Angiopoietin-2 and Mortality Outcomes in End-Stage Renal Disease with Heart Failure as a Comorbidity.

Angiopoeitin-2 (Ang2) is a vascular growth factor involved in regulating angiogenesis and endothelial remodeling. Higher Ang2 levels have been associated with mortality in the general population and among male hemodialysis patients, but its effects on concomitant heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are unknown. Plasma samples from 73 ESRD patients and 40 healthy patients were analyzed for Ang2 concentrations using ELISA.

Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Immunothrombosis in the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) induces proinflammatory processes which incite vascular endothelial activation and dysfunction. This study seeks to examine the potential relationship between various endothelial, inflammatory, thrombotic, and renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) biomarkers in AF patients.Blood samples were from AF patients (n = 110) prospectively enrolled in this study prior to their first AF ablation.

Endogenous Dysregulation of Thromboinflammatory Biomarkers in End-Stage Renal Disease, and Their Amplification by Heart Failure.

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a common comorbidity. Thromboinflammatory processes in both conditions represent complex pathophysiology, demonstrated by dysregulation of thromboinflammatory biomarkers, and commonly resulting in the combined pathology of cardiorenal syndrome. We sought to investigate the effects of HFrEF on these biomarkers in patients with ESRD, and observe the relationship to mortality.

Decreased Thrombin Generation is Associated with Increased Thrombin Generation Biomarkers and Blood Cellular Indices in Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a heterogenous condition with variable clinical presentations. Thrombin generation potential (TGP) and biomarkers, and blood cellular indices can reflect the underlying pathophysiology and risk stratification of PE. This case-control study analyzed TGP in 209 PE patients from Loyola University, Pulmonary Embolism Response Team program compared to normal human plasma (NHP) controls.

Thromboinflammatory Biomarkers of Cardiorenal Syndrome in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease.

Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent complication in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis. In the ESRD patient population, cardiovascular mortality is 20 times higher compared to the general population. The strong relationship between both illnesses can be explained through cardiorenal syndrome (CRS).

The prognostic value of blood cellular indices in pulmonary embolism.

Prognostication in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) requires reliable markers. While cellular indices such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) appear promising, their utility in PE prognostication needs further exploration. We utilized data from the RIETE registry and the Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) to assess the prognostic value of NLR, PLR, and SII in acute PE, using logistic regression models.

Andexanet Alfa Neutralizes the Anticoagulant Effects of Unfractionated Heparin of Bovine, Ovine and Porcine Origin Almost as Protamine Sulfate.

Introduction: Andexanet alfa (AA) - zhzo, recombinant coagulation factor Xa, is an approved antidote for oral Xa inhibitors (apixaban and rivaroxaban). Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is commonly used for therapeutic, interventional, and surgical indications. Protamine sulfate (PrSO) is frequently used to neutralize UFH.

Biomarkers Profile in Provoked Unprovoked Deep Venous Thrombosis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), represents a substantial healthcare challenge. Provoked and unprovoked DVT cases carry distinct risks and treatment considerations. Recognizing the limitations of this classification, molecular markers may enhance diagnostic precision and guide anticoagulation therapy duration relying on patient history and risk factors.

Glycemic Control and Plasma Levels of Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Thrombotic Biomarkers in Diabetic Patients Presenting with Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Type I and type II diabetes are closely associated with a pro-inflammatory state and to a pro-thrombotic state. The role of glycemic control in pulmonary embolism (PE) is poorly understood and requires additional investigation. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between glycemic control and thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in a PE patient cohort compared to normal samples.

Interrelationship Between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Collagen Remodeling Proteins in Atrial Fibrillation.

Introduction: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. Inflammation and structural remodeling of the left atrium are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of AF. This study explores collagen remodeling and inflammatory biomarkers in AF patients compared to healthy controls to discern their role in AF.

Fibrinolytic Status and Risk of Death After Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a heterogeneous disease process with variable presentation and outcomes. The endogenous fibrinolytic system is a complex framework of regulatory pathways that maintains homeostasis by dissolving overabundant thrombi. We sought to investigate phenotypic profiles of the endogenous fibrinolytic system among patients presenting with acute PE and their impact on mortality.

Potency Adjusted Blended Heparin of Bovine, Ovine, and Porcine Heparin Exhibit Comparable Biologic Effects to Referenced Single-Sourced Porcine Heparin.

Bovine and ovine mucosa represent alternate anticoagulants to porcine mucosa for production of unfractionated heparin (UFH). Standardized heparins from various sources can be blended and potency adjusted, blended heparins exhibit comparable effects as single-sourced porcine UFH. This study evaluated the pharmacologic profile of blended heparin and compared their activities to that of single sourced porcine, ovine, and bovine heparins.

Collagen Remodeling and Fatty Acid Regulation Biomarkers in Understanding the Molecular Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation.

Introduction: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrythmia in the world. Structural remodeling and fatty acid metabolism dysregulation are believed to play a role in the development of AF. This study explored different biomarkers in the blood of AF patients and a control population to determine if there was a significant difference between the two groups.

Differential Neutralization of Apixaban, Betrixaban, Edoxaban, and Rivaroxaban by Andexanet Alfa as Measured by Whole Blood Thromboelastographic Analysis.

Introduction: The available oral anti-Xa agents are routinely used for the management of thrombotic disorders. A molecularly modified recombinant coagulation FXa, also known as Andexanet Alfa (AA), that has been developed as an antidote to neutralize the bleeding effects of oral FXa inhibitors, such as Apixaban and Rivaroxaban.

Materials And Methods: This study utilized thromboelastography (TEG 5000 Hemostasis System), to investigate the neutralizing effects of AA at different concentrations of oral FXa inhibitors measuring such parameters as R-Time, K-Time, Angle, and Max Amplitude (MA).

Cellular Indices and Outcome in Patients with Acute Venous Thromboembolism.

Background: Cellular indices provide integrative information about systemic inflammation status which is readily available from routine laboratory parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of three cellular indices in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods: The RIETE registry database was used to determine the association between the baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte-ratio (PLR) and systemic-immune-inflammation-index (SII) for 90-day adverse outcomes in patients with acute VTE.

Predictive Role of Blood Cellular Indices and Their Relationship with Endogenous Glycosaminoglycans as Determinants of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pulmonary Embolism.

Introduction: In this study, we profiled the levels of blood cellular indices, endogenous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and inflammatory biomarkers in a cohort comprised of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients, to determine their inter-relationships. Identification of this relationship may provide insight to the complex pathophysiology of PE and the predictive role of blood cellular indices in acute PE patients.

Materials And Methods: Plasma samples from PE patients and healthy controls were analyzed for thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, VEGF, IFN-ɣ, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, MCP-1, EGF, D-dimer, CRP and MMP-9) using biochip array and ELISA methods.

Differential Neutralization of Unfractionated Heparin and Enoxaparin by Andexanet Alfa.

Introduction: Andexanet alfa (andexanet) is an approved antidote used to reverse the bleeding effects of Direct Oral Anticoagulant (Direct-Xa agents) agents because it reverses anti-Xa activity. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) exhibit anti-Xa activity. The purpose is to investigate the neutralization of UFH and LMWH by andexanet in activated clotting time (ACT), thrombelastography (TEG), and anti-Xa due to the protamine sulfate shortage.

The Relevance of Anti-PF4 Antibody Isotypes and Endogenous Glycosaminoglycans and their Relationship with Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pulmonary Embolism Patients.

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that inflammation may contribute to the interplay of endogenous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and anti-PF4 antibodies. In this study, we quantified the levels of anti-PF4 antibody isotypes and endogenous GAGs together with inflammatory biomarkers in pulmonary embolism (PE) patients to determine whether there is a relationship in between. Identification of this relationship may provide insight to the complex pathophysiology of PE and HIT and may also be useful for development of potential prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Public Perceptions of Current COVID-19 Vaccinations. Results of a Pilot Survey.

Introduction: We conducted a cross-sectional survey as a part of an educational program in collaboration with the Global Thrombosis Forum (GTF), an affiliate of North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF), and Loyola University about public perceptions of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations in the US. In this study, we are reporting the results of this survey.

Materials And Methods: The survey, in the form of a questionnaire, has been developed by GTF and faculty members.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Need for an Integrated and Equitable Approach: An International Expert Consensus Paper.

Background: One year after the declaration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and despite the implementation of mandatory physical barriers and social distancing, humanity remains challenged by a long-lasting and devastating public health crisis.

Management: Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are efficient mitigation strategies. The success of these NPIs is dependent on the approval and commitment of the population.

Upregulation of Inflammatory Cytokines in Pulmonary Embolism Using Biochip-Array Profiling.

The complex pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism (PE) involves hemostatic activation, inflammatory processes, cellular dysfunction, and hemodynamic derangements. Due to the heterogeneity of this disease, risk stratification and diagnosis remains challenging. Biochip-array technology provides an integrated high throughput method for analyzing blood plasma samples for the simultaneous measurement of multiple biomarkers for potential risk stratification.

The Role of IL-13, IL-15 and Granulysin in the Pathogenesis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARS) characterized by fever and mucocutaneous lesions leading to necrosis and sloughing of the epidermis. Conjunctival lesions are reported in 85% of patients. The pathogenesis of SJS/TEN/SCARS is not completely understood.

Thrombin Generation Profile in Various Lymphoma Sub-Groups and Its Augmentation by Andexanet Alfa.

The prevalence of thrombosis in lymphoma patients is reportedly high and ranges from 3-10%. Vascular malfunction and inflammatory processes further contribute to the thrombotic activation process in these patients. Andexanet alfa (AA) is an antidote for factor Xa inhibitors and its usage has been reported with thrombotic complications.