DSpace Collection: 1 - 62

Evaluation of coagulation parameters according to serum CRP levels in early stage COVID-19 patients

2024-11-20T02:17:40Z

Title: Evaluation of coagulation parameters according to serum CRP levels in early stage COVID-19 patients Authors: Kardesler, Sema; Bozdemir, Ahmet Erkin; Karakoyun, Inanc; dkk. Abstract: Objectives: An increase in the levels of inflammatory biomarkers is observed in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Coagulopathy occurring during the course of the disease has also been associated with inflammation. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the coagulation parameters according to the severity of inflammation in patients with early stage COVID-19 disease. Methods: The study was carried out retrospectively in a third-level hospital between April 8 and August 20, 2020. The patients were divided into two groups according to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. Non-COVID-19 group consisted of 72 patients with negative, and COVID-19 group consisted of 247 patients with positive PCR results. According to the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels the COVID-19 patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group1 (CRP<10 mg/L; n=105), Group 2 ( CRP 10-50 mg/L; n=72), and Group 3 (CRP >50 mg/L; n=70). Age, CRP, and coagulation parameters including fibrinogen, D-dimer, aPTT, and PT were compared between the groups. Results: There were significant differences between the non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients in terms of age, CRP and coagulation parameters. Likewise, there was a significant difference among 3 groups regarding coagulation parameters. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis, only level of D-dimer was an independent risk factor among all groups, while PT was an independent risk factor between Groups 1, and 3. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that coagulopathy occurs in the early stage in relation to the severity of inflammation. For the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease and the detection of thrombotic complications; it is important to monitor results of the coagulation tests along with markers of inflammation from the early stages of the disease.

Metal-binding protein: Metallothionein

2024-11-20T02:16:00Z

Title: Metal-binding protein: Metallothionein Authors: Marikar, Faiz; Zi-Chun, Hua Abstract: More than a century ago, the very first adverse human health effects of metalloproteins were reported after the usage of cadmium-containing silver polishing agents. It was first observed in the Horse population. The discovery of the low-molecular-weight protein Metallothionein (MT) in 1957 was an important milestone as this protein was shown to bind cadmium and to cause cellular cadmium toxicity. The mentioned authors contributed evidence in the 1970s concerning cadmium binding to MT and synthesis of the protein in tissues. We showed in our previous studies that binding of cadmium to MT in tissues can prevent some toxic effects; yet, further, identification of these macro and micro-molecules is required at the biochemistry and genetics levels. As with the recent studies, novel biochemical functions of MTs are introduced, for example, a new application of Mts, which are being used in protein purification by affinity chromatography. The trend is used to cure neuron disorders and even cancer. This review summarizes that this evidence in a genetic experiment is still needed for find out the function of MTs; it is an open area of research even in the 21st century.

Micro to nano plastics and its link to human health

2024-11-20T02:13:55Z

Title: Micro to nano plastics and its link to human health Authors: Kurtulus, Eda Merve; Col, Basak Gokce Abstract: This article reviews the recent publications on the effects of micro and nano plastics being bioaccumulated, inhaled, ingested, digested, absorbed, or excreted in models and humans. Also, the retention of microplastics and nano plastics in the blood and lymphatic circulation, and their possible toxic effects on tissues at the cellular and biomolecular level is discussed.

Interference from heterophilic antibodies in Ca 19-9 testing: A case report

2024-11-20T02:11:38Z

Title: Interference from heterophilic antibodies in Ca 19-9 testing: A case report Authors: Ustundag, Yasemin; Huysal, Kagan; Kologlu, Rahime Feyza; dkk. Abstract: Immunoassays are widely used analytical techniques in clinical laboratories, which can be affected by interference, leading to erroneous test results. We present the case of a 38-year-old female patient with a thyroid nodule, who had been followed up with since 2012, was not taking medication, and had an implausible elevation of Ca 19-9, a commonly used biomarker for gastrointestinal malignancies. Interference arising from heterophilic antibodies in the differential diagnosis was considered. Measurements were repeated with the same patient sample on three different immunoassay analyzers. Ca 19-9 levels measured with the Abbott Architect i2000 device were high, while the results from the latter two instruments (COBAS e601 and ADVIA Centaur CP) were within normal limits. Serial dilutions of serum samples revealed non-linearity, suggesting assay interference. The heterophilic blocking tube procedure and polyethylene glycol precipitation resulted in a normal range of Ca 19-9 levels, confirming that a heterophile antibody interaction was the most likely cause of the abnormal results. In this paper, we present a narrative review of the current literature pertaining to false-positive Ca 19-9 caused by interference. We propose close collaboration between clinicians and the laboratory before exposing patients to the cost of additional testing when clinical non-compliance is suspected.