YKL-40 in serum: a promising biomarker of juvenile SLE and strongly correlated with disease duration.

Background: The biological function of YKL-40 is not well determined in different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; however, some data highlighted its possible connection with disease activity.

Aim: We investigated the diagnostic utility of serum YKL-40 in patients with SLE and examined its correlation with disease activity. Additionally, we examined any differences in serum YKL-40 levels between juvenile and adult SLE patients.

Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical, Molecular, and Biochemical Study.

Background: Low-level laser acupuncture (LLLA) biostimulation could contribute to improving the symptoms and communication of children manifesting autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Photobiomodulation might influence the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and miR-320 expression. The aim was to investigate the influence of LLLA biostimulation on the severity, language abilities, BDNF levels, and miR-320 in a sample of children with ASD.

Lipid profile after omega-3 supplementation in neonates with intrauterine growth retardation: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have a high lipid profile that predisposes them to cardiovascular disease later in life. We aimed to evaluate the effect of omega 3 supplementation on serum leptin level, lipid profile, and growth in neonates with IUGR.

Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 70 full-term neonates with IUGR.

Citicoline in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the major complications that can lead to death or disability in neonates. We assessed the effect of citicoline as a neuroprotector in neonates with moderate and severe HIE.

Methods: This clinical trial was carried on 80 neonates with moderate to severe HIE who were not candidates for therapeutic cooling.

Eosinophil count and tumor necrosis factor α in response to phototherapy treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a cross sectional study.

Background: Phototherapy (PT) is the most often utilized technique for treating and preventing severe hyperbilirubinemia in the term and preterm newborns. PT's proven benefit is that it decreases the requirement for exchange transfusions. To investigate the effect of PT on allergic response mediators in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia treated by PT, eosinophil counts and tumor necrosis factor alfa levels have been assessed.

Lactoferrin for iron-deficiency anemia in children with inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical trial.

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is common in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, oral iron supplements are commonly associated with poor compliance due to gastrointestinal side effects. We compared the effect of lactoferrin versus oral ferrous sulfate for the treatment of IDA in children with IBD.

Methods: Ninety-two IBD children with IDA were included but only 80 children completed the study and they were randomized into two groups: ferrous sulfate group (n = 40) who received ferrous sulfate 6 mg/kg/day for 3 months and lactoferrin group (n = 40) who received lactoferrin 100 mg/day for 3 months.

Role of soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D as early diagnostic markers of neonatal Ventilator-associated pneumonia: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common causes of nosocomial pneumonia in ventilated neonates. Nevertheless, its diagnosis is challenging due to the nonspecific clinical parameters and the lack of sensitive biomarkers. The main objective of this study was to compare soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D as early predictors of neonatal VAP.

Improvement of asthma control after laser acupuncture and its impact on exhaled 8-isoprostane as an oxidative biomarker in chronic bronchial asthma.

Unlabelled: Traditional medicine may not control bronchial asthma. Many patients have uncontrolled symptoms and the underlying ongoing inflammation is persistent.

Objective: to assess efficacy of laser acupuncture in improving asthma symptoms and underlying oxidative stress through monitoring exhaled 8-isoprostane.

Outdoor cultivation of the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris under stress conditions as a feedstock for biofuel.

The present work investigated the potential of the green alga Chlorella vulgaris to produce high-quality biofuel under culture stress conditions. The cultivation was carried out in a 1000 l open plate tank system, which provides biomass yields comparable to open pond systems, but with less area needed. Algal biomass and lipid content were measured repeatedly.

Effect of different angulations and collar lengths of conical hybrid implant abutment on screw loosening after dynamic cyclic loading.

Background: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different angulations and collar lengths of the implant abutment on screw loosening by measuring removal torque value (RTV) before and after dynamic cyclic loading using digital torque gauge.

Methods: A total 90 sets of 4.5 mm diameter × 10 mm length bone level implants with conical hybrid connection were used.

Evaluation of the improvement effect of laser acupuncture biostimulation in asthmatic children by exhaled inflammatory biomarker level of nitric oxide.

Variable therapy of asthma is not sufficient yet to achieve good asthma control. Therapy decision requires serial investigations. Low-level laser acupuncture is a suitable non-invasive modality of complementary medicine.