tPA Ratio Research Articles

Rational design on hierarchically porous Cu/ZSM-5 zeolite for promoting low-temperature NH3-SCR performance based on protectively alkali-etching strategy

In this study, organic structure-directing agents (OSDA) of TPA+ are used as templating agents to synthesize zeolites with different topologies, and are also served as protectants for alkali treatment to inhibit the severe silicon extraction from zeolite skeleton. The TPA+ cations could be bound to the negatively charged Al sites in the framework, so we prepared a series of Cu-based ZSM-5 catalysts with mesoporous/microporous composite structure by using TPA+ cation as a protectant for alkali treatment and evaluated the pore structures by using the hierarchy factor (HF). The results show the hierarchically mesoporous/microporous structure of the alkali-etched catalyst with the maximal HF (0.115) effectively improved the low-temperature activity on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by ammonia, achieving a complete NOx to N2 conversion at 225–400 ºC. It was shown that the TPA+ cation played an important role on protecting the crystallinity, long-range order, and pore connectivity of zeolites, and substantially widened the mesopore volume with the loss of a small portion of micropores. In addition, the alkali treatment strategy involving protectant was systematically studied, including the corresponding effect on the pore structure, redox ability, acidity, and copper ion dispersion. The N2 adsorption-desorption experiments revealed that the maximization of the HF can be obtained by adjusting the ratio of protectant to etchant (TPA+/OH-). Among them, the Cu/ZSM-5 catalyst associated with the ratio of TPA+/OH-=0.4 and the best activity has a maximum surface area of 515 m2/g, which enhances the mesopore volume (0.325 cm3/g) by approximately three times simultaneously with only a 16.9% loss of the micropore volume (0.154 cm3/g). The hierarchically porous zeolites not only enhance the diffusion of mobile hydrated copper ions and ammonia-solvated copper complexes, but also facilitate the dispersion of copper ions. This work provides a feasible strategy to rapidly enhance the low-temperature deNOx efficiency on the zeolite catalysts.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 serum levels in frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) impedes brain plasmin synthesis. Reduced plasmin activity facilitates cumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since plasmin also regulates the synaptic activity, it is possible that altered PAI-1 is present in other neurodegenerative disorders. We investigated whether PAI-1 and its counter-regulatory tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are altered in serum of patients with dementia due to frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Thirty five FTLD patients (21 in mild cognitive impairment stage (MCI) and 14 in dementia stage) and 10 cognitively healthy controls were recruited. Serum tPA and PAI-1 protein levels were measured by anova. Correlation between biochemical and demographic data were explored by measuring Pearson correlation coefficient. Serum PAI-1 levels were elevated in the FTLD dementia group as compared to FTLD MCI and controls. tPA serum levels and PAI-1/tPA ratio did not significantly differ among groups. There was a negative correlation between PAI-1 serum levels and disease severity measured by MMSE score. No correlations of tPA serum levels and PAI-1/tPA ratio with MMSE were found. Increased PAI-1 serum levels may serve as a marker of dementia in FTLD, suggesting that, besides Aβ pathway, the plasmin system may affect cognition through synaptic activity.

Alzheimer's Disease Severity Is Associated with an Imbalance in Serum Levels of Enzymes Regulating Plasmin Synthesis.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central nervous system (CNS) disease characterized by loss of memory, cognitive functions, and neurodegeneration. Plasmin is an enzyme degrading many plasma proteins. In the CNS, plasmin may reduce the accumulation of beta amyloid (Aβ) and have other actions relevant to AD pathophysiology. Brain plasmin synthesis is regulated by two enzymes: one activating, the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and the other inhibiting, the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). We investigated the levels of tPA and PAI-1 in serum from 40 AD and 40 amnestic mild cognitively impaired (aMCI) patients compared to 10 cognitively healthy controls. Moreover, we also examined the PAI-1/tPA ratio in these patient groups. Venous blood was collected and the PAI-1 and tPA serum concentrations were quantified using sandwich ELISAs. The results showed that PAI-1 levels increased in AD and aMCI patients. This increase negatively correlated with cognitive performance measured using the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE). Similarly, the ratio between tPA and PAI-1 gradually increases in aMCI and AD patients. This study demonstrates that AD and aMCI patients have altered PAI-1 serum levels and PAI-1/tPA ratio. Since these enzymes are CNS regulators of plasmin, PAI-1 serum levels could be a marker reflecting cognitive decline in AD.

The significance of Fas, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and fibrinolytic factors in the assessment of malignant pleural effusion

Few studies have examined the usefulness of soluble apoptotic markers for the screening of pleural effusion. This study aimed to investigate the significance of Fas, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and fibrinolytic factors for the assessment of patients with malignant pleural effusion. A total of 137 patients with pleural effusion were evaluated. Soluble Fas, TRAIL, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), D-dimers and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels were measured. Pleural fluid/blood (P/B) ratios of fibrinolytic factors were calculated. Fas and TRAIL levels were significantly higher in patients with malignant effusion than in those with non-malignant effusion. Malignant effusion was 1.6-fold more prevalent in patients with elevated Fas than in those without (48.5% vs 30.4%, P=0.031). The P/B ratio of tPA was 2.5-fold higher in malignant effusion than in non-malignant effusion (4.65 vs 1.83, P<0.001). Fas was positively correlated with tPA and D-dimers, but not with biochemical parameters. The ability of Fas to identify malignant effusions was significantly greater than those of tPA and LD. In conclusion, measurements of Fas and TRAIL in conjunction with fibrinolytic factors may provide information useful for monitoring patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion.

Tuning the density of Brønsted acid sites on mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite for enhancing light olefins selectivity in the catalytic cracking of n-octane

A molecular template (tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, TPAOH) and a phosphorus-containing template (tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide, TBPOH or tetrabutylphosphonium bromide, TBPBr) were used as dual templates to prepare the mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolites. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared ZSM-5 catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, N2 adsorption, NH3-TPD, FT-IR spectra of adsorbed pyridine, 27Al MAS NMR, etc., and their performances for the catalytic cracking of the n-octane to light olefins were investigated. The results indicated that the acidity of ZSM-5, especially the concentration of strong Brønsted acid sites (SBAS) can be finely modulated by tuning the molar ratio of TPA+/TBP+. The charge-compensation effect of TBP+ and the phosphorus species played critical roles in regulating the SBAS concentrations of ZSM-5. Consequently, the as-prepared ZSM-5 catalysts with suitable strong Brønsted acid sites density was favorable for enhancing the selectivity to light olefins. At the temperature of 600 °C, the selectivity of propene and light olefins over MFI-9/2.5 catalyst were achieved 34.7% and 70.4%, which were higher than those over conventional ZSM-5 by 2.4% and 5.1%, respectively. Selectivity to C2=∼C4= light olefins was found to be decreased with increasing the concentration of strong Brønsted acid sites due to the reduction of SBAS which inhibited the hydrogen transfer reaction. This work will provide insights and new platforms for the design of high-efficiency zeolite catalysts for important industrial reactions.

Characterization of α-phenyl-4′-(diphenylamino)stilbene single crystal and its anisotropic conductivity

Presently, organic-semiconductor electronics suffer from low performance owing to their amorphous nature. Improving their crystallinity, and thus the charge transport properties is a crucial endeavor. Accordingly, this study aims to elucidate the conductivity mechanism of a novel triphenylamine-derivative single crystal. We successfully synthesized an α-phenyl-4′-(diphenylamino)stilbene (TPA) single crystal via a solution method employing the solubility and supersolubility curves of TPA in the tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent. Its crystal structure was determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), which revealed that the obtained single crystal contains not only TPA but also THF. The molecular ratio of TPA to THF was found to be 2:0.74. We further analyzed the hole transport property in three directions of the single crystal, and the anisotropic conductivity was observed. Based on the results of the observed molecular packing and charge transport property, we confirm that the observed anisotropic conductivity is determined based on the orientation of the triphenylamine unit in each direction of the TPA single crystal. Overall, the findings can help in guiding the design of high-mobility organic semiconductors for realizing more effective organic electronic devices.

Engineering MIL‐88B crystallites for enhanced H 2 uptake capacity: The role of ultramicropores

In this study, a strategy that optimizes the pore size to enhance the adsorbed H2 amount (at 298 K) is investigated. Pore size and ultramicropore fraction (ultramicropore volume/total pore volume) were controlled by Fe:TPA ratio. The highest H2 adsorption capacity of 0.47 wt% (298 K and 7.6 bar) belongs to MIL-88B-3, which is higher than those of reported metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (MIL-100, MIL-101 [Cr], HKUST-1, MOF-5, and ZIF-8). The enhanced H2 sorption capacity (1.96 times) is a consequence of the high fraction (89%) and volume (0.22 cm3/g) of ultramicropores with pore diameters of 0.6 nm. Our results demonstrate that pore size, fraction, and volume of ultramicropores control the amount of H2 adsorbed also at 298 K. With the use of perturbation assisted nanofusion synthesis strategy that introduces textural pores to the pore structure, a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area higher than those of reported MIL-88Bs has been achieved, and a strategy to synthesize MOFs with enhanced H2 sorption capacities is suggested.

Effects of pulsatile minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation on fibrinolysis and organ protection in adult cardiac surgery-a prospective randomized trial.

Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) reduces the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery on inflammation and hemostasis. Pulsatile perfusion may enhance organ perfusion and help to prevent renal and neuronal damage. The present study investigated the impact of pulsatile MiECC in low-risk coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. CABG patients were prospectively randomized for non-pulsatile (np: n=19) and pulsatile (p: n=21) MiECC. Blood and urine samples were collected at several time points until 72 h post-operative and analyzed for biochemical markers of fibrinolytic capacity, renal damage, and neuronal damage. Although intraoperative tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels tended to be higher in the p group, none of the fibrinolysis markers including plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and the PAI-1/tPA ratio were significantly affected by pulsation. Hemolysis and markers of renal and neuronal damage were comparable between groups. Intraoperative urinary excretion [np: 400 mL (355 to 680) vs. p: 530 mL (360 to 900)] and cumulative 24 h volume intake [np: 7,090 mL (5,492 to 7,544) vs. p: 7,155 mL (6,682 to 8,710)] were increased by pulsation whereas blood losses up to 12 h post-operative [np: 365 mL (270 to 515) vs. p: 310 mL (225 to 470)] and up to 24 h post-operative [np: 760 mL (555 to 870) vs. p: 520 mL (460 to 670)] were attenuated. The present study did not find evidence for a beneficial effect of pulsation on markers of fibrinolysis, renal damage, and neuronal damage. However, pulsatile perfusion increased intraoperative urinary secretion and reduced post-operative blood losses.

Thrombotic/Thrombolytic Balance as a Cardiac Treatment Determinant in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease.

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess whether the plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1/tissue plasminogen activator (PAI‐1/tPA) ratio as a prothrombotic state is useful for optimizing cardiac treatment strategy.Methods and ResultsUsing BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) trial data, we used a Cox proportional hazard model to calculate hazard ratios with 95% CIs for cardiac events in patients receiving early revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting) or medical therapy, separately in patients with low (n=1276) and high (n=894) PAI‐1/tPA ratios. The primary outcome was major cardiac events, which was a composite end point including cardiac death and nonfatal myocardial infarction. The mean±SD follow‐up period was 4.1±1.7 years. The risk of major cardiac events in patients with high PAI‐1/tPA ratio was significantly higher when receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.16–2.93; P=0.01) than when receiving medical therapy, whereas that in patients with low PAI‐1/tPA ratio did not differ significantly between the groups (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.66–1.36; P=0.77); the interaction between the cardiac treatment strategy and PAI‐1/tPA ratio was significant (P=0.02). However, regardless of the PAI‐1/tPA ratio, major cardiac event risk seemed to be lower in patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting than in those receiving medical therapy.ConclusionsIn patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, this study demonstrated that those with high PAI‐1/tPA ratio were at higher risks of major cardiac events when treated with percutaneous coronary intervention than when treated with intensive medical therapy.

Prognostic Value of Circulating Bcl-2/Igh Levels before and after Treatment in 415 Patients with Advanced Follicular Lymphoma Receiving First-Line Immuno-Chemotherapy in 2 Prospective StiL Trials - the Effect of Rituximab Maintenance

Prognostic Value of Circulating Bcl-2/Igh Levels before and after Treatment in 415 Patients with Advanced Follicular Lymphoma Receiving First-Line Immuno-Chemotherapy in 2 Prospective StiL Trials - the Effect of Rituximab Maintenance

Angiogenic Cytokines and Fibrinolytic Activity in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion

SESSION TITLE: Disorders of the Pleura Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship among angiogenic cytokines, inflammatory markers and fibrinolytic activity in tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) and their clinical importance. METHODS: Forty-two patients diagnosed with TBPE were studied. Based on chest ultrasonography, there were 26 loculated and 16 non-loculated TBPE patients. The effusion size radiological scores, and effusion vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-8, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) were measured. Treatment outcome and pleural fibrosis, defined as radiological residual pleural thickening (RPT), were assessed at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The effusion size and effusion lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), VEGF, IL-8, PAI-1 and PAI-1/tPA ratio were significantly higher, while effusion glucose, pH value and tPA were significantly lower, in loculated than in non-loculated TBPE. VEGF and IL-8 correlated positively with LDH and PAI-1/tPA ratio, and negatively with tPA in both loculated and non-loculated TBPE. Patients with higher VEGF or greater effusion size were prone to develop RPT (n=14; VEGF, odds ratio 1.28, p=0.01; effusion size, odds ratio 1.01, p=0.02), and VEGF was an independent predictor of RPT in TBPE (receiver-operating characteristic curve AUC=0.985, p<0.001). Effusion VEGF at the cutoff level > 842 pg/ml had highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting RPT in TBPE patients (sensitivity 100%, 95% CI = 76.8-100%; specificity 89.3%, 95% CI = 71.8-97.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Effusion levels of VEGF and IL-8 correlate with increased pleural inflammation and decreased fibrinolytic activity in TBPE. Effusion VEGF may be of value to predict pleural fibrosis in TBPE. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Further preclinical studies and clinical trials are required to investigate the potential use of targeting VEGF as a therapeutic strategy adjunct to standard anti-TB treatment for TBPE. DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Wen-Yueh Hung No Product/Research Disclosure Information

Evaluation of breviscapine on prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in rats

BackgroundAdhesion formation, which results from mechanical peritoneal damage, tissue ischemia, or the presence of foreign materials, is a complicated process. The formation of adhesions is associated with inflammatory response and extracellular matrix deposition in response to injury. Although the pathophysiology of adhesion formation is widely understood, an absolute solution to this problem does not exist yet. As a main component of Erigeron breviscapus, breviscapine has exhibited the ability of anti-inflammatory and antifibrosis on many diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of breviscapine on the development of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in Wistar rats. MethodsAbdominal adhesions were induced by scraping the cecum in rats. Various dosages of breviscapine drugs were administered for 10 days after surgery. On the 11th day after surgery, the levels of interleukin (IL) 18, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α in blood serum and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in peritoneal fluid were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of Smad7 and TGF-β1 in rat cecum tissue was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Grades of intestinal adhesion were ranked by macroscopic observation. ResultsThe intraperitoneal administration of breviscapine is effective on the prevention of the formation of postoperative adhesions in rats. Breviscapine decreased the levels of IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in blood serum and TGF-β1, connective tissue growth factor, PAI-1 in peritoneal fluid. But the levels of tPA and the ratio of tPA and PAI-1 in peritoneal fluid were increased. In addition, breviscapine significantly inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 and increased the level of Smad7 in the rat cecum tissue. ConclusionsThese results suggested that intraperitoneal administration of breviscapine was effective in preventing intra-abdominal adhesion formation in rats. Breviscapine appears to have synergetic effects which could decrease fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation, upregulating peritoneal fibrinolytic activity and regulating the TGF and/or Smad signaling pathway. These data indicated a potential new therapeutic use of breviscapine on adhesion prevention.

VEGF correlates with inflammation and fibrosis in tuberculous pleural effusion.

Objective. To investigate the relationship among angiogenic cytokines, inflammatory markers, and fibrinolytic activity in tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) and their clinical importance. Methods. Forty-two patients diagnosed with TBPE were studied. Based on chest ultrasonography, there were 26 loculated and 16 nonloculated TBPE patients. The effusion size radiological scores and effusion vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin- (IL-) 8, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), and tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) were measured. Treatment outcome and pleural fibrosis, defined as radiological residual pleural thickening (RPT), were assessed at 6-month follow-up. Results. The effusion size and effusion lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), VEGF, IL-8, PAI-1, and PAI-1/tPA ratio were significantly higher, while effusion glucose, pH value, and tPA were significantly lower, in loculated than in nonloculated TBPE. VEGF and IL-8 correlated positively with LDH and PAI-1/tPA ratio and negatively with tPA in both loculated and nonloculated TBPE. Patients with higher VEGF or greater effusion size were prone to develop RPT (n = 14; VEGF, odds ratio 1.28, P = 0.01; effusion size, odds ratio 1.01, P = 0.02), and VEGF was an independent predictor of RPT in TBPE (receiver operating characteristic curve AUC = 0.985, P < 0.001). Conclusions. Effusion VEGF correlates with pleural inflammation and fibrosis and may be targeted for adjunct therapy for TBPE.

A Case-Control Study of the Effectiveness of Tissue Plasminogen Activator on 6 Month Patients—Reported Outcomes and Health Care Utilization

We examined the benefit of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), delivered as part of usual stroke management, on patient-reported outcomes and health care utilization. Using a case control design, patients who received tPA as part of usual stroke management were compared with patients who would have received tPA had they arrived to the hospital within the therapeutic time window. Data were collected from surveys 6 months after stroke using standardized patient-reported outcome measures and questions about health care utilization. Demographic and medical data were acquired from hospital records. Patients were matched on stroke severity, age, race, and gender. Matching was done with 1:2 ratio of tPA to controls. Results were compared between groups with 1-tailed tests because of a directionally specific hypothesis in favor of the tPA group. The tPA (n = 78) and control (n = 156) groups were matched across variables, except for stroke severity, which was better in the control group; subsequent analyses controlled for this mismatch. The tPA group reported better physical function, communication, cognitive ability, depressive symptomatology, and quality of life/participation compared with the control group. Fewer people in the tPA group reported skilled nursing facility stays, emergency department visits, and rehospitalizations after their stroke compared with controls. Reports of other postacute services were not different between groups. Although it is known that tPA reduces disability, this is the first study to demonstrate the effectiveness of tPA in improving meaningful, patient-reported outcomes. Thus, use of tPA provides a large benefit to the daily lives of people with ischemic stroke.

Abstract T P318: Comparative Effectiveness of tPA on 6 Month, Patient-Centered Outcomes: A Pilot Analysis

We examined the real-world benefit of tPA, delivered as part of usual care, on patient-centered outcomes. All persons with a diagnosis of stroke or TIA from our hospital are contacted for telephone follow-up at 6 mos. after the event. The survey includes the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Patient Health Questionnare-9 (PHQ9), and other questions about aspects of daily life. This study retrospectively compared outcomes in patients who received tPA as part of usual care with patients who would have received tPA had they arrived at the hospital within the time window, i.e. criteria other than time were met. From hospital records, we acquired demographic and medical data. Patients in each group with completed surveys were matched on initial NIHSS score, age, race, gender, and date of stroke. Staff conducting surveys were independent from staff determining matches and were blinded to the others data. Matching was done with 1:2 ratio of tPA to controls. Results were compared between groups with 1-tailed tests due to directionally-specific hypothesis in favor of the tPA group. Persons receiving tPA and controls completed the surveys at the same rate. Sample size was 67 for the tPA group and 137 for the control group, with the groups matched across the above variables as intended. On the SIS, the tPA group reported better physical function (p=.001), communication (p=.048), cognition (p=.029), and quality of life (p=.04) compared to the control group. Depressive symptomatology, as indicated by PHQ9 scores, was not different between groups (p=.48). Fewer people in the tPA group (27%) reported 1 or more emergency room visits in the 6 months after their stroke compared to controls (44%, p=.03). Of those driving prior to their stroke, 72% had returned to driving, vs. 58% of controls (p=.045). Return to work rates were not different (52% tPA vs. 39% controls, p=.19) within the smaller subset of people working prior to their stroke. While it is known that tPA reduces long-term disability, this is the first study to demonstrate the effectiveness of tPA in improving meaningful, patient-centered outcomes, such as physical function and communication. These data indicate that use of tPA provides a large benefit to the daily lives of people with ischemic stroke.

Decolorization of rhodamine B using hydrogen peroxide and H3PW12O40@C photocatalyst synthesized in situ under ultraviolet irradiation

The H3PW12O40@C photocatalysts synthesized in situ from dodetungstophosphoric acid (TPA) and soluble starch were studied and characterized by FTIR, XRD, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) wastewater with H3PW12O40@C photocatalysts and hydrogen peroxide was investigated under ultraviolet irradiation. The effect of different factors and synergetic effect on the degradation of RhB were studied and the mechanism of catalytic oxidation of RhB was discussed. The results showed that the RhB was degraded efficiently. The decoloration efficiency of the RhB was up to 94.6% with initial pH value of 6 and RhB concentration of 100 mg/L under better reaction conditions (i.e. hydrogen peroxide concentration of 12 mM, PW30 (represented raw materials formula according to weight ratio of TPA to soluble starch is 30%) mass of 1.0 g/L, reaction temperature of 25°C, the high pressure mercury lamp power of 500 W, and the radiation time of 70 min). Degradation process of RhB wastewater by ultraviolet, hydrogen peroxide, and PW30 has synergetic effect.

Comparative Effects of Pulsatile and Nonpulsatile Flow on Plasma Fibrinolytic Balance in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass

In the brain, the components of the fibrinolytic system, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its endogenous inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), regulate various neurophysiological and pathological responses. Fibrinolytic balance depends on PAI-1 and tPA concentrations. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion on fibrinolytic balance in children undergoing pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Plasma PAI-1 antigen and tPA antigen were measured in 40 children (n = 20 pulsatile and n = 20 nonpulsatile group). Plasma samples (1.5 mL) were collected (i) prior to incision, (ii) 1 h after CPB, and (iii) 24 h after CPB. PAI-1 and tPA levels were measured at each time point. PAI-1 and tPA levels were significantly increased at 1 h after CPB, followed by a decrease at 24 h. Nonpulsatile but not pulsatile CPB lowered PAI-1 : tPA ratio significantly at 24 h (median PAI-1 : tPA ratio 4.63 ± 0.83:1.98 ± 0.48, P = 0.03, for the nonpulsatile group and 4.50 ± 0.92:3.56 ± 1.28, P = 0.2, for the pulsatile group). These results suggest that pulsatile flow maintains endogenous fibrinolytic balance after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass. Further studies are needed to define the clinical significance of these differences.

Crystallization Growth of Titanium Silicalite-1 over Monolithic Cordierite Support

Titanium silicalite-1(TS-1) membranes were prepared on cordierite support by hydrothermal treatment. The TS-1 membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and FT-IR, The factor that the ratio of TPA+/Si on influencing TS-1 crystal was investigated and it was indicated that the ratio of TPA+/Si had a strong effect on its morphology. The TS-1 crystal presented ellipsoid when ratio of TPA+/Si was 0.15. However, the morphology of TS-1 crystal changed to coffin-shaped when the ratio of TPA+/Si increased to 0.4. Each lattice plane of TS-1 crystal grew on cordierite support with different speed which was controlled by concentration of structure-directing agent SDA (TPAOH) in precursor solution. The mechanism of TS-1 crystal growth on cordierite support maybe that the TPA+ in the solution attracts silicate species, titanium species to form inorganic-organic composite species, the aggregation the inorganic-organic composite species formed crystal nucleus, the morphologies changed due to the growth rate of different lattice planes.

Clinical Importance of Angiogenic Cytokines, Fibrinolytic Activity and Effusion Size in Parapneumonic Effusions

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship among angiogenic cytokines, fibrinolytic activity and effusion size in parapneumonic effusion (PPE) and their clinical importance.MethodsFrom January 2008 through December 2010, 26 uncomplicated (UPPE) and 38 complicated (CPPE) PPE were studied. Based on chest ultrasonography, there were non-loculated in 30, uni-loculated in 12, and multi-loculated effusions in 22 patients. The effusion size radiological scores, and effusion vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-8, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) were measured on admission. Treatment outcome and pleural fibrosis, defined as radiological residual pleural thickening (RPT), were assessed at 6-month follow-up.ResultsThe effusion size and effusion VEGF, IL-8 and PAI-1/tPA ratio were significantly higher in CPPE than in UPPE, and significantly higher in multi-loculated PPE than in non-locualted and uni-loculated PPE, respectively. VEGF (cutoff value 1975 pg/ml) and IL-8 (cutoff value 1937 pg/ml) seemed best to discriminate between UPPE and CPPE. VEGF, IL-8 and effusion size correlated positively with PAI-1/tPA ratio in both UPPE and CPPE. Moreover, the level of VEGF, but not IL-8, correlated positively with effusion size in all patients (r = 0.79, p<0.001) and in UPPE (r = 0.64, p<0.001) and CPPE (r = 0.71, p<0.001) groups. The patients with higher VEGF or greater effusion were prone to have medical treatment failure (n = 10; VEGF, odds ratio 1.01, p = 0.02; effusion size, odds ratio 1.26, p = 0.01). Additionally, ten patients with RPT had larger effusion size and higher levels of VEGF and PAI-1/tPA ratio than did those without.ConclusionsIn PPE, VEGF and IL-8 levels are valuable to identify CPPE, and higher VEGF level or larger effusion is associated with decreased fibrinolytic activity, development of pleural loculation and fibrosis, and higher risk of medical treatment failure.

Effects of L-Carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients

Background: Hypercoagulability is an important risk factor for thrombosis and its complications in hemodialysis patients. This study was designed to investigate the effects of l-carnitine supplement on plasma coagulation and anticoagulation factors in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Thirty-six hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either a carnitine or a placebo group. Patients in the carnitine group received 1000 mg/day oral l-carnitine for 12 weeks, whereas patients in the placebo group received a corresponding placebo. At baseline and the end of week 12, 5 mL blood was collected after a 12- to 14-hour fast and plasma fibrinogen concentration, activity of plasma protein C, coagulation factors V, VII, IX, and serum concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), free carnitine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Results: In the carnitine group, mean serum free carnitine concentration increased significantly to 150% of baseline (p < 0.001), whereas plasma fibrinogen and serum CRP had 98 mg/dL (p < 0.01) and 41% (p < 0.01) significant decreases, respectively, at the end of week 12 compared with baseline. The reductions were significant compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to mean changes of the activity of plasma protein C, coagulation factors V, VII, IX, and serum PAI-1 to tPA ratio. Conclusion: l-Carnitine supplement reduces serum CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation, and plasma fibrinogen, an inflammation-related coagulation factor, in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, l-carnitine may play an effective role in preventing cardiovascular diseases in these patients.