scholarly journals Evaluation of Risk Behavior in Gambling Addicted and Opioid Addicted Individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward J. Gorzelańczyk ◽  
Piotr Walecki ◽  
Monika Błaszczyszyn ◽  
Ewa Laskowska ◽  
Aleksandra Kawala-Sterniuk
Keyword(s):  
Response Time ◽  
Risk Behavior ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Risky Behavior ◽  
Iowa Gambling Task ◽  
Healthy People ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gambling Task ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Significant Difference

Evidence suggests that both opioid addicted and gambling addicted individuals are characterized by higher levels of risky behavior in comparison to healthy people. It has been shown that the administration of substitution drugs can reduce cravings for opioids and the risky decisions made by individuals addicted to opioids. Although it is suggested that the neurobiological foundations of addiction are similar, it is possible that risk behaviors in opioid addicts may differ in detail from those addicted to gambling. The aim of this work was to compare the level of risk behavior in individuals addicted to opioid, with that of individuals addicted to gambling, using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). The score and response time during the task were measured. It was also observed, in the basis of the whole IGT test, that individuals addicted to gambling make riskier decisions in comparison to healthy individuals from the control group but less riskier decisions in comparison to individuals addicted to opioids, before administration of methadone and without any statistically significant difference after administration of methadone—as there has been growing evidence that methadone administration is strongly associated with a significant decrease in risky behavior.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATION OF ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS POPULATION IN PATIENTS WITH POLYP AND COLORECTAL CANCER IN COMPARISON OF HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam GERAVAND ◽  
Parviz FALLAH ◽  
Mojtaba Hedayat YAGHOOBI ◽  
Fatemeh SOLEIMANIFAR ◽  
Malihe FARID ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Healthy People ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Faecal Flora ◽  
Copy Numbers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers around the world. One of the factors involved in the development of colorectal cancer is the changes in the normal flora of the intestine. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the mean copy number of Enterococcus faecalis in people with polyps and people with colorectal cancer has been evaluated in comparison with healthy controls. METHODS: In this study, 25 patients with colorectal cancer and 28 patients with intestinal polyps were selected and stool specimens were taken. In addition, 24 healthy individuals were selected as control group. Extraction of bacterial DNA from the stool sample were performed. The molecular methods of PCR for confirmation of standard strain and absolute Real Time PCR (qRT-PCR) method were used to evaluate the number of Enterococcus faecalis in the studied groups. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that the mean copy number of Enterococcus faecalis in patients with colorectal cancer was 11.2x109 per gram of stool, and in patients with polyps was 9.4x108 per gram of stool. In healthy people, this number was 9x108 per gram of stool. There was a significant difference between the implicit copy numbers in the three groups. (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Enterococcus faecalis in faecal flora of people with colorectal cancer was significantly higher than those with polyps and healthy people. This could potentially signify the ability of this bacterium to induce colorectal cancer. More studies are needed to prove this theory.

scholarly journals Planned versus unplanned risks: Neurocognitive predictors of subtypes of adolescents’ risk behavior

2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Maslowsky ◽  
Daniel P. Keating ◽  
Christopher S. Monk ◽  
John Schulenberg
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behavior ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Iowa Gambling Task ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adolescent Risk Behavior ◽  
Behavior Understanding ◽  
Adolescent Risk ◽  
Neurocognitive Tasks ◽  
Report Measure ◽  
Substantial Morbidity

Risk behavior contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality during adolescence. This study examined neurocognitive predictors of proposed subtypes of adolescent risk behavior: planned (premeditated) versus unplanned (spontaneous). Adolescents (N = 69, 49% male, M = 15.1 [1.0] years) completed neurocognitive tasks (Iowa Gambling Task [IGT], and Game of Dice Task [GDT]) and a self-report measure indicating whether past-year risk behaviors were planned or unplanned. As hypothesized, identifying more beneficial choices on the neurocognitive tasks and perceiving benefits of risk behavior to outweigh costs predicted engagement in planned versus unplanned risk behavior. This study is the first to use neurocognitive assessments to differentiate planned and unplanned subtypes of risk behavior. Understanding mechanisms underlying these subtypes may inform prevention programs targeting specific contributors to adolescent risk behavior.

scholarly journals Cholesterol Transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Cholesterol ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Tavoosi ◽  
Hemen Moradi-Sardareh ◽  
Massoud Saidijam ◽  
Reza Yadegarazari ◽  
Shiva Borzuei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Regulation Mechanism ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Abca1 Expression

ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes encode the cholesterol transporter proteins that play a key role in cholesterol and phospholipids homeostasis. This study was aimed at evaluating and comparing ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes expression in metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals. This case-control study was performed on 36 patients with metabolic syndrome and the same number of healthy individuals in Hamadan (west of Iran) during 2013-2014. Total RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells and purified using RNeasy Mini Kit column. The expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes was performed by qRT-PCR. Lipid profile and fasting blood glucose were measured using colorimetric procedures. ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients was significantly lower (about 75%) compared to that of control group, while for ABCA1 expression, there was no significant difference between the two studied groups. Comparison of other parameters such as HDL-C, FBS, BMI, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure between metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals showed significant differences (P<0.05). Decrease in ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients compared to healthy individuals suggests that hyperglycemia, related metabolites, and hyperlipidemia over the transporter capacity resulted in decreased expression of ABCG1. Absence of a significant change in ABCA1 gene expression between two groups can indicate a different regulation mechanism for ABCA1 expression.

scholarly journals Evaluation of balance, fall risk, and related factors in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-415
Author(s):  
Köksal Sarıhan ◽  
Hülya Uzkeser ◽  
Akın Erdal
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Nottingham Health Profile ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether fibromyalgia patients had a higher fall risk compared to healthy individuals and to identify its relationship, if there was an increase, with clinical features. Patients and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 50 consecutive female patients with fibromyalgia (median age: 35 years; interquantile range [IQR], 27 to 40 years) and 50 healthy female volunteers (median age: 30 years; IQR, 23 to 40 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), life quality with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance functions with the Berg Balance Test (BBT), and the risk of falls with a posturography device. Disease activity of fibromyalgia patients was evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: The mean fall risk index of the fibromyalgia patients was 45%. The fall risk index was significantly higher (p=0.010) and the BBT scores were significantly lower in the patient group (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in terms of fall risk between the control group and drug-free fibromyalgia patients; however, no significant difference was found between the balance scores of the two groups. In the fibromyalgia group, a weak positive relationship was determined between the fall risk index and the social isolation subscale of the NHP. Conclusion: Our study results showed an increased risk of loss of balance and falls in fibromyalgia patients, compared to healthy individuals. This fall risk increase was also detected in fibromyalgia patients who did not use drugs. These findings suggest a possible relationship between social isolation and an increased risk of falls.

scholarly journals ESTILO DE VIDA E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM HIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL SISTÊMICA E DIABETES MELLITUS

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 361-373
Author(s):  
Elias Ferreira Porto ◽  
Claudia Kumpel ◽  
Anselmo Cordeiro de Souza ◽  
Izabel Maria de Oliveira ◽  
Karoline Mayara de Aquiles Bernardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
General Health ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Perception ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Individual

Avaliar o estilo de vida e percepção do estado geral de saúde em pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 - DM, Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica - HAS e indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com grupo controle. Avaliado estilo de vida com Questionário Fantástico, e percepção geral de saúde via uma pergunta âncora de diabéticos do tipo 2 (n = 37), hipertensos (n = 60), e indivíduos saudáveis (n = 43). Análise estatística descritiva, analise de variância, e razão de chance (Odds Rattio – OR). Resultados: Verificou-se diferença significante (p0,0001) na pontuação do Questionário Fantástico entre os indivíduos saudáveis em relação DM e HAS. O pior desempenho no estilo de vida para os três grupos foi nos domínios de atividade física e alimentação. O risco do indivíduo com HAS afirmar que sua saúde é pior do que indivíduos da mesma faixa etária foi OR 1.8 (1.415 a 2.419) e para os indivíduos diabéticos OR de 2.8 (1.776 a 4.579) em relação a indivíduos saudáveis. Conclusão: Diabéticos e hipertensos têm um pior estilo de vida e percepção geral de saúde do que indivíduos saudáveis. Assim o estilo de vida saudável pode reduzir a prevalência e auxiliar no controle de doenças já estabelecidas.Palavras-chave: Estilo de vida. Hipertensão Arterial. Diabetes Mellitus. ABSTRACT: To evaluate the lifestyle and perception of general health status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - DM, systemic arterial hypertension - SAH and healthy individuals. Methods: Cross-sectional study with control group. (N = 37), hypertensive (n = 60), and healthy subjects (n = 43) were assessed using a Fantastic Questionnaire, and general health perception via an anchor question. Descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance, and odds ratio (Odds Rattio - OR). Results: There was a significant difference (p 0.0001) in the score of the Fantastic Questionnaire among healthy individuals in relation to DM and SAH. The worst lifestyle performance for the three groups was in the physical activity and feeding domains. The risk of the individual with SAH to state that their health is worse than individuals of the same age group was OR 1.8 (1.415 to 2.419) and for the diabetic individuals OR of 2.8 (1.776 to 4.579) in relation to healthy individuals. Conclusion: Diabetics and hypertensives have a worse lifestyle and overall health perception than healthy individuals. Thus the healthy lifestyle can reduce the prevalence and help in the control of already established diseases.Keywords: Lifestyle. Hypertension. Diabetes Mellitus.

P1823THE ROLE OF FGF-23 IN CKD PROGRESSION IN CHILDREN

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Altynay Balmukhanova ◽  
Kairat Kabulbayev ◽  
Assiya Kanatbayeva ◽  
Harika Alpay ◽  
Aigul Balmukhanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Ckd Progression ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fgf 23

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a global medical and public health issue. CKD takes a special place among non-infectious diseases because of its prevalence (6-20% according to different surveys and studies) and is associated with a poor life quality, complications and high risk of mortality. In recent years, there have been new biomarkers requiring more research in this area. One of these biomarkers is Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) which is found as a bone derived hormone and might be a predictor of progression. However, the role of FGF-23 in CKD progression in children has not been adequately studied, especially on the early stages. Nowadays, the study of FGF-23 in children and the question of the clinical importance of this marker are relevant. Therefore, the aim of our study was to establish the role of FGF-23 in CKD progression in children. Method A prospective study was conducted on 73 children with different stages of CKD and 14 healthy individuals (control group) matched by age and gender. There were approximately equal numbers of patients in study groups. An average age was 9.61±1.05 years. Exclusion criteria: active inflammatory, bone, infectious, oncological, immunological diseases, taking steroids and vitamin D supplements. Laboratory measurements included all common clinical and biochemical indicators. Serum concentration of intact FGF-23 was assessed by using the ELISA method (Biomedica Medizinprodukte GmbH, Austria). Statistical analysis was conducted in MS Excel 2016 and SPSS 18.0. Results The normal range of FGF-23 for this kit was 0.1-1.5 pmol/l. The average value of FGF-23 in the control group was 0.69±0.12 pmol/l. Further studies in the groups with different stages of CKD revealed that FGF-23 concentration gradually rose in parallel with stages of CKD, and it reached the maximum on the last stage. It should be noticed that the level of FGF-23 concentration on the first stage of CKD was normal (0.73±0.14 pmol/l) and the comparison with healthy individuals revealed no significant differences. What is remarkable, despite the fact that the average value of the second stage patients was normal (1.36±0.2 pmol/l), there was a statistically significant difference with the control group (p=0.008). The levels of FGF-23 on the next stages were 2.52±0.52 pmol/l, 5.42±1.61 pmol/l, and 12.16±1.55 pmol/l, respectively. The differences were considerable and proved by statistical analysis (p&lt;0.01). Conclusion Our study showed that there is an upward trend of FGF-23 as CKD progresses from early to advanced stages. The results on the second and third stages indicate that FGF-23 should be considered as one of early biomarkers of CKD progression in children. Thus, there is a need for more studies in this area.

scholarly journals Vitamin K2 Supplementation Does Not Affect Vitamin K-Dependent Coagulation Factors Activity in Healthy Subjects: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1843-1843
Author(s):  
Jing Tan ◽  
Ruijun Ren ◽  
Dan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin K ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Coagulation Factors ◽  
Vitamin K2 ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Thrombin Time ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Healthy Control

Abstract Objectives Vitamin K is generally regarded as a procoagulant drug with physicians, concerns have been raised about its effects on hemostasis in the healthy population. We aimed to investigate whether vitamin K2 affects activities of individual vitamin K dependent coagulation factors in healthy individuals without anticoagulation treatment. Methods Forty healthy volunteers between 25 and 40 years old were recruited. They received 90 μg of vitamin K2 every day for 30 days. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen (FIB) levels and blood coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X activity levels (F II : C, FⅦ : C, FⅨ : C,FⅩ : C), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), which is uncarboxylated prothrombin were measured at day 0, and day 30 after vitamin K2 administration. Plasma diluted 1:10 from vitamin K2 group and healthy control group were assayed for the activity of factors II, VII, IX, and X. Results PT, APTT, TT, and FIB did not show significant difference at day 30 when compared with baseline. The activities of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X was not significantly different with baseline (97.28 ± 12.42% vs. 99.96 ± 10.24%, P = 0.24 for F II: C; 76.12 ± 15.82% vs. 76.40 ± 12.33%, P = 0.92 for FⅦ: C; 97.65 ± 13.98% vs. 99.65 ± 13.30%, P = 0.47 for FⅨ: C; 89.18 ± 10.76% vs. 92.01 ± 10.46%, P = 0.1 for FⅩ: C) . PIVKA-II levels were not changed with 30 days vitamin K2 supplementation (21.62 ± 3.21 vs. 23.87 ± 2.65 mAU/ml, P = 0.16). After 30 days vitamin K2 administration, factor II, Ⅶ, Ⅸ, and Ⅹ activity of plasma diluted up to 10 times were proportionally decreased, and did not show significant difference with the healthy control without vitamin K2 exposure (10.32 ± 1.24% vs. 10.97 ± 1.55%, P = 0.38 for F II: C; 9.52 ± 2.94% vs. 9.14 ± 1.79%, P = 0.68 for FⅦ: C; 11.78 ± 2.12% vs.11.65 ± 1.54%, P = 0.87 for FⅨ: C; 8.22 ± 1.28% vs. 8.92 ± 1.13%, P = 0.21 for FⅩ: C). Conclusions Vitamin K2 supplementation at recommended dosage does not affect vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors activity in healthy subjects. Uncarboxylated prothrombin (PIVKA-II) in healthy individuals is not decreased with vitamin K supplementation. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals Fingerprints: A simple method for Screening Hemophilic Patients

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-88
Author(s):  
M Jamalian ◽  
M Mesri ◽  
HRK Vishteh ◽  
H Solhi ◽  
R Salehpour
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Healthy People ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Factor Level ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Normal People ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New Occurrences

Background: The present study aims to compare hemophilic patients’ fingerprint types with the normal people to help diagnose the disease, particularly new occurrences of the disease. Method: This casecontrol study was conducted in 2012. Sixty two patients with hemophilia type A and 62 normal healthy people were selected. The type of fingerprint was determined by a forensic specialist who was kept unaware of the participants’ group. Using advanced Henry method, the main types of fingerprints were classified as arch, loop, whorl, as well as other types. Results: In the control group, loop type (65%) and in the case group the whorl type (34%) were the most frequent fingerprint type (p<0.001) and there was a significant difference of fingerprint in each finger between two groups. In addition, the average number of whorl type in the patients with mild disease was significantly higher and the average number of arch and other types of fingerprints was significantly lower than patients with moderate or severe disease. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that not only are the fingerprints of normal and hemophilic people different, but also a difference was observed between hemophilic patients with the mild factor level and patients with moderate or severe one.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 85-88

scholarly journals Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-enriched hen eggs consumption enhances microvascular reactivity in young healthy individuals

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 988-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Stupin ◽  
Lidija Rasic ◽  
Anita Matic ◽  
Marko Stupin ◽  
Zlata Kralik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Serum Lipid ◽  
Serum Lipid Profile ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Microvascular Reactivity ◽  
Significant Difference

The beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation on the cardiovascular (CV) system is well supported in CV patients; however, the effect of the consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched functional food in healthy individuals is still not fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the effect of the consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched hen eggs on the microvascular reactivity (primary outcome), blood pressure (BP), and serum lipid profile in young healthy individuals. The control group (N = 16) ate 3 ordinary hen eggs (277 mg of omega-3 PUFAs/day), and the OMEGA-3 group (N = 20) ate 3 omega-3 PUFA-enriched eggs containing 259 mg of omega-3 PUFAs/egg daily (α-linolenic acid (ALA), 167 mg/egg; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 7 mg/egg; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 84 mg/egg) for 3 weeks (777 mg of omega-3 PUFA/day). Postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) in skin microcirculation assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and arterial BP were measured in all subjects before and after the protocol. PORH was significantly enhanced, and triglycerides, hsCRP, and BP were significantly decreased in the OMEGA-3 group compared with baseline measurements, whereas there was no significant difference in the control group after the protocol when compared with baseline. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that consumption of a mixture of omega-3 PUFA (ALA + EPA + DHA), provided via enriched hen eggs, elicits changes in the microvascular reactivity, BP, and triglyceride level in healthy subjects that are associated with CV benefits, thus suggesting that daily consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched eggs in healthy individuals may potentially contribute to CV risk factor attenuation and disease prevention.

scholarly journals Prevalence of chronic infection foci in patients with dermatoses

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-38
Author(s):  
A. V. Patrushev ◽  
A. V. Samtsov ◽  
A. M. Ivanov ◽  
A. V. Sukharev ◽  
D. D. Asfendiarov
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
T Cell ◽  
General Population ◽  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Alopecia Areata ◽  
Chronic Infection ◽  
Healthy People ◽  
Chronic Tonsillitis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Individuals

This paper presents the results of a retrospective epidemiological study carried out to detect chronic infection foci (CIF) in patients affected by T-cell mediated dermatoses. The values obtained for the CIF prevalence are compared with those in the general population, as well as in the control group. The latter comprised generally healthy people according to the results of in-depth medical examination. It is found that patients with psoriasis demonstrate a higher prevalence of chronic tonsillitis compared to the values both in the general population and in the control group (p = 0.001). Patients with eczema are characterized by an increased prevalence of chronic granulomatous periodontitis, but only in comparison with generally healthy individuals (p = 0.046). The results obtained for patients with atopic dermatitis, lichen planus and alopecia areata are found to be statistically significant for chronic tonsillitis, which occurs therein more frequently than in the general population and in the group of generally healthy people (p = 0.001).

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