RELEVANT BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF BLOOD RADIOSENSITIVITY IN GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER PATIENTS. / RELEVANTNI BIOKhIMIChNI POKAZNYKY RADIOChUTLYVOSTI KROVI ONKOGINEKOLOGIChNYKh KhVORYKh.

OBJECTIVE: identification of the relevant biochemical indices of blood radiosensitivity in endometrial cancerpatients under the test irradiation in a wide range of doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were drawn for assay in the newly diagnosed endometrial cancer patients (study group, n = 42) and healthy donors (control group, n = 27). A set of biochemical values was reviewed to identify and justify the prognostic markers of cell radiosensitivity in the tumor environment featuring gradual development of oxidative stress, namely the intensity of superoxide anionradical (О2) generation, pro/antioxidant ratio (PAR), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Predictive values were selected through the construction and analysis of «doseresponse¼ dependencies of the studied parameters during Xray test exposure in a dose range of 0.5-3.0 Gy. Nature of the dose curves was determined using linear and linearquadratic regression models. RESULTS: The 3.2 times higher MDA content was found in blood plasma of endometrial cancer patients compared to the control group, namely (60.87 ± 4.93) µM/g of protein versus (18.93 ± 2.05) µM/g of protein (р ≤ 0.05). The raise in MDA content along with increase in the test radiation dose (in a range of 0.5-3.0 Gy) was approximated by the linear regression model Y = 67.44 + 12.52D, R2 = 0.85. A 1.29-1.74fold increase in the mean group value depending on the radiation dose was recorded (р ≤ 0.05). Effects of lowdose irradiation (0.5 Gy) were differentiated as (85.03 ± 8.9) against the initial MDA level of (60.87 ± 4.93) µM/g of protein. There was an increase in the intensity of О2 generation in blood lymphocytes and elevated PAR value in hemolysate from endometrial cancer patients compared to healthy donors by 1.34 and 1.30 times (р ≤ 0.05) respectively, which indicated the intensification of prooxidant processes in patients. The interindividual peculiarities of the blood reactionresponse to radiation were revealed according to parameters depending on the initial values, which characterize them only as additional prognostic biomarkers in radiation treatment planning for gynecological cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: It has been proven that the linear nature of dose dependence of MDA content in blood plasma of endometrial cancer patients and response to lowdose irradiation of are the basic criteria for recognizing MDA as a relevant prognostic biochemical indicator of radiosensitivity of healthy cells from the tumor environment. The content of MDA in blood plasma of gynecological cancer patients should be taken into account in order to identify the subjects with a high risk of radiation complications.

Metabolic and Hormonal Changes Associated with Vitellogenesis in Salvator merianae Lizards.

Vitellogenesis in oviparous vertebrates is a critical marker of the restart of seasonal reproductive activity. During this process of multihormonal regulation, females allocate a considerable amount of organic and mineral reserves to the synthesis of yolk, with changes in their plasma values. In this work, we determined plasma levels of various metabolites and steroid hormones throughout the reproductive cycle in females of Salvator merianae who developed vitellogenic and non-vitellogenic follicular cycles. We worked for two consecutive years with 20 adult females from the Experimental Hatchery of the Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia of the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Values of metabolites: glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, total proteins, and hormones: estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, were determined during the following stages of the annual cycle: hibernation, hibernation emergence, courtship-mating, oviposition, and incubation. Vitellogenic females showed significantly higher plasma levels of triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, and albumin than non-vitellogenic females, mainly in the courtship-mating stage (advanced vitellogenesis). In contrast, annual cholesterol averages were lower in vitellogenic females. Glucose showed changes throughout the annual cycle regardless of the vitellogenic condition. Total proteins plasma levels had very few fluctuations during the cycle. Among the hormones studied, only testosterone showed differences related to vitellogenic condition, with higher levels in non-vitellogenic females during the entire reproductive cycle. The knowledge of these changes associated with vitellogenesis will improve zootechnical management and will allow optimizing the reproductive efficiency of Salvator lizards in captivity.

Dietary supplementation with different types of fiber in gestation and lactation: effects on sow serum biochemical values and performance.

OBJECTIVE: Three types of dietary fiber were fed to sows during gestation and lactation stages to monitor their physiological and metabolic adaptations during the pre-partum period and to determine how these effects may influence the lactation period and sow performance. METHODS: Soon after breeding, 54 sows were selected and were fed with 20% supplementation as fed of wheat bran (WB), soya hulls (SH), or rice hulls (RH) in diets during gestation and lactation. Sows were weighed, backfat thickness was measured ultrasonically and jugular blood samples were collected from all sows. The litter size was equalized to 10, by fostering piglets from sows on the same treatment. RESULTS: Sows gained 22.0, 21.8, and 25.5 kg of net maternal body weight during gestation (for WB, SH, and RH sows, respectively; p = 0.007). There was no treatment effect on the body weight change during lactation (p = 0.158), however RH sows consumed an average of 133.66 kg of feed, WB sows took 121.29 kg and SH sows took 126.77 kg during lactation (p<0.001). The SH litters gained an average of 59.34 kg of weight during lactation, while other litters gained 51.58 and 49.98 kg (for WB and RH litters, respectively; p<0.001). Exception for aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, measured serum biochemical values were broadly in agreement with earlier reports. Despite the use of additional vegetable oil to balance the energy level, RH sows still had lower concentrations of serum triglycerides in late gestation. CONCLUSION: Different types of fibrous ingredients in the gestation diet influenced most of the investigated reference values for sows. The values of serum biochemical parameters were generally not affected by fiber type during the lactation stage. The SH supplementation for sows is an effective approach to give heavier litters at birth and weaning and to increase voluntary feed intake in early lactation.

Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Habit Modification and Drug Adherence in Obesity / Eficacia de la Terapia Cognitivo Conductual para Modificación de Hábitos y Adherencia Farmacológica en Obesidad

Abstract The obesity is a global health problem, also it is increasing in adults and pediatric population, reducing life quality. Treatment must be interdisciplinary with elements of behavior modification on self-control, habit modifications, support networks and highlighting to adherence. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically on problem solving model, is efficient in treatment of anthropometric control, metabolic and behavioral indicators. Methods: Quasi-experimental, comparative, clinical and randomized study, n=100 adults of both sexes with an exogenous obesity diagnostic. The intervention was performed with an interdisciplinary treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy on problem solving model and 3mg. (0-0-1) of melatonin (50 subjects), comparing it with a group that only received the treatment by melatonin 3mg. (0-0-1) (50 subjects) per 8 months; the anthropometry and blood biochemical values (glucose, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) was evaluated after and before; dropout rate and adherence to the drug was evaluated every month. A bioimpedance machine was used. Results: The analysis demonstrated in eight months that the problem solving model with melatonin group got an adherence average of 80% (p= .05); in comparison with melatonin group that showed an average of 48% (p= .05). Relating to anthropometry and blood biochemical values, problem solving model and melatonin group got better effectiveness (p= .05). Conclusions Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with melatonin, was more effective in anthropometric indicators, blood chemistry and mainly in adherence, confirming the importance of the incursion of effective psychological techniques that contribute to the management of obesity.

Resumen La obesidad es un problema de salud que aumenta en la población, reduciendo la calidad de vida. El tratamiento debe de ser interdisciplinario, que incluya autocontrol de ingesta alimentaria, modificación de hábitos, redes de apoyo y manejo de adherencia. La terapia cognitiva conductual específicamente el modelo en solución de problemas es eficaz en el manejo de antropometría, indicadores metabólicos y conductuales, sin embargo no hay evidencia de su impacto en adherencia farmacológica. Método: estudio cuasiexperimental, comparativo, aleatorio simple y clínico. Participaron 100 adultos de ambos sexos con diagnóstico de obesidad exógena. Se aplicó intervención basada en el modelo en solución de problemas combinado con 3 mg. (0-0-1) de melatonina (50 sujetos), comparándola con un grupo que solo recibió melatonina 3 mg. (0-0-1) (50 sujetos) durante 8 meses; se evaluó antropometría (IMC y porcentaje de grasa), química sanguínea (glucosa, triglicéridos, HDL y LDL), tasa de abandono y adherencia al fármaco mensualmente. Se utilizó báscula de bioimpedancia. Resultados. El grupo de terapia y melatonina obtuvo un promedio de adherencia del 80% (p = .05); en comparación con el grupo de melatonina que mostró un promedio de 48% (p = .05). En la antropometría y química sanguínea, este grupo mostró mayor eficacia (p = .05). Conclusiones. La terapia cognitivo conductual combinada con melatonina, fue más efectiva en indicadores antropométricos, de química sanguínea y principalmente en adherencia, lo que confirma la importancia de la incursión de técnicas psicológicas efectivas que coadyuven en el manejo de obesidad.

Investigation of the Effects of Biochemical Parameters on Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The most common type of dementia is an Alzheimer's disease which is a major concern in growing chronic diseases in the geriatric society, and its connection with biochemistry has not been sufficiently understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of blood biochemistry on Alzheimer's disease. METHOD: Eight participants aged 55+ with Alzheimer's disease were analyzed. A cross-sectional work has conducted. Eighty patients have been divided into 2 groups as group A and group B according to laboratory findings including glycosylated hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGA), vitamin D, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination scores between these different 2 groups have been compared. RESULTS: High levels of HDL, vitamin D, and folic acid correlate with cognitive scores, whereas high levels of total cholesterol, HbA1c, LDL show a negative effect on cognition scores. CONCLUSION: High-density lipoprotein, vitamin D, folic acid, cholesterol, HgA1c, and LDL have an effect on dementia.

Association between schizophrenia and syphilis: a retrospective study in Xiamen, China.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that patients with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia have a higher risk for syphilis infection. However, the clinical characteristics of psychotic patients who are infected with syphilis remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of syphilis in psychotic patients in Xiamen and to compare the social function and serum biochemical markers between schizophrenia patients with and without syphilis. METHODS: There were a total of 1586 psychotic patients screened for syphilis from May 2016 to August 2017 in Xiamen Mental Health Center. We retrospectively studied 87 schizophrenia patients in this study. The NOSIE-30 score and serum biochemical markers were analyzed for all schizophrenia patients. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of syphilis was 3.3% (52/1586) in our study. Schizophrenia patients infected with syphilis (SCZ-S) showed a higher irritability score compared with patients without syphilis (SCZ-C) (p < 0.05). Similarly, the serum CK, CK-MB, K and Cl values were significantly higher in the SCZ-S group than in the SCZ-C group (P < 0.05). In addition, the CK levels in SCZ-S drug-free patients were significantly higher than in drug-free patients in the SCZ-C group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of syphilis was 3.3% (52/1586) in our study, which revealed that psychotic patients were at high risk of being infected with Treponema pallidum. In addition, schizophrenia patients infected with syphilis can be more irritable and could have disrupted electrolyte and CK and CK-MB levels.

Effects of age on intestinal phosphate transport and biochemical values of broiler chickens.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this experiment was to characterize the mRNA expression profile of type IIb sodium-inorganic phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIb) and the biochemical values of serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP), calcium, inorganic phosphorus, tibial ash and minerals of broiler chickens with aging. METHODS: A total of 56 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chickens were used. Broiler chickens were weighed and samples were collected weekly from day 1. RESULTS: The result showed that before the growth inflection point, ash, calcium, and phosphorus content in the tibia of broiler chickens increased with growth (before 3 weeks of age), although there were no significant differences in chicks at different ages in the later period of the experiment and weight gain rate was relatively slow at this stage (4 to 6 weeks). NaPi-IIb gene expression in the small intestine in the early growth stage was higher than that in the later growth stage. Expression of calbindin and the vitamin D receptor protein in the intestinal mucosa increased with age in the duodenum and jejunum. Serum AKP activity first increased and subsequently decreased after peaking at 1 week of age, but there was no significant difference after 3 weeks of age. CONCLUSION: These results show that compared with the early growth stage, the weight-gain rate of broiler chickens in the late growth stage gradually decreased with gradual tibia maturation, along with weaker positive transport of phosphorus in the intestine and reinforced re-absorption of phosphorus in the kidney, which might be the reason that phosphorus requirement in the late growth stage was decreased.

Health and mineral nutrition status of yaks in southern Mustang, Nepal.

Biochemical values and mineral concentrations in blood plasma were investigated to evaluate the statuses of health and mineral nutrition among yaks in Mustang District, Nepal. In total, 118 plasma samples of female yaks collected in April and September/October of 2013-2015 were offered. Seventy-four percent of yaks showed lower plasma total-cholesterol concentrations than the lowest limit of reference range (100 mg/dL) and the values in spring (83.41 mg/dL) were lower (P < 0.05) than those in autumn (95.05 mg/dL). All the yaks had lower plasma albumin concentrations than the lowest limit of reference range (3.0 g/dL) and 66% of yaks showed lower plasma inorganic phosphorus concentrations than the critical level of phosphorus deficiency (4.5 mg/dL). Thirty-five percent of yaks showed lower plasma calcium concentrations than the lowest limit of normal range (8 mg/dL) and the concentrations were lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). Seventy-five percent of yaks presented lower copper concentrations than the critical level (0.65 mg/L) and the concentrations were lower in spring than in autumn (P < 0.01). Since the low plasma total-cholesterol might have indicated shortage of dry matter and energy intake, attention should be paid to the nutritional statuses of energy, phosphorus, calcium and copper in winter and early spring.

Impact of Delayed Analysis in Avian Blood Biochemical Values Measured With the Abaxis VetScan VS2.

For biochemical analysis with a point-of-care biochemical analyzer, standard procedure is to analyze the sample as rapidly as possible (<1 hour) after venipuncture to minimize any changes in analyte concentrations that might occur over time. However, under some circumstances, such as when collecting blood at remote field sites, a longer delay may be unavoidable. This study evaluates the effect of delayed analysis time under unrefrigerated conditions on avian (psittacine) biochemical analyte concentrations obtained with the VetScan VS2 using Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus rotors. Venipuncture was performed on a group of 36 psittacine birds as part of routine health checks in a research aviary (Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, TX, USA). Whole blood was kept at room temperature and analyzed at 4 time intervals: <1, 3, 6, and 24 hours after venipuncture. At 3 hours or less after collection, most biochemical parameters changed by <2%, with the exception of phosphorus (decrease of about -9%). Major increases by 24 hours after collection were observed in phosphorus (+67%) and potassium (+103%) concentrations, whereas aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid, glucose, and sodium concentrations also showed statistically significant changes. Our results suggest that accurate information from analyses using the VetScan VS2 may be obtained for up to 3 hours after venipuncture without refrigeration, but researchers and clinicians do need to exercise care when interpreting blood chemistry analyte concentrations obtained after multihour delays between venipuncture and sample analysis.

Comparative biochemical changes in young Zebu cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax from tsetse infested and non-tsetse infested areas of northwest Ethiopia.

Trypanosomosis is a vector-borne protozoan disease of animals and humans in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, particularly the northwest region is affected by both tsetse and non-tsetse transmitted trypanosomosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects and compare differences in virulence of Trypanosoma vivax infection between tsetse and non-tsetse infested areas of northwest Ethiopia on the basis of serum biochemical values in Zebu cattle. Eighteen cattles purchased from trypanosome free area and aged between 9 and 12 months were assigned into three groups of six animals (Group TT=infected with T. vivax from tsetse infested area, Group NT=infected with T. vivax from non-tsetse infested area and Group C=non-infected control). For each experimental animal 3 ml of blood from naturally infected cattle was inoculated intravenously at 10(6) trypanosomes/ml except the control. Blood sample was collected once a week for 8 consecutive weeks for analyzing serum biochemical values (glucose, total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and enzymes including GOT, GPT and ALP) using a Humastar 80 clinical chemistry analyzer. Both T. vivax parasites caused an acute infection with parasites appearing in circulation on 6 and 12 days post-infection for NT and TT cattle, respectively. A significant reduction (P<0.001) in glucose levels was observed in infected groups compared with the control with mean values of 33.8 ± 3.6 mg/dl for TT, 34.3 ± 3.6 mg/dl for NT and 70.9 ± 3.0 mg/dl for control groups. A similar reduction was also seen in total cholesterol values (P=0.001) with 70.4 ± 10.6 mg/dl for TT and 78.0 ± 10.6 mg/dl for NT groups compared to 139.5 ± 8.7 mg/dl for the control group. No difference was observed for total serum protein between the three groups (P=0.260) whereas the mean albumin level was significantly (P<0.001) decreased (3.5 ± 0.1g/dl and 2.9 ± 0.1g/dl in TT and NT groups respectively) compared to that for control cattle (4.5 ± 0.1g/dl). On the other hand, infected groups had higher ALP values compared to the control (P=0.007), with a mean value of 538. 4 ± 64.4 IU/L, 564.9 ± 64.4 IU/L and 273.2 ± 52.6 IU/L for TT, NT and control cattle, respectively. In conclusion, the two T. vivax parasites caused significant biochemical changes indicative of pathological responses. However, there was no significant variation between the two parasites in initiating these changes despite the difference in the onset of parasitaemia.

Frequency of adverse events in plateletpheresis donors in regional transfusion centre in North India.

BACKGROUND: Although automated cell separators have undergone a lot of technical refinements, attention has been focused on the quality of platelet concentrates than on donor safety. We planned this prospective study to look into donor safety aspect by studying adverse events in normal healthy plateletpheresis donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included 500 healthy, first-time (n=301) and repeat (n=199) plateletpheresis donors after informed consent. The plateletpheresis procedures were performed on Trima Accel (5.1 version, GAMBRO BCT) and Amicus (3.2 version FENWAL) cell separators. The adverse events during procedure were recorded and classified according to their nature. The pre and post procedure hematological and biochemical profiles of these donors were also assessed with the help of automated cell counter and analyser respectively. RESULTS: A total of 18% (n=90) adverse events were recorded in 500 plateletpheresis donors, of which 9% of were hypocalcaemia in nature followed by hematoma (7.4%), vasovagal reaction (0.8%) and kit related adverse events in (0.8%). There was significant post procedure drop in Hb, Hct, platelet count of the donors (p<0.0001) whereas WBC count showed a statistically significant rise (p<0.0001). Divalent cations (iCa(+), TCa(+), TMg(+)) also showed a statistically significant decline after donation (p<0.0001). However there were no statistically significance difference between adverse events in Trima Accel (5.1 version, GAMBRO BCT) and Amicus (3.2 version FENWAL) cell separators. CONCLUSION: Donor reactions can adversely affect the voluntary donor recruitment strategies to increase the public awareness regarding constant need for blood and blood products. Commonly observed adverse events in plateletpheresis donors were hypocalcemia, hematoma formation and vasovagal reactions which can be prevented by pre-donation education of the donors and change of machine configuration. Nevertheless, more prospective studies on this aspect are required in order to establish guidelines for donor safety in apheresis and also to help in assessing donor suitability, especially given the present trend of double product apheresis collections.