“
“Background.

The most common ophthalmologic manifestation of hypertension is hypertensive retinopathy. Our study was designed to evaluate the factors that determine retinal vessel caliber in hypertensive subjects. Methods. During a 6-month period, retinal photographs were taken of participants during a routine yearly check-up. The photographs were evaluated by an ophthalmologist and the diameters of the individual retinal vessels were measured and summarized by a computer program. Data including patient’s medical history, physical examination and laboratory evaluations were collected. The find more findings of the ophthalmologic examinations were analyzed with respect to the relevant systemic data. Results. We evaluated 285 subjects (43 women) with an average age of 62 +/- 9 years (range 33 -87). Hypertension was reported in 204 (71.6%) subjects and diabetes mellitus in 60 subjects

(21%). The arteriolar calibers were inversely related to age (R = -017; p = 0.01). Retinal arteriolar and venular calibers were wider in smokers and in subjects with dyslipidemia. History of hypertension was not associated with any vascular changes. However, retinal arteriolar caliber was inversely related to blood pressure levels. Diuretic treatment was associated with narrow retinal venular caliber. Conclusion. The association between different

cardiovascular risk factors and hypertensive retinopathy is complex. Effective blood pressure control VX 770 has a beneficial effect on the vascular selleckchem changes in the retina.”
“Gastric bypass is a successful medical intervention for weight loss for obesity. Weight loss is substantial after this surgery. Predictors of the most successful weight loss are not yet fully known. The purpose of this study was to define variables that improve percent excess weight loss (%EWL) in this post-surgical population.

All patients who underwent the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) during the 5 years preceding the study in one surgical practice (n = 805; respondents = 265; 33%) received the Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire and the Arizona Food Frequency Questionnaire. Analysis through ANOVA testing to determine relationships between selected behaviors and %EWL was performed.

Comparisons of differences in mean %EWL were analyzed using the variables of energy consumption/day (energy consumption), hours of activity/day (hours in activity), and energy expended in activity/day (energy expended). Patients with more energy expended, and hours in activity demonstrated significantly better %EWL (p = 0.05) when compared to those with less energy expended or hours in activity. Reported energy consumption did not significantly influence %EWL in this study.