The "Night Cortisol" marker on a Cortisol panel by Neurolab is a crucial measure that helps understand the functioning of the body's stress response system, specifically during nighttime. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands and follows a diurnal rhythm, meaning its levels fluctuate throughout the day. Typically, cortisol levels peak in the early morning and gradually decline throughout the day, reaching their lowest point at night. The "Night Cortisol" marker measures the amount of cortisol present in the body during the nighttime, usually collected through a saliva sample before bedtime. Monitoring nighttime cortisol is essential because elevated levels during this period can indicate various health issues, such as chronic stress, insomnia, or adrenal disorders.

Sources:

Niobiumis sometimes found in jewelry, and is used with other alloys, like titanium, to make surgical implants and dental applications. It is also a component of superconducting magnets and nuclear reactor cores.

Physiologic effects:

Niobium is poorly absorbed from the GI tract.

Clinical significance:

It is a moderate eye and skin irritant. Due to poor GI absorption, it has a low order of toxicity. Lethargy and respiratory depression have only been seen with parenteral administration.

The presence of nitrates in urine is often considered a predictor of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of nitrites in urine. These occur when bacteria infect the bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Nitrites are byproducts of nitrogen waste. Bacteria responsible for an infection feed on this waste, breaking it down into nitrates, which can appear in the urine.

Nivalenol (NIV) is a type B trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium molds, which often contaminate staple grains such as wheat, barley, corn, and oats—particularly in humid or temperate climates. Unlike many contaminants that break down during processing, NIV can persist in food even after cooking or baking, meaning exposure may occur through everyday products like bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods.

Structurally, NIV is similar to deoxynivalenol (DON, or “vomitoxin”), but studies suggest that NIV causes greater oxidative stress and toxicity than DON.

A moderate level of Nivalenol (NIV) in urine suggests recent dietary exposure to Fusarium mold toxins from grains such as wheat, corn, barley, or oats at levels above background but not in the high or toxic range. This typically reflects regular intake of contaminated grain-based foods rather than acute poisoning. While not immediately dangerous, moderate results signal that NIV may be contributing to your toxic burden, with potential effects on digestion, immune strength, and long-term cellular health. Reducing consumption of lower-quality or mold-prone grains, improving food storage, and supporting detoxification can help bring levels back toward the optimal range.

Produced by the mold genus Fusarium, the type B trichothecenes, nivalenol (NIV) and their acetylated precursors are often contaminating cereal staples, posing a potential threat to public health that is still incompletely understood.

Trichothecenes are very resistant to milling and processing, they can enter human food products easily. NIV is not found in food as commonly as DON; however, it demonstrates higher toxicity in animal studies. The toxicity of NIV is often compared to the toxicity of DON; however, the amount of toxicological data on NIV impact is much lower compared to DON.

Natural Killer (NK) cells, identified by their CD16 and CD56 markers, are an integral component of the lymphocyte panel in immunological testing. These cells are a type of lymphocyte, distinct from B and T cells, and form a crucial part of the innate immune system. The lymphocyte panel, often used in immunological assessments, typically includes the analysis of various subsets of lymphocytes, such as T cells, B cells, and NK cells, to evaluate the immune system's status and function.

Evaluating NK cells in a lymphocyte panel can provide critical insights into the immune system's functioning, particularly in diagnosing and monitoring immune disorders, certain infections, and cancers. Abnormal levels or functionality of NK cells can indicate underlying immunological issues. For instance, reduced NK cell activity might be observed in some viral infections or immune deficiencies, while certain autoimmune diseases might show altered NK cell numbers or function.

The marker "Non switched CD27+IgD+IgM+ %" on a Lymphocyte Subset Panel refers to a specific type of cell found within the immune system. This marker is used to identify a subset of B cells, which are crucial components of the immune response. In particular, CD27+IgD+IgM+ denotes B cells that have not undergone a process called class switching. Class switching is a biological mechanism where a B cell changes the type of antibody it produces. However, the cells identified by this marker still produce IgM antibodies, which are among the first types of antibodies generated in response to an infection. These B cells also express CD27, a protein that indicates a certain level of maturity and capability to respond to pathogens. The presence and percentage of these non-switched B cells can provide valuable insights into the body's immune status and its ability to respond to infections or immunological disorders. Therefore, analyzing this marker can help clinicians understand various conditions related to immune function and potentially guide treatment options.

Non-switched CD27+IgD+IgM+ Abs are a subset of B cells characterized by the expression of CD27, IgD, and IgM on their surface. These cells are primarily involved in T-cell-independent immune responses and are thought to play a key role in the early defense against pathogens, particularly in mucosal immunity. Unlike class-switched memory B cells, non-switched memory B cells retain IgM as their predominant antibody isotype, enabling rapid responses to previously encountered antigens. Their presence and function are crucial in maintaining immunological memory and have been associated with conditions like autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and immunodeficiencies. Abnormal levels of these cells may indicate disruptions in immune regulation, prompting further evaluation in clinical and research settings.

Non-Crenated Erythrocytes (CSF) refer to red blood cells (RBCs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that maintain their normal, smooth, biconcave shape. Their presence typically indicates a more recent or acute introduction of blood into the CSF, such as from a traumatic injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or traumatic lumbar puncture. Unlike crenated erythrocytes, which form after prolonged exposure to CSF or osmotic stress, non-crenated erythrocytes suggest fresh bleeding or damage. Elevated levels of non-crenated erythrocytes often accompany other markers of acute trauma or hemorrhage and require further evaluation with imaging studies and additional CSF analysis to identify the source and extent of the underlying issue.

Alpha-amylase and serpin can escape digestion and activate toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). Immune reactivity and clinical manifestations of non-gluten proteins are most often associated with hypersensitivities/allergies. IgG and IgA antibodies to non-gluten proteins may be present due to cross-reactivity between non-gluten and gluten proteins. Homology between g-gliadin and non-gluten proteins has been shown. Furthermore, wheat, barley, rye and corn belong to the same family of a-amylase inhibitors.

The "Non-Gluten Proteins-B IgG" marker is designed to detect immune system reactions to a variety of proteins in wheat that are not classified as gluten. While gluten often gets the most attention due to its association with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, wheat contains a broad array of other proteins that can also trigger immune responses in some individuals. These non-gluten proteins can provoke IgG antibodies, which are a type of antibody that the immune system produces in response to what it perceives as foreign invaders.