Value Of Reference Group Research Articles

Associations of LDL Cholesterol, Non-HDL Cholesterol, and Apolipoprotein B With Cardiovascular Disease Occurrence in Adults: Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

Despite the superiority of non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) as lipid markers for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), these are only suitable as secondary markers. We compared LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C, and ApoB concentrations with respect to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in adults enrolled in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). We used information on age; sex; medical history; family history of ASCVD; current lipid-lowering therapy; current smoking status; and creatinine, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglyceride, and ApoB concentrations from 5,872 KoGES participants without ASCVD. New ASCVD development was monitored during the 8-year follow-up period. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for ASCVD of LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and ApoB concentrations were calculated based on the multivariate Cox regression analyses. The participants were also grouped as low and high according to the median values for each lipid marker, and calculated aHRs of each group combined by two lipid makers. ApoB showed the highest aHR per 1-SD for ASCVD (1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.43), followed by non-HDL-C (1.25; 95% CI, 1.11-1.41) and LDL-C (1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.37). The group with low LDL-C and high ApoB concentrations had a significantly higher aHR for ASCVD (1.61; 95% CI, 1.05-2.48) compared to the reference group values (low LDL-C and low ApoB concentrations). The aHR for the group with high LDL-C and low ApoB concentrations was not significant (1.30; 95% CI, 0.79-2.16). ApoB, non-HDL-C, and LDL-C are independent risk factors for ASCVD. Increases in the aHR per 1-SD for ASCVD were more strongly affected by ApoB, followed by non-HDL-C and LDL-C. Participants with low LDL-C and high ApoB concentrations showed increased ASCVD risk. For individuals with ASCVD risk factors, even those presenting normal LDL-C concentrations, measuring ApoB concentrations can provide useful information for better evaluation of ASCVD risk.

Modulating effects of hexapeptide on the altered phenotype of neutrophil granulocyte CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63- and CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63+ subsets in children with acute osteomyelitis in the in vitro system

The problem of acute osteomyelitis in children is of special importance among the inflammatory diseases of musculoskeletal system, due to infectious conditions arising in the body and spreading to the bone tissue caused by impaired immune regulation, first of all, concerning neutrophilic granulocytes. Of interest is studying the subsets of neutrophilic granulocytes arising when the cells are involved into the inflammatory process in acute pediatric osteomyelitis, and determining the opportinity to influence the level of receptor expression aiming for correction of their functions. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of hexapeptide arginyl-alpha-aspartyl-lysyl-valyl-tyrosyl-arginine on the altered phenotype of neutrophilic granulocytes in children with acute osteomyelitis using an in vitro experimental model. We examined the peripheral blood samples from children with acute hematogenous or post-traumatic osteomyelitis at the age of 10 to 17 years (n = 12) upon their admission to the hospital, and from healthy children (n = 7). Blood samples from children with acute osteomyelitis were incubated with hexapeptide (10-6 g/L) for 60 min, at 37 C. The content of neutrophilic granulocyte subsets (CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63- and CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63+), expression density of appropriate membrane receptors were assessed by flow cytometric technique (FC 500 Beckman Coulter, USA). Phagocytic function was studied by assessing the degree of completed phagocytosis of S. aureus. It was found that, in acute osteomyelitis, a 8.5-fold increased proportion of activated CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63+NG subset with the CD16brightCD62LbrightCD11bbrightCD63dimNG phenotype was revealed, along with a decrease in the CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63-NG subset and changes in the CD16dimCD62LbrightCD11bmidCD63- NG phenotype as compared with reference indexes of healthy children. At the same time, an increased number of actively phagocytic cells was noted, however, with decreased indexes characterizing capture and digestion of the bacterial antigen. In the in vitro experiments, the tested hexapeptide was shown to modulate the phenotypes of both studied subsets (CD16brightCD62LmidCD11bmidCD63- and CD16midCD62LmidCD11bmidCD63dimNG), thus promoting restoration of the receptor expression levels to the reference group values, as well as phagocytic activity, in terms of uptake and digestive capacity of microbial cells. Thus, the dominance of a diagnostically significant activated CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63+ neutrophil subset with the CD16brightCD62LbrightCD11bbrightCD63dimNG phenotype was found in acute osteomyelitis in children. The results of in vitro studies have shown that the hexapeptide caused phenotypic modulation of the CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63- neutrophils, and CD16+CD62L+CD11b+CD63+NG subsets, along with recovery of their phagocytic activity. In the future, our results may provide a basis for the development of new effective therapeutic regimens.

Immune regulation features in workers engaged into underground mining of chromite ores

The study of immune regulation features in workers engaged into underground mining of chromite ores demonstrated that high serum chromium levels were associated with increased phagocytic activity, if compared to physiologic normal values, in 25.7% of the workers. Findings also are phagocytic activity reliably changed by phagocytic index criterion, and significantly (1.2–1.33 times) increased absolute and relative phagocytosis and phagocytic index vs. the reference group values. IgM levels appeared 1.2 times lower vs. the reference group values, in association with IgG deficiency and increased IgA production vs. the reference values. The authors also revealed changes in cellular subpopulations balance and T-cell receptors transformation, with depressed regulatory marker CD95 in 90.0% in the main group workers, and higher number of CD4+CD25+CD127 lymphocytes, increased CD3+ and CD4+ cells 1.5- and 1.2-fold respectively vs. the reference group values. Other findings are disordered launching and regulation of apoptosis via lower Fas-receptor expression and changed balance of regulatory proteins Bcl–2 and Bax vs. the normal value in 50.0–62.5% of the workers, with reliable 2.6-fold increase of Bax level vs. the reference group.

EVALUATION OF ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF MUCOADHESIVE MICROGRANULES CONTAINING RANITIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Objective: Ranitidine hydrochloride is a competitive inhibitor of histamine H2-receptors, the drug of choice in the treatment of ulcer. The drug has a short biological half-life of approximately 2–3 h, thus a sustained release dosage form of ranitidine HCl is desirable. The aim of this study was to formulate and in vitro evaluate micro granules of ranitidine HCl using 8% aloe vera powder due to cytoprotective effects.Methods: Micro granules were prepared by wet granulation method using aloe vera powder as bio-adhesive polymer. The animals were albino male Wistar rats, divided into 4 groups. One group as a control group, the second group as placebo, third groups received ranitidine without aloe vera, and fourth groups as the treated group received ranitidine micro granules. The damage of ulceration was induced with absolute ethanol, dosing at 1 ml/200 g animal body weight. The microscopic observation was done at the first and third day after treatment.Results: At the first day, the reference and treated group showed the lower ulcer number score mean and ulcer diameter score mean than placebo group. The ulcer index and curative value of reference group were better than treated group, 51.3% and 29.7% respectively. But, at the third day, ulcer index and curative value of treated group possessed better result than reference group, confirming that aloe vera acts as mucoadhesive polymer and gives the release of drug in a sustained manner.Conclusion: Aloe vera powder (Aloe vera (L.) Webb) can be used to formulate micro granules for the prolonged delivery of ranitidine HCl. The micro granules containing in ranitidine dose of 0,04 mg/kg body weight reduce the ulceration induced by absolute ethanolKeywords: Aloe vera powder, Microgranules, Ranitidine HCl, Ulceration, Macroscopic view

Exigências de energia de borregas mestiças alimentadas com níveis crescentes de concentrado na dieta

RESUMO Objetivou-se estimar as exigências energéticas de borregas mestiças confinadas, alimentadas com níveis crescentes de concentrado na dieta. Foram avaliadas 36 borregas, com peso corporal inicial de 23,7±3,67kg. Seis animais foram abatidos no início do experimento para obtenção dos valores do grupo referência. Os demais (30 animais) foram distribuídos em cinco tratamentos: mantença (alimentação restrita com feno de capim Tifton) e suplementados com níveis crescentes de concentrado (20, 40, 60 e 80%) em base de matéria seca (seis animais por tratamento). As borregas foram abatidas quando atingiram 37,70±9,89kg. Os níveis de concentrado influenciaram a eficiência de utilização da energia metabolizável para mantença (km) e consequentemente as exigências diárias de energia metabolizável para mantença. A exigência de energia líquida para mantença de borregas mestiças em crescimento é 57 kcal/PCJ0,75/dia, em que PCJ é o peso corporal em jejum. As borregas com 20kg apresentaram exigência de energia líquida para 100g de ganho de peso diário de 465kcal/dia. As borregas com 40kg de peso corporal exigiram 930kcal/dia de energia líquida para o mesmo ganho. A exigência líquida para mantença de borregas pode ser estimada pela equação: ELm (Mcal/dia) = 0,057* PCJ0,75. A exigência líquida de energia para ganho de borregas mestiças (Mcal/dia) pode ser estimada a partir da equação: ELg = 0,524 x PVJ0,75 x GPCVZ1,21, em que GPCVZ é o ganho de peso do corpo vazio. As dietas influenciam as eficiências de usos da energia metabolizável para mantença (km) e ganho (kg).

Life Satisfaction and Value Congruence

Abstract. Congruence between own and reference group values promotes life satisfaction. Does this effect extend to value congruence with others with whom one does not interact but who share socio-demographic characteristics? We constructed 36 socio-demographic categories in a representative Russian national sample (N = 961). Correlations of individuals’ values with the mean value of their category indexed value congruence. Both a meta-analysis across the constructed groups and an individual level regression analysis confirmed a positive value congruence – life satisfaction effect. This effect held even when controlling for age, gender, education, religiosity, region, religion, and the 19 values on which the congruence score was based. Self-direction-action values moderated the effect: it was stronger the less important independence of action was to individuals.

Longitudinal Change of Medial and Lateral Patellar Stiffness After Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament for Patients with Recurrent Patellar Dislocation.

Longitudinal changes in patellar stiffness following reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament for recurrent patellar dislocation at full extension are unknown. Fifteen consecutive patients (three men and twelve women, with a mean age of twenty-two years) with seventeen knees were matched by sex and age to thirty-two reference subjects in this prospective study. The follow-up period was a minimum of twenty-four months. The medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction used an autograft semitendinosus tendon and an interference screw system with or without lateral release under 10 N of laterally directed force. The medial patellar stiffness and lateral patellar stiffness were measured in 0° of knee extension using the Patella Stability Tester preoperatively; postoperatively at three, six, twelve, and eighteen months; and at the time of the latest follow-up. Before and after the surgical procedure, patients were evaluated for apprehension and Kujala and Lysholm scores; radiographic examinations were performed to evaluate changes, including osteoarthritic changes. The medial stiffness of the affected side before the surgical procedure was significantly lower than the lateral stiffness (p = 0.004) and the stiffness for healthy reference knees (p = 0.004). Medial stiffness three months after the surgical procedure was significantly elevated compared with lateral values (p = 0.027), preoperative values (p < 0.001), and reference group values (p = 0.002); reached the reference level by six months; and was maintained for up to two years. Furthermore, medial stiffness and lateral stiffness were well balanced after six months and this balance was sustained for up to two years postoperatively. No recurrent dislocation occurred during the follow-up period; one patient experienced apprehension. Postoperative radiographic findings and clinical scores were significantly improved at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.05). One knee progressed to patellofemoral osteoarthritis. The value for medial stiffness was significantly improved three months after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction compared with the preoperative and lateral values and returned to the reference level by six months. Medial stiffness and lateral stiffness of the patella were well balanced by six months and retained that balance for up to two years, with good clinical results. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Moderating Effect of Reference Group on Online Game Loyalty: Focused on Hedonic Information System

This study approaches online games from the perspective of the hedonic information system and presents a theoretical model to explain online game acceptance by expanding the study of van der Heijden and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The important variables of this model included perceived usefulness, perceived easiness, and perceived pleasure. Also, we investigate a moderating effect of personal reference group on online game acceptance. The subjects were divided into the high reference group (196 persons) and the low reference group (138 persons) based on the median value of reference group using the SEM(Structural Equation Model) method. An empirical analysis of the subjects found that perceived easiness, perceived pleasure, and perceived usefulness of the game influenced the intent of acceptance and game loyalty in the total group, in that order. On the other hand, comparative research of the two groups based reference group found that the high reference group showed high intent of game acceptance if a game agreed with the subjects’ useful and easy values, even if it was somewhat inconvenient, whilst perceived pleasure of a game was the greatest influencing factor in the low reference group. In addition, in the relationship of intent of acceptance and loyalty, the low reference group showed high loyalty.

Érythropoïétine : comparaison de trois trousses de dosage

The evaluation of two assays of erythropietin allows a comparison with the IRMA coated kit Epo Coatria (Biomérieux). The aim of this work is to present the results obtained in two groups of patients, with the chemiluminescence method (Advantage ® automate) and with the ELISA Quantikine IVD kit in comparison with the IRMA (Biomérieux) coated assay, which is the reference method of the laboratory. The statistic tests show an important overlap between the reference group values and those of the polycytemia group (p = 0,45) with the chemiluminescence test. The correlation between ELISA and IRMA methods is quite good (r 2 = 0,714) and allows us to ensure the transfer of our results, especially in the case of polycytemia vera.

Evaluation de deux trousses de dosage de l'érythropoïétine : comparaison avec la technique IRMA Epo Coatria (BioMérieux)

Evaluation of two assays of erythropoïetin: comparison with the IRMA coated kit Epo Coatria (BioMérieux). The aim of this work is to present the results obtained in two groups of patients, with the chemiluminescence method (Advantage automate) and with the ELISA Quantikine IVD kit in comparison with the IRMA (BioMérieux) coated assay, which is the reference method of the laboratory. The statistic tests show an important overlap between the reference group values and those of the polycytemia group (p = 0,45) with the chemiluminescence test. The correlation between ELISA and IRMA methods is quite good (r 2 = 0,714) and allows us to ensure the transfer of our results, especially in the case of polycytemia vera.

Minor effects of low exposure to inorganic mercury on the human immune system.

The influence of exposure to inorganic mercury on the immune system was examined in 36 workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapor, 14 individuals with skin hypersensitivity to mercury compounds, 21 subjects with health disturbances allegedly caused by dental amalgam fillings ("amalgam disease"), and 39 healthy referents. Concentrations of mercury in blood and urine and some parameters judged to mirror different effects on the immune system were determined. The latter included, white blood cell differential counts, serum immunoglobulins and autoantibodies, and in vitro production of the cytokines interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Virtually all of the immunologic parameters were within normal ranges and did not differ significantly between the groups. In the group sensitized to mercury, there was a reduction of the in vitro production of both TNF alpha and IL-1 compared with the reference group's values. No significant correlations were noted between different mercury exposure estimates and the immunologic parameters.

Responses of spinothalamic tract neurons to mechanical and thermal stimuli in an experimental model of peripheral neuropathy in primates.

1. An experimental peripheral neuropathy (EPN) was induced in three monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) by ligation of spinal nerve L7. Behavioral responses to innocuous mechanical stimuli were tested before and after the surgery. Two weeks after the nerve ligation, the activity of spinothalamic tract (STT) neurons was recorded on both sides of the spinal cord with the animal under general anesthesia. Responses of the STT neurons to the following stimuli applied to the skin were recorded: graded mechanical stimuli (brush, press, pinch and squeeze), von Frey filaments of different bending forces (0.077-19.05 g), 5-s heat stimuli ranging from 39 to 53 degrees C, and 15 s cold stimuli (32-8 degrees C). 2. Innocuous mechanical stimulation of the foot did not evoke hindlimb withdrawal in the animals before surgery. Within 24-48 h after nerve ligation, the animals showed hindlimb withdrawal to the same innocuous stimuli. This behavior was more pronounced on the side of the ligation than on the sham-operated side and more frequent during the second week after the surgery. 3. Responses of 51 STT neurons recorded on the side of the ligation (EPN all group) were compared with responses of 33 STT cells recorded on the sham-operated side (control group) and with records from STT neurons in unoperated animals obtained earlier (reference group). Neurons from the EPN all group were divided into two sets according to their rostrocaudal location (EPN R, rostral to L6/7 border, n = 40; EPN C, caudal to L6/7 border, n = 11). 4. Neurons from the EPN all and EPN R groups had significantly higher background frequencies than those from the control and reference groups. Innocuous brush stimuli evoked mean discharge frequencies of approximately 35 Hz in EPN R neurons and only approximately 15 Hz in both control and reference groups. Increased responsiveness of EPN R neurons to innocuous stimuli was also demonstrated by lower thresholds and higher discharge frequencies to von Frey filament stimulation and by discriminative analysis of the responses evoked by graded mechanical stimuli. 5. The responses of the EPN R neurons to heat stimulation of the skin showed decreased thresholds and increased responses to suprathreshold stimuli, resulting in a significant leftward shift of the stimulus-response curve compared with both reference and control groups. The neurons from the control group showed responses comparable to reference group values. 6. Neurons from the reference group tested with the cooling stimuli showed no evoked response above background.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Gas chromatographic evaluation of plasma triglyceride composition in hyperlipidemia

The molecular distribution of human plasma triglycerides was studied by gas—liquid chromatography. Triglycerides of the total plasma lipids are separated into fractions according to molecular weight. Individual fractions consist of molecules containing constant numbers of carbon atoms in the acyl chains. The carbon number serves to designate the fraction. In normal plasma it is possible to separate plasma triglycerides into four main fractions: C 48, C 50, C 52, and C 54. The reference group consists of 199 apparently healthy subjects (93 men, 106 women) and is stratified according to age. Triglyceride values were adjusted to age and sex. Parameters of triglyceride fractions C 48-C 56 were calculated after arcsin transformation of percentage values. The group of hypertriglyceridemic subjects totals 113 (56 men, 57 women). Their adjusted triglyceride values exceed the 95 percentile of the reference group values. Analysis of the triglyceride fractions gives the following results: 1. In more than a quarter of the hypertriglyceridemic patients a different molecular distribution was demonstrated. Mostly it was fraction C 56 that was increased in proportion. 2. There seems not to be an anomaly of triglyceride molecular distribution associated with any type of hyperlipoproteinemia. Nevertheless, in a family with type III hyperlipoproteinemia we observed a constant increase of C 56 and higher fractions. Fraction C 56 and higher molecular weight fractions contain one or more twenty-carbon or longer fatty acids chains. We conclude that hypertriglyceridemia in about one quarter of cases is associated with a disorder of the metabolism of triglyceride molecules containing C 20 or longer fatty acid chains.