. 08 % at a concentration of 5µg/ml. Additionally, experiments were conducted with pure compounds found in garlic such as quercetin, gallic acid, and caffeic acid. The outcomes show that quercetin reduces hemolysis of RBC with a maximum protection of  88. 8 ± 2. 89 % at 20 µM followed by caffeic acid and gallic acid. The action mechanism of the extract was tested on human neutrophil cells, the extract significantly reduced luminol-amplified chemiluminescence of PMA-stimulated neutrophils up to 50 % at 10 µg/ml in addition to its ability to directly scavenge hydrogen peroxide. Our results suggest that aqueous garlic extract exerts promising anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Through its dual protection against hemolysis and Ros production, garlic may indirectly prevent inflammation reducing the oxidation of hemolysis products. These abilities make garlic aqueous extract promising candidate for improving cardiovascular health, reducing oxidative stress and modulating immunity.

Design and synthesis of a nucleobase functionalized peptide hydrogel: in vitro assessment of anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects.

Over the past several years, a significant increase in the expanding field of biomaterial sciences has been observed due to the development of biocompatible materials based on peptide derivatives that have intrinsic therapeutic potential. In this report, we synthesized nucleobase functionalized peptide derivatives (NPs). Hydrogelation in the synthesized NPs was induced by increasing their hydrophobicity with an aromatic moiety. The aggregation behavior of the NPs was analyzed by performing molecular dynamics simulations and DOSY NMR experiments. We performed circular dichroism (CD), thioflavin-T binding and PXRD to characterize the supramolecular aggregation in the NP1 hydrogel. The mechanical strength of the NP1 hydrogel was tested by performing rheological experiments. TEM and SEM experiments were performed to investigate the morphology of the NP1 hydrogel. The biocompatibility of the newly synthesized NP1 hydrogel was investigated using McCoy and A549 cell lines. The hemolytic activity of the NP1 hydrogel was examined in human blood cells. The stability of the newly formed NP1 hydrogel was examined using proteinase K and α-chymotrypsin. The NP1 hydrogel was used for in vitro wound healing. Western blotting, qRT-PCR and DCFDA assay were performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the NP1 hydrogel. The synthesized NP1 hydrogel also exhibits antibacterial efficacy.

Anthelmintic activity of three selected ethnobotanical plant extracts against Strongyloides venezuelensis.

The agropastoral farmers have employed Turraea vogelii(TVL),Senna podocarpa(SPL), and Jaundea pinnata (JPL) leaves for treating various diseases, including intestinal parasites in livestock and the human population in Nigeria. Gastrointestinal nematodes are highly significant to livestock production and people's health, and natural products are interesting as sources of new drugs. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of extracts derived from these plants in treating parasitic infections using third-stage infective larvae (L3) of Strongyloides venezuelensis. We obtained crude extracts using n-gexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (Ea), and methanol (Met). The extracts were analyzed for their phytochemical composition, and their ability to prevent hemolysis were tested. The mean concentrations of total phenols in SPL Hex, SPL Ea, and SPL Met were 92.3 ± 0.3, 103.0 ± 0.4, and 128.2 ± 0.5 mg/100 g, respectively. Total tannin concentrations for JPL Ea, SPL Ea, SPL Hex, and TVL Hex were 60.3 ± 0.1, 89.2 ± 0.2, 80.0 ± 0.1, and 66.6 ± 0.3 mg/100 g, respectively. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) at 72 h for JPL Ea 39 (26-61) µg/mL. SPL Ea was 39 (34-45) µg/mL, and TVL Hex 31 (26-36) µg/mL. The antiparasitic activities of the extracts against L3 were dose- and time-dependent. All the extracts were slightly hemolytic to the erythrocytes. In this study, the plant extract tested demonstrated significant anti-S. venezuelensis activity. These phytobotanical extracts could be used to create formulations for the potential treatment of helminthiasis in animals and humans.

Bioactive material­sodium alginate-polyvinyl alcohol composite film scaffold for bone tissue engineering application.

Road accidents and infection-causing diseases during bone surgery are serious problems in orthopedics, and thus, addressing these pressing challenges is crucial. In the present study, the 70S30C calcium silicate bioactive material (BM) is synthesized by a sustainable approach employing a precipitation method using recycled rice husk and eggshells as a precursor of silica and calcium. Further, 70S30C BM is composited with sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the films were prepared by solvent casting method. The composite films were prepared without the addition of acid, binder, and crosslinking agents. Further, the films were characterized by BET, XRD, ATR-FTIR, SEM, and EDS mapping. The in vitro bioactivity and biodegradation study is performed in the simulated body fluid (SBF). The in vitro haemolysis study is executed using human blood and the results demonstrate haemocompatibility of the composite films. The ex ovo CAM assay also exhibits good neovascularization. The in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assay proves its non-toxic nature. Further, the in vivo study reveals that the engineered composite film demonstrates accelerated osteogenesis. This work broadens the orthopedic potential of the composite film and offers bioactivity, haemocompatibility, angiogenesis, non-toxicity, and in vivo osteogenesis which would serve as a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering application.

Assessment of phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential of flowers, leaves and stem extracts of.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate phytochemicals and in vitro biological potential of flowers, leaves and stem extracts of Rosa arvensis. METHODS: Presence of twenty secondary metabolites was confirmed and then phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectrophotometrically. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy was conducted to ascertain functional groups and antioxidant potential was examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity and total reducing power assays. Human erythrocytes were used to assess anti-hemolytic activity and five bacterial strains were examined to determine antibacterial potential of plant extracts. Radish seeds were used to perform phytotoxic activity and cytotoxic potential was evaluated via brine shrimps and PC3 cell lines. RESULTS: Highest phenolic contents were detected in the methanolic extract of Rosa arvensis flower (RAFM) [(151.635 ± 0.005) gallic acid equivalent mg/g] and highest flavonoid contents in the chloroform leaf extract (RALC) [(108.228 ± 0.004) quercetin equivalent mg/g]. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of wide range of functional groups. The antioxidant assays indicated highest DPPH scavenging activity [IC50 (23.5 ± 0.6) µg/mL] in the methanolic stem extract (RASM), highest total antioxidant capacity [(265.1 ± 0.9) µg/mL] in RAFM and highest reducing potential [(209.9 ± 0.6) µg/mL] in leaf extract (RALM). Highest anti-hemolytic activity [(90.0 ± 0.5) µg/mL] was recorded in RAFM and brine shrimp cytotoxicity potential [(52.3 ± 0.3) µg/mL] in RASM. The antimicrobial activity was detected highest [(21.1 ± 0.5) mm inhibition zones] in RALM against Streptococcus aureus. In the end, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity results depicted less than 50 % inhibition in the methanolic extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will be helpful in designing pharmaceutical regimens and therefore, more studies can be recommended to isolate and characterize compounds associated with the biological activities of Rosa arvensis.

Guanidinium Chloride-Induced Haemolysis Assay to Measure New Permeation Pathway Functionality in Rodent Malaria Plasmodium berghei.

Parasite-derived new permeation pathways (NPPs) expressed at the red blood cell (RBC) membrane enable Plasmodium parasites to take up nutrients from the plasma to facilitate their survival. Thus, NPPs represent a potential novel therapeutic target for malaria. The putative channel component of the NPP in the human malaria parasite P. falciparum is encoded by mutually exclusively expressed clag3.1/3.2 genes. Complicating the study of the essentiality of these genes to the NPP is the addition of three clag paralogs whose contribution to the P. falciparum channel is uncertain. Rodent malaria P. berghei contains only two clag genes, and thus studies of P. berghei clag genes could significantly aid in dissecting their overall contribution to NPP activity. Previous methods for determining NPP activity in a rodent model have utilised flux-based assays of radioisotope-labelled substrates or patch clamping. This study aimed to ratify a streamlined haemolysis assay capable of assessing the functionality of P. berghei NPPs. Several isotonic lysis solutions were tested for their ability to preferentially lyse infected RBCs (iRBCs), leaving uninfected RBCs (uRBCs) intact. The osmotic lysis assay was optimised and validated in the presence of NPP inhibitors to demonstrate the uptake of the lysis solution via the NPPs. Guanidinium chloride proved to be the most efficient reagent to use in an osmotic lysis assay to establish NPP functionality. Furthermore, following treatment with guanidinium chloride, ring-stage parasites could develop into trophozoites and schizonts, potentially enabling use of guanidinium chloride for parasite synchronisation. This haemolysis assay will be useful for further investigation of NPPs in P. berghei and could assist in validating its protein constituents.

Impact of Different Red Blood Cell Storage Solutions and Conditions on Cell Function and Viability: A Systematic Review.

Red blood cell (RBC) storage solutions have evolved significantly over the past decades to optimize the preservation of cell viability and functionality during hypothermic storage. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the effects of various storage solutions and conditions on critical RBC parameters during refrigerated preservation. A wide range of solutions, from basic formulations such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), to advanced additive solutions (ASs), like AS-7 and phosphate, adenine, glucose, guanosine, saline, and mannitol (PAGGSM), are systematically compared in terms of their ability to maintain key indicators of RBC integrity, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, morphology, and hemolysis. Optimal RBC storage requires a delicate balance of pH buffering, metabolic support, oxidative damage prevention, and osmotic regulation. While the latest alkaline solutions enable up to 8 weeks of storage, some degree of metabolic and morphological deterioration remains inevitable. The impacts of critical storage conditions, such as the holding temperature, oxygenation, anticoagulants, irradiation, and processing methods, on the accumulation of storage lesions are also thoroughly investigated. Personalized RBC storage solutions, tailored to individual donor characteristics, represent a promising avenue for minimizing storage lesions and enhancing transfusion outcomes. Further research integrating omics profiling with customized preservation media is necessary to maximize post-transfusion RBC survival and functions. The continued optimization of RBC storage practices will not only enhance transfusion efficacy but also enable blood banking to better meet evolving clinical needs.

Measurement of left atrial size as a predictor of severity of illness in sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by microvascular occlusion which leads to multiorgan damage, including left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has been shown to be an independent risk factor for death in SCD patients. Left atrial dilation (LAD) has been used as a surrogate marker for identification of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the association of LAD, as determined by echocardiography, with increased disease burden in SCD as reflected by increased emergency department (ED) utilization, increased hemolysis markers, and worsening anemia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients from a single university hospital were selected from a national registry. Age, sickle cell phenotype, echocardiogram findings, ED utilization, baseline hemoglobin, and lab values needed for calculation of hemolytic index were recorded for each patient. Patients were then stratified into two distinct groups based on the presence or absence of LAD to compare ED utilization, baseline hemoglobin and hemolytic index between the two groups. RESULTS: 129 patients met the criteria for inclusion with 88 having normal left atrial volume and 41 with LAD. There was a higher percentage of high ED utilizers in the LAD group compared to the normal left atrial volume group [34% vs. 17%, p = 0.03]. Average hemoglobin was lower in the LAD group compared with the normal left atrial volume group [mean 8.57 g/dL vs. 9.47 g/dL, p = 0.011]. The mean hemolytic index was higher in the LAD group when compared with the normal left atrial volume group [0.44 vs. -0.21, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: LAD was associated with higher ED utilization, lower hemoglobin level, and more hemolysis in patients with SCD.

Unveiling the synergy: Biocompatible alginate-cellulose hydrogel loaded with silk fibroin and zinc ferrite nanoparticles for enhanced cell adhesion, and anti-biofilm activity.

Combining a biocompatible hydrogel scaffold with the cell-supportive properties of silk fibroin (SF) and the unique functionalities of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles creates a promising platform for advanced nanobiomaterials. The research is centered on synthesizing a natural hydrogel using cellulose (Cellul) and sodium alginate (SA) combined with SF and zinc ferrite nanoparticles. A range of analytical and biological assays were conducted to determine the biological and physicochemical properties of the nanobiocomposite. The hemolysis and 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays indicated that the SA-Cellul hydrogel/SF/ZnFe2O4 nanobiocomposite was a biocompatible against human dermal fibroblasts (Hu02) and red blood cells (RBC). In addition, aside from demonstrating outstanding anti-biofilm activity, the nanobiocomposite also promotes the Hu02 cells adhesion, showcasing the synergistic effect of incorporating SF and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticle. These promising results show that this nanobiocomposite has potential applications in various biomedical fields.

Evaluating the osteogenic properties of polyhydroxybutyrate-zein/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) electrospun composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.

In this investigation, the electrospun nanocomposite scaffolds were developed utilizing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), zein, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at varying concentrations of MWCNTs including 0.5 and 1 wt%. Based on the SEM evaluations, the scaffold containing 1 wt% MWCNTs (PZ-1C) exhibited the lowest fiber diameter (384 ± 99 nm) alongside a suitable porosity percentage. The presence of zein and MWCNT in the chemical structure of the scaffold was evaluated by FTIR. Furthermore, TEM images revealed the alignment of MWCNTs with the fibers. Adding 1 % MWCNTs to the PHB-zein scaffold significantly enhanced tensile strength by about 69 % and reduced elongation by about 31 %. Hydrophilicity, surface roughness, crystallinity, and biomineralization were increased by incorporating 1 wt% MWCNTs, while weight loss after in vitro degradation was decreased. The MG-63 cells exhibited enhanced attachment, viability, ALP secretion, calcium deposition, and gene expression (COLI, RUNX2, and OCN) when cultivated on the scaffold containing MWCNTs compared to the scaffolds lacking MWCNTs. Moreover, the study found that MWCNTs significantly reduced platelet adhesion and hemolysis rates below 4 %, indicating their favorable anti-hemolysis properties. Regarding the aforementioned results, the PZ-1C electrospun composite scaffold is a promising scaffold with osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering applications.

Effect of hemolysis on D-dimer testing measured with the Improgen kit: is all manufacturer information correct?

D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product and its measurement is affected by hemolysis. This study was designed to reveal the value of hemolysis affecting D-dimer in our laboratory. In this study, hemolysate samples obtained by both mechanical and freezing methods were used. D-dimer levels of all plasmas were measured with Improgen Diagnostic kit by immune-turbidimetric method. Numerical change in hemolyzed samples was evaluated by calculating the percentage difference, and clinically significant differences were evaluated by calculating the maximum acceptable bias (MAB). In the hemolysate study prepared by both freeze-thaw and mechanical methods, it was observed that low D-dimer levels did not exceed the total allowable error (TAE) (30%) up to +2 hemolysis (corresponds to hemoglobin = 1.01-2 g/l) and did not exceed the MAB (65%) even at +4 hemolysis (corresponds to hemoglobin = 1.01-2 g/l). High D-dimer levels did not exceed the limit values of both TAE (30%) and MAB (68%) even in +4 hemolysis. The D-dimer test was affected by lower levels of hemolysis compared to both other studies and the values in the kit insert (hemoglobin >5 g/l corresponds to +4 hemolysis index). We verified the hemolysis interference in the D-dimer test, which we thought was not compatible with the kit insert, under our own laboratory conditions. This is the first hemolysis interference study performed with the Improgen brand d-dimer kit. In samples with a hemolysis rate of +2 and above, it would be more accurate to reject the D-dimer result as a 'hemolyzed sample'.

The impact of the Impeller's hub design on the performance and blood damage in a microaxial mechanical circulatory support device - A numerical study.

This study uses CFD methods to investigate the effects of the impeller's geometry on the hemodynamic characteristics, pump performance, and blood damage parameters, in a percutaneous microaxial Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) device. The numerical simulations employ the steady state Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes approximation using the SST k-ω turbulent model. Three different impeller models are examined with different hub conversion angles (α = 0○, 3○ and 5○). The analysis includes 23 cases for different pressure heads (Δp = 60-80 mmHg) and angular velocities (ω = 30-52 kRPM). The obtained flow rate is compared between the cases to assess the effect of the impeller's design and working conditions on the pump performance. The comparative risk of shear-induced platelet activation is estimated using the statistical median of the stress-accumulation values calculated along streamlines. The risk of hemolysis is estimated using the average exposure time to shear stress above a threshold (τ > 425 Pa). The results reveal that the shape of the impeller's hub has a great impact on the flow patterns, performance, and risk of blood damage, as well as the angular velocity. The highest flow rate (Q = 3.7 L/min) and efficiency (η = 11.3 %) were achieved using a straight hub (α = 0○). Similarly, for the same condition of flow and pressure, the straight hub impeller has the lowest blood damage risk parameters. This study shed light on the effect of pump design on the performance and risk of blood damage, indicating the roles of the hub shape and angular velocity as dominant parameters.