Genetic glucocorticoid receptor variants differ between ethnic groups but do not explain variation in age of diabetes onset, metabolic and inflammation parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aims: The effect of excess glucocorticoid receptor (GR) stimulation through glucocorticoid medication or cortisol on glucose metabolism is well established. There are genetic GR variants that result in increased or decreased GR stimulation. We aimed to determine the prevalence of genetic GR variants in different ethnic groups in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes, and we aimed to determine their association with age of diabetes onset and metabolic and inflammation parameters.

Cellular origin and microRNA profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles in different stages of diabetic nephropathy.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes and the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small cell-derived vesicles that can alter disease progression by microRNA (miRNA) transfer.

Methods: In this study, we aimed to characterize the cellular origin and miRNA content of EVs in plasma samples of type 2 diabetes patients at various stages of DN.

Increased Circulating and Urinary Levels of Soluble TAM Receptors in Diabetic Nephropathy.

TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) have been implicated in innate immunity. Circulating TAM receptor soluble forms (sTyro3, sAxl, sMer) are related to autoimmune disorders. We investigated TAM and their ligand protein S in patients with diabetes.

Oral health information from the dentist to the diabetologist.

Background: Diabetes care includes annual evaluation of micro- and macrovascular complications, however, oral pathologies are not included. We studied retrieving oral health information, in particular periodontal disease, from the dentist and studied the association between the reported periodontal condition and variables of both diabetes and dental care.

Methods: During their annual comprehensive diabetes evaluation, patients were asked to deliver an oral health questionnaire (OHQ) to their dentist.

Skin autofluorescence and complications of diabetes: does ethnic background or skin color matter?

Aims: Skin autofluorescence (AF) has been associated with complications of diabetes. We evaluated the influence of skin color and ethnicity on the association between skin AF and the presence of diabetes-related complications.

Materials And Methods: In a multiethnic type 2 diabetes cohort we investigated all patients with available skin AF measurements.

The longer-term effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery on sodium excretion.

Background: Obesity is an independent risk factor for hypertension and chronic kidney disease. During the first months after bariatric surgery, an improvement of sodium excretion has been described. The aim of this work was to study the influence of bariatric surgery on sodium excretion at more than a year after the intervention.

Low attack rate of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection among healthcare workers: a prospective study in a setting with an elaborated containment plan.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine incidence rates of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection among healthcare personnel with different exposure risks during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Methods: From August 2009 until April 2010, 66 healthcare workers from a 410 bed teaching hospital in Amsterdam were monitored. The following three different exposure groups were created: a high- (n = 26), intermediate- (n = 20), and low-risk group (n = 20).