Relationship of Telomere Length to Fat Redistribution in HIV

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common among type 2 diabetes (T2D) and increases the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular diseases. Shorter leukocyte telomere length is associated with CKD in patients with T2D. We previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with leukocyte telomere length in Asian population. In this study, we elucidated the association of these SNPs with CKD in patients with T2D using Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods The cross-sectional association of 16 leukocyte telomere length SNPs with CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml/min/1.73m2 was assessed among 4,768 (1,628 cases, 3,140 controls) participants in the Singapore Study of Macro-angiopathy and Micro-vascular Reactivity in Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy cohorts. MR analysis was performed using the random-effect inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, the weighted median, MR-Egger and Radial MR adjusted for age and sex-stratified by cohorts and ethnicity (Chinese and Malays), then meta-analysed. Results Genetically determined shorter leukocyte telomere length was associated with increased risk of CKD in patients with T2D (meta-IVW adjusted odds ratio = 1.51 [95% confidence interval, 1.12 - 2.12; P = 0.007; Phet= 0.547]). Similar results were obtained following sensitivity analysis. MR-Egger analysis (intercept) suggested no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (β = 0.010, P = 0.751). Conclusions Our findings suggest that genetically determined leukocyte telomere length is associated with CKD in patients with T2D. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the causal role of telomere length in CKD progression.

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Diabetes and COVID19: a bidirectional relationship

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1038/s41430-021-00961-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ranjit Unnikrishnan ◽

Anoop Misra

Keyword(s):

Clinical Care ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Respiratory Involvement ◽

Pancreatic Damage ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Bidirectional Relationship ◽

Rapid Spread ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

New Onset

AbstractThe advent and rapid spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID19) pandemic across the world has focused attention on the relationship of commonly occurring comorbidities such as diabetes on the course and outcomes of this infection. While diabetes does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of COVID19 infection per se, it has been clearly demonstrated that the presence of hyperglycemia of any degree predisposes to worse outcomes, such as more severe respiratory involvement, ICU admissions, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality. Further, COVID19 infection has been associated with the development of new-onset hyperglycemia and diabetes, and worsening of glycemic control in pre-existing diabetes, due to direct pancreatic damage by the virus, body’s stress response to infection (including cytokine storm) and use of diabetogenic drugs such as corticosteroids in the treatment of severe COVID19. In addition, public health measures taken to flatten the pandemic curve (such as lockdowns) can also adversely impact persons with diabetes by limiting their access to clinical care, healthy diet, and opportunities to exercise. Most antidiabetic medications can continue to be used in patients with mild COVID19 but switching over to insulin is preferred in severe disease.

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Diabetes and COVID19: a bidirectional relationship

Nutrition and Diabetes ◽

10.1038/s41387-021-00163-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ranjit Unnikrishnan ◽

Anoop Misra

Keyword(s):

Clinical Care ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Respiratory Involvement ◽

Pancreatic Damage ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Bidirectional Relationship ◽

Rapid Spread ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

New Onset

AbstractThe advent and rapid spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID19) pandemic across the world has focused attention on the relationship of commonly occurring comorbidities such as diabetes on the course and outcomes of this infection. While diabetes does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of COVID19 infection per se, it has been clearly demonstrated that the presence of hyperglycemia of any degree predisposes to worse outcomes, such as more severe respiratory involvement, ICU admissions, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality. Further, COVID19 infection has been associated with the development of new-onset hyperglycemia and diabetes, and worsening of glycemic control in pre-existing diabetes, due to direct pancreatic damage by the virus, body’s stress response to infection (including cytokine storm) and use of diabetogenic drugs such as corticosteroids in the treatment of severe COVID19. In addition, public health measures taken to flatten the pandemic curve (such as lockdowns) can also adversely impact persons with diabetes by limiting their access to clinical care, healthy diet, and opportunities to exercise. Most antidiabetic medications can continue to be used in patients with mild COVID19 but switching over to insulin is preferred in severe disease.

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Relationship between benzodiazepine prescription, aggressive behavior, and behavioral disinhibition: a retrospective study in a Swiss prison

Harm Reduction Journal ◽

10.1186/s12954-021-00504-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Stéphanie Baggio ◽

Vladan Starcevic ◽

Patrick Heller ◽

Karen Brändle ◽

Irina Franke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Aggressive Behavior ◽

Propensity Score Matching ◽

Potential Role ◽

Behavioral Disinhibition ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Benzodiazepine Use ◽

Logistic Regressions ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed in prisons amidst the controversies surrounding their potential role in causing behavioral disinhibition and aggressive behavior and their association with use and trafficking of illicit and addictive substances. The present study aimed to (1) ascertain the relationship between benzodiazepine prescription (including their dosage and duration of use) and aggressive behavior and behavioral disinhibition in prison and (2) investigate whether there was an association between benzodiazepine prescription, (including their dosage and duration of use) and using and trafficking illicit and addictive substances during imprisonment. Methods Data were extracted from the electronic database of an “open” Swiss prison (n = 1206, 1379 measures) over a 5-year period (2010–2015). Measures included benzodiazepine prescription, duration of benzodiazepine use and mean dosage, and punishable behaviors (physical and verbal aggression, disinhibited but not directly aggressive behaviors, property damage or theft, substance-related offenses, and rule transgression). We assessed the relationship between benzodiazepine prescription and punishable behaviors after propensity score matching. Logistic regressions were also used to test the relationship of benzodiazepine use duration and dosage with punishable behaviors among participants who received benzodiazepines. Results After propensity score matching, benzodiazepine prescription was not significantly associated with any punishable behavior. Among detained persons who took benzodiazepines, there was no significant association of dosage and duration of use with offenses involving illicit or addictive substance use or trafficking. Conclusions Our study did not empirically support the occurrence of increased aggressive or disinhibited behaviors or increased risk of substance abuse in detained persons who received benzodiazepines in prison. This suggests a need to reconsider restrictions in prescribing benzodiazepines in the prison setting.

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Surgical Anatomy for Extended Facelift Techniques

Facial Plastic Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1712472 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (03) ◽

pp. 309-316

Author(s):

Ozcan Cakmak ◽

Ismet Emrah Emre

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Soft Tissues ◽

Extended Techniques ◽

Surgical Anatomy ◽

Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Face ◽

Facial Soft Tissues ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

AbstractPreservation of the facial nerve is crucial in any type of facial procedure. This is even more important when performing plastic surgery on the face. An intricate knowledge of the course of the facial nerve is a requisite prior to performing facelifts, regardless of the technique used. The complex relationship of the ligaments and the facial nerve may put the nerve at an increased risk of damage, especially if its anatomy is not fully understood. There are several danger zones during dissection where the nerve is more likely to be injured. These include the areas where the nerve branches become more superficial in the dissection plane, and where they traverse between the retaining ligaments of the face. Addressing these ligaments is crucial, as they prevent the transmission of traction during facelifts. Without sufficient release, a satisfying pull on the soft tissues may be limited. Traditional superficial musculoaponeurotic system techniques such as plication or imbrication do not include surgical release of these attachments. Extended facelift techniques include additional dissection to release the retaining ligaments to obtain a more balanced and healthier look. However, these techniques are often the subject of much debate due to the extended dissection that carries a higher risk of nerve complications. In this article we aim to present the relationship of both the nerve and ligaments with an emphasis on the exact location of these structures, both in regard to one another and to their locations within the facial soft tissues, to perform extended techniques safely.

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Influence of methyltestosterone postmenopausal therapy on plasma lipids, inflammatory factors, glucose metabolism and visceral fat: a randomized study

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje.1.02065 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 154 (1) ◽

pp. 131-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Lenora M Camarate S M Leão ◽

Mônica Peres C Duarte ◽

Dalva Margareth B Silva ◽

Paulo Roberto V Bahia ◽

Cláudia Medina Coeli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Visceral Fat ◽

Increased Risk

Background: There has been a growing interest in treating postmenopausal women with androgens. However, hyperandrogenemia in females has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: We aimed to assess the effects of androgen replacement on cardiovascular risk factors. Design: Thirty-seven postmenopausal women aged 42–62 years that had undergone hysterectomy were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind protocol to receive, for 12 months, percutaneous estradiol (E2) (1 mg/day) combined with either methyltestosterone (MT) (1.25 mg/day) or placebo. Methods: Along with treatment, we evaluated serum E2, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, lipids, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein; glucose tolerance; insulin resistance; blood pressure; body-mass index; and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat mass as assessed by computed tomography. Results: A significant reduction in SHBG (P < 0.001) and increase in free testosterone index (P < 0.05; Repeated measures analysis of variance) were seen in the MT group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered to a similar extent by both regimens, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased only in the androgen group. MT-treated women showed a modest rise in body weight and gained visceral fat mass relative to the other group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant detrimental effects on fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance. Conclusion: This study suggests that the combination of low-dose oral MT and percutaneous E2, for 1 year, does not result in expressive increase of cardiovascular risk factors. This regimen can be recommended for symptomatic postmenopausal women, although it seems prudent to perform baseline and follow-up lipid profile and assessment of body composition, especially in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Associations of CTLA4 Gene Polymorphisms with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy: A Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Genomics ◽

10.1155/2014/537969 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Pengfei Du ◽

Xiaojie Ma ◽

Changjiang Wang

Keyword(s):

Genetic Model ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Graves Ophthalmopathy ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Exon 1 ◽

Ctla4 Gene ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Susceptible Gene

Many studies have established that T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) is a susceptible gene for Graves’ disease (GD). Also many studies showed the association between the CTLA4 exon-1 49A/G polymorphism and the risk of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) in GD patients. But those results were inconsistent. In recent years many new studies were published which helped to shed light on the relationship of CTLA4 SNP49 with GO. So we performed the meta-analysis to explore the association between the SNP49 and GO susceptibility in GD patients. Studies up to February 29, 2012, were searched by using PubMed. The odds ratio was used to evaluate the strength of the association. Altogether 12 case-control studies involving 2,505 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that the G allele was related to the increased risk of GO compared with the A allele under allelic genetic model (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.14–1.72,P=0.001) in European subgroup. No publication bias was detected. Our results showed that the SNP49 polymorphism of CTLA4 gene was related to increased risk of GO.

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Abstract P329: White Matter Score Does Not Predict Post-tPA Hemorrhage in Elderly Patients Evaluated Acutely via Telestroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p329 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Bilal Tariq ◽

Shekhar Khanpara ◽

Eliana Bonfante Mejia ◽

Liang Zhu ◽

Christy T Ankrom ◽

...

Keyword(s):

White Matter ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

The Elderly ◽

Periventricular White Matter ◽

Severe Stroke ◽

Age Related ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Relationship Of ◽

Patient Presentation

Background: While tPA may be safe in the elderly, increasing age appears to augment risk of post-tPA symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) are associated with increased sICH. Patients evaluated for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) via telestroke (TS) may not have access to MRI to allow incorporation of microbleeds in tPA decisions. We assessed if increased CT-based ARWMC was associated with increased sICH in elderly patients. Methods: Patients 80 years and older who received tPA for AIS at spoke hospitals were selected from our TS network registry from 9/2015 to 12/2018. TS spoke CT scans from patient presentation were reviewed by three of the authors for periventricular white matter (PWMC) and deep white matter (DWMC) changes. Total ARWMC score, based on the Fazekas score, was collected. Total ARWMC score was either mild (0-2), moderate (3-4), or severe (5-6). PWMC and DWMC were either mild (0-1) or moderate-severe (2-3). Logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, NIHSS and premorbid mRS was used to analyze relationship of ARWMC scores with sICH and patient-outcomes. Results: Of 241 patients, median age overall was 86 years (IQR 83-90), and 66% were female. The overall median ARWMC score was 3 (IQR 2-5). Regression analysis showed that more severe ARWMC scores did not lead to higher frequency of post-tPA ICH (moderate OR 0.57, CI 0.19-1.71; severe OR 1.32, CI 0.48-3.65) including sICH (moderate OR 0.78, CI 0.21-2.94; severe OR 2.09, CI 0.62-7.02). Similarly, severe PWMC and DWMC were not associated with increased risk of post-tPA ICH (PWMC OR 1.31, CI 0.51-3.38; DWMC OR 1.25, CI 0.52-3.01), including sICH (PWMC OR 1.61, CI 0.51-5.08; DWMC OR 1.81, CI 0.65-5.01). In our cohort, older patients had no difference in hemorrhage (ICH OR 0.93 CI 0.85-1.00: sICH OR 0.95 CI 0.86-1.04), and patients with less severe stroke were more likely to have hemorrhage (ICH OR 1.06 CI 1.02-1.10; sICH OR 1.08 CI 1.03-1.13). IRR among the CT scan readers was moderate (k=0.504). Conclusions: ARWMC scores were not associated with post-tPA ICH in the elderly. Our analysis lends support for the use of tPA despite severity of white matter disease. ARWMC should not be used to assist in tPA decision-making in elderly patients via telestroke.

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ADHD and addictive disorders: What links?

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.09.085 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 30 (S2) ◽

pp. S28-S28

Author(s):

M. Fatseas

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Adult Adhd ◽

Age At Onset ◽

Addictive Disorders ◽

Increased Risk ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Complicated Course ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

Relationship Of

The links between ADHD and addictive disorders have been the subject of a large number of studies showing a high prevalence rate of ADHD in substance abusing populations as well as an increased risk of substance use disorder (SUD) in ADHD patients that may be independent of other psychiatric conditions. High prevalence of ADHD has also been highlighted among individuals suffering from other addictive disorders such as pathological gambling. Adequate diagnosis of ADHD in SUD patients is challenged by phenomenological aspects of addiction and by frequently associated other psychiatric disorders that overlap with key symptoms of ADHD. A detailed comprehensive search for child and adult symptoms including the temporal relationship of ADHD, substance use and other psychiatric disorders should maximize the validity and the reliability of adult ADHD diagnosis in this population. Further, a follow-up evaluation of ADHD symptoms during treatment of SUD may reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. Finally, it should be noticed that when SUD occurs with ADHD, it is associated with a greater severity of SUD compared to other SUD patients. This has been shown with an earlier age at onset, antisocial behavior, risk for depression, chronicity of substance use, need for hospitalization and likelihood of a complicated course. Recent data suggest that the effects of ADHD on SUD outcomes are independent of other psychiatric comorbidities. This highlights the need of an earlier implementation of preventive interventions for substance use or behavioral addiction in children/adolescents with ADHD and the necessity to consider this disorder in the treatment of addictive disorders. Benefices and risk of MPH in adult patients with addiction and ADHD are discussed.

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Cortisol plasma levels are associated with serotonin - 1A receptor binding in postmenopausal women

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(11)72638-4 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (S2) ◽

pp. 933-933

Author(s):

G. Kranz ◽

A. Hahn ◽

J. Ungersböck ◽

U. Kaufmann ◽

P. Stein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Receptor Binding ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Hormone Replacement ◽

Binding Potential ◽

Serotonin 1A Receptor ◽

Strong Negative Correlation ◽

Logan Plot ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Relationship Of

IntroductionAlterations of the serotonin-1A receptor (5-HT1A) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have been reported in depression and anxiety disorders. We previously showed a strong negative correlation between cortisol plasma levels and 5-HT1A receptor binding potential (BP) in patients with social anxiety disorder but not in healthy controls using PET [1].ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship of cortisol and the 5-HT1A BP in postmenopausal women, a population that is at increased risk of suffering from depressive symptoms.MethodsSubjects: 19 postmenopausal women, aged 55.26 ± 4.98, medication free, no current substance abuse or hormone replacement therapy.PETDynamic measurements (50 frames, 90 min) were performed using the radioligand [carbonyl-11C]WAY100635 and a GE-Advance scanner. PET data were normalized to a ligand-specific template [2]. Regions-of-interest (ROI) were defined as given in [3]. TACs within ROIs were averaged and the 5-HT1A receptor BP was quantified using Logan-plot and PMOD 3.1. Measurement of total cortisol plasma levels was done using electrochemoluminescence.ResultsWe found negative correlations between cortisol and 5-HT1A BP in the midbrain (Spearman's rs = −0.54, p = 0.02), the median raphe nucleus (rs = −0.47, p = 0.04) and the nucleus accumbens (rs = −0.505, p = 0.03).ConclusionsIn line with our previous findings [1], the observed negative association between cortisol plasma levels and 5-HT1A BP might reflect an increased vulnerability for mood disorders in postmenopausal women.

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