Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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Resolvin D1 (RvD1) can play a determining role in inflammatory cell migration and reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines to enhance cardioprotection. The aim of this study was to compare serum RvD1 levels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and individuals with normal coronary arteries (NCAs) and to evaluate the association between serum RvD1 levels and prognostic markers of STEMI. ⋯ Serum RvD1 levels were found to be lower in the group with STEMI compared to the control group. Levels of RvD1 at admission were associated with poor prognostic markers of STEMI.
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The association between the nutritional status and outcomes in pulmonary embolism is unclear. This study was aimed at examining the value of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in assessing malnutrition among acute pulmonary embolism patients. ⋯ The present study indicates that the presence of malnutrition defined by the CONUT score predicts in-hospital mortality following acute pulmonary embolism.
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A multiplex gyrB PCR assay has been used to diagnose Acinetobacter baumannii. However, this assay has not been validated against the gold standard DNA-DNA hybridization assay, which is a laborious method. DNA-DNA hybridization assay is now replaced by whole genome sequence (WGS)-based methods. Two such methods are a k-mer-based search of sequence reads using the Kraken 2 program and average nucleotide identity (ANI). The objective was to validate the gyrB PCR assay with WGS-based methods. ⋯ The gyrB PCR assay is now validated for easy identification of A. baumannii in comparison with gold standard WGS-based assays.
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Under conditions of intense exercise, the production of free radicals and cortisol increases, whereas blood levels of testosterone and vitamin D decrease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the behavior of these parameters, ethnic differences, and their relationships with overtraining. ⋯ Although lower levels of vitamin D and higher levels of cortisol and oxidative stress in mid-season in Africans could have a negative influence on performance, no symptoms of overtraining were observed, probably due to higher levels of testosterone which enable homeostatic balance.
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The role of children in the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. We investigated whether having children is associated with self-reported COVID-19 among adults. ⋯ Our epidemiological findings highlight the possible role of children in spreading COVID-19. Hence, preventive measures should consider the role of children.