bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Pain following Breast Cancer Surgery: Correlates and Determinants
Authors: Montazeri Ali
Published: February 2010

Evaluation of: Gartner R, Jensen MB, Nielsen J, Ewertz M, Kroman N, Kehlet H: Prevalence of and factors associated with persistent pain following breast cancer surgery. JAMA 302(18), 1985–1992 (2009). This was a nationwide cross-sectional study of the prevalence of and the factors associated with persistent pain and sensory disturbances among 3253 women aged 18–70 years who received surgery and adjuvant therapy (if indicated) for primary breast cancer in Denmark between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2006. Mean time from surgery to data collection was 26 months (range: 13–41 months) and, overall, 47% of the respondents (n = 1543) reported pain and 58% reported sensory disturbances (n = 1882). Factors associated with chronic pain included young age, adjuvant radiotherapy and axillary lymph node dissection, but not chemotherapy or type of surgery. The likelihood of increased sensory disturbances was associated with young age and axillary lymph node dissection but not with adjuvant therapy or type of surgery.
Maternal Mortality in Developing Countries: Challenges in Scaling-Up Priority Interventions
Authors: Prata Ndola , Passano Paige , Sreenivas Amita , Gerdts Caitlin Elisabeth
Published: February 2010

Although maternal mortality is a significant global health issue, achievements in mortality decline to date have been inadequate. A review of the interventions targeted at maternal mortality reduction demonstrates that most developing countries face tremendous challenges in the implementation of these interventions, including the availability of unreliable data and the shortage in human and financial resources, as well as limited political commitment. Examples from developing countries, such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Honduras, demonstrate that maternal mortality will decline when appropriate strategies are in place. Such achievable strategies need to include redoubled commitments on the part of local, national and global political bodies, concrete investments in high-yield and cost-effective interventions and the delegation of some clinical tasks from higher-level healthcare providers to mid-or lower-level healthcare providers, as well as improved health-management information systems.
Families of optimal multipoint methods for solving nonlinear equations: A survey
Authors: Petkovic Miodrag , Petkovic Ljiljana
Published: February 2010

Multipoint iterative root-solvers belong to the class of the most powerful methods for solving nonlinear equations since they overcome theoretical limits of one-point methods concerning the convergence order and computational efficiency. Although the construction of these methods has occurred in the 1960s, their rapid development have started in the first decade of the 21-st century. The most important class of multipoint methods are optimal methods which attain the convergence order 2n using n + 1 function evaluations per iteration. In this paper we give a review of optimal multipoint methods of the order four (n = 2), eight (n = 3) and higher (n > 3), some of which being proposed by the authors. All of them possess as high as possible computational efficiency in the sense of the Kung-Traub hypothesis (1974). Numerical examples are included to demonstrate a very fast convergence of the presented optimal multipoint methods.
Glucose Intolerance and Reduced Proliferation of Pancreatic β-Cells in Transgenic Pigs With Impaired Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Function
Authors: Renner Simone , Fehlings Christiane , Herbach Nadja , Hofmann Andreas , von Waldthausen Dagmar C. , Kessler Barbara , Ulrichs Karin , Chodnevskaja Irina , Moskalenko Vasiliy , Amselgruber Werner , Göke Burkhard , Pfeifer Alexander , Wanke Rüdiger , Wolf Eckhard
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

The insulinotropic action of the incretin glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is impaired in type 2 diabetes, while the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is preserved. To evaluate the role of impaired GIP function in glucose homeostasis and development of the endocrine pancreas in a large animal model, we generated transgenic pigs expressing a dominant-negative GIP receptor (GIPRdn) in pancreatic islets.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GIPRdn transgenic pigs were generated using lentiviral transgenesis. Metabolic tests and quantitative stereological analyses of the different endocrine islet cell populations were performed, and β-cell proliferation and apoptosis were quantified to characterize this novel animal model.

RESULTS

Eleven-week-old GIPRdn transgenic pigs exhibited significantly reduced oral glucose tolerance due to delayed insulin secretion, whereas intravenous glucose tolerance and pancreatic β-cell mass were not different from controls. The insulinotropic effect of GIP was significantly reduced, whereas insulin secretion in response to the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 was enhanced in GIPRdn transgenic versus control pigs. With increasing age, glucose control deteriorated in GIPRdn transgenic pigs, as shown by reduced oral and intravenous glucose tolerance due to impaired insulin secretion. Importantly, β-cell proliferation was reduced by 60% in 11-week-old GIPRdn transgenic pigs, leading to a reduction of β-cell mass by 35% and 58% in 5-month-old and 1- to 1.4-year-old transgenic pigs compared with age-matched controls, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The first large animal model with impaired incretin function demonstrates an essential role of GIP for insulin secretion, proliferation of β-cells, and physiological expansion of β-cell mass.
Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity and Incident Coronary Heart Disease Among Men and Women With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hatoum Ida J. , Hu Frank B. , Nelson Jeanenne J. , Rimm Eric B.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been shown to be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in general adult populations. Because men and women with type 2 diabetes are at particularly high risk for CHD, the aim of this study was to assess the association of Lp-PLA2 with future coronary events among diabetic men and women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured Lp-PLA2 activity among 740 men and 777 women with confirmed diabetes enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) and Nurses' Health Study (NHS). Participants were free of all cardiovascular disease and cancer at baseline.

RESULTS

During 10 years of follow-up among men and 14 years among women, we documented 178 and 146 cases of CHD, respectively. We defined CHD as coronary artery bypass graft, angioplasty, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and fatal CHD. After adjustment for age, smoking, medical history, and biomarkers including C-reactive protein, HDL, and LDL, the relative risk of total CHD comparing extreme tertiles of Lp-PLA2 was 1.39 (95% CI 1.01–1.90; P trend = 0.03). When we restricted analyses to only nonfatal myocardial infarction and fatal CHD, the relative risk was 1.75 (95% CI 1.05–2.92; P for trend = 0.001). LDL, HDL, C-reactive protein, hormone replacement therapy use, and diabetes duration did not modify these relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of Lp-PLA2 activity were significantly associated with incident CHD among men and women with type 2 diabetes, independent of traditional and inflammatory risk factors. This positive association was strongest for more severe clinical end points.
Unique Arrangement of α- and β-Cells in Human Islets of Langerhans
Authors: Bosco Domenico , Armanet Mathieu , Morel Philippe , Niclauss Nadja , Sgroi Antonino , Muller Yannick D. , Giovannoni Laurianne , Parnaud Géraldine , Berney Thierry
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

It is generally admitted that the endocrine cell organization in human islets is different from that of rodent islets. However, a clear description of human islet architecture has not yet been reported. The aim of this work was to describe our observations on the arrangement of human islet cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Human pancreas specimens and isolated islets were processed for histology. Sections were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy after immunostaining for islet hormones and endothelial cells.

RESULTS

In small human islets (40–60 μm in diameter), β-cells had a core position, α-cells had a mantle position, and vessels laid at their periphery. In bigger islets, α-cells had a similar mantle position but were found also along vessels that penetrate and branch inside the islets. As a consequence of this organization, the ratio of β-cells to α-cells was constantly higher in the core than in the mantle part of the islets, and decreased with increasing islet diameter. This core-mantle segregation of islet cells was also observed in type 2 diabetic donors but not in cultured isolated islets. Three-dimensional analysis revealed that islet cells were in fact organized into trilaminar epithelial plates, folded with different degrees of complexity and bordered by vessels on both sides. In epithelial plates, most β-cells were located in a central position but frequently showed cytoplasmic extensions between outlying non–β-cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Human islets have a unique architecture allowing all endocrine cells to be adjacent to blood vessels and favoring heterologous contacts between β- and α-cells, while permitting homologous contacts between β-cells.
Accelerated Increase in Serum Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Starts 6 Years Before Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Carstensen Maren , Herder Christian , Kivimäki Mika , Jokela Markus , Roden Michael , Shipley Martin J. , Witte Daniel R. , Brunner Eric J. , Tabák Adam G.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Although interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) treatment is associated with improved β-cell function and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, its role in the development of type 2 diabetes remains unclear. We used repeated measurements to characterize IL-1Ra trajectories in individuals who developed type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This case-cohort study, nested within the Whitehall II cohort, was based on 335 incident type 2 diabetes cases and 2,475 noncases. We measured serum IL-1Ra levels at up to three time points per individual and estimated retrospective trajectories of IL-1Ra before diabetes diagnosis (case subjects) or end of follow-up (control subjects) using multilevel analysis. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity.

RESULTS

IL-1Ra levels were already higher in the case than control subjects 13 years before diabetes diagnosis/end of follow-up (mean [95% CI] 302 [290–314] vs. 244 [238–249] pg/ml). In control subjects, IL-1Ra levels showed a modest linear increase throughout the study period. In case subjects, IL-1Ra trajectories were parallel to those in control subjects until 6 years (95% CI 7.5–4.5) before diagnosis and then rose steeply to 399 (379–420) pg/ml at the time of diagnosis (P < 0.0001 for slope difference). Adjustment for BMI and waist circumference as time-varying covariates had little impact on these trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS

We show elevated IL-1Ra levels for 13 years and an accelerated increase during the last 6 years before type 2 diabetes diagnosis, indicating the presence of an anti-inflammatory response that may act to counterbalance the metabolic and immunologic disturbances that precede type 2 diabetes.
Dynamic, M2-Like Remodeling Phenotypes of CD11c+ Adipose Tissue Macrophages During High-Fat Diet–Induced Obesity in Mice
Authors: Shaul Merav E. , Bennett Grace , Strissel Katherine J. , Greenberg Andrew S. , Obin Martin S.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To identify, localize, and determine M1/M2 polarization of epidydimal adipose tissue (eAT) macrophages (Φs) during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% fat kcal) or low-fat diet (LFD) (10% fat kcal) for 8 or 12 weeks. eATMΦs (F4/80+ cells) were characterized by in vivo fluorescent labeling, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Recruited interstitial macrophage galactose-type C-type lectin (MGL)1+/CD11c− and crown-like structure–associated MGL1−/CD11c+ and MGL1med/CD11c+ eATMΦs were identified after 8 weeks of HFD. MGL1med/CD11c+ cells comprised ∼65% of CD11c+ eATMΦs. CD11c+ eATMΦs expressed a mixed M1/M2 profile, with some M1 transcripts upregulated (IL-12p40 and IL-1β), others downregulated (iNOS, caspase-1, MCP-1, and CD86), and multiple M2 and matrix remodeling transcripts upregulated (arginase-1, IL-1Ra, MMP-12, ADAM8, VEGF, and Clec-7a). At HFD week 12, each eATMΦ subtype displayed an enhanced M2 phenotype as compared with HFD week 8. CD11c+ subtypes downregulated IL-1β and genes mediating antigen presentation (I-a, CD80) and upregulated the M2 hallmark Ym-1 and genes promoting oxidative metabolism (PGC-1α) and adipogenesis (MMP-2). MGL1med/CD11c+ eATMΦs upregulated additional M2 genes (IL-13, SPHK1, CD163, LYVE-1, and PPAR-α). MGL1med/CD11c+ ATMΦs expressing elevated PGC-1α, PPAR-α, and Ym-1 transcripts were selectively enriched in eAT of obese mice fed pioglitazone for 6 days, confirming the M2 features of the MGL1med/CD11c+ eATMΦ transcriptional profile and implicating PPAR activation in its elicitation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results 1) redefine the phenotypic potential of CD11c+ eATMΦs and 2) suggest previously unappreciated phenotypic and functional commonality between murine and human ATMΦs in the development of obesity and its complications.
Variants in ASK1 Are Associated With Skeletal Muscle ASK1 Expression, In Vivo Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes in Pima Indians
Authors: Bian Li , Hanson Robert L. , Ossowski Victoria , Wiedrich Kim , Mason Clinton C. , Traurig Michael , Muller Yunhua L. , Kobes Sayuko , Knowler William C. , Baier Leslie J. , Bogardus Clifton
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Prior genome-wide association and exon array expression studies both provided suggestive evidence that apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) may influence in vivo insulin action in Pima Indians. Genetic variants in or near ASK1 were analyzed to assess the role of this gene in insulin action and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Genotypic data from 31 variants were used to determine the linkage disequilibrium pattern across ASK1 in Pima Indians. Eight tag SNPs were initially genotyped in 3,501 full-heritage Pima Indians. Replication for association with diabetes was assessed in a second population-based sample of 3,723 Native Americans and the published DIAGRAM study. Quantitative traits were analyzed in 536 nondiabetic Native Americans, and ASK1 expression was examined in skeletal muscle of 153 nondiabetic Native Americans.

RESULTS

Three tag SNPs were associated with type 2 diabetes (rs35898099, P = 0.003, odds ratio [95% CI] 1.27 [1.08–1.47]; rs1570056, P = 0.007, 1.19 [1.05–1.36]; rs7775356, P = 0.04, 1.14 [1.01–1.28]) in the full-heritage Pima Indians. The association with rs35898099 was replicated in a second sample of Native Americans (P = 0.04, 1.22 [1.01–1.47]), while that for rs1570056 was replicated in the DIAGRAM study of Caucasians (Z statistic based P = 0.026; fixed-effect model, 1.06 [1.00–1.12]). The diabetes risk allele for rs1570056 was associated with reduced insulin action as assessed by either HOMA-IR in 2,549 nondiabetic full-heritage Pima Indians (P = 0.027) or a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp among 536 nondiabetic Native Americans (P = 0.02). Real-time PCR identified a positive correlation between ASK1 expression in skeletal muscle biopsies and in vivo insulin action (P = 0.02, r = 0.23), and the risk allele for rs1570056 was associated with lower ASK1 expression (P = 0.003, r = −0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

ASK1 variants may increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes by decreasing insulin sensitivity via reduced ASK1 expression.
Treatment With Recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Alleviates the Severity of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Zauli Giorgio , Toffoli Barbara , di Iasio Maria Grazia , Celeghini Claudio , Fabris Bruno , Secchiero Paola
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) treatment in a model of type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Recombinant TRAIL was added in vitro to primary human and mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and isolated human islets to evaluate the expression of the immunoregulatory gene SOCS1. Diabetes was induced by five consecutive daily injections of low-concentration (50 mg/kg) streptozotocin (STZ) in C57 black mice (n = 24). A group of these mice (n = 12) was co-injected with recombinant TRAIL (20 μg/day) for 5 days, and the diabetic status (glycemia and body weight) was followed over time. After 6 weeks, circulating levels of insulin, TNF-α, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured, and animals were killed to perform the histological analysis of the pancreas.

RESULTS

The in vitro exposure of both PBMCs and human islets to recombinant TRAIL significantly upregulated the expression of SOCS1. With respect to STZ-treated animals, mice co-injected with STZ+TRAIL were characterized by 1) lower levels of hyperglycemia, 2) higher levels of body weight and insulinemia, 3) a partial preservation of pancreatic islets with normal morphology, and 4) a lower expression of both systemic (TNF-α and OPG) and pancreatic (vascular cell adhesion molecule [VCAM]-1) inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these data demonstrate that the administration of recombinant TRAIL ameliorates the severity of STZ-induced type 1 diabetes, and this effect was accompanied by the upregulation of SOCS1 expression.
Undertreatment of Mental Health Problems in Adults With Diagnosed Diabetes and Serious Psychological Distress
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Ford Earl S. , Zhao Guixiang , Balluz Lina S. , Berry Joyce T. , Mokdad Ali H.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and correlates of undertreatment for mental health problems among adults with diabetes and serious psychological distress (SPD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed data of adults aged ≥18 years from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. SPD was assessed with the Kessler-6 scale.

RESULTS

The prevalence of untreated SPD was estimated to be 2.1 ± 0.1% (mean ± SE), 3.4 ± 0.3%, and 2.0 ± 0.1% in the total population, diabetic population, and nondiabetic population, respectively. Among people with SPD, those with diagnosed diabetes had a lower rate of undertreatment for mental health problems (45.0%) than those without diabetes (54.9%) (P = 0.002). Nonwhite race/ethnicity, advanced age, lack of health insurance, and currently being employed were associated with increased likelihood of undertreatment for mental health problems (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

People with diagnosed diabetes may be screened for SPD and treated for specific mental health problems in routine health care.
Effect of Ezetimibe on Hepatic Fat, Inflammatory Markers, and Apolipoprotein B-100 Kinetics in Insulin-Resistant Obese Subjects on a Weight Loss Diet
Authors: Chan Dick C. , Watts Gerald F. , Gan Seng Khee , Ooi Esther M.M. , Barrett P. Hugh R.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is highly prevalent in obese and type 2 diabetic individuals and is strongly associated with dyslipidemia and inflammation. Weight loss and/or pharmacotherapy are commonly used to correct these abnormalities.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a 16-week intervention trial of a hypocaloric, low-fat diet plus 10 mg/day ezetimibe (n = 15) versus a hypocaloric, low-fat diet alone (n = 10) on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content, plasma high sensitivity–C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adipocytokines, and fetuin-A concentrations and apolipoprotein (apo)B-100 kinetics in obese subjects. ApoB-100 metabolism was assessed using stable isotope tracer kinetics and compartmental modeling; liver and abdominal fat contents were determined by magnetic resonance techniques.

RESULTS

Both weight loss and ezetimibe plus weight loss significantly (all P < 0.05) reduced body weight, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues, insulin resistance and plasma triglycerides, VLDL–apoB-100, apoC-III, fetuin-A, and retinol-binding protein-4 and increased plasma adiponectin concentrations. Compared with weight loss alone, ezetimibe plus weight loss significantly (all P < 0.05) decreased IHTG content (−18%), plasma hs-CRP (−53%), interleukin-6 (−24%), LDL cholesterol (−18%), campesterol (−59%), and apoB-100 (−14%) levels, with a significant increase in plasma lathosterol concentrations (+43%). The LDL–apoB-100 concentration also significantly fell with ezetimibe plus weight loss (−12%), chiefly owing to an increase in the corresponding fractional catabolic rate (+29%). The VLDL–apoB-100 secretion rate fell with both interventions, with no significant independent effect of ezetimibe.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of ezetimibe to a moderate weight loss diet in obese subjects can significantly improve hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and LDL–apoB-100 metabolism.
Periodontal Status and A1C Change
Authors: Demmer Ryan T. , Desvarieux Moïse , Holtfreter Birte , Jacobs David R. , Wallaschofski Henri , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Kocher Thomas
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Infection may be a type 2 diabetes risk factor. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection. We hypothesized that periodontal disease was related to A1C progression in diabetes-free participants.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) is a population-based cohort in Germany including 2,973 diabetes-free participants (53% women; aged 20–81 years). Participants were categorized into four groups according to increasing baseline periodontal disease levels (percentage of sites per mouth with attachment loss ≥5 mm, determined a priori); sample sizes for each respective category were 1,122, 488, 463, and 479 (241 participants were edentulous). Mean absolute changes (year 5 minus baseline) in A1C (ΔA1C) were regressed across periodontal categories while adjusting for confounders (e.g., age, sex, smoking, obesity, physical activity, and family history).

RESULTS

Across baseline periodontal disease categories, ΔA1C ± SEM values were 0.023 ± 0.02, 0.023 ± 0.02, 0.065 ± 0.03, and 0.106 ± 0.03 (Ptrend = 0.02), yielding an approximate fivefold increase in the absolute difference in ΔA1C when dentate participants in the highest versus lowest periodontal disease category were compared; these results were markedly stronger among participants with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥1.0 mg/l (Pinteraction = 0.01). When individuals who had neither baseline periodontal disease nor deterioration in periodontal status at 5 years were compared with individuals with both poor baseline periodontal health and longitudinal periodontal deterioration, mean ΔA1C values were 0.005 vs. 0.143% (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal disease was associated with 5-year A1C progression, which was similar to that observed for a 2-SD increase in either waist-to-hip ratio or age in this population.
Oral Insulin: A Comparison With Subcutaneous Regular Human Insulin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kapitza Christoph , Zijlstra Eric , Heinemann Lutz , Castelli M. Cristina , Riley Gary , Heise Tim
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of an oral insulin (OI) formulation compared with subcutaneously injected regular human insulin (RHI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Ten male patients with type 2 diabetes (means ± SD; A1C 7.0 ± 1.1%; BMI 28.3 ± 2.7 kg/m2) received either 300 units of insulin combined with 400 mg of delivery agent orally or 15 units RHI subcutaneously under isoglycemic clamp conditions.

RESULTS

Maximum insulin concentration was greater and onset of action was faster with OI (Cmax 93 ± 71 vs. 33 ± 11 μU/ml; AUCGIR(0−1h) 173 ± 86 vs. 27 ± 32 mg/kg; P < 0.05). Mean insulin concentration and glucose infusion rate returned to baseline within 3 h after OI administration. Relative bioavailability of OI was 7 ± 4% (1st 2 h).

CONCLUSIONS

This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that absorption of OI is feasible under fasting conditions. OI has a fast onset and a short duration of action but also shows a rather high between-subject variability in absorption.
Racial Disparities in the Treatment of Depression in Low-Income Persons With Diabetes
Authors: Osborn Chandra Y. , Trott Hollister W. , Buchowski Maciej S. , Patel Kushal A. , Kirby Leslie D. , Hargreaves Margaret K. , Blot William J. , Cohen Sarah S. , Schlundt David G.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for depression than the general population. Although depression can be treated with antidepressant medications, patients with diabetes and comorbid depression often go untreated. The goal of this study was to examine racial disparities in the treatment of depression with antidepressant medication in the southeastern U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected at baseline from 69,068 participants (71% African American, 60% female, and 82% with incomes <$25,000) recruited from community health centers and enrolled in the Southern Cohort Community Study (SCCS). The SCCS is a prospective epidemiological cohort study designed to explore causes of health disparities in adults aged 40–79 years. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with antidepressant use among those with diabetes (n = 14,279).

RESULTS

Individuals with diagnosed diabetes (14,279) were classified with no depressive symptoms (54.7%), or with mild (24.2%), moderate (12.8%), or severe depressive symptoms (8.3%). After controlling for sex, age, insurance, income, education, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and level of depression, African Americans with diabetes were much less likely to report taking antidepressant medication than whites (adjusted odds ratio 0.32 [95% CI 0.29–0.35], P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Antidepressant use is much less common among African Americans than among whites with diabetes. Reasons for racial disparities in treatment of depressive symptoms are unclear but may include a combination of differential diagnosis and treatment by health professionals as well as cultural differences in seeking help for emotional distress.
Depression and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Pearson Sue , Schmidt Mike , Patton George , Dwyer Terry , Blizzard Leigh , Otahal Petr , Venn Alison
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between depressive disorder and insulin resistance in a sample of young adults using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to ascertain depression status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected from 1,732 participants aged between 26 and 36 years. Insulin resistance was derived from blood chemistry measures of fasting insulin and glucose using the homeostasis model assessment method. Those identified with mild, moderate, or severe depression were classified as having depressive disorder.

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence of depressive disorder was 5.4% among men and 11.7% among women. In unadjusted models mean insulin resistance was 17.2% (95% CI 0.7–36.0%, P = 0.04) higher in men and 11.4% (1.5–22.0%, P = 0.02) higher in women with depressive disorder. After adjustment for behavioral and dietary factors, the increased level of insulin resistance associated with depressive disorder was 13.2% (−3.1 to 32.3%, P = 0.12) in men and 6.1% (−4.1 to 17.4%, P = 0.25) in women. Waist circumference was identified as a mediator in the relationship between depression and insulin resistance, reducing the β coefficient in the fully adjusted models in men by 38% and in women by 42%.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive association was found between depressive disorder and insulin resistance in this population-based sample of young adult men and women. The association seemed to be mediated partially by waist circumference.
No Ljungan Virus RNA in Stool Samples From the Norwegian Environmental Triggers of Type 1 Diabetes (MIDIA) Cohort Study
Authors: Tapia German , Cinek Ondrej , Rasmussen Trond , Grinde Bjørn , Rønningen Kjersti S.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Ljungan virus (LjV) has been proposed as a potential environmental factor for type 1 diabetes. The objective was to test for any association of LjV with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A nested case-control design was used to test for any association between the development of pre-diabetic autoimmunity and presence of LjV in stool samples (n = 3,803) in the Norwegian Environmental Triggers of Type 1 Diabetes (MIDIA) study. The children followed were 27 infants who developed pre-diabetic autoimmunity during or shortly after the sampling period, 54 matched control subjects, and 94 other children.

RESULTS

No LjV RNA was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that LjV is rare in young children. LjV does not seem to be involved in the development of human type 1 diabetes.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV and Incident Diabetes
Authors: Luft Vivian C. , Schmidt Maria Inês , Pankow James S. , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Couper David , Heiss Gerardo , Duncan Bruce B. ,   for the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Investigators
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is not only important in β-cell function but also has proinflammatory actions. We aimed to investigate whether it could act as a link between low-grade chronic inflammation and diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a case-cohort design, we followed 546 middle-aged individuals who developed diabetes and 538 who did not over ∼9 years within the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

RESULTS

In weighted analyses, the correlation between DPP-IV levels and anthropometric, inflammatory, or metabolic variables was minimal (Spearman correlations <0.11). Those who developed diabetes had mean DPP-IV values similar to those who did not (P = 0.18). Individuals in the highest quartile of DPP-IV were not at greater risk of diabetes (hazard ratio 0.88 [95% CI 0.62–1.24]) in Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age, sex, race, study center, and multiple additional diabetes risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Fasting DPP-IV levels do not appear to predict incident diabetes.
Markers of Oxidative Damage Are Not Elevated in Otherwise Healthy Individuals With the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Seet Raymond C.-S. , Lee Chung-Yung J. , Lim Erle C.H. , Quek Amy M.L. , Huang Shan-Hong , Khoo Chin-Meng , Halliwell Barry
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

The role of oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is poorly understood.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A detailed cross-sectional study was performed to assess the relationship between lipid oxidation products, γ-glutamyltransferase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and phospholipase activities with respect to the metabolic status in a cohort of otherwise healthy individuals.

RESULTS

A total of 179 individuals (87 men and 92 women) aged 43 ± 14 years (mean ± SD) participated in this study. There were no differences in the levels of plasma F2-isoprostanes, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, cholesterol oxidation products, and phospholipase activities in individuals with features of metabolic syndrome. In multivariate analyses, serum hs-CRP was a consistent independent predictor of metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimal changes were observed in multiple markers of oxidative damage in a well-characterized cohort of individuals with features of metabolic syndrome.
Urinary Liver-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Predicts Progression to Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Nielsen Stine Elkjaer , Sugaya Takeshi , Hovind Peter , Baba Tsuneharu , Parving Hans-Henrik , Rossing Peter
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (u-LFABP) is a marker of tubulointerstitial inflammation and has been shown to be increased in patients with type 1 diabetes and is further increased in patients who progress to micro- and macroalbuminuria. Our aim was to evaluate u-LFABP as a predictor of progression to micro- and macroalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

From an inception cohort of 277 patients, u-LFABP, adjusted for urinary creatinine (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), was measured in 24-h urine samples from 165 normoalbuminuric patients 9.6 ± 3.5 (mean ±SD) years after onset of type 1 diabetes. The outcome measured was development of persistent micro- or macroalbuminuria or death.

RESULTS

Patients were followed for a median of 18 (range 1–19) years; 39 progressed to microalbuminuria, 8 of those progressed further to macroalbuminuria, and 24 died. In a Cox regression model, baseline log u-LFABP levels predicted the development of microalbuminuria, adjusted for known risk factors (sex, age, A1C, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, albumin excretion rate, serum creatinine, and smoking) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.3 [95% CI 1.1–4.6]) and log u-LFABP predicted mortality (adjusted HR 3.0 [1.3–7.0]). u-LFABP (above versus below the median) predicted the development of macroalbuminuria (adjusted HR 2.6 [1.2–5.4]). As a continuous variable, u-LFABP tended to predict macroalbuminuria (HR 1.9, P = 0.2), but numbers were small.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of the tubular inflammation marker u-LFABP predict the initiation and progression to diabetic nephropathy and all-cause mortality, independent of urinary albumin excretion rate and other established risk factors.
Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Comparative Population-Genetic Study
Authors: Pešut D , Marinkovic D
Published: February 2010

Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Comparative Population-Genetic Study

Several host genes proven to contribute to active tuberculosis (TB) and some of the localized major susceptibility loci, which influence lung cancer (LC) risk, are of considerable scientific interest, but do not confer high enough risk to be clinically relevant. Assuming that these diseases are genetically controlled, we hypothesized that retreat from optimal homozygosity level, as well as a changed variability among the patients, could be the populationgenetic parameter for prediction of illness. We performed a homozygous-recessive-characters (HRCs) test based analysis of the presence, distribution and individual combination of 23 selected genetically-controlled morpho-physiological traits in groups of LC patients, patients with pulmonary TB and healthy control subjects. This study showed: i) a statistically significant difference of the middle values of genetic homozygosity between both patients groups and the control group, ii) differences in the type of distribution, and iii) differences in the presence of certain individual combinations of such traits. The frequency of blood group O was significantly decreased in the TB group compared to the general population. According to their population-genetic structure, LC patients, TB patients and healthy controls represent three different groups. The retreat from optimal homozygosity level towards decrease that we found in both LC and TB patients support the influence of a dominant factor in development of these diseases.
Cholangitis of Pancreatitis? Does the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Genotype Favor Either?
Authors: Kasap E , Akyıldız M , Akarca U
Published: February 2010

Cholangitis of Pancreatitis? Does the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Genotype Favor Either?

Acute cholangitis and pancreatitis are serious complications of gallstones, with considerable morbidity and mortality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is an exopeptidase that is important in regulating blood pressure, metabolizing bradykinin and in maintaining an inflammatory response. To determine whether the ACE genotype determines occurrence of cholangitis or pancreatitis we examined ACE I/D genotypes in 31 patients who had cholangitis, 44 patients with biliary pancreatitis and 157 healthy individuals. The patients had been hospitalized at the Department and Intensive Care Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. The patients were recalled 4 years later and their prognosis was evaluated. The ACE II genotype was found at a higher frequency in the cholangitis and biliary pancreatitis patients when compared with the healthy subjects (p <0.05). There was no significant difference between cholangitis and biliary pancreatitis cases regarding the genotype and allele distribution (p>0.05). Recurrence of infection occurred more frequently in the patients with the DD genotype, although it was not significant according to the first assessment (p>0.05). The ACE gene polymorphism did not seem to favor development of either cholangitis or pancreatitis.
Two Patients with X Chromosome Duplication: dupXp and dupXq
Authors: Ozer O , Yilmaz Z , Simsek E , Derbent M , Guner S , Sahin F
Published: February 2010

Two Patients with X Chromosome Duplication: dupXp and dupXq

Structural abnormalities of the X chromosome may lead to different phenotypes, depending on the chromosome region affected. We report phenotypic findings of two patients who had X chromosome duplications. One had a menstrual irregularity, a low hairline, cubitus valgus and suffered from dyslexia. The other had multiple congenital anomalies, severe mental-motor retardation and intractable epilepsy. The karyotypes were 46,X,dup(X) (p11.3p21) and 46,X,dup(X)(q13q25) respectively.
MYH Associated Polyposis with a p.Tyr165Cys Mutation in a Moroccan Patient
Authors: Laarabi F , Jaouad I , El Kerch F , Sefiani A
Published: February 2010

MYH Associated Polyposis with a p.Tyr165Cys Mutation in a Moroccan Patient

Recessively inherited mutations in the base excision repair gene MYH are related to MYH-associated polyposis (MAP). We report a Moroccan patient who carried the mutation p.Tyr165Cys. Genetic testing for MYH mutations should have important implications for accurate genetic counseling, and cancer surveillance for patients with colorectal cancers and their family members in Morocco.
Evaluation of Efficacy of Paecilomyces Lilacinus as Biological Control Agent of Meloidogyne Incognita Attacking Tomato
Authors: Oclarit Elvira , Cumagun Christian
Published: February 2010

Evaluation of Efficacy of Paecilomyces Lilacinus as Biological Control Agent of Meloidogyne Incognita Attacking Tomato

The efficacy of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain UP1 as biological control agent of Meloidogyne incognita attacking tomato was evaluated under screenhouse condition pot experiments. P. lilacinus was formulated on rice substrate in powder form. Root weight, gall index rating, number of galls, egg masses and nematodes per one gram root sample were determined and per cent reduction in gall number was computed. Root weight and gall index ratings were significantly higher in untreated plants than those with P. lilacinus and with the commercial fungicide Nemacur. Number of galls, nematodes and egg masses per one gram root sample were significantly reduced by the application of P. lilacinus at all levels and this was comparable with Nemacur. However, egg mass count in plants treated with the lowest concentration of the biocontrol agent was not significantly different from the uninoculated control. Per cent reduction in gall number was the highest at treatment with 7.92 × 106 spores per ml of P. lilacinus.
Conceptual Model for Physical Therapist Management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Davenport Todd E. , Stevens Staci R. , VanNess Mark J. , Snell Christopher R. , Little Tamara
Published: February 2010

Fatigue is one of the most common reasons why people consult health care providers. Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is one cause of clinically debilitating fatigue. The underdiagnosis of CFS/ME, along with the spectrum of symptoms that represent multiple reasons for entry into physical therapy settings, places physical therapists in a unique position to identify this health condition and direct its appropriate management. The diagnosis and clinical correlates of CFS/ME are becoming better understood, although the optimal clinical management of this condition remains controversial. The 4 aims of this perspective article are: (1) to summarize the diagnosis of CFS/ME with the goal of promoting the optimal recognition of this condition by physical therapists; (2) to discuss aerobic system and cognitive deficits that may lead to the clinical presentation of CFS/ME; (3) to review the evidence for graded exercise with the goal of addressing limitations in body structures and functions, activity, and participation in people with CFS/ME; and (4) to present a conceptual model for the clinical management of CFS/ME by physical therapists.
Diagnostic Accuracy and Association to Disability of Clinical Test Findings Associated with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Cook Chad , Hegedus Eric , Hawkins Richard , Scovell Field , Wyland Doug
Published: February 2010

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy and association to disability of selected functional findings or physical examination tests for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in patients with anterior knee pain.

Methods: A sample of 76 consecutive patients with anterior knee pain was further subdivided into PFPS and other diagnoses. Routine physical examination tests were examined in a prospective, consecutive-subjects design for a cohort of patients with anterior knee pain. Diagnostic accuracy findings, including sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive value, and positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios, were calculated for each test. PPV and NPV reflect the percentage of time of positive or a negative test (respectively) accurately captures the diagnosis of the condition. LR+ and LR− reflect alterations in post-test probability when the test is positive or negative (respectively). Lastly, associations to disability (International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form) were calculated for each clinical finding.

Results: Diagnostic accuracy analyses of individual functional assessment and situational phenomena suggest that the strongest diagnostic test is pain encountered during resisted muscle contraction of the knee (PPV=82%; LR+=2.2; 95% CI: 0.99–5.2). Clusters of test findings were substantially more diagnostic, with any two of three positive findings of muscle contraction, pain during squatting, and pain during palpation yielding the following values: PPV=89%; LR+=4.0 (95% CI: 1.8–10.3). No individual or clustered test findings were significantly associated with the IKDC score.

Conclusion: Combinations of functional assessment tests and situational phenomena are diagnostic for PFPS and may serve to rule in and rule out the presence of PFPS. Single findings are not related to disability scores (IKDC).
Intradisciplinary Clinical Education for Physiotherapists and Physiotherapist Assistants: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jelley Wilma , Larocque Nathalie , Patterson Sarah
Published: February 2010

Purpose: This study investigated the perceived impact of a paired 5-week clinical placement on physiotherapy (PT) and physiotherapist assistant (PTA) students' skills. Students were supervised by a PT clinical instructor (CI), and a collaborative peer-coaching model was used.

Method: Three pairs of PT and PTA students participated in concurrent paired placements incorporating the concepts of reciprocal peer coaching and the 2:1 model of supervision. Qualitative data were gathered using pre- and post-placement interviews and the participants' journals.

Results: The participants reported that using this clinical education model increased their self-directed learning. This outcome was anticipated by the researchers with the incorporation of the 2:1 model of supervision. The post-placement interviews also indicated that there was informal teaching among students, as expected from the integration of reciprocal peer coaching. Participants reported an improvement in the students' competencies in communication, consultation, and assignment of tasks within the physiotherapy team. The students further reported an increase in their confidence with regard to their respective roles and an improvement in their ability to work effectively within the physiotherapy team.

Conclusion: As indicated by the comments and reviews of the participants, pairing PT and PTA students on clinical placements and incorporating a collaborative peer-coaching model can result in improvements in the students' skills in communication, consultation, and assignment of tasks.
Can We Identify People at Risk of Non-recovery after Acute Occupational Low Back Pain? Results of a Review and Higher-Order Analysis
Authors: Agnello Adrienne , Brown Tim , Desroches Sam , Welling Uma , Walton Dave
Published: February 2010

Purpose: To identify prognostic factors in the literature that may predict a poor recovery from acute occupational low back pain (LBP).

Methods: Four international databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) were reviewed, searching all articles indexed up to November 2007 with the term low back pain combined with the terms prognostic, prospective, or cohort. Following application of inclusion criteria, 10 articles were found to be appropriate for data extraction. Each article was critically appraised by two independent reviewers. Statistical pooling was performed on any factor evaluated in at least three independent cohorts.

Results: Seven cohorts were identified, with a total sample size of 2,484 subjects. Only three factors were followed in at least three cohorts and were therefore suitable for statistical pooling: female gender (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.58); pain radiation (OR=1.37, 95% CI: 0.79–2.39); and previous history of back pain (OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.52–1.60). There was significant heterogeneity within the female gender factor; compensation of subjects for study participation appeared to moderate its effect.

Conclusion: After statistical pooling, only female gender achieved statistical significance as a prognostic factor for prolonged recovery. Further research is necessary to determine prognostic factors for non-recovery in acute LBP.
Spintronics in metallic superconductor/ferromagnet hybrid structures
Authors: Sürgers Christoph , Singh Ajay , Stokmaier Markus , Goll Gernot , Pérez-Willard Fabian , Löhneysen Hilbert v.
Published: February 2010

Metallic hybrid structures comprizing superconducting and ferromagnetic materials are interesting objects for studying the mutual influence between superconductivity and ferromagnetic order. We focus on two particular systems that have been studied during the last few years. In superconducting spin-valves the transition temperature of a superconductor squeezed between two ferromagnetic layers depends on the relative orientation of the two magnetization directions. Results have been obtained for systems with in-plane and out-of-plane magnetizations. Furthermore, we report on the electronic transport through superconductor/ferromagnet nanocontacts that allow a determination of the current spin-polarization which is related to the bulk spin polarization.
Materials in optical data storage
Authors: Bruder Friedrich , Fäcke Thomas
Published: February 2010

Optical Data Storage has become the mainstream technology for distributing audio, video and computer software content as well as recording and archiving personal data during the past two and a half decades. The continuous demand for ever higher storage capacities and faster data transfer rates has led to the development of three disc format families Compact Discs, Digital Versatile Discs and Blu-ray Disc, which have become established in the market. Research and development for future high density formats exploits the already well established “bit-wise” recording and volume storage approaches like holographic and “page-wise” recording. Each existing and future technology imposes specific requirements on materials that can facilitate functioning and reliable products for the consumer. In this review several aspects of the interrelation between technological requirements and materials are highlighted.