Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP), Free Calcidiol, and Total Calcitriol in Adults from Northern Greece.

Background: An ongoing debate has been raised on whether is better to use total or free calcidiol as a screening test in the population.

Methods: In winter and summer, free calcidiol, total calcitriol, and vitamin D binding protein (DBP) concentrations were determined by immunoenzymatic assays in 326 adults (161 males, 165 females). These included 99 osteoporotic patients, 53 type 1 and 51 type 2 diabetics, and 123 athletic healthy persons, all from northern Greece.

The Molecular Basis of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 and Long COVID.

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is not uncommon following viral infection. Herein, we explore the interplay of host genetics with viral correlates in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)- and long COVID-related OD, and its diagnosis and treatment that remain challenging. Two genes associated with olfaction, UGT2A1 and UGT2A2, appear to be involved in COVID-19-related anosmia, a hallmark symptom of acute infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), particularly in the early stages of the pandemic.

Exploring the Utility of Autonomic Nervous System Evaluation for Stroke Prognosis.

Stroke is a major cause of functional disability and is increasing in frequency. Therefore, stroke prognosis must be both accurate and timely. Among other biomarkers, heart rate variability (HRV) is investigated in terms of prognostic accuracy within stroke patients.

Vitamin D Status in Osteoporotic and Diabetic Patients and Athletic Healthy Individuals from Northern Greece.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is recognised as a pandemic in the developed world. However, the importance of prudent sun exposure tends to be overlooked, which is responsible for this pandemic.

Methods: We investigated the vitamin D status in 326 adults, 165 females and 161 males: 99 Osteoporosis patients, 53 Type 1 Diabetes patients, 51 Type 2 Diabetes patients, and 123 Athletic Healthy individuals, from Northern Greece, through the measurement of total calcidiol in winter and summer by immunoenzymatic assay.

Unexplored Roles of Erythrocytes in Atherothrombotic Stroke.

Stroke constitutes the second highest cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide while also impacting the world economy, triggering substantial financial burden in national health systems. High levels of blood glucose, homocysteine, and cholesterol are causative factors for atherothrombosis. These molecules induce erythrocyte dysfunction, which can culminate in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, thrombus stabilization, and post-stroke hypoxia.