Assessment of electrolytes, markers of glycaemic control and renal dysfunction among adult Nigerians recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and progressive endocrine disorder that may result in macro and microvascular complications. Objective: This study assessed some biochemical analytes in Nigerians who were recently (≤ 6 months) diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: 160 T2DM and 90 non-diabetic control participated in this study. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), electrolytes, lipid and renal profile parameters, glycated haemoglobin (HBA1C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), using standard guidelines. Result: The body mass index (BMI) of the T2DM volunteers was higher than control (P <0.001). The lipid profile, potassium, glucose, HBA1C, urea and creatinine values were elevated (P <0.001) while estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower (P<0.05) in diabetes. The median HFABP and hs-CRP were raised (P <0.05) in T2DM. Positive associations existed between FBG and urea (P <0.001), Creatinine and HBAIC (P <0.001). A logistic regression analysis, shows that an increased BMI, HBA1C, FBG, Cholesterol, urea and creatinine were associated with higher odds (p<0.001) of cardiovascular and renal complications. Conclusion: Elevated hs-CRP, glycated haemoglobin, urea and creatinine among T2DM increase the odds of cardiovascular and renal insults in this population.

Assessment of electrolytes, markers of glycaemic control and renal dysfunction among adult Nigerians recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and progressive endocrine disorder that may result in macro and microvascular complications. Objective: This study assessed some biochemical analytes in Nigerians who were recently (≤ 6 months) diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: 160 T2DM and 90 non-diabetic control participated in this study. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), electrolytes, lipid and renal profile parameters, glycated haemoglobin (HBA1C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), using standard guidelines. Result: The body mass index (BMI) of the T2DM volunteers was higher than control (P <0.001). The lipid profile, potassium, glucose, HBA1C, urea and creatinine values were elevated (P <0.001) while estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower (P<0.05) in diabetes. The median HFABP and hs-CRP were raised (P <0.05) in T2DM. Positive associations existed between FBG and urea (P <0.001), Creatinine and HBAIC (P <0.001). A logistic regression analysis, shows that an increased BMI, HBA1C, FBG, Cholesterol, urea and creatinine were associated with higher odds (p<0.001) of cardiovascular and renal complications. Conclusion: Elevated hs-CRP, glycated haemoglobin, urea and creatinine among T2DM increase the odds of cardiovascular and renal insults in this population

Evaluation of lung densitometric and volumetric changes in silicosis patients using three-dimensional software for multidetector CT and the relationship with profusion scores.

AIM: To evaluate the density and volume changes in the lungs of silicosis patients and their relationship with the disease severity classification of the International Labor Organization (ILO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The multidetector computed tomography (CT) images of 44 patients diagnosed with silicosis and 32 controls that underwent thoracic CT due to trauma were evaluated. Patients with silicosis were divided into three categories according to the ILO classification. Data related to the total lung volume, total lung mean density, lung opacity score, percentage of lung high opacity, and mean density in the lower and upper lobes were obtained using three-dimensional (3D) software. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the total lung mean densities of the silicosis and control groups (p=0.213); however, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the total lung volume (p<0.0001). According to the ILO classification, there was a significant difference between the disease severity categories in relation to the percentage of lung high opacity (p=0.000005). A strong correlation was detected between disease severity and high opacity percentage (p<0.0001, r=0.804). According to the ILO classification, there was also a significant difference between disease severity categories in terms of the lung opacity score (p=0.000144), as well as a moderate correlation between disease severity and opacity score (p<0.0001, r=0.580). CONCLUSION: Total lung volume is a CT finding that shows variation in exposure to crystalline silica. The percentage of high opacity determined using multidetector CT is an effective parameter in evaluating disease severity.

Analysis of posterior circulation diameters depending on age, sex and side by computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: Posterior circulation of brain is important because of vital organs' blood supply provided by them. In this study, we evaluate the relationship of posterior circulation measurements with age, gender and side by using computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 199 brain CTA examinations were retrospectively analysed for all posterior circulation arteries (vertebral artery, basilar artery, posterior cerebral artery [PCA], superior cerebellar artery [SCA], anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery [PICA]) to compare the difference based on age, gender and side. RESULTS: There is no correlation between age and the mean diameters of all vessels (p > 0.05). The mean diameter of left vertebral artery was higher than right vertebral artery in all genders (p = 0.004 for males and p < 0.001 for females). The mean diameter of left SCA and PICA were higher than right SCA and PICA in females (p = 0.032 and p = 0.027, respectively). The mean diameters of basilar, left PCA, left SCA, left vertebral, right PCA, right SCA, right PICA and right vertebral artery were higher in males and that differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.002, and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The posterior circulation vessel diameter is not affected by aging. The mean diameters of basilar artery, both PCAs, both SCAs, right PICA, both vertebral arteries were higher in males. The mean diameter of left vertebral artery is higher than that of right vertebral artery in all genders.

Relationship of vascular variations with liver remnant volume in living liver transplant donors.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the relationship between the portal vein and hepatic artery variations and the remaining liver volume in living donors in liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, triphasic abdominal computed tomography images of 180 live liver donor candidates were analysed retrospectively. Portal veins were divided into four groups according to the Nakamura classification and seven groups according to the Michels classification. The relationship between vascular variations and remnant liver volume was compared statistically. RESULTS: According to the Nakamura classification, there were 143 (79.4%) type A, 23 (12.7%) type B, 7 (3.9%) type C and 7 (3.9%) type D cases. Using the Michels classification, 129 (71%) type 1, 12 (6.7%) type 2, 24 (13%) type 3, 2 (2.2%) type 4, 10 (5.6%) type 5, 1 (0.6%) type 6, and 2 (1.1%) type 7 cases were detected. There was no significant difference in the percentage of the remaining volume of the left liver lobe between the groups (p = 0.055, p = 0.207, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Variations in the hepatic artery and portal vein do not affect the remaining liver volume in liver transplantation donors.

Assessment of Plasma Sodium to Potassium Ratio, Renal Function, Markers of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Endothelial Dysfunction in Nigerian Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated plasma sodium/potassium ratio, markers of oxidative stress, renal function, and endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive Nigerians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred forty-nine volunteers consisting of three hundred and twenty-four hypertensive and two hundred twenty-five controls participated in this study. Blood samples were collected from the participants and were analyzed for electrolytes, markers of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, renal function, and inflammation, using ion-selective electrodes, spectrophotometric, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, respectively. RESULTS: The mean systolic blood pressure, mean diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly elevated among the hypertensive group when compared with control (p < 0.001). The mean sodium increased, while potassium and bicarbonate (HCO3 -) decreased (p < 0.001) in hypertensive volunteers. The sodium-potassium ratio (Na+/K+) and urea were raised (p < 0.001) in the hypertensive group when compared with the control. Glutathione, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide (NO), and catalase were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) while malondialdehyde (MDA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and ferritin were raised significantly (p < 0.001) in hypertensive participants. The odds of hypertension and its complications increased (p < 0.001) with an increase in BMI, Na+/K+, hs-CRP, MDA, and ferritin and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. CONCLUSION: An increase in Na+/K+, urea, hs-CRP, ferritin, MDA, and BMI and a decrease in eGFR, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase were associated with an increased risk of hypertension complication. Abnormal values of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial function could impact deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system among hypertensive Nigerians. A decreased bicarbonate possibly suggests an occult acid-base imbalance among hypertensive volunteers.

Differentiation between hepatic alveolar echinococcosis and primary hepatic malignancy with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in discriminating between hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: We included 49 patients (27 men, 22 women; mean age: 52.02±9.76 [SD] years; range: 25-72years) with 57 histopathologically confirmed hepatic AE lesions. Fifty patients (18 men, 32 women; mean age: 58.93±8.42 [SD] years; range: 42-71years) with 61 histopathologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma and 50 patients (24 men, 26 women; mean age: 50.11±7.70 [SD] years; range: 38-69years) with 54 histopathologically confirmed intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma lesions were used as control groups. All patients had MRI examination of the liver that included conventional MRI sequences and DW-MRI using b values of 50, 400 and 800s/mm2. Two radiologists evaluated conventional MRI and DW-MRI images and calculated ADC values of hepatic lesions. RESULTS: The mean ADC value of solid components of hepatic AE lesions was 1.34±0.41×10-3 mm2/s (range: 0.9-1.59×10-3 mm2/s) and was significantly higher than that of the solid components of hepatocellular carcinoma lesions (mean ADC value, 0.99±0.29×10-3 mm2/s; range: 0.7-1.15×10-3 mm2/s) and of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma lesions (mean ADC value, 1.05±0.22×10-3 mm2/s; range: 0.86-1.18×10-3 mm2/s) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In general ADC values can help discriminate between AE and hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, the use of ADC values cannot help differentiating Type 4 AE from hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Comparison of the superb microvascular imaging technique and the color Doppler techniques for evaluating children's testicular blood flow.

OBJECTIVE: We have compared conventional Color Doppler (CD) and Power Doppler (PD) techniques, which are used for evaluating the testicular blood flow in small children, and the Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI), which is a new technique. We have also investigated their contributions to testicular evaluations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated blood flow in testicles using a grading system with CD, PD and SMI techniques. We determined the average duration of the three techniques. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the SMI and CD techniques for all patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). When we compared the PD and SMI, either as much or more vascular information was obtained (p = 0.106). There was a statistically significant difference between the application durations of the tests (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Superb Microvascular Imaging yields more detailed vascular information in blood flow in testicles in small children, than either CD or PD. Furthermore, this technique decreases the duration of the examination at a significant level. Superb Microvascular Imaging may represent an alternative method that can be used safely for evaluating blood flow in the testicles of small children. Additional studies may increase the reliability of SMI.

Non-contrast-enhanced imaging of haemodialysis fistulas using quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) MRA: a feasibility study.

AIM: To assess the efficiency of a novel quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) technique for non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of haemodialysis fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QISS MRA and colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU) images were obtained from 22 haemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A radiologist with extensive experience in vascular imaging initially assessed the fistulas using CDU. Two observers analysed each QISS MRA data set in terms of image quality, using a five-point scale ranging from 0 (non-diagnostic) to 4 (excellent), and lumen diameters of all segments were measured. RESULTS: One hundred vascular segments were analysed for QISS MRA. Two anastomosis segments were considered non-diagnostic. None of the arterial or venous segments were evaluated as non-diagnostic. The image quality was poorer for the anastomosis level compared to the other segments (p<0.001 for arterial segments, and p<0.05 for venous segments), while no significant difference was determined for other vascular segments. CONCLUSION: QISS MRA has the potential to provide valuable complementary information to CDU regarding the imaging of haemodialysis fistulas. In addition, QISS non-enhanced MRA represents an alternative for assessment of haemodialysis fistulas, in which the administration of iodinated or gadolinium-based contrast agents is contraindicated.

Early hormonal therapy stabilizes hemodynamics during donor procurement.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic instability has been implicated in the loss of otherwise transplantable organs. We examined the hypothesis that administration of hormonal therapy early during donor management would stabilize hemodynamics and increase the number of organs procured. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 133 consecutive donor records from a single organ procurement organization. Controls (C) received no early hormonal therapy. A steroid group (S) received methylprednisolone only and a combination hormonal therapy group (CH) received thyroxine, methylprednisolone, dextrose, and insulin at the start of donor management (t(0h)). Adrenergic support was adjusted to maintain mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) at > or =60 mm Hg. Doses of adrenergic agents were assessed at t(0h), 4 hours (t(4h)), and just prior to procurement (t(proc)). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in all groups. Dosages of adrenergic agents decreased over time in all groups. A significant decrease in adrenergic requirements was seen in the CH group compared with the C group at t(4h) and t(proc). A trend toward decreased adrenergic requirements was noted in S compared with C at t(4h) and t(proc). Slightly more total organs were procured from S and CH compared with C. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly less adrenergic support was required with early use of CH. A similar (although nonsignificant) reduction was seen with S. The benefit(s) of CH vs corticosteroids alone remains uncertain and requires further study.

The incremental value of internet-based instruction as an adjunct to classroom instruction: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: Computer-based methods of instruction offer the possibility of helping medical students to learn clinical skills and professionalism. Without rigorous documentation of its pedagogic advantages, the utility of Internet-based teaching is not solidly grounded. The authors carried out a prospective, randomized study of educational outcomes, comparing a traditional classroom course in clinical ethics with the same course supplemented by Internet-based discussion. METHODS: Introduction to Clinical Ethics is a sophomore medical school course that teaches a specific method for analyzing clinical ethical problems. One sophomore class was randomly assigned to either classroom teaching alone (traditional group; n = 65) or classroom teaching supplemented with Internet-based discussions of cases illustrating ethical issues (Internet component group; n = 62). A final case analysis comprehensively evaluated students' understanding of the analytic method taught in the course. Grades for both groups on the final case analyses, which were rated by two external reviewers, were compared. RESULTS: The students' understanding of ethical analysis, as measured by grades of external reviewers on the final paper, was significantly higher for those in the course with the Internet component than it was for those in the traditional course (3.0 +/- 0.6 and 2.6 +/- 0.7, respectively; p <.005). CONCLUSION: The study documents the incremental value of Internet-based teaching of clinical ethics to sophomore medical students.

The Tyr978X BRCA1 Mutation in Non-Ashkenazi Jews: Occurrence in High-Risk Families, General Population and Unselected Ovarian Cancer Patients.

Background: In Jewish individuals of Ashkenazi (East European) decent, three predominant mutations, 185 delAG and 5382insC (BRCA1) and 6174delT (BRCA2), seem to account for a substantial portion of germline mutations in high-risk breast/ovarian cancer families. Among non-Ashkenazi Jews, the 185delAG and the Tyr978X mutations, as well as several 'private' mutations have been reported within the BRCA1 gene. Objective: Assessing the occurrence rate of the Tyr978X BRCA1 germline mutation in Jewish non-Ashkenazi individuals: high-risk familial cases, unselected ovarian cancer patients and the general average risk Jewish Iraqi population. In addition, finding proof that this is a founder mutation. Methods: PCR amplification of the relevant fragment of the BRCA1 gene from constitutional DNA followed by restriction enzyme digest that differentiates the wild type from the mutant allele. In addition, BRCA1-linked markers were used for haplotype analysis. Results: The Tyr978X BRCA1 mutation was detected in 3/289 (1%) of the average-risk Jewish Iraqi population, in 7/408 (1.7%) high-risk Jewish non-Ashkenazi individuals (representing 332 unrelated families) and in 1/81 (1.2%) of unselected Jewish non-Ashkenazi ovarian cancer patients. Allelotyping using BRCA1-linked markers revealed an identical allelic pattern in all mutation carriers with the intragenic markers. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that this mutation is prevalent in Iraqi Jews, represents a founder mutation, and should be incorporated into the panel of mutations analyzed in high-risk families of the appropriate ethnic background. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Significantly lower rates of BRCA1/BRCA2 founder mutations in Ashkenazi women with sporadic compared with familial early onset breast cancer.

To delineate the clinical, genetic and family history attributes in Jewish Ashkenazi women with early onset (< 42 years) breast cancer we genotyped such women for the three predominant Jewish Ashkenazi mutations in BRCA1 (185delAG and 5382insC) and BRCA2 (6174delT). The study cohort was composed of 172 women diagnosed with breast cancer at or before the age of 42 years, obtained from the oncology department registry. Mutations were identified in 54 women (31%). Of 79 women with a positive family history for breast and/or ovarian cancer, and 93 with no such family history, 45 (57%) and 9 (10%), respectively, were mutation carriers (chi2 = 46; P < 0.001). Contralateral breast cancer occurred in 15 of 54 mutation carriers (28%) compared with 8 of 118 (7%) non-carriers (chi2= 14; P < 0.001). Early onset breast cancer per se is a weak predictor of finding germ line mutation(s) in BRCA1 and BRCA2, unless associated with a positive family history and/or bilaterality.

Association of the I1307K APC mutation with hereditary and sporadic breast/ovarian cancer: more questions than answers.

The frequency of the APC I1307K mutation and its association with disease pattern was examined in 996 Ashkenazi women consisting of individuals with either sporadic (n = 382) or hereditary (n = 143) breast and/or ovarian cancer; asymptomatic BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (185delAG, 5382insC and 6174delT) (n= 53) and healthy controls (n= 418). The I1307K allele was equally distributed among women with sporadic (17/382; 4.6%) and inherited (10/143; 7%) breast and/or ovarian cancer irrespective of their being diagnosed before or after 42 years of age and among asymptomatic (7/53; 13.2%) and cancer manifesting BRCA1/2 carriers (10/143; 7%). Taken together, the prevalence of the I1307K allele was significantly higher in BRCA1/2 carriers compared to non-BRCA1/2 carriers (17/196; 8.7% and 40/800, 5%; respectively). The high prevalence of the I1307K allele among BRCA1/2 carriers is not associated with increased cancer risk but seems to be genetically connected because of Jewish ancestry.

Immunohistochemical analyses of sporadic and familial (185delAG carriers) ovarian cancer in Israel.

A single germ line mutation in BRCA1, (185delAG) is detected in a substantial portion of Jewish Israeli patients with ovarian cancer. Whether disease phenotypes differ in BRCA1 mutation carriers and sporadic cases is presently a subject for debate. To gain insight into this issue, we analysed tumours from 65 Jewish women with ovarian cancer, 29 (45%) were 185delAG BRCA1 mutation carriers, and 36 (55%) were non-carriers of any of the predominant Jewish mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 (sporadic). In 19/29 mutation carriers (66%) diagnosis was made prior to age 60 years, compared with 14/36 (39%) of the non-carriers (P=0.03; Yates corrected P=0.06). Low malignant potential ('borderline') tumours were detected less frequently among carriers (2/29; 7%) than non-carriers (9/36; 25%) (P=0.03; one tail P=0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis in invasive carcinoma (n=54) showed that 17/27 carriers (63%) and 18/27 non-carriers (67%) had positive nuclear staining with a p53 antibody. In 4/27 carriers (15%) and 3/25 non-carriers (12%), 25% or more of the tumour cells stained positive for Ki-67, an insignificant difference. Results were not altered by including borderline tumours (n=11) in these analyses. We conclude that the rate of TP53 inactivation and proliferative index in ovarian cancer, are similar for 185delAG BRCA1 mutation carriers and sporadic cases.