A1 Ratio Research Articles

Lipid profile, Apo B – Apo A1 ratio and lipoprotein(a) as risk factors in acute coronary syndrome - A case control study

Lipid profile, Apo B – Apo A1 ratio and lipoprotein(a) as risk factors in acute coronary syndrome - A case control study

The Role of Physical Activity Prescription in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Amongst South Asian Canadians.

Unequivocal evidence suggests an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) amongst South Asian Canadians (SACs) compared to other ethnic cohorts, due to a combination of their unique cardiometabolic profile and environmental factors. This unfavorable CVD profile is characterized by an elevated risk of dyslipidemia, high apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio, hypertension, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as increased BMI, body fat percentage, abdominal and visceral adiposity. Despite the overwhelming evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity (PA) in circumventing the onset of CVD and in the reduction of CVD risk factors, SACs are among the most physically inactive cohorts in Canada. This relates to a set of common and unique socio-cultural barriers, such as gender, beliefs and perceptions about illness, immigration, unfavorable PA environments, and their high prevalence of debilitating chronic diseases. Several strategies to improve PA participation rates in this high-risk population have been suggested, and include the implementation of culturally sensitive PA interventions, as well as clinician training in PA prescription through workshops that emphasize knowledge translation into clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this mini-review is to highlight and discuss: (1) the burden of heart disease in SACs (2) the cardiovascular benefits of PA for SACs; (3) factors affecting PA participation among SACs and how they can be addressed; (4) the impact of culturally sensitive PA prescription on CVD prevention; (5) barriers to culture-specific PA prescription by clinicians, and strategies to improve its use and impact.

Association of serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and apolipoprotein B /apolipoprotein A1 ratio with intima media thickness of common carotid artery in dyslipidemic patients.

Diseases caused by atherosclerosis play the most important role in mortality and morbidity worldwide. Serum adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) seems to be a new promising marker to determine the risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between serum A-FABP levels in studied individuals and to assess the possibility of modeling the intima media thickness of the common carotid artery (C-IMT) using A-FABP levels and other observed characteristics. Seventy two Caucasian individuals were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: dyslipidemic patients with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS+, n=17; MetS-, n= 34) and controls (n=21). There was confirmed the well-established risk profile of individuals with MetS (unfavorable lipid and lipoprotein profile, as well as increased parameters of insulin resistence and C-IMT). A-FABP concentrations in this group were significantly higher in comparison with both MetS- and controls. Using multiple linear regression models of C-IMT values for all individual data, healthy controls and dyslipidemic patients without metabolic syndrome (MetS-) A-FABP levels were not revealed as an important predictor of C-IMT in our model. In contrast, age, gender, waist circumference, nonHDL cholesterol levels and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were important repressors of C- IMT in study individuals. This finding may be attributed to the overwhelming effect of other more robust risk factors for atherosclerosis in these individuals.

OCCURRENCE OF A2 MATING TYPE AND MICROMORPHOLOGY OF OOSPORES OF PHYTOPHTHORA INFESTANS IN GOLESTAN PROVINCE OF IRAN

The aim of this study was to determine the mating types, origin and micromorphology of oospores of Ph. infestans isolated from the potato fields in Golestan province of Iran during 2014-16. In total, 197 isolates were assessed for mating type. The average frequencies of mating types A1 and A2 were 85.8 and 14.2% respectively. A2 mating type was found only from two regions. A total of 9 self-fertile isolates (5.3%), which only belonged to the A1 mating type were detected. The average value for oospore production index (OPI) within the interaction zone between the two isolates was estimated one (very low) in A1×A1 and four (very high) in A1×A2 crosses. Oospores of hybrid origin were observed in A1 ×A2 and self-fertile oospores only in A1 ×A1 paired cultures. Parthenogenetic oospores (without antheridia) were not observed in A1 ×A1 or A2 ×A2 paired cultures. The results of oospores micromorphology indicated that the antheridia in hybrid oospores were amphigynous and from half spheric to nearly spheric, almost hyaline, from 18.5-23.5 × 10.5-15.5 µm in size. Oogonia were nearly spheric from nacarat to brown in colour. The colour of the hybrid oospores varied from brown to dark-brown, spheric, varied from 25-35 µm in diameter with two thick walls with thickness of 2.5-5.5 µm. The self-fertile oospores were with a thin wall with thickness of 1.5 µm, spherical and varied from 40-60 µm in diameter. The monitoring of A1 and A2 mating type ratios of oospores are important to aid in the prediction of the extent of sexual recombination and thus the risk of long-lived oospores serving as primary inoculum sources in the main potato production regions.

Apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio and mortality among incident peritoneal dialysis patients

BackgroundTo investigate the association between the ratio of apolipoprotein B (apo B) / apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1) with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.MethodsEight hundred and sixty incident PD patients were enrolled from November 1, 2005, to February 28, 2017, and followed until May 31, 2017. Outcomes were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Associations between the apo B/apo A1 ratio with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events were evaluated using multivariable-adjusted Cox models.ResultsOf the 860 patients, the mean age was 49.9 ± 14.5 years, 57.6% were men, and 19.3% were diabetic patients. The median apo B/apo A1 ratio was 0.65 (range: 0.22–2.24). During a median follow-up period of 27 months (interquartile range, 13 – 41 months), 202 deaths, and 145 cardiovascular events were recorded. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, systolic blood pressure, total Kt/V, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin level, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and albumin, triglyceride, and cholesterol, as well as the use of lipid-lowering agents, the highest apo B/apo A1 ratio tertile was significantly associated with a hazard ratio for all-cause mortality of 1.60 (95% CI: 1.02 to 2.49, P = 0.040) and for cardiovascular events of 2.04 (95% CI: 1.21 to 3.44, P = 0.008).ConclusionAn increased apo B/apo A1 ratio was independently associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in PD patients.

Associations Between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Markers of Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Women From North-Western Algeria.

Background: The role of several dietary antioxidants in preventing the development and the progression of atherosclerosis has recently aroused considerable interest. Although they are not yet conclusive, most of the existing suggestions support this hypothesis.Objective: The aim of the present work was to investigate the intake of dietary antioxidant nutrients in relation to atherogenic indices in a group of Algerian middle aged women with and without type 2 diabetes.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of middle-aged women from the north western region of Algeria. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 3-days food record. Atherogenic indices -total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL) and apolipoprotein (apo) B-to-apo A1 ratio, were calculated. Associations between antioxidants dietary intake and atherogenic indices were examined using logistic regressions.Results: 95 women with type 2 diabetes were compared to 93 non-diabetic ones. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were revealed for body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total cholesterol levels. Furthermore, significant differences were noted for vitamin C, E and copper dietary intakes. The TC/HDL ratio was significantly associated to the highest quartiles of vitamin C in all patients; 3.519[2.405–4.408], p = 0.009 and in non-diabetic women; 3.984[1.775–7.412], p = 0.020, respectively. The odd ratios of vitamin E intakes were about 2.425[2.017–5.715], p = 0.012 in all patients and 1.843[1.877–2.731], p = 0.019 in non-diabetic group, respectively. However, the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio was more correlated to the highest quartiles of zinc and copper in non-diabetic group; OR = 0.059[0.006–0.572], p = 0.015 and 0.192[0.048–0.766], p = 0.019, respectively.Conclusion: The estimated risk of atherosclerosis measured through the TC/HDL ratio was correlated to vitamins antioxidant intake, while the probable risk assessed by the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio was more associated to the mineral profile.

Raman analysis of phonon modes in a short period AlN/GaN superlattice

AlN/GaN-based optoelectronic devices have been the subject of intense research underlying the commercialization of efficient devices. Areas of considerable interest are the study of their lattice dynamics, phonon transport, and electron-phonon interactions specific to the interface of these heterostructures which results in additional optical phonon modes known as interface phonon modes. In this study, the framework of the dielectric continuum model (DCM) has been used to compare and analyze the optical phonon modes obtained from experimental Raman scattering measurements on AlN/GaN short-period superlattices. We have observed the localized E2(high), A1(LO) and the E1(TO) modes in superlattice measurements at frequencies shifted from their bulk values. To the best of our knowledge, the nanostructures used in these studies are among the smallest yielding useful Raman signatures for the interface modes. In addition, we have also identified an additional spread of interface phonon modes in the TO range resulting from the superlattice periodicity. The Raman signature contribution from the underlying AlxGa1-xN ternary has also been observed and analyzed. A temperature calibration was done based on Stokes/anti-Stokes ratio of A1(LO) using Raman spectroscopy in a broad operating temperature range. Good agreement between the experimental results and theoretically calculated calibration plot predicted using Bose-Einstein statistics was obtained.

Evaluation of Beta2microglobulin, Lipoprotein(a), APO A1 and APO B in Coronary Artery Disease Patients and its Correlation with the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

We evaluated beta2microglobulin(β2 M). High Lp(a) predicts risk of early atherosclerosis independently of other cardiac risk factors while apo B and apo B/apo A1 ratio has been shown to be better predictor of CAD than LDL. Aim: To study the association of novel risk markers β2 M, Lp(a), apo A1 and apo B in CAD patients and their correlation with its severity. Method: 1052 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography were studied and divided into cases (862) and controls (190). Results: Hypertension was most common (35.17%), while diabetes, positive family history of CAD and smoking were present in 26.42%, 17.49% and 16.73% patients respectively. Patients with CAD had significantly higher β2 M (2.0 vs 1.2 mg/l p < 0.01), higher Lp(a) (69.36 vs 52.01 mg/dl, p < 0.01), lower apo A1(106.6 vs 125.7 mg/dl, p < 0.01) and higher apoB/apoA1 (0.79 vs 0.63 p < 0.01) levels than normal. β2 M levels in triple vessel disease (2.34 ± 0.84 mg/l) patients were significantly higher. Patient with triple vessel disease had significantly higher levels of Lp(a) (80.33 ± 64.02 mg/dl) than single (60.65 ± 52.85 mg/dl, p = 0.001) or double vessel disease (65.09 ± 58.13 mg/dl, p = 0.008). ApoA1 levels were significantly lower in triple vessel disease(104.64 ± 23.66 mg/l). Conclusion: Beta2microglobulin, Lipoprotein(a), apo A1 and apo B/apo A1 ratio are significantly correlated with the severity of CAD and can serve as novel biomarkers. These biomarkers in addition to conventional risk factors can help in better assessment of CAD risk especially in south Asian population.

Cardiovascular Risk in Xavante Indigenous Population

BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is little known in Brazilian indigenous populations. In the last two decades, important changes have occurred in the lifestyle and epidemiological profile of the Xavante people.Objectiveto assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Xavante adults in São Marcos and Sangradouro/Volta Grande reserves, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.MethodsCross-sectional study carried out with 925 Xavante people aged ≥ 20 years between 2008 and 2012. The following indicators were assessed: triglycerides (TG), total, LDL and HDL-cholesterol, Castelli index I and II, TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio, apo B / Apo A1 ratio, Framingham risk score, C-reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW), glycemia and blood pressure. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Student's t test and Chi-square test (χ2) were used for statistical analysis, and significance level was set at 5%.ResultsHigh prevalence of elevated cardiovascular risk was observed in men and women according to HDL-cholesterol (66.2% and 86.2%, respectively), TG (53.2% and 51.5%), TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio (60.0% and 49.1%), C-reactive protein (44.1% and 48.1%), BMI (81.3% and 81.7%), WC (59.1% and 96.2%), HW (38.0% and 50,6%) and glycemia (46.8% and 70.2%). Individuals aged 40 to 59 years had the highest cardiovascular risk.ConclusionsThe Xavante have a high cardiovascular risk according to several indicators evaluated. The present analysis of cardiovascular risk factors provides support for the development of preventive measures and early treatment, in attempt to minimize the impact of cardiovascular diseases on this population.

The effects of vildagliptin compared with metformin on vascular endothelial function and metabolic parameters: a randomized, controlled trial (Sapporo Athero-Incretin Study 3)

BackgroundDipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors may have protective effects in the early stage of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes, although similar effects in advanced atherosclerosis were not shown in recent randomized placebo-controlled studies. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitor on endothelial function and glycemic metabolism compared with high-dose metformin.MethodsIn this multicenter, open-labeled, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison study, patients with type 2 diabetes treated with low-dose metformin (500–750 mg/day) were enrolled and randomly assigned to a vildagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, add-on group (Vilda) or a double dose of metformin group (high Met) for 12 weeks. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and serum metabolic markers were assessed before and after treatment. In addition, glycemic control and metabolic parameters were also assessed.ResultsNinety-seven subjects (aged 58.7 ± 11.0 years; body mass index, 25.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2; HbA1c, 7.3 ± 0.5%; FMD, 5.8 ± 2.6%) were enrolled. Eight subjects dropped out by the end of the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics. After 12 weeks, HbA1c was significantly improved in the Vilda group compared with the high Met group (− 0.80 ± 0.38% vs. − 0.40 ± 0.47%, respectively; p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in FMD (− 0.51 [− 1.08–0.06]% vs. − 0.58 [− 1.20–0.04]%). Although the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio was significantly reduced in the Vilda group compared with baseline (0.66–0.62; p < 0.01), the change did not differ significantly between the two groups (− 0.04 vs. 0.00; p = 0.27). Adiponectin levels were significantly increased in the Vilda group compared with the high Met group (0.75 μg/mL vs. 0.01 μg/mL; p < 0.01).ConclusionsRegardless of glycemic improvement, combination therapy of vildagliptin and metformin did not affect endothelial function but may exert favorable effects on adipokine levels and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes without advanced atherosclerosis.

Anatomic Predictors of Unruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Growth.

Anatomic variations of the anterior communicating artery (ACOM) complex have been shown to influence ACOM aneurysm morphology. It is not known whether these variations predispose unruptured ACOM aneurysms to grow over time. We retrospectively reviewed the course of patients with untreated, unruptured ACOM aneurysms monitored with serial imaging at our institution. The primary outcome of interest was aneurysm growth. Predictors of aneurysm growth were determined using a Cox proportional hazards model. There were 81 patients with an unruptured ACOM aneurysm who were included in our study. Growth occurred in 9 (11.1%) patients, yielding a yearly growth rate of 2.8%. Aneurysms that grew were larger on initial detection than were those that remained stable in size (8.3 mm vs. 6.2 mm; P= 0.031). The ratio of the diameter of A1 segments was greater in patients with aneurysms that grew (2.1 vs. 1.4; P= 0.003), as was the frequency of patients with an A1 ratio >2.3 (25.0% vs. 6.6%; P= 0.023). Among aneurysms that grew, location at the A1-A2 junction was more common than origination solely from the ACOM (88.9% vs. 11.1%). When follow-up time was adjusted for, increasing aneurysm size (unit relative risk [RR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.45; P= 0.011) and location at the A1-A2 junction (RR 6.15, 95% CI1.12-114.49;P= 0.035) were significant predictors of aneurysm growth. We identify several anatomic characteristics that may be associated with increased risk of ACOM aneurysm growth. These data could influence management strategies of unruptured ACOM aneurysms.

A 13-week low glycemic load diet and lifestyle modification program combining low glycemic load protein shakes and targeted nutraceuticals improved weight loss and cardio-metabolic risk factors.

An open-label, randomized, exploratory study of 44 healthy overweight subjects with cardio-metabolic syndrome (CMS) risk factors was conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a proprietary lifestyle modification program without (DIET) and with (PROG) targeted nutraceutical supplementation, including phytosterols, antioxidants, probiotics, fish oil, berberine, and soy, pea, and whey proteins over 13 weeks. Key metrics were recorded at baseline and weeks 9 and 13. For the DIET and PROG groups, compliance was 85% and 86%, respectively, with no adverse events related to the diet or supplements. Twelve subjects discontinued participation before week 9 for reasons unrelated to the study. PROG subjects experienced greater decreases (p < 0.05) than DIET in body mass, fat mass, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, TG, cholesterol / HDL ratio, TG/HDL ratio, apolipoprotein B / apolipoprotein A1 ratio, and hs-CRP. The Framingham 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score decreased by 40% (p < 0.01) in the PROG arm versus no change for the DIET arm. As a pilot study, it was not possible to state whether the observed effects were the result of nutraceutical supplementation alone or the result of additive or synergistic interactions among diet, lifestyle modifications, and nutraceutical supplementation. Moreover, individuals with CMS risk factors following a lifestyle modification program received additional health benefits from targeted nutraceutical supplementation.

Role of vitamin D3 level and Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio in patients with unstable angina in Kerbala province, Iraq

Objectives Vitamin D deficiency may be responsible for endothelial dysfunction which in turn affects the onset and progression of coronary artery disease and its risk factors. The Apo B/Apo AI ratio indicates the balance between atherogenic and anti atherogenic particles, the higher the value, the higher is the cardiovascular risk. The aim of study is to find a possible association between unstable angina and vitamin D3, Apo A1, Apo B, and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio and other risk factors (age, body mass index and smoking).Methods This case-control study was conducted during the period from Nov. 2015 to Sep. 2016. A total of 40 patients of unstable angina presented with typical chest pain to the coronary care unit in Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, Al-Hussein Medical City/ Kerbala. The diagnosis was based on the clinical history and electrocardiography. A total of 50 persons were matched in age, gender and BMI as a control group. The procedures were measured using Auto Immunoassay Analyzer.Results Vitamin D3 deficiency (&lt; 30 ng/mL) was prevalent in unstable angina (UA) compared with controls (vitamin D3 ≥ 30 ng/mL) (odds ratio [OR], 21.93; 95%, confidence interval [CI], 5.91–81.31; P &lt; 0.001). The results obtained that serum 25(OH) D3 was highly significant in smoker compared with non-smoker in both groups (P &lt; 0.001, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). The serum Apo B, Apo A1 and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio were highly significant between both groups (P &lt; 0.01, P &lt; 0.001, P &lt; 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, vitamin D3 recorded significant correlation with each of the age and BMI in control group (all P &lt; 0.01).Conclusion The present study showed a highly significant association between vitamin D3, Apo B, Apo A1 levels, Apo B/Apo A1 ratio and unstable angina as compared with the control group, and significant correlation between vitamin D3 and age, BMI and smoking.

Levels of Apolipoprotein A1, B100 and Lipoprotein (a) in Controlled and Uncontrolled Diabetic Patients and in Non-Diabetic Healthy People.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is always a multifactorial metabolic disorder having a wide range of abnormalities in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. Dyslipidemia is a natural process of DM causing abnormal variations of different lipoproteins and it is one of the significant risk factors for Cardiovascular Disorder (CVD). There is a need to closely evaluate newer approaches in case of DM because even if dyslipidemia is treated, there is always a risk of CVDs in DM patients because of the hyperglycemia itself. So, lipid abnormalities should be assessed aggressively and treated as part of diabetes care. Apolipoprotein B100 (Apo B100), Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and Lipoprotein (a) {Lp(a)} are newer markers which are always welcome and necessary as many of the reported cases with normal conventional lipid profile have developed cardiac events. Study the correlation between glycemic control and the levels of Apo A1, Apo B100 and Lp(a). Total 56 patients of (DM) diagnosed on the basis of American Diabetic Association guidelines were recruited, out of which 28 were identified as uncontrolled-diabetic patients and remaining 28 as controlled-diabetics on the basis of Glycosylated HbA1c (HbA1c). The control group consisted of normal healthy 28 individuals. Apo B100, Apo A1 and Lp(a) along with traditional lipid profile, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and HbA1c were estimated in all the subjects. Apo B100/Apo A1 ratio and Lp(a) levels showed highly significant difference (p-value <0.001) between uncontrolled diabetics, controlled diabetics and healthy Controls. Apo B100/Apo A1 ratio and Lp(a) showed significant positive correlations with HbA1c (r= 0.494, p <0.0001) and with each other. Apo B100/Apo A1 ratio and Lp(a) show a highly significant positive relationship with glucose tolerance of the patients as reflected in the HbA1c values. If proper glycemic control is maintained, the levels of Apo B100/Apo A1 ratio and Lp(a) can be controlled as reflected by the lower levels of these parameters observed in controlled diabetics in comparison to uncontrolled diabetics.

Identification of two phosphorylation sites essential for annexin A1 in blood–brain barrier protection after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Annexin A1 has been reported to exert a blood–brain barrier protection. This study was designed to examine the role of annexin A1 in intracerebral hemorrhage-induced blood–brain barrier dysfunction. A collagenase intracerebral hemorrhage model was performed in adult male Sprague Dawley rats. First, a possible relationship between annexin A1 and intracerebral hemorrhage pathology was confirmed by a loss of annexin A1 in the cerebrovascular endothelium and serum of intracerebral hemorrhage rats, and the rescue effects of i.v. administration of human recombinant annexin A1 in vivo and annexin A1 overexpression in vitro on the barrier function of brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to intracerebral hemorrhage stimulus. Second, we found that intracerebral hemorrhage significantly increased the phosphorylation ratio of annexin A1 at the serine/threonine residues. Finally, based on site-specific mutagenesis, we identified two phosphorylation sites (a) annexin A1 phosphorylation at threonine 24 is required for its interaction with actin cytoskeleton, and (b) phosphorylation at serine27 is essential for annexin A1 secretion, both of which were essential for maintaining cytoskeleton integrity and paracellular permeability. In conclusion, annexin A1 prevents intracerebral hemorrhage-induced blood–brain barrier dysfunction in threonine 24 and serine27 phosphorylation-dependent manners. Annexin A1 phosphorylation may be a self-help strategy in brain microvascular endothelial cells after intracerebral hemorrhage; however, that was almost completely abolished by the intracerebral hemorrhage-induced loss of annexin A1.

Relationship of A1 segment hypoplasia to anterior communicating artery aneurysm morphology and risk factors for aneurysm formation

OBJECTIVE Hypoplasia of the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery is frequently observed in patients with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. The effect of this anatomical variant on ACoA aneurysm morphology is not well understood. METHODS Digital subtraction angiography images were reviewed for 204 patients presenting to the authors' institution with either a ruptured or an unruptured ACoA aneurysm. The ratio of the width of the larger A1 segment to the smaller A1 segment was calculated. Patients with an A1 ratio greater than 2 were categorized as having A1 segment hypoplasia. The relationship of A1 segment hypoplasia to both patient and aneurysm characteristics was then assessed. RESULTS Of 204 patients that presented with an ACoA aneurysm, 34 (16.7%) were found to have a hypoplastic A1. Patients with A1 segment hypoplasia were less likely to have a history of smoking (44.1% vs 62.9%, p = 0.0410). ACoA aneurysms occurring in the setting of a hypoplastic A1 were also found to have a larger maximum diameter (mean 7.7 vs 6.0 mm, p = 0.0084). When considered as a continuous variable, increasing A1 ratio was associated with decreasing aneurysm dome-to-neck ratio (p = 0.0289). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of A1 segment hypoplasia between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms (18.9% vs 10.7%; p = 0.1605). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a hypoplastic A1 may affect the morphology of ACoA aneurysms. In addition, the relative lack of traditional risk factors for aneurysm formation in patients with A1 segment hypoplasia argues for the importance of hemodynamic factors in the formation of ACoA aneurysms in this anatomical setting.

Factors influencing atherogenic indices in type 2 diabetic women in northwestern Algeria

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;Type 2 diabetic women are at higher risk of developing atherogenic dyslipidemia. The major possible risk factors are obesity, abdominal fat accumulation and poor glycaemic control. However, menopause-related changes could be another determinant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interrelationships of these risk factors and their independent effects on atherogenic indices in type 2 diabetes women&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;A prospective, cross-sectional study, which includes 160 women agreed to participate in this study. Anthropometrics, biochemical parameters and blood pressure were measured. Atherogenic indices - total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL) and apolipoprotein (apo) B-to-apo A1 ratio, were calculated. Individual risk factors were examined in relationship to these atherogenic indices using correlation tests and logistic regression&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;23.12% of the participants were normal weight and 76.87% were overweight/obese. The overall mean age was 57.70±11.16 years. Diabetes duration (˃5years), anthropometric parameters, poor glycaemic control, high apo B and high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were found to be significant determinants of atherogenic indices changes. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;The TC/HDL ratio was weakly associated with both BMI and waist circumference. However, the apo B/apo A1 ratio provided positive correlations with anthropometric parameters, especially with waist circumference (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt;=0.185, r=0.108, r&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;=0.012), and this, in both pre and post-menopausal type 2 diabetic women&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;The atherogenic risk, estimated by TC/HDL and apo B/apo A1 ratios, becomes more severe with higher anthropometric parameters (BMI and waist circumference), diabetes duration and poor glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes women and this during both premenopausal and postmenopausal periods&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Petrogenesis of metamorphosed Paleoproterozoic, arc-related tonalites, granodiorites and coeval basic to intermediate rocks from southernmost Brazil, based on elemental and isotope geochemistry

In southern Brazil, three associations of metamorphosed tonalites and granodiorites that are compositionally similar to tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) or adakitic associations have been identified in the Arroio dos Ratos Complex (ARC) Paleoproterozoic magmatism. The metatonalites of Association 1 (A1; 2148±33Ma) have a well-developed fabric, compatible with strong solid-state deformation. The metatonalites and metagranodiorites of Association 2 (A2; 2150±28Ma) are intrusive in A1 and have a similar composition, but are less deformed, and their primary structures are partly preserved. Both associations display contemporaneity relations with basic to intermediate magmas. Association 3 (A3; 2077±13Ma) is represented by tonalitic to granodioritic gneisses, without any associated basic to intermediate magmatism, and its main characteristic is the banding that resulted from strong solid-state deformation. Partial melting features are locally present in A3. The geochemical compositions of the three associations are similar and indicate sources related to a continental magmatic arc environment. The 87Sr/86Sr(i) ratios (between 0.701 and 0.703), positive ƐNd(t) values (+1.45 to +5.19), and TDM ages close to the crystallization ages indicate juvenile sources for the A1 and A2 associations. The A3 rocks have a 87Sr/86Sr(i) ratio of 0.715, an ƐNd(t) value of +0.47 and a TDM age that is close to the crystallization age, indicating a source composition different from those of the other associations. The Pb isotope ratios of A1 and A2 are similar and compatible with the evolution of mantle and orogen (208Pb/204Pb=37.3–37.6; 207Pb/204Pb=15.62–15.65; 206Pb/204Pb=18.0–18.2). The Pb isotope ratios of A3 differ from A1 and A2, indicating a more Th-poor source (208Pb/204Pb=37.1; 207Pb/204Pb=15.64; 206Pb/204Pb=18.5). The geochemistry of associations A1 and A2 suggests a juvenile source with contamination by crustal material. However, the Sr–Nd–Pb isotope signature of this contaminant is similar to that of the source material that originated these associations. This may be the crust generated in the magmatic arc, which is compatible with the geochronological results. The dataset points to the occurrence of self-cannibalism processes in the generation of the ARC rocks. The similar chemical composition and ƐNd(t) values of A3 relative to A1 and A2 indicate that the A3 source is similar to the one that generated the tonalitic and granodioritic rocks of A1 and A2. However, the slightly lower 208Pb/204Pb, and higher 206Pb/204Pb and 87Sr/86Sr(i) ratios indicate that the A3 association has also the addition of a distinct crustal source. The A3 association high values of the parameter 87Sr/86Sr(i) and its Pb isotope signature indicate a source with high Rb and U, and low Th contents. Such features, and moreover the depletion of HREE combined with TDM values near the igneous age, suggest that the source for A3 may be juvenile arc sediments. The greater degree of crustal contribution, the lack of associated basic to intermediate rocks, and the younger age possibly mark the more mature or late stages of the arc. The major and trace elements, as well as the isotope data obtained in this study suggest that melting of a metasomatized mantle wedge can be the process that generated the ARC basic to intermediate rocks (A1 and A2). The generation of tonalitic and granodioritic rocks with adakitic characteristics (i.e., the depletion of heavy rare earth elements in tonalitic and granodioritic rocks of A1, A2 and A3) may have arisen from the melting of a garnet-rich source or from fractional crystallization of ARC basic to intermediate magmas, which in time increased crustal assimilation under high-pressure conditions. The crustal garnet-rich source could be the basic rocks newly placed at the base of the crust, derived from partial melting of metasomatized mantle. The remobilization of this material by partial melting may have generated tonalitic and granodioritic liquids depleted in heavy REE due to the presence of garnet in the residue. The three associations display microstructures that indicate two episodes of recrystallization, one of a higher temperature and one of a lower temperature. The age of the high-temperature structure remains under discussion and may be attributed to a Paleoproterozoic metamorphic event. The low-temperature event is compatible with the temperature conditions observed in adjacent areas, in the host rocks of the Neoproterozoic post-collisional granitoids that have been emplaced along the Southern Brazilian Shear Belt (SBSB). Zircon crystals with Paleoproterozoic igneous cores exhibit a metamorphic overgrowth at 635±6Ma, compatible with the crystallization ages of the SBSB granitoids.

Reference values for 34 frequently used laboratory tests in 80-year-old men and women

ObjectivesReference values are usually based on blood samples from healthy individuals in the age range 20–50 years. Most patients seeking health care are older than this reference population. Many reference intervals are age dependent and there is thus a need to have appropriate reference intervals also for elderly individuals. MethodsWe analyzed a group of frequently used laboratory tests in an 80-year-old population (n=531, 266 females and 265 males). The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles for these markers were calculated according to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry guidelines on the statistical treatment of reference values. ResultsReference values are reported for serum alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin, alkaline phosphatase, pancreatic amylase, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ALT ratio, bilirubin, calcium, calprotectin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, creatinine kinase (CK), creatinine, creatinine estimated GFR, C-reactive protein, cystatin C, cystatin C estimated GFR, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), iron, iron saturation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), magnesium, phosphate, transferrin, triglycerides, urate, urea, zinc, hemoglobin, platelet count and white blood cell count. The upper reference limit for creatinine and urea was significantly increased while the lower limit for iron and albumin was decreased in this elderly population in comparison with the population in the Nordic Reference Interval Project (NORIP). ConclusionsReference values calculated from the whole population and a subpopulation without cardiovascular disease showed strong concordance. Several of the reference interval limits were outside the 90% confidence interval of NORIP.

APOLIPOPROTEIN B / A1 RATIO AS RISK PREDICTOR OF ANGIOGRAPHICALLY PROVEN ATHEROSCLEROSIS

30Jun 2016 APOLIPOPROTEIN B / A1 RATIO AS RISK PREDICTOR OF ANGIOGRAPHICALLY PROVEN ATHEROSCLEROSIS Anita Devi , Ritu Singh and Sanjay Tyagi. Senior Resident, Deptt of Biochemistry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. Professor, Deptt of Biochemistry, Lady Hardinge Medical College. Director Professor & HOD, Deptt of Cardiology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi.