Article
Critical Care Medicine
Nicolle J. Domnik, Matthew D. James, Robin E. Scheeren, Grace A. Ayoo, Sarah M. Taylor, Amanda T. Di Luch, Kathryn M. Milne, Sandra G. Vincent, Devin B. Phillips, Amany F. Elbehairy, Sophie J. Crinion, Helen S. Driver, J. Alberto Neder, Denis E. O'Donnell
Summary: Evening dosing of dual, long-acting bronchodilation can improve detailed nocturnal respiratory mechanics and inspiratory neural drive, providing sustained overnight improvements in dynamic respiratory mechanics and inspiratory neural drive compared with placebo.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mario Cazzola, Maria Gabriella Matera
Summary: Clinically important deterioration (CID) is a composite tool used for measuring COPD progression, which can improve treatment choices for COPD patients. Studies suggest that dual bronchodilation should be preferred over a single bronchodilator for reducing clinical deterioration, and if ineffective, triple therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid can prevent CID, particularly in patients with high blood eosinophil counts.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Allergy
Richard N. van Zyl-Smit, Kenneth R. Chapman, Huib A. M. Kerstjens, Christian Gessner, Hironori Sagara, Ana-Maria Tanase, Motoi Hosoe, Abhijit Pethe, David Lawrence, Hanns -Christian Tillmann, Peter D'Andrea
Summary: This study compares the efficacy of a novel once-daily treatment option with twice-daily treatment options in patients with asthma, and finds that the once-daily option is superior in some aspects, providing flexibility in treatment.
JOURNAL OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tomoko Hashimoto, Yuka Nakamura, Sachiro Kakinoki, Naoko Sano, Tsunenori Kameda, Yasushi Tamada, Tetsuji Yamaoka, Hiromichi Kurosu
Summary: This study proposes a simple method to immobilize the functional peptide of GRGDS on the surface of SF films using GAGAGS sequences. This method does not involve any chemical reaction, preserving the original properties of SF molecules. The density of GRGDS peptides on GAGAGS-bound SF films was found to be higher compared to non-GAGAGS-bound films. Furthermore, the amount of immobilized (GAGAGS)GRGDS peptide increased with the promotion of β-sheet crystallization in the SF film. Fibroblasts adhered to the SF film showed increased extensibility due to (GAGAGS)GRGDS immobilization, indicating effective cell adhesion activity of RGD.
BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sylvanus B. Ruvubu, Indrajit Roy
Summary: Malachite green was successfully adsorbed from aqueous solutions using magnetic chitosan nanoparticles coated with triglycine and 2-mercaptoethylamine hydrochloride. The adsorption process was optimized by considering factors such as pH, MG concentration, sorbent dosage, time, sonication or shaking, and temperature. The fabricated nanoadsorbents showed high MG removal efficiency under optimal conditions. This study provides insights into the potential application of magnetic chitosan nanoparticles for water purification.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
MeiLan K. Han, Gerard J. Criner, Mark T. Dransfield, David M. G. Halpin, Christine E. Jones, Sally Kilbride, Peter Lange, Sally Lettis, David A. Lipson, David A. Lomas, Neil Martin, Fernando J. Martinez, Robert A. Wise, Ian P. Naya, Dave Singh
Summary: This study investigated the prognostic value of CID events in COPD patients and the impact of triple versus dual therapy on reducing CID risk. The results showed that patients with CID at week 28 had higher exacerbation rates, smaller improvements in lung function and health status at week 52, and increased risk of all-cause mortality after week 28. FF/UMEC/VI significantly reduced CID risk compared to dual therapies, potentially improving long-term prognosis in this population.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guokai Cui, Jiaxin Liu, Shuzhen Lyu, Huiyong Wang, Zhiyong Li, Ruina Zhang, Jianji Wang
Summary: Deep eutectic solvents are efficient gas absorbents, with AChBr+Gly showing higher absorption capacity for SO2 compared to ChBr+Gly. The absorption mechanisms differ between the two solvents, involving physisorption, quasichemisorption, and chemisorption for AChBr+Gly, while only physisorption and quasi-chemisorption are observed for ChBr+Gly.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Satish Kumar, Kshetrimayum Borish, Sanjit Dey, Jayashree Nagesh, Aloke Das
Summary: The folding motifs of Gly-Pro and Pro-Gly dipeptides were investigated and their structures were found to be dependent on the hydrogen bonding interactions. The structure of Gly-Pro peptide was consistent between gas phase and solution phase, while the Pro-Gly peptide had different structures in gas phase and solution phase. Solvent might play a crucial role in dictating the preferential stabilization of the C10 structure in the solution phase.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Feixia Li, Xinzhuan Yao, Litang Lu, Yujie Jiao
Summary: This study investigated the manufacturing process conditions for glycine-chelated sodium selenite (Se-Gly) and zinc sulfate heptahydrate (Zn-Gly) and assessed their effects on fertilizer stability. The optimal preparation conditions for Zn-Gly were found to be pH 6.0, ligand concentration 4%, reaction ratio 1:2, reaction time 120 min, and reaction temperature 70 celcius. The optimal preparation conditions for Se-Gly were pH 6.0, ligand concentration 10%, reaction ratio 2:1, reaction time 40 min, and temperature 50 celcius. Zn-Gly and Se-Gly were found to increase the Zn and Se content in tea plants, and their combined application was more effective. These findings suggest that Zn-Gly and Se-Gly provide a convenient method for addressing human Zn and Se deficiency.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jihyun Won, Juhyung Kang, Keumhan Noh, Hee-Chul Chung, Wonku Kang
Summary: This study represents the first individual pharmacokinetics of Gly-Pro-Hyp, Pro-Hyp, and Gly-Pro in vivo. Gly-Pro-Hyp and Pro-Hyp showed a double-peak phenomenon after oral administration, while Gly-Pro had low levels in systemic circulation. Gly-Pro-Hyp tended to exhibit higher first-pass metabolism than Pro-Hyp.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Liangzi Sun, Mengqi Li, Shuyu Zhang, Zhijie Bao, Songyi Lin
Summary: In this study, the structure-activity relationship of the synthetic peptide LYGALGL derived from egg white was investigated using cell experiments and structure determination. The results showed that pulsed electric field treatment significantly increased the antioxidant activity of LYGALGL, leading to improved superoxide dismutase activity and mitochondrial membrane potential in cells, as well as decreased reactive oxygen species levels. Structure determination revealed that pulsed electric field treatment altered the structure of LYGALGL and exposed its active sites.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
T. Borkovits, S. A. Rappaport, P. F. L. Maxted, I Terentev, M. Omohundro, R. Gagliano, T. Jacobs, M. H. Kristiansen, D. LaCourse, H. M. Schwengeler, A. Vanderburg, M. G. Blackford
Summary: This study reveals an important discovery of a second eclipsing binary in the BG Ind system with different characteristics from the previously studied binary A. The research also confirms the stellar properties of binary A and reveals the relatively lower mass and radii of the smaller binary B.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yu Cheng, Yuanhui Ji, Defang Ouyang
Summary: Targeted therapy from cells to mitochondria and combination therapy are hopeful strategies to overcome drug resistance. The self-assembled nanodrugs can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, promote reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential loss, block cells in S phase, and inhibit cancer cell movement and migration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Nichole O'Neill, Thamires A. Lima, Fabio Furlan Ferreira, Nicolas J. Alvarez, Reinhard Schweitzer-Stenner
Summary: This study determines the main fibril axis of GHG gel-forming fibrils using various techniques and compares the results with simulated data. The analysis suggests that the hydrophobic xz-surfaces of GHG fibrils could be a good target for the adsorption of hydrophobic drugs.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abhishek Thakur, Manish Kumar, Shashi Kant Sharma
Summary: This study measured the density, speed of sound, and viscosity parameters for glycyl-glycyl-glycine in aqueous solutions of ascorbic acid. Various thermophysical parameters were computed to understand the interactions between solute-solute and solute-solvent and their effects on solution properties.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Konstantinos Bartziokas, Christos Kyriakopoulos, Evangelia Dounousi, Konstantinos Kostikas
Summary: The presence of MAB in patients with AECOPD is associated with more severe COPD, prolonged hospitalization, and increased risk of AECOPD and mortality at 1-year follow-up.
POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Konstantinos Kostikas, Katerina Dimakou, Konstantinos Gourgoulianis, Mina Gaga, Dimosthenis Papapetrou, Georgios Tsoukalas, Panagiotis Chatziapostolou, Antonios Antoniadis, Georgios Meletis, Efstathia Evangelopoulou, Panagiota Styliara, Ilektra Karypidou, Athena Gogali, Konstantinos Kalafatakis, Nikolaos Tzanakis
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of daily and night symptoms and quality of sleep in Greek COPD patients and evaluate their response to treatment with aclidinium/formoterol. After 3 months of treatment, a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life was observed, and patients reported high satisfaction and compliance with the treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Konstantinos Kostikas, Petros Bakakos, Petros Galanakis, Georgios Hillas, George N. Konstantinou, Michael Makris, Nikolas Mathioudakis, Konstantinos Porpodis, Nikoletta Rovina, Eleftherios Zervas, Stelios Loukides
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and patient-perceived impact of benralizumab on severe eosinophilic asthma patients in routine care settings in Greece. Advanced remote patient monitoring technologies will be used to collect data on lung function and physical activity.
Article
Respiratory System
Desiree M. M. Schumann, Eleni Papakonstantinou, Konstantinos Kostikas, Leticia Grize, Michael Tamm, Daiana Stolz
Summary: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) variability is associated with the risk and aetiology of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) differently in current and ex-smokers.
Article
Respiratory System
Efthymia Papadopoulou, Jan Hansel, Zsofia Lazar, Konstantinos Kostikas, Stavros Tryfon, Jurgen Vestbo, Alexander G. Mathioudakis
Summary: This meta-analysis explored the safety and effectiveness of mucolytics as an add-on treatment for COPD exacerbations. The analysis included 24 RCTs involving 2192 patients and showed that mucolytics can increase treatment success rate, improve symptom scores, reduce persistent cough, and facilitate expectoration. There is also some evidence suggesting that mucolytics may reduce future exacerbation risk and improve quality of life.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Antonia Assioura, Georgia Gkrepi, Konstantinos Exarchos, Konstantinos Kostikas, Athena Gogali, Christos Kyriakopoulos
Summary: A 61-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease and ulcerative colitis presented with dyspnea on mild physical activity. He had been receiving anti-TNF-alpha treatment for 6 months and developed interstitial pneumonia one month after the last dose.
Letter
Critical Care Medicine
Konstantinos Kostikas, Athena Gogali, Georgios Hillas
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Respiratory System
Athena Gogali, Konstantinos Kostikas
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Richard N. Van Zyl-Smit, Huib AM. Kerstjens, Jorge F. Maspero, Konstantinos Kostikas, Motoi Hosoe, Ana-Maria Tanase, Peter Andrea, Karen Mezzi, Dominic Brittain, David Lawrence, Kenneth R. Chapman
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of a fixed-dose combination therapy of mometasone furoate/indacaterol acetate/glycopyrronium bromide in asthma patients with and without persistent airflow limitation. The results showed that this therapy improved lung function and reduced asthma exacerbations in patients with airflow limitation.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Konstantinos Bartziokas, Evgenia Papathanasiou, Andriana I. I. Papaioannou, Ilias Papanikolaou, Emmanouil Antonakis, Ioanna Makou, Georgios Hillas, Theodoros Karampitsakos, Ourania Papaioannou, Katerina Dimakou, Vasiliki Apollonatou, Galateia Verykokou, Spyros Papiris, Petros Bakakos, Stelios Loukides, Konstantinos Kostikas
Summary: In recent years, blood eosinophils have been studied as a biomarker for eosinophilic airway inflammation and a prognostic indicator for COPD outcomes. This study found that low blood eosinophil levels upon admission for COPD exacerbation were associated with more severe disease and predicted the need for NIV. Further research is needed to confirm the use of blood eosinophil levels as a predictor of unfavorable outcomes.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Christos Ballas, Lampros Lakkas, Olga Kardakari, Athanasios Konstantinidis, Konstantinos Exarchos, Stavroula Tsiara, Konstantinos Kostikas, Katerina K. Naka, Lampros K. Michalis, Christos S. Katsouras
Summary: This study evaluated non-conventional markers of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. The results showed that a majority of patients had abnormal right ventricular function, which was associated with clinical and biochemical prognostic indices.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Konstantinos Kostikas, Jorge F. Maspero, Kenneth R. Chapman, Karen Mezzi, Xavier Jaumont, David Lawrence, Richard van Zyl-Smit
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of baseline eosinophil levels on the efficacy of mometasone/indacaterol/glycopyrronium in patients with asthma. The results showed that eosinophil levels did not affect the effectiveness of the medication.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Respiratory System
Stavros Tryfon, Efthymia Papadopoulou, Maria Bertoli, Konstantinos Exarchos, Alexandros Ginis, Konstantinos Kostikas
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Vagia Karageorgou, Andriana I. Papaioannou, Maria Kallieri, Myrto Blizou, Stefanos Lampadakis, Maria Sfika, Antonios Krouskos, Vasileios Papavasileiou, Franceska Strakosha, Kalliopi Theoni Vandorou, Pavlos Siozos, Marina Moustaka Christodoulou, Georgia Kontonasiou, Vasiliki Apollonatou, Elvira Markella Antonogiannaki, Christos Kyriakopoulos, Christina Aggelopoulou, Christos Chronis, Konstantinos Kostikas, Evangelia Koukaki, Zoi Sotiropoulou, Athanasia Athanasopoulou, Petros Bakakos, Pinelopi Schoini, Emmanouil Alevrakis, Sotirios Poupos, Evangelia Chondrou, Dionisios Tsoukalas, Alexia Chronaiou, George Tsoukalas, Sofia Koukidou, Georgios Hillas, Katerina Dimakou, Konstantinos Roukas, Ifigeneia Nakou, Diamantis Chloros, Evangelia Fouka, Spyros A. Papiris, Stelios Loukides
Summary: This study compared the baseline characteristics of patients in two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated possible predictors of mortality. The study found that patients in the Delta period were younger, required a longer duration of hospitalization, and had more severe disease compared to patients in the Omicron period. The study identified independent predictors of mortality for patients in both periods.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Loukia Lypirou, Christos Chronis, Konstantinos Exarchos, Konstantinos Kostikas, Vasilios Sakkas
Summary: This study analyzed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath of COPD patients using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and identified certain molecules associated with the risk of future COPD exacerbation. This provides a promising avenue for the detection and management of COPD.