Search results for “fasting

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17 articles

Parents and Siblings as Role Models in Dealing With Digital Screen Media. Findings from A Media Fasting Intervention

Jun 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-24-5099

Parents' and siblings’ role model motivation and function could play an important role in positively influencing both their own media behavior and that of family members. To investigate whether parents and siblings consciously take on this role model function, their intentions were being evaluated with a standardized questionnaire before a 6-week media fasting intervention. 135 pairs of parents and 178 pairs of children were included. A major component of the parents' media fasting intention to media fast was to be a role model for their children. This was particularly related to the idea that media fasting has something cleansing about it, as well as the hope of becoming more attentive and calm as a family. These parents seem to want to strengthen family cohesion and climate and protect their children from excessive media consumption. Children who want to be role models for their parents also intend to have a positive influence within the family and want to be role models for their siblings. Regression analyses revealed several predictors of the parents' intent for role model function: the hope of becoming more attentive and calm as a family, the view that media fasting has something cleansing about it, and the perception that it is good for one's children to use less digital screen media, and, inversely, age (R2 =.35). The best predictors of the corresponding intention among the children were the desire to be a role model for their siblings, for the family to do more together again and, as for the parents, a younger age (R2=.57). The intentions of both groups are different, but the possibility of using less media is perceived as sensible. The role model function appears to be a relevant motivating and influencing factor regarding the conscious use of digital screen media and regulation of screen time. This should be taken into account when developing interventions.

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Oxidative Stress and Thyroid Functions.

Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-19-2683

Ramadan fasting might be beneficial for digestive health, if appetite control and balanced diet is achieved. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on thyroid glands and some biochemical parameters in Turkish people living in Yozgat region. A total of 40 healthy subjects (20 men and 20 women) aged between 21-50 years were randomly recruited. Thyroid nodule volumes, thyroid hormones, body weights, glucose, total Cholesterol (TC), and oxidant stress index (OSI) were measured before Ramadan and at the end of Ramadan. There were beneficial changes in blood parameters and thyroid volumes, after one month of fasting during Ramadan compared with baseline. The Ramadan fasting might affect the radiological and biochemical parameters in healthy Turkish subjects. To improve the favorable digestive health in Ramadan fasting, diet and lifestyle modifications such as, increased intake of healthy foods and physical exercises might be recommended.

Veterinary Healthcare Open Access

The Dietary Cation Anion Balance Exacerbates the Effects of Inorganic Phosphates on Parameters of Phosphate Metabolism in Cats

Jul 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-24-5146

Dietary intake of inorganic phosphates is linked to various adverse health effects. Excessive intake of highly soluble inorganic phosphates, which are used as feed and food additives, have been found to impair parameters of kidney health. As chronic kidney disease represents one of the most frequently occurring terminal diseases especially in cats, extensive knowledge regarding the safety of these additives is important. Other minerals, such as calcium, can modulate their effects on the phosphate homeostasis and kidney health. Therefore, it is crucial to examine further factors, such as the dietary cation-anion balance (CAB), resulting from the concentrations of major minerals in a diet. In this study, eleven healthy cats were fed a control diet and two diets with added sodium monophosphate (NaH2PO4) with either a low (-10 mmol/kg dry matter) or high (+450 mmol/kg dry matter) CAB for 28 days each. The serum concentrations of phosphate and parameters of phosphate homeostasis were determined in the fasting and postprandial blood samples next to the apparent digestibility and retention of phosphate and calcium. The diet with positive CAB led to an increase of serum phosphate and the phosphatonin FGF23, apparently digested phosphate, and phosphate retention. This is further proof that source and amount of phosphates in a diet are not the only determinants of the extent of potential adverse health effects. Until the interactions between inorganic phosphates and other dietary compounds are fully understood, recommendations regarding the safe use of phosphate containing additives in pet food are precarious.

Evaluation of Cinnamon Supplementation on Insulin Resistance, BMI and Estradiol Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-22-4315

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious multifactorial disorder. This study intended to assess the effect of cinnamon supplementation on estradiol level, and fasting- and two-hour (2 hpp) insulin and sugar levels in women with PCOS. Material and Methods This study was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial (RCT), conducted between January 2019 until December 2020, at Gynecology Clinic Sarem Women’s Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Patients with PCOS, 130 subjects (65 person/ group) were diagnosed using Rotterdam diagnostic criteria. All participants received daily treatment consisting of 1500 mg metformin and 1000 mg cinnamon per day for 12 weeks. An evaluation of serum AMH level was conducted before and after the completion of therapy. Results Cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced the estradiol, fasting glucose and 2hpp glucose, fasting insulin and 2 hpp insulin, BMI and weight levels after intervention. The highest reduction was observed in fasting glucose, 2 hpp insulin, and estradiol groups after intervention (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between the means of BMI (P<0.01), fasting sugar (P<0.01), and 2 hpp glucose (P<0.01) before and after intervention. Conclusion Cinnamon supplementation, as a safe herbal product, can be prescribed with metformin to improve the symptoms and complications of PCOS.

Dose Response of Total Saponins Isolated from the Stem Bark of Dialium Guineense

Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-22-4102

The safety of plant-derived bioactive compounds has become a global concern. The present study investigated the dose response of total saponins isolated from the stem bark of Dialiumguineense. Adultmale Wistar rats (n = 15) weighing 170 – 190 g (mean weight = 180 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to three groups (5 rats per group). The rats received varied doses of total saponins isolated from the stem bark of the medicinal plant (50 - 150 mg/kg body weight, bwt) orally for a period of 9 days. The concentration of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was used as the therapeutic index.The results of the analysis revealed that total saponins isolated from the stem bark of D. guineense significantly reduced the Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) levels of normal Wistar rats (p < 0.05). The graded and quantal dose-response curves showed that150 mg/kg bwt was effective in reducing the blood glucose of rats (produced the best hypoglycemic effect). The study concluded that total saponins isolated from the stem bark of D. guineense possesses hypoglycemic effect at a relatively good dose.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome Among Teaching Staff of Engineering Colleges in Central India

Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-20-3672

Background Prevalence of Metabolic syndrome is high among Asians including Indians, and is high among those having sedentary occupations. Teaching is one of the important occupations, which demands no strenuous physical activity. However, there is little information available about the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among teaching staff of engineering college. Hence, the present study was conducted to study its prevalence, certain risk factors and co-morbidities among teaching staff of engineering institutes. Methods Teachers from engineering colleges of Nagpur city were the study subjects. Data was collected by interview technique. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations like Fasting blood glucose, High Density Lipoproteins and Serum Triglycerides were done. National Cholesterol Evaluation Programme (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel Three (ATPIII) criteria were used to study Metabolic syndrome. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements like height, weight and waist circumference were obtained by standard methods. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 20.5%. It was 25.32% in females and 19.31% in males. It was more common in subjects of higher age group, muslim religion, and among widows and separated. Alcohol consumption, smoking and sedentary life style was found to be significantly associated with presence of metabolic syndrome. Frozen shoulder, fungal infection and stroke were common co morbidities found among subjects having metabolic syndrome.

Impact of Low Birth Weight on Early Vascular Aging and Cardiometabolic Phenotypes in Later Life Among Cameroonian Adults

Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3463

Background Evidence suggests that low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk in adulthood, including increased arterial stiffness, a marker of early vascular aging (EVA) assessable by pulse wave velocity (PWV), obesity and glucose homeostasis abnormalities. The present study aimed to explore the late impact of LBW on PWV and cardiometabolic phenotypes among young adult Cameroonians. Methods The study evaluated 120 subjects (mean age: 26 ± 5 years; 54% male sex) at the Cameroon Heart Institute, Douala, Cameroon, between January and June 2018. Birth weight (BW) and gestational age, sociodemographic, anthropometrics and fasting capillary blood glucose were recorded in all participants. Blood pressure (BP) and PWV were measured using an automatic oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph®). Multiple-adjusted linear regression was used to determine predictive factors for PWV. For assessment of potential impact of BW on EVA, PWV was adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Results 28 participants (23.3%) of the study sample had LBW (<3000g). There was no gender difference between LBW or normal birth weight patients (NBW; controls). Age- and MAP-adjusted PWV (aPWV) were higher in women with LBW compared to NBW (5.6 m/s and 5.3 m/s respectively, P = 0.038). In men, aPWV was similar in LBW and NBW. In this study population, aPWV was higher (on average +15 cm/s) in LBW than in controls, although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.083). Multivariate regression analysis showed age, male sex, BMI and MAP were independent determinants of PWV, but not LBW. Compared to NBW controls, the prevalence of overweight/obesity, impaired glucose homeostasis and diabetes was higher in LBW: 42.9% vs 37%; 10.7% vs 3.3%, and 3.6 % vs 1.1%, respectively. Moreover, compared with controls, LBW individuals who were overweight/obese in adulthood had a much higher mean fasting capillary glucose (1.54 ±0.17 g/l vs 0.87 ±0.11 g/l in NBW, p=0.003). Conclusion This study suggests that although LBW is associated with increased aortic stiffness in young adulthood, mainly in women, the association was predominantly driven by aging, MAP, BMI and male sex. In adulthood, LBW subjects exhibited higher obesity indices and altered glucose homeostasis.

Efficacy of DHA and EPA on Serum Triglyceride Levels of Healthy Participants: Systematic Review

Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2469

Background Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are categorized as omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are present in fish oil, etc. DHA and EPA omega-3 PUFAs have a well-established fasting serum triglycerides (TG) lowering effect that may result in normal lipidemia in hyperlipidemic patients. In general, omega-3 PUFAs, such as DHA and EPA, can be ingested easily, and because they are highly safe, they are assumed to be suitable for controlling fasting serum TG in the serum of those who do not require drug treatment. To the best of our knowledge, however, almost all systematic reviews on the effects of omega-3 PUFAs on lowering fasting serum TG are directed at patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of dyslipidemia. Objectives To review and confirm the preventive effect of omega-3 PUFAs against hypertriglyceridemia or the effect on nondrug treatment in patients with a mild disease, a systematic review was conducted to determine whether there was a fasting serum TG-lowering effect in subjects without disease and those with a slightly higher triglyceride level who consumed DHA and/or EPA orally compared to those with placebo or no intake of DHA and/or EPA. Search Methods We evaluated articles from searches of PubMed (1946-February 2016), Ichushi-Web (1977-February 2016), and J Dream III (JST Plus, 1981-February 2016; JMED Plus, 1981-February 2016). The keywords were set as follows: “DHA” or “docosahexaenoic acid” or “EPA” or “eicosapentaenoic acid” and “TG” or “triglyceride” or “triglycerol” or “triacylglycerol” or “neutral lipid.”. In addition to the literature group obtained by the database search, we included participants not suffering from any disease (i.e., excluding mild hypertriglyceridemia). Eligibility Criteria Before the test selection process, the following inclusion criteria were defined. Participants were healthy men and women including those with mild hypertriglyceridemia (fasting serum TG level, 150-199 mg/dL [1.69-2.25 mmol/L)). Intervention was defined as orally ingested DHA and/or EPA. Comparison was made to placebo intake or no intake of DHA and/or EPA. Results were measured for the fasting serum TG level. The test design was RCT, and quasi-RCT. Data Abstraction Various characteristics were extracted from original reports using a standardized data extraction form, including the author of the study, research year, research design, subject characteristics (sex, age, sample size), period, dose of DHA and/or EPA (mg/day), and comparison group. Main Results We identified 37 documents for review. Among the 37 reports used to integrate literature results, 25 revealed a decrease in fasting serum TG level ​​due to the oral ingestion of DHA and/or EPA. Sixteen studies on subjects without disease and 21 on subjects with slightly higher fasting serum TG levels were separated and stratified analysis was conducted. Ten of the 16 (normal TG participant) and 15 of the 21 studies (slightly higher TG participant) respectively, indicated that at least 133 mg/day of DHA and/or EPA intervention provided a statistically significant decrease in the fasting serum TG level between an intervention group versus a placebo group.

β-Cell function in type 1 diabetes may not be as low as presumed

Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2313.jeh-17-1756

Objective We aimed to evaluate β-cell function of type 1 diabetic patients (T1DP)s based on fasting and stimulated C-peptide levels. Material and methods Study included 135 T1DPs and 31 healthy subjects. Fasting C-peptide levels were measured in healthy subjects and T1DPs. The Mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) was performed in T1DPs. Fasting and stimulated (90 minute post MMTT) C-peptide levels were measured via electrochemiluminescence assay. Two categorizations were made according to fasting (the first categorization ) and at 90th minute MMTT (the second categorization) C-peptide levels. For the first categorization; the groups were classified as follows: patients with undetectable ≤0.1ng/mL(group1); minimal 0.1-0.8ng/mL(group2); and sustained ≥0.8ng/mL (group3) C-peptide levels. For the second categorization, groups were as follows: patients with undetectable ≤0.1 ng/mL(group1); minimal 0.1-0.8 ng/ml (group2); and sustained ≥0.8ng/mL (group3) in which C peptide levels were increased to ≥150% of fasting C-peptide levels at the 90th minute after MMTT. Results For the first category; 41.5%, 40% and 18.5% of T1DPs were in group1, group2 and group3, respectively. For the second category; 34.8%, 20.7% and 44.4% were in group1, group2 and group3, respectively. In first categorization 58.5% and in second categorization 65.1% of T1DPs had detectable C-peptide levels. 44,4%of the T1DPs had a response to MMTT with C-peptide levels ≥0.8 ng/mL which increased to ≥150% of fasting C-peptide level at the 90th minute after MMTT as it is seen in non-diabetics. Conclusion The present study suggests the presence of functioning β-cells in T1DPs and 44.4 % of T1DPs have a response to MMTT as seen in non-diabetics. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02199470.)

Predictive Value of Some Central Obesity Anthropometric Indicators to Metabolic Risk Factors in Syrian Adolescents

Jan 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1850

Obesity has become a serious health issue worldwide. There is much evidence that obesity among adolescents contributed to worsening blood biochemical profile that leads to development of many non-communicable diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of some central obesity anthropometric indicators to metabolic risk factors in the Syrian male adolescents. A cross-sectional study of a randomly selected sample of 2064 apparently healthy Syrian males’ adolescents from Damascus city, Syria, aged 18 to 19 years was performed. Waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were measured, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Blood pressure (BP) was also measured. Serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), total cholesterol (Chol) were determined. The metabolic risk factors components were defined according to the national criterion. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn to determine appropriate cut-off points of the WC, HC, WHpR and WHtR for defining the performance of these measurements as predictors of metabolic risk factors. The obtained data showed that BP and overall concentrations of TG, Chol and TG/HDL were significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing WC, HC, WHpR and WHtR values. Based on ROC calculation for the measured anthropometric indicators and some metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors, the best WC HC, WHpR, WHtR cut-offs values were ranged between 73.15 - 79.90 cm, 93.75 - 101.10 cm, 0.80 - 0.81, and 0.43 and 0.47, respectively. These cut-off values were lower than the values recommended by the WHO. In conclusion: A significant association between the studied anthropometric indicators and the MetS components has been demonstrated. The best cut-offs of these indicators were defined. These cut-off values were lower than the values recommended by the WHO. Our results indicating that WC, WHpR and WHtR could be better predictors of MetS risk factors in Syrian adolescents.

Effect of 8 Weeks Exercise on Irisin in Obese Women

Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-17-1750

Background The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is escalating at an alarming rate in many developed as well as developing countries. Irisin is a novel muscle and adipose drived chemokine that is, proteolytically processed from the product of the FNDC5 (fibronectin type ш domain containing 5) gene. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of three kind of training on irisin in sedentary obese women. METHODSː33 obese women (medium age: 37.99 ± 3.7 year, height: 1.55 ± 0.03 meter, BMI: 34.6 ± 5.07 kg/m2) participated in the study, on three groups, including endurance, resistance and concurrent. Results After 8 weeks exercise we did not find significant differences in fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and irisin between the groups (P>0.05), but glucose and insulin in resistance groups and irisin in all groups had significant changes (P<0.05). Conclusions In summery in this study in contrast to hypothesis there were no difference between groups of training. It can be hypothesise that the increase of irisin in obese people is one of the preventing ways against of obesity's side effects. Exercise could improve the signaling pathways and consume the fat accumulations, therefore at the end of exercise duration, irisin decreased.

Reversal of Obesity: The Quest for the Optimum Dietary Regimen

Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-17-1548

A new approach to weight loss and weight loss maintenance is urgently needed, with the global epidemic of obesity leading to ever higher levels of chronic disease. This new approach should be cheap and simple, it should maintain essential nutrients and not deplete lean mass, should have minimal adverse effects and be carried out safely at home without support from the healthcare profession. This review looked at the forms of caloric restriction (CR) investigated in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and found that supervised continuous and intermittent CR was more effective than other forms of weight loss over periods from 12 weeks to 2 years and could improve cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors. CR was equally as effective as bariatric surgery, suggesting that it is the post-surgery caloric restriction that has the impact on weight, rather than the surgery itself. Intermittent CR, including alternate day fasting (ADF), was as effective as continuous CR but may show improved compliance and higher lean mass. Unsupervised weight loss maintenance presents a greater problem, since in most weight loss regimens all the weight lost is ultimately regained. Although both continuous and intermittent CR can be effective, it has been found that ADF and a higher protein intake is more likely to maintain the weight loss. These results hold for all age groups and ethnicities and both genders. These findings suggest that intermittent CR, and particularly ADF, may be a viable form of weight loss and maintenance which fulfils all the criteria above. It is therefore recommended that larger RCTs investigate intermittent CR and ADF as a viable and cost effective form of weight loss and weight loss maintenance.

Low Energy Intake Impairs Glucose Regulation and Stamina in Japanese Young Women

Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-1360

Energy intake has been decreasing these ten years in Japan, and low energy intake is remarkable especially among young women. We attempted to show the dietary habits and physiological function including glucose tolerance and stamina for endurance-running in contemporary young Japanese women who take insufficient energy. 85 healthy women aged 20.5±1.1 years were enrolled in the present study. Subjects were categorized in two groups; Group I (n=70) with higher energy intake, and Group II (n=15) with lower energy intake than the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Actual energy intake in Group I was 1598.8±282.1 kcal/day, and it was 1019.9±127.1 kcal/day in Group II (p<0.01). Standard 75-g oral glucose-tolerance test was performed, and the capillary glucose value was measured at the fingertip. In Group I, glucose values at fasting, 30, 60 and 120 min were 75.0±9.1, 132.1±25.2, 120.5±27.4, 105.3±19.5 mg/dl, and those in Group II were 78.9±7.7, 155.8±26.6, 142.2±26.6, 112.3±16.0 mg/dl, respectively. The values of Group II at 30 and 60 min showed significantly high (p< 0.01). Stamina and the intake of protein in Group II were significantly lower than those in Group I (p<0.05), and muscle mass and grip strength were less in Group II than in Group I, though there was no significant difference. We indicated with these results that low skeletal muscle was considered to be responsible for the impairment of glucose regulation in Group II. This study showed that young women with low energy intake should take sufficient energy and build skeletal muscle to prevent the impairment of glucose regulation.

Analysis of Effects of Kale Powder Consumption among Subjects with Potential Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Single-Arm Clinical Study

Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-16-1244

Objective: The prospective intervention study was conducted to investigate the effects of kale powder (Kale juice mixed with water or milk) consumption on metabolic syndrome in subjects with potential metabolic syndrome. Method: In Arita-cho, 149 male and female subjects with potential metabolic syndrome were instructed to consume kale powder for 8 weeks, and its effects on blood pressure, HbA1c, BMI, abdominal circumference, and blood triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, and fasting blood sugar levels were assessed. Additionally, the safety of kale powder was examined. Results: After the 8-week long intake of kale powder, a significant decrease was observed in laboratory and home test-based blood pressure, abdominal circumference, and levels of LDL-C, HDL-C, and fasting blood sugar. Additionally, a hypotensive effect was observed on conducting stratified analysis, in which patients with blood pressure-related diseases were excluded. Furthermore, no safety concerns were identified regarding kale powder. Conclusion: Kale powder had a beneficial effect to maintain optimal blood pressure, blood sugar, and abdominal circumference in subjects with potential metabolic syndrome. Additionally, a hypotensive effect was observed within the normal range in subjects without blood pressure-related diseases.

Mortality, Medical Complications, and Care Indicators Among Stroke Inpatients at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Jeddah-Saudi Arabia

Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-16-1200

Objective: To assess mortality, medical complications, and care indicators among stroke patients admitted to general medical units at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Jeddah-Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all adult patients (>16 years) admitted to KAMC-Jeddah between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, with acute stroke. Data regarding in-hospital stroke mortality and medical complications (pressure ulcer, pneumonia, venous thromboembolism dysphagia, and wheelchair dependency) and stroke care indicators (time-to-CT, carotid imaging, lipid profile, physical therapy, swallowing assessment, nutritional assessment, and length of stay) were collected. Results: Patients included were 208. Acute stroke mortality was 19%, while wheelchair dependency, and dysphagia on discharge were 39% and 56% respectively in general medical units. The incidence of pressure ulcers, pneumonia, and venous thromboembolism was 17%, 14%, and 3%, respectively. Pneumonia (odds ratio OR, 5.5; P = 0.002; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.9–16), abnormal troponin level (OR, 4.4; P = 0.002; 95% CI, 1.7–11),hemorrhagic stroke (OR, 3.9; P = 0.015; 95% CI, 1.3–12), and pressure ulcers (OR, 3.0; P = 0.036; 95% CI, 1.1–8.0) were significantly associated with increased mortality. Median time to CT scan was 117 minutes. Carotid imaging was performed for 67% of ischemic stroke patients, and 65% underwent fasting lipid profile assessment. Assessment by nutritionist, physiotherapist, and swallowing therapist was done for 90%, 76%, and 53% of stroke patients respectively. The median length of stay was 12 days. Conclusion: Acute stroke mortality was 19 %, while wheelchair dependency, and dysphagia on discharge were 39% and 56% respectively in general medical units at KAMC Jeddah. Pneumonia, abnormal troponin, hemorrhagic stroke, and pressure ulcers are associated with increased mortality. Future research is needed to compare outcomes of stroke care between general units and specialized stroke units nationally.

Late Age at Menarche Increased Common Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Overweight and Obese Women

Nov 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-12-154

Objective: To determine whether age at menarche is an independent predictor of common carotid artery intima-media thickness in overweight and obese adult women. Methods: 403 overweight and obese women, aged 18–72 years, were evaluated. We examined the associations among common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), age at menarche, body mass index, central fat accumulation (indirectly measured by waist circumference), and other well-known cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure; fasting serum insulin, glucose and lipids concentrations; insulin resistance (estimated by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance)). Results: CCA-IMT was significantly and positively correlated with age (r=0.632, p<0.001), age of menarche (r=0.156, p<0.01), waist circumference (r=0.110, p<0.05), systolic (r=0.292, p<0.001) and diastolic (r=0.183, p<0.001) blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (r=0.265, p<0.001), triglycerides (r=0.204, p<0.001) and total cholesterol (r=0.396, p<0.001) levels. Conversely, CCA-IMT was negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.111, p<0.05). Age at menarche was associated with CCA-IMT (r=0.156, p<0.01), age (r=0.110, p<0.05) and waist circumference (r=0.121, p<0.05). Multiple linear analysis showed that only age and age at menarche maintained an independent positive relationship with the CCA-IMT. Conclusions: Age at menarche is positively associated with CCA-IMT, independently of common cardiovascular risk factors (adverse glucose and lipid levels, higher blood pressure,insulin resistance, body fatness and central body fat). Late age at menarche can be considered as an independent cardiovascular risk factor in obese subjects.

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Determination of Febuxostat in Human Plasma to Support A Bioequivalence Study

Mar 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-12-173

A reliable, selective and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) assay has been proposed for the determination of febuxostat in human plasma using indomethacin as the internal standard (IS). The analyte and IS were extracted from 200 µL of human plasma via liquid-liquid extraction using methyl tert-butyl ether. Chromatography was performed on Hypurity C18 (100 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column under isocratic conditions. Detection of analyte and IS was done by tandem mass spectrometry, operating in negative ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode. The deprotonated precursor to product ion transitions monitored for febuxostat and indomethacin were m/z 315.1 →271.0 and 356.1→312.0 respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the method were 0.0025 µg/mL and 0.05 µg/mL respectively. The linear dynamic range validated for febuxostat was 0.05-6.00 µg/mL. The intra-batch and inter-batch precision (% CV) was ≤ 7.1 % while the mean extraction recovery was > 87 % for febuxostat across quality control levels. The method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of 80 mg febuxostat tablet formulation in 14 healthy Indian male subjects under fasting and fed condition. The reproducibility in the measurement of study data was demonstrated by reanalysis of 110 incurred samples.

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