Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for Identification of Viruses: A Critical Review.

Due to their life cycle, viruses can disrupt the metabolism of their hosts, causing diseases. If we want to disrupt their life cycle, it is necessary to identify their presence. For this purpose, it is possible to use several molecular-biological and bioanalytical methods. The reference selection was performed based on electronic databases (2020-2023). This review focused on electrochemical methods with high sensitivity and selectivity (53% voltammetry/amperometry, 33% impedance, and 12% other methods) which showed their great potential for detecting various viruses. Moreover, the aforementioned electrochemical methods have considerable potential to be applicable for care-point use as they are portable due to their miniaturizability and fast speed analysis (minutes to hours), and are relatively easy to interpret. A total of 2011 articles were found, of which 86 original papers were subsequently evaluated (the majority of which are focused on human pathogens, whereas articles dealing with plant pathogens are in the minority). Thirty-two species of viruses were included in the evaluation. It was found that most of the examined research studies (77%) used nanotechnological modifications. Other ones performed immunological (52%) or genetic analyses (43%) for virus detection. 5% of the reports used peptides to increase the method's sensitivity. When evaluable, 65% of the research studies had LOD values in the order of ng or nM. The vast majority (79%) of the studies represent proof of concept and possibilities with low application potential and a high need of further research experimental work.

Perioperative changes of FGF23 in patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a key regulator of urine phosphate excretion. The aim of the study was to investigate the perioperative (intraoperative and postoperative) changes of plasma intact and C-terminal FGF23 (iFGF23, cFGF23) concentrations in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) submitted to surgery. Materials and methods: The study involved 38 adult patients with pHPT caused by adenoma. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were investigated intraoperatively (just before the incision and 10 min after adenoma excision). cFGF23, iFGF23, phosphate, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propetide (P1NP) were measured intraoperatively and postoperatively (next day after the surgery). Results: PTH levels decreased intraoperatively (13.10 pmol/L vs 4.17 pmol/L, P< 0.0001). FGF23 levels measured intraoperatively were at the upper level of reference interval. cFGF23 decreased postoperatively compared with the values measured just before the incision (cFGF23: 89.17 RU/mL vs 22.23 RU/mL, P< 0.0001). iFGF23 decreased as well, but the postoperative values were low. Postoperative inorganic phosphate values increased (1.03 mmol/L vs 0.8 mmol/L, P= 0.0025). We proved significant negative correlation of perioperative FGF23 with inorganic phosphate (cFGF23: Spearman's r = -0.253, P= 0.0065; iFGF23: Spearman's r = -0.245, P= 0.0085). We also found that FGF23 values just before incision correlated with eGFR (cystatin C) (cFGF23: Spearman's r = -0.499, P= 0.0014; iFGF23: Spearman's r = -0.413, P= 0.01). Conclusion: Intraoperative iFGF23 and cFGF23 did not change despite PTH decreased significantly. cFGF23 and iFGF23 significantly decreased 1 day after parathyroidectomy and are associated with increase of inorganic phosphate in pHPT patients. cFGF23 and iFGF23 just before incision correlated with eGFR (cystatin C). Similar results found in both iFGF23 and cFGF23 suggest that each could substitute the other.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: phenotype-genotype correlation in hemizygous males and heterozygous females with ABCD1 mutations.

OBJECTIVES: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) causes cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), myelopathy and/or adrenal insufficiency in males, and myelopathy/peripheral neuropathy in females. These distinct phenotypes are scarcely linked to a specific mutations. The objective herein was to find a link between the phenotype with the genotype mutation, serum very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), and the diet with Lorenzo´s and GTO oils in hemizygous males and heterozygous females. METHODS: A retrospective study design with follow-up of 45 hemizygous males and 50 heterozygous females carrying mutations in ABCD1 from 35 unrelated families with X-ALD. Mutation analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing of PCR and/or RT-PCR and the severity of missense mutations was evaluated using GERP++ score and CADD score. RESULTS: Twenty-five described and eight novel ABCD1 mutations were identified. Fifteen males and 23 females had severe mutations while 30 males and 27 females had less detrimental ones. cALD developed in 25 males (56%) including nine boys with severe mutations, 10 boys with less detrimental mutations and 6 adults with adrenomyelopathy. Myelopathy and/or adrenal insufficiency developed in 14 males (31%), six were asymptomatic. Adrenal insufficiency developed in two of five boys treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Myelopathy/peripheral neuropathy developed in 26% of females. No correlation was found between the disease severity and the genotype, GERP++ and CADD scores, presence/absence of aberrant ALDP protein or X-inactivation. VLCFA were higher in males than heterozygous females and decreased during Lorenzo´s and GTO oils diet without a clear clinical impact on the disease. CONCLUSION: The prognosis was unfavourable in most males and significant part of females. Therapy with early HSCT is effective. Thus, the need for early diagnosis with the neonatal screening is crucial.

Vancomycin and its crystalline degradation products released from bone grafts and different types of bone cement.

Vancomycin is often used in orthopedic surgery as a local prophylaxis of bacterial infection. The aim of this work was to compare the release of vancomycin and its biologically inactive crystalline degradation products (CDP-1) during in vitro experiments from different types of local antibiotic delivery systems (bone grafts and bone cements). The concentrations of vancomycin and its crystalline degradation products were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Each experiment was performed in a phosphate buffer solution over 21 days. Morselized bone grafts, synthetic bone cements Palacos and Copal, and synthetic bone grafts were tested as local carriers of vancomycin. The highest concentration approximately 670 mg/L of vancomycin was released from synthetic bone grafts Actifuse. Even after 21 days, the concentration of vancomycin was still above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The maximum concentration of vancomycin released in two experiments with human bone grafts exceeded 600 mg/L during the first day and was still above MIC level 21 days later when the experiment was concluded. By comparing the synthetic bone cements Palacos and Copal, Copal had the average maximum concentration of only 32.4 mg/L and Palacos 35.7 mg/L. The concentration of vancomycin fell below the MIC for vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) on the seventh day with Palacos and the ninth day with Copal. This study showed the insufficient concentration of released vancomycin from synthetic bone cements at the end of the experiment. For improvement of local prophylaxis, it would be beneficial to increase the amount of vancomycin in bone cements.

LC-MS/MS quantitative analysis of phylloquinone, menaquinone-4 and menaquinone-7 in the human serum of a healthy population.

A novel application of the liquid chromatography method combined with the triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the quantification of vitamin K1 and two forms of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-4, menaquinone-7) in human serum. Total chromatography time for each run was 9 min. Time required for the sample pretreatment procedures was approximately 4 h. The coefficients of variation (CVs) of intra-assay were 10.4%, 3.2 % and 2.3% for vitamin K1 in three levels of quality control samples; were 14.3%, 3.2% and 6.7% for menaquinone-4; and were 11.1%, 6.0% and 7.0% for menaquinone-7. The inter-assay CVs were 12.8%, 11.3% and 7.4% for vitamin K1; were 15.2%, 9.2% and 8.7% for menaquinone-4; and were 13.2%,11.1% and 7.2% for menaquinone-7. No interference was found between K1, menaquinone-4 and menaquinone-7, nor any deuterated internal standards. This method was then used to determine reference values for Caucasian populations of central European origin. Samples were measured from 191 healthy volunteers (51.2 ± 16.2 years (mean ± SD)) and the values concerning K1 were 0.044-1.357 ng/mL for women and 0.030-1.214 ng/mL for men. The values for menaquinone-4 and menaquinone-7 did not exhibit any differences between women and men, and were 0.050-1.598 and 0.074-0.759 ng/mL, respectively.

Determination of vitamins K1 , MK-4, and MK-7 in human serum of postmenopausal women by HPLC with fluorescence detection.

BACKGROUND: New high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of vitamin K1 and two forms of vitamin K2 (MK-4 and MK-7) in human serum, and the levels of vitamin K were determined in 350 samples of postmenopausal women. METHODS: Vitamin K was determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection after postcolumn zinc reduction. The detection was performed at 246 nm (excitation) and 430 nm (emission). The internal standard and 2 mL of ethanol were added to 500 µL of serum. The mixture was extracted with 4 mL of hexane, and solid phase extraction was then used. RESULTS: The HLPC method was fully validated. The intra- and interday accuracy and precision were evaluated on two QC samples by multiple analysis, and CV were less than 10%. The limit of quantification for MK-4 was found at 0.04 ng/mL, for K1 0.03 ng/mL, and for MK-7 0.03 ng/mL. The mean recoveries of the corresponding compounds were 98%-110%. Serum levels of MK-4, K1 , and MK-7 in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were 0.890 ± 0.291 ng/mL, 0.433 ± 0.394 ng/mL, and 1.002 ± 1.020 ng/mL, respectively (mean ± SD). Serum levels of MK-4, K1 , and MK-7 in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis were 0.825 ± 0.266 ng/mL, 0.493 ± 0.399 ng/mL, and 1.186 ± 1.076 ng/mL, respectively (mean ± SD). CONCLUSION: New HPLC method for the determination of vitamins K1 , MK-4, and MK-7 in serum was evaluated and validated. This method is highly specific and sensitive with the low limit of quantification.

A Comparison of Four Methods (Immunochemistry and HPLC) for Determination of 25-(OH)-Vitamin D in Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Three immunochemical methods for the determination of 25-(OH)-vitamin D and validated HPLC method for the determination of 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 and 25-(OH)-vitamin D2 were compared. 62 patient samples from postmenopausal women were measured and the results obtained by all these methods were compared. METHODS: We used three chemiluminescent assays for determination of 25-(OH)-vitamin D. 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 and 25-(OH)-vitamin D2 were determined by HPLC with UV detection (Agilent 1200). The chemiluminescent assays were performed using the Abbott Architect i4000SR analyzer (Abbott Laboratories, Germany), the ADVIA Centaur (Siemens, USA), and the Liaison XL (DiaSorin Inc, USA). The statistical evaluation was done using GraphPad Prism 6.0. RESULTS: The data were tested by Tukey's multiple comparison test. All methods showed significant differences in comparison with the immunochemical method from DiaSorin (p < 0.001 for Abbott, p < 0.05 for Siemens, and p < 0.0001 for HPLC). The comparison of the immunochemical method from Siemens with HPLC was also significant, p < 0.05. The mean of DiaSorin measurements was 38% lower than the mean of HPLC measurements. The non-significant difference was shown by the comparison of Abbott with HPLC and also Abbott with Siemens. Means for the 25-(OH)-vitamin D methods used were: Abbott 70.2 ± 24.2 nmol/L, Siemens 67.6 ± 27.9 nmol/L, DiaSorin 53.5 ± 17.1, and HPLC 82.4 ± 40.0 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of the DiaSorin immunochemical assay with other tested methods showed the greatest deviation. The mean of DiaSorin measurements was 38% lower than the mean of HPLC measurements. According to the results of the DiaSorin method, most patients treated with vitamin D would not achieve the optimal level of 25-(OH)-vitamin D and this could negatively affect the clinical decision.

Correlation between common genetic variants and risk factors associated with prediction of cardiovascular diseases in dyslipidemic patients.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate genetic variants predicting cardiovascular events in patients with dyslipidemia and compare its relationship with common risk factors including hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, history of acute myocardial infarction, thrombosis, obesity, and smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred two individuals divided into six groups corresponding with the risk factors and a control group of normolypidemic patients were analyzed for the presence of eight mutations and polymorphisms (endothelial nitric oxide synthase -786T → C and G894T; lymphotoxin A C804A; angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] ins/del; human platelet antigen 1 a/b; beta-fibrinogen -455G → A; apolipoprotein B [ApoB] R3500Q; APOE E2/E3/E4) using the ViennaLab CVD Strip assay. RESULTS: ACE deletions are the most frequent genetic variants in risk groups of dyslipidemic patients (from 58% in cardiovascular events to 51% in smokers). We found a strong relationship between genetic variants and risk factors. G894T is significantly associated with smoking (value of odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, p = 0.04), and ACE deletions are negatively associated with cardiovascular events (OR = 0.62, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Significant associations between genetic variants predicting cardiovascular events and common risk factors in dyslipidemic patients were found.

Alterations in serum selenium levels and their relation to troponin I in acute myocardial infarction.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant function. The aim of the present study was to estimate the alterations of Se serum level during the acute phase of myocardial infarction and its relation to biomarkers of myocardial necrosis. Serum Se levels were measured at admission and after 24 h in 60 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (both with and without ST elevation). Troponin I (TnI) was assessed at admission and then twice daily for 3 days; patients with normal levels were excluded. Fifty-five patients with acute MI (positive TnI) were included into the analysis. During the first day of hospitalization, patients received standard therapy, including acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, and heparin or enoxaparin; all underwent urgent coronary angiography and percutaneous intervention, when appropriate. Mean Se levels at baseline and 24 h later were comparable (67.1 ± 2.1 vs. 67.2 ± 1.8 µg/L, ns). Linear regression has shown significant correlation between baseline Se levels and peak TnI (y = 3.4x - 116, r (2) = 0.13, P = 0.008). Positive correlation was found also between the peak TnI and the difference from baseline to 24 h (y = 2.2x + 115, r (2) = 0.08, P = 0.04). Moreover, close negative correlation was observed between baseline Se levels and the difference from baseline to 24 h (y = -0.9x + 62.7, r (2) = 0.55, P<0.001). Our results have shown marked individual changes in Se levels during the acute phase of MI as well as correlation between Se levels and peak TnI. These results suggest that alterations in serum Se may be related to the extent of myocardial infarction.

Fluvastatin in the first-line therapy of acute coronary syndrome: results of the multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (the FACS-trial).

BACKGROUND: Statins have been proved to be effective in reduction of mortality and morbidity when started in the early secondary prevention in stabilized patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The safety and efficacy of statin administration directly in the first-line therapy in unstable ACS patients is not clear. The aim of our study was, therefore, to assess the effect of statin treatment initiated immediately at hospital admission of patients with ACS. METHODS: The trial was stopped prematurely after enrollment of one hundred and fifty-six patients with ACS that were randomized at admission to fluvastatin 80 mg (N = 78) or placebo (N = 78). Study medication was administered immediately after randomization and then once daily for 30 days; all patients were then encouraged to continue in open-label statin therapy and at the end of one-year follow-up 75% in the fluvastatin group and 78% in the placebo group were on statin therapy. RESULTS: We did not demonstrate any difference between groups in the level of C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A on Day 2 and Day 30 (primary endpoint). Fluvastatin-therapy, however, significantly reduced one-year occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (11.5% vs. 24.4%, odds ratio (OR) 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.95, P = 0.038). This difference was caused mainly by reduction of recurrent symptomatic ischemia (7.7% vs. 20.5%, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.88, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: This study failed to prove the effect of fluvastatin given as first-line therapy of ACS on serum markers of inflammation and plaque instability. Fluvastatin therapy was, however, safe and it may reduce cardiovascular event rate that supports immediate use of a statin in patients admitted for ACS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00171275.

Immediate effect of fluvastatin on lipid levels in acute coronary syndrome.

It is widely assumed that acute benefit of statin therapy is mediated especially by non-lipid effects. The immediate influence of statins on lipid levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is, however, not clear. A total of 64 consecutive patients with ACS were randomized at admission to fluvastatin 80 mg (Group 1, N = 32) or standard therapy without statin (Group 2, N = 32). The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were examined at admission and after 24 h. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. In Group 1, fluvastatin significantly decreased the levels of TC by 14.5%, LDL-C by 17.2%, and HDL-C by 10.0% (P < 0.001); TG were not influenced. In Group 2 only marginal reductions in TC (by 4.1%, P = 0.03) and HDL-C (by 7.5%, P < 0.01) were detected; the levels of LDL-C and TG were not changed. As compared with Group 2, in Group 1 the final levels of TC (P = 0.02) and LDL-C (P = 0.01) were significantly lower. Fluvastatin therapy, when started at admission in patients with ACS, significantly reduces TC and LDL-C already after 24 h. We suggest that the lipid-lowering effect of statins in the therapy of ACS is probably as prompt as non-lipid effects.

Fluvastatin in the therapy of acute coronary syndrome: Rationale and design of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (The FACS Trial)[ISRCTN81331696].

BACKGROUND: Activation of inflammatory pathways plays an important contributory role in coronary plaque instability and subsequent rupture, which can lead to the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) represent independent risk factors for further cardiovascular events. Recent evidence indicates that in addition to lowering cholesterol levels, statins also decrease levels of inflammatory markers. Previous controlled clinical trials reporting the positive effects of statins in participants with ACS were designed for very early secondary prevention. To our knowledge, no controlled trials have evaluated the potential benefits of statin therapy, beginning immediately at the time of hospital admission. A previous pilot study performed by our group focused on early initiation of cerivastatin therapy. We demonstrated a highly significant reduction in levels of inflammatory markers (CRP and interleukin-6). Based on these preliminary findings, we are conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of another statin, fluvastatin, as an early intervention in patients with ACS. METHODS: The FACS-trial (Fluvastatin in the therapy of Acute Coronary Syndrome) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of fluvastatin therapy initiated at the time of hospital admission. The study will enroll 1,000 participants admitted to hospital for ACS (both with and without ST elevation). The primary endpoint for the study is the influence of fluvastatin therapy on levels of inflammatory markers (CRP and interleukin-6) and on pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). A combined secondary endpoint is 30-day and one-year occurrence of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, recurrent symptomatic ischemia, urgent revascularization, and cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: The primary objective of the FACS trial is to demonstrate that statin therapy, when started immediately after hospital admission for ACS, results in reduction of inflammation and improvement of prognosis. This study may contribute to new knowledge regarding therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from ACS and may offer additional clinical indications for the use of statins.