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Odd Ratio (odd + ratio)
Selected AbstractsLong-acting insulin analogues vs.DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 4 2009NPH human insulin in type 1 diabetes. Aim:, Basal insulin in type 1 diabetes can be provided using either NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) human insulin or long-acting insulin analogues, which are supposed to warrant a better metabolic control with reduced hypoglycaemic risk. Aim of this meta-analysis is the assessment of differences with respect to HbA1c (Glycated hemoglobin), incidence of hypoglycaemia, and weight gain, between NPH human insulin and each long-acting analogue. Methods:, Of 285 randomized controlled trials with a duration > 12 weeks comparing long-acting insulin analogues (detemir or glargine) with NPH insulin in type 1 diabetic patients identified through Medline search and searches on www.clinicaltrials.gov, 20 met eligibility criteria (enrolling 3693 and 2485 in the long-acting analogues and NPH group respectively). Data on HbA1c and body mass index at endpoint, and incidence of any, nocturnal and severe hypoglycaemia, were extracted and meta-analysed. Results:, Long-acting analogues had a small, but significant effect on HbA1c [-0.07 (,0.13; ,0.01)%; p = 0.026], in comparison with NPH human insulin. When analysing the effect of long-acting analogues on body weight, detemir was associated with a significantly smaller weight gain than human insulin [by 0.26 (0.06;0.47) kg/m2; p = 0.012]. Long-acting analogues were associated with a reduced risk for nocturnal and severe hypoglycaemia [OR (Odd Ratio, 95% Confidence Intervals) 0.69 (0.55; 0.86), and OR 0.73 (0.60; 0.89) respectively; all p < 0.01]. Conclusions:, The switch from NPH to long-acting analogues as basal insulin replacement in type 1 diabetic patients had a small effect on HbA1c, and also reduced the risk of nocturnal and severe hypoglycaemia. [source] Interatrial Mechanical Dyssynchrony Worsened Atrial Mechanical Function in Sinus Node Disease With or Without Paroxysmal Atrial FibrillationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2009MEI WANG M.D., Ph.D. Introduction: Atrial electromechanical dysfunction might contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with sinus node disease (SND). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and impact of atrial mechanical dyssynchrony on atrial function in SND patients with or without paroxysmal AF. Methods: We performed echocardiographic examination with tissue Doppler imaging in 30 SND patients with (n = 11) or without (n = 19) paroxysmal AF who received dual-chamber pacemakers. Tissue Doppler indexes included atrial contraction velocities (Va) and timing events (Ta) were measured at midleft atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) wall. Intraatrial synchronicity was defined by the standard deviation and maximum time delay of Ta among 6 segments of LA (septal/lateral/inferior/anterior/posterior/anterospetal). Interatrial synchronicity was defined by time delay between Ta from RA and LA free wall. Results: There were no differences in age, P-wave duration, left ventricular ejection fraction, LA volume, and ejection fraction between with or without AF. Patients with paroxysmal AF had lower mitral inflow A velocity (70 ± 19 vs 91 ± 17 cm/s, P = 0.005), LA active empting fraction (24 ± 14 vs 36 ± 13%, P = 0.027), mean Va of LA (2.6 ± 0.9 vs 3.4 ± 0.9 cm/s, P = 0.028), and greater interatrial synchronicity (33 ± 25 vs 12 ± 19 ms, P = 0.022) than those without AF. Furthermore, a lower mitral inflow A velocity (Odd ratio [OR]= 1.12, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.01,1.24, P = 0.025) and prolonged interatrial dyssynchrony (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01,1.16, P = 0.020) were independent predictors for the presence of AF in SND patients. Conclusion: SND patients with paroxysmal AF had reduced regional and global active LA mechanical contraction and increased interatrial dyssychrony as compared with those without AF. These findings suggest that abnormal atrial electromechanical properties are associated with AF in SND patients. [source] The effects of obesity and HER-2 polymorphisms as risk factors for endometrial cancer in Korean womenBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 8 2009S-Y Tong Objective, To evaluate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HER-2 gene, body mass index (BMI) and the risk of endometrial cancer. Design, Case,control study. Setting, Medical centres in Korea. Sample, DNA samples and medical histories were obtained from 125 endometrial cancer cases and 302 controls. Methods, The genotypes evaluated in HER-2 at positions ,423, ,655, ,776, ,857, ,1170, ,1177, ,1253 of the coding region and two SNPs located in an intron by SNP-IT assay using SNPstream Ultra,high throughput system. Main outcome measures, Odd ratio for endometrial cancer associated with HER-2 polymorphisms and BMI. Results, Cases had a significantly higher BMI than controls and the obese subjects had a 2.65-fold increased risk for endometrial cancer. However, HER-2 polymorphism was not associated significantly with the risk of endometrial cancer. Subjects with BMI , 25 kg/m2 who carried rs1801200 AA, rs1801200 GA/GG, rs1810132 CT/CC, rs2517951 CT/TT and rs1058808 CG/GG genotype had significantly increased risk of endometrial cancer than subjects with a normal BMI (P for linear trend <0.05). However, the risk in the subjects with the variant allele for HER-2 genotypes did not differ significantly compared to those with homozygous wild-type allele within specific BMI subgroups. Conclusions, Endometrial cancer risk increased significantly in proportion to BMI. However, HER-2 polymorphism did not affect significantly on the risk of endometrial cancer. [source] Oral health and cardiovascular disease in SwedenJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Results of a national questionnaire survey Abstract Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the relation between dental health and cardiovascular disease in an adult Swedish population. Material and method: A questionnaire was sent to 4811 randomly selected Swedes. It contained 52 questions about dental care habits, oral health, cardiovascular disease and their socio-economic situation. Odd ratios for all cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the subgroup myocardial infarction, stroke and high blood pressure were calculated with a logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender, smoking, income, civil status and education. These ratios were calculated for subjects 41 years since few people suffer from CVD before this. Results: The national questionnaire was answered by 2839 (59%) people between 20,84 years of age and, of them, 1577 were 41 years of age or more. We found a significant association between self-reported bleeding gums (odds ratio 1.60, p=0.0017), presence of dentures (odds ratio 1.57, p=0.0076) and known CVD, which has also been reported in international studies. However, no association between loose teeth, deep pockets and known CVD was detected. Conclusion: The results indicate that oral health and, especially gingival inflammation is associated with CVD. Zusammenfassung Zielsetzung: Untersuchung des Zusammenhanges von oraler Gesundheit und kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen in einer Population schwedischer Erwachsener. Material und Methoden: Ein Fragebogen wurden an 4811 zufällig ausgewählten Schweden verschickt. Er enthielt 52 Fragen zu Zahnhygienegewohnheiten, Mundhygiene, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und sozioökonomischem Status. Odds Ratios (OR) für alle kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen (KVE) und für die Untergruppen Myocardinfarkt, Schlaganfall sowie Bluthochdruck wurden mit einem logistischen Regressionsmodell berechnet, das für Alter, Geschlecht, Rauchen, Einkommen, sozialen Status und Ausbildung korrigiert war. Dies erfolgte für Personen 41 Jahre, da jüngere Individuen selten an KVE leiden. Ergebnisse: Der Fragebogen wurde von 2839 Personen (59%) im Alter zwischen 20 und 84 Jahren beantwortet, von denen 1577,41 Jahre oder älter waren. Es ergab sich eine signifikante Assoziation zwischen von den Patienten berichtetem Zahnfleischbluten (OR 1.60, p=0.0017) sowie Vorhandensein von Prothesen (OR 1.57, p=0.0076) und bekannter KVE. Allerdings konnte keine Assoziation zwischen lockeren Zähnen bzw tiefen Taschen und bekannter KVE gefunden werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein Zusammenhang zwischen oraler Gesundheit, speziell gingivaler Entzündung, und KVE besteht. Résumé But: Le but de cette étude était de mettre en évidence la relation entre la santé dentaire et la maladie cardiovasculaire dans une population suédoise adulte. Matériaux et méthodes: Un questionnaire fut adresséà 4811 suédois sélectionnés au hasard. Il contenait 52 questions sur les habitudes de soins dentaires, la santé orale, la maladie cadiovasculaire et leur situation socio-économique. L'odds-ratio pour toutes les maladies cardiovasculaires (CVD) et le sous-groupe d'infarctus du myocarde, d'attaque et d'hypertension, fut calculé par un modèle de régression logistique ajusté pour l'âge, le sexe, le tabagisme, le revenu, l'état civil et le niveau d'éductation. Ces odds-ratio furent calculés pour les sujets de plus de 41 ans, puisque peu de gens souffrent de CVD avant cet âge. Resultats: 2839 (59%) personnes entre 20 et 84 ans, parmi lesquelles 1577 étaient âges d'au moins 41 ans répondirent à ce questionnaire national. Nous avons trouvé une association significative entre les saignement gingivaux (décrits par les sondés euxmêmes) (odds-ratio 1.60, p<0.0017), la présence de prothèse amovible (odds ratio 1.57, p=0.0076) et une CVD reconnu, ce qui a étéégalement rapporté dans les études internationales. Cependant, aucune association entre les dents perdues, la profondeur de poche et une CVD connue ne fut détectée. Conclusion: Les résultats indiquent que la santé orale et particulièrement l'inflammation gingivale est associée avec les CVD. [source] Genetic and environmental interactions on oral cancer in Southern ThailandENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 2 2001Suparp Kietthubthew Abstract Many countries are interested in understanding the relationship between genetic susceptibility and their prevalent environmental cancers for disease prevention. In Thailand we conducted a population-based case-control study of 53 matched pairs to assess the risk of oral cancer in relation to genetic polymorphism of the glutathione-S-transferase genes (GSTM1 and GSTT1) in cigarette smokers, alcohol drinkers, and betel quid chewers. Interaction of the genes with other potential risk factors such as local bean consumption were also elucidated. Homozygous deletion of GSTM1 has a frequency of 56.6% (n = 30 over 53) among the patients and 30.2% (16/53) among the controls. This gene is associated with a 2.6-fold higher risk for development of oral cancer (95% CI 1.04,6.5). Among the null GSTM1 individuals, those who smoke, consume alcohol, and/or chew betel quid have a significantly increased risk for oral cancer with an odd ratio (OR) = 4.0 (95% CI = 1.2,13.7), OR = 7.2 (95% CI = 1.5,33.8), and OR = 4.4 (95% CI = 1.1,17.8), respectively. Interactions between any two of the lifestyle habits for oral cancer risk, however, are not found. The frequency of the GSTT1 null genotype is 34.0% (18/53) among the patients and 47.2% (25/53) among our controls. There is no association between the GSTT1 null allele and oral cancer risk. In conclusion, our study provides data to indicate that individuals who have homozygous deletion of the GSTM1 gene have increased risk for oral cancer. The risk increases further when these individuals are exposed to environmental toxicants such as chemicals in cigarette smoke, alcohol, and betel quid. These baseline data can be applied to a larger population-based study, both to verify the observation and to conduct mechanistic investigations. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 37:111,116, 2001 © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Depression and hypertension among Chinese nonagenarians and centenariansINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 6 2010Zhao Wen Abstract Purpose In this study, we explored association between hypertension and depression in the very elderly using a sample ranged in age from 90 to 108 years. Methods A cross-sectional study. Results The sample included 687 unrelated Chinese nonagenarians/centenarians (67.4% women, mean age 93.51 years). The mean depression score (measured with brief 23-item geriatrics depression scale Chinese-edition (GDS-CD)) was 8.46 (standard deviation (SD) 3.33 range 0,20). There was no significant difference in depression scores between subjects with and without hypertension and there was also no significant difference in depression prevalence between subjects with and without hypertension. There was no significant difference in prevalence of hypertension between subjects with and without depression and there were also no significant differences in levels of arterial blood pressure (including SBP and DBP). Neither odd ratio (OR) of depression as a function of increased hypertension nor OR of hypertension as a function of increased depression was significant. Conclusions In summary, we found that depression was not directly correlated with hypertension among Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Promoter polymorphism of the IL-18 gene is associated with atopic asthma in Tunisian childrenINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS, Issue 1 2008J. Lachheb Summary Several lines of evidence point to a relevant role of IL-18 in the process of asthma. Some studies suggest that the polymorphism in the gene of IL-18 can be involved in many inflammatory and atopic diseases such as asthma. The aim of our study is to estimate the frequency of the IL-18- 607 C/A (rs 1946518) promoter polymorphism in Tunisian children with asthma. We investigated whether the presence of this polymorphism -607 C/A was associated with asthma or atopy and whether this polymorphism influenced the severity of asthma in affected children. We examined also the relationship between the IL-18 gene polymorphism and the serum total IgE level. The IL-18/-607 C/A polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. A total of 105 asthma patients and 112 controls as part of the whole children population were studied in a case-control study. Among the 105 children with asthma, 40 were also studied for linkage analyses with their respective parents. We noted that the A allele was associated with statistically significant increases in the risk of asthma in the case-control study (odd ratio (OR) = 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03,2.33. Moreover, the A allele was also associated with atopic asthma (P = 0.008), but not with asthma severity. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis in this family study did not suggest a preferential transmission of the IL-18/ -607 C/A polymorphism to affected children. There is no correlation between the IgE level and the IL-18 - 607 C/A promoter polymorphism. Our data indicate that IL-18 - 607 C/A promoter polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to developing asthma in Tunisian population. [source] Effect of Donor Age on Long-Term Survival Following Cardiac TransplantationJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 2 2006Veli K. Topkara M.D. Our objective was to analyze the effect of donor age on outcomes after cardiac transplantation. Methods: We retrospectively studied 864 patients who underwent cardiac transplantation at New York Presbyterian Hospital , Columbia University between 1992 and 2002. Patients were divided into two groups; donor age <40 years (Group A, n = 600) and donor age ,40 years (Group B, n = 264). Results: Characteristics including gender, body mass index, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) status were significantly different between the two donor age groups. Race, CMV status, toxoplasmosis status, left ventricular assist device prior to transplant, diabetes mellitus, and retransplantation were similar in both the recipient groups, while age, gender, and BMI were different. Early mortality was lower in Group A, 5%, versus 9.5% in Group B. Multivariate analysis revealed recipient female gender (odd ratio (OR) = 1.71), retransplantation (OR = 1.63), and increased donor age (OR = 1.02) as significant predictors of poor survival in the recipient population. Actuarial survival at 1 year (86.7% vs 81%), 5 years (75% vs 65%), and 10 years (56% vs 42%) was significantly different as well with a log rank p = 0.002. Conclusions: These findings suggest that increased donor age is an independent predictor of long-term survival. However, the shortage of organs makes it difficult to follow strict guidelines when placing hearts; therefore, decisions need to be made on a relative basis. [source] Different effects of polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta on development of peptic ulcer and gastric cancerJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Mitsushige Sugimoto Abstract Background and Aim:, In Western countries, polymorphism of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes is associated with the development of gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer. The aim of this study was to clarify the association of polymorphisms of interleukin (IL) -1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -, with susceptibility to peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer in Japan. Methods:, The IL-1, -511/-31 and TNF-, -308/-857/-863/-1031 genotypes were determined in Helicobacter pylori -positive patients with gastritis only (n = 164), gastric ulcers (n = 110), duodenal ulcers (n = 94), or gastric cancers (n = 105), and in H. pylori -negative controls (n = 172). Results:, Carriage of the alleles TNF-,- 857 T (odd ratio [OR], 1.826; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.097,3.039), TNF-,- 863 A (OR, 1.788; 95% CI, 1.079,2.905) and TNF-, -1031 C (OR, 1.912; 95% CI, 1.152,3.171) was associated with increased risk for gastric ulcer development. Carriage of the alleles TNF-,- 857 T (OR, 1.686; 95% CI, 1.003,2.832), TNF-,- 863 A (OR, 1.863; 95% CI, 1.118,3.107) and TNF-, -1031 C (OR 2.074; 95% CI, 1.244,3.457) was also associated with increased risk of gastric cancer development. There was no relationship between the development of H. pylori -related diseases and polymorphisms of IL-1, -511/-31 and TNF-, -308. The simultaneous carriage of three different high-producer alleles of TNF-, -857/-863/-1031 significantly increased the risk of gastric ulcer (OR, 6.57; 95% CI, 2.34,18.40) and gastric cancer (OR, 5.20; 95% CI, 1.83,14.78). Conclusions:, Polymorphisms in TNF-, rather than IL-1, are associated with increased risk for gastric ulcers and gastric cancer in Japan. The simultaneous carriage of more than one high-producer allele of TNF-, further increased the risks for gastric ulcer and cancer. [source] The 3, Part of the Dopamine Transporter Gene DAT1/SLC6A3 Is Associated With Withdrawal Seizures in Patients With Alcohol DependenceALCOHOLISM, Issue 1 2008Yann Le Strat Background: Some studies have reported that the A9 allele of the variable nucleotide tandem repeat (VNTR) of the gene which encodes the dopamine transporter (DAT1/SLC6A3) is associated with alcoholism withdrawal symptoms such as alcohol withdrawal seizures (WSs), whereas others did not. We investigated whether polymorphisms within the DAT1 gene are associated with WS taking into account some of the confounding factors such as the severity of alcohol dependence. Methods: To further assess the role of this gene in WS, we genotyped the VNTR and 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encompassing the DAT1 gene in a sample of 250 alcohol-dependent subjects (175 men and 75 women), of whom 24% exhibited WSs, taking into account the severity of alcohol dependence. Results: The VNTR is associated with an increased risk of WSs (odd ratio = 3.5; p = 0.019), even when controlling for confounding factors (p = 0.031). As 2 SNPs, in roughly the same location of the gene (namely rs27072 and rs27048), are also associated with WSs, it is possible that the initial association of the VNTR polymorphism was tagging a specific haplotype of this gene. Indeed, in our sample of alcohol-dependent patients, 2 haplotypes were associated with a significantly different risk of WSs. Conclusions: The present study adds evidence for a significant role of the 3, part of the DAT1 gene in WS of alcohol-dependent patients, not only because it is in accordance with previous work, but also because of larger statistical power (as relying on a sample over sampled with the studied phenotype), as it gives a more precise analysis of different SNPs within the DAT1 gene, and as it confirms the association when major potentially confounding factors are taken into account in a logistical regression analysis. [source] The association between MIF-173 G>C polymorphism and prostate cancer in southern ChineseJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2009G.X. Ding MD Abstract Background and Objectives Accumulating epidemiological and molecular evidence suggests that inflammation is an important component in the etiology of PCa. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays an important role in the pro- and anti-inflammatory response to infection. This study is aimed at investigating the potential association between MIF-173 G>C polymorphism, Gleason score, clinical stage, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value with respect to PCa incidence among the Han nationality in Southern China. Methods Genotyping was performed by using tetraprimer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 259 PCa patients and 301 cancer-free controls. Results We found that the MIF-173*C variant allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of PCa [adjusted odd ratio (OR),=,2.99, 95% confident interval (CI): 1.94,4.60] and higher Gleason scores from the PCa subjects (adjusted OR,=,10.72, 95% CI: 5.35,21.49). In addition, we noted that the MIF ,173*C variant allele was related to higher clinical stages and PSA values in PCa patients (adjusted OR,=,15.68, 95% CI: 7.40,33.23; adjusted OR,=,4.37, 95% CI: 2.41,7.92, respectively). Conclusion Our data suggest that MIF-173 polymorphisms may be associated with a higher incidence of prostate cancer compared to controls, and appears to be associated with higher Gleason scores, higher clinical stages, and PSA values in those with prostate cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:106,110. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Risk factors for asthma among children in Maputo (Mozambique)ALLERGY, Issue 4 2004S. Mavale-Manuel Background:, Few studies have looked at risk factors for asthma in African children. We aimed to identify the risk factors associated with childhood asthma in Maputo (Mozambique). Methods:, This case,control study included 199 age-matched children (100 asthmatic and 99 nonasthmatic) who attended Maputo Central Hospital between January 1999 and July 2000. We collected information concerning their familial history of atopy, birth weight, environment and breast-feeding. Detailed information about morbidity and treatment was obtained for each asthmatic child. Results:, The children were aged between 18 months and 8 years; 60% were male. The asthmatic children were hospitalized more frequently than the nonasthmatic children (P < 0.0001). Most of the asthmatic children lived in the urban area of Maputo [odd ratio (OR) = 6.73, CI = 3.1,14.0, P < 0.0001], had a parental history of asthma (OR = 26.8, CI = 10.8,68.2, P < 0.0001) or rhinitis (OR = 4, CI = 1.2,13.3, P = 0.005), had at least parent who smoked and were weaned earlier than the nonasthmatic children (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.3,4.4, P < 0.001). Conclusion:, Childhood asthma was strongly associated with a family history of asthma and rhinitis, the place of residence, having smokers as parents and early weaning from maternal breast milk. These results highlight the need to reassess the management of asthmatic children in Maputo. [source] Prognostic value of bone marrow angiogenesis in multiple myeloma: Use of light microscopy as well as computerized image analyzer in the assessment of microvessel density and total vascular area in multiple myeloma and its correlation with various clinical, histological, and laboratory parametersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2006Sahibinder Singh Bhatti Abstract We studied the prognostic value of parameters of angiogenesis on bone marrow biopsies in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Angiogenesis parameters studied were the microvessel count done manually on light microscopy (MVD-A), microvessel count done by using computerized image analyzer (MVD-B), and total vascular area (TVA) measured by computerized image analyzer. One hundred ten newly diagnosed cases of MM treated at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, were analyzed with respect to clinical features, laboratory findings, histological features, angiogenesis parameters, and responses to the treatment on follow-up. Twenty age- and sex-matched controls were studied for comparing with angiogenesis of the test cases. Bone marrow microvessels were examined using immunohistochemical staining for CD34. MVD-A (range 4.9,85.2; mean 28.2; SD 19.4), MVD-B (range 2.0,26.9; mean 11.7; SD 5.9), and TVA measured in percentage (range 0.1,17.1; mean 2.4; SD 2.5) were measured for test cases (n = 110). Grading of angiogenesis parameters of the test cases were done; such that angiogenesis parameters of controls (taken as baseline) were grade I. There was a statistically highly significant correlation between (MVD-A vs MVD-B, pcc = 0.92; MVD-A vs TVA, pcc = 0.78; MVD-B vs TVA, pcc = 0.76). The myeloma cases had significantly higher angiogenesis parameters when compared with controls (Kruskall-Wallis test, P < 0.001). "Complete responders" (n = 38/110) had significant lower angiogenesis (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.001) than "nonresponders" (n = 72/110). On treatment follow-up "rapid disease progressors" had the highest levels of angiogenesis (mean rank for MVD-A = 84.7, MVD-B = 82.1, and TVA = 81.1). On multivariate (logistic regression) analysis, factors found to have independent prognostic significance in complete responders (adjusted odd ratio (95% CI, P value)] were: (a) MVD-B grade I [0.134 (0.10,0.16, P < 0.001)], (b) clinical substage A [0.163 (0.12,0.19, P = 0.008)], (c) Bartl's histological stage II & I [0.262 (0.2,0.32, P = 0.021)], (d) MVD-A grade I [0.28 (0.22,0.36, P = 0.03)], (e) ,2 microglobulin levels less than 3,400 ng/dl [0.31 (0.23,0.42, P = 0.04)]. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for myeloma-related death (n = 16) shows a mean survival time (in months) of 24.75; SE = 3; 95% CI = 21,28. We conclude that MVD (particularly MVD-B) is a very good predictor for the complete response in patients of MM and should be done routinely on bone marrow biopsies. Am. J. Hematol., 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] ,-Adrenoceptor agonists for the treatment of vasovagal syncope: a meta-analysis of worldwide published dataACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 7 2009Ying Liao Abstract Aim:, The present study was aimed at evaluating present randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effect of ,-adrenoceptor agonists on vasovagal syncope (VVS). Methods:, According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were selected from medical electronic databases. RCTs were then assessed based on the Juni assessment, and meta-analysis was completed using the Review Manager 4.2 software. Indication to further evaluate effects was the recurrence of syncope during follow-up treatment or a response in the head-up tilt test (HUT) after treatment. The results were stated as odd ratio (OR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p < 0.05 significant level. Results:, In total, six RCTs were selected. Funnel plot analysis showed possible publication bias. Meta-analysis of the six RCTs, including all 165 patients in the treatment group and 164 patients in the control group, indicated that ,-adrenoceptor agonists were more effective than placebos in treating VVS (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06,0.77, p = 0.02). The further, weighted independent t- test disclosed that the weighted mean percentage of responders for midodrine (76.3%± 7.7%) was significantly higher than that for etilefrine (65.5%± 15.4%) (t = 5.863, p < 0.001). Conclusion:, The currently published RCTs support that ,-adrenoceptor agonists might be effective for VVS. Midodrine can be regarded as a better choice compared with etilefrine. [source] Reasons for Being Selective When Choosing Personnel Selection ProceduresINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SELECTION AND ASSESSMENT, Issue 1 2010Cornelius J. König The scientist,practitioner gap in personnel selection is large. Thus, it is important to gain a better understanding of the reasons that make organizations use or not use certain selection procedures. Based on institutional theory, we predicted that six variables should determine the use of selection procedures: the procedures' diffusion in the field, legal problems associated with the procedures, applicant reactions to the procedures, their usefulness for organizational self-promotion, their predictive validity, and the costs involved. To test these predictions, 506 HR professionals from the German-speaking part of Switzerland filled out an online survey on the selection procedures used in their organizations. Respondents also evaluated five procedures (semi-structured interviews, ability tests, personality tests, assessment centers, and graphology) on the six predictor variables. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that the highest odd ratios belonged to the factors applicant reactions, costs, and diffusion. Lower (but significant) odds ratios belonged to the factors predictive validity, organizational self-promotion, and perceived legality. [source] Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with obesity indices in a Chinese populationJOURNAL OF DIABETES, Issue 1 2009Yun HUANG Abstract Background:, To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an urbanizing community in Qingpu, a suburb of Shanghai, and to determine which obesity indices, including body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and waist:hip (WHpR), and waist:height (WHtR) ratios, are most closely associated with metabolic syndrome. Methods:, We conducted a cross-sectional health survey of 1634 individuals (age 15,87 years) in the Jinhulu community located in Qingpu. The National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP ATP III) criteria were used to define metabolic syndrome, with central obesity defined according to Asia,Pacific (APC) region criteria. Results:, The age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 3.6% in men and 7.2% in women. Using the criterion of central obesity in the APC, the age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased to 8.3% in men and 10.9% in women. Regardless of age, WHtR consistently showed a higher odd ratios (OR) after adjustment for confounding factors of 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12,4.20; P = 0.022) in subjects<52 years of age and 1.92 (95% CI 1.18,3.11; P = 0.008) in those ,52 years of age. In men, the WHtR was the only significant predictor (OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.15,5.08; P = 0.02) of metabolic syndrome after adjustment, whereas in women WHtR (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.37,2.85; P =0.0088) was slightly inferior to WHpR and WC. Conclusion:, Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in an urbanizing rural area in Qingpu. Of the anthropometric parameters commonly used to identify metabolic syndrome, WHtR may be the best. [source] Hypertension and intra-operative incidents: a multicentre study of 125 000 surgical procedures in Swiss hospitals,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 5 2009K. Beyer Summary It is debated whether chronic hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular incidents during anaesthesia. We studied all elective surgical operations performed in adults under general or regional anaesthesia between 2000 and 2004, in 24 hospitals collecting computerised clinical data on all anaesthetics since 1996. The focus was on cardiovascular incidents, though other anaesthesia-related incidents were also evaluated. Among 124 939 interventions, 27 881 (22%) were performed in hypertensive patients. At least one cardiovascular incident occurred in 7549 interventions (6% (95% CI 5.9,6.2%)). The average adjusted odds ratio of cardiovascular risk for chronic hypertension was 1.38 (95% CI 1.27,1.49). However, across hospitals, adjusted odd ratios varied from 0.41 up to 2.25. Hypertension did not increase the risk of other incidents. Hypertensive patients are still at risk of intra-operative cardiovascular incidents, while risk heterogeneity across hospitals, despite taking account of casemix and hospital characteristics, suggests variations in anaesthetic practices. [source] Interventions for replacing missing teeth: bone augmentation techniques for dental implant treatmentAUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009M Esposito Background:, Dental implants require sufficient bone to be adequately stabilized. For some patients implant treatment would not be an option without bone augmentation. A variety of materials and surgical techniques are available for bone augmentation. Objectives:, General objectives: To test the null hypothesis of no difference in the success, function, morbidity and patient satisfaction between different bone augmentation techniques for dental implant treatment. Specific objectives: (A) to test whether and when augmentation procedures are necessary; (B) to test which is the most effective augmentation technique for specific clinical indications. Trials were divided into three broad categories according to different indications for the bone augmentation techniques: (1) major vertical or horizontal bone augmentation or both; (2) implants placed in extraction sockets; (3) fenestrated implants. Search strategy:, The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Several dental journals were handsearched. The bibliographies of review articles were checked, and personal references were searched. More than 55 implant manufacturing companies were also contacted. Last electronic search was conducted on 9 January 2008. Selection criteria:, Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of different techniques and materials for augmenting bone for implant treatment reporting the outcome of implant therapy at least to abutment connection. Data collection and analysis:, Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. Authors were contacted for any missing information. Results were expressed as random-effects models using mean differences for continuous outcomes and odd ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. The statistical unit of the analysis was the patient. Main results:, Seventeen RCTs out of 40 potentially eligible trials reporting the outcome of 455 patients were suitable for inclusion. Since different techniques were evaluated in different trials, no meta-analysis could be performed. Ten trials evaluated different techniques for vertical or horizontal bone augmentation or both. Four trials evaluated different techniques of bone grafting for implants placed in extraction sockets and three trials evaluated different techniques to treat bone dehiscence or fenestrations around implants. Authors' conclusions:, Major bone grafting procedures of resorbed mandibles may not be justified. Bone substitutes (Bio-Oss or Cerasorb) may replace autogenous bone for sinus lift procedures of atrophic maxillary sinuses. Various techniques can augment bone horizontally and vertically, but it is unclear which is the most efficient. It is unclear whether augmentation procedures at immediate single implants placed in fresh extraction sockets are needed, and which is the most effective augmentation procedure, however, sites treated with barrier plus Bio-Oss showed a higher position of the gingival margin when compared to sites treated with barriers alone. Non-resorbable barriers at fenestrated implants regenerated more bone than no barriers, however it remains unclear whether such bone is of benefit to the patient. It is unclear which is the most effective technique for augmenting bone around fenestrated implants. Bone morphogenetic proteins may enhance bone formation around implants grafted with Bio-Oss. Titanium may be preferable to resorbable screws to fixate onlay bone grafts. The use of particulate autogenous bone from intraoral locations, also taken with dedicated aspirators, might be associated with an increased risk of infective complications. These findings are based on few trials including few patients, sometimes having short follow up, and often being judged to be at high risk of bias. [source] Subjective memory decline in healthy community-dwelling elders.ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2010What does this complain mean? Balash Y, Mordechovich M, Shabtai H, Merims D, Giladi N. Subjective memory decline in healthy community-dwelling elders. What does this complain mean? Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 121: 194,197. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objectives,,, Subjective feelings of memory decline are fairly common among the elderly. The causes of this are heterogeneous, and may be related to both affective and cognitive disorders. We attempted to explore the associations between subjective and cognitive measures. Materials and Methods,,, Healthy subjects were studied. They completed questionnaires regarding memory difficulties and lifestyle habits, the Geriatric Depression scale (GDS), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Cognitive functions were tested using the Mini-Mental State Exam and supplemented with NeuroTrax, a computerized neurophysiological battery. Univariate logistic regression model was applied to estimate odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals of associations. Results,,, Of 341 consecutive non-depressed subjects, 257 participants (75.4%) reported subjective memory decline (SMD). Subjects with and without SMD did not differ in age, gender, education, marital status, employment and life-style. Subjects with SMD had elevated GDS scores (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.003,1.29), white anxiety level showed a tendency to be increased (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99,1.06). Comparison of cognitive performance has not revealed differences in cognitive domains between subjects with and without SMD. Conclusions,,, SMD in healthy elderly people is associated with sub-clinical depression even among those without objectively measured cognitive decline. [source] Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and susceptibility to gastric cancer: a meta-analysisCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2006Mostafa Saadat The association between glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) polymorphism and gastric cancer risk has been both confirmed and refuted in a number of published studies. Most of these studies were based on small sample sizes. We carried out a meta-analysis of the research published up to August 2005 to obtain more precise estimates of gastric cancer risk associated with GSTT1 polymorphism. In the present study, 16 case-control studies (with a total of 6717 subjects) were eligible for meta-analysis. There was no evidence of heterogeneity between the studies. The GSTT1 null genotype conferred a 1.06-fold increased risk of gastric cancer, which was not significant (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94,1.19). However, in the analysis of ethnic groups, we observed distinct differences associated with GSTT1 status. Restricting analyses to ethnic groups, the pooled odd ratios for the GSTT1 genotype were 1.27 in Caucasians (95% CI: 1.03,1.57) and 0.98 in Asians (95% CI: 0.86,1.13). Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and GSTT1 are involved in detoxification of a variety of compounds, some that overlap between enzymes and some that are highly specific. To investigate whether the profile of glutathione S-transferase genotypes was associated with risk of gastric cancer, further analyses combining the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes were also carried out. There was a significant trend in risk associated with zero, one and two putative high-risk genotypes (,2 = 9.326, d.f. = 1, P = 0.0023). Those who had null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 had an increased gastric cancer risk compared with those who had both active genes (odds ratio = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.42,3.10). (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 505,509) [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||