Mean Levels Research Articles

Performance of Tandem Control IQ During Outdoor Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.

Background: Few data are available in children with type 1 diabetes using automated insulin delivery systems during physical activity (PA). We evaluated the time in range (TIR) during 2-h of outdoor PA in children using t:slim X2 with Control-IQ® technology. Materials and Methods: Caucasian children and adolescents, aged 9-18 years using t:slim X2 with Control-IQ technology were recruited during a local sporting event. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A practiced endurance activities for 60 min (1000-meter run, a jump circuit) and then power activities for 60 min (80-meter run, long jump); Group B practiced power activities for 60 min and then followed by endurance activities for 60 min. Ninety minutes before the PA, participants had lunch and self-administered a low-dose insulin, reduced by 50% compared to their regularly calculated meal dose per pump calculator. DexcomG6® data were downloaded. Results: Twenty-six children were recruited, 2 refused PA. Participants were divided as follows: 13 in Group A (7 males, median age 14.6 years) and 11 in Group B (8 males, median age 13.5 year). The mean glucose level when PA started was similar between groups (P = 0.06). Subjects in Group B showed a higher TIR than those in Group A ([50.4%, 95% confidence interval, CI: 33.8-75] vs. 39.6% [95% CI: 26.9-58.3], respectively [P = 0.39]). A significantly better TIR in Group B (53.8%, 95% CI: 30.2-96.1) compared to Group A (17.4%, 95% CI: 7.3-41.7, P = 0.02) was recorded during the first session. During the second session, TIR increased in both groups. There were no episodes of serious or severe hypoglycemia. Conclusions: No serious or severe hypoglycemic episodes were recorded during PA performed 90 min after lunch. Future studies using t:slim X2 with Control-IQ technology are necessary.

Pre-scan state anxiety is associated with greater right amygdala-hippocampal response to fearful versus happy faces among trait-anxious Latina girls.

Unfamiliarity with academic research may contribute to higher levels of anticipatory state anxiety about affective neuroimaging tasks. Children with high trait anxiety display differences in brain response to fearful facial affect compared to non-anxious youth, but little is known about the influence of state anxiety on this association. Because reduced engagement in scientific research and greater mistrust among minoritized groups may lead to systematic differences in pre-scan state anxiety, it is crucial to understand the neural correlates of state anxiety during emotion processing so as to disambiguate sources of individual differences. The present study probed the interactive effects of pre-scan state anxiety, trait anxiety, and emotional valence (fearful vs. happy faces)on neural activation during implicit emotion processing in a community sample of 46 preadolescent Latina girls (8-13 years). Among girls with mean and high levels of trait anxiety, pre-scan state anxiety was associated with greater right amygdala-hippocampal and left inferior parietal lobe response to fearful faces relative to happy faces. Anticipatory state anxiety in the scanning context may cause children with moderate and high trait anxiety to be hypervigilant to threats, further compounding the effects of trait anxiety. Neuroimaging researchers should control for state anxiety so that systematic differences in brain activation resulting from MRI apprehension are not misleadingly attributed to demographic or environmental characteristics.

Association of bone turnover markers with glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction and Aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) subjects are at increased risk of fracture due to poor bone quality contributing to diabetic skeletal fragility. This study provides an understanding of the relationship between bone turnover markers (BTM) and glucose metabolism in Type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: One hundred types 2 diabetics and one hundred controls participated in this case control study. Serum FBS, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), CTx (C- terminal cross linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen), HOMA-IR and HOMA-B was measured. Association between BTM and FBS, HOMA-IR and HOMA-B was studied. Comparison was done by Student’s t test. The correlation was established using Pearson's correlation test. P value less than 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Mean levels of FBS, ALP and HOMA-IR were higher and mean levels of osteocalcin, CTx and HOMA-B were decreased in diabetics when compared to controls. Osteocalcin levels showed significant negative correlation with FBS, ALP, HOMA-B and HOMA-IR. CTx levels were negatively correlated with ALP and FBS. Conclusion: Early identification of decrease in bone mass in diabetic patients may be helpful in preventing bone loss and future fracture risks. Monitoring for diabetes associated with osteopenia is essential. The biochemical markers of bone metabolism can detect even small changes in the bone turnover, thus identifying diabetics who may become osteoporosis-prone.

Association of exposure to indoor molds and dampness with allergic diseases at water-damaged dwellings in Korea

This study aims to characterize levels of molds, bacteria, and environmental pollutants, identify the associations between indoor mold and dampness exposures and childhood allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, using three different exposure assessment tools. A total of 50 children with their parents who registered in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do in Korea participated in this study. We collated the information on demographic and housing characteristics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle factors using the Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. We also collected environmental monitoring samples of airborne molds and bacteria, total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and particulate matter less than 10 µm. We evaluated and determined water damage, hidden dampness, and mold growth in dwellings using an infrared (IR) thermal camera and field inspection. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between prevalent allergic diseases and exposure to indoor mold and dampness. Indoor mold and bacterial levels were related to the presence of water damage in dwellings, and the mean levels of indoor molds (93.4 ± 73.5 CFU/m3) and bacteria (221.5 ± 124.2 CFU/m3) in water-damaged homes were significantly higher than those for molds (82.0 ± 58.7 CFU/m3) and for bacteria (152.7 ± 82.1 CFU/m3) in non-damaged dwellings (p < 0.05). The crude odds ratios (ORs) of atopic dermatitis were associated with < 6th floor (OR = 3.80), and higher indoor mold (OR = 6.42) and bacterial levels (OR = 6.00). The crude ORs of allergic diseases, defined as a group of cases who ever suffered from two out of three allergic diseases, e.g., asthma and allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinitis were also increased by 3.8 and 9.3 times as large, respectively, with water damage (+) determined by IR camera (p < 0.05). The adjusted OR of allergic rhinitis was significantly elevated by 10.4 times in the water-damaged dwellings after adjusting age, sex, and secondhand smoke. Therefore, a longitudinal study is needed to characterize dominant mold species using DNA/RNA-based sequencing techniques and identify a causal relationship between mold exposure and allergic diseases in the future.

Mental Resilience and the Meaning of Life in students at the University of Patras after the end of the restrictive measures of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic, which shocked the entire planet, brought many changes and difficulties to the lives of students. More specifically, the lives of students in Greece were also affected by the adoption of restrictive measures and the suspension of the functioning of educational structures. Individuals try to cope and recover after periods characterized by increased risk, stress, and difficulties by showing adaptability4,8. Mental resilience, i.e. the ability of the individual to recover despite difficulties, seems especially important after the lifting of the restrictive measures for the students who are called to adapt to the new conditions and find or revise the meaning and purpose in their life 9,10. These two concepts are studied in this paper and more specifically in the research in which 141 students of the University of Patras participated. A key research result is the fact that people who stated that they faced a mental health problem showed higher levels of mental resilience than those who stated that they did not. Students over the age of 27 also showed high levels of resilience, while it appeared that gender and whether they had Covid-19 had no effect on the levels of mental resilience either. In conclusion, the levels of mental resilience in the sample were found to be moderate to high as did the levels of meaning in life.

Up regulation of serum L fucose glycoprotein as a diagnostic biomarker for dysplasia in oral sub mucous fibrosis patients

Glycoproteins, essential for cellular functions, contain monosaccharides like Levo-fucose, crucial for cell communication. Recent research highlights serum L-fucose as a potential biomarker for early detection of malignancies. Typically, serum L-fucose levels are low but rise with malignancy. This study evaluates serum L-fucose as an early biomarker in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients. AimAssess serum L-fucose's diagnostic potential for dysplasia in OSMF patients. ObjectivesDetermine the Association between Serum L Fucose Glycoprotein Levels and Dysplasia in OSF Patients.Evaluate the Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum L Fucose Glycoprotein as a Biomarker for OSF-Related Dysplasia. MethodologyOver a span of two years, this study encompassed 80 subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years, who were clinically and histopathologically identified as OSMF patients, with or without dysplastic alterations. From each participant, 5 ml of blood was collected. Following centrifugation to separate the serum, the samples were analyzed to determine the levels of Levo-fucose. Statistical analysisUsing SPSS (version 17.0), serum L-Fucose levels of the case group were compared to the control group using ANOVA. Frequencies were analyzed with the chi-square test, and Tukey’s Test was used for multiple comparisons. Significance was set at p < 0.01. ResultsThe analysis revealed a statistically significant disparity in the mean serum L-Fucose levels between the two groups (p < 0.01). Notably, Group II patients (those with OSMF and dysplasia) exhibited markedly elevated mean serum L-fucose levels. ConclusionElevated serum L-Fucose levels were observed in OSMF patients with dysplasia. Harmful habits, especially gutkha chewing, were linked to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma onset. Serum L-fucose can be a reliable marker for evaluating precancerous conditions.

Investigation of the effects of oclacitinib maleate on clinical improvement and serum cytokine levels in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The aim of this study was to present allergens involved in the etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs, to determine and classify the clinical severity of the disease using the CADESI-4 and pruritus scores, to investigate changes in serum cytokine levels in dogs with AD and their relationship with clinical findings, and to investigate the effects of oclacitinib maleate on clinical improvement and serum cytokine levels. The material of the study consisted of 20 dogs diagnosed with AD and 10 healthy dogs. CADESI and pVAS scores were obtained from the patients, and blood samples were taken. Hematological analyses, specific allergen tests (polycheck), and ELISA analyses were performed. Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel, Zoetis) was administered orally to the patient dogs at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg twice a day for 7 days. It was found that the most common allergens involved in the etiology of AD in dogs were house dust mites type 1, house dust mites type 2, and mold fungi, and the mean CADESI and pVAS scores for clinical findings such as pruritus, alopecia, erythema, and lichenification in dogs with AD were 48 and 5.15 respectively. When compared to the control group, an increase in the percentage of eosinophils (p &lt; 0.05) and a decrease in serum IL-2 and IL-4 levels (p &lt; 0.05) were detected. When compared to other groups, it was found that the mean serum IL-4 levels (p &lt; 0.05) were low and IL-13 levels (p &lt; 0.05) were high in the group with severe clinical findings. It was determined that the use of oclacitinib maleate resulted in clinical improvement and caused an increase in the mean serum IL-2 levels (p &lt; 0.05) and a decrease in IL-31 and IL-33 levels (p &lt; 0.05). Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel, Zoetis) was found to be an effective and reliable drug that can be used in the treatment of the disease, but it was concluded that the duration of use should be extended.

In-vivo anti-hyperglycemic effect of herbal extracts Tribulus terrestris (L) and Curcuma amada (R) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its associated histopathological studies

Dia/betes is a serious health concern in many countries with high blood glucose, obesity, and multiple organ failures in late stages. Treating diabetes with effective drugs is still a challenging issue since most of the available diabetic drugs are not effective in combating diabetes, especially in secondary disease complications like obesity, retinopathy, and nephropathy associated with diabetes. Hence search for effective antidiabetic medication, especially from natural sources is mandatory with no adverse side effects. In the present study, a combined herbal aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris and Curcuma amada was administered to diabetic-induced rats for 37 days. During experimentation, the mean blood glucose level was estimated and at the end of the experiment on the 37th day, the animal was sacrificed and observed for weight gain, plasma insulin, glycogen, glycated hemoglobin, urea, and creatinine level. The results revealed that TT and CA extract-treated diabetic groups significantly lowered the mean blood glucose level followed by increased glycogen and insulin level. Urea, creatinine, and HbA1c levels were considerably reduced in TT and CA-treated diabetic animals as compared to that of antidiabetic drug Glibenclamide-treated groups. TT and CA-treated diabetic animals showed considerable net body weight gain at the end of the experimental day. A concluding remark of the study shows that TT and CA herbal extract is effective against diabetes and it can be considered as an antidiabetic agent in ayurvedic medicine practice.

Beyond mean levels and linear relationships: The complex association between emotion recognition ability and well-being

Emotion recognition ability (ERA) is typically conceptualized as an adaptive ability that contributes to better social functioning and well-being. However, there is a lack of studies examining the link between ERA and well-being. In the present two-week daily diary study (N = 437), this association was investigated in more detail. Although ERA was not significantly correlated with mean levels of well-being, higher ERA predicted lower affect variability and instability. There was also evidence for a U-shaped relationship between ERA and well-being. Further, maladaptive emotion regulation and neuroticism moderated the ERA-well-being link. These findings suggest that ERA should not be seen as universally adaptive for well-being.

Development of Financial Instruments in the Green Energy Sector from the Perspective of Digital Empowerment

Abstract In the context of accelerated industrialization and urbanization, the importance of the green energy sector has become increasingly prominent. From the perspective of the role of the financial system, this article deeply explores the role mechanism and environmental constraint relationship of financial instruments in green energy development. The article constructs a measurement model of financial instruments on the efficiency of green energy development, introduces data spatial correlation into the econometric analysis framework, and establishes a spatial econometric model to analyze the impact of financial instruments on development efficiency. By testing the data from 2008 to 2020, the study shows that the level of global financial means support passes the significance level, and the magnitude of the mediating effect when the spatial Durbin model is simplified to an error model is about 13.5%. The study also found that enhancing green energy development can positively affect neighboring regions. This paper provides an effective methodological path for studying the role of financial instruments in green energy development, which is of great theoretical and practical significance for promoting the development of the green energy sector.

Linguistic bases of the intertextuality theory

As the object of the research the author chooses the linguistic characteristics of the intertextual unit as the main form of realization in texts of the stylistic device based on borrowing textual elements from other texts. Despite a significant development of the intertextuality theory, the analysis of the theoretical framework in the field of intertextual interaction reveals a lack of knowledge of the linguistic aspects of functioning of intertexts both at the level of expression and meaning. In the article the author analyzes the basic structural particularities of the intertextual unit in postmodernist fiction. This kind of textual material was chosen because of high content of intertexts in this discoursive system, the fact conditioned by the interest of postmodernist writers to the capacities of the stylistic device described in the article. To delineate the content of the notion “intertextuality” according to the “broad” and “restricted” approaches, the author applies cognitive methods and carries out an experiment based on semiotic methods whose the aim was to describe the mechanisms of decrypting intertexts in non-verbal texts. Having analyzed the content of the term “intertextuality” according to the “broad” and “restricted” approaches from the cognitive and semiotic points of view, the author suggests differentiating two distinct phenomena. One of them, the stylistic device based on inclusion of different elements of other texts into a proper text, is under-researched from the linguistic point of view. The article presents main theoretical conclusions about the correlation between the plane of expression of intertexts and their source-texts, as well as the types and the role of the attribution as a key intertextual element. The conclusions may be used in intertext-making activity, e.g. in translation. They may also serve as the basis for further researches in this field.

Особенности психологической безопасности личности сотрудников промышленных предприятий с различным уровнем осмысленности жизни

The article is concerned with the problem of psychological safety of personality with respect to a sense-making function in the context of professional activities. The study has provided further view on the phenomenon of psychological safety of personality in the framework of a meaningful context (specificity of a level of life meaningfulness). The rationale for the idea to consider “meaningful content” to be a structural component of psychological safety of personality has been provided. The author identified the parameters of psychological safety of personality when doing a comparative analysis of interpersonal criteria for developing meaningful spheres of coal industry workers. A complex analysis of personality traits of coal industry workers has been supplied, which are of great significance for the assessment of productive activities and accurate forecasting. A psychosocial aspect of safety needs to be taken into account when arranging and managing a production process.

Артлоготерапия в образовательных практиках: становление профессиональной и смысложизненной ориентаций личности подростка

Background. Issues of adolescents’ self-determination in the process of their formation are of particular importance, since their solution determines success and competitiveness in adulthood. In this regard, the development and implementation of programs aimed at research and formation of professional and life meaning orientations is in demand by the specialists in educational and psychological practice. Objective. The study had its purpose to assess the effectiveness of art-logotherapeutic methods in the formation of professional and life meaning orientations of adolescent personality. Study Participants. The study involved 50 adolescents (26 boys and 24 girls) aged 13 to 15 years (M age = 14.04; SD = 0.84) from the general education schools of Krasnogorsk (Moscow region). Methods. The study consisted of diagnostic and experimental (forming) stages. The diagnostics included “Life Meaning Orientations Test” by D.A. Leontiev, “Questionnaire of professional self-determination” by G.V. Rezapkina, “Motives for choosing a profession” by R.V. Ovcharova. The experimental group was engaged into vocational guidance and professional orientation classes using art-logotherapy techniques (8 classes of 2 hours each). Student's t-test was implemented for the statistical analysis of obtained results. Results. The implementation of the program “Creativity, profession, meanings” including art-logotherapy techniques in the experimental group led to a statistically significant increase in the level of life meaningfulness, the ability to control their life events and make important decisions. The use of creative techniques helped teenagers to change their ideas about certain aspects of professional life, adjust their primary professional choice, and also increase the priority of internal individual motivation when choosing a future career. Conclusions. Art-logotherapy is an effective method that can be recommended for practice with adolescents to develop their professional and life meaning orientations.

Low Serum Vitamin D3 Levels among Premenopausal Women with Uterine Fibroids: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, with an incidence ranging from 5.4% to 77%, leading to significant morbidity and affecting quality of life. Earlier studies suggested that uterine fibroids are more likely to develop in those women with low levels of serum vitamin D. Subsequently, the objective of the current study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin D3 levels in premenopausal women with uterine fibroids. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Indira IVF Hospital and Fertility Clinics located in India. The study was conducted from April 2022 to November 2022. In this study, a total of 160 women [80 cases and 80 controls] were enrolled. Women diagnosed with at least one uterine fibroid measuring 2 cm in size through a transvaginal scan were considered as cases, in comparison to healthy controls. Results: The mean serum vitamin D3 levels for the case and control groups were 10.85 ± 3.34 ng/ml and 19.64 ± 5.50 ng/ml, respectively. Serum vitamin D3 was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.001) in women with uterine fibroids compared to healthy controls. Additionally, a significant association was observed between serum vitamin D3 levels and the number of fibroids in the case group (P &lt; 0.001). This indicates that as the level of serum vitamin D3 decreases, the number of fibroids increases gradually. Conclusion: Our study suggests that women with uterine fibroids tend to have low serum vitamin D3 concentrations. Therefore, serum vitamin D3 concentration needs to be considered along with other risk factors in the treatment of uterine fibroids..

Effectiveness and safety of abiraterone acetate in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer patients of Western Odisha

Background: Metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer has different modalities of management. However, with the arrival of abiraterone acetate (AA), the management of this condition has changed to a greater extent. Aims and Objectives: As a new molecule its effectiveness and safety are being evaluated in our patient population as a prospective observational study for 18 months. Materials and Methods: This study included 50 patients who were treated with AA according to the treating physician. The overall survival observed at 18 months was 88%. Results: There was a significant decrease in mean serum prostate-specific antigen level with treatment. About 60% of patients were completely adhered to the treatment. About 94% of patients experienced some form of adverse event and 10% of patients died in this study. Though the molecule has adverse effects, the overall survival of the patients has increased. Conclusion: The efficacy of AA was observed consistent with the time in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer patients with manageable adverse events.

Association of Platelet Indices with Diabetic Complications: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a prothrombotic state characterised by enhanced platelet activity, which may lead to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Platelet indices, such as Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), are routinely available in laboratories and can serve as a prognostic markers for patients. Aim: To evaluate platelet indices in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology in Krishna Vishva Vidyapeeth’s Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Karad, Maharashtra, India, from July 2020 to May 2022. A total of 120 patients with type 2 diabetes, both with and without complications, were investigated. Haematological parameters (platelet count and platelet indices such as MPV and PDW) and biochemical parameters {fasting blood sugar and Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)} were compared between the two groups. Platelet indices were measured using an automated haematology analyser. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: The study included 60 cases each of DM with complications and without. Among those with complications, 17 (28.33%) were aged 51-60 years, 14 (23.33%) were 61- 70 years old, and 12 (20%) were over 70 years. The mean MPV was 12.74±3.076 fL for patients with complications and 8.65±1.58 fL for those without. The mean PDW was 15.54 15.54±3.31 fL for patients with complications and 13.94±2.66 for those without. The mean HbA1c levels were 8.33 mmol/ mol for patients with complications and 6.75 mmol/mol for those without. The mean platelet count was 3.12 lakh/mm³ for patients with complications and 2.45 lakh/mm³ for those without. The mean fasting blood sugar levels were 219.65 mmol/L for patients with complications and 109.96 mmol/L for those without. Conclusion: Diabetes contributes to endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperactivity. The present study reveals that diabetic patients with uncontrolled glycaemic indices and elevated fasting blood sugar levels have higher platelet indices compared to patients without complications, where the platelet count, platelet indices, and glycaemic indices were within normal limits. These indices may also serve as useful prognostic tools.

Monitoring Blood Glucose as a Perioperative Stress Response Marker and the Effect of Dexmedetomidine Premedication in Laparoscopic Surgery Patients: A Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction: Perioperative stress increases cortisol levels, which in turn elevates glucose production. Thus, regular monitoring of glucose during the perioperative period can predict intraoperative stress and the depth of anaesthesia. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is used as an adjunct during anaesthesia to attenuate the pressor response during tracheal intubation. Aim: To assess sequential blood sugar values in Dex-mediated attenuation of the perioperative neuroendocrine stress response. Materials and Methods: A randomised, controlled, double-blinded study was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesiology, M.K.C.G Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India on 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, divided into two groups (n=40). Group-I was administered 50 mL of Normal saline i.v. over 10 minutes, whereas Group-II received Dex 1 mcg/kg in 0.9% normal saline diluted to 50 mL over 10 minutes i.v.. Blood glucose levels and haemodynamic parameters such as Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and Heart Rate (HR) were evaluated in the preoperative room, 30 minutes after surgical incision, after extubation, one hour after surgery, and 2.5 hours following surgery. Unpaired Student’s t-test was used to compare the variables at different time points. Results: There was no significant difference in age (48.58±5.89 and 46.25±6.51 years; p&gt;0.05), weight (57.07±7.84 and 56.8±7.4 kg; p&gt;0.05), and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status among the Group-I and Group-II patients. Female preponderance was observed, but it was not significant between Group-I and Group-II patients (27 vs 31; p&gt;0.05). In Group-II, Dex-administered patients, the mean blood sugar levels at 30 minutes past surgical incision, after extubation, one hour, and 2.5 hours following surgery were 104.35±13.58, 97.15±5.86, 98.4±7.45, 94.08±7.37 mg/dL, respectively. This was lower when compared to Group-I saline-treated patients, 135.95±14.4, 137.38±7.93, 138.08±8.84, and 137.70±15.13 mg/dL, and was found to be significant (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Serial blood glucose estimation can be a useful marker to evaluate the perioperative neuroendocrine response. Dex premedication has effectively modulated the neuroendocrine stress response during anaesthesia.

Deciphering the Relationship between Salivary Cortisol Levels and Hypertension Using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay – An Observational Study

Abstract Background: Cortisol plays a major role in stress crises and is higher among patients with hypertension. Assessment of cortisol levels can serve as a predictor for the prevention of complications of hypertension. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between salivary cortisol levels and hypertension. Materials and Methods: Twenty hypertensive individuals (Group I) and 20 control subjects (Group II) participated in the study. Their blood pressure was measured, followed by the collection of morning and evening saliva samples. Salivary cortisol levels were estimated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Unpaired Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were done to statistically analyze the data using SPSS statistical analysis software. Results: Group I had mean morning cortisol levels that were higher (0.376–0.458 g/dL) than those in Group II (0.005–0.0001 g/dL). In Group I participants, there was a positive correlation between evening cortisol levels and pulse pressure (P = 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, we found high cortisol levels in patients with hypertension. Increased salivary cortisol levels could be an indicator of underlying cardiovascular complications.

The relationship between the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene and the level of serum neurotrophic factor in patients with Parkinson's disease

To evaluate the clinical features and the level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in groups of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) differentiated by the genotypes of BDNF polymorphism (rs6265). The level of serum BDNF in the biomarkers' multiplex panel of neurodegenerative diseases (HNDG3MAG-36K) was assessed in 134 PD patients. Allele discrimination was carried out by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes for the analysis of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism in groups of patients and controls (n=192) matched for sex, age and ethnicity. Comparing the distribution of rs6265 genotypes and alleles between groups of patients and controls no significant differences were found (p>0.05). Serum BDNF levels varied significantly by genotype (rs6265) among PD patients. Minimum mean serum BDNF level (320.1±164.6 pg/ml) was noted for individuals with the AA genotype, which significantly differs from the corresponding indicator among individuals with GA (2944.2±1590.6 pg/ml; p=0.0001) and GG genotypes (2949.4±1620.6 pg/ml; p=3.9×10-5). The concentration of BDNF significantly differed between patients with different forms of PD (p=0.0007) and increased as the stage of the disease progressed according to Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (p=1.0×10-6). The BDNF rs6265 polymorphism was not associated with the development of PD in the studied population. The variability of the mean serum BDNF level was established depending on the genotype of the BDNF polymorphism in PD patients and a number of clinical features.

Melatonin Levels in Children with Migraine.

Migraine is the most common primary headache in children. Neuromediators and deterioration in circadian rhythm and sleep disorders can play a role in the etiology of migraines. To determine the serum melatonin levels of children with migraine and the relationship between melatonin and childhood migraine. Thirty-five children aged between 10 and 18 years with migraine as the case group and 35 healthy children of similar age and sex as the control group were included in the study. Venous blood samples were taken at 09.00 AM and melatonin analysis was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean serum melatonin levels of the case group and control group were found to be 300.1 ± 67.3 pg/mL and 314.9 ± 64.0 pg/mL, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.351). Comparison of the melatonin levels in the case group according to the clinical characteristics was not significantly different. An association between sleep and migraine is predictable, but its pathophysiology is not yet known. Etiological studies continue and the relationship between melatonin and migraine remains unclear.