Mean Levels Research Articles

***ECD*** maternal C-reactive protein as a predictor of neonatal sepsis

ABSTRACT Systemic bacterial infection in the newborn has a significant impact on neonatal mortality and morbidity. Non-invasive prenatal markers of risk could be useful in the prediction and prevention of neonatal sepsis. We evaluated the association of maternal third-trimester serum level of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with neonatal sepsis in a sample of infants in the JAKids pregnancy and birth cohort study. A population-based nested case–control design was used to identify cases and controls of neonatal sepsis from the subset of infants in the JAKids study whose mothers had serum archived in the early third trimester and who were admitted to newborn intensive care. Cases were 25 neonates with neonatal sepsis identified from hospital records. Controls were a random sample of 62 sepsis-free neonates matched to cases within three gestational age strata – ≤32 weeks, 33–36 weeks, and ≥37 weeks. Mothers of neonatal sepsis cases ≥37 weeks had significantly higher mean levels of maternal CRP protein than mothers of controls (11.0 mg/dL ± 3.0 vs. 8.7 mg/dL ± 5.9; p < .05). Differences in maternal CRP were not found in sepsis cases born ≤32 weeks (9.5 mg/dL ± 4.2 vs 5.8 mg/dL ± 4.0, p = .23) nor in sepsis cases born at 33–36 weeks (9.0 mg/dL ± 3.6 vs 11.9 mg/dL ± 7.8, p = .34). Maternal third-trimester C-reactive protein levels were elevated in mothers of term-born neonates with sepsis, but not in the mothers of preterm neonates with sepsis.

The Effect of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pollen on the Serum Levels of Testosterone, Luteinizing, and Follicle Stimulating Hormones in Men

Background: Date Palm Pollen (DPP) has traditionally been used to increase sexual ability and fertility. In several animal studies, the effects of this herbal medicine on testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) have been shown. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of this drug on the serum levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH in men. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, a daily dose of 6 g dry powder of DPP in two separate doses (3 g every 12 hours) was administered orally to 30 eligible men for three months. The changes in mean serum levels of hormones were statistically evaluated after the intervention compared to the baseline. The serum concentration of the hormones was assayed through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: After recruitment, among 30 participants, 24 men received the intervention and finally were analyzed. The mean (SD) age and body mass index of participants were 32.85 (0.43) years and 26.5 (0.5) kg/m2 . DPP significantly increased the serum levels of testosterone (from 5.31±0.40ng/ml to 6.88±0.71 ng/ml; p=0.019) but did not affect the serum levels of FSH (from 4.31±0.50 IU/L to 4.70±0.61 IU/L; p=0.511). It also significantly decreased the serum levels of LH (from 5.65±0.81 IU/L to 4.52±0.90 IU/L; p= 0.033). There were no reported side effects. Conclusion: The results indicated an increasing effect of DPP on serum testosterone and decreasing effect on serum LH. However, DPP had no significant effect on FSH serum levels.

Flexibility or instability? Emotion goal dynamics and mental health.

Emotion goals (i.e., what people want or do not want to feel) have important implications for emotional and mental health because they can shape whether, when, and how people regulate their emotions. Although research has shown that emotion goals vary across individuals and situations, we know relatively little about the dynamic changes in emotion goals in daily life and their potential implications. Given the dynamic features of emotions and emotion regulation, emotion goals may also fluctuate across time and their fluctuations may be critically linked to mental health. This research assessed the everyday dynamics of emotion goals, in particular, variability and inertia, and their associations with mental health. In two studies (N = 56 in Study 1 and N = 173 in Study 2), we included different indices of mental health and used Ecological Momentary Assessments to measure both pleasant and unpleasant emotion goals and experiences at a momentary level in daily life. We found that variability in unpleasant, but not pleasant, emotion goals was linked to better mental health outcomes, even after controlling for the mean levels of emotion goals, and the variability and mean levels of the corresponding emotional experiences. Emotion goal inertia was unrelated to mental health. These findings suggest that emotion goal variability is an important novel factor that may contribute to or reflect mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of Trehalose Administration in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by a deficiency of lysosomal enzymes required for the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), mainly in the central nervous system. Trehalose has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent to attenuate neuropathology in MPS III. We conducted a single- arm, open-label study to evaluate the efficacy of trehalose treatment in patients with MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB. Five patients with MPS III were enrolled. Trehalose was administrated intravenously (15 g/week) for 12 weeks. Health-related quality of life and cognitive function, serum biomarkers, liver, spleen, and lung imaging were assessed to evaluate trehalose efficacy at baseline and trial end (week 12). TNO-AZL Preschool children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) scores increased in all patients, and the mean scores for quality of life were increased after the intervention. Serum GAG levels were reduced in all treated patients (however, the differences were not statistically significant). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were reduced in all patients post-treatment (p=0.0039). The mean levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) were also decreased after 12 weeks of treatment with Trehalose. Decreased serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and increased GPX activity were observed at the end of the study. Decreases in mean splenic length were observed, whereas the liver volume did not change. Improvements in health-related quality of life and serum biomarkers (GAGs, liver aminotransferase levels, antioxidant status), as well as liver and spleen size, were found following 3 months of trehalose administration in patients with MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB.

Evaluation of benzene exposure in petrol pump attendants and in mechanics by urinary trans, trans-muconic acid (t, t-MA) determination

Occupational exposure to benzene in petrol pump attendants and in mechanics was studied by examining the benzene content in both the air breathed and in the urinary metabolite trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA). Thirty petrol pump attendants and thirty mechanics (as exposed workers) and thirty adult male office workers (as non exposed workers) were involved in the study. Measures were taken at the begin and at the end of the working shifts. The benzene concentrations in the breathing air samples varied from 2 to 88 μg m-3, lower than the EU acceptable limit for occupational environment. The average urinary t,t-MA in the petrol pump attendants at the begin and at the end of the working shifts ranged between 133 ± 69 and 255 ± 174 μg g-1 creatinine and in the mechanics between 204 ± 139 and 300 ± 211 μg g-1 creatinine, respectively. In all the participants the mean levels of urinary t,t-MA at the end of the working shifts were significantly higher than those at the beginning. In the exposed workers mean levels of urinary t,t-MA were significantly higher than in those of the non-exposed workers. The influence of the smoking was demonstrated by the urinary t,t-MA levels in smoking non-exposed subjects.

An Examination of Meaningful Experiences During Sport Education

Background: In recent research years, there has been an increasing focus on the meaningfulness of physical education experiences. While it has been suggested that certain curriculum models such as sport education or cooperative learning provide opportunities for meaningful engagement in physical education, to date there has been no empirical study of those claims. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine students’ perceptions of meaningfulness in two physical education contexts: traditional multi-activity format, and sport education. Methods: Sixty seventh-grade students aged 12 to 14 completed a 20-item survey titled "Meaningful Experiences in Physical Education Survey (MEPES)" prior to and at the completion of one of three sport education seasons. The analysis consisted of independent samples t-test comparisons between the two contexts (previous physical education experiences, and sport education) for each of the five dimensions of meaningfulness. A Pearson correlation was conducted to examine if there were significant relationships between the five dimensions. Results: Results of the independent samples t-test showed that significantly higher levels of meaningfulness were identified from participation in sport education than in previous physical education for four of the five dimensions. Pearson's coefficient results indicated significant positive correlations between all five meaningfulness dimensions. Conclusion: Sport education has structural elements that promote a sense of meaningfulness within physical education.

العلاقة بين إنترلوكين-6 والعمر في كوفيد-19: رؤى من تحليل مقطعي في مالانج، إندونيسيا

تم تحديد إنترلوكين 6 (IL-6) باعتباره مؤشرًا لشدة ووفيات فيروس كورونا (COVID-19). على الرغم من أن معدلات الإصابة بالمرض والوفيات تزيد بشكل عام مع تقدم العمر، إلا أنه لا يزال من غير المؤكد ما إذا كان هناك ارتباط بين العمر ومستويات IL-6، مما يؤدي إلى تفاقم شدة كوفيد-19 لدى المرضى. كان الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو فحص العلاقة بين العمر ومستويات IL-6 لدى مرضى كوفيد-19. كانت الدراسة عبارة عن تحليل مقطعي للسجلات المخبرية والطبية لـ 3171 مريضًا من مرضى كوفيد-19 الذين تلقوا العلاج في عام 2021 في مستشفى سيف الأنور العام. تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام اختبار كروسكال واليس، واختبار دونيت بوست هوك، واختبار ارتباط سبيرمان. تم تقسيم المرضى إلى أربع فئات عمرية: أقل من 20 عامًا (1.29%)، و20-40 عامًا (18.10%)، و40-60 عامًا (43.74%)، و&gt;60 عامًا (36.87%). وكان متوسط مستويات IL-6 في كل مجموعة هو 39.44، 192.04، 217.27، و252.59 بيكوغرام/مل. ولوحظ وجود اختلاف كبير (قيمة p = 0.000) في مستويات IL-6 بين الفئة العمرية أقل من 20 عامًا والمجموعات الأخرى. علاوة على ذلك، تم تحديد ارتباط إيجابي كبير (قيمة p = 0.000) بين الفئة العمرية ومستويات إنترلوكين-6 لدى مرضى كوفيد-19، مما يشير إلى ارتفاع مستويات إنترلوكين-6 لدى المرضى الأكبر سنا. في الختام، كانت هناك اختلافات في مستويات إنترلوكين-6 على أساس الفئات العمرية، وكان العمر مرتبطًا بشكل إيجابي بمستويات إنترلوكين-6 لدى مرضى كوفيد-19.

CSF β-Amyloid and Tau Biomarker Changes in Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have been reported to increase the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD). Whether mild TBI (mTBI) in veterans confers a similar increased risk of AD is less known. This study investigated early AD changes using CSF biomarkers in veterans with blast mTBI. This was a cross-sectional case-control study of veterans with mTBI and non-mTBI veterans and civilians from 2 study sources. Blast-mTBI veterans had at least 1 war zone blast or combined blast/impact mTBI meeting Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) criteria for mTBI. Non-mTBI participants had no lifetime history of TBI. All participants underwent standardized clinical and neuropsychological assessments and lumbar puncture for collection of the CSF. CSF biomarkers were measured using MesoScale Discovery assays for Aβ40 and Aβ42 and INNOTEST ELISAs for phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181) and total tau (t-tau). Our sample comprised 51 participants with mTBI and 85 non-mTBI participants with mean (SD) ages 34.0 (10.1) and 33.5 years (8.9), respectively. All participants but 1 (99%) were male. Differences in CSF AD biomarkers between mTBI and non-mTBI groups were age dependent and most pronounced at older ages (omnibus test p ≤ 0.08). At age 50 years, the mTBI group had lower mean [95% CI] CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 than the non-mTBI group by 154 [-12 to 319] and 1864 [610-3,118] pg/mL, respectively. By contrast, CSF p-tau181 and t-tau mean levels remained relatively constant with age in participants with mTBI, while tending to be higher at older ages for the non-mTBI group. The mTBI group also demonstrated poorer cognitive performance at older ages (omnibus p < 0.08): at age 50 years, the mean TMT-B time was higher by 34 seconds [10-58] and the mean CVLT-II short-delay recall was lower by 4.2 points [1.9-6.6]. Poorer verbal memory and verbal fluency performance were associated with lower CSF Aβ42 (p ≤ 0.05) in older participants. CSF Aβ levels decreased in middle-aged veterans with blast-related mTBI. These data suggest that chronic neuropathologic processes associated with blast mTBI share properties in common with pathogenic processes known to portend AD onset, thus raising concern that veterans with blast-related mTBI may develop a dementing disorder later in life.

Moment-to-moment within-person associations between maternal autonomy support and child defeat predicting child behavioral adjustment.

This study examines mother-child mutual regulation processes during a challenging puzzle task as predictors of preschoolers' behavioral adjustment 6 months later in a Chinese sample (N = 101, 46 boys, Mage = 57.41 months, SD = 6.58). Mother-child mutual regulation was measured by the moment-to-moment bidirectional within-person associations between maternal autonomy support and child defeat (i.e., expression of frustration, incapacity to complete the task, or giving up). Children whose mother provided more autonomy support after increases of child defeat showed lower levels of externalizing problems 6 months later, and children who showed less defeat after increases of maternal autonomy support showed higher levels of prosocial behaviors 6 months later. These predictive effects were significant after controlling for child behavioral adjustment at the initial time point, and mean levels of mother's autonomy support and child's defeat throughout the task. The mutual regulation processes did not significantly predict child internalizing problems. The findings suggest that the coordinated mother-child mutual regulation patterns in real time may have positive implications for preschoolers' behavioral adjustment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Critical incidents and post-traumatic stress symptoms among experienced registered nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundRegistered nurses working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic encountered significant challenges, including exposure to critical incidents. Critical incidents refer to sudden unexpected clinical events that surpass an individual's ability to cope, leading to considerable psychological distress, which could potentially result in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Research has shown a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among healthcare workers, particularly those in close contact with COVID-19 patients. ObjectiveTo assess the levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms among registered nurses in relation to exposure to working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as how much their work was affected by the pandemic, re-deployment, working hours hindering sufficient recovery between shifts and critical incidents. DesignCross sectional study. Setting(s)The registered nurses working in multiple health care services covering all 21 geographic regions in Sweden. ParticipantsA total of 1,923 registered nurses, who are part of a Swedish national cohort and have been followed since their nursing education, were invited to participate in a survey in late September 2021 (15 to 19 years post graduation). MethodsThe data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Cohen's d was employed to quantify differences in mean levels between subgroups. ResultsThe response rate were 56.5 %. Over 50 % of experienced registered nurses reported significant disruptions to their work environments. In total, 85 % of registered nurses were exposed to at least one critical incident in their work during the pandemic, with 60 % facing organisational changes and nearly 50 % experiencing emotionally distressing situations. The exposure to work situations involving critical incidents consistently demonstrated strong associations with higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms compared to those not exposed, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to high. ConclusionsThis study underscores the profound impact that working conditions, such as redeployment and exposure to critical incidents, have on the mental health of registered nurses. We offer valuable insights into registered nurses’ pandemic-related challenges, highlighting the need for support and interventions to prevent and manage critical incidents, ultimately promoting their well-being. We also highlight the significance of thorough workforce readiness planning for future pandemics and other challenging health care scenarios, such as staff shortage.

Entire papilla preservation technique for treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a series of cases.

Periodontitis is characterized by bone resorption. Vertical bone loss results in an intraosseous defect. Multiple surgical approaches for treating intrabony defects have shown different grades of effectiveness. Recently, the entire papilla preservation technique has been proposed, improving clinical parameters, such as pocket depth and clinical attachment level. This series of cases aimed to describe the use of the entire papilla preservation surgical technique without using biomaterials to regenerate periodontal intrabony defects. The influence on the clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic parameters was measured through CBCT, the latter not described until now, and analyzed the possible postoperative complications. A total of six intrabony periodontal defects associated with at least one periodontal pocket with probing depths equal to or greater than 6 mm were treated with the entire papilla preservation technique. The clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated at the beginning and 6 months after surgery. The mean probing pocket depth reduction was 4.00 ± 0.63 mm, the mean clinical attachment level gain was 3.67 ± 1.03 mm, and the mean radiographic intrabony filling was 2.41 ± 2.03 mm. Early healing was uneventful; the mean visual analog scale at 7 days was 0. This minimally invasive technique results in an improvement in clinical and radiographic parameters, the latter showing a filling of the bone defect observed during the 6-month evaluation after surgical treatment. These results confirm the importance of clot and flap stability in regenerating intraosseous defects.

Immediate rehabilitation of severely atrophic maxillae using conventional and extended length subcrestal angulated (ELSA) implants: A retrospective analysis of 187 implants in 33 patients with up to three years of function.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and determine clinical outcomes and survival rates of straight and extended length subcrestal angulated (ELSA) implants (20-24mm lengths) placed for immediate (up to 72h post-operative) or delayed rehabilitation (4 months post-operative) of severely atrophic maxillae. Prosthetic treatment consisted of interim and definitive implant-supported fixed implant-supported prostheses with up to 3 years of function. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 38 patients (five dropped out; final total was 33), treated between 2017 and 2019 in a private practice. Extended length subcrestal angulated (ELSA) implants and conventional endosseous straight implants (Southern Implants, Irene, South Africa) with (fixed) full arch prostheses were used to restore patients with edentulous maxillae immediately (within 72hs) or delayed (4 months). ELSA implants have subcrestal angulations of 24° and 36° of the restorative platforms, external hexagon crestal anti-rotation abutment connections, and lengths between 18 and 26mm. Implant loading was determined by implant insertion torque values (as determined on the surgical units); 120Ncm was the threshold level for immediate loading. Clinical and radiographic examinations were done that recorded the clinical outcomes of implants and prostheses. SPSS was used to process the data. Thirty-three patients and 187 implants were included with follow-up periods of at least 12 months (range 12-36 months). The mean age of the study population was 62.6 ± 8.4 years old (at the time of implant placement). Thirty-three patients (86.8%) were followed for 12 months; 13 patients (39.4%) were followed for 24-35 months; 9 patients (27.3%) were followed for 36 months. In total, 13 implants in six patients failed secondary to sinus infections. Mean bone levels (MBLs) were respectively: 0.88±2.12mm at loading, -1.53±2.03mm at 12 months, -2.26±1.45mm at 24 months, and -2.54±1.46mm at 36 months. The ELSA implants showed significantly lower (p = 0.014) MBL at 36 months than did the conventional implants. One hundred thirty-seven implants were placed and loaded within 72h; 50 implants were placed and loaded 4 months post placement. The combined implant survival rates were 93.0% at 12 months, 91.1% at 24 months, and 100% at 36 months. The ELSA implants showed significantly lower (p = 0.014) MBLs at 36 months when compared to the conventional implants. The results of this retrospective clinical chart review indicated that the use of ELSA implants placed into anterior maxillae and nasal crests with accentuated distal tilts (>30°) and simultaneous sinus augmentation provided favorable outcomes for prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with severe atrophic maxillae. ELSA implants placed with simultaneous sinus augmentation are an alternative option to zygomatic implants (ZI) when immediate loading is prescribed. Sinus infections were thought to be the proximate causes of all implant failures. Further long-term clinical studies are warranted with larger patient populations.

Formation, Identification, and Occurrence of the Furan-Containing β-Carboline Flazin Derived from l-Tryptophan and Carbohydrates.

β-Carbolines (βCs) are bioactive indole alkaloids found in foods and in vivo. This work describes the identification, formation, and occurrence in foods of the βC with a furan moiety flazin (1-[5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-yl]-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid). Flazin was formed by the reaction of l-tryptophan with 3-deoxyglucosone but not with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Its formation was favored in acidic conditions and heating (70-110 °C). The proposed mechanism of formation occurs through the formation of intermediates 3,4-dihydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (imines), followed by the oxidation to C═O in the carbohydrate chain and aromatization to βC ring with subsequent dehydration steps and cyclization to afford the furan moiety. Flazin is generated in the reactions of tryptophan with carbohydrates. Its formation from fructose was higher than from glucose, whereas sucrose gave flazin under acidic conditions and heating owing to hydrolysis. Flazin was identified in foods by HPLC-MS, and its content was determined by HPLC-fluorescence. It occurred in numerous processed foods, such as tomato products, including crushed tomato puree, fried tomato, ketchup, tomato juices, and jams, but also in soy sauce, beer, balsamic vinegar, fruit juices, dried fruits, fried onions, and honey. Their concentrations ranged from not detected to 22.3 μg/mL, with the highest mean levels found in tomato concentrate (13.9 μg/g) and soy sauce (9.4 μg/mL). Flazin was formed during the heating process, as shown in fresh tomato juice and crushed tomatoes. These results indicate that flazin is widely present in foods and is daily uptaken in the diet.

Hybrid immunity and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: results of the HEROES-RECOVER prospective cohort study.

There are limited data on whether hybrid immunity differs by count and order of immunity-conferring events (SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination). From a cohort of health care personnel, first responders, and other frontline workers in six US states, we examined heterogeneity of the effect of hybrid immunity on SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Exposures included event-count (sum of infections and vaccine doses) and event-order, categorized into seven permutations of vaccination and/or infection. Outcome was level of serum binding antibodies against receptor binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (total RBD-binding Ig), measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mean antibody levels were examined up to 365 days after each of the 1st-7th events. Analysis included 5,793 participants measured from August 7, 2020 to April 15, 2023. Hybrid immunity from infection before one or two vaccine doses elicited modestly superior antibody responses after the 2nd and 3rd events (compared to infections or vaccine-doses alone). This superiority was not evident after the 4th and 5th events (additional doses). Among adults infected before vaccination, adjusted geometric mean ratios (95% CI) of anti-RBD early response (versus vaccinated-only) were 1.23 (1.14-1.33), 1.09 (1.03-1.14), 0.87 (0.81-0.94), and 0.99 (0.85-1.15) after the 2nd-5th events, respectively. Post-vaccination infections elicited superior responses: adjusted geometric mean ratios (95% CI) of anti-RBD early response (versus vaccinated-only) were: 0.93 (0.75-1.17), 1.11 (1.06-1.16), 1.17 (1.11-1.24), and 1.20 (1.07-1.34) after the 2nd-5th events, respectively. Findings reflecting heterogeneity in antibody levels by permutations of infection and vaccination history could inform COVID-19 vaccination policy.

The relation between plasma apelin 36 and insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetic Egyptian population

ABSTRACT Background Obesity causes changes in the production of adipose tissue secreted factors, which are responsible for metabolism modulation. One of these factors is Apelin, a small peptide that interacts with a specific cell-surface receptor to modulate various cells signaling processes. Apelin is regarded as a new player because of its powerful role in energy metabolism and improvement of insulin sensitivity. Aim of the Work This study investigates the plasma apelin 36 role and to what extent it can impact the insulin resistance in obese Egyptians diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Subjects and Methods The study involved 90 participants, with 30 assigned to each of the three study involved categories: obese individuals with diabetes, obese individuals without diabetes, and healthy controls (n = 30 for each group). Measurements of skin fold thickness, body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, and body fat % were obtained along with a comprehensive clinical examination and history. The following were investigated: plasma insulin, Hb A1c, lipid profile, plasma apelin (ELISA), plasma leptin (ELISA), and plasma adiponectin (ELISA). Results The median value of serum leptin in obese subjects (groups I and II) was higher significantly than healthy control group (group III) (p = <0.001). A significant decrease in serum adiponectin could be detected in obese subjects (groups I and II) compared to control subjects (Group III) (p = 0.004). When compared to the healthy control group (group III), the mean serum apelin level was significantly higher in the obese participants (groups I and II) and much higher among obese diabetic group (p = <0.001). A statistically significant correlation (p = 0.001) was observed between fasting serum insulin and both HOMA-IR and serum apelin among the non-diabetic obese participants involved in the study. Conclusions Obese people have raised serum apelin levels; those with T2DM have significantly greater serum apelin levels. While it showed a positive correlation with insulin level and HOMA-IR among the obese non-diabetic individuals.

The Role Of Interleukin-17 In The Development And Severity Of Psoriasis

IL-17 is a member of the innate immune system, it is preferentially expressed by Th2 cells, and is highly recognized in psoriasis skin lesions. The current study aims investigate the role of Interleukin-17 (IL-17) in development and severity of psoriasis (PsO). Eighty persons from both genders are included in the study, 40 of them were patients and the same number were as control. Blood samples were taken from both groups and ELISA ready kit was used to estimate the sera levels of IL-17. The current findings pointed to a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the of serum IL-17 in the patients’ group in comparison with the control group (20.97 ± 12.93 vs 20.97 ± 12.93 respectively). The results also showed that there is a highly significant increase in mean levels of IL-17 (20.3 pg/ml) in patients with moderate PsO and (20.8 pg/ml) for patients with severe PsO, compared to those with mild PSO. Conclusion: It was concluded that the high levels of IL-17 in psoriasis, and it seem that this interleukin may contribute to the severity of the disease. No gender differences were seen regarding the level of IL-17.

Daily dynamics of feeling loved by parents and their prospective implications for adolescent flourishing.

Feeling loved by one's caregiver is essential for individual flourishing (i.e., high levels of psychological well-being in multiple dimensions). Although similar constructs are found to benefit adolescent well-being, research that directly tests parental love as a feeling from the recipient's perspective is rare. Historically, parental love has been measured using single-assessment methods and assumed to be a stable, trait-like characteristic; yet, like any feeling, it may fluctuate in meaningful ways on a day-to-day basis-the implications of which are unknown. Using a sample of 150 adolescents (59.3% female; ages 14-16), this study estimated level (person's mean level across days) and instability (fluctuations across days) of feeling loved by a caregiver across 21 days for each adolescent, and then examined their prospective effects on adolescent flourishing 1 year later. After controlling for demographics (adolescent age, gender, family income, and parent's sex) and variable baseline levels, feeling more loved by one's caregiver in daily life significantly predicted higher levels of flourishing in two global measures 1 year later. Moreover, level and instability of feeling loved by one's caregiver played different roles for different dimensions of flourishing: higher levels significantly predicted higher levels of autonomy, purpose in life, and personal growth, whereas higher instability significantly predicted lower levels of positive relations with others and environmental mastery. Findings emphasized the importance of considering daily dynamics of feeling loved by one's caregiver and demonstrated that level (of feeling loved) is particularly important for intrapersonal aspects while instability is particularly important for interpersonal aspects of flourishing. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Adolescents feeling more loved by their caregiver in daily life had higher levels of overall flourishing 1 year later. Level (of feeling loved) is particularly important for intrapersonal aspects of adolescent flourishing, including autonomy, purpose in life, and personal growth. Stability (of feeling loved) is particularly important for interpersonal aspects of adolescent flourishing, including positive relations with others and environmental mastery.

Deucravacitinib in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Pooled safety and tolerability over 52 weeks from two phase 3 trials (POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2).

Two phase 3 trials, POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2, previously established the efficacy and overall safety of deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in plaque psoriasis. To further assess the safety of deucravacitinib over 52 weeks in the pooled population from these two trials. Pooled safety data were evaluated from PSO-1 and PSO-2 in which patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were randomized 1:2:1 to receive oral placebo, deucravacitinib or apremilast. A total of 1683 patients were included in the pooled analysis. Adverse event (AE) incidence rates were similar in each treatment group, serious AEs were low and balanced across groups, and discontinuation rates were lower with deucravacitinib versus placebo or apremilast. No new safety signals emerged with longer deucravacitinib treatment. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates of AEs of interest with placebo, deucravacitinib and apremilast, respectively, were as follows: serious infections (0.8/100 person-years [PY], 1.7/100 PY, and 1.8/100 PY), major adverse cardiovascular events (1.2/100 PY, 0.3/100 PY, and 0.9/100 PY), venous thromboembolic events (0, 0.2/100 PY, and 0), malignancies (0, 1.0/100 PY and 0.9/100 PY), herpes zoster (0.4/100 PY, 0.8/100 PY, and 0), acne (0.4/100 PY, 2.9/100 PY, and 0) and folliculitis (0, 2.8/100 PY, and 0.9/100 PY). No clinically meaningful changes from baseline in mean levels, or shifts from baseline to CTCAE grade ≥3 abnormalities, were reported in laboratory parameters with deucravacitinib. Deucravacitinib was well-tolerated with acceptable safety over 52 weeks in patients with psoriasis.

Immediate implant placement with immediate or delayed provisionalization in the maxillary aesthetic zone: A 10-year randomized trial.

To compare the marginal bone level of immediately placed implants, with either immediate or delayed provisionalization (IP or DP), in the maxillary aesthetic zone after 10 years of function. Participants with a failing tooth in the maxillary aesthetic zone were randomly assigned to immediate implant placement with either IP (n = 20) or DP (n = 20) after primary wound closure with a free gingival graft. The final restoration was placed 3 months after provisionalization. The primary outcome was change in marginal bone level. In addition, implant survival, restoration survival and success, peri-implant tissue health, mucosa levels, aesthetic indices, buccal bone thickness and patient satisfaction were evaluated. After 10 years, the mean mesial and distal changes in marginal bone level were -0.47 ± 0.45 mm and -0.49 ± 0.52 mm in the IP group and -0.58 ± 0.76 mm and -0.41 ± 0.72 mm in the DP group (p = .61; p = .71). The survival rate was 100% for the implants; for the restorations, it was 88.9% in the IP group and 87.5% in the DP group. Restoration success, according to modified USPHS criteria, was 77.8% in the IP group and 75.0% in the DP group. The prevalence of peri-implant mucositis was 38.9% and 35.7% and of peri-implantitis 0.0% and 6.3%, respectively, in the IP group and DP group (p = 1.0; p = .40). The Pink Esthetic Score and White Esthetic Score was 15.28 ± 2.32 in the IP group and 14.64 ± 2.74 in the DP group, both clinically acceptable (p = .48). The buccal bone thickness was lower in the DP group. Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups (p = .75). The mean marginal bone level changes after immediate implant placement with IP were similar to those after immediate placement with DP. Registered in the National Trial Register (NL9340).

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in children with obesity or type 1 diabetes as a marker of endothelial dysfunction: a cross-sectional study.

Pediatric obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represent two common chronic diseases associated with chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and long-term complications. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible diagnostic and prognostic value of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a marker of inflammation and impaired endothelial function, in children with the diseases.In this cross-sectional study, children and adolescents with T1DM (N = 41) or obesity (N = 37), aged < 18 years old, and without proteinuria were included, together with children of similar age and without evident morbidity that served as controls (N = 42). Serum samples were obtained during standard outpatient follow up and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) concentrations were measured using a commercially available sandwich ELISA kit (DUP00, R&D systems). Clinical and biochemical indices that were also assessed include body mass index (BMI) z-score, Tanner stages, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting lipid profile and serum creatinine. Mean serum suPAR levels were significantly higher in patients with obesity compared to patients with T1DM and controls, while children with T1DM had similar suPAR levels to controls. Also, serum suPAR levels showed a negative correlation with age (Spearman rho -0.359, p < 0.001) and serum creatinine levels (Spearman rho -0.334, p = 0.005), and a positive correlation with BMI z-score (Spearman rho 0.354, p = 0.009) in the whole cohort. Conclusion: Serum suPAR may be a useful predictive marker of inflammation or endothelial dysfunction for children with obesity and T1DM, as well as a promising therapeutic target. Further studies are needed in order to clarify whether the reported differences in suPAR levels could reflect a greater impairment of the inflammation status and endothelial function in children with obesity compared to children with T1DM. What is Known: • Paediatric obesity and type 1 diabetes are characterised by chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. • Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has been proposed as a useful biomarker for chronic inflammation and cardiovascular risk in adults. What is New: • Serum suPAR levels were increased in children and adolescents with obesity compared to those with T1DM and healthy controls; thus, obesity may affect the inflammatory status and endothelial function to a higher degree than T1DM during childhood. • Serum suPAR may serve as a diagnostic and predictive marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction for children and adolescents with obesity and T1DM.