\n\nMethods: A random sample of 6784 persons from a general population aged 30-60 years participated in a health examination in 1999-2001. Serum samples from all participants were stored and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured by HPLC in 2009. The method was compared to another HPLC method. Information on dietary intake of vitamin D and other lifestyle factors were obtained by questionnaires. A total of 6146 persons this website defined as ethnic Danes

and with successful measurements of 25(OH)D were included in the analyses.\n\nResults: The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D<25nmol/l) and insufficiency (25(OH) D<50nmol/l) were 13.8% and 52.2%, respectively. A marked seasonal fluctuation was seen in serum levels of 25(OH)D – median 3-deazaneplanocin A values of 25(OH)D were lowest in February and highest in August. In multiple logistic regression models (n=5506), low vitamin D status was significantly associated with obesity (BMI >= 30), daily smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. However, measurements of 25(OH)D were not associated with the estimated dietary intake

of vitamin D. Comparison of two HPLC methods demonstrated considerable differences in accuracy.\n\nDiscussion and conclusions: Our results suggest that poor vitamin D status is common among adults in a Northern European country without food fortification with vitamin D. Methodological issues are, however, of great importance when using cut-off values to define poor vitamin D status. In addition, we demonstrated that low serum levels of 25(OH)D were associated with several lifestyle factors. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Background: The aim of this study was to determine the ability to identify thrombus within the

left atrial appendage (LAA) in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). In AF, the structure and function of the LAA has historically MAPK inhibitor been evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The role of TTE remains undefined.\n\nMethods: The Comprehensive Left Atrial Appendage Optimization of Thrombus (CLOTS) multicenter study enrolled 118 patients (85 men; mean age, 67 6 13 years) with AF of >2 days in duration undergoing clinically indicated TEE. On TEE, the LAA was evaluated for mild spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), severe SEC, sludge, or thrombus. Doppler Tissue imaging (DTI) peak S-wave and E-wave velocities of the LAA walls (anterior, posterior, and apical) were acquired on TTE. Transthoracic echocardiographic harmonic imaging (with and without intravenous contrast) was examined to determine its ability to identify LAA SEC, sludge, or thrombus.\n\nResults: Among the 118 patients, TEE identified 6 (5%) with LAA sludge and 2 (2%) with LAA thrombi. Both LAA thrombi were identified on TTE using harmonic imaging with contrast. Anterior, posterior, and apical LAA wall DTI velocities on TTE varied significantly among the 3 groups examined (no SEC, mild SEC, severe SEC, sludge or thrombus).