ABSTRACT
Background: Puberty is a developmental stage of increased insulin resistance that also is a critical period for bone mass accrual. Historically, African Americans (AA) have lesser risk for osteoporotic fractures compared to European Americans (EA). AA also have higher incidence of insulin resistance. The possibility that bone health and insulin secretion or concentrations are linked has not been investigated. Aims: We aimed to examine the associations of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) with insulin sensitivity and secretion in healthy adolescent girls and healthy female adults and to evaluate ethnic differences in these associations. Study Design: Observational cohort design. Place and Duration of the Study: University of Alabama at Birmingham, between January 2010 and September 2011. Methodology: Healthy, female, non-smoking adolescents and young adults (14-55 years) were enrolled in this observational cohort study. Results: Adolescents had significantly higher fasting insulin (P=0.0002), insulin area under the curve [AUC] (P= 0.0004) and lower insulin sensitivity (P=0.0005) compared to adults. Among adolescents, AA race was significantly associated with BMD (β=0.086, P=0.01) and BMAD (β=0.0075, P=0.002); however, adjusting for insulin AUC explained this difference. Insulin AUC (β=0.0006, P=0.029) and fasting insulin (β=0.0005, P=0.01) were positively associated with BMAD only in AA adolescents. Insulin AUC and fasting insulin were not significant predictors of BMD for adults. Conclusion: The higher insulin concentration among AA adolescents is associated with increased BMD and higher BMAD.
ABSTRACT
To evaluate the efficiency of different probionts (Lacto bacillus and yeast) on clown fish, Amphiprion sebae three different pelleted diets were formulated with 30% protein. Two diets were supplemented with probionts such as 2% Lacto bacillus and 2% yeast without probiont was used as control. The water stability of these diets was studied and the leaching percentage during 6 hrs period was 17.15 to 18.25%. The specific growth rate of control diet fed fish has the lowest value of 3.65 to 4% in probionts supplemented diets fed fishes. The gross production efficiency was also higher in probionts supplemented diet fed groups than control group.
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was undertaken to review the predisposing factors, presentation and management of patients diagnosed with biliary ascariasis while specifically emphasizing the role played by endoscopy. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of nine patients diagnosed and admitted with biliary ascariasis at our center. The diagnosis was based on ultrasound findings and confirmed by detection of round worms in the biliary tract or the descending duodenum. The clinical presentation and management were reviewed. Results: Five of the nine patients had prior biliary sphincter ablative/ bypass procedures for choledocholithiasis; including endoscopic sphincterotomy in four and lateral choledochoduodenostomy in one patient. All but one patient presented with acute onset pain abdomen radiating to the back. One patient presented with features of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasound detected the presence of round worms in all the patients. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatogram confirmed presence of worm in the biliary tree. Endoscopic extraction of the worm from the biliary tree or duodenum was successfully undertaken in all the patients and provided prompt relief. One patient had recurrence of infection after eight months which was re-treated by endoscopic extraction. Antihelminthics were instituted in all patients. Conclusion: Biliary ascariasis, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, particularly in patients who have undergone prior biliary sphincter ablation/ bypass procedures like sphincterotomy or choledochoduodenostomy. Ultrasonography is a reliable diagnostic modality. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram confirms the diagnosis and precedes endoscopic extraction of the worm. This offers prompt relief from symptoms.