4 International Biological and Biomedical Journal 2423-4478 8 3 2022 10 1 The Impact of psychological stress levels on the biophysical properties of the skin among university students 0 0 EN Haval Yacoob University of Duhok yacoobaldosky@uod.ac N Dindar Bari University of Zakho dindar.bari@uoz.edu.krd Y Parwin Naji University of Duhok medicalpark1985@gmail.com N Shahang Ahmed University of Duhok nawro.sumel2020@gmail.com N Rijan Jamal University of Duhok keiya.shada2013@gmail.com N Psychological stress can play a crucial role in detrimental physiological and functional consequences on the skin. Psychological stress cannot be monitored directly, hence in this study, we tried to monitor stress via recording some biophysical parameters of the skin (skin moisture, skin sebum (oil), and skin temperature) and compared to stress levels assessed based on Perceived Stress Scale. Skin biophysical parameters were recorded from 20 subjects, which experienced three different psychological stress levels. The answers to the Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire were used to assess the subject's stress levels. Skin moisture, sebum, and temperature were reduced as a function of psychological stress levels. However, statistically, no significant differences were observed among the three levels of stress. This study illustrated that different psychological stress levels led to a reduction in biophysical parameters of the skin. These findings suggest that the skin parameters might be used as a method for monitoring psychological stress.   Biophysical properties, perceived Stress Scale, psychological stress, skin, skin hydration, skin temperature http://ibbj.org/article-1-278-en.html http://ibbj.org/article-1-278-en.docx

4 International Biological and Biomedical Journal 2423-4478 8 3 2022 10 1 Application and Usefulness of FISH (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization) Method in Cytogenetic Researches 0 0 EN Nevenka Velickova nevenka.velickova@ugd.edu.mk Y Azra Drpljanin azra.211347@student.ugd.edu.mk N Sefedin Biljali sefedin.biljali@ugd.edu.mk N Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is a sensitive molecular cytogenetic method which points to a specific numerical or structural chromosomal aberration. FISH method is a mix of procedure between conventional cytogenetics and molecular genetics. The advantages of this method are the ability to detect genetic aberration in cells in interphase, application on both, fresh and previously fixed samples and short duration of analysis. The sensitivity of this method is great as a possibility of analysis on a large number of cells. The method has a wide range of applications in cytogenetic laboratories for routine analysis in prenatal diagnostics, pediatrics, hematology, oncology and another fields of medicine. FISH method is very important and useful method for quick diagnosis, early and on time prognosis of the disease and initiation of adequate therapy. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is a sensitive molecular cytogenetic method which points to a specific numerical or structural chromosomal aberration. FISH method is a mix of procedure between conventional cytogenetics and molecular genetics. The advantages of this method are the ability to detect genetic aberration in cells in interphase, application on both, fresh and previously fixed samples and short duration of analysis. The sensitivity of this method is great as a possibility of analysis on a large number of cells. The method has a wide range of applications in cytogenetic laboratories for routine analysis in prenatal diagnostics, pediatrics, hematology, oncology and another fields of medicine. FISH method is very important and useful method for quick diagnosis, early and on time prognosis of the disease and initiation of adequate therapy.   FISH method, Cytogenetic study, application, advantages, sensitivity http://ibbj.org/article-1-279-en.html http://ibbj.org/article-1-279-en.docx

4 International Biological and Biomedical Journal 2423-4478 8 3 2022 10 1 The usefulness of serum procalcitonin in determining the severity of spreading odontogenic infections in patients seen at Ile-Ife, Nigeria 0 0 EN Taofeek Akinniyi OAUTHC drtaofeek@yahoo.com Y Olawunmi Fatusi OAUTHC ofatusi@yahoo.com N Tewogbade Adedeji OAUTHC philipsade@yahoo.com N Patrick Akinyemi OAUTHC kindepat@gmail.com N Background: The high morbidity, mortality and cost of treatment of spreading odontogenic infections makes it critical to find diagnostic tools that can facilitate prompt and accurate management decision-making. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 63 patients being managed for spreading odontogenic infection at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Serum procalcitonin levels were recorded at three time points: at presentation, day-four and day-eight after treatment has commenced. The severity of spreading odontogenic infections was determined using the criteria described by Flynn et al. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the serum procalcitonin at different time points. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the diagnostic accuracy.  The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of serum-procalcitonin as a diagnostic tool for spreading odontogenic infections were calculated. Results: Serum procalcitonin levels at presentation ranged from 51.8 pg/ml to 484.3 pg/ml with a mean value of 169.9 ± 108.0 pg/ml and median (interquartile range) value of 129.3 (81.5) pg/ml. There was an increase in serum procalcitonin level with increased severity of odontogenic infections, the relationship was statistically significant (H = 40.665, df = 2, p = <0.001).  The diagnostic accuracy of serum procalcitonin was 0.60 (95% CI = 0.40-0.77; p = 0.33) at a cut-off point of 168.3 pg/ml. Serum procalcitonin had moderate sensitivity (53.3%) and specificity (75.0%), high negative predictive value (83.7%), low positive predictive value (40.0%), a 1.6 positive likelihood ratio and a 0.5 negative likelihood ratio. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in serum procalcitonin level with increased severity of odontogenic infections. Thus, serum procalcitonin could differentiate between low to moderate severe and high severe spreading odontogenic infections. It can be used as an adjunct to traditional clinical methods of determining severity of spreading odontogenic infections. Serum, procalcitonin, spreading, odontogenic, infections. http://ibbj.org/article-1-280-en.html http://ibbj.org/article-1-280-en.docx