Polydactyly was the most common diagnosis (n = 263; 73% of digital anomalies). Associated anomalies in these patients were congenital heart malformations (n = 93; 25.8% of the newborns with congenital digital anomalies), central nervous system anomalies (n = 17; 4.7%), and musculoskeletal anomalies (n = 13; 3.6%). Newborns with congenital digital anomalies were more likely to be males (62.2 vs. 37.8%; P < 0.001),

and of a Bedouin Arab descent compared BGJ398 in vitro to Jewish ethnicity (61.4 vs. 38.6%; P = 0.004). Significantly higher rates of severe pre-eclampsia, recurrent abortions, transverse lie, and low birth-weight (< 2,500 g) infants were found among newborns with digital anomalies.

The incidence GSI-IX nmr of digital anomalies can vary according to the population characteristics. It may be associated with other skeletal and non-skeletal malformations as well as with certain adverse obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. If a fetal digit anomaly is suspected, a detailed assessment of fetal anatomy is mandatory to exclude other malformations.”
“Various regimens of folic acid-based and vitamin B12 (Vit B12) supplementations have been tried for lowering plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels in uremic patients. However, the therapeutic potency of low-dose folic acid and Vit B12 alone is not

properly understood. In this study, seventy-five patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) therapy were randomized into three groups. The FNA group received intravenous (IV) supplementation with folinic acid 3 mg weekly; the Vit B12 group received IV supplementation with vitamin B12 1 mg weekly; and the combination group received IV supplementation with both agents weekly. Blood levels of Hcy, folic acid, and Vit B12 were measured monthly for three months. After three months of treatment, plasma levels of Hcy decreased significantly in all three Small molecule library groups when compared with their baselines (all p 0.05). The final Hcy level was significantly lower in the combination group (11.5 2.3 mol/L) when compared with that of the FNA group (15.9 5.6 mol/L, p 0.05) but not with the Vit B12 group (15.9 11.6 mol/L), although their baseline levels

were similar. The percentage decreases of tHcy at the end of the treatment in the FNA group, Vit B12 group, and combination group were 16.4%, 29.3%, and 38.9% respectively. Our study showed that IV pharmacologic dose of Vit B12 alone is as effective as low-dose folic acid in correcting hyperhomocysteinemia in chronic HD patients, and combining both drugs in low doses may have added effects.”
“The hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titers of a panel of 25 mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against 44 isolates of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 were determined. A two-dimensional antigenic dendrogram was constructed by hierarchical clustering of HI titers. Viruses with similar reactivity patterns were clustered horizontally, whereas MAbs were clustered vertically.

Prospective larger studies are required to confirm these findings in drug-free and medicated patients with narcolepsy. Inclusion of patients with

other central hypersomnias GSK3235025 without hypocretin deficiency will provide answer to the major question of the role of the hypocretin system in reward based behaviors and emotional processing in humans.”
“Background: Health effects linked to exposure to high air pollutant levels have been described in depth, and many recent epidemiologic studies have also consistently reported positive associations between exposure to air pollutants at low concentrations (particularly PM2.5) and adverse health outcomes.

Objective: To estimate the number of avoidable deaths associated with reducing PM2.5 levels in Spain.

Materials and methods: For exposure assessment, we used the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Multiscale Air Quality model to simulate air pollution levels with a spatial resolution of 18 x 18 km(2). Two different selleck screening library scenarios were compared, namely, a baseline 2004 scenario based on Spain’s National Emissions Inventory and a projected 2011 scenario in which a reduction in PM2.5 was estimated on the basis of the benefits that might be attained if specific air quality policies were implemented. Using an 18 x 18 km2 grid, air pollution data were estimated for the entire Iberian

Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, FK866 Ceuta and Melilla. For these strata, crude all-cause mortality

rates (ICD-10: A00-Y98) were then calculated for the over-30 and 25-74 age groups, taking into account the 2004 population figures corresponding to these same age groups, selected in accordance with the concentration-response functions (Pope CA 3rd, Burnett RT,Thun MJ, Calle EE, Krewski D, Ito K et al. Lung cancer, cardiopulmonary mortality, and long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution. JAMA 2002; 287:1132-41; Laden F. Schwartz J, Speizer FE, Dockery DW. Reduction in fine particulate air pollution and mortality: extended follow-up of the Harvard Six Cities study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2006; 173:667-72.). Health impacts were assessed using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP).

Results: Air quality improvement was defined as an average annual reduction of 0.7 mu g/m(3) in PM2.5 levels. Using long-term health impact assessment analysis, we estimated that 1720 (673-2760) all-cause deaths (6 per 100,000 population) in the over-30 age group and 1450(780-2108) all-cause deaths (5 per 100,000 population) in the 25-74 age group could be prevented annually.

Conclusions: The results showed the potential benefits in general mortality which could be expected if pollution control policies were successfully implemented by 2011. A specifically adapted BenMAP could be used as a tool for estimating health impacts associated with changes in air pollution in Spain.

Most of the studies found correlations between sBTM and bone mineral density (BMD) changes under antiresorptive therapies, although inconsistently. The only published study on the impact of sBTM on persistence

to therapy showed negative results. There was no evidence that sBTM allow the prediction of adverse effects, especially osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Conclusions: sBTM reflect the skeletal effects of anti-osteoporotic treatments. Pretreatment values are not recommended for selecting therapy. Short-term changes are significantly correlated with BMD variation, but there is no published LY3023414 molecular weight evidence that they predict benefit on fracture risk at the individual level. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Semin Arthritis Rheum 41:157-169″
“BackgroundCurrently, acyclovir (ACV) at 1000mg/day is widely used selleckchem as prophylaxis in the early phase of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in Japan. However, low-dose ACV (200mg/day) has been shown to prevent varicella zoster virus reactivation in the middle and late phases of HSCT.

MethodsTherefore, in this study, we decreased the dose of ACV to 200mg/day in the early phase after HSCT. We analyzed 93 consecutive herpes simplex virus (HSV)-seropositive patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT for the first time in our center between June 2007 and December 2011.

ResultsBefore August 2009,

38 patients received oral ACV at 1000mg/day (ACV1000) until day 35 after

HSCT, whereas 55 patients received oral ACV at 200mg/day (ACV200) after September 2009. We compared the cumulative incidence of HSV infection in the 2 groups. Oral ACV was changed to intravenous administration because of intolerance in 66% and 45% of the patients BAY 63-2521 clinical trial in the ACV1000 and ACV200 groups, respectively (P=0.060). The probability of severe stomatitis (Bearman grade II-III) was 76% and 60% in the ACV1000 and ACV200 groups, respectively (P=0.12). The number of patients who developed HSV disease before day 100 after HSCT was 0 in the ACV1000 group and 2 in the ACV200 group, with a cumulative incidence of 3.6% (P=0.43). HSV disease in the latter 2 patients was limited to the lips and tongue and was successfully treated with ACV or valacyclovir at a treatment dose.

ConclusionACV at 200mg/day appeared to be effective for preventing HSV disease in the early phase after HSCT.”
“Background: Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), an inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, has recently emerged as an important player in several critical aspects of bone biology.

Methods: We performed an extensive internet search (MEDLINE) using the key words Dickkopf-1 and the abbreviation DICK-1.

Results: DKK-1 is a regulator of bone mass with increased expression linked to osteopenia and decreased expression to high bone mass.

Severe wound infection is often characterized by necrotizing skin and soft-tissue infection, including fasciitis and gangrene. V. vulnificus possesses several virulence factors, including the ability to evade destruction by stomach acid, capsular polysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide, cytotoxins, pili, and flagellum. The preferred antimicrobial

BKM120 therapy is doxycycline in combination with ceftazidime and surgery for necrotizing soft-tissue infection. (C) 2010 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Persistently febrile neutropenic children at risk for invasive fungal infections receive empiric antifungal therapy as a standard of care. However, little is known about the role of echinocandins selleck screening library and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for empiric antifungal therapy in pediatric patients.

Methods: Patients between the ages of 2 to 17 years with persistent fever and neutropenia were randomly assigned to receive caspofungin (70 mg/m(2) loading dose on day 1, then 50 mg/m2 daily [maximum 70 mg/d]) or L-AmB (3 mg/kg daily) in a 2: 1 ratio. Evaluation of safety was the primary objective of the study. Efficacy was also evaluated, with a successful outcome defined as fulfilling

all components of a prespecified 5-part composite endpoint. Suspected invasive fungal infections were evaluated by an independent, treatment-blinded adjudication committee.

Results: Eighty-two patients received study therapy (caspofungin 56, L-AmB 26), and 81 were evaluated for efficacy (caspofungin 56; L-AmB 25). Outcomes for safety and efficacy endpoints were similar for both study arms. Adverse drug-related event rates [95% confidence interval] were similar between the caspofungin and L-AmB groups (clinical 48.2% [34.7-62.0] versus 46.2% [26.6-66.6]; laboratory 10.7% [4.0-21.9] versus 19.2% [6.6-39.4]). Serious

drug-related adverse events occurred in 1 (1.8%) of caspofungin-treated patients and 3 Selleckchem SB525334 (11.5%) of L-AmB-treated patients. Overall success rates [95% CI] were 46.4% [33.4-59.5] for caspofungin and 32.0% [13.7-50.3] for L-AmB.

Conclusions: Caspofungin and L-AmB were comparable in tolerability, safety, and efficacy as empiric antifungal therapy for persistently febrile neutropenic pediatric patients.”
“Sparganosis is an infection of humans and animals caused by the plerocercoid larvae (spargana) of various diphyllobothroid tapeworms belonging to the genus Spirometra. Sparganosis has been reported sporadically around the world, and a higher prevalence of the disease occurs in several Asian countries, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China. To date, a total of more than 1000 cases of human sparganosis have been reported in 25 provinces in mainland China.

05). FMD was significantly higher in smokers with HF vs nonsmokers with HF (P < 0.05) and did not differ from values seen in nonsmokers without HF (P > 0.05). There were no differences in sEng between smokers and nonsmokers without HF (P > 0.05). sEng was lower in smokers with HF vs nonsmokers with HF (P< 0.05) and did not differ from values seen in nonsmokers without HF (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Smokers with HF had higher brachial FMD and lower sEng than nonsmokers with HF, and values were comparable

to nonsmokers without HF. These findings offer novel insight into the smoker’s paradox and suggest that improved short- term outcome in patients hospitalized with HF may in part be mediated by preservation of vascular endothelial function in this setting.”
“Objective. Bradykinin (BK) induces differentiation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which www.selleckchem.com/products/CAL-101.html play an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling in the airways of asthmatic patients. It is unclear whether this process is affected by antiasthma therapies. Here, we evaluated whether a glucocorticoid, budesonide

(BUD), and a long-acting beta 2-agonist, formoterol (FM), either alone or in combination, modified BK-induced lung fibroblast differentiation, and affected the BK-activated intracellular signaling pathways. Methods. Human fetal lung fibroblasts were incubated with BUD (0.001-0.1 mu M) and/or FM (0.0001-0.1 mu M) before exposure selleck to BK (0.1 or 1 mu M). Fibroblast differentiation into alpha-smooth-muscleactin-positive (alpha-SMA(+)) myofibroblasts, BK2 receptor (B2R) expression, extracellular

signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) phosphorylation (p-ERK1/2), intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)), and p65 nuclear factor kappa B translocation were evaluated. Results. BUD (0.1 mu M) and FM (0.1 mu M), either alone or in combination, completely inhibited BK-induced alpha-SMA protein expression and decreased the numbers of alpha-SMA(+) fibroblasts, with a clear reduction in alpha-SMA stress fibers organization. BUD also completely inhibited the increase of B2R, whereas FM with or without BUD had no effect. BK-induced increases of [Ca2+](i) and p-ERK1/2 were significantly reduced to similar levels by BUD and FM, either alone or in combination, learn more whereas p65 translocation was completely inhibited by all treatments. Conclusion. Both BUD and FM, either alone or in combination, effectively inhibited the BK-induced differentiation of fibroblasts into alpha-SMA(+) myofibroblasts and the intracellular signaling pathways involved in fibroblast activation. These results suggest that BUD and FM combination therapy has potential to inhibit fibroblast-dependent matrix remodeling in the airways of asthmatic patients.”
“Objective. To examine the lamellar body count (LBC) value in intra-amniotic infection cases and evaluate its association with the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Methods.

POF phenotype could be partially explained by skewed X chromosome inactivation that influences gene expression.”
“The emerging concept of thread-based microfluidics has shown great promise for application to inexpensive disease detection and environmental monitoring. To allow Rigosertib ic50 the creation of more sophisticated and functional thread-based sensor designs, the

ability to better control and understand the flow of fluids in the devices is required. To meet this end, various mechanisms for controlling the flow of reagents and samples in thread-based microfluidic devices are investigated in this study. A study of fluid penetration in single threads and in twined threads provides

greater practical understanding of fluid velocity and ultimate penetration for the design of devices. “”Switches”" which control when or where flow can occur, or allow the mixing of multiple fluids, have been successfully prototyped from multifilament threads, plastic films, and household adhesive. This advancement allows the fabrication of more functional sensory devices which can incorporate more complex detection chemistries, while maintaining low production cost and simplicity of construction. Selleckchem MK-4827 (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3567094]“
“Most Salmonella infections are usually self-limited; however, some cases of enteritis result in bacteremia, and there have been reports of extra-intestinal manifestations. Cyst infections are rare, and few cases have been reported. We report a 77-year-old woman with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) complicated with a multiple

liver Lapatinib cyst infection caused by Salmonella ajiobo. The patient was hospitalized for fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The blood culture identified Salmonella sp., but the source of infection was not detected by computed tomography or echography. The patient was initially treated with meropenem followed by fluoroquinolones for 3 weeks; however, her C-reactive protein level was high (10-20 mg/dL) even after the antimicrobial therapy. The patient had a fever again on day 51, and Salmonella sp. was detected again from 2 sets of blood cultures. Despite the antimicrobial treatment, her general condition gradually deteriorated, and she died on day 66. The autopsy revealed that most of the liver had been replaced by cysts. Several cysts filled with pus were detected and Salmonella ajiobo was identified in the pus of the infected cysts.”
“Background: Jacobsen syndrome (JBS) is a rare chromosomal disorder leading to multiple physical and mental impairment. This syndrome is caused by a partial deletion of chromosome 11, especially subband 11q24.1 has been proven to be involved.

Conclusions: Serial monitoring of serum PLP concentrations is recommended for PN-dependent patients with short-bowel syndrome before and after transplantation for early detection and prompt initiation of preemptive therapy. Long-term measurement at frequent intervals is also recommended, particularly for transplant recipients, to diagnose late deficiency despite achievement of CNA and to prevent toxicity from overdose. Am J Clin U0126 nmr Nutr 2009; 89: 204-9.”
“Cell

proliferation is integrated into developmental progression in multicellular organisms, including plants, and the regulation of cell division is of pivotal importance for plant growth and development. Here, we report the identification of an Arabidopsis SRT2104 in vivo SMALL ORGAN 2 (SMO2) gene that functions in regulation of the progression of cell division during organ growth. The smo2 knockout mutant displays reduced size of aerial organs and shortened roots, due to the decreased number of cells in these organs. Further analyses

reveal that disruption of SMO2 does not alter the developmental timing but reduces the rate of cell production during leaf and root growth. Moreover, smo2 plants exhibit a constitutive activation of cell cycle-related genes and over-accumulation of cells expressing CYCB1;1:beta-glucuronidase (CYCB1;1:GUS) during organogenesis, suggesting that smo2 has a defect in G(2)-M phase progression in the cell cycle. SMO2 encodes a functional homologue of yeast TRM112, a plurifunctional component involved in a few cellular events, including tRNA and protein methylation. In addition, the mutation of SMO2

does not appear to affect endoreduplication in Arabidopsis leaf cells. Taken together we postulate that Arabidopsis SMO2 is a conserved yeast TRM112 homologue and SMO2-mediated cellular events are required for proper progression of cell division in plant growth and development.”
“We investigated the effect of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and 4 (BMP-2 and -4) gene polymorphisms on bone density in postmenopausal Turkish women with osteoporosis. The frequency of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BMP-2 and -4 genes was analyzed in 101 osteoporotic-postmenopausal women and 52 postmenopausal women with positive bone mineral density scores. We evaluated the frequency PXD101 molecular weight of the thymine -> cytosine nucleotide variation at position 538 for BMP-4 and the transposition of adenine -> thymine at codon 190 for BMP-2, with PCR. The proportions of genotypes observed for the BMP-2 SNP in the osteoporotic group were AA (47.5%), AT (39.6%), TT (12.9%), and in the non-osteoporotic group they were AA (48.1%), AT (40.4%), TT (11.5%). The corresponding frequencies for the BMP-4 SNP in the osteoporotic group were TT (30.7%), TC (45.5%), CC (23.8%), and in the non-osteoporotic group they were TT (26.9%), TC (40.4%), CC (32.7%).

One individual had fracture of the T8, while the other fractured the L1 vertebrae. Both injuries were treated conservatively with Taylor braces.

Conclusion

We

highlight one of the potential hazards of this recreational activity, and the almost identical fracture pattern in this couple.”
“Purpose of review

Cocaine use is associated with several rheumatic syndromes. This review summarizes these clinical manifestations and highlights recent LY3039478 research buy developments linked to levamisole-adulterated cocaine.

Recent findings

Cocaine use has been linked to several distinctive syndromes that can be difficult to distinguish from idiopathic rheumatic diseases. These disorders can range in severity from purely cosmetic damage to organ and/or life-threatening disease that includes sinonasal

destruction and vasculitis. Many of these illnesses are associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (cytoplasmic, perinuclear and atypical perinuclear Fedratinib mouse patterns). With the recent introduction of levamisole as a cocaine adulterant, a newly reported syndrome has emerged that is associated with neutropenia, retiform purpura with cutaneous necrosis and autoantibodies consisting of high-titre perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCAs) with specificities for ‘atypical’ antigens.

Summary

Cocaine use is associated with clinical syndromes that closely mimic other primary rheumatic diseases.

Given the high prevalence of cocaine use and its adulteration with levamisole, clinicians should be familiar with these rheumatic manifestations in order to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment with potentially toxic therapies.”
“Purpose of review

Biological agents are therapies designed to target a specific SB203580 cell line molecular component of the immune system, and are currently licensed for use in autoimmune rheumatic, digestive, dermatological and systemic diseases. However, their use has been linked with the paradoxical development of autoimmune processes.

Recent findings

More than 1500 cases of autoimmune diseases induced by biologics have been reported, including a wide variety of both systemic (lupus, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, antiphospholipid syndrome and inflammatory myopathies) and organ-specific (interstitial lung disease, uveitis, optic neuritis, peripheral neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hepatitis) autoimmune processes. Although these processes are overwhelmingly associated with anti-TNF agents, recent cases have been associated with therapies directed against other cytokines, B or T-cells, illustrating that even though targeting a particular immune molecule may be associated with an excellent clinical response in most patients, an unexpected autoimmune response may arise in some cases.

They were compared with patients undergoing correction without traction (group 3).

Results. Significant differences among the groups were observed in mean preoperative Cobb angle (86 degrees vs. 70 degrees vs. 59 degrees), mean intraoperative posttraction Cobb angle (50.0 degrees vs. 34.6 degrees), traction index (0.41 vs. 0.50), flexibility index (0.14 vs. 0.27 vs. 0.25), and presence of primary lumbar curves (0% vs. 32% vs. 14%). Initial onset of MEP amplitude loss (group 1) occurred at a mean of 94 (1-257)

minutes from the onset of surgery, selleck chemical was bilateral in 13 procedures, and improved at a mean of 5.5 (1-29) minutes after decreasing or removing the traction. At closure, complete bilateral recovery to baseline was observed in 10 procedures, recovery to >50% baseline in five, and recovery to <50% baseline in three procedures. There were no neurologic deficits in this series.

Conclusion. Intraoperative traction is associated with frequent changes in MEP monitoring. The thoracic location of the major curve, increasing Cobb angle, and rigidity of major curve are significant risk factors for changes in MEP with traction. The presence of any MEP recordings irrespective of its amplitude at closure was associated with normal neurological function. Somatosensory evoked potential monitoring did SBE-β-CD not correlate

with the traction induced MEP amplitude changes.”
“Purpose: To elucidate whether echogenicity (EG) of the basal ganglia and thalami (BGT) represents https://www.selleckchem.com/Proteasome.html a physiologic phenomenon in preterm neonates (<32 weeks gestation).

Materials and Methods: The study was approved by the medical ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from the parents. Sequential neonatal cranial ultrasonographic (US) images obtained in 130 preterm neonates were evaluated for EG of the BGT. In 110 of the 130 neonates,

MR imaging was performed around or within the first months after term-equivalent age to assess myelination and changes in BGT signal. Cranial US studies obtained in 83 low-risk near-term neonates were used for comparison.

Results: Diffuse homogeneous bilateral EG of the BGT was seen in 120 (92%) of 130 preterm neonates and in seven (8%) of 83 low-risk neonates (P < .001). In preterm neonates, EG of the BGT faded with age and was no longer seen 1 month after delivery. This finding was associated with frontal echodensity, which is a normal prematurity-related cranial US phenomenon that occurs in the white matter (P < .001). No association with changes on MR images was found.

Conclusion: In preterm neonates, diffuse homogeneous EG of the BGT is a frequent and normal prematurity-related finding.”
“BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that T-cell pro-inflammatory cytokines in the airways are associated with acute lung transplant rejection.

Objective: To advance understanding about this fundamental concept, we examined the ability of serum myristic acid and linoleic acid, expressed as molecular percentages or as concentrations, to predict

dietary fat and serum cholesterol concentrations.

Design: A cross-sectional analysis of a population-based survey of New Zealand adults (n = 2732) was undertaken. The association of myristic BI 6727 order and linoleic acids in serum cholesterol ester and phospholipid with dietary fat or serum cholesterol was assessed.

Results: Intake of saturated fat, dairy fat, and polyunsaturated fat was predicted similarly with the use of both units of measurement. After adjustment for confounders, mean total cholesterol decreased by 0.18 mmol/L from the lowest to the highest quintile of serum cholesteryl-linoleate as a molecular percentage (P

= 0.027). In contrast, mean total cholesterol increased by 1.09 mmol/L from the lowest to the highest quintile of serum cholesteryl-linoleate concentration (P < 0.001). The molecular percentage and concentration of serum cholesteryl-myristate were positively associated with total cholesterol (P < 0.001). Results for serum phospholipid fatty acids were similar.

Conclusion: Serum myristic acid and linoleic acid measured as molecular percentages, but not as concentrations, predict serum total cholesterol in a manner CDK activation that distinguishes between the differential

cholesterolemic effects of dietary saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Am J Clin Nutr 2010;91:398-405.”
“Background: Data evaluating the frequency of elevated aminotransferases (as a surrogate for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) and metabolic syndrome (MS) components among overweight multiethnic children/adolescents originating predominantly from South/Central America and the Caribbean are limited.

Methods: A sample (N = 284) of multiethnic (75% Latino, 25% Afro Caribbean/non-Hispanic black) Selleckchem PR171 overweight children/adolescents’ (mean age 12.24 +/- 3.48) overnight fasting insulin and glucose, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, HDL/LDL/total cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminostransferase (ALT) were analyzed.

Results: A total of 22% of the sample had elevated ALT (>= 30 U/L; mean 25.94 U/L for Hispanics, 23.05 U/L for blacks) and 8% had elevated AST (>= 35 U/L; mean 23.05 U/L for Hispanics, 24.68 U/L for blacks). AST and ALT were significantly correlated with triglycerides (r = 0.23, P < .01; r = 0.18, P < .05, respectively) for the overall sample.

Conclusions: Among overweight adolescents, MS components are associated with NALFD in subgroups of major ethnic groups suggesting that AST and ALT as surrogate markers for NAFLD should be included in addition to the standard cardio metabolic tests.