Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry
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Pneumatic tube systems (PTSs) are convenient methods of patient sample transport in medical centers, but excessive acceleration force and time/distance traveled in the PTS have been correlated with increased blood-sample hemolysis. We investigated the utility of smartphones for monitoring of PTS-related variables. ⋯ Smartphones can monitor PTS variables that cause sample hemolysis. This provides an accessible method for investigating specific PTS routes in medical centers.
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The usefulness of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentration for predicting the outcome of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic value of plasma NGAL concentration for predicting disease severity in comparison with other widely used biological markers of inflammation in patients with CAP. ⋯ Plasma NGAL concentration is a valuable biological marker in the assessment of the severity and prediction of the prognosis of patients with CAP in the emergency department.
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare yet fatal condition that is characterized by a continuous and notable elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), resulting in right heart failure and death. Pulmonary arterial remodelling does not result from abnormal proliferation of pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) but from pulmonary arterial endothelial cell (PAEC) dysfunction. ⋯ Recent research has demonstrated that the Warburg effect plays a significant role in the development of PAH, which involves the abnormal proliferation of PASMCs and endothelial dysfunction. This review attempts to illustrate the functions of the Warburg effect in PAH, which may provide a new therapeutic target for PAH treatment.
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Variable ionized calcium measurements in post filter blood samples during continuous renal replacement therapy (renal dialysis) using regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) have been reported using commercial blood gas analyzers, resulting in analyzer-dependent differences in decisions regarding adjustment of citrate dose. ⋯ We conclude the GEM Premier 4000 shows acceptable accuracy for measuring iCa at low concentrations required to control citrate dose during RCA. The method presented here may be used to test accuracy of any blood gas analyzer prior to use in clinical applications requiring measurement of iCa at low concentrations.
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Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited disease characterized by increased bone fragility and vulnerability to fractures. Recently, WNT1 is identified as a new candidate gene for OI, here we detect pathogenic mutations in WNT1 and analyze the genotype-phenotype association in four Chinese families with OI. ⋯ We reported four novel heterozygous variants and confirmed a previous reported WNT1 mutation in four Chinese families with a clinical diagnosis of OI. Our study expanded OI spectrum and confirmed moderate to severe bone fragility induced by WNT1 defects.