The association between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations, C-reactive protein levels, and coronary artery atherosclerosis in postmenopausal monkeys.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the potential relationships between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25OHD(3)), C-reactive protein (CRP), coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA), and coronary artery remodeling in monkeys consuming atherogenic diets.

Methods: Female cynomolgus monkeys (n = 74) were fed a casein-lactalbumin (C/L)-based, moderately atherogenic diet for 12 months. They then consumed either a soy-based (n = 35) or C/L-based (n = 39) diet for 32 months.

Response to an adequate dietary intake of vitamin D3 modulates the effect of estrogen therapy on bone density.

Introduction: This study analyzed associations between plasma vitamin D(3) (25OHD(3)) and bone mineral density (BMD) and whether the effects of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on BMD are modulated by 25OHD(3).

Methods: Fifty cynomolgus monkeys were fed a diet containing 25OHD(3) (providing a woman's equivalent of 1000 IU/day of 25OHD3). The monkeys underwent bilateral oophorectomy and were randomized to either CEE (equivalent of 0.

Coronary artery vitamin D receptor expression and plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D: their association with atherosclerosis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze coronary artery vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, the plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), and their relationship with coronary artery atherosclerosis.

Methods: Premenopausal cynomolgus monkeys were fed atherogenic diets containing the equivalent of 1,000 IU/day of vitamin D3. Protein was derived from casein-lactalbumin (C/L, n = 10), soy protein isolate (soy, n = 10), or a combination (n = 19).

Osteoporosis screening and treatment guidelines: are they being followed?

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine a cohort of women sent for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening to see whether they met the criteria for bone density testing. In addition, we sought to determine whether they were receiving appropriate interventions, based on published guidelines.

Methods: Between January 1, 2007, and March 1, 2009, inclusive, postmenopausal women (age >49 y) who were sent for DXA bone density screening were offered enrollment into the study.

A prospective analysis of the association between cardiovascular disease and depression in middle-aged women.

Objective: Experimental and clinical data demonstrate a close association between depression and coronary heart disease (CHD). Because no simple depression instrument for use by general practitioners has been shown to predict CHD, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether such a questionnaire could predict CHD.

Methods: The prevalence of CHD and CHD risk factors was assessed in women with depression, measured by a validated three-question depression screening instrument.

Identification of a mechanism for increased cardiovascular risk among individuals with low vitamin D concentrations.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma concentrations of vitamin D and its association with plasma lipid profiles.

Methods: Plasma vitamin D3 and lipid concentrations were measured in 119 female cynomolgus monkeys (premenopausal, n = 49; ovariectomized, n = 70) consuming approximately 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D3. In a subset of the ovariectomized monkeys (n = 23), vitamin D3 was remeasured after 6 months.

Atypical glandular cells on cervical cytology and breast disease: what is the association?

Objective: To determine whether metastatic mammary carcinoma can be detected on cervical cytology in patients with atypical glandular cells (AGCs).

Methods: This blinded study of AGC cases with a matched control group was approved by Hartford Hospital institutional review board. Between January 2002 and November 2008, inclusive, all Pap tests in our database with AGC were identified.

Assessment of postmenopausal women and significant risk factors for osteoporosis.

The assessment of osteoporosis risk factors can help guide early intervention. The objective of this study was to analyze numerous potential risk factors to see which were associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Women aged 49 or greater presenting for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry bone scans were recruited from radiology sites in the Hartford, Connecticut, area between January 2007 and March 2009, inclusive.

Sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety among patients of an inner-city menopause clinic.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in a sample comprising women of mostly Hispanic descent and low socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods: Demographic data and symptoms related to sexuality were analyzed from 102 women who consecutively came to the Women's Life Center at Hartford Hospital (2004-2008). FSD was defined as decreased sexual desire, dyspareunia, or vaginal dryness; depression as one positive response to a validated three-question screening instrument; and anxiety as a positive response to whether the patient experiences anxiety sometimes or often.

The association of breast disease and atypical glandular cells on cervical cytology.

Objective: This study seeks to determine whether an association exists between atypical glandular cells (AGC) on cervical cytology and breast disease.

Methods: We analyzed 470,147 Papanicolaou test results from January 1, 2002, to November 17, 2008, inclusive. We studied all cases of AGC versus a control group with normal Papanicolaou test results.

Effects of age at first pregnancy and breast-feeding on the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Objective: Although pregnancy and breast-feeding require adequate calcium mobilization, it is not known if these affect the acquisition of a healthy peak bone mass (PBM) and, hence, postmenopausal osteoporosis (OPS). The objective of this study was to analyze previous pregnancies and/or breast-feeding and their association with OPS.

Methods: After obtaining institutional review board approval, postmenopausal women (>49 y) presenting for a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry bone density scan were invited to participate.