Blood Lipid Disorders Research Articles

The effects of alfalfa powder combined with health education on patients with dyslipidemia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with dyslipidemia recognized as a significant risk factor. Dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), is associated with an increased lifetime risk of CVD. Although alfalfa’s cholesterol-lowering effects have been demonstrated in animal models, clinical trial data supporting its efficacy in human dyslipidemia treatment are limited. MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 20, 2021, to January 12, 2023, involving patients diagnosed with dyslipidemia. Approved by the China Ethics Committee of Registering Clinical Trials, the study included multiple sites in China. Eligible participants were adults aged 18 years or older, meeting criteria from the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Adult Blood Lipid Disorders. Participants were randomly assigned to either a health education-only group or a combined alfalfa powder supplementation and health education group for a three-month intervention period. ResultsA total of 160 eligible patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups: the Alfalfa group (n = 80) and the Education group (n = 80). The intervention resulted in significant improvements in key lipid parameters in the Alfalfa group, including reductions in TC, LDL-C, and Apo A1 levels. Although changes in HDL-C levels were not significantly different between the groups, the Alfalfa group exhibited a larger increase. Serum lipid metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) indicated that the combined intervention did not significantly alter the overall blood lipid metabolome but identified fifteen regulated differential metabolites, with the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway significantly affecting lipid metabolism levels. ConclusionSupplementation with alfalfa powder combined with health education significantly reduced TC, LDL-C, and Apo A1 levels in patients with dyslipidemia. KEGG pathway analysis suggests an association between the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and dyslipidemia. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Epidemiological, Angiographic and Cardiovascular Outcomes of Patients Diagnosed with Myocardial Bridge

Background: Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary anomaly that can lead to harmful cardiac consequences if not diagnosed and treated. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the Epidemiological, angiographic, and cardiovascular outcomes of patients diagnosed with myocardial bridge. Methods: The current research was conducted as a retrospective study in which 151 patients who underwent angiography participated. These patients were admitted between May 2014 and May 2016 at Heshmat and Aria hospitals in Rasht. The collected information in the present study included age, gender, blood pressure history, diabetes mellitus, blood lipid disorders, ischemic changes in ECG, ischemic changes in heart scan, output fraction, ischemic changes in exercise test, number of bridges, name of vessel, length of muscle bridge, and distance from the opening. To analyze the variables, the Chi-square test and independent t-test were used. Results: As a result, we found that myocardial bridging was present in 57 patients, and 95.08% of the bridges were located above LAD. According to this study, there is no significant relationship between the length of the bridge and the distance of the bridge from the vessel opening with the occurrence of ischemic changes in ECG and myocardial perfusion scan (P > 0.05). However, the average distance of the bridge from the vessel opening in patients who had a positive exercise test was lower compared to the patients who had a negative test. They had a negative exercise test, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Furthermore, in patients diagnosed with an MB by CAG, the most MB located in the LAD, and this issue can help to better understand the outcome and how to manage these patients.

Pre-treatment risk predictors of valproic acid-induced dyslipidemia in pediatric patients with epilepsy.

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) stands as one of the most frequently prescribed medications in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Despite its infrequent adverse effects within therapeutic range, prolonged VPA usage may result in metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. These metabolic dysregulations in childhood are notably linked to heightened cardiovascular risk in adulthood. Therefore, identification and effective management of dyslipidemia in children hold paramount significance. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we explored the potential associations between physiological factors, medication situation, biochemical parameters before the first dose of VPA (baseline) and VPA-induced dyslipidemia (VID) in pediatric patients. Binary logistic regression was utilized to construct a predictive model for blood lipid disorders, aiming to identify independent pre-treatment risk factors. Additionally, The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the model. Results: Through binary logistic regression analysis, we identified for the first time that direct bilirubin (DBIL) (odds ratios (OR) = 0.511, p = 0.01), duration of medication (OR = 0.357, p = 0.009), serum albumin (ALB) (OR = 0.913, p = 0.043), BMI (OR = 1.140, p = 0.045), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 1.038, p = 0.026) at baseline were independent risk factors for VID in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Notably, the predictive ability of DBIL (AUC = 0.690, p < 0.0001) surpassed that of other individual factors. Furthermore, when combined into a predictive model, incorporating all five risk factors, the predictive capacity significantly increased (AUC = 0.777, p < 0.0001), enabling the forecast of 77.7% of dyslipidemia events. Conclusion: DBIL emerges as the most potent predictor, and in conjunction with the other four factors, can effectively forecast VID in pediatric patients with epilepsy. This insight can guide the formulation of individualized strategies for the clinical administration of VPA in children.

Integration of 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics to investigate the modulatory effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on atherosclerosis

Background/aims: Atherosclerosis (AS) is the common pathological basis of a variety of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and has become the main cause of human death worldwide, and the incidence is increasing and younger trend. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), an important monomer component of the traditional Chinese herb ginseng, known for its ability to improve blood lipid disorders and anti-inflammatory. In addition, Rb1 was proved to be an effective treatment for AS. However, the effect of Rb1 on AS remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of Rb1 in ameliorating AS induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Materials and methodsIn this study, we developed an experimental AS model in Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding HFD with intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3. The potential therapeutic mechanism of Rb1 in AS rats was investigated by detecting the expression of inflammatory factors, microbiome 16S rRNA gene sequencing, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) targeted metabolomics and untargeted metabolomics. ResultsRb1 could effectively alleviate the symptoms of AS and suppress the overexpression of inflammation-related factors. Meanwhile, Rb1 altered gut microbial composition and concentration of SCFAs characterized by Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Oscillospira enrichment and Desulfovibrio depletion, accompanied by increased production of acetic acid and propionic acid. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics showed that Rb1 considerably improved faecal metabolite profiles, particularly arachidonic acid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. ConclusionRb1 ameliorated the HFD-induced AS, and the mechanism is related to improving intestinal metabolic homeostasis and inhibiting systemic inflammation by regulating gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 Alleviates Glucolipid Metabolism Disorders via the Adipoinsular Axis and Gut Microbiota.

Glycolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) refer to a series of metabolic disorders caused by abnormal processes of glucose and lipid synthesis, decomposition, and absorption in the body, leading to glucose and lipid excess, insulin resistance, and obesity. Probiotic intervention is a new strategy to alleviate metabolic syndrome. Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 (L. paracasei JY062) was separated from the Tibet-fermented dairy products. The results demonstrated a strong ability to relieve blood glucose disorders, blood lipid disorders, and tissue damage. The LPH group had the best effect, significantly decreasing the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin, insulin, and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations and increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, and GLP-1 level compared to HFD-group mice. L. paracasei JY062 could activate the APN-AMPK pathway, increased AdipoQ, AMPK GLUT-4, and PGC-1α mRNA expression and decreased SREBP-1c, ACC, and FAS mRNA expression. L. paracasei JY062 intervention decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, and restored the imbalance of gut microbiota homeostasis caused by a high-glucose-fat diet. L. paracasei JY062 alleviated glucolipid metabolism disorders via the adipoinsular axis and gut microbiota. This study provided a theoretical basis for probiotics to ameliorate glucolipid metabolism disorders by regulating the adipoinsular axis.

Association between miR-138-5p, miR-132-3p, SIRT1, STAT3, and CD36 and atherogenic indices in blood mononuclear cells from patients with atherosclerosis

BackgroundsDeveloped countries have a high mortality rate from atherosclerosis and are frequently linked to inflammation and other blood lipid disorders. MicroRNA expression can affect atherosclerotic plaque formation, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and other related processes. The search aimed to determine whether microRNA-138-5p or microRNA-132-3p expression levels are related to patient atherogenic genes.MethodsAngiographic diagnostic method was used to select 45 healthy samples and 45 atherosclerosis patients, along with the laboratory and demographic information. After isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from blood, the levels of miR-138 and miR-132 and the relative expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), and CD36 genes measured using real-time PCR.ResultsmiR-138 was upregulated compared to the control group in the atherosclerosis patient group (P < 0.05). In contrast, SIRT1 was downregulated in patients (P < 0.05). Our results also showed that the expression levels of miR-138 can use as a biomarker for atherosclerosis detection (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of miR-138 with SIRT1 had a significant negative correlation (P < 0.05), and miR-132 was directly correlated with STAT3 (P < 0.01). Interestingly, STAT3 was negatively correlated with SIRT1 (P < 0.05) and positively with CD36 (P < 0.01).ConclusionSince atherosclerosis has no specific clinical symptoms and early diagnosis is vital, the use of miR-138 diagnostic biomarkers can play an essential role in early diagnosis. Furthermore, this study highlights the overlap of SIRT1-STAT3-CD36 signaling pathways with miR-132 and miR-138 in atherosclerosis.

STRUGGLE FOR. Italian-Polish-Spanish-Uzbek-Vietnamese Expert Forum Position Paper 2023 for better control of classical modifiable risk factors in clinical practice.

The progress in pharmacotherapy that has been made in recent years, including the introduction of very effective and safe lipid-lowering and antihypertensive drugs, has not yet translated into the expected universal control of blood pressure, lipid disorders and diabetes. In the STRUGGLE FOR Italian- -Polish-Spanish-Uzbek-Vietnamese Expert Forum Position Paper 2023, experts from five countries recounted several points about the paradigms of cardiological and cardiometabolic care for better control of classical modifiable risk factors in the year 2023. It is believed herein, that the need to intensify treatment, actively search for patients with cardiovascular risk factors, especially with arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes, should go hand in hand with the implementation of the latest therapy, based on single pill combinations including proven, effective antihypertensive, lipid-lowering and antidiabetic molecules, many of which are listed in the present document. There is a need to use both new technological concepts, completely new drugs, as well as novel treatment concepts such as metabolic treatment in coronary artery disease, try to intensify the fight against smoking in every way, including the available range of drugs and procedures reducing the harm. This approach will provide substantially better control of the underlying cardiovascular risk factors in countries as varied as Italy, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

“A Cross Sectional Study on Association between Serum Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome”

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common cause of ovarian dysfunction in women with anovulation world wide.50-70% of patients with PCOS exhibit metabolic abnormalities, including poor glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in women with PCOS is about 67-85 per cent, with serum concentrations of 25(OH) D &lt;20 ng/ml. It is suggested that there is an association between serum levels of vitamin D and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS, including fasting glucose levels, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, obesity, fertility and other clinical and laboratory- related parameters associated with PCOS. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the south Indian population, less number of studies, inconclusive studies, especially in the population of women with PCOS, as well as evidence from recent studies indicating a link between vitamin D levels with lab parameters, this study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance in PCOS. Pearsons correlation showed 0.034 between HOMA IR and vitamin d levels indicating that vitamin d deficiency is associated with more HOMA IR values, the more insulin resistance. Pearsons correlation showed 0.05 between fasting insulin levels and vitamin d levels indicating the vitamin d deficiency is associated with more fasting insulin levels, the more insulin resistance. No significant relation is seen with fasting glucose insulin levels (Pearsons correlation value &gt;0.05). In the study, it was found that a high percentage of PCOS women were vitamin D deficient. The study also showed a significant difference in the values of some clinical and metabolic parameters such as waist circumference, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, BMI between PCOS women with and without vitamin D deficiency; however, no linear correlation was found between serum levels of vitamin D and baseline variables, except for HOMA IR values, fasting insulin levels, BMI, G120. In conclusion, our data confirm an association between vitamin D deficiency and Insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. Thus, vitamin D supplementation could be a beneficial treatment of PCOS women to abolish insulin resistance and regulate menstrual irregularities.

Blood Lipid Disorders in Post-Operative Craniopharyngioma Children and Adolescents and the Improvement with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Replacement.

The high prevalence of hypothalamic obesity (HO) and dyslipidemia in individuals with craniopharyngioma (CP) following surgery is a cause for increasing concern. However, few studies have explored the lipid profile in pediatric CP patients, with inconsistent findings. In addition, the role of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement remains unclear in these patients. To compare the blood lipid profile among post-operative craniopharyngioma children and adolescents with that among healthy controls and to reveal the effects of rhGH replacement. Data of 79 post-operative craniopharyngioma children and adolescents in our center were retrospectively collected. Sixty patients underwent rhGH replacement during the follow-ups. We selected 36 patients who received rhGH replacement therapy, while 20 patients received rhGH replacement for at least 1 year and had complete lipid data before and after treatment and compared them with 19 patients who did not receive rhGH replacement therapy. Craniopharyngioma patients had higher total cholesterol (TC) (5.17 vs 3.77 mmol/L), triglyceride (TG) (1.51 vs 0.73 mmol/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (3.14 vs 2.10 mmol/L), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (1.06 vs 1.39 mmol/L) than controls (all p < 0.001). The lipid profile of obese and non-obese patients was not significantly different. After rhGH replacement, TC was 0.90 mmol/L lower (p = 0.002) and LDL-C was 0.73 mmol/L lower (p = 0.010) than baseline. Although the baseline LDL-C was higher, patients with rhGH replacement had lower LDL-C (-0.73 mmol/L adjusted for age and sex, p = 0.045) after the initiation of replacement compared with patients without rhGH replacement. The lipid profile of obese and non-obese children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma was unfavorable, and rhGH replacement could improve their lipid profile.

Comorbidity in children with rheumatic diseases: literature review and 10-year experience of own research

Background. A decrease in the age of onset of rheumatic diseases in children, an increase in the total duration of the disease, the development of persistent functional and organic di­sorders of organs and systems determine the need to study comorbid conditions already in childhood in order to optimize their diagnosis and comprehensive therapy. The purpose was to study the frequency and main patterns for the formation and further progression of comorbidities in children with rheumatic diseases (juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)). Materials and methods. An analytical review of the literature on the prevalence and diagnosis of comorbid lesions in adult patients with rheumatic diseases and in children was carried out; 250 children aged 3–18 years with JIA and 67 children with SLE with a juvenile onset were dynamically monitored for the presence of comorbid conditions of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, lungs, eyes, bone tissue, blood lipid disorders. Results. The frequency and nature of comorbidity in children with JIA and SLE have been determined. Preservation of the process activity is the main factor in the progression of comorbid pathology and the formation of irreversible damage to organs and systems with the development of their failure and violations of the quality of life of patients. Conclusions. Based on the presented materials, it is possible to develop programs to prevent the formation and progression of irreversible damage to systems and organs that occur under comorbid conditions in children with rheumatic diseases and to effectively socialize these children.

Relationship Between Neck Circumference and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in a Bushehr Elderly Health Study.

Metabolic syndrome includes a set of metabolic disorders such as obesity, high blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, lipid disorders, and glucose intolerance. In this cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study, 2,426 people were selected from the 60 years old and above population of Bushehr for a second-phase investigation of the relationship between neck circumference (NC) and cardiometabolic risk factors in the elderly people. The data (mean and standard deviation) were analyzed using STATA MP Version 15 software. The results of the study showed that the average age of all elderly participants in the study was 69.34 ± 6.39 years. The mean and standard deviation of the NC index in men, women, and all participants were 39.31 ± 2.89, 34.86 ± 2.84, and 37.00 ± 3.62, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of most laboratory indicators (triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) were significantly higher in women, and there was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose (FBG) between men and women. NC index in the total population was significantly associated with all risk factors of metabolic syndrome (body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure) and laboratory indicators (FBG, TG, TC, LDLC, and HDL). The present study shows that the NC index can be a good predictor for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and visceral adipose tissue in the elderly.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Exopolysaccharide from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JLAU103 on Streptozotocin and High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

Two doses (300 mg/kg bw and 600 mg/kg bw) of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JLAU103 exopolysaccharide (EPS103) were orally administered to a type 2 diabetic (T2DM) mouse model induced by streptozotocin and a high-fat diet. The hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and neuroprotective effects of EPS103 on T2DM mice were evaluated. The results indicated that administration of EPS103 could alleviate insulin resistance, reduce the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, leptin and fasting serum insulin, improve glucose tolerance, protect pancreas and liver, and modulate blood lipid disorders. EPS103 promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis by upregulating the phosphorylation of GSK3β. Meanwhile, it upregulated the phosphorylation of IRS-1, PI3K and Akt, as well as the expression of IRS-2 and GLUT4, and downregulated the expression of PEPCK, G6Pase and PGC-1α, indicating that EPS103 promotes the uptake and transport of glucose and inhibits gluconeogenesis, which might be related to the activation of the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, EPS103 can protect against brain nerve damage through improving oxidative stress injury, restoring the expression of IRS-2, alleviating neuronal apoptosis and inhibiting inflammation in the hippocampus of T2DM mice. Taken together, our results demonstrated that EPS103 may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of T2DM.

Effects of Cichorium glandulosum on hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and intestinal flora in db/db mice

• Study on the hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects of Chicory on db/db mice. • Effect of Chicory on db/db intestinal flora. • Relationship between intestinal flora and insulin resistance, short chain fatty acids. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cichorum glandulosum Boiss. et Huet. whole herb extract (CG) on hypoglycemic, lipidemic effects, and intestinal flora in db/db mice. The experimental results showed that CG orally administered to db/db mice had specific hypoglycemic activity. CG could effectively alleviate the lipid accumulation in liver tissues,improve the antioxidant capacity and thus liver injury in db/db mice. In addition, CG treatment can activate uncoupling protein ( UCP-1 ) and improve the dysbiosis in the intestine. These findings suggest that CG has particular hypoglycemic activity, can improve blood lipid and intestinal flora disorders in db/db mice, reduce Firmicutes/Bacteroide , by affecting the gut-fat axis, promote the process of white fat browning in db/db mice, thus reducing insulin resistance in the body, and can be used for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Relationship Between Markers of the Acute Phase of Inflammation, Parameters of Blood Lipid Composition and Intracardiac Hemodynamics During Chemotherapy in Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

Aim To evaluate in a pilot study time-related changes in the clinical state, indexes of the acute phase of inflammation, parameters of blood lipid profile, intracardiac hemodynamics, and disorders of cardiac rhythm/conduction in patients who are not candidates for autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation, during three bortezomib-containing chemotherapy courses (VCD) followed by a correlation analysis.Material and methods This pilot study included 20 patients diagnosed with myeloma, who were not candidates for autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation and who had undergone three courses of VCD chemotherapy (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone). In addition to mandatory examinations, measurement of blood lipid profile, transthoracic echocardiography (EchoCG), and 24-h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring were performed for all participants before and after a specific therapy.Results Following three bortezomib-containing courses of chemotherapy, patients of the study group had significant increases in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (1.6±0.2 and 2.5±0.4; р=0.05), cholesterol concentration (4.8±1.1 and 5.6±1.1 mmol/l, р=0.05), and low-density lipoprotein concentration (2.8±0.4 and 3.5±0.8 mmol/l, р=0.02). In comparing the changes in parameters of intracardiac hemodynamics, criteria for genuine cardiotoxicity were not met, however, a tendency to emergence/progression of myocardial diastolic dysfunction was noted. No clinically significant disorders of cardiac rhythm/conduction were observed. The correlation analysis performed prior to the start of chemotherapy, showed significant strong, direct correlations between the C-protein concentration and left atrial (LA) volume (r=0.793; p=0.006), right atrial (RA) volume (r=0.857; p=0.002), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension (EDD) (r=0.589; p=0.043), and LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) (r=0.726; p=0.017). Following the specific treatment, significant, medium-power and strong correlations were found between NLR and EDV (r= -0.673; p=0.033), NLR and end systolic volume (ESV) (r= -0.710; p=0.021), respectively. Significant direct correlations were found between the bortezomib dose per one injection and the serum concentration of triglycerides following the treatment (r=0.78; p=0.05); a single bortezomib dose and parameters of intracardiac hemodynamics: LA (r=0.71; p=0.026), RA (r=0.74; p=0.014), EDD (r=0.837; p=0.003), EDV (r=0.749; p=0.013), ESV (r=0.553; p=0.049).Conclusion For the first time, a comprehensive evaluation was performed in patients with multiple myeloma, including the dynamics of blood lipid profile, intracardiac hemodynamics and disorders of cardiac rhythm/conduction during bortezomib-containing antitumor therapy, with an analysis of correlation with levels of acute inflammation phase markers. Although in the observation window for genuine cardiotoxicity, clinically significant cardiovascular complications were not detected, the found correlations may evidence a potential role of systemic inflammation activity in myocardial remodeling in the studied patient cohort.

Assessment of inequity in bicyclist crashes using bivariate Bayesian copulas

Introduction: Physical activity associated with active transport modes such as bicycling has major health benefits and can help to reduce health concerns related to sedentary lifestyles, such as cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, and obesity, as well as risks of colon and breast cancer, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, osteoporosis, depression, and anxiety. However, as a vulnerable user group, bicyclists experience negative health impacts of transportation policies and infrastructure, such as traffic crashes and exposure to air and noise pollution that is disproportionately distributed within low-income and underserved areas. Method: This study used aggregated (block-group) bicyclist crash data from Harris County, Texas, to analyze how various equity measures are associated with both fatal and injury (FI) and no injury (property damage only) bicyclist crashes that occurred from 2010 to 2017. We used Bayesian bivariate copula-based random effects regression analysis to evaluate these associations. In contrast to more traditional univariate analysis, this novel methodology can consider the effects of factors of interest across different severity levels or crash types to fully understand their effects and how they may differ across categories. Results: The analysis results indicate that the bicyclist exposure, vehicle exposure, population demographics, population density, the percentage of African-Americans, and households below the poverty level are associated with both FI and PDO bicyclist crashes. Conclusions: Although more location and context-specific analyses are required, this study's overall results once again conform with the findings and assumptions in bicycling safety literature that the low-income and racially diverse communities are prone to experience more bicyclist crashes. Practical Applications: The findings of this study may have implications for future transportation and planning policies. These findings can be used to guide the policies and strategies targeting the elimination of inequity in transportation-related health concerns.

‘Saba’ banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana BBB Group) peel pectin supplementation improves biomarkers of obesity and associated blood lipid disorders in obese hypercholesterolemic mice

‘Saba’ banana peel contains significant amounts of pectin but with very limited commercial use. To increase its value, the present study investigated the effect of ‘saba’ peel pectin (SPP) on biomarkers of obesity and associated blood lipid disorders in vivo and identified its potential mechanism via in vitro lipid lowering assays. ICR male mice were induced with obesity and hypercholesterolemia using 45% high fat diet (HFD) for three weeks. The mice were then randomly allocated to four groups fed various diets ad libitum for nine weeks as follows: (1) normal diet (ND), (2) high-fat diet (HFD), (3) HFD with 10% w/w commercial citrus pectin (HFD-CCP), and (4) HFD with 10% w/w SPP (HFD-SPP). For the in vitro study, lipid lowering assays were carried out using published protocols with some modifications. Results showed that the mean endline body weight of HFD-CCP and HFD-SPP were significantly lower than HFD group despite having comparable feed intake. The pectin-supplemented groups also had lower blood total cholesterol than HFD group. Necropsy results showed no significant treatment-related difference in the relative organ weights, except for the liver of HFD group being pale, enlarged, and heavier than the other mice groups. This is consistent with the microscopic observations of liver sections from HFD-CCP and HFD-SPP which had occasional fat deposits only whereas HFD group showed mild necrosis and fat infiltration. In terms of body fat, the adiposity index was significantly lower among HFD-SPP and HFD-CCP than the HFD group, with both pectin-supplemented groups showing lesser extent of increase in adipocyte diameter. Meanwhile, HFD-CCP and HFD-SPP groups were significantly comparable in terms of body weight, blood lipids, organ and adipose tissue weights, adiposity index, and liver morphology. In vitro assays revealed that SPP had significantly higher cholesterol and bile acid binding capacities at 60 μg/mL and 20 μg/mL, respectively than CCP and bile acid-binding drug, cholestyramine. These showed that SPP supplementation improves biomarkers of obesity and associated blood lipid disorders at par with commercially-available citrus pectin possibly via cholesterol and bile acid binding pathways, suggesting that SPP may be a potential functional ingredient with anti-obesity and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties.

Application of Artificial Neural Network Method as A Detection of Blood Fat Disorders in Images of Complete Blood Examination

Based on various epidemiological studies, it is stated that blood lipids are the main risk factor for atherosclerosis that leads to coronary heart disease. In patients with blood lipid disorders, red blood cells undergo deformability so that their shape is flatter than normal red blood cells, which are round. The research entitled Application of Artificial Neural Network Method as Detection of Blood Fat Abnormalities in Image of Complete Blood Examination Results was conducted to help facilitate laboratory examinations. This research hopes that it will provide appropriate early detection to support the expert diagnosis. This research consists of two stages. The first stage is digital image processing to obtain area, perimeter, and eccentricity features. These three features will be used as input to the Backpropagation Neural Network program as the second stage. At this stage, blood lipid abnormalities are detected from features that have been obtained from image processing. The accuracy of detecting blood lipid abnormalities with ANN Backpropagation is 85%.

Fast Food Consumption Behavior in Adolescents

The nutritional needs of adolescents need to be considered because during adolescence there is rapid growth and development. Unhealthy eating habits will affect the nutritional intake of adolescents. Unhealthy foods such as fast food are consumed by teenagers. At a time when everything is as modern as it is now, teenagers want everything fast-paced, including choosing food fast food is also kn own to the public as junk food. Junk food is defined as junk food or food that has no nutrition for the body. Eating junk food is not only useless but can also be detrimental to health. Fast food comes from western countries which generally have high fat and calorie content. Descriptive research method with a qualitative approach to the method of phenomenology. The sample in this study was four (4) students consisting of one grade 1 high school, two grade 2 high school students, and 1 grade 3 senior high school student. This study wants to explore the phenomena experienced by students in consuming fast food. Many factors influence teenagers to consume fast food. These factors are discussed based on research articles and book references. Factors that influence the consumption of fast food include taste, price, comfortable place, and the influence of peers. Fast food can increase the risk of several diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and blood lipid disorders or dyslipidemia. Obesity or overweight is experienced by many children, adolescents, and adults. Obesity occurs due to changing lifestyles, including eating patterns that often eat fast food. Eating fast food too often does not only lead to obesity. However, obesity experienced by a person will increase a person's risk factors for suffering from other degenerative diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Питання терапії біліарної патології у дітей: вибір оптимального рішення

Актуальність. Захворювання гепатобіліарної системи — одна з найбільш поширених проблем педіатричної гастроентерології. Захворювання біліарного тракту (БТ) супроводжуються стійкими змінами обміну ліпідів, що сприяє тривалому холестазу і прогресуванню біліарної патології. Мета дослідження — вивчити ефективність застосування препарату Урсофальк® у комплексній терапії захворювань БТ і коморбідних станів у дітей. Матеріали та методи. У міському гастроентерологічному відділенні м. Харкова обстежено 55 дітей віком від 5 до 18 років (31 дівчинка та 24 хлопчика). Критерії включення пацієнтів у дослідження: захворювання БТ, що супроводжуються біліарним сладжем (БС) і порушенням ліпідного профілю (ЛП) сироватки крові. Діагностичний комплекс включав: аналіз клінічних даних, УЗД органів черевної порожнини, біохімічне дослідження сироватки крові («печінкові проби», ЛП). Усі діти отримували комплексне лікування з урахуванням коморбідної патології. Тривалість курсу терапії — 1 місяць. Пацієнти були розділені на дві групи залежно від жовчогінної терапії: 1-ша (основна) група отримувала традиційні жовчогінні засоби, 2-га (група порівняння) — препарат Урсофальк®. При статистичній обробці використані ліцензовані програмні продукти (Statistica, Excel). Результати. Клінічні прояви у дітей груп спостереження були представлені больовим і диспептичним синдромами. У всіх обстежених виявлено коморбідні стани і наявність БС до початку лікування. Після закінчення курсу лікування відзначалася позитивна динаміка клінічних симптомів, лабораторних показників і гомогенності структури жовчі. Застосування в комплексній терапії Урсофальку® дозволило повністю компенсувати відчуття тяжкості та іррадіацію болю, тоді як у дітей групи порівняння зберігалися больовий синдром, тяжкість у правому підребер’ї, диспептичні скарги. Слід зазначити, що застосування Урсофальку® дозволяє також нормалізувати структуру жовчі і біохімічні показники, що характеризують ліпідний обмін. Зареєстровано вірогідно (p &lt; 0,05) більш виражений ефект зменшення частоти порушень гомогенності жовчі в основній групі — на 65,5 % порівняно з групою порівняння — 27,3 %. Позитивна динаміка біохімічних показників при контрольному обстеженні відзначалася в обох групах пацієнтів, при цьому вірогідно (p &lt; 0,05) більш вираженими були зміни в групі дітей, які приймали Урсофальк®. Висновки. Застосування урсодезоксихолевої кислоти (УДХК) патогенетично обґрунтоване для корекції функціональних, метаболічних порушень при біліарній патології та коморбідних станах, що підтверджують результати спостереження. При призначенні Урсофальку® в комплексній терапії захворювань жовчовивідної системи у дітей відзначається швидка регресія і купіювання клінічних симптомів, нормалізація лабораторно-інструментальних показників. Урсофальк® є референтним препаратом УДХК. Наявність офіцінальної форми препарату Урсофальк® у спеціальній лікарській формі для дітей у вигляді суспензії дозволяє застосовувати УДХК в дитячому віці, починаючи з перших днів життя.

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Adolescent nutritional needs need to be considered because in adolescence there is rapid growth and development. Unhealthy eating habits affect adolescent nutritional intake, such as fast food consumed by teenagers. At a time when everything is modern, teenagers want everything to be fast, including in choosing food, namely fast food known to the public as junk food. Junk food is defined as junk food or food that does not have nutrients for the body. Junk food is not only wasteful, it can also be detrimental to health. Fast food comes from western countries which have high fat and calorie content. Many factors influence adolescents to eat fast food, discussed based on research articles and book references, including taste, price, a comfortable place, and peer influence. Fast food can increase the risk of several diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and blood lipid disorders or dyslipidemia. Obesity or overweight is experienced by children, adolescents, and adults. However, from obesity experienced by a person, it will increase a person's risk factors for suffering from other degenerative diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.