Finger Capillary Blood Research Articles

Glycemic Index Evaluation of Flaxseed Oats Sourdough Bread

<i>Background:</i> Glycemic index (GI) is a numerical system that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how much they raise blood glucose level. Understanding GI is beneficial in diet management, especially for weight loss or diabetic people. Various types of food, such as functional foods, have recently gained attention for their health benefits, with sourdough bread being a notable example. As sourdough bread becomes a preferred option for weight and diabetes management, disclosing its glycemic index is crucial. <i>Objective:</i> This study aims to assess the glycemic index of a newly available bread, the flaxseed oats sourdough bread. <i>Methodology:</i> Ten healthy subjects aged between 23 to 37 years old were recruited (mean 28.7 ± 4.4 years) and required to fast and then consume 50 g of available carbohydrate portions of test and reference foods. Finger capillary blood samples were collected at the start (fasting, 0 minute) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after consumption. The GI was calculated from the ratio of incremental area under the curve (iAUC) to reference food. <i>Result:</i> The results show that flaxseed oats sourdough bread has a GI of 37.3 which is classified as low GI. <i>Conclusion: </i>Determining the GI value of this bread provides valuable data that can enhance dietary recommendations for weight and diabetes management. Implementing a low GI diet nationwide necessitates ongoing research, public education, and collaboration with food manufacturers to ensure consumers have access to healthier carbohydrate options.

Consistency analysis of two fingertip capillary blood sampling methods for complete blood count

This study was performed to analyze fingertip capillary blood sampling in pediatric patients using microcapillary blood collection tubes and microhematocrit tubes and to compare the blood cell analysis results obtained via these two blood collection methods. Finger capillary blood was collected from 110 outpatients using microcapillary blood collection tubes and microhematocrit tubes and complete blood count analysis was performed with a Sysmex XS-900i hematology analyzer and manual microscopy for blood cell morphology. Paired data was evaluated for agreement and bias using the microhematocrit samples as the reference group and the samples from the microcapillary blood collection tubes as the observation group. The two blood collection methods demonstrated good agreement for measuring red blood cell (RBC) parameters (i.e., RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH and MCHC), wherein the relative bias was > allowable total error (TEa) in 0.91%, 1.82%, 11.82%, 1.82%, 0.91% and 8.18% of the parameter measures, respectively. According to industry requirements, the proportion of samples meeting the acceptable bias level should be > 80%. Additionally, the estimated biases at each medical decision level were within clinically acceptable levels for RBC, Hb, Hct, and MCV. However, the proportion of WBC and PLT counts with relative bias > TEa was 25.45% and 35.45%, respectively. Furthermore, the relative bias of the WBC count at the medical decision level of 0.5 × 109/L and that of the PLT counts at the medical decision levels of 10 × 109/L and 50 × 109/L were clinically significant. Bland–Altman analysis further showed a mean bias of 0.66 × 109/L (95% LoA, − 0.79 to 2.11) for the WBC count and 39 × 109/L (95% LoA, − 46 to 124) for the PLT count from the blood samples collected in the microcapillary blood collection tubes compared with the counts of those collected in the microhematocrit tubes. Neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and PLT counts increased significantly in the microcapillary blood collection tubes compared with those in the microhematocrit tubes, along with an elevated number of instrument false alarms (P < 0.05). The two capillary blood collection devices exhibit performance differences. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to the variation in results caused by different blood collection methods.

Comparing Integrative Respiratory and Renal Acid-Base Acclimatization in Lowlanders and Tibetan Highlanders During Incremental Ascent to 4,300m

During sustained exposure to high altitude, integrated respiratory and renal acclimatization protects blood oxygenation and acid-base homeostasis, respectively. A sustained and augmented hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) protects blood oxygenation with ascent (i.e., ventilatory acclimatization). However, the HVR elicits hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis. A subsequent renally-mediated compensatory metabolic acidosis partially returns pH back to baseline values, with a high degree of variability, and capacity for full compensation limited to approximately 4000-4500m. In convenience samples of fully-acclimatized participants, indigenous highlanders of Tibetan ancestry (TH; i.e., Sherpa) have been reported to have (a) similar ventilatory acclimatization but, (b) improved renal compensation than lowlanders (LL) at 4300m. However, little work has been performed on the differences in renal acclimatization between LL and TH during acclimatization with incremental ascent to high altitude over a similar ascent profile. We assessed renal acclimatization between acclimatizing LL and TH, and hypothesized that (a) TH would have similar ventilatory acclimatization to LL but (b) larger magnitude renal compensation than LL during incremental ascent from 1400m to 4300m. Age- and sex-matched groups of 15 unacclimatized LL (8F) and 14 unacclimatized TH of confirmed Tibetan ancestry (7F) were recruited at 1400m. Utilizing an average of two finger capillary blood draw samples and a blood gas analyzer, we compared renally-mediated acid-base acclimatization (PCO2, [HCO3−], pH) in both groups before (1400m) and following day 8-9 of incremental ascent to 4300m. We found that following ascent, LL had significantly lower PCO2 (p&lt;0.0001) and [HCO3-] (p&lt;0.0001), and higher pH (P=0.0037), suggesting respiratory alkalosis and only partial renal compensation. However, TH had significantly lower PCO2 (p&lt;0.0001) and [HCO3−] (p&lt;0.0001), but unchanged pH (P=0.1), suggesting full renal compensation. At 4300m, TH had significantly lower PCO2 (P=0.01), [HCO3−] (p&lt;0.0001) and pH (P=0.005) than LL. These data suggest that TH have larger magnitude and more rapid time-course ventilatory and renal mechanisms compared to LL, resulting in fully-compensated pH in TH during incremental ascent to high altitude, despite a larger hypocapnic stimulus. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate these integrated respiratory-renal responses between acclimatizing LL and TH. MRU, NSERC, NSF. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Evaluating the association between gingival crevicular blood glucose levels and finger capillary blood glucose levels according to periodontal status

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between gingival crevicular blood glucose levels (GCBG) and finger capillary blood glucose levels (FCBG) according to the periodontal status of patients.Materials and methodsIn this case–control study, 80 patients were divided into 4 groups according to their periodontal status. In these patients, an area of the maxillary gingiva with the highest probing depth was selected for blood sampling. Blood glucose obtained from this area and the right fingertip was measured with a glucometer. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient with a significance threshold of 0.05.ResultsThe groups studied were matched in regard to their sex and age (P > 0.05). The average FCBG and GCBG were not significantly different according to periodontal status (P > 0.05). The correlation between the FCBG and the GCBG showed a significant positive correlation in the total number of participants (P < 0.05, r = 0.531).ConclusionThe study observed a positive association between GCBG and FCBG. However, the relationship with periodontal status appeared to be relatively weak. Further research may be needed to determine the potential efficacy of GCBG in diabetes screening during periodontal examinations. Clinical relevance: Most patients with diabetes do not have proper periodontal health, so it may be helpful to screen for diabetes during periodontal examinations.

Estimation of Gingival Crevicular Blood as Noninvasive Method to Determine the Blood Glucose Level: A Comparative Study.

The current study's aim was to assess gingival crevicular blood as a noninvasive method to measure blood glucose levels. The current study comprised a total of 50 patients who had been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis and age was ≥30 years old. The study's procedures were carried out after receiving informed consent. For finger capillary blood collection method, a sterile lancet was used to prick the finger and a drop of blood was taken, for gingival crevicular blood collection method, blood was taken from the gingival margin of the chosen site, and for venous blood collection method with the aid of a disposable syringe, a venous blood sample was taken from the patient's antecubital fossa for determining blood glucose levels. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the differences between the three methodologies' significance, and Karl Pearson's correlation (r) was used to determine their correlation. The maximum glucose level was found in venous blood (187.78 ± 18.23), followed by finger capillary blood (181.88 ± 21.67) and gingival crevicular blood (169.04 ± 11.24). And there was no significant difference between the different blood collection methods (p > 0.05). The positive significant correlation was found between gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood (r = 0.912, p < 0.001). Correlation with gingival crevicular blood and venous blood showed a positive correlation (r = 0.898, p < 0.001). Correlation between venous blood and finger capillary blood also showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.988, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggest that blood drawn from the gingival crevicular during a clinical examination may be a great source for glucometric analysis. The gingival crevicular blood may show to be a promising technique for routine dental office screening for diabetes mellitus in periodontal patients, even if capillary/venous blood samples used for diabetes mellitus screening are the gold standard. Oral health is crucial for the early detection of many systemic disorders. As a result, dentists are crucial in the screening for systemic disorders. One of the prevalent chronic disorders is diabetes. Any systemic disease that is detected early enough can avoid long-term problems.

Gingival Crevicular Blood Glucose as a Novel Method for Screening Diabetes Mellitus in Periodontally Compromised Patients.

Patients with periodontitis are significantly more likely to have undetected diabetes mellitus (DM). Self‑monitoring devices like glucometers provide a simple method for rapid monitoring of the glucose level in blood by utilizing a blood sample from the finger, but this method requires puncturing to obtain blood. Bleeding from the gingival sulcus, obtained during oral hygiene examination, can be utilized for screening DM patients. Therefore, this study was performed with the aim of determining the efficacy of gingival crevicular blood as a non-invasive screening method for DM patients, as well as correlating and comparing gingival crevicular blood glucose (GCBG) levels with finger capillary blood glucose (FCBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) among non-diabetic and diabetic group patients. In this cross-sectional comparative study, a total of 120 participants having moderate to severe gingivitis/periodontitis with an age range of 40 to 65 years were divided into two groups on the basis of FBG range taken from an antecubital vein: non-diabetic (≤126, n=60) and diabetic (≥126, n=60) groups. Blood oozing during the routine periodontal examination from the periodontal pocket was recorded using a test strip of a glucose self-monitoring device (AccuSure®Simple) as GCBG. Concomitantly FCBG was collected from the fingertip. These three parameters were statistically analyzed using the Student's t-test and the one-way ANOVA test and correlated with Pearson's correlation coefficient for both groups. The mean and standard deviation for the three parameters GCBG, FBG, and FCBG were 93.78±12.03, 89.98±13.22, and 93.08±15.56, respectively, for the non-diabetic group and 154.52±45.05, 159±47.00, and 162.23±50.60 subsequently for the diabetic group. Comparing glucose level parameters among the non-diabetic and diabetic groups suggests a significant difference with the p-value <0.001*(inter-group). ANOVA test was done for both groups suggesting no significant difference among these three methods of measuring blood glucose level, wherethe p-value found was 0.272 for the non-diabetic and 0.665 for the diabetic group (intra-group comparison). Pearson's correlation values suggested a good positive correlation for the non-diabetic group, with parameters GCBG and FBG (r=0.864), GCBG and FCBG (r=0.936), and FBG and FCBG (r=0.837). The diabetic group's Pearson's correlation suggested a highly significant positive correlation between three different methods in which GCBG and FBG (r=0.978), GCBG and FBG (r=0.977), and FBG and FCBG (r= 0.982). Blood oozing from the periodontal pocket during routine oral hygiene examination can be utilized by dental healthcare professionals to screen pre-diabetic patients which can be used as a simple and less invasive method for DM patients.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Gingival Crevicular Blood with Finger Capillary Blood and Venous Capillary Blood to Assess Blood Glucose Levels for Screening of Diabetes Mellitus in Chronic Periodontits Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is defined as a clinically and genetically diverse cluster of illnesses involving conflict in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Periodontitis is a complex condition with several causes. The interaction between these two conditions appears to be cyclical as well as bidirectional. Gingival crevicular blood obtained through routine periodontal oral assessment could be utilised for blood glucose estimation. Aim: To examine the efficacy of gingival crevicular blood elicited during routine periodontal probing as a reliable source for screening of diabetes mellitus, and to compare it with finger capillary blood and venous capillary blood in chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, in-vivo, clinical study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology at Karnavati School of Dentistry, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, from January 2021 to January 2022. The study included 50 patients, who were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis in the age range ≥30 years, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A prior detailed history was compiled. The clinical parameters recorded were sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. Each patient’s blood samples were collected from three different sites, Gingival Crevicular Blood (GCB) collected from gingival crevice, Finger Capillary Blood (FCB) collected from finger bed and and Venous Capillary Blood (VCB) collected from forearm for determining the blood glucose levels. Glucose levels were compared by oneway Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Karl Pearson’s correlation was used for the comparison. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for statistical analysis and p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) was 5.5±0.61 mm and 6.76±0.82 mm, respectively. The mean Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) score was 1.41±0.25 and 1.45±0.21, respectively. The mean GCB, FCB, and VCB glucose level of the subjects were 171.58±85.63 mg/dL, 179.14 ±80.31 mg/dL and 186.96±87.57 mg/dL, respectively. There was no statistical difference seen among the three methods thus, either of the methods can be used for measuring blood glucose levels for screening of diabetes mellitus in chronic periodontitis patients (p-value= 0.66). Posistive correlation between FCB and VCB (r-value=0.976, p-value&lt;0.001). VCB and GCB when correlated showed strong positive and highly statistically significant results (r-value= 0.934, p-value&lt;0.001). Similarly, GCB and FCB showed a positive correlation (r-value=0.920, p-value&lt;0.001) which was statistically highly significant. Conclusion: The results suggested that the efficacy of gingival crevicular blood when compared with finger capillary blood and venous capillary blood glucose levels showed positive correlation, suggesting either can be used in dental clinics for diabetic screening purpose without any extra invasive procedures.

Biomarker Changes in Oxygen Metabolism, Acid-Base Status, and Performance after the Off-Season in Well-Trained Cyclists.

During the off-season, cyclists reduce their volume and intensity of training in order to recover the body from the high workload during the competitive season. Some studies have examined the effects of the off-season on cardiovascular, metabolic, and performance levels but have not evaluated oxygen metabolism, acid-base status, and electrolytes in cyclists. Therefore, our main objective was to analyze these markers in the off-season period (8 weeks) via finger capillary blood gasometry in well-trained cyclists. We found an increase in oxygen saturation (sO2) and oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) (p ≤ 0.05) and a decrease in fat oxidation at maximum fat oxidation (FatMax) (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, we observed a decreasing trend of VO2 in the ventilatory threshold 2 (VT2) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2MAX) (p ≤ 0.06) after the off-season in well-trained cyclists. Negative correlations were found between the pre–post off-season differences in the VO2 at ΔFatMax and ΔHCO3− (bicarbonate ion) and between power generated at the ΔeFTP (functional power threshold) and the ΔVO2MAX with the pH (r ≥ −0.446; p ≤ 0.05). After the off-season period, well-trained cyclists had increased markers of oxygen metabolism, decreased fat oxidation at low exercise intensities, and decreased VO2 at the VT2 and VO2MAX. Relationships were found between changes in the ΔeFTP and VO2MAX with changes in the pH and between the pH and HCO3− with changes in La−.

Quantitation of Phenylalanine in Dried Blood Spot Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Monitoring of Patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Newborn screening for phenylketonuria (PKU) is performed by analysis of phenylalanine in dried blood spot (DBS). Once diagnosed by a definitive method, a patient's dietary control is performed by repeated analysis of phenylalanine in venous blood or DBS. Since venipuncture is time consuming, painful, and may often be difficult to achieve in newborns, the use of DBS for analysis of phenylalanine is becoming a preferred method for dietary monitoring of patients with PKU. Using a lancet, patients or their guardians collect finger capillary blood on an approved filter paper. Once collected, the filter paper with DBS is sent to the laboratory for phenylalanine analysis. In the laboratory, phenylalanine is extracted from the DBS using organic solvents. Here, we describe an LC-MS/MS method for the analysis of phenylalanine from DBS with an approximation to serum levels.

Changes in the Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori among the Lithuanian Medical Students over the Last 25 Years and Its Relation to Dyspeptic Symptoms.

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is decreasing in the Western world, while remaining high in developing countries. There is limited up-to-date information about the prevalence of H. pylori in Central and Eastern Europe. The aim of our study was to assess the seroprevalence of H. pylori and its trend over the past 25 years among students of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LUHS) and to assess its relation to dyspeptic symptoms. Materials and Methods: In the years 1995, 2012, 2016 and 2020, students from Medical and Nursing Faculties of LUHS were tested for the presence of antibodies against H. pylori by performing serological tests from finger capillary blood. In addition, in the years 2012, 2016 and 2020, the students completed a gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) questionnaire in order to assess dyspeptic symptoms. The study population consisted of 120 students in the year 1995 (mean age—21.3 ± 1.0 years), 187 students in the year 2012 (mean age—22.4 ± 0.7 years), 262 students in the year 2016 (mean age—20.4 ± 1.0 years) and 148 students in the year 2020 (mean age—20.4 ± 1.7 years). Results: The seroprevalence for H. pylori was positive in 62 (51.7%) students in 1995, in 57 (30.4%) students in 2012, in 69 (26.3%) students in 2016 and in 21 (14.2%) students in 2020. The statistically significant difference was found between all study years, except between 2012 and 2016. There were no significant differences in frequency and intensity of upper dyspeptic symptoms between H. pylori positive and negative students. Conclusions: Over the last 25 years the seroprevalence of H. pylori among students of LUHS has decreased significantly. No consistent differences in dyspeptic symptoms among H. pylori positive and negative subgroups were found.

Correlation between glycaemic state and tooth mobility in patients with periodontal disease.

To evaluate the association of tooth mobility with glycaemic levels in patients with periodontitis. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine, Ziauddin Dental Hospital, Karachi, from December 2018 to May 2019, and comprised patients of either gender with chronic periodontitis. After recording demographic details and dental charting, tooth mobility scores were correlated with gingival crevicular blood glucose, finger capillary blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels using Pearson's correlation. Linear regression was applied to assess the inter-relation between the variables. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 348 patients, 202(58%) were females and 146(42%) were males. The overall mean age was 43±10.4 years. The mean number of teeth in patients with glucose levels <180mg/dl was 25.5±2.5 compared to 23.2±2.9 in individuals with glucose levels >200mg/dl. A moderate positive correlation (r=0.658) was seen between gingival crevicular blood glucose levels and tooth mobility. Finger capillary blood glucose levels also showed good correlation (r=0.653) with tooth mobility scores. Glycosylated haemoglobin scores showed a strong positive correlation(r=0.733). Linear regression confirmed increased glycaemic levels as a risk factor for tooth mobility (p<0.001). Tooth mobility and glycaemic levels were found to be strongly interrelated.

Gingival Crevicular Blood Glucose Evaluation in Patients with Periodontitis: Evolution of A New Screening Technique

OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective of this study was to assess if gingival crevicular blood could be utilized for blood glucose evaluation in patients with periodontitis and to check the reliability of this screening method. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted at the department of Oral Medicine, Ziauddin Dental Hospital, Karachi. The sample size involved 348 participants with chronic periodontitis. The gingival crevicular blood produced during periodontal probing was collected on a glucometer strip to assess random glucose levels. Glycemic levels were also checked by finger capillary blood via a glucometer. Intravenous blood glycated hemoglobin A1c test was performed in patients found with blood glucose levels in pre-diabetic or diabetic range. RESULTS: The results of this study demonstrate a strong correlation (0.987, p&lt; 0.001) between gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood glucose values and good correlation (0.709, p&lt;0.001) between gingival crevicular bloodglucose and glycated Hemoglobin A1c levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed 94.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity of GCB glucose screening at the cut-off value of 168mg/dl. Gingival crevicular blood glucose showed significant regression with Finger capillary bloodglucose (R=0.987, R2=0.974, p&lt;0.001) andglycated hemoglobin A1clevels (R=0.709, R2=0.502, p&lt;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: From this study we conclude that gingival crevicular blood can be relied upon for screening of blood glucose levels in periodontitis patients presenting with bleeding on probing. KEYWORDS: Blood glucose, Diabetes Mellitus, Gingival Crevicular blood,Inflammation, Periodontitis. HOW TO CITE: Saeed Q, Memon S, Hosein M. Gingival crevicular blood glucose evoluation in patients with periodontitis: Evolution of a new screening technique. J Pak Dent Assoc 2020;29(4):193-198.

To compare the efficacy of plasma glucose level, finger capillary blood, and gingival crevicular blood to measure blood glucose level in chronic periodontitis patients

Background: A high number of patients with Periodontitis may have undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes is an associated risk factor for chronic periodontitis and has several other oral symptoms including dry mouth and oral infection. Expanding the role of the dentist may prove to be an efficient method of early detection and management of diabetes. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether blood oozing from gingival crevice during routine periodontal examinztion can be used for determining glucose levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 male/female patients with Chronic Periodontitis in the age group of 30 years and above were selected and divided into three groups i.e. Control Group (Plasma glucose level), Test Group 1 (Finger capillary blood) and Test Group 2 (Gingival crevicular blood). Blood glucose measurements were made using gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood using glucose self monitoring device (Accu-Chek Active) and at the same time venous blood was collected for measurement of serum (plasma) glucose. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using Paired t-test (p), and Pearson's correlation test (r). Results: The results revealed a strong correlation between (a) gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood (r = 0.999; P

Spleen reactivity during incremental ascent to altitude.

The spleen contains a reservoir of red blood cells that are mobilized into circulation when under physiological stress. Despite the spleen having an established role in compensation to acute hypoxia, no previous work has assessed the role of the spleen during ascent to high altitude. Twelve participants completed 2 min of handgrip exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction at 1,045, 3,440, and 4,240 m. In a subset of eight participants, an infusion of phenylephrine hydrochloride was administered at a dosage of 30 µg/l of predicted blood volume at each altitude. The spleen was imaged by ultrasound via a 2- to 5.5-MHz curvilinear probe. Spleen volume was calculated by the prolate ellipsoid formula. Finger capillary blood samples were taken to measure hematocrit. Spleen images and hematocrit were taken both before and at the end of both handgrip and phenylephrine infusion. No changes in resting spleen volume were observed between altitudes. At low altitude, the spleen contracted in response to handgrip [272.8 ml (SD 102.3) vs. 249.6 ml (SD 105.7), P = 0.009], leading to an increase in hematocrit (42.6% (SD 3.3) vs. 44.3% (SD 3.3), P = 0.023] but did not contract or increase hematocrit at the high-altitude locations. Infusion of phenylephrine led to spleen contraction at all altitudes, but only lead to an increase in hematocrit at low altitude. These data reveal that the human spleen may not contribute to acclimatization to chronic hypoxia, contrary to its response to acute sympathoexcitation. These results are explained by alterations in spleen reactivity to increased sympathetic activation at altitude. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study demonstrated that, despite the known role of the human spleen in increasing oxygen delivery to tissues during acute hypoxia scenarios, the spleen does not mobilize red blood cells during ascent to high altitude. Furthermore, the spleen's response to acute stressors at altitude depends on the nature of the stressor; the spleen's sensitivity to neurotransmitter is maintained, while its reflex response to stress is dampened.

Changes in Blood pH and Ammonia Following Repeat Sprint Performance

The relationship between relative intensity and changes in blood pH and ammonia are not well characterized. PURPOSE: The primary aim of the study was to determine how changes in relative exercise intensity following repeat sprint performance affect changes in blood pH and blood ammonia concentrations. METHODS: Healthy college- age males (n = 12) completed completed one 30 second Wingate cycle sprint test as a familiarization trial. A minimum of 48 hours after the familiarization trial, participants returned to the lab. Resting venous and capillary blood samples were obtained to determine blood ammonia, pH, and lactate levels. Participants then completed 3 Wingate sprint tests, separated by 5 minutes each. Finger capillary blood was immediately obtained after each test to determine lactate and pH values. After the final test, an additional venous blood sample was obtained to determine blood ammonia values. RESULTS: Data are shown as 1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd tests, respectively. There was a significant effect for time for peak power (750.08 ± 39.55 vs. 675.42 ± 30.01 vs. 615.60 ± 37.72 Watts); F = 4.66, p = 0.05, mean power (632.67 ± 30.71 vs. 561.25 ± 22.16 vs. 524.40 ± 26.46 Watts); F = 5.04, p = 0.04, pH (7.72 ± 0.01 vs. 7.63 ± 0.02 vs. 7.62 ± 0.02); F = 70.18, p < 0.01, and lactate (12.36 ± 1.14 vs. 14.10 ± 1.13 vs. 16.95 ± 1.22 mg/dL); F= 42.02, p < 0.01. Blood ammonia values did increase from pre- to post-exercise (0.33 ± 0.09 vs. 1.07 ± 0.22 mg/dl); t = 3.62, p < 0.01, but there was no correlation between post-exercise ammonia values and change in peak or mean power. There was a weak, but significant correlation between change in peak power and change in pH (R2 = 0.34, p = 0.05) and change in mean power and change in pH (R2 = 0.44, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Greater reductions in peak power and mean power correlated with change in blood pH, but not post-exercise ammonia values.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in the Faroe Islands

AimsTo determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes among the population aged 40–74 years in the Faroe Islands. MethodsThis population-based cross-sectional survey, conducted between 2011 and 2012, invited 2186 randomly selected individuals (corresponding to 11.1% of the entire population aged 40–74 years). Subjects were screened using finger capillary blood for glycosylated hemoglobin, type A1c, non-fasting random plasma glucose, fasting plasma glucose followed by oral glucose tolerance test. The test was based on an algorithm that accounts for screening, diagnostic and confirmatory steps. Anthropometric measures and a questionnaire including medical history, medication, hereditary conditions, and food intake were included. ResultsThe study included 1772 participants. Of the 1772, 169 (9.5%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (3.0% of which were diagnosed upon study inclusion), thus 31.4% of subjects with diabetes were undiagnosed at the time of examination. A total of 271 (15.3%) had prediabetes. Diabetes was more prevalent among men, significantly from age ≥60 years. Women had lower mean fasting plasma glucose concentrations and men had lower values for 2-h plasma glucose. Predictors associated with diabetes mellitus included obesity (BMI ≥ 30), abnormal waist/hip ratio, history of hypertension or cardiovascular attack and family history of diabetes mellitus and leisure activity. ConclusionsThe prevalences of diabetes and prediabetes increased with age and were more frequent among men. The detected prevalence in the Faroe Islands was slightly higher than other Nordic countries.

Dried blood spots, valid screening for viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus in real-life.

AIMTo detect chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in dried blood spot (DBS) and compare these samples to venous blood sampling in real-life.METHODSWe included prospective patients with known viral infections from drug treatment centers, a prison and outpatient clinics and included blood donors as negative controls. Five drops of finger capillary blood were spotted on filter paper, and a venous blood sample was obtained. The samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV levels as well as subjected to a combined nucleic acid test (NAT) for HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HIV RNA.RESULTSSamples from 404 subjects were screened (85 CHB, 116 CHC, 114 HIV and 99 blood donors). DBS had a sensitivity of > 96% and a specificity of > 98% for the detection of all three infections. NAT testing did not improve sensitivity, but correctly classified 95% of the anti-HCV-positive patients with chronic and past infections. Anti-HBc and anti-HBS showed low sensitivity in DBS (68% and 42%).CONCLUSIONDBS sampling, combined with an automated analysis system, is a feasible screening method to diagnose chronic viral hepatitis and HIV infections outside of the health care system.

Correlation of blood glucose level in gingival crevicular blood and finger capillary blood using glucometer

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the reliability of gingival crevicular blood (GCB) glucose level compared with finger capillary blood (FCB) glucose level using a glucose self-monitoring device (Contour ® TS). Materials and Methods: One hundred randomly selected patients with gingivitis (45 subjects) and periodontitis (55 subjects) were included in the study. The mean age of the study group subjects was 35.39 ± 11.97 years (range 17-70 years). The blood glucose values obtained from GCB elicited during routine periodontal probing and those of peripheral finger stick blood glucose were recorded using a glucose self-monitoring device (glucometer) during fasting and postprandial phases. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t test and Karl Pearson's product moment correlation. The regression analysis was then performed to compare the GCB and FCB blood glucose readings using the approach of Bland and Altman. Results: There was no statistically significant difference (t = 1.443, P = 0.152) between the fasting GCB and FCB glucose values, but it was significant during postprandial measurement (t = 6.893, P

Association between Childhood Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Evidence from a Large Sample of Chinese Children and Adolescents

Data about metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children is limited in China. We aimed to assess the prevalence of MetS related components, and their association with obesity. Data were collected as part of a representative study on MetS among 19593 children, aged 6–18 years old in Beijing. General obesity was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and central obesity by waist circumference. Finger capillary blood tests were used to assess triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Vein blood samples were collected from a subsample of 3814 children aged 10–18 years to classify MetS. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation 2007 definition. The associations between MetS related components and the degree and type of obesity were tested using logistic regression models. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated TG, TC and IFG were13.6%, 5.8%, 8.5%, 8.8%, 1.2% and 2.5%, respectively. Compared with normal weight children, overweight and obese children were more likely to have other MetS related components. In the subsample of 3814 children aged 10–18 years, the prevalence of MetS was much higher in obese subjects than in their normal weight counterparts (27.6% vs. 0.2%). Children with both general and central obesity had the highest prevalence of MetS. Compared with normal weight children, overweight and obese children were more likely to have MetS (overweight: OR = 67.33, 95%CI = 21.32–212.61; obesity: OR = 249.99, 95% CI = 79.51–785.98). Prevalence of MetS related components has reached high level among Beijing children who were overweight or obese. The association between metabolic disorders and obesity was strong.

Performance of a New Test Strip for FreeStyle Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems

a new strip, designed to enhance the ease of use and minimize interference of non-glucose sugars, has been developed to replace the current FreeStyle (Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, CA) blood glucose test strip. We evaluated the performance of this new strip. laboratory evaluation included precision, linearity, dynamic range, effects of operating temperature, humidity, altitude, hematocrit, interferents, and blood reapplication. System accuracy, lay user performance, and ease of use for finger capillary blood testing and accuracy for venous blood testing were evaluated at clinics. Lay users also compared the speed and ease of use between the new strip and the current FreeStyle strip. for glucose concentrations <75 mg/dL, 73%, 100%, and 100% of the individual capillary blood glucose results obtained by lay users fell within ± 5, 10, and 15 mg/dL, respectively, of the reference. For glucose concentrations ≥75 mg/dL, 68%, 95%, 99%, and 99% of the lay user results fell within ± 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, respectively, of the reference. Comparable accuracy was obtained in the venous blood study. Lay users found the new test strip easy to use and faster and easier to use than the current FreeStyle strip. The new strip maintained accuracy under various challenging conditions, including high concentrations of various interferents, sample reapplication up to 60 s, and extremes in hematocrit, altitude, and operating temperature and humidity. our results demonstrated excellent accuracy of the new FreeStyle test strip and validated the improvements in minimizing interference and enhancing ease of use.