Protective effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla on liver and kidney related serum biomarkers in (CCl4) intoxicate rabbits / Efeitos protetores de Zizyphus oxyphyla em biomarcadores de soro relacionados ao fígado e rim em (CCl4) intoxicam rabbtis

The study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla leaves methanolic (ZOX-LME), on serum liver, kidney and hematology along with other serum parameters in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, six rabbits in each. These were: group NC (normal control), group, TC (toxic control) and group ST i.e. silymarine administered group at dose rate (50) mg/kg body weight (BW). Group ET1 and group ET2 treated with (ZOX-LME) at dose 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW. CCl4 administration caused significant (P> 0.05) impairment in serum liver enzymes, blood factors and other serum indices. Treatment with (ZOX-LME) significantly (P<0.05) reduced and normalized the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hematological indices. Also significant (P< 0.05) reduction was observed in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin and glucose concentrations. The altered levels of lipid profile and serum electrolytes (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K, and P) were significantly (P<0.05) change toward normal levels with (ZOX-LME) feeding. In addition (ZOX-LME) ingestion caused significant improvement in GSH, GST and CAT levels, while reducing the TBARS levels, exhibited antioxidant capacity. Also (ZOX-LME) showed increase inhibition against percent scavenging of 2, 2-diphenile-1-picrylehydrazyle (DPPH) free radical. Significant (P<0.05) normalizing effects were observed with high dose 400 mg/kg BW of (ZOX-LME and were equivalent to silymarine administered groups. The histological study of liver supported the hepatoprotective and renal curative activity of (ZOX-LME).

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos terapêuticos das folhas metanólicas de Zizyphus oxyphyla (ZOX-LME) no fígado, rim e hematologia séricos, juntamente com outros parâmetros séricos em coelhos intoxicados com tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4). Os animais experimentais foram divididos em cinco grupos, seis coelhos em cada. Estes foram: grupo NC (controle normal), grupo TC (controle tóxico) e grupo ST, isto é, grupo administrado com silimarina na taxa de dose (50) mg / kg de peso corporal (PC). Grupo ET1 e grupo ET2 tratado com (ZOX-LME) na dose de 200 mg / kg de peso corporal e 400 mg / kg de peso corporal. A administração de CCl4 causou prejuízo significativo (P > 0,05) nas enzimas hepáticas séricas, fatores sanguíneos e outros índices séricos. O tratamento com (ZOX-LME) reduziu significativamente (P < 0,05) e normalizou os níveis de alanina transaminase (ALT), aspartato transaminase (AST) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e os índices hematológicos. Também foi observada redução significativa (P < 0,05) nas concentrações de creatinina, ureia, ácido úrico, nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), albumina e glicose. Os níveis alterados de perfil lipídico e eletrólitos séricos (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K e P) foram significativamente (P < 0,05) mudando em direção aos níveis normais com a alimentação (ZOX-LME). Além disso, a ingestão de (ZOX-LME) causou melhora significativa nos níveis de GSH, GST e CAT, enquanto reduzia os níveis de TBARS, exibindo capacidade antioxidante. Também (ZOX-LME) mostrou inibição aumentada contra a eliminação percentual do radical livre 2, 2-difenila-1-picrilehidrazila (DPPH). Efeitos de normalização significativos (P < 0,05) foram observados com altas doses de 400 mg / kg de peso corporal de (ZOX-LME) e foram equivalentes aos grupos administrados com silimarina. O estudo histológico do fígado confirmou a atividade hepatoprotetora e curativa renal de (ZOX-LME).

Protective effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla on liver and kidney related serum biomarkers in (CCl4) intoxicate rabbits

Abstract The study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Zizyphus oxyphyla leaves methanolic (ZOX-LME), on serum liver, kidney and hematology along with other serum parameters in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, six rabbits in each. These were: group NC (normal control), group, TC (toxic control) and group ST i.e. silymarine administered group at dose rate (50) mg/kg body weight (BW). Group ET1 and group ET2 treated with (ZOX-LME) at dose 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW. CCl4 administration caused significant (P> 0.05) impairment in serum liver enzymes, blood factors and other serum indices. Treatment with (ZOX-LME) significantly (P 0.05) reduced and normalized the levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hematological indices. Also significant (P 0.05) reduction was observed in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin and glucose concentrations. The altered levels of lipid profile and serum electrolytes (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K, and P) were significantly (P 0.05) change toward normal levels with (ZOX-LME) feeding. In addition (ZOX-LME) ingestion caused significant improvement in GSH, GST and CAT levels, while reducing the TBARS levels, exhibited antioxidant capacity. Also (ZOX-LME) showed increase inhibition against percent scavenging of 2, 2-diphenile-1-picrylehydrazyle (DPPH) free radical. Significant (P 0.05) normalizing effects were observed with high dose 400 mg/kg BW of (ZOX-LME and were equivalent to silymarine administered groups. The histological study of liver supported the hepatoprotective and renal curative activity of (ZOX-LME).

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos terapêuticos das folhas metanólicas de Zizyphus oxyphyla (ZOX-LME) no fígado, rim e hematologia séricos, juntamente com outros parâmetros séricos em coelhos intoxicados com tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4). Os animais experimentais foram divididos em cinco grupos, seis coelhos em cada. Estes foram: grupo NC (controle normal), grupo TC (controle tóxico) e grupo ST, isto é, grupo administrado com silimarina na taxa de dose (50) mg / kg de peso corporal (PC). Grupo ET1 e grupo ET2 tratado com (ZOX-LME) na dose de 200 mg / kg de peso corporal e 400 mg / kg de peso corporal. A administração de CCl4 causou prejuízo significativo (P > 0,05) nas enzimas hepáticas séricas, fatores sanguíneos e outros índices séricos. O tratamento com (ZOX-LME) reduziu significativamente (P 0,05) e normalizou os níveis de alanina transaminase (ALT), aspartato transaminase (AST) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e os índices hematológicos. Também foi observada redução significativa (P 0,05) nas concentrações de creatinina, ureia, ácido úrico, nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), albumina e glicose. Os níveis alterados de perfil lipídico e eletrólitos séricos (Ca, Mg, Cl, Na, K e P) foram significativamente (P 0,05) mudando em direção aos níveis normais com a alimentação (ZOX-LME). Além disso, a ingestão de (ZOX-LME) causou melhora significativa nos níveis de GSH, GST e CAT, enquanto reduzia os níveis de TBARS, exibindo capacidade antioxidante. Também (ZOX-LME) mostrou inibição aumentada contra a eliminação percentual do radical livre 2, 2-difenila-1-picrilehidrazila (DPPH). Efeitos de normalização significativos (P 0,05) foram observados com altas doses de 400 mg / kg de peso corporal de (ZOX-LME) e foram equivalentes aos grupos administrados com silimarina. O estudo histológico do fígado confirmou a atividade hepatoprotetora e curativa renal de (ZOX-LME).

Facial processing in bipolar disorder is mediated by clinical and biological aspects

Objective: The process of detecting faces can be considered one of the initial steps in face recognition, which is essential for human interaction. We sought to investigate whether a face perception task reliably detects subtle perceptual disturbances between patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls. Methods: In this multisite study, we examined differences between BD patients and matched healthy controls. Participants were instructed to detect the orientation (either left or right) of a face when it was presented as a face/non-face pair on a computer screen using Bayesian entropy estimation. Data analyses compared performance between the groups. Results: Overall, BD patients exhibited more perceptual disturbances compared with controls. BD patients who took olanzapine had better performance and faster reaction times (RTs) than patients who took lithium or were medication-naive. BD patients who took lithium had better performance and faster RTs than medication-naive patients. The medication-naive BD group exhibited greater disturbances than all other groups. Conclusion: These findings highlight the reliability of the face perception task used herein and may be important for public health initiatives and follow-up studies that seek to understand the diverse effects of other variables that can affect sensory processing in this population.

The Assessment of Vitamin D Levels in Pregnant Women is not Associated to Fetal Growth Restriction: A Cross Sectional Study / A avaliação dos níveis de vitamina D em gestantes não está associada à restrição do crescimento fetal: um estudo transversal

Abstract Objective To assess maternal serum levels of vitamin D in fetuses appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and with fetal growth restriction (FGR) according to estimated fetal weight (EFW). Methods This cross-sectional study included 87 pregnant women between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation: 38 in the AGA group, 24 in the SGA group, and 25 in the FGR group. Maternal serum vitamin D levels were assessed using the chemiluminescence method. The Fisher exact test was used to compare the results between the groups. Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of maternal age (years) and body mass index (kg/m2) in the AGA, SGA, and FGR groups were 25.26 8.40 / 26.57 ± 4.37; 25.04 ± 8.44 / 26.09 ± 3.94; and 25.48 ± 7.52 / 26.24 ± 4.66, respectively (p > 0.05). The maternal serum vitamin D levels (mean ± SD) of the AGA, SGA, and FGR groups were 22.47 ± 8.35 ng/mL, 24.80 ± 10.76 ng/mL, and 23.61 ± 9.98 ng/mL, respectively, but without significant differences between the groups (p = 0.672). Conclusion Maternal serum vitamin D levels did not present significant differences among pregnant women with AGA, SGA, or FGR fetuses between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation according to EFW.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o nível sérico materno de vitamina D em fetos adequados para idade gestacional (AIG), pequenos para idade gestacional (PIG) e com restrição de crescimento (RCF) de acordo com a estimativa de peso fetal (EPF). Métodos Realizou-se um estudo transversal envolvendo 87 gestantes entre 26 e 36 semanas, sendo: 38 do grupo AIG, 24 do grupo PIG e 25 do grupo RCF. A dosagem sérica materna de vitamina D foi realizada pelo método de quimiluminescência. Para as comparações entre os grupos, utilizou-se o teste exato de Fisher. Resultados A média ± desvio-padrão (DP) da idade materna (anos) e do índice de massa corporal (kg/m2) nos grupos AIG, PIG e RCF foram 25,26 ± 8,40 / 26,57 ± 4,37; 25,04 ± 8,44 / 26,09 ± 3,94; e 25,48 ± 7,52 / 26,24 ± 4,66, respectivamente (p>0,05). A concentração sérica materna de vitamina D (médias ± desvios-padrão) dos grupos AIG, PG e RCF foram 22,47±8,35 ng/ml; 24,80_10,76 ng/ml; e 23,61 ± 9,98 ng/ml, respectivamente, contudo, sem diferenças significativas entre os grupos (p=0,672). Conclusão A concentração sérica materna de vitamina D não apresentou diferenças significantes entre gestantes com fetos AIG, PIG ou RCF entre 26 e 36 semanas de acordo com a EPF.

Serum hTERT Level as Sensitive Biomarker With Prognostic Implications in Breast, Lung, Gastric and Liver Cancers

@#Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) plays an important role in telomere restitution and gene regulation. Evidences suggest that hTERT is linked with the risk and progression of several types of malignancies. Detection of hTERT mRNA levels, as one of tumor markers, may reflect the tumor burden and the clinical status of the patient. Present paper emphasizes the potency of hTERT mRNA detection in serum as a sensitive tumor biomarker in different types of cancer. Detection of serum hTERT mRNA levels has been found highly sensitive and specific for varied cancers. A number of reports reflect its superiority to other conventional tumor markers including alfa-fetoprotein, EGFR, lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP and Des-gamma carboxy prothrombin. Serum hTERT has been found linked with the risk and progression of different cancer types. hTERT levels in combination with other tumor markers may be used to improve cancer detection, tumor size and level of cancer progression.

Serum CA19-9 as a predictive value and an effective evaluator for pancreatic cancer patients treated with hypofractionated tomotherapy combined with chemotherapy / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To observe the dynamic changes of serum CA19-9 level before and after the treatment of high-dose and low-fractionated Tomotherapy combined with chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer,and explore the corresponding prognostic,predictive and therapeutic effects.Methods The clinical characteristics and the survival of 75 patients with pancreatic cancer treated in the Department of Radiotherapy of Air Force General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively from December 2012 to June 2017.The effects of baseline CA19-9 and CA19-9 level at 4-6 weeks after the radiotherapy on patient prognosis were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test retrospectively.Results The median survival time (MST) was 13.8 months (2.0-58.0 months).The baseline serum CA19-9 was 1109 U/ml(4.70-70000 U/ml).The MST in the ＜ 1109 U/ml group and ≥ 1109 U/ml group were 14.0 months (95％ CI:10.04-22.96 months) and 9.0 months(95％ CI:7.75-13.25 months) respectively (x2 =6.31,P ＜0.05).The corresponding median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 7.0 months(95％ CI:5.58-8.42 months) and 5.0 months(95 ％ CI:3.81-6.20 months) respectively (x2 =8.51,P ＜ 0.05).The median CA19-9 level at 4-6 weeks after radiotherapy was 397.7 U/ml (11.02-43 250 U/ml).A total of 38 cases (38/49,77.6％) declined,and 11 cases (11/49,22.4％) increased.The MST of the declined and increased groups were 14.0 months(95％ CI:7.24-20.77 months) and 8.0 months(95％ CI:2.69-13.31 months) respectively (x2 =11.19,P ＜0.05).The corresponding mPFS were 5.5 months(95 ％ CI:4.05-6.95 months) and 4.0 months (95 ％ CI:1.98-6.02 months) respectively (x2 =9.12,P ＜ 0.05).The ROC curve determined that the cut-off for the decline of serum CA19-9 was 60.9％ at 4 to 6 weeks after radiotherapy.The MST of ≥ 60.9％ group and ＜ 60.9％ group were 33.5 months (95％ CI:0.24-66.76 months)and 9.0 months(95％ CI:6.92-11.08 months)respectively (x2 =13.80,P＜0.05).The corresponding mPFSwere 11.0 months(95％ CI:3.44-18.56 months)and 5.0 months(95％ CI:3.91-6.09 months)respectively (x2 =8.71,P＜0.05).Conclusions Patients with the baseline serum CA19-9 ＜ 1109 U/ml had a better outcome after hypofraction tomotherapy combined with chemotherapy.The decline of serum CA19-9 at 4-6 weeks after radiotherapy can serve as a prompt and effective predictor of the outcome and the progression of patients.The decline of serum CA19-9 ≥60.9％ in patients with pancreatic cancer is associated with a low possibility of disease progression in half a year,whose overall survival is better.

Metformin improves glucose metabolism and serum levels of lipoprotein derived hormones in obese children with hyperinsulinemia / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To explore metformin improves hyperinsulinemia in obese children, glucose metabolism, serum lipid derived hormone levels. Methods 40 cases of healthy children were selected and included in the control group, 40 cases of mild, moderate and severe obese children in the obese group, moderately obese group, obese group given category; metformin in obese children orally for 3 months, then in each group of body mass index (BMI), the learning situation of adipose derived hormones, blood glucose levels were detected and compared. Results Compared the condition of blood glucose metabolism and body weight obviously, obesity group and control group before treatment there are very significant differences after treatment, the obese group appeared to be improved, indicates that the difference is obvious(P<0.05). Compare the hormone levels of serum leptin and adiponectin are visible in before the treatment and health examination Significant differences after the treatment showed some improvement, but the resistin in the treatment had no obvious improvement. Conclusion The application of metformin improves hyperinsulinemia in obese children with sugar metabolism, visible analysis of serum adipose derived hormones, the patients with improvement of glucose metabolism has a positive effect, while improving the serum hormone level, reduce patient weight (BMI), so it is worthy of clinical use.

Association Between IL-31 Serum Levels And Other Predisposing Factors With Allergic Diseases In HRPZ II and HUSM, Kelantan, Malaysia

Interleukin 31 (IL-31)is one of the cytokines which appears to be an important regulator of Th2 responses. Previous study has been done to determine IL-31 serums levels in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the serum levels of IL-31 in allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic asthma (AA) is not many reported and still unclear. The objective of this cross sectional study is to determine an association between IL-31 and other predisposing factors with allergic diseases in HRPZ II (Hospital Raja PerempuanZainab II) and HUSM (Hospital UniversitiSains), Kelantan, Malaysia. This study involved 70 patients of AD, 70 patients of AR, 70 patients of AA and 70 healthy controls from staffs and people in HUSM.Five milliliters of blood were withdrawn and centrifuged for 5 minutes at 2000 rpm to obtain the serum and analyzed for IL-31 levels by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) kits (Human IL 31 Duoset, R&D System). Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between IL-31 levels and predisposing factors among allergic diseases. The levels of IL-31 and other predisposing factors showed significant associations in smoking status, occupational exposure and area of living for AD and AR, however in AA, the significant association only found in smoking status and occupational exposure. In conclusion, we found that there were associations between IL-31 serum levels and other predisposing factors with AD, AR and AA. The findings can be the pilot study to determine IL-31 levels in allergic diseases in Malaysia.

Association Between Il-31 Serum Levels And Other Predisposing Factors With Allergic Diseases In Hrpz Ii And Husm, Kelantan, Malaysia

@#Interleukin 31 (IL-31)is one of the cytokines which appears to be an important regulator of Th2 responses. Previous study has been done to determine IL-31 serums levels in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the serum levels of IL-31 in allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic asthma (AA) is not many reported and still unclear. The objective of this cross sectional study is to determine an association between IL-31 and other predisposing factors with allergic diseases in HRPZ II (Hospital Raja PerempuanZainab II) and HUSM (Hospital UniversitiSains), Kelantan, Malaysia. This study involved 70 patients of AD, 70 patients of AR, 70 patients of AA and 70 healthy controls from staffs and people in HUSM.Five milliliters of blood were withdrawn and centrifuged for 5 minutes at 2000 rpm to obtain the serum and analyzed for IL-31 levels by using enzymelinked immunosorbent (ELISA) kits (Human IL 31 Duoset, R&D System). Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between IL-31 levels and predisposing factors among allergic diseases. The levels of IL-31 and other predisposing factors showed significant associations in smoking status, occupational exposure and area of living for AD and AR, however in AA, the significant association only found in smoking status and occupational exposure. In conclusion, we found that there were associations between IL-31 serum levels and other predisposing factors with AD, AR and AA. The findings can be the pilot study to determine IL-31 levels in allergic diseases in Malaysia.

Serum Levels of Selenium in Mongolian Children / Эрүүл мэндийн лаборатори

Background:Selenium (Se) is a trace element important for health. Its defciency has adverse effects on reproduction, immunocompetence and cardiovascular status. There is growing evidence that higher Se intakes are associated with reduced cancer risk. To date, there have been no studies conducted on the Se status of Mongolian children. Materials and Methods Non-fasting morning blood samples were collected from 240 children (122 male and 118 female) 6-36 months of age from the capital city of Mongolia and four provinces located in the south, north, east and west of the country. Inclusion criteria were apparently healthy children with no evidence of infection within the previous 7 days. The serum concentrations of Se were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.Results:The mean serum Se concentration was 0.79 µmol/L. The indicator was higher for children in the rural provinces compared to those who lived in the capital city (0.81 µmol/L vs. 0.76 µmol/L, p=0.029). There was no statistically signifcant difference in the levels of Se detected between boys and girls (0.79 µmol/Lvs. 0.78 µmol/L, p=0.551). The serum concentration of Se increased with age (0.73µmol/L in the 6-11.9 months age group, 0.79 µmol/L in children aged 12-23.9 months and 0.82 µmol/L in 24-36-month-old participants). The prevalence of low serum Se in the surveyed population (<0.82 μmol/L) was 55.8%. The Se defciency tends to decrease with age (63.8% in the 6-11.9 months age group, 57.6% in participants 12-23.9 months of age and 48.2% in the oldest group). The prevalence of Se defciency is lower among children living in the western regions (38.3%) than among those from other areas of the country (60.4%).Conclusion:The high prevalence of Se defciency among Mongolian children shows that a wider survey that looks at the relationship between the blood Se and its concentrations in food and soil is needed.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM hs-CRP LEVELS AND MR IMAGING IN ISCHEMIC CEREBROVASCULAR PATIENTS / 现代医院

Objective To analyze the correlation between serum hs -CRP levels and MR Imaging in ischemic cerebrovascu-lar patients.To explore the hs -CRP serum levels in ischemic cerebrovascular patients incidence of early diagnosis and prognosis e-valuation application value.Methods 300 cases of ischemic cerebrovascular disease as the research object were selected from May 2013 to December 2014.The disease is classified into acute cerebral infarction group 100 cases, acute phase of cerebral infarction group 140 cases and transient ischemic attack 60 cases.Among 100 cases of patients with acute cerebral infarction group, in accord-ance with the MR Imaging data, they can be subdivided into three groups.Group A: lacunar infarction group 28 cases; Group B:small area of infarction group 50 cases and group C: large area of infarction group 22 cases.Another 40 healthy physical examination were selected as control group.The hs -CRP serum levels were made correlation analysis with MR Imaging.Results The acute cerebral infarction and transient ischemic attack group serum hs -CRP level difference compared with the control group with statisti-cal significance (p<0.05); The SPSS Spearman correlation analysis result shows that the hs -CRP serum levels and MR Imaging data shown in the infarction area and the body has a direct correlation .Conclusion The ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients se-rum hs-CRP level with MR Imaging have shown increased infarct size and raise.Damage area is bigger, and the corresponding serum hs-CRP levels changes more violently.

Serum Levels of Selenium in Mongolian Children / Эрүүл мэндийн лаборатори

Background: Selenium (Se) is a trace element important for health. Its defciency has adverse effects on reproduction, immunocompetence and cardiovascular status. There is growing evidence that higher Se intakes are associated with reduced cancer risk. To date, there have been no studies conducted on the Se status of Mongolian children. Materials and Methods Non-fasting morning blood samples were collected from 240 children (122 male and 118 female) 6-36 months of age from the capital city of Mongolia and four provinces located in the south, north, east and west of the country. Inclusion criteria were apparently healthy children with no evidence of infection within the previous 7 days. The serum concentrations of Se were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The mean serum Se concentration was 0.79 µmol/L. The indicator was higher for children in the rural provinces compared to those who lived in the capital city (0.81 µmol/L vs. 0.76 µmol/L, p=0.029). There was no statistically signifcant difference in the levels of Se detected between boys and girls (0.79 µmol/Lvs. 0.78 µmol/L, p=0.551). The serum concentration of Se increased with age (0.73µmol/L in the 6-11.9 months age group, 0.79 µmol/L in children aged 12-23.9 months and 0.82 µmol/L in 24-36-month-old participants). The prevalence of low serum Se in the surveyed population (<0.82 μmol/L) was 55.8%. The Se defciency tends to decrease with age (63.8% in the 6-11.9 months age group, 57.6% in participants 12-23.9 months of age and 48.2% in the oldest group). The prevalence of Se defciency is lower among children living in the western regions (38.3%) than among those from other areas of the country (60.4%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of Se defciency among Mongolian children shows that a wider survey that looks at the relationship between the blood Se and its concentrations in food and soil is needed.

Pharmacokinetics of Nevirapine, Stavudine and Lamivudine in Indian HIV-infected Children Receiving Generic Fixed Dose Combinations.

Objective: To determine the trough and two hour plasma levels of nevirapine, stavudine, and lamivudine when administered in fixed dose combinations (FDC). Design: Cross sectional Setting: Tertiary care hospital in Northern India. Participants: 79 HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy with FDCs for more than month. Intervention: Two-point sampling (0 and 2 hours after the morning dose). Outcome measures: Plasma concentrations of all three drugs were simultaneously assayed by liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Results: Majority (77%) of children were receiving fixed dose combination of stavudine, lamivudine, nevirapine in the ratio of 6:30:50mg. The median (IQR) trough and 2-hour plasma levels (µg/mL) of nevirapine, stavudine and lamivudine were 5.2 (4.0, 6.3) and 7.9 (6.0, 9.7); 0.1 (0.06, 0.16) and 1.1 (0.59, 1.6); 0.1 (0.02, 0.2) and 2.5 (1.4, 3.1), respectively. Very few children had sub-therapeutic plasma drug levels of stavudine (2.5%), lamivudine (7.6%) and nevirapine (10%). Inadequate viral suppression at 6 months follow up was significantly associated with initial high viral load, low CD4 percentage at the time of enrolment in study, and lower doses of lamivudine and stavudine. Conclusion: The currently available generic pediatric fixed dose antiretroviral combinations in India provide adequate drug exposure in majority of children.

Ausencia de diferencia en niveles séricos de sodio, potasio, cobre, hierro y zinc en niños con enterobiasis del semiárido rural del estado Falcón, Venezuela / Absence of difference in serum levels of sodium, potassium, copper, iron and zinc in children with enterobiasis in the rural semiarid area from Falcón state, Venezuela

Las infecciones por parásitos intestinales han sido señaladas de alterar las concentraciones séricas de macro y micro elementos esenciales, especialmente en niños. Mediante un espectrofotómetro de absorción atómica Varian Spectraa-20 Plus, se determinaron los niveles séricos de sodio (Na), potasio (K), cobre (Cu), hierro (Fe) y zinc (Zn) en 59 niños en edad preescolar y escolar de Taratara, estado Falcón, Venezuela. De estos, 27 estaban infectados solamente con Enterobius vermicularis y los restantes sin infecciones entero-parasitarias (grupo control). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P<0,05) entre los niveles séricos para ninguno de los elementos minerales medidos, cuando se comparó el grupo de los niños con enterobiasis vs. un grupo control no parasitado. Se sugiere que los resultados detectados en Taratara, estado Falcón, Venezuela, son una variación local de la problemática de la enterobiasis.

Intestinal parasitic infections have been shown to have deleterious effects on serum levels of essential macro and micro elements, especially in children. By means of the Atomic Absorption Spectrophometer Varian Spectraa-20 Plus, serological levels of sodium (Na), potassium (K), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were measured in 59 preschool and school aged children of Taratara, Falcon state, Venezuela. Of these, 27 were monoparasited with Enterobius vermicularis, and remaining ones were without any entero-parasitic complaints (control group). There was no statistically significant difference in Cu, Zn, K, Na and Fe levels between the groups of oxyuros infected children vs. those non parasitized. This situation observed at Taratara, Falcón state, Venezuela, appears to be a particular local variation on the enterobiasis framework.

The association between 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and Graves' ophthalmopathy / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

To investigate the role played by 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in patients with Graves'ophthalmopathy(GO),and the association between 8-OHdG and the disease activity of GO.Serum levels of 8-OHdG were tested in 48 cases with GO and 30 cases with Graves' disease(GD) without ophthalmopathy.30 healthy subjects participated in this study as controls.8-OHdG was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Compared with the controls,the mean level of 8-OHdG in GO patients and GD patients was increased significantly [(2.98±1.33),(2.07±1.30) vs(0.72±0.93)ng/ml,P＜0.05].Mean 8-OHdG level in GO patients was markedly higher when compared to GD patients(P＜0.05).Pearson regression analysis showed that elevated levels of 8-OHdG were significantly correlated with the Clinical Activity Score of GO (r =0.54,P＜0.01).The serum level of 8-OHdG in GO patients was raised obviously,it implies that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of GO,and the serum level of 8-OHdG might act as an activity index of GO.

Nitric oxide plasma/serum levels in patients with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Níveis plasmáticos/séricos do óxido nítrico em pacientes com esquizofrenia: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

For the last 40 years, schizophrenia has been considered to be the result primarily of a dysfunction in brain dopaminergic pathways. In this review, it is described and discussed findings concerning nitric oxide-mediated neurotransmission in schizophrenia. Studies were searched in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS using the terms schizophrenia and nitric oxide plasma levels or nitric oxide serum levels, with no time limit. The reference lists of selected articles were also hand-searched for additional articles. From 15 potential reports, 10 were eligible to be included in the review and meta-analysis. These studies included a total of 505 patients with schizophrenia and 339 healthy volunteers. No significant difference was found between patients and healthy controls regarding total nitrite plasma/serum levels (effect size g = 0.285, 95%CI = -0.205 to 0.774, p = 0.254). However, when studies with patients under antipsychotic treatment were examined separately, there was a significant difference between patients and healthy volunteers (effect size g = 0.663, 95%CI = 0.365 to 0.961, p < 0.001), showing that patients under treatment have higher levels of plasma/serum nitric oxide than controls. These results suggest that antipsychotics increase nitric oxide plasma/serum levels and that the nitrergic pathway would be a fertile target for the development of new treatments for patients with schizophrenia.

Durante os últimos 40 anos, a esquizofrenia foi considerada, principalmente, como o resultado de disfunções dopaminérgicas no cérebro. Esta revisão descreve e discute algumas descobertas sobre a neurotransmissão mediada pelo óxido nítrico na esquizofrenia. A busca foi feita nas bases PubMed, SciELO e LILACS usando-se os termos schizophrenia e nitric oxide plasma levels ou nitric oxide serum levels, sem limites de tempo. As listas de referências dos artigos selecionados foram examinadas em busca de outras publicações pertinentes. Dentre 15 artigos passíveis de serem incluídos, 10 preenchiam os critérios estabelecidos para a revisão e metanálise. Esses estudos incluíram 505 pacientes com esquizofrenia e 339 voluntários saudáveis. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre pacientes e voluntários saudáveis quanto aos níveis plasmáticos de nitrito total (effect size g = 0,285, IC 95% = -0,205 a 0,774, p = 0,254). No entanto, o exame separado dos estudos envolvendo pacientes em tratamento antipsicótico apresentou diferenças significativas entre pacientes e voluntários saudáveis (effect size g = 0,663, IC 95% = 0,365 to 0,961, p < 0,001), demonstrando que pacientes em tratamento possuem níveis plasmáticos mais altos de óxido nítrico. Esses resultados sugerem que os antipsicóticos podem aumentar os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico e que a via nitrérgica (e sua estimulação) constituiria um alvo propício para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos para pacientes com esquizofrenia.

Significance of Preoperatively Determined CA 19-Serum Levels in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a common, frequently lethal affliction and remains a serious and unsolved problem in general surgery. And gastric cancer is still the most common cancer in Korea, and it is the number one cause of cancer death in Korea. The prediction of prognosis is as important as treatment in gastric cancer. CA 19-9 is defined by a monoclonal antibody developed by Koprowski et al., and elevated levels of CA 19-9 have been found in the sera of patients with various malignancies, especially in patients with pancreatic cancer. To evaluate the prognostic role of CA 19-9 in gastric cancer, we studied preoperative CA 19-9 serum values in 1356 patients with gastric cancer who underwent operations in the Cancer Institute Hospital, between 1988 and 1993. CA 19-9 RIA test kits (Centocor, Malvern, Pa., U.S.A.) were used, and the cut-off value was 37.0 u/ml. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of differences between seropositivities and clinicopathological parameters, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rate. 1159 patients (85.5%) were negative for CA 19-9 (CA 19-9 less than 37.0 u/ml), and 197 patients (14.5%) were positive for CA 19-9 (CA 19-9 greater than 37.0 u/ml). In comparison with clinicopathological parameters, seropositivity was correlated with tumor size, gross types, depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis. Peritoneal and hepatic metastases, and stage correlated with seropositivities. The five-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients negative for CA19-9 than in patients positive for CA 19-9; 80.6% versus 57.2%. This study suggests that preoperative CA 19-9 serum levels were useful for predicting the prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.

The side effects of antiepileptic drugs in epileptic children treated with monotherapy

The goal of therapy of epileptic children is to control of seizures with minimal side effects of antiepileptic drug (AED). The relationship between side effects, serum levels and doses of AED were examined prospectively in 72 epileptic children who received monotherapy with phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproate, or carbamazepine for 6 to 26 months. Our results were as follows: 1) Side effects were observed in 59.7% of all patients; in decreasing order, behavioral (41.6%)>digestive (25.0%)>others (22.2%)>neurologic (11.1%). 2) The most common side effects in children treated with phenobarbital (PB) was behavioral (54.2%); these included hyperactivity, drowsiness, sleeping in decreasing order and there was significant relationship between drowsiness and serum level of PB(P<0.05). 3) Common side effects in patients receing carbamazepine (CBZ) were behavioral (52.0%) and digestive (52.2%); behavioral disorders included drowsiness and sleeping which showed significance with dosage of CBZ (P<0.01), digestive disorders were abdominal pain which showed significance, with dosage of CBZ (P<0.05) and weight gain. Other side effects were dizziness, headache, diplopia, tremor pallor, durg eruption, alopecia, aggravated acne etc. 4) The most common side effect in children treated with valproate (VPA) was pallor which showed significance with dosage of VPA (P<0.05). Abdominal pain had<0.05 significance with serum level of VPA, and Other side effects were anemia and weight gain. 5) In 83.3% of all patients, they had no side effects or could tolerate mild side effects. But in 12.5% of patients, the side effects disappeared when dosages were reduced, and AED had to be withdrawn in only 4.2% of patients.

Prevention of Hypokalemia by Oral Propranolol before Induction of Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

To determine the role of catecholamines in regulation of potassium homeostasis, we measured the serum potassium level of 60 healthy subjects on admission and just before the induction of anesthesia, with or without propranolol administration. Catecholamine-induced hypokalemia is developed by beta-2 receptor stimulation, not mediated by insulin, renin, or aldosterone. The activation of beta-2 adrenoreceptors causes a dose-dependent decrease in plasma potassium, probably by shifting potassium into the cell. By this mechanism, epinephrine may cause hypokalemia and leads to cardiac arrhythmias. These preventive mechanism of hypokalemia may contribute to the cardioprotective action of non-selective beta adrenergic blockers. In each patient, serum potassium was measured on admission and just before induction, and a ECG was analyzed prior to surgery and lead II monitoring continued during anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were measured on admission, preinduction, preintubation, and preoperation. Sixty patients divided into two groups. In group I (n=30), placebo was given; Group II (n=30), 40 mg of propranolol was given orally three hours prior to the induction of anesthesia. The results are as followed; 1) Comparing the preinduction potassium level with that measured two days before operation, 33% of the control group were normokalemic(> or =3.6mEq/L), 57% hypokalemic(3.1-3.5 mEq/ L), and 10% severe hypokalemic(< or =3.0 mEq/L). In the group pretreated with propranolol, 90 were normokalemic, and 10% hypokalemic. 2) Mean serum potassium level on admission and just before induction were 3.94+/-0.31 mEq/L and 3.40+/-0.38 mEq/L, respectively, in control group; 3.99+/-0,46 mEq/L and 4.16+/-0.05 mEq/L in propranolol administered group, indicating a significant increase(P< 0.01). 3) After propranolol administration, mean arterial pressure decreased significantly before operation (P<0.05), and heart rate also decreased significantly before endotracheal intubation (P< 0.01) and before operation (P< 0.05) compared with control group. 4) No arrhythmia occurred at any time in both group of patients who noted to be hypokalemic priorly. This study suggests that the oral administration of 40 mg of propranolol may prevent hypokalemia and attenuate the rate of increase in blood pressure and heart rate after induction of anesthesia. But further studies may be necessary for more detailed mechanism in preventing hypokalemia and hemodynamic evaluations regarding propranolol.

Prevention of Hypokalemia by Oral Propranolol before Induction of Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

To determine the role of catecholamines in regulation of potassium homeostasis, we measured the serum potassium level of 60 healthy subjects on admission and just before the induction of anesthesia, with or without propranolol administration. Catecholamine-induced hypokalemia is developed by beta-2 receptor stimulation, not mediated by insulin, renin, or aldosterone. The activation of beta-2 adrenoreceptors causes a dose-dependent decrease in plasma potassium, probably by shifting potassium into the cell. By this mechanism, epinephrine may cause hypokalemia and leads to cardiac arrhythmias. These preventive mechanism of hypokalemia may contribute to the cardioprotective action of non-selective beta adrenergic blockers. In each patient, serum potassium was measured on admission and just before induction, and a ECG was analyzed prior to surgery and lead II monitoring continued during anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were measured on admission, preinduction, preintubation, and preoperation. Sixty patients divided into two groups. In group I (n=30), placebo was given; Group II (n=30), 40 mg of propranolol was given orally three hours prior to the induction of anesthesia. The results are as followed; 1) Comparing the preinduction potassium level with that measured two days before operation, 33% of the control group were normokalemic(> or =3.6mEq/L), 57% hypokalemic(3.1-3.5 mEq/ L), and 10% severe hypokalemic(< or =3.0 mEq/L). In the group pretreated with propranolol, 90 were normokalemic, and 10% hypokalemic. 2) Mean serum potassium level on admission and just before induction were 3.94+/-0.31 mEq/L and 3.40+/-0.38 mEq/L, respectively, in control group; 3.99+/-0,46 mEq/L and 4.16+/-0.05 mEq/L in propranolol administered group, indicating a significant increase(P< 0.01). 3) After propranolol administration, mean arterial pressure decreased significantly before operation (P<0.05), and heart rate also decreased significantly before endotracheal intubation (P< 0.01) and before operation (P< 0.05) compared with control group. 4) No arrhythmia occurred at any time in both group of patients who noted to be hypokalemic priorly. This study suggests that the oral administration of 40 mg of propranolol may prevent hypokalemia and attenuate the rate of increase in blood pressure and heart rate after induction of anesthesia. But further studies may be necessary for more detailed mechanism in preventing hypokalemia and hemodynamic evaluations regarding propranolol.