SF Levels Research Articles

Genotype Distribution and Clinical Characteristics of Thalassemia Patients Needing Transfusion in Yangjiang, Western Guangdong

Plain Language SummaryThis study is a retrospective research that investigates the genotype distribution and iron metabolic imbalance in thalassemia patients requiring blood transfusion. Eighty-four thalassemia patients needing transfusion were enrolled in the study and underwent genotype analysis. Among these patients, 56 were transfusion-dependent and 28 were non-transfusion-dependent. Of the 56 transfusion-dependent patients, 48 were observed for 3 years, and their iron overload status was analyzed in this study. Our research found that among the 84 thalassemia patients needing transfusion, there were six types of α-thalassemia deletions and nine types of β-thalassemia mutations. Among the 56 transfusion-dependent patients, three types of α-thalassemia genotypes and 15 types of β-thalassemia genotypes were identified. Among the 48 transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients observed for 3 years, 40 patients exhibited iron overload with SF levels exceeding 1,000 ng/mL. The recent SF levels were lower than those 3 years ago. Our study found that β-thalassemia is the most common type of transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Standard blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy are necessary for transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients. While some patients show a reduction in SF levels after 3 years of treatment, there are still individuals who exhibit elevated levels necessitating ongoing management.

Functional Insights into the Sphingolipids C1P, S1P, and SPC in Human Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes by Proteomic Analysis.

The (patho)physiological function of the sphingolipids ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) in articular joints during osteoarthritis (OA) is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the influence of these lipids on protein expression by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from OA knees. Cultured human FLSs (n = 7) were treated with 1 of 3 lipid species-C1P, S1P, or SPC-IL-1β, or with vehicle. The expression of individual proteins was determined by tandem mass tag peptide labeling followed by high-resolution electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry after liquid chromatographic separation (LC-MS/MS/MS). The mRNA levels of selected proteins were analyzed using RT-PCR. The 3sphingolipids were quantified in the SF of 18 OA patients using LC-MS/MS. A total of 4930 proteins were determined using multiplex MS, of which 136, 9, 1, and 0 were regulated both reproducibly and significantly by IL-1β, C1P, S1P, and SPC, respectively. In the presence of IL-1ß, all 3 sphingolipids exerted ancillary effects. Only low SF levels of C1P and SPC were found. In conclusion, the 3 lipid species regulated proteins that have not been described in OA. Our results indicate that charged multivesicular body protein 1b, metal cation symporter ZIP14, glutamine-fructose-6-P transaminase, metallothionein-1F and -2A, ferritin, and prosaposin are particularly interesting proteins due to their potential to affect inflammatory, anabolic, catabolic, and apoptotic mechanisms.

Association of serum ferritin and all-cause mortality in AKI patients: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSerum ferritin (SF) is clinically found to be elevated in many disease conditions, and our research examines serum ferritin in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and its implication on the risk of short-term mortality in AKI.MethodsData were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV 2.2 (MIMIC-IV 2.2) database. Adult patients with AKI who had serum ferritin tested on the first day of ICU admission were included. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the relationship between SF and clinical outcomes. Subgroup analyses based on the Cox model were further conducted.ResultsKaplan–Meier survival curves showed that a higher SF value was significantly associated with an enhanced risk of 28-day mortality, 90-day mortality, ICU mortality and hospital mortality (log-rank test: p < 0.001 for all clinical outcomes). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high level of SF with mortality was significantly positive in all four outcome events (all p < 0.001). This result remains robust after adjusting for all variables. Subgroup analysis of SF with 28-day mortality based on Cox model-4 showed that high level of SF was associated with high risk of 28-day mortality in patients regardless of the presence or absence of sepsis (p for interaction = 0.730). Positive correlations of SF and 28-day mortality were confirmed in all other subgroups (p for interaction>0.05).ConclusionHigh level of SF is an independent prognostic predictor of 28-day mortality in patients with AKI.

Updated adult ferritin reference intervals based on a large, healthy UK sample, measured on Roche Cobas series analysers.

There is a lack of standardization of reference intervals (RIs) for ferritin across laboratories, particularly for postmenopausal women. Depending on the RI used, there can be more than a 4-fold difference in the upper limit of normal between laboratories, resulting in potential misinterpretation. This retrospective study used a large dataset of blood test results from 25,425 healthy participants aged 18 to 97 over a 7-year period. Exclusion criteria were used to screen out individuals with conditions known to affect iron metabolism or raise ferritin as part of the acute phase response. Distributions were assessed using density and Q-Q plots, and age-banded cut-offs were determined. The non-parametric method was used to establish RIs for sex and age bands. For females, 4 age bands were established (18-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+). For males, 2 bands were identified (18-39 and 40+). Performance against a validation dataset, followed by an expansive validation against an inclusive dataset, demonstrated the robustness of the derived RIs. This study addresses the inconsistency in serum ferritin RIs by presenting intervals based on demographic parameters. This approach can potentially enhance the accuracy of interpreting serum ferritin levels, assisting clinicians in identifying patients requiring further evaluation.

Investigation on Quality Characteristics and Antidiabetic Properties of Mulberry Leaf Fu Brick Tea

Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) exhibit antidiabetic properties; however, their taste is unappetizing, leading to limited practical applications. Although Fu brick tea has a favorable flavor, its hypoglycemic effects are weak. Hence, we combined the two to create mulberry leaf Fu brick tea (SF) and investigated its sensory perception, safety, microorganism content, key metabolites, and impact on hyperglycemic mice using the same raw materials and techniques to prepare Fu brick tea (F) and mulberry leaf brick tea (S) individually. Our study showed that SF, which comprises blended mulberry leaf primary dark tea and primary dark tea (1 : 3 g/g), was sweeter and smoother, with a median lethal dose of 22.3 g/kg, indicating that it is safe for consumption. Compared to F, caffeine levels were reduced in SF and 1-deoxynojirimycin and aminobutyric acid levels were increased. Phenolic substances and flavonoids showed increased levels in SF compared with S. These changes contribute to the taste and functionality of SF. The primary microorganisms in SF were Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Aspergillus, which contributed to the improved quality. SF demonstrated its antidiabetic effects by reducing the blood sugar levels of hyperglycemic mice, restoring the function of pancreatic cells, reducing lipid levels, and improving the antioxidant capacity of the liver. Overall, SF exhibited a better taste and antidiabetic properties than F and S, highlighting its potential as a functional beverage.

The Effect of Sulfur Carriers on Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Potatoes—A Case Study

The use of sulfur is an important factor in potato production. At the beginning of this study, a hypothesis was put forward according to which sulfur carrier affects yield (TY) and nitrogen efficiency (EN). The three-year study was conducted in a two-factor system: (1) sulfur fertilization, SF (control—without S, elemental sulfur—S0, calcium sulfate—CS), and (2) nitrogen fertilization level, NF (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N·ha−1). In addition to TY, the following EN indicators were analyzed: agronomical efficiency (EA), physiological efficiency (EPh), partial factor productivity (PFP), and recovery (R). For both sources of sulfur, an increase in TY was confirmed. After applying CS, the optimum for the maximum yield was 106 kg N·ha−1, while the application of S0 resulted in 134 kg N·ha−1. The impact of SF on the nitrogen economy decreased in the direction of EA = PFP > EF > R and depended on the sulfur carrier. A positive trend was found, associated with the increase in R under the influence of S0 and the clearly higher EPh after the application of CS. A particularly strong effect of CS on EA was evident in the range of lower nitrogen doses. The EN values depended on the meteorological conditions during the research years. The strongest variability was subject to EPh, which, as a result of SF, was significantly higher in relation to the control (without S) during the growing season, with an unfavorable distribution of precipitation. The application of CS reduced the unit nitrogen uptake (UU-N). Using path analysis, a direct relationship of Ca accumulation (controlled by N and S) with TY was demonstrated. The conducted research indicates a significant impact of sulfur fertilizers, related to TY and EN, especially visible under conditions of limited nitrogen supply.

Paper 36: Levels of Synovial Fluid Cytokines Predict Midterm Patient Reported Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

Objectives: To identify synovial fluid biomarkers associated with midterm postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). Methods: Subjects were prospectively enrolled in a cohort of patients who had synovial fluid aspirated from their knee on the day of surgery prior to undergoing APM. Biomarker analysis was performed. Preoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores including VAS pain, Lysholm and Tegner activity score were collected preoperatively. At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up postoperative outcomes were collected. Using previously described values, patients who met the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for Lysholm score were identified and groups were compared using parametric and non-parametric tests. Using preoperative and postoperative outcome scores, generalized linear models were used to explore the relationship between biomarkers and improvement in Lysholm Score, improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and postoperative KOOS-PS. Results: Fifty patients were included in the study. 34 (68%) met the MCID for the Lysholm score and 16 (32%) did not. Mean age was 51 ± 9 years for the entire cohort, with no statically significant differences between the groups (p=0.35). Both groups were majority male (p=0.37) and there were no differences in BMI (0.74) or follow-up time (p=0.20). On logistic regression, increased concentration of RANTES (β = -6.30, p = 0.04) and MMP-3 (β = -15.16, p = 0.001) were predictive of less improvement in VAS pain. . For Lysholm score, higher SF levels of IL-1 RA were predictive of greater improvement (β = 12.57, p = 0.04) while higher levels of MMP-3 were predictive of reduced improvement (β = -10.34, p = 0.007). Conclusions: This study found that at the time of surgery, intraarticular levels of MMP-3 and RANTES are predictive of poorer midterm outcomes and higher pain levels following APM. Additionally, higher levels of IL-1RA at the time of surgery were associated with greater improvement in midterm Lysholm score.

Relevance of Biomarkers in Serum vs. Synovial Fluid in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

The association between structural changes and pain sensation in osteoarthritis (OA) remains unclear. Joint deterioration in OA leads to the release of protein fragments that can either systemically (serum) or locally (synovial fluid; SF) be targeted as biomarkers and describe structural changes and potentially pain. Biomarkers of collagen type I (C1M), type II (C2M), type III (C3M), type X (C10C), and aggrecan (ARGS) degradation were measured in the serum and SF of knee OA patients. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess the correlation of the biomarkers' levels between serum and SF. Linear regression adjusted for confounders was used to evaluate the associations between the biomarkers' levels and clinical outcomes. The serum C1M levels were negatively associated with subchondral bone density. The serum C2M levels were negatively associated with KL grade and positively associated with minimum joint space width (minJSW). The C10C levels in SF were negatively associated with minJSW and positively associated with KL grade and osteophyte area. Lastly, the serum C2M and C3M levels were negatively associated with pain outcomes. Most of the biomarkers seemed to mainly be associated with structural outcomes. The overall biomarkers of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in serum and SF may provide different information and reflect different pathogenic processes.

Association between systemic iron status and β-cell function and insulin sensitivity in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Abnormal iron metabolism is related to the risk of diabetes, but the underlying mechanism of this association remains uncertain. This study was conducted to evaluate the contributions of systemic iron status to β-cell function and insulin sensitivity of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. A total of 162 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and 162 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Basic characteristics, biochemical indicators, and iron metabolism biomarkers, including serum iron (SI), ferritin (SF), transferrin (Trf), and transferrin saturation (TS), were collected. All patients underwent a 75g oral glucose tolerance test. A series of parameters for assessing β-cell function and insulin sensitivity were calculated. The multivariate stepwise linear regression model was used to investigate the contributions of iron metabolism to β-cell function and insulin sensitivity. Compared with healthy controls, patients with newly diagnosed T2DM had significantly higher levels of SF. Among the diabetic patients, the SI and TS levels were higher, and the percentage of Trf levels below normal values was lower in men than in women. In all diabetic patients, SF was the independent risk factor associated with impaired β-cell function. Further stratification analysis showed that Trf was an independent protective factor for β-cell function in male patients, while SF was an independent risk factor for impaired β-cell function in female patients. However, systemic iron status did not affect insulin sensitivity. Elevated SF levels and decreased Trf levels had a profound effect on impaired β-cell function in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.

Clinical Characteristics of Children with Hemophagocytic Syndrome with Different EB Virus DNA Loads

To analyze the clinical characteristics of hemophagocytic syndrome (HLH) children with different EB virus (EBV) DNA loads, and to explore the relationship between differential indicators and prognosis. Clinical data of 73 children with HLH treated in our hospital from January 2015 to April 2022 were collected. According to EBV DNA loads, the children were divided into negative group (≤5×102 copies/ml), low load group (>5×102-<5×105 copies/ml) and high load group (≥5×105copies/ml）. The clinical symptoms and laboratory indexes of the three groups were compared, and the ROC curve was used to determine the best cut-off value of the different indexes. Cox regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of children, and to analyze the survival of children in each group. The proportion of female children, the swelling rate of liver and spleen lymph nodes and the involvement rate of blood, liver, circulation and central nervous system in the high load group were higher than those in the negative group. The incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) and central nervous system(CNS) involvement in the high load group were higher than those in the low load group. The liver swelling rate and circulatory system involvement rate in the low load group were higher than those in the negative group(P<0.05). PLT counts in the high load group were significantly lower than those in the negative group, and the levels of GGT, TBIL, CK-MB, LDH, TG, SF, and organ involvement were significantly higher than those in the negative group. The levels of CK, LDH, SF and the number of organ involvement in the high load group were significantly higher than those in the low load group. The levels of GGT and TBIL in low load group were significantly higher than those in negative group. In terms of treatment, the proportion of blood purification therapy in the high and low load group was significantly higher than that in the negative group(P<0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off values of PLT, LDH, TG and SF were 49.5, 1139, 3.12 and 1812, respectively. The appellate laboratory indicators were dichotomized according to the cut-off value, and the differential clinical symptoms were included in the Cox regression model. Univariate analysis showed that LDH>1139 U/L, SF>1812 μg/L, dysfunction of central nervous system, number of organ damage, DIC and no blood purification therapy were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of children (P<0.05); Multivariate analysis shows that PLT≤49.5×109/L and dysfunction of central nervous system were risk factors affecting the prognosis of children (P<0.05). Survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the survival rate among the three groups. The incidence of adverse prognostic factors in children with HLH in the EBV-DNA high load group is higher, and there is no significant difference in the survival rate of the three groups after blood purification therapy. Therefore, early identification and application of blood purification therapy is of great significance for children with HLH in the high load group.

Optimal timing of a γH2AX analysis to predict cellular lethal damage in cultured tumor cell lines after exposure to diagnostic and therapeutic radiation doses.

Phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX) is a sensitive biomarker of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). To assess the adverse effects of low-dose radiation (<50mGy), γH2AX levels have typically been measured in human lymphocytes within 30min of computed tomography (CT) examinations. However, in the presence of DSB repair, it remains unclear whether γH2AX levels within 30min of irradiation completely reflect biological effects. Therefore, we investigated the optimal timing of a γH2AX analysis to predict the cell-surviving fraction (SF). Three tumor cell lines were irradiated at different X-ray doses (10-4000mGy), and the relationships between SF and relative γH2AX levels were investigated 15min and 2, 6, 12 and 24h after irradiation. Data were analyzed for high-dose (0-4000mGy) and low-dose (0-500mGy) ranges. Correlations were observed between SF and the relative number of γH2AX foci/nucleus at 12h only (R2 = 0.68, P = 0.001 after high doses; R2 = 0.37, P = 0.016 after low doses). The relative intensity of γH2AX correlated with SF 15min to 12h after high doses and 2 to 12h after low doses, with the maximum R2 values being observed 2h after high doses (R2 = 0.89, P < 0.001) and 12h after low doses (R2 = 0.65, P < 0.001). Collectively, cellular lethal damage in tumor cells was more accurately estimated with residual DSBs 12h after low-dose (10-500mGy) irradiation. These results may contribute to determination of the optimal timing of biodosimetric analyses using γH2AX in future studies.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology Within Selected Farming Communities in Rural Sri Lanka.

Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is an emergent health concern, particularly in tropical farming communities in several global hotspots, including Sri Lanka. This particular nephropathy is characterized by a progressive decline in kidney function in the absence of conventional chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other identifiable kidney disorders. As it is almost asymptomatic at early stages, CKDu is mostly diagnosed at late stages with significant kidney damage. Hence, the identification of disease susceptibility and vulnerable communities at the earliest possible instances is highly important for the management of the disease. We aimed to compare kidney health across three different farming communities in Sri Lanka to identify CKDu susceptibilities. A cross-sectional study was performed with three selected farming communities: paddy farmers (PF; N = 581), sugarcane farmers (SF; N = 550), and vegetable farmers (VF; N = 244) in comparison with an age-matched control group of nonfarming (NF; N = 225) individuals. A medical examination was performed to investigate health status and medical history, whereas a urinalysis was performed to determine creatinine and albumin contents. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were used for assessment of kidney function. CKDu susceptibility was determined based on eGFR, and urinary ACR adhering to the clinical practice guidelines in Sri Lanka. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) eGFR levels of PF (85 mL/min/1.73 m2 [72-97]) and SF (93 mL/min/1.73 m2 [73-112]) were significantly lower than that of the NF group (103 mL/min/1.73 m2 [87-125]) (P < .0001), whereas eGFR of VF (100 mL/min/1.73 m2 [80-111]) was not significantly different compared with NF. The median (IQR) urinary ACR levels of the study groups, PF, SF, VF, and NF, were 0.59 (0.26-1.45), 0.46 (0.28-0.88), 0.45 (0.34-0.90), and 0.44 (0.34-1.02) mg/mmol, respectively. However, urinary ACR did not differ significantly across the study groups (P > .05). The prevalence of CKDu within PF (13.60%), SF (12.54%), and VF (6.67%) communities was significantly higher (P < .05) compared with the NF (2.67%). Of the total CKD cases, CKDu susceptible cases represented 73%, 69%, 50%, and 25% in PF, SF, VF, and NF, respectively, indicating a high risk of CKDu susceptibility among farming communities. Moreover, a noteworthy association of CKDu was observed with agrochemical exposure (odds ratio [OR] = 3.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-7.09). Concerning the farming practices, sugarcane farming showed the highest association with CKDu prevalence (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.49-7.78). Compared with the nonfarming group, a significant risk of CKDu was observed in the three farming communities, particularly among paddy and sugarcane farmers. Longitudinal epidemiological studies to identify vulnerable farming communities and associated risk factors are critically needed to develop effective management strategies against CKDu within farming communities.

Diagnostic Competence of Creatine Kinase BB, in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and its Prognostic Value.

Due to the very high and increasing prevalence, essential complications, and risk factors for psychiatric disorders, it is necessary to introduce screening tests for diagnosing and predicting mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) prognosis. After completing the consent form and recording information and examination findings of patients with mild trauma, venous blood samples were taken from these patients. The samples were measured by observing the cold chain. After 3 months from mTBI, the post concussion symptoms questionnaire (PCSQ) and the short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire for physical and mental evaluations were performed. Statistical tests analyzed the relationship between different variables and serum Creatine kinase BB (CKBB) levels. Statistic analyses showed no relation between CKBB level of serum and age, gender, level of consciousness, PCSQ, and SF 36 scale, and the interval between trauma and arrival to the hospital. Further, there is a significant correlation between CK-BB levels and intracranial damage based on Fisher's exact test. This study and following more significant considerations can introduce a serum-based biomarker panel that can accurately differentiate patients with complicated mTBI from those with uncomplicated.

Elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with severity and prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis: a preliminary cohort study

BackgroundSerum ferritin (SF), as an acute-phase response protein, is used to reflect the degree of oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory responses. This study was designed to assess the effect of elevated SF levels on the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).MethodsFrom January 2013 to December 2020, 200 consecutive patients with AP were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the relationships among the etiologies of pancreatitis, the severity of the disease and SF levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis were used to assess whether elevated SF levels could predict the onset of organ failure in AP.Results92 (46%) had high SF levels (> 275 ng/ml). SF levels were not associated with the etiology of AP disease. Among patients with high SF levels, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients with severe AP (23.1% vs. 76.9%) and a higher proportion of systemic inflammatory response scores (25.9% vs. 44.6%) in comparison to patients with normal SF levels. The area under the ROC curve for SF in predicting persistent organ failure was 0.812 [95% confidence interval 0.721–0.904].ConclusionsF concentrations were positively correlated with the severity of AP, and quantitative assessment of SF can predict disease severity and organ failure in patients with AP.

Iron Status in Pregnant Women in Latvia: An Epidemiological, Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study According to WHO and UK Criteria.

Background and Objectives: During pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia is a common problem associated with health risks for both the mother and her foetus/infant. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, and related dietary patterns in pregnant women in Latvia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, multicentre study included pregnancy data from 974 women. The sample selection was based on the stratification principle (population of women of childbearing age in regions of Latvia). Maternal demographic details, anthropometric measurements, iron status, dietary patterns, and supplementation information were obtained from maternal files and during interviews held in eight outpatient departments of medical institutions and maternity departments. The prevalence was assessed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify associations between iron deficiency and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and iron supplement intake during pregnancy. The criterion used for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia is a Hb level < 110 g/L in the 1st and 3rd trimesters and <105 g/L during the 2nd trimester as recommended by the WHO. However, the UK guideline was used for borderline iron deficiency, which is an SF level < 30 μg/L in all trimesters. Results: The observed prevalence of anaemia was 2.8% in the first trimester, 7.9% in the second trimester, and 27.0% in the third trimester. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 46.7% in the first trimester, 78.1% in the second trimester, and 91.7% in the third trimester. No associations with dietary patterns were found. Single women had 1.85 times the odds (95% CI 1.07 to 3.18) of being anaemic than married women. Conclusions: Iron deficiency affects a large proportion of pregnant women in Latvia in all trimesters, with iron deficiency anaemia affecting pregnant women in the third trimester. Monitoring and intervention should be performed in a timely and more targeted manner.

Чесність у взаємозв`язках з механізмами психологічного захисту у поліцейських з різним рівнем професійного самоздійснення

The analysis of domestic and foreign literature on the problem of police honesty in the context of their professional activities is covered. The specifics of the manifestation of this quality are revealed and the importance of this feature in the practice of policing is determined. In domestic psychology, honesty is considered by scientists as a moral component of the police officer’s personality, which testifies to the reliability, psychological stability and devotion to their profession. In foreign studies, honesty is interpreted through the effectiveness of activities, the quality of contacts with society and willingness to perform their activities at all times. The purpose of the study is to determine the psychological characteristics of honesty in the relationship with the mechanisms of psychological protection in police officers who have different levels of professional self-fulfillment (PS). The objectives of the study were: 1) theoretical review of psychological studies, which highlights the problem of honesty of police officers as one of the main competencies in police practice and an essential criterion in the formation of mechanisms of psychological protection; 2) determining the specifics of the manifestation of honesty in police officers with different levels of professional self-fulfillment (PS). The empirical basis of the study was 87 patrol police officers of special forces. The age of the subjects ranges from 22 to 50 years. Experience of practical work in police units ranges from 4 to 20 years. With the help of «Questionnaire of professional self-fulfillment» by O. Kokun and using the method of clustering according to the principle of k - means, we formed three groups of subjects: low, medium and high levels of PS. The first group included police officers with a low level of PS – 43 persons; the second group with an average level of SF was 20 persons, the third group of high-level of PS was 24 persons. Police officers with a low level of PS (first group) and with a high level of PS (second group) were involved in further research. To achieve this goal, the following were used: the “Honesty” questionnaire presented by the AZPS laboratory and the “Lifestyle Index” questionnaire by R. Plutchik, H. Kellerman &amp; H.R. Conte. To identify the relationship between indicators, the method of mathematical statistics was used – Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The correlation analysis allowed us to determine the place of honesty in the personality structure of police officers and to reveal the specifics of protective psychological mechanisms in police officers with different levels of PS. A group of police officers with a low-level of PS has two connections: one positive and one negative. Police officers with a high level of PS have two positive connections and one negative one.

The Clinical Significance of the Expression of the Serum BMP 6 in the Patients with Tumor-related Anemia with Lower Levels of CRP and Hepcidin

<i>Objective:</i> To research the expression characteristic and clinical significance of the serum bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) at the lower expression condition of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and Hepcidin (Hepc) in patients with tumor-related anemia. <i>Methods:</i> 113 hospitalized tumor patients from October 2019 to June 2020 and 20 healthy volunteers (control group) were recruited. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the levels of BMP6, soluble-hemojuvelin (s-HJV) and Hepc, Electrochemiluminescence method to determine SF level, and particle-enhanced immune transmission turbidity method to determine CRP level, then analyzed their expression characteristics, correlations and clinical significance. <i>Results:</i> (1) The levels of BMP6, Hepc and CRP of anemia group were respectively 426.18±202.83mg/mL, 6.58±5.41ug/L and 19.10±18.24mg/L, which were all higher than 334.37±171.32mg/mL, 4.60±2.28ug/L and 3.62±3.46mg/L of non-anemia group (<i>t</i>=2.5804, 2.4750 and 3.4144, <I>P</I><0.01, <I>P</I><0.05 and <I>P</I><0.01, respectively). (2) The level of s-HJV was 0.71±0.28ng/mL, which was obviously lower than 1.07±1.01ng/mL (<i>t</i>=2.6529, <I>P</I><0.01) in non-anemia group. (3) There were negative correlations between BMP6 and both Hb and s-HJV (respectively <i>r</i>=-0.2807, <i>t</i>=3.0812 and <i>r</i>=-0.2497, <i>t</i>=2.7230, respectively, <I>P</I> both <0.01), but there were no correlations between BMP6 and CRP, Hepc and SF. (4) Hepc was positively correlated with both CRP and SF (<i>r</i>=0.2004, <i>t</i>=2.0660 and <i>r</i>=0.3089, <i>t</i>=3.1045, <I>P</I><0.05 and <I>P</I><0.01, respectively). Hepc was negatively correlated with Hb (<i>r</i>=-0.2524, <i>t</i>=2.7525, <I>P</I><0.01). Hepc had no correlation with s-HJV (<I>P</I>>0.05). (5) The BMP6 in the normal CRP group was 461.86±142.91 mg/mL, which was significantly higher than 364.51± 129.84 mg/mL in elevated CRP group (<I>F</I>=11.35, <I>P</I><0.01). (6) Hepc, s-HJV and SF in the normal CRP group were 5.17±3.49ug/L, 0.69±0.26ng/mL and 149.89±142.34ng/mL, respectively, which were all significantly lower than 9.02±7.14ug/L, 0.76±0.33ng/mL and 288.36±254.51ng/mL in the elevated CRP group (<I>F</I>=9.56, 4.67 and 2.84, <I>P</I>=0.000, 0.09, 0.046, respectively). <i>Conclusions:</i> When tumor patients with anemia is in a low-level condition of CRP and Hepc, the high expression of BMP6 is an important cause for the occurrence and development of anemia.

Altered Cortisol Metabolism Increases Nocturnal Cortisol Bioavailability in Prepubertal Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

ObjectiveDisturbances in the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis could lead to functional alterations in the brain of diabetes patients. In a later perspective of investigating the link between the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the developing brain in children with diabetes, we assessed here nocturnal cortisol metabolism in prepubertal children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsPrepubertal patients (aged 6–12 years) diagnosed with T1DM at least 1 year previously were recruited, along with matched controls. Nocturnal urine samples were collected, with saliva samples taken at awakening and 30 minutes after awakening. All samples were collected at home over 5 consecutive days with no detectable nocturnal hypoglycaemia. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (trait scale only) and Child Depression Inventory were also completed. Glucocorticoid metabolites in the urine, salivary cortisol (sF) and cortisone (sE) were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolic data were analysed by logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, BMI and trait anxiety score.ResultsUrine glucocorticoid metabolites were significantly lower in T1DM patients compared to controls. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity was significantly higher, while 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, 5(α+β)-reductase and 5α-reductase levels were all lower, in T1DM patients compared to controls. There was a significant group difference in delta sE level but not in delta sF level between the time of awakening and 30 minutes thereafter.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that altered nocturnal cortisol metabolism and morning HPA axis hyperactivity in children with T1DM leads to greater cortisol bioavailability and lower cortisol production as a compensatory effect. This altered nocturnal glucocorticoid metabolism when cortisol production is physiologically reduced and this HPA axis hyperactivity question their impact on brain functioning.

Effect and Safety of Iron Supplementation on Mild Thalassemia Complicated by Iron Deficiency in Late Pregnancy

Aim: To study the clinical effect and safety of iron supplementation in the treatment of mild thalassemia complicated by iron deficiency in late pregnancy. Methods: 376 patients with mild thalassemia complicated by iron deficiency in late pregnancy treated in our hospital from July 2019 to June 2021 were selected and recruited in the research group, and 200 normal pregnant women treated in the same period were selected and recruited in the control group. Hemoglobin (Hb), reticulocyte blood, red blood protein (RET he) level, ferritin (SF) level, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) level, adverse maternal and infant outcomes, etc. were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in the levels of SF, Hb, RET he and sTfR between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the levels of SF, Hb, RET he and sTfR in the research group were significantly improved, which was statistically significant compared with the control group. The frequencies of intrapartum hemorrhage, premature delivery, stillbirth, hemorrhagic shock, and neonatal asphyxia in the research group were 289±47.88, 36 (9.57%), 0 (0.00%), 25 (6.65%), and 6 (1.26%), respectively. The frequencies of intrapartum hemorrhage, premature delivery, stillbirth, hemorrhagic shock, and neonatal asphyxia in the control group were 284 ± 46.99, 7 (3.50%), 0 (0.00%), 6 (3.00%), and 0 (0.00%), respectively. There were significant differences in preterm delivery and hemorrhagic shock, and there was no significant difference in other delivery outcomes. Conclusions: Under the premise of strictly controlling the iron reserve in pregnant women, continuous medication until the end of delivery may be conducive to the control of maternal thalassemia complicated by iron deficiency and the improvement of pregnancy outcome.

Some indicators of hemostasis and mortality from thrombotic complications in patients with CKD stage VD who were treated by programmed hemodialysis (five-year follow-up)

Annotation. Thrombotic complications in patients with stage VD chronic kidney disease (CKD), treated by program hemodialysis is one of the causes of high mortality in this category of patients; its major pathogenetic component proved to be hemostatic system disturbances characterized by systemic activation of blood clotting process leading to the development of thrombophilia. Objective – to study the biochemical molecular markers of hemostasis in patients with stage VD CKD, treated by program hemodialysis, and to determine their long-term effect on the development of thrombotic complications and mortality. The study included 88 patients (52 males and 36 females) aged 26 to 65 years with stage VD CKD, treated by program hemodialysis. The patients were followed up for five years. Soluble fibrin (sF) level was determined by two-site enzyme-linked immune-sorbent quantitative assay; D-dimer – by enzyme immunoassay using specific monoclonal antibodies to D-dimer epitopes; protein C (pC) activity in blood plasma was estimated by its activation with copperhead snake venom followed by spectrophotometry with wavelength 405 nm. Blood plasma fibrinogen was determined using thrombin-like enzyme Antsistron-H by spectrophotometry with wavelength 280 nm. Blood plasma fibrinolytic activity was evaluated by the relationship between D-dimer and soluble fibrin. Processing of materials was carried out using the methods of variation statistics and correlation analysis. During five years of follow up there were 13 deaths (14.8%), 7 among males and 6 among females, caused by thrombotic complications. The main thrombotic complications were myocardial infarction (6), ischemic stroke (4), mesenteric thrombosis (2) and disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC) (1) (according to pathomorphological data). The patients of general group were found to have significantly increased sF level, decreased pC as compared to the control group, as well as twofold increase of fibrinogen concentration along with decreased D-dimer/sF ratio and no response of D-dimer to increased soluble fibrin level. The tendency of D-dimer/sF ratio to increase in those who died because of thrombotic complications could be indicative of microthrombosis with formation of fibrin derivatives along with mild activation of fibrinolysis. Correlation relationships between soluble fibrin and D-dimer, fibrinogen and protein C in general group were assessed, and the following data were obtained: medium direct relationship between soluble fibrin and D-dimer (r= 0.56) (p&lt;0.001), and absence of correlation with fibrinogen (r= -0.12) and protein C (r= -0.10) (p˃0.1). Besides, strong positive correlation was demonstrated between D-dimer and soluble fibrin (r= 0.87) (p&lt;0.001), and moderately negative one between D-dimer and protein C (r= -0.21) (p&lt;0.05). It should be noted that in patients with thrombotic complications, positive correlations between soluble fibrin and D-dimer become stronger (r= 0.51) (p&lt;0.001), as well as negative ones between soluble fibrin and protein C (r= -0.22) (p&lt;0.05). Depressive state of anticoagulant component along with activation of coagulation factors are supposed to be one of the indicators predicting thrombophilia in this category of patients.