Investigating behavior, attitudes, knowledge, awareness and barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice by physiotherapists in Egypt: A cross sectional study.

Few studies exist regarding the attitudes and behaviours of Egyptian physiotherapists in relation to the use of evidence in practice (EBP). The purpose of this study was to describe the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours of Egyptian physical therapists as they relate to evidence-based practice. It also explores their perception of possible barriers to implement EBP. Four hundred and seventy Egyptian therapists responded to our questionnaire with results revealing participants' awareness towards EBP was quite diverse. Only terms of systematic review and randomized controlled trial were well understood while remaining terms showed various level of comprehension which were rather low. Results also revealed significant correlations between attitudes towards EBP and overall awareness as well as attitudes and knowledge (r = 0.270 and 0.107) respectively. In addition, a significant relationship was also found between EBP awareness and knowledge with (r = 0.219). With regards to the barriers, insufficient teaching in previous education was identified as the primary barrier (34.4 %), followed by lack of funding and resources (31.1 %), while lack of time (10.2 %) was reported as the least. These barriers highlight the need to enhance implementation of EBP within Egyptian Physiotherapists. Findings of this study can be used as a foundation for the implementation of EBP in various clinical settings by understanding the limitations and barriers reported. Our study concluded that despite Egyptian physiotherapists declare their awareness of EBP, nevertheless, knowledge is restricted to a small number of terms. More focus is required to enhance the knowledge and practice of EBP. Focusing on adjustable factors, including increasing the awareness of value of research would help reduce time and resource demands for physiotherapists when implementing EBP.

Numerical thermal study of ternary nanofluid influenced by thermal radiation towards convectively heated sinusoidal cylinder.

Applications: The heat transfer remains a huge problem for industrialists and engineers because many production processes required considerable amount of heat to finish the process successfully. Although, conventional fluids have large scale industrial applications but unable to provide huge amount of heat transfer. Therefore, the study is organized to propose a new ternary heat transfer model using different physical constraints. The key applications area of nanofluid heat transfer are chemical, applied thermal and food processing engineering. Purpose: and Methodology: The key purpose of this research is introduce a new ternary nanofluid model using the impressive effects of thermal radiations, surface convection and saddle/nodal points. The results simulated via RKF-45 and discussed in detail. Core findings: The strength of Al2O3 nanoparticles form 1%-7% (keeping fixed CuO and Cu as 4% and 6%) and s1 = -0.2,-0.4,-0.6,-0.8 controlled the fluid movement while s1 = 0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8 boosted the velocity. Increasing the convection process Bi = 0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4 increased the temperature significantly. Further, shear drag is maximum for ternary nanofluid and thermal radiations Rd = 0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4 enhances the heat transfer rate.

Association of Sociodemographic Factors with Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Arab and Non-Arab Individuals of Both Sexes during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We explored the association of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors with self-reported physical activity (PA) and sleep quality in Arab and non-Arab individuals of both sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, 638 participants (those recovered from COVID-19 = 149, and non-infected = 489) of both sexes aged 18-55 years were recruited. Their sociodemographic and anthropometric information, PA (self-reported using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-form [IPAQ-SF)]) and sleep quality (self-reported using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) were documented. The association between participants' characteristics, PA levels, and sleep quality were determined using the chi-squared test. Variables significantly associated with IPAQ and PSQI in bivariate analyses were included in a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Men were more active than women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, p = 0.010), and non-Arab participants were more active than Arab ones (OR = 1.49, p = 0.037). Participants ≥40 years, men, non-Arab participants, and those who were working were more likely to have a good sleep quality than those ≤40 years (OR 1.70, p = 0.048), women (OR 1.10, p = 0.725), Arab individuals (OR 1.95, p = 0.002), and unemployed people (OR 2.76, p = 0.007). Male and non-Arab participants seemed to have a better self-reported PA and sleep quality compared to female and Arab participants, during the pandemic.

Intermediate and long-term outcomes of fibroadenoma excision in adolescent and young adult patients.

Fibroadenomas are benign breast masses that often occur in adolescence and young adulthood. Primary management options include observation or surgical excision, but little is known about long-term outcomes after fibroadenoma excision in adolescents. In the present study, we reviewed the medical records of females aged 13-35 years who underwent fibroadenoma excision at our institution from 1986 through 2010. Patients were included if they had excision of at least 1 fibroadenoma (confirmed by histopathology) smaller than 5 cm in maximal diameter. We collected information pertaining to clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. In addition, an investigator-designed long-term outcome survey was sent to 138 eligible participants to assess patient satisfaction, as well as the recurrence of fibroadenoma, and the need or desire for further surgical intervention. Most patients (126 of 138) underwent 1 operation for fibroadenoma excision. Three women underwent immediate breast reconstruction at fibroadenoma excision. Fifty-seven patients completed the investigator-designed survey (response rate, 41.3%) with a median follow-up time of 13.5 (range, 2.0-26.7) years. Nine of 55 patients (16.4%) reported postoperative breast asymmetry and the desire to pursue reconstructive surgery. Three survey responders reported breast pain. Fourteen of 56 women (25.0%) reported the diagnosis of 1 or more additional fibroadenomas after the initial excision; another 7 reported recurrence of the mass at the site of excision. Most survey participants were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of their fibroadenoma excision; however, a small proportion believed that they would benefit from reconstructive breast surgery. The recurrence and development of additional fibroadenomas should be addressed by providers during counseling for treatment options and postoperative follow-up.

The National Physicians Cooperative: transforming fertility management in the cancer setting and beyond.

Once unimaginable, fertility management is now a nationally established part of cancer care in institutions, from academic centers to community hospitals to private practices. Over the last two decades, advances in medicine and reproductive science have made it possible for men, women and children to be connected with an oncofertility specialist or offered fertility preservation soon after a cancer diagnosis. The Oncofertility Consortium's National Physicians Cooperative is a large-scale effort to engage physicians across disciplines - oncology, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and behavioral health - in clinical and research activities to enable significant progress in providing fertility preservation options to children and adults. Here, we review the structure and function of the National Physicians Cooperative and identify next steps.

Psychiatric disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder affecting up to 15% of women in the reproductive age. Prior studies suggest that PCOS can be associated with mood and psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of any psychiatric disorder in women with PCOS. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus through February 08, 2017 for studies that examined the prevalence of any psychiatric disorder in adolescents or adults with a clinical or biochemical diagnosis of PCOS. We used a random-effects model to generate pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We included 57 studies reporting on 172,040 patients. The majority of studies addressed depression and anxiety. Studies had fair methodological quality although most estimates were unadjusted. Women with PCOS were more likely to have a clinical diagnosis of depression (odds ratio (OR), 2.79; 95% CI, 2.23-3.50), anxiety (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.10-3.60), bipolar disorder (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.43-2.23) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (OR, 1.37; 95% CI 1.22-1.55), but not social phobia or panic disorder. Using various scales, the severity of symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and somatization disorders were higher compared to women without PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS is associated with an increased risk of diagnosis of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is associated with worse symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, and somatization. Screening for these disorders to allow early intervention may be warranted.

Options for Fertility Preservation in Children.

Fertility preservation therapies can conserve future reproductive potential for persons facing serious medical diagnoses. With cure rates for childhood cancer reaching almost 80%, quality-of-life concerns for long-term survivors, including future parenting, are becoming more pertinent. Late effects of childhood cancer can be divided into physical, social, psychological, and spiritual domains. Potential loss of fertility threatens the well-being of these children in all these domains. Providers often hesitate to discuss fertility preservation with the patients. However, parental attitudes toward discussion of fertility preservation have been found to be open to such conversations for both prepubertal and postpubertal children who have a cancer diagnosis. Multiple national and international organizations recommend discussion with all persons having gonadotoxic therapy, including children, regarding the effect of planned treatment on future fertility and their options for fertility preservation. Renal or rheumatologic disease treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide and chromosomal anomalies such as Turner or Klinefelter syndrome may be amenable to fertility preservation. This essay reviews fertility preservation options available to children, as well as the expanding list of indications for fertility preservation.

Can the source of hyperandrogenism in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome predict metabolic phenotype?

In this study, we demonstrated an association between adrenal hyperandrogenism, as determined by dehydroepiandrostenedione-to-free testosterone (DHEA-S/FT) ratio, and metabolic phenotype in obese and lean adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We compared 64 overweight/obese adolescents with PCOS (PCOS-O) with 18 lean (PCOS-L) adolescents. We analyzed the association between DHEA-S/FT ratios and metabolic parameters. Patients in the PCOS-O group were younger (median [interquartile range]) than those in the PCOS-L group (15 [15-17] vs. 16 [16-17] years; p = .04). The median DHEA-S/FT ratio and total testosterone concentrations did not differ. However, androstenedione concentrations were higher in the PCOS-L group (p = .02) and free testosterone levels lower in the PCOS-L group compared with the PCOS-O group (p = .02). Insulin resistance was present in 30 of 64 (46.9%) adolescents with PCOS-O compared with 1 of 18 (5.6%) with PCOS-L (p = .001). A significant negative correlation between DHEA-S/FT ratios and insulin concentrations in PCOS-O (p = .03) and PCOS-L (p = .04) groups was noted. In the PCOS-O group, the DHEA-S/FT ratio was negatively associated with serum triglyceride (p = .03) and total cholesterol concentrations (p = .02). We conclude that in adolescents with PCOS, a higher ratio of adrenal to ovarian androgens, signified by DHEA-S/FT, may be associated with a more favorable metabolic phenotype.

ORAL VERSUS TRANSDERMAL ESTROGEN IN TURNER SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing transdermal estrogens (TDEs) versus oral estrogens (OEs) in Turner syndrome (TS). METHODS: Randomized trials and observational comparative studies with a minimal follow-up of 6 months for skeletal and metabolic outcomes and serum hormone changes were included. Outcomes were pooled with a random effects model and are reported as mean differences between OE and TDE groups and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Of 845 candidate references, 4 studies were included. Both OEs and TDEs were associated with an increase in whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) z-score, with TDE therapy displaying a greater increase. OEs were associated with higher fasting glucose and total cholesterol. Both OEs and TDEs reduced low-density lipo-protein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), with OEs providing a more favorable effect. The use of 17-ß estradiol was associated with a higher total cholesterol and lower LDL-C than TDE. No statistically significant difference was found between OEs and TDEs in body mass index, fat mass, fat free mass, insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, fasting insulin, triglycerides, estradiol, or estrone levels. CONCLUSION: In girls with TS, TDEs may be associated with a more beneficial effect on fasting glucose, cholesterol, and whole-body BMD. However, OEs have a more favorable impact on LDL-C and HDL-C. 17-ß estradiol has a more favorable effect on LDL-C. ABBREVIATIONS: BMI = body mass index BMD = bone mineral density CI = confidence interval HDL-C = high density lipo-protein-cholesterol IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF-BP3 = insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 LDL-C = low density lipoprotein-cholesterol MD = mean difference OE = oral estrogen RCT = randomized controlled trial TDE = transdermal estrogen TS = Turner syndrome.

GLUCOCORTICOID REPLACEMENT REGIMENS IN CHRONIC ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVE: Various glucocorticoid (GC) regimens have been used in the treatment of patients with adrenal insufficiency, yet the differences between such regimens on health outcomes are unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of GC regimens on quality of life (QoL), bone density, incidence of adrenal crisis, and death. In pediatric studies, we also searched for final adult height. METHODS: We searched 6 databases through July 2016. Studies were selected and appraised by independent reviewers. Data were pooled using the profile likelihood random-effects model. RESULTS: We included 34 studies. We found no difference in QoL scores between higher (≥30 mg/day of hydrocortisone [HC] equivalence) vs. lower daily doses (<30 mg/day of HC equivalence) (P = .15) or based on frequency of daily dosing (once, twice or thrice daily). Extended-release (1 study), dual-/modified-release (3 studies), and continuous subcutaneous (3 studies) forms of GCs were associated with higher QoL scores. There was no significant association between dose and type of GC and the incidence of adrenal crises. The effect on bone mineral density was heterogeneous. No data were available on mortality or final adult height in children. The quality of evidence was low due to increased risk of bias, imprecision, and heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Extended-/dual-release, and continuous subcutaneous forms of GC may be associated with higher QoL scores. However, this is derived from short-term and imprecise evidence, warranting low confidence. ABBREVIATIONS: AI = adrenal insufficiency BMD = bone mineral density GC = glucocorticoids HC = hydrocortisone QoL = quality of life RCT = randomized controlled trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents: a review of past year evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite the fact that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder, much remains unknown or controversial regarding the cause, diagnosis, and management of this disorder, particularly in adolescents where normal pubertal events can overlap with the PCOS phenotype. RECENT FINDINGS: We put forth a critical assessment of recent literature on PCOS in adolescents, with particular focus on new information regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, associated morbidities, and management. SUMMARY: Although the evidence is increasing, there is still a critical need for large, prospective studies of adolescents with PCOS. Given the current level of evidence, a definitive diagnosis of PCOS is not necessary to effectively identify and treat manifestations of this syndrome in adolescents. Currently, ovarian imaging is not recommended in the diagnostic evaluation of PCOS in adolescents until high-quality data for defining polycystic ovarian morphology are available in this age group. Weight loss remains the safest and most effective treatment option for obese or overweight adolescents with PCOS. Clinicians should be mindful of the significant associated psychological morbidity and effectively screen and manage these conditions in adolescents with manifestations of PCOS.

ACTH Stimulation Tests for the Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: The diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is clinically challenging and often requires ACTH stimulation tests. OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the high- (250 mcg) and low- (1 mcg) dose ACTH stimulation tests in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. METHODS: We searched six databases through February 2014. Pairs of independent reviewers selected studies and appraised the risk of bias. Diagnostic association measures were pooled across studies using a bivariate model. DATA SYNTHESIS: For secondary adrenal insufficiency, we included 30 studies enrolling 1209 adults and 228 children. High- and low-dose ACTH stimulation tests had similar diagnostic accuracy in adults and children using different peak serum cortisol cutoffs. In general, both tests had low sensitivity and high specificity resulting in reasonable likelihood ratios for a positive test (adults: high dose, 9.1; low dose, 5.9; children: high dose, 43.5; low dose, 7.7), but a fairly suboptimal likelihood ratio for a negative test (adults: high dose, 0.39; low dose, 0.19; children: high dose, 0.65; low dose, 0.34). For primary adrenal insufficiency, we included five studies enrolling 100 patients. Data were only available to estimate the sensitivity of high dose ACTH stimulation test (92%; 95% confidence interval, 81-97%). CONCLUSION: Both high- and low-dose ACTH stimulation tests had similar diagnostic accuracy. Both tests are adequate to rule in, but not rule out, secondary adrenal insufficiency. Our confidence in these estimates is low to moderate because of the likely risk of bias, heterogeneity, and imprecision.

Accuracy of thyroid nodule sonography for the detection of thyroid cancer in children: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid ultrasound (US) is a widely used tool for evaluating thyroid nodules. Various US features have been suggested as predictors of thyroid cancer in children. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of different thyroid US features in detecting thyroid cancer in children. METHODS: We searched multiple online databases for cohort studies that enrolled paediatric patients with thyroid nodules (age <21 years) and evaluated the accuracy of 12 relevant ultrasound features. Diagnostic measures were pooled across studies using a random effects model. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 1199 citations, of which 12 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria (750 nodules). The prevalence of thyroid cancer was 27·2% (40·8% in patients with a history of radiation exposure and 23·2% in patients without a history of exposure to radiation). The most common cancer was papillary thyroid cancer (86·7%). The presence of internal calcifications and enlarged cervical lymph nodes were the US features with the highest likelihood ratio [4·46 (95% CI: 1·87-10·64) and 4·96 (95% CI: 2·01-12·24), respectively] for thyroid cancer. A cystic nodule was the feature with highest likelihood ratio for benign nodules [1·96 (95% CI: 0·87-4·43)]. CONCLUSION: Thyroid US features are not highly accurate predictors of benign or malignant aetiology of thyroid nodules in children. Internal calcification may predict malignancy, and cystic appearance may suggest benign aetiology.

Fasting Glucose Changes in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Compared with Obese Controls: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in fasting glucose among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with those in obese adolescents without PCOS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study of 310 adolescents with PCOS and 250 obese adolescents (age range 13 to 18 years) seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from 1996 to 2012. METHODS: Included for analysis were 98 adolescents with PCOS and 150 obese adolescents who had 2 or more fasting glucose measurements separated by at least 6 months. Adolescents with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or diabetes were excluded. Multivariate models were used to assess predictors of change in fasting glucose. RESULTS: At diagnosis, adolescents with PCOS had lower body mass index (BMI) (kg/m(2)) and older age than obese adolescents (P < .001). Adolescents with PCOS had shorter follow-up (P = .02). Baseline fasting glucose was not different between groups. Mean change in fasting glucose was 2.4 ± 9.4 mg/dL per year for PCOS and 2.2 ± 6.2 mg/dL per year for obese adolescents (P = .83). Significant predictors for change in fasting glucose were BMI and fasting glucose at diagnosis (P < .01). Within the PCOS cohort, BMI was a significant predictor for development of IFG (P = .003). Prevalence of hypertension increased in the PCOS cohort from baseline to follow-up (P = .02). PCOS and BMI were significantly associated with development of HTN in the entire cohort. CONCLUSION: Adolescent girls with PCOS do not show a significant change in fasting glucose or an increased risk for the development of IFG compared with obese adolescents. BMI, not PCOS status, was the strongest predictor for changes in fasting glucose and development of IFG over time.

Phenotypic Characterization of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents Based on Menstrual Irregularity.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents is associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. The association of menstrual irregularity with metabolic risk among adolescents with PCOS was assessed. METHOD: A retrospective medical record review of 366 adolescents with PCOS aged 13-18 years was conducted, from which 265 girls newly diagnosed with PCOS were included and divided into those presenting with primary amenorrhea (PA), secondary amenorrhea (SA) and oligomenorrhea (OM). Androgen concentrations and markers of metabolic risk were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Most subjects presented with OM (PA = 17, SA = 30 and OM = 218). Subjects with PA were younger than those with OM but not different from those with SA. Mean BMI was not different between groups. Total testosterone and insulin levels were higher in PA than SA and OM (p < 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Fasting glucose was higher in PA than OM (p = 0.048) but not different from SA. Triglyceride levels were higher in PA than SA and OM (p < 0.001 each). More subjects with PA and SA had metabolic syndrome (52%) than those with OM (29.1%) (p = 0.027). The differences in triglycerides and glucose persisted despite BMI adjustment in multivariate regression models. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with PCOS presenting with PA are at risk of metabolic disease beyond expected based on BMI.

Association between thyrotropin levels and insulin sensitivity in euthyroid obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Thyrotropin (TSH) levels display a positive association with body mass index (BMI), and the prevalence of isolated hyperthyrotropinemia is higher in obese adolescents compared to their normal weight controls. However, the metabolic significance of the higher TSH in obese adolescents is less clear. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between TSH concentrations and insulin sensitivity, lipids, and adipokines in euthyroid, non-diabetic, obese adolescents. METHODS: Thirty-six euthyroid, non-diabetic, obese adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity (Si) and pancreatic ß-cell function as assessed by disposition index (DI) were measured using the oral glucose minimal model approach. Cholesterol (total, low-density lipoprotein [LDL-C], and high-density lipoprotein [HDL-C]), triglycerides (TG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4) were also determined. Associations between measures of thyroid function and Si, DI, lipids, and adipokines were computed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 14.3±1.88 years, and the mean BMI was 32.5±4.65 kg/m2; 97% were non-Hispanic white and 47% were male. The mean TSH was 2.7±1.2 mIU/L. Increasing serum TSH was correlated with decreasing Si (log Si) in the entire cohort (p=0.03), but this relationship persisted only in males (p=0.02). The correlation between TSH and Si in males remained significant after adjusting for BMI (p=0.02). There was no correlation between TSH and pancreatic ß-cell function as assessed by DI (p=0.48). TSH correlated positively with LDL-C (p=0.04) and IL-6 (p=0.03), but these associations vanished or weakened after adjusting for BMI (LDL-C p-value=0.44; IL-6 p-value=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a sex-specific association between TSH and insulin sensitivity in euthyroid, non-diabetic, obese adolescent males. Prospective studies are warranted to explore further this sexual dimorphism in the relationship between thyroid function and insulin sensitivity and to determine if obese adolescents with insulin resistance receiving thyroid supplements for hypothyroidism would benefit from targeting TSH levels in the lower half of normal range.

Cholecalciferol supplementation does not influence ß-cell function and insulin action in obese adolescents: a prospective double-blind randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D, particularly in the obese state with regard to the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of 2 doses of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplementation on insulin action (Si) and pancreatic ß-cell function in obese adolescents. METHODS: We performed a 12-wk double-blind, randomized comparison of the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on Si and ß-cell function in obese Caucasian adolescents (body mass index > 95(th) percentile). The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 400 IU/d (n = 25) or 2000 IU/d (n = 26) of vitamin D3. Each subject underwent a 7-sample 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, with glucose, insulin, and C-peptide measurements, to calculate Si and ß-cell function as assessed by the disposition index (DI), with use of the oral minimal model before and after supplementation. A total of 51 subjects aged 15.0 ± 1.9 y were enrolled. Included for analysis at follow-up were a total of 46 subjects (20 male and 26 female adolescents), 23 in each group. RESULTS: Initial serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was 24.0 ± 8.1 µg/L. There was no correlation between 25(OH)D concentrations and Si or DI. There was a modest but significant increase in 25(OH)D concentration in the 2000 IU/d group (3.1 ± 6.5 µg/L, P = 0.04) but not in the 400 IU/d group (P = 0.39). There was no change in Si or DI following vitamin D3 supplementation in either of the treatment groups (all P > 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows no effect from vitamin D3 supplementation, irrespective of its dose, on ß-cell function or insulin action in obese nondiabetic adolescents with relatively good vitamin D status. Whether obese adolescents with vitamin D deficiency and impaired glucose metabolism would respond differently to vitamin D3 supplementation remains unclear and warrants further studies. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00858247.

Hyperandrogenism in female athletes with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a distinct phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the reproductive, metabolic, and skeletal profiles of young athletic women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) as well as clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (FHA-EX+HA) with body mass index matched women with FHA due to exercise (FHA-EX) or anorexia nervosa (FHA-AN) alone. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital. POPULATION: Adolescents and young women, 15-30 years of age, diagnosed with FHA along with concurrent signs of hyperandrogenism (n=22) and body mass index matched control groups consisting of 22 women in each group of FHA-EX and FHA-AN. MAIN OUTCOMES: 1) Reproductive hormone profile: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, pelvic ultrasound features. 2) Metabolic function and skeletal health markers: fasting glucose, cholesterol, number of stress fractures and bone mineral density as assessed by spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry z scores. RESULTS: FHA-EX+HA group was older at diagnosis compared to the other groups with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 22 (18.75-25.25) years versus (vs) 17.5 (15.75-19) for FHA-EX; (P<0.01) and 18 (16-22.25) years for FHA-AN (P=0.01). There were no differences among the groups based on number of hours of exercise per week, type of physical activity or duration of amenorrhea. Median (IQR) LH/FSH ratio was higher in FHA-EX+HA than both other groups, 1.44 (1.03-1.77) vs 0.50 (0.20-0.94) for FHA-EX and 0.67 (0.51-0.87) for FHA-AN (P<0.01 for both). Total testosterone concentrations were not different among the groups. Median (IQR) fasting serum glucose concentration was higher in FHA-EX+HA vs FHA-EX, 88.5 mg/dL (82.8-90 mg/dL) vs 83.5 mg/dL (78.8-86.3 mg/dL) (P=0.01) but not different from FHA-AN (P=0.31). Percentage of women with stress fractures was lower in FHA-EX+HA (4.5%) as compared to both FHA-EX (27.3%) and FHA-AN (50%); P=0.04 and 0.01 respectively. The LH/FSH ratio was weakly positively associated with serum glucose (adjusted r (2)=0.102; P=0.01) as well as with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry spine score (adjusted r (2)=0.191; P=0.04) in the entire cohort. CONCLUSION: In a small cohort of female athletes with hyperandrogenism, a distinct reproductive hormone profile consisting of higher LH to FHS ratio may be associated with adverse metabolic health markers but improved skeletal health.

Temporal trends in the diagnosis and management of childhood obesity/overweight in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the temporal trends in diagnosis and management of pediatric overweight/obesity by primary care providers at a single medical center. PATIENTS: Children 2 to 18 years old undergoing a general medical examination during 3 calendar years (2003, 2006, and 2009). The number of visits for general medical examination were 6390 in 2003, 6646 in 2006, and 7408 in 2009. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the electronic medical records for weight related diagnostic and/or management terms and laboratory screening in children with body mass index at or greater than the 85th percentile (n = 1630 in 2003, 1495 in 2006, and 1730 in 2009). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the diagnosis of obesity among obese children seen in 2009 (53.3%) compared with 2006 (36%, P < .001) and 2003 (24.3%, P < .001). Weight-related counseling was documented in a higher proportion of obese children in 2009 (49.4%) compared with 2006 (34.8%) and 2003 (26.6%). There was a significant increase in counseling regarding screen time in 2009 compared with 2006. A significant increase in screening for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was also noted (30.5% in 2009 vs 21.9% in 2006, P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: There has been steady improvement in the rates of obesity diagnosis and obesity-related counseling by primary care providers. However, continued efforts to increase awareness of these issues are needed as nearly half of obese children remained undiagnosed and recommended laboratory screening for obesity-related comorbidities was performed in only a third of obese children.