Biochemical Measures Research Articles

Predictable severity biomarkers in Covid-19

Introduction: The recorded studies suggest that there is clear evidence-based association between various laboratory biomarkers and COVID-19 disease severity. These marker levels reflect the intensity of the cytokine-mediated hyperinflammatory response, which is strongly associated with a poor outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: C-reactive protein is not only a systemic inflammatory marker, but also an important regulator of inflammatory processes. The level of this protein is positively correlated and can be widely used to predict the severity, prognosis and mortality in COVID-19 patients, additionally to vital signs monitoring, supportive care, oxygen therapy, ventilation and circulatory support. Procalcitonin is an indicator of disease severity, which can facilitate timely clinical decision-making, and determination of procalcitonin levels during COVID-19 patients’ follow-up, as well as being used in assessing risk, predicting prognosis, and improving patient survival. The assessment of hematological laboratory parameters upon admission, which help in differentiating between severe and non-severe cases, high-risk and low-risk cases of mortality, allows raising awareness, monitoring and timely treatment of patients with COVID-19, as well as their early improvement of clinical condition. Inflammatory biochemical and hemocytometric measures are feasible, easily interpretable, and widely available biomarkers in most healthcare settings, favorable for being used in treatment and severity determination, in predicting clinical outcomes, and in the prognosis of patients with COVID-19. However, the assessment of the accuracy of these biomarkers needs to be determined in further more relevant worldwide studies, showing a more precise design, more accurate performance, and having larger sample sizes.

CRY1 polymorphism may influence the association of low carbohydrate diet (LCD) score on glucose homeostasis in overweight and obese women

Background and aims: We sought to examine the interaction between CRY1 genotypes and low carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and the effect on insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA- IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (ISQUKI). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 228 overweight and obese women. The data related to anthropometric and biochemical measures were collected and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), with 147 items, was used to assess dietary intake. Based on the FFQ, we calculated an LCD score for each study participant, ranging from 0 to 70. Biochemical assessments, including TC, HDL, LDL, TG, FBS, insulin and HOMA-IR, were performed. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples were assessed to be genotyped for the rs2287161, which was genotyped by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. A generalised linear model was performed for interaction analysis. Results: The results of the study demonstrated that, after controlling for several confounders, increased adherence to an LCD (T3 vs. T1) in the interaction with one risk allele genotype (CG) increases ISQUKI level (β: 0.001, CI: 0.00, 0.002, p=0.041). Also, there was a marginally negative interaction between higher adherence to LCD and two risk alleles genotype (CC) on insulin level (β: -0.012, CI: 0-0.024, 0.001, p=0.054). Conclusions: This study revealed a negative interaction of CRY1 genotypes with two risk allele and higher LCD adherence on insulin level, and a positive interaction on ISQUKI. However, the mechanism of interaction between LCDs and CRY1 genotypes remains unclear.

Flexitraits, Natural Chemical Tracers of Plant Competition and Productivity in Pacific Mangroves

Metabolomic and genomic markers in plants have helped diagnose evolutionary pressures and resulting modern-day floristic diversification. Here we use a different set of metrics, 17 biochemical measures made at the whole tissue or bulk tissue level, to study diversification in resource use and productivity among Pacific mangroves. Three mangrove species Bruguiera gynmorhiza (BRGY), Rhizphora apiculata (RHAP), and Sonneratia alba (SOAL) were studied across 5 sites on the island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia with measurements of the following chemical metrics: C, N, P, K, Na, Mg, Ca, B, S, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn elements and isotope values δ2H, δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S. Species were remarkably distinct in chemical profiles, showing significant differences across all metrics. This indicated long-term resource use partitioning and optimization, with metrics showing physiology and patch-related differences. The patch-related differences meant that metrics were not really fixed in species, but represented flexible traits (“flexitraits”) in fingerprinting mangrove ecology. Effects of tree harvesting could be fingerprinted with the metrics at one of the Kosrae sites. Modeling showed two results. (1) Conservation efforts to preserve low-nutrient specialists like BRGY probably should involve removal of competing SOAL and RHAP rather than nutrient reductions. (2) Although mangrove growth rates were most limited by P, water was a strongly co-limiting factor. This study introduces a new physiological parameter to plant ecology, a water-to-phosphorus ratio, “normalized δ13C/P” or “f13C/P”, that should generally help diagnose how plant N and P nutrient use can be co-limited by water.

The long-term effects of Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program on diabetes incidence and cardiometabolic risk: a study protocol

IntroductionIndia currently has more than 74.2 million people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This is predicted to increase to 124.9 million by 2045. In combination with controlling blood glucose levels among those with T2DM, preventing the onset of diabetes among those at high risk of developing it is essential. Although many diabetes prevention interventions have been implemented in resource-limited settings in recent years, there is limited evidence about their long-term effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Moreover, evidence on the impact of a diabetes prevention program on cardiovascular risk over time is limited.ObjectivesThe overall aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term cardiometabolic effects of the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program (K-DPP). Specific aims are 1) to measure the long-term effectiveness of K-DPP on diabetes incidence and cardiometabolic risk after nine years from participant recruitment; 2) to assess retinal microvasculature, microalbuminuria, and ECG abnormalities and their association with cardiometabolic risk factors over nine years of the intervention; 3) to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness and return on investment of the K-DPP; and 4) to assess the sustainability of community engagement, peer-support, and other related community activities after nine years.MethodsThe nine-year follow-up study aims to reach all 1007 study participants (500 intervention and 507 control) from 60 randomized polling areas recruited to the original trial. Data are being collected in two phases. In phase 1 (Survey), we are admintsering a structured questionnaire, undertake physical measurements, and collect blood and urine samples for biochemical analysis. In phase II, we are inviting participants to undergo retinal imaging, body composition measurements, and ECG. All data collection is being conducted by trained Nurses. The primary outcome is the incidence of T2DM. Secondary outcomes include behavioral, psychosocial, clinical, biochemical, and retinal vasculature measures. Data analysis strategies include a comparison of outcome indicators with baseline, and follow-up measurements conducted at 12 and 24 months. Analysis of the long-term cost-effectiveness of the intervention is planned.DiscussionFindings from this follow-up study will contribute to improved policy and practice regarding the long-term effects of lifestyle interventions for diabetes prevention in India and other resource-limited settings.Trial registrationAustralia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry–(updated from the original trial)ACTRN12611000262909; India: CTRI/2021/10/037191.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone (1-84) in Adults With Chronic Hypoparathyroidism.

Chronic hypoparathyroidism is conventionally treated with oral calcium and active vitamin D to reach and maintain targeted serum calcium and phosphorus levels, but some patients remain inadequately controlled. To assess long-term safety and efficacy of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-84) (rhPTH(1-84)) treatment. This was an open-label extension study at 12 US centers. Adults (n = 49) with chronic hypoparathyroidism were included. The intervention was rhPTH(1-84) for 6 years. The main outcome measures were safety, biochemical measures, oral supplement doses, bone indices. Thirty-eight patients (77.6%) completed the study. Throughout 72 months, mean albumin-adjusted serum calcium was within 2.00 to 2.25 mmol/L (8.0-9.0 mg/dL). At baseline, 65% of patients with measurements (n = 24/37) were hypercalciuric; of these, 54% (n = 13/24) were normocalciuric at month 72. Mean serum phosphorus declined from 1.6 ± 0.19 mmol/L at baseline (n = 49) to 1.3 ± 0.20 mmol/L at month 72 (n = 36). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was stable. rhPTH(1-84)-related adverse events were reported in 51.0% of patients (n = 25/49); all but 1 event were mild/moderate in severity. Mean oral calcium supplementation reduced by 45% ± 113.6% and calcitriol by 74% ± 39.3%. Bone turnover markers declined by month 32 to a plateau above pretreatment values; only aminoterminal propeptide of type 1 collagen remained outside the reference range. Mean bone mineral density z score fell at one-third radius and was stable at other sites. 6 years of rhPTH(1-84) treatment was associated with sustained improvements in biochemical parameters, a reduction in the percentage of patients with hypercalciuria, stable renal function, and decreased supplement requirements. rhPTH(1-84) was well tolerated; no new safety signals were identified.

Is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Necessary for the Initial Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis?

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an ophthalmological emergency that can be difficult to diagnose and prompt treatment is vital. We investigated the sequential diagnostic value for patients with suspected GCA using three biochemical measures as they arrive to the clinician: first, platelet count, then C-reactive protein (CRP), and lastly, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with suspected GCA investigated platelet count, CRP, and ESR using diagnostic test accuracy statistics and odds ratios (ORs) in a sequential fashion. The diagnosis was established by experts at follow-up, considering clinical findings and tests including temporal artery biopsy. A total of 94 patients were included, of which 37 (40%) were diagnosed with GCA. Compared with those without GCA, patients with GCA had a higher platelet count (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.001), and ESR (p < 0.001). Platelet count demonstrated a low sensitivity (38%) and high specificity (88%); CRP, a high sensitivity (86%) and low specificity (56%); routine ESR, a high sensitivity (89%) and low specificity (47%); and age-adjusted ESR, a moderate sensitivity (65%) and moderate specificity (65%). Sequential analysis revealed that ESR did not provide additional value in evaluating risk of GCA. Initial biochemical evaluation can be based on platelet count and CRP, without waiting for ESR, which allows faster initial decision-making in GCA.

Ethanol combined with energy drinks: Two decades of research in rodents

Many studies raised concerns on alcoholic beverages consumption mixed with energy drinks (AmED), which can induce higher rates of binge drinking and earlier development of alcohol use disorders. After 20 years of research, few studies with laboratory animals have focused on the effects of this mixture and the neurobiological and pharmacological mechanisms underlying them. We found 16 articles on AmED administration to rodents evaluating its effects on voluntary consumption, locomotion, anxiety-like behavior, memory, influence on the onset time of seizures, biochemical and neurochemical measures. Some of these studies indicated energy drinks (ED) can alter the pattern of use and motivation to consume ethanol (EtOH); increase the expression of sensitization to EtOH stimulant effect and the proportion of sensitized mice; decrease the aversiveness of high concentrations of EtOH, among other effects. In addition AmED hastens the loss of righting reflex and its effects on memory are controversial. After acute administration no difference was found in blood ethanol concentration (BEC) of rodents which received EtOH with or without ED, but after 60 days of treatment, AmED group had lower BEC levels than EtOH group. Data on biochemical and neurochemical parameters after AmED are not consistent. Although the AmED group presented higher glucose levels than the EtOH group when drugs were administered by gavage, this was not observed in a self-administration protocol. AmED may induce higher kidney damage, higher levels of plasma urea, uric acid and creatinine when compared to EtOH. Chronic consumption of AmED causes an inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which may induce cell death in the cortex and hypothalamus of adult rats. These controversial results show that AmED diverse effects depend on sex, age and lineage of the animals, duration of the treatment and route of administration. Further research is necessary to evaluate the mechanisms underlying AmED biological effects.

Perceived Stress and Cfognition Function Quantification in a Scary Video Game: An Electroencephalogram Features and Biochemical Measures.

Video games affect the stress system and cognitive abilities in different ways. Here, we evaluated electrophysiological and biochemical indicators of stress and assessed their effects on cognition and behavioral indexes after playing a scary video game. Thirty volunteers were recruited into two groups as control and experimental. The saliva and blood samples were collected before and after intervention (watching/playing the scary game for control and experimental groups respectively). To measure cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels, oxytocin (OT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels, dedicated ELISA kits were used. Electroencephalography recording was done before and after interventions for electroencephalogram (EEG)-based emotion and stress recognition. Then, the feature extraction (for mental stress, arousal, and valence) was done. Matrix laboratory (MATLAB) software, version 7.0.1 was used for processing EEG-acquired data. The repeated measures were applied to determine the intragroup significance level of difference. Scary gameplay increases mental stress (P<0.001) and arousal (P<0.001) features and decreases the valence (P<0.001) one. The salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were significantly higher after the gameplay (P<0.001 for both). OT and BDNF plasma levels decreased after playing the scary game (P<0.05 for both). We conclude that perceived stress considerably elevates among players of scary video games, which adversely affects the emotional and cognitive capabilities, possibly via the strength of synaptic connections, and dendritic thorn construction of the brain neurons among players. The mental stress level increases in players of scary video games.The salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels are significantly higher after the scary gameplay.Plasma levels of oxytocin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor decrease after the scary gameplay.The arousal and valence features increase in players of scary video game.Cognitive capabilities are adversely affected by the scary gameplay. Nowadays, video games have become an important part of human life at different ages. Therefore, assessing their effects (improving and/or damaging) on cognition and behavior is important for understanding how they affect the nervous system. The results of such studies can be used to design a variety of games in the future in a way that minimizes the harmful side effects of video games on human cognitive functions and maximizes their beneficial effects.

The Relationship between Sleep Duration and Metabolic Syndrome Severity Scores in Emerging Adults.

Research suggests sleep duration can influence metabolic systems including glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, hormone regulation, nervous system activity, and total energy expenditure (TEE), all of which are related to cardiometabolic disease risk, even in young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome severity scores (MSSS) in a sample of emerging adults (18-24 y/o). Data were collected between 2012 and 2021 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study conducted at a midsized northeastern university. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were obtained following an overnight fast and used to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS severity scores (MSSS) were calculated using race- and sex-specific formulas. Sleep duration was calculated from the difference in self-reported bedtime and wake time acquired through an online survey. ANCOVA was used to examine the relationship between sleep duration and MetS severity score while adjusting for covariates (age, sex, BMI, physical activity level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and academic major). In the final sample (n = 3816), MetS (≥3 criteria) was present in 3.3% of students, while 15.4% of students presented with ≥2 MetS criteria. Mean MSSS was -0.65 ± 0.56, and the reported sleep duration was 8.2 ± 1.3 h/day. MSSS was higher among low sleepers (<7 h/day) and long sleepers (>9 h/day) compared to the reference sleepers (7-8 h/day) (-0.61 ± 0.02 and -0.63 ± 0.01 vs. -0.7 ± 0.02, respectively, p < 0.01). Our findings suggest short (<7 h/day) and long (>9 h/day) sleep durations raise the risk of MetS in a sample of emerging adults. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of improving sleep habits on future disease risk.

The effects of royal jelly supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, mental health, cognitive function, quality of life, and clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundStroke is a debilitating disease that affects over 15 million people worldwide each year, resulting in the death of one-third of those people and severe disability in two-thirds of survivors. Previous studies reported various health benefits of Royal jelly in the context of its anti-inflammatory properties. We will aim to investigate the effects of royal jelly supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, mental health, cognitive function, quality of life, and clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke.MethodsThe present study will be a triple-blind randomized placebo trial. Patients who meet our eligibility criteria will be assigned to the intervention or the control groups to receive allocated intervention for 12 weeks. Individuals of the intervention group will consume 1000 mg of Royal jelly dragee daily after breakfast. Subjects of the control group will receive a placebo dragee identical to the Royal jelly dragee. The severity of the stroke, cognitive function, mental health, quality of life, clinical outcomes, and biochemical measures will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.DiscussionThe current study is designed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of royal jelly supplementation in a randomized, parallel, two-arms, single-center, triple-blind, placebo-controlled manner. This study will provide evidence as a phase III clinical trial.Trial registrationIRCT20180818040827N4, registered on 16 October 2021. https://www.irct.ir/trial/59275.

A Carnitine-Containing Product Improves Aspects of Post-Exercise Recovery in Adult Horses.

Strenuous exercise can cause tissue damage, leading to an extended recovery period. To counteract delayed post-exercise recovery, a commercial product containing L-carnitine (AID) was tested in adult horses performing consecutive exercise tests to exhaustion. Fit Thoroughbreds were administered an oral bolus of placebo (CON) or AID prior to performing an exercise test to exhaustion (D1). The heart rate (HR) and fetlock kinematics were captured throughout the exercise test. Blood was collected before, 10 min and 1, 4 and 6 h relative to exercise for the quantification of cytokine (IL1β, IL8, IL10, TNFa) gene expression and lactate concentration. Horses performed a second exercise test 48 h later (D2), with all biochemical and physiological measures repeated. The results demonstrate that the horses receiving AID retained a greater (p < 0.05) amount of flexion in the front fetlock on D2 than the horses given CON. The horses presented a reduced (p < 0.05) rate of HR decline on D2 compared to that on D1. The expression of IL1β, IL8 and IL10 increased at 1 h post-exercise on D1 and returned to baseline by 6 h; the cytokine expression pattern was not duplicated on D2. These results provide evidence of disrupted cytokine expression, HR recovery and joint mobility in response to consecutive bouts of exhaustive exercise. Importantly, AID may accelerate recovery through an undetermined mechanism.

Viral hepatitis elimination challenges in low- and middle-income countries-Uzbekistan Hepatitis Elimination Program (UHEP).

Chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV & HCV) is a major contributor to liver disease and liver-related mortality in Uzbekistan. There is a need to demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale simplified testing and treatment to implement a national viral hepatitis elimination program. Thirteen polyclinics were utilized to screen, conduct follow-up biochemical measures and treat chronic HBV and HCV infection in the general adult population. Task shifting and motivational interviewing training allowed nurses to provide rapid screening and general practitioners (GPs) to treat individuals on-site. An electronic medical system tracked individuals through the cascade of care. The use of rapid tests allowed for screening of 60 769 people for HCV and HBV over 6months and permitted outdoor testing during the COVID-19 pandemic along with COVID testing. 13%-14% of individuals were lost to follow-up after the rapid test, and another 62%-66% failed to come in for their consultation. One stop testing and treatment did not result in a statistically increase in retention and lack of patient awareness of viral hepatitis was identified as a key factor. Despite training, there were large differences between GPs and patients initiating treatment. The current study demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale general population screening and task shifting in low- and middle-income countries. However, such programs need to be proceeded by awareness campaign to minimize loss to follow up. In addition, multiple trainings are needed for GPs to bolster their skills to talk to patients about treatment.

Methods for eliciting and measuring behavioral and physiological consequences of stress and uncertainty in virtual reality

Military operations are characterized by high levels of stress and uncertainty, and these states can influence cognitive and physical performance outcomes. These states, however, can be difficult to reliably induce in laboratory contexts, making it challenging to quantify and model their influences on perceptual and cognitive processes underlying performance on applied tasks. Herein we describe the development and validation of a novel scenario-based virtual reality methodology, the decision making under uncertainty and stress (DeMUS) scenario, that accomplishes four primary goals. First, it induces physiological and biochemical stress responses through a threat of shock manipulation. Second, it induces transient states of uncertainty by manipulating stimulus clarity in a perceptual decision-making task. Third, it generates several performance metrics regarding recognition memory, spatial orienting, threat classification, and marksmanship decision making. Finally, the task combines behavioral, physiological, and biochemical measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how stress and uncertainty influence applied task performance. To provide an initial validation of the scenario and its associated tasks and measures, we conducted a pilot study (n= 18) involving stress induction and cognitive performance assessment. Analyses revealed that: 1) the DeMUS scenario elicited tonic and phasic biochemical (salivary alpha amylase and cortisol) and physiological (heart rate, pupil diameter) stress responses, 2) the scenario elicited variable sympathetic autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis responses, and 3) stress influenced some measures of memory and decision-making in both negative and positive directions. Continuing research will assess individual- and group-level predictors of performance on these virtual reality tasks, and emerging performance enhancement techniques that can help military personnel sustain performance during stressful operations.

Relationships among biochemical measures in children with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Investigating empirical relationships among laboratory measures in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can provide insights into physiological alterations occurring during DKA. We determined whether alterations in laboratory measures during DKA conform to theoretical predictions. We used Pearson correlation statistics and linear regression to investigate correlations between blood glucose, electrolytes, pH and PCO2 at emergency department presentation in 1,681 pediatric DKA episodes. Among children with repeat DKA episodes, we also assessed correlations between laboratory measures at the first vs. second episode. pH and bicarbonate levels were strongly correlated (r=0.64), however, pH and PCO2 were only loosely correlated (r=0.17). Glucose levels were correlated with indicators of dehydration and kidney function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), r=0.44; creatinine, r=0.42; glucose-corrected sodium, r=0.32). Among children with repeat DKA episodes, PCO2 levels tended to be similar at the first vs. second episode (r=0.34), although pH levels were only loosely correlated (r=0.19). Elevated glucose levels at DKA presentation largely reflect alterations in glomerular filtration rate. pH and PCO2 are weakly correlated suggesting that respiratory responses to acidosis vary among individuals and may be influenced by pulmonary and central nervous system effects of DKA.

Genome-wide association study of brain biochemical phenotypes reveals distinct genetic architecture of Alzheimer’s disease related proteins

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is neuropathologically characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The main protein components of these hallmarks include Aβ40, Aβ42, tau, phosphor-tau, and APOE. We hypothesize that genetic variants influence the levels and solubility of these AD-related proteins in the brain; identifying these may provide key insights into disease pathogenesis.MethodsGenome-wide genotypes were collected from 441 AD cases, imputed to the haplotype reference consortium (HRC) panel, and filtered for quality and frequency. Temporal cortex levels of five AD-related proteins from three fractions, buffer-soluble (TBS), detergent-soluble (Triton-X = TX), and insoluble (Formic acid = FA), were available for these same individuals. Variants were tested for association with each quantitative biochemical measure using linear regression, and GSA-SNP2 was used to identify enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Implicated variants and genes were further assessed for association with other relevant variables.ResultsWe identified genome-wide significant associations at seven novel loci and the APOE locus. Genes and variants at these loci also associate with multiple AD-related measures, regulate gene expression, have cell-type specific enrichment, and roles in brain health and other neuropsychiatric diseases. Pathway analysis identified significant enrichment of shared and distinct biological pathways.ConclusionsAlthough all biochemical measures tested reflect proteins core to AD pathology, our results strongly suggest that each have unique genetic architecture and biological pathways that influence their specific biochemical states in the brain. Our novel approach of deep brain biochemical endophenotype GWAS has implications for pathophysiology of proteostasis in AD that can guide therapeutic discovery efforts focused on these proteins.

EVALUATION OF SYMMETRIC DIMETHYLARGININE AS AN ENDOGENOUS MARKER OF RENAL DISEASE IN GREATER FLAMINGOS (PHOENICOPTERUS ROSEUS).

Detection of renal disease in birds is currently reliant on biochemical measures such as uric acid, which is only elevated after significant renal compromise has occurred. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) production has not been previously evaluated in birds and no reference intervals (RI) for measurement exist in avian species. This study aimed to develop an RI for SDMA in greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and evaluate the association between SDMA levels and renal disease. Blood from 60 flamingos was collected for RI development and the RI of SDMA was found to be 11.8-34.2 µg/dl. Symmetric dimethylarginine showed a strong positive correlation with uric acid, a moderate positive correlation with creatine kinase, and moderate negative correlations with total protein, albumin, and glucose. No correlation was found with pododermatitis score or body condition. Using the SDMA RI, six clinical cases were included for assessment of the clinical relevance of SDMA in renally compromised patients. All birds that were euthanized had elevated SDMA levels and severe renal or systemic pathology on necropsy.

Age‐dependent changes in reproductive allocation in a facultative ectoparasite, the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Calliphoridae)

AbstractOrganisms trade‐off limited resources between life‐history traits to maximize fitness. In particular, costs associated with reproduction are balanced against somatic maintenance and this can result in age‐dependent changes in the optimal allocation of resource to reproduction. Changes in the allocation of resources to reproduction with age were considered in the facultatively parasitic blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), using biochemical analysis of lipids in the body and ovary, and lipid and protein in individual eggs. Resource allocation to reproduction, measured as lipid content in the ovary, declined over time. This decline was associated with the production of fewer and smaller eggs per batch. The lipid content of the residual body did not change. A decrease in lipid and increase in protein contents of individual eggs over time, although statistically significant, were relatively slight, suggesting that age‐related changes in nutritional allocation to individual eggs were more subtle than changes in egg batch number or size. This study highlights the insights to be gained from considering both biochemical measures of nutritional allocation, and observable measures of reproductive effort, when evaluating how females balance allocation across competing life‐history traits. Future work should explore how allocation patterns might vary under conditions of resource constraint and whether age‐dependent allocation in laboratory flies is representative of that found in wild populations.

Study of Association of Serum Prolactin Levels with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

Prolactin (PRL) regulates glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The study aimed to evaluate the role of PRL in glucose homeostasis and its association with insulin resistance in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This cross-sectional, observational study included 100 patients (25-60 years) with T2DM. Primary information including demographics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical measures (complete blood count, glucose parameters, liver and kidney function test, lipid profile, thyroid function test, serum fasting insulin levels, serum PRL levels) was collected. A total of 100 patients, 50 men and 50 women (25 premenopausal and 25 postmenopausal), were enrolled in this study. The correlation between serum cholesterol and PRL was found to be statistically non-significant (P = 0.129) in men and significant (P = 0.041) in women. There was an inverse relationship between fasting plasma glucose and serum PRL levels in both men (r = -0.88; P < 0.0001) and women patients (r = -0.768; P < 0.0001). Negative correlation between postprandial plasma glucose and PRL was found to be statistically significant (r = -0.398; P = 0.048) in postmenopausal women. The comparison in both men and women indicated an inverse correlation between serum PRL and glycated haemoglobin levels. There was a significant negative correlation between homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and PRL levels in both men (r = -0.362; P = 0.039) and women patients (r = -0.362; P = 0.003). Homeostasis model assessment of β cell function (HOMA-β), which directly correlates with residual pancreatic beta cell function, was positively correlated with prolactin levels, irrespective of gender and menopausal status of female subjects. Serum PRL levels correlate with improved glycaemic control.

Diurnal effects of dynamic lighting on alertness, cognition, and mood of mentally fatigued individuals in a daylight deprived environment

This study investigated the non-image forming (NIF) effects of dynamic light on alertness, cognitive performance and mood on mental fatigue, as well as moderation of task difficulty in lighting perception. Sixteen participants completed a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) and two complex cognitive tasks (multi-attribute task battery-II (MATB-II) and n-back) with low, medium and high difficulty levels under dynamic (4000 to 12 000 K, melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (EDI) = 224 lx to 420 lx) and static (4000 K, melanopic EDI = 224 lx) lighting with illuminance set at 500 lx on the desk. Psychological, behavioural, biochemical and electrophysiological responses to light were assessed. The results showed that exposure to dynamic light had significant benefits on subjective sleepiness, positive mood and task performance, which may be moderated by task difficulty. The intervention effect of dynamic light on fatigue was also found during an electrophysiological activity due to increase in the amount of attentional resources allocated to the tasks by dynamic light, but was not observed in biochemical measures.

Associations between diabetes-related symptoms, glycemic control, and health-related quality of life in adult Samoans

Aim&#x0D; The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Samoa has increased substantially over the last 30 years. Identifying common symptoms in those living with diabetes may be instrumental in directing those at risk to seek early evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, identifying associations between diabetes experiences and health-related quality of life is useful for understanding the lived experience of having diabetes in this setting. Here we present the first description of diabetes-related symptoms in an adult cohort of Samoans with diabetes and prediabetes and describe associations between symptom presence and sex, glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.0%), and health-related quality of life (HRQL). We also assessed whether reported symptoms were independently associated, when adjusting for other factors, with increased odds of having diabetes.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; Analyses were conducted on n = 123 adult Samoan participants selectively sampled from the observational cohort Soifua Manuia study, and who were living with either prediabetes or diabetes. Participants completed a series of anthropometric, biochemical, and questionnaire measures including the Revised Diabetes Symptoms Checklist (DSC-R) questionnaire between 2017-2019. Differences in symptom presence by sex, diabetes status (prediabetes vs. diabetes), glycemic control (HbA1c &lt; or ≥ 8.0%), and HRQL were assessed using Independent Sample T-tests, Mann Whitney U tests and Chi-square tests of association. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess which symptoms, when controlling for other factors, were associated with increased odds of having diabetes.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; In a small sample of adult Samoans, we observed high symptom burdens among those with prediabetes and diabetes, and sex differences in the reported impact of diabetes symptoms on health-related quality of life. We identified three specific symptoms – frequent urination, difficulty thinking clearly, and chest/heart pains – that may be useful indicators of diabetes in this setting.&#x0D; DISCUSSION&#x0D; A high prevalence of symptoms was observed among those with prediabetes and among those with diabetes. It is recommended that individuals experiencing any of the measured symptoms seek early evaluation and engage in diabetes self-care behaviors to prevent diabetes-related complications and/or progression to diabetes among those in the early stages of the disease.