Interrelationships among selenium, iron status biomarkers and body weight in young adults

Selenium deficiency is considered a risk factor for anemia of chronic inflammation, which is mediated by hepcidin. However, there are few studies providing evidence of the role of hepcidin in this relationship. In this study we investigated the interrelationships among selenium biomarkers, hepcidin concentration, and iron status among individuals with obesity compared to their normal weight counterparts, since obesity presents with low-grade chronic inflammation. A total of 59 college students (18-49 years) consisting of 27 individuals with normal weight and 32 individuals with overweight/obesity were recruited for this study. Fasting blood samples were collected for the analysis of iron status biomarkers, plasma selenoproteins (glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and selenoprotein P) and plasma hepcidin concentration. Subjects completed 3-day dietary records to determine average daily nutrient intakes. Regression analysis, independent t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to determine the relationships among variables. Statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. There were no significant differences in nutrient intakes between subjects with overweight/obesity and those with normal weight (P&gt;0.05). Selenoprotein P concentration, GPX activity and iron status biomarkers (serum iron, transferrin saturation and hemoglobin concentration) were lower among individuals with overweight/obesity compared with individuals with normal weight, but these differences were not significant (p&gt;0.05). Regression analysis showed that the relationship between hepcidin concentration and transferrin saturation depended on body weight status (p for interaction = 0.036). Plasma GPX activity (ß=-0.018, p =0.008) and selenoprotein P concentration (ß=-1.24, p = 0.03) were inversely associated with hepcidin concentration. In conclusion, our study showed an inverse association between selenium status and hepcidin concentration which supports the proposed role of hepcidin as mediator between selenium and iron status and also highlights the importance of selenium in addressing inflammation-related anemia. Intervention studies on the effect of selenium supplementation on hepcidin concentration and iron status in individuals with anemia of inflammation are needed to support these findings. [This abstract has been edited to remove characters that will not display in this system. Please see the PDF for the full abstract.]]]> 2019 Iron $x Physiological effect Selenium$x Physiological effect Inflammation $x Nutritional aspects Obesity$x Nutritional aspects Biochemical markers English http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/Larvie_uncg_0154M_12749.pdf oai:libres.uncg.edu/26552 2019-07-15T16:13:50Z UNCG On the preservation of coarse properties over products and on persistence curves Lawson, Austin NC DOCKS at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro <![CDATA[We explore two facets of topology, coarse and computational, that share a similar philosophy: “The perceived shape of a space depends on the scale at which that space is viewed”. In coarse topology, we analyze the preservation of properties of coarse spaces over direct products. We define a free product of a coarse space and prove these properties are preserved under this operation. On the computational side, we present a new class of topological descriptors called Persistence Curves. We prove the stability of these descriptors, we show that they generalize another popular descriptor called Persistence Landscapes, and finally we use these persistence curves to perform texture classification with great results on four popular texture databases: Outex, UIUCTex, KTH-TIPS, and FMD

Quantitative Analysis of Metabolic Abnormality Associated with Brain Developmental Venous Anomalies

Background and Purpose: Abnormal hypometabolism is common in the brain parenchyma surrounding developmental venous anomalies (DVAs), although the degree of DVA-associated hypometabolism (DVAAh) has not been quantitatively analyzed. In this study, we demonstrate a simple method for the measurement of DVAAh and test the hypothesis that DVAs are associated with a quantifiable decrement in metabolic activity. Materials and Methods: Measurements of DVAAh using ratios of standardized uptake values (SUVs) and comparison to a normal database were performed on a cohort of 25 patients (12 male, 13 female), 14 to 76 years old, with a total of 28 DVAs (20 with DVAAh, seven with isometabolic activity, and one with hypermetabolic activity). Results: Qualitative classification of none, mild, moderate, and severe DVAAh corresponded to quantitative measurements of DVAAh of 1 ± 3%, 12 ± 7%, 18 ± 6%, and 37 ± 6%, respectively. A statistically significant linear correlation between DVAAh and age was observed (P = 0.003), with a 3% reduction in metabolic activity per decade. A statistically significant linear correlation between DVAAh and DVA size was observed (P = 0.01), with a 4% reduction in metabolic activity per each 1 cm in the longest dimension. The SUVDVA-based measures of DVAAh correlated (P = 0.001) with measures derived from comparison with a standardized database. Conclusion: We present a simple method for the quantitative measurement of DVAAh using ratios of SUVs, and find that this quantitative analysis is consistent with a qualitative classification. We find that 54% (15 of 28) of DVAs are associated with a greater than 10% decrease in metabolic activity

Resistências e dificuldades de um programa de policiamento comunitário

The paper draws upon data from a year long evaluation study of a community policing program in Copacabana and Leme, neighborhoods on the south side of Rio de Janeiro. Besides monitoring statistics from the Military and Civil police forces, the program included a wide variety of qualitative data. The paper describes four distinct visions of conflict, disturbance and crime which emerge from analysis of these multiple sources of data.O artigo trabalha com dados de um estudo de um ano sobre o programa de policiamento comunitário em Copacabana e Leme, na zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro. Além de monitorar as estatísticas das polícias Militar e Civil, o programa incluía também uma enorme variedade de dados qualitativos. O artigo descreve quatro visões distintas de conflito, distúrbios e crime, que surgiram a partir da análise desses dados

Spatial Patterns of Correlation Between Cortical Amyloid and Cortical Thickness in a Tertiary Clinical Population With Memory Deficit

© 2020, The Author(s). To estimate regional Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology burden clinically, analysis methods that enable tracking brain amyloid or tau positron emission tomography (PET) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures are needed. We therefore developed a robust MRI analysis method to identify brain regions that correlate linearly with regional amyloid burden in congruent PET images. This method was designed to reduce data variance and improve the sensitivity of the detection of cortical thickness–amyloid correlation by using whole brain modeling, nonlinear image coregistration, and partial volume correction. Using this method, a cross-sectional analysis of 75 tertiary memory clinic AD patients was performed to test our hypothesis that regional amyloid burden and cortical thickness are inversely correlated in medial temporal neocortical regions. Medial temporal cortical thicknesses were not correlated with their regional amyloid burden, whereas cortical thicknesses in the lateral temporal, lateral parietal, and frontal regions were inversely correlated with amyloid burden. This study demonstrates the robustness of our technique combining whole brain modeling, nonlinear image coregistration, and partial volume correction to track the differential correlation between regional amyloid burden and cortical thinning in specific brain regions. This method could be used with amyloid and tau PET to assess corresponding cortical thickness changes

The role of dietary components in mitigating inflammation and related health conditions

Low-grade inflammation is a systemic response to infection and is implicated in a plethora of chronic conditions. This response is exacerbated due to excess production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines, which can impair micronutrient status and lead to negative health outcomes. Antioxidant foods/food components including nuts and phytates are potential vehicles for mitigating inflammation and its adverse effects. Yet, data on their effects on health outcomes are scanty. The main aim of this project was to identify antioxidant foods/food components that can reduce inflammation and related health outcomes and improve micronutrient status. To achieve this, we investigated the association between phytate intake and cognition in adults = 60 years using NHANES 2013-2014. Phytate intake was estimated using published data on phytate content of food groups. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between cognitive function scores and phytate intake. We also determined the association between COVID-19 severity and dietary intake among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. As part of the Nutrition and COVID-19 in North Carolina (NC-NC) study, subjects completed online health and dietary assessment surveys. A COVID-19 severity index (CSI) was developed from reported symptoms. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship among COVID-19 severity index (CSI), nutrient intake, and dietary patterns developed using cluster analysis. Lastly, we studied the effect of almond intake on inflammation and iron status in a mouse model of aging. Hepcidin, IL-6, and iron status biomarkers were measured from plasma and tissue samples of aged C57BL/6 mice fed an almond diet (15% calories from almonds) for 13 weeks compared to control mice. Findings from these studies revealed that phytate was positively associated with cognition among adults = 60 years while selenium (Se) intake was inversely associated with CSI among individuals with Se and zinc (Zn) intake below the median. Additionally, among mice fed an almond-supplemented diet, iron status (higher hemoglobin, liver, and spleen iron stores) improved in mice fed an almond-supplemented diet compared to those fed a control diet without almonds. In conclusion, our study showed that antioxidant foods/food components may contribute to improvements in inflammation-related health outcomes

Cerebrospinal Fluid Metals and the Association with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

BACKGROUND: Brain metal homeostasis is essential for brain health, and deregulation can result in oxidative stress on the brain parenchyma. OBJECTIVE: Our objective in this study was to focus on two hemorrhagic MRI manifestations of small vessel disease [cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and cortical superficial siderosis (cSS)] and associations with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) iron levels. In addition, we aimed to analyze CSF biomarkers for dementia and associations with CSF metal levels. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 196 patients who underwent memory clinic investigation, including brain MRI. CSF was collected and analyzed for metals, amyloid-β (Aβ) 42, total tau (T-tau), and phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and CSF/serum albumin ratios. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between CSF metal levels across diagnostic groups. Higher iron and copper levels were associated with higher CSF levels of Aβ42, T-tau, P-tau, and CSF/serum albumin ratios (p < 0.05). Zinc was associated with higher CSF/serum albumin ratios. There was no significant association between CMBs or cSS and CSF iron levels. An increase in CSF iron with the number of CMBs was seen in APOEɛ4 carriers. CONCLUSION: CSF iron levels are elevated with cerebral microbleeds in APOEɛ4 carriers, with no other association seen with hemorrhagic markers of small vessel disease. The association of elevated CSF iron and copper with tau could represent findings of increased neurodegeneration in these patients

The Massachusetts General Hospital Acute Stroke Imaging Algorithm: An Experience and Evidence Based Approach

The Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroradiology Division employed an experience and evidence based approach to develop a neuroimaging algorithm to best select patients with severe ischemic strokes caused by anterior circulation occlusions (ACOs) for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular treatment. Methods found to be of value included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), non-contrast CT, CT angiography (CTA) and diffusion MRI. Perfusion imaging by CT and MRI were found to be unnecessary for safe and effective triage of patients with severe ACOs. An algorithm was adopted that includes: non-contrast CT to identify hemorrhage and large hypodensity followed by CTA to identify the ACO; diffusion MRI to estimate the core infarct; and NIHSS in conjunction with diffusion data to estimate the clinical penumbra

Optimal Brain MRI Protocol for New Neurological Complaint

Background/Purpose Patients with neurologic complaints are imaged with MRI protocols that may include many pulse sequences. It has not been documented which sequences are essential. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a limited number of sequences in patients with new neurologic complaints. Methods: 996 consecutive brain MRI studies from patients with new neurological complaints were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, reviewers used a 3-sequence set that included sagittal T1-weighted, axial T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and axial diffusion-weighted images. Subsequently, another group of studies were reviewed using axial susceptibility-weighted images in addition to the 3 sequences. The reference standard was the study's official report. Discrepancies between the limited sequence review and the reference standard including Level I findings (that may require immediate change in patient management) were identified. Results: There were 84 major findings in 497 studies in group 1 with 21 not identified in the limited sequence evaluations: 12 enhancing lesions and 3 vascular abnormalities identified on MR angiography. The 3-sequence set did not reveal microhemorrhagic foci in 15 of 19 studies. There were 117 major findings in 499 studies in group 2 with 19 not identified on the 4-sequence set: 17 enhancing lesions and 2 vascular lesions identified on angiography. All 87 Level I findings were identified using limited sequence (56 acute infarcts, 16 hemorrhages, and 15 mass lesions). Conclusion: A 4-pulse sequence brain MRI study is sufficient to evaluate patients with a new neurological complaint except when contrast or angiography is indicated

Quantitative positron emission tomography-guided magnetic resonance imaging postprocessing in magnetic resonance imaging-negative epilepsies

Objective: Detection of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is of paramount importance in epilepsy presurgical evaluation. Our study aims at utilizing quantitative positron emission tomography (QPET) analysis to complement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) postprocessing by a morphometric analysis program (MAP) to facilitate automated identification of subtle FCD. Methods: We retrospectively included a consecutive cohort of surgical patients who had a negative preoperative MRI by radiology report. MAP was performed on T1-weighted volumetric sequence and QPET was performed on PET/computed tomographic data, both with comparison to scanner-specific normal databases. Concordance between MAP and QPET was assessed at a lobar level, and the significance of concordant QPET-MAP(+) abnormalities was confirmed by postresective seizure outcome and histopathology. QPET thresholds of standard deviations (SDs) of -1, -2, -3, and -4 were evaluated to identify the optimal threshold for QPET-MAP analysis. Results: A total of 104 patients were included. When QPET thresholds of SD = -1, -2, and -3 were used, complete resection of the QPET-MAP(+) region was significantly associated with seizure-free outcome when compared with the partial resection group (P = 0.023, P <0.001, P = 0.006) or the no resection group (P = 0.002, P <0.001, P = 0.001). The SD threshold of -2 showed the best combination of positive rate (55%), sensitivity (0.68), specificity (0.88), positive predictive value (0.88), and negative predictive value (0.69). Surgical pathology of the resected QPET-MAP(+) areas revealed mainly FCD type L Multiple QPETMAP(+) regions were present in 12% of the patients at SD = -2. Significance: Our study demonstrates a practical and effective approach to combine quantitative analyses of functional (QPET) and structural (MAP) imaging data to improve identification of subtle epileptic abnormalities. This approach can he readily adopted by epilepsy centers to improve postresective seizure outcomes for patients without apparent lesions on MRI.Peer reviewe