scholarly journals Study of the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and parathyroid hormone levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis, Isfahan, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e19-e19
Author(s):  
Azar Baradaran ◽  
Sayed Mohsen Hosseini ◽  
Reyhaneh Shirvani ◽  
Parin Hedayati ◽  
Zahra Hoseini
Keyword(s):  
Parathyroid Hormone ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible disorder that now is introduced as one of the most important problems of general health (1). Serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) elevate in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Systemic inflammation is correlated with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, parathyroid hormone (PTH) causes releasing of IL-6 from liver and osteoblast. IL-6 increases lifetime and activity of neutrophils. Therefore, PTH may have a direct correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the performance of NLR in hemodialysis and its possible correlation with PTH. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate the correlation of NLR and serum intact PTH (iPTH), Ca (calcium) and P (phosphorus) and also Ca×P products (mg2 /dL2 ) in a group of stable hemodialysis patients, including male and female gender subgroups, diabetic versus non-diabetic patients, and also patients with or without chronic hypertensive disease. Results: This study consisted of 136 hemodialysis patients. Our study showed no statistically significant correlation between iPTH (intact parathormone) and NLR in hemodialysis patients (P>0.05). In addition, we test their correlation in other subgroups including hypertensive and normotensive, diabetic and non-diabetics, and male versus female patients. We found no significant correlation between iPTH and NLR in the mentioned subgroups, too. Conclusion: Observed correlation between PTH and NLR in hemodialysis patients may be due to our small sample size. Therefore, further studies on this subject are suggested.

scholarly journals Dream Activity in Narcoleptic Patients During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Scarpelli ◽  
Valentina Alfonsi ◽  
Anita D'Anselmo ◽  
Maurizio Gorgoni ◽  
Alessandro Musetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Dream Recall ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Medication Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Some studies highlighted that patients with narcolepsy type-1 (NT1) experience high lucid dream frequency, and this phenomenon has been associated with a creative personality. Starting from the well-known “pandemic effect” on sleep and dreaming, we presented a picture of dream activity in pharmacologically treated NT1 patients during the Italian lockdown. Forty-three NT1 patients completed a web-survey during Spring 2021 and were compared with 86 matched-controls. Statistical comparisons revealed that: (a) NT1 patients showed greater sleepiness than controls; (b) controls showed higher sleep disturbances than NT1 patients, and this result disappeared when the medication effect in NT1 was controlled; (c) NT1 patients reported higher lucid dream frequency than controls. Focusing on dreaming in NT1 patients, we found that (a) nightmare frequency was correlated with female gender, longer sleep duration, higher intrasleep wakefulness; (b) dream recall, nightmare and lucid dream frequency were positively correlated with sleepiness. Comparisons between low and high NT1 lucid dreamers showed that patients more frequently experiencing lucid dreams reported a greater influence of dreaming during wakefulness, especially concerning problem-solving and creativity. Overall, our results are consistent with previous studies on pandemic dreaming carried out on healthy subjects. Moreover, we confirmed a link between lucidity and creativity in NT1 patients. Considering the small sample size and the cross-sectional design, our findings cannot provide a causal relationship between lucid dreams and the COVID-19 lockdown. Nevertheless, they represent a first contribution to address future studies on this issue, suggesting that some stable characteristics could interact with changes provoked by the pandemic.

scholarly journals Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio exhibits the different correlation with psychiatric symptoms in the different status of antipsychotic therapy in schizophrenia: a large-scale retrospective cross-sectional study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Shen ◽  
Xia Zhou ◽  
Xiaolan Wang ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
Ying Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Severity ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Confounding Factors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Antipsychotic Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio

Abstract Background There are some conflicting results regarding the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the severity of disease in patients with schizophrenia. Inconsistent findings among the studies might be caused by several limitations, such as, heterogeneous patient populations lacking stratification by antipsychotic therapy, small sample sizes lacking statistical power, ignoring multicollinearity between NLR and other related factors, and lack of controlling for potential confounding factors. In this study, we evaluated the possible correlation between NLR and disease severity as manifested in clinical scores in patients with schizophrenia. In particular, NLR is correlated with discrepant psychiatric symptoms in the different status of antipsychotic medication administration. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in our hospital. We identified inpatients with schizophrenia between July 12, 2018 and March 27, 2019 and who had NLR, Clinical Global Impression Severity scale (CGIS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores. Results The records of 1144 identified patients (32.4% male, 76.6% with NLR ≤ 1.98, and 10.8% drug-free patients) were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression showed that NLR was positively associated with worse psychiatric symptoms, both the CGIS score (moderately ill: OR: 63.578, p = 0.011; severely ill: OR: 53.617, p = 0.015) and the BPRS total score (moderately ill: OR: 4.049, p = 0.055; severely ill: OR: 4.312, p = 0.045). In the drug-therapy subgroup, there was a negative correlation between NLR and severe negative symptoms (severely ill: OR: 0.850, p = 0.018) after controlling for potential confounding factors. Conclusions The study is the first to confirm the hypothesis that NLR is independently associated with severe psychopathology in schizophrenia. There is the different correlation between NLR and psychiatric symptoms in the different status of antipsychotic therapy. Therefore, NLR is not appropriate to be an inflammatory biomarker for assessment of disease severity, but provide potential mechanistic insights on specific pathological cellular processes, as well be a potential target to improve the course of the psychotic disorder.

scholarly journals Dyslipidemia and Vitamin D Status in Diabetic Patients

2022 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Sassi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Dyslipidemia is one of the most common metabolic syndrome among diabetic patients due to several factors include insulin insufficiency, resistance, and central obesity. Furthermore both vitamin D deficiency and diabetes are most public health worldwide problems. Therefore the aim of the present work to study the dyslipidemia and vitamin D status in diabetes patients and also to study the relation between vitamin D status and lipid profile in diabetic patients. Methods: A Cross sectional study conducted on randomly selected diabetic patients whether have vitamin D deficiency with dyslipidemia, vitamin D deficiency with no dyslipidemia or dyslipidemia with no vitamin D deficiency. A total sample 165 patients enrolled in the study with serum lipid profile, vitamin D and glycemic control measured at beginning and end of the study. The data analysis was done through Chi-square or T test at α< 0.05. Result: The data collected on 165 patients revealed that, patients aged 41-60 years were most common, and female gender was twice as male. This study include both types of diabetes with vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia or vitamin D deficiency with no dyslipidemia or dyslipidemia with not vitamin D deficiency as control. Therefore, the result of this work confirmed that vitamin D deficiency significant implicated in elevated serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, VLDL, FPG and HbA1C (P< 0.05). However, vitamin D deficiency has linked to slight increased serum HDL levels. In compared to man, vitamin D deficiency linked significantly to dyslipidemia and abnormal high levels blood glucose and HbA1C par in women. Conclusion: The present study revealed that, vitamin D deficiency associated negatively with serum levels of TC, TG, VLDL, LDL, FPG and HbA1C whereas the deficiency of vitamin D linked to elevated HDL levels. In gender distribution lower vitamin D values associated with elevated serum FPG, HbA1C, lipid profile with exception HDL in women. The data of this study suggested that, diabetic patients with dyslipidemia may improve their lipid profile and glucose hemostasis through vitamin D supplementation

scholarly journals Evaluation of the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in hemodialysis patients, Isfahan, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e26-e26
Author(s):  
Azar Baradaran ◽  
Zahra Hoseini ◽  
Parin Hedayati ◽  
Reyhaneh Shirvani
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
25 Hydroxy Vitamin D ◽  
Esrd Patients

Introduction: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a comorbid factor in Chronic kidney disease (CKD), and especially in chronic dialysis patients. Recently, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which is very available and affordable, has emerged as an inflammatory index in many disorders such as CKD. Several studies also have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D, and scientists believe that we must prevent vitamin D deficiency in CKD patients. Vitamin D supplementation may decrease mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Objectives: There are few studies on the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and NLR in ESRD patients. Therefore, we tried to evaluate this correlation, hoping to be a key for more researches. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 140 ESRD hemodialysis patients in a cross-sectional study and evaluated the correlation of NLR with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and some demographic factors in these patients. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant negative correlation between NLR and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P=0.010, r= -0.216). However, other variables such as disease duration and age had no correlation with NLR (P=0.649, r= - 0.039 and P=0.781, r= - 0.024, respectively). We also used a linear regression test to check any confounder associated with NLR, and the regression was only significant for serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P=0.011, B=-0.009). Conclusion: Based on the results, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels can be considered a predictor for NLR in hemodialysis patients.

Validating the Factor Structure of the Stigma of Suicide Scale–Short Form Spanish Version Among Healthcare Students

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ruthmarie Hernández-Torres ◽  
Paola Carminelli-Corretjer ◽  
Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali ◽  
Ernesto Rosario-Hernández ◽  
Yovanska Duarté-Vélez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Spanish Speaking

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013 ). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students ( N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013) . Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.

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

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.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Effects of Age and Duration of HIV Infection on Anxiety and Depression in Cisgender Men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Gianella ◽  
Rowan Saloner ◽  
Genevieve Curtin ◽  
Susan J. Little ◽  
Anne Heaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

AbstractThis observational cross-sectional study of 152 people with HIV (PWH) examined the effects of age and estimated duration of HIV infection (EDI) on depressive and anxiety symptoms. All participants were cisgender men and completed the Profile of Moods State (POMS), a self-report inventory of current (i.e., past week) mood states. Overall, study results confirmed higher levels of anxiety and depression in PWH compared to individuals without HIV. Age group (< 50 or ≥ 50 years) moderated the effect of EDI (< 3 or ≥ 3 years) on mood disturbance. Specifically, younger PWH with early diagnosed infection exhibited the highest levels of depression and anxiety, whereas depression and anxiety were attenuated in older PWH with early infection such that their POMS scores did not significantly differ from the HIV-negative and chronically HIV-infected groups. Despite the small sample size and other important limitations in our study design, our preliminary findings confirm previous observations that older people may have some adaptive ability to better handle the acute psychological stressors associated with recent HIV infection.

Perceptions and Understanding of Diabetes Mellitus Technology in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 DM: A Pilot Survey from Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682110111
Author(s):  
Sarah Nadeem ◽  
Uswah Siddiqi ◽  
Russell Seth Martins ◽  
Kaleemullah Badini
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cost Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Patient

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus technology (DMT) is increasingly used for routine management in developed countries, yet its uptake in developing countries is not as consistent. Multiple factors may influence this, including country specific patient perception regarding DMT. We conducted a pilot study in Pakistan to understand this important question which has not been studied yet. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Pakistan. An anonymous survey exploring perceptions of diabetes technology was circulated on social media platforms, collecting responses over 2 weeks. Target population included adults (≥18 years) living in Pakistan, with DM1 or 2. Results: A total of 40 responses were received. The majority (36/40) reported using conventional glucometers. Nine used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Thirty-two of 40 patients believed DMT improved diabetes care, 22 felt it helped decreased risk of Diabetes-related complications. 15/40 stated that DMT results in increased cost of care. Sixteen reported their diabetes care teams had never discussed wearable DMT options whereas 11 disliked them because they did not want a device on their self. Conclusion: In our pilot study we have identified broad themes of opportunity and challenges to DMT use in Pakistan. Patients’ perceptions regarding DMT were generally positive but significant barriers to its acceptance included high cost, lack of discussion between doctor and patient about available technology and personal hesitation. Limitations of our study include sampling bias (online survey) and small sample size, but this data can help inform larger studies, to look at this important topic in greater detail.

scholarly journals Transgenic Chickens Overexpressing Aromatase Have High Estrogen Levels but Maintain a Predominantly Male Phenotype

Endocrinology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 157 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke S. Lambeth ◽  
Kirsten R. Morris ◽  
Terry G. Wise ◽  
David M. Cummins ◽  
Terri E. O'Neil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Sex Reversal ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Chicken Embryos ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Multistep Process ◽  
Transgenic Chickens

Abstract Estrogens play a key role in sexual differentiation of both the gonads and external traits in birds. The production of estrogen occurs via a well-characterized steroidogenic pathway, which is a multistep process involving several enzymes, including cytochrome P450 aromatase. In chicken embryos, the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) is expressed female-specifically from the time of gonadal sex differentiation. Ectopic overexpression of aromatase in male chicken embryos induces gonadal sex reversal, and male embryos treated with estradiol become feminized; however, this is not permanent. To test whether a continuous supply of estrogen in adult chickens could induce stable male to female sex reversal, 2 transgenic male chickens overexpressing aromatase were generated using the Tol2/transposase system. These birds had robust ectopic aromatase expression, which resulted in the production of high serum levels of estradiol. Transgenic males had female-like wattle and comb growth and feathering, but they retained male weights, displayed leg spurs, and developed testes. Despite the small sample size, this data strongly suggests that high levels of circulating estrogen are insufficient to maintain a female gonadal phenotype in adult birds. Previous observations of gynandromorph birds and embryos with mixed sex chimeric gonads have highlighted the role of cell autonomous sex identity in chickens. This might imply that in the study described here, direct genetic effects of the male chromosomes largely prevailed over the hormonal profile of the aromatase transgenic birds. This data therefore support the emerging view of at least partial cell autonomous sex development in birds. However, a larger study will confirm this intriguing observation.

Intensity of perceived stress and control of anger, anxiety and depression of people staying in Polish penitentiary institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinga Kołodziej ◽  
Anna Kurowska ◽  
Anna Majda
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Emotional Control ◽  
Coping With Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the intensity of perceived stress and measure the subjective control of anxiety, anger and depression in a group of women and men staying in Polish penitentiary institutions. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out in two penitentiary institutions located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship at the turn of 2019/2020. The study group consisted of 152 prisoners. In the cross-sectional study, two standardised research tools – the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Control Scale – were used. Findings Over half of the prisoners (57.24%) presented a high level of stress. The intensity of the perceived stress did not depend on the gender and age of the convicted persons. The general indicator of emotional control among the respondents averaged 51.82 points (standard deviation = 14.52) and ranged from 22 to 83 points, which means that people detained in penitentiary institutions suppressed their negative emotions at an average level. The prisoners had the best control over fear (M = 18.68), less over anger (M = 16.86) and the least over depression (M = 16.27). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the level of emotional control and the intensity of perceived stress. Research limitations/implications The small sample size of the group participating in the study and narrowing of the research area means that results can not be generalised across all isolated prison population. Practical implications The results obtained from the study can be used by a multidisciplinary team to develop therapeutic programmes for convicted persons, the aim of which is to evaluate strategies for coping with stress and controlling emotions. Social implications Popularising reliable information related to the issue of experiencing stress and varied emotions in those staying in penitentiary institutions may lead to the elimination of harmful stereotypes functioning in society, as well as reduce the phenomenon of marginalisation of prisoners, and thus contribute to the success of the social rehabilitation process. Originality/value Research on the level of stress intensity in prisoners is important because the rates of mental health disorders among prisoners consistently exceed the rates of such disorders in the general population.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document