Social Control in Older Adults’ Diabetes Self Management and Well-Being

The “dual effects” hypothesis argues that social control can be effective in promoting positive health-related behavior change, but it can also jeopardize the targeted individual's well-being. This hypothesis is tested using hemoglobin A1C as an objective indicator of behavioral compliance with diabetes self-management behavior and depressive symptoms. Differences in the effects of social control on A1C and depressive symptoms by sex and ethnicity are tested.

Cross-sectional data were obtained from a multi-ethnic sample of older adults with diabetes (N = 593). Greater social control was associated with poorer rather than better odds of achieving glucose control, and with greater depressive symptoms. There was no evidence that social control has differential effects on either glucose control or depressive symptoms by sex or ethnicity. Active use of social control attempts by family members and friends, especially if they are coercive or punitive in nature, are likely counterproductive for maintaining the physical and mental health of older adults with diabetes.     

Quantifying cellular forces: Practical considerations of traction force microscopy for dermal fibroblasts

Traction force microscopy (TFM) is a well‐established technique traditionally used by biophysicists to quantify the forces adherent biological cells exert on their microenvironment. As image processing software becomes increasingly user‐friendly, TFM is being adopted by broader audiences to quantify contractility of (myo)fibroblasts. While many technical reviews of TFM’s computational mechanics are available, this review focuses on practical experimental considerations for dermatology researchers new to cell mechanics and TFM who may wish to implement a higher throughput and less expensive alternative to collagen compaction assays. Here, we describe implementation of experimental methods, analysis using open‐source software and troubleshooting of common issues to enable researchers to leverage TFM for their investigations into skin fibroblasts.     

Energy density,diet quality,and central body fat in a nationwide survey of young Spaniards

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of energy density on diet quality and anthropometric proxy measures for central body fat in young Spaniards.MethodsData were obtained from a representative national sample of 2513 young Spaniards aged 10 to 24 y. Dietary assessment was performed with a 24-h recall. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the KIDMED index. Reduced rank regression analysis was used to identify energy-density dietary patterns. Waist circumferences and height were measured.ResultsPastries and sausages showed the strongest loading for the dietary energy density factor score (DED-FS), with fruits and vegetables at the opposite end of the scale. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive association (P < 0.01) of dietary energy density (DED) and the DED-FS with waist circumferences regressed on height and age (WC_height+age) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). The adjusted odds ratio for elevated WC_height+age and WHtR increased across quartile distribution of DED (P < 0.001) and DED-FS (P < 0.05). Diet quality characterized by the KIDMED index was negatively associated (P < 0.001) with DED and the DED-FS.ConclusionsHigher DED is a risk for increased central fat distribution and is associated with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet.     

Case for diagnosis

Idiopathic Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini (IAPP) is a rare, exclusively cutaneous disease. It is more frequent in females, with incidence peak in the second and third decades of life. The etiopathogenesis remains unknown. IAPP most commonly affects the back, abdomen and proximal regions of the limbs. Lesions may be rounded, oval or circular; single or multiple. The evolution is variable and the course is initially progressive. Collagen changes such as atrophy, thinning, condensation and sclerosis may be observed in the papillary dermis. This paper describes a case of Idiopathic Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini with histopathologic findings.