Relationship between postprandial glucose level and carotid artery stiffness in patients without diabetes or cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between postprandial glucose level and atherosclerosis in patients without diabetes and cardiovascular disease by determining carotid ultrasonographic variables and serum levels of 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG). METHODS: The subjects were 72 patients without diabetes and cardiovascular disease being treated for hypertension or dyslipidemia. The clinical characteristics of all subjects, including the serum level of 1,5-AG, which appears to be well suited for monitoring postprandial hyperglycemia, were evaluated after an overnight fast. The average intima-media thickness (IMT) and the average pulsatility index (PI) of the right and left common carotid arteries were determined with high-resolution ultrasonography and used as ultrasonographic variables. The subjects were divided into a Lower 1,5-AG group (n = 36) and a Higher 1,5-AG group (n = 36). We evaluated the relationship between clinical characteristics and ultrasonographic variables of the carotid artery in both groups. RESULTS: The average PI in the Lower 1,5-AG group was significantly higher than that in the Higher 1,5-AG group, but the average IMT did not differ between the groups. Linear regression analysis, with the ultrasonographic variables as the dependent variables, with 1,5-AG as the independent variable, and adjusted for other clinical characteristics, showed significant correlation between 1,5-AG and the PI but not between 1,5-AG and IMT. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that postprandial hyperglycemia increases carotid artery stiffness, but not morphological change, in patients without diabetes or cardiovascular disease

Controlling oxygen coordination and valence of network forming cations

Understanding the structure-property relationship of glass material is still challenging due to a lack of periodicity in disordered materials. Here, we report the properties and atomic structure of vanadium phosphate glasses characterized by reverse Monte Carlo modelling based on neutron/synchrotron X-ray diffraction and EXAFS data, supplemented by Raman and NMR spectroscopy. In vanadium-rich glass, the water durability, thermal stability and hardness improve as the amount of P2O5 increases, and the network former of the glass changes from VOx polyhedra to the interplay between VOx polyhedra and PO4 tetrahedra. We find for the first time that the coordination number of oxygen atoms around a V4+ is four, which is an unusually small coordination number, and plays an important role for water durability, thermal stability and hardness. Furthermore, we show that the similarity between glass and crystal beyond the nearest neighbour distance is important for glass properties. These results demonstrate that controlling the oxygen coordination and valence of the network-forming cation is necessary for designing the properties of glass

Advanced Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites and Hybrid Materials

The exploitation of naturally occurring polymers to engineer advanced nanocomposites and hybrid materials is the focus of increasing scientific activity, explained by growing environmental concerns and interest in the peculiar features and multiple functionalities of these macromolecules. Natural polymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, present a remarkable potential for the design of all kinds of materials for application in a multitude of domains. This Special Issue collected the work of scientists on the current developments in the field of multifunctional biopolymer-based nanocomposites and hybrid materials with a particular emphasis on their production methodologies, properties, and prominent applications. Thus, materials related to bio-based nanocomposites and hybrid materials manufactured with different partners, namely natural polymers, bioactive compounds, and inorganic nanoparticles, are reported in the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites and Hybrid Materials

Liposome collapse resulting from an allosteric interaction between 2,6‐dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrins and lipids

Although heptakis(2,6‐di‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (DMe‐β‐CDx) has been reported to exhibit higher cytotoxicity than many other cyclodextrins because of the way in which it abstracts cholesterols from liposomes, we have identified another reason for its cytotoxicity based on its interaction with lipids. These interactions exhibited nonlinear sigmoidal responses with Hill coefficient values (n) in the range of 3.0‒3.6, which indicated that this phenomenon involves positive allosterism. Furthermore, analysis by mass spectroscopy revealed that the lipid•DMe‐β‐CDx complexes had stoichiometric ratios in the range of 1:1‒1:4.Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Average hydrodynamic diameter values and UV-vis absorption, 1H NMR, NOESY and CSI-MS spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c5ra14970cThis work was supported by a JSPS KAKENHI a Grant‐in‐Aid for Scientific Research (B) (Grant No. 25288037)

Noncrystalline Nanocomposites as a Remedy for the Low Diffusivity of Multivalent Ions in Battery Cathodes

Rechargeable batteries using multivalent metals are among the most promising next-generation battery systems due to their high capacity, high safety, and low cost compared with lithium-ion batteries. However, strong cation−anion interaction degrades diffusion in solid cathodes, an effect that must be mitigated to yield practical multivalent metal batteries. We show that a highly defective iron phosphate−carbon composite prepared by ultracentrifugation serves as a reversible insertion/deinsertion for magnesium ions with, and operates beyond, a 2-V cell voltage at room temperature. A composite of noncrystalline particles that embeds the surrounding carbon structure enhances the magnesium-ion diffusion in the solid phase with stability for cycle life. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and high-energy X-ray scattering measurements demonstrate magnesium-ion insertion and extraction in the defective iron phosphate without conversion reactions. This work suggests promising applications for highly defective structures as intercalation hosts for multivalent ions

Functional tooth number and mortality

Aim: Previous studies on the association between intraoral conditions and mortality in community-dwelling older individuals reported that fewer present teeth (PT) are significant risk factors for mortality. However, how the number of PT relative to the number of functional teeth (FT), including both present and rehabilitated teeth, influences mortality has not been investigated fully. This study examined the impact of the number of FT on mortality among community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Methods: This study was a retrospective, observational and population-based follow-up study, which examined 1188 older individuals who participated in an annual geriatric health examination from 2009 to 2015. The average follow-up period was 1697.0 ± 774.5 days. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at follow-up. The numbers of PT and FT of each participant were counted during an oral examination. In addition, demographics, clinical variables, blood nutrient markers, physical functions and perceived masticatory function were measured. Results: Kaplan–Meier analysis, followed by a log-rank test, revealed that fewer PT (P < 0.001) and FT (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a reduced survival rate. Cox's proportional hazard analysis indicated that the number of FT, but not the number of PT, was a significant independent mortality risk factor after adjusting for demographics, clinical variables, nutrient markers and physical functioning (P = 0.036, hazard ratio: 2.089). Conclusions: Current results suggest that the number of FT more strongly predicts all-cause mortality than the number of PT among community-dwelling older adults. Further studies are necessary to consider the confounding of socioeconomic status and disability status

Number of functional teeth more strongly predicts all‐cause mortality than number of present teeth in Japanese older adults

Aim Previous studies on the association between intraoral conditions and mortality in community‐dwelling older individuals reported that fewer present teeth (PT) are significant risk factors for mortality. However, how the number of PT relative to the number of functional teeth (FT), including both present and rehabilitated teeth, influences mortality has not been investigated fully. This study examined the impact of the number of FT on mortality among community‐dwelling Japanese older adults. Methods This study was a retrospective, observational and population‐based follow‐up study, which examined 1188 older individuals who participated in an annual geriatric health examination from 2009 to 2015. The average follow‐up period was 1697.0 ± 774.5 days. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at follow‐up. The numbers of PT and FT of each participant were counted during an oral examination. In addition, demographics, clinical variables, blood nutrient markers, physical functions and perceived masticatory function were measured. Results Kaplan–Meier analysis, followed by a log‐rank test, revealed that fewer PT (P  Conclusions Current results suggest that the number of FT more strongly predicts all‐cause mortality than the number of PT among community‐dwelling older adults. Further studies are necessary to consider the confounding of socioeconomic status and disability status

Impact of number of functional teeth on independence of Japanese older adults

Aim To examine the relationship between the number of present and functional teeth at baseline and future incidence of loss of independence. Methods Participants were community-dwelling older individuals who participated in a comprehensive geriatric health examination conducted in Kusatsu town, Japan, between 2009 and 2015. The primary endpoint was the incidence of loss of independence among participants, defined as the first certification of long-term care insurance in Japan. The numbers of present and functional teeth at baseline were determined via an oral examination. Demographics, clinical variables (e.g., history of chronic diseases and psychosocial factors), blood nutritional markers, physical functions, and perceived masticatory function were assessed. Results This study included 1121 individuals, and 205 individuals suffered from loss of independence during the follow-up period. Kaplan–Meier estimates of loss of independence for participants with smaller numbers of present and functional teeth were significantly greater than for those with larger numbers of teeth. Cox proportional hazard analyses indicated that a smaller number of present teeth was not a significant risk factor after adjusting for demographic characteristics. However, the number of functional teeth was a significant risk factor after the adjustment (hazard ratio: 1.975 [1.168–3.340]). Additionally, higher hazard ratios were observed in other adjusted models, but they were not statistically significant. Conclusions The number of functional teeth may be more closely related to the future incidence of loss of independence than the number of present teeth. This novel finding suggests that prosthodontic rehabilitation for tooth loss possibly prevents the future incidence of this life-event

Why Are Outcomes Different for Registry Patients Enrolled Prospectively and Retrospectively? Insights from the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF).

Background: Retrospective and prospective observational studies are designed to reflect real-world evidence on clinical practice, but can yield conflicting results. The GARFIELD-AF Registry includes both methods of enrolment and allows analysis of differences in patient characteristics and outcomes that may result. Methods and Results: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ≥1 risk factor for stroke at diagnosis of AF were recruited either retrospectively (n = 5069) or prospectively (n = 5501) from 19 countries and then followed prospectively. The retrospectively enrolled cohort comprised patients with established AF (for a least 6, and up to 24 months before enrolment), who were identified retrospectively (and baseline and partial follow-up data were collected from the emedical records) and then followed prospectively between 0-18 months (such that the total time of follow-up was 24 months; data collection Dec-2009 and Oct-2010). In the prospectively enrolled cohort, patients with newly diagnosed AF (≤6 weeks after diagnosis) were recruited between Mar-2010 and Oct-2011 and were followed for 24 months after enrolment. Differences between the cohorts were observed in clinical characteristics, including type of AF, stroke prevention strategies, and event rates. More patients in the retrospectively identified cohort received vitamin K antagonists (62.1% vs. 53.2%) and fewer received non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (1.8% vs . 4.2%). All-cause mortality rates per 100 person-years during the prospective follow-up (starting the first study visit up to 1 year) were significantly lower in the retrospective than prospectively identified cohort (3.04 [95% CI 2.51 to 3.67] vs . 4.05 [95% CI 3.53 to 4.63]; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Interpretations of data from registries that aim to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with AF must take account of differences in registry design and the impact of recall bias and survivorship bias that is incurred with retrospective enrolment. Clinical Trial Registration: - URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier for GARFIELD-AF (NCT01090362)

Risk profiles and one-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in India: Insights from the GARFIELD-AF Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) is an ongoing prospective noninterventional registry, which is providing important information on the baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and 1-year outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This report describes data from Indian patients recruited in this registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 52,014 patients with newly diagnosed AF were enrolled globally; of these, 1388 patients were recruited from 26 sites within India (2012-2016). In India, the mean age was 65.8 years at diagnosis of NVAF. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for AF, present in 68.5% of patients from India and in 76.3% of patients globally (P < 0.001). Diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) were prevalent in 36.2% and 28.1% of patients as compared with global prevalence of 22.2% and 21.6%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Antiplatelet therapy was the most common antithrombotic treatment in India. With increasing stroke risk, however, patients were more likely to receive oral anticoagulant therapy [mainly vitamin K antagonist (VKA)], but average international normalized ratio (INR) was lower among Indian patients [median INR value 1.6 (interquartile range {IQR}: 1.3-2.3) versus 2.3 (IQR 1.8-2.8) (P < 0.001)]. Compared with other countries, patients from India had markedly higher rates of all-cause mortality [7.68 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 6.32-9.35) vs 4.34 (4.16-4.53), P < 0.0001], while rates of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding were lower after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Compared to previously published registries from India, the GARFIELD-AF registry describes clinical profiles and outcomes in Indian patients with AF of a different etiology. The registry data show that compared to the rest of the world, Indian AF patients are younger in age and have more diabetes and CAD. Patients with a higher stroke risk are more likely to receive anticoagulation therapy with VKA but are underdosed compared with the global average in the GARFIELD-AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362