Determinants of High Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Patients With Severe Obesity and Their Relationship With the Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Before and After a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism could exert a negative effect on glucose metabolism and vascular function. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of hyperparathyroidism beyond vitamin D deficiency, whether hyperparathyroidism could have a negative impact on individual health and whether laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) negatively affects the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D). METHODS: We evaluated the levels of iPTH, 25(OH)D, and leptin, together with markers of insulin sensitivity and early cardiovascular disease, in a cohort of 160 patients with severe obesity before and after an LSG intervention. RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of subjects had vitamin D deficiency, and 72% of them had hyperparathyroidism. After correcting for possible confounders, we found a correlation between iPTH levels and carotid intima-media thickness, as well as with the HOMA index. After the LSG, 25(OH)D levels were significantly increased, while iPTH levels were significantly reduced. The reduction of iPTH was significantly correlated with the reduction of BMI, diastolic blood pressure, and leptin, which was the independent predictor of iPTH reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency is not the sole determinant of hyperparathyroidism in severe obesity because visceral fat deposition and leptin could both play a role. Obesity-related hyperparathyroidism is associated with insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, although the results from previous studies were conflicting. Finally, LSG intervention does not negatively affect vitamin D status and improves hyperparathyroidism.

Effects of a 3-month weight-bearing and resistance exercise training on circulating osteogenic cells and bone formation markers in postmenopausal women with low bone mass.

Osteoporosis is a health issue in postmenopausal women. Physical activity is recommended in these subjects, since it has positive effects on bone mass. Cellular mechanisms underlying this effect are still unclear. Osteogenic cells, released after physical exertion, could be a key factor in exercise-induced bone formation. INTRODUCTION: The aim of our research was to explore if a weight-bearing and resistance exercise program could positively affect circulating osteogenic cells (OCs), markers of bone formation and quality of life (QoL) in osteopenic postmenopausal women. METHODS: We recruited 33 postmenopausal women with a T-score at lumbar spine or femoral neck between - 1 and - 2.5 SD. Anthropometric and fitness parameters, bone-remodeling markers, OCs, and QoL were evaluated at the time of enrolment, after 1-month run-in period, and after 3 months of weight-bearing and resistance exercise. RESULTS: After 3 months of training, the pro-collagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (P1NP) and the number of OCs were significantly increased, with no significant increase of the type 1 collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (sCTX). We also observed a significant increase in body height, one-repetition maximum (1RM) on the pull-down lat machine and leg press, and mean VO2max. The increase of immature circulating OCs was significantly correlated with the improvement of 1RM both of the upper and lower limbs. Moreover, QoL was significantly improved with regard to pain, physical function, mental function, and general QoL. The improvement in QoL, namely in the overall score and in the pain score, was significantly correlated with the increase in height. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise program we trialed is able to increase the markers of bone formation and the commitment of immature OCs with no significant increase in the markers of bone resorption. Our results confirm that combined weight-bearing and resistance physical activity is an effective tool to improve QoL of postmenopausal women with low bone mass. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03195517.

Estimating the generation of household e-waste in municipalities using primary data from surveys: A case study of Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.

Estimating the generation of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in municipalities is relevant for the adequate planning of take-back systems. However, current WEEE estimation studies have focused primarily at the country level, and relied mostly on secondary data from literature, especially when adopting discrete average lifespans for each type of appliance. This paper aims at developing and applying a WEEE estimation method in a Brazilian city, by obtaining primary data that reflects the differences in WEEE generation among the various social and economic profiles in the city. A survey with a stratified sample was carried out to collect representative data from each city Zone. Results show that lifespan distributions are most desirable for WEEE estimation studies than discrete averages, and that the lifespan profiles in the city are considerably different than previous values adopted in other Brazilian studies. Results also show significant variations of lifespan profiles for different types of WEEE among the different Zones of the city, which reflect the social and economic differences.

[Peripheral corneal cross-linking (P-CXL) for ultrathin corneas with severe keratoconus: a new technique]. / Perifericheskii krosslinking rogovichnogo kollagena (P-KRK) ul'tratonkikh rogovits v terminal'nykh stadiiakh keratokonusa: novaia tekhnika.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is aimed at halting the progression of keratoconus and is widely considered to be the golden standard in its treatment. It is usually contraindicated, however, in patients with corneal thickness of less than 400 µm, leaving the ophthalmic surgeon no option, but to perform transepithelial CXL (epi-on), usually regarded as less effective. We report a novel approach for ultrathin corneas with severe keratoconus - peripheral corneal cross-linking (P-CXL), in which corneal epithelium is still removed but the apex of the cornea is left untouched. Hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution is used as well. P-CXL was performed on a remarkably developed stage IV keratoconus with the thinnest pachymetry of 215 µm, Kmax of 88.1 D and astigmatism of 11.2 D. Four months after P-CXL, the thinnest pachymetry increased by 42 µm, Kmax decreased by 1.4 D, and astigmatism also decreased by 3.2 D.

[Corneal reinnervation after lamellar keratoplasty in comparison with epikeratophakia and photorefractive keratectomy]. / Hornhautreinnervation nach lamellärer Keratoplastik im Vergleich zu Epikeratophakie und photorefraktiver Keratektomie.

Corneal sensitivity was examined with the Draeger aesthesiometer in 8 patients after lamellar keratoplasty, 7 patients after epikeratophakia and 82 patients after photorefractive keratectomy. We examined 9 different points in each cornea. The corneal sensitivity of patients after lamellar keratoplasty was normal 1 year after operation. A correlation with the depth of the lamellar dissection was demonstrated. Patients with lamellar keratoplasty with pterygium showed a sensitivity decrease in the nasal parts of the lenticule even after one year. Three years after epikeratophakia the corneal center was still not sensitive. After photorefractive keratectomy of more than 10 D, corneal hyposensitivity was shown even 2 years after operation.

[Aesthesiometry of the cornea after refractive corneal surgery]. / Zur Aesthesiometrie der Hornhaut nach refraktiver Hornhautchirurgie.

The corneal sensibility was examined with the aesthesiometer of Draeger in 41 patients after refractive corneal surgery, 31 patients after radial keratotomy, 5 after epikeratophakia, 5 after excimer laser ablation. It could be shown that after radial corneal incisions the sensibility remains normal. After epikeratophakia the corneal sensibility is asensible even 3 years after operation. The lenticle periphery shows an increase of sensibility after 6 months. Excimer patients with "haze" showed a significant hyposensibility in the centre. The central sensibility showed normal values after a normal corneal wound healing.

[Reconsideration and desire for tubal recanalization in women following voluntary sterilization]. / Pentimento e desiderio di ricanalizzazione tubarica dopo sterilizzazione volontaria nella donna.

PIP: More than 100 million people globally have resorted to voluntary sterilization to limit their fertility. Often negative psychological complications manifest themselves, such as depressive and remorseful feelings. The requests for tubal recanalization ranged from 1.3% to 15% according to the findings of 22 studies published between 1949 and 1969. The regret over the loss of fertility was higher among women with fewer than 4 children and among those who were sterilized after abortion. The maximum incidence of regret of 10-15% was reported in a 1959 study, and the lowest rates were reported in 1967 (1.3%) and in 1970 (2%). A review of 846 Puerto Rican women aged 15-49 years indicated a certain degree of regret in 21% and profound dissatisfaction in 11%, mainly because of young age and new partner. 25% of 497 subjects in a 1985 Montreal survey expressly requested the restoration of their fertility. Similar results were reported in a Danish study following up 547 cases of female sterilization during an observation period of 50 months. The international literature makes apparent that sterilization can be considered definitive mutilation in certain cases, which raises the question whether the woman who intends to undergo the operation possesses the intellectual, psychological, interpersonal, and social resources to make such a decision. Only absolutely freely chosen, voluntary sterilization can prevent consequences.^ieng

[Effectiveness of transdermal administration of 17-beta-estradiol in the management of menopause]. / Efficacia del 17-beta-estradiolo per via transdermica nel trattamento della menopausa.

Seventeen-beta-estradiol administered via a transdermic route was used to treat menopausal symptoms. The results obtained demonstrate the drug's good level of tolerability and considerable efficacy.

[Psychosexual implications of female sterilization]. / Problemi psicosessuali connessi alla sterilizzazione femminile.

PIP: According to data of the Italian Association for Demographic Education, from 1978 to 1991 a total of 16,000 sterilizations were carried out in patients with an average age of 36 years. There was an increasing frequency of anxiety, depression, and lack of satisfaction with sexual life, and deterioration of marital life as the consequence of the operations. Psychological improvement has been reported in only a few cases. Hysterectomy, mastectomy, abortion, and sterilization produce profound psychological effects in women. The ideal candidate for such intervention should be fully aware of the choice and be well informed about the reproductive system, and aged over 30 with at least 2 children in a stable marital relationship. A 1973 review of 80 different studies carried out in 12 different countries reported that 82% of women benefited from the operation. In a study of 180 patients in Glasgow, Scotland, psychosexual disorders were found, in only 3.6%. In a 1975 report, postoperative psychiatric disturbances in sexual life were recorded in 2% of 98 women. Another study of 94 women who were sterilized did not find any medical or psychological problems but did find patients who were completely satisfied 2 years later. In a study of 50 patients who underwent surgical sterilization by the Pomeroy technique during cesarean section, sexual behavior in the women, measured as desire, frequency of intercourse, and satisfaction, was unchanged in 47, while in 3 there were only modest variations in libido and frequency of intercourse. On the basis of these reports in the majority of cases the outcome of sterilization was favorable when assessing various gynecological problems over time. On the other hand, when the candidate is a young woman the information has to be particularly detailed and scrupulous with respect to risks and the probable irreversibility of sterilization.^ieng

[Sexual aspects of physician-patient relations]. / L'aspetto sessuale nel rapporto medico-paziente.

The emotional aspects of the doctor-patient relationship are often overlooked in clinical training, as are the sexual problems. A questionnaire was drawn up in order to obtain further information about the gynecologist's emotional reactions during pelvic examination. An analysis of the results suggests that the doctor's emotional reaction during pelvic examination is not the same in both sexes, whereas both sexes show equal concern for the patient's sexual activity. This suggests that adequate technical and emotional training is necessary in order to establish a good relationship between the gynecologist and the patient.

Reduced serum inhibition of platelet-activating factor activity in preeclampsia.

We determined in normal nonpregnant (group 1) women, normal pregnant (group 2) women, and patients with preeclampsia (group 3) the serum inhibition of platelet-activating factor activity, the presence of detectable amounts of platelet-activating factor in the blood, and platelet responsiveness in vitro to platelet-activating factor, and to other agonists (adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and ristocetin), and prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2). In patients with preeclampsia (group 3) the serum inhibition of platelet-activating factor activity was significantly lower than that in groups 1 and 2. However, no detectable amounts of platelet-activating factor were observed. The mean values of platelet aggregation induced by platelet-activating factor, adenosine diphosphate, collagen and ristocetin, and the prostaglandin I2-inhibitory concentration of 50% which is inversely correlated with platelet sensitivity to prostaglandin I2, were not significantly different between groups 2 and 3. It is suggested that in preeclampsia the defect in serum inhibitory potential of platelet-activating factor--induced platelet aggregation may contribute to the disturbance in the homeostatic balance between proaggregant and antiaggregant substances.