Dysfunction In Population Research Articles

Prevalence and Pattern of Gestational Thyroid Dysfunction in a Population of South-East Nigerian Women.

Pregnancy serves as a physiological stress test for the thyroid which often leads to dysfunction in women with limited thyroid reserves. The occurrence of gestational thyroid dysfunction is linked to unfavourable obstetric and foetal outcomes. Globally, iodine deficiency is a prominent causative factor for thyroid dysfunction. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women in Enugu, South-east Nigeria. This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional and observational study was conducted over six months on selected participants from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the study sites. Maternal clinical and demographic risk factors for thyroid dysfunction were evaluated in a cohort of 318 pregnant women. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare participants' thyroid status across different trimesters of pregnancy, and different thyroid and nutritional iodine states. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the study population is 6.6%. Hypothyroidism was detected in 5.3% of the participants, consisting of 3.8% sub-clinical hypothyroidism and 1.6% overt hypothyroidism. Sub-clinical hyperthyroidism accounted for 1.3% of all participants; no overt hyperthyroidism was detected in this study. There is a relatively high prevalence of gestational thyroid dysfunction in the study population with hypothyroidism being the predominant disorder. This highlights the need for region-specific considerations in antenatal care to facilitate early detection and effective management of gestational thyroid dysfunction, thereby mitigating potential adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its relationship to income level and employment status: a nationwide population-based study in Spain.

The influence of socioeconomic conditions on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the population has been scarcely studied to date. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the influence of income level and employment status on the prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. A cross-sectional study was performed using the population-based database BDCAP (Base de Datos Clínicos de Atención Primaria, Primary Care Clinical Database) to analyze the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the Spanish population classified by income groups and employment status. Of the 40,613,229 people registered in the BDCAP in 2020, there were 2,596,041 (6.39%) with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and 418,722 (1.03%) with hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in people with high income (≥ 100,000 euros/year), medium income (18,000-99,999 euros/year), low income (< 18,000 euros/year), and very low income were, respectively, 4.23%, 5.74%, 6.75%, and 7.01% (P < 0.001). The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in the same income groups also showed an increasing trend as income decreased (0.65%, 0.94%, 1.08%, and 1.10%; P < 0.001). Unemployed people had higher frequencies of hypothyroidism (7.35%) and hyperthyroidism (1.22%) than working people (5.80 and 1.00%, respectively) and inactive people (4.21 and 0.52%, respectively; P < 0.001). Socioeconomic conditions are related to the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. Low-income or unemployed people have a higher frequency of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction with the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The omicron variant is thought to cause less olfactory dysfunction than previous variants of SARS-CoV-2, but the reported prevalence differs greatly between populations and studies. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provide information regarding regional differences in prevalence as well as an estimate of the global prevalence of olfactory dysfunction based on 62 studies reporting information on 626,035 patients infected with the omicron variant. Our estimate of the omicron-induced prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in populations of European ancestry is 11.7%, while it is significantly lower in all other populations, ranging between 1.9% and 4.9%. When ethnic differences and population sizes are considered, the global prevalence of omicron-induced olfactory dysfunction in adults is estimated to be 3.7%. Omicron's effect on olfaction is twofold to tenfold lower than that of the alpha or delta variants according to previous meta-analyses and our analysis of studies that directly compared the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction between omicron and previous variants. The profile of the prevalence differences between ethnicities mirrors the results of a recent genome-wide association study that connected a gene locus encoding an odorant-metabolizing enzyme, UDP glycosyltransferase, to the extent of COVID-19-related loss of smell. Our analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that this enzyme contributes to the observed population differences.

Insights into the health status of the general population living near an electroplating industry zone: metal elevations and renal impairment.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Zhejiang Province, China, to evaluate the body burdens of metals and metalloids associated with renal dysfunction in populations living near electroplating industries. We recruited 236 subjects and performed physical examinations, determined the blood and urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and selenium (Se) by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and measured three renal impairment biomarkers, namely nacetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and β2-microglobulin (BMG). The proportion of abnormal nasal symptoms in the exposure group (10.1%) was much higher than in the control group (0; p < 0.05). The blood and urinary levels of As, Cd, and Se in the exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood levels of Mn and Pb, as well as the urinary levels of Cr and Ni, were significantly higher in the exposure group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The exposure group demonstrated higher levels of NAG, RBP, and BMG than the control group (0.51 vs. 0.14mg/g creatinine, 12.79 vs. 9.26IU/g creatinine, and 1.39 vs. 0.78mg/g creatinine, respectively; p < 0.05). Urinary BMG was positively correlated with urinary Cd levels (r = 0.223, p < 0.05), while urinary RBP was correlated with blood Cd levels (r = 0.151, p < 0.05) and urinary Cd, Cr, Ni, and Se levels (r = 0.220, 0.303, 0.162, and 0.306, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicated that a population living in the vicinity of electroplating industries had high body burdens of certain metals and metalloids associated with non-negligible renal dysfunction.

Abstract #1311977: Prevalence and Predictors of Thyroid Dysfunction Amongst Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Pakistan

Diabetes and thyroid disorders are the 2 most common disorders among endocrine diseases. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) may disturb thyroid metabolism by disturbing the levels of thyroid hormones in the plasma. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in population with type 2 DM (T2DM) presenting in a public sector tertiary care teaching hospital.

Identifying Patterns of Neurocognitive Dysfunction through Direct Comparison of Patients with Leukemia, CNS Tumors, and Sickle Cell Disease

Background. Innovations in pediatric oncology have led to advances that take the place of older, more toxic therapies, making it possible for more children to survive. As this population grows, it is essential to monitor and carefully study late effects. Perhaps most insidious and far reaching in its effect on the daily lives of survivors is neurocognitive dysfunction that impacts school performance, occupational attainment, and quality of life. The populations at greatest risk for neurocognitive dysfunction in the pediatric hematology oncology population include children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, leukemia (ALL), and sickle cell disease (SCD). What is known about neurocognitive dysfunction in these populations has come from studying these groups separately and with heterogeneous tools, putting each group on a different "measuring stick." Methods. The current study seeks to quantify and compare the magnitude and type of neurocognitive dysfunction between groups of children with CNS tumors, pre-B ALL, and SCD by employing a common methodology to directly compare these groups to each other. Neurocognitive function was assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Children between the ages of 7-12 were included without pre-existing neurological disorders. Children with CNS tumors or pre-B ALL were within 18 months of completing therapy. Children with SCD possessed the SS or Sβ0 genotype, regularly took hydroxyurea, had no history of overt stroke, and did not receive chronic transfusions. NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery scores are presented as age-adjusted standard scores with a mean of 100, standard deviation of 15. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d statistic. We hypothesized that these groups would perform significantly differently from normative data and differently from each other, with children with CNS tumors showing the greatest deficits, followed by children with SCD, with children with ALL showing the fewest deficits. Results. Fifty-three patients were included in analysis (n = 11 CNS tumor, n = 27 ALL, n = 15 SCD). Children with ALL demonstrated a large, negative effect in processing speed (median=86, IQR 65-95; Cohen's d = -0.93) and medium, negative effects in working memory (median=91, IQR 84.5-105.5, d = -0.6) and attentional control (median= 92, IQR 80-102, d = -0.6; Figure 1). Children with CNS tumors experienced medium deficits in cognitive flexibility (median=90, IQR 84-97, d = -0.67) and large, negative effects in processing speed (median=77, IQR 69-95, d = -1.53) and attentional control (median=88, IQR 76.5-93, d = -0.8). Children with SCD demonstrated medium, negative effects in episodic memory (median=92.5, IQR 85-102.8, d = -0.5). For the overall cognitive fluid composite score, children with SCD performed in the average range (median=99.5, IQR 83.2-105), while children diagnosed with malignancies demonstrated poorer performance with large effect sizes (ALL median=87, IQR 82-95, d = -0.87; CNS tumor median=84, IQR 74.5-95.5, d = -1.07). Conclusions. Preliminary analyses suggest that at-risk groups of children with ALL, CNS tumors, and SCD experience neurocognitive deficits differently from one another in multiple domains. Future studies should employ findings like these to develop and implement disease- and domain-specific interventions to reverse or alleviate neurocognitive deficits. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Sexual Functioning Among Adults with Chronic Pain: Prevalence and Association with Pain-Related Outcomes.

Prior research indicates that sexual functioning and chronic pain commonly coexist and impact each other; however, there are limitations in current research as to the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic pain. This study used detailed measures across multiple domains of sexual functioning to describe the prevalence and correlates of self-reported sexual functioning among individuals with chronic pain presenting for treatment at a multidisciplinary pain management center (N = 247). Domains included sexual interest, satisfaction with sexual functioning, vaginal lubrication, vaginal discomfort, and erectile function. Individuals with and without sexual dysfunction were compared on pain-related outcome variables. Results from this study showed a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in populations with chronic pain and a positive association between sexual problems and pain severity and psychological concerns. Sex differences were noted, with female participants exhibiting significantly lower sexual satisfaction associated with higher levels of pain, pain-related life interference, depression, and anxiety, whereas these relationships were not significant for male participants. Findings demonstrated that patients with chronic pain experience significant sexual dysfunction, including lack of interest in sexual activity and low satisfaction with their sex lives. Compared with patients without sexual dysfunction, patients with sexual dysfunction reported higher average pain levels and higher depressive symptoms, along with greater anxiety in patients with at least one area of sexual dysfunction. Adding to these findings are the pain-relevant correlates of sexual functioning domains and sex differences in these relationships, with women experiencing additional pain-related problems. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Air Pollution and Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Oil and Gas- Situated Communities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at synthesising epidemiological data on the association between long-term air pollution and kidney-related outcomes in oil and natural gas (ONG) situated communities. Methods: We synthesised studies using the PRISMA 2020 guideline. We searched databases including Medline, Cochrane Library, CIHANL, CAB s, Greenlife, African Journal Online, Google Scholar and Web of Science, from inception to April 2021. Heterogeneity across studies and publication bias were assessed. Results: Twenty-five studies were systematically reviewed but only 14 were included in the meta-analysis and categorised based on the outcome studied. Residents of exposed communities have increased risk for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.44–2.01), lower eGFR (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.48–0.67) and higher serum creatinine (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.06–1.82) compared to less exposed or unexposed populations. The risks for hypertension and kidney cancer between the two populations were not significantly different. Conclusion: We report an increased risk for CKD and kidney dysfunction in populations residing near petrochemical plants, although from a limited number of studies. The scientific community needs to explore this environment and non-communicable disease relationship, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Circulatory metabolites trigger ex vivo arterial endothelial cell dysfunction in population chronically exposed to diesel exhaust

BackgroundChronic exposure to diesel exhaust has a causal link to cardiovascular diseases in various environmental and occupational settings. Arterial endothelial cell function plays an important role in ensuring proper maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis and the endothelial cell dysfunction by circulatory inflammation is a hallmark in cardiovascular diseases. Acute exposure to diesel exhaust in controlled exposure studies leads to artery endothelial cells dysfunction in previous study, however the effect of chronic exposure remains unknown.ResultsWe applied an ex vivo endothelial biosensor assay for serum samples from 133 diesel engine testers (DETs) and 126 non-DETs with the aim of identifying evidence of increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Environmental monitoring suggested that DETs were exposed to high levels of diesel exhaust aerosol (282.3 μg/m3 PM2.5 and 135.2 μg/m3 elemental carbon). Surprisingly, chronic diesel exhaust exposure was associated with a pro-inflammatory phenotype in the ex vivo endothelial cell model, in a dose-dependent manner with CCL5 and VCAM as most affected genes. This dysfunction was not mediated by reduction in circulatory pro-inflammatory factors but significantly associated with a reduction in circulatory metabolites cGMP and an increase in primary DNA damage in leucocyte in a dose-dependent manner, which also explained a large magnitude of association between diesel exhaust exposure and ex vivo endothelial biosensor response. Exogenous cGMP addition experiment further confirmed the induction of ex vivo biosensor gene expressions in endothelial cells treated with physiologically relevant levels of metabolites cGMP.ConclusionSerum-borne bioactivity caused the arterial endothelial cell dysfunction may attribute to the circulatory metabolites based on the ex vivo biosensor assay. The reduced cGMP and increased polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites-induced cyto/geno-toxic play important role in the endothelial cell dysfunction of workers chronic exposure to diesel exhaust.

Lower Cognitive Set Shifting Ability Is Associated With Stiffer Balance Recovery Behavior and Larger Perturbation-Evoked Cortical Responses in Older Adults.

The mechanisms underlying associations between cognitive set shifting impairments and balance dysfunction are unclear. Cognitive set shifting refers to the ability to flexibly adjust behavior to changes in task rules or contexts, which could be involved in flexibly adjusting balance recovery behavior to different contexts, such as the direction the body is falling. Prior studies found associations between cognitive set shifting impairments and severe balance dysfunction in populations experiencing frequent falls. The objective of this study was to test whether cognitive set shifting ability is expressed in successful balance recovery behavior in older adults with high clinical balance ability (N = 19, 71 ± 7 years, 6 female). We measured cognitive set shifting ability using the Trail Making Test and clinical balance ability using the miniBESTest. For most participants, cognitive set shifting performance (Trail Making Test B-A = 37 ± 20 s) was faster than normative averages (46 s for comparable age and education levels), and balance ability scores (miniBESTest = 25 ± 2/28) were above the threshold for fall risk (23 for people between 70 and 80 years). Reactive balance recovery in response to support-surface translations in anterior and posterior directions was assessed in terms of body motion, muscle activity, and brain activity. Across participants, lower cognitive set shifting ability was associated with smaller peak center of mass displacement during balance recovery, lower directional specificity of late phase balance-correcting muscle activity (i.e., greater antagonist muscle activity 200–300 ms after perturbation onset), and larger cortical N1 responses (100–200 ms). None of these measures were associated with clinical balance ability. Our results suggest that cognitive set shifting ability is expressed in balance recovery behavior even in the absence of profound clinical balance disability. Specifically, our results suggest that lower flexibility in cognitive task performance is associated with lower ability to incorporate the directional context into the cortically mediated later phase of the motor response. The resulting antagonist activity and stiffer balance behavior may help explain associations between cognitive set shifting impairments and frequent falls.

Exercise Training Induces Hemodynamic and Autonomic Benefits in a Model of Aterosclerosclerosis

Considering the increase of cardiovascular risk with the progression of the atherogenic process and the effectiveness of physical training as a strategy to control/manage the cardiac dysfunction in populations exposed to elevated risks, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular and autonomic effects of an aerobic exercise training protocol in an experimental model of atherosclerosis. Considering the cardioprotective effects already known about physical training the hypothesis of this study is that the aerobic exercise training will promote systemic benefits on hemodynamics and autonomic in a model of atherosclerosis. For this, sixteen ApoE-knockout mice, 15 months old, were divided in 2 groups (n=8, each): sedentary group (APOE 15) and moderate intensity exercise training group (APOE 15T). The exercise training lasted for 6 weeks (5 days/week, 1 hour/day, intensity 60–75% of the maximum treadmill test). At the end of the protocol, the animals were submitted to echocardiography analysis and cannulation for a direct recording of the arterial blood pressure (AP), and then, baroreflex sensitivity and cardiovascular autonomic modulation were evaluated. The aerobic exercise training improved running capacity (APOE 15: 594.90±46.95; APOE 15T: 878.6±68.54 s) and cardiac diastolic function (E/A: APOE 15: 1.10±0.05; APOE 15T: 1.70±0.24), as well as decreased diastolic blood pressure (DAP: APOE 15: 107.0±5.202; APOE 15T: 95.12±0.79 mmHg) and induced resting bradycardia (HR: APOE 15: 704±21; APOE 15T: 613±20 bpm) associated with heart rate variability increase (Var-PI: APOE 15:1.25±0.09; APOE 15T: 8.81±1.98 ms2; SD-Pl: APOE 15: 1.09±0.06; APOE 15T: 2.77±0.37 ms). In addition, greater cardiac parasympathetic modulation (RMSSD: APOE 15: 0.99±0.06; APOE 15T: 1.41±0.10 ms) and baroreflex sensitivity improvement (Alpha Index: APOE 15: 0.31±0.044; APOE 15T: 0.66±0.10 ms/mmHg) were also observed. In conclusion, aerobic exercise training may be considered an important non-pharmacological strategy for the management of cardiovascular risk induced by atherosclerosis, improving running capacity, diastolic function as well as the hemodynamic status and autonomic modulation.

Use of the International Index of Erectile Function to assess sexual dysfunction in the male population with prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy – a systematic review

Introduction: Prostate carcinoma is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, accounting for 14.1% of diagnoses and with a 6.8% mortality rate. Among current treatment options, radical prostatectomy is strongly indicated for localized prostate cancer. Although surgical techniques for radical prostatectomy are constantly being improved in terms of effectiveness and safety, postoperative disorders such as stress urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, remain quite common. Aim: The aim of our systematic review is to discuss the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in the population of men suffering from prostate cancer who have been treated by means of radical prostatectomy. Material and methods: For the purposes of this systematic review we undertook a search of the literature in five databases using the English and Polish languages. We have focused on studies which assess sexual dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Results and discussion: A total of 145 potentially relevant studies was retrieved. After selection, it was determined that 5 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and these were selected for qualitative synthesis. Our systematic review supports the finding that impairment of sexual function continues during the first 12 months after radical prostatectomy. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication after radical prostatectomy, and recovery takes at least 12 months. The male population with prostate cancer is at risk of sexual dysfunction even before radical prostatectomy due to age, comorbidities and mental factors related to the course of the disease.

Effect of Marriage on Pre-existing Psychoses: A Convenient or Futile Solution for Severe Mental Disorders?

Marriage can be defined as the state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. The general population generally believes marriage to be a solution to mental illnesses. It can be agreed that mental disorders and marital issues have some relation. Parents of patients with psychoses expect that marriage is the solution to the illness and often approach doctors and seek validation about the success of the marriage of their mentally ill child, which is a guarantee no doctor can give in even normal circumstances. Evidence on sexual functioning in patients of psychosis is limited and needs further understanding. Studies show about 60%–70% women of the schizophrenia spectrum and illness to experience sexual difficulties. Based on available information, sexual dysfunction in population with psychosis can be attributed to a variety of psychosocial factors, ranging from the psychotic symptoms in itself to social stigma and institutionalization and also due to the antipsychotic treatment. Despite the decline in sexual activity and quality of life in general, it is very rarely addressed by both the treating doctor and by the patient themselves hence creating a lacuna in the patient’s care and availability of information regarding the illness’ pathophysiology. Patients become noncompliant with medications due to this undesirable effect and hence it requires to be given more attention during treatment. It was also found that paranoid type of schizophrenia patient had lower chances of separation than patients with other types of schizophrenia. The risk of relapse in cases with later age of onset of the disease, lower education, a positive family history of psychosis or a lower income increased more than other populations.

State of kidneys of the population of the industrial city

The assessment of renal functions of the adult population of Atyrau (West Kazakhstan) exposed to Atyrau oil refinery and other industrial objects (enterprises in the city), as well as employees of this refinery has been performed by virtue of the identification ofpathological changes in the urine with the use ofphotometric screening, determination of serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and the calculation of glomerular filtration rate. There were obtained evident data testifying to the development of statistically significant exertion of renal function in residents of this city as compared with those of control area residents. There was revealed a statistically significant decrease in the relative density of urine in in 42% of the population, leucocyturia - in 20%, erythrocyturia - in 25%. Decreased glomerularfiltration rate was noted in these people. A statistically significant elevation of the level of uric acid in the blood in combination with an acidic reaction and sharply acidic urine reaction indicates to the possibility of the development of urate urolithiasis which is confirmed by cases of discharge of stones in the urine in 20% of the population according to data of previously executed questionnaire survey. The above mentioned changes in the functional renal reserve and hyperuricemia are equally often found among the residents of the city - Atyrau refinery workers, and the rest of the city people as well. The results of the study allow to recommend the screening ofurine with quantitative registration ofpathological changes as a mean of the most optimal objective methods for early detection of renal dysfunction in population exposed to nephrotoxic impact of environmental techno-genic pollutants.

The Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Renal Tubular Dysfunction Induced by Cadmium Exposure.

Alcohol consumption is inversely associated with the risk of chronic kidney diseases. However, this association has not been reported in populations exposed to cadmium. In the present study, we examined the association between alcohol consumption and renal tubular dysfunction in populations living in cadmium-polluted areas. A total of 446 subjects (170 men and 276 women) were finally included in our analysis. The urinary cadmium (UCd) and cadmium in blood (BCd) were determined as the exposure biomarkers. Urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG) and β2-microgloblin (UBMG) were measured as renal indicators. Alcohol drinking patterns were obtained from a questionnaire and divided into four categories: non-drinking, light drinking (< 3 drinks/week), moderate drinking (3-7 drinks/week), and heavy drinking (> 7 drinks /week). If UNAG was the indicator of renal dysfunction, the prevalence of renal tubular dysfunction was decreased in subjects with alcohol consumption both in men (χ2 = 8.5, p < 0.01) and women (χ2 = 8.3, p< 0.01). The odds ratio (OR) of subjects with light and moderate alcohol drinking was 0.31 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1-0.99) and 0.30 (95%CI, 0.1-0.96), respectively, compared with those of non-drinkers after adjusting with the confounders in men. Similar results were observed in women with light drinking (OR = 0.33, 95%CI, 0.15-0.70). Similar trends were observed in those subjects with high BCd (> 3.0μg/L) or UCd (> 5.0μg/g creatinine). Our data show that alcohol consumption is inversely associated with cadmium-induced renal tubular dysfunction.

Retinal microvascular dysfunction in hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important contributors to atherosclerosis. Whether hypercholesterolemia also affects the retinal microcirculation is unclear. The goal of our study was to assess the association of cholesterol levels with retinal microvascular function using dynamic and static retinal vessel analysis (RVA) in a primary prevention setting. This cross-sectional, observational study prospectively recruited 67 patients with hypercholesterolemia without known cardiovascular disease (mean age 64.4±10.4years; 45% female) and 78 healthy controls (mean age 61.8±11.2years; 45% female). The primary end point of the study was flicker-induced dilatation of retinal arterioles (FIDart) with secondary exploratory outcomes including venular FID (FIDven), arteriovenous ratio, flow-mediated dilatation and arterial stiffness as measured with augmentation index and pulse wave velocity. Multiple regression analysis was performed to study the association of cholesterol levels with retinal microvascular function. FIDart was significantly impaired in patients with hypercholesterolemia compared with healthy controls (mean FIDart 2.1±1.8 vs 3.1±1.8%, P=.001). This association remained when analysis was restricted to dyslipidemic patients without coexisting hypertension or lipid-lowering therapy. No significant differences remained for FIDven, flow-mediated dilatation, arteriovenous ratio, or arterial stiffness between the groups. Low-density lipoprotein, but not high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol was a significant negative predictor of FIDart in multiple regression analysis. Hypercholesterolemia is associated with significant retinal microvascular dysfunction as evidenced by a reduction in flicker-induced dilatation of retinal arterioles. Dynamic RVA may be a promising method for the study of retinal microvascular dysfunction in populations at elevated cardiovascular risk.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in population of Shahjahanpur district: A study in tertiary care hospital

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in population of Shahjahanpur district: A study in tertiary care hospital

Thyroid dysfunction in region of excess iodine intake of eastern Nepal

Iodine deficiency is one of most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, the consequences of excess iodine should not be ignored. Both chronic iodine excess and iodine deficiency can result in thyroid dysfunction in populations, especially children and pregnant women if not corrected. This is because children and pregnant women are very vulnerable to iodine deficiency and sensitive to iodine changes

The association between serum vitamin D levels and renal tubular dysfunction in a general population exposed to cadmium in China.

Cadmium exposure can cause renal tubular dysfunction. Recent studies show that vitamin D can play multiple roles in the body. However, the association between serum vitamin D levels and renal tubular dysfunction in a general population exposed to cadmium has not been clarified. We performed study to assess the effects of cadmium on serum 25(OH) D levels and the association between serum 25(OH) D levels and renal tubular dysfunction in a population environmentally exposed to cadmium. A total of 133 subjects living in control area and two cadmium polluted areas were included in the present study. Cadmium in urine (UCd) and blood (BCd), urinary β2Microglobulin (UBMG), urinary retinol binding protein (URBP) and serum 25 (OH) D were determined. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between 25 (OH) D and prevalence of renal tubular dysfunction. No significant differences were observed in serum 25(OH) D levels among the four quartile of UCd and BCd after adjusting with cofounders. After adjusted with the confounders, the odds ratio (OR) of subjects with 25(OH) D ≥ 40 ng/ml were 0.20 (95%CI: 0.1–0.8) if UBMG was chosen as indicators of renal dysfunction and 0.28 (95%CI: 0.1–1.1) if URBP was chosen as indicators of renal dysfunction, compared with those with 25(OH) D < 30 ng/ml, respectively. Similar results were observed in those subjects living in cadmium polluted areas or with high level of UCd or BCd. Our data indicated that cadmium exposure did not affect serum 25(OH) D level and high 25 (OH) D levels were associated with a decreased risk of renal tubular dysfunction induced by cadmium.

Assessment of thyroid function in children, adults and pregnant and lactating women after long-term salt iodisation measurements.

Universal salt iodisation (USI) has been successfully implemented in China for more than 15 years. Recent evidence suggests that the definition of 'adequate iodine' (100-199 µg/l) be revised to 'sufficient iodine' (100-299 µg/l) based on the median urinary iodine concentration (MUI) in school-age children. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in populations after long-term salt iodisation and examine whether the definition of adequate iodine can be broadened to sufficient iodine based on the thyroid function in four population groups. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six provinces in the northern, central and southern regions of China. Four population groups consisting of 657 children, 755 adults, 347 pregnant women and 348 lactating women were recruited. Three spot urinary samples were collected over a 10-d period and blood samples were collected on the 1st day. In the study, among the adults, pregnant women and lactating women, the prevalence rates of elevated thyroglobulin antibody and thyroid microsomal antibody levels were 12·4, 8·5 and 7·8 %, and 12·1, 9·1 and 9·1 %, respectively. Abnormally high thyroid dysfunction prevalence was not observed after more than 15 years of USI in China because the thyroid dysfunction rates were all <5 %. The recommended range should be cautiously broadened from adequate iodine to sufficient iodine according to the MUI of school-age children considering the high levels of hormones and antibodies in the other populations. Adults, particularly pregnant women positive for thyroid antibodies, should be closely monitored.