Preparation of an injectable and photocurable carboxymethyl cellulose/hydroxyapatite composite and its application in cranial regeneration.

Limited bone regeneration, uncontrollable degradation rate, mismatched defect zone and poor operability have plagued the reconstruction of irregular bone defect by tissue-engineered materials. A combination of biomimetic scaffolds with hydroxyapatite has gained great popularity in promoting bone regeneration. Therefore, we designed an injectable, photocurable and in-situ curing hydrogel by methacrylic anhydride -modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-MA) loading with spherical hydroxyapatite (HA) to highly simulate the natural bony matrix and match any shape of damaged tissue. The prepared carboxymethyl cellulose-methacrylate/ hydroxyapatite(CMC-MA/HA) composite presented good rheological behavior, swelling ratio and mechanical property under light illumination. Meanwhile, this composite hydrogel promoted effectively proliferation, supported adhesion and upregulated the osteogenic-related genes expression of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro, as well as the activity of the osteogenic critical protein, Integrin α1, ß1, Myosin 9, Myosin 10, BMP-2 and Smad 1 in Integrin/BMP-2 signal pathway. Together, the composite hydrogels realized promotion of bone regeneration, deformity improvement, and the enhanced new bone strength in skull defect. It also displayed a good histocompatibility and stability of subcutaneous implantation in vivo. Overall, this study laid the groundwork for future research into developing a novel biomaterial and a minimally invasive therapeutic strategies for reconstructing bone defects and contour deficiencies.

An experimental study on the visual identification of Fritillaria ussuriensis based on LAMP and nucleic acid colloidal gold technique.

Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim is one of the traditional Chinese valuable herbs, which is the dried bulb of Fritillaria, a plant of the lily family. The identification of authenticity about F. ussuriensis is still technically challenging. In this study, visual identification was performed by ring-mediated isothermal amplification and nucleic acid colloidal gold techniques. Firstly, multiple sequence comparative analysis was performed by DNAMAN to find the differential sites of F. ussuriensis and its mixed pseudo-products, and the specific identification primers of F. ussuriensis were designed. Genomic DNA was extracted by the modified CTAB method, and the reaction system and reaction conditions were optimized to construct LAMP for the visual detection of F. ussuriensis, meanwhile, the genuine product was cloned and the extracted plasmid was sequenced. The specificity and sensitivity were detected, and also verified by nucleic acid colloidal gold method, and 20 commercially available samples were tested. The extracted DNA met the requirements of the experiment, and the genuine F. ussuriensis PCR product titrated on a test strip showed two bands on the T and C lines, while the counterfeit and negative control showed only one band on the C line, which matched the LAMP results. The specificity was 100 %, and the sensitivity of LAMP assay was up to 0.01 ng µL-1, while that of colloidal gold assay was 0.1 ng µL-1, thus the LAMP assay had high sensitivity. 14 out of 20 commercially available samples of F. ussuriensis were qualified, and 6 were unqualified, and the results of the two methods of identification were consistent. In this study, the combined detection method of LAMP and colloidal gold for nucleic acid was established to be specific, rapid, precise and visualized, which can provide a new technical idea for the detection of F. ussuriensis.

Comparison of different thread products for facial rejuvenation: Materials and barb designs.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the thread-lifting technique has become widely used in clinical settings. Several thread products are used in clinical practice, and there are many differences between products in terms of many aspects. METHODS: Six commercial thread products were collected and evaluated. The general structure, microstructure, elastic modulus, and strength were evaluated using microscopies and tensile testing in vitro. Seventy-two female rats were divided into six groups. Tissue samples were harvested and histologically evaluated at 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th week using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS: There were differences between products in terms of barb shape, microstructure, elasticity, and strength, and that could be attributed to the materials and barb structures. All threads showed good biological safety, and the density of collagen area in the dermis was increased compared to that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided an objective evaluation of barbed thread products, which indicated that all products can be used safely with certain effects in different indications.

Plastome evolution and phylogenomics of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae).

MAIN CONCLUSION: This study reported seven new plastomes from Impatiens and observed three highly variable regions for phylogeny and DNA barcoding, which resolved the relationships among sections of subgenus Impatiens. Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae, Ericales) is one of the largest and most diverse genera of angiosperms, widely known for its taxonomic difficulty. In this study, we reevaluated the infrageneric relationships within the genus Impatiens, using complete plastome sequence data. Seven complete plastomes of Impatiens (representing 6 species) were newly sequenced and characterized along with 20 previously published plastomes of other Impatiens species, plus 2 plastomes of outgroups (Hydrocera triflora, Balsaminaceae; Marcgravia coriacea, Marcgraviaceae). The total size of these 29 plastomes ranged from 151,538 bp to 152,917 bp, except 2 samples of Impatiens morsei, which exhibited a shorter length and lost some genes encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunits. Moreover, the number of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) ranged from 51 to 113, and the number of long repeats from 17 to 26. In addition, three highly variable regions were identified (trnG-GCC (The previous one), ndhF-rpl32-trnL-UGA-ccsA, and ycf1). Our phylogenomic analysis based on 80 plastome-derived protein-coding genes strongly supported the monophyly of Impatiens and its two subgenera (Clavicarpa and Impatiens), and fully resolved relationships among the six (out of seven) sampled sections of subgenus Impatiens. Overall, the plastome DNA markers and phylogenetic results reported in this study will facilitate future identification, taxonomic and DNA barcoding studies in Impatiens as well as evolutionary studies in Balsaminaceae.

Configuration-Specific Antibody for Bacterial Heptosylation: An Antiadhesion Therapeutic Strategy.

Alternative antibacterial therapies refractory to existing mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are urgently needed. One such attractive therapy is to inhibit bacterial adhesion and colonization. Ser O-heptosylation (Ser O-Hep) on autotransporters of Gram-negative bacteria is a novel glycosylation and has been proven to be essential for bacterial colonization. Herein, we chemically synthesized glycopeptides containing this atypical glycan structure and an absolute C6 configuration through the assembly of Ser O-Hep building blocks. Using glycopeptides as haptens, we generated first-in-class poly- and monoclonal antibodies, termed Anti-SerHep1a and Anti-SerHep1b, that stereoselectively recognize Ser O-heptosylation (d/l-glycero) with high specificity in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, these antibodies effectively blocked diffusely adhering Escherichia coli 2787 adhesion to HeLa cells and in mice in a dose- and Ser O-Hep-dependent manner. Together, these antibodies represent not only useful tools for the discovery of unknown serine O-heptosylated proteins bearing various C6 chiral centers but also a novel class of antiadhesion therapeutic agents for the treatment of bacterial infection.

[Relationship Between ABO Blood Group and Pregnancy Complications].

ABO blood group system is the most commonly used blood group classification system in clinic practice. The relevant antigens, A, B and H determinants, are complex carbohydrate molecules that are expressed in red blood cells and other cell lines and tissues. These antigens are determined by the ABO locus located on chromosome 9 (9q34.1-q34.2). ABO blood group is associated with the development of many human diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and tumors. The relationship between the ABO blood group of pregnant women and various pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) and the related diseases, pregnancy associated venous thromboembolism (PA-VTE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), have become the focus of obstetricians' recent research interest. Herein, we reviewed the relationship between ABO blood group and these pregnancy complications, and found that most of the reported findings supported the following views: 1) Blood type O is a protective factor for PE, while blood type AB increases the risk of PE; 2) blood types other than O are more prone to PA-VTE than blood type O; 3) blood type O or blood type AB may be related to the pathogenesis of GDM; 4) women of blood type O are at higher risks for PPH than those of other blood types. More in-depth epidemiological and genetic studies are needed to confirm these findings in the future. These findings can provide new ideas for researching into the pathogenesis of obstetric diseases and form the theoretical basis for obstetricians to prevent and treat related diseases.

Phenylpropanoids from Brachybotrys paridiformis maxim. Ex oliv. And their anti-HBV activities (II).

Five undescribed phenylpropanoids, one undescribed phenolic glucoside, and sixteen known compounds were isolated from Brachybotrys paridiformis Maxim. Ex Oliv. The undescribed compounds were named brachoside B-C, brach acid A-B, brachnan A, and brachin D, respectively. Additionally, the anti-hepatitis B virus activities of all isolated compounds were studied. Among them, brachnan A, brach acid A, globoidnan A, 3-carboxy-6,7-dihydroxy-1-(3',4'-dihydroxy-phenyl)-naphthalene, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde showed significant anti-hepatitis B virus activities.

Modifications decrease hepatic steatosis in Taiwanese with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global problem associated with increasing obesity prevalence. Lifestyle modifications are currently recommended, including weight reduction, exercise, and diet control. This study evaluated the short-term effect of lifestyle modifications on transient elastography (TE) values in an obese population with MAFLD. Thirty-two MAFLD patients were recruited for this prospective study and all subjects participated in a 3-month program of lifestyle modification. Sequential demographic parameters and biochemical tests were compared before and after program completion. Liver fat and fibrosis changes were measured using TE with controlled attenuated parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurements (LSM). The mean age was 38.7 years old (10 males). The body weight (88.09 kg vs. 80.35 kg), body mass index (32.24 kg/m2 vs. 29.4 kg/m2 ), waist (103.19 cm vs. 95.75 cm), and hip circumference (111.67 cm vs. 104.75 cm), and blood pressure (128/78 mmHg vs. 119/71 mmHg) significantly improved before and after the intervention, respectively. Aspartate aminotransaminase (24.06 U/L vs. 18.91 U/L), alanine aminotransaminase (33 U/L vs. 23.72 U/L), creatinine (0.75 mg/dl vs. 0.70 mg/dl), cholesterol (176.41 mg/dl vs. 166.22 m/dl), gamma-glutamyl transferase (26.59 IU/L vs. 19.81 IU/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (115.63 mg/dl vs. 103.19 mg/dl) also improved after the 3-month intervention. The average CAP significantly decreased after intervention (297.5 dB/m vs. 255.0 dB/m), however, no significant difference in LSM was observed (5.24 kPa vs. 4.82 kPa). The current study suggests that short-term lifestyle modification can effectively improve hepatic steatosis, and TE may serve as a monitoring tool for therapeutic intervention.

A Rare Case of an Incidental Near-Complete Gastric Band Erosion Without Perforation.

Laparoscopic gastric banding has been favored for the treatment of morbid obesity because it is minimally invasive, effective, and reversible. One of the complications is gastric band erosion which can cause abdominal pain, hematemesis, and hematochezia. Erosions can be partial and can lead to intra-abdominal free air, peritonitis, and sepsis. Endoscopic removal of the gastric band can be done safely and effectively using a wire and a mechanical lithotripter. We describe a patient with a rare case of an incidental near-complete gastric band erosion without perforation and subsequent endoscopic removal.

Phenylpropanoids from Brachybotrys paridiformis Maxim. ex Oliv. and their anti-HBV activities.

Using chemical and spectroscopic data, this study on Brachybotrys paridiformis Maxim. ex Oliv. identified four undescribed phenylpropanoids, brachin A-C and brachoside A, together with nine other known compounds. The isolated compounds were tested for anti-hepatitis B virus activities in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. Among them, caffeic anhydride showed the most potent activity.

Community Socioeconomic Deprivation Predicts Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

In order to determine the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), we retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 1,430 patients in a large tertiary health care network in New York. These patients underwent liver biopsy over a 10-year period and were included in our study if they had evidence of NAFLD/NASH on liver biopsy. Zip codes were used to obtain data necessary to derive the social deprivation index (SDI) from the US Bureau of the Census. The high-SDI group was compared to the low-SDI group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess association between socioeconomic factors and NAFLD parameters, including presence of NASH (NAFLD activity score >4), moderate to severe steatosis (>33%), and significant fibrosis (S2-S4). We included 614 patients with NAFLD/NASH; the median SDI was 31.5. Hemoglobin A1c values were higher in the high-SDI group compared to the low-SDI group (6.46 vs. 6.12, P = 0.02). Socioeconomic factors, such as private versus public health care, percentage being foreign born, percentage without a car, percentage with higher needs (<5 years old and >65 years old), and percentage currently living in renter-occupied and crowded housing units, showed statistically significant associations in predicting NASH. After adjusting for patient age, sex, race, body mass index, and diabetes, we saw a significant association between four or more socioeconomic parameters in predicting NASH (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.099-2.856; P = 0.0190) and six or more socioeconomic parameters in predicting severe steatosis (OR, 1.498; 95% CI, 1.031-2.176; P = 0.0338) but no significant correlation between the number of socioeconomic parameters and significant fibrosis. Conclusion: Greater number of socioeconomic determinants (four or more) are associated with greater severity of NASH. Awareness of NAFLD/NASH needs to be raised in communities with high socioeconomic deprivation.

Delta-like ligand 4 level in colorectal cancer is associated with tumor aggressiveness and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: The Notch signaling regulates numerous cell growth, differentiation, and death. However, the expression pattern of its ligand Delta-like 4 (DLL4) in tumors is still uncertain. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we examined DLL4 expression in colorectal cancer as well as assessed its role as a prognostic indicator in the present study. METHODS: DLL4 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 289 surgically resected specimens of colorectal cancer and adjacent normal tissues. The relationship between DLL4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. The association of DLL4 expression with the patients' overall survival rate was assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS: Increased DLL4 level was detected in colorectal cancer compared with that of normal tissues. Elevated DLL4 level in colorectal cancer was associated with increased body mass index of patients. Moreover, increased DLL4 level was also found to be correlated with tumor invasion, metastases and unfavorable clinical outcom of patients. CONCLUSIONS: DLL4 level is increased in colorectal cancer, especially in patients with increased body mass index, indicating potential involvement of obesity-related tumorigenesis and development. It might also serve as a novel molecular marker to predicate outcome of patients.

The biological effect of recombinant humanized collagen on damaged skin induced by UV-photoaging: An in vivo study.

The application of medical devices to repair skin damage is clinically accepted and natural polymer enjoys an important role in this field, such as collagen or hyaluronic acid, etc. However, the biosafety and efficacy of these implants are still challenged. In this study, a skin damage animal model was prepared by UV-photoaging and recombinant humanized type III collagen (rhCol III) was applied as a bioactive material to implant in vivo to study its biological effect, comparing with saline and uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA). Animal skin conditions were non-invasively and dynamically monitored during the 8 weeks experiment. Histological observation, specific gene expression and other molecular biological methods were applied by the end of the animal experiment. The results indicated that rhCol III could alleviate the skin photoaging caused by UV radiation, including reduce the thickening of epidermis and dermis, increase the secretion of Collagen I (Col I) and Collagen III (Col III) and remodel of extracellular matrix (ECM). Although the cell-material interaction and mechanism need more investigation, the effect of rhCol III on damaged skin was discussed from influence on cells, reconstruction of ECM, and stimulus of small biological molecules based on current results. In conclusion, our findings provided rigorous biosafety information of rhCol III and approved its potential in skin repair and regeneration. Although enormous efforts still need to be made to achieve successful translation from bench to clinic, the recombinant humanized collagen showed superiorities from both safety and efficacy aspects.

Primary mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mesonephric adenocarcinoma (MNAC) is an extremely rare malignancy in the female genital tract. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature, and most of them occurred in the cervix, with extremely rare cases in the uterine body and ovary. MNAC has never been reported to arise in the fallopian tube. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old woman was referred to our institution with a history of abdominal pain. Ultrasound revealed a cystic and solid mass in left adnexal region. The patient underwent complete staging surgery when intraoperative pathological examination demonstrated that the mass was malignant. The final histological and immunohistochemical results confirmed the diagnosis of MNAC originating from the fallopian tube. Then she received four cycles of combination chemotherapy with carboplatin plus paclitaxel. The tumor recurred with hepatic metastases 4 mo after initial surgery, and second resection of the tumors in the liver plus partial hepatectomy was performed. She was supplemented with five courses of a new combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus carboplatin, and there was no evidence of recurrence within the 22-mo follow-up period after the second surgery. CONCLUSION: MNAC originating from the fallopian tube is an extremely rare and high malignancy with a poor prognosis. It can be very aggressive, even at early stage. Little is known about the clinical characteristics, pathological diagnosis, prognosis, and optimal management strategy of MNAC originating from the fallopian tube. Herein we report the first case of primary MNAC deriving from the fallopian tube.

ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon to trap polysulfides for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have a high theoretical energy density and are low cost. However, the undesirable shuttle effect with the solid discharge product, Li2S, greatly impedes their market penetration. Conductive carbon materials with functional elements are beneficial in controlling the shuttle effect and can reactivate the Li2S, leading to improved long term cycling performance of LSBs. Herein, we report zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N) co-doped ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon (ZHC) as a promising separator coating for LSBs to control the shuttle effect. The hollow area in the ZHC is identified to be around 250 nm with a carbonized outer surface thickness of approximately 50 nm. The presence of Zn and N in the nanohollow carbon structure helps to mitigate polysulfide (PS) diffusion in LSBs. Furthermore, the hollow interior of the carbon acts as a PS pocket to physically capture the PS and in addition Zn and N chemically attract the PS through polar-polar and metal sulfide interactions. The ZHC with its unique architecture and functional groups shows a promising performance with an initial specific capacity (S.cap) of 842 mA h g-1 at 4.80 mg cm-2 and cycling stability until 400 cycles, which is considerably higher in comparison with the cycling performance of parent ZIF-8.

Topographic Anatomy of the Zygomatico-Orbital Artery: Implications for Improving the Safety of Temporal Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical knowledge of the zygomatico-orbital artery and its most relevant clinical applications is essential for ensuring the safety of filler injection into the temporal region. The purpose of this study was to provide the precise position, detailed course, and relationship with surrounding structures of the zygomatico-orbital artery. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who underwent head contrast-enhanced three-dimensional computed tomography and 10 fresh frozen cadavers were investigated. RESULTS: The zygomatico-orbital artery was identified in 93 percent of the samples in this work. Ninety-four percent of the zygomatico-orbital arteries derived directly from the superficial temporal artery, and the remaining arteries started from the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. According to the origin of the zygomatico-orbital artery, it was classified into type I and type II. Type I arteries were then classified into three subtypes. The trunk of the zygomatico-orbital artery was located between the deep temporal fascia and the superficial temporal fascia. Deep branches of the zygomatico-orbital artery pierced the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia. The zygomatico-orbital artery originated from 11.3 mm in front of the midpoint of the apex of the tragus, and most of its trunks were located less than 20.0 mm above the zygomatic arch. The mean diameter of the zygomatico-orbital artery was 1.2 ± 0.2 mm. There were extensive anastomoses between the zygomatico-orbital artery and various periorbital arteries at the lateral orbital rim. CONCLUSION: The precise anatomical knowledge of the zygomatico-orbital artery described in this study could be helpful for cosmetic physicians for improving the safety of temporal augmentation.

The Effect of Different Diameters of Fat Converters on Adipose Tissue and Its Cellular Components: Selection for Preparation of Nanofat.

BACKGROUND: Nanofat is an autologous product prepared mechanically from harvested fat. In nanofat grafting, converters are employed for mechanical emulsification to facilitate fat injection. To date, the study of different converters has received scant attention regarding whether they affect the characteristics of nanofat in terms of the practical applications and indications. OBJECTIVES: The authors set out to investigate the influence of different internal diameters of converters on biological functionality of nanofat during shuffling. METHODS: The 3-dimensional finite element method was employed to simulate the process of mechanical emulsification of fat and to research the stress with 5 different converters (3.76 mm, 2.00 mm, 1.20 mm, 1.00 mm, 0.80 mm). An assessment of the morphology of emulsified fat was conducted. Isolated stromal vascular fraction (SVF) was analyzed for cellular components, number, and viability through flowcytometry and live/ dead staining. Adipocytic and angiogenic differentiation assay allowed assessment of differentiation capacity of the SVF. RESULTS: The smaller the aperture of the converter, the greater the mechanical force on adipose tissue during mechanical emulsification, showing the different macroscopic and microscopic structure of the emulsified fat. No difference in viability or ratio of endothelial progenitor cells and other cells was found. Angiogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity of the SVF significantly changed in 5 different converters. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical emulsification from different apertures of converters exerts different effects of adipose tissue structure, cell content, and multipotency differentiation but not its viability. Converters with different apertures can be selected according to clinical needs.

Quantifiable clinical efficacy of injectable porcine collagen for the treatment of structural dark circles.

BACKGROUND: Dark circles are one of the most perplexing cosmetic problems for modern people. Nowadays, a new porcine collagen filler has been popular in China and many countries and has high safety. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to explore and quantify the efficacy of this collagen filler in treating structured dark circles objectively and systematically. METHODS: This is a prospective study. Twenty patients were included and took standard facial photographs at preoperative (Tp), immediately postoperative (T0), 1 week (T1), 2 weeks (T2), 4 weeks (T4), 8 weeks (T8), and 12 weeks (T12). The efficacy was quantified by measuring the depression of the tear trough and infraorbital melanin content. Three dermatologists blinded to the treatment were responsible for completing the subjective evaluations. RESULTS: The depression volume, depression-affected area, and depression maximum depth of the tear trough decreased significantly immediately postoperation, and then all values increased slowly with time (P <.05). After 3-month observation, we found that the residual effect of the treatment is 45.08% ± 15.53% (T8) and 17.37% ± 16.79% (T12). The melanin contents at the medial point (A), the middle point (B), and the lateral point (C) all decreased instantly after injection (A: 8.23% ± 5.07%, B: 6.29% ± 5.05%, C: 5.11% ± 5.44% ), which suggested that collagen filler had an instant covering effect for structural dark circles. Patients showed only slight redness and swelling after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Collagen filler is a very effective treatment method for structural dark circles. Besides, it may also have a certain therapeutic effect on the other three dark circles types.

Severity of liver test abnormalities in coronavirus disease 2019 depends on comorbidities and predicts early in-hospital mortality.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Liver chemistry abnormalities (LCA) are common in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but their causes and clinical impact have not been adequately studied. We assessed the associations between LCA and clinical characteristics, inflammatory serum markers, in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Ten thousand eight hundred fifty-six adult patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in 13 hospitals in New York (1 March to 27 April 2020) were analyzed retrospectively. Abnormalities of liver chemistries [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, or total bilirubin] were defined as absent, mild-moderate (at least one value up to four times elevated), or severe. RESULTS: LCA were mild-moderate in 63.9% and severe in 7.6% at admission. Risk factors for severe LCA were male sex and chronic liver disease. Conversely, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were less likely associated with severe LCA. AST elevation correlated weakly to modestly with inflammatory markers. On adjusted analysis, in-hospital mortality was 1.56 times and 1.87 times increased in patients with mild-to-moderate and severe LCA, respectively. Diabetes, hypertension, male sex, and age greater than 60 years was associated with incremental risk of mortality with increase severity of LCA, especially in the first week of hospitalization. HTN was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality unless LCA was present. CONCLUSION: Increasing severity of LCA on hospital admission predicts early in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Mortality associated with the known risk factors, hypertension, diabetes, male sex, and old age was accentuated in the presence of LCA. AST correlated modestly with inflammatory markers.