Abstract 276: Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Is A Potential Risk Factor For Transient Ischemic Attack

Objective: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase which has been shown to be involved in the pathogens of atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is apleiotropic growth factor involved in neurovascular remodeling in the cerebral ischemia disease. ADMA has been validated to be a risk marker of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). VEGF has been demonstrated associated with risk of stroke. This pilot study aimed to verify the correlation between serum ADMA, VEGF levels and ABCD2 score which has been validated to predict short term risk of stroke following transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: TIA was defined as a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord or retinal ischemia, without acute infarction even the focal transient neurologic symptoms last less than one hour. We enrolled 40 TIAs and 40 healthy controls in Peking University Third Hospital Neurology wards and clinics since May to July 2013. The TIA diagnosis and ABCD2 score evaluation is conducted by the same neurology physician. The mean age of TIAs and controls was 61.9±12.9yrs and 63.4±10.9yrs respectively (P=0.544). Blood samples were drawn within 24 hours after the TIA diagnosis clarified. ADMA and VEGF levels were measured by ELISA. Result: The ADMA levels in TIAs and control group are 0.52±0.06mmol/L and 0.23±0.04mmol/L (t=24.14, P<0.01). The VEGF levels in TIAs and control group are 272.01±26.36mmol/L and 148.87±21.05mmol/L (t=24.65, P<0.01). In the non-stroke history TIAs (23 cases) sub-group the spearman correlation coefficient between ADMA and ABCD2 score is 0.6(P=0.002). Conclusion: ADMA and VEGF are absolutely increased in TIAs. There is no correlation between ADMA, VEGF, age, sex, blood pressure, glucose and ABCD2 in this small sample size population. But ADMA is probably associated with risk of TIA with no-stroke history. Thus, these findings reveal a possibly new challenging potential of the ADMA and VEGF role in the pathogenesis of TIA.

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Maternally and Paternally Silenced Imprinted Genes Differ in Their Intron Content

Comparative and Functional Genomics ◽

10.1002/cfg.437 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 5 (8) ◽

pp. 572-583 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marie E. Fahey ◽

Walter Mills ◽

Desmond G. Higgins ◽

Tom Moore

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Imprinted Genes ◽

Intronless Genes ◽

Intron Content ◽

Group A ◽

Control Set ◽

And Control ◽

Human And Mouse

Imprinted genes exhibit silencing of one of the parental alleles during embryonic development. In a previous study imprinted genes were found to have reduced intron content relative to a non-imprinted control set (Hurstet al., 1996). However, due to the small sample size, it was not possible to analyse the source of this effect. Here, we re-investigate this observation using larger datasets of imprinted and control (non-imprinted) genes that allow us to consider mouse and human, and maternally and paternally silenced, imprinted genes separately. We find that, in the human and mouse, there is reduced intron content in the maternally silenced imprinted genes relative to a non-imprinted control set. Among imprinted genes, a strong bias is also observed in the distribution of intronless genes, which are found exclusively in the maternally silenced dataset. The paternally silenced dataset in the human is not different to the control set; however, the mouse paternally silenced dataset has more introns than the control group. A direct comparison of mouse maternally and paternally silenced imprinted gene datasets shows that they differ significantly with respect to a variety of intron-related parameters. We discuss a variety of possible explanations for our observations.

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Effect of Expanded Hemodialysis with Theranova® in Patients with COVID-19

Blood Purification ◽

10.1159/000520891 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

María Luisa Serrano Salazar ◽

Jose Portolés ◽

Maria de Valdenebro Recio ◽

Silvia Rosado Garcia ◽

Maria del Rosario Llópez Carratalá ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Β2 Microglobulin ◽

Cytokine Levels ◽

To Come ◽

And Control

Introduction: Cytokine storm control is the main target for improving severe COVID-19 by using immunosuppressive treatment. Effective renal replacement therapy (RRT) could give us an advantage removing cytokines in patients with RRT requirements superimposed on COVID-19. Methods: This is a prospective observational study in COVID-19 patients who required hemodialysis (HD). Patients were assigned to online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) and expanded HD (HDx) according to Brescia group recommendations. We measured several cytokines, β2 microglobulin and albumin levels pre/post-dialysis and on 1st–2nd week. We compared levels among both techniques and control group (HD without COVID-19). Results: We included 26 patients: 18 with COVID-19 on RRT (5 of them had acute kidney injury [AKI]) and 8 controls. We confirm higher cytokine levels in COVID-19 patients than controls and even higher in patients with AKI than in those with chronic kidney disease. Most cytokines raised during HD session, except IL-10 and TNFα. IL-10 was eliminated by any dialysis technique, while clearance of TNFα was higher in the HDx group. HDx achieved a deeper normalization of cytokines and β2 microglobulin reduction. Mortality was higher in the OL-HDF group than the HDx group. Discussion: Not all cytokines behave equally along HD session. The following characteristics should be taken into account, such as intrinsic kinetic profile during a HD session. HDx seems to get better performance, probably due to the combination of different factors; however, we did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size, dropout, and reduction of AKI incidence during the 2nd pandemic wave. Conclusion: HDx appears to provide better clearance for TNFα and β2 microglobulin during HD session and associates lower mortality. We propose the HDx technique for COVID-19 patients with RRT requirements since it seems to be safe and more effective than OL-HDF. Further studies are still needed, but we hope that our preliminary data may help us in future pandemic waves of SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses still to come.

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Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-91577-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽

Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽

Pawel Kapelski ◽

Natalia Lepczynska ◽

Joanna Pawlak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mood Disorders ◽

Calcium Binding ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Small Sample ◽

Drop Out ◽

Control Group ◽

Longitudinal Assessment ◽

Depressed Group

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.

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ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.04.005 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (8) ◽

pp. 521-525 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

H. Hustig ◽

R. Onilov

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Antipsychotic Agents ◽

Pharmacological Therapy ◽

Small Sample ◽

Clinical Population ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Notes ◽

Symptom Profiles ◽

Pharmacological Response ◽

Maintenance Ect

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our naturalistic-observational study was to determine the efficacy and utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical population of individuals with schizophrenia where pharmacological response was suboptimal.MethodsThe cohort comprised 27 patients suffering from schizophrenia with refractoriness to antipsychotic agents and with severe, disabling symptoms. They only interventional assessing tool was clinical global impression (CGI-S) performed at the baseline and at the end of the treatment.ResultsThe administration of ECT resulted in overall clinical improvement reflected in CGI scales and descriptions in clinical notes. On 12 months follow-up period, 10 patients (37.1%) maintained improvement and were able to continue with pharmacological therapy only, suggesting its rekindling effect, especially with Clozapine. Conversely, 17 patients (62.9%) deteriorated and required an additional course of ECT to maintain improvement. In some cases, maintenance ECT treatment was required. The group who engaged in self-harming behaviour at baseline demonstrated they were more likely to relapse into psychosis at the end of the first course of ECT, their self-harming behaviour abated, especially when maintenance ECT was undertaken.ConclusionsAlthough limited by lack of control group, small sample size, heterogeneous symptom profiles and various concurrent neuroleptic agents, the ECT proved as valuable and safe augmentative procedure when unsatisfactory response to pharmacological interventions had been demonstrated prior to interventions. This effect was evident despite the chronicity of the illness.

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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Acetaminophen-Related Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies in Vivo

Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.2174/1574888x16666211007092055 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

Author(s):

Li Wang ◽

Yiwen Zhang ◽

Jiajun Zhong ◽

Yuan Zhang ◽

Shuisheng Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Liver Injury ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cell ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group

Objective: The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in acetaminophen-induced liver injury has been investigated in animal experiments, but individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies to explore the potential of using MSCs in acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Methods: Eight databases were searched for studies reporting the effects of MSCs on acetaminophen hepatoxicity. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and STATA/SE 16.0 software. Results: Eleven studies involving 159 animals were included according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (standardized mean difference (SMD) − 2.58, p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD − 1.75, p = 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD 3.7, p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 1.86, p = 0.022), interleukin 10 (IL-10) (SMD 5.14, p = 0.0002) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD − 4.48, p = 0.011) compared with those in the control group. The subgroup analysis showed that the tissue source of MSCs significantly affected the therapeutic efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis results demonstrate that MSCs could be a potential treatment for acetaminophen-related liver injury.

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An experimental study on the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980010002983 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1337-1344 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Sandra C Jones ◽

Lisa Kervin

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Food Choices ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Snack Food ◽

South Wales ◽

Children's Magazines ◽

Food Advertisements ◽

Effects On Children

AbstractObjectiveThe present study sought to determine the feasibility of an experimental research design to investigate the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices.DesignChildren were randomized to read either a magazine with food advertisements or a magazine with no food advertisements. They then chose two food items from the intervention ‘store’ to eat after the session. Data were also collected on attitudes to advertising and snack food preferences. Finally, participants’ parents were provided with a self-completion survey on food choices and other variables (n24).SettingThree vacation care centres in regional New South Wales, Australia.SubjectsChildren aged 5–12 years (n47).ResultsChildren in the experimental condition were more likely to choose advertised foods than those in the control group. Interestingly, the majority reported taste and healthiness as the most important factors in snack food choices; however, when faced with the actual food choice, they predominantly chose unhealthy foods (eighty-two unhealthy and only twelve healthy items were chosen).ConclusionsThis was the first study to assess the effects on children of exposure to food advertising within the context of reading a child-targeted magazine. Importantly, even with the small sample size and venue limitations, we found that exposure to magazine advertising influenced food choices. Children's magazines are an under-researched and poorly regulated medium, with considerable potential to influence children's food choices. The present study shows that the methodology is feasible, and future studies could replicate this with larger samples.

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Prevalence, Symptoms and Duration of Post Acute Effects in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Children – a Nationwide Cohort Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-839948/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Luise Borch ◽

Mette Holm ◽

Maria Knudsen ◽

Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽

Soeren Hagstroem

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Muscle Weakness ◽

School Children ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Risk Difference ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Respiratory Problems ◽

Danish Health ◽

Registration Number

Abstract Background: Most children have a mild course of acute COVID-19, but only a few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size, have evaluated the long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (‘long COVID’).Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children age 0-17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection and a control group of 78,037 randomly selected children. An electronic questionnaire was sent to both groups of children from March 24th until May 9th 2021.Results: Long COVID symptoms were reported by 12-51% of SARS-CoV-2 infected children. Among pre-school children, fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04-0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00-0.01) were statistically significant symptoms of ‘long COVID’.Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12-0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09-0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05-0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03-0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02-0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01-0.02), and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than the SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1-5 months.Conclusions: This study provides new evidence of ‘long COVID’ symptoms in children.Trial registration number: The study was approved by The Danish Health Data Authority and registered at Central Denmark region (# 1-16-02-621-20).

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Sleep-Related Leg Movements in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Controls

European Neurology ◽

10.1159/000487666 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 (3-4) ◽

pp. 171-176 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mirjam H. Schipper ◽

Korné Jellema ◽

Diego Alvarez-Estevez ◽

Johan Verbraecken ◽

Roselyne M. Rijsman

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Transient Ischemic Attack ◽

Sleep Apnea Syndrome ◽

Control Group ◽

Periodic Leg Movements ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ischemic Attack ◽

Leg Movements

Background: Periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and there is a high prevalence of PLMS found in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We evaluated patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) for PLMS and respiratory related leg movements (RRLM), versus a control group without TIA. Methods: Twenty-five patients with TIA and 34 patients with no vascular diagnosis were referred for polysomnography. Diagnosis of PLMS was made if the periodic leg movement index (PLMI) was ≥5 and clinical significant as PLMI ≥15. Results: There was no significant difference in PLMI ≥5 and ≥15 between patients with and without TIA. In the absence of OSAS, 2 out of 5 TIA patients (40%) had a PLMI ≥15 compared to 1 of the 19 patients without TIA (5%; p = 0.037). There was no increase in RRLMs when OSAS was present. Conclusions: TIA patients did not have higher PLMI compared to controls, and in the presence of OSAS, there was no increase in RRLMs compared to patients without TIA. In selective patients, PLMS could be associated with cardiovascular diseases, since PLMS was clinically more often found in the TIA group without OSAS.

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The impact of visual impairment on nutritional status: A systematic review

British Journal of Visual Impairment ◽

10.1177/0264619617730860 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 17-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Nabila Jones ◽

Hannah Bartlett

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Visual Impairment ◽

Sample Size ◽

Visually Impaired ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Visually Impaired People ◽

Impaired People ◽

The Impact

The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature that has investigated the impact of visual impairment on nutritional status. We identified relevant articles through a multi-staged systematic approach. Fourteen articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 761 participants. It was found that visual impairment significantly affects nutritional status. The studies reported that visually impaired people have an abnormal body mass index (BMI); a higher prevalence of obesity and malnutrition was reported. Visually impaired people find it difficult to shop for, eat, and prepare meals. Most studies had a small sample size, and some studies did not include a study control group for comparison. The limitations of these studies suggest that the findings are not conclusive enough to hold true for only those who are visually impaired. Further studies with a larger sample size are required with the aim of developing interventions.

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Role of Trace andamp; Toxic Elements in the Development of Anaemia in School going population of Hyderabad

Journal of the chemical society of pakistan ◽

10.52568/000752/jcsp/41.03.2019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. 405-405

Author(s):

Junaid Ali Thebo Junaid Ali Thebo ◽

Shaista Khan Shaista Khan ◽

Abdul Aziz Shaikh Abdul Aziz Shaikh ◽

Nasren Thebo Nasren Thebo ◽

Ghulam Nabi Ghulam Nabi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Research Work ◽

Small Sample ◽

The Body ◽

Control Group ◽

Severe Anemia ◽

Informed Consent Form ◽

Lead Levels

The aim of this research work was to measure the concentration of essential trace elements, including serum copper, iron and zinc in children suffering from anemia, and also to investigate the effect of heavy metal like lead on causing anemia. The study has been performed on school going children living in Hyderabad, which is a mini industrialized city. The study was carried out in anemic children studying in different schools of Hyderabad having different age groups. 10 ml venous blood samples were obtained after an informed consent form was signed.The samples were used to analyzed the trace elements (Fe,Cu, Zn) and toxic metal Lead (Pb). Trace elements include zinc and copper were found elevated in anemic children than healthy one, Copper is involved in many vital mechanisms in the body, energy production, connective tissue formation, and Fe metabolism, whereas copper found low with relation to the iron in anemic children because copper helps in the absorption of iron. Zinc is an essential micronutrient demanded by living being because of its significant position in-cooperation with structural constituent of proteins and as a cofactor in enzyme catalysis, there is difference between zinc and iron, they have been found to inhibit each other’s absorption due to their competitive absorption pathways. Increased zinc levels found in children with low iron content, whereas control group have normal results of these elements which may be due to their dietary management. The results revealed the environmental pollution and the associated health risks on exposure to lead. Pb concentrations whereas the current research stated a considerable relationship of mild and severe anemia with 10-42.2μg/dl Pb concentrations, the variation in results may be due to a small sample size in the current study, Drinking water from corrosion of plumbing systems through the use of lead sellers and other lead containing materials in connecting household plumbing to public water supplies. Ground and surface water are also contaminated by lead consuming industry and agricultural activities. The concentrations of Pb greater than or equal to (≥)10 μg/dl in children related with an increased threat of mild and severe anemia, diminishing iron absorption . High Lead levels were related with lower concentrations of iron, ferritin and copper, in this study it was found that high levels of lead were found mostly in boys. Lead levels have also found in control group which was below 5 ug/dl, according to WHO ≥ 10 ug/dl is considered as high.

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