Relation between clinical features and gastric emptying time in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying. This pathology is usually observed in patients with diabetes. One standard approach to quantitative assessment of gastric emptying is scintigraphic study. The aim of present study was to perform scintigraphic study of gastric emptying time in patient with diabetes and to find its correlation with patients' characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gastric emptying was assessed in 19 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age of 61.04 ± 6.09 years) and 6 healthy volunteers. Characteristics of the patients were sex, age, duration of diabetes, blood sugar and serum HbA1c level. RESULTS: Results of present study revealed that gastric emptying half time was significantly larger in patients with type 2 diabetes as compared with healthy volunteers (P-value < 0.05). While correlation of sex, age, duration of diabetes and blood sugar with gastric emptying time was not statistically significant, HbA1c level had significant effect on gastric emptying time. CONCLUSION: Results of this prospective study indicated that level of serum HbA1c is an effecting factor on gastric emptying time in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, these preliminary findings should be validated in larger and well-designed studies. Copyright © 2015 Via Medica

Potential Protective Link Between Type I Diabetes and Parkinson's Disease Risk and Progression

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies suggested an association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes, but less is known about type 1 diabetes (T1D) and PD. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to explore the association between T1D and PD. METHODS: We used Mendelian randomization, linkage disequilibrium score regression, and multi-tissue transcriptome-wide analysis to examine the association between PD and T1D. RESULTS: Mendelian randomization showed a potentially protective role of T1D for PD risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-0.99; P = 0.039), as well as motor (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99; P = 0.044) and cognitive progression (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.08-2.09; P = 0.015). We further found a negative genetic correlation between T1D and PD (rg = -0.17; P = 0.016), and we identified eight genes in cross-tissue transcriptome-wide analysis that were associated with both traits. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a potential genetic link between T1D and PD risk and progression. Larger comprehensive epidemiological and genetic studies are required to validate our findings. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Association of serum level of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D deficiency and pulmonary function in healthy individuals

Background. Besides the extensive regulatory role in growing number of biologic processes, Vitamin D has been recently considered essential for lungs function as well as protective against exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. We assessed the correlation between Vitamin D serum levels with pulmonary function in healthy individuals. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, healthy volunteer (n=92) participants underwent the following laboratory procedures: a blood test, a 24-hour urine collection test, and the serum level of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D before undergoing spirometry. Linear correlation coefficient was calculated to detect the association between serum level of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D and pulmonary volumes. Results. The mean age of participants was 39.95±9.98 years. 48 of participants showed different levels of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D deficiency. We recognized a consistent direct positive correlation between serum levels of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D and lung function volumes. The coefficient for forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory flow 25-75, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio were 0.610, 0.509, 0.454, and 0.551, respectively. Conclusions. Our findings suggest correlation between higher serum levels of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D and improved pulmonary function. Accordingly, supplemental Vitamin D might significantly improve treatment response. © 2018 Maryam Moghaddassi et al

Hepatopulmonary syndrome with right-to-left shunt in cirrhotic patients using macro-aggregated albumin lung perfusion scan: Comparison with contrast echocardiography and association with clinical data [Sirotik hastalardaki sağ-sol şant ile ilişkili hepatopulmoner sendromun tanısında makro-agregant albümin akciğer perfüzyon sintigrafisinin kontrast ekokardiyografi ile karşılaştırılması ve klinik veriler ile ilişkisi]

Objectives: The diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) which is a common complication in cirrhotic patients is still subject to debate. This study investigated the association of clinical findings with HPS in cirrhotic patients using macro-aggregated albumin lung perfusion scan (99mTc-MAA lung scintigraphy). In addition, comparison between99mTc-MAA lung scintigraphy and contrast echocardiography (CEE) in detection of HPS was also performed. Methods: In this study, 27 patients with cirrhosis underwent99mTc-MAA lung scintigraphy and contrast echocardiography comparison CEE and the frequency of HPS was assessed in them and also was compared across the other variables. Results: The99mTc-MAA lung scintigraphy showed HPS in 13 patients (48.1%) while CEE demonstrated HPS in 5 patients with cirrhosis (18.51%). HPS was mild in 40.74% (11/27) of the patients, and severe in only 2 patients. There was no relationship between gender, disease duration, having diagnosis of disease previously, pulmonary symptoms and Child-Pugh score variations and HPS (p>0.05). Comparison of hemodynamic indices, arterial blood gas analysis and laboratory indices between patients with and without HPS was also non-significant (p value >0.05). Among coagulation factors assessed in cirrhotic patients, we found only significant correlation between HPS and prothrombin time (p<0.05). Conclusion: HPS, particularly its mild form, is noted in a great number of patients with cirrhosis using 99mTc-MAA lung scintigraphy. Because of its technical ease, and possibility to obtain objective quantitative information,99mTc-MAA lung scintigraphy can be complementary to other diagnostic methods in the evaluation of HPS assessment, although additional studies are needed

Fabrication and characterization of cobalt- and copper-doped mesoporous borate bioactive glasses for potential applications in tissue engineering

Developing novel compositions of bioactive glasses (BGs) is key for accelerating tissue repair and regeneration. In this work, we developed a series of cobalt (Co)- and copper (Cu)-doped mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) based on borate 13-93B3 composition using nitrate precursors. We took benefit from data science algorithms to predict and assess the physico-chemical and biological properties of the samples. The results showed that the presence of the dopants (Co and Cu) in the MBGs could change the glass transition temperature (Tg) (from 773 to 539 °C), the zeta potential (from -12 to -43 mV), and surface area (from 54 to 194 m2/g). However, the presence of 2.5 mol% of dopants in the composition led to just a slight decrease in their bioactivity. In vitro biocompatibility assays confirmed that all the glass samples were biocompatible. Furthermore, the doped MBGs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, these glasses could induce the mobility of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and enhance new blood vessel formation in ovo. According to the obtained data, it can be stated that this type of doped borate MBGs held great promise in tissue engineering applications

Global, Regional, and National Levels and Trends in Burden of Oral Conditions from 1990 to 2017: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2017 Study

Government and nongovernmental organizations need national and global estimates on the descriptive epidemiology of common oral conditions for policy planning and evaluation. The aim of this component of the Global Burden of Disease study was to produce estimates on prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability for oral conditions from 1990 to 2017 by sex, age, and countries. In addition, this study reports the global socioeconomic pattern in burden of oral conditions by the standard World Bank classification of economies as well as the Global Burden of Disease Socio-demographic Index. The findings show that oral conditions remain a substantial population health challenge. Globally, there were 3.5 billion cases (95% uncertainty interval [95% UI], 3.2 to 3.7 billion) of oral conditions, of which 2.3 billion (95% UI, 2.1 to 2.5 billion) had untreated caries in permanent teeth, 796 million (95% UI, 671 to 930 million) had severe periodontitis, 532 million (95% UI, 443 to 622 million) had untreated caries in deciduous teeth, 267 million (95% UI, 235 to 300 million) had total tooth loss, and 139 million (95% UI, 133 to 146 million) had other oral conditions in 2017. Several patterns emerged when the World Bank's classification of economies and the Socio-demographic Index were used as indicators of economic development. In general, more economically developed countries have the lowest burden of untreated dental caries and severe periodontitis and the highest burden of total tooth loss. The findings offer an opportunity for policy makers to identify successful oral health strategies and strengthen them; introduce and monitor different approaches where oral diseases are increasing; plan integration of oral health in the agenda for prevention of noncommunicable diseases; and estimate the cost of providing universal coverage for dental care

Fluorescent Heterodoped Nanotetrapods as Synergistically Enhancing Positive and Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents

In this work, we report Mn-Fe heterodoped ZnSe tetrapod nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized to synergistically enhance contrast in both T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The proposed NCs were prepared using a customized heteroarchitecture such that the manganese (Mn) is confined in the core and iron (Fe) in the branches of the tetrapods. The elemental composition and profile of these NCs were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Photoluminescence quantum yield of these heterodoped NCs in water is ∼30%. Magnetic measurements reveal the simultaneous presence of superparamagnetic and paramagnetic behavior in these NCs because of the coexistence of Mn2+ and Fe2+ dopants. Their potential as simultaneous positive and negative MRI contrast agents was demonstrated by relaxivity measurements and in vivo MRI. From the in vivo studies, we also found that these NCs (with a hydrodynamic diameter of 20 nm) are excreted from the body within 24 h after the injection. Therefore, these heterodoped tetrapods NCs, while being fluorescent and safe, hold great future as a synergistically enhancing dual-modal MRI contrast agent. © 2016 American Chemical Society

Negative Impressions of Childbirth in a North-West England Student Population

Background: Socio-cultural childbirth representations can influence perceptions of childbirth negatively. In this paper we report on a survey study to explore factors associated with negative impressions of childbirth in a North-West England University student sample. We also explored whether different sources and perceptions of childbirth information were linked to fear of childbirth. Methods: All students received a survey link via an online messaging board and/or direct email. Female students who were 18-40 years of age and childless (but planned to have children in the future) were invited to participate. Demographics, birth preferences, a fear of birth and general anxiety measures were included as well as questions about what sources of information shaped students’ attitudes towards pregnancy and birth (i.e. visual/written media, experiences of friends/family members, school-based education, and other) and impressions of birth from these sources (i.e. positive, negative, both positive and negative and not applicable). Results: Eligible students (n=276) completed the online questionnaire. The majority were Caucasian (87%) with a mean age of 22.6 years. Ninety-two students (33.3%) reported negative childbirth impressions through direct or vicarious sources. Students with negative impressions were significantly more likely to report higher fear of birth scores. Negatively perceived birth stories of friends/family members, and mixed perceptions of visual media representations of birth were associated with higher fear of birth scores. Having witnessed a birth first-hand and describing the experience as amazing was linked to lower fear scores. Conclusion: First-hand observations of birth, especially positive experiences, had implications for salutary outcomes. Negative or conflicting perceptions of vicarious experiences were associated with increased levels of childbirth fear. While further research is needed, these 3 insights suggest a need for positive birth stories and messages to be disseminated to mitigate negative effects of indirect accounts

A Cervid Vocal Fold Model Suggests Greater Glottal Efficiency in Calling at High Frequencies

Male Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) produce loud and high fundamental frequency bugles during the mating season, in contrast to the male European Red Deer (Cervus elaphus scoticus) who produces loud and low fundamental frequency roaring calls. A critical step in understanding vocal communication is to relate sound complexity to anatomy and physiology in a causal manner. Experimentation at the sound source, often difficult in vivo in mammals, is simulated here by a finite element model of the larynx and a wave propagation model of the vocal tract, both based on the morphology and biomechanics of the elk. The model can produce a wide range of fundamental frequencies. Low fundamental frequencies require low vocal fold strain, but large lung pressure and large glottal flow if sound intensity level is to exceed 70 dB at 10 m distance. A high-frequency bugle requires both large muscular effort (to strain the vocal ligament) and high lung pressure (to overcome phonation threshold pressure), but at least 10 dB more intensity level can be achieved. Glottal efficiency, the ration of radiated sound power to aerodynamic power at the glottis, is higher in elk, suggesting an advantage of high-pitched signaling. This advantage is based on two aspects; first, the lower airflow required for aerodynamic power and, second, an acoustic radiation advantage at higher frequencies. Both signal types are used by the respective males during the mating season and probably serve as honest signals. The two signal types relate differently to physical qualities of the sender. The low-frequency sound (Red Deer call) relates to overall body size via a strong relationship between acoustic parameters and the size of vocal organs and body size. The high-frequency bugle may signal muscular strength and endurance, via a ‘vocalizing at the edge’ mechanism, for which efficiency is critical