Lack of Circadian Pattern of Serum TNF-α and IL-6 in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis of a circadian variation in circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured at 4 h intervals of the day in 50 women with FMS satisfying American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS (age 36.68 ± 9.89) as well as 50 healthy control women (age 32.82 ± 10.53). Serum TNF-α levels were substantially increased in patients with FMS but showed no circadian variation. In contrast, no difference in the levels of IL-6 was found. Moreover, there was also no circadian variation in both the groups of patients and controls. We conclude that no circadian pattern exists in the circulating levels of serum IL-6 and TNF-α in patients with FMS, although TNF-α levels are found raised in patients with FMS.     

Semantic network analysis for understanding user experiences of bipolar and depressive disorders on Reddit

People who are suspected to suffer mental disorders often explore online communities to gather medical information. Such medical information benefits these people by facilitating self-diagnosis and social support for the mental disorders. At the same time, however, misinformation can aggravate mental disorders and worsen psychological status. Focusing on two representative mental illnesses, bipolar and depressive disorders, this study analyzed how users shared their experiences with illness and provided advice. Postings for bipolar and depressive disorders were gathered from subreddit communities and used for semantic network analysis. Results showed that users in both communities described sleep disorder episodes and financial problems with negative emotional expressions. Users in the bipolar disorder community showed more interest in the topic of medication, whereas users in the depressive disorder community were more interested in suicide issues. We discuss how these properties in the subreddit communities can be applied to understand user experiences of bipolar and depressive disorders.     

Circadian variation of human circulating cholesterol components on vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy Indians

Circadian periodicity of human circulating total (T), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL + VLDL; briefly LDL) cholesterol (C) was studied in 30 clinically healthy, diurnally active, norturnally resting young volunteers divided into two groups of 15 each (10 men; 5 women) taking vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. A marked circadian variation in T-C, HDL-C and LDL-C was recorded in all volunteers irrespective of the diety habits. However, total mean values and the acrophase differed between the two groups. Lower MESOR of studied variables for the vegetarians and higher MESOR for the omnivores in both the sexes exhibited endogeneous rhythmic changes as well as lower values of cholesterol components in vegetarians as compared to omnivores. Fasting unmasks a presumably endogeneous change around a lower MESOR with a smaller circadian amplitude both of HDL and LDL cholecterol metabolism. The recognition that the human circulating cholesterol components oscillate physiologically, in the peripheral blood with a shift of acrophase according to a circadian rhtyhm in two dietry schedules may prove to be of significance in the clinical interpretation of the laboratory result under tropical conditions.     

A Case of Sanfillippo’s Disease Correlating Clinical and Biochemical Findings

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a heterogeneous group of rare inherited disorders caused by deficiency of lysosomal enzyme necessary to break down mucopolysaccharides or glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). We had combined clinical findings and ophthalmological features. Biochemical test for urine glycosaminoglycans was done for confirmation of diagnosis in the patient. The case of Sanfillippo’s disease was characterized by delayed development, hyperactivity with aggressive behaviour. Coarse facial feature, hirsutism and sleep disorder. Urine GAG tests for MPS was positive in the case. Based on clinical findings and biochemical tests for MPS, this case was diagnosed as a type III mucopolysaccharidoses. Urinary GAG’s electrophoresis is an important screening test for MPS suspected cases.     

Oxidative stress, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione status in schizophrenics

A disturbance in the antioxidant defense system including α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and reduced glutahtione metabolism due to free radical induced oxidative injury has been implicated in various neuro-psychiatric disorders. The roles of these antioxidants, changes in their blood levels and correlation with oxidative stress were studied in a common psychiatric illness Schizophrenia. Fifty-eight subjects of either sex ranging in age from 18–60 years divided into two age groups (≤40 and >40 years) diagnosed for schizophrenia, and forty age and sex-matched normal subjects as controls were included in the study. Blood samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), α-tocopherol, total ascorbic acid (TAA), dehydro ascorbic acid (DHAA), reduced ascorbic acid (RAA), leucocyte ascorbic acid (LAA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). A decrease in the levels of α-tocopherol, total ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione was found in schizophrenics compared to normal controls. Further a significant rise in oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant status was observed in the chronic stage of schizophrenia as compared to those in acute condition. A significant rise in dehydroascorbic acid with concomitant fall in reduced ascorbic acid suggests scavenging action of ascorbic acid and its utilization with increased oxidative stress as indicated by high blood malondialdehyde levels. Leucocyte ascorbic acid, a better index of ascorbic acid status was also found to be reduced in schizophrenics, suggesting depletion of body stores of ascorbic acid and the condition worsened with advancing age.     

“胃不和则卧不安”的失眠病机浅论

大量文献对"胃不和则卧不安"进行了诸多的论述,文章就其在失眠病症的一些病机予浅论,希望能为临床中的失眠病症诊疗有一定的指导作用。     

Accelerated passage of gene-modified monkeys by hormone-induced precocious puberty

Mosaicism occurs in most founder gene-modified monkeys generated by virus infection and programmable-nucleases[1-3].In addition,macaque monkeys have a long prea...     

Circadian Rhythm of Serum Cortisol in Female Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients have disturbed sleep patterns which may lead to altered circadian rhythm in serum cortisol secretion. The aim of this study was to assess circadian changes, if any, in serum cortisol levels in female patients with FMS. Cortisol levels were estimated every 6 h during 24 h period; in 40 female patients satisfying ACR criteria for FMS (Age 36.4 ± 9.9), and 40 healthy females without FMS (Age 33.8 ± 11.1). A significant difference in the night time serum cortisol level was observed among the patients and control groups (patients, 12.9 ± 9.7 controls 5.8 ± 3.0; p < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found in serum cortisol levels in patients and control groups in the morning (patients, 28.4 ± 13.2 controls, 27.6 ± 14.5; p > 0.05), afternoon (patients, 14.4 ± 5.6 controls, 14.0 ± 6.6; p > 0.05) and evening hours (patients, 10.9 ± 5.8 controls, 8.9 ± 3.6; p > 0.05). It could be concluded that there is an abnormality in circadian secretion of cortisol in female FMS patients.     

High-throughput particle separation and concentration using spiral inertial filtration

A spiral inertial filtration (SIFT) device that is capable of high-throughput (1 ml/min), high-purity particle separation while concentrating recovered target particles by more than an order of magnitude is reported. This device is able to remove large fractions of sample fluid from a microchannel without disruption of concentrated particle streams by taking advantage of particle focusing in inertial spiral microfluidics, which is achieved by balancing inertial lift forces and Dean drag forces. To enable the calculation of channel geometries in the SIFT microsystem for specific concentration factors, an equivalent circuit model was developed and experimentally validated. Large particle concentration factors were then achieved by maintaining either the average fluid velocity or the Dean number throughout the entire length of the channel during the incremental removal of sample fluid. The SIFT device was able to separate MCF7 cells spiked into whole blood from the non-target white blood cells (WBC) with a recovery of nearly 100% while removing 93% of the sample volume, which resulted in a concentration enhancement of the MCF7 cancer cells by a factor of 14.     

Circadian Time Structure of Circulating Plasma Lipid Components in Healthy Indians of Different Age Groups

The circadian rhythm of human circulating lipid components was studied under nearnormal tropical conditions in 162 healthy volunteers (103 males and 59 females; 7 to 75 years of age). They followed a diurnal activity from about 06:00 to about 22:00 and nocturnal rest. These volunteers were divided into four groups: Group A (7–20 years), Group B (21–40 years), Group C (41–60 years) and Group D (61–75 years), comprising 42, 60, 35 and 25 participants, respectively. A marked circadian rhythm was demonstrated for each studied variable in each group by population-mean cosinor analysis (almost invariably p < 0.001). Furthermore, circadian rhythm characteristics were compared among the 4 groups by parameter tests and regressed as a function of age, separately for males and females. A second-order polynomial characterized the MESOR of HDL cholesterol, phospholipids and total lipids, as well as the 24-h amplitude of total cholesterol and phospholipids. The 24-h amplitude of total lipids decreased linearly with age. The 24-h acrophase of the oldest age group (Group D) was advanced in the case of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and total lipids, whereas that of phospholipids was delayed. Mapping the circadian rhythm (an important component of the broader time structure or chronome, which includes a. o., trends with age and extra-circadian components) of lipid components is needed to explore their role in the aging process in health.     

Sars-Cov2 Induced Biochemical Mechanisms in Liver Damage and Intestinal Lesions

Multiple pathogenic mechanisms are found in SARS-CoV2 systemic inflammation. Oxidative stress, altered proteolysis, hypercoagulation, and metabolic disorders are significant in virus-induced lesions.The study aimed to investigate the biochemical mechanism of virus-induced disorders and determine the biochemical features in SARS-CoV2-associated liver damage and intestine lesions.A retrospective case series of ninety-two patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pnemonia. The ACE, α1-proteinase inhibitor, trypsin-like proteinase, and elastase activity were measured. Nitrites level was detected in reaction with Griess reagent. The ELISA kit measured Troponin, C-peptide, leptin, adiponectin, PAR4, and neuropilin level.It was obtained an increase in ACE activity and nitrites ions content in SARS-CoV2 associated patients. The hyperglycemia and an increase in adipose tissue-derived hormones guided the virus-induced metabolic disorders. Proteolysis activation was revealed in SARS-CoV2 pneumonia patients. The found molecular event was accompanied by hyperglycemia induction. Multiorgan lesions manifest in in cardiac failure, which was detected in patients with ARDS. Moreover, high arterial blood pressure in patients with COVID-19 was associated with the hyperglycemia and increased ACE activity and NO ions level. Liver damage was specific for COVID-19-associated patients with severe ARDS and heart failure. Proteolysis overactivation resulting in vasoactive substances imbalance was detected in patients with the intestinal lesions. The obtained data shows the the neuropilin-dependent axis in damage prevalence in the intestine.Metabolic disorders resulting in the growth of adipose-derived tissue hormones, nitrites, and neuropilin levels was triggered by prolonged inflammation. So, the impaired metabolism and SARS-CoV2 associated hyperglycemia influence on SARS-CoV2 multiple mechanisms. Gastrointestinal manifestations in SARS-CoV2 infection was found to be related to various biochemical and molecular tools. ACE2 receptors axis is prevalent for liver damage, but NRP-1 protein (neuropilin), NO derivatives, and adipose tissue-derived hormones are essential for intestinal lesions.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-022-01089-x.     

Circadian periodicity of plasma lipid peroxides and anti-oxidant enzymes in pulmonary tuberculosis

The circadian periodicity of plasma lipid peroxide levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were studied in 50 clinically, bacteriologically and radiologically proven fresh cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (age: 21–45 years) and 60 age-matched healthy volunteers with diurnal activity from 06∶00 to about 22∶00 and nocturnal rest. A marked circadian variation in plasma lipid peroxide level was recorded in healthy subjects and pulmonary tuberculosis patients with significant amplitude and acrophase around 16∶21 and 17∶12 respectively. The acrophase tended to be delayed in tuberculosis patients. Furthermore, a statistically significant circadian rhythm was found in SOD, CAT and GPx activities in normal volunteers and pulmonary tuberculopsis patients. SOD and CAT enzyme activity was noted to be maximum at 06∶00 and minimum at 00∶00 in tuberculosis patients. The circadian acrophase for GPx activity was recorded at 16∶15 in normals and around 22∶45 in patients. Moreover, the activity was found to be decreased at all sampling hours during 24-hours sleep-awake period in patients in comparison to healthy counterparts. The MESOR and circadian amplitude also decreased markedly. The decreased activity of measured antioxidant enzymes in pulmonary tuberculosis patients could probably be associated with oxidative stress and/or decreased anti-oxidant defensive mechanism in such patients.     

Thyroid Disorders in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The study was planned to assess the prevalence of thyroid disorders in type 2 diabetes in North Indian population and to correlate the serum insulin and glycosylated haemoglobin levels with thyroid hormones. It is a case control study. One hundred and twenty patients of type 2 diabetes were included in the study along with 117 adults of the same age group and normal glucose levels as controls. All blood samples were taken from subjects who fasted for at least 12 h before the blood collection. Glycosylated hemoglobin was determined by ion exchange chromatography and serum insulin and thyroid hormones were assessed through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels were significantly higher in diabetics showing a poor glucose control. Serum tri-iodothyronine values were significantly lower in diabetics. There was a significant correlation between glycosylated haemoglobin and thyroid hormones. There was no correlation between serum insulin and thyroid hormones.     

Neurochemical and Neurobehavioral Effects of Low Lead Exposure on the Developing Brain

Lead is found in small but appreciable quantities in air, soil drinking water and food. Exposure to such amounts of lead does not cause acute lead toxicity, but produces subtle effects, particularly in children. The CDC advocates “safe” or “acceptable” levels of blood lead up to 10 μg/dl, while OSHA declares blood lead levels up to 40 μg/dl as “safe” or “acceptable” in the occupationally exposed. The objective of the study was to see if blood levels considered “safe” can cause changes in the biogenic neurotransmitters in the developing brain which may cause neurobehavioral defects like hyperactivity and other cognitive disorders. Albino Wistar rats were divided into the control and lead-treated groups. The control group was given unleaded water, while the lead-treated group was fed with 50 ppm lead acetate in drinking water. On day 45 the animals were subjected to a passive avoidance test, their blood analysed for ZPP and lead. They were then sacrificed and the neurotransmitters—Norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolite—methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) estimated in the brain areas associated with learning and memory—the frontal cortex, hippocampus and the striatum by HPLC-ECD. Our results showed significant increases in blood lead, NE and MHPG, while ZPP increase was insignificant. The rats showed neurobehavioral abnormalities as assessed by the passive avoidance test. We concluded that low blood levels of lead cannot be considered “safe” or “acceptable” as it causes neurotransmitter alterations. Increased NE turnover is implicated in hyperactivity disorders such as ADHD and Tourette syndrome.     

Metabolic alterations during Ramadan fast

Some biochemical parameters in 12 young Muslim students who underwent fasting during the entire one month period of Ramadan were investigated. There was a significant reduction in their body weight (72.5±4.0 to 69.4±3.0 kg) and blood glucose levels (99.6±3.5 to 82.9±7.3 mg/dl). Though the morning plasma cortisol fell (215.2±22.1 to 105±11.2 μg/l) and the evening plasma cortisol rose (58.4±5.1 to 64.4±4.8 μg/l) significantly there was no reversal of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. A decline in the diastolic blood pressure (80 to 75±6 of Hg) of these individuals though not significant was also noted. However, cholesterol (160.9±12.8 to 178.2±40.6 mg/dl) and HDL-Cholesterol (42.6±2.2 to 48.1±2.4 mg/dl) showed a tendency for increase. All the changed values were within the normal range.     

A study of cortisol and certain metabolites in some chronic stress-disorders

Present study, involved two groups of chronic stress disorders, e.g. bronchial asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical investigations were launched on the blood samples of human subjects in which the levels of plasma cortisol, blood glucose, total plasma protein and serum cholesterol were assayed in diseased and normal control subjects. Observations in-vitro exhibited a notable change in the levels of all the biochemical parameters in patients of chronic disorders with respect to those of normal controls. The biochemical changes in asthmatics were comparatively more pronounced than those of rheumatoid arthritis patients. It reveals that bronchial asthma is an acute and early onset disorder because with chronicity of stressful events, there is a decline in stress response since hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is not so competent to undergo major remodelling of its circuitry necessary for homeostatic maintanence.     

基于破坏事件的双元惯例治理选择研究

 破坏事件作为组织负效应的研究分支被组织创新领域学者广泛关注,近期基于创新理论与非契约治理中的组织惯例研究意识到,组织内外基于颠覆性创新的不同类型破坏事件有可能对组织惯例的非契约治理结果存在不同影响。基于此,本文结合双元创新理论与社会网络理论,以组织适应性作为因变量,探究不同阶段破坏事件发生的情况下双元惯例的治理选择问题。实证结果表明,在一阶破坏水平高而二阶破坏水平低的情况下利用式惯例与探索式惯例对组织适应性同样有效;在一阶破坏水平低而二阶破坏水平高的情况下探索式惯例对组织适应性存在正向促进作用而利用式惯例对组织适应性存在负向抑制作用。研究结论有利于理解破坏事件通过惯例促进组织适应性与组织绩效原因,并为企业如何利用组织双元惯例在组织变革中存活与提升组织适应性提供理论依据。