High Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Outpatients in a Tertiary Care Centre, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), a constellation of specific cardiometabolic risk factors increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These risk factors can be largely reversed through lifestyle changes. To develop individualized lifestyle therapeutic interventions among patients attending non-communicable disease specialty departments, there is a need for identification of people with high risk of developing MetS. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of MetS, it's associated demographic and clinical characteristics among patients attending specialty Outpatient Department (OPD) in a tertiary care centre. Material and Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, randomly selected adults (aged 20 years or more) attending the diabetology or cardiology OPD were included. Using pretested interview tool, demographic details, height, weight and waist circumference were measured as per standard guidelines. Blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and fasting lipid profile were assessed. MetS was classified based on the modified Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: A total of 668 patients were included and the mean age was 50.1 ± 9.7 years. Of the total, 72.6% and 64.5% of patients had MetS. Patients aged 60 years or more had 1.8 times [Adjusted PR 95% CI:1.05-3.16] higher prevalence of MetS compared to 20-30 years. Patients who were doing at least 30 minutes of regular moderate physical activity had 17% less occurrence of MetS [Adj PR: 0.71-0.96] compared to those who did less than 15 minutes of physical activity. Gender, literacy, type of diet and amount of visible fat intake were not significantly associated with MetS. Conclusion: MetS is highly prevalent among patients attending diabetology and cardiology OPD. Across several subgroups, around two-thirds had MetS and low high-density lipoprotein was the major contributing factor for MetS

Performance Characteristics of Pulmonary Function Tests for the Detection of Interstitial Lung Disease in Adults With Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163424/2/art41415.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163424/1/art41415_am.pd

ASASSN-15lu is a Type Ia Supernova

We report spectroscopic classification of ASASSN-15lu (ATel #7698) in SDSS J132112.88+401556.7 (z=0.035037, via NED) through inspection of an optical spectrum (range 370-680 nm, resolution 0.8 nm), obtained with the 2.3-m Bok telescope (+ Boller & Chivens spectrograph) at Kitt Peak on 2015 June 24.2 UT

Contourite depositional system after the exit of a strait: Case study from the late Miocene South Rifian Corridor, Morocco

Idealized facies of bottom current deposits (contourites) have been established for fine-grained contourite drifts in modern deep-marine sedimentary environments. Their equivalent facies in the ancient record however are only scarcely recognized due to the weathered nature of most fine-grained deposits in outcrop. Facies related to the erosional elements (i.e. contourite channels) of contourite depositional systems have not yet been properly established and related deposits in outcrop appear non-existent. To better understand the sedimentary facies and facies sequences of contourites, the upper Miocene contourite depositional systems of the South Rifian Corridor (Morocco) is investigated. This contourite depositional system formed by the dense palaeo-Mediterranean Outflow Water. Foraminifera assemblages were used for age-constraints (7.51 to 7.35 Ma) and to determine the continental slope depositional domains. Nine sedimentary facies have been recognized based on lithology, grain-size, sedimentary structures and biogenic structures. These facies were subsequently grouped into five facies associations related to the main interpreted depositional processes (hemipelagic settling, contour currents and gravity flows). The vertical sedimentary facies succession records the tectonically induced, southward migration of the contourite depositional systems and the intermittent behaviour of the palaeo-Mediterranean Outflow Water, which is mainly driven by precession and millennial-scale climate variations. Tides substantially modulated the palaeo-Mediterranean Outflow Water on a sub-annual scale. This work shows exceptional examples of muddy and sandy contourite deposits in outcrop by which a facies distribution model from the proximal continental slope, the contourite channel to its adjacent contourite drift, is proposed. This model serves as a reference for contourite recognition both in modern environments and the ancient record. Furthermore, by establishing the hydrodynamics of overflow behaviour a framework is provided that improves process-based interpretation of deep-water bottom current deposits

Geospatial transmission hotspots of recent HIV infection — Malawi, October 2019–March 2020

What is already known about this topic? A novel HIV infection surveillance initiative was implemented in Malawi to collect data on recent HIV infections among new diagnoses to characterize the epidemic and guide the public health response. What is added by this report? Higher proportions of recent infections were identified among females, persons aged <30 years, and clients at maternal and child health and youth clinics. Spatial analysis identified three hotspots of health facilities with significantly higher rates of recent infection than expected across five districts. What are the implications for public health practice? Geospatial analysis of recent HIV infection surveillance data can identify potential transmission hotspots. This information could be used to tailor program activities to strengthen HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services and ultimately interrupt transmission