Effect of habitual cigarette smoking on the index of cardiac electrophysiological balance in apparently healthy individuals

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 41-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Levent Özdemir ◽  
Erdoğan Sökmen
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Apparently Healthy

scholarly journals POS0169 FETUIN-A AS A MARKER OF OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 297.2-297
Author(s):  
Y. Akhverdyan ◽  
E. Papichev ◽  
В. Zavodovsky ◽  
L. Seewordova ◽  
J. Polyakova
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Blood Serum ◽  
Bone Mineralization ◽  
Expectant Management ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Fetuin A ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Background:The main mechanism of the effect of fetuin-A (FeA) on bone metabolism is its ability to bind calcium and proteins of the TGF-β family. It has been proven that the optimal concentration of TGF-β is necessary for the differentiation of bone tissue, and a high concentration inhibits bone mineralization. Thus, adequate osteogenesis is based on a complex balance between FeA and TGF-β levels. It can be assumed that the determination of the FeA level in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will help to optimize the diagnosis and predict the severity of osteoporosis (OP).Objectives:to study the possibility of predicting the development of osteoporosis and osteoporetic fractures in patients with RA, depending on the level of FeA in blood serum.Methods:We examined two groups of patients (52 patients with RA complicated by OP, 58 patients with RA without OP) and 30 apparently healthy individuals. The age of the surveyed ranged from 18 to 72 years, the average duration of the disease was 7.53±0.89 years. In both groups, the FeA level was determined by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a commercial test. Bone mineral density (BMD) was also measured in both groups (Lunar DPX-NT GE).Results:The average FeA level in the group of RA patients was lower than in the group of conventionally healthy individuals (731.21±109.9 μg/ml and 812.9±76.2 μg/ml, respectively; F=13.34; p=0,0004). The normal FeA level was calculated using the formula M±2σ in the group of apparently healthy individuals and ranged from 653.55 μg/ml to 972.19 μg/ml.A decreased level of FeA was found in 20 patients (86.96%) in the group of patients with OP and only in 3 (13.04%) patients with RA who did not suffer from OP (p<0.001). It can be concluded that patients with RA and a low concentration of FeA in the blood serum have a higher risk of developing OP.In the group of patients with normal FeA level, osteoporetic fractures were observed in 12 (13.79%) patients and were absent in 75 (86.21%) patients (p<0.001). Thus, RA patients with normal serum FeA levels have a lower risk of osteoporetic fractures.We also found a positive significant correlation between the level of FeA and BMD in the femoral neck area. In the group of patients with a reduced FeA level (23 people), the mean BMD values were 0.732±0.022 g/cm2, and in the group of patients with a normal FeA level (87 patients) - 0.890±0.014 g/cm2 (p<0.001, F=27.663). The obtained values are in agreement with the literature data on the effect of the serum FeA concentration on the BMD values.Conclusion:We consider it expedient to determine the serum FeA concentration in patients with RA. At a FeA level of 653.55 μg/ml and below, a higher risk of developing OP and osteoporetic fractures can be predicted. In this case, the patient is shown a standard examination for osteoporosis. At values of 653.55 μg/ml and above, a more expectant management of the patient is allowed. Thus, by determining the serum concentration of FeA, it is possible to implement an integrated approach to the patient and to optimize the schemes for the diagnosis of OP in patients with RA.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Mycoplasmas in Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus): identification and association with abortion

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1123-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Lynch ◽  
Trevor K. Taylor ◽  
Pádraig J. Duignan ◽  
Jane Swingler ◽  
Marc Marenda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
Mycoplasma Species ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Normal Flora ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Culture Techniques ◽  
Fur Seals ◽  
Specific Culture ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Bacteria from the genus Mycoplasma are common inhabitants of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genital tracts of mammals. The understanding of the pathological significance of mycoplasmas in seals is poor, as few studies have utilized the specific culture techniques required to isolate these bacteria. The current study surveyed for the Mycoplasma species present in Australian fur seals ( Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and investigated the association between infection and pathology. Mycoplasmas were found in the nasal cavities of 55/80 (69%) of apparently healthy individuals. Isolates from 18 individuals were investigated through 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, and 3 species were identified: M. zalophi, M. phocae, and Mycoplasma sp. (GenBank no. EU714238.1), all of which had previously been isolated from Northern Hemisphere pinnipeds. In addition, mycoplasmas were isolated from the lungs of 4 out of 16 juveniles and 1 out of 5 adults sampled at necropsy. Isolates obtained were M. zalophi, Mycoplasma sp. EU714238.1, and M. phocicerebrale, but infection was not associated with lung pathology in these age classes. Inflammatory disease processes of the heart and/or lungs were present in 12 out of 32 (38%) aborted fetuses on microscopic examination. Predominant findings were interstitial pneumonia, pericarditis, and myocarditis. Mycoplasma phocicerebrale was isolated from the thymus of an aborted fetus, and 3 out of 11 (27%) fetuses with inflammatory heart or lung lesions were PCR-positive for Mycoplasma. In conclusion, several species of Mycoplasma are part of the normal flora of the nasal cavity of Australian fur seals, and some mycoplasmas may be associated with abortion in this species of seal.

scholarly journals Analytical Characterization of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Measurement of Transforming Growth Factor β1 in Human Plasma

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan M Giles ◽  
Timothy T Underwood ◽  
Karim A Benhadji ◽  
Diana K S Nelson ◽  
Lisa M Grobeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Human Plasma ◽  
Patient Selection ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Sandwich Elisa ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Tgf Β1 ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Abstract Background The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)–signaling pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for many disease states including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of the pleiotropic effects of this pathway, patient selection and monitoring may be important. TGF-β1 is the most prevalent isoform, and an assay to measure plasma levels of TGF-β1 would provide a rational biomarker to assist with patient selection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analytically validate a colorimetric ELISA for the quantification of TGF-β1 in human plasma. Methods A colorimetric sandwich ELISA for TGF-β1 was analytically validated per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols by assessment of precision, linearity, interfering substances, and stability. A reference range for plasma TGF-β1 was established for apparently healthy individuals and potential applicability was demonstrated in HCC patients. Results Precision was assessed for samples ranging from 633 to 10822 pg/mL, with total variance ranging from 28.4% to 7.2%. The assay was linear across the entire measuring range, and no interference of common blood components or similar molecules was observed. For apparently healthy individuals, the average TGF-β1 level was 1985 ± 1488 pg/mL compared to 4243 ± 2003 pg/mL for HCC patients. Additionally, the TGF-β1 level in plasma samples was demonstrated to be stable across all conditions tested, including multiple freeze–thaw cycles. Conclusions The ELISA described in this report is suitable for the quantification of TGF-β1 in human plasma and for investigational use in an approved clinical study.

scholarly journals Some factors producing individual differences in dark adaptation

1939 ◽  
Vol 127 (848) ◽  
pp. 405-424 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dark Adaptation ◽  
Original Work ◽  
Pupil Diameter ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Underlying Factor ◽  
Initial Rise ◽  
Individual Variations ◽  
Convincing Data ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Since Aubert’s (1864) original work, many attempts have been made to describe or to classify individual variations in dark adaptation. Piper (1903) and later Wöllflin (1905) distinguished two main classes, one showing a rapid initial rise in sensitivity, with a high final maximum, and the other a slower increase, with a lower final value. Lohmann (1907) showed that dark-adaptation curves obtained with the homatropinized and eseriniced eye were very different and suggested that pupil diameter was the underlying factor. Best (1917) found two main types, one with a rapid initial increase in sensitivity, and the others with a slower increase, both reaching approximately the same final values. He nevertheless states that the final thresholds of normal observers differ by as much as12:1 Cobb (1919) found threshold differences of 7·4 : 1 after 30 min. In the dark. Flugel (1921) also mentions two classes characterized by unusually slow, or unusually rapid, initial rises in sensitivity. Wynn Jones (1921) found considerable differences in observers (25 :1 after 16 min. In the dark), dividing them into those whose dark adaption was ( a ) poor at the end beginning and at the end, ( b ) poor at the beginning and good at the end, ( c ) good at the beginning and good at the end, ( d ) good at the beginning and poor at the end. Matthey (1932) also grouped individuals into the same four types. Gross deficiency in vitamin A undoubtedly produces marked differences in dark adaption (see for instance Tansley 1939). Convincing data on this subject have been advanced by Fridericia and Holm (1924), Tansley (1931) and by Guilbert and Hart (1935), in animals. Recently Edumund and Clemmesen (1936) and others have claimed that a small deficiency even in apparently healthy individuals will produce some slowing in the logical factor is generally held to be responsible for individual variations in dark adaption, nor is any real division into types recognized.

Letters to the Editor

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1964 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1000-1000
Author(s):  
WILLIAM E. RAWLS ◽  
ROY G. SHORTER ◽  
E. C. HERRMANN
Keyword(s):  
Significant Finding ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Letters To The Editor ◽  
Interesting Point ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Apparently Healthy

The letter by Dr. David W. Van Gelder raises an interesting point. The excretion of enteroviruses in the stools of apparently healthy individuals has been reported in a number of studies; however, we know of no reports of enteroviruses having been isolated from tissues such as the brain from apparently healthy individuals who might have died from accidental causes. It is our contention that the isolation of such viruses from tissues is a significant finding.

Alcohol and stimulants dietary pattern is associated with haptoglobin blood levels, among apparently healthy individuals

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-133
Author(s):  
Konstantinos M. Lampropoulos ◽  
Maria Bonou ◽  
Vassiliki Bountziouka ◽  
Angelos Evangelopoulos ◽  
Amalia Giotopoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Apparently Healthy
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