In this study, we systematically tested the hypothesis that during the critical developmental period of adolescence, on a macro scale, the concentrations of major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters (glutamate/glutamine and γ‑aminobutyric acid [GABA]) in the dorsal and ventral lateral prefrontal cortex are associated with the brain's functional connectivity and an individual's psychopathology. Neurotransmitters were measured via magnetic resonance spectroscopy while functional connectivity was measured with resting-state fMRI (n = 121). Seed-based and network-based analyses revealed associations of neurotransmitter concentrations and functional connectivities between regions/networks that are connected to prefrontal cortices via structural connections that are thought to be under dynamic development during adolescence. These regions tend to be boundary areas between functional networks. Furthermore, several connectivities were found to be associated with individual's levels of internalizing psychopathology. These findings provide insights into specific neurochemical mechanisms underlying the brain's macroscale functional organization, its development during adolescence, and its potential associations with symptoms associated with internalizing psychopathology.
Humans ; Adolescent ; Glutamic Acid/metabolism* ; Prefrontal Cortex/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Glutamine/metabolism* ; Female ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Nerve Net/metabolism* ; Neural Pathways ; Connectome

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure (BP) is a vital sign that is essential in the management of hypertension, thus, there is a need for accurate measurement of BP. This will allow for proper diagnosis and management of hypertension preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among Filipino patients.

This validation study utilized the US Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/European Society of Hypertension/International Organization for Standardization (AAMI/ESH/ISO) protocol for BP monitors. A total of eighty-five (85) participants had their BP measured using both the HEM 7156 and a validated aneroid sphygmomanometer. The same-sequential BP measurement was recommended to be used and a total of nine readings were collected per individual. The mean average of BP and standard deviation were extracted from the measurements. The AAMI/ESH/ISO recommends the use of certain criteria for individual BP readings (criterion 1) and individual participants (criterion 2). Appropriate statistical analysis was used for other demographic data.

The participants had an average age of 34 years, more than half were females, and not diagnosed with hypertension. Individuals who were diagnosed with hypertension had no other comorbidities and were on single pill only. The average arm circumference was 26.9 cm. Blood Pressure (BP) readings were adequate based on the protocol. Validity results showed that for criterion 1, systolic blood pressure (SBP) difference was 3.4 ± 7.4 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 2.0 ± 8.0 mmHg. The results for criterion 2 showed for SBP was 3.3 ± 5.3 mmHg, while DBP was 1.9 ± 6.6 mmHg. The results satisfied a passing grade on the validation protocol set by the AAMI/ESH/ISO.

This study showed that OMRON HEM 7156 is validated as a BP apparatus and may be recommended for Philippine use.

THIS GUIDANCE AIMS TO SUPPORT PHYSICIANS WHO COLLABORATE WITH SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENT IN CREATING INFECTION CONTROL POLICIES FOR SCHOOL RE-ENTRY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WHILE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE OVER-ALL HEALTH OF EVERYONE, BASED ON AVAILABLE EVIDENCE. THE GUIDANCE IS DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE RAPIDLY EVOLVING KNOWLEDGE, DATA, AND UNDERSTANDING OF SARS-COV-2 IN THE COUNTRY.