Development of an Age Band on the ManuVis for 3-Year-Old Children with Visual Impairments.

PubMed

Reimer, A M; Barsingerhorn, A D; Overvelde, A; Nijhuis-Van der Sanden, M W G; Boonstra, F N; Cox, R F A

2017-08-01

To compare fine motor performance of 3-year-old children with visual impairment with peers having normal vision, to provide reference scores for 3-year-old children with visual impairment on the ManuVis, and to assess inter-rater reliability. 26 children with visual impairment (mean age: 3 years 7 months (SD 3 months); 17 boys) and 28 children with normal vision (mean age: 3 years 7 months (SD 4 months); 14 boys) participated in the study. The ManuVis age band for 3-year-old children comprised two one-handed tasks, two two-handed tasks, and a pre-writing task. Children with visual impairment needed more time on all tasks (p < .01) and performed the pre-writing task less accurately than children with normal vision (p < .001). Children aged 42-47 months performed significantly faster on two tasks and had better total scores than children aged 36-41 months (p < .05). Inter-rater reliability was excellent (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient = 0.96-0.99). The ManuVis age band for 3-year-old children is appropriate to assess fine motor skills, and is sensitive to differences between children with visual impairment and normal vision and between half-year age groups. Reference scores are provided for 3-year-old children with visual impairment to identify delayed fine motor development.

Characterizing age-related decline of recognition memory and brain activation profile in mice.

PubMed

Belblidia, Hassina; Leger, Marianne; Abdelmalek, Abdelouadoud; Quiedeville, Anne; Calocer, Floriane; Boulouard, Michel; Jozet-Alves, Christelle; Freret, Thomas; Schumann-Bard, Pascale

2018-06-01

Episodic memory decline is one of the earlier deficits occurring during normal aging in humans. The question of spatial versus non-spatial sensitivity to age-related memory decline is of importance for a full understanding of these changes. Here, we characterized the effect of normal aging on both non-spatial (object) and spatial (object location) memory performances as well as on associated neuronal activation in mice. Novel-object (NOR) and object-location (OLR) recognition tests, respectively assessing the identity and spatial features of object memory, were examined at different ages. We show that memory performances in both tests were altered by aging as early as 15 months of age: NOR memory was partially impaired whereas OLR memory was found to be fully disrupted at 15 months of age. Brain activation profiles were assessed for both tests using immunohistochemical detection of c-Fos (neuronal activation marker) in 3and 15 month-old mice. Normal performances in NOR task by 3 month-old mice were associated to an activation of the hippocampus and a trend towards an activation in the perirhinal cortex, in a way that did significantly differ with 15 month-old mice. During OLR task, brain activation took place in the hippocampus in 3 month-old but not significantly in 15 month-old mice, which were fully impaired at this task. These differential alterations of the object- and object-location recognition memory may be linked to differential alteration of the neuronal networks supporting these tasks. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Difference of the Climatological Monthly Frequency of the Explosive Cyclones in the Northwestern Part of the Pacific and the Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsukijihara, T.; Tomita, T.; Iwao, K.

2015-12-01

　This study examined the climatological monthly frequency of the explosive cyclones over the northwestern(NW) part of the Pacific and the Atlantic in boreal cold season (October-April) from 1979/80 to 2012/13, using the long-term objective analysis data. The climatological monthly frequency of the NW Atlantic is on a normal distribution with a maximum in January, while it deviates from a normal distribution in the NW Pacific, in particular, the deviation is large in March.　Low-level meridional temperature gradient decreases linearly from February to April in the Gulf stream region. However, the gradient is maintained through February to March to the east of Japan, and it sharply weakens in April. This feature is in good agreement with the climatological monthly frequency of the explosive cyclones in the two regions.　The difference in the seasonal change of the low-level meridional temperature gradient in the two regions is caused by the positional relation of the gradient and continents. In particular, the difference of warmed area in the eastern part of the Eurasian and the North American continents causes the difference of the low-level meridional temperature gradient, and it causes the difference in the climatological monthly frequency of the explosive cyclones between the two regions from February to April.

The Perception of Faces in Different Poses by One-Month-Olds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sai, F.; Bushnell, I. W. R.

The ability of 1-month-old infants to recognize their mothers visually was explored with the live faces of mother and stranger presented in three different poses: en face (full face), half-profile, and profile. Subjects were 16 infants with normal Apgar scores at birth who were volunteered by their parents after an initial contact in a maternity…

Sonographic Assessment of the Normal Dimensions of Liver, Spleen, and Kidney in Healthy Children at Tertiary Care Hospital.

PubMed

Thapa, N B; Shah, S; Pradhan, A; Rijal, K; Pradhan, A; Basnet, S

2015-01-01

Background Ultrasonography is one of the most common imaging modality to measure dimensions of visceral organs in children. However, the normal limit of size of visceral organs according to age and body habitus has not been specified in the standard textbooks. This might result in under detection of organomegaly in pediatrics population. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the normal range of dimensions for the liver, spleen, and kidney in healthy children. Method This is prospective cross-sectional, hospital-based study done at Tertiary-care teaching hospital. Participants included 272 pediatric subjects (152 male and 120 female) with normal physical or sonographic findings who were examined because of problems unrelated to the measured organs. The subjects were one month to 15 year (180 months) old. All measured organs were sonographically normal. Relationships of the dimensions of these organs with sex, age, body weight and height were investigated. Limits of normal dimensions of these organs were defined. Result Normal length of liver, kidneys and spleen were obtained sonographically for 272 children (152 male [55.9%] and 120 female [44.1%]) in the age group from 1 months to 15 (180 months) years. The mean age was 45.78 months (SD, 44.73). The measured dimensions of all these organs showed highest correlation with height and age so the descriptive analysis of the organ dimensions (mean, minimum, and maximum values, SD and 5th and 95th percentiles) were expressed in 10 age groups along with height range of the included children. The mean length of right kidney was shorter than the left kidney length, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion This study provides practical and comprehensive guide to the normal visceral organ dimension in pediatric population. The normal range limit of the liver, spleen, and kidney determined in this study could be used as a reference in daily practice in local radiology clinics.

Lack of maintenance of gait pattern as measured by instrumental methods suggests psychogenic gait.

PubMed

Merello, Marcelo; Ballesteros, Diego; Rossi, Malco; Arena, Julieta; Crespo, Marcos; Cervio, Andres; Cuello Oderiz, Carolina; Rivero, Alberto; Cerquetti, Daniel; Risk, Marcelo; Balej, Jorge

2012-01-01

Fluctuation is a common feature of all psychogenic gait disorder (PGD) patterns. Whether this fluctuation involves only the degree of impairment or whether it affects the gait pattern itself remains an interesting question. We hypothesize that, on repeated measurements, both normal and abnormal gait may present quantitative differences while maintaining their basic underlying pattern; conversely, in psychogenic gait, the basic pattern appears not to be preserved. Using an optoelectronic system, data acquired from 19 normal subjects and 66 patients were applied to train a neural network (NN) and subsequently classify gait patterns into four different groups (normal, ataxic, spastic-paraparetic and parkinsonian). Five patients who fulfilled clinical criteria for psychogenic gait and six controls were then prospectively evaluated on two separate occasions, three months apart. Normal controls and ataxic, parkinsonian or spastic patients were correctly identified by the NN, and categorized within the corresponding groups at baseline as well as at a three-month follow-up evaluation. NN analysis showed that after three months, no PGD patient preserved the gait pattern detected at baseline, even though this finding was not clinically apparent. Modification of gait pattern detected by repeated kinematic measurement and NN analysis could suggest the presence of PGD, particularly in difficult-to-diagnose cases.

The BROAD study: A randomised controlled trial using a whole food plant-based diet in the community for obesity, ischaemic heart disease or diabetes.

PubMed

Wright, N; Wilson, L; Smith, M; Duncan, B; McHugh, P

2017-03-20

There is little randomised evidence using a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet as intervention for elevated body mass index (BMI) or dyslipidaemia. We investigated the effectiveness of a community-based dietary programme. Primary end points: BMI and cholesterol at 6 months (subsequently extended). Ages 35-70, from one general practice in Gisborne, New Zealand. Diagnosed with obesity or overweight and at least one of type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia. Of 65 subjects randomised (control n=32, intervention n=33), 49 (75.4%) completed the study to 6 months. Twenty-three (70%) intervention participants were followed up at 12 months. All participants received normal care. Intervention participants attended facilitated meetings twice-weekly for 12 weeks, and followed a non-energy-restricted WFPB diet with vitamin B 12 supplementation. At 6 months, mean BMI reduction was greater with the WFPB diet compared with normal care (4.4 vs 0.4, difference: 3.9 kg m -2 (95% confidence interval (CI)±1), P<0.0001). Mean cholesterol reduction was greater with the WFPB diet, but the difference was not significant compared with normal care (0.71 vs 0.26, difference: 0.45 mmol l -1 (95% CI±0.54), P=0.1), unless dropouts were excluded (difference: 0.56 mmol l -1 (95% CI±0.54), P=0.05). Twelve-month mean reductions for the WFPB diet group were 4.2 (±0.8) kg m - 2 BMI points and 0.55 (±0.54, P=0.05) mmol l -1 total cholesterol. No serious harms were reported. This programme led to significant improvements in BMI, cholesterol and other risk factors. To the best of our knowledge, this research has achieved greater weight loss at 6 and 12 months than any other trial that does not limit energy intake or mandate regular exercise.

The Prognostic Significance of Elevated Serum Ferritin Levels Prior to Transplantation in Patients With Lymphoma Who Underwent Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (autoHSCT): Role of Iron Overload.

PubMed

Sivgin, Serdar; Karamustafaoglu, Mehmet Fatih; Yildizhan, Esra; Zararsiz, Gokmen; Kaynar, Leylagul; Eser, Bulent; Cetin, Mustafa; Unal, Ali

2016-08-01

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a common and preferred treatment of lymphomas in many centers. Our goal was to determine the association between pretransplant iron overload and survival in patients who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT). A total of 165 patients with lymphoma, who underwent autoHSCT between the years of 2007 and 2014, were included in this study. Ferritin levels were used to determine iron status; the cut-off value was 500 ng/mL. The relationship between iron overload and survival was assessed by statistical analysis. The median ferritin level in the normal ferritin (ferritin < 500) group was 118 ng/mL (range, 9-494 ng/mL) and in the high-ferritin group (ferritin ≥ 500), it was 908 ng/mL (range, 503-4549 ng/mL). A total of 64 (38.8%) patients died during follow-up. Of these patients that died, 52 (81.25%) were in the high-ferritin group, and 12 (18.75%) were in the normal ferritin group (P ≤ .001). Twelve (14.1%) of 85 patients died in the normal ferritin group, and 52 (65.0%) of 80 patients died in the high-ferritin group. The overall mortality was significantly higher in the high-ferritin group (P < .001). The median overall survival was 42 months (range, 25-56 months) in the normal-ferritin group and20 months (range, 5-46) in the high-ferritin group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < .001). The median disease-free survival was 39 months (range, 16-56) in the normal ferritin group and 10 months (range, 3-29) in the high-ferritin group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < .001). Elevated serum ferritin levels might predict poorer survival in autoHSCT recipients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electroglottographic Comparison of Voice Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Laryngopharyngeal Cancer Treated by Chemoradiotherapy or Total Laryngectomy

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

Kazi, Rehan; Institute of Cancer Research, London; Venkitaraman, Ramachandran

2008-02-01

Purpose: To conduct prospective electroglottographic analyses of voice outcomes after radical chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers and to compare them with patients who have undergone total laryngectomy (TL). Patients and Methods: Twenty-one patients (19 male, 2 female, median age [range] 65 [50-85] years) with Stage III/IV laryngopharyngeal cancer received induction chemotherapy followed by radical chemoradiotherapy. Electroglottography, using the sustained vowel /i/ and connected speech, was performed before treatment and 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. In addition, single voice recordings were taken from 21 patients (16 male, 5 female, aged 65 [50-84] years) who had undergone TL andmore » surgical voice restoration and from 21 normal controls (18 male, 3 female, aged 65 [33-80] years). Results: Before treatment the vocal measures for the chemoradiotherapy patients were significantly different from normal controls in jitter (p = 0.02), maximum phonation time (MPT) (p = 0.001), and words per minute (WPM) (p = 0.01). At 12 months after treatment MPT and WPM had normalized, but jitter and normalized noise energy were significantly worse than in normal controls. Comparison of voice outcomes at 12 months for chemoradiotherapy patients revealed superiority over the TL group in all parameters except MPT (18.2 s vs. 10.4 s, p = 0.06). Analysis of the recovery of voice up to 12 months after treatment revealed progressive improvement in most electroglottographic measures. Conclusions: This prospective study demonstrates significantly better outcome for patients treated with chemoradiotherapy as compared with TL. Progressive normalization of many voice parameters occurs over the 12 months following chemoradiotherapy.« less

Scintigraphy at 3 months after single lung transplantation and observations of primary graft dysfunction and lung function.

PubMed

Belmaati, Esther Okeke; Iversen, Martin; Kofoed, Klaus F; Nielsen, Michael B; Mortensen, Jann

2012-06-01

Scintigraphy has been used as a tool to detect dysfunction of the lung before and after transplantation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the development of the ventilation-perfusion relationships in single lung transplant recipients in the first year, at 3 months after transplantation, and to investigate whether scintigraphic findings at 3 months were predictive for the outcome at 12 months in relation to primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and lung function. A retrospective study was carried out on all patients who prospectively and consecutively were referred for a routine lung scintigraphy procedure 3 months after single lung transplantation (SLTX). A total of 41 patients were included in the study: 20 women and 21 men with the age span of patients at transplantation being 38-66 years (mean ± SD: 54.2 ± 6.0). Patient records also included lung function tests and chest X-ray images. We found no significant correlation between lung function distribution at 3 months and PGD at 72 h. There was also no significant correlation between PGD scores at 72 h and lung function at 6 and 12 months. The same applied to scintigraphic scores for heterogeneity at 3 months compared with lung function at 6 and 12 months. Fifty-five percent of all patients had decreased ventilation function measured in the period from 6 to 12 months. Forty-nine percent of the patients had normal perfusion evaluations, and 51% had abnormal perfusion evaluations at 3 months. For ventilation evaluations, 72% were normal and 28% were abnormal. There was a significant difference in the normal versus abnormal perfusion and ventilation scintigraphic images evaluated from the same patients. Ventilation was distributed more homogenously in the transplanted lung than perfusion in the same lung. The relative distribution of perfusion and ventilation to the transplanted lung of patients with and without a primary diagnosis of fibrosis did not differ significantly from each other. We conclude that PGD defined at 72 h does not lead to recognizable changes in ventilation-perfusion scintigrapy at 3 months, and scintigraphic findings do not correlate with development in lung function in the first 12 months.

Port in oncology practice: 3-monthly locking with normal saline for catheter maintenance, a preliminary report.

PubMed

Solinas, Gianfranca; Platini, Francesca; Trivellato, Maurizio; Rigo, Carla; Alabiso, Oscar; Galetto, Alessandra S

2017-07-14

Patients with cancer need stable venous access using central vascular devices like central venous ports and peripherally inserted central catheters that can be used for a wide range of indications. Numerous flushing protocols exist including different frequencies for catheter locking to maintain catheter patency. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of lumen occlusion of central venous ports in a group of adult cancer patients, adopting a policy of locking with normal saline every three months. This is a single-center retrospective observational study. During follow-up, we analyzed adult cancer patients who had undergone port insertion from January 1st, 2007 to August 31st, 2014. Flushing and locking were performed every three months with a syringe containing normal saline. We collected data from 381 patients with ports inserted in subclavian vein (379 patients) and in the right jugular vein (2 patients). Locking was performed during 3-monthly follow-up visits. Median follow-up was 810 days (90-2700 days). Among 381 ports, 59 were removed; the reasons for removal were: end of use (45 cases), catheter rupture (9 cases), dislocation (3 cases) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (2 cases). We had no reports of lumen occlusion. Our data suggest that locking ports with normal saline every three months is not associated with an increased risk of lumen occlusion.

Zif268 mRNA Expression Patterns Reveal a Distinct Impact of Early Pattern Vision Deprivation on the Development of Primary Visual Cortical Areas in the Cat.

PubMed

Laskowska-Macios, Karolina; Zapasnik, Monika; Hu, Tjing-Tjing; Kossut, Malgorzata; Arckens, Lutgarde; Burnat, Kalina

2015-10-01

Pattern vision deprivation (BD) can induce permanent deficits in global motion perception. The impact of timing and duration of BD on the maturation of the central and peripheral visual field representations in cat primary visual areas 17 and 18 remains unknown. We compared early BD, from eye opening for 2, 4, or 6 months, with late onset BD, after 2 months of normal vision, using the expression pattern of the visually driven activity reporter gene zif268 as readout. Decreasing zif268 mRNA levels between months 2 and 4 characterized the normal maturation of the (supra)granular layers of the central and peripheral visual field representations in areas 17 and 18. In general, all BD conditions had higher than normal zif268 levels. In area 17, early BD induced a delayed decrease, beginning later in peripheral than in central area 17. In contrast, the decrease occurred between months 2 and 4 throughout area 18. Lack of pattern vision stimulation during the first 4 months of life therefore has a different impact on the development of areas 17 and 18. A high zif268 expression level at a time when normal vision is restored seems to predict the capacity of a visual area to compensate for BD. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press.

[Cognitive markers to discriminate between mild cognitive impairment and normal ageing].

PubMed

Rodríguez Rodríguez, Nely; Juncos-Rabadán, Onésimo; Facal Mayo, David

2008-01-01

mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been characterized as a transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia. The aim of the present study was to examine differences between normal ageing and MCI in the performance of several cognitive tests. These differences might serve as differential markers. we performed a longitudinal study (24 months) with two evaluations at 12-monthly intervals using the CAMCOG-R and a verbal learning test [test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC)]. The sample was composed of 25 persons aged more than 50 years old (five men and 20 women), distributed into two groups: the control group and the MCI group. To assign persons to either of the two groups, Petersen's MCI criteria were applied to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. repeated measures ANOVA (2 groups x 2 assessment) showed significant differences between the MCI and control group in the CAMCOG-R scores in orientation, language, memory, abstract thinking, executive function and global score and in the TAVEC scores for immediate recall and short- and long-term free and clued recall. No significant differences were found between the first and second assessment or in the interaction group assessment. the results of the present study confirm that the CAMCOG-R and the TAVEC effectively discriminate between normal ageing and MCI and can be used complementarily.

Mandibular open-close motion in children with anterior crossbite occlusion.

PubMed

Tokutomi, Junko; Hayasaki, Haruaki; Saitoh, Issei; Iwase, Yoko; Fukami, Atsushi; Yamada, Chaiki; Takemoto, Yoshihiko; Inada, Emi; Yamasaki, Youichi

2010-01-01

Anterior crossbite (ACB) malocclusions are frequent; however, its characteristic functional features have not been fully described. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of habitual mandibular open-close motion in children with ACB of their primary dentition. Two groups of children were selected for study; 17 with ACB (eight boys and nine girls; four years one month to seven years one month) and 19 with normal occlusion (eight boys and 11 girls; four years six months to six years seven months). The motion was recorded using an optoelectronic analysis system with six degrees-of-freedom. Mandibular incisor and condylar motion were analyzed by measuring their three-dimensional ranges and trajectories. Also estimated incisor and condylar pathways of the two groups were compared. Patients with ACB opened wider with more anterior-posterior condylar translation and more mandibular rotation. Although between-subject (inter-individual) variance of all variables in children with ACB was larger, they had less within-subject variance at the condyles. These results indicate that open-close mandibular motion in children with ACB is completely different from that of children with normal occlusion. The different motions might be related to morphological differences between the two groups.

Comparison of Radiation-Induced Normal Lung Tissue Density Changes for Patients From Multiple Institutions Receiving Conventional or Hypofractionated Treatments

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

Diot, Quentin, E-mail: quentin.diot@ucdenver.edu; Marks, Lawrence B.; Bentzen, Soren M.

Purpose: To quantitatively assess changes in computed tomography (CT)–defined normal lung tissue density after conventional and hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT). Methods and Materials: The pre-RT and post-RT CT scans from 118 and 111 patients receiving conventional and hypofractionated RT, respectively, at 3 institutions were registered to each other and to the 3-dimensional dose distribution to quantify dose-dependent changes in normal lung tissue density. Dose-response curves (DRC) for groups of patients receiving conventional and hypofractionated RT were generated for each institution, and the frequency of density changes >80 Hounsfield Units (HU) was modeled depending on the fractionation type using a Probitmore » model for different follow-up times. Results: For the pooled data from all institutions, there were significant differences in the DRC between the conventional and hypofractionated groups; the respective doses resulting in 50% complication risk (TD{sub 50}) were 62 Gy (95% confidence interval [CI] 57-67) versus 36 Gy (CI 33-39) at <6 months, 48 Gy (CI 46-51) versus 31 Gy (CI 28-33) at 6-12 months, and 47 Gy (CI 45-49) versus 35 Gy (32-37) at >12 months. The corresponding m values (slope of the DRC) were 0.52 (CI 0.46-0.59) versus 0.31 (CI 0.28-0.34) at <6 months, 0.46 (CI 0.42-0.51) versus 0.30 (CI 0.26-0.34) at 6-12 months, and 0.45 (CI 0.42-0.50) versus 0.31 (CI 0.27-0.35) at >12 months (P<.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: Compared with conventional fractionation, hypofractionation has a lower TD{sub 50} and m value, both suggesting an increased degree of normal tissue density sensitivity with hypofractionation.« less

A single injection of the anabolic bone agent, parathyroid hormone-collagen binding domain (PTH-CBD), results in sustained increases in bone mineral density for up to 12 months in normal female mice.

PubMed

Ponnapakkam, Tulasi; Katikaneni, Ranjitha; Suda, Hirofumi; Miyata, Shigeru; Matsushita, Osamu; Sakon, Joshua; Gensure, Robert C

2012-09-01

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the most effective osteoporosis treatment, but it is only effective if administered by daily injections. We fused PTH(1-33) to a collagen binding domain (PTH-CBD) to extend its activity, and have shown an anabolic bone effect with monthly dosing. We tested the duration of action of this compound with different routes of administration. Normal young C57BL/6J mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of PTH-CBD (320 μg/kg). PTH-CBD treated mice showed a 22.2 % increase in bone mineral density (BMD) at 6 months and 12.8 % increase at 12 months. When administered by subcutaneous injection, PTH-CBD again caused increases in BMD, 15.2 % at 6 months and 14.3 % at 12 months. Radiolabeled PTH-CBD was concentrated in bone and skin after either route of administration. We further investigated skin effects of PTH-CBD, and histological analysis revealed an apparent increase in anagen VI hair follicles. A single dose of PTH-CBD caused sustained increases in BMD by >10 % for 1 year in normal mice, regardless of the route of administration, thus showing promise as a potential osteoporosis therapy.

The impact of body site, topical melatonin and brushing on hair regrowth after clipping normal Siberian Husky dogs.

PubMed

Diaz, Sandra F; Torres, Sheila M F; Nogueira, Sandra A F; Gilbert, Sophie; Jessen, Carl R

2006-02-01

The aims of this study were to determine the impact of body site, vigorous brushing and topical melatonin treatment on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs. Siberian Husky dogs were randomly assigned to three groups of eight dogs each. All dogs had the lumbosacral region and both lateral thighs clipped. The left thigh and lumbosacral area received no treatment and were compared in all 24 dogs. Eight dogs had the right thigh treated with 0.1% melatonin twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had the right thigh brushed twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had neither thigh treated. Hairs were plucked before and 2 months postclipping, and the proportion of hair growth from the original length was calculated and compared as described above. Biopsy samples were collected before and after treatment to determine if brushing induced dermal inflammation and melatonin increased the proportion of anagen follicles. Proportionally, left thigh hairs were significantly longer compared to lumbosacral hairs 2 months postclipping. No significant differences in hair regrowth were noted between the nontreated thigh and the thigh treated with melatonin or brushed. No significant difference in dermal inflammation was noted before and after brushing. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of anagen follicles before and after topical melatonin treatment. Our results showed that the hairs in the lumbosacral region were proportionally shorter than lateral thigh hairs 2 months postclipping. Moreover, topical melatonin and brushing had no impact on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs.

Suppression of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in postpartum women: time course and potential mechanisms.

PubMed

Groer, Maureen W; El-Badri, Nagwa; Djeu, Julie; Williams, S Nicole; Kane, Bradley; Szekeres, Karoly

2014-07-01

Little is known about the recovery of the immune system from normal pregnancy and whether the postpartum period is a uniquely adapted immune state. This report extends previous observations from our group of decreased natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in the postpartum period. NK cytotoxicity was measured from 1 week through 9 months postpartum. In addition, NK cytotoxicity was assayed in the presence or absence of pooled plasmas collected from either postpartum or nonpostpartum women. Samples of cells were stained for inhibitory receptors and analyzed by flow cytometry. NK cytotoxicity remained decreased in postpartum women compared to controls through the first 6 postpartum months, returned to normal levels by 9 months, and remained normal at 12 months. NK cytotoxicity during the first 6 months was further inhibited by the addition of pooled plasma to NK cultures from postpartum women, but the addition of pooled plasma from the control group did not affect that group's NK cultures. There were differences in inhibitory receptor staining between the two groups, with decreased CD158a and CD158b and increased NKG2A expression on postpartum NK cells during the first 3 postpartum months. These data suggest that NK cytotoxicity postpartum inhibition lasts 6 months and is influenced by unidentified postpartum plasma components. The effect may also involve receptors on NK cells. © The Author(s) 2013.

Technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine clearance: reference values for infants and children.

PubMed

Schofer, O; König, G; Bartels, U; Bockisch, A; Piepenburg, R; Beetz, R; Meyer, G; Hahn, K

1995-11-01

Six hundred and thirty-nine clearance studies performed in children aged 7 days to 19 years utilizing technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG 3) were retrospectively analysed. Standardized conditions for the investigation included: parenteral hydration (60 ml/hxm2 body surface) in addition to normal oral fluid intake, weight-related dose of 99mTc-MAG 3 (1 MBq/kg body weight, minimum 15 MBq) and calculation of clearance according to Bubeck et al. Of the 513 children, 169 included in this analysis could be classified as "normal" with regard to their renal function. Normal kidney function was judged by the following criteria: normal GFR for age, normal tubular function (absence of proteinuria and glucosuria), normal renal parenchyma (on ultrasonography, MAG 3 scan and intravenous pyelography), absence of significant obstruction and gross reflux (>grade I), no single kidney and no difference in split renal function >20%. Results showed increasing MAG 3 clearance values for infants during the first months of life, reaching the normal range for older children and adults between 7 and 12 months.

Predictors of Postpartum Exercise According to Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain.

PubMed

Downs, Danielle Symons; Leonard, Krista S; Beiler, Jessica S; Paul, Ian M

2017-10-01

The study purposes were to examine (1) differences in postpartum exercise (EX) and related personal/psychological correlates in women according to prepregnancy weight and pregnancy gestational weight gain (GWG) status and (2) predictors of EX at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months postpartum. Participants (N = 891) were recruited at maternity hospitalization and completed interviews to assess EX (Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire) and personal correlates (demographics, anxiety/depressive symptoms) before/during pregnancy. Telephone interviews were conducted to assess postpartum EX/psychological correlates. Women were categorized according to prepregnancy weight (normal and overweight) and pregnancy GWG status (above or within weight gain guidelines): normal-above, normal-within, overweight-above, and overweight-within. Low levels of EX minutes were observed in all women with significant differences for strenuous EX minutes (overweight-within women had the lowest strenuous EX; normal-weight women had more strenuous EX than overweight women regardless of GWG). Correlates explained 14%-37% of the variance in postpartum EX; prepregnancy EX and pregnancy EX were strong determinants of early postpartum EX, and early postpartum EX predicted 6-month postpartum EX. Unique predictors of EX also emerged (eg, depressive symptoms for women with GWG above guidelines). These study findings highlight the benefits of EX before/during pregnancy for promoting postpartum EX and suggest tailoring postpartum EX interventions based on personal/psychological correlates to maximize effectiveness.

Development of Mandarin spoken language after pediatric cochlear implantation.

PubMed

Li, Bei; Soli, Sigfrid D; Zheng, Yun; Li, Gang; Meng, Zhaoli

2014-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate early spoken language development in young Mandarin-speaking children during the first 24 months after cochlear implantation, as measured by receptive and expressive vocabulary growth rates. Growth rates were compared with those of normally hearing children and with growth rates for English-speaking children with cochlear implants. Receptive and expressive vocabularies were measured with the simplified short form (SSF) version of the Mandarin Communicative Development Inventory (MCDI) in a sample of 112 pediatric implant recipients at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after implantation. Implant ages ranged from 1 to 5 years. Scores were expressed in terms of normal equivalent ages, allowing normalized vocabulary growth rates to be determined. Scores for English-speaking children were re-expressed in these terms, allowing direct comparisons of Mandarin and English early spoken language development. Vocabulary growth rates during the first 12 months after implantation were similar to those for normally hearing children less than 16 months of age. Comparisons with growth rates for normally hearing children 16-30 months of age showed that the youngest implant age group (1-2 years) had an average growth rate of 0.68 that of normally hearing children; while the middle implant age group (2-3 years) had an average growth rate of 0.65; and the oldest implant age group (>3 years) had an average growth rate of 0.56, significantly less than the other two rates. Growth rates for English-speaking children with cochlear implants were 0.68 in the youngest group, 0.54 in the middle group, and 0.57 in the oldest group. Growth rates in the middle implant age groups for the two languages differed significantly. The SSF version of the MCDI is suitable for assessment of Mandarin language development during the first 24 months after cochlear implantation. Effects of implant age and duration of implantation can be compared directly across languages using normalized vocabulary growth rates. These comparisons for Mandarin and English reveal comparable results, despite the diversity of these languages, underscoring the universal role of plasticity in the developing auditory system. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Effects of exercise on biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon in foals.

PubMed

Cherdchutham, W; Meershoek, L S; van Weeren, P R; Barneveld, A

2001-12-01

To determine the effects of exercise on biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in foals. 43 Dutch Warmblood foals. From 1 week until 5 months of age, 14 foals were housed in stalls and not exercised, 14 foals were housed in stalls and exercised daily, and 15 foals were maintained at pasture. Eight foals in each group were euthanatized at 5 months, and remaining foals were housed together in a stall and paddock until euthanatized at 11 months. After euthanasia, SDFT were isolated and fit in a material testing system. Mean cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured and traction forces recorded. Normalized force at rupture (force(rup)), normalized force at 4% strain, strain at rupture, stress at 4% strain (stress(4%stain)), and stress at rupture were compared among and within groups. At 5 months, mean CSA and normalized force(rup) were significantly greater and stress(4%strain) significantly less in the pastured group, compared with the other groups. At 11 months, CSA and normalized force(rup) were not significantly different among groups, because force(rup) increased significantly from 5 to 11 months in the nonexercised group and decreased significantly in the pastured group. Exercise significantly affected the biomechanical properties of the SDFT in foals. Evenly distributed moderate- and low-intensity exercise at a young age may be more effective for development of strong, flexible tendons in horses than single episodes of high-intensity exercise superimposed on stall rest. This effect may impact later susceptibility to SDFT injury.

Application of binaural beat phenomenon with aphasic patients.

PubMed

Barr, D F; Mullin, T A; Herbert, P S

1977-04-01

We investigated whether six aphasics and six normal subjects could binaurally fuse two slightly differing frequencies of constant amplitude. The aphasics were subdivided into two groups: (1) two men who had had mild cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) during the past 15 months; (2) four men who had had severe CVAs during the last 15 months. Two tones of different frequency levels but equal in intensity were presented dichotically to the subjects at 40 dB sensation level. All subjects had normal hearing at 500 Hz (0 to 25 dB). All six normal subjects and the two aphasics who had had mild CVAs could hear the binaural beats. The four aphasics who had had severe CVAs could not hear them. A 2 X 2 design resulting from this study was compared using chi2 test with Yates correction and was found to be significantly different (P less than .05). Two theories are presented to explain these findings: the "depression theory" and the "temporal time-sequencing theory." Therapeutic implications are also discussed relative to cerebral and/or brain stem involvement in the fusion of binaural stimuli.

Association between fundus autofluorescence and visual outcome in surgically closed macular holes.

PubMed

Lee, Young Seob; Yu, Seung-Young; Cho, Nam Suk; Kim, Moo Sang; Kim, Young Gyun; Kim, Eung Suk; Kwak, Hyung Woo

2013-06-01

To investigate the association between fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and visual acuity, recovery of foveal microstructure, and FAF in surgically closed macular holes. Twenty-six eyes with surgically closed macular hole were classified into two groups based on foveal FAF: normal autofluorescence (NAF) or increased autofluorescence (IAF). The association between foveal FAF and visual acuity was analyzed. In addition, we examined the relationship between recovery of the foveal microstructure assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and FAF after macular hole surgery. At 1 month and 6 months after surgery, there were 9 NAF eyes and 17 IAF eyes. There were no differences between NAF and IAF eyes at 1 month and 6 months after surgery. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) did not differ between groups. Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly higher in the NAF group than in the IAF group at 1 month postoperatively (0.59 ± 0.34 vs. 0.91 ± 0.36, P = 0.044) and tended to be higher at 6 months (0.37 ± 0.38 vs. 0.69 ± 0.53, P = 0.126). Restoration of photoreceptor external limiting membrane differed significantly in 8 NAF eyes (89%) and 4 IAF eyes (24%) at postoperation 1 month (P = 0.001). After 6 months, external limiting membrane was restored in all 9 NAF eyes (100%) and in only 11 IAF eyes (65%) (P = 0.042). Fundus autofluorescence findings observed in surgically closed macular holes correlated with visual improvement and photoreceptor status. Eyes with visual improvement had restoration of normal foveal autofluorescence and retinal microstructure, whereas eyes with persistent foveal hyperautofluorescence did not achieve complete restoration of the retinal microstructure, and visual improvement was not as significant.

29 CFR 4041.24 - Notices of plan benefits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... lump sum and the age at which, or form in which, the plan benefits will be paid differs from the normal retirement benefit— (i) The age or form stated in the plan; and (ii) The age or form adjustment factors; and... for the third month before the month in which the lump sum is distributed), a reference to the...

Enhancement of object-permanence performance in the Down's syndrome infant.

PubMed

Morss, J R

1984-01-01

Four infants with Down's syndrome (aged 19-33 months) were presented with a restructured version of an object-permanence task. Restructuring consisted of the embedding of single trials of the task within a sequence of simpler, related steps. Following failure on a standard presentation of the task, three Down's syndrome (DS) infants demonstrated success on trials embedded in the training sequence. Comparison was made with the performance of normal infants (aged 14-19 months) matched in terms of failure on the pre-test. Only two out of nine normal infants registered success on the embedded trials. Results are discussed in terms of the differences between the DS infant and the normal infant, and the former's reliance on the deliberate structuring of his learning environment by a parent or educator.

Out-of-Hospital Hypertonic Resuscitation Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Bulger, Eileen M.; May, Susanne; Brasel, Karen J.; Schreiber, Martin; Kerby, Jeffrey D.; Tisherman, Samuel A.; Newgard, Craig; Slutsky, Arthur; Coimbra, Raul; Emerson, Scott; Minei, Joseph P.; Bardarson, Berit; Kudenchuk, Peter; Baker, Andrew; Christenson, Jim; Idris, Ahamed; Davis, Daniel; Fabian, Timothy C.; Aufderheide, Tom P.; Callaway, Clifton; Williams, Carolyn; Banek, Jane; Vaillancourt, Christian; van Heest, Rardi; Sopko, George; Hata, J. Steven; Hoyt, David B.

2010-01-01

Context Hypertonic fluids restore cerebral perfusion with reduced cerebral edema and modulate inflammatory response to reduce subsequent neuronal injury and thus have potential benefit in resuscitation of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Objective To determine whether out-of-hospital administration of hypertonic fluids improves neurologic outcome following severe TBI. Design, Setting, and Participants Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 114 North American emergency medical services agencies within the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium, conducted between May 2006 and May 2009 among patients 15 years or older with blunt trauma and a prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or less who did not meet criteria for hypovolemic shock. Planned enrollment was 2122 patients. Intervention A single 250-mL bolus of 7.5% saline/6% dextran 70 (hypertonic saline/dextran), 7.5% saline (hypertonic saline), or 0.9% saline (normal saline) initiated in the out-of-hospital setting. Main Outcome Measure Six-month neurologic outcome based on the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) (dichotomized as >4 or ≤4). Results The study was terminated by the data and safety monitoring board after randomization of 1331 patients, having met prespecified futility criteria. Among the 1282 patients enrolled, 6-month outcomes data were available for 1087 (85%). Baseline characteristics of the groups were equivalent. There was no difference in 6-month neurologic outcome among groups with regard to proportions of patients with severe TBI (GOSE ≤4) (hypertonic saline/dextran vs normal saline: 53.7% vs 51.5%; difference, 2.2% [95% CI, −4.5% to 9.0%]; hypertonic saline vs normal saline: 54.3% vs 51.5%; difference, 2.9% [95% CI, −4.0% to 9.7%]; P=.67). There were no statistically significant differences in distribution of GOSE category or Disability Rating Score by treatment group. Survival at 28 days was 74.3% with hypertonic saline/dextran, 75.7% with hypertonic saline, and 75.1% with normal saline (P=.88). Conclusion Among patients with severe TBI not in hypovolemic shock, initial resuscitation with either hypertonic saline or hypertonic saline/dextran, compared with normal saline, did not result in superior 6-month neurologic outcome or survival. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00316004 PMID:20924011

Children with cow's milk allergy following an elimination diet had normal growth but relatively low plasma leptin at age two.

PubMed

Dong, Ping; Feng, Jing-Jing; Yan, Dong-Yong; Lyu, Yu-Jing; Xu, Xiu

2018-02-20

To assess nutrient intake, growth and nutritional status of infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) who follow a therapeutic elimination diet since the first few months of life. Sixty infants younger than four months of age with challenge-proven CMA and 60 healthy age-matched children were investigated. Anthropometric and body composition (BC) were assessed up to 24 months. Dietary intake was recorded by the parents for three consecutive days before visits at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Blood albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein and metabolic-related hormones were examined at 24 months. The average age at enrolment was 2.9 ± 1.0 months. At the end of the follow-up, there were no differences in daily milk consumption, nutrient intake, weight and height z scores or BC measures between the groups; however, the plasma leptin level was lower in infants with CMA (1.67 ± 1.03 vs 2.05 ± 1.48) (ng/mL) (p < 0.05) compared to healthy children. Children with CMA who followed an elimination diet could achieve a normal nutritional status, except for relatively lower plasma leptin levels, at the age of 2. Further studies with larger cohorts and research on the long-term consequences of these early differences are needed. ©2018 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Acid Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Apparent Life-Threatening Events: Simultaneous pH-metry and Cardiorespiratory Monitoring.

PubMed

Macchini, Francesco; Morandi, Anna; Cognizzoli, Paola; Farris, Giorgio; Gentilino, Valerio; Zanini, Andrea; Leva, Ernesto

2017-02-01

To investigate the prevalence and the characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants with apparent life threatening events (ALTE). Infants with at least one episode of ALTE in absence of predisposing factors were included. All infants underwent a cardiorespiratory recording with simultaneous 24-hour pH-monitoring. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of GERD: A. Reflux Index (RI) <3%, B. RI = 3-7%, C. RI >7%. Monthly evaluations were performed and the anti-reflux therapy was maintained till normalization of monitoring and clinic. 41 infants were enrolled. GERD was found in 80% of patients (moderate in 54%, severe in 27%). A normalization of the cardiorespiratory tracks was recorded on average after 1 month for group A, 7 months for the group B and 9.5 months for group C. A significant difference was registered between group A and both group B and C (P < 0.0001), as well as between the group B and C (P < 0.05). GERD influences significantly the time of normalization of the cardiorespiratory monitoring in infants with ALTE. GERD diagnosis and treatment are mandatory in these patients. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

MO-F-CAMPUS-T-04: Implementation of a Standardized Monthly Quality Check for Linac Output Management in a Large Multi-Site Clinic

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

Xu, H; Yi, B; Prado, K

2015-06-15

Purpose: This work is to investigate the feasibility of a standardized monthly quality check (QC) of LINAC output determination in a multi-site, multi-LINAC institution. The QC was developed to determine individual LINAC output using the same optimized measurement setup and a constant calibration factor for all machines across the institution. Methods: The QA data over 4 years of 7 Varian machines over four sites, were analyzed. The monthly output constancy checks were performed using a fixed source-to-chamber-distance (SCD), with no couch position adjustment throughout the measurement cycle for all the photon energies: 6 and 18MV, and electron energies: 6, 9,more » 12, 16 and 20 MeV. The constant monthly output calibration factor (Nconst) was determined by averaging the machines’ output data, acquired with the same monthly ion chamber. If a different monthly ion chamber was used, Nconst was then re-normalized to consider its different NDW,Co-60. Here, the possible changes of Nconst over 4 years have been tracked, and the precision of output results based on this standardized monthly QA program relative to the TG-51 calibration for each machine was calculated. Any outlier of the group was investigated. Results: The possible changes of Nconst varied between 0–0.9% over 4 years. The normalization of absorbed-dose-to-water calibration factors corrects for up to 3.3% variations of different monthly QA chambers. The LINAC output precision based on this standardized monthly QC relative to the TG-51 output calibration is within 1% for 6MV photon energy and 2% for 18MV and all the electron energies. A human error in one TG-51 report was found through a close scrutiny of outlier data. Conclusion: This standardized QC allows for a reasonably simplified, precise and robust monthly LINAC output constancy check, with the increased sensitivity needed to detect possible human errors and machine problems.« less

Normally Occurring Human Anti-GM1 Immunoglobulin M Antibodies and the Immune Response to Bacteria

PubMed Central

Alaniz, María E.; Lardone, Ricardo D.; Yudowski, Silvia L.; Farace, María I.; Nores, Gustavo A.

2004-01-01

Anti-GM1 antibodies of the immunoglobulin M (IgM) isotype are normal components of the antibody repertoire of adult human serum. Using a sensitive high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) immunostaining assay, we found that these antibodies were absent in the umbilical vein and children <1 month of age but could be detected after 1 month of age. Although most of the children older than 6 months of age were positive, there were still a few negative children. The appearance of anti-GM1 IgM antibodies showed a perfect concordance with two well-characterized antibacterial antibodies, anti-Forssman and anti-blood group A, which indicates a similar origin. We also studied IgM reactivity with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from gram-negative bacteria isolated from stool samples from healthy babies and from Escherichia coli HB101 in serum from individuals of different ages. We found a positive reaction with both LPSs in all the children more than 1 month of age analyzed, even in those that were negative for anti-GM1 antibodies. Anti-GM1 IgM antibodies were purified from adult serum by affinity chromatography and tested for the ability to bind LPSs from different bacteria. This highly specific preparation showed reactivity only with LPS from a strain of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from a patient with diarrhea. We conclude that normally occurring IgM antibodies are generated after birth, probably during the immune defense against specific bacterial strains. PMID:15039337

[The development of musicality in children after cochlear implantation].

PubMed

Zheng, Yan; Liu, Bo; Dong, Ruijuan; Xu, Tianqiu; Chen, Jing; Chen, Xuejing; Zhong, Yan; Meng, Chao; Wang, Hong; Chen, Xueqing

2014-08-01

The purpose of this study is to analyze the development of musicality in children after cochlear implantation, and provide a clinical database for the evaluation of their musicality. Twenty-six children with cochlear implants (CI group) participated in this research. They received cochlear implants at the age of 11 to 68 months with a mean of 35.6 months. Seventy-six infants as a control group aged from 1 to 24 months with a mean of 6.1 months participated in this study, whose hearing were considered normal by passing the case history collection, high-risk registers for hearing loss and hearing screening using DPOAE. The music and young children with CIs: Musicality Rating Scale was used to evaluate their musicality. The evaluation was performed before cochlear implantation and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 months after cochlear implantation for children with cochlear implants. The evaluation was also performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 months for children with normal hearing. The mean scores of musicality showed significant improvements with time of CI use for CI group (P<0.05). The mean scores of musicality also showed significant improvements with time for control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in mean scores between CI group and control group at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 months of hearing age by rank sum test (P>0.05). Significant difference was noted between the two groups at 24 months (P<0.05). The musicality of children with cochlear implants improved significantly with time after cochlear implantation. The most rapid growth was found in the first year after cochlear implantation.

[PART-KESSLER TECHNIQUE WITH SUTURE ANCHOR IN REPAIR OF SPONTANEOUS Achilles TENDON RUPTURE].

PubMed

Qi, Jie; Duan, Liang; Li, Weiwei; Wei, Wenbo

2016-02-01

To summarize the application and experience of repairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor. Between January 2011 and December 2013, 31 patients with spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture were treated by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor. Of 31 cases, 23 were male and 8 were female, aged 16-53 years (mean, 38 years). The left side was involved in 15 cases and the right side in 16 cases. The causes of injury included sudden heel pain and walking weakness during sports in 22 cases; no surefooted down-stairs, slip, and carrying heavy loads in 9 cases. The distance from broken site to the calcaneus adhension of Achilles tendon was 3-6 cm (mean, 4.2 cm). The time from injury to operation was 7 hours to 4 days (mean, 36.8 hours). All incisions healed by first intention without nerve injury or adhering with skin. The patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 15 months). All patients could complete 25 times heel raising without difficulty at 6 months after operation. No Achilles tendon rupture occurred again during follow-up. At 6 months after operation, the range of motion of the ankle joint in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion showed no significant difference between normal and affected sides (t=0.648, P=0.525; t=0.524, P=0.605). The circumference of the affected leg was significantly smaller than that of normal leg at 6 months after operation (t=2.074, P=0.041), but no significant difference was found between affected and normal sides at 12 months after operation (t=0.905, P=0.426). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after operation were significantly higher than preoperative score (P<0.05); the score at 6 months after operation was significantly lower than that at other time points (P<0.05), but no significant difference was shown between the other time points (P>0.05). Repairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor can supply strong strain and decrease the shear forces of suture. So part-Kessler technique with suture anchor is successful in repairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture.

[An analysis of skin prick test reactivity to dust mite in overweight and normal weight children with allergic asthma before and after specific immunotherapy].

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Huang, Ying; Zhang, Xue-Li; Huang, Xia; Xu, Xiao-Wen; Liang, Fan-Mei

2016-04-01

To study the skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to house dust mite allergens in overweight and normal weight children with allergic asthma before and after standard subcutaneous specific immunotherapy. Two hundred and fifteen children with allergic asthma who had positive SPT responses to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) and Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) were enrolled. According to the weight index, they were classified into overweight (n=63) and normal weight groups (n=152). Skin indices (SI) to DP and DF were compared between the two groups at 6 months and 1 year after standard subcutaneous specific immunotherapy. The overweight group had a significantly larger histamine wheal diameter than the normal weight group after controlling the variation in testing time (P<0.05). After controlling the variation in weights, there were significant differences in the SIs to DP and DF before specific immunotherapy and at 6 months and 1 year after specific immunotherapy. At 6 months and 1 year after specific immunotherapy, the SIs to DP and DF were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.05), and the overweight group had greater decreases in the SIs to DP and DF than the normal weight group. The overweight children with allergic asthma have stronger responses to histamine than the normal weight patients. Specific immunotherapy can reduce the reactivity to dust mite allergens in children with allergic asthma. Within one year after specific immunotherapy, the overweight children with allergic asthma have a significantly greater decrease in the reactivity to dust mite allergens than the normal weight patients.

Length Normalized Indices for Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass in Preterm and Term Infants during the First Six Months of Life

PubMed Central

Goswami, Ipsita; Rochow, Niels; Fusch, Gerhard; Liu, Kai; Marrin, Michael L.; Heckmann, Matthias; Nelle, Mathias; Fusch, Christoph

2016-01-01

Objective: Postnatal tissue accretion in preterm infants differs from those in utero, affecting body composition (BC) and lifelong morbidity. Length normalized BC data allows infants with different body lengths to be compared and followed longitudinally. This study aims to analyze BC of preterm and term infants during the first six months of life. Methods: The BC data, measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, of 389 preterm and 132 term infants from four longitudinal studies were combined. Fat-mass/length2 (FMI) and fat-free mass/length2 (FFMI) for postmenstrual age were calculated after reaching full enteral feeding, at term and two further time points up to six months corrected age. Results: Median FMI (preterm) increased from 0.4 kg/m2 at 30 weeks to 2.5, 4.3, and 4.8 kg/m2 compared to 1.7, 4.7, and 6 kg/m2 in term infants at 40, 52, and 64 weeks, respectively. Median FFMI (preterm) increased from 8.5 kg/m2 (30 weeks) to 11.4 kg/m2 (45 weeks) and remained constant thereafter, whereas term FFMI remained constant at 11 kg/m2 throughout the tested time points. Conclusion: The study provides a large dataset of length normalized BC indices. Followed longitudinally, term and preterm infants differ considerably during early infancy in the pattern of change in FMI and FFMI for age. PMID:27399768

Effectiveness of employee internet-based weight management program.

PubMed

Petersen, Ruth; Sill, Stewart; Lu, Chifung; Young, Joyce; Edington, Dee W

2008-02-01

To evaluate an employee Internet-based weight management program. Changes in eating habits, stage of change, body weight, and weight categories were compared between enrollment and 6 months after enrollment. Weights and weight categories were compared among a subset of participants and non-participants at 12 months. Seven thousand seven hundred forty-three International Business Machines employees enrolled in the program between December 2004 and February 2006, and 74% were overweight or obese (body mass index > or =25). At 6 months, follow-up survey respondents (1639) had significantly increased most healthy eating habits (eg, 20% decrease in junk foods) and the frequency of healthy foods eaten (eg, 12% increase in fruits). The percentage of participants in the normal weight category had increased from 27.0% to 29.8%, while average weight decreased from 182.6 to 180.2 lbs (P < 0.05). Increased web site usage was associated with increased weight loss and stage of change improvements. At 12 months, a higher percentage of participants had moved into the normal weight category compared with the percentage of non-participants (+2.0% points; P < 0.05), although there were no differences in average weight change. Despite issues of limited penetration and potential self-selection, this Internet-based program had utility in reaching a large number of employees in dispersed work settings, and it led to improved eating habits and improved stage of change at 6 months and more individuals moving into the normal weight category at 6 and 12 months.

A method for estimating direct normal solar irradiation from satellite data for a tropical environment

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

Janjai, Serm

In order to investigate a potential use of concentrating solar power technologies and select an optimum site for these technologies, it is necessary to obtain information on the geographical distribution of direct normal solar irradiation over an area of interest. In this work, we have developed a method for estimating direct normal irradiation from satellite data for a tropical environment. The method starts with the estimation of global irradiation on a horizontal surface from MTSAT-1R satellite data and other ground-based ancillary data. Then a satellite-based diffuse fraction model was developed and used to estimate the diffuse component of the satellite-derivedmore » global irradiation. Based on this estimated global and diffuse irradiation and the solar radiation incident angle, the direct normal irradiation was finally calculated. To evaluate its performance, the method was used to estimate the monthly average hourly direct normal irradiation at seven pyrheliometer stations in Thailand. It was found that values of monthly average hourly direct normal irradiation from the measurements and those estimated from the proposed method are in reasonable agreement, with a root mean square difference of 16% and a mean bias of -1.6%, with respect to mean measured values. After the validation, this method was used to estimate the monthly average hourly direct normal irradiation over Thailand by using MTSAT-1R satellite data for the period from June 2005 to December 2008. Results from the calculation were displayed as hourly and yearly irradiation maps. These maps reveal that the direct normal irradiation in Thailand was strongly affected by the tropical monsoons and local topography of the country. (author)« less

Progression of multiple behavioral deficits with various ages of onset in a murine model of Hurler syndrome.

PubMed

Pan, Dao; Sciascia, Anthony; Vorhees, Charles V; Williams, Michael T

2008-01-10

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is one of the most common lysosomal storage diseases with progressive neurological dysfunction. To characterize the chronological behavioral profiles and identify the onset of functional deficits in a MPS I mouse model (IDUA(-/-)), we evaluated anxiety, locomotor behavior, startle, spatial learning and memory with mice at 2, 4, 6 and 8 months of age. In automated open-field test, IDUA(-/-) mice showed hypoactivity as early as 2 months of age and altered anxiety starting from 6 months of age during the initial exploratory phase, even though normal habituation was observed at all ages. In the marble-burying task, the anxiety-like compulsive behavior was normal in IDUA(-/-) mice at almost all tested ages, but significantly reduced in 8-month old male IDUA(-/-) mice which coincided with the rapid death of IDUA(-/-) males starting from 7 months of age. In the Morris water maze, IDUA(-/-) mice exhibited impaired proficient learning only at 4 months of age during the acquisition phase. Spatial memory deficits were observed in IDUA(-/-) mice during both 1 and 7 days probe trials at 4 and 8 months of age. The IDUA(-/-) mice performed normally in a novel object recognition task at younger ages until 8 months old when reduced visual cognitive memory retention was noted in the IDUA(-/-) mice. In addition, 8-month-old IDUA(-/-) mice failed to habituate to repeated open-field exposure, suggesting deficits in non-aversive and non-associative memory. In acoustic startle assessment, significantly more non-responders were found in IDUA(-/-) mice, but normal performance was seen in those that did show a response. These results presented a temporal evaluation of phenotypic behavioral dysfunctions in IDUA(-/-) mice from adolescence to maturity, indicating the impairments, with different ages of onset, in locomotor and anxiety-like compulsive behaviors, spatial learning and memory, visual recognition and short-term non-associative memory retention. This study would also provide guidelines for the experimental designs of behavioral evaluation on innovative therapies for the treatment of MPS type I.

Low-income women's reproductive weight patterns empirically based clusters of prepregnant, gestational, and postpartum weights.

PubMed

Walker, Lorraine O

2009-01-01

Women have varying weight responses to pregnancy and the postpartum period. The purpose of this study was to derive sub-groups of women based on differing reproductive weight clusters; to validate clusters by reference to adequacy of gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum incremental weight shifts; and to examine associations between clusters and demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial variables. A cluster analysis was conducted of a multi-ethnic/racial sample of low-income women (n = 247). Clusters were derived from three weight variables: prepregnant body mass index, GWG, and postpartum retained weight. Five clusters were derived: Cluster 1, normal weight-high prenatal gain-average retain; cluster 2, normal weight-low prenatal gain-zero retain; cluster 3, high normal weight-high prenatal gain-high retain; cluster 4, obese-low prenatal gain-average retain; and cluster 5, overweight-very high prenatal gain-very high retain. Clusters differed with regard to postpartum weight shifts (p < .001), with clusters 3, 4, and 5, mostly gaining weight between 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum, whereas clusters 1 and 2 were losing weight. Clusters were also associated with race/ethnicity (p < .01), breastfeeding immediately postdelivery (p < .01), smoking at 12 months (p < .05), and reaching weight goals at 6 and 12 months (p < .001), but not depressive symptoms, fat intake habits, or physical activity. In a five-cluster solution, postpartum weight shifts, ethnicity, and initial breastfeeding were among factors associated with clusters. Monitoring of weight and appropriate intervention beyond the 6 weeks after birth is needed for low-income women in high normal weight, overweight, and obese clusters.

Three-dimensional analysis of positional plagiocephaly before and after molding helmet therapy in comparison to normal head growth.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Tilmann; Böhm, Hartmut; Linz, Christian; Jager, Beatrice; Gerstl, Lucia; Kunz, Felix; Stellzig-Eisenhauer, Angelika; Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo; Krauß, Jürgen; Meyer-Marcotty, Philipp

2013-07-01

Stereophotogrammetry enables a simple and radiation free longitudinal analysis of skull asymmetries: in a three-dimensional coordinate system various distances (length, breadth, cephalic index, oblique diameters, ear shift, head circumference) can be analyzed. We also defined separate volume sections in order to further quantify the degree of asymmetry in the posterior and anterior components of both sides of the head. In 51 infants (mean age, 6 months; SD 0.97) with positional plagiocephaly, we determined these parameters at the beginning as well as at the end of molding helmet therapy (mean therapy time 4.9 months). Thirty-seven infants without positional deformity (mean age, 6.4 months; SD 0.3) served as control group and provided data about what appears to be normal and how these parameters change during growth over a comparable period of time. Compared with the control group, the plagiocephalic heads were more brachycephalic, but closely approximated the normal shape under molding therapy. The striking volume difference between the left and right posterior sections in the plagiocephalic children (the mean volume of the flattened side being 21% smaller than the one on the contralateral side) improved as well (to a residual difference of mean 8%) and ended up with a value close to the control group (mean 6%). There is a broad clinical application area for stereophotogrammetry analyzing skull morphology: In plagiocephalic infants we demonstrate impressive changes of head shape under molding therapy; in normal-looking infants we describe the extent of unperceived asymmetry.

Haemoglobin Levels in Normal Infants Aged 3 to 24 Months, and the Effect of Iron

PubMed Central

Burman, David

1972-01-01

From the age of 3 to 24 months, capillary Hb levels were measured on normal term infants who received no medicinal iron from any source. The mean and standard deviations are recorded at 3-monthly intervals. Females had a higher Hb than males when considered as an overall trend throughout the period. There was no effect of social class or weight gain from birth in either sex. Birthweight was significantly related to Hb at 3 months in males only and at no other age. There was no relation between illness and Hb. Compared with earlier series in England, the level of Hb in infants is generally higher now than previously, particularly in the second year of life. Infants were given either 10 mg iron in the form of colloidal ferric hydroxide daily, or a placebo. Iron raised the Hb in males of social classes I and II, those with a birthweight below 3·18 kg, and those who gained most weight. Iron made no difference to the incidence of infection. In the absence of a proven relation between a low Hb and morbidity in an affluent community, the routine administration of iron or other haematinics to normal term infants cannot be justified. PMID:5023475

Neurocognitive sparing of desktop microbeam irradiation.

PubMed

Bazyar, Soha; Inscoe, Christina R; Benefield, Thad; Zhang, Lei; Lu, Jianping; Zhou, Otto; Lee, Yueh Z

2017-08-11

Normal tissue toxicity is the dose-limiting side effect of radiotherapy. Spatial fractionation irradiation techniques, like microbeam radiotherapy (MRT), have shown promising results in sparing the normal brain tissue. Most MRT studies have been conducted at synchrotron facilities. With the aim to make this promising treatment more available, we have built the first desktop image-guided MRT device based on carbon nanotube x-ray technology. In the current study, our purpose was to evaluate the effects of MRT on the rodent normal brain tissue using our device and compare it with the effect of the integrated equivalent homogenous dose. Twenty-four, 8-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to three groups: MRT, broad-beam (BB) and sham. The hippocampal region was irradiated with two parallel microbeams in the MRT group (beam width = 300 μm, center-to-center = 900 μm, 160 kVp). The BB group received the equivalent integral dose in the same area of their brain. Rotarod, marble burying and open-field activity tests were done pre- and every month post-irradiation up until 8 months to evaluate the cognitive changes and potential irradiation side effects on normal brain tissue. The open-field activity test was substituted by Barnes maze test at 8th month. A multilevel model, random coefficients approach was used to evaluate the longitudinal and temporal differences among treatment groups. We found significant differences between BB group as compared to the microbeam-treated and sham mice in the number of buried marble and duration of the locomotion around the open-field arena than shams. Barnes maze revealed that BB mice had a lower capacity for spatial learning than MRT and shams. Mice in the BB group tend to gain weight at the slower pace than shams. No meaningful differences were found between MRT and sham up until 8-month follow-up using our measurements. Applying MRT with our newly developed prototype compact CNT-based image-guided MRT system utilizing the current irradiation protocol can better preserve the integrity of normal brain tissue. Consequently, it enables applying higher irradiation dose that promises better tumor control. Further studies are required to evaluate the full extent effects of this novel modality.

Single-legged Hop Tests as Predictors of Self-reported Knee Function After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Logerstedt, David; Grindem, Hege; Lynch, Andrew; Eitzen, Ingrid; Engebretsen, Lars; Risberg, May Arna; Axe, Michael J.; Snyder-Mackler, Lynn

2012-01-01

Background Single-legged hop tests are commonly used functional performance measures that can capture limb asymmetries in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hop tests hold potential as predictive factors of self-reported knee function in individuals after ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis Single-legged hop tests conducted preoperatively would not and 6 months after ACL reconstruction would predict self-reported knee function (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] 2000) 1 year after ACL reconstruction. Study Design Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods One hundred twenty patients who were treated with ACL reconstruction performed 4 single-legged hop tests preoperatively and 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Self-reported knee function within normal ranges was defined as IKDC 2000 scores greater than or equal to the age- and sex-specific normative 15th percentile score 1 year after surgery. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of self-reported knee function within normal ranges. The area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic curves was used as a measure of discriminative accuracy. Results Eighty-five patients completed single-legged hop tests 6 months after surgery and the 1-year follow-up with 68 patients classified as having self-reported knee function within normal ranges 1 year after reconstruction. The crossover hop and 6-m timed hop limb symmetry index (LSI) 6 months after ACL reconstruction were the strongest individual predictors of self-reported knee function (odds ratio, 1.09 and 1.10) and the only 2 tests in which the confidence intervals of the discriminatory accuracy (AUC) were above 0.5 (AUC = 0.68). Patients with knee function below normal ranges were over 5 times more likely of having a 6-m timed hop LSI lower than the 88% cutoff than those with knee function within normal ranges. Patients with knee function within normal ranges were 4 times more likely to have a crossover hop LSI greater than the 95% cutoff than those with knee function below normal ranges. No preoperative single-legged hop test predicted self-reported knee function within normal ranges 1 year after ACL reconstruction (all P > .353). Conclusion Single-legged hop tests conducted 6 months after ACL reconstruction can predict the likelihood of successful and unsuccessful outcome 1 year after ACL reconstruction. Patients demonstrating less than the 88% cutoff score on the 6-m timed hop test at 6 months may benefit from targeted training to improve limb symmetry in an attempt to normalize function. Patients with minimal side-to-side differences on the crossover hop test at 6 months possibly will have good knee function at 1 year if they continue with their current training regimen. Preoperative single-legged hop tests are not able to predict postoperative outcomes. PMID:22926749

Quantitative evaluation of pregnant women delivery status' records in Akure, Nigeria.

PubMed

Adejumo, Adebowale O; Suleiman, Esivue A; Okagbue, Hilary I; Oguntunde, Pelumi E; Odetunmibi, Oluwole A

2018-02-01

In this data article, monthly records (datasets) of total delivery, normal delivery, delivery through Caesarean section and number of still births from pregnant women in Akure, the capital city of Ondo state Nigeria, for a period of ten years, between January 2007 and December 2016 were considered. Correlational and time series analyses were conducted on the monthly records of total delivery, normal delivery (delivery through woman virginal), delivery through Caesarean section, and number of still births, in order to observe the patterns each of these indicators follows and to recommend appropriate model for forecasting their future values. The data were obtained in raw form from State Specialist Hospital (SSH), Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. A clear description and variation in each of these indicators (total delivery, normal delivery, caesarean section, and still births) were considered separately using descriptive statistics and box plots. Different models were also proposed for each of these indicators using time series models.

Further delineation of Nevo syndrome.

PubMed Central

al-Gazali, L I; Bakalinova, D; Varady, E; Scorer, J; Nork, M

1997-01-01

Nevo syndrome is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterised by prenatal overgrowth, joint laxity, kyphosis, wrist drop, spindle shaped fingers, and volar oedema. Four children from two families have been reported previously. We report two further children from two unrelated Arab families from two different tribes. Both presented at birth with hypotonia, joint laxity, kyphosis, wrist drop, spindle shaped fingers, and volar oedema. Both have delayed motor development at the ages of 2 years 10 months and 3 months respectively. Cognitive development is normal in one, and the other case appears to be developing normally at 3 months of age. One has, in addition, a wide spinal canal on MRI of the spine indicating some degree of dural ectasia. This report brings the total number of children reported with this syndrome to six from four families; three of these families are Arab. This indicates that the gene for this syndrome is probably commoner in Arabs than in other populations. Images PMID:9152832

Bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells do not reduce fibrosis or improve function in a rat model of severe chronic liver injury.

PubMed

Carvalho, Adriana B; Quintanilha, Luiz Fernando; Dias, Juliana V; Paredes, Bruno D; Mannheimer, Elida G; Carvalho, Felipe G; Asensi, Karina D; Gutfilen, Bianca; Fonseca, Lea Mirian B; Resende, Celia Maria C; Rezende, Guilherme F M; Takiya, Christina M; de Carvalho, Antonio Carlos Campos; Goldenberg, Regina C S

2008-05-01

The objective of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in a rat model of severe chronic liver injury. Fourteen female Wistar rats were fed exclusively an alcoholic liquid diet and received intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride every other day during 15 weeks. After this period, eight animals (MSC group) had 1 x 10(7) cells injected into the portal vein while six animals (placebo group) received vehicle. Blood analysis was performed to evaluate alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin before cell therapy and 1 and 2 months after cell or placebo infusion. Fibrosis was evaluated before and 1 month after cell or placebo injection by liver biopsies. Two months after cell delivery, animals were sacrificed and histological analysis of the livers was performed. Fibrosis was quantified by histomorphometry. Biopsies obtained before cell infusion showed intense collagen deposition and septa interconnecting regenerative nodules. One month after cell injection, this result was unaltered and differences in fibrosis quantification were not found between MSC and placebo groups. ALT and AST returned to normal values 2 weeks after cell or placebo infusion, without significant differences between experimental groups. Two months after cell or placebo injection, albumin had also returned to normal values and histological results were maintained, again without differences between MSC and placebo groups. Therefore, under our experimental conditions, MSC were unable to reduce fibrosis or improve liver function in a rat model of severe chronic liver injury.

Catch-up growth assessment in long-term physically neglected and emotionally abused preschool age male children.

PubMed

Oliván, Gonzalo

2003-01-01

To assess the catch-up growth of long-term physically neglected and emotionally abused preschool male children who have entered foster residential care and remained 1 year after initial placement. Longitudinal study over a 7-year period (1994-2001). So that a child was eligible for the study, three selection criteria were included: (1) aged between 24 and 48 months at the time of entry into residential facility, (2) having suffered both long-term (more than 6 months) physically neglected and emotionally abused, and (3) having stayed in foster care for 1 year after initial placement. Weight, height, and head circumference were established upon entry and re-assessed 1 year after initial placement, calculating the annual growth velocity. Results were compared with normal regional longitudinal standards of reference (Z score). Student's t test was used to assess statistically significant differences. During the study period, 87 children aged between 24 and 48 months (54 male/33 female) were admitted to residential facility after having suffered both long-term physical neglect and emotional abuse. Nevertheless, only 20 children (23% of the total admissions) met the third selection criteria (having remained 1 year after initial placement). Of these children, all were males and at placement they were between the ages of 30 and 42 months, with an average age of 36 months (1.9 SD). At placement, the analyzed parameters were below the normal standards, showing a statistically significant difference for height (Z score = -1.29; p = .008) and weight (Z score = -.75; p = .038). The annual growth velocity for all parameters was above the normal standards showing a statistically significant difference for height (Z score = +1.43; p = .009). One year after initial placement, the significant differences for height (Z score = -.68; p = .102) and weight (Z score = -.31; p = .435) with respect to the normal standards disappeared, though still remained below, showing a significant catch-up growth for height (improvement height Z = +.61 SD). At placement, the both long-term physically neglected and emotionally abused preschool age male children showed a mild form of chronic malnutrition with growth failure. Growth failure was reversible after the first year of stay, which demonstrates that this delay in growth was secondary to nutritional and psychosocial factors. Placement in foster residential care was beneficial for the catch-up growth of these patients. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.

[Voice acoustic study of plasma radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of laryngeal premalignant lesions].

PubMed

Zang, Y Z; Wan, B L; Jia, X D; Wang, G K

2016-11-01

Objective: To study the voice function effect of low temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of patients with laryngeal premalignant lesions. Method: Fifty cases of laryngeal premalignant lesions were treated with low temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation. All of the patients were examined by electronic laryngoscopy and acoustic analysis(F0，Jitter，Shimmer，NNE，HNR) in 2 weeks,1 month,3 months after surgery. Voice acoustic results were compared with a control group of 50 normal adults for the further analysis. Result: Fifty patients with laryngeal premalignant lesions were treated by low temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation.The result showed that 47 patients(94%)were successfully decannulated without serious complications, such as dyspnea, aphonia and anterior glottic stenosis. Acoustic analysis showed that F0,Jitter,Shimmer and NNE were significantly different from normal 2 weeks after surgery（ P <0.01）.Voice function recovered weakly 1 month after operation（ P <0.05）.There were no significant differences in the vocal parameters between plasma radiofrequency ablation group and control group 3 months after surgery( P >0.05). Conclusion: Radiofrequency coblation was a safe,minimally invasive and effective surgical method and can be widely used to treat laryngeal premalignant lesions．. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Climate change impacts on rainfall and temperature in sugarcane growing Upper Gangetic Plains of India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Ram Ratan; Srivastava, Tapendra Kumar; Singh, Pushpa

2018-01-01

Assessment of variability in climate extremes is crucial for managing their aftermath on crops. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), a major C4 crop, dominates the Upper Gangetic Plain (UGP) in India and is vulnerable to both direct and indirect effects of changes in temperature and rainfall. The present study was taken up to assess the weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual trends of rainfall and temperature variability during the period 1956-2015 (60 years) for envisaging the probabilities of different levels of rainfall suitable for sugarcane in UGP in the present climate scenario. The analysis revealed that 87% of total annual rainfall was received during southwest monsoon months (June-September) while post-monsoon (October to February) and pre-monsoon months (March-May) accounted for only 9.4 and 3.6%, respectively. There was a decline in both monthly and annual normal rainfall during the period 1986-2015 as compared to 1956-1985, and an annual rainfall deficiency of 205.3 mm was recorded. Maximum monthly normal rainfall deficiencies of 52.8, 84.2, and 54.0 mm were recorded during the months of July, August, and September, respectively, while a minimum rainfall deficiency of 2.2 mm was observed in November. There was a decline by 196.3 mm in seasonal normal rainfall during June-September (kharif). The initial probability of a week going dry was higher (> 70%) from the 1st to the 25th week; however, standard meteorological weeks (SMW) 26 to 37 had more than 50% probability of going wet. The normal annual maximum temperature (Tmax) decreased by 0.4 °C while normal annual minimum temperatures (Tmin) increased by 0.21 °C. Analysis showed that there was an increase in frequency of drought from 1986 onwards in the zone and a monsoon rainfall deficit by about 21.25% during June-September which coincided with tillering and grand growth stage of sugarcane. The imposed drought during the growth and elongation phase is emerging as a major constraint in realizing high cane productivity in the zone. Strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of rainfall and temperature variability on sugarcane productivity through improvement in existing adaptation strategies are proposed.

Infant obesity and severe obesity growth patterns in the first two years of life.

PubMed

Gittner, Lisaann S; Ludington-Hoe, Susan M; Haller, Harold S

2014-04-01

Distinguishing an obesity growth pattern that originates during infancy is clinically important. Infancy based obesity prevention interventions may be needed while precursors of later health are forming. Infant obesity and severe obesity growth patterns in the first 2-years are described and distinguished from a normal weight growth pattern. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Body mass index (BMI) growth patterns from birth to 2-years are described for children categorized at 5-years as normal weight (n = 61), overweight (n = 47), obese (n = 41) and severely obese (n = 72) cohorts using WHO reference standards. BMI values were calculated at birth, 1-week; 2-, 4-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, 18-months; and 2- and 5-years. Graphs of the longitudinal Analysis of Variance of Means of BMI values identified the earliest significant divergence of a cohort's average BMI pattern from other cohorts' patterns. ANOVA and Pearson Product Moment correlations were also performed. Statistically significant differences in BMI values and differences in growth patterns between cohorts were evident as early as 2-6 months post-birth. Children who were obese or severely obese at 5-years demonstrated a BMI pattern that differed within the first 2-years of life from that of children who were normal weight at 5-years. The earliest significant correlation between early BMI values and 5-year BMI value was at 4-months post-birth. The study fills an important gap by demonstrating early onset of an infant obesity growth pattern in full-term children who were healthy throughout their first 5 years of life.

Electron microscopic quantification of collagen fibril diameters in the rabbit medial collateral ligament: a baseline for comparison.

PubMed

Frank, C; Bray, D; Rademaker, A; Chrusch, C; Sabiston, P; Bodie, D; Rangayyan, R

1989-01-01

To establish a normal baseline for comparison, thirty-one thousand collagen fibril diameters were measured in calibrated transmission electron (TEM) photomicrographs of normal rabbit medial collateral ligaments (MCL's). A new automated method of quantitation was used to compare statistically fibril minimum diameter distributions in one midsubstance location in both MCL's from six animals at 3 months of age (immature) and three animals at 10 months of age (mature). Pooled results demonstrate that rabbit MCL's have statistically different (p less than 0.001) mean minimum diameters at these two ages. Interanimal differences in mean fibril minimum diameters were also significant (p less than 0.001) and varied by 20% to 25% in both mature and immature animals. Finally, there were significant differences (p less than 0.001) in mean diameters and distributions from side-to-side in all animals. These mean left-to-right differences were less than 10% in all mature animals but as much as 62% in some immature animals. Statistical analysis of these data demonstrate that animal-to-animal comparisons using these protocols require a large number of animals with appropriate numbers of fibrils being measured to detect small intergroup differences. With experiments which compare left to right ligaments, far fewer animals are required to detect similarly small differences. These results demonstrate the necessity for rigorous control of sampling, an extensive normal baseline and statistically confirmed experimental designs in any TEM comparisons of collagen fibril diameters.

Electric charge requirements of pediatric cochlear implant recipients enrolled in the Childhood Development After Cochlear Implantation study.

PubMed

Zwolan, Teresa A; O'Sullivan, Mary Beth; Fink, Nancy E; Niparko, John K

2008-02-01

To evaluate mapping characteristics of children with cochlear implants who are enrolled in the Childhood Development After Cochlear Implantation (CDACI) multicenter study. Longitudinal evaluation during 24 months of speech processor maps of children with cochlear implants prospectively enrolled in the study. Six tertiary referral centers. One hundred eighty-eight children enrolled in the CDACI study who were 5 years old or younger at the time of enrollment. Of these children, 184 received unilateral implants, and 4 received simultaneous bilateral implants. Children attended regular mapping sessions at their implant clinic as part of the study protocol. Maps were examined for each subject at 4 different time intervals: at device activation and 6, 12, and 24 months postactivation. Mean C/M levels (in charge per phase) were compared for 4 different time intervals, for 3 different devices, for 6 different implant centers, and for children with normal and abnormal cochleae. All 3 types of implant devices demonstrate significant increases in C/M levels between device activation and the 24-month appointment. Significant differences in mean C/M levels were noted between devices. Children with cochlear anomalies demonstrate significantly greater C/M levels than children with normal cochleae. The CDACI study has enabled us to evaluate the mapping characteristics of pediatric patients who use 3 different devices and were implanted at a variety of implant centers. Analysis of such data enables us to better understand the mapping characteristics of children with cochlear implants.

Ocular surface changes in glaucomatous patients treated with and without preservatives beta-blockers.

PubMed

Iester, Michele; Telani, Serena; Frezzotti, Paolo; Motolese, Ilaria; Figus, Michele; Fogagnolo, Paolo; Perdicchi, Andrea

2014-08-01

To determine whether there were ocular surface changes in glaucomatous patients treated with preservatives beta-blockers who switched to preservative-free beta-blockers. This was a prospective, longitudinal, open-labeled study. One hundred thirty-two patients with primary open angle glaucoma treated with a preserved beta-blocker were enrolled. All the patients underwent perimetric and gonioscopic examination, complete ophthalmologic examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, evaluation of ocular surface, Schirmer's test, blood pressure and heart rate at baseline and 1-3 months after changing the medical treatment to a preservative-free timolol 0.1% (Timogel 0.1; Thea). At baseline, after 1 month and at the end of the study (3 months), all patients underwent a questionnaire on the visual quality and symptoms and on the quality of life (QoL). Data were analyzed by t-test when the distribution of the data was normal, by Mann-Whitney when the distribution was not normal. No significant difference was found for IOP before switching from preserved beta-blockers to preservative-free ones. No significant difference was found in blood pressure and heart rate. However, a statistically significant difference was found for abnormal fluorescein staining of the cornea and conjunctiva, eyelid erythema, conjunctival hyperemia, and follicular hyperplasia. A significant difference was found for break-up time (from 9.38±4.7 s at baseline to 10.64±4.7 s after 3 months) and Schirmer's test (from 12.9±5.96 mm at baseline to 14.2±5.87 mm after 3 months). The questionnaire showed that the patient improved the dryness and foreign body sensation. In glaucomatous patients, preservative-free 0.1 timolol treatment improved their QoL. Similar dry eye signs or symptoms improved after 3 months of treatment reducing dryness, hyperemia, follicular hyperplasia, and foreign body sensation.

Variability in monthly serum bicarbonate measures in hemodialysis patients: a cohort study.

PubMed

Patel, Ravi; Paredes, William; Hall, Charles B; Nader, Mark A; Sapkota, Deepak; Folkert, Vaughn W; Abramowitz, Matthew K

2015-12-21

Some nephrologists have advocated an individualized approach to the prescription of bicarbonate hemodialysis. However, the utility of monthly serum bicarbonate levels for guiding and evaluating such treatment decisions has not been evaluated. We sought to define the variability of these measurements and to determine factors that are associated with month-to-month variability in pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate. We examined the monthly variability in serum bicarbonate measurements among 181 hemodialysis patients admitted to a free-standing dialysis unit in the Bronx, NY from 1/1/2008-6/30/2012. All patients were treated with a uniform bicarbonate dialysis prescription (bicarbonate 35 mEq/L, acetate 8 mEq/L). Pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate values were obtained from monthly laboratory reports. Month-to-month variability was defined using a rolling measurement for each time point. Only 34 % of high serum bicarbonate values (>26 mEq/L) remained high in the subsequent month, whereas 60 % converted to normal (22-26 mEq/L). Of all low values (<22 mEq/L), 41 % were normal the following month, while 58 % remained low. Using the mean 3-month bicarbonate, only 29 % of high values remained high in the next 3-month period. In multivariable-adjusted longitudinal models, both low and high serum bicarbonate values were associated with greater variability than were normal values (β = 0.12 (95 % CI 0.09-0.15) and 0.24 (0.18 to 0.29) respectively). Variability decreased with time, and was significantly associated with age, phosphate binder use, serum creatinine, potassium, and normalized protein catabolic rate. Monthly pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate levels are highly variable. Even if a clinician takes no action, approximately 50 % of bicarbonate values outside a normal range of 22-26 mEq/L will return to normal in the subsequent month. The decision to change the bicarbonate dialysis prescription should not be based on a single bicarbonate value, and even a 3-month mean may be insufficient.

Evaluation of vaccine coverage for low birth weight infants during the first year of life in a large managed care population.

PubMed

Batra, Jagmohan S; Eriksen, Eileen M; Zangwill, Kenneth M; Lee, Martin; Marcy, S Michael; Ward, Joel I

2009-03-01

There are few recent population-based assessments of vaccine coverage in premature infants available. This study assesses and compares age- and dose-specific immunization coverage in children of different birth weight categories during the first year of life. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of computerized vaccination data from a large managed care organization in southern California. The participants were children born between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2002, and continuously enrolled from birth to at least 12 months of age in the Southern California Kaiser Permanente health plan. We measured age-specific up-to-date and age-appropriate immunization rates according to birth weight (extremely low birth weight: <1000 g; very low birth weight: 1000-1499 g; low birth weight: 1500-2499 g; normal birth weight: >/=2500 g) for 4 vaccines (hepatitis B, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids with pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and poliovirus) through the first year of life. We identified 127 833 infants born during the study period and continuously enrolled through the first year of life; 120 048 were normal birth weight infants; 6491 were low birth weight infants; 788 were very low birth weight infants; and 506 were extremely low birth weight infants. Vaccine-specific age-appropriate immunization rates were 3% to 15% lower for low birth weight infants and 17% to 33% lower for extremely low birth weight infants compared with the rates for normal birth weight infants in the first 6 months of life. Extremely low birth weight infants had the lowest age-specific up-to-date immunization levels (5%-31% lower) compared with normal birth weight infants at each age assessed. By 12 months, extremely low birth weight infants still had significantly lower up-to-date levels (87%) compared with very low birth weight, low birth weight, and normal birth weight infants (91%-92%). Despite recommendations that lower birth weight infants be vaccinated as the same chronological age as normal birth weight infants, extremely low birth weight and very low birth weight infants are immunized at significantly lower rates relative to low birth weight and normal birth weight infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. However, by 12 months of age this finding persists only in extremely low birth weight infants.

Fetal heart rate and fetal heart rate variability in Lipizzaner broodmares.

PubMed

Baska-Vincze, Boglárka; Baska, Ferenc; Szenci, Ottó

2015-03-01

Monitoring fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) helps to understand and evaluate normal and pathological conditions in the foal. The aim of this study was to establish normal heart rate reference values for the ongoing equine pregnancy and to perform a heart rate variability (HRV) time-domain analysis in Lipizzaner mares. Seventeen middle- and late-term (days 121-333) pregnant Lipizzaner mares were examined using fetomaternal electrocardiography (ECG). The mean FHR (P = 0.004) and the standard deviation of FHR (P = 0.012) significantly decreased during the pregnancy. FHR ± SD values decreased from 115 ± 35 to 79 ± 9 bpm between months 5 and 11. Our data showed that HRV in the foal decreased as the pregnancy progressed, which is in contrast with the findings of earlier equine studies. The standard deviation of normal-normal intervals (SDNN) was higher (70 ± 25 to 166 ± 108 msec) than described previously. The root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) decreased from 105 ± 69 to 77 ± 37 msec between the 5th and 11th month of gestation. Using telemetric ECG equipment, we could detect equine fetal heartbeat on day 121 for the first time. In addition, the large differences observed in the HR values of four mare-fetus pairs in four consecutive months support the assumption that there might be 'high-HR' and 'low-HR' fetuses in horses. It can be concluded that the analysis of FHR and FHRV is a promising tool for the assessment of fetal well-being but the applicability of these parameters in the clinical setting and in studs requires further investigation.

Longitudinal Association Between Human Parechovirus Central Nervous System Infection And Gross-motor Neurodevelopment in Young Children.

PubMed

van Hinsbergh, Ted M T; Elbers, Roy G; van Furth, Marceline A M; Obihara, Charlie C C

2018-03-27

A paucity of studies investigated the association between human parechovirus (HPeV) central nervous system (CNS) infection and motor and neurocognitive development of children. This study describes the gross-motor function (GMF) in young children during 24 months after HPeV-CNS-infection compared with children in whom no pathogen was detected. GMF of children was assessed with alberta infant motor scale, bayley scales of infant and toddler development or movement assessment battery for children. We conducted multivariate analyses and adjusted for age at onset, maternal education and time from infection. Of 91 included children, aged at onset <24 months, 11 had HPeV-CNS-infection and in 47 no pathogen was detected. Nineteen children were excluded due to the presence of other infection, preterm birth or genetic disorder and in 14 children parents refused to consent for participation. We found no longitudinal association between HPeV-CNS-infection and GMF (β = -0.53; 95%CI =-1.18 to 0.07; P = 0.11). At 6 months, children with HPeV-CNS-infection had suspect GMF delay compared with the non-pathogen group (mean difference = 1.12; 95%CI =-1.96 to -0.30; P = 0.03). This difference disappeared during 24 months follow-up and, after adjustment for age at onset, both groups scored within the normal range for age. Maternal education and time from infection did not have any meaningful influence. We found no longitudinal association between HPeV-CNS-infection and GMF during the first 24 months follow-up. Children with HPeV-CNS-infection showed a suspect GMF delay at 6 months follow-up. This normalized during 24 month follow-up.

Influence of immediate loading on provisional restoration in dental implant stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikbal, M.; Odang, R. W.; Indrasari, M.; Dewi, R. S.

2017-08-01

The success of dental implant treatment is determined by the primary stability at placement. One factor that could influence this stability is occlusal loading through provisional restoration. Two types of loading protocols are usually used: immediate and delayed loading. However, some controversies remain about the influence of occlusal loading on implant stability. Therefore, the influence of immediate loading on implant stability must be studied. An animal study was conducted by placing nine dental implants in the mandibular jaw of three Macaca fascicularis. Provisional restorations with various occlusal contacts (no, light, and normal contact) were placed on the implant. The implant stability was measured using the Ostell ISQ three times: immediately (baseline) and at the first and second months after implant placement. The implant stability between implants with no and normal occlusal contact as well as light and normal occlusal contact showed significant differences (p < 0.05) at the first and second months after implant placement. However, no significant increase (p > 0.05) in implant stability was seen at the baseline and the first and second months after implant placement for all occlusal contact groups. Immediate loading influenced the implant stability, and provisional restoration of implant without occlusal contact showed the highest implant stability.

Closed transventricular dilation of discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis in dogs.

PubMed

Linn, K; Orton, E C

1992-01-01

Discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis with peak systolic pressure gradients of more than 60 mm Hg was treated by closed transventricular dilation in six young dogs. Peak systolic pressure gradients were measured by direct catheterization before surgery, immediately after dilation, and 3 months after surgery. Maximum instantaneous pressure gradients were measured by continuous wave Doppler echocardiography before surgery and 6 weeks to 9 months after surgery. All dogs survived the procedure, and two dogs were clinically normal after 9 and 14 months. Two dogs died at week 6 and month 7. One dog was receiving medication for pulmonary edema 15 months after surgery. One dog underwent open resection of the subvalvular ring at month 3, and was clinically normal 6 months after the second procedure. Complications included intraoperative ventricular fibrillation in one dog, and mild postoperative aortic insufficiency in one dog. Closed transventricular dilation resulted in an immediate 83% decrease in the peak systolic pressure gradient from a preoperative mean of 97 +/- 22 mm Hg to a mean of 14 +/- 15 mm Hg. However, systolic pressure gradients measured by direct catheterization at month 3 (77 +/- 26 mm Hg), and by Doppler echocardiography at week 6 to month 9 (85 +/- 32 mm Hg) were not significantly different from preoperative values, which suggested recurrence of the aortic stenosis. Closed transventricular dilation should not be considered a definitive treatment for discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis in dogs, but may be useful in young dogs with critical aortic stenosis as a bridge to more definitive surgery.

Serum creatinine levels are significantly influenced by renal size in the normal pediatric population.

PubMed

Di Zazzo, Giacomo; Stringini, Gilda; Matteucci, Maria Chiara; Muraca, Maurizio; Malena, Saverio; Emma, Francesco

2011-01-01

Clinical and experimental data have shown that differences in nephron endowment result in differences in renal mass and predisposition to chronic renal failure, hypertension, and proteinuria. We hypothesized that a significant proportion of the variance in GFR, as estimated by serum creatinine, is attributable to differences in renal size in normal children. A total of 1748 normal renal ultrasounds that were performed in children older than 6 months were reviewed. For each ultrasound, serum creatinine, serum blood urea nitrogen, and systolic and diastolic office BP were recorded. Renal size was evaluated as a function of renal length and thickness. All data were normalized for height, weight, age, and gender. When expressed as SD scores, a significant correlation was found between kidney size and serum creatinine (P < 0.0001) and between kidney size and serum blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.002). When dividing kidney size data per quintiles, a difference of 0.51 SD score in serum creatinine was observed between the lowest and highest quintile. No significant correlation was found with office BP measurements. These data show that, even in the normal pediatric population, differences in renal function are significantly explained by differences in renal mass. Methodologic limitations of this study are likely to underestimate this relationship.

Symphysis pubis width and unaffected hip joint width in patients with slipped upper femoral epiphysis: widening compared with normal values.

PubMed

Tins, Bernhard; Cassar-Pullicino, Victor; Haddaway, Mike

2010-04-01

The exact pathomechanism of slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) remains elusive. This paper suggests a generalised abnormality of the development or maturation of cartilage as a possible cause. It is proposed that SUFE is part of a generalised abnormality of the cartilage formation or maturation resulting in abnormal measurements of cartilaginous joint structures. Radiographs of SUFE patients were assessed for the width of the unaffected hip joint and the symphysis pubis. Comparison with previously published normal values was made. Fifty-one patients were assessed, 35 male, 16 female. The average age was 12 years and 11 months combined for both sexes, 13 years 8 months for boys, 11 years 4 months for girls. Width of the symphysis pubis was assessed on 46 datasets, and comparison with normal values was performed using the Wilcoxon paired rank test. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. The average expected width was 5.8 mm (5.4-6.2 mm), the average measured width was 7.3 mm (3.5-12 mm), median value 7.0 mm, and the difference is statistically significant. Cartilage thickness of the uninvolved hip joint could be assessed in 46 cases, and comparison using the Wilcoxon paired rank test resulted in a statistically significant difference (significance set as p < 0.05). The average expected width was 4.9 mm (3.6-6.5 mm), the average measured width was 5.5 mm (4-8 mm), and median 5.3 mm. The results indicate that SUFE patients display a generalised increased width of joint cartilage for their age. This could be due to increased cartilage formation or decreased maturation or a combination of the two, and could explain the increased mechanical vulnerability of these children to normal or abnormal stresses, despite histologically normal organisation of the physis as shown in previous studies.

Whole Brain Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Determinants of Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Moderate/Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Babikian, Talin; Alger, Jeffry R; Ellis-Blied, Monica U; Giza, Christopher C; Dennis, Emily; Olsen, Alexander; Mink, Richard; Babbitt, Christopher; Johnson, Jeff; Thompson, Paul M; Asarnow, Robert F

2018-05-18

Diffuse axonal injury contributes to the long-term functional morbidity observed after pediatric moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). Whole-brain proton magnetic resonance echo-planar spectroscopic imaging was used to measure the neurometabolite levels in the brain to delineate the course of disruption/repair during the first year post-msTBI. The association between metabolite biomarkers and functional measures (cognitive functioning and corpus callosum [CC] function assessed by interhemispheric transfer time [IHTT] using an event related potential paradigm) was also explored. Pediatric patients with msTBI underwent assessments at two times (post-acutely at a mean of three months post-injury, n = 31, and chronically at a mean of 16 months post-injury, n = 24). Healthy controls also underwent two evaluations, approximately 12 months apart. Post-acutely, in patients with msTBI, there were elevations in choline (Cho; marker for inflammation and/or altered membrane metabolism) in all four brain lobes and the CC and decreases in N-acetylaspartate (NAA; marker for neuronal and axonal integrity) in the CC compared with controls, all of which normalized by the chronic time point. Subgroups of TBI showed variable patterns chronically. Patients with slow IHTT had lower lobar Cho chronically than those with normal IHTT; they also did not show normalization in CC NAA whereas those with normal IHTT showed significantly higher levels of CC NAA relative to controls. In the normal IHTT group only, chronic CC Cho and NAA together explained 70% of the variance in long-term cognitive functioning. MR based whole brain metabolic evaluations show different patterns of neurochemistry after msTBI in two subgroups with different outcomes. There is a dynamic relationship between prolonged inflammatory responses to brain damage, reparative processes/remyelination, and subsequent neurobehavioral outcomes. Multimodal studies allow us to test hypotheses about degenerative and reparative processes in patient groups that have divergent functional outcome, with the ultimate goal of developing targeted therapeutic agents.

Immunoreactivities of calbindin-D28k, calretinin and parvalbumin in the somatosensory cortex of rodents during normal aging

PubMed Central

Ahn, Ji Hyeon; Hong, Seongkweon; Park, Joon Ha; Kim, In Hye; Cho, Jeong Hwi; Lee, Tae-Kyeong; Lee, Jae-Chul; Chen, Bai Hui; Shin, Bich-Na; Bae, Eun Joo; Jeon, Yong Hwan; Kim, Young-Myeong; Won, Moo-Ho; Choi, Soo Young

2017-01-01

Calbindin-D28k (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV), which regulate cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations in neurons, are chemically expressed in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons that regulate the degree of glutamatergic excitation and output of projection neurons. The present study investigated age-associated differences in CB, CR and PV immunoreactivities in the somatosensory cortex in three species (mice, rats and gerbils) of young (1 month), adult (6 months) and aged (24 months) rodents, using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Abundant CB-immunoreactive neurons were distributed in layers II and III, and age-associated alterations in their number were different according to the species. CR-immunoreactive neurons were not abundant in all layers; however, the number of CR-immunoreactive neurons was the highest in all adult species. Many PV-immunoreactive neurons were identified in all layers, particularly in layers II and III, and they increased in all layers with age in all species. The present study demonstrated that the distribution pattern of CB-, CR- and PV-containing neurons in the somatosensory cortex were apparently altered in number with normal aging, and that CB and CR exhibited a tendency to decrease in aged rodents, whereas PV tended to increase with age. These results indicate that CB, CR and PV are markedly altered in the somatosensory cortex, and this change may be associated with normal aging. These findings may aid the elucidation of the mechanisms of aging and geriatric disease. PMID:28944879

Lentiviral-mediated gene therapy results in sustained expression of β-glucuronidase for up to 12 months in the gus(mps/mps) and up to 18 months in the gus(tm(L175F)Sly) mouse models of mucopolysaccharidosis type VII.

PubMed

Derrick-Roberts, Ainslie L K; Pyragius, Carmen E; Kaidonis, Xenia M; Jackson, Matilda R; Anson, Donald S; Byers, Sharon

2014-09-01

A number of mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) mouse models with different levels of residual enzyme activity have been created replicating the range of clinical phenotypes observed in human MPS VII patients. In this study, a lentivirus encoding murine β-glucuronidase was administered intravenously at birth to both the severe (Gus(mps/mps) strain) and attenuated (Gus(tm(L175F)Sly) strain) mouse models of MPS VII. Circulating enzyme levels were normalized in the Gus(mps/mps) mice and were 3.5-fold higher than normal in the Gus(tm(L175F)Sly) mouse 12 and 18 months after administration. Tissue β-glucuronidase activity increased over untreated levels in all tissues evaluated in both strains at 12 months, and the elevated level was maintained in Gus(tm(L175F)Sly) tissues at 18 months. These elevated enzyme levels reduced glycosaminoglycan storage in the liver, spleen, kidney, and heart in both models. Bone mineral volume decreased toward normal in both models after 12 months of therapy and after 18 months in the Gus(tm(L175F)Sly) mouse. Open-field exploration was improved in 18-month-old treated Gus(tm(L175F)Sly) mice, while spatial learning improved in both 12- and 18-month-old treated Gus(tm(L175F)Sly) mice. Overall, neonatal administration of lentiviral gene therapy resulted in sustained enzyme expression for up to 18 months in murine models of MPS VII. Significant improvements in biochemistry and enzymology as well as functional improvement of bone and behavior deficits in the Gus(tm(L175F)Sly) model were observed. Therapy significantly increased the lifespan of Gus(mps/mps) mice, with 12 months being the longest reported lentiviral treatment for this strain. It is important to assess the long-term outcome on enzyme levels and effect on pathology for lentiviral gene therapy to be a potential therapy for MPS patients.

Recovery of walking speed and symmetrical movement of the pelvis and lower extremity joints after unilateral THA.

PubMed

Miki, Hidenobu; Sugano, Nobuhiko; Hagio, Keisuke; Nishii, Takashi; Kawakami, Hideo; Kakimoto, Akihiro; Nakamura, Nobuo; Yoshikawa, Hideki

2004-04-01

In 17 patients with unilateral hip disease who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA), the gait was analyzed preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after unilateral THA using a Vicon system to assess the recovery of walking speed and symmetrical movement of the hip, knee, ankle, and pelvis. The walking speed of these patients reached that of normal Japanese persons by 12 months after surgery. Walking speed was correlated with the range of hip motion on the operated side at 1 month postoperatively, and was correlated with the hip joint extension moment of force on both sides from 3 to 6 months after surgery. Before THA, asymmetry was observed in the range of the hip motion, maximum hip flexion, maximum hip extension, maximum knee flexion, as well as in pelvic obliquity, pelvic tilt, and pelvic rotation. There were no differences of the stride length or step length between both sides throughout the observation period. The preoperative range of hip flexion on the operated side during a gait cycle (21.3+/-7.9 degrees ) was significantly smaller than on the non-operated side (46.7+/-7.1 degrees ), and the difference between sides was still significant at 12 months after surgery (35.1+/-6.2 degrees on the operated side and 43.6+/-5.7 degrees on the non-operated side). The majority (74%) of the difference in hip motion range during this period was due to the difference in maximum extension of the hip. The increase in the range of pelvic tilt and the range of motion of the opposite hip showed an inverse correlation with the range of motion of the operated hip, suggesting a compensatory preoperative role. However, this correlation became insignificant after 6 months postoperatively. Asymmetry of the range of hip motion persisted at 12 months after THA in patients with unilateral coxoarthropathy during free level walking, while the operation normalized the spatial asymmetry of other joints and the walking speed prior to the recovery of hip motion.

[Associations among appetite, snacking, and body type during infant development].

PubMed

Ainuki, Tomomi; Akamatsu, Rie

2010-02-01

To examine associations among appetite, snacking, and body type during infant development. We also investigated whether trends in appetite, snacking, and body type continue through time. Children (n=1313) born between April 2000 and March 2004, in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, were enrolled. Data were collected during health checkups at 18 and 36 months of age. The items used for analysis were the child's appetite, snack content, snack-eating style, and gender. The mothers commented on their child's appetite as good, normal, lacking, or irregular. The good and normal responses were grouped under the category good/normal appetite, while lacking and irregular were grouped under the category lacking/irregular appetite. Body types were calculated using an obesity index and classified as underweight, normal, or overweight. Fifteen kinds of snacks at 36 months were classified using cluster analysis. Appetite, snack content, snack-eating style, and body type at 18 and 36 months of age were compared using the McNemar test. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the appetite categories. There were 664 boys (50.6%) and 648 girls (49.4%) in the study (missing=1). The response rate was 56.5%. Snacks were classified by content as meal substitutes, snacks and sweet foods, or healthy snacks. There was no change in appetite at 18 and 36 months of age. By 36 months, snack content, snack-eating style had changed (e.g. solitary snacking increased.). The highest risk factor for appetite at 36 months was lacking/irregular appetite at 18 months (OR: 4.70, CI: 3.07-7.19), eating snacks without time constraints (OR: 1.81, CI: 1.24-2.65), followed by unsupervised snacking (OR: 2.92, CI: 1.45-5.87), and consuming few healthy snacks (OR: 0.69, CI: 0.48-1.00). The risk factors for lacking/irregular appetite at 18 months of age were eating snacks without time constraints (OR: 1.68, CI: 1.13-2.49), receiving snacks on-demand (OR: 1.49, CI: 1.01-2.19) or from acquaintances (OR: 2.46, CI: 1.46-4.14), and being underweight (OR: 11.47, CI: 3.20-41.15). Education must be started at an early age because lacking/irregular appetite at 18 months was found to continue through to 36 months. In addition, the risk factors for a lacking/irregular appetite differed between 18 and 36 months; thus, education should be based on age.

The Effect of Meperidine on Peripartum Breastfeeding and Neonatal Weight

PubMed Central

Asadi, Mahboobeh; Rahimi, Fateme; Hoseinzade, Mohammad Javad; Tanha, Fatemeh Davari; Barkhordari, Khosro; Yasseri, Ali Mohammad Fakhre

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effect of Meperidine, commonly administered for labor analgesia, on newborn weight and peripartum breastfeeding during two months after delivery. Materials and methods This pilot cohort study was conducted between October 2010 and October 2011 at the Women Hospital of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In this study, we examined the effects of meperidine on breastfeeding and neonatal weight. A total number of 184 full term pregnant women, planned to deliver at this center (normal vaginally delivery or cesarean), participated in this study. The study group included the women who received meperidine in peripartum time to be compared with a control group who did not receive any opioid. Meperidine was administrated to them based on their peripartum breastfeeding behaviour and baby weight, two month after delivery. Results Of the 184 woman recruited to the trial, 38 women had normal vaginal delivery and 146 had ccesarean. Within the first two-month, 4% of mothers in control group and 11% of meperidine group used formula. However, this differences were not statistically significant (p value= 0.07). Furthermore, baby weight distribution was not statistically different between two groups. Conclusion The inhibitory effect of using Meperidine on peripartum breastfeeding and weight of newborn in the first two months was not statistically significant in this study. More research is needed to clarify the association between meperidine and peripartum breastfeeding. PMID:24971099

The effect of meperidine on peripartum breastfeeding and neonatal weight.

PubMed

Yousefshahi, Fardin; Asadi, Mahboobeh; Rahimi, Fateme; Hoseinzade, Mohammad Javad; Tanha, Fatemeh Davari; Barkhordari, Khosro; Yasseri, Ali Mohammad Fakhre

2013-03-01

To evaluate the effect of Meperidine, commonly administered for labor analgesia, on newborn weight and peripartum breastfeeding during two months after delivery. This pilot cohort study was conducted between October 2010 and October 2011 at the Women Hospital of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In this study, we examined the effects of meperidine on breastfeeding and neonatal weight. A total number of 184 full term pregnant women, planned to deliver at this center (normal vaginally delivery or cesarean), participated in this study. The study group included the women who received meperidine in peripartum time to be compared with a control group who did not receive any opioid. Meperidine was administrated to them based on their peripartum breastfeeding behaviour and baby weight, two month after delivery. Of the 184 woman recruited to the trial, 38 women had normal vaginal delivery and 146 had ccesarean. Within the first two-month, 4% of mothers in control group and 11% of meperidine group used formula. However, this differences were not statistically significant (p value= 0.07). Furthermore, baby weight distribution was not statistically different between two groups. The inhibitory effect of using Meperidine on peripartum breastfeeding and weight of newborn in the first two months was not statistically significant in this study. More research is needed to clarify the association between meperidine and peripartum breastfeeding.

The effect of total hip and hip resurfacing arthroplasty on vertical ground reaction force and impulse symmetry during a sit-to-stand task.

PubMed

Caplan, N; Stewart, S; Kashyap, S; Banaszkiewicz, P; St Clair Gibson, A; Kader, D; Ewen, A

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of total hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing arthroplasty on limb loading symmetry before, and after, hip reconstruction surgery during a sit-to-stand task. Fourteen patients were recruited that were about to receive either a total hip prosthesis (n=7) or a hip resurfacing prosthesis (n=7), as well as matched controls. Patients performed a sit-to-stand movement before, 3 months after, and 12 months after surgery. Peak vertical ground reaction force and impulse were measured for each leg, from which ground reaction force and impulse symmetry ratios were calculated. Before surgery, hip resurfacing patients showed a small asymmetry which was not different to normal for ground reaction force (0.88(0.28) vs. 1.00(0.11); p=0.311) or impulse (0.87(0.29) vs. 0.99(0.09); p=0.324) symmetry ratios. Total hip patients offloaded their affected hip by 30% in terms of impulse symmetry ratio (0.71(0.36) vs. 0.99(0.23); p=0.018). At 3 months following surgery asymmetries were seen that were different to normal in both hip resurfacing patients for ground reaction force (0.77(0.16); p=0.007), and total hip patients for ground reaction force (0.70(0.15); p=0.018) and impulse (0.72(0.16); p=0.011) symmetry ratios. By 12 months after surgery total hip patients regained a symmetrical loading pattern for both ground reaction force (0.95(0.06); p=0.676) and impulse (1.00(0.06); p=0.702) symmetry ratios. Hip resurfacing patients, however, performed the task by overloading their operated hip, with impulse symmetry ratio being larger than normal (1.16(0.16); p=0.035). Physiotherapists should appreciate the need for early recovery of limb loading symmetry as well as subsequent differences in the responses observed with different prostheses. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Information processing of visually presented picture and word stimuli by young hearing-impaired and normal-hearing children.

PubMed

Kelly, R R; Tomlison-Keasey, C

1976-12-01

Eleven hearing-impaired children and 11 normal-hearing children (mean = four years 11 months) were visually presented familiar items in either picture or word form. Subjects were asked to recognize the stimuli they had seen from cue cards consisting of pictures or words. They were then asked to recall the sequence of stimuli by arranging the cue cards selected. The hearing-impaired group and normal-hearing subjects performed differently with the picture/picture (P/P) and word/word (W/W) modes in the recognition phase. The hearing impaired performed equally well with both modes (P/P and W/W), while the normal hearing did significantly better on the P/P mode. Furthermore, the normal-hearing group showed no difference in processing like modes (P/P and W/W) when compared to unlike modes (W/P and P/W). In contrast, the hearing-impaired subjects did better on like modes. The results were interpreted, in part, as supporting the position that young normal-hearing children dual code their visual information better than hearing-impaired children.

Normalization of Reverse Transcription Quantitative PCR Data During Ageing in Distinct Cerebral Structures.

PubMed

Bruckert, G; Vivien, D; Docagne, F; Roussel, B D

2016-04-01

Reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has become a routine method in many laboratories. Normalization of data from experimental conditions is critical for data processing and is usually achieved by the use of a single reference gene. Nevertheless, as pointed by the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines, several reference genes should be used for reliable normalization. Ageing is a physiological process that results in a decline of many expressed genes. Reliable normalization of RT-qPCR data becomes crucial when studying ageing. Here, we propose a RT-qPCR study from four mouse brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum) at different ages (from 8 weeks to 22 months) in which we studied the expression of nine commonly used reference genes. With the use of two different algorithms, we found that all brain structures need at least two genes for a good normalization step. We propose specific pairs of gene for efficient data normalization in the four brain regions studied. These results underline the importance of reliable reference genes for specific brain regions in ageing.

Clinical characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with normal serum alpha-fetoprotein level: A study of 112 consecutive cases.

PubMed

Li, Li; Chen, Jinglong; Xu, Weiran; Ding, Xiaosheng; Wang, Xiangyi; Liang, Jun

2017-10-26

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is normal in 30-40% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and knowledge on its characteristics and clinical outcome is limited. The purpose of this observational study was to determine the clinical presentation, biological behavior and outcome of HCC patients with normal AFP level. Data of 112 consecutive HCC patients with normal AFP level were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis including survival and factors associated with serum AFP level were performed by Kaplan-Meier method and t-test, respectively. Hepatitis B virus infection exited in 83.0% of all 112 HCC patients with normal AFP level. During a mean 52 ± 20 months (range 5-85 months) follow-up, the 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 97.2%, 85.3% and 81.7%, respectively. The OS rates at 3 years stratified by stages at diagnosis were 100%, 96.2%, 85.7%, 11.1% and 0%, respectively for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0-D diseases. Significant difference in OS was observed among patients with BCLC stage 0-D diseases, P < 0.05. Using 8.78 ng/mL as the cut off value, serum AFP level elevated beyond normal figure during follow-up (AFP conversion) in 16 patients, which related with deterioration of liver function, quantitative changes of T helper cell subsets, rapid tumor progression and shorter survival. Patients with sustained normal AFP level had better survival than patients with AFP conversion, P < 0.05. There was significant difference between the time of diagnosis with HCC to serum AFP level elevation and the time of AFP elevation to death, P < 0.05. Prognosis of HCC patients with normal AFP level was relatively optimal. Serum AFP level elevation during follow-up was significantly associated with clinical outcome in terms of OS. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Relationship between adiponectin levels, acylated ghrelin levels, and short-term body mass index changes in children with diabetes mellitus type 1 at diagnosis and after insulin therapy.

PubMed

Martos-Moreno, Gabriel A; Barrios, Vicente; Soriano-Guillén, Leandro; Argente, Jesús

2006-11-01

To determine the effect of the initial metabolic imbalance and its restoration after insulin therapy on adiponectin and acylated ghrelin levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Twenty prepubertal children with newly diagnosed T1DM were prospectively studied at diagnosis and after 1 and 4 months of therapy. Body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, total and acylated ghrelin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined. The control group comprised 40 healthy prepubertal children. BMI was decreased at diagnosis, normalized at 1 month, and remained so thereafter. Adiponectin levels at diagnosis were similar to controls, increasing significantly after 1 month and normalizing at 4 months. Acylated ghrelin levels were lower at diagnosis, with a significant increase at 1 month and normalizing at 4 months. Resistin levels were normal at all time points. Leptin levels were decreased, while TNF-alpha and IL-6 were increased at diagnosis and normalized at 1 month. These findings suggest that BMI is not the main predictor of acylated ghrelin or adiponectin levels in newly diagnosed T1DM subjects and that these peptides may play an important role in the metabolic adaptation in this disease.

The course of skull deformation from birth to 5 years of age: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

van Vlimmeren, Leo A; Engelbert, Raoul Hh; Pelsma, Maaike; Groenewoud, Hans Mm; Boere-Boonekamp, Magda M; der Sanden, Maria Wg Nijhuis-van

2017-01-01

In a continuation of a prospective longitudinal cohort study in a healthy population on the course of skull shape from birth to 24 months, at 5 years of age, 248 children participated in a follow-up assessment using plagiocephalometry (ODDI-oblique diameter difference index, CPI-cranio proportional index). Data from the original study sampled at birth, 7 weeks, 6, 12, and 24 months were used in two linear mixed models. (1) if deformational plagiocephaly (ODDI <104%) and/or positional preference at 7 weeks of age are absent, normal skull shape can be predicted at 5 years of age; (2) if positional preference occurs, ODDI is the highest at 7 weeks and decreases to a stable lowest value at 2 and 5 years of age; and (3) regarding brachycephaly, all children showed the highest CPI at 6 months of age with a gradual decrease over time. The course of skull deformation is favourable in most of the children in The Netherlands; at 5 years of age, brachycephaly is within the normal range for all children, whereas the severity of plagiocephaly is within the normal range in 80%, within the mild range in 19%, and within the moderate/severe range in 1%. Medical consumption may be reduced by providing early tailored counselling. What is Known: • Skull deformation prevalence increased after recommendations against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, little is known about the longitudinal course. • Paediatric physical therapy intervention between 2 and 6 months of age reduces deformational plagiocephaly at 6 and 12 months of age. What is New: • The course of skull deformation is favourable in most of the children in The Netherlands; at 5 years of age, deformational brachycephaly is within the normal range for all children, whereas the severity of deformational plagiocephaly is within the normal range in 80%, within the mild range in 19%, and within the moderate to severe range in only 1%. • Paediatric physical therapy intervention does not influence the long-term outcome; it only influences the earlier decrease of the severity of deformational plagiocephaly.

The effect of cleft palate repair on contractile properties of single permeabilized muscle fibers from congenitally cleft goat palates.

PubMed

Hanes, Michael C; Weinzweig, Jeffrey; Panter, Kip E; McClellan, W Thomas; Caterson, Stefanie A; Buchman, Steven R; Faulkner, John A; Yu, Deborah; Cederna, Paul S; Larkin, Lisa M

2008-02-01

Inherent differences in the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle of cleft palates before palatoplasty may play a role in persistent postrepair velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Contractile properties of LVP muscle fibers were analyzed from young (2-month) normal (YNP), young congenitally cleft (YCP) and again on the same YCP subjects 6 months after palatoplasty, mature repaired palate (MRP). The cross-sectional area and rate of force development (ktr) were measured. Specific force (sF(0)) and normalized power (nP(max)) were calculated. Using k(tr) to determine fiber type composition, YNP was 44% type 1 and 56% type 2, while YCP was 100% type 2. Two MRP subjects shifted to 100% type 1; 1 demonstrated increased resistance to fatigue. No differences in sF(0) were observed. nP(max) increased with presence of type 2 fibers. The persistent state of type 2 fibers following palatoplasty leads to increased fatigue in the LVP of MRP subjects and may cause VPI symptoms.

Increased migration of uncemented acetabular cups in female total hip arthroplasty patients with low systemic bone mineral density. A 2-year RSA and 8-year radiographic follow-up study of 34 patients.

PubMed

Finnilä, Sami; Moritz, Niko; SvedströM, Erkki; Alm, Jessica J; Aro, Hannu T

2016-02-01

Low bone mineral density (BMD) may jeopardize the initial component stability and delay osseointegration of uncemented acetabular cups in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We measured the migration of uncemented cups in women with low or normal BMD. We used radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to measure the migration of hydroxyapatite-coated titanium alloy cups with alumina-on-alumina bearings in THA of 34 female patients with a median age of 64 (41-78) years. 10 patients had normal BMD and 24 patients had low systemic BMD (T-score ≤ -1) based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Cup migration was followed with RSA for 2 years. Radiographic follow-up was done at a median of 8 (2-10) years. Patients with normal BMD did not show a statistically significant cup migration after the settling period of 3 months, while patients with low BMD had a continuous proximal migration between 3 and 12 months (p = 0.03). These differences in cup migration persisted at 24 months. Based on the perceived risk of cup revision, 14 of the 24 cases were "at risk" (proximal translation of 0.2 to 1.0 mm) in the low-BMD group and 2 of the 10 cases were "at risk" in the normal-BMD group (odds ratio (OR) = 8.0, 95% CI: 1.3-48). The radiographic follow-up showed no radiolucent lines or osteolysis. 2 cups have been revised for fractures of the ceramic bearings, but none for loosening. Low BMD contributed to cup migration beyond the settling period of 3 months, but the migrating cups appeared to osseointegrate eventually.

Parent-Endorsed Sex Differences in Toddlers with and without ASD: Utilizing the M-CHAT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Øien, Roald A.; Hart, Logan; Schjølberg, Synnve; Wall, Carla A.; Kim, Elizabeth S.; Nordahl-Hansen, Anders; Eisemann, Martin R.; Chawarska, Katarzyna; Volkmar, Fred R.; Shic, Frederick

2017-01-01

Sex differences in typical development can provide context for understanding ASD. Baron-Cohen ("Trends Cogn Sci" 6(6):248-254, 2002) suggested ASD could be considered an extreme expression of normal male, compared to female, phenotypic profiles. In this paper, sex-specific M-CHAT scores from N = 53,728 18-month-old toddlers, including n…

Investigation of habitual pitch during free play activities for preschool-aged children.

PubMed

Chen, Yang; Kimelman, Mikael D Z; Micco, Katie

2009-01-01

This study is designed to compare the habitual pitch measured in two different speech activities (free play activity and traditionally used structured speech activity) for normally developing preschool-aged children to explore to what extent preschoolers vary their vocal pitch among different speech environments. Habitual pitch measurements were conducted for 10 normally developing children (2 boys, 8 girls) between the ages of 31 months and 71 months during two different activities: (1) free play; and (2) structured speech. Speech samples were recorded using a throat microphone connected with a wireless transmitter in both activities. The habitual pitch (in Hz) was measured for all collected speech samples by using voice analysis software (Real-Time Pitch). Significantly higher habitual pitch is found during free play in contrast to structured speech activities. In addition, there is no showing of significant difference of habitual pitch elicited across a variety of structured speech activities. Findings suggest that the vocal usage of preschoolers appears to be more effortful during free play than during structured activities. It is recommended that a comprehensive evaluation for young children's voice needs to be based on the speech/voice samples collected from both free play and structured activities.

Aesthetic effect of silicone gel on surgical scars in Asians.

PubMed

Rhee, Suk-Hyun; Koh, Sung-Hoon; Lee, Dong-Won; Park, Beyoung-Yun; Kim, Yong-Oock

2010-05-01

Scars on exposed areas are a major concern among Asian populations because of their conspicuousness. Size, color, or whether the scar is hypopigmented or hyperpigmented matters little. Silicone gel is well known for the prevention and induction of better maturation of hypertrophic and keloid scars. However, its aesthetic effect on normal surgical scars has not been considered. Clinical evaluation of scars was performed in 40 patients. All the 40 patients underwent clean and minor surgery of the exposed area, such as scar revision, by 1 plastic surgeon. Twenty of the 40 patients did not apply any adjunctive material for scar management and were grouped as the control. The other 20 patients applied a silicone gel sheet for 12 hours a day for 3 months. Three assessment criteria, pigmentation, vascularity, and height, were evaluated by photographic assessment of the scars at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively and scored by 3 plastic surgeons. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to verify any significant differences in the previously mentioned 3 parameters between the 2 groups and parameter scores at each follow-up period. Two patients were excluded from the study because of the development of rashes on the areas covered by the silicone gel sheet. There was no statistical significance between the groups at postoperative 2 weeks and 1 month in pigmentation and redness. For evaluation of height, there was statistical significance (P = 0.024) at postoperative 1 month. However, there were statistically significant differences in all the assessment criteria at postoperative 3 months between the groups: pigmentation, P = 0.0002; vascularity, P = 0.0002; and height, P < 0.0001. The silicone gel sheet has a favorable aesthetical effect for normally created surgical scars in the Asians. Its application can reduce the conspicuousness of scars more rapidly than without.

Keratocyte density 3 months, 15 months, and 3 years after corneal surface ablation with mitomycin C.

PubMed

de Benito-Llopis, Laura; Cañadas, Pilar; Drake, Pilar; Hernández-Verdejo, José Luis; Teus, Miguel A

2012-01-01

To study the effects of surface ablation with mitomycin C (MMC) on keratocyte population. Prospective, nonrandomized, interventional, comparative case series. Thirty two eyes treated with surface ablation with 0.02% MMC were compared with nontreated eyes at Vissum Santa Hortensia, Madrid, Spain. Keratocyte density was measured with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (Rostock Cornea Module) 3, 15, and 36 to 42 months after the surgery in the anterior, mid, and posterior stroma, and compared with control eyes. Three months postoperatively, we found a lower stromal bed density compared to controls (16 993 ± 8001 vs 29 660 ± 5904 cells/mm(3), P = .0001), while there was a significantly higher cell density in the mid (30 783 ± 9300 vs 18 505 ± 1996 cells/mm(3), P = .0001) and deep stroma (30 268 ± 8321 vs 18 438 ± 2139 cells/mm(3), P = .0001). Three years after the surgery, the cellularity in the stromal bed had not significantly changed from the 3-month follow-up, but the density in the mid (18 889 ± 3474 cells/mm(3)) and posterior stroma (18 992 ± 3402 cells/mm(3)) had decreased to show no difference from controls. The mean cell density between the anterior, mid, and posterior stroma was not significantly different from controls 15 months and 3 years after the surgery. Our study suggests that there is a reorganization of the stromal cell population soon after surface ablation with MMC, with a decrease in the stromal bed compensated initially with an increase in the mid and posterior stroma. Corneal cellularity tends to normalize over time, and 3 years postoperatively the mean cell density throughout the cornea seems to maintain normal values. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

EGSIEM: Combination of GRACE monthly gravity models on normal equation level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Ulrich; Jean, Yoomin; Jäggi, Adrian; Mayer-Gürr, Torsten; Neumayer, Hans; Lemoine, Jean-Michel

2016-04-01

One of the three geodetic services to be realized in the frame of the EGSIEM project is a scientific combination service. Each associated processing center (AC) will follow a set of common processing standards but will apply its own, independent analysis method. Therefore the quality, robustness and reliability of the combined monthly gravity fields is expected to improve significantly compared to the individual solutions. The Monthly GRACE gravity fields of all ACs are combined on normal equation level. The individual normal equations are weighted depending on pairwise comparisons of the individual gravity field solutions. To derive these weights and for quality control of the individual contributions first a combination of the monthly gravity fields on solution level is performed. The concept of weighting and of the combination on normal equation level is introduced and the formats used for normal equation exchange and gravity field solutions is described. First results of the combination on normal equation level are presented and compared to the corresponding combinations on solution level. EGSIEM has an open data policy and all processing centers of GRACE gravity fields are invited to participate in the combination.

Characteristics of antigravity spontaneous movements in preterm infants up to 3 months of corrected age.

PubMed

Miyagishima, Saori; Asaka, Tadayoshi; Kamatsuka, Kaori; Kozuka, Naoki; Kobayashi, Masaki; Igarashi, Risa; Hori, Tsukasa; Yoto, Yuko; Tsutsumi, Hiroyuki

2016-08-01

We investigated whether spontaneous antigravity limbs movements in very low birth weight preterm infants were insufficient compared to those in term infants. The relationship between the quality of general movements (GMs) and antigravity limbs movements was also examined. Preterm infants with very low birth weight without central nervous system disorders nor severe respiration disorders, and healthy term infants were recruited. The infants were set in a supine position. The distance between both hands and between both feet, and the height of both hands and feet from the floor were recorded at 1-3 corrected months for preterm infants, and at 1-3 months for term infants by a 3D motion capture system. The measurements were adjusted for body proportions. GMs in preterm and term infants were assessed similarly. Thirteen preterm and 15 term infants completed the study. In preterm infants, the distance between both hands and between both feet were longer, and the height of both hands and feet were lower than those in term infants in all measurements. In term infants, the height of both hands and feet increased as they developed, but no change was observed in preterm infants. In preterm infants with abnormal GMs, the distance between both hands was longer, and the height of both hands and feet was lower than that in those with normal GMs. There were no such differences between preterm infants with normal GMs and term infants with normal GMs. Antigravity limbs movements in preterm infants within the first 3 month of corrected age were insufficient compared with those in term infants. Furthermore, no improvement with development was observed in preterm infants. In addition, preterm infants with abnormal GMs showed worse antigravity limbs movements than preterm and term infants with normal GMs. The preterm infants with normal GMs could behave similar to the full term infants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Taste perception and implicit attitude toward sweet related to body mass index and soft drink supplementation.

PubMed

Sartor, Francesco; Donaldson, Lucy F; Markland, David A; Loveday, Helina; Jackson, Matthew J; Kubis, Hans-Peter

2011-08-01

These studies examined the differences in sweet taste perception and implicit attitude toward sweet between normal-weight and overweight/obese adults; and tested the effects of soft drink consumption on sweet taste, explicit preference and implicit attitude toward sweet in normal-weight subjects. In study 1, normal-weight (n = 22) and overweight/obese (n = 11) adults were assessed for sweet taste intensity and pleasantness. Implicit attitude toward sweet was assessed by implicit association test (IAT). In study 2, normal-weight, lightly active adults (n = 12) underwent one month soft drink supplementation (≈760 ml/day). This increased their daily carbohydrate intake by 2.1 ± 0.2g/kg body weight. Sweet taste perception, explicit preference and implicit attitudes to sweet were assessed. In both studies salty taste was also assessed as a contrasting perception. Overweight/obese subjects perceived sweet and salty tastes as less intense (-23% and -19%, respectively) and reported higher IAT scores for sweet than normal-weight controls (2.1-fold). The supplementation changed sweet intensity/pleasantness ratings and it increased explicit preference (2.3-fold) for sweet in a subgroup of initial sucrose-dislikers. In conclusion, overweight/obese individuals are more implicitly attracted to sweet. One month of soft drink supplementation changed sweet taste perception of normal-weight subjects. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Weight loss significantly reduces serum lipocalin-2 levels in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Koiou, Ekaterini; Tziomalos, Konstantinos; Katsikis, Ilias; Kandaraki, Eleni A; Kalaitzakis, Emmanuil; Delkos, Dimitrios; Vosnakis, Christos; Panidis, Dimitrios

2012-01-01

Serum lipocalin-2 levels are elevated in obese patients. We assessed serum lipocalin-2 levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the effects of weight loss or metformin on these levels. Forty-seven overweight/obese patients with PCOS [body mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m(2)] were instructed to follow a low-calorie diet, to exercise and were given orlistat or sibutramine for 6 months. Twenty-five normal weight patients with PCOS (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) were treated with metformin for 6 months. Twenty-five normal weight and 25 overweight/obese healthy female volunteers comprised the control groups. Serum lipocalin-2 levels did not differ between overweight/obese patients with PCOS and overweight/obese controls (p = 0.258), or between normal weight patients with PCOS and normal weight controls (p = 0.878). Lipocalin-2 levels were higher in overweight/obese patients with PCOS than in normal weight patients with PCOS (p < 0.001). In overweight/obese patients with PCOS, weight loss resulted in a fall in lipocalin-2 levels (p < 0.001). In normal weight patients with PCOS, treatment with metformin did not affect lipocalin-2 levels (p = 0.484). In conclusion, PCOS per se is not associated with elevated lipocalin-2 levels. Weight loss induces a significant reduction in lipocalin-2 levels in overweight/obese patients with PCOS.

Impaired sexual maturation associated with sleep apnea syndrome during puberty: a case study.

PubMed

Mosko, S S; Lewis, E; Sassin, J F

1980-01-01

A 20-year-old hypogonadal man was discovered to have had obstructive sleep apnea syndrome--secondary to hypertrophied tonsils, adenoids, and uvula--spanning the years of puberty. All-night polysomnographic recordings and 24 hr measurements of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations (sampling at 20 min intervals) were performed before and after combined tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and uvulectomy. Two weeks preoperatively, nocturnal sleep was markedly disturbed by 407 apneic episodes, and the patient was found to be hypogonadotropic. Daytime LH concentrations were in the low-normal range for an adult male, and concentrations fell dramatically during nocturnal sleep. This contrasts with both the sleep-related elevation of LH normally seen in puberty and the adult pattern, where no difference is observed in mean concentrations during waking and sleep. Two week and 6 month postoperative evaluations revealed complete alleviation of the sleep apnea syndrome and normalization of the 24 hr pattern of plasma LH, although LH values remained in the low-normal range. Plasma testosterone concentrations were in the low to low-normal range both pre- and postoperatively. No evidence of continued sexual development, beyond that achieved preoperatively, was observed 20 months after surgery, despite continued relief from apnea. These data suggest that sleep apnea during puberty may impair sexual development by preventing the sleep-related elevation in LH secretion normally observed during a critical period spanning puberty.

[Serum soluble HLA-G, soluble CD30 is correlated to the time after transplantation in renal transplant recipients].

PubMed

Jin, Zhankui; Xu, Cuixiang; Duan, Wanli; Yang, Jiangcun; Tian, Puxun

2017-07-01

Objective To investigate the expressions of serum soluble human leukocyte antigen G (sHLA-G) and soluble CD30 (sCD30) in renal transplant recipients at different time after transplantation, and explore the relationship between the expressions of serum sHLA-G, sCD30 and the time after renal transplantation. Methods Eleven kidney transplant recipients and 10 healthy donors were selected, in which the dynamic changes of serum sHLA-G and sCD30 were detected by ELISA before transplantation and 1 year after transplantation; 33 kidney transplant recipients with normal renal graft were selected and divided into three groups: 1-5 years, 5-10 years and 10 years post-transplantation. The expressions of serum sHLA-G and sCD30 in the recipients were tested over one year after transplantation. Results The level of serum sHLA-G before transplantation was not significantly different from that of the control group. There was no significant difference between pre-transplantation, 1 week and 1 month after transplantation. Serum sHLA-G level of renal transplant recipients at 3 months after transplantation was higher than that 1 month after transplantation. There was no significant change in serum sHLA-G level among 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation. The level of serum sHLA-G in the group of transplant time >10 years was significantly higher than that in the group of transplant time ≤5 years. The serum sHLA-G level was significantly associated with the time after renal transplantation. The level of serum sCD30 before transplantation was higher than that in the control group and decreased in 1 week after transplantation. There were no significant differences in sCD30 level between 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation, and similarly, there were also no significant differences between the groups of transplant time ≤5 years, 5-10 years and 10 years after transplantation. The level of sCD30 was significantly associated with the time within 1 month after renal transplantation. Conclusion The serum sHLA-G in kidney transplant recipients with normal renal graft increased with the time after renal transplantation, while the serum sCD30 level was reduced within 1 month after renal transplantation.

Oximetry and indications for tracheotomy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PubMed

Bach, John Robert; Bianchi, Carlo; Aufiero, Elaine

2004-11-01

To explore the use of oximetry as a guide for using respiratory aids and tracheotomy in the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A retrospective review of all ALS patients presenting to a neuromuscular disease clinic since 1996. Patients who were symptomatic for nocturnal hypoventilation were prescribed noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Patients with assisted cough peak flows of < 300 L/min were prescribed oximeters and access to mechanically assisted coughing (MAC) to prevent or reverse decreases in baseline pulse oximetric saturation (Spo(2)) levels of < 95%. The number of decreases in baseline Spo(2) that could be normalized by any combination of NIV and MAC and the duration of normalization were recorded. When the baseline was not or could not be normalized, the time to acute respiratory failure and tracheotomy or death were recorded. Twenty-five patients became dependent on NIV, including 13 patients who received NIV continuously for a mean (+/- SD) period of 19.7 +/- 16.9 months, without desaturation (group 1). For another 76 patients, the daytime baseline Spo(2) level decreased to < 95% 78 times. For 41 patients, the baseline level was corrected by NIV/MAC (group 2) for a mean duration of 11.1 +/- 8.7 months before desaturation reoccurred for 27 patients. Of the latter patients, 11 underwent tracheotomy, 14 died in < 2 months, and 2 had their condition again corrected by the addition of MAC therapy. For 35 patients, the desaturation was not or could not be normalized (group 3). Thirty-three of these 35 patients required tracheotomy or died within 2 months. The only significant difference between groups 1 and 2 and group 3 was significantly poorer glottic function in the patients in group 3. Tracheotomy or death is highly likely within 2 months of a decrease in baseline Spo(2) that cannot be corrected by NIV or MAC. The long-term use of NIV and MAC, and the avoidance of tracheotomy is dependent on glottic function rather than on inspiratory or expiratory muscle failure.

Decreased head circumference velocity as related to developmental deficit in infancy.

PubMed

Tal, Galit; Cohen, Ayala; Habib, Sonia; Tirosh, Emanuel

2012-11-01

We evaluated the significance of head circumference growth velocity as related to developmental deficits during infancy. Head circumferences, lengths, and developmental diagnoses were retrieved in a standard manner at ≥ 2 time points from 437 infants with developmental deficits, and 3909 normally developing infants. Infants' ages ranged from 1-24 months, with final diagnoses ascertained at age 24 months. Increased velocity during the first 2 months in typical infants was evident in the study group during the period 2-4 months. A differential head circumference growth velocity was observed, and infants diagnosed with motor delay presented decreased velocity between ages 2-4 months, compared with infants receiving other nonmotor developmental diagnoses. These differences remained after controlling for birth weight and length. No significant sex effect was evident. Infants with developmental deficits demonstrate delayed acceleration of head circumference velocity, compared with typical infants in the first 2 months. Infants with motor delay manifest decreased velocity, compared with infants presenting other developmental deficits. These differences may be related to delayed white matter maturation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Collateral development and spinal motor reorganization after nerve injury and repair

PubMed Central

Yu, Youlai; Zhang, Peixun; Han, Na; Kou, Yuhui; Yin, Xiaofeng; Jiang, Baoguo

2016-01-01

Functional recovery is often unsatisfactory after severe extended nerve defects or proximal nerve trunks injuries repaired by traditional repair methods, as the long regeneration distance for the regenerated axons to reinnervate their original target end-organs. The proximal nerve stump can regenerate with many collaterals that reinnervate the distal stump after peripheral nerve injury, it may be possible to use nearby fewer nerve fibers to repair more nerve fibers at the distal end to shorten the regenerating distance. In this study, the proximal peroneal nerve was used to repair both the distal peroneal and tibial nerve. The number and location of motor neurons in spinal cord as well as functional and morphological recovery were assessed at 2 months, 4 months and 8 months after nerve repair, respectively. Projections from the intact peroneal and tibial nerves were also studied in normal animals. The changes of motor neurons were assessed using the retrograde neurotracers FG and DiI to backlabel motor neurons that regenerate axons into two different pathways. To evaluate the functional recovery, the muscle forces and sciatic function index were examined. The muscles and myelinated axons were assessed using electrophysiology and histology. The results showed that all labeled motor neurons after nerve repair were always confined within the normal peroneal nerve pool and nearly all the distribution of motor neurons labeled via distal different nerves was disorganized as compared to normal group. However, there was a significant decline in the number of double labeled motor neurons and an obvious improvement with respect to the functional and morphological recovery between 2 and 8 months. In addition, the tibial/peroneal motor neuron number ratio at different times was 2.11±0.05, 2.13±0.08, 2.09±0.12, respectively, and was close to normal group (2.21±0.09). Quantitative analysis showed no significant morphological differences between myelinated nerve fibers regenerated along the two distal nerves except for the number of nerve fibers, which was higher in the tibial nerve. The ratio of distal regenerated axon numbers to proximal donor nerve axon numbers was about 3.95±0.10, 4.06±0.19 and 3.87±0.23, respectively. This study demonstrated that fewer nerve fibers can regenerate a large number of collaterals which successfully repopulate both distal nerves and lead to the partial recovery of lost functions. It may provide a new method to repair severe extended nerve defects or proximal nerve trunks injuries. PMID:27508011

Macular auto-fluorescence is a follow-up parameter for cystoids macular edema.

PubMed

Zhang, XinYuan; Gong, XiaoHong; Wang, YanHong; Wang, NingLi

2015-08-01

This study aimed to evaluate if macular autofluorescence (MAF) is a valuable, non-invasive follow-up parameter for cystoid macular edema. A total of 71 eyes (71 cases) with cystoid macular edema (CME) were included in the study. Macular pigment (MP) was evaluated using HRA2 (infrared) IF and FA models. The density of MP was graded into three categories: without, partial, and normal amount of MP. A comparison was made between the baseline (before the first administration) level and at the fourth month, following three consecutive intravitreal lucentis injections every month. The morphology and distribution of MAF, and the density and distribution of MP were regarded as the main outcome measures. At the baseline visit, all eyes with CME had petaloid/irregular-shaped MAF in the macular area (100%). No MAF was detected in the control eyes (0). There was significant difference in MAF between the CME and normal groups (P=0.000). At the fourth monthly visit, normal levels of MP density without MAF was detected in 68 eyes (95.8%) with the best corrected spectacular visual acuity increasing to at least 1 line accordingly. We conclude that macular MAF can be used as a follow-up parameter for patients with CME. MP and MAF can indirectly reflect the fovea cone function.

Multifocal electroretinogram and Optical Coherence tomography spectral-domain in arc welding macular injury: a case report.

PubMed

Cellini, Mauro; Gattegna, Roberto; Toschi, Pier Giorgio; Strobbe, Ernesto; Campos, Emilio C

2011-12-30

the purpose of this study was to report a binocular photic retinal injury induced by plasma arc welding and the follow-up after treatment with vitamin supplements for a month. In our study, we used different diagnostic tools such as fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). in the first visit after five days from arc welding injury in the left eye (LE) the visual acuity was 0.9 and 1.0 in the right eye (RE). FA was normal in both eyes. OCT in the left eye showed normal profile and normal reflectivity and one month later, a hyperreflectivity appeared in the external limiting membrane (ELM). The mfERG signal in the LE was 102.30 nV/deg2 five days after the injury and 112.62 nV/deg2 after one month and in the RE respectively 142.70 nV/deg2 and 159.46 nV/deg2. in cases of retinal photo injury it is important for the ophthalmologist to evaluate tests such as OCT and the mfERG in the diagnosis and follow-up of the patient because the recovery of visual acuity cannot exclude the persistence of phototoxic damage charged to the complex inner-outer segment of photoreceptors.

Postnatal progression of bone disease in the cervical spines of mucopolysaccharidosis I dogs

PubMed Central

Chiaro, Joseph A; Baron, Matthew D; del Alcazar, Chelsea; O’Donnell, Patricia; Shore, Eileen M; Elliott, Dawn M; Ponder, Katherine P; Haskins, Mark E; Smith, Lachlan J

2013-01-01

Introduction Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by deficient α-L-iduronidase activity leading to accumulation of poorly degraded dermatan and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). MPS I is associated with significant cervical spine disease, including vertebral dysplasia, odontoid hypoplasia, and accelerated disc degeneration, leading to spinal cord compression and kypho-scoliosis. The objective of this study was to establish the nature and rate of progression of cervical vertebral bone disease in MPS I using a canine model. Methods C2 vertebrae were obtained post-mortem from normal and MPS I dogs at 3, 6 and 12 months-of-age. Morphometric parameters and mineral density for the vertebral trabecular bone and odontoid process were determined using micro-computed tomography. Vertebrae were then processed for paraffin histology, and cartilage area in both the vertebral epiphyses and odontoid process were quantified. Results Vertebral bodies of MPS I dogs had lower trabecular bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N) and bone mineral density (BMD) than normals at all ages. For MPS I dogs, BV/TV, Tb.Th and BMD plateaued after 6 months-of-age. The odontoid process appeared morphologically abnormal for MPS I dogs at 6 and 12 months-of-age, although BV/TV and TMD were not significantly different from normals. MPS I dogs had significantly more cartilage in the vertebral epiphyses at both 3 and 6 months-of-age. At 12 months-of-age, epiphyseal growth plates in normal dogs were absent, but in MPS I dogs they persisted. Conclusions In this study we report reduced trabecular bone content and mineralization, and delayed cartilage to bone conversion in MPS I dogs from 3 months-of-age, which may increase vertebral fracture risk and contribute to progressive deformity. The abnormalities of the odontoid process we describe likely contribute to increased incidence of atlanto-axial subluxation observed clinically. Therapeutic strategies that enhance bone formation may decrease incidence of spine disease in MPS I patients. PMID:23563357

[Research on activity evolution of cerebral cortex and hearing rehabilitation of congenitally deaf children after cochlear implant].

PubMed

Wang, X J; Liang, M J; Zhang, J P; Huang, H; Zheng, Y Q

2017-11-05

Objective: There is a significant difference in the hearing rehabilitation between the congenitally deaf children after cochlear implant(CI). The intrinsic mechanism that affects the hearing rehabilitation in patients was discussed from the perspective of evoked EEG source activity. Method: Firstly, we collected the ERP data from 23 patients and 10 control group children during 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after CI. According to the hearing rehabilitation during 12 months after CI, the patients were divided into two groups: rehabilitation of "the good" and "the poor". Then we used sLORETA to show the changes in the groups of patients' cerebral cortex and compared with the control group. Result: Cross-modal reorganization of cerebral cortex exists in the congenitally deaf children. The cross-modal reorganization gradually degraded and the activity of the relevant cortex followed by normally after CI. There was a statistically significant difference( P < 0.05) in the temporal lobe and the associated cortex around parietal lobe between "the good" and "the poor" groups after 12 months. Conclusion: The normalization of the cross-modal reorganization in patients reflects the hearing rehabilitation after CI, especially the normalization of the activity of the temporal lobe and the associated cortex around parietal lobe, which influences the rehabilitation effect of the auditory function to some extent. This research demonstrated the detection of the mechanism has important significance for the hearing recovery training and evaluation of the hearing rehabilitation after CI. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

The effect of cinacalcet on bone remodeling and renal function in transplant patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism.

PubMed

Schwarz, Anke; Merkel, Saskia; Leitolf, Holger; Haller, Hermann

2011-03-15

Parathyroidectomy is associated with renal functional losses in transplant patients; cinacalcet offers an attractive alternative. We performed a prospective observational study in 58 patients with persisting hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation (Ca≥2.6 mmol/L) and impaired renal transplant function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <50 mL/min). The patients received 30 to 90 mg cinacalcet for 12 months with the target to normalize serum Ca. We measured parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum Ca, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and telopeptide at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of cinacalcet treatment. Fractional excretion of calcium and phosphorus (n=24) were monitored at 0 and 1 month. At inclusion, creatinine was 181±70 μmol/L, eGFR 43±19 mL/min, PTH 371±279 pg/mL, and Ca 2.73±0.22 mmol/L. We observed nephrocalcinosis in 58% of biopsied patients at enrollment. After cinacalcet, Ca decreased significantly and normalized at nearly any measurement. Phosphorus increased significantly at months 1, 9, and 12. PTH decreased significantly, but only at months 9 and 12 and did not normalize. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase increased significantly (>normal) by month 12. eGFR decreased and serum creatinine increased at all time points. The Δ(creatinine) % increase correlated significantly with the Δ(PTH) % decrease at month 1 and 12. Telopeptide and alkaline phosphatase correlated with PTH and telopeptide also correlated with serum creatinine. Calcium-phosphorus homeostasis in hypercalcemic renal transplant patients normalizes under cinacalcet and PTH decreases, albeit not to normal. The renal functional decline could be PTH mediated, analogous to the effects observed after parathyroidectomy.

[Quantitative analysis method based on fractal theory for medical imaging of normal brain development in infants].

PubMed

Li, Heheng; Luo, Liangping; Huang, Li

2011-02-01

The present paper is aimed to study the fractal spectrum of the cerebral computerized tomography in 158 normal infants of different age groups, based on the calculation of chaotic theory. The distribution range of neonatal period was 1.88-1.90 (mean = 1.8913 +/- 0.0064); It reached a stable condition at the level of 1.89-1.90 during 1-12 months old (mean = 1.8927 +/- 0.0045); The normal range of 1-2 years old infants was 1.86-1.90 (mean = 1.8863 +/- 4 0.0085); It kept the invariance of the quantitative value among 1.88-1.91(mean = 1.8958 +/- 0.0083) during 2-3 years of age. ANOVA indicated there's no significant difference between boys and girls (F = 0.243, P > 0.05), but the difference of age groups was significant (F = 8.947, P < 0.001). The fractal dimension of cerebral computerized tomography in normal infants computed by box methods was maintained at an efficient stability from 1.86 to 1.91. It indicated that there exit some attractor modes in pediatric brain development.

Effects of long-term exercise training on autonomic control in myocardial infarction patients.

PubMed

Martinez, Daniel G; Nicolau, José C; Lage, Rony L; Toschi-Dias, Edgar; de Matos, Luciana D N J; Alves, Maria Janieire N N; Trombetta, Ivani C; Dias da Silva, Valdo J; Middlekauff, Holly R; Negrão, Carlos E; Rondon, Maria U P B

2011-12-01

Autonomic dysfunction, including baroreceptor attenuation and sympathetic activation, has been reported in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and has been associated with increased mortality. We tested the hypotheses that exercise training (ET) in post-MI patients would normalize arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and long-term ET would maintain the benefits in BRS and MSNA. Twenty-eight patients after 1 month of uncomplicated MI were randomly assigned to 2 groups, ET (MI-ET) and untrained. A normal control group was also studied. ET consisted of three 60-minute exercise sessions per week for 6 months. We evaluated MSNA (microneurography), blood pressure (automatic oscillometric method), heart rate (ECG), and spectral analysis of RR interval, systolic arterial pressure (SAP), and MSNA. Baroreflex gain of SAP-RR interval and SAP-MSNA were calculated using the α-index. At 3 to 5 days and 1 month after MI, MSNA and low-frequency SAP were significantly higher and BRS significantly lower in MI patients when compared with the normal control group. ET significantly decreased MSNA (bursts per 100 heartbeats) and the low-frequency component of SAP and significantly increased the low-frequency component of MSNA and BRS of the RR interval and MSNA. These changes were so marked that the differences between patients with MI and the normal control group were no longer observed after ET. MSNA and BRS in the MI-untrained group did not change from baseline over the same time period. ET normalizes BRS, low-frequency SAP, and MSNA in patients with MI. These improvements in autonomic control are maintained by long-term ET. These findings highlight the clinical importance of this nonpharmacological therapy based on ET in the long-term treatment of patients with MI.

Statistical procedures for evaluating daily and monthly hydrologic model predictions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coffey, M.E.; Workman, S.R.; Taraba, J.L.; Fogle, A.W.

2004-01-01

The overall study objective was to evaluate the applicability of different qualitative and quantitative methods for comparing daily and monthly SWAT computer model hydrologic streamflow predictions to observed data, and to recommend statistical methods for use in future model evaluations. Statistical methods were tested using daily streamflows and monthly equivalent runoff depths. The statistical techniques included linear regression, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, nonparametric tests, t-test, objective functions, autocorrelation, and cross-correlation. None of the methods specifically applied to the non-normal distribution and dependence between data points for the daily predicted and observed data. Of the tested methods, median objective functions, sign test, autocorrelation, and cross-correlation were most applicable for the daily data. The robust coefficient of determination (CD*) and robust modeling efficiency (EF*) objective functions were the preferred methods for daily model results due to the ease of comparing these values with a fixed ideal reference value of one. Predicted and observed monthly totals were more normally distributed, and there was less dependence between individual monthly totals than was observed for the corresponding predicted and observed daily values. More statistical methods were available for comparing SWAT model-predicted and observed monthly totals. The 1995 monthly SWAT model predictions and observed data had a regression Rr2 of 0.70, a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.41, and the t-test failed to reject the equal data means hypothesis. The Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient and the R r2 coefficient were the preferred methods for monthly results due to the ability to compare these coefficients to a set ideal value of one.

The Measurement of the Sensory Recovery Period in Zygoma and Blow-Out Fractures with Neurometer Current Perception Threshold.

PubMed

Oh, Daemyung; Yun, Taebin; Kim, Junhyung; Choi, Jaehoon; Jeong, Woonhyeok; Chu, Hojun; Lee, Soyoung

2016-09-01

Facial hypoesthesia is one of the most troublesome complaints in the management of facial bone fractures. However, there is a lack of literature on facial sensory recovery after facial trauma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the facial sensory recovery period for facial bone fractures using Neurometer. Sixty-three patients who underwent open reduction of zygomatic and blowout fractures between December 2013 and July 2015 were included in the study. The facial sensory status of the patients was repeatedly examined preoperatively and postoperatively by Neurometer current perception threshold (CPT) until the results were normalized. Among the 63 subjects, 30 patients had normal Neurometer results preoperatively and postoperatively. According to fracture types, 17 patients with blowout fracture had a median recovery period of 0.25 months. Twelve patients with zygomatic fracture had a median recovery period of 1.00 month. Four patients with both fracture types had a median recovery period of 0.625 months. The median recovery period of all 33 patients was 0.25 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the sensory recovery period between types and subgroups of zygomatic and blowout fractures. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the sensory recovery period according to Neurometer results and the patients' own subjective reports. Neurometer CPT is effective for evaluating and comparing preoperative and postoperative facial sensory status and evaluating the sensory recovery period in facial bone fracture patients.

Neuronal Function in Male Sprague Dawley Rats During Normal Ageing.

PubMed

Idowu, A J; Olatunji-Bello, I I; Olagunju, J A

2017-03-06

During normal ageing, there are physiological changes especially in high energy demanding tissues including the brain and skeletal muscles. Ageing may disrupt homeostasis and allow tissue vulnerability to disease. To establish an appropriate animal model which is readily available and will be useful to test therapeutic strategies during normal ageing, we applied behavioral approaches to study age-related changes in memory and motor function as a basis for neuronal function in ageing in male Sprague Dawley rats. 3 months, n=5; 6 months, n=5 and 18 months, n=5 male Sprague Dawley Rats were tested using the Novel Object Recognition Task (NORT) and the Elevated plus Maze (EPM) Test. Data was analyzed by ANOVA and the Newman-Keuls post hoc test. The results showed an age-related gradual decline in exploratory behavior and locomotor activity with increasing age in 3 months, 6 months and 18 months old rats, although the values were not statistically significant, but grooming activity significantly increased with increasing age. Importantly, we established a novel finding that the minimum distance from the novel object was statistically significant between 3 months and 18 months old rats and this may be an index for age-related memory impairment in the NORT. Altogether, we conclude that the male Sprague Dawley rat show age-related changes in neuronal function and may be a useful model for carrying out investigations into the mechanisms involved in normal ageing.

Inactivation mechanisms of pathogenic bacteria in several matrixes during the composting process in a composting toilet.

PubMed

Sossou, S K; Hijikata, N; Sou, M; Tezuka, R; Maiga, A H; Funamizu, N

2014-01-01

This study aimed to compare the inactivation rate and the mechanisms of pathogenic bacteria in three matrixes (sawdust, rice husk and charcoal) during the composting process. The inactivation rate was evaluated with Escherichia coli strain and the damaged parts and/or functions were evaluated with three different media. Normalized inactivation rate constant in three media and from three matrixes had no significant difference in each process (pure, 1 month and 2 months). The value in rice husk was relatively increased during 2 months but there was no significant difference. The inactivation rate constants of Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) and Compact Dry E. coli/Coliform in pure sawdust and rice husk were relatively lower than that of Desoxycholate Agar, but increased in 2 months. This indicated that damaging part was changed from outer membrane to enzymes and metabolisms during the 2-month composting process. In the case of charcoal, only the TSA value in apure matrix was relatively lower than that of others, but it increased in 2 months. This indicated that damaging part was changed from outer membrane and enzyme to metabolisms during the composting process. Composting matrix and composting process did not significantly affect inactivation rate of pathogenic bacteria during the process but affected the damaging part of the bacteria.

Word Learning in Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants: Effects of Early Auditory Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houston, Derek M.; Stewart, Jessica; Moberly, Aaron; Hollich, George; Miyamoto, Richard T.

2012-01-01

Word-learning skills were tested in normal-hearing 12- to 40-month-olds and in deaf 22- to 40-month-olds 12 to 18 months after cochlear implantation. Using the Intermodal Preferential Looking Paradigm (IPLP), children were tested for their ability to learn two novel-word/novel-object pairings. Normal-hearing children demonstrated learning on this…

Infant Response to the Still-Face Situation at 3 and 6 Months.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toda, Sueko; Fogel, Alan

1993-01-01

Observed the behavior of 37 infants in response to their mothers' normal and still face. Infants reduced their smiling and increased their gazing away from mother during the still face condition compared to normal face condition. Compared to three month olds, six month olds were more likely to use hand activities while gazing away from mother. (MM)

Maternal OGTT Glucose Levels at 26–30 Gestational Weeks with Offspring Growth and Development in Early Infancy

PubMed Central

Liu, Gongshu; Li, Nan; Sun, Shurong; Wen, Jing; Lyu, Fengjun; Gao, Wen; Li, Lili; Chen, Fang; Baccarelli, Andrea A.; Hou, Lifang

2014-01-01

Aims. We aim to evaluate the association of maternal gestational oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose concentrations with anthropometry in the offspring from birth to 12 months in Tianjin, China. Methods. A total of 27,157 pregnant women underwent OGTT during 26–30 weeks gestation, and their children had body weight/length measured from birth to 12 months old. Results. Maternal OGTT glucose concentrations at 26–30 gestational weeks were positively associated with Z-scores for birth length-for-gestational age and birth weight-for-length. Compared with infants born to mothers with normal glucose tolerance, infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (impaired glucose tolerance/new diabetes) had higher mean values of Z-scores for birth length-for-gestational age (0.07/0.23; normal group −0.08) and birth weight-for-length (0.27/0.57; normal group −0.001), smaller changes in mean values of Z-scores for length-for-age (0.75/0.62; normal group 0.94) and weight-for-length (0.18/−0.17; normal group 0.37) from birth to month 3, and bigger changes in mean values in Z-scores for weight-for-length (0.07/0.12; normal group 0.02) from month 9 to 12. Conclusions. Abnormal maternal glucose tolerance during pregnancy was associated with higher birth weight and birth length, less weight and length gain in the first 3 months of life, and more weight gain in the months 9–12 of life. PMID:24689042

Maternal Obesity, Overweight and Gestational Diabetes Affect the Offspring Neurodevelopment at 6 and 18 Months of Age--A Follow Up from the PREOBE Cohort.

PubMed

Torres-Espinola, Francisco J; Berglund, Staffan K; García-Valdés, Luz Ma; Segura, Ma Teresa; Jerez, Antonio; Campos, Daniel; Moreno-Torres, Rosario; Rueda, Ricardo; Catena, Andrés; Pérez-García, Miguel; Campoy, Cristina

2015-01-01

Brain development in fetal life and early infancy is critical to determine lifelong performance in various neuropsychological domains. Metabolic pathologies such as overweight, obesity, and gestational diabetes in pregnant women are prevalent and increasing risk factors that may adversely affect long-term brain development in their offspring. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of maternal metabolic pathologies on the neurodevelopment of the offspring at 6 and 18 months of life. This was a prospective case-control study of 331 mother- and child pairs from Granada, Spain. The mothers were included during pregnancy into four groups according to their pre-gestational body mass index and their gestational diabetes status; overweight (n:56), obese (n:64), gestational diabetic (n:79), and healthy normal weight controls (n:132). At 6 months and 18 months we assessed the children with the Bayley III scales of neurodevelopment. At 6 months (n=215), we found significant group differences in cognition composite language, and expressive language. Post hoc test revealed unexpectedly higher scores in the obese group compared to the normal weight group and a similar trend in overweight and diabetic group. The effects on language remained significant after adjusting for confounders with an adjusted odds ratio for a value above median in composite language score of 3.3 (95% CI: 1.1, 10.0; p=0.035) for children of obese mothers. At 18 month (n=197), the offspring born to obese mothers had lost five points in language composite scores and the previous differences in language and cognition was replaced by a suggestive trend of lower gross motor scores in the overweight, obese, and diabetic groups. Infants of obese mothers had a temporary accelerated development of cognition and language, followed by a rapid deceleration until 18 months of age, particularly of language scores. This novel observation prompts further confirmative studies to explore possible placental and neurodevelopmental mechanisms involved.

Probiotics prophylaxis in pyelonephritis infants with normal urinary tracts.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Joo; Cha, Jihae; Lee, Jung Won

2016-11-01

Pyelonephritis in infants is considered as a major factor for the formation of renal scar. To prevent recurrent pyelonephritis and renal damage, prophylaxis is extremely important. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of probiotic and antibiotic prophylaxis or no-prophylaxis in infants with pyelonephritis and normal urinary tract. Altogether 191 infants, who were diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis, proven to have normal urinary tracts and followed up for 6 months on prophylaxis, were retrospectively evaluated. According to the types of prophylaxis, the infants were divided into three groups [probiotics (Lactobacillus species), antibiotics (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, TMP/SMX), and noprophylaxis]. The incidence of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) during 6 months after the development of pyelonephritis, main causative uropathogens, and its antimicrobial sensitivities were compared. The incidence of recurrent UTI in the probiotic group was 8.2%, which was significantly lower than 20.6% in the no-prophylaxis group (P=0.035) and was not significantly different from 10.0% of the antibiotic group (P=0.532). The significant difference between the probiotic and no-prophylaxis groups was seen only in male infants (P=0.032). The main causative organism of recurrent UTI was Escherichia coli (E.coli), which was not different among the three groups (P=0.305). The resistance rate of E. coli to TMP/SMX was 100% in the antibiotic group, which was significantly higher than 25.0% in the probiotic group and 41.7% in the no-prophylaxis group (P=0.008). Probiotic prophylaxis was more effective in infants with pyelonephritis and normal urinary tract than in those with no-prophylaxis. It could be used as a natural alternative to antibiotic prophylaxis.

Period for Normalization of Voice Acoustic Parameters in Indian Pediatric Cochlear Implantees.

PubMed

Joy, Jeena V; Deshpande, Shweta; Vaid, Dr Neelam

2017-05-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the duration required by children with cochlear implants to approximate the norms of voice acoustic parameters. The study design is retrospective. Thirty children with cochlear implants (chronological ages ranging between 4.1 and 6.7 years) were divided into three groups, based on the postimplantation duration. Ten normal-hearing children (chronological ages ranging between 4 and 7 years) were selected as the control group. All implanted children underwent an objective voice analysis using Dr. Speech software (Tiger DRS, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) at 6 months and at 1 and 2 years of implant use. Voice analysis was done for the children in the control group and means were derived for all the parameters analyzed to obtain the normal values. Habitual fundamental frequency (HFF), jitter (frequency variation), and shimmer (amplitude variation) were the voice acoustic parameters analyzed for the vowels |a|, |i|, and |u|. The obtained values of these parameters were then compared with the norms. HFF for the children with implant use for 6 months and 1 year did significantly differ from the control group. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.5) observed in the children with implant use for 2 years, thus matching the norms. Jitter and shimmer showed a significant difference (P < 0.5) even at 2 years of implant use when compared with the control group. The findings of the study divulge that children with cochlear implants approximate age-matched normal-hearing kids with respect to the voice acoustic parameter of HFF by 2 years of implant use. However, jitter and shimmer were not found to stabilize for the duration studied. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

West Bank of the Mississippi River in the Vicinity of New Orleans, Louisiana (East of the Harvey Canal) Hurricane Protection Study. Technical Appendixes. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

ANNUAL PRECIPITATION, 30-YEAR NORMALS (1951-1980) A-I-3 A-I-2 MEAN MONTHLY AND ANNUAL TEMPERATURE , 30-YEAR NORMALS (1951-1980) A-I-4 A-1-3 AVERAGE ...Environmental Quality (DEQ). CLIMATE The climate of the area is humid si!btropicl. AMual average temperature in the project area is 68°F, with monthly...normal temperatures varying from 82’F in July to 531F in Januwry. Average annual precipitation over tae area is 63 inche!, maiying from a monthly

Climatological Modeling of Monthly Air Temperature and Precipitation in Egypt through GIS Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Kenawy, A.

2009-09-01

This paper describes a method for modeling and mapping four climatic variables (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and total precipitation) in Egypt using a multiple regression approach implemented in a GIS environment. In this model, a set of variables including latitude, longitude, elevation within a distance of 5, 10 and 15 km, slope, aspect, distance to the Mediterranean Sea, distance to the Red Sea, distance to the Nile, ratio between land and water masses within a radius of 5, 10, 15 km, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), the Normalized Difference Temperature Index (NDTI) and reflectance are included as independent variables. These variables were integrated as raster layers in MiraMon software at a spatial resolution of 1 km. Climatic variables were considered as dependent variables and averaged from quality controlled and homogenized 39 series distributing across the entire country during the period of (1957-2006). For each climatic variable, digital and objective maps were finally obtained using the multiple regression coefficients at monthly, seasonal and annual timescale. The accuracy of these maps were assessed through cross-validation between predicted and observed values using a set of statistics including coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean bias Error (MBE) and D Willmott statistic. These maps are valuable in the sense of spatial resolution as well as the number of observatories involved in the current analysis.

Developmental milestones record - 6 months

MedlinePlus

Normal childhood growth milestones - 6 months; Childhood growth milestones - 6 months; Growth milestones for children - 6 months ... the weight on hands (often occurs by 4 months) Able to pick up a dropped object Able ...

Estimation of the Earth's gravity field by combining normal equation matrices from GRACE and SLR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haberkorn, Christoph; Bloßfeld, Mathis; Bouman, Johannes

2014-05-01

Since 2002, GRACE observes the Earth's gravity field with a spatial resolution up to 150 km. The main goal of this mission is the determination of temporal variations in the Earth's gravity field to detect mass displacements. The GRACE mission consists of two identical satellites, which observe the range along the line of sight of both satellites. GRACE observations can be linked with the Earth's gravitational potential, which is expressed in terms of spherical harmonics for global solutions. However, the estimation of low degree coefficients is difficult with GRACE. In contrast to gravity field missions, which observe the gravity field with high spectral resolution, SLR data allow to estimate the lower degree coefficients. Therefore, the coefficient C20 is often replaced by a value derived from Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR). Instead of replacing C20, it can be determined consistently by a combined estimation using GRACE and SLR data. We compute monthly normal equation (NEQ) matrices for GRACE and SLR. Coefficients from monthly GRACE gravity field models of different institutions (Center for Space Research (CSR), USA, Geoforschungszentrum Potsdam (GFZ), Germany and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), USA) and coefficients from monthly gravity field models of our SLR processing are then combined using the NEQ matrices from both techniques. We will evaluate several test scenarios with gravity field models from different institutions and with different set ups for the SLR NEQ matrices. The effect of the combination on the estimated gravity field will be analysed and presented.

Environmental variability and child growth in Nepal.

PubMed

Shively, Gerald; Sununtnasuk, Celeste; Brown, Molly

2015-09-01

Data from the 2011 Nepal Demographic Health Survey are combined with satellite remotely sensed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data to evaluate whether interannual variability in weather is associated with child health. For stunting, we focus on children older than 24 months of age. NDVI anomaly averages during cropping months are evaluated during the year before birth, the year of birth, and the second year after birth. For wasting, we assess children under 59 months of age and relate growth to NDVI averages for the current and most recent growing periods. Correlations between short-run indicators of child growth and intensity of green vegetation are generally positive. Regressions that control for a range of child-, mother- and household-specific characteristics produce mixed evidence regarding the role of NDVI anomalies during critical periods in a child's early life and the subsequent probability of stunting and wasting. Overall findings suggest that the relationship between environmental conditions and child growth are heterogeneous across the landscape in Nepal and, in many cases, highly non-linear and sensitive to departures from normality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma IGF-I, INSL3, testosterone, inhibin concentrations and scrotal circumferences surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls with normal and abnormal semen.

PubMed

Weerakoon, W W P N; Sakase, M; Kawate, N; Hannan, M A; Kohama, N; Tamada, H

2018-07-01

The relationships between semen abnormalities and peripheral concentrations of testicular and metabolic hormones in beef bulls are unclear. Here we compared plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), testosterone, inhibin concentrations, and scrotal circumferences surrounding puberty in Japanese Black beef bulls (n = 66) with normal or abnormal semen. We collected blood samples and measured scrotal circumferences monthly from 4 to 24 months of age. Semen was collected weekly from 12 months until at least 18 months of age. Fresh semen was evaluated for semen volume, sperm motility, concentrations, and morphological defects. The normal fresh semen was frozen by a standard method and examined for post-thaw sperm motility and fertility. Bulls were classified as having either normal post-thaw semen (n = 45) or abnormal semen (n = 21, when at least one of the above test items was abnormal for 6 months). Abnormal semen was classified into abnormal fresh or low-fertility post-thaw which evaluated for rates of transferable embryos. The abnormal fresh was categorized as having sperm morphological defects, low motility, and morphological defects plus low motility. Scrotal circumferences were smaller for the abnormal-semen group vs. the normal-semen group at 20 and 24 months (p < 0.05). Plasma IGF-I, INSL3, and inhibin concentrations in the abnormal-semen group were lower than those of the normal-semen group (p < 0.05) surrounding puberty (4-6, 8, 18-22, and 24 months for IGF-I; 6, 9, 11-14, 17, and 20-21 months for INSL3; 5, 8-13, 16, 17, 19, and 20 months for inhibin). The plasma testosterone concentrations were lower in the abnormal-semen bulls vs. normal-semen bulls only at 22 months (p < 0.05). Analyses of the classified abnormal semen showed lower plasma INSL3 concentrations for morphological defects plus low motility in fresh semen (p < 0.05) and lower IGF-I and inhibin concentrations for low-fertility post-thaw semen (p < 0.05) compared to the normal semen. Our results suggest that reduced secretions of IGF-I, INSL3, and inhibin surrounding puberty may be associated with semen aberration in beef bulls. Notably, the combined sperm abnormality of morphological defects and low motility in fresh semen could involve lowered INSL3, whereas the low-fertility post-thaw semen might be related to decreases of IGF-I and/or inhibin. Pre-puberty blood IGF-I, INSL3 and inhibin concentrations could be used as indicators to predict aberrant semen in beef bulls. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measuring lip force by oral screens. Part 1: Importance of screen size and individual variability.

PubMed

Wertsén, Madeleine; Stenberg, Manne

2017-06-01

To reduce drooling and facilitate food transport in rehabilitation of patients with oral motor dysfunction, lip force can be trained using an oral screen. Longitudinal studies evaluating the effect of training require objective methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate a method for measuring lip strength, to investigate normal values and fluctuation of lip force in healthy adults on 1 occasion and over time, to study how the size of the screen affects the force, to evaluate the most appropriate measure of reliability, and to identify force performed in relation to gender. Three different sizes of oral screens were used to measure the lip force for 24 healthy adults on 3 different occasions, during a period of 6 months, using an apparatus based on strain gauge. The maximum lip force as evaluated with this method depends on the area of the screen size. By calculating the projected area of the screen, the lip force could be normalized to an oral screen pressure quantity expressed in kPa, which can be used for comparing measurements from screens with different sizes. Both the mean value and standard deviation were shown to vary between individuals. The study showed no differences regarding gender and only small variation with age. Normal variation over time (months) may be up to 3 times greater than the standard error of measurement at a certain occasion. The lip force increases in relation to the projected area of the screen. No general standard deviation can be assigned to the method and all measurements should be analyzed individually based on oral screen pressure to compensate for different screen sizes.

Blood pressure measurement reliability among different racial-ethnic groups in a stroke prevention study.

PubMed

Estol, Conrado J; Bath, Philip M W; Gorelick, Philip B; Cotton, Daniel; Martin, Renee H; Weber, Michael A; Dahlof, Bjorn

2014-10-01

High blood pressure (BP) is commonly not diagnosed, and patients do not achieve target values when treated. Among 20,000 patients encompassing most races-ethnicities, we evaluated BP measurements and treatment response in a stroke prevention trial. Our goal was to identify BP measurement differences between clinical trial and patient determinations and among the racial-ethnic groups. A total of 20,332 patients with ischemic stroke were randomized to receive antiplatelet treatment and 80 mg of telmisartan versus placebo. BP measurements were obtained at the first clinic visit and then 1 and 3 months later and every 6 months thereafter. One week after the first clinic visit, patients were requested to report a BP measurement obtained elsewhere. Measurements at the trial clinics were obtained with the same electronic device. Statistical analysis was used to detect significant differences. The mean patient age was 66 years; 36% were women, and race-ethnicity comprised 58% Whites, 33% Asian, 4.9% Hispanic, and 4% Black. Overall, 74% of patients were hypertensive. BP varied between the race-ethnicity groups, being highest in Hispanics (145/85) and lowest in Blacks (144/82). BP at visits clinic 1, nonclinic 1A, and clinic 2 were, respectively, 144/84, 137/80, and 139/81 mmHg, with the difference between visits 1-2 and visit 1A being significant. BPs were normal in 42% of the cases at visit 1A, and of these, only 44% were normal at visit 1 and 57.6% were normal on visit 2. Similar findings were noted for all race-ethnicity groups. BP values varied among race-ethnicities and showed differences between clinic and patient measurements. This finding questions the reliability of self-reported BP and has implications for BP management in daily clinical practice.

Erythrocyte membrane cholesterol and lipid core growth in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis: modulatory effects of rosuvastatin.

PubMed

Tziakas, Dimitrios; Chalikias, Georgios; Kapelouzou, Alkistis; Tentes, Ioannis; Schäfer, Katrin; Karayannakos, Panagiotis; Kostakis, Alkiviadis; Boudoulas, Harissios; Konstantinides, Stavros

2013-12-10

Lipid core expansion is partly responsible for the conversion of a stable atherosclerotic lesion to a rupture-prone plaque. Intraplaque hemorrhage contributes to the accumulation of cholesterol within unstable plaques. In the present study, we investigated, using a rabbit model of atherosclerosis, the extent to which diet-induced increases in cholesterol content of erythrocyte membranes (CEM) contribute to lipid core expansion and the modulatory effect of rosuvastatin use. Rabbits fed with atherogenic diet (0.75% cholesterol) for 5 months exhibited advanced atherosclerotic lesions (mean plaque area, 0.39 ± 0.03 mm(2)), and lipid core size was associated with the concentration-time integral (CTI) of CEM levels (r=0.567, P=0.004) independent of other established predictors of lipid core size. Further experiments were performed by feeding rabbits atherogenic diet (1% cholesterol) for 3 months, followed by either normal diet or normal diet plus rosuvastatin for the next 3 months. Although no differences were observed in total plaque area between both groups, administration of rosuvastatin was associated with significantly smaller lipid cores, fewer macrophages within the lipid core, less microvessels as well as with lower CTI of CEM levels compared to normal diet alone. Moreover, intraplaque erythrocyte membranes covered a smaller lipid core area in rabbits under rosuvastatin plus normal diet as opposed to rabbits under diet alone. Increased CEM levels, induced by high-cholesterol diet, are associated with lipid core growth. Ingestion of a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (rosuvastatin) may decrease CEM levels, and this effect may contribute to regression of the lipid core. © 2013.

Normalization of ADC does not improve correlation with overall survival in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG).

PubMed

Qin, Lei; Li, Angie; Qu, Jinrong; Reinshagen, Katherine; Li, Xiang; Cheng, Su-Chun; Bryant, Annie; Young, Geoffrey S

2018-04-01

Mixed reports leave uncertainty about whether normalization of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to a within-subject white matter reference is necessary for assessment of tumor cellularity. We tested whether normalization improves the previously reported correlation of resection margin ADC with 15-month overall survival (OS) in HGG patients. Spin-echo echo-planar DWI was retrieved from 3 T MRI acquired between maximal resection and radiation in 37 adults with new-onset HGG (25 glioblastoma; 12 anaplastic astrocytoma). ADC maps were produced with the FSL DTIFIT tool (Oxford Centre for Functional MRI). 3 neuroradiologists manually selected regions of interest (ROI) in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and in non-enhancing tumor (NT) < 2 cm from the margin of residual enhancing tumor or resection cavity. Normalized ADC (nADC) was computed as the ratio of absolute NT ADC to NAWM ADC. Reproducibility of nADC and absolute ADC among the readers' ROI was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and within-subject coefficient of variation (wCV). Correlations of ADC and nADC with OS were compared using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. A p value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Both mean ADC and nADC differed significantly between patients subgrouped by 15-month OS (p = 0.0014 and 0.0073 respectively). wCV and ICC among the readers were similar for absolute and normalized ADC. In ROC analysis of correlation with OS, nADC did not perform significantly better than absolute ADC. Normalization does not significantly improve the correlation of absolute ADC with OS in HGG, suggesting that normalization is not necessary for clinical or research ADC analysis in HGG patients.

Electrophysiological Evidence of Phonetic Normalization across Coarticulation in Infants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mersad, Karima; Dehaene-Lambertz, Ghislaine

2016-01-01

The auditory neural representations of infants can easily be studied with electroencephalography using mismatch experimental designs. We recorded high-density event-related potentials while 3-month-old infants were listening to trials consisting of CV syllables produced with different vowels (/bX/ or /gX/). The consonant remained the same for the…

Color Effects on the Impulsivity and Activity of Hyperactive Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zentall, Sydney S.; Dwyer, Anne M.

1989-01-01

Administered to hyperactive second and third graders either black/white form of Matching Familiar Figures Test and one month later a colored version, or the reverse color order in a repeated crossover design. Found addition of nonrelevant color to this task normalized activity of hyperactive children such that group differences were observed only…

Impact of CPAP treatment on cardiac biomarkers and pro-BNP in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Cifçi, Nilüfer; Uyar, Meral; Elbek, Osman; Süyür, Hüseyin; Ekinci, Erhan

2010-09-01

To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac markers in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and normal cardiac function. Thirty-three consecutive patients with sleep apnea syndrome were analysed for serum pro-BNP and cardiac markers prior to and after 6 months of CPAP therapy. Twenty five patients had normal (83.3%) while remaining five (16.7%) revealed high pro-BNP values. We did not detect any significant difference between severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and serum pro-BNP levels (p = 0.534). A statistically significant difference was not observed between basal and sixth-month creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin I, pro-BNP, aspartate transaminase (AST), and CK levels in patients with sleep apnea syndrome (p > 0.05). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome does not induce myocardial damage enough to increase serum pro-BNP, CK, CK-MB, troponin I, and AST levels. Markers sensitive to ischemia could be preferred to evaluate effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Influence of physical activity and gender on arterial function in type 2 diabetes, normal and impaired glucose tolerance

PubMed Central

Eriksson, Maria J.; Fritz, Tomas; Nyberg, Gunnar; Östenson, Claes Göran; Krook, Anna; Zierath, Juleen R.; Caidahl, Kenneth

2015-01-01

To determine whether Nordic walking improves cardiovascular function in middle-aged women and men, we included 121 with normal glucose tolerance, 33 with impaired glucose tolerance and 47 with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a randomized controlled study. The intervention group added Nordic walking 5 h/week for 4 months to their ordinary activities. Aortic pulse wave velocity, aortic augmentation index, stiffness index, reflection index, intima–media thickness in the radial and carotid arteries, echogenicity of the carotid intima–media and systemic vascular resistance were measured. While baseline blood pressure did not differ by gender or diagnosis, aortic augmentation index was found to be higher in women in all groups. Vascular function was unchanged with intervention, without differences by gender or diagnosis. In conclusion, 4 months of Nordic walking is an insufficient stimulus to improve vascular function. Future studies should consider hard endpoints in addition to measures of vascular health, as well as larger population groups, long-term follow-up and documented compliance to exercise training. PMID:26092821

The value of P300 event related potentials in the assessment of cognitive function in subclinical hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Dejanović, Mirjana; Ivetić, Vesna; Nestorović, Vojkan; Milanović, Zvezdan; Erić, Mirela

2017-03-01

Mild hypothyroidism (thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] less than 10 mIU/L) induces reversible cognitive dysfunction, which can be evaluated by event related potentials (ERP). So far, only little is known about the impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on ERP as electrophysiological markers of cognitive activity. The aim of this study was to follow-up P300 latencies and amplitudes in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and to evaluate the influence of thyroxine treatment which led to the normalization of TSH level in serum. We recorded the P300 wave using an auditory oddball paradigm in 60 patients (mean age 51.1±6.2 years, range 40-62 years), with subclinical hypothyroidism (normal mean value of FT4, with elevated TSH levels) at baseline, after 3 months, after 6 months and in 30 healthy control subjects. 30 patients treated six months with L-thyroxine until the normalization of TSH and 30 patients received placebo. The P300 latencies in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were significantly longer, and the P300 amplitudes were significantly smaller than those of the control group. In the thyroxine treated patients P300 latency continuously decreased over the observation period with a significant difference after 6 months compared to baseline (P<0.01). The amplitude P300 showed no significant changes over time. Our results show the importance of P300 event related potentials in the detection of cognitive changes in patients with hypothyroidism. The P300 latency stands out as a marker for cognitive function recovery during treatment with thyroxine.

Evaluation of growth and development pattern in normal, low and very low birth weight neonates at 18 months of age.

PubMed

Abdeyazdan, Zahra; Ehsanpour, Soheila; Hemmati, Elahe

2014-01-01

Growth and development monitoring could lead to general judgment about children's health. With advances in NICUs establishment, the survival rate of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates has increased in many countries including Iran. Because of the lack of studies about growth and development pattern of low birth weight (LBW) and VLBW neonates in Iran, the present study aimed to compare growth and development of normal, low and very low birth weight neonates at 18 months of age. In a cross- sectional descriptive study, 214 children with age 18 months were enrolled (90 LBW, 90 LBW and 34 VLBW) and their growth and development were assessed. Data gathering tool was a researcher made questionnaire including anthropometrics measures and developmental key points. Data analyzed by descriptive (mean and SD) and inferential (ANOVA) tests using SPSS version 15. There were significant differences in the mean of anthropometric indexes between three groups. Majority of subjects in three groups had normal weight growth trend. Mean scores of gross motor and fine motor development indexes had significant association with birth weight. Meanwhile, there was no significant association between mean scores of social/cognitive and also language developmental aspects and birth weight. Findings revealed that in LBW and VLBW children, growth indexes at the age of 18 months are so far from those of NBW neonates. Further nationwide prospective studies, with a longer period of time is needed to estimate when Iranian LBW children reach at the levels of NBW ones.

Amputee socks: Sock thickness changes with normal use.

PubMed

Cagle, John C; D'Silva, Krittika J; Hafner, Brian J; Harrison, Daniel S; Sanders, Joan E

2016-06-01

Prosthetic socks are expected to decrease in thickness and have reduced volume accommodation with normal use. It is unknown, however, to what degree they reduce in thickness over time. The goal of this study was to determine a correlation between the age of a prosthetic sock (defined as the out-of-package time) and the resulting change in thickness under standardized weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions. Experimental, mechanical assessment. Used prosthetic socks were donated by donors with transtibial amputation. Sock thickness was measured on a custom instrument under conditions representative of normal use. Stress-thickness response was compared to that of equivalent new socks to quantify the effects of use on sock performance. Sock thickness changed non-linearly over time. On average, socks were 75% ± 17% of their initial thickness after 1 month, while socks older than 1 month were 72% ± 18% of their initial thickness. The elasticity of socks did not change with age. The volume accommodation provided by used socks cannot be reliably predicted by ply or age. Direct measurement of total sock thickness may provide meaningful insight to quantify prosthetic users' socket fit and guide volume accommodation recommendations. The mean difference in thickness between 3-ply and 5-ply used socks was equal to the standard deviation of each ply group (0.3mm). Therefore, it is possible that a 3-ply sock worn for as a little as 1 month could have a greater thickness than a 5-ply sock worn for a month. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Tibial changes in experimental disuse osteoporosis in the monkey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, D. R.; Niklowitz, W. J.; Steele, C. R.

1983-01-01

The mechanical properties and structural changes in the monkey tibia with disuse osteoporosis and during subsequent recovery are investigated. Bone mending stiffness is evaluated in relation to microscopic changes in cortical bone and Norland bone mineral analysis. Restraint in the semireclined position is found to produce regional losses of bone most obviously in the anterior-proximal tibiae. After six months of restraint, the greatest losses of bone mineral in the proximal tibiae range from 23 percent to 31 percent; the largest changes in bone stiffness range from 36 percent to 40 percent. Approximately eight and one-half months of recovery are required to restore the normal bending properties. Even after 15 months of recovery, however, the bone mineral content does not necessarily return to normal levels. Histologically, resorption cavities in cortical bone are seen within one month of restraint; by two and one-half months of restraint there are large resorption cavities subperiosteally, endosteally, and intracortically. After 15 months of recovery, the cortex consists mainly of first-generation haversian systems. After 40 months, the cortex appears normal, with numerous secondary and tertiary generations of haversian systems.

Niemann-Pick C1 mice, a model of "juvenile Alzheimer's disease", with normal gene expression in neurons and fibrillary astrocytes show long term survival and delayed neurodegeneration.

PubMed

Borbon, Ivan; Totenhagen, John; Fiorenza, Maria Teresa; Canterini, Sonia; Ke, Wangjing; Trouard, Theodore; Erickson, Robert P

2012-01-01

Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC) disease, also known as "juvenile Alzheimer's disease", is a disease in which alterations in intracellular cholesterol trafficking occur. The contribution of various CNS cell types to the neurodegeneration has been of much interest. We have previously shown that expression of the normal gene only in fibrillary astrocytes could extend survival of Npc1-/- mice over 3-fold (Zhang et al., 2008 [13]). We have now studied expression only in neurons or in both neurons and fibrillary astrocytes. Neuron-only expression resulted in survivals of over a year (>5-fold) but motor symptoms started at about 6 months. As reflected in weight gain, this especially affected females who weighed less than wild-type starting at about 10 weeks while male differences in weight are delayed. Expression in both cell types led to a nearly normal phenotype with motor symptoms developing at about ten months and increased survival times. Purkinje cell loss was slowed, but severe, in both NSE- and NSE-GFAP-Npc1, transgenic Npc1-/- mice. MRI studies showed that myelination of the long tracts was significantly improved in NSE-Npc1 transgenics, perhaps less than in GFAP-Npc1 transgenics, and not differently than in the double transgenics. Memory was improved in both single and double transgenics. Somatic disease had not been ameliorated and lungs were massively infiltrated with foamy macrophages at 10 months. Our results suggest that neuron-only expression does not completely prevent neurodegeneration and that the addition of astrocyte expression decreases the rate/degree of decline.

High Body Mass Index in Infancy May Predict Severe Obesity in Early Childhood.

PubMed

Smego, Allison; Woo, Jessica G; Klein, Jillian; Suh, Christina; Bansal, Danesh; Bliss, Sherri; Daniels, Stephen R; Bolling, Christopher; Crimmins, Nancy A

2017-04-01

To characterize growth trajectories of children who develop severe obesity by age 6 years and identify clinical thresholds for detection of high-risk children before the onset of obesity. Two lean (body mass index [BMI] 5th to ≤75th percentile) and 2 severely obese (BMI ≥99th percentile) groups were selected from populations treated at pediatric referral and primary care clinics. A population-based cohort was used to validate the utility of identified risk thresholds. Repeated-measures mixed modeling and logistic regression were used for analysis. A total of 783 participants of normal weight and 480 participants with severe obesity were included in the initial study. BMI differed significantly between the severely obese and normal-weight cohorts by age 4 months (P < .001), at 1 year before the median age at onset of obesity. A cutoff of the World Health Organization (WHO) 85th percentile for BMI at 6, 12, and 18 months was a strong predictor of severe obesity by age 6 years (sensitivity, 51%-95%; specificity, 95%). This BMI threshold was validated in a second independent cohort (n = 2649), with a sensitivity of 33%-77% and a specificity of 74%-87%. A BMI ≥85th percentile in infancy increases the risk of severe obesity by age 6 years by 2.5-fold and the risk of clinical obesity by age 6 years by 3-fold. BMI trajectories in children who develop severe obesity by age 6 years differ from those in children who remain at normal weight by age 4-6 months, before the onset of obesity. Infants with a WHO BMI ≥85th percentile are at increased risk for developing severe obesity by age 6 years. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Curative bone marrow transplantation in erythropoietic protoporphyria after reversal of severe cholestasis.

PubMed

Wahlin, Staffan; Aschan, Johan; Björnstedt, Mikael; Broomé, Ulrika; Harper, Pauline

2007-01-01

We report the case of a middle-age patient presenting with severe progressive protoporphyric cholestasis. To halt further progression of liver disease, medical treatment was given aimed at different mechanisms possibly causing cholestasis in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Within eighty days, liver biochemistry completely normalized and liver histology markedly improved. Bone marrow transplantation was performed to prevent relapse of cholestatic liver disease by correcting the main site of protoporphyrin overproduction. Thirty-three months after cholestatic presentation and ten months after bone marrow transplantation, liver and porphyrin biochemistry remains normal. The patient is in excellent condition and photosensitivity is absent. The theoretical role of each treatment used to successfully reverse cholestasis and the role of bone marrow transplantation in erythropoietic protoporphyria are discussed. Medical treatment can resolve hepatic abnormalities in protoporphyric cholestasis. Bone marrow transplantation achieves phenotypic reversal and may offer protection from future protoporphyric liver disease.

Asymmetry in gait pattern following tibial shaft fractures - a prospective one-year follow-up study of 49 patients.

PubMed

Larsen, Peter; Laessoe, Uffe; Rasmussen, Sten; Graven-Nielsen, Thomas; Berre Eriksen, Christian; Elsoe, Rasmus

2017-01-01

Despite the high number of studies evaluating the outcomes following tibial shaft fractures, the literature lacks studies including objective assessment of patients' recovery regarding gait pattern. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether gait patterns at 6 and 12 months post-operatively following intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture are different compared with a healthy reference population. The study design was a prospective cohort study. The primary outcome measurement was the gait patterns at 6 and 12 months post-operatively measured with a 6-metre-long pressure-sensitive mat. The mat registers footprints and present gait speed, cadence as well as temporal and spatial parameters of the gait cycle. Gait patterns were compared to a healthy reference population. 49 patients were included with a mean age of 43.1 years (18-79 years). Forty-three patients completed the 12-month follow-up (88%). Gait speed and cadence were significantly increased between the 6- and 12-month follow-up (P<0.001). At 6-month follow-up, patients showed considerable asymmetry in the injured leg compared with the non-injured leg: single-support time 12.8% shorter, swing-time 12.8% longer, step-length 11.9% shorter, and rotation of the foot increased by 32.3%. At the 12-month follow-up, gait asymmetry become almost normalized compared to a healthy reference group. In patients treated by intramedullary nailing following a tibial shaft fracture, gait asymmetry accompanied with slower speed and cadence are common during the first 6 months and become normalized compared with a healthy reference population between 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Terrestrial Conditions and Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goward, S. N.

1985-01-01

An ecological model is developed to estimate annual net primary productivity of vegetation in twelve major North American biomes. Three models are adapted and combined, each addressing a different factor known to govern primary productivity, i.e., photosynthesis, respiration, and moisture availability. Measures of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (1PAR) for input to the photosynthesis model are derived from spectral vegetation index data. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data are produced from NOAA-7 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) observations for April 1982 through March 1983. NDVI values are sampled from within the biomes at locations for which climatological data are available. Monthly estimates of Net Primary Productivity (NPP) for each sample location are generated and summed over the twelve month period. These monthly estimates are averaged to produce a single annual estimated NPP value for each biomes. Comparison of estimated NPP values with figures reported in the literature produces a correlation coefficient of 85.

The influence of different diets on metabolism and atherosclerosis processes-A porcine model: Blood serum, urine and tissues 1H NMR metabolomics targeted analysis.

PubMed

Zabek, Adam; Paslawski, Robert; Paslawska, Urszula; Wojtowicz, Wojciech; Drozdz, Katarzyna; Polakof, Sergio; Podhorska, Marzena; Dziegiel, Piotr; Mlynarz, Piotr; Szuba, Andrzej

2017-01-01

The global epidemic of cardiovascular diseases leads to increased morbidity and mortality caused mainly by myocardial infarction and stroke. Atherosclerosis is the major pathological process behind this epidemic. We designed a novel model of atherosclerosis in swine. Briefly, the first group (11 pigs) received normal pig feed (balanced diet group-BDG) for 12 months, the second group (9 pigs) was fed a Western high-calorie diet (unbalanced diet group-UDG) for 12 months, the third group (8 pigs) received a Western type high-calorie diet for 9 months later replaced by a normal diet for 3 months (regression group-RG). Clinical measurements included zoometric data, arterial blood pressure, heart rate and ultrasonographic evaluation of femoral arteries. Then, the animals were sacrificed and the blood serum, urine and skeletal muscle tissue were collected and 1H NMR based metabolomics studies with the application of fingerprinting PLS-DA and univariate analysis were done. Our results have shown that the molecular disturbances might overlap with other diseases such as onset of diabetes, sleep apnea and other obesity accompanied diseases. Moreover, we revealed that once initiated, molecular changes did not return to homeostatic equilibrium, at least for the duration of this experiment.

Normalization as a Strategy for Maintaining Quality of Life While Coping with Infertility in a Pronatalist Culture.

PubMed

Benyamini, Yael; Gozlan, Miri; Weissman, Ariel

2017-12-01

Infertility could be highly stressful, particularly in a pronatalist culture. We aimed to develop the concept and a measure of normalization (maintaining normal life routines and feeling "normal") as a strategy that could enable women with infertility maintain their quality of life (QoL) while coping with this condition. We tested its associations with women's well-being, distress and QoL in Israel, where being childless is socially unacceptable and highly stigmatized. One-hundred and eighty Israeli women undergoing infertility treatment at a fertility community clinic filled in questionnaires assessing normalization-related coping strategies, QoL, and psychological adjustment (distress, wellbeing). Eight months later, 55 women conceived; 55 women who had not conceived completed a second questionnaire. At baseline, normalization was related to higher QoL and better adjustment. Structural equation modeling showed that QoL was impaired mainly among women who felt different than others, compared, and blamed themselves. Over time, normalization was overall unrelated to conception or to changes in adjustment yet was protective against decrease in well-being among women who already had a child. Infertility is highly stressful in a pronatalist culture like Israel. It requires treatment yet is not disabling. Patients who manage to maintain normal routines and not feel different than other people their age may experience better QoL and psychological adjustment.

[Antibodies against TSH receptors (TRAb) as indicators in prognosing the effectiveness of Tiamazol therapy for Grave's Disease].

PubMed

Bojarska-Szmygin, Anna; Ciechanek, Roman

2003-01-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of TRAb determinations in prognosing and monitoring the efficacy of conservative treatment in Graves' disease. The examinations were performed in 54 patients. During the 18-month observation all the patients were treated with Tiamazol. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. The TRAb levels were determined before as well as 12 and 18 months after thyrostatic treatment. Simultaneously, the levels of TSH and FT4 were analysed. Moreover, all the patients underwent ultrasound examinations to assess the size of the thyroid gland. The findings of the 18-month follow up showed that in 31 patients (57%) the thyroid function became normal (group I--euthyreosis), in 23 patients (43%) hyperactivity persisted (group II--hyperthyreosis). The TRAb levels were analysed in both groups of patients. An increased initial level of TRAb was found in the hyperactivity group mean -54.39 + 31.21 U/l which was statistically significantly different from the TRAb levels in the euthyreosis group mean -29.13 +/- 19.14 U/l and in controls mean -2.75 +/- 2.06 U/l (p < 0.001 for both parameters). After 12-month treatment increased values of antibodies were still observed in this group of patients (mean -39.96 +/- 33.40 U/l) in comparison with the euthyreosis group (mean -9.87 +/- 8.33 U/l) and controls (mean -2.75 +/- 2.06 U/l) (p < 0.001 for both parameters). After 18-month treatment the TRAb levels in group II remained increased (mean -40.17 +/- 33.06) while in group I normal levels were achieved. The sizes of the thyroid gland were compared between the individual groups. In the hyperactivity group after 18-month treatment, the thyroid size was the biggest (mean -41.09 +/- 13.94 ml) and was statistically significantly different when compared to the average size in the euthyreosis group mean -31.65 +/- 11.74 ml (p < 0.01) and in controls mean -14.45 +/- 2.37 ml (p < 0.001). The levels of antibodies against TSH receptors are useful parameters in prognosis and monitoring the treatment effectiveness in Graves' disease. High initial levels of antibodies are the poor prognostic factors. The TRAb determinations are of some prognostic value not only before but also 12 months since the onset of therapy. The lack of antibody level normalization during treatment is connected with persisting hyperactivity. The TRAb concentration correlates with the thyroid size.

A Markov chain model to evaluate the effect of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 polymorphisms on adverse events associated with tacrolimus in pediatric renal transplantation.

PubMed

Sy, Sherwin K B; Heuberger, Jules; Shilbayeh, Sireen; Conrado, Daniela J; Derendorf, Hartmut

2013-10-01

The SNP A6986G of the CYP3A5 gene (*3) results in a non-functional protein due to a splicing defect whereas the C3435T was associated with variable expression of the ABCB1 gene, due to protein instability. Part of the large interindividual variability in tacrolimus efficacy and toxicity can be accounted for by these genetic factors. Seventy-two individuals were examined for A6986G and C3435T polymorphism using a PCR-RFLP-based technique to estimate genotype and allele frequencies in the Jordanian population. The association of age, hematocrit, platelet count, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 polymorphisms with tacrolimus dose- and body-weight-normalized levels in the subset of 38 pediatric renal transplant patients was evaluated. A Markov model was used to evaluate the time-dependent probability of an adverse event occurrence by CYP3A5 phenotypes and ABCB1 genotypes. The time-dependent probability of adverse event was about double in CYP3A5 non-expressors compared to the expressors for the first 12 months of therapy. The CYP3A5 non-expressors had higher corresponding normalized tacrolimus levels compared to the expressors in the first 3 months. The correlation trend between probability of adverse events and normalized tacrolimus concentrations for the two CYP3A5 phenotypes persisted for the first 9 months of therapy. The differences among ABCB1 genotypes in terms of adverse events and normalized tacrolimus levels were only observed in the first 3 months of therapy. The information on CYP3A5 genotypes and tacrolimus dose requirement is important in designing effective programs toward management of tacrolimus side effects particularly for the initial dose when tacrolimus blood levels are not available for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Cataract surgery in eyes with low corneal endothelial cell density.

PubMed

Hayashi, Ken; Yoshida, Motoaki; Manabe, Shin-ichi; Hirata, Akira

2011-08-01

To compare corneal endothelial damage after cataract surgery in eyes with low endothelial cell density (ECD) and eyes with normal ECD. Hayashi Eye Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan. Case-control study. Cataract surgery was performed in eyes with a low ECD (500 to 1000 cells/mm(2)) (low-density group) and control eyes with a normal ECD. The ECD and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively, and the percentage cell loss and increase in CCT were compared. The low-density group and control group each comprised 50 eyes. In the low-density group, 39 eyes had nonprogressive endothelial pathology and 11 had Fuchs dystrophy. The mean ECD was significantly less and the CCT significantly greater in the low-density group than in the control group throughout the follow-up (P ≤.0066). However, no significant difference in the percentage of cell loss was found between groups at 1 or 3 months (5.1%, low-density group; 4.2%, control group) (P ≥.1477). The percentage increase in CCT was significantly greater in the low-density group than in the control group at 1 month (P<.0001), although there was no significant difference at 3 months (0.4% and -0.4%, respectively) (P=.2172). Corneal endothelial damage after cataract surgery in eyes with low ECD was slight and comparable to that in healthy eyes, which suggests that cataract surgery alone (without corneal transplantation) should be performed first. Copyright © 2011 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of sex and obesity on gait biomechanics before and six months after total knee arthroplasty: A longitudinal cohort study.

PubMed

Paterson, K L; Sosdian, L; Hinman, R S; Wrigley, T V; Kasza, J; Dowsey, M; Choong, P; Bennell, K L

2018-03-01

Gait biomechanics, sex, and obesity can contribute to suboptimal outcomes from primary total knee arthroplasty. The aims of this study were to i) determine if sex and/or obesity influence the amount of change in gait biomechanics from pre-surgery to six months post-surgery and; ii) assess if gait returns to normal in men and women. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed on 43 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis (pre- and six months post-operative) and 40 asymptomatic controls. Mixed linear regression models were fit to assess which factors influenced change in gait biomechanics within the arthroplasty cohort, and interaction terms were included to assess if biomechanics returned to normal following surgery. Male peak knee adduction moment (p < 0.001) and impulse (p < 0.001) decreased six months following arthroplasty, whilst gait in women remained unchanged after surgery. Obesity did not influence gait changes in men or women. Gait of female arthroplasty participants did not differ from female controls after surgery except for sagittal plane knee range of motion (p = 0.003), whilst men differed from controls for peak knee adduction moment (p = 0.011), knee range of motion (p < 0.001), and peak knee flexion moment (p < 0.001). Sex, but not obesity, influenced changes in gait biomechanics after arthroplasty. Men retained abnormal gait patterns after surgery, whilst women did not. Further research should determine the long-term implications of gait abnormalities seen in men after arthroplasty. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of lifestyle intervention on dietary intake, physical activity level, and gestational weight gain in pregnant women with different pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index in a randomized control trial.

PubMed

Hui, Amy Leung; Back, Lisa; Ludwig, Sora; Gardiner, Phillip; Sevenhuysen, Gustaaf; Dean, Heather J; Sellers, Elisabeth; McGavock, Jonathan; Morris, Margaret; Jiang, Depeng; Shen, Garry X

2014-09-24

The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of lifestyle intervention on gestational weight gain in pregnant women with normal and above normal body mass index (BMI) in a randomized controlled trial. A total of 116 pregnant women (<20 weeks of pregnancy) without diabetes were enrolled and 113 pregnant women completed the program. Participants were randomized into intervention and control groups. Women in the intervention group received weekly trainer-led group exercise sessions, instructed home exercise for 3-5-times/week during 20-36 weeks of gestation, and dietary counseling twice during pregnancy. Participants in the control group did not receive the intervention. All participants completed a physical activity questionnaire and a 3-day food record at enrolment and 2 months after enrolment. The participants in the intervention group with normal pre-pregnancy BMI (≤24.9 kg/M2, n = 30) had lower gestational weight gain (GWG), offspring birth weight and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) on pregnancy weight gain compared to the control group (n = 27, p < 0.05). Those weight related-changes were not detected between the intervention (n = 27) and control group (n = 29) in the above normal pre-pregnancy BMI participants. Intervention reduced total calorie, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake were detected in women with normal or above normal pre-pregnancy BMI compared to the control group (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Increased physical activity and reduced carbohydrate intake were detected in women with normal (p < 0.05), but not above normal, pre-pregnancy BMI at 2 months after the onset of the intervention compared to the control group. The results of the present study demonstrated that the lifestyle intervention program decreased EGWG, GWG, offspring birth weight in pregnant women with normal, but not above normal, pre-pregnancy BMI, which was associated with increased physical activity and decreased carbohydrate intake. NCT00486629.

Intravenous dextrose for children with gastroenteritis and dehydration: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Levy, Jason A; Bachur, Richard G; Monuteaux, Michael C; Waltzman, Mark

2013-03-01

We seek to determine whether an initial intravenous bolus of 5% dextrose in normal saline solution compared with normal saline solution will lead to a lower proportion of hospitalized patients and a greater reduction in serum ketone levels in children with gastroenteritis and dehydration. We enrolled children aged 6 months to 6 years in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department. Subjects were randomized to receive a 20 mL/kg infusion of either 5% dextrose in normal saline solution or normal saline solution. Serum ketone levels were measured before and at 1- and 2-hour intervals after the initial study fluid bolus administration. Primary outcome was the proportion of children hospitalized. Secondary outcome was change in serum ketone levels over time. One hundred eighty-eight children were enrolled. The proportion of children hospitalized did not differ between groups (35% in the 5% dextrose in normal saline solution group versus 44% in the normal saline solution group; risk difference 9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] -5% to 22%). Compared with children who received normal saline solution, those who received 5% dextrose in normal saline solution had a greater reduction in mean serum ketone levels at both 1 hour (mean Δ 1.2 versus 0.1 mmol/L; mean difference 1.1 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.4 to 1.9 mmol/L) and 2 hours (mean Δ 1.9 versus 0.3 mmol/L; mean difference 1.6 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.9 to 2.3 mmol/L). Administration of a dextrose-containing bolus compared with normal saline did not lead to a lower rate of hospitalization for children with gastroenteritis and dehydration. There was, however, a greater reduction in serum ketone levels in patients who received 5% dextrose in normal saline solution. Copyright © 2012. Published by Mosby, Inc.

[Liver transplantation for the treatment of hyperammonemia due to urea cycle disorder: report of four cases].

PubMed

Zhu, Zhijun; Sun, Liying; Wei, Lin; Qu, Wei; Zeng, Zhigui; Liu, Ying; Zhang, Liang; He, Enhui; Wang, Dong

2015-02-01

To analyze clinical efficacy and prognosis of liver transplantation in children with hyperammonemia caused by urea cycle disorders. A retrospective analysis was performed on the occurrence of disease, operation and the follow-up post liver transplantation in 4 patients with urea cycle disorders who underwent liver transplantation during June 2001 to May 2014. Four girls were diagnosed with ornithine carbamoyl transferase deficiency by genetic test. They had the clinical onset at the age of 1.5 to 3.0 years. Liver transplantation had been performed at their age of 53.9 months, 40.6 months, 40.3 months and 22.8 months, respectively. The grafts of case 1 and case 2 were from left lateral lobe of liver of cadaveric donor, the graft of case 3 was from left lateral lobe of liver of a living donor, the graft of case 4 was a whole liver of a dead child. The liver function of 4 patients gradually returned to normal, blood ammonia levels were normal and restored the normal diet, 4 children were discharged on postoperative 25-30 days. Regular follow-up was done, the liver function, biochemical features and growth status have been followed up for 162.2 months, 124.2 months, 12.0 months and 4.8 months after liver transplantation, respectively. Now, all the four cases are healthy and growth is normal. Liver transplantation is an important way to the patients with severe hyperammonemia caused by urea cycle disorders. In this study, the patients with ornithine carbamoyl transferase defect got satisfactory long-term outcome after liver transplantation.

Assessment of gross motor skills of at-risk infants: predictive validity of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale.

PubMed

Darrah, J; Piper, M; Watt, M J

1998-07-01

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a norm-referenced measure of infant gross motor development. The objectives of this study were: (1) to establish the best cut-off scores on the AIMS for predictive purposes, and (2) to compare the predictive abilities of the AIMS with those of the Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) and the Peabody Developmental Gross Motor Scale (PDGMS). One hundred and sixty-four infants were assessed at 4 and 8 months adjusted ages on the three measures. A pediatrician assessed each infant's gross motor development at 18 months as normal, suspicious, or abnormal. For the AIMS, two different cut-off points were identified: the 10th centile at 4 months and the 5th centile at 8 months. The MAI provided the best specificity rates at 4 months while the AIMS was superior in specificity at 8 months. Sensitivity rates were comparable between the two tests. The PDGMS in general demonstrated poor predictive abilities.

Contractile properties of single permeabilized muscle fibers from congenital cleft palates and normal palates of Spanish goats.

PubMed

Hanes, Michael C; Weinzweig, Jeffrey; Kuzon, William M; Panter, Kip E; Buchman, Steven R; Faulkner, John A; Yu, Deborah; Cederna, Paul S; Larkin, Lisa M

2007-05-01

Analysis of the composition of muscle fibers constituent to a cleft palate could provide significant insight into the cause of velopharyngeal inadequacy. The authors hypothesized that levator veli palatini muscle dysfunction inherent to cleft palates could affect the timing and outcome of cleft palate repair. Single, permeabilized muscle fibers from levator veli palatini muscles of three normal (n = 19 fibers) and three chemically induced congenital cleft palates (n = 21 fibers) of 14-month-old goats were isolated, and contractile properties were evaluated. The maximum isometric force and rate constants of tension redevelopment (ktr) were measured, and the specific force and normalized power were calculated for each fiber. The ktr measures indicate that cleft fibers are predominantly fast-fatigable; normal fibers are slow fatigue-resistant: after a 10-minute isometric contraction, fibers from cleft palates had a loss of force 16 percent greater than that from normal palates (p = 0.0001). The cross-sectional areas of the fibers from cleft palates (2750 +/- 209 microm2) were greater (p = 0.05) than those from normal palates (2226 +/- 143 microm2). Specific forces did not differ between the two groups. Maximum normalized power of fibers from cleft palates (11.05 +/- 1.82 W/l) was greater (p = 0.0001) than fibers from normal palates (1.60 +/- 0.12 W/l). There are clear physiologic differences in single muscle fibers from cleft palates and normal palates: cleft palate fibers are physiologically fast, have greater fatigability, and have greater power production. Detection of functional and/or fiber type differences in muscles of cleft palates may provide preoperative identification of a patient's susceptibility to velopharyngeal inadequacy and permit early surgical intervention to correct this clinical condition.

Regeneration of defective epithelial basement membrane and restoration of corneal transparency

PubMed Central

Marino, Gustavo K.; Santhiago, Marcony R.; Santhanam, Abirami; Torricelli, Andre A. M.; Wilson, Steven E.

2018-01-01

PURPOSE To study regeneration of the normal ultrastructure of the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) in rabbit corneas that had -9D photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and developed late haze (fibrosis) with restoration of transparency over one to four months after surgery and in corneas that had incisional wounds. METHODS Twenty-four rabbits had one of their eyes included into one of the two procedure groups (-9D PRK or nearly full-thickness incisional wounds), while the opposite eye serving as unwounded controls. All corneas were evaluated with slit lamp photos, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for the myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type III. RESULTS In the ‘-9D PRK group’, corneas at one month after surgery had dense corneal haze and no evidence of regenerated EBM ultrastructure. By two months after surgery, however, small areas of stromal clearing began to appear within the confluent opacity (lacunae), and these corresponded to small islands of normally-regenerated EBM detected within larger area of the excimer laser-ablated zone with no evidence of normal EBM. By four months after surgery, the EBM was fully-regenerated and the corneal transparency was completely restored to the ablated zone. In the ‘Incisional wound group’, the two dense, linear corneal opacities were observed at one month after surgery and progressively faded by two and three months after surgery. The EBM ultrastructure was fully regenerated at the site of the incisions, including around epithelial plugs that extended into the stroma, by one month after surgery in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS In the rabbit model, spontaneous resolution of corneal fibrosis (haze) after high correction PRK is triggered by regeneration of EBM with normal ultrastructure in the excimer laser- ablated zone. Conversely, incisional wounds heal in rabbit corneas without the development of myofibroblasts because the EBM regenerates normally by one month after surgery. PMID:28486725

The Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite

PubMed Central

Donohue, Michael C.; Sperling, Reisa A.; Salmon, David P.; Rentz, Dorene M.; Raman, Rema; Thomas, Ronald G.; Weiner, Michael; Aisen, Paul S.

2015-01-01

IMPORTANCE As Alzheimer disease (AD) research moves to intervene in presymptomatic phases of the disease, we must develop outcome measures sensitive to the earliest disease-related changes. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the feasibility of a cognitive composite outcome for clinically normal elderly participants with evidence of AD pathology using the ADCS Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (ADCS-PACC). The ADCS-PACC combines tests that assess episodic memory, timed executive function, and global cognition. The ADCS-PACC is the primary outcome measure for the first clinical trial in preclinical AD (ie, the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s study). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS With the ADCS-PACC, we derive pilot estimates of amyloid-related decline using data from 2 observational studies conducted in North America and another conducted in Australia. The participants analyzed had normal cognition and mean ages of 75.81, 71.37, and 79.42 years across the 3 studies. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES For the 2 studies that collected data on Aβ levels (ADNI and AIBL), we estimate decline in a preclinical AD “Aβ-positive” placebo group and compare them with an “Aβ-negative” group. For the study that did not include data on Aβ levels (the ADCS Prevention Instrument [ADCS-PI] study), we grouped participants by the presence of APOE-ɛ4 and by clinical progression. RESULTS In ADNI, Aβ-positive participants showed more decline than did Aβ-negative participants with regard to the ADCS-PACC score at 24 months (mean [SE] difference, −1.239 [0.522] [95% CI, −2.263 to −0.215]; P = .02). In AIBL, the mean (SE) difference is significant at both 18 months (−1.009 [0.406] [95% CI, −1.805 to −0.213]; P = .01) and 36 months (−1.404 [0.452] [95% CI, −2.290 to −0.519]; P = .002). In the ADCS-PI study, APOE-ɛ4 allele carriers performed significantly worse on the ADCS-PACC at 24 months (mean [SE] score, −0.742 [0.294] [95% CI, −1.318 to −0.165]; P = .01) and 36 months (−1.531 [0.469] [95% CI, −2.450 to −0.612]; P = .001). In the ADCS-PI study, cognitively normal participants who progress from a global Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0 are significantly worse on the ADCS-PACC than cognitively normal participants who are stable with a global Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0 at months 12, 24, and 36 (mean [SE] ADCS-PACC score, −4.471 [0.702] [95% CI, −5.848 to −3.094]; P < .001). Using pilot estimates of variance and assuming 500 participants per group with 30% attrition and a 5% α level, we project 80% power to detect effects in the range of Δ = 0.467 to 0.733 on the ADCS-PACC. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Analyses of at-risk cognitively normal populations suggest that we can reliably measure the first signs of cognitive decline with the ADCS-PACC. These analyses also suggest the feasibility of secondary prevention trials. PMID:24886908

Efficacy and safety of the trans-obturator TVT-Abbrevo device in normal weight compared to overweight patients affected by stress urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Tommaselli, Giovanni A; Napolitano, Valerio; Di Carlo, Costantino; Formisano, Carmen; Fabozzi, Annamaria; Nappi, Carmine

2016-02-01

To investigate if TVT-Abbrevo has similar outcomes in normal weight and overweight patients. Retrospective evaluation of 205 (105 normal weight women and 100 overweight women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)) undergone TVT-Abbrevo positioning with 12 month follow-up. Primary outcomes were objective cure rate (defined as no leakage during CST) and subjective cure rate ("very much improved"/"much improved" at PGI-I), secondary outcomes were intra-operative and post-operative complications. Objective cure rates in the normal and overweight groups were 96.2% and 94%, respectively (p=.47). Subjective cure rates in the normal and overweight groups were 90.5% and 88%, respectively (p=.57). ICIQ-SF, I-QoL and PGI-S scores significantly improved in both groups with no differences between the two groups. No serious intra- or post-operative complications were observed. No differences were observed in pain VAS scores and number of analgesic vials administered. TVT-Abbrevo seems to have similar efficacy and safety in normal weight and overweight women. More studies are needed to assess the efficacy of this device in frankly obese women and long-term outcomes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mouse forepaw lumbrical muscles are resistant to age-related declines in force production.

PubMed

Russell, Katelyn A; Ng, Rainer; Faulkner, John A; Claflin, Dennis R; Mendias, Christopher L

2015-05-01

A progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and force generating capacity occurs with aging. Mice are commonly used in the study of aging-associated changes in muscle size and strength, with most models of aging demonstrating 15-35% reductions in muscle mass, cross-sectional area (CSA), maximum isometric force production (Po) and specific force (sPo), which is Po/CSA. The lumbrical muscle of the mouse forepaw is exceptionally small, with corresponding short diffusion distances that make it ideal for in vitro pharmacological studies and measurements of contractile properties. However, the aging-associated changes in lumbrical function have not previously been reported. To address this, we tested the hypothesis that compared to adult (12month old) mice, the forepaw lumbrical muscles of old (30month old) mice exhibit aging-related declines in size and force production similar to those observed in larger limb muscles. We found that the forepaw lumbricals were composed exclusively of fibers with type II myosin heavy chain isoforms, and that the muscles accumulated connective tissue with aging. There were no differences in the number of fibers per whole-muscle cross-section or in muscle fiber CSA. The whole muscle CSA in old mice was increased by 17%, but the total CSA of all muscle fibers in a whole-muscle cross-section was not different. No difference in Po was observed, and while sPo normalized to total muscle CSA was decreased in old mice by 22%, normalizing Po by the total muscle fiber CSA resulted in no difference in sPo. Combined, these results indicate that forepaw lumbrical muscles from 30month old mice are largely protected from the aging-associated declines in size and force production that are typically observed in larger limb muscles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Compound heterozygous mutations in the SRD5A2 gene exon 4 in a male pseudohermaphrodite patient of Chinese origin.

PubMed

Fernández-Cancio, Mónica; Nistal, Manuel; Gracia, Ricardo; Molina, M Antonia; Tovar, Juan Antonio; Esteban, Cristina; Carrascosa, Antonio; Audí, Laura

2004-01-01

The goal of this study was to perform 5-alpha-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2) analysis in a male pseudohermaphrodite (MPH) patient with normal testosterone (T) production and normal androgen receptor (AR) gene coding sequences. A patient of Chinese origin with ambiguous genitalia at 14 months, a 46,XY karyotype, and normal T secretion under human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation underwent a gonadectomy at 20 months. Exons 1-8 of the AR gene and exons 1-5 of the SRD5A2 gene were sequenced from peripheral blood DNA. AR gene coding sequences were normal. SRD5A2 gene analysis revealed 2 consecutive mutations in exon 4, each located in a different allele: 1) a T nucleotide deletion, which predicts a frameshift mutation from codon 219, and 2) a missense mutation at codon 227, where the substitution of guanine (CGA) by adenine (CAA) predicts a glutamine replacement of arginine (R227Q). Testes located in the inguinal canal showed a normal morphology for age. The patient was a compound heterozygote for SRD5A2 mutations, carrying 2 mutations in exon 4. The patient showed an R227Q mutation that has been described in an Asian population and MPH patients, along with a novel frameshift mutation, Tdel219. Testis morphology showed that, during early infancy, the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme deficiency may not have affected interstitial or tubular development.

Safety of disclosing amyloid status in cognitively normal older adults.

PubMed

Burns, Jeffrey M; Johnson, David K; Liebmann, Edward P; Bothwell, Rebecca J; Morris, Jill K; Vidoni, Eric D

2017-09-01

Disclosing amyloid status to cognitively normal individuals remains controversial given our lack of understanding the test's clinical significance and unknown psychological risk. We assessed the effect of amyloid status disclosure on anxiety and depression before disclosure, at disclosure, and 6 weeks and 6 months postdisclosure and test-related distress after disclosure. Clinicians disclosed amyloid status to 97 cognitively normal older adults (27 had elevated cerebral amyloid). There was no difference in depressive symptoms across groups over time. There was a significant group by time interaction in anxiety, although post hoc analyses revealed no group differences at any time point, suggesting a minimal nonsustained increase in anxiety symptoms immediately postdisclosure in the elevated group. Slight but measureable increases in test-related distress were present after disclosure and were related to greater baseline levels of anxiety and depression. Disclosing amyloid imaging results to cognitively normal adults in the clinical research setting with pre- and postdisclosure counseling has a low risk of psychological harm. Copyright © 2017 the Alzheimer's Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An Investigation of Stimulant Effects on the EEG of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Clarke, Adam R; Barry, Robert J; Baker, Iris E; McCarthy, Rory; Selikowitz, Mark

2017-07-01

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). These medications result in a normalization of the EEG. However, past research has found that complete normalization of the EEG is not always achieved. One reason for this may be that studies have used different medications interchangeably, or groups of subjects on different stimulants. This study investigated whether methylphenidate and dexamphetamine produce different levels of normalization of the EEG in children with AD/HD. Three groups of 20 boys participated in this study. There were 2 groups with a diagnosis of AD/HD; one group, good responders to methylphenidate, and the second, good responders to dexamphetamine. The third group was a normal control group. Baseline EEGs were recorded using an eyes-closed resting condition, and analyzed for total power and relative delta, theta, alpha, and beta. Subjects were placed on a 6-month trial of methylphenidate or dexamphetamine, after which a second EEG was recorded. At baseline, the children with AD/HD had elevated relative theta, less relative alpha and beta compared with controls. Baseline differences were found between the two medication groups, with the dexamphetamine group having greater EEG abnormalities than the methylphenidate group. The results indicate that good responders to methylphenidate and dexamphetamine have different EEG profiles when assessed before medication, and these differences may represent different underlying central nervous system deficits. The 2 medications were found to result in substantial normalization of the EEG, with no significant differences in EEG changes occurring between the 2 medications. This indicates that the degree of pretreatment EEG abnormality was the major factor contributing to the degree of normalization of the EEG. As good responders to the 2 medications appear to have different central nervous system abnormalities, it is recommended that stimulant medications be treated independently and not used interchangeably in research and treatment of AD/HD.

[Association between time of permanence at early education program (Estancias Infantiles) and developmental level for children in situation of poverty].

PubMed

Rizzoli-Córdoba, Antonio; Vargas-Carrillo, Laura Ibernia; Vásquez-Ríos, Jorge Rodrigo; Reyes-Morales, Hortensia; Villasís-Keever, Miguel Ángel; O'Shea-Cuevas, Gabriel; Aceves-Villagrán, Daniel; Muñoz-Hernández, Onofre; García-Aranda, José Alberto

Early education program (EEP) was created to support parents with 1 to 3 year olds living in poverty situation in Mexico, and includes education and child daycare for 8h five days per week. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between length of stay in EEP and the level of development in children. Cross sectional, population-based study conducted in two Mexican states. All children aged between 12 to 48 months enrolled in EEP from November 2014 to January 2015 were included. Child Development Evaluation (CDE) test was used to screen early development in every child. Normal early development prevalence odds ratio (OR) was calculated adjusted by gender, impairment and state, using as a reference those children with less than 30 days in the program. The study included 3,387 children from 177 EEP nurseries, from which 53% were male; age by group was divided in 12-24 months (22.3%), 25-36 months (37.6%) and 37-42 months (40.1%). Normal development adjusted OR by age was 1.9 (CI95%: 1.30-2.78) for 6-11 months, 2.36 (CI95%: 1.60-3.50) for 12-17 months, 2.78 (CI95%: 1.65-4.65) for 18-23 months and 3.46 (CI95%: 2.13-5.60) for >24 months. By area of development, a greater probability of having a normal result for language and social areas was observed after 6 months in the program, and for motor (both gross and fine) and knowledge areas after 12 months. The length of the stay in the EEP after 6 months significantly and progressively increases the probability of normal development regardless of gender and age. Copyright © 2017 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Atopy-related skin rash in a normal population of infants: Distribution and rates for 50 separate skin regions: Cohort study from 4 months to 3.5 years.

PubMed

Aoki, Toshiyuki; Fukuzumi, Takayuki

2015-05-01

Analysis of the rash in a normal population of infants may give new information that is different from clinical observation of atopic dermatitis (AD). For this purpose, a cohort study was undertaken on infants at 4 months, 10 months and 3.5 years. Infants who attended the local health center for health check were the subjects. Rash related to AD, dryness, scaling, erythema, papules, exudation and crusts was recorded in 50 skin regions and divided into three degrees. Examination was performed twice a month for a year at each age. The 777 infants who attended all three examinations were analyzed in this report. Rash-positive regions were 14.7% on average at 4 months and decreased with age. Prevalence of rash-positive infants was 93.6% at 4 months and also decreased with age. The main findings are as follows. First, rash was more frequent and more severe in younger infants. This seems to suggest that AD in early infancy is initiated and developed by immune immaturity, and is resolved by its maturation. Second, rash involved preferentially air-exposed and air-closed skin in younger infants. This seems to be evidence that the epidermis of young infants is easily responsive to both dryness and wetness. Third, some regions did not show age-dependent reduction of rash rate in younger infants. Those regions are probably irritated by saliva and urine or rubbing and scratching. © 2015 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Ontogeny of mouse vestibulo-ocular reflex following genetic or environmental alteration of gravity sensing.

PubMed

Beraneck, Mathieu; Bojados, Mickael; Le Séac'h, Anne; Jamon, Marc; Vidal, Pierre-Paul

2012-01-01

The vestibular organs consist of complementary sensors: the semicircular canals detect rotations while the otoliths detect linear accelerations, including the constant pull of gravity. Several fundamental questions remain on how the vestibular system would develop and/or adapt to prolonged changes in gravity such as during long-term space journey. How do vestibular reflexes develop if the appropriate assembly of otoliths and semi-circular canals is perturbed? The aim of present work was to evaluate the role of gravity sensing during ontogeny of the vestibular system. In otoconia-deficient mice (ied), gravity cannot be sensed and therefore maculo-ocular reflexes (MOR) were absent. While canals-related reflexes were present, the ied deficit also led to the abnormal spatial tuning of the horizontal angular canal-related VOR. To identify putative otolith-related critical periods, normal C57Bl/6J mice were subjected to 2G hypergravity by chronic centrifugation during different periods of development or adulthood (Adult-HG) and compared to non-centrifuged (control) C57Bl/6J mice. Mice exposed to hypergravity during development had completely normal vestibulo-ocular reflexes 6 months after end of centrifugation. Adult-HG mice all displayed major abnormalities in maculo-ocular reflexe one month after return to normal gravity. During the next 5 months, adaptation to normal gravity occurred in half of the individuals. In summary, genetic suppression of gravity sensing indicated that otolith-related signals might be necessary to ensure proper functioning of canal-related vestibular reflexes. On the other hand, exposure to hypergravity during development was not sufficient to modify durably motor behaviour. Hence, 2G centrifugation during development revealed no otolith-specific critical period.

Ontogeny of Mouse Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Following Genetic or Environmental Alteration of Gravity Sensing

PubMed Central

Beraneck, Mathieu; Bojados, Mickael; Le Séac’h, Anne; Jamon, Marc; Vidal, Pierre-Paul

2012-01-01

The vestibular organs consist of complementary sensors: the semicircular canals detect rotations while the otoliths detect linear accelerations, including the constant pull of gravity. Several fundamental questions remain on how the vestibular system would develop and/or adapt to prolonged changes in gravity such as during long-term space journey. How do vestibular reflexes develop if the appropriate assembly of otoliths and semi-circular canals is perturbed? The aim of present work was to evaluate the role of gravity sensing during ontogeny of the vestibular system. In otoconia-deficient mice (ied), gravity cannot be sensed and therefore maculo-ocular reflexes (MOR) were absent. While canals-related reflexes were present, the ied deficit also led to the abnormal spatial tuning of the horizontal angular canal-related VOR. To identify putative otolith-related critical periods, normal C57Bl/6J mice were subjected to 2G hypergravity by chronic centrifugation during different periods of development or adulthood (Adult-HG) and compared to non-centrifuged (control) C57Bl/6J mice. Mice exposed to hypergravity during development had completely normal vestibulo-ocular reflexes 6 months after end of centrifugation. Adult-HG mice all displayed major abnormalities in maculo-ocular reflexe one month after return to normal gravity. During the next 5 months, adaptation to normal gravity occurred in half of the individuals. In summary, genetic suppression of gravity sensing indicated that otolith-related signals might be necessary to ensure proper functioning of canal-related vestibular reflexes. On the other hand, exposure to hypergravity during development was not sufficient to modify durably motor behaviour. Hence, 2G centrifugation during development revealed no otolith-specific critical period. PMID:22808156

Evaluation of treatment-induced cerebral white matter injury by using diffusion-tensor MR imaging: initial experience.

PubMed

Kitahara, Sawako; Nakasu, Satoshi; Murata, Kiyoshi; Sho, Keizen; Ito, Ryuta

2005-10-01

Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy for brain tumors can cause white matter (WM) injury. Conventional MR imaging, however, cannot always depict treatment-induced transient WM abnormalities. We investigated the ability of diffusion-tensor (DT) MR imaging and proton MR spectroscopy to detect the treatment-induced transient changes within normal-appearing WM. DT MR imaging and proton MR spectroscopy were performed in 8 patients treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for brain tumors (17 examinations) and 11 age-matched controls. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, fractional anisotropy (FA) value, and N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) ratio were obtained from 27 hemispheres with normal-appearing WM in the patients. We divided the datasets of isotropic ADC, FA, and NAA/Cr, on the basis of the time period after completion of radiation therapy, into 4 groups: group 1 (0-2 months; n = 10), group 2 (3-5 months; n = 5), group 3 (6-9 months; n = 7), and group 4 (10-12 months; n = 5). We compared averages of mean isotropic ADC, mean FA, and NAA/Cr of each patient group with those of the control group by using a t test. In the group 2, averages of mean FA and NAA/Cr decreased and average of mean isotopic ADC increased in comparison with those of the control group (P = .004, .04, and .0085, respectively). There were no significant differences in the averages between the control group and patient groups 1, 3, and 4. DT MR imaging and proton MR spectroscopy can provide quantitative indices that may reflect treatment-induced transient derangement of normal-appearing WM.

Bone mineral density and effects of growth hormone treatment in prepubertal children with Prader-Willi syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

de Lind van Wijngaarden, Roderick F A; Festen, Dederieke A M; Otten, Barto J; van Mil, Edgar G A H; Rotteveel, Joost; Odink, Roelof J; van Leeuwen, Mariëtte; Haring, Danny A J P; Bocca, Gianni; Mieke Houdijk, E C A; Hokken-Koelega, Anita C S

2009-10-01

Bone mineral density (BMD) is unknown in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), but is decreased in adults with PWS. In patients with GH deficiency, BMD increases during GH treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate BMD in children with PWS and to study the effects of GH treatment. We conducted a randomized controlled GH trial. Forty-six prepubertal children were randomized into either a GH-treated group (1.0 mg/m(2) . d) or a control group for 2 yr. At start, 6, 12, and 24 months of study, total body and lumbar spine BMD were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and lumbar spine bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) was calculated. Baseline total body and lumbar spine BMD sd score (SDS) were normal [mean (sd), -0.2 SDS (1.1) and -0.4 SDS (1.2), respectively]. BMADSDS, which corrects for short stature, was also normal [mean (sd), 0.40 SDS (1.1)]. Total body BMDSDS decreased during the first 6 months of GH (P < 0.0001), but increased during the second year of treatment. After 24 months of study, total body and lumbar spine BMDSDS, and the BMADSDS did not significantly differ between GH-treated children and randomized controls (P = 0.30, P = 0.44, and P = 0.47, respectively). Results were similar when corrected for body mass index SDS. Repeated measurements analysis showed a significant positive association between IGF-I SDS and total body and lumbar spine BMDSDS, but not with BMADSDS. Our results show that prepubertal children with PWS have a normal BMD. GH treatment had no effect on BMD, except for a temporary decrease of total body BMDSDS in the first 6 months.

An evaluation of procedures to estimate monthly precipitation probabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legates, David R.

1991-01-01

Many frequency distributions have been used to evaluate monthly precipitation probabilities. Eight of these distributions (including Pearson type III, extreme value, and transform normal probability density functions) are comparatively examined to determine their ability to represent accurately variations in monthly precipitation totals for global hydroclimatological analyses. Results indicate that a modified version of the Box-Cox transform-normal distribution more adequately describes the 'true' precipitation distribution than does any of the other methods. This assessment was made using a cross-validation procedure for a global network of 253 stations for which at least 100 years of monthly precipitation totals were available.

Longitudinal motor development of "apparently normal" high-risk infants at 18 months, 3 and 5 years.

PubMed

Goyen, Traci Anne; Lui, Kei

2002-12-01

Motor development appears to be more affected by premature birth than other developmental domains, however few studies have specifically investigated the development of gross and fine motor skills in this population. To examine longitudinal motor development in a group of "apparently normal" high-risk infants. Developmental follow-up clinic in a perinatal centre. Longitudinal observational cohort study. Fifty-eight infants born less than 29 weeks gestation and/or 1000 g and without disabilities detected at 12 months. Longitudinal gross and fine motor skills at 18 months, 3 and 5 years using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. The HOME scale provided information of the home environment as a stimulus for development. A large proportion (54% at 18 months, 47% at 3 years and 64% at 5 years) of children continued to have fine motor deficits from 18 months to 5 years. The proportion of infants with gross motor deficits significantly increased over this period (14%, 33% and 81%, p<0.001), particularly for the 'micropreemies' (born <750 g). In multivariate analyses, gross motor development was positively influenced by the quality of the home environment. A large proportion of high-risk infants continued to have fine motor deficits, reflecting an underlying problem with fine motor skills. The proportion of infants with gross motor deficits significantly increased, as test demands became more challenging. In addition, the development of gross and fine motor skills appears to be influenced differently by the home environment.

Effects on motor development of kicking and stepping exercise in preterm infants with periventricular brain injury: a pilot study.

PubMed

Campbell, Suzann K; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah; Zawacki, Laura; Clark, April; Boynewicz, Kara; deRegnier, Raye-Ann; Kuroda, Maxine M; Bhat, Rama; Yu, Jinsheng; Campise-Luther, Rose; Kale, Dipti; Bulanda, Michelle; Zhou, Xiaohong Joe

2012-01-01

Preterm infants with periventricular brain injury (PBI) have a high incidence of atypical development and leg movements. Determine whether kicking and treadmill stepping intervention beginning at 2 months corrected age (CA) in children with PBI improves motor function at 12 months CA when compared with control subjects. In a multi-center pilot study for a controlled clinical trial, sixteen infants with PBI were randomly assigned to home exercise consisting of kicking and treadmill stepping or a no-training control condition. Development was assessed at 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12 months CA with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). At 12 months children were classified as normal, delayed, or with cerebral palsy (CP). At 12 months CA 3 of 7 (43%) of the exercise group children walked alone or with one hand held versus 1 of 9 (11%) in the control group (p=0.262), but no significant differences in AIMS scores were found at any age. Half of the subjects had CP or delay; the outcomes of these infants were not improved by exercise. Compliance with the home program was lower than requested and may have affected results. Although not statistically significant with a small sample size, self-produced kicking and treadmill exercise may lower age at walking in infants with normal development following PBI, but improvements of the protocol to increase and document compliance are needed before a larger study is implemented.

Effects on Motor Development of Kicking and Stepping Exercise in Preterm Infants with Periventricular Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Campbell, Suzann K.; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah; Zawacki, Laura; Clark, April; Boynewicz, Kara; deRegnier, Raye-Ann; Kuroda, Maxine M.; Bhat, Rama; Yu, Jinsheng; Campise-Luther, Rose; Kale, Dipti; Bulanda, Michelle; Zhou, Xiaohong Joe

2013-01-01

Background Preterm infants with periventricular brain injury (PBI) have a high incidence of atypical development and leg movements. Objective Determine whether kicking and treadmill stepping intervention beginning at 2 months corrected age (CA) in children with PBI improves motor function at 12 months CA when compared with control subjects. Method In a multi-center pilot study for a controlled clinical trial, sixteen infants with PBI were randomly assigned to home exercise consisting of kicking and treadmill stepping or a no-training control condition. Development was assessed at 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12 months CA with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). At 12 months children were classified as normal, delayed, or with cerebral palsy (CP). Results At 12 months CA 3 of 7 (43%) of the exercise group children walked alone or with one hand held versus 1 of 9 (11%) in the control group (p=.262), but no significant differences in AIMS scores were found at any age. Half of the subjects had CP or delay; the outcomes of these infants were not improved by exercise. Compliance with the home program was lower than requested and may have affected results. Conclusion Although not statistically significant with a small sample size, self-produced kicking and treadmill exercise may lower age at walking in infants with normal development following PBI, but improvements of the protocol to increase and document compliance are needed before a larger study is implemented. PMID:22543889

Viewing an educational video can improve phosphorus control in patients on hemodialysis: a pilot study.

PubMed

Baldwin, David M

2013-01-01

The objective of this single-arm interventional pilot study was to determine whether viewing an educational video about phosphorous and phosphorous control by patients on hemodialysis was associated with improved phosphorous values and improvement in knowledge and attitudes about the topics presented. An educational video was shown to 150 patients at 16 dialysis centers. The change in serum phosphate levels before and after the viewing of an educational video was evaluated. Mean phosphorous levels for patients were lower in the month after viewing the educational video compared to their values over the three months before the video was shown (6.35 versus 6.82 g/dL). This difference was statistically significant on a per patient basis (-0.47 g/dL, p = 0.0006). Of these patients, all with phosphorus levels outside of the normal range (3.5 to 5.5 mg/dL) before viewing the video, 28.4% had phosphorus levels within the normal range within a month after viewing the video. Patients on hemodialysis who watched an educational video had improved phosphorous levels in the month after viewing the video when compared to phosphorus levels over the three months before the video was shown. The video intervention has the advantages of being simple, low-cost, and easy to implement, and is associated with improved phosphorous levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The video increased patient compliance with recommended self-care regimens.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Azilsartan and Olmesartan in Patients With Essential Hypertension.

PubMed

Shiga, Yuhei; Miura, Shin-Ichiro; Motozato, Kota; Norimatsu, Kenji; Yano, Masaya; Hitaka, Yuka; Adachi, Sen; Kuwano, Takashi; Inoue, Ken; Inoue, Asao; Fujisawa, Kazuaki; Shirotani, Tetsuro; Kusumoto, Takaaki; Ideishi, Munehito; Saku, Keijiro

2017-05-31

Many patients still have high blood pressure (BP) after treatment with angiotensin II type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor blockers (ARBs). We compared the efficacy and safety of azilsartan to those of olmesartan in a prospective randomized clinical trial. Sixty-four hypertensive patients who were treated with ARBs other than azilsartan and olmesartan were enrolled in this study. We randomly assigned patients to changeover from their prior ARBs to either azilsartan or olmesartan, and followed the patients for 3 months. Systolic BP (SBP) in the azilsartan group was significantly decreased at 3 months, and diastolic BP (DBP) and pulse rate (PR) in the olmesartan group showed significant reductions after 3 months. There were no significant differences in ΔSBP, ΔDBP, or ΔPR (Δ = the value at 3 months minus the value at 0 months) between the groups. Serum levels of creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), and potassium (K) in the azilsartan group significantly increased after 3 months. While the changes in Cr, UA, and K were within the respective normal ranges, ΔSBP was positively associated with ΔCr in the azilsartan group. In conclusion, there was no difference in the depressor effects of azilsartan and olmesartan, and there were no serious changes in biochemical parameters with azilsartan and olmesartan.

Reversibility of Vasalgel™ male contraceptive in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Waller, Donald; Bolick, David; Lissner, Elaine; Premanandan, Christopher; Gamerman, Gary

2017-01-01

Development of a non-hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive for men could have a significant impact on reducing unintended pregnancies. Vasalgel™ is a high molecular weight polymer consisting of styrene-alt-maleic acid (SMA) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide being developed as a reversible male contraceptive device. It forms a hydrogel when implanted into the vasa deferentia, which prevents the passage of sperm. Previous studies in the rabbit have proven its efficacy, durability and rapid onset. This study evaluates the capacity to restore sperm concentrations in ejaculates after a reversal procedure. Sodium bicarbonate was injected into the vasa deferentia after fourteen months of azoospermia following the injection of two device variations (Vasalgel 100 and Vasalgel 80). Semen samples were then collected for six months and sperm characteristics were compared to baseline levels. Samples of vasa deferentia were obtained for histological examination. Spermatozoa were present in all subject ejaculates after the reversal procedure. Sperm concentration and sperm motility were similar to baseline levels after reversal, while sperm forward progression was significantly lower and normal acrosomes were not observed. Forward progression percentages increased linearly during six months of semen collection, however, normal acrosomes were not observed at the conclusion of the study. Histologically, several vasa deferentia were clear of the device and contained an intact epithelial lining. A smaller proportion of tissues contained residual test material. A secondary intraluminal inflammatory response was seen occasionally in the tissues containing residual material. There was no difference between the two device variations for studied parameters. Vasalgel's prevention of sperm transport for 14 months was reversed through an intravasal injection of sodium bicarbonate. Post-reversal sperm concentrations and motility returned to baseline levels during the six-month follow up. Residual material in the vas lumen or compromised epididymal and vas deferens function may be resulting in reduced forward progression and loss of acrosomes during transit through the vas. Reduced forward progression and the lack of normal acrosomes strongly suggest impaired sperm function.

Evaluation of growth hormone release and human growth hormone treatment in children with cranial irradiation-associated short stature

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

Romshe, C.A.; Zipf, W.B.; Miser, A.

1984-02-01

We studied nine children who had received cranial irradiation for various malignancies and subsequently experienced decreased growth velocity. Their response to standard growth hormone stimulation and release tests were compared with that in seven children with classic GH deficiency and in 24 short normal control subjects. With arginine and L-dopa stimulation, six of nine patients who received radiation had a normal GH response (greater than 7 ng/ml), whereas by design none of the GH deficient and all of the normal children had a positive response. Only two of nine patients had a normal response to insulin hypoglycemia, with no significantmore » differences in the mean maximal response of the radiation and the GH-deficient groups. Pulsatile secretion was not significantly different in the radiation and GH-deficient groups, but was different in the radiation and normal groups. All subjects in the GH-deficient and radiation groups were given human growth hormone for 1 year. Growth velocity increased in all, with no significant difference in the response of the two groups when comparing the z scores for growth velocity of each subject's bone age. We recommend a 6-month trial of hGH in children who have had cranial radiation and are in prolonged remission with a decreased growth velocity, as there is no completely reliable combination of GH stimulation or release tests to determine their response.« less

Variation in faecal microbiota in a group of horses managed at pasture over a 12-month period.

PubMed

Salem, Shebl E; Maddox, Thomas W; Berg, Adam; Antczak, Philipp; Ketley, Julian M; Williams, Nicola J; Archer, Debra C

2018-05-31

Colic (abdominal pain) is a common cause of mortality in horses. Change in management of horses is associated with increased colic risk and seasonal patterns of increased risk have been identified. Shifts in gut microbiota composition in response to management change have been proposed as one potential underlying mechanism for colic. However, the intestinal microbiota in normal horses and how this varies over different seasons has not previously been investigated. In this study the faecal microbiota composition was studied over 12 months in a population of horses managed at pasture with minimal changes in management. We hypothesised that gut microbiota would be stable in this population over time. Faecal samples were collected every 14 days from 7 horses for 52 weeks and the faecal microbiota was characterised by next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The faecal microbiota was dominated by members of the phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes throughout. Season, supplementary forage and ambient weather conditions were significantly associated with change in the faecal microbiota composition. These results provide important baseline information demonstrating physiologic variation in the faecal microbiota of normal horses over a 12-month period without development of colic.

Sampling errors for satellite-derived tropical rainfall - Monte Carlo study using a space-time stochastic model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, Thomas L.; Abdullah, A.; Martin, Russell L.; North, Gerald R.

1990-01-01

Estimates of monthly average rainfall based on satellite observations from a low earth orbit will differ from the true monthly average because the satellite observes a given area only intermittently. This sampling error inherent in satellite monitoring of rainfall would occur even if the satellite instruments could measure rainfall perfectly. The size of this error is estimated for a satellite system being studied at NASA, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). First, the statistical description of rainfall on scales from 1 to 1000 km is examined in detail, based on rainfall data from the Global Atmospheric Research Project Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE). A TRMM-like satellite is flown over a two-dimensional time-evolving simulation of rainfall using a stochastic model with statistics tuned to agree with GATE statistics. The distribution of sampling errors found from many months of simulated observations is found to be nearly normal, even though the distribution of area-averaged rainfall is far from normal. For a range of orbits likely to be employed in TRMM, sampling error is found to be less than 10 percent of the mean for rainfall averaged over a 500 x 500 sq km area.

Effectiveness of fortification of corn flour-derived products with hydrogen-reduced elemental iron on iron-deficiency anaemia in children and adolescents in southern Brazil.

PubMed

Miglioranza, Lúcia H S; Breganó, José Wander; Dichi, Isaias; Matsuo, Tiemi; Dichi, Jane Bandeira; Barbosa, Décio Sabbatini

2009-02-01

To find the ideal combination of Fe fortifier and its food vehicle is an essential measure in developing countries. However, its cost also plays an important role. In the present study, the effect on blood parameter values of corn flour-derived products fortified with powdered elemental Fe in the form of H2-reduced Fe was investigated in children and adolescents. One hundred and sixty-two individuals (eighty-six boys and seventy-six girls) from public educational centres in Londrina, Paraná (southern Brazil) participated in the study. Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) was defined when Hb and serum ferritin values fell below 12 g/dl and 20 microg/l, respectively; Fe deficiency (ID) was considered when serum ferritin was below 20 microg/l. The prevalence of ID and IDA decreased from 18.0 % and 14.9 %, values found at the beginning of the study, to respectively 5.6 % and 1.2 % after 6 months. Changes from altered to normal values occurred more often than normal to altered values with transferrin saturation (14.2 % v. 6.8 %; P < 0.04) and ferritin (12.4 % v. 0 %; P < 0.001). Hb, transferrin saturation and ferritin showed differences between normal and altered parameters after 6 months (P < 0.001). A pronounced reduction in the prevalence of ID and IDA was observed in children and adolescents following 6 months' ingestion of corn flour-derived products enriched with elemental Fe.

Lack of Neuropathy-Related Phenotypes in Hint1 Knockout Mice

PubMed Central

Seburn, Kevin L.; Morelli, Kathryn H.; Jordanova, Albena; Burgess, Robert W.

2014-01-01

Mutations in HINT1, the gene encoding histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1), cause a recessively inherited peripheral neuropathy that involves primarily motor dysfunction and is usually associated with neuromyotonia, i.e. prolonged muscle contraction resulting from hyperexcitability of the peripheral nerve. Because these mutations are hypothesized to cause loss of function, we analyzed Hint1 knockout mice for their relevance as a disease model. Mice lacking Hint1 were normal in appearance and in behavioral tests or motor performance, although they moved slower and for a smaller fraction of time than wild-type (WT) mice in an open field arena. Muscles, neuromuscular junctions, and nodes of Ranvier are anatomically normal and did not show evidence of degeneration or regeneration. Axon numbers and myelination in peripheral nerves were normal at 4 and 13 months of age. Axons were slightly smaller than those in WT mice at 4 months of age, but this did not cause a decrease in conduction velocity, and no differences in axon diameters were detected at 13 months. Using electromyography, we were unable to detect neuromyotonia, even using supra-physiological stimuli and stressors such as reduced temperature or 3,4 diaminopyridine to block potassium channels. Therefore, we conclude that Hint1 knockout mice may be useful for studying the biochemical activities of HINT1, but these mice do not provide a disease model or a means for investigating the basis of HINT1-associated neuropathy and neuromyotonia. PMID:24918641

Multitemporal Snow Cover Mapping in Mountainous Terrain for Landsat Climate Data Record Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, Christopher J.; Manson, Steven M.; Bauer, Marvin E.; Hall, Dorothy K.

2013-01-01

A multitemporal method to map snow cover in mountainous terrain is proposed to guide Landsat climate data record (CDR) development. The Landsat image archive including MSS, TM, and ETM+ imagery was used to construct a prototype Landsat snow cover CDR for the interior northwestern United States. Landsat snow cover CDRs are designed to capture snow-covered area (SCA) variability at discrete bi-monthly intervals that correspond to ground-based snow telemetry (SNOTEL) snow-water-equivalent (SWE) measurements. The June 1 bi-monthly interval was selected for initial CDR development, and was based on peak snowmelt timing for this mountainous region. Fifty-four Landsat images from 1975 to 2011 were preprocessed that included image registration, top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance conversion, cloud and shadow masking, and topographic normalization. Snow covered pixels were retrieved using the normalized difference snow index (NDSI) and unsupervised classification, and pixels having greater (less) than 50% snow cover were classified presence (absence). A normalized SCA equation was derived to independently estimate SCA given missing image coverage and cloud-shadow contamination. Relative frequency maps of missing pixels were assembled to assess whether systematic biases were embedded within this Landsat CDR. Our results suggest that it is possible to confidently estimate historical bi-monthly SCA from partially cloudy Landsat images. This multitemporal method is intended to guide Landsat CDR development for freshwaterscarce regions of the western US to monitor climate-driven changes in mountain snowpack extent.

Different stability of social-communication problems and negative demanding behaviour from infancy to toddlerhood in a large Dutch population sample

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Little is known about the stability of behavioural and developmental problems as children develop from infants to toddlers in the general population. Therefore, we investigated behavioural profiles at two time points and determined whether behaviours are stable during early development. Methods Parents of 4,237 children completed questionnaires with 62 items about externalizing, internalizing, and social-communicative behaviour when the children were 14–15 and 36–37 months old. Factor mixture modelling identified five homogeneous profiles at both time points: three with relatively normal behaviour or with mild/moderate problems, one with clear communication and interaction problems, and another with pronounced negative and demanding behaviour. Results More than 85% of infants with normal behaviour or mild problems at 14–15 months were reported to behave relatively typically as toddlers at 36–37 months. A similar percentage of infants with moderate communication problems outgrew their problems by the time they were toddlers. However, infants with severe problems had mild to severe problems as toddlers, and did not show completely normal behaviour. Improvement over time occurred more often in children with negative and demanding behaviour than in children with communication and interaction problems. The former showed less homotypic continuity than the latter. Conclusions Negative and demanding behaviour is more often transient and a less specific predictor of problems in toddlerhood than communication and interaction problems. PMID:25061477

Natural course of hypogonadism diagnosed during hospitalization in aged male patients.

PubMed

Iglesias, P; Prado, F; Muñoz, A; Guerrero, M T; Macías, M C; Ridruejo, E; Tajada, P; García-Arévalo, C; Díez, J J

2015-04-01

Our aim was to assess short-term natural course of hypogonadism diagnosed during hospitalization for acute disease in aged male patients after discharge. A group of 43 hypogonadal males, aged 86.7±5.7 year, was studied. Serum concentrations of testosterone (T) and gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone, LH) were measured in every patient both at admission and one month after discharge. Mean serum T at entry was 115.4±48.0 ng/dl. Hypogonadism was hyper-, hypo-, and normogonadotropic in 20 (46.5%), 20 (46.5%), and 3 (7.0%) patients, respectively. One month after discharge serum T concentrations increased significantly (230.9±135.6 ng/dl, p<0.001). At this point, more than half of the patients (n=27, 62.8%) showed normal serum T concentrations. Both gonadotropins, FSH (p<0.001), and LH (p=0.04) also increased one month after discharge. Approximately, half of the patients (13, 48.1%) who normalized serum T concentrations also showed normal serum gonadotropin concentrations. Patients who normalized their serum T concentrations one month after discharge showed significantly higher baseline values of T (134.7±33.9 ng/dl) than those who persisted with hypogonadism (n=16, 32.7%; 82.8±51.6 ng/dl, p<0.001). Lastly, serum T was the only independent predictor for achieving eugonadal status (OR 1.030; CI 95%, 1.010-1.050; p<0.001). In conclusion, about 63% of aged patients hospitalized for acute illness with hypogonadism discovered during hospitalization spontaneously normalize their serum T concentrations one month after discharge. Serum gonadotropin concentrations also increased after discharge. Serum T levels at admission was an independent predictor for the normalization of serum T concentrations.

Oral Tocofersolan Corrects or Prevents Vitamin E Deficiency in Children With Chronic Cholestasis.

PubMed

Thébaut, Alice; Nemeth, Antal; Le Mouhaër, Jeannie; Scheenstra, René; Baumann, Ulrich; Koot, Bart; Gottrand, Fredéric; Houwen, Roderick; Monard, Laure; de Micheaux, Sylvie Lafaye; Habes, Dalila; Jacquemin, Emmanuel

2016-12-01

D-Alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (Tocofersolan, Vedrop), has been developed in Europe to provide an orally bioavailable source of vitamin E in children with cholestasis. The aim was to analyze the safety/efficacy of Vedrop in a large group of children with chronic cholestasis. Two hundred seventy-four children receiving Vedrop for vitamin E deficiency or for its prophylaxis were included from 7 European centers. Median age at treatment onset was 2 months and median follow-up was 11 months. Vedrop was prescribed at a daily dose of 0.34 mL/kg (25 IU/kg) of body weight. Three methods were used to determine a sufficient serum vitamin E status: vitamin E, vitamin E/(total cholesterol), vitamin E/(total cholesterol + triglycerides). Before Vedrop therapy, 51% of children had proven vitamin E deficiency, 30% had normal vitamin E status and 19% had an unknown vitamin E status. During the first months of treatment, vitamin E status was restored in the majority of children with insufficient levels at baseline (89% had a normal status at 6 months). All children with a normal baseline vitamin E status had a normal vitamin E status at 6 months. Among children with an unknown vitamin E status at baseline, 93% had a normal vitamin E status at 6 months. A sufficient vitamin E status was observed in 80% of children with significant cholestasis (serum total bilirubin >34.2 μmol/L). No serious adverse reaction was reported. Vedrop seems a safe and effective oral formulation of vitamin E that restores and/or maintains sufficient serum vitamin E level in the majority of children with cholestasis, avoiding the need for intramuscular vitamin E injections.

[Early prediction of the neurological result at 12 months in newborns at neurological risk].

PubMed

Herbón, F; Garibotti, G; Moguilevsky, J

2015-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Amiel-Tison neurological examination (AT) and cranial ultrasound at term for predicting the neurological result at 12 months in newborns with neurological risk. The study included 89 newborns with high risk of neurological damage, who were discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care of the Hospital Zonal Bariloche, Argentina. The assessment consisted of a neurological examination and cranial ultrasound at term, and neurological examination and evaluation of development at 12 months. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictor value was calculated. The relationship between perinatal factors and neurodevelopment at 12 month of age was also calculated using logistic regression models. Seventy children completed the follow-up. At 12 months of age, 14% had an abnormal neurological examination, and 17% abnormal development. The neurological examination and the cranial ultrasound at term had low sensitivity to predict abnormal neurodevelopment. At 12 months, 93% of newborns with normal AT showed normal neurological results, and 86% normal development. Among newborns with normal cranial ultrasound the percentages were 90 and 81%, respectively. Among children with three or more perinatal risk factors, the frequency of abnormalities in the neurological response was 5.4 times higher than among those with fewer risk factors, and abnormal development was 3.5 times more frequent. The neurological examination and cranial ultrasound at term had low sensitivity but high negative predictive value for the neurodevelopment at 12 months. Three or more perinatal risk factors were associated with neurodevelopment abnormalities at 12 months of age. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonographic features of normalization of the pylorus after pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

PubMed

Yoshizawa, J; Eto, T; Higashimoto, Y; Saitou, T; Maie, M

2001-04-01

The purpose of this study was to describe the time course, early postoperative changes, and morphologic features of normalization of the pylorus after pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The subjects were 17 infants (9 boys, 8 girls) who underwent umbilical incision Ramstedt pyloromyotomy. The pyloric muscle mass was measured immediately before the operation and then at intervals from 3 days to 6 months after the operation using a 7.5-MHz ultrasound probe. In longitudinal section, the dorsal part of the pyloric muscle thickened transiently and then thinned to normal values by 5 months after the operation. It was 5.1 +/- 0.8 mm (mean +/- SD) preoperatively, increased to 6.0 +/- 0.3 mm by day 3 after the operation (P <.05), and thinned to 2.8 +/- 0.2 mm by 5 months after the operation. Concomitantly, the length of the pylorus gradually decreased (from 20.1 +/- 2.9 mm preoperatively to 16.9 +/- 2.7 mm by 3 days postoperatively [P <.05] and to less than 15 mm, by 4 months). In transverse section, the muscle normalized as in the longitudinal section. At the site of the incision it was 4.3 +/- 0.4 mm thick preoperatively, thickened to 4.6 +/- 0.4 mm by 3 days after the operation (P <.05), thinned to 2.1 +/- 0.9 mm by 7 days (P <.05), and then increased slightly, but always was less than 3.0 mm. Morphologically, in transverse section, the incised area looked like a wedge by 3 days after the operation. After pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, there is an early transient increase in muscle thickness within the first few postoperative days followed by a slow decrease that reaches normal thickness (<3 mm) by 5 months. This decrease in thickness is accompanied by a gradual decrease in length to 75% of the preoperative value by 5 months. The morphologic features in this normalization are first a wedge (day 3), then a flat tire (days 7 and 14), and finally an elongated ring (5 months). J Pediatr Surg 36:582-586. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Effect of simvastatin on CSF Alzheimer disease biomarkers in cognitively normal adults.

PubMed

Li, Ge; Mayer, Cynthia L; Morelli, Daniel; Millard, Steven P; Raskind, Wendy H; Petrie, Eric C; Cherrier, Monique; Fagan, Anne M; Raskind, Murray A; Peskind, Elaine R

2017-09-19

To examine potential disease-modifying effects of statin drugs, we conducted a 12-month randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of simvastatin in cognitively normal adults using change in CSF Alzheimer disease biomarkers as primary outcome measure. Participants were 45-64 years old and statin-naive with normal cognition and normal or mildly elevated cholesterol. Forty-six participants completed the 1-year study per protocol (25 in the simvastatin and 21 in the placebo group). Simvastatin was titrated to 40 mg/d. CSF Aβ 42 , total tau, and p-tau 181 were measured at baseline and after 12 months of treatment using the INNO-BIA AlzBio3 assay. We used analysis of covariance to assess differences in biomarker change from baseline between treatment groups, adjusting for age, sex, and APOE ε4 status. Changes from baseline did not differ significantly between treatment groups for any CSF biomarker, with p values of 0.53, 0.36, and 0.25 for CSF Aβ 42 , total tau, and p-tau 181 , respectively. There was no significant modifying effect of sex, APOE ε4, or baseline high-density lipoprotein or triglycerides on treatment group for any of the biomarkers (all p > 0.18). However, a significant interaction between treatment group and baseline low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was observed for p-tau 181 ( p = 0.003), where greater decreases from baseline in CSF p-tau 181 concentrations were associated with higher baseline LDL level for the simvastatin group. Simvastatin-related reductions in CSF p-tau 181 concentrations may be modulated by LDL cholesterol. The potential disease-modifying effects of simvastatin on CSF phospho-tau should be further investigated in persons with hypercholesterolemia. © 2017 American Academy of Neurology.

Effects of therapy on masseter activity and chewing kinematics in patients with unilateral posterior crossbite.

PubMed

Piancino, Maria Grazia; Falla, Deborah; Merlo, Andrea; Vallelonga, Teresa; de Biase, Corrado; Dalessandri, Domenico; Debernardi, Cesare

2016-07-01

To describe the effects of therapy on masseter activity and chewing kinematic in patients with unilateral posterior crossbite (UPC). Fifty children (age: mean ± SD: 9.1 ± 2.3 years) with UPC (34 on the right side, 16 on the left side) and twenty children (age: 9.5 ± 2.6 years) with normal occlusion were selected for the study. The mandibular motion and the muscular activity during chewing soft and hard boli were simultaneously recorded, before and after correction with function generating bite, after a mean treatment time of 7.3 ± 2.4 months plus the retention time of 5-6 months. The percentage of reverse cycles and the percent difference between ipsilateral and contralateral peaks of the masseter electromyography envelopes were computed. Before therapy, the percentage of reverse cycles during chewing on the crossbite side was greater in patients than in controls (P<0.001) and significantly reduced after therapy (P<0.001) towards the reference normal value (soft bolus; pre: 57 ± 30%, post:12 ± 17%; hard bolus; pre: 65 ± 34%, post: 12 ± 13%; reference value: soft bolus 4 ± 2%, hard bolus 5 ± 3%). Before therapy the percent difference between electromyography envelope peaks in patients was lower than in controls (P<0.01) and significantly increased after therapy (P<0.05) becoming similar to the reference normal value. The correction induced a normal-like coordination of masseter muscles activity together with a significant reduction of the reverse chewing patterns. The previous altered muscular activation corresponded to the altered kinematics of reverse chewing cycles that might be considered a useful indicator of the severity of the masticatory function involvement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lower polyamine levels in breast milk of obese mothers compared to mothers with normal body weight.

PubMed

Ali, M Atiya; Strandvik, B; Palme-Kilander, C; Yngve, A

2013-07-01

Obesity is associated with risks for mother and infant, and the mothers' dietary habits influence breast milk composition. Polyamines are secreted in breast milk and are essential for the regulation of intestinal and immune function in newborns and infants. The present study aimed to investigate the level of polyamines in human milk obtained from obese and normal weight mothers at different times of lactation. Breast milk from 50 mothers was obtained at day 3, and at 1 and 2 months after delivery. The mothers had normal body weight [body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg m(-2) ] or were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m(2) ). A subgroup of obese mothers participated in a weight reduction programme during pregnancy. Polyamines were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The total polyamine content was significantly lower at all times in breast milk from obese mothers compared to milk from controls. Spermine levels did not differ between groups at any time in contrast to the levels of putrescine and spermidine. Putrescine concentrations were highest on day 3 and spermidine and spermine were highest at 1 month of lactation. The obese mothers, who received dietary advice during pregnancy based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, had higher concentrations of putrescine and spermidine in their milk than the obese mothers without any intervention. Polyamine concentrations were lower in breast milk from obese mothers compared to mothers with a normal weight. General dietary intervention in obese mothers increased the polyamine levels, suggesting that the low levels in obesity were at least partly associated with food habits. However, the consistency of spermine suggests a special metabolic function of this polyamine. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics © 2013 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Sex Determination and Polyploid Gigantism in the Dwarf Surfclam (Mulinia Lateralis Say)

PubMed Central

Guo, X.; Allen-Jr., S. K.

1994-01-01

Mulinia lateralis, the dwarf surfclam, is a suitable model for bivalve genetics because it is hardy and has a short generation time. In this study, gynogenetic and triploid. M. lateralis were successfully induced. For gynogenesis, eggs were fertilized with sperm irradiated with ultraviolet light and subsequently treated with cytochalasin B to block the release of the second polar body (PB2). Triploidy was induced by blocking PB2 in normally fertilized eggs. The survival of gynogenetic diploids was very low, only 0.7% to 8 days post-fertilization (PF), compared with 15.2% in the triploid groups and 27.5% in the normal diploid control. Larvae in all groups metamorphosed at 8-10 days PF, and there was no significant post-larval mortality. At sexual maturation (2-3 months PF), all gynogenetic diploids were female, and there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in sex ratio between diploids and triploids. These results suggested that the dwarf surfclam may have an XX-female, XY-male sex determination with Y-domination. Compared with diploids, triploids had a relative fecundity of 59% for females and 80% for males. Eggs produced by triploid females were 53% larger (P < 0.001) in volume than those from diploid females. In both length and weight measurements at three months PF, the gynogenetic diploids were not significantly (P > 0.33) different from normal diploid females, suggesting that inbreeding depression was minimal in meiosis II gynogens. Triploid clams were significantly larger (P < 0.001) than normal diploids. We hypothesize that the increased body-size in triploids was caused by a polyploid gigantism due to the increased cell volume and a lack of cell-number compensation. PMID:7896101

[CORRELATION OF LUMBAR FACET JOINT DEGENERATION AND SPINE-PELVIC SAGITTAL BALANCE].

PubMed

Lo, Xin; Zhang, Bin; Liu, Yuan; Dai, Min

2015-08-01

To investigate the relationship between lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. A retrospective analysis was made the clinical data of 120 patients with lumbar degenerative disease, who accorded with the inclusion criteria between June and November 2014. There were 58 males and 62 females with an average age of 53 years (range, 24-77 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 96 months (mean, 6.6 months). Affected segments included L3,4 in 32 cases, L4,5 in 47 cases, and L5, S1 in 52 cases. The CT and X-ray films of the lumbar vertebrae were taken. The facet joint degeneration was graded based on the grading system of Pathria. The spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters were measured, including lumbar lordosis (LL), upper lumbar lordosis (ULL), lower lumbar lordosis (LLL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS). According to normal range of PI, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (PI was less than normal range), group B (PI was within normal range), and group C (PI was more than normal range). The facet joint degeneration was compared; according to the facet joint degeneration degree, the patients were divided into group N (mild degeneration group) and group M (serious degeneration group) to observe the relationship of lumbar facet joint degeneration of each segment and spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters. At L4,5 and L5, S1, facet joint degeneration showed significant difference among groups A, B, and C (P < 0.05), more serious facet joint degeneration was observed in group C; no significant difference was found in facet joint degeneration at L3,4 (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the other spine-pelvic sagittal balance parameters between groups N and M at each segment (P > 0.05) except for PT (P < 0.05). PI of more than normal range may lead to or aggravate lumbar facet joint degeneration at L4,5 and L5, Si; PT and PI are significantly associated with facet joint degeneration at the lower lumbar spine.

Postnatal Anthropometric and Body Composition Profiles in Infants with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Identified by Prenatal Doppler

PubMed Central

Mazarico, E.; Martinez-Cumplido, R.; Díaz, M.; Sebastiani, G.; Ibáñez, L.; Gómez-Roig, M. D.

2016-01-01

Introduction Infant anthropometry and body composition have been previously assessed to gauge the impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) at birth, but the interplay between prenatal Doppler measurements and postnatal development has not been studied in this setting. The present investigation was performed to assess the significance of prenatal Doppler findings relative to postnatal anthropometrics and body composition in IUGR newborns over the first 12 months of life. Patients and Methods Consecutive cases of singleton pregnancies with suspected IUGR were prospectively enrolled over 12 months. Fetal biometry and prenatal Doppler ultrasound examinations were performed. Body composition was assessed by absorptiometry at ages 10 days, and at 4 and12 months. Results A total of 48 pregnancies qualifying as IUGR were studied. Doppler parameters were normal in 26 pregnancies. The remaining 22 deviated from normal, marked by an Umbilical Artery Pulsatility Index (UA-PI) >95th centil or Cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) <5th centile. No significant differences emerged when comparing anthropometry and body composition at each time point, in relation to Doppler findings. Specifically, those IUGR newborns with and without abnormal Doppler findings had similar weight, length, body mass index, lean and fat mass, and bone mineral content throughout the first 12 months of life. In a separate analysis, when comparing IUGR newborns by Doppler (abnormal UA-PI vs. abnormal CPR), anthropometry and body composition did not differ significantly. Conclusions Infants with IUGR maintain a pattern of body composition during the first year of life that is independent of prenatal Doppler findings. Future studies with larger sample sizes and correlating with hormonal status are warranted to further extend the phenotypic characterization of the various conditions now classified under the common label of IUGR. PMID:26938993

Effects of a portion design plate on food group guideline adherence among hospital staff.

PubMed

de Korne, Dirk F; Malhotra, Rahul; Lim, Wai Yee; Ong, Christine; Sharma, Ashu; Tan, Tai Kiat; Tan, Thiam Chye; Ng, Kee Chong; Østbye, Truls

2017-01-01

Food group guideline adherence is vital to prevent obesity and diabetes. Various studies have demonstrated that environmental variables influence food intake behaviour. In the present study we examined the effect of a portion design plate with food group portion guidelines demarcated by coloured lines (ETE Plate™). A two-group quasi-experimental design was used to measure proportions of carbohydrate, vegetable and protein portions and user experience in a hospital staff lounge setting in Singapore. Lunch was served on the portion design plate before 12.15 hours. For comparison, a normal plate (without markings) was used after 12.15 hours. Changes in proportions of food groups from 2 months before the introduction of the design plate were analysed in a stratified sample at baseline (859 subjects, all on normal plates) to 1, 3 and 6 months after (in all 1016 subjects on the design plate, 968 subjects on the control plate). A total of 151 participants were asked about their experiences and opinions. Between-group comparisons were performed using t tests. Among those served on the portion design plate at 6 months after its introduction, the proportion of vegetables was 4·71 % ( P  < 0·001) higher and that of carbohydrates 2·83 % ( P  < 0·001) lower relative to the baseline. No significant change was found for proteins (-1·85 %). Over 6 months, we observed different change patterns between the different food group proportions. While participants were positive about the portion design plate, they did not think it would influence their personal behaviour. A portion design plate might stimulate food group guideline adherence among hospital staff and beyond.

Regionally-Specific Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Mielke, M.M.; Kozauer, N.A.; Chan, K.C.G.; George, M.; Toroney, J.; Zerrate, M.; Bandeen-Roche, K.; Wang, M-C; vanZijl, P.; Pekar, J.J.; Mori, S.; Lyketsos, C.G.; Albert, M.

2009-01-01

Background Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have shown significant cross-sectional differences among normal controls (Bozzali et al., 2002), mild cognitive impairment (Robbins et al.) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients in several fiber tracts in the brain, but longitudinal assessment is needed. Methods We studied 75 participants (25 NC, 25 amnestic MCI, and 25 mild AD) at baseline and 3 months later, with both imaging and clinical evaluations. Fractional anisotropy (Bozzali et al., 2002) was analyzed in regions of interest (ROIs) in: (1) fornix, (2) cingulum bundle, (3) splenium, and (4) cerebral peduncles. Clinical data included assessments of clinical severity and cognitive function. Cross-sectional and longitudinal differences in FA, within each ROI, were analyzed with generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results Cross-sectionally, AD patients had lower FA than NC (p<0.05) at baseline and 3 months in the fornix and anterior portion of the cingulum bundle. Compared to MCI, AD cases had lower FA (p<0.05) in these regions and the splenium at 0 and 3 months. Both the fornix and anterior cingulum correlated across all clinical cognitive scores; lower FA in these ROIs corresponded to worse performance. Over the course of 3 months, when the subjects were clinically stable, the ROIs were also largely stable. Conclusions Using DTI, findings indicate FA is decreased in specific fiber tracts among groups of subjects that vary along the spectrum from normal to AD, and that this measure is stable over short periods of time. The fornix is a predominant outflow tract of the hippocampus and may be an important indicator of AD progression. PMID:19457371

Reliability of Interaural Time Difference-Based Localization Training in Elderly Individuals with Speech-in-Noise Perception Disorder.

PubMed

Delphi, Maryam; Lotfi, M-Yones; Moossavi, Abdollah; Bakhshi, Enayatollah; Banimostafa, Maryam

2017-09-01

Previous studies have shown that interaural-time-difference (ITD) training can improve localization ability. Surprisingly little is, however, known about localization training vis-à-vis speech perception in noise based on interaural time difference in the envelope (ITD ENV). We sought to investigate the reliability of an ITD ENV-based training program in speech-in-noise perception among elderly individuals with normal hearing and speech-in-noise disorder. The present interventional study was performed during 2016. Sixteen elderly men between 55 and 65 years of age with the clinical diagnosis of normal hearing up to 2000 Hz and speech-in-noise perception disorder participated in this study. The training localization program was based on changes in ITD ENV. In order to evaluate the reliability of the training program, we performed speech-in-noise tests before the training program, immediately afterward, and then at 2 months' follow-up. The reliability of the training program was analyzed using the Friedman test and the SPSS software. Significant statistical differences were shown in the mean scores of speech-in-noise perception between the 3 time points (P=0.001). The results also indicated no difference in the mean scores of speech-in-noise perception between the 2 time points of immediately after the training program and 2 months' follow-up (P=0.212). The present study showed the reliability of an ITD ENV-based localization training in elderly individuals with speech-in-noise perception disorder.

Transrectal ultrasonographic evaluation of combined utero-placental thickness during the last half of pregnancy in Martina Franca donkeys.

PubMed

Carluccio, A; Noto, F; Parrillo, S; Contri, A; De Amicis, I; Gloria, A; Robbe, D; Veronesi, M C

2016-12-01

In the recent years, the donkey population decreased dramatically so that many breeds are presently considered as endangered. In comparison to the horse, the donkey placenta still remains not completely studied. In the horse, one of the diagnostic tools useful to identify pregnant mares at risk of abortion or premature delivery, include the transrectal ultrasound examination of the uterus and its contents; and especially of the combined thickness of the uterus and of the placenta (CUPT). Since the CUPT was never investigated in donkeys, the present study was aimed to define the transrectal CUPT values during the last half of pregnancy in 20 Martina Franca jennies. Foalings times, foals characteristics and placental gross appearance, and measurements were also evaluated and values resulted always within normality. Differently to the mare, a continuous significant CUPT increase between the sixth to the 12 months of pregnancy, and a substantial increase from the ninth to the 12th month of pregnancy, was found. Although statistically not evaluable, the CUPT values recorded from three jennies with pregnancy loss did not show evidence of CUPT increases. In conclusion, normal CUPT values from the sixth to the 12th month of pregnancy in Martina Franca donkeys are provided, but further investigations are needed to define possible breed or body-size CUPT specific differences, as well as the CUPT values during pregnancy disturbances or placental abnormalities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Standardization of Analysis Sets for Reporting Results from ADNI MRI Data

PubMed Central

Wyman, Bradley T.; Harvey, Danielle J.; Crawford, Karen; Bernstein, Matt A.; Carmichael, Owen; Cole, Patricia E.; Crane, Paul; DeCarli, Charles; Fox, Nick C.; Gunter, Jeffrey L.; Hill, Derek; Killiany, Ronald J.; Pachai, Chahin; Schwarz, Adam J.; Schuff, Norbert; Senjem, Matthew L.; Suhy, Joyce; Thompson, Paul M.; Weiner, Michael; Jack, Clifford R.

2013-01-01

The ADNI 3D T1-weighted MRI acquisitions provide a rich dataset for developing and testing analysis techniques for extracting structural endpoints. To promote greater rigor in analysis and meaningful comparison of different algorithms, the ADNI MRI Core has created standardized analysis sets of data comprising scans that met minimum quality control requirements. We encourage researchers to test and report their techniques against these data. Standard analysis sets of volumetric scans from ADNI-1 have been created, comprising: screening visits, 1 year completers (subjects who all have screening, 6 and 12 month scans), two year annual completers (screening, 1, and 2 year scans), two year completers (screening, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months (MCI only) and 2 years) and complete visits (screening, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months (MCI only), 2, and 3 year (normal and MCI only) scans). As the ADNI-GO/ADNI-2 data becomes available, updated standard analysis sets will be posted regularly. PMID:23110865

An initial study of voice characteristics of children using two different sound coding strategies in comparison to normal hearing children.

PubMed

Coelho, Ana Cristina; Brasolotto, Alcione Ghedini; Bevilacqua, Maria Cecília

2015-06-01

To compare some perceptual and acoustic characteristics of the voices of children who use the advanced combination encoder (ACE) or fine structure processing (FSP) speech coding strategies, and to investigate whether these characteristics differ from children with normal hearing. Acoustic analysis of the sustained vowel /a/ was performed using the multi-dimensional voice program (MDVP). Analyses of sequential and spontaneous speech were performed using the real time pitch. Perceptual analyses of these samples were performed using visual-analogic scales of pre-selected parameters. Seventy-six children from three years to five years and 11 months of age participated. Twenty-eight were users of ACE, 23 were users of FSP, and 25 were children with normal hearing. Although both groups with CI presented with some deviated vocal features, the users of ACE presented with voice quality more like children with normal hearing than the users of FSP. Sound processing of ACE appeared to provide better conditions for auditory monitoring of the voice, and consequently, for better control of the voice production. However, these findings need to be further investigated due to the lack of comparative studies published to understand exactly which attributes of sound processing are responsible for differences in performance.

Computed Tomography of the Abdomen in Eight Clinically Normal Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

PubMed

du Plessis, W M; Groenewald, H B; Elliott, D

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomical description of the abdomen in the clinically normal common marmoset by means of computed tomography (CT). Eight clinically healthy mature common marmosets ranging from 12 to 48 months and 235 to 365 g bodyweight were anesthetized and pre- and post-contrast CT examinations were performed using different CT settings in dorsal recumbency. Abdominal organs were identified and visibility noted. Diagnostic quality abdominal images could be obtained of the common marmoset despite its small size using a dual-slice CT scanner. Representative cross-sectional images were chosen from different animals illustrating the abdominal CT anatomy of clinically normal common marmosets. Identification or delineation of abdominal organs greatly improved with i.v. contrast. A modified high-frequency algorithm with edge enhancement added valuable information for identification of small structures such as the ureters. The Hounsfield unit (HU) of major abdominal organs differed from that of small animals (domestic dogs and cats). Due to their size and different anatomy, standard small animal CT protocols need to be critically assessed and adapted for exotics, such as the common marmoset. The established normal reference range of HU of major abdominal organs and adapted settings for a CT protocol will aid clinical assessment of the common marmoset. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Effect of Health Education Based on Integrative Therapy of Chinese and Western Medicine for Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Shi, Mai; Liu, Zhao-Lan; Zhu, Yan-Bo; Xu, Mei-Yan; Duan, Xue-Ying; Shi, Hui-Mei; Jiang, Bo; Zhang, Xiao-Mei; Yu, Xiao-Han

2018-02-01

To investigate the effects of health education based on integrative therapy of Chinese and Western medicine for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), body mass index (BMI) and glucose control. Patients were individually randomized into intervention group (receiving integrative education, n=120) and control group (receiving usual education, n=120). The primary outcome was the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from baseline. Hierarchical linear models (HLMs) were used to assess within-group changes in outcomes over time and between-group differences in patterns of change. Secondary outcomes were KAP scores, HRQoL scores and BMI after 6 and 12 months, paired-sample t test was used to assess within-group changes in outcomes in 6 and 12 months, independent-sample t test was used to assess between-group differences in patterns of change. HbA1c decreased statistically from baseline to 3 months, from 3 to 6 months, from 6 to 9 months and from 9 to 12 months in the intervention group (all P<0.01); and decreased significantly from baseline to 3 months, and from 3 to 6 months in the control group P<0.01). There was a significant between-group difference from baseline to 3 months (P=0.044), from 6 to 9 months (P<0.01) and from 9 to 12 months (P<0.01). Significant improvements in the intervention group along with significant between-group differences were found in KAP and HRQoL scores respectively (all P<0.05). The number in the intervention group of normal weight increased from 56 at baseline to 81 (6 months), 94 (12 months), the number in the control group were 63 (baseline), 69 (6 months), 70 (12 months), the χ 2 of hierarchical analysis of BMI were 6.93 (P=0.075), 10.31 (P=0.016), 15.53 (P<0.01), respectively. Health education based on integrative therapy of Chinese and Western medicine is beneficial to the control of T2DM and should be recommended for T2DM.

Effects of silicone gel on burn scars.

PubMed

Momeni, Mahnoush; Hafezi, Farhad; Rahbar, Hossein; Karimi, Hamid

2009-02-01

To study the efficacy of silicone gel applied to hypertrophic burn scars, in reducing scar interference with normal function and improving cosmesis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 38 people with hypertrophic burn scars. Each scar was divided into two segments; silicone gel sheet was applied randomly to one of the two and placebo to the other. Participants were seen again after 1 and 4 months. Their data and wound characteristics were collected using the Vancouver scar scale. The median age of participants was 22 years (1.5-60 years) and 16 were male; 4 did not attend follow-up and were excluded from the study. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Although after 1 month all scar scale measures were lower in treated areas, only the vascularity scale was significantly different between the two areas. After 4 months, all scale measures were significantly lower in the silicone gel group than in the control group, except for the pain score. Silicone gel is an effective treatment for hypertrophic burn scars.

Incidence and Determinants of Port Occlusions in Cancer Outpatients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Milani, Alessandra; Mazzocco, Ketti; Gandini, Sara; Pravettoni, Gabriella; Libutti, Livio; Zencovich, Claudia; Sbriglia, Ada; Pari, Chiara; Magon, Giorgio; Saiani, Luisa

Normal saline is considered a safe alternative for heparin as a locking solution in totally implantable venous access devices. The incidence rate of partial occlusion with the use of normal saline (easy injection, impossible aspiration) is estimated at 4%. The aim of this study was to investigate determinants of partial occlusions with the use of normal saline solution and the maintenance of positive pressure in the catheter. We enrolled 218 patients with different solid tumors who underwent pharmacologic treatment through the port with different frequencies: from once every week to at least once every month. The port was flushed with normal saline solution keeping a positive pressure in the catheter. We performed 4111 observations and documented normal port functioning in 99% of observations (n = 4057) and partial occlusions in 1% of observations (n = 54). Partial occlusions were significantly associated with frequency of port flushing (P < .05), chemotherapy (P < .001), and blood sample collection (P < .001). The use of positive pressure in addition to normal saline reduces the incidence rate of partial occlusions. The type of treatment, blood sample collection, and treatment schedule are important determinants of partial occlusions. Nurses play a key role in maintaining a functioning port using positive pressure during the flushing techniques. Certain risk factors must be monitored to prevent partial occlusions, and certain patients are more likely to present with port-related problems.

Skeletal maturation in obese patients.

PubMed

Giuca, Maria Rita; Pasini, Marco; Tecco, Simona; Marchetti, Enrico; Giannotti, Laura; Marzo, Giuseppe

2012-12-01

The objective of this study was to compare skeletal maturation in obese patients and in subjects of normal weight to evaluate the best timing for orthopedic and orthodontic treatment. The null hypothesis was that obese and normal-weight patients show similar degrees of skeletal maturation. The sample for this retrospective study consisted of 50 white patients (28 boys, 22 girls) whose x-rays (hand-wrist and lateral cephalometric radiographs) were already available. The test group included 25 obese patients (11 girls, 14 boys; average age, 9.8 ± 2.11 years), and the control group included 25 subjects of normal weight (11 girls, 14 boys; average age, 9.9 ± 2.5 years). Skeletal maturation was determined by using the carpal analysis method and the cervical vertebral maturation method. According to the carpal analysis, there was a significant difference between skeletal and chronologic ages between the test group (11.8 ± 11.4 months) and the control group (-2.9 ± 3.1 months). Furthermore, the obese subjects exhibited a significantly higher mean cervical vertebral maturation score (2.8 ± 0.7) than did the control subjects (2 ± 0.6) (P <0.05). Compared with the normal-weight subjects, the obese subjects showed a higher mean discrepancy between skeletal and chronologic ages according to the carpal analysis and had a significantly higher cervical vertebral maturation score. Thus, to account for the growth in obese patients with skeletal discrepancies, it might be necessary to perform examinations and dentofacial and orthopedic treatments earlier than in normal-weight subjects. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) test anergy does not impact CD4 reconstitution or normalization of DTH responses during antiretroviral therapy.

PubMed

Minidis, Natascha M; Mesner, Octavio; Agan, Brian K; Okulicz, Jason F

2014-01-01

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) testing is an in vivo assessment of cell-mediated immunity. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) improves immunologic parameters, the relationship between DTH responsiveness and CD4 gains on HAART is not completely understood. We investigated CD4 reconstitution and the change in DTH responses from treatment baseline through 24 months of viral load (VL)-suppressive HAART in the U.S. Military HIV Natural History Study. Treatment-naïve subjects with VL <400 copies/mL after ≥24 months on HAART were included (n=302). DTH testing consisted of ≥3 recall antigens, and responses were classified by the number of positive skin tests: anergic (0-1) or non-anergic (≥2). Pre-HAART DTH results were compared for the outcome of CD4 reconstitution at 24 months of HAART. Improvement in DTH responses was also analyzed for those anergic before HAART initiation. Non-anergic responses were observed in 216 (72%) participants, while 86 (28%) individuals were anergic prior to HAART initiation. Demographically there were similar distributions of age at HIV diagnosis and HAART initiation, as well as gender and race or ethnicity. There were no significant differences between non-anergic and anergic participants in pre-HAART CD4 count (409 cells/μL, interquartile range (IQR) 315-517 vs. 373 cells/μL, IQR 228-487; p=0.104) and VL (4.3 log10 copies/mL, IQR 3.4-4.9 vs. 4.4 log10 copies/mL, IQR 3.6-5.0; p=0.292). Median CD4 gains 24 months after HAART initiation were similar between the non-anergic (220 cells/μL, IQR 115-358) and anergic groups (246 cells/μL, IQR 136-358; p=0.498). For individuals anergic before HAART initiation, DTH normalization occurred at 24 months post-HAART in the majority of participants (51 of 86, 59%). Normalization of DTH responses was not associated with CD4 count at HAART initiation (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.47, 1.09 per 100 cells; p=0.129) nor with AIDS diagnoses prior to HAART (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.04, 2.51; p=0.283). DTH responsiveness has been shown to predict HIV disease progression independent of CD4 count in untreated individuals. In the setting of HAART, pre-HAART anergy does not appear to impact CD4 gains or the ability to normalize DTH responses after 24 months of VL-suppressive HAART.

Assessing children's inference generation: what do tests of reading comprehension measure?

PubMed

Bowyer-Crane, Claudine; Snowling, Margaret J

2005-06-01

Previous research suggests that children with specific comprehension difficulties have problems with the generation of inferences. This raises important questions as to whether poor comprehenders have poor comprehension skills generally, or whether their problems are confined to specific inference types. The main aims of the study were (a) using two commonly used tests of reading comprehension to classify the questions requiring the generation of inferences, and (b) to investigate the relative performance of skilled and less-skilled comprehenders on questions tapping different inference types. The performance of 10 poor comprehenders (mean age 110.06 months) was compared with the performance of 10 normal readers (mean age 112.78 months) on two tests of reading comprehension. A qualitative analysis of the NARA II (form 1) and the WORD comprehension subtest was carried out. Participants were then administered the NARA II, WORD comprehension subtest and a test of non-word reading. The NARA II was heavily reliant on the generation of knowledge-based inferences, while the WORD comprehension subtest was biased towards the retention of literal information. Children identified by the NARA II as having comprehension difficulties performed in the normal range on the WORD comprehension subtests. Further, children with comprehension difficulties performed poorly on questions requiring the generation of knowledge-based and elaborative inferences. However, they were able to answer questions requiring attention to literal information or use of cohesive devices at a level comparable to normal readers. Different reading tests tap different types of inferencing skills. Lessskilled comprehenders have particular difficulty applying real-world knowledge to a text during reading, and this has implications for the formulation of effective intervention strategies.

Cytokine mRNA expression in synovial fluid of affected and contralateral stifle joints and the left shoulder joint in dogs with unilateral disease of the stifle joint.

PubMed

de Bruin, Tanya; de Rooster, Hilde; van Bree, Henri; Duchateau, Luc; Cox, Eric

2007-09-01

To examine mRNA expression of cytokines in synovial fluid (SF) cells from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and medial patellar luxation (MPL) and determine mRNA expression for 3 joints (affected stifle, unaffected contralateral stifle, and left shoulder joints) in dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture. 29 stifle joints with CrCL rupture (29 dogs), 8 stifle joints with MPL (7 dogs), and 24 normal stifle joints (16 clinically normal dogs). Immediately before reconstructive surgery, SF was aspirated from the cruciate-deficient stifle joint or stifle joint with MPL. Fourteen of 29 dogs had unilateral CrCL rupture; SF was also aspirated from the unaffected contralateral stifle joint and left shoulder joint. Those 14 dogs were examined 6 and 12 months after reconstructive surgery. Total RNA was extracted from SF cells and reverse transcription-PCR assay was performed to obtain cDNA. Canine-specific cytokine mRNA expression was determined by use of a real-time PCR assay. Interleukin (IL)-8 and -10 and interferon-gamma expression differed significantly between dogs with arthropathies and dogs with normal stifle joints. For the 14 dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture, a significant difference was found for IL-8 expression. Before reconstructive surgery, IL-8 expression differed significantly between the affected stifle joint and left shoulder joint or contralateral stifle joint. Six months after surgery, IL-8 expression was significantly increased in the unaffected contralateral stifle joint, compared with the shoulder joint. No conclusions can be made regarding the role of the examined cytokines in initiation of CrCL disease.

Bone mineral density in anorexia nervosa: Only weight and menses recovery?

PubMed

Jáuregui-Lobera, Ignacio; Bolaños-Ríos, Patricia; Sabaté, Juan

2016-11-01

The study objectives were to analyze the presence of reduced bone mass in a sample of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and amenorrhea, to assess Bone Mineral Density (BMD) recovery after having a normal weight is reached and regular menses are resumed, and to predict BMD after a treatment period considering different variables (baseline BMD, baseline and final body mass index (BMI), treatment duration). 35 patients with AN (mean age 20.57±5.77) were studied at treatment start (T 0 ) and after they had recovered their normal weight and regular menses (T 1 ) in order to measure their BMD using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) of the lumbar spine (L2-L4). At T 0 , 2.86% of patients had normal BMD, while a reduced bone mass consistent with osteopenia or with osteoporosis was found in 22.86% and 74.28% of patients respectively. At T 1 , the percentages were 20%, 20%, and 60% respectively. No significant differences were seen in L2-L3 and mean BMD (L2-L4). A significant difference was however found for L4 (p<0.05). A positive relationship was seen between final body mass index (BMI) and final BMD in patients with T 0 -T 1 >11 months, but not when the time period was ≤11 months. This follow-up study of changes not only in BMD but also in BMI and recovery of menses has clinical relevance from the viewpoint of the day-by-day treatment process. Use of QCT makes the study more relevant because this is a more advanced technique that allows for differentiating trabecular and cortical bone. Copyright © 2016 SEEN. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The prospective association between different types of exercise and body composition

PubMed Central

Drenowatz, Clemens; Hand, Gregory A.; Sagner, Michael; Shook, Robin P.; Burgess, Stephanie; Blair, Steven N.

2015-01-01

Purpose Despite the widely accepted benefits of exercise on chronic disease risk, there remains controversy on the role of exercise in weight loss. This study examined the effect of different exercise types on measures of adiposity across different fat categories. Methods A total of 348 young adults (49% male; 28±4 years), participating in an ongoing observational study, provided valid data over a period of 12 months. Fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) were measured via dual x-ray absorptiometry every 3 months. Percent body fat (BF) was calculated and used to differentiate between normal fat, over fat and obese participants. At each measurement time point participants reported engagement (min/week) in aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and other exercise. Results Most participants (93%) reported some exercise participation during the observation period. Total exercise or specific exercise types did not significantly affect subsequent BMI after adjusting for sex, ethnicity, age and baseline values of adiposity and exercise. Resistance exercise affected lean mass (p<0.01) and fat mass (p<0.01), while aerobic exercise only affected fat mass (p<0.01). Any exercise type positively affected lean mass in normal fat participants (p<0.04). In overfat and obese participants fat mass was reduced with increasing resistance exercise (p≤0.02) but not with aerobic exercise (p≥0.09). Additionally adjusting for objectively assessed total physical activity level did not change these results. Conclusion Despite the limited effects on BMI, exercise was associated with beneficial changes in body composition. Exercise increased lean mass in normal fat participants and reduced fat mass in overfat and obese adults. Adults with excess body fat may benefit particularly from resistance exercise. PMID:25970664

A study on the association between hyperlipidemia and hypothyroidism and the response to TKIs in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Song, Yan; Du, Chunxia; Zhang, Wen; Sun, Yongkun; Yang, Lin; Cui, Chengxu; Chi, Yihebali; Shou, Jianzhong; Zhou, Aiping; Wang, Jinwan; Sun, Yan

2016-06-01

Vascular endothelial growth facto receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) are widely used for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the response to VEGFR-TKIs and hyperlipidemia and hypothyroidism. Clinical data on 155 patients with mRCC treated with VEGFR-TKIs at the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2006 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received first-line TKI therapy. Survival analysis was performed with a significance level of 0.05 using a Kaplan-Meier curve. The χ(2) test was used for the intergroup comparison. The Cox regression model was used for the analysis of multiple factors affecting survival. The median survival for the whole group (n = 155) was 36.2 months. A total of 57 patients (36.8 percent) developed hypothyroidism and 85 patients (54.9 percent) experienced hyperlipidemia. The response rate (RR) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) for patients with normal thyroid function were 32.7 percent and 9.1 months, respectively, 54.5 percent and 13.7 months with grade I hypothyroidism, 70.8 percent and 23.8 months with grade II hypothyroidism (P values of 0.001 and 0.017, respectively). The RR and mPFS for patients with normal blood lipids were 23.9 percent and 8.0 months, respectively, 54.0 percent and 12.9 months with grade I hyperlipidemia, 60.7 percent and 14.0 months with grade II hyperlipidemia, and 100.0 percent and 22.2 months with grade III hyperlipidemia. Significant differences in the RR and mPFS were seen between groups (the P values were 0.000 and 0.005, respectively). Hypothyroidism or hyperlipidemia may be effective predictive factors for response to treatment with VEGFR-TKIs in mRCC patients. Large-sample studies are warranted to further prove these results. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

What role does body mass index play in hospital admission rates from the pediatric emergency department?

PubMed

Wyrick, Sara; Hester, Casey; Sparkman, Amy; O'Neill, Kathleen M; Dupuis, Greg; Anderson, Michael; Cordell, Jared; Bogie, Amanda

2013-09-01

The primary objective of this study was to determine if children with abnormal body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age were admitted to the hospital from the emergency room at greater frequency than normal-weight children. This study also sought to evaluate what specific diagnoses both underweight and overweight children were being admitted with, and if a discrepancy exists. A prospective observational chart review was conducted of children evaluated in the emergency department of the Children's Hospital at the University of Oklahoma during the month of October 2011 (n = 1747). One thousand nine hundred thirteen patient charts were reviewed, but 166 were excluded because of inability to obtain a height or weight within a 3-month period of the child being seen in the emergency department. Thirty-five (24.5%) of underweight patients, 82 (14.6%) of overweight or obese, and 173 (16.6%) of the normal-weight patients were admitted to the hospital from the emergency department. The underweight patients were admitted more frequently than the normal-weight (P = 0.0206) and overweight or obese patients (P = 0.0046). In addition, underweight patients were admitted more frequently with respiratory infections than normal-weight (P = 0.0279) and overweight or obese (P = 0.0509) patients. In addition, underweight patients were admitted more than overweight or obese patients with fractures (P = 0.0278). There was no statistical difference between overweight or obese and normal-weight admissions within any of the diagnostic categories. Underweight children (BMI ≤5%) have an increased risk of hospitalization from the emergency department, even when adjusted for age and sex. In particular, hospitalization among underweight patients was increased for those patients with respiratory infections and fractures. No difference was seen between admission rates of overweight (BMI ≥85%) or obese (BMI ≥95%) patients from those of normal-weight patients. This warrants the need to counsel patients and their families on the dangers not only of obesity, but also of being underweight. Emphasis should be placed on healthy lifestyles that include well-balanced meals and exercise.

The effect of river pulsing on sedimentation and nutrients in created riparian wetlands.

PubMed

Nahlik, Amanda M; Mitsch, William J

2008-01-01

Sedimentation under pulsed and steady-flow conditions was investigated in two created flow-through riparian wetlands in central Ohio over 2 yr. Hydrologic pulses of river water lasting for 6 to 8 d were imposed on each wetland from January through June during 2004. Mean inflow rates during pulses averaged 52 and 7 cm d(-1) between pulses. In 2005, the wetlands received a steady-flow regime of 11 cm d(-1) with no major hydrologic fluctuations. Thirty-two sediment traps were deployed and sampled once per month in April, May, June, and July for two consecutive years in each wetland. January through March were not sampled in either year due to frozen water surfaces in the wetlands. Gross sedimentation (sedimentation without normalizing for differences between years) was significantly greater in the pulsing study period (90 kg m(-2)) than in the steady-flow study period (64 kg m(-2)). When normalized for different hydrologic and total suspended solid inputs between years, sedimentation for April through July was not significantly different between pulsing and steady-flow study periods. Sedimentation for the 3 mo that received hydrologic pulses (April, May, and June) was significantly lower during pulsing months than in the corresponding steady-flow months. Large fractions of inorganic matter in collected sediments indicated that allochthonous inputs were the main contributor to sedimentation in these wetlands. Organic matter fractions of collected sediments were consistently greater in the steady-flow study period (1.8 g kg(-1)) than in the pulsed study period (1.5 g kg(-1)), consistent with greater primary productivity in the water column during steady-flow conditions.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after spontaneous human chorionic gonadotropin normalization following molar pregnancy evacuation.

PubMed

Braga, Antonio; Maestá, Izildinha; Matos, Michelle; Elias, Kevin M; Rizzo, Julianna; Viggiano, Maurício Guilherme Campos

2015-11-01

To evaluate the risk of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) after spontaneous human chorionic gonadotropin normalization in postmolar follow-up. Retrospective chart review of 2284 consecutive cases of hydatidiform mole with spontaneous normalization of hCG following uterine evacuation treated at one of five Brazilian reference centers from January 2002 to June 2013. After hCG normalization, GTN occurred in 10/2284 patients (0.4%; 95% CI 0.2%-0.8%). GTN developed in 9/1424 patients (0.6%; 95% CI 0.3%-1.2%) after a complete hydatidiform mole, in 1/849 patients (0.1%; 95% CI<0.01%-0.7%) after a partial hydatidiform mole, and in 0/13 patients (0%; 95% CI 0%-27%) after a twin molar pregnancy. The median time to GTN diagnosis after hCG normalization was 18months, and no diagnoses were made before six months of postmolar surveillance. Patients who required more than 56days to achieve a normal hCG value had a ten-fold increased risk of developing GTN after hCG normalization (9/1074; 0.8%; 95% CI 0.4%-1.6%) compared to those who reached a normal hCG level in fewer than 56days (1/1210;0.08%; 95% CI<0.01%-0.5%; p=0.008). All patients presented with symptoms at the time of GTN diagnosis. GTN after spontaneous hCG normalization following molar pregnancy is exceedingly rare, and the few patients who do develop GTN after achieving a normal hCG value are likely to be diagnosed after completing the commonly recommended six months of postmolar surveillance. Current recommendations for surveillance after hCG normalization should be revisited. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Short term evaluation of quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinhsitis by using Chinese version of the inonasal outcome test-22].

PubMed

Li, Chengwen; Tian, Jun

2014-12-01

To evaluate short term quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis by using Chinese version of the sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) and to formulate an ideal therapy system for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Using prospective randomized controlled design,we chose the SNOT-22 to evaluate and compare 78 CRS patients' quality of life (QOL) before surgery, at 1-month,3-month, 6-month and 9-month after functional endoscopic sinus surgery(FESS). At the same time, we randomly chose 100 healthy controls to compare their QOL with those of CRS patients after FESS. We found that except for 5 items (cough, ear expanding, otalgia, facail pain and weary ), the grade of 17 other items of CRS patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls (P<0. 05). There was no significant difference in 7 items (olfactory sensation, hypogeusis, backflow of nasal discharge, difficult to fall asleep, bad sleep, bad work efficiency, depression, embarrassment ) at 3 months after FESS between chronic rhinosinusitis patients and healthy controls (P>0. 05). There was no significant difference in 9 items (blow noses, sneeze, rhinorrhea, nasal discharge thickness, dizziness, night wake, tired of wake, attention deficit, sense of loss) at 6 months after FESS between chronic rhinosinusitis patients and healthy controls (P>0. 05). There was no significant difference in nasal obstruction at 6 months after FESS between chronic rhinosinusitis patients and healthy controls (P>0.05), at this time the totle grade was normal (P>0. 05). The recovery period of QOL in patients was about 9 months (P>0. 05). The 5 great items were nasal obstruction, olfactory sensation, hypogeusis, nasal discharge, nasal discharge thickness and blow noses. There was no difference in items except for bad sleep replacing nasal discharge thickness between 1-month and 9-month after surgery. The Chinese vesion of SNOT-22 could evaluate QOL of CRS patients in this area. The recovery of QOL of CRS patients needs about 6 months after FESS, but problems of olfactory sensation, hypogeusis, nasal discharge and difficult to sleeep still needs to be resolved.

Quantitative analysis of normal tissue effects in the clinic (QUANTEC) guideline validation using quality of life questionnaire datasets for parotid gland constraints to avoid causing xerostomia during head-and-neck radiotherapy.

PubMed

Lee, Tsair-Fwu; Fang, Fu-Min

2013-03-01

To perform a validation test of the quantitative analysis of normal tissue effects in the clinic (QUANTEC) guidelines against quality of life (QoL) questionnaire datasets collected prospectively from patients with head and neck (HN) cancers, including HN squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). QoL questionnaire datasets from 95 patients with NPC and 142 with HNSCC were analyzed separately. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer H&N35 QoL questionnaire was used as the endpoint evaluation. The primary endpoint (grade 3(+) xerostomia) was defined as moderate to severe xerostomia 3 and 12 months after the completion of RT, and excluded patients with grade 3(+) xerostomia at the baseline. The Lyman-Kutcher-Burman normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model was used to describe the incidence of xerostomia. Negative predictive values (NPVs) were used to determine the rate of correctly predicting the lack of complications. NTCP fitted parameters were TD₅₀=37.8 Gy (CI: 29.1-46.9 Gy), m=0.59 (CI: 0.48-0.80) and TD50=43.9 Gy (CI: 33.2-52.8 Gy), m=0.48 (CI: 0.37-0.76) at the 3-month and 12-month time points, respectively. For QUANTEC validation, HN and HNSCC data validation gave similar results at 3 months; at mean doses to the spared parotid of ≤20 and ≤25 Gy, the QoL dataset showed approximately 22% and 28% rates of xerostomia, respectively. At 12 months, the rates of xerostomia were approximately 13% and 19%, respectively. For NPC cases, the dataset showed approximately 0% and 33% (∼67% NPV) rates of xerostomia at 3 months. At 12 months, both rates of xerostomia were approximately 0% (∼100% NPV), which differed significantly from the results for the HNSCC cohort. The QoL datasets validated the QUANTEC guidelines and suggested that the modified QUANTEC 20/20-Gy spared-gland guideline is suitable for clinical use in HNSCC cohorts to effectively avoid xerostomia, and the QUANTEC 25-Gy guideline is justified for NPC cohorts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Exercise Therapy on Lipid Parameters in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis

PubMed Central

Gordon, Lorenzo; McGrowder, Donovan A; Pena, Yeiny T; Cabrera, Elsa; Lawrence-Wright, Marilyn

2012-01-01

Background: Dyslipidemia has been established as a well-known traditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease patients. Aim: This study investigated the impact of Hatha yoga exercise on lipid parameters in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized study consisted of 33 ESRD patients in the Hatha yoga exercise group that was matched with 35 ESRD patients in the control group. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol were determined at baseline (0 month) and after 4 months. Results: Comparing values after 4 months versus baseline in the prehemodialysis Hatha yoga exercise group, there was found a significant decrease in total cholesterol from 5.126 ± 0.092 mmol/l to 4.891 ± 0.072 mmol/l (-4.58%; P = 0.0001), triglycerides from 2.699 ± 0.078 mmol/l to 2.530 ± 0.063 mmol/l (-6.26%; P = 0.0001), LDL-cholesterol from 2.729 ± 0.083 mmol/l to 2.420 ± 0.066 mmol/l (-11.32%; P = 0.0001), and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio from 5.593 ± 0.119 mmol/l to 4.907 ± 0.116 mmol/l (-12.26%; P = 0.047). For patients in the Hatha yoga exercise group, 51.5% had normal total cholesterol at 0 month while 70.0% had normal total cholesterol (P < 0.05) after 4 four months and 54.5% of patients had normal LDL-cholesterol at 0 month while 84.9% had normal LDL-cholesterol after 4 months (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Hatha yoga exercise has preventive and beneficial effects and may be a safe therapeutic modality in ESRD patients. PMID:22923917

Pharmacokinetic and tolerability of i.m. disodium clodronate 200 mg/lidocaine 1%, given twice monthly, in comparison with i.m. disodium clodronate 100 mg/lidocaine 1%, given weekly, in healthy postmenopausal female patients.

PubMed

Radicioni, Milko; Cremonesi, Giovanni; Baraldi, Enrica; Leuratti, Chiara; Mariotti, Fabrizia

2013-04-01

Clodronate is a bisphosphonate effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Non-adherence to bisphosphonates, however, is a major issue in clinical practice. Simplifying dose regimens may increase compliance. To assess bioequivalence between an intramuscular (i.m.) clodronate 200 mg/lidocaine 1% twice-a-month formulation and a clodronate 100 mg/lidocaine 1% weekly formulation in 32 postmenopausal women. In this double-blind, randomized, two-way crossover study, test and reference formulations were administered in single dose, with a 2-week wash-out between administrations. The primary endpoint was clodronic acid cumulative excretion in the first 24 hours after injection (Xu0-24h). Cumulative excretion in the 72 hours post-dose (Xu0-72h) and maximum excretion rate (Ratemax) were also evaluated. Bioequivalence was assumed if the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric means ratios of the dose-normalized parameters were within the 80.00 - 125.00% range. Local tolerability was evaluated. Mean Xu0-24h values were 114.03 ±23.13 mg and 55.22 ±9.73 mg for clodronate 200 mg and 100 mg. The 90% CIs for dose-normalized Xu0-24h, Xu0-72h and Ratemax ere 95 -110%, 94 -107% and 95 - 113%. Local tolerability of both treatments was good. The differences in pain intensity between formulations were not sigificantly different at most assessment times. Headache was the only treatment-related adverse event. Bioequivalence of the two formulations was confirmed in terms of dose-normalized rate and amount of clodronic acid excretion. This result, together with the favorable tolerability of the novel 200 mg formulation, suggests the possibility of reducing the number of i.m. administrations from once-a-week to twice-a-month.

Malnutrition-inflammation-coronary calcification in pediatric patients receiving chronic hemodialysis.

PubMed

Srivaths, Poyyapakkam R; Silverstein, Douglas M; Leung, Jocelyn; Krishnamurthy, Rajesh; Goldstein, Stuart L

2010-07-01

Malnutrition, inflammation, and renal osteodystrophy parameters with resultant coronary calcification (CC) are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in adults. Previous pediatric studies demonstrated CC in children but none assessed for an association between inflammation, malnutrition, renal osteodystrophy, and CC. To assess CC, ultrafast computerized tomogram was obtained for 16 pediatric patients (6 females; median age 17.2 years; range 9.1-21.2 years) receiving hemodialysis for >/=2 months. Inflammation was assessed by serum IL-6, IL-8, and C-reactive protein levels on the day of the computerized tomogram scan; nutrition parameters included serum albumin, cholesterol, the body mass index standard deviation score, and normalized protein catabolic rate. Renal osteodystrophy parameters included time-averaged serum calcium, phosphorus, total PTH, and calcitriol/calcium dose. Patients received hemodialysis thrice-weekly; mean single pool Kt/V 1.48+/-0.13; and mean normalized protein catabolic rate 1.27+/-0.17 g/kg/day. Five of 16 patients had CC. Patients with CC were older (19.1+/-2.1 vs. 15.4+/-3.1 months; P=0.03), had longer dialysis vintage (49.4+/-15.3 vs. 17.2+/-10.5 months, P=0.0002), lower serum cholesterol (122+/-17.7 vs. 160.4+/-10.6 mg/dL, P=0.02), and higher phosphorus (9.05+/-1.2 vs. 6.1+/-0.96 mg/dL, P=0.0001). Mean serum albumin and normalized protein catabolic rate did not differ for patients with CC. All patients had elevated IL-6 and IL-8 levels compared with healthy norms; the mean IL-6, IL-8, and C-reactive protein levels were not different in patients with CC. Coronary calcification was prevalent in older children receiving maintenance hemodialysis with a longer dialysis vintage. Worse renal osteodystrophy control and malnutrition (low cholesterol) may contribute to CC development.

Age of menarche and nutritional status of indigenous and non-indigenous adolescents in the Araucanía Region of Chile.

PubMed

Amigo, Hugo; Bustos, Patricia; Muzzo, Santiago; Alarcón, Ana María; Muñoz, Sergio

2010-08-01

Early onset of menarche has been linked to prevalence of obesity; however, this may differ for indigenous females. To analyse the relationship between age of menarche and nutritional status among indigenous and non-indigenous girls. The design of this study was cross-sectional. Date of menarche was determined through interviews, and all responses were confirmed by the girls' mothers. A total of 8504 adolescents were screened for recent menarche. One hundred and thirty-one girls of Mapuche (indigenous) and 143 girls of Chilean-Spanish background were identified and evaluated by anthropometric measurements. Median age of menarche was 150 months, interquartile range (IR) 143-157 in indigenous, and 145.5 months, IR 139-153 in non-indigenous girls (p = 0.04). The indigenous females showed a higher prevalence of overweight (36.4% vs 23.1%), although the frequency of obesity was similar (16.8% vs 16.3%). For indigenous girls, age of menarche was delayed by 2.69 months (confidence intervals (CI) -0.38 to 5.77). It was observed that girls with overweight experienced age of menarche 7.59 months earlier than those with normal weight, CI -10.78 to -4.41. In the analysis of obesity, the effect on age of menarche was similar, with onset 7.53 months earlier than for the normal weight, CI -11.34 to -3.72. Age of menarche is younger than has been previously reported and occurs earlier in girls with overweight and obesity, while being indigenous was not related.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for treating benign thyroid nodules

PubMed Central

Tang, Xiaoyin; Cui, Dan; Chi, Jiachang; Wang, Zhi; Wang, Tao; Zhai, Bo; Li, Ping

2017-01-01

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively new procedure for treating benign thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA for treating benign thyroid nodules so as to serve as a reference for future clinical practice. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients receiving percutaneous RFA for treating thyroid nodules from November 2014 to July 2015 in our medical center. One hundred and eight patients with a total of 380 nodules received ultrasound-guided RFA for treating thyroid nodules. Comparisons of the volume change of thyroid nodules before and after RFA treatment, post-treatment complication, and change of thyroid function, were carried out afterwards. Results: Before treatments, all patients received fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) which supported the diagnosis of benign tumor. There were 13 males and 95 females included in the study. Twenty-six cases (24.07%) had single nodule, and 82 cases (75.93%) had multiple nodules. Before treatments, the thyroid functions (FT3, FT4, and TSH) were normal originally or adjusted to normal range by endocrinology treatment. The preoperative nodules had minimum volume of 0.01mL, maximum volume of 70.89 mL, and mean volume of 1.02 ± 4.24mL. The volume of nodules one month and three months after RFA were 0.29 ± 0.72mL and 0.15 ± 0.87mL, respectively. In addition, volume reduction ratio (VRR) of nodules one month and three months after RFA were 64.12% and 85.54%, respectively. Both volume of nodules and VRR had statistically significant differences for pre-operative and post-operative comparison (P<0.05). Thyroid functions were in normal range after treatments, and there was no serious complications. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided RFA treating benign thyroid nodules had the advantages of definite efficacy, safety, strong in control ability, no incision, less damage to surrounding normal tissues and no effect on thyroid function. It can be used as one of the main treatment methods for treating benign thyroid nodules. PMID:28382137

Thyroid hypoechogenicity after methimazole withdrawal in Graves' disease: a useful index for predicting recurrence?

PubMed

Zingrillo, M; D'Aloiso, L; Ghiggi, M R; Di Cerbo, A; Chiodini, I; Torlontano, M; Liuzzi, A

1996-08-01

A characteristic thyroid ultrasonographic picture with diffuse or scattered low echogenicity has been described in Graves' disease (GD). Thyroid hypoechogenicity in GD at onset has been considered a prognostic index of relapse after medical treatment; moreover, thyroid hypoechogenicity is regularly observed in GD at the onset, but not in patients with 'burned-out' disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of thyroid hypoechogenicity changes in predicting GD relapse. Longitudinal prospective study of previously untreated patients with GD. Thirty-nine consecutive patients aged 10-72 years were treated with methimazole (MMI) for 12-24 months on a titration regimen. Evaluation of patients in remission or with relapse was done 12 and 24 months after MMI withdrawal. Thyroid ultrasonography and TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) were evaluated in basal conditions and then one month after MMI withdrawal. Thyroid hypoechogenicity score (assessed by the same observer with the same equipment) was graded as: 0 absent; 1 mild; 2 moderate; 3 marked. At the withdrawal evaluation a score < 2 and a TRAb value < 10 U/l were considered as normal. Twelve and 24 months after withdrawal, there were 10 (25.6%) and 17 (44.7%) relapses, respectively. Neither thyroid hypoechogenicity score nor TRAb values evaluated in basal conditions, showed significant differences between patients remaining euthyroid and those who became again hyperthyroid. In the whole group, the thyroid hypoechogenicity score was significantly lower at the withdrawal than in basal conditions (1.1 +/- 1.1 vs 2 +/- 0.8; P < 0.0001); it was significantly lower in patients in remission (P < 0.001), but not in those who relapsed. The thyroid hypoechogenicity score at withdrawal was normal in 23/29 (79.3%) of patients still euthyroid and in 4/10 (40%) of those who relapsed up to the 12th month (P < 0.05); it was normal in 19/21 (90.4%) of patients still euthyroid and in 7/17 (41.2%) of those who relapsed up to the 24th month (P < 0.05). A normal thyroid hypoechogenicity score at withdrawal of MMI had a higher specificity (0.95) and sensitivity (0.59) with respect to TRAb values (0.86 and 0.53, respectively) for the prediction of the relapse of hyperthyroidism at the 24th month. Basal thyroid hypoechogenicity cannot be used as an index of relapse of GD. MMI treatment induces evident changes in thyroid hypoechogenicity, mainly in patients who subsequently go into remission. The absence or a low grade of thyroid hypoechogenicity after MMI treatment seems to be a favourable prognostic index of remission of hyperthyroidism in GD.

Genomic stability and physiological assessments of live offspring sired by a bull clone, Starbuck II.

PubMed

Ortegon, H; Betts, D H; Lin, L; Coppola, G; Perrault, S D; Blondin, P; King, W A

2007-01-01

It appears that overt phenotypic abnormalities observed in some domestic animal clones are not transmitted to their progeny. The current study monitored Holstein heifers sired by a bull clone, Starbuck II, from weaning to puberty. Genomic stability was assessed by telomere length status and chromosomal analysis. Growth parameters, blood profiles, physical exams and reproductive parameters were assessed for 12 months (and compared to age-matched control heifers). Progeny sired by the clone bull did not differ (P>0.05) in weight, length and height compared to controls. However, progeny had lower heart rates (HR) (P=0.009), respiratory rates (RR) (P=0.007) and body temperature (P=0.03). Hematological profiles were within normal ranges and did not differ (P>0.05) between both groups. External and internal genitalia were normal and both groups reached puberty at expected ages. Progeny had two or three ovarian follicular waves per estrous cycle and serum progesterone concentrations were similar (P=0.99) to controls. Telomere lengths of sperm and blood cells from Starbuck II were not different (P>0.05) than those of non-cloned cattle; telomere lengths of progeny were not different (P>0.05) from age-matched controls. In addition, progeny had normal karyotypes in peripheral blood leukocytes compared to controls (89.1% versus 86.3% diploid, respectively). In summary, heifers sired by a bull clone had normal chromosomal stability, growth, physical, hematological and reproductive parameters, compared to normal heifers. Furthermore, they had moderate stress responses to routine handling and restraint.

Incidence and course of child malnutrition according to clinical or anthropometrical assessment: a longitudinal study from rural DR Congo

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Longitudinal studies describing incidence and natural course of malnutrition are scarce. Studies defining malnutrition clinically [moderate clinical malnutrition (McM) marasmus, kwashiorkor] rather than anthropometrically are rare. Our aim was to address incidence and course of malnutrition among pre-schoolers and to compare patterns and course of clinically and anthropometrically defined malnutrition. Methods Using a historical, longitudinal study from Bwamanda, DR Congo, we studied incidence of clinical versus anthropometrical malnutrition in 5 657 preschool children followed 3-monthly during 15 months. Results Incidence rates were highest in the rainy season for all indices except McM. Incidence rates of McM and marasmus tended to be higher for boys than for girls in the dry season. Malnutrition rates increased from the 0–5 to the 6 – 11 months age category. McM and marasmus had in general a higher incidence at all ages than their anthropometrical counterparts, moderate and severe wasting. Shifts back to normal nutritional status within 3 months were more frequent for clinical than for anthropometrical malnutrition (62.2-80.3% compared to 3.4-66.4.5%). Only a minority of moderately stunted (30.9%) and severely stunted children (3.4%) shifted back to normal status. Alteration from severe to mild malnutrition was more characteristic for anthropometrically than for clinically defined malnutrition. Conclusions Our data on age distribution of incidence and course of malnutrition underline the importance of early life intervention to ward off malnutrition. In principle, looking at incidence may yield different findings from those obtained by looking at prevalence, since incidence and prevalence differ approximately differ by a factor “duration”. Our findings show the occurrence dynamics of general malnutrition, demonstrating that patterns can differ according to nutritional assessment method. They suggest the importance of applying a mix of clinical and anthropometric methods for assessing malnutrition instead of just one method. Functional validity of characterization of aspects of individual nutritional status by single anthropometric scores or by simple clinical classification remain issues for further investigation. PMID:24467733

Self-reported Knee Function Can Identify Athletes Who Fail Return to Activity Criteria up to 1 Year after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. A Delaware-Oslo ACL Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Logerstedt, David; Stasi, Stephanie Di; Grindem, Hege; Lynch, Andrew; Eitzen, Ingrid; Engebretsen, Lars; Risberg, May Arna; Axe, Michael J; Snyder-Mackler, Lynn

2014-01-01

STUDY DESIGN Cohort study, cross-sectional. OBJECTIVES To determine if self-reported knee function assessed with the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 Subjective Knee Form (IKDC2000) could discriminate between successful and non-successful performance on return to activity criteria (RTAC) tests after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. BACKGROUND Rehabilitation specialists are challenged in selecting appropriate performance-based and patient-reported tests that can detect side-to-side asymmetries, assess global knee function, and determine a participant's readiness to return to activity after ACL reconstruction. A simple tool or questionnaire that could identify athletes with neuromuscular impairments or activity limitations could provide rehabilitation specialists crucial data pertinent to their current knee function and their readiness to return to higher level activities. METHODS One hundred fifty-eight Level I/II athletes 6 months after ACL reconstruction and 141 athletes 12 months after ACL reconstruction completed a functional test battery to determine readiness to return to activity and the IKDC2000 to determine self-reported knee function. For each athlete, status on return to activity tests criteria was dichotomized as “Passed” or ”Failed” and status on the IKDC2000 scores was dichotomized as being “within” or “below age- and sex-matched normal ranges”. Comparisons were made between status on RTAC and IKDC2000 using Chi-square tests. Accuracy statistics were also calculated. RESULTS Six months after ACL reconstruction, 112 athletes (70.9%) failed RTAC and 76 (48.1%) were classified as having self-reported knee function below normal ranges. Among the 76 participants with IKDC2000 scores below normal ranges, 69 (90.8%) failed RTAC test battery (P<.001). However, among the 82 participants whose IKDC2000 scores were within normal limits at 6 months, only 39 (47.6%) passed RTAC test battery (P=.74). Twelve months after ACL reconstruction, 67 athletes (47.5%) failed RTAC and 31 (78.0%) had knee function below normal ranges. Among the 31 participants with IKDC2000 scores below normal ranges, 25 (80.6%) failed RTAC test battery (P<.001). However, among the 110 participants whose IKDC2000 scores were within normal limits at 12 months, only 68 (61.8%) passed RTAC test battery (P=.017). CONCLUSION The IKDC2000 may be a clinically relevant tool to determine the timeliness or necessity of RTAC testing. For scores obtained 6 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction, low IKDC2000 scores were reasonably indicative of failure on RTAC test battery, whereas normal IKDC2000 scores were not predictive of passing scores on the RTAC test battery. PMID:25347228

Usefulness of 1000-Hz probe tone in tympanometry according to age in Korean infants.

PubMed

Park, Mina; Han, Kyu-Hee; Jung, Hyunseo; Kim, Mee-Hee; Chang, Hyun-Kyung; Kim, Shin Hye; Park, Moo Kyun; Lee, Jun Ho

2015-01-01

Numerous studies have shown the superiority of a 1000-Hz frequency probe tone for evaluating the middle ear status of infants. However, most of these studies examined Caucasian populations. This study validated the 1000-Hz probe tone and evaluated the age at which it should be used in Korean infants. Data from 83 infants (43 males, 40 females; mean age 9.2±6.2 (range 1-30) months, 165 ears) were analyzed. Tympanograms were classified according to Baldwin's modification of the method of Marchant et al. and correlated with results based on combined diagnostic tests, including an endoscopic examination of the tympanic membrane, myringotomy findings, and the air and bone conduction auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds. Data were analyzed in five age groups, each covering a 3-month range. The traces were measured for both 226- and 1000-Hz probe tones. The sensitivity and specificity for the different age groups were also determined. For the 226-Hz probe tone, the tympanograms showed normal traces for most ears with otitis media effusions in infants younger than 12 months. By contrast, the tympanograms using the 1000-Hz probe tone showed abnormal traces in most of the infants with otitis media effusions in all age groups. In infants with no otitis media effusion, the tympanograms using both 226- and 1000-Hz probe tones were interpreted as normal in most cases in all age groups. In infants younger than 12 months, the sensitivity of the 226-Hz probe tone was very low (0-6.6%), whereas that of the 1000-Hz probe tone was very high (90-100%). In infants older than 13 months, however, the sensitivities of the 226- and 1000-Hz probe tones were 76.2% and 85.7%, respectively. Regarding specificity, the difference between the two probe tones was not significant for any age group. This study confirmed the superiority of the 1000-Hz probe tone for evaluating the middle ear in infants. We recommend using a 1000-Hz probe tone at least up to the age of 12 months for Korean infants. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vitamin K nutritional status and undercarboxylated osteocalcin in postmenopausal osteoporotic women treated with bisphosphonates.

PubMed

Iwamoto, Jun; Takada, Tetsuya; Sato, Yoshihiro

2014-01-01

Serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) is an index of vitamin K nutritional status in treatment-naive postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The purpose of the present study was to reveal the association between vitamin K nutritional status and serum ucOC concentrations in postmenopausal osteoporotic women taking bisphosphonates. Eighty-six postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (age range: 47-90 years) initiated bisphosphonate treatment. Vitamin K nutritional status was evaluated using a simple vitamin K-intake questionnaire and serum ucOC concentrations were measured after 6 months of treatment. The patients were divided into two groups according to the simple vitamin K-intake questionnaire score: a low vitamin K-intake (score <40) group (n=67) and a normal vitamin K-intake (score >=40) group (n=19). There were no significant differences between the groups in baseline parameters including age, height, body weight, body mass index, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urinary cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX), and changes in serum ALP and urinary NTX concentrations during the 6-month treatment period. However, the mean serum ucOC concentration after 6 months of treatment was significantly higher in the low vitamin K-intake group (2.79 ng/mL) than in the normal vitamin K-intake group (2.20 ng/mL). These results suggest that 78% of postmenopausal osteoporotic women treated with bisphosphonates may have vitamin K deficiency as indicated by low vitamin K-intake and high serum ucOC concentrations, despite having a similar reduction in bone turnover to women who have normal vitamin K-intake.

Longitudinal Development of Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Infants With Normal Hearing.

PubMed

Hunter, Lisa L; Blankenship, Chelsea M; Keefe, Douglas H; Feeney, M Patrick; Brown, David K; McCune, Annie; Fitzpatrick, Denis F; Lin, Li

2018-01-23

The purpose of this study was to describe normal characteristics of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) signal and noise level in a group of newborns and infants with normal hearing followed longitudinally from birth to 15 months of age. This is a prospective, longitudinal study of 231 infants who passed newborn hearing screening and were verified to have normal hearing. Infants were enrolled from a well-baby nursery and two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Cincinnati, OH. Normal hearing was confirmed with threshold auditory brainstem response and visual reinforcement audiometry. DPOAEs were measured in up to four study visits over the first year after birth. Stimulus frequencies f1 and f2 were used with f2/f1 = 1.22, and the DPOAE was recorded at frequency 2f1-f2. A longitudinal repeated-measure linear mixed model design was used to study changes in DPOAE level and noise level as related to age, middle ear transfer, race, and NICU history. Significant changes in the DPOAE and noise levels occurred from birth to 12 months of age. DPOAE levels were the highest at 1 month of age. The largest decrease in DPOAE level occurred between 1 and 5 months of age in the mid to high frequencies (2 to 8 kHz) with minimal changes occurring between 6, 9, and 12 months of age. The decrease in DPOAE level was significantly related to a decrease in wideband absorbance at the same f2 frequencies. DPOAE noise level increased only slightly with age over the first year with the highest noise levels in the 12-month-old age range. Minor, nonsystematic effects for NICU history, race, and gestational age at birth were found, thus these results were generalizable to commonly seen clinical populations. DPOAE levels were related to wideband middle ear absorbance changes in this large sample of infants confirmed to have normal hearing at auditory brainstem response and visual reinforcement audiometry testing. This normative database can be used to evaluate clinical results from birth to 1 year of age. The distributions of DPOAE level and signal to noise ratio data reported herein across frequency and age in normal-hearing infants who were healthy or had NICU histories may be helpful to detect the presence of hearing loss in infants.

Infant vocalizations and the early diagnosis of severe hearing impairment.

PubMed

Eilers, R E; Oller, D K

1994-02-01

To determine whether late onset of canonical babbling could be used as a criterion to determine risk of hearing impairment, we obtained vocalization samples longitudinally from 94 infants with normal hearing and 37 infants with severe to profound hearing impairment. Parents were instructed to report the onset of canonical babbling (the production of well-formed syllables such as "da," "na," "bee," "yaya"). Verification that the infants were producing canonical syllables was collected in laboratory audio recordings. Infants with normal hearing produced canonical vocalizations before 11 months of age (range, 3 to 10 months; mode, 7 months); infants who were deaf failed to produce canonical syllables until 11 months of age or older, often well into the third year of life (range, 11 to 49 months; mode, 24 months). The correlation between age at onset of the canonical stage and age at auditory amplification was 0.68, indicating that early identification and fitting of hearing aids is of significant benefit to infants learning language. The fact that there is no overlap in the distribution of the onset of canonical babbling between infants with normal hearing and infants with hearing impairment means that the failure of otherwise healthy infants to produce canonical syllables before 11 months of age should be considered a serious risk factor for hearing impairment and, when observed, should result in immediate referral for audiologic evaluation.

Radiographic anatomy of juvenile bovine limbs.

PubMed

Hoey, S E; Biedrzycki, A H; Livesey, M J; Drees, R

2016-11-26

Juvenile bovine patients who present with clinical signs of lameness are commonly evaluated using radiographic techniques both within a hospital setting and in a farm environment. The radiographic development of the juvenile bovine skeleton is currently poorly documented. In this study, the limbs of four heifer calves were sequentially radiographed to assess development of the juvenile bovine appendicular skeleton in the first 12 months of life. Images were acquired at three weeks, three months, six months, nine months and one year of age. The normal radiographic anatomy of the fore limbs and hindlimbs and the changes over the first 12 months are described. The majority of physes remain open throughout this period, with the exception of the proximal physes of the proximal and middle phalanges, the proximal radial physis, and the proximal humeral physis which close radiographically between 9 months and 12 months of age, and fusion of the fourth and central tarsal bones occurs between 9 months and 12 months of age. The results of this study may aid in differentiating normal and abnormal anatomy in the juvenile bovine limb. British Veterinary Association.

AZD2171, a Pan-VEGF Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Normalizes Tumor Vasculature and Alleviates Edema in Glioblastoma Patients

PubMed Central

Batchelor, Tracy T.; Sorensen, A. Gregory; di Tomaso, Emmanuelle; Zhang, Wei-Ting; Duda, Dan G.; Cohen, Kenneth S.; Kozak, Kevin R.; Cahill, Daniel P.; Chen, Poe-Jou; Zhu, Mingwang; Ancukiewicz, Marek; Mrugala, Maciej M.; Plotkin, Scott; Drappatz, Jan; Louis, David N.; Ivy, Percy; Scadden, David T.; Benner, Thomas; Loeffler, Jay S.; Wen, Patrick Y.; Jain, Rakesh K.

2009-01-01

SUMMARY Using MRI techniques, we show here that normalization of tumor vessels in recurrent glioblastoma patients by daily administration of AZD2171—an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGF receptors—has rapid onset, is prolonged but reversible, and has the significant clinical benefit of alleviating edema. Reversal of normalization began by 28 days, though some features persisted for as long as four months. Basic FGF, SDF1α, and viable circulating endothelial cells (CECs) increased when tumors escaped treatment, and circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) increased when tumors progressed after drug interruption. Our study provides insight into different mechanisms of action of this class of drugs in recurrent glioblastoma patients and suggests that the timing of combination therapy may be critical for optimizing activity against this tumor. PMID:17222792

Masturbation mimicking seizure in an infant.

PubMed

Deda, G; Caksen, H; Suskan, E; Gümüs, D

2001-08-01

A 3.5-month-old boy was referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of infantile spasm. His developmental milestones and physical examination were normal. During the follow-up we recorded about six to nine attacks a day and the duration of attacks was changed between 15 seconds-1.5 minutes. During the episodic attacks he was flushed and had tonic posturing associated with crossing of thighs, without loss of consciousness and his eye movements were normal. Routine and long-term electroencephalogram (EEG) were normal during attack. The patient was diagnosed as masturbation according to the clinical and EEG findings. In conclusion, we would like to stress that masturbation should also be considered in infants who were admitted with complaint of seizure, and aside from EEG monitoring a detailed history and careful observation are very important factors in differential diagnosis of these two different conditions.

Health-related quality of life evaluated by the eight-item short form after cardiovascular surgery.

PubMed

Kato, Takayoshi; Tomita, Shinji; Handa, Nobuhiro; Ueno, Yo-ichiro

2010-12-01

Owing to advances in cardiovascular surgery, patients with cardiovascular disease require improvement of health-related quality of life (QOL) than before. We measured the QOL of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery using the eight-item Short Form (SF-8) and assessed its usefulness. This was a prospective repeated-measures observational study. The SF-8 questionnaire was completed through interviews with 117 consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery at a single center (Nagara Medical Center, Japan) from April 2006 to March 2008. The SF-8 was evaluated before surgery and at 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery. The physical and mental scores over time were assessed. Regarding physical status, compared with the normal population, the patients' scores were worse preoperatively and had deteriorated 7 days postoperatively; they gradually got closer to preoperative status a month after the procedure. At 6 months after surgery, all physical scores were higher than before surgery. The mental scores, including a mental component summary score, were inferior to those of the normal population until 1 month postoperatively, and they reached those of the normal population at 6 months. The SF-8 changed with the postoperative time course. It was a useful tool for analyzing the physical and mental QOL of patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery.

Trace elements in lenses of normal Wistar Kyoto rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinoshita, Akio; Gong, Huaqing; Amemiya, Tsugio; Takaya, Kenichi; Tozu, Miyako; Ohashi, Yoshiharu

2003-01-01

Chemical analysis of the element and organic substance at the site of pathological changes due to aging is one of the approaches of cataract research. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) microscopy is expected to analyze elements and organic substances in the lens. The purpose of the present study is to compare elements and organic substances in the lenses of normal 4-month-old rats with those of normal 15-month-old rats by means of a TOF-SIMS microscope. The present study showed that the concentration of Ca and Fe was significantly higher, and that of Na and Mg was significantly lower in 15-month-old rats than that in 4-month-old rats. No changes were found in the concentration of K. The present study also showed that the equator contained more Ca, Na and Mg than the nucleus; in contrast, the Cu concentration was higher in the nucleus than in the equator. In 15-month-old rats, Mg and Vit. A in the equator and Zn in the nucleus were significantly lower than those in 4-month-old rats. TOF-SIMS microscopy could detect elemental changes in the rat lens with age, and is expected to be useful approach of cataract studies.

Regional infant brain development: an MRI-based morphometric analysis in 3 to 13 month olds.

PubMed

Choe, Myong-Sun; Ortiz-Mantilla, Silvia; Makris, Nikos; Gregas, Matt; Bacic, Janine; Haehn, Daniel; Kennedy, David; Pienaar, Rudolph; Caviness, Verne S; Benasich, April A; Grant, P Ellen

2013-09-01

Elucidation of infant brain development is a critically important goal given the enduring impact of these early processes on various domains including later cognition and language. Although infants' whole-brain growth rates have long been available, regional growth rates have not been reported systematically. Accordingly, relatively less is known about the dynamics and organization of typically developing infant brains. Here we report global and regional volumetric growth of cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem with gender dimorphism, in 33 cross-sectional scans, over 3 to 13 months, using T1-weighted 3-dimensional spoiled gradient echo images and detailed semi-automated brain segmentation. Except for the midbrain and lateral ventricles, all absolute volumes of brain regions showed significant growth, with 6 different patterns of volumetric change. When normalized to the whole brain, the regional increase was characterized by 5 differential patterns. The putamen, cerebellar hemispheres, and total cerebellum were the only regions that showed positive growth in the normalized brain. Our results show region-specific patterns of volumetric change and contribute to the systematic understanding of infant brain development. This study greatly expands our knowledge of normal development and in future may provide a basis for identifying early deviation above and beyond normative variation that might signal higher risk for neurological disorders.

Regional Infant Brain Development: An MRI-Based Morphometric Analysis in 3 to 13 Month Olds

PubMed Central

Choe, Myong-sun; Ortiz-Mantilla, Silvia; Makris, Nikos; Gregas, Matt; Bacic, Janine; Haehn, Daniel; Kennedy, David; Pienaar, Rudolph; Caviness, Verne S.; Benasich, April A.; Grant, P. Ellen

2013-01-01

Elucidation of infant brain development is a critically important goal given the enduring impact of these early processes on various domains including later cognition and language. Although infants’ whole-brain growth rates have long been available, regional growth rates have not been reported systematically. Accordingly, relatively less is known about the dynamics and organization of typically developing infant brains. Here we report global and regional volumetric growth of cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem with gender dimorphism, in 33 cross-sectional scans, over 3 to 13 months, using T1-weighted 3-dimensional spoiled gradient echo images and detailed semi-automated brain segmentation. Except for the midbrain and lateral ventricles, all absolute volumes of brain regions showed significant growth, with 6 different patterns of volumetric change. When normalized to the whole brain, the regional increase was characterized by 5 differential patterns. The putamen, cerebellar hemispheres, and total cerebellum were the only regions that showed positive growth in the normalized brain. Our results show region-specific patterns of volumetric change and contribute to the systematic understanding of infant brain development. This study greatly expands our knowledge of normal development and in future may provide a basis for identifying early deviation above and beyond normative variation that might signal higher risk for neurological disorders. PMID:22772652

Relationship of IgG, C3 and transferrin with opsonising and bacteriostatic activity of peritoneal fluid from CAPD patients and the incidence of peritonitis.

PubMed

McGregor, S J; Brock, J H; Briggs, J D; Junor, B J

1987-01-01

IgG, C3 and transferrin in peritoneal dialysis effluent of patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were 1%-2% of those in serum. In contrast, the values in normal peritoneal fluid were not significantly different from those in serum. The three proteins correlated with each other in peritoneal dialysis effluent, but were independent of the amount in the corresponding patients' sera. There was also an overall inverse correlation between total protein in peritoneal dialysis effluent and time on CAPD during the first 6 months of treatment but not thereafter, which suggests that changes in membrane permeability occur during the early months. In peritoneal dialysis effluent, but not in normal peritoneal fluid, there was a correlation between opsonising capacity and IgG or C3 concentrations. An inverse correlation between opsonic activity of peritoneal dialysis effluent and frequency of peritonitis was also found. Peritoneal dialysis effluent permitted significantly faster multiplication of Staphylococcus epidermidis than sera or normal peritoneal fluid, and the growth rate correlated inversely with the transferrin levels in peritoneal dialysis effluent. Overall IgG, C3 and transferrin in peritoneal dialysis effluent are inadequate for optimal opsonising and bacteriostatic activity, and the peritoneal cavities of CAPD patients are therefore immunocompromised sites.

Effects of osmotic-release methylphenidate on height and weight in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) following up to four years of treatment.

PubMed

Durá-Travé, Teodoro; Yoldi-Petri, María Eugenia; Gallinas-Victoriano, Fidel; Zardoya-Santos, Patricia

2012-05-01

There is some controversy concerning \\the potential negative influence of methylphenidate on growth. The authors reviewed clinical records of 187 patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder under treatment with methylphenidate. The patients' weight, height, and body mass index were measured at diagnosis and during 4 years of follow-up. The dose of methylphenidate was gradually increased up to 1.31 ± 0.2 mg/kg/d. At diagnosis, mean weight value was lower than mean weight expected for age by 0.697 kg. This difference increased to 4.274 kg (at 30 months of treatment), although it subsequently decreased to 1.588 kg (at 48 months of treatment). Mean value of height was lower than expected mean height for age by 0.42 cm at diagnosis. This difference increased to 2.69 cm (at 30 months of treatment), but it subsequently decreased to 0.83 cm (at 48 months of treatment). The relationship between nutritional status and the negative effects on the height curve in those patients would require nutritional optimization to return anthropometric variables to normal.

Evaluation of Streamflow Requirements for Habitat Protection by Comparison to Streamflow Characteristics at Index Streamflow-Gaging Stations in Southern New England

USGS Publications Warehouse

Armstrong, David S.; Parker, Gene W.; Richards, Todd A.

2003-01-01

Streamflow characteristics and methods for determining streamflow requirements for habitat protection were investigated at 23 active index streamflow-gaging stations in southern New England. Fish communities sampled near index streamflow-gaging stations in Massachusetts have a high percentage of fish that require flowing-water habitats for some or all of their life cycle. The relatively unaltered flow condition at these sites was assumed to be one factor that has contributed to this condition. Monthly flow durations and low flow statistics were determined for the index streamflow-gaging stations for a 25- year period from 1976 to 2000. Annual hydrographs were prepared for each index station from median streamflows at the 50-percent monthly flow duration, normalized by drainage area. A median monthly flow of 1 ft3/s/mi2 was used to split hydrographs into a high-flow period (November–May), and a low-flow period (June–October). The hydrographs were used to classify index stations into groups with similar median monthly flow durations. Index stations were divided into four regional groups, roughly paralleling the coast, to characterize streamflows for November to May; and into two groups, on the basis of base-flow index and percentage of sand and gravel in the contributing area, for June to October. For the June to October period, for index stations with a high base-flow index and contributing areas greater than 20 percent sand and gravel, median streamflows at the 50-percent monthly flow duration, normalized by drainage area, were 0.57, 0.49, and 0.46 ft3/s/mi2 for July, August, and September, respectively. For index stations with a low base-flow index and contributing areas less than 20 percent sand and gravel, median streamflows at the 50-percent monthly flow duration, normalized by drainage area, were 0.34, 0.28, and 0.27 ft3/s/mi2 for July, August, and September, respectively. Streamflow variability between wet and dry years can be characterized by use of the interquartile range of median streamflows at selected monthly flow durations. For example, the median Q50 discharge for August had an interquartile range of 0.30 to 0.87 ft3/s/mi2 for the high-flow group and 0.16 to 0.47 ft3/s/mi2 for the low-flow group. Streamflow requirements for habitat protection were determined for 23 index stations by use of three methods based on hydrologic records, the Range of Variability Approach, the Tennant method, and the New England Aquatic-Base-Flow method. Normalized flow management targets determined by the Range of Variability Approach for July, August, and September ranged between 0.21 and 0.84 ft3/s/mi2 for the low monthly flow duration group, and 0.37 and 1.27 ft3/s/mi2 for the high monthly flow duration group. Median streamflow requirements for habitat protection during summer for the 23 index streamflow-gaging stations determined by the Tennant method, normalized by drainage area, were 0.81, 0.61, and 0.21 ft3/s/mi2 for the Tennant 40-, 30-, and 10-percent of the mean annual flow methods, representing good, fair, and poor stream habitat conditions in summer, according to Tennant. New England Aquatic-Base-Flow streamflow requirements for habitat protection during summer were determined from median of monthly mean flows for August for index streamflow-gaging stations having drainage areas greater than 50 mi2 . For five index streamflow-gaging stations in the low median monthly flow group, the average median monthly mean streamflow for August, normalized by drainage area, was 0.48 ft3/s/mi2. Streamflow requirements for habitat protection were determined for riffle habitats near 10 index stations by use of two methods based on hydraulic ratings, the Wetted-Perimeter and R2Cross methods. Hydraulic parameters required by these methods were simulated by calibrated HEC-RAS models. Wetted-Perimeter streamflow requirements for habitat protection, normalized by drainage area, ranged between 0.13 and 0.58 ft3/s/mi2, and had a median value of 0.37 ft3/s/mi2. Streamflow requirements determined by the R2Cross 3-of-3 criteria method ranged between 0.39 and 2.1 ft3/s/mi2 , and had a median of 0.84 ft3/s/mi2. Streamflow requirements determined by the R2Cross 2-of-3 criteria method, normalized by drainage area, ranged between 0.16 and 0.85 ft3/s/mi2 and had a median of 0.36 ft3/s/mi2 , respectively. Streamflow requirements determined by the different methods were evaluated by comparison to streamflow statistics from the index streamflow-gaging stations.

Association between dental caries and body mass in preschool children.

PubMed

Pikramenou, V; Dimitraki, D; Zoumpoulakis, M; Verykouki, E; Kotsanos, N

2016-06-01

This was to explore the association between dental caries and body mass index (BMI) by conducting a cross-sectional study of a sample of preschool children from a major Greek city. The sample consisted of 2180 children aged 2.5-5.9 years from 33 private day care centres of Thessaloniki. The examinations were performed on site in ample day light by one examiner using disposable dental mirrors and a penlight. Oral examinations included recording of dental caries by dmfs index. Subject's height and weight were measured using a portable measuring unit and a digital scale, respectively. The overall prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese children in each BMI-based weight category was 11.8, 72.2, 12.8, and 3.2 %, respectively. The mean age of the total sample was 50.09 (±10.28) months, mean dmfs was 0.36 (±1.9) and the caries-free children were 90.0 %. Overweight children were 1.36 times and obese children 1.99 times more likely to have higher dmfs than normal weight children. The mean dmfs values of underweight children did not significantly differ than that of children with normal weight. The relatively higher dmfs of the obese and overweight children was mostly evident in the older (60-71 months) age group. Caries prevalence in this sample of Greek children attending private day care centres was low. Overweight and obese preschool children were at higher risk of dental caries than normal- and underweight children.

Sex-based comparison of limb segmentation in ostriches aged 14 months with and without tibiotarsal rotation.

PubMed

Cooper, R G; Naranowicz, H; Maliszewska, E; Tennett, A; Horbańczuk, J O

2008-09-01

The aim of this study was to propose equations to predict changes that occur over time in the angular position of the bones during motion and the angular velocity of the bones in forward motion as a consequence of tibiotarsal rotation (TTR) in ostriches aged 14 months. Twenty-four normal 14-month-old ostriches (12 cocks and 12 hens) and 20 birds with TTR (9 cocks and 11 hens) were used in the study. Daily readings of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall, the lengths of the different segments of the legs and wings, the perpendicular height from the top of the torso to ground level and the length of the erect neck were recorded. Measurements of the degree of valgus deformity in the left foot were made where applicable. TTR hens and cocks were smaller in stature than normal birds. Comparing TTR hens and cocks, the toe, claw, humerus, perpendicular height and angle of rotation were larger in cocks, indicating a larger body in cocks. Hens were more severely affected by TTR. We suggest that the equations used in this study will assist in measuring movement of ostriches and how movement is compromised by overcrowding and TTR. Birds suffering from TTR may experience an increased degree of stress due to movement restrictions in confinement.

Axonal abnormalities in vanishing white matter.

PubMed

Klok, Melanie D; Bugiani, Marianna; de Vries, Sharon I; Gerritsen, Wouter; Breur, Marjolein; van der Sluis, Sophie; Heine, Vivi M; Kole, Maarten H P; Baron, Wia; van der Knaap, Marjo S

2018-04-01

We aimed to study the occurrence and development of axonal pathology and the influence of astrocytes in vanishing white matter. Axons and myelin were analyzed using electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry on Eif2b4 and Eif2b5 single- and double-mutant mice and patient brain tissue. In addition, astrocyte-forebrain co-culture studies were performed. In the corpus callosum of Eif2b5- mutant mice, myelin sheath thickness, axonal diameter, and G-ratio developed normally up to 4 months. At 7 months, however, axons had become thinner, while in control mice axonal diameters had increased further. Myelin sheath thickness remained close to normal, resulting in an abnormally low G-ratio in Eif2b5- mutant mice. In more severely affected Eif2b4-Eif2b5 double-mutants, similar abnormalities were already present at 4 months, while in milder affected Eif2b4 mutants, few abnormalities were observed at 7 months. Additionally, from 2 months onward an increased percentage of thin, unmyelinated axons and increased axonal density were present in Eif2b5 -mutant mice. Co-cultures showed that Eif2b5 mutant astrocytes induced increased axonal density, also in control forebrain tissue, and that control astrocytes induced normal axonal density, also in mutant forebrain tissue. In vanishing white matter patient brains, axons and myelin sheaths were thinner than normal in moderately and severely affected white matter. In mutant mice and patients, signs of axonal transport defects and cytoskeletal abnormalities were minimal. In vanishing white matter, axons are initially normal and atrophy later. Astrocytes are central in this process. If therapy becomes available, axonal pathology may be prevented with early intervention.

Nine (9) marker chromosomes diagnosed prenatally in 6,234 cases and their outcome

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

Raghunathan, L.; Demarest, A.; Wisniewski, L.

1994-09-01

Marker chromosomes have a frequency of 0.06-0.08 per 1000 in prenatal diagnosis specimens and often pose a dilemma in counseling because of an inability in most cases to identify the marker chromosome cytogenetically. An attempt is made in this study to characterize the marker chromosomes we found in our prenatal diagnosis from 1991-1993. We diagnosed 9 cases of marker chromosomes out of 6,234 prenatal diagnostic studies. Eight cases were patients referred because of advanced maternal age and one (GS) was referred after abnormal ultrasound findings. Six cases were mosaic for a marker. Seven of these patients continued their pregnancies, onemore » patient had a dizygotic twin pregnancy (CM) where the co-twin had normal chromosome complement. Parental chromosomes on all of these cases were normal (in one couple the wife (VA) had a 46,XX/47,XXX karyotype). Special staining methods used for identifying the markers were DAPI/DA, NOR, C, R and FISH. Of the seven pregnancies that were continued, two babies were born with complications, and one of them (GS) subsequently died at six months of age. The marker in this baby was identified as chromosome 14 in origin by FISH. The other (LM) baby was born with extrophy of the bladder. The marker in the dizygotic twin (CM) was identified as chromosome 13 in origin by FISH. The rest of the pregnancies with a marker chromosome had a normal outcome with phenotypically normal babies without any complications. By parental report, babies were developing normally at 1 day (VA), 4 months (CM), 8 months (CL), 9 months (KP) and 22 months (EN) of age. Results of FISH studies on these cases will be presented along with a detailed table.« less

Comparison study of OCT, HRT and VF findings among normal controls and patients with pseudoexfoliation, with or without increased IOP.

PubMed

Riga, Fryni; Georgalas, Ilias; Tsikripis, Panagiotis; Papaconstantinou, Dimitrios

2014-01-01

To compare and evaluate optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements obtained with the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT) to visual field (VF) parameters in normal and in patients with pseudoexfoliation with or without increased intraocular pressure (IOP). A total of 96 subjects were included in our study aged between 65 years and 78 years. The normal group consisted of 28 subjects (14 men and 14 women). Out of the total number of patients, 68 patients who showed pseudoexfoliation (21 men and 47 women) were divided into two groups. Of these, the first group had pseudoexfoliation with increased IOP and the second group showed deposits of pseudoexfoliative material without an increase in IOP. The normal controls were randomly chosen and restricted to those without any glaucomatous optic disc damages, VF defects, and an IOP <15 mmHg. All subjects were prospectively included for repeated measurements of IOP, OCT, HRT, and VFs during the same visit by the same examiner and all measurements were repeated every 3 months. Mean RNFL thickness measured by OCT was larger in the normal controls than in the other two groups (98.04 μm (first group) vs 75.42 μm and 97.02 μm (second group), P<0.05). Four-quadrant RNFL thickness measurements were significantly different between the normal and the group 1 (P<0.05) but not with the group 2 (P>0.05). Rim area had a mean difference of -0.44, whereas cup-to-disc ratio (C/D) showed a mean difference of 0.31, thus being significantly different between the normal and the two groups (all P<0.05). The median of the mean deviation parameter of VFs was -0.28 for the normal vs -0.32 and -0.18 for the other two groups, whereas pattern standard deviation median difference was 0.89 for the normal and 1.32 and 1.20 for the other two groups, respectively (P<0.05). Both OCT and HRT showed early ONH and RNFL changes in their parameters and did not correlate with the normal findings of the automated perimetry.

Comparison study of OCT, HRT and VF findings among normal controls and patients with pseudoexfoliation, with or without increased IOP

PubMed Central

Riga, Fryni; Georgalas, Ilias; Tsikripis, Panagiotis; Papaconstantinou, Dimitrios

2014-01-01

Purpose To compare and evaluate optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements obtained with the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT) to visual field (VF) parameters in normal and in patients with pseudoexfoliation with or without increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods A total of 96 subjects were included in our study aged between 65 years and 78 years. The normal group consisted of 28 subjects (14 men and 14 women). Out of the total number of patients, 68 patients who showed pseudoexfoliation (21 men and 47 women) were divided into two groups. Of these, the first group had pseudoexfoliation with increased IOP and the second group showed deposits of pseudoexfoliative material without an increase in IOP. The normal controls were randomly chosen and restricted to those without any glaucomatous optic disc damages, VF defects, and an IOP <15 mmHg. All subjects were prospectively included for repeated measurements of IOP, OCT, HRT, and VFs during the same visit by the same examiner and all measurements were repeated every 3 months. Results Mean RNFL thickness measured by OCT was larger in the normal controls than in the other two groups (98.04 μm (first group) vs 75.42 μm and 97.02 μm (second group), P<0.05). Four-quadrant RNFL thickness measurements were significantly different between the normal and the group 1 (P<0.05) but not with the group 2 (P>0.05). Rim area had a mean difference of −0.44, whereas cup-to-disc ratio (C/D) showed a mean difference of 0.31, thus being significantly different between the normal and the two groups (all P<0.05). The median of the mean deviation parameter of VFs was −0.28 for the normal vs −0.32 and −0.18 for the other two groups, whereas pattern standard deviation median difference was 0.89 for the normal and 1.32 and 1.20 for the other two groups, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion Both OCT and HRT showed early ONH and RNFL changes in their parameters and did not correlate with the normal findings of the automated perimetry. PMID:25506206

Applications of multiscale change point detections to monthly stream flow and rainfall in Xijiang River in southern China, part I: correlation and variance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yuxiang; Jiang, Jianmin; Huang, Changxing; Chen, Yongqin David; Zhang, Qiang

2018-04-01

This article, as part I, introduces three algorithms and applies them to both series of the monthly stream flow and rainfall in Xijiang River, southern China. The three algorithms include (1) normalization of probability distribution, (2) scanning U test for change points in correlation between two time series, and (3) scanning F-test for change points in variances. The normalization algorithm adopts the quantile method to normalize data from a non-normal into the normal probability distribution. The scanning U test and F-test have three common features: grafting the classical statistics onto the wavelet algorithm, adding corrections for independence into each statistic criteria at given confidence respectively, and being almost objective and automatic detection on multiscale time scales. In addition, the coherency analyses between two series are also carried out for changes in variance. The application results show that the changes of the monthly discharge are still controlled by natural precipitation variations in Xijiang's fluvial system. Human activities disturbed the ecological balance perhaps in certain content and in shorter spells but did not violate the natural relationships of correlation and variance changes so far.

Amyloid burden and incident depressive symptoms in cognitively normal older adults.

PubMed

Harrington, Karra D; Gould, Emma; Lim, Yen Ying; Ames, David; Pietrzak, Robert H; Rembach, Alan; Rainey-Smith, Stephanie; Martins, Ralph N; Salvado, Olivier; Villemagne, Victor L; Rowe, Christopher C; Masters, Colin L; Maruff, Paul

2017-04-01

Several studies have reported that non-demented older adults with clinical depression show changes in amyloid-β (Aβ) levels in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and on neuroimaging that are consistent with those observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that Aβ may be one of the mechanisms underlying the relation between the two conditions. We sought to determine the relation between elevated cerebral Aβ and the presence of depression across a 54-month prospective observation period. Cognitively normal older adults from the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle study who were not depressed and had undergone a positron emission tomography scan to classify them as either high Aβ (n = 81) or low Aβ (n = 278) participated. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale - Short Form at 18-month intervals over 54 months. Whilst there was no difference in probable depression between groups at baseline, incidence was 4.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-16.4) times greater within the high Aβ group (9%) than the low Aβ group (2%) by the 54-month assessment. Results of this study suggest that elevated Aβ levels are associated with a 4.5-fold increased likelihood of developing clinically significant depressive symptoms on follow-up in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. This underscores the importance of assessing, monitoring and treating depressive symptoms in older adults with elevated Aβ. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Acute kidney injury after primary angioplasty: effect of different hydration treatments.

PubMed

Manari, Antonio; Magnavacchi, Paolo; Puggioni, Enrico; Vignali, Luigi; Fiaccadori, Enrico; Menozzi, Mila; Tondi, Stefano; Robotti, Stefano; Ferrari, Duilio; Valgimigli, Marco

2014-01-01

We evaluated the effect of different dose hydration protocols, with normal saline or bicarbonate, on the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). We considered 592 STEMI patients treated with PPCI in 5 Italian centers. Patients were randomized to receive standard or high-dose infusions of normal saline or sodium bicarbonate started immediately before contrast medium administration and continued for the following 12 h. The cumulative incidence of CI-AKI was 18.1% without any difference among treatment groups. Shock, age, ejection fraction 35% or less, and basal serum creatinine were significantly associated with an increased risk of CI-AKI. Follow-up at 12 months was complete in 573 patients. Overall, 25 out of 573 patients died (4.3%). We observed higher short-term mortality rates in patients receiving high-volume hydration. Otherwise, only age, shock and CI-AKI were significantly associated with 1-year mortality. In patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI, high-volume hydration with normal saline or sodium bicarbonate administrated at the time of contrast media administration was not associated with any significant advantage in terms of CI-AKI prevention.

Changes in body weight, C-reactive protein, and total adiponectin in non-obese women after 12 months of a small-volume, home-based exercise program.

PubMed

Mediano, Mauro Felippe Felix; Neves, Fabiana Alves; Cunha, Alessandra Cordeiro de Souza Rodrigues; Souza, Erica Patricia Garcia de; Moura, Anibal Sanchez; Sichieri, Rosely

2013-01-01

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of small-volume, home-based exercise combined with slight caloric restriction on the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and adiponectin. In total, 54 women were randomly assigned to one of two groups for exercise intervention: the control or home-based exercise groups. Weight, waist and hip circumferences, and inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Women allocated to the home-based exercise group received a booklet explaining the physical exercises to be practiced at home at least 3 times per week, 40 minutes per session, at low-to-moderate intensity. All participants received dietary counseling aimed at reducing caloric intake by 100-300 calories per day, with a normal distribution of macro-nutrients (26-28% of energy as fat). Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01206413 RESULTS: The home-based exercise group showed a significantly greater reduction in weight and body mass index at six months, but no difference between groups was observed thereafter. With regard to the inflammatory markers, a greater but non-statistically significant reduction was found for C-reactive protein in the home-based exercise group at six months; however, this difference disappeared after adjusting for weight change. No differences in adiponectin were found at the 6- or 12-month follow-up. Small-volume, home-based exercise did not promote changes in inflammatory markers independent of weight change.

Extended findings of Brain Metabolite Normalization in MA-Dependent Subjects Across Sustained Abstinence: A Proton MRS Study

PubMed Central

Salo, Ruth; Buonocore, Michael H.; Leamon, Martin; Natsuaki, Yutaka; Waters, Christy; Moore, Charles D.; Galloway, Gantt P.; Nordahl, Thomas E.

2010-01-01

Objective The goal of the present study was to extend our previous findings on long-term methamphetamine (MA) use and drug abstinence on brain metabolite levels in an expanded group of MA-dependent individuals. Methods Seventeen MA abusers with sustained drug abstinence (1 year to 5 years), 30 MA abusers with short-term drug abstinence (1 month to 6 months) and 24 non-substance using controls were studied using MR spectroscopy (MRS). MRS measures of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA were obtained in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and in the primary visual cortex (PVC). Results ACC-Cho/NAA values were abnormally high in the short-term abstinent group compared to controls [F(1,52)=18.76, p<0.0001]. No differences were observed between controls and the long-term abstinent group [F(1,39)=0.97, p=0.97]. New evidence of lower ACC-NAA/Cr levels were observed in the short-term abstinent MA abusers compared to controls [F(1,52)=23.05, p<0.0001] and long-term abstinent MA abusers [F(1,45)=7.06, p=0.01]. No differences were observed between long-term abstinent MA abusers and controls [F(1,39)=0.48, p=0.49]. Conclusions The new findings of relative NAA/Cr normalization across periods of abstinence suggest that adaptive changes following cessation of MA abuse may be broader than initially thought. These changes may contribute to some degree of normalization of neuronal function in the ACC. PMID:20739127

Clinical characteristics classified by the serum KL-6 level in patients with organizing pneumonia.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, K; Tsushima, K; Kurita, N; Fujiwara, A; Soeda, S; Yamaguchi, A; Sugiyama, S; Togashi, Y; Kono, Y; Kasagi, S; Setoguchi, Y

2013-03-01

The serum Krebs von der Lungen-6 (KL-6) level is a useful marker correlated with the severity of various interstitial lung diseases. There have been few reports about the clinical characteristics of organizing pneumonia (OP) associated with the serum KL-6 levels. This study was performed to determine whether the serum KL-6 levels can help determine the optimal treatment for OP. Patients diagnosed with OP by clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were retrospectively reviewed. The OP patients were classified into two groups based on their serum KL-6 levels: normal KL-6 and high KL-6 groups. The two groups were compared with regard to their clinical and radiological data and therapeutic response one month after the start of treatment. The clinical records of twenty-two patients diagnosed with OP were reviewed. The serum KL-6 level was elevated in 11 of the 22 patients. There were no obvious differences in the clinical data between the two groups, although patients in the normal KL-6 group tended to have a fever. There were no significant differences in the chest X-ray (CXR) score or computed tomography (CT) score between the two groups. The CXR scores were correlated with the serum KL-6 levels. At 1 month after the diagnosis, 11 patients who needed treatment with prednisolone were included in the high KL-6 group. Patients with normal KL-6 levels showed lower CXR and CT scores. The serum KL-6 level on admission is a useful marker to judge the need for corticosteroid treatment in OP patients.

The Effects of Atmospheric Constituents on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in West Africa.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

decades (Nicholson 1989). The combined effects of drought and human activities, such as overgrazing, can adversely effect the Sahelian vegetation. In recent...KOUT) Tillabery, Niger (TILL) Aioun El Atrous, Mauritania (AIOU) Kaolack, Senegal (KAOL) Akjoujt, Mauritania (AKJO) Rufisque, Senegal (RUFI) Atar ...Mauritania ( ATAR ) St. Louis, Senegal (ST L) Boutilimit, Mauritania (BOUT) Letters in parenthesis correspond to Figure 6 parameters in a individual month

Interactions of speaking condition and auditory feedback on vowel production in postlingually deaf adults with cochlear implants.

PubMed

Ménard, Lucie; Polak, Marek; Denny, Margaret; Burton, Ellen; Lane, Harlan; Matthies, Melanie L; Marrone, Nicole; Perkell, Joseph S; Tiede, Mark; Vick, Jennell

2007-06-01

This study investigates the effects of speaking condition and auditory feedback on vowel production by postlingually deafened adults. Thirteen cochlear implant users produced repetitions of nine American English vowels prior to implantation, and at one month and one year after implantation. There were three speaking conditions (clear, normal, and fast), and two feedback conditions after implantation (implant processor turned on and off). Ten normal-hearing controls were also recorded once. Vowel contrasts in the formant space (expressed in mels) were larger in the clear than in the fast condition, both for controls and for implant users at all three time samples. Implant users also produced differences in duration between clear and fast conditions that were in the range of those obtained from the controls. In agreement with prior work, the implant users had contrast values lower than did the controls. The implant users' contrasts were larger with hearing on than off and improved from one month to one year postimplant. Because the controls and implant users responded similarly to a change in speaking condition, it is inferred that auditory feedback, although demonstrably important for maintaining normative values of vowel contrasts, is not needed to maintain the distinctiveness of those contrasts in different speaking conditions.

The clinical evaluation of International Normalized Ratio variability and control in conventional oral anticoagulant administration by use of the variance growth rate.

PubMed

Ibrahim, S; Jespersen, J; Poller, L

2013-08-01

The time in target International Normalized Ratio (INR) range (TIR) is used to assess the control and intensity of oral anticoagulation, but it does not measure variation in the INR. The value of assessing INR variability by use of the variance growth rate (VGR) as a predictor of events was investigated in patients treated with warfarin. Three different methods of VGR determination (A, B1, and B2) together with the TIR were studied. Method A measures both INR variability and control, but methods B1 and B2 measure variability only. The VGR and TIR were determined over three time periods: overall follow-up to an event, and 6 months and 3 months before an event. Six hundred and sixty-one control patients were matched to 158 cases (bleeding, thromboembolism, or death). With all VGR methods, the risk of an event was greater in unstable patients at 6 months before an event than in stable patients. Method A demonstrated the greatest risk 3 months before an event in the unstable VGR group as compared with the stable group (odds ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.9-5.7, P < 0.005). The risk of an event was 1.9 times greater in patients with a low TIR (< 39%) than in those with a high TIR (> 80%) in the 3-month period (P = 0.02). Risk of bleeding was significantly greater in the 3-month period in patients with unstable VGR, with the greatest risk found with method B2 (P < 0.01). Patients with unstable anticoagulation have a significantly increased risk of 'clinical events' at 3 and 6 months before an event. The VGR can be incorporated into computer-dosage programs, and may offer additional safety when oral anticoagulation is monitored. © 2013 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

High-Fidelity Tissue Engineering of Patient-Specific Auricles for Reconstruction of Pediatric Microtia and Other Auricular Deformities

PubMed Central

Reiffel, Alyssa J.; Kafka, Concepcion; Hernandez, Karina A.; Popa, Samantha; Perez, Justin L.; Zhou, Sherry; Pramanik, Satadru; Brown, Bryan N.; Ryu, Won Seuk; Bonassar, Lawrence J.; Spector, Jason A.

2013-01-01

Introduction Autologous techniques for the reconstruction of pediatric microtia often result in suboptimal aesthetic outcomes and morbidity at the costal cartilage donor site. We therefore sought to combine digital photogrammetry with CAD/CAM techniques to develop collagen type I hydrogel scaffolds and their respective molds that would precisely mimic the normal anatomy of the patient-specific external ear as well as recapitulate the complex biomechanical properties of native auricular elastic cartilage while avoiding the morbidity of traditional autologous reconstructions. Methods Three-dimensional structures of normal pediatric ears were digitized and converted to virtual solids for mold design. Image-based synthetic reconstructions of these ears were fabricated from collagen type I hydrogels. Half were seeded with bovine auricular chondrocytes. Cellular and acellular constructs were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsa of nude rats and harvested after 1 and 3 months. Results Gross inspection revealed that acellular implants had significantly decreased in size by 1 month. Cellular constructs retained their contour/projection from the animals' dorsa, even after 3 months. Post-harvest weight of cellular constructs was significantly greater than that of acellular constructs after 1 and 3 months. Safranin O-staining revealed that cellular constructs demonstrated evidence of a self-assembled perichondrial layer and copious neocartilage deposition. Verhoeff staining of 1 month cellular constructs revealed de novo elastic cartilage deposition, which was even more extensive and robust after 3 months. The equilibrium modulus and hydraulic permeability of cellular constructs were not significantly different from native bovine auricular cartilage after 3 months. Conclusions We have developed high-fidelity, biocompatible, patient-specific tissue-engineered constructs for auricular reconstruction which largely mimic the native auricle both biomechanically and histologically, even after an extended period of implantation. This strategy holds immense potential for durable patient-specific tissue-engineered anatomically proper auricular reconstructions in the future. PMID:23437148

Prognostic value of somatosensory-evoked potentials in the surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

PubMed

Hu, Yong; Ding, Yu; Ruan, Dike; Wong, Y W; Cheung, Kenneth M C; Luk, Keith D K

2008-05-01

Preoperative somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were retrospectively analyzed and classified, and compared with surgical outcome. To evaluate the value of the preoperative SEP waveform in predicting the clinical outcome after surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). SEPs have played an important role in spinal surgery. However, the value of SEPs in predicting the outcome of surgery for CSM remains controversial. This study enrolled 76 CSM patients who underwent surgical intervention. Median nerve SEPs were recorded before surgery. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system was used to evaluate the neurologic function before surgery and at postoperative follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to the classification of their preoperative SEP waveforms. Group I patients had normal SEPs, group IIa had normal latency and abnormal amplitude, group IIb had abnormal latency and normal amplitude, group III had abnormal latency and amplitude, and group IV had immeasurable waveforms. The myelopathic disability scores and surgical outcomes in different groups were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test. The SEP classification was found to be significantly associated with the JOA score (Pearson's chi test, chi = 53.9, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in JOA score recovery at different follow-up times within any SEP group. At 24 months after surgery, there was no significant difference in the recovery ratio between groups I and IIa, or between groups IIb and III (Kruskal-Wallis test, P > 0.05). However, the recovery ratio was significantly higher in groups I and IIa than in all the other groups (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < 0.05), and in groups IIb and III than in group IV (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < 0.05). SEP classification correlates well with CSM disability and postoperative recovery ratio. Median nerve SEP recordings would be a valuable and practical tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of myelopathy.

Early school outcomes for extremely preterm infants with transient neurological abnormalities.

PubMed

Harmon, Heidi M; Taylor, H Gerry; Minich, Nori; Wilson-Costello, Deanne; Hack, Maureen

2015-09-01

To determine if transient neurological abnormalities (TNA) at 9 months corrected age predict cognitive, behavioral, and motor outcomes at 6 years of age in extremely preterm infants. A cohort of 124 extremely preterm infants (mean gestational age 25.5wks; 55 males, 69 females), admitted to our unit between 2001 and 2003, were classified based on the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment at 9 months and 20 months corrected age as having TNA (n=17), normal neurological assessment (n=89), or neurologically abnormal assessment (n=18). The children were assessed at a mean age of 5 years 11 months (SD 4mo) on cognition, academic achievement, motor ability, and behavior. Compared with children with a normal neurological assessment, children with TNA had higher postnatal exposure to steroids (35% vs 9%) and lower adjusted mean scores on spatial relations (84 [standard error {SE} 5] vs 98 [SE 2]), visual matching (79 [SE 5] vs 91 [SE 2]), letter-word identification (97 [SE 4] vs 108 [SE 1]), and spelling (76 [SE 4] vs 96 [SE 2]) (all p<0.05). Despite a normalized neurological assessment, extremely preterm children with a history TNA are at higher risk for lower cognitive and academic skills than those with normal neurological findings during their first year of school. © 2015 Mac Keith Press.

Early school outcomes for extremely preterm infants with transient neurological abnormalities

PubMed Central

Harmon, Heidi; Taylor, H Gerry; Minich, Nori; Wilson-Costello, Deanne; Hack, Maureen

2015-01-01

AIM To determine if transient neurological abnormalities (TNA) at 9 months corrected age predict cognitive, behavioral, and motor outcomes at 6 years of age in extremely preterm infants. METHOD A cohort of 124 extremely preterm infants (mean gestational age 25.5wk; 55 males, 69 females), admitted to our unit between 2001 and 2003, were classified based on the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment at 9 months and 20 months corrected age as having TNA (n=17), normal neurological assessment (n=89), or neurologically abnormal assessment (n=18). The children were assessed at a mean age of 5 years 11 months (SD 4mo) on cognition, academic achievement, motor ability, and behavior. RESULTS Compared with children with a normal neurological assessment, children with TNA had higher postnatal exposure to steroids (35% vs 9%) and lower adjusted mean scores on spatial relations (84 [standard error {SE} 5] vs 98 [SE 2]), visual matching (79 [SE 5] vs 91 [SE 2]), letter–word identification (97 [SE 4] vs 108 [SE 1]), and spelling (76 [SE 4] vs 96 [SE 2]) (all p<0.05). INTERPRETATION Despite a normalized neurological assessment, extremely preterm children with a history TNA are at higher risk for lower cognitive and academic skills than those with normal neurological findings during their first year of school. PMID:26014665

Complications of the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD) in distraction osteogenesis.

PubMed

Lee, Dong Hoon; Ryu, Keun Jung; Song, Hae Ryong; Han, Soo-Hong

2014-12-01

The Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD) (Orthofix Inc, Lewisville, TX, USA) is an intramedullary device designed for more comfortable limb lengthening than that with external fixators; lengthening is achieved with this nail using rotational oscillation between two telescoping sections. However, the degree to which this device achieves this goal and its complication rate have not been fully documented. We determined (1) the frequency with which distraction was not achieved at the desired rate, (2) whether pain differed between patients with normally and abnormally distracting nails, (3) risk factors for abnormal nails, and (4) other complications. We analyzed 35 lengthening segments (26 femurs, nine tibias) in 19 patients. Mean length achieved was 47 mm. Femoral nails were categorized into four groups according to distraction rate: normal, runaway (unintentionally faster rate [> 1.5 mm/day]), difficult-to-distract (slower rate [< 0.8 mm/day] requiring manual manipulation but not requiring general anesthesia), and nondistracting (slower rate [< 0.8 mm/day] requiring manual manipulation under general anesthesia or reosteotomy). Possible risk factors, including age, BMI, preoperative thigh circumferences, degree of intramedullary overreaming, and length of the thicker portion of the nail within the distal fragment, were compared among groups. VAS pain scores were compared among groups under three conditions: rest, physiotherapy, and distraction motion. Complications were also analyzed. Minimum followup was 15 months (mean, 26 months; range, 15-38 months) after first-stage surgery. Abnormal distraction rate was observed in 21 of 35 segments (60%; 17 femurs, four tibias). VAS pain scores showed no differences among groups during rest or physiotherapy but were higher (p = 0.02) in the problematic nails (7-8 points) versus normal nails (3 points) during distraction. Only mean length of the thicker portion of the nail within the distal fragment differed between normally and abnormally distracting nails (95 mm versus 100 mm; p = 0.03), although this was unlikely to be clinically important. Complications occurred in 10 patients (53%), including five with decreased ankle ROM during distraction, four with delayed bone healing, and one with mechanical device failure during distraction. Rate control was difficult to achieve with the ISKD nail for femoral and tibial lengthenings, complications were relatively common, and among patients in whom rate control was not achieved, pain levels were high. Based on our findings, we believe that surgeons should avoid use of this nail. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential wave V latency-intensity function in normal Dalmatian and Beagle puppies.

PubMed

Poncelet, L; Coppens, A; Deltenre, P

2000-01-01

This study investigated whether Dalmatian puppies with normal hearing bilaterally had the same click-evoked brainstem auditory potential characteristics as age-matched dogs of another breed. Short-latency brainstem auditory potentials evoked by condensation and rarefaction clicks were recorded in 23 1.5- to 2-month-old Dalmatian puppies with normal hearing bilaterally by a qualitative brainstem auditory evoked potential test and in 16 Beagle dogs of the same age. For each stimulus intensity, from 90 dB normal hearing level down to the wave V threshold, the sum of the potentials evoked by the 2 kinds of stimuli were added, giving an equivalent to the alternate click polarity stimulation. The slope of the L segment of the wave V latency-intensity curve was steeper in Dalmatian (-40 +/- 10 micros/dB) than in Beagles (-28 +/- 5 micros/dB, P < .001) puppies. The hearing threshold was lower in the Beagle puppies (P < .05). These results suggest that interbreed differences may exist at the level of cochlear function in this age class. The wave V latency and wave V-wave I latencies differences at high stimulus intensity were different between the groups of puppies (4.3 +/- 0.2 and 2.5 +/- 0.2 milliseconds, respectively, for Beagles; and 4.1 +/- 0.2 and 2.3 +/- 0.2 milliseconds for Dalmatians, P < .05). A different maturation speed of the neural pathways is one possible explanation of this observation.

Placental gene expression of the placental growth factor (PlGF) in intrauterine growth restriction.

PubMed

Joó, József Gábor; Rigó, János; Börzsönyi, Balázs; Demendi, Csaba; Kornya, László

2017-06-01

We analyzed changes in gene expression of placental growth factor (PIGF) in human placental samples obtained postpartum from pregnancies with IUGR. During a twelve-month study period representing the calendar year of 2012 placental samples from 101 pregnancies with IUGR and from 140 normal pregnancies were obtained for analysis of a potential difference in PIGF gene expression. There was no significant difference in gene activity of the PIGF gene between the IUGR versus normal pregnancy groups (Ln2 α : 0.92; p < 0.06). Within the IUGR group, no fetal gender-dependent differences were seen in placental PIGF gene expression (Ln2 α : 0.72; p = 0.05). Placental PIGF gene activity was significantly lower in fetuses with more severe IUGR versus less severe cases (Ln2 α : -1.49; p < 0.03). We found no difference in gene expression of PIGF in placental samples obtained from IUGR pregnancies versus normal pregnancy suggesting the absence of a direct role of PIGF gene activity in the development of defective angiogenesis in IUGR during the later stages of gestation. However, in more severe cases of intrauterine growth restriction PIGF expression does show a significant decrease indicating its potential role in the profound defect in angiogenesis in these cases.

[Improvement in functional capacity after levothyroxine treatment in patients with chronic heart failure and subclinical hypothyroidism].

PubMed

Curotto Grasiosi, Jorge; Peressotti, Bruno; Machado, Rogelio A; Filipini, Eduardo C; Angel, Adriana; Delgado, Jorge; Cortez Quiroga, Gustavo A; Rus Mansilla, Carmen; Martínez Quesada, María del Mar; Degregorio, Alejandro; Cordero, Diego J; Dak, Marcelo; Izurieta, Carlos; Esper, Ricardo J

2013-10-01

To assess whether levothyroxine treatment improves functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association class i-iii) and subclinical hypothyroidism. One hundred and sixty-three outpatients with stable chronic heart failure followed up for at least 6 months were enrolled. A physical examination was performed, and laboratory tests including thyroid hormone levels, Doppler echocardiogram, radionuclide ventriculography, and Holter monitoring were requested. Functional capacity was assessed by of the 6-min walk test. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were detected and, after undergoing the s6-min walk test, were given replacement therapy. When they reached normal thyrotropin (TSH) levels, the 6-min walk test was performed again. The distance walked in both tests was recorded, and the difference in meters covered by each patient was analyzed. Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with heart failure was 13%. These patients walked 292±63m while they were hypothyroid and 350±76m when TSH levels returned to normal, a difference of 58±11m (P<.011). Patients with normal baseline TSH levels showed no significant difference between the 2 6-min walk tests. Patients with chronic heart failure and subclinical hypothyroidism significantly improved their physical performance when normal TSH levels were reached. Copyright © 2012 SEEN. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Polyclonality of Staphylococcus epidermidis residing on the healthy ocular surface.

PubMed

Ueta, Mayumi; Iida, Tetsuya; Sakamoto, Masako; Sotozono, Chie; Takahashi, Junko; Kojima, Kentaro; Okada, Kazuhisa; Chen, Xiuhao; Kinoshita, Shigeru; Honda, Takeshi

2007-01-01

Staphylococcus epidermidis is part of the normal bacterial flora on the ocular surface. The chromosomal DNA of bacterial isolates obtained from the conjunctival sac, upper and lower lid margins, and upper and lower Meibomian glands of healthy volunteers was subjected to SmaI digestion and PFGE to study the genetic diversity of the organisms. Multiple colonies were also examined of S. epidermidis derived from the conjunctival sac of the same subjects. Lastly, commensal bacteria were harvested from the ocular surfaces of four healthy subjects once a month for 6 months, and the genetic background of the S. epidermidis isolates was analysed. It was found that bacterial strains not only from different subjects but also from multiple ocular surface sites of the same subject exhibited different PFGE patterns. In five of 42 subjects multiple colonies of S. epidermidis were isolated from the conjunctival sac; three harboured multiple colonies with different PFGE patterns, and two manifested multiple colonies with identical PFGE patterns. S. epidermidis isolated from the conjunctival sac of the same subjects over a 6-month period exhibited varying PFGE patterns. The data demonstrate the polyclonality of S. epidermidis on the healthy ocular surface.

[Growth in height of indigenous and non indigenous Chilean children].

PubMed

Bustos, Patricia; Weitzman, Mariana; Amigo, Hugo

2004-06-01

The aim of this study was to compare growth curves of stature in indigenous and non-indigenous children belonging to two levels of poverty and to establish the onset and evolution of the deficit. Children of indigenous and non-indigenous background living in communities of extreme and low poverty in Chile were studied and their height-for-age Z-score from birth until 6 year of age were compared. Mean weight at birth was within normal range, and no differences were found in ethnicity and levels of poverty. Length at birth was below the reference with the exception of the non indigenous newborn from counties of low poverty. Deficit in growth showed an early start, furthermore in indigenous children belonging to the extreme poverty, is from birth and progress through the 18 months. At 72 months the deficit reached -1.1 z scores in the indigenous of the extreme poverty versus -0.7 in the non indigenous group. Children from the low poverty had a Z-score of -0.4 z scores at 72 months without differences between ethnias. Indigenous of the extreme poverty had less accumulative growth while the indigenous of the low poverty areas growth satisfactory without differences with the non indigenous.

[Growth patterns of appropriate for gestational age infants of gestational diabetic mothers during the first year].

PubMed

Zhao, Y L; Ma, R M; Zhang, Y; Mo, Y X; Chen, Z; Sun, Y H; Ding, Z B

2016-08-02

To explore the growth pattern of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants of mother with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The objects of this study were offspring of women who delivered in our hospital from January to December 2011. The GDM group included 70 AGA infants (36 male cases and 34 female cases) of mother with GDM. The control group included 154 AGA infants (66 male cases and 88 female cases) of women with normal glucose tolerance. The data of demographic characteristics of mothers of two groups were collected. Body weight and length of infants in two groups were measured at 3, 6 and 12 months age respectively. Body mass index (BMI), weight and height gain during infancy (0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-12 months) of infants in two groups were also calculated. Body weight, length and BMI of male AGA infants in GDM group were less than that of control group at 3 months and 6 months age, but more than that of control group at 12 months age, however, there were no significant differences between two group(P>0.05). The weight and height gain during infancy (0-3 months, 3-6 months) of male AGA infants in GDM group were lower than that of control group, but the difference was statistically significant only at 3-6 months[(1.1±0.4) vs (1.4±0.4) kg, P=0.040; (4.9±2.3) vs (6.3±1.2) cm, P=0.026]. The weight and height gain during infancy (6-12 months) of male AGA infants of gestational diabetic mothers were higher than that of control group, but the difference was not statistically significant[(2.1±0.5) vs (1.8±0.5) kg, P=0.361; (8.4±1.3) vs (7.8±1.4) cm, P=0.464]. Male infants of gestational diabetic mothers grew slowly during their infancy of 0-6 months, and then their growth became increasingly fast, which suggested that the influence of intrauterine hyperglycemia environment of GDM mothers on fetal growth might continue after birth.

The Validity of Two Neuromotor Assessments for Predicting Motor Performance at 12 Months in Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Song, You Hong; Chang, Hyun Jung; Shin, Yong Beom; Park, Young Sook; Park, Yun Hee; Cho, Eun Sol

2018-04-01

To evaluate the validity of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and general movements (GMs) assessment for predicting Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) score at 12 months in preterm infants. A total of 44 preterm infants who underwent the GMs and TIMP at 1 month and 3 months of corrected age (CA) and whose motor performance was evaluated using AIMS at 12 months CA were included. GMs were judged as abnormal on basis of poor repertoire or cramped-synchronized movements at 1 month CA and abnormal or absent fidgety movement at 3 months CA. TIMP and AIMS scores were categorized as normal (average and low average and >5th percentile, respectively) or abnormal (below average and far below average or <5th percentile, respectively). Correlations between GMs and TIMP scores at 1 month and 3 months CA and the AIMS classification at 12 months CA were examined. The TIMP score at 3 months CA and GMs at 1 month and 3 months CA were significantly correlated with the motor performance at 12 months CA. However, the TIMP score at 1 month CA did not correlate with the AIMS classification at 12 months CA. For infants with normal GMs at 3 months CA, the TIMP score at 3 months CA correlated significantly with the AIMS classification at 12 months CA. Our findings suggest that neuromotor assessment using GMs and TIMP could be useful to identify preterm infants who are likely to benefit from intervention.

Partial reconstitution of humoral immunity and fewer infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with ibrutinib.

PubMed

Sun, Clare; Tian, Xin; Lee, Yuh Shan; Gunti, Sreenivasulu; Lipsky, Andrew; Herman, Sarah E M; Salem, Dalia; Stetler-Stevenson, Maryalice; Yuan, Constance; Kardava, Lela; Moir, Susan; Maric, Irina; Valdez, Janet; Soto, Susan; Marti, Gerald E; Farooqui, Mohammed Z; Notkins, Abner L; Wiestner, Adrian; Aue, Georg

2015-11-05

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by immune dysregulation, often including hypogammaglobulinemia, which contributes to a high rate of infections and morbidity. Ibrutinib, a covalent inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), inhibits B-cell receptor signaling and is an effective, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment of CLL. Inactivating germline mutations in BTK cause a severe B-cell defect and agammaglobulinemia. Therefore, we assessed the impact of ibrutinib on immunoglobulin levels, normal B cells, and infection rate in patients with CLL treated with single-agent ibrutinib on a phase 2 investigator-initiated trial. Consistent with previous reports, immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels remained stable during the first 6 months on treatment, but decreased thereafter. In contrast, there were a transient increase in IgM and a sustained increase in IgA (median increase 45% at 12 months, P < .0001). To distinguish the effects on clonal B cells from normal B cells, we measured serum free light chains (FLCs). In κ-clonal CLL cases, clonal (κ) FLCs were elevated at baseline and normalized by 6 months. Nonclonal (λ) FLCs, which were often depressed at baseline, increased, suggesting the recovery of normal B cells. Consistently, we observed normal B-cell precursors in the bone marrow and an increase in normal B-cell numbers in the peripheral blood. Patients with superior immune reconstitution, as defined by an increase in serum IgA of ≥50% from baseline to 12 months, had a significantly lower rate of infections (P = .03). These data indicate that ibrutinib allows for a clinically meaningful recovery of humoral immune function in patients with CLL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT015007330.

Partial reconstitution of humoral immunity and fewer infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with ibrutinib

PubMed Central

Sun, Clare; Tian, Xin; Lee, Yuh Shan; Gunti, Sreenivasulu; Lipsky, Andrew; Herman, Sarah E. M.; Salem, Dalia; Stetler-Stevenson, Maryalice; Yuan, Constance; Kardava, Lela; Moir, Susan; Maric, Irina; Valdez, Janet; Soto, Susan; Marti, Gerald E.; Farooqui, Mohammed Z.; Notkins, Abner L.; Aue, Georg

2015-01-01

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by immune dysregulation, often including hypogammaglobulinemia, which contributes to a high rate of infections and morbidity. Ibrutinib, a covalent inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), inhibits B-cell receptor signaling and is an effective, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment of CLL. Inactivating germline mutations in BTK cause a severe B-cell defect and agammaglobulinemia. Therefore, we assessed the impact of ibrutinib on immunoglobulin levels, normal B cells, and infection rate in patients with CLL treated with single-agent ibrutinib on a phase 2 investigator-initiated trial. Consistent with previous reports, immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels remained stable during the first 6 months on treatment, but decreased thereafter. In contrast, there were a transient increase in IgM and a sustained increase in IgA (median increase 45% at 12 months, P < .0001). To distinguish the effects on clonal B cells from normal B cells, we measured serum free light chains (FLCs). In κ-clonal CLL cases, clonal (κ) FLCs were elevated at baseline and normalized by 6 months. Nonclonal (λ) FLCs, which were often depressed at baseline, increased, suggesting the recovery of normal B cells. Consistently, we observed normal B-cell precursors in the bone marrow and an increase in normal B-cell numbers in the peripheral blood. Patients with superior immune reconstitution, as defined by an increase in serum IgA of ≥50% from baseline to 12 months, had a significantly lower rate of infections (P = .03). These data indicate that ibrutinib allows for a clinically meaningful recovery of humoral immune function in patients with CLL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT015007330. PMID:26337493

Long-term safety of PEG 4000 in children with chronic functional constipation: A biochemical perspective

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the long-term safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 in children with constipation, particularly the biochemical aspects of safety. Methods Medical records were evaluated, and 100 children, who had been taking PEG 4000 for more than 6 months, and who had been under clinical and biochemical monitoring, were enrolled. Ages; 6.11±3.12 years, Duration of therapy; 16.93±7.02 months, dose of PEG 4000; 0.72±0.21 g/kg/d. Results None of the children complained of clinical adverse effect. The first biochemical test was performed at 8.05 months after beginning of PEG 4000. Serum phosphate (SP) value was high in 10 children, and leucopenia was noted in one child. The second test was performed in 44 children at 7.57 months after the first test. The SP value was high in four children, including the three children whose initial SP value was high and one new child. Six out of 10 children with high initial SP value became normal and one was lost. Hypernatremia was noted in one child. The third test was done in 15 children at 7.5 months after the second test. The SP value of the new child from the second test was high, but became normal after finishing treatment. Two out of 3 children with high SP value at the second test became normal and one was lost. The fourth test was done in 2 children few months after the third test. All of the results were normal. There were no relation between duration of therapy and hyperphosphatemia, or between dose of PEG 4000 and hyperphosphatemia. Conclusions PEG 4000 is safe for long-term therapy in children with constipation with respect to biochemical parameters. PMID:21189949

Money, Social Relationships and the Sense of Self: The Consequences of an Improved Financial Situation for Persons Suffering from Serious Mental Illness.

PubMed

Topor, Alain; Ljungqvist, Ingemar

2017-10-01

During a 9-month period, 100 persons with SMI were given approx. 73 USD per month above their normal income. Sixteen of the subjects were interviewed. The interviews were analysed according to the methods of thematic analysis. The money was used for personal pleasure and to re-establish reciprocal relations to others. The ways in which different individuals used the money at their disposal impacted their sense of self through experiences of mastery, agency, reciprocity, recognition and security. The findings underline the importance of including social circumstances in our understanding of mental health problems, their trajectories and the recovery process.

Rapidly progressing malignant insulinoma presented with multiple liver metastases: a case report.

PubMed

Erdogan, Askin; Askin, Erdogan; Kose, Fatih; Fatih, Kose; Akkaya, Hampar; Hampar, Akkaya; Bascil Tutuncu, Neslihan; Tutuncu, Neslihan Bascil; Ozyilkan, Ozgur; Ozgur, Ozyilkan

2010-12-01

A 51-year-old female was admitted to emergency unit with sudden loss of consciousness. Her blood glucose level from fingertip was 33 mg/dl, and insulin level was 55 (normal range, 4-17 IU). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed pancreatic mass with diffuse liver metastases. Biopsy of liver metastases showed differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. Diazoxide and chemotherapy stabilized her glucose level for more than 4 months. However, the disease showed progression, and death occurred 8 months later. In conclusion, this case may suggest that biologic behavior may differ from histological behavior in insulinoma and platin-based systemic chemotherapy may provide some benefit in patients those who had diazoxide- and octreotide-resistant tumors.

The assessment of fetal brain function in fetuses with ventrikulomegaly: the role of the KANET test.

PubMed

Talic, Amira; Kurjak, Asim; Stanojevic, Milan; Honemeyer, Ulrich; Badreldeen, Ahmed; DiRenzo, Gian Carlo

2012-08-01

To assess differences in fetal behavior in both normal fetuses and fetuses with cerebral ventriculomegaly (VM). In a period of eighteen months, in a longitudinal prospective cohort study, Kurjak Antenatal NeuorogicalTest (KANET) was applied to assess fetal behavior in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies with cerebral VM using four-dimensional ultrasound (4D US). According to the degree of enlargement of the ventricles, VM was divided into three groups: mild, moderate and severe. Moreover fetuses with isolated VM were separated from those with additional abnormalities. According to the KANET, fetuses with scores ≥ 14 were considered normal, those with scores 6-13 borderline and abnormal if the score was ≤ 5. Differences between two groups were examined by Fisher's exact test. Differences within the subgroups were examined by Kruskal-Wallis test and contingency table test. KANET scores in normal pregnancies and pregnancies with VM showed statistically significant differences. Most of the abnormal KANET scores as well as most of the borderline-scores were found among the fetuses with severe VM associated with additional abnormalities. There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the groups with isolated and mild and /or moderate VM. Evaluation of the fetal behavior in fetuses with cerebral VM using KANET test has the potential to detect fetuses with abnormal behavior, and to add the dimension of CNS function to the morphological criteria of VM. Long-term postnatal neurodevelopmental follow-up should confirm the data from prenatal investigation of fetal behavior.

In vivo response of AZ31 alloy as biliary stents: a 6 months evaluation in rabbits

PubMed Central

Liu, Yang; Zheng, Shengmin; Li, Nan; Guo, Huahu; Zheng, Yufeng; Peng, Jirun

2017-01-01

Mg-based metallic materials have been making continuing progress as vascular stents. However, the research of Mg-based materials as non-vascular stents is still at its primary stage. AZ31 stents hereby were implanted into the common bile duct of rabbits for 6 months. The results revealed an existence of 93.82 ± 1.36% and 30.89 ± 2.46% of the original volume after 1 and 3 month, respectively. Whole blood tests indicated an inflammation decreasing to normal level after 3 month implantation. A benign host response was observed via H&E staining. Nonuniform corrosion at the two ends of the stents was observed and considered the results of flow or local inflammation. Moreover, the application of Mg-based materials for different stenting treatment were reviewed and compared. Esophagus was hypothesized most destructive, whilst blood vessel and bile duct considered similar and less destructive. Trachea and nasal cavity were thought to be mildest. PMID:28084306

In vivo response of AZ31 alloy as biliary stents: a 6 months evaluation in rabbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Zheng, Shengmin; Li, Nan; Guo, Huahu; Zheng, Yufeng; Peng, Jirun

2017-01-01

Mg-based metallic materials have been making continuing progress as vascular stents. However, the research of Mg-based materials as non-vascular stents is still at its primary stage. AZ31 stents hereby were implanted into the common bile duct of rabbits for 6 months. The results revealed an existence of 93.82 ± 1.36% and 30.89 ± 2.46% of the original volume after 1 and 3 month, respectively. Whole blood tests indicated an inflammation decreasing to normal level after 3 month implantation. A benign host response was observed via H&E staining. Nonuniform corrosion at the two ends of the stents was observed and considered the results of flow or local inflammation. Moreover, the application of Mg-based materials for different stenting treatment were reviewed and compared. Esophagus was hypothesized most destructive, whilst blood vessel and bile duct considered similar and less destructive. Trachea and nasal cavity were thought to be mildest.

Forecasting malaria incidence based on monthly case reports and environmental factors in Karuzi, Burundi, 1997–2003

PubMed Central

Gomez-Elipe, Alberto; Otero, Angel; van Herp, Michel; Aguirre-Jaime, Armando

2007-01-01

Background The objective of this work was to develop a model to predict malaria incidence in an area of unstable transmission by studying the association between environmental variables and disease dynamics. Methods The study was carried out in Karuzi, a province in the Burundi highlands, using time series of monthly notifications of malaria cases from local health facilities, data from rain and temperature records, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) methodology, a model showing the relation between monthly notifications of malaria cases and the environmental variables was developed. Results The best forecasting model (R2adj = 82%, p < 0.0001 and 93% forecasting accuracy in the range ± 4 cases per 100 inhabitants) included the NDVI, mean maximum temperature, rainfall and number of malaria cases in the preceding month. Conclusion This model is a simple and useful tool for producing reasonably reliable forecasts of the malaria incidence rate in the study area. PMID:17892540

Applicability of ASHRAE clear-sky model based on solar-radiation measurements in Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abouhashish, Mohamed

2017-06-01

The constants of the ASHRAE clear sky model predict high values of the hourly beam radiation and very low values of the hourly diffuse radiation when used for locations in Saudi Arabia. Eight measurement stations in different locations are used to obtain new clearness factors for the model. The procedure depends on the comparison of monthly direct normal radiation (DNI) and diffuse horizontal radiation (DHI) between the measurement and the calculated values. Two factors are obtained CNb, CNd for every month to adjust the calculated clear sky radiation in order to consider the effects of local weather conditions. A simple and practical simulation model for solar geometry is designed using Microsoft Visual Basic platform, the model simulates the solar angles and radiation components according to ASHRAE model. The comparison of the calculated data with the first year of measurements indicate that the attenuation of site clearness is variable across the locations and from month to month, showing the clearest skies in the north and northwestern parts of the Kingdom especially during summer months.

Scientific method by argumentation design: learning process for maintaining student’s retention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siswanto; Yusiran; Asriyadin; Gumilar, S.; Subali, B.

2018-03-01

The purpose of this research describes the effect of scientific methods designed by argumentation in maintaining retention of pre-service physics teachers (students) in mechanical concept. This learning consists of five stages including the first two stages namely observing and questioning. While the next three stages of reasoning, trying, and communicating are made of argumentation design. To know the effectiveness of treatment, students are given pre-test and post-test in one time. On the other hand, students were given advanced post-test to know the durability of retention as many as four times in four months. The results show that there was mean difference between pre-test and post-test based on the Wilcoxon test (z = -3.4, p=0.001). While the effectiveness of treatment is in the high category based on normalized gain values ( = 0.86). Meanwhile, mean difference of all post-test is significantly different based on Analysis of Varian (F = 365.63, p = 0.00). However, in the fourth month, students retention rates began to stabilize based on Tuckey’s HSD (p=0.074) for comparison of mean difference between fourth and fifth post-test. Overall, learning designed can maintain students retention within 4 months after the learning finish.

Acquired auditory agnosia in childhood and normal sleep electroencephalography subsequently diagnosed as Landau-Kleffner syndrome: a report of three cases.

PubMed

van Bogaert, Patrick; King, Mary D; Paquier, Philippe; Wetzburger, Catherine; Labasse, Catherine; Dubru, Jean-Marie; Deonna, Thierry

2013-06-01

  We report three cases of Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) in children (two females, one male) in whom diagnosis was delayed because the sleep electroencephalography (EEG) was initially normal.   Case histories including EEG, positron emission tomography findings, and long-term outcome were reviewed.   Auditory agnosia occurred between the age of 2 years and 3 years 6 months, after a period of normal language development. Initial awake and sleep EEG, recorded weeks to months after the onset of language regression, during a nap period in two cases and during a full night of sleep in the third case, was normal. Repeat EEG between 2 months and 2 years later showed epileptiform discharges during wakefulness and strongly activated by sleep, with a pattern of continuous spike-waves during slow-wave sleep in two patients. Patients were diagnosed with LKS and treated with various antiepileptic regimens, including corticosteroids. One patient in whom EEG became normal on hydrocortisone is making significant recovery. The other two patients did not exhibit a sustained response to treatment and remained severely impaired.   Sleep EEG may be normal in the early phase of acquired auditory agnosia. EEG should be repeated frequently in individuals in whom a firm clinical diagnosis is made to facilitate early treatment. © The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology © 2012 Mac Keith Press.

A pilot study of operational tolerance with a regulatory T-cell-based cell therapy in living donor liver transplantation.

PubMed

Todo, Satoru; Yamashita, Kenichiro; Goto, Ryoichi; Zaitsu, Masaaki; Nagatsu, Akihisa; Oura, Tetsu; Watanabe, Masaaki; Aoyagi, Takeshi; Suzuki, Tomomi; Shimamura, Tsuyoshi; Kamiyama, Toshiya; Sato, Norihiro; Sugita, Junichi; Hatanaka, Kanako; Bashuda, Hisashi; Habu, Sonoko; Demetris, Anthony J; Okumura, Ko

2016-08-01

Potent immunosuppressive drugs have significantly improved early patient survival after liver transplantation (LT). However, long-term results remain unsatisfactory because of adverse events that are largely associated with lifelong immunosuppression. To solve this problem, different strategies have been undertaken to induce operational tolerance, for example, maintenance of normal graft function and histology without immunosuppressive therapy, but have achieved limited success. In this pilot study, we aimed to induce tolerance using a novel regulatory T-cell-based cell therapy in living donor LT. Adoptive transfer of an ex vivo-generated regulatory T-cell-enriched cell product was conducted in 10 consecutive adult patients early post-LT. Cells were generated using a 2-week coculture of recipient lymphocytes with irradiated donor cells in the presence of anti-CD80/86 monoclonal antibodies. Immunosuppressive agents were tapered from 6 months, reduced every 3 months, and completely discontinued by 18 months. After the culture, the generated cells displayed cell-number-dependent donor-specific inhibition in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Infusion of these cells caused no significant adverse events. Currently, all patients are well with normal graft function and histology. Seven patients have completed successful weaning and cessation of immunosuppressive agents. At present, they have been drug free for 16-33 months; 4 patients have been drug free for more than 24 months. The other 3 recipients with autoimmune liver diseases developed mild rejection during weaning and then resumed conventional low-dose immunotherapy. A cell therapy using an ex vivo-generated regulatory T-cell-enriched cell product is safe and effective for drug minimization and operational tolerance induction in living donor liver recipients with nonimmunological liver diseases. (Hepatology 2016;64:632-643). © 2016 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Effects of supplementation with a calcium-rich marine-derived multi-mineral supplement and short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides on serum lipids in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Cronin, Barbara E; Allsopp, Philip J; Slevin, Mary M; Magee, Pamela J; Livingstone, M Barbara E; Strain, J J; McSorley, Emeir M

2016-02-28

Recent literature suggests that Ca supplements have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. The effects of a Ca-rich supplement administered alone or in combination with short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) on serum lipids in postmenopausal women were examined using secondary data from a 24-month double-blind randomised controlled study. A total of 300 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to daily supplements of 800 mg of Ca (2·4 g Aquamin) (Ca), 800 mg of Ca with 3 g of scFOS (CaFOS) or control (maltodextrin) (MD). A full lipid profile, body composition, blood pressure and a range of cytokines were measured at baseline and after 24 months. Intention-to-treat ANCOVA assessed treatment effects between the groups. A significant time-by-treatment effect was observed for LDL and total cholesterol for the Ca and CaFOS groups, with both groups having lower LDL and total cholesterol concentrations compared with MD after 24 months. The control group had mean (5·2 mmol/l) total cholesterol concentrations above the normal range (≤ 5 mmol/l) at 24 months, whereas values remained within the normal range in the treatment groups. There was no significant treatment effect on HDL-cholesterol, TAG, body composition, blood pressure or cytokine concentrations at 24 months, with the exception of IL-4, where there was a significant increase in the CaFOS group compared with the placebo. This study demonstrates a lipid-lowering effect of both the Ca-rich supplement alone and the supplement with scFOS. At the 4-year follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups for reported diagnosed cardiovascular conditions.

Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Longterm Feeding with Amino Acid-Based Formula in Infants with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy: Results of the Open-Label Prospective Controlled Post-Registration Trial.

PubMed

Novik, G A; Khaleva, E G; Bychkova, N V; Zdanova, M V

The cow’s milk allergy (CMA) prevalence is 2−3% in children under one year. Approximately in 5% of cases transferring to extensively hydrolysed formula (eHF) doesn’t lead to disappearance of CMA symptoms. Evaluation of efficacy and safety of amino-acid formula (AAF) longterm feeding in children under one year and development of predictors of successful transfer from AAF to eHF. In open-label prospective post-registration trial duration of 365 days were included 43 children aged from 3 to 12 months with CMA. CMA was based on Russian and international guidelines. When a patient was included in the trial, child received eHF for 4 weeks with the evaluation of the effect of elimination diet (ED): in case of absence of effect, for diagnostic purposes child feed with AAF for 2 weeks and upon receiving the effect, child continued to receive it for at least 6 months. Diet was considered effective if there were observed disappearance of clinical manifestations of CMA during of formula using. Children fed with AAF gain weight and increased height statistically higher during the first 6 months, compared with children receiving eHF, but without subsequent difference in a year. After 4 weeks’ of AAF feeding, there was a significant decrease in SCORAD index from 46.84 (SD 4.164) to 2.52 (SD 2.204) (p=0.005); disappearance of gastrointestinal manifestations of CMA from 3 to 14 day. After 4 weeks, the 100% normalization of previously elevated faecal calprotectin (p<0.05) was observed; and after 6months. ED, in 60% of children normalization of the index of activation of basophils with milk was observed. 38.7% of children were transferred to eHF in 6 months, 12.9% and 25.8% in 9 and 12 months respectively. Use of AAF for children with CMA is an effective and safe treatment without lengthening the period of elimination, which is necessary for the formation of tolerance to cow’s milk protein and has a positive impact on weight and height. Normalization of specific activation of basophils with milk could be considered as a predictor of successful transfer from AAF to eHF in children with CMA.

Medroxyprogesterone

MedlinePlus

... also used to bring on a normal menstrual cycle in women who menstruated normally in the past ... day on certain days of a regular monthly cycle. To help you remember to take medroxyprogesterone, take ...

Estimating solar radiation using NOAA/AVHRR and ground measurement data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fallahi, Somayeh; Amanollahi, Jamil; Tzanis, Chris G.; Ramli, Mohammad Firuz

2018-01-01

Solar radiation (SR) data are commonly used in different areas of renewable energy research. Researchers are often compelled to predict SR at ground stations for areas with no proper equipment. The objective of this study was to test the accuracy of the artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models for estimating monthly average SR over Kurdistan Province, Iran. Input data of the models were two data series with similar longitude, latitude, altitude, and month (number of months) data, but there were differences between the monthly mean temperatures in the first data series obtained from AVHRR sensor of NOAA satellite (DS1) and in the second data series measured at ground stations (DS2). In order to retrieve land surface temperature (LST) from AVHRR sensor, emissivity of the area was considered and for that purpose normalized vegetation difference index (NDVI) calculated from channels 1 and 2 of AVHRR sensor was utilized. The acquired results showed that the ANN model with DS1 data input with R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 1.04, MAE = 1.1 in the training phase and R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 1.06, MAE = 1.15 in the testing phase achieved more satisfactory performance compared with MLR model. It can be concluded that ANN model with remote sensing data has the potential to predict SR in locations with no ground measurement stations.

Maternal intelligence-mental health and child neuropsychological development at age 14 months.

PubMed

Forns, Joan; Julvez, Jordi; García-Esteban, Raquel; Guxens, Mònica; Ferrer, Muriel; Grellier, James; Vrijheid, Martine; Sunyer, Jordi

2012-01-01

To examine the relationship between maternal intelligence-mental health and neuropsychological development at age 14 months in a normal population, taking into account maternal occupational social class and education. We prospectively studied a population-based birth cohort, which forms part of the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Project. Cognitive and psychomotor development was assessed at 14 months using Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Maternal intelligence and mental health were assessed by the Cattell and Cattell test and the General Health Questionnaire-12 respectively. We observed a crude association between maternal intelligence and cognitive development in children at 14 months but this association disappeared when maternal education was included. The associations were stratified by maternal education and occupational social class. Within the manual maternal occupational social class, there was a significant difference in cognitive development between children whose mothers scored in the highest tertile of maternal IQ and those whose mothers scored in the lowest tertile. In contrast, no differences were observed among children whose mothers were in the non-manual occupational social class. The association between maternal intelligence and child cognitive development differed by occupational social class. While this association was not confounded by education or other variables in manual occupational social classes, maternal education explained this association among advantaged occupational social classes. Copyright © 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Tolerance of aged Fischer 344 rats against chlordecone-amplified carbon tetrachloride toxicity.

PubMed

Murali, B; Korrapati, M C; Warbritton, Alan; Latendresse, John R; Mehendale, Harihara M

2004-06-01

We have investigated the effects of chlordecone 1(CD)+CCl4 combination in adult (3 months), middle aged (14 months), and old aged (24 months) male Fischer 344 (F344) rats. After a non-toxic dietary regimen of CD (10 ppm) or normal powdered diet for 15 days, rats received a single non-toxic dose of CCl4 (100 microl/kg, i.p., 1:4 in corn oil) or corn oil (500 microl/kg, i.p.) alone on day 16. Liver injury was assessed by plasma ALT, AST, and histopathology during a time course of 0-96 h. Liver tissue repair was measured by [3H-CH3]-thymidine (3H-T) incorporation into hepatic nuclear DNA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry. Hepatomicrosomal CYP2E1 protein, enzyme activity, and covalent binding of 14CCl4-derived radiolabel were measured in normal and CD fed rats. Exposure to CCl4 alone caused modest liver injury only in 14- and 24-month-old rats but neither progression of injury nor mortality. The CD+CCl4 combination led to 100% mortality in 3-month-old rats by 72 h, whereas none of the 14- and 24-month-old rats died. Both 3- and 14-month-old rats exposed to CD+Cl4 had identical liver injury up to 36 h indicating that bioactivation-mediated CCl4 injury was the same in the two age groups. Thereafter, liver injury escalated only in 3-month-old while it declined in 14-month-old rats. In 24-month-old rats initial liver injury at 6 h was similar to the 3- and 14-month-old rats and thereafter did not develop to the level of the other two age groups, recovering from injury by 96 h as in the 14-month-old rats. Neither hepatomicrosomal CYP2E1 protein nor the associated p-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity or covalent binding of 14CCl4-derived radiolabel to liver tissue differed between the age groups or diet regimens 2 h after the administration of 14CCl4. Compensatory liver tissue repair (3H-T, PCNA) was prompt and robust soon after CCl4 liver injury in the 14- and 24-month-old rats. In stark contrast, in the 3-month-old rats it failed allowing unabated progression of liver injury. These findings suggest that stimulation of early onset and robust liver tissue repair rescue the 14- and 24-month-old F344 rats from the lethal effect of the CD+CCl4 combination.

Synaptic up-scaling preserves motor circuit output after chronic, natural inactivity

PubMed Central

Vallejo, Mauricio; Hartzler, Lynn K

2017-01-01

Neural systems use homeostatic plasticity to maintain normal brain functions and to prevent abnormal activity. Surprisingly, homeostatic mechanisms that regulate circuit output have mainly been demonstrated during artificial and/or pathological perturbations. Natural, physiological scenarios that activate these stabilizing mechanisms in neural networks of mature animals remain elusive. To establish the extent to which a naturally inactive circuit engages mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity, we utilized the respiratory motor circuit in bullfrogs that normally remains inactive for several months during the winter. We found that inactive respiratory motoneurons exhibit a classic form of homeostatic plasticity, up-scaling of AMPA-glutamate receptors. Up-scaling increased the synaptic strength of respiratory motoneurons and acted to boost motor amplitude from the respiratory network following months of inactivity. Our results show that synaptic scaling sustains strength of the respiratory motor output following months of inactivity, thereby supporting a major neuroscience hypothesis in a normal context for an adult animal. PMID:28914603

Video Comprehensibility and Attention in Very Young Children

PubMed Central

Pempek, Tiffany A.; Kirkorian, Heather L.; Richards, John E.; Anderson, Daniel R.; Lund, Anne F.; Stevens, Michael

2010-01-01

Earlier research established that preschool children pay less attention to television that is sequentially or linguistically incomprehensible. This study determines the youngest age for which this effect can be found. One-hundred and three 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month-olds’ looking and heart rate were recorded while they watched Teletubbies, a television program designed for very young children. Comprehensibility was manipulated by either randomly ordering shots or reversing dialogue to become backward speech. Infants watched one normal segment and one distorted version of the same segment. Only 24-month-olds, and to some extent 18-month-olds, distinguished between normal and distorted video by looking for longer durations towards the normal stimuli. The results suggest that it may not be until the middle of the second year that children demonstrate the earliest beginnings of comprehension of video as it is currently produced. PMID:20822238

The Skinny on Sexual Risk: The Effects of BMI on STI Incidence and Risk

PubMed Central

Arnold, Anna; Lewis, Jessica B.; Magriples, Urania; Ickovics, Jeannette R.

2011-01-01

Few studies examine the influence of body mass index (BMI) on sexual risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether BMI among 704 young mothers (ages 14–25) related to STI incidence and sexual risk. We examined the effect of BMI groups (normal weight, overweight, and obese) at 6 months postpartum on STI incidence and risky sex (e.g., unprotected sex, multiple partners, risky and casual partner) at 12 months post-partum. At 6 months postpartum, 31% of participants were overweight and 40% were obese. Overweight women were more likely to have an STI (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.11–2.89, P < .05) and a risky partner (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.01–2.08, P < .05) at 12 months postpartum compared to normal weight women. However, obese women were less likely to have an STI than normal weight women (OR = .57, 95% CI = .34–.96, P < .01). BMI related to STI incidence and sexual risk behavior. Integrated approaches to weight loss and sexual risk prevention should be explored. PMID:20976536

Musical Electroacupuncture May Be a Better Choice than Electroacupuncture in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

Jiang, Jing; Liu, Gang; Shi, Suhua; Li, Zhigang

2016-01-01

Objectives . To compare musical electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Methods . In this study, 7.5-month-old male senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were used as an Alzheimer's disease animal model. In the normal control paradigm, 7.5-month-old male SAMR1 mice were used as the blank control group (N group). After 15 days of treatment, using Morris water maze test, micro-PET, and immunohistochemistry, the differences among the musical electroacupuncture (MEA), electroacupuncture (EA), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and normal (N) groups were assessed. Results . The Morris water maze test, micro-PET, and immunohistochemistry revealed that MEA and EA therapies could improve spatial learning and memory ability, glucose metabolism level in the brain, and A β amyloid content in the frontal lobe, compared with the AD group ( P < 0.05). Moreover, MEA therapy performed better than EA treatment in decreasing amyloid-beta levels in the frontal lobe of mice with AD. Conclusion . MEA therapy may be superior to EA in treating Alzheimer's disease as demonstrated in SAMP8 mice.

Musical Electroacupuncture May Be a Better Choice than Electroacupuncture in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

PubMed Central

Jiang, Jing; Liu, Gang

2016-01-01

Objectives. To compare musical electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Methods. In this study, 7.5-month-old male senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were used as an Alzheimer's disease animal model. In the normal control paradigm, 7.5-month-old male SAMR1 mice were used as the blank control group (N group). After 15 days of treatment, using Morris water maze test, micro-PET, and immunohistochemistry, the differences among the musical electroacupuncture (MEA), electroacupuncture (EA), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and normal (N) groups were assessed. Results. The Morris water maze test, micro-PET, and immunohistochemistry revealed that MEA and EA therapies could improve spatial learning and memory ability, glucose metabolism level in the brain, and Aβ amyloid content in the frontal lobe, compared with the AD group (P < 0.05). Moreover, MEA therapy performed better than EA treatment in decreasing amyloid-beta levels in the frontal lobe of mice with AD. Conclusion. MEA therapy may be superior to EA in treating Alzheimer's disease as demonstrated in SAMP8 mice. PMID:27974974

Corroboration of in vivo cartilage pressures with implications for synovial joint tribology and osteoarthritis causation.

PubMed

Morrell, Kjirste C; Hodge, W Andrew; Krebs, David E; Mann, Robert W

2005-10-11

Pressures on normal human acetabular cartilage have been collected from two implanted instrumented femoral head hemiprostheses. Despite significant differences in subjects' gender, morphology, mobility, and coordination, in vivo pressure measurements from both subjects covered similar ranges, with maximums of 5-6 MPa in gait, and as high as 18 MPa in other movements. Normalized for subject weight and height (nMPa), for free-speed walking the maximum pressure values were 25.2 for the female subject and 24.5 for the male subject. The overall maximum nMPa values were 76.2 for the female subject during rising from a chair at 11 months postoperative and 82.3 for the male subject while descending steps at 9 months postoperative. These unique in vivo data are consistent with corresponding cadaver experiments and model analyses. The collective results, in vitro data, model studies, and now corroborating in vivo data support the self-pressurizing "weeping" theory of synovial joint lubrication and provide unique information to evaluate the influence of in vivo pressure regimes on osteoarthritis causation and the efficacy of augmentations to, and substitutions for, natural cartilage.

Vestibular compensation after vestibular schwannoma surgery: normalization of the subjective visual vertical and disability.

PubMed

Batuecas-Caletrio, Angel; Santacruz-Ruiz, Santiago; Muñoz-Herrera, Angel; Sousa, Pablo; Otero, Alvaro; Perez-Fernandez, Nicolas

2013-05-01

The degree of caloric weakness before surgery influences faster or slower recovery of patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma surgery. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a good index to show the recovery of patients as it relates directly to an improvement or not of the subjective visual vertical (SVV). To evaluate the process of recovery of patients as measured by the SVV and the DHI after surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma. We studied 24 consecutive patients of the University Hospital of Salamanca who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgery. We assessed age, tumour size, degree of canalicular weakness and preoperative SVV, and their relationship with DHI and SVV at discharge and also at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Patients with lesser degrees of caloric weakness took longer to normalize SVV than those with a higher caloric weakness before surgery (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between DHI and improvements in SVV with time. The differences disappeared in 6 months where all patients, with greater or lesser degree of caloric weakness, had the same results.

EGSIEM combination service: combination of GRACE monthly K-band solutions on normal equation level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Ulrich; Jean, Yoomin; Arnold, Daniel; Jäggi, Adrian

2017-04-01

The European Gravity Service for Improved Emergency Management (EGSIEM) project offers a scientific combination service, combining for the first time monthly GRACE gravity fields of different analysis centers (ACs) on normal equation (NEQ) level and thus taking all correlations between the gravity field coefficients and pre-eliminated orbit and instrument parameters correctly into account. Optimal weights for the individual NEQs are commonly derived by variance component estimation (VCE), as is the case for the products of the International VLBI Service (IVS) or the DTRF2008 reference frame realisation that are also derived by combination on NEQ-level. But variance factors are based on post-fit residuals and strongly depend on observation sampling and noise modeling, which both are very diverse in case of the individual EGSIEM ACs. These variance factors do not necessarily represent the true error levels of the estimated gravity field parameters that are still governed by analysis noise. We present a combination approach where weights are derived on solution level, thereby taking the analysis noise into account.

Diagnoses behind patients with hard-to-classify tremor and normal DaT-SPECT: a clinical follow up study.

PubMed

Menéndez-González, Manuel; Tavares, Francisco; Zeidan, Nahla; Salas-Pacheco, José M; Arias-Carrión, Oscar

2014-01-01

The [(123)I]ioflupane-a dopamine transporter radioligand-SPECT (DaT-SPECT) has proven to be useful in the differential diagnosis of tremor. Here, we investigate the diagnoses behind patients with hard-to-classify tremor and normal DaT-SPECT. Therefore, 30 patients with tremor and normal DaT-SPECT were followed up for 2 years. In 18 cases we were able to make a diagnosis. The residual 12 patients underwent a second DaT-SPECT, were then followed for additional 12 months and thereafter the diagnosis was reconsidered again. The final diagnoses included cases of essential tremor, dystonic tremor, multisystem atrophy, vascular parkinsonism, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome, psychogenic parkinsonism, iatrogenic parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease. However, for 6 patients the diagnosis remained uncertain. Larger series are needed to better establish the relative frequency of the different conditions behind these cases.

Does gender matter? Differences in social-emotional behavior among infants and toddlers before and after mild traumatic brain injury: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Kaldoja, Mari-Liis; Kolk, Anneli

2015-06-01

Traumatic brain injury is a common cause of acquired disability in childhood. While much is known about cognitive sequelae of brain trauma, gender-specific social-emotional problems in children with mild traumatic brain injury is far less understood. The aims of the study were to investigate gender differences in social-emotional behavior before and after mild traumatic brain injury. Thirty-five 3- to 65-month-old children with mild traumatic brain injury and 70 controls were assessed with Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional. Nine months later, 27 of 35 patients and 54 of 70 controls were reassessed. We found that before injury, boys had more self-regulation and autonomy difficulties and girls had problems with adaptive functioning. Nine months after injury, boys continued to struggle with self-regulation and autonomy and new difficulties with interaction had emerged, whereas in girls, problems in interaction had evolved. Even mild traumatic brain injury in early childhood disrupts normal social-emotional development having especially devastating influence on interaction skills. © The Author(s) 2014.

Age-Related Changes in Mouse Taste Bud Morphology, Hormone Expression, and Taste Responsivity

PubMed Central

Shin, Yu-Kyong; Cong, Wei-na; Cai, Huan; Kim, Wook; Maudsley, Stuart; Martin, Bronwen

2012-01-01

Normal aging is a complex process that affects every organ system in the body, including the taste system. Thus, we investigated the effects of the normal aging process on taste bud morphology, function, and taste responsivity in male mice at 2, 10, and 18 months of age. The 18-month-old animals demonstrated a significant reduction in taste bud size and number of taste cells per bud compared with the 2- and 10-month-old animals. The 18-month-old animals exhibited a significant reduction of protein gene product 9.5 and sonic hedgehog immunoreactivity (taste cell markers). The number of taste cells expressing the sweet taste receptor subunit, T1R3, and the sweet taste modulating hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, were reduced in the 18-month-old mice. Concordant with taste cell alterations, the 18-month-old animals demonstrated reduced sweet taste responsivity compared with the younger animals and the other major taste modalities (salty, sour, and bitter) remained intact. PMID:22056740

Age-related changes in mouse taste bud morphology, hormone expression, and taste responsivity.

PubMed

Shin, Yu-Kyong; Cong, Wei-na; Cai, Huan; Kim, Wook; Maudsley, Stuart; Egan, Josephine M; Martin, Bronwen

2012-04-01

Normal aging is a complex process that affects every organ system in the body, including the taste system. Thus, we investigated the effects of the normal aging process on taste bud morphology, function, and taste responsivity in male mice at 2, 10, and 18 months of age. The 18-month-old animals demonstrated a significant reduction in taste bud size and number of taste cells per bud compared with the 2- and 10-month-old animals. The 18-month-old animals exhibited a significant reduction of protein gene product 9.5 and sonic hedgehog immunoreactivity (taste cell markers). The number of taste cells expressing the sweet taste receptor subunit, T1R3, and the sweet taste modulating hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, were reduced in the 18-month-old mice. Concordant with taste cell alterations, the 18-month-old animals demonstrated reduced sweet taste responsivity compared with the younger animals and the other major taste modalities (salty, sour, and bitter) remained intact.

Risk Stratification for Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head After Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures by Post-Operative Bone SPECT/CT.

PubMed

Han, Sangwon; Oh, Minyoung; Yoon, Seokho; Kim, Jinsoo; Kim, Ji-Wan; Chang, Jae-Suk; Ryu, Jin-Sook

2017-03-01

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a major complication after internal fixation of a femoral neck fracture and determines the functional prognosis. We investigated postoperative bone single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for assessing the risk of femoral head AVN. We retrospectively reviewed 53 consecutive patients who underwent bone SPECT/CT within 2 weeks of internal fixation of a femoral neck fracture and follow-up serial hip radiographs over at least 12 months. Nine patients developed femoral head AVN. In 15 patients who showed normal uptake on immediate postoperative SPECT/CT, no AVN occurred, whereas 9 of 38 patients who showed cold defects of the femoral head later developed AVN. The negative predictive value of immediate postoperative SPECT/CT for AVN was 100 %, whereas the positive predictive value was 24 %. Among 38 patients with cold defects, 1 developed AVN 3 months postoperatively. A follow-up bone SPECT/CT was performed in the other 37 patients at 2-10 months postoperatively. The follow-up bone SPECT/CT revealed completely normalized femoral head uptake in 27, partially normalized uptake in 8, and persistent cold defects in 2 patients. AVN developed in 3.7 % (1/27), 62.5 % (5/8), and 100 % (2/2) of each group, respectively. According to the time point of imaging, radiotracer uptake patterns of the femoral head on postoperative bone SPECT/CT indicate the risk of AVN after internal fixation of femoral neck fractures differently. Postoperative bone SPECT/CT may help orthopedic surgeons determine the appropriate follow-up of these patients.

A modified method for measuring antibiotic use in healthcare settings: implications for antibiotic stewardship and benchmarking.

PubMed

Aldeyab, Mamoon A; McElnay, James C; Scott, Michael G; Lattyak, William J; Darwish Elhajji, Feras W; Aldiab, Motasem A; Magee, Fidelma A; Conlon, Geraldine; Kearney, Mary P

2014-04-01

To determine whether adjusting the denominator of the common hospital antibiotic use measurement unit (defined daily doses/100 bed-days) by including age-adjusted comorbidity score (100 bed-days/age-adjusted comorbidity score) would result in more accurate and meaningful assessment of hospital antibiotic use. The association between the monthly sum of age-adjusted comorbidity and monthly antibiotic use was measured using time-series analysis (January 2008 to June 2012). For the purposes of conducting internal benchmarking, two antibiotic usage datasets were constructed, i.e. 2004-07 (first study period) and 2008-11 (second study period). Monthly antibiotic use was normalized per 100 bed-days and per 100 bed-days/age-adjusted comorbidity score. Results showed that antibiotic use had significant positive relationships with the sum of age-adjusted comorbidity score (P = 0.0004). The results also showed that there was a negative relationship between antibiotic use and (i) alcohol-based hand rub use (P = 0.0370) and (ii) clinical pharmacist activity (P = 0.0031). Normalizing antibiotic use per 100 bed-days contributed to a comparative usage rate of 1.31, i.e. the average antibiotic use during the second period was 31% higher than during the first period. However, normalizing antibiotic use per 100 bed-days per age-adjusted comorbidity score resulted in a comparative usage rate of 0.98, i.e. the average antibiotic use was 2% lower in the second study period. Importantly, the latter comparative usage rate is independent of differences in patient density and case mix characteristics between the two studied populations. The proposed modified antibiotic measure provides an innovative approach to compare variations in antibiotic prescribing while taking account of patient case mix effects.

[Some aspects of immune response in toxoplasmosis].

PubMed

Dziubek, Z; Zarnowska, H; Basiak, W; Górski, A; Kajfasz, P

2001-01-01

The study was performed to determine cell-mediated and humoral responses related to the clinical course of disease in adults with different forms of toxoplasmosis. The cellular response was estimated by blastogenic transformation of T-lymphocytes induced by OKT3 mitogenic stimulus, as well as by a specific soluble toxoplasmic antigen. The phenotype analysis of T-lymphocytes was performed using monoclonal antibody on FACS flow cytometer. The humoral response was examined by determining the levels of toxoplasma-specific IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies and total serum immunoglobulins. Significant disruption of the cell-mediated response was not observed (T-lymphocyte proliferation test). In the group of patients with lymphadenopathy, an increased proportion of CD8+ lymphocytes was only noted in the first month of the disease, although enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes was observed for up to a year. The individuals in question were found to have IgA antibodies against the p30 antigen of T. gondii, mainly in the period of disease up to 7 months. The proportion of CD4+ lymphocytes was sub-normal in all patients of this group who were studied in the first two months of the disease, and in most of those studied later. Three out of 14 patients with the ocular form of toxoplasmosis only had recent foci of inflammation in the retina, and were also found to have specific IgM. These patients had depressed CD4+ levels, and showed no reaction from CD8+ lymphocytes. Sub-normal CD4+ population could have been the cause of the weak stimulation of CD8+ cells and an expression of this is the long course of disease. Sub-normal CD4+ cells may be also results the suppressing effect of the parasite.

The 1998 flood in Bangladesh: is different targeting needed during emergencies and recovery to tackle malnutrition?

PubMed

Hossain, S M; Kolsteren, Patrick

2003-06-01

Bangladesh suffered the century's worst flood during July-October 1998 and appealed for assistance. To provide information for appropriate interventions to tackle nutritional problems, a rapid assessment survey was conducted to look at the nutritional situation, problems encountered by the community, their coping mechanisms and rehabilitation priorities in six rural areas. The survey was repeated after four months to measure the outcome of activities during the flood and the necessity for future assistance. There were 3,048 children measured in both surveys (1,597 and 1,451). The sample of most interest was a sub-group of 180 children present in two previous independent surveys. The analysis found that while moving from the crisis period to post-flood phase there was evidence of a 'crossover phenomenon' in the recovery pattern of nutritional status. Sixty-eight per cent of the children who were malnourished (WHZ < -2SD) during the crisis period (18 per cent) recovered enough to cross the cut-off point and became normal after four months. Another 8 per cent of children (9 per cent of all normal) who were normal during the crisis period, after four months had deteriorated to be malnourished. Thus, despite there being a shift in the overall distribution of nutritional status, there has been another shift that reduced the net effect. Subsequent episodes of diarrhoea, access to food and loan burden had also influenced the recovery pattern of the children's nutritional status as evident from the statistically significant associations. These findings raise questions about targeting acute malnutrition during emergencies, and using the same criteria during both the crisis and rehabilitation phases.

Social conversational skills development in early implanted children.

PubMed

Guerzoni, Letizia; Murri, Alessandra; Fabrizi, Enrico; Nicastri, Maria; Mancini, Patrizia; Cuda, Domenico

2016-09-01

Social conversational skills are a salient aspect of early pragmatic development in young children. These skills include two different abilities, assertiveness and responsiveness. This study investigated the development of these abilities in early implanted children and their relationships with lexical development and some language-sensitive variables. Prospective, observational, nonrandomized study. Participants included 28 children with congenital profound sensorineural hearing loss. The mean age at device activation was 13.3 months (standard deviation [SD] ±4.2). The Social-Conversational Skills Rating Scale was used to evaluate assertiveness and responsiveness. The MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory (Words and Sentences form) was used to analyze the lexical development. The device experience was 12 months for each child, and the mean age at testing was 25.9 months (SD ±4.6). Assertiveness and responsiveness scores were within the normal range of normal-hearing age-matched peers. Age at cochlear implant activation exerted a significant impact, with the highest scores associated to the youngest patients. The residual correlations between assertiveness and responsiveness with the lexical development were positive and strongly significant (r = 0.69 and 0.73, respectively). Preoperative hearing threshold demonstrated an associated significant coefficient on the assertiveness score. Age at diagnosis and maternal education level were not correlated with the social conversational skills. Early-implanted children developed social conversational skills that are similar to normal-hearing peers matched for age 1 year after device activation. Social conversational skills and lexical development were strongly correlated, but the present study design cannot specify the direction of this relationship. Children with better preoperative residual hearing exhibited better assertive ability. 4 Laryngoscope, 126:2098-2105, 2016. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Association between increased BMI and severe school absenteeism among US children and adolescents: findings from a national survey, 2005-2008.

PubMed

Li, Y; Raychowdhury, S; Tedders, S H; Lyn, R; Lòpez-De Fede, A; Zhang, J

2012-04-01

School absenteeism may be an underlying cause of poor school performance among overweight and obese children. We examined the associations between school absenteeism and body mass index (BMI) in a nationally representative sample. We analyzed the data of 1387 children (6-11 years) and 2185 adolescents (12-18 years), who completed an interview and anthropometric measurement as a part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2008. The CDC 2000 growth chart was used to categorize BMI status, and the number of school days missed during the past 12 months was assessed by asking the proxies or interviewees. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 18.96±1.44% (s.e.) and 16.41±0.78%, respectively, among study populations. The means of school days missed in the last 12 months were not statistically different between the normal-weight, overweight and obese groups, 3.79±0.56, 3.86±0.38 and 4.31±0.01 days, respectively. However, when >2 days missed per school month was defined as severe absence, the prevalence of severe absence were 1.57%, 2.99% and 4.94% respectively, among 6-11-year-old children with normal, overweight and obese. The adjusted odds of severe school absence were 2.27 (95% confidence interval=0.64-8.03) and 3.93 (1.55-9.95), respectively, among overweight and obese children compared with normal-weight peers (P for trend test <0.01). No significant association was found among adolescents. Increased body weight is independently associated with severe school absenteeism in children but not adolescents. Future research is needed to determine the nature, and academic and social significance of this association.

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation and work therapy in the early phase of substance use disorder recovery for older veterans: Neurocognitive and substance use outcomes.

PubMed

Bell, Morris D; Laws, Holly B; Petrakis, Ismene B

2017-03-01

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is reported to improve neurocognitive and substance use disorder (SUD) outcomes in residential treatments. This National Institute of Drug Abuse funded pilot study reports on CRT as an augmentation to outpatient treatment for SUD. Recovering outpatient veterans were randomized into CRT + Work Therapy (n = 24) or work therapy (n = 24) with treatment-as-usual. Blind assessments of neurocognition and substance use were performed at baseline, 3 months (end of treatment), and 6-month follow-up. Baseline assessments revealed high rates of cognitive impairment with 87.5% showing significant decline from premorbid IQ on at least 1 measure (median = 3/14 measures). Adherence to treatment was excellent. Follow-up rates were 95.7% at 3 months and 87.5% at 6 months. Mixed effects models of cognitive change over time revealed significant differences favoring CRT + Work Therapy on working memory (WM) and executive function indices. Global index of cognition showed a nonsignificant trend (effect size [ES] = .37) favoring CRT + Work Therapy. SUD outcomes were excellent for both conditions. CRT + Work Therapy had a mean of 97% days of abstinence at 3 months, 94% in the 30 days prior to 6-month follow-up, and 24/26 weeks of total abstinence; differences between conditions were not significant. CRT was well accepted by outpatient veterans with SUDs and led to significant improvements in WM and executive functions beyond that of normal cognitive recovery. No difference between conditions was found for SUD outcomes, perhaps because work therapy obscured the benefits of CRT. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of long-term stress on H3Ser10 histone phosphorylation in neuronal nuclei of the sensorimotor cortex and midbrain reticular formation in rats with different nervous system excitability.

PubMed

Pavlova, M B; Dyuzhikova, N A; Shiryaeva, N V; Savenko, Yu N; Vaido, A I

2013-07-01

The effects of long-term mental and pain stress on H3Ser10 histone phosphorylation in neurons of the the sensorimotor corex and midbrain reticular formation were studied 24 h, 2 weeks, and 2 months after exposure of rats differing by the nervous system excitability. Rats with high excitability threshold exhibited higher basal level of H3Ser10 histone phosphorylation in the midbrain reticular formation neurons than rats with low excitability threshold. The sensorimotor cortical neurons of the two strains did not differ by this parameter. Stress led to a significant increase in the counts of immunopositive neuronal nuclei in rats with low excitability threshold: the parameter increased significantly in the sensorimotor cortex 24 h after exposure and normalized in 2 weeks after neurotization. In the midbrain reticular formation of this rat strain stress stimulated H3Ser10 histone phosphorylation after 24 h and after 2 weeks; the parameter normalized after neurotization in 2 months. Hence, genetically determined level of the nervous system excitability was essential for the basal level of neuron phosphorylation and for the time course of this process after long-term exposure to mental and pain stress, depending on the brain structure. A probable relationship between H3Ser10 histone phosphorylation process and liability to obsessive compulsive mental disorders in humans was discussed.

Use of liothyronine without levothyroxine in the treatment of mild consumptive hypothyroidism caused by hepatic hemangiomas.

PubMed

Higuchi, Shinji; Takagi, Masaki; Hasegawa, Yukihiro

2017-06-29

There have been reports of the use of levothyroxine or levothyroxine plus liothyronine for consumptive hypothyroidism caused by hepatic hemangiomas. Administration of levothyroxine without liothyronine can be inadequate to maintain normal levels of both free T3 and free T4 in some patients. However, there is no report of treatment with liothyronine plus propranolol. We herein present a case in which we used liothyronine therapy for multifocal hepatic hemangiomas in a Japanese patient with low free T3 and normal free T4 levels. A 2-month-old Japanese male was referred to our hospital because of jaundice. Abdominal computed tomography showed multifocal hemangiomas in both lobes of the liver. TSH level was elevated, free T3 level was low, free T4 level was normal, and hypothyroidism due to hepatic hemangiomas was diagnosed. In addition to propranolol, liothyronine was started. We used liothyronine without levothyroxine for hypothyroidism because only free T3 level had decreased, whereas free T4 level remained in the normal range. The TSH and free T3 levels normalized in this patient in less than 1 month. The liothyronine dose was gradually reduced with regression of the hemangiomas, and liothyronine administration was discontinued at the age of 5 months. At the age of 11 months, growth and neurological development of the patient met age-specific norms, and he was euthyroid at that time. This is the first report demonstrating the use of liothyronine with propranolol for treatment of this type of consumptive hypothyroidism.

The influence of percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus on left ventricular size and function: a prospective study using two- and three-dimensional echocardiography and measurements of serum natriuretic peptides.

PubMed

Eerola, Anneli; Jokinen, Eero; Boldt, Talvikki; Pihkala, Jaana

2006-03-07

We aimed to evaluate the effect of percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics. Today, most PDAs are closed percutaneously. Little is known, however, about hemodynamic changes after the procedure. Of 37 children (ages 0.6 to 10.6 years) taken to the catheterization laboratory for percutaneous PDA closure, the PDA was closed in 33. Left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions, volumes, and function were examined by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and serum concentrations of natriuretic peptides measured before PDA closure, on the following day, and 6 months thereafter. Control subjects comprised 36 healthy children of comparable ages. At baseline, LV diastolic diameter measured >+2 SD in 5 of 33 patients. In 3D echocardiography, a median LV diastolic volume measured 54.0 ml/m2 in the control subjects and 58.4 ml/m2 (p < 0.05) in the PDA group before closure and 57.2 ml/m2 (p = NS) 6 months after closure. A median N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) concentration measured 72 ng/l in the control group and 141 ng/l in the PDA group before closure (p = 0.001) and 78.5 ng/l (p = NS) 6 months after closure. Patients differed from control subjects in indices of LV systolic and diastolic function at baseline. By the end of follow-up, all these differences had disappeared. Even in the subgroup of patients with normal-sized LV at baseline, the LV diastolic volume decreased significantly during follow-up. Changes in LV volume and function caused by PDA disappear by 6 months after percutaneous closure. Even the children with normal-sized LV benefit from the procedure.

High resolution light microscopic evaluation of boar semen quality sperm cytoplasmic droplet retention in relationship with boar fertility parameters.

PubMed

Lovercamp, K W; Safranski, T J; Fischer, K A; Manandhar, G; Sutovsky, M; Herring, W; Sutovsky, P

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fertility and quantitative measures of boar semen quality, including various patterns of sperm cytoplasmic droplet (CD) retention, as determined by high power differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. A total of 116 ejaculates were collected from a nucleus herd of 18 Large White boars over an eight month period. Semen quality parameters were analyzed for each ejaculate by calculating the percentage of normal spermatozoa, spermatozoa possessing a CD in the proximal, distal, or distal midpiece reflex position, total spermatozoa with an attached cytoplasmic droplet, spermatozoa with non-CD related aberrations and total spermatozoa with abnormalities. Of the 116 ejaculates received, 71 ejaculates from 13 boars had corresponding fertility data from single-sire inseminations of multiparous sows. The fertility data included farrowing rate (FR) and total number born (TNB). The monthly FR encompassed one month before and one month after the date of semen collection. Detection of differences for fertility and semen quality parameters was performed by separating the boars into either an above-average or below-average group based on the mean FR (74.01 +/- 1.43%) or TNB (12.34 +/- 0.17) for the study. For FR, the boars in the below-average group had a significantly lower percentage of normal spermatozoa and significantly higher percentage of spermatozoa possessing distal CDs, total attached CDs and total abnormalities compared to the boars in the above-average group. Conversely, for TNB there were no significant differences between the above- and below-average groups for the semen quality parameters. These data suggest that the attached CD may negatively affect FR, but not TNB. The detection of relationships between the boar fertility parameters and the retention of the sperm CD after ejaculation, document the advantage of high power DIC microscopy in conventional semen evaluation.

Relationship between pickiness and subsequent development in body mass index and diet intake in obesity prone normal weight preschool children

PubMed Central

Händel, Mina Nicole; Stougaard, Maria; Olsen, Nanna Julie; Trærup, Maria; Mortensen, Erik Lykke; Heitmann, Berit Lilienthal

2017-01-01

Background Most children have periods in their life where they reject familiar as well as non-familiar food items and this is often referred to as pickiness. The consequences of pickiness may be malnutrition and, if prolonged, potentially lower body weight. However, studies investigating the consequence of pickiness on subsequent changes in diet intake and weight are limited. Objectives To examine whether pickiness influences body mass index as well as diet intake over subsequent 15 months among obesity prone normal weight children aged 2–6 years. Methods Data was obtained from the “Healthy Start” intervention study which included 271 children aged 2–6 years susceptible to overweight later in life. Information on pickiness was obtained from a parental questionnaire. Dietary habits were collected by 4-day dietary records filled in by the parents and height and weight were measured by trained health professionals and both measured twice over a 15 month period. Linear regression models were performed to assess the influence of pickiness on body mass index and diet with adjustments for possible confounders. Results No differences in mean BMI Z-score were seen between picky/non-picky (P = 0.68) and little picky/non-picky (P = 0.68) children at 15 month follow-up. Picky children had a lower intake of protein (P = 0.01) than non-picky children despite no differences in total energy intake (P = 0.74), or in the other macronutrients, or the intake of fruit and vegetables, though children being a little picky had a lower intake of starch compared to non-picky children (P = 0.05). Results were essentially similar before and after adjustment for key covariates. Conclusion Our study showed that BMI Z-score after 15 months follow-up was similar for picky and non-picky children. Picky children seemed to develop a lower protein intake despite similar total energy intake and diet composition. PMID:28296896

Case study for the evaluation of current treatment recommendations of guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency: ineffectiveness of sodium benzoate.

PubMed

Mercimek-Mahmutoglu, Saadet; Salomons, Gajja S; Chan, Alicia

2014-07-01

Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder of creatine biosynthesis. We report a new patient with guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency and her >3-year treatment outcome. This is a 6-year-old girl who was diagnosed with guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency at the age of 28 months. She presented with moderate global developmental delay, one afebrile seizure, and hypotonia between 6 and 18 months of life. She was treated with creatine and ornithine supplementation and a strict arginine-restricted diet for 42 months. Mutation analysis (compound heterozygous mutations, a known c.327G>A and a novel c.58dupT [p.Trp20LeufsX65]) and enzyme studies in primary fibroblasts confirmed the diagnosis. After 33 months of therapy, her cerebrospinal fluid guanidinoacetate level decreased from 47 to 5.3 times the normal level. Brain creatine by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy increased by >75% but did not normalize in the basal ganglia and white matter after 3 years of therapy. Additional treatment with sodium benzoate for 17 months did not further improve plasma guanidinoacetate levels, which questions the relevance of this therapy. Treatment did not improve moderate intellectual disability or normalize guanidinoacetate accumulation in the central nervous system. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A trial of sugar-free or sugar-sweetened beverages and body weight in children.

PubMed

de Ruyter, Janne C; Olthof, Margreet R; Seidell, Jacob C; Katan, Martijn B

2012-10-11

The consumption of beverages that contain sugar is associated with overweight, possibly because liquid sugars do not lead to a sense of satiety, so the consumption of other foods is not reduced. However, data are lacking to show that the replacement of sugar-containing beverages with noncaloric beverages diminishes weight gain. We conducted an 18-month trial involving 641 primarily normal-weight children from 4 years 10 months to 11 years 11 months of age. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 250 ml (8 oz) per day of a sugar-free, artificially sweetened beverage (sugar-free group) or a similar sugar-containing beverage that provided 104 kcal (sugar group). Beverages were distributed through schools. At 18 months, 26% of the children had stopped consuming the beverages; the data from children who did not complete the study were imputed. The z score for the body-mass index (BMI, the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) increased on average by 0.02 SD units in the sugar-free group and by 0.15 SD units in the sugar group; the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference was -0.21 to -0.05. Weight increased by 6.35 kg in the sugar-free group as compared with 7.37 kg in the sugar group (95% CI for the difference, -1.54 to -0.48). The skinfold-thickness measurements, waist-to-height ratio, and fat mass also increased significantly less in the sugar-free group. Adverse events were minor. When we combined measurements at 18 months in 136 children who had discontinued the study with those in 477 children who completed the study, the BMI z score increased by 0.06 SD units in the sugar-free group and by 0.12 SD units in the sugar group (P=0.06). Masked replacement of sugar-containing beverages with noncaloric beverages reduced weight gain and fat accumulation in normal-weight children. (Funded by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development and others; DRINK ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00893529.).

Response of Arctic Snow and Sea Ice Extents to Melt Season Atmospheric Forcing Across the Land-Ocean Boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bliss, A. C.; Anderson, M. R.

2011-12-01

Little research has gone into studying the concurrent variations in the annual loss of continental snow cover and sea ice extent across the land-ocean boundary, however, the analysis of these data averaged spatially over three study regions located in North America and Eastern and Western Russia, reveals a distinct difference in the response of anomalous snow and sea ice conditions to the atmospheric forcing. This study compares the monthly continental snow cover and sea ice extent loss in the Arctic, during the melt season months (May-August) for the period 1979-2007, with regional atmospheric conditions known to influence summer melt including: mean sea level pressures, 925 hPa air temperatures, and mean 2 m U and V wind vectors from NCEP/DOE Reanalysis 2. The monthly hemispheric snow cover extent data used are from the Rutgers University Global Snow Lab and sea ice extents for this study are derived from the monthly passive microwave satellite Bootstrap algorithm sea ice concentrations available from the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Three case study years (1985, 1996, and 2007) are used to compare the direct response of monthly anomalous sea ice and snow cover areal extents to monthly mean atmospheric forcing averaged spatially over the extent of each study region. This comparison is then expanded for all summer months over the 29 year study period where the monthly persistence of sea ice and snow cover extent anomalies and changes in the sea ice and snow conditions under differing atmospheric conditions are explored further. The monthly anomalous atmospheric conditions are classified into four categories including: warmer temperatures with higher pressures, warmer temperatures with lower pressures, cooler temperatures with higher pressures, and cooler temperatures with lower pressures. Analysis of the atmospheric conditions surrounding anomalous loss of snow and ice cover over the independent study regions indicates that conditions of warmer temperatures advected via southerly winds are effective at forcing melt, while conditions of anomalously cool temperatures with persistent, strong northeasterly winds in the later melt season months are also effective at removing anomalous extents of sea ice cover, likely through ice divergence. Normalized sea ice extent anomalies, regardless of the snow cover, tend to persist in the same positive or negative directions (or remain near normal) from month to month over the summer season in 73.6% of cases from June to July, in 69% of cases from July to August, and in 54% of cases for the entire season (June-August) for the 29 year study period. However, when shifts in the sea ice extent anomaly directions from the conditions present in the early melt season occur, it is generally associated with a shift in the atmospheric conditions forcing the change in sea ice extent loss for the region.

Homeostasis of Hyaluronic Acid in Normal and Scarred Vocal Folds

PubMed Central

Tateya, Ichiro; Tateya, Tomoko; Watanuki, Makoto; Bless, Diane M.

2015-01-01

Summary Objectives/Hypothesis Vocal fold scarring is one of the most challenging laryngeal disorders to treat. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the main component of lamina propria, and it plays an important role in proper vocal fold vibration and is also thought to be important in fetal wound healing without scarring. Although several animal models of vocal fold scarring have been reported, little is known about the way in which HA is maintained in vocal folds. The purpose of this study was to clarify the homeostasis of HA by examining the expression of hyaluronan synthase (Has) and hyaluronidase (Hyal), which produce and digest HA, respectively. Study Design Experimental prospective animal study. Methods Vocal fold stripping was performed on 38 Sprague-Dawley rats. Vocal fold tissue was collected at five time points (3 days–2 months). Expression of HA was examined by immunohistochemistry, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Has and Hyal was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and in-situ hybridization. Results In scarred vocal folds, expression of Has1 and Has2 increased at day 3 together with expression of HA and returned to normal at 2 weeks. At 2 months, Has3 and Hyal3 mRNA showed higher expressions than normal. Conclusions Expression patterns of Has and Hyal genes differed between normal, acute-scarred, and chronic-scarred vocal folds, indicating the distinct roles of each enzyme in maintaining HA. Continuous upregulation of Has genes in the acute phase may be necessary to achieve scarless healing of vocal folds. PMID:25499520

Effects of physician counseling on the smoking behavior of asbestos-exposed workers

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

Li, V.C.; Kim, Y.J.; Ewart, C.K.

Physician antismoking advice has been shown to increase smoking cessation, particularly among patients who have medical problems or perceive themselves to be at risk. The present study tested three hypotheses: (a) providing 3 to 5 min of behavioral counseling regarding a cessation strategy would be more effective than simply warning the smoker to quit smoking; (b) smokers with abnormal pulmonary function would be more likely to comply with medical advice than would smokers with normal pulmonary function; and (c) that smokers with abnormal pulmonary function who receive behavioral counseling would be the group most likely to achieve prolonged abstinence. Asbestos-exposedmore » smoking men undergoing screening in a mandated program for naval shipyard workers were categorized as having normal or abnormal pulmonary status on the basis of chest X ray and pulmonary function tests (PFT). They were then randomly assigned within PFT categories to receive either a simple warning or 3 to 5 min of behavioral cessation counseling from the physician who gave them the results of their pulmonary tests. Subjects smoking status was evaluated at 3- and 11-month intervals following the physician intervention. Smokers who received behavioral counseling were more likely to quit and remain abstinent over the 11-month period (8.4% abstinent) than were smokers given a minimal warning (3.6% abstinent). Prolonged abstinence rates among abnormal PFT subjects (3.7%) did not differ from those of normals (5.9%). The group with normal PFT who received behavioral counseling achieved the highest level of abstinence (9.5%).« less

Celiac disease in normal-weight and overweight children: clinical features and growth outcomes following a gluten-free diet.

PubMed

Reilly, Norelle Rizkalla; Aguilar, Kathleen; Hassid, Benjamin G; Cheng, Jianfeng; Defelice, Amy R; Kazlow, Philip; Bhagat, Govind; Green, Peter H

2011-11-01

There are few data on pediatric celiac disease in the United States. The aim of our study was to describe the presentation of celiac disease among children with a normal and an elevated body mass index (BMI) for age, and to study their BMI changes following a gluten-free diet (GFD). One hundred forty-two children (age 13 months-19 years) with biopsy-proven celiac disease, contained in a registry of patients studied at our center from 2000 to 2008, had follow-up growth data available. Patients' height, weight, and BMI were converted to z scores for age and grouped by BMI as underweight, normal, and overweight. Compliance was confirmed using results of serological assays, and data of noncompliant patients were analyzed separately. Data were analyzed during the observation period and were expressed as change in height, weight, and BMI z score per month of dietary treatment. Nearly 19% of patients had an elevated BMI at diagnosis (12.6% overweight, 6% obese) and 74.5% presented with a normal BMI. The mean duration of follow-up was 35.6 months. Seventy-five percent of patients with an elevated BMI at diagnosis decreased their BMI z scores significantly after adherence to a GFD, normalizing it in 44% of cases. Of patients with a normal BMI at diagnosis, weight z scores increased significantly after treatment, and 13% became overweight. Both normal weight and overweight frequently occur in North American children presenting with celiac disease. A GFD may have a beneficial effect upon the BMI of overweight and obese children with celiac disease.

Is Middle-Upper Arm Circumference "normally" distributed? Secondary data analysis of 852 nutrition surveys.

PubMed

Frison, Severine; Checchi, Francesco; Kerac, Marko; Nicholas, Jennifer

2016-01-01

Wasting is a major public health issue throughout the developing world. Out of the 6.9 million estimated deaths among children under five annually, over 800,000 deaths (11.6 %) are attributed to wasting. Wasting is quantified as low Weight-For-Height (WFH) and/or low Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) (since 2005). Many statistical procedures are based on the assumption that the data used are normally distributed. Analyses have been conducted on the distribution of WFH but there are no equivalent studies on the distribution of MUAC. This secondary data analysis assesses the normality of the MUAC distributions of 852 nutrition cross-sectional survey datasets of children from 6 to 59 months old and examines different approaches to normalise "non-normal" distributions. The distribution of MUAC showed no departure from a normal distribution in 319 (37.7 %) distributions using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Out of the 533 surveys showing departure from a normal distribution, 183 (34.3 %) were skewed (D'Agostino test) and 196 (36.8 %) had a kurtosis different to the one observed in the normal distribution (Anscombe-Glynn test). Testing for normality can be sensitive to data quality, design effect and sample size. Out of the 533 surveys showing departure from a normal distribution, 294 (55.2 %) showed high digit preference, 164 (30.8 %) had a large design effect, and 204 (38.3 %) a large sample size. Spline and LOESS smoothing techniques were explored and both techniques work well. After Spline smoothing, 56.7 % of the MUAC distributions showing departure from normality were "normalised" and 59.7 % after LOESS. Box-Cox power transformation had similar results on distributions showing departure from normality with 57 % of distributions approximating "normal" after transformation. Applying Box-Cox transformation after Spline or Loess smoothing techniques increased that proportion to 82.4 and 82.7 % respectively. This suggests that statistical approaches relying on the normal distribution assumption can be successfully applied to MUAC. In light of this promising finding, further research is ongoing to evaluate the performance of a normal distribution based approach to estimating the prevalence of wasting using MUAC.

Changes in NAA and lactate following ischemic stroke: a serial MR spectroscopic imaging study.

PubMed

Muñoz Maniega, S; Cvoro, V; Chappell, F M; Armitage, P A; Marshall, I; Bastin, M E; Wardlaw, J M

2008-12-09

Although much tissue damage may occur within the first few hours of ischemic stroke, the duration of tissue injury is not well defined. We assessed the temporal pattern of neuronal loss and ischemia after ischemic stroke using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). We measured N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and lactate in 51 patients with acute ischemic stroke at five time points, from admission to 3 months, in voxels classified as normal, possibly or definitely abnormal (ischemic) according to the appearance of the stroke lesion on the admission DWI. We compared changes in NAA and lactate in different voxel classes using linear mixed models. NAA was significantly reduced from admission in definitely and possibly abnormal (p < 0.01) compared to contralateral normal voxels, reaching a nadir by 2 weeks and remaining reduced at 3 months. Lactate was significantly increased in definitely and possibly abnormal voxels (p < 0.01) during the first 5 days, falling to normal at 2 weeks, rising again later in these voxels. The progressive fall in N-acetylaspartate suggests that some additional neuronal death may continue beyond the first few hours for up to 2 weeks or longer. The mechanism is unclear but, if correct, then it is possible that interventions to limit this ongoing subacute tissue damage might add to the benefit of hyperacute treatment, making further improvements in outcome possible.

Prognostic significance of electrophysiological tests for facial nerve outcome in vestibular schwannoma surgery.

PubMed

van Dinther, J J S; Van Rompaey, V; Somers, T; Zarowski, A; Offeciers, F E

2011-01-01

To assess the prognostic significance of pre-operative electrophysiological tests for facial nerve outcome in vestibular schwannoma surgery. Retrospective study design in a tertiary referral neurology unit. We studied a total of 123 patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma who underwent microsurgical removal of the lesion. Nine patients were excluded because they had clinically abnormal pre-operative facial function. Pre-operative electrophysiological facial nerve function testing (EPhT) was performed. Short-term (1 month) and long-term (1 year) post-operative clinical facial nerve function were assessed. When pre-operative facial nerve function, evaluated by EPhT, was normal, the outcome from clinical follow-up at 1-month post-operatively was excellent in 78% (i.e. HB I-II) of patients, moderate in 11% (i.e. HB III-IV), and bad in 11% (i.e. HB V-VI). After 1 year, 86% had excellent outcomes, 13% had moderate outcomes, and 1% had bad outcomes. Of all patients with normal clinical facial nerve function, 22% had an abnormal EPhT result and 78% had a normal result. No statistically significant differences could be observed in short-term and long-term post-operative facial function between the groups. In this study, electrophysiological tests were not able to predict facial nerve outcome after vestibular schwannoma surgery. Tumour size remains the best pre-operative prognostic indicator of facial nerve function outcome, i.e. a better outcome in smaller lesions.

Advanced aging phenotype is revealed by epigenetic modifications in rat liver after in utero malnutrition.

PubMed

Heo, Hye J; Tozour, Jessica N; Delahaye, Fabien; Zhao, Yongmei; Cui, Lingguang; Barzilai, Nir; Einstein, Francine Hughes

2016-10-01

Adverse environmental exposures of mothers during fetal period predispose offspring to a range of age-related diseases earlier in life. Here, we set to determine whether a deregulated epigenetic pattern is similar in young animals whose mothers' nutrition was modulated during fetal growth to that acquired during normal aging in animals. Using a rodent model of maternal undernutrition (UN) or overnutrition (ON), we examined cytosine methylation profiles of liver from young female offspring and compared them to age-matched young controls and aged (20-month-old) animals. HELP-tagging, a genomewide restriction enzyme and sequencing assay demonstrates that fetal exposure to two different maternal diets is associated with nonrandom dysregulation of methylation levels with profiles similar to those seen in normal aging animals and occur in regions mapped to genes relevant to metabolic diseases and aging. Functional consequences were assessed by gene expression at 9 weeks old with more significant changes at 6 months of age. Early developmental exposures to unfavorable maternal diets result in altered methylation profiles and transcriptional dysregulation in Prkcb, Pc, Ncor2, and Smad3 that is also seen with normal aging. These Notch pathway and lipogenesis genes may be useful for prediction of later susceptibility to chronic disease. © 2016 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Proton pump inhibitor use for 12 months is not associated with changes in serum magnesium levels: a prospective open label comparative study.

PubMed

Bahtiri, Elton; Islami, Hilmi; Hoxha, Rexhep; Gashi, Afrim; Thaçi, Kujtim; Karakulak, Çağla; Thaçi, Shpetim; Qorraj Bytyqi, Hasime

2017-03-01

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a widely used class of drugs because of a generally acceptable safety profile. Among recently raised safety issues of the long-term use of PPIs is the increased risk of developing hypomagnesemia. As there have been very few prospective studies measuring serum magnesium levels before and after PPI therapy, we aimed to prospectively assess the potential association between PPI therapy for 12 months and the risk of hypomagnesemia as well as the incidence of new-onset hypomagnesemia during the study. In addition, the association of PPI therapy with the risk of hypocalcemia was assessed. The study included 250 patients with normal serum magnesium and total calcium levels, who underwent a long-term PPI treatment. Serum magnesium, total calcium, and parathormone (PTH) levels were measured at baseline and after 12 months. Of the 250 study participants, 209 completed 12 months of treatment and were included in the statistical analysis. The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed no statistically significant differences in serum magnesium levels between measurements at two different time points. However, there were statistically significant differences in serum total calcium and PTH levels in PPI users. Stable serum magnesium levels were demonstrated after 12 months and no association between PPI use and risk of hypomagnesemia was shown in the general population. Significant reductions of serum total calcium levels were demonstrated among PPI users; nevertheless, further research is required before recommending any serum calcium and PTH level monitoring in patients initiated on long-term PPI therapy.

Head circumference

MedlinePlus

... a child's head circumference. Normal ranges for a child's sex and age (weeks, months), based on values that experts have obtained for normal growth rates of infants' and children's heads. Measurement of the head circumference is an ...

[Relationship between phenotype and genotype of ABCB11 deficiency in siblings and literature review].

PubMed

Peng, X R; Lu, Y; Zhang, M H; Li, L T; Xie, X B; Gong, J Y; Wang, J S

2018-06-02

Objective: To explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype of ABCB11 deficiency. Methods: Clinical data of two siblings with ABCB11 deficiency were retrospectively analyzed. Related literature from PubMed, CNKI and Wangfang databases was reviewed to date (up to August 2017) with 'ABCB11 gene' or 'bile salt export pump', 'cholestasis' and 'child' as key words. Results: The patients were siblings. Both of them presented as jaundice, pruritus and hepatosplenomegaly since 3 days after birth. Significant laboratory findings on admission of the older sister included high total bilirubin, 170 µmol/L;conjugated bilirubin, 115.8 µmol/L;alanine aminotransferase, 168 U/L;total bile acid 186.3 µmol/L and normal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. While routine laboratory data of the younger brother were as follows: total bilirubin, 148.8 µmol/L;conjugated bilirubin, 96.3 µmol/L;alanine aminotransferase, 232.8 U/L;total bile acid 226 µmol/L, and normal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.Both received ursodeoxycholic acid and fat-soluble vitamins. Liver pathology of the younger brother showed giant hepatocytes with ballooning degeneration, focal necrosis and intrahepatic cholestasis. Both the patients harbor the same compound heterozygous mutations in ABCB11 gene, c.145C>T (p.Q49X) and c.1510G>A (p.E504K). The sister is 9 years old now, with normal liver function. Jaundice faded around 3 months after birth, pruritus relieved at age 5, and medications was stopped since then. The brother progressed to liver failure after an operation on perianal abscess when he was 8-month-old, and received living-related liver transplantation when he was 9 month and 20 days old (from his mother). Now he is 1 year and 5 months old, with normal liver function. Both are under our follow-up. Literature review revealed 18 ABCB11 deficiency patients from 7 families who had apparent different prognoses, within each family the siblings had the same ABCB11 gene mutation. Seven cases relieved after ursodeoxycholic acid therapy and/or partial external biliary diversion, 5 received orthotopic liver transplantation, 2 developed hepatocellular carcinoma and 4 cases died in childhood. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of ABCB11 deficiency may vary greatly in patients carrying the same genotype, even in siblings. Patients should be managed in individualized maner.

The impact of the fecal stream and stasis on immunologic reactions in ileal pouch after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis: a prospective, pilot study.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Takayuki; Umegae, Satoru; Kitagawa, Tatsushi; Matsumoto, Koichi

2005-10-01

The etiology of pouch inflammation after restorative proctocolectomy is unknown. The fecal stream and immunological reactions are potential pathological factors. This study was performed to examine the impact of the fecal stream and stasis on immunological reactions in the pouch. Patients who underwent a restorative proctocolectomy with a covering ileostomy for ulcerative colitis were studied. Mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from both the pouch and the proximal ileum at the time of ileostomy closure, and 3, 6, and 12 months after ileostomy closure. As a control group, normal ileal biopsies were obtained from patients with colonic polyps. At the time of ileostomy closure, mucosal interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in the pouch and the proximal ileum were not significantly different from those in the normal control group. At 3 months after ileostomy closure, the mucosal cytokine levels in the pouch increased significantly compared with those at ileostomy closure, and their levels were significantly higher than those in the proximal ileum. At 6 and 12 months after ileostomy closure, the mucosal cytokine levels in the pouch did not change significantly compared with those at 3 months after ileostomy closure. The mucosal cytokine levels in the proximal ileum did not change significantly during the entire study. The immunological reactions in the pouch occurred soon after ileostomy closure, and continued for at least 1 yr. The fecal stream and stasis play an important part in the pathogenesis of immunological reactions in the ileal pouch.

Very early onset of autoimmune thyroiditis in a toddler with severe hypothyroidism presentation: a case report.

PubMed

Marzuillo, Pierluigi; Grandone, Anna; Perrotta, Silverio; Ruggiero, Laura; Capristo, Carlo; Luongo, Caterina; Miraglia Del Giudice, Emanuele; Perrone, Laura

2016-06-18

In infants under 3 years of age acquired primary hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune thyroiditis is very rare. Hypothyroidism can manifest with different signs and symptoms and has a wide range of presentations from subclinical hypothyroidism to overt form. We describe a child with acquired autoimmune thyroiditis during a very early period of life and with a severe hypothyroidism presentation. A 22-month-old white male patient with normal neonatal screening presented with a six-month history of asthenia and cutaneous pallor. At general clinical and biochemical exams he showed weight gain, statural growth deceleration, poor movements, sleepy expression, instability while walking, myxoedema, bradycardia, open anterior fontanelle, changes in the face habitus, macrocytic anaemia, ascites, and high CPK, creatinine and cholesterol levels. Acquired autoimmune thyroiditis was the final diagnosis. The thyroxine replacement therapy normalized all the clinical and biochemical abnormalities but at the age of 30 months his mental age showed a delay of 6 months. Our case could give useful learning points: i) although the screening for congenital hypothyroidism is routinely performed, a severe hypothyroidism (for example due to autoimmune thyroiditis) can anyway occur early in life and the clinicians should consider this possibility; ii) hypothyroidism can have a misleading and multi-face clinical presentation; iii) anemia, rhabdomyolysis and high creatinine levels should always include the hypothyroidism in the differential diagnosis; iv) thyroxine replacement therapy is able to revert all the clinical manifestations related to the hypothyroidism; v) evaluating the patient's previous pictures could play an important role in resolving a diagnostic conundrum.

Auditory, speech and language development in young children with cochlear implants compared with children with normal hearing.

PubMed

Schramm, Bianka; Bohnert, Andrea; Keilmann, Annerose

2010-07-01

This study had two aims: (1) to document the auditory and lexical development of children who are deaf and received the first cochlear implant (CI) by the age of 16 months and the second CI by the age of 31 months and (2) to compare these children's results with those of children with normal hearing (NH). This longitudinal study included five children with NH and five with sensorineural deafness. All children of the second group were observed for 36 months after the first fitting of the device (cochlear implant). The auditory development of the CI group was documented every 3 months up to the age of two years in hearing age and chronological age and for the NH group in chronological age. The language development of each NH child was assessed at 12, 18, 24 and 36 months of chronological age. Children with CIs were examined at the same age intervals at chronological and hearing age. In both groups, children showed individual patterns of auditory and language development. The children with CIs developed differently in the amount of receptive and expressive vocabulary compared with the NH control group. Three children in the CI group needed almost 6 months to make gains in speech development that were consistent with what would be expected for their chronological age. Overall, the receptive and expressive development in all children of the implanted group increased with their hearing age. These results indicate that early identification and early implantation is advisable to give children with sensorineural hearing loss a realistic chance to develop satisfactory expressive and receptive vocabulary and also to develop stable phonological, morphological and syntactical skills for school life. On the basis of these longitudinal data, we will be able to develop new diagnostic tools that enable clinicians to assess child's progress in hearing and speech development. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anastomotic Repair versus Free Graft Urethroplasty for Bulbar Strictures: A Focus on the Impact on Sexual Function

PubMed Central

Palminteri, Enzo; Spinoit, Anne-Françoise; Hoebeke, Piet; François, Philippe; Decaestecker, Karel

2015-01-01

Objectives. To evaluate alterations in sexual function and genital sensitivity after anastomotic repair (AR) and free graft urethroplasty (FGU) for bulbar urethral strictures. Methods. Patients treated with AR (n = 31) or FGU (n = 16) were prospectively evaluated before, 6 weeks and 6 months after urethroplasty. Evaluation included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 5-Item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Ejaculation/Orgasm Score (EOS), and 3 questions on genital sensitivity. Results. At 6 weeks, there was a significant decline of IIEF-5 for AR (−4.8; p = 0.005), whereas there was no significant change for FGU (+0.9; p = 0.115). After 6 months, differences with baseline were not significant overall and among subgroups. At 6 weeks, there was a significant decline in EOS for AR (−1.4; p = 0.022). In the FGU group there was no significant change (+0.6; p = 0.12). Overall and among subgroups, EOS normalized at 6 months. After 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively, 62.2 and 52% of patients reported alterations in penile sensitivity with no significant differences among subgroups. Conclusions. AR is associated with a transient decline in erectile and ejaculatory function. This was not observed with FGU. Bulbar AR and FGU are likely to alter genital sensitivity. PMID:26494997

Twelve months of active musical training in 8- to 10-year-old children enhances the preattentive processing of syllabic duration and voice onset time.

PubMed

Chobert, Julie; François, Clément; Velay, Jean-Luc; Besson, Mireille

2014-04-01

Musical training has been shown to positively influence linguistic abilities. To follow the developmental dynamics of this transfer effect at the preattentive level, we conducted a longitudinal study over 2 school years with nonmusician children randomly assigned to music or to painting training. We recorded the mismatch negativity (MMN), a cortical correlate of preattentive mismatch detection, to syllables that differed in vowel frequency, vowel duration, and voice onset time (VOT), using a test-training-retest procedure and 3 times of testing: before training, after 6 months and after 12 months of training. While no between-group differences were found before training, enhanced preattentive processing of syllabic duration and VOT, as reflected by greater MMN amplitude, but not of frequency, was found after 12 months of training in the music group only. These results demonstrate neuroplasticity in the child brain and suggest that active musical training rather than innate predispositions for music yielded the improvements in musically trained children. These results also highlight the influence of musical training for duration perception in speech and for the development of phonological representations in normally developing children. They support the importance of music-based training programs for children's education and open new remediation strategies for children with language-based learning impairments.

Disc extrusions and bulges in nonspecific low back pain and sciatica: Exploratory randomised controlled trial comparing yoga therapy and normal medical treatment.

PubMed

Monro, Robin; Bhardwaj, Abhishek Kumar; Gupta, Ram Kumar; Telles, Shirley; Allen, Beth; Little, Paul

2015-01-01

Previous trials of yoga therapy for nonspecific low back pain (nsLBP) (without sciatica) showed beneficial effects. To test effects of yoga therapy on pain and disability associated with lumbar disc extrusions and bulges. Parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial. Sixty-one adults from rural population, aged 20-45, with nsLBP or sciatica, and disc extrusions or bulges. Randomised to yoga (n=30) and control (n=31). Yoga: 3-month yoga course of group classes and home practice, designed to ensure safety for disc extrusions. normal medical care. OUTCOME MEASURES (3-4 months) Primary: Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ); worst pain in past two weeks. Secondary: Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale; straight leg raise test; structural changes. Disc projections per case ranged from one bulge or one extrusion to three bulges plus two extrusions. Sixty-two percent had sciatica. Intention-to-treat analysis of the RMDQ data, adjusted for age, sex and baseline RMDQ scores, gave a Yoga Group score 3.29 points lower than Control Group (0.98, 5.61; p=0.006) at 3 months. No other significant differences in the endpoints occurred. No adverse effects of yoga were reported. Yoga therapy can be safe and beneficial for patients with nsLBP or sciatica, accompanied by disc extrusions and bulges.

[Cognitive event-related brain potentials (P300) in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Results of a prospective study].

PubMed

de la Calzada, M D; Poca, M A; Sahuquillo, J; Matarín, M; Mataró, M; Solana, E

2010-01-01

To determine the response to cognitive event-related potentials (P300) in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and their relationship with clinical and cognitive status before and after shunt surgery. We performed a prospective study in a series of 26 patients with NPH who underwent clinical and cognitive assessment before surgery and 6 months afterwards. Visual P300 potentials obtained before and after treatment were also compared with those obtained in 18 healthy volunteers. Before shunting, the P300 wave was detected in 11 (42.3%) NPH patients, compared with the 18 (100%) volunteers. Six months after shunting, the P300 wave was found in 20 (76.9%) NPH patients. P300 latency was significantly longer in NPH patients than in the control group before surgery, but not at 6 months after surgery. No significant differences in neuropsychological studies or in the level of dependence for daily life activities were found between the subgroups of NPH patients with and without pre-surgical P300 waves, or between changes in P300 parameters and clinical and cognitive changes. The P300 wave was delayed or undetectable in a substantial percentage of patients with NPH before surgery. These alterations can be reversed by shunting. P300 analysis and neuropsychological tests could be complementary measures to evaluate functional status in patients with NPH.

Monitoring interferon β treatment response with magnetic resonance spectroscopy in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Yetkin, Mehmet Fatih; Mirza, Meral; Dönmez, Halil

2016-09-01

The aim of this study is to compare the white matter of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with healthy controls and to monitor the response to the treatment with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).Fifteen healthy controls and 36 recently diagnosed MS patients never treated with interferon β were included in this study. In the patient group, MRS was performed before treatment, at 6th and 12th month after the initiation of treatment and once in control group. Patient group was divided into 3 interferon groups randomly. Physical examination findings were recorded as Expanded Disability Status Scale scores before treatment, at 6th and 12th month of interferon treatment.At the end of 1 year follow up, 26 of 36 patients completed the study. In patients' white matter lesions, N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr) ratios were lower than control group's white matters. NAA/Cr ratios were higher in control group's white matter than patient's normal appearing white matter but this difference was not statistically significant. There was no difference in choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratios between 2 groups. In follow-up period, NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios obtained from patients' white matter lesions and normal appearing white matter did not change statistically.This study showed that in MS patients' white matters, especially in white matter lesions, neuron viability is reduced compared with healthy controls' normal white matter; and in the patients treated with interferon β NAA/Cr ratios remained stable. These stable levels of metabolite ratios in the patients who received interferon β therapy can be explained with either the shortness of the follow-up period post-treatment or may reflect a positive effect of the beta interferon therapy on the progress of MS.

Facial aesthetics: babies prefer attractiveness to symmetry.

PubMed

Samuels, Curtis A; Butterworth, George; Roberts, Tony; Graupner, Lida; Hole, Graham

2013-01-01

The visual preferences of human infants for faces that varied in their attractiveness and in their symmetry about the midline were explored. The aim was to establish whether infants' visual preference for attractive faces may be mediated by the vertical symmetry of the face. Chimeric faces, made from photographs of attractive and unattractive female faces, were produced by computer graphics. Babies looked longer at normal and at chimeric attractive faces than at normal and at chimeric unattractive faces. There were no developmental differences between the younger and older infants: all preferred to look at the attractive faces. Infants as young as 4 months showed similarity with adults in the 'aesthetic perception' of attractiveness and this preference was not based on the vertical symmetry of the face.

Electromagnetic Treatment to Old Alzheimer's Mice Reverses β-Amyloid Deposition, Modifies Cerebral Blood Flow, and Provides Selected Cognitive Benefit

PubMed Central

Arendash, Gary W.; Mori, Takashi; Dorsey, Maggie; Gonzalez, Rich; Tajiri, Naoki; Borlongan, Cesar

2012-01-01

Few studies have investigated physiologic and cognitive effects of “long-term" electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in humans or animals. Our recent studies have provided initial insight into the long-term impact of adulthood EMF exposure (GSM, pulsed/modulated, 918 MHz, 0.25–1.05 W/kg) by showing 6+ months of daily EMF treatment protects against or reverses cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's transgenic (Tg) mice, while even having cognitive benefit to normal mice. Mechanistically, EMF-induced cognitive benefits involve suppression of brain β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation/deposition in Tg mice and brain mitochondrial enhancement in both Tg and normal mice. The present study extends this work by showing that daily EMF treatment given to very old (21–27 month) Tg mice over a 2-month period reverses their very advanced brain Aβ aggregation/deposition. These very old Tg mice and their normal littermates together showed an increase in general memory function in the Y-maze task, although not in more complex tasks. Measurement of both body and brain temperature at intervals during the 2-month EMF treatment, as well as in a separate group of Tg mice during a 12-day treatment period, revealed no appreciable increases in brain temperature (and no/slight increases in body temperature) during EMF “ON" periods. Thus, the neuropathologic/cognitive benefits of EMF treatment occur without brain hyperthermia. Finally, regional cerebral blood flow in cerebral cortex was determined to be reduced in both Tg and normal mice after 2 months of EMF treatment, most probably through cerebrovascular constriction induced by freed/disaggregated Aβ (Tg mice) and slight body hyperthermia during “ON" periods. These results demonstrate that long-term EMF treatment can provide general cognitive benefit to very old Alzheimer's Tg mice and normal mice, as well as reversal of advanced Aβ neuropathology in Tg mice without brain heating. Results further underscore the potential for EMF treatment against AD. PMID:22558216

β2 -microglobulin normalization within 6 months of ibrutinib-based treatment is associated with superior progression-free survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PubMed

Thompson, Philip A; O'Brien, Susan M; Xiao, Lianchun; Wang, Xuemei; Burger, Jan A; Jain, Nitin; Ferrajoli, Alessandra; Estrov, Zeev; Keating, Michael J; Wierda, William G

2016-02-15

A high pretreatment β2 -microglobulin (B2M) level is associated with inferior survival outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, to the authors' knowledge, the prognostic and predictive significance of changes in B2M during treatment have not been reported to date. The authors analyzed 83 patients treated with ibrutinib-based regimens (66 with recurrent/refractory disease) and 198 treatment-naive patients who were treated with combined fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) to characterize changes in B2M and their relationship with clinical outcomes. B2M rapidly decreased during treatment with ibrutinib; on multivariable analysis, patients who received FCR (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.18-0.90 [P = .027]) were less likely to have normalized B2M at 6 months than patients treated with ibrutinib. On univariable analysis, normalization of B2M was associated with superior progression-free survival (PFS) from the 6-month landmark in patients treated with ibrutinib-based regimens and FCR. On multivariable analysis, failure to achieve normalized B2M at 6 months of treatment was associated with inferior PFS (hazard ratio, 16.9; 95% CI, 1.3-220.0 [P = .031]) for patients treated with ibrutinib, after adjusting for the effects of baseline B2M, stage of disease, fludarabine-refractory disease, and del(17p). In contrast, in patients treated with FCR, negative minimal residual disease status in the bone marrow was the only variable found to be significantly associated with superior PFS (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.67 [P = .004]). Normalization of B2M at 6 months in patients treated with ibrutinib was found to be a useful predictor of subsequent PFS and may assist in clinical decision-making. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

Combined thickness of the uterus and placenta and ultrasonographic examinations of uteroplacental tissues in normal pregnancy, placentitis, and abnormal parturitions in heavy draft horses.

PubMed

Kimura, Yuki; Haneda, Shingo; Aoki, Takahiro; Furuoka, Hidefumi; Miki, Wataru; Fukumoto, Natsuko; Matsui, Motozumi; Nambo, Yasuo

2018-01-01

The combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and ultrasonographic images of uteroplacental tissues were investigated in 35 pregnant heavy draft horses in Months 7-12 of pregnancy. The mares were divided into three groups: those pathologically diagnosed as placentitis (placentitis group, n=3); those who had abortion, premature birth, or fetal malformation (abnormal group, n=7); and those who had no abnormal findings (normal group, n=25). In the normal group, CTUP increased as pregnancy progressed from Months 7 (median, 7.08 mm; range, 5.68-11.27) to 12 (13.31 mm; 7.44-16.31 mm) (P<0.05) and was higher than those reported previously in Thoroughbred, quarter, and American paint horses. Values of CTUP greater than the 75th percentile of the normal group from Months 7 (7.54 mm) to 12 (15.19 mm) were detected in 100% of the placentitis group (3/3) and in 86% of the abnormal group (6/7). Ultrasonographic images showing placental separation were obtained in 67% of the placentitis group (2/3), 29% of the abnormal group (2/7), and 20% of the normal group (5/25). Pathological placental edema and ultrasonographic images showing uteroplacental roughness or distinguishability were observed even in the normal group. These findings suggest that increased CTUP and placental separation would reflect placentitis and abnormal pregnancies and may help to detect them in heavy draft horses.

Nutritional status and its response to treatment of children, with and without HIV infection, hospitalized for the management of tuberculosis.

PubMed

Schaaf, H Simon; Cilliers, Karien; Willemse, Marianne; Labadarios, Demetre; Kidd, Martin; Donald, Peter R

2012-05-01

The association of childhood tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition is known, but treatment response, the influence of the acute-phase response (APR) and concomitant HIV infection are not well documented. To evaluate the nutritional response and APR in HIV-infected and uninfected children hospitalised for the treatment of TB and receiving standard anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. During a study of the pharmacokinetics of standard anti-tuberculosis agents, anthropometric parameters were measured and blood concentrations of nutrients and C-reactive protein (CRP) determined at 1 and 4 months after initiation of chemotherapy. 24 HIV-infected and 34 HIV-uninfected children were studied. On enrollment, 31.6% of HIV-infected and 2.9% of HIV-uninfected children were underweight, and 31.6% and 14.7%, respectively, were stunted. Mean values of weight, height/length, head circumference and mid-upper-arm circumference on enrollment and at 4-month assessment in HIV-infected and uninfected children did not differ. Mean triceps skinfold (TSF) (8.17 and 9.73 cm) and subscapular skinfold (SSF) thicknesses (5.75 and 7.5 cm) on enrollment differed significantly (P = 0.03 and P = 0.003); by 4 months, TSF had declined to 5.97 cm (P<0.001) and 8.87 cm (P = 0.05), respectively, and SSF to 5.57 cm (P = 0.79) and 6.73 cm (P = 0.04); the arm muscle area (AMA) was low in a majority of children on enrollment and remained so at the second assessment. CRP was raised in 66.6% and 53.3% of HIV-infected and -uninfected children on enrollment, but at 4-month assessment was raised in 63.2% and 15.2%, respectively. Other micronutrient and haematological findings probably reflect an APR, but no children had sub-normal zinc or magnesium values; most selenium and vitamin C and E values were normal. An elevated platelet count (> 420 × 10(9)/L) was significantly more common in HIV-uninfected children, and was still raised in 39% at 4 months. A majority of HIV-infected and uninfected children had an APR but it had resolved by 4 months in most HIV-uninfected children. In both groups, low and declining skinfolds and a persistently low AMA indicate a persistent disturbance of fat and protein metabolism, despite successful chemotherapy.

Influence of abiraterone acetate on neuroendocrine differentiation in chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PubMed

Dong, Baijun; Fan, Liancheng; Wang, Yanqing; Chi, Chenfei; Ma, Xiaowei; Wang, Rui; Cai, Wen; Shao, Xiaoguang; Pan, Jiahua; Zhu, Yinjie; Shangguan, Xun; Xin, Zhixiang; Hu, Jianian; Xie, Shaowei; Kang, Xiaonan; Zhou, Lixin; Xue, Wei

2017-05-01

To determine the influence of abiraterone Acetate (AA) on neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in patients with chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We conducted an analysis in 115 chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients who would be treated with chemotherapy. The serum levels of chromogranin A (CgA), neurone-specific enolase (NSE) were measured in 67 mCRPC patients without AA treatment and 48 patients after the failure of AA treatment, in which these markers were also measured in 34 patients before and after 6 months of AA treatment. Comparative t-test was used to evaluate the serial changes of serum NED markers during AA treatment and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to test the influence of AA treatment on NED. Serum CgA were NSE were evaluated to be above the upper limit of normal (ULN) in 56 (48.7%) and 29 (25.2%) patients before chemotherapy. In 34 patients with serial evaluation, serum CgA level of 14 patients and NSE of 14 patients increased after the failure of AA treatment. There was no significant difference of NED markers (CgA or NSE variation (P = 0.243) between at baseline and after the failure of AA treatment. Compared with the CgA elevation group in the first 6 months of AA treatment and baseline supranormal CgA group, the CgA decline group, and baseline normal CgA group has a much longer median PSA PFS (14.34 vs 10.00 months, P < 0.001, and 14.23 vs 10.30 months, P = 0.02) and rPFS, respectively (18.33 vs 11.37 months, P < 0.001, and 17.10 vs 12.07 months, P = 0.03). In logistic univariate analysis, AA treatment and its duration were not independent factors influencing NED. We hypothesized that AA might not significantly lead to progression of NED of mCRPC in general. Furthermore, we found there was heterogeneity in changes of NED markers in different mCRPC patients during AA treatment. Serial CgA and NSE evaluation might help clinicians guide clinical treatment of mCRPC patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sexual divergence in microtubule function: the novel intranasal microtubule targeting SKIP normalizes axonal transport and enhances memory.

PubMed

Amram, N; Hacohen-Kleiman, G; Sragovich, S; Malishkevich, A; Katz, J; Touloumi, O; Lagoudaki, R; Grigoriadis, N C; Giladi, E; Yeheskel, A; Pasmanik-Chor, M; Jouroukhin, Y; Gozes, I

2016-10-01

Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), essential for brain formation, is a frequent autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-mutated gene. ADNP associates with microtubule end-binding proteins (EBs) through its SxIP motif, to regulate dendritic spine formation and brain plasticity. Here, we reveal SKIP, a novel four-amino-acid peptide representing an EB-binding site, as a replacement therapy in an outbred Adnp-deficient mouse model. We discovered, for the first time, axonal transport deficits in Adnp(+/-) mice (measured by manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging), with significant male-female differences. RNA sequencing evaluations showed major age, sex and genotype differences. Function enrichment and focus on major gene expression changes further implicated channel/transporter function and the cytoskeleton. In particular, a significant maturation change (1 month-five months) was observed in beta1 tubulin (Tubb1) mRNA, only in Adnp(+/+) males, and sex-dependent increase in calcium channel mRNA (Cacna1e) in Adnp(+/+) males compared with females. At the protein level, the Adnp(+/-) mice exhibited impaired hippocampal expression of the calcium channel (voltage-dependent calcium channel, Cacnb1) as well as other key ASD-linked genes including the serotonin transporter (Slc6a4), and the autophagy regulator, BECN1 (Beclin1), in a sex-dependent manner. Intranasal SKIP treatment normalized social memory in 8- to 9-month-old Adnp(+/-)-treated mice to placebo-control levels, while protecting axonal transport and ameliorating changes in ASD-like gene expression. The control, all d-amino analog D-SKIP, did not mimic SKIP activity. SKIP presents a novel prototype for potential ASD drug development, a prevalent unmet medical need.

Alterations in expression of Cat-315 epitope of perineuronal nets during normal ageing, and its modulation by an open-channel NMDA receptor blocker, memantine.

PubMed

Yamada, Jun; Ohgomori, Tomohiro; Jinno, Shozo

2017-06-15

The perineuronal net (PNN), a specialized aggregate of the extracellular matrix, is involved in neuroprotection against oxidative stress, which is now recognized as a major contributor to age-related decline in brain functions. In this study, we investigated the age-related molecular changes of PNNs using monoclonal antibody Cat-315, which recognizes human natural killer-1 (HNK-1) glycan on aggrecan-based PNNs. Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of Cat-315 epitope in the hippocampus were higher in middle-aged (MA, 12-month-old) mice than in young adult (YA, 2-month-old) mice. Although there were no differences in the expression levels of Cat-315 epitope between old age (OA, 20-month-old) and MA mice, Cat-315 immunoreactivity was also detected in astrocytes of OA mice. To focus on Cat-315 epitope in PNNs, we used YA and MA mice in the following experiments. Optical disector analysis showed that there were no differences in the numbers of Cat-315-positive (Cat-315 + ) PNNs between YA and MA mice. Fluorescence intensity analysis indicated that Cat-315 immunoreactivity in PNNs increased with age in the dorsal hippocampus, which is mainly involved in cognitive functions. Administration of an open-channel blocker of NMDA receptor, memantine, reduced the expression levels of Cat-315 epitope in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the numbers of glutamatergic and GABAergic terminals colocalized with Cat-315 epitope around parvalbumin-positive neurons were decreased by memantine. These findings provide novel insight into the involvement of PNNs in normal brain ageing, and suggest that memantine may counteract the age-related alterations in expression levels of Cat-315 epitope via regulation of its subcellular localization. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Developmental change in facial recognition by premature infants during infancy].

PubMed

Konishi, Yukihiko; Kusaka, Takashi; Nishida, Tomoko; Isobe, Kenichi; Itoh, Susumu

2014-09-01

Premature infants are thought to be at increased risk for developmental disorders. We evaluated facial recognition by premature infants during early infancy, as this ability has been reported to be impaired commonly in developmentally disabled children. In premature infants and full-term infants at the age of 4 months (4 corrected months for premature infants), visual behaviors while performing facial recognition tasks were determined and analyzed using an eye-tracking system (Tobii T60 manufactured by Tobii Technologics, Sweden). Both types of infants had a preference towards normal facial expressions; however, no preference towards the upper face was observed in premature infants. Our study suggests that facial recognition ability in premature infants may develop differently from that in full-term infants.

Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cysts and Primary Infertility by Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Salehi, Mehdi; Setayesh, Mohammad; Mokaberinejad, Roshanak

2016-01-01

Infertility is a medical and psychosocial problem with a high prevalence. There are different treatments for this problem in Iranian traditional medicine. A 28-year-old woman presented with the complaints of 4 emergency operations of the left ovarian cyst during 4 years and infertility. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed an ovarian cyst, adhesion, and endometriosis. Hysteroscopy was unremarkable. After 2 months of letrozole administration, the ovarian cyst ruptured again. Considering the failure of conventional treatments, Iranian traditional medicine products were administered to the patient. After 3 months, the patient conceived and delivered a healthy boy through normal vaginal delivery. These compounds may help with pregnancy as a uterine tonic, vitalizer, and aphrodisiac with brain and cardiac tonic properties. PMID:27932523

The FAO/NASA/NLR Artemis system - An integrated concept for environmental monitoring by satellite in support of food/feed security and desert locust surveillance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hielkema, J. U.; Howard, J. A.; Tucker, C. J.; Van Ingen Schenau, H. A.

1987-01-01

The African real time environmental monitoring using imaging satellites (Artemis) system, which should monitor precipitation and vegetation conditions on a continental scale, is presented. The hardware and software characteristics of the system are illustrated and the Artemis databases are outlined. Plans for the system include the use of hourly digital Meteosat data and daily NOAA/AVHRR data to study environmental conditions. Planned mapping activities include monthly rainfall anomaly maps, normalized difference vegetation index maps for ten day and monthly periods with a spatial resolution of 7.6 km, ten day crop/rangeland moisture availability maps, and desert locust potential breeding activity factor maps for a plague prevention program.

Effects of tretinoin on wound healing in aged skin.

PubMed

de Campos Peseto, Danielle; Carmona, Erica Vilaça; Silva, Kellyn Cristina da; Guedes, Flavia Roberta Valente; Hummel Filho, Fernando; Martinez, Natalia Peres; Pereira, José Aires; Rocha, Thalita; Priolli, Denise Gonçalves

2016-03-01

Aged and adult populations have differences in the structural, biological, and healing properties of skin. Comparative studies of healing under the influence of retinoids in both these populations are very important and, to the best of our knowledge, have not been performed to date. The purpose of this study was to compare the activities of topical tretinoin in aged and adult animal models of wound healing by secondary intention. Male aged rats (24 months old, n = 7) and adult rats (6 months old, n = 8) were used. The rats were assigned to the following groups according to the dates on which wound samples were excised (day 14 or 21 after model creation): treated group, control group, and naive group. Topical application of tretinoin cream was used only on the proximal wound and was applied daily for 7 days. Wound healing areas were measured using metal calipers, and morphological analysis was performed. Slides were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's trichrome, and periodic acid-Schiff stains. Statistical analysis adopted a 5% coefficient for rejection of the null hypothesis. Although aged animals showed skin repair, complete reepithelialization was found on day 21 in some animals of both groups (treated and control). In aged rats, the wound area was significantly smaller in treated wounds than in untreated wounds, resulting in a larger scar area compared with the adult group. When treated wounds were compared, no differences were found between the wound areas in adult and aged rats. As expected, the collagen concentration was higher in normal skin from adult rats than in normal skin from aged animals, but there was no difference when aged skin was treated with tretinoin. These results indicate that tretinoin increases collagen synthesis in aged skin and returns the healing process to a normal state of skin healing. © 2016 by the Wound Healing Society.

[Treatment of patients with different degree of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by inhalation of white smoke].

PubMed

Yang, F W; Xin, H M; Zhu, J H; Feng, X Y; Jiang, X C; Gong, Z Y; Tong, Y L

2017-12-20

Objective: To summarize the treatment experience of patients with different degree of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by inhalation of white smoke from burning smoke bomb. Methods: A batch of 13 patients with different degree of ARDS caused by inhalation of white smoke from burning smoke bomb, including 2 patients complicated by pulmonary fibrosis at the late stage, were admitted to our unit in February 2016. Patients were divided into mild (9 cases), moderate (2 cases), and serious (2 cases) degree according to the ARDS Berlin diagnostic criteria. Patients with mild and moderate ARDS were conventionally treated with glucocorticoid. Patients with severe ARDS were sequentially treated with glucocorticoid and pirfenidone, and ventilator-assisted breathing, etc. were applied. The vital signs, arterial oxygenation index, changes of lung imaging, pulmonary ventilation function, general condition, and the other important organs/systems function were timely monitored according to the condition of patients. The above indexes were also monitored during the follow-up time of 10-15 months post injury. Data were processed with SPSS 18.0 statistical software. Results: (1) The symptoms of respiratory system of patients with mild and moderate ARDS almost disappeared after 3 days' treatment. Their arterial oxygenation index was decreased from post injury day 1 to 4, which almost recovered on post injury day 7 and completely recovered one month post injury. The symptoms of respiratory system of patients with severe ARDS almost disappeared at tranquillization condition 1-3 month (s) post injury. Their arterial oxygenation index was decreased from post injury day 3 to 21, which gradually recovered 1-3 month (s) post injury and was normal 15 months post injury. (2) Within 24 hours post injury, there was no obvious abnormality or only a little texture enlargement of lung in image of chest CT or X-rays of patients with mild and moderate ARDS. One patient with moderate ARDS had diffuse patchy and ground-glass like increased density shadow (pulmonary exudation for short) at post injury hour 96. Chest iconography of all patients with mild and moderate ARDS showed no abnormalities 10 months post injury. Both lungs of each of the two patients with severe ARDS showed obvious pulmonary exudation at post injury hours 45 and 75, respectively. One patient with severe ARDS showed no abnormality in chest image 10 months post injury, but there was still a small mesh-like increased density shadow in double lobes with slight adhesion of pleura in the other patient with severe ARDS 15 months post injury. (3) All patients showed severe restrictive hypoventilation when admitted to hospital. Pulmonary ventilation function of patients with mild and moderate ARDS recovered to normal one month post injury, and they could do exercises like running, etc. Pulmonary ventilation function of one patient with severe ARDS recovered to normal 6 months post injury, and the patient could do exercises like running, etc. The other patient with severe ARDS showed mild restrictive hypoventilation 15 months post injury and could do exercises like rapid walking, etc. (4) The condition of all mild and one moderate ARDS patients was better on post injury day 3, and they were transferred to the local hospital for subsequent treatment and left hospital on post injury day 21. One patient with moderate ARDS healed and left hospital on post injury day 29. Patients with severe ARDS healed and left hospital on post injury day 81. During the follow-up time of 10-15 months post injury, the other important organs/systems of all patients showed no abnormality, and there was no adverse reaction of glucocorticoid like osteoporosis, femoral head necrosis, or metabolic disorder. Two patients with severe ARDS did not have any adverse reaction of pirfenidone like liver function damage, photosensitivity, anorexia, or lethargy. Conclusions: Early enough and uninterrupted application of glucocorticoid can significantly reduce the ARDS of patients caused by inhalation of white smoke from burning smoke bomb. Sequential application of glucocorticoid and pirfenidone can effectively treat pulmonary fibrosis at the late stage.

Spatial forms and mental imagery.

PubMed

Price, Mark C

2009-01-01

Four studies investigated how general mental imagery might be involved in mediating the phenomenon of 'synaesthetic' spatial forms - i.e., the experience that sequences such as months or numbers have spatial locations. In Study 1, people with spatial forms scored higher than controls on visual imagery self-report scales. This is consistent with the suggestion that strong general imagery is at least a necessary condition to experience spatial forms. However self-reported spatial imagery did not differ between groups, suggesting either that the spatial nature of forms is mediated by special synaesthetic mechanisms, or that forms are depictive visual images rather than explicit spatial models. A methodological implication of Study 1 was that a general tendency for people with spatial forms to use imagery strategies might account for some of their previously-reported behavioural differences with control groups. This concern was supported by Studies 2-4. Normal participants were encouraged to visually image the months in various spatial layouts, and spatial associations for months were tested using left/right key presses to classify month names as belonging to the first or second half of the year (Studies 2-3) or as odd/even (Study 4). Reaction times showed month-SNARC (Spatial Numerical Association of Response Codes) effects of similar magnitude to previously-reported data from spatial form participants (Price and Mentzoni, 2008). Additionally, reversing the spatial associations within instructed images was sufficient to reverse the direction of observed month-SNARC effects (i.e., positive vs negative slope), just as different spatial forms were previously shown to modulate the direction of effects (ibid.). Results challenge whether previously observed behavioural differences between spatial form and control groups need to be explained in terms of special synaesthetic mechanisms rather than intentional imagery strategies. It is argued that usually strong general imagery processes should complement synaesthetic mechanisms as possible explanations of spatial forms.

Atorvastatin in clinically-significant macular edema in diabetics with a normal lipid profile.

PubMed

Narang, S; Sood, S; Kaur, B; Singh, R; Mallik, A; Kaur, J

2012-01-01

Lipid-lowering drugs preserve vision and reduce the risk of hard exudates in clinically-significant macular edema(CSME) in diabetics with an abnormal lipid profile. But their role in reducing CSME in diabetics with a normal lipid profile is not yet known. To evaluate the role of atorvastatin in CSME in diabetics with a normal lipid profile. A prospective, randomized clinical trial was carried out. Thirty CSME patients with a normal lipid profile were randomly divided into Group A and B. Atorvastatin had been started in Group A four weeks prior to laser treatment. The main outcome measures were any improvement or deterioration in visual acuity and macular edema and hard exudates at six months follow-up. Both the groups were compared using unpaired t test for quantitative parameters and chi-square test for qualitative parameters. A p value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Visual acuity, macular edema and hard exudates resolution was not significantly different in the two groups (P = 0.14, 0.62, 0.39 respectively). Atorvastatin does not affect treatment outcome in CSME with a normal lipid profile over a short term follow-up. © NEPjOPH.

Maternal Interactions with a Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Twin: Similarities and Differences in Speech Input, Interaction Quality, and Word Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lam, Christa; Kitamura, Christine

2010-01-01

Purpose: This study examined a mother's speech style and interactive behaviors with her twin sons: 1 with bilateral hearing impairment (HI) and the other with normal hearing (NH). Method: The mother was video-recorded interacting with her twin sons when the boys were 12.5 and 22 months of age. Mean F0, F0 range, duration, and F1/F2 vowel space of…

Subjective Perception of Sports Performance, Training, Sleep and Dietary Patterns of Malaysian Junior Muslim Athletes during Ramadan Intermittent Fasting.

PubMed

Singh, Rabindarjeet; Hwa, Ooi Cheong; Roy, Jolly; Jin, Chai Wen; Ismail, Siti Musyrifah; Lan, Mohamad Faizal; Hiong, Loo Lean; Aziz, Abdul-Rashid

2011-09-01

To examine the subjective perception of daily acute fasting on sports performance, training, sleep and dietary patterns of Muslim athletes during the Ramadan month. Seven hundred and thirty-four (411 male and 323 female) Malaysian Junior-level Muslim athletes (mean age 16.3 ± 2.6 y) participated in the survey which was designed to establish the personal perception of their sport performance, sleep pattern, food and fluid intake during Ramadan fasting. The survey was conducted during and immediately after the month of Ramadan in 2009. Twenty-four percent of the athletes perceived that there was an adverse effect of the Ramadan fast on their sporting performance and 29.3% reported that quality of training during Ramadan was also negatively influenced. Majority (48.2%) of the athletes stated that Ramadan fasting did not affect their normal sleep pattern but 66.6% of them complained of sleepiness during the daytime. Half of the athletes (41.4%) maintained the caloric intake during Ramadan as they normally would with the majority of them (76.2%) reporting that they consumed more fluids during Ramadan. Overall, Malaysian Junior-level Muslim athletes showed diverse views in their perception of changes in their training, sleep and dietary patterns during Ramadan fast. These individual differences probably indicate differences in the athletes' adaptability and coping strategies during fasting and training in Ramadan.

1H-MR spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging of normal-appearing temporal white matter in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after irradiation: initial experience.

PubMed

Xiong, Wei Feng; Qiu, Shi Jun; Wang, Hong Zhuo; Lv, Xiao Fei

2013-01-01

To detect radiation-induced changes of temporal lobe normal-appearing white mater (NAWM) following radiation therapy (RT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Seventy-five H(1)-MR spectroscopy and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) examinations were performed in 55 patients before and after receiving fractionated radiation therapy (total dose; 66-75GY). We divided the dataset into six groups, a pre-RT control group and five other groups based on time after completion of RT. N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA)/choline (Cho), NAA/creatine (Cr), Cho/Cr, mean diffusibility (MD), functional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusibility (λ(⊥)), and axial diffusibility (λ(||)) were calculated. NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr decreased and λ(⊥) increased significantly within 1 year after RT compared with pre-RT. After 1 year, NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr, and λ(⊥) were not significantly different from pre-RT. In all post-RT groups, FA decreased significantly. λ(||) decreased within 9 months after RT compared with pre-RT, but was not significantly different from pre-RT more than 9 months after RT. DTI and H(1)-MR spectroscopy can be used to detect early radiation-induced changes of temporal lobe NAWM following radiation therapy for NPC. Metabolic alterations and water diffusion characteristics of temporal lobe NAWM in patients with NPC after RT were dynamic and transient. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chevron nails: a normal variant in the pediatric population.

PubMed

Delano, Sofia; Belazarian, Leah

2014-01-01

A 7-month-old girl was evaluated for V-shaped ridging of the fingernails consistent with chevron nails. Chevron nails are a normal variant in the pediatric population that is frequently outgrown. This case nicely demonstrates this normal finding that has so rarely been reported in the literature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Childhood intermittent and persistent rhinitis prevalence and climate and vegetation: a global ecologic analysis.

PubMed

Fuertes, Elaine; Butland, Barbara K; Ross Anderson, H; Carlsten, Chris; Strachan, David P; Brauer, Michael

2014-10-01

The effect of climate change and its effects on vegetation growth, and consequently on rhinitis, are uncertain. To examine between- and within-country associations of climate measures and the normalized difference vegetation index with intermittent and persistent rhinitis symptoms in a global context. Questionnaire data from 6- to 7-year-olds and 13- to 14-year-olds were collected in phase 3 of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Associations of intermittent (>1 symptom report but not for 2 consecutive months) and persistent (symptoms for ≥2 consecutive months) rhinitis symptom prevalences with temperature, precipitation, vapor pressure, and the normalized difference vegetation index were assessed in linear mixed-effects regression models adjusted for gross national income and population density. The mean difference in prevalence per 100 children (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) per interquartile range increase of exposure is reported. The country-level intermittent symptom prevalence was associated with several country-level climatic measures, including the country-level mean monthly temperature (6.09 °C; 95% CI, 2.06-10.11°C per 10.4 °C), precipitation (3.10 mm; 95% CI, 0.46-5.73 mm; per 67.0 mm), and vapor pressure (6.21 hPa; 95% CI, 2.17-10.24 hPa; per 10.4 hPa) among 13- to 14-year-olds (222 center in 94 countries). The center-level persistent symptom prevalence was positively associated with several center-level climatic measures. Associations with climate were also found for the 6- to 7-year-olds (132 center in 57 countries). Several between- and within-country spatial associations between climatic factors and intermittent and persistent rhinitis symptom prevalences were observed. These results provide suggestive evidence that climate (and future changes in climate) may influence rhinitis symptom prevalence. Copyright © 2014 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exploring anthropometric and laboratory differences in children of varying ethnicities with celiac disease

PubMed Central

Rajani, Seema; Alzaben, Abeer; Shirton, Leanne; Persad, Rabindranath; Huynh, Hien Q; Mager, Diana R; Turner, Justine M

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disorder with an increasing prevalence, including in ethnic minorities. OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency of CD diagnosis in ethnic minorities presenting to a Canadian pediatric celiac clinic and to determine whether ethnic differences exist at diagnosis or follow-up. METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven CD diagnosed at a multidisciplinary celiac clinic between 2008 and 2011 were identified through the clinic database. Data at referral, and six-month and 12-month follow-ups were collected. These included demographics, self-reported ethnicity, symptoms, anthropometrics and laboratory investigations, including serum immunoglobulin antitissue transglutaminase (aTTG). RESULTS: A total of 272 patients were identified; 80% (n=218) were Caucasian (group 1) and 20% (n=54) were other ethnicities. South Asians (group 2) comprised 81% (n=44) of the minority population. No differences in age or sex were found between the two groups. Group 1 patients presented more often with gastrointestinal symptoms (71% versus 43%; P<0.001), while patients in group 2 presented more often with growth concerns (21% versus 68%; P<0.001). At diagnosis, serum aTTG level was consistently lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (367 IU/mL versus 834 IU/mL; P=0.030). Both groups reported symptom improvement at six months and one year. At the end of one year, aTTG level was more likely to be normal in group 1 compared with group 2 (64% versus 29%; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although they represent a minority group, South Asian children comprised a significant proportion of CD patients presenting to a Canadian celiac clinic. South Asian children were more likely to present with growth concerns, which has important implications for timely diagnosis in this population. In addition, the apparent delay in normalization of aTTG levels suggests that careful follow-up and culturally focused education supports should be developed for South Asian children with CD. PMID:25157524

Correlation of macular structure and function in a boy with primary foveomacular retinitis and sequence of changes over 5 years.

PubMed

Badhani, Anurag; Padhi, Tapas Ranjan; Panda, Gopal Krishna; Mukherjee, Sujoy; Das, Taraprasad; Jalali, Subhadra

2017-08-01

To describe the clinical characteristics, macular structure and function, and to document sequential changes over 5 years in a 10-year-old boy with bilateral primary foveomacular retinitis. A 10-year-old boy presented with sudden onset scotoma in both eyes, experienced after getting up from bed on a non-eclipse day. He persistently denied direct sun-gazing. He neither had any significant systemic illness, nor was using any medications. In addition to a detailed examination at presentation that included fundus fluorescein angiogram (FFA), electroretinogram (ERG), pattern ERG and electrooculogram (EOG), he was examined periodically for 5 years with Humphrey visual field (HVF), spectral domain optical coherence tomogram (SDOCT), Amsler grid charting and multifocal ERG. The macular structure and functions were analyzed over the years and correlated with the symptoms. All findings were bilaterally symmetrical at each visit. At presentation, his corrected visual acuity was 20/25 with subfoveal yellow dot similar to solar retinopathy, central scotoma with reduced foveal threshold in HVF 24-2, micropsia in Amsler grid, missing of two plates on Ishihara color vision chart, transfoveal full thickness hyper-reflective band on SD OCT, unremarkable FFA and normal foveal peak in mfERG. The flash ERG and EOG were unremarkable. A month later, his VA improved to 20/20, he had relative scotoma in Amsler grid, no scotoma in HVF (10-2), restoration of the inner segment of the photoreceptors with sharp defect involving ellipsoid and photoreceptor interdigitation zone in SDOCT and blunting of foveal peaks in mfERG. Three months later, his corrected VA was 20/20 with relative scotoma in Amsler grid, normal color vision, no scotoma in HVF 10-2 and unchanged SDOCT findings. In subsequent examinations at 6, 9, 14, 29, 39 and 60 months, he was symptomless with VA 20/20, unremarkable fundus, normal Amsler grid and HVF (normal foveal threshold), unchanged SDOCT findings and the reduced foveal peaks on mfERG in both eyes got normalized only at 60 months. Presented here is a case of bilaterally symmetrical idiopathic foveomacular retinitis that had a clinical appearance similar to solar retinopathy. The fundus changes persisted for 4 weeks, the symptoms and changes in Amsler grid lasted for 3 months, and the foveal threshold in visual fields normalized within 3 months. Maximum change in the SDOCT defect occurred within a month, and the extrafoveal defect in the ellipsoid and photoreceptor interdigitation line persisted despite resolution of symptoms and resolution of the visual field defect and normal distance vision. Probably, the foveal lesion detected on SDOCT was too small to cause a reduction in the distance visual acuity or show up in the visual field and mfERG later.

Analysis of vector wind change with respect to time for Cape Kennedy, Florida: Wind aloft profile change vs. time, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adelfang, S. I.

1977-01-01

Wind vector change with respect to time at Cape Kennedy, Florida, is examined according to the theory of multivariate normality. The joint distribution of the four variables represented by the components of the wind vector at an initial time and after a specified elapsed time is hypothesized to be quadravariate normal; the fourteen statistics of this distribution, calculated from fifteen years of twice daily Rawinsonde data are presented by monthly reference periods for each month from 0 to 27 km. The hypotheses that the wind component changes with respect to time is univariate normal, the joint distribution of wind component changes is bivariate normal, and the modulus of vector wind change is Rayleigh, has been tested by comparison with observed distributions. Statistics of the conditional bivariate normal distributions of vector wind at a future time given the vector wind at an initial time are derived. Wind changes over time periods from one to five hours, calculated from Jimsphere data, are presented.

Temporal Dependence of Chromosomal Aberration on Radiation Quality and Cellular Genetic Background

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Tao; Zhang, Ye; Krieger, Stephanie; Yeshitla, Samrawit; Goss, Rosalin; Bowler, Deborah; Kadhim, Munira; Wilson, Bobby; Wu, Honglu

2017-01-01

Radiation induced cancer risks are driven by genetic instability. It is not well understood how different radiation sources induce genetic instability in cells with different genetic background. Here we report our studies on genetic instability, particularly chromosome instability using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), in human primary lymphocytes, normal human fibroblasts, and transformed human mammary epithelial cells in a temporal manner after exposure to high energy protons and Fe ions. The chromosome spread was prepared 48 hours, 1 week, 2 week, and 1 month after radiation exposure. Chromosome aberrations were analyzed with whole chromosome specific probes (chr. 3 and chr. 6). After exposure to protons and Fe ions of similar cumulative energy (??), Fe ions induced more chromosomal aberrations at early time point (48 hours) in all three types of cells. Over time (after 1 month), more chromosome aberrations were observed in cells exposed to Fe ions than in the same type of cells exposed to protons. While the mammary epithelial cells have higher intrinsic genetic instability and higher rate of initial chromosome aberrations than the fibroblasts, the fibroblasts retained more chromosomal aberration after long term cell culture (1 month) in comparison to their initial frequency of chromosome aberration. In lymphocytes, the chromosome aberration frequency at 1 month after exposure to Fe ions was close to unexposed background, and the chromosome aberration frequency at 1 month after exposure to proton was much higher. In addition to human cells, mouse bone marrow cells isolated from strains CBA/CaH and C57BL/6 were irradiated with proton or Fe ions and were analyzed for chromosome aberration at different time points. Cells from CBA mice showed similar frequency of chromosome aberration at early and late time points, while cells from C57 mice showed very different chromosome aberration rate at early and late time points. Our results suggest that relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of radiation are different for different radiation sources, for different cell types, and for the same cell type with different genetic background at different times after radiation exposure. Caution must be taken in using RBE value to estimate biological effects from radiation exposure.

Increased bone mineral content of preterm infants fed with a nutrient enriched formula after discharge from hospital.

PubMed Central

Bishop, N J; King, F J; Lucas, A

1993-01-01

Bone disease with persistent reduced bone mineralisation is common in premature infants. To test the hypothesis that enhancement of nutritional intake after discharge from hospital improves bone mineralisation, 31 formula fed preterm infants were randomly assigned to receive standard or multinutrient enriched milk from the time of discharge. The calcium and phosphorus contents of the enriched milk were 70 and 35 mg/100 ml v 35 and 29 mg/100 ml for the standard formula. Bone mineral content was measured before discharge from hospital in 21 of the infants; there was no difference in the bone mineral content between the groups at that time (35 mg/cm for the two groups). There was a significant increase in bone mineral content for those infants receiving the enriched v standard formula at 3 and 9 months corrected postnatal age: at 3 months the bone mineral content was 83 v 63 mg/cm and at 9 months 115 v 95 mg/cm. The difference between the groups was thus maintained although not increased at a corrected age of 9 months, when the bone mineral content of infants fed the enriched but not the standard formula was no longer significantly different from that of normal infants after adjusting for body size. The difference was not explained by the larger body size in infants fed the enriched formula. The results suggest that the use of a special nutrient enriched postdischarge formula has a significant positive effect on bone growth and mineralisation during a period of rapid skeletal development. PMID:8323358

Persistent osteopenia in ballet dancers with amenorrhea and delayed menarche despite hormone therapy: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Warren, Michelle P; Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne; Fox, Richard P; Holderness, Claire C; Hyle, Emily P; Hamilton, William G; Hamilton, Linda

2003-08-01

To investigate the role of estrogen deprivation and replacement in amenorrheic and nonamenorrheic dancers on hormone therapy and calcium. Clinical, placebo-controlled, randomized trial study.Healthy volunteers in an academic research environment. Fifty-five dancers (mean age: 22.0 +/- 4.6, age at menarche: 14.7 +/- 2.3 years), including 24 amenorrheics. Amenorrheics were randomized in a controlled trial to receive placebo or Premarin, 0.625 mg for 25 days monthly, with Provera, 10 mg, for 10 of these 25 days (hormone therapy) for 2 years. These women were compared to normally menstruating controls. The study participants also received 1250 mg of calcium per day. Bone mineral density (BMD) measured at the foot, wrist, and lumbar spine. Our overall results showed no difference in BMD between the treated or placebo groups, indicating that hormone therapy did not change or normalize BMD when compared to normals. Five patients (all on placebo) who resumed menses during the study showed an increase in BMD without normalization. These findings suggest that mechanisms other than hypoestrogenism may be involved with the osteopenia associated with exercise-induced amenorrhea.

Cardiac memory in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: noninvasive imaging of activation and repolarization before and after catheter ablation.

PubMed

Ghosh, Subham; Rhee, Edward K; Avari, Jennifer N; Woodard, Pamela K; Rudy, Yoram

2008-08-26

Cardiac memory refers to a change in ventricular repolarization induced by and persisting for minutes to months after cessation of a period of altered ventricular activation (eg, resulting from pacing or preexcitation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome). ECG imaging (ECGI) is a novel imaging modality for noninvasive electroanatomic mapping of epicardial activation and repolarization. Fourteen pediatric patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and no other congenital disease, were imaged with ECGI a day before and 45 minutes, 1 week, and 1 month after successful catheter ablation. ECGI determined that preexcitation sites were consistent with sites of successful ablation in all cases to within a 1-hour arc of each atrioventricular annulus. In the preexcited rhythm, activation-recovery interval (ARI) was the longest (349+/-6 ms) in the area of preexcitation leading to high average base-to-apex ARI dispersion of 95+/-9 ms (normal is approximately 40 ms). The ARI dispersion remained the same 45 minutes after ablation, although the activation sequence was restored to normal. ARI dispersion was still high (79+/-9 ms) 1 week later and returned to normal (45+/-6 ms) 1 month after ablation. The study demonstrates that ECGI can noninvasively localize ventricular insertion sites of accessory pathways to guide ablation and evaluate its outcome in pediatric patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Wolff-Parkinson-White is associated with high ARI dispersion in the preexcited rhythm that persists after ablation and gradually returns to normal over a period of 1 month, demonstrating the presence of cardiac memory. The 1-month time course is consistent with transcriptional reprogramming and remodeling of ion channels.

Climate Prediction Center - Monitoring and Data - Regional Climate Maps:

Science.gov Websites

; Precipitation & Temperature > Regional Climate Maps: USA Menu Weekly 1-Month 3-Month 12-Month Weekly Total Precipitation Average Temperature Extreme Maximum Temperature Extreme Minimum Temperature Departure of Average Temperature from Normal Extreme Apparent Temperature Minimum Wind Chill Temperature

Drought forecasting in Luanhe River basin involving climatic indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Weinan; Wang, Yixuan; Li, Jianzhu; Feng, Ping; Smith, Ronald J.

2017-11-01

Drought is regarded as one of the most severe natural disasters globally. This is especially the case in Tianjin City, Northern China, where drought can affect economic development and people's livelihoods. Drought forecasting, the basis of drought management, is an important mitigation strategy. In this paper, we evolve a probabilistic forecasting model, which forecasts transition probabilities from a current Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value to a future SPI class, based on conditional distribution of multivariate normal distribution to involve two large-scale climatic indices at the same time, and apply the forecasting model to 26 rain gauges in the Luanhe River basin in North China. The establishment of the model and the derivation of the SPI are based on the hypothesis of aggregated monthly precipitation that is normally distributed. Pearson correlation and Shapiro-Wilk normality tests are used to select appropriate SPI time scale and large-scale climatic indices. Findings indicated that longer-term aggregated monthly precipitation, in general, was more likely to be considered normally distributed and forecasting models should be applied to each gauge, respectively, rather than to the whole basin. Taking Liying Gauge as an example, we illustrate the impact of the SPI time scale and lead time on transition probabilities. Then, the controlled climatic indices of every gauge are selected by Pearson correlation test and the multivariate normality of SPI, corresponding climatic indices for current month and SPI 1, 2, and 3 months later are demonstrated using Shapiro-Wilk normality test. Subsequently, we illustrate the impact of large-scale oceanic-atmospheric circulation patterns on transition probabilities. Finally, we use a score method to evaluate and compare the performance of the three forecasting models and compare them with two traditional models which forecast transition probabilities from a current to a future SPI class. The results show that the three proposed models outperform the two traditional models and involving large-scale climatic indices can improve the forecasting accuracy.

[The effect of supervised rehabilitation on ankle joint function and the risk of recurrence after acute ankle distortion].

PubMed

Barkler, E H; Magnusson, S P; Becher, K; Bieler, T; Aagaard, P; Kjaer, M; Saugbjerg, P A

2001-06-04

The effect of an early rehabilitation programme, including postural training, on ankle joint function after an ankle ligament sprain was investigated prospectively. Ninety-two subjects, matched for age, sex, and level of sports activity, were randomised to a control or training group. All subjects received the same standard information about early ankle mobilisation. In addition, the training group participated in supervised physical therapy rehabilitation (one hour, twice weekly) with emphasis on balance training. Postural sway, position sense, and isometric ankle strength were measured six weeks and four months after the injury, and at 12 months data on re-injury were collected. In both the training group and the control group, there were a significant difference between the injured and the uninjured side for all variables except for position sense at six weeks. The side-to-side differences in per cent were similar for both groups for all variables (p > 0.05) at six weeks, and there were no such differences at four months. Re-injury occurred in 11/38 (29%) is the control group, but in only 2/29 (7%) in the training group (p < 0.05). These data showed that an ankle injury led to reduced ankle strength and postural control at six weeks, but that these variables had become normal at four months, irrespective of supervised rehabilitation. However, the findings also showed that supervised rehabilitation may reduce the number of re-injuries, and may therefore play a role in injury prevention.

[Radiological study on the n-HA/PA66 cage used in the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion].

PubMed

Sang, Pei-ming; Zhang, Ming; Chen, Bin-hui; Cai, Chang; Gu, Shi-rong; Zhou, Min

2014-08-01

To explore the effects of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage on recovering and maintaining lumbar curvature, lumbar heights and fusion rate when used in the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. From February to July 2012, 50 patients with degenerative lumbar disease(lumbar disc herniation in 32 cases and lumbar spondylolisthesis in 18 cases) were treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using the n-HA/PA66 cage, and their preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes were analyzed. The patients were followed up for 2, 4, 6 and 8 months after operation, during which the CR and CT film of lumbar vertebra were checked to get relative height of vertebral space, Taillard index,index of lumbar spinal curvature,angle of segmental and full lumbar lordosis. The data were analyzed respectively with pair t-test, analysis of variance or LSD-t-test. All the patients were followed up, and the duraion ranged from 8 to 13 months, with a mean of 11.32 months. There were significant differences in relative height of vertebral space, Taillard index, index of lumbar spinal curvature, angle of segmental and full lumbar lordosis after surgery, but there were no significant differences in different periods after operation. The fusion time of lumbar ranged from 4 to 8 months. The n-HA/PA66 cage can recover and maintain lumbar normal stability with higher rate of fusion and less complications.

Word learning in deaf children with cochlear implants: effects of early auditory experience.

PubMed

Houston, Derek M; Stewart, Jessica; Moberly, Aaron; Hollich, George; Miyamoto, Richard T

2012-05-01

Word-learning skills were tested in normal-hearing 12- to 40-month-olds and in deaf 22- to 40-month-olds 12 to 18 months after cochlear implantation. Using the Intermodal Preferential Looking Paradigm (IPLP), children were tested for their ability to learn two novel-word/novel-object pairings. Normal-hearing children demonstrated learning on this task at approximately 18 months of age and older. For deaf children, performance on this task was significantly correlated with early auditory experience: Children whose cochlear implants were switched on by 14 months of age or who had relatively more hearing before implantation demonstrated learning in this task, but later implanted profoundly deaf children did not. Performance on this task also correlated with later measures of vocabulary size. Taken together, these findings suggest that early auditory experience facilitates word learning and that the IPLP may be useful for identifying children who may be at high risk for poor vocabulary development. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Speech and language development in six infants adopted from China

PubMed Central

PRICE, JOHANNA R.; POLLOCK, KAREN E.; OLLER, D. KIMBROUGH

2012-01-01

Children adopted from China currently represent the largest group of newly internationally adopted children in the US. An exploratory investigation of the communicative development of six young females adopted at ages 9 to 17 months from China by US families was conducted. Children were followed longitudinally from approximately three months post-adoption to age three years. English language skills were assessed at approximately three-month intervals, detailed communicative analyses were conducted at six months post-adoption, and outcomes were measured at three years of age. Results indicated wide variability in rates of English language development. Phonological, social-communicative, and lexical bases of communication were intact for each child at six months post-adoption. At age three years, four of the children demonstrated speech and language skills within one standard deviation of standardized test norms, one child demonstrated skills above the normal range, and one child’s skills were below the normal range. This study provides evidence of the resiliency of children’s language learning abilities. PMID:23204925

Speech and language development in six infants adopted from China.

PubMed

Price, Johanna R; Pollock, Karen E; Oller, D Kimbrough

2006-07-01

Children adopted from China currently represent the largest group of newly internationally adopted children in the US. An exploratory investigation of the communicative development of six young females adopted at ages 9 to 17 months from China by US families was conducted. Children were followed longitudinally from approximately three months post-adoption to age three years. English language skills were assessed at approximately three-month intervals, detailed communicative analyses were conducted at six months post-adoption, and outcomes were measured at three years of age. Results indicated wide variability in rates of English language development. Phonological, social-communicative, and lexical bases of communication were intact for each child at six months post-adoption. At age three years, four of the children demonstrated speech and language skills within one standard deviation of standardized test norms, one child demonstrated skills above the normal range, and one child's skills were below the normal range. This study provides evidence of the resiliency of children's language learning abilities.

Word learning in deaf children with cochlear implants: effects of early auditory experience

PubMed Central

Houston, Derek M.; Stewart, Jessica; Moberly, Aaron; Hollich, George; Miyamoto, Richard T.

2013-01-01

Word-learning skills were tested in normal-hearing 12- to 40-month-olds and in deaf 22- to 40-month-olds 12 to 18 months after cochlear implantation. Using the Intermodal Preferential Looking Paradigm (IPLP), children were tested for their ability to learn two novel-word/novel-object pairings. Normal-hearing children demonstrated learning on this task at approximately 18 months of age and older. For deaf children, performance on this task was significantly correlated with early auditory experience: Children whose cochlear implants were switched on by 14 months of age or who had relatively more hearing before implantation demonstrated learning in this task, but later implanted profoundly deaf children did not. Performance on this task also correlated with later measures of vocabulary size. Taken together, these findings suggest that early auditory experience facilitates word learning and that the IPLP may be useful for identifying children who may be at high risk for poor vocabulary development. PMID:22490184

Normal serum protein electrophoresis and mutated IGHV genes detect very slowly evolving chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

PubMed

Chauzeix, Jasmine; Laforêt, Marie-Pierre; Deveza, Mélanie; Crowther, Liam; Marcellaud, Elodie; Derouault, Paco; Lia, Anne-Sophie; Boyer, François; Bargues, Nicolas; Olombel, Guillaume; Jaccard, Arnaud; Feuillard, Jean; Gachard, Nathalie; Rizzo, David

2018-05-09

More than 35 years after the Binet classification, there is still a need for simple prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, we studied the treatment-free survival (TFS) impact of normal serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) at diagnosis. One hundred twelve patients with CLL were analyzed. The main prognostic factors (Binet stage; lymphocytosis; IGHV mutation status; TP53, SF3B1, NOTCH1, and BIRC3 mutations; and cytogenetic abnormalities) were studied. The frequencies of IGHV mutation status, cytogenetic abnormalities, and TP53, SF3B1, NOTCH1, and BIRC3 mutations were not significantly different between normal and abnormal SPE. Normal SPE was associated with Binet stage A, nonprogressive disease for 6 months, lymphocytosis below 30 G/L, and the absence of the IGHV3-21 gene rearrangement which is associated with poor prognosis. The TFS of patients with normal SPE was significantly longer than that of patients with abnormal SPE (log-rank test: P = 0.0015, with 51% untreated patients at 5.6 years and a perfect plateau afterward vs. a median TFS at 2.64 years for abnormal SPE with no plateau). Multivariate analysis using two different Cox models and bootstrapping showed that normal SPE was an independent good prognostic marker for either Binet stage, lymphocytosis, or IGHV mutation status. TFS was further increased when both normal SPE and mutated IGHV were present (log-rank test: P = 0.008, median not reached, plateau at 5.6 years and 66% untreated patients). A comparison with other prognostic markers suggested that normal SPE could reflect slowly advancing CLL disease. Altogether, our results show that a combination of normal SPE and mutated IGHV genes defines a subgroup of patients with CLL who evolve very slowly and who might never need treatment. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Angiogenesis characteristics of infantile hemangioma and feasibility observation of transplantation model of human hemangioma on mice.

PubMed

Fu, Y; Yang, Z-G; Zhao, L-Y

2017-03-01

To study pathogenic features of pediatric hemangiomas, we successfully established a model in mice, by transplanting human hemangioma tissues. The hemangioma from the leg of a two-month-old infant was dissected and sliced into several pieces. During a careful surgical procedure, the hemangioma tissues were individually transplanted into skin incisions in anesthetized mice. The volume of the transplanted tumors was measured and the changes in shape recorded at 1 day, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months after the transplantation. HE dyeing, CD31 and Glut1 IHC were applied to tumors in the proliferation and involuting phases. Also, 10 survival tumors and 10 normal tissues from infants undergoing circumcisions (control tissues) were used to determine their Angiotensin 1 (Ang1), Angiotensin 2 (Ang2), Tie2, and endothelium growth factor (VEGF) expression levels by IHC method. We observed all the tumors going through the same stages, where after two months their volumes increased sharply and then after 4 months they all began to recede. During the proliferative phase, newly born capillaries could be seen and the tumor elasticity increased (bright red color). During the involuting phase, the color faded away and the tumors became harder and were almost gone by 6 months. During the first two months after transplantation, HE dyeing showed hypertrophied and proliferating endothelial cells accumulating inside the tumors with irregular cavities inside blood vessels being filled by them. During the involuting phase (at 4 months), the lumen in blood vessels was distinctly enlarged while fiber and adipose tissue had significantly deposited. The transplanted and original tumors tested positive for CD31 and Glut1 dyeing, without significant differences. Compared with control samples, the Ang1 expression of the transplanted tumor in both the hyperplasia and proliferative phases was stably low (p<0.05), while expressions of Ang2 and Tie2 were both stably high (p<0.05). The VEGF expression in the tumors, however, was high during the proliferative phase (p<0.05), while the VEGF of the involuting phase showed no significant differences from that of the normal samples (p>0.05). We showed the reliability of the mouse model in reflecting the pathologic evolution of the proliferation and involuting phases of infantile hemangiomas. Angiogenic mediators Ang1, Ang2 and Tie2 may be abnormally expressed and play important roles in the development of this angiogenic disease.

Prosocial Behaviors during School Activities among Child Survivors after the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan: A Retrospective Observational Study

PubMed Central

Usami, Masahide; Iwadare, Yoshitaka; Watanabe, Kyota; Kodaira, Masaki; Ushijima, Hirokage; Tanaka, Tetsuya; Harada, Maiko; Tanaka, Hiromi; Sasaki, Yoshinori; Okamoto, Seiko; Sekine, Keisuke; Saito, Kazuhiko

2014-01-01

Background The 2011 Japan massive tsunami traumatized many children. The aim of this study was to assess changes in strengths and difficulties experienced in home and school by among surviving children after the 2011 tsunami, in comparison with published normal Japanese data. Methods In November 2012 (20 months after the disaster) and September 2013 (30 months after the disaster), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a questionnaire on children's strengths and difficulties in home and school activities, were distributed to 12,193 and 11,819 children, respectively. An effective response of children 20 months and 30 month after the disaster was obtained in 10,597 children (86.9%), and 10,812 children (91.4%), respectively. The SDQ scores evaluated by parents and teachers were compared with published normal Japanese SDQ scores. Results The SDQ scores (emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, and total difficulty score) evaluated by parents of children in the 4th to 9th grade who were evaluated after 30 and 20 months were significantly high compared with the published normal data of children without traumatic experiences (all P<0.001). The SDQ scores (prosocial behavior) evaluated by teachers of children in the 4th to 9th grade who were evaluated after 30 and 20 months were significantly low compared with the published normal data of children without traumatic experiences (all P<0.001). Conclusions This study showed that the experience of the disaster affected those children with prosocial behaviors towards teachers and friends at school. However, no significant changes (in their prosocial attitude) had been seen at home, where they continued to keep their respect and caring feelings for parents. These results indicate that for accurate diagnosis, clinicians should not only evaluate these children's daily activities at home but also try to objectively assess their daily activities at school. PMID:25415450

Impact of adenotonsillectomy on vocal emission in children.

PubMed

Dimatos, Spyros Cardoso; Neves, Luciano Rodrigues; Beltrame, Jéssica Monique; Azevedo, Renata Rangel; Pignatari, Shirley Shizue Nagata

2016-01-01

Adenotonsillectomy is the most common surgery performed by otolaryngologists in pediatric age, and one of the most frequently asked questions about the postoperative period is whether there is a potential for change in vocal pattern of these children. To evaluate the impact of adenotonsillectomy in the voice emission pattern of children with hypertrophy of palatine and pharyngeal tonsils. This is a prospective study in which we carried out perceptual auditory assessments and acoustic analysis of 26 children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy at three time points: before surgery, one month and three months after surgery. The following acoustic parameters were estimated using the Praat software: fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and harmonic-noise ratio. A statistically significant change was found between shimmer and harmonic-noise ratio during vowel /u/ production between the preoperative and 1st month postoperative time points. No significant differences were detected for acoustic parameters between preoperative analysis and that of the 3rd month post-operation. Transient changes in acoustic parameters occur in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy submitted to adenotonsillectomy, progressing to normalization in the 3rd postoperative month. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Treatment with unsaponifiable extracts of avocado and soybean increases TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels in canine joint fluid.

PubMed

Altinel, Levent; Saritas, Z Kadir; Kose, Kamil Cagri; Pamuk, Kamuran; Aksoy, Yusuf; Serteser, Mustafa

2007-02-01

Avocado and soya unsaponifiables (ASU) are plant extracts used as a slow-acting antiarthritic agent. ASU stimulate the synthesis of matrix components by chondrocytes, probably by increasing the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta is expressed by chondrocytes and osteoblasts and is present in cartilage matrix. This study investigates the effect of ASU treatment on the levels of two isoforms of TGFbeta, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, in the knee joint fluid using a canine model. Twenty-four outbred dogs were divided into three groups. The control animals were given a normal diet, while the treated animals were given 300 mg ASU every three days or every day. Joint fluid samples were obtained prior to treatment, and at the end of every month (up to three months). TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels were measured using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. ASU treatment caused an increase in TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels in the joint fluid when compared to controls. The different doses did not cause a significant difference in joint fluid TGF levels. TGF-beta1 levels in the treated animals reached maximum values at the end of the second month and then decreased after the third month, while TGF-beta2 levels showed a marginal increase during the first two months, followed by a marked increase at the end of the third month. In conclusion, ASU increased both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 levels in knee joint fluid.

Obturator internus muscle autotransfer: a new concept for the treatment of anismus. Clinical experience.

PubMed

Farag, A

1997-01-01

In this study 20 patients suffering from chronic constipation due to spastic anal sphincters were operated upon using a new surgical technique. The technique aimed at constructing an active anal dilator mechanism using the obturator internus muscles mobilized from both sides and sutured to the side wall of the anal canal in order to overcome the spastic anal sphincters during defaecation. This series included 3 failures (15%), 16 successful cases (80%), and 1 dissatisfied patient despite normal postoperative investigations (5%). Eleven patients (55%) showed immediate postoperative normalization of their defaecation. Five patients (25%) showed normalization of their defaecation after 10 sessions of electric stimulation of the transposed muscles given 1 month postoperatively for 10 successive days. All the successful cases (16 patients) maintained their good results during the period of follow-up which ranged from 16 to 45 months (average = 30.31 months). For the successful cases, follow-up was from 16 to 42 months (average = 26.72 months). Immediate postoperative complications included 3 cases of wound infection and 2 cases of transient incontinence to gases which responded completely to postoperative Faradic stimulation. No cases of persistent incontinence of any degree were detected among the 20 patients studied. The 3 failures were mainly due to avoidable technical problems. The technique was safe, easy, and physiological, using a strictly perineal approach.

Impact of bone turnover markers and/or educational information on persistence to oral bisphosphonate therapy: a community setting-based trial.

PubMed

Silverman, S L; Nasser, K; Nattrass, S; Drinkwater, B

2012-03-01

We examined how the use of bone turnover markers and educational information affects persistence of bisphosphonate use in osteoporotic patients. We found that reporting bone turnover results and/or educational information did not affect persistence. Long-term adherence and persistence to osteoporosis medication are poor. We examined whether reporting of bone turnover marker results, education about osteoporosis, or a combination of both would increase persistence to oral bisphosphonates. Two hundred and forty women who were 5 years postmenopausal with BMD at least 2.0 standard deviations below normal were recruited for the study. All women were given a new prescription for alendronate and randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) bone marker results at baseline, 3 and 12 months; (2) educational materials every month and a membership in the National Osteoporosis Foundation; (3) bone marker and educational information; and (4) control, no information other than usual care. Persistence among randomization groups was tested using survival analysis adjusting for the delay between intervention methods. Of those filling their initial prescription, 95.5% refilled their prescription at the end of the first month, 87% at 3 months, 82% at 6 months, and 78% at 10 months. Overall persistence through 12 months was 54%. There was no difference found among the four groups for persistence time using (p > 0.58). Providing bone turnover marker results is not an effective way to enhance early compliance and persistence with drug therapy. While the women in our study felt that bone marker results and educational information were helpful to them, there was no difference in persistence between those who received either bone marker information and/or educational information and those who did not. Because of the unexpected rate of primary nonadherence, this study may be underpowered.

Spatio-temporal trends in monthly pan evaporation in Aguascalientes, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz-Alvarez, Osias; Singh, Vijay P.; Medina, Juan Enciso; Munster, Clyde; Kaiser, Ronald; Ontiveros-Capurata, Ronald Ernesto; Diaz-Garcia, Luis Antonio; dos Santos, Carlos Antonio Costa

2018-05-01

Emission of greenhouse gases is being alleged to be causing climate change in different regions of the world. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal trends of monthly evaporation at 52 weather stations in the state of Aguascalientes (Mexico) which have hydrometeorological records of long periods. The autocorrelation was eliminated with an auto-regressive model, and the trend was determined using the Spearman (S) and Kendall (K) tests. The statistical significance of the trend was determined with the Spearman correlation coefficient (r s) and the Z statistic (the test statistic of the normal distribution) both indicated that that there were statistically significant trends in 107 time series, of these 88 series had negative trends and 19 series had positive trends. Negative trends were present in all months of the year, while positive trends occurred from February to May and from October to December only. The reduction of evaporation from - 4.10 to - 20.50 mm/month/year from June to September showed a hopeful future scenario for rainfed agriculture. Irrigated agriculture during dry months could have a reduction of irrigation requirements as a consequence of the reduction in reference and crop evapotranspiration. The evaporation increase during dry months could increase irrigation requirements and pumping, mainly in March, April, and November when there are trends with increases of about 26.90, 24.60, and 23.90 mm/month/year, respectively. The spatial variability of evaporation trend means that other effects of climate change could vary in different parts of the state. Results of this study will be useful for farmers and institutions in charge of the administration of water resources for developing adaptation and mitigation strategies to climate change.

Normative Velopharyngeal Data in Infants: Implications for Treatment of Cleft Palate.

PubMed

Schenck, Graham C; Perry, Jamie L; Fang, Xiangming

2016-09-01

Identifying normative data related to velopharyngeal muscles and structures may have clinical significance for infants born with cleft palate, especially as they relate to selection of surgical intervention and postsurgical outcomes. Previous studies suggest that patients whose anatomy postsurgically is dissimilar to that of their normative counterparts are at risk for hypernasal speech. However, studies have not documented what constitutes "normal" anatomy for the clinically relevant population-that is, the infant population. The purpose of this study is to examine a magnetic resonance imaging database (n = 29) related to normative velopharyngeal structures and provide a preliminary comparison to 2 selected patients with repaired cleft palate. Twenty-nine healthy infants between 9 and 23 months of age (mean = 15.2 months) with normal craniofacial and velopharyngeal anatomy were recruited to participate in this study. Normative data were compared to 2 infants with repaired cleft palate between 13 and 15 months of age (mean = 14 months). Quantitative craniometric and velopharyngeal measures from the sagittal and oblique coronal image planes were collected. Variables of interest included: levator muscle, velar, and craniometric measures. Females demonstrated significantly larger intravelar segments compared with males. White infants demonstrated significantly larger levator muscles compared to non-white infants. Infants with repaired cleft palate demonstrated increased overall levator muscle length and levator extravelar length compared with infants with normal velopharyngeal anatomy.Data from the present study provide a normative database for future investigators to utilize as a comparative tool when evaluating infants with normal and abnormal velopharyngeal anatomy.

Changes to medial gastrocnemius architecture after surgical intervention in spastic diplegia.

PubMed

Shortland, Adam P; Fry, Nicola R; Eve, Linda C; Gough, Martin

2004-10-01

We assessed the architecture of the medial gastrocnemius in nine children (five males, four females; age range 6 to 15 years; mean 10 years 10 months, SD 3 years 6 months) with spastic diplegia by ultrasound imaging before and after a gastrocnemius recession. The children were ambulant (seven independent, one with a posterior walker, one using crutches) before and after surgical intervention. We compared values for fascicle lengths and deep fascicular-aponeurosis angles with those from a group of normally developing children (five males, five females; age range 6 to 11 years; mean 8 years 4 months, SD 1 year 4 months). Despite a variable interval between assessments (from 56 to 610 days), fascicles were shorter (p=0.00226) and the deep fascicular-aponeurosis angle increased (p=0.0152) after intervention. Fascicle lengths of patients were similar to those in the group of normally developing children before surgery. After surgery, fascicles in the group of children with spastic diplegia were shorter than in their normally developing peers (p=0.00109). The gastrocnemius recession procedure alters muscle architecture, though the degree of fascicular shortening varied, with four of the participants in our study losing less than 10% of their original fascicular length at maximum dorsiflexion. Increases in ankle-joint power in walking, observed after surgical intervention in children with spastic diplegia, may be due to a more normal ankle position rather than to improvements in the active mechanical performance of the gastrocnemius.

Nocturnal polyuria and saluresis in renal allograft recipients.

PubMed Central

Chan, M K; Varghese, Z; Fernando, O N; Moorhead, J F

1980-01-01

The evolution of nocturnal polyuria and saluresis in renal allograft recipients was studied by comparing the day to night (D:N) ratios of urine volume and sodium excretion in 15 patients who had undergone transplantation less than one year previously (recent-transplant group) with those in 11 patients who had undergone transplantation at least one year previously. Eleven patients with chronic renal failure and 12 normal subjects served as controls. Patients in the recent-transplant group had significantly lower D:N ratios of urine volume and sodium excretion than the patients who had undergone transplantation at least a year before, while the ratios in this last group did not differ significantly from those in the normal subjects. Nocturnal polyuria and saluresis gradually subsided in five patients studied for three months. Chronic renal failure and uraemic autonomic neuropathy were unlikely causes of the nocturia. The patients in the recent-transplant group had significantly lower D:N ratios of urine volume than the controls with chronic renal failure, and the mean Valsalva ratio in eight of them was not significantly different from that in the normal subjects. An undue sensitivity of renal allografts to postural influences was proposed. PMID:6986946

[Research of gestrinone-related abnormal uterine bleeding and the intervention in the treatment: a multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial].

PubMed

Duan, H; Wang, S; Hao, M; Chen, L; Tang, J; Wang, X; Peng, Y Z; Zhang, S C; Cao, L R; Yu, J J

2016-02-01

To investigate the incidence, influencing factors and intervention of gestrinone-related abnormal uterine bleeding at different dosage of gestrinone in the clinical treatment. This was a multicenter, randomized, control study of 195 Chinese women with endometriosis or adenomyosis from June 2011 to November 2013. The subjects were randomized into three groups with oral administration of gestrinone, 2.5 mg dose at one time; twice a week group: 67 cases with oral administration twice a week last three months; double dose first month group: 67 cases with oral administration triple times a week at first month, then twice a week for two months; three times a week group: 61 cases with oral administration three times a week last three months. The improvement of the abnormal uterine bleeding, the changes in estrogen, liver function and blood coagulation were evaluated. At the same time, B-ultrasound examination evaluation were performed. (1) Three months later, the incidence of abnormal uterine bleeding in twice a week group was 30% (20/67), in double dose first month group and three times a week group were 7%(5/67) and 16% (10/61) respectively, there were significant difference between three groups (P<0.05). The incidence in double dose first month group was the most lower. (2) Univariate analysis showed that the dosage and ovarian size were the significant factors for abnormal uterine bleeding (OR=0.461,P= 0.003;OR=0.303,P=0.016); logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of abnormal uterine bleeding in double dose first month group was the lowest when compared with twice a week group and three times a week group, the risk in twice a week group was 5-fold higher than that in double dose first month group (OR=0.211,P=0.011). The incidence of abnormal uterine bleeding in participants with abnormal ovarian volume results from ovarian cyst or ovarian surgery was significantly lower than those with normal ovarian volume (OR=0.304,P=0.018). (3) After the treatment of three months, there were no significant difference in alanine transaminase level between the groups (P>0.05). The body mass index significantly increased in three group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups (P>0.05). As for blood coagulation, there were also no significant differences between the groups (P>0.05). Double dose of gestrinone in the first month could significantly decrease the incidence of gestrinone-related abnormal uterine bleeding. It is a more optimied dosage of gestrinone and without severe side effects. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-12002327.

[Multi-month dynamics of the functional condition of organism of normal male northeners of Russia].

PubMed

Solonin, Iu G; Markov, A L; Boĭko, E R

2012-01-01

In conjunction with the Mars-500 project, 17 male residents (25-46 y.o.) of the North of Russia (62 degrees 40'N) were examined monthly using hard- and software EKOSAN-2007. In the period of June, 2010 through to November, 2011 they visited a standard laboratory to go through comprehensive anthropophysiometric, psychophysiological and physiological investigations at rest and combined with exercise, standing and cold tests aimed at tracking the seasonal responses of the body functional parameters. The larger part of group-average psychomotor, breathing and circulation measurements as well as heart rate variability did not exhibit statistically significant differences between months or seasons. Reliable seasonal variations were documented in the life index, body and cutaneous temperature, myocardium index and regulatory systems activity. A correlation between environmental and some body functional parameters was established. In the course of the multi-month monitoring there were periods when essentially healthy people were diagnosed as prenosologic and even premorbid. Some findings in the functioning of male northerner's organism are clearly attributable to living in the high-altitude area.

Insomnia Patients With Objective Short Sleep Duration Have a Blunted Response to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia.

PubMed

Bathgate, Christina J; Edinger, Jack D; Krystal, Andrew D

2017-01-01

This study examined whether individuals with insomnia and objective short sleep duration <6 h, a subgroup with greater risks of adverse health outcomes, differ in their response to cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) when compared to individuals with insomnia and normal sleep duration ≥6 h. Secondary analyses of a randomized, clinical trial with 60 adult participants (n = 31 women) from a single academic medical center. Outpatient treatment lasted 8 weeks, with a final follow-up conducted at 6 months. Mixed-effects models controlling for age, sex, CBT-I treatment group assignment, and treatment provider examined sleep parameters gathered via actigraphy, sleep diaries, and an Insomnia Symptom Questionnaire (ISQ) across the treatment and follow-up period. Six months post-CBT-I treatment, individuals with insomnia and normal sleep duration ≥6 h fared significantly better on clinical improvement milestones than did those with insomnia and short sleep duration <6 h. Specifically, individuals with insomnia and normal sleep duration had significantly higher insomnia remission (ISQ < 36.5; χ2[1, N = 60] = 44.72, p < .0001), more normative sleep efficiency (SE) on actigraphy (SE > 80%; χ2[1, N = 60] = 21, p < .0001), normal levels of middle of the night wake after sleep onset (MWASO) <31 minutes (χ2[1, N = 60] = 37.85, p < .0001), and a >50% decline in MWASO (χ2[1, N = 60] = 60, p < .0001) compared to individuals with insomnia and short sleep duration. Additionally, those with insomnia and normal sleep duration had more success decreasing their total wake time (TWT) at the 6-month follow-up compared to those with insomnia and short sleep duration (χ2[2, N = 60] = 44.1, p < .0001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis found that using a 6-h cutoff with actigraphy provided a 95.7% sensitivity and 91.9% specificity for determining insomnia remission, with the area under the curve = 0.986. Findings suggest that individuals with insomnia and objective short sleep duration <6 h are significantly less responsive to CBT-I than those with insomnia and normal sleep duration ≥6 h. Using an actigraphy TST cutoff of 6 hours to classify sleep duration groups was highly accurate and provided good discriminant value for determining insomnia remission. © Sleep Research Society 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Drought impact on vegetation in pre and post fire events in Iberian Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouveia, C. M.; Bastos, A.; Trigo, R. M.; DaCamara, C.

2012-04-01

In 2004/2005, the Iberian Peninsula was stricken by an exceptional drought that affected more than one third of Portugal and part of southern Spain during more than 9 months. This severe drought had a strong negative impact on vegetation dynamics, as it coincided with the period of high photosynthetic activity (Gouveia et al., 2009). Since water availability is a crucial factor in post-fire vegetation recovery, it is desirable to assess the impact that such water-stress conditions had on fire sensitivity and post-fire vegetation recovery. Fire events in the European Mediterranean areas have become a serious problem and a major ecosystem disturbance, increasing erosion and soil degradation. In Portugal, the years 2003 and 2005 were particularly devastating. In 2003 it was registered the maximal burnt area since 1980, with more than 425000 ha burned, representing about 5% of Portuguese mainland. The 2005 fire season registered the highest number of fire occurrences in Portugal and the second year with the greatest number of fires in Spain. The high number of fire events observed during the summer 2005 in the Iberian Peninsula is linked, in part, to the extreme drought conditions that prevailed during the preceding winter and spring seasons of 2004/2005. Vegetation recovery after the 2003 and 2005 fire seasons was estimated using the mono-parametric model developed by Gouveia et al. (2010), which relies on monthly values of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), from 1999 to 2009, at 1kmresolution, as obtained from the VEGETATION-SPOT5 instrument.. This model was further used to evaluate the effect of drought in pre and post vegetation activity. Besides the standard NDVI, the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) were computed in order to evaluate drought intensity. In the case of the burnt scars of 2003, when data corresponding to the months of drought are removed, recovery times are considerably shorter. The extreme water stress conditions to which vegetation is subject during drought events appear, therefore, to delay the regeneration process, which is to be expected since water availability is determinant to primary productivity. On the other hand, in the case of 2005 burnt areas, vegetation is more stressed and dryer in summer than in spring and, in general, fire damage is higher for pixels with higher vegetation density and higher moisture content during the months before the fire. These relationships are also related with the distinct vegetation behavior of the different land covers: in general, shrubland holds less quantity of very dry biomass, while needle leaf presents higher amounts of fairly dry biomass. Gouveia C., Trigo R.M., DaCamara C.C (2009) "Drought and Vegetation Stress Monitoring in Portugal using Satellite Data". Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 9, 1-11 Gouveia C., DaCamara C.C, Trigo R.M. (2010). "Post-fire vegetation dynamics in Portugal". Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 10, 4, 673-684.

Evaluation of transcutaneous electrical simulation to improve recovery from corneal hypoesthesia after LASIK.

PubMed

Ghaffariyeh, Alireza; Peyman, Alireza; Puyan, Sadollah; Honarpisheh, Nazafarin; Bagheri, Babak; Peyman, Mohammadreza

2009-08-01

To evaluate the efficacy, and safety of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) to accelerate corneal nerve regeneration and improved recovery from corneal hypesthasia after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Khodadoust Eye Hospital, Shiraz, Fars, Iran This prospective, randomized, clinical study comprised 40 eyes of 20 patients scheduled to undergo bilateral LASIK. In each patient, one eye was randomly assigned to receive transcutaneous electrical stimulation (20 HZ) for 60 minutes, and the other eye allocated as control. Corneal sensitivity was measured using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer in four areas outside and five areas inside the LASIK flap preoperatively, and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity and the incidence of adverse events were noted at each visit. For all four points outside the LASIK flap, normal corneal sensitivity was maintained throughout the study; no significant difference was found between the study eyes and the control eyes at these points (P > 0.05). All points within the LASIK flap except the point closest to the hinge demonstrated profound corneal hypoesthesia at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively, with no differences noted between the control and study eyes (P > 0.05). After 3 months, points within the flap had statistically significantly better corneal sensitivity in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Transcutaneous electrical stimulation significantly improves corneal sensitivity at 3 months after LASIK. This may be due to accelerated corneal nerve regeneration by electrical stimulation.

[Treatment of Sudeck's syndrome with human calcitonin].

PubMed

Nuti, R; Vattimo, A; Turchetti, V; Martini, G; Righi, G A

1983-08-26

Human calcitonin (Cibacalcin), at a dose of 0.5 mg daily for 15 days followed by 0.5 mg every other day for 4-6 months, was administered to 11 patients (eight men and three women, aged 36-74 years) with posttraumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the lower limbs (stage I-II). Within one month there was significant lessening of pain, improved mobility and less oedema. Biochemical tests were within normal limits before and after treatment, while the pre-treatment raised bone retention of 99mTc-methylene-diphosphonate and increased blood flow in the affected area became normal during treatment. In nine patients healing occurred in the course of four to six months on treatment, in two patients after more than six months. There were no serious side-effects requiring interruption of treatment. These results indicate that human calcitonin should be tried in the treatment of this condition.

Effect of dialyzer membranes on beta-2 microglobulin production in Thai hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Domrongkitchaiporn, S; Chuncharunee, S; Archararit, N; Atamasirikul, K; Vanichakarn, S

1997-09-01

Responses to different types of dialyzer membranes in an Asian population may differ from those of a Caucasian population. Comparative studies on the effects of different dialyzer membranes on beta-2 microglobulin production are also limited. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the effects of different dialyzer membranes on in vitro mononuclear cell production of beta-2 microglobulin in 9 Thai hemodialysis patients. Each patient was dialysed with 4 different types of dialyzer, including cuprophane (CUP), cellulose diacetate (CD), polysulphone (PS), and polyacrylonitrile membrane (PAN), each for a 1-month period in a randomized sequence. Mononuclear cell culture was done by taking an immediate post-dialysis blood sample at the end of the 1-month period. Beta-2 microglobulin production from cell culture was determined 24 hours later. Mononuclear cell culture and determination of beta-2 microglobulin production from the culture were also done in 10 normal controls and 10 predialysis ESRD patients. The beta-2 microglobulin productions (microgram/L) were shown as follows; Control CUP CD PS PAN [table: see text] (*p < 0.05 compared to cuprophane membrane). polysulphone and polyacrylonitrile membrane induced significantly less beta-2 microglobulin production compared to cuprophane and slightly less compared to cellulose diacetate membrane.

[ATP-synthetase activity, respiration and cytochromes of rat heart mitochondria in aging and hyperthyroidism].

PubMed

Lemeshko, V V; Kaliman, P A; Belostotskaia, L I; Uchitel', A A

1982-04-01

The ATP-synthetase activity, the rate of oxygen uptake under different metabolic conditions, the tightness of coupling of respiration to oxidative phosphorylation and the cytochrome contents in heart mitochondria of rats from different age groups were studied under normal conditions and in hyperthyroidism. It was found that heart mitochondria of aged animals did not practically differ in terms of their functional activity from those of the young animals. Administration of thyroxin to the animals from all age groups produced no significant effects on the state of mitochondria, increasing the rate of ATP synthesis on alpha-glycerophosphate, which was especially well-pronounced in aged animals, and the cytochrome content in 1-month-old rats.

Quantitative CT characterization of pediatric lung development using routine clinical imaging

PubMed Central

Stein, Jill M.; Walkup, Laura L.; Brody, Alan S.; Fleck, Robert J.

2016-01-01

Background The use of quantitative CT analysis in children is limited by lack of normal values of lung parenchymal attenuation. These characteristics are important because normal lung development yields significant parenchymal attenuation changes as children age. Objective To perform quantitative characterization of normal pediatric lung parenchymal X-ray CT attenuation under routine clinical conditions in order to establish a baseline comparison to that seen in pathological lung conditions. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective query of normal CT chest examinations in children ages 0–7 years from 2004 to 2014 using standard clinical protocol. During these examinations semi-automated lung parenchymal segmentation was performed to measure lung volume and mean lung attenuation. Results We analyzed 42 CT examinations in 39 children, ages 3 days to 83 months (mean ± standard deviation [SD] = 42±27 months). Lung volume ranged 0.10–1.72 liters (L). Mean lung attenuation was much higher in children younger than 12 months, with values as high as −380 Hounsfield units (HU) in neonates (lung volume 0.10 L). Lung volume decreased to approximately −650 HU by age 2 years (lung volume 0.47 L), with subsequently slower exponential decrease toward a relatively constant value of −860 HU as age and lung volume increased. Conclusion Normal lung parenchymal X-ray CT attenuation decreases with increasing lung volume and age; lung attenuation decreases rapidly in the first 2 years of age and more slowly thereafter. This change in normal lung attenuation should be taken into account as quantitative CT methods are translated to pediatric pulmonary imaging. PMID:27576458

Long Term Expression of Drosophila melanogaster Nucleoside Kinase in Thymidine Kinase 2-deficient Mice with No Lethal Effects Caused by Nucleotide Pool Imbalances*

PubMed Central

Krishnan, Shuba; Paredes, João A.; Zhou, Xiaoshan; Kuiper, Raoul V.; Hultenby, Kjell; Curbo, Sophie; Karlsson, Anna

2014-01-01

Mitochondrial DNA depletion caused by thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency can be compensated by a nucleoside kinase from Drosophila melanogaster (Dm-dNK) in mice. We show that transgene expression of Dm-dNK in Tk2 knock-out (Tk2−/−) mice extended the life span of Tk2−/− mice from 3 weeks to at least 20 months. The Dm-dNK+/−Tk2−/− mice maintained normal mitochondrial DNA levels throughout the observation time. A significant difference in total body weight due to the reduction of subcutaneous and visceral fat in the Dm-dNK+/−Tk2−/− mice was the only visible difference compared with control mice. This indicates an effect on fat metabolism mediated through residual Tk2 deficiency because Dm-dNK expression was low in both liver and fat tissues. Dm-dNK expression led to increased dNTP pools and an increase in the catabolism of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides but these alterations did not apparently affect the mice during the 20 months of observation. In conclusion, Dm-dNK expression in the cell nucleus expanded the total dNTP pools to levels required for efficient mitochondrial DNA synthesis, thereby compensated the Tk2 deficiency, during a normal life span of the mice. The Dm-dNK+/− mouse serves as a model for nucleoside gene or enzyme substitutions, nucleotide imbalances, and dNTP alterations in different tissues. PMID:25296759

Long term expression of Drosophila melanogaster nucleoside kinase in thymidine kinase 2-deficient mice with no lethal effects caused by nucleotide pool imbalances.

PubMed

Krishnan, Shuba; Paredes, João A; Zhou, Xiaoshan; Kuiper, Raoul V; Hultenby, Kjell; Curbo, Sophie; Karlsson, Anna

2014-11-21

Mitochondrial DNA depletion caused by thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency can be compensated by a nucleoside kinase from Drosophila melanogaster (Dm-dNK) in mice. We show that transgene expression of Dm-dNK in Tk2 knock-out (Tk2(-/-)) mice extended the life span of Tk2(-/-) mice from 3 weeks to at least 20 months. The Dm-dNK(+/-)Tk2(-/-) mice maintained normal mitochondrial DNA levels throughout the observation time. A significant difference in total body weight due to the reduction of subcutaneous and visceral fat in the Dm-dNK(+/-)Tk2(-/-) mice was the only visible difference compared with control mice. This indicates an effect on fat metabolism mediated through residual Tk2 deficiency because Dm-dNK expression was low in both liver and fat tissues. Dm-dNK expression led to increased dNTP pools and an increase in the catabolism of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides but these alterations did not apparently affect the mice during the 20 months of observation. In conclusion, Dm-dNK expression in the cell nucleus expanded the total dNTP pools to levels required for efficient mitochondrial DNA synthesis, thereby compensated the Tk2 deficiency, during a normal life span of the mice. The Dm-dNK(+/-) mouse serves as a model for nucleoside gene or enzyme substitutions, nucleotide imbalances, and dNTP alterations in different tissues. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

[Tolerance and adequacy of a 100% lactose infant formula. A controlled randomized double-blind study].

PubMed

Girardet, J-P; Fournier, V; Bakhache, P; Beck, L; Kempf, C; Lachambre, E

2012-07-01

Lactose has beneficial nutritional effects in infancy, particularly on calcium retention and on Bifidobacterium colon microflora development. The objective of this controlled, prospective, randomized double-blind study was to assess the adequacy and safety of an infant formula containing only lactose as carbohydrate, as compared to a usual formula. Healthy non-breast-fed infants aged under 7 days were randomized to be fed exclusively with a conventional formula containing lactose (9.6 g/100 kcal) and maltodextrin (1.6 g/100 kcal) or the isocaloric-isoprotein study formula containing 100% lactose (11.2 g/100 kcal) for 120 days. Primary outcome was daily weight gain at D0 and D120. Weight, length, body mass index, formula consumption, tolerance, and safety were assessed monthly. The non-inferiority of the study formula was rejected if the difference in weight gain was higher than 2.5 g/day in the control group. One hundred and seventy-eight infants were enrolled. Mean daily weight gain in the study group differed by 0.71 g/day (95% CI: -2.23; 0.82) indicating the non-inferiority of the study formula. Growth was normal and similar in the two groups, but formula intake was decreased in the study group, leading to a decrease in energy and protein intakes. Tolerance was good and adverse events did not differ between the two groups. The 100% lactose study infant formula was safe and non-inferior to a conventional formula in ensuring normal growth during the first 4 months of life. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on anthropometric indices among overweight and obese women: A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Roosta, Sajjad; Kharadmand, Mina; Teymoori, Farshad; Birjandi, Mehdi; Adine, Ahmad; Falahi, Ebrahim

2018-03-27

The aim of this study was to investigate effect of vitamin D supplementation on anthropometric indices among women with overweight and obesity. This double blind randomize clinical trial was conducted on 66 overweight and obese women. Those in intervention group received oral supplement of vitamin D 50,000 IU (1250 mcg) per 25 day and in control group participants received placebo for 3 months. Anthropometric indices were measured before and after 3 months intervention. Before the intervention a 24-h dietary recall (3 days) were used to assess dietary intake of individuals. Independent t test and multivariate repeated measure were used to data analysis. The mean difference of anthropometric indices, serum calcium, 25 (OH) D 3 and serum PTH between the intervention and control groups were significant (P < 0/05). However, no significant differences in serum phosphorus between the intervention and control groups were seen. Supplementation with vitamin D 50 μg for each day for 3 months resulted in a significant reduction in anthropometric indices in women with obesity and overweight with normal primary 25(OH) D 3 serum levels. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Isokinetic Identification of Knee Joint Torques before and after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Czaplicki, Adam; Jarocka, Marta; Walawski, Jacek

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serial change of isokinetic muscle strength of the knees before and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in physically active males and to estimate the time of return to full physical fitness. Extension and flexion torques were measured for the injured and healthy limbs at two angular velocities approximately 1.5 months before the surgery and 3, 6, and 12 months after ACLR. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in peak knee extension and flexion torques, hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratios, uninvolved/involved limb peak torque ratios, and the normalized work of these muscles between the four stages of rehabilitation were identified. Significant differences between extension peak torques for the injured and healthy limbs were also detected at all stages. The obtained results showed that 12 months of rehabilitation were insufficient for the involved knee joint to recover its strength to the level of strength of the uninvolved knee joint. The results helped to evaluate the progress of the rehabilitation and to implement necessary modifications optimizing the rehabilitation training program. The results of the study may also be used as referential data for physically active males of similar age. PMID:26646385

The effects of early antithyroid therapy for endogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism in clinical and heart abnormalities.

PubMed

Sgarbi, José A; Villaça, Fábio G; Garbeline, Benito; Villar, Heloísa E; Romaldini, João H

2003-04-01

Subclinical hyperthyroidism has been associated with harmful cardiac effects, but its treatment remains controversial. This study was designed to assess the cardiac effects of the normalization of serum TSH concentration in patients with endogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism. Ten patients (median age, 59 yr; range, 16-72 yr) with normal serum free T(4) and free T(3) concentration and a stable suppression of serum TSH levels were evaluated by Doppler-echocardiography, by standard and 24-h electrocardiography monitoring (Holter), and by the clinical Wayne index. Ten subjects, matched for age and sex, were used as controls. Patients were reevaluated 6 months after achieving stabilized euthyroidism by using methimazole with a median initial dose of 20 mg daily (10-30 mg daily). After reaching euthyroidism, we found a significant decrease in the heart rate (P = 0.008), the total number of beats during 24 h (P = 0.004), and the number of atrial (P = 0.002) and ventricular (P = 0.003) premature beats. Echocardiographical data resulted in a reduction of the left ventricular mass index (P = 0.009), interventricular septum thickness (P = 0.008), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (P = 0.004) at diastole. Furthermore, the early diastolic peak flow velocity deceleration rate was significantly higher (P = 0.02) in the untreated patients compared with controls. The Wayne clinical index was higher in patients than in controls (P = 0.001) and decreased after treatment (P = 0.004). Serum TSH concentration returned to normal values after 2.5 months (range, 1.0-7.0 months) on methimazole therapy (0.05 vs. 1.42 mU/liter; P = 0.002). Serum free T(4) values were normal in patients before treatment but significantly decreased after reaching the euthyroidism (16.9 vs. 11.5 pmol/liter; P = 0.002). In contrast, serum free T(3) concentration did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, our findings support that early antithyroid therapy should be considered in patients with endogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism, where it is needed to prevent potential progression to a more advanced heart disease.

[Impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index on baby's physical growth and nutritional status].

PubMed

Li, Hongyan; Tan, Shan; Gao, Xiao; Xiang, Shiting; Zhang, Li; Huang, Li; Xiong, Changhui; Yan, Qiang; Lin, Ling; Li, Dimin; Yi, Juan; Yan, Yan

2015-04-01

To explore the impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index on baby's physical growth and nutritional status. A total of 491 pairs of mother-infant were divided into 3 groups according to mother's pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI): a pre-pregnancy low BMI group (BMI<18.5 kg/m², n=93), a pre-pregnancy normal BMI group (18.5 kg/m² ≤ BMI<24.0 kg/m², n=326), and a pre-pregnancy high BMI group (BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m², n=72). Analysis of variance of repeated measurement data and the median percentage methods were used to compare the physical growth and nutritional status of babies in different groups. Baby's weight in the high BMI group were higher than that in the normal BMI and the low BMI group (F=3.958, P=0.020). The incidence of malnutrition in the low BMI group showed a tendency to decline along with the months (χ²=5.611, P=0.018), the incidence of overweight and obesity in the high and the normal BMI groups displayed a tendency to decline along with the months (χ²=18.773, 53.248, all P<0.001). Baby in the low BMI group had higher incidence of malnutrition while baby in the high BMI group had higher incidence of overweight and obesity. Pregnancy BMI was correlated with the growth of baby. Too high or too low prepregnancy BMI exerts harmful effect on baby's weight and nutritional status. Medical workers should strengthen the education on women's pre-pregnancy to remind them keeping BMI at normal level.

Ultrasonography of the distal limbs in Nellore and Girolando calves 8 to 12 months of age

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Ultrasonography can be used anywhere and allows rapid, noninvasive differentiation of soft tissue structures of the musculoskeletal system. The objectives of this study were to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the structures of the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal and the interphalangeal joints, the appearance of the growth plates of the distal metacarpus/metatarsus and of the proximal phalanx and to measure the cross-sectional dimensions of the DDFT and SDFT in Nellore and Girolando calves eight to 12 months of age. Results In the longitudinal dorsal view the common digital extensor tendon and the digital extensor tendon were depicted as echogenic parallel fiber bundles located directly under the skin. The joint spaces appeared as anechoic interruptions of the hyperechogenic bone surfaces. The normal amount of synovial fluid could not be depicted. The growth plates were seen as anechoic interruptions of the bone surface proximal and distal to the fetlock joint space. In transverse sonograms of the distal palmar/plantar regions, the flexor tendons and branchs of the suspensory ligament were imaged as echogenic structures. The lumen of the digital flexor tendon sheath could not be imaged in these normal cattle. The thin digital distal annular ligament and the reversal of positions of the DDFT and SDFT could be appreciated. No significant differences were found between the cross-sectional measurements of the DDFT and the SDFT from Nellore and Girolando in any age, thoracic/pelvic limbs, right/left sides and lateral/medial digits. Conclusions The results of this study establish important ultrasonographic reference data of the normal structures of the distal limbs and the normal dimensions of the flexor tendons in Nellore and Girolando calves for use in clinical practice. PMID:24774582

Reading instead of reasoning? Predictors of arithmetic skills in children with cochlear implants.

PubMed

Huber, Maria; Kipman, Ulrike; Pletzer, Belinda

2014-07-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the arithmetic achievement of children with cochlear implants (CI) was lower or comparable to that of their normal hearing peers and to identify predictors of arithmetic achievement in children with CI. In particular we related the arithmetic achievement of children with CI to nonverbal IQ, reading skills and hearing variables. 23 children with CI (onset of hearing loss in the first 24 months, cochlear implantation in the first 60 months of life, atleast 3 years of hearing experience with the first CI) and 23 normal hearing peers matched by age, gender, and social background participated in this case control study. All attended grades two to four in primary schools. To assess their arithmetic achievement, all children completed the "Arithmetic Operations" part of the "Heidelberger Rechentest" (HRT), a German arithmetic test. To assess reading skills and nonverbal intelligence as potential predictors of arithmetic achievement, all children completed the "Salzburger Lesetest" (SLS), a German reading screening, and the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT), a nonverbal intelligence test. Children with CI did not differ significantly from hearing children in their arithmetic achievement. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that in children with CI, arithmetic achievement was significantly (positively) related to reading skills, but not to nonverbal IQ. Reading skills and nonverbal IQ were not related to each other. In normal hearing children, arithmetic achievement was significantly (positively) related to nonverbal IQ, but not to reading skills. Reading skills and nonverbal IQ were positively correlated. Hearing variables were not related to arithmetic achievement. Children with CI do not show lower performance in non-verbal arithmetic tasks, compared to normal hearing peers. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Satellite Vegetation Index Data as a Tool to Forecast Population Dynamics of Medically Important Mosquitoes at Military Installations in the Continental United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

for the two installations. We obtained monthly North American normalized differ- ence vegetation index ( NDVI ) satellite climate data sets for 1981-2005...from the Goddard Space Flight Center."*-" The NDVI measures the greenness of the earth, capturing in one index the combined effects of temperature...humidity, insola- tion, elevation, soils, land use. and precipitation on vegeta- tion. There is an almost-linear relationship between NDVI values and

Comparison of multi-monthly rainfall-based drought severity indices, with application to semi-arid Konya closed basin, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogan, Selim; Berktay, Ali; Singh, Vijay P.

2012-11-01

SummaryMany drought indices (DIs) have been introduced to monitor drought conditions. This study compares Percent of Normal (PN), Rainfall Decile based Drought Index (RDDI), statistical Z-Score, China-Z Index (CZI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and Effective Drought Index (EDI) to identify droughts in a semi-arid closed basin (Konya), Turkey. Comparison studies of DIs under different climatic conditions is always interesting and may be insightful. Employing and comparing 18 different timesteps, the objective of comparison is twofold: (1) to determine the effect of timestep for choosing an appropriate value, and (2) to determine the sensitivity of DI to timestep and the choice of a DI. Monthly rainfall data obtained from twelve spatially distributed stations was used to compare DIs for timesteps ranging from 1 month to 48 months. These DIs were evaluated through correlations for various timesteps. Surprisingly, in many earlier studies, only 1-month time step has been used. Results showed that the employment of median timesteps was essential for future studies, since 1-month timestep DIs were found as irrelevant to those for other timesteps in arid/semi-arid regions because seasonal rainfall deficiencies are common there. Comparing time series of various DI values (numerical values of drought severity) instead of drought classes was advantageous for drought monitoring. EDI was found to be best correlated with other DIs when considering all timesteps. Therefore, drought classes discerned by DIs were compared with EDI. PN and RDDI provided different results than did others. PN detected a decrease in drought percentage for increasing timestep, while RDDI overestimated droughts for all timesteps. SPI and CZI were more consistent in detecting droughts for different timesteps. The response of DI and timestep combination to the change of monthly and multi-monthly rainfall for a qualitative comparison of severities (drought classes) was investigated. Analyzing the 1973-1974 dry spell at Beysehir station, EDI was found sensitive to monthly rainfall changes with respect to cumulative rainfall changes, especially more sensitive than other DIs for shorter timesteps. Overall, EDI was consistent with DIs for various timesteps and was preferable for monitoring long-term droughts in arid/semi-arid regions. The use of various DIs for timesteps of 6, 9, and 12 months is essential for long term drought studies. 1-month DIs should not be used solely in comparison studies to present a DI, unless there is a specific reason. This investigation showed that the use of an appropriate timestep is as important as the type of DI used to identify drought severities.

Sexual dimorphism in the lasting effects of moderate caloric restriction during gestation on energy homeostasis in rats is related with fetal programming of insulin and leptin resistance.

PubMed

Palou, Mariona; Priego, Teresa; Sánchez, Juana; Palou, Andreu; Picó, Catalina

2010-08-26

We aimed to characterize the lasting effect of moderate caloric restriction during early pregnancy on offspring energy homeostasis, by focusing on the effects on food intake and body weight as well as on the insulin and leptin systems. Male and female offspring of 20% caloric restricted dams (from 1 to 12 days of pregnancy) (CR) and from control dams were studied. These animals were fed after weaning with a normal-fat (NF) diet until the age of 4 months, and then moved to a high-fat (HF) diet. Blood parameters were measured under fed and 14-h fasting conditions at different ages (2, 4 and 5 months). Food preferences were also assessed in adult animals. Accumulated caloric intake from weaning to the age of 5 months was higher in CR animals compared with their controls, and this resulted in higher body weight in adulthood in males, but not in females. Both male and female CR animals already showed higher insulin levels at the age of 2 months, under fed conditions, and higher HOMA-IR from the age of 4 months, compared with their controls. CR male animals, but not females, displayed higher preference for fat-rich food than their controls in adulthood and higher circulating leptin levels when they were under HF diet. It is suggested that hyperinsulinemia may play a role in the etiology of hyperphagia in the offspring of caloric restricted animals during gestation, with different outcomes on body weight depending on the gender, which could be associated with different programming effects on later leptin resistance.

Sexual dimorphism in the lasting effects of moderate caloric restriction during gestation on energy homeostasis in rats is related with fetal programming of insulin and leptin resistance

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Aim We aimed to characterize the lasting effect of moderate caloric restriction during early pregnancy on offspring energy homeostasis, by focusing on the effects on food intake and body weight as well as on the insulin and leptin systems. Methods Male and female offspring of 20% caloric restricted dams (from 1 to 12 days of pregnancy) (CR) and from control dams were studied. These animals were fed after weaning with a normal-fat (NF) diet until the age of 4 months, and then moved to a high-fat (HF) diet. Blood parameters were measured under fed and 14-h fasting conditions at different ages (2, 4 and 5 months). Food preferences were also assessed in adult animals. Results Accumulated caloric intake from weaning to the age of 5 months was higher in CR animals compared with their controls, and this resulted in higher body weight in adulthood in males, but not in females. Both male and female CR animals already showed higher insulin levels at the age of 2 months, under fed conditions, and higher HOMA-IR from the age of 4 months, compared with their controls. CR male animals, but not females, displayed higher preference for fat-rich food than their controls in adulthood and higher circulating leptin levels when they were under HF diet. Conclusion It is suggested that hyperinsulinemia may play a role in the etiology of hyperphagia in the offspring of caloric restricted animals during gestation, with different outcomes on body weight depending on the gender, which could be associated with different programming effects on later leptin resistance. PMID:20796266

Could solutions low in glucose degradation products preserve residual renal function in incident peritoneal dialysis patients? A 1-year multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial (Balnet Study).

PubMed

Kim, Sung Gyun; Kim, Sejoong; Hwang, Young-Hwan; Kim, Kiwon; Oh, Ji Eun; Chung, Wookyung; Oh, Kook-Hwan; Kim, Hyung Jik; Ahn, Curie

2008-06-01

In vitro studies of peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions demonstrated that a lactate-buffered fluid with neutral pH and low glucose degradation products (LF) has better biocompatibility than a conventional acidic lactate-buffered fluid (CF). However, few clinical trials have evaluated the long-term benefit of the biocompatible solution on residual renal function (RRF). To compare LF with CF, we performed a prospective, randomized study with patients starting PD. After 1-month run-in period, 91 new PD patients were randomized for 12 months of treatment with either LF (Balance: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany; n = 48) or CF (Stay Safe: Fresenius; n = 43). We measured RRF, acid-base balance, peritoneal equilibration test, and adequacy of dialysis every 6 months after the run-in period. After 12 months of treatment, the residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients using LF tended to be higher than that of patients on CF (p = 0.057 by repeated-measures analysis of variance). We observed a significant difference in the changes of residual GFR between the two groups (p = 0.009), a difference that was especially marked in the subgroup whose baseline residual GFR was more than 2 mL/min/1.73 m(2). In addition, serum total CO(2) levels were higher (p = 0.001) and serum anion gap was lower (p = 0.019) in the LF group. We observed no differences between groups for Kt/V, C-reactive protein, or normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance. In incident PD patients with significant residual GFR, LF may better preserve RRF over a 12-month treatment period. Additionally, pH-neutral PD fluid may improve acid-base balance as compared with CF.

The Perception of Stress Pattern in Young Cochlear Implanted Children: An EEG Study.

PubMed

Vavatzanidis, Niki K; Mürbe, Dirk; Friederici, Angela D; Hahne, Anja

2016-01-01

Children with sensorineural hearing loss may (re)gain hearing with a cochlear implant-a device that transforms sounds into electric pulses and bypasses the dysfunctioning inner ear by stimulating the auditory nerve directly with an electrode array. Many implanted children master the acquisition of spoken language successfully, yet we still have little knowledge of the actual input they receive with the implant and specifically which language sensitive cues they hear. This would be important however, both for understanding the flexibility of the auditory system when presented with stimuli after a (life-) long phase of deprivation and for planning therapeutic intervention. In rhythmic languages the general stress pattern conveys important information about word boundaries. Infant language acquisition relies on such cues and can be severely hampered when this information is missing, as seen for dyslexic children and children with specific language impairment. Here we ask whether children with a cochlear implant perceive differences in stress patterns during their language acquisition phase and if they do, whether it is present directly following implant stimulation or if and how much time is needed for the auditory system to adapt to the new sensory modality. We performed a longitudinal ERP study, testing in bimonthly intervals the stress pattern perception of 17 young hearing impaired children (age range: 9-50 months; mean: 22 months) during their first 6 months of implant use. An additional session before the implantation served as control baseline. During a session they passively listened to an oddball paradigm featuring the disyllable "baba," which was stressed either on the first or second syllable (trochaic vs. iambic stress pattern). A group of age-matched normal hearing children participated as controls. Our results show, that within the first 6 months of implant use the implanted children develop a negative mismatch response for iambic but not for trochaic deviants, thus showing the same result as the normal hearing controls. Even congenitally deaf children show the same developing pattern. We therefore conclude (a) that young implanted children have early access to stress pattern information and (b) that they develop ERP responses similar to those of normal hearing children.

Enabling NLDAS-2 Anomaly Analysis Using Giovanni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loeser, C.; Rui, H.; Teng, W. L.; Vollmer, B.; Mocko, D. M.

2017-12-01

A newly implemented feature in Giovanni (GES DISC Interactive Online Visualization and Analysis Interface) allows users to explore and visualize anomaly data from the NLDAS-2 Primary Forcing and Noah model data sets. For a given measurement and location, an anomaly describes how conditions for a particular time period compare to normal conditions, based on long-term averages. Analyzing anomalies is important for monitoring droughts, determining weather trends, and studying land surface processes relevant for meteorology, hydrology, and climate. Using Giovanni to analyze anomalies for NLDAS-2 data allows for these studies to be efficiently conducted for the central North American region. Phase 2 of NLDAS (NLDAS-2) currently runs at an 1/8th degree resolution, in near-real time, with data sets extending back to January 1979. NLDAS-2 provides data for soil moisture, precipitation, temperature, and other hydrology measurements. Hourly, monthly, and 30-year (1980-2009) monthly climatology data are available for several land surface models and forcing data sets. The Giovanni anomaly tool calculates monthly anomalies, for a given user-defined variable, as the difference between the NLDAS-2 monthly climatology data and the monthly data. The resulting anomaly describes how a chosen month compares to the 30-year monthly average. The presentation will demonstrate the capabilities and usefulness of Giovanni's anomaly tool, detail the recently added NLDAS-2 variables for which anomalies are available, and show how users can access the data.

Enabling NLDAS-2 Anomaly Analysis Using Giovanni

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loeser, Carlee; Rui, Hualan; Teng, William; Vollmer, Bruce; Mocko, David

2017-01-01

A newly implemented feature in Giovanni (GES DISC Interactive Online Visualization and Analysis Interface) allows users to explore and visualize anomaly data from the NLDAS-2 Primary Forcing and Noah model data sets. For a given measurement and location, an anomaly describes how conditions for a particular time period compare to normal conditions, based on long-term averages. Analyzing anomalies is important for monitoring droughts, determining weather trends, and studying land surface processes relevant for meteorology, hydrology, and climate. Using Giovanni to analyze anomalies for NLDAS-2 data allows for these studies to be efficiently conducted for the central North American region. Phase 2 of NLDAS (NLDAS-2) currently runs at an 1/8th degree resolution, in near-real time, with data sets extending back to January 1979. NLDAS-2 provides data for soil moisture, precipitation, temperature, and other hydrology measurements. Hourly, monthly, and 30-year (1980-2009) monthly climatology data are available for several land surface models and forcing data sets. The Giovanni anomaly tool calculates monthly anomalies, for a given user-defined variable, as the difference between the NLDAS-2 monthly climatology data and the monthly data. The resulting anomaly describes how a chosen month compares to the 30-year monthly average. The presentation will demonstrate the capabilities and usefulness of Giovanni's anomaly tool, detail the recently added NLDAS-2 variables for which anomalies are available, and show how users can access the data.

38 CFR 21.4503 - Determination of loan amount.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... weeks or more leading to a standard college degree which is not part of the normal academic year or for a quarter. (iii) $1660 for two consecutive quarters. (iv) $270 per month for a course not leading to... course not leading to a standard college degree which is 6 or more months long. (vi) $270 per month for a...

38 CFR 21.4503 - Determination of loan amount.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... weeks or more leading to a standard college degree which is not part of the normal academic year or for a quarter. (iii) $1660 for two consecutive quarters. (iv) $270 per month for a course not leading to... course not leading to a standard college degree which is 6 or more months long. (vi) $270 per month for a...

Normal on-treatment ALT during antiviral treatment is associated with a lower risk of hepatic events in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

PubMed

Wong, Grace Lai-Hung; Chan, Henry Lik-Yuen; Tse, Yee-Kit; Yip, Terry Cheuk-Fung; Lam, Kelvin Long-Yan; Lui, Grace Chung-Yan; Wong, Vincent Wai-Sun

2018-06-18

Recent studies reveal that the rate of normal on-treatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) appears different for different nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs); yet its clinical significance is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of normal on-treatment ALT during antiviral treatment with entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A territory-wide cohort of patients with CHB who received ETV and/or TDF in 2005-2016 was identified. Serial on-treatment ALT levels were collected and analyzed. Normal on-treatment ALT (ALT-N) was defined as ALT <30 U/L in males and <19 U/L in females. The primary and secondary outcomes were composite hepatic events (including hepatocellular carcinoma) based on diagnostic codes. Patients with hepatic events before or during the first year of antiviral treatment or follow-up <1 year were excluded. A total of 21,182 patients with CHB (10,437 with and 10,745 without ALT-N at 12 months after antiviral treatment) were identified and followed for 4.0 ± 1.7 years. Patients with and without ALT-N differed in baseline ALT (58 vs. 61 U/L), hepatitis B virus DNA (4.9 vs. 5.1 log10 IU/ml) and cirrhosis status (8.8% vs. 10.5%). A total of 627 (3.0%) patients developed composite hepatic events. Compared to no ALT-N, ALT-N at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months reduced the risk of hepatic events, after adjustment for baseline ALT and other important covariates, with adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) of 0.61 (0.49-0.77), 0.55 (0.45-0.67), 0.54 (0.44-0.65) and 0.51 (0.42-0.61) respectively (all p <0.001). The cumulative incidence (95% CI) of composite hepatic events at six years was 3.51% (3.06%-4.02%) in ALT-N and 5.70% (5.15%-6.32%) in the no ALT-N group (p <0.001). Normal on-treatment ALT is associated with a lower risk of hepatic events in patients with CHB receiving NA treatment, translating into improved clinical outcomes in these patients. We investigated 21,182 patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving antiviral treatment. Alanine aminotransferase is a laboratory marker of liver function, with raised levels indicating liver dysfunction and in severe cases hepatitis. Normal on-treatment alanine aminotransferase during the first year of treatment in patients with CHB is associated with a lower risk of hepatic events. Copyright © 2018 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for Cushing's disease and Nelson's syndrome.

PubMed

Marek, Josef; Ježková, Jana; Hána, Václav; Kršek, Michal; Liščák, Roman; Vladyka, Vilibald; Pecen, Ladislav

2015-06-01

This paper presents our 18 years of experience in treating ACTH secreting adenomas (Cushing's disease and Nelson's syndrome) using the Leksell gamma knife (LGK) irradiation. Twenty-six patients with Cushing's disease were followed-up after LGK irradiation for 48-216 months (median 78 months). Seventeen patients had undergone previous surgery, in nine patients LGK irradiation was the primary therapy. Furthermore, 14 patients with Nelson's syndrome were followed-up for 30-204 months (median 144 months). LGK treatment resulted in hormonal normalization in 80.7 % of patients with Cushing's disease. Time to normalization was 6-54 months (median 30 months). The volume of the adenoma decreased in 92.3% (in 30.7% disappeared completely). There was no recurrence of the disease. In all 14 patients with Nelson's syndrome ACTH levels decreased (in two patients fully normalized) their ACTH levels. When checked up 5-10 years after irradiation regrowth of the adenoma was only detected in one patient (9.1%), in 27.3% adenoma volume remained unchanged, in 45.4% adenoma volume decreased and in 18.2% adenoma completely disappeared. Hypopituitarism did not develop in any patient where the critical dose to the pituitary and distal infundibulum was respected. LGK radiation represents an effective and well-tolerated option for the treatment of patients with Cushing's disease after unsuccessful surgery and may be valuable even as a primary treatment in patients who are not suitable for, or refuse, surgery. In the case of Nelson's syndrome it is possible to impede tumorous growth and control the size of the adenoma in almost all patients.

Testing the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) to identify subclinical neurological alterations in different phases of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection.

PubMed

Felipe, Lilian; Kingma, Herman; Lambertucci, José R; Carneiro-Proietti, Anna B; Gonçalves, Denise U

2013-04-01

The diagnosis of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is based on clinical signs and the confirmation of HTLV-1 infection in the central nervous system. Electrophysiological tests may facilitate an earlier diagnosis of spinal cord involvement. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing evaluates the vestibulospinal tract, which is correlated with the motor tract; the target of damage by HAM/TSP. This study examines the subclinical neurological alterations related to HTLV-1 infection in individuals with asymptomatic HTLV-1 infections, possible HAM/TSP, and confirmed HAM/TSP. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing was performed at the beginning of the study and repeated every 6 months for 18 months. Ninety volunteers were selected for the study: 30 were HTLV-1 seronegative (the control group) and 60 were HTLV-1 seropositive (of these, 18 were asymptomatic, 25 had possible HAM/TSP, and 17 had confirmed HAM/TSP). The VEMP response was classified as normal or abnormal (latency prolongation or no response). A change in the VEMP response from normal to abnormal was the event of interest. To perform a survival analysis, the subjects with normal VEMP responses at the first assessment were selected. The results were analyzed blindly. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential was measured using short tone bursts as acoustic stimuli (1 kHz, 118 dBHL, a rise-fall of 1 millisecond, and a plateau of 2 milliseconds). The stimulation rate was 5 Hz, and the analysis time for each response was 60 milliseconds; each trial averaged 200 responses. The mean age of the subjects in the control group was 38 ± 11 years (median 35), and 13 (43%) were men. In the study group, the mean age was 51 ± 12 years (median 53), and 12 (20%) were men. An analysis of the survival curve indicated that the median time for a change in VEMP response from normal to abnormal was 18 months, which is in agreement with the slow progression of HTLV-1-associated neurologic disease. The survival analysis showed that the change in VEMP response was significantly different between the asymptomatic and HAM/TSP groups (p=.02). Vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing was useful for monitoring the development of HAM/TSP in HTLV-1-infected individuals. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Haematology and Plasma Biochemistry of Wild Black Flying-Foxes, (Pteropus alecto) in Queensland, Australia

PubMed Central

McMichael, Lee; Edson, Daniel; McLaughlin, Amanda; Mayer, David; Kopp, Steven; Meers, Joanne; Field, Hume

2015-01-01

This paper establishes reference ranges for hematologic and plasma biochemistry values in wild Black flying-foxes (Pteropus alecto) captured in South East Queensland, Australia. Values were found to be consistent with those of other Pteropus species. Four hundred and forty-seven animals were sampled over 12 months and significant differences were found between age, sex, reproductive and body condition cohorts in the sample population. Mean values for each cohort fell within the determined normal adult reference range, with the exception of elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in juvenile animals. Hematologic and biochemistry parameters of injured animals showed little or no deviation from the normal reference values for minor injuries, while two animals with more severe injury or abscessation showed leucocytosis, anaemia, thrombocytosis, hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. PMID:25938493

Normotensive cardiomyopathy and malignant hypertension in phaeochromocytoma

PubMed Central

Shapiro, L. M.; Trethowan, N.; Singh, S. P.

1982-01-01

A patient with two different presentations of phaeochromocytoma is described. She initially presented with normal blood pressure and heart failure following a prolonged feverish prodrome. A provisional diagnosis of myocarditis or early congestive cardiomyopathy was made and she improved with digoxin and diuretics. Eighteen months later, after a period of normotension free from heart failure, she developed malignant hypertension with recurrence of heart failure. A phaeochromocytoma was surgically removed, with return to normal of blood pressure and cardiac status. It would seem that the initial presentation of the phaeochromocytoma was a catecholamine-induced myocarditis without hypertension and this resolved with the subsequent development of malignant hypertension. The possible mechanisms responsible for this are discussed and it is concluded that phaeochromocytoma should be considered in patients who have heart failure and persistent features of myocarditis. PMID:7100023

Value of imaging studies after a first febrile urinary tract infection in young children: data from Italian renal infection study 1.

PubMed

Montini, Giovanni; Zucchetta, Pietro; Tomasi, Lisanna; Talenti, Enrico; Rigamonti, Waifro; Picco, Giorgio; Ballan, Alberto; Zucchini, Andrea; Serra, Laura; Canella, Vanna; Gheno, Marta; Venturoli, Andrea; Ranieri, Marco; Caddia, Valeria; Carasi, Carla; Dall'amico, Roberto; Hewitt, Ian

2009-02-01

We examined the diagnostic accuracy of routine imaging studies (ultrasonography and micturating cystography) for predicting long-term parenchymal renal damage after a first febrile urinary tract infection. This study addressed the secondary objective of a prospective trial evaluating different antibiotic regimens for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis. Data for 300 children < or =2 years of age, with normal prenatal ultrasound results, who completed the diagnostic follow-up evaluation (ultrasonography and technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scanning within 10 days, cystography within 2 months, and repeat technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scanning at 12 months to detect scarring) were analyzed. Outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values for ultrasonography and cystography in predicting parenchymal renal damage on the 12-month technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scans. The kidneys and urinary tracts were mostly normal. The acute technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scans showed pyelonephritis in 54% of cases. Renal scarring developed in 15% of cases. The ultrasonographic and cystographic findings were poor predictors of long-term damage, showing minor sonographic abnormalities for 12 and reflux for 23 of the 45 children who subsequently developed scarring. The benefit of performing ultrasonography and scintigraphy in the acute phase or cystourethrography is minimal. Our findings support (1) technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy 6 months after infection to detect scarring that may be related to long-term hypertension, proteinuria, and renal function impairment (although the degree of scarring was generally minor and did not impair renal function) and (2) continued surveillance to identify recurrent urinary tract infections that may warrant further investigation.

High doses of biotin in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

PubMed

Sedel, Frédéric; Papeix, Caroline; Bellanger, Agnès; Touitou, Valérie; Lebrun-Frenay, Christine; Galanaud, Damien; Gout, Olivier; Lyon-Caen, Olivier; Tourbah, Ayman

2015-03-01

No drug has been found to have any impact on progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Biotin is a vitamin acting as a coenzyme for carboxylases involved in key steps of energy metabolism and fatty acids synthesis. Among others, biotin activates acetylCoA carboxylase, a potentially rate-limiting enzyme in myelin synthesis. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of high doses of biotin in patients suffering from progressive MS. Uncontrolled, non-blinded proof of concept study 23 consecutive patients with primary and secondary progressive MS originated from three different French MS reference centers were treated with high doses of biotin (100-300mg/day) from 2 to 36 months (mean=9.2 months). Judgement criteria varied according to clinical presentations and included quantitative and qualitative measures. In four patients with prominent visual impairment related to optic nerve injury, visual acuity improved significantly. Visual evoked potentials in two patients exhibited progressive reappearance of P100 waves, with normalization of latencies in one case. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) in one case showed a progressive normalization of the Choline/Creatine ratio. One patient with left homonymous hemianopia kept on improving from 2 to 16 months following treatment׳s onset. Sixteen patients out of 18 (89%) with prominent spinal cord involvement were considered as improved as confirmed by blinded review of videotaped clinical examination in 9 cases. In all cases improvement was delayed from 2 to 8 months following treatment׳s onset. These preliminary data suggest that high doses of biotin might have an impact on disability and progression in progressive MS. Two double-blind placebo-controlled trials are on going. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low-Dose Hydroxychloroquine is as Effective as Phlebotomy in Treatment of Patients with Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

PubMed Central

Singal, Ashwani K.; Kormos-Hallberg, Csilla; Lee, Chul; Sadagoparamanujam, V.-M.; Grady, James J.; Freeman, Daniel H.; Anderson, Karl E.

2012-01-01

Background & Aims Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is an iron-related disorder caused by reduced activity of hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD); it can be treated by phlebotomy or low doses of hydroxychloroquine. We performed a prospective pilot study to compare the efficacy and safety of these therapies. Methods We analyzed data from 48 consecutive patients with well-documented PCT to characterize susceptibility factors; patients were treated with phlebotomy (450 mL, every 2 weeks until they had serum ferritin levels of 20 ng/mL) or low-dose hydroxychloroquine (100 mg orally, twice weekly, until at least 1 month after they had normal plasma levels of porphyrin). We compared the time required to achieve a normal plasma porphyrin concentration (remission, the primary outcome) for 17 patients treated with phlebotomy and 13 treated with hydroxychloroquine. Results The time to remission was a median 6.9 months for patients that received phlebotomy and 6.1 months for patients treated with hydroxychloroquine treatment (6.7 and 6.5 months for randomized patients), a difference that was not significant (Log Rank P=.06 and P=.95, respectively). The sample size was insufficient to confirm noninferiority of hydroxychloroquine treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–5.06) for all patients. Patients that received hydroxychloroquine had substantially better compliance. There were no significant side effects of either treatment. Conclusions Hydroxychloroquine, 100 mg twice weekly, is as effective and safe as phlebotomy in patients with PCT, although noninferiority was not established. Given these results, higher-dose regimens of hydroxychloroquine, which have more side effects, do not seem justified. Compliance was better and projected costs were lower for hydroxychloroquine than phlebotomy treatment. Long-term studies are needed to compare durability of response. PMID:22985607

Obesity induced during sexual maturation is linked to LDL-triacylglycerols in Yucatan miniature swine.

PubMed

Sébert, Sylvain P; Lecannu, Gérard; Sené, Sandrine; Hucteau, Séverine; Chetiveaux, Maud; Ouguerram, Khadija; Champ, Martine M-J

2005-08-01

The incidence of childhood obesity is rising dramatically throughout industrialised countries. To evaluate and study the impact of childhood obesity on lipoprotein metabolism, we developed a new animal model of premature obesity. Yucatan mini-pigs aged 4 months were studied over a 12-month period from childhood to adulthood. Animals were divided into two groups: the first group were overfed a Western misbalanced diet; the second group were normally fed a recommended human-type diet. Cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations in VLDL-, LDL- and HDL-lipoproteins were followed from baseline to adulthood by fast protein liquid chromatography. At 10 (the end of sexual maturation) and 16 months old (adulthood), liver, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were sampled. Real-time RT-PCR was performed in order to compare apo AI, apo B, apo C-III, PPAR-alpha, insulin receptor and lipoprotein lipase gene expression between groups and ages. Differences between groups were observed only after sexual maturity. Adult overfed mini-pigs had a higher LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio (P < 0.05; 0.55 (SE 0.06) for overfed v. 0.42 (SE 0.04) for normally fed pigs at the tenth month of the study). In both groups, VLDL-triacylglycerol decreased (P < 0.05). VLDL-triacylglycerol evolution in the overfed group was associated with an increase in LDL-triacylglycerol plasma concentrations (P < 0.05) after sexual maturation. LDL-triacylglycerol concentration in overfed mini-pigs went from an average of 0.28 mmol/l before sexual maturation to reach an average concentration of 0.56 mmol/l afterwards. This phenomenon has never been observed in similar studies when obesity is induced in adult mini-pigs and may represent a specific hallmark of an obesity induced during sexual maturity.

Optical coherence tomography study of retinal changes in normal aging and after ischemia.

PubMed

Shariati, Mohammad Ali; Park, Joyce Ho; Liao, Yaping Joyce

2015-05-01

Age-related thinning of the retinal ganglion cell axons in the nerve fiber layer has been measured in humans using optical coherence tomography (OCT). In this study, we used OCT to measure inner retinal changes in 3-month-, 1-year-, and 2-year-old mice and after experimental anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). We used OCT to quantify retinal thickness in over 200 eyes at different ages before and after a photochemical thrombosis model of AION. The scans were manually or automatically segmented. In normal aging, there was 1.3-μm thinning of the ganglion cell complex (GCC) between 3 months and 1 year (P < 0.0001) and no further thinning at 2 years. In studying age-related inner retinal changes, measurement of the GCC (circular scan) was superior to that of the total retinal thickness (posterior pole scan) despite the need for manual segmentation because it was not contaminated by outer retinal changes. Three weeks after AION, there was 8.9-μm thinning of the GCC (circular scan; P < 0.0001), 50-μm thinning of the optic disc (posterior pole scan; P < 0.0001), and 17-μm thinning of the retina (posterior pole scan; P < 0.0001) in the 3-month-old group. Changes in the older eyes after AION were similar to those of the 3-month-old group. Optical coherence tomography imaging of a large number of eyes showed that, like humans, mice exhibited small, age-related inner retinal thinning. Measurement of the GCC was superior to total retinal thickness in quantifying age-related changes, and both circular and posterior pole scans were useful to track short-term changes after AION.

Urinary albumin and interleukin-8 levels are not good indicators of ongoing vesicoureteral reflux in children who have no active urinary tract infection.

PubMed

Badeli, Hamidreza; khoshnevis, Termeh; Hassanzadeh Rad, Afagh; Sadeghi, Mehrdad

2013-01-01

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a risk factor for kidney scarring, hypertension and declining renal function. Standard diagnostic methods are invasive and can cause exposure to radiation and urinary tract infections (UTIs). We aimed to investigate urine albumin and interleukin-8 levels as markers of ongoing VUR and renal damage in children without UTIs. Random urine samples were collected from 51 children, including 16 children with VUR (group A), 17 children with resolved VUR (group B) and 18 normal children (group C). The diagnosis of VUR or resolved VUR was confirmed by voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or direct radionuclide cystography (DRNC). All children had normal kidney function and had no evidence of UTI in the preceding three months. Random urine specimens were assayed for albumin (Alb), creatinine (Cr) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and mean values were compared by one way ANOVA. In groups A and B, the mean age at first UTI was 31.7 ± 2.4 and 27 ± 2.0 months respectively. In group A, the mean duration between VUR diagnosis and study entrance was 30 ± 9.1 months. In group B, the mean duration between VUR diagnosis and recovery was 19.9 ± 1.3 months. Overall, 76.4% of affected children had bilateral VUR and 41.2% had severe VUR. There were no significant differences in urinary Alb, IL-8, Alb/Cr and IL-8/Cr between the three groups. The current study does not support the hypothesis that microalbuminuria or urinary IL-8 are good indicators of ongoing VUR and renal injury in children.

Ginkgo biloba Extract and Bilberry Anthocyanins Improve Visual Function in Patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma

PubMed Central

Shim, Seong Hee; Choi, Chul Young; Kim, Chan Yun; Park, Ki Ho

2012-01-01

Abstract Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) and anthocyanins are considered beneficial for various vascular diseases. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of GBE and anthocyanins on visual function in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) based on the vascular theory of mechanisms of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Retrospective analysis was carried out by a chart review of 332 subjects (209 men and 123 women) who were treated with anthocyanins (n=132), GBE (n=103), or no medication (control, n=97). Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) test, logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA), intraocular pressure, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose were determined before and after treatment. Complete ocular and systemic examinations were performed. The mean follow-up duration was 23.82±9.84 (range, 12–59) months; the mean anthocyanin treatment duration was 24.32±10.43 (range, 6–53) months, and the mean GBE treatment duration was 23.81±10.36 months (range, 6–59) months. After anthocyanin treatment, the mean BCVA for all eyes improved from 0.16 (±0.34) to 0.11 (±0.18) logMAR units (P=.008), and HVF mean deviation improved from −6.44 (±7.05) to −5.34 (±6.42) (P=.001). After GBE treatment, HVF mean deviation improved from −5.25 (±6.13) to −4.31 (±5.60) (P=.002). A generalized linear model demonstrated that the final BCVA was not affected by demographic differences among the groups. These results suggest that anthocyanins and GBE may be helpful in improving visual function in some individuals with NTG. PMID:22870951

Use of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale to characterize the motor development of infants born preterm at eight months corrected age.

PubMed

Bartlett, Doreen J; Fanning, Jamie E

2003-01-01

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) was used to examine variations in motor development of infants born preterm. Sixty infants attending a Developmental Follow-up Clinic participated. Infants were assessed by physical therapists using the AIMS and independently judged by physicians to be neurodevelopmentally and neurologically "normal," "suspect," or "abnormal." The AIMS clearly differentiated infants in these three categories. Compared to the normative sample, infants judged to be "normal" demonstrated similar motor behaviors, infants judged to be "abnormal" were significantly different across a wide range of items, and infants judged to be "suspect" were significantly different on items requiring antigravity postural control, lower extremity dissociation, and trunk rotation. The AIMS can be used to identify infants developing abnormally, to affirm normalcy in infants developing typically, and to identify motor differences in infants who are neurologically "suspect." In the latter group of infants, the AIMS can be used to provide anticipatory guidance to parents regarding the components of movement they might expect their infants to be developing next.

Improving flexible thinking in deaf and hard of hearing children with virtual reality technology.

PubMed

Passig, D; Eden, S

2000-07-01

The study investigated whether rotating three-dimensional (3-D) objects using virtual reality (VR) will affect flexible thinking in deaf and hard of hearing children. Deaf and hard of hearing subjects were distributed into experimental and control groups. The experimental group played virtual 3-D Tetris (a game using VR technology) individually, 15 minutes once weekly over 3 months. The control group played conventional two-dimensional (2-D) Tetris over the same period. Children with normal hearing participated as a second control group in order to establish whether deaf and hard of hearing children really are disadvantaged in flexible thinking. Before-and-after testing showed significantly improved flexible thinking in the experimental group; the deaf and hard of hearing control group showed no significant improvement. Also, before the experiment, the deaf and hard of hearing children scored lower in flexible thinking than the children with normal hearing. After the experiment, the difference between the experimental group and the control group of children with normal hearing was smaller.

Regulatory impairments following selective kainic acid lesions of the neostriatum.

PubMed

Dunnett, S B; Iversen, S D

1980-12-01

Kainic acid lesions were made to the anteromedial (AMC) or ventrolateral (VLC) caudate nucleus and the projection areas of medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex (PFC), respectively. By the second day following lesion, all control and AMC rats had recovered normal food and water intake. By contrast, VLC lesions resulted in severe aphagia and adipsia lasting 3-15 days, accompanied by a rapid loss in weight. Animals were kept alive by palatable food supplement and force-feeding as required. Once all animals had recovered normal food and water intake (3-5 weeks) drinking to various physiological challenges--5% hypertonic saline s.c., food deprivation, quinine adulteration of water and 40% polyethylene glycol--were found to be normal in both lesion groups. By 3 months after lesion the groups did not differ in weight. Acute aphagia and adipsia had been reported following ablation of the sulcal but not the medial PFC in rats. The present experiment obtains parallel results in the PFC projection areas within the neostriatum.

Vitrectomy for floaters: prospective efficacy analyses and retrospective safety profile.

PubMed

Sebag, Jerry; Yee, Kenneth M P; Wa, Christianne A; Huang, Laura C; Sadun, Alfredo A

2014-06-01

Floaters impact vision but the mechanism is unknown. We hypothesize that floaters reduce contrast sensitivity function, which can be normalized by vitrectomy, and that minimally invasive vitrectomy will have lower incidences of retinal tears (reported at 30%) and cataracts (50-76%). Seventy-six eyes (34 phakic) with floaters were evaluated in 2 separate studies. Floater etiologies were primarily posterior vitreous detachment in 61 of 76 eyes (80%) and myopic vitreopathy in 24 of 76 eyes (32%). Minimally invasive 25G vitrectomy was performed without posterior vitreous detachment induction, leaving anterior vitreous, and using nonhollow probes for cannula extraction. Efficacy was studied prospectively (up to 9 months) in 16 floater cases with Freiburg Acuity Contrast Testing (Weber index [%W] reproducibility = 92.1%) and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Safety was separately evaluated in 60 other cases followed up on an average of 17.5 months (range, 3-51 months). Floater eyes had 67% contrast sensitivity function attenuation (4.0 ± 2.3 %W; control subjects = 2.4 ± 0.9 %W, P < 0.013). After vitrectomy, contrast sensitivity function normalized in each case at 1 week (2.0 ± 1.4 %W, P < 0.01) and remained normal at 1 month (2.0 ± 1.0 %W, P < 0.003) and 3 months to 9 months (2.2 ± 1.5 %W, P < 0.018). Visual Function Questionnaire was 28.3% lower in floater patients (73.2 ± 15.6, N = 16) than in age-matched control subjects (93.9 ± 8.0, N = 12, P < 0.001), and postoperatively improved by 29.2% (P < 0.001). In the safety study of 60 floater cases treated with vitrectomy, none developed retinal breaks, infection, or glaucoma after a mean follow-up of 17.5 months. Only 8 of 34 cases (23.5%) required cataract surgery (none younger than 53 years) at an average of 15 months postvitrectomy. Floaters lower contrast sensitivity function, which normalizes after vitrectomy. Visual Function Questionnaire quantified improvement in satisfaction. Not inducing posterior vitreous detachment reduced retinal tear incidence from 30% to 0% (P < 0.007). Postvitrectomy cataract incidence was reduced from 50% to 23.5% (P < 0.02). This approach thus seems effective and safe in alleviating the visual dysfunction induced by floaters.

Occurrence and Magnitude of High Reflectance Materials on the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuno, R. G.; Boyd, A. K.; Robinson, M. S.

2013-12-01

We utilize a Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Wide Angle Camera (WAC) 643 nm photometrically normalized (30°, 0°, 30°; i, e, g) reflectance map to investigate the occurrence and origin of high reflectance materials on the Moon. Compositional differences (mainly iron and titanium content) and maturity state (e.g. Copernican crater rays and swirls) are the predominant factors affecting reflectance variations observed on the Moon. Therefore, comparing reflectance values of different regions yields insight into the composition and relative exposure age of lunar materials. But an accurate comparison requires precise reflectance values normalized across every region being investigated. The WAC [1] obtains monthly near-global ground coverage, each month's observations acquired with different lighting conditions. Boyd et al. [2] utilized a geologically homogeneous subset [0°N to 90°N, 146°E to 148°E] of the WAC observations to determine an equation that describes how viewing and lighting angles affect reflectance values. A normalized global reflectance map was generated by applying the local empirical solution globally, with photometric angles derived from the WAC Global Lunar Digital Terrain Model (DTM)(GLD100) [3]. The GLD100 enables accurate correction of reflectance differences caused by local topographic undulations at the scale of 300 meters. We compare reflectance values across the Moon within 80°S to 80°N latitude. The features with the highest reflectance are steep crater walls within Copernican aged craters, such as the walls of Giordano Bruno, which have normalized reflectance values up to 0.35. Near-impact ejecta of some craters have high reflectance values, such as Virtanen (0.22). There are also broad relatively flat features with high reflectance, such as the 900-km Thales-Compton region (0.24) and the 600-km extent of Anaxagoras (Copernican age) ejecta (0.20). Since the interior of Anaxagoras contains occurrences of pure anorthosite [4], the high reflectance of its ray system may be due to both composition and maturity. Some relatively small isolated features exhibit high reflectance, such as the Compton-Belkovich Volcanic Complex (0.24) and rilles in the floor of Compton crater (0.27). Features associated with pure anorthosite [4] are also found to have high reflectance values, such as occurrences in Mare Orientale (0.22). Since the photometric normalization accounted for topography up to the 300-m horizontal spatial scale, uncertainties remain for steep crater walls. We are currently reducing these uncertainties for selected craters with high resolution (15 meter baseline) stereo-based NAC DTMs. References: [1] Robinson et al. (2010), Space Sci. Rev. [2] Boyd et al. (2013) AGU, this conference. [3] Scholten et al. (2012) JGR. [4] Ohtake et al. (2009) Nature.

[Vitamin D status in Gabonese children].

PubMed

Nguema-Asseko, B; Ganga-Zandzou, P S; Ovono, F; Lendoye, E; Lemamy, G J; Akendengue, B; Milama, E Ngou

2005-11-01

To analyse the status of vitamin D and the influence of a supplement of vitamin D in neonates and infants during the first 6 months of life in the african equatorial environnement of Gabon. Clinical (weight, height, head circumference, and diseases) and biological (calcemia, phosphatemia, serum alkaline phosphatase activity and plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels) parameters were compared between 2 groups of children: group 1: 41 infants receving a daily supplement of 1000 IU of vitamin D, and group 2: 38 infants without vitamin D supplement. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups concerning clinical and biological parameters. In particular plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were normal and similar in both groups. A vitamin D supplement appears to be useless in 0 to 6 months infants living in Gabon.

Duration of the peak of adolescent growth spurt in class i and ii malocclusion subjects using a cervical vertebrae maturation analysis.

PubMed

Salazar-Lazo, Rodrigo; Arriola-Guillén, Luis E; Flores-Mir, Carlos

2014-01-01

The aim of the present work was to determine the duration of the adolescent peak growth spurt using cervical vertebral maturation analysis in class I and II malocclusion subjects. The study was conducted on a sample which consisted of 154 lateral cephalograms of children and adolescents aged 9-15 years (84 females and 70 males). The evaluation of skeletal maturation stage was performed using a visual morphological analysis of CS3 and CS4 cervical vertebrae. The sagittal skeletal relation was evaluated according to Steiner analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize chronological age in each malocclusion group and for each CS3 and CS4 skeletal maturation stage. Due to a lack of normal distribution, comparisons of CS3 and CS4 age intervals on class I and II subjects were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. The results show that the mean duration of the adolescent peak growth spurt was 10 months between CS3 and CS4 stages in class I malocclusion subjects, whereas in class II malocclusion patients the duration was 6 months. This difference of 4 months was statistically significant (p<0.001). Finally, a clinically significant difference of 4 months in the duration of the adolescent peak growth spurt for class I and II malocclusion subjects was identified.

A prospective randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of silicone gel sheeting (Cica-Care) on post-traumatic hypertrophic scar among the Chinese population.

PubMed

Li-Tsang, Cecilia W P; Lau, Joy C M; Choi, Jenny; Chan, Chetwyn C C; Jianan, Li

2006-09-01

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of silicone gel (Cica-Care) on severe post-traumatic hypertophic scars among the Chinese population. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on 45 Chinese patients with post-traumatic hypertrophic scars. Twenty-two subjects were placed in the experimental group with silicone gel sheeting (SGS) applied 24h per day for 6 months while all subjects were taught to massage the scar daily for 15 min serving as the control intervention. Scar assessments were conducted regularly to measure the changes in thickness, pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, itchiness and pain. Two-way repeated ANOVA showed a significant difference between MT group and SGS group on scar thickness. The post hoc comparison analysis showed that the difference was significant at the post-2-month (p=0.008) and post-6-month (p<0.001) intervention. The SGS group also showed changes in pigmentation which resembled normal skin but no statistical significance was found. Pain, itchiness and pliability were also improved after intervention. This study indicated that silicone gel sheeting (Cica-Care) was effective to reduce thickness, pain, itchiness and pliability of the severe hypertrophic scar among the Chinese population. The moisturization effect of the tough and hard scar might contribute to the reduction of the skin thickness after 6 month's intervention.

Assessment of the APCC Coupled MME Suite in Predicting the Distinctive Climate Impacts of Two Flavors of ENSO during Boreal Winter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeong, Hye-In; Lee, Doo Young; Karumuri, Ashok; Ahn, Joong-Bae; Lee, June-Yi; Luo, Jing-Jia; Schemm, Jae-Kyung E.; Hendon, Harry H.; Braganza, Karl; Ham, Yoo-Geun

2012-01-01

Forecast skill of the APEC Climate Center (APCC) Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) seasonal forecast system in predicting two main types of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), namely canonical (or cold tongue) and Modoki ENSO, and their regional climate impacts is assessed for boreal winter. The APCC MME is constructed by simple composite of ensemble forecasts from five independent coupled ocean-atmosphere climate models. Based on a hindcast set targeting boreal winter prediction for the period 19822004, we show that the MME can predict and discern the important differences in the patterns of tropical Pacific sea surface temperature anomaly between the canonical and Modoki ENSO one and four month ahead. Importantly, the four month lead MME beats the persistent forecast. The MME reasonably predicts the distinct impacts of the canonical ENSO, including the strong winter monsoon rainfall over East Asia, the below normal rainfall and above normal temperature over Australia, the anomalously wet conditions across the south and cold conditions over the whole area of USA, and the anomalously dry conditions over South America. However, there are some limitations in capturing its regional impacts, especially, over Australasia and tropical South America at a lead time of one and four months. Nonetheless, forecast skills for rainfall and temperature over East Asia and North America during ENSO Modoki are comparable to or slightly higher than those during canonical ENSO events.

Risk factors for recurrent cystitis following acute cystitis in female patients.

PubMed

Yoon, Byung Il; Kim, Sun Wook; Ha, U-Syn; Sohn, Dong Wan; Cho, Yong-Hyun

2013-08-01

We conducted a retrospective analysis of acute cystitis (AC) patients to evaluate the risk factors of recurrent cystitis (RC) patients following AC. The clinical records of 254 subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of AC and 90 healthy subjects who visited the Health Promotion Center between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed. A patient was diagnosed with RC if she was treated for three or more symptomatic episodes of cystitis over a 12-month period. Results were analyzed according to three groups: normal control (group A, n = 90), AC (group B, n = 121), and RC (group C, n = 133). Women in the cystitis groups (groups B and C) were more likely to have diabetes, be menopausal, have a history of catheterization or sexually transmitted infections (STI), have a low daily water intake, have frequent sexual intercourse, and to use contraception more frequently than the normal control group (P < 0.05). In groups B and C, Escherichia coli was the most common uropathogen, followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus species, and Klebsiella species. There were no differences between groups in the detection rates of these uropathogens. Factors that affected progression to RC were diabetes, catheterization history, STI history, sexual intercourse more than four times per month, sexual intercourse in the last month, and the use of contraceptives (P < 0.05). The identification of these factors may help develop preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies for treating RC that has progressed from AC.

Changes in Occupational Radiation Exposures after Incorporation of a Real-time Dosimetry System in the Interventional Radiology Suite.

PubMed

Poudel, Sashi; Weir, Lori; Dowling, Dawn; Medich, David C

2016-08-01

A statistical pilot study was retrospectively performed to analyze potential changes in occupational radiation exposures to Interventional Radiology (IR) staff at Lawrence General Hospital after implementation of the i2 Active Radiation Dosimetry System (Unfors RaySafe Inc, 6045 Cochran Road Cleveland, OH 44139-3302). In this study, the monthly OSL dosimetry records obtained during the eight-month period prior to i2 implementation were normalized to the number of procedures performed during each month and statistically compared to the normalized dosimetry records obtained for the 8-mo period after i2 implementation. The resulting statistics included calculation of the mean and standard deviation of the dose equivalences per procedure and included appropriate hypothesis tests to assess for statistically valid differences between the pre and post i2 study periods. Hypothesis testing was performed on three groups of staff present during an IR procedure: The first group included all members of the IR staff, the second group consisted of the IR radiologists, and the third group consisted of the IR technician staff. After implementing the i2 active dosimetry system, participating members of the Lawrence General IR staff had a reduction in the average dose equivalence per procedure of 43.1% ± 16.7% (p = 0.04). Similarly, Lawrence General IR radiologists had a 65.8% ± 33.6% (p=0.01) reduction while the technologists had a 45.0% ± 14.4% (p=0.03) reduction.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic determination of a neuronal and axonal marker in white matter predicts reversibility of deficits in secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus

PubMed Central

Shiino, A; Nishida, Y; Yasuda, H; Suzuki, M; Matsuda, M; Inubushi, T

2004-01-01

Background: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is considered to be a treatable form of dementia, because cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting can lessen symptoms. However, neuroimaging has failed to predict when shunting will be effective. Objective: To investigate whether 1H (proton) magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy could predict functional outcome in patients after shunting. Methods: Neurological state including Hasegawa's dementia scale, gait, continence, and the modified Rankin scale were evaluated in 21 patients with secondary NPH who underwent ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. Outcomes were measured postoperatively at one and 12 months and were classified as excellent, fair, or poor. MR spectra were obtained from left hemispheric white matter. Results: Significant preoperative differences in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) and NAA/choline (Cho) were noted between patients with excellent and poor outcome at one month (p = 0.0014 and 0.0036, respectively). Multiple regression analysis linked higher preoperative NAA/Cr ratio, gait score, and modified Rankin scale to better one month outcome. Predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity for excellent outcome following shunting were 95.2%, 100%, and 87.5%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that NAA/Cho had the best predictive value for one year outcome (p = 0.0032); predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were 89.5%, 90.0%, and 88.9%. Conclusions: MR spectroscopy predicted long term post-shunting outcomes in patients with secondary NPH, and it would be a useful assessment tool before lumbar drainage. PMID:15258216

[Differential expression genes of bone tissues surrounding implants in diabetic rats by gene chip].

PubMed

Wang, Xin-xin; Ma, Yue; Li, Qing; Jiang, Bao-qi; Lan, Jing

2012-10-01

To compare mRNA expression profiles of bone tissues surrounding implants between normal rats and rats with diabetes using microarray technology. Six Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into normal model group and diabetic group. Diabetic model condition was established by injecting Streptozotocin into peritoneal space. Titanium implants were implanted into the epiphyseal end of the rats' tibia. Bone tissues surrounding implant were harvested and sampled after 3 months to perform comprehensive RNA gene expression profiling, including 17983 for genome-wide association study.GO analysis was used to compare different gene expression and real-time PCR was used to confirm the results on core samples. The results indicated that there were 1084 differential gene expression. In the diabetic model, there were 352 enhanced expression genes, 732 suppressed expression genes. GO analysis involved 1154 different functional type. Osteoblast related gene expressions in bone tissue samples of diabetic rats were decreased, and lipid metabolism pathway related gene expression was increased.

[The ultrastructure and activities of free radical scavenger in discolored gingiva adjacent to porcelain fused to metal crowns].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhong-ti; Yan, Lu; Zhong, Ming; Yang, Xiao-dong; Ai, Hong-jun

2007-04-01

This study was designed to study the discolored gingiva adjacent to porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns in terms of ultrastructure , SOD and GSH activities in 40 cases. The discolored gingival ultrastructures were observed and metal X-ray energy level was analyzed;The activities of SOD and GSH were measured and compared with normal control by student's t test and one-way ANOVA with SPSS10.0 software package. The discolored gingival ultrastructure had changes compared with the normal gingiva. Nickel and chromium were not found in the particles through X-ray energy machine within the discolored gingiva adjacent to PFM crown. The activities of SOD and GSH in discolored gingiva were significantly different from control(P<0.05) and the values at 6 to 18 months were significantly different from those at other times. The ultrastructure underwent changes in discolored gingiva after PFM restoration; the activity of SOD and GSH in discolored gingiva changed to result in apoptosis, and discoloration.

High-frequency ultrasound as an adjunct to neural electrophysiology: Evaluation and prognosis of Bell's palsy.

PubMed

Li, Shuo; Guo, Rui-Jun; Liang, Xiao-Ning; Wu, Yue; Cao, Wen; Zhang, Zhen-Ping; Zhao, Wei; Liang, Hai-Dong

2016-01-01

Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial nerve paralysis that occurs primarily in young adults. Previously, various methods were used to assess outcomes in facial nerve disease. The aim of the present study was to characterize the main branches of the normal and abnormal facial nerve using high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS). A total of 104 healthy volunteers, 40 patients with acute onset of Bell's palsy and 30 patients who underwent 3-month routine therapy for Bell's palsy disease were included in the study. The healthy volunteers and patients were selected for HFUS examination and VII nerve conduction. The results showed significant differences in nerve diameter, echogenicity, delitescence and amplitude in different groups. Statistically significant correlations were identified for severity grading in one of the experimental groups during HFUS examinations. In conclusion, HFUS as a complementary technique paired with neural electrophysiology may establish the normal values of facial nerve. Additionally, HFUS was beneficial in the process of evaluation and prognosis of Bell's palsy disease.

Normal Language Skills and Normal Intelligence in a Child with de Lange Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cameron, Thomas H.; Kelly, Desmond P.

1988-01-01

The subject of this case report is a two-year, seven-month-old girl with de Lange syndrome, normal intelligence, and age-appropriate language skills. She demonstrated initial delays in gross motor skills and in receptive and expressive language but responded well to intensive speech and language intervention, as well as to physical therapy.…

Summary and statistical analysis of precipitation and groundwater data for Brunswick County, North Carolina, Water Year 2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

McSwain, Kristen Bukowski; Strickland, A.G.

2010-01-01

Groundwater conditions in Brunswick County, North Carolina, have been monitored continuously since 2000 through the operation and maintenance of groundwater-level observation wells in the surficial, Castle Hayne, and Peedee aquifers of the North Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system. Groundwater-resource conditions for the Brunswick County area were evaluated by relating the normal range (25th to 75th percentile) monthly mean groundwater-level and precipitation data for water years 2001 to 2008 to median monthly mean groundwater levels and monthly sum of daily precipitation for water year 2008. Summaries of precipitation and groundwater conditions for the Brunswick County area and hydrographs and statistics of continuous groundwater levels collected during the 2008 water year are presented in this report. Groundwater levels varied by aquifer and geographic location within Brunswick County, but were influenced by drought conditions and groundwater withdrawals. Water levels were normal in two of the eight observation wells and below normal in the remaining six wells. Seasonal Kendall trend analysis performed on more than 9 years of monthly mean groundwater-level data collected in an observation well located within the Brunswick County well field indicated there is a strong downward trend, with water levels declining at a rate of about 2.2 feet per year.

Spontaneous movements in the supine position of healthy term infants and preterm infants with or without periventricular leukomalacia.

PubMed

Kouwaki, Masanori; Yokochi, Mitsuko; Togawa, Yasuko; Kamiya, Takeshi; Yokochi, Kenji

2013-04-01

The individual motor elements presumed to be essential for motor development were determined from spontaneous movements involving the entire body of normal term and preterm infants. Then, diagnostic items for motor abnormality in infants with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) were investigated. Video recordings of 24 healthy term infants, 21 normal preterm infants (8 males, 13 females; median gestational age 30 weeks; median birth weight 1216g) and 14 preterm infants with PVL (6 males, 8 females; median gestational age 30 weeks; median birth weight 1360g) were analyzed. In healthy term infants, predominant shoulder rotation was noticed until 1 month of age. After 2 months of age, isolated movements of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle frequently emerged. In preterm infants with PVL at the corrected age of 2 months, startle response and predominant shoulder rotation were more frequently seen and isolated neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle movements were less frequently seen than in the normal preterm infants (Fisher's exact test, p<0.025). At 2 months of age, isolated movements evolve, and their failure to occur is suggested to be a useful sign for the diagnosis of cerebral motor disorders. Copyright © 2012 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The association of BMI status with adolescent preventive screening.

PubMed

Jasik, Carolyn Bradner; Adams, Sally H; Irwin, Charles E; Ozer, Elizabeth

2011-08-01

To examine the relationship between BMI status (normal, overweight, and obese) and preventive screening among adolescents at their last checkup. We used population-based data from the 2003-2007 California Health Interview Surveys, telephone interviews of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with a checkup in the past 12 months (n = 9220). Respondents were asked whether they received screening for nutrition, physical activity, and emotional distress. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight: (1) normal weight or underweight (<85th percentile); (2) overweight (85th-94th percentile); and (3) obese (>95th percentile). Multivariate logistic regression models tested how screening by topic differed according to BMI status, adjusting for age, gender, income, race/ethnicity, and survey year. Screening percentages in the pooled sample (all 3 years) were higher for obese, but not overweight, adolescents for physical activity (odds ratio: 1.4; P < .01) and nutrition (odds ratio: 1.6; screening did not differ P < .01). Stratified analysis by year revealed higher screening for obese (versus normal-weight) adolescents for nutrition and physical activity in 2003 and for all 3 topics in 2005. However, by 2007, screening did not differ according to BMI status. Overall screening between 2003 and 2007 declined for nutrition (75%-59%; P < .01), physical activity (74%-60%; P < .01), and emotional distress (31%-24%; P < .01). Obese adolescents receive more preventive screening versus their normal-weight peers. Overweight adolescents do not report more screening, but standards of care dictate increased attention for this group. These results are discouraging amid a rise in pediatric obesity and new guidelines that recommend screening by BMI status.

Effect of testosterone supplementation on sexual functioning in aging men: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Emmelot-Vonk, M H; Verhaar, H J J; Nakhai-Pour, H R; Grobbee, D E; van der Schouw, Y T

2009-01-01

Serum testosterone levels decline significantly with aging and this has been associated with reduced sexual function. We have conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effect of testosterone supplementation on sexual function in 237 elderly men with a testosterone level <13.7 nmol l(-1). Participants were randomly assigned to receive oral testosterone undecanoate or a placebo for 6 months. A total of 207 men completed the study. After treatment, there were no differences in scores on sexual function between the groups. Subanalysis showed that although a baseline testosterone level in the lowest tertile was associated with significantly lower scores for sexual fantasies, desire of sexual contact and frequency of sexual contact, supplementation of testosterone did not result in improvement on any of these items in this group. In conclusion, the findings do not support the view that testosterone undecanoate supplementation for 6 months to elderly men with low-normal testosterone concentrations favorably affects sexual function.

A randomized controlled trial of positioning treatments in infants with positional head shape deformities.

PubMed

Hutchison, B Lynne; Stewart, Alistair W; De Chalain, Tristan B; Mitchell, Edwin A

2010-10-01

Randomized controlled trials of treatment for deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have been lacking in the literature. Infants (n = 126) presenting to a plagiocephaly clinic were randomized to either positioning strategies or to positioning plus the use of a Safe T Sleep™ positioning wrap. Head shape was measured using a digital photographic technique, and neck function was assessed. They were followed up at home 3, 6 and 12 months later. There was no difference in head shape outcomes for the two treatment groups after 12 months of follow-up, with 42% of infants having head shapes in the normal range by that time. Eighty per cent of children showed good improvement. Those that had poor improvement were more likely to have both plagiocephaly and brachycephaly and to have presented later to clinic. Most infants improved over the 12-month study period, although the use of a sleep positioning wrap did not increase the rate of improvement. © 2010 The Author(s)/Journal Compilation © 2010 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.

A 12-month phase 3 study of pasireotide in Cushing's disease.

PubMed

Colao, Annamaria; Petersenn, Stephan; Newell-Price, John; Findling, James W; Gu, Feng; Maldonado, Mario; Schoenherr, Ulrike; Mills, David; Salgado, Luiz Roberto; Biller, Beverly M K

2012-03-08

Cushing's disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pasireotide, a potential therapy, has a unique, broad somatostatin-receptor-binding profile, with high binding affinity for somatostatin-receptor subtype 5. In this double-blind, phase 3 study, we randomly assigned 162 adults with Cushing's disease and a urinary free cortisol level of at least 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range to receive subcutaneous pasireotide at a dose of 600 μg (82 patients) or 900 μg (80 patients) twice daily. Patients with urinary free cortisol not exceeding 2 times the upper limit of the normal range and not exceeding the baseline level at month 3 continued to receive their randomly assigned dose; all others received an additional 300 μg twice daily. The primary end point was a urinary free cortisol level at or below the upper limit of the normal range at month 6 without an increased dose. Open-label treatment continued through month 12. Twelve of the 82 patients in the 600-μg group and 21 of the 80 patients in the 900-μg group met the primary end point. The median urinary free cortisol level decreased by approximately 50% by month 2 and remained stable in both groups. A normal urinary free cortisol level was achieved more frequently in patients with baseline levels not exceeding 5 times the upper limit of the normal range than in patients with higher baseline levels. Serum and salivary cortisol and plasma corticotropin levels decreased, and clinical signs and symptoms of Cushing's disease diminished. Pasireotide was associated with hyperglycemia-related adverse events in 118 of 162 patients; other adverse events were similar to those associated with other somatostatin analogues. Despite declines in cortisol levels, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels increased soon after treatment initiation and then stabilized; treatment with a glucose-lowering medication was initiated in 74 of 162 patients. The significant decrease in cortisol levels in patients with Cushing's disease who received pasireotide supports its potential use as a targeted treatment for corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas. (Funded by Novartis Pharma; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00434148.).

[Total flavones derived from Lagotis brevituba maxim reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease mice].

PubMed

Yang, Bailing; Hou, Qian; Hu, Feng; Zhang, Fan

2016-07-01

Objective To investigate the mechanism behind the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with total flavones derived from Lagotis brevituba maxim (TF-LBM). Methods Fifty SAMP8 mice (aged 8 months) were randomly divided into 5 groups, (150, 300, 600) mg/kg TF-LBM groups, 0.65 g/kg donepezil HCl group and AD model group; 10 SAMR1 mice (aged 8 months) were used as a control group of normal aging. The AD model group and the normal aging control group were given the same volume of distilled water as TF-LBM groups. Eight weeks after intragastric administration, Morris water maze experiment was conducted to calculate the latency of place navigation. After the behavioral experiment, the brain cortical tissue and hippocampus (CA1 region) of the mice from various groups were taken to observe the morphological changes of the cortical tissue and hippocampus and test IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α content. Results Compared with the model group, the escape latency of the normal aging group, the high-dose TF-LBM group and the donepezil HCl group were evidently shortened; compared with the normal aging group, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-αof the model group increased significantly; compared with the model group, IL-1β content of the low-dose TF-LBM group had no obvious difference, while IL-1β content of the median-dose and high-dose TF-LBM groups and the donepezil HCl group decreased significantly; IL-6 content decreased in all TF-LBM groups and the donepezil HCl group; TNF-α level in the low-dose and median-dose TF-LBM groups had no evident difference, while it was reduced significantly in the high-dose TF-LBM group and the donepezil HCl group. Compared with the normal aging group, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α content of the model group increased significantly; compared with the model group, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α content of all TF-LBM groups and the donepezil HCl group decreased. Conclusion TF-LBM can improve the behavior change of SAMP8 mice with AD. TF-LBM can reduce the content of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in cerebral cortex and hippocampus CA1.

Ankle replacement - discharge

MedlinePlus

... housework for up to 6 weeks. You will need to keep weight off of the foot for 10 to 12 weeks. Recovery can take 3 to 6 months. It may take up to 6 months before you return to normal activity levels. Activity Your health care ...

Effects of two diets on the haematology, plasma chemistry and intestinal flora of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).

PubMed

Fischer, I; Christen, C; Lutz, H; Gerlach, H; Hässig, M; Hatt, J-M

2006-10-07

Two groups of 22 budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were housed for 12 months under identical conditions. One group was fed a commercial seed mixture plus carrots and a mineral supplement, and the other group was fed a commercially formulated diet plus carrots. Samples of blood and faeces were collected initially and after three, six, nine and 12 months. There were no significant differences between the haematological values of the two groups. The group fed the seed mixture had significantly higher concentrations of glucose, albumin, triglycerides and uric acid, and higher activity of aspartate aminotransferase, but the values were within the published reference ranges for normal birds. There were no significant differences between the faecal samples from the two groups, except that the fungus Macrorhabdus ornithogaster was identified in 48.3 per cent of the samples from the group fed the commercially formulated diet but from only 3.4 per cent of the samples from the group fed the seed mixture.

Overweight and obese infants present lower cognitive and motor development scores than normal-weight peers.

PubMed

Camargos, Ana Cristina Resende; Mendonça, Vanessa Amaral; Andrade, Camila Alves de; Oliveira, Katherine Simone Caires; Lacerda, Ana Cristina Rodrigues

2016-12-01

Compare the cognitive and motor development in overweight/obese infants versus normal-weight peers and investigate the correlation of body weight, body length and body mass index with cognitive and motor development. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 28 overweight/obese infants and 28 normal-weight peers between 6 and 24 months of age. Both groups were evaluated with cognitive and motor scales of the Bayley-III infant development test. The t-test for independent samples was performed to compare the groups, and the Spearman correlation was used to verify the association between variables. Overweight/obese infants showed lower cognitive and motor composite scores than their normal-weight peers. A significant negative association was found of body weight and body length with cognitive development and of body mass index with motor development. This is the first study that found an effect on both cognitive and motor development in overweight/obese infants when compared with normal-weight peers between 6 and 24 months of age. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variations of pituitary function over time after brain injuries: the lesson from a prospective study.

PubMed

Giordano, Giulio; Aimaretti, Gianluca; Ghigo, Ezio

2005-01-01

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH) are conditions at high risk to develop hypopituitarism as pointed out by many papers in scientific literature. But most of the papers were referred to retrospective evaluations, not considering the possible evolution of the pituitary function over time. Aim of our studies was to clarify whether pituitary deficiencies and normal pituitary function recorded at short term follow-up (3 months), would improve or worsen, respectively, at long term (12 months after the brain injury). In a multicenter study protocol, in patients who suffered TBI (n = 70; 50 Males, 20 Females; age 39.31 +/- 2.4 years; BMI 23.8 +/- 0.4 kg/m(2)) or SAH (n = 32; 12M, 20F; age: 51.9 +/- 2.2 year; BMI: 24.7 +/- 0.6 kg/m(2)) we tested 3 and 12 months after the pathological events the pituitary function. In TBI patients, the 3 month evaluation had shown some degree of hypopituitarism in 32.8% and the 12 months retesting demonstrated some degree of hypopituitarism in 22.7%. Total hypopituitarism was always confirmed at 12 months while Multiple and Isolated deficits recorded at 3 months was confirmed in nearly 25% only of the patients. On the other hand, in 5.5% of TBI with normal pituitary function at 3 months Isolated deficits were recorded at 12 months testing. Moreover, in 13.3% of TBI with Isolated deficit at 3 months Multiple hypopituitarism was demonstrated at 12 months retesting. In SAH patients, the 3 months evaluation had shown some degree of hypopituitarism in 46.8% and the 12 month retesting demonstrated some degree of hypopituitarism in 37.5%. No multiple hypopituitarism recorded at 3 months was confirmed at 12 months, but 2 patients with isolated deficits at 3 months showed multiple hypopituitarism at 12 month retesting. At 12 as well as at 3 months, both in TBI and SAH patients, the most common deficit was severe GHD (>20%) followed by secondary hypogonadism and then hypoadrenalism and hypothyroidism. In all, in patients who experienced TBI or SAH the risk to develop hypopituitarism is very high; early diagnosis of total hypopituitarism is always confirmed at the long term follow-up; however pituitary function in brain injured patients may improve over time, because, isolated and even multiple pituitary insufficiencies recorded at short term can be transient; on the other hand normal pituitary function recorder at short term may, become impaired 12 months after the injury. Thus, brain injured patients must undergo neuroendocrine follow-up over time in order to monitoring pituitary function and eventually providing appropriate placement.

Acoustic and perceptual aspects of vocal function in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy--effects of surgery.

PubMed

Lundeborg, Inger; Hultcrantz, Elisabeth; Ericsson, Elisabeth; McAllister, Anita

2012-07-01

To evaluate outcome of two types of tonsil surgery (tonsillectomy [TE]+adenoidectomy or tonsillotomy [TT]+adenoidectomy) on vocal function perceptually and acoustically. Sixty-seven children, aged 50-65 months, on waiting list for tonsil surgery were randomized to TE (n=33) or TT (n=34). Fifty-seven age- and gender-matched healthy preschool children were controls. Twenty-eight of them, aged 48-59 months, served as control group before surgery, and 29, aged 60-71 months, served as control group after surgery. Before surgery and 6 months postoperatively, the children were recorded producing three sustained vowels (/ɑ/, /u/, and /i/) and 14 words. The control groups were recorded only once. Three trained speech and language pathologists performed the perceptual analysis using visual analog scale for eight voice quality parameters. Acoustic analysis from sustained vowels included average fundamental frequency, jitter percent, shimmer percent, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and the center frequencies of formants 1-3. Before surgery, the children were rated to have more hyponasality and compressed/throaty voice (P<0.05) and lower mean pitch (P<0.01) in comparison to the control group. They also had higher perturbation measures and lower frequencies of the second and third formants. After surgery, there were no differences perceptually. Perturbation measures decreased but were still higher compared with those of control group (P<0.05). Differences in formant frequencies for /i/ and /u/ remained. No differences were found between the two surgical methods. Voice quality is affected perceptually and acoustically by adenotonsillar hypertrophy. After surgery, the voice is perceptually normalized but acoustic differences remain. Outcome was equal for both surgical methods. Copyright © 2012 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Video versus Conventional Visual Reinforcement in 7- to 16-Month-Old Infants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowery, Kristy J.; von Hapsburg, Deborah; Plyler, Erin L.; Johnstone, Patti

2009-01-01

Purpose: To compare response patterns to video visual reinforcement audiometry (VVRA) and conventional visual reinforcement audiometry (CVRA) in infants 7-16 months of age. Method: Fourteen normal-hearing infants aged 7-16 months (8 male, 6 female) participated. A repeated measures design was used. Each infant was tested with VVRA and CVRA over 2…

Auditory cortex activation to natural speech and simulated cochlear implant speech measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Pollonini, Luca; Olds, Cristen; Abaya, Homer; Bortfeld, Heather; Beauchamp, Michael S; Oghalai, John S

2014-03-01

The primary goal of most cochlear implant procedures is to improve a patient's ability to discriminate speech. To accomplish this, cochlear implants are programmed so as to maximize speech understanding. However, programming a cochlear implant can be an iterative, labor-intensive process that takes place over months. In this study, we sought to determine whether functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a non-invasive neuroimaging method which is safe to use repeatedly and for extended periods of time, can provide an objective measure of whether a subject is hearing normal speech or distorted speech. We used a 140 channel fNIRS system to measure activation within the auditory cortex in 19 normal hearing subjects while they listed to speech with different levels of intelligibility. Custom software was developed to analyze the data and compute topographic maps from the measured changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentration. Normal speech reliably evoked the strongest responses within the auditory cortex. Distorted speech produced less region-specific cortical activation. Environmental sounds were used as a control, and they produced the least cortical activation. These data collected using fNIRS are consistent with the fMRI literature and thus demonstrate the feasibility of using this technique to objectively detect differences in cortical responses to speech of different intelligibility. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seizure outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with normal preoperative MRI.

PubMed

Chapman, K; Wyllie, E; Najm, I; Ruggieri, P; Bingaman, W; Lüders, J; Kotagal, P; Lachhwani, D; Dinner, D; Lüders, H O

2005-05-01

To determine outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with normal preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 24 adult and paediatric patients with normal preoperative MRIs were studied. They underwent epilepsy surgery between 1994 and 2001 and had at least one year of follow up. At the most recent follow up, nine patients (37%) were seizure-free and 18 (75%) had at least a 90% reduction in seizure frequency with weekly or monthly seizures. Seizure freedom was not significantly different after resections in frontal (5/9) or temporal regions (4/13) (p = 0.24, Fisher's exact test), or among patients with or without localising features on EEG, PET, or ictal SPECT. Subdural grids, used in 15 of 24 patients, helped tailor resections but were not associated with differences in outcome. Histopathology showed cortical dysplasia in 10 patients (42%), non-specific findings in 13 (54%), and hippocampal sclerosis in one (4%). Cortical dysplasia was seen in seven patients with frontal resection (78%) and non-specific findings in nine (69%) with temporal resection. Seizure outcome did not differ on the basis of location of resection or histopathology. While these results were less favourable than expected for patients with focal epileptogenic lesions seen on MRI, they represented worthwhile improvement for this patient population with high preoperative seizure burden. In this highly selected group, no single test or combination of tests further predicted postoperative seizure outcome.

Seizure outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with normal preoperative MRI

PubMed Central

Chapman, K; Wyllie, E; Najm, I; Ruggieri, P; Bingaman, W; Luders, J; Kotagal, P; Lachhwani, D; Dinner, D; Luders, H

2005-01-01

Objective: To determine outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with normal preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: 24 adult and paediatric patients with normal preoperative MRIs were studied. They underwent epilepsy surgery between 1994 and 2001 and had at least one year of follow up. Results: At the most recent follow up, nine patients (37%) were seizure-free and 18 (75%) had at least a 90% reduction in seizure frequency with weekly or monthly seizures. Seizure freedom was not significantly different after resections in frontal (5/9) or temporal regions (4/13) (p = 0.24, Fisher's exact test), or among patients with or without localising features on EEG, PET, or ictal SPECT. Subdural grids, used in 15 of 24 patients, helped tailor resections but were not associated with differences in outcome. Histopathology showed cortical dysplasia in 10 patients (42%), non-specific findings in 13 (54%), and hippocampal sclerosis in one (4%). Cortical dysplasia was seen in seven patients with frontal resection (78%) and non-specific findings in nine (69%) with temporal resection. Seizure outcome did not differ on the basis of location of resection or histopathology. Conclusions: While these results were less favourable than expected for patients with focal epileptogenic lesions seen on MRI, they represented worthwhile improvement for this patient population with high preoperative seizure burden. In this highly selected group, no single test or combination of tests further predicted postoperative seizure outcome. PMID:15834032

Rectal bleeding in a 4-month-old boy

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

Dutro, J.A.; Santanello, S.A.; Unger, F.

1986-10-24

A case of bleeding Meckel's diverticulum is described in an infant. A 4-month-old boy was seen initially with a 24-hour history of painless hematochezia. His parents had noted two episodes of maroon-colored stool that did not appear to be associated with any abdominal distress. His medical history was unremarkable, with normal growth and development. Physical examination revealed a well-nourished, well-hydrated infant in no apparent distress. Vital signs were normal. Rectal examination revealed no masses, but bright-red blood was noted on the examining finger. Findings from the remainder of the examination were normal. An upright roentgenogram of the abdomen was obtainedmore » and demonstrated no abnormalities. The abdominal technetium scan was abnormal. An exploratory laparotomy was performed later on the day of admission.« less

The value and economic analysis of routine postoperative carotid duplex ultrasound surveillance after carotid endarterectomy.

PubMed

AbuRahma, Ali F; Srivastava, Mohit; AbuRahma, Zachary; Jackson, Will; Mousa, Albeir; Stone, Patrick A; Dean, L Scott; Green, Jason

2015-08-01

Several studies have reported on the role of postoperative duplex ultrasound surveillance after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with varying results. Most of these studies had a small sample size or did not analyze cost-effectiveness. We analyzed 489 of 501 CEA patients with patch closure. All patients had immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound examination and were routinely followed up both clinically and with duplex ultrasound at regular intervals of 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and every 12 months thereafter. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the rate of ≥50% and ≥80% post-CEA restenosis over time and the time frame of progression from normal to ≥50% or ≥80% restenosis. The cost of post-CEA duplex surveillance was also estimated. Overall, 489 patients with a mean age of 68.5 years were analyzed. Ten of these had residual postoperative ≥50% stenosis, and 37 did not undergo a second duplex ultrasound examination and therefore were not included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up was 20.4 months (range, 1-63 months), with a mean number of duplex ultrasound examinations of 3.6 (range, 1-7). Eleven of 397 patients (2.8%) with a normal finding on immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound vs 4 of 45 (8.9%) with mild stenosis on immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound progressed to ≥50% restenosis (P = .055). Overall, 15 patients (3.1%) had ≥50% restenosis, 9 with 50% to <80% and 4 with 80% to 99% (2 of these had carotid artery stenting reintervention), and 2 had late carotid occlusion. All of these were asymptomatic, except for one who had a transient ischemic attack. The mean time to ≥50% to <80% restenosis was 14.7 months vs 19.8 months for ≥80% restenosis after the CEA. Freedom from restenosis rates were 98%, 96%, 94%, 94%, and 94% for ≥50% restenosis and 99%, 98%, 97%, 97%, and 97% for ≥80% restenosis at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years, respectively. Freedom from myocardial infarction, stroke, and deaths was not significantly different between patients with and without restenosis (100%, 93%, 83%, and 83% vs 94%, 91%, 86%, and 79% at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years, respectively; P = .951). The estimated charge of this surveillance was 3.6 × 489 (number of CEAs) × $800 (charge for carotid duplex ultrasound), which equals $1,408,320, to detect only four patients with ≥80% to 99% restenosis who may have been potential candidates for reintervention. This study shows that the value of routine postoperative duplex ultrasound surveillance after CEA with patch closure may be limited, particularly if the finding on immediate postoperative duplex ultrasound is normal or shows minimal disease. Copyright © 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Exposition to drugs of abuse in pregnancy and breastfed babies growth in CONIN Valparaíso, Chile].

PubMed

Piñuñuri, Raúl; Mardones, Constanza; Valenzuela, Carina; Estay, Pamela; Llanos, Miguel

2015-05-01

Consequences related to drugs exposure during fetal life have been extensively studied. The present work explores the Chilean situation about this matter, characterizing growth of infants previously exposed to drugs during fetal life. Compare anthropometric measurements between neonates exposed to drugs due to maternal consumption during pregnancy and an unexposed control group from 0 -6 months of life. Anthropometric data from 74 control infants from a Health Center in Valparaiso, Chile, and 61 infants exposed to drugs during gestation from the Corporation for Infant Nutrition (CONIN, Valparaíso, Chile) were obtained. Data obtained from both groups were subjected to a T-Student statistical analysis by group. According to gestational age there were more pre-term infants in CONIN-exposed group, reaching more than 25 % prevalence. On the contrary, prevalence in unexposed control infants was less than 11 %. In addition, CONIN group showed a higher number of small for gestational age infants of both sex (37% CONIN vs 6% Control), evaluated according to the Chilean intrauterine growth curves. Length and weight showed statistical significant differences between both groups from birth to 6 months of life. Female infants showed significant differences in cephalic circumference until one month of life, while in male infants this difference is maintained until 6 month of life. Z score for indicators such as weight/ length, weight/age and length/age during first 6 months of life, leads to conclude that CONIN group is at risk of undernutrition while control group should be considered as normal. Maternal drugs consumption during pregnancy results in marked deficient anthropometric characteristics of newborn and until 6 month of life. This fact may have metabolic long term consequences associated to development of chronic non-communicable diseases during adulthood. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Normal probabilities for Vandenberg AFB wind components - monthly reference periods for all flight azimuths, 0- to 70-km altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falls, L. W.

1975-01-01

Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB), California, wind component statistics are presented to be used for aerospace engineering applications that require component wind probabilities for various flight azimuths and selected altitudes. The normal (Gaussian) distribution is presented as a statistical model to represent component winds at Vandenberg AFB. Head tail, and crosswind components are tabulated for all flight azimuths for altitudes from 0 to 70 km by monthly reference periods. Wind components are given for 11 selected percentiles ranging from 0.135 percent to 99.865 percent for each month. The results of statistical goodness-of-fit tests are presented to verify the use of the Gaussian distribution as an adequate model to represent component winds at Vandenberg AFB.

Normal probabilities for Cape Kennedy wind components: Monthly reference periods for all flight azimuths. Altitudes 0 to 70 kilometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falls, L. W.

1973-01-01

This document replaces Cape Kennedy empirical wind component statistics which are presently being used for aerospace engineering applications that require component wind probabilities for various flight azimuths and selected altitudes. The normal (Gaussian) distribution is presented as an adequate statistical model to represent component winds at Cape Kennedy. Head-, tail-, and crosswind components are tabulated for all flight azimuths for altitudes from 0 to 70 km by monthly reference periods. Wind components are given for 11 selected percentiles ranging from 0.135 percent to 99,865 percent for each month. Results of statistical goodness-of-fit tests are presented to verify the use of the Gaussian distribution as an adequate model to represent component winds at Cape Kennedy, Florida.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Nervous System Aging

PubMed Central

Sims-Robinson, Catrina; Hur, Junguk; Hayes, John M.; Dauch, Jacqueline R.; Keller, Peter J.; Brooks, Susan V.; Feldman, Eva L.

2013-01-01

While oxidative stress is implicated in aging, the impact of oxidative stress on aging in the peripheral nervous system is not well understood. To determine a potential mechanism for age-related deficits in the peripheral nervous system, we examined both functional and morphological changes and utilized microarray technology to compare normal aging in wild-type mice to effects in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase-deficient (Sod1−/−) mice, a mouse model of increased oxidative stress. Sod1−/− mice exhibit a peripheral neuropathy phenotype with normal sensory nerve function and deficits in motor nerve function. Our data indicate that a decrease in the synthesis of cholesterol, which is vital to myelin formation, correlates with the structural deficits in axons, myelin, and the cell body of motor neurons in the Sod1+/+ mice at 30 months and the Sod1−/− mice at 20 months compared with mice at 2 months. Collectively, we have demonstrated that the functional and morphological changes within the peripheral nervous system in our model of increased oxidative stress are manifested earlier and resemble the deficits observed during normal aging. PMID:23844146

The role of oxidative stress in nervous system aging.

PubMed

Sims-Robinson, Catrina; Hur, Junguk; Hayes, John M; Dauch, Jacqueline R; Keller, Peter J; Brooks, Susan V; Feldman, Eva L

2013-01-01

While oxidative stress is implicated in aging, the impact of oxidative stress on aging in the peripheral nervous system is not well understood. To determine a potential mechanism for age-related deficits in the peripheral nervous system, we examined both functional and morphological changes and utilized microarray technology to compare normal aging in wild-type mice to effects in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase-deficient (Sod1(-/-)) mice, a mouse model of increased oxidative stress. Sod1(-/-) mice exhibit a peripheral neuropathy phenotype with normal sensory nerve function and deficits in motor nerve function. Our data indicate that a decrease in the synthesis of cholesterol, which is vital to myelin formation, correlates with the structural deficits in axons, myelin, and the cell body of motor neurons in the Sod1(+/+) mice at 30 months and the Sod1(-/-) mice at 20 months compared with mice at 2 months. Collectively, we have demonstrated that the functional and morphological changes within the peripheral nervous system in our model of increased oxidative stress are manifested earlier and resemble the deficits observed during normal aging.

Iron Deficiency and Iron-deficiency Anemia in Toddlers Ages 18 to 36 Months: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Levin, Carina; Harpaz, Shira; Muklashi, Isam; Lumelsky, Nadia; Komisarchik, Ina; Katzap, Ilia; Abu Hanna, Manhal; Koren, Ariel

2016-04-01

In young children, iron deficiency (ID)-the most common cause of anemia-may adversely affect long-term neurodevelopment and behavior. We prospectively evaluated the prevalence of ID and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in 256 healthy 18- to 36-month-old children in Northern Israel. Complete blood count and ferritin evaluation were performed, and risk factors were assessed. Hemoglobin (Hgb) was compared with first-year routine screening. Complete data were obtained from 208 children: 56.2% were boys; the mean age was 26.1±5.27 months. A prevalence of 5.8% IDA, 16.3% ID without anemia, 9.6% anemia with normal ferritin, and 68.3% normal Hgb and ferritin was found. In nonanemic infants at 1 year of age (n=156), ID/IDA was found in 19.9%, and 12.8% became anemic at study evaluation. Despite iron supplementation in the first year, and normal Hgb at first-year screening, ID and IDA were still prevalent, and might develop during the second year of life. Recognition of this child subset and consideration of iron supplementation are mandatory.

Maternal postnatal depression and child growth: a European cohort study

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Previous studies have reported postpartum depression to be associated with both positive and negative effects on early infant growth. This study examined the hypothesis that maternal postnatal depression may be a risk factor for later child growth faltering or overweight. Methods A total of 929 women and their children participating in a European multicenter study were included at a median age of 14 days. Mothers completed the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) at 2, 3 and 6 months after delivery. EPDS scores of 13 and above at any time were defined as maternal depression. Weight, length, triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were measured, and body mass index (BMI) were calculated when the children were two years old and converted to standard deviation scores based on the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS). Results Z-scores for weight-for-length at inclusion of infants of mothers with high EPDS scores (-0.55, SD 0.74) were lower than of those with normal scores (-0.36, SD 0.74; p = 0.013). BMI at age 24 months did not differ in the high (16.3 kg/m2, SD 1.3) and in the normal EPDS groups (16.2 kg/m2, SD 1.3; p = 0.48). All other anthropometric indices also did not differ between groups, with no change by multivariate adjustment. Conclusions We conclude that a high maternal postnatal depression score does not have any major effects on offspring growth in high income countries. PMID:20226021

Effects of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate paste on white spot lesions and dental plaque after orthodontic treatment: a 3-month follow-up.

PubMed

Beerens, M W; van der Veen, M H; van Beek, H; ten Cate, J M

2010-12-01

The effects of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) paste vs. control paste on the remineralization of white spot caries lesions and on plaque composition were tested in a double-blind prospective randomized clinical trial. Fifty-four orthodontic patients, with multiple white spot lesions observed upon the removal of fixed appliances, were followed up for 3 months. Subjects were included and randomly assigned to either CPP-ACFP paste or control paste, for use supplementary to their normal oral hygiene. Caries regression was assessed on quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) images captured directly after debonding and 6 and 12 wk thereafter. The total counts and proportions of aciduric bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus spp. were measured in plaque samples obtained just before debonding, and 6 and 12 wk afterwards. A significant decrease in fluorescence loss was found with respect to baseline for both groups and no difference was found between groups. The size of the lesion area did not change significantly over time or between the groups. The percentages of aciduric bacteria and of S. mutans decreased from 47.4 to 38.1% and from 9.6 to 6.6%, respectively. No differences were found between groups. We observed no clinical advantage for use of the CPP-ACFP paste supplementary to normal oral hygiene over the time span of 12 wk. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci.

Subjective Perception of Sports Performance, Training, Sleep and Dietary Patterns of Malaysian Junior Muslim Athletes during Ramadan Intermittent Fasting

PubMed Central

Singh, Rabindarjeet; Hwa, Ooi Cheong; Roy, Jolly; Jin, Chai Wen; Ismail, Siti Musyrifah; Lan, Mohamad Faizal; Hiong, Loo Lean; Aziz, Abdul-Rashid

2011-01-01

Purpose To examine the subjective perception of daily acute fasting on sports performance, training, sleep and dietary patterns of Muslim athletes during the Ramadan month. Methods Seven hundred and thirty-four (411 male and 323 female) Malaysian Junior-level Muslim athletes (mean age 16.3 ± 2.6 y) participated in the survey which was designed to establish the personal perception of their sport performance, sleep pattern, food and fluid intake during Ramadan fasting. The survey was conducted during and immediately after the month of Ramadan in 2009. Results Twenty-four percent of the athletes perceived that there was an adverse effect of the Ramadan fast on their sporting performance and 29.3% reported that quality of training during Ramadan was also negatively influenced. Majority (48.2%) of the athletes stated that Ramadan fasting did not affect their normal sleep pattern but 66.6% of them complained of sleepiness during the daytime. Half of the athletes (41.4%) maintained the caloric intake during Ramadan as they normally would with the majority of them (76.2%) reporting that they consumed more fluids during Ramadan. Conclusions Overall, Malaysian Junior-level Muslim athletes showed diverse views in their perception of changes in their training, sleep and dietary patterns during Ramadan fast. These individual differences probably indicate differences in the athletes’ adaptability and coping strategies during fasting and training in Ramadan. PMID:22375236

Reducing late effects of radiotherapy in average risk medulloblastoma.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Noha Yehia; Abdel Aal, Hisham H; Abdel Kader, Mohamed S; Makaar, Wael S; Shaaban, Ahmed H

2014-03-01

To assess the efficacy and safety in average-risk pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) receiving tumor bed boost irradiation compared to a posterior fossa (PF) boost. Thirty patients were enrolled in the study and divided evenly into two treatment arms of 15. Both arms received 23.4 Gy craniospinal irradiation (CS) and a 32.4 Gy boost. Patients in arm 1 were given PF boosts, and those in arm 2 were given boosts to the gross target volume (GTV). Weekly oncovin was given throughout all radiotherapy (RT). Eight cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy of CCNU, oncovin and platinol were given to all patients after RT. MRI, pure tone audiogram (PTA) and intelligence quotient (IQ) tests were performed before and after RT and every three months thereafter. There were significant differences in the sparing dose to the cochlea and brain stem as well as the volume of the normal brain receiving a 100% dose. There was a significant initial improvement of hearing function in patients given the target volume boost after RT, which was lost after chemotherapy. With a median follow up of 23 months, there was no difference in progression free survival or overall survival between the two arms. Irradiation of the tumor bed after 23.4 Gy craniospinal irradiation for average-risk MB results in similar disease control as a PF boost. Dosimetric sparing for the cochleae and normal tissue is evident in patients receiving tumor bed boosts. The hearing improvement and cognitive function preservation effects of the treatment need more follow up.

Interleukin-6 levels in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with dry eye disease treated with cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion.

PubMed

Turner, K; Pflugfelder, S C; Ji, Z; Feuer, W J; Stern, M; Reis, B L

2000-07-01

To evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease before and after treatment with cyclosporin A ophthalmic emulsion (CsA) or its vehicle. Conjunctival cytology specimens were obtained from a subset of patients enrolled in a 6-month randomized, double-masked clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of topical CsA at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of B.I.D. treatment with 0.05% cyclosporine emulsion (n = 13), 0.1% cyclosporine emulsion (n = 8), or vehicle (n = 10). RNA was extracted and a competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the levels of mRNA encoding the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and a housekeeping gene, G3PDH. Levels of IL-6 and G3PDH were measured and compared. There was no change from baseline in the level of G3PDH after 3 or 6 months in any group. IL-6 normalized for G3PDH (IL-6/G3PDH ratio) was not different from baseline at 3 months but showed a significant decrease from baseline in the group treated with 0.05% CsA (p = 0.048) at 6 months. No significant between-group differences were noted and no correlation was observed between the change in IL-6/G3PDH and corneal fluorescein staining. This preliminary, small-cohort study showed a decrease in IL-6 in the conjunctival epithelium of moderate to severe dry eye patients treated with 0.05% CsA for 6 months. The observed decrease suggests that dry eye disease involves immune-mediated inflammatory processes that may be decreased by treatment with topical ophthalmic cyclosporine.

True and sham acupuncture produced similar frequency of ovulation and improved LH to FSH ratios in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Pastore, Lisa M; Williams, Christopher D; Jenkins, Jeffrey; Patrie, James T

2011-10-01

Acupuncture may represent a nonpharmaceutical treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on four studies. The objective of the study was to determine whether true, as compared with sham, acupuncture normalizes pituitary gonadotropin hormones and increases ovulatory frequency in women with PCOS. This was a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial (5 month protocol). The study was conducted in central Virginia. Eighty-four reproductive-aged women completed the intervention. Eligibility required a PCOS diagnosis and no hormonal intervention 60 d before enrollment. Intervention included 12 sessions of true or sham acupuncture (Park sham device) for 8 wk. Serum LH and FSH at baseline, after intervention, and 3 months later were measured. Ovulation was measured with weekly urine or blood samples. Both arms demonstrated a similar mean ovulation rate over the 5 months (0.37/month among n = 40 true acupuncture and 0.40/month among n = 44 sham participants, P = 0.6), similar LH to FSH ratio improvement (-0.5 and -0.8 true and sham, respectively, P < 0.04 after intervention vs. baseline) and a similar decline in LH over the 5-month protocol (P < 0.05). Neither arm experienced a change in FSH. There were seven pregnancies (no difference by intervention, P = 0.7). Lower fasting insulin and free testosterone were highly correlated with a higher ovulation rate within the true acupuncture group only (P = 0.03), controlling for prestudy menstrual frequency and body mass index. We were unable to discern a difference between the true and sham acupuncture protocols for these women with PCOS, and both groups had a similar improvement in their LH/FSH ratio.

Salivary and serum cortisol levels in newborn infants.

PubMed

Forclaz, María V; Moratto, Eduardo; Pennisi, Alicia; Falco, Silvina; Olsen, Graciela; Rodríguez, Patricia; Papazian, Regina; Bergadá, Ignacio

2017-06-01

Given that serum cortisol level interpretation in newborn infants (NBIs) is hard, the objective of this study was to correlate baseline salivary and serum cortisol levels and to describe salivary cortisol levels in the first month of life. Descriptive, prospective, longitudinal, and correlational study. Term NBIs were selected from the Division of Neonatology of Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas in 2014. Cortisol was measured in saliva specimens while cortisol, cortisol-binding globulin, and albumin were measured in blood specimens. A linear correlation was performed to relate serum and salivary cortisol levels; Friedman test was conducted to compare cortisol levels during the first month of life, and the difference was used to analyze the performance of values equal to or lower than the first quartile. Fifty-five NBIs were studied. Serum cortisol: 7.65 (1.0-18.1 gg/dL); salivary cortisol: 35.88 (5.52-107.64 mmol/L); cortisol-binding globulin: 22.07 (16.5-33.0 gg/mL), expressed as median and range. The correlation coefficient between serum and salivary cortisol was 0.54, P = 0.001. Cortisol performance during the first month of life showed no statistically significant differences, and the difference between the second and the first specimen of values equal to or lower than the first quartile increased in 10 out of 12 patients. The measurement of cortisol in saliva reflects serum cortisol levels in normal NBIs. Some patients had low levels of cortisol at 36 hours of life and showed a trend towards a spontaneous increase during the first month of life.

Immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine in overweight and obese children.

PubMed

Esposito, Susanna; Giavoli, Claudia; Trombetta, Claudia; Bianchini, Sonia; Montinaro, Valentina; Spada, Anna; Montomoli, Emanuele; Principi, Nicola

2016-01-02

Obesity may be a risk factor for increased hospitalization and deaths from infections due to respiratory pathogens. Additionally, obese patients appear to have impaired immunity after some vaccinations. To evaluate the immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in overweight and obese children, 28 overweight/obese pediatric patients and 23 healthy normal weight controls aged 3-14 years received a dose of TIV. Four weeks after vaccine administration, significantly higher seroprotection rates against the A/H1N1 strain were observed among overweight/obese children compared with normal weight controls (p<0.05). Four months after vaccination, similar or slightly higher seroconversion and seroprotection rates against the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains were detected in overweight/obese than in normal weight children, whereas significantly higher rates of seroconversion and seroprotection against the B strain were found in overweight/obese patients than in normal weight controls (p<0.05 for seroconversion and seroprotection). Geometric mean titers (GMTs) and fold increase against B strains were significantly higher in overweight/obese patients than in normal weight controls 4 months after vaccine administration (p<0.01 for GMT values and p<0.05 for fold increase). The frequency of local and systemic reactions was similar between the groups, and there were no serious adverse events. The results of this study indicate that in overweight and obese children, antibody response to TIV administration is similar or slightly higher than that evidenced in normal weight subjects of similar age and this situation persists for at least 4 months after vaccine administration in the presence of a favorable safety profile. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coronary In-Stent Restenosis: Assessment with Corrected Coronary Opacification Difference across Coronary Stents Measured with CT Angiography.

PubMed

Gao, Yang; Lu, Bin; Hou, Zhi Hui; Yu, Fang Fang; Yin, Wei Hua; Wang, Zhi Qiang; Wu, Yong Jian; Mu, Chao Wei; Meinel, Felix G; McQuiston, Andrew D; Schoepf, U Joseph

2015-05-01

To determine whether changes in coronary opacification normalized to the aorta (corrected coronary opacification [CCO]) across stents can help identify in-stent restenosis (ISR) severity with use of invasive coronary angiography as the standard of reference. This study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. The authors retrospectively analyzed 106 patients (88 men, 18 women; mean age, 59.6 years ± 10.4; age range, 36-84 years) who had previously undergone stent implantation within 3 months of coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography. Attenuation values in the coronary lumen were measured proximal and distal to the stents and normalized to the descending aorta. The CCO difference across the stent was compared with the severity of ISR. One-way analysis of variance least significant difference was used for comparison. A total of 141 stents were assessed. Seventy-six stents were normally patent, 18 had ISR of less than 50%, 28 had ISR of 50%-99%, and 19 were fully occluded. The median CCO differences in the four groups were 0.078, 0.163, 0.346, and 0.606, respectively. There was no significant difference between stents with an ISR of at least 50% and those with total occlusion (P = .056), although the other groups had significant differences at pairwise comparison (P < .01 for all). For stents smaller than 3 mm in diameter, the median CCO differences in the four groups were 0.086, 0.136, 0.390, and 0.471, respectively. The CCO differences across normal stents and stents with ISR of less than 50% were significantly less than those across stents with an ISR of at least 50% and those with total occlusion (P < .01 for all). There were no significant differences between stents with no ISR and those with an ISR of less than 50% (P = .821) and between stents with an ISR of at least 50% and those with an ISR of 100% (P = .836). The CCO difference across coronary stents is related to ISR severity in obstructive ISR in stents smaller than 3 mm in diameter. © RSNA, 2014.

77 FR 69850 - Medicare Program; Medicare Part B Monthly Actuarial Rates, Premium Rate, and Annual Deductible...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-21

... percent reserve has been the normal target used to calculate the Part B premium. In view of the strong... 0938-AR16 Medicare Program; Medicare Part B Monthly Actuarial Rates, Premium Rate, and Annual...

Long terms trends in CD4+ cell counts, CD8+ cell counts, and the CD4+ : CD8+ ratio

PubMed Central

Hughes, Rachael A.; May, Margaret T.; Tilling, Kate; Taylor, Ninon; Wittkop, Linda; Reiss, Peter; Gill, John; Schommers, Philipp; Costagliola, Dominique; Guest, Jodie L.; Lima, Viviane D.; d’Arminio Monforte, Antonella; Smith, Colette; Cavassini, Matthias; Saag, Michael; Castilho, Jessica L.; Sterne, Jonathan A.C.

2018-01-01

Objective: Model trajectories of CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts after starting combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) and use the model to predict trends in these counts and the CD4+ : CD8+ ratio. Design: Cohort study of antiretroviral-naïve HIV-positive adults who started ART after 1997 (ART Cohort Collaboration) with more than 6 months of follow-up data. Methods: We jointly estimated CD4+ and CD8+ cell count trends and their correlation using a bivariate random effects model, with linear splines describing their population trends, and predicted the CD4+ : CD8+ ratio trend from this model. We assessed whether CD4+ and CD8+ cell count trends and the CD4+ : CD8+ ratio trend varied according to CD4+ cell count at start of ART (baseline), and, whether these trends differed in patients with and without virological failure more than 6 months after starting ART. Results: A total of 39 979 patients were included (median follow-up was 53 months). Among patients with baseline CD4+ cell count at least 50 cells/μl, predicted mean CD8+ cell counts continued to decrease between 3 and 15 years post-ART, partly driving increases in the predicted mean CD4+ : CD8+ ratio. During 15 years of follow-up, normalization of the predicted mean CD4+ : CD8+ ratio (to >1) was only observed among patients with baseline CD4+ cell count at least 200 cells/μl. A higher baseline CD4+ cell count predicted a shorter time to normalization. Conclusion: Declines in CD8+ cell count and increases in CD4+ : CD8+ ratio occurred up to 15 years after starting ART. The likelihood of normalization of the CD4+ : CD8+ ratio is strongly related to baseline CD4+ cell count. PMID:29851663

T1 Recovery Is Predominantly Found in Black Holes and Is Associated with Clinical Improvement in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

PubMed

Thaler, C; Faizy, T D; Sedlacik, J; Holst, B; Stürner, K; Heesen, C; Stellmann, J-P; Fiehler, J; Siemonsen, S

2017-02-01

Quantitative MR imaging parameters help to evaluate disease progression in multiple sclerosis and increase correlation with clinical disability. We therefore hypothesized that T1 values might be a marker for ongoing tissue damage or even remyelination and may help increase clinical correlation. MR imaging was performed in 17 patients with relapsing-remitting MS at baseline and after 12 months of starting immunotherapy with dimethyl fumarate. On baseline images, lesion segmentation was performed for normal-appearing white matter, T2 hyperintense (FLAIR lesions), T1 hypointense (black holes), and contrast-enhancing lesions, and T1 relaxation times were obtained at baseline and after 12 months. Changes in clinical status were assessed by using the Expanded Disability Status Scale and Symbol Digit Modalities Test at both dates (Expanded Disability Status Scale-difference/Symbol Digit Modalities Test-diff). The highest T1 relaxation time at baseline was measured in black holes (1460.2 ± 209.46 ms) followed by FLAIR lesions (1400.38 ± 189.1 ms), pure FLAIR lesions (1327.5 ± 210.04 ms), contrast-enhancing lesions (1205.59 ± 199.95 ms), and normal-appearing white matter (851.34 ± 30.61 ms). After 12 months, T1 values had decreased significantly in black holes (1369.4 ± 267.81 ms), contrast-enhancing lesions (1079.57 ± 183.36 ms) (both P < .001), and normal-appearing white matter (841.98 ± 36.1 ms, P = .006). With the Jonckheere-Terpstra Test, better clinical scores were associated with decreasing T1 relaxation times in black holes ( P < .05). T1 relaxation time is a useful quantitative MR imaging technique, which helps detect changes in MS lesions with time. We assume that these changes are associated with the degree of myelination within the lesions themselves and are pronounced in black holes. Additionally, decreasing T1 values in black holes were associated with clinical improvement. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Statin Use during Hospitalization and Short-Term Mortality in Acute Ischaemic Stroke with Chronic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinmiao; Jing, Jing; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, Chunxue; Pan, Yuesong; Meng, Xia; Wang, Yilong; Wang, Yongjun

2018-05-31

Statin use during hospitalization improves prognosis in patients with ischaemic stroke. However, it remains uncertain whether acute ischaemic stroke patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) benefit from statin therapy. We investigated the effect of statin use during hospitalization in reducing short-term mortality of patients with ischaemic stroke and CKD. Data of first-ever ischaemic stroke patients without a history of pre-stroke statin treatment was derived from the China National Stroke Registry. Patients were stratified according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): normal renal function (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild CKD (eGFR 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2) and moderate CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between statin use during hospitalization and all-cause mortality with different renal functions at 3-month follow-up. Among 5,951 patients included, 2,595 (43.6%) patients were on statin use during hospitalization after stroke (45.7% in patients with normal renal function, 42.0% in patients with mild CKD, and 39.0% in patients with moderate CKD). Compared with the non-statin group, statin use during hospitalization was associated with decreased all-cause mortality in patients with normal renal function (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.97, p = 0.04), mild CKD (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38-0.91, p = 0.02) and moderate CKD (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.75, p = 0.004) at 3-month follow-up. Statin use during hospitalization was associated with decreased 3-month mortality of ischaemic stroke patients with mild and moderate CKD. However, the conclusion should be confirmed in further studies with larger population, especially with moderate CKD. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cisplatin and gemcitabine in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (ABC) and persistent jaundice despite optimal stenting: Effective intervention in patients with luminal disease.

PubMed

Lamarca, Angela; Benafif, Sarah; Ross, Paul; Bridgewater, John; Valle, Juan W

2015-09-01

The advanced biliary tract cancer (ABC)-02 study established cisplatin and gemcitabine (CisGem) as a reference 1(st)-line regimen for patients with advanced/metastatic biliary tract cancer; patients with bilirubin ⩾ 1.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN) were excluded and there are few extant data for systemic treatment in the context of elevated bilirubin. Patients with ABC, receiving CisGem with a baseline bilirubin of ⩾ 1.5 × ULN were eligible for this retrospective analysis; response, toxicity and survival data were collected. Thirty-three patients of 545 screened; median age 59 years, range 23-79; 58% male, 58% with metastases (79% in the liver) of performance status (PS) 0 (33%), 1 (64%) or 2 (3%) were eligible. The median baseline bilirubin was 55 μmol/L (range 32-286); due to biliary tract obstruction (BTO, 76%) or liver metastases (LM, 24%). Toxicity was comparable to the ABC-02 study; bilirubin normalised in 64% during chemotherapy/follow-up. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.9 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.4-9.0) and median overall survival (OS) 9.5 months (95% CI: 5.7-12.8). Patients with BTO had a longer PFS and OS than those with LM (7.0 versus 2.6 months; p = 0.1633 and 9.8 versus 4.4 months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.74; p = 0.465, respectively); not statistically significant (due to small sample size). Normalisation of bilirubin and completion of eight CisGem cycles were associated with longer OS (11.4 versus 2.9 months, HR 0.49; p = 0.08 and 15.2 versus 5.4 months, HR 0.12 p < 0.001, respectively). No difference in OS was shown between the bilirubin percentiles (for either PFS or OS). For PS 0-1 patients with ABC and high bilirubin due to luminal disease despite optimal stenting CisGem can be used safely with results similar to those in patients with normal bilirubin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The 8-year follow-up study for clinical diagnostic potentials of frequency-doubling technology perimetry for perimetrically normal eyes of open-angle glaucoma patients with unilateral visual field loss].

PubMed

Fan, X; Wu, L L; Xiao, G G; Ma, Z Z; Liu, F

2018-03-11

Objective: To analyze potentials of frequency-doubling technology perimetry (FDP) for diagnosing open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in perimetrically normal eyes of OAG patients diagnosed with standard automated perimetry (SAP) and relating factors from abnormalities on FDP to visual field loss on SAP. Methods: A prospective cohort study. Sixty-eight eyes of 68 OAG patients visiting the ophthalmic clinic of Peking University Third Hospital during November 2003 and October 2007 [32 primary open-angle glaucoma patients and 36 normal tension glaucoma patients, 32 males and 36 females, with an average age of (59±13) years] with unilateral field loss detected by SAP (Octopus101 tG2 program) were examined with the FDP N-30 threshold program (Humphrey Instruments) at baseline. Two groups, FDP positive group and FDP negative group, were divided based on the FDP results, and visual field examinations were followed by a series of SAP examinations for the perimetrically normal eyes over 8 years. During the follow-up, the difference of the converting rate of SAP tests between the two groups was analyzed. Differences between "convertors" and "non-convertors" of SAP tests in the FDP positive group, such as the cup-to-disk ratio and glaucomatous optic neuropathy rate, were also compared with the independent-sample t test or Wilcoxon two-sample test for continuous variable data and the χ(2) test or Fisher exact test for classified variable data and rates. Results: Forty-eight perimetrically normal eyes of 48 participants had complete data and a qualifying follow-up. Baseline FDP results were positive in 33 eyes and negative in 15 eyes. Of the eyes with positive FDP results, 22 eyes developed abnormal SAP results after 4.0 to 90.0 months (median 14.5 months) , whereas none of the eyes with negative FDP results developed abnormal SAP results. For perimetrically normal eyes in the FDP positive group, "converters" showed a greater cup-to-disk ratio (0.73±0.09 vs . 0.63±0.14, Wilcoxon two-sample test, P= 0.011) and more eyes with glaucomatous optic neuropathy (19/22 vs . 4/11, Fisher exact test, P= 0.006). Conclusions: In perimetrically normal eyes of OAG patients, FDP could detect visual field loss of these eyes and predict to some extent future visual field loss on SAP. Severity of glaucomatous optic neuropathy at baseline is related to converting from abnormalities on FDP to visual field loss on SAP. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 177-183) .

Optic nerve head axonal transport in rabbits with hereditary glaucoma.

PubMed

Bunt-Milam, A H; Dennis, M B; Bensinger, R E

1987-04-01

Rabbits with hereditary glaucoma develop ocular changes that resemble human congenital glaucoma and buphthalmia. The inheritance is autosomal recessive (bu). Previous research was performed primarily on albino bu/bu rabbits that were unhealthy and bred poorly. We have bred pigmented bu/bu rabbits to determine if this would improve hardiness and provide a better model for the disease in humans. First-generation offspring from matings of bu/bu albino with bu/bu pigmented rabbits were all affected, indicating that the bu gene is found at the same locus in both strains. The pigmented bu/bu offspring had a high degree of mortality, as reported previously for albino bu/bu rabbits. Newborn bu/bu rabbits initially had normal intraocular pressure (IOP; 15-23 mmHg); after 1- to 3 months, the IOP increased to 26-48 mmHg. The eyes became buphthalmic and the IOP returned to normal or sub-normal levels after 6-10 months. Since the lamina cribrosa is absent or poorly formed in the rabbit optic nerve head (ONH), this model was used to test the role of mechanical factors in the etiology of ONH pathology caused by increased IOP. Orthograde axonal transport was evaluated in both eyes from eight normal and 24 bu/bu rabbits of different ages, using intravitreal injections of [3H]leucine to mark orthograde axonal transport, followed by light- and electron-microscopic radioautography of the ONHs and superior colliculi. Normal rabbits of all ages showed no blockage of axonal transport in the ONH. All optic axons from young bu/bu rabbits with normal IOP and most axons from older buphthalmic rabbits that previously had elevated IOP were normal morphologically. Small zones of transport blockage occurred in bu/bu eyes while IOP was elevated; most affected axons lay immediately adjacent to ONH connective tissue beams that radiate outward from the central retinal vessels to the optic-nerve sheath. Thus, the rabbit, which lacks a true lamina cribrosa, does not show marked blockage of axonal transport as occurs in the LS of the monkey and cat ONH when IOP is elevated acutely. This anatomic difference appears to be protective against axonal damage, since bu/bu rabbits with chronic IOP elevation did not show significant loss of optic axons. These results are consistent with the proposed 'mechanical' theory of ONH damage resulting from increased IOP. Electron-microscopic radioautography revealed that chronically elevated IOP in bu/bu rabbits, which caused small foci of blocked ONH axonal transport against ONH beams, also caused degeneration of a few optic nerve terminals in the superior colliculi as the disease progressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Normalized methodology for medical infrared imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas, J. V. C.; Brioschi, M. L.; Dias, F. G.; Parolin, M. B.; Mulinari-Brenner, F. A.; Ordonez, J. C.; Colman, D.

2009-01-01

A normalized procedure for medical infrared imaging is suggested, and illustrated by a leprosy and hepatitis C treatment follow-up, in order to investigate the effect of concurrent treatment which has not been reported before. A 50-year-old man with indeterminate leprosy and a 20-year history of hepatitis C was monitored for 587 days, starting from the day the patient received treatment for leprosy. Standard therapy for hepatitis C started 30 days later. Both visual observations and normalized infrared imaging were conducted periodically to assess the response to leprosy treatment. The primary end points were effectiveness of the method under different boundary conditions over the period, and rapid assessment of the response to leprosy treatment. The patient achieved sustained hepatitis C virological response 6 months after the end of the treatment. The normalized infrared results demonstrate the leprosy treatment success in spite of the concurrent hepatitis C treatment, since day 87, whereas repigmentation was visually assessed only after day 182, and corroborated with a skin biopsy on day 390. The method detected the effectiveness of the leprosy treatment in 87 days, whereas repigmentation started only in 182 days. Hepatitis C and leprosy treatment did not affect each other.

Subantimicrobial dose doxycycline effects on osteopenic bone loss: microbiologic results.

PubMed

Walker, Clay; Puumala, Susan; Golub, Lorne M; Stoner, Julie A; Reinhardt, Richard A; Lee, Hsi-Ming; Payne, Jeffrey B

2007-08-01

Based on microbiologic concerns, the safety of a 24-month regimen of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD; 20 mg twice a day) was evaluated in postmenopausal osteopenic women with periodontitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Subgingival samples were collected from two sites (probing depth > or = 5 mm) in each of 128 subjects at baseline, with the same sites resampled at the conclusion of the 2-year period. The samples were enumerated on selective and non-selective media and on doxycycline (4 microg/ml) medium. Up to five different colonial morphologies were subcultured from the doxycycline medium, identified to species, and susceptibilities determined to doxycycline and five other antibiotics. Data were analyzed for microbial differences in total colony forming units (CFU), periodontal and opportunistic pathogens, and changes in species and in susceptibilities of isolates recovered on doxycycline medium. There was no significant evidence that changes in total anaerobic counts over the treatment period (P = 0.96) differed between treatment groups. Likewise, periodontal pathogens, opportunistic pathogens, or normal flora did not differ descriptively between groups. Although there was a significant increase (P <0.001) in the total CFU recovered from the 4 microg/ml doxycycline plates at 24 months for SDD versus placebo, the percentage that was clinically resistant to doxycycline (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] > or = 16 microg/ml) decreased over the 24-month period in both groups and did not differ between the treatment groups (SDD: 79% to 76%; placebo: 83% to 70%; P = 0.2). There were no significant differences (P >0.28 for each) in the change in cross-resistance between the groups for doxycycline and the other five antibiotics. No antimicrobial effect on the subgingival flora was detected following treatment with SDD for 24 months, relative to baseline or to placebo. The increase in initial resistance (at 4 microg/ml) did not translate into a significant increase in the percent resistant to doxycycline (MIC > or = 16 microg/ml) for patients in the SDD group.

Gemfibrozil hepatotoxicity: a case report.

PubMed

Domínguez Tordera, Patricia; Comellas Alabern, José Francisco; Ronda Rivero, Félix

2011-10-01

A 55-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for management of thoracic trauma and bone fractures. One month after admission she started to receive gemfibrozil for hypertriglyceridemia. In the second month of admission, the patient complained of nausea and malaise. Laboratory value showed an acute hepatitis with raised AST, ALT. The abdominal ultrasound scan was normal, and viral serologic tests were negative. Gemfibrozil was discontinued and in a few days AST and ALT levels returned to normal. Gemfibrozil-induced hepatitis is a rare event but should be considered in the differential diagnoses of hepatitis in which no other obvious alternative cause is found.

Twenty-four-hour motor activity in human infants with and without iron deficiency anemia.

PubMed

Angulo-Kinzler, R M; Peirano, P; Lin, E; Algarin, C; Garrido, M; Lozoff, B

2002-12-01

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a very common nutritional problem that alters motor activity. The aim of this study was to compare 24-h motor activity in the home in healthy 6-month-old infants with and without IDA. Activity was assessed via actigraphs on the leg during 24 continuous hours in 17 Chilean infants with IDA and 18 with normal hemoglobin levels. All infants were given oral iron, and activity was reassessed at 12 and 18 months. The frequency of movement units per minute was determined for each waking/sleep state during the day and night, and the duration of each state was computed. At 6 months of age, there were no differences between anemic and nonanemic infants in time per state. However, infants with IDA showed an overall increase in motor activity compared to controls. These differences were no longer observed at 12 and 18 months of age. Increased activity during the period of IDA raises the issue of a shared underlying mechanism with restless legs syndrome, a sensorimotor dysfunction where iron deficiency increases the severity of the symptoms and iron supplementation ameliorates them. Due to previous findings of decreased motor activity in the laboratory at 12 months during the waking time surrounding an afternoon nap, we also compared those data to a nap in the home. Infants with IDA were less active in the laboratory than in the home. The home versus laboratory results suggest that contextual factors affect the motor activity of IDA infants to a larger extent than controls.

Later Life Changes in Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Behavioral Functions After Low-Dose Prenatal Irradiation at Early Organogenesis Stage

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

Ganapathi, Ramya; Manda, Kailash, E-mail: kailashmanda@gmail.com

Purpose: To investigate long-term changes in behavioral functions of mice after exposure to low-dose prenatal radiation at an early organogenesis stage. Methods and Materials: Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were irradiated (20 cGy) at postcoitus day 5.5. The male and female offspring were subjected to different behavioral assays for affective, motor, and cognitive functions at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Behavioral functions were further correlated with the population of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons and immature neurons in hippocampal dentate gyrus. Results: Prenatally exposed mice of different age groups showed a sex-specific pattern of sustained changes in behavioral functions. Male mice showed significantmore » changes in anxiety-like phenotypes, learning, and long-term memory at age 3 months. At 6 months of age such behavioral functions were recovered to a normal level but could not be sustained at age 12 months. Female mice showed an appreciable recovery in almost all behavioral functions at 12 months. Patterns of change in learning and long-term memory were comparable to the population of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons and doublecortin-positive neurons in hippocampus. Conclusion: Our finding suggests that prenatal (early organogenesis stage) irradiation even at a lower dose level (20 cGy) is sufficient to cause potential changes in neurobehavioral function at later stages of life. Male mice showed relatively higher vulnerability to radiation-induced neurobehavioral changes as compared with female.« less

Sonography of suspected acute appendicitis in children: Evaluation of the progress in performance of senior residents.

PubMed

Gerbier, Pierre; Binet, Aurélien; Etancelin, Mathilde; Barteau, Emmanuel; Auger, Marie; Morales, Luciano; Bertrand, Philippe; Sirinelli, Dominique; Morel, Baptiste

2018-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the progress in performance of senior residents in diagnosing acute appendicitis. Results were collected and compared of ultrasound examinations performed for suspected acute appendicitis by three senior residents and two faculty members over a six-month period in a university hospital setting. A grid with the sonographic findings was completed separately by the residents and the faculty members immediately after each examination. The duration of each examination was reported. The final ultrasound diagnosis was compared to the surgical and pathological results and to the clinical follow-up. The residents and faculty members performed 171 consecutive ultrasound examinations including 49 children with acute appendicitis and 122 with normal appendices. The accuracy of the diagnosis by the residents was 96%, and was similar to that of the faculty members (kappa=0.90) over the six months. The duration of the resident ultrasound examinations was significantly shorter during the second three-month period (p=0.01). No significant differences in diagnostic accuracy were demonstrated by the residents between the first and second three-month periods (p=0.06). The residents performed well when using sonography to diagnose acute appendicitis in children, and were faster during the second three-month period. I. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differences and similarities in early vocabulary development between children with hearing aids and children with cochlear implant enrolled in 3-year auditory verbal intervention.

PubMed

Percy-Smith, Lone; Hallstrøm, Maria; Josvassen, Jane Lignel; Mikkelsen, Jeanette Hølledig; Nissen, Lena; Dieleman, Eveline; Cayé-Thomasen, Per

2018-05-01

The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a Nordic Auditory Verbal (AV) intervention for children with all degrees and types of hearing impairment (HI) using all kinds of hearing technology. A first specific objective was to identify differences and similarities in early vocabulary development between children with cochlear implant (CI) compared with children with hearing aids (HAs)/Bone anchored hearing aids (Bahs) enrolled in a 3-year AVprogram, and to compare the group of children with HI to a control group of children with normal hearing (NH). A second specific objective was to study universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) using the 1-3-6 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guidelines. Effect of AV intervention for children with HI using different hearing technology is not thoroughly studied. It is relevant to question, whether children with mild to moderate HI encounter the same intensive need for AV intervention as children with congenital deafness. A longitudinal and comparative study design was used involving two cohorts of children, i.e. 36 children with CI and 19 children with HA/Bahs. The children were the first in Denmark to receive a 3-year AV intervention by formally trained AV-practitioners. Children were tested annually with standardized speech and language tests, i.e. Peabody Picture Vocabulary test, Reynell test and a Danish test for active vocabulary, Viborgmaterialet. Categorical variables were compared using Fischer's exact test and continuous variables were compared using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, as data was not normally distributed. Median age of diagnosis was 6 months and median age at intervention was 13 and 12 months respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of scores according to age equivalency for the three tests. However, there was a significant difference between children with HI regardless of hearing technology and children with NH. Children with HI progressed over a three-year period, but they did not reach the same level as children with NH. The high completion rate of 98,2% of families over a three-year period indicates the relevance of AV practice in a Nordic country. Children were diagnosed later than 3 months and intervention also started later than recommended. A result that warrants further investigation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Left Ventricular Function after Arterial Switch Operation as Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Simple Transposition of the Great Arteries

PubMed Central

Malakan Rad, Elaheh; Ghandi, Yazdan; Kocharian, Armen; Mirzaaghayan, Mohammadreza

2016-01-01

Background: The late postoperative course for children with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with an intact ventricular septum (IVS) is very important because the coronary arteries may be at risk of damage during arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to investigate left ventricular function in patients with TGA/IVS by echocardiography. Methods: From March 2011 to December 2012, totally 20 infants (12 males and 8 females) with TGA/IVS were evaluated via 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) more than 6 months after they underwent ASO. A control group of age-matched infants and children was also studied. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (S), strain rate (SR), time to peak systolic longitudinal strain (TPS), and time to peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (TPSR) were measured and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Mean ± SD of age at the time of study in the patients with TGA/IVS was 15 ± 5 months, and also age at the time of ASO was 12 ± 3 days. Weight was 3.13 ± 0.07 kg at birth and 8.83 ± 1.57 kg at the time of ASO. Global strain (S), Time to peak strain rate (TPSR), and Time to peak strain (TPS) were not significantly different between the 2 groups, whereas global strain rate (SR) was significantly different (p value < 0.001). In the 3-chamber view, the values of S in the lateral, septal, inferior, and anteroseptal walls were significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001), and SR in the posterior wall was significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001). There were no positive correlations between S and SR in terms of the variables of heart rate, total cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding S, SR, TPS, and TPSR in the anteroseptal and posterior walls in the 3-chamber view and in the lateral and septal walls in the 4-chamber view. Conclusion: We showed that between 6 and 18 months after a successful ASO, the parameters of S, SR, and global TPS were normal in our patients with TGA/IVS. However, LV myocardial TPSR did not normalize in this time period. PMID:27956909

Left Ventricular Function after Arterial Switch Operation as Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Simple Transposition of the Great Arteries.

PubMed

Malakan Rad, Elaheh; Ghandi, Yazdan; Kocharian, Armen; Mirzaaghayan, Mohammadreza

2016-07-06

Background: The late postoperative course for children with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with an intact ventricular septum (IVS) is very important because the coronary arteries may be at risk of damage during arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to investigate left ventricular function in patients with TGA/IVS by echocardiography. Methods: From March 2011 to December 2012, totally 20 infants (12 males and 8 females) with TGA/IVS were evaluated via 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) more than 6 months after they underwent ASO. A control group of age-matched infants and children was also studied. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (S), strain rate (SR), time to peak systolic longitudinal strain (TPS), and time to peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (TPSR) were measured and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Mean ± SD of age at the time of study in the patients with TGA/IVS was 15 ± 5 months, and also age at the time of ASO was 12 ± 3 days. Weight was 3.13 ± 0.07 kg at birth and 8.83 ± 1.57 kg at the time of ASO. Global strain (S), Time to peak strain rate (TPSR), and Time to peak strain (TPS) were not significantly different between the 2 groups, whereas global strain rate (SR) was significantly different (p value < 0.001). In the 3-chamber view, the values of S in the lateral, septal, inferior, and anteroseptal walls were significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001), and SR in the posterior wall was significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001). There were no positive correlations between S and SR in terms of the variables of heart rate, total cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding S, SR, TPS, and TPSR in the anteroseptal and posterior walls in the 3-chamber view and in the lateral and septal walls in the 4-chamber view. Conclusion: We showed that between 6 and 18 months after a successful ASO, the parameters of S, SR, and global TPS were normal in our patients with TGA/IVS. However, LV myocardial TPSR did not normalize in this time period.

Hyperactivity in the Gunn rat model of neonatal jaundice: age-related attenuation and emergence of gait deficits

PubMed Central

Stanford, John A.; Shuler, Jeffrey M.; Fowler, Stephen C.; Stanford, Kimberly G.; Ma, Delin; Bittel, Douglas C.; Le Pichon, Jean-Baptiste; Shapiro, Steven M.

2014-01-01

Background Neonatal jaundice resulting from elevated unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) occurs in 60–80% of newborn infants. Although mild jaundice is generally considered harmless, little is known about its long-term consequences. Recent studies have linked mild bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND) with a range of neurological syndromes, including attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. The goal of this study was to measure BIND across the lifespan in the Gunn rat model of BIND. Methods Using a sensitive force plate actometer, we measured locomotor activity and gait in jaundiced (jj) Gunn rats versus their non-jaundiced (Nj) littermates. Data were analyzed for young adult (3–4 months), early middle-aged (9–10 months), and late middle-aged (17–20 months) male rats. Results jj rats exhibited lower body weights at all ages and a hyperactivity that resolved at 17–20 months of age. Increased propulsive force and gait velocity accompanied hyperactivity during locomotor bouts at 9–10 months in jj rats. Stride length did not differ between the two groups at this age. Hyperactivity normalized and gait deficits, including decreased stride length, propulsive force, and gait velocity, emerged in the 17–20-month-old jj rats. Conclusions These results demonstrate that, in aging, hyperactivity decreases with the onset of gait deficits in the Gunn rat model of BIND. PMID:25518009

Avoidance of voiding cystourethrography in infants younger than 3 months with Escherichia coli urinary tract infection and normal renal ultrasound.

PubMed

Pauchard, Jean-Yves; Chehade, Hassib; Kies, Chafika Zohra; Girardin, Eric; Cachat, Francois; Gehri, Mario

2017-09-01

Urinary tract infection (UTI) represents the most common bacterial infection in infants, and its prevalence increases with the presence of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is invasive, and its indication in infants <3 months is not yet defined. This study aims to investigate, in infants aged 0-3 months, if the presence of Escherichia coli versus non- E. coli bacteria and/or normal or abnormal renal ultrasound (US) could avoid the use of VCUG. One hundred and twenty-two infants with a first febrile UTI were enrolled. High-grade VUR was defined by the presence of VUR grade ≥III. The presence of high-grade VUR was recorded using VCUG, and correlated with the presence of E. coli /non- E. coli UTI and with the presence of normal/abnormal renal US. The Bayes theorem was used to calculate pretest and post-test probability. The probability of high-grade VUR was 3% in the presence of urinary E. coli infection. Adding a normal renal US finding decreased this probability to 1%. However, in the presence of non- E. coli bacteria, the probability of high-grade VUR was 26%, and adding an abnormal US finding increased further this probability to 55%. In infants aged 0-3 months with a first febrile UTI, the presence of E. coli and normal renal US findings allow to safely avoid VCUG. Performing VCUG only in infants with UTI secondary to non- E. coli bacteria and/or abnormal US would save many unnecessary invasive procedures, limit radiation exposure, with a very low risk (<1%) of missing a high-grade VUR. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Renal damage detected by DMSA, despite normal renal ultrasound, in children with febrile UTI.

PubMed

Bush, N C; Keays, M; Adams, C; Mizener, K; Pritzker, K; Smith, W; Traylor, J; Villanueva, C; Snodgrass, W T

2015-06-01

2011 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommended renal-bladder ultrasound (RBUS) as the only evaluation after febrile urinary tract infection (FUTI) in infants aged 2-24 months. We determined the sensitivity, specificity, and false negative rate of RBUS to identify DMSA-detected renal damage in this age group as well as in older children. Consecutive patients referred to pediatric urology with a history of FUTI underwent DMSA ≥ 3 months after FUTI. Abnormal RBUS was defined as: Society of Fetal Urology hydronephrosis grades I-IV; hydroureter ≥ 7 mm; renal scar defined as focal parenchymal thinning; and/or size discrepancy ≥ 1 cm between kidneys. Abnormal DMSA was presence of any focal uptake defects and/or split renal function < 44%. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and false negative rates of RBUS compared to DMSA. 618 patients (79% female), median age 3.4 years, were referred for FUTIs. Of the 512 (83%) with normal RBUS, 99 (19%) had abnormal DMSA. Children with normal RBUS after their first FUTI had abnormal DMSA in 15/151 (10%) aged ≤ 24 months and 23/119 (19%) aged > 24 months. RBUS had poor sensitivity (34%) and low positive predictive value (47%) to identify patients with renal damage. 99/149 (66%) children with renal damage on DMSA had normal RBUS. After FUTI, 66% of children with reduced renal function and/or renal cortical defects found by DMSA scintigraphy had a normal RBUS. Since abnormal DMSA may correlate with increased risk for VUR, recurrent FUTI and renal damage, our data suggest RBUS alone will fail to detect a significant proportion of patients at risk. The data suggest that imaging after FUTI should include acute RBUS and delayed DMSA, reserving VCUG for patients with abnormal DMSA and/or recurrent FUTI. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A normal colposcopy examination fails to provide psychological reassurance for women who have had low-grade abnormal cervical cytology.

PubMed

Cotton, S C; Sharp, L; Little, J; Gray, N M; Walker, L G; Whynes, D K; Cruickshank, M E

2015-06-01

Worldwide, each year, large numbers of women are referred for colposcopy following low-grade abnormal cervical cytology. Many have no visible abnormality on examination. The risk of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (CIN2/3) in these women is low. It is unknown whether, for women, a normal colposcopy resolves the anxiety which often follows the receipt of an abnormal cytology result. We investigated the prevalence of adverse psychological outcomes over 30 months following a normal colposcopy. This cohort study was nested within the UK TOMBOLA randomized controlled trial. Women aged 20-59 years, with recent low-grade cytology, who had a satisfactory colposcopy examination and normal transformation zone, completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Process Outcome Specific Measure (POSM) at recruitment and during follow-up (12, 18, 24 and 30 months post-recruitment). Outcomes included percentages reporting significant anxiety (HADS anxiety subscale score ≥11), significant depression (HADS depression subscale score ≥8) or worries about the result of the next cytology test, cervical cancer, having sex, future fertility and general health at each time point (point prevalence) and during follow-up (cumulative prevalence). The study included 727 women. All psychological measures (except depression) had high prevalence at recruitment, falling substantially by 12 months. During follow-up, the cumulative prevalence of significant anxiety was 27% and significant depression was 21%. The most frequently reported worry was that the next cytology test would be abnormal (cumulative prevalence of 71%; point prevalence of ≥50% at 12 and 18 months). The cumulative prevalence values of worries about cervical cancer, having sex and future fertility were 33%, 20% and 16%, respectively. For some women who have low-grade cytology, a normal colposcopy does not appear to provide psychological reassurance. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Strategy Choices in Simple and Complex Addition: Contributions of Working Memory and Counting Knowledge for Children with Mathematical Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geary, David C.; Hoard, Mary K.; Byrd-Craven, Jennifer; DeSoto, M. Catherine

2004-01-01

Groups of first-grade (mean age = 82 months), third-grade (mean age = 107 months), and fifth-grade (mean age = 131 months) children with a learning disability in mathematics (MD, n=58) and their normally achieving peers (n = 91) were administered tasks that assessed their knowledge of counting principles, working memory, and the strategies used to…

Speech Production in 12-Month-Old Children with and without Hearing Loss

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGowan, Richard S.; Nittrouer, Susan; Chenausky, Karen

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare speech production at 12 months of age for children with hearing loss (HL) who were identified and received intervention before 6 months of age with those of children with normal hearing (NH). Method: The speech production of 10 children with NH was compared with that of 10 children with HL whose…

Everolimus induces rapid plasma glucose normalization in insulinoma patients by effects on tumor as well as normal tissues.

PubMed

Fiebrich, Helle-Brit; Siemerink, Ester J M; Brouwers, Adrienne H; Links, Thera P; Remkes, Wouter S; Hospers, Geke A P; de Vries, Elisabeth G E

2011-01-01

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus administered to four insulinoma patients rapidly controlled hypoglycemia (Kulke et al., N Engl J Med 2009;360:195-197). We wanted to identify the kinetics of everolimus effects on controlling hypoglycemia and understand underlying mechanisms. Three consecutive patients with a metastasized symptomatic insulinoma were started on 100 μg of octreotide subcutaneously three times daily. Because of persisting hypoglycemias, treatment with daily 10 mg of oral everolimus was initiated. Serial plasma glucose levels and serum insulin levels were measured. Computer tomography (CT) scans were performed before and after 2 and 5 months of treatment. [¹⁸F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET) scans, to visualize glucose metabolism, were made before and after 2 weeks, 5 weeks, and 5 months of treatment. The ¹⁸F-FDG uptake was quantified as the maximum standardized uptake value. All patients achieved control of hypoglycemia on everolimus within 14 days. Insulin levels were 2.5- to 6.3-fold elevated before start of treatment and declined 14%-64% after 4 weeks of treatment. CT scans showed stable disease at 2 months in all patients, with progressive disease after 5 months in one. Before treatment, both the tumor lesions and the muscles and myocardium showed high ¹⁸F-FDG uptake. Everolimus reduced tumor and muscle ¹⁸F-FDG uptake after 2 weeks by 26% ± 14% and 19% ± 41%, and after 5 months by 31% ± 13% and 27% ± 41%. Everolimus normalizes plasma glucose levels in metastatic insulinoma within 14 days, coinciding with a lower glucose uptake in tumor and muscles and declining (pro)insulin levels. This effect on tumor as well as normal tissues explains the rapid controlling of hypoglycemia.

Diode laser vaporisation of the prostate vs. diode laser under cold irrigation: A randomised control trial.

PubMed

Pillai, Ravisankar G; Al Naieb, Ziad; Angamuthu, Stephen; Mundackal, Tintu

2014-12-01

To compare the perioperative morbidity and early follow-up after diode laser vaporisation of the prostate (LVP) and its modification, diode laser under cold irrigation (LUCI) in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, as the main disadvantages of LVP are the postoperative pain, dysuria and storage urinary symptoms. This was a single-centre prospective randomised control trial in which 100 patients were randomised to receive LVP (50) or LUCI (50) from June 2011 until July 2012. LUCI is similar to LVP except that it is done under normal irrigation with saline at 4 °C instead of saline at room temperature. The primary outcome measures were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-Dysuria, a pain scale (PS), maximum flow rate (Q max), a quality-of-life (QoL) score and the postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) after 1 month, then the IPSS, Q max, QoL, and PVR at 3 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative surgical variables, e.g., the decline in core temperature, bleeding, peri- and postoperative morbidity. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. For the primary outcome measures, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in all variables except Q max after 1 month, in favour of LUCI. The mean (SD) IPSS at 1 month in the LVP group was 8.97 (1.68), statistically significantly different from that after LUCI, of 6.89 (1.5) (P < 0.05). The mean IPSS-Dysuria at 1 month was also significantly, at -2.32 (0.91) for LVP and 3.54 (1.07) for LUCI (P < 0.05). The respective mean PS at 1 month was 7.84 (2.92) and 5.7 (2.1) (P < 0.05). The QoL and PVR at 1 month were also significantly different. Within the first month 17% of patients in the LVP group and 4% in the LUCI group complained of transient urgency or stress incontinence, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant bleeding in either group. The mean operative time or applied energy of LVP was not statistically significant from that of LUCI, and there was no significant difference in the decline in core temperature between the groups (P > 0.05). LUCI is a good modification for reducing the pain, dysuria and storage symptoms associated with LVP. The procedure appears to be safe, with no significant decrease in core temperature in either group.

Drought impacts on vegetation activity in the Mediterranean region: An assessment using remote sensing data and multi-scale drought indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouveia, C. M.; Trigo, R. M.; Beguería, S.; Vicente-Serrano, S. M.

2017-04-01

The present work analyzes the drought impacts on vegetation over the entire Mediterranean basin, with the purpose of determining the vegetation communities, regions and seasons at which vegetation is driven by drought. Our approach is based on the use of remote sensing data and a multi-scalar drought index. Correlation maps between fields of monthly Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at different time scales (1-24 months) were computed for representative months of winter (Feb), spring (May), summer (Aug) and fall (Nov). Results for the period from 1982 to 2006 show large areas highly controlled by drought, although presenting high spatial and seasonal differences, with a maximum influence in August and a minimum in February. The highest correlation values are observed in February for 3 months' time scale and in May for 6 and 12 months. The higher control of drought on vegetation in February and May is obtained mainly over the drier vegetation communities (Mediterranean Dry and Desertic) at shorter time scales (3 to 9 months). Additionally, in February the impact of drought on vegetation is lower for Temperate Oceanic and Continental vegetation types and takes place at longer time scales (18-24). The dependence of drought time-scale response with water balance, as obtained through a simple difference between precipitation and reference evapotranspiration, varies with vegetation communities. During February and November low water balance values correspond to shorter time scales over dry vegetation communities, whereas high water balance values implies longer time scales over Temperate Oceanic and Continental areas. The strong control of drought on vegetation observed for Mediterranean Dry and Desertic vegetation types located over areas with high negative values of water balance emphasizes the need for an early warning drought system covering the entire Mediterranean basin. We are confident that these results will provide a useful tool for drought management plans and play a relevant role in mitigating the impact of drought episodes.

Method performance and multi-laboratory assessment of a normal phase high pressure liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection method for the quantitation of flavanols and procyanidins in cocoa and chocolate containing samples.

PubMed

Robbins, Rebecca J; Leonczak, Jadwiga; Johnson, J Christopher; Li, Julia; Kwik-Uribe, Catherine; Prior, Ronald L; Gu, Liwei

2009-06-12

The quantitative parameters and method performance for a normal-phase HPLC separation of flavanols and procyanidins in chocolate and cocoa-containing food products were optimized and assessed. Single laboratory method performance was examined over three months using three separate secondary standards. RSD(r) ranged from 1.9%, 4.5% to 9.0% for cocoa powder, liquor and chocolate samples containing 74.39, 15.47 and 1.87 mg/g flavanols and procyanidins, respectively. Accuracy was determined by comparison to the NIST Standard Reference Material 2384. Inter-lab assessment indicated that variability was quite low for seven different cocoa-containing samples, with a RSD(R) of less than 10% for the range of samples analyzed.

Glycerol phenylbutyrate treatment in children with urea cycle disorders: pooled analysis of short and long-term ammonia control and outcomes.

PubMed

Berry, Susan A; Lichter-Konecki, Uta; Diaz, George A; McCandless, Shawn E; Rhead, William; Smith, Wendy; Lemons, Cynthia; Nagamani, Sandesh C S; Coakley, Dion F; Mokhtarani, Masoud; Scharschmidt, Bruce F; Lee, Brendan

2014-05-01

To evaluate glycerol phenylbutyrate (GPB) in the treatment of pediatric patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). UCD patients (n=26) ages 2months through 17years were treated with GPB and sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPBA) in two short-term, open-label crossover studies, which compared 24-hour ammonia exposure (AUC0-24) and glutamine levels during equivalent steady-state dosing of GPB and sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPBA). These 26 patients plus an additional 23 patients also received GPB in one of three 12-month, open label extension studies, which assessed long-term ammonia control, hyperammonemic (HA) crises, amino acid levels, and patient growth. Mean ammonia exposure on GPB was non-inferior to NaPBA in each of the individual crossover studies. In the pooled analyses, it was significantly lower on GPB vs. NaPBA (mean [SD] AUC0-24: 627 [302] vs. 872 [516] μmol/L; p=0.008) with significantly fewer abnormal values (15% on GPB vs. 35% on NaPBA; p=0.02). Mean ammonia levels remained within the normal range during 12months of GPB dosing and, when compared with the 12months preceding enrollment, a smaller percentage of patients (24.5% vs. 42.9%) experienced fewer (17 vs. 38) HA crises. Glutamine levels tended to be lower with GPB than with NaPBA during short-term dosing (mean [SD]: 660.8 [164.4] vs. 710.0 [158.7] μmol/L; p=0.114) and mean glutamine and branched chain amino acid levels, as well as other essential amino acids, remained within the normal range during 12months of GPB dosing. Mean height and weight Z-scores were within normal range at baseline and did not change significantly during 12months of GPB treatment. Dosing with GPB was associated with 24-hour ammonia exposure that was non-inferior to that during dosing with NaPBA in individual studies and significantly lower in the pooled analysis. Long-term GPB dosing was associated with normal levels of glutamine and essential amino acids, including branched chain amino acids, age-appropriate growth and fewer HA crises as compared with the 12month period preceding enrollment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glycerol Phenylbutyrate Treatment in Children with Urea Cycle Disorders: Pooled Analysis of Short and Long-term Ammonia Control and Outcomes

PubMed Central

Berry, Susan A.; Lichter-Konecki, Uta; Diaz, George A.; McCandless, Shawn E.; Rhead, William; Smith, Wendy; LeMons, Cynthia; Nagamani, Sandesh C.S.; Coakley, Dion F.; Mokhtarani, Masoud; Scharschmidt, Bruce F.; Lee, Brendan

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate glycerol phenylbutyrate (GPB) in the treatment of pediatric patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). Study Design UCD patients (n=26) ages 2 months through 17 years were treated with GPB and sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPBA) in two short-term, open-label crossover studies, which compared 24-hour ammonia exposure (AUC0–24) and glutamine levels during equivalent steady-state dosing of GPB and sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPBA). These 26 patients plus an additional 23 patients also received GPB in one of three 12-month, open label extension studies, which assessed long-term ammonia control, hyperammonemic (HA) crises, amino acids levels, and patient growth. Results Mean ammonia exposure on GPB was non-inferior to NaPBA in each of the individual crossover studies. In the pooled analyses, it was significantly lower on GPB vs. NaPBA (mean [SD] AUC0–24: 627 [302] vs. 872 [516] µmol/L; p=0.008) with significantly fewer abnormal values (15% on GPB vs. 35% on NaPBA; p = 0.02). Mean ammonia levels remained within the normal range during 12 months of GPB dosing and, when compared with the 12 months preceding enrollment, a smaller percentage of patients (24.5% vs. 42.9%) experienced fewer (17 vs. 38) HA crises. Glutamine levels tended to be lower with GPB than with NaPBA during short-term dosing (mean [SD]: 660.8 [164.4] vs. 710.0 [158.7] µmol/L; p=0.114) and mean glutamine and branched chain amino acids levels, as well as other essential amino acids, remained within the normal range during 12 months of GPB dosing. Mean height and weight Z-scores were within normal range at baseline and did not change significantly during 12 months of GPB treatment. Conclusions Dosing with GPB was associated with 24-hour ammonia exposure that was non-inferior to that during dosing with NaPBA in individual studies and significantly lower in the pooled analysis. Long-term GPB dosing was associated with normal levels of glutamine and essential amino acids, including branched chain amino acids, age-appropriate growth and fewer HA crises as compared with the 12 month period preceding enrollment. PMID:24630270

Pharmacokinetics in Morbid Obesity: Influence of Two Bariatric Surgery Techniques on Paracetamol and Caffeine Metabolism.

PubMed

Goday Arno, Albert; Farré, Magí; Rodríguez-Morató, Jose; Ramon, Jose M; Pérez-Mañá, Clara; Papaseit, Esther; Civit, Ester; Langohr, Klaus; Lí Carbó, Marcel; Boix, David Benaiges; Nino, Olga Castañer; Le Roux, Juana Antonia Flores; Pera, Manuel; Grande, Luis; de la Torre, Rafael

2017-12-01

The purpose of the study was to study the impact of the two most common bariatric surgery techniques on paracetamol pharmacokinetics (a marker of gastric emptying) and caffeine metabolism (a marker of liver function). In the present prospective study, we studied 24 morbid obese patients before, at 4 weeks, and 6 months after having undergone sleeve gastrectomy (n = 10) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 14). For comparative purposes, 28 healthy controls (14 normal weights and 14 overweights) were also included in the study. Paracetamol pharmacokinetics was altered in the obese participants leading to lower bioavailability. Bariatric surgery resulted in faster absorption and normalized pharmacokinetic parameters, prompting an increase in paracetamol bioavailability. No differences were found between surgical procedures. In the case of caffeine, the ratio paraxanthine/caffeine did not differ between morbid obese and healthy individuals. This ratio remained unmodified after surgery, indicating that the liver function (assessed by cytochrome P450 1A2 activity) was unaffected by obesity or bariatric surgery. Paracetamol pharmacokinetics and caffeine plasma levels are altered in severely obese patients. The two studied bariatric surgical techniques normalize paracetamol oral bioavailability without impairing the liver function (measured by cytochrome P450 1A2 activity).

Compelling Evidence that Exposure Therapy for PTSD Normalizes Brain Function.

PubMed

Roy, Michael J; Costanzo, Michelle E; Blair, James R; Rizzo, Albert A

2014-01-01

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is helping us better understand the neurologic pathways involved in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We previously reported that military service members with PTSD after deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan demonstrated significant improvement, or normalization, in the fMRI-measured activation of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate gyrus following exposure therapy for PTSD. However, our original study design did not include repeat scans of control participants, rendering it difficult to discern how much of the observed normalization in brain activity is attributable to treatment, rather than merely a practice effect. Using the same Affective Stroop task paradigm, we now report on a larger sample of PTSD-positive combat veterans that we treated with exposure therapy, as well as a combat-exposed control group of service members who completed repeat scans at 3-4 month intervals. Findings from the treatment group are similar to our prior report. Combat controls showed no significant change on repeat scanning, indicating that the observed differences in the intervention group were in fact due to treatment. We continue to scan additional study participants, in order to determine whether virtual reality exposure therapy has a different impact on regional brain activation than other therapies for PTSD.

Reality of obesity paradox: Results of percutaneous coronary intervention in Middle Eastern patients.

PubMed

Jarrah, Mohamad; Hammoudeh, Ayman J; Khader, Yousef; Tabbalat, Ramzi; Al-Mousa, Eyas; Okkeh, Osama; Alhaddad, Imad A; Tawalbeh, Loai Issa; Hweidi, Issa M

2018-04-01

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the baseline clinical characteristics, coronary angiographic features, and adverse cardiovascular events during hospitalization and at 1 year of follow-up in obese patients compared with overweight and normal/underweight patients. Methods A prospective, multicenter study of consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention was performed. Results Of 2425 enrolled patients, 699 (28.8%) were obese, 1178 (48.6%) were overweight, and 548 (22.6%) were normal/underweight. Obese patients were more likely to be female and to have a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or previous percutaneous coronary intervention. Acute coronary syndrome was the indication for percutaneous coronary intervention in 77.0% of obese, 76.4% of overweight, and 77.4% of normal/underweight patients. No significant differences in the prevalence of multi-vessel coronary artery disease or multi-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention were found among the three groups. Additionally, no significant differences were found in stent thrombosis, readmission bleeding rates, or cardiac mortality among the three groups during hospitalization, at 1 month, and at 1 year. Conclusion The major adverse cardiovascular event rate was the same among the three groups throughout the study period. Accordingly, body mass index is considered a weak risk factor for cardiovascular comorbidities in Arab Jordanian patients.

Children’s development of intonation during the first year of cochlear implant experience

PubMed Central

Snow, David P.; Ertmer, David J.

2012-01-01

This article describes the longitudinal development of intonation in 18 deaf children who received cochlear implants (CIs) before the age of three years and 12 infants with typical development (TD) who served as controls. At the time their implants were activated, the children with CIs ranged in age from 9 to 36 months. Cross-group comparisons were made when the children had equivalent amounts of robust hearing experience but different chronological ages. This paper reports the results for the 6-month period ending 9 months after activation of the child’s device for children with CIs, and the 6-month period ending at 12 months of age for TD infants. The findings were compared to a model of early intonation development in children with normal hearing. The results indicated that all groups progressed through 1 or more of the stages predicted by the normative model. At the end of the study period, however, children who had received a cochlear implant later than 24 months reached a more mature stage of intonation development than younger CI-recipients. Moreover, the older CI group reached the same stage of development as the TD infants who had 3 additional months of language listening experience. The findings suggest that the developmental advantage which older children had previously demonstrated shortly after activation of their CIs is maintained throughout most or all of the first year of cochlear implant use. PMID:21728834