Biomarkers : biochemical indicators of exposure, response, and susceptibility to chemicals
-
The relationship between hepatokine levels during the first or early second trimester of pregnancy and the subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been studied extensively. However, conclusions remain debateable whether hepatokines are potential markers of GDM. We conducted a meta-analysis of published articles to understand the association between circulating levels of selected hepatokines (including FGF21, fetuin-A, afamin, adropin, ficolin-3, selenoprotein P, ANGPTL4 and AGF) and the risk of GDM. ⋯ Measurement of circulating hepatokines in the first or second trimester of pregnancy may improve the identification of women at risk of developing GDM later. Prospective evaluation of the combination of hepatokines and maternal characteristics for early identification of those who do and do not require OGTT is warranted. Additional well-designed prospective studies with longitudinal assessment of hepatokines during pregnancy are needed to understand the trajectories and dynamic associations of hepatokines with GDM risk.
-
About 20% of ICU patients with COVID-19 require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) might be used for risk assessment. This study investigates MR-proADM for RRT prediction in ICU patients with COVID-19. ⋯ AKI requiring RRT is frequent in ICU patients with COVID-19. MR-proADM on admission was able to predict RRT requirement, which may be of interest for risk stratification and management.
-
Although labelled as 'false' negative, negative RATs associated with positive PCR results, were in this study all in low viral-concentration patients, determined by a high PCR cycle threshold (ie. number of thermal cycles of RNA replication required before fluorescence is detected).
High PCR CT / calculated low-viral-concentration, correlates well with low/non-infectivity of the individual. This does not mean that they may not become infectious in the future, but rather means that at that point in time they are unlikely to be infectious.
summary -
To verify antioxidant responses and lipid peroxidation can be used as sensitive indicators for the risk assessment of the Wei River. ⋯ We speculate that the heavy metal ions in the Wei River, especially Cr3+, Hg2+ and Pb2+, may give rise to oxidative damage on planarians. These findings illustrate that planarian can serve as an indicator of aquatic ecosystem pollution, antioxidant responses and lipid peroxidation can also be used as sensitive indicators and provide an excellent opportunity for urban river risk assessment.
-
Observational Study
Early serum cystatin C-enhanced risk prediction for acute kidney injury post cardiac surgery: a prospective, observational, cohort study.
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common post-cardiac surgery complication. It leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to identify the prevalence and risk factors of AKI and to demonstrate if early postoperative serum cystatin C (sCyC) could accurately predict the development of AKI. ⋯ Conclusions: AKI following cardiac surgery was identified using KDIGO criteria in around one fourth of the patients. These patients had significantly increased morbidity and mortality. When added to prediction model, 10 h sCyC may enhance the identification of patients at higher risk of AKI, providing a readily available prognostic marker.