Mesenteric Fat Thickness Is an Independent Determinant of Metabolic Syndrome and Identifies Subjects With Increased Carotid
Intima-Media Thickness
Kin Hung Liu , PHD 1 ,
Yu Leung Chan , MD, FRCR 1 ,
...Wing Bun Chan , MBCHB, FRCP 2 ,
Juliana Chung Ngor Chan , MD, FRCP 2 and
Chiu Wing Winnie Chu , MBCHB, FRCR 1
1 Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin,
Hong Kong
2 Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Kin Hung Liu, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Prince
of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. E-mail: tongyc{at}netvigator.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE —Mesenteric fat, a reflection of visceral adiposity, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome
and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study, we examined the independent relationship between mesenteric fat thickness
and metabolic syndrome and defined its optimal cutoff value to identify high-risk subjects for metabolic syndrome and CVD.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —A total of 290 Chinese subjects had an ultrasound examination for measurements of thickness of mesenteric, preperitoneal,
and subcutaneous fat as well as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Anthropometric measurements and metabolic risk profile
were assessed by physical examination and blood taking.
RESULTS —Twenty (6.9%) subjects had metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Panel
III criteria with Asian definitions for central obesity (waist circumference >80 cm in women and >90 cm in men). Mesenteric
fat thickness had significant correlations ( P < 0.05) with various metabolic variables. On multivariate regression, mesenteric fat thickness was an independent determinant
of all components of metabolic syndrome after adjustment for age, sex, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance,
and other fat deposits. The odds ratio of metabolic syndrome was increased by 1.35 (95% CI 1.10–1.66)-fold for every 1-mm
increase in mesenteric fat thickness. On receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, mesenteric fat thickness of ≥10
mm was the optimal cutoff value to identify metabolic syndrome, with sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75%. Subjects with
mesenteric fat thickness ≥10 mm had higher carotid IMT than those with thickness <10 mm (0.73 ± 0.19 vs. 0.64 ± 0.16 mm, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS —Mesenteric fat thickness was an independent determinant of metabolic syndrome and identified subjects with increased carotid
IMT.
CVD, cardiovascular disease
FPG, fasting plasma glucose
HOMA-IR, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance
IMT, intima-media thickness
ROC, receiver-operating characteristic curve
Footnotes
A table elsewhere in this issue shows conventional and Système International (SI) units and conversion factors for many substances.
Accepted November 16, 2005.
Received August 23, 2005.
DIABETES CARE
•Different toxicity observed on different CeO2 nanostructured samples.•Nanostructure compositions and interactions with cells are likely the causes.•Toxicity tests on bacteria only may not be ...suitable for predicting the ecotoxicity.
Conflicting reports on the toxicity of CeO2 nanomaterials have been published in recent years, with some studies finding CeO2 nanoparticles to be toxic, while others found it to have protective effects against oxidative stress. To investigate the possible reasons for this, we have performed a comprehensive study on the physical and chemical properties of nanosized CeO2 from three different suppliers as well as CeO2 synthesized by us, and tested their toxicity. For toxicity tests, we have studied the effects of CeO2 nanoparticles on a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli in the dark, under ambient and UV illuminations. We have also performed toxicity tests on the marine diatom Skeletonema costatum under ambient and UV illuminations. We found that the CeO2 nanoparticle samples exhibited significantly different toxicity, which could likely be attributed to the differences in interactions with cells, and possibly to differences in nanoparticle compositions. Our results also suggest that toxicity tests on bacteria may not be suitable for predicting the ecotoxicity of nanomaterials. The relationship between the toxicity and physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles is explicitly discussed in the light of the current results.
Everyday forms of political engagement, such as civic participation and collective action, have been recognized as a crucial factor for positive youth development, but less is known about their ...resilience effects on youth from marginalized populations, especially in less democratic societies. The present study investigated experiences of everyday political engagement among sexual minority youth in China and examined their compensatory and protective effects against heterosexist victimization. A sample of 793 Chinese sexual minority youth was included in the study. The results showed that collective action operated as a protective factor in buffering the effect of heterosexist victimization, such that its association with academic engagement was not significant among those with higher levels of collective action. In contrast, civic participation served the compensatory function and was associated with greater academic engagement, a stronger sense of school belonging, and fewer depression symptoms, but it did not protect against the negative effects of heterosexist victimization. The findings highlight the importance of identity‐based action among sexual minority youth and provide insight into the differential resilience effects of everyday political engagement. The study has implications for fostering resilience among sexual minority youth with victimization experiences in school and counseling settings.
Highlights
The study examines the resilience effects of everyday political engagement among sexual minority youth
Collective action serves a protective function and civic engagement acts as a compensatory factor
Collective action buffers the effect of heterosexist victimization on academic engagement
The adverse effects of victimization are not found among those with higher collective action
Civic engagement is associated with positive outcomes but does not protect against victimization
Highlights • There was significant improvement in ACT™ score in aYPFS group but not in the control group. • aYPFS added on to montelukast improved Asthma Control Test Score in children with asthma. • ...There were no significant differences between groups in other primary and secondary outcome parameters.
The correlation between obesity and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is well established in adults, but data are inconsistent in children. We hypothesized that there is a significant ...correlation between the degree of obesity and the severity of OSA in children.
We retrospectively reviewed records of weight, height, history, and polysomnography of all 1-to 15-year-old children referred to our sleep laboratory. Children with known anomalies and repeated polysomnography were excluded from this study. Obesity was defined as body mass index z score (BMI Z score) > 1.96. The correlation between BMI Z score and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was assessed. Possible confounding factors, ie, age, gender, and tonsil size, were adjusted by multiple linear regression.
Four hundred eighty-two children were included in this study. Obese children had a significantly higher AHI (median, 1.5; interquartile range IQR, 0.2 to 7.0) than the AHI of nonobese children (median, 0.7; IQR, 0.0 to 2.5). BMI Z score was significantly correlated with log-transformed AHI (LnAHI) r = 0.156, p = 0.003. BMI Z score and tonsil size were still correlated with Ln(AHI) even after adjusted for other confounding factors (p = 0.001).
Degree of obesity as measured by BMI Z score and tonsil size are significantly related to severity of OSA as reflected by the AHI, although the correlation is mild.
The current study aimed at testing and developing alternative short versions of autism spectrum quotient (AQ‐10) (adult self‐report, adult parent‐report, adolescent, and child versions) for use in ...Hong Kong. First, the various versions of AQ‐10 developed in the United Kingdom (the AQ‐10‐UK) were applied to Hong Kong Chinese samples and demonstrated satisfactory discriminative power (AUCs 0.77–0.94). Second, the Hong Kong Chinese versions of AQ‐10 (AQ‐10‐HK) were developed, using the same methodology as in the original UK study. There were some changes in the choice of items and cut‐offs. The AQ‐10‐HK demonstrated slightly greater discriminative power (AUCs 0.88–0.97) to that of the AQ‐10‐UK, but the differences in AUCs were not statistically significant. Compared to the corresponding full‐length versions, both the UK and HK short forms did not seem to lose any significant discriminative power. Yet, the various versions of AQ, be they the full‐length or AQ‐10, appeared to consistently exhibit slightly smaller AUCs with the Hong Kong Chinese samples than with the UK samples. So, this study found both cross‐cultural similarities and differences. The AQ‐10‐HK was recommended for local practice to maximize the advantage gained. Yet, for international multi‐site research collaboration, involving the UK and HK, the original AQ‐10‐UK can be used for direct comparison of data.
Lay Summary
The short autism‐spectrum quotient is a screening questionnaire on autistic symptoms. The Hong Kong version is only slightly better than the UK version so that both versions are in fact applicable in Hong Kong. Clinicians may opt for the Hong Kong version in local practice while the UK version may facilitate international comparison, for example, between UK and HK.
Aims
BRCA mutation (BRCAmut) testing is an important tool for the risk assessment, prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC), and more recently, for determining ...patient susceptibility to targeted therapy. This study assessed the current BRCAmut testing patterns and explored physicians’ perspectives on the utilities and optimal sequencing of the testing, in order to facilitate and standardize testing practices.
Methods
Medical specialists in BC and OC in Hong Kong were invited to complete a questionnaire on BRCAmut testing practices. A panel of specialists with extensive BRCAmut testing experience was also convened to develop consensus statements on testing, using the Delphi method and an anonymous electronic voting system.
Results
The survey respondents (n = 71) recognized family history (FH) of BC and/or OC and an early age of onset as key factors for referring BRCAmut testing. The proportion of respondents who would test all OCs regardless of FH or age, as per the recent international guideline, was low (28.2%). The largest hurdles to testing were the cost, as well as the availability of next‐generation sequencing‐accredited testing and genetic counseling facilities. The panelists suggested that the sequence of somatic testing followed by germline testing may help address both the imminent need of treatment planning and longer term hereditary implications. The potential emotional and financial burdens of BRCAmut testing should be weighed against the potential therapeutic benefits, and the type and timing of testing personalized.
Conclusions
Accessibility of BRCAmut testing to all at‐risk individuals will be achievable through improvements in testing affordability, as well as widened availability of accredited testing and genetic counseling facilities.
A new class of amphiphilic tridentate cyclometalated gold(III) complexes has been designed and synthesized as luminescent supramolecular building blocks. Positively charged trimethylammonium ...(−CH2NMe3 +) containing alkynyl ligands have been incorporated to introduce the electrostatic interactions. The X-ray crystal structures of two of the complexes have been determined, and the existence of π–π interactions between molecules has been observed. Steady-state and time-resolved absorption and emission studies have been carried out to investigate the nature of the excited states. The complexes are found to exhibit self-assembly properties with the assistance of π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions and possibly weak Au···Au interaction, resulting in notable emergence of low-energy absorption bands and luminescence changes. The presence of a large hydrophobic moiety is found to be crucial for the formation of aggregates, especially in polar media where hydrophobic interactions play an important role. The nature of the counterion has been shown to have a significant effect on the extent of self-assembly in different media. Upon aggregation, nanofibers are formed in polar media, while nanorods are observed in nonpolar media in one of the representative complexes. Interestingly, a small modification on the alkynyl ligand resulted in the formation of nanoribbons instead. Intriguing luminescence mechanochromic properties have also been observed. This orthogonal and rational molecular design strategy has been shown to be effective in the construction of gold(III)-based smart and multiresponsive materials.
BackgroundStroke is a major cause of death or long-term disability worldwide. Many patients with stroke receive integrative therapy consisting of Western medicine (WM) and routine rehabilitation in ...conjunction with Chinese medicine (CM), such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. However, there is no available evidence on the effectiveness of the combined use of WM and CM interventions in stroke rehabilitation.AimsThe purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the results of all individual studies to assess the combined use of CM and WM in stroke rehabilitation compared with WM only.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched. The included outcomes were dependency, motor function, depression and swallowing function. Subgroup analysis was performed, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots.Summary of review58 studies and 6339 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis revealed that combined therapy comprising both acupuncture and WM had a superior effect on improving dependency and swallowing function compared with standard WM therapy alone. Potential superiority of combined therapy comprising CM and WM in improving depression compared with standard WM therapy was also found.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the combined use of CM and WM could be more efficacious in stroke rehabilitation compared with the use of WM therapy alone. However, most studies were short in duration (2 to 4 weeks) and prone to different types of biases, which prevents making any conclusion regarding the long-term effects and raises concerns regarding true efficacy in context of high likelihood of Hawthorn bias. So, more randomised controlled trials with more rigorous design and longer duration of treatment and follow-up need to be conducted to compare WM alone versus WM and CM combined.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020152050.
A focus group study involving concept mapping was conducted in September 2012 to investigate how the concept of social inclusion was understood by Hong Kong residents. It was a replication of an ...earlier UK study. Seven groups involving 61 participants (38 females; 23 males) were interviewed, including non-professional workers at a Non-government Organisation service, senior centre users, a mixed group of community residents, people with severe mental illness, professional social service providers, communication studies students, and social work students. Data analysis using Nvivo 10 and systematic thematic analysis identified six major themes including: (1) material resources and wealth, (2) work, (3) social (dis)harmony and diversity, (4) discrimination, (5) communication, and (6) participation in activities. An overall final model of Social Inclusion for Hong Kong based on concept maps for all seven groups is presented. The results will inform the conceptualisation and development of a Chinese-language measure of social inclusion (SCOPE-C) based on translation and cultural adaption of the Social and Community Opportunities Profile (SCOPE) developed in UK.
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