Does local injection of long acting corticosteroid improve postoperative outcome of hypospadias repair? A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of local corticosteroid injection during hypospadias repair. METHODS: Between May 2021 and March 2023 children less than 10 years who were admitted for hypospadias repair were divided by random allocation into two groups. We injected local corticosteroid 2 ml proximal to coronal sulcus in group A while in group B we didn't. All types of hypospadias were included in the study. We excluded patients older than 10 years and those with pre-existing complicated hypospadias (multiple fistulae and multiple surgeries), or bleeding diatheses. Pre-operative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients (60 in each group) were enrolled in the study. The mean ages and preoperative variables were not significantly different. The site of hypospadias and the type of surgery were comparable in both groups. (Table) There were no significant differences between both groups regarding average blood loss and operative time in each type of surgical repair. There was a significant higher incidence of intraoperative and postoperative penile oedema in group B (P-value < 0.001) while the incidence of skin discolouration was higher in group A. Postoperative complications, described as Clavian classification, were significantly higher in group B. The incidences of superficial skin infection, meatal stenosis, urethral fistula, and recurrence with the need for redo repair were significantly higher in group B (P-value: 0.002, 0.018, 0.032, and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Local corticosteroid injection during hypospadias repair minimize the penile oedema and decrease the incidence of postoperative functional and cosmetic complications.

Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Measurements Enabled by Plasmonic DNA Origami Nanoantennas.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has the capability to detect single molecules for which high field enhancement is required. Single-molecule (SM) SERS is able to provide molecule-specific spectroscopic information about individual molecules and therefore yields more detailed chemical information than other SM detection techniques. At the same time, there is the potential to unravel information from SM measurements that remain hidden in Raman measurements of bulk material. This protocol outlines the SM SERS measurements using a DNA origami nanoantenna (DONA) in combination with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. A DNA origami fork structure and two gold nanoparticles are combined to form the DONAs, with a 1.2-2.0 nm gap between them. This allows an up to 1011-fold SERS signal enhancement, enabling measurements of single molecules. The protocol further demonstrates the placement of a single analyte molecule in a SERS hot spot, the process of AFM imaging, and the subsequent overlaying of Raman imaging to measure an analyte in a single DONA.

Efficient Purification of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus by a Novel Peptide Aptamer.

The cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) is a plant virus explored as a nanotechnological platform. The robust self-assembly mechanism of its capsid protein allows for drug encapsulation and targeted delivery. Additionally, the capsid nanoparticle can be used as a programmable platform to display different molecular moieties. In view of future applications, efficient production and purification of plant viruses are key steps. In established protocols, the need for ultracentrifugation is a significant limitation due to cost, difficult scalability, and safety issues. In addition, the purity of the final virus isolate often remains unclear. Here, an advanced protocol for the purification of the CCMV from infected plant tissue was developed, focusing on efficiency, economy, and final purity. The protocol involves precipitation with PEG 8000, followed by affinity extraction using a novel peptide aptamer. The efficiency of the protocol was validated using size exclusion chromatography, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, reversed-phase HPLC, and sandwich immunoassay. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the final eluate of the affinity column is of exceptional purity (98.4%) determined by HPLC and detection at 220 nm. The scale-up of our proposed method seems to be straightforward, which opens the way to the large-scale production of such nanomaterials. This highly improved protocol may facilitate the use and implementation of plant viruses as nanotechnological platforms for in vitro and in vivo applications.

Lab-on-a-DNA origami: nanoengineered single-molecule platforms.

DNA origami nanostructures are self-assembled into almost arbitrary two- and three-dimensional shapes from a long, single-stranded viral scaffold strand and a set of short artificial oligonucleotides. Each DNA strand can be functionalized individually using well-established DNA chemistry, representing addressable sites that allow for the nanometre precise placement of various chemical entities such as proteins, molecular chromophores, nanoparticles, or simply DNA motifs. By means of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, these entities can be visualized or detected, and either their mutual interaction or their interaction with external stimuli such as radiation can be studied. This gives rise to the Lab-on-a-DNA origami approach, which is introduced in this Feature Article, and the state-of-the-art is summarized with a focus on light-harvesting nanoantennas and DNA platforms for single-molecule analysis either by optical spectroscopy or atomic force microscopy (AFM). Light-harvesting antennas can be generated by the precise arrangement of chromophores to channel and direct excitation energy. At the same time, plasmonic nanoparticles represent a complementary approach to focus light on the nanoscale. Plasmonic nanoantennas also allow for the observation of single molecules either by Raman scattering or fluorescence spectroscopy and DNA origami platforms provide unique opportunities to arrange nanoparticles and molecules to be studied. Finally, the analysis of single DNA motifs by AFM allows for an investigation of radiation-induced processes in DNA with unprecedented detail and accuracy.

The feasibility and safety of one-shot dilatation compared to conventional sequential dilatation in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective randomized controlled study.

To study the feasibility and safety of One-Shot Dilatation (OSD), versus serial sequential dilatation in tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). One Hundred and Fifty patients were randomised into two groups; Group A (One-Shot Dilatation), Group B (Serial Dilatation). Twenty-one patients were excluded from the study. Detailed history was taken and full physical examination was performed. Pre-operative routine laboratory investigations were done. Also, non-contrast Computed Tomography of the Urinary Tract (CTUT) and plain urinary tract x-ray were done. Intra-operative assessments of dilatation, total operative, total fluoroscopy and fluoroscopy during dilatation durations were recorded, as well as estimated blood loss. Post-operatively haemoglobin, creatinine levels and CTUT were performed for all patients. Complications, as urinary leakage time, analgesic requirements and hospitalization time were measured. There were statistically significant differences in the intraoperative durations, where Group A had shorter dilatation time, fluoroscopy time during dilatation and total operative time. Group B had a higher complications rate than Group A; 37.9%, 11.3%, respectively. Also, Group B showed haemoglobin drop by 0.44 mg/dl higher than Group A. More doses of analgesia were required for Group B. Hospitalization time and rate of urinary leakage were both in favour of Group A. For patients undergoing Tubeless PCNL, we have concluded that one-shot dilatation seems to be a safer and more feasible technique than Serial dilatation.

Increased percentage of apoptotic and CTLA-4 (CD152) expressing cells in CD4+/CD8+ cells in COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases are characterized by T lymphopenia. Total apoptotic and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) expressing cells among CD4+/CD8+ cells were analyzed in 24 COVID-19 patients (16 out-patients and 8 in-patients) and 18 healthy volunteers using flow cytometry to detect their possible role in T lymphopenia. Hospitalized patients did not show significant difference compared to non-hospitalized patients. While the percentage and absolute count of CD4+/CD8+ cells were significantly reduced in COVID-19 cases compared to healthy control (P < .05), the proportion of apoptotic and CTLA-4 expressing CD4+/CD8+ cells were significantly up-regulated in COVID-19 patients (P < .05). In addition, apoptotic and CTLA-4+/CD4+ cells were directly related to dyspnea duration, chest CT score, ferritin, and C-reactive protein and inversely correlated with platelet count in COVID-19 patients. While apoptotic and CTLA-4+/CD8+ cells were directly related to lymphocyte count in COVID-19 patients. The apoptotic and CTLA-4+ cells were directly related to each other in CD4+/CD8+ cells (P < .05). White blood cells (WBCs) (×103/L), eosinophils (ratio and count), lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/CD4 ratio, neutrophil/CD8 ratio, CD4+ cells ratio, and CTLA-4+ cells percentage), and CD8+ cells (ratio, count, total apoptotic cell, and CD152 + cells) were all found to be significantly altered in association with COVID-19. Total lymphopenia and depletion of CD4+/CD8+ cells are characterizing COVID-19 patients. Increased apoptosis and CTLA-4 expression in CD4+/CD8+ cells in COVID-19 and their correlations with reduced cell count and severity indicators as CRP and ferritin can be used for diagnosis and follow up of the clinical severity. Our current study proposes promising future diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Molecular states and spin crossover of hemin studied by DNA origami enabled single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

The study of biologically relevant molecules and their interaction with external stimuli on a single molecular scale is of high importance due to the availability of distributed rather than averaged information. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) provides direct chemical information, but is rather challenging on the single molecule (SM) level, where it is often assumed to require a direct contact of analyte molecules with the metal surface. Here, we detect and investigate the molecular states of single hemin by SM-SERS. A DNA aptamer based G-quadruplex mediated recognition of hemin directs its placement in the SERS hot-spot of a DNA Origami Nanofork Antenna (DONA). The configuration of the DONA structure allows the molecule to be trapped at the plasmonic hot-spot preferentially in no-contact configuration with the metal surface. Owing to high field enhancement at the plasmonic hot spot, the detection of a single folded G-quadruplex becomes possible. For the first time, we present a systematic study by SM-SERS where most hemin molecule adopt a high spin and oxidation state (III) that showed state crossover to low spin upon strong-field-ligand binding. The present study therefore, provides a platform for studying biologically relevant molecules and their properties at SM sensitivity along with demonstrating a conceptual advancement towards successful monitoring of single molecular chemical interaction using DNA aptamers.

The Value of Ultrasonography Using Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer Among the Population of Ha'il, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer is one of the common malignant conditions of the head and neck region, and it is considered as one of the most common cancers among endocrine tumors. Ultrasonography is widely used in order to assess thyroid nodules, Therefore, the aim of our study is to determine the accuracy of ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)-guided by ultrasonography in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy among the population in the Ha'il region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 137 patients was undertaken at King Salman Specialist Hospital, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patients who presented with thyroid swellings underwent ultrasonography and FNAB. RESULT: Our study results have concluded that the sensitivity of the ultrasonography in the confirmation of a malignant thyroid lesion is 59.4% and its specificity was found to be 74.3%. CONCLUSION: The study showed that ultrasonography using Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) is a significant step in evaluating a thyroid nodule. Also, it is highly sensitive and specific, cost-effective, and convenient for the patient.

Clinical Significance of miRNA-145 and -126 in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Pulmonary Embolism.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) a consequence of hypercoagulability status associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and worsens its course. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to PE in COPD settings. We aimed to measure expression levels of miRNAs145 and 126 in COPD patients with and without PE. METHODS: Herein, miRNA (145 and 126) expression levels were measured in 250 COPD patients with PE by quan-titative real-time PCR, and their data were compared with 300 COPD patients without PE. RESULTS: Our results showed that miRNA-145 expression was downregulated in COPD patients with PE compared to those without PE. The reverse was observed in miRNA-126 expression that was higher in COPD patients with PE than in those without PE. miRNA-145 correlated positively with FEV1/FVC and correlated negatively with D-dimer in all patients regardless of the presence of PE. In addition, miRNA-126 positively correlated with D-dimer and negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC in all studied COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of miRNA-145 and higher levels of miRNA-126 associated with worse diagnosis PE in patients with COPD. Extensive studies are mandated to bring a better understanding of the role of these miRNAs in the mechanism of thrombosis in COPD patients.

The electronic structure of the metal-organic interface of isolated ligand coated gold nanoparticles.

Light induced electron transfer reactions of molecules on the surface of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) depend significantly on the electronic properties of the metal-organic interface. Hybridized metal-molecule states and dipoles at the interface alter the work function and facilitate or hinder electron transfer between the NPs and ligand. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements of isolated AuNPs coated with thiolated ligands in a vacuum have been performed as a function of photon energy, and the depth dependent information of the metal-organic interface has been obtained. The role of surface dipoles in the XPS measurements of isolated ligand coated NPs is discussed and the binding energy of the Au 4f states is shifted by around 0.8 eV in the outer atomic layers of 4-nitrothiophenol coated AuNPs, facilitating electron transport towards the molecules. Moreover, the influence of the interface dipole depends significantly on the adsorbed ligand molecules. The present study paves the way towards the engineering of the electronic properties of the nanoparticle surface, which is of utmost importance for the application of plasmonic nanoparticles in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis and solar energy conversion.

The superior photocatalytic performance and DFT insights of S-scheme CuO@TiO2 heterojunction composites for simultaneous degradation of organics.

The necessity to resolve the issue of rapid charge carrier recombination for boosting photocatalytic performance is a vigorous and challenging research field. To address this, the construction of a binary system of step-scheme (S-scheme) CuO@TiO2 heterostructure composite has been demonstrated through a facile solid-state route. The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance of CuO@TiO2, compared with single TiO2, which can consequence in the more efficient separation of photoinduced charge carriers, reduced the band gap of TiO2, improved the electrical transport performance, and improved the lifetimes, thus donating it with the much more powerful oxidation and reduction capability. A photocatalytic mechanism was proposed to explain the boosted photocatalytic performance of CuO@TiO2 on a complete analysis of physicochemical, DFT calculations, and electrochemical properties. In addition, this work focused on the investigation of the stability and recyclability of CuO@TiO2 in terms of efficiency and its physical origin using XRD, BET, and XPS. It is found that the removal efficiency diminishes 4.5% upon five recycling runs. The current study not only promoted our knowledge of the binary system of S-scheme CuO@TiO2 heterojunction composite photocatalyst but also shed new light on the design of heterostructure photocatalysts with high-performance and high stability.

Assessing the effects of a novel biostimulant to enhance leafminer resistance and plant growth on common bean.

The leafminer Liriomyza trifolii is one of the major insects that affect Phaseolus vulgaris production worldwide. Novel and safe biobased stimulator compound (BSTC) with micronutrient-amino acid chelated compounds was developed from natural compounds and was used for foliar spray of P. vulgaris. Treated plants showed significantly increased in quality and productivity as well as significant reduction in leafminer infestation by close the tunnel end resulting in larvae suffocation and death. BSTC contains chemical composition that has important function in inducing immunity and resistance against insects, enhance plant growth and production. Also, HPLC showed that the assembled BSTC is rich in nucleobases than yeast extract (> 56 fold). Aminochelation zinc enhanced the rate of absorption of nutrient compounds and could participate in safe biofortification strategy. The expression of plant defense related genes under BSTC treatment revealed strong correlations between the transcription rates of defense related genes. Based on binding energies and interacting residues of six vital insect proteins, the best-docked complexes was obtained with disodium 5'-inosinate, delphinidin 3-glucoside and hyperoside. Obtained findings indicate that the foliar application of BSTC can enhance plant growth and productivity, uptake of important elements, expression of defense related genes and inhibit insect essential genes.

Anticancer activity of milk fat rich in conjugated linoleic acid against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in female Swiss albino mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The major conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have anticancer effect, especially breast cancer cells, inhibits cell growth and induces cell death. Also, CLA has several health benefits in vivo, including antiatherogenesis, antiobesity, and modulation of immune function. The present study aimed to assess the safety and anticancer effects of milk fat CLA against in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in female Swiss albino mice. This was based on acute toxicity study, detection of the tumor growth, life span of EAC bearing hosts, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty adult female mice were equally divided into five groups. Groups (1-2) were normal controls, and Groups (3-5) were tumor transplanted mice (TTM) inoculated intraperitoneally with EAC cells (2×106/0.2 mL). Group (3) was (TTM positive control). Group (4) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with milk fat CLA (40 mg CLA/kg body weight). Group (5) TTM fed orally on balanced diet supplemented with the same level of CLA 28 days before tumor cells inoculation. Blood samples and specimens from liver and kidney were collected from each group. The effect of milk fat CLA on the growth of tumor, life span of TTM, and simultaneous alterations in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles were examined. RESULTS: For CLA treated TTM, significant decrease in tumor weight, ascetic volume, viable Ehrlich cells accompanied with increase in life span were observed. Hematological and biochemical profiles reverted to more or less normal levels and histopathology showed minimal effects. CONCLUSION: The present study proved the safety and anticancer efficiency of milk fat CLA and provides a scientific basis for its medicinal use as anticancer attributable to the additive or synergistic effects of its isomers.

A Versatile DNA Origami-Based Plasmonic Nanoantenna for Label-Free Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

DNA origami technology allows for the precise nanoscale assembly of chemical entities that give rise to sophisticated functional materials. We have created a versatile DNA origami nanofork antenna (DONA) by assembling Au or Ag nanoparticle dimers with different gap sizes down to 1.17 nm, enabling signal enhancements in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of up to 1011. This allows for single-molecule SERS measurements, which can even be performed with larger gap sizes to accommodate differently sized molecules, at various excitation wavelengths. A general scheme is presented to place single analyte molecules into the SERS hot spots using the DNA origami structure exploiting covalent and noncovalent coupling schemes. By using Au and Ag dimers, single-molecule SERS measurements of three dyes and cytochrome c and horseradish peroxidase proteins are demonstrated even under nonresonant excitation conditions, thus providing long photostability during time-series measurement and enabling optical monitoring of single molecules.

Surface Etching of 3D Printed Poly(lactic acid) with NaOH: A Systematic Approach.

The article describes a systematic investigation of the effects of an aqueous NaOH treatment of 3D printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds for surface activation. The PLA surface undergoes several morphology changes and after an initial surface roughening, the surface becomes smoother again before the material dissolves. Erosion rates and surface morphologies can be controlled by the treatment. At the same time, the bulk mechanical properties of the treated materials remain unaltered. This indicates that NaOH treatment of 3D printed PLA scaffolds is a simple, yet viable strategy for surface activation without compromising the mechanical stability of PLA scaffolds.

Overview of MDM2 and B-RAF Expression in Gastric Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Globally, gastric cancer (GC) it is the fourth most common cancer and the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Overexpression of MDM2 and B-RAF appeared to be increased in malignancy and associated with poor prognosis in several human tumours, but their role in gastric cancer remains controversial. AIM: We had investigated the immunohistochemical expression of MDM2 and B-RAF in 136 gastric lesions with/without H. pylori association. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studied specimens include chronic gastritis (32), intestinal type GC (70), diffuse GC (22) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) (12). RESULTS: MDM2 expression increased significantly in intestinal GC compared to other groups (p < 0.001), while B-RAF expression increased significantly in GIST compared to other groups (p < 0.001). H. pylori increased expression of MDM2 in intestinal GC cases but did not affect B-RAF expression. MDM2 expression correlated with high grade of tumor differentiation (p < 0.001), deep invasion (p < 0.05), nodal metastases (p < 0.05) and distant metastases (p < 0.1) in intestinal GC, while B-RAF expression did not correlate with TNM stage (p < 0.1). CONCLUSION: MDM2 up-regulation was more frequent in intestinal GC, while B-RAF up-regulation was more frequent in GIST compared to other groups; MDM2 expression in intestinal GC was correlated with H. pylori association, high grade of differentiation, deep invasion, nodal and distant metastases, meanwhile, B-RAF expression was correlated with high-grade intestinal GC but did not correlate with H. pylori or TNM stage. The possible role of both MDM2 and B-RAF in predicting progression of gastric tumours and prognosis deserves further investigations.

Role of transrectal sectional sonography (TRSS) in management of prostatic abscesses.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of transrectal sectional sonography (TRSS) in the diagnosis and treatment of prostatic abscess. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with prostatic abscesEs were the material of the present study. The criteria of abscess collection within the prostate gland and the periprostatic tissues were confirmed by TRSS, which guided the aspiration in all patients. RESULTS: Diagnosis and transperineal needle aspiration of prostatic abscesses were successful in all cases. After the second puncture procedure, recurrence noted in 2 (11.1%) out of 18 patients, who were further subjected to transurethral deroofing under TRSS vision. The amount of pus drained ranged between 3.6 and 29.3 mL (mean: 15.1 mLSD ± 1.5), compatible with the estimated volume by virtual organ computer-aided analysis three-dimensional measurements. The most frequently involved organism was Escherichia coli. All patients received intravenous antibiotics (third generation cephalosporin) after the midstream urine analysis and further proper antibiotics, according to the aspirated pus culture and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal sectional sonography could be a more reliable method in the diagnosis of prostatic abscesses. It can provide precise needle-guides into the best drainage location of the abscess cavity and justify transurethral unroofing if persistent recurrence is there.

Effects of bacterial inoculants on the indigenous microbiome and secondary metabolites of chamomile plants.

Plant-associated bacteria fulfill important functions for plant growth and health. However, our knowledge about the impact of bacterial treatments on the host's microbiome and physiology is limited. The present study was conducted to assess the impact of bacterial inoculants on the microbiome of chamomile plants Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert grown in a field under organic management in Egypt. Chamomile seedlings were inoculated with three indigenous Gram-positive strains (Streptomyces subrutilus Wbn2-11, Bacillus subtilis Co1-6, Paenibacillus polymyxa Mc5Re-14) from Egypt and three European Gram-negative strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens L13-6-12, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila P69, Serratia plymuthica 3Re4-18) already known for their beneficial plant-microbe interaction. Molecular fingerprints of 16S rRNA gene as well as real-time PCR analyses did not show statistically significant differences for all applied bacterial antagonists compared to the control. In contrast, a pyrosequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene libraries revealed significant differences in the community structure of bacteria between the treatments. These differences could be clearly shown by a shift within the community structure and corresponding beta-diversity indices. Moreover, B. subtilis Co1-6 and P. polymyxa Mc5Re-14 showed an enhancement of the bioactive secondary metabolite apigenin-7-O-glucoside. This indicates a possible new function of bacterial inoculants: to interact with the plant microbiome as well as to influence the plant metabolome.

P2Y12 receptor gene polymorphism and antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary stenting.

Platelets have a central role in the pathophysiology of thrombosis. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) plays a pivotal role as an agonist of platelet activation. Genetic polymorphisms of the P2Y12 ADP receptor might influence the activation of this receptor by ADP or the response of patients to platelet inhibitors. The present study was conducted on a total number of 80 participants, 40 patients were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and 40 sex and aged-matched healthy volunteers were included as controls. Platelet aggregation was assessed (before and 1 week after clopidogrel administration) and genotyping of the T744C genetic polymorphism of P2Y12 receptor gene was carried out using the restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) method. Platelet aggregation of the patients had a range of 54-183% before clopidogrel administration and had a range of 4-113% after its administration. Genotyping of the candidate gene revealed that 72.5% of the patients had a wild allele (TT), whereas 27.5% had a C allele (heterozygous CT, homozygous CC). On the contrary, 97.5% of controls had a wild allele (TT), whereas 2.5% had a C allele (heterozygous CT, homozygous CC). Our study elicited an association between the T744C polymorphism of the P2Y12 ADP receptor gene and platelet reactivity. Carrying the C allele at this position is associated with an increased platelet activation response to ADP.