The local clinical validation of a new lithium heparin tube with a barrier: BD Vacutainer® Barricor LH Plasma tube

Introduction: Although serum-providing blood tubes with a barrier are still widely used due to their significant advantages, the use of blood tubes with a barrier to provide plasma is becoming widespread. We compared 22 analytes in a BD Vacutainer® Barricor LH Plasma tube for local clinical validation of this new lithium heparin tube with a barrier. Materials and methods: Samples from 44 volunteers were collected in different tubes (Becton Dickinson and Company): Z tube without additive (reference), clot-activator tube with gel (SST), lithium heparin tube without gel (LiH), and lithium heparin tube with barrier (Barricor). Analyte concentrations in different tubes were compared with the reference tube. All tubes were also evaluated according to additional testing (different centrifugation durations, blood-sampling techniques and individual differences). Results: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose (Glc), potassium (K), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), sodium (Na), and total protein (TP) had a significant bias in Barricor (9.19%, - 3.24%, - 4.88%, 21.60%, - 0.40%, 5.03%, respectively) relative to the reference tube. There was no statistical difference between different centrifugation durations and individual differences for AST, K and LD in LiH and/or Barricor (P > 0.05). There was a significant bias for LD between LiH and Barricor in terms of blood-sampling techniques (21.2% and 12.4%, respectively). Conclusions: Recently, the use of plasma has become prominent due to some of its advantages. In this study, plasma AST, K, LD, Glc and TP levels in Barricor were clinically different in comparison to serum. The results of additional tests showed that higher levels of LD in Barricor did not result from haemolysis, and they might be related to other factors including number of platelets, cellular fragility, or functional environment

Role of urine glycosaminoglycan levels in the diagnosis and follow-up in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) levels reflect clinical status in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and if they could be used as a marker in management of overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: A total of 34 patients were recruited who were admitted with LUTS and diagnosed as having clinically bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to prostate enlargement. These newly diagnosed, never treated patients underwent routine investigation, consisting of history, physical examination, PSA, ultrasound, uroflowmetry, assessment of symptoms scored by both International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Marmara- Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (M-OBQ). The patients were divided into two groups as those with an initial M-OBQ score < 12 (group 1) and ≥ 13 (group 2). Alfa blocker was initiated in eligible patients. Further evaluations included prostate volume measurement, pre- and post-treatment urinary GAG levels, IPSS and M-QAOB values and maximum urine flow rate (Qmax). Results: Before treatment, urinary GAG level was 21.5 mg/gCr (6.1-45.5) in Group 1, and 23.35 mg/gCr (15.6-32.6) in Group 2 (p =0.845). After the treatment, the GAG level in Group 1 and Group 2 were found to be 19.8 mg/gCr (7.4-70.5) and 18 (7.6- 41.7), respectively (p = 0.511). No difference in GAG levels was found in subgroup analysis for patients with or without OAB. Conclusions: In recent years, there have been many studies investigating the relationship between LUTS and urinary markers. However, in our prospective study, no relationship was found between pre- and post- treatment urinary GAG levels in patients with LUTS with or without OAB

First-trimester placental function in levothyroxine-using pregnant women: a case-control study

We aimed to compare the pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA PI) levels of euthyroid pregnant women using levothyroxine vs. a control group of uncomplicated pregnancies and to evaluate the effects of different levothyroxine dosages on pregnancy outcomes. We retrospectively evaluated 206 levothyroxine-using pregnant women by looking at their basic placental function markers and obstetric outcomes. A sample of 449 women whose pregnancies concluded with uncomplicated term deliveries composed of our control group. To examine the relationship between the levothyroxine dosages and the frequency of pregnancy complications, levothyroxine users were divided into different groups according to the 75, 100, and 150 mcg cutoffs. The median PAPP-A MoM levels of levothyroxine users were significantly lower at 0.94 vs. 1.11 (p < .001) and the median mean UtA PI was significantly higher than the control group at 2.08 vs. 1.74 (p < .0001). The median birth weight was significantly lower for the levothyroxine users' group at 3292 g vs. 3427 g (p < .0001). Using 75, 100, and 150 mcg dose cutoffs, PAPP-A MoM, mean UtA PI and obstetric complication frequencies were not significantly different among levothyroxine users. Significant changes in placental function markers have been observed in euthyroid levothyroxine-using pregnant women during the first trimester. However, the frequency of obstetric complications does not appear to be dose dependent

Prediction of ischemic placental diseases during the first trimester combined test period: a retrospective cohort of low-risk pregnancies in search of the link between parity and disease

Objective: To assess the predictive power of a multifactorial model established on maternal characteristics, placenta-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), and the mean uterine artery pulsatility index (Ut A PI) levels for the development of ischemic placental diseases (IPD) during the first-trimester combined test (FTCT) period and to evaluate the strength of some generally accepted clinical risk factors

T Helper 1 Cytokines and Their Relationship with Beta Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: In type 1 diabetes (T1D), T helper (Th) 1 cells affect beta cell functions significantly. This study aims to explore the association between serum levels of Th1 cytokines [interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] and beta cell function in T1D. Material and Methods: The study included 110 patients with T1D (TIDPs) and 31 healthy controls. The beta cell functions in T1DPS were assessed by calculating mixed-meal stimulated C-peptide levels. T1DPs were categorized into three groups depending on results of this test (1a-lowest, 1b, 1c-highest). Cytokine levels, IFN-gamma/IL-2, and TNF-alpha/IL-2 ratios in T1DPs were compared with that in controls. Correlation analysis between cytokine levels and diabetes-related parameters was then carried out. Results: IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2 levels, and TNF-alpha/IL-2 of T1DPs were higher (p=0.02, p=0.01, p=0.008, and p=0.01, respectively) than that of controls. The highest IFN-gamma/IL-2 and TNF-alpha/IL-2 ratios were observed in group 1b (p=0.03 and p=0.04, respectively) while the lowest IFN-gamma/IL-2 and TNF-alpha/IL-2 ratios were observed in group 1a (p=0.03 and p=0.04, respectively). The TNF-alpha levels were found to be negatively correlated with fasting glucose levels (r(2) =-0.003, p=0.031). However, after adjustment for age and gender, this correlation diminished (r(2) =-0.028, p=0.076). Conclusion: IFN-gamma, IL-2, and TNF-alpha may exhibit a triggering role in the pathogenesis of T1D. IFN-gamma/IL-2 and TNF-alpha/IL-2 ratios possibly have more significant roles in the progression of beta cell dysfunction than other cytokines

Effects of Thyroid Hormone Therapy on Cut-Surface Healing of the Remnant Stomach with Short-Term Weight Loss Alterations after Sleeve Gastrectomy

KISA, Ucler/0000-0002-8131-6810WOS: 000427277200013PubMed: 28635514Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-tyhroid axis is directly affected by drastic changes in energy stores. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of triiodothyronine (T3) treatment on cut-surface healing of remnant stomach with weight loss alterations after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Methods: Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups: sham (n = 6), control (n = 12), and experimental (n = 12). Control and experimental group rats underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Experimental group rats received a single dose of T3 (400 mg/100 g) on the first postoperative day whereas control group rats received 0.9% NaCl. All rats were sacrificed on the seventh postoperative day. Results: In the group of rats receiving T3, levels of FT3 were significantly higher and that of FT4 were significantly lower compared with both the control and sham group rats (p .05). Microscopic examination of the cut surface of remnant stomach in the control group rats revealed significantly more severe tissue necrosis, edema, and disruption of mucosal epithelium than in the T3 group rats (p <.05). On the other hand, bridging of the submucosal and muscular layers, tissue granulation, fibroblast accumulation, neoangiogenesis, and collagen deposition in the T3 group rats were significantly higher than in the control group rats (p <.05). Conclusions: Sleeve gastrectomy did not significantly alter thyroid hormone levels in short term. T3 hormone therapy seems to deliver constructive therapeutic effects for wound healing while causing no adverse effect on weight reduction

The effect of positive pressure ventilation on serum ischemia-modified albumin levels in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Introduction: Respiratory abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are corrected with positive pressure ventilation treatments. We inves-tigated the effect of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment on the serum level of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), an oxidative stress product, in OSAS patients with higher body mass index (BMI) and indication for PAP treatment.Materials and Methods: Seven consecutive female and 23 male patients with a BMI of >= 30 kg/m2 who were diagnosed as having OSAS according to ICSD-3 criteria and were planned for PAP, were included. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-Bang Questionnaire were performed. Morning arterial blood gas, hemogram, biochemistry, insulin, and IMA were measured after polysom-nography and after three months of PAP.Results: There were no significant changes in lactate, CRP, and serum elect-rolyte levels measured before and after PAP, except for potassium. When 30 patients were compared in terms of serum IMA levels at baseline and after treatment, the mean baseline value was 0.56 absorbance units (ABSU), and the 3rd-month follow-up IMA value was 0.53 ABSU (p= 0.537). The mean serum fasting insulin level was 15.85 mu IU/mL and 11.6 (p= 0.002) and the mean HOMA index was 4.4 and 3.0 (p= 0.001), respectively.Conclusion: Serum IMA levels seem not to be an appropriate marker for the evaluation of PAP treatment in OSAS patients with higher BMI. PAP is associ-ated with a decrease in the fasting insulin level, HOMA index, and hematocrit, but not with serum electrolytes except potassium

INCREASED CHITOTRIOSIDASE ACTIVITIES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A POSSIBLE NOVEL MARKER?

Background: Chitotriosidase and YKL-40 are well-known in humans as Glyco_18 domain-containing proteins that are the common feature of mammalian chitinases and chitinase-like proteins. Previously, increased levels of YKL-40 were found correlated with the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. However, serum chitotriosidase activity in rheumatoid arthritis is not known yet. The aim of this study was to determine YKL-40 and chitotriosidase in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to compare these markers with traditional ones such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate