Conditions In Healthy Individuals Research Articles

Multidimensional Fragmentomics Enables Early and Accurate Detection of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages, highlighting the need for developing approaches for early detection. Liquid biopsy using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomics is a promising approach, but the clinical application is hindered by complexity and cost. This study aimed to develop an integrated model using cfDNA fragmentomics for accurate, cost-effective early-stage colorectal cancer detection. Plasma cfDNA was extracted and sequenced from a training cohort of 360 participants, including 176 patients with colorectal cancer and 184 healthy controls. An ensemble stacked model comprising five machine learning models was employed to distinguish patients with colorectal cancer from healthy controls using five cfDNA fragmentomic features. The model was validated in an independent cohort of 236 participants (117 patients with colorectal cancer and 119 controls) and a prospective cohort of 242 participants (129 patients with colorectal cancer and 113 controls). The ensemble stacked model showed remarkable discriminatory power between patients with colorectal cancer and controls, outperforming all base models and achieving a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.986 in the validation cohort. It reached 94.88% sensitivity and 98% specificity for detecting colorectal cancer in the validation cohort, with sensitivity increasing as the cancer progressed. The model also demonstrated consistently high accuracy in within-run and between-run tests and across various conditions in healthy individuals. In the prospective cohort, it achieved 91.47% sensitivity and 95.58% specificity. This integrated model capitalizes on the multiplex nature of cfDNA fragmentomics to achieve high sensitivity and robustness, offering significant promise for early colorectal cancer detection and broad patient benefit. Significance: The development of a minimally invasive, efficient approach for early colorectal cancer detection using advanced machine learning to analyze cfDNA fragment patterns could expedite diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes for patients. See related commentary by Rolfo and Russo, p. 3128.

Dynamic Microcirculation Characteristics of Plantar Skin Under Metatarsal Head of Human Foot in Response to Life-Like Pressure Stimulus.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication with high mortality. High plantar pressure and poor microcirculation are considered main causes of DFU. The specific aims were to provide a novel technique for real-time measurement of plantar skin blood flow (SBF) under walking-like pressure stimulus and delineate the first plantar metatarsal head dynamic microcirculation characteristics because of life-like loading conditions in healthy individuals. Twenty young healthy participants (14 male and 6 female) were recruited. The baseline (i.e., unloaded) SBF of soft tissue under the first metatarsal head were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). A custom-made machine was utilized to replicate daily walking pressure exertion for 5 min. The exerted plantar force was adjusted from 10 N (127.3 kPa) to 40 N (509.3 kPa) at an increase of 5 N (63.7 kPa). Real-time SBF was acquired using the LDF. After each pressure exertion, postload SBF was measured for comparative purposes. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software. All levels of immediate-load and postload SBF increased significantly compared with baseline values. As the exerted load increased, the postload and immediate-load SBF tended to increase until the exerted load reached 35 N (445.6 kPa). However, in immediate-load data, the increasing trend tended to level off as the exerted pressure increased from 15 N (191.0 kPa) to 25 N (318.3 kPa). For postload and immediate-load SBF, they both peaked at 35 N (445.6 kPa). However, when the exerted force exceeds 35 N (445.6 kPa), both the immediate-load and postload SBF values started to decrease. Our study offered a novel real-time plantar soft tissue microcirculation measurement technique under dynamic conditions. For the first metatarsal head of healthy people, 20 N (254.6 kPa)-plantar pressure has a fair microcirculation stimulus compared with higher pressure. There might be a pressure threshold at 35 N (445.6 kPa) for the first metatarsal head, and soft tissue microcirculation may decrease when local pressure exceeds it.

Assessment of dental morbidity in school-going children (6–10-year-old): A cross-sectional study

Background Restricted activity days are prevalent in children with oral health problems. Oral health issues cause over 50 billion hours of education to be lost each year, which has an impact on children’s school performance and the potential for success. Mostly it is concluded that dental caries is the most common disease among individuals. In addition, it may create chronic systemic conditions in healthy individuals. In children, it may induce deformities in the growth of the unerupted teeth. This study will help identify the factors and causes of risk factors for morbidities associated with dental problems. It also includes the educational status and socioeconomic condition of their parents, which is conducted in the Wardha district of Maharashtra in the field practice of villages among children. Aim To Assess dental morbidity among schoolchildren in rural areas and their relationship with their socioeconomic status in rural areas of Wardha District. Methodology A questionnaire-based face-to-face interview was conducted in this community-based cross-sectional study to assess dental morbidity in school-going children. The study participants will be children aged 6–10 years in the rural areas of the Wardha district. The variables of this study were the sociodemographic profile, habits, and morbidities of the children.

In vitro functional activity of T lymphocytes under the conditions of ‘cell neighborhood’ of proliferating and apoptotic cells in healthy people and patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease, the development of which is associated with impaired mechanisms of cell number control, proliferation balance, and apoptosis. The aim of our study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of cellular and humoral effects exerted by “apoptotic” T lymphocyte culture upon “proliferating” cells, taking into account the parameters of “primary” and “secondary” apoptosis induction, activation and proliferation markers, viable cell contents, role of cortisol, caspase and cytokines during cultivation under the “cell neighborhood” conditions in healthy subjects and patients with RA. The results of the analysis, with respect to previous data, revealed both similar and different functions of the T cell systems generated under “cell-neighborhood” conditions in healthy individuals and RA patients. Both groups under study were characterized by secondary induction of apoptosis, which refers to non-autonomous effects, along with appearance of activated T lymphocytes at significant amounts, increase of IL-6 and IL-4 levels, as well as low levels of IFNγ and caspase 8, decrease potential of receptor and mitochondrial apoptosis. No differences in apoptosis level were found between donor and patient groups. At the same time, the initially high level of TNFα in healthy subjects decreased during the induction of apoptosis, along with moderate increase of IL-6. The levels of intracellular p53 and Bcl-2 molecules did not change, and many positive correlations remained between the studied factors in all variants of mixed and “apoptotic” cultures, thus suggesting maintenance of functional T cell balance under the unfavorable conditions in donors. The RA patients were characterized by increased number of live cells in “apoptotic” cultures, a significant increase in the number of Ki-67+ T lymphocytes, being indicative for proliferative processes under conditions of apoptosis, like as absence of TNFα response to apoptosis induction. Lack of relations between the studied molecules in “apoptotic” cultures and local cortisol synthesis, as well as presence of correlations between cortisol and the studied molecules in apoptotic cultures, presumed some changes of intercellular interactions and disturbance of homeostasis among T lymphocytes under the conditions of “cellular neighborhood” were also observed in RA patients.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Capability of Emustil Drops against Tear Film Complications under Dry Environmental Conditions in Healthy Individuals.

Background and Objectives: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ailment of the tears and ocular surface. The purpose of this study was to assess the tear film physiology under controlled dry environmental conditions and compare the efficacy of oil-in-water emulsion drops on tear film parameters in protection and relief treatment modalities under low-humidity conditions. Emustil eye drops were used after exposure to a low-humidity environment in the relief method, whereas, in the protection method, the drops were applied before exposure to low humidity. Materials and Methods: 12 normal male subjects (mean age 34.0 ± 7.0 years) were exposed to ultra-dry environmental conditions. A number of tear film measurements were carried out under desiccating environmental conditions in a controlled environment chamber (CEC), where the chamber temperature sat at 21 °C with a relative humidity (RH) of 5%. Keeler's TearScope Plus and an HIRCAL grid were used to assess the tear break-up time and lipid layer thickness (LLT), and the evaporation rate was evaluated using a Servomed EP3 Evaporimeter. Results: LLT measurements showed that the dry environment affected LLT significantly (p = 0.031). The median grade of LLT dropped from grade 3 (50-70 nm) at 40% RH to grade 2 (13-50 nm) at 5% RH. A significant increase in LLT was seen after both modes of treatment, with a median LLT grade of 3 when the Emustil was used for both protection (p = 0.004) and relief (p = 0.016). The mean tear evaporation rate in normal environmental conditions (40%) was 40.46 ± 11.80 g/m2/h (0.11 µL/min) and increased sharply to 83.77 ± 20.37 g/m2/h (0.25 µL/min) after exposure to the dry environment. A minimal decrease in tear film evaporation rate was seen in relief; however, statistical tests showed that the decrease in tear film evaporation rate was not significant. Mean NITBUT dropped from 13.6 s at 40% RH to 6.6 s at 5% RH (p = 0.002). All NITBUT measurements at 5% RH (with or without the instillation of Emustil) were significantly lower than those at 40%. The instillation of Emustil at 5% RH resulted in a significant improvement in NITBUT for protection (p = 0.016) but this was not the case for relief (p = 0.0.56). Conclusions: A control environmental chamber (CEC) enables the analysis of tear film parameters comparable to those found in dry eye patients. This enables us to examine the capability of oil in emulsion drops to manage tear film disruption in healthy individuals. This study suggests that using Emustil oil-in-water emulsion before exposure to a dry environment should be advocated for people who work in dry environments.

Ameliorating Effect of Crassocephalum rabens (Asteraceae) Extract on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Parallel, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study.

Crassocephalum rabens (Asteraceae) is a common herb used in Taiwanese folk medicine to treat inflammation-related syndromes. Pharmacological studies have revealed that galactolipids exhibit anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyaluronidase activities and improve skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity in healthy subjects. However, the anti-aging effects of C. rabens and its primary active compound, 1,2-di-O-linolenoyl-3-O-β-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (dLGG), remain elusive. Here, we investigated whether C. rabens can improve skin conditions in healthy individuals using a double-blind approach. Forty enrolled volunteers were randomly and equally assigned to the control or treatment group and were required to take either a placebo or a C. rabens extract capsule daily for one month. Skin parameters were measured before and after the study. The results showed significant differences in skin elasticity, wrinkles, collagen content, brightness, and hydration between the baseline and week 4 in the treatment group. Particularly, compared with those in the placebo group, skin wrinkles (p < 0.05), brightness (p < 0.001), collagen content (p < 0.01), and UV spots (p < 0.05) were notably improved after treatment with the C. rabens extract. Our study successfully demonstrated the application of C. rabens in preventing skin aging. Further investigations will be conducted to study the underlying anti-aging mechanism of dLGG.

Chronic Hyperkaliemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: An Old Concern with New Answers.

Increasing potassium intake ameliorates blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular (CV) prognoses in the general population; therefore the World Health Organization recommends a high-potassium diet (90–120 mEq/day). Hyperkalaemia is a rare condition in healthy individuals due to the ability of the kidneys to effectively excrete dietary potassium load in urine, while an increase in serum K+ is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hyperkalaemia prevalence increases in more advanced CKD stages, and is associated with a poor prognosis. This scenario generates controversy on the correct nutritional approach to hyperkalaemia in CKD patients, considering the unproven link between potassium intake and serum K+ levels. Another concern is that drug-induced hyperkalaemia leads to the down-titration or withdrawal of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and mineralocorticoids receptors antagonists (MRA) in patients with CKD, depriving these patients of central therapeutic interventions aimed at delaying CKD progression and decreasing CV mortality. The new K+-binder drugs (Patiromer and Sodium-Zirconium Cyclosilicate) have proven to be adequate and safe therapeutic options to control serum K+ in CKD patients, enabling RASI and MRA therapy, and possibly, a more liberal intake of fruit and vegetables.

Development of a skin microbiome diagnostic method to assess skin condition in healthy individuals: Application of research on skin microbiomes and skin condition.

Skin microbiomes vary across individuals. They are known to play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis and preventing infectious pathogens. In recent years, cosmetic product development has begun to focus on the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin conditions. However, the statistical methods used in many studies include the standard t-test and small-scale correlation analysis, which do not take into account the internal correlation structure in data on skin microbiomes and skin features. In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin features by analysing complex microbiomes and skin data. We obtained data on 19skin characteristics and skin microbiomes based on 16s ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene analysis of 276healthy Japanese women. We then performed the principal component analysis (PCA), a method that takes into account the internal correlation structure, on 234 panels of them that did not contain outliers or missing values. We confirmed the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin features with principal component regression analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The principal component regression analysis showed strong relationships between skin microbiomes and sebum-related skin characteristics and skin pH. In the HCA, the female panel was classified into two major groups based on the skin microbiome. Furthermore, there were significant differences in sebum-related skin characteristics and the way skin condition changes with ageing between those groups, suggesting the possibility of measuring skin condition and age-related skin risk based on microbiome data. In addition, sebum-related characteristics differed significantly among middle-aged participants, suggesting a strong relationship between skin microbiomes and sebum-related characteristics. Analysis of skin condition and skin microbiome in Japanese women, taking into account the correlation between variables, showed that skin microbiome was significantly related to the number of pores and the amount of sebum. Furthermore, it was suggested that the skin condition and the way the skin condition changes with ageing may differ depending on the type of skin microbiome. The finding of a relationship between skin condition and skin microbiome suggests the possibility of proposing a new beauty method focusing on the skin microbiome in the future.

Evaluation of the tone and viscoelastic properties of the masseter muscle in the supine position, and its relation to age and gender.

The masseter muscle can be evaluated in various ways to examine its condition in healthy individuals or to identify pathological changes in the muscle. This study aimed to examine the tone and viscoelastic parameters of the masseter muscle, which is the focal muscle of various pathologies, to reveal its relationship with age and gender, and to determine the reference values of this muscle in healthy individuals. Individuals aged 18-50 years were evaluated. They were divided into 3 groups in terms of age. A total of 389 individuals participated in the study (18-28 years: 131 males, 104 females; 29-39 years: 29 males, 56 females; and 40-50 years: 30 males, 39 females). The tone and viscoelastic properties of the masseter muscle were evaluated bilaterally in the supine position. The mean age of all individuals was 28.64 ±9.68 years. The masseter muscle tone was found to be higher in men than in women. The elasticity of the muscle was higher in women (p < 0.05). It was determined that the masseter muscle tone and stiffness increased, whilst its elasticity decreased with aging (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between the right and left masseter muscle tone and age (r = 0.307 and r = 0.325, respectively; p = 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between the right and left masseter muscle stiffness and age (r = 0.507 and r = 0.511, respectively; p = 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between the right and left masseter muscle elasticity and age (r = 0.614 and r = 0.645, respectively; p = 0.001). The data obtained in this study may assist clinicians in evaluating the treatment of the pathological conditions related to the masseter muscle as well as in the planning of treatment and preand post-operation evaluations. Cite as.

Treatment of osteomyelitis of the lingula: Case report

AbstractOsteomyelitis of the jaw is an uncommon condition in healthy individuals and is usually associated with immunocompromised patients. We report a rare case of a healthy patient of no significant medical background who developed osteomyelitis of the lingula following routine dental extractions. The management of the case has been described.

In vitro Analysis of Nine MicroRNAs in CD8+ T Cells of Asthmatic Patients and the Effects of Two FDA-approved Drugs

In this study, we first tried to determine whether the expression level of 9 miRNAs in the peripheral blood CD8+ T cells of asthmatic patients varies from that of controls, and secondly, we investigated the effects of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol on the expression level of these miRNAs. Fifteen subjects including 8 healthy individuals and 7 asthmatic patients were included in this study. CD8+T cells were isolated from participants' peripheral blood by a negative selection method using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). The expression of 9 miRNAs was examined between the healthy individuals and asthmatic patients. Then the expression level of 9 miRNAs before and after treatment with the drugs was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. No significant changes in the expression level of 9 miRNAs were observed in asthmatic patients compared to the healthy controls. Fluticasone and vilanterol,in combination, had the greatest effect on miRNA expression. MiR-150 and miR-106a were the most and the least miRNAs, respectively, present in CD8+ T cells of patients and controls. MiR-106a and miR-126 had a positive correlation in CD8+ cells of asthmatic patients. Although no significant difference in the expression level of studies miRNAs was observed, the correlations among miRNAs were significant. Therefore, we suggest that the correlation between miRNAs would be a very important factor in physiological and pathological conditions in healthy individuals and asthmatic patients. Such a miRNA-miRNA correlation network can be even more critical than any changes in the variation of their expression in the CD8+ T cells.

Acute Serum Cartilage Biomarker Response after Walking and Drop Landing.

An in-depth understanding of the healthy cartilage response to activities of daily living is needed to better understand the complex relationship between cartilage health and loading. The purpose was to assess the role of loading on the acute serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) response in recreationally active individuals. Forty individuals without previous lower extremity injury participated in this repeated-measures study in which each participant completed all conditions during independent data collection sessions separated by at least 1 wk. An antecubital blood draw was performed before and after walking, drop-landing, and control (i.e., sitting) conditions. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays measured COMP concentration. The acute COMP response was quantified as the percent change of COMP concentration from before to after each condition. A one-way, repeated-measures ANOVA compared the acute COMP response between conditions. Post hoc Pearson product-moment correlation and chi-square analysis determined the relationship between the walking and drop-landing acute COMP response within individuals. Acute COMP response was greater after walking (+4.2, P = 0.008) and drop landing (+4.6%, P = 0.002) compared with control (-2.3%), but did not differ between the walking and drop-landing conditions (P = 0.596). The magnitudes of the acute COMP response during walking and drop landing were correlated (r = 0.56, P < 0.001). However, the direction (i.e., either increase or decrease) of COMP was not the same after the walking and drop-landing conditions (χ1 = 0.870, P = 0.351). Walking and drop landing produced a greater acute COMP response when compared with a control condition in healthy individuals, but the acute COMP response was similar between the two physical activity conditions, although the conditions differed in magnitude and frequency of loading.

Extracellular Volume Expansion Uncovers a Natriuretic Action of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1

We have previously demonstrated that the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) does not affect renal hemodynamics or function at baseline conditions in healthy individuals and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is possible that GLP-1 promotes renal NaCl excretion under conditions with addition of salt and water to the extracellular fluid (mimicking a mixed meal/daily NaCl load). The present study was designed to investigate whether GLP-1 induces natriuresis in healthy, volume overloaded individuals. Under fixed sodium intake, 8 healthy men were examined twice in random order during a 3-hour infusion of either GLP-1(1.5 pmol kg-1 min-1) or vehicle together with an intravenous infusion of 0.9% NaCl (750 ml/hour) given throughout both experiments. Timed urine collections were conducted throughout the experiments at voluntary voiding, and subjects remained supine during the experiments. Renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and uptake/release of hormones and ions were measured using Fick’s Principle after catheterization of a renal vein and an artery. During GLP-1 infusion, urinary sodium excretion increased compared to vehicle infusion (193 ± 40 mmol/180 min vs. 89 00B110 mmol/180 min, p&amp;lt;0.05), whereas GLP-1 had no significant effect on urine flow rate (1666 ± 284 ml/180 min vs. 1189 ± 132 ml/180 min, p=0.184). Plasma renin levels decreased similarly on both days, whereas angiotensin II levels decreased significantly only during GLP-1 infusion. During GLP-1 infusion, GLP-1 was extracted by the kidneys by about 50%. RPF and GFR remained unchanged on both days. Plasma proANP, ANP, and BNP levels remained unchanged on both days. This study shows that physiologically relevant changes in GLP-1 induce significant natriuresis independent of measurable changes in RPF and GFR in volume overloaded subjects. The natriuresis is likely brought about via a tubular mechanism secondary to suppression angiotensin II. Disclosure A. Asmar: None. P.K. Cramon: Employee; Spouse/Partner; Novo Nordisk A/S. L. Simonsen: None. M. Asmar: None. C.M. Sorensen: None. S. Madsbad: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Eli Lilly and Company. Advisory Panel; Self; Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp., Sanofi-Aventis, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. C. Moro: None. B. Hartmann: None. J.J. Holst: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Board Member; Self; Zealand Pharma A/S. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp., AstraZeneca. Research Support; Self; Danish Diabetes Academy, Novo Nordisk Foundation. Other Relationship; Self; Antag Therapeutics. Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; Antag Therapeutics. B.L. Jensen: None. J. Bülow: None.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricle Dimensions and Function After Exposure to Extreme Altitude: Is an Expedition to 8000 m Hazardous for Right Ventricular Function?

Kurdziel, Marta, Jarosław Wasilewski, Karolina Gierszewska, Anna Kazik, Gracjan Pytel, Jacek Wacławski, Adam Krajewski, Anna Kurek, Lech Poloński, and Mariusz Gąsior. Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricle dimensions and function after exposure to extreme altitude: Is an expedition to 8000 m hazardous for right ventricular function? High Alt Med Biol 18:330-337, 2017.-Although the right ventricle (RV) is under great hypoxic stress at altitude, still little is known what happens to the RV after descent. The aim of this study was to evaluate RV dimensions and function after exposure to extreme altitude. Therefore, echocardiographic examination was performed according to a protocol that focused on the RV in 11 healthy subjects participating in an expedition to K2 (8611 m) or Broad Peak (BP, 8051 m). In comparison to measurements before the expedition, after 7-8 weeks of sojourn above 2300 meters with the aim of climbing K2 and BP, the RV Tei index increased (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.1; p = 0.028), and RV free wall longitudinal systolic strain (RVFWLSS) decreased (-23.1% ± 2.7% vs. -25.9% ± 2.4%; p = 0.043). Decrease in peak systolic strain and strain rate was observed in the basal and mid segments of the RV free wall (respectively: -24.4% ± 4.4% vs. -30.9% ± 6.5%; -1.4 ± 0.3 s-1 vs. -1.8 ± 0.3 s-1; -28.7% ± 3.9% vs. -34% ± 3.3%; -1.5 ± 0.2 s-1 vs. -1.9 ± 0.3 s-1; p for all <0.05). The linear RV dimensions, the proximal and distal RV outflow tracks, increased (respectively: 31.3 ± 4 mm vs. 29.2 ± 3 mm, p = 0.025; 27 ± 2.7 mm vs. 24.8 ± 3 mm, p = 0.012). We found that exposure to extreme altitude may cause RV dilatation and a decrease in RV performance. The Tei index and RVFWLSS are sensitive performance indices to detect changes in RV function after the exposure to hypoxic stress. The observed alterations seem to be a manifestation of physiological adaptation to high-altitude condition in healthy individuals.

Mechanisms of phosphenes in irradiated patients.

Anomalous visual perceptions have been reported in various diseases of the retina and visual pathways or can be experienced under specific conditions in healthy individuals. Phosphenes are perceptions of light in the absence of ambient light, occurring independently of the physiological and classical photonic stimulation of the retina. They are a frequent symptom in patients irradiated in the region of the central nervous system (CNS), head and neck and the eyes. Phosphenes have historically been attributed to complex physical phenomena such as Cherenkov radiation. While phosphenes are related to Cherenkov radiation under high energy photon/electron irradiation conditions, physical phenomena are unlikely to be responsible for light flashes at energies used for ocular proton therapy. Phosphenes may involve a direct role for ocular photoreceptors and possible interactions between cones and rods. Other mechanisms involving the retinal ganglion cells or ultraweak biophoton emission and rhodopsin bleaching after exposure to free radicals are also likely to be involved. Despite their frequency as shown in our preliminary observations, phosphenes have been underreported probably because their mechanism and impact are poorly understood. Recently, phosphenes have been used to restore the vision and whether they might predict vision loss after therapeutic irradiation is a current field of investigation. We have reviewed and also investigated here the mechanisms related to the occurrence of phosphenes in irradiated patients and especially in patients irradiated by proton therapy for ocular tumors.

Insulin sensitivity index (ISI 0-120) from oral glucose tolerance test in healthy young adults

Background: Insulin sensitivity (IS) is the body’s systemic responsiveness to glucose and it is the measure of the ability of endogenous insulin to reduce the glucose in extracellular fluids by inhibition of gluconeogenesis and increase peripheral glucose uptake. IS reflects on the efficiency of insulin in response to glucose intake in the body. In diabetics, IS subjects are interpreted to require smaller amounts of insulin to lower blood glucose levels than someone who has low sensitivity. There is a need to detect insulin resistance (IR) in the pre-disease state, i.e., before the onset of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Early detection of IR or decreased IS in healthy subjects before the onset of IGT is of importance as it facilitates implementation of preventive measures in subject with such high risk. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is detect early occurrence of low Insulin Sensitivity in healthy young adults, using Insulin Sensitivity Index derived from OGTT. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 healthy volunteers in the age group of 18-25 years were recruited for the study, 40 subjects were siblings of diabetics and 40 subjects were siblings of non-diabetics (SND) a standard (75 g) OGTT was performed for the study. Blood samples for determination of plasma glucose and insulin levels drawn at 0 (fasting), 30, 120 min after glucose solution ingestion. Assays of fasting (basal), 30, 120 min venous plasma glucose during OGTT was performed with glucose oxidase method on site using glucose auto analyzer. The serum plasma was stored at −20°C until assayed. Corresponding specific insulin concentration was determined using radioimmunoassay (RIA) with human specific antibody RIA kit IS was calculated using physiological OGTT based mathematical models. QUICKI was derived for fasting insulin and fasting glucose values. ISI 0-120: Uses OGTT values, using only 0 and 120 min post-glucose challenge insulin and glucose concentrations. The reference values for various IR and IS indexes for our urban population with normal OGTT (n = 79) are QUICKI = 0.31 (0.20-0.52) sibling of diabetics (SD) - 0.07, ISI 0-120 = 63.62 (27.37-134.79) SD - 22.71. We observed that SD had significantly lower IS indices ISI 0-120 (56.27, P < 0.002) and a trend toward significance for QUICKI (0.29578, P < 0.056). Results: We observed that the mathematical models ISI 0-120 to be a fairly reliable tool for assessment of IS in normoglycemic young adults, compared to QUICKI. ISI 0-120 take into consideration the all the parameters of the 2 h OGTT glucose and also includes insulin into consideration for evaluation. Simple OGTT based mathematical models can be used as a reasonable alternative to measure IS or IR instead of the cumbersome glucose clamp or other expensive techniques in epidemiological or general clinical settings. Conclusion: Detection of IR in pre-disease condition in healthy individuals, allows the physician to initiate preventive measures, such as lifestyle modification, diet and exercise, thereby preventing the high-risk subjects from progressing to disease state.

A comparison study of brachial blood pressure recorded with Spacelabs 90217A and Mobil-O-Graph NG devices under static and ambulatory conditions

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is an important tool in hypertension diagnosis and management. Although several ambulatory devices exist, comparative studies are scarce. This study aimed to compare for the first time brachial blood pressure levels of Spacelabs 90217A and Mobil-O-Graph NG, under static and ambulatory conditions. We examined 40 healthy individuals under static (study A) and ambulatory (study B) conditions. In study A, participants were randomized into two groups that included blood pressure measurements with mercury sphygmomanometer, Spacelabs and Mobil-O-Graph devices with reverse order of recordings. In study B, simultaneous 6-h recordings with both devices were performed with participants randomized in two sequences of device positioning with arm reversal at 3 h. Finally, all the participants filled in a questionnaire rating their overall preference for a device. In study A, brachial systolic blood pressure (117.2±10.3 vs 117.1±9.8 mm Hg, P=0.943) and diastolic blood pressure (73.3±9.4 mm Hg vs 74.1±9.4 mm Hg, P=0.611) did not differ between Spacelabs and Mobil-O-Graph or vs sphygmomanometer (117.8±11.1 mm Hg, P=0.791 vs Spacelabs, P=0.753 vs Mobil-O-Graph). Similarly, no differences were found in ambulatory systolic blood pressure (117.9±11.4 vs 118.3±11.0 mm Hg, P=0.864), diastolic blood pressure (73.7±7.4 vs 74.7±8.0 mm Hg, P=0.571), mean blood pressure and heart rate between Spacelabs and Mobil-O-Graph. Correlation analyses and Bland-Altman plots showed agreement between the monitors. Overall, the participants showed a preference for the Mobil-O-Graph. Spacelabs 90217A and Mobil-O-Graph NG provide practically identical measurements during the static and ambulatory conditions in healthy individuals and can be rather used interchangeably in clinical practice.

The PCSK6 gene is associated with handedness, the autism spectrum, and magical ideation in a non-clinical population

Common polymorphisms in the gene PCSK6, whose protein product mediates the development of brain and body asymmetry through the NODAL pathway, have recently been associated with handedness in three studies, making it a key candidate gene for understanding the developmental and expression of human lateralization. We tested the hypothesis that the PCSK6 VNTR polymorphism rs1053972 influences the expression of handedness and aspects of dimensional schizotypy and autism. For a sample of 709 healthy individuals, rs1053972 genotype was significantly associated with categorical measures of handedness, and with dimensional handedness in subsets of the population with high schizotypy and magical ideation or a lack of strong right-handedness. Both findings showed evidence of stronger or exclusive effects among females, compared to males. Genotypes of PCSK6 also showed significant sex-limited associations with magical ideation, a component of positive schizotypal cognition measured using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, and total autism score, measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient. These results partially replicate previous studies on effects of PCSK6 rs1053972 genetic variation on handedness phenotypes, link the PCSK6 gene with the dimensional expression of neurodevelopmental conditions in healthy individuals, and show that associations of this gene with handedness and psychological phenotypes exhibit evidence of sex-limited effects.

The Study of Fluorescent Chemicals for Fingerprint Development

Center of pressure (COP) movement during sitting on an unstable chair can be used to represent static trunk postural control. Theoretically, healthy individuals with intact trunk proprioception should have similar COP movement between eye-open and eye-closed conditions regardless of visual feedback. The custom software program has been developed to investigate COP movement in this group of participants. However, test-retest reliability of COP measurement has not been established. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to determine test-retest of COP measurement, and compare area of COP movement (aCOP) between eye-open and eye-closed conditions in healthy individuals. Material and Method: Five healthy individuals (age = 26.6 ± 5.41 years; BMI = 21.46 ± 2.48kg/m2; 4 males) performed 30-second seated balance with eye-open (2 trials) and eye-closed (2 trails). The aCOP represents trunk postural control (greater area represents poor trunk postural control). Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine test-retest reliability (ICC3, 1). 90% confidence minimum detectable change (MDC) was calculated to establish a degree of measurement error. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to compare aCOP between two conditions. Results: ICC3, 1 was 0.76 and 0.26, and MDC were 14.94 and 31.76 mm. in eye-open and eye-closed, respectively. This finding indicates moderate to good test-retest reliability of instrument for collecting COP movement. No significant difference was found between two conditions. Conclusion: The instrument in this study could be used to investigate trunk postural control in eye-open condition, but might be currently limited when using in eye-closed condition. The result from comparison between conditions suggests trunk proprioception may help maintaining balance during seated balance in healthy individuals. However, patients with low back pain suspected of having impaired trunk proprioception may demonstrate significant difference between these two conditions. Therefore, future study is needed to provide biomechanical evidence supporting this hypothesis.

Estimates of normal stabilometry ranges under static conditions in healthy individuals aged 18 to 65 years old

quasi-linear with a positive gradient with both EO and EC. Finally, there was a third group, including AmpX and AmpY, with both EO and EC, for which the standard exponential function showed a negative trend between second 0 and second 10, and a linear trend for the remaining time. Principal component analysis showed that in the first factor, the explained variabilitywas between 90.25%and 94.99%,while in the second factor, explained variability was at most 6%. This means that the variability is mainly explained by the sampling time and a small percentage of other extrinsic factors and/or random measurement errors. Conclusion(s):We can therefore conclude that there is a standard pattern of behaviour in postural stability strategies in healthy individuals. Implications: This type of technique applied to physiotherapy provides a more accurate diagnosis, as it can determine how individuals behave during the sampling time and not compared to their mean values, which are often not representative of what actually happens to them.