Stepping Forward: A Scoping Systematic Literature Review on the Health Outcomes of Smart Sensor Technologies for Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose a significant challenge in diabetes care, demanding advanced approaches for effective prevention and management. Smart insoles using sensor technology have emerged as promising tools to address the challenges associated with DFU and neuropathy. By recognizing the pivotal role of smart insoles in successful prevention and healthcare management, this scoping review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence regarding DFU studies related to smart insoles, offloading sensors, and actuator technologies. This systematic review identified and critically evaluated 11 key studies exploring both sensor technologies and offloading devices in the context of DFU care through searches in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases. Predominantly, smart insoles, mobile applications, and wearable technologies were frequently utilized for interventions and patient monitoring in diabetic foot care. Patients emphasized the importance of these technologies in facilitating care management. The pivotal role of offloading devices is underscored by the majority of the studies exhibiting increased efficient monitoring, prevention, prognosis, healing rate, and patient adherence. The findings indicate that, overall, smart insoles and digital technologies are perceived as acceptable, feasible, and beneficial in meeting the specific needs of DFU patients. By acknowledging the promising outcomes, the present scoping review suggests smart technologies can potentially redefine DFU management by emphasizing accessibility, efficacy, and patient centricity.

International comparison of glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes: an update and extension.

AIMS: To update and extend a previous cross-sectional international comparison of glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Data were obtained for 520,392 children and adults with type 1 diabetes from 17 population and five clinic-based data sources in countries or regions between 2016 and 2020. Median HbA1c (IQR) and proportions of individuals with HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol (<7.5%), 58-74 mmol/mol (7.5-8.9%) and ≥75 mmol/mol (≥9.0%) were compared between populations for individuals aged <15, 15-24 and ≥25 years. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol (<7.5%) relative to ≥58 mmol/mol (≥7.5%), stratified and adjusted for sex, age and data source. Where possible, changes in the proportion of individuals in each HbA1c category compared to previous estimates were calculated. RESULTS: Median HbA1c varied from 55 to 79 mmol/mol (7.2 to 9.4%) across data sources and age groups so a pooled estimate was deemed inappropriate. OR (95% CI) for HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol (<7.5%) were 0.91 (0.90-0.92) for women compared to men, 1.68 (1.65-1.71) for people aged <15 years and 0.81 (0.79-0.82) aged15-24 years compared to those aged ≥25 years. Differences between populations persisted after adjusting for sex, age and data source. In general, compared to our previous analysis, the proportion of people with an HbA1c  < 58 mmol/l (<7.5%) increased and proportions of people with HbA1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol (≥9.0%) decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Glycaemic control of type 1 diabetes continues to vary substantially between age groups and data sources. While some improvement over time has been observed, glycaemic control remains sub-optimal for most people with Type 1 diabetes.

The Gestational Effects of Maternal Bone Marker Molecules on Fetal Growth, Metabolism and Long-Term Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review.

Fetal exposure in adverse environmental factors during intrauterine life can lead to various biological adjustments, affecting not only in utero development of the conceptus, but also its later metabolic and endocrine wellbeing. During human gestation, maternal bone turnover increases, as reflected by molecules involved in bone metabolism, such as vitamin D, osteocalcin, sclerostin, sRANKL, and osteoprotegerin; however, recent studies support their emerging role in endocrine functions and glucose homeostasis regulation. Herein, we sought to systematically review current knowledge on the effects of aforementioned maternal bone biomarkers during pregnancy on fetal intrauterine growth and metabolism, neonatal anthropometric measures at birth, as well as on future endocrine and metabolic wellbeing of the offspring. A growing body of literature converges on the view that maternal bone turnover is likely implicated in fetal growth, and at least to some extent, in neonatal and childhood body composition and metabolic wellbeing. Maternal sclerostin and sRANKL are positively linked with fetal abdominal circumference and subcutaneous fat deposition, contributing to greater birthweights. Vitamin D deficiency correlates with lower birthweights, while research is still needed on intrauterine fetal metabolism, as well as on vitamin D dosing supplementation during pregnancy, to diminish the risks of low birthweight or SGA neonates in high-risk populations.

Patients' and Clinicians' Preferences on Outcomes and Medication Attributes for Type 2 Diabetes: a Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients' views on the relative importance of treatment outcomes and medication attributes for type 2 diabetes may differ from clinicians' perceptions. OBJECTIVE: To assess which treatment outcomes and medication attributes are considered important by patients and clinicians for therapeutic decisions in type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Exploratory, sequential, mixed-methods design comprising a qualitative (focus groups) and a quantitative (survey) phase. PARTICIPANTS: Patients in the focus groups (n = 33) and the survey study (n = 656) were recruited from 4 and 9 diabetes clinics across Greece, respectively. Clinicians in the survey study (n = 363) were identified from Greek registries for healthcare professionals. MEASUREMENTS: We conducted 6 focus groups to obtain patients' views regarding the impact of type 2 diabetes on their lives. Identified themes informed the development of a survey, which aimed to assess which outcomes and medication attributes are considered most important by patients and clinicians. We calculated odds ratios to compare patients' and clinicians' responses. RESULTS: The focus groups identified 6 main themes and 15 subthemes. In the survey study, patients were more likely than clinicians to rate prevention of amputation (odds ratio, 9.32; 95% CI, 6.51 to 13.35), diabetic eye disease (6.16; 4.63 to 8.21), sexual dysfunction, and stroke as important, while clinicians were more likely than patients to choose risk for hypoglycemia, and reduction of all-cause mortality, HbA1c, and body weight. Compared with clinicians, patients were less concerned about drug cost (0.16; 0.11 to 0.23), but more concerned about route of administration and need for less frequent glucose self-monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and clinicians differ in the perception of the relative importance of treatment outcomes and drug characteristics. Individual patient preferences should be explored and implemented in the therapeutic decision-making for type 2 diabetes.

Effect of liraglutide on ambulatory blood pressure in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

AIMS: To assess the effect of liraglutide on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in patients with hypertension (pre- and stage 1 hypertension) and inadequately controlled Type 2 diabetes (glycated haemoglobin 7%-10% [53-86 mmol/mol]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients for this investigator-initiated, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind trial were on stable background antihyperglycaemic therapy excluding insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors. Participants were centrally randomized in a 1:1 ratio to daily liraglutide 0.6 mg, titrated to 1.2 mg after the first week, or placebo for 5 weeks. The primary outcome was change in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP), and secondary outcomes included change in ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate. We also assessed renal sodium handling. RESULTS: Of 87 patients assessed for eligibility, 62 (66.1% men) with a mean age of 60.2 years were randomized to liraglutide (n = 31) or placebo (n = 31). All participants received background therapy with metformin, whilst 35.5% were treated concomitantly with sulphonylureas and 14.5% with pioglitazone. Compared with placebo, liraglutide reduced 24-hour SBP by -5.73 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] -9.81 to -1.65) and had a neutral effect on 24-hour DBP (mean difference - 1.42 mm Hg; 95% CI -4.25 to 1.40), whilst increasing 24-hour heart rate by 6.16 beats/min (95% CI 3.25 to 9.07). Findings were consistent for daytime and night-time measurements. Liraglutide did not increase urine sodium excretion. CONCLUSION: Based on 24-hour ambulatory measurements, short-term treatment with liraglutide had a favourable effect on SBP whilst increasing heart rate.

Environmental factors affecting female fertility.

INTRODUCTION: Over the recent years, scientific community has increased its interest on solving problems of female fertility pathology. Many factors acting separately or in combination affect significantly the reproductive life of a woman. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the direct and/or indirect action of environmental factors and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs; i.e. heavy metals, plasticizers, parabens, industrial chemicals, pesticides, or medications, by-products, anti-bacterial agents, perfluorochemicals) upon assisted and non-assisted female fertility, extracted from in vivo and in vitro animal and human published data. Transgenerational effects which could have been caused epigenetically by the action of EDCs have been raised. METHODS: This narrative review englobes and describes data from in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies with regard to the action of environmental factors, which include EDCs, on female fertility following the questions for narrative reviews of the SANRA (a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles). The identification of the studies was done: through the PubMed Central and the PubMed of the MEDLINE, the Google Scholar database and the Cochrane Library database until December 2023 combining appropriate keywords ("specific environmental factors" including "EDCs" AND "specific negative fertility outcomes"); by manual scanning of references from selected articles and reviews focusing on these subjects. It includes references to EDCs-induced transgenerational effects. RESULTS: From the reported evidence emerge negative or positive associations between specific environmental factors or EDCs and infertility outcomes such as infertility indices, disrupted maturation of the oocytes, anovulation, deranged transportation of the embryo and failure of implantation. CONCLUSION: The revealed adverse outcomes related to female fertility could be attributed to exposure to specific environmental factors such as temperature, climate, radiation, air pollutants, nutrition, toxic substances and EDCs. The recognition of fertility hazards related to the environment will permit the limitation of exposure to them, will improve female fertility and protect the health potential of future generations.

Macular Ischemia Changes in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Aflibercept and Ranibizumab.

Τhis study aims to assess changes in the fovea avascular zone (FAZ) in treatment naïve patients receiving aflibercept or ranibizumab injections for diabetic macular edema (DME). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, OCT, and OCT-angiography imaging were performed at baseline and 1 month after each injection. Injections of either aflibercept or ranibizumab were administered monthly for 6 consecutive months. FAZ in the superficial (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) using OCT angiography was recorded for each visit. Fifty eyes from fifty patients with a mean age of 67.0 ± 10.7 years were included in the study. Twenty-five patients received aflibercept and twenty-five received ranibizumab. BCVA was 40.8 ± 10.0 and increased to 52.1 ± 7.9 ETDRS letters at the last visit (p < 0.001). CRT was 295.6 ± 34.0 at baseline and 247.9 ± 29.7 at the last study visit (p < 0.001). SCP FAZ was 350.6 ± 79.5 µm2 at baseline and 339.0 ± 71.3 µm2 after sox monthly injections (p = 0.132). DCP FAZ was 558.6 ± 199.0 µm2 at baseline and 459.5 ± 156.1 µm2 after six monthly injections (p < 0.001). There was no effect of the choice of ranibizumab or aflibercept on DCP FAZ change (p = 0.277). In conclusion, treatment with 6 monthly injections of ranibizumab and aflibercept led to an increase in BCVA and a decrease in CRT and DCP FAZ area. Both drugs led to an improvement in DCP ischemia.

Gestational Metabolic Risk: A Narrative Review of Pregnancy-Related Complications and of the Effectiveness of Dietary, Exercise and Lifestyle Interventions during Pregnancy on Reducing Gestational Weight Gain and Preventing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective: This study is a Narrative Review that aims at investigating the implications of obesity, excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Additionally, this Review seeks to explore the effectiveness of nutrition, and/or exercise interventions during pregnancy on reducing GWG and preventing GDM. Materials and Methods: The search in literature included studies that identified obesity, GWG, GDM and associated risks during pregnancy. Also, SR and MA focusing on interventions including diet, or physical activity (PA), or combined (i.e., lifestyle interventions) and their impact on metabolic risk during pregnancy, were identified through searches in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSRs), and Scopus. Results: The study findings suggest that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy may be effective in reducing excessive GWG. Regarding the prevention of GDM, results from studies evaluating lifestyle interventions vary. However, significant and less controversial results were reported from studies assessing the efficacy of exercise interventions, particularly in high-risk pregnant women. Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions during pregnancy may reduce excessive GWG. Exercise during pregnancy may prevent GDM, especially in high-risk pregnant women. Future research is warranted to tailor lifestyle interventions for optimal effectiveness during pregnancy.

Beat the Clock: Assessment of Night Eating Syndrome and Circadian Rhythm in a Sample of Greek Adults.

The night eating syndrome (NES) is characterized by excessive food intake during the evening and night hours, with 25% of the daily intake being consumed post-dinner, paired with ep-isodes of nocturnal food intake, at a frequency of more than twice weekly. The NES has been associated with a misaligned circadian rhythm related to a delay in overall food intake, increased energy and fat consumption. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess NES in a Greek population and evaluate possible links between NES and chronotype. NES was assessed using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), and circadian rhythm, sleep and mood were evaluated with the Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Mood (SCRAM) questionnaire. A total of 533 adults participated in the study. A relatively high prevalence of NES was revealed, with more than 8.1% (NEQ ≥ 30) of the participants reporting experiencing NES symptoms, depending on the NEQ threshold used. Most participants had the intermediate chronotype. NEQ score was positively associated with the morning chronotype, and SCRAM was negatively related to "Good Sleep". Each point increment in the depression score was associated with 6% higher odds of NES. The early identification of NES gains importance in clinical practice, in a collective effort aiming to reduce NES symptomatology and its detrimental health effects.

The impact of parental bonding on sexual distress in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Psychosomatic and social issues have been found to be determinants of sexual distress in diabetic and non-diabetic populations. However, the role of parental bonding as a determinant for sexual distress has not been studied in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1). AIM: To study the role of parental care and overprotection, in the pathogenesis of sexual distress in women with DM-1. METHODS: Seventy-seven women with uncomplicated DM-1 and 77 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), the General Health Questionnaire-28, and the Parental Bonding Instrument were used to evaluate sexual distress, general health and bonding with parents, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To assess the role of parental bonding as risk factor for sexual distress, in women with DM-1. RESULTS: Women with DM-1 had significantly higher FSDS scores compared with controls. Furthermore, women with DM-1 had significantly higher maternal and paternal care, and lower maternal overprotection in comparison with the healthy ones. Paternal overprotection and general health were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Sexual distress was more frequent in women with DM-1 (31.43% vs. 8.57% of controls, P < 0.05). Diabetic women with sexual distress had lower maternal care, higher maternal overprotection and lower paternal overprotection compared to diabetics without sexual distress (P < 0.05). No difference was found in the paternal care between the two groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, sexually distressed DM-1 women had worse general health parameters in comparison with the non-sexually distressed diabetics (P < 0.05). In the DM-1 group, low maternal care and low paternal overprotection were significant risk factors for sexual distress (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Parental care and overprotection can lead to sexual distress and, therefore, to Female Sexual Dysfunction in DM-1 women. Evaluation of parental bonding is necessary in DM-1 women with distressing sexual problems.

Leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin levels in female patients with asthma during stable and exacerbation periods.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and asthma have not been fully established. Data in the literature suggest that adipose tissue-derived hormones may be implicated. However, no definite conclusions regarding the role of leptin and adiponectin with asthma are available. No studies have examined the role of ghrelin in asthma. METHODS: We assessed the circulating concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin in 32 postmenopausal stable asthma patients, 37 female asthmatics during exacerbations and 8 weeks later, and 22 controls. We examined the relationship between the three peptides and indexes of pulmonary function, airway inflammation, and atopy. RESULTS: Stable asthma patients exhibited higher leptin and lower ghrelin concentrations compared with controls. Patients with severe asthma had higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels versus patients with mild to moderate asthma. Both leptin concentrations and leptin/adiponectin ratio served as markers for discriminating asthma patients from controls on the one hand, and severe from mild to moderate asthmatics on the other. Leptin levels were inversely correlated with both FEV(1)/FVC and FEF(25-75) in patients with mild to moderate asthma. Atopic asthma patients had higher leptin concentrations than nonatopic asthma patients. There was a positive correlation between serum leptin and total IgE levels in atopic asthmatics. Finally, serum leptin levels and leptin/adiponectin ratio were significantly increased during asthma exacerbations, while adiponectin and ghrelin levels were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma during both stable state and asthma exacerbation, independent of obesity.

Real-world data analysis for the association of glucose control and mortality in critically ill patients.

Existing results regarding the usage of glycemic control in critically ill patients for reduced morbidity and mortality have been based on clinical studies but could not be reproduced in large prospective studies. Current guidelines for glycemic control suggest a target blood glucose of 140-180 mg/dL, with lower targets being appropriate for some patients. The current study aims to provide additional evidence to this area, through the usage of real-world retrospective data of everyday clinical practice. We have used the large, credentialed access database MIMIC-IV to assess the effect of glycemic control to patient mortality. Glycemic control has been characterized by the percentage of time that the glucose measurements fall within pre-specified glucose bands. Results from logistic regression and survival analysis are reported, along with visualizations based on methods from the machine learning literature, which all suggest that increased time in low and high glucose values is related to increased ICU mortality and decreased survival.

Development of a Functional Acceptable Diabetic and Plant-Based Snack Bar Using Mushroom (Coprinus comatus) Powder.

Consumers' growing concern about health and well-being has led to increased interest in functional foods. This research aims to evaluate the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of a functional plant-based (PB) snack bar enriched with Coprinus comatus powder. The snack bar formulations exhibited a wide range of flavor and textural characteristics. Two PB snack bars and four commercial bars were evaluated by a consumer panel of healthy volunteers (n = 20). The PB snack bar scored 'like extremely' on the 9-point hedonic scale. External preference mapping determined that sweetness, flavors, cohesiveness, gumminess, and adhesion had the greatest influence on consumer acceptability. Water content, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, resistant starch, and dietary fiber were measured. Nutritional content was enhanced (omega 3, fiber and protein), and samples were shelf life stable (aw < 0.29; moisture content < 10%). In addition, the PB snack bar underwent simulated digestion according to the INFOGEST protocol, and from the comparative evaluation, the PB snack can be seen to control the post-prandial glycemic responses, as observed by the different degree of reducing sugars released via the matrix. The PB snack bar can be further functionally enhanced by the addition of their unique ingredients such as Coprinus comatus. Coprinus comatus powder is claimed to benefit glycemic control in diabetes and has attracted growing interest in terms of its potential use in natural products with possible health benefits.

Environmental factors affecting pregnancy outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy represents a fragile period in the life of a woman, vulnerable to hazardous environmental substances which might affect maternal and fetal metabolism. The possible influence of environmental factors, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), upon the mother and the fetus before and/or during pregnancy might be associated directly and/or indirectly to deleterious pregnancy outcomes. Because the existence of such associations would be, to our view, of major importance to the scientific community, their investigation is the scope of this critical review. METHODS: This critical review includes in vivo animal and human studies regarding the role of environmental factors, including EDCs, on pregnancy outcomes complying with the SANRA (a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles) questions for narrative reviews. Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE (PubMed and PubMed Central), the Cochrane library and the Google Scholar databases till October 2022 with the combinations of the appropriate key words (detailed environmental factors including EDCs AND detailed negative pregnancy outcomes) as well as by scanning references from already included articles and relevant reviews manually. Because environmental factors and EDCs have been associated to epigenetic alterations, special care has been given to EDC-induced transgenerational effects on pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: The existing evidence suggests positive associations between specific environmental factors and negative pregnancy outcomes such as ectopic pregnancies, pregnancy losses, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm births, birth defects, intrauterine growth restriction, and small or large for gestational age babies. CONCLUSION: Environmental factors and EDCs may have a catalytic effect on the course and the outcomes of pregnancy.

Effectiveness of Lifestyle Interventions during Pregnancy on Preventing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in High-Risk Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Published RCTs.

BACKGROUND: Until now, it is uncertain whether lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can prevent gestational diabetes mellites (GDM) in high-risk pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of dietary interventions and/or exercise interventions during pregnancy for preventing GDM in high-risk pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected after a search in CENTRAL, Scopus, and PubMed. Synthesis was performed for the outcome of GDM in women with any identified GDM risk factor. Separate meta-analyses (MA) were performed to assess the efficacy of either nutrition or physical activity (PA) interventions or both combined compared with standard prenatal care for preventing GDM. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses, as well as meta-regressions against OR, were performed to assess potentional heterogeneity. Overall quality, the quality of RCTs, and publication bias were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 13,524 participants comprising high-risk pregnant women in 41 eligible RCTs were analyzed for GDM. Women receiving only a nutrition intervention during pregnancy were less likely to experience GDM compared with women following standard prenatal care. Among 3109 high-risk pregnant women undergoing only dietary intervention for preventing GDM, 553 (17.8%) developed GDM; however, the result of the MA was marginally not significant (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.51, 1.03; p-value 0.07), (Q 21.29, p-value 0.01; I2 58% (95%CI 10, 78%)). Subgroup analyses demonstrated an effect for studies that were conducted in Great Britain (OR 0.65, 95%CI 0.49, 0.81; p-value 0.003), and in Spain (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.27, 0.94; p-value 0.03), for studies with forms of the Mediterranean diet as the intervention's component (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.46, 0.81; p-value 0.0005), and for studies including a motivation arm in the intervention (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.58, 0.87; p-value 0.0008). Among 2742 high-risk pregnant women being analyzed for GDM outcome after receiving only an exercise intervention, 461 (16.8%) were diagnosed with GDM. Women after receiving PA intervention were less likely to develop GDM (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.51, 0.80; p-value < 0.0001), (Q 11.27, p-value 0.51; I2 0% (95%CI 0, 99%)). Finally, 1308 (17%) cases of GDM were diagnosed among 7673 high-risk pregnant women undergoing both diet and PA intervention. Women in the group of mixed lifestyle intervention had a significant reduction in incidence of GDM (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.55, 0.90; p-value 0.005), (Q 50.32, p-value < 0.0001, I2 66%, (95% CI 44, 79%)). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the efficacy of lifestyle interventions during pregnancy for preventing GDM in high-risk women if an exercise component is included in the intervention arm, either alone, or combined with diet. A combined lifestyle intervention including physical exercise and a Mediterranean diet accompanied by motivation support may be considered the most effective way to prevent GDM among high-risk women during pregnancy. Future research is needed to strengthen these findings.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and Vitamin D: The "Lost Sunlight" Paradox and the Oxidative Stress Explanation.

UV radiation (UVR) is responsible for inducing both harmful and beneficial effects on skin health. Specifically, it has been reported to disrupt oxidant and antioxidant levels, leading to oxidative stress conditions in skin tissue. This phenomenon might trigger photo-carcinogenesis, resulting in melanoma, NMSC (non-melanoma skin cancer), such as BCC (basal cell carcinoma) and SCC (squamous cell carcinoma), and actinic keratosis. On the other hand, UVR is essential for the production of adequate vitamin D levels, a hormone with important antioxidant, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. The exact mechanisms implicated in this two-fold action are not well understood, as there still no clear relation established between skin cancer and vitamin D status. Oxidative stress seems to be a neglected aspect of this complex relation, despite its role in both skin cancer development and vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the correlation between vitamin D and oxidative stress in skin cancer patients. A total of 100 subjects (25 with SCC, 26 with BCC, 23 with actinic keratosis, and 27 controls) were assessed in terms of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) and redox markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma, glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase activity in erythrocytes. The majority of our patients revealed low vitamin D levels; 37% of the subjects showed deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and 35% insufficiency (21-29 ng/mL). The mean 25(OH) D level of the NMSC patients (20.87 ng/mL) was also found to be significantly lower (p = 0.004) than that of the non-cancer patients (28.14 ng/mL). Furthermore, higher vitamin D levels were also correlated with lower oxidative stress (positive correlation with GSH, catalase activity TAC index and negative correlation with TBARS and CARBS indices). NMSC patients diagnosed with SCC showed lower catalase activity values compared to non-cancer patients (p < 0.001), with the lowest values occurring in patients with a chronic cancer diagnosis (p < 0.001) and vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). Higher GSH levels (p = 0.001) and lower TBARS levels (p = 0.016) were found in the control group compared to the NMSC group, and to patients with actinic keratosis. Higher levels of CARBS were observed in patients with SCC (p < 0.001). Non-cancer patients with vitamin D sufficiency showed higher TAC values compared to non-cancer patients with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.023) and to NMSC patients (p = 0.036). The above-mentioned results indicate that NMSC patients reveal increased levels of oxidative damage markers compared to control levels, while vitamin D status plays a critical role in the determination of individuals' oxidative status.

Acute iv CRH administration significantly increases serum active ghrelin in postmenopausal PCOS women compared to postmenopausal controls.

PURPOSE: In women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), an increased risk of disordered eating has been described. There is growing interest regarding a possible interconnection between psychological states and increased appetite in women with PCOS. Acute stress is characterized by increased Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) secretion. The aim was to estimate the ghrelin concentrations during CRH test. METHODS: Twenty postmenopausal women with PCOS and twenty age- and BMI- matched postmenopausal control women were recruited at Aretaieion University Hospital. In the morning (9 am) all subjects had anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference) and a fasting sample for hormonal measurements. An intravenous (iv) CRH stimulation test conducted over 1 min. Serum active ghrelin levels were measured at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 min after iv CRH administration. RESULTS: The postmenopausal PCOS group had a higher waist circumference compared to postmenopausal controls. Active ghrelin concentrations increased significantly from 0 to 15 min, to 30 min, to 60 min, to 90 min and then decreased to 120 min. However, within the postmenopausal control group there were no significant changes in serum active ghrelin levels. Serum active ghrelin concentrations were significantly greater in the postmenopausal control group at 0, 15 and 120 min compared to the postmenopausal PCOS group. At 90 min active ghrelin concentrations were significantly greater in the postmenopausal PCOS group. Delta Area Under the Curve of active ghrelin (ΔAUCghr) was significantly greater in the postmenopausal PCOS group compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal PCOS, but not in postmenopausal controls, iv CRH administration induces increased serum active ghrelin secretion, suggesting a possible anti-stress adaptive mechanism. An increase in serum active ghrelin may induce hunger as a side-effect of this presumed adaptive mechanism.

Bone Mineral Density in Adult Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Assessed by Both DXA and QCT.

Purpose: Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in uncomplicated young adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and sex- and age-matched controls, using both dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) to investigate their diagnostic ability in detecting abnormal values in these patients. Methods: 118 patients with T1DM (65 females, mean age 30.12 ± 8.78 years) and 94 sex- and age-matched controls were studied. BMD was assessed in all participants by DXA and QCT at lumbar spine (LS). Biochemical markers of bone metabolism were also measured. Results: T1DM was associated with lower BMD at L1-L3 vertebrae measured by both DXA and QCT and lower bone turnover compared to sex- and age-matched controls. In T1DM subjects, QCT detected more patients with abnormal BMD values compared to DXA. BMI and HbA1c levels were the only determinants of BMD. Bone turnover markers were lower in patients with longer duration of diabetes. Conclusion: QCT provides a higher sensitivity compared to DXA in detecting abnormal BMD values in patients with uncomplicated T1DM. In these patients, the diabetes-related decreased BMD may be present early, before it is detected by DXA, the clinical gold standard for BMD measurements, and before the presence of any other diabetes complications, stressing the importance of an early intervention for fracture prevention.

Chronic Stress in Pregnancy Is Associated with Low Birth Weight: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic activation of the stress system has cumulative effects on the body, and it places individuals at risk for adverse health outcomes. Chronic stress has been assessed by health questionnaires in pregnancy. During the perinatal period, mothers experience increased physical and emotional demands. Chronic stress interferes with hormonal functions in mothers and infants. This meta-analysis studies the effect of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy, as assessed by established stress questionnaires, on the birth weight of their full-term infants. DESIGN AND METHODS: According to our criteria and after research collection, we obtained 107 studies and we conducted two types of analyses: a logistic (N = 22,342) and linear regression analysis (N = 7431). RESULTS: Our results show that chronic stress is associated with a statistically significant risk of low birth weight (OR = 1.50, CI 95% = [1.13; 1.99], p ≤ 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Increased maternal chronic stress, as assessed by questionnaires, in pregnancy is associated with a low-birth-weight baby. The above meta-analysis indicates that maternal high chronic stress questionnaire scores could be used as a clinical tool in order to assess low-birth-weight risk.

Sexual functioning and distress among premenopausal women with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Current studies indicate that women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have a high prevalence of sexual disorders although data on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction are limited when sexual distress is included. AIM: The frequency and the possible correlates of distressful sexual disorders in a highly selected group of type 1 diabetic women. METHODS: The sexual function, sexual distress, and general health status were assessed in 44 premenopausal women with uncomplicated T1DM and 47 healthy controls, using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The impact of sexual distress on the frequency of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). RESULTS: The frequency of sexual disorders according to the FSFI was significantly higher in diabetic compared to control women (25% vs. 8.5%, respectively, P < 0.05). Diabetic women had significantly lower median (first to third quartile) total FSFI score compared to control group (30.55 [26.08-33.08] vs. 33.50 [30.70-34.30], P = 0.001). Desire, arousal, and satisfaction were the sexual domains significantly affected in the diabetic group. Diabetic women had significantly higher median (first to third quartile) FSDS score compared to control group (6.5 [2.3-15.8] vs. 4.0 [1.0-10.5] P = 0.043). FSD (combined pathological FSFI and FSDS scores) was present in higher proportion of diabetic women (15.9%) compared to controls (2.1%) (P = 0.020). GHQ-28 score was comparable between the groups. However, in the diabetic group, FSD was related with anxiety, depression, and low educational level. Diabetes-related factors were not associated with FSD. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-menopausal women with uncomplicated T1DM have significantly higher frequency of FSD compared to healthy controls, when the criterion of sexual distress is included. Psychosomatic and contextual factors implicated in sexual distress are correlates of FSD.