Changes In Index Research Articles

P054 REDUCTION OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK WITH IMPROVEMENT OF GLUCOSE AND LIPID METABOLISM BY A NUTRACEUTICAL BASED IN MULBERRY LEAF AND FENUGREEK IN SUBJECTS WITH PREDIABETES

Background and Objective: In Spain there are >5000000 prediabetic subjects, of which >500000 develop type 2 diabetes annually. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose have been shown to prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce blood pressure, development of hypertension and cardiovascular risk. White mulberry (Morus alba) leaves contain 1-deoxynojirimycin, a powerful competitive alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. A nutraceutical containing Reducose (standardized white mulberry leaf extract), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum, an AMP-kinase activator), inuline (soluble fiber), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (probiotic), niacin (vitamin B3), chromium and zinc (oligoelements) has been developed for use in patients with prediabetes. We endeavored to study its tolerability and efficacy on the metabolic profile, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk of the patients, with the change in the HOMA2-IR index of insulin resistance (as a proxy for the risk of developing type 2 diabetes) as the main outcome. Methods: In this ongoing open study, adult patients with prediabetes have been recruited to receive the mentioned nutraceutical daily for 6 months with an intermediate visit after 3 months. BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile and HOMA2-IR were determined at each visit. Results: Of 94 recruited patients, 37 have completed the second visit. The HOMA-2 IR dropped by 21.5% (p=0.0016), the cardiovascular risk estimated by SCORE2 by 14.6% (p=0.0009), fasting glycemia by 7.6 mg/dL (p=0.0005), HbA1c by 0.22% (p<0.0001), non-HDL cholesterol by 12.4 mg/dL (p=0.0037), systolic blood pressure by 6.3 mmHg (p=0.0001), diastolic blood pressure by 5.2 mmHg (p=0.0236); the body weight and BMI did not change significantly, and there were no withdrawals due to adverse effects or serious tolerance issues. Conclusions: This nutraceutical was well tolerated and improved the metabolic (both glycemic and lipidic) profile, the blood pressure and the cardiovascular risk of patients with prediabetes. At present there are no licensed drugs for prediabetes in Spain, but this nutraceutical may be an option for these patients in combination with lifestyle changes.

An Automated Malnutrition Screening Tool Using Routinely Collected Data for Older Adults in Long-Term Care: Development and Internal Validation of AutoMal

ObjectiveTo develop and internally validate a malnutrition screening tool based on routinely collected data in the long-term care setting. DesignDiagnostic prediction model development and internal validation study. Setting and ParticipantsResidents (n = 539) from 10 long-term care facilities in Australia. MethodsCandidate variables identified through expert consultation were collected from routinely collected data in a convenience sample of long-term care facilities. Logistic regression using the Subjective Global Assessment as the reference standard was conducted on 500 samples derived using bootstrapping from the original sample. Candidate variables were selected if included in more than 95% of samples using backwards stepwise elimination. The final model was developed using logistic regression of selected variables. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping to calculate the optimism-adjusted performance. Overall discrimination was evaluated via receiver operator characteristic curve and calculation of the area under the curve. Youden's Index was used to identify the optimal threshold value for classifying malnutrition. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. ResultsBody mass index and weight change % over 6 months were included in the automated malnutrition screening model (AutoMal), identified in 100% of bootstrapped samples. AutoMal demonstrated excellent discrimination of malnutrition, with area under the curve of 0.8378 (95% CI, 0.80–0.87). Youden's Index value was 0.37, resulting in sensitivity of 78% (95% CI, 71%–83%) and specificity of 77% (72%–81%). Optimism-corrected area under the curve was 0.8354. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe AutoMal demonstrates excellent ability to differentiate malnutrition status. It makes automated identification of malnutrition possible by using 2 variables commonly found in electronic health records.

Using Disorder Metrics to Distinguish Discharge‐Driven From Drainage Area‐Driven Incision and Quantify Deviations in Channel Steepness

AbstractThe rate of channel incision in bedrock rivers is often described using a power law relationship that scales erosion with drainage area. However, erosion in landscapes that experience strong rainfall gradients may be better described by discharge instead of drainage area. In this study, we test if these two end member scenarios result in identifiable topographic signatures in both idealized numerical simulations and in natural landscapes. We find that in simulations using homogeneous lithology, we can differentiate a posteriori between drainage area and discharge‐driven incision scenarios by quantifying the relative disorder of channel profiles, as measured by how well tributary profiles mimic both the main stem channel and each other. The more heterogeneous the landscape becomes, the harder it proves to identify the disorder signatures of the end member incision rules. We then apply these indicators to natural landscapes, and find, among eight test areas, no clear topographic signal that allows us to conclude a discharge or area‐driven incision rule is more appropriate. We then quantify the distortion in the channel steepness index induced by changing the incision rule. Distortion in the channel steepness index can also be driven by changes to the assumed reference concavity index, and we find that distortions in the normalized channel steepness index, frequently used as a proxy for erosion rates, is more sensitive to changes in the concavity index than to changes in the assumed incision rule. This makes it a priority to optimize the concavity index even under an unknown incision mechanism.

Sensitivity optimization of monolithic integrated refractive index sensor based on grating LED

In this study, we present a potential ultra-thin refractive index sensor model that utilizes a monolithically integrated gallium nitride-based light-emitting diode platform. This light-emitting diode not only emits light but also detects changes in refractive index. The sensitivity of this sensor is defined as the response of light extraction efficiency to unit changes in refractive index. We have incorporated a one-dimensional grating on the surface of the light-emitting diode to investigate the effects of the grating’s modulation on the light field and the sensor’s sensitivity.Through strategic optimization of the grating structure, we have significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the sensor. Our results indicate that, compared to a conventional flat light-emitting diode, the optimized grating structure increases the light extraction efficiency by approximately 2 to 3 times. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the sensor has achieved a maximal enhancement of up to 41-fold.The device offers a compact design and demonstrates high levels of light extraction efficiency and sensitivity, making it highly suitable for monolithic integration in optical sensing applications. This advancement provides a substantial contribution to the field of optical sensing, indicating promising potential for future research and application.

Feasibility Research on Surface Water Reinjection into the Sandstone Geothermal Reservoir of the Guantao Formation in Tianjin Based on Laboratory Experiments

Tianjin possesses abundant geothermal resources, and geothermal reinjection is an effective strategy for maintaining the sustainable development and utilization of these resources. However, several issues have arisen in the reinjection of sandstone geothermal reservoirs in the Tianjin area, including a mismatch between the reinjection capacity and effluent capacity, as well as challenges related to continuous reinjection. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the reinjection of exogenous water into sandstone pore-type geothermal reservoirs. This study focuses on the geothermal reservoir of the Guantao Formation in the Binhai New Area. The surface water treatment process for reinjection into sandstone geothermal reservoirs was determined through water treatment simulation experiments. Additionally, experiments examining the interaction between the reinjected water and reservoir rock were conducted to assess the feasibility of using treated surface water for reinjection into sandstone geothermal reservoirs. The hydrogeochemical response mechanisms and the impact on the reservoir under reinjection conditions were also investigated. The results indicate that a nanofiltration module and tubular microfiltration membrane are essential to ensure the stability of the system. The pH and TDS of water samples decreased after reinjecting mixed water (HHS) into the sandstone reservoir. The hydrochemical type consistently remained Cl-Na. The conventional water chemistry components and trace elements were influenced by the corresponding water–rock reactions. The reservoir minerals exhibited minimal precipitation, primarily consisting of K-feldspar and Fe-dolomite. The minerals produced during the experiment accounted for only 0.08% of the total cuttings’ mass, indicating a negligible impact on the reservoir structure. PHREEQC was employed to simulate the changes in mineral saturation index before and after the reinjection of mixed water and geothermal water, respectively. Notably, similar hydrogeochemical changes were observed in the geothermal fluids. Thus, this study demonstrates the feasibility of reinjecting treated surface water into sandstone geothermal reservoirs from a hydrogeochemical perspective. This research provides valuable insights for the development of external water reinjection projects in hot spring health care units, contributing effectively to the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.

Impact of caregiving on frailty in older spousal caregivers: A retrospective cohort study

Older spousal caregivers bear the dual burden of managing health changes and caring for their partners. This study aimed to investigate the association between spousal caregiving and frailty in older adults. A retrospective cohort study with a 4-year follow-up was conducted using seven waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2018). The mean age of participants was 65.1 years. A significant correlation was found between spousal caregiving and frailty increase. Multilevel analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the changes in frailty index over 12 years between caregivers and non-caregivers. This study uncovered a significant association between spousal caregiving and frailty in older adults, suggesting that becoming a spousal caregiver is not only linked to higher levels of frailty but also accelerates its progression. Healthcare providers can tailor support services to assist caregivers in managing challenges and promoting healthy aging.

Diameter Optimization of No-Core Fiber for High Refractive Index Sensing

This study presents a simulation-based modal analysis to optimize the no-core fiber (NCF) sensor design for high refractive index (HRI) applications. The goal is to improve the sensitivity of the sensor towards HRI by solving problems in conventional optical fiber sensors (OFS), such as sophisticated fabrication methods, high fragility, and potential effects on long-term reliability. Furthermore, in previous work, most OFS applications focused on detecting mediums with a low refractive index (LRI). Hence, the goal of this study is to overcome these constraints. For this research, the Wave Optics module in COMSOL Multiphysics® software was used to optimize the NCF diameter, which ranged from 100 μm to 150 μm. Simulations include changes in the refractive index (RI) of the analyte in the surrounding medium of the sensor to analyse the efficiency of the NCF in HRI sensing completely, ranging from 1.46 RIU to 1.56 RIU. The performance is then assessed by monitoring the intensity change in the power spectrum, which reflects the reaction of leaky modes to various HRI conditions. The findings indicate that decreasing the size of the NCF sensor enhances sensitivity in detecting HRI mediums by amplifying the leakage loss of each order leaky mode, as opposed to a larger NCF diameter. This effect is due to the reduced confinement of modes in a smaller diameter NCF. The 100 μm diameter NCF has exceptional refractive index (RI) sensitivity and linearity, measuring 88.996 dB/RIU and 0.7783, respectively. Accordingly, NCF proves to be a promising candidate for utilization in HRI sensing applications, given its high sensitivity and straightforward fabrication, making it easily implementable and practical for real-world use.

Effect of Al2O3 on the sintering process and the metallurgical performance of sinter

ABSTRACT The trend to process iron ore with increasing Al2O3 content has affected the performance of sinter and blast furnace operations. Formation of the primary melts and phase properties such as morphology and reducibility of the iron ore could be easily influenced by the Al2O3 content. In this paper, the effect of the Al2O3 content in the sinter samples, which range from 1.49 to 3.24 wt-% with a basicity of 2.0, MgO/Al2O3 ratio of 1.05, on the sintering process and the metallurgical performance were studied through a sinter pot experiment and a reduction experiment. The results show that an increase in the Al2O3 content deteriorated the sintering index, and the yield and tumble index decreased by 7.61% and 12.02%, respectively. The sintering index was relatively stable when the Al2O3 content was between 2.10 and 2.95 wt-%. Low-reduction columnar silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum increased with the increasing Al2O3 content, hindered the reduction index of the sinter. The low-temperature reduction degradation index change was only around 2%, due to the higher MgO content of the sinter promoting magnetite formation.

Towards early diagnosis and screening of Alzheimer’s disease using frequency locked whispering gallery mode microtoroids

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia marked by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Amyloid beta (Aβ) is an AD biomarker which is linked to these plaques and tangles. Measuring Aβ levels can help with early AD diagnosis and aid in drug studies and delaying dementia. This is challenging, however, due to low AD biomarker levels in biofluids. Here we use FLOWER (frequency-locked optical whispering evanescent resonator) to quantify levels of post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42 in control, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD participants. FLOWER measures the resonant wavelength shift of a microtoroid due to changes in the refractive index within its evanescent field. FLOWER can measure CSF Aβ42 (area under curve, AUC = 0.92) with higher performance than ELISA (AUC = 0.82) and can distinguish between control and MCI samples. This demonstrates FLOWER’s ability to screen CSF samples for diagnosis of AD.

Association of a Promoter DNA Methyltransferase 3 Gene Variant with DNA Methylation and Anthropometrics in Children from 4 to 12 Years Old

The global prevalence of obesity among adults, adolescents, and children has increased to alarming levels, making this disease a serious public health problem. The etiology of obesity is complex and multifactorial. Currently, epigenetic alterations are being investigated to understand the mechanisms of interaction between genes and environmental and behavioral risk factors involved in the genesis of obesity. In this study, we examined the association of the DNA methyltransferase 3 (DNMT3B) gene-149 C>T variant (rs2424913) genotypes with global DNA methylation and the changes in anthropometric parameters in a cohort of 171 children followed from birth to 12 years old. Genotypes were obtained using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and global DNA methylation was measured in blood samples collected at 4 years old through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Our results showed that the TT genotype is associated with an increase in global methylation levels at 4 years old and higher changes in body mass index, waist circumference, subscapular subcutaneous fat, body fat mass, body lean mass, and basal metabolic rate from 4 to 12 years. Our results suggest that this promoter DNMT3B gene variant and DNA methylation can be factors relevant to the increased risk of children developing obesity at an early age.

Evaluation of mining landscape changes with development landscape metrics in the Ostrava-Karviná Mining District (Czech Republic).

The study presents an analysis of changes in the landscape of the Ostrava-Karviná Mining District (in the Czech Republic) covering the period of more than 170years. In the area of interest affected by underground coal mining, both areas affected by changes and land cover preserving areas were identified in the study. A detailed assessment of the landscape changes was enabled by using landscape metrics and indices, namely the development index and total landscape change index. The underlying data were obtained from maps of stable cadastre (from the year 1836) and aerial images of the years 1947, 1971, and 2009. Visual photointerpretation of aerial images and interpretation of the maps of stable cadastre made it possible to create land cover maps according to CORINE Land Cover categories. Obtained information on the representation of individual land cover categories were used to identify and to analyze changes in the landscape affected by hard coal mining.

Ultrabroadband Optical Diffraction Tomography.

Optical diffraction tomography (ODT) is a powerful noninvasive 3D imaging technique, but its combination with broadband light sources is difficult. In this study, we introduce ultrabroadband ODT, covering over 150 nm of visible spectral bandwidth with a lateral spatial resolution of 150 nm. Our work addresses a critical experimental gap by enabling the measurement of broadband refractive index changes in 3D samples, crucial information that is difficult to assess with existing methodologies. We present broadband, spectrally resolved ODT images of HeLa cells, obtained via pulse-shaping-based Fourier transform spectroscopy. The spectral observations enabled by ultrabroadband ODT, combined with material-dependent refractive index responses, allow for precise three-dimensional identification of nanoparticles within cellular structures. Our work represents a crucial step toward time and spectrally resolved tomography of complex 3D structures with implications for life and materials science applications.

Longitudinal Changes in Ki-67 Indices in Small-Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumours and Their Impact on Survival

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in Ki-67 indices of SI-NETs and assess the impact of these in overall survival (OS). Methods: We screened 551 patients with SI-NETs diagnosed from 1993, through 2021, identified using the SI-NET databases from five European referral centres. Only patients with well-differentiated tumours and available baseline tumour samples and follow-up re-biopsies were included. For tumour grading, apart from 2017 WHO classification system, we applied a recently proposed SI-NET site-specific modified histopathological grading system with Ki-67 cut-offs of 5 and 10%. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses were used to determine whether there was a difference between OS in SI-NET patients stratified by increment of Ki-67 indices over time and/or progression to a higher grade. Results: We included 45 patients. Median Ki-67 index at SI-NET diagnosis was 2% (range: 0.5–15%). Thirty-three patients had Ki-67 indices <5% (70.2%), 6 had Ki-67: 5–10% (12.8%), and 8 had Ki-67 ≥10% (17%). Mean time to re-biopsy was 48.8 months (SD: ±162.5). At re-biopsy, the median change in Ki-67 index (absolute value; follow-up minus time of diagnosis) was 1% (range: −10 to +38%). An increase in Ki-67 occurred in 20 patients (42.6%); in 14 patients, the change in Ki-67 resulted in progression to higher tumour grade following the modified grading system. Patients with an increment in Ki-67 ≥1% had a median OS of 32.9 months versus 80.5 months in patients without (HR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.42–22.02; p = 0.014). When applying the novel modified histopathological grading system for SI-NETs, patients with grade progression had a median OS of 32.9 months versus 53.7 months in those without (HR = 4.61, 95% CI: 1.22–13.54; p = 0.022). At multivariable analysis, grade progression was confirmed as an independent predictor for death (HR = 7.2, 95% CI: 1.58–32.82; p = 0.011). Conclusions: Metachronous increment in Ki-67 indices and related grade progression over time following a site-specific modified histopathological grading system with Ki-67 cut-offs of 5 and 10% is observed in approximately 1/3 of SI-NETs subjected to re-biopsy and it is associated with worse survival outcomes.

Label-Free Biosensor Based on Particle Plasmon Resonance Coupled with Diffraction Grating Waveguide.

Particle plasmon resonance (PPR), or localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), utilizes intrinsic resonance in metal nanoparticles for sensor fabrication. While diffraction grating waveguides monitor bioaffinity adsorption with out-of-plane illumination, integrating them with PPR for biomolecular detection schemes remains underexplored. This study introduces a label-free biosensing platform integrating PPR with a diffraction grating waveguide. Gold nanoparticles are immobilized on a glass slide in contact with a sample, while a UV-assisted embossed diffraction grating is positioned opposite. The setup utilizes diffraction in reflection to detect changes in the environment's refractive index, indicating biomolecular binding at the gold nanoparticle surface. The positional shift of the diffracted beam, measured with varying refractive indices of sucrose solutions, shows a sensitivity of 0.97 mm/RIU at 8 cm from a position-sensitive detector, highlighting enhanced sensitivity due to PPR-diffraction coupling near the gold nanoparticle surface. Furthermore, the sensor achieved a resolution of 3.1 × 10-4 refractive index unit and a detection limit of 4.4 pM for detection of anti-DNP. The sensitivity of the diffracted spot was confirmed using finite element method (FEM) simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics. This study presents a significant advancement in biosensing technology, offering practical solutions for sensitive, rapid, and label-free biomolecule detection.

A Pregnancy and Postnatal RCT Among Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Overweight/Obesity: The PAIGE2 Study.

This study examined the influence of a pregnancy and postnatal multicomponent lifestyle intervention for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and overweight/obesity from 6 weeks to 12 months postnatal. The primary outcome was weight at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included change in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). The study involved 235 pregnant women with GDM and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 during pregnancy. Intervention components included an educational session, activity tracker (Fitbit), monthly phone calls, weekly motivational text messages, 12-week voucher for a commercial weight management organization and anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measurements taken at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postnatal. The control group received routine local maternity care. A mean weight change of -2.0 (SD 7.1) kg was observed in the intervention group compared with -0.6 (SD 8.0) kg in the control group, difference -1.4 (95% CI -4.4, 1.5) kg from 6 weeks to 12 months postnatal, but this was not statistically significant (P = .34). Neither were significant differences obtained for any secondary outcomes: BMI -0.6 (-1.6, 0.5) kg/m2, WC -1.0 (-5.1, 3.2) cm and FPG 0.07 (-0.15, 0.29) mmol/L. This lifestyle intervention among women with overweight/obesity and GDM resulted in a statistically nonsignificant 1.4 kg greater weight loss compared with routine care at 12 months postnatal. Further research is needed to understand how the different components of this lifestyle intervention might be better applied to elicit more successful results.

Chronic Intake of Water Supplemented with Deep-Sea Water Extract Reduces Body Fat Percentage and Increases Basal Metabolic Rate and Muscle Mass in Humans

Modern humans are mineral deficient; thus, considerable attention has been focused on vitamins and polyphenols taken in supplements. However, in the case of minerals, only a few are known, such as calcium, zinc, and iron. As minerals are essential for proper physiologic function, mineral deficiencies are a risk factor for various serious diseases. For a variety of reasons, it has become difficult in recent years for humans to ingest the required amounts of minerals through diet alone, creating the need for a means of easy mineral replenishment. In this study, we measured changes in various physiologic parameters when 36 healthy individuals drank one bottle (550 mL) of water per day for one month containing minerals extracted from deep-sea water and adjusted to a hardness of 300. Although there were no changes in body weight or body mass index, body fat percentage decreased significantly, and basal metabolic rate and muscle mass increased significantly. Although the mechanism behind these changes is unknown, continuous intake of water amended with minerals extracted from deep-sea water may be an excellent approach to replenishing essential minerals.

Phase preservation of orbital angular momentum of light in multiple scattering environment

Recent advancements in wavefront shaping techniques have facilitated the study of complex structured light’s propagation with orbital angular momentum (OAM) within various media. The introduction of spiral phase modulation to the Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beam during its paraxial propagation is facilitated by the negative gradient of the medium’s refractive index change over time, leading to a notable increase in the rate of phase twist, effectively observed as phase retardation of the OAM. This approach attains remarkable sensitivity to even the slightest variations in the medium’s refractive index (∼10−6). The phase memory of OAM is revealed as the ability of twisted light to preserve the initial helical phase even propagating through the turbid tissue-like multiple scattering medium. The results confirm fascinating opportunities for exploiting OAM light in biomedical applications, e.g. such as non-invasive trans-cutaneous glucose diagnosis and optical communication through biological tissues and other optically dense media.

Design of near-infrared solid-state tunable Fabry-Perot filters based on VO2/P4VP films

The significant refractive index change of VO2 during phase transition makes it attractive for the design of optical switches and filters, but high absorption of VO2 limits its development in the field of filter. In this paper, we firstly design near-infrared solid-state tunable/switchable single-/dual-band bandpass Fabry-Perot (F-P) filters based on VO2/P4VP composite films using COMSOL software. The simulation results show that the single-passband tunable filter can achieve a continuous thermal tuning range of 19 nm at 1064 nm, the full width at half maxima (FWHM) is 28.8 nm, and the peak transmittance is &gt;30%. On this basis, we simulated a tunable dual-band bandpass filter, the left peak can be heated to achieve a tuning range of 15 nm (945 nm), the right peak is 24 nm (1168 nm), the peak transmittances of both the two peaks are &gt;35%. When boosting the VO2 fraction, the continuous tunability of the above-mentioned single-/dual-band filters will be switchable due to the high absorption of VO2, and then switchable single-/dual-band bandpass filters are designed. This work has guiding significance for the design of novel filter structures and optical tunable devices based on phase change materials such as VO2 in the future.

Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Clinical Outcome of Atopic Dermatitis in Children.

The use of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is an area of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 FA can help manage symptoms of AD by reducing lesion severity, skin inflammation, dryness and itching, while others show no significant beneficial effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FA from fish oil in combination with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from blackcurrant seed oil in children with AD. This is a longitudinal, prospective, randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical trial. The study was conducted during the 2-year period throughout autumn, winter, and spring, avoiding the summer when AD usually improves. Children were randomized to receive the active study product (Mega Kid®) containing a specific blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo. The primary outcomes were changes in severity of AD measured using SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), patient-oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) and the difference in topical corticosteroid (TCS) use. The secondary outcomes were changes in itch intensity, sleep quality and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). Data were analyzed for 52 children (26 in the intervention group and 26 in the placebo group). In children receiving the active product, intention-to-treat analysis showed that after 4 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the SCORAD index (from median 42 to 25, p < 0.001) and the use of topical corticosteroids (from median 30 to 10 mg/month, p < 0.001), but also significant improvements in itch, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids in combination with GLA and vitamin D may decrease symptoms and were associated with an improvement clinical picture of AD in children. Therefore, we can conclude that supplementation with this specific combination could be considered a safe and effective intervention that may significantly reduce the severity of AD in pediatric patients.

Dual channel D-shaped SPR sensor for efficient detection of change in refractive index of analytes

Dual channel D-shaped SPR sensor for efficient detection of change in refractive index of analytes