scholarly journals Antioxidant Gene Expression in Vocal Hindbrain of a Teleost Fish

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Liao ◽  
Ni Y. Feng ◽  
Andrew H. Bass
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Cellular Respiration ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Antioxidant Genes ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Significant Difference

ABSTRACTPlainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) have a remarkable capacity to generate long duration advertisement calls known as hums, each of which may last for close to two hours and be repeated throughout a night of courtship activity during the breeding season. The midshipman’s striking sound production capabilities provide a unique opportunity to investigate the mechanisms that motor neurons require for withstanding high-endurance activity. The temporal properties of midshipman vocal behaviors are largely controlled by a hindbrain central pattern generator that includes vocal motor neurons (VMN) that directly determine the activity pattern of target sonic muscles and, in turn, a sound’s pulse repetition rate, duration and pattern of amplitude modulation. Of the two adult midshipman male reproductive phenotypes -- types I and II-- only type I males acoustically court females with hums from nests that they build and guard, while type II males do not produce courtship hums but instead sneak or satellite spawn to steal fertilizations from type I males. A prior study using next generation RNA sequencing showed increased expression of a number of cellular respiration and antioxidant genes in the VMN of type I males during the breeding season, suggesting they help to combat potentially high levels of oxidative stress linked to this extreme behavior. This led to the question of whether the expression of these genes in the VMN would vary between actively humming versus non-humming states as well as between male morphs. Here, we tested the hypothesis that to combat oxidative stress, the VMN of reproductively active type I males would exhibit higher mRNA transcript levels for two superoxide dismutases (sod1,sod2) compared to the VMN of type II males and females that do not hum and in general both of which have a more limited vocal repertoire than type I males. The results showed no significant difference insod1transcript expression across reproductive morphs in the VMN and the surrounding hindbrain, and no difference ofsod2across the two male morphs and females in the SH. However, we observed a surprising, significantly lower expression ofsod2transcripts in the VMN of type I males as compared to type II males. We also found no significant difference insod1andsod2expression between actively humming and non-humming type I males in both the VMN and surrounding hindbrain. These findings overall lead us to conclude that increased transcription ofsod1andsod2is not necessary for combatting oxidative stress from the demands of the midshipman high-endurance vocalizations, but warrant future studies to assess protein levels, enzyme activity levels, as well as the expression of other antioxidant genes. These results also eliminate one of the proposed mechanisms that male midshipman use to combat potentially high levels of oxidative stress incurred by motor neurons driving long duration vocalization and provide more insight into how motor neurons are adapted to the performance of extreme behaviors.

scholarly journals Catecholaminergic Fiber Innervation of the Vocal Motor System Is Intrasexually Dimorphic in a Teleost with Alternative Reproductive Tactics

2015 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary N. Ghahramani ◽  
Miky Timothy ◽  
Gurpreet Kaur ◽  
Michelle Gorbonosov ◽  
Alena Chernenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Motor System ◽  
Advertisement Call ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Fiber Density ◽  
Reproductive Tactics ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Behavioral Divergence

Catecholamines, which include the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline, are known modulators of sensorimotor function, reproduction, and sexually motivated behaviors across vertebrates, including vocal-acoustic communication. Recently, we demonstrated robust catecholaminergic (CA) innervation throughout the vocal motor system in the plainfin midshipman fish Porichthys notatus, a seasonal breeding marine teleost that produces vocal signals for social communication. There are 2 distinct male reproductive morphs in this species: type I males establish nests and court females with a long-duration advertisement call, while type II males sneak spawn to steal fertilizations from type I males. Like females, type II males can only produce brief, agonistic, grunt type vocalizations. Here, we tested the hypothesis that intrasexual differences in the number of CA neurons and their fiber innervation patterns throughout the vocal motor pathway may provide neural substrates underlying divergence in reproductive behavior between morphs. We employed immunofluorescence (-ir) histochemistry to measure tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; a rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis) neuron numbers in several forebrain and hindbrain nuclei as well as TH-ir fiber innervation throughout the vocal pathway in type I and type II males collected from nests during the summer reproductive season. After controlling for differences in body size, only one group of CA neurons displayed an unequivocal difference between male morphs: the extraventricular vagal-associated TH-ir neurons, located just lateral to the dimorphic vocal motor nucleus (VMN), were significantly greater in number in type II males. In addition, type II males exhibited greater TH-ir fiber density within the VMN and greater numbers of TH-ir varicosities with putative contacts on vocal motor neurons. This strong inverse relationship between the predominant vocal morphotype and the CA innervation of vocal motor neurons suggests that catecholamines may function to inhibit vocal output in midshipman. These findings support catecholamines as direct modulators of vocal behavior, and differential CA input appears reflective of social and reproductive behavioral divergence between male midshipman morphs.

scholarly journals Analysis of sagittal profile and radiographic parameters in symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ang Gao ◽  
Yongqiang Wang ◽  
Miao Yu ◽  
Xiaoguang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Sagittal Profile ◽  
Sacral Slope ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Radiographic Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thoracolumbar Region

Abstract Background Few studies describe thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) as an isolated category, it is frequently classified as the lower thoracic spine or upper lumbar spine. Thus, less is known about the morphology and aetiology of TLDH compared to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The aim of study is to investigate sagittal alignment in TLDH and analyze sagittal profile with radiographic parameters. Methods Data from 70 patients diagnosed with TLDH were retrospectively reviewed. The thoracic-lumbar alignment was depicted by description of curvatures (the apex of lumbar curvature, the apex of thoracic curvature, and inflexion point of the two curvatures) and radiographic parameters from complete standing long-cassette spine radiographs. The rank sum test was utilised to compare radiographic parameter values in each subtype. Results We found two subtypes differentiated by the apex of thoracic kyphotic curves. The sagittal profile was similar to that of the normal population in type I, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the middle thoracic spine. The well aligned thoracic-lumbar curve was disrupted in type II, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the thoracolumbar region in type II patients. Thirty-six patients were classified as type I, and 34 patients were classified as type II. The mean sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle and L1 pelvic angle were 27.9 ± 24.8°, 8.2 ± 7.3° and 6.2 ± 4.9°, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.001) of thoracolumbar angle between type I (14.9 ± 7.9°) and type II patients (29.1 ± 13.7°). Conclusions We presented two distinctive sagittal profiles in TLDH patients, and a regional kyphotic deformity with a balanced spine was validated in both subtypes. In type I patients, disc degeneration was accelerated by regional kyphosis in the thoracolumbar junction and eventually caused disc herniation. In type II patients, excessive mechanical stress was directly loaded at the top of the curve (thoracolumbar apex region) rather than being diverted by an arc as in a normal population or type I patients. Mismatch between shape and sacral slope value was observed, and better agreement was found in Type II patients.

Cellular studies of peripheral neurons in siphon skin of Aplysia californica

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 530-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Bailey ◽  
V. F. Castellucci ◽  
J. Koester ◽  
E. R. Kandel
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Synaptic Input ◽  
Firing Pattern ◽  
White Cell ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Peripheral Neurons ◽  
Peripheral Neuron ◽  
Type I Neuron ◽  
Kinetics Of

1. To account for the similarity in the kinetics of habituation between the central and peripheral components of siphon withdrawal, we have tested the idea (52) that each centrally located mechanoreceptor sensory neuron sends two branches to siphon motor neurons; one to centrally located siphon motor neurons and a collateral branch that remains in the periphery and innervates the peripheral siphon motor neurons. 2. We have found a group of peripheral siphon motor neurons and tested the connection onto these cells by central mechanoreceptors. In addition, we have defined by various electrophysiological and morphological criteria two general classes of peripheral neurons that lie along the course of the siphon nerve. 3. One class (type I) consists of only a single cell in each animal. This peripheral neuron typically has the largest cell body found lying along the siphon nerve and is the only peripheral nerve cell that appears white when viewed under epi-illumination. The type I neuron often has a highly regular firing pattern, which occurs in the absence of spontaneous synaptic input. The three-dimensional morphology of this neuron suggests a paucity of fine processes, most of which do not arborize and may terminate in the connective tissue sheath. Fine structural observations of the peripheral white cell have revealed the presence of large densecore granules. The peripheral type I neuron is similar in most of its electrophysiological and morphological properties to central neurons postulated to be neurosecretory. The peripheral white cell is, at present, the only peripheral neuron we can identify with certainty as a unique individual. 4. The second class (type II) of peripheral neurons are siphon motor neurons for the peripheral component of the siphon-withdrawal reflex. In contrast to the type I neurons, members of the second class of peripheral neurons possess smaller, more spherical cell bodies that have varying amounts of orange pigmentation and which give rise to a relatively well-developed and arborized dendritic tree. Type II neurons feature an irregular spontaneous firing pattern that is occasionally modulated by a rich spontaneous synaptic input. Peripheral siphon motor neurons have restricted motor fields that produce contraction of the mantle floor and the base of the siphon. Most of the type II neurons were found to be electrically coupled to one another. 5. The peripheral siphon motor neurons resemble the central siphon motor neurons in that they receive a collateral synapse from centrally located mechanoreceptor sensory neurons. This peripheral sensory-to-motor synapse exhibits the same kinetics of decrement as its central counterpart, both of which parallel behavioral habituation. 6. The rich mechanoreceptor input onto the relatively isolated dendritic trees of the peripheral siphon motor neurons provide a uniquely restricted neuropil to study the sensory-to-motor synapse. The peripheral motor neurons may, therefore, be a useful simple preparation for the cellular study of behavioral plasticity.

RA05.04: MANAGEMENT & OUTCOMES OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAKS FOLLOWING ESOPHAGECTOMY: A PROSPECTIVE 10-YEAR SINGLE-SITE EXPERIENCE

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 28-28
Author(s):  
Joel Lambert ◽  
Sanya Caratella ◽  
Eloise Lawrence ◽  
Bilal Alkhaffaf
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Anastomotic Leak ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Type I ◽  
Oral Contrast ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Anastomotic Leaks ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is associated with high levels of morbidity and may impact negatively on oncological outcomes. The aim of this single centre study was to describe our experience in managing these complications Methods From 2007–2017 data was reviewed retrospectively from our prospectively maintained electronic database. All patients underwent either 2 or 3 phase esophagectomy for cancer of the oesophagus or esophago-gastric junction. All histological sub-types and stage of cancer were included in the analysis. Anastomotic leaks were classified according to the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) guidelines; type I—conservative management, type II—non-surgical intervention, type III—surgical intervention. Results 224 esophagectomies were included in our analysis (104 (46%) minimally invasive, 120 (54%) open approach). The incidence of all anastomotic leaks was 10% (23/224). Surgical approach did not influence the incidence of anastomotic leak (minimally invasive 10 (43%), open approach 13(57%), P = 0.76). Five patients (22%) had a type I leak, 9 patients (39%) type II and 9 (39%) had a type III leak. There was an increase in the number of leaks managed non-surgically over the last 5 years compared to those in the first five years of our dataset (2012–2017: 11/23 (48%) vs 2007–2012: 4/23 (17%) P = 0.08). The median time for leak diagnosis was 8 days. Most leaks were diagnosed with oral contrast CT 19 (83%). Median hospital stay after anastomotic leak was 58.5 days. Type III leaks were associated with an increased length of stay (median 84 days) compared to type I&II leaks (median (38.5 days) (P = 0.002 95% CI 18.19- 74.41). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between type I&II (0 patients) and type III leaks (1 patient) P = 0.260. Conclusion Low mortality rates with anastomotic leak can be achieved. In centres with experienced radiological and endoscopic skills, most anastomotic leaks can be managed non-surgically. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Close Reduction Percutaneous Pinning (CRPP) versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) for Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Gartland Type II and III: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-193
Author(s):  
Putu Astawa ◽  
Made Agus Maharjana ◽  
Surya Adisthanaya ◽  
Made Winatra Satya Putra ◽  
Agus Suarjaya Putra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fixed Effect Model ◽  
Cosmetic Outcome ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Supracondylar Humerus Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Humerus Fractures

Introduction: Displaced supracondylar fracture in children is a challenging injury that may result in impaired functional and cosmetic outcome if not well-treated. Utilization of Closed Reduction and Percutaneus Pinning (CRPP) increased for this pathology, some authors believe ORIF results better anatomical reduction and lower rate of loss of reduction. Study aims to compare CRPP and ORIF for pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture. Method: Systematic review was conducted based on PRISMA guideline. Inclusion criteria were age <18 years old, comparing CRPP and ORIF for Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Gartland Type II, II.Studies of one surgical technique, Gartland type I, case reports were excluded. For meta-analysis, 6 studies were included and fixed effect model used to pool the result. In each study, mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for dichotomous outcomes using Review Manager. Result: Total of 252 patients aged 0-15 years old were included. CRPP more often performed than ORIF. Satisfactory outcomes measured by Flynn’s criteria were achieved in 87.74% in CRPP and 86.73% in ORIF patient group, indicating significant difference (Heterogeneity, I2 = 23%; WMD, 1.26; 0.58 to 2.73; P =0.56). Conclusion: Current systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures, ORIF offers a comparable functional and cosmetic outcome compared to CRPP.

Loss of Gadd45a does not modify the pulmonary response to oxidative stress

2005 ◽  
Vol 288 (4) ◽  
pp. L663-L671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Roper ◽  
Sean C. Gehen ◽  
Rhonda J. Staversky ◽  
M. Christine Hollander ◽  
Albert J. Fornace ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Oxidative Dna Damage ◽  
Genotoxic Stress ◽  
Clara Cell ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Alveolar Type ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii

It is well established that exposure to high levels of oxygen (hyperoxia) injures and kills microvascular endothelial and alveolar type I epithelial cells. In contrast, significant death of airway and type II epithelial cells is not observed at mortality, suggesting that these cell types may express genes that protect against oxidative stress and damage. During a search for genes induced by hyperoxia, we previously reported that airway and alveolar type II epithelial cells uniquely express the growth arrest and DNA damage ( Gadd) 45a gene. Because Gadd45a has been implicated in protection against genotoxic stress, adult Gadd45a (+/+) and Gadd45a (−/−) mice were exposed to hyperoxia to investigate whether it protected epithelial cells against oxidative stress. During hyperoxia, Gadd45a deficiency did not affect loss of airway epithelial expression of Clara cell secretory protein or type II epithelial cell expression of pro-surfactant protein C. Likewise, Gadd45a deficiency did not alter recruitment of inflammatory cells, edema, or overall mortality. Consistent with Gadd45a not affecting the oxidative stress response, p21Cip1/WAF1 and heme oxygenase-1 were comparably induced in Gadd45a (+/+) and Gadd45a (−/−) mice. Additionally, Gadd45a deficiency did not affect oxidative DNA damage or apoptosis as assessed by oxidized guanine and terminal deoxyneucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. Overexpression of Gadd45a in human lung adenocarcinoma cells did not affect viability or survival during exposure, whereas it was protective against UV-radiation. We conclude that increased tolerance of airway and type II epithelial cells to hyperoxia is not attributed solely to expression of Gadd45a.

Should All Cases of High-Grade Serous Ovarian, Tubal, and Primary Peritoneal Carcinomas Be Reclassified as Tubo-Ovarian Serous Carcinoma?

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1201-1207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Louise Moss ◽  
Tim Evans ◽  
Philippa Pearmain ◽  
Sarah Askew ◽  
Kavita Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Clear Cell ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Serous Carcinoma ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Type I ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Ovarian Serous Carcinoma ◽  
Significant Difference

IntroductionThe dualistic theory of ovarian carcinogenesis proposes that epithelial “ovarian” cancer is not one entity with several histological subtypes but a collection of different diseases arising from cells of different origin, some of which may not originate in the ovarian surface epithelium.MethodsAll cases referred to the Pan-Birmingham Gynaecological Cancer Centre with an ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal cancer between April 2006 and April 2012 were identified from the West Midlands Cancer Registry. Tumors were classified into type I (low-grade endometrioid, clear cell, mucinous, and low-grade serous) and type II (high-grade serous, high-grade endometrioid, carcinosarcoma, and undifferentiated) cancers.ResultsOvarian (83.5%), tubal (4.3%), or primary peritoneal carcinoma (12.2%) were diagnosed in a total of 583 woman. The ovarian tumors were type I in 134 cases (27.5%), type II in 325 cases (66.7%), and contained elements of both type I and type II tumors in 28 cases (5.7%). Most tubal and primary peritoneal cases, however, were type II tumors: 24 (96.0%) and 64 (90.1%), respectively. Only 16 (5.8%) of the ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas were stage I at diagnosis, whereas 240 (86.6%) were stage III+. Overall survival varied between the subtypes when matched for stage. Stage III low-grade serous and high-grade serous carcinomas had a significantly better survival compared to clear cell and mucinous cases,P= 0.0134. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the high-grade serous ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal carcinomas when matched for stage (stage III,P= 0.3758; stage IV,P= 0.4820).ConclusionsType II tumors are more common than type I and account for most tubal and peritoneal cancers. High-grade serous carcinomas, whether classified as ovarian/tubal/peritoneal, seem to behave as one disease entity with no significant difference in survival outcomes, therefore supporting the proposition of a separate classification of “tubo-ovarian serous carcinoma”.

scholarly journals Oxidative stress in chronic periodontitis patients with type II diabetes mellitus

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 225-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruby Ramya Vincent ◽  
Devapriya Appukuttan ◽  
Dhayanand John Victor ◽  
Aruna Balasundaram
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Clinical Parameters ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Chronic Periodontal Disease ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 1

ABSTRACT Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) refers to the disequilibrium between free radicals and antioxidant defense mechanisms and is significantly implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic degenerative and inflammatory diseases such as chronic periodontal disease (CP) and diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to evaluate the total antioxidants capacity (TAOC) and total oxidants status (TOS) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in CP participants with type II DM. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 participants were allotted into four groups as follows: Group 1: Generalized CP (GCP) without type II DM (n = 20); Group 2: GCP with type II DM (n = 20); Group 3: Type II DM without CP (n = 20); and Group 4: Systemically and periodontally healthy (PH) (n = 20). Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were recorded. Pooled GCF was collected followed by the estimation of TAOC, TOS, and OS index (OSI) using Erel O Colorimetric analysis. Results: The clinical parameters recorded showed the statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between the groups. The mean TAOC value was the highest in PH group. The mean TOS and OSI were higher in Group 1, 2, and 3 participants when compared to the PH participants. All the biochemical parameters evaluated showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between groups. Conclusions: The study further validates the use of OSI as a marker for periodontal disease activity and emphasizes the role of OS in the pathogenesis of Type II diabetic patients with the chronic periodontal disease.

scholarly journals Analyzing the Influence of Modic Changes on Patients with Lower Back Pain Undergoing Conservative Treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Yufeng Chen ◽  
Huilin Yang ◽  
Lianfang Zhang ◽  
Yue Wang ◽  
Jun Zou
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Lower Back Pain ◽  
Modic Changes ◽  
Nonsurgical Treatment ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Modic Type ◽  
Vas Scores

Objective. This study aimed to investigate if the presence of Modic changes (MCs) was correlated with lower back pain (LBP) and LBP-related disability in patients who underwent nonsurgical treatment. Methods. In this study, 129 patients who experienced consecutive LBP and underwent lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging in our institute were divided into three groups according to the presence or type of MCs. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess the outcomes of the treatment. Results. Based on the achieved results, there was no significant difference between three groups before treatment (P>0.05). Three months after undergoing nonsurgical treatment, the rates of improved ODI and VAS scores were statistically significantly different (P=0.014,  0.023). After an additional 3 months of treatment, in patients with Modic type I changes, the symptoms significantly improved in comparison with those 3 months prior (P=0.037,  0.026), while that improvement did not occur in patients with Modic type II changes (P>0.05). Conclusions. The existence of MCs affects the outcomes of nonsurgical treatment in patients with LBP. However, symptoms can be improved after an additional round of treatment for Modic type I changes, while this is not confirmed for Modic type II changes.

scholarly journals Significant Differences in the Prevalence of Elevated HbA1c Levels for Type I and Type II Diabetics Attending the Parirenyatwa Diabetic Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurai Z. Chako ◽  
Heather Phillipo ◽  
Erisi Mafuratidze ◽  
Danai Tavonga Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Glycemic Control ◽  
Public Health Facility ◽  
Poor Glycemic Control ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Type Ii Diabetics ◽  
Hba1c Levels

Diabetics have chronically elevated glucose levels. High levels of glucose result in nonenzymatic formation of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Therefore, elevated HbA1c is a good indicator of poorly controlled diabetes. We used the standard HbA1c method to determine glycemic control in diabetics attending a public health facility in Harare, Zimbabwe. Our study sought to assess the prevalence of elevated HbA1c amongst treated diabetics and compare the HbA1c levels by type of diabetes. The cross-sectional study was carried out at one of the main public health centres in Zimbabwe: the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare. Type I and type II diabetics were recruited and had their blood HbA1c levels measured. The standard one tailed proportion z test was used to test the hypothesis at 5% significance level. Combined prevalence of type I and type II diabetics with elevated HbA1c was 27%. There was no significant difference in levels of HbA1c by age and sex. Over half (54%) of Type I diabetics had elevated HbA1c, suggesting poor glycemic control. In contrast only 24% of the Type II diabetics studied had elevated HbA1c. The difference in proportion of Type I and Type II diabetics with elevated HbA1c suggestive of poor glycemic control was significant (P=0.0067).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document