Prolonged Blood Clotting Time Research Articles

#2781 Renal cortical necrosis—a rare cause of acute kidney injury

Abstract Background and Aims Renal cortical necrosis (RCN) is a rare and catastrophic cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). It is characterized by ischemic destruction of all the elements of renal cortex due to marked reduction in renal arterial perfusion of renal cortex due to vascular spasm and microvascular injury. It can be patchy or diffuse depending upon the cause and extent of hypoperfusion. Snake bite is rare cause of RCN. Incidence of RCN following snake bite has been reported to be as high as in 25% of the bitten patients to <1%. Lack or delay in receiving anti snake venom (ASV) has been observed to be a contributing factor in development of RCN following snake bite. Method A 45-year-old female had an unknown bite on foot while returning to home at twilight. She had intense pain at site of bite with slight ooze of blood. Overnight she had vomiting and pain abdomen. Subsequently she developed progressive fall in urine output and dyspnoea. After about 36 hours of bite at the time of admission in hospital she had anuria, prolonged whole blood clotting time, tachypnoea, hypoxemia and required oxygen (O2) to maintain normal O2 saturation. She was given two doses of polyvalent ASV 6 hours apart which corrected her coagulation defect. Investigations showed: haemoglobin—9 gm/dl, total leucocyte count—18700/mcl, platelet—1.15 lakh/mcl, blood urea—88 mg/dl and serum creatinine—10.5 mg/dl. She was managed with haemodialysis and supportive care. Even after 3 weeks of onset of AKI, she had anuria so a kidney biopsy was done. Results kidney biopsy on light microscopy examination showed 9 glomeruli; 8 revealing global tuft necrosis along with necrosis of adjacent tubules and vasculature and necrotic process affected around 60% of sampled cortical area consistent with cortical necrosis (Fig. 1). She was continued with haemodialysis support and urine output and pre-dialysis serum creatinine were monitored. Her urine output after 3 months of onset of AKI is around one litre per day but her pre-dialysis serum creatinine stays in the range of 9-10 mg/dl and so she continues to receive biweekly haemodialysis. Conclusion In our index case, there was delay in getting ASV which may have contributed to development of RCN. So, early treatment of snake bite is important to prevent this catastrophic complication.

Prevalence of Thrombotic Microangiopathy Among Patients With Snake Bite-Induced Hemotoxic Clinical Syndrome in the Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT Objective: Snakebite envenomation-related thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is observed in a subset of patients with venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC). The study was planned to determine the prevalence of TMA among patients with hemotoxic envenomation admitted to a medical college hospital in Himachal Pradesh, India. Methods: This was a hospital-based open cohort observational study conducted on patients diagnosed with hemotoxic envenomation. The study period was of 1 year and patients were recruited using a nonprobability sampling method. Hemotoxic envenomation was defined as prolonged bedside 20-min whole blood clotting time (20 WBCT) following a history of snake bites. TMA was defined as the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Results: A total of 56 patients (32 females and 24 males) were included in the study. The prevalence of TMA was (7/56) 12.5%. Out of the seven patients with TMA, four (57.1%) patients improved without renal replacement therapy and three (42.9%) patients took referrals for getting nephrology services outside the state and hence were lost in follow-up. AKI was developed in 17 (30%) patients. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that TMA is not an uncommon entity. Investigation protocol for TMA should be included in all patients with VICC.

Tannic Acid-Assisted Immobilization of Copper(II), Carboxybetaine, and Argatroban on Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Mats for Synergistic Improvement of Blood Compatibility and Endothelialization.

Due to thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia, small-diameter vascular grafts have poor long-term patency. A combination strategy based on nitric oxide (NO) and anticoagulants has the potential to address those issues. In this study, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) mats were prepared by electrospinning and coated with tannic acid (TA)/copper ion complexes. The chelated copper ions endowed the mats with sustained NO generation by catalytic decomposition of endogenous S-nitrosothiol. Subsequently, zwitterionic carboxybetaine acrylate (CBA) and argatroban (AG) were immobilized on the mats. The introduced AG and CBA had synergistic effects on the improvement of blood compatibility, resulting in reduced platelet adhesion and prolonged blood clotting time. The biocomposite mats selectively promoted the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells while inhibiting the proliferation and migration of human umbilical arterial smooth muscle cells under physiological conditions. In addition, the prepared mats exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Collectively, the prepared mats hold great promise as artificial small-diameter vascular grafts.

Phenotypic variation in severe hemophilia A is related to endogenous thrombin potential and plasma levels of factor VII.

Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder caused by deficiency or low activity of circulating factor VIII characterized by prolonged blood coagulation time and often spontaneous bleeding. Patients with the severe form of the disease may present considerable heterogeneity in the occurrence of bleeding episodes and some of them have a mild hemophilia A phenotype. This study aimed to evaluate the association of biomarkers and coagulation parameters to the differential hemorrhagic profile of severe hemophilia A patients. Polymorphisms in the genes of proteins C and S, factors V and VII and prothrombin were evaluated in a group of severe hemophilia A patients with a broad spectrum of bleeding profile. Plasma levels of coagulation factors and thrombin generation were also analyzed. This study included 59 Brazilian hemophilia A patients who were allocated into low bleeding profile (LBP; n = 33) and high bleeding profile (HBP; n = 26) groups based on their joint and muscle bleeding episodes requiring treatment in the 5 years before inclusion in the study. Results evidenced that endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and plasma factor VII levels were significantly higher in the LBP group. Results indicate a prominent importance of FVII plasma activity and endogenous thrombin potential on the differential bleeding phenotype of hemophilia A patients.

STUDY OF HAEMATOLOGICALAND COAGULATION PROFILE IN SNAKE BITE AND ITS OUTCOME IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Introduction: Snake bite is an important health problem in the tropical world including India. Snake venom contains many toxins which interact with clotting mechanism and brinolytic system causing coagulopathy. Awareness and educating the farmers and laborers who walks in barefoot in elds while walking in night is needed to prevent the snake bites. Hence this study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and laboratory parameters of coagulopathy.Aim of the study: To study the coagulation prole and hematological parameters for detection of snake bite and aid in early treatment. Materials And Methods: Total of 50 Patients with history of snake bite were considered in this study from January 2021 – June 2022. Detailed history, physical examination and following investigations were performed. Complete haemogram,whole blood clotting time, prothrombin time and a partial thromboplastin time were done. Results: Out of 50 patients,30(58%) patients showed anemia with Hemoglobin <10 gm%, Leukocytosis (Total count >11,000) in 12 (18%) patients and thrombocytopenia (platelet count <1.5 lakh) in 26 (52%) patients.Also 70% of the patients had prolonged whole blood clotting time that is more than 20 minutes.PT-INR was prolonged (>1.2 seconds) in 45 (95%) patients and APTT was prolonged (>28 seconds) in 48 (96%) patients respectively. Conclusion: Snake bite is a major public health problem Combined clinical and laboratory parameters evaluation needed to identify the coagulopathy very early to reduce the hospital stay and mortality.

Collateral damage: Anticoagulant rodenticides pose threats to California condors

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are widespread environmental contaminants that pose risks to scavenging birds because they routinely occur within their prey and can cause secondary poisoning. However, little is known about AR exposure in one of the rarest avian scavengers in the world, the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). We assessed AR exposure in California condors and surrogate turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) to gauge potential hazard to a proposed future condor flock by determining how application rate and environmental factors influence exposure. Additionally, we examined whether ARs might be correlated with prolonged blood clotting time and potential mortality in condors. Only second-generation ARs (SGARs) were detected, and exposure was detected in all condor flocks. Liver AR residues were detected in 42% of the condors (27 of 65) and 93% of the turkey vultures (66 of 71). Although concentrations were generally low (<10 ng/g ww), 48% of the California condors and 64% of the turkey vultures exposed to ARs exceeded the 5% probability of exhibiting signs of toxicosis (>20 ng/g ww), and 10% and 13% exceeded the 20% probability of exhibiting signs toxicosis (>80 ng/g ww). There was evidence of prolonged blood clotting time in 16% of the free-flying condors. For condors, there was a relationship between the interaction of AR exposure index (legal use across regions where condors existed) and precipitation, and the probability of detecting ARs in liver. Exposure to ARs may complicate recovery efforts of condor populations within their current range and in the soon to be established northern California experimental population. Continued monitoring of AR exposure using plasma blood clotting assays and residue analysis would allow for an improved understanding of their hazard to condors, particularly if paired with recent movement data that could elucidate exposure sources on the landscape occupied by this endangered species.

Synthesis of ceramic tubular membrane from low‐cost clay precursors for blood purification application as substitute of commercial dialysis membrane

AbstractBackgroundThere has been a surge of interest in the preparation of membranes for clinical applications, chiefly for hemodialysis and hemofiltration. Despite numerous benefits, the exploitation of polymeric materials for dialysis membrane preparation remains unsatisfactory due to lack of proper physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Therefore, this work focuses on the preparation of a ceramic membrane in a tubular configuration using an extrusion method and a clay material mixture. The biocompatibility of the membrane as well as its structural properties were studied.ResultsThe porosity, permeability and pore size of the membrane were 39 ± 0.88%, 203 ± 0.51 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and 304 ± 1.20 nm, respectively. The corrosion tolerance of the membrane was found to be better in acidic, alkaline and chlorine solutions. The protein adsorption, hemolysis and platelet adhesion were 2.1 ± 0.03 μg cm−2, 1.02 ± 0.01% and 6856 ± 84 platelets mm−2, respectively. The membrane demonstrated a prolonged blood coagulation time (PT = 18 ± 0.33 s and APTT = 70 ± 0.57 s), a 171 ± 0.57 s whole blood clotting time and complement activation of 805 ± 1.3 mg L−1 for C3 and 247.3 ± 0.98 mg L−1 for C4. During synthetic blood filtration, the membrane had sieving coefficients of 0.98 ± 0.005, 0.97 ± 0.008 and 0.93 ± 0.005 for creatinine, urea and phosphate, respectively. Finally, the membrane revealed a protein rejection of about 56 ± 0.57%.ConclusionsThe overall findings indicated that the prepared tubular membrane with excellent biocompatibility and uremic toxin removal can be used for hemofiltration application as an alternative to hemodialysis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Fabrication and properties of polyhydroxybutyrate/kaolin nanocomposites and evaluation of their biocompatibility for biomedical applications

AbstractThe polyhydroxybutyrate biopolymer nanocomposites (C1–C10) were fabricated by solvent casting method with different loading of kaolin and polyethylene glycol. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the microstructure of the composites varied with different kaolin loading. X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirm the presence of kaolin in the polymer matrix due to the intercalation and formation of hydrogen bond. The contact angle of the nanocomposites decreased with increasing kaolin loading indicating an improvement in wettability of the nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the Tmax and Tm of the nanocomposites increased with increasing kaolin loading. The mechanical property of the nanocomposite fabricated with 10 wt% kaolin (C10) was found to have identical mechanical property with natural bone that was selected as an optimum nanocomposite. The nanocomposite showed prolonged blood clotting time exhibiting anticoagulant nature of the nanocomposite. Moreover, low protein adsorption (168 ± 8 μg/cm2), suppressed platelet adhesion (75 ± 2 × 109 platelets/cm2) and less complement activation (118 ± 5 mg/dl for C3 and 658 ± 5 mg/dl for C4) showed the improvement in surface properties of the nanocomposite. In vitro bioactivity studies revealed the formation of hydroxyapatite layer on the surface of the nanocomposites. Eventually, the nanocomposites (C10) showed no cytotoxic effect on MG‐63 cells as tested through MTT assay and it is biologically safe.

Prolonged blood coagulation time among occupationally exposed automobile technicians in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Automobile technicians in resource-poor settings often work in poor environments and are exposed to chemicals that put them at risk of ill health and disease. These chemical exposures could affect blood coagulation, leading to bleeding disorders or thrombosis. The present study is aimed at assessing prothrombin test (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin test (aPTT) values, serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations, and blood lead level (BLL) among occupationally exposed automobile technicians compared to unexposed controls. A total of 140 consenting participants comprising 70 automobile technicians and 70 unexposed controls were recruited for this case-control study. A 6-mL blood sample was drawn from each participant for estimation of BLL, serum Zn and Cu concentrations, and PT and aPTT values. Blood lead level, and serum Zn and Cu concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while PT and aPTT values were determined using Innovin PT and Actin FS Activated PTT reagents on the Sysmex CA-101 coagulation analyser. Data were analysed using t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic and multiple linear regression analyses with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The mean BLL, serum Zn concentration, and PT and aPTT values were significantly higher in automobile technicians compared to controls. Binary logistic regression showed that automobile technicians had higher odds of elevated PT value (OR = 21.769; p = 0.000), aPTT value (OR = 1.348; p = 0.018), BLL (OR = 1.261; p = 0.000) and serum Zn concentration (OR = 1.063; p = 0.005) than unexposed controls. Linear regression showed significant positive association of PT value with BLL and with serum Zn concentration. Higher PT and aPTT values reflect prolonged blood coagulation time among automobile technicians, which indicates impairment of extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways associated with work-related exposures.

Clinical, hematobiochemical, and pathological findings and therapeutic management of viperine snake envenomation in zebu cattle.

The present investigation was carried out to study the epidemiology, clinical signs, bleeding profile, kidney function, and pathology and to evaluate the therapeutic protocol for viperine snake envenomation in zebu cattle over a period of 14years. A total of 98 cases of viperine bite were reported with the highest incidence during monsoon months in grazing male zebu cattle. Ascending swelling over the affected limb with lameness or asymmetrical swelling over the face with dyspnea was a consistent clinical finding. Increased bleeding tendency was invariably observed in ailing cattle with major bleeding from the site of the bite. Hematobiochemistry showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, prolonged capillary blood clotting time, and elevation of BUN and creatinine. The characteristic gross pathological lesions observed were widespread petechial to ecchymotic hemorrhages in the lungs, liver, heart, spleen, abomasal mucosa, and intramuscular or subcutaneously at the site of bite. Histopathological examination revealed presence of necrohemorrhagic changes within the liver, heart, kidneys, skeletal muscles, and subcutaneously or intradermally at the site of bite. Diagnosis of viperine snakebite was made based on circumstantial evidence of bite, progressive swelling, and bleeding at the site of bite. The severity was assessed based on prolongation of capillary blood clotting time, thrombocytopenia, and kidney dysfunction. Therapeutic protocol comprising polyvalent anti-snake venom along with supportive therapy for 5-9days showed encouraging results with 88.30% survival rate. In conclusion, the precise diagnosis of viperine snake envenomation in cattle can be made from history and typical clinical signs while severity and treatment can be monitored based on bleeding profile.

Purification and biochemical characterization of fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes from tissues of Antarctic hydrobionts

Considering the continuing increase of morbidity and mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases, the search for novel compounds able to affect the hemostasis system is among the current trends of modern science and pharmacology. Fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes because of their role in dissolving blood clots as well as prevention of their formation attract special attention. The main goal of the current research was to develop the methodological approaches to obtain fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes from Antarctic hydrobionts and study their effects on the functioning of the hemostasis system. A complex approach which included affinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography was applied to isolate the fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes from the tissue of Antarctic nemertea (Parborlasia corrugatus), Antarctic sea urchin (Sterechinus neumayeri), and Antarctic sea star (Odontaster validus). The presence of proteolytic activity was monitored by zymographic technique. Fibrin(ogen)olytic activity was assessed by incubation of the samples with fibrinogen followed by 10% SDS-PAGE analysis. To test the substrate specificity of the enzymes, the chromogenic substrates such as H-D-Phe-Pip-Arg-pNA, pyroGlu-Pro-Arg-pNA, H-D-Val-Leu-Lys-pNA and Bz-IIe-Glu(γ-OR)-Gly-Arg-pNA were used. The influence of fib rino(geno)lytic enzymes on platelet aggregation was assessed in platelet-rich plasma. To analyze the effect of the fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes on coagulation the blood coagulation time was assessed. The obtained results clearly indicated the presence of enzymes with activity toward fibrinogen in the tissues of tested hydrobionts. Based on the results of SDS-PAGE and zymography the molecular weight of the fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes was in the range of 26–34 kDa. The fibrinogen cleavage pattern analyzed by SDS-PAGE revealed the susceptibility of fibrinogen chains to degradation by enzymes from tissues of Antarctic hydrobionts. The fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes from all tested hydrobionts cleaved preferentially the Aα-chain and more slowly the Bβ-chain of fibrinogen. The fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes mediated the significant prolongation of blood clotting time in chronometric tests and inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. The enzymes exhibit activity against chromogenic substrates, which was more expressed in case of pyroGlu-Pro-Arg-pNA — a specific synthetic substrate for activated protein C and factor XIa. The enzymes isolated from the tissues of Antarctic marine hydrobionts possess a fibrin(ogen)olytic activity and can be of medical interest as therapeutic agents in the treatment and prevention of thrombotic disorders.

Brodifacoum Toxicity in American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) with Evidence of Increased Hazard on Subsequent Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure.

A seminal question in ecotoxicology is the extent to which contaminant exposure evokes prolonged effects on physiological function and fitness. A series of studies were undertaken with American kestrels ingesting environmentally realistic concentrations of the second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) brodifacoum. Kestrels fed brodifacoum at 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 µg/g diet wet weight for 7 d exhibited dose-dependent hemorrhage, histopathological lesions, and coagulopathy (prolonged prothrombin and Russell's viper venom times). Following termination of a 7-d exposure to 0.5 µg brodifacoum/g diet, prolonged blood clotting time returned to baseline values within 1 wk, but brodifacoum residues in liver and kidney persisted during the 28-d recovery period (terminal half-life estimates >50 d). To examine the hazard of sequential anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) exposure, kestrels were exposed to either the first-generation AR chlorophacinone (1.5 µg/g diet) or the SGAR brodifacoum (0.5 µg/g diet) for 7 d and, following a recovery period, challenged with a low dose of chlorophacinone (0.75 µg/g diet) for 7 d. In brodifacoum-exposed kestrels, the challenge exposure clearly prolonged prothrombin time compared to naive controls and kestrels previously exposed to chlorophacinone. These data provide evidence that the SGAR brodifacoum may have prolonged effects that increase the toxicity of subsequent AR exposure. Because free-ranging predatory and scavenging wildlife are often repeatedly exposed to ARs, such protracted toxicological effects need to be considered in hazard and risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:468-481. © 2020 SETAC.

Antithrombotic, antimicrobial activities, and biocompatibility of surface-functionalized titanium

Abstract

Resveratrol-loaded polyurethane nanofibrous scaffold: viability of endothelial and smooth muscle cells

Acellular small-caliber tissue-engineered vascular grafts (SCTEVGs) have low patency rate due to complications including thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia. Rapid endothelialization, antithrombosis and antiproliferation approaches are suitable for dispelling these complications. Nevertheless, common antithrombosis and antiproliferation techniques are usually incompatible with rapid endothelialization on vascular grafts. To overcome these obstacles, we developed nanofibrous polyurethane scaffolds loaded with resveratrol drug, which is a natural compound extracted from plants and shows multifaceted effects in cardiovascular protection. It was found that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus in modified scaffolds were significantly increased by resveratrol loading into membranes. The tensile strengths and breaking strains of resveratrol-loaded scaffolds were close to that of native vessels. The resveratrol release profile from the nanofibrous scaffolds occurred in a sustained manner. The anti-thrombogenicity of resveratrol-loaded nanofibers increased compared to polyurethane alone, with the result that prolonged human blood clotting time and lower hemolysis were detected on these scaffolds. The viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells on resveratrol-loaded scaffolds was evaluated. Our findings demonstrated that resveratrol-loaded nanofibers resulted in not only appropriate antithrombotic properties, but the formation of a monolayer of endothelial cells on the scaffold surface and lower smooth muscle cell growth. These resveratrol-loaded nanofibers are suggested as potential scaffolds for SCTEVGs.

Electrospinning synthesis and assessment of physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of cobalt nitrate fibers for wound healing applications.

The aim of this study was to develop polyurethane (PU) wound dressing incorporated with cobalt nitrate using electrospinning technique. The morphology analysis revealed that the developed composites exhibited reduced fiber and pore diameter than the pristine PU. The electrospun membranes exhibited average porosity in the range of 67% - 71%. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS) showed the presence of cobalt in the PU matrix. The interaction of cobalt nitrate with PU matrix was evident in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The contact angle results indicated the improved wettability of the prepared PU/cobalt nitrate composites (82° ± 2) than the pure PU (100° ± 1). The incorporation of cobalt nitrate into the PU matrix enhanced the surface roughness and mechanical strength as evident in the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and tensile test analysis. The blood compatibility assays revealed the anticoagulant nature of the prepared composites by displaying prolonged blood clotting time than the PU control. Further, the developed composite exhibited less toxicity nature as revealed in the hemolysis and cytotoxicity studies. It was observed that the PU wound dressing added with cobalt nitrate fibers exhibited enhanced physicochemical, better blood compatibility parameters and enhanced fibroblast proliferation rates which may serve as a potential candidate for wound dressings.

Hemocompatibility and anti-fouling behavior of multilayer biopolymers immobilized on gold-thiolized drug-eluting cardiovascular stents.

To solve the thrombosis and restenosis problem in cardiovascular stent implantation for cardiovascular artery disease, chondroitin 6-sulfate (ChS) with heparin (HEP) have been used as drug carrier layers and alternatively covalently bonded on gold (Au)-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)-thiolized cardiovascular metallic (SUS316 L stainless steel, SS) stents. Sirolimus, a model drug, was encapsulated in the ChS-HEP alternative layers. The behavior of the drug in releasing and suppressing the growth of smooth-muscle cells (SMCs) was evaluated with 5-layer CHS-HEP coating on the SS stents. Moreover, hemocompatibility of blood clotting time and platelet adhesion was performed. The results showed that the 5-layer ChS-HEP-modified SS stents displayed the greatest hemocompatibility, showing prolonged blood clotting time of the activated partial thrombin time (> 500 s) and less platelet adhesion to reduce thrombosis. Furthermore, sirolimus can be released continuously for more than 40 days with the 5-layer ChS-HEP coating and is beneficial for inhibiting the growth of SMCs; however, it does not affect the proliferation of endothelial cells, which can avoid restenosis formation. Therefore, the multilayers of ChS-HEP grafted onto the Au-DMSA-cardiovascular SS stents provide high potential for use as drug eluting stents.

Dietary polysaccharide-rich extract from Eucheuma cottonii modulates the inflammatory response and suppresses colonic injury on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a known medical burden in most developed countries and a significant cause of morbidity. The IBD label includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Pharmacological and surgical intervention are the two main management approaches for IBD. Some drugs have been developed for IBD therapy, but accessibility is limited due to high costs. Furthermore, these agents have demonstrated inactivity over long-term treatment courses. Therefore, an urgent need is present for new treatment options that are safe, able to sustain clinical remission, and improve mucosal gut healing. Seaweed has received much attention in the pharmacological field owing to its various biomedical properties, including the prolongation of blood clotting time, as well as antitumor, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant effects. This study therefore aimed to examine the effects of a dietary polysaccharide-rich extract obtained from Eucheuma cottonii (EC) on a model of colitis. Colitis was induced in male BALB/c mice by the administration of 2.5% (w/v) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days. DSS-induced mice were treated with either one of three different doses of EC extracts (0.35, 0.70, and 1.75 g/kg body weight) or curcumin as a positive control (0.10 g/kg). Mice were sacrificed post-treatment and blood samples were collected. The disease activity index (DAI) and inflammatory cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10) were measured. After treatment for 7 days, EC extract administration protected against weight loss and decreased the colon weight per length ratio. EC extract administration also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, increased IL-10 levels, and reduced colonic damage. Therefore, a dietary polysaccharide-rich extract from E. cottonii reduced DSS-induced bowel inflammation, thereby becoming a promising candidate for the treatment of colitis.

Single‐stage synthesis of electrospun polyurethane scaffold impregnated with zinc nitrate nanofibers for wound healing applications

ABSTRACTIn this study, a wound dressing scaffold was developed based on polyurethane (PU, 9 wt %) incorporated with zinc nitrate nanofibers (9 wt %) using an electrospinning technique. The morphological studies revealed that the electrospun nanocomposites showed smaller fiber (568 ± 136.69 nm) and pore diameters (703 ± 60.76 nm) than the pure PU (fiber diameter 1159 ± 147.48 nm and pore diameter 1087 ± 62.51 nm). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of zinc nitrate in the PU matrix. The formation of hydrogen bonds and the enhanced weight residue found by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis revealed the interaction of PU with zinc nitrate. Moreover, the contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophilic nature of the electrospun nanocomposite (84° ± 4.041°) compared to the control (100° ± 0.5774°). Mechanical testing and atomic force microscopy showed an improvement in the tensile strength (15.98 MPa) and surface roughness (277 nm) of the fabricated nanocomposites compared to the PU membrane (tensile strength 7.12 MPa and surface roughness 216 nm). Further, incorporation of zinc nitrate into PU improved the blood compatibility, as demonstrated by the prolonged blood clotting time (APTT 188 ± 4 s and PT 102.7 ± 3.786 s) compared to the pure PU (APTT 147.7 ± 3.512 s and PT 84.67 ± 2.517 s), as revealed in coagulation assays. Moreover, the electrospun nanocomposites showed a low hemolytic index and enhanced fibroblast proliferation rates, as indicated in the hemolysis and cytocompatibility studies. The newly developed wound dressing displayed better physicochemical characteristics, prolonged blood clotting time, and enhanced fibroblast proliferation rates, indicating that it might be utilized as an alternate candidate for wound dressings. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46942.

Urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites associated with changes in clinical hemostatic and hematologic parameters in pregnant women

BackgroundExposure to phthalates, one kind of widely used plasticizers, has been demonstrated to be associated with some clinical hematological changes in circulatory system from animal studies and in vitro experiments, but their relations to hemostatic and hematologic changes in human are unknown. ObjectivesWe explored the relationships of urinary phthalate metabolites with clinical hemostatic and hematologic parameter changes in pregnant women. MethodsThe present study population included 1482 pregnant women drawn from an ongoing prospective birth cohort study in Wuhan, China. Eight urinary phthalate metabolites and eight blood clinical parameters, including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fg), total white blood cell counts (WBC), red blood cell counts (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet counts (PLT) were measured in the late third trimester. The associations between phthalate metabolites and blood parameters were analyzed using general linear model. The odds ratios (ORs) for anemia during pregnancy associated with phthalates were also explored by using logistic regression models. ResultsAfter adjustment for false discovery rate, a significantly negative association between ln-transformed urinary mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) concentration and blood Fg, and a positive association between urinary mono-butyl phthalate (MBP) and APTT were found in this study. Higher concentrations of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) were associated with lower Hb concentrations. In addition, higher levels of MEHP, MEOHP and MECPP were also associated with increased likelihood of anemia. No significant associations were found between phthalates and other hematologic parameters. ConclusionsHigher urinary phthalate metabolites in late third trimester were associated with prolonged blood clotting time, decreased Hb concentrations, and increased likelihood of anemia in pregnant women. Further research is needed to replicate the observed findings and clarify the potential biological mechanism.

Electrospun polyurethane nanofibrous composite impregnated with metallic copper for wound-healing application

In this study, a wound dressing based on polyurethane (PU) blended with copper sulphate nanofibers was developed using an electrospinning technique. The prepared PU and PU nanocomposites showed smooth fibers without any bead defects. The prepared nanocomposites showed smaller fiber (663 ± 156.30nm) and pore (888 ± 70.93nm) diameter compared to the pristine PU (fiber diameter 1159 ± 147.48nm and pore diameter 1087 ± 62.51nm). The interaction of PU with copper sulphate was evident in the infrared spectrum through hydrogen-bond formation. Thermal analysis displayed enhanced weight residue at higher temperature suggesting interaction of PU with copper sulphate. The contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophilic nature of the prepared nanocomposites (71° ± 2.309°) compared with pure PU (100° ± 0.5774°). The addition of copper sulphate into the PU matrix increased the surface roughness, as revealed in the atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Mechanical testing demonstrated the enhanced tensile strength behavior of the fabricated nanocomposites (18.58MPa) compared with the pristine PU (7.12MPa). The coagulation assays indicated the enhanced blood compatibility of the developed nanocomposites [activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)-179 ± 3.606s and partial thromboplastin time (PT)-105 ± 2.646s] by showing a prolonged blood clotting time compared with the pristine PU (APTT-147.7 ± 3.512s and PT-84.67 ± 2.517s). Furthermore, the hemolysis and cytotoxicity studies suggested a less toxicity nature of prepared nanocomposites by displaying low hemolytic index and enhanced cell viability rates compared with the PU membrane. It was observed that the fabricated novel wound dressing possesses better physicochemical and enhanced blood compatibility properties, and may be utilized for wound-healing applications.