Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (904)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = hemoglobin S

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
23 pages, 994 KiB  
Article
Correlations Between Coffee Intake, Glycemic Control, Cardiovascular Risk, and Sleep in Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension: A 12-Month Observational Study
by Tatiana Palotta Minari, José Fernando Vilela-Martin, Juan Carlos Yugar-Toledo and Luciana Pellegrini Pisani
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081875 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 150
Abstract
Background: The consumption of coffee has been widely debated regarding its effects on health. This study aims to analyze the correlations between daily coffee intake and sleep, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension [...] Read more.
Background: The consumption of coffee has been widely debated regarding its effects on health. This study aims to analyze the correlations between daily coffee intake and sleep, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension over a 12-month period. Methods: An observational study was conducted with 40 participants with T2D and hypertension, comprising 20 females and 20 males. Participants were monitored for their daily coffee consumption over a 12-month period, being assessed every 3 months. Linear regression was utilized to assess interactions and relationships between variables, providing insights into potential predictive associations. Additionally, correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests to evaluate the strength and direction of linear and non-linear relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, body mass index, sleep duration, nocturnal awakenings, and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05) over the 12-month study in both sexes. No significant differences were noted in the remaining parameters (p > 0.05). The coffee consumed by the participants was of the “traditional type” and contained sugar (2 g per cup) for 100% of the participants. An intake of 4.17 ± 0.360 cups per day was found at baseline and 5.41 ± 0.316 cups at 12 months (p > 0.05). Regarding correlation analysis, a higher coffee intake was significantly associated with shorter sleep duration in women (r = −0.731; p = 0.037). Conversely, greater coffee consumption correlated with lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in women (r = −0.820; p = 0.044). Additionally, a longer sleep duration was linked to lower FBG (r = −0.841; p = 0.031), HbA1c (r = −0.831; p = 0.037), and LDL-C levels in women (r = −0.713; p = 0.050). No significant correlations were observed for the other parameters in both sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In women, coffee consumption may negatively affect sleep duration while potentially offering beneficial effects on LDL-C levels, even when sweetened with sugar. Additionally, a longer sleep duration in women appears to be associated with improvements in FBG, HbA1c, and LDL-C. These correlations emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to coffee consumption, weighing both its potential health benefits and drawbacks in postmenopausal women. However, since this study does not establish causality, further randomized clinical trials are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications—particularly in the context of T2D and hypertension. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diabetes: Comorbidities, Therapeutics and Insights (3rd Edition))
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 661 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of ARB Monotherapy and SGLT2/ACE Inhibitor Combination Therapy in the Renal Function of Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Cohort Study
by Andrew W. Ngai, Aqsa Baig, Muhammad Zia, Karen Arca-Contreras, Nadeem Ul Haque, Veronica Livetsky, Marcelina Rokicki and Shiryn D. Sukhram
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7412; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157412 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy affects approximately 30–40% of individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is a major contributor to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have long served as a standard treatment, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have recently gained attention for [...] Read more.
Diabetic nephropathy affects approximately 30–40% of individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is a major contributor to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have long served as a standard treatment, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have recently gained attention for their renal and cardiovascular benefits. However, comparative real-world data on their long-term renal effectiveness remain limited. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal study over a 2-year period to compare the impact of ARB monotherapy versus SGLT2i and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) combination therapy on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with DM. A total of 126 patients were included and grouped based on treatment regimen. Renal biomarkers were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA (p < 0.01). Albuminuria was qualitatively classified via urinalysis as negative, level 1 (+1), level 2 (+2), or level 3 (+3). The ARB group demonstrated higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lower serum creatinine (sCr) levels than the combination therapy group, with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), potassium (K+), and blood pressure remaining within normal limits in both cohorts. Albuminuria remained stable over time, with 60.8% of ARB users and 73.1% of combination therapy users exhibiting persistently or on-average negative results. Despite the expected additive benefits of SGLT2i/ACEi therapy, ARB monotherapy was associated with slightly more favorable renal function markers and a lower incidence of severe albuminuria. These findings suggest a need for further controlled studies to clarify the comparative long-term renal effects of these treatment regimens. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1471 KiB  
Article
Leveraging Machine Learning Techniques to Predict Cardiovascular Heart Disease
by Remzi Başar, Öznur Ocak, Alper Erturk and Marcelle de la Roche
Information 2025, 16(8), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16080639 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, underscoring the urgent need for data-driven early diagnostic tools. This study proposes a multilayer artificial neural network (ANN) model for heart disease prediction, developed using a real-world clinical dataset comprising 13,981 patient records. [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, underscoring the urgent need for data-driven early diagnostic tools. This study proposes a multilayer artificial neural network (ANN) model for heart disease prediction, developed using a real-world clinical dataset comprising 13,981 patient records. Implemented on the Orange data mining platform, the ANN was trained using backpropagation and validated through 10-fold cross-validation. Dimensionality reduction via principal component analysis (PCA) enhanced computational efficiency, while Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) were used to interpret model outputs. Despite achieving 83.4% accuracy and high specificity, the model exhibited poor sensitivity to disease cases, identifying only 76 of 2233 positive samples, with a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.058. Comparative benchmarks showed that random forest and support vector machines significantly outperformed the ANN in terms of discrimination (AUC up to 91.6%). SHAP analysis revealed serum creatinine, diabetes, and hemoglobin levels to be the dominant predictors. To address the current study’s limitations, future work will explore LIME, Grad-CAM, and ensemble techniques like XGBoost to improve interpretability and balance. This research emphasizes the importance of explainability, data representativeness, and robust evaluation in the development of clinically reliable AI tools for heart disease detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information Systems in Healthcare)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3248 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical Nanostructured Aptasensor for Direct Detection of Glycated Hemoglobin
by Luminita Fritea, Cosmin-Mihai Cotrut, Iulian Antoniac, Simona Daniela Cavalu, Luciana Dobjanschi, Angela Antonescu, Liviu Moldovan, Maria Domuta and Florin Banica
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157140 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 260
Abstract
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an important biomarker applied for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of diabetes; therefore, its accurate determination is crucial. In this study, an innovative nanoplatform was developed, integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with enhanced hydrophilicity achieved through cyclodextrin (CD) functionalization, and [...] Read more.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an important biomarker applied for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of diabetes; therefore, its accurate determination is crucial. In this study, an innovative nanoplatform was developed, integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with enhanced hydrophilicity achieved through cyclodextrin (CD) functionalization, and combined with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) electrochemically deposited onto a screen-printed carbon electrode. The nanomaterials significantly improved the analytical performance of the sensor due to their increased surface area and high electrical conductivity. This nanoplatform was employed as a substrate for the covalent attachment of thiolated ferrocene-labeled HbA1c specific aptamer through Au-S binding. The electrochemical signal of ferrocene was covered by a stronger oxidation peak of Fe2+ from the HbA1c structure, leading to the elaboration of a nanostructured aptasensor capable of the direct detection of HbA1c. The electrochemical aptasensor presented a very wide linear range (0.688–11.5%), an acceptable limit of detection (0.098%), and good selectivity and stability, being successfully applied on real samples. This miniaturized, simple, easy-to-use, and fast-responding aptasensor, requiring only a small sample volume, can be considered as a promising candidate for the efficient on-site determination of HbA1c. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 669 KiB  
Article
Validation of Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Measurements from a Dialysis Machine Sensor Compared to Laboratory Analysis
by Niccolò Morisi, Marco Ferrarini, Laura Veronesi, Giovanni Manzini, Silvia Giovanella, Gaetano Alfano, Lucia Stipo, Fabio Olmeda, Giulia Ligabue, Grazia Maria Virzì, Valentina Di Pinto, Luigi Rovati and Gabriele Donati
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5242; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155242 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
Background: Continuous monitoring of hemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT) during hemodialysis could improve fluid management and patient safety. The Fresenius 5008 dialysis machine includes an ultrasound-based sensor that estimates HB and HCT values, though its accuracy compared to standard laboratory measurements remains unclear. [...] Read more.
Background: Continuous monitoring of hemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT) during hemodialysis could improve fluid management and patient safety. The Fresenius 5008 dialysis machine includes an ultrasound-based sensor that estimates HB and HCT values, though its accuracy compared to standard laboratory measurements remains unclear. Methods: This exploratory observational study assessed the agreement between sensor-derived and laboratory-derived HB and HCT values in 20 patients at the start of hemodiafiltration. A total of 177 paired blood samples were collected. Results: Sensor values significantly underestimated laboratory HB (9.61 vs. 11.31 g/dL) and HCT (27% vs. 34%) (p < 8 × 10−25). Correlations were strong for both parameters (HB: r = 0.788; HCT: r = 0.876). Regression analyses revealed consistent proportional bias. Applying a fixed correction of +1.69 g/dL for HB and +7.55% for HCT eliminated the statistical differences and reduced intercepts in regression models. Bland–Altman plots confirmed improved agreement post-correction. Albumin levels correlated modestly with error magnitude. Conclusions: HB and HCT values from the Fresenius 5008 sensor are strongly correlated with laboratory data but are systematically underestimated at treatment start, likely due to hemodilution. Applying fixed correction factors improves accuracy and supports the sensor’s use for real-time monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hemodialysis: Clinical Updates and Advances)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 544 KiB  
Article
Cardiovascular Events and Preoperative Beta-Blocker Use in Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Holter-Based Analysis
by Alexandru Cosmin Palcău, Liviu Ionuț Șerbanoiu, Livia Florentina Păduraru, Alexandra Bolocan, Florentina Mușat, Daniel Ion, Dan Nicolae Păduraru, Bogdan Socea and Adriana Mihaela Ilieșiu
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071300 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The perioperative use of beta-blockers remains controversial due to conflicting evidence of their risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic beta-blocker (bb) therapy and perioperative cardiac events in non-cardiac surgeries using [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The perioperative use of beta-blockers remains controversial due to conflicting evidence of their risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic beta-blocker (bb) therapy and perioperative cardiac events in non-cardiac surgeries using 24 h continuous Holter monitoring. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing elective or emergency non-cardiac surgery at a Romanian tertiary care hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: G1 (not receiving Bb) and G2 (on chronic Bb). The incidences of perioperative cardiac events, such as severe bradycardia (<40 b/min), new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), extrasystolic arrhythmia (Ex), and sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) and arterial hypotension, were compared between the two groups using clinical, electrocardiography (ECG), and Holter ECG data. Beta-blocker indications, complications, and outcomes were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Results: A total of 100 consecutive patients (63% men, mean age of 53.7 years) were enrolled in the study. G2 included 30% (n = 30) of patients on chronic beta-blocker therapy. The indications included atrial fibrillation (46.7%, n = 14), arterial hypertension (36.7%, n = 11), extrasystolic arrhythmias (10%, n = 3), and chronic coronary syndrome (6.6%, n = 2). Beta-blocker use was significantly associated with severe bradycardia (n = 6; p < 0.001) in G2, whereas one patient in G1 had bradycardia, and 15 and 1 patients had hypotension (p < 0.001) in G1 and G2, respectively. The bradycardia and arterial hypotension cases were promptly treated and did not influence the patients’ prognoses. The 14 patients with AF in G2 had a 15-fold higher odds of requiring beta-blockers (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 15.145). No significant associations were found between beta-blocker use and the surgery duration (p = 0.155) or sustained ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.857). Ten patients developed paroxysmal postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), which was related to longer surgery durations (165 (150–180) vs. 120 (90–150) minutes; p = 0.002) and postoperative anemia [hemoglobin (Hg): 10.4 (9.37–12.6) vs. 12.1 (11–13.2) g/dL; p = 0.041]. Conclusions: Patients under chronic beta-blocker therapy undergoing non-cardiac surgery have a higher risk of perioperative bradycardia and hypotension. Continuous Holter monitoring proved effective in detecting transient arrhythmic events, emphasizing the need for careful perioperative surveillance of these patients, especially the elderly, in order to prevent cardiovascular complications These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored perioperative beta-blocker strategies and support further large-scale investigations to optimize risk stratification and management protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 747 KiB  
Article
Comparing Two Types of Robotic Single-Site Myomectomy Using Propensity Score Matching: Coaxial with da Vinci Xi vs. da Vinci SP System
by Nara Lee, Su Hyeon Choi, Mi-La Kim, Sa Ra Lee and Seok Ju Seong
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5106; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145106 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 225
Abstract
Background: This study was designed to evaluate and contrast the surgical outcomes between coaxial robotic single-site myomectomy (RSSM) performed using the da Vinci Xi system and da Vinci SP system. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 81 women who underwent [...] Read more.
Background: This study was designed to evaluate and contrast the surgical outcomes between coaxial robotic single-site myomectomy (RSSM) performed using the da Vinci Xi system and da Vinci SP system. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 81 women who underwent coaxial RSSM and 108 women who underwent myomectomy with the da Vinci SP system between October 2020 and January 2024. Propensity score matching was performed based on myoma count, the dominant myoma’s maximum diameter, and the myoma type according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results: Compared to the SP group, the coaxial RSSM group showed significantly lower estimated blood loss (102.33 ± 61.01 vs. 203.98 ± 163.15 mL, p < 0.001), shorter operative time (91.22 ± 18.25 vs. 148.69 ± 45.62 min, p < 0.001), and smaller hemoglobin decrement (1.69 ± 0.93 vs. 2.85 ± 1.30, p < 0.001). However, hospital stay was shorter in the SP group than in the coaxial group (2.06 ± 0.24 vs. 4.07 ± 0.76 days, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications, including ileus, fever, or wound dehiscence. Additional comparisons using cases performed by four different surgeons yielded results consistent with the one-to-one surgeon comparison. Conclusions: Coaxial RSSM was associated with a shorter operative time and lower blood loss compared to SP myomectomy. A prospective study is warranted to validate and further compare the surgical outcomes of the two techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gynecological Surgery: New Clinical Insights and Challenges)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 388 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment on Survival of Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
by Renata Báez-Saldaña, María Esther Marmolejo-Torres, Marco Antonio Iñiguez-García, Aída Jiménez-Corona and Juan Alberto Berrios-Mejía
Cancers 2025, 17(14), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17142360 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Background: The benefit of surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma is highly debated, as few robust clinical trials show its effectiveness. Objective: To examine the long-term survival of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who underwent surgical treatment combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus those who [...] Read more.
Background: The benefit of surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma is highly debated, as few robust clinical trials show its effectiveness. Objective: To examine the long-term survival of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who underwent surgical treatment combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus those who received chemotherapy alone. Methods: We analyzed a historical cohort of 122 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, confirmed through histopathological examination. We compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the surgery and chemotherapy groups at baseline. We calculated Kaplan–Meier survival curves and used Cox’s proportional hazards model to evaluate the relationship between surgery and mortality. Results: Surgery was performed in 16 out of 122 cases. Pleurectomy/decortication (PD) represented 8 cases, while extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) accounted for the remaining 8 cases. At five years, survival rates for those who underwent surgery compared to chemotherapy alone were 53% (95% CI 15–81%) versus 23% (95% CI 10–40%), respectively. Survival among those who had PD was 67%, compared to 40% for those who had EPP. Surgical treatment was associated with improved survival, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.34 (95% CI 0.19–0.61) after adjusting for factors such as age over 65, the duration from symptom onset to diagnosis, hemoglobin levels below 10 g, a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio over 6, and ECOG scores greater than 2. Conclusions: Mesothelioma surgery, whether it be PD or EPP, enhances patients’ survival compared to chemotherapy. PD produces better outcomes than EPP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Therapy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 365 KiB  
Article
Delayed Bone Age and Osteoprotegerin Levels in Pediatric Celiac Disease: A Three-Year Case–Control Study
by Ruzha Pancheva, Yoana Dyankova, Niya Rasheva, Krassimira Koleva, Violeta Iotova, Mariya Dzhogova, Marco Fiore and Miglena Georgieva
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2295; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142295 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) impairs bone development in children through inflammation and nutrient malabsorption. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for RANKL, plays a role in bone remodeling and is increasingly recognized as a potential biomarker of bone metabolism and inflammation. However, its clinical [...] Read more.
Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) impairs bone development in children through inflammation and nutrient malabsorption. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for RANKL, plays a role in bone remodeling and is increasingly recognized as a potential biomarker of bone metabolism and inflammation. However, its clinical significance in pediatric CD remains unclear. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between OPG levels, growth parameters, and delayed bone age in children with CD, and to assess OPG’s potential as a biomarker of bone health and disease activity. Methods: This three-year case–control study included 146 children: 25 with newly diagnosed CD (Group A), 54 with established CD on a gluten-free diet (Group B), and 67 healthy controls (Group C). Participants underwent clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory assessments at baseline and after 6 months (Groups A and B). OPG and osteocalcin were measured, and bone age was assessed radiologically. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Spearman’s correlations, and binomial logistic regression. Results: OPG levels were highest in newly diagnosed children (Group A), showing a non-significant decrease after gluten-free diet initiation. OPG correlated negatively with age and height in CD patients and controls, and positively with hemoglobin and iron in Group B. Logistic regression revealed no significant predictive value of OPG for delayed bone age, although a trend was observed in Group B (p = 0.091). Children in long-term remission exhibited bone maturation patterns similar to healthy peers. Conclusions: OPG levels reflect disease activity and growth delay in pediatric CD but lack predictive power for delayed bone age. While OPG may serve as a secondary marker of bone turnover and inflammatory status, it is not suitable as a standalone biomarker for skeletal maturation. These findings highlight the need for integrative biomarker panels to guide bone health monitoring in children with CD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Deficiency and Celiac Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 763 KiB  
Article
Effect of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Types on Hemoglobin Variability in Hemodialysis Patients
by Seok-Hui Kang and A-Young Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 4863; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14144863 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 340
Abstract
Background: Our study aimed to evaluate the differences in hemoglobin variability among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treated with three types of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and the association between hemoglobin variability and clinical outcomes. Methods: In this study, data from the 6th and 7th [...] Read more.
Background: Our study aimed to evaluate the differences in hemoglobin variability among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treated with three types of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and the association between hemoglobin variability and clinical outcomes. Methods: In this study, data from the 6th and 7th HD quality assessments were used, comprising 48,726 patients in South Korea. ESAs are categorized into short-acting (epoetin alfa/beta/delta, requiring more frequent administration), intermediate-acting (darbepoetin alfa), and long-acting agents (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta, requiring extended dosing intervals), each with distinct pharmacokinetic properties and dosing schedules. Based on use of ESA types, participants were divided into the following groups: Short, Intermediate, and Long. Hemoglobin levels were measured monthly over a 6-month assessment period. Hemoglobin variability was defined as the residual standard deviation derived from a within-subject linear regression model with six hemoglobin values for each patient. Results: The Short, Intermediate, and Long groups comprised 36,420, 10,514, and 1792 patients, respectively. The hemoglobin variability (mean [95% confidence interval]) was 0.60 (0.60–0.60), 0.68 (0.67–0.68), and 0.64 (0.62–0.65) g/dL in the Short, Intermediate, and Long groups, respectively. Multivariate and subgroup analyses revealed that the hemoglobin variability was lower in the Short group than in the other two groups. Cox regression did not show a significant association between an increase in hemoglobin variability and all-cause mortality or cardiovascular events in univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Our cohort study found that the use of short-acting ESAs showed the lowest hemoglobin variability, whereas the use of intermediate-acting ESAs showed the highest variability. In the context of South Korea’s healthcare system, where frequent hemoglobin monitoring and strict ranges are emphasized, short-acting ESAs combined with regular laboratory follow-up appeared to support more stable hemoglobin levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 247 KiB  
Article
Reliability of Capillary Blood Gas Measurements in Paralympic Sprinters at Rest: A Pilot Study
by Thiago Fernando Lourenço, Samuel Bento da Silva, Vinícius Miguel Zanetti, Ana Gabriela Almeida Maximo Pereira, João Vitor Ichikawa Quintella, Oriane Martins, Amaury Verissimo and Lazaro Alessandro Soares Nunes
Sports 2025, 13(7), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13070216 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 343
Abstract
Background: Sports scientists have increasingly used point-of-care methods for training load management, and blood gas analysis has shown promise in this area. However, the reproducibility of this method in high-performance athletes remains unproven. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the [...] Read more.
Background: Sports scientists have increasingly used point-of-care methods for training load management, and blood gas analysis has shown promise in this area. However, the reproducibility of this method in high-performance athletes remains unproven. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the reliability of acid-base variables at rest in high-performance Paralympic sprinters. Methods: Seven athletes participated, including four with visual impairments (class T12 and T13) and three with physical impairments. Approximately 500 µL of capillary blood was obtained from the fingertip and analyzed in triplicate (Samples 1, 2, and 3) using the Epoc System® (Ottawa, ON, Canada) to measure pH, carbonic dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), bicarbonate ion (HCO3), base excess (BE), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), creatinine (CRE), and urea concentration (URE). Results: No differences were found for any parameter (p > 0.05). The imprecision of the method ranged from 0.1% for blood pH to 6.1% for BE. Pearson’s analysis showed strong and significant relationships between all variables analyzed (p < 0.05). The degree of consistency among samples also indicated excellent reliability of measurements, ranging from 0.88 for Hb to 1.00 for URE. Conclusions: These results indicate that acid-base status measurements using point-of-care demonstrated excellent reliability in high-level athletes, supporting sports scientists and coaches for athlete training and management. Full article
12 pages, 546 KiB  
Article
The Significance of Elevated sST2 in Children with Kawasaki Disease
by Zhaohua Yang, Yunming Xu, Yanqiu Chu, Jinghao Li and Hong Wang
Children 2025, 12(7), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070868 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Objectives: Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis associated with systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the level and clinical significance of soluble ST2 (sST2) in children with KD. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 287 pediatric KD patients treated at [...] Read more.
Objectives: Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis associated with systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the level and clinical significance of soluble ST2 (sST2) in children with KD. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 287 pediatric KD patients treated at the Pediatric Cardiology Department of Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, from November 2021 to December 2022. Patients were stratified into subgroups based on the presence of myocardial damage (MD), coronary artery lesions (CAL), multi-organ involvement (MOD; ≥3 organs) and/or intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant KD (IVIG-R KD). In each group, we analyzed the correlation between sST2 levels and various laboratory parameters, including white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin (HB), platelet count (PLT), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), D-dimer, and albumin (ALB). Results: Patients in the CAL group were significantly younger and predominantly male (p < 0.05). In the MD, CAL, MOD, and IVIG-R KD groups, levels of sST2, CRP, NT-pro BNP, and D-dimer were significantly higher than in their respective comparison groups (p < 0.05). sST2 showed weak positive correlations with WBC, CRP, IL-6, NT-pro BNP, and D-dimer, and weak negative correlations with HB and ALB (p < 0.05). sST2, HB, and IL-6 were identified as independent risk factors for MOD (p < 0.05). sST2 and HB were independent risk factors for IVIG-R KD (p < 0.05). Among acute-phase patients, four cases had sST2 levels > 200 ng/mL—all were classified as IVIG-R KD and MOD; three of these also developed coronary artery aneurysms (CAA). Conclusions: Elevated sST2 levels in the acute phase of KD may serve as a clinical indicator of IVIG-R KD, CAA, MOD, and MD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kawasaki Disease in Children: Advance and Challenges)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 11349 KiB  
Article
Uric Acid, the End-Product of Purine Metabolism, Mitigates Tau-Related Abnormalities: Comparison with DOT, a Non-Antibiotic Oxytetracycline Derivative
by Bianca Andretto de Mattos, Rodrigo Hernán Tomas-Grau, Thaís Antonia Alves Fernandes, Florencia González-Lizárraga, Aurore Tourville, Ismaila Ciss, Jean-Michel Brunel, Rosana Chehin, Annie Lannuzel, Laurent Ferrié, Rita Raisman-Vozari, Bruno Figadère, Elaine Del Bel and Patrick Pierre Michel
Biomolecules 2025, 15(7), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15070941 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 415
Abstract
We aimed to simulate tau abnormalities—specifically hyperphosphorylation and aggregation—that are hallmarks of tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease, to evaluate tau-targeting therapies. To model pathological p-tau accumulation at early disease stages, we exposed mouse cortical cultures to redox-active iron from hemin (Hm), a breakdown product [...] Read more.
We aimed to simulate tau abnormalities—specifically hyperphosphorylation and aggregation—that are hallmarks of tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease, to evaluate tau-targeting therapies. To model pathological p-tau accumulation at early disease stages, we exposed mouse cortical cultures to redox-active iron from hemin (Hm), a breakdown product of hemoglobin, or challenged them with the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Using the AT8 phospho-specific antibody, we demonstrate that a subtoxic concentration of Hm (3 µM) promotes pathological p-tau accumulation in a subpopulation of cultured cortical neurons and their proximal neurites. Uric acid (UA; 0.1–200 µM), the metabolic end-product of purines in humans, prevented p-tau build-up. Neither xanthine, the immediate precursor of UA, nor allantoin, its oxidized product, reproduced this effect. Live cell imaging studies revealed that UA operates by repressing iron-driven lipid peroxidation. DOT (3 µM), a brain-permeant tetracycline (TC) without antibiotic activity, mimicked UA’s anti-tau and antioxidant effects. Interestingly, both UA and DOT remained effective in preventing p-tau accumulation induced by glutamate (10 µM). To simulate tau aggregation at more advanced disease stages, we conducted a Thioflavin-T aggregation assay. Our findings revealed that UA and DOT prevented tau aggregation seeded by heparin. However, only DOT remained effective when heparin-assembled tau fibrils were used as the seeding material. In summary, our results indicate that UA-elevating agents may hold therapeutic utility for tauopathies. The non-purine compound DOT could serve as an effective alternative to UA-related therapies. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1177 KiB  
Article
Methylation of LINE-1 Retroelement in People with Type 1 Diabetes
by Andromachi Katsanou, Charilaos Kostoulas, Evangelos Liberopoulos, Agathocles Tsatsoulis, Ioannis Georgiou and Stelios Tigas
Genes 2025, 16(7), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16070759 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
Introduction: Emerging research indicates that alterations in the methylation of retrotransposons may contribute to genomic instability and cellular aging in various autoimmune disorders and diabetes mellitus (DM). As relevant information for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (PwT1D) is limited, we aimed to [...] Read more.
Introduction: Emerging research indicates that alterations in the methylation of retrotransposons may contribute to genomic instability and cellular aging in various autoimmune disorders and diabetes mellitus (DM). As relevant information for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (PwT1D) is limited, we aimed to investigate long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) methylation status in this population. Methods: DNA methylation levels and patterns of LINE-1 were examined in the peripheral blood of 35 PwT1D and 28 healthy controls (age- and sex-matched), by using the COmbined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis methodology (COBRA). Results: Total LINE-1 methylation rate (mC) was higher in PwT1D compared to controls [47.3% (46.6–47.8%) vs. 46.5% (44.7–47.3%), p < 0.05]. The partial LINE-1 methylation pattern (uCmC) was less frequently observed in patients vs. controls [28.4% (24.7–33.3%) vs. 33.1% (27.8–37.9%), p < 0.05]. Prevalence of other methylation patterns [partially methylated (mCuC), hypermethylated (mCmC) and hypomethylated (uCuC)] was similar in the two groups. Furthermore, levels of fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were positively associated with total methylation (mC) [Spearman’s rho = 0.380, p = 0.002 and rho = 0.342, p = 0.006, respectively], but negatively associated with the partially methylated (uCmC) pattern [Spearman’s rho = −0.383, p = 0.002 and rho = −0.270, p = 0.033, respectively]. The LINE-1 (uCmC) methylation pattern was negatively associated with the age at diagnosis of T1D [Spearman’s rho = −0.341, p = 0.049], but positively associated with disease duration [Spearman’s rho = 0.388, p = 0.021]. Conclusions: PwT1D were found to have higher total LINE-1 methylation rate (mC) compared to healthy controls. The partial methylation pattern (uCmC) was less frequently observed in these patients and was negatively associated with the glycemic status and the age at diagnosis of T1D, while demonstrating a positive correlation with disease duration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epigenomics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4049 KiB  
Article
Gut Microbiome Engineering for Diabetic Kidney Disease Prevention: A Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Intervention Study
by Alaa Talal Qumsani
Biology 2025, 14(6), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060723 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 731
Abstract
The gut microbiota has emerged as a critical modulator in metabolic diseases, with substantial evidence supporting its role in attenuating diabetes-related nephropathy. Recent investigations demonstrate that strategic manipulation of intestinal microflora offers novel therapeutic avenues for safeguarding renal function against diabetic complications. This [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota has emerged as a critical modulator in metabolic diseases, with substantial evidence supporting its role in attenuating diabetes-related nephropathy. Recent investigations demonstrate that strategic manipulation of intestinal microflora offers novel therapeutic avenues for safeguarding renal function against diabetic complications. This investigation sought to determine the nephroprotective potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) administration in diabetic nephropathy models. Six experimental cohorts were evaluated: control, probiotic-supplemented control, diabetic, diabetic receiving probiotic therapy, diabetic with antibiotics, and diabetic treated with both antibiotics and probiotics. Diabetic conditions were established via intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) following overnight fasting, according to validated protocols for experimental diabetes induction. Probiotic therapy (3 × 109 CFU/kg, bi-daily) began one month before diabetes induction and continued throughout the study duration. Glycemic indices were monitored at bi-weekly intervals, inflammatory biomarkers, renal function indices, and urinary albumin excretion. The metabolic profile was evaluated through the determination of HOMA-IR and the computation of metabolic syndrome scores. Microbiome characterization employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing alongside metagenomic shotgun sequencing for comprehensive microbial community mapping. L. rhamnosus GG supplementation substantially augmented microbiome richness and evenness metrics. Principal component analysis revealed distinct clustering of microbial populations between treatment groups. The Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio, an emerging marker of metabolic dysfunction, normalized following probiotic intervention in diabetic subjects. Results: L. rhamnosus GG administration markedly attenuated diabetic progression, achieving glycated hemoglobin reduction of 32% compared to untreated controls. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α) decreased significantly, while anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, TGF-β) exhibited enhanced expression. The renal morphometric analysis demonstrated preservation of glomerular architecture and reduced interstitial fibrosis. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy confirmed the maintenance of podocyte foot process integrity in probiotic-treated groups. Conclusions: The administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG demonstrated profound renoprotective efficacy through multifaceted mechanisms, including microbiome reconstitution, metabolic amelioration, and inflammation modulation. Therapeutic effects suggest the potential of a combined probiotic and pharmacological approach to attenuate diabetic-induced renal pathology with enhanced efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop