Qualitative thrombelastographic detection of tissue factor in human plasma.

Background: Tissue factor (TF) is the principal in vivo initiator of coagulation, with normal circulating TF concentrations reported to be approximately 23-158 pg/mL. However, patients with atherosclerosis or cancer have been reported to have TF concentrations ranging between 800 and 9000 pg/mL. Of interest, thrombelastographic (TEG)-based measures of clot initiation and propagation have demonstrated hypercoagulability in such patients at risk for thromboembolic events.

Antimicrobial effects of liquid anesthetic isoflurane on Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that can grow in yeast morphology or hyphal form depending on the surrounding environment. This ubiquitous fungus is present in skin and mucus membranes as a potential pathogen that under opportunistic conditions causes a series of systemic and superficial infections known as candidiasis, moniliasis or simply candidiasis. There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of candidiasis that is expressed in more virulent forms of infection.

The impact of tissue factor pathway inhibitor on coagulation kinetics determined by thrombelastography.

Background: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a 40-kDa, endogenous protein that inhibits tissue factor (TF)-initiated coagulation by bonding with activated factor X (FXa). The TFPI/FXa complex then subsequently binds with TF/activated factor VII (FVIIa) complex, ultimately inhibiting thrombin generation. Heparin administration causes endothelial release of TFPI concentrations up to sixfold normal values.