Analysis of Ganglion Cell Complex and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Glaucoma Diagnosis.

The aim was to compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), ocular hypertension (OH) and healthy subjects, and to investigate the role of GCC parameters in glaucoma diagnosis. Eighty-one patients were divided into four groups according to Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson classification: 26 OH, 22 early POAG, 10 moderate to advanced POAG, and 23 healthy subjects. All patients underwent RNFL and GCC thickness measurement using SOCT Copernicus HR.

Efficacy and safety of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial.

Purpose: Despite the lack of evidence, a growing number of people are using herbal medicine to attenuate the burden of diabetes. There is an urgent need to investigate the clinical potential of herbs. Preliminary observations suggest that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius [AG]) may reduce postprandial glycemia.

Diabetic Macular Edema: Traditional and Novel Treatment.

Diabetes is one of the leading public health problems worldwide. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. Ideal metabolic control of diabetes is the primary goal of treatment and the basic way of preventing and stopping the progression of DME.

Total Serum Cholesterol Increases Risk for Development and Progression of Nonproliferative Retinopathy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Without Therapeutic Intervention: Prospective, Observational Study.

Introduction: Results from studies investigating relationship between serum lipids and risk of development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are not consistent. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between serum lipids and risk of development and progression of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in T1DM with normal renal function and with no therapeutic intervention that might influence on retinopathy and serum lipids status.

Methods: A total of 103 T1DM with normal renal function (urinary albumin excretion rate <30 mg/24 h, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL min1.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Liraglutide in Association with Patients' Baseline Characteristics in Real-Life Setting in Croatia: An Observational, Retrospective, Multicenter Study.

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are recommended therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and liraglutide is the most used worldwide. We assessed the glycemic efficacy and extra-glycemic effects of liraglutide during 36 months' follow-up of individuals with poorly regulated T2DM under routine clinical practice and sought to identify the phenotype of treatment responders.

Methods: A total of 207 individuals were included.

Translating recent results from the Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials into clinical practice: recommendations from the Central and Eastern European Diabetes Expert Group (CEEDEG).

Aims: These recommendations aim to improve care for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high cardiovascular (CV) risk in Central and Eastern Europe. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD) are major interdependent comorbidities in patients with T2D, accounting for 50% of mortality. Following recent CV outcomes trial (CVOT) results, including those from EMPA-REG OUTCOME, LEADER, SUSTAIN™-6 and, most recently, the CANVAS study, it is essential to develop regional expert consensus recommendations to aid physicians in interpreting these newest data to clinical practice.

The effect of alpha-linolenic acid on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

Background: Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) have been shown to reduce type 2 diabetes (T2DM) risk and improve insulin responsiveness in T2DM subjects, but whether the plant sources of omega-3 PUFA (alpha-linolenic acid [ALA]) have an effect on glycemic control requires further investigation.

Methods: The parameters of interest were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fructosamine, and glycated albumin. A comprehensive search was conducted with MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane.

Hypopituitarism after gamma knife radiosurgery for pituitary adenoma.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for hypopituitarism after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for pituitary adenoma.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the pituitary function of 90 patients who underwent GKRS for pituitary adenoma at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb between 2003 and 2014. Twenty seven of them met the inclusion criteria and the others were excluded from the study due to pituitary insufficiency which was present before GKRS.

Serum bilirubin levels are negatively associated with diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes and normal renal function.

Introduction: Previous studies suggested that total serum bilirubin levels are negatively associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between serum total bilirubin levels and prevalence of DR in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and normal renal function.

Methods: Study included 163 T1DM with normal renal function (urinary albumin excretion rate <30 mg/24 h, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 ml min1.

The role of adipokines as prognostic factors of one-year mortality in hip fracture patients.

Unlabelled: This study investigated the impact of anthropometric parameters, adiponectin, leptin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), beta-isomerised C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (β-CTX), and routine biochemical tests on one-year mortality in hip fracture patients. We found that male patients with high adiponectin, leptin, and β-CTX levels had a 5-fold increase in all-cause one-year mortality.

Introduction: Several predictors of one-year hip fracture mortality have been identified including advanced age, male sex, low bone mineral density, and preexisting comorbidities.

The Use of Anthropometric Measurements of Obesity in Prediction of Microvascular Complications in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are superior to body mass index (BMI) in predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive power of BMI, WC, WHR and WHtR for microvascular (chronic kidney disease (CKD), retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy) prevalence in obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) T2DM patients. This cross-sectional study included 125 T2DM patients of both genders.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effect of konjac glucomannan, a viscous soluble fiber, on LDL cholesterol and the new lipid targets non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B.

Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests the consumption of konjac glucomannan (KJM), a viscous soluble fiber, for improving LDL-cholesterol concentrations. It has also been suggested that the cholesterol-lowering potential of KJM may be greater than that of other fibers. However, trials have been relatively scarce and limited in sample size and duration, and the effect estimates have been inconsistent.

Age-dependent systemic DNA damage in early Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.

Oxidative stress, capable of eliciting damage to various biomolecules including DNA, is a recognized component of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as other unfavorable outcomes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in the development of T2DM, by investigating association of oxidative DNA damage with metabolic parameters in subjects with MetS and early T2DM.

Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in the treatment of overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background And Aim: Preliminary findings indicate that consumption of Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.), an ancient seed, improves management of type 2 diabetes and suppresses appetite. The aim of this study was to assesse the effect of Salba-chia on body weight, visceral obesity and obesity-related risk factors in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of flax (Linum usitatissimum) and Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds on postprandial glycemia and satiety in healthy individuals: a randomized, controlled, crossover study.

Background/objectives: Flax and Salba-chia seeds have risen in popularity owing to their favorable nutrient composition, including a high fiber content. Despite having comparable nutritional profiles, preliminary observations suggest differences in gelling properties, an attribute that may alter the kinetics of food digestion. Thus, we compared the effect of two seeds on postprandial glycemia and satiety scores.

Persons with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults express higher dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity compared to persons with type 2 and type 1 diabetes.

Aims: We aimed to determine serum dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity in a group of persons with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and to compare it with persons with type 1, type 2 diabetes and healthy controls.

Methods: DPP-4 activity measurement was performed in 67 persons (21 with type 1, 26 type 2 and 19 with LADA) and 13 healthy age and gender matched controls.

Results: Persons with LADA showed highest DPP-4 activity among the study groups (32.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity is associated with urine albumin excretion in type 1 diabetes.

Aims: The inability of kidneys to prevent urinary protein leakage represents the earliest sign of renal damage in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Recent data suggest the possible nephroprotective role of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. We aimed to investigate whether serum DPP-4 activity is associated with urine albumin excretion (UAE) in patients with type 1 diabetes (type 1 DM).

Statin treatment is associated with insulin sensitivity decrease in type 1 diabetes mellitus: A prospective, observational 56-month follow-up study.

Background: Statins are effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in individuals with and without diabetes. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that statins might reduce insulin sensitivity and secretion in healthy population and in type 2 diabetes.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of statin therapy introduction on insulin sensitivity in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Metabolic implications of menstrual cycle length in non-hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovarian morphology.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between menstrual cycle lenght and metabolic parameters in non-hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovarian morphology, n = 250. Metabolic profiles of all participants were evaluated using anthropometric parameters (body mass index, waist circumference), parameters of dyslipidemia (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) and markers of insulin resistance (fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index). The associations between menstrual cycle lenght and cardiometabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity were investigated.

Autonomic nervous system function assessed by conventional and spectral analysis might be useful in terms of predicting retinal deterioration in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Aims: To determine whether cardiac autonomic dysfunction represents a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy (DR) development and progression in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods: The study comprised 154 normoalbuminuric persons with T1DM divided into two groups according to the DR presence: with and without DR. Cardiovascular autonomic functioning was measured at baseline using conventional and spectral analysis.

The importance of success prediction in angioaccess surgery.

Access to the circulation is an "Achilles' heel" of chronic hemodialysis. According to the current guidelines, autologous arteriovenous fistula is the best choice available. However, the impossibility of immediate use and the high rate of non-matured fistulas place fistula far from an ideal hemodialysis vascular access.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors improve arterial stiffness, blood pressure, lipid profile and inflammation parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: This uncontrolled open label study evaluated the effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i): sitagliptin and vildagliptin on augmentation index standardized for 75 beats per minute (cAiX@75), blood pressure (BP), lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Fifty-one well-regulated T2DM patients were randomly assigned to either sitagliptin or vildagliptin (100 mg/day) for 3 months continuing their previous treatment. Lipid profile, cAiX@75, hsCRP, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured at baseline at 4, 8 and 12th week were accessed.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity might be a link between tumour necrosis factor alpha and insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) leads to β cell damage in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) but also causes insulin resistance (IR). It modulates dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity, adipokine linked with both IR and T1DM. We were interested if there is an association of TNF α in conjunction with DPP-4 and IR in T1DM.

Improvement in Depressive Symptoms Is Associated with Reduced Oxidative Damage and Inflammatory Response in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Subsyndromal Depression: The Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Psychoeducation, Physical Exercise, and Enhanced Treatment as Usual.

Aims. To examine one-year changes in oxidative damage and inflammation level in type 2 diabetic patients undergoing behavioral treatment for subsyndromal depression. Materials and Methods.