Dairy calcium supplementation in overweight or obese persons: its effect on markers of fat metabolism

BACKGROUND: Dairy calcium supplementation has been proposed to increase fat oxidation and to inhibit lipogenesis. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of calcium supplementation on markers of fat metabolism. DESIGN: In a placebo-controlled, crossover experiment, 10 overweight or obese subjects who were low calcium consumers received 800 mg dairy Ca/d for 5 wk. After 4 wk, adipose tissue was taken for biopsy for analysis of gene expression. Respiratory exchange, glycerol turnover, and subcutaneous adipose tissue microdialysis were performed for 7 h after consumption of 400 mg Ca or placebo, and the ingestion of either randomized slow-release caffeine (SRC; 300 mg) or lactose (500 mg). One week later, the test was repeated with the SRC or lactose crossover. RESULTS: Calcium supplementation increased urinary calcium excretion by 16% (P = 0.017) but did not alter plasma parathyroid hormone or osteocalcin concentrations. Resting energy expenditure (59.9 +/- 3.0 or 59.6 +/- 3.3 kcal/h), fat oxidation (58.4 +/- 2.5 or 53.8 +/- 2.2 mg/min), plasma free fatty acid concentrations (0.63 +/- 0.02 or 0.62 +/- 0.03 mmol/L), and glycerol turnover (3.63 +/- 0.41 or 3.70 +/- 0.38 micromol . kg(-1) . min(-1)) were similar with or without calcium, respectively. SRC significantly increased free fatty acid concentrations, resting fat oxidation, and resting energy expenditure. During microdialysis, epinephrine increased dialysate glycerol concentrations by 250% without and 254% with calcium. Expression of 7 key metabolic genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue was not affected by calcium supplementation. CONCLUSION: Dairy calcium supplementation in overweight subjects with habitually low calcium intakes failed to alter fat metabolism and energy expenditure under resting conditions and during acute stimulation by caffeine or epinephrine

Official Positions for FRAX® clinical regarding biochemical markers from Joint Official Positions Development Conference of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry and International Osteoporosis Foundation on FRAX®.

The best indirect evidence that increased bone turnover contributes to fracture risk is the fact that most of the proven therapies for osteoporosis are inhibitors of bone turnover. The evidence base that we can use biochemical markers of bone turnover in the assessment of fracture risk is somewhat less convincing. This relates to natural variability in the markers, problems with the assays, disparity in the statistical analyses of relevant studies and the independence of their contribution to fracture risk. More research is clearly required to address these deficiencies before biochemical markers might contribute a useful independent risk factor for inclusion in FRAX(®).

Marqueurs diagnostiques de la carence en fer: lequel choisir [Diagnostic markers of iron deficiency: which should we choose?].

Iron deficiency is generally investigated when faced with anemia, or with symptoms that could be related to iron deficiency without anemia. This simple disorder is easy to treat, provided that the diagnosis is correct. Several biological tests are available, but their interpretation is oftentimes problematic. Pre-analytical factors can interfere with measurements, normal values can change depending on suppliers, and, above all, results from different markers can be contradictory in some clinical situations. The aim of this article is to evaluate how the evolution of scientific knowledge and clinical trials can contribute to a better understanding and greater reliability in the diagnosis of iron deficiency.

Genetic characterization of the Moxotó goat breed using RAPD markers

The objective of this study was to verify the genetic diversity between and within seven populations of Moxotó goat (n = 264) from the States of Pernambuco, Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA). Moxotó, as well as other naturalized breeds, suffers genetic losses due to the indiscriminate miscegenation with breeds raised in the Northeast Region of Brazil. The genetic characterization of these genetic resources is essential to conservation and breeding programs. DNA was extracted from lymphocytes using a non-organic protocol. The 16 primers used were selected from 120 decamer oligonucleotide primers and generated 56 polymorphic bands. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the greater part of total genetic variability (71.55%) was due to differences between individuals within populations, while 21.21% was among populations. The analysis of variance among the pairs of populations demonstrated that the populations located in Floresta, PE x Angicos, RN presented a smaller value of intrapopulational differentiation (8.9%), indicating low genetic variability among them. Nei's genetic distances varied between 0.0546 and 0.1868 in the populations. The dendrogram generated showed that the Canindé breed, used as outgroup, clustered with the populations of Moxotó, indicating a possible common origin of the naturalized goat breeds.

Impacts of Internal Curing on Concrete Properties, TR-676, 2015

Conventional concrete is typically cured using external methods. External curing prevents drying of the surface, allows the mixture to stay warm and moist, and results in continued cement hydration (Taylor 2014). Internal curing is a relatively recent technique that has been developed to prolong cement hydration by providing internal water reservoirs in a concrete mixture that do not adversely affect the concrete mixture’s fresh or hardened physical properties. Internal curing grew out of the need for more durable structural concretes that were resistant to shrinkage cracking. Joint spacing for concrete overlays can be increased if slab warping is reduced or eliminated. One of the most promising potential benefits from using internal curing for concrete overlays, then, is the reduced number of joints due to increased joint spacing (Wei and Hansen 2008).

Association between Inflammatory and Obesity Markers in a Swiss Population-Based Sample (CoLaus Study).

Objective: To assess the associations between obesity markers (BMI, waist circumference and %body fat) and inflammatory markers (interleukin-1β (IL-1β); interleukin-6 (IL-6); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)). Methods: Population sample of 2,884 men and 3,201 women aged 35-75 years. Associations were assessed using ridge regression adjusting for age, leisure-time physical activity, and smoking. Results: No differences were found in IL-1β levels between participants with increased obesity markers and healthy counterparts; multivariate regression showed %body fat to be negatively associated with IL-1β. Participants with high %body fat or abdominal obesity had higher IL-6 levels, but no independent association between IL-6 levels and obesity markers was found on multivariate regression. Participants with abdominal obesity had higher TNF-α levels, and positive associations were found between TNF-α levels and waist circumference in men and between TNF-α levels and BMI in women. Obese participants had higher hs-CRP levels, and these differences persisted after multivariate adjustment; similarly, positive associations were found between hs-CRP levels and all obesity markers studied. Conclusion: Obesity markers are differentially associated with cytokine levels. %Body fat is negatively associated with IL-1β; BMI (in women) and waist circumference (in men) are associated with TNF-α; all obesity markers are positively associated with hs-CRP. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

Acquisitions thérapeutiques en médecine ambulatoire en 2013 [2013 literature findings in internal general medicine].

The prescribing of antibiotics for uncomplicated skin abscesses and diverticulitis has no benefit. Some antibiotics are more at risk of causing a Clostridium difficile infection. The tests used to exclude a history of a penicillin allergy are safe. A threshold of D-dimer adjusted for the age significantly improves the specificity of the test without affecting the sensitivity. The prescription of paraclinics tests is not an effective "treatment" for the patient's anxiety. In the sleep apnea syndrome, treatment with CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) appears to have more benefits compared to the mandibular advancement prosthesis. The work of primary care physicians can be supported by the work of advanced practice nurses. The limitation placed on the working hours of doctors in hospitals seems to affect their ability to spend time with their patients.

Ultrastructural changes of the internal limiting membrane removed during indocyanine green assisted peeling versus conventional surgery for an idiopathic epimacular membrane

Purpose:To evaluate the histological features of cellular retinal fragments on the internal limiting membrane (ILM) removed during epiretinal membrane peeling surgery with and without the aid of ICG diluted in 5% glucose Methods:ILM specimens removed from 88 eyes undergoing vitrectomy and membrane peeling surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Surgery was performed in all cases by the same surgeon using the same technique. ICG was diluted with 5% glucose. Histological analysis focused on the presence and characteristics of retinal structures on the retinal surface of the ILM. Statistical analysis compared the results between group I (conventional surgery without ICG) and group II (ICG-assisted peeling) Results:Seventy-one eyes underwent EMM surgery without the aid of ICG (group I) and seventeen underwent EMM ICG-assisted surgery assisted using ICG (group II). The amount of Muller cell debris on the retinal surface of the ILM was more significant in the group I (no ICG) than in the group II (ICG) (40.8 versus 11.8; p = 0.024). Large fragments of Muller cells were more frequently observed in the group I (no ICG) than in the group II (ICG) (63.4% versus 23.5%; p= 0.003).The presence of larger retinal elements such as neural axons and vessels were observed attached to retinal face of the ILM in 5 (7%) cases of the no-ICG group. No such retinal elements were detected in any of the histological ILM specimens of the ICG-assisted group Conclusions:The use of ICG diluted with 5% glucose in the aid of ILM removal during epiretinal membrane surgery was associated with less retinal debris attached to retinal face of the ILM compared to surgery in which ICG was not used. Our findings contradict previous reports in the literature, in which use of ICG diluted with balanced salt solution (BSS) was associated with more retinal fragments attached to the retinal face of the ILM. According to our results, we hypothesize that diluting ICG with 5% glucose may decrease the adhesion of the ILM to the underlying retinal layers such that less retinal debris is removed with peeling of the ILM.

Genetic distance estimated by RAPD markers and its relationship with hybrid performance in maize

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity of 16 maize inbred lines, and to determine the correlation between genetic distance and hybrid performance, using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers. Twenty-two different random primers were used, which resulted in the amplification of 265 fragments, 237 (84.44%) of them being polymorphic. A genetic similarity matrix was created from the RAPD data, using Jaccard coefficient, and a dendrogram was constructed. Hybrid analyses were carried out using random block design and Griffing method VI for diallel crossings. The genetic associations showed five distinct heterotic groups. Correlations between genetic divergences detected by RAPD, as well as the means observed in the diallel crossings were positive and significant for plant height, ear height, prolificacy, and grain weight. The correlation of genetic divergences, detected by RAPD, and the specific combining ability between heterotic group associations, showed significance in all characteristics under study, except prolificacy. A direct relationship between genetic divergence and productivity was found in 79.2% of the 120 hybrids confirming the hypothesis that genetic divergence is directly related to the performance of hybrids and is efficient in predicting it.

Evaluation of Snowplowable Raised Pavement Markers, HR-558, 1995

In 1992, the Iowa DOT installed 6200 snowplowable Raised Pavement Markers (RPM) in six areas around the state. They were evaluated at six-month intervals until the replacement of the reflective lenses in 1995. During this time, the RPM performed well. The Iowa Department of Transportation uses de-icers and sand during the winter to control snow and ice on the pavement. The sand and the chemicals reduced the reflectivity of the reflectors. With minimum or no maintenance the visibility of the RPM is low. Although the RPM appear to present a problem during snow plowing, they are an excellent device for lane delineation at night in adverse weather.