D-Dimer elevation and adverse outcomes

Are We Estimating the Mean and Variance Correctly in the Presence of Observations Outside of Measurable Range?

Laboratory measurements used for safety assessments in clinical trials are subject to the limits of the used laboratory equipment. These limits determine the range of values which the equipment can accurately measure. When observations fall outside the measurable range, this creates a problem in estimating parameters of the normal distribution. It may be tempting to use methods of estimation that are easy to implement, however selecting an incorrect method may lead to biased estimates (under- or overestimation) and change the research outcomes, for example, incorrect result of two-sample test about means when comparing two populations or biased estimation of regression line. In this article, we consider the use of four methods: ignoring unmeasured observations, replacing unmeasured observations with a multiple of the limit, using a truncated normal distribution, and using a normal distribution with censored observations. To compare these methods we designed a simulation study and measured their accuracy in several different situations using relative errorμ ̂ - μ μ $$ \frac{\hat{\mu}-\mu }{\mu } $$ , ratioσ ̂ σ $$ \frac{\hat{\sigma}}{\sigma } $$ , and mean square errors of both parameters. Based on the results of this simulation study, if the amount of observations outside of measurable range is below 40%, we recommend using a normal distribution with censored observations in practice. These recommendations should be incorporated into guidelines for good statistical practice. If the amount of observations outside of measurable range exceeds 40%, we advise not to use the data for any statistical analysis. To illustrate how the choice of method can affect the estimates, we applied the methods to real-life laboratory data.

Acute superior mesenteric artery embolism: A case report

The incidence rate of superior mesenteric artery embolism (SMAE) is low and its mortality rate is high due to its rapid onset and progression. Due to its clinical manifestations being similar to other acute abdominal diseases, such as gastrointestinal perforation, acute appendicitis and acute pancreatitis, its misdiagnosis rate can reach 75-90%. Reducing the mortality rate of this disease is dependent upon an early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention. In the present case report, the diagnosis and treatment process of a female patient aged 83 years with SMAE were reported. The patient recovered well following timely and effective intervention. The patient was admitted due to acute abdominal pain, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination showed filling defect in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The patient was diagnosed with SMAE and underwent emergency surgical treatment for a thrombectomy and thrombolysis of the SMA under general anesthesia. After surgery, recanalization of the SMA was achieved. The patient was followed up six months later, and SMA CTA revealed that the main trunk and branches of the SMA were well visualized. In addition, relevant literature was reviewed to improve the understanding and treatment of SMAE among clinicians. If patients experience severe abdominal pain that cannot be relieved by antispasmodic drugs, SMAE should be suspected. Patients with history of atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease and atherosclerosis need further examination. At present, there is a lack of highly sensitive and specific serological indicators. CTA can provide a diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity.

An enhanced machine learning-based prognostic prediction model for patients with AECOPD on invasive mechanical ventilation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes irreversible airflow limitations, increasing global morbidity and mortality. Acute exacerbations (AECOPDs) worsen symptoms and may require mechanical ventilation, leading to complications. Understanding factors affecting AECOPD prognosis during mechanical ventilation is crucial. Inspired by rime ice physics, the RIME algorithm has been proposed but it had limitations in feature selection and solution space exploration. We improve RIME by adding a dispersed foraging mechanism and differential crossover operator, creating DDRIME. Our study analyzes patient data to identify factors related to invasive mechanical ventilation in AECOPD. DDRIME's performance is tested against RIME on 83 functions and 12 public datasets for feature selection. It outperformed most algorithms, with bDDRIME_KNN showing high accuracy in predicting AECOPD outcomes. Key indicators-chronic heart failure (CHF), D-dimer (D-D), fungal infection (FI), and pectoral muscle area (PMA)-predicted prognosis with >0.98 accuracy. bDDRIME is thus a valuable tool for predicting AECOPD patients' outcomes on mechanical ventilation.

Association between tumor markers elevation and poor functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke: a longitudinal stroke center-based study

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies revealed that the elevation of serum tumor markers (TMs) can serve as a prognostic indicator for diseases other than cancer, but little is known about its association with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Based on a series of molecular markers and gene pathways shared in both stroke and cancer, we aimed to investigate whether the elevation of TMs could predict clinical outcomes after AIS.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with AIS were enrolled and classified into the elevated TMs group and the non-elevated TMs group according to whether any TMs were elevated or not. Then they were followed up 6 months to assess clinical outcomes. Poor functional outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 2 points.

RESULTS

289 AIS patients were finally enrolled, of which 197 (68.2%) were classified as the elevated TMs group. Patients in the elevated TMs group were more likely (OR = 2.384; p = 0.005) to have poor functional outcomes at follow-up than those in the non-elevated TMs group. However, no specific TM was significantly more elevated than the other TMs in the patients with poor functional outcome. The combination of TMs was more sensitive than individual TM in terms of prognosis prediction. Furthermore, rather than the number of elevated items, whether any TM was elevated or not was the most appropriate discriminator for functional outcomes after AIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevation of TMs may indicate poor functional outcomes after AIS. Consequently, AIS patients with elevated TMs required close clinical monitoring and intensified treatment.

mRNA vaccination reduces the thrombotic possibility in COVID-19: Inflammation risk estimates

Thrombosis is a common clinical feature associated with morbidity and mortality in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. Cytokine storm in COVID-19 increases patients' systemic inflammation, which can cause multiple health consequences. In this work, we aimed to indicate the effect of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination on the modulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP-3), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels, and other systemic inflammatory biomarkers that associates with COVID-19 severity in patients who suffers from thrombosis consequences. For this purpose, ninety people were collected from Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital and divided into three groups each of which contained 30 people, 15 of them were venous thromboembolism (VTE) positive and the other were VTE negative. The three groups were non-vaccinated COVID-19, vaccinated COVID-19, and control. The levels of MCP-3 and TNF-α were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in vaccinated and non-vaccinated COVID-19 patients regardless of their thrombosis condition, while MMP-1 level was non-significantly (p > 0.05) higher in vaccinated patients compared to control. MCP-3 and TNF-α were correlated positively with D-dimer (r = 0.544 and r = 0.513, respectively) in non-vaccinated patients, while MMP-1 and TNF-α were correlated positively with D-dimer (r = 0.624 and r = 0.575, respectively) in vaccinated patients. The odds ratio of MCP-3 (2.252), MMP-1 (1.062), and TNF-α (1.360) were reduced in vaccinated patients (2.093, 1.022, and 1.301 for MCP-3, MMP-1, and TNF-α respectively). Thus, MCP-3 plays a vital role in COVID-19 pathophysiology, and vaccination can reduce the risk of developing VTE in COVID-19 patients, and improve the inflammatory condition of patients.

Understanding the mechanisms and treatments of long COVID to address future public health risks

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has seen numerous individuals undergo and recover from it, drawing extensive attention to their health conditions. Extensive studies indicate that even after surpassing the acute phase of infection, patients continue to experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, weakening, and anosmia. COVID-19 appears not to have concluded but rather to persist long-term in certain individuals, termed as "long COVID." This represents a heterogeneous ailment involving multiple organ systems, with a perceived complex and still elusive pathogenesis. Among patients with long COVID, observations reveal immune dysregulation, coagulation impairments, and microbial dysbiosis, considered potential mechanisms explaining sustained adverse outcomes post COVID-19. Based on the multifactorial nature, varied symptoms, and heterogeneity of long COVID, we have summarized several categories of current therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the symptoms of long COVID resemble those of other viral illnesses, suggesting that existing knowledge may offer novel insights into long-term COVID implications. Here, we provide an overview of existing literature associated with long COVID and summarize potential mechanisms, treatment modalities, and other analogous conditions. Lastly, we underscore the inadequacies in long COVID treatment approaches and emphasize the significance of conducting further research and clinical trials.

Decoding Pulmonary Embolism: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition initiated by the presence of blood clots in the pulmonary arteries, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. Underlying mechanisms involve endothelial dysfunction, including impaired blood flow regulation, a pro-thrombotic state, inflammation, heightened oxidative stress, and altered vascular remodeling. These mechanisms contribute to vascular diseases stemming from PE, such as recurrent thromboembolism, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, post-thrombotic syndrome, right heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. Detailing key risk factors and utilizing hemodynamic stability-based categorization, the review aims for precise risk stratification by applying established diagnostic tools and scoring systems. This article explores both conventional and emerging biomarkers as potential diagnostic tools. Additionally, by synthesizing existing knowledge, it provides a comprehensive outlook of the current enhanced PE management and preventive strategies. The conclusion underscores the need for future research to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness in PE.

Exploration of the factors affecting different delirium subtypes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a multicentre cross-sectional study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, delirium became a major complication that worsened patient outcomes. However, the factors influencing the severity of delirium in patients with COVID-19 have not been determined. We conducted this study to detect influencing factors associated with subtypes of delirium in patients with COVID-19. We included 1774 adult inpatients with COVID-19 from January to February 2023 at 7 sites in China. And used the 3 min Confusion Assessment Method and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale for site assessment to identify and classify subtypes of delirium. Laboratory data were obtained from the Hospital Information System. After multivariate analysis, hypoactive delirium was significantly associated with age, the serum albumin concentration, frailty and sarcopenia, and health and nutritional status. Mixed delirium was significantly associated with age, D-dimer level, sarcopenia, health status and nutritional status. Additionally, hyperactive delirium was significantly associated with age, procalcitonin levels, frailty status and health status. Our findings suggest that poor nutritional status and low serum albumin concentration can help detect patients at high risk of developing hypoactive and mixed delirium. Additionally, clinical staff should pay more attention to patients with inflammatory conditions to assess and detect delirium because many influencing factors are involved in the common pathological mechanism of inflammation.

Multi-factor early monitoring method based on D-dimer for iliac crest flap loss

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the utilization of autogenous vascularized iliac crest flap for repairing jaw defects has seen a significant rise. However, the visual monitoring of iliac bone flaps present challenges, frequently leading to delayed detection of flap loss. Consequently, there's a urgent need to develop effective indicators for monitoring postoperative complications in iliac crest flaps.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 160 patients who underwent vascularized iliac crest flap transplantation for jawbone reconstruction from January 2020 to December 2022. We investigated the changes in D-dimer levels among patients with or without postoperative complications. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore potential individual risk factors, including surgical duration, age, pathology type, absolute and relative D-dimer levels, and gender, culminating in the development of a nomogram.

RESULTS

On the first day following surgery, patients who experienced thrombosis exhibited a substantial increase in plasma D-dimer levels, reaching 3.75 mg/L, 13.84 times higher than the baseline. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared to patients without postoperative complications. Furthermore, the nomogram we have developed and validated effectively predicts venous thrombosis, assigning individual risk scores to patients. This predictive tool was assessed in both training and validation cohorts, achieving areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.630 and 0.600, with the 95% confidence intervals of 0.452-0.807 and 0.243-0.957, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study illustrates that postoperative plasma D-dimer levels can serve as a sensitive biomarker for monitoring thrombosis-induced flap loss. Moreover, we have developed a novel prediction model that integrates multiple factors, thereby enhancing the accuracy of early identification of patients at risk of thrombosis-associated flap loss. This advancement contributes to improving the overall management and outcomes of such procedures.

Two-year carcinogenicity study of a novel plasticizer, bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (Eco-DEHCH), by oral diet in Han Wistar rats

Plasticizers are necessary for the usability of various products, including food contact materials. Exposure to plasticizers is most commonly made through the oral route. Several plasticizers have been reported to have adverse effects on humans and the environment. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity of a novel plasticizer called bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (Eco-DEHCH), which is an ecofriendly and biologically less harmful replacer. Groups of 50 male and 50 female Han Wistar rats were fed Eco-DEHCH at daily doses of 1,600, 5,000, or 16,000 ppm in their diet for at least 104 weeks. The rats were regularly monitored for mortality, clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, food efficiency, and perceivable mass. All animals were subjected to complete necropsy and histopathological examination. The results indicate that the rats well tolerated chronic exposure to Eco-DEHCH at highest daily doses of 16,000 ppm, with was equivalent to 805.1 mg/kg/day in males and 1060.6 mg/kg/day in females and did not show signs of toxicity or carcinogenicity. In conclusion, Eco-DEHCH could be a safe and promising alternative plasticizer.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-to-lymphocyte count ratio (LLR) is a promising novel predictor of postoperative new-onset deep vein thrombosis following open wedge high tibial osteotomy: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The association of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lymphocyte counts with the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been demonstrated in many fields but remains lacking in open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). This study aimed to assess the predictive value of LDL-C to lymphocyte count ratio (LLR) in screening for postoperative new-onset DVT.

METHODS

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent OWHTO between June 2018 and May 2023. The limited restricted cubic spline (RCS) was conducted to evaluate the nonlinear relationship between LLR and the risk of postoperative new-onset DVT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and the predictive value of biomarkers was assessed. After adjusting for intergroup confounders by propensity score matching, the univariate logistic regression was applied to assess the association between LLR and DVT.

RESULTS

1293 eligible patients were included. RCS analysis showed a linear positive correlation between LLR and the risk of DVT (P for overall = 0.008). We identified LLR had an area under the curve of 0.607, accuracy of 74.3%, sensitivity of 38.5%, and specificity of 80.7%, and LLR > 1.75 was independently associated with a 1.45-fold risk of DVT (95% CI: 1.01-2.08, P = 0.045). Furthermore, significant heterogeneities were observed in the subgroups of age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and intraoperative osteotomy correction size.

CONCLUSION

LLR is a valuable biomarker for predicting postoperative new-onset DVT in patients with OWHTO, and routine screening is expected to yield positive benefits.

Concerns about the application of resistance exercise with blood-flow restriction and thrombosis risk in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) per se is a risk factor for thrombosis. Considering the growing body of evidence on blood-flow restriction (BFR) exercise in HD patients, identification of possible risk factors related to the prothrombotic agent D-dimer is required for the safety and feasibility of this training model. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with higher D-dimer levels and to determine the acute effect of resistance exercise (RE) with BFR on this molecule.

METHODS

Two hundred and six HD patients volunteered for this study (all with a glomerular filtration rate of <15 mL/min/1.73 m2). The RE + BFR session consisted of 50% arterial occlusion pressure during 50 min sessions of HD (intradialytic exercise). RE repetitions included concentric and eccentric lifting phases (each lasting 2 s) and were supervised by a strength and conditioning specialist.

RESULTS

Several variables were associated with elevated levels of D-dimer, including higher blood glucose, citrate use, recent cardiovascular events, recent intercurrents, higher inflammatory status, catheter as vascular access, older patients (>70 years old), and HD vintage. Furthermore, RE + BFR significantly increases D-dimer after 4 h. Patients with borderline baseline D-dimer levels (400-490 ng/mL) displayed increased risk of elevating D-dimer over the normal range (≥500 ng/mL).

CONCLUSION

These results identified factors associated with a heightened prothrombotic state and may assist in the screening process for HD patients who wish to undergo RE + BFR. D-dimer and/or other fibrinolysis factors should be assessed at baseline and throughout the protocol as a precautionary measure to maximize safety during RE + BFR.

Diagnosing cancer-associated ischemic stroke: A systematic review of hematological biomarkers

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Patients suffering from cancer are reported to have an increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS). We aimed to identify cancer-associated biomarkers found to differentiate between IS associated with cancer from those not associated with cancer.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

We performed a systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The study is reported in PROSPERO (#CRD42022355129). In total, 5563 papers were screened, of which 49 papers were included. Seven biomarkers were identified which had the potential to differentiate between patients who had cancer or stroke or both conditions. D-dimer was the most frequently monitored biomarker, and high levels were significantly associated with cancer-related strokes in (42/44) studies. Fibrinogen was significantly associated with cancer-related strokes in 11/27 studies. A higher level of C-reactive protein, investigated in 19 studies, was associated with cancer-related strokes, but conclusive multivariate analysis was not performed. Finally, the four cancer-associated antigens CA125, CA153, CA199, and carcinoembryonic antigen were only reported on in three to six studies, respectively. These studies all originated from the Guangxi province in China. CA125 was associated with an increased risk of IS in four of six studies.

CONCLUSION

Increased D-dimer seems associated with cancer-related IS. CRP may also be a candidate as a cancer-associated stroke biomarker, but this requires further verification. Fibrinogen and the more specific cancer biomarkers have not yet been proven helpful for detecting cancer-related strokes.

Clinical significance of elevated D-dimer in emergency department patients: a retrospective single-center analysis

INTRODUCTION

D-dimer is a marker of coagulation and fibrinolysis widely used in clinical practice for assessing thrombotic activity. While it is commonly ordered in the Emergency Department (ED) for suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE), elevated D-dimer levels can occur due to various other disorders. The aim of this study was to find out the causes of elevated D-dimer in patients presenting to a large ED in Saudi Arabia and evaluate the accuracy of D-dimer in diagnosing these conditions.

METHODS

Data was collected from an electronic hospital information system of patients who visited the ED from January 2016 to December 2022. Demographic information, comorbidities, D-dimer levels, and diagnoses were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. The different diagnoses associated with D-dimer levels were analyzed by plotting the median D-dimer levels for each diagnosis category and their interquartile ranges (IQR). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated and their area under the curve (AUC) values were demonstrated. The optimal cut-off points for specific diseases were determined based on the ROC analysis, along with their corresponding sensitivities and specificities.

RESULTS

A total of 19,258 patients with D-dimer results were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 50 years with a standard deviation of ± 18. Of the patients, 66% were female and 21.2% were aged 65 or above. Additionally, 21% had diabetes mellitus, 20.4% were hypertensive, and 15.1% had been diagnosed with dyslipidemia. The median D-dimer levels varied across different diagnoses, with the highest level observed in aortic aneurysm 5.46 g/L. Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were found in 729 patients (3.8%) of our study population and their median D-dimer levels 3.07 g/L (IQR: 1.35-7.05 g/L) and 3.36 g/L (IQR: 1.06-8.38 g/L) respectively. On the other hand, 1767 patients (9.2%) were diagnosed with respiratory infections and 936 patients (4.9%) were diagnosed with shortness of breath (not specified) with median D-dimer levels of 0.76 g/L (IQR: 0.40-1.47 g/L) and 0.51 g/L (IQR: 0.29-1.06 g/L), respectively. D-dimer levels showed superior or excellent discrimination for PE (AUC = 0.844), leukemia (AUC = 0.848), and aortic aneurysm (AUC = 0.963). DVT and aortic dissection demonstrated acceptable discrimination, with AUC values of 0.795 and 0.737, respectively. D-dimer levels in respiratory infections and shortness of breath (not specified) exhibited poor to discriminatory performance.

CONCLUSION

This is the first paper to identify multiple causes of elevated D-dimer levels in Saudi Arabia population within the ED and it clearly highlights their accurate and diagnostic values. These findings draw attention to the importance of considering the specific clinical context and utilizing additional diagnostic tools when evaluating patients with elevated D-dimer levels.

Post-operative venous thromboembolism in patients after extracranial otologic surgery: A case series

Objective

This study aimed to report 9 venous thromboembolism (VTE) cases after extracranial otologic surgery and analyze the potential risk factors.

Study design

Case series.

Setting

Single tertiary-level academic center.

Methods

Totally, 9 cases of VTE were identified among adults who underwent extracranial otologic surgery at our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. Caprini risk scores were calculated, and comprehensive preoperative, operative, and postoperative clinical data within 14 days were collected to assess the evidence of VTE.

Results

The median age of 9 patients was 64 years old. Among them, 7 (77.8%) patients presented with intramuscular vein thrombosis, 1 (11.1%) patient had deep vein thrombosis, and 1 (11.1%) patient experienced pulmonary embolism. Preoperatively, 8 (88.9%) patients had low or middle Caprini risk scores (≤4) with an average of 2.67 ± 0.47 points. The average Caprini scores for all patients were 4.44 ± 0.35 on postoperative day (POD)1 and 5.67 ± 0.64 on POD14. D-dimer levels were collected, indicating an average of 0.55 ± 0.17 mg/FEU preoperatively, 8.53 ± 3.94 mg/FEU at day 1, and 3.76 ± 0.45 mg/FEU at POD14. In postoperative period, 7 (77.8%) patients experienced vertigo/dizziness and/or head immobility/bed rest.

Conclusion

The present study highlighted that patients with low- and middle-risk of VTE undergoing otologic surgery should be also vigilant about postoperative VTE. Vertigo/dizziness and/or head immobility/bed rest in postoperative period should be considered as minor risk factors for developing VTE in patients undergoing extracranial otologic surgery. Conducting perioperative assessments, including Caprini risk score evaluation, D-dimer testing, and venous ultrasound of lower extremities, is recommended to ensure patients' safety.

Predictive Value of D-Dimer for In-Hospital Mortality in Non-Diabetic Patients with Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Elevated circulating D-dimer levels have been shown to be a predictor of in-hospital mortality in a variety of diseases; however, the relationship between D-dimer and the in-hospital prognosis of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) remains unclear. This retrospective study included 662 non-diabetic patients with NSTEMI. Independent risk factors were identified by multivariate analyses, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to compare the predictive value of D-dimer, albumin (ALB), and D-dimer to albumin ratio (DAR) for in-hospital death in NSTEMI. Logistic regression model with restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to further explore the linear or nonlinear relationship between D-dimer and the risk of death. In-hospital mortality occurred in 38 (5.7%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that D-dimer (per increase of 500 ng) was identified as an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality in non-diabetic patients with NSTEMI (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03-1.40, P = 0.036). D-dimer demonstrated good predictive performance for in-hospital mortality with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66-0.83), and there was no significant difference in the predictive ability of D-dimer, ALB (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.61-0.79) and DAR (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66-0.84). In addition, RCS analysis showed a linear relationship between D-dimer and the risk of in-hospital mortality (P for nonlinear = 0.747). D-dimer can be used as a simple, reliable and valuable biomarker for predicting in-hospital mortality in non-diabetic patients with NSTEMI and is linearly associated with the risk of death.

Efficacy of prognostic nutrition index in combination with D-dimer in predicting postoperative clinical adverse events after acute type A aortic dissection: a single center retrospective study

Background

The aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors for adverse clinical events after surgery in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD), and to explore the predictive value of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) combined with D-dimer for these events.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of clinical data of 153 patients with AAAD who underwent emergency surgery at our center from January 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided into adverse event group and non-adverse event group based on whether they experienced adverse clinical events after surgery. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for adverse events, and the predictive efficacy was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC).

Results

A total of 153 AAAD patients were included in the study, and were divided into the adverse event group (n = 46) and the non-adverse events group (n = 107) based on whether or not they experienced clinical adverse events after surgery. The optimal cutoff value was determined using ROC curves, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Ultimately, it was found that preoperative PNI < 42.45 and D-dimer > 15.05 were independent predictors of postoperative clinical adverse events in AAAD patients. The odd ratios (OR) value for preoperative PNI < 42.45 is 3.596 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.508-8.923, p = 0.004], while the OR value for D-dimer > 15.05 is 7.572 [95% CI: 3.094-20.220, p < 0.001]. The combination of these two indicators has a high predictive value (AUC = 0.843, 95% CI: 0.774-0.912, p < 0.001) and is superior to using either variable alone.

Conclusion

Preoperative PNI < 42.45 and D-dimer > 15.05 are independent predictive factors for postoperative adverse events during hospitalization in patients with AAAD. The combination of these two indicators can improve the predictive accuracy, which is superior to using either variable alone.

A novel laboratory-based nomogram for assessing infection presence risk in acute-on-chronic liver failure patients

Accurate assessment of infection presence risk level, timely diagnosis, and effective control are critical for decreasing mortality of Acute‑on‑chronic liver failure (ACLF). We aimed to develop and validate a novel diagnostic model to accurately assess infection presence risk level in ACLF patients. 185 ACLF patients with/without infection were enrolled, and their demographic, physical findings, immune-inflammatory, hepatic function, metabolism, and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicators were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed to identify the independent diagnostic parameters, which were further used to establish diagnostic models with a nomogram for visual. An area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration plots, clinical impact curves, decision curve analysis, and net reclassification index were used to evaluate and identify the best model. An external validating cohort was introduced to verify the diagnostic accuracy. We screened out white blood cell (WBC) count, LYM%, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and D-dimer for assessing infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients. WBD (WBC + BUN + D-dimer) was established and proposed as a novel diagnostic model for infection presence risk levels assessment in ACLF patients with an AUROC of 0.803 (95%CI 0.723-0.883), 0.885 (95%CI 0.786-0.984) in training and external cohorts, respectively. In stratification analysis by ACLF etiology and stages, WBD achieved an AUROC of 0.791 (95%CI 0.691-0.891) and 0.873 (95%CI 0.78-0.966) in HBV-related and early-stage patients, respectively. Whereas a higher AUROC of 0.905 (95%CI 0.807-1.00) in the early-stage of HBV-related ACLF patients indicated its optimum application scope. WBD, a novel laboratory-based nomogram, can serve as a decision-making support tool for clinicians to assess infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients.

Effect of domestic COVID-19 vaccine on the plasma D-dimer levels of early pregnant women in China

Objective

To investigate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on plasma D-dimer levels in early pregnant women.

Methods

A total of 834 early pregnant women(gestational age ≤ 13 weeks), who visited Northwest Women and Children's Hospital between December 2020 and April 2022, were selected. There were 696 women in the healthy group (group A) and 138 in the group with a history of adverse pregnancy and childbirth (group B). The plasma D-dimer levels of all participants were tested, and the COVID-19 vaccine history of all participants was collected using a survey questionnaire.

Results

The plasma D-dimer levels did not differ between group A and the group B (p = 0.1327). In the group A, 470 were vaccinated and 226 were unvaccinated. The D-dimer levels of vaccinated individuals were lower than those of unvaccinated individuals (p = 0.0047). In the group B, 84 were vaccinated and 54 were unvaccinated; no difference in D-dimer levels was found between the vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (p = 0.0542). In the group A, the D-dimer levels of the unvaccinated group were not different from those of women vaccinated with one dose (p = 0.208), but they were higher than those who received two doses (p = 0.019) or three doses (p = 0.003). And, no significant difference in D-dimer levels was found among women who received different vaccine brands and with different vaccination times.

Conclusion

This study preliminarily indicates that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase D-dimer levels in early pregnant women.

Association between D-dimer and long-term mortality in patients with acute severe hypertension visiting the emergency department

OBJECTIVE

High levels of D-dimer, a marker of thrombotic events, are associated with poor outcomes in patients with various cardiovascular diseases. However, there has been no research on its prognostic implications in acute severe hypertension. This study investigated the association between D-dimer levels and long-term mortality in patients with severe acute hypertension who visited the emergency department.

DESIGN AND METHOD

This observational study included patients with acute severe hypertension who visited the emergency department between 2016 and 2019. Acute severe hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg. Among the 10,219 patients, 4,127 who underwent D-dimer assay were analyzed. The patients were categorized into tertiles based on their D-dimer levels at the time of emergency department admission.

RESULTS

Among the 4,127 patients with acute severe hypertension, 3.1% in the first (lowest) tertile, 17.0% in the second tertile, and 43.2% in the third (highest) tertile died within 3 years. After the adjustment for confounding variables, the third tertile of the D-dimer group (hazard ratio, 6.440; 95% confidence interval, 4.628-8.961) and the second tertile of the D-dimer group (hazard ratio, 2.847; 95% confidence interval, 2.037-3.978) had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality over 3 years than the first tertile of the D-dimer group.

CONCLUSIONS

D-dimer may be a useful marker for identifying the risk of mortality among patients with acute severe hypertension who visit the emergency department.

Impact of Radiation Therapy on Biological Parameters in Cancer Patients: Sub-analysis from the RIT Prospective Epidemiological Study

Scarce data investigate the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on biology markers. An analysis of ancillary study of RIT (Radiation Impact on Thromboembolic events) prospective trial was carried out. All patients with non-metastatic solid tumors and treated with radiotherapy and/or brachytherapy in curative and consenting to have blood samples were included. A significant decrease in white blood count, (i.e. lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and basophils) and platelet counts was observed after RT and maintained at 6 months. Whereas, eosinophils, D-dimers and hemoglobin levels were affected respectively 3 months and 6 months after RT initiation. Conversely, red cells count and CRP level were not affected by RT. This study is an advocacy to develop an understanding of basic immune system in relation with RT.

Clinical characteristics of 14 pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia associated thrombosis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP)-associated thrombosis and to gain a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

METHODS

The medical records of 14 children with MPP-associated thrombosis between January 2016 and April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed at the Tianjin Children's Hospital.

RESULTS

The ages of the patients ranged from 3 to 12 years old. Among the 14 cases, there were five cases of pulmonary embolism, two cases of cerebral infarction, one case of splenic infarction, one case of cardiac embolism, two cases of cardiac embolism with comorbid pulmonary embolism, one case of internal carotid artery and pulmonary embolism, one case of combined internal carotid artery and the cerebral infarction, and one case combined cardiac embolism and lower limb artery embolism. All cases had elevated D-dimer levels. After thrombolysis and anticoagulation therapy, three cases with cerebral embolism still suffered from neurological sequelae. In contrast, the remaining cases did not develop complications.

CONCLUSION

MPP-associated thrombosis can occur in any vessel of the body. Thrombosis-associated symptoms may be complex and non-specific. Elevated D-dimer levels in a child with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia should raise suspicion of thrombosis. The long-term prognosis of thrombosis was favorable after the timely administration of anticoagulant therapy.

The Role of Mitochondria-Targeting miRNAs in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke, most often occurring between the ages of 45 and 60. Arterial hypertension (AH) is most often the cause of ICH, followed by atherosclerosis, blood diseases, inflammatory changes in cerebral vessels, intoxication and vitamin deficiencies. Cerebral hemorrhage can occur by diapedesis or as a result of a ruptured vessel. AH is difficult to treat, requires surgery and can lead to disability or death. One of the important directions in the study of the pathogenesis of ICH is mitochondrial dysfunction and its regulation. The key role of mitochondrial dysfunction in AH and atherosclerosis, as well as in the development of brain damage after hemorrhage, has been acknowledged. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (about 18-22 nucleotides) that regulate a variety of biological processes including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, etc., primarily through gene repression. There is growing evidence to support dysregulated miRNAs in various cardiovascular diseases, including ICH. Further, the realization of miRNAs within mitochondrial compartment has challenged the traditional knowledge of signaling pathways involved in the regulatory network of cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of miRNAs in mitochondrial dysfunction for ICH is still under-appreciated, with comparatively much lesser studies and investigations reported, than those in other cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the up-to-date findings on the published role miRNAs in mitochondrial function for ICH, and the potential use of miRNAs in clinical settings, such as potential therapeutic targets and non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic biomarker tools.

Predictive value of coagulation function and D-dimer for pregnancy outcome in pregnancy-induced hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To observe the predictive values of plasma prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and D-dimer (DD) levels for pregnancy outcome in parturients with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 107 parturients with gestational hypertension admitted to Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital from April 2018 to April 2021 (research group) and on 50 healthy parturients who underwent physical examination in the same period (control group). PT, FIB, APTT, and DD values of all parturients included in the study were examined at admission, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The working curve (ROC) of the relationship between coagulation function test indicators and pregnancy outcomes of parturients in the research group was analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, PT and APTT values of parturients in the research group were lower, while FIB and DD levels were markedly higher (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed APTT and PT were negatively correlated with the severity of disease (both P < 0.001), while the expression of FIB and DD were positively correlated with it (both P < 0.001). Parturients were divided into an adverse outcome group and a normal outcome group. Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-pregnancy body mass index, PT, APTT, FIB, DD and other indicators were all risk factors for adverse outcome in HDCP parturients. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of these combined risk factors for predicting adverse outcome was 0.971.

CONCLUSION

Levels of PT, FIB, APTT, and DD are abnormal in parturients with different degrees of HDCP. Regular coagulation function tests can effectively detect HDCP, enabling improvement of pregnancy outcome.

The effectiveness and safety of blood flow restriction training for the post-operation treatment of distal radius fracture

INTRODUCTION

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common injury in the upper extremities. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been proven to be effective in improving function in low-load training, which is suitable for post-op rehabilitation. We explored the effectiveness and safety of BFR therapy in DRF patients who underwent surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to either the BFR or the regular training (RT; no BFR therapy) groups. All patients completed the same 4-week postoperative rehabilitation program, including anti-inflammatory treatments, strengthening and range of motion (ROM) training. In the BFR group, the pressure was 120 mmHg in strengthening training course. Pain, circumferences of wrists and forearms, ROM, muscle strength, and D-dimer levels were evaluated at weeks 0, 2, and 4. Radius union scoring system (RUSS) was measured at weeks 4 and 12. Finally, wrist functionality (Cooney modification) was evaluated at week 12.

RESULTS

The BFR group had significantly decreased pain levels compared with the RT group (p < 0.01, effect size= 2.33, -2.44 at weeks 2 and 4). Swelling was effectively relieved in both groups. The wrist swelling was less in the BFR group (p < 0.01, effect size = -2.17 at week 4). The isometric strength of wrist extension (p < 0.01, effect size = 1.5, 3.02 at weeks 2 and 4), flexion (p < 0.01, effect size = 1.33, 2.53 at weeks 2 and 4), and functionality significantly increased in the BFR group (p < 0.01, effect size = 2.80 at week 12). No risk of VT in the BFR group was found. BFR did not threaten bone healing.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with DRF who underwent corrective surgery, BFR therapy effectively relieved pain and swelling, increased muscle strength and wrist function, and had no additional risks for bone healing and VT.

A new machine learning model for predicting severity prognosis in patients with pulmonary embolism: Study protocol from Wenzhou, China

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common thrombotic disease and potentially deadly cardiovascular disorder. The ratio of clinical misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of PE is very large because patients with PE are asymptomatic or non-specific.

METHODS

Using the clinical data from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China), we proposed a swarm intelligence algorithm-based kernel extreme learning machine model (SSACS-KELM) to recognize and discriminate the severity of the PE by patient's basic information and serum biomarkers. First, an enhanced method (SSACS) is presented by combining the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) with the cuckoo search (CS). Then, the SSACS algorithm is introduced into the KELM classifier to propose the SSACS-KELM model to improve the accuracy and stability of the traditional classifier.

RESULTS

In the experiments, the benchmark optimization performance of SSACS is confirmed by comparing SSACS with five original classical methods and five high-performance improved algorithms through benchmark function experiments. Then, the overall adaptability and accuracy of the SSACS-KELM model are tested using eight public data sets. Further, to highlight the superiority of SSACS-KELM on PE datasets, this paper conducts comparison experiments with other classical classifiers, swarm intelligence algorithms, and feature selection approaches.

DISCUSSION

The experimental results show that high D-dimer concentration, hypoalbuminemia, and other indicators are important for the diagnosis of PE. The classification results showed that the accuracy of the prediction model was 99.33%. It is expected to be a new and accurate method to distinguish the severity of PE.

Correlation Between Serum Albumin and D-Dimer Levels in 909 Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center in China

BACKGROUND D-dimer level can reflect the hypercoagulable state of atrial fibrillation (AF) and predict thromboembolic events. However, no effective indicator associated with D-dimer of AF patients has been found to prevent thromboembolic events in AF. This retrospective study from a single center aimed to investigate the correlation between serum albumin and D-dimer levels in 909 patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) and 653 subjects in sinus rhythm. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 909 NVAF patients and 653 sex- and age-matched sinus rhythm participants were used to compare serum albumin and D-dimer levels. Serum albumin was determined by colorimetry, and D-dimer level was determined by latex-enhanced photoimmunoassay. We analyzed the correlation of serum albumin and D-dimer with NVAF by correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS Albumin (P<0.001) and D-dimer (P<0.001) were significantly associated with NVAF. Among NVAF patients, D-dimer level was negatively correlated with albumin levels (P<0.001), and albumin level was an independent risk factor of abnormal D-dimer level (>0.5 ug/mL), which was also an effective predictor of abnormal D-dimer level (the area under the ROC curve was 0.77, P<0.001), and the optimal cutoff value was 36.95 g/L. CONCLUSIONS Serum albumin and D-dimer levels were significantly associated with NVAF. In NVAF patients, D-dimer level was inversely correlated with albumin levels, and albumin level was an independent risk factor and effective predictor of abnormal D-dimer level. Close examination and supplementation of serum albumin can prevent thromboembolic events, but further clinical research and confirmation are needed.

Diagnostic value of plasma D-dimer and serum lipoprotein phospholipase A2 in patients with cerebral small vessel disease and their association with severity of the disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic value of plasma D-dimer (DD) and serum lipoprotein phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and their association with severity of the disease.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, 84 patients with CSVD treated in Shangqiu First People's Hospital from February 2020 to November 2021 were included in the study group, and 75 healthy individuals were assigned into the control group. The DD and Lp-PLA2 levels in the two groups were compared, and the diagnostic value of the two in CSVD was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Patients were assigned to a mild group or a severe group based on Fazekas scale scores. Then, the two groups were compared in terms of the DD and Lp-PLA2 levels, and the association of the two with the severity of CSVD was determined through ROC curves. With the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale, the patients were assigned to a cognitive impairment group or a non-cognitive impairment group. Then the two groups were compared in terms of the DD and Lp-PLA2 levels, and the association of the two with the cognitive function of CSVD patients was also determined by ROC curves.

RESULTS

The research group showed higher DD and Lp-PLA2 levels than the control group; the severe group showed higher DD and Lp-PLA2 levels than the mild group; the cognitive impairment group showed higher DD and Lp-PLA2 levels than the non-cognitive impairment group (all P < 0.001). The areas under the curves (AUCs) of DD and Lp-PLA2 in CSVD diagnosis were 0.902 and 0.907, respectively; the AUCs of DD and Lp-PLA2 in CSVD severity determination were 0.747 and 0.704, respectively; the AUCs of DD and Lp-PLA2 in cognitive impairment diagnosis were 0.736 and 0.725, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Plasma DD and Lp-PLA2 possess good diagnostic value in patients with CSVD, and also has certain clinical value in diagnosing patients' severity and cognitive impairment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and the risk of venous thromboembolism: a genetic correlation and two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

The relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has always been one of the concerns in the medical field. However, the causal inferences from published observational studies on this issue may be affected by confounders or reverse causality. We performed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to infer the associations between VEGF and VTE.

Methods

Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for VEGF and VTE were obtained from published meta-analysis studies and the FinnGen consortium, respectively. Independent genetic variables significantly associated with exposure were selected as instrumental variables. Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and five robust MR analytical approaches were conducted to estimate the genetic correlations and causal inference. The MR-Egger intercept, Cochran’s Q, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneities, and stability of these genetic variants on outcomes. Notably, replication analyses were performed using different subgroups of VTE.

Results

LDSC failed to identify genetic correlations between VEGF and VTE. Based on 9 SNPs, the circulating VEGF level was positively related to the risk of VTE using inverse variance weighting (IVW) method (odds ratio (OR) = 1.064, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.009–1.122). Reverse MR analyses showed that genetic liability for VTE was not associated with increased VEGF level (β = -0.021, 95% CI, -0.087-0.045). Pleiotropy-robust methods indicated no bias in any estimates.

Conclusions

Our findings failed to detect coheritability between VEGF and VTE. The suggestive positive effect of the higher VEGF level on the VTE risk may have clinical implications, suggesting that VEGF as a possible predictor and therapeutic target for VTE prevention need to be further warranted.

Point-of-Care Echocardiographic Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients with Pulmonary Embolism

Introduction: Thrombotic complications, such as pulmonary embolism, are common in COVID-19 patients. Point-of-care ultrasound is a highly recommended tool for orientation in critically ill patients with suspected or confirmed complications. Methods: An observational study was conducted on 32 consecutive patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism and COVID-19 infection treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital Medical Center “Bežanijska kosa”, Belgrade, Serbia, between April 2021 and March 2022. Predictors of the need for oxygen support were determined, while point-of-care echocardiographic parameters and various anamnestic, laboratory, and clinically significant parameters were correlated with the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) score. Results: More than two-thirds of patients in our study had PE symptoms present at hospital admission (68.8%). The majority of patients had segmental pulmonary embolism (48.4%), with high to very high PESI score values in 31.3% of patients. Pneumonia was present in 68.8% of the study population. The PESI score was negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure and SaO2 at the time of PE diagnosis, LV ejection fraction, and PVAT. A positive correlation was found between the PESI score, maximum CRP, and D-dimer at the time of PTE diagnosis. A larger right ventricular diameter was associated with a greater need for oxygen support. Conclusion: Point-of-care echocardiography is a valuable tool for the risk assessment of COVID-19 patients with pulmonary embolism. Right ventricular size stood out as a significant marker of disease severity.

COVID-19 hastalarında koagülopati için C-reaktif protein/albumin oranının tanısal doğruluğu

Amaç: Bu çalışma, COVİD-19'da D-dimer yüksekliğini öngörmede C-reaktif proteinin (CRP) albümine oranının (CAR) tanısal faydasını değerlendirmek amaçlamıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu retrospektif kohort çalışmasında, bir üniversite hastanesinde COVID-19 olduğu doğrulanmış 145 yatan hastadan veri topladık. Hastalar D-dimer düzeylerine göre D-dimer düzeyi yüksek olanlar ve D-dimer düzeyi normal olanlar olarak iki gruba ayrıldı. Hastaların tıbbi kayıtlarından demografik veriler, komorbiditeler, klinik semptomlar, CAR ve laboratuvar sonuçları elde edildi ve gruplar arasında kıyaslamalar yapıldı. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 52,9±17,9 yıl olup, 76'sı erkek idi. CAR medyanı, D-dimer değeri yüksek olanlarda anlamlı olarak daha yüksekti (134,1'e karşı 20,7,). D-dimeri yüksek hastalarda CRP, prokalsitonin, lökosit, nötrofil, laktat dehidrojenaz, ferritin ve fibrinojen daha yüksekti. CAR ve D-Dimer arasında oldukça anlamlı pozitif korelasyon vardı. Lojistik regresyon analizi, CAR'ın D-dimer yüksekliği için önemli bir belirleyici olduğunu ortaya koydu. ROC eğrisi altında kalan alan (AUC) CAR için 0,741 idi. COVİD-19 hastalarında D-dimer yüksekliğini öngörmek için CAR'ın doğrulanmış eşik değeri, %58 duyarlılık ve %70 özgüllük ile 81,8 idi. Sonuç: Çalışmamız, CAR'ın D-dimer ile önemli ölçüde korele olduğunu ve COVİD-19’u olan hastalarda D-dimer yüksekliğini öngörmek için kullanılabileceğini göstermiştir.

D-dimer to Creatinine Ratio: A Novel Biomarker Associated with Gensini Score in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Objective

We propose for the first time that D-dimer to creatinine ratio (DCR) may serve as a new clinical biomarker and explore its association with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

347 STEMI patients with complete D-dimer and creatinine were included in the analysis. According to the median of DCR value, patients were divided into the lower DCR group (DCR < 1.402, n = 173) and the higher DCR group (DCR ≥ 1.402, n = 174), and the differences between the two groups were compared. In addition, patients were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of Gensini score: Group 1(Gensini score ≤ 34, n = 88); Group 2(34 < Gensini score ≤ 65, n = 88); Group 3(65 < Gensini score ≤100, n = 87); Group 4(Gensini score ＞100, n = 84). Multivariate linear and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed to determine independent predictors of the Gensini score.

Results

High DCR group had higher Gensini score compared with the low DCR group ( P < .05). DCR was positively correlated with Gensini score (r = 0.493, P < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Previous MI (r = 11.312, P = .035) and DCR (r = 5.129, P < .001) were independent risk factors associated with the Gensini score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to Group 1, DCR was an independent risk factor in Group 2, Group 3, Group 4 ( P < .001).

Conclusions

As a new and useful clinical biomarker, DCR was positively correlated with coronary Gensini score in STEMI patients.

Safety and Efficacy of a Siddha Medicine Fixed Regimen for the treatment of Asymptomatic and Mild COVID-19 patients

Background

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a massive threat to public health worldwide. Siddha system of medicine is one of the traditional medicines of South India. The recommended formulations in Siddha Sasthric Medicines- Fixed Regimen (SSM-FiRe) are Amukkura tablets, Kaba Sura Kudineer (KSK) for asymptomatic COVID-19 positive (RT-PCR) patients, and Athimathuram tablets, Adathodai Manappagu syrup, Thippili Rasayanam, Brahmananda Bairavam tablet, and Notchi Kudineer for mild symptomatic patients. The core objective of the trial was to document the efficacy of SSM-FiRe in the prevention of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 disease progression to the next level of severity, reduce the severity of symptoms and revert to RT-PCR Negative.

Methods

An exploratory, prospective, open-labeled, single-arm, non-randomized trial was designed as per GCP guidelines to assess the efficacy of SSM-FiRe. Sixty RT-PCR positive participants who were asymptomatic or with mild COVID-19 symptoms were recruited for the study at the Siddha COVID Care Centre, Vyasarpadi, Chennai from June to August 2020. Nasal and oropharyngeal swab tests were performed on the 0, 7th, and 14th days. All participants were treated with SSM – FiRe regimen. All the participants were also assessed based on Siddha Yakkkaiyin Ilakkanam, which included Clinical symptoms and vitals. Laboratory investigations such as Haemogram, Liver Function Test, Renal Function Test, HbA1C, Electrolytes, Inflammatory markers, Cardiac profile, Immunoglobulins, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests were performed.

Results

83% of COVID-19 patients turned RT-PCR negative on the 7th day and in most of the cases, symptoms were reduced within the first 5 days of admission. The RT-PCR cycle threshold (ct) value increased significantly (<0.001) after treatment and all the participants were RT-PCR negative, except one, who was positive even after 14 days. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies developed significantly (p-value – 0.006). LFT, RFT, CBC, Total proteins, and electrolytes continued to be in the normal range after treatment, indicating the safety of the intervention.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 disease can be well managed by SSM – FiRe treatment, Further studies could be taken up to strengthen the findings.

A Useful Blood Flow Restriction Training Risk Stratification for Exercise and Rehabilitation

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a modality with growing interest in the last decade and has been recognized as a critical tool in rehabilitation medicine, athletic and clinical populations. Besides its potential for positive benefits, BFRT has the capability to induce adverse responses. BFRT may evoke increased blood pressure, abnormal cardiovascular responses and impact vascular health. Furthermore, some important concerns with the use of BFRT exists for individuals with established cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease patients). In addition, considering the potential risks of thrombosis promoted by BFRT in medically compromised populations, BFRT use warrants caution for patients that already display impaired blood coagulability, loss of antithrombotic mechanisms in the vessel wall, and stasis caused by immobility (e.g., COVID-19 patients, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, orthopedic post-surgery, anabolic steroid and ergogenic substance users, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnant/postpartum women). To avoid untoward outcomes and ensure that BFRT is properly used, efficacy endpoints such as a questionnaire for risk stratification involving a review of the patient's medical history, signs, and symptoms indicative of underlying pathology is strongly advised. Here we present a model for BFRT pre-participation screening to theoretically reduce risk by excluding people with comorbidities or medically complex histories that could unnecessarily heighten intra- and/or post-exercise occurrence of adverse events. We propose this risk stratification tool as a framework to allow clinicians to use their knowledge, skills and expertise to assess and manage any risks related to the delivery of an appropriate BFRT exercise program. The questionnaires for risk stratification are adapted to guide clinicians for the referral, assessment, and suggestion of other modalities/approaches if/when necessary. Finally, the risk stratification might serve as a guideline for clinical protocols and future randomized controlled trial studies.

Pan-Cancer Analysis and Validation Reveals that D-Dimer-Related Genes are Prognostic and Downregulate CD8+ T Cells via TGF-Beta Signaling in Gastric Cancer

Background: Cancer is considered one of the most lethal diseases worldwide. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients. As one of the most reproducible predictors of thromboembolism, the D-dimer level is commonly considered by oncologists. Previous studies have demonstrated that the most correlated genes at the D-dimer level are F3, F5 and FGA.

Methods: Using data from TCGA and multiple webtools, including GEPIA2, UALCAN, TIMER2.0, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and CIBERSORTx, we analyzed the tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) and functions of D-dimer-related genes in cancer. Validation was conducted via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and independent GEO + GTEx cohort. All statistical analyses were performed in R software and GraphPad Prism 9.

Results: F3, F5 and FGA were expressed differently in multiple cancer types. TMB, MSI and anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy responses were correlated with D-dimer-related gene expression. D-Dimer-related genes expression affect the survival of cancer patients. F3 and F5 functioned in TGF-beta signaling. F3 and F5 were related to immunity and affected the fraction of CD8⁺ T cells by upregulating the TGF-beta signaling pathway, forming an F3, F5/TGF-beta signaling/CD8+ T cell axis.

Conclusion: F3, F5 and FGA serve as satisfactory GC multibiomarkers and potentially influence the immune microenvironment and survival of cancer patients by influencing TGF-beta signaling.

Pharmacogenetics and Precision Medicine Approaches for the Improvement of COVID-19 Therapies

Many drugs are being administered to tackle coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situations without establishing clinical effectiveness or tailoring safety. A repurposing strategy might be more effective and successful if pharmacogenetic interventions are being considered in future clinical studies/trials. Although it is very unlikely that there are almost no pharmacogenetic data for COVID-19 drugs, however, from inferring the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic(PD) properties and some pharmacogenetic evidence in other diseases/clinical conditions, it is highly likely that pharmacogenetic associations are also feasible in at least some COVID-19 drugs. We strongly mandate to undertake a pharmacogenetic assessment for at least these drug-gene pairs (atazanavir-UGT1A1, ABCB1, SLCO1B1, APOA5; efavirenz-CYP2B6; nevirapine-HLA, CYP2B6, ABCB1; lopinavir-SLCO1B3, ABCC2; ribavirin-SLC28A2; tocilizumab-FCGR3A; ivermectin-ABCB1; oseltamivir-CES1, ABCB1; clopidogrel-CYP2C19, ABCB1, warfarin-CYP2C9, VKORC1; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-CYP2C9) in COVID-19 patients for advancing precision medicine. Molecular docking and computational studies are promising to achieve new therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The current situation in the discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents at four important targets from in silico studies has been described and summarized in this review. Although natural occurring compounds from different herbs against SARS-CoV-2 infection are favorable, however, accurate experimental investigation of these compounds is warranted to provide insightful information. Moreover, clinical considerations of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and drug-herb interactions (DHIs) of the existing repurposed drugs along with pharmacogenetic (e.g., efavirenz and CYP2B6) and herbogenetic (e.g., andrographolide and CYP2C9) interventions, collectively called multifactorial drug-gene interactions (DGIs), may further accelerate the development of precision COVID-19 therapies in the real-world clinical settings.

Machine learning-based in-hospital mortality prediction models for patients with acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to evaluate the performance of traditional regression and machine learning prediction models.

METHODS

The data of ACS patients who entered the emergency department of Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020 for chest pain were retrospectively collected. The study used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality of ACS patients. The traditional regression and machine learning algorithms were used to develop predictive models, and the sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the performance of each model.

RESULTS

A total of 6482 ACS patients were included in the study, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 1.88%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age, NSTEMI, Killip III, Killip IV, and levels of D-dimer, cardiac troponin I, CK, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and Stains were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The study found that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the models developed by logistic regression, gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), random forest, and support vector machine (SVM) for predicting the risk of in-hospital mortality were 0.884, 0.918, 0.913, and 0.896, respectively. Feature importance evaluation found that NT-proBNP, D-dimer, and Killip were top three variables that contribute the most to the prediction performance of the GBDT model and random forest model.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive model developed using logistic regression, GBDT, random forest, and SVM algorithms can be used to predict the risk of in-hospital death of ACS patients. Based on our findings, we recommend that clinicians focus on monitoring the changes of NT-proBNP, D-dimer, Killip, cTnI, and LDH as this may improve the clinical outcomes of ACS patients.

Predictive value of hemoglobin, platelets, and D-dimer for the survival of patients with stage IA1 to IIA2 cervical cancer: a retrospective study

Objective

Coagulation indexes may be useful survival biomarkers for cervical cancer. This study evaluated the ability of hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, and D-dimer levels to predict post-hysterectomy survival outcomes in patients with stage IA1 to IIA2 cervical cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective study, coagulation-related indexes were compared between the anemia and non-anemia groups. Independent variables were analyzed by the Cox proportional hazards model. Survival was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test. Mortality predictions were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Among this study’s 1088 enrolled patients, 152 had anemia. The 10-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 90.8% and 86.5%, respectively. Hemoglobin, RBC, and the rate of abnormal platelet counts were significantly lower in the anemia group. Abnormal preoperative D-dimer was an independent factor for recurrence-free survival. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that D-dimer had area under the curve of 0.734 (cut-off value: 0.685, sensitivity: 85.7%, and specificity: 64.0%). Hemoglobin and platelets had areas under the curves of 0.487 and 0.462, respectively.

Conclusion

Preoperative D-dimer was the most effective prognostic predictor for patients with cervical cancer. The prognosis of patients with cervical cancer was poorer if their D-dimer levels were >0.685 mg/L.

Evaluation of Prognosis and Risk of Death by Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio, C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio and Plasma D-Dimer in Patients with Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Objective

To investigate the relationship between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, plasma D-dimer and prognosis in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism, and to evaluate the risk of death.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed peripheral hematology and coagulation-related indicators of 362 pulmonary thromboembolism patients and 32 normal people, and the differences between the patients and control group and between good and poor prognosis groups were compared. And we analyzed and compared separate detection and combined detection of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and D-dimer on the efficiency of risk of death in patients.

Results

① Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio of pulmonary thromboembolism patients was 8.96±1.94, significantly higher than that of control group 1.76±0.53 (t=2.4281, P<0.05). C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was 2.13±2.08, significantly higher than 0.03±0.01 in control group (t=20.7736, P<0.01). D-dimer was 9.69±8.61mg/L, significantly higher than 0.20±0.11mg/L in control group (t=3.0066, P<0.01). ② Hemoglobin, lymphocyte, albumin and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio in patients with good prognosis were significantly lower than those in poor prognosis group, while white blood cell, C-creative protein, neutrophil, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and D-dimer were significantly lower than those in poor prognosis group (P all <0.05). ③ Regression analysis showed that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P=0.007), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (P=0.010) and D-dimer (P=0.003) were independent prognostic factors for pulmonary thromboembolism. ④ In assessing the risk of death of patients, D-dimer alone had the highest sensitivity (93.1%), and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio alone had the highest specificity (68.8%). The combined detection of these three indicators had higher sensitivity (86.2%) and higher specificity (67.6%) at the same time. ⑤ The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for combined detection of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and D-dimer was the largest (up to 0.821).

Conclusion

Patients with pulmonary thromboembolism highly expressed in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and D-dimer. The combined detection of these three indicators can improve the assessment efficacy of the risk of death in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism.

The inflammatory biomarkers profile of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and its association with patient's outcome: A single centered study

Several reports highlighted the central role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) disease. Also, the hyper-inflammatory response that is triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrom-Covid-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was believed to play an essential role in disease severity and adverse clinical course. For that reason, the classical inflammatory markers were proposed as a possible indicator for COVID-19 severity. However, an extensive analysis of the predictive value of inflammatory biomarkers in large patients' cohorts is still limited and critically needed. In this study we investigated the predictive value of the classical inflammatory biomarkers in a patient cohort consists of 541 COVID-19 patients admitted to Al Kuwait Hospital, Dubai, UAE. A detailed analysis of the association between the essential inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics as well as clinical outcome of the patients were made. In addition, the correlation between those markers and a wide range of laboratory biomarkers and incidence of acute organs injury were investigated. Our results showed a significant elevation of many inflammatory markers including white cell count (WBC) count, neutrophils count, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-Dimer, ferritin, procalcitonin (PCT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in patients with more severe illness. Also, our results highlighted that higher levels of those markers can predict worse patient outcome including the need of ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, multiple organs dysfunction as well as death. In addition, Our results showed that the presence of lymphopenia and lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at the time of admission were associated with severe to critical COVID-19 illness (P<0.0001), presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (P<0.0001) and the need for ventilation and ICU admission., Moreover, our results showed a strong association between lower ALC count and multiple organs dysfunction and patient's death (P<0.0001). In conclusion, our results highlighted the possible use of classical inflammatory biomarkers at time of admission as a potential predictive marker for more severe clinical course in COVID-19 patients that might need more aggressive therapeutic approach including the need of ventilators and ICU admission. The presence of such predictive markers might improve patient's stratification and help in the direction of the available resources to patients in need, which in turn help in improving our response to the disease pandemic.

Thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers and D-dimer in a biracial cohort study

BACKGROUND

Higher D-dimer is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism. In the general population, D-dimer and other thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers are higher among Black individuals, who also have higher risk of these conditions compared to White people.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether Black individuals have an exaggerated correlation between D-dimer and thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers characteristic of cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

Linear regression was used to assess correlations of 11 thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers with D-dimer in a cross-sectional study of 1068 participants of the biracial Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort.

RESULTS

Adverse levels of most biomarkers, especially fibrinogen, factor VIII, C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and interleukin (IL)-6, were associated with higher D-dimer. Several associations with D-dimer differed significantly by race. For example, the association of factor VIII with D-dimer was more than twice as large in Black compared to White participants. Specifically, D-dimer was 26% higher per standard deviation (SD) higher factor VIII in Black adults and was only 11% higher per SD higher factor VIII in White adults. In Black but not White adults, higher IL-10 and soluble CD14 were associated with higher D-dimer.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that D-dimer might relate to Black/White differences in cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism because it is a marker of amplified thrombo-inflammatory response in Black people. Better understanding of contributors to higher D-dimer in the general population is needed.

The effects of phthalate ester exposure on human health: A review

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are one of the most widely used plasticizers in polymer products and humans are increasingly exposed to them. The constant exposure to PAEs-contained products has raised some concerns against human health. Thus, the impacts of PAEs and their metabolites on human health require a comprehensive study for a better understanding of the associated risks. Here, we attempt to review eight main health effects of PAE exposure according to the most up-to-date studies. We found that epidemiological studies demonstrated a consistent association between PAE exposure (especially DEHP and its metabolites) and a decrease in sperm quality in males and symptom development of ADHD in children. Overall, we found insufficient evidence and lack of consistency of the association between PAE exposure and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, and CHD), thyroid diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, obesity, kidney diseases, intelligence performance in children, and other reproductive system-related diseases (anogenital distance, girl precocious puberty, and endometriosis). Future studies (longitudinal and follow-up investigations) need to thoroughly perform in large-scale populations to yield more consistent and powerful results and increase the precision of the association as well as enhance the overall understanding of potential human health risks of PAEs in long-term exposure.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, Factor VIII and Antithrombin III: inflammatory-clotting biomarkers in glioma

One of the key difficulties in glioma treatment is our limited ability to consistently assess cancer response or progression either by neuroimaging or specific blood biomarkers. An ideal biomarker could be measured through non-invasive methods such as blood-based biomarkers, aiding both early diagnosis and monitoring disease evolution. This is a single-center, case-control, 10-year retrospective, longitudinal study. We evaluated routine coagulation factors in 138 glioma patients (45 Females/93 Males; median [range] age, 56.4 [27-82] years; 64 non-recurrent/74 recurrent) and, for comparison, in 56 relapsing-remitting MS patients (41 Females/15 Males; 40.8 [25-62] years, 35 stable/21 active) and 23 controls (16 Females/7 Males; 41.7 [24-62] years) as well as Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in subgroups of 127 glioma patients, 33 MS patients and 23 healthy controls. Secondly, we assessed whether these indicators could be predictive of overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in glioma patients. NLR, d-dimer, Antithrombin III and Factor VIII were significantly higher in glioma patients compared to both MS patients and controls (p<0.0001 for all). ROC curves confirmed that either NLR, Antithrombin III or Factor VIII were moderately accurate biomarkers (0.7<AUC<0.9) for glioma patients compared to other two groups whereas d-dimer was a moderately accurate marker for glioma only when compared to controls. In multivariable analysis, NLR ≥ 4.3 (median) (HR 1.53 [95 % CI 1.04-2.26], p=0.03) together with the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 80 (median) (0.46 [0.31-0.69], p<0.0001) and use of steroids (1.75 [1.19-2.57], p=0.004) resulted independent predictors of OS while only KPS was independently associated with PFS. Our study showed increased levels of either NLR, Antithrombin III, Factor VIII, or d-dimer in glioma patients compared to MS patients and controls, where the first three represented moderately accurate biomarkers for this cancer. Among these markers, only NLR was found to be predictive for OS along with severe disability and steroid therapy.

Research progress on biomarkers of pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVES

To present a review on the traditional and new biomarkers of pulmonary embolism (PE).

DATA SOURCE

A systematic search has been carried out using keywords as PE, biomarker, diagnosis and risk stratification.

RESULTS

The results of this work have been structured into three parts: first, conventional biomarkers for vascular, cardiac and inflammation, including static markers and dynamic markers for measuring the time course; next, a review of new biomarkers in recent years, such as RNAs and markers obtained through proteomics and mass spectrometry; finally, use of new detection methods to directly detect the activity of existing markers, such as the determination of coagulation factor II and plasmin activities based on the proteolytic activation of an engineered zymogen.

CONCLUSIONS

This work summarized the characteristics of current traditional biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and risk stratification of PE, as well as a series of newly discovered biomarkers obtained through various clinical experimental methods.

D-Dimer to Fibrinogen Ratio as a Novel Prognostic Marker in Patients After Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The role of activation of the coagulation and fibrinolysis system in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has drawn wide attention. Recently, the D-dimer to fibrinogen ratio (DFR) is considered as a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke and pulmonary embolism. However, few studies have explored the relationship between DFR and cardiovascular disease. In our study, patients were divided into 2 groups according to DFR value: the lower group (DFR < 0.52, n = 2123) and the higher group (DFR ≥ 0.52, n = 1073). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiac mortality (CM). The average follow-up time was 37.59 ± 22.24 months. We found that there were significant differences between the 2 groups in term of ACM (2.4% vs 6.6%, P < 0.001) and CM (1.5% vs 4.0%, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that elevated DFR had higher incidences of ACM (log rank P < 0.001) and CM (log rank P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that DFR was an independent predictor of ACM (HR = 1.743, 95%CI: 1.187-2.559 P = 0.005) and CM (HR = 1.695, 95%CI: 1.033-2.781 P = 0.037). This study indicates that DFR is an independent and novel predictor of long-term ACM and CM in post-PCI patients with CAD.

Beclin-1, an autophagy-related protein, is associated with the disease severity of COVID-19

Aims

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is a highly contagious disease, is an ongoing outbreak worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. The approaches targeting the autophagy processes might have promising diagnostic and therapeutic values against Coronavirus infection. Here, we aimed to investigate the relationship of Beclin-1 (BECN1), an autophagy-related protein, with blood parameters and the clinical severity in patients with COVID-19.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 108 patients with COVID-19 and 21 healthy controls in this study, from September 2020 to January 2021 and divided all patients into two groups according to the severity of the disease: The non-severe group and the severe group. BECN1 levels and blood parameters were measured with Enzyme-Linked Absorbent Assay and routine techniques, respectively.

Key findings

Serum BECN1 levels were increased in patients with COVID-19 compared to the healthy controls, and its concentrations were significantly higher in the severe group than in the non-severe group (p < 0.001). BECN1 levels showed a significantly positive correlation with coagulation markers such as D-dimer and Fibrinogen (FIB) and inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), Procalcitonin (PCT), Ferritin and biochemical markers such as Blood urea nitrogen and Lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001). We detected that areas under the ROC curve for BECN1, D-dimer, FIB, PCT, CRP and Ferritin were 0.8662, 0.9110, 0.8278, 0.9996 and 0.9284, respectively (p < 0.0001).

Significance

BECN1 may serve as a predictive biomarker in evaluating the disease severity of COVID-19. Our data suggest that BECN1 mediated-autophagy modulation might have a promising value in improving the clinical outcomes of COVID-19.

Agreement of aptamer proteomics with standard methods for measuring venous thrombosis biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complex disease with an incidence rate of about 1 in 1000 per year. Despite the availability of validated biomarkers for VTE, unprovoked events account for 50% of first events. Therefore, emerging high-throughput proteomics are promising methods for the expansion of VTE biomarkers. One such promising high-throughput platform is SomaScan, which uses a large library of synthetic oligonucleotide ligands known as aptamers to measure thousands of proteins.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of the aptamer-based SomaScan platform for VTE studies by examining its agreement with standard laboratory methods.

METHODS

We examined the agreement between eight established VTE biomarkers measured by SomaScan and standard laboratory immunoassay and viscosity-based instruments in 54 individuals (27 cases and 27 controls) from the Thrombophilia, Hypercoagulability and Environmental Risks in Venous Thromboembolism study. We performed the agreement analysis by using a regression model and predicting the estimates and the 95% prediction interval (PI) of the laboratory instrument values using SomaScan values.

RESULTS

SomaScan measurements exhibited overall poor agreement, particularly for D-dimer (average fit, 492.7 ng/mL; 95% PI, 110.0-1998.2) and fibrinogen (average fit, 3.3 g/L; 95% PI, 2.0-4.7).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that SomaScan measurement had poor agreement with the standard laboratory measurements. These results may explain why some genome-wide association studies with VTE proteins measured by SomaScan did not confirm previously identified loci. Therefore, SomaScan should be considered with caution in VTE studies.

Quantitatively monitoring acute ischemic stroke patients post recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Thrombolytic therapy is widely used to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. As intracerebral hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication of this therapy, monitoring the fibrinolytic and coagulation systems is imperative. However, existing studies on plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) and thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) mostly apply the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The aim of this study is to establish the baseline of thrombolytic treatment for AIS patients; to monitor the fibrinolytic and coagulation system following alteplase administration; to ascertain the proper time point to predict intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

The method used to assess a patient's intravascular situation, namely chemiluminescence, was used to quantitatively assess the PIC, TAT, and thrombomodulin (TM). Immuno-turbidimetric was used to assess the concentration of D-dimer, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), and the Von Willebrand factor (vWF). The Clauss clotting method was used to assay the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and FIB.

RESULTS

PIC increased to its peak concentration at 3 hours post intravenous (IV) alteplase infusion and decreased by nearly 50% every 3 hours thereafter. After 24 hours, PIC returned to its normal range, while D-dimer and FDP decreased 3 hours later compared to PIC. PT and APTT exhibited no obvious change during the 24-hour period. TM also exhibited no changes during the treatment.

CONCLUSION

PIC decreased 3 hours earlier than D-dimer and FDP. The combined test of PIC, D-dimer, and fibrinogen can be used to monitor the fibrinolytic system after the IV alteplase infusion. The use of IV alteplase had no impact on the endothelium. Creating a patient's individual data curve could assist in the prediction of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and a stroke occurring.