Are girls more insulin-resistant than boys?

ObjectiveThe objective was to determine whether girls were more insulin-resistant than boys.Design and methodsData from 1009 children (508 males) in 10 elementary schools, between April and September, 2007 were collected. BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, Tanner stage, lipids, insulin, and glucose were obtained.ResultsOne hundred and sixty five (16.4%) of the children were obese (> 95%ile), and 166 (16.5%) were overweight (85–95%ile). Mean HOMA-IR and insulin were higher among 10.0–13.9-year-old girls than boys. Multiple logistic regression using the 3rd quartile of HOMA-IR as the dependent variable showed that only BMI OR = 1.18 (95% CI 1.12–1.24; p  < 0.001), Tanner OR = 1.39 (95% CI 1.12–1.73; p  = 0.003) and triglycerides 1.005 (95% CI 1.00–1.01; p  = 0.04) were significantly associated with insulin resistance while sex and HDL-C were not.ConclusionsThis study showed that no significant sex-related differences were found, and HOMA-IR was associated with adiposity and pubertal stage suggesting that the higher values of HOMA-IR in girls than in boys could be due to their earlier pubertal development.     

Perioperative statins: more than lipid-lowering?

Preliminary evidence indicates that statin drugs may be beneficial when given in the perioperative period. Although more studies are needed to draw firm conclusions, the acute nonlipid pleiotropic effects of statins may improve patient outcomes, especially for patients at the highest risk.     

Postoperative cryotherapy – it's more than just cold

ABSTRACT:

Physiotherapy and physical rehabilitation therapies are increasingly becoming a popular method of treatment used by veterinary professionals for animals recovering from musculoskeletal and spinal disorders. Many of the rehabilitation therapies applied to veterinary patients have been extrapolated from human clinical and physiotherapy practice; however, further research and clinical studies are required to establish the specific rehabilitation requirements for the broad spectrum of orthopaedic and neurological conditions seen in small animal practice.¹ Owen, M. R. (2006) ‘Rehabilitation Therapies for Musculoskeletal and Spinal Disease in Small Anima Practice’, EJCAP, 16(2): 137–148. [Google Scholar]

With great advances in veterinary diagnostic and treatment modalities, comes the ability to provide specialist patient management for diseases such as spinal and orthopaedic conditions. These advances and specialist skills also assist to provide outstanding patient care for those clients with increased expectations of veterinary services, and increased awareness of complementary therapies.² Veenman, P. (2006) ‘Animal Physiotherapy’, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 10: 317–327.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]

The author suggests that, with an increased awareness of cryotherapy's mode of action and the important role it plays in recovery and rehabilitation, the VS and RVN can implement this simple, physiotherapy modality into their surgical practice to improve and maximise patient care.     

Split-bolus CT urogram: Is less more?

Abdominal Radiology - To determine the accuracy of split-bolus CT urogram (SB-CTU) without special maneuvers for ureteral distention in diagnosing upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UCA). A...