scholarly journals Tophi reduction: ultrasound imaging and correlation with plasma levels of uric acid in patients undergoing treatment for tophaceous gout

Reumatismo ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-80
Author(s):  
A.J.L. Ferrari ◽  
A.R. Corrêa Fernandes ◽  
R. De Almeida Agustinelli ◽  
H. Seike ◽  
E. De Ávila Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Tophaceous Gout ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Patients

The objective was to determine the reduction of tophi in patients undergoing drug therapy in correlation with urate serum levels through ultrasound examination. A total of 31 male patients, between the ages of 33 to 77 years, with tophaceous gout were evaluated between 2005 and 2009, 11 of which were selected. Ultrasound examinations of visible tophi and evaluations of serum uric acids levels were performed annually on each patient. There was a statistically significant difference between measurements 1, 2, 3 and measurement 4 and between measurements 4 and 5. A strong significant positive association was seen between variation of tophus size and the reduction of serum uric acid levels.

scholarly journals Neurological improvement is associated with neck pain attenuation after surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masao Koda ◽  
Toshitaka Yoshii ◽  
Satoru Egawa ◽  
Kenichiro Sakai ◽  
Kazuo Kusano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurological Recovery ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cervical Spine Surgery ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Univariate Analyses

AbstractAlthough favourable surgical outcomes for myelopathy caused by cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) have been reported, factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation still remain unclear. The primary aim of the present study was to determine factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical OPLL using a prospective multi-centre registry of surgically treated cervical OPLL. Significant postoperative neck pain reduction (50% reduction of neck pain) was achieved in 31.3% of patients. There was no significant difference in neck pain attenuation between surgical procedures. Statistical analyses with univariate analyses followed by stepwise logistic regression revealed neurological recovery as a factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation (p = 0.04, odds ratio 5.68 (95% confidence interval: 1.27–22.2)). In conclusion, neurological recovery was an independent factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical myelopathy caused by OPLL who underwent cervical spine surgery.

Entering the Mental Backstage: Mindfulness and Mind-Wandering among Performing Artists

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 2068-2071
Author(s):  
Avneet Kaur ◽  
Shwetha T.S
Keyword(s):  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Mind Wandering ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Performing Artists ◽  
Creative Processes ◽  
Significant Negative Relationship ◽  
Significant Difference

Existing literature has explored the role of mindfulness and mind-wandering on creative processes. However, it has overlooked the diversity in the creative domains as well as the experience of the artist while accounting for their relationship. In the present study, mindfulness and mind wandering- deliberate and spontaneous were explored among performing artists, i.e. musicians, theatre artists, and dancers. The study also looked at the artists’ experience in their field. After an initial screening using a creativity tool, 66 performing artists were recruited, following which two self-report indices that assessed mind wandering and mindfulness were administered. The data collected was subjected to quantitative data analysis in SPSS. A Oneway ANOVA showed significant effect of the creative domain on mindfulness for the three groups, with a significant difference between musicians and dancers. Among the musicians, a significant negative relationship between mind wandering spontaneous and years of experience was seen. Among the dancers, there was a significant positive association between mind wandering spontaneous, mind wandering deliberate and years of experience. The current study highlighted the need to approach the study of creativity using a contextual perspective. Keywords: Creativity, Dance, Music, Theatre.

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

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

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

scholarly journals The Relationship between Serum Levels of Vitamin C, Uric Acid and Antioxidant status with Coronary Artery Disease: a Case-Control Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Torkzaban ◽  
Seyed Amir Mansour Alavi Naeini ◽  
Akbar Hassanzadeh ◽  
Mehrdad Namdari
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Antioxidant Status ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is among the main causes of death in adults. Increase of oxidative stress and defects in antioxidant defense play a major role in endothelium performance and are an effective factor in progress of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to measure the serum level of UA and vitamin C as well as the antioxidant status of CHD patients to evaluate their relationship and compare them with the healthy individual.Materials and methods: The present case-control study was performed on 44 cases and 44 controls. Demographic data and anthropometric indices were measured. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and international physical activity questionnaire were also completed. After 12 hours of fasting, 10 ml blood was sampled from the participants. Uric acid (UA), vitamin C, TAC and MDA were also measured. The data were finally analyzed by SPSS Ver 22 software.Results: A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of uric acid (P<0.001) and vitamin C (P<0.03). However, mean MDA and TAC showed no significant difference between the two groups. The two groups’ difference in terms of vitamin A, E and beta carotene, zinc and selenium intake was not significant. A significant difference was however detected between the two groups in terms of vitamin C intake (P<0.047). A significant relationship was also observed between the systolic blood pressure and CHD (P<0.028).Conclusion: Our results suggest that increasing of serum uric acid and a decrease in serum vitamin C level can be considered as risk factors for CHD patients. Due to the lack of significant correlation between TAC and CHD in this study, it seems that different results will be obtained with increasing sample size.

scholarly journals Frequency and histological-cytological correlation of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix in women of different ages

Praxis medica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 13-18
Author(s):  
Dejan Mihajlović ◽  
Zoran Bukumirić ◽  
Nenad Šulović ◽  
Goran Relić ◽  
Slaviša Stanišić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Cervical Biopsy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Cervical Disease ◽  
Malignant Changes

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common and accounts for about 6.6% of all cancers in women. Aim: The aim was to determine the frequency of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix, to examine the histological-cytological correlation of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix and the correlation of the women's age with the stage of cervical disease. Material and Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 186 cervical biopsy specimens and cervical smears (Papanicolau test) at the Institute of Pathology of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina, based in Kosovska Mitrovica, over a three-year period from 2016 to 2018. Results: Of the 186 subjects, 62 had mild premalignant changes of type LSIL, 22 HSIL, and as many as 20 (10.75%) cervical cancer. There was a statistically significant positive association between histological and cytological findings (r = 0.854; p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the age of the subjects with regard to histological findings (F = 11,327; p <0.001). Subjects with HSIL were significantly older than those diagnosed with cervicitis chronica (p = 0.029). Subjects diagnosed with planocellular carcinoma were significantly older than women with cervicitis chronica (p <0.001) and LSIL (p <0.001). Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of cervical cancer in Northern Kosovo and in the Serbian enclaves in central Kosovo and Metohija. Subjects with cervical cancer were significantly older than subjects with mild premalignant cervical changes. There is a significant histologic-cytological correlation of cervical findings, so we believe that more massive cervical screening, especially in younger women, could reduce the incidence of premalignant and malignant diseases of the cervix.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Serum Levels in Subjects Tested for SARS-CoV-2: What Are the Differences among Acute, Healed, and Negative COVID-19 Patients? A Multicenter Real-Practice Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3932
Author(s):  
Luca Gallelli ◽  
Gaia Chiara Mannino ◽  
Filippo Luciani ◽  
Alessandro de Sire ◽  
Elettra Mancuso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Active Vitamin ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Practice Study ◽  
Real Practice ◽  
Fast Acting

Vitamin D might play a role in counteracting COVID-19, albeit strong evidence is still lacking in the literature. The present multicenter real-practice study aimed to evaluate the differences of 25(OH)D3 serum levels in adults tested for SARS-CoV-2 (acute COVID-19 patients, subjects healed from COVID-19, and non-infected ones) recruited over a 6-month period (March–September 2021). In a sample of 117 subjects, a statistically significant difference was found, with acute COVID-19 patients demonstrating the lowest levels of serum 25(OH)D3 (9.63 ± 8.70 ng/mL), significantly lower than values reported by no-COVID-19 patients (15.96 ± 5.99 ng/mL, p = 0.0091) and healed COVID-19 patients (11.52 ± 4.90 ng/mL, p > 0.05). Male gender across the three groups displayed unfluctuating 25(OH)D3 levels, hinting at an inability to ensure adequate levels of the active vitamin D3 form (1α,25(OH)2D3). As a secondary endpoint, we assessed the correlation between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with extremely low serum 25(OH)D3 levels (<1 ng/mL) and in a subset supplemented with 1α,25(OH)2D3. Although patients with severe hypovitaminosis-D showed no significant increase in IL-6 levels, acute COVID-19 patients manifested high circulating IL-6 at admission (females = 127.64 ± 22.24 pg/mL, males = 139.28 ± 48.95 ng/mL) which dropped drastically after the administration of 1α,25(OH)2D3 (1.84 ± 0.77 pg/mL and 2.65 ± 0.92 ng/mL, respectively). Taken together, these findings suggest that an administration of 1α,25(OH)2D3 might be helpful for treating male patients with an acute COVID-19 infection. Further studies on rapid correction of vitamin D deficiency with fast acting metabolites are warranted in COVID-19 patients.

66 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLASMA CHLORIDE LEVELS AND FOLLICLE DIAMETER IN CYCLING SPANISH PUREBRED MARES

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
K. Satué ◽  
J. C. Gardon ◽  
P. Montesinos
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Preovulatory Follicle ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Follicle Diameter ◽  
Plasma Chloride ◽  
Ovulatory Period ◽  
Chloride Concentrations

Several studies in cows have shown that plasma levels of chloride are positively correlated with the diameter of the preovulatory follicle (FD), establishing at the same time a significant positive association between plasma levels and intraoviducal concentration of this electrolyte (Hugentobler et al. 2007). These relationships may reflect the influence of changes in systemic metabolic plasma on follicular fluid, physiological events that might be closely related to the quality of the oocyte and granulosa cells of the preovulatory follicle (LeRoy et al. 2004). However, these mechanisms remain unknown in the mare. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between plasma chloride concentrations and growth of FD during the ovulatory period in the Spanish purebred mares. This research was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the CEU-Cardenal Herrera University. A total of 30 reproductive cycling Spanish purebred mares, aged 4 to 17 years old, were studied. Plasma concentrations of chlorine and follicular growth (FD) were determined daily by extracting blood samples and monitoring of ovarian ultrasound all mares, from Day –5 to the day of ovulation. Plasma chloride concentrations were evaluated by an analyzer with selective electrodes Vetlyte® (IDEXX, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands). To analyse the effect of cycle day on FD and concentrations of chloride, ANOVA was used. The interrelations between both parameters were expressed by Pearson correlation coefficient. The FD increased significantly, from 27.02 ± 2.113 to 40.23 ± 1.377 cm, during the 5 days prior to ovulation. Plasma chloride decreased from 105.6 ± 0.928 mmol L–1 on Day –5 to 104.5 ± 0.128 mmol L–1 on Day –1, and increased significantly, to 107.4 ± 1.442 mmol L–1, on the day of ovulation. No significant correlations between FD and chloride concentrations (r = 0.21) were found. Unlike what happens in the cow, plasma chloride levels affect preovulatory follicle development in Spanish purebred mares to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, plasma chloride or any other electrolytes have some kind of involvement in the dynamics of growth and maturation of oocytes.

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

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

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

scholarly journals Association of serum uric acid levels with COVID-19 severity

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Hu ◽  
Yifan Guo ◽  
Jianghong Lin ◽  
Yingjuan Zeng ◽  
Juan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Serum Uric Acid ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Severe Group ◽  
Male Patients

Abstract Aims Hyperuricemia has attracted increasing attention. However, limited concern has been paid to the potential dangers of lowering serum uric acid (SUA). We observed lower levels of SUA in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we aim to explore whether patients with COVID-19 had SUA lower than normal and the relationship of SUA and the severity of COVID-19. Methods This was a case–control study based on 91 cases with COVID-19 and 273 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. We first compared SUA levels and uric acid/creatinine (UA/Cr) ratio between patients with COVID-19 and the healthy controls. Then, we examined the association of SUA levels and UA/Cr ratios with COVID-19 severity in COVID-19 cases only, defined according to the fifth edition of China’s Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines of COVID-19. Results SUA levels in patients with COVID-19 were 2.59% lower, UA/Cr ratios 6.06% lower at admission compared with healthy controls. In sex stratified analysis, levels of SUA and UA/Cr were lower in male patients with COVID-19 while only level of SUA was lower in female patients with COVID-19. Moreover, SUA and UA/Cr values were 4.27 and 8.23% lower in the severe group than that in the moderate group among male COVID-19 patients. Bivariate and partial correlations analysis showed negative correlations between SUA or UA/Cr ratio and COVID-19 after adjusting for age, sex, BMI and eGFR. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection and male sex were independent risk factors associated with lower SUA levels. Male patients with COVID-19 accompanied by low SUA levels had higher risk of developing severe symptoms than those with high SUA levels (incidence rate ratio: 4.05; 95% CI:1.11, 14.72) at admission. Comparing SUA and UA/Cr ratio at three time points (admission, discharge, and follow-up), we found that male patients experienced severe symptoms had lower SUA and UA/Cr ratio levels comparing to moderate patients, but no significant difference between three time points. On the contrary, female patients had lower SUA and UA/Cr ratio at discharge than those at admission, but no significant difference of SUA and UA/Cr ratio between moderate and severe group. Conclusion Patients with COVID-19 had SUA and UA/Cr values lower than normal at admission. Male COVID-19 patients with low SUA levels had a significantly higher crude risk of developing severe symptoms than those with high SUA levels. During disease aggravation, the level of SUA gradually decreased until discharge. At the follow-up exam, the level of SUA was similar to the levels at admission.

scholarly journals Analysis of Serum Uric Acid Level in Patients with and without Diabetic Nephropathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Rosaria Simbolon ◽  
Suci Aprianti ◽  
Nurahmi Nurahmi ◽  
Liong Boy Kuniawan
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Serum Uric Acid ◽  
Uric Acid Level ◽  
Acid Level ◽  
Serum Uric Acid Level ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Difference

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the microvascular complications in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Diagnosis of diabeticnephropathy is based on any history of DM, a decrease in Glomerular Estimation Filtrate Rate (eGFR) using the CKD-Epiformula, and albuminuria. The role of serum uric acid level in diabetic nephropathy remains an ongoing debate. Serum uricacid levels may be the cause or the result of diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to analyze serum uric acid levels inpatients with and without diabetic nephropathy and determine its correlation with diabetic nephropathy. This study wasperformed at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, by taking the data from the medical record of type 2 DMpatients from January to April 2018. Fifty-nine patients with diabetic nephropathy and 150 patients without diabeticnephropathy participated in this study. An independent T-test and Pearson's correlation test were used for statisticalanalysis. There was a significant difference in uric acid level between patients with and without diabetic nephropathy(9.57±3.42 mg/dL vs. 6.41±2.86 mg/dL, p < 0.001). There was significant correlation between uric acid serum levels with urea(p < 0.001, r=0.585), creatinine (p<0.001, r=0.413) and eGFR (p < 0.001, r=-0.525) in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Uricacid levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy were higher than patients without diabetic nephropathy. Higher levels ofurea and the serum creatinine led to higher levels of serum uric acid. Contrastingly, a lower eGFR rate led to higher levels ofuric acid.

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