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Human serum albumin (HSA) is currently used as a plasma expander (PE) to increase blood volume during hypovolemic conditions, such as blood loss. However, its effectiveness is suboptimal in septic shock and burn patients due to their enhanced endothelial permeability, resulting in HSA extravasation into the tissue space leading to edema, and deposition of toxic HSA-bound metabolites. Hence, to expand HSA's applicability toward treating patients with compromised endothelial permeability, HSA has been previously polymerized to increase its molecular size thus compartmentalizing the polymerized HSA (PolyHSA) molecules in the vascular space. Previous studies bracketed PolyHSA between 100 kDa and 0.2 μm. In this research, PolyHSA was synthesized at two cross-link densities 43:1 and 60:1 (i.e., molar ratios of glutaraldehyde to HSA) and subsequently fractionated via tangential flow filtration (TFF) into two narrower brackets: bracket A (500 kDa and 0.2 μm) and bracket B (50-500 kDa). PolyHSA within the same size bracket at different cross-link densities exhibited similar solution viscosity, zeta potential, and osmolality but differed in hydrodynamic diameter. At the same cross-link density, the PolyHSA A bracket showed higher viscosity, lowered zeta potential, and a larger hydrodynamic diameter compared with the PolyHSA B bracket while maintaining osmolality. Interestingly, PolyHSA 43:1 B, PolyHSA 60:1 A, and PolyHSA 60:1 B brackets exhibited colloid osmotic pressure similar to HSA, indicating their potential to serve as PEs.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with significant morbidity and mortality as most patients present with advanced disease. The development of ascites has been associated with poor outcomes and further characterization and contemporary management strategies are needed. METHODS: A total of 437 patients enrolled in the Gastrointestinal Biobank at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who had epithelial pancreatic malignancy were included in the prospective cohort group. Overall, 41.7% of patients included in this study developed ascites. Most patients with ascites (>80%) had high serum-ascites albumin gradient ascites. In both univariate and multivariate analysis, a history of ≥1 form of chemotherapy was significantly associated with ascites. Estimated median overall survival in patients with ascites was significantly lower than in patients without ascites, 473 days vs 573 days, and ascites had a hazard ratio of 1.37. RESULTS: Patients with ascites who received diuretics and indwelling peritoneal catheter had an estimated median survival of 133 days from diagnosis of ascites, and those who received only the indwelling peritoneal catheter without diuretics had an estimated median survival of only 54 days. The estimated median survival from the diagnosis of ascites was 92 days, and the median time to puncture was 7 days. The median time from first tap to death was 45 days. DISCUSSION: The use of diuretics is lower than would be expected for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with elevated serum-ascites albumin gradient. Other therapies such as beta blockers should be investigated in this subset of patients. The etiology of ascites in these patients is poorly understood, and further research is needed to establish treatment guidelines and improve outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of ultraviolet-C light (UVC) photofunctionalization treatment time on the biologic activity of airborne particle-abraded and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surfaces and to analyze its physical and chemical mechanisms. Materials and Methods: SLA titanium was treated with UVC light for different lengths of time (10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 24 hours), and then changes to its surface characteristics were evaluated via electron microscope scanning, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurement, and zeta potential measurement. The effect of UVC photofunctionalization on the biologic processes of SLA titanium surfaces was assessed by analyzing the bovine serum albumin adsorption, adhesion, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphatase activity of MG-63 cells. Results: UVC irradiation did not change the topography of SLA titanium surfaces. As treatment times increased, the water contact angle decreased from 120 degrees to 0 degrees, and the hydrocarbon content decreased. Zeta potential testing showed increased surface potential of photofunctionalized titanium. In vitro testing showed that cell adhesion, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity on titanium surfaces were significantly improved by UVC photofunctionalization. Conclusions: UVC photofunctionalization can improve the biologic activity of SLA titanium surfaces by removing hydrocarbons and increasing the surface potential of titanium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of strategies that can permit to adjust the size specificity of immobilized proteases by the generation of steric hindrances may enlarge its applicability. Using as a model ficin immobilized on glyoxyl agarose, two strategies were assayed to generate tailor made steric hindrances. First, ficin has been coimmobilized on supports coated with large proteins (hemoglobin or bovine serum albumin (BSA)). While coimmobilization of ficin with BSA presented no effect on the activity versus any of the assayed substrates, coimmobilization with hemoglobin permitted to improve the immobilized ficin specificity for casein versus hemoglobin, but still significant activity versus hemoglobin remained. Second, aldehyde-dextran has been employed to modify the immobilized ficin, trying to generate steric hindrances to avoid the entry of large proteins (hemoglobin) while enabling the entry of small ones (casein). This also increased the size specificity of ficin, but still did not suppress the activity versus hemoglobin. The combination of both strategies and the use of 37ºC during the proteolysis enabled to almost fully nullify the hydrolytic activity versus hemoglobin while preserving a high percentage of the activity versus casein. The modifications improved enzyme stability and the biocatalyst could be reused for 5 cycles without alteration of its properties. • Ficin extract immobilized on glyoxyl was able to hydrolyze casein and hemoglobin. • Ficin coimmobilization with large hemoglobin increases its specificity by casein. • Ficin modification with aldehyde dextran increases its specificity by casein. • Both strategies together almost fully nullify the activity versus hemoglobin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores application of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based hydrogel to improve the antifouling properties and performance of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membrane. The modification of PPSU membrane was performed via coating different ratio of polydopamine (PDA) to 3‐(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as interlayer on surface of PPSU membrane followed by grafting of PEG‐NH2 hydrogel. The as‐prepared membranes were characterized and results confirmed the successful coating of interlayer and hydrogel. The performance of as‐prepared membranes was measured using pure water flux, humic acid (HA), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) separation. The PDA‐APTES (50:50) was selected as the optimal interlayer to graft hydrogel with respect to their superior effect on properties of resultant membrane. The permeate flux and HA rejection increased from 35.2 LMH and 55% for pristine PPSU membrane to 83 LMH and 96% for optimal membrane. For optimal membrane the flux recovery ratio (FRR) value of 96% and 93% determined for BSA and HA separation, respectively. Chemical stability examined and the results confirmed that the hydrogel‐coated membrane was more stable in acidic media compared with alkali media. In summary, the simultaneous presence of the interlayer and the grafted hydrogel had a great impact on the morphology, performance, anticlogging properties, and acid resistance of the modified membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the impedance spectroscopy methods applied to 2-electrode and 3-electrode biosensors. While 3-electrode electrochemical biosensors have been extensively studied and applied in various applications, the 2-electrode configuration of electrochemical biosensors still lacks comprehensive investigation for real-world applications. In particular, the miniaturization of the 3-electrode configuration for integration into microfluidic devices has been explored due to the relatively limited number of previous studies. A commercial screen-printed gold electrode was employed to develop immunosensors for bovine serum albumin (BSA) detection. The comparisons were performed on non-Faradaic and Faradic immunosensors corresponding to 2-electrode and 3-electrode configurations through impedance measurements. The results show the performance of both types of sensors in detecting BSA protein. While the 2-electrode configuration-based sensor can detect the BSA protein with a sensitivity of 12 Ω/µM, the 3-electrode configuration-based sensor shows superior results with a sensitivity of 7.2 kΩ/µM. Besides, the results also indicate that the 2-electrode configuration-based sensor can easily be miniaturized to integrate into a microfluidic channel to develop lab-on-a-chip systems. Although the 3-electrode configuration demonstrates advancements compared to the 2-electrode configuration, the 2-electrode system based on non-Faradaic processes still shows high potential for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of quinoidal molecules with symmetric end‐capping groups, particularly dicyanomethylene units, have been synthesized for organic optoelectronic materials. In comparison, dissymmetric quinoidal molecules, characterized by end‐capping with different groups, are less explored. In this paper, we present the unexpected formation of new formal quinoidal molecules, which are end‐capped with both dicyanomethylene and triphenylphosphonium moieties. The structures of these dissymmetric quinoidal molecules were firmly verified by single crystal structural analyses. On the basis of the control experiments and DFT calculations, we proposed the reaction mechanism for the formation of these dissymmetric quinoidal molecules. The respective zwitterionic forms should make contributions to the ground state structures of these quinoidal molecules based on the analysis of their bond lengths and aromaticity and Mayer Bond Orbital (MBO) calculation. This agrees well with the fact that negative solvatochromism was observed for these quinoidal molecules. Although these new quinoidal molecules are non‐emissive both in solutions and crystalline states, they become emissive with quantum yields up to 51.4 % after elevating the solvent viscosity or dispersing them in a PMMA matrix. Interestingly, their emissions can also be switched on upon binding with certain proteins, in particular with human serum albumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ・Glucocorticoids induced HMGB1 release in primary cultured microglia but not in neuron. • ・Dexamethasone-BSA, a membrane-impermeable GR agonist induced HMGB1 release. • ・Glucocorticoids triggered translocation of HMGB1 from nuclear to cytosol. Stress, a risk factor for major depressive disorder and Alzheimer disease, leads to the release of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein, which in turn causes neuroinflammation. The mechanism underlying stress-induced HMGB1 release is unknown, but stress-associated glucocorticoids could be involved. Primary cultured rat cortical microglia and neurons were treated with corticosterone, a stress-associated glucocorticoid, and HMGB1 release was measured by ELISA and western blotting to test this hypothesis. With corticosterone treatment, significant HMGB1 was released in microglia but not in neuronal cell cultures. HMGB1 mRNA expression and HMGB1 protein expression in microglia were not affected by corticosterone treatment. Thus, the source of extracellular HMGB1 released into the medium is likely to be existing nuclear HMGB1 rather than newly synthesized HMGB1. Corticosterone-induced HMGB1 release in microglia culture was significantly attenuated by blocking glucocorticoid receptors but not mineralocorticoid receptors. Dexamethasone, a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist, and dexamethasone-bovine serum albumin (BSA), a membrane-impermeable glucocorticoid receptor agonist used to confirm the membrane receptor-mediated effects of glucocorticoids, increased the release of HMGB1. Immunocytochemistry showed that HMGB1 translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm following dexamethasone or dexamethasone-BSA treatment through glucocorticoid receptors. The present findings suggest that glucocorticoids stimulate microglial membrane glucocorticoid receptors and trigger cytoplasmic translocation and extracellular release of nuclear HMGB1. Thus, under stress conditions, glucocorticoids induce microglial HMGB1 release, leading to a neuroinflammatory state that could mediate neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly blistering sulfur mustard analogue agent T (bis(2-chloroethylthioethyl) ether), also known as O-mustard or oxy-mustard, is a common impurity in military grade sulfur mustard (SM) and a component of mixtures such as "HT" that are still found in old munitions. Together with sesquimustard (Q), it is the most important SM analogue and tightly regulated as a Schedule 1 chemical under the Chemical Weapons Convention. We report the adducts of T with nucleophilic Cys34 and other residues in human serum albumin (HSA) formed in vitro. A micro liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolution tandem-mass spectrometry method (µLC-ESI MS/HR MS) was developed for the detection and identification of biomarker peptides alkylated by a T-derived hydroxyethylthioethyloxyethylthioethyl (HETEOETE)-moiety (as indicated by an asterisk below). Following proteolysis of T-exposed human plasma with pronase, the dipeptide Cys34*Pro and the single amino acid residue His* were produced. The use of proteinase K yielded Cys34*ProPhe and the use of pepsin generated ValThrGlu48*Phe, AlaGlu230*ValSerLysLeu, and LeuGlyMet329*Phe. Corresponding peptide-adducts of SM and Q were detected in a common workflow that in principle allowed the estimation of the mustard or mustard composition encountered during exposure. Novel adducts of Q at the Glu230 and Met239 residues were detected and are reported accordingly. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, we identified regular interactions of the Cys34(-HETEOETE)-moiety with several glutamic acid residues in HSA including Glu86, which is not an obvious interaction partner by visual inspection of the HSA crystal structure. The existence of this and other intramolecular cross-links was experimentally proven for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium and calcium play crucial roles in many physiological processes and have been carried by serum albumin in blood plasma. This protein also helps to regulate the distribution of these ions in cells and tissues. Serum albumin also carries many compounds such as drugs, hormones, and fatty acids. Therefore, binding regime of a drug with albumin may affect the serum albumin level and a certain amount of calcium and magnesium in plasma. Also, the calcium and magnesium concentrations of blood influence the binding properties of all transported materials. Quinoxalines have a significant potential in pharmaceutical chemistry. In this study, we reported the synthesis and characterization of novel quinoxaline bridged bis(benzimidazolium) salts with trifluoromethyl substituents. New compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The interactions of quinoxaline bridged bis(benzimidazolium) salts with BSA were investigated. The changes of the interactions with the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ were also studied. The binding constants in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ are approximately 104 level. Additionally, the interactions between the optimized molecules and BSA were detailed with molecular docking methods. The highest interaction was detected for 2c with −8.33 kcal/mol binding affinity. The binding affinities of other molecules are listed as 2a > 2e > 2d > 2b. H‐bonds were detected for all molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies have indicated that abnormal bone mineral density (BMD) is related to abnormal liver and kidney function, but the effect of serum albumin level on abnormal BMD and osteoporotic fracture is still controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effects of serum albumin levels on abnormal BMD and osteoporotic fractures. Methods: The study included 538 patients through the electronic medical records of inpatients and outpatients stored at Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to test the relationship between serum albumin levels and abnormal BMD, and the effect of serum albumin levels on osteoporotic fractures was verified through the U test. Correlation between age, sex, kidney stones, coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, fatty liver disease, haemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), lymphocytes (LYMP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), uric acid (UA), total bilirubin (TBIL), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and abnormal BMD were analysed by logistic regression modelling after excluding confounding factors. Results: The ALB level in osteoporotic patients was 41.70 (36.40–45.00) g/L, which was significantly lower than those in the normal BMD and reduced BMD groups. The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) between the osteoporosis and normal BMD groups was 0.445 (0.394–0.502); the OR (95% CI) between the osteoporosis and reduced BMD groups was 0.395 (0.341–0.459). In the subgroup analysis by whether or not a fracture was present, the OR (95% CI) was 0.073 (0.045–0.119). Conclusions: ALB is a protective factor against osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, suggesting that it may have the potential to predict osteoporosis onset and fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The nitrogen‐free diet (NFD) method for determining basal ileal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids (AA) has been associated with different metabolic abnormalities that can affect the accurate determination of BEL. Consequently, the use of highly digestible proteins has been suggested. This study aimed to determine the metabolic status and BEL of AA in pigs fed either an NFD or a casein (CAS) diet. Eight cannulated, castrated male pigs (39.8 kg) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 crossover design. An NFD diet based on corn starch, dextrose, cellulose, oil, vitamins and minerals was used. The CAS diet was equivalent, but 18% of the corn starch was replaced with casein. Pigs were fed one of the diets for a 7‐day period, and blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each period to determine plasma metabolites. Ileal digesta samples were collected on Days 6 and 7 to estimate the BEL of the AA. Results indicated that plasma albumin was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the CAS diet, whereas creatinine and LDL levels were higher (p < 0.03) in pigs fed the NFD. No significant differences were observed in the levels of other plasma metabolites. The BEL of protein did not differ between diets. However, in pigs fed the CAS diet, the BEL of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, glycine, histidine, threonine, alanine, tyrosine and valine significantly increased (p < 0.05), while isoleucine showed a tendency to increase (p = 0.06). In conclusion, NFD did not significantly affect energy and lipid metabolism in pigs. However, the decrease in albumin synthesis and increase in plasma creatinine levels indicate that pigs fed NFD have a negative protein balance, affecting the estimation of the BEL of AA. Therefore, it is essential to consider the metabolic state of animals when estimating the BEL of AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on metallodrugs with biological properties remains at the forefront, focusing on the development of compounds that interact non-covalently with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and possess the ability to cleave the double helix strands of this biomacromolecule. In this context, vanadium(V) imine complexes featuring a fluorinated triphenylphosphonium group, (3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)tris(4-fluorophenyl)phosphonium chloride ([AF]Cl), were studied for their targeting and accumulation in mitochondria, in addition to their interactions and ability to cleave DNA. The solid-state structures of complexes C1–C3 were elucidated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and were characterized using vibrational techniques and elemental analysis, along with extensive characterization in solution. These studies revealed that the complexes contain cis-dioxidovanadium(V) species and are zwitterionic species. It was shown that C1–C3 can interact with and are capable of cleaving plasmid DNA through oxidative mechanisms without the need for photoinduction. When potential interactions with bovine serum albumin were analyzed, it was revealed that interactions in the order of 104 M−1 (Stern–Volmer quenching constant, KSV) were observed. Additionally, in silico molecular docking studies showed that C1–C3 can preferentially interact with the minor grooves of DNA and with domain IB (site III) of bovine and human serum albumins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The decision to imbibe a blood meal is predominantly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of haematophagous arthropods to blood-derived adenine nucleotides, in particular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Despite previous efforts to identify and characterise the specificity and sensitivity to ATP and other adenine nucleotides, as well as the role of other blood-derived phagostimulants across the Culicidae, comparisons across species remain difficult. Methods: The feeding response of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae to adenine nucleotides in the presence of a carbonate buffer was assessed using a membrane feeding assay. The proportion of mosquitoes engorged and the volume imbibed by all mosquitoes was scored visually and spectrophotometrically. In addition, the proportion of prediuresing An. gambiae, as well as the volume engorged and prediuresed, was examined. Results: Aedes aegypti was more sensitive to adenine nucleotides than An. gambiae, but both species maintained specificity to these phagostimulants, demonstrating a dose-dependent bimodal feeding pattern, thereby expanding our understanding of the all-or-none blood-feeding hypothesis. Feeding on the bicarbonate buffer by An. gambiae—but not that of Ae. aegypti—demonstrated a species-specific variation in how blood phagostimulants are encoded. Adenine nucleotides, with and without bovine serum albumin, were observed to dose-dependently regulate the proportion of An. gambiae prediuresing and the volumes prediuresed but not volumes engorged. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of this study expand our understanding of how mosquitoes differentially assess and respond to blood meal constituents, and provide a basis for further physiological and molecular studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMeasuring plasma albumin is a common and important laboratory test. We compared the results obtained with the bromocresol green (BCG) colorimetric, immunoturbidimetric (IT), and capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods and evaluated the clinical reliability of the colorimetric test. Samples from 320 patients including 227 patients with hypoalbuminemia (albumin levels <35 g/L) were analyzed. Results were compared between different patient groups. The BCG method indicated significantly higher plasma albumin levels than the CE and IT methods, especially in patients with elevated C-reactive protein, alpha-1 globulin (a1G), and alpha-2 globulin (a2G) values. A significant proportion of patients with mild hypoalbuminemia tested using the BCG method (albBCG) and were classified as severely hypoalbuminemic (albumin <20 g/L) when switching to the CE or IT method (albCE and albIT). These patients had elevated a1G and/or a2G levels. This change of result implied an additional indication for albumin replacement therapy. The BCG method significantly overestimates albumin levels in patients with inflammation and hypoalbuminemia, which may lead to inappropriate therapeutic decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background/Aims Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Thromboembolism (TE) notably increase morbidity and mortality among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Despite ECCO's 2024 guidelines advocating routine anticoagulant prophylaxis, its application in Asia remains inconsistent due to a lack of regional studies. This research investigates the incidence and predictors of TE during IBD‐related hospitalizations in Taiwan, aiming to improve prevention strategies.Our retrospective cohort study included 282 adult IBD patients, accounting for 515 flare‐up related hospitalizations at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 2001 to March 2024. Patients were classified into two groups based on the occurrence of TE.The incidence of TE was 1.55%. The TE group had significantly lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin and albumin levels but higher rate of sepsis and concurrent autoimmune diseases compared to the non‐TE group. Multivariate analysis indicated that concurrent autoimmune diseases and hypoalbuminemia were independent predictors of TE. The optimal serum albumin cutoff was established at 3.01 g/dL, with sensitivities and specificities of 87.5% and 77.3%, respectively.This pioneering Asian study identifies concurrent autoimmune diseases and low serum albumin as key predictors of TE in hospitalized IBD patients. We recommend targeted anticoagulant prophylaxis for IBD patients with these risk factors, especially when serum albumin falls below 3.01 g/dL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small‐angle X‐ray scattering study on the pressure‐dependent behavior of human serum albumin (HSA) is presented. HSA is able to absorb cosolvents such as drugs or other hydrophobic substances and transport them, for example, in the human body. It is shown that the uptake of various substances is associated with increased pressure stability, which can be used as an indicator of protein–substance interaction. Especially the interaction between the substances and the hydrophobic pockets of the protein is an important aspect, which mainly depends on the hydrophobicity as well as the size of the used cosolvents. Specifically, drugs such as ibuprofen and theophylline increase the pressure stability of the protein enormously, while caffeine or TMAO, for example, has no strong influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aims Design Methods Results Conclusion Reporting Method Impact Patient or Public Contribution To examine the prevalence of factors of cognitive frailty in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD).A cross‐sectional study.From September 2023 to January 2024, 1023 patients undergoing MHD were recruited from 11 hospitals in Chengdu, China, using convenience sampling. The participants' sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, health information and laboratory indicators were assessed using a general information questionnaire. Cognitive frailty was assessed using the Fried Frailty Phenotype and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scales. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between cognitive frailty and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Independent variables for the multivariate logistic regression model encompassing age, sex, educational level, marital status, visual impairment, hearing impairment, falls within a year, depression, weight, height, Malnutrition‐inflammation score and serum albumin, sodium, phosphorus, total cholesterol and creatinine levels.Among 1023 participants with a mean age of 69.52 years, 300 (29.3%) had cognitive frailty, with a predominance of older patients. Regression analysis showed that advanced age, low literacy and low serum creatinine, sodium and total cholesterol levels were positively correlated with cognitive frailty. Furthermore, 17.1% of the participants experienced depression, a risk factor for cognitive frailty, and malnutrition was an independent risk factor for cognitive frailty.Older adult patients undergoing (MHD) are at an increased risk of developing cognitive frailty. The aetiology of cognitive frailty in this cohort was multifactorial. Targeted interventions should be designed and implemented based on these factors, prioritising nutritional guidance and mood management to prevent or reverse cognitive frailty.The study adhered to the STROBE checklist.Older adult patients undergoing MHD are at increased risk of developing cognitive frailty. Cognitive frailty screening must be incorporated into the routine assessment of older patients undergoing MHD.No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between serum albumin and prognosis in critically ill patients has been studied, however, there is a paucity of exploration into non-linear relationships, particularly in critically ill patients undergoing dialysis. This study intends to investigate the association between serum albumin (ALB) and 28 day mortality in critically ill patients undergoing dialysis. Methods: We conducted a multi-center retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing dialysis by utilising data from the eICU Collaborative Research Database from 208 distinct ICUs across the United States between 2014 and 2015. The study focused on mortality within 28 days of ICU admission. We employed univariate analysis, multi-factor logistic regression, subgroup analysis, curve-fitting, and threshold effect analysis to examine the correlation between ALB levels and 28 day mortality. Results: Among the 2,315 patients with a median age of 63 years, 205 (8.86%) died within 28 days of ICU admission. When ALB level was < 2.7 g/dL, the mortality decreased with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.34 (95% CI 0.22–0.51, P < 0.0001) for every 1 increment in the ALB. However, no significant mortality changes were observed when ALB levels were at or above this threshold. Conclusion: Our study identifies a nonlinear dose–response relationship between serum ALB levels and 28 day mortality in critically ill patients undergoing dialysis, with a specific turning point observed. This finding underscores a significant negative correlation between ALB levels and mortality risk, with lower ALB levels being associated with higher mortality risk in this particular population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyadox (CYA) is a derivative of quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide and a safe and effective synthetic antibacterial agent. Objective: This study aimed to explore the drug transport in blood, distribution, depletion and hepatotoxicity of drugs in animals. Methods: The transport of CYA in blood was studied using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking methods. Tissue distribution and depletion of CYA in rats were evaluated following oral administration of [3H]-CYA at different doses. Hepatotoxicity of drugs evaluated by transcriptomics. Results: During transport in the bloodstream, the drug binds to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by hydrogen bonding and has only one binding site. Hydrogen bonds were formed between O (2) of CYA and ARG208, O (3) of CYA and LEU480, VAL481. The secondary protein conformation of BSA changed after binding with an increase in α-helix and a decrease in β-strand. After a single oral administration of [3H]-CYA, it was excreted rapidly within 7 days, with 34.81% from the urine and 60.25% from the feces. Higher and sustained levels of radioactivity were detected in the liver during the post-dose period, suggesting that the drug may concentrate in the liver. The transcriptomic data indicates that CYA exhibits low hepatotoxicity. However, there are indications that it may have an impact on steroid biosynthesis. Conclusion: This study could serve as a basis for conducting further studies on the use of CYA in food animals and improving the pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicologic effects of CYA on food animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel dithiocarbamate polymer (TTDP) derived from bis(2‐aminothiazole) sulfide was synthesized through a straightforward process. The synthesis involved the initial conversion of 2‐aminothiazole into its bis(sulfide), subsequent reaction with chloroacetyl chloride, and final copolymerization with disodium ethylene bisdithiocarbamate. TTDP boasts a high percentage of functional groups containing sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen, contributing to its hydrophilicity, strong chelation capacity with metal cations, and compatibility with other polymers. Therefore, it was used as a strong candidate for making membranes in water media. According to this, TTDP was blended in ratios 1, 2, 5, and 10 wt% with polyvinyl chloride (PVC; 15 wt%), 2 wt% of polyethylene glycol 4000 in N,N‐dimethylacetamide as polymeric membranes for water‐based applications. The blended membranes were prepared using the casting and immersion precipitation method. The blended membrane showed high fluxes, up to 1052 L/m2 h for 2 wt% of TTDP (in comparison to the bare membrane's 459 L/m2h). Notably, they demonstrated an excellent protein solution flux of 222–269 L/m2 h at 3 bar with 96%–98% bovine serum albumin rejection. Furthermore, these membranes showed remarkable efficacy in removing cadmium ions (up to 98.96% for 5 and 10 wt% TTDP) and synthetic dye methyl orange (up to 84.03% for 2 wt% TTDP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is an acute brain injury caused by sudden occlusion of a blood vessel. Endovascular therapy is the most effective way to restore blood flow. However, despite the restoration of blood flow in some patients, their clinical prognosis often remains unsatisfactory. Albumin has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of AIS. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of local arterial infusions of 20% human serum albumin solution as an adjuvant therapy after endovascular therapy in patients with AIS. Methods: This study is a prospective, therapeutic exploratory, non-randomized, open-label, phase 1 clinical trial testing the use of 20% human serum albumin solution injected via the artery immediately after successful reperfusion in patients with AIS. The study is divided into two stages. In the first stage, a single-dose-finding will explore the maximum safe dose according to the 3 + 3 dose escalation principle;, with the maximum dose being 0.60 g/kg. After recanalizing the occluded blood vessel, human serum albumin solution will be injected into the internal carotid artery region through a guiding catheter for 30 min. The second stage involves an albumin adjuvant therapy cohort (AT) and an endovascular treatment lonely cohort (ET). The AT cohort will encompass at least 15 additional participants to complete safety trials at the maximum safe dose determined in the first stage. The ET cohort will include well-matched patients receiving endovascular therapy alone, derived from a contemporaneous prospective registry, who will be excluded from having cardiopulmonary disorders and from receiving any neuroprotective therapy. The primary outcome of this study will be symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Efficacy outcomes will include the proportion of patients with the progression of cerebral infarction volume, a modified Rankin Scale of 0–2 on day 90 after randomization. An exploratory secondary outcome will be the analysis of thromboinflammatory and neuroprotective molecule profiles. Conclusion: This pilot trial aims to explore the safety and efficacy of arterial infusion of an albumin solution after occlusive vessel opening in AIS. The results will provide data parameters for subsequent tests on the arterial infusion of albumin solutions. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05953623. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are an important tool for assessing pulmonary diseases, although clinicians often find it challenging to accurately evaluate the pulmonary function of children. Methods: We intend to investigate the association between serum albumin (SA) and lung function among U.S. adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 3,072 adolescents (aged 12 to 19) from 2007 to 2012National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PFTs, including forced vital capacity (FVC)%predicted, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)%predicted, FEV1/FVC%predicted, and maximum mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) % predicted, were utilized to assess the association between serum albumin levels and lung function. To explore the potential associations between SA and pulmonary function, we employed multivariate linear regression, subgroup analysis, smoothing curve fitting and threshold effect. Results: A positive correlation was observed between serum albumin levels and pulmonary function. In the model with a fully adjusted, each 1 g/dL serum albumin increase in SA corresponded to an increase of 2.69% in FVC%pred, 5.8% in FEV1%pred, 10.99% in FEF25–75%pred and 2.98% in FEV1/FVC%pred. This association between SA and FEV1%pred differed across gender subgroups. A non-linear relationship was observed between SA and FEV1/FVC%pred. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a positive correlation between SA and lung function, suggesting a novel modality for evaluating pulmonary function, specifically in children. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the clinical significance and level changes of uric acid (UA)/albumin(ALB) ratio (UAR) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicated with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods A total of 175 patients with CKD were divided into the simple CKD group (control group, n=94) and the CKD complicated with CHD group (experimental group, n=81). The differences of blood routine, blood lipid, renal function and UAR were compared between the two groups. The influencing factors of CKD complicated with CHD were analyzed by binary Logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of each index for CKD complicated with CHD. Results There were no significant differences in white blood cell count (WBC), monocytes (Mon), total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) between the two groups. The levels of neutrophils (Neu), red cell distribution width variation coefficient (RDW-CV), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), UA and UAR levels were higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (R＜0.05). The levels of lymphocyte (Lym), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet (PLT), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin (Alb) were lower in the experimental group than those in the control group (R＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that lower levels of RBC and MCHC, and higher levels of UAR were independent risk factors for CKD complicated with CHD. ROC curve showed that the area under the UAR curve was the largest in RBC, MCHC and UAR detection, which was 0.912 (95%CI: 0.870-0.953), the sensitivity was 90.10%, the specificity was 77.70%, the Yoden index was 0.678 and the cutoff value was 10.935. The AUC of combined detection of RBC, MCHC and UAR was 0.987 (95%CI: 0.974-0.999), the sensitivity was 93.80% and the specificity was 97.90%. Conclusion The increased serum UAR level in patients with CKD is a predictor of CHD. The combined detection of UAR, RBC and MCHC has higher prediction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The geriatric nutrition risk index (GnRI) has been regarded as a useful predictor of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. This study aimed to determine the use of the GnRI as a prognostic predictor in extremely elderly patients undergoing proximal femur fracture surgery and the usefulness of evaluation tools related to a patient's underlying disease and functional capacity in predicting the prognosis of extremely elderly patients. Methods: We analyzed 548 patients who had undergone surgery for proximal femur fracture caused by trauma, with an age of ≥80 years, without other accompanying trauma. Results: Body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.077; 95% CI, 1.010–1.149; p = 0.023), serum albumin levels (0.389; 0.223–0.678; p = 0.001), and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (1.170; 1.014–1.349; p = 0.031) were determined to be predictors of morbidity in a multivariable regression analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic curve of BMI was 0.565 (95% CI, 0.493–0.637; p = 0.065), and the optimal cut-off value could not be determined. The AUC of serum albumin was 0.647 (0.576–0.717; p < 0.001), and the optimal cut-off value was 3.65 g/dL (sensitivity, 72.2%; specificity, 52.7%). The AUC of the CCI was 0.648 (0.580–0.715; p < 0.001), and the optimal cut-off value was 6.5 (sensitivity, 63.3%; specificity, 61.4%). Conclusions: The GnRI was not a predictive factor for patient prognosis after proximal femur fractures in extreme elderly patients. Rather, serum albumin level and CCI, which reflect the patient's underlying comorbid conditions, were more useful in predicting in-hospital morbidity after proximal femur surgery in extremely elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cytokines are substances important in the regulation of the immune system. The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is important for the normal function of the immune system and also plays a pathogenic role in multiple diseases such as chronic inflammation, autoimmunity cancer, sepsis, and cardiovascular disease. A new immunoregulatory mechanism is described. Proteolytic degradation of serum albumin generates immunoregulatory neo-structures, one of which has the capacity to induce IL-6, Il-6-inducing factor, IL-6IF. The serum concentration of this factor is significantly increased in advanced stages of colon cancer and is associated with cancer-specific survival of the patients. IL-6IF is immunogenic, resulting in the production of autoantibodies with the capacity to inhibit IL-6IF-induced IL-6 synthesis. The specificity of these autoantibodies, using the single B-cell technique, enables the production of human monoclonal antibodies, which therapeutically can be used to specifically inhibit pathological IL-6 production, leaving IL-6 for the normal function of the immune system intact. Background: Interleukin-6 is dysregulated in multiple pathological conditions, e.g., cancer and inflammatory diseases. Aim: To investigate new mechanisms for the regulation of pathological IL-6 production. Methods: PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) stimulated by cancer serum factors or specific peptides produce interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunoregulatory albumin neo-structures and peptides were identified with 2D gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF-MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) analyses. Il-6 and albumin neo-structures were determined by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results: Conformational changes in normal serum albumin by proteolytic degradation generates an IL-6-inducing neo-structure, IL-6-inducing factor (IL-6IF). This neo-structure is immunogenic which results in the production of autoantibodies. IL-6 production induced by IL-6IF and cancer patient sera is inhibited by specific antibodies. The serum concentration of IL-6IF is significantly higher in advanced cancer stages, and its presence is significantly correlated with the survival of the patients. Conclusions: A new mechanism for the induction IL-6 synthesis is presented. Based on this mechanism, the pathological IL-6 production related to enhanced proteolytic activity can be diagnosed and selectively inhibited by specific antibodies. Such antibodies were identified and purified. Thus, the neo-structure, inducing pathological IL-6 production, associated with a reduced survival of cancer patients, can be selectively removed by the therapeutic administration of antibodies leaving the function of IL-6 needed for the normal activity of the immune system intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced liver function, increased oxidative stress, and inflammation in early lactation negatively affect lactation performance and health of fresh cows. Previous findings from our group demonstrated that branched-chain AA (BCAA) infusion improved lactation performance and branched-chain keto-acids (BCKA) infusion decreased liver triglyceride (TG) in fresh cows. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of BCAA and BCKA on blood and liver biomarkers of liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammation as well as expression of genes regulating inflammation and antioxidant metabolism in the liver. Thirty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design receiving continuous abomasal infusion for 21 d after parturition. Treatments (10 cows each) were control (CON), cows abomasally infused with 0.9% saline; cows abomasally infused with BCAA (67 g valine, 50 g leucine, and 34 g isoleucine; BCA); and cows abomasally infused with BCKA (77 g keto-valine, 57 g keto-leucine, and 39 g keto-isoleucine; BCK). All cows were randomly assigned to treatments after parturition and received the same diet throughout the experimental period. Blood was collected at 3, 7, 14, and 21 d postpartum for liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarker profiling. Liver was also harvested on 7, 14, and 21 d postpartum for quantification of glutathione, protein carbonylation, and expression of genes. ANOVA was conducted for all data using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS. No treatment differences were observed for liver function biomarkers (bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Cows receiving BCAA had lower blood NO 2 − and NO 3 − concentrations compared with CON. A tendency for lower advanced oxidized protein products was also observed in BCA cows compared with CON. Additionally, on d 7, BCA cows had lower protein carbonylation in the liver compared with CON. In contrast, BCK cows had higher plasma thiol and albumin, as well as liver reduced and total glutathione compared with CON cows. Compared with CON, BCK cows had higher expression glutathione reductase in the liver. Overall, these results suggest favorable alterations in oxidative stress and inflammation status in fresh cows receiving BCAA or BCKA infusion during the first 3 wk of lactation, which likely contributed to previously-observed changes in lactation performance and liver TG concentrations. Future work is required to evaluate the interrelated metabolism of BCAA and BCKA to better understand their effects on oxidative and immune metabolism. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early lactation period in dairy cows is characterized by complex interactions among energy balance (EB), disease, and alterations in metabolic and inflammatory status. The objective of this study was to cluster cows based on EB time profiles in early lactation and investigate the association between EB clusters and inflammatory status, metabolic status, oxidative stress, and disease. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 153) were selected and monitored for disease treatments during wk 1 to 6 in lactation. Weekly EB was calculated based on energy intake and energy requirements for maintenance and milk yield in wk 1 to 6 in lactation. Weekly plasma samples were analyzed for metabolic variables in wk 1 to 6, and inflammatory and oxidative stress variables in wk 1, 2, and 4 in lactation. Liver activity index (LAI) was computed from plasma albumin, cholesterol, and retino-binding protein concentration. First, cows were clustered based on time profiles of EB, resulting in 4 clusters (SP: stable positive; MN: mild negative; IN: intermediate negative; SN: severe negative). Cows in the SN cluster had higher plasma nonesterified fatty acids and BHB concentrations, compared with cows in the SP cluster, with the MN and IN clusters being intermediate. Cows in the SN cluster had a higher milk yield, lower DMI in wk 1, lower insulin concentration compared with cows in the SP cluster, and lower glucose and IGF-1 concentration compared with cows in the SP and MN clusters. Energy balance clusters were not related to plasma haptoglobin, cholesterol, albumin, paraoxonase, and LAI. Second, cows were grouped based on health status: IHP, cows with treatment for inflammatory health problem (endometritis, fever, clinical mastitis, vaginal discharge or retained placenta); OHP, cows with no IHP but treatment for other health problem (milk fever, cystic ovaries, claw and leg problems, rumen and intestine problems, or other diseases); and NHP, cows with no treatments, in the first 6 wk after calving. Energy balance was not different among health status groups. The IHP cows had lower nonesterified fatty acids and greater insulin concentration in plasma compared with OHP cows. The IHP cows had lower plasma albumin concentration, lower LAI, and higher haptoglobin concentration compared with OHP and NHP. Overall, EB time profiles were associated with the metabolic status of dairy cows in early lactation, but were only limitedly related to markers of inflammation and oxidative stress status. Inflammatory and metabolic status were related to disease events in early lactation and caused prolonged effects on liver metabolism. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton therapy is used to eradicate tumors in sensitive areas by targeted delivery of energy. Its effectiveness can be amplified using nanoparticles (NPs) as sensitizers, due to the production of reactive oxygen species at the NP's catalytically active surface, causing the cleavage of DNA. However, the impact of stabilizing macromolecular ligands capping the particles, needed for nanosensitizer dispersion in physiological fluids, is underexplored. Herein, ligand‐free colloidal platinum NPs (PtNPs) fabricated by scalable laser synthesis in liquids are used, which allows studying particle and ligand effects separately. PtNPs are incubated with stabilizing concentrations of the clinically approved ligands albumin, Tween, and polyethylene glycol, and irradiated with proton beams at clinically relevant doses (2 and 5 Gy). At these doses, plasmid DNA cleavage larger than 55% of clustered DNA damage is achieved. Bovine serum albumin, Tween, and polyethylene glycol on the NP surface work as double‐strand breaks (DSB) enhancers and synergetic effects occur even at low and clinically relevant particle concentrations and irradiation doses. Here, DSB enhancement by ligand‐capped PtNP even exceeds the sum of the individual ligand and particle effects. The presented fundamental correlations provide selection rules for nanosensitizer design in proton therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Geraniol is an acyclic monoterpenoid that is abundant in many plants, including rose, lemongrass, and lavender. As geraniol has various beneficial functions, rose oil rich in geraniol is not only used for aromatherapy but also as a supplement to promote health benefits. However, the beneficial effects of geraniol on age‐related pathologies are unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effects of geraniol intake on age‐related pathologies. Methods: We orally administered geraniol to aged mice (age: 24–29 months) five times a week for 4 weeks and sampled their blood and various organs. We investigated age‐related changes in the blood and organ samples. Furthermore, we treated HepG2 cells with geraniol and examined the expression level of the ALB gene and the amount of secreted albumin in vitro. Results: Geraniol significantly increased blood albumin, total cholesterol, and red blood cell counts, indicating an improvement in nutritional markers in aged mice. Geraniol also transcriptionally increased the Alb gene expression in the liver of aged mice. Furthermore, treatment with geraniol significantly upregulated the ALB gene expression and the secretion of albumin in the conditioned medium of HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Geraniol increases serum albumin levels at the transcriptional level. Geraniol intake can be an effective strategy for age‐related malnutrition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1233–1240. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recombinant myofibril-bound serine proteinase (rMBSP) was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 in our laboratory. However, low production of rMBSP in shake flask constraints further exploration of properties. Methods: A 5-L high cell density fermentation was performed and the fermentation medium was optimized. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the culture condition through modeling three selected parameter. Results: Under the optimized culture medium (LBSM, 1% yeast powder and 1% peptone) and culture conditions (induction pH 5.5, temperature 29 °C, time 40 h), the yield of rMBSP was 420 mg/L in a 5-L fermenter, which was a 6-fold increase over thar, expressed in flask cultivation. The desired enzyme was purified by two-step, which yielded a 33.7% recovery of a product that had over 85% purity. The activity of purified rMBSP was significantly inhibited by Ca2+, Mg2+, SDS, guanidine hydrochloeide, acetone, isopropanol, chloroform, n-hexane and n-heptane. Enzymatic analysis revealed a Km of 2.89 ± 0.09 μM and a Vmax of 14.20 ± 0.12 nM•min−1 for rMBSP. LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated the specific cleavage of bovine serum albumin by rMPSP. Conclusion: These findings suggest that rMPSP has potential as a valuable enzyme for protein science research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DSS significantly improves NS treatment outcomes compared to western medicine alone. • Network pharmacology analysis identifies multiple active compounds and pathways targeted by DSS. • DSS regulates key targets involved in inflammation, immunity, and renal fibrosis. • Study provides evidence for DSS as a promising treatment option for NS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of DSS in treating nephrotic syndrome through meta-analysis and network pharmacology methods. To conduct a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome, we searched across eight electronic databases from their establishment to May 1, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence regarding bias risk and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 5.4). Furthermore, network pharmacology was employed to validate the underlying mechanism. This study included 14 articles that involved 1256 patients with nephrotic syndrome. The clinical efficacy of DSS against nephrotic syndrome was significantly higher than that of Western medical treatment alone. In comparison with the control groups, which were administered Western medicines alone, the use of DSS significantly increased plasma albumin levels (mean difference [MD] = 4.32, 95 % confidence interval [CI] [2.37, 6.24], p < 0.00001) and reduced 24 h urinary protein excretion (MD = −0.92, 95 % CI [−1.11, −0.73], p < 0.00001), total cholesterol levels (MD = −1.23, 95 % CI [−1.76, −0.70], p < 0.00001), triglyceride levels (MD = −0.37, 95 % CI [−0.54, −0.20], p < 0.00001). Furthermore, the combination of DSS with Western medicines achieved better control of adverse reactions in comparison with the control groups (relative risk = 0.37, 95 % CI [0.29, 0.49], p < 0.00001). Network pharmacology analysis identified 39 important active compounds and 18 core target genes involved in the treatment of primary nephrotic syndrome by DSS. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis identified 2126 biological processes, 64 cellular components, and 115 molecular functions, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified 149 signaling pathways. Key active compounds include ginsenoside Rg5, ginsenoside Rg1, schisandrin A, berberine, gallic acid, quercetin, and β-sitosterol, while potential core target genes include IL6, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, IL1B , and TP53. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that DSS is involved in multiple mechanisms, such as neural development, synaptic plasticity, programmed cell death, inflammation, and immunity. DSS has higher efficacy and safety in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome and acts on nephrotic syndrome via mechanisms that involve multiple targets, components, and pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the relationship between molecular classification and HALP score in endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: Patients who were operated with the diagnosis of EC 2014 and 2024 were included in our study. 150 patients were included in the study. We divided the patients into three groups in terms of molecular classification; group 1 was the patients with POLE mutation, group 2 was the patients with MMRd and NSMP (intermediate prognosis), and group 3 was the patients with p53 mutation. Group 2 participants were divided into two groups, a low HALP score group and a high HALP score group, according to the HALP score cut‐off value. Results: Using the value with the highest Youden's index (0.306) as a basis, it was demonstrated that the HALP score with a cut‐off value of 33.735 has a sensitivity of 61.86% and a specificity of 68.75% in intermediate‐risk EC. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was found to be 75.4% in intermediate‐risk EC patients with low HALP scores and 91.5% in intermediate‐risk EC patients with high HALP scores (p = 0.008). The 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was found to be 86% in intermediate‐risk EC patients with low HALP scores and 94.4% in intermediate‐risk EC patients with high HALP scores (p = 0.089). MMR deficiency and NSMP have been considered intermediate‐risk groups for endometrial cancer and are a heterogeneous group. Although the use of the HALP score to reduce this heterogeneity is successful in predicting OS, it is not sufficient for PFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) has been described as a useful screening tool for patient prognosis in several diseases. As a potential diagnostic index, it has attracted the interest of many physicians. However, the correlation between the PNI and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains unclear. Methods: A total of 285 patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. PNI was assessed as serum albumin (g/L) + 5× lymphocyte count (109/L) and was dichotomized according to the prespecified cut-off points 48.43 for the high and low groups. PSCI was defined as Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) < 27 at the 6–10 months follow-up. Multiple logistic regression and linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between PNI and cognitive outcomes. Results: A low PNI was independently associated with PSCI after adjusting for age, sex, education, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH), and stroke history (odds ratio [OR]: 2.158; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.205–3.863). The PNI scores were significantly associated with MMSE and attention domain (β = 0.113, p = 0.006; β = 0.109, p = 0.041, respectively). The PNI improved the model's discrimination when added to the model with other clinical risk factors. Conclusions: A low PNI was independently associated with the occurrence of PSCI and the PNI scores were specifically associated with the scores of global cognition and attention domain. It can be a promising and straightforward screening indicator to identify the person with impaired immune-nutritional status at higher risk of PSCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Albumin (ALB) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are both associated with the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A recent prognostic marker, the BUN/ALB ratio (BAR), has been suggested as a simple and sensitive method to predict certain acute diseases. Aims: To determine the predictive value of BAR in relation to the risk of in-hospital mortality among AIS patients. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Cox regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between in-hospital mortality and BAR, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis of acute pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and septic shock was performed to further examine this relationship. The predictive value of BAR and BAR multivariate models for in-hospital mortality was evaluated and compared to BUN, ALB, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) score, and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA). Results: Among the 1,635 eligible patients, 226 (13.81%) died during hospitalization. An elevated serum BAR level was associated with an increased in-hospital mortality risk (HR: 1.3) after covariates were adjusted. Additionally, this positive association was observed in patients without AP, AMI, thrombolysis, history of thrombectomy, or septic shock (all; p < 0.05). The efficacy of the BAR multivariate model in predicting in-hospital mortality among AIS patients was superior to that of both APACHE IV and SOFA, with an area under the curve of 0.87. Conclusion: Serum BAR exhibits the potential to identify AIS patients with high mortality risk, which may contribute to enhanced disease surveillance and risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated preoperative patient factors associated with prognosis in 263 bladder cancer (BC) patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). We also developed new risk stratification models for prognosis. Methods: This retrospective study included patients treated at Tottori University Hospital and affiliated hospitals between January 2010 and December 2019. The relationship between preoperative patient factors and overall recurrence‐free and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was analyzed. The modified Glasgow prognosis score (mGPS) was calculated using serum albumin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. Statistical analyses included the log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG‐PS), mGPS, and clinical tumor stage independently predicted CSS in multivariate analysis. A new risk stratification model included ECOG‐PS ≥2, clinical tumor stage ≥3, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, and serum CRP >0.5 mg/dL. Risk groups were defined as 0 factors (low risk), 1–2 factors (intermediate risk), and 3–4 factors (high risk). High‐risk patients showed significantly poorer 3‐year cancer‐free survival: 86.9% (low risk), 76.7% (intermediate risk), and 50.0% (high risk). Conclusions: ECOG‐PS, clinical tumor stage, and mGPS are predictive of poor cancer‐free survival post‐RC for BC. Our model offers the potential for prognostic prediction in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transthyretin (TTR), a homotetrameric protein found in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and the eye, plays a pivotal role in the onset of several amyloid diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Protein aggregation and fibril formation by wild-type TTR and its natural more amyloidogenic variants are hallmarks of ATTRwt and ATTRv amyloidosis, respectively. The formation of soluble amyloid aggregates and the accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils and deposits in multiple tissues can lead to organ dysfunction and cell death. The most frequent manifestations of ATTR are polyneuropathies and cardiomyopathies. However, clinical manifestations such as carpal tunnel syndrome, leptomeningeal, and ocular amyloidosis, among several others may also occur. This review provides an up-to-date listing of all single amino-acid mutations in TTR known to date. Of approximately 220 single-point mutations, 93% are considered pathogenic. Aspartic acid is the residue mutated with the highest frequency, whereas tryptophan is highly conserved. "Hot spot" mutation regions are mainly assigned to β-strands B, C, and D. This manuscript also reviews the protein aggregation models that have been proposed for TTR amyloid fibril formation and the transient conformational states that convert native TTR into aggregation-prone molecular species. Finally, it compiles the various in vitro TTR aggregation protocols currently in use for research and drug development purposes. In short, this article reviews and discusses TTR mutagenesis and amyloidogenesis, and their implications in disease onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The role of histamine in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) is poorly understood. We investigated plasma histamine levels across ACLD stages and their prognostic value. Methods: We included patients with evidence of ACLD, defined by portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥6 mmHg) and/or a liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography ≥10 kPa, who underwent HVPG measurement between 2017 and 2020. Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) and/or liver‐related death were defined as composite endpoint. Results: Of 251 patients, 82.5% had clinically significant portal hypertension (median HVPG: 17 mmHg [interquartile range (IQR) 12–21]) and 135 patients (53.8%) were decompensated at baseline. Median plasma histamine was 8.5 nmol/L (IQR: 6.4–11.5), 37.1% of patients showed elevated values (>9.9 nmol/L). Histamine levels did not differ significantly across Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) stages nor strata of model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) or HVPG. Histamine levels correlated with markers of circulatory dysfunction (i.e. sodium, renin and aldosterone). During a median follow‐up of 29.2 months, 68 patients developed ACLF or liver‐related death. In univariate as well as in multivariate analysis (adjusting for age, sex, HVPG as well as either MELD, clinical stage, and serum albumin or CTP and serum sodium), elevated histamine levels remained associated with the composite endpoint. CTP‐based multivariate model adjusted sub‐distribution hazard ratio (asHR): 1.010 (95% CI: 1.004–1.021), p <.001; MELD‐based multivariate model asHR: 1.030 (95% CI: 1.017–1.040), p <.001. Conclusion: High levels of histamine were linked to circulatory dysfunction in ACLD patients and independently associated with increased risks of ACLF or liver‐related death. Further mechanistic studies on the link between histamine signalling and development of hyperdynamic circulation and ACLF are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing efficient artificial proteases still remains a great challenge due to the high stability of peptide bonds. Nanozymes have attracted great attention for their high stability, low cost and inherent physicochemical properties, providing new opportunities to break through natural enzyme inherent limitations, but the intrinsic mimic proteases properties of nanomaterials were seldom explored. Herein, we describe for the first time that SBA-3 supported Cu2O (Cu2O/SBA-3) exhibited excellent protease-like activity to hydrolysis of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and casein under neutral conditions, which is even superior to natural proteases (trypsin) and most of the other protease mimics under identical conditions. It exhibited surprisingly high catalytic activity and possessed good stability. As the first example of protease mimics consist of metallic compounds and mesoporous materials, Cu2O/SBA-3 has many advantages, such as easy preparation and separation, high activity and stability, mild reaction conditions, which makes this catalytic system have multiple of potential applications in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutropenic sepsis (NS) is one of the leading causes of death among patients with hematologic malignancies. Identifying its predictive factors is fundamental for early detection. Few studies have evaluated the predictive factors in relation to microbial infection confirmation, which is clinically important for initiating sepsis treatment. This study aimed to determine whether selected biomarkers (i.e., body temperature, C-reactive protein, albumin, procalcitonin), treatment-related characteristics (i.e., diagnosis, duration of neutropenia, treatment modality), and infection-related characteristics (i.e., infection source, causative organisms) can predict NS in patients with hematologic malignancies. We also aimed to identify the optimal predictive cutoff points for these parameters. This retrospective case–control study used the data from a total of 163 patients (58 in the sepsis group and 105 in the non-sepsis group). We collected data with reference to the day of specimen collection, with which microbial infection was confirmed. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine predictive risk factors and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic for the optimal predictive cutoff points. The independent predictors of NS were average body temperature during a fever episode and procalcitonin level. The odds for NS rose by 9.97 times with every 1°C rise in average body temperature (95% confidence interval, CI [1.33, 75.05]) and by 2.09 times with every 1 ng/mL rise in the procalcitonin level (95% CI [1.08, 4.04]). Average body temperature (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI [0.68, 0.87]) and procalcitonin levels (AUC = 0.71, 95% CI [0.59, 0.84]) have fair accuracy for predicting NS, with the optimal cutoff points of 37.9°C and 0.55 ng/mL, respectively. This study found that average body temperature during a fever episode and procalcitonin are useful in predicting NS. Thus, nurses should carefully monitor body temperature and procalcitonin levels in patients with hematologic malignancies to detect the onset of NS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an initial treatment for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), there remains a significant proportion of patients for whom rituximab is not fully effective. Here, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of obinutuzumab as initial treatment in patients with PMN. Methods: In this observational case series, patients diagnosed with PMN and treated with obinutuzumab as initial treatment were included. Treatment response was assessed by 24‐h urine total protein (24 h UTP) and serum albumin, and immunologic remission was assessed by phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies. Results: Twelve patients with PMN receiving obinutuzumab as initial treatment were included. Over 6 months, a statistically significant reduction in 24 h UTP levels (p = 0.003) and an increase in serum albumin levels were observed (p < 0.001). By the 6‐month follow‐up, two patients (16.7%) achieved complete remission, eight (66.6%) reached partial remission, and two (16.7%) showed no remission. Immunological remission was observed in 44.4% of evaluable patients (n = 9) after 3 months, increasing to 100% (6/6) at 6 months. Except for cases 1, 2, and 3, the total B cell counts in the remaining patients fell to less than 5 cells/μL before the administration of the second dose of obinutuzumab, including seven patients with counts as low as 0 cells/μL. Mild to moderate treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 58.3% (7/12) of the patients. No serious TRAEs were reported. Conclusions: Obinutuzumab demonstrates promising potential as an initial treatment for PMN, with good effectiveness and a manageable safety profile. Further large‐scale prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and neuroprotective effect of well-characterised berberine-bovine serum albumin (BBR-BSA) nanoparticles. BBR-BSA nanoparticles were generated by desolvation method. Entrapment efficiency, loading capacity, particle size, polydispersity index, surface morphology, thermal stability, and in-vitro release were estimated. In-vitro pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution were conducted. Their neuroprotection was evaluated against lipopolysaccharides-induced neurodegeneration. BBR-BSA nanoparticles showed satisfactory particle size (202.60 ± 1.20 nm) and entrapment efficiency (57.00 ± 1.56%). Results confirmed the formation of spheroid-thermal stable nanoparticles with a sustained drug release over 48 h. Sublingual and intranasal routes had higher pharmacokinetic plasma profiles than other routes, with Cmax values at 0.75 h (444 ± 77.79 and 259 ± 42.41 ng/mL, respectively). BBR and its metabolite distribution in the liver and kidney were higher than in plasma. Intranasal and sublingual treatment improves antioxidants, proinflammatory, amyloidogenic biomarkers, and brain architecture, protecting the brain. In conclusion, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may be prevented by intranasal and sublingual BBR-BSA nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the conformational changes in human serum albumin (HSA) caused by chemical (CD) and thermal denaturation (TD) at pH 7.4 and 9.9, crucial for designing controlled drug delivery systems with paclitaxel (PTX). Methods: Experimental and computational methods, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), UV-Vis and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, mean diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), in vitro release and protein docking studies were conducted to study the HSA denaturation and nanoparticles (NPs) preparation. Results: TD at pH 7.4 produced smaller NPs (287.1 ± 12.9 nm) than CD at pH 7.4 with NPs (584.2 ± 47.7 nm). TD at pH 9.9 exhibited high EE (97.3 ± 0.2%w/w) with rapid PTX release (50% within 1h), whereas at pH 7.4 (96.4 ± 2.1%w/w), release only 40%. ζ-potentials were around −30 mV. Conclusion: Buffer type and pH significantly influence NP properties. TD in PBS at pH 7.4, provided optimal conditions for a stable and efficient drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the albumin/bilirubin ratio index and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase ratio (ALT) index in patients diagnosed with cholestasis during pregnancy, and to demonstrate their correlation with liver damage. Additionally, potential strategies to prevent liver damage will be elucidated. Materials and method: Our study is a retrospective study. A total of 4019 pregnant women aged between 18 and 40 years, presenting with itching complaints at 32–36 weeks of gestation, were screened at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital of Health Sciences University between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023. Among them, 104 pregnant women without any other accompanying diseases were diagnosed with Gestational Cholestasis. Among the 104 diagnosed women, 78 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Twenty-six women were excluded from the study due to missing albumin and total bilirubin values or due to blood samples being taken at different times. The serum albumin/bilirubin ratio index and the alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio index were calculated and statistically compared between pregnant women diagnosed with cholestasis and healthy pregnant women at the same gestational week. Findings: We found that AST, ALT, albumin, and total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in pregnant women diagnosed with cholestasis compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The AST/ALT index in the case group was significantly lower compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences found between the case and control groups regarding the albumin/total bilirubin index and ALBI grade. When comparing ALBI grades in cases, no significant differences were found in terms of patients' age, gestational week, AST, ALT, and AST/ALT index. When compared according to ALBI grades, the albumin level was higher in patients with ALBI grade I compared to grade II, and in patients with grade II compared to grade III. The total bilirubin level was significantly higher in patients with ALBI grade III compared to grades I and II, but there was no significant difference between grades I and II. No significant differences were found among the groups separated according to ALBI grades when FBA values were compared. Conclusion: In this study, the negative correlation between lower AST/ALT ratio and FBA values in patients with severe cholestasis suggests the need for careful consideration regarding future liver damage. The lack of difference in ALBI score between the case and control groups, as well as the absence of correlation with FBA values, indicates the necessity to evaluate ALBI score based on patients' long-term prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug molecules exist as complexed with serum proteins such as human serum albumin (HSA) and/or unbound free form in the blood circulation. Drugs can be effective only when they are free. Thus, it is important to understand aspects that are important for interaction between drugs and interacting proteins. In this study, interactions among 2990 FDA approved drugs and HSA were computational analyzed to unravel principles that are critical for drug‐HSA interactions. Docking results showed that drugs have higher affinity toward cavity‐1 (C1) than cavity‐2 (C2). A total of 1131 drug molecules have docking score greater than 60 while 768 molecules have docking score greater than 60 when they are docked in C2. In addition, three solvent channels have potential to direct solvent to C1 cavity while C2 does not have any effective channel. The post MD analyses demonstrated that drugs are making polar interactions with basic amino acids in the binding cavities. Verbscoside and ceftazidime both have stable low RMSD values throughout MD simulation with 2 Å on average in C1 cavity. The ligand RMSD shows less stability for verbscoside, which is around 4 Å when it is in complex with HSA in C1. The individual contribution of the residues K192, K196, R215, and R254 to ceftazidime are −1.92 ± 0.18, −3.09 ± 0.09, −2.17 ± 0.17, and − 2.32 ± 0.098, respectively. These residues contribute the binding energy of the verbscoside by −6.06 ± 0.08, −2.10 ± 0.06, and − 1.57 ± 0.03 kcal/mol individually in C1 cavity. C2 is making polar interactions with drug via R469, K472, and K488 residues and their contribution to the two drugs are −3.13 ± 0.21 kcal/mol for R469, −1.94 ± 0.18 kcal/mol for K472, and −1.96 ± 0.11 kcal/mol for K488 to total binding energy of ceftazidime. The binding energy of verbscoside is 57.17 ± 7.00 kcal/mol and Arg‐407 has the highest contribution this bind energy individually with −4.29 ± 0.12 kcal/mol. Drugs with hydrogen bond donor/acceptor chemical adducts such as verbscoside involve higher hydrogen bond formation in C1 pocket. Ceftazidime makes interaction with HSA toward hydrophobic residues, L384, L404, L487, and L488 in the C2 cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in plasma, playing crucial roles in regulating osmotic pressure and maintaining protein homeostasis. It is widely applied in the clinical treatment of various diseases. HSA can be purified from plasma or produced using recombinant DNA technology. Due to the improved efficiency and reduced costs, a growing body of research has focused on enhancing albumin production through bacterial strain overexpression. However, there have been few studies on the effect of albumin on the characteristics of the overexpressing‐strain itself, particularly stress resistance. In this study, we utilized Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) AR113 as the expression host and successfully constructed the albumin overexpression strain AR113‐pLLY01 through gene editing technology. The successful expression of albumin was achieved and subsequently compared with the wild‐type strain AR113‐pIB184. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the survival rate of AR113‐pLLY01 was also significantly better than that of AR113‐pIB184 after lyophilization. In addition, AR113‐pLLY01 exhibited a significantly better protective effect than AR113‐pIB184 at pH 3, indicating that albumin possesses a certain tolerance to acidic stress. At bile salt concentrations higher than 0.03%, both strains showed limited growth, but at a concentration of 0.02%, AR113‐pLLY01 had a significant protective effect. CONCLUSION: This study suggest that albumin can improve strain tolerance, which has significant implications for future applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified reconstruction technique-anchored straight stomach reconstruction-in reducing the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and its impact on postoperative nutritional recovery. Methods: A case series analysis of 125 consecutive PD patients was conducted: 104 of them had undergone anchored straight stomach reconstruction (SSR group) and the remaining 21 without (Non-SSR group). The incidence of DGE and the change in postoperative nutritional status (body weight and serum albumin level during 12 months post-surgery) were compared. Results: The incidence of DGE in the SSR group (13%) was significantly lower than that in the Non-SSR group (33%) (P = .018); further the significant DGE (grade B or C) was only 5%. Comparison of nutritional status showed that SSR facilitated a prompt recovery of body weight and serum albumin level at 6 months after PD. At 12 months after surgery, body weight gain was significantly better in the SSR group than in the Non-SSR group (P = .006), and albumin level tended to be higher in the SSR group (P = .071). Conclusion: Straight stomach reconstruction is able to reduce DGE in patients after PD and also improves their postoperative nutritional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, new Cu (II) and Zn (II) chelates (3–6) of 3‐/or 4‐ethyl and azo chromophore groups (NN) containing Schiff base ligands (2‐{(E)‐[(4‐ethylphenyl)imino]methyl}‐4‐[(E)‐phenyldiazenyl]phenol, HL1 (1) and 2‐{(E)‐[(3‐ethylphenyl)imino]methyl}‐4‐[(E)‐phenyldiazenyl]phenol, HL2 (2) were prepared and characterized by the analytical and spectroscopic methods. Crystal structures of chelates 3, 4 and 6 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The ligands behaved as bidentates, coordinating through the nitrogen atom of the azomethine group (CHN) and the oxygen atom of the α‐hydroxyl group (OH). The metal:ligand ratio in the prepared copper (II) and zinc (II) chelates was found to be 1:2 by analytical and spectral analysis. The bands in the infrared spectra of the metal chelates in the region of 522–504 cm−1 and 467–455 cm−1 are attributed to ν(MO) and ν(MN) vibrations, respectively. When the DNA binding activities of the compounds were examined, it was determined that compound 4 had the highest binding constant. Fluorescence and viscosity data showed that the compounds interact with DNA through minor grove binding mode. Furthermore, anticancer properties of the compounds were investigated. Ligand 2 was found to be highly effective against the HepG2 cell with an IC50 of 0.31 μM. In addition, structural analysis, frontier molecular orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential maps, Hirshfeld surface analysis of the synthesized compounds using computational chemistry methods and anticancer activity studies were carried out by molecular docking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not yet been reported. In this large-scale investigation, 7894 AIS patients with ICAS-evaluation imaging data from the Third China National Stroke Registry were included. ICAS was defined as >50% stenosis of the intracranial arteries. We dichotomized the degree of ICAS into stenosis and occlusion. The number of ICAS lesions was the total number of intracranial stenotic arteries. Fibrinogen and albumin levels were assessed in the central laboratory of Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression were used to determine the association between the FAR quartiles and ICAS. A total of 3900 (49.66%) patients had ICAS. Compared with those of the lowest FAR quartile, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the highest FAR quartile were 1.26 (1.10–1.44), 1.15 (.99–1.33), and 1.19 (1.01–1.39) for ICAS, symptomatic ICAS, and asymptomatic ICAS, respectively. An elevated FAR was also associated with occlusion (adjusted OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.10–1.49) and lesion number ≥2 (adjusted OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.45). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of traditional Chinese emotional nursing combined with lung rehabilitation training and oral nutrition preparation on improving the nutritional status and lung function of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The control group received conventional Western medicine and lung rehabilitation training, while the observation group received traditional Chinese emotional nursing combined with oral nutrition preparation. After nursing, the self-rating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale scores in the observwere lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), whereas forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and 6-min walk distance were higher (P < 0.05). Serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M levels were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After nursing, the scores for physical, material, social, and psychological functions in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, traditional Chinese emotional nursing combined with lung rehabilitation training and oral nutrition preparation can relieve negative emotions, promote pulmonary function and nutritional status, and improve the quality of life of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]