Protein In Relation Research Articles

Are We Missing Something About the Maximum Dosing of Botulinum Toxin Type A1 in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Spasticity?

Botulinum toxin type A1 is a first-line treatment for adult and pediatric spasticity. However, when considering the quantity of 150 kDa neurotoxin protein in relation to patient weight and the maximum recommended dose for treating adult and pediatric patients with spasticity, several concerns arise. First, the therapeutic margin (the ratio of the actual maximum quantity of toxin recommended for treating adult spasticity to its median lethal dose) appears to be relevant. Second, there is no consistency between adult and pediatric dosing of botulinum toxin type A1 for spasticity. The third point concerns the suitability of the recommended doses for treating spasticity in pediatric patients. Based on the average body weight of American children and adolescents, the maximum weight-based doses for abobotulinumtoxinA and onabotulinumtoxinA could be administered to children as young as 9 years old. Additionally, the maximum weight-based dose for incobotulinumtoxinA could be administered to children as young as 6 years old. The final point concerns managing the maximum dose of BoNT/A1 in pediatric patients with spasticity who weigh more than 25 kg for incobotulinumtoxinA, or more than 34 kg for abobotulinumtoxinA and onabotulinumtoxinA. No labeled recommendations are given on the weight cut-off for transitioning to adult dosing in pediatric patients.

Quantification of the fungal pathogen Didymella segeticola in Camellia sinensis using a DNA-based qRT-PCR assay.

The fungal pathogen Didymella segeticola causes leaf spot and leaf blight on tea plant (Camellia sinensis), leading to production losses and affecting tea quality and flavor. Accurate detection and quantification of D. segeticola growth in tea plant leaves are crucial for diagnosing disease severity or evaluating host resistance. In this study, we monitored disease progression and D. segeticola development in tea plant leaves inoculated with a GFP-expressing strain. By contrast, a DNA-based qRT-PCR analysis was employed for a more convenient and maneuverable detection of D. segeticola growth in tea leaves. This method was based on the comparison of D. segeticola-specific DNA encoding a Cys2His2-zinc-finger protein (NCBI accession number: OR987684) in relation to tea plant Cs18S rDNA1. Unlike ITS and TUB2 sequences, this specific DNA was only amplified in D. segeticola isolates, not in other tea plant pathogens. This assay is also applicable for detecting D. segeticola during interactions with various tea cultivars. Among the five cultivars tested, 'Zhongcha102' (ZC102) and 'Fuding-dabaicha' (FDDB) were more susceptible to D. segeticola compared with 'Longjing43' (LJ43), 'Zhongcha108' (ZC108), and 'Zhongcha302' (ZC302). Different D. segeticola isolates also exhibited varying levels of aggressiveness towards LJ43. In conclusion, the DNA-based qRT-PCR analysis is highly sensitive, convenient, and effective method for quantifying D. segeticola growth in tea plant. This technique can be used to diagnose the severity of tea leaf spot and blight or to evaluate tea plant resistance to this pathogen.

Unveiling the Significance of MRP 1 in Achieving Complete Remission Following Induction Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Increased expression of MRP 1 in AML patients results in the efflux of drugs from the cells, preventing the patient from achieving remission or potentially leading to relapse. Several studies have demonstrated that early identification of ABC transporter may yield favorable outcomes. The objectives of the study were to investigate the correlation between MRP 1 gene expression and MRP 1 protein levels and the response to remission induction in AML patients. A total of 40 AML patients were recruited from March 2021 to June 2022. Peripheral blood was collected in two tubes (yellow and purple top) to assess the MRP 1 gene and protein. For MRP 1 gene assessment, RNA was isolated from blood samples, cDNA was prepared, and qRT-PCR was performed to analyze gene expression. The relationship between the gene and complete remission was determined. Identification of MRP 1 protein was conducted using ELISA, and the relationship between protein levels and complete remission (CR) was explored. Most of the patients were aged between 25 and 39 years, encompassing both males and females. This study observed a clinical correlation between MRP 1 gene expression and complete remission. The findings revealed that 69.2 percent of patients with high gene expression failed to achieve complete remission, whereas the analysis of MRP 1 protein in relation to complete remission showed no statistical significance. The MRP1 gene showed high expression (66.7%) in patients with FLT3 mutation, whereas low expression of MRP1 was associated with a high occurrence (60%) of NMP1 mutation. Further comprehensive multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate the findings of this study. It is recommended to pinpoint the mechanism and regulation of MRP 1 and its interaction with other molecular pathways.

Adherence to Diet Quality Indices and Breast Cancer Risk in the Italian ORDET Cohort.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, with 2.3 million diagnoses in 2020. There is growing evidence that lifestyle factors, including dietary factors, particularly the complex interactions and synergies between different foods and nutrients (and not a single nutrient or food), may be associated with a higher risk of BC. The aim of this work was to evaluate how the Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI), the Greek Mediterranean Index, the DASH score, and the EAT-Lancet score can help lower the risk of BC, and analyze if chronic low-grade inflammation may be one of the possible mechanisms through which dietary patterns influence breast cancer risk. We evaluated the effect of adherence to these four dietary quality indices in the 9144 women of the ORDET cohort who completed a dietary questionnaire. The effect of adherence to dietary patterns on chronic inflammation biomarkers was evaluated on a subsample of 552 participants. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BC risk in relation to the index score categories used were estimated using multivariable Cox models adjusted for potential confounders. Regression coefficients (β), with 95% CI for C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin levels in relation to adherence to dietary patterns were evaluated with the linear regression model adjusted for potential confounders. IMI was inversely associated with BC in all women (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60-0.97, P trend = 0.04), particularly among postmenopausal women (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98, P trend = 0.11). None of the other dietary patterns was associated with BC risk. Higher IMI and Greek Mediterranean Index scores were inversely associated with circulating CRP (β: -0.10, 95% CI: -0.18, -0.02, and β: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.21, -0.04). The higher score of the EAT-Lancet Index was instead associated with a higher concentration of circulating levels of CRP (β: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.18). In conclusion, these results suggest that adherence to a typical Italian Mediterranean diet protects against BC development, especially among postmenopausal women, possibly through modulation of chronic low-grade inflammation.

P-selectin and C-reactive protein in relation to home blood pressure and coronary calcification: a SCAPIS substudy.

Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) have previously been associated with hypertension, but the relation with out-of-office blood pressure (BP) and coronary artery calcification score is unknown. We aimed to examine the relationship between sP-selectin, hsCRP and home BP, as well as coronary artery calcification score and carotid artery plaques. In the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), 5057 randomly selected participants were evaluated with office and home BP using the semi-automatic Omron M10-IT device. For this cross-sectional study, participants with sP-selectin <4 standard deviations above mean and hsCRP <5 mg/l, representing low-grade inflammation, were included. Using generalized linear models, these inflammatory markers were evaluated in relation to BP classifications, as well as coronary artery calcification score and carotid artery plaques. Of participants, 4548 were included in the analyses. The median age was 57.2 (53.4-61.2) years, and 775 (17.0%) reported taking medication for hypertension. Participants in the highest quartile of sP-selectin [odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40-1.98, P < 0.001] and hsCRP [OR 2.25, (95% CI 1.89-2.60), P < 0.001] were more likely to have sustained hypertension. Participants in the highest quartile of hsCRP were also more likely to have masked hypertension, OR (95% CI) 2.31 (1.72-3.10), P < 0.001 and carotid artery plaques, OR (95% CI) 1.21 (1.05-1.38), P = 0.007. Increased sP-selectin and hsCRP were independently associated with sustained hypertension. These findings indicate an association between hypertension and platelet activity, as expressed by sP-selectin.

Effect of using hydrogel polymers on morphometric, forage production, and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear

The use of cactus pear has shown poor performance in some areas of semi-arid climate regions, as the species needs a wide gradient between temperatures during the day and night to develop, which does not occur in such zones. To lessen this negative occurrence, moisture availability provides better performance for the species, such as using hydrogel instead of irrigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using hydrogel polymers on the production of cactus pear (Opuntia stricta cv. Mexican Elephant Ear). Three treatments with six replications were used, totalling 18 experimental units. The treatments were, (1) Conventional fertilization using fertilizer in granulated format; (2) Foliar fertilization with polymer using a dilution dose of 6 grams of polymer L-1 of water associated with the fertilizer in liquid form through the foliar route; (3) Foliar fertilization without polymer using only foliar fertilization in the same formulation as the treatment with polymer. There was no effect of fertilization strategy on plant height, cladode length, cladode width, cladode thickness, cladode area, and biomass. There was an effect of the fertilization strategy on dry matter, in which higher estimates were measured for conventional fertilization and foliar fertilization without polymer. On the other hand, foliar fertilization with polymer promoted increases of 13% in mineral matter and 42% in crude protein in relation to conventional fertilization. The fertilization strategy did not change the other chemical attributes of cactus pear. The use of the hydrogel did not influence the morphometric development of the Mexican Elephant Ear cultivar but promoted increments in the chemical composition.

Klebsiella pneumoniae K2 capsular polysaccharide degradation by a bacteriophage depolymerase does not require trimer formation.

Generating fragments of capsular polysaccharides from pathogenic bacteria with crucial antigenic determinants for vaccine development continues to pose challenges. The significance of the C-terminal region of phage tailspike protein (TSP) in relation to its folding and trimer formation remains largely unexplored. The polysaccharide depolymerase described here demonstrates the ability to depolymerize the K2 CPS of K. pneumoniae into tetrasaccharide fragments while retaining the vital O-acetylation modification crucial for immunogenicity. By carefully characterizing the enzyme, elucidating its three-dimensional structures, conducting site-directed mutagenesis, and assessing the antimicrobial efficacy of the mutant enzymes against K2 K. pneumoniae, we offer valuable insights into the mechanism by which this enzyme recognizes and depolymerizes the K2 CPS. Our findings, particularly the discovery that trimer formation is not required for depolymerizing activity, challenge the current understanding of trimer-dependent TSP activity and highlight the catalytic mechanism of the TSP with an intersubunit catalytic center.

Predictors of bone mineral density in patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement for Addison's disease.

Patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid (GC) treatment are at risk of osteoporosis, while bone effects of substitution doses in Addison's disease (AD) remain equivocal. The project was aimed to evaluate serum bone turnover markers (BTMs): osteocalcin, type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PINP), collagen C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), sclerostin, DKK-1 protein, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in relation to bone mineral density (BMD) during GC replacement. Serum BTMs and hormones were assessed in 80 patients with AD (22 males, 25 pre- and 33 postmenopausal females) on hydrocortisone (HC) substitution for ≥3 years. Densitometry with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry covered the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). Among BTMs, only PINP levels were altered in AD. BMD Z-scores remained negative except for FN in males. Considering T-scores, osteopenia was found in LS in 45.5% males, 24% young and 42.4% postmenopausal females, while osteoporosis in 9.0%, 4.0% and 21.1%, respectively. Lumbar BMD correlated positively with body mass (p = 0.0001) and serum DHEA-S (p = 9.899 × 10-6). Negative correlation was detected with HC dose/day/kg (p = 0.0320), cumulative HC dose (p = 0.0030), patient's age (p = 1.038 × 10-5), disease duration (p = 0.0004), ALP activity (p = 0.0041) and CTX level (p = 0.0105). However, only age, body mass, ALP, serum CTX, and sclerostin remained independent predictors of LS BMD. Standard HC substitution does not considerably accelerate BMD loss in AD patients and their serum BTMs: CTX, osteocalcin, sclerostin, DKK-1, and ALP activity remain within the reference ranges. Independent predictors of low lumbar spine BMD, especially ALP activity, serum CTX and sclerostin, might be monitored during GC substitution.

Substantiation, directions and results of using whey processed products in ice cream production

The deficiency of protein is an important global problem. Whey, as a by-product of the production of cheese and cottage cheese, can be an additional source of protein. The feasibility of using whey for food purposes due to its composition and biological value is substantiated in the review. Besides, the usage of whey for food purposes reduces threat of environmen‑tal pollution existing when disposing it into the sewer. The aim of the article was to collect, analyze and summarize data on the use of whey and products of its processing in the technology of ice cream and whipped frozen desserts. The analysis of the data of the International Dairy Federation (IDF) on the global volumes of milk whey production as well as the amount of high-value protein, to which they are equivalent, is given. The modern world experience in processing technologies of whey and the product assortment made with its usage has been analyzed. Attention is concentrated on the characteristics and properties of whey processed products (concentrates, isolates, milk hydrolysates, first of all, whey proteins) and micellar casein. The research experience in studying the possibility of their use in the production of ice cream and other foods is assessed and summarized. The influence of these products on the technological, structural-mechanical, microstructural and organoleptic characteristics of ice cream and on its biological value is considered. The presence of positive and negative experience in the usage of dairy proteins, including whey proteins, on the consumer characteristics of frozen food is noted. The necessity of more detailed study of results of using each particular source of milk protein in relation to different types of ice cream and whipped frozen desserts is substantiated.

Early B-Cell Factor 1: An Archetype for a Lineage-Restricted Transcription Factor Linking Development to Disease.

The development of highly specialized blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow (BM) is dependent upon a stringently orchestrated network of stage- and lineage-restricted transcription factors (TFs). Thus, the same stem cell can give rise to various types of differentiated blood cells. One of the key regulators of B-lymphocyte development is early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1). This TF belongs to a small, but evolutionary conserved, family of proteins that harbor a Zn-coordinating motif and an IPT/TIG (immunoglobulin-like, plexins, transcription factors/transcription factor immunoglobulin) domain, creating a unique DNA-binding domain (DBD). EBF proteins play critical roles in diverse developmental processes, including body segmentation in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo, and retina formation in mice. While several EBF family members are expressed in neuronal cells, adipocytes, and BM stroma cells, only B-lymphoid cells express EBF1. In the absence of EBF1, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) fail to activate the B-lineage program. This has been attributed to the ability of EBF1 to act as a pioneering factor with the ability to remodel chromatin, thereby creating a B-lymphoid-specific epigenetic landscape. Conditional inactivation of the Ebf1 gene in B-lineage cells has revealed additional functions of this protein in relation to the control of proliferation and apoptosis. This may explain why EBF1 is frequently targeted by mutations in human leukemia cases. This chapter provides an overview of the biochemical and functional properties of the EBF family proteins, with a focus on the roles of EBF1 in normal and malignant B-lymphocyte development.

Evaluation of Vicia faba plant genotypes using non-destructive vibrational molecular spectroscopic technique (ATR-FT/IR): molecular structure profiles of protein in relation to nutritional characteristics

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of genotypes and tannin levels on the nutritional characteristics of faba bean seeds and their relation to protein molecular structure profiles using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Eight genotypes with low tannin (LT, n = 3) and normal tannin (NT, n = 5) levels were studied. Standard methods of analysis and NRC 2001 were used to obtain chemical and energy parameters. The protein molecular spectral study was performed using a spectrometer JASCO FT/IR–4200. Molecular features were analyzed in the mid-infrared region at ~4000–800 cm−1 and protein-related functional groups were obtained using OMNIC software. Results showed higher ( P &lt; 0.01) soluble crude protein (SCP), rapidly degradable protein fraction (PA2), and intestinal digestibility of bypass protein (dIDP) in LT than NT. The slowly degradable protein fraction (PB2) was higher in NT ( P &lt; 0.01) compared to LT. Higher absorbance was observed in spectral peaks related to amide I, amide II, and β-sheet in NT ( P &lt; 0.05) compared to LT. The area ratio of amide I to amide II and the height ratio of α-helix to β-sheet were higher in LT compared to NT ( P &lt; 0.01). This study provides a better understanding of associations between structure and nutritional characteristics in faba bean genotypes with different tannin levels.

The Levels of Leptin, Cystatin C, Neuropilin-1 and Tau Protein in Relation to Dietary Habits in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in older people. Its prevalence is expected to increase, and therefore it poses a serious challenge to the healthcare system. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of leptin, cystatin C, neuropilin-1 and tau protein, as well as the influence of dietary habits on these parameters, in a group of AD patients (n = 110) compared to 60 healthy people (n = 60). It has been shown that AD patients, compared to healthy people, are characterized by significantly higher median concentrations of leptin (9.97 vs. 3.08), cystatin c (1.53 vs. 0.56) and tau protein (8.46 vs. 4.19), but significantly lower median neuropilin-1 (69.94 vs. 167.28). Multiple regression analyses showed that leptin levels could be explained by dietary habits in 27%, cystatin C in 51%, neuropilin-1 in 41% and tau protein in 25% of cases. Modification of eating habits may contribute to improving the values of the discussed parameters.

Características tecnológicas y sensoriales de bizcochos dulces con adición de harina de tocosh (Solárium tuberosum) y harina de tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis)

The objective of this study was to determine the technological and sensory characteristics of sweet biscuits with the addition of tocosh flour and tarwi flour. For which a rotational compound central design (DCCR) 22 was used, giving a total of 11 formulations (4 factorial, 4 axial and 3 central points) where the independent variables were X1 = Tocosh flour and X2 = Tarwi flour with additions of X1 from 2% to 8% and X2 from 2% to 6% replacing the percentage of wheat flour in the base formulation. The results show that the F5 (2% X1 and 4% X2) is the one that presented the highest value in its sensory evaluation. Likewise, it presented a higher percentage of protein (8.48%) in relation to the biscuit without substitution (8.25%). The best formulation was determined by multiple response optimization (desirability), obtaining an optimal sponge cake with 3.22% X1 and 4.55% X2 replacement of wheat flour, resulting in a sponge cake with moisture (23.99 ± 0.16%), protein (8.65 ± 0.18%), fat (6.42 ± 0.70%), ashes (0.51 ± 0.08%), total dietary fiber (6.30 ± 1.70%) and carbohydrates (54.80 ± 1.44%).

Toward Precision Weight-Loss Dietary Interventions: Findings from the POUNDS Lost Trial.

The POUNDS Lost trial is a 2-year clinical trial testing the effects of dietary interventions on weight loss. This study included 811 adults with overweight or obesity who were randomized to one of four diets that contained either 15% or 25% protein and 20% or 40% fat in a 2 × 2 factorial design. By 2 years, participants on average lost from 2.9 to 3.6 kg in body weight in the four intervention arms, while no significant difference was observed across the intervention arms. In POUNDS Lost, we performed a series of ancillary studies to detect intrinsic factors particular to genomic, epigenomic, and metabolomic markers that may modulate changes in weight and other cardiometabolic traits in response to the weight-loss dietary interventions. Genomic variants identified from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on obesity, type 2 diabetes, glucose and lipid metabolisms, gut microbiome, and dietary intakes have been found to interact with dietary macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) in relation to weight loss and changes of body composition and cardiometabolic traits. In addition, we recently investigated epigenomic modifications, particularly blood DNA methylation and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs). We reported DNA methylation levels at NFATC2IP, CPT1A, TXNIP, and LINC00319 were related to weight loss or changes of glucose, lipids, and blood pressure; we also reported thrifty miRNA expression as a significant epigenomic marker related to changes in insulin sensitivity and adiposity. Our studies have also highlighted the importance of temporal changes in novel metabolomic signatures for gut microbiota, bile acids, and amino acids as predictors for achievement of successful weight loss outcomes. Moreover, our studies indicate that biochemical, behavioral, and psychosocial factors such as physical activity, sleep disturbance, and appetite may also modulate metabolic changes during dietary interventions. This review summarized our major findings in the POUNDS Lost trial, which provided preliminary evidence supporting the development of precision diet interventions for obesity management.

Food Sources of Animal Protein in Relation to Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality-Causal Associations or Confounding? An Analysis of the EPIC-Heidelberg Cohort.

While prior prospective iso-caloric substitution studies show a robust association between higher intake of animal protein and risk of mortality, associations observed for mortality risk in relation to major food sources of animal protein have been generally more diverse. We used the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort to examine if confounding, notably, by smoking, adiposity, or alcohol intake, could cause inconsistencies in estimated mortality hazard ratios (HR) related to intake levels of different types of meat and dairy products. Higher intakes of red or processed meats, and lower intakes of milk or cheese, were observed among current heavy smokers, participants with obesity, or heavy alcohol drinkers. Adjusting for age, sex, and total energy intake, risk models showed increased all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer-related mortality with higher red or processed meat intakes (HR ranging from 1.25 [95% confidence interval = 1.15-1.36] to 1.76 [1.46-2.12] comparing highest to lowest tertiles), but reduced risks for poultry, milk, or cheese (HR ranging from 0.55 [0.43-0.72] to 0.88 [0.81-0.95]). Adjusting further for smoking history, adiposity indices, alcohol consumption, and physical activity levels, the statistical significance of all these observed was erased, except for the association of processed meat intake with cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.36 [CI = 1.13-1.64]) and cheese intake with cancer mortality (HR = 0.86 [0.76-0.98]), which, however, were substantially attenuated. These findings suggest heavy confounding and provide little support for the hypothesis that animal protein, as a nutrient, is a major determinant of mortality risk.

Gastric ultrasound, citrulline, and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein as markers of gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients: A pilot prospective cohort study.

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is common in the intensive care unit (ICU), although there is no consensus on biomarkers of GI dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate ultrasound-based gastric antrum measurements and serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP) and citrulline levels in relation to GI dysfunction in critically ill patients. Adult critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition and stayed for in the ICU for ≥48 h was included. GI dysfunction was described using Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Score (GIDS). Gastric antrum measurements, including craniocaudal (CC) diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and antral-cross sectional area (CSA), as well as serum levels for IFABP and citrulline, were prospectively recorded at baseline and on day 3 and day 5 of enteral nutrition. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate gastric ultrasound parameters, serum IFABP, and citrulline concentrations in predicting GI dysfunction. Thirty-nine participants with a median age of 60 years were recruited and 46.2% of participants had GI dysfunction. ROC analysis revealed that the cutoff value of CSA score to predict GI dysfunction was 4.48 cm2 , which provided 72.7% sensitivity and 77.2% specificity (area under the curve = 0.768, 95% CI: 0.555-0.980). At baseline, gastric residual volume was highly correlated with CC diameter and CSA (r = 0.764, P < 0.001 and r = 0.675, P < 0.001, respectively). Serum IFABP and citrulline levels had no correlation with GI dysfunction or gastric ultrasound parameters (P > 0.05). CSA was associated with GI dysfunction in critically ill patients. Serum IFABP and citrulline concentrations were poor in predicting GI dysfunction.

Inactive matrix Gla protein in relation to diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.

The contribution of inactive Matrix Gla protein (MGP) to ectopic vascular calcification associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well recognized. However, its role in diabetic microvascular complications remains unknown. The study aim was to identify any association between inactive MGP and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Its relation to insulin resistance was also explored. The study included 90 participants, 65 Type 2 diabetic patients (25 without DR and 40 with DR) and 25 healthy controls. Serum inactive MGP was measured using ELISA. HOMA-IR was also assessed. Inactive MGP was significantly higher in both diabetic groups compared to controls (P < 0.001), as well as in Type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy compared to Type 2 diabetes without retinopathy (P = 0.002). Inactive MGP was positively correlated with HbA1c, HOMA-IR, LDL-C and triglycerides (P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with HDL-C (P = 0.008) and eGFR (P < 0.001). Logistic Regression Analysis showed that inactive MGP was one of the most associated factors with DR. Inactive MGP was found to be related to DR, insulin resistance and other dysmetabolic risk factors. These findings highlight that inactive MGP may be a significant contributor to the pathogenesis, evolution, and progression of DR.

QUINOA IS BENEFICIAL TO THE COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF POTENTIAL HEALTH

The quinoa herb belongs to the family of Chenopodiaceae in which spinach and beet also originate. It is South America local herb, and Chenopodium has 250 different kinds all over the world. Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal with high phytochemical substances verified biological and nutritional significance. Quinoa is consumed and used as daily essential food throughout the world due to its higher amount of protein in relation to general cereals. Quinoa contains ascorbic acid, vitamin E tocopherols and B complex vitamins niacin, folic acid, thiamine. Minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus), it also contains isoflavones and the best type of triglyceride. A functional perspective of quinoa plant is of great importance as are being used in the treatment and prevention of different health problems. The study will elaborate physiochemical, rheological and functional properties of quinoa. Bread will be prepared from quinoa and its textural, sensory attributes and chemical composition will be determined by standard method and the result obtained from the recent study will be analyzed according to standard procedure

Inactive Matrix Gla Protein in Relation to Renal and Cardiac Functions and Cardiac Valvular Calcification Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a robust innate suppressor of the detrimental process of vascular calcification in the human body. The interrelationship between circulating MGP levels and renal and cardiac dysfunction, besides echocardiographic calcification score (ECS) was investigated in a sample of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. The study included 130 subjects. They were 95 patients with T2D and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients were further subdivided into 52 T2D patients without DKD (eGFR ⩾ 60 ml/minute/1.73 m²) and 43 T2D persons with DKD (eGFR > 60 ml/minute/1.73 m²). Serum MGP levels, determined by ELISA, renal function tests, lipid profile, and echocardiography were studied in all participants. Significantly elevated circulating inactive MGP level was noted in individuals having T2D compared to controls. It correlated negatively with eGFR and left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic functions and positively with indices of LV hypertrophy. ECS was significantly increased in both T2D groups compared to controls and in DKD group compared to the diabetic group without DKD. A significant positive correlation was observed between inactive MGP and ECS. Serum inactive MGP may contribute to the development of DKD and to the associated process of cardiac valvular calcification. It may be a beneficial diagnostic marker for early prediction of cardiac calcification and preclinical LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction in T2D patients, especially in those complicated with DKD.

Emergency versus elective cholecystectomy: Experience at a university hospital in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the procedure of choice for treating most gallbladder pathology, has become the most trusted elective procedure for treating gallstone disease because of its effectiveness and safety. While the timing is an important factor in those cases, our aim in this study was to compare emergency and elective LC, determine the differences in postoperative complications, and assess the conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. This study included a total of 627 patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy during 2017-2019 at King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU). Records of both emergency and elective cases were reviewed from Quadra-med (software package). All demographic data of the patients, presenting complaint, laboratory and inflammatory marker, type of the operation, intraoperative complications, procedure time, conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy, postoperative period, length of hospital stay, and pathological diagnosis were entered into an Excel sheet. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Qualitative variables were described as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables were summarized with mean and standard deviation (SD). Chi-square test, t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U-test were applied to test for statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05. The mean age for patients undergoing elective LC was 39.94 years (SD=13.56) whereas, mean age of patients undergoing emergency LC was 40.64 years (SD=13.02). About 71% of cases in elective LC group were females compared to 55% in the emergency LC group. There was a significant difference in C-reactive protein (CRP) in relation to the type of surgery where P < 0.05. Twelve (1.9%) patients had subtotal cholecystectomy and two cases converted from LC to open. There was a significant association between postoperative complication and the type of surgery. The length of hospital stay (LOS) was also found to be significantly more in patients having emergency LC (6.0 vs. 4.5 d; P < 0.05). The relation between conversion to an open procedure and type of surgery (elective or emergency) in our study was nonsignificant. There was a significant association between preoperative CRP, postoperative complication, length of hospital stay, and type of surgery. Further multicenter studies are required for further investigation.