UPDATING THE CONCEPT OF METABOLICALLY HEALTHY OBESITY

Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer. However, a proportion of the obese individuals display a significantly lower risk for metabolic complications than expected for their degree of body mass index, and this subtype of obesity was described as "metabolically healthy obesity" (MHO). No universally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of MHO exists and the prevalence of this subtype of obesity varies largely according to criteria used. Broadly, MHO is characterized by a lower amount of visceral fat, a more favorable inflammatory profile, and less insulin resistance as compared to the metabolically unhealthy obesity. Currently, controversies exist regarding the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality associated with MHO as compared to metabolically-healthy non-obese individuals. Further research is needed in order to identify the MHO phenotype and if MHO is truly healthy for a long period of time or if it is a transient state from normal metabolic/normal weight to abnormal metabolic/obese state. This review will discuss the MHO definition criteria; the differences between MHO and metabolically unhealthy obesity; the possible underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of MHO.

EATING PATTERNS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN THE POPULATION INCLUDED IN THE OBESITY STUDY IN ROMANIA (ORO STUDY)

Context

Four major modifiable behavioral risk factors are considered responsible for the current burden of the non-communicable diseases: tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol consumption. Limited data on the lifestyle habits in Romanian population is currently available.

Objective

To assess the eating patterns and physical activity habits and other lifestyle components in various age groups in the population included in the ORO study.

Design

ORO was a cross-sectional, epidemiologic, multicenter non-interventional study conducted from January 2014 until August 2014 in 8 study centers spread in the main historical regions of Romania.

Results

Eating 3 meals/day every day was more frequently reported in the 60-79 years and ≥ 80 years age groups (53.0% and 51.7%) than in the 18-39 years and 40-59 years age groups (26.8% and 35.8%), p <0.001. The frequency of eating breakfast every day increased with age from 43.5% in the youngest age group to 79.3% in the oldest one (p <0.001). Intense and moderate leisure-time physical activity was more frequent among participants in the 18- 39 years age group. Leisure time physical activities were associated with younger age groups, male sex, rural area, higher educational level and non-smoking status. Regular breakfast and regular consumption of 3 meals/day was associated with older age group, male sex and non-smoking status.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed a high frequency of unhealthy lifestyle habits among the younger age groups as compared to the older ones, with the highest frequency of these unhealthy behavior reported in the 18-39 years age group.

Classification of red wines using suitable markers coupled with multivariate statistic analysis

Methodologies for chemometric classification of five authentic red wine varieties from Murfatlar wine center, Romania, young and aged are reported. The discriminant analysis based on several anthocyanins, organic acids, (13)C/(12)C, (18)O/(16)O and D/H isotopic ratios, (1)H and (13)C NMR fingerprints revealed a very satisfactory categorization of the wines, both in terms of variety and vintage, thus illustrating the validity of selected variables for wine authentication purposes. LDA applied to the combined data shows 85.7% classification of wines according to grape variety and 71.1% classification of wines according to vintage year, including a control wine set for each categorization, thus allowing an accurate interpretation of the data. Thereby, anthocyanins, certain anthocyanin ratios, oxalic, shikimic, lactic, citric and succinic acids, sugars like glucose, amino acids like histidine, leucine, isoleucine and alanine, and also 2,3-butanediol, methanol, glycerol and isotopic variables were significant for classification of wines.

A modular electrochemical peptide-based sensor for antibody detection

We report a modular electrochemical peptide-based sensor targeting the anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibody. A recognition peptide, here DGP, is grafted onto a supporting peptide bearing a redox label. The fabricated peptide-based sensor supports the detection of the target antibody (anti-DGP antibody) in the nanomolar range.

Predisposing factors for neuropathic ulcerations in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk factors the precipitates ulcerations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study a group of 100 patients were selected from November 2007 till October 2008 who were coming for treatment at the Diabetes center of Cluj Napoca, Romania for treatment. 50 cases were patients with ulcerations and 50 without any ulceration.

RESULTS

Most important results were: (Age, sex type, biological parameters like HDL, total cholesterol, creatinine ESR, polyneuropathy, arteriopathy, diabetic foot type, diabetes duration). We obtained these results using different statical methods.

CONCLUSION

Ulcerations in diabetic neuropathy are caused by a whole combination of several factors which should be monitored by a meticulous examination and careful follow up of diabetic patients. This in turn will be beneficiary for patients as well as economically interesting reduce the amount of money which is used to treat ulcerations.

Acetylcholinesterase biosensor for carbamate drugs based on tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane/ionic liquid conductive gels

A highly sensitive acetylcholinesterase biosensor was developed for detection of carbamate drugs based on TTF-TCNQ-ionic liquid gel thiocholine sensor. The TTF-TCNQ-ionic/ionic liquid gel was characterized by FT-IR and scanning electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic behavior of TTF-TCNQ-ionic liquid gels toward oxidation of thiocholine was thoroughly investigated. 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate gel based sensor allowed amperometric detection of thiocholine at +400 mV vs. Ag/AgCl with a high sensitivity of 55.9±1.2 μA mM(-1)cm(-2) and a low detection limit equal to 7.6 μM. The catalytic rate constant and diffusion constant of thiocholine were estimated from chronoamperometric data. The proposed biosensor based on AChE immobilized in sol-gel matrix was used for the detection of two carbamate therapeutic drugs. Very low detection limits of 26 pM eserine and 0.3 nM neostigmine were achieved. The analysis of spiked tap water proved the biosensor capability to be used as a screening method for detection of carbamate drugs in wastewaters.

Phase II study of erlotinib plus gemcitabine in first-line treatment of poor prognosis, advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present trial was to investigate whether clinical benefit can be obtained by concurrent administration of erlotinib with gemcitabine as first-line treatment in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ECOG performance status (PS) 2.

METHODS

Included were chemotherapy-naive patients with histologically/cytologically documented unresectable advanced and/or metastatic (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC and ECOG PS 2. In this phase II, single-arm study, all patients received first-line gemcitabine plus erlotinib for 6 cycles or until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or patient withdrawal due to any reason. The primary study objectives were the evaluation of disease response and the time to progression. Secondary objectives included evaluation of overall survival and the safety profile of gemcitabine plus erlotinib.

RESULTS

Nineteen eligible patients were studied. The overall response rate (complete response/CR and partial response7sol;PR) was 15.8% and the clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+stable disease sol;SD) 36.84%.The median overall survival for the whole study group was 39 weeks (95% CI 27-51) and the median time to disease progression for 19 evaluable patients was 15 weeks (95% CI 7-36). The safety profile of the combination was acceptable with only 2 serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Taking into account similar published clinical studies we conclude that gemcitabine plus erlotinib achieve superior response rate and comparable overall survival with acceptable toxicity compared to monochemotherapy with gemcitabine. This combination represents a treatment option for patients with advanced NSCLC and ECOG PS 2.

Synergistic effect of mediator-carbon nanotube composites for dehydrogenases and peroxidases based biosensors

Very sensitive, low cost and reliable NADH and H(2)O(2) sensors were realised and used for development of enzyme based biosensors. The active surface of the electrodes was modified with a nanocomposite obtained by modification of SWNT with a proper mediator: Meldola Blue (for NADH) and Prussian Blue (for H(2)O(2)). Low applied potential of -50 mV vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode proved the synergistic effect of nanocomposite materials towards NADH and H(2)O(2) detection. Biosensors for malic acid and alkylphenols have been developed, using mediator-functionalized-SWNT-based electrodes and two different classes of enzymes: NAD(+)-dependent dehydrogenases and peroxidases. Immobilization of the enzymes was realised using a series of different procedures - adsorption, Nafion membrane, sol-gel and glutaraldehyde, in order to find the best configuration for a good operational stability. A higher sensitivity comparing with other reported biosensors of about 12.41 mA/M.cm(2) was obtained for l-malic acid biosensor with enzyme immobilised in Nafion membrane. Phenol, 4-t-octylphenol and 4-n-nonylphenol were used as standard compounds for HRP based biosensor. Fast biosensor response and comparable detection limit with HPLC methods were achieved.

Amperometric Low-Potential Detection of Malic Acid Using Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Based Electrodes

The electrocatalytical property of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT)modified electrode toward NADH detection was explored by cyclic voltammetry andamperometry techniques. The experimental results show that SWNT decrease theovervoltage required for oxidation of NADH (to 300 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) and this propertymake them suitable for dehydrogenases based biosensors. The behavior of the SWNTmodified biosensor for L-malic acid was studied as an example for dehydrogenasesbiosensor. The amperometric measurements indicate that malate dehydrogenase (MDH)can be strongly adsorbed on the surface of the SWNT-modified electrode to form anapproximate monolayer film. Enzyme immobilization in Nafion membrane can increasethe biosensor stability. A linear calibration curve was obtained for L-malic acidconcentrations between 0.2 and 1mM.

Biosensors based on screen-printing technology, and their applications in environmental and food analysis

This review summarizes scientific research activity on biosensors, especially screen-printed, electrode-based biosensors. The basic configurations of biosensors based on screen-printing technology are discussed and different procedures for immobilization of the biorecognition component are reviewed. Theoretical aspects are exemplified by practical environmental and food-analysis applications of screen-printed, electrode-based biosensors.