Leptin and steroid hormone responses to exercise in adolescent female runners over a 7-week season

The purpose of the study was to investigate the responses of leptin and steroid hormones to maximal exercise in adolescent female runners over a competitive season. Seven adolescent female distance runners completed three testing trials during weeks 1, 4 and 7 of their high-school track season. Blood samples were collected before and after a discontinuous graded exercise test to exhaustion (GXT) for each trial. Tests were administered during the subjects' normal training time (3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.). Compared to week 1, peak O₂ uptake rose significantly during the season and was 10% and 7% higher at weeks 4 and 7, respectively. Levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol, testosterone, and leptin increased significantly in response to the graded exercise tests. Testosterone levels were also changed over the course of the study. Resting testosterone levels and testosterone responses to exercise in weeks 4 and 7 were both higher than in week 1. Resting concentrations and acute increases of the other hormones were not changed over the season. It appears, therefore, that DHEA, DHEAS, cortisol, testosterone and leptin concentrations increase in response to running in adolescent female runners. Data also suggest that training and/or maturation increases resting testosterone concentrations and testosterone responses to running in adolescent female runners during a training season. Electronic Publication     

Awareness and Prevention of Osteoporosis Among South Asian Women

We examined awareness of osteoporosis prevention among peri- and post-menopausal South Asian women attending two community centers in the Dallas/Fort-Worth Metroplex. We conducted a quasi-experimental study (final N = 61) assessing knowledge about osteoporosis among South Asian women (≥40 years). The mean age was 52.3 years (SD = 8.72). Over 50% were college educated and 64% had no health insurance. We administered a baseline knowledge test, followed by a health education intervention and, 2 weeks later, by a post-test. Participants received one point for each correct answer and scores were added (≤14). Participants showed a significant increase in osteoporosis knowledge post intervention (paired t ₆₀ = −9.5, P < .01). For example, women reported highest knowledge gains on the following: adequate calcium intake is achievable from two glasses of milk a day; very thin women are at risk for developing osteoporosis, and family history of osteoporosis is a risk factor. Intervention completers were better prepared to prevent and manage osteoporosis. Results indicate the efficacy of educational intervention in improving osteoporosis awareness; and point to the potential for knowledge acquisition aimed at developing community-based prevention strategies at the community level.     

Effects of stimulant medication on cognitive performance of children with ADHD

The effect that treatment with stimulant medication has on the intellectual performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was examined. Thirty-one children diagnosed with ADHD were given a WISC-III before any treatment was implemented. At least 1 year later, children were retested. At this time, 24 of the children were taking stimulant medications. Children receiving medications had significant increases in IQ scores, but no changes were found for those not taking medications. Changes in IQ scores were moderately related to parents' perceived efficacy of the medication and parent-reported compliance with medication but were not strongly related to changes in parent-reported ADHD symptoms.     

Exposure to furosemide as the strongest risk factor for nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants

Background:  The objective of this study was to determine which of the many risk factors for nephrocalcinosis (NC) in preterm infants are most relevant.
Methods:  In 55 neonates born before 32 completed weeks of gestation, parameters relevant to NC were analyzed. Median birthweight was 1010 g (range 500–2070 g). Fifteen (27%) asymptomatic children had ultrasonographic NC.
Results:  In multivariate analysis the strongest independent risk factor was furosemide therapy above 10 mg per kg bodyweight cumulative dose, with a 48-fold increased risk of NC (odds ratio confidence interval 4.0–585, P < 0.01). The risk of NC was 1.65-fold higher per 100 g lower weight (1.07–2.56, P = 0.02) and 4.5-fold higher per mmol/l of urinary calcium concentration (1.14–17.7, P = 0.03). Many other risk factors were only significant in univariate analysis (gestational age, mechanical ventilation, infection, broncho-pulmonary dysplasia, blood transfusions, intraventricular hemorrhage, surfactant therapy, vasopressors, phenobarbital or caffeine, duration of hospital stay), indicating an indirect effect only. Other parameters of calcium and phosphate homeostasis were not significant, possibly due to standardized supplementation.
Conclusion:  We suggest that in preterm infants, furosemide should be prescribed with caution and close monitoring of calcium excretions is advisable. Some guidelines for infant respiratory distress syndrome now favor calcium-sparing thiazides if diuretics are considered.