European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · May 2021
Dysthyroidism in dermato/polymyositis patients: a case-control study.
Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are two rare autoimmune disorders occasionally described with dysthyroidism; however, no solid evidence still proves such an association. ⋯ Physicians treating PM/DM patients should consider screening for thyroid dysfunction on a regular basis.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · May 2021
The impact of volume substitution on postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) represents a common complication after cardiac valve or coronary artery bypass surgery. While strain of atrial tissue is known to induce atrial fibrillating impulses, less attention has been paid to potentially strain-promoting values during the peri- and post-operative period. This study aimed to determine the association of peri- and post-operative volume substitution with markers of cardiac strain and subsequently the impact on POAF development and promotion. ⋯ Substitution of larger transfusion volumes presents a strong and independent predictor for the development of POAF. Via the observed distinct association with NT-proBNP values, it can reasonably be assumed that post-operative atrial fibrillating impulses are triggered via increased global cardiac strain. Optimized pre-operative management of pre-existing anaemia should be considered prior surgical intervention in terms of a personalized patient care.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · May 2021
Paraoxonase-2: A potential biomarker for skin cancer aggressiveness.
Cutaneous neoplasms include melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Among NMSCs, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most common lesion. On the contrary, although accounting for less than 5% of all skin cancers, melanoma is responsible for most of cutaneous malignancy-related deaths. Paraoxonase-2 (PON2) is an intracellular enzyme exerting a protective role against production of reactive oxygen species within mitochondrial respiratory chain. Recently, a growing attention has been focused on exploring the role of PON2 in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic role of PON2 in skin neoplasms. ⋯ Reported findings seem to suggest that PON2 expression levels could be positively related with tumour aggressiveness of both BCC and melanoma.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · May 2021
Observational StudyMid-regional pro atrial natriuretic peptide independently predicts short-term mortality in COVID-19.
Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) is a strong prognostic marker in several inflammatory, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, but has not been studied in COVID-19 yet. ⋯ Higher levels of MR-proANP at admission are associated with disease severity of COVID-19 and act as a powerful and independent prognostic marker of 28-day mortality.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · May 2021
Association of beta-hydroxybutyrate with development of heart failure: Sex differences in a Dutch population cohort.
In the failing heart, energy metabolism is shifted towards increased ketone body oxidation. Nevertheless, the association of beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) with development of heart failure (HF) remains unclear. We investigated the association between plasma β-OHB and the risk of HF in a prospective population-based cohort. ⋯ This prospective study suggests that high plasma concentrations of β-OHB are associated with an increased risk of HFrEF, particularly in women. The mechanisms responsible for the sex differences of this association warrant further study.