Specific Enzymatic Activity of Ceruloplasmin as a Potential Indicator of Copper Status

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-256
Author(s):  
Kuldip Upadhyay ◽  
Ankit Viramgami
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Copper Metabolism ◽  
Acute Phase Reactant ◽  
Serum Copper ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Specific Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Potential Indicator

Background:: The serum copper (Cu) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations are common blood markers of copper metabolism. In altered physiological conditions, Cp can act as an acute phase reactant and its concentration may increase. Objective:: To evaluate specific enzymatic activity of Cp as a potential indicator of Cu status and its correlation with serum Cu level. Methods:: Serum Cu levels were estimated as per NIOSH method. Specific enzymatic activity of Cp was determined from enzymatic activity and immune concentration of Cp as per standard methods. The statistical analysis was carried out using the package of social science (SPSS) software. Results:: The difference in mean specific enzymatic activity of Cp was statistically significant between clinical and control groups. In control population, the correlation between serum Cu level and specific enzymatic activity of Cp was moderate and statistically significant (r=0.566, p=0.014, N=18) as compared to the clinical group (r=0.338, p=0.016, N=50). Conclusion:: The study revealed that clinical group was significantly different in specific enzymatic activity of Cp as compared to control group. Besides this, the specific enzymatic activity of Cp was moderately but significantly correlated with serum Cu level in control group but did not reveal conclusive evidence in clinical population.

Adolescents’ self-mutilation - Relationship with dependent behaviour

2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bolognini ◽  
B. Plancherel ◽  
J. Laget ◽  
P. Stéphan ◽  
O. Halfon
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Self Mutilation ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Partial Overlap ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study, which was carried out in the French-speacking part of Switzerland, was to examine the relationship between suicide attempts and self-mutilation by adolescents and young adults. The population, aged 14-25 years (N = 308), included a clinical sample of dependent subjects (drug abuse and eating disorders) compared to a control sample. On the basis of the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview ( Sheehan et al., 1998 ), DSM-IV criteria were used for the inclusion of the clinical population. The results concerning the occurrence of suicide attempts as well as on self-mutilation confirm most of the hypotheses postulated: suicidal attempts and self-mutilation were more common in the clinical group compared to the control group, and there was a correlation between suicide attempts and self-mutilation. However, there was only a partial overlap, attesting that suicide and self-harm might correspond to two different types of behaviour.

scholarly journals Impact of Dietary Supplementation of Flaxseed Meal on Intestinal Morphology, Specific Enzymatic Activity, and Cecal Microbiome in Broiler Chickens

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 6714
Author(s):  
Roua Gabriela Popescu ◽  
Sorina Nicoleta Voicu ◽  
Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru ◽  
Sami Gharbia ◽  
Anca Hermenean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alpha Linolenic Acid ◽  
Flaxseed Meal ◽  
Specific Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Specific Activities

The use of natural feed additives could be a beneficial approach to maintaining the health of chickens and a way to improve food digestion. Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid, oleic acid, and fiber. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of 4% flaxseed on the intestinal morphology, specific enzymatic activity, and cecal microbiome in broiler chickens. The 4-week feeding trial was conducted on 100 Cobb 500 (14 days of age) unsexed broiler chickens divided into two groups: a control group (C) and an experimental group (E). The broilers were housed in boxes of size 3 m2 (each group was housed in a single box with 10 replicates, 5 chickens per replicate) and reared on permanent wood shaves litter (10–12 cm thick). At the end of the experiment, chickens (n = 10) were sacrificed and tissue samples were harvested from the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum for histological, enzymatic, and microbiome analyses. In group E, histological analysis revealed a significant increase in villus height (p < 0.001) possibly leading to enhanced intestinal nutrient absorption. An increase in the specific activities of α-amylase (p < 0.05), invertase (p < 0.01), and endo-β-1,4-glucanase (p < 0.001) was noticed in the E group for the duodenum and jejunum compared to the control group. In contrast, maltase activity decreased in the duodenum and increased in the jejunum in the E group. The trypsin and lipase specific activities did not vary in a significant way. In addition, the cecal microbiome of the E group was characterized by an increase in Lactobacilli (p < 0.01) and Clostridium coccoides and a decrease in Bacteroides, Ruminoccocus, Enterobacteriaceae, and Clostridium leptum. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary supplementation of flaxseed meal may boost intestinal health status in poultry.

scholarly journals Iron metabolism is disturbed and anti-copper treatment improves but does not normalize iron metabolism in Wilson’s disease

BioMetals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grażyna Gromadzka ◽  
Diana Wierzbicka ◽  
Tomasz Litwin ◽  
Adam Przybyłkowski
Keyword(s):  
Iron Metabolism ◽  
Wilson’S Disease ◽  
Copper Metabolism ◽  
Wilson's Disease ◽  
Serum Copper ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Ceruloplasmin ◽  
Copper Treatment ◽  
Lower Blood ◽  
Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy

AbstractWilson’s disease (WD) is a rare hereditary disorder of copper metabolism. Some data suggest that iron metabolism is disturbed in WD and this may affect the course of the disease. The current study aimed to determine whether anti-copper treatment could affect iron metabolism in WD. One hundred thirty-eight WD patients and 102 controls were examined. Serum ceruloplasmin and copper were measured by colorimetric enzyme assay or atomic adsorption spectroscopy, respectively. Routine and non-routine parameters of iron metabolism were measured by standard laboratory methods or enzyme immunoassay, respectively. WD patients, both newly diagnosed and treated, had less serum copper and ceruloplasmin than controls (90.0, 63.0, 22.0 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.001); in the treated patients blood copper and ceruloplasmin were lower than in untreated patients (p < 0.001). Untreated patients (n = 39) had a higher median blood iron (126.0 vs 103.5 ug/dL, p < 0.05), ferritin (158.9 vs 47.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001), hepcidin (32, 6 vs 12.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and sTfR (0.8 vs. 0.7 ug/mL, p < 0.001) and lower blood transferrin (2.4 vs. 2.7 g/L, p < 0.001), TIBC (303.0 vs 338.0 ug/dL, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (13.1 vs 13.9 g/dL, p < 0.01) and RBC (4.3 vs. 4.6, p < 0.002) than controls. Treated patients (n = 99) had a significantly lower median iron (88.0 vs. 126.0 ug/dL, p < 0.001), ferritin (77.0 vs. 158.9 ng/mL, p < 0.005) and hepcidin (16.7 vs. 32.6 ng/mL, p < 001) and higher transferrin (2.8 vs. 2.4 g/L, p < 0.005), TIBC (336.0 vs 303.0 ug/dL, p < 0.001), RBC (4.8 vs. 4.3 M/L, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin (14.4 vs. 13.1 g/dL, p < 0.001) than untreated; the median iron (p < 0.005) was lower, and ferritin (p < 0.005), RBC (p < 0.005) and hepcidin (p < 0.002) were higher in them than in the control group. Changes in copper metabolism are accompanied by changes in iron metabolism in WD. Anti-copper treatment improves but does not normalize iron metabolism.

The relationship between self-esteem and psychiatric disorders in adolescents

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.S. Guillon ◽  
Marc-Antoine Crocq ◽  
P.E. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between self-esteem and psychiatric disorders in adolescents.MethodsSeventy-six adolescents (mean age: 16.02 years; range: 12-20) treated in an inpatient unit and presenting with DSM-IV psychotic disorder, depressive disorder, anxious disorder, anorexia nervosa, personality disorder, or conduct disorder were compared with a control group of 119 adolescents drawn from a normal population. All the subjects were assessed with the French translation of the Coopersmith self-esteem inventory (SEI).ResultsSelf-esteem was significantly higher in the control than in the clinical population (P = 0.0001). Female patients showed significantly lower SEI scores than male patients. Self-esteem increased significantly after 12 weeks in patients with a first psychotic episode who responded successfully to antipsychotic drug treatment. In the clinical group, a history of suicide attempts and sexual abuse was associated with significantly lower SEI scores. Lack of boy- or girlfriend, dropping out of school, and social withdrawal were also associated with lower self-esteem.ConclusionsThe presence of a psychiatric disorder in adolescents is associated with decreased self-esteem. This decrease in self-esteem varies according to the psychiatric disorder. Appropriate treatment can enhance self-esteem in adolescent patients.

Comparing the Mathematics Continuous Performance Test With Other Measures of Tests of Attention

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubi Lufi ◽  
Shachar Pan
Keyword(s):  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Adhd Assessment ◽  
Research Reporting ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Continuous Performance Tests ◽  
Better Than

Abstract. Several studies have shown that Continuous Performance Tests (CPT) can diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) better than other tests. Research reporting comparisons of two or more CPT-type tests is scarce. The purpose of the study was to compare the Mathematics Continuous Performance Test (MATH-CPT) with another CPT-type test (CPT II) and a questionnaire (the Brown Scale). The comparison was carried out by looking at correlations among subscales and checking the precision of detecting ADHD. Ninety-five high school and college students participated in the study, 41 with ADHD were the research group and 54 were the control group. The participants performed the two tests and answered the questionnaire. The results showed that the MATH-CPT correctly identified 74.50% of the participants of both groups as compared to the 71.60% of the CPT II. Correlations between the two CPT-type tests were moderate; however, they were similar to correlations found in other studies comparing similar tools. The MATH-CPT, final attention formula, showed significant correlations with the Brown scales, while the CPT II, confidence index associated with ADHD assessment, showed nonsignificant correlations with the questionnaire. The study indicated that MATH-CPT can be used with a clinical population of ADHD and for research purposes.

Assessment and Diagnostic Accuracy Evaluation of the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) Scale: Psychometric Properties using Optimal Scaling Techniques

2020 ◽  
Vol 129 (10) ◽  
pp. 1020-1029
Author(s):  
Andrea Nacci ◽  
Luca Bastiani ◽  
Maria Rosaria Barillari ◽  
Jerome R. Lechien ◽  
Massimo Martinelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Reflux Symptom ◽  
Original Version ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Accuracy Evaluation ◽  
Reflux Symptom Index ◽  
Characteristic Analysis ◽  
Symptom Index

Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the reflux symptom index (RSI) as short screening approach for the diagnostic of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with confirmed diagnosed regarding the 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH). Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, 56 patients with LPR symptoms and 71 healthy individuals (control group) were prospectively enrolled. The LPR diagnosis was confirmed through MII-pH results. All subjects (n = 127) fulfilled RSI and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) was performed through flexible fiberoptic endoscopy. The sensitivity and the specificity of RSI was assessed by ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis. Results: A total of 15 LPR patients (26.8%) of the clinical group met MII-pH diagnostic criteria. Among subjects classified as positive for MII- pH diagnoses, RSI and RFS mean scores were respectively 20 (SD ± 10.5) and 7.1 (SD ± 2.5), values not significantly different compared to the negative MII-pH group. The metric analysis of the items led to the realization of a binary recoding of the score. Both versions had similar psychometric properties, α was 0.840 for RSI original version and 0.836 for RSI binary version. High and comparable area under curve (AUC) values indicate a good ability of both scales to discriminate between individuals with and without LPR pathology diagnosis. Based on balanced sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cut-off scores for LPR pathology were ≥ 5 for RSI binary version and ≥ 15 for RSI original version. Both version overestimated LPR prevalence. The original version had more sensitivity and the RSI Binary version had more specificity. Conclusions: It would be necessary to think about modifying the original RSI in order to improve its sensitivity and specificity (RSI binary version, adding or changing some items), or to introduce new scores in order to better frame the probably affected of LPR patient.

scholarly journals Replacing Maize Grain with Ancient Wheat Lines By-Products in Organic Laying Hens’ Diet Affects Intestinal Morphology and Enzymatic Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6554
Author(s):  
Nicola Francesco Addeo ◽  
Basilio Randazzo ◽  
Ike Olivotto ◽  
Maria Messina ◽  
Francesca Tulli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
By Products

The effects of replacement of maize grain with ancient wheat by-products on intestinal morphometry and enzymatic activity in laying hens was studied. Eighty hens were divided into two groups (40 each, 8 replicates, 5 hens/replicate) fed two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets. In the treated group, part of the maize was replaced by a mix of ancient grains (AGs) middling, in a 50:50 ratio of Triticum aestivum L. var. spelta (spelt) and Triticum durum dicoccum L. (emmer wheat). The AG diet affected the weight of all the large intestine tracts, decreasing the weight of caeca (p < 0.01) and increasing those of colon (p < 0.01), rectum and cloaca (p < 0.05). Villus height in the AG group was higher (p < 0.01) than the control for the duodenum and jejunum, while for the ileum, the control group showed the highest values (p < 0.01). The submucosa thickness was higher (p < 0.01) in the control group for the duodenum and ileum, while the jejunum for the AG group showed the highest (p < 0.05) submucosa thickness. The crypts depth was higher (p < 0.01) in the control group for the duodenum and ileum. Enzyme activity was enhanced by AGs (p < 0.01) in the duodenum. Regarding the jejunum, sucrase-isomaltase and alkaline phosphatase had higher activity (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) in the AG group. In the ileum, sucrase-isomaltase showed higher activity (p < 0.01) in the control group, while alkaline phosphatase showed the highest values (p < 0.05) in the AG group. Overall, results suggested that the dietary inclusion of AGs exerted positive effects in hens, showing an improved intestinal function.

ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 521-525 ◽  
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.

Biocement: Green Building- and Energy-Saving Material

2011 ◽  
Vol 347-353 ◽  
pp. 4051-4054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Chu ◽  
Volodymyr Ivanov ◽  
Viktor Stabnikov ◽  
Jia He ◽  
Bing Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Building Material ◽  
Clayey Soil ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Specific Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Porous Soil

Cement and chemical grouts have often been used for soil strengthening. However, high cost, energy consumption, and harm to environment restrict their applications. Biocement could be a new green building- material and energy-saving material. Biocement is a mixture of enzymes or microbial biomass with inorganic chemicals, which can be produced from cheap raw materials. Supply of biocementing solution to the porous soil or mixing of dry biocement with clayey soil initiate biocementation of soil due to specific enzymatic activity. Different microorganisms and enzymes can be used for production of biocement.

scholarly journals Association Between Osteoarticular Scores and Acute Phase Reactant Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2009 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irena Kafeđiska ◽  
Dejan Spasovski ◽  
Todor Gruev ◽  
Mane Grličkov ◽  
Kočo Cakalaroski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Acute Phase Reactant ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Acute Phase Reactants ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Phase Reactant ◽  
The Mean

Association Between Osteoarticular Scores and Acute Phase Reactant Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis The aim of this prospective control study was a quantitative evaluation of the activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in certain time intervals, using articular indexes (set of 28 sensitive and 28 swollen joints), laboratory parameters (Hb, Hct, Er, Le and Plt) and acute phase reactants (ESR, RF, CRP); to determine which of the acute phase reactants is the most useful biochemical marker for the evaluation of disease activity in RA; to quantify the therapeutical and laboratory differences in certain time intervals in the group with and without immunomodulatory therapy with Methotrexate. Sixty patients with RA were included, 27 of who were treated with non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Methotrexate (MTX). The control group consisted of 33 patients treated only with NSAIDs because of irregular controls. In the first group of patients the disease activity was estimated at four time intervals, and in the control group of patients at three time intervals following the scores of the articular indexes, blood cell counts, ESR and CRP in every patient. In the first group of patients decreased activity of RA was found upon every following control with a consecutive decrease in mean values of the scores of articular indexes with statistically significant differences at the four time intervals. Considering laboratory parameters, there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of Hb, Er, Plt, ESR, (p=0.0462, p=0.0076, p= 0.0058, p= 0.0003). Mean values of CRP did not show statistically significant differences, but the number of patients who were CRP negative increased (there were great standard deviations). In the group of patients treated only with NSAIDs, there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of the scores of articular indexes with an increse at every following control (in favour of progression of the disease). There were no statistically significant differences considering blood cell counts, ESR and CRP (in favour of permanently active disease). In conclusion, CRP is the most useful marker for the prospective follow-up of patients with RA.

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