Search

Recent years have seen a paradigm shift in the management of patients with diabetes mellitus. Rather than good glycaemic control being the sole primary aim, the therapeutic focus has broadened to consider potential additional cardiovascular and renal benefits. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin, have gained increasing prominence, with evidence suggesting significant improvement in outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular and renal disease. Here, we discuss the benefits and relative risks of these novel agents and highlight important clinical issues of relevance to general physicians.

Background Impact of immeasurable time bias (IMTB) is yet to be examined in self-controlled designs. Methods We conducted case-crossover, case-time-control, and case-case-time-control analyses using Korea's healthcare database. Two empirical examples among elderly patients were used: 1) benzodiazepines-hip fracture; 2) benzodiazepines-mortality. For cases, the date of hip fracture diagnosis or death was defined as the index date, and the inherited date of their matched cases for controls or future cases. Exposure was assessed in the 1-30 day (hazard) and 61-90 day (control) windows preceding the index date. A non-missing exposure setting included in- and outpatient prescriptions and the pseudo-outpatient setting included only the outpatients. Conditional logistic regression was done to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), where the relative difference in OR among the two settings was calculated to quantify the IMTB. Results The IMTB had negligible impacts in the hip fracture example in the case-crossover (non-missing exposure setting OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12-1.44; pseudo-outpatient setting 1.21, 1.06-1.39; magnitude 0.05), case-time-control (1.18, 0.98-1.44; 1.13, 0.92-1.38; 0.04), and case-case-time-control analyses (0.99, 0.80-1.23; 0.94, 0.75-1.18; 0.05). In the mortality example, IMTB had significant impacts in the case-crossover (1.44, 1.36-1.52; 0.72, 0.67-0.78; 1.00), case-time-control (1.38, 1.26-1.51; 0.68, 0.61-0.76; 1.03), and case-case-time-control analyses (1.27, 1.15-1.40; 0.62, 0.55-0.69; 1.05). Conclusions Although IMTB had negligible impacts on the drug's effect on acute events as these are unlikely to be accompanied with hospitalizations, it negatively biased the drug's effect on mortality, an outcome with prodromal phases, in the three self-controlled designs.

Abstract. Inulin, a dietary fibre found in the roots of many plants, has positive effects on health. It is particularly noteworthy due to its positive impact on calcium metabolism. Inulin has significant functions, such as improving calcium absorption through passive diffusion, bolstering calcium absorption via ion exchange and expanding the absorption surface of the colon by stimulating cell growth. In addition, inulin boosts calcium absorption by increasing calcium solubility, stimulating levels of calcium-binding protein expression and increasing useful microorganisms. It increases calbindin levels and stimulates transcellular active calcium transport. An inulin intake of least 8–10 g/day supports calcium absorption and total body bone mineral content/density in adolescents through its known mechanisms of action. It also significantly enhances calcium absorption and improves bone health in postmenopausal women and adult men. Sustained and sufficient inulin supplementation in adults has a positive effect on calcium metabolism and bone mineral density.

Abstract. Carotenoid intake is associated with low mortality and cancer risks; data on non-provitamin carotenoid intake is limited especially in Asians. We aimed to estimate carotenoid intake in Japanese adult women. Carotenoid content database comprises 196 food items, including 39 fruits, 87 vegetables and mushrooms, and 11 seaweeds, and was established using data from the literature and analyses of foods available in Japan. We surveyed the intake of these foods in Japanese women aged 21–56 years (n=109). Total intake of 7 carotenoids (mean±SD [range]) was 7,450±3,840 (1,160–21,300) μg/day; α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and fucoxanthin represented 4.3%, 23%, 3.4%, 15%, 2.0%, 39%, and 13% of total intake, respectively. Lutein intake was 1,132±686 (294–3,490) μg/day; its best sources were spinach, cucumber, chicken egg, green onion, and Chinese chives, representing 51% of total intake. Lutein can be obtained from a variety of sources. Thus, lutein intake levels did not vary widely among individuals and very few individuals consumed insufficient levels of lutein. Intake of zeaxanthin, lycopene, and fucoxanthin was 149±93 (2–479), 2,890±2,970 (0–17,100), and 980±1,230 (0–5,660) μg/day, respectively. Their intake required rich sources including chicken egg for zeaxanthin (52%); tomato products for lycopene (98%), and wakame seaweed for fucoxanthin (76%). The carotenoid content database including all food items consumed in Japan will be helpful for further investigations on carotenoid intake and its health benefits.

Abstract. Chronic, systemic inflammation, which is associated with obesity and numerous other diseases, impairs iron status by increasing hepcidin concentration. Inflammation also decreases the concentration of transferrin, the main iron transport protein and a negative acute phase protein, which is indirectly assessed by measuring total iron binding capacity (TIBC). However, the contribution of diet-induced inflammation has not been studied. Data from two studies, namely Diet and Inflammation and Selenium and Inflammation Studies (total n=98) were used to assess the associations among Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) scores derived from three-day dietary records, body mass index (BMI=weight[kg]/height[m]2), inflammatory and hematological markers among young adults with normal-weight, overweight or obesity. Subjects’ diets were also categorized as less inflammatory diets (LID) and inflammatory diets (ID) using cluster analysis. Independent t-test and regression analyses were used to assess associations in the data. Intakes of iron, proteins, fat, fiber, and calories were higher in the LID group compared to the ID group (p0.05). Higher DII score was associated with increasing CRP (β+SE=0.23+0.07, p=0.002) and lower TIBC (β+SE=−8.46+3.44, p=0.02), independent of BMI category. The LID diet was associated with higher TIBC (β+SE=29.87+10.75, p=0.007) compared to the ID diet. In conclusion, inflammatory diets may impair iron status by reducing the iron binding capacity of transferrin.

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an established causative factor of gastric cancer. Although the expansion of insurance coverage has led to an increase in the number of patients treated for H. pylori, the population impact of eradication treatment for H.pylori has been scarcely investigated. This study aimed to clarify the long-term responses of H. pylori antibody titer after eradication treatment using large scale cross-sectional data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study for the Next Generation (JPHC-NEXT Study). METHODS A total of 55,282 Japanese participants aged 40 to 74 years residing in 16 areas provided blood samples between 2011 and 2016. From these, treated (n=6,276) and untreated subjects who were seropositive for H. pylori or had serological atrophy (n= 22,420) formed the study population (n=28,696). Seropositivity was defined as an anti-H. pylori IgG titer of ≥10 U/mL. Antibody level was compared among subjects according to self-reported treatment history as untreated, and treated for less than one year (

Pregnant women are a risk group vitamin D insufficiency found among greater than 50% of pregnant females. Actually, there few researches and knowledge which associate the Maternal 25(OH) D level and premature labour, and no one carried in Iraq. The aim of this research is to find out any relation between the maternal plasma 25(OH) D levels of females who have gave birth to premature (< 36 weeks) in comparison to females with full-term neonates in both groups . The current study is a case control research was carried out between January-August 2020, at the department of gynecology and obstetrics at Azadi Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk Governorate. A convenient sample was randomly selected consist of 30 Mothers with premature delivery, compared with 30 mothers term pregnancy delivery, the newborns were weighing >2500g and appropriate for gestational age. Revision of maternal ANC cards were carried out for investigations, ultrasonography, date of LMP of mothers’, as well as fetal anthropocentric measurements through the conception period. The mean Vitamin D level was (18.6±6.7) among preterm deliveries, which is lower significantly from those with full term delivery (27.5±6.2), P value < 0.0001, as represented in figure 1. Deficient vitamin D level was reported among 15(50%) of preterm delivered mothers versus 6(20%) of full term mothers. insufficient vitamin D level was reported among 12(40%) of preterm delivered mothers versus 9(30%) of full term mothers. sufficient vitamin D level was reported among 3(10%) of preterm delivered mothers versus 15(50%) of full term mothers. The low levels Vitamin D level is significantly associated with premature deliveries.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the predictive relation between childhood-diagnosed ADHD and trajectories of body mass index (BMI) from childhood to adulthood in an all-female sample, accounting for socioeconomic status (SES), childhood comorbidities (e.g., depression/anxiety), and stimulant usage. Childhood executive functioning (i.e., planning, sustained attention, and response inhibition) was also evaluated as a possible predictor of BMI trajectories. METHOD: We utilized longitudinal data from a full sample of 140 girls diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and 88 comparison girls matched on age and ethnicity. Girls were 6–12 years old at the first assessment and followed prospectively for 16 years. Data were collected on their BMI and stimulant medication usage across four evaluation waves. Using latent growth curve modeling, we evaluated the BMI trajectories of girls with ADHD and the comparison sample from childhood to adulthood. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in initial childhood BMI, girls with ADHD increased in BMI at a significantly faster rate than comparison girls across development, even when adjusting for covariates. Significant differences in BMI first emerged in adolescence; by adulthood, 40.2% of the ADHD sample met criteria for obesity versus 15.4% of the comparison sample. When covarying ADHD diagnosis, executive functioning measures were not significantly predictive of BMI increase. Adjusting for stimulant medication usage within the ADHD sample did not alter core findings. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss health-related implications for girls with ADHD, potential underlying mechanisms, and how our findings may inform both ADHD and obesity interventions.

A 37-year-old woman presented with a few days’ history of lower abdominal pain and an incidental finding of hypercalcaemia. A thorough workup ensued, and the cause was found to be an exceptionally rare ovarian tumour—ovarian small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcaemic type. Acute treatment of hypercalcaemia consisted of aggressive intravenous fluids and bisphosphonates. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour and is currently receiving systemic platinum/etoposide chemotherapy combination to be followed by pelvic radiotherapy. This case highlights the wide range of differential diagnosis for hypercalcaemia and the importance of a stepwise and thorough approach during investigations. We discuss the pathophysiology of malignancy-related hypercalcaemia, focusing especially on parathyroid hormone-related peptide-associated hypercalcaemia.

A bee sting can result in allergic and toxin-mediated local manifestations like pain, swelling, redness and itching to serious systemic effects like acute kidney injury (AKI), pancreatitis, Kounis syndrome and stroke. Melittin and phospholipase A2, which make up 62% of honeybee venom, have vasoactive, haemolytic properties causing severe AKI. Its role in lowering blood glucose in diabetics is an interesting research topic. We report an elderly herdsman, a known diabetic on irregular oral hypoglycaemic drugs, who presented with altered mental status due to hypoglycaemia. On further prodding, a recent multiple bee sting attack 5 days ago was found which was followed by altered coloured urine for 2 days for which no medical attention was sought. Additional analyses revealed reticulocytosis, azotemia and high serum creatine phosphokinase. The patient was treated with dextrose infusion, antihistamines, fluids and haemodialysis. Renal failure resolved completely and the patient was discharged in a stable condition.

Introduction: As the therapeutic options in the management of type 2 diabetes increase, there is an increase confusion among health care professionals, thus leading to the phenomenon of therapeutic inertia. This is the failure to escalate or de-escalate treatment when the clinical need for this is required. It has been studied extensively in various settings, however, it has never been reported in any studies focusing solely on primary care physicians with an interest in diabetes. This group is increasingly becoming the focus of managing complex diabetes care in the community, albeit with the support from specialists. Methods: In this retrospective audit, we assessed the prevalence of the phenomenon of therapeutic inertia amongst primary care physicians with an interest in diabetes in UK. We also assessed the predictive abilities of various patient level characteristics on therapeutic inertia amongst this group of clinicians. Results: Out of the 240 patients reported on, therapeutic inertia was judged to have occurred in 53 (22.1%) of patients. The full model containing all the selected variables was not statistically significant, p = 0.59. So the model was not able to distinguish between situations in which therapeutic inertia occurred and when it did not occur. None of the patient level characteristics on its own was predictive of therapeutic inertia. Conclusion: Therapeutic inertia was present only in about a fifth of patient patients with diabetes being managed by primary care physicians with an interest in diabetes.

We present a case of a 73-year-old woman who developed recurrent hypoglycaemia during a prolonged hospital stay following a mechanical fall. She had a complex history of insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, diffuse systemic cutaneous sclerosis, Raynaud’s disease, previous breast cancer, Barrett’s oesophagus and previous partial gastrectomy for a benign mass. Hypoglycaemia persisted despite weaning of insulin. She had no clinical features of adrenal or pituitary insufficiency with an acceptable cortisol on stopping prednisolone and had an optimal thyroid replacement. A 72-hour fast elicited hypoglycaemia with corresponding low insulin level. Although the C-peptide was detectable, there were no clinical, biochemical or radiological features suggestive of insulinoma. Reactive hypoglycaemia post partial gastrectomy was ruled out based on limited relation of the hypoglycaemia to meals and the low insulin levels. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-induced hypoglycaemia was considered based on previous case reports and the recent literature, with a successful resolution of hypoglycaemia on discontinuation of HCQ.

The case demonstrates the use of bariatric surgery to improve a patient’s candidacy for surgical treatment for endometrial cancer (EC). A 50-year-old morbidly obese woman with early-stage EC was initially treated with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (52 mg) . She had to reduce her body mass index (BMI) to become eligible for definite EC treatment. Using conservative methods, she was unable to lose weight effectively. She then underwent bariatric surgery that reduced her BMI from 71.3 to 54.3 kg/m2. She maintained her weight and was eligible for total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Her procedure was successful and had no complications. She has 6-monthly follow-ups, and the most recent review showed no evidence of recurrence.

Hyponatraemia is common in hospital practice, with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) being the most common underlying aetiology. A relatively less frequent but important cause is adrenal insufficiency (AI). We describe the case of a 63-year-old man who presented with symptomatic hyponatraemia and hypoglycaemia associated with abnormal body movements (ballism). The recent commencement of levothyroxine for newly diagnosed hypothyroidism, followed by fluid restriction for presumed SIAD, led to the worsening of a previously undiagnosed AI. His investigations confirmed central AI in association with thyroid and growth hormone deficiencies. The underlying cause of hypopituitarism, in this case, was a traumatic brain injury He responded well to steroid replacement and fluids. This case highlights that SIAD remains a diagnosis of exclusion, and other causes of hyponatraemia, including AI, should always be considered. Second, levothyroxine treatment without steroid replacement can lead to an adrenal crisis in patients with underlying AI.

Brown tumours of bone are highly vascular osteolytic lesions that depict a reparative cellular process instead of a neoplastic process in hyperparathyroidism (HPT) patients. These tumours have the potential to be aggressive and destructive. We report a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with left thigh and lower back pain. The radiological evaluation showed multiple bony lesions in the pelvis and the spine, which mimicked multiple metastatic tumours. However, on biochemistry evaluation, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone were all high, while serum phosphate was low, indicating primary HPT (PHPT), which was confirmed by parathyroid scintigraphy showing left parathyroid adenoma. Hence, the bony lesions were diagnosed as brown tumours secondary to PHPT. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy and developed severe hungry bone syndrome requiring parenteral calcium infusion along with oral calcium and active vitamin D supplementation. The clinical symptoms of bone pain improved after surgery.

Background Detailed data on intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy in Japan are lacking. Using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan, we aimed to assess ICU bed occupancy to guide critical care utilization planning. Methods We identified all ICU patients admitted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018 to ICU-equipped hospitals participating in the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database. We assessed the trends in daily occupancy by counting the total number of occupied ICU beds on a given day divided by the total number of licensed ICU beds in the participating hospitals. We also assessed ICU occupancy for patients with mechanical ventilation, patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and patients without life-supportive therapies. Results Over the 4 study years, 1,379,618 ICU patients were admitted to 495 hospitals equipped with 5,341 ICU beds, accounting for 75% of all ICU beds in Japan. Mean ICU occupancy on any given day was 60%, with a range of 45.0% to 72.5%. Mean ICU occupancy did not change over the 4 years. Mean ICU occupancy was about 9% higher on weekdays than on weekends and about 5% higher in the coldest season than in the warmest season. For patients with mechanical ventilation, patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and patients without life-supportive therapies, mean ICU occupancy was 24%, 0.5%, and 30%, respectively. Conclusion Only one-fourth of ICU beds were occupied by mechanically ventilated patients, suggesting that the critical care system in Japan has substantial surge capacity under normal temporal variation to care for critically ill patients.

Background To clarify the association between psychosocial problems and frailty in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and to develop strategies for preventive long-term care in the community, we launched the Kesennuma Study in 2019. This report describes the study design and the participants' profiles at baseline. Methods The prospective study comprised 9,754 people (4,548 men, 5,206 women) randomly selected from community-dwelling independent adults aged 65 to 84 who were living in Kesennuma City, Miyagi. The baseline survey was conducted in October 2019. It included information on general health, socio-economic status, frailty, lifestyle, psychological factors (e.g. personality, depressive moods), and social factors (e.g. social isolation, social capital). A follow-up questionnaire survey is planned. Mortality, incident disability, and long-term care insurance certifications will also be collected. Results A total of 8,150 questionnaires were returned (83.6% response rate), and 7,845 were included in the analysis (80.4%, mean age [SD] 73.6 [5.5] years; 44.7% male). About 23.5% were considered frail. Regarding psychological and social functions, 42.7% had depressive moods, 29.1% were socially isolated, and only 37.0% participated in social activities at least once a month. However, 82.5% trusted their neighbours. Conclusions While local ties were strong, low social activity and poor mental health were revealed as issues in the affected area. Focusing on the association between psychological and social factors and frailty, we aim to delay the need for long-term care for as long as possible, through exercise, nutrition, social participation, and improvement of mental health.

Summary Background & aims ESPEN guidelines advocate that energy needs of critically ill patients with COVID 19 should be assessed using indirect calorimetry, if safely available. This study described energy needs of intubated patients with COVID-19 and explores whether neuromuscular blockade administration (NMBAs) is associated with altered energy expenditure. Methods Resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory exchange rate (RER) evaluated among critically ill intubated COVID-19 patients until 28th day of intensive care unit stay (ICU–S) by indirect calorimetry. Paralysed patients were defined as those with drug induced paralysis using cicatracurium, for at least 3 days during their ICU-S. Results 34 adult COVID 19 patients (59.8% male, 35.2% obese) requiring mechanical ventilation were assessed prospectively. REE measurements suggest a gradual increase of energy needs post 3rd day of ICU-S in both patients without obesity (non ob) ((from 17.8 kcal/kgr up to 29.3 kcal/kgr actual body weight (AcBW) during 28th day of ICU-S, p = 0.011)) and patients with obesity (ob) ((from 18.1 kcal/kgr up to 30.1 kcal/kgr adjusted body weight (AjBW) during 28th day of ICU-S, p = 0.021)). NMBAs use was accompanied by a significant drop in REE, especially during first 7 days of hospitalization, both in non ob (22.9 vs 17.9 kcal/kgr AcBW, p = 0.014) and ob patients (22.5 vs 19.5 kcal/kgr ABW, p = 0.027). Conclusion We identified the energy needs of COVID-19 intubated patients and highlighted a significant increase beyond the 1st week in the ICU. Administration of NMBAs should be considered, as it may impact resting energy expenditure.

Background & aims A potential protection against COVID-19 by a high-quality dietary pattern is to be expected given the biological plausibility supporting the beneficial effects of an adequate dietary intake on the immune system. However, knowledge on the relationship between long-term maintained healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is still sparse. We longitudinally assessed this association in a well-known Mediterranean cohort. Methods We assessed 9,677 participants from the SUN Project, a prospective cohort of middle-aged university graduates in Spain. We inquired about a positive result in a COVID-19 diagnostic test during the months of February to December 2020. After excluding health professionals (HP), 5,194 participants were included in the statistical analyses (mean age: 52.6, SD: 12.4; 55.2% women). Food habits were assessed at baseline using a previously validated semiquantitative 136-item food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (cumulative average of 2 repeated measurements 10 years apart) was assessed using the 0-to-9 Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for incident COVID-19 according to the MDS. Results Among 5,194 non-HP participants, 122 reported to have received a positive COVID-19 diagnostic test. Participants with intermediate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (3 < MDS ≤ 6) had a significantly lower odds of developing COVID-19 (multivariable-adjusted OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34–0.73), and those with the highest adherence (MDS > 6) exhibited the lowest risk (multivariable-adjusted OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.16–0.84, p for trend

Highlights • Mean HBA1c in diabetic patients increased by 0.51% in immediate post lock down period due to COVID 19. • Increased mean HBA1c may significantly increase the annual incidences of complications related to diabetes. • With early identification and multidisciplinary approach which is patient centric good glycemic control can be achieved back. • By achieving good glycemic control, the predicted annual percentage increase in complication rate can be reduced., Background and aims Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by hyperglycemia and is associated with several complications. Prevalence of Diabetes in adult population in India ranges from 10.9 to 14.2% in urban area and 3.0–7.8% in rural area. Glycemic control is an important factor in preventing the complications associated with diabetes. HBA1c is the indicator of long-term glycemic control and slight variation in it significantly alters the risk of diabetic complications. Thus, the aim of this study was to study the change in HBA1c levels due to lock down in patients with diabetes. Methods 307 patients with diabetes who had attended our endocrine OPD in last 3 months before nationwide 68 days lockdown from 24 March 2020 to 31 May 2020, and had recent HBA1c report in past and willing to participate were included in the study after informed consent from 2nd June 2020 to 14th June 2020 when first phase of Unlock started, to identify the change in HBA1c levels during the lockdown period in our patients with diabetes. Results The patients were aged between 25–69 years and male to female ratio was 181:126 (1.44: 1). The mean age and mean duration of diabetes in our patients was 55.68 years and 7.95 years respectively. Increment of 0.51% was seen in mean HBA1c levels in our patient from 7.92% mean pre-lockdown HBA1c to mean of 8.43% after release of lock down. Conclusion Glycemic control got deranged during lockdown period with significant increase of mean HBA1c by 0.51% in immediate post lock down period which may significantly increase the annual incidence of complications related to diabetes.

Background & aims Severe acute COVID-19 has taken on pandemic proportions with growing interest in identification of prognostic factors for mortality. Standardized bioelectrical impedance (BI) phase angle (SPhA), which is PhA adjusted by age and sex, has been related to mortality in patients with several diseases but never investigated in COVID-19. Inflammation, a consequence of COVID-19 infection, affects fluid status (hydration) and can be identified with PhA. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive role of PhA on 90 days survival of adults with COVID-19. Methods We studied 127 consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19. BI measurements determined with a 50 kHz phase-sensitive BI device, body composition parameters and laboratory markers were evaluated as predictors of mortality. Results Non-surviving COVID-19 patients had significantly lower PhA and SPhA values (p

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients affected by COVID-19 may develop disease related malnutrition (DRM) due to the catabolic situation, symptoms that interfere with intake and prolonged hospital stay. This study aims to know the percentage of patients admitted for COVID-19 who required artificial nutrition (AN), their clinical characteristics, as well as the prevalence of DRM and the risk of sarcopenia at hospital discharge and after 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, prospective study, with successive inclusion of adult patients admitted for COVID-19 in whom institutional nutritional support (NS) care protocol was applied. Those who received AN underwent a nutritional screening by Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ) and an assessment by Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) at hospital discharge, as well as a screening for sarcopenia (SARC-F test) and SNAQ re-test 15 days and 6 months after by a phone call. Symptoms related to food intake, anthropometric and analytical data were also collected. RESULTS: We evaluated 936 patients with a mean age of 63.7 ± 15.3 years; predominantly male (59.7%), overweight 41%, obesity 40.4%; hypertension 52.9%; diabetes mellitus 26.6% and cancer 10.4%. The stay hospital length was 17.3 ± 13.8 days and 13.6% patients died during hospitalization. The modality of nutritional support was: 86.1% dietary adaptation + oral nutritional supplements (ONS); 12.4% enteral nutrition (EN) by nasogastric (NG) tube; 0.9% parenteral nutrition (PN) and 0.6% EN plus PN. Focusing on patients who received AN, follow-up post discharge was possible in 62 out of 87 who survived. Of these, at the time of hospital discharge, 96.7% presented nutritional risk by SNAQ and 100% malnutrition by SGA (20% B; 80% C). During admission, 82.3% presented intense anorexia and the mean weight loss was 10.9 ± 6 Kg (p

Summary Background & aims Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic outbreak leading to more than 1 million deaths worldwide as reported in 2020. Several risk assessment tools, including individual vulnerability to COVID-19, have been developed. The present study aimed to characterize a high-risk population using such a tool and examine risk factors and nutritional status in the national survey data and estimate the region-specific population size. Methods The study included 17,540 Korean adults who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The risk scores for individual vulnerability to COVID-19 were calculated based on age, sex, smoking status, and comorbidities, and a high-risk population was defined as having risk scores ≥11. Nutritional status was compared between the high-risk population and the remaining participants in the KNHANES data. The region-specific population size was estimated using national statistics. Results The proportion of the high-risk population was estimated to be 10.5%, which corresponds to approximately 4.6 million adults in South Korea. About 20% of them had inadequate intake of all of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C below the estimated average requirement. The high-risk population showed 1.65 [95% confidence interval: 1.39, 1.96] higher odds of inadequate intake of multiple vitamins than the remaining participants. In the ecological analysis, the region-specific numbers of the high-risk population correlated significantly with the actual numbers of deaths due to COVID-19 (P value = 0.013). Conclusions These results suggest that individuals vulnerable to COVID-19, in particular those are living in densely populated regions, should pay particular attention to the protection against this pandemic and have adequate nutritional status, which may support optimal immune function.

Background: Inflammation is thought to be a risk factor for kidney disease. However, whether inflammatory status is either a cause or an outcome of chronic kidney disease remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the causal relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches. Methods: A total of 10,521 participants of the Japan Multi-institutional Collaborative Cohort Study was analyzed in this study. We used two-sample MR approaches (the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), the weighted median (WM), and the MR-Egger method) to estimate the effect of genetically determined hs-CRP on kidney function. We selected four and three hs-CRP associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as two instrumental variables (IV): IVCRP and IVAsian, based on SNPs previously identified in European and Asian populations. IVCRP and IVAsian explained 3.4% and 3.9% of the variation in hs-CRP, respectively. Results: Using the IVCRP, genetically determined hs-CRP was not significantly associated with eGFR in the IVW and the WM methods (estimate per 1 unit increase in ln(hs-CRP), 0.000; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.019 to 0.020 and −0.003; 95% CI, −0.019 to 0.014, respectively). For IVAsian, we found similar results using the IVW and the WM methods (estimate, 0.005; 95% CI, −0.020 to 0.010 and −0.004; 95% CI, −0.020 to 0.012, respectively). The MR-Egger method also showed no causal relationships between hs-CRP and eGFR (IVCRP: −0.008; 95% CI, −0.058 to 0.042; IVAsian: 0.001; 95% CI, −0.036 to 0.036). Conclusion: Our two-sample MR analyses with different IVs did not support a causal effect of hs-CRP on eGFR.

Background The Free/Low-Cost Medical Care Program (FLCMC) can subsidize the payment (exempt/lower) in designated institutions in Japan. Given that poverty is a multidimensional concept including social isolation, the FLCMC applicants may need social support over and above financial aid to improve their quality of life. However, there was no data to discuss what services should be provided and to whom. Hence, we aimed to describe the changes in health-related quality of life scores among users of the FLCMC, with respect to their socioeconomic backgrounds. Methods This cohort study included patients who newly used FLCMC from July 2018 to April 2019. We used patients' social work records, obtained at baseline, and self-report questionnaires on the Medical Outcomes Study 8 Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8), measured both at baseline and six-month-after the application. We used the change in physical and mental health component summary score (PCS-8 and MCS-8) as outcome variables. Results Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, sex, healthcare institute, and baseline PCS-8 and MCS-8, showed that lower income was associated with an increase in PCS-8 (coef. -0.09; 95% CI, -0.15 to, -0.03) and MCS-8 (coef. -0.04; 95% CI, -0.11, to 0.03). Living alone (versus. living with someone) was potentially associated with a decrease in both PCS-8 (coef. -1.58; 95% CI, -7.26 to 4.09) and MCS-8 (coef. -3.62; 95% CI, -9.19 to 1.95). Conclusions Among patients using FLCMC, those who live alone may need additional support. Further study testing the generalizability of the findings is required.

Background The hippocampus is a brain structure important for memory and cognitive function. Physical activity may help prevent hippocampal atrophy. However, few studies have measured sedentary behavior (SB) and intensity-specific physical activity using an accelerometer. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional associations of objectively-determined SB, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by an accelerometer with hippocampal volume among community-dwelling older adults using compositional data analysis (CoDa) approach. Methods This cross-sectional study was part of the Neuron to Environmental Impact across Generations (NEIGE) study. A randomly recruited sample of 485 Japanese older adults (47% male; aged 65-84 years) wore tri-axial accelerometers (Omron Healthcare) for seven consecutive days in 2017. Hippocampal volume was measured with magnetic resonance imaging and the left and right hippocampal volumes were automatically segmented using FreeSurfer software. Associations of sedentary and physically active behaviors with hippocampal volume were examined with compositional linear regression analysis based on isometric log-ratio transformations of time use adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results The relative proportion of time spent in MVPA, compared to the other two activities, was significantly positively associated with right hippocampal volume (β: 57.1, p-value = 0.027).However, no association existed between higher proportions of MVPA and left hippocampal volume, or between proportions of SB or LPA with either left or right hippocampal volumes. Conclusions The proportion of time spent in MVPA, relative to the other two activities, was significantly positively associated with right hippocampal volume. MVPA may be beneficial for maintaining hippocampal volume.

Als Amenorrho wird das Ausbleiben der Menstruationsblutung uber mindestens 3 Monate bezeichnet. Bei primarer Amenorrho hat nie die Menarche eingesetzt, eine sekundare Amenorrho beginnt nach mindestens einer spontanen Menstruation. Der Grund der Amenorrho kann durch klinische Untersuchung und Laboranalytik oft in einfachen Schritten eruiert werden. Dabei spielen vor allem die Geschlechtshormone eine Rolle, aber auch anatomische Besonderheiten, Ernahrung, Fitness, psychologische und soziale Faktoren. Der Beitrag soll anhand eines Fallbeispiels einen Uberblick uber die klinische und laborchemische Vorgehensweise bei primarer und sekundarer Amenorrho vermitteln.

Although social participation has been reported to be associated with significantly lower risks of mortality and disability, to our knowledge, no study has estimated its impact on disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between social participation and DFLE in community-dwelling older people.We analyzed 11-year follow-up data from a cohort study of 11,982 Japanese older adults (age ≥65 years) in 2006. We collected information on the number of social participations using a questionnaire. Using this information, we categorized the participants into four groups. DFLE was defined as the average number of years a person could expect to live without disability. The multistate life table method using a Markov model was employed for calculating DFLE.The results revealed that DFLE according to the number of social participations was 17.8 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3-18.2) for no activities, 20.9 (95% CI, 20.4-21.5) for one activity, 21.5 (95% CI, 20.9-22.0) for two activities, and 22.7 (95% CI, 22.1-23.2) for three activities in men, and 21.8 (95% CI, 21.5-22.2), 25.1 (95% CI, 24.6-25.6), 25.3 (95% CI, 24.7-25.9), and 26.7 years (95% CI, 26.1-27.4), respectively, in women. This difference in DFLE did not change after the participants were stratified for smoking, body mass index, physical activity, and depression.Social participation is associated with longer DFLE among Japanese older people; therefore, encouraging social participation at the population level could increase life-years lived in good health.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality from noncommunicable diseases. We aimed to examine the longitudinal trajectories in risk factors, estimate their impact on CKD burden in China from 1991 to 2011, and project trends in the next 20 years. Methods We used data from a cohort of the China Health and Nutrition Survey and applied the comparative risk assessment method to estimate the number of CKD events attributable to all non-optimal levels of each risk factors. Results In 2011, current smoking was the leading individual attributable factor for CKD burden in China responsible for 7.9 (95% CI, 7.5-8.3) million CKD cases with a population-attributable fraction of 8.7% (95% CI, 6.0-11.6), while the rates of smoking have reduced and may have mitigated the increase in CKD. High triglyceride (TG) and high systolic blood pressure (SBP) were the leading metabolic risk factors responsible for 6.8 (95% CI, 6.4-7.1) million and 5.8 (95% CI, 5.5-6.1) million CKD-attributable cases, respectively. Additionally, the number of CKD cases associated with high body mass index (BMI), high diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high plasma glucose, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 5.4 (95% CI, 5.1-5.6), 3.9 (95% CI, 3.7-4.1), 3.0 (95% CI, 2.8-3.1) and 2.6 (95% CI, 2.5-2.8) million, respectively. Conclusions Current smoking, high TG, and high SBP were the top three risk factors that contributed to CKD burden in China. Increased BMI, DBP, plasma glucose, and decreased HDL-C were also associated with the increase in CKD burden.

Study Design: A sex- and age-matched case-control study and a cross-sectional study. Objective: In our previous study, patients with early-onset (Methods: In Study 1, the simple brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) was used to compare nutrient intake levels of early-onset OPLL patients (n = 13) with those of sex- and age-matched non-OPLL controls (n = 39) or with those of common OPLL (onset age ≥ 50 years, n = 62). In Study 2, serological validation was conducted for thoracic OPLL patients (n = 77) and non-OPLL controls (n = 101) in a nationwide multicenter study in Japan. Results: The BDHQ showed that the early-onset OPLL patients had significantly lower intakes of vitamins A and B6 than non-OPLL controls. These results were validated by lower serum vitamins A and B6 levels in the early-onset thoracic OPLL patients. The severity of OPLL negatively correlated with serum vitamin A levels in male early-onset OPLL patients. The multiple regression analysis revealed that the severity of thoracic OPLL had an association with onset age and serum vitamin A level. Conclusions: Vitamin A deficiency resulting from unbalanced dietary habits is associated with exacerbation of male early-onset OPLL.

Heterogeneity within specific cell types is common and increasingly apparent with the advent of single cell transcriptomics. Transcriptional and functional cellular specialization has been described for insulin-secreting β cells of the endocrine pancreas, including so-called extreme β cells exhibiting >2-fold higher insulin gene activity. However, it is not yet clear whether β cell heterogeneity is stable or reflects dynamic cellular states. We investigated the temporal kinetics of endogenous insulin gene activity using live cell imaging, with complementary experiments employing FACS and single cell RNA sequencing, in β cells from Ins2GFP knock-in mice. In vivo staining and FACS analysis of islets from Ins2GFP mice confirmed that at a given moment, ~25% of β cells exhibited significantly higher activity at the conserved insulin gene Ins2. Live cell imaging captured Ins2 gene activity dynamics in single β cells over time. Autocorrelation analysis indicated that cells displaying fluctuations in Ins2 gene activity most commonly exhibited a frequency of 17 hours. Increased glucose concentrations stimulated more cells to oscillate and resulted in higher average Ins2 gene activity per cell. Single cell RNA sequencing determined that Ins2(GFP)HIGH β cells were enriched for markers of β cell maturity and had reduced expression of anti-oxidant genes. Ins2(GFP)HIGH β cells were also significantly less viable at all glucose concentrations and in the context of ER stress. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the heterogeneity of insulin production, observed in mouse and human β cells, can be accounted for by dynamic states of insulin gene activity. Our observations define a previously uncharacterized form of β cell plasticity. Understanding the dynamics of insulin production has relevance for understanding the pathobiology of diabetes and for regenerative therapy research.

Background Increasing the coverage of vaccinations recommended by the World Health Organization in the older adult population is an urgent issue, especially in the context of avoiding co-epidemics during the current coronavirus disease 2019 crisis. The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with the quality of perceived patient-physician communication and whether this variable was associated with increased odds of vaccination. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study conducted from October 2016 to January 2017. The participants were 22,253 physically and cognitively independent individuals aged 65 or older living in 39 municipalities in Japan. Multilevel logit models were used to estimate the odds of vaccination. Results Among the participants, 40.0% and 58.8% had received pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations as per the recommended schedule, respectively. People with low educational levels were more likely to have a family physician but rate their experience in asking questions lower than those with higher educational levels. Having a family physician and high rating for physicians' listening attitude were positively associated with increased odds of pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations. High rating for patients' questioning attitude and shared decision-making, compared to an ambiguous attitude toward medical decision-making, were positively associated with increased odds of pneumococcal vaccination. Conclusion The results suggest that promotion of having a family physician, better patient-physician communication, and shared decision-making may encourage older adults to undergo recommended vaccinations.

Background While it is essential to understand how long is sufficient for return-to-work when designing paid sick-leave systems, little attempt has been done to collect cause-specific information on when and how many of sickness absentees returned to work, became unemployed, or passed away. Methods We studied the first sick-leave episode of ≥30 consecutive days in those ≤55 years of age during 2012-2013 among 11 Japanese private companies (n = 1209), which were followed until 2017. Overall and disease-specific cumulative incidences of return-to-work, resignations, and deaths were estimated using competing risk analysis. Results During the 3.5-year period (follow-up rate: 99.9%), 1014 returned to work, 167 became unemployed, and 27 died. Overall, return-to-work occurred within 1 year in 74.9% of all absentees and in 89.3% of those who successfully returned to work. Resignation occurred within 1 year in 8.7% of all absentees and in 62.9% of all subjects who resigned. According to ICD-10 chapters, the cumulative incidence of return-to-work ranged from 82.1% for mental disorders (F00-F99) to 95.3% for circulatory diseases (I00-I99). The cumulative incidence of return-to-work due to mental disorders ranged from 66.7% in schizophrenia (F20) to 95.8% in bipolar affective disorders (F31). Death was rarely observed except for cases of neoplasms (C00-D48), of which the cumulative incidence of death reached 14.2% by 1.5 years. Conclusions Return-to-work and resignations occurred commonly within 1 year of sick leave among long-term sickness absentees in the Japanese private companies. Our findings may assist occupational physicians and employers in developing effective social protection schemes.

Objective Social capital, or the resources that an individual can draw on through his or her social networks and the value ascribed to these resources by the individual, has been hypothesized to be an important factor in the development of mental health problems following a natural disaster. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted in this area. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential buffering effect of the 2 types of social capital-bonding and bridging social capital-on the association between severity of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a large sample of earthquake survivors in Iran. Method Participants were 600 adults who survived the Azarbaijan earthquake in Iran. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. PTSD symptoms were reported in 37% of the participants, 95% CI [34%, 41%]. Results Consistent with prior research, significant differences were found between areas that were highly affected and areas that were less affected by the disaster. Although both bonding and bridging social capitals were negatively related to PTSD symptoms, this buffering effect against PTSD symptoms was about 2 times as large for bridging capital than for bonding social capital. Conclusion While bridging and bonding social capital are both significant protective factors for mental health outcomes following natural disasters, bridging social capital may be more important. Future directions for this area of research are discussed, as are policy implications for disaster preparedness and postdisaster interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Background Cancer risk is determined by specific factors, including body weight and dietary patterns. Accordingly, the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research published updated cancer prevention recommendations in 2018 based on comprehensive reviews of modifiable behaviors associated with cancer risk. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which US adults meet these evidence-based recommendations and how adherence differs by weight status. Design This was a cross-sectional study using nationally representative data from the 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants/setting Dietary intake data for 30,888 adults 18 years and older with normal body mass index (BMI), overweight, or obesity were analyzed. Main outcome measures Differences in dietary intakes and the proportion of adults meeting guidelines were compared across BMI categories. Statistical analyses performed Logistic regression and 1-way analysis of covariance were used to analyze differences in adherence to recommendations, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family income as a percent of the federal poverty rate. Results Regarding fruit and nonstarchy vegetables, 62.8% of adults with normal BMI, 64.5% with overweight, and 70.1% with obesity fell short of recommendations. Regarding whole grains, 67.9% of adults with normal BMI, 70.2% with overweight, and 73.1% with obesity did not meet the recommendation. Regarding red meat, 36.7% of adults with normal BMI, 41.6% with overweight, and 43.5% with obesity consumed >18 oz/week, with a significant difference in mean intakes between adults with normal BMI and obesity (P Conclusions Few U.S. adults meet cancer prevention recommendations; adults with obesity are significantly less likely to do so. Future research should evaluate compounded risk resulting from obesity and poor dietary patterns inconsistent with current evidence-based guidelines, and inform targeted interventions to address these issues.

Introduction Surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism related to chronic kidney disease is a real challenge for Brazilian public health care. High cost medications and long waiting lines to perform preoperative exams, especially technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi (MIBI) are some of the reasons. Despite the reality that the aid of localization exams are questionable in this scenario, doctors are too apprehensive in performing surgery without it. Objective The study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism without preoperative MIBI. Methods A total of 114 patients were surgically treated. Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation and subtotal parathyroidectomy were carried out without preoperative MIBI. Results and conclusion Among the 114 patients undergoing surgery, 37 had secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis replacement, and 77 patients had post-renal transplant persistent disease. We were successful in 107 cases with only 7 failures (93.8% of success rate). Among these failures, only one parathyroid gland was not found in 4 cases, 2 parathyroid glands were not found in 2 cases and in 1 patient the 4 glands were found but this patient remained hypercalcemic and a postoperative diagnosis of supernumerary parathyroid gland was made. Surgery for treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism proved to be an effective (93.8%) and reproductible procedure, even without MIBI.

Resumen El bocio amiloide es una entidad benigna poco frecuente que se caracteriza por el aumento brusco de tamano de la glandula, condicionado por el deposito de amiloide en el parenquima tiroideo. Este aumento de tamano, que se produce en el espacio de meses, puede producir en el paciente sintomas como disnea, disfagia o disfonia. Presentamos tres casos diagnosticados en el mismo centro y estimamos la prevalencia de esta entidad. Todos los casos mostraron una morfologia similar, consistente en la presencia de foliculos tiroideos, tejido adiposo maduro y amiloide en proporciones variables. Se constato acumulo de amiloide AA y su asociacion con patologias cronicas (enfermedad de Crohn, artritis reumatoide juvenil y enfermedad renal cronica). Uno de los casos presentaba incidentalmente un microcarcinoma papilar. Es una entidad poco frecuente que debe tenerse en cuenta en el diagnostico diferencial de pacientes con bocio, sobre todo en aquellos que presentan enfermedades cronicas de base.

BackgroundAnalyzing real-world data, including health insurance claims, may help provide insights into preventing and treating various diseases. We developed a database covering Shizuoka Prefecture (Shizuoka Kokuho Database [SKDB]) in Japan, which included individual-level linked data on health- and care-insurance claims and health checkup results.MethodsAnonymized claims data on health insurance (National Health Insurance [age

Although the feasibility of randomized trials for investigating the long-term association between oral health and cognitive decline is low, deriving causal inferences from observational data is challenging. We aimed to investigate the association between poor oral status and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) using fixed-effects model to eliminate the confounding effect of unobserved time-invariant factors.We used data from Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) which was conducted in 2010, 2013, and 2016. β regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals [CIs] were calculated using fixed-effects models to determine the effect of deteriorating oral status on developing SCC. Onset of SCC was evaluated using the Kihon Checklist-Cognitive function score. Four oral status variables were used: awareness of swallowing difficulty, decline in masticatory function, dry mouth, and number of teeth.We included 13,594 participants (55.8% women) without SCC at baseline. The mean age was 72.4 (standard deviation [SD], 5.1) years for men and 72.4 (SD, 4.9) years for women. Within the 6-year follow-up, 26.6% of men and 24.9% of women developed SCC. The probability of developing SCC was significantly higher when participants acquired swallowing difficulty (β = 0.088; 95% CI, 0.065-0.111 for men and β = 0.077; 95% CI, 0.057-0.097 for women), decline in masticatory function (β = 0.039; 95% CI, 0.021-0.057 for men and β = 0.030; 95% CI, 0.013-0.046 for women), dry mouth (β = 0.026; 95% CI, 0.005-0.048 for men and β = 0.064; 95% CI, 0.045-0.083 for women), and tooth loss (β = 0.043; 95% CI, 0.001-0.085 for men and β = 0.058; 95% CI, 0.015-0.102 for women).The findings suggest that good oral health needs to be maintained to prevent the development of SCC, which increases the risk for future dementia.

Background The transtheoretical model (TTM) is composed of the multiple stages according to patient's consciousness and is believed to lead people to realize the importance of healthier behaviors. We examined the association of TTM stages with the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Method We used the annual health checkup data and health insurance claims data of the Japan Health Insurance Association in Kyoto prefecture between April 2012 and March 2016. TTM stages of change obtained from questionnaires at the first health checkup and categorized into 6 groups. The primary outcome was defined as a more than 30% decline in eGFR from the first health checkup. We fitted multivariable Cox proportional-hazards model for time-to-event analyses adjusting for age, sex, eGFR, body mass index, blood pressure, blood sugar, dyslipidemia, uric acid, urinary protein, and existence of kidney diseases at first health checkup. Result We analyzed 239,755 employees and the mean follow-up was 2.9 years (standard deviation: 1.2 years). As compared with stage 1 group, the risk of eGFR decline was significantly low in the stage 3 group (hazard ratios (HRs), 0.77 (95% Confident Interval (CI), 0.65-0.91)); in stage 4 group (HRs, 0.80, 95%CI, 0.65-0.98); in stage 5 group (HRs, 0.79, 95%CI, 0.66-0.95)Conclusion: Compared with the precontemplation stage (stage 1), the preparation, action and maintenance stages (stage3, 4 and 5), were associated with a lower risk of eGFR decline.

As the proportion of visceral (VAT) to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) may contribute to type 2 diabetes (T2D) development, we examined this relation in a cross-sectional design within the Multiethnic Cohort that includes Japanese Americans known to have high VAT. The aim was to understand how ectopic fat accumulation differs by glycemic status across ethnic groups with disparate rates of obesity, T2D, and propensity to accumulate VAT.In 2013-2016, 1,746 participants aged 69.2 (standard deviation, 2.7) years from five ethnic groups completed questionnaires, blood collections, and whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scans. Participants with self-reported T2D and/or medication were classified as T2D, those with fasting glucose125 and 100-125 mg/dL as undiagnosed cases (UT2D) and prediabetes (PT2D), respectively. Using linear regression, we estimated adjusted means of adiposity measures by T2D status.Overall, 315 (18%) participants were classified as T2D, 158 (9%) as UT2D, 518 (30%) as PT2D, and 755 (43%) as normoglycemic (NG), with significant ethnic differences (P0.0001). In fully adjusted models, VAT, VAT/SAT, and percent liver fat increased significantly from NG, PT2D, UT2D, to T2D (P0.001). Across ethnic groups, the VAT/SAT ratio was lowest for NG participants and highest for T2D cases. Positive trends were observed in all groups except African Americans, with highest VAT/SAT in Japanese Americans.These findings indicate that VAT plays an important role in T2D etiology, in particular among Japanese Americans with high levels of ectopic adipose tissue, which drives the development of T2D to a greater degree than in other ethnic groups.

Abstract. Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of supplementation with flaxseed on anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, insulin resistance, and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight and obese adults. Methods: Fifty overweight and obese adults with body mass index (BMI) of 30.72 ± 3.31 kg/m2 participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to take lifestyle advice or lifestyle advice plus 30 g/day milled flaxseed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was body weight; secondary outcomes included other anthropometric parameters, lipid profile and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: At the end of the study, the following significant mean differences were seen in flaxseed and control groups, respectively: weight [−9.36 vs. −3.09 kg; P 2; P Conclusion: These results suggest that flaxseed supplementation in addition to lifestyle modification is significantly superior to lifestyle modification alone for weight loss. More studies with different dosages of flaxseed are needed to find the optimal dosage. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02410668.

A 60-year-old man presented with headache, giddiness, abdominal pain and palpitation. When evaluated outside for the same, the patient was diagnosed to have hypertension and started on antihypertensives for which he did not respond. ECG was suggestive of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. The patient was subjected to a coronary angiogram, which was normal. Patient had multiple episodes of fluctuating blood pressures. CT of the abdomen showed a 7.1×5.6×8.2 cm mass in the left adrenal gland suggestive of a pheochromocytoma. Serum, urine metanephrines and normetanephrines were elevated. After discussing with the multidisciplinary team, the patient was stabilised with alpha blockers and taken up for laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. Histopathology was reported as pheochromocytoma with a Pheochromocytoma Adrenal Scaled Score of 10/20 suggestive of malignancy. This is one such case of a malignant pheochromocytoma, which was managed successfully despite the perplexities faced in stabilising the crisis followed by laparoscopic resection in a moribund patient.

Sheehan’s syndrome (SS) is ischaemic necrosis of the pituitary gland due to massive postpartum haemorrhage. The clinical manifestations may vary from subtle to life-threatening and may present immediately after delivery or many years later. We present a case history of a 58-year-old non-diabetic woman who had undetected SS and presented with two unusual manifestations, including recurrent hypoglycaemia and dilated cardiomyopathy 34 years after delivery. The dilated cardiomyopathy reversed partially after treatment.

Simultaneous occurrences of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm have long been known, but only a few cases have been reported to date. Both these endocrine emergencies demand timely diagnosis and management to prevent adverse outcomes. Due to the similarities in their clinical presentation, DKA can mask the diagnosis of thyroid storm and vice versa. This case report describes a patient with Graves’ disease who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. He was found to have severe DKA without an explicit history of diabetes mellitus. Further evaluation revealed that the patient also had a concomitant thyroid storm that was the likely cause of his DKA. Early recognition and appropriate management of both conditions resulted in a favourable outcome. This paper emphasises that a simultaneous thyroid storm diagnosis should be considered in patients with DKA, especially those with a known history of thyroid disorders.

Background After childbirth, most women do not lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy. This is important because postnatal weight retention contributes to the development of obesity in later life. Research shows that postnatal women living with overweight would prefer to weigh less, are interested in implementing weight loss strategies, and would like support. Without evidence for the benefit of weight management interventions during pregnancy, postnatal interventions are increasingly important. Research has focused on intensive weight loss programmes, which cannot be offered to all postnatal women. Instead, we investigated the feasibility of a brief intervention delivered to postnatal women at child immunisation appointments. This qualitative study explored the views of women who received the intervention and healthcare professionals who delivered it. Methods The intervention was delivered within the context of the national child immunisation programme. The intervention group were offered brief support encouraging self-management of weight when attending general practices to have their child immunised at two, three and four months of age. The intervention involved motivation and support from practice nurses to encourage women to make healthier lifestyle choices through self-monitoring of weight and signposting to an online weight management programme. Nurses provided external accountability for weight loss. Women were asked to weigh themselves weekly and record this on a weight record card. Nested within this trial, semi-structured interviews explored the experiences of postnatal women who received the intervention and nurses who delivered it. Results The intervention was generally acceptable to participants and child immunisation appointments considered a suitable intervention setting. Nurses were hesitant to discuss maternal weight, viewing the postnatal period as a vulnerable time. Whilst some caveats to implementation were discussed by nurses, they felt the intervention was easy to deliver and would motivate postnatal women to lose weight. Conclusions Participants were keen to lose weight after childbirth. Overall, they reported that the intervention was acceptable, convenient, and, appreciated support to lose weight after childbirth. Although nurses, expressed concerns about raising the topic of weight in the early postnatal period, they felt the intervention was easy to deliver and would help to motivate women to lose weight.

Women with Turner syndrome (TS) are subfertile due to premature ovarian insufficiency. Most women require hormone replacement therapy for attaining menarche and assisted reproductive technology (ART) using donor oocytes, autologous oocytes or in-vitro fertilisation for conception. Irrespective of the karyotype, monosomy X (45, X) or mosaic pattern, women with TS hold a very high risk for pregnancy due to high mortality rate secondary to aortic dissection and severe pre-eclampsia. Such high-risk pregnancies mandate extensive prepregnancy counselling, the need for multidisciplinary teams, close surveillance and follow-up to attain a successful outcome. In this article, we report one such case of pregnancy in a woman with TS carrying a twin gestation following ART with donor oocyte.

Computed tomography (CT) scan is a useful and widely performed diagnostic modality to evaluate adrenal masses. Nature of the mass determines the degree of attenuation both in unenhanced and in different phases of contrast enhancement. Benign neurogenic tumours like ganglioneuroma mimicks pheochromocytoma and adrenocortical carcinoma in non-contrast CT scan. The ‘adrenal protocol’ routinely calculates the wash-out pattern at delayed venous phase (DVP) (15 min) following contrast administration to differentiate majority of benign masses from the malignant ones. Ganglioneuromas typically exhibit continuous wash-in of contrast where enhancement gradually increases to attain its peak in DVP. Such wash-in pattern is different from the wash-out pattern observed in pheochromocytomas or adrenocortical adenomas or carcinomas. Presence of this wash-in pattern provides a useful clue to the clinician for underlying ganglioneuroma in hormonally inactive adrenal masses with suspicious morphological appearances. This wash-in pattern also effectively rules out any malignant potential of ganglioneuroma, and thus helps in preoperative decision-making.

The association of pheochromocytoma in patients with neurofibromatosis type I has rarely been reported in low-income countries, especially on the African continent. A 43-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type I was diagnosed with a right adrenal pheochromocytoma in Pretoria, South Africa. To our knowledge, this report is the first case to be published of a patient with neurofibromatosis type I diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma in Pretoria, and one of three cases on the African continent. The rarity may be due to the two associated conditions being under-reported, undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or possibly the association is rare on the African continent. The clinician dealing with these two conditions should be aware of the association.