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1.
Diabet Med ; 40(8): e15088, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36929728

ABSTRACT

Older adults with diabetes may carry a substantial health burden in Western ageing societies, occupy more than one in four beds in care homes, and are a highly vulnerable group who often require complex nursing and medical care. The global pandemic (COVID-19) had its epicentre in care homes and revealed many shortfalls in diabetes care resulting in hospital admissions and considerable mortality and comorbid illness. The purpose of this work was to develop a national Strategic Document of Diabetes Care for Care Homes which would bring about worthwhile, sustainable and effective quality diabetes care improvements, and address the shortfalls in care provided. A large diverse and multidisciplinary group of stakeholders (NAPCHD) defined 11 areas of interest where recommendations were needed and using a subgroup allocation approach were set tasks to produce a set of primary recommendations. Each subgroup was given 5 starter questions to begin their work and a format to provide responses. During the initial phase, 16 key findings were identified. Overall, after a period of 18 months, 49 primary recommendations were made, and 7 major conclusions were drawn from these. A model of community and integrated diabetes care for care home residents with diabetes was proposed, and a series of 5 'quick-wins' were created to begin implementation of some of the recommendations that would not require significant funding. The work of the NAPCHD is ongoing but we hope that this current resource will help leaders to make these required changes happen.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Diabetes Mellitus , Humans , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Aging , Comorbidity
2.
Reg Environ Change ; 22(1): 27, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35228837

ABSTRACT

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report reveals vast evidence of increasing climate variability and a higher frequency and intensity of extreme events. Vulnerable regions to such disturbances have been widely studied in some areas, but considerably less is known about other vulnerable regions that are key to global climatic regulation, such as Amazonia. In terms of the human dimensions of climate impacts, rural and indigenous communities in developing regions are among the most vulnerable due to their limited economic capital and direct reliance on natural resources. The purpose of this research was to reveal local perceptions about the impacts of, and adaptations to, recent climatic and associated hydrological changes caused by extreme events in the Brazilian Amazon. We worked in severely impacted rural Amazonian riverine communities utilizing a qualitative case study approach that included interviews, observation while living in the community, and participatory mapping. Our results indicate that participants perceived that there has been an increased occurrence and intensity of hydroclimatic events in the last decade, especially extreme floods. Findings also show that the repeated occurrence of extreme floods resulted in severe impacts, including some that had never been experienced by the local communities, such as the complete loss of perennials. We found that a wide range of locally devised responses was implemented, despite incipient governmental support. Data also showed that responses have evolved significantly over time due to local experience with repeated extreme events. A variety of factors also affected participants' abilities to respond to hydroclimatic changes, notably information exchange among farmers and access to technological advancements. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10113-021-01857-0.

3.
J Nutr ; 151(11): 3442-3449, 2021 11 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34313771

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The HEALTHY Study was a multicomponent school-based intervention, designed to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in middle-school students. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether the difference in dietary magnesium intake, BMI percentile, and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations from 6th to 8th grade were related in the intervention schools and in the control schools that participated in the HEALTHY Study. METHODS: A total of 2181 ethnically diverse students, from 11.3 to 13.7 y of age, with completed dietary records, BMI percentile, and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations at 6th and 8th grades were included. Dietary magnesium intake was self-reported using the Block Kids FFQ. A hierarchical multiple regression model was used to determine whether the differences in dietary magnesium intake, BMI percentile, and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations from 6th to 8th grades were related, while adjusting for dietary calcium intake and total energy intake. RESULTS: The difference in dietary magnesium intake was significantly related to changes in BMI percentile from 6th to 8th grade in intervention and in control schools [intervention: ß: -0.07; 95% CI: -0.58, -0.02; P = 0.03; R2 (regression coefficient effect size): 0.14; 95% CI for R2: 0.10, 0.17; control: ß: -0.08; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.09; P = 0.01; R2: 0.12; 95% CI for R2: 0.08, 0.15]. The difference in dietary magnesium intake was not related to plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in intervention and in control schools. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a multicomponent intervention was associated with reduced risk of T2DM, and that this association may be modulated, in part, by magnesium. The differences in dietary magnesium intake from 6th to 8th grade were negatively related to changes in BMI percentile among middle-school students.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Magnesium , Blood Glucose , Body Mass Index , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/prevention & control , Humans , Insulin , Students
4.
Nutr Health ; 27(2): 211-219, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33530870

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Data on dietary magnesium intake on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among children and adolescents is limited. AIM: We examined whether dietary magnesium intake was related to body mass index (BMI) percentile, and glycemic indices at baseline and at end of the HEALTHY Study for both intervention and control schools. The HEALTHY Study was a multi-component, school-based intervention, to prevent T2DM in children and adolescents from 6th to 8th grades. METHODS: A secondary data analyses of 2181 ethnically diverse students with completed dietary records, BMI percentile, and plasma insulin and glucose concentrations at baseline (6th grade) and end of study (8th grade) were included from the HEALTHY Study. Dietary magnesium intake was self-reported using the Block Kids Food Frequency Questionnaire. A hierarchical multiple regression model was used to determine the relationships between dietary magnesium intake, BMI percentile, and glycemic indices at baseline and end of the HEALTHY Study, adjusting for magnesium intake from supplements, total energy intake, and fitness level. RESULTS: Dietary magnesium intake was related to BMI percentile at baseline and at end of the HEATHY Study (ß = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.02 to 0, p = 0.04; ß = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.02 to -0.003, p = 0.004); R 2 [regression coefficient effect size] = 0.03; R 2 = 0.06). Dietary magnesium intake was not related to plasma insulin and glucose concentrations at baseline and end of the HEALTHY Study. CONCLUSION: Dietary magnesium intake was inversely related to BMI percentile among middle school students from the HEALTHY Study. Research is required to evaluate the dose-response relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption (good sources of magnesium) and risk of T2DM in children and adolescents. This relationship also needs to be explored among different BMI categories.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Magnesium , Adolescent , Body Mass Index , Child , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/prevention & control , Glycemic Index , Humans , Schools , Students
5.
J Headache Pain ; 22(1): 118, 2021 Oct 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34620087

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Headache is the predominant disabler in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The aim was to characterise headache and investigate the association with intracranial pressure. METHODS: IIH:WT was a randomised controlled parallel group multicentre trial in the United Kingdom investigating weight management methods in IIH. Participants with active IIH (evidenced by papilloedema) and a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2 were recruited. At baseline, 12 months and 24 months headache characteristics and quality of life outcome measures were collected and lumbar puncture measurements were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-six women with active IIH were included with a mean age of 32.0 years (SD ± 7.8), and mean body mass index of 43.9 ± 7.0 kg/m2. The headache phenotype was migraine-like in 90%. Headache severity correlated with ICP at baseline (r = 0.285; p = 0.024); change in headache severity and monthly headache days correlated with change in ICP at 12 months (r = 0.454, p = 0.001 and r = 0.419, p = 0.002 respectively). Cutaneous allodynia was significantly correlated with ICP at 12 months. (r = 0.479, p < 0.001). Boot strap analysis noted a positive association between ICP at 12 and 24 months and enabled prediction of both change in headache severity and monthly headache days. ICP was associated with significant improvements in quality of life (SF-36). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a positive relationship between ICP and headache and cutaneous allodynia, which has not been previously reported in IIH. Those with the greatest reduction in ICP over 12 months had the greatest reduction in headache frequency and severity; this was associated with improvement of quality of life measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This work provides Class IIa evidence of the association of raised intracranial pressure and headache. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02124486 .


Subject(s)
Pseudotumor Cerebri , Adult , Female , Headache/complications , Headache/epidemiology , Humans , Intracranial Pressure , Morbidity , Pseudotumor Cerebri/complications , Pseudotumor Cerebri/epidemiology , Quality of Life
6.
Diabet Med ; 37(1): 53-70, 2020 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31498912

ABSTRACT

We present a summary of a guideline produced by an international group of experts for managing type 1 diabetes in adults with an emphasis on the special needs of older people with this condition. The rationale for delivering high-quality diabetes care for adults with type 1 diabetes, why it is important to include older people in our considerations, and the key underpinning principles of the guideline are included. The structure of the recommendations given is described and consists of 'general' recommendations followed by 'specific' recommendations according to three categories depending on the characteristics of adults addressed, such as functional level or self-management ability. Recommendations are provided in the areas of: clinical diagnosis, establishing management plans and glucose regulation, diabetes self-management education, nutritional therapy, physical activity, exercise and lifestyle modification, insulin treatments and regimens, use of technology in diabetes management, hypoglycaemia, managing cardiovascular risk, management of microvascular risk, and inpatient management of type 1 diabetes and ketoacidosis.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Hypoglycemia , Ketosis , Male
7.
Diabet Med ; 37(12): 1981-1991, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32533711

ABSTRACT

We present an Executive Summary of a guideline produced by a Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care Writing Group for managing frail older inpatients with diabetes. This represents a multidisciplinary stakeholder consensus document providing more than 100 recommendations in eight areas: functional assessment and detection of frailty; preventative care: assessing risk factors and avoiding hospital admissions; general inpatient management principles; managing therapy choices for the frail older inpatient with diabetes; managing associated comorbidities and concerns; pre-operative assessment and care; discharge planning and principles of follow-up; and end of life care. The document is intended to guide effective clinical decision-making in an inpatient setting and is supported by four appendices: Appendix 1, STOPPFRAIL criteria; Appendix 2, Acute care toolkit 3-Royal College of Physicians; Appendix 3, a description of physical performance and frailty measures for routine NHS application; and Appendix 4, Inpatient Frailty Care Pathway-template. This document is expected to enhance clinical outcomes and overall health status for this vulnerable inpatient population of older people with diabetes. The full version of the guideline, including the appendices, can be found at https://abcd.care/sites/abcd.care/files/resources/Inpatient_Care_of_the_Frail_Older_Adult.pdf.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Frailty/diagnosis , Hospitalization , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Disease Management , Frail Elderly , Geriatric Assessment , Humans , Patient Discharge , Societies, Medical , Terminal Care , United Kingdom
8.
Diabet Med ; 37(7): 1090-1093, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32369634

ABSTRACT

The National Diabetes Stakeholders Covid-19 Response Group was formed in early April 2020 as a rapid action by the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care, Diabetes UK, the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, and Diabetes Frail to address and support the special needs of residents with diabetes in UK care homes during Covid-19. It was obvious that the care home sector was becoming a second wave of Covid-19 infection and that those with diabetes residing in care homes were at increased risk not only of susceptibility to infection but also to poorer outcomes. Its key purposes included minimising the morbidity and mortality associated with Covid-19 and assisting care staff to identify those residents with diabetes at highest risk of Covid-19 infection. The guidance was particularly created for care home managers, other care home staff, and specialist and non-specialist community nursing teams. The guidance covers the management of hyperglycaemia by discussion of various clinical scenarios that could arise, the management of hypoglycaemia, foot care and end of life care. In addition, it outlines the conditions where hospital admission is required. The guidance should be regarded as interim and will be updated as further medical and scientific evidence becomes available.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/therapy , Delivery of Health Care/methods , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Nursing Homes , Pneumonia, Viral/therapy , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Comorbidity , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/metabolism , Diabetes Complications/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Disease Management , Frailty , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Humans , Life Expectancy , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/metabolism , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2 , United Kingdom/epidemiology
9.
J Headache Pain ; 21(1): 28, 2020 Mar 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32183689

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) remains a medical emergency because of the risk of sudden irreversible sight loss and rarely stroke along with other complications. Because headache is one of the cardinal symptoms of cranial GCA, neurologists need to be up to date with the advances in investigation and management of this condition. The aim of this document by the European Headache Federation (EHF) is to provide an evidence-based and expert-based recommendations on GCA. METHODS: The working group identified relevant questions, performed systematic literature review and assessed the quality of available evidence, and wrote recommendations. Where there was not a high level of evidence, the multidisciplinary (neurology, ophthalmology and rheumatology) group recommended best practice based on their clinical experience. RESULTS: Across Europe, fast track pathways and the utility of advanced imaging techniques are helping to reduce diagnostic delay and uncertainty, with improved clinical outcomes for patients. GCA is treated with high dose glucocorticoids (GC) as a first line agent however long-term GC toxicity is one of the key concerns for clinicians and patients. The first phase 2 and phase 3 randomised controlled trials of Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor antagonist, have been published. It is now been approved as the first ever licensed drug to be used in GCA. CONCLUSION: The present article will outline recent advances made in the diagnosis and management of GCA.


Subject(s)
Giant Cell Arteritis/drug therapy , Neurologists , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Delayed Diagnosis , Europe , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Headache/drug therapy , Humans , Polymyalgia Rheumatica , Practice Guidelines as Topic
10.
Diabet Med ; 36(4): 399-413, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30411402

ABSTRACT

In our ageing society diabetes imposes a significant burden in terms of the numbers of people with the condition, diabetes-related complications including disability, and health and social care expenditure. Older people with diabetes can represent some of the more complex and difficult challenges facing the clinician working in different settings, and the recognition that we have only a relatively small (but increasing) evidence base to guide us in diabetes management is a limitation of our current approaches. Nevertheless, in this review we attempt to explore what evidence there is to guide us in a comprehensive scheme of treatment for older adults, often in a high-risk clinical state, in terms of glucose lowering, blood pressure and lipid management, frailty care and lifestyle interventions. We strive towards individualized care and make a call for action for more high-quality research using different trial designs.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Evidence-Based Practice , Health Services for the Aged , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Aging/physiology , Diabetes Complications/epidemiology , Diabetes Complications/prevention & control , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Evidence-Based Practice/standards , Health Services for the Aged/standards , Humans
11.
Curr Diab Rep ; 19(4): 15, 2019 02 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30806826

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To highlight the central role of hypoglycaemia in the causation of cognitive frailty and explore ways of recognition and prevention of hypoglycaemia. RECENT FINDINGS: Cognitive frailty is an emerging new concept defined as the concomitant presence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment. In older people with diabetes, cognitive frailty is associated with an increased risk of mortality greater than from either physical frailty or cognitive impairment alone. Hypoglycaemia is directly associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and physical frailty which are the two components of cognitive frailty. The incidence of hypoglycaemia in older people with diabetes is rising and hypoglycaemia-related hospitalisation has overtaken that of hyperglycaemia. Recognition of hypoglycaemic episodes in old age remains challenging which leads to misdiagnoses and under-reporting. Therefore, hypoglycaemia prevention strategies are needed. Research is still required to investigate whether prevention of hypoglycaemia would lead to a reduction in the incidence of cognitive frailty.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Frailty/etiology , Hypoglycemia/prevention & control , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cognitive Dysfunction/prevention & control , Humans , Hypoglycemia/diagnosis , Hypoglycemia/etiology
12.
Diabet Med ; 2018 Jun 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29873423

ABSTRACT

In residential care homes and aged-care facilities globally, between one in three and one in four residents may have diabetes, an often complex highly co-morbid illness that leads to frailty, dependency, disability and reduced life expectancy. Residents with diabetes also have a high risk of hypoglycaemia, avoidable hospital admissions, and represent one of the most difficult challenges to health professionals and care staff in optimizing their diabetes and medical care. This detailed review examines the literature relating to care home diabetes over the last 25 years to assess what has been achieved in characterizing residents with diabetes, and what we know about the various but limited intervention studies that have been carried out internationally. The guidance and guidelines that have been published to assist clinicians in planning effective and safe care for this rather vulnerable group of people with diabetes are also reviewed. The review presents the first diagrammatic representation of a likely physiological cascade depicting the mainly irreversible functional decline a resident with diabetes might experience, provides modern principles of care for each resident with diabetes, and identifies what priority recommendations are required to be implemented if diabetes care is to improve. The review concludes that action is required since diabetes care still remains fragmented, sub-optimal, and in need of investment, otherwise care home residents with diabetes will continue to have their needs unfulfilled.

13.
Diabet Med ; 35(7): 838-845, 2018 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29633351

ABSTRACT

Rates of population ageing are unprecedented and this, combined with the progressive urbanization of lifestyles, has led to a dramatic shift in the epidemiology of diabetes towards old age, particularly to those aged 60-79 years. Both ageing and diabetes are recognized as important risk factors for the development of functional decline and disability. In addition, diabetes is associated with a high economic, social and health burden. Traditional macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes appear to account for less than half of the diabetes-related disability observed in older people. Despite this, older adults are under-represented in clinical trials. Guidelines from organizations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and the American Diabetes Association acknowledge the need for individualized care, but the glycaemic targets that are suggested to constitute good control [HbA1c 53-59 mmol/mol (7-7.5%)] are too tight for frail older individuals. We present a framework for the assessment of older adults and guidelines for the management of this population according to their frailty status, with the intention of reducing complications and improving quality of life for these people.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Frailty/diagnosis , Aged , Comorbidity , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Disease Management , Frailty/epidemiology , Geriatric Assessment , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Humans , Middle Aged , Patient Care Planning , Quality of Health Care , Stakeholder Participation
15.
Diabet Med ; 34(3): 387-395, 2017 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27087619

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To compare all-cause mortality in older people with or without diabetes and consider the associated risk of comorbidity and polypharmacy. METHODS: A 10-year cohort study using data from the Health Innovation Network database (2003-2013) comparing mortality in people aged ≥ 70 years with diabetes (DM cohort) (n = 35 717) and without diabetes (No DM cohort) (n = 307 918). RESULTS: The mean age of the DM cohort was 78.1 ± 5.8 years vs. 79.0 ± 6.3 years in the No DM cohort. Mean diabetes duration was 8.2 ± 8.1 years, and 30% had diabetes for > 10 years. The DM cohort had a greater comorbidity load and people in this cohort were prescribed more therapies than the No DM cohort. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were lower in the DM cohort at 64% and 39%, respectively, compared with 72% and 50% in the No DM cohort. The excess mortality in the DM cohort was greatest in those aged < 75 years with longer duration diabetes, the relative hazard for mortality was higher in females. Although comorbidity and polypharmacy were associated with increased mortality risk in the DM cohort, this risk was lower compared with the No DM cohort. The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for comorbidities > 4 and medicines ≥ 7 were 1.29 (1.19 to 1.41) and 1.34 (1.25 to 1.43) in the DM cohort and 1.63 (1.57 to 1.70) and 1.48 (1.40 to 1.56) in the No DM cohort, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant excess mortality in older people with diabetes, which is unexplained by comorbidity or polypharmacy. This excess is greatest in the younger old with longer disease duration, suggesting that it may be related to the effect of diabetes exposure.


Subject(s)
Aging , Diabetes Complications/physiopathology , Diabetes Mellitus/physiopathology , Aged , Cohort Studies , Combined Modality Therapy/adverse effects , Diabetes Complications/mortality , Diabetes Complications/therapy , Diabetes Mellitus/mortality , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/mortality , Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/physiopathology , Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/therapy , Disease Progression , Electronic Health Records , Female , Heart Failure/complications , Heart Failure/mortality , Heart Failure/physiopathology , Heart Failure/therapy , Humans , Male , Mortality , Primary Health Care , Proportional Hazards Models , Sex Factors , State Medicine , Survival Analysis , United Kingdom/epidemiology
16.
Dev Biol ; 400(2): 224-36, 2015 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25684667

ABSTRACT

DMRT1 is a conserved transcription factor with a central role in gonadal sex differentiation. In all vertebrates studied, DMRT1 plays an essential function in testis development and/or maintenance. No studies have reported a role for DMRT1 outside the gonads. Here, we show that DMRT1 is expressed in the paired Müllerian ducts in the chicken embryo, where it is required for duct formation. DMRT1 mRNA and protein are expressed in the early forming Müllerian ridge, and in cells undergoing an epithelial to mesenchyme transition during duct morphogenesis. RNAi-mediated knockdown of DMRT1 in ovo causes a greatly reduced mesenchymal layer, which blocks caudal extension of the duct luminal epithelium. Critical markers of Müllerian duct formation in mammals, Pax2 in the duct epithelium and Wnt4 in the mesenchyme, are conserved in chicken and their expression disrupted in DMRT1 knockdown ducts. We conclude that DMRT1 is required for the early steps of Müllerian duct development. DMRT1 regulates Müllerian ridge and mesenchyme formation and its loss blocks caudal extension of the duct. While DMRT1 plays an important role during testis development and maintenance in many vertebrate species, this is the first report showing a requirement for DMRT1 in Müllerian duct development.


Subject(s)
Avian Proteins/metabolism , Mullerian Ducts/embryology , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Animals , Chick Embryo , Electroporation , Female , Gene Knockdown Techniques , Male , Mesoderm/metabolism , Mullerian Ducts/metabolism , Oviducts/embryology , Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms , Testis/embryology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Vertebrates/embryology , Vertebrates/metabolism
17.
Org Biomol Chem ; 14(11): 3069-79, 2016 Mar 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26893255

ABSTRACT

A small library of cryptolepine analogues were synthesised incorporating halogens and/or nitrogen containing side chains to optimise their interaction with the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA to give improved binding, interfering with topoisomerase II hence enhancing cytotoxicity. Cell viability, DNA binding and Topoisomerase II inhibition is discussed for these compounds. Fluorescence microscopy was used to investigate the uptake of the synthesised cryptolepines into the nucleus. We report the synthesis and anti-cancer biological evaluation of nine novel cryptolepine analogues, which have greater cytotoxicity than the parent compound and are important lead compounds in the development of novel potent and selective indoloquinone anti-neoplastic agents.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Indole Alkaloids/chemistry , Indole Alkaloids/pharmacology , Quinolines/chemistry , Quinolines/pharmacology , Topoisomerase II Inhibitors/chemistry , Topoisomerase II Inhibitors/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , DNA Topoisomerases, Type II/metabolism , Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor , Humans , Indole Alkaloids/chemical synthesis , Indolequinones/chemical synthesis , Indolequinones/chemistry , Indolequinones/pharmacology , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/metabolism , Quinolines/chemical synthesis , Structure-Activity Relationship , Topoisomerase II Inhibitors/chemical synthesis
18.
Int J Clin Pract ; 70(3): 244-53, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26916621

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low testosterone levels occur in over 40% of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and have been associated with increased mortality. Testosterone replacement together with statins and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) are widely used in men with T2DM. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on mortality and assess the independence of this effect by adjusting statistical models for statin and PDE5I use. METHODS: We studied 857 men with T2DM screened from five primary care practices during April 2007-April 2009. Of the 857 men, 175/637 men with serum total testosterone ≤ 12 nmol/l or free testosterone (FT) ≤ 0.25 nmol/l received TU for a mean of 3.8 ± 1.2 (SD) years. PDE5I and statins were prescribed to 175/857 and 662/857 men respectively. All-cause mortality was the primary end-point. Cox regression models were used to compare survival in the three testosterone level/treatment groups, the analysis adjusted for age, statin and PDE5I use, BMI, blood pressure and lipids. RESULTS: Compared with the Low T/untreated group, mortality in the Normal T/untreated (HR: 0.62, CI: 0.41-0.94) or Low T/treated (HR: 0.38, CI: 0.16-0.90) groups was significantly reduced. PDE5I use was significantly associated with reduced mortality (HR: 0.21, CI: 0.066-0.68). After repeating the Cox regression in the 682 men not given a PDE5I, mortality in the Normal T/untreated and Low T/treated groups was significantly lower than that in the reference Low T/untreated group. Mortality in the PDE5I/treated was significantly reduced compared with the PDE5I/untreated group (OR: 0.06, CI: 0.009-0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone replacement therapy is independently associated with reduced mortality in men with T2DM. PDE5I use, included as a confounding factor, was associated with decreased mortality in all patients and, those not on TRT, suggesting independence of effect. The impact of PDE5I treatment on mortality (both HR and OR < 0.25) needs confirmation by independent studies.


Subject(s)
Androgens/therapeutic use , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/mortality , Hormone Replacement Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Testosterone , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cause of Death , England/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Models, Structural , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Testosterone/blood , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Treatment Outcome
19.
Spinal Cord ; 54(9): 695-701, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26690861

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective parallel waitlist randomised controlled trial. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an Internet-based psychological intervention treating comorbid mood disorder in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Improved mood and satisfaction with life were primary outcomes. SETTING: Victoria, Australia. INTERVENTION: Electronic Personal Administration of Cognitive Therapy (ePACT). MEASURES: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-Short Form (DASS21), Personal Well-being Index, Helplessness subscale of the Spinal Cord Lesion Emotional Well-being Scale v1 Australia, at each time point.Participant qualifying criteria:Adults (18-70 years), chronic SCI, attend SCI review clinic at Austin or Caulfield Hospital and score above normative threshold of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-Short Form (DASS21). METHODS: Forty-eight participants completed Time 2 post intervention (n=23) or time equivalent for waitlist control group (n=25) telephone interviews. The measures were repeated a third time (Time 3) for a small subgroup (n=12) at 6 months post intervention within the study implementation time frame. RESULTS: Univariate within group analyses revealed significant improvement in mood in the intervention group at Time 2: (lower depression (effect size (ES)=0.4), anxiety (ES=0.4) and stress (ES=0.3)) and higher satisfaction with life (ES=0.2). Waitlist control group improved in depression only (ES=0.3) by Time 2. Multilevel variance components analyses, although not as positive, were still encouraging. Improvement in mood symptoms was maintained in the small group reinterviewed at Time 3. CONCLUSION: Although Internet-based interventions for mental health issues in SCI not a solution for all, our results indicate that they are a potentially valuable addition to the currently available options.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Internet , Mood Disorders/etiology , Mood Disorders/rehabilitation , Spinal Cord Injuries/complications , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Australia , Chronic Disease , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
20.
Intern Med J ; 45(10): 1014-9, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26036613

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is little understanding of the prevalence of mental health issues in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) after they leave rehabilitation or how mental health issues can alter over time. AIM: The aims were to (i) determine the prevalence of mood disturbance in adults with chronic SCI living in the community, (ii) ascertain whether the prevalence of mood disturbance had changed since a previous study in 2004-2005 and (iii) establish whether people with chronic SCI remain vulnerable to mood disturbance, irrespective of time since injury. METHODS: Prospective, open-cohort case series. Participants were 573 community-based adults with a chronic SCI. The depression, anxiety and stress scale - short version was used. Analyses included simple descriptors, Chi-squared and repeated measures t-tests. RESULTS: Nearly half of participants (n = 263/573; 46%) reported symptoms indicating mood disturbance, which was similar to the level found in the previous study. While the presence of mood disturbance persisted in 23% of adults (n = 26) and 46 (41%) were in the 'below threshold' category, just over a third of the adults who participated in both studies (n = 111) experienced a change (n = 21, 19% mood disturbance resolved and n = 18, 16% mood disturbance developed). CONCLUSION: Both resilience and change are common. At no time after SCI is the risk of mental health problems considered reduced or even stable. These results highlight the importance of regular mental health reviews even in those who have previously displayed good resilience.


Subject(s)
Affective Disorders, Psychotic/diagnosis , Affective Disorders, Psychotic/epidemiology , Spinal Cord Injuries/complications , Spinal Cord Injuries/psychology , Aged , Anxiety/epidemiology , Australia/epidemiology , Depression/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Health , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Severity of Illness Index , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology
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