Investigating the role of Prefrontal Neurons in cognitive tasks through Fiber Photometry and Adapted Barnes Maze Protocols

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is essential in the execution of cognitive tasks, however very little is known on how these neurons are modulated during specific tasks and which subtype of neurons are responsible for so. Therego, with the intention of addressing this issue, we recorded mPFC gabaergic and glutamatergic activation patterns through fiber photometry (FIP) in mice, while simultaneously performing the Barnes Maze (BM) cognitive task (4 day behavioral trial). In addition, an altered structural and procedural protocol for BM was validated in this study due to necessary modifications allowing FIP and BM to happen simultaneously. A successful protocol validation was followed by our preliminary results, which showed that both glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons presented significant change in activation intensity and number of events in specific contexts throughout the task days. In addition, when stratified and crossed with BM performance parameters, such as latency to complete tasks and adopted strategy, glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons presented a significant decline in both activation patterns and number of activation events throughout the days. This data suggest not only an important role of glutamatergic and gabaergic mPFC neurons in learning, memory and decision making, but also that activation patterns of each of these groups may serve as markers for cognitive progression and/or dysfunction. KEY-WORDS: Memory, Learning, Decision Making, Medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC), Fiber Photometry (FIP), Barnes Maze (BM), Glutamatergic, Gabaergic, Neuronal Activity, Neuronal Activation Patterns, Neuronal Dynamics.

O córtex pré-frontal medial (mPFC) é essencial na execução de tarefas cognitivas, no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre como esses neurônios são modulados durante tarefas específicas e qual subtipo de neurônios é responsável por isso. Portanto, com a intenção de abordar essa questão, registramos os padrões de ativação de neurônios gabaérgicos e glutamatérgicos do mPFC por meio de fotometria de fibra (FIP) em camundongos, enquanto realizávamos simultaneamente a tarefa cognitiva do Labirinto de Barnes (BM) (ensaio comportamental de 4 dias). Além disso, um protocolo estrutural e procedimental alterado para o BM foi validado neste estudo devido a modificações necessárias que permitiram a realização simultânea de FIP e BM. Uma validação bem-sucedida do protocolo foi seguida pelos nossos resultados preliminares, que mostraram que tanto os neurônios glutamatérgicos quanto os gabaérgicos apresentaram mudanças significativas na intensidade de ativação e no número de eventos em contextos específicos ao longo dos dias da tarefa. Além disso, quando estratificados e cruzados com parâmetros de desempenho do BM, como latência para completar as tarefas e estratégia adotada, os neurônios glutamatérgicos e gabaérgicos apresentaram uma diminuição significativa nos padrões de ativação e no número de eventos de ativação ao longo dos dias. Esses dados sugerem não apenas um papel importante dos neurônios glutamatérgicos e gabaérgicos do mPFC na aprendizagem, memória e tomada de decisões, mas também que os padrões de ativação de cada um desses grupos podem servir como marcadores de progressão e/ou disfunção cognitiva. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Memória, Aprendizagem, Tomada de Decisões, Córtex Pré-Frontal Medial (mPFC), Fotometria de Fibra (FIP), Labirinto de Barnes (BM), Glutamatérgico, Gabaérgico, Atividade Neuronal, Padrões de Ativação Neuronal, Dinâmica Neuronal.

Application of fiber photometry in neuroscience research / 生理学报

In recent years, fiber photometry has been widely used in the field of neuroscience as an important technique for recording the activity of neurons in the specific nuclei of freely moving animal. This review summarized the application of single-channel, multi-channel, and multi-color fiber photometry techniques in the neuroscience research of cognition, behavior, psychology and neurological diseases. In addition, it briefly introduced the applications of fiber photometry combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging technology, and fiber photometry combined with probe technology in the neuroscience research.

Macular Pigment Optical Density in the Korean Population: a Cross Sectional Study

50 years) showed lower MPOD than younger (30–49 years) subjects. But, in the healthy population, the estimated MPOD values exhibited a decreasing trend with age, but there were no significant differences according to age, after excluding patients with AMD. MPOD was significantly lower in patients with AMD than in aged healthy controls. Furthermore, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking were identified as risk factors for AMD.CONCLUSION: MPOD measured with MPSII® reflects the MP density in healthy individuals and patients with dry AMD. Aging was not significantly associated with low MPOD in healthy population, but the presence of dry AMD was significantly associated with low MPOD. Then, low MPOD may be a risk factor for development of dry AMD. Furthermore, routine screening with MPS II® for ages 50 and older is thought to help detect early low MPOD and identify individuals who should take supplements.

Long-term Fiber Photometry for Neuroscience Studies / 神经科学通报·英文版

Fiber photometry is a sensitive and easy way to detect changes in fluorescent signals. The combination of fiber photometry with various fluorescent biomarkers has substantially advanced neuroscience research over the last decade. Despite the wide use of fiber photometry in biomedical fields, the lack of a detailed and comprehensive protocol has limited progress and sometimes complicated the interpretation of data. Here, we describe detailed procedures of fiber photometry for the long-term monitoring of neuronal activity in freely-behaving animals, including surgery, apparatus setup, data collection, and analysis.

Wake Up Time, Light, and Mood in a Population Sample Age 40-64 Years

OBJECTIVE: Concern that disturbances of sleep and light exposures at night might increase cancer risks have been expressed, but little actual exposure data has been collected. Measurements from a representative population sample were examined to understand the magnitude of in-bed light exposure at night and possible correlates. METHODS: From 1990 to 1994, a home survey of sleep disorders among adults ages 40-64 was conducted in the City of San Diego California, using stratified representative sampling techniques. Along with questionnaires, sleep logs, and 3-night wrist activity and pulse oximetry measures, bedside illumination was measured with a computer recording system. Questionnaires included the CESD depression scale and a scale of symptoms typical of winter depression. RESULTS: Complete data were available from 286 men and women, whose mean in-bed intervals averaged 7 hours and 42 minutes. The mean room illumination during the first part of the night was mean 12.7 lux (median 3.2 lux) and during the last 2 hours in bed averaged 28.7 lux (median 18.9 lux). Nocturnal light exposure was positively correlated with age, male gender, summer season, time in bed, wake-up time, and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Complex bi-directional interactions may take place between sleep disturbances, depression, time in bed, wake-up-time, and in-bed illumination. The most crucial light exposures appear to occur in the last 2 hours in bed, largely after dawn, so daylight exposure may be an important factor.

Macular pigment optical density in healthy eyes of Filipino adults

OBJECTIVE: To determine the range of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) levels in healthy Filipino adults using both the MPS II and the macuscope and to investigate whether age and sex were related to inter-subject variations in MPOD. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross sectional study of 168 healthy Filipino patients who underwent heterochromic filter photometry to measure macular pigment levels using the MPS II and the macuscope. The MPOD levels were averaged per age group and analyzed as to variations among age and gender.RESULTS: One hundred thirty (130) and thirty-eight (38) patients underwent MPS II and macuscope testing respectively. The mean MPOD level for MPS II was 0.39(±0.16) and for macuscope 0.27(±0.07). MPOD values were similar across all age groups and gender, but they were lower when measured with the macuscope.CONCLUSIONS: MPOD levels measured among healthy Filipino adults were lower with the macuscope compared to the MPS II. These differences should take into consideration the differences in apparatus and techniques of measurement.

Avaliacao comparativa entre os metodos objetivo e subjetivo em laminas coradas pela imuno-histoquimica / Comparative assessment between objective and subjective methods in slides stained by immunohistochemistry

Métodos objetivos de avaliação são frequentemente cobrados em estudos científicos. Exames histológicos com coloração imuno-histoquímica podem ser avaliados por meio de fotometria. OBJETIVO: Comparar este método objetivo com a avaliação subjetiva realizada por três observadores independentes, utilizando lâminas de colesteatoma adquirido da orelha média. MÉTODO: Foram selecionadas um total de 54 imagens de colesteatomas imuno-histoquimicamente coradas pelos anticorpos anti-TNF-R2 (32 lâminas) e anti-TGF-α; (22 lâminas). O anticorpo secundário utilizado nos dois grupos foi o Max Polimer Detection System (Kit Novo Link, Novocastra®, UK). As amostras foram processadas por um scanner digital de lâminas (modelo ScanScope - Aperio). As áreas selecionadas foram submetidas à análise por fotometria. RESULTADOS: A avaliação objetiva por fotometria foi comparada com a avaliação subjetiva por três observadores e submetidas à análise estatística. A análise estatística revelou reprodutibilidade moderada (K valores entre 0,41 e 0,60) para os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo demonstrou que as características irregulares das lâminas de colesteatoma da orelha média coradas pela imuno-histoquímica impossibilita a sua adequada avaliação objetiva, enquanto a avaliação subjetiva por observadores experientes se mostrou mais confiável. .

Objective methods of assessment are often required in scientific studies. Histological tests with immunohistochemical staining can be assessed by photometry. OBJECTIVE: To compare this objective method with the subjective evaluation performed by three independent examiners, using slides of acquired middle ear cholesteatomas. METHOD: We selected a total of 54 cholesteatoma images, immunohistochemically stained by anti-TNF-R2 (32 slides) and anti-TGF-α, (22 slides). The secondary antibody used in the two groups was the Max Polymer Detection System (Novo Link Kit, Novocastra®, UK). The samples were processed by a digital slide scanner (ScanScope - Aperio). The selected sites were analyzed by photometry. RESULTS: The objective assessment by photometry was compared with the subjective evaluation by three examiners and subjected to statistical analysis. The Statistical analysis revealed moderate reproducibility (K values between 0.41 and 0.60) for both groups. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the irregular characteristics of middle ear cholesteatoma slides stained by immunohistochemistry prevents its proper objective evaluation, while the subjective assessment by experienced examiners was more reliable. .

Efeito da fisioterapia sobre os parâmetros ventilatórios e a dinâmica tóraco-abdominal de crianças respiradoras bucais / Effects of the physical therapy on ventilatory parameters and thoracoabdominal dynamics of mouth breathing children

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da fisioterapia nos parâmetros ventilatórios e na dinâmica tóraco-abdominal de crianças respiradoras bucais. Dez crianças respiradoras bucais foram submetidas a um programa de reeducação respiratória e correção postural durante 20 sessões de exercícios de alongamento e fortalecimento muscular sobre a bola suíça, estimulação diafragmática e alongamento dos músculos acessórios da inspiração. Os dados coletados foram as medidas de pressões inspiratórias e expiratórias máximas (PIM e PEM), capacidade inspiratória (CI), pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE), mobilidade torácica por meio do coeficiente respiratório (Cr) nos níveis axilar (CrA), xifoide (CrX) e umbilical (CrU) e análise biofotogramétrica do ângulo de Charpy. Estes foram verificados antes e após 10 e 20 atendimentos. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de variância (ANOVA) e, nas diferenças encontradas entre as médias, aplicou-se o Teste de Tukey com nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Houve melhora para as medidas referentes ao ângulo de Charpy (p=0,048), CI (p=0,037), PFE (0,002), PIM (0,007), CrA (p=0,008) e CrX (p=0,041). A PEM e o CrU, apesar da melhora nos valores absolutos, não apresentaram resultados estatisticamente significativos. O programa de fisioterapia respiratória e postural produziu efeitos positivos sobre a função ventilatória de crianças respiradoras bucais.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the physiotherapy on the ventilatory parameters and thoracoabdominal dynamics of mouth breathing children. Ten mouth breathing children were undergone to 20 sessions of respiratory reeducation and postural correction through stretching and strengthening exercises on Swiss ball, diaphragmatic stimulation and stretching of the inspiratory accessory muscles. The data collected were measurements of the maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), inspiratory capacity (IC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), the chest wall mobility measured by the respiratory coefficient (Rc) at the levels of the axillary (RcA), xiphosternal (RcX) and umbilical (RcU) regions and biophotogrametry analysis of the Charpy angle. These were measured before and after 10 and 20 sessions. A 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine differences in variables among the three evaluations. Post-hoc comparisons were conducted with the Tukey's Test. It was considered a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). There were improvements on Charpy angle (p=0.048), IC (p=0.037), PEF (0.002), MIP (p=0.007), RcA (p=0.008) and RcX (p=0.041) measures. Although MEP and RcU improved their absolute values, the results were not statistically significant. The program of respiratory physiotherapy and postural correction produced positive effects on the ventilatory function of mouth breathing children.

Research of on-line vision inspection technology for width of NC membrane / 生物医学工程学杂志

This paper presents a vision-based method for the width of NC membrane online inspection. In the production of bio-test strip, the number of antigen or antibody which is coated on the membrane depends on the width and the uniformity of test line T and control line C. People should control the width and the uniformity strictly to ensure the accuracy of lines in order to achieve quantitative inspection with high sensitivity. And online inspection must be done, it cannot be processed when the solution has been dry up. This paper gives a design of online inspection system based on linear charge-coupled device (linear CCD), it makes such advantages in terms of speed, accuracy, and the operation to achieve real-time, online inspection.

Evaluation of Viola betonicifolia for its nutrition value

In the present study, Viola betonicifolia [whole plant] and solvent fractions obtained thereof were evaluated for various micronutrients such as lead, copper, chromium, iron, nickel, zinc, cadmium, cobalt and macronutrients such as sodium, potassium and calcium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flame photometry respectively. It was observed that cobalt and cadmium were not detectible in tested samples while remaining nutrients were present in variable concentrations. The concentrations of all metals were compared with the recommended limits for plants and the daily consumption of all the nutrients were calculated on the basis of dose [15 g/70 kg/day or 214 mg/Kg body weight] prescribed by hakims in their practice. The concentration of chromium was far beyond the recommended limits in almost all the samples. Proximate analysis was carried out in the powdered form of the plant. Viola betonicifolia appeared as a good source of life essential nutrients like fats [18.70%], proteins [15.70%], carbohydrates [21.42%], fiber [39.01%] and vitamin C [150 mg/100 g]. In conclusion, Viola betonicifolia is an excellent source of various micro and macronutrients for human being and can be used safely as a nutritional supplement

Photometric Facial Analysis of the Igbo Nigerian Adult Male

Background: A carefully performed facial analysis can serve as a strong foundation for successful facial reconstructive and plastic surgeries; rhinoplasty or orthodontics. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the facial features and qualities of the Igbo Nigerian adult male using photometry. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects aged between 18 and 28 years were studied at the Anambra State University; Uli; Nigeria. The frontal and right lateral view photographs of their faces were taken and traced out on tracing papers. On these; two vertical distances; nasion to subnasal and subnasale to menton; and four angles; nasofrontal (NF); nasofacial; nasomental (NM) and mentocervical; were measured. Results: The result showed that the Igbo Nigerian adult male had a middle face that was shorter than the lower one (41.76vs.58.24); a moderate glabella (NF=133.97o); a projected nose (NM=38.68o) and a less prominent chin (NM=125.87o). Conclusion: This study is very important in medical practice as it can be used to compare the pre- and post-operative results of plastic surgery and other related surgeries of the face

Adipose tissue mature stem cells in skin healing: a controlled randomized study / Uso de células-tronco adultas de tecido adiposo na cicatrização da pele: estudo controlado, randomizado

BACKGROUND: The differences between fetal and adult scars suggest the possibility of manipulating skin scarring outcomes. This study aimed to assess whether the use of adult stem cells from adipose tissue is beneficial to skin healing. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study for which 18 patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The adult stem cells used were autologous and were extracted from infraumbilical adipose tissue prior to abdominoplasty. These cells were implanted into the surgical wound dermis in the suprapubic region before skin synthesis. The results were assessed blindly based on the Draaijers scale by three physicians and by the patients themselves in a self-assessment. Photometric assessment by digital photography was also performed. RESULTS: Among the 18 operated patients, considering the surgical result, 17 (94.4 percent) had excellent or good results and one (5.5 percent) had wound dehiscence, which was considered a bad result. Considering skin healing in the searched area, there was no statistically significant difference in the photometric evaluation; in both the self-assessment by the patients and the physicians' assessment, the results were significantly in favor of intervention with stem cells (P = 0.12 and P = 0.003, respectively). Consideration of all assessments (physicians, patients and photometric) found a statistically significant difference in favor of the implantation of adult stem cells from adipose tissue (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Skin healing results after implantation of adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue were satisfactory.

INTRODUÇÃO: Fatores que diferenciam a cicatrização fetal e a do adulto instigam a possibilidade de manipulação das soluções de continuidade da pele. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o uso de células-tronco adultas do tecido adiposo é benéfico à cicatrização da pele. MÉTODO: Estudo controlado, randomizado, para o qual foram selecionadas 18 pacientes, considerando-se critérios de inclusão e exclusão. As células-tronco adultas utilizadas eram autólogas, extraídas do tecido adiposo da região infraumbilical, precedendo a realização da abdominoplastia. Essas células, antes da síntese da pele, foram implantadas na derme da ferida operatória, na região suprapúbica. A avaliação dos resultados foi realizada com base na escala de Draaijers, por três avaliadores médicos cegados, e pelas próprias pacientes, por autoavaliação. Foi realizada, também, avaliação fotométrica por fotografia digital. RESULTADOS: Dentre as 18 pacientes operadas, sob o ponto de vista cirúrgico, 17 (94,4 por cento) apresentaram resultados excelentes ou bons e uma (5,5 por cento) apresentou deiscência de sutura, considerado mau resultado. Quanto à cicatrização da pele na área pesquisada, à avaliação fotométrica, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante; à autoavaliação pelas pacientes, os resultados atingiram nível de significância a favor da intervenção com células-tronco (P = 0,12); e à avaliação pelos médicos, foi atingido nível de significância a favor da intervenção por células-tronco (P = 0,003). Considerando-se todas as avaliações realizadas (médicos, pacientes e fotométrica), foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante favorável ao implante de células-tronco adultas do tecido adipose (P < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados da cicatrização da pele, após implante de células-tronco adultas derivadas de tecido adiposo, foram satisfatórios.

Efeito agudo da técnica de reeducação postural global na postura de mulheres com encurtamento da cadeia muscular anterior / Acute effect of global posture reeducation technique in the posture of women with anterior muscular chain shortening

Introdução: A reeducação postural global (RPG) é um método de avaliação e tratamento das diversas disfunçõesposturais, que utiliza posturas globais para tratar as cadeias musculares em alteração. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito de uma sessão de RPG na postura de mulheres com encurtamento da cadeia muscular anterior. Métodos: Trinta voluntárias (20 ± 2,4 anos) com encurtamento da cadeia anterior foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo experimental e grupo controle. No grupo experimental foi aplicada a postura de RPG (40 min), e no grupo controle, as participantes não foram submetidas a nenhum procedimento.Foram mensuradas 11 variáveis relacionadas à análise postural por meio da fotometria, antes e imediatamente após a técnica de reeducação postural. Resultados: Algumas variáveis relacionadas à posição da cabeça e do ombro apresentaram alterações significativas: o ângulo de protusão da cabeça (p = 0,00), o alinhamento horizontal da cabeça (p = 0,02), distância fio de prumo-trago (p = 0,00) e distância fio de prumo-acrômio (p = 0,00). Conclusão: A técnica de reeducação postural global apresentou efeito imediato na posição da cabeça e do ombro, porém uma única intervenção não foi capaz de alterar o posicionamento de outras estruturas analisadas, como o tronco, a pelve e o membro inferior.

Development of transcutaneous jaundice predictor for the neonates / 生物医学工程学杂志

Neonatal jaundice is a common neonatal disease. Severe jaundices lead to kernicterus that affects intellectual development of infants or even causes death. Timely and early prediction is vital to the treatment and prevention. This paper presents a jaundice predictor, which uses C8051F020 as the core of single-chip microcomputer (SCM) system with prediction algorithms proven by a large number of clinical trials. The jaundice predictor can reduce the incidence rate of jaundice, alleviate the condition of infants with jaundice, improve the quality of perinatal, with predicting pathologic neonatal jaundice effectively and calling attention to the prophylactic treatment. In addition, compared with the existing transcutaneous jaundice meters, the new predictor has a smaller size, a lighter weight, more user-friendly, and easier to use by hand-holding.

Double scanning method for computer aided design and computer aided manufacture all-ceramic restorations / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce the double scanning for producing computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) zirconia crowns, and to compare Procera with Everest CAD-CAM system by observing clinical effects of the crowns.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty CAD-CAM zirconia crowns (10 crowns by Procera, and 30 crowns by Everest) were evaluated, and the examination criteria included: marginal fit, aesthetics, gingival health, retention, and fracture. All of the zirconia copings were produced using double scanning. Procera system and Everest system use contact scanner and optical scanner respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The observation time for the crowns ranged from 6 to 24 months. The results of clinic evaluation were acceptable in all restorations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Double scanning could be used to produce complicated zirconia copings by CAD-CAM in order to get proper symmetrical porcelain length. It was easier to make complicated coping with contact scanner than with optical scanner.</p>

Reproducibility and reliability of head posture obtained by the outer canthus indicator / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of head posture obtained by registering outer canthus as a soft tissue landmark with the Outer Canthus Indicator (OCI). METHODS: Twenty-one adults with normal facial morphology were enrolled in this study (mean age 27.5 +/- 1.72 years). To register initial head posture, height of the outer canthus from the ear rod plane was measured using OCI. Head posture was reproduced by moving the head upwards and downwards until the outer canthus was in a straight line with the indicator set at a registered height. After the head posture is reproduced by two operators after two days, lateral photographs were taken. Computerized photometric analyses of the photographs were performed. RESULTS: The head rotations around the transverse axis were 0.69 +/- 0.43degrees, 0.98 +/- 0.65degrees from each of the two operators. Standard errors were 0.09degrees and 0.14degrees each, which were similar to results from past research findings. There were no significant differences between the data from the two operators (p > 0.05). There were no correlations between the head rotation around the horizontal and vertical axes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that OCI-registered head posture may minimize errors from vertical head rotation in cephalometry and photometry.

Avaliação postural em pacientes portadores de esclerose múltipla tipo remitente-recorrente através da análise fotométrica / Postural assessment in patients with remitent-recourrent multiple sclerosis by photometric analysis

A esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma doença inflamatória desmielinizante que acomete o sistema nervoso central afetando primariamente a mielina e secundariamente o axônio, causando glicose cicatricial, que prejudica a neurotransmissão. O presente trabalho visa identificar os principais déficits posturais dos pacientes portadores de esclerose múltipla remitente-recorrente, que freqüentam o Serviço de Reabilitação da Santa Casa de São Paulo utilizando a análise fotométrica, pela qual se realizou a medição do alinhamento corporal, seguindo seu manual operacional e a avaliação postural pelo fio de prumo gráfico. A avaliação fotométrica, através do posturograma nos permite armazenar em banco de dados as informações dos pacientes para futuras comparações de sua evolução.

Elevated serum C-reactive protein level and microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Microalbuminuria is a marker of vascular endothelial damage. In addition, it is reported that high serum levels of C-reactive protein [CRP] is a novel cardiovascular risk factor that impairs endothelial function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between microalbuminuria and elevated serum level of high-sensitivity CRP [HS-CRP] in type 2 diabetic patients. We measured serum levels of HS-CRP in 87 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. They were divided into a microalbuminuric group [n = 45] and those with a 24-hour urine albumin less than 30 mg/d [n = 42]. The relationship of serum HS-CRP level with albuminuria and other characteristics of the patients was assessed. Patients with microalbuminuria were significantly older and affected by diabetes mellitus longer than those without microalbuminuria. Also, their mean HS-CRP was significantly higher [4.98 +/- 1.45 mg/L versus 2.82 +/- 2.10 mg/L; P < .001]. The Pearson correlation test showed a significant correlation between HS-CRP level and urine albumin level [r = 0.43; P < .001]. The specificity and sensitivity of HS-CRP for detection of microalbuminuria in were 78.5% and 68.8%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 77.5% and 70.2%, respectively. In type 2 diabetic patients, microalbuminuria is accompanied by elevated HS-CRP, suggesting activation of inflammatory pathways in progression of renal and cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease. As an easier and cheaper test for assessment of diabetic nephropathy, we recommend further studies on HS-CRP in diabetic patients