Sick Control Research Articles

Are Sub-elite Athletes at Higher Risk of Eating Disorders, Exercise Addiction, Depression, and Low Energy Availability Compared With Elite Athletes?

The main objective of this study was to investigate the risk of eating disorders, exercise addiction, depression, and low energy availability (LEA) in Danish female and male elite compared with sub-elite athletes. A cross-sectional study. An online survey. A total of 410 elite athletes (mean age 20.1 years, 51% females) and 206 sub-elite athletes (mean age 21.3 years, 52% females) from 15 different sports.Assessment of Risk Factors: Eating Disorders, exercise addiction, depression, and LEA. The Sick Control, One Stone (6.5 kg), Fat, Food, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, the Exercise Addiction Inventory, the Major Depression Inventory, and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire or the Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire. We found that more female sub-elite athletes compared with elite athletes had risk of eating disorders (EDs) (37.4% vs 23.4%; P < 0.012) and the same was found for males (23.2% vs 10.4%; P = 0.005). More athletes with risk of EDs had risk of exercise addiction (12.8 vs 5.4%, P = 0.006), depression (27.3 vs 4.2%, P < 0.001), and LEA (females 55.1 vs 40.7%, P = 0.024, and males 29.4 vs 13.7%, P = 0.036, respectively) compared with athletes without risk of EDs. Sub-elite athletes have a higher risk of eating disorders compared with elite athletes. Regular screening of ED symptoms and associated conditions in elite and especially sub-elite athletes may ensure early identification.

Effective Role of Cytotoxic CD8+ T Cell in Iraqi Alopecia areata Patients

Abstract Background: The overall lifetime disease risk for Alopecia areata, a common condition affecting the hair and nails, in the general population is 2%. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease, although the exact pathophysiology of AA is still unknown. Variations in cytokines produced by CD4 and CD8 T cells are thought to be the main contributors to hair loss. CD8+ T cells target intra-follicular regions, while NK cells and CD4 + T cells congregate, and CD8+ T cells target intra-follicular regions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of CD8 T cells in Iraqi individuals with Alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: The study groups consisted of two groups: 1) 45 Alopecia areata patients (32 males and 13 females) with ages ranging from 5 to 59, and 2) 45 people in the control group who were in good health, had been examined by a physician, and were between the ages of 4 and 50, using the ELISA technique. The quantitative measurement of serum levels of CD8+ was performed. Results: The findings between the groups under investigation revealed an elevated mean for CD8 + 323.7127.3 ng/mL and healthy controls 159.862.1 ng/mL, respectively. The findings revealed a marked rise in the serum CD8+ mean levels between the sick and healthy control groups, a strong correlation across all parameters (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study concluded that Alopecia areata is more prevalent in men than in women. It also found a highly significant relationship (P &lt; 0.05) between the mean CD8+ circulating blood levels in patients and the healthy control group.

A comprehensive analysis of albuminuria in canine chronic kidney disease.

Albuminuria, an important marker of decreased kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is not routinely used for CKD detection or proteinuria appearance. Its relationships with biochemical parameters and blood pressure in dogs are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of albuminuria with various CKD markers, its correlation with the urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), and hypertension in dogs with early stages of CKD. It also sought to determine the usability of the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UAC) for CKD screening. The study reviewed records of 102 dogs, categorising them into four groups based on disease status. UAC and UPC ratio, biochemistry and haematology variables, age, and systolic blood pressure were determined. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between log-transformed values of UPC and UAC was r = 0.902 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.93). Median UAC ratio values were 2.1mg/g for the Healthy control group (n = 17), 54.2mg/g for early stages CKD (n = 42), 5.8mg/g for Acute sick control (n = 30), and 104mg/g for Chronic sick control (n = 13). Thresholding UAC ratio as an indicator for impaired kidney function with the threshold of 10mg/g (established based on the receiver operating characteristic curve) had a sensitivity 81.8%, specificity of 89.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) 90%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 80.1%. The correlation of UAC with biochemistry and haematology variables was statistically significant; for SDMA (μg/L), it was r = 0.566 and for other variables, it was weak to moderate. UAC was markedly elevated in cases of severe hypertension. UAC ratio was significantly different among dogs with impaired and not impaired kidney function. The correlation strength for the UAC and UPC ratios was high. UAC ratio may be a promising marker for proteinuria analysis in dogs with CKD or other kidney function alterations.

Use of Social Media, Satisfaction with Body Image, and the Risk of Manifesting Eating Disorders

Eating disorders in adolescents are an increasingly important issue nowadays. Although they have been shown to be a pathology with multifactorial causes, the objective of our study is to determine the degree of influence that body dissatisfaction and the use of social media (time and type) might have on the risk of manifesting eating disorders. To perform this, the Sick Control One Fat Food scale was used as part of a randomized survey carried out among 12 schools in Almería (Spain). The sample consisted of 605 students in Compulsory Secondary Education between the ages of 12 and 17 years (M = 14.27; SD = 1.44), 48.42% female and 51.52% male. Cross-tabulation tables were constructed to observe the relationship of sex and age with the risk of manifesting EDs, and, subsequently, a two-factor ANOVA was performed using the risk of suffering from an eating disorder as a dependent variable. The results show that 29.3% of the respondents express an elevated risk of suffering from an eating disorder. There are no significant differences regarding sex, but there are differences regarding age. It was also observed that dissatisfaction with body image is a significant risk factor, but not the time that young people spend on social media. Furthermore, the type of content displayed on social media has a significant influence, both independently and together with body dissatisfaction. The main conclusion highlighted in this study relates to the importance of self-perceived body image (satisfaction and dissatisfaction) and its relationship with the type of content seen on social media. For this reason, it is essential to work on self-esteem at an early age as well as learn to value others and oneself beyond just the physical.

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia and Clinically Suspected Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs, a Pilot Study

Acute pancreatitis can be a complication of massive hemolysis, above all when intravascular in nature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between canine immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and clinically suspected acute pancreatitis (CSAP) and the role of calculated free plasma hemoglobin (Hbfp) in CSAP occurrence/development. In this cohort study the records of 95 dogs with IMHA and 95 sick dogs with pathologies other than IMHA were compared for CSAP occurrence/development. At presentation, 12/95 dogs with IMHA met criteria for CSAP, while only 3/95 sick control dogs met these criteria (χ2 =1.58, P = .008). Within 7 days of hospitalization 9 additional dogs with IMHA had developed CSAP. The Hbfp was calculated and compared for dogs with IMHA that had/developed CSAP and for those without CSAP. In dogs with IMHA, a calculated Hbfp concentration ≥ 0.08 g/dL resulted in an increased relative risk (RR) of having/developing CSAP (RR = 2.54, 95% CI, 1.51-4.29; P = .003). No significant effect on short-term prognosis in dogs with IMHA was found between those having/developing CSAP and those without CSAP. This study showed that dogs with IMHA have an increased risk of having CSAP and Hbfp concentration may be involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.

Detoxification of Cadmium on Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus) with Natural Chelator of Fruiting Body Extract of Ganoderma lucidum

Cadmium is a heavy metal pollutant sourced from various industries and toxic to the kidneys. Cadmium exposure can be used natural chelator of ethanol extract of the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. The aim of the study was to determine the effect and effective dose of the ethanolic extract of the fruiting body of G. lucidum on reducing the toxicity effect of cadmium in male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain. The research design was experimental research, which consisted of 5 treatment levels. The research parameters were blood cadmium, β2-microglobulin, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels. The ethanolic extract of fruiting body of G. lucidum was tested by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) to determine linalool as active compounds. The results of each parameter had a significant effect, which decreased blood cadmium, β2M and MDA levels, and increased SOD level that linear according to the addition of the dose of ethanol extract of the fruiting body of G. lucidum. Blood cadmium levels with β2M and MDA levels had a positive correlation, while blood cadmium levels with SOD levels had a negative correlation. The dominant compound detected was linalool which has potential as a radical scavenger. The dose of 750 mg.kgBW-1 is the effective dose of the ethanolic extract of fruiting body of G. lucidum based on a decrease in blood cadmium levels (54.10%), β2M (63.94%) and MDA (20.31%), as well as an increase in SOD levels (14.20%) compared to sick control.

Dayak Onion Tuber (Eleutherine Bulbosa (Mill) (Urb) Extract Ethanol Test on The Histopatological Description of Pancreas Wistar Rat Inducted Streptozotocin

This study aimed to determine the effect of Dayak Union tuber (Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill) Urb) ethanol extract on the regeneration of pancreatic β cells of Wistar rats induced streptozotocin. This research is laboratory experimental study by using 30 rats, they are divided into 5 groups, each group consisting of 6 rats, they are group 1 (normal control), group 2 (sick control) was given Na CMC 1 % b/v, Group 3 (positive control) was given glibenclamide at a dose of 0.25 mg / KgBW, Group 4,5 and 6 were given (Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill) Urb) extract at a dose of 125 mg / KgBB, 250 mg / KgBB and 500 mg / kgBW orally for 15 consecutive days. The histopathological damage level of the pancreas was observed with HE staining using a 400x magnification Olympus Cx-21 microscope. The result of the study showed that there were secondary metabolites of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and tannins in the ethanol extract of Eleutherine palmifolia (Mill) Urb); The histopathological description showed that the damage to the structure of Langerhans islands and only a dose of 500 mg / KgBB the ethanol extract of Eleutherine palmifolia (Mill) Urb) showed improvement.&#x0D; Keywords: Dayak Onion Tuber; histopathological; extract ethanol

Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness analysis in patients having relative afferent pupillary defect.

To determine the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in patients having relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 patients with posterior segment disease and glaucoma presenting with RAPD. The control group comprised 30 patients with the aforementioned diseases without RAPD. RAPD was graded using neutral density filters placed over the unaffected eye. Peripapillary RNFL thickness and macular GCC were measured using the Cirrus HD-OCT machine. There were 45 males and 15 females. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference in the mean of average RNFL thickness in patients having RAPD (64.73 ± 15.16 μm in the affected eyes) as compared to sick control (82.73 ± 11.33 μm in the affected eyes). It was further observed that there was a decrease in RNFL thickness with advancing grades of RAPD. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference in the mean of average GCC thickness in patients having RAPD (51.57 ± 14.96 μm in the affected eyes) as compared to sick control (76.36 ± 8.06 μm in the affected eyes). Our study suggests that there is a significant reduction in RNFL thickness and GCC thickness in RAPD patients as compared to the sick control group.

Psychological and social impact on parents of children with feeding difficulties

ObjectivesThe prevalence of feeding disorders (FDs) and picky eating in children is high in our region, based on the parents’ perceptions. Although organic disease or a nutritional impact is rarely observed in these children, the problem frequently has an effect on family dynamics. We aimed to estimate the impact of these disorders on the stress level, quality of life and psychological health of families. MethodsStudy of cases (FDs) and controls (healthy controls and controls with digestive disorders or other illness). We assessed parental stress and the risk of psychological distress in these families using validated scales (Parent Stress Index Short Form [PSI-SF] and Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-28]) and a parental opinion survey. ResultsWe collected a total of 238 surveys, 102 corresponding to healthy controls, 88 to controls with digestive disorders and 48 to children with FDs. We found that 45.8% of parents in the FD group felt neglected by their paediatricians and 47.9% did not agree with the paediatrician’s recommendations. In addition, 54.2% reported limitations to their social life, 25% problems in their relationship, 47.9% feeling judged by others (12.5% by their own partner) for how they managed mealtimes, and 37.5% having sought or considered seeking psychological support. All these problems were significantly more frequent compared to controls. Based on the GHQ-28, the risk of anxiety and depression was more frequent in parents in the FD group: 54.2% compared to the reference (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] compared to controls, 4.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96−8.87; OR compared to sick controls, 6.25; 95% CI, 2.79−13.98) and 33.3% compared to the healthy control group. They also had higher stress scores (PSI-SF) compared to the healthy control group (adjusted mean difference [AMD], 21; 95% CI, 12.19−29.81) and the sick control group (AMD, 20; 95% CI, 9.81−30.19). ConclusionsParents of children with FDs have a high level of stress and risk of anxiety and depression, with repercussions at the social, family, couple and work levels. The relationship with the paediatrician may also be affected.

Identifying eating disorders in adolescents and adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review of screening questionnaires.

ObjectiveThis review aimed to examine the validity of self‐report screening questionnaires for identifying eating disorder (ED) risk in adults and adolescents with overweight/obesity.MethodFive databases were searched from inception to September 2020 for studies assessing validation of self‐report ED screening questionnaires against diagnostic interviews in adolescents and adults with overweight/obesity. The review was registered with PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=220013).ResultsTwenty‐seven papers examining 15 questionnaires were included. Most studies validated questionnaires for adults (22 of 27 studies), and most questionnaires (12 of 15) screened for binge eating or binge‐eating disorder (BED). The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (sensitivity = .16–.88, specificity = .62–1.0) and Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns (sensitivity = .07–1.0, specificity = .0–1.0) were most frequently validated (six studies each). Five studies of three questionnaires were in adolescents, with the Adolescent Binge‐Eating Disorder Questionnaire having highest sensitivity (1.0) but lower specificity (.27). Questionnaires designed to screen for BED generally had higher diagnostic accuracy than those screening for EDs in general.DiscussionQuestionnaires have been well validated to identify BED in adults with overweight/obesity. Validated screening tools to identify other EDs in adults and any ED in adolescents with overweight/obesity are lacking. Thus, clinical assessment should inform the identification of patients with co‐morbid EDs and overweight/obesity.Public SignificanceIndividuals with overweight/obesity are at increased risk of EDs. This review highlights literature gaps regarding screening for ED risk in this vulnerable group. This work presents possibilities for improving care of individuals with overweight/obesity by reinventing ED screening tools to be better suited to diverse populations.

Repercusión psicológica y social de los padres y madres de niños con dificultades de alimentación

ObjectivesThe prevalence of feeding disorders (FDs) and picky eating in children is high in our region, based on the parents’ perceptions. Although organic disease or a nutritional impact is rarely observed in these children, the problem frequently has an effect on family dynamics. We aimed to estimate the impact of these disorders on the stress level, quality of life and psychological health of families. MethodsStudy of cases (FDs) and controls (healthy controls and controls with digestive disorders or sick controls). We assessed parental stress and the risk of psychological distress in these families using validated scales (Parent Stress Index Short Form and Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire) and a parental opinion survey. ResultsWe collected a total of 238 surveys, 102 corresponding to healthy controls, 88 to controls with digestive disorders and 48 to children with FDs. We found that 45.8% of parents in the FD group felt neglected by their paediatricians and 47.9% did not agree with the paediatrician's recommendations. In addition, 54.2% reported limitations to their social life, 25% problems in their relationship, 47.9% feeling judged by others (12.5% by their own partner) for how they managed mealtimes, and 37.5% having sought or considered seeking psychological support. All these problems were significantly more frequent compared to controls. Based on the Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire, the risk of anxiety and depression was more frequent in parents in the FD group: 54.2% compared to the reference (adjusted odds ratio compared to controls, 4.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96-8.87; odds ratio compared to sick controls, 6.25; 95% CI, 2.79-13.98) and 33.3% compared to the healthy control group. They also had higher stress scores (Parent Stress Index Short Form) compared to the healthy control group (adjusted mean difference, 21; 95% CI, 12.19-29.81) and the sick control group (adjusted mean difference, 20; 95% CI, 9.81-30.19). ConclusionsParents of children with FDs have a high level of stress and risk of anxiety and depression, with repercussions at the social, family, couple and work levels. The relationship with the paediatrician may also be affected.

Modulasi Neurotransmitter pada Gangguan Kognitif Hewan Coba dengan Nanoemulsi Ekstrak Ipomoea aquatica Forsk

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, including all intellectual functions, causing a person to experience difficulties in carrying out daily activities. Ipomoea aquatica Forsk is a plant that has a high antioxidant content that can improve cognitive behavior, memory and increase neurotransmitters. The purpose of this study was to determine the modulating effect of the neurotransmitter nanoemulsion extract of Ipomoea aquatica Forsk on cognitive impairment in experimental animals. This study used 5 groups of mice consisting of a normal control group, a sick control group, a drug control group with two dose levels, namely nanoemulsion extract of Ipomoea aquatica Forsk 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW, and a comparison group, each group consisted of 5 mice. All groups were induced by trimethyltin (TMT) except the normal group. The memory image was obtained from the Morris Water Maze test which was analyzed by one-way repeated measure ANOVA. The Ipomoea aquatica Forsk extract nanoemulsion with a dose of 200 mg/kg BW was able to improve the cognitive function of experimental animals, which was indicated by the Ipomoea aquatica Forsk extract test results showing almost the same MWM results as mice were given donepezil.

Assessment of Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges of Pharmaceuticals Inventory Control Among Pharmacy Professionals Working in Selected Public Health Facilities of West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background:Good pharmaceutical inventory control enables health facilities (HFs) to provide complete health care by ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and affordable pharmaceuticals and related supplies of the required quality, inadequate quantity, at the required place and at all times. It boosts patients’ trust in the HFs and motivates working staff. However, it needs well-trained and skilled professionals. The aim of the current study was, therefore, assessing knowledge, practice, and challenges of pharmacy professionals conducting inventory control in selected public health facilities of West Arsi Zone, Oromia regional state for the year 2016 to 2018.Method:A mixed-methods study design was used to assess pharmacy professionals’ knowledge, skills, and challenges in applying inventory management methods. A semi-structured questionnaire was implemented for quantitative, whereas an open-ended question was employed for key informants (KIs) to explore qualitative data.Result:Ninety percent of pharmacy professionals knew about VEN analysis concepts and 70% about ABC analysis. However, none of them had a concept of FSN and XYZ analysis. Among the respondents who knew the concept, 75% had gained knowledge through formal training and 10% of them learned from on-job training. When they asked about the methods of inventory control, 60% responded as they did not hear about it. Of those who said “Yes” on being asked to mention at least 1 method of it, 80% could not able to correctly mention the methods used in inventory control. However, 44%, 62.5%, and 75% of respondents had practiced ABC, VED, and ABC-VED matrix analysis respectively. The challenges that prevented these professionals from practicing pharmaceutical inventory control in their HFs were grouped into price-related, training-related, human resource-related, and managerial-related factors.Conclusion:Inventory control is the heart of the pharmaceutical supply system. Without its healthy action, HFs’ goal attainment will not be viable. Problems of sick pharmaceutical inventory control are directly related to a lack of knowledge and appreciation of it by the concerned bodies. The current finding revealed almost all pharmacy professionals included in the study had little knowledge about how to manage their inventories. Managers’ unwillingness to cooperate and facilitate necessary resources prevented the professionals from doing inventory control.

Prevalence and control of hypertension in adults in China, 2018

Objective: To describe and compare the prevalence, sick status awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adults aged 18 years and above in China. Methods: National Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 298 counties/districts in China in 2018, which covered 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities). A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 194 779 permanent residents aged 18 years and above. Face to face questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect the information about their demographic characteristics, hypertension diagnosis and treatment as well as the blood pressures measurement. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured using certified medical upper arm electronic sphygmomanometer for the adults. After excluding those with abnormal blood pressure, 179 873 adults were included in the final analyses. Gender, age and area or region specific mean blood pressure, the prevalence, sick status awareness, control and treatment rates of hypertension, and blood pressure measurement were evaluated for the adults surveyed. All the results were weighted according to complex sampling scheme and had post-stratification to represent the whole adult population in China. Results: The average systolic blood pressure was (127.7±18.8) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and the average diastolic blood pressure was (76.8±11.2) mmHg in the adults aged 18 years and above in China in 2018. Among the adults without history of hypertension, 50.9%(95%CI:49.9%-51.9%) had prehypertension. The prevalence rate of hypertension in adults in China was 27.5% (95%CI: 26.6%-28.4%). In men, 30.8% (95%CI: 29.8%-31.9%) had hypertension, compared with 24.2% (95%CI: 23.3%-25.1%) in women. The rural adults had higher hypertension prevalence rate [29.4% (95%CI: 28.4%-30.3%)] compared with urban adults [25.7% (95%CI: 24.4%-27.1%), P<0.000 1]. The highest hypertension prevalence rate was observed in adults in northern China [33.3% (95%CI: 31.5%-35.2%)], followed by that in adults in northeastern China [32.7% (95%CI: 28.1%-37.4%)] compared with other regions in China, and with significant differences (P<0.000 1). Among the adults with hypertension, 41.0% (95%CI: 39.7%-42.4%) were aware of their sick status, 34.9% (95%CI: 33.6%-36.1%) were taking antihypertensive medicines, and 11.0% (95%CI: 10.2%-11.8%) had their blood pressure controlled. In the hypertensive patients, women and urban residents were more likely to have higher rates of sick status awareness, treatment and control of hypertension compared with men and rural residents (all P<0.000 1). Among the adults without history of hypertension, 41.9%(95%CI: 40.7%-43.2%) had active or passive measurement of blood pressure in the past 3 months. Conclusions: Given the higher prevalence rate of hypertension and lower blood pressure measurement rate in Chinese adults, as well as unsatisfied status of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in patients, more efforts should be made in hypertension prevention and control, such as improved risk factor intervention and case management, especially in rural areas.

Cross-cultural adaptation and translation into Brazilian Portuguese of the instruments Sick Control One Stone Fat Food Questionnaire (SCOFF), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Clinical Impairment Assessment Questionnaire (CIA).

Introduction Eating disorders (EDs) affect up to 13% of young people and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, important, internationally recognized instruments for brief ED screening (Sick Control One Stone Fat Food Questionnaire [SCOFF]), symptom severity assessment and diagnosis (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q]) and assessment of ED-associated psychosocial impairment (Clinical Impairment Assessment Questionnaire [CIA]) were not yet available in Brazilian Portuguese. Our objective was to perform the cross-cultural adaptation and translation into Brazilian Portuguese of the instruments SCOFF, EDE-Q and CIA.Method The process involved a series of standardized steps, as well as discussions with experts. First, the relevance and adequacy of the scales’ items to our culture and population were extensively discussed. Then, two independent groups translated the original documents, creating versions that were compared. With the participation of external ED experts (i.e., who did not take part in the translation process), synthesized versions were produced. The syntheses were then applied to a focal group of patients with ED (n = 8). After that step, a preliminary version of the three scales in Brazilian Portuguese was produced and sent for back-translation by two English native speakers, who worked independently. A synthesis of the back-translations, along with the preliminary versions in Brazilian Portuguese, were sent to the original authors.Results The Brazilian Portuguese versions of SCOFF, EDE-Q and CIA were approved by the original authors and are now available for use.Conclusion This study provides important tools for the ED research field in Brazil.

Cytokine and Chemokine Profiling in Cats With Sepsis and Septic Shock.

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition associated with an exacerbated production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that can promote a hyperactive response to infection or induce immunoparalysis. Data regarding the immune response to sepsis in cats are scarce. Establishing the profiles of cytokines and chemokines in feline sepsis to characterize the nature of the immune responses to sepsis might enable individualized treatments to be developed and targeted.Objective: To evaluate the cytokine and chemokine network in cats with sepsis and septic shock, and to investigate the associations of these analytes with disease severity and outcome.Methods: Blood samples prospectively collected at presentation of cats with sepsis and septic shock to two veterinary teaching hospitals were analyzed. Forty healthy cats were included as controls. A 19-plex feline cytokine/chemokine magnetic bead assay system was used to measure analytes in citrated plasma samples. Cytokine concentrations were compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc correction for multiple comparisons. Cytokine concentrations were compared between survivors and non-survivors with the Mann-Whitney U test. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. A multivariable logistic regression model for prediction of septic shock was constructed.Results: The study enrolled 35 septic cats. Many cytokines were undetectable in both sick and healthy control cats and were excluded from subsequent analyses. Comparisons of cytokine concentrations among healthy controls, cats with sepsis (n = 12) and cats with septic shock (n = 23) revealed that sick cats (sepsis or septic shock) had significantly higher plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, KC-like, and RANTES compared to healthy controls. The combination of MCP-1, Flt-3L, and IL-12 was predictive of septic shock. None of the cytokines analyzed was predictive of outcome in this study population.Conclusion: Plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, KC-like, and RANTES are increased in cats with sepsis and may play important roles in pathogenesis. Multivariable modeling suggested that analysis of cytokines might aid differentiation of septic shock from sepsis. None of the cytokines analyzed was predictive of outcome. Measurement of these cytokines might enable future studies to better diagnose and characterize feline sepsis and septic shock.

Adaptive immune cell activation in acute pediatric traumatic brain injury

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is mediated by mechanical injury to the brain resulting in tissue shearing, and characterized by neuronal injury and inflammation. We hypothesize that TBI activates brain-targeting immune responses which can induce secondary neuronal injury. Blood and cerebral spinal fluid (external ventricular drain, EVD) were collected from pediatric TBI patients (pTBI, 1–18 yrs.) at days 1, 3 and 5 following TBI and EVD placement. The blood from sick controls (0–18 yrs, no CNS injury) were collected at day 1 post injury. pTBI patients exhibited a higher quantity of leukocytes (CD45+) relative to controls (p=0.01) on day 1 post-TBI, indicating an immediate and robust immune modulation due to CNS injury, that decreased at days 3 and 5, relative to day 1. Major subsets of adaptive immune cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD19) did not exhibit altered cellularity relative to controls but activated adaptive T cells (CD4+CD161+and CD8+CD161+) were substantially higher at day 1 versus controls. Neuronal autoreactivity was evaluated by labeling peripheral blood mononuclear cells with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and culturing with neuronal and control antigens. Response to antigen was determined by dilution of CFSE (proliferation) and expression of CD25 (activation). Autoreactivity analysis of pTBI patients revealed a decrease in the CD4 T-cell responses to CNS antigens relative to sick control patients. Interestingly, the CD8 T-cell analysis revealed CNS-specific autoimmune responses absent in pTBI patients which were present in sick controls. Based on these initial observations, we hypothesize that the adaptive immune system is activated upon TBI and can potentially target CNS resident cells in young patients.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific cytokine biomarkers for the diagnosis of childhood TB in a TB-endemic setting

The tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assays have limitations in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB), particularly in children. This study investigated the performance of candidate M. tuberculosis-specific cytokine biomarkers for TB in children in a TB-endemic setting. A total of 237 children with a household contact with smear-positive pulmonary TB were recruited. Importantly, a group of children with illnesses other than TB (sick controls) was included to assess specificity.Median IFN-ɣ, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-13, IP-10, MIP-1β and TNF-α responses were significantly higher in children with active TB and latent TB infection (LTBI) than in both healthy and sick control children. Three of these cytokines – IL-2, IL-13 and IP-10 – showed better performance characteristics than IFN-ɣ, with IL-2 achieving positive and negative predictive values of 97.7% and 90.7%, respectively. Furthermore, IL-1ra and TNF-α responses differed significantly between active TB and LTBI cases, suggesting that they may be stage-specific biomarkers.Our data indicate that incorporating these biomarkers into future blood-based TB assays could result in substantial performance gains.

The risk of eating disorders and academic performance in adolescents: DADOS study.

eating disorders (ED) are complex multifactorial chronic diseases with adverse consequences on cognition in adolescence. the main aim of the present study was to analyze the association between the risk of ED and academic performance in adolescents,considering the key role of weight status. a total of 261 adolescents (13.9 ± 0.3 years) from the DADOS (Deporte, Adolescencia y Salud) Study were included in the analysis.The risk of ED was assessed using the Sick Control on Fast Food (SCOFF) questionnaire. Weight status was assessed by body mass index (BMI)(kg/m2). Academic performance was assessed through final grades and through the Spanish version of the SRA Test of Educational Ability (TEA). the risk of ED was negatively associated with academic grades, and with verbal and numeric abilities measured through TEA. Adolescentswith non-eating disorder risk showed higher scores in academic grades (but not in the TEA components). Overweight and obese adolescentsreported higher risk of ED. the risk of ED is negatively associated with academic performance, being higher in overweight and obese adolescents. Interventionalprograms aimed to improve academic performance should take into account weight status and the risk of ED.

Hemostatic findings of pleural fluid in dogs and the association between pleural effusions and primary hyperfibrino(geno)lysis: A cohort study of 99 dogs.

The primary objective of this study was to determine if activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis occurs in canine pleural effusions. Thirty-three dogs with pleural effusions of different origin were studied. Pleural effusion fibrinogen concentrations were significantly lower, while pleural fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer concentrations were significantly higher than those in plasma (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). These results show that, in canine pleural fluids, there is evidence of coagulation activation and fibrinolysis. The secondary aims of the current study were to determine if primary hyperfibrinolysis ([PHF] i.e., elevated plasma FDPs with a normal D-dimer concentrations), occurs in dogs with pleural effusion, and whether the presence of a concurrent inflammatory process may have activated the hemostatic cascade, with its intrinsically linked secondary hyperfibrinolysis, masking the concurrent PHF. The previously 33 selected dogs with pleural effusion (group 1) were compared to two control groups of 33 healthy (group 2) and 33 sick dogs without pleural effusion (group 3). Serum fibrinogen, FDPs, D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen/CRP ratio, and frequency of PHF were determined. Fibrinogen, FDPs, D-dimer and CRP concentrations in group 1 were significantly increased compared to group 2 (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). FDPs and CRP concentrations in group 1 were also significantly increased compared to group 3 (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The fibrinogen/CRP ratio was significantly decreased in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.001 for both comparison). The frequency of PHF was significantly higher in group 1 compared to groups 2 (P = 0.004), but not compared to group 3. These results support the hypothesis that PHF occurs significantly more often in dogs with pleural effusion compared to healthy dogs. Nevertheless, the decrease in the fibrinogen/CRP ratio in group 1 compared to group 3, considering the higher FDPs and similar D-dimer concentrations, would suggest that PHF is also more frequent in dogs with pleural effusion compared to sick control dogs, and that this phenomenon is hidden due to concurrent secondary hyperfibrinolysis.