Rates of PCR Positivity of Pleural Drainage Fluid in COVID-19 Patients: Is It Expected?

Background: Tube thoracostomy, utilized through conventional methodologies in the context of pleural disorders such as pleural effusion and pneumothorax, constitutes one of the primary therapeutic interventions. Nonetheless, it is imperative to recognize that invasive procedures, including tube thoracostomy, are classified as aerosol-generating activities during the management of pleural conditions in patients afflicted with COVID-19, thus raising substantial concerns regarding the potential exposure of healthcare personnel to the virus. The objective of this investigation was to assess the SARS-CoV-2 viral load by detecting viral RNA in pleural drainage specimens from patients who underwent tube thoracostomy due to either pleural effusion or pneumothorax.

Fetuin-A levels in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main microvascular complications of diabetes and one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide. Fetuin-A is a glycoprotein correlated with insulin resistance and has been measured in DR patients. Herein, we aimed to investigate these studies through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Relationship Between Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Atherogenic Index with LV Geometry Pattern in Obese Children: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Serbia.

Arterial hypertension and increased atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk associated in individuals with obesity both in adults and children. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between AIP and systolic ambulatory blood pressure index (sABPI) with left ventricular geometry pattern in obese children. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 129 obese children (BMI greater or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex) were examined.

Evolving Clinical Features of Diabetic Ketoacidosis: The Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors.

: The antidiabetic effect of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is) is based on their ability to increase glucose excretion through urine by inhibiting the kidney-resident SGLT2 protein. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EuDKA) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening adverse effect of these medications, which are notable for their antidiabetic, cardiovascular, and renal protective properties. This study aimed to clarify the impact of SGLT2-is on demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics in patients with DKA.

Blood Pressure Patterns and Hepatosteatosis: Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment in Dipper and Non-Dipper Phenotypes.

: Non-dipper hypertension (HT), a condition in which blood pressure does not drop sufficiently at night compared to daytime, is considered a serious condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and organ damage. This study aimed to examine the relationship between dipper and non-dipper blood pressure patterns, hepatosteatosis, and biochemical markers in hypertensive and normotensive individuals. Demographic, biochemical, and hepatic ultrasonography data from 142 patients who underwent 24 h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) were evaluated retrospectively and cross-sectionally in this study.

Investigating the Hepatic Response to Orlistat and White Tea in Rats on a High-Fat Diet.

High-fat diets have detrimental health impacts that increase the likelihood of developing obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to examine the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of orlistat and white tea in rats fed a high-fat diet. Thirty-two rats were randomized into four groups: control (standard diet), HFD (high-fat diet), HFD+Orlistat (high-fat diet+orlistat), and HFD+WT (high-fat diet+white tea extract).

Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoinflammatory, chronic disease. Patients with AS are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The link between AS and subclinical atherosclerosis is multifactorial and still not completely understood.

Advances in microRNAs as Emerging Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating advancements in early detection and innovative treatment strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs involved in gene regulation, have emerged as crucial players in the pathogenesis of CRC. This review synthesizes the latest findings on miRNA deregulated in precancerous lesions and in CRC.

Biochemical markers and carotid intima-media thickness in relation to cardiovascular risk in young women.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in the female population. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between CVD risk and novel endothelial dysfunction biomarkers [i.e.

Sex-Specific Associations between Thyroid Status, Inflammation and Hemostasis Biomarkers in Patients with Subacute Thyroiditis.

: Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is characterized by profound inflammation and fluctuations in thyroid hormones which may affect the hemostasis balance. This study investigates sex-specific associations between thyroid status, inflammation and hemostasis biomarkers in SAT. : We included 52 patients (40 women and 12 men) treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or methylprednisolone (MPS).

Contributing role of metabolic genes APOE, FTO, and LPL in the development of atrial fibrillation: insights from a case-control study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the expression profile of genes (APOE, FTO, and LPL) associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in subjects with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: A total of 690 subjects were categorized into control, AF without MetS, and AF with MetS.

Results: The expression profiles of the APOE, FTO, and LPL genes were decreased in AF subjects and AF subjects with MetS as compared to the controls.

Adipokines and their role in acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by an inflammatory response that leads to edema and haemorrhaging of pancreatic tissue. In severe cases, it can even result in the necrosis of pancreatic tissue following activation within the pancreas. Adipokines are biologically active molecules released by adipose tissue that have a wide-ranging impact on health and disease.

Dexmedetomidine on the interplay of IL-6 and STAT3 pathways in adrenal gland damage-induced scalding burns in rats.

Scalding burns are a common form of thermal injury that often leads to systemic complications. Pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways have been linked to the pathophysiology of organ damage caused by burns. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist with anti-inflammatory properties, on the interplay of IL-6 and STAT3 pathways in adrenal gland damage following scalding burns in rats.

Effect of fibromyalgia on demographic, biochemical, metabolic and inflammatory profiles: a single-centre retrospective study.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to ascertain the disparities in demographic features and biochemical profiles between individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) and a control group of healthy individuals.

Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study compared the demographic, biochemical, metabolic, and inflammatory indexes and rates of 174 FM patients diagnosed using the American College of Rheumatology 2016 diagnostic criteria between January 2023 and January 2024, and 186 healthy control groups.

Results: There was no difference between the FM and control groups in terms of alcohol consumption, marital status, or diabetes mellitus.

Therapeutic Potential of Sodium-glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitors and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review of Clinical Evidence.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is still one of the leading causes of death globally, with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) being the most prevalent form of ASCVD. Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) experience an increased risk for ASCVD during the disease course, with CAD being the most common cause of death among affected individuals, resulting in shorter life expectancy and increased morbidity among survivors. Recently, 2 novel classes of anti-diabetic drugs, namely Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter- 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have shown impressive cardio-renal benefits for patients with type 2 DM, while they might decrease cardio-renal risk even in the absence of baseline DM.

Are Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Reliable Part of Multimarker Panel in Female Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

Oxidative stress and inflammation are the key features of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). However, studies that explored redox homeostasis parameters in relation to T2D show discrepant results. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the potential reliability of oxidative stress biomarkers [ determined by malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and catalase (CAT)] in addition to traditional cardiometabolic parameters in relation to T2D in female cohort.

Interleukins: Pathogenesis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated as crucial contributors to the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The exact mechanisms by which interleukins (ILs) contribute to NAFLD may vary, and ongoing research is aimed at understanding the specific roles of different ILs in the pathogenesis of this condition. In addition, variations in environmental factors and genetics in each individual can influence the onset and/or progression of NAFLD.