Specific Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Predicting Survival Status in COVID-19 Patients: Machine Learning Models Development with Ventilator-Related and Biochemical Parameters from Early Stages: A Pilot Study.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause intubation and ventilatory support due to respiratory failure, and extubation failure increases mortality risk. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the feasibility of using specific biochemical and ventilator parameters to predict survival status among COVID-19 patients by using machine learning. Methods: This study included COVID-19 patients from Taipei Medical University-affiliated hospitals from May 2021 to May 2022. Sequential data on specific biochemical and ventilator parameters from days 0-2, 3-5, and 6-7 were analyzed to explore differences between the surviving (successfully weaned off the ventilator) and non-surviving groups. These data were further used to establish separate survival prediction models using random forest (RF). Results: The surviving group exhibited significantly lower mean C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and mean potential of hydrogen ions levels (pH) levels on days 0-2 compared to the non-surviving group (CRP: non-surviving group: 13.16 ± 5.15 ng/mL, surviving group: 10.23 ± 5.15 ng/mL; pH: non-surviving group: 7.32 ± 0.07, survival group: 7.37 ± 0.07). Regarding the survival prediction performanace, the RF model trained solely with data from days 0-2 outperformed models trained with data from days 3-5 and 6-7. Subsequently, CRP, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2), pH, and the arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (P/F) ratio served as primary indicators in survival prediction in the day 0-2 model. Conclusions: The present developed models confirmed that early biochemical and ventilatory parameters-specifically, CRP levels, pH, PaCO2, and P/F ratio-were key predictors of survival for COVID-19 patients. Assessed during the initial two days, these indicators effectively predicted the likelihood of successful weaning of from ventilators, emphasizing their importance in early management and improved outcomes in COVID-19-related respiratory failure.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with hepatitis B: A meta-analysis.

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has increased in recent clinical practice; however, the relationship between CHB and hepatic steatosis (HS) remains controversial. To shed light on the potential association between NAFLD and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We conducted a systematic literature search using multiple databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE, to identify relevant studies. Predefined inclusion criteria were used to determine the eligibility of the studies for further analysis. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used for statistical analysis, which covered 20 studies. The results indicated a lower NAFLD susceptibility in HBV-infected individuals (pooled OR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.69-1.08; I 2 = 91.1%), with diabetes (P = 0.015), body mass index (BMI; P = 0.010), and possibly age (P = 0.061) as heterogeneity sources. Of note, in four studies (6197 HBV patients), HBV-infected individuals had a reduced NAFLD risk (OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.51-0.89, P = 0.006). A positive link between hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome emerged in hepatitis B patients, along with specific biochemical indicators, including BMI, creatinine, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. HBV infection may provide protection against HS; however, the occurrence of HS in patients with HBV infection is associated with metabolic syndrome and specific biochemical parameters.

Therapeutic Potential of Silymarin in Mitigating Paclitaxel-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity: Insights into Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rats.

Paclitaxel (PAX) is a widely used chemotherapy drug for various cancer types but often induces significant toxicity in multiple organ systems. Silymarin (SIL), a natural flavonoid, has shown therapeutic potential due to its multiple benefits. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SIL in mitigating liver and kidney damage induced by PAX in rats, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways. Experimental animal model. The study included 28 male Wistar rats aged 12-14 weeks weighing 270-300 g. The rats were divided into four groups: control, SIL, PAX, and PAX + SIL, with seven in each group. The rats received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections at a dose of 2 mg per kilogram of body weight of PAX for 5 successive days, followed by oral gavage with 200 mg/kg body mass of SIL for 10 uninterrupted days. We examined the effect of SIL on specific serum biochemical parameters using an autoanalyzer and rat-specific kits. The spectrophotometric methods was used to investigate oxidative stress indicators in kidney and liver tissues. Aquaporin-2 (AQP-2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3 (caspase-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and streptavidin-biotin staining were used to assess immunoreactivity in PAX-induced liver and kidney injury models. SIL treatment significantly reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and C-reactive protein, indicating its effectiveness in treating PAX-induced liver and kidney injury. SIL treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress by increasing essential antioxidant parameters, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione. It also reduced malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney tissues of SIL-PAX groups (p < 0.05). SIL administration reduced NF-κB, caspase-3, and IL-6 expression while increasing Bcl-2 and AQP2 levels in liver and kidney tissues of rats treated with SIL and PAX (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate the potential of SIL to alleviate PAX-induced liver and kidney damage in rats by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic processes.

Measuring the Levels of AMH, FSH, LH, TSH, Progesterone, Estrogen, Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium in Women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

This research was designed to study some hormonal and physiological aspects of women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Blood samples were collected from the Infertility and Gynecology Unit at Al-Batoul Teaching Hospital in Baqubah and private women's clinics, including ages between 20 and 40. The study took place from 12/1/2022 until 5/1/2023, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. The study included 45 women with premature ovarian insufficiency. It was compared to a control group that consisted of 45 healthy women after confirming their fertility, at ages ranging from 20 to 40 years. The study investigated the effects of specific physiological and biochemical parameters on the disease. This was done by examining hormone levels and various biochemical levels in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Some of the hormones examined were anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), progesterone, and thyroid hormone. The levels of vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium were also measured. The results of the current investigation showed that the age groups had a significant difference (P\(&lt;\)0.05) with the study groups. (patients and healthy people). The age groups 31-35 and \(&gt;\)35 years recorded the highest percentages (33.3% and 31.1%) in female patients compared to the groups \(&lt;\)20-25 and 26-30 years, which recorded the lowest percentages (15.6% and 20.0%), respectively. The outcomes of the current investigation regarding the concentration of reproductive hormones showed a significant difference. (P\(&lt;\)0.05) between the AMH, FSH, and LH hormone levels in the two study groups (patients and healthy individuals). The levels of FSH and LH were higher in patients (6.780 \(\pm\) 15.54 and 5.44 \(\pm\) 12.40) compared to healthy individuals (4.75\(\pm\) 6.51 and 4.04 \(\pm\) 0.94), respectively. On the other hand, AMH levels were lower in patients (0.18 \(\pm\) 0.42) compared to healthy individuals (0.92 \(\pm\) 3.15). In terms of TSH, E2, and Progesterone hormone levels, there were no significant differences (P\(&gt;\)0.05) between the two study groups. About the physiological investigation that included measuring the concentration of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D, the current study demonstrated a significant difference (P\(&lt;\)0.05) in the concentration of magnesium between the two groups. (patients and healthy people). The level of magnesium was low in patients (0.29 \(\pm\) 0.75) compared to healthy people (0.30 \(\pm\) 2.07). There was also a statistically significant difference (P\(&lt;\)0.05) in the level of calcium concentration between the two study groups (patients and healthy people). The calcium level was high in patients (0.45 \(\pm\) 8.33) compared to healthy people (0.58 \(\pm\) 8.02). Also, significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in the levels of vitamin D were observed between the two groups of study (patients and healthy individuals). The levels of vitamin D were low in the patients (8.62 \(\pm\) 18.88) compared to the healthy people (11.53 \(\pm\) 44.15).

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Intake Improves Lipid Profile and Liver Transaminases in Pre-diabetic Adults: A Randomized Double-blinded Trial

Background: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has garnered scientific attention for its beneficial effects on various chronic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objectives: The current study was designed and conducted to assess the influence of whole okra fruit powder on the serum levels of specific biochemical parameters in individuals with pre-diabetes. Methods: Seventy pre-diabetic patients, aged 30 - 55 years, were divided into two groups: The okra group (n = 35, fasting plasma glucose: 116.26 ± 6.02) and the placebo group (n = 35, fasting plasma glucose: 112.26 ± 5.8). The okra group received 3000 mg of okra capsules daily for eight weeks, while the placebo group received placebo capsules. Liver function, renal markers, and lipid profiles were assessed at both the baseline and the end of the experiment using a spectrophotometer. The impact of the okra intervention on biochemical parameters was determined using parametric or non-parametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, liver transaminases, and uric acid were significantly lower in the okra group compared to the placebo group. Conversely, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the okra group than in the placebo group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding triglycerides, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Conclusions: The consumption of okra effectively improved the lipid profile and certain serum parameters (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and uric acid) related to liver and kidney health in pre-diabetic participants.

The Effect of Saliva and Dental Caries of the Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis on Cytokine Levels.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dental caries and oral health of patients on salivary cytokine levels with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). The study included 30 patients (n = 30) diagnosed with HT. The standardization of the participants was achieved with specific biochemical parameters, and the sociodemographic information of the patients was obtained through anamnesis. A pH meter was employed for salivary pH measurement. After determining the oral problems of the patients, necessary treatments were applied. Following 3 months of treatment, saliva samples were taken to evaluate cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and CRP) and for ELISA analyses. The Wilcoxon test was used for pairwise comparison of nonparametric data, and the Chi-square test was employed to analyze categorical variables at P < 0.05. There was a significant decrease in salivary TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and CRP levels between the measurements before and after 3 months of treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase was found in salivary pH (P < 0.05). The salivary cytokine levels decrease and the inflammatory response improves when the inflammation in the periodontal tissues and dental caries is treated.

Effects of Short-Term Intermittent Fasting on Growth Performance, Fatty Acids Profile, Glycolysis and Cholesterol Synthesis Gene Expression in European Seabass Dicentrarchus labrax

The present study was applied to evaluate the effects of alternate feeding and feed restriction on gene expression, growth, proximate composition and biochemical indices in European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax. Fish were randomly divided into six indoor tanks with 90 fish per tank in a recirculating aquaculture system. Two feeding strategies were applied, in which the first group was fed daily to satiation and the second was intermittently fed (8 days feeding to satiation–2 days starvation) for 40 days. At the end of the experiment, outlier fish were sorted as fast growers (FG) and slow growers (SG) according to their final body weight. The differential gene expression tested was related to glycolysis (pk, ldha, hk, g3pdh, eno1 and alda), fatty acid metabolism (lpl and acc) and cholesterol synthesis (7dhcr and sqle). In addition, muscle ldha and gpi expressions were positively correlated with fish weight. The concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were not affected by the dietary treatments. Glucose and NEFA differed significantly between SG and FG fed groups. Overall, the physiological responses of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in fish, as recorded by gene expression assays, were triggered by minor interventions in feeding rather than the different growth rates. Expression of specific genes and biochemical parameters could be used as potential biomarkers to improve aquaculture practices and benefit fish husbandry through selective breeding, feeding strategies and farm management. The study provides new insights on the impact of intermittent feeding of European seabass, with gene markers and their potential effects, for European seabass aquaculture.

Assessment of Biochemical Parameters in 8- and 9-Year-Old Children with Excessive Body Weight Participating in a Year-Long Intervention Program.

Childhood obesity represents a significant challenge both clinically and socio-economically. This study aimed to assess specific biochemical parameters, particularly glucose, insulin and lipid profile, before and after a year-long intervention program in 8- and 9-year-old children with excessive body weight living in Szczecin, Poland from 2016 to 2018. The research comprised two phases: screening in elementary schools and intervention in the outpatient clinic of the clinical Pomeranian Medical University hospital. Out of 11,494 8- to 9-year-olds in Szczecin, 42.54% (4890) participated in the screening. In the intervention phase, 515 children were examined. Anthropometric measurements were recorded at each visit, and blood samples were collected during the first and fourth visits. In the statistical analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-Student and ANOVA tests were employed (with statistical significance when p ≤ 0.05). Results highlighted a significant proportion of children exhibiting disruptions in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. A total of 8.6% of participants had elevated total cholesterol, 9.7% had reduced HDL, 13.4% had elevated LDL, and 21.2% had elevated triglycerides. Initially, abnormal fasting glucose was detected in 4.7% of children, and elevated insulin levels in 3.1%. Metabolic disorders persisted post-intervention despite BMI improvement. The results emphasize the necessity for prolonged programs with frequent follow-ups targeting weight normalization in children.

Effect of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on Maternal Iron Related Biochemical Parameters during Pregnancy and Gestational Weight Gain.

Gestation is a crucial life stage for both women and offspring, and outcomes are affected by many environmental factors, including diet. The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MD) is considered a healthy eating pattern that can provide the nutritional requirements of pregnancy. Meanwhile, iron deficiency anemia is one of the most frequent complications related to pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate how the level of adherence to the MD influences maternal gestational weight gain and specific iron-related maternal biochemical parameters during the pregnancy. Accordingly, an observational, population-based study using data from pregnant women conducted over the entire course of their pregnancy was carried out. Adherence to the MD was assessed once using the MEDAS score questionnaire. Of the 506 women studied, 116 (22.9%) were classified as demonstrating a high adherence, 277 (54.7%) a medium adherence, and 113 (22.3%) a low adherence to the MD. No differences were observed in gestational weight gain among the MD adherence groups but the adequacy of weight gain did vary among the groups, with the proportions of inadequate (insufficient or excessive) weight gain presenting the most notable differences. Total anemia prevalence was 5.3%, 15.6%, and 12.3%, respectively, during the first, second, and third trimesters. For iron-related biochemical parameters, no differences are observed among the adherence groups during pregnancy. With high adherence to the MD as the reference group, the crude odds of iron deficiency diagnosis are significant in the first trimester for both the medium [OR = 2.99 (1.55-5.75)] and low [OR = 4.39 (2.15-8.96)] adherence groups, with deficient adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern being responsible for 66.5% (35.5-82.6) and 77.2% (53.5-88.8) of the risk of iron deficiency diagnosis for medium and low adherence, respectively. However, adjusted odds ratios were not significant, possibly due to the small sample size. Our data suggest that MD adherence could be related to gestational weight gain adequacy and that optimal adherence could reduce iron deficiency and/or anemia during pregnancy in the studied population.

Biochemical profiles of pregnant women attending Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The hormonal and metabolic changes that occur during pregnancy promote the development and survival of the foetus. Pregnancy problems, however, might result from an imbalance in metabolic profiles. Biochemical profile assessments may be useful for both identification and treatment of some underlining causes of pregnancy complications. The biochemical profiles of pregnant and non-pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Zaria were examined in this study. Pregnant women in various stages (First trimester, second trimester, third trimester), and non-pregnant women were divided into four groups of thirty women each at random from a total of 90 pregnant and 30 non-pregnant women. Standard techniques were used to measure serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and body mass index. The findings demonstrate that, in comparison with non-pregnant women, women in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy showed a significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher levels of blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and body mass index. But serum protein, urea, uric acid, albumin, globulin, and creatinine levels among pregnant women in the three trimesters were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) however, the difference was significant (P&lt;0.05) when compared to non-pregnant women. While there was no difference in the levels of ALT and AST between pregnant and non-pregnant women (there was a significant difference in the levels of ALP (P&lt;0.05) between pregnant and non-pregnant women. This study shows that assessing the metabolic profile of pregnant women may be important in managing pregnancy-related complications and prepare the mother for safe delivery. It is recommended that specific biochemical parameters, particularly serum glucose, serum cholesterol, and BMI be monitored during prenatal visits to prevent life threatening complications.

Dynamics of some blood biochemical parameters in Boujaâd ewes from early to late gestation and the possibility of early pregnancy diagnosis

Abstract. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical parameters of Boujaâd sheep under Moroccan semi-arid conditions during pregnancy and postpartum stages in pregnant (P) ewes compared to non-pregnant ewes (NP). Blood samples were collected from 24 healthy Boujaâd ewes (59 ± 4.2 kg) enrolled in the current study. From (1 to 30 days), these samples were collected daily; from day 30 onwards, they were gathered at three-day intervals. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein to be analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea, and triglycerides. In the present study, no significant difference was observed before synchronization in all parameter studies between pregnant ewes (P) and non-pregnant ewes (NP) (P&gt;0.05). The results showed the lowest glucose level in pregnant ewes during all pregnancy stages, while total proteins, urea, and triglycerides showed the opposite trend. During early pregnancy (18-30 days), the cholesterol levels were lower in P compared with NP ewes, whereas no difference was found from 30 days to parturition. Creatinine was higher in pregnant ewes during early pregnancy (18-30 days). In comparison, there was no statistically significant (P&gt;0.05) variation in creatinine levels between the P and NP ewes after 30 days of gestation. To conclude, marked changes accompanied specific biochemical parameters. The biochemical parameter indicating a clear difference is triglycerides, which may indicate an early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep considering the exact day of mating or artificial insemination in animals.

Changes in Salivary Biochemistry Associated with Helicobacter Pylori Positivity in Patients with Chronic Gastritis

Introduction: The invasive endoscopic-biopsy approach is the one that is used the vast majority of the time for diagnosing and monitoring chronic gastritis. Finding non-invasive laboratory indicators would be beneficial for the patient in terms of both cost and convenience. It is becoming more and more well-known that saliva, in addition to its vital protective role for the digestive system, may also be employed as an efficient non-invasive diagnostic material. Aim: To detect and define biochemical characteristics in the saliva of chronic gastritis patients (both HP+ and HP-) and compare these values to those observed in healthy people, and search for correlations between the levels of these biochemical in the serum and in the saliva in order to ultimately use these biochemical as a diagnostic tool. Method: The design of this study was a cross sectional study design and this study was conducted at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Subjective symptoms, serological data, and endoscopic findings were used to identify the disease activity in a total of 60 patients with chronic gastritis (44HP+ and 16HP-) from this research. The average age of the patients was anything from 58.73 to 12.08. The average age of the control group participants was 56.868.67, and they were all in excellent health and not smokers. Analyses made use of unstimulated saliva and serum. Stool samples are tested for albumin, total protein, uric acid, and secretory immunoglobulin A. (sIg A). To evaluate their efficacy, we employ a biochemical analyzer (Olympus AU 640) and an ELISA reader (an adaptation of the processes for oral fluid). Results: Compared to the control group, HP+ patients had considerably greater sIgA and TP levels. However, UA did not show a comparable trend. We found that only UA had a correlation with both saliva and serum levels. It was shown that there was an inverse relationship between UA and endoscopic markers of inflammation. As a defense mechanism against the oxidative stress, salivary flow rate abnormalities, and inflammation that had occurred in the stomach, these alterations are being hypothesized. Practical implication: The significance of this study is to see whether specific biochemical parameters may be utilised as a diagnostic tool in the future by comparing the levels in the blood and those detected in the saliva of those patients having chronic gastritis (both HP+ and HP-) Conclusion: In patients with HP+ chronic gastritis, the findings show that there are considerable changes in the characteristics of their saliva. Saliva is a biological substance that has certain limitations, but it is an excellent indicator of the pathological processes occurring in the digestive system, particularly in the case of HP+ infection. Keywords: Uric Acid, Total Protein, Saliva, Sig A, And HP+ Chronic Gastritis Albumin

Effects of cannabidiol on vacuous chewing movements, plasma glucose and oxidative stress indices in rats administered high dose risperidone

Atypical antipsychotics, despite their rapid dissociation from dopamine receptors and reduced tendency to induce oxidative stress, have been associated with difficult-to-manage movement disorders, including tardive dyskinesia (TD). The study set out to investigate the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a potent antioxidant, on risperidone-induced behavioural and motor disturbances; namely vacuous chewing movements (VCM), and oxidative stress markers (e.g. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO), and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)). Oral risperidone (10 mg/kg) or oral CBD (5 mg/kg) were administered to six experimental groups. While risperidone alone was administered for 28 days, CBD concomitantly or in sequential order with risperidone, was administered for 28 days; and CBD alone was administered for 21 days. Behavioural, motor, and specific biochemical parameters, which included VCM, muscle tone, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and oxidative stress markers were assessed at different time points after the last dose of medication. Oral CBD (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced risperidone-induced elevated FBS when given after the administration of risperidone. Oral CBD also had effects on VCM when administered before risperidone and similarly, attenuated risperidone-induced increased muscle tone. It was also established that concomitant or sequential administration of CBD and risperidone did not have any adverse effects on cognition or locomotion. Both CBD and risperidone increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decreased the activity of pro-oxidant enzymes. This study suggests CBD could mitigate metabolic dysregulation and extrapyramidal side effects associated with risperidone without producing cognitive impairments.

Is Neck Circumference Related to Other Anthropometric Measurements and Biochemical Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes?

Background Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio are anthropometric measurements used to diagnose obesity. In recent years, neck circumference, one of the anthropometric indicators used in assessing obesity, has come to the fore. This study investigates the relationship between neck circumference and other anthropometric measurements and specific biochemical parameters in T2DM. Methods Four hundred sixty-four individuals with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Subjects' body weight, height, and other anthropometric measurements like circumferences of the waist, hip, and neck were measured. BMI, waist/hip, and waist/height ratio were calculated. The biochemical tests of the subjects in the previous month from the study were accessed from the hospital information system. The relationship between anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters with neck circumference was evaluated. Results The mean age of the subjects was 54.6±8.51 years. 56.2% were femaleand 43.8% were male, and the time from T2DM diagnosis was 9.9±7.49 years. Most male subjects were overweight (49.8%), and approximately one-third of the women were first-degree obese (33.0%). Body weight, BMI, waist, hip, and neck circumferences, and waist/hip and waist/height ratios were significantly higher in both male and female subjects in the neck circumference high-risk group than those in the low-risk group (p<0.05). In terms of biochemical parameters, fasting blood glucose andHbA1c values of men with neck circumference at risk were significantly higher than those in the low-risk group. Neck circumference measurements of the participants were positively correlated with body weight (r=0.543; p<0.001), height (r=0.260; p<0.001), waist circumference (r=0.562; p<0.001), hip circumference (r=0.293; p<0.001), BMI (r=0.366; p<0.001), waist/hip ratio (r=0.428, p<0.001), and waist/height ratio (r=0.393, p<0.001). Neck circumference had a low positivecorrelation with fasting blood glucose (r=0.165; p<0.001), HbA1c (r=0.281; p<0.001), and triglyceride (r=0.231; p<0.001) and a negative relationship with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.118; p=0.001). When the relationship between neck circumference and biochemical parameters was examined, it was seen that this correlation was only in men. Conclusion Neck circumference measurement is a simple and reliable method andis not affected by external factors. It correlates with other anthropometric measurements and can be used as a good indicator of the distribution of upper subcutaneous adipose tissue in T2DM. However, more studies with larger samples are needed on this subject.

Impact of heavy metals and biochemical parameters on specific leaf area of roadside trees in Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is seriously facing the air pollution problembecause of the rapid increase in vehicular emissions.Most commonly grown roadside trees like Populuseuroamericana, Ficus religiosa, Jacaranda mimosifolia,Grevillearobusta, Callistemon lanceolatus and Cinnamomumcamphorafrom different sites of Kathmandu werecollectedduring the winter season to measure specific leaf area(SLA), biochemical parameters and heavy metals(Cu, Pb and Zn) content. The relations among them (SLA,biochemical parameters, heavy metals) were alsostudied. Specific leaf area (SLA) ranged from 24.48±0.87cm2 g-1 to 188.08±35 cm2 g-1 and the highest SLAwas observed in Jacaranda mimosifolia (188.08±35cm2g-1). The mean value of biochemical parameters suchas total chlorophyll (TCh) ranged from 0.64mg/g inCinnamomum camphora to 1.243 mg/g in Ficus reliogiosawhereas pH ranged from 5.28 in Callistemon lanceolatusto 6.75 in Grevillea robusta. Similarly Ascorbic acidrangedfrom 4.54 mg/g in Cinnamomum camphora to8.61mg/g in Populus euroamericana and relative watercontent (RWC) from 40.02 % in Jacaranda mimosifolia to86 % in Cinnamomum camphora. Mean value of Znaccumulation ranged from 14.83 mg/kg in Ficus religiosato 71.92 mg/kg in Populus euroamericana, Cuaccumulation from 4.14 mg/kg in Populous euroamericanato 14.56 mg/kg in Jacaranda mimosifolia and Pbaccumulation from 0.05 mg/kg in Populus euroamericanato 22.47 mg/kg in Callistemon lanceolatus. Pb andCu accumulation at phytotoxic concentrations in leavesshowed negative impact on SLA.

Study on Using Multimodal Analgesia in Postoperative Cardiac ICU

Background: The cardiac operative procedure has a significant relationship with acute onset of pain. After cardiac surgery, pain has been managed with the help of opiate analgesics. Objective: To analyze the adverse effects of postoperative multimodal analgesia after cardiac surgery concerning the physical and specific biochemical parameters of undergoing surgery patients. Materials &amp; Methods: It was a single-center, prospective study where patients were approached on the day before their cardiac surgery. A total of 120 post-cardiac operative surgery patients at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College Hospital, Sirajganj were included for this study purpose. Results: In first group, three types of analgesia were used in 60 patients and in second group, five types of analgesia were used in another 60 patients. About 76.7% were male and mean age was 45.73 (± 11.3) years. Fentanyl was used for all patients followed by paracetamol (96.7%), diclofenac (83.3%), tramadol (16.7%), and pethidine (3.3%). Drug-induced nausea and vomiting were found in 76.7%and 66.7% patients respectively followed by drowsiness (36.7%) and vertigo (20.0%). Conclusion: In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, a multimodal regimen offered better analgesia. Furthermore, nausea and vomiting complaints were reduced significantly in the multimodal group. KYAMC Journal Vol. 13, No. 02, July 2022: 94-97

The relationship of masked hypertension with autonomic dysfunction and cardiometabolic parameters: a case-control study.

Masked hypertension (MH) is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Data on the association between exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) to exercise, heart rate recovery (HRR), which are indicators of autonomic dysfunction, and MH are lacking. This study aimed at evaluating the association between EBPR, HRR, and MH. Between January 2020 and January 2021, 130 MH (57 male, median age = 52.8 years) and 60 healthy (28 male, median age = 40.8 years) subjects were included in this single-center, case-control, and cross-sectional study. Office blood pressure measurement, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, treadmill test, echocardiography, and specific biochemical parameters were evaluated. The frequency of blunted HRR (73 subjects, 56.2%) and EBPR (40 subjects, 30.8%) were significantly higher in patients with MH (p < 0.001). Patients with MH had higher serum uric acid levels and frequency of hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05). Diameters of the left atrium (LA), aortic root, and ascending aorta were significantly higher in MH patients (p < 0.05). Thirty-two (24.6%) patients with MH had left ventricular hypertrophy and 33 (25.4%) had diastolic dysfunction (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified the presence of blunted HRR as an independent predictor factor of MH as well as smoking, hyperlipidemia, GFR, LA diameter, and aortic root diameter were other independent factors. The frequency of blunted HRR and EBPR were significantly higher in the MH group compared to the control group, suggesting a close relationship between MH and autonomic dysfunction.

Unravelling sex-specific BPA toxicokinetics in children using a pediatric PBPK model

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely known endocrine disruptor (ED) found in many children's products such as toys, feeding utensils, and teething rings. Recent epidemiology association studies have shown postnatal BPA exposure resulted in developing various diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and neurodegeneration, etc., later in their lives. However, little is known about its sex-specific metabolism and consequently internal exposure. The aim of this study was to develop a sex-specific pediatric physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK) for BPA to compare their toxicokinetic differences. First, the published adult PBPK model was re-validated, and then this model was extended by interpolation to incorporate pediatric sex specific physiological and biochemical parameters. We used both the classical body weight and ontogeny-based scaling approach to interpolate the metabolic process. Then, the pharmacokinetic attributes of the models using the two-scaling approach mentioned above were compared with adult model. Further, a sex-specific PBPK model with an ontogeny scaling approach was preferred to evaluate the pharmacokinetic differences. Moreover, this model was used to reconstruct the BPA exposure from two cohorts (Helix and PBAT Cohort) from 7 EU countries. The half-life of BPA was found to be almost the same in boys and girls at the same exposure levels. Our model estimated BPA children's exposure to be about 1500 times higher than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) recently set by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) i.e., 0.04 ng/kg BW/day. The model demonstrated feasibility of extending the adult PBPK to sex-specific pediatric, thus investigate a gender-specific health risk assessment.

Anticancer Effect of Medicinal Mushroom Extract on Renal Cell Carcinoma: Alternative Therapeutic Implication

Background: To investigate if medicinal Poria mushroom extract (PE) would be a potential therapeutic agent against renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as it has been shown to have anticancer/antitumor activity with few side effects. We examined its anticancer effect on RCC as well as its potential anticancer mechanism in vitro . Methods: Anticancer effect of PE was first assessed by the dose-dependent effects (0 - 200 µg/mL) on human RCC, ACHN cells. Its anticancer mechanism was then explored focusing on specific biochemical and molecular parameters Results: PE concentrations &gt;= 100 µg/mL led to 50-90% reduction in cell viability, accompanied by a significant decrease in hexokinase activity and cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, implying the inhibition of glycolysis. The key metabolic regulators, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), were specifically modulated by PE. These results were indicative of subsequent growth cessation and cell death. Cell cycle analysis also revealed a G 1 cell cycle arrest and the upregulation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), indicated induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Ultimately, such ER stress led to apoptosis, evidenced by proteolytic activation of caspase-3 (Csp-3) and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP). Conclusions: PE has anticancer effect on ACHN cells, resulting in the significant reduction in cell viability. Its anticancer mechanism appears to be linked to glycolysis inhibition, modulations of metabolic pathways, and ER stress-induced apoptosis. World J Nephrol Urol. 2022;11(1):1-9 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjnu433

Identifying Immunological and Clinical Predictors of COVID-19 Severity and Sequelae by Mathematical Modeling.

Since its emergence as a pandemic in March 2020, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outcome has been explored via several predictive models, using specific clinical or biochemical parameters. In the current study, we developed an integrative non-linear predictive model of COVID-19 outcome, using clinical, biochemical, immunological, and radiological data of patients with different disease severities. Initially, the immunological signature of the disease was investigated through transcriptomics analysis of nasopharyngeal swab samples of patients with different COVID-19 severity versus control subjects (exploratory cohort, n=61), identifying significant differential expression of several cytokines. Accordingly, 24 cytokines were validated using a multiplex assay in the serum of COVID-19 patients and control subjects (validation cohort, n=77). Predictors of severity were Interleukin (IL)-10, Programmed Death-Ligand-1 (PDL-1), Tumor necrosis factors-α, absolute neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, and ferritin; with high predictive efficacy (AUC=0.93 and 0.98 using ROC analysis of the predictive capacity of cytokines and biochemical markers, respectively). Increased IL-6 and granzyme B were found to predict liver injury in COVID-19 patients, whereas interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-1 receptor-a (IL-1Ra) and PD-L1 were predictors of remarkable radiological findings. The model revealed consistent elevation of IL-15 and IL-10 in severe cases. Combining basic biochemical and radiological investigations with a limited number of curated cytokines will likely attain accurate predictive value in COVID-19. The model-derived cytokines highlight critical pathways in the pathophysiology of the COVID-19 with insight towards potential therapeutic targets. Our modeling methodology can be implemented using new datasets to identify key players and predict outcomes in new variants of COVID-19.