Sample records for day constitution week

  1. 3 CFR 8562 - Proclamation 8562 of September 16, 2010. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... times of prosperity and peace, and guiding us through the depths of internal conflict and war. Because... 3 The President 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Proclamation 8562 of September 16, 2010..., Constitution Week, 2010By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The summer of 1787 was a...

  2. 3 CFR 8714 - Proclamation 8714 of September 16, 2011. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ..., keeping our leaders true to America’s highest ideals and guaranteeing the fundamental rights that make our... America’s promise to citizens of every race, gender, and creed. Americans are defined not by bloodlines or..., Constitution Week, 2011By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In the summer of 1787...

  3. 3 CFR 8418 - Proclamation 8418 of September 16, 2009. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... beacon of hope for Americans and those who seek new lives in the United States. Every day, we welcome new... can better our country and breathe life into the freedoms established in the Constitution. The right...

  4. 75 FR 57835 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2010

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-22

    ... vision of freedom and justice for all. In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in... leaders of civic, social, and educational organizations, to conduct ceremonies and programs that recognize...

  5. 78 FR 57777 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2013

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-19

    ... that in the face of impossible odds, those who love their country can change it. In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and...

  6. 3 CFR 9019 - Proclamation 9019 of September 16, 2013. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... that in the face of impossible odds, those who love their country can change it. In remembrance of the signing of the Constitution and in recognition of the Americans who strive to uphold the duties and...

  7. 77 FR 57981 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2012

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-09-18

    ... than two centuries, our country has drawn enterprising men and women from around the world--individuals... on the basic rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the founding documents from which they were... Constitution, and reaffirm our commitment to the rights and obligations of citizenship in this great Nation...

  8. 76 FR 58705 - Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2011

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-21

    ... and guaranteeing the fundamental rights that make our country a beacon of hope to all peoples seeking... race, gender, and creed. Americans are defined not by bloodlines or allegiance to any one leader or... immigrants, built and sustained by people who have brought their talents, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit...

  9. 3 CFR 8862 - Proclamation 8862 of September 13, 2012. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... world. It has vested in each of us the power to appeal to principles that could broaden democracy's... centuries, our country has drawn enterprising men and women from around the world—individuals who have... land and ocean because of the belief that, in America, all things are possible. As a new group of...

  10. The U.S. Pediatric Dermatology Workforce: An Assessment of Productivity and Practice Patterns.

    PubMed

    Fogel, Alexander L; Teng, Joyce M C

    2015-01-01

    Pediatric dermatology has always played an important role in children's healthcare, but there has been a shortage of pediatric dermatologists nationwide for more than a decade, and few metrics of productivity and practice patterns exist. This study sought to provide insight into these and other factors of the pediatric dermatology workforce. Electronic surveys were distributed to all 226 U.S. board-certified pediatric dermatologists. A total of 108/226 (48%) of the electronic surveys were returned. Sixty percent of respondents were employed full- or part-time in academic environments and 81% were salaried. Respondents reported that children constituted 79.5% of their practice, and the average respondent spent 3.8 days/week treating 92.6 patients, considerably lower than the 136.3 patients/week that the average general dermatologist sees. The academic practice environment was associated with children constituting a larger proportion of the practice (p < 0.001), fewer patients seen per week (85.9, p < 0.001), and longer median new patient wait times (60 vs 15 days) than in other practice environments. Private practitioners saw significantly more patients per week than those in academic environments (112.7, p = 0.005). Male and female practitioners reported approximately equal patient care days per week, similar wait times, and similar proportions of children in their practices. This assessment revealed productivity and practice pattern differences between the various pediatric dermatology practice environments and between pediatric and general dermatology. This study provides important information for workforce planning and care availability assessments and baseline information for future studies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Sustained remission of symptoms and improved health-related quality of life in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome treated with canakinumab: results of a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized withdrawal study.

    PubMed

    Koné-Paut, Isabelle; Lachmann, Helen J; Kuemmerle-Deschner, Jasmin B; Hachulla, Eric; Leslie, Kieron S; Mouy, Richard; Ferreira, Alberto; Lheritier, Karine; Patel, Neha; Preiss, Ralph; Hawkins, Philip N

    2011-01-01

    To assess the effect of canakinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-1β antibody, on symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). In this 48-week, phase 3 study, patients with CAPS received canakinumab 150 mg subcutaneously at 8-week intervals. All patients (n = 35) received canakinumab during weeks 1 through 8; weeks 9 through 24 constituted a double-blind placebo-controlled withdrawal phase, and weeks 24 through 48 constituted an open-label phase in which all patients received canakinumab. Patient and physician assessments of symptoms, levels of inflammatory markers, and HRQoL were performed. Rapid symptom remission was achieved, with 89% of patients having no or minimal disease activity on day 8. Responses were sustained in patients receiving 8-weekly canakinumab. Responses were lost during the placebo-controlled phase in the placebo group and were regained on resuming canakinumab therapy in the open-label phase. Clinical responses were accompanied by decreases in serum levels of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A protein, and interleukin-6. HRQoL scores at baseline were considerably below those of the general population. Improvements in all 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) domain scores were evident by day 8. Scores approached or exceeded those of the general U.S. population by week 8 and remained stable during canakinumab therapy. Improvements in bodily pain and role-physical were particularly marked, increasing by more than 25 points from baseline to week 8. Therapy was generally well tolerated. Canakinumab, 150 mg, 8-weekly, induced rapid and sustained remission of symptoms in patients with CAPS, accompanied by substantial improvements in HRQoL. Clintrials.gov NCT00465985.

  12. Clinical study on constitutional herbal tea for treating chronic fatigue.

    PubMed

    Park, Soo-Jung; Bae, Young-Chun; Choi, Na-Rae; Ryu, Seung-Yeob; Kwon, Young-Mi; Joo, Jong-Cheon

    2014-12-01

    This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of constitutional herbal tea for treating chronic fatigue with no diagnosed cause, which is called Mibyeong in Korea. Males and females with ages between 40 and 59 years who had complained of fatigue for 1 month consistently or for 6 months intermittently without a definite cause were recruited. At the same time, a Chalder fatigue scale (CFS) score of 19 was essential for participation in this study. Sixty five subjects completed the entire process, including blood tests and tests with medical devices. Five assessments of health status were accomplished over 8 weeks by using the CFS and the visual analogue scale (VAS). To ensure that the constitutional herbal tea was being safely used, we conducted and analyzed renal function and liver function tests. For the diagnosis of the Sasang constitution, the Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used, and a specialist in Sasang constitutional medicine made the final diagnosis based on the SCAT result. Constitutional herbal tea was served four weeks after the first visit. The subjects took the constitutional herbal tea twice a day for one month. The results are as follows: The CFS and the VAS scores were significantly improved for the subjects in the constitutional herbal tea. No abnormalities were found on the blood tests to evaluate safety after taking the constitutional herbal tea. The improvements in the CFS and the VAS scores due to the constitutional herbal tea had no significant differences according to the Sasang constitution. Constitutional herbal tea may be used to reduce fatigue and improve health and has no adverse effect on either the kidney or the liver.

  13. Clinical Study on Constitutional Herbal Tea for Treating Chronic Fatigue

    PubMed Central

    Park, Soo-Jung; Bae, Young-Chun; Choi, Na-Rae; Ryu, Seung-Yeob; Kwon, Young-Mi; Joo, Jong-Cheon

    2014-01-01

    Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of constitutional herbal tea for treating chronic fatigue with no diagnosed cause, which is called Mibyeong in Korea. Methods: Males and females with ages between 40 and 59 years who had complained of fatigue for 1 month consistently or for 6 months intermittently without a definite cause were recruited. At the same time, a Chalder fatigue scale (CFS) score of 19 was essential for participation in this study. Sixty five subjects completed the entire process, including blood tests and tests with medical devices. Five assessments of health status were accomplished over 8 weeks by using the CFS and the visual analogue scale (VAS). To ensure that the constitutional herbal tea was being safely used, we conducted and analyzed renal function and liver function tests. For the diagnosis of the Sasang constitution, the Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used, and a specialist in Sasang constitutional medicine made the final diagnosis based on the SCAT result. Constitutional herbal tea was served four weeks after the first visit. The subjects took the constitutional herbal tea twice a day for one month. Results: The results are as follows: The CFS and the VAS scores were significantly improved for the subjects in the constitutional herbal tea. No abnormalities were found on the blood tests to evaluate safety after taking the constitutional herbal tea. The improvements in the CFS and the VAS scores due to the constitutional herbal tea had no significant differences according to the Sasang constitution. Conclusion: Constitutional herbal tea may be used to reduce fatigue and improve health and has no adverse effect on either the kidney or the liver. PMID:25780720

  14. Sevoflurane Inhalation Accelerates the Long-Term Memory Consolidation via Small GTPase Overexpression in the Hippocampus of Mice in Adolescence.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, Emi; Kinoshita, Hiroyuki; Feng, Guo-Gang; Hayashi, Hisaki; Satomoto, Maiko; Sato, Motohiko; Fujiwara, Yoshihiro

    2016-01-01

    Sevoflurane exposure impairs the long-term memory in neonates. Whether the exposure to animals in adolescence affects the memory, however, has been unclear. A small hydrolase enzyme of guanosine triphosphate (GTPase) rac1 plays a role in the F-actin dynamics related to the synaptic plasticity, as well as superoxide production via reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation. The current study was designed to examine whether sevoflurane exposure to mice in early adolescence modifies the long-term learning ability concomitantly with the changes in F-actin constitution as well as superoxide production in the hippocampus according to the levels of rac1 protein expression. Four-week-old mice were subjected to the evaluation of long-term learning ability for three days. On day one, each mouse was allowed to enter a dark chamber for five min to acclimatization. On day two, the procedure was repeated with the addition of an electric shock as soon as a mouse entered the dark chamber. All mice subsequently inhaled 2 L/min air with (Sevoflurane group) and without (Control group) 2.5% sevoflurane for three hours. On day three, each mouse was placed on the platform and retention time, which is the latency to enter the dark chamber, was examined. The brain removed after the behavior test, was used for analyses of immunofluorescence, Western immunoblotting and intracellular levels of superoxide. Sevoflurane exposure significantly prolonged retention time, indicating the enhanced long-term memory. Sevoflurane inhalation augmented F-actin constitution coexisting with the rac1 protein overexpression in the hippocampus whereas it did not alter the levels of superoxide. Sevoflurane exposure to 4-week-old mice accelerates the long-term memory concomitantly with the enhanced F-actin constitution coexisting with the small GTPase rac1 overexpression in the hippocampus. These results suggest that sevoflurane inhalation may amplify long-term memory consolidation via the increased cytoskeleton constitution in the hippocampus of animals in early adolescence.

  15. Effect of day of the week of primary total hip arthroplasty on length of stay at a university-based teaching medical center.

    PubMed

    Rathi, Pranav; Coleman, Sheldon; Durbin-Johnson, Blythe; Giordani, Mauro; Pereira, Gavin; Di Cesare, Paul E

    2014-12-01

    Length of hospital stay (LHS) after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) constitutes a critical outcome measure, as prolonged LHS implies increased resource expenditure. Investigations have highlighted factors that affect LHS after THA. These factors include advanced age, medical comorbidities, obesity, intraoperative time, anesthesia technique, surgical site infection, and incision length. We retrospectively analyzed the effect of day of the week of primary THA on LHS. We reviewed the surgery and patient factors of 273 consecutive patients who underwent THA at our institution, a tertiary-care teaching hospital. There was a 15% increase in LHS for patients who underwent THA on Thursday versus Monday when controlling for other covariates that can affect LHS. Other statistically significant variables associated with increased LHS included American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, transfusion requirements, and postoperative complications. The day of the week of THA may be an independent variable affecting LHS. Institutions with reduced weekend resources may want to perform THA earlier in the week to try to reduce LHS.

  16. Effect of Day of the Week of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty on Length of Stay at a University-Based Teaching Medical Center

    PubMed Central

    Rathi, Pranav; Coleman, Sheldon; Durbin-Johnson, Blythe; Giordani, Mauro; Pereira, Gavin; Di Cesare, Paul E.

    2016-01-01

    Length of hospital stay (LHS) after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) constitutes a critical outcome measure, as prolonged LHS implies increased resource expenditure. Investigations have highlighted factors that affect LHS after THA. These factors include advanced age, medical comorbidities, obesity, intraoperative time, anesthesia technique, surgical site infection, and incision length. We retrospectively analyzed the effect of day of the week of primary THA on LHS. We reviewed the surgery and patient factors of 273 consecutive patients who underwent THA at our institution, a tertiary-care teaching hospital. There was a 15% increase in LHS for patients who underwent THA on Thursday versus Monday when controlling for other covariates that can affect LHS. Other statistically significant variables associated with increased LHS included American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, transfusion requirements, and post-operative complications. The day of the week of THA may be an independent variable affecting LHS. Institutions with reduced weekend resources may want to perform THA earlier in the week to try to reduce LHS. PMID:25490016

  17. 76 FR 35087 - Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2011

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-15

    ... United States of America A Proclamation On June 14, 1777, the Second Constitutional Congress adopted a... founding colonies. The stars were set upon a blue field, in the words of the Congress's resolution... faced, the American flag has been ever present. It has flown on our ships and military bases around the...

  18. 3 CFR 8689 - Proclamation 8689 of June 10, 2011. Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2011

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... America A Proclamation On June 14, 1777, the Second Constitutional Congress adopted a flag with thirteen... were set upon a blue field, in the words of the Congress’s resolution, “representing a new... American flag has been ever present. It has flown on our ships and military bases around the world as we...

  19. Correlates of postpartum depression in first time mothers without previous psychiatric contact.

    PubMed

    Sylvén, S M; Thomopoulos, T P; Kollia, N; Jonsson, M; Skalkidou, A

    2017-02-01

    Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common disorder after childbirth. The strongest known predictors are a history of depression and/or a history of PPD. However, for a significant proportion of women, PPD constitutes their first depressive episode. This study aimed to gain further insight into the risk factors for PPD in first time mothers without previous psychiatric contact. Women delivering in Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, from May 2006 to June 2007, were asked to participate and filled out questionnaires five days and six weeks postpartum, containing inter alia the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Univariate logistic regression models, as well as a path analysis, were performed to unveil the complex interplay between the study variables. Of the 653 participating primiparas, 10.3% and 6.4% reported depressive symptoms (EPDS≥12 points) five days and six weeks postpartum, respectively. In the path analysis, a positive association between anxiety proneness and depressive symptoms at five days and six weeks postpartum was identified. For depressive symptoms six weeks after delivery, additional risk factors were detected, namely depressive symptoms five days postpartum and subjective experience of problems with the baby. Caesarean section and assisted vaginal delivery were associated with fewer depressive symptoms at 6 six weeks postpartum. Identification of anxiety proneness, delivery mode and problems with the baby as risk factors for self-reported depressive symptoms postpartum in this group of primiparas can be important in helping health care professionals identify women at increased risk of affective disorders in the perinatal period, and provide a base for early intervention. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  20. Theft reduction in a grocery store through product identification and graphing of losses for employees

    PubMed Central

    Carter, Ned; Holmström, Anne; Simpanen, Monica; Melin, Lennart

    1988-01-01

    Shoplifting and employee theft constitute a major problem for retailers. Previous research has described techniques for effectively reducing either type of theft but has not addressed the problem of thefts of unspecified origin. In a grocery store we evaluated the effect of identifying for employees frequently stolen products from three groups of items and graphing, twice weekly in the lunchroom, losses for the separate groups. After the products were identified and losses graphed, thefts from the three groups dropped from eight per day to two per day. PMID:16795718

  1. Constitution Day: Start the School Year with Civics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lesser, Eli J.

    2006-01-01

    The celebration and recognition of Constitution Day on September 17th is now required by federal law. The new law, known colloquially as the Byrd Amendment, requires all schools receiving any federal assistance, from kindergarten to higher education, to teach students about the Constitution on Constitution Day. The concept of a school's civic…

  2. Longitudinal Survey of Microbiota in Hospitalized Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Aloka L.; Mutlu, Ece A.; Sun, Yan; Koenig, Lars; Green, Stefan; Jakubowicz, Andrew; Mryan, Janet; Engen, Phillip; Fogg, Louis; Chen, Andrea L.; Pombar, Xavier; Meier, Paula P.; Keshavarzian, Ali

    2015-01-01

    Objectives To examine the changes in bacteria in hospitalized preterm infants over the first month of life. Methods Rectal swabs were collected daily from 12 preterm infants. DNA was extracted from swabs from day of birth and weekly thereafter. Bacterial taxa were identified with next generation sequencing using universal bacterial primers targeted at the 16S rDNA on a 454 Roche titanium platform. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and taxonomy was assigned against the Greengenes databank using Qiime1.4. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. Functional assessment of the microbiome was performed with PICRUSt. Results Average birth weight and gestational age were 1055g and 28 weeks, respectively. There were 6-35 different bacterial families identified in the day of birth samples, unrelated to mode of delivery. Richness decreased over hospitalization (week 1: 16.9±7.7 vs. weeks 3-5: 10.7±3.4, p<0.001). The Shannon diversity index demonstrated lowest diversity at birth, an increase at week 2, followed by a rapid decline at weeks 3-5, suggesting development of a more uniform microbiota composition after 2 weeks of NICU stay. Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Enterococcaceae constituted the majority of the bacterial families. Bifidobacterium spp. were infrequently detected at very low levels. PICRUSt analysis revealed enhancement of peroxisome, PPAR and adipocytokine signaling; plant-pathogen interaction; and aminobenzoate degradation pathways in week 1 samples. Conclusions Our results suggest that while preterm infants have individualized microbiota that are detectable at birth, the differences decrease during the neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization with increasing prominence of pathogenic microbiota. PMID:26230901

  3. What work schedule characteristics constitute a problem to the individual? A representative study of Swedish shift workers.

    PubMed

    Åkerstedt, Torbjörn; Kecklund, Göran

    2017-03-01

    The purpose was to investigate which detailed characteristics of shift schedules that are seen as problems to those exposed. A representative national sample of non-day workers (N = 2031) in Sweden was asked whether they had each of a number of particular work schedule characteristics and, if yes, to what extent this constituted a "big problem in life". It was also inquired whether the individual's work schedules had negative consequences for fatigue, sleep and social life. The characteristic with the highest percentage reporting a big problem was "short notice (<1 month) of a new work schedule" (30.5%), <11 h off between shifts (27.8%), and split duty (>1.5 h break at mid-shift, 27.2%). Overtime (>10 h/week), night work, morning work, day/night shifts showed lower prevalences of being a "big problem". Women indicated more problems in general. Short notice was mainly related to negative social effects, while <11 h off between shifts was related to disturbed sleep, fatigue and social difficulties. It was concluded that schedules involving unpredictable working hours (short notice), short daily rest between shifts, and split duty shifts constitute big problems. The results challenge current views of what aspects of shift work need improvement, and negative social consequences seem more important than those related to health. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. What Constitution Day Means and Why It Matters

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jamieson, Kathleen Hall

    2014-01-01

    For almost three quarters of a century, advocates have worked to give comparable federal stature to September 17, the day on which we celebrate the anniversary of the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution by the nation's founders. As President John F. Kennedy noted in his 1961 Constitution Day proclamation, it is a day for…

  5. Whole-body vibration training in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy.

    PubMed

    Vry, Julia; Schubert, Isabel J; Semler, Oliver; Haug, Verena; Schönau, Eckhard; Kirschner, Janbernd

    2014-03-01

    Whole-body-vibration training is used to improve muscle strength and function and might therefore constitute a potential supportive therapy for neuromuscular diseases. To evaluate safety of whole-body vibration training in ambulatory children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). 14 children with DMD and 8 with SMA underwent an 8-week vibration training programme on a Galileo MedM at home (3 × 3 min twice a day, 5 days a week). Primary outcome was safety of the training, assessed clinically and by measuring serum creatine kinase levels. Secondary outcome was efficacy as measured by changes in time function tests, muscle strength and angular degree of dorsiflexion of the ankles. All children showed good clinical tolerance. In boys with DMD, creatine kinase increased by 56% after the first day of training and returned to baseline after 8 weeks of continuous whole-body vibration training. No changes in laboratory parameters were observed in children with SMA. Secondary outcomes showed mild, but not significant, improvements with the exception of the distance walked in the 6-min walking test in children with SMA, which rose from 371.3 m to 402.8 m (p < 0.01). Whole-body vibration training is clinically well tolerated in children with DMD and SMA. The relevance of the temporary increase in creatine kinase in DMD during the first days of training is unclear, but it is not related to clinical symptoms or deterioration. Copyright © 2013 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Aged Garlic Extract Improves Adiponectin Levels in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Crossover Study

    PubMed Central

    Gómez-Arbeláez, Diego; Lahera, Vicente; Oubiña, Pilar; Valero-Muñoz, Maria; de las Heras, Natalia; Rodríguez, Yudy; García, Ronald Gerardo; Camacho, Paul Anthony; López-Jaramillo, Patricio

    2013-01-01

    Background. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been shown to have important benefits in individuals at high cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the administration of aged garlic extract (AGE) on the risk factors that constitute the cluster of metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods and Design. Double-blind, crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of 1.2 g/day of AGE (Kyolic), for 24 weeks of treatment (12 weeks of AGE and 12 weeks of placebo), on subjects with MS. Results. The administration of AGE increased the plasma levels of adiponectin (P = 0.027). No serious side effects associated with the intervention were reported. Conclusion. The present results have shown for the first time that the administration of AGE for 12 weeks increased plasma adiponectin levels in patients with MS. This suggests that AGE might be a useful, novel, nonpharmacological therapeutic intervention to increase adiponectin and to prevent cardiovascular (CV) complications in individuals with MS. PMID:23533302

  7. A Novel Modification of the AOM/DSS Model for Inducing Intestinal Adenomas in Mice.

    PubMed

    Angelou, Anastasios; Andreatos, Nikolaos; Antoniou, Efstathios; Zacharioudaki, Argiro; Theodoropoulos, George; Damaskos, Christos; Garmpis, Nikolaos; Yuan, Chunhui; Xiao, Weidong; Theocharis, Stamatios; Zografos, George; Papalois, Apostolos; Margonis, Georgios Antonios

    2018-06-01

    Our aim was to develop an animal model of the precancerous stages of colitis-associated carcinogenesis by modifying the established azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) protocol. Six mice were treated with varying cycles of DSS following AOM administration as above (group 1: three mice received three 5-day cycles of 3.0% DSS and group 2: three mice received three 7-day cycles of 2.5% DSS; every cycle was followed by a 2-week rest period) and were sacrificed on day 84 of the experiment. By contrast, three female C57BL6 mice (group 3) were treated with a single intraperitoneal dose (10 mg/kg of body weight) of AOM followed by three 5-day cycles of oral 2.5% DSS, with each cycle interrupted by a 2-week rest period. The mice of this group were sacrificed at 60 days. In groups 1 and 2, cancer was noted in five out of the six mice. In group 3, adenomas with dysplastic lesions were noted in all of the mice, but none had developed adenocarcinoma. Our results suggest that the administration of three 5-day cycles of 2.5% DSS following an initial dose of AOM may successfully induce adenoma formation without the concurrent presence of carcinoma in female C57BL6 mice that are sacrificed on experimental day 60. In turn, this modification of the widely used AOM/DSS protocol may constitute a novel approach for investigating colitis-related colonic adenomas. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  8. Anthocyanin-rich Aronia melanocarpa extract improves body temperature maintenance in healthy women with a cold constitution.

    PubMed

    Sonoda, Keisuke; Aoi, Wataru; Iwata, Tomoaki; Li, Yanmei

    2013-01-01

    Specific anthocyanin-rich dietary factors have been shown to improve metabolic functions associated with thermogenesis in animal studies. Aronia melanocarpa, commonly known as wild chokeberry, contains a high level of anthocyanin that would be expected to maintain body temperature through thermogenesis. We here investigated the effects of Aronia melanocarpa extracts on body temperature and peripheral blood flow in healthy women with a cold constitution. A pre/post comparison trial was performed in 11 women with a cold constitution, who were taking Aronia melanocarpa extracts (150 mg/day) for 4 weeks. Physiological and biochemical parameters, along with psychological tests were examined. The subjects' body surface temperature was significantly higher in the post-trial than in the pre-trial. In psychological tests, factors related to cold were significantly improved by Aronia intake. On the other hand, peripheral blood flow was not affected by Aronia supplementation. Plasma noradrenalin level was significantly elevated by Aronia intake, and subjects with a higher level of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the pre-trial showed decreased levels in the post-trial. These data suggest that dietary Aronia melanocarpa extract improves the maintenance of body temperature in healthy women with a cold constitution, which may be mediated by noradrenalin and oxidative stress levels.

  9. Evaluation of a System-Specific Function To Describe the Pharmacokinetics of Benzylpenicillin in Term Neonates Undergoing Moderate Hypothermia.

    PubMed

    Bijleveld, Yuma A; de Haan, Timo R; van der Lee, Johanna H; Groenendaal, Floris; Dijk, Peter H; van Heijst, Arno; de Jonge, Rogier C J; Dijkman, Koen P; van Straaten, Henrica L M; Rijken, Monique; Zonnenberg, Inge A; Cools, Filip; Zecic, Alexandra; Nuytemans, Debbie H G M; van Kaam, Anton H; Mathôt, Ron A A

    2018-04-01

    The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of intravenous (i.v.) benzylpenicillin in term neonates undergoing moderate hypothermia after perinatal asphyxia were evaluated, as they have been unknown until now. A system-specific modeling approach was applied, in which our recently developed covariate model describing developmental and temperature-induced changes in amoxicillin clearance (CL) in the same patient study population was incorporated into a population PK model of benzylpenicillin with a priori birthweight (BW)-based allometric scaling. Pediatric population covariate models describing the developmental changes in drug elimination may constitute system-specific information and may therefore be incorporated into PK models of drugs cleared through the same pathway. The performance of this system-specific model was compared to that of a reference model. Furthermore, Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the optimal dose. The system-specific model performed as well as the reference model. Significant correlations were found between CL and postnatal age (PNA), gestational age (GA), body temperature (TEMP), urine output (UO; system-specific model), and multiorgan failure (reference model). For a typical patient with a GA of 40 weeks, BW of 3,000 g, PNA of 2 days (TEMP, 33.5°C), and normal UO (2 ml/kg/h), benzylpenicillin CL was 0.48 liter/h (interindividual variability [IIV] of 49%) and the volume of distribution of the central compartment was 0.62 liter/kg (IIV of 53%) in the system-specific model. Based on simulations, we advise a benzylpenicillin i.v. dose regimen of 75,000 IU/kg/day every 8 h (q8h), 150,000 IU/kg/day q8h, and 200,000 IU/kg/day q6h for patients with GAs of 36 to 37 weeks, 38 to 41 weeks, and ≥42 weeks, respectively. The system-specific model may be used for other drugs cleared through the same pathway accelerating model development. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

  10. Toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of boric acid in male and female B6C3F1 mice.

    PubMed Central

    Dieter, M P

    1994-01-01

    Toxicity and potential carcinogenicity studies of boric acid were investigated in mice to verify in a second rodent species that this was a noncarcinogenic chemical. Earlier chronic studies in rats indicated boric acid was not a carcinogen. The chemical is nominated for testing because over 200 tons are produced annually, there are multiple uses for the product, and there is potential for widespread human exposure, both orally and dermally. Both sexes of B6C3F1 mice were offered diets mixed with boric acid for 14 days, 13 weeks, or 2 years. Dietary doses used in the acute, 14-day study were 0, 0.62, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10%; those in the subchronic, 13-week study were 0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.50, 1, and 2%; and doses in the 2-year, chronic study were 0, 0.25, and 0.50% in the diet. Mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, estimates of food consumption, body weight gain, and histopathologic examination of selected tissues constituted the variables measured. In the 14-day study mortality was proportional to dose and time of exposure in both sexes, occurring in dose groups as low as 2.5% and as early as 7 days of exposure. Body weights were depressed more than 10% below controls in the higher dose groups of both sexes. Mortality in the 13-week study was confined to the two highest dose groups in male mice and to the 2%-dose group in females. Body weight depression from 8 to 23% below those of controls occurred in the 0.50% and higher dose groups of both sexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:7889889

  11. Adult-Derived Human Liver Stem/Progenitor Cells Infused 3 Days Postsurgery Improve Liver Regeneration in a Mouse Model of Extended Hepatectomy

    PubMed Central

    Herrero, Astrid; Prigent, Julie; Lombard, Catherine; Rosseels, Valérie; Daujat-Chavanieu, Martine; Breckpot, Karine; Najimi, Mustapha; Deblandre, Gisèle; Sokal, Etienne M.

    2017-01-01

    There is growing evidence that cell therapy constitutes a promising strategy for liver regenerative medicine. In the setting of hepatic cancer treatments, cell therapy could prove a useful therapeutic approach for managing the acute liver failure that occurs following extended hepatectomy. In this study, we examined the influence of delivering adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSCs) at two different early time points in an immunodeficient mouse model (Rag2−/-IL2Rg-/-) that had undergone a 70% hepatectomy procedure. The hepatic mesenchymal cells were intrasplenically infused either immediately after surgery (n = 26) or following a critical 3-day period (n = 26). We evaluated the cells' capacity to engraft at day 1 and day 7 following transplantation by means of human Alu qPCR quantification, along with histological assessment of human albumin and α-smooth muscle actin. In addition, cell proliferation (anti-mouse and human Ki-67 staining) and murine liver weight were measured in order to evaluate liver regeneration. At day 1 posttransplantation, the ratio of human to mouse cells was similar in both groups, whereas 1 week posttransplantation this ratio was significantly improved (p < 0.016) in mice receiving ADHLSC injection at day 3 posthepatectomy (1.7%), compared to those injected at the time of surgery (1%). On the basis of liver weight, mouse liver regeneration was more extensive 1 week posttransplantation in mice transplanted with ADHLSCs (+65.3%) compared to that of mice from the sham vehicle group (+42.7%). In conclusion, infusing ADHLSCs 3 days after extensive hepatectomy improves the cell engraftment and murine hepatic tissue regeneration, thereby confirming that ADHLSCs could be a promising cell source for liver cell therapy and hepatic tissue repair. PMID:27657746

  12. ISSLS prize winner: integrating theoretical and experimental methods for functional tissue engineering of the annulus fibrosus.

    PubMed

    Nerurkar, Nandan L; Mauck, Robert L; Elliott, Dawn M

    2008-12-01

    Integrating theoretical and experimental approaches for annulus fibrosus (AF) functional tissue engineering. Apply a hyperelastic constitutive model to characterize the evolution of engineered AF via scalar model parameters. Validate the model and predict the response of engineered constructs to physiologic loading scenarios. There is need for a tissue engineered replacement for degenerate AF. When evaluating engineered replacements for load-bearing tissues, it is necessary to evaluate mechanical function with respect to the native tissue, including nonlinearity and anisotropy. Aligned nanofibrous poly-epsilon-caprolactone scaffolds with prescribed fiber angles were seeded with bovine AF cells and analyzed over 8 weeks, using experimental (mechanical testing, biochemistry, histology) and theoretical methods (a hyperelastic fiber-reinforced constitutive model). The linear region modulus for phi = 0 degrees constructs increased by approximately 25 MPa, and for phi = 90 degrees by approximately 2 MPa from 1 day to 8 weeks in culture. Infiltration and proliferation of AF cells into the scaffold and abundant deposition of s-GAG and aligned collagen was observed. The constitutive model had excellent fits to experimental data to yield matrix and fiber parameters that increased with time in culture. Correlations were observed between biochemical measures and model parameters. The model was successfully validated and used to simulate time-varying responses of engineered AF under shear and biaxial loading. AF cells seeded on nanofibrous scaffolds elaborated an organized, anisotropic AF-like extracellular matrix, resulting in improved mechanical properties. A hyperelastic fiber-reinforced constitutive model characterized the functional evolution of engineered AF constructs, and was used to simulate physiologically relevant loading configurations. Model predictions demonstrated that fibers resist shear even when the shearing direction does not coincide with the fiber direction. Further, the model suggested that the native AF fiber architecture is uniquely designed to support shear stresses encountered under multiple loading configurations.

  13. Effects of aging on resistance to Trichinella spiralis infection in rodents exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

    PubMed

    Luebke, R W; Copeland, C B; Andrews, D L

    1999-08-13

    Immune function, including resistance to infection, decreases as humans and rodents age. We have shown that preinfection exposure of young (9-11 weeks) mice or rats to TCDD decreased resistance to Trichinella spiralis (Ts) infection, expressed as delayed onset or completion of parasite elimination and as increased muscle burdens of larvae. It has also been shown that aged mice express lower constitutive levels of resistance to Ts infection, compared to young adult animals. This study tested the hypothesis that the age-related decrease in constitutive levels of resistance to Ts infection exacerbates the decreased resistance to infection that follows TCDD exposure. This hypothesis addresses the concern that TCDD may pose a greater threat to the elderly than to the population at large. Animals were given a single oral dose of 1, 10, or 30 microg TCDD/kg, 7 days before infection. Eleven days later, young (approximately 10 weeks) control rodents had eliminated a greater proportion of the original parasite burden from the intestine than aged control animals. Nevertheless, parasite elimination was decreased by TCDD exposure only in young rodents. The effect of TCDD exposure on numbers of encysted larvae was evaluated only in rats. Increased larvae burdens occurred in young rats at 30 microg TCDD/kg and at 10 or 30 microg TCDD/kg in aged rats. Parasite-specific splenocyte and lymph node cell proliferation was suppressed following dioxin exposure in young mice; cells from aged mice were markedly less responsive to stimulation, yet less sensitive to TCDD exposure. The response to parasite antigens was not affected in aged rats exposed to TCDD, although elevated mitogen-driven B-cell proliferation was observed. These results indicate that age-related constitutive immunosuppression did not exacerbate TCDD-induced suppression of T-cell mediated adult parasite expulsion; rather, advanced age provided some degree of protection. On the other hand, a lower dose of TCDD was required in aged rats to suppress the combined humoral and cellular responses that limit the burden of encysted larvae, compared to young rats. These model-dependent results preclude acceptance or rejection of the tested hypothesis.

  14. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Dzurisin, D.; Lu, Z.

    2006-01-01

    Geodesists are, for the most part, a patient and hardworking lot. A day spent hiking to a distant peak, hours spent waiting for clouds to clear a line-of-sight between observation points, weeks spent moving methodically along a level line — such is the normal pulse of the geodetic profession. The fruits of such labors are all the more precious because they are so scarce. A good day spent with an electronic distance meter (EDM) or level typically produces fewer than a dozen data points. A year of tiltmeter output sampled at ten-minute intervals constitutes less than half a megabyte of data. All of the leveling data ever collected at Yellowstone Caldera fit comfortably on a single PC diskette! These quantities are trivial by modern datastorage standards, in spite of the considerable efforts expended to produce them.

  15. Interferometric synthetic-aperature radar (InSAR): Chapter 5

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Dzurisin, Daniel; Lu, Zhong

    2007-01-01

    Geodesists are, for the most part, a patient and hardworking lot. A day spent hiking to a distant peak, hours spent waiting for clouds to clear a line-of-sight between observation points, weeks spent moving methodically along a level line – such is the normal pulse of the geodetic profession. The fruits of such labors are all the more precious because they are so scarce. A good day spent with an electronic distance meter (EDM) or level typically produces fewer than a dozen data points. A year of tiltmeter output sampled at ten-minute intervals constitutes less than half a megabyte of data. All of the leveling data ever collected at Yellowstone Caldera fit comfortably on a single PC diskette. These quantities are trivial by modern data-storage standards, in spite of the considerable efforts expended to produce them.

  16. An Internet Guide to Teaching the Constitution

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Risinger, C. Frederick

    2005-01-01

    In 2004, Congress passed and President Bush signed legislation designating every September 17 as Constitution Day and suggesting that all schools teach about the Constitution on that day. There are innumerable websites, countless lesson plans and a multitude of other teaching resources on the topic. Teachers were inundated with brochures,…

  17. An ex vivo gene therapy approach in X-linked retinoschisis.

    PubMed

    Bashar, Abu E; Metcalfe, Andrew L; Viringipurampeer, Ishaq A; Yanai, Anat; Gregory-Evans, Cheryl Y; Gregory-Evans, Kevin

    2016-01-01

    X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is juvenile-onset macular degeneration caused by haploinsufficiency of the extracellular cell adhesion protein retinoschisin (RS1). RS1 mutations can lead to either a non-functional protein or the absence of protein secretion, and it has been established that extracellular deficiency of RS1 is the underlying cause of the phenotype. Therefore, we hypothesized that an ex vivo gene therapy strategy could be used to deliver sufficient extracellular RS1 to reverse the phenotype seen in XLRS. Here, we used adipose-derived, syngeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that were genetically modified to secrete human RS1 and then delivered these cells by intravitreal injection to the retina of the Rs1h knockout mouse model of XLRS. MSCs were electroporated with two transgene expression systems (cytomegalovirus (CMV)-controlled constitutive and doxycycline-induced Tet-On controlled inducible), both driving expression of human RS1 cDNA. The stably transfected cells, using either constitutive mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) or inducible MSC cassettes, were assayed for their RS1 secretion profile. For single injection studies, 100,000 genetically modified MSCs were injected into the vitreous cavity of the Rs1h knockout mouse eye at P21, and data were recorded at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-injection. The control groups received either unmodified MSCs or vehicle injection. For the multiple injection studies, the mice received intravitreal MSC injections at P21, P60, and P90 with data collection at P120. For the single- and multiple-injection studies, the outcomes were measured with electroretinography, optokinetic tracking responses (OKT), histology, and immunohistochemistry. Two lines of genetically modified MSCs were established and found to secrete RS1 at a rate of 8 ng/million cells/day. Following intravitreal injection, RS1-expressing MSCs were found mainly in the inner retinal layers. Two weeks after a single injection of MSCs, the area of the schisis cavities was reduced by 65% with constitutive MSCs and by 83% with inducible MSCs, demonstrating improved inner nuclear layer architecture. This benefit was maintained up to 8 weeks post-injection and corresponded to a significant improvement in the electroretinogram (ERG) b-/a-wave ratio at 8 weeks (2.6 inducible MSCs; 1.4 untreated eyes, p<0.05). At 4 months after multiple injections, the schisis cavity areas were reduced by 78% for inducible MSCs and constitutive MSCs, more photoreceptor nuclei were present (700/µm constitutive MSC; 750/µm inducible MSC; 383/µm untreated), and the ERG b-wave was significantly improved (threefold higher with constitutive MSCs and twofold higher with inducible MSCs) compared to the untreated control group. These results establish that extracellular delivery of RS1 rescues the structural and functional deficits in the Rs1h knockout mouse model and that this ex vivo gene therapy approach can inhibit progression of disease. This proof-of-principle work suggests that other inherited retinal degenerations caused by a deficiency of extracellular matrix proteins could be targeted by this strategy.

  18. Amantadine versus methylphenidate in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind trial.

    PubMed

    Mohammadi, Mohammad-Reza; Kazemi, Mohammad-Reza; Zia, Ebtehal; Rezazadeh, Shams-Ali; Tabrizi, Mina; Akhondzadeh, Shahin

    2010-11-01

    The aim of the present study was to further evaluate, under double blind and controlled conditions, the efficacy of amantadine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents as compared to methylphenidate. This was a 6-week randomized clinical trial. Forty patients (28 boys and 12 girls) with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD were the study population of this trial. All study subjects were randomly assigned to receive the treatment using capsule of amantadine at a dose of 100-150 mg/day depending on weight (100 mg/day for <30 kg and 150 mg/day for >30 kg) or methylphenidate at a dose of 20-30 mg/day for a 6-week double blind, randomized clinical trial. The principal measure of outcome was the Teacher and Parent Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder Rating Scale-IV. No significant differences were observed between the two groups on the Parent and Teacher Rating Scale scores (df = 1; F = 0.02; p = 0.86 and df = 1; F = 0.01; p = 0.89, respectively). Side effects of decreased appetite and restlessness were observed more frequently in the methylphenidate group. The results of this study indicate that amantadine significantly improved symptoms of ADHD and was well tolerated and it may be beneficial in the treatment of children with ADHD. Nevertheless, the present results do not constitute proof of efficacy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. The Rhetoric of the Norwegian Constitution Day: A Topos Analysis of Young Norwegian Students' May 17 Speeches, 2011 and 2012

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tønnesson, Johan Laurits; Sivesind, Kirsten

    2016-01-01

    National Day, or Constitution Day, in Norway, May 17, is often referred to as Children's Day. On this day, thousands of young Norwegian students march in parades and participate in celebrations in schoolyards and similar meeting places. Some students are selected to give speeches, performed in front of family members, neighbors, classmates, and…

  20. Dignity in people with frontotemporal dementia and similar disorders - a qualitative study of the perspective of family caregivers.

    PubMed

    Sagbakken, Mette; Nåden, Dagfinn; Ulstein, Ingun; Kvaal, Kari; Langhammer, Birgitta; Rognstad, May-Karin

    2017-06-23

    Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) constitutes on average 10-15% of dementia in younger persons (≤65 years old), but can also affect older people. These patients demonstrate a decline in social conduct, and/or language aphasias, apathy, and loss of insight that is gradual and progressive. Preservation of dignity seems to be highly relevant both before and after admission to different types of institutionalized care, but the research is scant. From the perspective of close relatives, this study aims to develop knowledge related to dignified or undignified care of patients with FTD and similar conditions. A qualitative, descriptive, and explorative design were employed to address the aims of this study. We interviewed nine relatives of people with FTD and similar conditions living in nursing homes, and two relatives of people living at home but attending day center 5 days a week. Relatives described the transition from being a close relative to someone who had little influence or knowledge of what constituted the care and the daily life of their loved ones. According to relatives' descriptions, patients are deprived of dignity in various ways: through limited interaction with peers and close relatives, limited confirmation of identity through staff who know them well, lack of possibilities for making autonomous decisions or entertaining meaningful roles or activities. Examples provided from the day care centres show how dignity is maintained through identity-strengthening activities conducted in different places, under various kinds of supervision and care, and together with people representing different roles and functions. Maintaining a link with the world outside the institution, through closer cooperation between the institution and family members, and/or by the use of day care centres, seems to facilitate prevention of many of the factors that may threaten dignified care.

  1. Investigating the spatio-temporal variability in groundwater and surface water interactions: a multi-technique approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Unland, N. P.; Cartwright, I.; Andersen, M. S.; Rau, G. C.; Reed, J.; Gilfedder, B. S.; Atkinson, A. P.; Hofmann, H.

    2013-09-01

    The interaction between groundwater and surface water along the Tambo and Nicholson rivers, southeast Australia, was investigated using 222Rn, Cl, differential flow gauging, head gradients, electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature profiles. Head gradients, temperature profiles, Cl concentrations and 222Rn activities all indicate higher groundwater fluxes to the Tambo River in areas of increased topographic variation where the potential to form large groundwater-surface water gradients is greater. Groundwater discharge to the Tambo River calculated by Cl mass balance was significantly lower (1.48 × 104 to 1.41 × 103 m3 day-1) than discharge estimated by 222Rn mass balance (5.35 × 105 to 9.56 × 103 m3 day-1) and differential flow gauging (5.41 × 105 to 6.30 × 103 m3 day-1) due to bank return waters. While groundwater sampling from the bank of the Tambo River was intended to account for changes in groundwater chemistry associated with bank infiltration, variations in bank infiltration between sample sites remain unaccounted for, limiting the use of Cl as an effective tracer. Groundwater discharge to both the Tambo and Nicholson rivers was the highest under high-flow conditions in the days to weeks following significant rainfall, indicating that the rivers are well connected to a groundwater system that is responsive to rainfall. Groundwater constituted the lowest proportion of river discharge during times of increased rainfall that followed dry periods, while groundwater constituted the highest proportion of river discharge under baseflow conditions (21.4% of the Tambo in April 2010 and 18.9% of the Nicholson in September 2010).

  2. Investigating the spatio-temporal variability in groundwater and surface water interactions: a multi-technical approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Unland, N. P.; Cartwright, I.; Andersen, M. S.; Rau, G. C.; Reed, J.; Gilfedder, B. S.; Atkinson, A. P.; Hofmann, H.

    2013-03-01

    The interaction between groundwater and surface water along the Tambo and Nicholson Rivers, southeast Australia, was investigated using 222Rn, Cl, differential flow gauging, head gradients, electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature profiling. Head gradients, temperature profiles, Cl concentrations and 222Rn activities all indicate higher groundwater fluxes to the Tambo River in areas of increased topographic variation where the potential to form large groundwater-surface water gradients is greater. Groundwater discharge to the Tambo River calculated by Cl mass balance was significantly lower (1.48 × 104 to 1.41 × 103 m3 day-1) than discharge estimated by 222Rn mass balance (5.35 × 105 to 9.56 × 103 m3 day-1) and differential flow gauging (5.41 × 105 to 6.30 × 103 m3 day-1). While groundwater sampling from the bank of the Tambo River was intended to account for the variability in groundwater chemistry associated with river-bank interaction, the spatial variability under which these interactions occurs remained unaccounted for, limiting the use of Cl as an effective tracer. Groundwater discharge to both the Tambo and Nicholson Rivers was the highest under high flow conditions in the days to weeks following significant rainfall, indicating that the rivers are well connected to a groundwater system that is responsive to rainfall. Groundwater constituted the lowest proportion of river discharge during times of increased rainfall that followed dry periods, while groundwater constituted the highest proportion of river discharge under baseflow conditions (21.4% of the Tambo in April 2010 and 18.9% of the Nicholson in September 2010).

  3. Research on the influence of anaerobic stabilization of various dairy sewage sludge on biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs with the use of effective microorganisms.

    PubMed

    Boruszko, Dariusz

    2017-05-01

    Sewage sludge was taken from a dairy WWTP belonging to Mlekovita Cooperative in Wysokie Mazowieckie. There were excess sludge, flotation sludge and a mixture of excess and flotation sludge from pre-treatment of dairy sewage. The initial content of 16 PAHs in excess sludge before fermentation was approximately 689µg·kg -1 in dry mass, whereas in post-flotation sludge (which constituted around 30% of raw sludge) it was approximately 95µg·kg -1 in dry mass. A mixture of excess and flotation sludge had the content of 497,7µg·kg -1 in dry mass. Through comparison of particular hydrocarbons content in raw sewage sludge to the total PAHs content, it was shown that tricyclic compounds, which constituted 46,3% of the PAHs sum (excess sludge), and tetracyclic compounds, which constituted 60,0% of the PAHs sum (flotation sludge), were the dominating fractions. In the sludge subjected to fermentation in reactors with mixed sludge and surplus activated sludge, the general trend of the course of changes in concentrations of PAHs was similar. Both in the sludge inoculated with EM and in that not inoculated with EM, a significant increase in the total PAHs contents was observed in the first fermentation phase (acidic fermentation) after 7 days of the process. Addition of EM into the sludge did not prevent the PAHs release, and therefore higher concentrations of PAHs sum were recorded during the hydrolysis stage than in sludge before fermentation. A decrease in the sum of PAHs was observed after 2 weeks of fermentation in relation to the quantity observed after 1 week of fermentation (except from post-flotation sludge). In the following weeks, there was further decrease in the concentration of the 16 PAHs sum in all sludge types. However, in sludge without EM inoculation, it was lower than in sludge with EM inoculation. The loss of the majority of tested hydrocarbons was reported in the final phase of fermentation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Repeated inhalation exposure of rats to an anionic high molecular weight polymer aerosol: application of prediction models to better understand pulmonary effects and modes of action.

    PubMed

    Pauluhn, Jürgen

    2014-08-01

    Opposed to the wealth of information available for kinetic lung overload-related effects of poorly-soluble, low-toxicity particles (PSP), only limited information is available on biodegradable high molecular weight (HMW) organic polymers (molecular weight >20,000 Da). It is hypothesized that such types of polymers may exert a somewhat similar volume displacement-related mode of action in alveolar macrophages as PSP; however, with a differing biokinetics of the material retained in the lung. This polyurethane polymer was examined in single and 2-/13-week repeated exposure rat inhalation bioassays. The design of studies was adapted to that commonly applied for PSP. Rats were nose-only exposed for 6h/day for the respective study duration, followed by 1-, 2- and 4-week postexposure periods in the single, 2- and 13-week studies, respectively. While the findings in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histopathology were consistent with those typical of PSP, they appear to be superimposed by pulmonary phospholipidosis and a much faster reversibility of pulmonary inflammation. Kinetic modeling designed to estimate the accumulated lung burden of biopersistent PSP was also suitable to simulate the overload-dependent outcomes of this biodegradable polymer as long as the faster than normal elimination kinetics was observed and an additional 'void space volume' was added to adjust for the phagocytosed additional fraction of pulmonary phospholipids. The changes observed following repeated inhalation exposure appear to be consistent with a retention-related etiopathology (kinetic overload). In summary, this study did not reveal evidence of any polymer-specific pulmonary irritation or parenchymal injury. Taking all findings into account, 7 mg polymer/m(3) (exposure 6h/day, 5-days/week on 13 consecutive weeks) constitutes the point of departure for lower respiratory tract findings that represent a transitional state from effects attributable to an overload-dependent pulmonary inflammation and phospholipidosis. In regard to extrapulmonary toxicity, no effects were found up to the maximum concentration of 107 mg/m(3) examined. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  5. The Four Day School Week. Research Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Muir, Mike

    2013-01-01

    Can four-day school weeks help districts save money? How do districts overcome the barriers of moving to a four-day week? What is the effect of a four-day week on students, staff and the community? This paper enumerates the benefits for students and teachers of four-day school weeks. Recommendations for implementation of a four-day week are also…

  6. Dietary exposure to essential and toxic trace elements from a Total diet study in an adult Lebanese urban population.

    PubMed

    Nasreddine, L; Nashalian, O; Naja, F; Itani, L; Parent-Massin, D; Nabhani-Zeidan, M; Hwalla, N

    2010-05-01

    This study assesses, by the Total diet study approach, the adequacy of micronutrient intake (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) and the dietary exposure of a Lebanese adult urban population to two toxic elements (Cd, Pb). The foods that made up the average 'total diet' were derived from a previous individual consumption survey. A total of 1215 individual foods were collected, prepared and cooked prior to analysis. Analytical quantification was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Average daily intakes of Co (11.4 microg/day), Cu (1104.19 microg/day), Fe (13.00 mg/day), Mn (2.04 mg/day), Ni (126.27 microg/day) and Zn (10.97 mg/day) were below toxicological reference values and were found to satisfy nutritional recommendations, except for manganese in men and iron in women. Average dietary exposure to Pb and Cd represented 3.2% and 21.7% of the respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes. Estimates of dietary intakes of iron appeared to be inadequate for 63% of adult women. These findings should constitute a current measure of assessing the adequacy and safety of foods consumed in Lebanon and may be a basis for future monitoring studies. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Osmotic/ionic status of body fluids in the euryhaline cephalopod suggest possible parallel evolution of osmoregulation

    PubMed Central

    Sakamoto, Tatsuya; Ogawa, Satoshi; Nishiyama, Yudai; Akada, Chiaki; Takahashi, Hideya; Watanabe, Taro; Minakata, Hiroyuki; Sakamoto, Hirotaka

    2015-01-01

    Acclimation from marine to dilute environments constitutes among the dramatic evolutionary transitions in the history of life. Such adaptations have evolved in multiple lineages, but studies of the blood/hemolymph homeostasis mechanisms are limited to those using evolutionarily advanced Deuterostome (chordates) and Ecdysozoa (crustaceans). Here, we examined hemolymph homeostasis in the advanced Lophotrochozoa/mollusc, the other unexplored taxa, and its possible regulation by the vasopressin/oxytocin superfamily peptides known to be implicated in fluid homeostasis in Chordata and Arthropoda. The hemolymph osmotic and ionic status in the euryhaline cephalopod (Octopus ocellatus) following transfer from 30-ppt normal seawater to 20 ppt salinity indicate hyperosmo- and hyperionoregulatory abilities for more than 1 week, as in crustaceans and teleost fish. While ventilation frequency decreased by 1 day, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, which has been generally implicated in ion transport, was induced in two of the eight posterior gills after 1 week. In addition, the octopuses were intravenously injected with 1 or 100 ng/g octopressin or cephalotocin, which are Octopus vasopressin/oxytocin orthologs. After 1 day, octopressin, but not cephalotocin, decreased the hemolymph osmolality and Ca concentrations, as well as urinary Na concentrations. These data provide evidence for possible parallel evolution in hyperionoregulatory mechanisms and coordination by conserved peptides. PMID:26403952

  8. Ayurvedic doshas as predictors of sleep quality.

    PubMed

    Telles, Shirley; Pathak, Shivangi; Kumar, Ankur; Mishra, Prabhat; Balkrishna, Acharya

    2015-05-17

    The 3 Ayurvedic constitutional types or Doshas--vata, pitta, and kapha--are responsible for homeostasis and health. The doshas determine various functions, including sleep. According to the Ayurvedic texts, sleep is caused by increased kapha and insomnia by increased vata or pitta, which may follow physical or mental exertion, or disease. The present study was carried out to determine whether this relationship could be found using contemporary standardized questionnaires. In this cross-sectional single-group study, 995 persons participated (646 males; group average age ±S.D., 49.1±15.2 years). Participants were attending a 1-week residential yoga program in northern India. Participants were assessed for dosha scores using a Tridosha questionnaire and the quality of sleep in the preceding week was self-rated using a sleep rating questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine if each dosha acted as a predictor of quality and quantity of sleep. Vata scores significantly predicted the time taken to fall asleep [p<0.01], and the feeling of being rested in the morning [p<0.001]; with higher vata scores being associated with a longer time to fall asleep and a lesser feeling of being rested in the morning. Kapha scores significantly predicted day-time somnolence [p<0.05] and the duration of day-time naps in minutes [p<0.05], with higher kapha scores being associated with longer day-time naps. The results suggest that the doshas can influence the quality and quantity of sleep.

  9. A 6-hour working day--effects on health and well-being.

    PubMed

    Akerstedt, T; Olsson, B; Ingre, M; Holmgren, M; Kecklund, G

    2001-12-01

    The effect of the total amount of work hours and the benefits of a shortening is frequently debated, but very little data is available. The present study compared a group (N = 41) that obtained a 9 h reduction of the working week (to a 6 h day) with a comparison group (N = 22) that retained normal work hours. Both groups were constituted of mainly female health care and day care nursery personnel. The experimental group retained full pay and extra personnel were employed to compensate for loss of hours. Questionnaire data were obtained before and 1 year after the change. The data were analyzed using a two-factor ANOVA with the interaction term year*group as the main focus. The results showed a significant interaction of year*group for social factors, sleep quality, mental fatigue, and heart/respiratory complaints, and attitude to work hours. In all cases the experimental group improved whereas the control group did not change. It was concluded that shortened work hours have clear social effects and moderate effects on well-being.

  10. An In-Depth Study of the Four-Day College Week. Part I; The Four-Day College Week: Revolution or Evolution. Part II; A Survey of Common Practices of Texas Colleges Utilizing the Four-Day College Week.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Riley, Bob E.

    This two-part report discusses the implementation of the four-day week on college campuses and summarizes the results of a survey conducted to investigate: (1) the history of the four-day college week in Texas; (2) how Texas colleges using this system integrate their operations into the four-day week; and (3) the future acceptance of the four-day…

  11. Take Advantage of Constitution Day

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCune, Bonnie F.

    2008-01-01

    The announcement of the mandate for Constitution and Citizenship Day shortly before September, 2005, probably led to groans of dismay. Not another "must-do" for teachers and schools already stressed by federal and state requirements for standardized tests, increasingly rigid curricula, and scrutiny from the public and officials. But the…

  12. Enhancing the scientific value of the Christmas Bird Count

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Dunn, Erica H.; Francis, C.M.; Blancher, P.J.; Drennan, S.R.; Howe, M.A.; Lepage, D.; Robbins, Chandler S.; Rosenberg, K.V.; Sauer, J.R.; Smith, Kimberly G.

    2005-01-01

    The Christmas Bird Count (CBC), conducted by the National Audubon Society (NAS) since 1900, constitutes the longest-running and geographically most widespread survey of bird life in the Western Hemisphere. Starting with 25 count locations in its first year, the program has grown continuously ever since, with 20–30 locations currently being added annually. Each CBC consists of a tally of all birds detected within a circle 24.1 km (15 miles) in diameter, on a single day within a few weeks around Christmas (current allowable dates are 14 December through 5 January). More than 50,000 observers now take part each year, in close to 2,000 count circles spread across the U.S. and its territories, southern Canada, and, increasingly, Latin America.

  13. Helper-dependent adenovirus achieve more efficient and persistent liver transgene expression in non-human primates under immunosuppression.

    PubMed

    Unzu, C; Melero, I; Hervás-Stubbs, S; Sampedro, A; Mancheño, U; Morales-Kastresana, A; Serrano-Mendioroz, I; de Salamanca, R E; Benito, A; Fontanellas, A

    2015-11-01

    Helper-dependent adenoviral (HDA) vectors constitute excellent gene therapy tools for metabolic liver diseases. We have previously shown that an HDA vector encoding human porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) corrects acute intermittent porphyria mice. Now, six non-human primates were injected in the left hepatic lobe with the PBGD-encoding HDA vector to study levels and persistence of transgene expression. Intrahepatic administration of 5 × 10(12) viral particles kg(-1) (10(10) infective units kg(-1)) of HDA only resulted in transient (≈14 weeks) transgene expression in one out of three individuals. In contrast, a more prolonged 90-day immunosuppressive regimen (tacrolimus, mycophenolate, rituximab and steroids) extended meaningful transgene expression for over 76 weeks in two out of two cases. Transgene expression under immunosuppression (IS) reached maximum levels 6 weeks after HDA administration and gradually declined reaching a stable plateau within the therapeutic range for acute porphyria. The non-injected liver lobes also expressed the transgene because of vector circulation. IS controlled anticapsid T-cell responses and decreased the induction of neutralizing antibodies. Re-administration of HDA-hPBGD at week +78 achieved therapeutically meaningful transgene expression only in those animals receiving IS again at the time of this second vector exposure. Overall, immunity against adenoviral capsids poses serious hurdles for long-term HDA-mediated liver transduction, which can be partially circumvented by pharmacological IS.

  14. Plasma homovanillic acid and family history of psychotic disorders in bipolar I patients.

    PubMed

    Zumárraga, Mercedes; Dávila, Ricardo; Basterreche, Nieves; Arrue, Aurora; Goienetxea, Biotza; González-Torres, Miguel Angel; Guimón, José

    2009-04-01

    It has been suggested that the family history of psychotic disorders is useful in defining homogeneous groups of bipolar patients. The plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) concentrations have been related to the effect of antipsychotic treatment in psychotic patients. We have studied the influence of a positive family history of psychotic disorders both on the variation of pHVA levels and on the relation between pHVA concentrations and the clinical response to treatment. Clinical status and pHVA levels were assessed in 58 medication free patients before and after 4 weeks of treatment with olanzapine and lithium. Clinical improvement correlated positively with pHVA levels on the 28th day of treatment only in the patients having first degree relatives with psychotic disorders. The pHVA levels did not decrease after 28 days of treatment. Our results reinforce the idea that a positive family history of psychosis in psychotic bipolar disorders may constitute a good basis for sub-grouping these patients.

  15. Behavioural and cognitive effects of simvastatin dose used in stimulation of bone regeneration in rats.

    PubMed

    Sousa, Dircilei Nascimento de; Santana, Washington Macedo de; Ferreira, Vania Moraes; Duarte, Wagner Rodrigues

    2014-03-01

    To analyze the effects of simvastatin (SVT) in the locomotion, anxiety and memory of rats, as a reflection of the administration of a minimum dose capable of stimulating bone regeneration in defects in the calvariae. Surgical procedures were performed in 15 female Wistar rats, 2-month old, to insert the grafting material regenerator (Bone-ceramic®) and/or SVT, followed by behavioural and cognitive assessments in the 7th, 30th and 60th days post surgery. The SVT locally applied with the goal of bone regeneration in defects created in rat calvariae does not interfere with locomotion, anxiety levels and/or memories of rats, except for the first week following surgery, when an anxiolytic effect was observed, as a result of a possible central action. Failure to provoke any response within 30 and 60 days post surgical procedures suggests that SVT may constitute a good choice in stimulating bone regeneration without affecting the long term neural functions.

  16. An acute case of intoxication with cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in recreational water in Salto Grande Dam, Argentina.

    PubMed

    Giannuzzi, Leda; Sedan, Daniela; Echenique, Ricardo; Andrinolo, Dario

    2011-01-01

    Cyanobacterial blooms and hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) usually occur in summer, constituting a sanitary and environmental problem in Salto Grande Dam, Argentina. Water sports and recreational activities take place in summer in this lake. We reported an acute case of cyanobacterial poisoning in Salto Grande dam, Argentina, which occurred in January 2007. Accidentally, a young man was immersed in an intense bloom of Microcystis spp. A level of 48.6 μg·L(-1) of microcystin-LR was detected in water samples. Four hours after exposure, the patient showed nausea, abdominal pain and fever. Three days later, dyspnea and respiratory distress were reported. The patient was hospitalized in intensive care and diagnosed with an atypical pneumonia. Finally, a week after the exposure, the patient developed a hepatotoxicosis with a significant increase of hepatic damage biomarkers (ALT, AST and γGT). Complete recovery took place within 20 days. This is the first study to show an acute intoxication with microcystin-producing cyanobacteria blooms in recreational water.

  17. Auranofin in the treatment of steroid dependent asthma: a double blind study.

    PubMed Central

    Nierop, G; Gijzel, W P; Bel, E H; Zwinderman, A H; Dijkman, J H

    1992-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Long term administration of oral corticosteroids in patients with asthma may be associated with serious side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including gold salts, have been shown to reduce the need for systemic corticosteroid treatment in uncontrolled studies. The effect of oral gold (auranofin) on asthma symptoms, lung function, and the need for oral prednisone treatment was investigated. METHODS: A 26 week randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group trial of auranofin was performed in 32 patients with moderately severe chronic asthma who required an oral corticosteroid dose of at least 5 mg prednisone a day (or equivalent) or 2.5 mg/day prednisone plus more than 800 micrograms/day inhaled corticosteroids. Auranofin was given orally in a dose of 3 mg twice daily. Asthma symptoms, lung function, and adverse effects were assessed at regular intervals. After 12 weeks of treatment prednisone dosage was tapered down by 2.5 mg every two weeks if the patient was clinically stable. Asthma exacerbations were treated with short courses of high doses of oral steroids. RESULTS: Twenty eight of the 32 patients, 13 in the placebo group and 15 in the auranofin group, completed the study. The total corticosteroid reduction achieved after 26 weeks of treatment was significantly greater (4 mg) in the auranofin group than in the placebo group (0.3 mg). The number of exacerbations requiring an increase of steroids was greater in the placebo group (2.1) than in the active group (0.9). A significant increase in FEV1 of 6.4% predicted occurred in the auranofin group during the study and there was a reduction of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and cough. There was no difference between the groups in peak flow measurements or in the number of asthma attacks. The incidence of side effects of auranofin was low, but exacerbations of constitutional eczema were noticeable. CONCLUSION: Auranofin provides an effective adjunct to treatment for steroid dependent asthma, leading to a reduction of oral steroid dose. Images PMID:1609377

  18. Adaptation to a blood pressure telemetry system revealed by measures of activity, agility and operant learning in mice.

    PubMed

    Popova, Anfisa; Tsvirkun, Darya; Dolgov, Oleg; Anokhin, Konstantin; Alberts, Jeffrey; Lagereva, Evgeniia; Custaud, Marc-Antoine; Gauquelin-Koch, Guillemette; Vinogradova, Olga; Andreev-Andrievskiy, Alexander

    Implantable telemetry enables continuous monitoring of physiological functions in freely moving animals and can greatly complement pharmacological research. Despite its miniaturization, a sensor/transmitter constitutes 5% or more of a mouse's bodyweight. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether factors related to the presence of a probe/transmitter influence the ambulatory activity, strength, agility, or operant, motivated behaviors of this small rodent. Adult male mice (C57BL/6N, 22-25g, 9-10weeks; implanted n=26, intact n=45) were evaluated during week-long tests, conducted three and eight weeks after surgical implantation of the PA-C10 blood pressure probe. An open field test, grip force measurement, Rotarod test were performed, followed by 7-day continuous monitoring of spontaneous wheel running activity and positively reinforced operant conditioning in an automated data collection system. An implanted blood pressure transmitter did not affect behavior of mice in the open field test, on the Rotarod or their grip force, compared to unoperated controls. Voluntary wheel running distance was reduced three, but not eight weeks after implantation. Three weeks after the surgery, performance in the positively reinforced operant conditioning in operated mice was slightly decreased compared to intact animals, while retention and acquisition of a 2nd, reversal-learning task eight weeks after the surgery were unaffected. We conclude that an implantable transmitter may have detectable effects in the first few weeks following implantation on some elements of mouse behavior. With sufficient recovery, mice perform comparably to unoperated controls in tests of strength, endurance, agility and learned operant behavior. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. The 4-Day School Week. The Informed Educator Series

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donis-Keller, Christine

    2010-01-01

    This "Informed Educator" examines the use of a 4-day school week as a way to reduce expenses while using limited resources most effectively. Discussion focuses on various models of 4-day week schedules, what to do during the fifth day, and how 4-day school weeks affect extracurricular activities. Detailed discussion of financial savings, student…

  20. 77 FR 15976 - Additional Changes to the Schedule of Operations Regulations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-19

    ..., inspection program personnel on the cattle slaughter line who work 4 or more days a week would need 15... days per week, 4 percent work in beef establishments that operate less than 4 days per week, 36 percent... work 3 days or less a week would need 15 minutes once a week to sharpen their knife, if the...

  1. Association between Frequency of Breakfast Consumption and Academic Performance in Healthy Korean Adolescents.

    PubMed

    So, Wi-Young

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine whether the frequency of breakfast consumption was related to academic performance in healthy Korean adolescents. We analyzed data from the seventh Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey conducted in 2011, in which 75,643 adolescents from school grades 7-12 participated. We assessed the association between the frequency of breakfast consumption (per week) and academic performance using multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for covariates such as age, body mass index, frequency of smoking, frequency of drinking, parents' education level, family economic status, frequency of vigorous physical activity (PA), frequency of moderate PA, frequency of muscular strength exercises, and level of mental stress. For male adolescents, the odds ratios (ORs) for achieving average or higher academic performance according to the breakfast frequency per week were once per week, 1.004 (P=0.945); twice per week, 0.915 (P=0.153); 3 days per week, 0.928 (P=0.237); 4 days per week, 1.087 (P=0.176); 5 days per week, 1.258 (P<0.001); 6 days per week, 1.473 (P<0.001); and every day, 1.700 (P<0.001), compared to no breakfast per week. For female adolescents, the ORs for achieving average or higher academic performance according to the breakfast frequency were once per week, 1.068 (P=0.320); twice per week, 1.140 (P=0.031); 3 days per week, 1.179 (P=0.004); 4 days per week, 1.339 (P<0.001); 5 days per week, 1.449 (P<0.001); 6 days per week, 1.768 (P<0.001); and every day, 1.922 (P<0.001), compared to no breakfast per week. The frequency of breakfast consumption is positively correlated with academic performance in both male and female healthy adolescents in Korea.

  2. Clinical efficacy and safety of 20% glycolic peel, 15% lactic peel, and topical 20% vitamin C in constitutional type of periorbital melanosis: a comparative study.

    PubMed

    Dayal, Surabhi; Sahu, Priyadarshini; Jain, Vijay Kumar; Khetri, Sneh

    2016-12-01

    Periorbital Melanosis (POM) is a very common esthetic condition, yet there is no definite treatment modality. Topical therapy is the mainstay of treatment which includes chemical peels, vitamin C, and other depigmenting agents. To compare clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 20% glycolic acid peels, 15% lactic acid peels, and topical 20% vitamin C in treatment of constitutional type of POM in Indian patients. Ninety patients of constitutional POM were enrolled for 12 weeks. The patients were distributed into three groups. One-third of patients underwent 3-weekly GA peel, another one-third underwent 3-weekly lactic peel, and rest applied vitamin C daily. Clinical improvement was assessed objectively using POM grading. Patient's and physicians global assessment along with patient's global tolerance was also evaluated. More than 50% improvement in POM was observed in 73.34% of patients on GA peel, 56.67% on lactic peel, and 26.67% on vitamin C. On comparing improvement with respect to duration of therapy, GA peel was significantly more effective than lactic peel from 12 weeks onward, while it was more effective than vitamin C from 6 weeks onward. Lactic peel was more effective than vitamin C from 6 weeks onward. Physician and patient global assessment was excellent with glycolic peel followed by lactic peel and vitamin C. The incidence of adverse effect was maximum with GA peel followed by lactic peel and vitamin C. Glycolic peel was best among the three modalities, although it was associated with increased rate of side effects. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Ayurvedic Doshas as Predictors of Sleep Quality

    PubMed Central

    Telles, Shirley; Pathak, Shivangi; Kumar, Ankur; Mishra, Prabhat; Balkrishna, Acharya

    2015-01-01

    Background The 3 Ayurvedic constitutional types or Doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha – are responsible for homeostasis and health. The doshas determine various functions, including sleep. According to the Ayurvedic texts, sleep is caused by increased kapha and insomnia by increased vata or pitta, which may follow physical or mental exertion, or disease. The present study was carried out to determine whether this relationship could be found using contemporary standardized questionnaires. Material/Methods In this cross-sectional single-group study, 995 persons participated (646 males; group average age ±S.D., 49.1±15.2 years). Participants were attending a 1-week residential yoga program in northern India. Participants were assessed for dosha scores using a Tridosha questionnaire and the quality of sleep in the preceding week was self-rated using a sleep rating questionnaire. Results Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine if each dosha acted as a predictor of quality and quantity of sleep. Vata scores significantly predicted the time taken to fall asleep [p<0.01], and the feeling of being rested in the morning [p<0.001]; with higher vata scores being associated with a longer time to fall asleep and a lesser feeling of being rested in the morning. Kapha scores significantly predicted day-time somnolence [p<0.05] and the duration of day-time naps in minutes [p<0.05], with higher kapha scores being associated with longer day-time naps. Conclusions The results suggest that the doshas can influence the quality and quantity of sleep. PMID:25982247

  4. Community-based Randomized Controlled Trial of Non-pharmacological Interventions in Prevention and Control of Hypertension among Young Adults.

    PubMed

    Saptharishi, Lg; Soudarssanane, Mb; Thiruselvakumar, D; Navasakthi, D; Mathanraj, S; Karthigeyan, M; Sahai, A

    2009-10-01

    Hypertension is a major chronic lifestyle disease. Several non-pharmacological interventions are effective in bringing down the blood pressure (BP). This study focuses on the effectiveness of such interventions among young adults. To measure the efficacy of physical exercise, reduction in salt intake, and yoga, in lowering BP among young (20-25) pre-hypertensives and hypertensives, and to compare their relative efficacies. The study was done in the urban service area of JIPMER. Pre-hypertensives and hypertensives, identified from previous studies, constituted the universe. The participants were randomized into one control and three interventional groups. A total of 113 subjects: 30, 28, 28 and 27 in four groups respectively participated for eight weeks: control (I), physical exercise (II) - brisk walking for 50-60 minutes, four days/week, salt intake reduction (III) - to at least half of their previous intake, and practice of yoga (IV) - for 30-45 minutes/day on at least five days/week. Efficacy was assessed using paired t test and ANOVA with Games Howell post hoc test. An intention to treat analysis was also performed. A total of 102 participants (29, 27, 25 and 21 in groups I, II, III and IV) completed the study. All three intervention groups showed a significant reduction in BP (SBP/DBP: 5.3/6.0 in group II, 2.6/3.7 in III, and 2.0/2.6 mm Hg in IV respectively). There was no significant change (SBP/DBP: 0.2/0.5 mmHg) of BP in control group (I). Physical exercise was most effective (considered individually); salt intake reduction and yoga were also effective. Physical exercise, salt intake reduction, and yoga are effective non-pharmacological interventions in significantly reducing BP among young hypertensives and pre-hypertensives. These can therefore be positively recommended for hypertensives. There is also a case to deploy these interventions in the general population.

  5. Reproducibility of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time over two seasons in children; Comparing a day-by-day and a week-by-week approach

    PubMed Central

    Andersen, Lars Bo; Skrede, Turid; Ekelund, Ulf; Anderssen, Sigmund Alfred; Resaland, Geir Kåre

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Knowledge of reproducibility of accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (SED) estimates are a prerequisite to conduct high-quality epidemiological studies. Yet, estimates of reproducibility might differ depending on the approach used to analyze the data. The aim of the present study was to determine the reproducibility of objectively measured PA and SED in children by directly comparing a day-by-day and a week-by-week approach to data collected over two weeks during two different seasons 3–4 months apart. Methods 676 11-year-old children from the Active Smarter Kids study conducted in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway, performed 7 days of accelerometer monitoring (ActiGraph GT3X+) during January-February and April-May 2015. Reproducibility was calculated using a day-by-day and a week-by-week approach applying mixed effect modelling and the Spearman Brown prophecy formula, and reported using intra-class correlation (ICC), Bland Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Results Applying a week-by-week approach, no variables provided ICC estimates ≥ 0.70 for one week of measurement in any model (ICC = 0.29–0.66 not controlling for season; ICC = 0.49–0.67 when controlling for season). LoA for these models approximated a factor of 1.3–1.7 of the sample PA level standard deviations. Compared to the week-by-week approach, the day-by-day approach resulted in too optimistic reliability estimates (ICC = 0.62–0.77 not controlling for season; ICC = 0.64–0.77 when controlling for season). Conclusions Reliability is lower when analyzed over different seasons and when using a week-by-week approach, than when applying a day-by-day approach and the Spearman Brown prophecy formula to estimate reliability over a short monitoring period. We suggest a day-by-day approach and the Spearman Brown prophecy formula to determine reliability be used with caution. Trial Registration The study is registered in Clinicaltrials.gov 7th April 2014 with identification number NCT02132494. PMID:29216318

  6. Interpreting the Impact of the Four-Day School Week: An Examination of Performance before and after Switching to the Four-Day School Week

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gower, Matthew Lee

    2017-01-01

    As four-day school weeks continue to gain popularity among school districts across the United States, determining the potential impact associated with the unconventional school week has become increasingly important (Johnson, 2013). The four-day school week has been credited with producing a number of potential benefits and consequences, but there…

  7. Four Day School Week for Small Rural Schools. Small Schools Fact Sheet.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Culbertson, Jeanne

    The four-day school week is a Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday alternative to the traditional four-day week, which can be implemented with many variables and differing objectives. The four-day week saves heating, transportation, maintenance, electricity and some instructional costs, while providing better educational opportunities and use of…

  8. 26 CFR 1.441-2 - Election of taxable year consisting of 52-53 weeks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    .... For this purpose, a 52-53-week taxable year beginning on any of the days from June 25 to July 4... day of the week; and (iii) Ends always on— (A) Whatever date this same day of the week last occurs in a calendar month; or (B) Whatever date this same day of the week falls that is the nearest to the...

  9. 26 CFR 1.441-2 - Election of taxable year consisting of 52-53 weeks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    .... For this purpose, a 52-53-week taxable year beginning on any of the days from June 25 to July 4... always on the same day of the week; and (iii) Ends always on— (A) Whatever date this same day of the week last occurs in a calendar month; or (B) Whatever date this same day of the week falls that is the...

  10. Phase II trial of interleukin 2, interferon alpha, and 5-fluorouracil in metastatic renal cell cancer: a cytokine working group study.

    PubMed

    Dutcher, J P; Logan, T; Gordon, M; Sosman, J; Weiss, G; Margolin, K; Plasse, T; Mier, J; Lotze, M; Clark, J; Atkins, M

    2000-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of alternating two outpatient regimens for the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer. These regimens consisted of 4 weeks of recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2) plus IFN-alpha2B followed by 4 weeks of 5-fluorouracil plus IFN-alpha2B. Fifty patients meeting eligibility criteria of previous Cytokine Working Group studies were treated on an outpatient basis. Patients received s.c. rIL-2 (Proleukin; Chiron, Emeryville, CA) during weeks 1-4 of the 8-week regimen. During weeks 1 and 4, the dosage for rIL-2 was 10 MIU/m2 twice daily on days 3-5, and the dosage for IFN-alpha2B (Intron; Schering Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) was 6 MIU/m2 on day 1. During weeks 2 and 3, the dosage for rIL-2 was 5 MIU/m2 on days 1, 3, and 5, and the dosage for IFN-alpha2B was 6 MIU/m2 on days 1, 3, 5. During weeks 5-8, 5-fluorouracil (750 mg/m2) was administered once weekly by i.v. infusion, and IFN-alpha2B (9 MIU/mZ) was administered as a s.c. injection three times weekly. Throughout the treatment, an assessment of quality of life was made and a symptom-distress scale was evaluated. There were two patients with complete responses (CRs) and seven with partial responses (PRs) for an objective response rate of 18% (95% confidence interval, 10-25). The median response duration was 8 months (range, 3-51+ months). The CRs lasted 5 months and 51+ months and the PRs ranged from 3+ to 18 months. After completing at least one course of treatment, eight patients (three with PR, one with minor response, four with stable disease) became CRs after surgery for remaining metastatic disease. Six remain alive at 43+ to 53+ months, and 5 remain disease-free since surgery. The median survival of the study group is 17.5 months, with a maximal follow-up of 53+ months. The range in survival is 1-53+ months. Toxicity was primarily constitutional. and treatment modifications were designed to maintain toxicity at grade 2/3. The most common toxicities during treatment with IL-2/IFN were fatigue, nausea/vomiting, anorexia, skin reaction, diarrhea, fever, and liver enzyme elevations. One-third had central nervous system toxicity (headache, depression, insomnia). During 5FU/IFN treatment, 49 of 50 patients experienced grade 2/3 myelosuppression during course 1. Eight patients experienced grade 4 toxicities. In conclusion, the activity of this alternating regimen is similar to that of IL-2/IFN alone, given in 4-week cycles. The addition of 5FU/IFN failed to increase the efficacy and added new toxicity (myelosuppression). This report does not confirm the results previously reported for either alternating or simultaneous administration of these three agents. Because 5FU does not appear to add to the antitumor activity of IL-2-based therapy for renal cancer, current efforts are directed toward a Phase III randomized comparison of high-dose i.v. bolus inpatient IL-2 treatment versus treatment with outpatient s.c. injection of IL-2 plus IFN.

  11. Effect of intermittent fasting with or without caloric restriction on prostate cancer growth and survival in SCID mice.

    PubMed

    Buschemeyer, W Cooper; Klink, Joseph C; Mavropoulos, John C; Poulton, Susan H; Demark-Wahnefried, Wendy; Hursting, Stephen D; Cohen, Pinchas; Hwang, David; Johnson, Tracy L; Freedland, Stephen J

    2010-07-01

    Caloric restriction (CR) delays cancer growth in animals, though translation to humans is difficult. We hypothesized intermittent fasting (i.e., intermittent extreme CR), may be better tolerated and prolong survival of prostate cancer (CaP) bearing mice. We conducted a pilot study by injecting 105 male individually-housed SCID mice with LAPC-4 cells. When tumors reached 200 mm(3), 15 mice/group were randomized to one of seven diets and sacrificed when tumors reached 1,500 mm(3): Group 1: ad libitum 7 days/week; Group 2: fasted 1 day/week and ad libitum 6 days/week; Group 3: fasted 1 day/week and fed 6 days/week via paired feeding to maintain isocaloric conditions to Group 1; Group 4: 14% CR 7 days/week; Group 5: fasted 2 days/week and ad libitum 5 days/week; Group 6: fasted 2 day/week and fed 5 days/week via paired feeding to maintain isocaloric conditions to Group 1; Group 7: 28% CR 7 days/week. Sera from mice at sacrifice were analyzed for IGF-axis hormones. There were no significant differences in survival among any groups. However, relative to Group 1, there were non-significant trends for improved survival for Groups 3 (HR 0.65, P = 0.26), 5 (0.60, P = 0.18), 6 (HR 0.59, P = 0.16), and 7 (P = 0.59, P = 0.17). Relative to Group 1, body weights and IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in Groups 6 and 7. This exploratory study found non-significant trends toward improved survival with some intermittent fasting regimens, in the absence of weight loss. Larger appropriately powered studies to detect modest, but clinically important differences are necessary to confirm these findings.

  12. Effect of Feitai Capsule () on quality of life and progression-free survival of patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Yu, Zong-Yang; Liu, Zhi-Zhen; Ouyang, Xue-Nong; Du, Jian; Dai, Xi-Hu; Chen, Xi; Zhao, Zhong-Quan; Wang, Wen-Wu; Li, Jie

    2012-02-01

    To examine the effect of a Chinese medicinal herbal formula (Feitai Capsule, ) on the quality of life (QOL) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Sixty-two patients were randomly divided into the treatment group (31 cases) and the control group (31 cases). For the treatment group, 4 capsules (1.2 g/capsule) of Feitai Capsule were administered 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks; then no drug was administered for 1 week. This schedule was continued for at least 3 more cycles (12 weeks totally). If there were no obvious toxic reactions, the treatment was extended. The patients were evaluated at least once every 8 weeks until progressive disease (PD). For the control group, the regular follow-up and evaluation were performed at least once every 8 weeks until PD. Clinical symptoms, objective response, physical constitution and energy, QOL, and PFS were evaluated regularly. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), a non-parametric test, and analysis of covariance were used to compare clinical features, amelioration of clinical symptoms, physical constitution and energy, and QOL. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the two-group PFS. Sixty patients finished the final evaluation, with 30 patients in each group. Baseline characters between groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). The control group had a 36.7% improvement in clinical symptoms, while the treatment group had a 73.3% improvement. This difference was statistically significant (Z= -2.632, P=0.008). The control group had a 26.7% improvement in the Karnofsky performance status (KPS), while the treatment group had a 53.4% improvement. This was also significantly different (Z=-2.182, P=0.029). A comparative analysis indicated a positive correlation (r=0.917, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, QOL in the treatment group was significantly improved, except in the social/family condition and doctor-patient relationship indicators. The PFS of the treatment group and control group were 6.23 months and 4.67 months, respectively (P=0.048). Feitai Capsule, a Chinese medicinal herbal treatment could improve the QOL and extend the PFS of the unresectable NSCLC patients.

  13. Investigation of the Dissolution-Reformation Cycle of the Passive Oxide Layer on NiTi Orthodontic Archwires

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uzer, B.; Birer, O.; Canadinc, D.

    2017-09-01

    Dissolution-reformation cycle of the passive oxide layer on the nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires was investigated, which has recently been recognized as one of the key parameters dictating the biocompatibility of archwires. Specifically, commercially available NiTi orthodontic archwires were immersed in artificial saliva solutions of different pH values (2.3, 3.3, and 4.3) for four different immersion periods: 1, 7, 14, and 30 days. Characterization of the virgin and tested samples revealed that the titanium oxide layer on the NiTi archwire surfaces exhibit a dissolution-reformation cycle within the first 14 days of the immersion period: the largest amount of Ni ion release occurred within the first week of immersion, while it significantly decreased during the reformation period from day 7 to day 14. Furthermore, the oxide layer reformation was catalyzed on the grooves within the peaks and valleys due to relatively larger surface energy of these regions, which eventually decreased the surface roughness significantly within the reformation period. Overall, the current results clearly demonstrate that the analyses of dissolution-reformation cycle of the oxide layer in orthodontic archwires, surface roughness, and ion release behavior constitute utmost importance in order to ensure both the highest degree of biocompatibility and an efficient medical treatment.

  14. Inappropriate breast secretions of possible bacterial etiology in the parous nonpuerperal female.

    PubMed

    Freeman, J J; Altieri, R H; Freeman, A H; Kuo, T; Sardinha, F; Buckingham, C C; Sklar, J J; Dyroff, K; Floyd, A

    1994-03-01

    This article presents two cases of spontaneous green breast secretions of parous nonpuerperal patients. To understand the nature of these secretions, bacterial evaluations and subsequent treatment were undertaken. Case 1 culture and sensitivity studies from breast secretions were commenced within 24 hours yielding an isolate identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis, with sensitivity to cephalothin, erythromycin, and tetracycline but resistant to penicillin. Cephalothin, 500 mg four times a day for 10 days, followed by erythromycin 100 mg twice a day for 10 days and doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 10 days, did not alter the breast secretions. Four weeks later, ciprofloxacin HCI 500 mg twice a day for 6 weeks caused a 50% decrement in breast secretion at 4 weeks but increased clinical depression. At 6 weeks, no evidence of breast secretions persisted. Mental depression decreased within 2 weeks postciprofloxacin treatment. In Case 2, a total of 35 minutes elapsed between sample collection and initiation of culture and sensitivity studies. Moraxella osloensis was identified and found sensitive to ampicillin and tetracycline but resistant to trimethoprim. Ampicillin 500 mg four times a day for 10 days and doxycycline 100 mg twice a day by mouth for 10 days were administered at 2-week intervals with no effect on breast discharge. After 4 weeks of treatment failure, ciprofloxacin HCI 500 mg twice a day for 6 weeks caused a 50% decrease in discharge at 2 weeks and total elimination at 6 weeks. Lethargy during treatment ceased with termination of therapy. These results support the importance of bacterial evaluation of breast secretions with subsequent antibiotic therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  15. Is the Four-Day School Week Detrimental to Student Success?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tharp, Timothy W.; Matt, John; O'Reilly, Frances L.

    2016-01-01

    School districts across the United States are implementing four-day school weeks. This study looks at the relationship between student achievement in the four-day school week compared to student achievement in the five-day school week. This analysis focused on a common criteria referenced test given to all students over a period of seven years in…

  16. Four-Day Week Schedule. Research Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marx, Gary E.

    2007-01-01

    What does research say about the four-day week as an alternative school schedule? More than 100 districts in at least 12 states currently use a four-day week alternative schedule. Most are located in rural areas, serve less than 1000 students, and made the move to a shorter school week with longer instructional days for financial reasons. Although…

  17. Allograft integration in a rabbit transgenic model for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

    PubMed

    Bachy, M; Sherifi, I; Zadegan, F; Petite, H; Vialle, R; Hannouche, D

    2016-04-01

    Tissue engineering strategies include both cell-based and cell homing therapies. Ligamentous tissues are highly specialized and constitute vital components of the musculoskeletal system. Their damage causes significant morbidity and loss in function. The aim of this study is to analyze tendinous graft integration, cell repopulation and ligamentization by using GFP+/- allografts in GFP+/- transgenic New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. Graft implantation was designed to closely mimic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgery. Allografts were implanted in 8 NZW rabbits and assessed at 5 days, 3 weeks and 6 weeks through: (1) arthroCT imaging, (2) morphological analysis of the transplanted allograft, (3) histological analysis, (4) collagen type I immunochemistry, and (5) GFP cell tracking. Collagen remodeling was appreciated at 3 and 6 weeks. Graft repopulation with host cells, chondrocyte-like cells at the tendon-bone interface and graft corticalization in the bone tunnels were noticed at 3 weeks. By contrast we noticed a central necrosis aspect in the allografts intra-articularly at 6 weeks with a cell migration towards the graft edge near the synovium. Our study has served to gain a better understanding of tendinous allograft bone integration, ligamentization and allograft repopulation. We believe that both cell-based therapies and cell homing therapies are beneficial in ligament tissue engineering. Future studies may elucidate whether cell repopulation occurs with pre-differentiated or progenitor cells. We believe that both cell-based therapies and cell homing therapies are beneficial in ligament tissue engineering. Level V (animal study). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  18. Short, frequent, 5-days-per-week, in-center hemodialysis versus 3-days-per week treatment: a randomized crossover pilot trial through the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium.

    PubMed

    Laskin, Benjamin L; Huang, Guixia; King, Eileen; Geary, Denis F; Licht, Christoph; Metlay, Joshua P; Furth, Susan L; Kimball, Tom; Mitsnefes, Mark

    2017-08-01

    No controlled trials in children with end-stage kidney disease have assessed the benefits of more frequently administered hemodialysis (HD). We conducted a multicenter, crossover pilot trial to determine if short, more frequent (5 days per week) in-center HD was feasible and associated with improvements in blood pressure compared with three conventional HD treatments per week. Because adult studies have not controlled for the weekly duration of dialysis, we fixed the total treatment time at 12 h a week of dialysis during two 3-month study periods; only frequency varied from 5 to 3 days per week between study periods. Eight children (median age 16.7 years) consented at three children's hospitals. The prespecified primary composite outcome was a sustained 10% decrease in systolic blood pressure and/or a decrease in antihypertensive medications relative to each study period's baseline. Among the six patients completing both study periods, five (83.3%) experienced the primary outcome during HD performed 5 days per week but not 3 days per week; one of the six (16.7%) achieved that outcome during 3-day but not 5-day (p = 0.22) per week HD. During 5-day HD, all patients had significantly more treatments during which their pre-HD systolic (p = 0.01) or diastolic (p = 0.01) blood pressure was 10% lower than baseline. We observed that more frequent HD sessions per week was feasible and associated with improved blood pressure control, but barriers to changing thrice-weekly standard of care include financial reimbursement and the time demands associated with more frequent treatments.

  19. Does Shortening the School Week Impact Student Performance? Evidence from the Four-Day School Week

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anderson, D. Mark; Walker, Mary Beth

    2015-01-01

    School districts use a variety of policies to close budget gaps and stave off teacher layoffs and furloughs. More schools are implementing four-day school weeks to reduce overhead and transportation costs. The four-day week requires substantial schedule changes as schools must increase the length of their school day to meet minimum instructional…

  20. The Four-Day School Week: Impact on Student Academic Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hewitt, Paul M.; Denny, George S.

    2011-01-01

    Although the four-day school week originated in 1936, it was not widely implemented until 1973 when there was a need to conserve energy and reduce operating costs. This study investigated how achievement tests scores of schools with a four-day school week compared with schools with a traditional five-day school week. The study focused on student…

  1. 75 FR 19885 - Restricted Areas and Danger Zone at Naval Station Mayport, FL

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-16

    ... will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Warning signs notifying individuals of the... authorized representative. This restriction will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Warning signs... areas identified in this section 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any person or vessel encroaching within...

  2. More with Four: A Look at the Four Day Week in Oregon's Small Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reinke, Joyce M.

    The 4-day school week offers solutions to the financial and instructional problems often faced by small rural schools. Two southern Oregon schools implemented the 4-day school week on a trial basis in 1982-83 and, along with five eastern Oregon districts, continue to use this schedule today. The primary purpose of the change to a 4-day week was…

  3. 7 CFR 59.302 - Mandatory weekly reporting for lambs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... on the second reporting day of the current slaughter week, and the following information applicable.... central time on the first reporting day of the current slaughter week categorized to clearly delineate...)(7) of this section on the second reporting day of the current slaughter week and information...

  4. A new primaquine analogue, tafenoquine (WR 238605), for prophylaxis against Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

    PubMed

    Shanks, G D; Oloo, A J; Aleman, G M; Ohrt, C; Klotz, F W; Braitman, D; Horton, J; Brueckner, R

    2001-12-15

    We tested tafenoquine (WR 238605), a new long-acting 8-aminoquinoline, for its ability to prevent malaria in an area that is holoendemic for Plasmodium falciparum. In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial in western Kenya, adult volunteers received a treatment course of 250 mg halofantrine per day for 3 days, to effect clearance of preexisting parasites. The volunteers were then assigned to 1 of 4 drug regimens: placebo throughout; 3 days of 400 mg (base) of tafenoquine per day, followed by placebo weekly; 3 days of 200 mg of tafenoquine per day, followed by 200 mg per week; and 3 days of 400 mg of tafenoquine per day, followed by 400 mg per week. Prophylaxis was continued for up to 13 weeks. Of the evaluable subjects (223 of 249 randomized subjects), volunteers who received 400 mg tafenoquine for only 3 days had a protective efficacy of 68% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53%-79%), as compared with placebo recipients; those who received 200 mg per day for 3 days followed by 200 mg per week had a protective efficacy of 86% (95% CI, 73%-93%); and those who received 400 mg for 3 days followed by 400 mg per week had a protective efficacy of 89% (95% CI, 77%-95%). A similar number of volunteers in the 4 treatment groups reported adverse events. Prophylactic regimens of 200 mg or 400 mg of tafenoquine, taken weekly for < or =13 weeks, are highly efficacious in preventing falciparum malaria and are well tolerated.

  5. The Four-Day School Week. Issuegram 14.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bauman, Paul

    The four-day week is a popular way to improve the quality of education and save energy costs in rural districts. The four-day week is structured as a lengthened day or school year. Thirteen states have districts operating on four-day calendars. State laws and education agency regulations require districts to evaluate the effect of four-day…

  6. A crucial role of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) in liver tumor development by imazalil in mice.

    PubMed

    Tamura, Kei; Inoue, Kaoru; Takahashi, Miwa; Matsuo, Saori; Kodama, Yukio; Yoshida, Midori

    2016-01-01

    To clarify the major pathway of liver tumor development induced by imazalil (IMA), an imidazole fungicide, male constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-knockout (CARKO) and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with IMA at 500 ppm in the diet up to 27 weeks after initiation by diethylnitrosamine. After 27 weeks of treatment, neither altered foci nor adenomas were significantly increased in CARKO mice, whereas both eosinophilic altered foci and adenomas were increased in WT mice. After 4 or 13 weeks of IMA treatment, liver hypertrophy was observed at the tumor-inducible dose without differences among genotypes or durations. Analysis of hepatic drug metabolite enzymes, performed after administration of multiple doses during a 1-week period, indicated that pregnane X receptor might be involved in liver hypertrophy because IMA markedly elevated Cyp3a11 and Cyp2b10 expression levels in a dose-dependent manner in both genotypes. Our results demonstrated that the CAR pathway was the main mechanism of liver tumor development induced by IMA. The carcinogenic pathway was different from that of liver hypertrophy.

  7. Constitutive Expression of Short Hairpin RNA in Vivo Triggers Buildup of Mature Hairpin Molecules

    PubMed Central

    Ahn, M.; Witting, S.R.; Ruiz, R.; Saxena, R.

    2011-01-01

    Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) has become the cornerstone technology for studying gene function in mammalian cells. In addition, it is a promising therapeutic treatment for multiple human diseases. Virus-mediated constitutive expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) has the potential to provide a permanent source of silencing molecules to tissues, and it is being devised as a strategy for the treatment of liver conditions such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection. Unintended interaction between silencing molecules and cellular components, leading to toxic effects, has been described in vitro. Despite the enormous interest in using the RNAi technology for in vivo applications, little is known about the safety of constitutively expressing shRNA for multiple weeks. Here we report the effects of in vivo shRNA expression, using helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. We show that gene-specific knockdown is maintained for at least 6 weeks after injection of 1 × 1011 viral particles. Nonetheless, accumulation of mature shRNA molecules was observed up to weeks 3 and 4, and then declined gradually, suggesting the buildup of mature shRNA molecules induced cell death with concomitant loss of viral DNA and shRNA expression. No evidence of well-characterized innate immunity activation (such as interferon production) or saturation of the exportin-5 pathway was observed. Overall, our data suggest constitutive expression of shRNA results in accumulation of mature shRNA molecules, inducing cellular toxicity at late time points, despite the presence of gene silencing. PMID:21780944

  8. Evaluation of Experimental Four-Day Week Class Schedule, January Through April 1974 at Lake City Community College.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hardman, Clark

    Due to the energy disturbance during the fall and winter of 1973-74, Lake City Community College experimented with a 4-days-per-week schedule of classes. a student evaluation of the 4-day week was completed by 58 percent of the full-time students. Fifty-one percent of the total student sample preferred the 4-day week, and 30 percent preferred the…

  9. A Case Study: Transitioning from a Five-Day School Week to a Four-Day School Week

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duchscherer, Brian

    2011-01-01

    For over a century, most PK-12 schools across the United States have been using the same format of five days of school a week for approximately 9 months a year. The discussion of a four-day school week is being considered as many school districts try to balance their budgets each school year. Some schools in the past 30 years have begun changing…

  10. Bone Augmentation in Rabbit Tibia Using Microfixed Cobalt-Chromium Membranes with Whole Blood and Platelet-Rich Plasma.

    PubMed

    Decco, Oscar A; Beltrán, Víctor; Zuchuat, Jésica I; Cura, Andrea C; Lezcano, María F; Engelke, Wilfried

    2015-07-30

    Bone augmentation is a subject of intensive investigation in regenerative bone medicine and constitutes a clinical situation in which autogenous bone grafts or synthetic materials are used to aid new bone formation. Based on a non-critical defect, Co-Cr barrier membranes were placed on six adult Fauve de Bourgogne rabbits, divided into two groups: whole blood and PRP. Three densitometric controls were performed during the experiment. The animals were euthanized at 30, 45, 60, and 110 days. The presence of newly formed bone was observed. Samples for histological studies were taken from the augmentation center. External and internal bone tissue augmentation was observed in almost all cases. Significant differences between PRP- and whole blood-stimulated bone augmentation were not observed. At 60 days, bones with PRP presented higher angiogenesis, which may indicate more proliferation and cellular activity. PRP activates the bone regeneration process under optimized conditions by stimulation of osteoblast proliferation after six weeks, when a significant difference in cellular activity was observed. Membranes could stimulate bone augmentation at the site of placement and in the surrounding areas.

  11. An Acute Case of Intoxication with Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in Recreational Water in Salto Grande Dam, Argentina

    PubMed Central

    Giannuzzi, Leda; Sedan, Daniela; Echenique, Ricardo; Andrinolo, Dario

    2011-01-01

    Cyanobacterial blooms and hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) usually occur in summer, constituting a sanitary and environmental problem in Salto Grande Dam, Argentina. Water sports and recreational activities take place in summer in this lake. We reported an acute case of cyanobacterial poisoning in Salto Grande dam, Argentina, which occurred in January 2007. Accidentally, a young man was immersed in an intense bloom of Microcystis spp. A level of 48.6 μg·L−1 of microcystin-LR was detected in water samples. Four hours after exposure, the patient showed nausea, abdominal pain and fever. Three days later, dyspnea and respiratory distress were reported. The patient was hospitalized in intensive care and diagnosed with an atypical pneumonia. Finally, a week after the exposure, the patient developed a hepatotoxicosis with a significant increase of hepatic damage biomarkers (ALT, AST and γGT). Complete recovery took place within 20 days. This is the first study to show an acute intoxication with microcystin-producing cyanobacteria blooms in recreational water. PMID:22163179

  12. Cadmium dietary intake in the Canary Islands, Spain.

    PubMed

    Rubio, C; Hardisson, A; Reguera, J I; Revert, C; Lafuente, M A; González-Iglesias, T

    2006-01-01

    Cadmium (Cd) in the human diet constitutes a potential chronic hazard to health. In the nonsmoking general population, diet is the major source of cadmium exposure; therefore, it is important to monitor the dietary intake of this heavy metal to quantify and improve the understanding of Cd accumulation in the human body. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of Cd in a range of food and drink commonly consumed in the Canary Islands. Food samples (420) were analyzed for Cd by atomic absorption spectrometry. The most recent nutritional survey conducted for the Canarian population was used to define the food and drink groups analyzed. The measured Cd concentrations combined with the food consumption data resulted in a total Cd intake in the Canary Islands of 0.16 microg/kg of body weight/day, which is well below the respective provisional tolerable weekly intake of Cd of 1 microg/kg of body weight per day determined by the FAO/WHO. The results are also compared with values reported for other national and international communities.

  13. 75 FR 71368 - Erik Erb; Notice of Receipt of Petition for Rulemaking

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-23

    ... requirement for security officers working 12-hour shifts from an average of 3 days per week to 2.5 or 2 days... the minimum days off (MDO) requirement for security officers working 12- hour shifts from an average of 3 days per week to 2.5 or 2 days per week. The NRC is also requesting public comments on the PRM...

  14. The whitening effect of bleaching agents on tetracycline-stained rat teeth.

    PubMed

    Shin, D H; Summitt, J B

    2002-01-01

    This study compared the whitening effect of three bleaching agents on the teeth of rats and demonstrated differences in bleaching where dentin was exposed or enamel was thin. Thirty Albino rats were peritoneally injected with tetracycline solution daily for two weeks. Thirty-two disc-shaped specimens were cut from the crowns of incisors removed from sacrificed rats and were irradiated with UV light for 16 hours. Sections were stored in saline. Eight sections served as controls and were not bleached. Three bleaching agents (Opalescence, Rembrandt and Nite White) were applied to eight specimens each, five times a day for two weeks, and images of the sections were recorded at the following times: before bleaching (baseline), day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, day 9, day 11 and day 14. Mean colors to demonstrate any change (deltaE) from baseline for each time period were as follows: control-9.78 (baseline), 9.17, 9.36, 9.65, 9.40, 9.99, 10.57, 11.36; Opalescence-10.08, (baseline) 7.63, 6.72, 6.04, 5.10, 4.87, 4.89, 4.27; Rembrandt-9.83 (baseline), 11.27, 9.55, 8.36, 7.75, 6.94, 7.11, 7.04; Nite White-10.44 (baseline), 9.92, 7.58, 6.80, 5.45, 5.05, 4.73, 4.01. All bleached teeth were lightened (p<.01). Another 56 tetracycline-stained rat incisors were UV irradiated for three days. Three different penetration depths were tested: penetration through lingual dentin and labial enamel (DN group), penetration through labial enamel only (RE group) and penetration through labial enamel covered with 1.0 mm human enamel (HE group). Specimens were bleached with Opalescence for one hour five times a day for one week or four weeks. A control group of unbleached teeth was also examined. Results (deltaE) were as follows: control--11.67; 1-week DN--13.55; 1-week RE--12.80; 1-week HE--12.07; 4-week DN--7.48; 4-week RE--7.50; 4-week HE--11.69. The color change in the 4-week DN and the 4-week RE groups showed the greatest reduction (p<.01).

  15. SPOTTED FEVER GROUP RICKETTSIA RETINITIS IN A TRAVELER TO AFRICA.

    PubMed

    Duval, Renaud; Merrill, Pauline T

    2016-01-01

    To describe a case of rickettsial retinitis in a traveler returning from Africa. Case description. A 67-year-old woman returning from an excursion in the jungles of Africa presented with a 2-day history of floaters and decreased vision in the right eye. In the two preceding weeks, she had experienced fever, malaise, a black eschar on the right elbow, and a rash on her extremities. Examination revealed panuveitis with a solitary, white retinal lesion adjacent to a retinal vessel in the posterior pole of each eye. Extensive diagnostic workup revealed a positive serology for rickettsial antibodies. Her treatment consisted of a course of oral doxycycline. Rickettsial retinitis is an emerging ocular infection in several endemic areas. This case description constitutes the first report of spotted fever group rickettsial retinitis in a traveler to Africa.

  16. 3 CFR 8766 - Proclamation 8766 of December 8, 2011. Bill of Rights Day, 2011

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Proclamation On December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the Bill of Rights, enshrining in our Constitution... promise of enumerated rights enabled the ratification of the Constitution without fear that a more... vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 15, 2011...

  17. 76 FR 29131 - Emergency Medical Services Week, 2011

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-19

    ... Services Week, 2011 Proclamation 8675--National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2011 Proclamation 8676--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2011 Proclamation 8677--World Trade Week, 2011 Notice of May 17, 2011--Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the...

  18. The Four Day Week: An Alternative School Calendar.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pope, Jean; Gillian, Russ

    This booklet surveys the possibilities in instituting a 4-day school week, an approach which has gained favor in some small school districts. The history of the 4-day week and its characteristics are first described. Drawing on case studies of districts that have begun the 4-day schedule, the authors enumerate the steps in proposing and…

  19. 77 FR 59291 - Additional Changes to the Schedule of Operations Regulations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-09-27

    ... slaughtering inspectors, 56 percent work in beef establishments that operate 4 or 5 days per week, 4 percent work in beef establishments that operate less than 4 days per week, 36 percent work in swine... establishments that operate 4 days or more a week, and $888.2 ($17.08 per quarter-hour x 52 weeks per year) per...

  20. 47 CFR 73.1740 - Minimum operating schedule.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., local time, each day of the week except Sunday. (i) Class D stations which have been authorized... any 5 broadcast days per calendar week and not less than a total of: (A) 12 hours per week during the... months of operation, not less than 2 hours in each day of the week and not less than a total of 28 hours...

  1. 47 CFR 73.1740 - Minimum operating schedule.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., local time, each day of the week except Sunday. (i) Class D stations which have been authorized... any 5 broadcast days per calendar week and not less than a total of: (A) 12 hours per week during the... months of operation, not less than 2 hours in each day of the week and not less than a total of 28 hours...

  2. Evaluation of testicular toxicity and sperm morphology in rats treated with methyl methanesulphonate (MMS).

    PubMed

    Kuriyama, Kazuya; Kitamura, Tsuyoshi; Yokoi, Ryohei; Hayashi, Morimichi; Kobayashi, Kazuo; Kuroda, Junji; Tsujii, Hirotada

    2005-10-01

    Methyl methanesulphonate (MMS), a potent alkylating agent and testicular toxicant, was orally administered to rats for 5 days at 40 mg/kg. During the recovery period of up to 5 weeks, males were evaluated for testicular toxicity and sperm morphology. The 5-week recovery period were designated as follows: Day 1 (the day after final treatment); Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 and Week 5 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks after final treatment). Morphologically abnormal sperm increased beginning in Week 3, peaked in Week 4 and declined slightly in Week 5. Histopathological examinations indicated retention of step 19 spermatids at stage IX from Day 1 through Week 3. Quantitative evaluation of spermatogenic cells indicated a decrease in the number of late pachytene spermatocytes and early spermatids on Day 1. TUNEL examination showed a significantly high frequency of apoptosis in the meiosis cells in Week 1. In the present study, genetic damage induced by treatment with MMS affected spermatogenesis and a wide variety of spermatogenic cells in the testis. Apoptosis in the course of meiosis seemed to be involved in the elimination process of genetically insulted germ cells, and this process seems to play an important role in eliminating and/or decreasing the germ cells with retention of spermatids and the potential to express morphologically abnormal spermatozoa.

  3. Research on the influence of anaerobic stabilization of various dairy sewage sludge on biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs with the use of effective microorganisms

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Boruszko, Dariusz, E-mail: d.boruszko@pb.edu.pl

    Sewage sludge was taken from a dairy WWTP belonging to Mlekovita Cooperative in Wysokie Mazowieckie. There were excess sludge, flotation sludge and a mixture of excess and flotation sludge from pre-treatment of dairy sewage. The initial content of 16 PAHs in excess sludge before fermentation was approximately 689 µg·kg{sup −1} in dry mass, whereas in post-flotation sludge (which constituted around 30% of raw sludge) it was approximately 95 µg·kg{sup −1} in dry mass. A mixture of excess and flotation sludge had the content of 497,7 µg·kg{sup −1} in dry mass. Through comparison of particular hydrocarbons content in raw sewage sludgemore » to the total PAHs content, it was shown that tricyclic compounds, which constituted 46,3% of the PAHs sum (excess sludge), and tetracyclic compounds, which constituted 60,0% of the PAHs sum (flotation sludge), were the dominating fractions. In the sludge subjected to fermentation in reactors with mixed sludge and surplus activated sludge, the general trend of the course of changes in concentrations of PAHs was similar. Both in the sludge inoculated with EM and in that not inoculated with EM, a significant increase in the total PAHs contents was observed in the first fermentation phase (acidic fermentation) after 7 days of the process. Addition of EM into the sludge did not prevent the PAHs release, and therefore higher concentrations of PAHs sum were recorded during the hydrolysis stage than in sludge before fermentation. A decrease in the sum of PAHs was observed after 2 weeks of fermentation in relation to the quantity observed after 1 week of fermentation (except from post-flotation sludge). In the following weeks, there was further decrease in the concentration of the 16 PAHs sum in all sludge types. However, in sludge without EM inoculation, it was lower than in sludge with EM inoculation. The loss of the majority of tested hydrocarbons was reported in the final phase of fermentation. - Highlights: • The influence of applying Effective Microorganisms on PAHs degradation in dairy sewage sludge during fermentation has been examined. • To study the relationship between quantitative parameters and to describe the correlation strength, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used. • In order to verify whether there was a statistically significant change, the Wilcoxon test was applied for individual observation pairs.« less

  4. ESPRIT Technical Week, Information Technology Forum Day

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-06-15

    Brussels, the Information Technology (IT) grams have functioned better because of the lessons Forum Day of the ESPRIT Technical Week is devoted to learned ...ONREUR Report 90_3-C 1 iLL WEIP DTIC ELECTE AUG 221990 99rU ESPRIT Technical Week, Information Technology Forum Day J.F. Blackburn I-I Lfl 15 June...Classification) ESPRIT Technical Week, Information Technology Forum Day 12 PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) J.F. Blackburn 13a TYPE or REPORT I13b TIME (.OVERED 14 DATE

  5. Proclamation No. 214, 3 February 1988.

    PubMed

    1988-01-01

    This Proclamation declares the second week of February 1988 and every year thereafter as Respect and Care for Life Week. The text of the Proclamation, including its preamble, is as follows: "Whereas, the UN Declaration on Rights of the Child provides that 'the Child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth'; Whereas, Section 12, Article 2 of the Constitution provides that it is the policy of the State to 'protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception'; Whereas, available statistics detail the frightening losses of innocent human lives by abortion; and Whereas, in pursuance of the above constitutional mandate and in support of the UN universal declaration and in order to instill the same, as well as the value and sacredness of human life, in the minds and hearts of the Filipino people and thereby help reverse the above statistical trend, it becomes imperative to set aside a period of time for them to ponder and focus attention on their moral and constitutional obligations to protect human life or one's inherent right to life; Now, Therefore, I, Corazon C. Aquino, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the second week of February 1988 and every year thereafter as "Respect and Care for Life Week" under the auspices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Pro-Life Philippines, and other involved entities or organization[s]." full text

  6. Treatment failure of gentamicin in pediatric patients with oropharyngeal tularemia

    PubMed Central

    Kaya, Ali; Uysal, İsmail Önder; Güven, Ahmet Sami; Engin, Aynur; Gültürk, Abdulaziz; İçağasıoğlu, Füsun Dilara; Cevit, Ömer

    2011-01-01

    Summary Background Tularemia is a zoonotic infection, and the causative agent is Francisella tularensis. A first-line therapy for treating tularemia is aminoglycosides (streptomycin or, more commonly, gentamicin), and treatment duration is typically 7 to 10 days, with longer courses for more severe cases. Material/Methods We evaluated 11 patients retrospectively. Failure of the therapy was defined by persistent or recurrent fever, increased size or appearance of new lymphadenopathies and persistence of the constitutional syndrome with elevation of the levels of the proteins associated with the acute phase of infection. Results We observed fluctuating size of lymph nodes of 4 patients who were on the 7th day of empirical therapy. The therapy was switched to streptomycin alone and continued for 14 days. The other 7 patients, who had no complications, were on cefazolin and gentamycin therapy until the serologic diagnosis. Then we evaluated them again and observed that none of their lymph nodes regressed. We also switched their therapy to 14 days of streptomycin. After the 14 days on streptomycin therapy, we observed all the lymph nodes had recovered or regressed. During a follow-up 3 weeks later, we observed that all their lymph nodes had regressed to the clinically non-significant dimensions (<1 cm). Conclusions All patients were first treated with gentamicin, but were than given streptomycin after failure of gentamicin. This treatment was successful in all patients. The results of our study suggest that streptomycin is an effective choice of first-line treatment for pediatric oropharyngeal tularemia patients. PMID:21709631

  7. Is Maternal Food Security a Predictor of Food and Drink Intake Among Toddlers in Oregon?

    PubMed Central

    Cunningham, Timothy J.; Barradas, Danielle T.; Rosenberg, Kenneth D.; May, Ashleigh L.; Kroelinger, Charlan D.; Ahluwalia, Indu B.

    2015-01-01

    Food insecurity has detrimental effects on the mental, physical, and behavioral health of developing children. Few studies, however, have sought to determine whether associations exist between food insecurity and intake of vegetables, fresh or canned fruit, candy or cookies, French fries, fast food, water, milk, fruit juices, fruit drinks, soda, and sports drinks. To identify independent associations that exist between maternal food insecurity and food and drink intake among toddlers, population-based data from the 2006–2008 Oregon Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System follow-back survey (Oregon PRAMS-2) of 1,522 mothers of 2-year-old children were analyzed. Maternal food insecurity was defined as mothers' report of eating less because of lack of money for food. Typical weekly child food and drink intake was examined using polytomous logistic regression: 0–1 days/week, 2–3 days/week, and 4–7 days/week. Maternal food insecurity prevalence was 11.7 %. Compared to toddlers of food secure mothers, toddlers of food insecure mothers consumed vegetables (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for 4–7 days/week = 0.31; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.12, 0.79) and fruit (AOR for 4–7 days/week = 0.25; 95 % CI 0.08, 0.75) fewer days of the week. Toddlers of food insecure mothers consumed soda (AOR for 4–7 days/week = 3.21; 95 % CI 1.12, 9.14) more days of the week. Maternal food insecurity is associated with weekly intake of certain foods and drinks. Among toddlers, consumption of fewer vegetables and fruit, and more soda may help explain the link between food insecurity and poor health. PMID:22907271

  8. Is maternal food security a predictor of food and drink intake among toddlers in Oregon?

    PubMed

    Cunningham, Timothy J; Barradas, Danielle T; Rosenberg, Kenneth D; May, Ashleigh L; Kroelinger, Charlan D; Ahluwalia, Indu B

    2012-12-01

    Food insecurity has detrimental effects on the mental, physical, and behavioral health of developing children. Few studies, however, have sought to determine whether associations exist between food insecurity and intake of vegetables, fresh or canned fruit, candy or cookies, French fries, fast food, water, milk, fruit juices, fruit drinks, soda, and sports drinks. To identify independent associations that exist between maternal food insecurity and food and drink intake among toddlers, population-based data from the 2006-2008 Oregon Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System follow-back survey (Oregon PRAMS-2) of 1,522 mothers of 2-year-old children were analyzed. Maternal food insecurity was defined as mothers' report of eating less because of lack of money for food. Typical weekly child food and drink intake was examined using polytomous logistic regression: 0-1 days/week, 2-3 days/week, and 4-7 days/week. Maternal food insecurity prevalence was 11.7 %. Compared to toddlers of food secure mothers, toddlers of food insecure mothers consumed vegetables (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for 4-7 days/week = 0.31; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.12, 0.79) and fruit (AOR for 4-7 days/week = 0.25; 95 % CI 0.08, 0.75) fewer days of the week. Toddlers of food insecure mothers consumed soda (AOR for 4-7 days/week = 3.21; 95 % CI 1.12, 9.14) more days of the week. Maternal food insecurity is associated with weekly intake of certain foods and drinks. Among toddlers, consumption of fewer vegetables and fruit, and more soda may help explain the link between food insecurity and poor health.

  9. Silibinin inhibits the fibrotic responses induced by cigarette smoke via suppression of TGF-β1/Smad 2/3 signaling.

    PubMed

    Ko, Je-Won; Shin, Na-Rae; Park, Sung-Hyeuk; Lee, In-Chul; Ryu, Jung-Min; Kim, Ha-Jung; Cho, Young-Kwon; Kim, Jong-Choon; Shin, In-Sik

    2017-08-01

    Cigarette smoke (CS) is generally accepted as a major contributor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is characterized by chronic inflammation, fibrotic response, and airway obstruction. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of silibinin, an active constitute of silymarin on CS and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure-induced fibrotic response. Mice were exposed to CS for 1 h per day (8 cigarettes per day) for 4 weeks. On day 12 and 26, mice were treated with LPS intranasally. Silibinin (10 or 20 mg/kg) was administered orally 1 h before CS exposure. Silibinin markedly decreased the inflammatory cell count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and reduced levels of proinflammatory mediators. Silibinin suppressed CS + LPS-induced collagen deposition in lung tissue, as evidenced via immunohistochemistry and Masson's trichrome stain. Additionally, silibinin effectively inhibited CS + LPS-mediated expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3 phosphorylation. Taken together, our data indicate that silibinin effectively inhibits the fibrotic response induced by CS + LPS exposure, possibly via suppression of TGF-β1/Smad 2/3 signaling, which results in reduced collagen deposition. These findings suggest that silibinin has therapeutic potential for the treatment of COPD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. The Four-Day Operational Week Experience at Florida Junior College (FJC): Report of Evaluation Process Study.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stuckman, Jeffrey A.

    An evaluation was conducted at Florida Junior College (FJC) of the four-day operational week implemented during May through August, 1981. Surveys were administered in May and July to day students, full-time teaching faculty, and full-time noninstructional staff to determine their level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the four-day week.…

  11. Exploring the mechanical behavior of degrading swine neural tissue at low strain rates via the fractional Zener constitutive model.

    PubMed

    Bentil, Sarah A; Dupaix, Rebecca B

    2014-02-01

    The ability of the fractional Zener constitutive model to predict the behavior of postmortem swine brain tissue was examined in this work. Understanding tissue behavior attributed to degradation is invaluable in many fields such as the forensic sciences or cases where only cadaveric tissue is available. To understand how material properties change with postmortem age, the fractional Zener model was considered as it includes parameters to describe brain stiffness and also the parameter α, which quantifies the viscoelasticity of a material. The relationship between the viscoelasticity described by α and tissue degradation was examined by fitting the model to data collected in a previous study (Bentil, 2013). This previous study subjected swine neural tissue to in vitro unconfined compression tests using four postmortem age groups (<6h, 24h, 3 days, and 1 week). All samples were compressed to a strain level of 10% using two compressive rates: 1mm/min and 5mm/min. Statistical analysis was used as a tool to study the influence of the fractional Zener constants on factors such as tissue degradation and compressive rate. Application of the fractional Zener constitutive model to the experimental data showed that swine neural tissue becomes less stiff with increased postmortem age. The fractional Zener model was also able to capture the nonlinear viscoelastic features of the brain tissue at low strain rates. The results showed that the parameter α was better correlated with compressive rate than with postmortem age. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  12. Phenobarbital induces cell cycle transcriptional responses in mouse liver humanized for constitutive androstane and pregnane x receptors.

    PubMed

    Luisier, Raphaëlle; Lempiäinen, Harri; Scherbichler, Nina; Braeuning, Albert; Geissler, Miriam; Dubost, Valerie; Müller, Arne; Scheer, Nico; Chibout, Salah-Dine; Hara, Hisanori; Picard, Frank; Theil, Diethilde; Couttet, Philippe; Vitobello, Antonio; Grenet, Olivier; Grasl-Kraupp, Bettina; Ellinger-Ziegelbauer, Heidrun; Thomson, John P; Meehan, Richard R; Elcombe, Clifford R; Henderson, Colin J; Wolf, C Roland; Schwarz, Michael; Moulin, Pierre; Terranova, Rémi; Moggs, Jonathan G

    2014-06-01

    The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X receptor (PXR) are closely related nuclear receptors involved in drug metabolism and play important roles in the mechanism of phenobarbital (PB)-induced rodent nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we have used a humanized CAR/PXR mouse model to examine potential species differences in receptor-dependent mechanisms underlying liver tissue molecular responses to PB. Early and late transcriptomic responses to sustained PB exposure were investigated in liver tissue from double knock-out CAR and PXR (CAR(KO)-PXR(KO)), double humanized CAR and PXR (CAR(h)-PXR(h)), and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Wild-type and CAR(h)-PXR(h) mouse livers exhibited temporally and quantitatively similar transcriptional responses during 91 days of PB exposure including the sustained induction of the xenobiotic response gene Cyp2b10, the Wnt signaling inhibitor Wisp1, and noncoding RNA biomarkers from the Dlk1-Dio3 locus. Transient induction of DNA replication (Hells, Mcm6, and Esco2) and mitotic genes (Ccnb2, Cdc20, and Cdk1) and the proliferation-related nuclear antigen Mki67 were observed with peak expression occurring between 1 and 7 days PB exposure. All these transcriptional responses were absent in CAR(KO)-PXR(KO) mouse livers and largely reversible in wild-type and CAR(h)-PXR(h) mouse livers following 91 days of PB exposure and a subsequent 4-week recovery period. Furthermore, PB-mediated upregulation of the noncoding RNA Meg3, which has recently been associated with cellular pluripotency, exhibited a similar dose response and perivenous hepatocyte-specific localization in both wild-type and CAR(h)-PXR(h) mice. Thus, mouse livers coexpressing human CAR and PXR support both the xenobiotic metabolizing and the proliferative transcriptional responses following exposure to PB.

  13. Increased Physical Activity Leads to Improved Health-Related Quality of Life Among Employees Enrolled in a 12-Week Worksite Wellness Program.

    PubMed

    Macaluso, Stephanie; Marcus, Andrea Fleisch; Rigassio-Radler, Diane; Byham-Gray, Laura D; Touger-Decker, Riva

    2015-11-01

    To determine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life among university employees who enrolled in a worksite wellness program (WWP). The study was an interim analysis of data collected in a WWP. The sample consisted of 64 participants who completed 12- and 26-week follow-up appointments. Self-reported anxiety days significantly decreased from baseline to week 12. There were positive trends in self-rated health, vitality days, and summative unhealthy days from baseline to week 26. Among those with a self-reported history of hypertension (HTN), there was an inverse correlation between PA and summative physically and mentally unhealthy days at week 12. Among participants in this WWP with HTN, as PA increased there was a significant decrease in summative physically and mentally unhealthy days at week 12.

  14. Should recommendations about starting inhaled corticosteroid treatment for mild asthma be based on symptom frequency: a post-hoc efficacy analysis of the START study.

    PubMed

    Reddel, Helen K; Busse, William W; Pedersen, Søren; Tan, Wan C; Chen, Yu-Zhi; Jorup, Carin; Lythgoe, Dan; O'Byrne, Paul M

    2017-01-14

    Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are highly effective for reducing asthma exacerbations and mortality. Conventionally, ICS treatment is recommended for patients with symptoms on more than 2 days per week, but this criterion has scant evidence. We aimed to assess the validity of the previous symptom-based cutoff for starting ICS by establishing whether there was a differential response to budesonide versus placebo for severe asthma exacerbations, lung function, and asthma symptom control across subgroups identified by baseline asthma symptom frequency. We did a post-hoc analysis of the 3 year inhaled Steroid Treatment As Regular Therapy (START) study, done in 32 countries, with clinic visits every 3 months. Patients (aged 4-66 years) with mild asthma diagnosed within the previous 2 years and no previous regular corticosteroids were randomised to receive once daily, inhaled budesonide 400 μg (those aged <11 years 200 μg) or placebo. Coprimary outcomes for this analysis were time to first severe asthma-related event (SARE; hospital admission, emergency treatment, or death) and change from baseline in lung function after bronchodilator. Interaction with baseline symptom frequency was investigated, with patients grouped by more than two symptom days per week and two or fewer symptom days per week (divided into no days to 1 day, and more than 1 day to 2 days). Analysis was done by intention to treat. Of 7138 patients (n=3577 budesonide; n=3561 placebo), baseline symptom frequency was 0-1 days per week for 2184 (31%) participants, more than 1 and less than or equal to 2 symptom days per week for 1914 (27%) participants, and more than 2 symptom days per week for 3040 (43%) participants. For budesonide versus placebo, time to first SARE was longer across symptom frequency subgroups (hazard ratios 0·54 [95% CI 0·34-0·86] for 0-1 symptom days per week, 0·60 [0·39-0·93] for >1 to ≤2 symptom days per week, 0·57 [0·41-0·79] >2 symptom days per week, p interaction =0·94), and the decline in postbronchodilator lung function was less at 3 years' follow-up (p interaction =0·32). For budesonide versus placebo, severe exacerbations requiring oral or systemic corticosteroids were reduced (rate ratio 0·48 [0·38-0·61] 0-1 symptom days per week, 0·56 [0·44-0·71] >1 to ≤2 symptom days per week, and 0·66 [0·55-0·80] >2 symptom days per week, p interaction =0·11), prebronchodilator lung function was higher, and symptom-free days were more frequent (p<0·0001 for all three subgroups), with no interaction by symptom frequency (prebronchodilator p interaction =0·43; symptom-free days p interaction =0·53). Similar results were noted when participants were classified by any guidelines criterion as so-called persistent versus so-called intermittent asthma. In mild recent-onset asthma, once daily, low-dose budesonide decreases SARE risk, reduces lung function decline, and improves symptom control similarly across all symptom subgroups. The results do not support restriction of inhaled corticosteroids to patients with symptoms on more than 2 days per week and suggest that treatment recommendations for mild asthma should consider both risk reduction and symptoms. AstraZeneca. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Arteriovenous Fistula Development in the First 6 Weeks after Creation.

    PubMed

    Robbin, Michelle L; Greene, Tom; Cheung, Alfred K; Allon, Michael; Berceli, Scott A; Kaufman, James S; Allen, Matthew; Imrey, Peter B; Radeva, Milena K; Shiu, Yan-Ting; Umphrey, Heidi R; Young, Carlton J

    2016-05-01

    To assess the anatomic development of native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) during the first 6 weeks after creation by using ultrasonographic (US) measurements in a multicenter hemodialysis fistula maturation study. Each institutional review board approved the prospective study protocol, and written informed consent was obtained. Six hundred and two participants (180 women and 422 men, 459 with upper-arm AVF and 143 with forearm AVF) from seven clinical centers underwent preoperative artery and vein US mapping. AVF draining vein diameter and blood flow rate were assessed postoperatively after 1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks. Relationships among US measurements were summarized after using multiple imputation for missing measurements. In 55% of forearm AVFs (68 of 124) and 83% of upper-arm AVFs (341 of 411) in surviving patients without thrombosis or AVF intervention prior to 6 weeks, at least 50% of their 6-week blood flow rate measurement was achieved at 1 day. Among surviving patients without thrombosis or AVF intervention prior to week 2, 70% with upper-arm AVFs (302 of 433) and 77% with forearm AVFs (99 of 128) maintained at least 85% of their week 2 flow rate at week 6. Mean AVF diameters of at least 0.40 cm were seen in 85% (389 of 459), 91% (419 of 459), and 87% (401 of 459) of upper-arm AVFs and in 40% (58 of 143), 73% (104 of 143), and 77% (110 of 143) of forearm AVFs at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks, respectively. One-day and 2-week AVF flow rates and diameters were used to predict 6-week levels, with 2-week prediction of 6-week measures more accurate than those of 1 day (flow rates, R(2) = 0.47 and 0.61, respectively; diameters, R(2) = 0.49 and 0.82, respectively). AVF blood flow rate at 1 day is usually more than 50% of the 6-week blood flow rate. Two-week measurements are more predictive of 6-week diameter and blood flow than those of 1 day. US measurements at 2 weeks may be of value in the early identification of fistulas that are unlikely to develop optimally. (©) RSNA, 2015 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

  16. The role of vitamin E in the prevention of zoledronic acid-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: a light and electron microscopy study.

    PubMed

    Sert, İbrahim Unal; Kilic, Ozcan; Akand, Murat; Saglik, Lutfi; Avunduk, Mustafa Cihat; Erdemli, Esra

    2018-03-01

    Bisphosphonates are widely used in metastatic cancer such as prostate and breast cancer, and their nephrotoxic effects have been established previously. In this study we aimed to evaluate both the nephrotoxic effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) and the protective effects of vitamin E (Vit-E) on this process under light and electron microscopy. A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups. The first group constituted the control group. The second group was given i.v. ZA of 3 mg/kg once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks from the tail vein. The third group received the same dosage of ZA with an additional i.m . injection of 15 mg Vit-E every week for 12 weeks. Tissues were taken 4 days after the last dose of ZA for histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation. Paller score, tubular epithelial thickness and basal membrane thickness were calculated for each group. For group 2, the p -values are all < 0.001 for Paller score, epitelial thickness, and basal membrane thickness. For group 3 (ZA + Vit. E), the p -values are < 0.001 for Paller score, 0.996 for epitelial thickness, and < 0.001 basal membrane thickness. Significant differences were also observed in ultrastructural changes for group 2. However, adding Vit-E to ZA administration reversed all the histopathological changes to some degree, with statistical significance. Administration of ZA had nephrotoxic effects on rat kidney observed under both light and electron microscopy. Concomitant administration of Vit-E significantly reduces toxic histopathological effects of ZA.

  17. Ethinyl Estradiol and Norelgestromin Transdermal Patch

    MedlinePlus

    ... the skin. One patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, ... new patch on the same day of the week (the Patch Change Day). Apply a new patch ...

  18. Effect of Fremanezumab Compared With Placebo for Prevention of Episodic Migraine: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    Dodick, David W; Silberstein, Stephen D; Bigal, Marcelo E; Yeung, Paul P; Goadsby, Peter J; Blankenbiller, Tricia; Grozinski-Wolff, Melissa; Yang, Ronghua; Ma, Yuju; Aycardi, Ernesto

    2018-05-15

    Fremanezumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that targets calcitonin gene-related peptide, may be effective for treating episodic migraine. To assess the efficacy of fremanezumab compared with placebo for prevention of episodic migraine with a monthly dosing regimen or a single higher dose. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial conducted at 123 sites in 9 countries from March 23, 2016 (first patient randomized), to April 10, 2017, consisting of a screening visit, 28-day pretreatment period, 12-week treatment period, and final evaluation at week 12. Study participants were aged 18 to 70 years with episodic migraine (6-14 headache days, with at least 4 migraine days, during 28-day pretreatment period). Patients who had previous treatment failure with 2 classes of migraine-preventive medication were excluded. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous monthly dosing of fremanezumab (n = 290; 225 mg at baseline, week 4, and week 8); a single higher dose of fremanezumab, as intended to support a quarterly dose regimen (n = 291; 675 mg of fremanezumab at baseline; placebo at weeks 4 and 8); or placebo (n = 294; at baseline, week 4, and week 8). The primary end point was mean change in mean number of monthly migraine days during the 12-week period after the first dose. Among 875 patients who were randomized (mean age, 41.8 [SD, 12.1] years; 742 women [85%]), 791 (90.4%) completed the trial. From baseline to 12 weeks, mean migraine days per month decreased from 8.9 days to 4.9 days in the fremanezumab monthly dosing group, from 9.2 days to 5.3 days in the fremanezumab single-higher-dose group, and from 9.1 days to 6.5 days in the placebo group. This resulted in a difference with monthly dosing vs placebo of -1.5 days (95% CI, -2.01 to -0.93 days; P < .001) and with single higher dosing vs placebo of -1.3 days (95% CI, -1.79 to -0.72 days; P < .001). The most common adverse events that led to discontinuation were injection site erythema (n = 3), injection site induration (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 2), anxiety (n = 2), and depression (n = 2). Among patients with episodic migraine in whom multiple medication classes had not previously failed, subcutaneous fremanezumab, compared with placebo, resulted in a statistically significant 1.3- to 1.5-day reduction in the mean number of monthly migraine days over a 12-week period. Further research is needed to assess effectiveness against other preventive medications and in patients in whom multiple preventive drug classes have failed and to determine long-term safety and efficacy. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02629861.

  19. Actual and prescribed energy and protein intakes for very low birth weight infants: An observational study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Allevato, Anthony J.

    Objectives: To determine (1) whether prescribed and delivered energy and protein intakes during the first two weeks of life met Ziegler's estimated requirements for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants, (2) if actual energy during the first week of life correlated with time to regain birth weight and reach full enteral nutrition (EN) defined as 100 kcal/kg/day, (3) if growth velocity from time to reach full EN to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) met Ziegler's estimated fetal growth velocity (16 g/kg/day), and (4) growth outcomes at 36 weeks' PMA. Study design: Observational study of feeding, early nutrition and early growth of 40 VLBW infants <30 weeks GA at birth in three newborn intensive care units NICUs. Results: During the first week of life, the percentages of prescribed and delivered energy (69% [65 kcal/kg/day]) and protein (89% [3.1 g/kg/day]) were significantly less than theoretical estimated requirements. Delivered intakes were 15% less than prescribed because of numerous interruptions in delivery and medical complications. During the second week, the delivered intakes of energy (90% [86 kcal/kg/day]) and protein (102% [3.5 g/kg/day]) improved although the differences between prescribed and delivered were consistently 15%. Energy but not protein intake during the first week was significantly related to time to reach full EN. Neither energy nor protein intake significantly correlated with days to return to birth weight. The average growth velocity from the age that full EN was attained to 36 weeks' PMA (15 g/kg/day) was significantly less than the theoretical estimated fetal growth velocity (16 g/kg/day) (p<0.03). A difference of 1 g/kg/day represents a total deficit of 42 - 54 grams over the course of a month. At 36 weeks' PMA, 53% of the VLBW infants had extrauterine growth restriction, or EUGR (<10th percentile) on the Fenton growth grid and 34% had EUGR on the Lubchenco growth grid. Conclusions: The delivered nutrient intakes were consistently less than 15% of the prescribed intakes. Growth velocity between the age when full EN was achieved and 36 weeks' PMA was 6.7% lower than Ziegler's estimate. One-third to one-half of the infants have EUGR at 36 weeks' PMA.

  20. 3 CFR 8737 - Proclamation 8737 of October 14, 2011. National Character Counts Week, 2011

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... October 14, 2011 Proc. 8737 National Character Counts Week, 2011By the President of the United States of... is imperative that we create a climate of acceptance and compassion in our schools and communities... States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United...

  1. Neuroendocrine recovery after 2-week 12-h day and night shifts: an 11-day follow-up.

    PubMed

    Merkus, Suzanne L; Holte, Kari Anne; Huysmans, Maaike A; Hansen, Åse Marie; van de Ven, Peter M; van Mechelen, Willem; van der Beek, Allard J

    2015-02-01

    The study aimed to investigate the course and duration of neuroendocrine recovery after 2-week 12-h day and night shift working periods and to study whether there were differences in recovery between the shift groups. Twenty-nine male offshore employees working 2-week 12-h shift tours participated in the study; 15 participated after a day shift tour and 14 after a night shift tour. Salivary cortisol was assessed at awakening, 30 min after awakening, and before bedtime on the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 11th day of the free period, with a reference day prior to the offshore tour. Differences were tested using generalised estimating equations analysis. Compared to the reference day, night shift workers had a significantly flatter cortisol profile on the 1st day off, significantly lower cortisol concentrations at 30 min after awakening on day 4 and at awakening on day 7, and a significantly smaller decline to evening concentration on days 4 and 11. Compared to the reference day, day shift workers only showed a significantly lower cortisol concentration at awakening on the 1st day off. Compared to day workers, night shift workers had a flatter profile on the 1st day off and a lower cortisol concentration at awakening on the 4th day. Following 2-week 12-h night shift working periods, recovery was not fully complete up to day 11. Following 2-week 12-h day shift working periods, an indication of incomplete recovery was found on the 1st day off, with full recovery reached on day 4.

  2. Variability and reliability study of overall physical activity and activity intensity levels using 24 h-accelerometry-assessed data.

    PubMed

    Jaeschke, Lina; Steinbrecher, Astrid; Jeran, Stephanie; Konigorski, Stefan; Pischon, Tobias

    2018-04-20

    24 h-accelerometry is now used to objectively assess physical activity (PA) in many observational studies like the German National Cohort; however, PA variability, observational time needed to estimate habitual PA, and reliability are unclear. We assessed 24 h-PA of 50 participants using triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X+) over 2 weeks. Variability of overall PA and different PA intensities (time in inactivity and in low intensity, moderate, vigorous, and very vigorous PA) between days of assessment or days of the week was quantified using linear mixed-effects and random effects models. We calculated the required number of days to estimate PA, and calculated PA reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients. Between- and within-person variance accounted for 34.4-45.5% and 54.5-65.6%, respectively, of total variance in overall PA and PA intensities over the 2 weeks. Overall PA and times in low intensity, moderate, and vigorous PA decreased slightly over the first 3 days of assessment. Overall PA (p = 0.03), time in inactivity (p = 0.003), in low intensity PA (p = 0.001), in moderate PA (p = 0.02), and in vigorous PA (p = 0.04) slightly differed between days of the week, being highest on Wednesday and Friday and lowest on Sunday and Monday, with apparent differences between Saturday and Sunday. In nested random models, the day of the week accounted for < 19% of total variance in the PA parameters. On average, the required number of days to estimate habitual PA was around 1 week, being 7 for overall PA and ranging from 6 to 9 for the PA intensities. Week-to-week reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficients, range, 0.68-0.82). Individual PA, as assessed using 24 h-accelerometry, is highly variable between days, but the day of assessment or the day of the week explain only small parts of this variance. Our data indicate that 1 week of assessment is necessary for reliable estimation of habitual PA.

  3. Seasonal Differences in the Day-of-the-Week Pattern of Suicide in Queensland, Australia

    PubMed Central

    Law, Chi-kin; De Leo, Diego

    2013-01-01

    Various temporal patterns of suicide events, according to time of day, day of week, month and season, have been identified. However, whether different dimensions of time interact has not been investigated. Using suicide data from Queensland, Australia, this study aims to verify if there is an interaction effect between seasonal and day-of-the-week distribution. Computerized suicide data from the Queensland Suicide Register for those aged 15+ years were analyzed according to date of death, age, sex and geographic location for the period 1996–2007. To examine seasonal differences in day-of-the-week pattern of suicide, Poisson regressions were used. A total of 6,555 suicides were recorded over the whole study period. Regardless of the season, male residents of Brisbane had a significantly marked day-of-the-week pattern of suicide, with higher rates between Mondays and Thursdays. When seasonal differences were considered, male residents in Brisbane showed a Monday peak in summer and a wave-shape pattern with a peak on Thursday and a nadir on Saturdays in winter. Whilst males have distinctive peaks in terms of days of the week for summer and winter, females do not show similar patterns. PMID:23880724

  4. Staff Perspectives of the Four-Day School Week: A New Analysis of Compressed School Schedules

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Turner, Jon Scott; Finch, Kim; Ximena, Uribe-Zarian

    2018-01-01

    The four-day school week is a concept that has been utilized in rural schools for decades to respond to budgetary shortfalls. There has been little peer-reviewed research on the four-day school week that has focused on the perception of staff that work in school districts that have recently switched to the four-day model. This study collects data…

  5. 77 FR 22181 - Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2012

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-12

    ... American Day and Pan American Week, 2012 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In April of 1890, delegates from countries throughout the Americas gathered in Washington, D.C., united in... democracy and economic opportunity for all our people. During Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we...

  6. 14 CFR 323.3 - Who shall file notices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... terminated or suspended whenever it is operated less than 5 days per week, with three or more intermediate... than 5 days per week, with three or more intermediate stops, or in one direction only between the two... shall be considered to be terminated or suspended whenever it is operated less than 5 days per week...

  7. 14 CFR 323.3 - Who shall file notices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... terminated or suspended whenever it is operated less than 5 days per week, with three or more intermediate... than 5 days per week, with three or more intermediate stops, or in one direction only between the two... shall be considered to be terminated or suspended whenever it is operated less than 5 days per week...

  8. Birth of the Four-Day Work Week.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hellyer, Lyle

    Indian Hills Community College, faced with rising utility bills dues to inadequate insulation in the campus's older buildings, now utilizes a four-day week during the winter quarter as an energy conservation measure. Planning for the implementation of the four-day week, which began in 1976, was coordinated by an overall energy committee made up of…

  9. National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC - The ultimate source for snow information

    Science.gov Websites

    Equivalent Thumbnail image of Modeled Snow Water Equivalent Animate: Season --- Two weeks --- One Day Snow Depth Thumbnail image of Modeled Snow Depth Animate: Season --- Two weeks --- One Day Average Snowpack Temp Thumbnail image of Modeled Average Snowpack Temp Animate: Season --- Two weeks --- One Day SWE

  10. Clinical and histological findings of cutaneous wound healing in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) housed in unheated outdoor enclosures.

    PubMed

    Negrini, Joao; Ginel, Pedro J; Novales, Manuel; Guerra, Rafael; Mozos, Elena

    2016-10-01

    Cutaneous wounds are common in chelonians. The clinical and histological features of wound healing in these species are not well described and this prevents evaluation of new therapies. To describe clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous wound healing in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans). Twenty four healthy adult females housed in outdoor facilities with free access to water and exposed to daily variations in temperature. Full thickness 6 mm skin biopsy punch wounds were created in the rear limbs. The turtles were assigned to Group 1 (n = 12 for clinical evaluation) and Group 2 (n = 12 for microscopic study). Group 1 was photographed on Day 1 and weekly, until 28 days post wounding. Wound retraction was expressed as the percentage of perimeter reduction. For Group 2, three skin wounds were sampled at 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 60 and 135 days post wounding for histological study. The avidin-biotin-peroxidase (ABC) staining method was used to evaluate five commercial antibodies. Wound contraction was limited; crust persisted at least 28 days. Re-epithelialization was complete by Day 14 in many animals; active inflammation persisted until 28 days; connective tissue re-constitution and remodelling was achieved from 42 to 135 days. Antibodies AE1/AE3, Factor VIII, MAC 387, CD3 and NCL-MSA showed cross reactivity with the cell counterpart in turtle tissues. Second intention wound healing progressed slowly and with an indolent behaviour. Microscopically there was marked overlapping of the inflammatory and proliferative phases over a long time period. © 2016 ESVD and ACVD.

  11. How the Change in IBS Criteria From Rome III to Rome IV Impacts on Clinical Characteristics and Key Pathophysiological Factors.

    PubMed

    Aziz, Imran; Törnblom, Hans; Palsson, Olafur S; Whitehead, William E; Simrén, Magnus

    2018-06-08

    The diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have recently been updated from Rome III to Rome IV. Whereas in Rome III a diagnosis of IBS entailed chronic abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days per month, in Rome IV the term discomfort has been removed and the frequency of abdominal pain increased to at least 1 day per week. We examined how this change in IBS criteria impacts on clinical characteristics and pathophysiological factors. A total of 542 Swedish subjects with Rome III IBS completed a baseline questionnaire enquiring for the number of abdominal pain days in the last 10 days; this was subsequently used as a surrogate marker to identify Rome IV IBS, in that (a) those with 0 or 1 day of pain were classed as Rome IV-negative, and (b) those with ≥2 days of pain were classed as Rome IV-positive. Comparisons were made between Rome IV-positive and -negative IBS groups for demographics, IBS subtype, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, somatisation, fatigue, disease-specific quality of life, rectal sensitivity, and oro-anal transit time. Overall, 85% of Rome III IBS patients fulfilled the Rome IV criteria for IBS, but 15% did not. Rome IV-positive subjects were significantly more likely to be female, have poorer quality of life, greater pain severity, bloating, somatisation, fatigue, and rectal sensitivity than Rome IV-negative subjects. There were no differences in severity of anxiety or depression, IBS subtypes, bowel habit dissatisfaction, or oro-anal transit time. Finally, increasing number of pain days correlated positively with symptoms and visceral hypersensitivity. Most Rome III-positive IBS patients seeking healthcare fulfil the Rome IV IBS criteria. They constitute a more severe group than those who lose their IBS diagnosis.

  12. A strong static-magnetic field alters operant responding by rats.

    PubMed

    Nakagawa, M; Matsuda, Y

    1988-01-01

    Forty male rats of the Wistar ST strain were trained and observed for Sidman avoidance (SA) for 7 weeks or for discriminative avoidance (DA) for 14 weeks to determine the effects of exposure to a strong static-magnetic field. Before avoidance conditioning was completed, rats in the SA group were exposed to the static field at 0.6 T, 16 h/day for 4 days during the fifth week, and those in the DA group were exposed for 6 h/day for 4 days during the seventh week. In the SA conditioning, frequency of lever-pressing by exposed rats gradually decreased during 1 week of exposure and stayed low for at least 2 weeks after exposure. Frequencies of electric shocks received by the rats increased dramatically during the second day of exposure and consistently stayed higher than those of control rats. In the DA condition, exposed rats responded at lower rates than did control rats throughout the observation period. They received more shocks during the 2 weeks following exposure. The data indicate that performance of avoidance responses was inhibited by a comparatively long exposure to a strong magnetic field.

  13. Gene editing of CCR5 in autologous CD4 T cells of persons infected with HIV.

    PubMed

    Tebas, Pablo; Stein, David; Tang, Winson W; Frank, Ian; Wang, Shelley Q; Lee, Gary; Spratt, S Kaye; Surosky, Richard T; Giedlin, Martin A; Nichol, Geoff; Holmes, Michael C; Gregory, Philip D; Ando, Dale G; Kalos, Michael; Collman, Ronald G; Binder-Scholl, Gwendolyn; Plesa, Gabriela; Hwang, Wei-Ting; Levine, Bruce L; June, Carl H

    2014-03-06

    CCR5 is the major coreceptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We investigated whether site-specific modification of the gene ("gene editing")--in this case, the infusion of autologous CD4 T cells in which the CCR5 gene was rendered permanently dysfunctional by a zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN)--is safe. We enrolled 12 patients in an open-label, nonrandomized, uncontrolled study of a single dose of ZFN-modified autologous CD4 T cells. The patients had chronic aviremic HIV infection while they were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. Six of them underwent an interruption in antiretroviral treatment 4 weeks after the infusion of 10 billion autologous CD4 T cells, 11 to 28% of which were genetically modified with the ZFN. The primary outcome was safety as assessed by treatment-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes included measures of immune reconstitution and HIV resistance. One serious adverse event was associated with infusion of the ZFN-modified autologous CD4 T cells and was attributed to a transfusion reaction. The median CD4 T-cell count was 1517 per cubic millimeter at week 1, a significant increase from the preinfusion count of 448 per cubic millimeter (P<0.001). The median concentration of CCR5-modified CD4 T cells at 1 week was 250 cells per cubic millimeter. This constituted 8.8% of circulating peripheral-blood mononuclear cells and 13.9% of circulating CD4 T cells. Modified cells had an estimated mean half-life of 48 weeks. During treatment interruption and the resultant viremia, the decline in circulating CCR5-modified cells (-1.81 cells per day) was significantly less than the decline in unmodified cells (-7.25 cells per day) (P=0.02). HIV RNA became undetectable in one of four patients who could be evaluated. The blood level of HIV DNA decreased in most patients. CCR5-modified autologous CD4 T-cell infusions are safe within the limits of this study. (Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00842634.).

  14. Permanent stress may be the trigger of an acute myocardial infarction on the first work-day of the week.

    PubMed

    Bodis, Jozsef; Boncz, Imre; Kriszbacher, Ildiko

    2010-10-29

    Numerous studies have reported the weekly variation of an acute myocardial infarction. The Monday peek has been connected with higher rate of physical and mental, work-related stress. We wished to study the weekly variation of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the group of workers and pensioners, and to find out whether National Holidays on the first day of the week could influence the weekly rhythm of an acute myocardial infarction. We carried out the retrospective analysis of patients admitted to Hungarian hospitals with the diagnose of an AMI (n=90,187) between 2002 and 2007. According to the morbidity data of an AMI, the weekly peek was detected on the first work-day of the week, showing a gradually decreasing tendency until the end of the week. Morbidity rates on Mondays being National Holidays were similar to the number of events on Saturdays and Sundays (Z=-24,431; p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the number of events on work-days and weekends (Z=-27,321; p<0.001). No marked difference was found between workers under the age of 65 and pensioners above the age of 65, or between the two sexes. The results of our study reveal that the occurrence of an AMI shows characteristic changes throughout the days of the week, and the first work-days of the week may be related to higher incidence of an acute myocardial infarction. Crown Copyright © 2009. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Pituitary-ovarian hormone levels and symptoms in oral contraceptive users: comparison of a 21/7-day and extended regimen.

    PubMed

    Kuehl, Thomas J; Speikermann, A Michael; Willis, Sherilyn A; Coffee, Andrea; Sulak, Patricia J

    2008-04-01

    To compare hormone levels and symptoms during transition from standard to extended oral contraceptive (OC) regimens. A prospective analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and inhibin-B levels with symptoms during 21/7-day vs. 168/7-day extended OCs containing 3 mg of drosperinone and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Blood samples were obtained from 10 subjects in each of 4 weeks in the 21/7 regimen, in the first 6 weeks of the extended regimen, and again the week before, the week of and the week after the 7-day hormone-free interval (HFI) at the end of the extended regimen. All 4 hormones followed a cyclic pattern with decreasing levels during the 3 active pill weeks of the 21/7 cycle, followed by an increase during the 7-day HFI, which continued into the extended regimen. Levels then decreased during the extended regimen and remained low at week 24. During the 7-day HFI after the extended regimen FSH and LH again increased above baseline (p > 0.07). Hormone withdrawal symptoms increased at the end of 21 active pills with increasing severity during the 7-day HFI. Absence of pituitary and ovarian suppression associated with HFI leads to fluctuations in hormones and associated hormone withdrawal symptoms.

  16. Comparison of early treatment with low doses of nilotinib, imatinib and a clinically relevant dose of silymarin in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Shaker, Mohamed E; Shiha, Gamal E; Ibrahim, Tarek M

    2011-11-30

    Our previous study has already confirmed a promising anti-fibrotic activity especially for nilotinib; when given at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg during the last 4 weeks of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis for 12 weeks in rats. Therefore, this study was carried out to compare the prophylactic potential of low dose of nilotinib to that of its predecessor, imatinib, and a clinically relevant dose of the standard hepatoprotective treatment, silymarin, in TAA-intoxication. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injections of TAA (150 mg/kg, twice weekly) for 8 weeks, as well as oral treatments with imatinib (5 mg/kg/day), nilotinib (5 mg/kg/day) and silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) from the first day of TAA-intoxication. At the end of the study, chronic hepatic injury was evaluated by analysis of liver function tests in serum. Hepatic oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, total nitrate/nitrite and reduced glutathione contents, as well as myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by histopathology and collagen content. Our results suggest that the prophylactic potential of nilotinib (5 mg/kg/day), imatinib (5mg/kg/day) and silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) in TAA-intoxication for 8 weeks is lower than the late treatments of nilotinib (10 mg/kg/day), imatinib (10mg/kg/day) and silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks of TAA-intoxication for 12 weeks in rats. Taken together, this study suggests that nilotinib may have higher anti-fibrotic activity when administered at a significant stage of fibrosis as a result of impairment of its metabolism in the fibrotic livers. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Systematic modelling and design evaluation of unperturbed tumour dynamics in xenografts.

    PubMed

    Parra Guillen, Zinnia P Patricia; Mangas Sanjuan, Victor; Garcia-Cremades, Maria; Troconiz, Inaki F; Mo, Gary; Pitou, Celine; Iversen, Philip W; Wallin, Johan E

    2018-04-24

    Xenograft mice are largely used to evaluate the efficacy of oncological drugs during preclinical phases of drug discovery and development. Mathematical models provide a useful tool to quantitatively characterise tumour growth dynamics and also optimise upcoming experiments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report where unperturbed growth of a large set of tumour cell lines (n=28) has been systematically analysed using the model proposed by Simeoni in the context of non-linear mixed effect (NLME). Exponential growth was identified as the governing mechanism in the majority of the cell lines, with constant rate values ranging from 0.0204 to 0.203 day -1 No common patterns could be observed across tumour types, highlighting the importance of combining information from different cell lines when evaluating drug activity. Overall, typical model parameters were precisely estimated using designs where tumour size measurements were taken every two days. Moreover, reducing the number of measurement to twice per week, or even once per week for cell lines with low growth rates, showed little impact on parameter precision. However, in order to accurately characterise parameter variability (i.e. relative standard errors below 50%), a sample size of at least 50 mice is needed. This work illustrates the feasibility to systematically apply NLME models to characterise tumour growth in drug discovery and development, and constitutes a valuable source of data to optimise experimental designs by providing an a priori sampling window and minimising the number of samples required. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  18. Delayed emergence of methamphetamine's enhanced cardiovascular effects in nonhuman primates during protracted methamphetamine abstinence.

    PubMed

    Vaupel, D B; Schindler, C W; Chefer, S; Belcher, A M; Ahmet, I; Scheidweiler, K B; Huestis, M A; Stein, E A

    2016-02-01

    Methamphetamine abuse is linked with brain abnormalities, but its peripheral effects constitute an integral aspect of long-term methamphetamine use. Eight male rhesus monkeys with long histories of intravenous methamphetamine self-administration were evaluated 1 day, and 1, 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after their last methamphetamine self-administration session. On test days, isoflurane-anesthetized animals received a 0.35 mg/kg IV methamphetamine challenge. A control group consisted of 10 age and gender matched drug naïve monkeys. Cardiovascular responses to methamphetamine were followed for 2.5h. Echocardiograms were acquired at 3 and 12 months of abstinence and in the control animals. No pre-methamphetamine baseline differences existed among 7 physiological measures across all conditions and controls. As expected, methamphetamine increased heart rate and blood pressure in controls. However, immediately following the self-administration period, the blood pressure response to methamphetamine challenge was reduced when compared to control monkeys. The peak and 150-min average heart rate increases, as well as peak blood pressure increases following methamphetamine were significantly elevated between weeks 12 to 26 of abstinence. These data indicate the development of tolerance followed by sensitization to methamphetamine cardiovascular effects. Echocardiography demonstrated decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac output at 3 months of abstinence. Importantly, both cardiovascular sensitization and cardiotoxicity appeared to be reversible as they returned toward control group levels after 1 year of abstinence. Enhanced cardiovascular effects may occur after prolonged abstinence in addicts relapsing to methamphetamine and may underlie clinically reported acute cardiotoxic events. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  19. Delayed emergence of methamphetamine’s enhanced cardiovascular effects in nonhuman primates during protracted methamphetamine abstinence

    PubMed Central

    Vaupel, DB; Schindler, CW; Chefer, S; Belcher, AM; Ahmet, I; Scheidweiler, KB; Huestis, MA; Stein, EA

    2015-01-01

    Background Methamphetamine abuse is linked with brain abnormalities, but its peripheral effects constitute an integral aspect of long-term methamphetamine use. Methods Eight male rhesus monkeys with long histories of intravenous methamphetamine self-administration were evaluated 1 day, and 1, 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after their last methamphetamine self-administration session. On test days, isoflurane-anesthetized animals received a 0.35 mg/kg IV methamphetamine challenge. A control group consisted of 10 age and gender matched drug naïve monkeys. Cardiovascular responses to methamphetamine were followed for 2.5 h. Echocardiograms were acquired at 3 and 12 months of abstinence and in the control animals. Results No pre-methamphetamine baseline differences existed among 7 physiological measures across all conditions and controls. As expected, methamphetamine increased heart rate and blood pressure in controls. However, immediately following the self-administration period, the blood pressure response to methamphetamine challenge was reduced when compared to control monkeys. The peak and 150-min average heart rate increases, as well as peak blood pressure increases following methamphetamine were significantly elevated between weeks 12 to 26 of abstinence. These data indicate the development of tolerance followed by sensitization to methamphetamine cardiovascular effects. Echocardiography demonstrated decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac output at 3 months of abstinence. Importantly, both cardiovascular sensitization and cardiotoxicity appeared to be reversible as they returned toward control group levels after 1 year of abstinence. Conclusions Enhanced cardiovascular effects may occur after prolonged abstinence in addicts relapsing to methamphetamine and may underlie clinically reported acute cardiotoxic events. PMID:26775284

  20. 75 FR 29391 - National Safe Boating Week, 2010

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-26

    ... Safe Boating Week, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation's... National Safe Boating Week to practicing safe techniques so boaters of all ages can enjoy this pastime... annually the 7-day period prior to Memorial Day weekend as ``National Safe Boating Week.'' NOW, THEREFORE...

  1. 20 CFR 617.15 - Duration of TRA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... additional weeks, an individual must make a bona fide application for such training— (i) within 210 days... within a scheduled break that is 15 days or more. (4) The days within a break in a training program that.... (a) Basic weeks. An individual shall not be paid basic TRA for any week beginning after the close of...

  2. 20 CFR 617.15 - Duration of TRA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... additional weeks, an individual must make a bona fide application for such training— (i) within 210 days... within a scheduled break that is 15 days or more. (4) The days within a break in a training program that.... (a) Basic weeks. An individual shall not be paid basic TRA for any week beginning after the close of...

  3. 3 CFR 8765 - Proclamation 8765 of December 8, 2011. Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2011

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 3 The President 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Proclamation 8765 of December 8, 2011. Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2011 8765 Proclamation 8765 Presidential Documents Proclamations Proclamation 8765 of December 8, 2011 Proc. 8765 Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2011By the President...

  4. [Protection of unborn life by the state].

    PubMed

    Schell, W

    1993-08-01

    The German unification contract stated that up to December 31, 1992, a new legal regulation of abortion should be sought in the whole country in accordance with the basic law. Accordingly, under the pregnancy and family protection law (SFHG) of July 27, 1992, Paragraphs 218, Sections 1 and 219 of the penal code were amended stating that the termination of pregnancy by a doctor within 12 weeks of conception was not against the law in general, although the pregnant woman was obliged to be counseled at least 3 days before the procedure (term regulation with counseling requirement). However, through the ruling of May 28, 1993 (2 BvF 2/90, 2 BvF 4 and 5/92) the German Constitutional Court made a decision to the effect that Paragraphs 218, Sections 1 and 219 were unconstitutional. Thereby the reform of the abortion law faltered. The Parliament was required to conceive a law in agreement with this decision and the basic law. In the ruling there were important stipulations about the protection of human life. The newly drafted Paragraph 218, Section 1 was declared null and void, in particular because it did not consider that abortion undertaken after counseling within 12 weeks was against the law, nor were the new rules of Paragraph 219 about the content and organization of the duty to counsel. In order to guarantee the minimum requirements of protection of unborn human life by the state, the Senate replaced the nullified sections of the SFHG by a provisional regulation to be effective as of June 16, 1993, when Article 16 of the SFHG also became effective, which cancelled the term regulation valid in the new federal provinces until then. The provisional regulation stated that abortion would not be punished when performed by a doctor within 12 weeks of gestation, the pregnant woman asked for it, and proved to the doctor by an affidavit that at least 3 days before the procedure she had been counseled by an authorized counseling facility.

  5. Validity and responsiveness of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) in assessing physical activity during pregnancy

    PubMed Central

    Micklesfield, Lisa K.; van Poppel, Mireille N. M.; Norris, Shane A.; Sattler, Matteo C.; Dietz, Pavel

    2017-01-01

    The physiological and biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy make accurate measurement of physical activity (PA) a challenge during this unique period. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) has been used extensively in low-to-middle income countries, but has never been validated in a pregnant population. In this longitudinal study, 95 pregnant women (mean age: 29.5±5.7 years; BMI: 26.9±5.0 kg/m2) completed the GPAQ and were asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 days at two time points during pregnancy (14–18 and 29–33 weeks gestation). There was a significant difference between accelerometry and GPAQ when measuring moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at 29–33 weeks gestation (16.6 vs 21.4 min/day; p = 0.02) as well as sedentary behaviour (SB) at both 14–18 weeks (457.0 vs 300 min/day; p < 0.01) and 29–33 weeks gestation (431.5 vs 300 min/day; p < 0.01). There was poor agreement between the GPAQ and accelerometry for both PA and SB at both time points (ICC: -0.05–0.08). Bland Altman plots indicated that the GPAQ overestimates PA by 14.8 min/day at 14–18 weeks and by 15.8 min/day at 29–33 weeks gestation. It underestimates SB by 127.5 min/day at 14–18 weeks and by 89.2 min/day at 29–33 weeks gestation. When compared to accelerometry, the GPAQ shows poor agreement and appears to overestimate PA and underestimate SB during pregnancy. PMID:28552977

  6. Effects of Before-School Physical Activity on Obesity Prevention and Wellness.

    PubMed

    Whooten, Rachel C; Perkins, Meghan E; Gerber, Monica W; Taveras, Elsie M

    2018-04-01

    The effects of Build Our Kids Success-a 12-week, 1-hour before-school physical activity program-on BMI and social-emotional wellness among kindergarten to eighth grade students was examined. This was a nonrandomized trial. Participants were from 24 schools in Massachusetts; there were 707 children from kindergarten to eighth grade. Children registered for Build Our Kids Success in 2015-2016 participated in a 2 days/week or 3 days/week program. Nonparticipating children served as controls. At baseline and 12 weeks, study staff measured children's heights/weights; children aged ≥8 years completed surveys. Main outcomes were 12-week change in BMI z-score, odds of a lower BMI category at follow-up, and child report of social-emotional wellness. Analyses were completed in March-June 2017. Follow-up BMI was obtained from 67% of children and self-reported surveys from 72% of age-eligible children. Children in the 3 days/week group had improvements in BMI z-score (-0.22, 95% CI= -0.31, -0.14) and this mean change was significantly different than the comparison group (-0.17 difference, 95% CI= -0.27, -0.07). Children in the 3 days/week group also had higher odds of being in a lower BMI category at follow-up (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.12, 1.62); significantly different than the comparison group (p<0.01). Children in the 2 days/week program had no significant changes in BMI outcomes. Children in the 3 days/week group demonstrated improvement in their student engagement scores (0.79 units, p=0.05) and had nonsignificant improvements in reported peer relationships, affect, and life satisfaction versus comparison. The 2 days/week group had significant improvements in positive affect and vitality/energy versus comparison. A 3 days/week before-school physical activity program resulted in improved BMI and prevented increases in child obesity. Both Build Our Kids Success groups had improved social-emotional wellness versus controls. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03190135. Copyright © 2018 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Work hours and cortisol variation from non-working to working days.

    PubMed

    Marchand, Alain; Durand, Pierre; Lupien, Sonia

    2013-07-01

    This study aims at modelling the relationship between the number of work hours per week and cortisol variation across 3 days by comparing non-working day to working day in a population of day-shift workers. Questionnaire data and saliva samples for cortisol analysis were collected on 132 day-shift workers employed in 13 workplaces in Canada. Consenting workers provided 5 saliva samples a day (awaking, 30 min after awaking, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., bedtime) repeated 3 times (Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday) over a week, to provide measures at work and non-work times and settings. Multilevel regression models were estimated from cortisol measurements at each occasion within a day at level-1, days at level-2 and workers at level-3. Controlling for gender and age, results revealed significant variations in salivary cortisol concentration between sample, day and worker levels. Cortisol increases linearly from non-working day to work days and work hours per week interacted with days, revealing a positive association between the number of work hours per week and cortisol concentrations during these days. Work hours per week did not interact with awaking, 30 min after awaking, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and bedtime cortisol concentrations. Gender and age had neither main effects nor interaction effects. No significant cortisol variations were found between workplaces. These results suggest that work hours act as a stressor that is associated with significant variations in cortisol concentrations over working days. Non-working days may contribute to stress reduction in workers who experience longer work hours.

  8. What does tremor really look like? Initial results from an 84-element array

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vidale, J. E.; Sweet, J.; Creager, K. C.; Ghosh, A.

    2008-12-01

    Aspiring to see more intimate details, we placed an 84-element short-period vertical-component array with an aperture of 1km on a hard rock mountain over the path of Cascadia tremor. This site is coincident with a stellar 6-station three-component CAFE array (see talk by K. Creager). Texans, which are convenient to deploy but require recycling for fresh batteries every four days, recorded the seismograms. We recorded 8 days in March and 17 days in May 2008. We find most of the arrivals at high frequencies, especially in the stacks, are P-waves, due to the network constitution. The March week contains only six intermittent hours of tremor detectable by the usual envelope analysis of data from the regional network, but array beamforming shows much more continuous activity, and extending about a half day longer. We also pick up a later episode of weak tremor that contains probably the first glance of low-frequency earthquake in Cascadia (see abstract by J. Sweet). The May field season recorded full-blown tremor passing directly underneath in startling detail. The tremor source region in preliminary images is more compact than the cloud of locations determined from envelope correlation, but also with an apparently persistent patchwork of regions that do and do not generate tremor. Further analysis and future deployments with multiple dense arrays show great promise for getting to the bottom of the issue of tremor generation.

  9. [The effect of nutritional therapy in the treatment of laryngeal cancer].

    PubMed

    Botella Romero, F; Simal Antón, A; Motilla Valeriano, T; Martínez Montero, P; Mata Castro, N; González Martí, F

    1995-01-01

    Laryngeal cancer constitutes and important problem from the nutritional point of view, both due to the effect of the tumor itself as due to the aggressive treatment to which the majority of these patients are subjected. To evaluate the incidence of nutritional support on the morbid-mortality and on the number of hospitalization days, we compare a group A of 61 patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, who received treatment from the Department of Nutrition, with another, similar group B, who received a standard diet. a complete evaluation of the nutritional status was done (anthropometric biochemical and immunological parameters) one day prior to the surgery and two weeks after. The differences of age (61 vs 63 years), cigarette smoking (31 vs 34), excessive alcohol ingestion (34 vs 29), location of the tumor and type of surgery, were not significant. The nutritional treatment used in group A was enteral nutrition by means of a 12-F polyurethane naso-gastric tube, while in group B it was the ground up culinary diet through a large caliber naso-gastric tube. There were no significant differences in the mortality (1/0) or in the surgical complications (9/10); nevertheless, the average number of hospital days was clearly lower in group A (18 days) compared to group B (24 days) (p < 0.005). The evolution of the evaluation parameters of the nutritional status was analyzed, as well as the administered dietary formulae, added medication, and the complications of the technique. Regulated nutritional support may contribute to the decrease of the hospitalization period of patients operated on for laryngeal cancer.

  10. No advanced retinopathy of prematurity stages 4 or 5 in a large high-risk German cohort.

    PubMed

    Muether, Philipp S; Kribs, Angela; Hahn, Moritz; Schumacher, Jasmin; Eifinger, Frank; Kirchhof, Bernd; Roth, Bernhard; Fauser, Sascha

    2012-03-01

    Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a major cause of juvenile blindness. As screening recommendations are refined, decreasing gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) constitute an increasing risk for ROP. This retrospective case series reviews the screening results of a very immature cohort in Germany. We conducted ROP screening according to the German guidelines of 1999: all preterm infants with a GA of < 32 weeks and/or a BW of < 1501 g, or with GA ≥ 32 weeks and postnatal oxygen treatment for > 3 days, were assigned for screening. Dense laser coagulation was performed according to the current treatment criteria. All 767 consecutive inborn (patients born at the Department of Neonatology, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany) preterm infants of a tertiary medical centre of maximum care underwent complete screening from 2001 to 2009. The treatment incidence was 7.0%. No preterm infant developed stage 4/5 ROP. Mean GA and BW of untreated/treated preterm infants were 28.4/24.6 weeks and 1109/635 g, respectively. Increasing treatment incidence was associated with lower GA, but not with lower BW in logistic regression analysis. In this very immature high-risk cohort, advanced stages 4 and 5 were avoided throughout 9 years of screening. We suggest three factors that contributed to this outcome: (1) strict adherence to current ROP screening and treatment guidelines; (2) prompt and very dense laser coagulation if necessary; and (3) a specialised neonatal intensive care unit with experience of very immature babies.

  11. High-intensity interval versus moderate-intensity continuous training: Superior metabolic benefits in diet-induced obesity mice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ningning; Liu, Yang; Ma, Yanan; Wen, Deliang

    2017-12-15

    Exercise is beneficial in obesity, however, the debate about the value of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) has been long lasting. Therefore, here we have compared the possible beneficial effects of two different exercise training regimes in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). Following 7wk. on high fat diet (HFD), ten-week-old male ICR mice (n=30) were assigned to HIIT, distance-matched MICT or remained sedentary for the next 8 constitutive weeks while maintaining the dietary treatments. Age-matched sedentary mice with standard diet were used as a control (n=10). Exercise was performed on a motorized treadmill for 5days a week. Both modes of exercise ameliorated adiposity and related metabolic dysfunction induced by HFD and sedentary lifestyle, while mice following HIIT exhibited significantly lower body weight, percentage of fat mass and smaller adipocyte size. HIIT was more favorable in preventing liver lipid accumulation by restoring mRNA levels of genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis (SREBP1, ACC1, FAS) and β-oxidation (PPARα, CPT1a, HAD). In addition, HIIT was more efficient in mitigating adipose tissue inflammation and insulin insensitivity, partly dependent on abrogating phosphorylation of JNK/IRS1 (Ser307) pathway. Moreover, only HIIT led to pronounced beige adipocyte recruitment in inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue. We conclude that HIIT contribute a more favorable regulation of metabolic dysfunctions in DIO mice compared with MICT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Typhoid Vaccine

    MedlinePlus

    ... who remain at risk. Live typhoid vaccine (oral)Four doses: one capsule every other day for a week (day 1, day 3, day 5, and day 7). The last dose should be given at least 1 week before travel to allow the vaccine time to work. Swallow each dose about an hour before a meal with a cold or lukewarm ...

  13. 2009 Summer 4-Day Work Week Evaluation Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Geneivive, David V.; DeRose, Diego; Ligas, Maria

    2011-01-01

    This report describes the final evaluation of a condensed work schedule, the Summer 2009 4-Day Work Week (S4-DWW), adopted by The School Board of Broward County, Florida. The goal for the program was to close the entire district for 1 day each week to reduce utility costs. Except for a few cases, district schools and offices were closed on Fridays…

  14. What Do We Actually Know about the Four-Day School Week?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heyward, Georgia

    2018-01-01

    The Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) has been studying the four-day school week since 2015. Since then, the phenomenon of the four-day school week has spread into non-rural areas and interest appears to be growing. Given these apparent changes, the author wanted to know more about recent trends in the initiative. As districts continue…

  15. The Four-Day School Week: An Examination of Long-Term Student Achievement at the Middle and Secondary Levels

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fagergren, Peter J.

    2003-01-01

    Academic achievement under a four-day school week is compared to the traditional five-day school week. Test scores from the CAT [California Achievement Test], ITBS [Iowa Test of Basic Skills], TASK [Stanford Test of Academic Skills], SAT [Stanford Achievement Test], TAP [Tests of Academic Proficiency], and MAT [Metropolitan Achievement Test] were…

  16. One-Year Results for the Kelly Air Force Base Compressed Work Week Survey

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-01-01

    10 REFERENCES 1. Balch, B.W. The four day week and the older workers. Personnel Journal, December, 394-396, 1974. 2. Breaugh, J.A. The 12-hour work day...the four - day week . California Management Review, 28, 31-35, 1975. 16. Mills, M.E. Core-12: A controlled study of the impact of 12 hour scheduling

  17. Compliance with different physical activity recommendations and its association with socio-demographic characteristics using an objective measure.

    PubMed

    Scheers, Tineke; Philippaerts, Renaat; Lefevre, Johan

    2013-02-14

    In the past decades, several public health guidelines concerning physical activity have been published. This study evaluated compliance with various physical activity guidelines and examined the associations between meeting the guidelines and socio-demographic characteristics. Data were obtained from 357 Flemish men and women (41.9 ± 9.6 years). Physical activity was assessed for seven consecutive days using the SenseWear Armband. The prevalence of sufficient physical activity was calculated according to various public health guidelines. Logistic regressions examined the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and the odds of meeting the different guidelines. 87.2% of men and 68.1% of women achieved ≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), but only 57.6% and 37.3% accumulated this amount as ≥30 min/day on ≥5 days/week. With regard to vigorous physical activity, 27.9% of men and 15.7% of women achieved ≥75 min/week and 12.8% and 7.0% achieved ≥20 min/day on ≥3 days/week. In addition, 34.9% of men and 21.6% of women attained an average physical activity level (PAL) of 1.75 MET and thus met the criteria for weight maintenance. Only 16.3% of men and 14.1% of women took 10000 steps/day on 7 days/week. Women had a lower probability of achieving 30 min/day MVPA on 5 days/week (OR: 0.40), or a weekly total of 150 min or 500 MET.min MVPA or 75 min of vigorous activity compared to men (OR: 0.27-0.46). In addition, they were 50% less likely to meet the guidelines for weight maintenance. The odds of engaging in 150 min/week MVPA or attaining a PAL of 1.75 was lower with higher age. Educational level was positively related with accumulating 75 min/week of vigorous activity, but negatively with taking 10000 steps/day. Smokers were 60% less likely to participate weekly in 150 min of MVPA compared to non-smokers. The prevalence of sufficient physical activity differed greatly depending on the definition used. Women and subjects older than 35 were less likely to meet the guidelines than men and younger subjects and thus are important groups to target in future interventions.

  18. PERSISTENT EFFECTS OF REPEATED INHALATION OF TOLUENE: 4 WEEKS VS. 13 WEEKS.

    EPA Science Inventory

    Understanding and predicting the extent of neurotoxic damage from repeated exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a problem for many EPA programs. Eighty adult, male Long-Evans rats inhaled toluene (0, 10, 100, or 1000 ppm) 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks in a systema...

  19. Intellectual Freedom in Chicago

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Library Journal, 1972

    1972-01-01

    Governmental intimidation and harassment here and abroad, violations of constitutional rights, statements on minors, isms,'' and reevaluating library collections are subjects dealt with by the Intellectual Freedom Committee during its work week in Chicago. (Author/NH)

  20. Effects of different frequencies (2-3 days/week) of aquatic therapy program in adults with chronic low back pain. A non-randomized comparison trial.

    PubMed

    Baena-Beato, Pedro Angel; Arroyo-Morales, Manuel; Delgado-Fernández, Manuel; Gatto-Cardia, Maria Claudia; Artero, Enrique G

    2013-01-01

    To study the effects of an aquatic therapy program with different frequencies (2 vs 3 days per week) in chronic low back pain. [corrected] Non-randomized comparison trial. Sport and spa community health club. Fifty-four adults with chronic low back pain (48.9 ± 10.0 years). Eight-week aquatic therapy program. Pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey 36), body composition (weight, body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle mass), and health-related fitness (sit and reach, handgrip strength, curl-up, Rockport 1-mile test). Both experimental groups presented significant improvements in low back pain and disability (P < 0.001) compared with control group. The 3 days/week group showed significantly greater benefits at VAS flexion and disability (P < 0.001) than the 2 days/week group. Regarding quality of life, both intervention groups presented significant differences for Physical Role (P < 0.05), Bodily Pain (P < 0.001), General Health (P = 0.012), and Standardized Physical Component (P < 0.001) compared with control group. Both experimental groups significantly improved all health-related fitness parameters (P < 0.01). The 3 days/week group showed significantly greater benefits at curl-up and heart rate (P < 0.001) than the 2 days/week group. No significant changes between treatment groups and control were found in body composition. Eight weeks of aquatic therapy program decrease levels of back pain and disability, increase quality of life, and improve health-related fitness in adults with chronic low back pain without effects in body composition. A dose-response effect was observed in some parameters, with greater benefits when exercising 3 days per week compared with 2 days. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. A 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg/day for frequent heartburn: durability of effects, symptomatic rebound, and treatment satisfaction.

    PubMed

    Peura, David; Le Moigne, Anne; Pollack, Charles; Nagy, Peter; Lind, Tore

    2016-08-01

    Esomeprazole 20 mg once daily has been shown to be effective for treating frequent heartburn over 14 days in subjects who are likely to self-treat with over-the-counter medications. These analyses were conducted to assess durability of effects and symptomatic rebound after cessation of treatment, treatment satisfaction, and rescue antacid use with esomeprazole 20 mg once daily for 14 days. Adults with frequent heartburn (≥ two days/week in the past four weeks) were randomly assigned to 14 days of double-blind treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg or placebo in two identical multicenter studies. All subjects entered a 1-week single-blind placebo follow-up period after treatment. The results of the primary efficacy endpoints were reported previously. The percentage of heartburn-free days during the 1-week follow-up, use of rescue antacids, and treatment satisfaction, measured with the Global Assessment Questions instrument, are described. The percentage of heartburn-free days was maintained during the 1-week follow-up period; the proportion was 43% among esomeprazole subjects in these studies, suggesting no evidence of symptomatic rebound. Rescue antacid use generally decreased compared with the run-in period in the 14-day treatment and 1-week follow-up periods. Significantly more subjects taking esomeprazole were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with treatment versus placebo (Study 1: 78% vs. 63%, respectively, P = 0.0038; Study 2: 81% vs. 60%, respectively, P = 0.0002). Subjects who are likely to self-treat their frequent heartburn with over-the-counter medications reported satisfaction with esomeprazole 20 mg. Esomeprazole's treatment effect was maintained for ≥ one week after treatment ended, with no sign of symptomatic rebound. These trials were registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01370525; NCT01370538.

  2. Combined Aerobic/Strength Training and Energy Expenditure in Older Women

    PubMed Central

    Hunter, Gary R.; Bickel, C. Scott; Fisher, Gordon; Neumeier, William; McCarthy, John

    2013-01-01

    Purpose To examine the effects of three different frequencies of combined resistance and aerobic training on total energy expenditure (TEE) and activity related energy expenditure (AEE) in a group of older adults. Methods Seventy-two women, 60 – 74 years old, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1 day/week of aerobic and 1 day/week of resistance (1+1); 2 days/week of aerobic and 2 days/week resistance (2+2); or 3 days/week aerobic and 3 days/week resistance (3+3). Body composition (DXA), feeling of fatigue, depression, and vigor (questionnaire), strength (1RM), serum cytokines (ELISA), maximal oxygen uptake (progressive treadmill test), resting energy expenditure, and TEE were measured before and after 16 weeks of training. Aerobic training consisted of 40 minutes of aerobic exercise at 80% maximum heart rate and resistance training consisted of 2 sets of 10 repetitions for 10 different exercises at 80% of one repetition maximum. Results All groups increased fat free mass, strength and aerobic fitness and decreased fat mass. No changes were observed in cytokines or perceptions of fatigue/depression. No time by group interaction was found for any fitness/body composition variable. TEE and AEE increased with the 2+2 group but not with the other two groups. Non-exercise training AEE (NEAT) increased significantly in the 2+2 group (+200 kcal/day), group 1×1 showed a trend for an increase (+68 kcal/day) and group 3+3 decreased significantly (−150 kcal/day). Conclusion Results indicate that 3+3 training may inhibit NEAT by being too time consuming and does not induce superior training adaptations to 1+1 and 2+2 training. Key words: physical activity, older adults, total energy expenditure, maximum oxygen uptake. PMID:23774582

  3. Bone Augmentation in Rabbit Tibia Using Microfixed Cobalt-Chromium Membranes with Whole Blood and Platelet-Rich Plasma

    PubMed Central

    Decco, Oscar A.; Beltrán, Víctor; Zuchuat, Jésica I.; Cura, Andrea C.; Lezcano, María F.; Engelke, Wilfried

    2015-01-01

    Background: Bone augmentation is a subject of intensive investigation in regenerative bone medicine and constitutes a clinical situation in which autogenous bone grafts or synthetic materials are used to aid new bone formation. Method: Based on a non-critical defect, Co-Cr barrier membranes were placed on six adult Fauve de Bourgogne rabbits, divided into two groups: whole blood and PRP. Three densitometric controls were performed during the experiment. The animals were euthanized at 30, 45, 60, and 110 days. The presence of newly formed bone was observed. Samples for histological studies were taken from the augmentation center. Results: External and internal bone tissue augmentation was observed in almost all cases. Significant differences between PRP- and whole blood–stimulated bone augmentation were not observed. At 60 days, bones with PRP presented higher angiogenesis, which may indicate more proliferation and cellular activity. Conclusion: PRP activates the bone regeneration process under optimized conditions by stimulation of osteoblast proliferation after six weeks, when a significant difference in cellular activity was observed. Membranes could stimulate bone augmentation at the site of placement and in the surrounding areas. PMID:28793476

  4. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Colbert, C.; Moles, D.R.

    This paper reports that the authors developed for the Air Force the Mark VI Personal Identity Verifier (PIV) for controlling access to a fixed or mobile ICBM site, a computer terminal, or mainframe. The Mark VI records the digitized silhouettes of four fingers of each hand on an AT and T smart card. Like fingerprints, finger shapes, lengths, and widths constitute an unguessable biometric password. A Security Officer enrolls an authorized person who places each hand, in turn, on a backlighted panel. An overhead scanning camera records the right and left hand reference templates on the smart card. The Securitymore » Officer adds to the card: name, personal identification number (PIN), and access restrictions such as permitted days of the week, times of day, and doors. To gain access, cardowner inserts card into a reader slot and places either hand on the panel. Resulting access template is matched to the reference template by three sameness algorithms. The final match score is an average of 12 scores (each of the four fingers, matched for shape, length, and width), expressing the degree of sameness. (A perfect match would score 100.00.) The final match score is compared to a predetermined score (threshold), generating an accept or reject decision.« less

  5. Correcting for day of the week and public holiday effects: improving a national daily syndromic surveillance service for detecting public health threats.

    PubMed

    Buckingham-Jeffery, Elizabeth; Morbey, Roger; House, Thomas; Elliot, Alex J; Harcourt, Sally; Smith, Gillian E

    2017-05-19

    As service provision and patient behaviour varies by day, healthcare data used for public health surveillance can exhibit large day of the week effects. These regular effects are further complicated by the impact of public holidays. Real-time syndromic surveillance requires the daily analysis of a range of healthcare data sources, including family doctor consultations (called general practitioners, or GPs, in the UK). Failure to adjust for such reporting biases during analysis of syndromic GP surveillance data could lead to misinterpretations including false alarms or delays in the detection of outbreaks. The simplest smoothing method to remove a day of the week effect from daily time series data is a 7-day moving average. Public Health England developed the working day moving average in an attempt also to remove public holiday effects from daily GP data. However, neither of these methods adequately account for the combination of day of the week and public holiday effects. The extended working day moving average was developed. This is a further data-driven method for adding a smooth trend curve to a time series graph of daily healthcare data, that aims to take both public holiday and day of the week effects into account. It is based on the assumption that the number of people seeking healthcare services is a combination of illness levels/severity and the ability or desire of patients to seek healthcare each day. The extended working day moving average was compared to the seven-day and working day moving averages through application to data from two syndromic indicators from the GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system managed by Public Health England. The extended working day moving average successfully smoothed the syndromic healthcare data by taking into account the combined day of the week and public holiday effects. In comparison, the seven-day and working day moving averages were unable to account for all these effects, which led to misleading smoothing curves. The results from this study make it possible to identify trends and unusual activity in syndromic surveillance data from GP services in real-time independently of the effects caused by day of the week and public holidays, thereby improving the public health action resulting from the analysis of these data.

  6. Number of Instructional Days/Hours in the School Year

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rowland, Julie

    2014-01-01

    While state requirements vary on the number of instructional days and/or hours in the school year, the majority of states require 180 days of student instruction. Most also specify the minimum length of time that constitutes an instructional day. Some states set instructional time in terms of days, some specify hours, and some provide…

  7. 40 CFR 80.172 - Penalties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... not more than the sum of $25,000 for every day of such violation and the amount of economic benefit or... constitute a separate day of violation for each and every day the gasoline in violation remains at any place... separate day of violation for each and every day the detergent in violation remains at any place in the...

  8. 40 CFR 80.159 - Penalties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... not more than the sum of $25,000 for every day of such violation and the amount of economic benefit or... constitute a separate day of violation for each and every day the gasoline in violation remains at any place... separate day of violation for each and every day the detergent in violation remains at any place in the...

  9. The efficacy of early initiated, supervised, progressive resistance training compared to unsupervised, home-based exercise after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Jørgensen, Peter B; Bogh, Søren B; Kierkegaard, Signe; Sørensen, Henrik; Odgaard, Anders; Søballe, Kjeld; Mechlenburg, Inger

    2017-01-01

    To examine if supervised progressive resistance training was superior to home-based exercise in rehabilitation after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Single blinded, randomized clinical trial. Surgery, progressive resistance training and testing was carried out at Aarhus University Hospital and home-based exercise was carried out in the home of the patient. Fifty five patients were randomized to either progressive resistance training or home-based exercise. Patients were randomized to either progressive resistance training (home based exercise five days/week and progressive resistance training two days/week) or control group (home based exercise seven days/week). Preoperative assessment, 10-week (primary endpoint) and one-year follow-up were performed for leg extension power, spatiotemporal gait parameters and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). Forty patients (73%) completed 1-year follow-up. Patients in the progressive resistance training group participated in average 11 of 16 training sessions. Leg extension power increased from baseline to 10-week follow-up in progressive resistance training group (progressive resistance training: 0.28 W/kg, P= 0.01, control group: 0.01 W/kg, P=0.93) with no between-group difference. Walking speed and KOOS scores increased from baseline to 10-week follow-up in both groups with no between-group difference (six minutes walk test P=0.63, KOOS P>0.29). Progressive resistance training two days/week combined with home based exercise five days/week was not superior to home based exercise seven days/week in improving leg extension power of the operated leg.

  10. The impact of hemodialysis schedules on the day of the week of hospitalization for cardiovascular and infectious diseases, over a period of 20 years

    PubMed Central

    Banshodani, Masataka; Fukuma, Shingo; Moriishi, Misaki; Shintaku, Sadanori; Tsuchiya, Shinichiro

    2017-01-01

    There have been no studies as yet that have evaluated how hemodialysis (HD) schedules affect the day of the week of hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and infectious diseases (IDs), over a period of time. Herein, we performed a retrospective observational cohort study (1995–2014) evaluating 11,111 hospitalizations in 1,953 patients with end-stage renal disease, receiving HD 3 times a week (following either a Monday-Wednesday-Friday [MWF] schedule or a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday [TTS] schedule) or receiving frequent HD (FHD) at least 4 times a week. Overall, hospitalization rates for CVDs and IDs were the highest on Monday in the MWF schedule and Tuesday in the TTS schedule compared to the average rates for all the days of the week. When generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used in conjunction with robust variance estimators of each type of CVD, the risk for pulmonary edema was found to be significantly higher on Sunday and Monday in the MWF schedule and Monday and Tuesday in the TTS schedule. For both cerebrovascular and ischemic heart disease, the risks were significantly higher on Tuesday in the MWF schedule and Wednesday in the TTS schedule. Moreover, there were significant differences in the day of the week risks among the various CVD types. On trend analysis, the overall hospitalization rate for CVDs on the first HD day did not decrease (P = 0.2); however, the hospitalization rate for IDs on the first HD day significantly decreased (P = 0.02) over a span of 20 years. When GEEs were used in the case of FHD patients with severe heart failure, the hospitalization rate on the first HD day (Monday) significantly decreased after FHD initiation (P = 0.04). It was found that HD schedules affected the day of the week of hospitalization for CVDs. FHD may lower the day of the week risk. PMID:28700621

  11. Involvement of constitutive androstane receptor in liver hypertrophy and liver tumor development induced by triazole fungicides.

    PubMed

    Tamura, Kei; Inoue, Kaoru; Takahashi, Miwa; Matsuo, Saori; Irie, Kaoru; Kodama, Yukio; Gamo, Toshie; Ozawa, Shogo; Yoshida, Midori

    2015-04-01

    We clarified the involvement of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) in triazole-induced liver hypertrophy and tumorigenesis using CAR-knockout (CARKO) mice. Seven-week-old male CARKO and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with 200 ppm cyproconazole (Cypro), 1500 ppm tebuconazole (Teb), or 200 ppm fluconazole (Flu) in the diet for 27 weeks after initiation by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). At weeks 4 (without DEN) and 13 (with DEN), WT mice in all treatment groups and CARKO mice in Teb group revealed liver hypertrophy with mainly Cyp2b10 and following Cyp3a11 inductions in the liver. Teb also induced Cyp4a10 in both genotypes. Cypro induced slight and duration-dependent liver hypertrophy in CARKO mice. At week 27, Cypro and Teb significantly increased eosinophilic altered foci and/or adenomas in WT mice. These proliferating lesions were clearly reduced in CARKO mice administered both compounds. The eosinophilic adenomas caused by Flu decreased in CARKO mice. The present study indicates that CAR is the main mediator of liver hypertrophy induced by Cypro and Flu, but not Teb. In contrast, CAR played a crucial role in liver tumor development induced by all three triazoles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Time-Dependent Kinetics of Tretinoin in Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia during Intermittent Dose Scheduling: 1 Week On/1 Week Off.

    PubMed

    Regazzi, M B; Russo, D; Iacona, I; Sacchi, S; Visani, G; Lazzarino, M; Avvisati, G; Pelicci, P G; Dastoli, G; Grandi, C; Spreafico, S; Grattoni, R; Galieni, P; Rupoli, S; Maiolo, A M; Guerra, E; Liberati, A M

    1998-01-01

    This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of tretinoin during alternating cycles of 1 week of tretinoin treatment and 1 week drug-free in patients with Ph1+ chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) in the chronic phase. Eighteen patients with CML were treated with tretinoin 80 mg/m(2)/day (in two divided doses) for 7 consecutive days every other week (one cycle = 1 week on/1 week off). Body systemic exposure to tretinoin as determined by the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) decreased significantly during the first week of drug administration, from (mean +/- SD) 678.3 +/- 498.1 to 258.7 +/- 272.4 microg/L.h. In about 40% of the patients the decline in plasma concentrations was >/=80%, while 17% of the population did not experience any decline. On day 7 of cycle 1, the mean apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was 2.6 times the corresponding value on day 1. After 1 week without tretinoin, the mean AUC on day 1 of cycle 2 was lower (down 15%) but not statistically different from the corresponding value observed on day 1 of cycle 1; 62% of patients showed an increase in the AUC, which was 40% higher than the corresponding value on day 7 of cycle 1. On day 1 of cycle 6, the AUC and CL/F of tretinoin during a dosage interval were not statistically different from those observed on day 1 of cycle 1 and cycle 2. On all occasions the peak plasma concentration (C(max)) was strongly correlated to the corresponding AUC. No significant change in the time to observed C(max) (t(max)) and in the elimination half-life (t((1/2))) was observed during the whole study. These results confirmed that the metabolism of tretinoin is rapidly up-regulated in CML patients, with significant declines in plasma drug exposure during the first week of drug administration. After tretinoin was discontinued, a return to the noninduced state followed a mean time-cycle similar to the induction. The strong decrease in the apparent oral drug clearance and the absence of significant variations in the drug half-life demonstrated that the presystemic extraction of tretinoin is the main cause of the marked decline in plasma drug exposure. The favourable pharmacokinetic profile of tretinoin obtained by an intermittent regimen, 1 week on/1 week off therapy (vs continuous administration), suggests that such a therapeutic schedule is the most appropriate for the assessment of clinical efficacy in those pathologies in which its use is suitable.

  13. Workdays, Workhours, and Work Schedules: Evidence for the United States and Germany.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hamermesh, Daniel S.

    This book studies work in the United States and Germany from two new viewpoints: (1) the division of work time into hours per day and days per week (as opposed to the standard analysis of weekly hours of work); and (2) the patterns of the particular times of the day and week when people are working, a focus on instantaneous time use. Information…

  14. 40 CFR 80.80 - Penalties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... penalty of not more than the sum of $25,000 for every day of each such violation and the amount of... every day in the averaging period. Any violation of any credit creation or credit transfer requirement shall constitute a separate day of violation for each and every day in the averaging period. (d)(1)(i...

  15. Absenteeism and the impact of a 38-hour week, rostered day off option.

    PubMed

    Williams, G; Slater, K

    2000-01-01

    We undertook a comparative analysis of nurses working in two consecutive years: one in a 40-hour standard working week and the other in a 38-hour week with a rostered day off per month, in order to determine whether there was any effect on absenteeism. We found that total absenteeism between the two years fell significantly from 4.58% to 4.36% (chi 2 = 5.09, P = 0.024). Sick leave decreased but not to a significant degree. We conclude that the change to the 38-hour week and 19-day month (rostered day off) arrangements led to a significant reduction in overall absenteeism but not in sick leave. However, the cost in implementing a 19-day month is far in excess of any savings made through absenteeism reductions.

  16. Fast apixaban-related resolution of left ventricular thrombi in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Elikowski, Waldemar; Małek-Elikowska, Magorzata; Fertała, Natalia; Zawodna, Magdalena; Kruzel, Kamila

    2018-01-23

    Left ventricular thrombi (LVTs) develop most often in patients with post-myocardial left ventricular dysfunction and in cardiomyopathies, particularly in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). They constitute a danger of systemic embolization. So far, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including apixaban - a selective inhibitor of active Factor X, have not been systematically investigated in patients with LVTs; study comparing the efficacy of apixaban and warfarin has been undertaken only recently. A few case reports or case series presenting patients with LVTs treated with DOACs are available in the literature. The authors described a case of a 53-year-old male with DCM, hospitalized due to heart failure exacerbation. In echocardiography, apart from typical features of DCM, three apical LVTs connected with false tendons were revealed. Treatment with apixaban was introduced, initially in a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily, as creatinine concentration was 2.0 mg/dl, and after 2 days - when creatinine concentration dropped, the dose was augmented to 5 mg twice a day. Gradual resolution of LVTs was observed from day 3; they disappeared completely after one week. There were no symptoms of systemic embolization. The patient was discharged with advice to take apixaban permanently. To the best of the authors knowledge, the case presented is the fastest resolution of LVTs during therapy with apixaban reported in the literature and the first description of DOAC use for multiple LVTs.

  17. Study of optimal training protocols and devices for developing and maintaining physical fitness in females prior to and during space flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Olree, H. D.; Corbin, B.; Smith, C.

    1977-01-01

    Pedalling a bicycle at least ten minutes a day at 85% of maximum pulse rate, three days a week for ten weeks will produce moderate increases in overall strength and physical work capacity in college-age females. The longer the training session, up to thirty minutes per session, the greater are the increases in physical work capacity that result when college-age females are trained three days a week for ten weeks at 85% of their maximum heart rate.

  18. How many days of accelerometer monitoring predict weekly physical activity behaviour in obese youth?

    PubMed

    Vanhelst, Jérémy; Fardy, Paul S; Duhamel, Alain; Béghin, Laurent

    2014-09-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the type and the number of accelerometer monitoring days needed to predict weekly sedentary behaviour and physical activity in obese youth. Fifty-three obese youth wore a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days to measure physical activity in free-living conditions. Analyses of variance for repeated measures, Intraclass coefficient (ICC) and regression linear analyses were used. Obese youth spent significantly less time in physical activity on weekends or free days compared with school days. ICC analyses indicated a minimum of 2 days is needed to estimate physical activity behaviour. ICC were 0·80 between weekly physical activity and weekdays and 0·92 between physical activity and weekend days. The model has to include a weekday and a weekend day. Using any combination of one weekday and one weekend day, the percentage of variance explained is >90%. Results indicate that 2 days of monitoring are needed to estimate the weekly physical activity behaviour in obese youth with an accelerometer. Our results also showed the importance of taking into consideration school day versus free day and weekday versus weekend day in assessing physical activity in obese youth. © 2013 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  19. Persistence of Protective Immunity to Malaria Induced by DNA Priming and Poxvirus Boosting: Characterization of Effector and Memory CD8+-T-Cell Populations

    PubMed Central

    Sedegah, Martha; Brice, Gary T.; Rogers, William O.; Doolan, Denise L.; Charoenvit, Yupin; Jones, Trevor R.; Majam, Victoria F.; Belmonte, Arnel; Lu, Minh; Belmonte, Maria; Carucci, Daniel J.; Hoffman, Stephen L.

    2002-01-01

    The persistence of immunity to malaria induced in mice by a heterologous DNA priming and poxvirus boosting regimen was characterized. Mice were immunized by priming with DNA vaccine plasmids encoding the Plasmodium yoelii circumsporozoite protein (PyCSP) and murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and boosting with recombinant vaccinia encoding PyCSP. BALB/c mice immunized with either high-dose (100 μg of p PyCSP plus 30 μg of pGM-CSF) or low-dose (1 μg of p PyCSP plus 1 μg of pGM-CSF DNA) priming were protected against challenge with 50 P. yoelii sporozoites. Protection 2 weeks after immunization was 70 to 100%, persisted at this level for at least 20 weeks, and declined to 30 to 40% by 28 weeks. Eight of eight mice protected at 20 weeks were still protected when rechallenged at 40 weeks. The antigen (Ag)-specific effector CD8+-T-cell population present 2 weeks after boosting had ex vivo Ag-specific cytolytic activity, expressed both gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and constituted 12 to 20% of splenic CD8+ T cells. In contrast, the memory CD8+-Ag-specific-cell population at 28 weeks lacked cytolytic activity and constituted only 6% of splenic CD8+ T cells, but at the single-cell level it produced significantly higher levels of IFN-γ than the effectors. High levels of Ag- or parasite-specific antibodies present 2 weeks after boosting had declined three- to sevenfold by 28 weeks. Low-dose priming was similarly immunogenic and as protective as high-dose priming against a 50-, but not a 250-, sporozoite challenge. These results demonstrate that a heterologous priming and boosting vaccination can provide lasting protection against malaria in this model system. PMID:12065488

  20. Detailed analysis of BALB/c mice challenged with wild type rotavirus EDIM provide an alternative for infection model of rotavirus.

    PubMed

    Du, Jialiang; Lan, Zhiling; Liu, Yueyue; Liu, Yan; Li, Yanchao; Li, Xiangming; Guo, Tai

    2017-01-15

    Mouse is one of the infection animal models for rotavirus. Since the optimal age of mouse sensitive to rotavirus infection thus far has not been unified, we elucidated clinical symptoms, immune responses and pathological changes of mice in different ages after challenged by murine rotavirus wild strain EDIM (Epidemic Diarrhea of Infant Mice) to provide data for the estimation. One-week-old, two-week-old, and three-week-old BALB/c mice were inoculated with EDIM in the challenge dose of 235 ID50, 470 ID50 and 705 ID50 respectively and were compared to mock-infected controls. Diarrhea illness, mobility, bodyweight were recorded, viral shedding and immune responses including serum IgA, fecal sIgA were detected, and small intestine tissue was evaluated for virus distribution and pathological changes. All the mice in one-week-old and two-week-old groups were completely unavoidable to be infected by EDIM and have been found to be malaise, activity reduced and even diarrhea, while three-week-old mice partly resist the challenge with 40% mice free from diarrhea. Meanwhile, EDIM infection has greater impact to the bodyweight of two-week-old group than those of one-week-old, three-week-old (0.9860 vs 1.2340, 1.2375g/day). One peak of virus shedding in three groups was observed in day 1-2 post infection, but the duration shortened with age increase. Feces sIgA in both two-week-old and three-week-old groups began to increase in day 4, 2-3days earlier than that in one-week-old group, and grow to the peak in day 8, which is about 2 fold of that in one-week-old group. Stronger serum IgA response was found in two-week-old group, it increased to the peak in day 15 and the level was 2 fold of three-week-old group and 4 fold of one-week-old group. The pathological changes included vacuolar degeneration, edema and congestion of intestinal wall, integrity destruction of enteric epithelium, and the changes relieved with the increase of age. Besides, rotavirus particles were found in small intestine tissues, especially in the surface and crypt of villi. In conclusion, the two-week-old mice were more sensitive to EDIM infection and initiated more effective immune response. In combination with that 14days old mice equals to 2 months infant when the first dose of rotavirus vaccine should be administrated, two-week-old mice is preferred to be used as infection model for the study of pathogenicity and immunogenicity of rotavirus. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Behavioral and Transcriptomic Fingerprints of an Enriched Environment in Horses (Equus caballus).

    PubMed

    Lansade, Léa; Valenchon, Mathilde; Foury, Aline; Neveux, Claire; Cole, Steve W; Layé, Sophie; Cardinaud, Bruno; Lévy, Frédéric; Moisan, Marie-Pierre

    2014-01-01

    The use of environmental enrichment (EE) has grown in popularity over decades, particularly because EE is known to promote cognitive functions and well-being. Nonetheless, little is known about how EE may affect personality and gene expression. To address this question in a domestic animal, 10-month-old horses were maintained in a controlled environment or EE for 12 weeks. The control horses (n = 9) lived in individual stalls on wood shaving bedding. They were turned out to individual paddocks three times a week and were fed three times a day with pellets or hay. EE-treated horses (n = 10) were housed in large individual stalls on straw bedding 7 hours per day and spent the remainder of the time together at pasture. They were fed three times a day with flavored pellets, hay, or fruits and were exposed daily to various objects, odors, and music. The EE modified three dimensions of personality: fearfulness, reactivity to humans, and sensory sensitivity. Some of these changes persisted >3 months after treatment. These changes are suggestive of a more positive perception of the environment and a higher level of curiosity in EE-treated horses, explaining partly why these horses showed better learning performance in a Go/No-Go task. Reduced expression of stress indicators indicated that the EE also improved well-being. Finally, whole-blood transcriptomic analysis showed that in addition to an effect on the cortisol level, the EE induced the expression of genes involved in cell growth and proliferation, while the control treatment activated genes related to apoptosis. Changes in both behavior and gene expression may constitute a psychobiological signature of the effects of enrichment and result in improved well-being. This study illustrates how the environment interacts with genetic information in shaping the individual at both the behavioral and molecular levels.

  2. Assessment of bioaccumulation and neurotoxicity in rats with portacaval anastomosis and exposed to manganese phosphate: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Salehi, F; Carrier, G; Normandin, L; Kennedy, G; Butterworth, R F; Hazell, A; Therrien, G; Mergler, D; Philippe, S; Zayed, J

    2001-12-01

    The use of the additive methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl in unleaded gasoline has resulted in increased attention to the potential toxic effects of manganese (Mn). Hypothetically, people with chronic liver disease may be more sensitive to the adverse neurotoxic effects of Mn. In this work, bioaccumulation of Mn, as well as histopathology and neurobehavioral damage, in end-to-side portacaval anastomosis (PCA) rats exposed to Mn phosphate via inhalation was investigated. During the week before the PCA operation, 4 wk after the PCA operation, and at the end of exposure, the rats were subjected to a locomotor evaluation (day-night activities) using a computerized autotrack system. Then a group of 6 PCA rats (EXP) was exposed to 3050 microg m(-3) (Mn phosphate) for 8 h/day, 5 days/wk for 4 consecutive weeks and compared to a control group (CON), 7 PCA rats exposed to 0.03 microg m(-3). After exposure, the rats were euthanized and Mn content in tissues and organs was determined by neutron activation analysis. The manganese concentrations in blood (0.05 microg/g vs. 0.02 microg/g), lung (1.32 microg/g vs. 0.24 microg/g), cerebellum (0.85 microg/g vs. 0.64 microg/g), frontal cortex (0.87 microg/g vs. 0.61 microg/g), and globus pallidus (3.56 microg/g vs. 1.33 microg/g) were significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the control group (p <.05). No difference was observed in liver, kidney, testes, and caudate putamen between the two groups. Neuronal cell loss was assessed by neuronal cell counts. The loss of cells in globus pallidus and caudate putamen as well as in frontal cortex was significantly higher (p <.05) for the EXP group. Assessment of the locomotor activities did not reveal any significant difference. This study constitutes a first step toward our understanding of the potential adverse effects of Mn in sensitive populations.

  3. Behavioral and Transcriptomic Fingerprints of an Enriched Environment in Horses (Equus caballus)

    PubMed Central

    Lansade, Léa; Valenchon, Mathilde; Foury, Aline; Neveux, Claire; Cole, Steve W.; Layé, Sophie; Cardinaud, Bruno; Lévy, Frédéric; Moisan, Marie-Pierre

    2014-01-01

    The use of environmental enrichment (EE) has grown in popularity over decades, particularly because EE is known to promote cognitive functions and well-being. Nonetheless, little is known about how EE may affect personality and gene expression. To address this question in a domestic animal, 10-month-old horses were maintained in a controlled environment or EE for 12 weeks. The control horses (n = 9) lived in individual stalls on wood shaving bedding. They were turned out to individual paddocks three times a week and were fed three times a day with pellets or hay. EE-treated horses (n = 10) were housed in large individual stalls on straw bedding 7 hours per day and spent the remainder of the time together at pasture. They were fed three times a day with flavored pellets, hay, or fruits and were exposed daily to various objects, odors, and music. The EE modified three dimensions of personality: fearfulness, reactivity to humans, and sensory sensitivity. Some of these changes persisted >3 months after treatment. These changes are suggestive of a more positive perception of the environment and a higher level of curiosity in EE-treated horses, explaining partly why these horses showed better learning performance in a Go/No-Go task. Reduced expression of stress indicators indicated that the EE also improved well-being. Finally, whole-blood transcriptomic analysis showed that in addition to an effect on the cortisol level, the EE induced the expression of genes involved in cell growth and proliferation, while the control treatment activated genes related to apoptosis. Changes in both behavior and gene expression may constitute a psychobiological signature of the effects of enrichment and result in improved well-being. This study illustrates how the environment interacts with genetic information in shaping the individual at both the behavioral and molecular levels. PMID:25494179

  4. Distribution of outbreak reporting in health care institutions by day of the week.

    PubMed

    Amirov, Chingiz; Walton, Ryan N; Ahmed, Sarah; Binns, Malcolm A; Van Toen, Jane E; Candon, Heather L

    2012-12-01

    The notion that outbreaks are more likely to occur on Friday is prevalent among staff in health care institutions. However, there is little evidence to support or discredit this notion. We postulated that outbreaks were no more likely to be reported on any particular day of the week. A total of 901 institutional outbreaks in Toronto health care facilities were tabulated according to type, outbreak setting, and day of the week reported. A χ(2) goodness-of-fit test compared daily values for 7-day per week and 5-day per week periods. Post hoc partitioning was used to pinpoint specific day(s) of the week that differed significantly. Fewer outbreaks were reported on Saturdays and Sundays. Further analysis examined the distribution of outbreak reporting specifically focusing on the Monday to Friday weekday period. Among the weekdays, higher proportions of outbreaks were reported on Mondays and Fridays. Our null hypothesis was rejected. Overall, Mondays and Fridays had the highest occurrence of outbreak reporting. We suggest that this might be due to "deadline" and "catch-up" reporting related to the "weekend effect," whereby structural differences in weekend staffing affect detection of outbreaks. Such delays warrant reexamination of surveillance processes for timely outbreak detection independent of calendar cycle. Copyright © 2012 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Growth of mallards fed phosphamidon for 13-day periods during three different developmental stages

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Haseltine, S.; Hensler, G.L.

    1981-01-01

    Mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) were exposed to a 13-day dietary treatment of O, 0.5, or 5.0 ppm phosphamidon at one of three successive age intervals (5-17 days, 18-30 days, or 31-43 days) during a 10-week growth period. Weekly measurements of body weight, wing length, primary feather length, and bill length revealed slower development of primary feathers in those birds treated from 5 to 17 days; treatment effects on body weight and wing length from 6 to 8 weeks of age were observed among those birds treated from 18 to 30 days of age. Some differences in growth patterns among birds treated with the same phosphamidon level, but at different growth stages, were attributed to the varying size of the group with which a duckling was housed at different times in the growth process. No brain cholinesterase depression was observed in any group either 24 h after phosphamidon treatment was terminated or at 10 weeks of age.

  6. Does induction of labor for constitutionally large-for-gestational-age fetuses identified in utero reduce maternal morbidity?

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The number of infants with a birth weight > 97th percentile for gestational age has increased over the years. Although some studies have examined the interest of inducing labor for fetuses with macrosomia suspected in utero, only a few have analyzed this suspected macrosomia according to estimated weight at each gestational age. Most studies have focused principally on neonatal rather than on maternal (and still less on perineal) outcomes. The principal aim of this study was to assess whether a policy of induction of labor for women with a constitutionally large-for-gestational-age fetus might reduce the occurrence of severe perineal tears; the secondary aims of this work were to assess whether this policy would reduce either recourse to cesarean delivery during labor or neonatal complications. Methods This historical cohort study (n = 3077) analyzed records from a French perinatal database. Women without diabetes and with a cephalic singleton term pregnancy were eligible for the study. We excluded medically indicated terminations of pregnancy and in utero fetal deaths. Among the pregnancies with fetuses suspected, before birth, of being large-for-gestational-age, we compared those for whom labor was induced from ≥ 37 weeks to ≤ 38 weeks+ 6 days (n = 199) to those with expectant obstetrical management (n = 2878). In this intention-to-treat analysis, results were expressed as crude and adjusted relative risks. Results The mean birth weight was 4012 g ± 421 g. The rate of perineal lesions did not differ between the two groups in either primiparas (aRR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.86-1.31) or multiparas (aRR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.84-1.05). Similarly, neither the cesarean rate (aRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.82-1.50) nor the risks of resuscitation in the delivery room or of death in the delivery room or in the immediate postpartum or of neonatal transfer to the NICU (aRR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.59-1.50) differed between the two groups. Conclusions A policy of induction of labor for women with a constitutionally large-for-gestational-age fetus among women without diabetes does not reduce maternal morbidity. PMID:24885981

  7. Does induction of labor for constitutionally large-for-gestational-age fetuses identified in utero reduce maternal morbidity?

    PubMed

    Vendittelli, Françoise; Rivière, Olivier; Neveu, Brigitte; Lémery, Didier

    2014-05-01

    The number of infants with a birth weight > 97th percentile for gestational age has increased over the years. Although some studies have examined the interest of inducing labor for fetuses with macrosomia suspected in utero, only a few have analyzed this suspected macrosomia according to estimated weight at each gestational age. Most studies have focused principally on neonatal rather than on maternal (and still less on perineal) outcomes. The principal aim of this study was to assess whether a policy of induction of labor for women with a constitutionally large-for-gestational-age fetus might reduce the occurrence of severe perineal tears; the secondary aims of this work were to assess whether this policy would reduce either recourse to cesarean delivery during labor or neonatal complications. This historical cohort study (n = 3077) analyzed records from a French perinatal database. Women without diabetes and with a cephalic singleton term pregnancy were eligible for the study. We excluded medically indicated terminations of pregnancy and in utero fetal deaths. Among the pregnancies with fetuses suspected, before birth, of being large-for-gestational-age, we compared those for whom labor was induced from ≥ 37 weeks to ≤ 38 weeks+ 6 days (n = 199) to those with expectant obstetrical management (n = 2878). In this intention-to-treat analysis, results were expressed as crude and adjusted relative risks. The mean birth weight was 4012 g ± 421 g. The rate of perineal lesions did not differ between the two groups in either primiparas (aRR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.86-1.31) or multiparas (aRR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.84-1.05). Similarly, neither the cesarean rate (aRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.82-1.50) nor the risks of resuscitation in the delivery room or of death in the delivery room or in the immediate postpartum or of neonatal transfer to the NICU (aRR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.59-1.50) differed between the two groups. A policy of induction of labor for women with a constitutionally large-for-gestational-age fetus among women without diabetes does not reduce maternal morbidity.

  8. Safety and efficacy from a 6-week double-blind study and a 52-week open-label extension of aripiprazole in adolescents with schizophrenia in Japan.

    PubMed

    Matsumoto, Hideo; Ishigooka, Jun; Ono, Hiroaki; Tadori, Yoshihiro

    2018-05-18

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of aripiprazole in adolescents with schizophrenia in Japan. In a 6-week, randomized, double-blind, dose-comparison study, adolescents (aged 13-17 years) with schizophrenia were randomized to receive aripiprazole 2, 6-12, or 24-30 mg/day. Patients who completed the 6-week study participated in a 52-week, flexible-dose, open-label extension (OLE) study of aripiprazole (initial dose: 2 mg/day, maintenance dose: 6-24 mg/day, maximum dose: 30 mg/day). In the 6-week study, the percentage of patients completing treatment was 77.1% (27/35) for 2 mg/day, 80.0% (24/30) for 6-12 mg/day, and 85.4% (35/41) for 24-30 mg/day. The least squares mean change in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score from baseline to endpoint (primary efficacy endpoint, last observation carried forward) was -19.6 for 2 mg/day, -16.5 for 6-12 mg/day, and -21.6 for 24-30 mg/day. The most common (≥20% patients in any group) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were nausea, akathisia, insomnia, and somnolence. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. There were no deaths. In the OLE, 60.3% (41/68) of patients completed treatment, and the PANSS total score decreased by -7.9 from OLE baseline to week 52. The most common (≥20% patients) TEAEs were nasopharyngitis and somnolence. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. There were no deaths. These study results suggested that aripiprazole would be safe and well tolerated in both short- and long-term treatment for adolescents with schizophrenia in Japan. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  9. Investigating daily fatigue scores during two-week offshore day shifts.

    PubMed

    Riethmeister, Vanessa; Bültmann, Ute; Gordijn, Marijke; Brouwer, Sandra; de Boer, Michiel

    2018-09-01

    This study examined daily scores of fatigue and circadian rhythm markers over two-week offshore day shift periods. A prospective cohort study among N = 60 offshore day-shift workers working two-week offshore shifts was conducted. Offshore day shifts lasted from 07:00 - 19:00 h. Fatigue was measured objectively with pre- and post-shift scores of the 3-minute psychomotor vigilance tasks (PVT-B) parameters (reaction times, number of lapses, errors and false starts) and subjectively with pre- and post-shift Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) ratings. Evening saliva samples were collected on offshore days 2,7 and 13 to measure circadian rhythm markers such as dim-light melatonin onset times and cortisol. Generalized and linear mixed model analyses were used to examine daily fatigue scores over time. Complete data from N = 42 offshore day shift workers was analyzed. Daily parameters of objective fatigue, PVT-B scores (reaction times, average number of lapses, errors and false starts), remained stable over the course of the two-week offshore day shifts. Daily subjective post-shift fatigue scores significantly increased over the course of the two-week offshore shifts. Each day offshore was associated with an increased post-shift subjective fatigue score of 0.06 points (95%CI: .03 - .09 p < .001). No significant statistical differences in subjective pre-shift fatigue scores were found. Neither a circadian rhythm phase shift of melatonin nor an effect on the pattern and levels of evening cortisol was found. Daily parameters of objective fatigue scores remained stable over the course of the two-week offshore day shifts. Daily subjective post-shift fatigue scores significantly increased over the course of the two-week offshore shifts. No significant changes in circadian rhythm markers were found. Increased post-shift fatigue scores, especially during the last days of an offshore shift, should be considered and managed in (offshore) fatigue risk management programs and fatigue risk prediction models. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Marijuana exposure and pulmonary alterations in primates.

    PubMed

    Fligiel, S E; Beals, T F; Tashkin, D P; Paule, M G; Scallet, A C; Ali, S F; Bailey, J R; Slikker, W

    1991-11-01

    As part of a large multidisciplinary study, we examined lungs from 24 periadolescent male rhesus monkeys that were sacrificed seven months after daily marijuana smoke inhalation of 12 months duration. Animals were divided into four exposure groups: A) high-dose (one marijuana cigarette 7 days/week), B) low-dose (one marijuana cigarette 2 days/week and sham smoke 5 days/week), C) placebo (one extracted marijuana cigarette 7 days/week), and D) sham (sham smoke 7 days/week). Lungs, removed intact, were formalin inflated, sectioned and examined. Several pathological alterations, including alveolitis, alveolar cell hyperplasia and granulomatous inflammation, were found with higher frequency in all cigarette-smoking groups. Other alterations, such as bronchiolitis, bronchiolar squamous metaplasia and interstitial fibrosis, were found most frequently in the marijuana-smoking groups. Alveolar cell hyperplasia with focal atypia was seen only in the marijuana-smoking animals. These changes represent mostly early alterations of small airways. Additional follow-up studies are needed to determine their long-term prognostic significance.

  11. Mode of action of ethyl tertiary-butyl ether hepatotumorigenicity in the rat: Evidence for a role of oxidative stress via activation of CAR, PXR and PPAR signaling pathways

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kakehashi, Anna, E-mail: anna@med.osaka-cu.ac.jp; Hagiwara, Akihiro; Imai, Norio

    To elucidate possible mode of action (MOA) and human relevance of hepatotumorigenicity in rats for ethyl tertiary-butyl ether (ETBE), male F344 rats were administered ETBE at doses of 0, 150 and 1000 mg/kg body weight twice a day by gavage for 1 and 2 weeks. For comparison, non-genotoxic carcinogen phenobarbital (PB) was applied at a dose of 500 ppm in diet. Significant increase of P450 total content and hydroxyl radical levels by low, high doses of ETBE and PB treatments at weeks 1 and 2, and 8-OHdG formation at week 2, accompanied accumulation of CYP2B1/2B2, CYP3A1/3A2 and CYP2C6, and downregulationmore » of DNA oxoguanine glycosylase 1, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in hepatocytes, respectively. Up-regulation of CYP2E1 and CYP1A1 at weeks 1 and 2, and peroxisome proliferation at week 2 were found in high dose ETBE group. Results of proteome analysis predicted activation of upstream regulators of gene expression altered by ETBE including constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). These results indicate that the MOA of ETBE hepatotumorigenicity in rats may be related to induction of oxidative stress, 8-OHdG formation, subsequent cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, suggesting regenerative cell proliferation after week 2, predominantly via activation of CAR and PXR nuclear receptors by a mechanism similar to that of PB, and differentially by activation of PPARs. The MOA for ETBE hepatotumorigenicity in rats is unlikely to be relevant to humans. - Highlights: • We focus on MOA and human relevance of hepatotumorigenicity in rats for ETBE. • ETBE was administered to F344 rats for 1 and 2 weeks. • Oxidative stress formation, proliferation and apoptosis in the liver are analyzed. • ETBE-induced changes of gene and protein expression in the liver are examined. • The effects are compared with those induced by non-genotoxic carcinogen PB.« less

  12. A User's Guide to the Four-Day School Week: How to Assess District Readiness and Evaluate the Results

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heyward, Georgia

    2017-01-01

    This guide was created to help district leaders understand the benefits and drawbacks of the four-day school week, assess their district's readiness to make the switch, and evaluate the results of implementing the new schedule. This guide begins with an overview of common goals and outcomes for the four-day school week. It then provides a set of…

  13. The Four-Day School Week. Revised.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Colorado State Dept. of Education, Denver.

    This paper provides an overview of the 4-day school week being utilized by 36 school districts in Colorado. These districts, which tend to be rural and sparsely populated, schedule 7.5 hours per day for 144 days of school instead of the normal 6 hours for 180 days. Colorado law requires school districts to schedule 1,080 hours per year of…

  14. Effects of community-based virtual reality treadmill training on balance ability in patients with chronic stroke.

    PubMed

    Kim, Nara; Park, YuHyung; Lee, Byoung-Hee

    2015-03-01

    [Purpose] We aimed to examine the effectiveness of a community-based virtual reality treadmill training (CVRTT) program on static balance abilities in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Patients (n = 20) who suffered a stroke at least 6 months prior to the study were recruited. All subjects underwent conventional physical therapy for 60 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Additionally, the CVRTT group underwent community-based virtual reality scene exposure combined with treadmill training for 30 min/day, 3 days/week, for 4 weeks, whereas the control group underwent conventional physical therapy, including muscle strengthening, balance training, and indoor and outdoor gait training, for 30 min/day, 3 days/week, for 4 weeks. Outcome measurements included the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and total postural sway path lengths and speed, which were recorded using the Balancia Software on a Wii Fit(™) balance board. [Results] The postural sway speed and anteroposterior and total postural sway path lengths were significantly decreased in the CVRTT group. Overall, the CVRTT group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group. [Conclusions] The present study results can be used to support the use of CVRTT for effectively improving balance in stroke patients. Moreover, we determined that a CVRTT program for stroke patients is both feasible and suitable.

  15. Two-Year Healthy Eating Outcomes: An RCT in Afterschool Programs.

    PubMed

    Beets, Michael W; Weaver, R Glenn; Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle; Huberty, Jennifer; Moore, Justin B; Ward, Dianne S; Freedman, Darcy A; Beighle, Aaron

    2017-09-01

    Across the U.S., afterschool programs (ASPs, 3:00pm-6:00pm) are trying to achieve nationally endorsed nutrition standards (Healthy Eating Standards) calling for fruits/vegetables and water to be served every day, while eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages and foods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 2-year changes in the types of foods and beverages served during a community-based intervention designed to achieve the Healthy Eating Standards. Randomized delayed treatment trial with an immediate (1-year baseline and 2-year intervention) or delayed (2-year baseline and 1-year intervention) group. Twenty ASPs serving 1,700 children (aged 5-12 years) were recruited, with baseline occurring spring 2013, and outcome assessment occurring spring 2014 and 2015. The multistep intervention, Strategies To Enhance Practice for Healthy Eating, assisted ASP leaders/staff to serve foods/beverages that meet the nutrition standards. The foods and beverages served for snack were observed directly. Compared with non-intervention years, both the immediate and delayed groups increased the number of days/week that fruits/vegetables (0.6 vs 1.7 days/week and 0.6 vs 4.4 days/week, OR=3.80, 95% CI=1.45, 9.95) and water (2.3 vs 3.7 days/week and 2.7 vs 4.8 days/week, OR=4.65, 95% CI=1.69, 12.79) were served. Sugar-sweetened beverages were almost eliminated by post-assessment (1.2 vs 0.2 days/week and 3.2 vs 0.0 days/week, OR=0.05, 95% CI=0.02, 0.13). Only the immediate group decreased the number of days/week desserts were served (2.9 vs 0.6 days/week, OR=0.10, 95% CI=0.03, 0.33). Implementation barriers for the delayed group included once/month delivery schedules for fruits/vegetables and limited storage space for foods meeting the Healthy Eating Standards. Improvements in the foods/beverages served in ASPs can be made, yet were hindered by structural barriers related to procurement and storage of perishable foods. Additional efforts are needed to support ASPs as they work toward fully achieving the Healthy Eating Standards. Copyright © 2017 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Alcohol and tea consumption are associated with asymptomatic erosive esophagitis in Taiwanese men

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Chung-Hsin; Wu, Cheng-Pin; Wang, Jung-Der; Lee, Shou-Wu; Chang, Chi-Sen; Yeh, Hong-Zen; Ko, Chung-Wang; Lien, Han-Chung

    2017-01-01

    Objective Asymptomatic erosive esophagitis (AEE) is commonly found in men, and might be a risk factor of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. We aimed to determine if specific dietary habits increase the risk of AEE in asymptomatic Taiwanese men. Methods We recruited male adults undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for health check. We excluded subjects with reflux symptoms, or taking anti-reflux medications or drugs that potentially impair lower esophageal sphincter function or cause mucosal injury. The frequency of consuming reflux-provoking diets including alcohol, tea, coffee, tomato/citric juice, chocolate, sweet food, and spicy food was assessed. The erosive esophagitis was diagnosed based on the Los Angeles Classification after endoscopy. Frequent consumption of a specific diet was defined as ≥4 days/week of consuming that diet. Results A total of 1256 participants were recruited. After excluding 424 ineligible subjects, AEE was identified in 180 (22%) among 832 asymptomatic subjects. The risk of AEE increased with the number of days per week of consuming alcohol or tea: nondrinkers (19%, 17%), occasional drinkers (<1 day/week; 19%, 15%), regular drinkers (1–3 days/week; 26%, 21%), frequent drinkers (4–6 days/week; 32%, 22%), and daily drinkers (42%, 28%), respectively (trend test P < 0.001 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that hiatus hernia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.6–9.6), drinking alcohol ≥4 days/week (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.0), and drinking tea ≥4 days/week (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3) are independent risk factors of AEE. The risk of AEE was 3.8 times greater for those drinking both alcohol and tea ≥4 days/week than the non-drinkers. Conclusions Frequent alcohol and tea consumption increased the risk of AEE in Taiwanese men. PMID:28264069

  17. Baseline Psychosocial Characteristics Predict Frequency of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes.

    PubMed

    McGill, Dayna E; Volkening, Lisa K; Butler, Deborah A; Harrington, Kara R; Katz, Michelle L; Laffel, Lori M

    2018-05-04

    Consistent use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been associated with improved glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). There are many barriers to device uptake and continued use. There is a need to understand patient-specific characteristics when considering CGM. We evaluated patterns of CGM use and associations between baseline psychosocial measures and frequency of CGM use over 1 year. Youth with T1D (n = 120), ages 8-18 years, completed questionnaires at CGM initiation and after 6 and 12 months assessing depressive symptoms, diabetes burden, and diabetes-specific and generic quality of life (QOL). Youth (51% male and 95% white) had mean age 12.7 ± 2.7 years, diabetes duration 6.1 ± 3.6 years, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) 8.0 ± 0.8%. Over 1 year, 35% of youth used CGM 6 to 7 days per week, 45% used CGM 3-5 days per week, and 20% used CGM only 0-2 days per week. Youth who used CGM 3-7 days per week over 12 months had lower HbA 1c at months 9 and 12 than youth who used CGM 0-2 days per week (9 months: 7.9 ± 0.9% vs. 8.5 ± 1.1%, P = 0.006 and 12 months: 8.0 ± 0.9% vs. 8.5 ± 1.1%, P = 0.02). Those using CGM 0-2 days per week had greater endorsement of depressive symptoms and diabetes burden and reported lower QOL at baseline compared with those using CGM 3-7 days per week. CGM use for 3 or more days per week over 12 months had a protective effect on HbA 1c . Providers should consider addressing psychosocial parameters when initiating CGM to maximize uptake and promote continued use in youth with T1D.

  18. [Opinion of the Federal Constitutional Court on abortion].

    PubMed

    Rieger, H J

    1993-08-06

    The German Constitutional Court issued a ruling on May 28, 1993 (2 BvF 2/90, 2 BvF 4 and 5/92) to the effect that Paragraphs 218, Sections 1 and 219 of the pregnancy and family protection law (SFHG) of July 27, 1992, were unconstitutional. The ruling was brought at the request of the Bavarian provincial government and 249 deputies of the CDU-CSU-Faction of the German Parliament. The SFHG was intended to encompass the whole of Germany and invalidate the legal differences in the reunited parts of Germany. In the ruling there were important stipulations about the protection of human life. The newly drafted Paragraph 218, Section 1 was declared null and void, in particular because it did not consider that abortion undertaken within 12 weeks after counseling was against the law, nor did the new rules of Paragraph 219 about the content and organization of the duty to counsel. The basis of the ruling was the verdict of the Court on February 25, 1975 (BVerfGE 39, 1), which declared that it is the duty of the state to protect the unborn human life from the beginning of the pregnancy even against its mother. In order to guarantee the minimum requirements of protection of unborn human life by the state, the Senate replaced the nullified sections of the SFHG by a provisional regulation to be effective as of June 16, 1993, when Article 16 of the SFHG also became effective, which cancelled the term regulation valid in the new federal provinces until then. The provisional regulation stated that abortion would not be punished when performed by a doctor within 12 weeks of gestation, the pregnant woman requested it, and proved to the doctor by an affidavit that at least 3 days before the procedure she had been counseled by an authorized counseling facility. Criminal, medical, and embryopathic cases would be covered by insurance, and those without insurance could apply for social assistance to pay the costs.

  19. An Attempt to Standardize the Calculation of Growth Velocity of Preterm Infants-Evaluation of Practical Bedside Methods.

    PubMed

    Fenton, Tanis R; Anderson, Diane; Groh-Wargo, Sharon; Hoyos, Angela; Ehrenkranz, Richard A; Senterre, Thibault

    2018-05-01

    To examine how well growth velocity recommendations for preterm infants fit with current growth references: Fenton 2013, Olsen 2010, INTERGROWTH 2015, and the World Health Organization Growth Standard 2006. The Average (2-point), Exponential (2-point), Early (1-point) method weight-gains were calculated for 1,4,8,12, and 16-week time-periods. Growth references' weekly velocities (g/kg/d, gram/day and cm/week) were illustrated graphically with frequently-quoted 15 g/kg/d, 10-30 grams/day and 1 cm/week rates superimposed. The 15 g/kg/d and 1 cm/week growth velocity rates were calculated from 24-50 weeks, superimposed on the Fenton and Olsen preterm growth charts. The Average and Exponential g/kg/d estimates showed close agreement for all ages (range 5.0-18.9 g/kg/d), while the Early method yielded values as high as 41 g/kg/d. All 3 preterm growth references were similar to 15 g/kg/d rate at 34 weeks, but rates were higher prior and lower at older ages. For gram/day, the growth references changed from 10 to 30 grams/day for 24-33 weeks. Head growth rates generally fit the 1 cm/week velocity for 23-30 weeks, and length growth rates fit for 37-40 weeks. The calculated g/kg/d curves deviated from the growth charts, first downward, then steeply crossed the median curves near term. Human growth is not constant through gestation and early infancy. The frequently-quoted 15 g/kg/d, 10-30 gram/day and 1 cm/week only fit current growth references for limited time periods. Rates of 15-20 g/kg/d (calculated using average or exponential methods) are a reasonable goal for infants 23-36 weeks, but not beyond. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Cortisol, reaction time test and health among offshore shift workers.

    PubMed

    Harris, Anette; Waage, Siri; Ursin, Holger; Hansen, Ase Marie; Bjorvatn, Bjørn; Eriksen, Hege R

    2010-10-01

    The stress hormone cortisol shows a pronounced endogenous diurnal rhythm, which is affected by the sleep/wake cycle, meals and activity. Shift work and especially night work disrupts the sleep/wake cycle and causes a desynchronization of the natural biological rhythms. Therefore, different shift schedules may have different impact on performance at work and health. The purpose was to study if health, reaction time, and the cortisol rhythm were negatively affected when a group of shift workers changed their work schedule from ordinary day-night shift (fixed shift) to "swing shift". 19 healthy workers on a Norwegian oil rig participated in the study. They worked 2 weeks offshore followed by 4 weeks off work. The ordinary schedule consisted of 12-h day shift and 12-h night shift every other work period (14 days or nights=fixed shift). "Swing shift" involved 1 week of night shift, followed by 1 week of day shift during the work period. All participants worked ordinary day-night shift when baseline data were collected (questionnaires, saliva cortisol, and reaction time during work). After collection of baseline data the workers changed their work schedule to "swing shift", for every working period, and 9 months later the same data were collected. "Swing shift" did not give any negative health effects or any negative changes in reaction time during the day they shifted from night work to day work. Personnel adapted to night shift within a week regardless of schedule, but recovery from night shift took longer time. During swing shift the cortisol rhythm went back towards a normal rhythm in the second week, but it was not returned completely to normal values when they returned home for the 4 weeks off period. However, the cortisol rhythms were readapted to normal values after 1 week at home. For personnel returning home directly from 14 consecutive night shifts, cortisol adaptation was not complete after 1 week at home. We found no increase in health complaints from swing shift or reaction time in the shift from night to day work. Recovery from night shift takes longer time. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Induction of parturition with prostaglandin f2 alpha as a possible model to study impaired reproductive performance in the dairy cow.

    PubMed

    Kask, K; Gustafsson, H; Gunnarsson, A; Kindahl, H

    2000-05-31

    Parturitions were induced in five cows, 2 weeks before term using prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha). Two i.m. injections were performed with an interval of 24 h. All cows calved within 5 days (average 2.7 days) after the first injection of PGF(2alpha). Out of five cows, four had retained fetal membranes (RFM). Each animal was sampled for bacteriological examination using uterine biopsies twice a week during 42 days postpartum (PP). Jugular vein blood samples were withdrawn for PGF(2alpha)-metabolite and progesterone analyses five times per day during the first week PP and eight times per 24 h during the 2nd and 3rd weeks PP. From the 4th week, the sampling interval was reduced back to five times per day. From the 5th week PP, the sampling was reduced to two times per day and sampling was terminated after day 46 PP. Only morning samples were used for progesterone analyses. From day 10 PP, ultrasonography (US) was performed every 3rd day until day 39 PP for detection of ovarian activity and follicular dynamics. The highest incidence of bacteriological species was found during the first 3 weeks PP. After the 5th week of collection, all animals were free from bacteria. The species of bacteria found were Arcanobacterium (Actinomyces) pyogenes, Escherichia coli, alpha-hemolytic streptococcae and Pasteurella multocida. Immediately after parturition, very high levels of the PG-metabolite were seen in all animals, with a sharp decrease to line of significance around days 9-12 PP. Small increases above the line of significance were detected up to day 27 PP in cows with RFM, and after that time the levels were considered to be at baseline. Low levels of progesterone were seen in four animals during the whole experimental time. In one animal, an increase was seen on day 43 PP, which was maintained until the end of the experimental period on day 46 PP. Based on US, follicular waves were detected in all animals during the experimental period. In three animals, three non-ovulatory follicular waves were detected and in two animals, four non-ovulatory follicular waves were detected during 39 days of ultrasound sessions. Based on progesterone levels, only one animal was considered to have ovulated around day 40 PP. Results from the present study indicate that reproductive performance of cows after PG-induced parturitions differs from those of spontaneous cases of RFM. Differences regarding the resumption of ovarian activity were also observed between previous studies of dexamethasone-induced parturitions and the present study.

  2. A Study Comparing Typewriting Achievement of Students Attending Class Three and Five Days a Week in Beginning Typewriting at the Community College Level. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ziemer, Adelle W.

    The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether beginning typewriting on the community college level should be taught in a five-day-a-week pattern or in a reduced three-day-a-week pattern; (2) what, if any, relationship existed between the achievement level in beginning college typewriting and the following student characteristics: Locus of…

  3. Here's a Four-day Week That Works.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pompeo, Joe

    1981-01-01

    By lengthening school days and moving to a four-day school week, the Cimarron (New Mexico) School District not only saved energy and transportation costs but also won teacher, student, and parent approval and saw student scores rise on national standardized tests. (RW)

  4. Experimental increase in baseline corticosterone level reduces oxidative damage and enhances innate immune response

    PubMed Central

    Pătraș, Laura; Pap, Péter L.; Vincze, Orsolya; Mureșan, Cosmin; Németh, József; Lendvai, Ádám Z.

    2018-01-01

    Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones are significant regulators of homeostasis. The physiological effects of GCs critically depend on the time of exposure (short vs. long) as well as on their circulating levels (baseline vs. stress-induced). Previous experiments, in which chronic and high elevation of GC levels was induced, indicate that GCs impair both the activity of the immune system and the oxidative balance. Nonetheless, our knowledge on how mildly elevated GC levels, a situation much more common in nature, might influence homeostasis is limited. Therefore, we studied whether an increase in GC level within the baseline range suppresses or enhances condition (body mass, hematocrit and coccidian infestation) and physiological state (humoral innate immune system activity and oxidative balance). We implanted captive house sparrows Passer domesticus with either 60 days release corticosterone (CORT) or control pellets. CORT-treated birds had elevated baseline CORT levels one week after the implantation, but following this CORT returned to its pre-treatment level and the experimental groups had similar CORT levels one and two months following the implantation. The mass of tail feathers grown during the initial phase of treatment was smaller in treated than in control birds. CORT implantation had a transient negative effect on body mass and hematocrit, but both of these traits resumed the pre-treatment values by one month post-treatment. CORT treatment lowered oxidative damage to lipids (malondialdehyde) and enhanced constitutive innate immunity at one week and one month post-implantation. Our findings suggest that a relatively short-term (i.e. few days) elevation of baseline CORT might have a positive and stimulatory effect on animal physiology. PMID:29432437

  5. Redox balance signalling in occupational stress: modification by nutraceutical intervention.

    PubMed

    Marotta, F; Naito, Y; Padrini, F; Xuewei, X; Jain, S; Soresi, V; Zhou, L; Catanzaro, R; Zhong, K; Polimeni, A; Chui, D H

    2011-01-01

    There is increasing evidence that psychosocial stress can be viewed as a system-wide derangement of cellular homeostasis, with heightened oxidative stress and triggered proinflammatory mechanisms. The aim of this study is twofold: a) to replicate findings that psychological stress increases oxidative damage and b) to determine whether a fermented papaya preparation known to exert significant protective antioxidant properties could buffer such increases in nuclear DNA damage while also inducing epigenetic protective mechanisms. Twenty-eight sedentary men and women (age range: 28-52), who reported living a stressful lifestyle but with an overall positive attitude, were recruited for this study. Chronic diseases as well as severe burnout and use of drugs for anxiety constituted exclusion criteria. Subjects were supplemented for 1 month with 9 g/day (4.5 g twice a day) of a certified fermented papaya preparation. All subjects were given a stress and sleep quality questionnaire together with a diet and life style assessment. Blood was collected at 2 and 4 week, erythrocyte and leukocyte were separated to assess redox balance and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression while bilirubin oxidized metabolites (BOMs) were tested in the urine. Stressed individuals showed a significant abnormality of redox status with increased MDA of erythrocyte and increased level of 8-0HdG in leukocyte and BOMs excretion (p<0.05). Nutraceutical supplementation brought about a normalization of such values already at the 2 week observation (p<0.05) together with a significant upregulation of HO-1 (p<0.01). Taken together, the results of this study confirm that stressful occupational life per se, without any overt psychiatric illness, may be associated to increased oxidative stress. Supplementation with functional food affecting redox regulation may be part of the therapeutic armamentarium to be considered in this clinical setting.

  6. Ovarian response to recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone in luteinizing hormone-depleted women: examination of the two cell, two gonadotropin theory.

    PubMed

    Ben-Chetrit, A; Gotlieb, L; Wong, P Y; Casper, R F

    1996-04-01

    To evaluate the relative contribution of FSH to ovarian estrogen production. Nonrandomized, prospective study. University of Toronto teaching hospital reproductive biology unit. Five women who had been treated with depot GnRH agonist with hormonal add-back for 4 to 48 months and who were confirmed to be gonadotropin depleted by both bioassay and RIA. Subjects received 75 IU SC recombinant human FSH daily for 7 days followed by 150 IU daily for 7 days and 225 IU daily for the third week. Serum steroid determination and vaginal sonography for follicle size and endometrial thickness were performed serially and follicular fluid hormone levels were measured in two subjects. Bioactive LH and FSH activity were less than the detection limit of the assay (0.1 mIU/mL; conversion factor to SI units, 1.00 for LH and FSH) before recombinant FSH treatment in all five women. In all subjects, at least one preovulatory follicle developed by the end of two to three weeks. Endometrial thickness increased to between 7 and 9 mm in four women. Mean serum E2 in the five subjects increased from 17 pg/mL (range: 5 to 33 pg/mL; conversion factor to SI unit, 3.671) at baseline to 230 pg/mL (range: 37 to 489 pg/mL) at the end of the study. Follicular fluid E2 concentrations ranged from 44,296 to 69,367 pg/mL in the four follicles aspirated. Our results indicate that LH is not necessary for ovarian E2 production. We speculate that the granulosa cells, in the absence of detectable LH bioactivity, can use circulating adrenal androgens or constitutive or FSH-stimulated thecal androgens, to produce intrafollicular E2.

  7. 49 CFR 395.5 - Maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... hours in any 7 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier does not operate commercial motor vehicles every day of the week; or (2) Having been on duty 70 hours in any period of 8 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier operates commercial motor vehicles every day of the week. [70 FR 50073...

  8. Extended-Day Kindergarten versus Half-Day Kindergarten: What One School District Decided.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Firlik, Russell

    The New Canaan Public Schools reduced its extended-day (21 hours per week) kindergarten program to half-day sessions (15 hours per week) in an interim program during a 2-year school construction-expansion phase. During a 9-month planning process, an ad hoc committee representing equal membership of teachers and parents from three elementary…

  9. Constitutively active IRF7/IRF3 fusion protein completely protects swine against Foot-and-Mouth Disease

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the most devastating livestock diseases around the world. Several serotype specific vaccine formulations exist but require about 5-7 days to induce protective immunity. Our previous studies have shown that a constitutively active fusion protein of porcine ...

  10. Determinants of physical activity frequency and provider advice during pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Santo, Eilann C; Forbes, Peter W; Oken, Emily; Belfort, Mandy B

    2017-09-05

    Our aims were to (1) describe the frequency of physical activity and prenatal healthcare provider advice about physical activity during pregnancy and (2) examine determinants and correlates of 3rd trimester physical activity and receipt of physical activity advice. We analyzed data from the 2008 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. We studied 2669 women from North Carolina and Colorado with data on physical activity frequency in the 3 months prior to pregnancy and during the 3rd trimester and 1584 women from Oklahoma with data on provider advice regarding physical activity during pregnancy. Respondents reported physical activity, defined as 30 min or more of exercise/physical activity (excluding vocationally related activity), in in these categories: <1 day/week, 1-4 days/week, and ≥5 days/week. We defined adherence to American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) criteria as physical activity ≥5 days/week in the 3rd trimester. We performed logistic regression analyses weighted for sampling and adjusted for socio-demographic factors. Forty-two percent of women in North Carolina and Colorado reported 3rd trimester physical activity <1 day/week, 42% 1-4 days/week, 9% ≥5 days/week; 7% reported being told not to exercise. Seventy-two percent of women in Oklahoma reported receiving physical activity advice from a prenatal care provider. Low activity frequency (<1 day/week) prior to pregnancy was strongly associated with low likelihood of ACOG guideline adherence in the 3rd trimester (aOR 0.10, 95% CU 0.04, 0.30 vs. 1-4 days/week). Underweight women were more likely to adhere to ACOG guidelines than normal weight women (aOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.36, 3.79). Overweight women were more likely to receive physical activity advice (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3, 6.3 vs. normal weight), but obese women were not (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.4, 1.2). Few women meet ACOG guideline criteria for physical activity during pregnancy. Improving physical activity and weight status prior to pregnancy may improve activity levels during pregnancy. Nearly one third did not receive advice about physical activity during prenatal care. Obese women were no more likely to receive advice than their normal weight counterparts, indicating the need for targeted physical activity counseling in this population.

  11. Elucidating the origin of chromosomal aberrations in IVF embryos by preimplantation genetic analysis.

    PubMed

    Frumkin, Tsvia; Malcov, Mira; Yaron, Yuval; Ben-Yosef, Dalit

    2008-01-30

    Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) has been proposed as a method for improving success rates in patients with repeated IVF failures. This approach is based on the hypothesis that such failures are the result of aneuploid embryos. It has been suggested that FISH analysis of blastomeres removed from preimplantation embryos represent the chromosomal constitution of the entire embryo. However, it is not yet clear whether it also represents the chromosomal constitution of the implanted embryo. PGS reanalysis on day 5 of embryos designated as "aneuploid" on day 3 may demonstrate a high rate of mosaicism for chromosomal aberration. Some of these mosaic embryos are capable of developing into normal embryos by "self-correction". Others, however, may accumulate additional chromosomal anomalies. It is therefore concluded that the chromosomal constitution of a preimplantation embryo may evolve during early cleavages. Meiotic and post zygotic mitotic errors may account for these chromosomal aberrations. This review will focus on elucidating the origin of chromosomal changes during preimplantation embryo development by studying their chromosomal constitution at different stages.

  12. The 2100MHz radiofrequency radiation of a 3G-mobile phone and the DNA oxidative damage in brain.

    PubMed

    Sahin, Duygu; Ozgur, Elcin; Guler, Goknur; Tomruk, Arın; Unlu, Ilhan; Sepici-Dinçel, Aylin; Seyhan, Nesrin

    2016-09-01

    We aimed to evaluate the effect of 2100MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted by a generator, simulating a 3G-mobile phone on the brain of rats during 10 and 40 days of exposure. The female rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I; exposed to 3G modulated 2100MHz RFR signal for 6h/day, 5 consecutive days/wk for 2 weeks, group II; control 10 days, were kept in an inactive exposure set-up for 6h/day, 5 consecutive days/wk for 2 weeks, group III; exposed to 3G modulated 2100MHz RFR signal for 6h/day, 5 consecutive days/wk for 8 weeks and group IV; control 40 days, were kept in an inactive exposure set-up for 6h/day, 5 consecutive days/wk for 8 weeks. After the genomic DNA content of brain was extracted, oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine, pg/mL) and malondialdehyde (MDA, nmoL/g tissue) levels were determined. Our main finding was the increased oxidative DNA damage to brain after 10 days of exposure with the decreased oxidative DNA damage following 40 days of exposure compared to their control groups. Besides decreased lipid peroxidation end product, MDA, was observed after 40 days of exposure. The measured decreased quantities of damage during the 40 days of exposure could be the means of adapted and increased DNA repair mechanisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Relationship Between Amino Acid and Energy Intake and Long-Term Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jinghui; Chang, Serena Su Ying; Poon, Woei Bing

    2016-08-01

    Inadequate nutrition may contribute to adverse neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of infants born weighing <1250 g between 2009 and 2010 in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. The aim was to investigate whether there was a correlation between the amount of amino acid and calories received in the first 4 weeks of life and neurodevelopment and growth at 2 years. Parenteral amino acid intake in week 2 of life correlated with higher language and motor scores on the 2-year Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (Bayley III). Conversely, higher total amino acid intake during week 1 of life (≥1.5 g/kg/d) was associated with a shorter duration of hospitalization, shorter intensive care stay, fewer days receiving mechanical ventilation, fewer days receiving supplemental oxygen, and a lower incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD). Higher caloric intake in the first 4 weeks correlated strongly with shorter duration of hospitalization, shorter intensive care stay, fewer days on the ventilator, and fewer days receiving supplemental oxygen. In patients with CLD, week 1 and 2 parenteral and total amino acid intake correlated with higher cognitive and motor scores on the Bayley III at 2 years old. Weeks 1-4 amino acid and calorie intake correlated with fewer days on the ventilator, fewer days of supplemental oxygen, and fewer days of hospitalization. Amino acid intake within the first weeks of life correlated positively with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years, and patients with CLD were found to be particularly at risk. Caloric intake may affect protein accretion. © 2015 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

  14. Oxcarbazepine in migraine headache: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

    PubMed

    Silberstein, S; Saper, J; Berenson, F; Somogyi, M; McCague, K; D'Souza, J

    2008-02-12

    To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of oxcarbazepine (1,200 mg/day) vs placebo as prophylactic therapy for patients with migraine headaches. This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial consisted of a 4-week single-blind baseline phase and a 15-week double-blind phase consisting of a 6-week titration period, an 8-week maintenance period, and a 1-week down-titration period, after which patients could enter a 13-week open-label extension phase. During the 6-week titration period, oxcarbazepine was initiated at 150 mg/day and increased by 150 mg/day every 5 days to a maximum tolerated dose of 1,200 mg/day. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in the number of migraine attacks during the last 28-day period of the double-blind phase. Eighty-five patients were randomized to receive oxcarbazepine and 85 to receive placebo. There was no difference between the oxcarbazepine (-1.30) and placebo groups in mean change in number of migraine attacks from baseline during the last 28 days of double-blind phase (-1.74; p = 0.2274). Adverse events were reported for 68 oxcarbazepine-treated patients (80%) and 55 placebo-treated patients (65%). The majority of adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. The most common adverse events (>or=15% of patients) in the oxcarbazepine-treated group were fatigue (20.0%), dizziness (17.6%), and nausea (16.5%); no adverse event occurred in more than 15% of the placebo-treated patients. Overall, oxcarbazepine was safe and well tolerated; however, oxcarbazepine did not show efficacy in the prophylactic treatment of migraine headaches.

  15. Two-year follow-up of a randomized trial of spectacles plus alternate-day patching to treat strabismic amblyopia.

    PubMed

    Agervi, Pia; Kugelberg, Ulla; Kugelberg, Maria; Zetterström, Charlotta

    2013-11-01

      To compare spectacles plus alternate-day patching for 8 hr or more with spectacles plus patching for 8 hr or more 6 days weekly to treat strabismic amblyopia 1 year after a 1-year randomized trial. Forty children (mean age, 4.3 years) participated. Refractive correction was provided. The children were assigned to alternate-day patching for 8 hr or more or patching for 8 hr or more daily 6 days weekly. VA, binocular function, and refractive errors were measured after 2 years. The main outcome measure was the median VA change in the amblyopic eye after 2 years. The median VA change in the amblyopic eye at the 2-year visit was significantly (p = 0.0453) greater with alternate-day patching (0.8 log unit) versus patching daily 6 days weekly (0.6 log unit). The final median VA in the amblyopic eyes was 0.0 logMAR in the alternate-day patching group and 0.1 logMAR in the daily patching group. Binocular function improved with both treatments. The median spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error increased in the fellow eyes (alternate-day patching, p < 0.0001; patching daily 6 days weekly, p = 0.0033); no change was found in the amblyopic eyes in either group. The magnitude of the VA change 2 years after treatment with spectacles plus alternate-day patching for 8 hr or more was significantly greater than with spectacles plus daily patching for 8 hr or more 6 days weekly for strabismic amblyopia. However, the final median VA did not differ significantly between the two treatments. © 2012 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica © 2012 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.

  16. Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota prevents the onset of physical symptoms in medical students under academic examination stress.

    PubMed

    Kato-Kataoka, A; Nishida, K; Takada, M; Suda, K; Kawai, M; Shimizu, K; Kushiro, A; Hoshi, R; Watanabe, O; Igarashi, T; Miyazaki, K; Kuwano, Y; Rokutan, K

    2016-01-01

    This pilot study investigated the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) on psychological, physiological, and physical stress responses in medical students undertaking an authorised nationwide examination for promotion. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 24 and 23 healthy medical students consumed a fermented milk containing LcS and a placebo milk, respectively, once a day for 8 weeks until the day before the examination. Psychophysical state, salivary cortisol, faecal serotonin, and plasma L-tryptophan were analysed on 5 different sampling days (8 weeks before, 2 weeks before, 1 day before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the examination). Physical symptoms were also recorded in a diary by subjects during the intervention period for 8 weeks. In association with a significant elevation of anxiety at 1 day before the examination, salivary cortisol and plasma L-tryptophan levels were significantly increased in only the placebo group (P<0.05). Two weeks after the examination, the LcS group had significantly higher faecal serotonin levels (P<0.05) than the placebo group. Moreover, the rate of subjects experiencing common abdominal and cold symptoms and total number of days experiencing these physical symptoms per subject were significantly lower in the LcS group than in the placebo group during the pre-examination period at 5-6 weeks (each P<0.05) and 7-8 weeks (each P<0.01) during the intervention period. Our results suggest that the daily consumption of fermented milk containing LcS may exert beneficial effects preventing the onset of physical symptoms in healthy subjects exposed to stressful situations.

  17. The relationship of the subtypes of preterm birth with retinopathy of prematurity.

    PubMed

    Lynch, Anne M; Wagner, Brandie D; Hodges, Jennifer K; Thevarajah, Tamara S; McCourt, Emily A; Cerda, Ashlee M; Mandava, Naresh; Gibbs, Ronald S; Palestine, Alan G

    2017-09-01

    Retinopathy of prematurity is an adverse outcome of preterm birth and is a leading cause of childhood blindness. The relationship between the subtypes of preterm birth with retinopathy of prematurity is understudied. To investigate whether there is a difference in the incidence of type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity in infants with preterm birth resulting from spontaneous preterm labor, a medical indication of preterm birth, or preterm premature rupture of the membranes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 827 infants screened for retinopathy of prematurity who were delivered at a single tertiary care center in Colorado. All infants fulfilled the American Academy of Pediatrics 2013 screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity defined as "infants with a birth weight of ≤1500 g or gestational age of 30 weeks or less (as defined by the attending neonatologist) and selected infants with a birth weight between 1500 and 2000 g or gestational age of >30 weeks with an unstable clinical course, including those requiring cardiorespiratory support and who are believed by their attending pediatrician or neonatologist to be at high risk for retinopathy of prematurity." Two independent reviewers masked to retinopathy of prematurity outcomes determined whether preterm birth resulted from spontaneous preterm labor, medical indication of preterm birth, or preterm premature rupture of the membranes. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Data were analyzed with univariate and multivariable logistic regression. In our cohort, the frequency of preterm birth resulting from spontaneous preterm labor, medical indication of preterm birth, or preterm premature rupture of the membranes was 34%, 40%, and 26%, respectively. The mean gestational age (weeks, days) ± SD (range) in the cohort and across the preterm birth subtypes was as follows: entire cohort, 28 weeks, 6 days ± 2 weeks, 3 days (23 weeks, 3 days - 36 weeks, 4 days); spontaneous preterm labor, 28 weeks 1 day ± 2 weeks, 3 days (23 weeks, 3 days - 33 weeks, 4 days); medical indication of preterm birth, 29 weeks, 1 day ± 2 weeks, 2 days (24-36 weeks, 4 days); preterm premature rupture of the membranes, 28 weeks, 4 days ± 2 weeks, 1 day (24-33 weeks, 1 day). Among infants with type 1, type 2, or no retinopathy of prematurity, the incidence of type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity in births from spontaneous preterm labor, medical indication of preterm birth, and preterm premature rupture of the membranes was 37 of 218 (17%), 27 of 272 (10%), and 10 of 164 (6%), respectively. Adjusted for gestational age, birth weight, and multiparity and compared with the preterm premature rupture of the membranes group, the odds ratios of spontaneous preterm labor and medical indication of preterm birth for type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity were 6.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 20, P = .003) and 5.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 21, P = .01), respectively. Among neonates born after preterm premature rupture of the membranes, the probability of developing type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity was greatest in infants with rupture of membrane duration of up to 24 hours. After 24 hours, the probability of developing type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity declined. The odds of developing type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity was 9.0 (95% confidence interval 2.3 to 34, P = .002) in infants who had preterm premature rupture of the membranes ≤ 24 hours compared with infants who had preterm premature rupture of the membranes > 24 hours. Type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity are adverse ocular outcomes linked with not only lower gestational age and birth weight at delivery but also with events in the intrauterine environment that trigger a preterm birth. The reduced incidence of type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity in the preterm premature rupture of the membranes group compared with other causes of preterm birth may be related to the perinatal therapies associated with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, maternal-fetal surveillance), which may have an inhibitory effect on the development of retinopathy of prematurity. We suggest that the physiologic events that predispose infants to type 1 or type 2 retinopathy of prematurity begin before delivery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Menopause

    MedlinePlus

    ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ...

  19. Second-line rescue triple therapy with levofloxacin after failure of non-bismuth quadruple "sequential" or "concomitant" treatment to eradicate H. pylori infection.

    PubMed

    Gisbert, Javier P; Molina-Infante, Javier; Marin, Alicia C; Vinagre, Gemma; Barrio, Jesus; McNicholl, Adrian Gerald

    2013-06-01

    Non-bismuth quadruple "sequential" and "concomitant" regimens, including a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, clarithromycin and a nitroimidazole, are increasingly used as first-line treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection. Eradication with rescue regimens may be challenging after failure of key antibiotics such as clarithromycin and nitroimidazoles. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a second-line levofloxacin-containing triple regimen (PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin) in the eradication of H. pylori after non-bismuth quadruple-containing treatment failure. prospective multicenter study. in whom a non-bismuth quadruple regimen, administered either sequentially (PPI + amoxicillin for 5 days followed by PPI + clarithromycin + metronidazole for 5 more days) or concomitantly (PPI + amoxicillin + clarithromycin + metronidazole for 10 days) had previously failed. levofloxacin (500 mg b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.i.d.) and PPI (standard dose b.i.d.) for 10 days. eradication was confirmed with (13)C-urea breath test 4-8 weeks after therapy. Compliance and tolerance: compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. Incidence of adverse effects was evaluated by means of a questionnaire. 100 consecutive patients were included (mean age 50 years, 62% females, 12% peptic ulcer and 88% dyspepsia): 37 after "sequential", and 63 after "concomitant" treatment failure. All patients took all medications correctly. Overall, per-protocol and intention-to-treat H. pylori eradication rates were 75.5% (95% CI 66-85%) and 74% (65-83%). Respective intention-to-treat cure rates for "sequential" and "concomitant" failure regimens were 74.4% and 71.4%, respectively. Adverse effects were reported in six (6%) patients; all of them were mild. Ten-day levofloxacin-containing triple therapy constitutes an encouraging second-line strategy in patients with previous non-bismuth quadruple "sequential" or "concomitant" treatment failure.

  20. Autoshaping i.v. cocaine self-administration in rats: effects of nondrug alternative reinforcers on acquisition.

    PubMed

    Carroll, M E; Lac, S T

    1993-01-01

    The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of a nondrug alternative reinforcer and feeding conditions on the acquisition of cocaine self-administration. Rats were autoshaped to press a lever that resulted in a 0.2 mg/kg i.v. cocaine infusion. Responses on the lever were monitored during six consecutive autoshaping sessions that occurred each day. A retractable lever was inserted into the operant chamber on a random time 60 s schedule 10 times per session for six sessions that began each hour. Each day the six autoshaping sessions were followed by a 6-h cocaine self-administration session. During self-administration the lever remained extended, and each response on the lever resulted in a cocaine infusion (0.2 mg/kg). The criterion for acquisition of cocaine-reinforced behavior was met when there were 5 consecutive days during which the mean number of infusions during the 6-h self-administration session was at least 100. This procedure was repeated daily until the criterion was met or 30 days elapsed. The rats were also trained to respond on lick-operated automatic drinking devices that delivered 0.05 ml water or a glucose and saccharin solution (G + S) contingent upon each lick response. Five groups of 12-14 rats were compared. The first four groups constituted a 2 x 2 factorial design whereby either G + S or water was available in the home cage for 3 weeks before autoshaping began and G + S or water was available in the operant chamber during autoshaping. These groups were limited to 20 g food per day and all had free access to water.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  1. 29 CFR 2530.200b-3 - Determination of service to be credited to employees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...)(1)(ii) of this section. An employee works for one hour on the first workday of a week and then takes... service for the 2-week vacation (10 days multiplied by 10 hours of service per day). (4) For purposes of... hours per week paid at a rate of $3.00 per hour is incapacitated for a period of 4 weeks and receives a...

  2. More in four? : an evaluation of the four-day work week in a VDOT residency.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-01-01

    This report describes the evaluation of an experimental 4-day, 10-hour-per-day work week used by the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Chatham Residency between May 15, 1995, and October 6, 1995. The residency, totaling over 100 people, ...

  3. CTEPP NC DATA CHILD DAY CARE CENTER WEEKLY MENUS

    EPA Science Inventory

    This data set contains information on the weekly day care menus. The day care centers provided menus up to three months prior to field sampling.

    The Children’s Total Exposure to Persistent Pesticides and Other Persistent Pollutant (CTEPP) study was one of the largest aggregate...

  4. The Four-Day Week--What Are the Advantages for Schools?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richburg, Robert W.; Sjogren, Douglas D.

    1983-01-01

    Experience in 12 Colorado school districts suggests that implementation of a four-day school week can offer several benefits, including savings in fuel costs, decreased absenteeism, improved efficiency in activity-oriented classes, increased staff development time, and a flexible "fifth day" for extracurricular activities. (PGD)

  5. More in four? An evaluation of the four-day work week in VDOT residency

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-06-01

    The report describes the evaluation of an experimental 4-day, 10-hour-per-day work week used by the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Chatham Residency between May 15, 1995 and October 6, 1995. The residency, totaling over 100 people, ad...

  6. It's About Time:Mark Twain's ``My Watch'' and Relativity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Henderson, Hugh

    2005-09-01

    Over three decades before Einstein's year of miracles, the American humorist Mark Twain published an essay titled "My Watch," in which he recounts his experiences with a previously reliable pocket watch and those who tried to rehabilitate it. He begins his essay by confessing his first error: My beautiful new watch had run eighteen months without losing or gaining, and without breaking any part of its machinery or stopping. I had come to believe it infallible in its judgments about the time of day, and to consider its constitution and its anatomy imperishable. But at last, one night, I let it run down. I grieved about it as if it were a recognized messenger and forerunner of calamity. Twain then sets the watch by guess, and takes it to the "chief jeweler's to set it by the exact time." To Twain's dismay, the jeweler insists on opening it up and adjusting the regulator inside the watch, and the watch begins to gain time. It gained faster and faster day by day. Within a week it sickened to a raging fever, and its pulse went up to a hundred and fifty in the shade. At the end of two months, it had left all the timepieces of the town far in the rear, and was a fraction over thirteen days ahead of the almanac. It was away into November enjoying the snow, while the October leaves were still turning. It hurried up house rent, bills payable, and such things, in such a ruinous way that I could not abide it.

  7. Photoperiod but not food restriction modulates innate immunity in an opportunistic breeder, Loxia curvirostra.

    PubMed

    Schultz, Elizabeth M; Hahn, Thomas P; Klasing, Kirk C

    2017-02-15

    An organism's investment in immune function often varies seasonally but understanding of how fluctuations in environmental conditions directly modulate investment remains limited. This experiment investigated how changes in photoperiod and food availability affect investment in constitutive innate immunity and the acute phase response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections in captive red crossbills ( Loxia curvirostra ). Crossbills are reproductively flexible songbirds that specialize on an unpredictably available food resource and display temporal variation in immunity in the wild. Birds were separated into four treatments and exposed to long or short day lengths for 6 weeks before continuing on an ad libitum diet or experiencing a 20% food reduction for 10 days. Birds were un-injected or injected with LPS both before and after diet change. Innate immunity was quantified throughout the experiment to assess effects of photoperiod, food availability and their interactions on hemolysis-hemagglutination, haptoglobin, bacterial killing ability and leukocyte counts. Overall, increasing day length significantly increased both bacterial killing ability and leukocyte counts. Surprisingly, food restriction had little effect on the immune parameters, potentially owing to the 'low-cost' environment of captivity and suggesting that investment in innate immunity is prioritized and maintained whenever possible. LPS injections induced stereotypical sickness behaviors and increased bacterial killing ability in short day birds and complement activity (hemolysis) both before and after food restriction. These results demonstrate robust seasonal modulation of immune investment and an ability to maintain innate immunity in the face of limited resources in these temporally flexible songbirds. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  8. Cervical Cancer

    MedlinePlus

    ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ...

  9. Radiation Therapy

    MedlinePlus

    ... Radiation (also called x-rays, gamma rays, or photons) either kills tumor cells directly or interferes with ... treatment per day, five days a week, for two to seven weeks. Potiential Side Effects Most people ...

  10. 49 CFR 395.3 - Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... on duty 60 hours in any period of 7 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier does not operate commercial motor vehicles every day of the week; or (2) Having been on duty 70 hours in any period of 8 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier operates commercial motor vehicles every day of the week. (c...

  11. 33 CFR 334.500 - St. Johns River, Atlantic Ocean, Sherman Creek; restricted areas and danger zone, Naval Station...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... north by Perimeter Road, and on the east by Mayport Road. (5) Danger zone. The danger zone shall... hours a day, seven days a week. Warning signs notifying individuals of the restricted area boundary and... will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Warning signs notifying individuals of the...

  12. 78 FR 68757 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Vessel Monitoring Systems

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-15

    ... vessel that declares out of the HMS fishery long-term declaration by as much as 4 hours if it declares... hours a day, 7 days a week to provide hourly position reports for the duration of the long-term... to use VMS, to provide hourly position reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7) via VMS. The...

  13. The in vivo trypanocidal effect of the diterpene 5-epi-icetexone obtained from Salvia gilliesii.

    PubMed

    Lozano, E; Strauss, M; Spina, R; Cifuente, D; Tonn, C; Rivarola, H W; Sosa, M A

    2016-02-01

    The search for new compounds with trypanocidal activity is crucial for the treatment of Chagas' disease. Previous in vitro studies have shown that the diterpene 5-epi-icetexone (ICTX) is active against Trypanosoma cruzi. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of ICTX on the parasites in infected mice, in an experimental model that mimics the acute phase of the disease. Swiss albino mice were infected with T. cruzi and treated daily with 10mg/kg/day ICTX (i.p.). Infected mice and mice injected with either saline or the vehicle DMSO were used as controls. Animals' survival and parasitemia were monitored once a week and histological studies were made at necropsy by the 5th week after infection. It was observed that the administration of ICTX increased the survival of mice infected, and induced a significant decrease in the parasitemia, as compared to controls. A similar protective effect was observed when animals were treated orally with benznidazole (BZN, used as a control of antiparasitic effect). By the 5th week post-infection, the presence of amastigote nests was observed within the fibers of the cardiac and skeletal muscle in controls, but not in animals treated with either ICTX or BZN. In addition, inflammatory infiltrates were observed in the tissues of controls, but not in animals treated with the drugs. We conclude that ICTX has an antiparasitic effect against T. cruzi, thus constituting an interesting option for the treatment of Chagas' disease, alone or combined with other drugs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Subchronic and chronic toxicity of ingested 1,3-dichloropropene in dogs.

    PubMed

    Stebbins, K E; Quast, J F; Haut, K T; Stott, W T

    1999-12-01

    The potential toxicologic effects to dogs of 1,3-dichloropropene (1, 3-D), a soil fumigant used for the control of nematodes, were investigated. The 13-week subchronic toxicity study consisted of male and female beagle dogs (4/sex/dose group) given approximately 0, 5, 15, or 41 mg 1,3-D/kg body wt/day (approximately equivalent amounts of cis and trans isomers) via their diets. The 1-year chronic toxicity study consisted of male and female beagle dogs (4/sex/dose group) provided diets delivering approximately 0, 0.5, 2. 5, or 15 mg/kg body wt/day. The test material was stabilized in the feed by microencapsulation in a starch/sucrose matrix (80/20). In both the 13-week and the 1-year studies, the primary effect of 1,3-D in male and female dogs ingesting a dosage of >/=15 mg/kg/day was hypochromic, microcytic anemia. The anemia was regenerative, with increased erythropoietic activity characterized by polychromasia of erythrocytes and increased numbers of reticulocytes in peripheral blood. In the 13-week study, the anemia in dogs given 41 mg/kg/day progressively worsened over time, while the anemia in dogs given 15 mg/kg/day remained relatively constant between 42 and 90 days of dosing. Partial reversal of the anemia of high-dose animals occurred during a 5-week recovery period following the 13-week dosing regimen. In the 13-week study, terminal fasted body weights of males given 15 or 41 mg/kg/day were decreased 3 and 28%, respectively, and body weights of females given 5, 15, or 41 mg/kg/day were decreased 4.5, 12, and 24%, respectively, relative to controls. Males given 5 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks had no change in body weights relative to controls. In the 1-year study, the hypochromic microcytic anemia in dogs given 15 mg/kg/day remained relatively constant in severity between 3 and 12 months of treatment. Histopathologic alterations associated with anemia in the 1-year study consisted of increased hematopoiesis of the bone marrow and increased extramedullary hematopoiesis of the spleen. Body weights of males given 15 mg/kg/day were 5-12% lower than controls during the first 13 weeks of the study and 13-19% lower than controls during the remaining 9 months. Body weights of females given 15 mg/kg/day were 5-14% lower than controls over the majority of the dosing period. Males and females given 0.5 or 2.5 mg/kg/day for 1 year had no change in body weights relative to controls. A no-observed-effect level of 2.5 mg/kg/day was established for male and female dogs from the 1-year study. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

  15. 26 CFR 1.105-4 - Wage continuation plans.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... regular wages of $70 per week, normally works five days (Monday through Friday) during each week. A is... sickness. For example, employee A becomes absent from work because of sickness on Friday, October 4, 1963...) by the number of work days in a normal work week. This rule may be illustrated by the following...

  16. Student Achievement in the Four-Day School Week.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Daly, Joseph L.; Richburg, Robert W.

    To gather longitudinal student achievement data from schools utilizing the four-day week, Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) grade equivalent scores were obtained in 1984 from five rural Colorado school districts for four consecutive years--two years prior to and two years following the districts' change to the shortened week. A first analysis…

  17. Choose Privacy Week: Educate Your Students (and Yourself) about Privacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adams, Helen R.

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of "Choose Privacy Week" is to encourage a national conversation to raise awareness of the growing threats to personal privacy online and in day-to-day life. The 2016 Choose Privacy Week theme is "respecting individuals' privacy," with an emphasis on minors' privacy. A plethora of issues relating to minors' privacy…

  18. Immunity to Escherichia coli in pigs: Serum Gamma Globulin Levels, Indirect Hemagglutinating Antibody Titres and Bactericidal Activity Against E. coli in pigs up to five Weeks of Age

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, M. R.; Svendsen, J.

    1972-01-01

    Serum gamma globulin levels, indirect hemagglutinating antibody titres and bactericidal activity against the 0149:K91;K88ac:H10 Serotype of Escherichia coli were determined in pigs up to five weeks of age from vaccinated and non-vaccinated sows. Gamma globulin levels at two days of age were approximately twice adult levels, by three weeks of age they were one quarter of adult levels and remained so until five weeks of age. Indirect hemagglutinating antibody activity was highest at two days of age, fell until three weeks of age and then rose. Little or no indirect hemagglutinating antibody activity was detected in sera taken at two days of age from pigs from non-vaccinated sows. Only three of 26 two day old pigs had demonstrable bactericidal activity; by three weeks of age 16 of 26 had bactericidal activity. Serum from piglets of vaccinated sows had no more bactericidal activity than did sera from non-vaccinated sows. PMID:4110608

  19. Phase I dose-escalation study of vinflunine hard capsules administered twice a day for 2 consecutive days every week in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors.

    PubMed

    Calvo, E; Vermorken, J B; Hiret, S; Rodon, J; Cortes, J; Senellart, H; Van den Brande, J; Dyck, J; Pétain, A; Ferre, P; Bennouna, J

    2012-06-01

    Vinflunine is a new microtubule inhibitor of the vinca-alkaloid family. It is marketed in transitional cell carcinoma of urothelial tract as a 20 min infusion given every 3 weeks in Europe. In this phase I study, vinflunine was administered to patients with advanced malignancies as hard capsules given twice a day on days 1-2 every week, with 3 weeks cycles. Serial blood samples were collected during the first cycle for pharmacokinetic investigations. Thirty-six patients (pts) were treated at 6 dose levels 150 (3 pts), 190 (3 pts), 230 (8 pts), 300 mg/day (6 pts) and then 250 (3 pts) and 270 mg/day (13 pts). The Maximal Tolerated Dose (MTD) was reached at 300 mg/day where 2 patients out of 6 experienced a dose limiting toxicity (febrile neutropenia with diarrhea). The lower dose level of 270 mg/day was the recommended dose (RD), the toxicity profile being mainly anaemia, neutropenia, fatigue and constipation. The pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated the adequacy of the flat-fixed dosing regimen, as no correlation between clearance of vinflunine and body surface area was evidenced. Blood concentrations and exposure increased with dose, and a pharmacokinetic accumulation was observed, which is consistent with the terminal half-life of the compounds. The inter-individual exposure variability at the RD was 35%. Repeated weekly administration of oral vinflunine is feasible and exhibits a moderate inter-individual PK variability. The MTD was achieved at 300 mg/day given for 2 consecutive days. According to the protocol rules, the RD was established at 270 mg/day.

  20. CTEPP-OH DATA CHILD DAY CARE CENTER WEEKLY MENUS

    EPA Science Inventory

    This data set contains information on the weekly day care menus for CTEPP-OH. The day care centers provided menus up to three months prior to field sampling.

    The Children’s Total Exposure to Persistent Pesticides and Other Persistent Pollutant (CTEPP) study was one of the larg...

  1. Implementing the Modified Four-Day School Week.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Litke, C. Del

    1994-01-01

    Traces development and implementation of a 4-day school week at an Alberta junior high school that extended the school day 40 minutes, resulted in more classes taught in a shorter time period, and decreased student discipline problems. Describes parent and community reactions. Includes recommendations for planning educational change. (LP)

  2. Improved circadian sleep-wake cycle in infants fed a day/night dissociated formula milk.

    PubMed

    Cubero, J; Narciso, D; Aparicio, S; Garau, C; Valero, V; Rivero, M; Esteban, S; Rial, R; Rodríguez, A B; Barriga, C

    2006-06-01

    On the basis of the circadian nutritional variations present in breast milk, and of the implications for the sleep/wake cycle of the nutrients present in infant formula milks, we designed a formula milk nutritionally dissociated into a Day/Night composition. The goal was to improve the bottle-fed infant's sleep/wake circadian rhythm. A total of 21 infants aged 4-20 weeks with sleeping difficulties were enrolled in the three-week duration study. The sleep analysis was performed using an actimeter (Actiwatch) placed on an ankle of each infant to uninterruptedly record movements during the three weeks. The dissociated Day milk, designed to be administered from 06:00 to 18:00, contained low levels of tryptophan (1.5g/100g protein) and carbohydrates, high levels of proteins, and the nucleotides Cytidine 5 monophosphate, Guanosine 5 monophosphate and Inosine 5 monophosphate. The dissociated Night milk, designed to be administered from 18.00 to 06.00, contained high levels of tryptophan (3.4g/100g protein) and carbohydrates, low levels of protein, and the nucleotides Adenosine 5 monophosphate and Uridine 5 monophosphate. Three different milk-feeding experiments were performed in a double-blind procedure covering three weeks. In week 1 (control), the infants received both by day and by night a standard formula milk; in week 2 (inverse control), they received the dissociated milk inversely (Night/Day instead of Day/Night); and in week 3, they received the Day/Night dissociated formula concordant with the formula design. When the infants were receiving the Day/Night dissociated milk in concordance with their environment, they showed improvement in all the nocturnal sleep parameters analyzed: total hours of sleep, sleep efficiency, minutes of nocturnal immobility, nocturnal awakenings, and sleep latency. In conclusion, the use of a chronobiologically adjusted infant formula milk seems to be effective in improving the consolidation of the circadian sleep/wake cycle in bottle-fed infants.

  3. Examining the Impact of Adherence to a Vegan Diet on Acid-Base Balance in Healthy Adults.

    PubMed

    Cosgrove, Kelly; Johnston, Carol S

    2017-09-01

    Acidogenic diets, commonly measured by the potential renal acid load (PRAL), have been linked with metabolic diseases including insulin resistance, hepatic dysfunction, and cardiometabolic risk. Vegan diets are linked to low dietary acid loads, but the degree of adherence to a vegan diet to demonstrate this benefit is unknown. This study compared the change in PRAL and urine pH of omnivores who followed a vegan diet for either 2, 3, or 7 days over one week. Healthy adults were recruited from a campus population and randomly assigned to one of the three groups: VEG7 (vegan diet followed for seven consecutive days); VEG3 (vegan diet followed for three evenly spaced days over one week); or VEG2 (vegan diet followed for two evenly spaced days over one week). Gender, age, and body mass index did not differ between groups (overall: 21.8 ± 2.4 y and 24.4 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 ). Following the one week intervention, outcome measures did not vary between the VEG2 and VEG3 groups, and these groups were collapsed for the final analyses. The 24-h urine pH was raised after seven consistent days of vegan diet adherence and was unchanged after 2-3 days of vegan diet adherence over the course of a week (+0.52 ± 0.69 and -0.02 ± 0.56 respectively, p = 0.048). However, dietary PRAL scores fell significantly in both dietary groups during the 7-day trial. Since low dietary PRAL scores have been related to improve metabolic parameters, adoption of a vegan diets for several days per week should be explored as a diet strategy to lower disease risk.

  4. Radiation-Free Weekend Rescued! Continuous Accelerated Irradiation of 7-Days per Week Is Equal to Accelerated Fractionation With Concomitant Boost of 7 Fractions in 5-Days per Week: Report on Phase 3 Clinical Trial in Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Skladowski, Krzysztof, E-mail: skladowski@io.gliwice.pl; Hutnik, Marcin; Wygoda, Andrzej

    2013-03-01

    Purpose: To report long-term results of randomized trial comparing 2 accelerated fractionations of definitive radiation therapy assessing the need to irradiate during weekend in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Methods and Materials: A total of 345 patients with SCC of the oral cavity, larynx, and oro- or hypo-pharynx, stage T2-4N0-1M0, were randomized to receive continuous accelerated irradiation (CAIR: once per day, 7 days per week) or concomitant accelerated boost (CB: once per day, 3 days per week, and twice per day, 2 days per week). Total dose ranged from 66.6-72 Gy, dose per fraction was 1.8 Gy,more » number of fractions ranged from 37-40 fractions, and overall treatment time ranged from 37-40 days. Results: No differences for all trial end-points were noted. At 5 and 10 years, the actuarial rates of local-regional control were 63% and 60% for CAIR vs 65% and 60% for CB, and the corresponding overall survival were 40% and 25% vs 44% and 25%, respectively. Confluent mucositis was the main acute toxicity, with an incidence of 89% in CAIR and 86% in CB patients. The 5-year rate of grade 3-4 late radiation morbidity was 6% for both regimens. Conclusions: Results of this trial indicate that the effects of accelerated fractionation can be achieve by delivering twice-per-day irradiation on weekday(s). This trial has also confirmed that an accelerated, 6-weeks schedule is a reasonable option for patients with intermediate-stage head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma because of the associated high cure rate and minimal severe late toxicity.« less

  5. Time of Day and Day of Week Trends in EMS Demand.

    PubMed

    Cantwell, Kate; Morgans, Amee; Smith, Karen; Livingston, Michael; Spelman, Tim; Dietze, Paul

    2015-01-01

    We examined temporal variations in overall Emergency Medical Services (EMS) demand, as well as medical and trauma cases separately. We analyzed cases according to time of day and day of week to determine whether population level demand demonstrates temporal patterns that will increase baseline knowledge for EMS planning. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Ambulance Victoria data warehouse covering the period 2008-2011. We included all cases of EMS attendance which resulted in 1,203,803 cases for review. Data elements comprised age, gender, date and time of call to the EMS emergency number along with the clinical condition of the patient. We employed Poisson regression to analyze case numbers and trigonometric regression to quantify distribution patterns. EMS demand exhibited a bimodal distribution with the highest peak at 10:00 and a second smaller peak at 19:00. The highest number of cases occurred on Fridays, and the lowest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. However, the distribution of cases throughout the day differed by day of week. Distribution patterns on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays differed significantly from the rest of the week (p < 0.001). When categorized into medical or trauma cases, medical cases were more frequent during working hours and involved patients of higher mean age (57 years vs. 49 years for trauma, p < 0.001). Trauma cases peaked on Friday and Saturday nights around midnight. Day of week EMS demand distribution patterns reveal differences that can be masked in aggregate data. Day of week EMS demand distribution patterns showed not only which days have differences in demand but the times of day at which the demand changes. Patterns differed by case type as well. These differences in distribution are important for EMS demand planning. Increased understanding of EMS demand patterns is imperative in a climate of ever-increasing demand and fiscal constraints. Further research is needed into the effect of age and case type on EMS demand.

  6. Women and HIV/AIDS

    MedlinePlus

    ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ...

  7. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

    MedlinePlus

    ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ... Awareness Day National Women's Health Week Supporting Nursing Moms at Work Popular Topics Autoimmune diseases Breastfeeding Carpal ...

  8. Potentiation in young infants: The origin of the prior knowledge effect?

    PubMed Central

    Barr, Rachel; Rovee-Collier, Carolyn; Learmonth, Amy

    2011-01-01

    In two experiments with 6-month-old infants, we found that prior learning of an operant task (remembered for 2 weeks) mediated new learning of a modeling event (remembered for only 1 day) and increased its recall. Infants first learned to associate lever pressing with moving a toy train housed in a large box. One or 2 weeks later, three target actions were modeled on a hand puppet while the train box (a retrieval cue) was in view. Merely retrieving the train memory strengthened it, and simultaneously pairing its retrieved memory with the modeled actions potentiated their learning and recall. When paired 1 week later, deferred imitation increased from 1 day to 4 weeks; when paired 2 weeks later, it increased from 1 day to 6 weeks. The striking parallels between potentiated learning in infants and the prior knowledge effect in adults suggests that the prior knowledge effect originates in early infancy. PMID:21264602

  9. Bright light treatment as add-on therapy for depression in 28 adolescents: a randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Niederhofer, Helmut; von Klitzing, Kai

    2011-01-01

    In the last decade, a significant incidence of depression in the younger population has been observed. Bright light therapy, an effective therapeutic option for depressed adults, could also provide safe, economical, and effective rapid recovery in adolescents. The randomized trial included 28 inpatients (18 females and 10 males) between 14 and 17 years old with depressive complaints. The study was conducted between February and December of 2010 in Rodewisch, Germany. Half of the patients (n = 14) first received placebo (50 lux) 1 hour a day in the morning from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for 1 week and then received bright light therapy (2,500 lux) for 1 week in the morning from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The other half (n = 14) first received bright light therapy and then received placebo. Patients were encouraged to continue ongoing treatment (fluoxetine 20 mg/day and 2 sessions of psychotherapy/week) because there were no changes in medication/dosage and psychotherapy since 1 month before the 4-week study period. For assessment of depressive symptoms, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered 1 week before and 1 day before placebo treatment, on the day between placebo and bright light treatment, and on the day after and 1 week after bright light treatment. Saliva samples of melatonin and cortisol were collected at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm 1 week before and 1 day before placebo treatment, on the day between placebo and bright light treatment, on the day after bright light treatment, and 1 week after bright light treatment and were assayed for melatonin and cortisol to observe any change in circadian timing. The BDI scores improved significantly (P = .015). The assays of saliva showed significant differences between treatment and placebo for evening melatonin (P = .040). No significant adverse reactions were observed. Antidepressant response to bright light treatment in this age group was statistically superior to placebo. World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform identifier: DRKS00003309.

  10. Evaluation of the NCEP CFSv2 45-day Forecasts for Predictability of Intraseasonal Tropical Storm Activities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schemm, J. E.; Long, L.; Baxter, S.

    2013-12-01

    Evaluation of the NCEP CFSv2 45-day Forecasts for Predictability of Intraseasonal Tropical Storm Activities Jae-Kyung E. Schemm, Lindsey Long and Stephen Baxter Climate Prediction Center, NCEP/NWS/NOAA Predictability of intraseasonal tropical storm (TS) activities is assessed using the 1999-2010 CFSv2 hindcast suite. Weekly TS activities in the CFSv2 45-day forecasts were determined using the TS detection and tracking method devised by Carmago and Zebiak (2002). The forecast periods are divided into weekly intervals for Week 1 through Week 6, and also the 30-day mean. The TS activities in those intervals are compared to the observed activities based on the NHC HURDAT and JTWC Best Track datasets. The CFSv2 45-day hindcast suite is made of forecast runs initialized at 00, 06, 12 and 18Z every day during the 1999 - 2010 period. For predictability evaluation, forecast TS activities are analyzed based on 20-member ensemble forecasts comprised of 45-day runs made during the most recent 5 days prior to the verification period. The forecast TS activities are evaluated in terms of the number of storms, genesis locations and storm tracks during the weekly periods. The CFSv2 forecasts are shown to have a fair level of skill in predicting the number of storms over the Atlantic Basin with the temporal correlation scores ranging from 0.73 for Week 1 forecasts to 0.63 for Week 6, and the average RMS errors ranging from 0.86 to 1.07 during the 1999-2010 hurricane season. Also, the forecast track density distribution and false alarm statistics are compiled using the hindcast analyses. In real-time applications of the intraseasonal TS activity forecasts, the climatological TS forecast statistics will be used to make the model bias corrections in terms of the storm counts, track distribution and removal of false alarms. An operational implementation of the weekly TS activity prediction is planned for early 2014 to provide an objective input for the CPC's Global Tropical Hazards Outlooks.

  11. Do Street Robbery Location Choices Vary Over Time of Day or Day of Week? A Test in Chicago

    PubMed Central

    Ruiter, Stijn; Block, Richard

    2016-01-01

    Objectives: This article examines the hypothesis that in street robbery location choices, the importance of location attributes is conditional on the time of day and on the day of the week. Method: The hypothesis is assessed by estimating and comparing separate discrete location choice models for each two-hour time block of the day and for each day of the week. The spatial units of analysis are census blocks. Their relevant attributes include presence of various legal and illegal cash economies, presence of high schools, measures of accessibility, and distance from the offender’s home. Results: The hypothesis is strongly rejected because for almost all census block attributes, their importance hardly depends on time of day or day of week. Only the effect of high schools in census blocks follows expectations, as its effect is only demonstrated at the times and on the days that schools are open. Conclusions: The results suggest that street robbers’ location choices are not as strongly driven by spatial variations in immediate opportunities as has been suggested in previous studies. Rather, street robbers seem to perpetrate in the environs of cash economies and transit hubs most of the time irrespective of how many potential victims are around. PMID:28232756

  12. The predictive factors of α1-D/A adrenoceptor antagonist, naftopidil, dose increase therapy for male lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia: INFORM study.

    PubMed

    Tanuma, Yasushi; Tanaka, Yoshinori; Takeyama, Ko; Okamoto, Tomoshi

    2017-01-01

    We evaluated the predictive factors which affect the efficacy of naftopidil 50 mg/day therapy and dose increase therapy to administration of 75 mg/day after an initial dose of 50 mg/day. A total of 92 patients with male lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia were administrated naftopidil 50 mg/day for 4 weeks (50 mg therapy). At week 4, the patients were divided into an effective and an ineffective group (Group E and Group I, respectively). For further 4 weeks, the dosage of naftopidil was increased to 75 mg/day in all patients. At week 8, the patients of Group E and Group I were divided into an effective and an ineffective group (Group EE, Group EI, Group IE, and Group II, respectively). Postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume at baseline was a predictive factor for efficacy of 50 mg therapy. In Group E, change in International Prostate Symptom Score storage symptoms subscore from baseline to week 4 was a predictive factor for efficacy of this dose increase therapy. In Group I, change in maximum flow rate from baseline to week 4 was a predictive factor for efficacy of this dose increase therapy. The short term of naftopidil 50 mg therapy was ineffective for the patients who had large PVR. The predictive factor of this dose increase therapy might be a dynamic variable in 50 mg/day of dose period, but not a baseline variable at the time of 75 mg/day dosage starts.

  13. Large urban-rural disparity in the severity of two-week illness: updated results based on the first health service survey of Hunan Province, China.

    PubMed

    Tian, Danping; Sun, Li; Zhang, Lingling; Zhang, Lin; Zhang, Wei; Li, Li; Deng, Xin; Ning, Peishan; Cheng, Xunjie; Deng, Jing; Hu, Guoqing

    2016-02-29

    To examine urban-rural differences in the severity of non-fatal disease and injury using the latest household interview survey data of Hunan Province, China. Two-week illness data were from the first provincial health household interview survey of Hunan in 2013. The proportion of patients being bedridden, the average days of being bedridden and the average off-work days were calculated to measure the severity of two-week illness. Rao-Scott-adjusted chi-square test was performed to examine the significance of two-week illness severity differences from demographic variables. Multiple logistic regression and linear regression were used to control for sex, age and household income. The two-week illness prevalence was 22.8 % in Hunan province. Despite similar two-week ill prevalence rates between urban areas and rural areas (23.0 % vs. 22.8 %), rural residents had higher proportions of being bedridden and of being off work than urban residents after controlling for sex, age and household income, with adjusted odds ratios of 3.4 and 6.9, respectively. Similarly, the average days of being bedridden and of being off work in rural residents were 0.45 days and 1.61 days longer than in urban residents after controlling for demographic variables, respectively. The recent data shows that two-week illness in rural residents is more serious than urban residents in Hunan Province, China in spite of very similar two-week prevalence rates. The neglected urban-rural disparities in the severity of two-week illness deserve the attention of health policy-makers and researchers.

  14. "Contested Rights": The Pedagogy and Logistics of Hosting Constitution Day

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miracle, Amanda; Smith, Michael; Anderson, Kevin; Catlett, Rob

    2016-01-01

    To seriously consider one's rights under the US Constitution, one must grapple with the realization that many rights are not absolute. Instead, they are contested. But how to introduce younger students to such a complex concept, given short attention spans? In this article, we discuss the opportunities, pitfalls, and planning logistics of the 2013…

  15. 26 CFR 31.3402(e)-1 - Included and excluded wages.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Included and excluded wages. 31.3402(e)-1... SOURCE Collection of Income Tax at Source § 31.3402(e)-1 Included and excluded wages. (a) If a portion of... not more than 31 consecutive days constitutes wages, and the remainder does not constitute wages, all...

  16. Mandibular third molar surgery in 396 patients at a Norwegian university clinic: Morbidity recorded after 1 week utilizing an e-infrastructure for clinical research.

    PubMed

    Øyri, Hauk; Bjørnland, Tore; Barkvoll, Pål; Jensen, Janicke Liaaen

    2016-01-01

    To evaluate morbidity 1 week after mandibular third molar (3M) surgery in the authors' department. A prospective 1-year clinical study of patients followed up for 1 week after 3M surgery was performed. Consecutive patients of 18 years or older having 3M surgery under local anaesthesia were included. Patients not able to attend a follow-up appointment after 1 week were excluded. Demographic data, indication for surgery and clinical findings were recorded. Outcome variables were days requiring analgesic, days absent from work/school and complications. All data recording was performed utilizing an e-infrastructure for clinical research (InReach, University Health Network, www.uhnsl.com). Three hundred and ninety-six patients were examined 1 week after surgery. Mean number of days requiring analgesics was 3.8 and mean number of days absent from work/school after surgery was 0.6. Minor complications were reported by 7% of patients. Female patients reported more days requiring analgesics compared to male patients. Smokers had a higher odds ratio for being absent ≥ 3 days. Prophylactic removal of 3Ms was associated with fewer days requiring analgesics and days absent from work/school as compared to teeth with local disease. Overall morbidity after 3M surgery was low. Compared to patients subjected to therapeutic removal of 3Ms, patients undergoing prophylactic removal seem to have less pain and a faster return to normal activities.

  17. Elongational viscosity of photo-oxidated LDPE

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rolón-Garrido, Víctor H., E-mail: victor.h.rolongarrido@tu-berlin.de, E-mail: manfred.wagner@tu-berlin.de; Wagner, Manfred H., E-mail: victor.h.rolongarrido@tu-berlin.de, E-mail: manfred.wagner@tu-berlin.de

    2014-05-15

    Sheets of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were photo-oxidatively treated at room temperature, and subsequently characterized rheologically in the melt state by shear and uniaxial extensional experiments. For photo-oxidation, a xenon lamp was used to irradiate the samples for times between 1 day and 6 weeks. Linear-viscoelastic characterization was performed in a temperature range of 130 to 220°C to obtain the master curve at 170°C, the reference temperature at which the elongational viscosities were measured. Linear viscoelasticity is increasingly affected by increasing photo-oxidation due to crosslinking of LDPE, as corroborated by an increasing gel fraction as determined by a solvent extraction method.more » The elongational measurements reveal a strong enhancement of strain hardening until a saturation level is achieved. The elongational data are analyzed in the frame work of two constitutive equations, the rubber-like liquid and the molecular stress function models. Within the experimental window, timedeformation separability is confirmed for all samples, independent of the degree of photo-oxidation.« less

  18. Photo-oxidation of LDPE: Effects on elongational viscosity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rolón-Garrido, Víctor H.; Wagner, Manfred H.

    2013-04-01

    Sheets of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were photo-oxidatively treated at room temperature, and subsequently characterized rheologically in the melt state by shear and uniaxial extensional experiments. For photo-oxidation, a xenon lamp was used to irradiate the samples for times between 1 day and 6 weeks. Linear-viscoelastic characterization was performed in a temperature range of 130 to 220°C to obtain the master curve at 170°C, the reference temperature at which the elongational viscosities were measured. Linear viscoelasticity is increasingly affected by increasing photo-oxidation due to crosslinking of LDPE, as corroborated by an increasing gel fraction as determined by a solvent extraction method. The elongational measurements reveal a strong enhancement of strain hardening until a saturation level is achieved. The elongational data are analyzed in the frame work of two constitutive equations, the rubber-like liquid and the molecular stress function models. Within the experimental window, time-deformation separability is confirmed for all samples, independent of the degree of photo-oxidation.

  19. Elongational viscosity of photo-oxidated LDPE

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rolón-Garrido, Víctor H.; Wagner, Manfred H.

    2014-05-01

    Sheets of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were photo-oxidatively treated at room temperature, and subsequently characterized rheologically in the melt state by shear and uniaxial extensional experiments. For photo-oxidation, a xenon lamp was used to irradiate the samples for times between 1 day and 6 weeks. Linear-viscoelastic characterization was performed in a temperature range of 130 to 220°C to obtain the master curve at 170°C, the reference temperature at which the elongational viscosities were measured. Linear viscoelasticity is increasingly affected by increasing photo-oxidation due to crosslinking of LDPE, as corroborated by an increasing gel fraction as determined by a solvent extraction method. The elongational measurements reveal a strong enhancement of strain hardening until a saturation level is achieved. The elongational data are analyzed in the frame work of two constitutive equations, the rubber-like liquid and the molecular stress function models. Within the experimental window, timedeformation separability is confirmed for all samples, independent of the degree of photo-oxidation.

  20. Initial sociometric impressions of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and comparison boys: predictions from social behaviors and from nonbehavioral variables.

    PubMed

    Erhardt, Drew; Hinshaw, Stephen P

    1994-08-01

    This study systematically compared the influence of naturalistic social behaviors and nonbehavioral variables on the development of peer status in 49 previously unfamiliar boys, aged 6-12 years, who attended a summer research program. Twenty-five boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 24 comparison boys participated. Physical attractiveness, motor competence, intelligence, and academic achievement constituted the nonbehavioral variables; social behaviors included noncompliance, aggression, prosocial actions, and isolation, measured by live observations of classroom and playground interactions. As early as the first day of interaction, ADHD and comparison boys displayed clear differences in social behaviors, and the ADHD youngsters were overwhelmingly rejected. Whereas prosocial behavior independently predicted friendship ratings during the first week, the magnitude of prediction was small. In contrast, the boys' aggression (or noncompliance) strongly predicted negative nominations, even with nonbehavioral factors, group status (ADHD versus comparison), and other social behaviors controlled statistically. Implications for understanding and remediating negative peer reputations are discussed.

  1. Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with aminosidine (paromomycin) ointment: double-blind, randomized trial in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    PubMed Central

    Asilian, A.; Jalayer, T.; Nilforooshzadeh, M.; Ghassemi, R. L.; Peto, R.; Wayling, S.; Olliaro, P.; Modabber, F.

    2003-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: To compare the parasitological and clinical efficacy of four weeks versus two weeks of treatment with aminosidine (paromomycin) ointment in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major in the Islamic Republic of Iran. METHODS: Double-blind, randomized trial of four weeks of aminosidine ointment (n = 108) vs two weeks of aminosidine ointment and two weeks of placebo (n = 108). Patients were assessed on days 15, 29, 45, and 105 for clinical cures and clinical and parasitological cures. FINDINGS: Four weeks' treatment gave significantly better cure rates than two weeks' treatment: on day 29, there were 80/108 (74%) vs 64/108 (59%) clinical cures (P = 0.05) and 47 (44%) vs 26 (24%) clinical and parasitological cures (P = 0.005). By day 45, fewer patients who received four weeks' treatment had required rescue treatment with antimonials than those who received two weeks' treatment: 20 (19%) vs 36 (33%) (P = 0.02). On day 105, the results still favoured those who had been allocated four weeks of active treatment, but the differences were no longer as clearly significant. No side-effects were observed or reported. CONCLUSION: Approximately two-thirds of patients given ointment for four weeks were cured clinically. Although about half of those cured might have recovered spontaneously even without treatment, four weeks of aminosidine ointment could become the first-line treatment for uncomplicated cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. major, with antimonials needed in only the one-third of patients not cured by the end of treatment with aminosidine. This would considerably reduce the costs and side-effects associated with antimonial drugs. PMID:12856053

  2. Growth responses of woody species to long- and short-term fumigation with sulfur dioxide

    Treesearch

    Keith F. Jensen; Leon S. Dochinger

    1979-01-01

    Height growth of silver maple, white ash, yellow-poplar, sycamore, eastern cottonwood, and white spruce seedlings was not significantly influenced by 0.15 ppm SO2 for 8 hours/day, 5 days/week. A fumigation treatment of 0.25 ppm SO2 for 8 hourd/day, 5 days/week did not significantly affect height growth of black alder,...

  3. Randomized phase 3 trial comparing 2 cisplatin dose schedules in 326 patients with locally advanced squamous cell cervical carcinoma: long-term follow-up.

    PubMed

    Nagy, Viorica Magdalena; Ordeanu, Claudia; Coza, Ovidiu; Alin, Cristian Rancea; Traila, Alexandru; Todor, Nicolae

    2012-11-01

    The evaluation of 5-year results obtained through 2 radiochemotherapy (RCT) regimens: cisplatin (CDDP), 20 mg/m × 5 days every 21 days; and CDDP, 40 mg/m per week in locally advanced cervical carcinoma. In this single-institution prospective randomized phase 3 study, 326 patients with stage IIB to IIIB squamous cell cervical carcinoma treated from March 2003 to March 2005 were included. One hundred sixty patients (49%) had stage IIB cervical carcinoma, 103 patients (31.5%) had stage IIIA cervical carcinoma, and 63 patients (19.5%) had stage IIIB cervical carcinoma. The patients were randomly assigned to 2 therapeutic arms: 164 patients in arm A (5 days) concurrent RCT with CDDP, 20 mg/m per day, days 1 to 5 every 21 days; and 162 patients in arm B (weekly), concurrent RCT with CDDP, 40 mg/m per day weekly. All patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy on the abdominopelvic region using 15-MV x-rays and a cervical boost using the x-rays arch technique or medium-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy. The 5-year survival rate obtained through the 2 RCT regimens are not statistically different, even if a tendency of superiority can be observed in the 5-day arm as far as overall survival (78% in arm A vs 72% in arm B; p = 0.14) and disease-free survival (73% in arm A and 69% in arm B; p = 0.09) are concerned. Five-year local relapse-free survival was significantly superior in the 5-day CDDP arm (87%) in comparison with the weekly CDDP arm (77%); p < 0.01. In the 5-day arm, local relapse rate was twice lower, 21/164 (13%), compared with the weekly arm, 40/162 (25%); p < 0.01). Distance failures were identical in the 2 therapeutic groups: 22/164 (13%) and 21/162 (13%), respectively, which shows the superiority of arm A regarding local control. The results of our study demonstrate that RCT with cisplatin, 20 mg/m × 5 days every 21 days, is superior regarding local efficacy and is less toxic compared with the weekly chemotherapy regimen.

  4. Assessment of tolerance to the effects of methamphetamine on daytime and nighttime activity evaluated with actigraphy in rhesus monkeys.

    PubMed

    Berro, Laís F; Andersen, Monica L; Howell, Leonard L

    2017-08-01

    Methamphetamine is one of the most largely consumed illicit drugs, and its use is associated with abuse liability and several adverse health effects, such as sleep impairment. Importantly, sleep quality can influence addiction treatment outcomes. Evidence suggests that tolerance can develop to the sleep-disrupting effects of stimulant drugs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the development of tolerance to the actigraphy-based sleep-disrupting and stimulant effects of methamphetamine self-administration in rhesus monkeys. Methamphetamine (0.03 mg/kg/inf, i.v.) self-administration was carried out following three different protocols: 14 consecutive days of self-administration, 5 days/week for 3 weeks, with a 2-day interval between 5-day blocks of self-administration, and 3 days/week for 3 weeks, with a 4-day interval between 3-day blocks of self-administration. Daytime activity and activity-based sleep measures were evaluated with Actiwatch monitors a week before (baseline parameters) and throughout each protocol. Methamphetamine self-administration markedly disrupted sleep-like measures and increased daytime activity. Tolerance developed to those effects with repeated methamphetamine intake exceeding five consecutive days. Inclusion of washout periods (2 or 4 days) between blocks of methamphetamine self-administration attenuated the development of tolerance, with longer breaks from methamphetamine intake being more effective in maintaining the sleep-disrupting and stimulant effects of methamphetamine. Tolerance can develop to the stimulant and sleep-disrupting effects of methamphetamine self-administration. Interruption of drug intake extends the effects of methamphetamine on sleep-like measures and daytime activity.

  5. Effect of Training Frequency on Maximum Expiratory Pressure

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anand, Supraja; El-Bashiti, Nour; Sapienza, Christine

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: To determine the effects of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) frequency on maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Method: We assigned 12 healthy participants to 2 groups of training frequency (3 days per week and 5 days per week). They completed a 4-week training program on an EMST trainer (Aspire Products, LLC). MEP was the primary…

  6. 78 FR 54481 - Alaska Native Claims Selection

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-04

    ... FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the BLM. The BLM... a week for four consecutive weeks in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. DATES: Any party claiming a... requirements of 43 CFR part 4 within the following time limits: 1. Unknown parties, parties unable to be...

  7. Antifouling coating with controllable and sustained silver release for long-term inhibition of infection and encrustation in urinary catheters.

    PubMed

    Wang, Rong; Neoh, Koon Gee; Kang, En-Tang; Tambyah, Paul Anantharajah; Chiong, Edmund

    2015-04-01

    Urinary tract infections constitute a large proportion of nosocomial infections, and the urinary catheter is the most important predisposing factor. Encrustation induced by urease-producing uropathogens like Proteus mirabilis causes further complications. In the present work, a strategy for controllable and sustained release of silver over several weeks has been developed for combating bacterial infection and encrustation in urinary devices. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were first immobilized on polydopamine (PDA) pre-treated silicone catheter surface and this was followed by another PDA coating. The number of AgNP-PDA bilayers could be manipulated to control the amount of silver loaded and its subsequent release. Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate-co-acrylamide) was then grafted to provide an antifouling outer layer, and to ensure free diffusion of Ag from the surface. The micron-scale combination of an antifouling coating with AgNP-PDA bilayers reduced colonization of the urinary catheter by uropathogens by approximately two orders of magnitude. With one and two AgNP-PDA bilayers, the coated catheter could resist encrustation for 12 and 45 days, respectively, compared with approximately 6 days with the Dover™ silver-coated catheter. Such anti-infective and anti-encrustation catheters can potentially have a large impact on reducing patient morbidity and healthcare expenditure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Sleepiness and recovery in schedule change and the eighty-four hour workweek.

    PubMed

    Nordin, M; Knutsson, A

    2001-12-01

    The aims were to evaluate sleepiness and recovery during a schedule change, and during an 84-hours workweek. The control group (16 men) stayed on a six-week schedule, whereas the intervention group (12 men) transferred to a seven-week schedule. Sleepiness was estimated, using the KSS-scale, four times during the first and the third night in the fifth or sixth shift week. Recovery was assessed through four estimations on days one, three and five during the week off. Statistical testing was carried out using repeated measurement ANOVA. Sleepiness at night was affected by night (F = 4.90, p < 0.05) and hour (F = 33.64, p < 0.001) in both groups. The intervention group was sleepier during the first recovery day compared to the control group (F = 4.02, p < 0.05). Analysis of the 84-hour-week showed an effect of night (F = 8.98, p < 0.05) and hour (F = 71.60, p < 0.001) on night work, and day (F = 22.49, p < 0.01) and hour (F = 6.66, p < 0.05) on recovery. Sleepiness was more pronounced on the first recovery day (F = 23.08, p < 0.01). The seven-week schedule showed no effect that differed from that of the control group on sleepiness during the night shift. After the 84-hour workweek the workers recovered in about three days. The new schedules may affect the first recovery day negatively.

  9. Effects of Continuous Gamma-Ray Exposure In Utero in B6C3F1 Mice on Gestation Day 18 and at 10 Weeks of Age.

    PubMed

    Gulay, K C M; Tanaka, I B; Komura, J; Tanaka, S

    2018-04-01

    Pregnant C57BL/6JJcl mice were exposed to γ rays at low dose rate (20 mGy/day, LDR) or medium dose rate (200 and 400 mGy/day, MDR) from gestation day (GD) 0-18 to total accumulated doses of 360, 3,600 and 7,200 mGy, respectively. An additional group of pregnant mice were acutely exposed to 2 Gy at high dose rate (HDR) of 0.77 Gy/min on GD 11. In experiment 1, fetuses collected via cesarean section on GD 18 were examined for external and skeletal abnormalities. While the results of LDR exposure (20 mGy/day) did not significantly differ from the nonirradiated controls in all parameters examined, MDR (200 and 400 mGy/day) and acute HDR (2 Gy) exposure caused growth retardation and significantly increased incidence of unossified bones. Increased incidence of external abnormalities was observed only in the acute HDR group. In experiment 2, the dams were allowed to give birth and the pups were clinically monitored and weighed periodically until 10 weeks of age when they were sacrificed and subjected to pathological examination. Pups exposed at MDRs of 200 and 400 mGy/dayand at acute HDR of 0.77 Gy/min had lower bodyweights from weaning (3 weeks) to 10 weeks of age except for females exposed to 400 mGy/day MDR. None of the pups exposed to an acute 2 Gy dose on GD 11 survived to 10 weeks of age. Histopathological changes were not significantly different between the nonirradiated control and the 20 mGy/day LDR groups. However, at both MDR exposures of 200 and 400 mGy/day. gonadal (testes and ovary) hypoplasia/atrophy was observed in all the 10-week-old pups. Our results show that in utero LDR exposure to 20 mGy/day for the entire gestation period did not cause any significant effect in pups when compared to the nonirradiated controls up to 10 weeks of age. However, pups exposed in utero to MDRs showed dose-related growth retardation with delayed ossifications (400 mGy/day) and gonadal hypoplasia/atrophy. These findings suggest that increased post-implantation loss in dams exposed at MDR is due to early embryonic deaths resulting in early resorption.

  10. Honduran-U.S. Relations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-09-10

    and a third for municipal elections. 7 “Constitutional reform or power grab,” Latin American Weekly Report, March 26, 2009. 8 Both candidates have...the resignations of Honduran Defense Minister Edmundo Orellana Mercado and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Romeo Vasquez Velasquez after they

  11. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

    PubMed

    Adler, Lenard A; Goodman, David W; Kollins, Scott H; Weisler, Richard H; Krishnan, Suma; Zhang, Yuxin; Biederman, Joseph

    2008-09-01

    To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 30, 50, and 70 mg/day lisdexamfetamine dimesylate compared with placebo in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Following a 7- to 28-day washout, 420 adults aged 18 to 55 years with moderate to severe ADHD (DSM-IV-TR criteria) were treated with 30, 50, or 70 mg/day lisdexamfetamine or placebo, respectively, for 4 weeks (N = 119, 117, 122, and 62, respectively). The 50- and 70- mg/day groups underwent forced-dose titration. The primary efficacy measure was the clinician-determined ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) total score. The study was conducted from May 2006 to November 2006. Treatment groups were well matched at baseline, including in ADHD-RS scores. At endpoint, changes in ADHD-RS scores were significantly greater for each lisdexamfetamine dose than for placebo (placebo = -8.2, 30 mg/day lisdexamfetamine = -16.2, 50 mg/day lisdexamfetamine = -17.4, 70 mg/day lisdexamfetamine = -18.6; all p < .0001 vs. placebo), with no differences between doses. Significant differences relative to placebo were observed in each lisdexamfetamine group, beginning at week 1 and for each week throughout. The percentage of subjects who improved (Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale rating < or = 2) was significantly greater for each lisdexamfetamine dose than for placebo at each week and at endpoint (placebo = 29%, 30 mg/day lisdexamfetamine = 57%, 50 mg/day lisdexamfetamine = 62%, 70 mg/day lisdexamfetamine = 61%; all p < .01). Adverse events were generally mild and included dry mouth, decreased appetite, and insomnia. All 3 lisdexamfetamine doses were significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of adults with ADHD, with improvements noted within 1 week. Lisdexamfetamine was generally well tolerated by these patients. Copyright 2008 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

  12. Lansoprazole 15 mg once daily for 14 days is effective for treatment of frequent heartburn: results of 2 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies.

    PubMed

    Kushner, Pamela R; Snoddy, Andrew M; Gilderman, Larry; Peura, David A

    2009-07-01

    To investigate the efficacy and safety of a 14-day treatment period with lansoprazole 15 mg for frequent heartburn in patients who are likely to select a nonprescription medication before consulting a prescriber. Adults with untreated frequent heartburn > or = 2 days a week over the past month were recruited for 2 identical multicenter, double-blind studies conducted with a 1-week screening and heartburn medication washout, a 1-week placebo run-in, a 2-week placebo-controlled treatment, and a 1-week placebo follow-up. After the washout and placebo run-in, subjects were randomly assigned to receive lansoprazole 15 mg or placebo once daily for 14 days in a double-blind fashion. Antacid tablets were permitted as rescue medication. Endpoints included percentage of 24-hour days without heartburn (primary), percentage of night-times without heartburn, and percentage of subjects without heartburn during day 1 of treatment (secondary endpoints). Data were collected daily via an interactive voice response system. In studies 1 and 2, 282 and 288 subjects, respectively, were randomly assigned to lansoprazole, and 282 in each study received placebo. The mean percentage of days without heartburn was greater among lansoprazole recipients compared with placebo recipients (P < 0.0001). Significantly more subjects treated with lansoprazole also reported no night-time heartburn and no heartburn during day 1 of the 14-day treatment. Adverse events were infrequent and were similar for lansoprazole and placebo groups. During the 14-day treatment period in a population with frequent heartburn who were likely to select a medication without consulting a prescriber, lansoprazole 15 mg once daily showed rapid and sustained effectiveness throughout a 24-hour period and was well tolerated.

  13. Constitutional pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 and hematopoietic recovery after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

    PubMed

    Manola, K N; Harhalakis, N; Symeonidis, A; Rigana, H; Stavropoulou, C; Karakasis, D; Tiniakou, M; Baltathakis, I; Stamouli, M I; Zoumbos, N; Pantelias, G E; Sambani, C

    2006-09-01

    Recent reports suggest that hemopoietic stem cells with constitutional pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 [inv(9)] may be related to delayed engraftment or hemopoietic defect after stem cell transplantation (SCT). We conducted a retrospective study on five allogeneic SCT in which constitutional inv(9) was detected either in the donor or the recipient. The results showed that hematologic recovery was within the expected time range for all our patients. However, one patient exhibited decreasing blood counts between day +45 and +272 after transplantation, possibly due to protracted cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and gansiclovir and imatinib treatment. Our findings suggest that constitutional inv(9) may not be associated with delayed hemopoietic recovery after SCT.

  14. Focus on the School Calendar: The Four-Day School Week

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gaines, Gale F.

    2008-01-01

    When the economy weakens, heightened consideration is given to ways in which schools can more efficiently use financial resources. Discussions about implementing four-day school weeks--with students attending school more hours each day--are surfacing again in some states. While the need to balance the budget is real, the current emphasis on…

  15. Update: These School Systems Swear by the Four-Day School Week because Students Work Harder and Face Fewer Distractions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Blankenship, Ted

    1984-01-01

    Dexter, Kansas, uses a four-day school week that is improving classroom instruction and cutting energy bills. There is evidence that four-day schedules improve student achievement, increase attendance, allow more class time, raise teacher morale, and provide more staff development time. (MD)

  16. A randomized pilot study comparing zero-calorie alternate-day fasting to daily caloric restriction in adults with obesity

    PubMed Central

    Catenacci, Victoria A.; Pan, Zhaoxing; Ostendorf, Danielle; Brannon, Sarah; Gozansky, Wendolyn S.; Mattson, Mark P.; Martin, Bronwen; MacLean, Paul S.; Melanson, Edward L.; Donahoo, William Troy

    2016-01-01

    Objective To evaluate the safety and tolerability of alternate-day fasting (ADF) and to compare changes in weight, body composition, lipids, and insulin sensitivity index (Si) to those produced by a standard weight loss diet, moderate daily caloric restriction (CR). Methods Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, age 18-55) were randomized to either zero-calorie ADF (n=14) or CR (-400 kcal/day, n=12) for 8 weeks. Outcomes were measured at the end of the 8-week intervention and after 24 weeks of unsupervised follow-up. Results No adverse effects were attributed to ADF and 93% completed the 8-week ADF protocol. At 8 weeks, ADF achieved a 376 kcal/day greater energy deficit, however there were no significant between-group differences in change in weight (mean±SE; ADF -8.2±0.9 kg, CR -7.1±1.0 kg), body composition, lipids, or Si. After 24 weeks of unsupervised follow-up, there were no significant differences in weight regain, however changes from baseline in % fat mass and lean mass were more favorable in ADF. Conclusions ADF is a safe and tolerable approach to weight loss. ADF produced similar changes in weight, body composition, lipids and Si at 8 weeks and did not appear to increase risk for weight regain 24 weeks after completing the intervention. PMID:27569118

  17. Phosphorus Loadings Associated with a Park Tourist Attraction: Limnological Consequences of Feeding the Fish

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turner, Andrew M.; Ruhl, Nathan

    2007-04-01

    The Linesville spillway of Pymatuning State Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Pennsylvania, USA, averaging more than 450,000 visitors · year-1. Carp ( Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus) and waterfowl congregate at the spillway where they are fed bread and other foods by park visitors. We hypothesized that the “breadthrowers” constitute a significant nutrient vector to the upper portion of Pymatuning Reservoir. In the summer of 2002, we estimated phosphorus loadings attributable to breadthrowers, and compared these values to background loadings from Linesville Creek, a major tributary to the upper reservoir. Items fed to fish included bread, donuts, bagels, canned corn, popcorn, corn chips, hot dogs, birthday cakes, and dog food. Phosphorus loading associated with park visitors feeding fish was estimated to be 3233 g day-1, and estimated P export from the Linesville Creek watershed was 2235 g·day-1. P loading attributable to breadthrowers exceeded that of the entire Linesville Creek watershed on 33 of the 35 days of study, with only a heavy rainfall event triggering watershed exports that exceeded spillway contributions. Averaged across 5 weeks, breadthrowers contributed 1.45-fold more P to Pymatuning Reservoir than the Linesville Creek watershed. If Linesville Creek P exports are extrapolated to the entire Sanctuary Lake watershed, spillway contributions of P added 48% to the non-point source watershed P entering the lake. Park visitors feeding fish at the Linesville Spillway are a significant source of nutrients entering Sanctuary Lake.

  18. A single dose of the novel chimeric subunit vaccine E2-CD154 confers early full protection against classical swine fever virus.

    PubMed

    Suárez, Marisela; Sordo, Yusmel; Prieto, Yanet; Rodríguez, María P; Méndez, Lídice; Rodríguez, Elsa M; Rodríguez-Mallon, Alina; Lorenzo, Elianet; Santana, Elaine; González, Nemecio; Naranjo, Paula; Frías, María Teresa; Carpio, Yamila; Estrada, Mario Pablo

    2017-08-03

    Classical swine fever is an economically important, highly contagious disease of swine worldwide. Subunit vaccines are a suitable alternative for the control of classical swine fever. However, such vaccines have as the main drawback the relatively long period of time required to induce a protective response, which hampers their use under outbreak conditions. In this work, a lentivirus-based gene delivery system is used to obtain a stable recombinant HEK 293 cell line for the expression of E2-CSFV antigen fused to porcine CD154 as immunostimulant molecule. The E2-CD154 chimeric protein was secreted into the medium by HEK293 cells in a concentration around 50mg/L in suspension culture conditions using spinner bottles. The E2-CD154 immunized animals were able to overcome the challenge with a high virulent CSF virus strain performed 7days after a unique dose of the vaccine without clinical manifestations of the disease. Specific anti-CSFV neutralizing antibodies and IFN-γ were induced 8days after challenge equivalent to 14days post-vaccination. The present work constitutes the first report of a subunit vaccine able to confer complete protection by the end of the first week after a single vaccination. These results suggest that the E2-CD154 antigen could be potentially used under outbreak conditions to stop CSFV spread and for eradication programs in CSF enzootic areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Swimming exercise enhances the hippocampal antioxidant status of female Wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Stone, Vinícius; Kudo, Karen Yurika; Marcelino, Thiago Beltram; August, Pauline Maciel; Matté, Cristiane

    2015-05-01

    Moderate exercise is known to have health benefits, while both sedentarism and strenuous exercise have pro-oxidant effects. In this study, we assessed the effect of moderate exercise on the antioxidant homeostasis of rats' hippocampi. Female Wistar rats were submitted to a 30-minute swimming protocol on 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Control rats were immersed in water and carefully dried. Production of hippocampal reactive species, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and glutathione levels in these animals were determined up to 30 days after completion of the 4-week protocol. Production of reactive species and hippocampal glutathione levels were increased 1 day after completion of the 4-week protocol, and returned to control levels after 7 days. Antioxidant enzyme activities were increased both 1 day (catalase) and 7 days (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) after completion of the protocol. Thirty days after completion of the protocol, none of the antioxidant parameters evaluated differed from those of controls. Our results reinforce the benefits of aerobic exercise, which include positive modulation of antioxidant homeostasis in the hippocampi. The effects of exercise are not permanent; rather, an exercise regimen must be continued in order to maintain the neurometabolic adaptations.

  20. Lactobacillus paracasei F19 versus placebo for the prevention of proton pump inhibitor-induced bowel symptoms: a randomized clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Compare, Debora; Rocco, Alba; Sgamato, Costantino; Coccoli, Pietro; Campo, Salvatore Maria Antonio; Nazionale, Immacolata; Larussa, Tiziana; Luzza, Francesco; Chiodini, Paolo; Nardone, Gerardo

    2015-04-01

    Proton pump inhibitors may foster intestinal dysbiosis and related bowel symptoms. To evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei F19 on bowel symptom onset in patients on long-term proton pump inhibitors. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms receiving pantoprazole 40 mg/d for six months were randomly assigned to receive: (A) Lactobacillus paracasei F19 bid for three days/week for six months; (B) placebo bid for three days/week for six months; (C) Lactobacillus paracasei F19 bid for three days/week for three months and placebo bid for three days/week for the following three months; (D) placebo bid for three days/week for three months and Lactobacillus paracasei F19 bid for three days/week for the following three months. Bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain and bowel habit were assessed monthly. 100/312 patients were enrolled. In the parallel groups, the treatment-by-time interaction affected bloating (p = 0.015), while Lactobacillus paracasei F19 treatment alone affected flatulence (p = 0.011). Moreover, the treatment-by-time interaction significantly affected the mean score of bloating (p = 0.01) and flatulence (p < 0.0001), the mean stool form (p = 0.03) and mean stool frequency/week (p = 0.016). Analysis of the cross-over groups, limited to the first three months because of carry-over effect, confirmed these results. Lactobacillus paracasei F19 supplementation prevents bowel symptom onset in patients on long-term proton pump inhibitors. Copyright © 2015 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Add-on levetiracetam in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy: results of an open-label multi-centre study.

    PubMed

    Callenbach, Petra M C; Arts, Willem Frans M; ten Houten, Robert; Augustijn, Paul; Gunning, W Boudewijn; Peeters, Els A J; Weber, Alma M; Stroink, Hans; Geerts, Yvette; Geerts, Ada T; Brouwer, Oebele F

    2008-07-01

    To study the efficacy and tolerability of add-on levetiracetam in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy. In this prospective multi-centre, open-label, add-on study, 33 children aged 4-16 years (median 8.5 years) with epilepsy refractory to at least two antiepileptic drugs were treated with levetiracetam in addition to their present treatment regimen with a follow-up of 26 weeks. The starting dose of 10 mg/kg/day was increased with 2-week steps of 10 mg/kg/day, if necessary, up to a maximum dose of 60 mg/kg/day. Retention rate was 69.7% after 26 weeks on a median levetiracetam dosage of 22 mg/kg/day. Four children dropped-out because levetiracetam was ineffective, four because seizure frequency increased and/or seizures became more severe, and two because they developed aggressive behaviour. Compared to their baseline seizure frequency, 13 children (39.4%) had a >50% seizure reduction 12 weeks after initiation of levetiracetam, and 17 children (51.5%) at 26 weeks. At 26 weeks, nine children (27.3%) had been seizure-free for at least the last 4 weeks, terminal remission ranged from 0 to 187 days (mean 46 days). Levetiracetam was effective in both partial and primary generalized seizures, but had most effect in partial seizures. Most reported side effects were hyperactivity (48.5%), somnolence (36.4%), irritability (33.3%) and aggressive behaviour (27.3%). Severity of most side effects was mild. Five children had a serious adverse event, which all concerned hospital admissions that were not related to levetiracetam use. Levetiracetam proved to be an effective and well-tolerated add-on treatment in this group of children with refractory epilepsy.

  2. Four Day, Forty Hour Week

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mackin, Jeanne A.; Cutler, Mary

    1978-01-01

    Managers of the Ithaca College Bookstore have been able to improve service, profit and employee morale by experimenting with a four day, forty hour week. Initial problems in employee adjustment were offset by favorable student response. (JMD)

  3. [Learning and Memory Capacity and NMDA Receptor Expression in Shen Deficiency Constitution Rats].

    PubMed

    Sun, Yu-ru; Sun, Yao-guang; Zhang, Qi; Wang, Xiao-di; Wang, Xing; Sun, Li-jun

    2016-05-01

    To explore material bases and neurobiological mechanisms of "Shen storing will" by observing learning and memory capacities and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor expressions in Shen deficiency constitution (SDC) rats. Totally 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Zuogui Pill (ZP) group, the Yougui Pill (YP) group, the blank control group (consisting of normal pregnant rats), 10 in each group. SDC young rat model (inherent deficiency and postnatal malnutrition) was prepared by the classic way of "cat scaring rat". Medication started when they were scared by cat. Rats in the ZP group and the YP group were administered by gastrogavage with ZP suspension 0.1875 g/mL and YP suspension 0.0938 g/mL respectively. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the blank control group and the model group by gastrogavage. All medication was given once per day, 5 days in a week for 2 consecutive months. Learning and memory capacities were detected by Morris water maze test. Expressions of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B in hippocamus were detected by immunohistochemical method. Compared with the blank control group, the latency period, total distance in Morris water maze test were longer in the model group (P < 0.05). All the aforesaid indices all decreased in the ZP group and the YP group, with statistical difference when compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of NR2A and NR2B in hippocamus were lower in the model group than in the blank control group (P < 0.05). But when compared with the model group, they were obviously higher in the ZP group and the YP group (P < 0.05). SDC rats had degenerated learning and memory capacities and lowered NMDA receptor expressions. ZP and YP could up-regulate learning and memory capacities and NMDA receptor expressions, thereby improving deterioration of brain functions in SDC rats.

  4. Comparing the Efficacy of 8 Weeks Treatment of Cipram® and its Generic Citalopram in Patients With Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder.

    PubMed

    Khoonsari, Hasan; Oghazian, Mohammad Bagher; Kargar, Mona; Moin, Mahdiyeh; Khalili, Hossein; Alimadadi, Abbas; Torkamandi, Hassan; Ghaeli, Padideh

    2015-06-01

    Patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MADD) suffer both anxiety and depression. Antidepressants, especially, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are among agents of choice for treating this condition. This study compared the efficacy of Cipram® with its generic, citalopram. Forty adult outpatients (between 18 to 55 years of age) with a diagnosis of MADD who met the trial criteria, entered this double-blind, randomized study. Subjects were assigned to receive either generic citalopram or Cipram® for 8 weeks. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were utilized to assess depression and anxiety at baseline, weeks 4 and 8 of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 14.0. Twenty patients received citalopram (mean dosages of 22 mg/day during the first 4 weeks and 33 mg/day during weeks 4 to 8) and 20 received Cipram® (mean dosages of 22 mg/day during the first 4 weeks and 29 mg/day during weeks 4 to 8). Both treatments were noted to be effective in improving the symptoms of MADD at weeks 4 and 8. The mean differences of HAM-D and HAM-A between Citalopram and Cipram® groups were significantly different at the end of week 4 (HAM-D: P = 0.038, HAM-A: P = 0.025), but not at the end of week 8 (HAM-D: P = 0.239, HAM-A: P = 0.204). Both medications were tolerated well by the patients. This study suggests that the efficacy of citalopram is similar to that of Cipram® in the treatment of MADD after 8 weeks. Meanwhile, Cipram® may reduce depression and anxiety quicker than its generic, citalopram.

  5. Combined Increases in Muscle-Strengthening Activity Frequency and Protein Intake Reveal Graded Relationship with Fat-Free Mass Percentage in U.S. Adults, NHANES (1999-2004).

    PubMed

    Kurka, J M; Vezina, J; Brown, D D; Schumacher, J; Cullen, R W; Laurson, K R

    2015-01-01

    Age-related loss of muscle mass and related ailments are of concern due to associations with disabilities and morbidity as well as constituting a substantial healthcare burden. Muscle-strengthening activities and adequate protein ingestion are recommended for all-age adults in an effort to stave off age-related muscle atrophy. Muscle building abilities decline with age but most research focuses on muscle wasting in the elderly. To examine the independent and combined associations of protein intake (g∙kg-1∙day-1) and muscle-strengthening frequency (times∙week-1, MSF) on fat-free mass percentage (FFM%). This cross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample with data from the non-institutionalized persons in the United States participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (cycles 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004) consisted of male (n=2,499) and female (n=2,373) participants 20-49 years of age for analyses. MSF was determined by self-report and protein intake was calculated from a 24-hour recall. Differences in FFM% from bioelectrical impedance analysis was estimated using multiple linear regression models controlling for education, race-ethnicity, standing height, and total Caloric intake. One unit increase in MSF or protein intake (β-coefficient, ±E) was associated with significantly more FFM% in males (0.6±0.1%; 3.5±0.4%) and females (0.4±0.1%; 5.9±0.4%). Independent of protein intake, males and females with MSF=0 had mean ±SE FFM% of 74.4±0.4 and 60.7±0.3, respectively, while mean ±SE FFM% of males and females who met the recommendation of ≥2 times per week were 77.9±0.5 and 63.0±0.4. Independent of MSF, males and females with protein intakes below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 g∙kg-1∙day-1 had mean ±SE FFM% of 74.0±0.6 and 58.2±0.6, respectively, while mean ±SE FFM% of those whose intakes exceeded the recommendation were 75.6±0.4 and 62.0±0.4. The subgroup with the highest mean ±SE FFM% (80.9 ±0.73) comprised males with MSF ≥2 times per week who also consumed >1.4 g∙kg-1∙day-1. The MSF-protein intake dose relationship with FFM% suggests that performing muscle-strengthening activities >2 times per week while consuming protein above the RDA may result in more fat-free mass and slow age-related losses of muscle mass.

  6. The Lung Inflammation and Skeletal Muscle Wasting Induced by Subchronic Cigarette Smoke Exposure Are Not Altered by a High-Fat Diet in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Hansen, Michelle J.; Chen, Hui; Jones, Jessica E.; Langenbach, Shenna Y.; Vlahos, Ross; Gualano, Rosa C.; Morris, Margaret J.; Anderson, Gary P.

    2013-01-01

    Obesity and cigarette smoking independently constitute major preventable causes of morbidity and mortality and obesity is known to worsen lung inflammation in asthma. Paradoxically, higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with reduced mortality in smoking induced COPD whereas low BMI increases mortality risk. To date, no study has investigated the effect of a dietary-induced obesity and cigarette smoke exposure on the lung inflammation and loss of skeletal muscle mass in mice. Male BALB/c mice were exposed to 4 cigarettes/day, 6 days/week for 7 weeks, or sham handled. Mice consumed either standard laboratory chow (3.5 kcal/g, 12% fat) or a high fat diet (HFD, 4.3 kcal/g, 32% fat). Mice exposed to cigarette smoke for 7 weeks had significantly more inflammatory cells in the BALF (P<0.05) and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was significantly increased (P<0.05); HFD had no effect on these parameters. Sham- and smoke-exposed mice consuming the HFD were significantly heavier than chow fed animals (12 and 13%, respectively; P<0.05). Conversely, chow and HFD fed mice exposed to cigarette smoke weighed 16 and 15% less, respectively, compared to sham animals (P<0.05). The skeletal muscles (soleus, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius) of cigarette smoke-exposed mice weighed significantly less than sham-exposed mice (P<0.05) and the HFD had no protective effect. For the first time we report that cigarette smoke exposure significantly decreased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression in the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior and IGF-1 protein in the gastrocnemius (P<0.05). We have also shown that cigarette smoke exposure reduced circulating IGF-1 levels. IL-6 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in all three skeletal muscles of chow fed smoke-exposed mice (P<0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest that a down-regulation in local IGF-1 may be responsible for the loss of skeletal muscle mass following cigarette smoke exposure in mice. PMID:24260397

  7. 49 CFR 192.5 - Class locations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... assembly) that is occupied by 20 or more persons on at least 5 days a week for 10 weeks in any 12-month period. (The days and weeks need not be consecutive.) (4) A Class 4 location is any class location unit... 2, 3, and 4 may be adjusted as follows: (1) A Class 4 location ends 220 yards (200 meters) from the...

  8. Six-Month Results for the Kelly Air Force Base Compressed Work Week Survey

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-07-01

    plans to continue the CWS past the 1-year original plan. REFERENCES 1. Balch, B.W. The four day week and the older workers. Personnel Journal, 394-396...8217 perceptions of the four - day week . California Management Review, 28, 31-35, 1975. 15. Mills, M.E. Core-12: A controlled study of the impact of 12 hour scheduling

  9. The Fed and the U.S. Constitution: Too Much Independence?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Suiter, Mary C.; Schug, Mark C.

    2012-01-01

    Central banking in the United States has a long and controversial history dating back to the earliest days of the republic. One of the most widely presented arguments against a central bank has been that the U.S. Constitution does not expressly grant the federal government power to charter a bank. Recently, this issue has received new scrutiny in…

  10. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial perturbations and fetal programming of renal disease induced by maternal smoking.

    PubMed

    Stangenberg, Stefanie; Nguyen, Long T; Chen, Hui; Al-Odat, Ibrahim; Killingsworth, Murray C; Gosnell, Martin E; Anwer, Ayad G; Goldys, Ewa M; Pollock, Carol A; Saad, Sonia

    2015-07-01

    An adverse in-utero environment is increasingly recognized to predispose to chronic disease in adulthood. Maternal smoking remains the most common modifiable adverse in-utero exposure leading to low birth weight, which is strongly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in later life. In order to investigate underlying mechanisms for such susceptibility, female Balb/c mice were sham or cigarette smoke-exposed (SE) for 6 weeks before mating, throughout gestation and lactation. Offspring kidneys were examined for oxidative stress, expression of mitochondrial proteins, mitochondrial structure as well as renal functional parameters on postnatal day 1, day 20 (weaning) and week 13 (adult age). From birth throughout adulthood, SE offspring had increased renal levels of mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), which left a footprint on DNA with increased 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosin (8-OHdG) in kidney tubular cells. Mitochondrial structural abnormalities were seen in SE kidneys at day 1 and week 13 along with a reduction in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins and activity of mitochondrial antioxidant Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Smoke exposure also resulted in increased mitochondrial DNA copy number (day 1-week 13) and lysosome density (day 1 and week 13). The appearance of mitochondrial defects preceded the onset of albuminuria at week 13. Thus, mitochondrial damage caused by maternal smoking may play an important role in development of CKD at adult life. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Geriatric admissions in a developing country: experience from a tertiary centre in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Onwuchekwa, Arthur C; Asekomeh, E God'spower

    2009-01-01

    The aging populations in developing countries have brought a demographic and an epidemiological transition, affecting the impact of chronic diseases on the health status of the population. To review the pattern of geriatric admissions in the medical wards of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Medical records of all geriatric patients aged > or = 60 years admitted in the medical wards between June 2002 and May 2006 were retrieved and reviewed retrospectively. 2736 admissions to the adult medical wards over the period were reported. Among these, 1122 (41%) were geriatric patients aged > or = 60 years. The most common geriatric illnesses were cardiovascular diseases, 622 (43.7%), infections, 268 (18.8%) and endocrine diseases, 220 (15.4%). Malignancies, renal diseases and hematological diseases were few, being responsible for 53 (3.7%) 48 (3.4%) and 35 (2.5%) of medical admissions respectively. Only 1.5% of the patients spent more than 30 days in the hospital. More than half (56.4%) of the patients spent 1-2 weeks, while 33.3% of patients spent less than a week in hospital. Of the total geriatric patients seen, 70.6% recovered and were discharged home, 26.7% died and 2.5% left against medical advice. Elderly patients constitute a high proportion of in-patient medical admissions. Chronic diseases were responsible for the majority of morbidity and mortality in the elderly patients.

  12. 29 CFR 1926.903 - Underground transportation of explosives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...) Trucks used for the transportation of explosives underground shall have the electrical system checked weekly to detect any failures which may constitute an electrical hazard. A certification record which... powered by the truck's electrical system, shall be prohibited. (g) Explosives and blasting agents shall be...

  13. 29 CFR 1926.903 - Underground transportation of explosives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...) Trucks used for the transportation of explosives underground shall have the electrical system checked weekly to detect any failures which may constitute an electrical hazard. A certification record which... powered by the truck's electrical system, shall be prohibited. (g) Explosives and blasting agents shall be...

  14. 29 CFR 1926.903 - Underground transportation of explosives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) Trucks used for the transportation of explosives underground shall have the electrical system checked weekly to detect any failures which may constitute an electrical hazard. A certification record which... powered by the truck's electrical system, shall be prohibited. (g) Explosives and blasting agents shall be...

  15. 29 CFR 1926.903 - Underground transportation of explosives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) Trucks used for the transportation of explosives underground shall have the electrical system checked weekly to detect any failures which may constitute an electrical hazard. A certification record which... powered by the truck's electrical system, shall be prohibited. (g) Explosives and blasting agents shall be...

  16. 29 CFR 1926.903 - Underground transportation of explosives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) Trucks used for the transportation of explosives underground shall have the electrical system checked weekly to detect any failures which may constitute an electrical hazard. A certification record which... powered by the truck's electrical system, shall be prohibited. (g) Explosives and blasting agents shall be...

  17. 40 CFR 35.939 - Protests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... (generally, for formally advertised procurement, after bid opening, within 1 week after the basis for the...'s written or other formal notice is first received. (2) A protest appeal authorized by paragraph (e... constitute final agency action, from which there shall be no further administrative appeal. The Regional...

  18. 43 CFR 3862.4-1 - Newspaper publication.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... consecutive issues; if semiweekly or triweekly, in the issue of the same day of each week for nine consecutive weeks. In all cases the first day of issues shall be excluded in estimating the period of 60 days. [35... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Newspaper publication. 3862.4-1 Section...

  19. Colorado's Alternative School Calendar Program and the Four Day Week.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brubacher, Roy G.; Stiverson, C. L.

    Taking advantage of legislation permitting modified school calendars, the four-day work week has been implemented by 23 small, rural Colorado school districts representing 5,200 children. Thirteen districts implemented the four-day program in the 1980-81 school year. Ten additional districts applied as first year pilot programs in the 1981-82…

  20. 29 CFR 780.316 - Thirteen week provision.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... consisting of seven consecutive 24-hour periods during which the employee worked at least 1 “man-day.” Section 3(u) of the Act defines a man-day as “any day during which an employee performs any agricultural... 13(a)(6)(C) (as well as section 3(e)(2)) comports with the traditional definition of week used in...

  1. Drawings of the President: 1980 and 1984.

    PubMed

    Truhon, S A

    1990-10-01

    In Study 1, 77 children in Grades 3 and 6 were asked to draw pictures of the three major Presidential candidates (John Anderson, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan) at 2-wk. intervals beginning October 1, 1980 (about five weeks before Election Day) and ending November 12, 1980 (about one week after Election Day). It was hypothesized that the pictures would increase in size until Election Day and decrease thereafter. Drawings of Carter and Reagan decreased after Election Day, while those of Anderson began decreasing three weeks before the election. In Study 2, 81 children in Grades 4 and 5 drew pictures of Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale at 2-wk. intervals during the 1984 Presidential campaign. Drawings of Reagan decreased in size after Election Day but not those of Mondale.

  2. Consciousness levels one week after admission to a palliative care unit improve survival prediction in advanced cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Jaw-Shiun; Chen, Chao-Hsien; Wu, Chih-Hsun; Chiu, Tai-Yuan; Morita, Tatsuya; Chang, Chin-Hao; Hung, Shou-Hung; Lee, Ya-Ping; Chen, Ching-Yu

    2015-02-01

    Consciousness is an important factor of survival prediction in advanced cancer patients. However, effects on survival of changes over time in consciousness in advanced cancer patients have not been fully explored. This study evaluated changes in consciousness after admission to a palliative care unit and their correlation with prognosis in terminal cancer patients. This is a prospective observational study. From a palliative care unit in Taiwan, 531 cancer patients (51.8% male) were recruited. Consciousness status was assessed at admission and one week afterwards and recorded as normal or impaired. The mean age was 65.28±13.59 years, and the average survival time was 23.41±37.69 days. Patients with normal consciousness at admission (n=317) had better survival than those with impaired consciousness at admission (n=214): (17.0 days versus 6.0 days, p<0.001). In the analysis on survival within one week after admission, those with normal consciousness at admission had a higher percentage of survival than the impaired (78.9% versus 44.3%, p<0.001). Patients were further classified into four groups according to consciousness levels: (1) normal at admission and one week afterwards, (2) impaired at admission but normal one week afterwards, (3) normal at admission but impaired one week afterwards, and (4) impaired both at admission and one week afterwards. The former two groups had significantly better survival than the latter two groups: (median survival counted from day 7 after admission), 25.5, 27.0, 7.0, and 7.0 days, respectively. Consciousness levels one week after admission should be integrated into survival prediction in advanced cancer patients.

  3. Preemptive analgesia by using celecoxib combined with tramadol/APAP alleviates post-operative pain of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Xu, Zhongwei; Zhang, Hua; Luo, Jiao; Zhou, Aiguo; Zhang, Jian

    2017-09-01

    This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preemptive analgesia (PA) by using celecoxib combined with low-dose tramadol/acetaminophen (tramadol/APAP) in treating post-operative pain of patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 132 patients scheduled for TKA were included in this study. Three-day pre-operative medication was administrated in PA group with subsequent effective intra- and post-operative multimodal analgesia, while control patients received multimodal analgesia without PA. Visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized to assess the pain intensity at rest and during movement. VAS scores of participants were recorded 3 days before surgery, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Moreover, the length of hospital stay, expense of hospitalization, C-reactive protein (CRP) values during hospitalization, and complications during medication were also recorded. PA showed superiority over control at 3 weeks (P = 0.013) and 6 weeks (P = 0.046) in resting pain, and 1 week (P = 0.015), 3 weeks (P = 0.003), 6 weeks (P = 0.003) and 3 months (P = 0.012) postoperatively in movement pain. There was no statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay, total expense, CRP values, as well as complications. Based on satisfactory intra- and post-operative analgesia, PA by 3-day administration of celecoxib and low-dose tramadol/APAP might be an effective and safe therapy regarding patients undergoing TKA in terms of alleviating post-operative pain.

  4. Optimization of Methylphenidate Extended-Release Chewable Tablet Dose in Children with ADHD: Open-Label Dose Optimization in a Laboratory Classroom Study.

    PubMed

    Wigal, Sharon B; Childress, Ann; Berry, Sally A; Belden, Heidi W; Chappell, Phillip; Wajsbrot, Dalia B; Nagraj, Praneeta; Abbas, Richat; Palumbo, Donna

    2018-06-01

    To examine methylphenidate extended-release chewable tablets (MPH ERCT) dose patterns, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom scores, and safety during the 6-week, open-label (OL) dose-optimization period of a phase 3, laboratory classroom study. Boys and girls (6-12 years) diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled. MPH ERCT was initiated at 20 mg/day; participants were titrated in 10-20 mg/day increments weekly based on efficacy and tolerability (maximum dose, 60 mg/day). Dose-optimization period efficacy assessments included the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS-IV), analyzed by week in a post hoc analysis using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures with final optimized dose (20, 30/40, or 50/60 mg), visit, final optimized dose and visit interaction, and baseline score as terms. Adverse events (AEs) and concomitant medications were collected throughout the study. Mean MPH ERCT daily dose increased weekly from 29.4 mg/day after the first dose adjustment at week 1 (n = 90) to 42.8 mg/day after the final adjustment at week 5 (n = 86). Final optimized MPH ERCT dose ranged from 20 to 60 mg/day. Mean final optimized MPH ERCT dose ranged from 40.0 mg/day in 6-8 year-old participants to 44.8 mg/day for 11-12 year-old participants. There was a progressive decrease in mean (standard deviation) ADHD-RS-IV total score from 40.1 (8.72) at baseline to 12.4 (7.88) at OL week 5, with similar improvement patterns for hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness subscale scores. Participants optimized to MPH ERCT 50/60 mg/day had a significantly higher mean (standard error) ADHD-RS-IV score at baseline compared with participants optimized to MPH ERCT 20 mg/day (42.4 [1.34] vs. 35.1 [2.55]; p = 0.013). Treatment-emergent AEs were reported by 65/90 (72.2%) participants in the dose-optimization period. Dose-optimization period results describing relationships between change in ADHD symptom scores and final optimized MPH ERCT dose will be valuable for clinicians optimizing MPH ERCT dose.

  5. Quantification of training load during one-, two- and three-game week schedules in professional soccer players from the English Premier League: implications for carbohydrate periodisation.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Liam; Orme, Patrick; Di Michele, Rocco; Close, Graeme L; Morgans, Ryland; Drust, Barry; Morton, James P

    2016-01-01

    Muscle glycogen is the predominant energy source for soccer match play, though its importance for soccer training (where lower loads are observed) is not well known. In an attempt to better inform carbohydrate (CHO) guidelines, we quantified training load in English Premier League soccer players (n = 12) during a one-, two- and three-game week schedule (weekly training frequency was four, four and two, respectively). In a one-game week, training load was progressively reduced (P < 0.05) in 3 days prior to match day (total distance = 5223 ± 406, 3097 ± 149 and 2912 ± 192 m for day 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Whilst daily training load and periodisation was similar in the one- and two-game weeks, total accumulative distance (inclusive of both match and training load) was higher in a two-game week (32.5 ± 4.1 km) versus one-game week (25.9 ± 2 km). In contrast, daily training total distance was lower in the three-game week (2422 ± 251 m) versus the one- and two-game weeks, though accumulative weekly distance was highest in this week (35.5 ± 2.4 km) and more time (P < 0.05) was spent in speed zones >14.4 km · h(-1) (14%, 18% and 23% in the one-, two- and three-game weeks, respectively). Considering that high CHO availability improves physical match performance but high CHO availability attenuates molecular pathways regulating training adaptation (especially considering the low daily customary loads reported here, e.g., 3-5 km per day), we suggest daily CHO intake should be periodised according to weekly training and match schedules.

  6. Serum Penicillin G Levels Are Lower Than Expected in Adults within Two Weeks of Administration of 1.2 Million Units

    PubMed Central

    Hansen, Christian J.; Russell, Kevin L.; Blumer, Jeffrey L.

    2011-01-01

    When introduced in the 1950s, benzathine penicillin G (BPG) was shown to be effective in eradicating group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) for at least 3 weeks after administration. Several studies since the 1990s suggest that at 3–4 weeks serum penicillin G levels are less than adequate (below MIC90 of 0.016 µg/ml). We studied these levels for 4 weeks after the recommended dose of BPG in military recruits, for whom it is used as prophylaxis against GAS. The 329 subjects (mean age 20 years) each received 1.2 million units BPG IM and gave sera 1 day post injection and twice more at staggered time points over 4 weeks. Serum penicillin G levels were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectometry. The half-life of serum penicillin G was 4.1 days. By day 11, mean levels were <0.02 µg/ml, and by day 15<0.01 µg/ml. Levels in more than 50% of the subjects were below 0.02 µg/ml on day 9, and <.01 µg/ml on day 16. There was no demonstrable effect of subject body-surface area nor of the four different lots of BPG used. These data indicate that in healthy young adults serum penicillin G levels become less than protective <2½ weeks after injection of 1.2 million units of BPG. The findings require serious consideration in future medical and public health recommendations for treatment and prophylaxis of GAS upper respiratory tract infections. PMID:21991307

  7. Circadian, day-of-week, and seasonal variability in myocardial infarction: comparison between working and retired patients.

    PubMed

    Spielberg, C; Falkenhahn, D; Willich, S N; Wegscheider, K; Völler, H

    1996-09-01

    The circadian, day-of-week, and seasonal distributions of acute myocardial infarction and its association with the patients' working status were analyzed in a regionally defined population (n = 103, 322) monitored from 1980 to 1988. Included were 2906 consecutive patients (1746 [60.1%] men and 1160 [39.9%] women; mean age 67.8 years) with confirmed diagnosis (by standardized diagnostic criteria in hospitalized patients and autopsy results in out-of-hospital deaths). The time of myocardial infarction on the basis of onset of symptoms was known in 1901 cases. Myocardial infarction occurred more frequently (p < 0.05) during the morning from 7:00 to 10:00 AM, on Mondays, and during the winter from January to March compared with other times of day, days of the week, and seasons. Compared with retired patients, working patients (32%) had a second circadian peak, in the afternoon at 4:00 PM (p < 0.05), and a trend toward an additional seasonal peak in September (p value not significant), whereas the day-of-week pattern was similar in the two subgroups. The occurrence of myocardial infarction demonstrates marked circadian, day-of-week, and seasonal variations, with some differences between working and retired patients. Further investigation of possible triggering events may aid in identifying underlaying mechanisms and perhaps in improving prevention of the disease.

  8. Safety of Nintedanib Added to Pirfenidone Treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Flaherty, Kevin R; Fell, Charlene D; Huggins, J Terrill; Nunes, Hilario; Sussman, Robert; Valenzuela, Claudia; Petzinger, Ute; Stauffer, John L; Gilberg, Frank; Bengus, Monica; Wijsenbeek, Marlies

    2018-06-25

    We assessed safety and tolerability of treatment with pirfenidone (1602-2403 mg/day) and nintedanib (200-300 mg/day) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).This 24-week, single-arm, open-label Phase IV study (NCT02598193) enrolled patients with IPF with forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥50% and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) ≥30%. Before initiating nintedanib, patients had received pirfenidone for ≥16 weeks and tolerated a stable dose of ≥1602 mg/day for ≥28 days. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients who completed 24 weeks of combination treatment on pirfenidone (1602-2403 mg/day) and nintedanib (200-300 mg/day). Investigators recorded treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), attributing them to pirfenidone, nintedanib, both or neither.Eighty-nine patients were enrolled; 73 completed 24 weeks of treatment (69 meeting the primary endpoint) and 16 discontinued treatment prematurely (13 due to TEAEs). Seventy-four patients had 418 treatment-related TEAEs, of which diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting were the most common. Two patients had serious treatment-related TEAEs.Combined pirfenidone and nintedanib use for 24 weeks was tolerated by the majority of patients with IPF and associated with a similar pattern of TEAEs expected for either treatment alone. These results encourage further study of combination treatment with pirfenidone and nintedanib in patients with IPF. Copyright ©ERS 2018.

  9. Esomeprazole treatment of frequent heartburn: two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

    PubMed

    Peura, David A; Traxler, Barry; Kocun, Christopher; Lind, Tore

    2014-07-01

    To determine the efficacy of a 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg for the treatment of frequent heartburn in subjects who are likely to self-treat with over-the-counter medications without consulting a health care provider. Adults with frequent heartburn ≥ 2 days per week in the past 4 weeks were randomly assigned to 14-day double-blind treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg once daily or placebo in 2 identical multicenter studies (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01370525, NCT01370538). The primary efficacy outcome was percentage of heartburn-free 24-hour days across 14 days. Secondary efficacy outcomes included heartburn resolution, defined as heartburn ≤ 2 days over 14 days, and percentages of subjects reporting ≤ 1 day with heartburn in the first and final weeks of treatment. Subjects recorded data in daily self-assessment diaries. The percentage of heartburn-free 24-hour days over 14 days was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in subjects receiving esomeprazole 20 mg compared with placebo in study 1 (N = 331; 46.13% vs. 33.07%, respectively) and study 2 (N = 320; 48.00% vs 32.75%, respectively). Significantly more subjects treated with esomeprazole 20 mg had heartburn resolution over 14 days and in the first and final weeks compared with placebo. Within the first 4 days, the proportion of subjects with heartburn-free days was significantly greater with esomeprazole 20 mg versus placebo. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with a safety pattern consistent with the known profile for esomeprazole. A 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg once daily was effective for treating frequent heartburn in subjects who are likely to self-treat with over-the-counter medications.

  10. 76 FR 46305 - Eligibility Criteria for Sites Recruiting National Health Service Corps Scholars

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-02

    ... 4 work days per week, with no more than 12 hours of work to be performed in any 24-hour period. Time... may be compressed into no less than 2 work days per week, with no more than 12 hours of work to be...-approved service site(s), during normally scheduled office hours. The remaining 4 hours per week must be...

  11. ONE WEEK VERSUS FOUR WEEK HEPARIN PROPHYLAXIS AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR COLORECTAL CANCER.

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2012-04-28

    The Primary Study Objective is to Assess the Efficacy and; Safety of Extended 4-week Heparin Prophylaxis Compared to; Prophylaxis Given for 8±2 Days After Planned Laparoscopic; Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.; The Clinical Benefit Will be Evaluated as the Difference in; the Incidence of VTE or VTE-related Death Occurring Within 30 Days; From Surgery in the Two Study Groups.

  12. A randomized pilot study comparing zero-calorie alternate-day fasting to daily caloric restriction in adults with obesity.

    PubMed

    Catenacci, Victoria A; Pan, Zhaoxing; Ostendorf, Danielle; Brannon, Sarah; Gozansky, Wendolyn S; Mattson, Mark P; Martin, Bronwen; MacLean, Paul S; Melanson, Edward L; Troy Donahoo, William

    2016-09-01

    To evaluate the safety and tolerability of alternate-day fasting (ADF) and to compare changes in weight, body composition, lipids, and insulin sensitivity index (Si) with those produced by a standard weight loss diet, moderate daily caloric restriction (CR). Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2) , age 18-55) were randomized to either zero-calorie ADF (n = 14) or CR (-400 kcal/day, n = 12) for 8 weeks. Outcomes were measured at the end of the 8-week intervention and after 24 weeks of unsupervised follow-up. No adverse effects were attributed to ADF, and 93% completed the 8-week ADF protocol. At 8 weeks, ADF achieved a 376 kcal/day greater energy deficit; however, there were no significant between-group differences in change in weight (mean ± SE; ADF -8.2 ± 0.9 kg, CR -7.1 ± 1.0 kg), body composition, lipids, or Si. After 24 weeks of unsupervised follow-up, there were no significant differences in weight regain; however, changes from baseline in % fat mass and lean mass were more favorable in ADF. ADF is a safe and tolerable approach to weight loss. ADF produced similar changes in weight, body composition, lipids, and Si at 8 weeks and did not appear to increase risk for weight regain 24 weeks after completing the intervention. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

  13. Adolescent Weight Status: Associations With Structural and Functional Dimensions of Social Relations.

    PubMed

    Kjelgaard, Heidi Hjort; Holstein, Bjørn Evald; Due, Pernille; Brixval, Carina Sjöberg; Rasmussen, Mette

    2017-04-01

    To examine the associations between weight status and structural and functional dimensions of social relations among 11- to 15-year-old girls and boys. Analyses were based on cross-sectional data from the Danish contribution to the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children study 2010. The study population (n = 4,922) included students in the fifth, seventh, and ninth grade from a representative sample of Danish schools. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to study the associations between weight status and social relations, supported by a conceptual framework for the study of social relations. Among girls, overweight/obese weight status was associated with spending less time with friends after school compared to normal-weight status (0 days/week: odds ratio: 6.25, 95% confidence interval: 2.18-17.95, 1 day/week: 2.81, 1.02-7.77, 2 days/week: 3.27, 1.25-8.56, 3 days/week: 3.32, 1.28-8.61, and 4 days/week: 3.23, 1.17-8.92, respectively vs. 5 days/week). Among girls, overweight/obese weight status was associated with being bullied (2.62, 1.55-4.43). Among boys, overweight/obese weight status was associated with infrequent (1 to 2 days vs. every day) communication with friends through cellphones, SMS messages, or Internet (1.66, 1.03-2.67). In the full population, overweight/obese weight status was associated with not perceiving best friend as a confidant (1.59, 1.11-2.28). No associations were found between weight status and number of close same-sex and opposite-sex friends, mother/father as confidant, and perceived classmate acceptance. This study shows that overweight/obese adolescents have higher odds of numerous poor social relations than their normal-weight peers both in terms of structural and functional dimensions of social relations. Copyright © 2016 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. The use of abdominal muscle training, breathing exercises and abdominal massage to treat paediatric chronic functional constipation.

    PubMed

    Silva, C A G; Motta, M E F A

    2013-05-01

    The effect of muscular training, abdominal massage and diaphragmatic breathing was compared with medical treatment in a prospective randomized trial of patients with chronic functional constipation. Patients aged 4-18 years old with functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria were randomized to physiotherapy or medical treatment. In the physiotherapy group, exercises (isometric training of the abdominal muscles, diaphragmatic breathing exercises and abdominal massage) were employed during 12 40-min sessions twice a week by a trained physiotherapist, with laxatives. Patients in the medication group were only given laxatives. Primary outcome measures were frequency of defaecation and faecal incontinence. The analysis was performed by intention-to-treat. After 6 weeks of treatment, the frequency of bowel movements was higher in the physiotherapy group [5.1 (2.1) days/week] than in the medication group [3.9 (2.0) days/week] (P = 0.01). The frequency of faecal incontinence was no different between the groups [3.6 (1.9) days/week vs 3.0 (2.1) days/week] (P = 0.31). The combined use of isometric training of abdominal muscles, breathing exercises and abdominal massage increased defaecation frequency after 6 weeks but faecal incontinence remained unchanged. Physiotherapy may be a useful treatment for constipation. Colorectal Disease © 2013 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

  15. Effects of different starch sources on metabolic profile, production and fertility parameters in dairy cows.

    PubMed

    Mikuła, R; Nowak, W; Jaśkowski, J M; Maćkowiak, P; Oszmałek, E Pruszyńska

    2011-01-01

    The objective of the study was to determine the effect of replacing triticale (high rumen degradable starch) with maize grain (low rumen degradable starch) during the transition period and the first 120 days of lactation on metabolic and hormonal profile indices, milk production and fertility performance in cows. Forty-eight Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were divided into 4 groups: TT (2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from 14 days prepartum to day 120 postpartum), TM (2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to calving, and then 2.5 kg maize grain to 120 days of lactation), MT (2.5 kg maize grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to calving, and then 2.5 kg triticale grain to 120 days of lactation), MM (2.5 kg maize grain/cow per day supplemented from 14 days prepartum to day 120 postpartum). Blood samples were collected 3 weeks and 1 week before calving and on days 14, 56 and 70 of lactation, and they were analyzed in terms of concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor I, nonesterified fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. Milk samples were collected twice a day at weekly intervals and analyzed for fat, protein and lactose. Milk yield and individual dry mater intake were recorded at weekly intervals. Body condition was estimated 3 weeks before calving, on parturition day and on days 14, 56 and 120 of lactation. Replacing triticale grain with maize grain in the transition period and during lactation positively affected fertility of lactating cows. An increased first service conception rate and shortening of the days open period was observed in MM and TM groups in comparison to those found in group MT (P < or = 0.05). The lowest number of services per conception was recorded in groups MM and TM (P < or = 0.05). Although the impact of milk production and the most of the blood indices were not significantly affected by this treatment, the results of the study suggest that maize grain in the transition period and lactation might be a more effective energy source for dairy cows than triticale grain.

  16. Efficacy of laser phototherapy in comparison to topical clobetasol for the treatment of oral lichen planus: a randomized controlled trial

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dillenburg, Caroline Siviero; Martins, Marco Antonio Trevizani; Munerato, Maria Cristina; Marques, Márcia Martins; Carrard, Vinícius Coelho; Filho, Manoel Sant'Ana; Castilho, Rogério Moraes; Martins, Manoela Domingues

    2014-06-01

    Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease and a search for novel therapeutic options has been performed. We sought to compare the efficacy of laser phototherapy (LPT) to topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% for the treatment of atrophic and erosive OLP. Forty-two patients with atrophic/erosive OLP were randomly allocated to two groups: clobetasol group (n=21): application of topical clobetasol propionate gel (0.05%) three times a day; LPT group (n=21): application of laser irradiation using InGaAlP diode laser three times a week. Evaluations were performed once a week during treatment (Days 7, 14, 21, and 30) and in four weeks (Day 60) and eight weeks (Day 90) after treatment. At the end of treatment (Day 30), significant reductions in all variables were found in both groups. The LPT group had a higher percentage of complete lesion resolution. At follow-up periods (Days 60 and 90), the LPT group maintained the clinical pattern seen at Day 30, with no recurrence of the lesions, whereas the clobetasol group exhibited worsening for all variables analyzed. These findings suggest that the LPT proved more effective than topical clobetasol 0.05% for the treatment of OLP.

  17. Association between meteorological factors and hepatitis A in Spain 2010-2014.

    PubMed

    Gullón, Pedro; Varela, Carmen; Martínez, Elena Vanessa; Gómez-Barroso, Diana

    2017-05-01

    There is growing concern of how climate change could affect public health, due to the increase number of extreme climate events. Hence, the study of the role that climate events play on the distribution of waterborne diseases, like Hepatitis A, could be key for developing new prevention approaches. To investigate the association between climate factors and Hepatitis A in Spain between 2010 and 2014. Weekly Hepatitis A cases between 2010 and 2014 were obtained from the Spanish Epidemiology Surveillance Network. Climate variables (weekly cumulative rainfall, rainy days, storm days and snow days) were obtained from National Climatic Data Center (NOAA satellite and information Service of USA). Each municipality was assigned to the nearest weather station (N=73). A Mixed-Effects Poisson regression was performed to estimate Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR), including a time lag of 2, 3 and 4weeks (most probable incubation period for Hepatitis A). Rainfall higher than 90th percentile (extreme precipitation) was associated with increased number of Hepatitis A cases 2weeks (IRR=1.24 CI 95%=1.09-1.40) and 4weeks after the event (IRR=1.15 CI 95%=1.01-1.30). An extra rainy day increased the risk of Hepatitis A two weeks after (IRR=1.03 CI 95%=1.01-1.05). We found higher risk of Hepatitis A two weeks after each extra storm day (IRR=1.06 CI 95%=1.00-1.12), and lower risk with 3 and 4weeks' lag (IRR=0.93 CI 95%=0.88-0.99 for lag3; IRR=0.94 CI 95%=0.88-0.99 for lag 4). There is an increased risk of Hepatitis A 2weeks after water-related climate events. Including meteorological information in surveillance systems might improve to develop early prevention strategies for waterborne diseases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Nicholas Gilman: Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution. A Bicentennial Series No. 14.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Army Center of Military History, Washington, DC.

    An officer in the Continental Army, Nicholas Gilman served on George Washington's staff through the dark days of Valley Forge to the final victory at Yorktown, and this experience made him a strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution. This booklet on Gilman is one in a series on veterans of the Revolutionary War who were also signers of the U.S.…

  19. The First Page of the Official Journal of the Constitutional Convention--Just the Tip of a Records Iceberg!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Potter, Lee Ann

    2012-01-01

    On Monday, September 17, 1787, 39 delegates to the Federal Convention in Philadelphia signed the Constitution of the United States, along with Major William Jackson, who had served as the secretary of the Convention. That same day, Jackson received instructions to leave for New York City on Tuesday and carry the document to Congress. All of these…

  20. A Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of the Oral Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, MS-275, in Patients with Refractory Solid Tumors and Lymphomas

    PubMed Central

    Gore, Lia; Rothenberg, Mace L.; O'Bryant, Cindy L.; Schultz, Mary Kay; Sandler, Alan B.; Coffin, Denise; McCoy, Candice; Schott, Astrid; Scholz, Catherine; Eckhardt, S. Gail

    2010-01-01

    Purpose To evaluate the toxicity profile, pharmacologic, and biological properties of 3-pyridylmethyl N-{4-[(2-aminophenyl)carbamoyl]benzyl}carbamate (MS-275), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, when administered orally on three different dosing schedules. Experimental Design Patients with advanced solid malignancies and lymphomas were treated on three dose schedules: once every other week, twice weekly for 3 weeks every 28 days, and once weekly for 3 weeks every 28 days. First-cycle plasma pharmacokinetics and peripheral blood mononuclear cell histone acetylation were determined. Results Twenty-seven patients received ≥149 courses of treatment. Hypophosphatemia and asthenia were dose limiting on the weekly and twice-weekly dosing schedules; there was no dose-limiting toxicity on the every other week schedule. Pharmacokinetic variables revealed dose-dependent and dose-proportional increases. Two of 27 patients showed partial remissions, including one patient with metastatic melanoma who had a partial response and has remained on study for >5 years. Six patients showed prolonged disease stabilization. Levels of histone H3 and H4 acetylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased qualitatively but with a high degree of interpatient variation. Conclusions MS-275 is well tolerated at doses up to 6 mg/m2 every other week or 4 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of rest and results in biologically relevant plasma concentrations and antitumor activity. Twice-weekly dosing was not tolerable due to asthenia, and further evaluation of this schedule was halted. The recommended dose for further disease-focused studies is 4 mg/m2 given weekly for 3 weeks every 28 days or 2 to 6 mg/m2 given once every other week. PMID:18579665

  1. Combination With Low-dose Dextromethorphan Improves the Effect of Amlodipine Monotherapy in Clinical Hypertension

    PubMed Central

    Yin, Wei-Hsian; Chen, Pei; Yeh, Hung-I; Wang, Kuo-Yang; Hung, Yi-Jen; Tseng, Wei-Kung; Wen, Ming-Shien; Wu, Tao-Cheng; Wu, Chau-Chung; Cheng, Shu-Meng; Chen, Jaw-Wen

    2016-01-01

    Abstract The combination of low rather than high dose of dextromethorphan (DXM) with amlodipine (AM) could improve blood pressure (BP) reduction in hypertensive animals. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of different doses of DXM combined with standard AM treatment in clinical hypertension. This was a prospective, 14-week, dose-escalation, multicenter study. After 2-week run-in period with AM 5 mg/day, hypertensive patients who got the BP goal of 140/90 mmHg kept receiving AM monotherapy for another 12 weeks. The nonresponders, while kept on AM 5 mg/day, received additional DXM treatment for 3 sequential dose-titrated periods with initially 2.5 mg/day, followed by 7.5 mg/day, and finally 30 mg/day. Each period was for 4 weeks. The patients at BP goal after each treatment period were defined as the responders and kept on the same combination till the end of the study. The responder rate of each treatment period was recorded. The changes of BP and serum antioxidant/endothelial markers between week 14 and week 2 were evaluated. Of the 103 patients initially enrolled, 89 entered the treatment period. In the 78 patients completing the study, 31 (40%) at BP goal after 2-week AM run-in kept on AM monotherapy (DXM0). The addition of 2.5 (DXM2.5) and 7.5 mg/day (DXM7.5) of DXM enabled BP goal achievement in 22 (47%) nonresponders to AM monotherapy including 16 (29%) with DXM2.5 and 6 (18%) with DXM7.5. Only 4 patients (16%) reached BP goal with the combination of DXM 30 mg/day (DXM30). Overall, 73% of the 78 patients reached BP goal at the end of the 14-week study. Mean systolic BP was reduced by 7.9% ± 7.0% with DXM2.5 (P < 0.001) and by 5.4% ± 2.4% with DXM7.5 (P = 0.003) respectively at week 14 from that at week 2, which was unchanged in either DXM0 or DXM30 group. Besides, the effects of combination treatment were particularly significant in the patients with impaired endothelial function suggested by reduced serum NOx level at baseline. Accordingly, the combination with low dose of DXM was feasible to improve BP control in patients who failed to achieve the BP goal by standard AM monotherapy. The benefit effects might be significant especially in patients with impaired endothelial function. PMID:27015224

  2. Preterm infant outcomes in relation to the gestational age of onset and duration of prelabour rupture of membranes: a retrospective cohort study.

    PubMed

    Pharande, Pramod; Mohamed, Abdel-Latif; Bajuk, Barbara; Lui, Kei; Bolisetty, Srinivas

    2017-01-01

    To determine the hospital outcomes of liveborn infants at 23-31 weeks following prelabour preterm rupture of membranes (PPROM). A regional retrospective cohort study of 4454 infants of 23-31 weeks' gestation admitted to a tertiary neonatal network between 2007 and 2011. Primary outcome was the composite chronic lung disease (CLD) or mortality at discharge. 225 (5%) neonates had a history of PPROM occurring prior to 24 +0 weeks (Early-PPROM), 829 (19%) had a history of PPROM at or after 24 +0 weeks' gestation (Late-PPROM) and 3400 (76%) had no history of PPROM (No-PPROM). In comparison to No-PPROM, Early-PPROM group had higher CLD/mortality in infants born at 23-27 weeks (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.34 to 2.85) and 28-31 weeks (OR 4.98; 95% CI 2.99 to 8.28). Within Early-PPROM group, the latency of PPROM >14 days had lower CLD/mortality in comparison to latency ≤14 days (57.6% vs 77%, OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.76). Late-PPROM group had significantly lower CLD/mortality in comparison to No-PPROM group at 23-27 weeks (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.69) and 28-31 weeks (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71). Within Late-PPROM group, latency >14 days was associated with an increased CLD/mortality in 28-31 weeks (14.1% vs 5.4%, OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.31 to 6.38). Early-PPROM prior to 24 weeks' gestation had high incidence of CLD/mortality even after correcting for gestational age. Late-PPROM at or after 24 weeks had lower CLD/mortality compared with No-PPROM. Latency >14 days in Late-PPROM group at 28-31 week group increased the odds of CLD/mortality.

  3. Adobe Mining grows during tough times

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Scott, F.E.

    1983-05-01

    This article describes how a mining company produces coal at its 10 surface operations 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week, and runs its 3 preparation plants 24 hrs. a day, 5 days a week. In 1982 Adobe topped 2 million tons per year in coal production. A significant savings is realized because Adobe has its own shop to rebuild all major engines and power train components when necessary. Adobe origins and safety and reclamation are discussed.

  4. Phase I dose-escalation studies of roniciclib, a pan-cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, in advanced malignancies.

    PubMed

    Bahleda, Rastislav; Grilley-Olson, Juneko E; Govindan, Ramaswamy; Barlesi, Fabrice; Greillier, Laurent; Perol, Maurice; Ray-Coquard, Isabelle; Strumberg, Dirk; Schultheis, Beate; Dy, Grace K; Zalcman, Gérard; Weiss, Glen J; Walter, Annette O; Kornacker, Martin; Rajagopalan, Prabhu; Henderson, David; Nogai, Hendrik; Ocker, Matthias; Soria, Jean-Charles

    2017-06-06

    To evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, and maximum tolerated dose of roniciclib in patients with advanced malignancies, with dose expansion to evaluate clinical benefit at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Two phase I dose-escalation studies evaluated two roniciclib dosing schedules: 3 days on/4 days off or 4 weeks on/2 weeks off. The expansion phase included patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), ovarian cancer, or tumour mutations involving the CDK signalling pathway. Ten patients were evaluable in the 4 weeks on/2 weeks off schedule (terminated following limited tolerability) and 47 in the 3 days on/4 days off schedule dose-escalation cohorts. On the 3 days on/4 days off schedule, RP2D was 5 mg twice daily in solid tumours (n=40); undetermined in lymphoid malignancies (n=7). Common roniciclib-related adverse events included nausea (76.6%), fatigue (65.8%), diarrhoea (63.1%), and vomiting (57.7%). Roniciclib demonstrated rapid absorption and dose-proportional increase in exposure. One partial response (1.0%) was observed. In RP2D expansion cohorts, the disease control rate (DCR) was 40.9% for patients with ovarian cancer (n=25), 17.4% for patients with SCLC (n=33), and 33.3% for patients with CDK-related tumour mutations (n=6). Roniciclib demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and moderate DCR in 3 days on/4 days off schedule.

  5. Badminton injuries--a prospective epidemiological and socioeconomic study.

    PubMed Central

    Høy, K; Lindblad, B E; Terkelsen, C J; Helleland, H E; Terkelsen, C J

    1994-01-01

    During a 1-year period 100 badminton players were registered and treated in the casualty ward of Randers City Hospital, Denmark. The injuries to the badminton players constituted 5% of all sports injuries registered during the same period in the casualty ward. At follow-up questionnaires were sent to all participants. Replies were received from 89 patients. Over the same period all sports participants in the hospital catchment area (30,254) were registered according to their sport affiliation (2620 badminton players-1650 men and 970 women). Of those injured 58% were men (mean age 31 years) and 42% were women (mean age 25 years). Of the injuries 55% occurred in club players, the remainder occurring during company and school sports activities. The active players were classified into three groups according to age: Group 1 under 18 years (31%); Group 2 18-25 years (16%); Group 3 more than 25 years (53%). According to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 17% of the injuries were classified as minor, 56% as moderate, and 27% as severe, respectively. Of the severe injuries (AIS = 3) 56% were found in the oldest age group. AIS correlated with time absent from sport (P < 0.001). Nine players (9%) reported that earlier injuries had influenced the actual accident. Most players (96%) trained one to three times a week. Sprains were the injury most commonly diagnosed (56%), fractures accounted for 5%, torn ankle ligaments were found in 10%, and 13% had ruptures to the Achilles tendon. Overall, 21% were admitted to hospital. None of the patients treated as inpatients was kept in hospital for more than 7 days. The injury caused 56% of players to be absent from work of whom 23% were absent for more than 3 weeks. After the injury 12% of the players gave up their sport, and only 4% restarted their training/sport within 1 week. As many as 28% had to avoid training and playing in matches for 8 weeks or more. PMID:7894961

  6. Fibromyalgia with Gabapentin and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Marske, Cynthia; Bernard, Natasha; Palacios, Alison; Wheeler, Cary; Preiss, Ben; Brown, Mackenzie; Bhattacharya, Saveri; Klapstein, Gloria

    2018-04-01

    This pilot study compares the safety and efficacy of three treatments in reducing pain and improving fibromyalgia symptoms. This study was an 8-week prospective, single center feasibility study. Forty subjects were recruited from Solano, Sonoma, and Contra Costa counties of California in 2006-2009. Subjects were aged 18-65 and met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria for fibromyalgia. This study had three treatment arms: gabapentin only (900 mg/day), osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) only, and combined treatment of gabapentin plus OMM. OMM treatment was administered by advanced medical students for 30 min, once a week. The trial lasted for 8 weeks, which included 6 weeks of treatment plus initial and final visits. Key outcome measures included Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBF), Clinical Global Impression of Health (CGI), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and number of tender points. Twenty-nine subjects completed the trial; 8 subjects received gabapentin only, 11 patients received OMM only, and 10 patients received gabapentin plus OMM. Subjects receiving OMM alone and subjects receiving the combined treatment of OMM and gabapentin displayed clinical improvements based on WBF (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively), while the change among the gabapentin-only group was nonsignificant. The OMM only group was the only group to experience a significant decline in CGI scale (p < 0.01). No statistically significant changes were observed with the FIQ or number of tender points. No differences across groups were statistically significant. This is to be expected in a feasibility study with a small sample size. This pilot study suggests that OMM treatment and gabapentin are safe and clinically efficacious treatment of pain and other constitutional and somatic symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. A larger trial using the new ACR 2010 Fibromyalgia criteria is needed to confirm these findings.

  7. The effect of physical activity homework on physical activity among college students.

    PubMed

    Claxton, David; Wells, Gayle M

    2009-03-01

    This study examined the effect of using physical activity homework on physical activity levels of college students. Students in randomly assigned sections of a university health course were assigned 30 minutes of physical activity homework 3 days a week or no homework for 12 weeks. Participants completed self-reports of physical activity before the homework intervention and again at the conclusion of the 12 weeks of physical activity homework. Participants in all course sections reported significant increases in the number of days per week of moderate and vigorous physical activity. Participants in homework sections additionally showed significant increases in the days they engaged in muscular strength/endurance training and activities to manage weight. Participants in sections without homework showed a significant increase in the number of days engaged in flexibility training. Comparison of gain scores showed statistically significant increases by the homework group in the days they participated in activities designed to manage weight. Physical activity homework was deemed to be an effective method of increasing college students' levels of physical activity.

  8. Distinguishing pathological from constitutional small for gestational age births in population-based studies.

    PubMed

    Ananth, Cande V; Vintzileos, Anthony M

    2009-10-01

    Small for gestational age (SGA) can occur following a pathological process or may represent constitutionally small fetuses. However, distinguishing these processes is often difficult, especially in large studies, where the term SGA is often used as a proxy for restricted fetal growth. Since biologic variation in fetal size is largely a third trimester phenomenon, we hypothesized that the definition of SGA at term may include a sizeable proportion of constitutionally small fetuses. In contrast, since biologic variation in fetal size is not fully expressed in (early) preterm gestations, it is plausible that SGA in early preterm gestations would comprise a large proportion of growth restricted fetuses. We compared mortality and morbidity rates between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies. A population-based study of over 19million non-malformed, singleton births (1995-04) in the United States was performed. Gestational age (24-44weeks) was based on a clinical estimate. SGA and AGA were defined as sex-specific birthweight <10th and 25-74th centiles, respectively, for gestational age. All analyses were adjusted for a variety of confounding factors. Excess mortality risk in SGA and AGA babies. On an additive scale, stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates were higher at every preterm gestation among SGA than AGA births, and similar at term gestations. An inverse relationship between gestational age and excess deaths between SGA and AGA babies delivered at <37weeks was evident. In early preterm gestations, the definition of SGA may well be justified as a proxy for IUGR. In contrast, SGA babies that are delivered at term are likely to be constitutionally small.

  9. Clinical relevance of total HCV core antigen testing for hepatitis C monitoring and for predicting patients' response to therapy.

    PubMed

    Maynard, M; Pradat, P; Berthillon, P; Picchio, G; Voirin, N; Martinot, M; Marcellin, P; Trepo, C

    2003-07-01

    To study the correlation between total Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Core antigen (Ag) and HCV-RNA, and to assess the proficiency of HCV Core Ag testing in monitoring and predicting virologic response during and after pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy. A total of 307 samples from treated and untreated patients were used to assess the correlation between the total HCV Core Ag test and quantitative HCV-RNA assays (Superquant, and Quantiplex branched DNA 2.0 assay). Twenty-four patients received combination therapy for 48 weeks. Blood samples were collected at day 0, and week 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 for virologic evaluation. A linear relation exists between total HCV Core Ag and HCV-RNA levels. At 3 months the positive predictive value (PPV) of response to therapy was 100% with either HCV Core Ag or HCV-RNA. For HCV Core Ag the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% whereas for HCV-RNA the NPV was 80% (P > 0.05). At month 1, the PPV was 95% and 100% when determined by HCV Core Ag and HCV-RNA, respectively. The NPV value was 100% for HCV Core Ag and 33% for HCV-RNA (P = 0.005). HCV Core Ag quantification could be useful in clinical practice to predict a sustained virological response early during therapy (4 weeks), reaching an optimal performance at month 3. The determination of total HCV Core Ag levels in serum, constitutes an accurate and reliable alternative to HCV-RNA for monitoring and predicting treatment outcome in patients receiving PEG-IFN/Ribavirin combination therapy.

  10. [Clinical observation on nanometer acupoint mounting method for alleviation of myospasm complicated by spinal injury].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Su-Jie; Si, Tong; Li, Zhi

    2008-11-01

    To observe clinical effect of nanometer acupoint mounting method for alleviation of myospasm complicated by spinal injury. Sixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The observation group were treated by nanometer mounting at 4 Jiaji (EX-B 2) points each on both sides of the affected spine and Shenshu (BL 23), Shangliao (BL 31), Ciliao (BL 32), Yang-lingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39); and the control group by mounting zinc oxide sticking tablets at the above acupoints. The mounting was replaced once each two days, 7 times constituting one course. One week and one month after the end of 3 courses, their results were recorded, respectively. Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups in grades of the myospasm degree (P > 0.05). One week after the end of treatment, 15 cases were grade I of myospasm, 9 cases were grade II, 5 cases were grade III and 1 case was grade IV in the observation group, and 1 cases grade I, 7 cases grade II, 14 cases grade III, 8 cases grade IV in the control group. Ridit analysis on the data indicated that there were significant differences before and after treatment in the myospasm degree (P < 0.01) and between the two groups after treatment (P < 0.01). One month after the end of treatment, the results were similar to those one week after the end of treatment. Nanometer acupoint mounting method is a new one for alleviation of myospasm complicated by spinal injury, with convenience, safety and no side effect.

  11. Antiatherogenic effects of S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine in hypercholesterolemic LDL receptor knockout mice.

    PubMed

    Krieger, M H; Santos, K F R; Shishido, S M; Wanschel, A C B A; Estrela, H F G; Santos, L; De Oliveira, M G; Franchini, K G; Spadari-Bratfisch, R C; Laurindo, F R M

    2006-02-01

    The pathophysiology of the NO/NO synthase system and dysfunctional changes in the endothelium in the early phases of the atherogenic process are incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of the nitrosothiol NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) in the early prevention of plaque development in the hypercholesterolemic LDLr-/- mice as well as the changes in endothelium-dependent relaxation and NO synthase expression. LDLr-/- mice were fed a 1.25% cholesterol-enriched diet for 15 days. Plasma cholesterol/triglyceride levels increased and this increase was accompanied by the development of aortic root lesions. Aortic vasorelaxation to acetylcholine was increased, although endothelium-independent relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside did not change, which suggest stimulated NO release enhanced. This dysfunction was associated with enhanced aortic superoxide production and with increased levels of constitutive NOS isoform expression, particularly neuronal NOS. SNAC (S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine) administration (0.51 micromol/kg/day i.p. for 15 days) decreased the extent of the plaque by 55% in hypercholesterolemic mice, but had no effects on vasomotor changes. It did, however, lead to a decrease in constitutive NOS expression. The SNAC induced only minor changes in plasma lipid profile. The present study has shown that, in early stages of plaque development in LDLr-/- mice, specific changes in NO/NO synthase system develop, that are characterized by increased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and increased constitutive NOS expression. Since the development of plaque and the indicator of endothelial cell dysfunction were prevented by SNAC, such treatment may constitute a novel strategy for the halting of progression of early plaque.

  12. [Antihypertensive Efficacy of Fixed Combination Azilsartan Medoxomil / Chlorthalidone in Patients With Uncontrolled Arterial Hypertension].

    PubMed

    Kobalava, Z D; Villevalde, S V; Kulakov, V V

    2017-11-01

    To study effects of a fixed azilsartan medoxomil/chlorthalidone combination (Edarbi Clo) on clinical, ambulatory and central blood pressure (BP) in patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension (AH)). Patients (n=25) with uncontrolled AH were given fixed azilsartan medoxomil/chlorthalidone combination (40 / 12.5 mg / day) for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, in patients who did not achieve target BP levels the dose was increased up to 40 / 25 mg / day. Duration of the study was 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment 88 % of patients achieved target clinical BP (.

  13. Tafenoquine for the treatment of recurrent Plasmodium vivax malaria.

    PubMed

    Kitchener, Scott; Nasveld, Peter; Edstein, Michael D

    2007-03-01

    Tafenoquine was used to treat Plasmodium vivax malaria cases who had previously failed treatment with chloroquine and primaquine. Chloroquine was followed by a loading dose of tafenoquine (200 mg base/day for 3 days) and 200 mg a week was given for 8 weeks. One of 27 treated patients relapsed after 6 months of observation. A standard course of chloroquine administered with 8 weeks of tafenoquine may be more effective than chloroquine with primaquine (22.5 mg/day for 14 days) in preventing additional P. vivax relapses. Larger studies are required to optimize the combination, but our findings suggest that an extended use of tafenoquine may be required to prevent relapses of primaquine-tolerant strains of P. vivax malaria.

  14. Day treatment versus enhanced standard methadone services for opioid-dependent patients: a comparison of clinical efficacy and cost.

    PubMed

    Avants, S K; Margolin, A; Sindelar, J L; Rounsaville, B J; Schottenfeld, R; Stine, S; Cooney, N L; Rosenheck, R A; Li, S H; Kosten, T R

    1999-01-01

    This study examined the differential efficacy and relative costs of two intensities of adjunctive psychosocial services--a day treatment program and enhanced standard care--for the treatment of opioid-dependent patients maintained on methadone hydrochloride. A 12-week randomized clinical trial with 6-month follow-up was conducted in a community-based methadone maintenance program. Of the 308 patients who met inclusion criteria, 291 began treatment (day treatment program: N=145; enhanced standard care: N=146), and 237 completed treatment (82% of those assigned to the day treatment program and 81% of those receiving enhanced standard care). Two hundred twenty of the patients participated in the 6-month follow-up (75% of those in the day treatment program and 73% of those in enhanced standard care provided a follow-up urine sample for screening). Both interventions were 12 weeks in duration, manual-guided, and provided by master's-level clinicians. The day treatment was an intensive, 25-hour-per-week program. The enhanced standard care was standard methadone maintenance plus a weekly skills training group and referral to on- and off-site services. Outcome measures included twice weekly urine toxicology screens, severity of addiction-related problems, prevalence of HIV risk behaviors, and program costs. Although the cost of the day treatment program was significantly higher, there was no significant difference in the two groups' use of either opiates or cocaine. Over the course of treatment, drug use, drug-related problems, and HIV risk behaviors decreased significantly for patients assigned to both treatment intensities. Improvements were maintained at follow-up. Providing an intensive day treatment program to unemployed, inner-city methadone patients was not cost-effective relative to a program of enhanced methadone maintenance services, which produced comparable outcomes at less than half the cost.

  15. Posttherapy suppression of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) recurrences and enhancement of HSV-specific T-cell memory by imiquimod in guinea pigs.

    PubMed Central

    Harrison, C J; Miller, R L; Bernstein, D I

    1994-01-01

    Imiquimod, an immunomodulator with no direct in vitro antiviral activity, has in vivo anti-herpesvirus activity by inducing interferon and enhancing other only partially defined immune responses. Imiquimod treatment of primary genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in guinea pigs reduces the level of genital disease by 90%. We further investigated its utility as suppressive therapy of recurrent disease in animals that had recently recovered from primary genital HSV-2 disease. Imiquimod administered intravaginally once per day for 5 days reduced the number of recurrences only during treatment, while a 21-day regimen reduced the number of recurrences for 8 weeks. For the entire 10 weeks of observation, overall numbers of recurrences were reduced 67% by the 21-day imiquimod treatment (P < 0.0001). Latent HSV in ganglia was not affected by either regimen. Increased circulating alpha interferon activity was observed during therapy with both regimens. Interferon levels rapidly returned to baseline with cessation of treatment. Posttreatment, 5-day imiquimod treatment did not provide clinical benefit or enhancement of cell-mediated or cytokine responses. Twenty-one-day imiquimod treatment reduced both the number of clinical recurrences and levels of HSV antibody for 5 to 6 weeks posttreatment compared with the placebo. Additionally, 21-day imiquimod treatment enhanced HSV antigen-specific interleukin 2 production and proliferative responses by mononuclear cells (P < 0.001) for 4 weeks after treatment. Twenty-one-day imiquimod therapy suppressed recurrent HSV genital disease during and for weeks after therapy, enhanced memory-dependent cytokine and T-cell responses, and reduced the level of antibody responses. PMID:7811019

  16. Composition of Gut Microbiota Influences Resistance of Newly Hatched Chickens to Salmonella Enteritidis Infection

    PubMed Central

    Varmuzova, Karolina; Kubasova, Tereza; Davidova-Gerzova, Lenka; Sisak, Frantisek; Havlickova, Hana; Sebkova, Alena; Faldynova, Marcela; Rychlik, Ivan

    2016-01-01

    Since poultry is a very common source of non-typhoid Salmonella for humans, different interventions aimed at decreasing the prevalence of Salmonella in chickens are understood as an effective measure for decreasing the incidence of human salmonellosis. One such intervention is the use of probiotic or competitive exclusion products. In this study we tested whether microbiota from donor hens of different age will equally protect chickens against Salmonella Enteritidis infection. Newly hatched chickens were therefore orally inoculated with cecal extracts from 1-, 3-, 16-, 28-, and 42-week-old donors and 7 days later, the chickens were infected with S. Enteritidis. The experiment was terminated 4 days later. In the second experiment, groups of newly hatched chickens were inoculated with cecal extracts of 35-week-old hens either on day 1 of life followed by S. Enteritidis infection on day 2 or were infected with S. Enteritidis infection on day 1 followed by therapeutic administration of the cecal extract on day 2 or were inoculated on day 1 of life with a mixture of the cecal extract and S. Enteritidis. This experiment was terminated when the chickens were 5 days old. Both Salmonella culture and chicken gene expression confirmed that inoculation of newly hatched chickens with microbiota from 3-week-old or older chickens protected them against S. Enteritidis challenge. On the other hand, microbiota from 1-week-old donors failed to protect chickens against S. Enteritidis challenge. Microbiota from 35-week-old hens protected chickens even 24 h after administration. However, simultaneous or therapeutic microbiota administration failed to protect chickens against S. Enteritidis infection. Gut microbiota can be used as a preventive measure against S. Enteritidis infection but its composition and early administration is critical for its efficacy. PMID:27379083

  17. Reciprocal Translocation in Somatic and Germ Cells of Mice Chronically Exposed by Inhalation to Ethylene Oxide: Implication for Risk Assessment

    EPA Science Inventory

    Groups of male B6C3F1 mice were exposed by inhalation to 0, 25, 50, 100 or 200 ppm EO for up to 48 weeks (6 hours/day, 5 days/week). Animals were sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after the startt of the exposure for analyses of reciprocal translocations in peripheral blood ...

  18. Plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in newborn kids and female Baladi goats during late pregnancy and onset of lactation.

    PubMed

    Hussein, S A; Azab, M E

    1998-01-01

    Concentrations of blood lipids and some lipoproteins were investigated in normal female Baladi goats during late pregnancy, parturition and onset of lactation as well as in their newborn kids during the first two weeks of life. A total number of 60 herparinized blood samples was collected from does at 4, 3, 2 and 1 weeks pre-partum, day of parturition and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks postpartum. In addition, blood samples were also collected from their newborn kids during the first two weeks of life (day of birth, 1 and 2 weeks of age). Plasma was separated and analyzed for concentration of total lipid, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and some lipoproteins as high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The obtained results revealed that there was a significant decrease in plasma level of total lipids at one week after parturition. Plasma level of triaclyglycerols was significantly higher at 4, 3 and 2 weeks before parturition. This increase became very highly significant at one week before parturition. Meanwhile, plasma phospholipid concentrations showed a significant decrease at 3 weeks before parturition, followed by an significant increase at 2 and 3 weeks after parturition and highly significant increase at 4 weeks after parturition. The concentration of plasma NEFA showed a significant increase at 4 weeks before parturition followed by a very highly significant increase at 2 and 1 week before parturition. On the other hand plasma NEFA was non detected at 2, 3 and 4 weeks post-partum when compared with the value reported at day of parturition. Regarding plasma lipoprotein concentrations the obtained results showed that there was a significant increase in plasma HDL-C level at 2 and 3 weeks after parturition, followed by a very highly significant decrease at the fourth week post-partum. However, plasma LDL-C level showed a significant decrease at 3, 2 and 1 weeks before parturition, followed by a further highly significant decrease at 1 and 2 weeks post-partum. In newborn kids plasma concentrations of total lipids, total cholesterol, phospholipids, HDL-C and LDL-C were very markedly increased at 1 and 2 weeks of age. However, plasma triacylglycerol concentrations showed a highly significant decrease at 1 and 2 weeks of age. The concentration of plasma NEFA showed a very highly significant decrease at 2 weeks of age, whereas, at one week of age plasma NEFA were not detected in comparison with first day of life.

  19. Ingrown toenail removal – discharge

    MedlinePlus

    ... a little longer. Keep your wound covered both day and night in the first week. You can let your toe remain uncovered at night in the second week. This helps the wound heal. See your provider again in 2 to 3 days or as recommended.

  20. Adjunctive clindamycin therapy for preterm labor: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

    PubMed

    McGregor, J A; French, J I; Seo, K

    1991-10-01

    A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of a course of clindamycin (administered for 3 days intravenously and 4 days orally) among hospitalized women with preterm labor at less than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation who were treated with tocolytics. One hundred three woman-perinate pairs were analyzed. Univariate analysis demonstrated that pregnancies were continued longer in women treated with clindamycin than in women who received placebo (clindamycin-treated group, 35 days; placebo-treated group, 25 days; p = 0.02). Survival analysis showed that pregnancy continued at least 35.5 days in 50% of clindamycin-treated women versus 20 days for control women (p = 0.03). Obstetric and microbiologic parameters associated with treatment outcomes were also sought. Women with bacterial vaginosis more often delivered preterm (p = 0.03; relative risk, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.0). Among women with bacterial vaginosis, trends for increased duration of pregnancy (clindamycin-treated group, 36 days; placebo-treated group, 19 days), increased birth weight (clindamycin-treated group, 2634 gm; placebo-treated group, 2256 gm), and increased mean gestational age at delivery (clindamycin-treated group, 35 weeks; placebo-treated group, 34 weeks) were associated with clindamycin treatment. Women with either group B streptococcus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, or Staphylococcus aureus were more likely to have preterm premature rupture of membranes (p = 0.01). Clindamycin treatment of these women reduced the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes to that of uninfected subjects. Stratification by gestational age at enrollment showed clindamycin treatment to be associated with an increased interval to delivery only among mothers enrolled before 33 weeks' gestation (clindamycin-treated group, 40 days; placebo-treated group, 28 days; p less than 0.05). Treatment with clindamycin appeared safe and well tolerated, with benefits limited to women who were less than or equal to 32 weeks' gestation.

  1. Union Sues over Basis of Appraisal

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sawchuk, Stephen

    2013-01-01

    The National Education Association, on behalf of three affiliates of its Florida chapter and seven teachers, last week filed suit against the Florida education department. They contend that some teachers are being judged against students or subjects they don't teach, in violation of their constitutional rights. The groups seek a federal court…

  2. Chinese-Cantonese (Toishan) Basic Course.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Defense Language Inst., Washington, DC.

    This seven-volume series constitutes the Defense Language Institute (Army Language School) 47-week course in the Toishan dialect of Cantonese. Beginning lessons present the tone and sound system in romanized script. Chinese characters are introduced in the fourth lesson. (See related document AL 001 479, "Chinese Cantonese Basic Course,"…

  3. A placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study of aripiprazole in children and adolescents with irritability associated with autistic disorder.

    PubMed

    Marcus, Ronald N; Owen, Randall; Kamen, Lisa; Manos, George; McQuade, Robert D; Carson, William H; Aman, Michael G

    2009-11-01

    To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autistic disorder. Two hundred eighteen children and adolescents (aged 6-17 years) with a diagnosis of autistic disorder, and with behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, self-injurious behavior, or a combination of these symptoms, were randomized 1:1:1:1 to aripiprazole (5, 10, or 15 mg/day) or placebo in this 8-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Efficacy was evaluated using the caregiver-rated Aberrant Behavior Checklist Irritability subscale (primary efficacy measure) and the clinician-rated Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement score. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. At week 8, all aripiprazole doses produced significantly greater improvement than placebo in mean Aberrant Behavior Checklist Irritability subscale scores (5 mg/day, -12.4; 10 mg/day, -13.2; 15 mg/day, -14.4; versus placebo, -8.4; all p < .05). All aripiprazole doses demonstrated significantly greater improvements in mean Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement score than placebo at week 8. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events were as follows: placebo 7.7%, aripiprazole 5 mg/day 9.4%, 10 mg/day 13.6%, and 15 mg/day 7.4%. The most common adverse event leading to discontinuation was sedation. There were two serious adverse events: presyncope (5 mg/day) and aggression (10 mg/day). At week 8, mean weight change (last observation carried forward) was as follows: placebo +0.3 kg, aripiprazole 5 mg/day +1.3 kg, 10 mg/day +1.3 kg, and 15 mg/day +1.5 kg; all p < .05 versus placebo. Aripiprazole was efficacious and generally safe and well tolerated in the treatment of children and adolescents with irritability associated with autistic disorder.

  4. Predictive value for preterm birth of abnormal vaginal flora, bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis during the first trimester of pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Donders, G G; Van Calsteren, K; Bellen, G; Reybrouck, R; Van den Bosch, T; Riphagen, I; Van Lierde, S

    2009-09-01

    Abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) before 14 gestational weeks is a risk factor for preterm birth (PTB). The presence of aerobic microorganisms and an inflammatory response in the vagina may also be important risk factors. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the differential influences of AVF, full and partial bacterial vaginosis, and aerobic vaginitis in the first trimester on PTB rate. The secondary aim was to elucidate why treatment with metronidazole has not been found to be beneficial in previous studies. Unselected women with low-risk pregnancies attending the prenatal unit of the Heilig Hart General Hospital in Tienen, Belgium, were included in the study. At the first prenatal visit, 1026 women were invited to undergo sampling of the vaginal fluid for wet mount microscopy and culture, of whom 759 were fully evaluable. Abnormal vaginal flora (AVF; disappearance of lactobacilli), bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), increased inflammation (more than ten leucocytes per epithelial cell) and vaginal colonisation with Candida (CV) were scored according to standardised definitions. Partial BV was defined as patchy streaks of BV flora or sporadic clue cells mixed with other flora, and full BV as a granular anaerobic-type flora or more than 20% clue cells. Vaginal fluid was cultured for aerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Outcome was recorded as miscarriage

  5. 29 CFR 4.175 - Meeting requirements for health, welfare, and/or pension benefits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... maximum of 40 hours per week and 2,080 hours per year on each contract. The application of this rule can be illustrated by the following examples: (i) An employee who works 4 days a week, 10 hours a day is entitled to 40 hours of health and welfare and/or pension fringe benefits. If an employee works 3 days a...

  6. The School Leader and Policymaker's Guide to a Four-Day School Week: Considerations, Implementation, Tools, and Best Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Odneal, Becky; Carter, Gregory; Hull, Lisa Suzanne; Roling, Tim

    2013-01-01

    This product development report addresses the components for an operations manual, which will serve as a guide for school districts pursuing or implementing a four-day school week. The product will provide school districts with a resource to address their needs, questions, and concerns around all aspects of the transition to a four-day school…

  7. Honduran-U.S. Relations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-10-06

    Congress, and a third for municipal elections. 8 “Llegó el día de verdad,” El Tiempo (Honduras) June 28, 2009. 9 “Constitutional reform or power...occurring 180 days before or after general elections. A day later, Zelaya ordered the resignations of Honduran Defense Minister Edmundo Orellana Mercado

  8. Self-Reported Wellness Profiles of Professional Australian Football Players During the Competition Phase of the Season.

    PubMed

    Gallo, Tania F; Cormack, Stuart J; Gabbett, Tim J; Lorenzen, Christian H

    2017-02-01

    Gallo, TF, Cormack, SJ, Gabbett, TJ, and Lorenzen, CH. Self-reported wellness profiles of professional Australian football players during the competition phase of the season. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 495-502, 2017-With the prevalence of customized self-report measures in high-performance sport, and the incomplete understanding of athletes' perceived wellness in response to matches and training load, the objective of this study was to explore weekly wellness profiles within the context of the competitive season of professional Australian football. Internal match load, measured through the session-rating of perceived exertion method, match-to-match microcycle, stage of the season, and training load were included in multivariate linear models to determine their effect on weekly wellness profile (n = 1,835). There was a lower weekly training load on a 6-day microcycle compared with a 7-day and 8-day microcycle. Match load had no significant impact on weekly wellness profile, while there was an interaction between microcycle and days postmatch. There was a likely moderately lower wellness Z-score 1 day postmatch for an 8-day microcycle (mean; 95% confidence interval: -1.79; -2.02 to -1.56) compared with a 6-day (-1.19; -1.30 to -1.08) and 7-day (-1.22; -1.34 to -1.09) cycle (d; 95% confidence interval: -0.82; -1.3 to -0.36, -0.78; -1.3 to -0.28, respectively). The second half of the season saw a possibly small reduction in overall wellness Z-score than the first half of the season (0.22; 0.12-0.32). Finally, training load had no effect on wellness Z-score when controlled for days postmatch, microcycle, and stage of the season. These results provide information on the status of players in response to matches and fixed conditions. Knowing when wellness Z-score returns to baseline relative to the length of the microcycle may lead practitioners to prescribe the heaviest load of the week accordingly. Furthermore, wellness "red flags" should be made relative to the microcycles and stage of the season to determine an athlete's status relative to their typical weekly profile.

  9. School lunch and snacking patterns among high school students: associations with school food environment and policies.

    PubMed

    Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne; French, Simone A; Hannan, Peter J; Story, Mary; Fulkerson, Jayne A

    2005-10-06

    This study examined associations between high school students' lunch patterns and vending machine purchases and the school food environment and policies. A randomly selected sample of 1088 high school students from 20 schools completed surveys about their lunch practices and vending machine purchases. School food policies were assessed by principal and food director surveys. The number of vending machines and their hours of operation were assessed by trained research staff. Students at schools with open campus policies during lunchtime were significantly more likely to eat lunch at a fast food restaurant than students at schools with closed campus policies (0.7 days/week vs. 0.2 days/week, p < .001). Student snack food purchases at school were significantly associated with the number of snack machines at schools (p < .001) and policies about the types of food that can be sold. In schools with policies, students reported making snack food purchases an average of 0.5 +/- 1.1 days/week as compared to an average of 0.9 +/- 1.3 days/week in schools without policies (p < .001). In schools in which soft drink machines were turned off during lunch time, students purchased soft drinks from vending machines 1.4 +/- 1.6 days/week as compared to 1.9 +/- 1.8 days/week in schools in which soft drink machines were turned on during lunch (p = .040). School food policies that decrease access to foods high in fats and sugars are associated with less frequent purchase of these items in school among high school students. Schools should examine their food-related policies and decrease access to foods that are low in nutrients and high in fats and sugars.

  10. Impact of regurgitation on health-related quality of life in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease before and after short-term potent acid suppression therapy

    PubMed Central

    Kahrilas, Peter J; Jonsson, Andreas; Denison, Hans; Wernersson, Börje; Hughes, Nesta; Howden, Colin W

    2014-01-01

    Objective Limited data exist on the impact of regurgitation on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). We assessed the relationship between regurgitation frequency and HRQOL before and after acid suppression therapy in GORD. Method We used data from two randomised trials of AZD0865 25–75 mg/day vs. esomeprazole 20 or 40 mg/day in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) (n=1415) or reflux oesophagitis (RO) (n=1460). The Reflux Disease Questionnaire was used to select patients with frequent and intense heartburn for inclusion and to assess treatment response. The Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire was used to assess HRQOL. Results At baseline, 93% of patients in both the NERD and RO groups experienced regurgitation. Mean QOLRAD scores were similar for NERD and RO at baseline and at week 4 and disclosed decremental HRQOL with increasing frequency of regurgitation; a clinically relevant difference of >0.5 in mean QOLRAD scores was seen with regurgitation ≥4 days/week vs. <4 days/week. The prevalence of frequent, persistent regurgitation (≥4 days/week) at week 4 among heartburn responders (≤1 day/week of mild heartburn) was 28% in NERD and 23% in RO. QOLRAD scores were higher amongst heartburn responders. There was a similar pattern of impact related to regurgitation frequency in heartburn responders as in the group as a whole. Conclusion Frequent regurgitation was associated with a clinically relevant, incremental decline in HRQOL beyond that associated with heartburn before and after potent acid suppression, in both NERD and RO. Clinical trial numbers NCT00206284 and NCT00206245. PMID:23831734

  11. Impact of regurgitation on health-related quality of life in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease before and after short-term potent acid suppression therapy.

    PubMed

    Kahrilas, Peter J; Jonsson, Andreas; Denison, Hans; Wernersson, Börje; Hughes, Nesta; Howden, Colin W

    2014-05-01

    Limited data exist on the impact of regurgitation on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). We assessed the relationship between regurgitation frequency and HRQOL before and after acid suppression therapy in GORD. We used data from two randomised trials of AZD0865 25-75 mg/day versus esomeprazole 20 or 40 mg/day in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) (n=1415) or reflux oesophagitis (RO) (n=1460). The Reflux Disease Questionnaire was used to select patients with frequent and intense heartburn for inclusion and to assess treatment response. The Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire was used to assess HRQOL. At baseline, 93% of patients in both the NERD and RO groups experienced regurgitation. Mean QOLRAD scores were similar for NERD and RO at baseline and at week 4 and disclosed decremental HRQOL with increasing frequency of regurgitation; a clinically relevant difference of >0.5 in mean QOLRAD scores was seen with regurgitation ≥4 days/week versus <4 days/week. The prevalence of frequent, persistent regurgitation (≥4 days/week) at week 4 among heartburn responders (≤1 day/week of mild heartburn) was 28% in NERD and 23% in RO. QOLRAD scores were higher among heartburn responders. There was a similar pattern of impact related to regurgitation frequency in heartburn responders compared with the group as a whole. Frequent regurgitation was associated with a clinically relevant, incremental decline in HRQOL beyond that associated with heartburn before and after potent acid suppression in both NERD and RO. NCT00206284 and NCT00206245.

  12. Circuit class or seven-day therapy for increasing intensity of rehabilitation after stroke: protocol of the CIRCIT trial.

    PubMed

    Hillier, Susan; English, Coralie; Crotty, Maria; Segal, Leonie; Bernhardt, Julie; Esterman, Adrian

    2011-12-01

    There is strong evidence for a dose-response relationship between physical therapy early after stroke and recovery of function. The optimal method of maximizing physical therapy within finite health care resources is unknown. To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two alternative models of physical therapy service delivery (seven-days per week therapy services or group circuit class therapy over five-days a week) to usual care for people receiving inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. Multicenter, three-armed randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcomes. A total of 282 people admitted to inpatient rehabilitation facilities after stroke with an admission functional independence measure (FIM) score within the moderate range (total 40-80 points or motor 38-62 points) will be randomized to receive one of three interventions: • usual care therapy over five-days a week • standard care therapy over seven-days a week, or • group circuit class therapy over five-days a week. Participants will receive the allocated intervention for the length of their hospital stay. Analysis will be by intention-to-treat. The primary outcome measure is walking ability (six-minute walk test) at four-week postintervention with three- and six-month follow-up. Economic analysis will include a costing analysis based on length of hospital stay and staffing/resource costs and a cost-utility analysis (incremental quality of life per incremental cost, relative to usual care). Secondary outcomes include walking speed and independence, ability to perform activities of daily living, arm function, quality of life and participant satisfaction. © 2011 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2011 World Stroke Organization.

  13. School lunch and snacking patterns among high school students: Associations with school food environment and policies

    PubMed Central

    Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne; French, Simone A; Hannan, Peter J; Story, Mary; Fulkerson, Jayne A

    2005-01-01

    Objectives This study examined associations between high school students' lunch patterns and vending machine purchases and the school food environment and policies. Methods A randomly selected sample of 1088 high school students from 20 schools completed surveys about their lunch practices and vending machine purchases. School food policies were assessed by principal and food director surveys. The number of vending machines and their hours of operation were assessed by trained research staff. Results Students at schools with open campus policies during lunchtime were significantly more likely to eat lunch at a fast food restaurant than students at schools with closed campus policies (0.7 days/week vs. 0.2 days/week, p < .001). Student snack food purchases at school were significantly associated with the number of snack machines at schools (p < .001) and policies about the types of food that can be sold. In schools with policies, students reported making snack food purchases an average of 0.5 ± 1.1 days/week as compared to an average of 0.9 ± 1.3 days/week in schools without policies (p < .001). In schools in which soft drink machines were turned off during lunch time, students purchased soft drinks from vending machines 1.4 ± 1.6 days/week as compared to 1.9 ± 1.8 days/week in schools in which soft drink machines were turned on during lunch (p = .040). Conclusion School food policies that decrease access to foods high in fats and sugars are associated with less frequent purchase of these items in school among high school students. Schools should examine their food-related policies and decrease access to foods that are low in nutrients and high in fats and sugars. PMID:16209716

  14. Calcium- and Phosphorus-Supplemented Diet Increases Bone Mass after Short-Term Exercise and Increases Bone Mass and Structural Strength after Long-Term Exercise in Adult Mice

    PubMed Central

    Friedman, Michael A.; Bailey, Alyssa M.; Rondon, Matthew J.; McNerny, Erin M.; Sahar, Nadder D.; Kohn, David H.

    2016-01-01

    Exercise has long-lasting benefits to bone health that may help prevent fractures by increasing bone mass, bone strength, and tissue quality. Long-term exercise of 6–12 weeks in rodents increases bone mass and bone strength. However, in growing mice, a short-term exercise program of 3 weeks can limit increases in bone mass and structural strength, compared to non-exercised controls. Short-term exercise can, however, increase tissue strength, suggesting that exercise may create competition for minerals that favors initially improving tissue-level properties over structural-level properties. It was therefore hypothesized that adding calcium and phosphorus supplements to the diet may prevent decreases in bone mass and structural strength during a short-term exercise program, while leading to greater bone mass and structural strength than exercise alone after a long-term exercise program. A short-term exercise experiment was done for 3 weeks, and a long-term exercise experiment was done for 8 weeks. For each experiment, male 16-week old C57BL/6 mice were assigned to 4 weight-matched groups–exercise and non-exercise groups fed a control or mineral-supplemented diet. Exercise consisted of treadmill running at 12 m/min, 30 min/day for 7 days/week. After 3 weeks, exercised mice fed the supplemented diet had significantly increased tibial tissue mineral content (TMC) and cross-sectional area over exercised mice fed the control diet. After 8 weeks, tibial TMC, cross-sectional area, yield force, and ultimate force were greater from the combined treatments than from either exercise or supplemented diet alone. Serum markers of bone formation (PINP) and resorption (CTX) were both decreased by exercise on day 2. In exercised mice, day 2 PINP was significantly positively correlated with day 2 serum Ca, a correlation that was weaker and negative in non-exercised mice. Increasing dietary mineral consumption during an exercise program increases bone mass after 3 weeks and increases structural strength after 8 weeks, making bones best able to resist fracture. PMID:27008546

  15. Improvements in productivity at paid work and within the household, and increased participation in daily activities after 24 weeks of certolizumab pegol treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis: results of a phase 3 double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study

    PubMed Central

    Kavanaugh, A; Gladman, D; van der Heijde, D; Purcaru, O; Mease, P

    2015-01-01

    Objectives To evaluate the effect of certolizumab pegol (CZP) on productivity outside and within the home, and on participation in family, social and leisure activities in adult patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods RAPID-PsA (NCT01087788) is a phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 409 patients with active PsA were randomised 1:1:1 to placebo, CZP 200 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or CZP 400 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W). The arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey (WPS) assessed the impact of PsA on paid work and household productivity, and participation in social activities during the preceding month. WPS responses were compared between treatment arms using a non-parametric bootstrap-t method. Results At baseline, 56.6%, 60.1% and 61.5% of placebo, CZP 200 mg Q2W and CZP 400 mg Q4W patients were employed. By week 24, employed CZP patients reported an average of 1.0–1.8 and 3.0–3.9 fewer days of absenteeism and presenteeism, respectively, per month compared with 1.0 and 0.3 fewer days for placebo patients (p<0.05). Within the home, by week 24, CZP patients reported an average of 3.0–3.5 household work days gained per month versus 1.0 day for placebo (p<0.05). CZP patients also reported fewer days with reduced household productivity or days lost for participation in family, social and leisure activities. Improvements with CZP were seen as early as week 4 and continued to week 24. Conclusions CZP treatment significantly improved productivity at paid work and within the home, and resulted in greater participation in social activities for PsA patients. Trial registration number NCT01087788. PMID:24942382

  16. Increased Tumor Oxygenation and Drug Uptake During Anti-Angiogenic Weekly Low Dose Cyclophosphamide Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effect of Weekly Tirapazamine

    PubMed Central

    Doloff, J.C.; Khan, N.; Ma, J.; Demidenko, E.; Swartz, H.M.; Jounaidi, Y.

    2010-01-01

    Metronomic cyclophosphamide treatment is associated with anti-angiogenic activity and is anticipated to generate exploitable hypoxia using hypoxia-activated prodrugs. Weekly administration of tirapazamine (TPZ; 5 mg/kg body weight i.p.) failed to inhibit the growth of 9L gliosarcoma tumors grown s.c. in scid mice. However, the anti-tumor effect of weekly cyclophosphamide (CPA) treatment (140 mg/kg BW i.p.) was substantially enhanced by weekly TPZ administration. An extended tumor free period and increased frequency of tumor eradication without overt toxicity were observed when TPZ was given 3, 4 or 5 days after each weekly CPA treatment. Following the 2nd CPA injection, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Oximetry indicated significant increases in tumor pO2, starting at 48 hr, which further increased after the 3rd CPA injection. pO2 levels were, however, stable in growing untreated tumors. A strong negative correlation (−0.81) between tumor pO2 and tumor volume during 21 days of weekly CPA chemotherapy was observed, indicating increasing tumor pO2 with decreasing tumor volume. Furthermore, CPA treatment resulted in increased tumor uptake of activated CPA. CPA induced increases in VEGF RNA, which reached a maximum on day 1, and in PLGF RNA which was sustained throughout the treatment, while anti-angiogenic host thrombospondin-1 increased dramatically through day 7 post-CPA treatment. Weekly cyclophosphamide treatment was anticipated to generate exploitable hypoxia. However, our findings suggest that weekly CPA treatment induces a functional improvement of tumor vasculature, which is characterized by increased tumor oxygenation and drug uptake in tumors, thus counter-intuitively, benefiting intratumoral activation of TPZ and perhaps other bioreductive drugs. PMID:19754361

  17. Examining courses of sleep quality and sleepiness in full 2 weeks on/2 weeks off offshore day shift rotations.

    PubMed

    Riethmeister, V; Bültmann, U; De Boer, M R; Gordijn, M; Brouwer, S

    2018-05-16

    To better understand sleep quality and sleepiness problems offshore, we examined courses of sleep quality and sleepiness in full 2-weeks on/2-weeks off offshore day shift rotations by comparing pre-offshore (1 week), offshore (2 weeks) and post-offshore (1 week) work periods. A longitudinal observational study was conducted among N=42 offshore workers. Sleep quality was measured subjectively with two daily questions and objectively with actigraphy, measuring: time in bed (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep latency (SL) and sleep efficiency percentage (SE%). Sleepiness was measured twice a day (morning and evening) with the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Changes in sleep and sleepiness parameters during the pre/post and offshore work periods were investigated using (generalized) linear mixed models. In the pre-offshore work period, courses of SE% significantly decreased (p=.038). During offshore work periods, the courses of evening sleepiness scores significantly increased (p<.001) and significantly decreased during post-offshore work periods (p=.004). During offshore work periods, TIB (p<.001) and TST (p<.001) were significantly shorter, SE% was significantly higher (p=.002), perceived sleep quality was significantly lower (p<.001) and level of rest after wake was significantly worse (p<.001) than during the pre- and post-offshore work periods. Morning sleepiness was significantly higher during offshore work periods (p=.015) and evening sleepiness was significantly higher in the post-offshore work period (p=.005) compared to the other periods. No significant changes in SL were observed. Courses of sleep quality and sleepiness parameters significantly changed during full 2-weeks on/2-weeks off offshore day shift rotation periods. These changes should be considered in offshore fatigue risk management programmes.

  18. A randomized, double-blind, 24-week study of escitalopram (10 mg/day) versus citalopram (20 mg/day) in primary care patients with major depressive disorder.

    PubMed

    Colonna, Lucien; Andersen, Henning Friis; Reines, Elin Heldbo

    2005-10-01

    A randomized, double-blind, 24-week-fixed-dose study comparing the efficacy and safety of escitalopram to that of citalopram was safety was conducted in primary care patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD). This was a randomized, double-blind, 24-week fixeddose study. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with escitalopram 10 mg/day (n = 175) or citalopram 20 mg/day (n = 182). Clinical response was evaluated using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale. The prospectively defined primary parameter of antidepressant efficacy was the change from baseline in the mean MADRS total score during the 24 weeks of double-blind treatment, using a repeated measures analysis of variance to compare the treatment groups over all assessment points simultaneously. Based on the primary parameter, escitalopram was at least as efficacious as citalopram. Based on the prospectively defined secondary parameter, mean change from baseline in the CGI-S score, escitalopram was statistically significantly superior to citalopram at Week 24. The importance of long-term treatment could be demonstrated, in that more than half (55% and 51%) of the patients who had not responded by Week 8 achieved remission by Week 24. Both escitalopram and citalopram were safe and well tolerated in acute and long-term treatment, and the overall adverse event profiles for the two drugs were similar. For the intent-to-treat population, there were statistically significantly fewer withdrawals in the escitalopram group than in the citalopram group, particularly after Week 8. Patients with MDD responded well to long-term treatment with either escitalopram or citalopram. This study demonstrated the importance of extending treatment of depression beyond 8 weeks.

  19. Biological responses in rats exposed to mainstream smoke from a heated cigarette compared to a conventional reference cigarette.

    PubMed

    Fujimoto, Hitoshi; Tsuji, Hiroyuki; Okubo, Chigusa; Fukuda, Ichiro; Nishino, Tomoki; Lee, K Monica; Renne, Roger; Yoshimura, Hiroyuki

    2015-03-01

    The heated cigarette (HC) generates mainstream smoke by vaporizing the components of the tobacco rod using a carbon heat source at the cigarette tip. Mainstream smoke of HC contains markedly less chemical constituents compared to combusted cigarettes. Mainstream smoke from HC was generated under Health Canada Intense regimen and its biological effects were compared to those of Reference (3R4F) cigarettes, using nose-only 5-week and 13-week inhalation studies. In the 13-week study, SD rats were necropsied following exposure to mainstream smoke from each cigarette at 200, 600 or 1000 µg wet total particulate matter/L for 1 h/day, 7 days/week or following a 13-week recovery period. Histopathological changes in the respiratory tract were significantly lesser in HC groups; e.g. respiratory epithelial hyperplasia in the nasal cavity and accumulation of pigmented macrophages in alveoli. After a 13-week recovery, the lesions were completely or partially regressed, except for accumulation of pigmented macrophages in alveoli, in both HC and 3R4F groups. In the 5-week study, SD rats were necropsied following exposure to mainstream smoke of either cigarette at 600 or 1000 µg/L for 1 h, two times/day (with 30 min interval), 7 days/week or following a 4-week recovery period. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis of neutrophil percentages and enzyme levels like γ-GT, ALP and LDH indicated that pulmonary inflammation was significantly less in HC groups compared to 3R4F groups. In conclusion, HC demonstrated significantly lower biological effects compared to 3R4F, based on the BALF parameters and histopathology.

  20. Phase 1/2 Study of the Addition of Cisplatin to Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Image Guided High-Precision Radiation Therapy for Completely Resected Gastric Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Goody, Rebecca B.; MacKay, Helen; Pitcher, Bethany

    Purpose: Locoregional recurrence is common after surgery for gastric cancer. Adjuvant therapy improves outcomes but with toxicity. This phase 1/2 study investigated infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with biweekly cisplatin delivered concurrently with image guided high-precision radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: Eligible patients had completely resected stage IB to IV (Union for International Cancer Control TNM 6th edition) nonmetastatic gastric adenocarcinoma. Treatment constituted 12 weeks of infusional 5-FU (200 mg/m{sup 2}/day) with cisplatin added in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation protocol (0, 20, 30, and 40 mg/m{sup 2}) during weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7, and an additional week 9 dose in themore » final cohort. Radiation therapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions) was delivered during weeks 3 to 7. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined in phase 1 and confirmed in phase 2. Results: Among the 55 patients (median age, 54 years; range 28-77 years; 55% male), the median follow-up time was 3.0 years (range, 0.3-5.3 years). Five patients in phase 1 experienced dose-limiting toxicity, and MTD was determined as 4 cycles of 40 mg/m{sup 2} cisplatin. Twenty-seven patients were treated at MTD. Acute grade 3 to 4 toxicity rate was 37.0% at MTD and 29.1% across all dose levels. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Fourteen patients experienced recurrent disease. The 2-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival were 85% and 74%, respectively. Median OS has not been reached. Quality of life (QOL) was impaired during treatment, but most scores recovered by 4 weeks. Conclusion: Cisplatin can be safely delivered with 5-FU–based chemoradiation therapy. Acute toxicity was acceptable, and patient-reported QOL showed the regimen was tolerable. Outcomes are encouraging and justify further study of this regimen.« less

  1. Comparison between data obtained through real-time data capture by SMS and a retrospective telephone interview.

    PubMed

    Johansen, Bendt; Wedderkopp, Niels

    2010-05-26

    The aims of the current study were: a) to quantitatively compare data obtained by Short Message Service (SMS) with data from a telephone interview, b) to investigate whether the respondents had found it acceptable to answer the weekly two SMS questions, c) to explore whether an additional weekly third SMS question would have been acceptable, and d) to calculate the total cost of using the SMS technology. SMS technology was used each week for 53 weeks to monitor 260 patients with low back pain (LBP) in a clinical study. Each week, these patients were asked the same two questions: "How many days in the past week have you had problems due to LBP?" and "How many days in the past week have you been off work due to LBP problems?" The last 31 patients were also contacted by telephone 53 weeks after recruitment and asked to recall the number of days with LBP problems and days off work for the a) past week, b) past month, and c) past year. The two sets of answers to the same questions for these patients were compared. Patients were also asked whether a third SMS question would have been acceptable. The test-retest reliability was compared for 1-week, 1-month, and 1-year. Bland-Altman limits of agreement were calculated. The two quantitative questions were reported as percentages. Actual costs for the SMS-Track-Questionnaire (SMS-T-Q) were compared with estimated costs for paper version surveys. There was high agreement between telephone interview and SMS-T-Q responses for the 1-week and 1-month recall. In contrast, the 1-year recall showed very low agreement. A third SMS question would have been acceptable. The SMS system was considerably less costly than a paper-based survey, beyond a certain threshold number of questionnaires. SMS-T-Q appears to be a cheaper and better method to collect reliable LBP data than paper-based surveys.

  2. Quantity and quality of guinea pig (cavia porcellus) spermatozoa after administration of methanol extract of bitter melon (momordica charantia) seed and depot medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ilyas, Syafruddin; Hutahaean, Salomo; Nursal

    2018-03-01

    The discovery of male contraceptive drugs continues to be pursued, due to the few participation of men associated with the lack of contraceptive options for men. The combination of bitter melon seed methanol extract and DMPA are the options that currently apply to men. Therefore, the use of guinea pigs as experimental animals conducted research using experimental methods with complete randomized design (CRD). There are 4 control groups and 4 treatment groups. The first group, control group of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) for 0 week (K0), The second one, bitter melon seed extract of 50 mg/100g Body Weight/day for 0 week (P0), the third one, control group of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 4 weeks (K1), the fourth one, bitter melon seed extract of 50 mg/100g BW/day for 4 weeks + Depot medroxy Progesterone Acetate (P1), the fifth one, control group of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 8 weeks (K2), the sixth one, bitter melon seed extract of 50 mg/100g BW/day for 8 weeks + DMPA (P2), the seventh one, control group of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 12 weeks (K3), the eighth one, bitter melon seed extract of 50 mg/100g BW/day for 12 weeks + DMPA (P3). Methanol extract of bitter melon seed to decrease the quantity and quality of guinea pig spermatozoa decreased significantly, i.e. viability and normal morphology of spermatozoa (p<0.05).

  3. 3 CFR 8825 - Proclamation 8825 of May 21, 2012. National Safe Boating Week, 2012

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ....BARACK OBAMA ...-day period prior to Memorial Day weekend as “National Safe Boating Week.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 19 through May 25, 2012, as...

  4. Rat fertility and embryo fetal development: influence of exposure to the Wi-Fi signal.

    PubMed

    Poulletier de Gannes, Florence; Billaudel, Bernard; Haro, Emmanuelle; Taxile, Murielle; Le Montagner, Laureline; Hurtier, Annabelle; Ait Aissa, Saliha; Masuda, Hiroshi; Percherancier, Yann; Ruffié, Gilles; Dufour, Philippe; Veyret, Bernard; Lagroye, Isabelle

    2013-04-01

    In recent decades, concern has been growing about decreasing fecundity and fertility in the human population. Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF), especially radiofrequency (RF) fields used in wireless communications has been suggested as a potential risk factor. For the first time, we evaluated the effects of exposure to the 2450MHz Wi-Fi signal (1h/day, 6days/week) on the reproductive system of male and female Wistar rats, pre-exposed to Wi-Fi during sexual maturation. Exposure lasted 3 weeks (males) or 2 weeks (females), then animals were mated and couples exposed for 3 more weeks. On the day before delivery, the fetuses were observed for lethality, abnormalities, and clinical signs. In our experiment, no deleterious effects of Wi-Fi exposure on rat male and female reproductive organs and fertility were observed for 1h per days. No macroscopic abnormalities in fetuses were noted, even at the critical level of 4W/kg. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Charters, Constitutions and By-Laws of Indian Tribes of North America. Part I: The Sioux Tribes of South Dakota. Occasional Publications in Anthropology, Ethnology Series, No. 1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fay, George E., Comp.

    To facilitate the study and understanding of present-day Indian tribal organization and governmental procedures, the Museum of Anthropology of the University of Northern Colorado (formerly known as Colorado State College) has assembled a large number of Indian tribal charters, constitutions, and by-laws to be reproduced as a series of…

  6. 76 FR 61115 - Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) Monitoring Report and One-Stop Career Center Complaint...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-03

    ...: The calculations are based on a normal work week for most jobs are 8 hours a day for 5 days. There are 52 weeks in a year but most workers get a two week vacation. So, 8 x 5 x 50 = 2000 hours worked in a... keepers = 50 x reports = 4 = 200). Estimated hours per record-keeper: 1.16 (70 minutes per report). Total...

  7. Residential Neighborhood Amenities and Physical Activity Among U.S. Children with Special Health Care Needs.

    PubMed

    An, Ruopeng; Yang, Yan; Li, Kaigang

    2017-05-01

    Objectives Children with special health care needs (SHCN) have or are at elevated risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions and therefore require specialized health care services. This study examines the relationship between residential neighborhood amenities and physical activity among U.S. children with SHCN. Methods A nationally representative sample of 113,767 children aged 6-17 years was taken from National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2007-2008 and 2011-2012. Residential neighborhood amenities were defined by parent-reported presence or absence of sidewalks, parks/playgrounds, and recreation center. Physical activity was measured by parent-reported number of physically active days (0-7), defined as 20 min or longer during the past week. Negative binomial regressions were performed to estimate the associations between residential neighborhood amenities and physical activity among U.S. children with and without SHCN, adjusting for various neighborhood (detracting condition and safety) and individual characteristics and NSCH sampling design. Results Approximately 23% of young children aged 6-11 years and adolescents aged 12-17 years had SHCN. Number of weekly physically active days was both 4.8 among young children with and without SHCN, and 3.7 and 4.1 among adolescents with and without SHCN, respectively. Among young children with SHCN, neighborhood availability of a recreation center was associated with increased weekly physically active days by 0.23; whereas among young children without SHCN, number of weekly physically active days was not associated with the availability of any amenity. Among adolescents with SHCN, neighborhood availability of parks/playgrounds was associated with increased weekly physically active days by 0.33, whereas neighborhood availability of sidewalks was associated with reduced weekly physically active days by 0.21. Conversely, among adolescents without SHCN, neighborhood availability of a recreation center was associated with increased weekly physically active days by 0.22. Conclusions for Practice Vulnerable health status and high dependence on health care may prevent children with SHCN from being physically active. Provision of adequate amenities in residential neighborhoods could be essential in promoting physical activity and preventing obesity among children/adolescents with SHCN.

  8. 78 FR 30723 - National Safe Boating Week, 2013

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-22

    ... Boating Week, 2013 Proclamation 8982--Emergency Medical Services Week, 2013 Proclamation 8983--World Trade Week, 2013 Proclamation 8984--Armed Forces Day, 2013 Memorandum of May 17, 2013--Modernizing Federal... Boating Week, 2013 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year, the United...

  9. Extended vs Short-term Buprenorphine-Naloxone for Treatment of Opioid-Addicted Youth

    PubMed Central

    Woody, George E.; Poole, Sabrina A.; Subramaniam, Geetha; Dugosh, Karen; Bogenschutz, Michael; Abbott, Patrick; Patkar, Ashwin; Publicker, Mark; McCain, Karen; Potter, Jennifer Sharpe; Forman, Robert; Vetter, Victoria; McNicholas, Laura; Blaine, Jack; Lynch, Kevin G.; Fudala, Paul

    2008-01-01

    Context The usual treatment for opioid-addicted youth is detoxification and counseling. Extended medication-assisted therapy may be more helpful. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of continuing buprenorphine-naloxone for 12 weeks vs detoxification for opioid-addicted youth. Design, Setting, and Patients Clinical trial at 6 community programs from July 2003 to December 2006 including 152 patients aged 15 to 21 years who were randomized to 12 weeks of buprenorphine-naloxone or a 14-day taper (detox). Interventions Patients in the 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone group were prescribed up to 24 mg per day for 9 weeks and then tapered to week 12; patients in the detox group were prescribed up to 14 mg per day and then tapered to day 14. All were offered weekly individual and group counseling. Main Outcome Measure Opioid-positive urine test result at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Results The number of patients younger than 18 years was too small to analyze separately, but overall, patients in the detox group had higher proportions of opioid-positive urine test results at weeks 4 and 8 but not at week 12 ( χ22 = 4.93, P = .09). At week 4, 59 detox patients had positive results (61%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 47%-75%) vs 58 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (26%; 95% CI = 14%-38%). At week 8, 53 detox patients had positive results (54%; 95% CI = 38%-70%) vs 52 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (23%; 95% CI = 11%-35%). At week 12, 53 detox patients had positive results (51%; 95% CI = 35%-67%) vs 49 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (43%; 95% CI = 29%-57%). By week 12, 16 of 78 detox patients (20.5%) remained in treatment vs 52 of 74 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (70%; χ12 = 32.90, P < .001). During weeks 1 through 12, patients in the 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone group reported less opioid use ( χ12 = 18.45, P < .001), less injecting ( χ12 = 6.00, P = .01), and less nonstudy addiction treatment ( χ12 = 25.82, P < .001). High levels of opioid use occurred in both groups at follow-up. Four of 83 patients who tested negative for hepatitis C at baseline were positive for hepatitis C at week 12. Conclusions Continuing treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone improved outcome compared with short-term detoxification. Further research is necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of longer-term treatment with buprenorphine for young individuals with opioid dependence. PMID:18984887

  10. Extended vs short-term buprenorphine-naloxone for treatment of opioid-addicted youth: a randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Woody, George E; Poole, Sabrina A; Subramaniam, Geetha; Dugosh, Karen; Bogenschutz, Michael; Abbott, Patrick; Patkar, Ashwin; Publicker, Mark; McCain, Karen; Potter, Jennifer Sharpe; Forman, Robert; Vetter, Victoria; McNicholas, Laura; Blaine, Jack; Lynch, Kevin G; Fudala, Paul

    2008-11-05

    The usual treatment for opioid-addicted youth is detoxification and counseling. Extended medication-assisted therapy may be more helpful. To evaluate the efficacy of continuing buprenorphine-naloxone for 12 weeks vs detoxification for opioid-addicted youth. Clinical trial at 6 community programs from July 2003 to December 2006 including 152 patients aged 15 to 21 years who were randomized to 12 weeks of buprenorphine-naloxone or a 14-day taper (detox). Patients in the 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone group were prescribed up to 24 mg per day for 9 weeks and then tapered to week 12; patients in the detox group were prescribed up to 14 mg per day and then tapered to day 14. All were offered weekly individual and group counseling. Opioid-positive urine test result at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The number of patients younger than 18 years was too small to analyze separately, but overall, patients in the detox group had higher proportions of opioid-positive urine test results at weeks 4 and 8 but not at week 12 (chi(2)(2) = 4.93, P = .09). At week 4, 59 detox patients had positive results (61%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 47%-75%) vs 58 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (26%; 95% CI = 14%-38%). At week 8, 53 detox patients had positive results (54%; 95% CI = 38%-70%) vs 52 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (23%; 95% CI = 11%-35%). At week 12, 53 detox patients had positive results (51%; 95% CI = 35%-67%) vs 49 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (43%; 95% CI = 29%-57%). By week 12, 16 of 78 detox patients (20.5%) remained in treatment vs 52 of 74 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone patients (70%; chi(2)(1) = 32.90, P < .001). During weeks 1 through 12, patients in the 12-week buprenorphine-naloxone group reported less opioid use (chi(2)(1) = 18.45, P < .001), less injecting (chi(2)(1) = 6.00, P = .01), and less nonstudy addiction treatment (chi(2)(1) = 25.82, P < .001). High levels of opioid use occurred in both groups at follow-up. Four of 83 patients who tested negative for hepatitis C at baseline were positive for hepatitis C at week 12. Continuing treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone improved outcome compared with short-term detoxification. Further research is necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of longer-term treatment with buprenorphine for young individuals with opioid dependence. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00078130.

  11. Methyl isobutyl ketone-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis in B6C3F1 mice: A constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-mediated mode of action.

    PubMed

    Hughes, B J; Thomas, J; Lynch, A M; Borghoff, S J; Green, S; Mensing, T; Sarang, S S; LeBaron, M J

    2016-11-01

    In a National Toxicology Program (NTP) chronic inhalation study with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), increases in hepatocellular adenomas and hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas (combined) were observed in male and female B6C3F 1 mice at 1800 ppm. A DNA reactive Mode-of-Action (MOA) for this liver tumor response is not supported by the evidence as MIBK and its major metabolites lack genotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) nuclear receptor-mediated activation has been hypothesized as the MOA for MIBK-induced mouse liver tumorigenesis. To further investigate the MOA for MIBK-induced murine liver tumors, male and female B6C3F1, C57BL/6, and CAR/PXR Knockout (KO) mice were exposed to either 0 or 1800 ppm MIBK for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for a total of 10 days. On day 1, mice were implanted with osmotic mini-pumps containing 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) 1 h following exposure and humanely euthanized 1-3 h following the final exposure. B6C3F 1 and C57BL/6 mice had statistically significant increases in liver weights compared to controls that corresponded with hepatocellular hypertrophy and increased mitotic figures. Hepatocellular proliferation data indicated induction of S-phase DNA synthesis in B6C3F 1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK compared to control, and no increase was observed in MIBK exposed CAR/PXR KO mice. Liver gene expression changes indicated a maximally-induced Cyp2b10 (CAR-associated) transcript and a slight increase in Cyp3a11(PXR-associated) transcript in B6C3F 1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK compared to controls, but not in Cyp1a1 (AhR-associated) or Cyp4a10 (PPAR-α-associated) transcripts. CAR/PXR KO mice exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK showed no evidence of activation of AhR, CAR, PXR or PPAR-α nuclear receptors via their associated transcripts. MIBK induced hepatic effects are consistent with a phenobarbital-like MOA where the initiating events are activation of the CAR and PXR nuclear receptors and resultant hepatocellular proliferation leading to rodent liver tumors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. A randomized trial of planned cesarean or vaginal delivery for twin pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Barrett, Jon F R; Hannah, Mary E; Hutton, Eileen K; Willan, Andrew R; Allen, Alexander C; Armson, B Anthony; Gafni, Amiram; Joseph, K S; Mason, Dalah; Ohlsson, Arne; Ross, Susan; Sanchez, J Johanna; Asztalos, Elizabeth V

    2013-10-03

    Twin birth is associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes than singleton birth. It is unclear whether planned cesarean section results in a lower risk of adverse outcomes than planned vaginal delivery in twin pregnancy. We randomly assigned women between 32 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation with twin pregnancy and with the first twin in the cephalic presentation to planned cesarean section or planned vaginal delivery with cesarean only if indicated. Elective delivery was planned between 37 weeks 5 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation. The primary outcome was a composite of fetal or neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity, with the fetus or infant as the unit of analysis for the statistical comparison. A total of 1398 women (2795 fetuses) were randomly assigned to planned cesarean delivery and 1406 women (2812 fetuses) to planned vaginal delivery. The rate of cesarean delivery was 90.7% in the planned-cesarean-delivery group and 43.8% in the planned-vaginal-delivery group. Women in the planned-cesarean-delivery group delivered earlier than did those in the planned-vaginal-delivery group (mean number of days from randomization to delivery, 12.4 vs. 13.3; P=0.04). There was no significant difference in the composite primary outcome between the planned-cesarean-delivery group and the planned-vaginal-delivery group (2.2% and 1.9%, respectively; odds ratio with planned cesarean delivery, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.77 to 1.74; P=0.49). In twin pregnancy between 32 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation, with the first twin in the cephalic presentation, planned cesarean delivery did not significantly decrease or increase the risk of fetal or neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity, as compared with planned vaginal delivery. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00187369; Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN74420086.).

  13. Measuring patient-centered medical home access and continuity in clinics with part-time clinicians.

    PubMed

    Rosland, Ann-Marie; Krein, Sarah L; Kim, Hyunglin Myra; Greenstone, Clinton L; Tremblay, Adam; Ratz, David; Saffar, Darcy; Kerr, Eve A

    2015-05-01

    Common patient-centered medical home (PCMH) performance measures value access to a single primary care provider (PCP), which may have unintended consequences for clinics that rely on part-time PCPs and team-based care. Retrospective analysis of 110,454 primary care visits from 2 Veterans Health Administration clinics from 2010 to 2012. Multi-level models examined associations between PCP availability in clinic, and performance on access and continuity measures. Patient experiences with access and continuity were compared using 2012 patient survey data (N = 2881). Patients of PCPs with fewer half-day clinic sessions per week were significantly less likely to get a requested same-day appointment with their usual PCP (predicted probability 17% for PCPs with 2 sessions/week, 20% for 5 sessions/week, and 26% for 10 sessions/week). Among requests that did not result in a same-day appointment with the usual PCP, there were no significant differences in same-day access to a different PCP, or access within 2 to 7 days with patients' usual PCP. Overall, patients had >92% continuity with their usual PCP at the hospital-based site regardless of PCP sessions/week. Patients of full-time PCPs reported timely appointments for urgent needs more often than patients of part-time PCPs (82% vs 71%; P < .01), but reported similar experiences with routine access and continuity. Part-time PCP performance appeared worse when using measures focused on same-day access to patients' usual PCP. However, clinic-level same-day access, same-week access to the usual PCP, and overall continuity were similar for patients of part-time and full-time PCPs. Measures of in-person access to a usual PCP do not capture alternate access approaches encouraged by PCMH, and often used by part-time providers, such as team-based or non-face-to-face care.

  14. 45-Year Trends in Women’s Use of Time and Household Management Energy Expenditure

    PubMed Central

    Archer, Edward; Shook, Robin P.; Thomas, Diana M.; Church, Timothy S.; Katzmarzyk, Peter T.; Hébert, James R.; McIver, Kerry L.; Hand, Gregory A.; Lavie, Carl J.; Blair, Steven N.

    2013-01-01

    Context Relationships between socio-environmental factors and obesity are poorly understood due to a dearth of longitudinal population-level research. The objective of this analysis was to examine 45-year trends in time-use, household management (HM) and energy expenditure in women. Design and Participants Using national time-use data from women 19–64 years of age, we quantified time allocation and household management energy expenditure (HMEE) from 1965 to 2010. HM was defined as the sum of time spent in food preparation, post-meal cleaning activities (e.g., dish-washing), clothing maintenance (e.g., laundry), and general housework. HMEE was calculated using body weights from national surveys and metabolic equivalents. Results The time allocated to HM by women (19–64 yrs) decreased from 25.7 hr/week in 1965 to 13.3 hr/week in 2010 (P<0.001), with non-employed women decreasing by 16.6 hr/week and employed women by 6.7 hr/week (P<0.001). HMEE for non-employed women decreased 42% from 25.1 Mj/week (6004 kilocalories per week) in 1965 to 14.6 Mj/week (3486 kcal/week) in 2010, a decrement of 10.5 Mj/week or 1.5 Mj/day (2518 kcal/week; 360 kcal/day) (P<0.001), whereas employed women demonstrated a 30% decrement of 3.9 Mj/week, 0.55 Mj/day (923 kcal/week, 132 kcal/day) (P<0.001). The time women spent in screen-based media use increased from 8.3 hr/week in 1965 to 16.5 hr/week in 2010 (P<0.001), with non-employed women increasing 9.6 hr/week and employed women 7.5 hr/week (P<0.001). Conclusions From 1965 to 2010, there was a large and significant decrease in the time allocated to HM. By 2010, women allocated 25% more time to screen-based media use than HM (i.e., cooking, cleaning, and laundry combined). The reallocation of time from active pursuits (i.e., housework) to sedentary pastimes (e.g., watching TV) has important health consequences. These results suggest that the decrement in HMEE may have contributed to the increasing prevalence of obesity in women during the last five decades. PMID:23437187

  15. Dialysis outcomes and analysis of practice patterns suggests the dialysis schedule affects day-of-week mortality

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Hui; Schaubel, Douglas E; Kalbfleisch, John D; Bragg-Gresham, Jennifer L; Robinson, Bruce M; Pisoni, Ronald L; Canaud, Bernard; Jadoul, Michel; Akiba, Takashi; Saito, Akira; Port, Friedrich K; Saran, Rajiv

    2012-01-01

    The risk of death for hemodialysis patients is thought to be highest on the days following the longest interval without dialysis (usually Mondays and Tuesdays); however, existing results are inconclusive. To clarify this we analyzed Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) data of 22,163 hemodialysis patients from the United States, Europe and Japan. Our study focused on the association between dialysis schedule and day-of-week of all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality with day-of-week coding as a time-dependent covariate. The models were adjusted for dialysis schedule, age, country, DOPPS Phase I or II, and other demographic and clinical covariates comparing mortality on each day to the 7-day average. Patients on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday (MFW) schedule had elevated all-cause mortality on Monday, and those on a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday (TTS) schedule increased risk of mortality on Tuesday in all 3 regions. The association between day-of-week mortality and schedule was generally stronger for cardiovascular than non-cardiovascular mortality, and most pronounced in the United States. Unexpectedly, Japanese patients on a MWF schedule had a higher risk of non-cardiovascular mortality on Fridays, and European patients on a TTS schedule experienced an elevated cardiovascular mortality on Saturdays. Thus, future studies are needed to evaluate the influence of practice patterns on schedule-specific mortality and factors that could modulate this effect. PMID:22297673

  16. 33 CFR 117.627 - Cheboygan River.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... September 15— (1) Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week, the draw shall open on signal. (2) Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week, the draw need open only from three...

  17. 46 CFR 310.64 - Privileges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... leave of absence of approximately four (4) weeks after completing each of the first, second and third years of training. (b) Classes and exercises are suspended on New Year's Day, Washington's Birthday... may be granted approximately 2 weeks leave during the period which includes Christmas Day and New Year...

  18. Flexitime in an Army Medical Center.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-04-01

    and Costigan (1973) conducted a longitudinal study of employee responses to the four day week in a medium-sized pharmaceutical company. The patterns...New York, New York, 1979. Nord, W.R. and Costigan, R. Worker adjustment to the four - day week : a longitudinal study. Journal of Applied Psychology, 58

  19. Effects of ATX-MS-1467 immunotherapy over 16 weeks in relapsing multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Chataway, Jeremy; Martin, Keith; Barrell, Kevin; Sharrack, Basil; Stolt, Pelle; Wraith, David C

    2018-03-13

    To assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the antigen-specific immunotherapy ATX-MS-1467 in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis using different treatment protocols to induce tolerance. Two open-label trials in adult participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis were conducted. Study 1 was a multicenter, phase 1b safety evaluation comparing intradermal (i.d.) (cohort 1) with subcutaneous (cohort 2) administration in 43 participants. Both cohorts received ATX-MS-1467 dosed at 25, 50, 100, 400, and 800 μg at 14-day intervals over 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks with 4 additional 800-μg doses at 14-day intervals and 32 weeks off study medication. Study 2 was a phase 2a, multicenter, single-arm trial enrolling 37 participants. ATX-MS-1467 was titrated from 50 μg i.d. on day 1 to 200 μg on day 15 and 800 μg on day 29 followed by biweekly administration of 800 μg for 16 weeks and 16 weeks off study medication. Efficacy was evaluated on MRI parameters and clinical variables. Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events and injection-site reactions. In study 1, there was a significant decrease in new/persisting T1 gadolinium-enhanced (GdE) lesions in cohort 1 from baseline to week 16, returning to baseline values at week 48. In study 2, the number of T1 GdE lesions were significantly reduced on treatment and remained reduced at study completion. Safety results were unremarkable in both studies. Relatively slow ATX-MS-1467 titration and a longer full-dose i.d. treatment period is associated with reduction in GdE lesions and a sustained effect post treatment. Further trials of ATX-MS-1467 are warranted. This work provides Class IV evidence that for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, slow ATX-MS-1467 titration and a longer full-dose i.d. treatment period is associated with reduction in GdE lesions. © 2018 American Academy of Neurology.

  20. Dose-expanded study in the reinforcement of efficacy of simvastatin.

    PubMed

    Vichayanrat, Apichati

    2002-04-01

    Two hundred and twenty two hyperlipidemic patients were recruited for a 12-week prospective, multicenter, open-label, titrate-to-goal study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 20 to 40 mg per day of simvastatin in a Thai population. The efficacy on lipid lowering was evaluated at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after medication. Based on NCEP ATP II guideline and ADA position statement, subjects were categorized into three groups according to LDL-C goals; group I: patients without CHD and with < 2 CHD risk factors, group II: patients without CHD and with > or = 2 CHD risk factors and group III: CHD patients or diabetic patients with > or = 1 risk factors. Significant changes of all lipid parameters from baselines were noted at 4 weeks after medication except for HDL-C levels. Reduction of serum LDL-C, TC and TG by 40 per cent, 29 per cent and 16 per cent respectively and increase of serum HDL-C by 5 per cent were observed at 8 weeks of therapy (p<0.05). At 4 weeks after taking simvastatin 20 mg/day, 78.9 per cent of patients in group I, 67.4 per cent in group II and 40.9 per cent in group III achieved LDL-C goals. Seventeen per cent of the patients who were evaluated at 8 weeks increased the simvastatin dosage to 40 mg per day in the second month of treatment. At 8 weeks of therapy with simvastatin 20-40 mg/day, 90.1 per cent of patients in group I, 77.4 per cent in group II and 66.7 per cent in group III achieved LDL-C goals. Adverse symptoms during therapy, mostly mild, developed in 6.3 per cent of the 222 patients. Simvastatin 20-40 mg/day was effective and well tolerated in managing lipid parameters in Thai patients similar to other ethnic populations.

  1. Tg.rasH2 Mice and not CByB6F1 Mice Should Be Used for 28-Day Dose Range Finding Studies Prior to 26-Week Tg.rasH2 Carcinogenicity Studies.

    PubMed

    Paranjpe, Madhav G; Belich, Jessica; Vidmar, Tom J; Elbekai, Reem H; McKeon, Marie; Brown, Caren

    Our recent retrospective analysis of data, collected from 29 Tg.rasH2 mouse carcinogenicity studies, determined how successful the strategy of choosing the high dose for the 26-week studies was based on the estimated maximum tolerated dose (EMTD) derived from earlier 28-day dose range finding (DRF) studies conducted in CByB6F1 mice. Our analysis demonstrated that the high doses applied at EMTD in the 26-week Tg.rasH2 studies failed to detect carcinogenic effects. To investigate why the dose selection process failed in the 26-week carcinogenicity studies, the initial body weights, terminal body weights, body weight gains, food consumption, and mortality from the first 4 weeks of 26-week studies with Tg.rasH2 mice were compared with 28-day DRF studies conducted with CByB6F1 mice. Both the 26-week and the earlier respective 28-day studies were conducted with the exact same vehicle, test article, and similar dose levels. The analysis of our results further emphasizes that the EMTD and subsequent lower doses, determined on the basis of the 28-day studies in CByB6F1 mice, may not be an accurate strategy for selecting appropriate dose levels for the 26-week carcinogenicity studies in Tg.rasH2 mice. Based on the analysis presented in this article, we propose that the Tg.rasH2 mice and not the CByB6F1 mice should be used in future DRF studies. The Tg.rasH2 mice demonstrate more toxicity than the CByB6F1 mice, possibly because of their smaller size compared to CByB6F1 mice. Also, the Tg.rasH2 males appear to be more sensitive than the female Tg.rasH2 mice.

  2. Gabapentin for hot flashes in 420 women with breast cancer: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

    PubMed Central

    Pandya, K J; Morrow, G R; Roscoe, J A; Hickok, J T; Zhao, H; Pajon, E; Sweeney, T J; Banerjee, T K; Flynn, P J

    2005-01-01

    Summary Background Most women receiving systemic therapy for breast cancer experience hot flashes. We undertook a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional trial to assess the efficacy of gabapentin in controlling hot flashes in women with breast cancer. Methods 420 women with breast cancer who were having two or more hot flashes per day were randomly assigned placebo, gabapentin 300 mg/day, or gabapentin 900 mg/day by mouth in three divided doses for 8 weeks. Each patient kept a 1-week, self-report diary on the frequency, severity, and duration of hot flashes before the start of the study and during weeks 4 and 8 of treatment. Analyses were by intention to treat. Findings Evaluable data were available on 371 participants at 4 weeks (119 placebo, 123 gabapentin 300 mg, and 129 gabapentin 900 mg) and 347 at 8 weeks (113 placebo, 114 gabapentin 300 mg, and 120 gabapentin 900 mg). The percentage decreases in hot-flash severity score between baseline and weeks 4 and 8, respectively were: 21% (95% CI 12 to 30) and 15% (1 to 29) in the placebo group; 33% (23 to 43) and 31% (16 to 46) in the group assigned gabapentin 300 mg; and 49% (42 to 56) and 46% (34 to 58) in the group assigned gabapentin 900 mg. The differences between the groups were significant (p=0.0001 at 4 weeks and p=0.007 at 8 weeks by ANCOVA for overall treatment effect, adjusted for baseline values); only the higher dose of gabapentin was associated with significant decreases in hot-flash frequency and severity. Interpretation Gabapentin is effective in the control of hot flashes at a dose of 900 mg/day, but not at a dose of 300 mg/day. This drug should be considered for treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer. PMID:16139656

  3. [The effect of floating-needle therapy combined with rehabilitation training for the hand function recovery of post-stroke patients].

    PubMed

    Yang, Jiangxia; Xiao, Hong

    2015-08-01

    To explore the improvement of hand motion function,spasm and self-care ability of daily life for stroke patients treated with floating-needle combined with rehabilitation training. Eighty hand spasm patients of post-stroke within one year after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each one. In the two groups, rehabilitation was adopted for eight weeks,once a day,40 min one time. In the observation group, based on the above treatment and according to muscle fascia trigger point, 2~3 points in both the internal and external sides of forearm were treated with floating-needle. The positive or passive flexion and extension of wrist and knuckle till the relief of spasm hand was combined. The floating-needle therapy was given for eight weeks, on the first three days once a day and later once every other day. Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS), activity of daily life(ADL, Barthel index) scores and Fugl-Meyer(FMA) scores were used to assess the spasm hand degree,activity of daily life and hand motion function before and after 7-day, 14-day and 8-week treatment. After 7-day, 14-day and 8-week treatment, MAS scores were apparently lower than those before treatment in the two groups(all P<0. 05), and Barthel scores and FMA scores were obviously higher than those before-treatment(all P<0. 05). After 14-day and 8-week treatment, FMA scores in the observation group were markedly higher than those in the control group(both P<0. 05). Floating-needle therapy combined with rehabilitation training and simple rehabilitation training could both improve hand spasm degree, hand function and activity of daily life of post-stroke patients, but floating-needle therapy combined with rehabilitation training is superior to simple rehabilitation training for the improvement of hand function.

  4. Impact of solifenacin on resource utilization, work productivity and health utility in overactive bladder patients switching from tolterodine ER.

    PubMed

    Zinner, Norman; Noe, Les; Rasouliyan, Lawrence; Marshall, Thomas; Seifeldin, Raafat

    2008-06-01

    Assess changes in resource utilization, work and activity impairment, and health utility among OAB patients continuing to have urgency symptoms with tolterodine ER 4 mg and willing to try solifenacin 5/10 mg. This was an open-label, non-comparative, flexible-dosing, multicenter, 12-week study assessing the efficacy and safety of solifenacin 5/10 mg/day. Patients receiving tolterodine ER 4 mg/day for >/=4 weeks but continuing to experience residual urgency symptoms (>/=3 urgency episodes/24 h) were enrolled into the study. After a 14-day washout, patients began treatment with solifenacin 5 mg/day with dosing adjustments allowed at Weeks 4 and 8. Outcomes were assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire - Specific Health Problem (WPAI-SHP), Health Utilities Index (HUI), and a resource utilization questionnaire administered at Pre-Washout and Week 12. Patients (n=440) reported significantly fewer physician office visits (p<0.0001), UTIs (p<0.0001), and pads/diapers (p=0.0009) during the study period while receiving solifenacin 5/10 mg/day, compared with the Pre-Washout period when receiving tolterodine ER 4 mg/day. After 12 weeks of treatment with solifenacin 5/10 mg/day, patients reported a reduction in work time missed (p=0.0017), less impairment while working (p<0.0001), less overall work impairment (p<0.0001) and a reduction in activity impairment (p<0.0001) compared to Pre-Washout. There was no significant difference in health utility scores. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly anticholinergic in nature, and were mild to moderate in severity. Overall, solifenacin 5/10 mg/day improved work productivity, activity participation, and reduced medical care use in OAB patients who continued to have urgency symptoms with tolterodine ER 4 mg/day and wished to switch to solifenacin 5/10 mg. This was an open-label, non-comparative study; therefore, further research is needed to confirm these results.

  5. The use of sunscreen starting on the first day after ablative fractional skin resurfacing.

    PubMed

    Wanitphakdeedecha, R; Phuardchantuk, R; Manuskiatti, W

    2014-11-01

    The most common side-effect of ablative fractional skin resurfacing in Asians is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Various attempts have been made to reduce the occurrence of PIH after laser treatment including sun avoidance, the use of preoperative and postoperative treatment regimens, and treatment using conservative energy settings and epidermal protection. To determine whether the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents starting on the first day after fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing reduces the incidence of post laser PIH. Thirty patients were treated with ablative fractional CO2 resurfacing on both sides of their faces at 10 mJ and 10% density. Each subject was randomly treated on one side of the face with petrolatum ointment four times a day for the first week after laser treatment and on the other side of the face with petrolatum ointment four times a day plus broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents in the morning starting on the first day after laser treatment. Transepidermal water loss was recorded at baseline and every day for 1 week. Melanin and erythema indexes were measured at baseline, 1-, 2-week, 1-, 2- and at 3-month post treatment. Of the 30 patients involved in the study, 26 received the treatment and attended 1-, 2-week, 1-, 2- and 3-month post-treatment visits. Four patients were withdrawn from the study because they could not attend every follow-up visit. There was no statistically significant difference in transepidermal water loss at baseline, immediately after laser treatment, or at the D1 to D7 follow-up visits. Erythema index had no significantly statistical difference at baseline, 1-, 2- and at 3-month after laser treatment. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in melanin index at 1-week post laser treatment between both sides (P = 0.001). Melanin index at the 1-week follow-up visit on the side treated with broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents starting on the first day after laser treatment was significantly less than the control side. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agents starting on the first day after ablative fractional skin resurfacing can decrease the incidence of PIH after laser treatment at 1-week postoperatively. © 2013 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

  6. 76 FR 20827 - National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2011

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-13

    ... Victims' Rights Week, 2011 Proclamation 8651--Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2011 Proclamation... Victims' Rights Week, 2011 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Though our... continue to fight crime wherever it exists. During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we renew our...

  7. Congenital peripheral ameloblastic fibroma with intraosseous involvement in a 2-week-old infant: A case report with review of literature.

    PubMed

    Langer, Sabina; Choudhury, Monisha; Agarwal, Savita; Mehra, Parvesh

    2015-01-01

    Ameloblastic fibroma is a rare, slow-growing benign mixed odontogenic tumor. It constitutes 2% of odontogenic tumors and is reported to occur at an age ranging from 6 months to 42 years. The youngest being a 7-week-old infant. We report a case of peripheral ameloblastic fibroma in a 2-week-old infant. The lesion presented since birth. It involved the maxilla with an extraosseous component involving the gingiva. A more or less conservative surgical approach of enucleation and curettage of the lesion was done under general anesthesia, trying to conserve the adjacent tooth buds. Only a few cases of congenital peripheral ameloblastic fibroma have been reported so far.

  8. Day of the week lost time occupational injury trends in the US by gender and industry and their implications for work scheduling.

    PubMed

    Brogmus, G E

    2007-03-01

    While there is a growing body of research on the impact of work schedules on the risk of occupational injuries, there has been little investigation into the impact that the day of the week might have. The present research was completed to explore day of the week trends, reasons for such trends and the corresponding implications for work scheduling. Data for the number of injuries and illnesses involving days away from work (lost time; LT) in 2004 were provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Safety and Health Statistics. Data from the American Time Use Survey database were used to estimate work hours in 2004. From these two data sources, the rate of LT injuries and illnesses (per 200 000 work hours) by day of the week, industry sector and gender were estimated. The analysis revealed clear differences by day of the week, gender and major industry sector. Sundays had the highest rate overall--nearly 37% higher than the average of the remaining days, Monday to Saturday. Mondays had the next highest rate followed closely by Saturdays. This pattern was not the same for males and females. For males, Mondays had the highest LT rate (27% higher than the average of all other days) with all remaining days having essentially the same rate. For females, Sundays and Saturdays had much higher LT rates--122% and 60% higher, respectively, than the average weekday rate. There were also differences by industry and differences between genders by industry. The present analysis suggests that several factors may be contributing to the weekend and Monday trends observed. Lower-tenured (and younger) workers on the weekends, lower female management/supervision and second jobs on the weekend seem to be contributors to the high Saturday and Sunday LT rates. Differences in day of the week employment by industry did not account for the trends observed. Fraud and overtime also could not be confirmed as contributing to these trends. Monday trends were more complex to explain, with possible explanations including non-work-related weekend injuries being reported on Mondays, soft-tissue symptoms becoming more noticeable on Mondays, greater Monday morning flexion risk and reduced supervision in the construction industry on Mondays. Interpretation of these trends and the implications for work scheduling are discussed.

  9. Association of alcohol use and loneliness frequency among middle-aged and older adult drinkers

    PubMed Central

    Canham, Sarah L.; Mauro, Pia M.; Kaufmann, Christopher N.; Sixsmith, Andrew

    2015-01-01

    Objectives We examined the association between alcohol use, at-risk drinking, and binge drinking, and loneliness in a sample of middle-aged and older adults. Methods We studied participants aged 50+ years from the 2008 wave of the Health and Retirement Study who reported alcohol use. We ran separate multinomial logistic regressions to assess the association of three alcohol use outcomes (i.e., weekly alcohol consumption, at-risk drinking, and binge drinking) and loneliness. Results After adjusting for covariates, being lonely was associated with reduced odds of weekly alcohol consumption 4–7 days per week, but not 1–3 days per week, compared to average alcohol consumption 0 days per week in the last 3 months. No association was found between at-risk drinking or binge drinking and loneliness. Discussion Results suggest that among a sample of community-based adults aged 50+, loneliness was associated with reduced alcohol use frequency, but not with at-risk or binge drinking. PMID:26082130

  10. Maternal diesel inhalation increases airway hyperreactivity in ozone-exposed offspring.

    PubMed

    Auten, Richard L; Gilmour, M Ian; Krantz, Q Todd; Potts, Erin N; Mason, S Nicholas; Foster, W Michael

    2012-04-01

    Air pollutant exposure is linked with childhood asthma incidence and exacerbations, and maternal exposure to airborne pollutants during pregnancy increases airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in offspring. To determine if exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) during pregnancy worsened postnatal ozone-induced AHR, timed pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to DE (0.5 or 2.0 mg/m(3)) 4 hours daily from Gestation Day 9-17, or received twice-weekly oropharyngeal aspirations of the collected DE particles (DEPs). Placentas and fetal lungs were harvested on Gestation Day 18 for cytokine analysis. In other litters, pups born to dams exposed to air or DE, or to dams treated with aspirated diesel particles, were exposed to filtered air or 1 ppm ozone beginning the day after birth, for 3 hours per day, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Additional pups were monitored after a 4-week recovery period. Diesel inhalation or aspiration during pregnancy increased levels of placental and fetal lung cytokines. There were no significant effects on airway leukocytes, but prenatal diesel augmented ozone-induced elevations of bronchoalveolar lavage cytokines at 4 weeks. Mice born to the high-concentration diesel-exposed dams had worse ozone-induced AHR, which persisted in the 4-week recovery animals. Prenatal diesel exposure combined with postnatal ozone exposure also worsened secondary alveolar crest development. We conclude that maternal inhalation of DE in pregnancy provokes a fetal inflammatory response that, combined with postnatal ozone exposure, impairs alveolar development, and causes a more severe and long-lasting AHR to ozone exposure.

  11. Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to tuberculosis at 24-week gestation.

    PubMed

    Fernández, Alexandra Arteaga; de Velasco Pérez, David Fernández; Fournier, M C Jiménez; Moreno Del Prado, J C; Torras, B Paraíso; Cañete Palomo, M L

    2017-01-01

    Hemophagocytic syndrome is a life-threatening disease characterized by the uncontrolled activation of macrophages, resulting in hemophagocytosis of blood cells in the bone marrow. A 20-year-old gravida at 23-week and 5-day gestation was admitted to hospital to evaluate fever up to 104°F of unknown origin, moderate cytopenia, and elevated levels of liver enzymes. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed hemophagocytic syndrome, and polymerase chain reaction came back positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Supportive care and tuberculosis treatment resulted in clinical improvement. At 27 weeks and 5 days, premature rupture of the membranes occurred, and because of the high probability of reactivating the hemophagocytic syndrome, a cesarean section was performed at 29-week and 2-day gestation. Hemophagocytic syndrome is an uncommon disease which rarely appears during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment can save both maternal and fetal lives.

  12. Surgical workload of a foreign medical team after Typhoon Haiyan.

    PubMed

    Read, David J; Holian, Annette; Moller, Cea-Cea; Poutawera, Vaughan

    2016-05-01

    On 8 November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing widespread loss of lives and infrastructures. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Australian Government deployed a surgical field hospital to the city of Tacloban for 4 weeks. This paper describes the establishment of the hospital, the surgical workload and handover to the local health system upon the end of deployment. A Microsoft excel database was utilized throughout the deployment, recording demographics, relationship to the typhoon and surgical procedure performed. Over the 21 days of surgical activity, the Australian field hospital performed 222 operations upon 131 persons. A mean of 10.8 procedures were performed per day (range 3-20). The majority (70.2%) of procedures were soft tissue surgery. Diabetes was present in 22.9% and 67.9% were typhoon-related. The Australian Medical Assistance Team field hospital adhered to the World Health Organization guidelines for foreign medical teams, in ensuring informed consent, appropriate anaesthesia and surgery, and worked collaboratively with local surgeons, ensuring adequate documentation and clinical handover. This paper describes the experience of a trained, equipped and collaborative surgical foreign medical team in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Sepsis from foot injuries in diabetic patients constituted an unexpected majority of the workload. New presentations of typhoon-related injuries were presented throughout the deployment. © 2015 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

  13. Social Smoking among Intermittent Smokers

    PubMed Central

    Shiffman, Saul; Li, Xiaoxue; Dunbar, Michael S.; Ferguson, Stuart G.; Tindle, Hilary A.; Scholl, Sarah M.

    2015-01-01

    Background “Social smoking” - smoking mostly or even only with others – may be an important pattern that implies smoking motivated extrinsically by social influences. Non-daily smokers (intermittent smokers; ITS) are often assumed to be social smokers, with some authors even assuming that all ITS are social smokers (SS+). We sought to identify and characterize social smokers in a sample of ITS. Methods 204 adult ITS (smoking 4–27 days/month) recorded the circumstances of smoking in their natural settings using Ecological Momentary Assessment, while also recording their circumstances in nonsmoking moments. SS+ were defined as ITS who were with others when they smoked most of their cigarettes, and who were ≥ 50% more likely to be with others when smoking than when not. Results Only 13% of ITS were SS+. Although defined solely on the basis of presence of others, SS+ showed a distinct pattern of smoking across multiple dimensions: Compared to other ITS (who were significantly less likely to smoke when with others), SS+ smoking was more associated with socializing, being with friends and acquaintances, drinking alcohol, weekends, evening or nighttime, being in other people’s homes, but not their own home. SS+ smoking was low in the morning and increased in the evening. SS+ smoked fewer days/week and were less dependent, but did not differ demographically. Conclusions Social smoking does constitute a highly distinct smoking pattern, but is not common among adult ITS. PMID:26205313

  14. Effect of Saccharomyces Boulardii Cell Wall Extracts on Colon Cancer Prevention in Male F344 Rats Treated with 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine.

    PubMed

    Fortin, Olivier; Aguilar-Uscanga, Blanca R; Vu, Khanh D; Salmieri, Stephane; Lacroix, Monique

    2018-01-01

    The effect of Saccharomyces boulardii cell wall extracts on colon cancer prevention in rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine was investigated. A crude insoluble glucan (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day) and a crude mannoprotein extract (0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg/day) were administered in rats by gavage for 12 weeks along with a high fat low fiber diet whereupon rats were sacrificed and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were counted in the colon. Moreover, NAD(P)H: quinone reductase (QR) and harmful fecal enzymes (β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) were quantified in the liver and in the caecum, respectively. Results showed a reduction in ACF counts, a decreased β-glucuronidase activity and an increased QR activity when rats were treated only with insoluble glucan. While these enzymatic modulations may be constituted one of the mechanisms that is responsible for the reduction of ACF counts observed, the reduction of ACF counts caused by insoluble glucan should be addressed, at least, as a biomarker of their cancer-prevention properties. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrated that crude cell wall extract obtained from S. boulardii could have a potential role in colon cancer prevention in vivo by revealing the potential implication of QR and β-glucuronidase modulation.

  15. Understanding Activity Engagement Across Weekdays and Weekend Days: A Multivariate Multiple Discrete-Continuous Modeling Approach

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Garikapati, Venu; Astroza, Sebastian; Bhat, Prerna C.

    This paper is motivated by the increasing recognition that modeling activity-travel demand for a single day of the week, as is done in virtually all travel forecasting models, may be inadequate in capturing underlying processes that govern activity-travel scheduling behavior. The considerable variability in daily travel suggests that there are important complementary relationships and competing tradeoffs involved in scheduling and allocating time to various activities across days of the week. Both limited survey data availability and methodological challenges in modeling week-long activity-travel schedules have precluded the development of multi-day activity-travel demand models. With passive and technology-based data collection methods increasinglymore » in vogue, the collection of multi-day travel data may become increasingly commonplace in the years ahead. This paper addresses the methodological challenge associated with modeling multi-day activity-travel demand by formulating a multivariate multiple discrete-continuous probit (MDCP) model system. The comprehensive framework ties together two MDCP model components, one corresponding to weekday time allocation and the other to weekend activity-time allocation. By tying the two MDCP components together, the model system also captures relationships in activity-time allocation between weekdays on the one hand and weekend days on the other. Model estimation on a week-long travel diary data set from the United Kingdom shows that there are significant inter-relationships between weekdays and weekend days in activity-travel scheduling behavior. The model system presented in this paper may serve as a higher-level multi-day activity scheduler in conjunction with existing daily activity-based travel models.« less

  16. The Role of Calcium in Ameliorating the Oxidative Stress of Fluoride in Rats.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, N E

    2016-03-01

    The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of fluoride toxicity on some biochemical, hormonal, and histological parameters of female rats and the protective role of calcium against such effects. Adult female albino rats were divided into five groups; control group received distilled water for 60 days, calcium group received calcium carbonate with dose of 50 mg/kg three times per week for 60 days, fluoride group received sodium fluoride with dose of 20 mg/kg three times per week for 60 days, calcium + fluoride group received calcium carbonate (50 mg/kg) then after 2 h received sodium fluoride (20 mg/kg) three times per week for 60 days, and fluoride + calcium group received sodium fluoride (20 mg/kg) three times per week for 30 days then received calcium carbonate (50 mg/kg) three times per week for another 30 days. The results showed that the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, parathormone, phosphorous, magnesium, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyl transferase were significantly increased in rats treated with fluoride while serum estradiol, calcium, and organ glutathione were significantly decreased. The histological examination of the femur bone revealed that fluoride treatment induced thinning of bone trabeculae with wilding of marrow space, demineralization, and loss of trabeculae interconnections. Also, the histological examination of hepatic and renal tissues of fluoride-treated rats showed some damages in these tissues while administration of calcium carbonate for 30 or 60 days during fluoride treatment minimized such damages. It could be concluded that administration of calcium to female rats can ameliorate the hazardous effects of fluoride observed in the biochemical, hormonal, and histological parameters.

  17. A comparison of 20 or 40 mg per day of carbimazole in the initial treatment of hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Page, S R; Sheard, C E; Herbert, M; Hopton, M; Jeffcoate, W J

    1996-11-01

    The optimal dosage regimen for carbimazole (CBZ) in the treatment of hyperthyroidism remains uncertain, despite clinical use of the drug for approximately fifty years. We have compared the early clinical and biochemical responses to 20 or 40 mg/day of CBZ given as initial treatment for hyperthyroidism. Prospective open multicentre trial. Sixty-three patients presenting with hyperthyroidism. Serum total and free thyroid hormones, serum TSH and SHBG were measured at baseline and at 4 and 10 weeks after start of therapy. Weight, pulse and a symptom questionnaire were also monitored at 6 and 12 weeks. Patients randomized to a starting dose of 40 mg/day CBZ had lower total (98 +/- 10 vs 158 +/- 11 nmol/l, P < 0.001) and free T4 (19.4 +/- 2.6 vs 35.2 +/- 3.7 pmol/l, P < 0.001) and total (2.6 +/- 0.3 vs 4.3 +/- 0.4 nmol/l, P < 0.001) and free T3 (8.3 +/- 1.0 vs 13.7 +/- 1.2 pmol/l, P < 0.01) at 4 weeks than those receiving 20 mg/day. Clinical responses at 6 and 12 weeks (weight, pulse, symptom score) and SHBG concentrations were similar. Drug-related hypothyroidism was less likely to occur at 4 and 10 weeks in those patient who initially received 20 mg CBZ/day, but this dose was less effective at controlling hyperthyroidism in those with more severe hyperthyroidism with baseline TT4 > 260 nmol/l. In treating hyperthyroidism, 20 mg/day carbimazole is effective, convenient and has a lower risk than 40 mg/day of iatrogenic hypothyroidism in patients with mild or moderate hyperthyroidism. Higher doses are required for those with severe hyperthyroidism.

  18. Is the weekend effect really ubiquitous? A retrospective clinical cohort analyses of 30-day mortality by day of week and time of day using linked population data from New South Wales, Australia.

    PubMed

    Baldwin, Heather J; Marashi-Pour, Sadaf; Chen, Huei-Yang; Kaldor, Jill; Sutherland, Kim; Levesque, Jean-Frederic

    2018-04-12

    To examine the associations between day of week and time of admission and 30-day mortality for six clinical conditions: ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Retrospective population-based cohort analyses. Hospitalisation records were linked to emergency department and deaths data. Random-effect logistic regression models were used, adjusting for casemix and taking into account clustering within hospitals. All hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, from July 2009 to June 2012. Patients admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis for one of the six clinical conditions examined. Adjusted ORs for all-cause mortality within 30 days of admission, by day of week and time of day. A total of 148 722 patients were included in the study, with 17 721 deaths within 30 days of admission. Day of week of admission was not associated with significantly higher likelihood of death for five of the six conditions after adjusting for casemix. There was significant variation in mortality for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by day of week; however, this was not consistent with a strict weekend effect (Thursday: OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.48; Friday: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.44; Saturday: OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37; Sunday OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.22; compared with Monday). There was evidence for a night effect for patients admitted for stroke (ischaemic: OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.45; haemorrhagic: OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.78). Mortality outcomes for these conditions, adjusted for casemix, do not vary in accordance with the weekend effect hypothesis. Our findings support a growing body of evidence that questions the ubiquity of the weekend effect. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  19. The effect of a whole-body vibration therapy on the sitting balance of subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jong Hwa; Kim, Sang Beom; Lee, Kyeong Woo; Lee, Sook Joung; Park, Hyuntae; Kim, Dong Won

    2017-09-01

    The use of a whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy has recently been applied and investigated as a rehabilitation method for subacute stroke patients. To evaluate the effects of a WBV therapy on recovery of balance in subacute stroke patients who were unable to gain sitting balance. The conventional rehabilitation group (CG) received conventional physical therapy, including sitting balance training by a physical therapist, for 30 min a one session, for twice a day for five days a week for two weeks. The whole-body vibration group (VG) received one session of conventional physical therapy, and received WBV therapy instead of conventional physical therapy for 30 min a day for five days a week for two weeks. There were 15 patients in the CG and 15 patients in the VG who completed the two-week therapy. After the two-week therapy, both groups showed functional improvement. Patients in the VG improved functional ambulation categories, Berg balance scale, trunk impairment scale scores. But, no statistically significant correlations between the therapeutic methods and outcomes were observed in either group. Our results suggest that WBV therapy led to improvement of the recovery in balance recovery for subacute stroke patients. Because the WBV therapy was as effective as conventional physical therapy, we can consider a WBV therapy as a clinical method to improve the sitting balance of subacute stoke patients.

  20. Anxious Depression and early changes in the HAMD-17 anxiety-somatization factor items and antidepressant treatment outcome

    PubMed Central

    Farabaugh, Amy H.; Bitran, Stella; Witte, Janet; Alpert, Jonathan; Chuzi, Sarah; Clain, Alisabet J.; Baer, Lee; Fava, Maurizio; McGrath, Patrick J.; Dording, Christina; Mischoulon, David; Papakostas, George I

    2010-01-01

    Objective To assess the relationship between early changes in anxiety/somatization symptoms and treatment outcome among MDD subjects during a 12-week trial of fluoxetine. We also examined the relationship between anxious depression and treatment response. Methods 510 MDD patients received 12 weeks of fluoxetine with flexible dosing (target dosages: 10 mg/day (week 1), 20 mg/day (weeks 2–4), 40 mg/day (weeks 4–8), and 60 mg/day (weeks 5–12)). We assessed the relationship between early changes in HAMD-17- anxiety/somatization factor items and depressive remission, as well as whether anxious depression at baseline predicted remission at study endpoint. . Baseline HAMD-17 scores were considered as covariates and the Bonferroni correction (p ≤ .008) was used for multiple comparisons. Results Adjusting for baseline HAMD-17 scores, patients who experienced greater early improvement in somatic symptoms (gastrointestinal) were significantly more likely to attain remission (HAMD-17 < 8) at endpoint than those without early improvement (p = .006). Early changes in the remaining items did not predict remission, nor did anxious depression at baseline. Conclusions Among the anxiety/somatization factor items, only early changes in somatic symptoms (gastrointestinal) predicted remission. Future studies are warranted to further investigate this relationship, as well as that between anxious depression and treatment outcome. PMID:20400905

  1. Do aftershock probabilities decay with time?

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Michael, Andrew J.

    2012-01-01

    So, do aftershock probabilities decay with time? Consider a thought experiment in which we are at the time of the mainshock and ask how many aftershocks will occur a day, week, month, year, or even a century from now. First we must decide how large a window to use around each point in time. Let's assume that, as we go further into the future, we are asking a less precise question. Perhaps a day from now means 1 day 10% of a day, a week from now means 1 week 10% of a week, and so on. If we ignore c because it is a small fraction of a day (e.g., Reasenberg and Jones, 1989, hereafter RJ89), and set p = 1 because it is usually close to 1 (its value in the original Omori law), then the rate of earthquakes (K=t) decays at 1=t. If the length of the windows being considered increases proportionally to t, then the number of earthquakes at any time from now is the same because the rate decrease is canceled by the increase in the window duration. Under these conditions we should never think "It's a bit late for this to be an aftershock."

  2. Effects of an exercise and scheduled-toileting intervention on appetite and constipation in nursing home residents.

    PubMed

    Simmons, S F; Schnelle, J F

    2004-01-01

    To evaluate the effects of an exercise and scheduled-toileting intervention on appetite and constipation in nursing home (NH) residents. A controlled, clinical intervention trial with 89 residents in two NHs. Research staff provided exercise and toileting assistance every two hours, four times per day, five days a week for 32 weeks. Oral food and fluid consumption during meals was measured at baseline, eight and 32 weeks. Bowel movement frequency was measured at baseline and 32 weeks. The intervention group showed significant improvements or maintenance across all measures of daily physical activity, functional performance, and strength compared to the control group. Participants in both groups consumed an average of approximately 55% of meals at all three time points (approximately 1100 calories/day) with no change over time in either group. There was also no change in the frequency of bowel movements in either group, which averaged less than one in two days for both groups; and, approximately one-half of all participants had no bowel movement in two days. An exercise and scheduled-toileting intervention alone is not sufficient to improve oral food and fluid consumption during meals and bowel movement frequency in NH residents.

  3. A 4-Day Work Week That Works.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walker, Kenneth; Timmerman, Linda

    1980-01-01

    Describes Navarro College's (Corsicana, TX) program to reduce kilowatt hour consumption through alternative energy sources and energy costs through transition to a four-day/40-hour work week. Presents results of studies of employee performance levels, community response, and the cost effectiveness of the program. Lists benefits for the student,…

  4. 29 CFR 825.200 - Amount of leave.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... entitled to use) one additional day of FMLA leave each day for four weeks, commencing February 1, 2009. The... employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent with a serious health condition; (4) Because of a serious... weeks of leave entitlement described in paragraph (a) of this section occurs: (1) The calendar year; (2...

  5. The Rewards of a Four-Day School Week.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Featherstone, Helen

    1991-01-01

    Instead of cutting art, music, or physical education, the usual victims of budgetary shortfalls, the principal and staff of a New Hampshire elementary school balanced their 1981 budget by adopting a "temporary" Monday-Thursday schedule that remains operational today. The four-day week has brought a dramatic drop in teacher absenteeism…

  6. The Four-Day School Week.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reeves, Kimberly

    1999-01-01

    In New Mexico, 18 out of 89 school districts are on the four-day school week. So are many rural Colorado, Oregon, and Colorado schools. Implemented as a fiscal last resort, this schedule has had unexpected educational benefits for districts. Attendance has improved and student achievement on standardized tests remains stable. (MLH)

  7. 76 FR 77365 - Bill of Rights Day, 2011

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-13

    ... of Rights Day, 2011 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the Bill of Rights, enshrining in our Constitution the protection of our inalienable freedoms, from the right to speak our minds and worship as we please to the guarantee...

  8. Regulations for Child Day Care Centers Operated by Religious Bodies or Groups.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    South Carolina State Dept. of Social Services, Columbia.

    As set forth in this manual, the regulations for child day care centers operated by religious bodies or groups constitute the minimum requirements to be met and maintained by each such facility in South Carolina. Regulation 114-5-20 sets out definitions and procedures for preapplication consultation, original registration, inspection, and…

  9. Christian Education in Chile: Is the Seventh-Day Adventist System at Risk?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grajales G., Tevni; Leon V., Vicente H.; Elias, Galiya

    2010-01-01

    Diverse perspectives with respect to Christian Education constitute a potential path for misunderstanding and contradictions; this study considers this situation in the context of a Seventh-day Adventist Christian system with students and parents from different religious perspectives in Chile. The parents/sponsors of the eighth graders were…

  10. Promoting Learning in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hughes, Maria; Gray, Sue

    1998-01-01

    In 1996, small and medium-sized enterprises constituted 99% of all businesses in the United Kingdom in all but the electricity, gas, and water supply sector, providing 46% of nongovernment employment. SMEs' concern with day-to-day demands leaves them with limited time and resources to consider their training needs. Although providing support and…

  11. Influence of olive oil on alveolar bone response during orthodontic retention period: rabbit model study.

    PubMed

    Al-Hamdany, Afrah K; Al-Khatib, Ali R; Al-Sadi, Hafidh I

    2017-08-01

    This study attempted to evaluate clinically and histologically the effects of olive oil (Ol) consumption on orthodontic relapse after the retention period. Thirty apparently healthy female albino rabbits, weight more than 1000 g each was used in this study. The animals were grouped randomly into six groups of five animals each: two control and four experimental groups. In control groups, the relapse was estimated either at zero day, or at the end of the fourth week after orthodontic retention period. In the experimental groups, the animals' groups received Ol, 7.7, or 15.4 ml/kg b.w. per day during the orthodontic retention period. The relapse was estimated either at zero day, or at the end of the fourth week after orthodontic retention period for each concentration. Modified fixed orthodontic appliances were attached to the rabbits' lower central incisors. Each rabbit received orthodontic intervention for one week, followed by six weeks retention period. At the end of the experiments, the clinical and histological investigations were conducted. Data analyses were performed at the level of p < .05 for the statistically significant difference. Clinically, Ol high concentration four weeks group showed a significantly lower relapse tendency than control four weeks group. Histologically, Ol low concentration zero time group showed significantly higher osteoblasts numbers than control zero time group. Olive oil low and high concentrations four weeks group showed significantly lower fibroblasts count. Moreover, Ol high concentration four weeks group revealed significantly higher bone mineralization, osteoblasts and osteocytes counts than control four weeks study group. Supplementation with Ol during an orthodontic retention period, especially at 15.4 ml/kg b.w. per day concentration, clinically reduced orthodontic relapse on rabbit model. Histologically, Ol increased osteoblasts and osteocytes counts and the relative amount of bone mineralization of connective tissue layer forming alveolar bone (AB) at the end of four weeks after the orthodontic retention period.

  12. Tolerance for Diversity of Beliefs: A Secondary Curriculum Unit.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Avery, Patricia; And Others

    This document consists on a 6-week curriculum unit designed to allow secondary students to actively explore issues associated with freedom of belief and expression. Throughout the curriculum students systematically examine the ways in which the legal and constitutional framework of our society directly embodies the norms of freedom of speech and…

  13. 7 CFR 4280.302 - Definitions and abbreviations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... with combined hours of at least 35 hours in a work week equals one FTE, and three seasonal jobs equals... granted by the State. (ii) For the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island is considered rural and... Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Agency shall determine what constitutes rural and...

  14. 7 CFR 4280.302 - Definitions and abbreviations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... with combined hours of at least 35 hours in a work week equals one FTE, and three seasonal jobs equals... granted by the State. (ii) For the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island is considered rural and... Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Agency shall determine what constitutes rural and...

  15. 7 CFR 4280.302 - Definitions and abbreviations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... with combined hours of at least 35 hours in a work week equals one FTE, and three seasonal jobs equals... granted by the State. (ii) For the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island is considered rural and... Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Agency shall determine what constitutes rural and...

  16. 7 CFR 4280.302 - Definitions and abbreviations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... with combined hours of at least 35 hours in a work week equals one FTE, and three seasonal jobs equals... granted by the State. (ii) For the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island is considered rural and... Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Agency shall determine what constitutes rural and...

  17. Degradation of trichloroethylene by Pseudomonas cepacia G4 and the constitutive mutant strain G4 5223 PR1 in aquifer microcosms

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Krumme, M.L.; Timmis, K.N.; Dwyer, D.F.

    1993-01-01

    Pseudomonas cepacia G4 degrades trichloroethylene (TCE) via a degradation pathway for aromatic compounds which is induced by substrates such as phenol and tryptophan. P. cepacia G4 5223 PR1 (PR1) is a Tn5 insertion mutant which constitutively expresses the toluene ortho-monooxygenase responsible for TCE degradation. In groundwater microcosms, phenol-induced strain G4 and noninduced strain PR1 degraded TCE (20 and 50 microM) to nondetectable levels (< 0.1 microM) within 24 h at densities of 10(8) cells per ml; at lower densities, degradation of TCE was not observed after 48 h. In aquifer sediment microcosms, TCE was reduced from 60 to < 0.1 microM within 24 h at 5 x 10(8) PR1 organisms per g (wet weight) of sediment and from 60 to 26 microM over a period of 10 weeks at 5 x 10(7) PR1 organisms per g. Viable G4 and PR1 cells decreased from approximately 10(7) to 10(4) per g over the 10-week period.

  18. Caffeine Citrate Dosing Adjustments to Assure Stable Caffeine Concentrations in Preterm Neonates.

    PubMed

    Koch, Gilbert; Datta, Alexandre N; Jost, Kerstin; Schulzke, Sven M; van den Anker, John; Pfister, Marc

    2017-12-01

    To identify dosing strategies that will assure stable caffeine concentrations in preterm neonates despite changing caffeine clearance during the first 8 weeks of life. A 3-step simulation approach was used to compute caffeine doses that would achieve stable caffeine concentrations in the first 8 weeks after birth: (1) a mathematical weight change model was developed based on published weight distribution data; (2) a pharmacokinetic model was developed based on published models that accounts for individual body weight, postnatal, and gestational age on caffeine clearance and volume of distribution; and (3) caffeine concentrations were simulated for different dosing regimens. A standard dosing regimen of caffeine citrate (using a 20 mg/kg loading dose and 5 mg/kg/day maintenance dose) is associated with a maximal trough caffeine concentration of 15 mg/L after 1 week of treatment. However, trough concentrations subsequently exhibit a clinically relevant decrease because of increasing clearance. Model-based simulations indicate that an adjusted maintenance dose of 6 mg/kg/day in the second week, 7 mg/kg/day in the third to fourth week and 8 mg/kg/day in the fifth to eighth week assures stable caffeine concentrations with a target trough concentration of 15 mg/L. To assure stable caffeine concentrations during the first 8 weeks of life, the caffeine citrate maintenance dose needs to be increased by 1 mg/kg every 1-2 weeks. These simple adjustments are expected to maintain exposure to stable caffeine concentrations throughout this important developmental period and might enhance both the short- and long-term beneficial effects of caffeine treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Open-label dose optimization of methylphenidate modified release long acting (MPH-LA): a post hoc analysis of real-life titration from a 40-week randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Huss, Michael; Ginsberg, Ylva; Arngrim, Torben; Philipsen, Alexandra; Carter, Katherine; Chen, Chien-Wei; Gandhi, Preetam; Kumar, Vinod

    2014-09-01

    In the management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults it is important to recognize that individual patients respond to a wide range of methylphenidate doses. Studies with methylphenidate modified release long acting (MPH-LA) in children have reported the need for treatment optimization for improved outcomes. We report the results from a post hoc analysis of a 5-week dose optimization phase from a large randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter 40-week study (9-week double-blind dose confirmation phase, 5-week open-label dose optimization phase, and 26-week double-blind maintenance of effect phase). Patients entering the open-label dose optimization phase initiated treatment with MPH-LA 20 mg/day; up/down titrated to their optimal dose (at which there was balance between control of symptoms and side effects) of 40, 60, or 80 mg/day in increments of 20 mg/week by week 12 or 13. Safety was assessed by monitoring the adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs. Efficacy was assessed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (DSM-IV ADHD RS) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) total scores. At the end of the dose confirmation phase, similar numbers of patients were treated optimally with each of the 40, 60, and 80 mg/day doses (152, 177, and 160, respectively) for MPH-LA. Mean improvement from baseline in the dose confirmation phase in total scores of DSM-IV ADHD RS and SDS were 23.5 ± 9.90 and 9.7 ± 7.36, respectively. Dose optimization with MPH-LA (40, 60, or 80 mg/day) improved treatment outcomes and was well-tolerated in adult ADHD patients.

  20. Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and Mode of Delivery on the Early Development of the Gut Microbial Community in Preterm Infants.

    PubMed

    Zeber-Lubecka, Natalia; Kulecka, Maria; Ambrozkiewicz, Filip; Paziewska, Agnieszka; Lechowicz, Milosz; Konopka, Ewa; Majewska, Urszula; Borszewska-Kornacka, Maria; Mikula, Michal; Cukrowska, Bozena; Ostrowski, Jerzy

    2016-01-01

    Recent advances in culture-independent approaches have enabled insights into the diversity, complexity, and individual variability of gut microbial communities. To examine the effect of oral administration of Saccharomyces (S.) boulardii and mode of delivery on the intestinal microbial community in preterm infants. Stool samples were collected from preterm newborns randomly divided into two groups: a probiotic-receiving group (n = 18) or a placebo group (n = 21). Samples were collected before probiotic intake (day 0), and after 2 and 6 weeks of supplementation. The composition of colonizing bacteria was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing of fecal samples using the Ion 16S Metagenomics Kit and the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine platform. A total of 11932257 reads were generated, and were clustered into 459, 187, and 176 operational taxonomic units at 0 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks, respectively. Of the 17 identified phyla, Firmicutes Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were universal. The microbial community differed at day 0 compared with at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. There was a tendency for increased bacterial diversity at 2 weeks and 6 weeks compared with day 0, and infants with a gestational age of 31 weeks or higher presented increased bacterial diversity prior to S. boulardii administration. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria remained stable during the observation period, whereas Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased in abundance, the latter particularly more sharply in vaginally delivered infants. While the mode of delivery may influence the development of a microbial community, this study had not enough power to detect statistical differences between cohorts supplemented with probiotics, and in a consequence, to speculate on S. boulardii effect on gut microbiome composition in preterm newborns.

  1. Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and Mode of Delivery on the Early Development of the Gut Microbial Community in Preterm Infants

    PubMed Central

    Zeber-Lubecka, Natalia; Kulecka, Maria; Ambrozkiewicz, Filip; Paziewska, Agnieszka; Lechowicz, Milosz; Konopka, Ewa; Majewska, Urszula; Borszewska-Kornacka, Maria; Mikula, Michal; Cukrowska, Bozena; Ostrowski, Jerzy

    2016-01-01

    Background Recent advances in culture-independent approaches have enabled insights into the diversity, complexity, and individual variability of gut microbial communities. Objectives To examine the effect of oral administration of Saccharomyces (S.) boulardii and mode of delivery on the intestinal microbial community in preterm infants. Study Design Stool samples were collected from preterm newborns randomly divided into two groups: a probiotic-receiving group (n = 18) or a placebo group (n = 21). Samples were collected before probiotic intake (day 0), and after 2 and 6 weeks of supplementation. The composition of colonizing bacteria was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing of fecal samples using the Ion 16S Metagenomics Kit and the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine platform. Results A total of 11932257 reads were generated, and were clustered into 459, 187, and 176 operational taxonomic units at 0 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks, respectively. Of the 17 identified phyla, Firmicutes Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were universal. The microbial community differed at day 0 compared with at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. There was a tendency for increased bacterial diversity at 2 weeks and 6 weeks compared with day 0, and infants with a gestational age of 31 weeks or higher presented increased bacterial diversity prior to S. boulardii administration. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria remained stable during the observation period, whereas Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased in abundance, the latter particularly more sharply in vaginally delivered infants. Conclusion While the mode of delivery may influence the development of a microbial community, this study had not enough power to detect statistical differences between cohorts supplemented with probiotics, and in a consequence, to speculate on S. boulardii effect on gut microbiome composition in preterm newborns. PMID:26918330

  2. Cost-Effectiveness of Diagnostic Strategies for Suspected Scaphoid Fractures.

    PubMed

    Yin, Zhong-Gang; Zhang, Jian-Bing; Gong, Ke-Tong

    2015-08-01

    The aim of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of multiple competing diagnostic strategies for suspected scaphoid fractures. With published data, the authors created a decision-tree model simulating the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures. Clinical outcomes, costs, and cost effectiveness of immediate computed tomography (CT), day 3 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), day 3 bone scan, week 2 radiographs alone, week 2 radiographs-CT, week 2 radiographs-MRI, week 2 radiographs-bone scan, and immediate MRI were evaluated. The primary clinical outcome was the detection of scaphoid fractures. The authors adopted societal perspective, including both the costs of healthcare and the cost of lost productivity. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), which expresses the incremental cost per incremental scaphoid fracture detected using a strategy, was calculated to compare these diagnostic strategies. Base case analysis, 1-way sensitivity analyses, and "worst case scenario" and "best case scenario" sensitivity analyses were performed. In the base case, the average cost per scaphoid fracture detected with immediate CT was $2553. The ICER of immediate MRI and day 3 MRI compared with immediate CT was $7483 and $32,000 per scaphoid fracture detected, respectively. The ICER of week 2 radiographs-MRI was around $170,000. Day 3 bone scan, week 2 radiographs alone, week 2 radiographs-CT, and week 2 radiographs-bone scan strategy were dominated or extendedly dominated by MRI strategies. The results were generally robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Immediate CT and MRI were the most cost-effective strategies for diagnosing suspected scaphoid fractures. Economic and Decision Analyses Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

  3. A phase II trial of regorafenib in patients with metastatic and/or a unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumor harboring secondary mutations of exon 17.

    PubMed

    Yeh, Chun-Nan; Chen, Ming-Huang; Chen, Yen-Yang; Yang, Ching-Yao; Yen, Chueh-Chuan; Tzen, Chin-Yuan; Chen, Li-Tzong; Chen, Jen-Shi

    2017-07-04

    Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are caused by the constitutive activation of KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mutations. Imatinib selectively inhibits KIT and PDGFR, leading to disease control for 80%-90% of patients with metastatic GIST. Imatinib resistance can occur within a median of 2-3 years due to secondary mutations in KIT. According to preclinical studies, both imatinib and sunitinib are ineffective against exon 17 mutations. However, the treatment efficacy of regorafenib for patients with GIST with exon 17 mutations is still unknown. Documented patients with GIST with exon 17 mutations were enrolled in this study. Patients received 160 mg of oral regorafenib daily on days 1-21 of a 28-day cycle. The primary end point of this trial was the clinical benefit rate (CBR; i.e., complete or partial response [PR], as well as stable disease [SD]) at 16 weeks. The secondary end points of this study included progression free survival (PFS), overall survival, and safety. Between June 2014 to May 2016, 18 patients were enrolled (15 of which were eligible for response evaluation). The CBR at 16 weeks was 93.3% (14 of 15; 6 PR and 8 SD). The median PFS was 22.1 months. The most common grade 3 toxicities were hand-and-foot skin reactions (10 of 18; 55.6%), followed by hypertension (5 of 18; 27.8%). Regorafenib significantly prolonged PFS in patients with advanced GIST harboring secondary mutations of exon 17. A phase III trial of regorafenib versus placebo is warranted. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov in November 2015, number NCT02606097.Key message: This phase II trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of regorafenib in patients with GIST with exon 17 mutations. The results provide strong evidence that regorafenib significantly prolonged PFS in patients with advanced GIST harboring secondary mutations of exon 17.

  4. Mirror neurons: action observation treatment as a tool in stroke rehabilitation.

    PubMed

    Franceschini, M; Agosti, M; Cantagallo, A; Sale, P; Mancuso, M; Buccino, G

    2010-12-01

    The observation of actions performed by others activate in an observer the same neural structures (including mirror neurons) as when he/she actually performs the same actions. The aim of the present study was to assess whether action observation treatment may improve upper limb motor impairment in chronic stroke patients. This was an observational study. Patients were recruited by three Italian Centres for Neurorehabilitation between 2006 and 2008. Twenty-eight chronic stroke patients with upper limb impairment have undergone for four weeks, five days a week, a rehabilitation treatment based on observation of video-clips presenting hand daily actions, followed by the imitation of those same actions with the affected limb. Functional evaluation by means of Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Frenchay Arm Test (FAT) and Fugl Meyer (FM) was carried out twice before treatment (BT1 and BT2), at an interval of 15 days, then after treatment (AT1) and finally at a two-month follow-up (AT2). Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was applied to test differences between scores obtained from functional scales before and after treatment (BT1 vs. BT2; BT2 vs. AT1; AT1 vs. AT2). In all scales, scores did not differ when comparing BT1 with BT2. Scores improved significantly in all scales at AT1 as compared to BT2 (MBI, P=0.026; FAT, P=0.005; FM, P=0.001). This improvement was still present at the two-month follow-up as testified by no score difference between AT1 and AT2. Action Observation Treatment may become a useful strategy in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The present preliminary study suggests that stimulation of neural structures (including mirror neurons), activated when the patients actually perform the same actions as those observed could constitute a good alternative rehabilitative approach in chronic stroke patients.

  5. Delayed-release oral mesalamine 4.8 g/day (800-mg tablet) is effective for patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Sandborn, William J; Regula, Jaroslaw; Feagan, Brian G; Belousova, Elena; Jojic, Njegica; Lukas, Milan; Yacyshyn, Bruce; Krzeski, Piotr; Yeh, Chyon-Hwa; Messer, Christi A; Hanauer, Stephen B

    2009-12-01

    It is not clear what induction dose of mesalamine is optimal for treating patients with mildly and moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of mesalamine 4.8 g/day compared with 2.4 g/day for the treatment of moderately active UC. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 6-week, active-control study (ASCEND III) was conducted to assess the noninferiority of delayed-release mesalamine 4.8 g/day (Asacol HD, 800-mg tablet; Procter & Gamble, Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Mason, Ohio) with 2.4 g/day (Asacol, 400-mg tablet; Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc) in 772 patients with moderately active UC. The primary endpoint was treatment success (overall improvement) at week 6, defined as improvement in the Physician's Global Assessment (based on clinical assessments of rectal bleeding, stool frequency, and sigmoidoscopy), with no worsening in any individual clinical assessment. The primary objective of noninferiority was met. Seventy percent (273 of 389) of patients who received 4.8 g/day of mesalamine achieved treatment success at week 6, compared with 66% (251 of 383) of patients receiving 2.4 g/day (95% confidence interval for 2.4 g/day minus 4.8 g/day, -11.2 to 1.9). In addition, 43% of patients who received 4.8 g/day mesalamine achieved clinical remission at week 6 compared with 35% of patients who received 2.4 g/day (P = .04). A therapeutic advantage for the 4.8 g/day dose was observed among patients previously treated with corticosteroids, oral mesalamines, rectal therapies, or multiple UC medications. Both regimens were well-tolerated with similar adverse events. Delayed-release mesalamine 4.8 g/day (800-mg tablet) is efficacious and well-tolerated in patients with moderately active UC.

  6. Neuromotor outcomes in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

    PubMed

    Karagianni, Paraskevi; Tsakalidis, Christos; Kyriakidou, Maria; Mitsiakos, Georgios; Chatziioanidis, Helias; Porpodi, Maria; Evangeliou, Athanasios; Nikolaides, Nikolaos

    2011-01-01

    We examine the neuromotor outcomes of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Two hundred and nineteen infants (gestational age, ≤ 32 weeks; birth weight, ≤ 1500 g) were studied. Neuromotor development was assessed using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination. All potential risk factors associated with neuromotor scores (P < 0.015) were included in the generalized linear model (multiple linear regression) to determine if bronchopulmonary dysplasia had an independent relationship with neuromotor scores. Infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia had lower global scores at ages 6 and 12 months. After adjustment for confounding factors, scores of infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia were reduced by 13.2 units, whereas scores for those with periventricular leukomalacia were reduced by 11.1 units, at age 6 months. At age 12 months, scores for those with periventricular leukomalacia were reduced by 11.9 units. Duration of hospital stay reduced scores by 0.1 for each additional day increase in hospital. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia constitutes a major cause of poor neuromotor outcomes at age 6 months, but improvements in motor outcomes occur over time. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. A stress management workshop improves residents' coping skills.

    PubMed

    McCue, J D; Sachs, C L

    1991-11-01

    We describe the effectiveness of a stress management workshop designed for physicians. Of the 64 medicine, pediatrics, and medicine-pediatrics residents who agreed to participate in the workshop, the 43 who could be freed from clinical responsibilities constituted the intervention group; the 21 residents who could not be freed from clinical responsibilities were asked to be the nonintervention group. The ESSI Stress Systems Instrument and Maslach Burnout Inventory were administered to control subjects and workshop participants 2 weeks before and 6 weeks after the workshop. The half-day workshops taught management of the stresses of medical practice through: (1) learning and practicing interpersonal skills that increase the availability of social support; (2) prioritization of personal, work, and educational demands; (3) techniques to increase stamina and attend to self-care needs; (4) recognition and avoidance of maladaptive responses; and (5) positive outlook skills. Overall, the ESSI Stress Systems Instrument test scores for the workshop participants improved (+1.27), while the nonintervention group's mean scores declined (-0.65). All 21 individual ESSI Stress Systems Instrument scale items improved for the workshop, compared with eight of 21 items for the nonintervention group. The workshop group improved in the Maslach Burnout Inventory emotional exhaustion scale and deteriorated less than the nonintervention group in the depersonalization scale. We conclude that a modest, inexpensive stress management workshop was received positively, and can lead to significant short-term improvement in stress and burnout test scores for medicine and pediatrics residents.

  8. Aripiprazole plus topiramate in opioid-dependent patients with schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, open-label, uncontrolled, preliminary study.

    PubMed

    Bruno, Antonio; Romeo, Vincenzo M; Pandolfo, Gianluca; Scimeca, Giuseppe; Zoccali, Rocco A; Muscatello, Maria Rosaria A

    2014-01-01

    The aims of this study were to evaluate a combination of aripiprazole and topiramate in the treatment of opioid-dependent patients with schizoaffective disorder undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and, further, to taper off patients from methadone treatment. Twenty patients who met DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) criteria for opioid dependence and schizoaffective disorder receiving MMT (80 mg/day) were given aripiprazole (10 mg/day) plus topiramate (up to 200 mg/day) for 8 weeks. A methadone dose reduction of 3 mg/day until suspension at week 4 was established. Aripiprazole plus topiramate was effective in reducing clinical symptoms, and a rapid tapering off of MMT was achieved. Combining aripiprazole and topiramate may be effective in patients with a dual diagnosis of opioid dependency and schizoaffective disorder.

  9. CORTISONE IN TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

    PubMed Central

    Harris, Marvin S.

    1951-01-01

    Twenty patients with intractable asthma were treated with cortisone on various dosage schedules. Results indicated that a rapid improvement in the asthmatic state may be expected in four to five days with high level dosage of the hormone—usually a total dose exceeding 200 mg. per day at the beginning. If treatment is discontinued after a week, relapse usually will occur within a period of eight days. If small doses are given two or three times weekly, following initial response, relapse may not occur for 20 or 30 days. The interspersed administration of ACTH during an attempt to discontinue cortisone apparently was of no value. It therefore appears that cortisone control of intractable asthma is dependent on large dosage until clinical improvement is obtained, then approximately 100 mg. two or three times a week for maintenance of a reasonable state of health. PMID:14848726

  10. Clearance of genital warts in pregnant women by mild local hyperthermia: a pilot report.

    PubMed

    Huo, Wei; Di, Zheng-Hong; Xiao, Bi-Huan; Qi, Rui-Qun; Weiland, Matthew; Gao, Xing-Hua

    2014-01-01

    Genital warts acquired during pregnancy tend to grow fast, and management is challenging. We treated two cases of primipara with extensive genital warts by local hyperthermia at 44°C for 30 minutes a day for 3 consecutive days plus 2 additional days 1 week later, then once a week till there showed signs of clinical regression. The warty lesions in the patients resolved in 5 and 7 weeks, respectively. There was no sign of recurrence during a 6-month follow-up. This suggests that local hyperthermia seems to be a promising method for treating genital warts in pregnant women. © 2013 China Medical University. ; Dermatologic Therapy © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Resonance of about-weekly human heart rate rhythm with solar activity change.

    PubMed

    Cornelissen, G; Halberg, F; Wendt, H W; Bingham, C; Sothern, R B; Haus, E; Kleitman, E; Kleitman, N; Revilla, M A; Revilla, M; Breus, T K; Pimenov, K; Grigoriev, A E; Mitish, M D; Yatsyk, G V; Syutkina, E V

    1996-12-01

    In several human adults, certain solar activity rhythms may influence an about 7-day rhythm in heart rate. When no about-weekly feature was found in the rate of change in sunspot area, a measure of solar activity, the double amplitude of a circadian heart rate rhythm, approximated by the fit of a 7-day cosine curve, was lower, as was heart rate corresponds to about-weekly features in solar activity and/or relates to a sunspot cycle.

  12. Continuous exposure of animals to methylisobutylketone

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vernot, E. H.; Macewen, J. D.; Harris, E. S.

    1971-01-01

    Continuous exposure of dogs, monkeys, mice, and rats to MIBK for two weeks and all animals except mice for 90 days resulted in measurable adverse effects only in the case of rats. Rat kidney weights and kidney to body weight ratios were significantly elevated after exposure to 410 mg/cu m for two weeks, and kidney and liver organ weights and organ to body weight ratios were elevated after exposure to 820 mg/cu m for two weeks and to 410 mg/cu m for 90 days.

  13. Reproductive physiology of the female Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus): Insights from the study of a zoological colony.

    PubMed

    O'Brien, J K; Schmitt, T L; Nollens, H H; Dubach, J M; Robeck, T R

    2016-01-01

    Eight captive female Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) were monitored over a 10week period, commencing at 5weeks prior to egg lay (EL), to increase our understanding of the species' reproductive biology. Females in cordoned nest sites underwent cloacal artificial insemination (AI) every 4-7days with different semen donors for each insemination. The EL interval was 97.9±3.6h (range: 84-108h) and paternity analyses revealed that conceptive inseminations occurred from 11.5 to 4.5days before oviposition. A biphasic pattern of estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and the biochemical analytes triglyceride, iron, calcium and phosphorus occurred in relation to EL, with values increasing (P<0.05) to maximal concentrations during the three weeks preceding oviposition, then decreasing (P<0.05) rapidly after oviposition completion. In comparison with post-lay (baseline) values, concentrations of estradiol and testosterone relative to the first oviposition were elevated at Week-5, and those of triglyceride, a yolk formation index, as well as iron, calcium and phosphorus, became elevated at Week-4 (P<0.05). Collective data indicate an estimated total egg formation interval of 29days, with oviducal transit of the ovulated ovum occurring over the majority of the ∼4day EL interval. These findings indicate that egg formation is prolonged with folliculogenesis initiated at 5weeks or more prior to oviposition. Consequently, the period of folliculogenesis and egg formation is estimated to overlap with the final ∼3weeks that wild females spend at sea prior to returning to land for breeding. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Oxidative Stress Induced by Lead and Antioxidant Potential of Certain Adaptogens in Poultry

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, M. Ratan; Reddy, A. Gopala; Anjaneyulu, Y.; Reddy, G. Dilip

    2010-01-01

    Effect of lead was studied for its action on antioxidant defense in broilers. A total of 225 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Vencobb strain) were divided randomly into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group. Group 1 was maintained on basal diet, group 2 on polyherbal formulation (PHF; stressroak), group 3 on shilajit, group 4 on amla, and group 5 on vitamin E + selenium (Se). Group 6 was maintained on lead for 42 days (6 weeks) and group 7 on lead for 28 days and subsequently on basal diet without lead for the remaining two weeks. Groups 8, 9, 10, and 11 were given lead along with PHF, shilajit, amla, and vitamin E + Se, respectively throughout the experiment for 6 weeks. Groups 12, 13, 14, and 15 were given lead containing diet for the first four weeks (28 days) and subsequently treated with PHF, shilajit, amla, and vitamin E + Se, respectively for the remaining two weeks. Antioxidant status of the birds was analyzed by assaying blood samples for glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, GSH reductase, and catalase at the end of fourth and sixth weeks, whereas Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and GSH concentrations were estimated in liver homogenate at the end of the sixth week. The antioxidant defense parameters were significantly altered in toxic control groups indicating the possible oxidative damage caused by lead, whereas the parameters were normal in control groups 1 to 5 and other groups that were given the drugs in test, indicating their good ameliorating activity in oxidative stress. PMID:21170243

  15. Oxidative stress induced by lead and antioxidant potential of certain adaptogens in poultry.

    PubMed

    Kumar, M Ratan; Reddy, A Gopala; Anjaneyulu, Y; Reddy, G Dilip

    2010-07-01

    Effect of lead was studied for its action on antioxidant defense in broilers. A total of 225 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Vencobb strain) were divided randomly into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group. Group 1 was maintained on basal diet, group 2 on polyherbal formulation (PHF; stressroak), group 3 on shilajit, group 4 on amla, and group 5 on vitamin E + selenium (Se). Group 6 was maintained on lead for 42 days (6 weeks) and group 7 on lead for 28 days and subsequently on basal diet without lead for the remaining two weeks. Groups 8, 9, 10, and 11 were given lead along with PHF, shilajit, amla, and vitamin E + Se, respectively throughout the experiment for 6 weeks. Groups 12, 13, 14, and 15 were given lead containing diet for the first four weeks (28 days) and subsequently treated with PHF, shilajit, amla, and vitamin E + Se, respectively for the remaining two weeks. Antioxidant status of the birds was analyzed by assaying blood samples for glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, GSH reductase, and catalase at the end of fourth and sixth weeks, whereas Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and GSH concentrations were estimated in liver homogenate at the end of the sixth week. The antioxidant defense parameters were significantly altered in toxic control groups indicating the possible oxidative damage caused by lead, whereas the parameters were normal in control groups 1 to 5 and other groups that were given the drugs in test, indicating their good ameliorating activity in oxidative stress.

  16. 75 FR 27917 - Emergency Medical Services Week, 2010

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-18

    ... Part III The President Proclamation 8519--Emergency Medical Services Week, 2010 Executive Order... Medical Services Week, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day of... enhancing our country's preparedness and resilience. During Emergency Medical Services Week, we recommit to...

  17. Sleep Quality Associated With Different Work Schedules: A Longitudinal Study of Nursing Staff.

    PubMed

    Niu, Shu-Fen; Miao, Nae-Fang; Liao, Yuan-Mei; Chi, Mei-Ju; Chung, Min-Huey; Chou, Kuei-Ru

    2017-07-01

    To explore the differences in sleep parameters between nurses working a slow, forward rotating shift and those working a fixed day shift. A longitudinal parallel-group comparison design was used in this prospective study. Participants (female) were randomly assigned to a rotating shift or a fixed day shift group. Participants in the rotating shift group worked day shift for the first 4 weeks, followed by evening shift for the second and night shift the third. Those in the day shift group worked day shift for all 12 weeks. Each kept a sleep diary and wore an actigraph (actigraph data were used to calculate total sleep time [TST], sleep onset latency [SOL], wake after sleep onset [WASO], and sleep efficiency [SE]) for 12 days, from Workday 1-4 in each of Weeks 4, 8, and 12. TST in nurses working evening rotating shift was higher than that for those working the day or night rotating shift and fixed day shift. WASO was significantly longer on Day 2 for rotating shift participants working evening versus day shift. SOL and SE were significantly shorter and lower in rotating shift nurses working night versus both day and evening shifts. A comprehensive understanding of the sleep patterns and quality of nurses with different work shifts may lead to better management of work shifts that reduces the influence of shift work on sleep quality.

  18. Tolerability of prophylactic Lariam regimens.

    PubMed

    Boudreau, E; Schuster, B; Sanchez, J; Novakowski, W; Johnson, R; Redmond, D; Hanson, R; Dausel, L

    1993-09-01

    Three hundred and fifty-nine US Marines participated in a randomized double-blind clinical trial to assess tolerance of two prophylactic mefloquine regimens [250 mg salt weekly (n = 157) or 250 mg daily for 3 days followed by 250 mg weekly (n = 46)] compared with 300 mg weekly chloroquine (n = 156) over a 12-week period. The study participants were seen daily for four days, then weekly for 11 weeks. On each visit, the subject answered two computerized questionnaires (a review of body systems and an evaluation of mood states), participated in a physician interview, and was administered medications under supervision. A random sample of each group was assigned to either pharmacokinetic sampling or two wear a wrist watch size computerized sleep monitor (actigraph). The frequencies of intercurrent illness and other concomitant medications were tabulated. End study mefloquine plasma levels were obtained on all study participants. The results obtained showed no compromise in function due to dizziness or incoordination in the mefloquine groups. Overall, both weekly mefloquine and loading dose mefloquine were well tolerated. Sleep disturbance and increased dream activity were detected in the mefloquine groups. Depressive feelings were noted in two to three times more individuals in the mefloquine groups than in the chloroquine group early in the course of the study, and resolved in the majority of subjects as tolerance developed. Steady state mefloquine plasma levels were attained rapidly with the loading dose regimen in four days versus seven weeks with weekly mefloquine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  19. Levels and Patterns of Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Compliance with Different Public Health Guidelines in University Students

    PubMed Central

    Arias-Palencia, Natalia María; Solera-Martínez, Monserrat; Gracia-Marco, Luis; Silva, Pedro; Martínez-Vizcaíno, Vicente; Cañete-García-Prieto, Jorge; Sánchez-López, Mairena

    2015-01-01

    Background Physical activity (PA) is associated with health enhancement. The aim of this study was to assess: 1) levels and patterns of PA in university students by using accelerometers; and 2) the percentage of fulfilment of PA recommendations for adults, according to different public health guidelines. Methods Observational cross-sectional study (Cuenca’s Adults Study) involving 296 (206 women) healthy Spanish university students aged 18–25 years old. Participants wore the ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Total PA, steps and time spent in sedentary time, light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed, and the prevalence of sufficient PA was calculated according to various public health guidelines. Results No sex differences in total PA were found. University students were more sedentary during weekend days than weekdays (p<0.05). Only 30.3% of participants accumulated 30 min/day at least five days a week of MVPA. A total of 5.4% of students met the recommendation of 150 min/week of MVPA or 75 min/week of vigorous PA, in PA bouts of at least 10 min. using the same definition, but on five or more days a week, only 0.5% students were found to meet the recommendation. In addition, only 0.5% of students met the recommendation of 30 min/day of MVPA, at least five days a week and in bouts of at least 10 min. Finally, 28.1% of the students met the recommendation of 10,000 steps/day. Conclusions Our study shows a high incidence of sedentary time in university students. The number of students meeting PA recommendations significantly differed depending on the recommendation proposed. Specific strategies to promote PA in this population are necessary as well as an agreement as to which PA guidelines should be used. PMID:26536605

  20. Levels and Patterns of Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Compliance with Different Public Health Guidelines in University Students.

    PubMed

    Arias-Palencia, Natalia María; Solera-Martínez, Monserrat; Gracia-Marco, Luis; Silva, Pedro; Martínez-Vizcaíno, Vicente; Cañete-García-Prieto, Jorge; Sánchez-López, Mairena

    2015-01-01

    Physical activity (PA) is associated with health enhancement. The aim of this study was to assess: 1) levels and patterns of PA in university students by using accelerometers; and 2) the percentage of fulfilment of PA recommendations for adults, according to different public health guidelines. Observational cross-sectional study (Cuenca's Adults Study) involving 296 (206 women) healthy Spanish university students aged 18-25 years old. Participants wore the ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Total PA, steps and time spent in sedentary time, light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed, and the prevalence of sufficient PA was calculated according to various public health guidelines. No sex differences in total PA were found. University students were more sedentary during weekend days than weekdays (p<0.05). Only 30.3% of participants accumulated 30 min/day at least five days a week of MVPA. A total of 5.4% of students met the recommendation of 150 min/week of MVPA or 75 min/week of vigorous PA, in PA bouts of at least 10 min. using the same definition, but on five or more days a week, only 0.5% students were found to meet the recommendation. In addition, only 0.5% of students met the recommendation of 30 min/day of MVPA, at least five days a week and in bouts of at least 10 min. Finally, 28.1% of the students met the recommendation of 10,000 steps/day. Our study shows a high incidence of sedentary time in university students. The number of students meeting PA recommendations significantly differed depending on the recommendation proposed. Specific strategies to promote PA in this population are necessary as well as an agreement as to which PA guidelines should be used.

  1. High energy X-ray observations of CYG X-3 from from OSO-8: Further evidence of a 34.1 day period

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dolan, J. F.; Crannell, C. J.; Dennis, B. R.; Frost, K. J.; Orwig, L. E.

    1981-01-01

    The X-ray source Cyg X-3 (=4U2030+40) was observed with the high energy X-ray spectrometer on OSO-8 for two weeks in 1975 and in 1976 and for one week in 1977. No change in spectral shape and intensity above 23 keV was observed from year to year. No correlation is observed between the source's intensity and the phase of the 34.1 day period discovered by Molteni, et al. (1980). The pulsed fraction of the 4.8 hour light curve between 23 and 73 keV varies from week to week, however, and the magnitude of the pulsed fraction appears to be correlated with the 34.1 day phase. No immediate explanation of this behavior is apparent in terms of previously proposed models of the source.

  2. Phase I trial of combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1 (TPS) in patients with locally advanced or recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer.

    PubMed

    Tahara, M; Araki, K; Okano, S; Kiyota, N; Fuse, N; Minashi, K; Yoshino, T; Doi, T; Zenda, S; Kawashima, M; Ogino, T; Hayashi, R; Minami, H; Ohtsu, A

    2011-01-01

    we investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of combination therapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 (TPS) in patients with locally advanced or recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC). treatment consisted of docetaxel (Taxotere) at doses of 50, 60, and 70 mg/m(2); cisplatin at 70 mg·m(2)/day on day 1; and S-1 twice daily on days 1-14 at doses of 40, 60, and 80 mg·m(2)/day, repeated every 3 or 4 weeks. forty patients were enrolled. MTD was not reached until level 4. Subjects at expanded dose were limited to patients with locally advanced disease. Two dose-limiting toxic effects (DLTs) were observed at dose level 5 (TPS: 70/70/80 mg·m(2)/day, every 3 weeks), namely one grade 3 infection and one grade 3 hyperbilirubinemia, establishing this as the MTD. Of 12 patients treated at dose level 6 (TPS: 70/70/60 mg·m(2)/day, every 3 weeks), 2 DLTs were seen. Six achieved a complete response and 22 a partial response, giving a response rate of 70%. TPS was well tolerated. The recommended phase II dose as induction chemotherapy for locally advanced HNC was determined as 70/70/60 mg·m(2)/day every 3 weeks. Antitumor activity was highly promising and warrants further investigation.

  3. 17β-Estradiol administration promotes delayed cutaneous wound healing in 40-week ovariectomised female mice.

    PubMed

    Mukai, Kanae; Nakajima, Yukari; Urai, Tamae; Komatsu, Emi; Nasruddin; Sugama, Junko; Nakatani, Toshio

    2016-10-01

    This study investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol on wound healing in 40-week ovariectomised female mice. Thirty-six-week-old female mice were divided into three groups: medication with 17β-estradiol after ovariectomy (OVX + 17β-estradiol), ovariectomy (OVX) and sham (SHAM). The mice received two full-thickness wounds, and the OVX + 17β-estradiol group was administered 17β-estradiol at 0·01 g/day until healing. In the OVX + 17β-estradiol group, the ratio of wound area was significantly smaller than those of the OVX and SHAM groups on days 1-3, 5, 6, 8-12 and 9-12, respectively, the numbers of neutrophils and macrophages were significantly smaller than those on days 3 and 7, the ratio of re-epithelialisation was significantly higher than those on days 3 and 11, the ratio of myofibroblasts was significantly higher than those on day 11 and smaller on day 14, and the ratio of collagen fibres was significantly larger than that of the OVX group on days 7-14. We found that 17β-estradiol administration promotes cutaneous wound healing in 40-week female mice by reducing wound area, shortening inflammatory response, and promoting re-epithelialisation, collagen deposition and wound contraction. Our results suggest that cutaneous wound healing that is delayed because of ageing is promoted by exogenous and continuous 17β-estradiol administration. © 2014 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2014 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. The mortality and hospitalization rates associated with the long interdialytic gap in thrice-weekly hemodialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Fotheringham, James; Fogarty, Damian G; El Nahas, Meguid; Campbell, Michael J; Farrington, Ken

    2015-09-01

    Excess mortality and hospitalization have been identified after the 2-day gap in thrice-weekly hemodialysis patients compared with 1-day intervals, although findings vary internationally. Here we aimed to identify factors associated with mortality and hospitalization events in England using an incident cohort of 5864 hemodialysis patients from years 2002 to 2006 inclusive in the UK Renal Registry linked to hospitalization data. Higher admission rates were seen after the 2-day gap irrespective of whether thrice-weekly dialysis sequence commenced on a Monday or Tuesday (2.4 per year after the 2-day gap vs. 1.4 for the rest of the week, rate ratio 1.7). The greatest differences in admission rates were seen in patients admitted with fluid overload or with conditions associated with a high risk of fluid overload. Increased mortality following the 2-day gap was similarly independent of session pattern (20.5 vs. 16.7 per 100 patient years, rate ratio 1.22), with these increases being driven by out-of-hospital death (rate ratio 1.59 vs. 1.06 for in-hospital death). Non-white patients had an overall survival advantage, with the increased mortality after the 2-day gap being found only in whites. Thus, fluid overload may increase the risk of hospital admission after the 2-day gap and that the increased out-of-hospital mortality may relate to a higher incidence of sudden death. Future work should focus on exploring interventions in these subgroups.

  5. Pedometer-Measured Physical Activity of Adults with Intellectual Disability: Predicting Weekly Step Counts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Temple, Viviene A.; Stanish, Heidi I.

    2009-01-01

    Pedometers are objective, inexpensive, valid, and reliable measures of physical activity. The minimum number of days of pedometer monitoring needed to estimate average weekly step counts was investigated. Seven days of pedometer data were collected from 154 ambulatory men and women ("ns" = 88 and 66, respectively) with intellectual disability.…

  6. 75 FR 2467 - Hours of Service

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-15

    ... many hours per day and per week would be safe and healthy for a truck driver to work? 4. Would an hours... given scheduling flexibility--the ability to borrow an hour from another driving day once a week, for... No. FMCSA-2004-19608] RIN 2126-AB26 Hours of Service AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety...

  7. Effects of a Geriatrics Interdisciplinary Experience on Learners' Knowledge and Attitudes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fitzgerald, James T.; Williams, Brent C.; Halter, Jeffrey B.; Remington, Tami L.; Foulk, Mariko A.; Persky, Neal W.; Shay, Barbara R.

    2006-01-01

    This study examines the impact of an interdisciplinary training program on knowledge and attitudes of learners from four health care programs: medicine, pharmacy, social work, and nursing. Sixty-two learners participated in a 4-day educational program (one day each week for 4 weeks) focusing on interdisciplinary geriatric care. After completing…

  8. Saturday School. Research Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walker, Karen

    2009-01-01

    Secretary of Education, Duncan, proclaimed to a group of teachers in Colorado that if students were to be more competitive with those from other countries, in particular, China and India, they needed to be in school six days a week for at least 11 months a year (Associated Press, 2009). Although longer school days, weeks and years are not…

  9. Phase shifts of the human circadian system and performance deficit during the periods of transition : I, East-West flight.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1965-12-01

    At periodic intervals throughout the biological day, biomedical assessments were made for a week prior to jet flight to Santiago, Chile, for 12 days at Santiago, and for a week following return to Washington, D.C. Although previous East-West and West...

  10. Phase shifts of the human circadian system and performance deficit during the periods of transition : II, West-East flight.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1965-12-01

    At periodic intervals throughout the biological day, biomedical assessments were made for a week prior to jet flight to Rome, for 12 days at Rome, and for a week following return to Oklahoma City. A primary shift of circadian periodicity was manifest...

  11. Phase shifts of the human circadian system and performance deficit during the periods of transition : III, North-South flight.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1965-12-01

    At periodic intervals throughout the biological day, biomedical assessments were made for a week prior to jet flight to Santiago, Chile, for 12 days at Santiago, and for a week following return to Washington, D.C. Although previous East-West and West...

  12. 29 CFR 825.105 - Counting employees for determining coverage.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... full-time employees, are considered to be employed each working day of the calendar week, as long as... Section 825.105 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF... working day of the calendar week, and must be counted whether or not any compensation is received for the...

  13. 77 FR 35807 - Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2012

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-15

    .... Generations of service members have raised our country's colors over military bases and at sea, and... Day and National Flag Week, 2012 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation... Woodrow Wilson asked us to ``stand with united hearts for an America which no man can corrupt, no...

  14. Effects of chocolate-based products intake on blood glucose, insulin and ghrelin levels and on satiety in young people: a cross-over experimental study.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Cai-Xia; Long, Wei-Qing; Ye, Yan-Bin; Lu, Min-Shan; Zhang, Nai-Qi; Xu, Ming; Huang, Jing; Su, Yi-Xiang

    2018-02-19

    This cross-over experimental study aimed to examine the effects of filled chocolate consumption on blood glucose, insulin and ghrelin levels in 20 volunteers. After a one-week run-in period, study participants consumed two chocolate-based products, the tested biscuit or water for 21 days as a morning snack. After a two-week wash-out period, participants consumed another tested food for another 21 days. Each participant consumed all four test foods within an 18-week period. The participants' blood insulin increased slowly after two chocolate-based products intakes on the first day and satiety levels after eating chocolate-based products and the tested biscuit were the same. Chocolate consumption for three weeks had no adverse effects on blood glucose, insulin or ghrelin levels. In conclusion, compared to eating the tested biscuit, 21-day consumption of the tested chocolate-based products had no adverse effects on the blood glucose, insulin and ghrelin levels. This trial is registered with chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR-IOR-16009525.

  15. A pilot study on mindfulness based stress reduction for smokers

    PubMed Central

    Davis, James M; Fleming, Michael F; Bonus, Katherine A; Baker, Timothy B

    2007-01-01

    Background Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment, non-judgmentally, without commentary or decision-making. We report results of a pilot study designed to test the feasibility of using Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (with minor modifications) as a smoking intervention. Methods MBSR instructors provided instructions in mindfulness in eight weekly group sessions. Subjects attempted smoking cessation during week seven without pharmacotherapy. Smoking abstinence was tested six weeks after the smoking quit day with carbon monoxide breath test and 7-day smoking calendars. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate changes in stress and affective distress. Results 18 subjects enrolled in the intervention with an average smoking history of 19.9 cigarettes per day for 26.4 years. At the 6-week post-quit visit, 10 of 18 subjects (56%) achieved biologically confirmed 7-day point-prevalent smoking abstinence. Compliance with meditation was positively associated with smoking abstinence and decreases in stress and affective distress. Discussions and conclusion The results of this study suggest that mindfulness training may show promise for smoking cessation and warrants additional study in a larger comparative trial. PMID:17254362

  16. A pilot study on mindfulness based stress reduction for smokers.

    PubMed

    Davis, James M; Fleming, Michael F; Bonus, Katherine A; Baker, Timothy B

    2007-01-25

    Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment, non-judgmentally, without commentary or decision-making. We report results of a pilot study designed to test the feasibility of using Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (with minor modifications) as a smoking intervention. MBSR instructors provided instructions in mindfulness in eight weekly group sessions. Subjects attempted smoking cessation during week seven without pharmacotherapy. Smoking abstinence was tested six weeks after the smoking quit day with carbon monoxide breath test and 7-day smoking calendars. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate changes in stress and affective distress. 18 subjects enrolled in the intervention with an average smoking history of 19.9 cigarettes per day for 26.4 years. At the 6-week post-quit visit, 10 of 18 subjects (56%) achieved biologically confirmed 7-day point-prevalent smoking abstinence. Compliance with meditation was positively associated with smoking abstinence and decreases in stress and affective distress. The results of this study suggest that mindfulness training may show promise for smoking cessation and warrants additional study in a larger comparative trial.

  17. Feasibility and normal values of an integrated conductivity (Nanoduct™) sweat test system in healthy newborns.

    PubMed

    Kuehni, Claudia E; Schindler, Matthias; Mazur, Agnieszka; Malzacher, Andreas; Hornung, René; Barben, Juerg

    2017-07-01

    Nanoduct™ is a simple and practical sweat analysis system measuring conductivity in situ. It requires only three microlitres of sweat, making it especially applicable to newborns. We measured conductivity in 260 healthy term infants at the age of four days, and again at four weeks to determine the proportion of successful tests, test duration, and normal values for sweat conductivity in newborns. Sufficient sweat was collected in 159/260 of four-day olds (61%), and in 225/239 of four-week olds (94%). Mean (sd) test duration was 27 (5) and 25 (5) min. Mean (sd, range) conductivity was 53mmol/l (16, 8-114) at age four days, and 36 (9, 12-64) at four weeks. Determination of sweat conductivity using Nanoduct™ cannot be recommended for four-day old newborns. However, at the age of four weeks the success rate is high (94%), and conductivity values at that age are comparable to older healthy children. Copyright © 2017 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. [Milnacipran and venlafaxine at flexible doses (up to 200 mg/d) in the outpatient treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder: a 24-week randomised, double blind exploratory study].

    PubMed

    Olié, J-P; Gourion, D; Montagne, A; Rostin, M; Poirier, M-F

    2009-12-01

    Serotonin (HT) and noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used as first line treatment of major depressive disorders (MDD). As compared to tricyclic antidepressants, they have proved similar efficacy and better tolerability. Milnacipran (MLN) (Ixel) and venlafaxine (VLF) (Effexor) are two SNRIs pharmacologically differing by their NA/HT ratio of potency: 1:1 and 1:30, respectively. To investigate the efficacy and safety/tolerability of MLN and VLF administered at flexible doses (100, 150 or 200 mg/day) for 24 weeks (including 4 weeks of up-titration) in the outpatient treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe MDD. Multicentre, randomised, double blind, 2-parallel-arm, 24-week exploratory trial conducted in France by 50 psychiatrists. DIAGNOSIS AND MAIN INCLUSION CRITERIA: Male or female outpatients, aged 18 to 70, meeting the DSM-IV-TR and related MINI criteria for recurrent, unipolar, moderate-to-severe MDD, with neither psychotic features nor severe suicidal risk. A Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) score> or =23 was required at inclusion. TREATMENT SCHEDULE: Patients were randomised to receive either MLN or VLF (1:1 ratio) for 24 weeks in double-blind conditions. Regardless of the treatment received, the following dosing schedule was applied: during the initial 4-week up-titration phase, the dosage was progressively increased from 25 mg/day (qd administration) to 150 mg/day (bid administration). At week 4, the dosage was either maintained at 150 mg/day, or adapted to 100 or 200 mg/day, based on the investigator's clinical judgement. At any time during the 20 following treatment weeks, the dose could be lowered for safety concerns until a minimal threshold of 100 mg/day. From Week 24, the dosage was decreased by 50mg/day every five days. After randomisation, eight assessment visits were organised at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24 weeks, and at study end (after the 5-15 days of down-titration and 10 days free of treatment). Efficacy evaluation ratings included the MADRS and global disease severity (CGI-S) total scores. Rates of MADRS response (reduction of initial score> or =50%) and remission (score< or =10) were calculated at Week 8 and Week 24 in the full analysis set as well as in the subgroups of patients with depressive disorder of severe DSM-IV intensity and with a MINI evaluation of suicidal risk (rated as required 'moderate' at the worst). Standard distribution statistics (including mean and standard deviation [S.D.]) of scores and their changes from baseline, were calculated using the observed-case (OC) approach at all assessment times for the MADRS score, and the last-observation-carried-forward (LOCF) at 8 and 24 weeks for both MADRS and CGI-S scores. MADRS response and remission rates at 8 and 24 weeks were calculated using the LOCF approach by normal approximation of the binomial distribution. Bilateral exploratory statistical tests at 5% significance level were performed for results at 8 and 24 weeks of: (i) MADRS score changes from baseline, based on the score progress at each visit (mixed model for repeated measurements [MMRM]), and (ii) global MADRS response and remission rates (Chi(2)). RESULTS AND PATIENTS: A total of 195 patients were randomly assigned MLN (n=97) or VLF (n=98) and 134 (68.7%: 61.9%/MLN and 75.5%/VLF) completed the trial. At the end of the up-titration, patients received 100 mg/day (11.4%/MLN, 10%/VLF), 150 mg/day (30.4%/MLN, 43.8%/VLF), or 200 mg/day (58.2%/MLN, 46.3%/VLF). Totals of 177 patients (90/MLN and 87/VLF) and 181 patients (90/MLN and 91/VLF) were analysed for efficacy and safety, respectively. Treatment groups were similar for baseline characteristics except a higher proportion of MLN patients with a severe depressive episode (63.3% versus 54%). RESULTS AND EFFICACY: MADRS score (mean [S.D.] initial score: 31 [4.5]) progressively decreased all along the treatment course and similarly in both groups (Week 8-OC : -18.8 [7.7]/MLN and -18.6 [7.3]/VLF, p(MMRM)=0.95 ; Week 24-OC : -23.1 [7.8]/MLN and -22.4 [7.3]/VLF, p(MMRM)=0.37 ). At week 8-LOCF, MADRS response rates were similar in both groups (64.4%/MLN, 65.5%/VLF, p(chi2)=0.88) as well as remission rates (42.2%/MLN, 42.5%/VLF p(chi2)=0.97). At week 24 they remained non clinically and statistically different between groups (response rates: 70%/MLN, 77%/VLF, p(chi2)=0.29; remission rates: 52.2%/MLN, 62.1%/VLF, p(chi2)=0.19). In both "severe depressive episode" and "MINI mild or moderate suicidal risk" subgroups (n=104 and 75, respectively), response and remission rates were non clinically different at both time points, however in the "MINI mild-to-moderate suicidal risk" subgroup, MLN tended to be more rapidly active (remission rate at week 8-LOCF: 44.7%/MLN, 35.1%/VLF). The changes in CGI-S were also indicative of a significant improvement of the global illness severity with both treatments. RESULTS AND SAFETY/TOLERABILITY: The tolerability profile of both drugs was in line with their pharmacological activity. About 70% of patients in both groups experienced at least one adverse event (AE). In both groups, the most common AEs were nausea, dizziness, headache and hyperhidrosis, and, in the male patients, genito-urinary problems: orgasmic disorders (VLF only) and dysuria (MLN only). These AEs were mostly responsible for definitive treatment discontinuation for tolerability concerns. None of the 6 serious adverse events (SAEs) on MLN and 4 of the 8 SAEs on VLF were related to the test drug. MLN and VLF at flexible doses up to 200 mg/day globally exhibited similar efficacy and tolerability profiles in the long-term treatment of adults with MDD.

  19. Comparative evaluation of pentraxin 3 levels in GCF during canine retraction with active tieback and NiTi coil spring: An in vivo study.

    PubMed

    Patel, Pratik; Shanthraj, Ravi; Bhagyalakshmi, A; Garg, Nekta; Vallakati, Anisha

    2016-01-01

    To compare the levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients undergoing orthodontic canine retraction with active tieback and nickel titanium (NiTi) coil spring. Fifteen patients of the age group 15-25 years with first premolar extraction undergoing canine retraction were selected. One month after placement of 0.019" × 0.025" stainless steel wire, canine retraction was started with active tieback (150 g force) on upper right quadrant and NiTi coil spring (150 g force) on upper left quadrant. GCF samples were collected 1 h before commencement of canine retraction and thereafter at intervals of 1 h, 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks after application of force. The collected GCF was eluted from the microcapillary pipette in 100 μl phosphate-buffered saline (pH 5-7.2). The samples were analyzed for PTX-3 levels by the ELISA technique. The mean levels of PTX-3 at 1 h before canine retraction (baseline) was 1.30 ± 0.22 ng/ml and at 1 h 1.66 ± 0.33 ng/ml, 1 day 2.65 ± 0.09 ng/ml, 1 week 1.96 ± 0.15 ng/ml, and 2 weeks 1.37 ± 0.18 ng/ml in active tieback group. The mean levels of PTX-3 at 1 h before canine retraction was 1.32 ± 0.30 ng/ml, and at 1 h 1.71 ± 0.39 ng/ml, 1 day 2.78 ± 0.12 ng/ml, 1 week 2.52 ± 0.18 ng/ml, and 2 weeks 2.12 ± 0.17 ng/ml in NiTi coil spring group. A significant difference of P < 0.001 was found in PTX-3 levels in GCF during canine retraction between active tieback and NiTi coil spring at 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks. The results showed that PTX-3 levels increased from 1 h after application of orthodontic force and reached peak at 1 day, followed by a gradual decrease at 1 week and 2 weeks in both active tie back and NiTi coil spring groups.

  20. Distributed practice. The more the merrier? A randomised bronchoscopy simulation study.

    PubMed

    Bjerrum, Anne Sofie; Eika, Berit; Charles, Peder; Hilberg, Ole

    2016-01-01

    The distribution of practice affects the acquisition of skills. Distributed practice has shown to be more effective for skills acquisition than massed training. However, it remains unknown as to which is the most effective distributed practice schedule for learning bronchoscopy skills through simulation training. This study compares two distributed practice schedules: One-day distributed practice and weekly distributed practice. Twenty physicians in training were randomly assigned to one-day distributed or weekly distributed bronchoscopy simulation practice. Performance was assessed with a pre-test, a post-test after each practice session, and a 4-week retention test using previously validated simulator measures. Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA. No interaction was found between group and test (F(4,72) <1.68, p>0.16), except for the measure 'percent-segments-entered', and no main effect of group was found for any of the measures (F(1,72)< 0.87, p>0.36), which indicates that there was no difference between the learning curves of the one-day distributed practice schedule and the weekly distributed practice schedule. We found no difference in effectiveness of bronchoscopy skills acquisition between the one-day distributed practice and the weekly distributed practice. This finding suggests that the choice of bronchoscopy training practice may be guided by what best suits the clinical practice.

  1. The Logistics of Waging War 1982-1993

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-09-01

    January 1984). 5. Walker, Captain Carol A. "DMES: A Giant Step Toward Increased Airlift Capability," Airlift, pages 10 - 11 (Spring 1984). The Logistics...personnel ate three meals a The Logistics of Waging War 1982 - 1993 The War in the Persian Gulf * 48 day, seven days a week, amounting to 1,200.000... meals per day, or 8.4 million meals per week. While the Saudi government supplied vast quantities of soft drinks, fresh fruit, and potable water, the

  2. Kinetics and tissue repair process following fractional bipolar radiofrequency treatment.

    PubMed

    Kokolakis, G; von Eichel, L; Ulrich, M; Lademann, J; Zuberbier, T; Hofmann, M A

    2018-05-15

    Fractionated radiofrequency (RF) tissue tightening is an alternative method to fractionated laser treatment of skin wrinkling, laxity and acne scars, with reduced risk of scarring or persistent pigmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the wound healing process after RF treatment. 12 patients were treated with a 64-pin fractional bipolar RF device with 60 mJ/pin applied energy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) examination was performed on day 1, day 2, day 7 and day 14 after treatment. Clinical wound healing process was measured and expressed as a percentage. All patients developed erythema, mild edema and crusts at the treated areas. Two weeks after treatment clinical symptoms resolved. During ablation patients reported moderate pain. Directly after ablation microscopic ablation zones could be detected in CLSM. Measurement of MAZ at epidermis, dermo-epidermal junction and papilary dermis showed a constant diameter until two weeks after treatment. Re-epithelization of the MAZ could be detected already 1 week after treatment. However, 2 weeks after ablation the honeycomb pattern of the epidermis was not yet completely restored. Bipolar fractionated RF treatment demonstrates clinically a rapid wound healing response. The subepidermal remodelling process still ongoing after 14 days, showing new granulation tissue. Therefore, treatment intervals of at least 14 days should be recommended to allow completion of the remodelling process.

  3. Adjunctive aripiprazole in the treatment of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jing-Xu; Su, Yun-Ai; Bian, Qing-Tao; Wei, Li-He; Zhang, Rong-Zhen; Liu, Yan-Hong; Correll, Christoph; Soares, Jair C; Yang, Fu-De; Wang, Shao-Li; Zhang, Xiang-Yang

    2015-08-01

    Hyperprolactinemia is an unwanted adverse effect associated with several antipsychotics. The addition of partial dopamine receptor agonist aripiprazole may attenuate antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia effectively. However, the ideal dosing regimen for this purpose is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the dose effects of adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole on prolactin levels and hyperprolactinemia in schizophrenia patients. Stable subjects 18-45 years old with schizophrenia and hyperprolactinemia (i.e., >24 ng/ml for females and >20 ng/ml for males) were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of placebo (n=30) or oral aripiprazole 5mg/day (n=30), 10mg/day (n=29), or 20mg/day (n=30) added on to fixed dose risperidone treatment. Serum prolactin levels were measured at baseline and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks; clinical symptoms and side effects were assessed at baseline and week 8 using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impressions Severity scale, Barnes Akathisia Scale, Simpson-Angus Scale and UKU Side Effects Rating Scale. Of 119 randomized patients, 107 (89.9%) completed the 8-week study. At study end, all three aripiprazole doses resulted in significantly lower prolactin levels (beginning at week 2), higher response rates (≥30% prolactin reduction) and higher prolactin normalization rates than placebo. Effects were significantly greater in the 10 and 20mg/day groups than the 5mg/day group. No significant changes were observed in any treatment groups regarding psychopathology and adverse effect ratings. Adjunctive aripiprazole treatment was effective and safe for resolving risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia, producing significant and almost maximal improvements by week 2 without significant effects on psychopathology and side effects. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Promoting pre-quit physical activity to reduce cue reactivity among low-income sedentary smokers: A randomized proof of concept study.

    PubMed

    Nair, Uma S; Collins, Bradley N; Patterson, Freda; Rodriguez, Daniel

    2015-05-01

    Smoking and lack of physical activity (PA) contribute to disproportionate rates of disease among low-income adults. Interventions that simultaneously address both risk behaviors have strong potential to reduce health disparities. Existing smoking-PA studies indicate promising results but have limited generalizability to low-income populations. The goal of this study is to assess the effects of an integrated behavioral counseling approach to promote low-to-moderate intensity PA (LMPA) and reduce short-term smoking cue reactivity among low-income sedentary smokers. This study uses a randomized, 2-group design with 4 measurement time points: baseline, quit day (week 4), 1-week and 1-month follow-up. Participants (sedentary, smoke>6 cigs/day) receive 4 weeks of either (a) standard smoking cessation counseling (SCC control) or (b) our Step-Up to Quit (SUTQ) intervention that integrates advice for LMPA with SCC. SUTQ counseling focuses on increasing daily steps (walking) to reach 7500-10,000/day by week 4 (quit day) and explicitly links short bouts of LMPA with smoking urge management. Potential for SUTQ to facilitate urge management will be assessed by comparing between-group differences in the reduction (extinction) of quit day cue reactivity. We will explore group differences in quit rates at 1-week and 1-month follow-up. This novel approach overcomes gaps in the PA-smoking intervention literature by promoting a more realistic PA approach for sedentary populations, using an ecologically valid strategy, integrating LMPA with evidence-based SCC during a 4-week pre-quit period, and testing the SUTQ counseling model in a high-risk sample. Results will guide future efficacy and dissemination studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Change in energy expenditure and physical activity in response to aerobic and resistance exercise programs.

    PubMed

    Drenowatz, Clemens; Grieve, George L; DeMello, Madison M

    2015-01-01

    Exercise is considered an important component of a healthy lifestyle but there remains controversy on effects of exercise on non-exercise physical activity (PA). The present study examined the prospective association of aerobic and resistance exercise with total daily energy expenditure and PA in previously sedentary, young men. Nine men (27.0 ± 3.3 years) completed two 16-week exercise programs (3 exercise sessions per week) of aerobic and resistance exercise separated by a minimum of 6 weeks in random order. Energy expenditure and PA were measured with the SenseWear Mini Armband prior to each intervention as well as during week 1, week 8 and week 16 of the aerobic and resistance exercise program. Body composition was measured via dual x-ray absorptiometry. Body composition did not change in response to either exercise intervention. Total daily energy expenditure on exercise days increased by 443 ± 126 kcal/d and 239 ± 152 kcal/d for aerobic and resistance exercise, respectively (p < 0.01). Non-exercise moderate-to-vigorous PA, however, decreased on aerobic exercise days (-148 ± 161 kcal/d; p = 0.03). There was no change in total daily energy expenditure and PA on non-exercise days with aerobic exercise while resistance exercise was associated with an increase in moderate-to-vigorous PA during non-exercise days (216 ± 178 kcal/d, p = 0.01). Results of the present study suggest a compensatory reduction in PA in response to aerobic exercise. Resistance exercise, on the other hand, appears to facilitate non-exercise PA, particularly on non-exercise days, which may lead to more sustainable adaptations in response to an exercise program.

  6. Serial N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide measurement as a predictor of significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants beyond the first week of life.

    PubMed

    Letshwiti, Johannes Buca; Sirc, Jan; O'Kelly, Ruth; Miletin, Jan

    2014-11-01

    The aim of the study was to assess the role of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration as a predictor of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very low birth weight infants beyond the first week of life. This was a prospective observational study; newborns with a birth weight < 1500 g were eligible for enrolment. Enrolled infants were screened by echocardiography on day seven of life for the presence of a PDA. This was paired with a blood sample for NT-proBNP level. Echocardiography and NT-proBNP levels were repeated at weekly intervals. The primary outcome was correlation between PDA and NT-proBNP level and between measurements of PDA significance and NT-proBNP. Sixty-nine neonates were enrolled following parental consent. The mean birth weight was 1119 ± 257 g and mean gestational age was 28.6 ± 2.6 weeks. Median NT-proBNP level on day seven was 11469 ng/l in infants with a PDA vs. 898 ng/l in infants without a PDA (p < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant correlation between PDA diameter and NT-proBNP level on day seven, day 14 and day 21. NT-proBNP concentration is significantly increased in infants with a PDA and correlates well with PDA diameter in the first three weeks of life.

  7. [Suppression of cycling activity in sheep using parenteral progestagen treatment].

    PubMed

    Janett, F; Camponovo, L; Lanker, U; Hässig, M; Thun, R

    2004-03-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two synthetic progestagen preparations Chlormadinone acetate (CAP, Chronosyn, Veterinaria AG Zürich) and Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, Nadigest, G Streuli & Co. Uznach) on cycling activity and fertility in sheep. A flock of 28 non pregnant white alpine sheep was randomly divided into three groups, A (n = 10), B (n = 9) and C (n = 9). During a period of 4 weeks the cycling activity was confirmed by blood progesterone analysis. Thereafter, the animals of group A were treated with 50 mg CAP, those of group B with 140 mg MPA and those of group C with physiological saline solution. All injections were given intramuscularly. Suppression of endogenous progesterone secretion lasted from 28 to 49 days (mean = 39 days) in group A and from 42 to 70 days (mean = 50 days) in group B. The synchronization effect of both preparations was unsatisfactory as the occurrence of first estrus was distributed over a period of 3 weeks in group A and 4 weeks in group B. These findings could also be confirmed by the lambing period which lasted 52 days in group A and 36 days in group B. Control animals lambed within 9 days due to the synchronizing effect of the ram. The first fertile estrus was observed 36 days (group A) and 45 days (group B) after the treatment. In group A all 10 animals and in groups B and C 8 of 9 ewes each became pregnant. Parenteral progestagen application with CAP and MPA is a simple, safe and reversible method of estrus suppression in the sheep. The minimal suppressive duration of 4 (CAP) and 5 weeks (MPA) is not sufficient when a period of 3 months (alpine pasture period) is desired.

  8. The Effect of Lesinurad in Combination With Allopurinol on Serum Uric Acid Levels in Patients With Gout.

    PubMed

    Baumgartner, Scott; Yeh, Li-Tain; Shen, Zancong; Kerr, Bradley; Manhard, Kimberly; Quart, Barry

    2018-05-07

    The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of lesinurad, a selective uric acid uptake inhibitor, alone and in combination with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, on serum uric acid and urinary urate excretion in patients with gout and hyperuricemia. A phase 1b, multicenter, open-label, multiple-dose study was carried out in patients with gout with serum uric acid ≥8 mg/dL following washout of urate-lowering therapy. Patients were treated with allopurinol 300 mg/day alone in week 1; lesinurad 400 or 600 mg/day was added in week 2, followed by lesinurad 400 or 600 mg/day alone in week 3. Serum uric acid and urine uric acid were evaluated each week. Safety was assessed throughout the study. Lesinurad 400 or 600 mg/day added to allopurinol 300 mg/day reduced serum uric acid by 60% and 72%, respectively, versus allopurinol alone (37%) or lesinurad 400 mg/day (44%) or 600 mg/day (47%) alone. A 100% response rate of serum uric acid <6 mg/dL was achieved by all combinations (serum uric acid <5 mg/dL by 50%-90%). Mean 24-hour urate excretion compared with baseline was -35% with allopurinol, +36% and +56.5% with lesinurad 400 mg/day and 600 mg/day, respectively, and -11.6% and -7.1% with the respective combination therapies. Treatments were well tolerated. In this phase 1 trial, lesinurad added to allopurinol resulted in greater serum uric acid reduction than did allopurinol or lesinurad monotherapy. © 2018, The Authors. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

  9. Do associations between objectively-assessed physical activity and neighbourhood environment attributes vary by time of the day and day of the week? IPEN adult study.

    PubMed

    Cerin, Ester; Mitáš, Josef; Cain, Kelli L; Conway, Terry L; Adams, Marc A; Schofield, Grant; Sarmiento, Olga L; Reis, Rodrigo Siqueira; Schipperijn, Jasper; Davey, Rachel; Salvo, Deborah; Orzanco-Garralda, Rosario; Macfarlane, Duncan J; De Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse; Owen, Neville; Sallis, James F; Van Dyck, Delfien

    2017-03-20

    To more accurately quantify the potential impact of the neighbourhood environment on adults' physical activity (PA), it is important to compare environment-PA associations between periods of the day or week when adults are more versus less likely to be in their neighbourhood and utilise its PA resources. We examined whether, among adults from 10 countries, associations between objectively-assessed neighbourhood environment attributes and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) varied by time of the day and day of the week. The secondary aim was to examine whether such associations varied by employment status, gender and city. This cross-sectional study included 6,712 adults from 14 cities across 10 countries with ≥1 day of valid accelerometer-assessed MVPA and complete information on socio-demographic and objectively-assessed environmental characteristics within 0.5 and 1 km street-network buffers around the home. Accelerometer measures (MVPA min/h) were created for six time periods from early morning until late evening/night, for weekdays and weekend days separately. Associations were estimated using generalized additive mixed models. Time of the day, day of week, gender and employment status were significant moderators of environment-MVPA associations. Land use mix was positively associated with MVPA in women who were employed and in men irrespective of their employment status. The positive associations between MVPA and net residential density, intersection density and land use mix were stronger in the mornings of weekdays and the afternoon/evening periods of both weekdays and weekend days. Associations between number of parks and MVPA were stronger in the mornings and afternoon/evenings irrespective of day of the week. Public transport density showed consistent positive associations with MVPA during weekends, while stronger effects on weekdays were observed in the morning and early evenings. This study suggests that space and time constraints in adults' daily activities are important factors that determine the impact of neighbourhood attributes on PA. Consideration of time-specific associations is important to better characterise the magnitude of the effects of the neighbourhood environment on PA. Future research will need to examine the contribution of built environment characteristics of areas surrounding other types of daily life centres (e.g., workplaces) to explaining adults' PA at specific times of the day.

  10. 78 FR 37423 - National Small Business Week, 2013

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-20

    ... Business Week, 2013 Proclamation 8995--World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 2013 Proclamation 8996--Father's... of June 14, 2013 National Small Business Week, 2013 By the President of the United States of America... startups that keep our country on the cutting edge. This week, we celebrate America's entrepreneurial...

  11. Aircast walking boot and below-knee walking cast for avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal: a comparative cohort study.

    PubMed

    Shahid, Mohammad Kamran; Punwar, Shahid; Boulind, Caroline; Bannister, Gordon

    2013-01-01

    Acute avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal are common and are treated in a variety of ways. The aims of this study were to compare pain, functional outcome, and time taken off work after treatment with a walking boot or a short-leg cast. Of 39 patients with acute avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal, 23 were treated with a short-leg cast and 16 with a walking boot, according to the preference of the consultant present at outpatient clinic. Functional outcome was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (VAS FA), pain, and other complaints on presentation and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after injury. The VAS FA scores were compared between the 2 groups by a paired Student t test. The mean time to return to the level of pain and function before injury was approximately 9 weeks after treatment in the walking boot group and 12 weeks with a short-leg cast. Patients with walking boots reported less pain between 3 and 12 weeks than did those with short-leg casts after 6 (P = .06), 9 (P = .020), and 12 weeks (P = .33). Function was significantly better with Aircast walking boots after 3 (P = .006), 6 (P = .002), and 9 weeks (P = .002) but not after 12 weeks (P = .09). Patients returned to their preinjury level of driving after 6 weeks with walking boots and 12 weeks with short-leg casts (P = .006). Employed patients took a mean of 35.8 days off work (range, 28-42 days), fewer with boots (31.5 days) than with short-leg casts (39.2 days). The walking boot was better treatment than a short-leg cast for avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal. Patients had an improved combined level of pain and function 3 weeks earlier, at 9 weeks post injury, when managed in a walking boot. Level II, prospective comparative series.

  12. VX-509 (Decernotinib), an Oral Selective JAK-3 Inhibitor, in Combination With Methotrexate in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    PubMed

    Genovese, Mark C; van Vollenhoven, Ronald F; Pacheco-Tena, César; Zhang, Yanqiong; Kinnman, Nils

    2016-01-01

    To assess the efficacy and safety of decernotinib (VX-509), an oral selective inhibitor of JAK-3, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in whom the response to methotrexate treatment was inadequate. In this 24-week, double-blind, randomized phase IIb study, 358 patients with active RA received either placebo (n = 71) or VX-509 at dosages of 100 mg/day (n = 71), 150 mg/day (n = 72), 200 mg/day (n = 72), or 100 mg twice daily (n = 72). Primary measures of efficacy at week 12 were the response rate according to the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20) and change from baseline in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C-reactive protein level (DAS28-CRP). At week 12, the ACR20 response rates were 46.5%, 66.7%, 56.9%, and 68.1% in the groups receiving VX-509 at dosages of 100 mg/day, 150 mg/day, 200 mg/day, and 100 mg twice daily, respectively, and 18.3% in the placebo group (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). At week 12, the mean change from baseline in the DAS28-CRP was significantly greater in each VX-509 group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). Improvements were maintained at week 24, as shown by the ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates and mean change from baseline in the DAS28-CRP. The most common adverse event in the VX-509 group was headache (8.7%), and elevated levels of transaminases, lipoproteins, and creatinine were observed. VX-509 significantly improved the signs and symptoms of RA at weeks 12 and 24 compared with the placebo group when it was administered in combination with methotrexate. Safety signals included infection and increases in liver transaminase and lipid levels. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

  13. Low-dose baclofen therapy raised plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations, but not into the normal range in a predictable and sustained manner in men with chronic spinal cord injury

    PubMed Central

    Bauman, William A.; La Fountaine, Michael F.; Cirnigliaro, Christopher M.; Kirshblum, Steven C.; Spungen, Ann M.

    2013-01-01

    Objective To evaluate, whether once-daily oral baclofen administration increases and/or sustains plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration in 11 men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and IGF-1 deficiency (i.e. <250 ng/ml). Design Prospective, open-label, dose titration study. Baclofen was administered at 20 mg/day for 8 weeks; then increased to 40 mg/day for another 8 weeks. Plasma IGF-1 and self-reported side effects were measured at baseline and every other week for the duration of the study. Results The subjects were 43 ± 12 years old, had duration of injury of 20 ± 12 years; eight subjects had a complete motor injury, and eight had paraplegia. Nine of 11 subjects completed the 20 mg/day treatment and 5 subjects completed the 40 mg/day treatment. Plasma IGF-1 levels improved with each baclofen dose; however, only one subject increased from baseline and remained above the targeted physiological range of 250 ng/ml throughout treatment. A significant increase in IGF-1concentration was observed between baseline and week 2 (154 ± 63 vs. 217 ± 69 ng/ml; P < 0.05), weeks 8 and 10 (188 ± 95 vs. 228 ± 93 ng/ml; P < 0.05), and weeks 8 and 16 (188 ± 95 vs. 259 ± 92 ng/ml; P < 0.05). No serious side effects were observed at 20 mg/day; the 40 mg/day dose was less well tolerated. Conclusion Baclofen was not effective at sustaining plasma IGF-1 concentrations in the physiological range in men with chronic SCI. PMID:23941795

  14. The Netherlands Cohort Study – Meat Investigation Cohort; a population-based cohort over-represented with vegetarians, pescetarians and low meat consumers

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Vegetarian diets have been associated with lower risk of chronic disease, but little is known about the health effects of low meat diets and the reliability of self-reported vegetarian status. We aimed to establish an analytical cohort over-represented with vegetarians, pescetarians and 1 day/week meat consumers, and to describe their lifestyle and dietary characteristics. In addition, we were able to compare self-reported vegetarians with vegetarians whose status has been confirmed by their response on the extensive food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Study methods Embedded within the Netherlands Cohort Study (n = 120,852; including 1150 self-reported vegetarians), the NLCS-Meat Investigation Cohort (NLCS-MIC) was defined by combining all FFQ-confirmed-vegetarians (n = 702), pescetarians (n = 394), and 1 day/week meat consumers (n = 1,396) from the total cohort with a random sample of 2–5 days/week- and 6–7 days/week meat consumers (n = 2,965 and 5,648, respectively). Results Vegetarians, pescetarians, and 1 day/week meat consumers had more favorable dietary intakes (e.g. higher fiber/vegetables) and lifestyle characteristics (e.g. lower smoking rates) compared to regular meat consumers in both sexes. Vegetarians adhered to their diet longer than pescetarians and 1 day/week meat consumers. 75% of vegetarians with a prevalent cancer at baseline had changed to this diet after diagnosis. 50% of self-reported vegetarians reported meat or fish consumption on the FFQ. Although the misclassification that occurred in terms of diet and lifestyle when merely relying on self-reporting was relatively small, the impact on associations with disease risk remains to be studied. Conclusion We established an analytical cohort over-represented with persons at the lower end of the meat consumption spectrum which should facilitate prospective studies of major cancers and causes of death using ≥20.3 years of follow-up. PMID:24289207

  15. The Netherlands Cohort Study−Meat Investigation Cohort; a population-based cohort over-represented with vegetarians, pescetarians and low meat consumers.

    PubMed

    Gilsing, Anne M J; Weijenberg, Matty P; Goldbohm, R Alexandra; Dagnelie, Pieter C; van den Brandt, Piet A; Schouten, Leo J

    2013-11-29

    Vegetarian diets have been associated with lower risk of chronic disease, but little is known about the health effects of low meat diets and the reliability of self-reported vegetarian status. We aimed to establish an analytical cohort over-represented with vegetarians, pescetarians and 1 day/week meat consumers, and to describe their lifestyle and dietary characteristics. In addition, we were able to compare self-reported vegetarians with vegetarians whose status has been confirmed by their response on the extensive food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Embedded within the Netherlands Cohort Study (n = 120,852; including 1150 self-reported vegetarians), the NLCS-Meat Investigation Cohort (NLCS-MIC) was defined by combining all FFQ-confirmed-vegetarians (n = 702), pescetarians (n = 394), and 1 day/week meat consumers (n = 1,396) from the total cohort with a random sample of 2-5 days/week- and 6-7 days/week meat consumers (n = 2,965 and 5,648, respectively). Vegetarians, pescetarians, and 1 day/week meat consumers had more favorable dietary intakes (e.g., higher fiber/vegetables) and lifestyle characteristics (e.g. lower smoking rates) compared to regular meat consumers in both sexes. Vegetarians adhered to their diet longer than pescetarians and 1 day/week meat consumers. 75% of vegetarians with a prevalent cancer at baseline had changed to this diet after diagnosis. 50% of self-reported vegetarians reported meat or fish consumption on the FFQ. Although the misclassification that occurred in terms of diet and lifestyle when merely relying on self-reporting was relatively small, the impact on associations with disease risk remains to be studied. We established an analytical cohort over-represented with persons at the lower end of the meat consumption spectrum which should facilitate prospective studies of major cancers and causes of death using ≥20.3 years of follow-up.

  16. Lacosamide for uncontrolled primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures: An open-label pilot study with 59-week extension.

    PubMed

    Wechsler, Robert T; Yates, Stephen L; Messenheimer, John; Leroy, Robert; Beller, Cynthia; Doty, Pamela

    2017-02-01

    Assess the safety of adjunctive lacosamide for the treatment of uncontrolled primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients (16-65 years) with primary generalized (genetic) epilepsy (PGE). An open-label pilot safety study (SP0961; NCT01118949), comprising 12 weeks' historical baseline, 4 weeks' prospective baseline, 3 weeks' titration (target: 400mg/day adjunctive lacosamide) and 6 weeks' maintenance. Patients who continued to the extension study (SP0962; NCT01118962) then received ≤59 weeks of flexible treatment (100-800mg/day lacosamide with flexible dosing of concomitant antiepileptic drugs). The primary outcomes for SP0961 were the mean change (±standard deviation) in absence seizure or myoclonic seizure days per 28days from prospective baseline to maintenance; for SP0962, the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and withdrawals because of TEAEs. Of the 49 patients who enrolled, 40 (82%) completed the pilot study and 9 discontinued (5 because of adverse events). Of the 39 patients who continued to the extension study, 10 discontinued (2 owing to TEAEs) and 29 (74%) completed the study. During the pilot study, patients reported a reduction in mean (±standard deviation) absence and myoclonic seizure days per 28days (-0.37±4.80, -2.19±5.80). Reductions were also observed during the extension study (-2.38±5.54, -2.78±6.43). Five patients in SP0961 and 2 patients in SP0962 experienced TEAEs of new or increased frequency of absence seizures or myoclonic seizures. The most common TEAEs during SP0961 were dizziness (39%) and nausea (27%), and during SP0962 were dizziness (26%) and upper respiratory tract infection (26%). The safety profile of adjunctive lacosamide was similar to that previously published. Adjunctive lacosamide did not systematically worsen absence or myoclonic seizures, and appears to be well tolerated in patients with PGE. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  17. A Study of Subseasonal Predictability of the Atmospheric Circulation Low-frequency Modes based on SL-AV forecasts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kruglova, Ekaterina; Kulikova, Irina; Khan, Valentina; Tischenko, Vladimir

    2017-04-01

    The subseasonal predictability of low-frequency modes and the atmospheric circulation regimes is investigated based on the using of outputs from global Semi-Lagrangian (SL-AV) model of the Hydrometcentre of Russia and Institute of Numerical Mathematics of Russian Academy of Science. Teleconnection indices (AO, WA, EA, NAO, EU, WP, PNA) are used as the quantitative characteristics of low-frequency variability to identify zonal and meridional flow regimes with focus on control distribution of high impact weather patterns in the Northern Eurasia. The predictability of weekly and monthly averaged indices is estimated by the methods of diagnostic verification of forecast and reanalysis data covering the hindcast period, and also with the use of the recommended WMO quantitative criteria. Characteristics of the low frequency variability have been discussed. Particularly, it is revealed that the meridional flow regimes are reproduced by SL-AV for summer season better comparing to winter period. It is shown that the model's deterministic forecast (ensemble mean) skill at week 1 (days 1-7) is noticeably better than that of climatic forecasts. The decrease of skill scores at week 2 (days 8-14) and week 3( days 15-21) is explained by deficiencies in the modeling system and inaccurate initial conditions. It was noticed the slightly improvement of the skill of model at week 4 (days 22-28), when the condition of atmosphere is more determined by the flow of energy from the outside. The reliability of forecasts of monthly (days 1-30) averaged indices is comparable to that at week 1 (days 1-7). Numerical experiments demonstrated that the forecast accuracy can be improved (thus the limit of practical predictability can be extended) through the using of probabilistic approach based on ensemble forecasts. It is shown that the quality of forecasts of the regimes of circulation like blocking is higher, than that of zonal flow.

  18. 3 CFR 8752 - Proclamation 8752 of November 8, 2011. World Freedom Day, 2011

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ..., 2011 Proc. 8752 World Freedom Day, 2011By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation... ourselves at a crossroads of history as a wave of democratic movements sweeps away oppressive dictatorships... United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the...

  19. Does Research Degree Supervisor Training Work? The Impact of a Professional Development Induction Workshop on Supervision Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCulloch, Alistair; Loeser, Cassandra

    2016-01-01

    Supervisor induction and continued professional development programmes constitute good practice and are enshrined in institutional policies and national codes of practice. However, there is little evidence about whether they have an impact on either supervisors' learning or day-to-day practice. Set in a discussion of previous literature, this…

  20. 34 CFR 300.536 - Change of placement because of disciplinary removals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... consecutive school days; or (2) The child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern— (i) Because the series of removals total more than 10 school days in a school year; (ii) Because the... the series of removals; and (iii) Because of such additional factors as the length of each removal...

  1. Equal Pay Act: Wage Differentials for Time of Day Worked

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stanford, Richard Alan

    1974-01-01

    The Supreme Court held in Corning Glass Works cases involving male only employees for night shifts that the time of day worked could constitute a factor other than sex whereby the wage differential might qualify as an exception under the Equal Pay Act. Shift differentials could be legal if proven to be nondiscriminatory. (LBH)

  2. 34 CFR 300.536 - Change of placement because of disciplinary removals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... consecutive school days; or (2) The child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern— (i) Because the series of removals total more than 10 school days in a school year; (ii) Because the... the series of removals; and (iii) Because of such additional factors as the length of each removal...

  3. 34 CFR 300.536 - Change of placement because of disciplinary removals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... consecutive school days; or (2) The child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern— (i) Because the series of removals total more than 10 school days in a school year; (ii) Because the... the series of removals; and (iii) Because of such additional factors as the length of each removal...

  4. 34 CFR 300.536 - Change of placement because of disciplinary removals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... consecutive school days; or (2) The child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern— (i) Because the series of removals total more than 10 school days in a school year; (ii) Because the... the series of removals; and (iii) Because of such additional factors as the length of each removal...

  5. 34 CFR 300.536 - Change of placement because of disciplinary removals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... consecutive school days; or (2) The child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern— (i) Because the series of removals total more than 10 school days in a school year; (ii) Because the... the series of removals; and (iii) Because of such additional factors as the length of each removal...

  6. Slower skeletal muscle phenotypes are critical for constitutive expression of Hsp70 in overloaded rat plantaris muscle.

    PubMed

    O'Neill, David E T; Aubrey, F Kris; Zeldin, David A; Michel, Robin N; Noble, Earl G

    2006-03-01

    Heat shock protein 72 (Hsp70) is constitutively expressed in rat hindlimb muscles, reportedly in proportion to their content of type I myosin heavy chain. This distribution pattern has been suggested to result from the higher recruitment and activity of such muscles and/or a specific relationship between myosin phenotype and Hsp70 content. To differentiate between these possibilities, the fiber-specific distribution of Hsp70 was examined in male Sprague-Dawley rat plantaris under control conditions, following a fast-to-slow phenotypic shift in response to surgically induced overload (O) and in response to O when the phenotypic shift was prevented by 3,5,3'-triiodo-dl-thyronine administration. Constitutive expression of Hsp70 was restricted to type I and IIa fibers in plantaris from control rats, and this fiber-specific pattern of expression was maintained following O of up to 28 days, although Hsp70 content in the O muscle doubled. When O (for 40 days) of the plantaris was combined with 3,5,3'-triiodo-dl-thyronine administration, despite typical hypertrophy in the overloaded plantaris, prevention of the normal phenotypic transformation also blocked the increased expression of Hsp70 observed in euthyroid controls. Collectively, these data suggest that chronic changes in constitutive expression of Hsp70 with altered contractile activity appear critically dependent on fast-to-slow phenotypic remodeling.

  7. Randomised trial of two nicotine patch protocols distributed through a state quitline.

    PubMed

    Burns, Emily K; Hood, Nancy E; Goforth, Emma; Levinson, Arnold H

    2016-03-01

    Most telephone quitlines provide free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). An 8-week course is recommended, but few users complete it. Information is needed to help quitlines distribute NRT cost-effectively. Randomised two-group trial. Colorado QuitLine callers who smoked 16-20 cigarettes per day at enrolment and who were eligible for and agreed to receive free NRT. Provision of 4-week versus 8-week NRT supply; the 8-week supply was shipped in halves and required participants to request the second half (split-shipment protocol). Enrolment occurred during March 2010-February 2011, follow-up concluded in November 2011, and analysis was performed in 2012. Point abstinence (7 and 30 day) and prolonged abstinence (6 month) from tobacco use. Overall, 1495 study participants were enrolled and 57.7% completed follow-up. Abstinence rates did not differ significantly between study conditions: 13.8% versus 12.4% in 4-week versus 8-week arms, respectively, (30-day point abstinence, non-respondents treated as smokers). NRT duration was similar in both groups, due in part to purchase of additional patches in the 4-week group. About one-third of the 8-week group requested the full 8-week supply and had higher abstinence rates. Cost per quit was lower in the 4-week (compared to 8-week) group. A randomised trial did not find worse cessation outcomes among quitline users who received half the minimum recommended course of NRT, but offering the full recommended course using a split-shipment protocol may be reasonably cost-effective and supportive of NRT adherers. NCT01889771. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

  8. mHealth for Schizophrenia: Patient Engagement With a Mobile Phone Intervention Following Hospital Discharge.

    PubMed

    Ben-Zeev, Dror; Scherer, Emily A; Gottlieb, Jennifer D; Rotondi, Armando J; Brunette, Mary F; Achtyes, Eric D; Mueser, Kim T; Gingerich, Susan; Brenner, Christopher J; Begale, Mark; Mohr, David C; Schooler, Nina; Marcy, Patricia; Robinson, Delbert G; Kane, John M

    2016-07-27

    mHealth interventions that use mobile phones as instruments for illness management are gaining popularity. Research examining mobile phone‒based mHealth programs for people with psychosis has shown that these approaches are feasible, acceptable, and clinically promising. However, most mHealth initiatives involving people with schizophrenia have spanned periods ranging from a few days to several weeks and have typically involved participants who were clinically stable. Our aim was to evaluate the viability of extended mHealth interventions for people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders following hospital discharge. Specifically, we set out to examine the following: (1) Can individuals be engaged with a mobile phone intervention program during this high-risk period?, (2) Are age, gender, racial background, or hospitalization history associated with their engagement or persistence in using a mobile phone intervention over time?, and (3) Does engagement differ by characteristics of the mHealth intervention itself (ie, pre-programmed vs on-demand functions)? We examined mHealth intervention use and demographic and clinical predictors of engagement in 342 individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who were given the FOCUS mobile phone intervention as part of a technology-assisted relapse prevention program during the 6-month high-risk period following hospitalization. On average, participants engaged with FOCUS for 82% of the weeks they had the mobile phone. People who used FOCUS more often continued using it over longer periods: 44% used the intervention over 5-6 months, on average 4.3 days a week. Gender, race, age, and number of past psychiatric hospitalizations were associated with engagement. Females used FOCUS on average 0.4 more days a week than males. White participants engaged on average 0.7 days more a week than African-Americans and responded to prompts on 0.7 days more a week than Hispanic participants. Younger participants (age 18-29) had 0.4 fewer days of on-demand use a week than individuals who were 30-45 years old and 0.5 fewer days a week than older participants (age 46-60). Participants with fewer past hospitalizations (1-6) engaged on average 0.2 more days a week than those with seven or more. mHealth program functions were associated with engagement. Participants responded to prompts more often than they self-initiated on-demand tools, but both FOCUS functions were used regularly. Both types of intervention use declined over time (on-demand use had a steeper decline). Although mHealth use declined, the majority of individuals used both on-demand and system-prompted functions regularly throughout their participation. Therefore, neither function is extraneous. The findings demonstrated that individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders can actively engage with a clinically supported mobile phone intervention for up to 6 months following hospital discharge. mHealth may be useful in reaching a clinical population that is typically difficult to engage during high-risk periods.

  9. A maintenance three-day-per-week schedule with the single tablet regimen efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is effective and decreases sub-clinical toxicity: the A-TRI-WEEK pilot trial.

    PubMed

    Rojas, Jhon; Blanco, Jose L; Sanchez-Palomino, Sonsoles; Marcos, Maria A; Guardo, Alberto C; Gonzalez-Cordon, Ana; Lonca, Montserrat; Tricas, Amparo; Rodriguez, Ana; Romero, Anabel; Miro, Jose M; Mallolas, Josep; Gatell, Jose M; Plana, Montserrat; Martinez, Esteban

    2018-05-09

    Antiretroviral drugs contained in single tablet Atripla® have pharmacokinetic properties that could allow for longer than once-daily (OD) dosing. We hypothesized that simplifying Atripla® OD to 3-day per week would be feasible, able to maintain viral suppression and less toxic. Virologically suppressed (≥2 years) HIV+ adults on Atripla® OD, CD4 >350/mm at inclusion, and no prior documented virological failure or evidence of resistance mutations to efavirenz, tenofovir, or emtricitabine were randomized to maintain their OD regimen or to reduce it to 3 days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) a week (3W). Primary end-point was the proportion of patients free of treatment failure (non-completer = failure) at 24 weeks. CD4 and CD8 cells, ultrasensitive HIV-1 RNA, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), bone mineral density, plasma efavirenz levels, and fasting blood and urine chemistries were measured at baseline and 24 weeks. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01778413. Sixty-one patients were randomized. All patients in both arms remained free of treatment failure (estimated difference 0%; 95% confidence interval -14.1 to 14.1). Ultrasensitive plasma HIV-1 RNA below detection threshold showed no difference between arms (70% in the 3W arm vs. 71% in the OD arm, P = 0.933) at 24 weeks. Total cholesterol and femur T-score significantly increased, while PSQI, plasma efavirenz, albumin/creatinine and beta-2-microglobulin in urine significantly decreased in the 3W arm relative to OD arm. The A-TRI-WEEK study represents a proof of concept for the feasibility of three-day per week Atripla® maintenance that should be further confirmed in a larger, well-powered clinical trial.

  10. Predictors of physical activity among older adults in Germany: a nationwide cohort study.

    PubMed

    Manz, Kristin; Mensink, Gert B M; Jordan, Susanne; Schienkiewitz, Anja; Krug, Susanne; Finger, Jonas D

    2018-05-09

    To investigate individual, interpersonal and environmental baseline factors predicting regular aerobic physical activity (PA) participation among older adults in Germany at follow-up 12 years later. Population-based cohort study. Cluster-randomised general population sample selected based on population registry address information from 130 nationally distributed sample points collected from 1997 to 1999 and re-evaluated 12 years later from 2008 to 2011. 1184 adults, aged 65 years or older at follow-up with complete data at baseline and follow-up, were included in the final study sample. Regular 'aerobic PA ≥1 day/week' assessed based on self-reported information. At follow-up, 53.2% of the participants engaged in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week. Participants aged 50 to 60 years at baseline were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week than participants aged 61 to 78 years; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.40. Participants with middle and high socioeconomic status (SES) were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week than participants with low SES; OR middle SES 2.08, 1.33 to 3.25; high SES 3.44, 2.11 to 5.60. Participants with high social support were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week at follow-up than participants with low social support; OR 1.98, 1.26 to 3.12. Furthermore, participants who engaged in leisure time PA at least once per week at baseline were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week at follow-up than those who engaged less than once per week; OR 1.95, 1.46 to 2.60. Several influencing factors assessed at baseline predicted regular aerobic PA participation 12 years later. These factors should be considered when planning interventions to prevent physical inactivity in older adults. There is great potential to increase aerobic PA participation in older adults in Germany, in particular among those with low SES and low social support. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  11. Trials for development of once-a-month injectable, hormonal male contraceptive using dienogest plus testosterone undecanoate: dose standardization, efficacy and reversibility studies in rats.

    PubMed

    Misro, Man M; Chaki, Shankar P; Kaushik, Mahesh C; Nandan, Deoki

    2009-06-01

    The study was conducted to test the potential of using dienogest (DNG) plus testosterone undecanoate (TU) in rats for development of a once-a-month injectable male hormonal contraceptive. Dose selection studies were initiated with administration of DNG in three different doses of 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg body weight (bw) per week plus TU 25 mg/kg bw once in every 6 weeks. Status of spermatogenesis and sperm count in epididymis was evaluated. The frequency of DNG intervention was later extended to every 2- and 4-week intervals. Mating studies, toxicity and reversibility of spermatogenesis following stoppage of treatment were carried out with DNG 40 mg/kg bw at 4-week intervals. Complete arrest of spermatogenesis was observed after 60 days of treatment at all doses of DNG (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg bw per week)+TU. However, weights of testis and accessory sex organs (epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle) declined significantly 60 days post treatment compared to vehicle-treated controls. Epididymis in the treated animals was completely devoid of sperm. When the frequency of DNG injection (20 mg/kg bw) was extended to once every 15 days, a few immotile and decapitated sperm were observed in the epididymis. With TU treatment unchanged, animals receiving DNG (40 mg/kg bw) once either every 2- or 4-week intervals demonstrated good and uniform arrest of spermatogenesis. DNG 40 mg/kg per 4 weeks+TU also demonstrated a significant rise in germ cell apoptosis in the seminiferous epithelium. There was no significant increase in the serum high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein levels at the end of 120 days of treatment. Following withdrawal of treatment after 60 or 120 days, qualitative restoration of spermatogenesis was rapid in the former compared to the latter. Dienogest plus TU has the potential for development as a monthly injectable showing reversible hormonal male contraception with good efficacy.

  12. The Development of Diet-Induced Obesity and Glucose Intolerance in C57Bl/6 Mice on a High-Fat Diet Consists of Distinct Phases

    PubMed Central

    Williams, Lynda M.; Campbell, Fiona M.; Drew, Janice E.; Koch, Christiane; Hoggard, Nigel; Rees, William D.; Kamolrat, Torkamol; Thi Ngo, Ha; Steffensen, Inger-Lise; Gray, Stuart R.; Tups, Alexander

    2014-01-01

    High–fat (HF) diet-induced obesity and insulin insensitivity are associated with inflammation, particularly in white adipose tissue (WAT). However, insulin insensitivity is apparent within days of HF feeding when gains in adiposity and changes in markers of inflammation are relatively minor. To investigate further the effects of HF diet, C57Bl/6J mice were fed either a low (LF) or HF diet for 3 days to 16 weeks, or fed the HF-diet matched to the caloric intake of the LF diet (PF) for 3 days or 1 week, with the time course of glucose tolerance and inflammatory gene expression measured in liver, muscle and WAT. HF fed mice gained adiposity and liver lipid steadily over 16 weeks, but developed glucose intolerance, assessed by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT), in two phases. The first phase, after 3 days, resulted in a 50% increase in area under the curve (AUC) for HF and PF mice, which improved to 30% after 1 week and remained stable until 12 weeks. Between 12 and 16 weeks the difference in AUC increased to 60%, when gene markers of inflammation appeared in WAT and muscle but not in liver. Plasma proteomics were used to reveal an acute phase response at day 3. Data from PF mice reveals that glucose intolerance and the acute phase response are the result of the HF composition of the diet and increased caloric intake respectively. Thus, the initial increase in glucose intolerance due to a HF diet occurs concurrently with an acute phase response but these effects are caused by different properties of the diet. The second increase in glucose intolerance occurs between 12 - 16 weeks of HF diet and is correlated with WAT and muscle inflammation. Between these times glucose tolerance remains stable and markers of inflammation are undetectable. PMID:25170916

  13. Improving Seasonal Crop Monitoring and Forecasting for Soybean and Corn in Iowa

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Togliatti, K.; Archontoulis, S.; Dietzel, R.; VanLoocke, A.

    2016-12-01

    Accurately forecasting crop yield in advance of harvest could greatly benefit farmers, however few evaluations have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of forecasting methods. We tested one such method that used a combination of short-term weather forecasting from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) to predict in season weather variables, such as, maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation and radiation at 4 different forecast lengths (2 weeks, 1 week, 3 days, and 0 days). This forecasted weather data along with the current and historic (previous 35 years) data from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet was combined to drive Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) simulations to forecast soybean and corn yields in 2015 and 2016. The goal of this study is to find the forecast length that reduces the variability of simulated yield predictions while also increasing the accuracy of those predictions. APSIM simulations of crop variables were evaluated against bi-weekly field measurements of phenology, biomass, and leaf area index from early and late planted soybean plots located at the Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy Research Farm in central Iowa as well as the Northwest Research Farm in northwestern Iowa. WRF model predictions were evaluated against observed weather data collected at the experimental fields. Maximum temperature was the most accurately predicted variable, followed by minimum temperature and radiation, and precipitation was least accurate according to RMSE values and the number of days that were forecasted within a 20% error of the observed weather. Our analysis indicated that for the majority of months in the growing season the 3 day forecast performed the best. The 1 week forecast came in second and the 2 week forecast was the least accurate for the majority of months. Preliminary results for yield indicate that the 2 week forecast is the least variable of the forecast lengths, however it also is the least accurate. The 3 day and 1 week forecast have a better accuracy, with an increase in variability.

  14. Surveillance of low pathogenic novel H7N9 avian influenza in commercial poultry barns: detection of outbreaks and estimation of virus introduction time.

    PubMed

    Pinsent, Amy; Blake, Isobel M; White, Michael T; Riley, Steven

    2014-08-01

    Both high and low pathogenic subtype A avian influenza remain ongoing threats to the commercial poultry industry globally. The emergence of a novel low pathogenic H7N9 lineage in China presents itself as a new concern to both human and animal health and may necessitate additional surveillance in commercial poultry operations in affected regions. Sampling data was simulated using a mechanistic model of H7N9 influenza transmission within commercial poultry barns together with a stochastic observation process. Parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood. We assessed the probability of detecting an outbreak at time of slaughter using both real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) and a hemagglutinin inhibition assay (HI assay) before considering more intense sampling prior to slaughter. The day of virus introduction and R0 were estimated jointly from weekly flock sampling data. For scenarios where R0 was known, we estimated the day of virus introduction into a barn under different sampling frequencies. If birds were tested at time of slaughter, there was a higher probability of detecting evidence of an outbreak using an HI assay compared to rt-PCR, except when the virus was introduced <2 weeks before time of slaughter. Prior to the initial detection of infection N sample = 50 (1%) of birds were sampled on a weekly basis once, but after infection was detected, N sample = 2000 birds (40%) were sampled to estimate both parameters. We accurately estimated the day of virus introduction in isolation with weekly and 2-weekly sampling. A strong sampling effort would be required to infer both the day of virus introduction and R0. Such a sampling effort would not be required to estimate the day of virus introduction alone once R0 was known, and sampling N sample = 50 of birds in the flock on a weekly or 2 weekly basis would be sufficient.

  15. The relationship between serum adiponectin and postpartum luteal activity in high-producing dairy cows.

    PubMed

    Kafi, Mojtaba; Tamadon, Amin; Saeb, Mehdi

    2015-05-01

    The aims of the present study were to initially determine the pattern of serum adiponectin concentrations during a normal estrous cycle in high-producing postpartum dairy cows and then evaluate the relationship between the serum concentrations of adiponectin and insulin with the commencement of postpartum luteal activity and ovarian activities in clinically healthy high-producing Holstein dairy cows. During a normal estrous cycle of cows (n = 6), serum adiponectin concentrations gradually decreased (P < 0.05) after ovulation by Day-17 estrous cycle and then increased before the next ovulation. Cows with higher peak of milk yield had lower serum adiponectin concentrations by week 7 postpartum (P = 0.01). Serum adiponectin and insulin concentrations in cows with different postpartum luteal activity (based on the progesterone profile) were evaluated using the following class of cows: normal (≤45 days, n = 11) and delayed (>45 days, n = 11) commencement of luteal activity (C-LA) and four different profiles of normal luteal activity (NLA, n = 5), prolonged luteal phase (n = 6), delayed first ovulation (n = 6), and anovulation (AOV, n = 5). Serum adiponectin concentrations decreased gradually by week 3 postpartum in NLA and then increased; whereas in AOV and delayed first ovulation, they were decreased after week 3 postpartum (P < 0.05). Moreover, serum adiponectin concentrations in NLA were more than AOV at weeks 5 and 7 postpartum (P = 0.05). The increase in the milk yield from weeks 1 to 7 postpartum in prolonged luteal phase (P = 0.05) and AOV (P = 0.04) cows was more than that of NLA cows. Insulin concentrations were almost maintained at a stable level in NLA cows (P > 0.05), whereas they increased in the other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, adiponectin concentrations in cows with C-LA greater than 45 days decreased more than those with C-LA 45 days or less after week 3 postpartum (P = 0.002). Serum adiponectin concentrations at week 7 postpartum were lower in delayed C-LA (P = 0.01). Milk yield in cows with C-LA greater than 45 days increased more than cows with C-LA 45 days or less postpartum (P = 0.002). Insulin concentrations increased relatively in parallel from weeks 1 to 7 postpartum in cows either with C-LA greater than 45 or with C-LA 45 days or less. We showed for the first time the profile of serum adiponectin concentrations in a normal estrous cycle of dairy cows, and furthermore, it was found that high-producing dairy cows with higher postpartum serum adiponectin concentrations had NLA and earlier C-LA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. The effects of partner togetherness on salivary testosterone in women in long distance relationships

    PubMed Central

    Hamilton, Lisa Dawn; Meston, Cindy M.

    2009-01-01

    The present study examined whether testosterone levels are influenced by being with a sexual and romantic partner after a period of sexual abstinence. Women in long distance relationships (n = 15) provided five saliva samples: at least one week before seeing their partner (and at least 2 weeks since their last visit), the day before seeing their partner, when they were with their partner but prior to engaging in sexual activity, the day after their first sexual activity, and three days after they were separated from their partners. Salivary testosterone was lowest when participants had been away from their partners for at least two weeks and highest the day before they were to see their partners and the day after sexual activity. Results from this study indicated that women’s testosterone increased both the day before they were with their partners and they day after they first engaged in sexual activity. However, something about initially reuniting with their partners returned their testosterone to baseline levels, which may be an effect of being in the same location as a partner, or just a state fluctuation due to nervousness or other psychological state. PMID:19900454

  17. The effects of partner togetherness on salivary testosterone in women in long distance relationships.

    PubMed

    Hamilton, Lisa Dawn; Meston, Cindy M

    2010-02-01

    The present study examined whether women's testosterone levels are influenced by being with a sexual and romantic partner after a period of sexual abstinence. Women in long distance relationships (n=15) provided five saliva samples: at least 1 week before seeing their partner (and at least 2 weeks since their last visit), the day before seeing their partner, when they were with their partner but prior to engaging in sexual activity, the day after their first sexual activity, and 3 days after they were separated from their partners. Salivary testosterone was lowest when participants had been away from their partners for at least 2 weeks and highest the day before they were to see their partners and the day after sexual activity. Results from this study indicated that women's testosterone increased both the day before they were with their partners and they day after they first engaged in sexual activity. However, something about initially reuniting with their partners returned their testosterone to baseline levels, which may be an effect of being in the same location as a partner, or just a state fluctuation due to nervousness or other psychological state. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Examining Recovery Trajectories Following Sport-related Concussion Using a Multi-Modal Clinical Assessment Approach

    PubMed Central

    Henry, Luke C.; Elbin, RJ; Collins, Michael W.; Marchetti, Gregory; Kontos, Anthony P.

    2016-01-01

    Background Previous research estimates that the majority of athletes with sport-related concussion (SRC) will recover between 7–10 days following injury. This short, temporal window of recovery is predominately based on symptom resolution and cognitive improvement, and does not accurately reflect recent advances to the clinical assessment model. Objective To characterize SRC recovery at 1-week post-injury time intervals on symptom, neurocognitive, and vestibular-oculomotor outcomes, and examine gender differences on SRC recovery time. Methods A prospective, repeated measures design was used to examine the temporal resolution of neurocognitive, symptom, and vestibular-oculomotor impairment in 66 subjects (16.5 ± 1.9 years, range 14–23, 64% male) with SRC. Results Recovery time across all outcomes was between 21–28 days post SRC for most athletes. Symptoms demonstrated the greatest improvement in the first 2 weeks, while neurocognitive impairment lingered across various domains up to 28 days post SRC. Vestibular-oculomotor decrements also resolved between one to three weeks post injury. There were no gender differences in neurocognitive recovery. Males were more likely to be asymptomatic by the fourth week and reported less vestibular-oculomotor impairment than females at weeks 1 and 2. Conclusion When utilizing the recommended “comprehensive” approach for concussion assessment, recovery time for SRC is approximately three to four weeks, which is longer than the commonly reported 7–14 days. Sports medicine clinicians should use a variety of complementing assessment tools to capture the heterogeneity of SRC. PMID:26445375

  19. [Neonatal morbidity after conservative management followed by systematic delivery at thirty-four weeks of gestation in preterm rupture of membranes].

    PubMed

    Accoceberry, M; Carbonnier, M; Boeuf, B; Ughetto, S; Sapin, V; Vendittelli, F; Houlle, C; Laurichesse, H; Lémery, D; Gallot, D

    2005-09-01

    To evaluate the neonatal morbidity and its risks factors in case of uncomplicated preterm rupture of membranes managed conservatively with subsequent planned delivery at 34 weeks of gestation. We studied retrospectively 42 consecutive neonates systematically delivered at 34 weeks of gestation after more than 48 hours of conservative management for uncomplicated preterm rupture of membranes. Conservative management was conducted in a single tertiary care center and consisted in corticotherapy and in antibiotherapy (amoxycilline during 7 days). We evaluated the neonatal mortality rate, the incidence of infection, respiratory distress, neurological disorders, and we looked for their prenatal risks factors. Forty-two neonates were included. The median gestational age at rupture was 31.1 weeks of gestation (from 25 to 33.9 weeks). The median duration of expectant management was 20 days (from 2.4 to 65 days). We observed 7 cases of neonatal infection but no septic failure, 18 cases of respiratory distresses among which 9 required a tracheal intubation for a mean duration of 3.7 days, no perinatal encephalopathy (5 cases of subependymal haemorrhage) and no neonatal death. We isolated one single risk factor that was the lowest gestational age at rupture in case of subsequent respiratory distress (29.6 vs 31.9 weeks; P=0.02). Neonatal morbidity in this population consisted mainly in respiratory distresses with an increased incidence when gestational age at rupture decreased.

  20. Examining Recovery Trajectories After Sport-Related Concussion With a Multimodal Clinical Assessment Approach.

    PubMed

    Henry, Luke C; Elbin, R J; Collins, Michael W; Marchetti, Gregory; Kontos, Anthony P

    2016-02-01

    Previous research estimates that the majority of athletes with sport-related concussion (SRC) will recover between 7 and 10 days after injury. This short temporal window of recovery is based predominately on symptom resolution and cognitive improvement and does not accurately reflect recent advances in the clinical assessment model. To characterize SRC recovery at 1-week postinjury time intervals on symptom, neurocognitive, and vestibular-oculomotor outcomes and to examine sex differences in SRC recovery time. A prospective, repeated-measures design was used to examine the temporal resolution of neurocognitive, symptom, and vestibular-oculomotor impairment in 66 subjects (age, 16.5 ± 1.9 years; range, 14-23 years; 64% male) with SRC. Recovery time across all outcomes was between 21 and 28 days after SRC for most athletes. Symptoms demonstrated the greatest improvement in the first 2 weeks, although neurocognitive impairment lingered across various domains up to 28 days after SRC. Vestibular-oculomotor decrements also resolved between 1 and 3 weeks after injury. There were no sex differences in neurocognitive recovery. Male subjects were more likely to be asymptomatic by the fourth week and reported less vestibular-oculomotor impairment than female subjects at weeks 1 and 2. When the recommended "comprehensive" approach is used for concussion assessment, recovery time for SRC is approximately 3 to 4 weeks, which is longer than the commonly reported 7 to 14 days. Sports medicine clinicians should use a variety of complementing assessment tools to capture the heterogeneity of SRC.

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