Screening and Identification of Cotton Verticillium Wilt Antagonistic Bacteria Strain 7-30

[Objective]The aim of this study was to screen the antagonistic spore-forming bacteria of Verticillium dahliae and identify its physiological and biochemical characteristics.[Method]Taking the cotton verticillium wilt pathogen Verticillium dahliae V-190 as the test microorganism,the antagonistic spore-forming bacteria were screened.Through the preliminary screening and secondary screening,an antagonistic bacteria strain 7-30 with stronger antibacterial activity was obtained,and its morphological characteristics,physiological and biochemical characteristics were also identified.[Result]84 antagonistic bacteria strains were isolated from soil in various places by the preliminary screening.Especially,18 strains with better antagonistic ability were screened again,so an antagonistic bacteria strain 7-30 with the diameter of inhibition zone 18.9 mm and stronger antibacterial activity was obtained.According to its morphological characteristics,physiological and biochemical characteristics,the antagonistic bacteria strain 7-30 was identified as Bacillus subtilis primarily.[Conclusion]The strain 7-30 was obtained as the antagonistic spore-forming bacteria of Verticillium dahliae.

Screening of Soil Antagonistic Bacteria for Watermelon Fusarium Wilt

[Objective] The aim of this study was to screen bacteria strains with stable antagonistic effect against watermelon fusarium wilt from soil and investigate the biological control of watermelon fusarium wilt by applying the antagonistic bacteria strains into soil.[Method] Actinomycete strains,fluorescent bacteria strains and bacillus strains were isolated from soil samples by the dilution-plate method,then its resistance was screened respectively by the improved confront culture method after colonies were purified.Finally,bacteria strains with better antagonistic effect were identified.[Result] 29 bacteria strains with stable antagonistic effect against watermelon fusarium wilt were screened from 39 soil samples,which contained 15 fluorescent bacteria strains,5 bacillus strains and 9 actinomycete strains.Furthermore,three antagonistic bacteria strains of FM2,FM3 and FM4 with the strongest antagonism were identified primarily.[Conclusion] According to cultural characteristics,morphological observation,biochemical and physiological tests,FM2 belongs to bacillus subtilis,while FM3 and FM4 belong to micrococcus.

Role of CD36 in central nervous system diseases

CD36 is a highly glycosylated integral membrane protein that belongs to the scavenger receptor class B family and regulates the pathological progress of metabolic diseases.CD36 was recently found to be widely expressed in various cell types in the nervous system,including endothelial cells,pericytes,astrocytes,and microglia.CD36 mediates a number of regulatory processes,such as endothelial dysfunction,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction,and inflammatory responses,which are involved in many central nervous system diseases,such as stroke,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and spinal cord injury.CD36 antagonists can suppress CD36 expression or prevent CD36 binding to its ligand,thereby achieving inhibition of CD36-mediated pathways or functions.Here,we reviewed the mechanisms of action of CD36 antagonists,such as Salvianolic acid B,tanshinone IIA,curcumin,sulfosuccinimidyl oleate,antioxidants,and small-molecule compounds.Moreover,we predicted the structures of binding sites between CD36 and antagonists.These sites can provide targets for more efficient and safer CD36 antagonists for the treatment of central nervous system diseases.

Screening and Identification of Antagonistic Bacteria against Soil-borne Diseases of Tomato

[Objective] This study was conducted to screen resources for biological control of soil-borne diseases of tomato. [Method] Antagonistic bacteria against Ral- stonia solanacearum and Fusarium oxysporum were isolated and purified from soil samples by dilution plating and confronting incubation on PDA plates, then the antibacterial spectrum and metabolic secretions of the bacterial isolates were measured, and their species were identified by establishing phylogenetic trees with Neighbor-Joining method. [Result] From the 60 soil samples, 10 of 59 antagonistic bacteria isolates against R. solanacearum showed inhibition zone diameter 〉 25 mm, and 4 of 30 strains against F. oxysporum exhibited inhibition rate 〉 30%. The bacteriostatic substances and antibacterial spectrum analysis on above 14 isolates revealed that four strains N23-2, N58-2, NF59-3 and NF61-1 had good antago- nism against pathogenic bacteria and fungi; 12 strains produced cellulose, 11 strains produced proteases, and 6 strains produced siderophores. The molecular identification experiments indicated that four strains were members of Paenibacillus, three strains of Streptomyces, three strains of Pseudomonas strains, and four strains of Bacillus strains.

Screening of Antagonistic Bacteria against Phytophthora infestans and Its Inhibition Effect

[ Objective ] The paper was to screen bacterial strain with significant antagonistic effect against Phytophthora infestans, so as to provide basis for further development and utilization of antagonistic bacteria to inhibit P. infestans and control potato late bright. [ Method] Plate dual culture and filter paper method were used to determine the inhibition effect of strains in vivo, fermentation broth and bacterial liquid of 61 strains against P. infestans and the resistance-induction effect of SR13-2 strain. [ Result] The inhibition rate of 24 strains among 61 tested strains against mycelial growth of P. infestans was greater than 60%, and the inhibi- tion effect of HT-6 strain was the strongest with the inhibition rate of 89.92%. However, fermentation broth of all tested strains had no significant inhibition effect against P. infestans, while the inhibition effect of bacterial liquid of most strains was significantly higher than strain in vivo; the inhibition effect of $34-1 strain was the strongest with inhibition rate of 91.50%. The bacterial liquid of SR13-2 strain was found to have significant resistance-induction effect with protective rate of 60%. [ Conclusion] The inhibition effect of strains in vivo and fermentation broth of antagonistic strains S34-1 and SR13-2 had no relationship with each other, while bacterial liquid had great application potential in controlling potato late bright.

Screening of Antagonistic Actinomyces against Soft Rot of Amorphophallus konjac and Its Antibacterial Activity

[Objective] Antagonistic actinomyces of Amorphophallus konjac soft rot were isolated from the soil,the antibacterial activity of the fermentation was detected,and its active components were separated.[Method] The antagonistic actinomycetes were screened using plate confrontation culture method.The SJK18 antagonistic strain with strong activity was conducted single-factor tests using different carbon sources,nitrogen sources,temperatures and pH value as the culture condition,and the antibacterial activities of fermentation liquid was determined,respectively.The fermentation liquid of antagonistic strain was extracted with alcohol and acetic ester,and their antibacterial activities were determined.[Result] A total of 112 strains of actinomycetes were obtained,and 11 strains had antibacterial activity.The antibacterial activity of SJK18 strain was the strongest in the single-factor test,when the corn powder was adopted as the carbon sources,KNO3 was the nitrogen source,the temperature was 30 ℃ and the pH was 6.0,the appropriate pH value for the activity was 5.5-10.0.The diameters of inhibition zone of alcohol extract and raffinate of ethyl acetate were 17.0 and 20.0 mm,respectively,while the extraction of ethyl acetate had no antibacterial activity.[Conclusion] A strain of actinomyces with strong antibacterial activity against soft rot of A.konjac was obtained.

Screening and identification of an antagonistic bacterium strain LHB02 and the optimization of its fermentation conditions

A strain LHB02 with strong antibacterial activity against some aquatic pathogens was screened from the coastal marine sediment in Fujian province, China. LHB02 was identified as Bacillus subtilis, based on its 16S rRNA sequence, together with the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. The antagonistic activity of strain LHB02 and its optimal fermentation conditions were also investigated. The results showed that LHB02 had strong antagonistic activity against 3 species of vibrios： Vibrio harveyi,Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio anguillarum, and the optimum fermentation conditions for the strain LHB02 were as follows： KB culture medium （peptone 20 g, glycerol 10 mL, K2HPO4 1.5 g, MgSO 4 .7H2O 1.5 g, H2O 1 000 mL）; temperature, 28 ℃; pH ,7.0; culture time, 36 h; and inoculation amount, 1.5% （v/v）.

Screening and Identification of Antagonistic Strain against Phytophthora sojae

[ Objective] The paper was to screen the antagonistic strain against Phytophthora sojae with biocontrol potential, and provide basis for searching control measures and designing new control strategies against P. sojae. [ Method] The rhizosphere soil of soybean was collected from three different places in Heilongjiang Province, and various soil microorganisms were isolated. Dual culture method was used to screen the microorganism with antagonistic effect against P. sojae. On this basis, the growth inhibition rate of the microorganism with stronger antagonistic effect against P. sojae was determined, and its control effect against P. sojae was also measured. [ Result] A strain of bacterium with relatively good antagonistic effect was isolated from soil, and named as strain B048. Dual test showed that the growth inhibition rate of antagonistic bacterium 11048 against P. sojac reached 97.5%. Antagonistic endurance tests showed that the width of inhibition zone was still 20.0 mm after dual culture with P. sojac for21 d. In potting experiment, the control effect of B048 against P. sojae was 100%. The antagonistic bacterium was primarily identified to be Bacillus pumilus through morphology and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. [Condusion] The antagonistic bacterium B048 had good prospect to be developed as the biocontrol bacterium against P. sojae.

Determination of Growth-promoting and Antagonistic Action of Endophytic Bacteria Strains Itb57 and Itb295 of Tobacco

[ Objective ] The paper was to study the growth-promoting and antagonistic action of endophytic bacteria strains Itb57 and Itb295 of tobacco to explore their functions in biological control. [ Method] The growth-promoting effects of bacterial suspension ~ff endophytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 on tobacco seedling un- der different treatment modes were studied using potting method in greenhouse. The antagonistic action of bacterial suspension of endophytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 on Phytophthora nicotianae, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea were measured by duel culture method. [ Result] Bacterial suspensions of enduphytic bacteria Itb57 and Itb295 had certain growth-promoting effects on tobacco seedling, which could significantly increase the fresh weight and dry weight in aerial part; the growth-promoting effect of soaking ＋ spraying and irrigating treatment was the best. Itb57 strain had good antagonistic action against P. nicotianae. A. alterna- ta and B. cinerea, while Itb295 strain only had good antifungal effect against P. nicotianae. [ Conclusion] The results provided basis for the study and application of tobacco endophytic bacteria strains Itb57 and Itb295 in biocontrol of tobacco diseases.

Antagonistical Mode of Pichia membranefaciens to Rhizopus stolonifer in Wounds of Peach Fruit

膜醭毕赤酵母 (PichiamembranefaciensHansen)是本实验室从果实上分离获得的一种能有效防治桃果实采后软腐病的拮抗菌。本文将P .membranefaciens与葡枝根霉 (Rhizopusstolonifer)在桃果实伤口部位共培养 2 4h后 ,用扫描电子显微镜观测了它们的拮抗作用。结果表明 ,在有病原菌的地方聚集了大量的酵母拮抗菌 ,而且拮抗菌紧密地吸附在病原菌的菌丝体上。结合以前的研究结果可以推断 ,P .membranefaciens主要通过与病原菌进行营养和空间的竞争 ,紧密地吸附在病原菌菌丝体上分泌能降解病原菌细胞壁的水解酶 (如几丁质酶和 β_1,3_葡聚糖酶 ) ,并可能诱导寄主产生抗性 ,从而抑制桃软腐病的发生。

5-Aminolevulinic acid against strawberry Fusarium wilt:Bidirectional regulation of biocontrol agents and pathogens

Strawberry Fusarium wilt (SFW) is a systematic soil-borne disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.fragaria (Fof),which infects the vascular bundles,blocking water and nutrient transport from roots to the aboveground.It is a severe pathogen which spreads rapidly and destroys strawberry production.Finding a way to control this disease is of great scientific value and practical importance.In this study,three fungi were isolated from the vascular tissues of sick strawberries in the field.After DNA sequencing,they were identified as Fof,Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichoderma harzianum,respectively,among which the first two are pathogens and the third is a probiotic.All fungi were controlled by thiophanate-methyl (TM),a commercial fungicide.On PDA medium,20 mg·L^(-1)5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA),a natural non-protein amino acid,promoted T.harzianum proliferation,but inhibited Fof and A.fumigatus.In confrontation test,the growth of Fof or A.fumigatus was inhibited by T.harzianum and exogenous ALA promoted T.harzianum growth but significantly inhibited the pathogen growth.When three species of fungi were separately or combinedly inoculated on healthy strawberry plants,T.harzianum promoted plant growth and development while Fof or A.fumigatus caused growth retardation,where Fof directly caused leaf yellowing and plant wilting.When the plants inoculated with different fungus were treated with ALA,the results turned out that ALA alleviated SFW symptoms by bidirectionally promoting T.harzianum proliferation and inhibiting Fof and A.fumigatus.Thus,ALA might be used in comprehensively controlling SFW in strawberry industry.

Diagnosis and therapy of tacrolimus toxicity in a liver transplant recipient during COVID-19 treatment

To the Editor:SARS-CoV-2,the pathogen responsible for the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),has had profound impacts on human health,and its antagonist Paxlovid is a commonly used treatment option[1].However,treatment selection for immunosuppressed patients,such as liver recipients,remains uncertain due to potential drug interactions and the risk of immunosuppressant dosage adjustment,which can cause liver injury[2].

AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism is associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension:A retrospective analysis

Objective:To investigate whether angiotensinⅡtype 1 receptor(AGTR1 A1166C)gene polymorphism was associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension.Methods:This retrospective analysis included 198 patients(≥18 years of age)who received valsartan monotherapy(80 mg/day)for newly developed essential hypertension at the authors’center between January 1,2020 and December 31,2023.Genotyping for AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism was done by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-melting curve analysis of genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples.A dominant genetic model for AGTR1 A1166C(AA genotype versus AC+CC genotype)was used.Multivariate regression analysis of baseline variables and AGTR1 polymorphism was conducted to identify predictors of target blood pressure attainment(<140/90 mmHg)at the 4-week follow-up.Results:The median age of the 198 patients was(53.7±13.5)years,and 58%were men.Genotyping assays showed that 164 patients had the AA genotype,and 34 patients were of the AC/CC genotype,including 30 with the AC genotype and 4 with the CC genotype.Allele distribution was consistent with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium.109 Patients(55.1%)attained the blood pressure target.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking(versus no smoking,HR 0.314,95%CI 0.159-0.619,P=0.001)and AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype(versus AC/CC,HR 2.927,95%CI 1.296-6.611,P=0.023)were significant and independent predictors of target attainment.25 Patients(73.5%)with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype attained the target versus 51.2%(51/164)of patients with AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype(P=0.017).Patients with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype had a significantly greater reduction in systolic blood pressure[(33.1±10.8)mmHg versus(29.2±11.7)mmHg in AA carriers;(P=0.029)].Conclusions:Hypertensive patients carrying one or two C alleles of the AGTR1 A1166C gene were more responsive to valsartan treatment.

Genetic Diversity of Antagonistic Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Sophora alopecuroide

[ Objective ] The paper was to study and analyze the genetic diversity of 48 endophytic bacteria isolated from Sophora alopecuroide with strong antagonis- tic effect against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae, and carry out sequence measurement and phylogenetic analysis on 10 representative strains. [ Meth- od] Using total DNA ERIC-PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis method, a total of 48 endophytic bacteria were carried out genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis. [Result] ERIC-PCR fingerprint map showed that 48 endophytic bacteria were divided into 6 ERIC groups and 2 strains with independent groups at Wat- son distance of 0.31. Representative strains were selected from each group to determine 16S rRNA gene for phylogenetic analysis, and the results showed that these strains belonged to Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus and Serratia marcescens, respectively. [ Conclu- sion ] The genetic diversity of 48 strains of bacteria was obvious. Determination of 48 strains of bacteria on diversity and phylogenetic status could lay foundation for study on mechanism of F. oxysporum and V. dahliae, which could also provide new strain sources for biological control of diseases in cotton production.

Antagonistic Effect of Russula virescens(Schaeff.) Fr.against Bortrytis cinerea

[Objective] The paper was to study the antagonistic effect of Russula virescens （Schaeff.） Ft. against Bortrytis cinerea. [Method] Using the confrontation culture method, the antagonistic effect of mycelium, fermentation broth and mycelial extract of R. virescens against B. cinerea was studied. [Result] The antagonistic ef- fect of R. vivesscens against B. cinerea was mainly manifested as hyperparasitism of mycelium and inhibition effect of metabolites. The inhibition rate of confrontation growth was between 46.9% and 52.3%, and hyperparasitism phenomenon was obvi- ous. The fermentation broth of R. virescens cultured by PDB medium had the strongest growth inhibition effect, and the growth inhibition rate against B. cinerea was the highest of 61.59%. The thermal stability of fermentation broth was good, the mycelial extract of R. virescens had no inhibition effect against the growth of B. cinerea. [Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for subsequent differentiation and drug sensitivity of B. cinerea.

C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 pathway as a therapeutic target and regulatory mechanism for spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis exhibits significant differences before and after injury.Recent studies have revealed that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis is closely associated with secondary inflammatory responses and the recruitment of immune cells following spinal cord injury,suggesting that this axis is a novel target and regulatory control point for treatment.This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic strategies targeting the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis,along with the regenerative and repair mechanisms linking the axis to spinal cord injury.Additionally,we summarize the upstream and downstream inflammatory signaling pathways associated with spinal cord injury and the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review primarily elaborates on therapeutic strategies that target the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the latest progress of research on antagonistic drugs,along with the approaches used to exploit new therapeutic targets within the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the development of targeted drugs.Nevertheless,there are presently no clinical studies relating to spinal cord injury that are focusing on the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review aims to provide new ideas and therapeutic strategies for the future treatment of spinal cord injury.

Conservative management of spinal pathology with autologous conditioned serum: A systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND Chronic inflammatory pain is associated with increased expression of interleukin(IL)-1,an inflammatory cytokine,and activity on its receptor(IL-1R).In response,the body produces IL-1R antagonist(IL-1Ra)to reduce this signaling.Autologous conditioned serum(ACS)is the only biologic therapy for spinal pathologies that enhances the action of endogenous IL-1Ra reserves to improve symptoms.This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of ACS in treating pain and dis-ability caused by spinal pathologies.AIM To evaluate the use of ACS as a conservative management option for spinal path-ology.METHODS A systematic review of PubMed/Medline was performed to identify studies inve-stigating administration of ACS for treatment of any spinal pathology.RESULTS Six articles were included,comprising 684 patients treated with epidural(n=133)or transforaminal(n=551)ACS injections.Patients had an average age of 54.0 years with slight female predominance(53.2%).The lumbar spine was most com-monly treated,with 567 patients(82.9%)receiving injections for lumbar radicu-lopathy(n=67),degenerative disc disease(DDD)(n=372),or spinal stenosis(n=128);cervical injections were performed in 109 patients(15.9%).Mean(SD)follow-up was 21.7(4.8)weeks from first ACS injection.All studies investigating mecha-nical lumbar and lumbar or cervical radicular pain reported significant pain re-duction at final follow-up compared to baseline.ACS achieved comparable or su-perior results to lumbar epidural steroid injections.Adverse events were reported in 21 patients(3.1%),with no serious adverse events.CONCLUSION ACS injection is a safe and effective intervention for pain reduction in many spinal pathologies,including cervical and lumbar radiculopathies.

Exploration of standard dosage for GnRH antagonist protocol and dosage adjustments after premature luteinizing hormone surge

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol has emerged as an efficacious alternative to the GnRH agonist protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, and has been demonstrated applicability in infertile female patients with diverse ovarian responses. While the clinical implementation of the antagonist COH protocol has achieved widespread consensus, opportunities for refinement persist. Therefore, this review article focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of GnRH antagonist protocol, the selection of optimal standard doses, and the strategies for adjusting antagonist doses after the premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, aiming to provide more reasonable and scientific recommendations for the application of this scheme.

Proton pump inhibitors and all-cause mortality risk among cancer patients

BACKGROUND Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)are widely used,including among cancer patients,to manage gastroesophageal reflux and other gastric acid-related disorders.Recent evidence suggests associations between long-term PPI use and higher risks for various adverse health outcomes,including greater mortality.AIM To investigate the association between PPI use and all-cause mortality among cancer patients by a comprehensive analysis after adjustment for various confounders and a robust methodological approach to minimize bias.METHODS This retrospective cohort study used data from the TriNetX research network,with electronic health records from multiple healthcare organizations.The study employed a new-user,active comparator design,which compared newly treated PPI users with non-users and newly treated histamine2 receptor antagonists(H2RA)users among adult cancer patients.Newly prescribed PPIs(esomeprazole,lansoprazole,omeprazole,pantoprazole,or rabeprazole)users were compared to non-users or newly prescribed H2RAs(cimetidine,famotidine,nizatidine,or ranitidine)users.The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.Each patient in the main group was matched to a patient in the control group using 1:1 propensity score matching to reduce confounding effects.Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)and 95% confidence interval(CI).RESULTS During the follow-up period(median 5.4±1.8 years for PPI users and 6.5±1.0 years for non-users),PPI users demonstrated a higher all-cause mortality rate than non-users after 1 year,2 years,and at the end of follow up(HRs:2.34-2.72).Compared with H2RA users,PPI users demonstrated a higher rate of all-cause mortality HR:1.51(95%CI:1.41-1.69).Similar results were observed across sensitivity analyses by excluding deaths from the first 9 months and 1-year post-exposure,confirming the robustness of these findings.In a sensitivity analysis,we analyzed all-cause mortality outcomes between former PPI users and individuals who have never used PPIs,providing insights into the long-term effects of past PPI use.In addition,at 1-year follow-up,the analysis revealed a significant difference in mortality rates between former PPI users and non-users(HR:1.84;95%CI:1.82-1.96).CONCLUSION PPI use among cancer patients was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-users or H2RA users.These findings emphasize the need for cautious use of PPIs in cancer patients and suggest that alternative treatments should be considered when clinically feasible.However,further studies are needed to corroborate our findings,given the significant adverse outcomes in cancer patients.

Assessment of Oral Anticoagulation with Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients Living in a Low-Income Country of West Africa

Introduction: Despite the rise of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), vitamin K antagonists (VKA) remain the most widely used oral anticoagulants in developing countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of good anticoagulation in patients treated with VKA in Lomé and describe associated factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2019 to October 2020 in the cardiology departments of two University teaching hospitals in Lomé (CHU Sylvanus Olympio and CHU Campus), involving patients on VKA for ≥3 months, with a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5 and a therapeutic margin between 2 and 3. The quality of anticoagulation was assessed by the time in therapeutic range (TTR) which was assessed by the Rosendaal method. Good anticoagulation was defined by a TTR > 70%. Results: A total of 344 patients were included (mean age = 58 ± 13.8 years, women = 56.1%). Indications for VKA treatment were represented by venous thromboembolic disease (43.3%), supraventricular arrhythmia (28.2%), severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (19.8%) and pulmonary hypertension (8.7%). The average TTR was 47.6 ± 20.8%. The rate of good anticoagulation was 17.7%. Factors associated with good anticoagulation were the use of fluindione vs acenocoumarol (OR = 11.17;95% CI: 3.2 - 39.6;p = 0.0002), concomitant low-dose aspirin (OR 4.44;95% CI: 1.4 - 13.9;p = 0.01) and INR monitoring exclusively by the patient himself (OR = 4.92;95% CI: 1.5 - 16.3;p = 0.008). The rate of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications was each 2.6% and was not correlated with the quality of anticoagulation. Quality of anticoagulation by VKAs was poor in our practice. Factors associated with good anticoagulation were the use of fluindione vs acenocoumarol, concomitant low-dose aspirin and monitoring of INR exclusively by the patient himself. Conclusion: The quality of oral anticoagulation by VKAs could be improved in our practice by the creation of anticoagulation clinics for better therapeutic education of patients and efficient management of VKA dose, and the use of prescription assistance software.