The real incidence of sudden death: Fair estimations or futile speculations?

BACKGROUND: The true incidence of sudden death remains undetermined, with controversial results from various publications over time and countries. AIM: To investigate if different estimations would reach the values usually reported for France. METHODS: Three different kinds of estimations were used. First, the number of resuscitated sudden deaths and necropsies for sudden death in the Haute-Garonne French administrative department (i.e. county) over the last 10years was expanded to the national level. Second, sudden death coding of death certificates was collected at the national level. Third, the total number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests leading to any emergency call (with/without intervention) in Haute-Garonne over the last 10years was expanded to the national level. RESULTS: There was a mean of 26 resuscitated sudden deaths and 145 necropsies for sudden death each year in Haute-Garonne, i.e. 12 to 14 sudden deaths for 100,000 inhabitants, and 7700 to 9400 sudden deaths yearly when related to the whole French population, according to the year of inclusion. Based on death certificates, a mean of 6584 sudden deaths was registered each year in France. Finally, there were about 600 yearly calls/interventions for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Haute-Garonne, i.e. 40 to 50 sudden deaths for 100,000 inhabitants, and 16,000 to 27,000 sudden deaths yearly for the whole French territory, according to the year of inclusion. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of sudden death ranges from 6500 to 27,000 in France according to the calculation methods. This huge difference raises the question of the true current incidence of sudden death, which may have been overestimated previously or may be underestimated in France. More straight prospective surveys are needed to solve this question, because of relevant implications for priorities that should be given to sudden death.

Ingesta de alimentos ultraprocesados y circunferencia de cintura según área de residencia en adultos peruanos / Ultra-processed food consumption and waist circumference by residence setting in Peruvian adults

Introducción. La circunferencia de cintura (CC) es indicador de obesidad abdominal y riesgo cardiovascular en adultos. En Perú, la obesidad ha aumentado a diferente magnitud por área de residencia y poco se sabe de la influencia del consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados (AUP) sobre este fenómeno en población adulta. Objetivo. Evaluar la asociación entre ingesta de AUP y circunferencia de cintura en adultos peruanos por área de residencia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal de datos secundarios de 745 adultos con información de ingesta dietaria (un recordatorio de 24 horas) de la Encuesta Nacional Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional por Etapas de Vida 2017-2018. Los AUP fueron caracterizados según la clasificación NOVA. La ingesta AUP como el porcentaje relativo de la ingesta energética total (%), dividida en terciles. La CC medida como punto medio entre última costilla y cresta iliaca. Se usó regresión lineal múltiple ponderada y análisis estratificado según área de residencia. Resultados. La edad promedio fue 37,2 años. La ingesta de AUP promedio fue 14,7% (IC95%: 14,2 ­ 15,3). Comparado con adultos en el menor tercil de ingesta de AUP, aquellos en tercil medio tuvieron mayor CC ( 0,73; IC95%: 0,22 ­ 1,24; valor p= 0,007). Al estratificar por área de residencia, adultos rurales del tercil medio tuvieron mayor CC en comparación con primer tercil ( : 1,85; IC95%: 1,17 ­ 2,53, valor p < 0,001). Conclusiones. En adultos peruanos, la ingesta de AUP se asoció a CC en áreas rurales, aunque no de forma lineal. Más estudios son necesarios para entender la naturaleza de esta asociación(AU)

Introduction. Waist circumference (WC) is an abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk indicator among adults. In Peru, obesity prevalence has been increasing unequally between residence areas, and the influence of ultra- processed food (UPF) consumption on WC in Peruvian adults remains unclear. Objective. Evaluate the association between UPF consumption and waist circumference by residence setting among Peruvian adults. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional secondary analysis of dietary intake data (single 24-hour recall) from 745 adults aged 18 and 59 years old from the "Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional por Etapas de Vida 2017-2018" National Surveys was performed. The NOVA system was used to characterize the UPFs, and the exposure was the percentage of total energy consumed from UPF per day (%), in quantiles. WC (cm) was assessed at the middle point between the last rib and the iliac crest. Weighted linear regression analysis stratified by residence areas were conducted. Results. The mean age was 37.2 years. The mean percent of total energy consumed from UPF was 14.7% (95%CI: 14.2 ­ 15.3). Those in the middle tertile of UPF consumption, had higher WC ( 0.73; 95%CI: 0.22 ­ 1.24; p-value = 0.007) compared with those in the lower tertile. In the stratified analysis, those in the second tertile in rural areas have more WC compared with the first tertile ( 1.85; 95%CI: 1.17 ­ 2.53, p-value< 0.001). Conclusions. In rural areas, UPF consumption was associated with waist circumference, but it does not follow a linear association. Further studies are needed to understand the rationale behind these results(AU)

Diisopropyl 2-[(4-nitro-benzo-yl)amino]-propane-dioate.

The title compound, C16H20N2O7, crystallizes in the space group C2 with two mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. The crystal packing shows O⋯π inter-actions between the two mol-ecules.

Factores sociodemográficos y de riesgo cardiovascular asociados a obesidad severa en niñas

Introducción. La obesidad severa (OS) ha sido muy poco estudiada en el Perú. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de OS según dos criterios diagnósticos y su relación con factores sociodemográficos y de riesgo cardiovascular en población infantil. Métodos. Se utilizó el IMC, definiendo como obesidad a un valor ≥ al 95p y OS a: ≥ 99p y ≥ 120% del 95p, respectivamente (n=2001). Para las dislipidemias: hipercolesterolemia ≥ 200 mg/dL, C-HDL bajo ≤ 40 mg/dL, C no HDL alto ≥ 145 mg/dL, C-LDL alto ≥ 130 mg/dL; e hipertrigliceridemia para menores de 9 años ≥ 100 mg/dL y de 10 a 19 años ≥ 130 mg/ dL. Resistencia a la insulina (RI) con un HOMA-I ≥ 3,16 (n=344). Resultados. El 31,5% presentó obesidad. El 12,8% OS con el primer criterio y 7,7% con el segundo criterio. En ambos criterios de OS se presentó asociación con los grupos de edad (OR: 0,55 IC 0,4-0,89) y (OR: 0,62 IC 0,43- 0,89). La alteración de los lípidos y la RI fue más prevalente en los OS. Con el primer criterio se encontró asociación significativa con C-LDL e hipertrigliceridemia; y con el segundo con el C-HDL e hipertrigliceridemia. Conclusiones. La OS afectó más al grupo etáreo de 6 a 9 años, las que nacieron con un peso normal, las que presentaron antecedentes familiares y las niñas cuyas madres refirieron no haber tenido ningún nivel de instrucción.

Introduction. Severe obesity (SO) has been studied very little in Peru. Objective. To determine the prevalence of SO according to two diagnostic criteria and its relationship to socio-demographic and cardiovascular risk factors in the child population. Methods. BMI was used, defining as obesity at a value ≥ at 95p and SO at: ≥ 99p and ≥ 120% of 95p, respectively (n=2001). For dyslipidemias the following: hypercholesterolemia ≥ 200 mg/dL, C-HDL under ≤ 40 mg/dL, C non HDL high ≥ 145 mg/dL, High C-LDL ≥ 130 mg/dL and hypertriglyceridemia for children under 9 ≥ to 100 mg/dL and 10 to 19 years ≥ 130 mg/dL and insulin resistance (RI) with a HOMA-I ≥ 3.16 (n=344). Results. 31,5% were obese. 12,8% SO with the first criterion and 7,7% with the second criterion. In both SO criteria it had association with age groups (OR: 0,55 IC 0,4-0,89) and (OR: 0,62 IC 0,43-0,89). Alteration of lipids and RI it was more prevalent in SO. The first criterion found significant association with C-LDL and hypertriglyceridemia; and in the second with C-HDL and hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions. SO affects most the ethereal group of 6 to 9 years, those born with a normal weight, those who had a family history and girls whose mother reported not having had any level of instruction.

Social predictors of food insecurity during the stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. Results from a cross-sectional web-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Stay-at-home orders and social distancing have been implemented as the primary tools to reduce the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, this approach has indirectly lead to the unemployment of 2·3 million Peruvians, in Lima, Perú alone. As a result, the risk of food insecurity may have increased, especially in low-income families who rely on a daily wage. This study estimates the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity (MSFI) and identifies the associated factors that explain this outcome during the stay-at-home order. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey, with non-probabilistic sampling, was conducted between May 18 and June 30, 2020, during the stay-at-home order in Peru. We used social media advertisements on Facebook to reach 18-59-year-olds living in Peru. MSFI was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Rasch model methodology requirements were considered, and factors associated with MSFI were selected using stepwise forward selection. A Poisson generalized linear model (Poisson GLM), with log link function, was employed to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). FINDINGS: This analysis is based on 1846 replies. The prevalence of MSFI was 23·2%, and FIES proved to be an acceptable instrument with reliability 0·72 and infit 0·8-1·3. People more likely to experience MSFI were those with low income (less than 255 US$/month) in the pre-pandemic period (aPR 3·77; 95%CI, 1·98-7·16), those whose income was significantly reduced during the pandemic period (aPR 2·27; 95%CI, 1·55-3·31), and those whose savings ran out in less than 21 days (aPR 1·86; 95%CI, 1·43-2·42). Likewise, heads of households (aPR 1·20; 95%CI, 1·00-1·44) and those with probable SARS-CoV2 cases as relatives (aPR 1·29; 95%CI, 1·05-1·58) were at an increased risk of MSFI. Additionally, those who perceived losing weight during the pandemic (aPR 1·21; 95%CI, 1·01-1·45), and increases in processed foods prices (aPR 1·31; 95%CI, 1·08-1·59), and eating less minimally processed food (aPR 1·82; 95%CI, 1·48-2·24) were more likely to experience MSFI. INTERPRETATION: People most at risk of MSFI were those in a critical economic situation before and during the pandemic. Social protection policies should be reinforced to prevent or mitigate these adverse effects.

TSH y factores de riesgo cardiovascular: análisis en una población escolar eutiroidea con sobrepeso y obesidad / TSH and cardiovascular risk factors: analysis in an overweight and obese euthyroid school population

RESUMEN Objetivos. Describir el nivel de hormona tiroestimulante (TSH) y tiroxina plasmática libre (T4L) en escolares con sobrepeso y obesidad; además, determinar asociación entre TSH y factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Métodos. Participaron del estudio 96 escolares mujeres, entre 7 a 17 años, eutiroideas. Se definió sobrepeso IMC de 85 a < 95p y obesidad ≥ de 95p. Se determinó glucosa, triglicéridos, colesterol total, colesterol de alta y baja densidad, TSH y T4L. Para definir los subgrupos se optó valor del 75p de TSH. Resultados. Las variables antropométricas y la TSH fue significativamente mayor entre escolares obesas; sin embargo, las variables bioquímicas no difirieron entre grupos. Las que tuvieron sobrepeso y una TSH>75p presentaron medidas de circunferencia de cintura (CC) significativamente mayores, respecto al grupo TSH<75p, sin diferencia en las demás variables. Se encontró asociación lineal positiva y significativa (p<0,001) entre el nivel de TSH y el puntaje z-IMC (r=0,37) y la CC (r=0,51); no hubo asociación entre TSH con otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular. En la regresión lineal se encontró que por cada unidad de TSH incrementada, el puntaje z-IMC aumentó en 0,25 y la CC en 2,25 cm ajustado por edad, siendo este hallazgo significativo. Conclusión. Los valores de TSH fueron significativamente mayores en escolares obesas en comparación a las con sobrepeso. El puntaje z-IMC y la circunferencia de cintura se incrementaron conforme lo hace la TSH, independientemente de la edad. No se encontró relación entre los niveles de TSH con los niveles de colesterol, triglicéridos y glucosa.

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free plasma thyroxine (FT4) in school students with overweight and obesity; also determine the association between TSH and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods. 96 women schoolchildren, between 7 to 17 years old, euthyroid, were studied. Overweight BMI was defined as 85 to <95p and obesity ≥ 95p. Glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high and low density cholesterol, TSH and FT4 were determined. To define the subgroups, a value of 75p of TSH was chosen. Results. Anthropometric variables and TSH was significantly higher among obese women, however, biochemical variables did not differ between groups. Those who were overweight and had a TSH> 75p had significantly higher waist circumference (WC) measurements, compared to the TSH <75p group, with no difference in the other variables. A positive and significant linear association (p <0,001) was found between the TSH level and the z-BMI score (r = 0,37) and the WC (r = 0,51); there was no association between TSH and other cardiovascular risk factors. In the linear regression it was found that for each TSH unit increased, the z-BMI score increased by 0,25 and the WC by 2,25 cm adjusted for age, this finding being significant. Conclusion. TSH values were significantly higher in obese girls compared to overweight girls. Z-BMI score and waist circumference increase as TSH increases, regardless of age. No relationship was found between TSH levels and cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels.

Riesgo cardiovascular en una población escolar con exceso de peso / Cardiovascular risk in a school population with excess weight

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar factores de riesgo cardiovascular en escolares con exceso de peso y medir su asociación con variables sociodemográficas. Métodos. Estudio transversal, analítico. Se encuestó a 2001 escolares mujeres de 6 a 17 años de un Centro Educativo de Lima Metropolitana. Se utilizó el índice de masa corporal para el diagnóstico de exceso de peso (sobrepeso entre 85 y 95p y obesidad ≥ 95p) y la circunferencia de cintura para obesidad abdominal (≥ 90p). HOMA-I para la resistencia a la insulina (RI) (≥ 3,16) y para las alteraciones lipídicas: colesterol total (≥ 200 mg/dL), C-HDL bajo (≤ 40 mg/dL), C-LDL alto (≥ 130 mg/dL), C no HDL (≥ 145 mg/dL) y triglicéridos (≥ 100 y 130 mg/dL) para niñas menores de 9 y de 10 a 19 años, respectivamente. Resultados. El exceso de peso se presentó mayormente en las escolares de 10 a 17 años, en las que nacieron con más de 2500 gr, con más de un antecedente familiar, con lactancia materna exclusiva y en aquellas cuyas madres no tuvieron instrucción. Las alteraciones lipídicas más frecuentes fueron hipertrigliceridemia y C-HDL bajo. El 82% presentó dislipidemia y el 55,4% de obesos RI. La obesidad abdominal estuvo asociada con los antecedentes familiares y la instrucción de la madre. Conclusión. Cuatro de cada cinco niñas con exceso de peso presentó por lo menos una alteración de los lípidos. Una de cada dos obesas tuvo RI.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the cardiovascular risk factors in overweight schoolchildren and to measure their association with sociodemographic variables. Methods. Cross-sectional, analytical study. 2001 female schoolchildren from 6 to 17 years of age from an Educational Center in Metropolitan Lima were surveyed. The Body Mass Index was used for the diagnosis of excess weight (overweight between 85 and 95p and obesity ≥ 95p) and the Waist Circumference for abdominal obesity (≥ 90p). HOMA-I for insulin resistance (≥ 3,16) and for lipid abnormalities: total cholesterol (≥ 200 mg / dL), low HDL-C (≤ 40 mg/dL), high LDL-C (≥ 130 mg / dL), non-HDL C (≥ 145 mg / dL) and triglycerides (≥ 100 and 130 mg / dL) for girls younger than 9 and 10 to 19 years old, respectively. Results. Excess weight occurred mainly in schoolgirls aged 10 to 17 years, in those who were born with more than 2500 gr, with more than one family history, with exclusive breastfeeding and in those whose mothers had no instruction. The most frequent lipid alterations were hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C. 82% had dyslipidemia and 55,4% of obese patients had insulin resistance (IR). Abdominal obesity was associated with family history and mother's instruction. Conclusion. Four out of five girls with excess weight presented at least one alteration of the lipids. One in two obese women had IR.

Características bacteriológicas, físicas y pH del agua de consumo humano del municipio de Une-Cundinamarca / Bacteriological and physical characteristics and pH of water for human consumption in the municipality of Une-Cundinamarca

Resumen Objetivo. Determinar características bacteriológicas, físicas y pH del agua para consumo humano que abastece al municipio de Une, Cundinamarca-Colombia. Métodos. Se tomaron 13 muestras de agua: 10 de la zona rural y 3 de la zona urbana. Del total de muestras tomadas en la zona rural, 7 no tenían ningún tratamiento, mientras que 3 tenían algún tipo de tratamiento. Las 3 muestras tomadas en la cabecera municipal, todas tenían tratamiento. Se utilizó la técnica de filtración por membrana para los análisis bacteriológicos, y los métodos nefelométrico, turbidimétrico y potenciométrico, para los análisis físicos y el pH. Resultados. Se obtuvo como resultado pH inferior a 6; 12 puntos superan el valor máximo de turbiedad y 5 puntos para la determinación de color. Se observó la presencia de Coliformes totales, E. coli y Enterococcus en las muestras analizadas, en cantidad que sobrepasa lo establecido en la normativa colombiana.

Abstract Objective. To determine bacteriological and physical characteristics and pH of water for human consumption that supplies the municipality of Une, Cundinamarca-Colombia. Methods. Thirteen water samples were taken: 10 from the rural area and 3 from the urban area. Of the total number of samples taken in the rural area, 7 had no treatment at all, while 3 had some type of treatment. The 3 samples taken in the municipal capital, all had treatment. The membrane filtration technique was used for bacteriological analysis and the nephelometric, turbidimetric and potentiometric methods for physical analysis and pH. Results. The result was pH lower than 6; 12 points exceed the maximum value turbidity and 5 points for the determination of color. The presence of total Coliforms, E. coli and Enterococcus was observed in the analyzed samples, in an amount that surpasses the established in the Colombian regulations.

Use of Alcohol and Cannabis Among Adults Driving Children in Washington State.

OBJECTIVE: It is unknown how many drivers are impaired by alcohol or cannabis with children as passengers (a situation known as driving under the influence child endangerment [DUI-CE]). This study examines the prevalence and patterns of alcohol and cannabis use among drivers with children on weekend nights and risk perceptions among these drivers. METHOD: Data came from 2,056 drivers (1,238 male) who participated in the Washington State Roadside Survey between June 2014 and June 2015. Oral fluid, blood, and breath samples were used to measure cannabis and alcohol use. Self-reported data were used to assess risk perceptions. Descriptive tabulations, weighted prevalence estimates, and chi-square tests were conducted. RESULTS: Compared with other drivers, those who drove with a child were more likely to be driving during the daytime (46.6% vs. 36.3%, p = .03), less likely to be alcohol positive (0.2% vs. 4.5%, p < .0001), but as likely to be positive for Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (14.1% vs. 17.7%, p = .29). Drivers with a child were less likely to report moderate to severe marijuana problems (3.3%) than those without a child (8.4%) (p < .02). Most drivers reported that cannabis use was very likely to impair driving. Among those who did not perceive any risk, 40.6% of drivers with a child and 28.9% of drivers without a child tested positive for THC. CONCLUSIONS: Although most drivers with children did not drink and drive, many tested positive for cannabis, although it is unclear how many drivers may have been impaired. There is a need to examine driving situations that may put children at risks beyond those related to alcohol.

Alcohol-Related Risk of Driver Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Crashes: Comparing Data From 2007 and 2013-2014.

OBJECTIVE: Using data from 2013-2014, this article aims to update alcohol-related fatal crash relative risk estimates, defined as the risk of dying in those crashes at different blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) relative to the risk of dying in a crash when sober (BAC = .00 g/dl), and to examine any change in risk that could have taken place between 2007 and 2013-2014. More specifically, we examine changes in risk among BAC = .00 g/dl drivers and among BAC > .00 g/ dl drivers. METHOD: We matched and merged crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and exposure data from the National Roadside Survey (NRS). To the matched database we applied logistic regression to estimate the changes in relative risk. RESULTS: We found that among sober (BAC = .00 g/dl) drivers, the risk of dying in a fatal crash decreased between 2007 and 2013-2014. For drinking drivers, however, no parallel reduction in the overall contribution of alcohol to the fatal crash risk occurred. Compared with 2007, in 2013-2014 the oldest group of drivers (age ≥ 35 years) were at an elevated crash risk when driving at low BACs (.00 g/dl < BAC < .02 g/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Although the decrease in crash risk for drivers with a BAC of .00 g/dl is encouraging, the consistency of the alcohol-related risk estimates over the last two decades suggests the need to substantially strengthen current efforts to abate drinking and driving.

Obesidad, resistencia a la insulina y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en adolescentes / Obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents

Introducción. La obesidad está considerada como un problema de salud pública. Su presencia a edades tempranas implica una obligación de identificar la aparición de complicaciones como resistencia a la insulina y diabetes mellitus (DM). Métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Participaron 1206 mujeres adolescentes. Se definió la obesidad con valores de IMC ≥ 95p según la OMS. Se determinó niveles séricos de insulina, glucosa y perfil lipídico. Se usó el Homeostasis Model of Assesmente Index (HOMA-I), mediante la ecuación de Matthews con el valor ≥ 3,16 para definir resistencia a la insulina (RI). Para las dislipidemias: hipercolesterolemia ≥ 200 mg/dL, bajo C-HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL, alto C-LDL ≥ 130 mg/dL e hipetrigliceridemia ≥ 130 mg/dL. A las adolescentes obesas con RI se les hizo una prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa (PTG): glicemia de 140 a 199 mg/dL intolerantes a la glucosa y ≥ 200 mg/dL diabéticas. Resultados. El 25,1% (303) de la población fue obesa; 246 adolescentes obesas participaron de la evaluación bioquímica, 28,1% (69) de ellas presentaron RI. En las adolescentes obesas con y sin RI, el promedio de las variables bioquímicas en las primeras fueron mayores, siendo estas diferencias significativas estadísticamente, salvo el C-HDL. Diferencias entre la prevalencia de dislipidemias fueron significativas a excepción del C-HDL. La RI presentó un OR de 10,9 (IC 5,4-26,6), 12,1 (IC 4,9-30,1), y 7,6 (IC 3-19,5) con la hipertrigliceridemia, hipercolesterolemia y C-LDL alto. La PTG mostró un 3,3% de intolerantes y ninguna diabética. Conclusiones. El 28,1% (69) de adolescentes obesas presentaron RI; ninguna participante del estudio presentó DM.

Introduction. Obesity is considered a public health problem. Its presence at an early age implies an obligation to identify the onset of complications such as insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods. Observational, descriptive and transversal study. Participated 1206 teenage women. Obesity was defined with BMI values ≥95p according WHO. Serum levels of insulin, glucose and lipid profile were determined. The Homeostasis Model of Assesment Index (HOMA-I) was used, using the Matthews equation with the value ≥ 3,16 to define insulin resistance (RI). For dyslipidemias: hypercholesterolemia ≥ 200 mg/dL, low HDL-C ≤ 40 mg/dL, high C-LDL ≥ 130 mg / dL and hypetriglyceridemia ≥ 130 mg/dL. The obese teenagers with RI underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (PTG): glycemia of 140 to 199 mg / dL intolerant to glucose and ≥ 200 mg/dL as diabetic. Results 25,1% (303) of the population was obese; 246 obese adolescents participated in the biochemical evaluation, 28,1% (69) of them presented RI. In the obese teenagers with and without IR, the average of the biochemical variables in the former were higher, these differences being statistically significant, except for HDL-C. Differences between the prevalence of dyslipidemias were significant except for HDL-C. The IR presented an OR of 10,9 (CI 5,4-26,6), 12,1 (CI 4,9-30,1), and 7,6 (CI 3-19,5) with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and high LDL-C. The PTG showed 3,3% intolerant and none diabetic. Conclusions: 28,1% (69) of obese adolescents presented RI; no study participant presented DM.

Vitamin D bioavailability and catabolism in pediatric chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and catabolism have not been examined in the clinical setting of childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: The concentrations of serum vitamin D {25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D], 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)(2)D]}, DBP, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) were measured in 148 participants with CKD stages 2-5D secondary to congenital anomalies of the kidney/urinary tract (CAKUT), glomerulonephritis (GN), or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D concentrations were calculated using total 25(OH)D, albumin, and DBP concentrations. RESULTS: The concentrations of all vitamin D metabolites were lower with more advanced CKD (p < 0.001) and glomerular diagnoses (p ≤ 0.002). Among non-dialysis participants, DBP was lower in FSGS versus other diagnoses (FSGS-dialysis interaction p = 0.02). Winter season, older age, FSGS and GN, and higher FGF23 concentrations were independently associated with lower concentrations of free and bioavailable 25(OH)D. Black race was associated with lower total 25(OH)D and DBP, but not free or bioavailable 25(OH)D. 24,25(OH)(2)D was the vitamin D metabolite most strongly associated with iPTH. Lower 25(OH)D and higher iPTH concentrations, black race, and greater CKD severity were independently associated with lower levels of 24,25(OH)(2)D, while higher FGF23 concentrations and GN were associated with higher levels of 24,25(OH)(2)D. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CKD exhibit altered catabolism and concentrations of DBP and free and bioavailable 25(OH)D, and there is an important impact of their underlying disease.

Subregional hippocampal atrophy predicts Alzheimer's dementia in the cognitively normal.

Atrophic changes of the hippocampus are typically regarded as an early sign of Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Using the radial distance atrophy mapping approach, we compared the longitudinal MRI data of 10 cognitively normal elderly subjects who remained normal at 3-year and 6-year follow-up (NL-NL) and 7 cognitively normal elderly subjects who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) 2.8 (range 2.0-3.9) and with AD 6.8 years (range 6.1-8.2) after baseline (NL-MCI(AD)). 3D statistical maps revealed greater hippocampal atrophy in the NL-MCI(AD) relative to the NL-NL group at baseline (left p=0.05; right p=0.06) corresponding to 10-15% CA1, and 10-25% subicular atrophy, and bilateral differences at 3-year follow-up (left p=0.001, right p<0.02) corresponding to 10-30% subicular, 10-20% CA1, and 10-20% newly developed CA2-3 atrophy. This preliminary study suggests that excess CA1 and subicular atrophy is present in cognitively normal individuals predestined to decline to amnestic MCI, while progressive involvement of the CA1 and subiculum, and atrophy spreading to the CA2-3 subfield in amnestic MCI, suggests future diagnosis of AD.

Long-term reversal of cholinergic neuronal decline in aged non-human primates by lentiviral NGF gene delivery.

Spontaneous atrophy of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons occurs with aging in the non-human primate brain. Short-term reversal of this atrophy has been reported following ex vivo nerve growth factor (NGF) gene delivery, but long-term effects of in vivo NGF gene delivery in the aged primate brain have not to date been examined. We tested the hypothesis that long-term lentiviral NGF intraparenchymal gene delivery would reverse age-related cholinergic decline, without induction of adverse effects previously observed following sustained intracerebroventricular growth factor protein exposure. Three aged rhesus monkeys underwent intraparenchymal lentiviral NGF gene delivery to the cholinergic basal forebrain. 1 year later, cholinergic neuronal numbers were quantified stereologically and compared to findings in four controls, non-treated aged monkeys and four young adult monkeys. Safety was assessed on several variables related to growth factor exposure. We now report that lentiviral gene delivery of NGF to the aged primate basal forebrain sustains gene expression for at least 1 year, and significantly restores cholinergic neuronal markers to levels of young monkeys. Aging resulted in a significant 17% reduction (p<0.05) in the number of neurons labeled for the cholinergic marker p75 among basal forebrain neurons. Lentiviral NGF gene delivery induced significant (p<0.05) and nearly complete recovery of p75-labeled neuronal numbers in aged subjects to levels observed in young monkeys. Similarly, the size of cholinergic neurons in aged monkeys was significantly reduced by 16% compared to young subjects (p<0.05), and lentiviral NGF delivery to aged subjects induced complete recovery of neuronal size. Intraparenchymal NGF gene delivery over a one-year period did not result in systemic leakage of NGF, activation of inflammatory markers in the brain, pain, weight loss, Schwann cell migration, or formation of anti-NGF antibodies. These findings indicate that extended trophic support to neurons in the non-human primate brain reverses age-related neuronal atrophy. These findings also support the safety and feasibility of lentiviral NGF gene transfer for potential testing in human clinical trials to protect degenerating cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer's disease.

Therapeutic potential of CERE-110 (AAV2-NGF): targeted, stable, and sustained NGF delivery and trophic activity on rodent basal forebrain cholinergic neurons.

Treatment of degenerating basal forebrain cholinergic neurons with nerve growth factor (NGF) in Alzheimer's disease has long been contemplated, but an effective and safe delivery method has been lacking. Towards achieving this goal, we are currently developing CERE-110, an adeno-associated virus-based gene delivery vector that encodes for human NGF, for stereotactic surgical delivery to the human nucleus basalis of Meynert. Results indicate that NGF transgene delivery to the targeted brain region via CERE-110 is reliable and accurate, that NGF transgene distribution can be controlled by altering CERE-110 dose, and that it is possible to achieve restricted NGF expression limited to but covering the target brain region. Results from animals examined at longer time periods of 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after CERE-110 delivery indicate that NGF transgene expression is stable and sustained at all time points, with no loss or build-up of protein over the long-term. In addition, results from a series of experiments indicate that CERE-110 is neuroprotective and neurorestorative to basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in the rat fimbria-fornix lesion and aged rat models, and has bioactive effects on young rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. These findings, as well as those from several additional non-clinical experiments conducted in both rats and monkeys, led to the initiation of a Phase I clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CERE-110 in Alzheimer's disease subjects, which is currently ongoing.

The association between an electric pump loan program and the timing of requests for formula by working mothers in WIC.

An electric pump loan program designed to facilitate breastfeeding for low-income mothers returning to full-time work was evaluated. All mothers were WIC participants in the Los Angeles area. Electric pump loans were made until the infant's first birthday or until the mother requested formula from WIC. Information was provided to employers on supporting breastfeeding in the workplace. A subsample of mothers who received an electric pump on return to full-time work was compared with counterparts in a wait list control group. Mothers who received an electric pump as soon as requested did not request formula until 8.8 months on average, whereas those who did not receive an electric pump requested formula on average at 4.8 months (P < .0001). Mothers who received an electric pump when requested were 5.5 (95% CI 2.0-15.1) times as likely as mothers who did not receive an electric pump to not request formula at 6 months.

Identifying predictors of treatment outcome in a drug court program.

Drug courts are popular for dealing with drug-abusing offenders. However, relatively little is known about participant characteristics that reliably predict either success or failure in these treatment settings. In this article, we report on 99 individuals who were enrolled in a drug court program (approximately one-half of whom successfully completed the program). Using, logistic regression techniques we identified 2 significant predictors of outcome. First, individuals who were employed at the time of their enrollment into the drug court program were more likely to successfully complete the treatment program. Second, individuals with a history of illicit intravenous drug use were less likely to complete the program.