Diagnostic Usefulness of Serum Hyaluronic Acid in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The aim of our study is to comprehensively assess the diagnostic usefulness of serum hyaluronic acid (HA) determination in COVID-19 patients. The study group included 87 patients with COVID-19 disease and 45 healthy subjects. The HA concentration was measured using the immunochemical method.

Acute-phase proteins as indicators of disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

The aim of the study was to conduct of relationship of acute-phase proteins (APPs) with the severity of COVID-19 defined by National Institutes of Health and according to the criteria of MEWS scale, with the presence of a cytokine storm, oxygen therapy and patient survival. We enrolled 96 patients with COVID-19 and 30 healthy people. The samples were taken on the day of admission and after 9 days on average.

The Association of Serum Profile of Transferrin Isoforms with COVID-19 Disease Severity.

: Bearing in mind the relationship of transferrin (TRF) microheterogeneity with the biological activity of its isoforms, we propose, in this study, to determine the association of the profile of TRF isoforms with COVID-19 disease severity and to compare this profile to the profiles of other diseases. The disease group consisted of 96 patients from whom blood was collected twice, upon admission to the ward and after treatment (on average on the ninth day). TRF isoforms were separated by capillary electrophoresis.

Biological rhythms of the gut and microbiota.

Numerous physiological processes occurring in the digestive system are subject to circadian rhythms, which are regulated by the endogenous biological clock. The motor activity of the small intestine, large intestine, and rectum operates in a 24-hour system, with significant differences between day and night periods. It is primarily correlated with the time of meals, hormone secretion rhythms, and other activities undertaken by the organism.

The Diagnostic Value of FibroTest and Hepascore as Non-Invasive Markers of Liver Fibrosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of two non-invasive, validated, and patented markers of liver fibrosis, the Hepascore and FibroTest, in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The study group consisted of 74 PSC patients and 38 healthy subjects. All patients had a liver biopsy.

Overuse of proton pump inhibitors and its consequences.

Direct inhibition of H+ ion excretion to the gastric lumen makes proton pump inhibitors (PPI) the most effective drugs against gastric acid-related diseases. Over recent years usage of proton pump inhibitors has increased dramatically. Due to the low costs, high efficacy and rarity of adverse effects, their use is prevalent and often it does not correspond with existing medical guidelines.