Dissecting the immune response of CD4 T cells in Alzheimer's disease.

The formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), however, these pathological aggregates can also be found in the brains of cognitively unimpaired elderly population. In that context, individual variations in the Aβ-specific immune response could be key factors that determine the level of Aβ-induced neuroinflammation and thus the propensity to develop AD. CD4 T cells are the cornerstone of the immune response that coordinate the effector functions of both adaptive and innate immunity.

Lagrangian Split-Step Method for Viscoelastic Flows.

This research addresses and resolves current challenges in meshless Lagrangian methods for simulating viscoelastic materials. A split-step scheme, or pressure Poisson reformulation of the Navier-Stokes equations, is introduced for incompressible viscoelastic flows in a Lagrangian context. The Lagrangian differencing dynamics (LDD) method, which is a thoroughly validated Lagrangian method for Newtonian and non-Newtonian incompressible flows, is extended to solve the introduced split-step scheme to simulate viscoelastic flows based on the Oldroyd-B constitutive model.

Matrix Remodeling Enzymes as Potential Fluid Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease.

This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of plasma biomarkers-specifically, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), CD147, and the MMP-/TIMP-1 ratio in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. The research cohort comprised patients diagnosed with probable AD dementia and a control group of cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals. Neuroradiological assessments included brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following dementia protocols, with subsequent volumetric analysis.

Histopathology of chironomids exposed to fly ash and microplastics as a new biomarker of ecotoxicological assessment.

In the last few decades, industrial pollution has gained extensive attention in terms of its effect on the aquatic environment. This imposes the need to develop sensitive biomarkers for early detection of pollutant toxicity in ecotoxicological assessment. The advantages of histopathological biomarkers are many, including quick reaction to the presence of contaminants, and the small number of individuals needed for efficient analysis.

Importance of a functional measure in the evaluation of patients in a memory clinic: Validation of the Serbian version of the Amsterdam instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire.

Introduction And Aim: The Amsterdam instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) was developed as a sensitive tool in detecting a functional decline in early dementia. The aim of our study was to analyze the validity and reliability of the Serbian translation of the short version of A-IADL-Q in a population of memory clinic patients.

Material And Methods: We have included 160 subjects with Alzhemier's disease (AD) dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or normal cognition (NC).

Effect of the Interrelation between CYP3A5 Genotype, Concentration/Dose Ratio and Intrapatient Variability of Tacrolimus on Kidney Graft Function: Monte Carlo Simulation Approach.

: Tacrolimus (Tac) is characterized by large between- and within-patient (IPV) variability in pharmacokinetics and exposure. : This study aimed to assess and validate the effect of Tac IPV and trough concentration-to-dose ratio (C/D) over 6-12 months on reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in the late period after kidney transplantation (Tx), applying Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. : The previously published linear regression was the basis for MC simulation, performed to determine how variations in significant predictors affect the distribution of eGFR from 13 to 36 months post-transplantation.

Lagrangian Differencing Dynamics for Time-Independent Non-Newtonian Materials.

This paper introduces a novel meshless and Lagrangian approach for simulating non-Newtonian flows, named Lagrangian Differencing Dynamics (LDD). Second-order-consistent spatial operators are used to directly discretize and solve generalized Navier-Stokes equations in a strong formulation. The solution is obtained using a split-step scheme, i.

The Relationship between Foot Status and Motor Status in Preschool Children: A Simple, Comparative Observational Study.

Background: The research objective of the study is to determine the differences in the manifestation of the motor status of normally fed preschool test subjects, classified into groups according to foot status.

Methods: This is a simple, comparative observational study. Preschool children included in this study have been subjected to anthropometric measurements in order to determine BMI, tests for motor skills assessment (running at 20 m from a high start, standing broad jump, backwards polygon, rectangular seated forward bend, plate tapping, sit-ups for 60 s, and bent arm hang), and a determination of foot status.

Association of vitamin D receptor genetic variants with bone mineral density and inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background And Aims: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic variants are considered to have a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study examines an association of FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI with RA, as well as with bone mineral density (RA with normal bone mineral density, RA-NBMD; RA with associated osteopenia, RA-OSTP; and RA with associated osteoporosis, RA-OP) and inflammatory markers.

Materials And Methods: VDR genetic variants were tested in 248 subjects using the PCR-RFLP method.

Can phytoplankton blooming be harmful to benthic organisms? The toxic influence of Anabaena sp. and Chlorella sp. on Chironomus riparius larvae.

Cyanobacteria and microalgae are abundant biota groups in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems, serving as a food source for many aquatic organisms, including the larvae of non-biting midges (Chironomidae). Many species of cyanobacteria are toxin producers, which can act as stressors to other organisms. The present study aimed to analyze and compare the effects of dietary exposure to the common toxic cyanobacteria Anabaena sp.

Bleeding Index and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 as Gingival Inflammation Parameters after Chemical-Mechanical Retraction Procedure.

Objective: A widely used chemical-mechanical method of gingival retraction can cause gingival tissue damage. The aim of this study was to test the influence of the chemical-mechanical gingival retraction procedures on the gingival bleeding index (GBI) and the salivary concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) as an indicator of inflammatory changes in the gingiva.

Materials And Methods: The effects of 2 different retraction agents (aluminum chloride and ferric sulfate) were compared, particularly their tissue damaging effect during tooth preparation.

The Relevance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha, and Clusterin in Carotid Plaque Instability.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Thromboembolism, as a major cause of carotid artery-related stroke, can be caused by plaque rupture which is associated with neoangiogenesis within the carotid plaque.

Aim: We sought to investigate a possible correlation between angiogenesis-related factors and preoperative neurological manifestations in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis, for a better understanding of thromboembolism in internal carotid artery stenosis-related stroke.

The association of CAT-262C/T polymorphism with catalase activity and treatment response in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Oxidative stress is believed to be of great importance for both the etiology and the persistence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of -262C/T polymorphism of the catalase (CAT) gene with JIA, as well as to evaluate whether this polymorphism can influence plasma CAT activity and outcome in JIA patients treated with etanercept. A total of 154 subjects (60 JIA patients and 94 healthy volunteers) were screened for CAT-262C/T gene polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism influences lipid profile in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism was postulated to influence outcome of several inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of rs2228570 polymorphism on lipid profile and on outcome in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with etanercept. A total of 153 subjects (62 JIA patients and 91 controls) were screened for the rs2228570 using the PCR-RFLP method.

Oral supplementation with melatonin reduces oxidative damage and concentrations of inducible nitric oxide synthase, VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the retina of rats with streptozotocin/nicotinamide induced pre-diabetes.

Hyperglycemia mediated oxidative stress and pro-angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) are considered important for diabetic retinopathy onset and progression. Melatonin is a pineal hormone that regulates circadian and seasonal rhythms and most likely is involved in regulating glucose metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the potential benefit of melatonin supplementation to the pre-diabetic retina by assessing melatonin effects on lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), protein oxidation (advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP) and concentrations of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), VEGF and MMP9 in the retina of rats with pre-diabetes.

Is there more to the clinical outcome in posttraumatic reconstruction of the inferior and medial orbital walls than accuracy of implant placement and implant surface contouring? A prospective multicenter study to identify predictors of clinical outcome.

Purpose: Reconstruction of orbital wall fractures is demanding and has improved dramatically with the implementation of new technologies. True-to-original accuracy of reconstruction has been deemed essential for good clinical outcome, and reasons for unfavorable clinical outcome have been researched extensively. However, no detailed analysis on the influence of plate position and surface contour on clinical outcome has yet been published.

Polymorphic variants of antioxidative defense enzymes and their gene-gene epistatic interactions in systemic lupus erythematode patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which pathogenesis oxidative stress has an important role. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes that code enzymes involved in the antioxidative defense are possible factors that are responsible for their decreased activity of antioxidative defense enzymes. Thus, the aim of the study was to examine association of SNPs in these genes with SLE.

Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Serbian Patients With Bronchial Asthma: A Case-Control Study.

Vitamin D and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma (BA); however, precise mechanisms by which vitamin D reduces the inflammation and the role of VDR SNPs in BA are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to examine the possible associations of FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI SNPs with BA. A total of 168 subjects were screened for VDR SNPs using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

The influence of TNF alpha -308 G/A polymorphism on oxidative stress in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The aim of this study was to examine the association of TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism with CLL and influence on oxidative stress parameters.Significant difference in the genotype and allele distribution was obtained in TNFA subgroup of patients.Significantly higher GPx activity and TBARS and lower catalase activity were detected in CLL.

A prospective multicenter study to compare the precision of posttraumatic internal orbital reconstruction with standard preformed and individualized orbital implants.

Purpose: A variety of implants are available for orbital reconstruction. Titanium orbital mesh plates are available either as standard preformed implants or able to be individualized for the patient. The aim of this study was to analyze whether individualized orbital implants allow a more precise reconstruction of the orbit than standard preformed implants.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the combination of a polymeric membrane dressing plus negative pressure wound therapy against negative pressure wound therapy alone: The WICVAC study.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the treatment of choice for chronic wounds; yet, it is associated with considerable workload. Prompted by its nonadhesive and wound-healing properties, this study investigated the effect of an additional polymeric membrane interface dressing (PMD; PolyMem WIC) in NPWT. From October 2011 to April 2013, 60 consecutive patients with chronic leg wounds or surgical site infections after revascularization of lower extremities were randomly allocated to either treatment with conventional NPWT (control arm) or NPWT with an additional PMD (intervention arm).

The Validation Study of Neurofilament Heavy Chain and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine as Plasma Biomarkers of Clinical/Paraclinical Activity in First and Relapsing-Remitting Demyelination Acute Attacks.

Although current evidence mainly suggests immunopathogenesis of demyelination and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS), there are results which document the importance of other factors, such as oxidative stress and its mediated injuries. The oxidative stress intensity in axonal damage during acute demyelination is little known. We performed this study as a cross-sectional biomarker validation study in order to evaluate the parameters of axonal damage (phosphorylated neurofilaments heavy chain (pNF-H)) and oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) in plasma of patients with initial and relapsing-remitting demyelination attacks, defined as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); and the correlations between these parameters and biological (index of blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability), clinical (index of disease progression), and radiological (T1-Gd-enhancing lesion volume) activities of disease.

B-Vitamin Serum Concentrations Predicting Long-Term Overall and Stroke-Free Survival after Carotid Endarterectomy.

Background: Both deficiency and, according to recent reports, excess of vitamin B12 (B12) are associated with increased mortality. Thus, it is difficult to estimate the effect of B12 on overall survival, which also depends on folate (FA) in homocysteine lowering. This study aimed to assess FA and B12 serum concentrations associated with long-term survival of vascular surgery patients by means of a prognostic index (PI).

PATHS in Croatia: A school-based randomised-controlled trial of a social and emotional learning curriculum.

This study represents the first rigorous evaluation of a social-emotional learning curriculum, PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies; Kusché & Greenberg, 1994), in elementary schools in Croatia. This study randomly assigned 29 schools to receive the universal preventive intervention or continue with usual practices. Within those schools, this study included 57 classrooms and 568 children.