scholarly journals Low Serum Tryptophan Levels as an Indicator of Global Cognitive Performance in Nondemented Women over 50 Years of Age

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Ramos-Chávez ◽  
G. Roldán-Roldán ◽  
B. García-Juárez ◽  
D. González-Esquivel ◽  
G. Pérez de la Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Kynurenine Pathway ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Significant Positive Association

Aging is a physiological decline process. The number of older adults is growing around the world; therefore, the incidence of cognitive impairment, dementia, and other diseases related to aging increases. The main cellular factors that converge in the aging process are mitochondrial dysfunction, antioxidant impairment, inflammation, and immune response decline, among others. In this context, these cellular changes have an influence on the kynurenine pathway (KP), the main route of tryptophan (Trp) catabolism. KP metabolites have been involved in the aging process and neurodegenerative diseases. Although there are changes in the metabolite levels with age, at this time, there is no study that has evaluated cognitive decline as a consequence of Trp catabolism fluctuation in aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the changes in Trp catabolism and cognitive impairment associated with age through KP metabolites level alterations in women over 50 years of age. Seventy-seven nondemented women over 50 years old were examined with a standardized cognitive screening evaluation in Spanish language (Neuropsi), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), and the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Also, serum levels of Trp, kynurenine (Kyn), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and 3-hydroykynurenine (3-HK) and the glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) were measured. Results showed a negative correlation between age and Trp levels and a positive correlation between age and KYNA/Trp and 3-HK/Trp ratios. The level of cognitive impairment showed a significant positive association with age and with kynurenine pathway activation and a significant negative correlation with Trp levels. The GSH/GSSG ratio correlated positively with Trp levels and negatively with Kyn/Trp and 3-HK/Trp ratios. The depression score correlated negatively with Trp and positively with the 3-HK/Trp ratio. We concluded that KP activation increases with age and it is strongly associated with the level of cognition performance in nondemented women over 50 years of age.

Negative Correlation Between Serum Levels of Homocysteine and Apolipoprotein M

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-126
Author(s):  
J. Wei ◽  
Y. Yu ◽  
Y. Feng ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
Q. Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Apolipoprotein M ◽  
Protein Mass ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) has been suggested as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a constituent of the HDL particles. The goal of this study was to examine the serum levels of homocysteine and apoM and to determine whether homocysteine influences apoM synthesis. Methods: Serum levels of apoM and Hcy in 17 hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) patients and 19 controls were measured and their correlations were analyzed. Different concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and LY294002, a specific phosphoinositide 3- kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, were used to treat HepG2 cells. The mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR and the apoM protein mass was measured by western blot. Results: We found that decreased serum apoM levels corresponded with serum HDL levels in HHcy patients, while the serum apoM levels showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the serum Hcy levels. Moreover, apoM mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased after the administration of Hcy in HepG2 cells, and this effect could be abolished by addition of LY294002. Conclusions: resent study demonstrates that Hcy downregulates the expression of apoM by mechanisms involving the PI3K signal pathway.

scholarly journals Estimation of mean performance and genetic association of yield and yield components traits under rainfed condition in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (02) ◽  
pp. 203-207
Author(s):  
Mohan Vamsi D. ◽  
Sandhyasree G. ◽  
Meena H. P. ◽  
Payasi S. K.
Keyword(s):  
Seed Yield ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Plant Oil ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Rainfed Condition ◽  
Head Diameter ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Volume Weight ◽  
Almost All

The present investigation was carried out at the Research Fields, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The material for present study consisted of twenty newly developed mono and multi headed restorer lines including CMS lines. The data for agronomic and yield traits i.e. days to 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, head diameter, volume weight, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plant oil content and oil yield was recorded. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for almost all characters which favour the selection. Associations among characters especially indicated that among the seven traits studied, seed yield per plant had a highly significant positive association with head diameter and significant negative correlation with days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The genotypes, COSF-6B, COSF-7B, RGP-11-P1-S2, RGP-58-P4-S1-1 and RGP-46-P3 were identified as the most important genotypes for different traits and should be utilized in heterosis breeding programme to realize high heterosis for yield and yield contributing traits.

Early detection of cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis: Implications on outcome

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-216
Author(s):  
Maged Abdel Naseer ◽  
Shereen Fathi ◽  
Dalia M. Labib ◽  
Dalia H. Khalil ◽  
Alshaimaa M. Aboulfotooh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Rnfl Thickness ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractObjective:Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) has a complex relationship with disease progression and neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to shed light on the importance of early detection of cognitive impairment in MS patients.Methods:The study comprised two groups of definite MS patients, relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), each with 25 patients. Physical disability was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), while the risk of secondary progression was assessed using the Bayesian Risk Estimate for Multiple Sclerosis (BREMS). Cognitive functions were assessed using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT). Assessment of neurodegeneration was done using optical coherence tomography (OCT) via quantification of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).Results:MS patients with higher RNFL thickness demonstrated a larger learning effect size than patients who had lower values in RNFL thickness regardless of MS type. RRMS patients showed significant improvement in delayed recall after giving cues than SPMS. The symbol digit modalities test was the only neuropsychological test that showed a significant negative correlation with EDSS (P = 0.009). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BREMS scores and performance in all neuropsychological tests.Conclusion:Inclusion of neurocognitive evaluation in the periodic assessment of MS patients is mandatory to detect patients at increased risk of secondary progression. The thickness of RNFL is suggested as a method to estimate the expected benefit of cognitive rehabilitation, regardless of MS type.

scholarly journals Correlation between Serum Osteopontin and miR-181a Levels in Allergic Rhinitis Children

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenlong Liu ◽  
Qingxiang Zeng ◽  
Renzhong Luo
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Allergic Airway Inflammation ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Th2 Cytokine ◽  
Th2 Immune Response ◽  
Th1 Cytokine

Background. Osteopontin (OPN) has been proved to be associated with allergic airway inflammation. However, the roles of OPN and its regulation in childhood allergic rhinitis (AR) are poorly understood.Objective. This study aims to evaluate the expression of OPN and miR-181a in children with AR and their association with Th1/Th2 immune response.Methods. Children who suffered from AR were included along with control subjects. Serum was collected to examine the level of OPN and Th1/Th2 cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the level of miR-181a by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).Results. Children with AR had significantly higher serum levels of OPN and lower serum levels of miR-181a than healthy controls. Furthermore, serum levels of OPN were positively correlated with Th2 cytokine and negatively correlated with Th1 cytokine. On the contrary, miR-181a level had a negative correlation with IL-4/IL-5 and positive correlation with IFN-γ/IL-12. More importantly, there was also significant negative correlation between OPN and miR-181a.Conclusion. The OPN protein and miR-181a levels may serve as predictors of disease severity in childhood AR and appear to be promising targets for modulating AR.

scholarly journals Brainstem Correlates of Pathological Laughter and Crying Frequency in ALS

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sicong Tu ◽  
Mengjie Huang ◽  
Jashelle Caga ◽  
Colin J. Mahoney ◽  
Matthew C. Kiernan
Keyword(s):  
Gray Matter Volume ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Pseudobulbar Affect ◽  
Pathological Laughter ◽  
Sporadic Als ◽  
Cerebellar Peduncles

Pseudobulbar affect is a disorder of emotional expression commonly observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), presenting as episodes of involuntary laughter, or crying. The objective of the current study was to determine the association between frequency of pathological laughter and crying (PLC) episodes with clinical features, cognitive impairment, and brainstem pathology. Thirty-five sporadic ALS patients underwent neuropsychological assessment, with a subset also undergoing brain imaging. The Center for Neurological Study Lability Scale (CNS-LS) was used to screen for presence and severity of pseudobulbar affect (CNS-LS ≥ 13) and frequency of PLC episodes. Presence of pseudobulbar affect was significantly higher in bulbar onset ALS (p = 0.02). Frequency of PLC episodes was differentially associated with cognitive performance and brainstem integrity. Notably pathological laughter frequency, but not crying, showed a significant positive association with executive dysfunction on the Trail Making Test B-A (R2 = 0.14, p = 0.04). Similarly, only pathological laughter frequency demonstrated a significant negative correlation with gray matter volume of the brainstem (R2 = 0.46, p < 0.01), and mean fractional anisotropy of the superior cerebellar peduncles (left: R2 = 0.44, p < 0.01; right: R2 = 0.44, p < 0.01). Hierarchical regression indicated brainstem imaging in combination with site of symptom onset explained 73% of the variance in pathological laughter frequency in ALS. The current findings suggest emotional lability is underpinned by degeneration across distinct neural circuits, with brainstem integrity critical in the emergence of pathological laughter.

scholarly journals Dietary fat and breast cancer in Saudi Arabia: a case-control study

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 879-886
Author(s):  
A. Al Othaimeen ◽  
A. Ezzat ◽  
G. Mohamed ◽  
T. Muammar ◽  
A. Al Madouj
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Dietary Fat ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Serum Triglycerides ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Control Study

A case-control study investigated the association between dietary fat and breast cancer in Saudi Arabian women attending a specialist hospital in Riyadh. Women with breast carcinoma [n= 499] newly diagnosed between 1996-2002, and control women [n = 498] randomly selected from patients’ attendants and relatives, completed a food frequency questionnaire. Serum levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol were measured. A significant positive association was found between risk of breast cancer and intake of fats, protein and calories. Adjusted odds ratios for the highest quartile of intake versus the lowest were 2.43 for saturated fat, 2.25 for animal protein, 2.12 for polyunsaturated fat, 1.88 for cholesterol and 2.69 for total energy from dietary intake. For serum triglycerides the adjusted odds ratio was 2.16 for the highest quartile

scholarly journals Association of Serum FAM19A5 with Cognitive Impairment in Vascular Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Li ◽  
Shoulin Li ◽  
Yihong Song ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Xiaohao Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Vascular Dementia ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Normal Controls

Objective. Family with sequence similarity 19 member A5 (FAM19A5), a novel chemokine-like peptide, is a secreted protein mainly expressed in the brain. FAM19A5 was recently found to be involved in a variety of neurological diseases; however, its correlation with vascular dementia (VaD) remains unclear. The aim of the study is to explore the association between serum FAM19A5 and cognitive impairment in subjects with VaD. Method. 136 VaD subjects and 81 normal controls were recruited in the study. Their demographic and clinical baseline data were collected on admission. All subjects received Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) evaluation, which was used to test their cognitive functions. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the serum levels of FAM19A5. Results. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the demographic and clinical baseline data (p>0.05). The serum FAM19A5 levels were significantly higher compared to normal controls (p<0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis indicated that serum FAM19A5 levels and MMSE scores have a significant negative correlation in VaD patients (r=−0.414, <0.001). Further multiple regression analysis indicated that serum FAM19A5 levels were independent risk predictors for cognitive functions in VaD (β=0.419, p=0.031). Conclusion. The serum FAM19A5 level of VaD patients is significantly increased, which may serve as a biomarker to predict cognitive function of VaD.

Interleukin 37 Levels in Relation to Serum Vitamin D Levels Among Ain Shams University Medical Students

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Randa Reda Mabrouk ◽  
Afaf Abdelalim Mostafa ◽  
Dina Aly Mohamed Aly Ragab ◽  
Fouad Mohamed Fouad zaki
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Group I ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii

Abstract Background The extraskeletal role of vitamin D is being increasingly recognized. This has important clinical implications, as vitamin D deficiency has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Vitamin D has proposed anti-inflammatory properties as recent data suggests that low vitamin D concentrations are associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers. Interleukin-37(IL-37) is an IL1 family cytokine discovered in recent years and has 5 different isoforms. As an immunosuppressive factor, IL-37 can suppress excessive immune response .IL37 plays a role in protecting the body against endotoxin shock, ischemia reperfusion injury, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, IL-37 has a potential antitumor effect. IL-37 and its receptors may serve as novel targets for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of immune-related diseases and tumors. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to determine the relation between the level of interleukin-37 and 25-hydroxy Vitamin D among Ain Shams University medical students. Subjects and Methods The study was conducted at Clinical Pathology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals. Ninety individuals, from medical students of Ain Shams University who participated in the Nutritional Assessment of Ain Shams University Medical Students (NAMESASU) Project, were selected to be in the study. The study included 2 groups: Group I: included 45 subjects selected from the NAMES-ASU project with deficient vitamin D serum levels. Group II: included 45 subjects selected from the NAMES-ASU project with sufficient vitamin D serum levels. Results There was a highly significant difference between the two groups regarding vitamin D levels. Serum IL-37 levels were significantly higher in group I subjects compared to group II subjects. No significant difference was observed between group I and group II regarding BMI, BFM, PBF and hsCRP. No significant difference was observed between the two subgroups regarding IL-37 levels and hsCRP levels. A highly significant negative correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and IL-37. A significant negative correlation was observed between hsCRP and vitamin D levels. However, no correlation was observed between hsCRP and IL-37 levels. Conclusion Data from our study showed that present study denote that in case of vitamin D deficiency, irrespective of BMI, a subclinical state of inflammation may be present as reflected by the increased hsCRP levels and this state of inflammation might induce an increase in IL-37, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in an attempt to reduce the inflammation.

Family cohesion and depression in adolescents: a mediating role of self-confidence

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Sayyeda Taskeen Zahra ◽  
Sadia Saleem ◽  
Admin
Keyword(s):  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Self Confidence

Abstract Objective: To identify the mediating role of self-confidence in family cohesion and depression in adolescents. Methods: The cross-sectional research design was used and study was conducted in the mainstream government schools of Lahore. A sample of 394 adolescents (boys = 54%, girls = 46%), aged 12-19 years (M = 14.76; SD = 1.39) recruited through multistage sampling strategy. Family Cohesion Scale, Self-confidence Scale and Depression Scale for Adolescents were used to measure family cohesion, self-confidence and depression respectively. Results: A significant positive association between family cohesion and self-confidence (p < .001), and a significant negative association of family cohesion (p < .001) and self-confidence (p < .01) with depression was found. Moreover, mediation analysis revealed that self-confidence partially mediates the relationship between family cohesion and depression (p = .01). Conclusion: Early and timely identification of risk factors can prevent from serious consequences of depression in adolescents. Keywords: Family cohesion, self-confidence, depression, adolescents.

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND SUNLIGHT ON THE RATE OF ELONGATION OF STEMS OF MAIZE AND GLADIOLUS

1939 ◽  
Vol 17c (11) ◽  
pp. 388-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. McCalla ◽  
J. R. Weir ◽  
K. W. Neatby
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Depressing Effect ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Effects Of Temperature

Measurements of the height of the main stems of maize and gladiolus plants were made at four-hour intervals starting at 4 a.m. The increases in elongation were analyzed statistically, together with mean temperature, hours of sunlight, and mean relative humidity.Partial correlation coefficients showed that there was a highly significant positive association between the rate of stem elongation (growth) and temperature, regardless of the time of day, the variations in temperature accounting for from 40 to 70% of the variability in growth rates. There was likewise a significant negative correlation between growth and sunlight, but sunlight was apparently effective only during the midday periods (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The depressing effect of sunlight on the growth of gladiolus was approximately four times as great as on maize. This depressing effect on maize was entirely removed by shading the plants with light white cotton.Variations in relative humidity were only slightly associated with growth rates. No significant effect was observed for any of the periods. It seems possible that these factors might be more important under conditions of deficiency in soil moisture.The approximate minimum temperature at which growth look place was 40° F.

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