Losartan modulates muscular capillary density and reverses thiazide diuretic-exacerbated insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin sensitivity (IS). The role of RAS in insulin resistance and muscular circulation has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study sought to determine the mechanisms of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and/or diuretics on IS and capillary density (CD) in fructose-fed rats (FFRs). Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either normal chow (control group) or fructose-rich chow for 8 weeks. For the last 4 weeks, FFRs were allocated to four groups: an FFR group and groups treated with the thiazide diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), with the ARB losartan, or both. IS was evaluated by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp technique at week 8. In addition, CD in the extensor digitorum longus muscle was evaluated. Blood pressure was significantly higher in the FFRs than in the controls. HCTZ, losartan and their combination significantly lowered blood pressure. IS was significantly lower in the FFR group than in the controls and was even lower in the HCTZ group. Losartan alone or combined with HCTZ significantly increased IS. In all cases, IS was associated with muscular CD, but not with plasma adiponectin or lipids. These results indicate that losartan reverses HCTZ-exacerbated insulin resistance, which can be mediated through the modulation of muscular circulation in rats with impaired glucose metabolism

Anxiety and Depression in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are thought to be at disproportionate risk of developing mental health comorbidities, with anxiety and depression being considered most prominent amongst these. Yet, no systematic review has been carried out to date to examine rates of both anxiety and depression focusing specifically on adults with ASD. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the rates of anxiety and depression in adults with ASD and the impact of factors such as assessment methods and presence of comorbid intellectual disability (ID) diagnosis on estimated prevalence rates. Electronic database searches for studies published between January 2000 and September 2017 identified a total of 35 studies, including 30 studies measuring anxiety (n = 26 070; mean age = 30.9, s.d. = 6.2 years) and 29 studies measuring depression (n = 26 117; mean age = 31.1, s.d. = 6.8 years). The pooled estimation of current and lifetime prevalence for adults with ASD were 27% and 42% for any anxiety disorder, and 23% and 37% for depressive disorder. Further analyses revealed that the use of questionnaire measures and the presence of ID may significantly influence estimates of prevalence. The current literature suffers from a high degree of heterogeneity in study method and an overreliance on clinical samples. These results highlight the importance of community-based studies and the identification and inclusion of well-characterized samples to reduce heterogeneity and bias in estimates of prevalence for comorbidity in adults with ASD and other populations with complex psychiatric presentations

NCAA TRACK & CROSS COUNTRY COACHES: A PROFILE OF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, PAST ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE, AND JOB SATISFACTION SURVEY

Joe Linder*1 and Danielle Hemingsonǂ1, 1Baker University, Baldwin City, KS PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between NCAA track and cross-country coaches’ educational background, athletic experience, and differences among Divisions I, II, and III. METHODS: A survey was sent via Google Docs to 519 track and/or cross-country coaches in the NCAA. Fifteen conferences in each division were chosen randomly as the sample population. Out of 519 surveys sent 112 participants responded resulting in a 21.6% response rate. RESULTS: A chi-squared test (X2 = 0.408, p=0.8153) showed no significant relationship between division and field of study. An ANOVA test (F=1.289, p= 0.259) showed no significant relationship between division and job satisfaction. A chi-squared test (X =5.6441, p=0.1303) showed no significant relationship between divisions and past athletic experience. Utilizing odds ratios predicted those who coach in Division I are 2.22 times more likely to have a degree in the field of education than in exercise science or a related field. Moreover, coaches who received an All-Conference competition status as athletes were 2.86 times more likely to be coaching in Division I than a coach who reached the All-American status as an athlete, and 1.86 times more likely than those who achieved Professional status as an athlete. CONCLUSION: No significance was found between divisions and field of study, divisions and job satisfaction, or divisions and past athletic experience. However, it is predicted those who coach Division I are more likely to have a degree in the field of education or have achieved All-Conference competition status as an athlete

Synthesis and Styrene Copolymerization of Novel Ring-Disubstituted Isopropyl Cyanoarylacrylates

Novel oxy ring-substituted isopropyl 2-cyano-3-arylacrylates, RPhCH=C(CN)CO2CH(CH3)2 (where R is 3,4-dibenzyloxy, 3-benzyloxy-4-methoxy, 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxy, 2,3-methylenedioxy, 3-iodo-4-methoxy, 5-iodo-2-methoxy, 3,4-difluoro, 3,5-difluoro) were prepared and copolymerized with styrene. The acrylates were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring-disubstituted benzaldehydes and isopropyl cyanoacetate and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H and 13C-NMR. All the acrylates were copolymerized with styrene in solution with radical initiation (ABCN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by FTIR, 1H and 13C-NMR. Thermal properties of the copolymers are characterized by DSC and TGA. Decomposition of the copolymers in nitrogen occurred in two steps, first in the 200-500ºC range with a residue, which then decomposed in the 500-800ºC range.</p