Does the Body Mass Index Category Influence Ambulatory Blood Pressure Parameters in Office Normotensive Obese Children?

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of the degree of obesity on ambulatory blood pressure parameters in selected group of office normotensive obese children and adolescents. Our study involved 119 obese patients (55 males, 46.2%) aged 7-18 years divided into 3 groups based on their body mass index Z-score, who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Our results show that obese patients, even when office normotensive, have alterations in blood pressure values obtained by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. We found a positive correlation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index in our patients (p [Formula: see text] 0.001). Daytime blood pressure load correlated with rising body mass index and was higher in groups II and III compared to group I (p < 0.001). Body mass index category did not influence the dipping pattern in our subjects although most of our subjects (66.4%) showed non-dipping pattern for systolic blood pressure. The difference in blood pressure variability was confirmed only for daytime systolic and diastolic values between groups I and II (p = 0.019 and p = 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, our study showed that in office normotensive obese children and adolescents, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values obtained by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are higher in subjects with higher body mass index. Patients with increased body mass index also have higher percentage of blood pressure readings above 95th percentile and increased daytime blood pressure variability. Obese patients show non-dipping pattern, independently of the rising body mass index category.

Sandwich ELISA for the Quantification of Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Based on Polyclonal Antibodies from Two Different Species.

In this study, a cost-effective sandwich ELISA test, based on polyclonal antibodies, for routine quantification SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein was developed. The recombinant N protein was produced and used for the production of mice and rabbit antisera. Polyclonal N protein-specific antibodies served as capture and detection antibodies. The prototype ELISA has LOD 0.93 ng/mL and LOQ 5.3 ng/mL, with a linear range of 1.52-48.83 ng/mL. N protein heat pretreatment (56 °C, 1 h) decreased, while pretreatment with 1% Triton X-100 increased analytical ELISA sensitivity. The diagnostic specificity of ELISA was 100% (95% CI, 91.19-100.00%) and sensitivity was 52.94% (95% CI, 35.13-70.22%) compared to rtRT-PCR (Ct < 40). Profoundly higher sensitivity was obtained using patient samples mostly containing Wuhan-similar variants (Wuhan, alpha, and delta), 62.50% (95% CI, 40.59 to 81.20%), in comparison to samples mostly containing Wuhan-distant variants (Omicron) 30.00% (6.67-65.25%). The developed product has relatively high diagnostic sensitivity in relation to its analytical sensitivity due to the usage of polyclonal antibodies from two species, providing a wide repertoire of antibodies against multiple N protein epitopes. Moreover, the fast, simple, and inexpensive production of polyclonal antibodies, as the most expensive assay components, would result in affordable antigen tests.

TRANSIENT PSEUDOHYPOALDOSTERONISM SECONDARY TO URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN A MALE INFANT WITH UNILATERAL HYDRONEPHROSIS DUE TO PRIMARY OBSTRUCTIVE MEGAURETER: A CASE REPORT.

We present a case of transient form of type 1 pseudohypoaldosteronism (S-PHA) in a 1.5-month-old male infant who presented with lethargy, failure to thrive, severe hyponatremia (Na=118 mmol/L), hypochloremia (Cl=93 mmol/L) and fever due to urinary tract infection. Potassium levels were normal. Markedly elevated serum aldosterone level and elevated serum renin confirmed the diagnosis of pseudohypoaldosteronism. Renal ultrasound showed grade III hydronephrosis on the left kidney while contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography excluded the existence of vesicoureteral reflux, which raised suspicion of obstructive uropathy at the level of vesicoureteral junction. Serum sodium normalized after several days of intravenous fluids and antibiotic therapy, after which oral supplementation of sodium was introduced. The levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and thyroid-stimulating hormone were normal. Functional magnetic resonance urography conducted at the age of 3 months confirmed the diagnosis of primary congenital obstructive megaureter and the infant was referred to a pediatric surgeon. Although a rare occurrence, S-PHA can be a potentially life-threatening condition in infants if not recognized and treated appropriately. Therefore, serum concentrations of electrolytes should be obtained in every child diagnosed with obstructive anomaly of the urinary tract and/or acute cystopyelonephritis. On the other hand, every child diagnosed with S-PHA should be evaluated for obstructive anomaly of the urinary tract.

Transient clitoromegaly in an extremely preterm twin infant with popliteal pterygium.

Clitoromegaly can be congenital or acquired, and it is usually associated with exposure to androgen excess. Pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for transient clitoromegaly in premature female infants have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we present the case of an extremely premature female twin infant, with an extensive web of skin on the back of the left leg, hypoplastic left labia majora, and normal clitoris appearance at birth. At the age of 48 days, clitoral enlargement was observed. Significantly elevated levels of gonadotropins, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) were recorded. 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) was unremarkable, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was low, in accordance with normal female karyotype. Ovaries were not visualised ultrasonographically. During the following weeks, gradual normalisation of gonadotropin, testosterone, and DHEAS levels was accompanied by regression of clitoromegaly. As described in this case, transient clitoral enlargement may appear in extremely premature female infants due to transitory elevated androgens of ovarian and adrenal origin.

Banana Lectin: A Novel Immunomodulatory Strategy for Mitigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Compared to the general population, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less likely to be vaccinated, putting them at an increased risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses. This risk is further compounded by the immunosuppressive therapies commonly used in IBD management. Therefore, developing new treatments for IBD that maintain immune function is crucial, as successful management can lead to better vaccination outcomes and overall health for these patients. Here, we investigate the potential of recombinant banana lectin (rBanLec) as a supporting therapeutic measure to improve IBD control and possibly increase vaccination rates among IBD patients. By examining the therapeutic efficacy of rBanLec in a murine model of experimental colitis, we aim to lay the foundation for its application in improving vaccination outcomes. After inducing experimental colitis in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, we treated animals orally with varying doses of rBanLec 0.1-10 µg/mL (0.01-1 µg/dose) during the course of the disease. We assessed the severity of colitis and rBanLec's modulation of the immune response compared to control groups. rBanLec administration resulted in an inverse dose-response reduction in colitis severity (less pronounced weight loss, less shortening of the colon) and an improved recovery profile, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Notably, rBanLec-treated mice exhibited significant modulation of the immune response, favoring anti-inflammatory pathways (primarily reduction in a local [TNFα]/[IL-10]) crucial for effective vaccination. Our findings suggest that rBanLec could mitigate the adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapy on vaccine responsiveness in IBD patients. By improving the underlying immune response, rBanLec may increase the efficacy of vaccinations, offering a dual benefit of disease management and prevention of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Further studies are required to translate these findings into clinical practice.

Modulation of T-Cell-Dependent Humoral Immune Response to Influenza Vaccine by Multiple Antioxidant/Immunomodulatory Micronutrient Supplementation.

Notwithstanding prevalence gaps in micronutrients supporting immune functions, the significance of their deficits/supplementation for the efficacy of vaccines is underinvestigated. Thus, the influence of supplementation combining vitamins C and D, zinc, selenium, manganese, and N-acetyl cysteine on immune correlates/surrogates of protection conferred by a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) in mice was investigated. The supplementation starting 5 days before the first of two QIV injections given 28 days apart increased the serum titres of total and neutralizing IgG against each of four influenza strains from QIV. Accordingly, the frequencies of germinal center B cells, follicular CD4+ T helper (Th) cells, and IL-21-producing Th cells increased in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). Additionally, the supplementation improved already increased IgG response to the second QIV injection by augmenting not only neutralizing antibody production, but also IgG2a response, which is important for virus clearance, through favoring Th1 differentiation as indicated by Th1 (IFN-γ)/Th2 (IL-4) signature cytokine level ratio upon QIV restimulation in SLO cell cultures. This most likely partly reflected antioxidant action of the supplement as indicated by splenic redox status analyses. Thus, the study provides a solid scientific background for further research aimed at repurposing the use of this safe and inexpensive micronutrient combination to improve response to the influenza vaccine.

Stress among Croatian physicians: comparison between physicians working in emergency medical service and health centers: pilot study.

AIM: To determine the sources of stress, its intensity, frequency, and psychophysical and behavioral reactions in physicians working in emergency medical service and those working in health centers. METHODS: To a convenience sample of primary care physicians employed in emergency medical service (n = 79) and health centers (n = 81), we administered the list of demographic questions, Scale of Sources of Stress, Scale of Intentions of Leaving the Job, and Scale of Psychosomatic Symptoms. RESULTS: Emergency medicine physicians experienced significantly more intense and more frequent uncontrollable working situations, conflict between work and family roles, and unfavorable relationships with coworkers than physicians working in health centers. They were also more likely to leave the job during the next few years and/or change jobs within the profession (scores 2.2 ± 0.9 vs 1.7 ± 0.9 out of maximum 5.0, F = 12.2, P = 0.001) and they had a poorer physical health status (scores 1.8 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.5 out of maximum 4.0, F = 5.3, P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Physicians working in emergency medical service experience more stress in almost all aspects of their work than physicians working in health centers. They also have a stronger intention of leaving the job, which decreases with years of experience.

Characterization of potential probiotic strain, L. reuteri B2, and its microencapsulation using alginate-based biopolymers.

In this study, Lactobacillus reuteri B2 was isolated from the feces of C57BL/6 mice and assessed on probiotic activity. L. reuteri B2 was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, which the cell viability in acidic conditions at pH 2.0 was 64% after 2 h, and in the presents of 0.30% of the bile salts, after 6 h, was 37%. Antimicrobial assay with L. reuteri B2 showed maximum diameters against Klebsiela oxytoca J7 (12.5 ± 0.71 mm). We further hypothesized if L. reuteri B2 strain in the free form can survive all conditions in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) then the utilization of the appropriate biomaterials would ameliorate its stability and viability in GIT. L. reuteri B2 was microencapsulated into sodium alginate-(Na-alg) and different content of Na-alg and sodium maleate (SM) beads. Characterization materials enveloped their thermal characteristics (TGA/DTA analysis) and structure using: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, and particle size distribution. The high survival rate of L. reuteri B2 at low pH from 2.0 to 4.0 and in the presence of the bile salts, at concentrations up to 0.30%, was obtained. L. reuteri B2 showed strong antimicrobial activity and the best protection microencapsulated with Na-alg + SM in simulated gastric juices (SGJ).

The effects of aerobic exercise intensity on memory in older adults.

Aerobic exercise may enhance memory in older adults. However, the optimal intensity and underlying mechanism are unclear. This community-based study examined the effect of aerobic exercise intensity on memory and general cognitive abilities. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined as a potential mechanism. Sixty-four sedentary older adults participated in 1 of 3 groups: (i) high-intensity interval training (HIIT); (ii) moderate continuous training (MCT); or (iii) stretching control (CON). Prior to and following the intervention, high-interference memory was assessed using a Mnemonic Similarity task and executive functions were assessed using Go Nogo and Flanker tasks. HIIT led to the greatest memory performance compared with MCT and CON (F[2,55] = 6.04, p = 0.004) and greater improvements in memory correlated with greater increases in fitness (rs (46) = 0.27, p = 0.03). Exercise intensity seemed to matter less for executive functioning, as positive trends were observed for both HIIT and MCT. No significant differences in BDNF were found between groups. Overall, these results suggest that aerobic exercise may enhance memory in older adults, with the potential for higher intensity exercise to yield the greatest benefit. While our findings suggest that BDNF does not regulate these adaptations, the mechanisms remain to be determined. Novelty High-intensity interval training results in the greatest memory performance in inactive older adults compared with moderate continuous training or stretching. Improvement in fitness correlates with improvement in memory performance.

Optimizing Sleep in Older Adults: Where Does High-Intensity Interval Training Fit?

The present community-based study evaluated the effect of three different exercise interventions on sleep quality. Older adults were enrolled in one of three exercise intervention groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT; n = 20), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; n = 19) or stretching (STRETCH; n = 22). Prior to and following the intervention, sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The PSQI was used to classify participants as poor (global PSQI score ≥5) or good (global PSQI score >5) sleepers and the effect of the intervention was examined on poor sleepers only. Around 70% of our sample was classified as poor sleepers. Poor sleepers were significantly impaired across all PSQI components, except for the use of sleeping medication, such that neither group was heavily prescribed. Exercise improved sleep quality for poor sleepers, but the intensity mattered. Specifically, MICT and STRETCH improved sleep efficiency for poor sleepers, whereas HIIT did not (p < 0.05). The results suggest that both MICT and STRETCH may be more effective than HIIT for optimizing sleep in poor sleepers. These findings help to inform exercise guidelines for enhancing sleep in the aging population.

Performance comparison of nonlinear and linear regression algorithms coupled with different attribute selection methods for quantitative structure - retention relationships modelling in micellar liquid chromatography.

In micellar liquid chromatography (MLC), the addition of a surfactant to the mobile phase in excess is accompanied by an alteration of its solubilising capacity and a change in the stationary phase's properties. As an implication, the prediction of the analytes' retention in MLC mode becomes a challenging task. Mixed Quantitative Structure - Retention Relationships (QSRR) modelling represents a powerful tool for estimating the analytes' retention. This study compares 48 successfully developed mixed QSRR models with respect to their ability to predict retention of aripiprazole and its five impurities from molecular structures and factors that describe the Brij - acetonitrile system. The development of the models was based on an automatic combining of six attribute (feature) selection methods with eight predictive algorithms and the optimization of hyper-parameters. The feature selection methods included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), ReliefF, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Mutual Info and F-Regression. The series of investigated predictive algorithms comprised Linear Regressions (LR), Ridge Regression, Lasso Regression, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosted Trees (GBT) and K-Nearest neighbourhood (k-NN). A sufficient amount of data for building the model (78 cases in total) was provided by conducting 13 experiments for each of the 6 analytes and collecting the target responses afterwards. Different experimental settings were established by varying the values of the concentration of Brij L23, pH of the aqueous phase and acetonitrile content in the mobile phase according to the Box-Behnken design. In addition to the chromatographic parameters, the pool of independent variables was expanded by 27 molecular descriptors from all major groups (physicochemical, quantum chemical, topological and spatial structural descriptors). The best model was chosen by taking into consideration the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and cross-validation (CV) correlation coefficient (Q2) values. Interestingly, the comparative analysis indicated that a change in the set of input variables had a minor impact on the performance of the final models. On the other hand, different regression algorithms showed great diversity in the ability to learn patterns conserved in the data. In this regard, testing many regression algorithms is necessary in order to find the most suitable technique for model building. In the specific case, GBT-based models have demonstrated the best ability to predict the retention factor in the MLC mode. Steric factors and dipole-dipole interactions have proven to be relevant to the observed retention behaviour. This study, although being of a smaller scale, is a most promising starting point for comprehensive MLC retention prediction.

Cross-Reactive Effects of Vaccines: Heterologous Immunity between Tetanus and Chlamydia.

Vaccines can have heterologous effects on the immune system, i.e., effects other than triggering an immune response against the disease targeted by the vaccine. We investigated whether monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for tetanus could cross-react with Chlamydia and confer heterologous protection against chlamydial infection. The capability of two tetanus-specific mAbs, namely mAb26 and mAb51, to prevent chlamydial infection has been assessed: (i) in vitro, by performing a neutralization assay using human conjunctival epithelial (HCjE) cells infected with Chlamydia trachomatis serovar B, and (ii) in vivo, by using a guinea pig model of Chlamydiacaviae-induced inclusion conjunctivitis. The mAb26 has been superior in comparison with mAb51 in the prevention of chlamydial infection in HCjE cells. The mAb26 has conferred ≈40% inhibition of the infection, compared to less than 5% inhibition in the presence of the mAb51. In vivo, mAb26 significantly diminished ocular pathology intensity in guinea pigs infected with C. caviae compared to either the mAb51-treated or sham-treated guinea pigs. Our data provide insights that tetanus immunization generates antibodies which induce heterologous chlamydial immunity and promote protection beyond the intended target pathogen.

The Association of Aging and Aerobic Fitness With Memory.

The present study examined the differential effects of aging and fitness on memory. Ninety-five young adults (YA) and 81 older adults (OA) performed the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) to assess high-interference memory and general recognition memory. Age-related differences in high-interference memory were observed across the lifespan, with performance progressively worsening from young to old. In contrast, age-related differences in general recognition memory were not observed until after 60 years of age. Furthermore, OA with higher aerobic fitness had better high-interference memory, suggesting that exercise may be an important lifestyle factor influencing this aspect of memory. Overall, these findings suggest different trajectories of decline for high-interference and general recognition memory, with a selective role for physical activity in promoting high-interference memory.

The effect of resistance exercise on sleep: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Impaired sleep quality and quantity are associated with future morbidity and mortality. Exercise may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep, however, little is known on the effect of resistance exercise. Thus, we performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the acute and chronic effects of resistance exercise on sleep quantity and quality. Thirteen studies were included. Chronic resistance exercise improves all aspects of sleep, with the greatest benefit for sleep quality. These benefits of isolated resistance exercise are attenuated when resistance exercise is combined with aerobic exercise and compared to aerobic exercise alone. However, the acute effects of resistance exercise on sleep remain poorly studied and inconsistent. In addition to the sleep benefits, resistance exercise training improves anxiety and depression. These results suggest that resistance exercise may be an effective intervention to improve sleep quality. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of acute resistance exercise on sleep, the physiological mechanisms underlying changes in sleep, the changes in sleep architecture with chronic resistance exercise, as well its efficacy in clinical cohorts who commonly experience sleep disturbance. Future studies should also examine time-of-day and dose-response effects to determine the optimal exercise prescription for sleep benefits.

Physical Exercise Moderates the Relationship of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Genotype and Dementia Risk: A Population-Based Study.

Genetics and lifestyle independently determine dementia risk, but the interaction is unclear. We assessed the interactive relationship of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and physical exercise on dementia risk over a 5-year period in 1,646 older adults from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging who were dementia-free at baseline. Physical exercise moderated the relationship between genotype and dementia (p < 0.01). Specifically, for APOE ɛ4 non-carriers, the odds of developing dementia were higher in non-exercisers than exercisers (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.44, 2.71, p < 0.001), whereas, for APOE ɛ4 carriers, the odds of developing dementia were not significantly different between non-exercisers and exercisers (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.46, 1.31, p = 0.34). Given that most individuals are not at genetic risk, physical exercise may be an effective strategy for preventing dementia.