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Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis (multivariate + linear_regression_analysis)
Selected AbstractsImpaired aortic elastic properties in patients with systemic sarcoidosisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2 2008I. Moyssakis Abstract Background, Systemic sarcoidosis (Sar) is a granulomatous disorder involving multiple organs. Widespread vascular involvement and microangiopathy are common in patients with Sar. In addition, subclinical cardiac involvement is increasingly recognized in patients with Sar. However, data on the effect of Sar on the elastic properties of the arteries and myocardial performance are limited. In this study we looked for differences in aortic distensibility (AoD) which is an index of aortic elasticity, and myocardial performance of the ventricles, between patients with Sar and healthy subjects. In addition, we examined potential associations between AoD and clinical, respiratory and echocardiographic findings in patients with Sar. Materials and methods, A total of 83 consecutive patients (26 male/57 female, mean age 51·1 ± 13·3 years) with Sar, without cardiac symptoms, were included. All patients underwent echocardiographic and respiratory evaluation including lung function tests. Additionally, 83 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects served as controls. AoD was determined non-invasively by ultrasonography. Results, AoD was lower in the Sar compared to the control group (2·29 ± 0·26 vs. 2·45 ± 0·20 ·10,6 cm2· dyn,1, P < 0·01), while left ventricular mass (LVM) was higher in the Sar group (221·3 ± 50·2 vs. 195·6 ± 31·3 g, P = 0·007). Furthermore, myocardial performance of both ventricles was impaired in the Sar group. Multivariate linear regression analysis in the total sample population demonstrated a significant and independent inverse relationship between AoD and the presence of Sar (P < 0·001). The same analysis in the Sar patients showed that AoD was associated significantly and independently with the stage of Sar, age, systolic blood pressure, LVM and myocardial performance of both ventricles. No significant relationship was found between AoD and disease duration, pulmonary artery pressure or lung function tests. Conclusions, Presence and severity of Sar are associated with reduced aortic distensibility, irrespective of the disease duration, pulmonary artery pressure and lung function. In addition, patients with Sar have increased LVM and impaired myocardial performance. [source] The impact of concomitant rhinitis on asthma-related quality of life and asthma controlALLERGY, Issue 10 2010O. Vandenplas To cite this article: Vandenplas O, Dramaix M, Joos G, Louis R, Michils A, Verleden G, Vincken W, Vints A-M, Herbots E, Bachert C. The impact of concomitant rhinitis on asthma-related quality of life and asthma control. Allergy 2010; 65: 1290,1297. Abstract Background:, Characterizing the interactions between the upper and lower airways is important for the management of asthma. This study aimed at assessing the specific impact of concomitant rhinitis on asthma-related quality of life (QOL) and asthma control. Methods:, A cross-sectional, observational survey was conducted among 1173 patients with asthma (aged 12,45) recruited by general practitioners and chest physicians. AR was defined by self-reported rhinitis symptoms and previously documented sensitization to inhalant allergens. The primary outcomes were (1) asthma control assessed by the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and (2) asthma-specific QOL evaluated through the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mAQLQ). Results:, AR was present in 73.9% of the population with asthma and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) in 13.6%. AR and NAR were associated with an increased risk of uncontrolled asthma (i.e. ACQ score > 1.5) with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 2.00 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35,2.97) and 1.77 (95%CI: 1.09,2.89), respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AR and NAR had a modest, although significant, negative impact on the global mAQLQ score (beta coefficient: ,0.293, standard error [SE]: 0.063 and beta coefficient: ,0.221, SE: 0.080, P < 0.001, respectively), even after adjustment for the level of asthma control and demographic characteristics. Conclusion:, This survey provides direct evidence that AR and NAR are associated with an incremental adverse impact on the disease-specific QOL of patients with asthma and the level of asthma control. Further investigations are required to determine whether appropriate treatment of rhinitis would efficiently reduce asthma morbidity. [source] Plasma ghrelin concentration is a signal of decreased fat free mass in healthy elderly femalesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Jaak Jürimäe This study aimed to evaluate whether circulating ghrelin is associated with changes in different body composition parameters over a 12-month prospective study period in healthy older females. On 41 postmenopausal women (mean age: 71.0 ± 6.5 years), ghrelin, leptin, insulin resistance (IR), and body composition parameters were assessed before and after the study period. Trunk fat: leg fat ratio (+3.6%), fat free mass (FFM) (,4.1%), glucose (+5.8%), and IR (+7.0%) were significantly changed (P < 0.05), whereas no changes in height, body mass, body mass index, fat mass (FM), %FM, trunk fat, leptin, ghrelin, and insulin were observed as a result of study period. At baseline, ghrelin correlated negatively (r > ,0.306; P < 0.05) with body mass, FM, %FM, trunk fat, FFM, leptin, insulin, and IR. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that baseline ghrelin concentration was significantly associated only with the mean change in FFM value over the 12-month study period. In conclusion, basal ghrelin concentration predicted the loss of FFM in healthy elderly females. In addition, these results suggest that circulating ghrelin concentration could be regarded as a signal of decreased FFM in healthy elderly females. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Postoperative Orgasmic Function Increases over Time in Patients Undergoing Nerve-Sparing Radical ProstatectomyTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 1pt1 2010Andrew Salonia MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Postprostatectomy orgasmic function (OF) remains poorly defined. Aims., To assess OF over time in patients who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (BNSRRP) for organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa). Methods., Baseline data were obtained from 334 consecutive preoperatively sexually active PCa patients at hospital admission; data included a medical and sexual history, IIEF domain scores, and ICIQ-SF. Questionnaire were then completed every 12 months postoperatively, and patients participated in a semistructured interview at the 12-month (191/334 [57.2%] patients), 24-month (95/334 [28.4%] patients), 36-month (42/334 [12.6%] patients), and 48-month (19/334 [5.7%] patients) follow-up (FU). Main Outcome Measures., IIEF-OF domain values throughout the FU. Multivariate linear regression analysis (MVA) of the association between predictors (patient's age, IIEF-erectile function [EF], ICIQ-SF, and the use of postoperative proerectile pharmacological treatments) and the IIEF-OF at 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month FU. Results., Preoperative mean (median) IIEF-OF was 7.6 (10). The anova analysis showed an increase of the IIEF-OF values (P = 0.008; F = 4.009) throughout the FU (namely, IIEF-OF 12-month: 6.1 [6]; 24-month: 7.2 [8]; 36-month: 7.3 [8]; and 48-month: 7.7 [9.50]). The 12-month MVA showed that while proerectile oral therapy did not affect postoperative OF (P = 0.150; Beta 0.081), IIEF-OF linearly increased with IIEF-EF (P < 0.001; Beta 0.425). Conversely, IIEF-OF linearly decreased with patient's age (P < 0.001; Beta ,0.135) and with ICQ-SF scores (P < 0.001; Beta ,0.438). The 24-month and 36-month analyses showed that IIEF-OF still linearly increased with IIEF-EF (P < 0.001; Beta 0.540, and P < 0.001; Beta 0.536 respectively at the 24- and 36-month FU), whereas pharmacological therapy, rate of urinary continence, and patient's age did not significantly affect postoperative OF. Conclusions., Postoperative OF significantly ameliorates over time in patients undergoing BNSRRP. The higher the postoperative EF score, the higher the OF throughout the FU time frame. Salonia A, Gallina A, Briganti A, Colombo R, Bertini R, Da Pozzo LF, Zanni G, Sacca A, Rocchini L, Guazzoni G, Rigatti P, and Montorsi F. Postoperative Orgasmic Function Increases over Time in Patients Undergoing Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy. J Sex Med 2010;7:149,155. [source] Human Islet Isolation for Autologous Transplantation: Comparison of Yield and Function Using SERVA/Nordmark Versus Roche EnzymesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2009T. Anazawa Islet autotransplantation (IAT) is used to preserve as much insulin-secretory capacity as possible in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy for painful chronic pancreatitis. The enzyme used to dissociate the pancreas is a critical determinant of islet yield, which is correlated with posttransplant function. Here, we present our experience with IAT procedures to compare islet product data using the new enzyme SERVA/Nordmark (SN group; n = 46) with the standard enzyme Liberase-HI (LH group; n = 40). Total islet yields (mean ± standard deviation; 216 417 ± 79 278 islet equivalent [IEQ] in the LH group; 227 958 ± 58 544 IEQ in the SN group; p = 0.67) were similar. However, the percentage of embedded islets is higher in the SN group compared to the LH group. Significant differences were found in pancreas digestion time, dilution time, and digested pancreas weight between the two groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed the two groups differed in portal venous pressure changes. The incidence of graft function and insulin independence was not different between the two groups. The SN and LH enzymes are associated with similar outcomes for IAT. Further optimization of the collagenase/neutral protease ratio is necessary to reduce the number of embedded islets obtained when using the SN enzyme. [source] Human ABO Blood Group Is Important in Survival and Function of Porcine Working HeartsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2003Rizwan A. Manji Pig organs express ,Gal antigen and thus are hyperacutely rejected if perfused by human blood. Human B/A antigens are similar to pig ,Gal antigen, suggesting that the corresponding antibodies may cross-react. Our purpose was to determine if there is a human ABO blood-group difference in porcine,human xenotransplantation. Plasma from six A, five B, seven AB, and six O individuals pooled by blood group were tested in an ex-vivo porcine working heart model. Blood-group A plasma-perfused hearts survived 20 ± 14 min (n = 5), B 241 ± 9 min (n = 3), AB 151 ± 37 min (n = 5), and O 9 ± 1 min (n = 8). A and O were different (p < 0.001) from B and AB. Function was significantly better in group B. Edema accumulation and creatine kinase change was highest in A and O. All groups had comparable levels of anti-,Gal antibody, as well as comparable perfusion and operative conditions. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed the anti-B antibody levels to be predictive of survival (p < 0.001). At higher plasma concentrations, hearts perfused with B plasma survived longer (p =,0.01) than AB (218 ± 45 min, n = 4 vs. 6 ± 0 min, n = 3). These results suggest a human ABO blood-group difference in porcine-to-human xenotransplantation, which may be mediated by the anti-A and anti-B antibodies. [source] Impact of skin tone on the performance of a transcutaneous jaundice meterACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2009Stephen Wainer Abstract Aim:, To evaluate the performance of the Konica Minolta/Air-Shields® JM-103 jaundice meter on the basis of infant skin tone during the early neonatal period. Methods:, Infants were prospectively categorized into light, medium and dark skin tone groups relative to two reference colours. Transcutaneous bilirubin readings were taken at predetermined intervals through the early neonatal period on a convenience sample of 938 healthy infants ,37 weeks gestation. Serum bilirubin measurements were drawn routinely with metabolic studies and repeated in the presence of an elevated transcutaneous reading or clinically significant jaundice. Results:, Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant impact on serum and transcutaneous bilirubin agreement by skin tone. Highest precision and lowest bias were observed for medium skin toned infants. Greater disagreement between serum and transcutaneous measurements was noted at serum bilirubin concentrations >200 ,mol/L. Insufficient numbers of dark skin toned infants were enroled to evaluate fully the performance of the jaundice meter for this group. Conclusion:, The JM-103 jaundice meter displayed good correlation with serum bilirubin concentrations in light and medium skin tone infants, although it showed a tendency to under-read in the lighter skin tone group and to over-read in the darker skin tone group. The device shows excellent performance characteristics for use as a screening device. [source] Factors with independent influence on the ,timed up and go' test in patients with hip fracturePHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2009Morten Tange Kristensen Abstract Background and Purpose.,Data on performance times for the ,timed up and go' (TUG) test with analyses of factors, that eventually could affect the result in patients with hip fracture, have not been published to date. The aims of the present study, therefore, were to assess normative reference values of TUG performances and determine the influence of individual and clinical factors on TUG-test scores in patients with hip fracture.,Method.,In this prospective, descriptive study, a total of 196 consecutive patients over the age of 60, and able to perform the TUG when discharged directly to their own homes from a specialized orthopaedic hip fracture unit, were evaluated. The association between TUG scores and categorical variables were examined, and linear regression was used to investigate the factors influencing performance times.,Results.,Univariate analysis showed significant differences between all categorical variables, except gender, but multivariate linear regression analyses showed that only a high pre-fracture function level, evaluated by the New Mobility Score (B = ,11), was independently associated with having a good TUG score, while older age (B = 0.49), having an intertrochanteric fracture (B = 7), performing TUG with a walker (B = 15), and performing TUG in the later postoperative period (B = 0.39) were independently associated with having a poorer TUG score.,Conclusions.,These preliminary normative reference values of TUG performances in patients with hip fracture can be used as references, to which individuals can expect to perform. Multivariate testing suggests that clinicians should use age, pre-fracture function, fracture type and walking-aid specific data when interpreting the TUG test results. Physiotherapists should be aware of this if TUG scores are to be used predictively or as an outcome measure in patients with hip fracture, especially in research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Obesity and screening PSA levels among men undergoing an annual physical examTHE PROSTATE, Issue 4 2008Andrew Rundle Abstract BACKGROUND Prior reports suggest that obesity is inversely associated with screening prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and may reduce screening sensitivity. METHODS We evaluated data on 10,623 men screened for prostate cancer during an annual physical examination program administered by EHE International, Inc., between 1/1/2004 and 6/30/2006. Of these, 3,623 men returned for additional physical exams during this period. We used multivariate linear regression analyses to determine whether higher BMI was inversely associated with PSA, and whether BMI, or change in BMI, was associated with change in PSA levels over time. We also developed a theoretical model for the effect of obesity on PSA levels in which increased plasma volume in the obese dilutes PSA levels. RESULTS After control for age and race/ethnicity, higher BMI was associated with lower PSA levels; men with a BMI ,40 had a geometric mean PSA level 0.14 ng/ml lower than men with a BMI <25 (P,<,0.001). Prospectively, BMI at initial screening and change in BMI over 2 years were not associated with change in PSA or PSA velocity. Our theoretical model accurately predicted observed PSA levels and suggests that a screening PSA of 4.0 ng/ml in normal weight and overweight men corresponds to 3.5 ng/ml in obese men and 3.1 ng/ml in morbidly obese men. CONCLUSION Across the study population, increased BMI was significantly inversely associated with lower PSA. Based on a theoretical model in which increased plasma volume in the obese dilutes PSA levels we propose new cut-points for a positive screening test. Prostate 68: 373,380, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Electrocardiographic Quantitation of Heterogeneity of Ventricular RepolarizationANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Peter M. Okin M.D. Background:QT interval dispersion (QTd) measured from the surface ECG has emerged as the most common noninvasive method for assessing heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization. Although QTd correlates with dispersion of monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization and with dispersion of recovery time recorded from the epicardium, total T-wave area, representing a summation of vectors during this time interval, has been shown to have the highest correlation with these invasive measures of dispersion of repolarization. However, recent clinical studies suggest that the ratio of the second to first eigenvalues of the spatial T-wave vector using principal component analysis (PCA ratio) may more accurately reflect heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization. Methods:To better characterize the ECG correlates of surface ECG measures of heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization and to establish normal values of these criteria using an automated measurement method, the relations of QRS onset to T-wave offset (QTod) and to T-wave peak (QTpd) dispersion and the PCA ratio to T-wave area and amplitude, heart rate, QRS axis and duration, and the QTo interval were examined in 163 asymptomatic subjects with normal resting ECGs and normal left ventricular mass and function. QTod and QTpd were measured by computer from digitized ECGs as the difference between the maximum and minimum QTo and QTp intervals, respectively. Results:In univariate analyses, a significant correlation was found between the sum of the T-wave area and the PCA ratio (R =,0.46, P < 0.001), but there was no significant correlation of the sum of T-wave area with QTod (R = 0.11, P = NS) or QTpd (R=0.09, P = NS). There were only modest correlations between QTod and QTpd (R = 0.45) and between the PCA ratio and QTod (R = 0.29) and QTpd (R = 0.49) (each P < 0.001). In stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses, the PCA ratio was significantly related to the sum of T-wave area, T-wave amplitude in aVL, and to female gender (overall R = 0.54, P < 0.001), QTod correlated only with the maximum QTo0 interval (R = 0.39, P < 0.001), and QTpd was related to heart rate and QRS axis (overall R = 0.36, P <0.001). In addition, the normal interlead dispersion of repolarization as measured by QTod was significantly greater than dispersion measured by QTod (23.5 ± 11.5 ms vs 18.3 ± 11.2 ms, P < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings provide new information on ECG measures of heterogeneity of repolarization in normal subjects, with a significantly higher intrinsic variability of Q to T-peak than Q to T-offset dispersion and only modest correlation between these wo measures. The independent relation of the PCA ratio to the sum of T-wave area suggests that the PCA ratio may be a more accurate surface ECG reflection of the heterogeneity of ventricular repolarizat on. A.N.E. 2000;5(1):79,87 [source] Maternal mortality in Yunnan, China: recent trends and associated factorsBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 7 2007J Li Objective, Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, is one of the poorest province in China. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is about twice the national average (56.2/100 000 live births), and in remote mountainous regions, the rate is five times higher. This study aimed to examine the progress in reduction of maternal mortality in the 1990s and early 2000s and the factors associated with this reduction in Yunnan. Design, A population-based, longitudinal, ecological correlation study. Setting, A remote province of China with a proportionately large indigenous population. Population, Populations at county, prefecture and provincial level. Methods, Using maternal mortality data collected at the province, prefecture/region and county levels, trend and time series analyses and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 13). Main outcome measure, MMR and its change over time. Results, MMR declined substantially in the 1990s at a rate of 3.0% per year. Utilisation of prenatal and obstetric care increased and was significantly correlated with the declining trend in MMR. Hospital delivery was a strong predictor of MMR, independent of social and economic development. Both low income and illiteracy were significantly associated with increased MMR. Conclusions, Declines in maternal mortality in Yunnan over the past 14 years appear to reflect health, social and economic interventions implemented in the 1990s. The association of hospital delivery with maternal mortality may be due to the effective management of severe pregnancy and birth complications. Low income and illiteracy were associated with MMR but primarily through their impact on the use of prenatal and obstetric care. [source] B-type natriuretic peptide is related to cardiac function and prognosis in hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosisLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 7 2010Joana Pimenta Abstract Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations are high in cirrhosis, possibly related to volume status and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The prognostic significance of BNP in cirrhosis is unknown. Aims: We aimed to evaluate (i) the influence of haemodynamic parameters and volaemia, assessed by impedance cardiography (ICG), in BNP levels, (ii) the performance of BNP as a prognostic marker, in a cohort of cirrhotic patients. Methods: Patients consecutively hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis during 1 year were evaluated. At admission, ICG and BNP measurements were performed in 83 patients (median age 56 years; median Child,Pugh score=10). The 70 patients discharged were followed for the occurrence of death within 6 months. Results: Median BNP levels were 130.3 (65.2,363.3) pg/ml. Independent BNP predictors in multivariate linear regression analysis were cardiac output, age and haemoglobin (R2=36.7%). The 24 patients with cardiac systolic dysfunction, defined by low cardiac output, had higher BNP concentrations than the other patients (230.8 vs 98.5 pg/ml, P=0.003). BNP levels above median were associated with an increased occurrence of death within 6 months of discharge (log rank P=0.023). Cardiac output and BNP were predictors of survival in univariate Cox regression analysis. Only BNP remained independently related to the outcome in multivariate analysis [hazard ratio=2.86 (1.11,7.38), P=0.03]. Conclusions: BNP levels in cirrhosis reflect cardiac systolic function and non-cardiac variables that should be considered in their interpretation. BNP is an independent predictor of medium-term survival in advanced cirrhosis, suggesting its utility in risk stratification of decompensated cirrhotic patients. [source] Systemic levels of plasmin,antiplasmin complexes are correlated with the expansion rate of small abdominal aortic aneurysmsBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 4 2001J. S. Lindholt Background: The cystatine proteolytic system, the serine proteolytic system and the metallodependent proteolytic system have all been reported to be involved in the matrix degradation of the aortic wall, causing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Plasmin is a common activator of all three systems and could theoretically be involved in the pathogenesis of AAA by activating all three systems. However, plasmin is immediately inactivated by antiplasmin, forming plasmin,antiplasmin (PAP) complexes when it reaches the circulation. This study was designed to assess whether the systemic levels of PAP complex in conservatively treated patients with AAA could be related to the natural history of AAA. Methods: In 1994, 112 of 141 men with AAA (greater than 3 cm) diagnosed by population screening were interviewed, examined, and had blood samples taken and prepared for serum and ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid plasma by a standard method. The serum and plasma were frozen at , 21°C until analysis. Of the 112 patients, 99 were followed with annual control scans and blood pressure measurements for 1,5 (mean 2·5) years, and were referred for operation if the AAA exceeded 5 cm in diameter. Of the 99 patients, a random sample of 70 had their level of PAP complexes determined (Dade Behring, Rødovre, Denmark). Furthermore, the level of serum elastin peptides (SEPs) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman's rank sum correlation test, multivariate linear regression analysis and receiver,operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used for statistical analysis (SPSS 10.0; SPSS, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: The level of PAP complex was positively correlated with annual expansion rate (r = 0·29, P = 0·01), but not with the initial AAA size (r = 0·17, P = 0·16) or SEP (r = 0·04, P = 0·77). The significant association to expansion persisted after adjustment for initial AAA size, SEP and smoking. Furthermore, the level of PAP complex was significantly predictive for AAAs expanding to operation recommendable size (area under ROC curve 65 per cent), with an optimal sensitivity and specificity of 65 and 67 per cent respectively. SEP level was also significantly predictive for AAAs expanding to operation recommendable size (area under ROC curve 56 per cent), with an optimal sensitivity and specificity of 56 and 57 per cent. Conclusion: The progression of AAA seems to be caused by a general activation of the proteolytic systems involving plasmin and not by genetic or environmental factors causing increased activation of specific proteases or decreased activity of their specific inhibitors. Furthermore, the level of PAP complex in patients with an aneurysm seems to have a better and independently predictive value of the natural history of AAA, compared with the best serological predictor known to date, the serum level of elastin peptides. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Self-concept and mental health status of ,stay-at-home' children in rural ChinaACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 9 2009Ke-Fu Zhao Abstract Aim:, To describe the self-concept and mental health status of ,stay-at-home' children and to explore the differences between stay-at-home children and non-stay-at-home children. Methods:, A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Changfeng County to collect information on self-concept and mental health status. Children were classified as ,stay-at-home' or ,non-stay-at-home' for data analysis. Results:, Stay-at-home children accounted for 55.1% of children. The two groups of children differed significantly on the total scores of self-concept (stay-at-home, 52.48 ± 14.29; non-stay-at-home, 55.24 ± 15.10). The mental health status of stay-at-home children was poor, with significant difference between them (stay-at-home, 41.17 ± 12.25; non-stay-at-home, 40.14 ± 13.11). Using multivariate linear regression analysis, we found that the total P-H score, gender, low family economic status, stay-at-home status and being cared for by an uncle/aunt or an older sibling were independent variables for mental health of the children. Conclusion:, This study suggests that stay-at-home children have a greater risk of mental health problems than their counterparts in rural Anhui province, China. In addition, this study provides useful baseline information on childhood mental health and has identified important risk factors that would be important in planning strategies for prevention of mental health problems for stay-at-home children. [source] Plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine in premature neonates: its possible involvement in developmental programming of chronic diseasesACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2009Gabriella Vida Abstract Aim: The endothel dysfunction in early life may play a role in developmental programming of cardiovascular morbidity. The changes of dimethylarginines' plasma levels during the first month among preterm infants and their determinants had been investigated in our study. Methods: Twenty preterm infants of healthy mothers were studied. Mean (±SD) birth weight and gestational age were 919.5 ± 235.5 g and 26.7 ± 1.6 weeks, respectively. Blood samples were taken by venipuncture at the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Plasma concentrations of L-arginine, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: L-arginine (p < 0.001) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels (p < 0.001) were positively associated with postnatal age. ADMA levels were negatively correlated with gestational age (p = 0.007), dopamine-need on the 3rd day of life (p = 0.015) and late infection (p = 0.038). The higher birth weight was associated with higher L-arginine (p = 0.052) and ADMA (p = 0.002) concentrations. The dopamine-need on the 7th day of life had a significant effect on postnatal elevation of SDMA levels (p = 0.035). Conclusion: The progressive increase of ADMA levels described by our study among preterm infants suggests that early endothel dysfunction may take part in developmental programming of chronic adult diseases. [source] Dietary intervention increases n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in skeletal muscle membrane phospholipids of obese subjects.CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Implications for insulin sensitivity Summary Objective, Cross-sectional studies suggest that the fatty acid (FA) composition of phospholipids in skeletal muscle cell membrane may modulate insulin sensitivity in humans. We examined the impact of a hypocaloric low-fat dietary intervention on membrane FA composition and insulin sensitivity. Design, Muscle membrane FA profiles were determined in muscle (vastus lateralis) biopsies from 21 obese subjects before and after 6 months of dietary restriction. Diet instructions emphasized low intake of FA of marine origin by recommending lean fish and prohibiting fatty fish and fish oil supplements. Insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Results, The mean weight loss was 5·1 kg (range ,15·3 to +1·3 kg). BMI decreased from 36·5 to 34·9 kg/m2 (P = 0·003). Saturated FA (SFA) decreased 11% (P = 0·0001). Polyunsaturated FA (PUFA)n-6 increased 4% (P = 0·003). Long-chain PUFAn-3 increased 51% (P = 0·0001), mainly due to a 75% increase (P < 0·0001) in docosahexaenoic acid. Changes in HOMA-IR correlated significantly with changes in long-chain PUFAn-3 (R = ,0·57, P < 0·01), SFA (R = 0·58, P < 0·01) and waist circumference (R = 0·46, P < 0·05). A multivariate linear regression analysis that included changes in weight, fat mass, waist circumference, plasma lipids, PUFA, SFA and long-chain PUFAn-3 indicated that SFA and long-chain PUFAn-3 were independent predictors of HOMA-IR (R2 = 0·33, P < 0·01). Conclusions, A hypocaloric low-fat dietary intervention programme increased incorporation of long-chain PUFAn-3 and reduced SFA in skeletal muscle membrane phospholipids of obese subjects, a setting that may impact on insulin action. [source] | ||||||||||