Validity and reproducibility of HOMA-IR, 1/HOMA-IR, QUICKI and McAuley's indices in patients with hypertension and type II diabetes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, its reciprocal (1/HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and McAuley's index in hypertensive diabetic patients. In 78 patients with hypertension and type II diabetes glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels were determined after a 12-h fast to calculate these indices, and insulin sensitivity (IS) was measured with the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique. Two weeks later, subjects had again their glucose, insulin and triglycerides measured. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to assess the validity of these indices compared to clamp IS and coefficients of variation between the two visits were estimated to assess their reproducibility. HOMA-IR index was strongly and inversely correlated with the basic IS clamp index, the M-value (r = 0.572, P < 0.001), M- value normalized with subjects' body weight or fat-free mass and every other clamp-derived index. 1/HOMA-IR and QUICKI indices were positively correlated with the M- value (r = 0.342, P < 0.05 and r = 0.456, P < 0.01, respectively) and the rest clamp indices. McAuley's index generally presented less strong correlations ( r = 0.317, P < 0.05 with M- value). In multivariate analysis, HOMA-IR was the best fit of clampderived IS. Coefficients of variation between the two visits were 23.5% for HOMA-IR, 19.2% for 1/HOMA-IR, 7.8% for QUICKI and 15.1% for McAuley's index. In conclusion, HOMA- IR, 1/HOMA-IR and QUICKI are valid estimates of clamp-derived IS in patients with hypertension and type II diabetes, whereas the validity of McAuley's index needs further evaluation. QUICKI displayed better reproducibility than the other indices

Bilinguisme et scolarité: une enquête sociolinguistique sur les enfants espagnols des écoles primaires liégeoises

peer reviewe

Normative data on hand grip strength in a Greek adult population

The objectives of this study were to establish data concerning normal hand grip strength (GS) and to explore possible associations with anthropometric parameters. GS was measured in 232 individuals in a standard arm position using the Jamar dynamometer. We examined differences between right/left and dominant/nondominant hands. Possible correlations of GS with anthropometric values were evaluated. Right hand and dominant hand GS were found to be higher and statistically significant compared to left hand and nondominant hand GS, respectively. Men had higher values of GS compared to women. A negative association was observed between age and dominant hand GS. A positive association was documented between height and dominant hand GS, while the respective comparison for weight and dominant hand GS documented a statistically significant positive association only in the male group. A positive association between BMI and dominant hand GS was seen in female individuals. Additional factors associated with GS should be the goal of future investigations

Prevention of heterotopic ossification in high-risk patients with total hip arthroplasty: the experience of a combined therapeutic protocol

The combination of radiotherapy and indomethacin for the prevention of heterotopic ossification (HO) in high-risk patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to present the experience of our department with this combined therapeutic protocol. Fifty-four patients who underwent THA received a single dose of 7 Gy of postoperative radiotherapy and 75 mg of indomethacin for 15 days. Patients were analyzed for clinical and radiographical evidence of HO development at 1 year postoperatively. The overall radiographical incidence of HO was 20.4% (95% CI 10.6–33.5%), while only 1 patient with clinically significant HO was seen. Patients with secondary arthritis due to congenital hip disease had a statistically significantly higher incidence of HO compared with those with osteoarthrosis. The clinical assessment with the Merle d’Aubigné score showed that patients with radiographic documentation of HO had a lower mean score compared with those with no evidence of HO. No treatment-related side effects were seen. Combined radiotherapy and indomethacin was effective in preventing heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty. The evaluation of this efficacy compared with radiotherapy or NSAIDs alone should be the future target of larger randomized designs