Inducing remission of Type 2 diabetes in the Caribbean: findings from a mixed methods feasibility study of a low-calorie liquid diet-based intervention in Barbados.

AIM: In a high proportion of people with recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, a short (2-3-month) low-calorie diet is able to restore normal glucose and insulin metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of this approach in Barbados. METHODS: Twenty-five individuals with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed within past 6 years, not on insulin, BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 were recruited. Hypoglycaemic medication was stopped on commencement of the 8-week liquid (760 calorie) diet. Insulin response was assessed in meal tests at baseline, 8 weeks and 8 months. Semi-structured interviews, analysed thematically, explored participants' experiences. 'Responders' were those with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 7 mmol/l at 8 weeks. RESULTS: Ten men and 15 women (mean age 48, range 26-68 years) participated. Mean (sd) BMI was 34.2 kg/m2 (6.0); FPG 9.2 mmol/l (2.2). Mean weight loss at 8 weeks and 8 months was 10.1 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.1, 12.0] and 8.2 kg (95% CI 5.8, 10.6); FPG was lower by 2.2 mmol/l (95% CI 1.2, 3.2) and 1.7 mmol/l (95% CI 0.8, 2.7) respectively. Nine of 11 (82%) of those who lost ≥ 10 kg were 'responders' compared with 6 of 14 (43%) who lost < 10 kg (P = 0.048). The 30-min insulin increment was higher in responders at baseline and follow-up (P ≤ 0.01). A food culture based on starchy foods and pressures to eat large amounts at social events were among the challenges identified by participants. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of this approach to weight loss and diabetes remission in a predominantly black population in Barbados was demonstrated.

Towards an inpatient diabetes curriculum: medical student-generated aims, objectives and methods for ward-based learning of non-critical, non-perioperative inpatient diabetes care.

AIMS: To create a summative document containing aims, objectives and methods that can be used for the training of healthcare professionals in inpatient diabetes care. METHODS: A four-stage approach was introduced for the ward-based teaching of inpatient diabetes care at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill over the 2014-2015 academic year. Within this approach, 55 students (100%) submitted aims, objectives and methods to support two 2-h, ward-based sessions. This was guided by brief instructions and access to a copy of the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline on the management of non-critical, non-perioperative inpatient diabetes. Conceptual content analysis was used to convert submissions into a unifying document. RESULTS: Six themes emerged from students' submissions: diagnosis; assessment and investigation of diabetes and its complications; planning individualized care and pharmacological management; hypoglycaemia management, including severe hypoglycaemia; patient education; discharge planning; and multidisciplinary teamwork. Students were primarily interested in patient management and treatment using higher-level objectives and active learning methods. CONCLUSIONS: This study produced comprehensive, student-generated, and hence student-centred, aims, objectives and methods for inpatient diabetes care with objectives appropriately set for higher cognitive levels of learning. This material can be used to guide teaching or for further development into a curriculum. This is the first known publication of content that could be used in a ward-based inpatient diabetes curriculum.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes in the Caribbean: Preliminary findings from a feasibility study in Barbados

OBJECTIVE: In a high proportion of persons recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a short (2–3 months) very low calorie diet is able to restore normal glucose and insulin metabolism. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of this approach in Barbados. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five individuals aged 20to 69 years with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed within the past six years, not on insulin, and body mass index (BMI) > 27kg.m-2 were recruited. Hypoglycaemic medication was stopped on commencement of the eight-week liquid (760calorie) diet, during which participants were assessed weekly. Findings from the liquid diet phase and the following three months are presented. RESULTS: The study participants comprised 10 men and 15women (mean age 48 years, range 26–68 years). Mean(SD, range) BMI was 34.2 kg.m-2 (6.0, 27.0–52.8) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was 9.2 mmol.l-1 (2.2, 6.7–14.6). Over the eight-week intervention, mean weight loss was 10.1 kg (4.7, 1.5–20.8) and waist circumference loss10.9 cm (4.0, 5.1–20.8). Fasting plasma glucose fell by 2.2mmol.l-1 (range 1.5–7.9). At eight weeks, FPG was < 7mmol.l-1, the diagnostic cut point for diabetes, in 15 participants compared to three at baseline (p = 0.004). At three months post liquid diet, 17 had FPG < 7 mmol.l-1 (still off medication). CONCLUSION: There was substantial weight loss and fall inFPG in the majority of participants, sustained at three months follow-up. Data on changes in pancreatic function are being analysed. These findings will inform a larger, pragmatic, multi-centre Caribbean trial.

Everything with a pinch of salt: what knowledge have adult Barbadians gained from recent salt reduction messages and what impact have the messages had on their dietary choices?

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether adult Barbadians, 25-55 years, could identify and understand messages contained in phase one of the ‘Battling the Hidden Enemy” Salt Reduction Campaign, and to assess if these messages impacted dietary choices, particularly salt consumption. DESIGN AND METHODS: Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 22 Barbadians from a public and a private clinic to participate in five focus groups. Recorded group sessions were analysed using inductive and deductive reasoning and data was classified and organised according to key themes, concepts and emergent categories using framework analysis, aided by the software programme, Atlas.ti. RESULTS: Participants could identify and understood the public service announcement (PSA) messages but did not report an increase in skills and self-efficacy in selecting low salt food options as they were still unable to read labels and make better food choices. Mainly female participants stated an inability to limit their salt intake and pointed to barriers to changing their behaviours such as heavily advertised products, low-cost foods high in salt, addiction to tasty (salty) foods, inadequate labeling and a lack of nutritional information in food establishments. CONCLUSIONS: Education alone was ineffective in reducing the perceived salt consumption levels of focus group members, who judged the PSAs as educational but not effective. A multi-pronged approach should be used including a targeted, consistent campaign, supported by interventions that change the food environment in ways that encourage population-wide behaviour change.

Health inequities in diabetes, its risk factors, and adverse outcomes in populations living in the Caribbean: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES: Following the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, Caribbean countries committed to identifying and reducing health inequities (Rio Political Declaration 2011). We undertook a systematic review to determine what is known about the social distribution of diabetes (DM), its risk factors and major complications in the Caribbean. This paper describes findings on the distribution by ethnicity, education, occupation and income. DESIGN AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase and the Virtual Health Library for Caribbean studies published between 2007 and 2013 that described the distribution by ethnicity, income, education and occupation of: known risk factors for type 2 DM, prevalence of DM, DM control or complications. Only quantitative studies were included; each was assessed for risk of bias. RESULTS: Out of 2796 unique records, 81 articles required full text review, and 29 articles met the inclusion criteria. Few studies examined DM, its risk factors or complications by education (4), income (2) or occupation (1). None described significant relationships but all had a high risk of bias. Statistically significant findings were described from Barbados, Cuba and Trinidad on the distribution of diabetes by ethnicity: higher in Blacks than Whites, and in South Asians in Trinidad compared to other groups (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.14, 3.05). CONCLUSION: Published data in the Caribbean on the social distribution of diabetes, its risk factors and complications were very limited and of overall low quality. Work to better identify health inequities in the Caribbean is required if governments are to meet their commitment to addressing them.

The importance of gender as a social determinant of diabetes in the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: We undertook a systematic review to determine the social distribution of diabetes (DM) its risk factors and major complications in the Caribbean. This paper describes our findings on the distribution by gender. DESIGN AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase and the Virtual Health Library for Caribbean studies published between 2007 and 2013 that described the distribution by gender of: known risk factors for Type 2 DM, prevalence of DM, and DM control or complications. Only quantitative studies (n>50) were included; each was assessed for risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed, where appropriate, on studies with a low or medium risk of bias, using random effects models. RESULTS: We found 50 articles from 27 studies, yielding 118 relationships between gender and the outcomes. Women were more likely to have DM, obesity, be less physically active but less likely to smoke. In meta-analyses of good quality population based studies odds ratios for women vs. men for DM, obesity and smoking were: 1.65 (95% CI 1.43, 1.91), 3.10 (2.43, 3.94), and 0.24 (0.17, 0.34). Three studies found men more likely to have better glycaemic control but only one achieved statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Female gender is a determinant of DM prevalence in the Caribbean. In the vast majority of world regions women are at a similar or lower risk of type 2 diabetes than men, even when obesity is higher in women. Caribbean female excess of diabetes may be due to a much greater excess of risk factors in women, especially obesity and physical inactivity.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity amongst overweight and obese women in the Caribbean: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: To identify modifiable barriers to physical activity and to explore factors that facilitate physical activity among overweight and obese women in Barbados. DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventeen women aged 25 to 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25, purposefully sampled from a population-based cross-sectional study, were recruited to participate in in-depth semi-structured interviews. Twelve women participated in one or more additional ethnographic sessions in which the researcher joined and observed a routine activity chosen by the participant. More than 50 hours of ethnographic data collection were accumulated and documented in field notes. Thematic content analysis was performed on transcribed interviews and field notes. RESULTS: Social, health-related, and structural barriers to physical activity were identified. Social factors related to gender norms and expectations. Women tended to be active with their female friends rather than partners or male peers, and reported peer support but also alienation. Being active also competed with family responsibilities and expectations. Health-related barriers included perceptions about chronic disease and competing strategies for weight loss. Structural barriers included few opportunities for active commuting, limited indoor space for exercise in the home, and low perceived access to convenient and affordable exercise classes. Several successful strategies associated with sustained activity were observed, including walking and highly social, low-cost exercise groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the role that gender norms and health beliefs play in shaping experiences of physical activity. Affordable and accessible group exercise classes are feasible within a Caribbean context and successful models have the potential to be replicated.

Particle size distribution and chemical composition of total mixed rations for dairy cattle: water addition and feed sampling effects.

Four dairy farms were used to determine the effects of water addition to diets and sample collection location on the particle size distribution and chemical composition of total mixed rations (TMR). Samples were collected weekly from the mixing wagon and from 3 locations in the feed bunk (top, middle, and bottom) for 5 mo (April, May, July, August, and October). Samples were partially dried to determine the effect of moisture on particle size distribution. Particle size distribution was measured using the Penn State Particle Size Separator. Crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents were also analyzed. Particle fractions 19 to 8, 8 to 1.18, and <1.18 mm were judged adequate in all TMR for rumen function and milk yield; however, the percentage of material>19 mm was greater than recommended for TMR, according to the guidelines of Cooperative Extension of Pennsylvania State University. The particle size distribution in April differed from that in October, but intermediate months (May, July, and August) had similar particle size distributions. Samples from the bottom of the feed bunk had the highest percentage of particles retained on the 19-mm sieve. Samples from the top and middle of the feed bunk were similar to that from the mixing wagon. Higher percentages of particles were retained on >19, 19 to 8, and 8 to 1.18 mm sieves for wet than dried samples. The reverse was found for particles passing the 1.18-mm sieve. Mean particle size was higher for wet than dried samples. The crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents of TMR varied with month of sampling (18-21, 40-57, and 21-34%, respectively) but were within recommended ranges for high-yielding dairy cows. Analyses of TMR particle size distributions are useful for proper feed bunk management and formulation of diets that maintain rumen function and maximize milk production and quality. Water addition may help reduce dust associated with feeding TMR.

Novel cleft susceptibility genes in chromosome 6q.

Cleft lip/palate is a defect of craniofacial development. In previous reports, chromosome 6q has been suggested as a candidate region for cleft lip/palate. A multipoint posterior probability of linkage analysis of multiplex families from the Philippines attributed an 88% probability of harboring a cleft-susceptibility gene to a narrower region on bands 6q14.2-14.3. We genotyped 2732 individuals from families and unrelated individuals with and without clefts to investigate the existence of possible cleft-susceptibility genes in this region. We found association of PRSS35 and SNAP91 genes with cleft lip/palate in the case-control cohort and in Caucasian families. Haplotype analyses support the individual associations with PRSS35. We found Prss35 expression in the head and palate of mouse embryos at critical stages for palatogenesis, whereas Snap91 was expressed in the adult brain. We provide further evidence of the involvement of chromosome 6q in cleft lip/palate and suggest PRSS35 as a novel candidate gene.

Technical note: Determination of acidity in whole raw milk: comparison of results obtained by two different analytical methods.

In Argentina, one analytical method is usually carried out to determine acidity in whole raw milk: the Instituto Nacional de Racionalización de Materiales standard (no. 14005), based on the Dornic method of French origin. In a national and international regulation, the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International method (no. 947.05) is proposed as the standard method of analysis. Although these methods have the same foundation, there is no evidence that results obtained using the 2 methods are equivalent. The presence of some trends and discordant data lead us to perform a statistical study to verify the equivalency of the obtained results. We analyzed 266 samples and the existence of significant differences between the results obtained by both methods was determined.

Evaluation of 99mTc-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy in the investigation of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate (99m)Tc-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy as an investigation for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). STUDY DESIGN: Scintigraphy was performed in 95 children undergoing investigation for IBD in a tertiary Gastroenterology Department. Diagnosis was based on conventional investigations including small bowel barium contrast radiology (BCR), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE), colonoscopy, and endoscopic biopsy (the "gold standards"). IBD was confirmed in 73 (57 Crohn's disease; 10 ulcerative colitis; 6 indeterminate colitis) and excluded in 22 (controls). Scintigraphy was (1) evaluated as a screening test, (2) compared with individual conventional tests, (3) assessed for each gut segment. RESULTS: Screening test: sensitivity 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63-0.85), specificity 0.82 (95% CI, 0.59-0.94), PPV 0.93, NPV 0.5. Comparison with BCR: sensitivity 0.87 (95% CI, 0.72-0.96), specificity 0.57 (95% CI, 0.39-0.73), PPV 0.69, NPV 0.2. Comparison with UGIE: specificity 0.9 (95% CI, 0.79-0.96), NPV 0.13 (sensitivity and PPV unavailable). Comparison with colonoscopy: sensitivity 0.57 (95% CI, 0.41-0.73), specificity 0.71 (95% CI, 0.54-0.85), PPV 0.71, NPV 0.42. Comparison with biopsies paralleled that with endoscopy. False negatives were especially common (NPV< or =0.2) in the proximal gut. CONCLUSIONS: (99m)Tc-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy should not be relied on as a screening test for IBD because false negative results are common. This method is especially unreliable at detecting disease in the proximal gut.

Inflammatory cloacogenic polyp: an unrecognized cause of hematochezia and tenesmus in childhood.

The rectal "inflammatory cloacogenic polyp" is a recognized pathologic entity in adulthood. We report three cases in children aged between 8 and 12 years. This disorder should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with hematochezia and tenesmus. These polyps are usually located at the anorectal junction and so may be overlooked at colonoscopy unless an endoscopic retroflexion maneuver is performed.

Glucose polymer as a cause of protracted diarrhea in infants with unsuspected congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To describe four infants with protracted diarrhea caused by glucose polymer intolerance resulting from congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. METHODS: The diagnosis of congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency was established by mucosal disaccharidase assay. In each case the clinical response to discontinuation of glucose polymer was documented. RESULTS: The median age at the onset of symptoms was 3 weeks (range, 2 to 16 weeks). In three infants the formula had been prescribed for presumed postgastroenteritis diarrhea, and in a fourth it was begun after resection of a short-segment congenital ileal atresia. In each infant watery diarrhea occurred and persisted for many months, and it was assumed that the original gastrointestinal disorder was responsible. In two cases, parenteral nutrition was administered for persistent failure to thrive. Ultimately, investigation revealed the underlying congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, and elimination of glucose polymer from the diet led to immediate recovery in each case. CONCLUSION: Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency should be considered a possible cause of protracted diarrhea in infants receiving glucose polymer-based feedings.

Localization of foot and mouth disease virus RNA in tissue culture infected cells via in situ polymerase chain reaction.

Foot and mouth disease virus RNA was visualized in infected primary tissue culture cells by in situ PCR incorporating digoxigenin-labeled dUTP. The viral RNA polymerase gene was used as a target for amplification. Infected cells revealed cytoplasmic staining, predominantly perinuclear. The intensity of staining was in proportion to the degree of cytopathology observed and similar to the results obtained using immunoperoxidase staining. The in situ PCR technique for FMDV detection could be applied to formalin-fixed samples and be useful for the study of persistent infections.

Analysis of sites of foot and mouth disease virus persistence in carrier cattle via the polymerase chain reaction.

This study was undertaken in order to explore possible sites of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) persistence during the carrier state. Tissue samples taken from experimentally infected animals at different times post-infection (p.i.) were examined by conventional viral isolation and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The analysis of samples from several organs taken from 17 bovines between 3 and 270 days p.i. allowed the following conclusions: 1) Virus present in oesophageal-pharyngeal fluids (OPF) during the carrier state originates in the pharynx as shown by the detection of antisense FMDV RNA by PCR, 2) PCR is more sensitive than standard virus isolation techniques and may be used for the rapid detection of FMDV in specimens obtained during the acute stage of FMD and for identification of persistently infected cattle.

Urinary oxalate and glycolate excretion patterns in the first year of life: a longitudinal study.

To determine the range of normal values, we studied urinary excretion of oxalate and glycolate prospectively and longitudinally in a cohort of 30 healthy term infants. Random urine samples were obtained at 2 days, 2 weeks, and 2, 4, 6, and 9 months of age. The results had a log-normal distribution. The mean oxalate/creatinine ratio, as determined by the oxalate oxidase method, was 0.08 (in milligrams of oxalate to milligrams of creatinine) with a normalized range of 0.02 to 0.31. The mean ratio when oxalates were measured by using the Olthuis assay was 0.13 (range 0.03 to 0.53). The mean glycolate/creatinine ratio was 0.07 (range 0.02 to 0.26). These values did not correlate with increasing age. The oxalate/creatinine ratios were higher in formula-fed infants than in those who were fed human milk (0.14 +/- 0.16 vs 0.08 +/- 0.04; p < 0.01).

Reperfusion injury in ischemic myocardium: effects of nifedipine and verapamil.

Coronary reperfusion following myocardial ischemia may result in further damage to injured myocytes, as judged by their ultrastructural appearance. Calcium entry into myocytes has been implicated in this effect, and calcium channel-blocking agents have been used in attempts to prevent or limit such damage. In this study, we produced myocardial ischemia in pigs by means of reversible coronary artery occlusion. The pigs were infused with either nifedipine or verapamil (both clinically employed calcium channel-blocking agents) prior to and during coronary reperfusion. During reperfusion, nifedipine produced a lowering of mean arterial pressure, while mean arterial pressure was constant in verapamil-treated pigs and rose in pigs not receiving drugs. Myocardial samples from the ischemic, reperfused region were examined by electron microscopy. Ischemic damage to nuclei, mitochondria, and myofibrils and glycogen depletion were independently graded on a three-point scale by two investigators. For each of the organelles studied, ischemic damage was significantly less for nifedipine-treated animals than for controls. Ischemic damage in verapamil-treated pigs was not different from that seen in control animals, except for a slight improvement in myofibrillar appearance. We conclude that nifedipine, administered prior to and during reperfusion of myocardium, protects against reperfusion injury. The mechanism of this protective effect may be attributable, in part, to afterload reduction and, in part, to inhibition of transmembrane calcium flux in cardiac fibers.

Predicting neonatal morbidity after perinatal asphyxia: a scoring system.

Predicting immediate neonatal morbidity after perinatal asphyxia has been difficult. A review of asphyxiated neonates greater than or equal to 36 weeks' gestation admitted to The Children's Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit in 1983 was conducted to devise a scoring system that would rapidly predict organ dysfunction observed in the immediate neonatal period. Comparison of potential score components to morbidity by multiple regression analysis yielded significant association with abnormalities in fetal heart rate monitoring, the 5-minute Apgar score, and neonatal base deficit. A scoring system was devised whose sensitivity (93.8%) and specificity (81.3%) were more predictive than any of its individual components. Prospective analysis in a similar population in 1984 validated its ability to distinguish severe from moderate morbidity after asphyxia. Positive predictive value for the score in the combined study groups (n = 98) was 79% and the negative predictive value was 83%. The scoring system may offer a rapid and accurate prediction of organ dysfunction in the immediate neonatal period after asphyxia.

Reperfusion injury in ischemic myocardium: protective effect of controlled reperfusion.

Restoration of coronary artery flow following a period of ischemia often results in further ultrastructural damage to cardiac fibers, a phenomenon known as reperfusion injury. We have compared the ultrastructural effects of uncontrolled reperfusion in vivo of ischemic pig myocardium with the ultrastructural effects of reperfusion controlled at flow rates comparable to preischemia levels. Myocardial ischemia was produced for 60 minutes in 9 pigs by means of a reversible coronary artery occlusion, after which coronary artery flow was restored for 120 minutes. This restoration of flow was complete in four pigs (resulting in uncontrolled reperfusion) and partial in five pigs, with constant monitoring and adjustment of flow to maintain rates near preischemia values (controlled reperfusion). Myocardial samples from the ischemic, reperfused region were examined by electron microscopy. Ischemic damage to nuclei, mitochondria, and myofibrils and ischemic depletion of glycogen were graded independently and blindly by two investigators using a simple, nonparametric three-point scale. Ischemic damage was greater in pigs receiving uncontrolled reperfusion than in animals receiving controlled reperfusion, and these differences were significant for ischemic effects on nuclei (p less than 0.01), glycogen (p less than 0.02), and myofibrils (p less than 0.05) but not for ischemic effects on mitochondria (p = 0.095). We conclude that uncontrolled, hyperemic flow during reperfusion of ischemic myocardium is responsible, in part, for the phenomenon of reperfusion injury.