Relations of APOE promoter polymorphisms to LDL cholesterol and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in young adults

The common apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene (APOE) epsilon2/epsilon3/epsilon4 polymorphism explains part of serum lipid variation, and polymorphisms in the APOE promoter region have been proposed to participate in the regulation of serum lipid levels within the most common APOE epsilon3/epsilon3 genotype group. We determined APOE -219G/T and +113G/C promoter genotypes and estimated APOE haplotypes in 525 participants of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. We studied the associations of the APOE promoter polymorphisms and their haplotypes with cross-sectional and longitudinal serum lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations as well as with flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), carotid artery compliance (CAC), and intima-media thickness (IMT) within the APOE epsilon3/epsilon3 carriers. We found no significant association between the APOE promoter genotypes and serum lipids [low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, and triglycerides], apolipoproteins (apoA-I and apoB), or brachial artery FMD, CAC, or carotid IMT in either men or women. In longitudinal analyses in males, the carriers of heterozygous genotypes (-219G/T or +113G/C) and, furthermore, carriers of the -219T/+113C/epsilon3 haplotype had significantly higher LDL-C and total cholesterol concentrations throughout the 21 year follow-up period compared with homozygous G allele carriers or noncarriers of the -219T/+113C/epsilon3 haplotype. Such associations were not found in females. In summary, the APOE promoter polymorphisms -219G/T and +113G/C as well as their haplotype are associated with longitudinal changes in LDL-C and total cholesterol concentrations in young Finnish males but do not seem to be major determinants for FMD, CAC, or carotid IMT in males or females.     

Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic framework for middle Eocene sediments from ODP Hole 1260A, Demerara Rise

Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1260 recovered a near-continuous and expanded (187-m thick) middle Eocene carbonate sequence at mid-bathyal depths on Demerara Rise off Suriname, South America. A calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic framework has been established for the sequence to aid multi-proxy cyclostratigraphic analyses. The diversity of calcareous nannofossils is reasonably high and preservation moderate throughout most of the section, and the proximity to the continent is indicated by the occurrence of braarudosphaerids in the lower three quarters of the section. The species richness of sphenoliths is particularly high, and our data confirm the occurrence of new sphenoliths during the middle Eocene as shown recently by Bown and Dunkley Jones (2006). In particular we corroborate the occurrences of Sphenolithus strigosus and S. runus that these authors found in their Zone NP16 Tanzania sediments, however we extend the ranges of these taxa down into Zone NP15 (CP13). Moreover we document the occurrence of Bramletteius serraculoides in Zone NP15 (CP13b) and the occurrence of Sphenolithus predistentus in NP16 (CP14a), extending their known ranges down column.     

Exposure of the Human Body to Professional and Domestic Induction Cooktops Compared to the Basic Restrictions

We investigated whether domestic and professional induction cooktops comply with the basic restrictions defined by the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Based on magnetic field measurements, a generic numerical model of an induction cooktop was derived in order to model user exposure. The current density induced in the user was simulated for various models and distances. We also determined the exposure of the fetus and of young children. While most measured cooktops comply with the public exposure limits at the distance specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (standard IEC 62233), the majority exceeds them at closer distances, some of them even the occupational limits. The maximum current density in the tissue of the user significantly exceeds the basic restrictions for the general public, reaching the occupational level. The exposure of the brains of young children reaches the order of magnitude of the limits for the general public. For a generic worst‐case cooktop compliant with the measurement standards, the current density exceeds the 1998 ICNIRP basic restrictions by up to 24 dB or a factor of 16. The brain tissue of young children can be overexposed by 6 dB or a factor of 2. The exposure of the tissue of the central nervous system of the fetus can exceed the limits for the general public if the mother is exposed at occupational levels. This demonstrates that the methodology for testing induction cooktops according to IEC 62233 contradicts the basic restrictions. This evaluation will be extended considering the redefined basic restrictions proposed by the ICNIRP in 2010. Bioelectromagnetics 33:695–705, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ontogeny of limb force distribution in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis): insights into the mechanical bases of primate hind limb dominance

The distribution of peak vertical forces between the forelimbs and the hind limbs is one of the key traits distinguishing primate quadrupedal locomotion from that of other mammals. Whereas most mammals generate greater peak vertical forelimb forces, primates generate greater peak vertical hind limb forces. At the ultimate level, hind limb dominance in limb force distribution is typically interpreted as an adaptation to facilitate fine-branch arboreality. However, the proximate biomechanical bases for primate limb force distribution remain controversial. Three models have been previously proposed. The Center of Mass (COM) Position model attributes primates’ unique mode of limb loading to differences in the position of the whole-body COM relative to the hands and feet. The Active Weight Shift model asserts that primates actively redistribute body weight to their hind limbs by pitching the trunk up via the activation of hind limb retractor muscles. Finally, the Limb Compliance model argues that primates selectively mitigate forelimb forces by maintaining a compliant forelimb and a flat shoulder trajectory. Here, a detailed dataset of ontogenetic changes in morphology and locomotor mechanics in Bolivian squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) was employed as a model system to evaluate each of these proposed models in turn. Over the first 10 months of life, squirrel monkeys transitioned from forelimb dominant infants to hind limb dominant juveniles, a change that was precipitated by decreases in peak vertical forelimb forces and increases in peak vertical hind limb forces. Results provided some support for all three of the models, although the COM Position and Active Weight Shift models were most strongly supported by the data. Overall, this study suggests that primates may use a variety of biomechanical strategies to achieve hind limb dominance in limb force distribution.     

瑞舒伐他汀治疗颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的临床研究

目的:研究瑞舒伐他汀对颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的治疗效果。方法:将在本院接受治疗的250例颈动脉粥样硬化斑块患者随机分成治疗组125例和对照组125例,治疗组服用瑞舒伐他汀10mg/晚,对照组行其他非瑞舒伐他汀药物治疗,进行为期6个月的观察对比。结果:治疗组治疗后总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)水平显著下降,高密度脂蛋白(HDL)水平显著升高(P<0.05),颈动脉内膜-中层厚度(IMT)、斑块面积变小,与治疗前比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);对照组治疗前后无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:瑞舒伐他汀对降低血脂、减缓不稳定型心绞痛早期动脉粥样硬化、稳定斑块和预防脑血管疾病起到非常重要的作用。     

The effect of physical, social and psychological factors on drug compliance in patients with mild hypertension

Background. In patients with hypertension noncompliance with drug treatment is between 15 to 54%, and has been recognised as a relevant contributor to the burden of cardiovascular morbidity. Up to 92% of patients experience unpleasant symptoms with their condition and, particularly in these patients, the symptoms experienced may enhance compliance. Objective. To simultaneously assess the effects of physical, social and psychological factors on noncompliance. Methods. Patients with mild hypertension despite drug treatment, from the departments of cardiology and internal medicine, were requested to answer a self-administered questionnaire addressing the presence of physical symptoms as well as psychosocial factors. The questionnaire was based on previously used test batteries and consisted of two lists of physical complaints and four lists addressing the four domains of planned behaviour regarding medical non-adherence according to Baron and Byrne. These domains mainly assess psychosocial factors. Each list consisted of three or more items and each item was scored on fiveto seven-point scales. Mean scores were used for assessment. The lists were also separately assessed for internal consistency and reliability using Cronbach’s alphas. One-way analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with compliance as outcome variable and the physical, social and psychological variables as indicator variables were used for data analysis. MANOVA was adjusted for multiple testing. Results. Many patients experienced physical symptoms due to hypertension, such as tiredness (31%), hot flushes (28%), headache (24%), reduced daily life energy (23%), palpitations (22%), with 95% confidence intervals between 16 to 38%. Scores for physical symptoms and social factors did not differ between self-reported adherers (n=165) and nonadherers (n=11). However, the score for psychological factors was significantly larger in the adherers than in the non-adherers, 5.05 versus 3.06, p<0.018. The MANOVA showed a significant overall difference between the adherers and non-adherers in the data at p<0.012, which was mainly due to the score for psychological factors. Conclusion. The effect of physical symptoms on non-compliance in mildly hypertensive patients is negligible. So is the effect of social factors. Psychological factors such as lacking a sense of guilt, regret and shame are major determinants of non-compliance. Physicians may play an educational role in improving their patients’ compliance by addressing these determinants. We should add that the conclusions should be made with reservations, given the small number of non-adherers in our sample. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:197-200.)     

BioBanking: an environmental scientist’s view of the role of biodiversity banking offsets in conservation

Offsets, first formalised in the United States of America in the 1970s for wetland mitigation, are now widely used globally with the aim to mitigate loss of biodiversity due to development. Embracing biodiversity offsets is one method of governments to meet their commitments under the Millennium Development Goals and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Resource extraction companies see them as a method of gaining access to land, while the community may perceive them as a way of enhancing environmental outcomes. In New South Wales, Australia, BioBanking legislation was introduced in late 2006 with the aim of ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity associated with development, particularly expanding urban and coastal development. The strengths of the legislation are that it aims to enhance threatened species conservation, and raise the profile of conservation of threatened species and habitats. Weaknesses include (1) the narrowness of the definition of biodiversity; (2) the concepts are based on a flawed logic and immature, imprecise and complex science which results in difficulties in determining biodiversity values; (3) likely problems with management and compliance; and (4) an overall lack of resources for implementation and long-term monitoring. It is concluded that the legislation is a concerted effort to deal with biodiversity loss, however, stakeholders have concerns with the process, and it is unworkable with the complexity of such ecosystems (compared for example to carbon credit trading), and underdeveloped disciplines such as restoration biology and ecology. Despite these criticisms, there is a need for all stakeholders to work to improve the outcomes.     

Climate Change Influences on Environmental and Human Health Chemical Standards

Regulatory agencies use many chemical standards to help protect human health and the environment. Some of these standards could potentially be adversely influenced by climate change, so it is important to scope the likelihood of such changes, and develop a plan for addressing them. A review of the literature showed that many complex interactions could occur between climate change factors, chemicals, and receptors. However, the way in which chemical standards are currently set is already likely to take into account predicted climate changes in temperate regions, at least implicitly. In contrast, compliance monitoring to ensure that chemical standards are not breached may be compromised if climate change leads to more variability in measured parameters, with a consequent reduction in the statistical power of monitoring programs.     

Ambulatory Management of Childhood Obesity

Objective: Childhood obesity is one of the most challenging issues facing healthcare providers today. The aims of this study were to describe the ambulatory management of childhood obesity by pediatricians (PDs) and family physicians (FPs) and to evaluate knowledge of and adherence to published recommendations. Research Methods and Procedures: A 42‐item, self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to 1207 randomly selected primary care physicians (PDs = 700, FPs = 507) between September 2001 and January 2002. Results: Of 339 (28%) responses, 287 were eligible (PDs = 213, FPs = 74). Most respondents were in group or solo practice (87%) in a suburban or urban, non‐inner city location (67%). The average age was 48 years (range = 31 to 85 years), and the mean years in practice was 17 (range = 1 to 55 years). Nineteen percent of physicians were aware of national recommendations. Three percent of physicians reported adherence to all recommendations. Knowledge of recommendations was not associated with a greater likelihood of adherence. However, physicians who were aware of recommendations were more likely to have positive attitudes about personal counseling ability (odds ratio = 2.4, confidence interval = 1.3 to 4.4) and the overall efficacy of obesity counseling (odds ratio = 4.3, confidence interval = 1.7 to 10.8). Poor patient motivation, patient noncompliance, and treatment futility were perceived as the most frequently encountered barriers to obesity treatment. Discussion: Most physicians are not aware of or adherent to national recommendations regarding childhood obesity. Awareness of recommendations was associated with more positive attitudes about personal counseling ability and the effectiveness of obesity counseling in general.