Does Grading Encourage Participation? Evidence & Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paff, Lolita A.

2015-01-01

Research on the effects of grading on participation behavior is mixed. This study adds to the literature by analyzing the motivational effects of a policy that incorporates student self-assessment, flexible course weighting of the participation grade, and an expanded definition of participation. The results suggest that in some classes, more than…

Renal function preservation with pioglitazone or with basal insulin as an add-on therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Chang, Yu-Hung; Hwu, Der-Wei; Chang, Dao-Ming; An, Ling-Wang; Hsieh, Chang-Hsun; Lee, Yau-Jiunn

2017-06-01

Clinical outcome may differ owing to the distinct pharmacological characteristics of insulin sensitizers and insulin. This study was performed to compare the metabolic and renal function changes with add-on pioglitazone treatment versus basal insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in whom sulfonylurea and metformin regimens failed. Patients who were consecutively managed in the diabetes comprehensive program with add-on pioglitazone or detemir/glargine treatment for at least 2 years following sulfonylurea and metformin treatment failure were included. A total of 1002 patients were enrolled (pioglitazone: 559, detemir: 264, glargine: 179). After propensity score matching, there were 105 patients with matchable baseline characteristics in each group. After a mean of 3.5 years of follow-up, the pioglitazone group showed a greater HbA1c reduction than the detemir group and the glargine group. Despite patients in all three groups exhibiting significant body weight gain, those in the pioglitazone group and the glargine group showed greater body weight increases than the patients in the detemir group (2.1, 1.6 and 0.8 kg, respectively, p < 0.05). Interestingly, Cox regression analysis indicated that patients under detemir or glargine treatment had a higher probability of CKD progression as compared with the pioglitazone group, with hazard ratios of 2.63 (95% CI 1.79-3.88) and 3.13 (95% CI 2.01-4.87), respectively. Our study first showed that treatment with both pioglitazone and basal insulin improved glycemic control, while only pioglitazone treatment was observed to be advantageous in terms of preserving renal function when used as an add-on therapy for patients with type 2 DM in whom sulfonylurea and metformin regimens failed.

Vildagliptin: a new oral treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus

PubMed Central

Mathieu, Chantal; Degrande, Evy

2008-01-01

Vildagliptin is a new oral antidiabetic agent that enhances pancreatic islet cell responsiveness to glucose. An extensive clinical program involving approximately 22,000 patients and 7000 patient-years of exposure to vildagliptin has shown that the agent is well tolerated and efficacious in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Monotherapy trials have shown that significant HbA1c lowering is accompanied by body weight-neutral and lipid-neutral effects, low risk of edema, and low risk of hypoglycemia. These characteristics make vildagliptin a favorable partner for combination therapy. Studies of vildagliptin as an add-on to metformin have shown significant improvements in glycemic control (comparable to that of thiazolidinedione add-on), with the combination being well tolerated and associated with low risks for hypoglycemia and adverse effects on weight or lipid levels. Good tolerability and clinically relevant improvements in glycemic control have also been observed with vildagliptin as an add-on treatment to sulfonylurea, thiazolidinedione, or insulin treatment or in initial combination treatment with pioglitazone. Improved β-cell function and glycemic control have been shown with vildagliptin in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and in T2DM patients with mild hyperglycemia, with some evidence in the latter suggesting the potential for modifying disease course. PMID:19337548

Structuring and Judgment in Decision Technology.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

partly because it avoids weighting questions in which only remotely related attributes need to be compared. But there are several potential problems...weighting questions in which only remotely related attributes need to be compared. But there are also problems; * C- for example, respondents may add to an...favoring the nuclear option assigned weights which were similar to those preferring coal. All groups gave the highest weight to the health/safety

Pipeline active filter utilizing a booth type multiplier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nathan, Robert (Inventor)

1987-01-01

Multiplier units of the modified Booth decoder and carry-save adder/full adder combination are used to implement a pipeline active filter wherein pixel data is processed sequentially, and each pixel need only be accessed once and multiplied by a predetermined number of weights simultaneously, one multiplier unit for each weight. Each multiplier unit uses only one row of carry-save adders, and the results are shifted to less significant multiplier positions and one row of full adders to add the carry to the sum in order to provide the correct binary number for the product Wp. The full adder is also used to add this product Wp to the sum of products .SIGMA.Wp from preceding multiply units. If m.times.m multiplier units are pipelined, the system would be capable of processing a kernel array of m.times.m weighting factors.

Weighting-Based Sensitivity Analysis in Causal Mediation Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Guanglei; Qin, Xu; Yang, Fan

2018-01-01

Through a sensitivity analysis, the analyst attempts to determine whether a conclusion of causal inference could be easily reversed by a plausible violation of an identification assumption. Analytic conclusions that are harder to alter by such a violation are expected to add a higher value to scientific knowledge about causality. This article…

Noise control prediction for high-speed, propeller-driven aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilby, J. F.; Rennison, D. C.; Wilby, E. G.; Marsh, A. H.

1980-01-01

An analytical study is described which explores add-on treatments and advanced concepts for the reduction of noise levels in three high-speed aircraft driven by propellers. Noise reductions of 25 to 28 dB are required to achieve a goal of an A-weighted sound level not greater than 80 dB. It is found that only a double-wall system, with a limp inner wall or trim panel, can achieve the required noise reductions. Weight penalties are estimated for the double-wall treatments. These penalties are 0.75% to 1.51% of the aircraft takeoff weight for the particular baseline designs selected.

Canagliflozin provides greater attainment of both HbA1c and body weight reduction versus sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Schernthaner, Guntram; Lavalle-González, Fernando J; Davidson, Jaime A; Jodon, Holly; Vijapurkar, Ujjwala; Qiu, Rong; Canovatchel, William

2016-11-01

To evaluate the proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) achieving reductions in both glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight with canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, versus sitagliptin over 52 weeks. Data were pooled from two, randomized, Phase 3 studies of canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg as add-on to metformin, and canagliflozin 300 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg as add-on to metformin plus sulfonylurea (N = 1856). The composite end points of change from baseline in both HbA1c <0% and body weight <0 kg, and attainment of HbA1c <7.0% and body weight reduction ≥5% at Week 52 were evaluated. Safety was assessed based on adverse event reports. Canagliflozin provided reductions in HbA1c and body weight over 52 weeks versus sitagliptin. A greater proportion of patients had both HbA1c and body weight reductions with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg (67.7%, 72.6%, and 44.1%, respectively). Among patients with HbA1c and body weight reductions, more patients achieved the composite end point of HbA1c <7.0% and body weight reduction ≥5% with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg (18.9%, 18.3%, and 5.7%, respectively). Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated. A greater proportion of patients with T2DM achieved reductions in both HbA1c and body weight, and more patients with HbA1c and body weight reductions achieved HbA1c <7.0% and body weight reduction ≥5% with canagliflozin versus sitagliptin over 52 weeks. www.ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers are NCT01106677; NCT01137812.

Antileukotriene Agents Versus Long-Acting Beta-Agonists in Older Adults with Persistent Asthma: A Comparison of Add-On Therapies.

PubMed

Altawalbeh, Shoroq M; Thorpe, Carolyn T; Zgibor, Janice C; Kane-Gill, Sandra; Kang, Yihuang; Thorpe, Joshua M

2016-08-01

To compare the effectiveness and cardiovascular safety of long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) with those of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) as add-on treatments in older adults with asthma already taking inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). Retrospective cohort study. Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims (2009-10) for a 10% random sample of beneficiaries continuously enrolled in Parts A, B, and D in 2009. Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older continuously enrolled in FFS Medicare with Part D coverage with a diagnosis of asthma before 2009 treated exclusively with ICSs plus LABAs or ICSs plus LTRAs (N = 14,702). The augmented inverse propensity-weighted estimator was used to compare the effect of LABA add-on therapy with that of LTRA add-on therapy on asthma exacerbations requiring inpatient, emergency, or outpatient care and on cardiovascular (CV) events, adjusting for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and county-level healthcare-access variables. The primary analysis showed that LTRA add-on treatment was associated with greater odds of asthma-related hospitalizations or emergency department visits (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, P < .001), as well as outpatient exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids or antibiotics (OR = 1.41, P < .001) than LABA treatment. LTRA add-on therapy was also less effective in controlling acute symptoms, as indicated by greater use of short-acting beta agonists (rate ratio = 1.58, P < .001). LTRA add-on treatment was associated with lower odds of experiencing a CV event than LABA treatment (OR = 0.86, P = .006). This study provides new evidence specific to older adults to help healthcare providers weigh the risks and benefits of these add-on treatments. Further subgroup analysis is needed to personalize asthma treatments in this high-risk population. © 2016, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2016, The American Geriatrics Society.

Link between Food Energy Density and Body Weight Changes in Obese Adults

PubMed Central

Stelmach-Mardas, Marta; Rodacki, Tomasz; Dobrowolska-Iwanek, Justyna; Brzozowska, Anna; Walkowiak, Jarosław; Wojtanowska-Krosniak, Agnieszka; Zagrodzki, Paweł; Bechthold, Angela; Mardas, Marcin; Boeing, Heiner

2016-01-01

Regulating the energy density of food could be used as a novel approach for successful body weight reduction in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to conduct a systemic review of the literature on the relationship between food energy density and body weight changes in obese adults to obtain solid evidence supporting this approach. The search process was based on the selection of publications in the English language listed in public databases. A meta-analysis was performed to combine individual study results. Thirteen experimental and observational studies were identified and included in the final analysis. The analyzed populations consist of 3628 individuals aged 18 to 66 years. The studies varied greatly in terms of study populations, study design and applied dietary approaches. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between low energy density foods and body weight reduction, i.e., −0.53 kg when low energy density foods were eaten (95% CI: −0.88, −0.19). In conclusions, this study adds evidence which supports the energy density of food as a simple but effective measure to manage weight in the obese with the aim of weight reduction. PMID:27104562

[Dapagliflozin, the first SGLT-2 inhibitor in the treatment of type 2 diabetes].

PubMed

Albarrán, Olga González; Ampudia-Blasco, F Javier

2013-09-01

Dapagliflozin is the first novel sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. By inhibiting SGLT2, dapagliflozin blocks reabsorption of filtered glucose in the kidney, increasing urinary glucose excretion and reducing blood glucose levels. Its mechanism of action is independent of pancreatic β cell function and modulation of insulin sensitivity. The results of phase III clinical trials showed that dapagliflozin, at a dose of 5 or 10mg/day for 24 weeks as monotherapy in previously untreated patients, or as add-on combination therapy with metformin, glimepiride, pioglitazone or insulin-based therapy, significantly reduced both HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels compared with placebo. In addition, dapagliflozin was noninferior to glipizide, in terms of glycemic control after 52 weeks, when used as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin. In most clinical trials, dapagliflozin reduced body weight. The combination of both effects (improved glycemic control and weight loss) is achieved to a greater extent in treatments that include dapaglifozin. Longer-term extension studies indicated that the efficacy of dapagliflozin on the glycemic control and weight reducción is maintained for up to 2 and 4 years. Dapagliflozin was well tolerated. Genital infections and urinary tract infections were more frequent in patients who received dapagliflozin than in placebo recipients. Hypoglycemic episodes were scarce with dapagliflozin. In conclusion, dapagliflozin is a novel option for the management of type 2 diabetes, particularly when used as add-on therapy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Vildagliptin and Pioglitazone in Korean Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled with Metformin.

PubMed

Kim, Jong Ho; Kim, Sang Soo; Baek, Hong Sun; Lee, In Kyu; Chung, Dong Jin; Sohn, Ho Sang; Bae, Hak Yeon; Kim, Mi Kyung; Park, Jeong Hyun; Choi, Young Sik; Kim, Young Il; Hahm, Jong Ryeal; Lee, Chang Won; Jo, Sung Rae; Park, Mi Kyung; Lee, Kwang Jae; Kim, In Joo

2016-06-01

We compared the efficacies of vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily) relative to pioglitazone (15 mg once daily) as an add-on treatment to metformin for reducing glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The present study was a multicenter, randomized, active-controlled investigation comparing the effects of vildagliptin and pioglitazone in Korean patients receiving a stable dose of metformin but exhibiting inadequate glycemic control. Each patient underwent a 16-week treatment period with either vildagliptin or pioglitazone as an add-on treatment to metformin. The mean changes in HbA1c levels from baseline were -0.94% in the vildagliptin group and -0.6% in the pioglitazone group and the difference between the treatments was below the non-inferiority margin of 0.3%. The mean changes in postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) levels were -60.2 mg/dL in the vildagliptin group and -38.2 mg/dL in the pioglitazone group and these values significantly differed (P=0.040). There were significant decreases in the levels of total, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and non-HDL cholesterol in the vildagliptin group but increases in the pioglitazone group. The mean change in body weight was -0.07 kg in the vildagliptin group and 0.69 kg in the pioglitazone group, which were also significantly different (P=0.002). As an add-on to metformin, the efficacy of vildagliptin for the improvement of glycemic control is not inferior to that of pioglitazone in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, add-on treatment with vildagliptin had beneficial effects on PPG levels, lipid profiles, and body weight compared to pioglitazone.

Modelling body weight, dieting and obesity traps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbieri, Paolo Nicola

2017-02-01

This paper presents a theoretical investigation into why losing weight is so difficult even in the absence of rational addiction, time-inconsistent preferences or bounded rationality. We add to the existing literature by focusing on the role that individual metabolism has on weight loss. The results from the theoretical model provide multiple steady states and a threshold revealing a situation of "obesity traps" that the individual must surpass in order to successfully lose weight. Any weight-loss efforts that the individual undertakes have to surpass such threshold in order to result in permanent weight loss, otherwise the individual will gradually regain weight and converge to his or her previous body weight.

Effectiveness of vildagliptin as add-on to metformin monotherapy among uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in a real-world setting.

PubMed

Melzer Cohen, Cheli; Davis, Carla; Shalev, Varda; Chodick, Gabriel

2018-01-01

Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor commonly used as a dual oral agent with metformin, thiazolidinediones, or sulfonylurea for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The efficacy of dual therapy with vildagliptin and metformin has been established in randomized controlled trials, but there is little evidence from observational studies. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effectiveness of vildagliptin as an add-on therapy to metformin in reducing HbA1c and its affects on body weight and blood lipids in a real-life setting. Included in the present retrospective cohort were T2DM patients (n = 345) who were uncontrolled on metformin monotherapy and intensified treatment with vildagliptin. The efficacy of at least 90 days of dual therapy with vildagliptin and metformin in reducing HbA1c levels, as well as changes in blood lipids and body weight, were evaluated. After 180 days (range 90-365 days) from the index date with a mean daily dose of 92 mg vildagliptin, HbA1c was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced by an average of 0.9% (95% confidence interval -1.0%, -0.7%). The absolute reduction in HbA1c was positively associated with baseline HbA1c levels. In addition to HbA1c, a modest but significant (P < 0.05) decrement was also calculated in the patients' body weight and blood lipids. The present analysis of real-world data corroborates the results of previous randomized controlled trials indicating that add-on therapy with vildagliptin in uncontrolled patients on metformin monotherapy is associated with a significant improvement in the control of HbA1c. © 2017 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Body Weight and Matching with a Physically Attractive Romantic Partner

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carmalt, Julie H.; Cawley, John; Joyner, Kara; Sobal, Jeffery

2008-01-01

Matching and attribute trade are two perspectives used to explain mate selection. We investigated patterns of matching and trade, focusing on obesity, using Add Health Romantic Pair data (N = 1,405 couples). Obese individuals, relative to healthy weight individuals, were less likely to have physically attractive partners, with this disadvantage…

Saxagliptin vs. glipizide as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin alone: long-term (52-week) extension of a 52-week randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Göke, Burkhard; Gallwitz, Baptist; Eriksson, Johan G; Hellqvist, Åsa; Gause-Nilsson, Ingrid

2013-04-01

To compare the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of saxagliptin vs. glipizide as add-on therapy to metformin. Adults with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) > 6.5-10% (on stable metformin ≥ 1500 mg/day) were randomised to saxagliptin 5 mg/day (n = 428) or glipizide titrated from 5 to 20 mg/day (mean dose 15 mg/day; n = 430) for 52 weeks with a 52-week extension (NCT00575588). Assessment of the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of add-on saxagliptin vs. glipizide after 104 weeks was a tertiary objective of the initial 52-week study. Saxagliptin was well tolerated during the 104-week period; 67.1% of patients receiving saxagliptin vs. 72.6% receiving glipizide had ≥ 1 adverse event (AE), and few patients (4.9% vs. 5.6%) discontinued owing to AEs. Fewer patients treated with saxagliptin experienced hypoglycaemia (3.5% vs. 38.4% with glipizide; difference, -34.9%, 95% CI, -39.8 to -30.0) or confirmed hypoglycaemia (0 vs. 9.1% with glipizide). Weight loss was observed with saxagliptin (-1.5 kg) vs. weight gain with glipizide (+1.3 kg; between-group difference, -2.8 kg, 95% CI, -3.32 kg to -2.20 kg). Change from baseline in HbA1c was -0.41 ± 0.04% with saxagliptin and -0.35 ± 0.04% with glipizide (between-group difference, -0.05%, 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.06%). A post hoc analysis showed that the proportion of patients with baseline HbA1c ≥ 7% who achieved HbA1c < 7% (observed data) at week 104 was 23.1% for saxagliptin + metformin and 22.7% for glipizide + metformin. A lower risk of hypoglycaemia and reduced body weight were observed with saxagliptin vs. glipizide. No other clinically significant differences were observed between groups in safety profile. No significant between-group differences were observed for reductions in glycaemic parameters. After week 24, a smaller weekly rise in HbA1c was observed with saxagliptin vs. glipizide as add-on therapy to metformin.

Food shopping and weight concern. Balancing consumer and body normality.

PubMed

Nielsen, Annemette; Holm, Lotte

2014-11-01

The desire to achieve a normal, culturally acceptable body is often seen as the main driver of food-consumption practices adopted by individuals who are concerned about their body weight. In social research into weight management self-control is therefore often a central theme. Turning the focus towards practices and values related to food shopping, this study adds to our understanding of central features in perceptions of normality among people with weight concerns. In a qualitative study 25 people who participated in a dietary intervention trial in Denmark were interviewed and five people were observed. The study shows that the aim of achieving a normal body does not eclipse the importance of enacting values linked to ideas of the 'normal consumer'. Using empirical examples, the study illuminates how consumer freedom is attained in ways that are both complementary to, and in conflict with, practices and experiences of controlling food intake. The paper suggests that freedom and control are composite and complementary ideals of normality for people with weight concerns. On the basis of this insight, the authors discuss the contribution the paper makes to existing studies of weight management and food consumption. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of carbohydrates on weight regain.

PubMed

Bosy-Westphal, Anja; Müller, Manfred J

2015-07-01

Research on obesity treatment has shifted its focus from weight loss to weight-loss maintenance strategies. The conventional approach of a low-fat diet is challenged by insights from glycemic effects of carbohydrates on body weight regulation. Metabolic and endocrine adaptations to weight loss that contribute to weight regain involve reduced energy expenditure, increased insulin sensitivity, and enhanced orexigenic signals. This review summarizes the impact of carbohydrates on energetic efficiency, partitioning of weight regain as fat and lean mass, and appetite control. Both the amount and frequency of postprandial glycemia add to body weight regulation after weight loss and strengthen the concept of glycemic index and glycemic load. In addition, dietary fiber and slowly or poorly absorbable functional sugars modify gastrointestinal peptides involved in appetite and metabolic regulation and exert prebiotic effects. Current evidence suggests that a low-glycemic load diet with a preference for low-glycemic index foods and integration of slowly digestible, poorly absorbable carbohydrates may improve weight-loss maintenance. Future studies should investigate the health benefits of low glycemic functional sweeteners (e.g., isomaltulose and tagatose).

Food attitudes and well-being: The role of culture.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Arauz, Gloriana; Ramírez-Esparza, Nairán; Smith-Castro, Vanessa

2016-10-01

Previous cross-cultural studies have found differences in food attitudes. For example, Americans are more concerned about weight gain than people from France and India. This study aimed to add on the literature on cross-cultural differences in food attitudes by comparing Euro-Americans with Costa Ricans on three different food attitudes: concern about gaining weight, food negativity, and the belief in the link between diet and health. This study also analyzes the implications of food attitudes on well-being. Specifically, within and across cultures, analyses were done to test the relationship between food attitudes and both anxiety and depression. Results showed that Costa Ricans are significantly less concerned about weight and less food negative than Euro-Americans. In further analyses an interaction was revealed, in which Costa Ricans that are high on weight concern but low on food negativity show lower levels of depression, compared to Euro-Americans. Results and implications for further research are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Blood pressure in 6 Yanomami villages].

PubMed

Mancilha-Carvalho, J J; Sousa e Silva, N A; Carvalho, J V; Lima, J A

1991-06-01

To investigate in Yanomami Indians that not add salt to food, the relationship between blood pressure (BP), biological variables (age, body weight, height and pulse) and urinary electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca++ and Mg++). We studied 125 males and 129 females from six villages on Surucuru plateau and on Catrimani and Ajarani rivers region in the state of Roraima, north Brazil. Two BP measurements were made and the mean of them were used in data analysis. None hypertensive was found. Systolic BP decreased with age and correlated with body weight, pulse and urinary Na+. Diastolic BP only correlated with body weight. Height, urinary K+, Ca++ and Mg++ did not correlate with BP. There was no hypertension nor increase of BP with increasing age in these isolated Yanomami.

"Raising Him . . . to Pull His Own Weight": Boys' Household Work in Single-Mother Households

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berridge, Clara W.; Romich, Jennifer L.

2011-01-01

In this study, the authors examine boys' household work in low- and moderate-income single-mother families. Through describing the work that boys do, why they do this work, and the meaning that they and their mothers give to this work, they add to the understanding of housework as an arena for gender role reproduction or interruption. Their data…

An information-theoretical perspective on weighted ensemble forecasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weijs, Steven V.; van de Giesen, Nick

2013-08-01

This paper presents an information-theoretical method for weighting ensemble forecasts with new information. Weighted ensemble forecasts can be used to adjust the distribution that an existing ensemble of time series represents, without modifying the values in the ensemble itself. The weighting can, for example, add new seasonal forecast information in an existing ensemble of historically measured time series that represents climatic uncertainty. A recent article in this journal compared several methods to determine the weights for the ensemble members and introduced the pdf-ratio method. In this article, a new method, the minimum relative entropy update (MRE-update), is presented. Based on the principle of minimum discrimination information, an extension of the principle of maximum entropy (POME), the method ensures that no more information is added to the ensemble than is present in the forecast. This is achieved by minimizing relative entropy, with the forecast information imposed as constraints. From this same perspective, an information-theoretical view on the various weighting methods is presented. The MRE-update is compared with the existing methods and the parallels with the pdf-ratio method are analysed. The paper provides a new, information-theoretical justification for one version of the pdf-ratio method that turns out to be equivalent to the MRE-update. All other methods result in sets of ensemble weights that, seen from the information-theoretical perspective, add either too little or too much (i.e. fictitious) information to the ensemble.

Analysis of Friendship Network and its Role in Explaining Obesity

PubMed Central

Marathe, Achla; Pan, Zhengzheng; Apolloni, Andrea

2013-01-01

We employ Add Health data to show that friendship networks, constructed from mutual friendship nominations, are important in building weight perception, setting weight goals and measuring social marginalization among adolescents and young adults. We study the relationship between individuals’ perceived weight status, actual weight status, weight status relative to friends’ weight status and weight goals. This analysis helps us understand how individual weight perceptions might be formed, what these perceptions do to the weight goals, and how does friends’ relative weight affect weight perception and weight goals. Combining this information with individuals’ friendship network helps determine the influence of social relationships on weight related variables. Multinomial logistic regression results indicate that relative status is indeed a significant predictor of perceived status, and perceived status is a significant predictor of weight goals. We also address the issue of causality between actual weight status and social marginalization (as measured by the number of friends) and show that obesity precedes social marginalization in time rather than the other way around. This lends credence to the hypothesis that obesity leads to social marginalization not vice versa. Attributes of friendship network can provide new insights into effective interventions for combating obesity since adolescent friendships provide an important social context for weight related behaviors. PMID:25328818

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Science.gov Websites

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Analytical study of interior noise control by fuselage design techniques on high-speed, propeller-driven aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Revell, J. D.; Balena, F. J.; Koval, L. R.

1980-01-01

The acoustical treatment mass penalties required to achieve an interior noise level of 80 dBA for high speed, fuel efficient propfan-powered aircraft are determined. The prediction method used is based on theory developed for the outer shell dynamics, and a modified approach for add-on noise control element performance. The present synthesis of these methods is supported by experimental data. Three different sized aircraft are studied, including a widebody, a narrowbody and a business sized aircraft. Noise control penalties are calculated for each aircraft for two kinds of noise control designs: add-on designs, where the outer wall structure cannot be changed, and advanced designs where the outer wall stiffness level and the materials usage can be altered. For the add-on designs, the mass penalties range from 1.7 to 2.4 percent of the takeoff gross weight (TOGW) of the various aircraft, similar to preliminary estimates. Results for advanced designs show significant reductions of the mass penalties. For the advanced aluminum designs the penalties are 1.5% of TOGW, and for an all composite aircraft the penalties range from 0.74 to 1.4% of TOGW.

Obesity in social media: a mixed methods analysis.

PubMed

Chou, Wen-Ying Sylvia; Prestin, Abby; Kunath, Stephen

2014-09-01

The escalating obesity rate in the USA has made obesity prevention a top public health priority. Recent interventions have tapped into the social media (SM) landscape. To leverage SM in obesity prevention, we must understand user-generated discourse surrounding the topic. This study was conducted to describe SM interactions about weight through a mixed methods analysis. Data were collected across 60 days through SM monitoring services, yielding 2.2 million posts. Data were cleaned and coded through Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, yielding popular themes and the most retweeted content. Qualitative analyses of selected posts add insight into the nature of the public dialogue and motivations for participation. Twitter represented the most common channel. Twitter and Facebook were dominated by derogatory and misogynist sentiment, pointing to weight stigmatization, whereas blogs and forums contained more nuanced comments. Other themes included humor, education, and positive sentiment countering weight-based stereotypes. This study documented weight-related attitudes and perceptions. This knowledge will inform public health/obesity prevention practice.

Basal insulin treatment intensification in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A comprehensive systematic review of current options.

PubMed

Raccah, D

2017-04-01

As type 2 diabetes mellitus progresses, most patients require treatment with basal insulin in combination with another agent to achieve recommended glycaemic targets. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the evidence supporting the use of the available add-on treatments [rapid-acting insulin (RAI), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors] to basal insulin. MEDLINE, EMBASE and EBSCOhost were searched for English-language articles, and all those captured were original articles (case studies and narrative reviews were omitted). Data on study design, population demographics, interventions and outcomes were tabulated. The extracted outcome data included changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), as well as body weight and safety data. A total of 88 publications were deemed relevant. All treatments reduced HbA 1c and FPG. The most pronounced reductions in PPG, an unmet need in patients not controlled by basal insulin, were seen following administration of RAIs and short-acting GLP-1 RAs, although data for this outcome are generally lacking. Body weight benefits were observed with GLP-1 RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors. However, as only articles in English were included, the result was a possible publication bias, while the diversity of study designs and drug combinations limited comparisons between studies. The evidence supports effectiveness of the available add-on treatments to basal insulin. However, other factors, such as potential body-weight increases, convenience/compliance and adverse events, particularly hypoglycaemia, should be considered on a patient-by-patient basis to optimalize treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Physical development and sexual orientation in men and women: an analysis of NATSAL-2000.

PubMed

Bogaert, Anthony F

2010-02-01

In the present study, three physical development characteristics-weight, height, and age of menarche-were examined for their relation to sexual orientation. Participants were men and women comprising the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles-2000 (N > 11,000). Participants completed self-report measures of sexual orientation, height, weight, and, for women, age of menarche. Results indicated that gay/bisexual men were significantly shorter and lighter than heterosexual men. There were no significant differences between lesbians and heterosexual women in height, weight, and age of puberty. The results add to literature suggesting that, relative to heterosexual men, gay/bisexual men may have different patterns of growth and development because of early biological influences (e.g., exposure to atypical levels of androgens prenatally). However, the present results do not support a number of studies suggesting that lesbian/bisexual women are taller and heavier than heterosexual women.

Once-Daily Liraglutide Versus Lixisenatide as Add-on to Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes: A 26-Week Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Nauck, Michael; Rizzo, Manfredi; Johnson, Andrew; Bosch-Traberg, Heidrun; Madsen, Jesper; Cariou, Bertrand

2016-09-01

To compare the efficacy and safety of liraglutide versus lixisenatide as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes not achieving adequate glycemic control on metformin alone. In this 26-week, randomized, parallel-group, open-label trial, 404 patients were randomized 1:1 to liraglutide 1.8 mg or lixisenatide 20 µg as add-on to metformin. Liraglutide was administered once daily at any time of the day. Lixisenatide was administered once daily within 1 h prior to the morning or evening meal. At week 26, liraglutide reduced HbA1c (primary end point) more than lixisenatide (estimated treatment difference -0.62% [95% CI -0.8; -0.4]; P < 0.0001), with more patients reaching HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) and ≤6.5% (48 mmol/mol) versus lixisenatide (74.2% and 54.6% for liraglutide vs. 45.5% and 26.2% for lixisenatide; P < 0.0001 for both). Liraglutide reduced fasting plasma glucose more than lixisenatide (estimated treatment difference -1.15 mmol/L [95% CI -1.5; -0.8]; P < 0.0001). Liraglutide provided greater reduction in mean 9-point self-measured plasma glucose (P < 0.0001). However, postprandial glucose increments were smaller with lixisenatide for the meal directly after injection compared with liraglutide (P < 0.05), with no differences between treatments across all meals. Both drugs promoted similar body weight decrease (-4.3 kg for liraglutide, -3.7 kg for lixisenatide; P = 0.23). The most common adverse events in both groups were gastrointestinal disorders. Greater increases in pulse, lipase, and amylase were observed with liraglutide. Hypoglycemic episodes were rare and similar between the two treatments. At the dose levels studied, liraglutide was more effective than lixisenatide as add-on to metformin in improving glycemic control. Body weight reductions were similar. Both treatments were well tolerated, with low risk of hypoglycemia and similar gastrointestinal adverse event profiles. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin or Dapagliflozin Plus Saxagliptin Versus Glimepiride as Add-on to Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Müller-Wieland, Dirk; Kellerer, Monika; Cypryk, Katarzyna; Skripova, Dasa; Rohwedder, Katja; Johnsson, Eva; Garcia-Sanchez, Ricardo; Kurlyandskaya, Raisa; David Sjöström, C; Jacob, Stephan; Seufert, Jochen; Dronamraju, Nalina; Csomós, Katalin

2018-06-27

To compare efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin ± saxagliptin with glimepiride as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes. This 52-week, multicenter, double-blind, active-controlled study (NCT02471404) randomized (1:1:1) patients (n=939; HbA 1C 7.5-10.5%) on metformin monotherapy (≥1500 mg/day) to add-on dapagliflozin 10 mg, dapagliflozin 10 mg plus saxagliptin 5 mg, or glimepiride 1-6 mg (titrated). The primary efficacy end point was change in HbA 1C from baseline to week 52. Baseline mean age, diabetes duration and HbA 1C were 58.4 years, 7.0 years and 8.3%, respectively. Adjusted mean HbA 1C change from baseline was -1.20% with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin and -0.82% with dapagliflozin, vs. -0.99% with glimepiride (mean dose at week 52: 4.6 mg). Changes in body weight (-3.2 kg and -3.5 k vs +1.8 kg) and systolic blood pressure (SBP; -6.4 mmHg and -5.6 mmHg vs -1.6 mmHg) were significantly greater with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin and dapagliflozin vs glimepiride; FPG decreased significantly with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin vs glimepiride (-2.1 mmol/L vs -1.5 mmol/L) and was similar for dapagliflozin (-1.6 mmol/L) vs glimepiride. Confirmed hypoglycemia incidence was lower with dapagliflozin regimens than with glimepiride (0 and 1 vs 13 patients) and fewer patients required rescue. Genital infections were more frequent with dapagliflozin; other AE profiles were similar. Dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin improved glycemic control compared with glimepiride plus metformin; add-on of dapagliflozin alone showed similar efficacy to glimepiride. Both dapagliflozin regimens decreased body weight and SBP, with lower hypoglycemia incidence compared with glimepiride. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Associations between dairy protein intake and body weight and risk markers of diabetes and CVD during weight maintenance.

PubMed

Bendtsen, Line Q; Lorenzen, Janne K; Larsen, Thomas M; van Baak, Marleen; Papadaki, Angeliki; Martinez, J Alfredo; Handjieva-Darlenska, Teodora; Jebb, Susan A; Kunešová, Marie; Pfeiffer, Andreas F H; Saris, Wim H M; Astrup, Arne; Raben, Anne

2014-03-14

Dairy products have previously been reported to be associated with beneficial effects on body weight and metabolic risk markers. Moreover, primary data from the Diet, Obesity and Genes (DiOGenes) study indicate a weight-maintaining effect of a high-protein-low-glycaemic index diet. The objective of the present study was to examine putative associations between consumption of dairy proteins and changes in body weight and metabolic risk markers after weight loss in obese and overweight adults. Results were based on secondary analyses of data obtained from overweight and obese adults who completed the DiOGenes study. The study consisted of an 8-week weight-loss phase and a 6-month weight-maintenance (WM) phase, where the subjects were given five different diets varying in protein content and glycaemic index. In the present study, data obtained from all the subjects were pooled. Dairy protein intake was estimated from 3 d dietary records at two time points (week 4 and week 26) during the WM phase. Body weight and metabolic risk markers were determined at baseline (week -9 to -11) and before and at the end of the WM phase (week 0 and week 26). Overall, no significant associations were found between consumption of dairy proteins and changes in body weight and metabolic risk markers. However, dairy protein intake tended to be negatively associated with body weight gain (P=0·08; β=-0·17), but this was not persistent when controlled for total protein intake, which indicates that dairy protein adds no additional effect to the effect of total protein. Therefore, the present study does not report that dairy proteins are more favourable than other proteins for body weight regulation.

A 20,000-Kilowatt Nuclear Turboelectric Power Supply for Manned Space Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

English, Robert E.; Slone, Henry O.; Bernatowicz, Daniel T.; Davison, Elmer H.; Lieblein, Seymour

1959-01-01

A conceptual design of a nuclear turboelectric powerplant, producing 20,000 kilowatts of power suitable for manned space vehicles is presented. The study indicates that the radiator necessary for rejecting cycle waste heat is the dominant weight, and emphasis is placed on the selection of cycle operating conditions in order to reduce this weight. A thermodynamic cycle using sodium vapor as the working fluid and operating at a turbine-inlet temperature of 2500 R was selected. The total powerplant weight was calculated to be approximately 6 pounds per kilowatt. The radiator contributes approximately 2.1 pounds per kilowatt to the total weight and the reactor and reactor shield contribute approximately 0.24 and 1.2 pounds per kilowatt, respectively. The generator, turbine, and piping add significantly to the total weight (between 0.5 and 0.6 lb/kw), but the heat exchanger, pumps, and so on are less important. Several important research areas associated with the development of a reliable nuclear turboelectric powerplant of the type analyzed are discussed.

Weight loss in overweight patients maintained on atypical antipsychotic agents.

PubMed

Centorrino, F; Wurtman, J J; Duca, K A; Fellman, V H; Fogarty, K V; Berry, J M; Guay, D M; Romeling, M; Kidwell, J; Cincotta, S L; Baldessarini, R J

2006-06-01

Weight gain and associated medical morbidity offset the reduction of extrapyramidal side effects associated with atypical antipsychotics. Efforts to control weight in antipsychotic-treated patients have yielded limited success. We studied the impact of an intensive 24-week program of diet, exercise, and counseling in 17 chronically psychotic patients (10 women, seven men) who entered at high average body weight (105.0+/-18.4 kg) and body mass index (BMI) (36.6+/-4.6 kg/m(2)). A total of 12 subjects who completed the initial 24 weeks elected to participate in an additional 24-week, less intensive extension phase. By 24 weeks, weight-loss/patient averaged 6.0 kg (5.7%) and BMI decreased to 34.5 (by 5.7%). Blood pressure decreased from 130/83 to 116/74 (11% improvement), pulse fell slightly, and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations changed nonsignificantly. With less intensive management for another 24 weeks, subjects regained minimal weight (0.43 kg). These findings add to the emerging view that weight gain is a major health problem associated with modern antipsychotic drugs and that labor-intensive weight-control efforts in patients requiring antipsychotic treatment yield clinically promising benefits. Improved treatments without weight-gain risk are needed.

Gender and genetic contributions to weight identity among adolescents and young adults in the U.S.

PubMed

Wedow, Robbee; Briley, Daniel A; Short, Susan E; Boardman, Jason D

2016-09-01

In this paper, we investigate the possibility that genetic variation contributes to self-perceived weight status among adolescents and young adults in the U.S. Using samples of identical and fraternal twins across four waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) study, we calculate heritability estimates for objective body mass index (BMI) that are in line with previous estimates. We also show that perceived weight status is heritable (h(2) ∼ 0.47) and most importantly that this trait continues to be heritable above and beyond objective BMI (h(2) ∼ 0.25). We then demonstrate significant sex differences in the heritability of weight identity across the four waves of the study, where h(2)women = 0.39, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.50 for each wave, respectively, and h(2)men = 0.10, 0.10, 0.23, and 0.03. These results call for a deeper consideration of both identity and gender in genetics research. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topiramate's effectiveness on weight reduction in overweight/obese persons with schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Chandradasa, Miyuru; Champika, Layani; de Silva, Silumini; Kuruppuarachchi, K A L A

2017-09-20

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder with a higher mortality than that of the general population. Most of the deaths are due to cardiovascular causes and are related to metabolic risks. This risk is due not only to antipsychotics but also to inherent factors of the disorder. Studies in the West have shown topiramate to be effective in schizophrenia to reduce weight gain and for symptomatic control. Whether this is effective for South Asians is not known. It is important because South Asians have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. We aim to conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing topiramate add-on therapy with treatment as usual with antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia in an outpatient setting in Sri Lanka. Ninety patients with schizophrenia presenting to the Colombo North Teaching Hospital will be randomized to intervention and control groups equally using permuted block randomization. Patients with comorbid metabolic disorders and taking prescribed weight-controlling medications will be excluded. The intervention group will be prescribed topiramate in addition to their antipsychotics in a predefined dosing regimen targeting a dose of 100 mg per day. The control subjects are to receive a placebo. As the primary outcome, anthropometric measurements including weight, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and body mass index will be recorded at baseline and monthly during the study period of 3 months. The secondary outcome is the change in symptoms according to the clinician-administered Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Assessment of capacity will be performed and informed consent obtained from all subjects. Ethics approval has been obtained from the ethical review committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, and the trial has been registered in the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry. In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, we will attempt to assess the effectiveness of topiramate as an add-on therapy compared with treatment as usual for weight control in patients with schizophrenia. To our knowledge, this is the first such study in South Asia, where metabolic risks are found to be higher than in the West and could have unique ethnic factors related to weight gain in schizophrenia. Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry, SLCTR/2017/003 . Registered on 20 February 2017. Universal trial number, U1111-1192-9439.

Weather delay costs to trucking.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-11-01

Estimates of the nations freight sector of transportation range to upwards of $600 billion of total gross domestic product with 70 percent of total value and 60 percent of total weight moving by truck. Weather-related delays can add significantly ...

Energy Density and Weight Loss: Feel Full on Fewer Calories

MedlinePlus

... add more vegetables to your diet, top your pasta with sauteed vegetables instead of meat or cheese ... from grains, such as cereal, rice, bread and pasta. Whole grains are the best option because they' ...

Healthy Weight Gain for Teens: A Guide for Parents

MedlinePlus

... them. What should my teen add to increase energy and calories to meals and snacks? There are ... to foods and drinks to enhance flavor and energy. For example, mix in Carnation Breakfast Essentials® powder ...

Cabin Noise Control for Twin Engine General Aviation Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaicaitis, R.; Slazak, M.

1982-01-01

An analytical model based on modal analysis was developed to predict the noise transmission into a twin-engine light aircraft. The model was applied to optimize the interior noise to an A-weighted level of 85 dBA. To achieve the required noise attenuation, add-on treatments in the form of honeycomb panels, damping tapes, acoustic blankets, septum barriers and limp trim panels were added to the existing structure. The added weight of the noise control treatment is about 1.1 percent of the total gross take-off weight of the aircraft.

Design of sidewall treatment of cabin noise control of a twin engine turboprop aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaicaitis, R.; Slazak, M.

1983-01-01

An analytical procedure was used to predict the noise transmission into the cabin of a twin engine general aviation aircraft. This model was then used to optimize the interior A weighted noise levels to an average value of about 85 dBA. The surface pressure noise spectral levels were selected utilizing experimental flight data and empirical predictions. The add on treatments considered in this optimization study include aluminum honeycomb panels, constrained layer damping tape, porous acoustic blankets, acoustic foams, septum barriers and limp trim panels which are isolated from the vibration of the main sidewall structure. To reduce the average noise level in the cabin from about 102 kBA (baseline) to 85 dBA (optimized), the added weight of the noise control treatment is about 2% of the total gross takeoff weight of the aircraft.

Design of sidewall treatment of cabin noise control of a twin engine turboprop aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaicaitis, R.; Slazak, M.

1983-12-01

An analytical procedure was used to predict the noise transmission into the cabin of a twin engine general aviation aircraft. This model was then used to optimize the interior A weighted noise levels to an average value of about 85 dBA. The surface pressure noise spectral levels were selected utilizing experimental flight data and empirical predictions. The add on treatments considered in this optimization study include aluminum honeycomb panels, constrained layer damping tape, porous acoustic blankets, acoustic foams, septum barriers and limp trim panels which are isolated from the vibration of the main sidewall structure. To reduce the average noise level in the cabin from about 102 kBA (baseline) to 85 dBA (optimized), the added weight of the noise control treatment is about 2% of the total gross takeoff weight of the aircraft.

Weight and Body Composition Changes During Oral Contraceptive Use in Obese and Normal Weight Women

PubMed Central

Torgal, Anupama H.; Westhoff, Carolyn L.

2014-01-01

Abstract Background: Oral contraceptive (OC) use seems to have little effect on weight change in normal weight women. Most previous studies have excluded obese women, so the effect of OC use on weight change in obese women is unknown. Methods: This analysis evaluates weight and body composition change with OC use among obese (body mass index [BMI] 30.0–39.9) and normal weight (BMI 19.0–24.9) women who were randomly assigned to two OC doses: 20 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 100 μg levonorgestrel (LNG) OCs or 30 μg EE and 150 μg LNG OCs. Follow-up occurred after three to four OC cycles. Weight and body composition were measured at baseline and at follow-up using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Results: Among 150 women (54 obese and 96 normal weight) who used OCs for 3 to 4 months, there were no clinically or statistically significant weight or body composition changes in the overall group or by BMI or OC formulation group. Conclusions: These findings add to evidence that EE/LNG OCs are not associated with short term weight or body composition change for normal weight women and suggest that OCs are also are not associated with short term weight or body composition change in obese women. PMID:24156617

Interior noise control prediction study for high-speed propeller-driven aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rennison, D. C.; Wilby, J. F.; Marsh, A. H.; Wilby, E. G.

1979-01-01

An analytical model was developed to predict the noise levels inside propeller-driven aircraft during cruise at M = 0.8. The model was applied to three study aircraft with fuselages of different size (wide body, narrow body and small diameter) in order to determine the noise reductions required to achieve the goal of an A-weighted sound level which does not exceed 80 dB. The model was then used to determine noise control methods which could achieve the required noise reductions. Two classes of noise control treatments were investigated: add-on treatments which can be added to existing structures, and advanced concepts which would require changes to the fuselage primary structure. Only one treatment, a double wall with limp panel, provided the required noise reductions. Weight penalties associated with the treatment were estimated for the three study aircraft.

Adult weight gain and colorectal adenomas-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Schlesinger, S; Aleksandrova, K; Abar, L; Vieria, A R; Vingeliene, S; Polemiti, E; Stevens, C A T; Greenwood, D C; Chan, D S M; Aune, D; Norat, T

2017-06-01

Colorectal adenomas are known as precursors for the majority of colorectal carcinomas. While weight gain during adulthood has been identified as a risk factor for colorectal cancer, the association is less clear for colorectal adenomas. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the evidence on this association. We searched Medline up to September 2016 to identify observational (prospective, cross-sectional and retrospective) studies on weight gain during adulthood and colorectal adenoma occurrence and recurrence. We conducted meta-analysis on high weight gain versus stable weight, linear and non-linear dose-response meta-analyses to analyze the association. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using a random effects model. For colorectal adenoma occurrence, the summary OR was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.17-1.65; I2: 43%, N = 9 studies, cases = 5507) comparing high (midpoint: 17.4 kg) versus stable weight gain during adulthood and with each 5 kg weight gain the odds increased by 7% (2%-11%; I2: 65%, N = 7 studies). Although there was indication of non-linearity (Pnon-linearity < 0.001) there was an increased odds of colorectal adenoma throughout the whole range of weight gain. Three studies were identified investigating the association between weight gain and colorectal adenoma recurrence and data were limited to draw firm conclusions. Even a small amount of adult weight gain was related to a higher odds of colorectal adenoma occurrence. Our findings add to the benefits of weight control in adulthood regarding colorectal adenoma occurrence, which might be relevant for early prevention of colorectal cancer. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Experimental determination and allometric prediction of vitreous volume, and retina and lens weights in Göttingen minipigs.

PubMed

Shafiee, Afshin; McIntire, Greg L; Sidebotham, Lisa C; Ward, Keith W

2008-01-01

To determine the vitreous volume, and retinal and lens wet weights in male and female Göttingen minipigs of different age groups. Vitreous, lens and retina were isolated from fresh minipig eyes. Vitreous volume, lens and retina weight were measured and allometric scaling was utilized to predict these parameters. There were no gender differences in body weights or retina and lens weights in the three age groups examined in this study. For vitreous volumes, females had a significantly larger volume (approximately 10%-12%) than males in the 4-6 and 6-8 month, but not in the 8-11-month group. The mean body weight increased from 12.2 +/- 2.6 kg (4-6 months) to 19.4 +/- 4.0 kg (8-11 months). In the same period, the mean vitreous volume increased from 2.00 +/- 0.28 to 2.67 +/- 0.31 mL, while the mean retinal and lens weights increased from 114 +/- 22 to 126 +/- 17 mg, and from 298 +/- 26 to 392 +/- 15 mg, respectively. Allometric analysis between six species for vitreous volume and four species for lens weight covering a weight range of 260-fold was not able to estimate the vitreous volume, but it did predict the lens weight in 8-11 months minipigs. Overall these measurements add important context to intraocular pharmacology studies, and will help in the improved design and interpretation of such experiments.

When does weight matter most?

PubMed

Chen, Alice J

2012-01-01

Past empirical work establishes a wage penalty from being overweight. In this paper, I exploit variation in an individual's weight over time to determine the age when weight has the largest impact on labor market outcomes. For white men, controlling for weight at younger ages does not eliminate the effect of older adult weight on wage: being overweight as a young adult only adds an additional penalty to adult wages. However, for white women, what they weigh in their early twenties solely determines the existence of an adult wage penalty. The female early-twenties weight penalty has a persistent effect on wages, and differences in marital characteristics, occupation status, or education cannot explain it. It also is not a proxy for intergenerational unobservables. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Birth weight and cognitive development in adolescence: causal relationship or social selection?

PubMed

Gorman, Bridget K

2002-01-01

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health), I investigate the relationship between birth weight and cognitive development among adolescents aged 12-17. Initial OLS regression models reveal a significant, positive relationship between low birth weight and verbal ability. Controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and other adolescent characteristics modifies, but does not eliminate, this relationship. Additional models that stratify the sample by parental education illustrate the greater importance of other family and adolescent characteristics for cognitive development in adolescence, and a diminished role of birth weight. In the final section of the paper, fixed effects models of non-twin full siblings indicate no significant association between birth weight and verbal ability, suggesting that traditional cross-sectional models overstate the influence of birth weight for cognitive development in adolescence.

Analytical Fuselage and Wing Weight Estimation of Transport Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambers, Mark C.; Ardema, Mark D.; Patron, Anthony P.; Hahn, Andrew S.; Miura, Hirokazu; Moore, Mark D.

1996-01-01

A method of estimating the load-bearing fuselage weight and wing weight of transport aircraft based on fundamental structural principles has been developed. This method of weight estimation represents a compromise between the rapid assessment of component weight using empirical methods based on actual weights of existing aircraft, and detailed, but time-consuming, analysis using the finite element method. The method was applied to eight existing subsonic transports for validation and correlation. Integration of the resulting computer program, PDCYL, has been made into the weights-calculating module of the AirCraft SYNThesis (ACSYNT) computer program. ACSYNT has traditionally used only empirical weight estimation methods; PDCYL adds to ACSYNT a rapid, accurate means of assessing the fuselage and wing weights of unconventional aircraft. PDCYL also allows flexibility in the choice of structural concept, as well as a direct means of determining the impact of advanced materials on structural weight. Using statistical analysis techniques, relations between the load-bearing fuselage and wing weights calculated by PDCYL and corresponding actual weights were determined.

Loss of pons-to-hypothalamic white matter tracks in brainstem obesity.

PubMed

Purnell, J Q; Lahna, D L; Samuels, M H; Rooney, W D; Hoffman, W F

2014-12-01

Hyperphagia and obesity have been reported following damage to the hypothalamus in humans. Other brain sites are also postulated to be involved in the control of food intake and body weight regulation, such as the amygdala and brainstem. The brainstem, however, is thought to primarily integrate short-term meal-related signals but not affect long-term alterations in body weight, which is controlled by higher centers. The objective of this study was to identify structural pathways damaged in a patient with a brainstem cavernoma who experienced sudden onset of hyperphagia and >50 kg weight gain in <1 year following surgical drainage via a midline suboccipital craniotomy. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed loss of nerve fiber connections between her brainstem, hypothalamus and higher brain centers with preservation of motor tracks. Imaging and endocrine testing confirmed normal hypothalamic structure and function. Gastric bypass surgery restored normal appetite and body weight to baseline. This is the first report of 'brainstem obesity' and adds to the brain regions that can determine the long-term body weight set point in humans.

Efficacy and Safety of Canagliflozin, a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor, as Add-on to Insulin in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes.

PubMed

Henry, Robert R; Thakkar, Payal; Tong, Cindy; Polidori, David; Alba, Maria

2015-12-01

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, as add-on to insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes. This 18-week, double-blind, phase 2 study randomized 351 patients (HbA1c 7.0-9.0% [53-75 mmol/mol]) on multiple daily insulin injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo. The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving at week 18 both HbA1c reduction from baseline of ≥0.4% (≥4.4 mmol/mol) and no increase in body weight. Other end points included changes in HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dose, as well as hypoglycemia incidence. Safety was assessed by adverse event (AE) reports. More patients had both HbA1c reduction ≥0.4% and no increase in body weight with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo at week 18 (36.9%, 41.4%, 14.5%, respectively; P < 0.001). Both canagliflozin doses provided reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dose versus placebo over 18 weeks. The incidence of hypoglycemia was similar across groups; severe hypoglycemia rates were low (1.7-6.8%). Overall incidence of AEs was 55.6%, 67.5%, and 54.7% with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo; discontinuation rates were low (0.9-1.3%). Increased incidence of ketone-related AEs (5.1%, 9.4%, 0%), including the specific AE of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (4.3%, 6.0%, 0%), was seen with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo. Canagliflozin provided reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dose with no increase in hypoglycemia, but increased rates of ketone-related AEs, including DKA, in adults with type 1 diabetes inadequately controlled with insulin. © 2015 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

Design of a large span-distributed load flying-wing cargo airplane with laminar flow control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovell, W. A.; Price, J. E.; Quartero, C. B.; Turriziani, R. V.; Washburn, G. F.

1978-01-01

A design study was conducted to add laminar flow control to a previously design span-distributed load airplane while maintaining constant range and payload. With laminar flow control applied to 100 percent of the wing and vertical tail chords, the empty weight increased by 4.2 percent, the drag decreased by 27.4 percent, the required engine thrust decreased by 14.8 percent, and the fuel consumption decreased by 21.8 percent. When laminar flow control was applied to a lesser extent of the chord (approximately 80 percent), the empty weight increased by 3.4 percent, the drag decreased by 20.0 percent, the required engine thrust decreased by 13.0 percent, and the fuel consumption decreased by 16.2 percent. In both cases the required take-off gross weight of the aircraft was less than the original turbulent aircraft.

Implementations of geographically weighted lasso in spatial data with multicollinearity (Case study: Poverty modeling of Java Island)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiyorini, Anis; Suprijadi, Jadi; Handoko, Budhi

2017-03-01

Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is a regression model that takes into account the spatial heterogeneity effect. In the application of the GWR, inference on regression coefficients is often of interest, as is estimation and prediction of the response variable. Empirical research and studies have demonstrated that local correlation between explanatory variables can lead to estimated regression coefficients in GWR that are strongly correlated, a condition named multicollinearity. It later results on a large standard error on estimated regression coefficients, and, hence, problematic for inference on relationships between variables. Geographically Weighted Lasso (GWL) is a method which capable to deal with spatial heterogeneity and local multicollinearity in spatial data sets. GWL is a further development of GWR method, which adds a LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) constraint in parameter estimation. In this study, GWL will be applied by using fixed exponential kernel weights matrix to establish a poverty modeling of Java Island, Indonesia. The results of applying the GWL to poverty datasets show that this method stabilizes regression coefficients in the presence of multicollinearity and produces lower prediction and estimation error of the response variable than GWR does.

Determination of brace forces caused by construction loads and wind loads during bridge construction : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

Bridges are constructed in stages as pilings, : columns, girders, decks, and other components : are added. At each stage, the structure must be : stable. Girders, which add significant weight to : the developing structure, rest on elastomeric : beari...

Predictors of regular cigarette smoking among adolescent females: Does body image matter?

PubMed Central

Kaufman, Annette R.; Augustson, Erik M.

2013-01-01

This study examined how factors associated with body image predict regular smoking in adolescent females. Data were from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a study of health-related behaviors in a nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7 through 12. Females in Waves I and II (n=6,956) were used for this study. Using SUDAAN to adjust for the sampling frame, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate if baseline body image factors, including perceived weight, perceived physical development, trying to lose weight, and self-esteem, were predictive of regular smoking status 1 year later. In univariate analyses, perceived weight (p<.01), perceived physical development (p<.0001), trying to lose weight (p<.05), and self-esteem (p<.0001) significantly predicted regular smoking 1 year later. In the logistic regression model, perceived physical development (p<.05), and self-esteem (p<.001) significantly predicted regular smoking. The more developed a female reported being in comparison to other females her age, the more likely she was to be a regular smoker. Lower self-esteem was predictive of regular smoking. Perceived weight and trying to lose weight failed to reach statistical significance in the multivariate model. This current study highlights the importance of perceived physical development and self-esteem when predicting regular smoking in adolescent females. Efforts to promote positive self-esteem in young females may be an important strategy when creating interventions to reduce regular cigarette smoking. PMID:18686177

Influence of pre-pregnancy leisure time physical activity on gestational and postpartum weight gain and birth weight - a cohort study.

PubMed

Hegaard, Hanne Kristine; Rode, Line; Katballe, Malene Kjær; Langberg, Henning; Ottesen, Bent; Damm, Peter

2017-08-01

In order to examine the association between pre-pregnancy leisure time physical activities and gestational weight gain, postpartum weight gain and birth weight, we analysed prospectively collected data from 1827 women with singleton term pregnancies. Women were categorised in groups of sedentary women, light exercisers, moderate exercisers and competitive athletes. The results showed that sedentary women on average gained 14.1 kg during pregnancy, whereas light exercisers gained 13.7 kg, moderate exercisers gained 14.3 kg and competitive athletes 16.1 kg. Competitive athletes had an increased risk of having a gestational weight gain above Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations with an odds ratio of 2.60 (1.32-5.15) compared to light exercisers. However, birth weight and one year postpartum weight was similar for all four groups. Thus, although competitive athletes gain more weight than recommended during pregnancy, this may not affect birth weight or postpartum weight. Impact statement What is already known on this subjectPrevious studies have found that increased pre-pregnancy physical activity is associated with lower gestational weight gain during the last trimester, but showed no association between the pre-pregnancy level of physical activity and mean birth weight. What the results of this study addWe found that women classified as competitive exercisers had a 2.6-fold increased risk of gaining more weight than recommended compared to light exercisers. Nearly 6 out of 10 women among the competitive exercisers gained more weight than recommended by IOM. Surprisingly, this did not appear to increase birth weight or post-partum weight gain, but other adverse effects cannot be excluded. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further researchIn the clinical practice it may be relevant to focus on and advise pre-pregnancy competitive exercisers in order to prevent excessive gestational weight gain.

Real-life efficacy and safety of vildagliptin compared with sulfonylureas as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Germany.

PubMed

Göke, R; Gruenberger, J B; Bader, G; Dworak, M

2014-05-01

Metformin is an established first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, but intensification of oral anti-diabetes therapy is usually required over time. A large observational study of 45,868 T2DM patients in 27 countries (EDGE) was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin as add-on therapy to another oral anti-diabetes drug (OAD) vs other dual OAD combinations. This report presents results from a post-hoc analysis of patients in Germany who received vildagliptin or a sulfonylurea (SU) in combination with metformin. Patients inadequately controlled with monotherapy became eligible only after the add-on treatment was finalized. Patients included were assigned to receive either vildagliptin or another OAD (SUs, thiazolidinediones, glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, or metformin; DPP-4 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] mimetics/analogs were excluded). The primary end-point was the proportion of patients achieving a reduction in HbA1c >0.3% without peripheral edema, hypoglycemia, discontinuation due to gastrointestinal event, or weight gain ≥5%. Of 8887 patients enrolled in Germany, 6439 received vildagliptin and 971 received SUs as add-on to metformin. The primary end-point was reached in 34.9% and 29.6% of patients in the vildagliptin and SU groups, respectively, with an unadjusted odds ratio of 1.27 (95% CI = 1.09, 1.47; p = 0.001). HbA1c decreased in both cohorts from baseline (-0.7% with vildagliptin vs -0.5% with SUs), with a mean between-group difference of -0.2% (95% CI = -0.22, -0.09). The number of hypoglycemic events was 4-fold higher in the SU group than in the vildagliptin group (vildagliptin = 0.11%; SU = 0.41%). In a real-life setting, vildagliptin was associated with a numerically greater reduction in HbA1c, less hypoglycemia, and more patients reaching target HbA1c without hypoglycemia or weight gain compared with SUs. Open-label design and under reporting of adverse events are limitations of this post hoc analysis.

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

Riis, Hans L.; Zimmermann, Sune J.; Hjelm-Hansen, Mogens

Purpose: The delivery of high quality stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) treatments to the patient requires knowledge of the position of the isocenter to submillimeter accuracy. To meet the requirements the deviation between the radiation and mechanical isocenters must be less than 1 mm. The use of add-on micromultileaf collimators ({mu}MLCs) in SRS and SRT is an additional challenge to the anticipated high-level geometric and dosimetric accuracy of the treatment. The aim of this work was to quantify the gantry excursions during rotation with and without an add-on {mu}MLC attached to the gantry head. In addition, the shiftmore » in the position of the isocenter and its correlation to the kV beam center of the cone-beam CT system was included in the study. Methods: The quantification of the gantry rotational performance was done using a pointer supported by an in-house made rigid holder attached to the gantry head of the accelerator. The pointer positions were measured using a digital theodolite. To quantify the effect of an {mu}MLC of 50 kg, the measurements were repeated with the {mu}MLC attached to the gantry head. The displacement of the isocenter due to an add-on {mu}MLC of 50 kg was also investigated. In case of the pointer measurement the {mu}MLC was simulated by weights attached to the gantry head. A method of least squares was applied to determine the position and displacement of the mechanical isocenter. Additionally, the displacement of the radiation isocenter was measured using a ball-bearing phantom and the electronic portal image device system. These measurements were based on 8 MV photon beams irradiated onto the ball from the four cardinal angles and two opposed collimator angles. The measurements and analysis of the data were carried out automatically using software delivered by the manufacturer. Results: The displacement of the mechanical isocenter caused by a 50 kg heavy {mu}MLC was found to be (-0.01 {+-} 0.05, -0.10 {+-} 0.03, -0.26 {+-} 0.05) mm in lateral, longitudinal, and vertical direction, respectively. Similarly, the displacement of the radiation isocenter was found to be (0.00 {+-} 0.03, -0.08 {+-} 0.06, -0.32 {+-} 0.02) mm. Good agreement was found between the displacement of the two isocenters. A displacement of the kV cone-beam CT beam center due to the attached weight of 50 kg could not be detected. Conclusions: General characteristics of the gantry arm excursions and displacements caused by an add-on {mu}MLC have been reported. A 50 kg heavy add-on {mu}MLC results in a isocenter displacement downward of 0.26-0.32 mm. The authors recommend that the beam center of the kV cone-beam CT image system should be matched to the isocenter related to the weight of the {mu}MLC. Consequently, the imperfections in isocenter localizations are transferred to the conventional radiotherapy where the clinical consequences of uncertainties in the submillimeter regime are negligible.« less

Is there an interrelationship between the effects of antipsychotics on psychopathology and on metabolism?

PubMed

Chukhin, Evgeny; Terevnikov, Viacheslav; Takala, Pirjo; Hakko, Helinä; Putkonen, Hanna; Räsänen, Pirkko; Stenberg, Jan-Henry; Eronen, Markku; Joffe, Grigori

2016-01-01

Increased body weight and hyperlipidemia caused by antipsychotics may be associated with improved antipsychotic efficacy in schizophrenia. If this association has a causal interrelationship via a genuine pathophysiological mechanism, then body weight loss in antipsychotic-treated patients would be accompanied by worsened psychopathology. This could have clinical implications. To explore whether the decreased body weight in these patients is associated with a worsened psychopathology. In our previously published study, a 16 week treatment period with add-on orlistat (but not placebo) resulted in body weight loss in male (but not female) clozapine- or olanzapine-treated overweight or obese patients. In the current study, we investigated whether body weight loss in those male patients could worsen psychosis. Changes in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores within groups and body weight changes and lipid profiles over the treatment period were analysed by the paired samples t-test. Between-group comparisons were analysed by the independent samples t-test. Over the treatment period body weight decreased by 2.56 ± 3.25 kg from initial 106.02 ± 12.61 kg (p = 0.04) for the orlistat group, with no statistically significant changes for the placebo group. Lipid levels did not change in either group. The orlistat-induced weight decrease was not associated with worsening in the PANSS scores. Weight loss was not associated with a worsening of psychosis. The interrelationship between the antipsychotic-induced weigh gain and improved schizophrenia psychopathology observed in earlier studies appears to be indirect. Orlistat treatment in our study did not worsen psychopathology in this population.

The interplay between gender, race and weight status: self perceptions and social consequences.

PubMed

Fletcher, Jason M

2014-07-01

This paper uses data from nearly 15,000 young adult respondents to the Add Health survey to examine racial and gender differences in the perceptions and social rewards to weight. The data include information on several typically unmeasured domains: self-perceptions of ideal weight, attractiveness ratings, and measured weight information, along with ties to a series of adult outcomes. Results show important gender and racial differences in ideal weight as well as differences for both self-perceived attractiveness and interviewer rated attractiveness. Findings also suggest the existence of large differences in socio-cultural rewards and sanctions for weight status. Black respondents, particularly women, appear to receive lower "obesity penalties" in both their self-perceived and interviewer accessed attractiveness ratings than other groups. These findings suggest the need to consider new classes of policies directed at shifting relative social benefits and consequences to weight status. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Add-on topiramate reduces weight in overweight patients with affective disorders: a clinical case series

PubMed Central

Kirov, George; Tredget, John

2005-01-01

Background The weight-gain caused by many psychotropic drugs is a major cause for poor compliance with such medications and could also increase cardio-vascular morbidity among psychiatric patients. Recent reports have shown that the anticonvulsant topiramate causes weight loss in various patient groups. The drug has also shown effectiveness in open trials as a mood stabilizer in patients with affective disorders, but not in controlled trials in the acute treatment of mania. We used topiramate to treat 12 patients with affective disorders who had a body-mass index >30 kg/m2. Methods Topiramate was prescribed as part of our routine clinical practice, as an add-on medication, or as a replacement of a mood stabilizer. Patients' weight was recorded in 1 to 2 monthly intervals. Patients were followed up for between 6 and 12 months. The final dose of topiramate varied from 200 to 600 mg/day. Results Topiramate was effective in reducing the weight in 10 out of the 12 patients. At six months the 12 patients had lost a mean of 7.75 kg (SD = 6.9 kg, p < 0.001) and at 12 months 9 patients had lost a mean of 9.61 kg (SD = 6.7 kg, p = 0.003). Three patients stopped the treatment: one due to side effects, one due to possible side effects, and one suffered a manic relapse and showed no sustained weight loss. There were no other clear changes in the course of illness of the patients. Conclusion The evidence of a strong weight-reducing potential of topiramate is indisputable and clinically significant. Topiramate could be considered in the treatment of bipolar patients who are overweight, or whose concerns about weight gain compromise their compliance with long-term prophylactic medication. So far there is no evidence that topiramate has anti-manic effect and it should not be used as monotherapy. PMID:15817130

Lack of weight recording in patients being administered narrow therapeutic index antibiotics: a prospective cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Charani, Esmita; Gharbi, Myriam; Hickson, Mary; Othman, Shokri; Alfituri, Aisha; Frost, Gary; Holmes, Alison

2015-04-02

Patient weight is a key measure for safe medication management and monitoring of patients. Here we report the recording of patient's body weight on admission in three hospitals in West London and its relationship with the prescription of antibiotic drugs where it is essential to have the body weight of the patient. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in three teaching hospitals in West London. Data were collected during March 2011-September 2011 and July 2012-August 2012, from adult admissions units, medical and surgical wards. Data from each ward were collected on a single day to provide a point prevalence data on weight recording. Patient medication charts, nursing and medical notes were reviewed for evidence of weight and height recording together with all the medication prescribed for the patients. An observational study collecting data on the weight recording process was conducted on two randomly selected wards to add context to the data. Data were collected on 1012 patients. Weight was not recorded for 46% (474) of patients. Eighty-nine patients were prescribed a narrow therapeutic antibiotic, in 39% (35/89) of these weight was not recorded for the patient. Intravenous vancomycin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic requiring therapeutic monitoring. In total 61 patients were receiving intravenous vancomycin and of these 44% (27/61) did not have their weight recorded. In the observational study, the most frequently identified barrier to weight not being recorded was interruptions to the admission process. Despite the clinical importance of body weight measurement it is poorly recorded in hospitalised patients, due to interruptions to the workflow and heavy staff workloads. In antibiotics a correct, recent patient weight is required for accurate dosing and to keep drugs within the narrow therapeutic index, to ensure efficacy of prescribing and reduce toxicity. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

The Association Between Maternal Early Life Forced Sexual Intercourse and Offspring Birth Weight: The Role of Socioeconomic Status.

PubMed

Gavin, Amelia R; Morris, Julia

2017-05-01

This study utilizes a life-course framework to investigate whether maternal early life forced sexual intercourse operates in conjunction with health behaviors during adolescence, young adulthood, and the prenatal period to influence offspring birth weight. Using data from the 1994-2009 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we examined whether early life forced sexual intercourse predicted offspring birth weight through a mediated pathway, including depressive symptoms, substance use, and prenatal cigarette smoking. We stratify our analysis by socioeconomic status (SES) to determine whether the proposed pathways operate similarly, or differently, according to SES. Our findings suggest that the pathways through which forced sexual intercourse affects offspring birth weight differ by SES. Among middle-to-high SES women, we found a mediated pathway linking forced sexual intercourse to offspring birth weight with prenatal cigarette smoking predicting lower offspring birth weight. Among low SES women, however, we did not find a mediated pathway linking forced sexual intercourse to birth weight. Findings suggest that prenatal cigarette smoking was not a mechanism of influence in the pathway between maternal early life forced sexual intercourse and offspring birth weight for low SES women. Our findings suggest that forced sexual intercourse may influence infant birth weight in the next generation. Infants born with a low birth weight are at increased risk for a myriad of adverse outcomes across the life-course. Study results suggest the importance of interventions designed to reduce behavioral risks and to support health promoting behaviors among survivors in the short term, in an effort to prevent long-term consequences among later-born offspring.

Vildagliptin added to sulfonylurea improves glycemic control without hypoglycemia and weight gain in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Yang, Wenying; Xing, Xiaoping; Lv, Xiaofeng; Li, Yiming; Ma, Jianhua; Yuan, Guoyue; Sun, Feifei; Wang, Wei; Woloschak, Michael; Lukashevich, Valentina; Kozlovski, Plamen; Kothny, Wolfgang

2015-03-01

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin as add-on to sulfonylurea therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on sulfonylurea monotherapy. The 24-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study compared vildagliptin 50 mg, q.d., with placebo as add-on to glimepiride in T2DM patients who were inadequately controlled (HbA1c 7.5%-11.0% [58-97 mmol/mol]) on a stable dose of sulfonylurea for ≥12 weeks before study entry. In all, 279 patients were randomized to receive either vildagliptin (n = 143) or placebo (n = 136). At baseline, overall mean age was 58.5 years, body weight 68.1 kg, duration of diabetes 6.9 years and daily glimepiride dose 3.3 mg. After 24 weeks, the adjusted mean change (AMΔ) in HbA1c was -0.7% (-8 mmol/mol; baseline 8.6%, 70 mmol/mol) in the vildagliptin group and -0.2% (-2 mmol/mol; baseline 8.7%, 72 mmol/mol) in the placebo group, with a treatment difference of -0.5% (-5 mmol/mol; P < 0.001). The between-group difference in AMΔ in fasting plasma glucose was -0.4 mmol/L (P = 0.160). There was a slight, but not significant, decrease in body weight in both groups. No hypoglycemic events were reported in either group, including those patients reaching HbA1c <7.0%. Patients in the vildagliptin and placebo groups reported low and comparable incidences of adverse events (14.0% vs. 17.8%) and serious adverse events (0.7% in each group). Vildagliptin 50 mg, q.d., added to sulfonylurea monotherapy is effective in Chinese patients with T2DM, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. © 2014 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Long-term weight loss maintenance for obesity: a multidisciplinary approach

PubMed Central

Montesi, Luca; El Ghoch, Marwan; Brodosi, Lucia; Calugi, Simona; Marchesini, Giulio; Dalle Grave, Riccardo

2016-01-01

The long-term weight management of obesity remains a very difficult task, associated with a high risk of failure and weight regain. However, many people report that they have successfully managed weight loss maintenance in the long term. Several factors have been associated with better weight loss maintenance in long-term observational and randomized studies. A few pertain to the behavioral area (eg, high levels of physical activity, eating a low-calorie, low-fat diet; frequent self-monitoring of weight), a few to the cognitive component (eg, reduced disinhibition, satisfaction with results achieved, confidence in being able to lose weight without professional help), and a few to personality traits (eg, low novelty seeking) and patient–therapist interaction. Trials based on the most recent protocols of lifestyle modification, with a prolonged extended treatment after the weight loss phase, have also shown promising long-term weight loss results. These data should stimulate the adoption of a lifestyle modification-based approach for the management of obesity, featuring a nonphysician lifestyle counselor (also called “lifestyle trainer” or “healthy lifestyle practitioner”) as a pivotal component of the multidisciplinary team. The obesity physicians maintain a primary role in engaging patients, in team coordination and supervision, in managing the complications associated with obesity and, in selected cases, in the decision for drug treatment or bariatric surgery, as possible more intensive, add-on interventions to lifestyle treatment. PMID:27013897

Parenting Style as a Predictor of Adolescent Weight and Weight-Related Behaviors

PubMed Central

Berge, Jerica M.; Wall, Melanie; Loth, Katie; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

2009-01-01

Purpose: Current research indicates that specific parenting styles are associated with adolescent overweight, dietary intake and physical activity, but the majority of research has been cross-sectional making it difficult to determine the temporal order of these associations. The current study adds to the previous research by examining 5-year longitudinal associations between parenting style and adolescent weight and weight-related behaviors. Methods: Data from Project EAT, a population-based study with adolescents from diverse ethic and socioeconomic backgrounds were used. Adolescents (N = 2516) from 31 Minnesota schools completed in-class assessments in 1999 (Time 1) and mailed surveys in 2004 (Time 2). Multiple linear regression models were used to predict mean levels of adolescent outcomes at Time 2 from parenting style at Time 1. Results: Time 1 maternal authoritative parenting style predicted lower BMI in adolescent sons and daughters at Time 2. Time 1 paternal permissive parenting style predicted more fruits and vegetables intake in daughters at Time 2. Significant associations were not found between parenting style and adolescent physical activity. Conclusions: Findings suggest that authoritative parenting style may play a protective role related to adolescent overweight and that the dimension of warmth/caring in the parent/adolescent relationship may be important in relation to female adolescent healthy dietary intake. Further exploration of opposite sex parent/adolescent dyad patterns related to parenting style and adolescent weight and weight-related behaviors is warranted. PMID:20307821

Personality traits and body weight: Evidence using sibling comparisons.

PubMed

Kim, Jinho

2016-08-01

Past research has shown that personality traits relate to body weight, but this relationship may be confounded by unobserved family-level characteristics such as genetic endowments. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the association between personality traits, as measured by the Big Five taxonomy, and body weight among young adults is spurious owing to shared family background. Participants were drawn from the full (n = 14,366) and family (n = 2813) samples of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). The study employed family-fixed effects to eliminate shared family background factors that might affect personality traits and body weight simultaneously. Among the Big Five personality traits, only conscientiousness showed a robust association with body weight, including body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk. These results were robust to adjustments for family-fixed effects, which indicates that the association between conscientiousness and body weight is generally not confounded by unobserved family-level characteristics shared by siblings. A one-standard-deviation increase in conscientiousness was associated with a decrease in BMI by 0.89 (equivalent to a 2.5 kg decrease in weight for an individual with an average height of the sample) and a 12% reduction in the probability of being obese. This study also found some suggestive evidence of gender and racial/ethnic differences. The association between conscientiousness and obesity was larger and statistically significant only for women, and conscientiousness was most strongly associated with obesity among Hispanic people. Conscientiousness is associated with decreased body weight net of unobserved background characteristics that are shared by siblings. The results suggest that interventions that develop personality traits may have "spillover effects"; in other words, they may also help reduce obesity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Personality Traits and Body Weight: Evidence Using Sibling Comparisons

PubMed Central

Kim, Jinho

2016-01-01

Rationale Past research has shown that personality traits relate to body weight, but this relationship may be confounded by unobserved family-level characteristics such as genetic endowments. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the association between personality traits, as measured by the Big Five taxonomy, and body weight among young adults is spurious owing to shared family background. Methods Participants were drawn from the full (n = 14,366) and family (n = 2,813) samples of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). The study employed family-fixed effects to eliminate shared family background factors that might affect personality traits and body weight simultaneously. Results Among the Big Five personality traits, only conscientiousness showed a robust association with body weight, including body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk. These results were robust to adjustments for family-fixed effects, which indicates that the association between conscientiousness and body weight is generally not confounded by unobserved family-level characteristics shared by siblings. A one-standard-deviation increase in conscientiousness was associated with a decrease in BMI by 0.89 (equivalent to a 2.5 kg decrease in weight for an individual with an average height of the sample) and a 12% reduction in the probability of being obese. This study also found some suggestive evidence of gender and racial/ethnic differences. The association between conscientiousness and obesity was larger and statistically significant only for women, and conscientiousness was most strongly associated with obesity among Hispanic people. Conclusion Conscientiousness is associated with decreased body weight net of unobserved background characteristics that are shared by siblings. The results suggest that interventions that develop personality traits may have “spillover effects”; in other words, they may also help reduce obesity. PMID:27394194

Patient and Physician Characteristics Associated with the Provision of Weight Loss Counseling in Primary Care

PubMed Central

Dutton, Gareth R.; Herman, Katharine G.; Tan, Fei; Goble, Mary; Dancer-Brown, Melissa; Van Vessem, Nancy; Ard, Jamy D.

2013-01-01

Background A variety of physician and patient characteristics may influence whether weight loss counseling occurs in primary care encounters. Objectives This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of primary care patients, which examined patient characteristics, physician characteristics, and characteristics of the physician-patient relationship associated with weight loss counseling and recommendations provided by physicians. Participants Participants (N=143, mean age=46.8 years, mean BMI=36.9 kg/m2, 65% Caucasian) were overweight and obese primary care patients participating in a managed care weight loss program. Measures Participants completed self-report surveys in the clinic prior to the initial weight loss session. Surveys included items assessing demographic/background characteristics, weight, height, and a health care questionnaire evaluating whether their physician had recommended weight loss, the frequency of their physicians’ weight loss counseling, and whether their physician had referred them for obesity treatment. Results Patient BMI and physician sex were most consistently associated with physicians’ weight loss counseling practices. Patients seen by female physicians were more likely to be told that they should lose weight, received more frequent obesity counseling, and were more likely to have been referred for obesity treatment by their physician. Length and frequency of physician-patient contacts were unrelated to the likelihood of counseling. Conclusions These findings add to previous evidence suggesting possible differences in the weight loss counseling practices of male and female physicians, although further research is needed to understand this potential difference between physicians. PMID:24743007

Ultrasonic Welding of Graphite/Thermoplastic Composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardy, S. S.; Page, D. B.

1982-01-01

Ultrasonic welding of graphite/thermoplastic composite materials eliminates need for fasteners (which require drilling or punching, add weight, and degrade stiffness) and can be totally automated in beam fabrication and assembly jigs. Feasibility of technique has been demonstrated in laboratory tests which show that neither angular orientation nor vacuum affect weld quality.

Boys with Eating Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hatmaker, Grace

2005-01-01

Although commonly associated with girls and women, eating disorders do not discriminate. School nurses need to be aware that male students also can suffer from the serious health effects of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, anorexia athletica, and eating disorders not otherwise specified. Sports that focus on leanness and weight limits can add to a…

27 CFR 21.123 - Pyronate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21.123 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF... requirements: (a) Acidity (as acetic acid). Not more than 0.1 percent by weight, determined as follows: Add 5.0... as pyronate must agree in color, odor, taste and denaturing value with a standard sample furnished by...

27 CFR 21.123 - Pyronate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21.123 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF... requirements: (a) Acidity (as acetic acid). Not more than 0.1 percent by weight, determined as follows: Add 5.0... as pyronate must agree in color, odor, taste and denaturing value with a standard sample furnished by...

27 CFR 21.123 - Pyronate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21.123 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF... requirements: (a) Acidity (as acetic acid). Not more than 0.1 percent by weight, determined as follows: Add 5.0... as pyronate must agree in color, odor, taste and denaturing value with a standard sample furnished by...

27 CFR 21.123 - Pyronate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21.123 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF... requirements: (a) Acidity (as acetic acid). Not more than 0.1 percent by weight, determined as follows: Add 5.0... as pyronate must agree in color, odor, taste and denaturing value with a standard sample furnished by...

27 CFR 21.123 - Pyronate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21.123 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF... requirements: (a) Acidity (as acetic acid). Not more than 0.1 percent by weight, determined as follows: Add 5.0... as pyronate must agree in color, odor, taste and denaturing value with a standard sample furnished by...

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Radiative forces for stellar envelopes (Seaton, 1997)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seaton, M. J.; Yan, Y.; Mihalas, D.; Pradhan, A. K.

2000-02-01

(1) Primary data files, stages.zz These files give data for the calculation of radiative accelerations, GRAD, for elements with nuclear charge zz. Data are available for zz=06, 07, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 28. Calculations are made using data from the Opacity Project (see papers SYMP and IXZ). The data are given for each ionisation stage, j. They are tabulated on a mesh of (T, Ne, CHI) where T is temperature, Ne electron density and CHI is abundance multiplier. The files include data for ionisation fractions, for each (T, Ne). The file contents are described in the paper ACC and as comments in the code add.f (2) Code add.f This reads a file stages.zz and creates a file acc.zz giving radiative accelerations averaged over ionisation stages. The code prompts for names of input and output files. The code, as provided, gives equal weights (as defined in the paper ACC) to all stages. Th weights are set in SUBROUTINE WEIGHTS, which could be changed to give any weights preferred by the user. The dependence of diffusion coefficients on ionisation stage is given by a function ZET, which is defined in SUBROUTINE ZETA. The expressions used for ZET are as given in the paper. The user can change that subroutine if other expressions are preferred. The output file contains values, ZETBAR, of ZET, averaged over ionisation stages. (3) Files acc.zz Radiative accelerations computed using add.f as provided. The user will need to run the code add.f only if it is required to change the subroutines WEIGHTS or ZETA. The contents of the files acc.zz are described in the paper ACC and in comments contained in the code add.f. (4) Code accfit.f This code gives gives radiative accelerations, and some related data, for a stellar model. Methods used to interpolate data to the values of (T, RHO) for the stellar model are based on those used in the code opfit.for (see the paper OPF). The executable file accfit.com runs accfit.f. It uses a list of files given in accfit.files (see that file for further description). The mesh used for the abundance-multiplier CHI on the output file will generally be finer than that used in the input files acc.zz. The mesh to be used is specified on a file chi.dat. For a test run, the stellar model used is given in the file 10000_4.2 (Teff=10000 K, LOG10(g)=4.2) The output file from that test run is acc100004.2. The contents of the output file are described in the paper ACC and as comments in the code accfit.f. (5) The code diff.f This code reads the output file (e.g. acc1000004.2) created by accfit.f. For any specified depth point in the model and value of CHI, it gives values of radiative accelerations, the quantity ZETBAR required for calculation of diffusion coefficients, and Rosseland-mean opacities. The code prompts for input data. It creates a file recording all data calculated. The code diff.f is intended for incorporation, as a set of subroutines, in codes for diffusion calculations. (1 data file).

Impact of add-on laboratory testing at an academic medical center: a five year retrospective study.

PubMed

Nelson, Louis S; Davis, Scott R; Humble, Robert M; Kulhavy, Jeff; Aman, Dean R; Krasowski, Matthew D

2015-01-01

Clinical laboratories frequently receive orders to perform additional tests on existing specimens ('add-ons'). Previous studies have examined add-on ordering patterns over short periods of time. The objective of this study was to analyze add-on ordering patterns over an extended time period. We also analyzed the impact of a robotic specimen archival/retrieval system on add-on testing procedure and manual effort. In this retrospective study at an academic medical center, electronic health records from were searched to obtain all add-on orders that were placed in the time period of May 2, 2009 to December 31, 2014. During the time period of retrospective study, 880,359 add-on tests were ordered on 96,244 different patients. Add-on testing comprised 3.3 % of total test volumes. There were 443,411 unique ordering instances, leading to an average of 1.99 add-on tests per instance. Some patients had multiple episodes of add-on test orders at different points in time, leading to an average of 9.15 add-on tests per patient. The majority of add-on orders were for chemistry tests (78.8 % of total add-ons) with the next most frequent being hematology and coagulation tests (11.2 % of total add-ons). Inpatient orders accounted for 66.8 % of total add-on orders, while the emergency department and outpatient clinics had 14.8 % and 18.4 % of total add-on orders, respectively. The majority of add-ons were placed within 8 hours (87.3 %) and nearly all by 24 hours (96.8 %). Nearly 100 % of add-on orders within the emergency department were placed within 8 hours. The introduction of a robotic specimen archival/retrieval unit saved an average of 2.75 minutes of laboratory staff manual time per unique add-on order. This translates to 24.1 hours/day less manual effort in dealing with add-on orders. Our study reflects the previous literature in showing that add-on orders significantly impact the workload of the clinical laboratory. The majority of add-on orders are clinical chemistry tests, and most add-on orders occur within 24 hours of original specimen collection. Robotic specimen archival/retrieval units can reduce manual effort in the clinical laboratory associated with add-on orders.

The thinner the better: self-esteem and low body weight in anorexia nervosa.

PubMed

Brockmeyer, Timo; Holtforth, Martin Grosse; Bents, Hinrich; Kämmerer, Annette; Herzog, Wolfgang; Friederich, Hans-Christoph

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between self-esteem, motive satisfaction, and body weight in acute (acAN) and recovered (recAN) inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and in healthy controls. Both acAN and recAN showed lower levels of self-esteem as compared with healthy controls but did not differ from each other. In acAN, decreased body weight was associated with increased self-esteem. Satisfaction of an achievement motive but not satisfaction of a superiority motive mediated this association. No such correlations could be observed in the other groups. This is the first study to show an often assumed association between decreased body weight and increased self-esteem in AN patients. These preliminary results strengthen the assumption that low body weight may foster self-esteem in patients with acAN, mainly through the satisfaction of an achievement motive. Self-esteem should be focused very early in the treatment of AN since weight gain may deprive the patient of an important source of self-esteem. Treatment interventions should be attuned to underlying motives of threatened self-esteem; in AN patients, the enhancement of self-esteem via weight loss seems to be rather fuelled by the satisfaction of an achievement motive than by the satisfaction of a superiority motive. Specific trainings to improve self-esteem in AN patients seem to be promising as an add-on to regular treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Insatiable insecurity: maternal obesity as a risk factor for mother-child attachment and child weight.

PubMed

Keitel-Korndörfer, Anja; Sierau, Susan; Klein, Annette M; Bergmann, Sarah; Grube, Matthias; von Klitzing, Kai

2015-01-01

Childhood obesity has become a rising health problem, and because parental obesity is a basic risk factor for childhood obesity, biological factors have been especially considered in the complex etiology. Aspects of the family interaction, e.g., mother-child attachment, have not been the main focus. Our study tried to fill this gap by investigating whether there is a difference between children of obese and normal weight mothers in terms of mother-child attachment, and whether mother-child attachment predicts child's weight, in a sample of 31 obese and 31 normal weight mothers with children aged 19 to 58 months. Mother-child attachment was measured with the Attachment Q-Set. We found that (1) children of obese mothers showed a lower quality of mother-child attachment than children of normal weight mothers, which indicates that they are less likely to use their mothers as a secure base; (2) the attachment quality predicted child`s BMI percentile; and (3) the mother-child attachment adds incremental validity to the prediction of child's BMI beyond biological parameters (child's BMI birth percentile, BMI of the parents) and mother's relationship status. Implications of our findings are discussed.

Effects of canagliflozin on body weight and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes over 104 weeks.

PubMed

Blonde, Lawrence; Stenlöf, Kaj; Fung, Albert; Xie, John; Canovatchel, William; Meininger, Gary

2016-05-01

Canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has been associated with weight loss in a broad range of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This analysis further evaluated changes in body weight and composition with canagliflozin in two 104-week, Phase 3 studies. In Study 1, patients aged 18-80 years (N = 1,450) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or glimepiride as add-on to metformin for a 52-week core treatment period, followed by a 52-week extension period. In Study 2, patients aged 55-80 years (N = 714) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo added to stable background antihyperglycemic agents for a 26-week core treatment period, followed by a 78-week extension period. Percent change from baseline in body weight; proportion of patients with any weight loss, ≥5% weight loss, and ≥10% weight loss; change in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference; change in body weight across weight-loss quartiles; and changes in body composition were evaluated in both studies. Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg provided sustained weight loss versus either glimepiride or placebo over 104 weeks. More patients experienced any weight loss and ≥5% weight loss with canagliflozin versus comparator. Across the 3 highest weight-loss quartiles, canagliflozin provided greater weight loss versus glimepiride or placebo. BMI and waist circumference reductions were observed with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus either glimepiride or placebo over 104 weeks; more patients had BMI or waist circumference reductions with canagliflozin versus comparator. Body composition analysis indicated that the majority of weight loss was due to loss of fat mass. Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated, with increased incidence of adverse events related to the SGLT2 inhibition mechanism. Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg provided sustained reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in a greater proportion of patients with T2DM versus glimepiride or placebo over 104 weeks. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00968812, NCT01106651.

Affect systems, changes in body mass index, disordered eating and stress: an 18-month longitudinal study in women

PubMed Central

Kupeli, N.; Norton, S.; Chilcot, J.; Campbell, I. C.; Schmidt, U. H.; Troop, N. A.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Evidence suggests that stress plays a role in changes in body weight and disordered eating. The present study examined the effect of mood, affect systems (attachment and social rank) and affect regulatory processes (self-criticism, self-reassurance) on the stress process and how this impacts on changes in weight and disordered eating. Methods: A large sample of women participated in a community-based prospective, longitudinal online study in which measures of body mass index (BMI), disordered eating, perceived stress, attachment, social rank, mood and self-criticism/reassurance were measured at 6-monthly intervals over an 18-month period. Results: Latent Growth Curve Modelling showed that BMI increased over 18 months while stress and disordered eating decreased and that these changes were predicted by high baseline levels of these constructs. Independently of this, however, increases in stress predicted a reduction in BMI which was, itself, predicted by baseline levels of self-hatred and unfavourable social comparison. Conclusions: This study adds support to the evidence that stress is important in weight change. In addition, this is the first study to show in a longitudinal design, that social rank and self-criticism (as opposed to self-reassurance) at times of difficulty predict increases in stress and, thus, suggests a role for these constructs in weight regulation. PMID:28553564

THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY STRIPE 82 IMAGING DATA: DEPTH-OPTIMIZED CO-ADDS OVER 300 deg{sup 2} IN FIVE FILTERS

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

Jiang, Linhua; Fan, Xiaohui; McGreer, Ian D.

We present and release co-added images of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82. Stripe 82 covers an area of ∼300 deg{sup 2} on the celestial equator, and has been repeatedly scanned 70-90 times in the ugriz bands by the SDSS imaging survey. By making use of all available data in the SDSS archive, our co-added images are optimized for depth. Input single-epoch frames were properly processed and weighted based on seeing, sky transparency, and background noise before co-addition. The resultant products are co-added science images and their associated weight images that record relative weights at individual pixels. Themore » depths of the co-adds, measured as the 5σ detection limits of the aperture (3.''2 diameter) magnitudes for point sources, are roughly 23.9, 25.1, 24.6, 24.1, and 22.8 AB magnitudes in the five bands, respectively. They are 1.9-2.2 mag deeper than the best SDSS single-epoch data. The co-added images have good image quality, with an average point-spread function FWHM of ∼1'' in the r, i, and z bands. We also release object catalogs that were made with SExtractor. These co-added products have many potential uses for studies of galaxies, quasars, and Galactic structure. We further present and release near-IR J-band images that cover ∼90 deg{sup 2} of Stripe 82. These images were obtained using the NEWFIRM camera on the NOAO 4 m Mayall telescope, and have a depth of about 20.0-20.5 Vega magnitudes (also 5σ detection limits for point sources)« less

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82 Imaging Data: Depth-Optimized Co-adds Over 300 deg$^2$ in Five Filters

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

Jiang, Linhua; Fan, Xiaohui; Bian, Fuyan

We present and release co-added images of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82. Stripe 82 covers an area of ~300 deg(2) on the celestial equator, and has been repeatedly scanned 70-90 times in the ugriz bands by the SDSS imaging survey. By making use of all available data in the SDSS archive, our co-added images are optimized for depth. Input single-epoch frames were properly processed and weighted based on seeing, sky transparency, and background noise before co-addition. The resultant products are co-added science images and their associated weight images that record relative weights at individual pixels. The depths of themore » co-adds, measured as the 5σ detection limits of the aperture (3.''2 diameter) magnitudes for point sources, are roughly 23.9, 25.1, 24.6, 24.1, and 22.8 AB magnitudes in the five bands, respectively. They are 1.9-2.2 mag deeper than the best SDSS single-epoch data. The co-added images have good image quality, with an average point-spread function FWHM of ~1'' in the r, i, and z bands. We also release object catalogs that were made with SExtractor. These co-added products have many potential uses for studies of galaxies, quasars, and Galactic structure. We further present and release near-IR J-band images that cover ~90 deg(2) of Stripe 82. These images were obtained using the NEWFIRM camera on the NOAO 4 m Mayall telescope, and have a depth of about 20.0-20.5 Vega magnitudes (also 5σ detection limits for point sources).« less

Development of Advanced Methods of Structural and Trajectory Analysis for Transport Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ardema, Mark D.

1996-01-01

In this report the author describes: (1) development of advanced methods of structural weight estimation, and (2) development of advanced methods of flight path optimization. A method of estimating the load-bearing fuselage weight and wing weight of transport aircraft based on fundamental structural principles has been developed. This method of weight estimation represents a compromise between the rapid assessment of component weight using empirical methods based on actual weights of existing aircraft and detailed, but time-consuming, analysis using the finite element method. The method was applied to eight existing subsonic transports for validation and correlation. Integration of the resulting computer program, PDCYL, has been made into the weights-calculating module of the AirCraft SYNThesis (ACSYNT) computer program. ACSYNT bas traditionally used only empirical weight estimation methods; PDCYL adds to ACSYNT a rapid, accurate means of assessing the fuselage and wing weights of unconventional aircraft. PDCYL also allows flexibility in the choice of structural concept, as well as a direct means of determining the impact of advanced materials on structural weight.

Long-term efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors as add-on to metformin treatment in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

PubMed Central

Li, Jian; Gong, Yanping; Li, Chunlin; Lu, Yanhui; Liu, Yu; Shao, Yinghong

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Drug intensification is often required for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on stable metformin therapy. Among the potential candidates for a combination therapy, sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown promising outcomes. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors with non-SGLT2 combinations as add-on treatment to metformin. Methods: Literature search was carried out in multiple electronic databases for the acquisition of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by following a priori eligibility criteria. After the assessment of quality of the included RCTs, meta-analyses of mean differences or odds ratios (OR) were performed to achieve overall effect sizes of the changes from baseline in selected efficacy and safety endpoints reported in the individual studies. Between-studies heterogeneity was estimated with between-studies statistical heterogeneity (I2) index. Results: Six RCTs fulfilled the eligibility criteria. SGLT2 inhibitors as add-on to metformin treatment reduced % HbA1c significantly more than non-SGLT2 combinations after 52 weeks (P = .002) as well as after 104 weeks (P < .00001). Among other endpoints, SGLT2 inhibitors also reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, body weight, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures after 52 weeks and 104 weeks significantly (P < .00001) more than non-SGLT2 combinations. Incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly lower (P = .02) but incidence of suspected or confirmed genital tract infections was significantly higher (P < .00001) in SGLT2 inhibitors treated in comparison with non-SGLT2 combinations. Conclusion: As add-on to metformin treatment, SGLT2 inhibitors are found significantly more efficacious than non-SGLT2 inhibitor combinations in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, although, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy is associated with significantly higher incidence of suspected or confirmed genital tract infections. PMID:28682870

Tax Shelter Use and Retirement Income of Retired Ohio Faculty.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dorfman, Mark S.

1983-01-01

Empirical evidence of tax shelter usage is sparse. These data add weight to earlier concerns about whether tax incentives to save for retirement benefit upper-income groups more than middle- and lower-income groups and present the importance of different sources of income in providing retirement funds for this group. (Author/RC)

40 CFR Appendix A to Subpart Ddd... - Free Formaldehyde Analysis of Insulation Resins by the Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride Method

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... buffer. 3.350-mL burette for 1.0 N sodium hydroxide. 3.4Magnetic stirrer and stir bars. 3.5250-mL beaker...L beaker. Record sample weight. 5.3Add 100 mL of the methanol/water mixture and stir on a magnetic...

Philanthropies Add Weight to "i3" Effort

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robelen, Erik W.; McNeil, Michele

2010-01-01

The author reports on a new effort by 12 major education philanthropies that aims to dovetail with the Education Department's "i3" agenda, raising complex issues. The decision by a dozen major education grantmakers to team up on an initiative designed to dovetail with the federal "Investing in Innovation" grant competition is being seen by…

Childhood Obesity: Problems and Solutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Staveren, Tonia; Dale, Darren

2004-01-01

Schools and homes both play a role in contributing to the rising numbers of obese children. School teachers and administrators must do all they can to create a school environment that is conducive to children maintaining a healthy weight. Legislation designed to add quality physical education time to the school curriculum is imperative. Changes to…

Linagliptin improved glycaemic control without weight gain or hypoglycaemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by a combination of metformin and pioglitazone: a 24-week randomized, double-blind study

PubMed Central

Bajaj, M; Gilman, R; Patel, S; Kempthorne-Rawson, J; Lewis-D'Agostino, D; Woerle, H-J

2014-01-01

Aims To investigate the efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by a combination of metformin and pioglitazone. Methods This was a multi-centre, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing linagliptin 5 mg once daily (n = 183) and placebo (n = 89) as add-on to metformin and pioglitazone. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) after 24 weeks. Results The placebo-corrected adjusted mean (se) change in HbA1c from baseline to 24 weeks was –6 (1) mmol/mol [–0.57 (0.13)%] (P < 0.0001). In patients with baseline HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol (7.0%), 32.4% of patients in the linagliptin group and 13.8% in the placebo group achieved HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) (odds ratio 2.94; P = 0.0033). The placebo-corrected adjusted mean (se) change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose at week 24 was –0.57 (0.26) mmol/l [–10.4 (4.7) mg/dl] (P = 0.0280). The incidence of serious adverse events was 2.2% with linagliptin and 3.4% with placebo. Investigator-defined hypoglycaemia occurred in 5.5% of the linagliptin group and 5.6% of the placebo group. No meaningful changes in mean body weight were noted for either group. Conclusions Linagliptin as add-on therapy to metformin and pioglitazone produced significant and clinically meaningful improvements in glycaemic control, without an additional risk of hypoglycaemia or weight gain (Clinical Trials Registry No: NCT 00996658). PMID:24824197

Comparative effectiveness of vildagliptin in combination with other oral anti-diabetes agents in usual-care conditions: the EDGE-Latin America study.

PubMed

Mendivil, Carlos O; Márquez-Rodríguez, Eduardo; Angel, Iván D; Paz, Gustavo; Rodríguez, Cruz; Almada, Jorge; Szyskowsky, Ofelia

2014-09-01

To assess the proportion of patients on vildagliptin add-on dual therapy who respond to treatment over a 12 month follow-up, relative to comparator oral anti-diabetes dual therapy, in a usual care setting. Participants were patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) aged 18 years and older from 311 centers in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela. Patients were taking monotherapy with an oral anti-diabetes drug (OAD), and were prescribed a new add-on OAD based on the judgment of their personal physician. According to this choice, patients were assigned to one of the two cohorts: vildagliptin or comparator OADs. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an A1c drop >0.3% without edema, hypoglycemia, weight gain or discontinuation due to gastrointestinal (GI) events. The secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients with baseline A1c ≥7% who reached the goal of an A1c <7% without hypoglycemia or weight gain. The per-protocol population (a subset of the intention-to-treat population that excluded patients with pre-specified protocol deviations) comprised 3773 patients, 3002 in the vildagliptin cohort and 771 in the comparator cohort. The proportion of patients reaching the primary endpoint was higher in the vildagliptin cohort (60.3%) than the comparator cohort (50.7%), OR 1.48 (95% CI: 1.25-1.73). The same was observed for the secondary endpoint (44.8 versus 33.1%) OR 1.64 (95% CI: 1.37-1.98). The incidence of adverse events was low and similar between treatment cohorts. In a usual care setting, patients treated with a vildagliptin combination succeeded in lowering A1c to <7%, without weight gain, hypoglycemia or peripheral edema more often than patients treated with comparator combinations, without increased risk of adverse events. Key limitations are the observational nature of the study and its relatively limited 12 month timeframe.

From the Cover: Fenretinide, Troglitazone, and Elmiron Add to Weight of Evidence Support for Hemangiosarcoma Mode-of-Action From Studies in Mice.

PubMed

Cook, Jon C; Obert, Leslie A; Koza-Taylor, Petra; Coskran, Timothy M; Opsahl, Alan C; Ziemek, Daniel; Roy, Marc; Qian, Jessie; Lawton, Michael P; Criswell, Kay A

2018-01-01

Pharmaceuticals and chemicals produce hemangiosarcomas (HS) in mice, often by nongenotoxic, proliferative mechanisms. A mode-of-action (MOA) for hemangiosarcoma was proposed based on information presented at an international workshop (Cohen et al., Hemangiosarcoma in rodents: Mode-of-action evaluation and human relevance. Toxicol. Sci. 111, 4-18.). Five key elements of the MOA were articulated and included hypoxia, macrophage activation, increased angiogenic growth factors, dysregulated angiogenesis/erythropoiesis, and endothial cell proliferation. The goal of the current study was to add to the weight-of-evidence for the proposed MOA by assessing these key elements with 3 different compounds of varying potency for HS induction: fenretinide (high), troglitazone (intermediate), and elmiron (low). Multiple endpoints, including hypoxia (hyproxyprobe, transcriptomics), endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, and clinical and anatomic pathology, were assessed after 2, 4, and 13-weeks of treatment in B6C3F1 mice. All 3 compounds demonstrated strong evidence for dysregulated erythropoiesis (decrease in RBC and a failure to increase reticulocytes) and macrophage activation (4- to 11-fold increases); this pattern of hematological changes in mice might serve as an early biomarker to evaluate EC proliferation in suspected target organs for potential HS formation. Fenretinide demonstrated all 5 key elements, while troglitazone demonstrated 4 and elmiron demonstrated 3. Transcriptomics provided support for the 5 elements of the MOA, but was not any more sensitive than hypoxyprobe immunohistochemistry for detecting hypoxia. The overall transcriptional evidence for the key elements of the proposed MOA was also consistent with the potency of HS induction. These data, coupled with the previous work with 2-butoxyethanol and pregablin, increase the weight-of-evidence for the proposed MOA for HS formation. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Real-world clinical responses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus adding exenatide BID (EBID) or mealtime insulin to basal insulin: a retrospective study using electronic medical record data.

PubMed

Lang, Kathleen; Nguyen, Hiep; Huang, Huan; Bauer, Elise; Levin, Philip

2018-06-01

Exenatide twice daily (EBID) and mealtime insulin are effective add-on therapies to basal insulin for type 2 diabetes patients in clinical trials. This study used electronic medical record (EMR) data to evaluate analogous real-world clinical responses. Adult patients initiating EBID or mealtime insulin as add-on to basal insulin during January 2008-March 2013 were identified in a US EMR database. EBID patients were propensity score matched 1:1 to mealtime insulin patients. Cohorts were followed for 12 months before (baseline) and 6 months after the index. A1C, hypoglycemic events, change in weight, and other clinical measures were evaluated by A1C attainment level (<6.5, < 7, < 7.5, <8, <9%) and baseline A1C. In total, 1249 EBID patients were matched to 1249 mealtime insulin patients. During follow-up, the percentage reaching A1C levels was similar for EBID vs mealtime insulin cohorts for all attainment levels (<7%: 27.8% vs 24.2%; < 9%: 79.7% vs 79.2%; p = NS). The percentage reaching A1C < 7% was similar for both cohorts with different baseline A1C. EBID patients had less hypoglycemia at all attainment levels (3.1% vs 11.1% [<6.5%]; 2.5% vs 4.7% [<9%]; all p < .03) and more weight loss (-9.0 vs -3.2 lb [<6.5%]; -3.4 vs +0.8 lb [<9%]; all p < .01). EBID added to basal insulin was as effective in a real-world setting as mealtime insulin added to basal insulin in reducing A1C, with less weight gain and less hypoglycemia for a wide range of A1C attainment levels and baseline values.

Empagliflozin as add-on to metformin in people with Type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Merker, L; Häring, H-U; Christiansen, A V; Roux, F; Salsali, A; Kim, G; Meinicke, T; Woerle, H J; Broedl, U C

2015-12-01

To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of empagliflozin as add-on to metformin in people with Type 2 diabetes. Of 637 participants treated with empagliflozin 10 mg, empagliflozin 25 mg, or placebo once daily for 24 weeks, 463 (72.7%) were treated in a double-blind extension trial for ≥ 52 weeks. Prespecified exploratory endpoints included changes from baseline in HbA1c , weight and blood pressure at week 76. Compared with placebo, adjusted mean changes from baseline in HbA1c (overall baseline mean ± sd 63 ± 9 mmol/mol [7.9 ± 0.9%]) were -7 mmol/mol [(-0.6%) 95% CI -8, -5 mmol/mol (-0.8, -0.5%); P < 0.001] and -8 mmol/mol [(-0.7%) 95% CI -10, -6 mmol/mol (-0.9, -0.6%); P < 0.001], for empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg, respectively. Compared with placebo, adjusted mean changes from baseline in weight were -1.9 kg (95% CI -2.5, -1.3; P < 0.001) and -2.2 kg (95% CI -2.8, -1.6; P < 0.001) for empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg, respectively. Empagliflozin led to sustained reductions in systolic blood pressure vs. placebo. Adverse events were reported in 77.7, 80.2 and 72.0% of participants on placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg and empagliflozin 25 mg, respectively. Confirmed hypoglycaemic adverse events (glucose ≤ 3.9 mmol/l and/or event requiring assistance) were reported in 3.4, 4.1 and 4.2% of participants in these groups, respectively. In people with Type 2 diabetes, empagliflozin 10 mg and 25 mg given as add-on to metformin for 76 weeks were well tolerated and led to sustained reductions in HbA1c , weight and systolic blood pressure. © 2015 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2015 Diabetes UK.

Parenting style as a predictor of adolescent weight and weight-related behaviors.

PubMed

Berge, Jerica M; Wall, Melanie; Loth, Katie; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

2010-04-01

Current research indicates that specific parenting styles are associated with adolescent overweight, dietary intake, and physical activity; but most of the research has been cross-sectional, making it difficult to determine the temporal order of these associations. The current study adds to the previous research by examining 5-year longitudinal associations between parenting style and adolescent weight and weight-related behaviors. Data from Project EAT, a population-based study with adolescents from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, were used. Adolescents (N = 2,516) from 31 Minnesota schools completed in-class assessments in 1999 (Time 1) and mailed surveys in 2004 (Time 2). Multiple linear regression models were used to predict mean levels of adolescent outcomes at Time 2 from parenting style at Time 1. Time 1 maternal authoritative parenting style predicted lower body mass index in adolescent sons and daughters at Time 2. Time 1 paternal permissive parenting style predicted more fruits and vegetables intake in daughters at Time 2. Significant associations were not found between parenting style and adolescent physical activity. Findings suggest that authoritative parenting style may play a protective role related to adolescent overweight and that the dimension of warmth and/or caring in the parent-adolescent relationship may be important in relation to female adolescent healthy dietary intake. Further exploration of opposite sex parent-adolescent dyad patterns related to parenting style and adolescent weight and weight-related behaviors is warranted. Copyright 2010 Society for Adolescent Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Network meta-analysis of lorcaserin and oral hypoglycaemics for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.

PubMed

Neff, L M; Broder, M S; Beenhouwer, D; Chang, E; Papoyan, E; Wang, Z W

2017-12-01

In addition to weight loss, randomized controlled trials have shown improvement in glycaemic control in patients taking lorcaserin. The aim of this study aim was to compare adding lorcaserin or other glucose lowering medications to metformin on weight and glycaemic control. A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. Included studies (published 1990-2014) were of lorcaserin or glucose lowering medications in type 2 diabetic patients compared to placebo or different active treatments. Studies had to report ≥1 key outcome (change in weight or HbA1c, % HbA1c <7, hypoglycaemia). Direct meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random effects models, and network meta-analysis with Bayesian Markov-chain Monte Carlo random effects models; 6552 articles were screened and 41 included. Lorcaserin reduced weight significantly more than thiazolidinediones, glinides, sulphonylureas and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, some of which may have led to weight gain. There were no significant differences in weight change between lorcaserin and alpha-glucoside inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Network meta-analysis showed lorcaserin was non-inferior to all other agents on HbA1c reduction and % achieving HbA1c of <7%. The risk of hypoglycaemia was not significantly different among studied agents except that sulphonylureas were associated with higher risk of hypoglycaemia than lorcaserin. Although additional studies are needed, this analysis suggests in a population of patients with a body mas index of ≥27 who do not achieve glycaemic control on a single agent, lorcaserin may be added as an alternative to an add-on glucose lowering medication. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

Associations Between Perceived Weight Status, Body Dissatisfaction, and Self-Objectification on Sexual Sensation Seeking and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Grindr.

PubMed

Goedel, William C; Krebs, Paul; Greene, Richard E; Duncan, Dustin T

2017-01-01

To date, various dimensions of body image and their associations with condom use have not been studied among men who have sex with men (MSM) who use geosocial-networking smartphone applications ("apps") to meet new sexual partners. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate associations between weight perception, body dissatisfaction, and self-objectification with sexual behaviors among a sample of MSM (N = 92) recruited from Grindr, an app popular among MSM, to complete an online survey. Obese participants scored significantly higher on measures of body dissatisfaction and lower on measures of sexual sensation seeking. Decreased propensities to seek sexual sensations were associated with fewer sexual partners. By assessing associations between dimensions of body dissatisfaction and sexual risk behaviors, this study adds support to a theory of syndemics among MSM, which suggests that synergistically related biological, psychological, social, and behavioral factors disproportionately affect health and health-related behaviors in this population.

The Impact of maternal obesity and race/ethnicity on perinatal outcomes: Independent and joint effects.

PubMed

Snowden, Jonathan M; Mission, John F; Marshall, Nicole E; Quigley, Brian; Main, Elliott; Gilbert, William M; Chung, Judith H; Caughey, Aaron B

2016-07-01

Independent and joint impacts of maternal race/ethnicity and obesity on adverse birth outcomes, including pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and macrosomia, were characterized. Retrospective cohort study of all 2007 California births was conducted using vital records and claims data. Maternal race/ethnicity and maternal body mass index (BMI) were the key exposures; their independent and joint impact on outcomes using regression models was analyzed. Racial/ethnic minority women of normal weight generally had higher risk as compared with white women of normal weight (e.g., African-American women, pre-eclampsia adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-1.74 vs. white women). However, elevated BMI did not usually confer additional risk (e.g., pre-eclampsia aOR comparing African-American women with excess weight with white women with excess weight, 1.17, 95% CI: 0.89-1.54). Obesity was a risk factor for low birth weight only among white women (excess weight aOR, 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.49 vs. white women of normal weight) and not among racial/ethnic minority women (e.g., African-American women, 0.95, 95% CI: 0.83-1.08). These findings add nuance to our understanding of the interplay between maternal race/ethnicity, BMI, and perinatal outcomes. While the BMI/adverse outcome gradient appears weaker in racial/ethnic minority women, this reflects the overall risk increase in racial/ethnic minority women of all body sizes. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

Efficacy and safety of repaglinide added to sitagliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized 24-week open-label clinical trial.

PubMed

Nishimura, Akihiro; Usui, Shuki; Kumashiro, Naoki; Uchino, Hiroshi; Yamato, Azusa; Yasuda, Daijiro; Nagasawa, Kaoru; Okubo, Minoru; Mori, Yasumichi; Hirose, Takahisa

2016-12-30

Although sitagliptin and repaglinide monotherapies improve postprandial hyperglycemia, the long-term effects and safety of their combination has not been examined. In this randomized 24-week trial of Japanese patients with poor control (HbA1c 7.0-8.5%) by sitagliptin, we divided 40 patients randomly into two equal groups of the repaglinide add-on to sitagliptin (ADD-ON, n=20), or sitagliptin switched to repaglinide (SWITCH, n=20). The meal tolerance test was carried out at weeks 0 and 24. The primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and area under the curves (AUC) of glucose from the baseline to week 24. The mean change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 was larger in the ADD-ON (-0.87±0.63%, mean±SD), compared with the SWITCH (0.03±0.65%, p=0.000). Significant improvements were noted in the mean changes in fasting glucose and AUCs of glucose in the ADD-ON vs. SWITCH (p=0.007 and p=0.000). Insulin secretion relative to glucose elevation (ISG; defined as AUC insulin/AUC glucose) increased significantly in the ADD-ON, although the mean change in fasting insulin level was significantly decreased in the ADD-ON (p=0.015 and p=0.026). The AUC of glucagon was significantly lower at 24-week relative to baseline in the ADD-ON, but was not significant in the two groups (p=0.047 and p=0.056, respectively). The combination therapy produced significant reductions in HbA1c, AUC of glucose and fasting glucose compared with switching to repaglinide without weight gain or severe hypoglycemia. The improved glycemic control with this combination therapy may be at least in part due to augmentation of repaglinide-induced insulin secretion by sitagliptin.

Big Society, Big Deal?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomson, Alastair

2011-01-01

Political leaders like to put forward guiding ideas or themes which pull their individual decisions into a broader narrative. For John Major it was Back to Basics, for Tony Blair it was the Third Way and for David Cameron it is the Big Society. While Mr. Blair relied on Lord Giddens to add intellectual weight to his idea, Mr. Cameron's legacy idea…

Stiff, Strong Splice For A Composite Sandwich Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmaling, D.

1991-01-01

New type of splice for composite sandwich structure reduces peak shear stress in structure. Layers of alternating fiber orientation interposed between thin ears in adhesive joint. Developed for structural joint in spar of helicopter rotor blade, increases precision of control over thickness of adhesive at joint. Joint easy to make, requires no additional pieces, and adds little weight.

21 CFR 520.1242e - Levamisole hydrochloride effervescent tablets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... water from pigs before treatment is not necessary. Add one tablet for each 21/2 gallons of water; mix thoroughly. Allow 1 gallon of medicated water for each 100 pounds body weight of pigs to be treated. No other source of water should be offered. After pigs have consumed medicated water, resume use of regular water...

21 CFR 520.1242e - Levamisole hydrochloride effervescent tablets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... water from pigs before treatment is not necessary. Add one tablet for each 21/2 gallons of water; mix thoroughly. Allow 1 gallon of medicated water for each 100 pounds body weight of pigs to be treated. No other source of water should be offered. After pigs have consumed medicated water, resume use of regular water...

21 CFR 520.1242e - Levamisole hydrochloride effervescent tablets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... water from pigs before treatment is not necessary. Add one tablet for each 21/2 gallons of water; mix thoroughly. Allow 1 gallon of medicated water for each 100 pounds body weight of pigs to be treated. No other source of water should be offered. After pigs have consumed medicated water, resume use of regular water...

21 CFR 520.1242e - Levamisole hydrochloride effervescent tablets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... water from pigs before treatment is not necessary. Add one tablet for each 21/2 gallons of water; mix thoroughly. Allow 1 gallon of medicated water for each 100 pounds body weight of pigs to be treated. No other source of water should be offered. After pigs have consumed medicated water, resume use of regular water...

21 CFR 520.1242e - Levamisole hydrochloride effervescent tablets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... water from pigs before treatment is not necessary. Add one tablet for each 21/2 gallons of water; mix thoroughly. Allow 1 gallon of medicated water for each 100 pounds body weight of pigs to be treated. No other source of water should be offered. After pigs have consumed medicated water, resume use of regular water...

New Nordic Diet versus Average Danish Diet: A Randomized Controlled Trial Revealed Healthy Long-Term Effects of the New Nordic Diet by GC-MS Blood Plasma Metabolomics.

PubMed

Khakimov, Bekzod; Poulsen, Sanne Kellebjerg; Savorani, Francesco; Acar, Evrim; Gürdeniz, Gözde; Larsen, Thomas M; Astrup, Arne; Dragsted, Lars O; Engelsen, Søren Balling

2016-06-03

A previous study has shown effects of the New Nordic Diet (NND) to stimulate weight loss and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in obese Danish women and men in a randomized, controlled dietary intervention study. This work demonstrates long-term metabolic effects of the NND as compared with an Average Danish Diet (ADD) in blood plasma and reveals associations between metabolic changes and health beneficial effects of the NND including weight loss. A total of 145 individuals completed the intervention and blood samples were taken along with clinical examinations before the intervention started (week 0) and after 12 and 26 weeks. The plasma metabolome was measured using GC-MS, and the final metabolite table contained 144 variables. Significant and novel metabolic effects of the diet, resulting weight loss, gender, and intervention study season were revealed using PLS-DA and ASCA. Several metabolites reflecting specific differences in the diets, especially intake of plant foods and seafood, and in energy metabolism related to ketone bodies and gluconeogenesis formed the predominant metabolite pattern discriminating the intervention groups. Among NND subjects, higher levels of vaccenic acid and 3-hydroxybutanoic acid were related to a higher weight loss, while higher concentrations of salicylic, lactic, and N-aspartic acids and 1,5-anhydro-d-sorbitol were related to a lower weight loss. Specific gender and seasonal differences were also observed. The study strongly indicates that healthy diets high in fish, vegetables, fruit, and whole grain facilitated weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity by increasing ketosis and gluconeogenesis in the fasting state.

Characteristics Associated With Adding Cereal Into the Bottle Among Immigrant Mother-Infant Dyads of Low Socioeconomic Status and Hispanic Ethnicity.

PubMed

Lucas, Candice Taylor; Messito, Mary Jo; Gross, Rachel S; Tomopoulos, Suzy; Fierman, Arthur H; Cates, Carolyn Brockmeyer; Johnson, Samantha Berkule; Dreyer, Benard; Mendelsohn, Alan L

2017-01-01

Determine maternal and infant characteristics associated with adding cereal into the bottle. Secondary data analysis. Study participants were immigrant, low-income, urban mother-infant dyads (n = 216; 91% Hispanic, 19% US-born) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial entitled the Bellevue Project for Early Language, Literacy and Education Success. Maternal characteristics (age, marital status, ethnicity, primary language, country of origin, education, work status, income, depressive symptoms, and concern about infant's future weight) and infant characteristics (gender, first born, and difficult temperament). Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and simultaneous multiple logistic regression of significant (P < .05) variables identified in unadjusted analyses. Twenty-seven percent of mothers added cereal into the bottle. After adjusting for confounding variables identified in bivariate analyses, mothers who were single (P = .02), had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (P = .01) and perceived their infant had a difficult temperament (P = .03) were more likely to add cereal into the bottle. Conversely, mothers who expressed concern about their infants becoming overweight were less likely to add cereal (P = .02). Health care providers should screen for adding cereal in infant bottles. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of adding cereal into the bottle on weight trajectories over time. Causal associations also need to be identified to effectively prevent this practice. Copyright © 2016 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimization and modeling of the remote loading of luciferin into liposomes.

PubMed

Hansen, Anders Højgaard; Lomholt, Michael A; Hansen, Per Lyngs; Mouritsen, Ole G; Arouri, Ahmad

2016-07-11

We carried out a mechanistic study to characterize and optimize the remote loading of luciferin into preformed liposomes of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DPPC/DPPG) 7:3 mixtures. The influence of the loading agent (acetate, propionate, butyrate), the metal counterion (Na(+), K(+), Ca(+2), Mg(+2)), and the initial extra-liposomal amount of luciferin (nL(add)) on the luciferin Loading Efficiency (LE%) and luciferin-to-lipid weight ratio, i.e., Loading Capacity (LC), in the final formulation was determined. In addition, the effect of the loading process on the colloidal stability and phase behavior of the liposomes was monitored. Based on our experimental results, a theoretical model was developed to describe the course of luciferin remote loading. It was found that the highest luciferin loading was obtained with magnesium acetate. The use of longer aliphatic carboxylates or inorganic proton donors pronouncedly reduced luciferin loading, whereas the effect of the counterion was modest. The remote-loading process barely affected the colloidal stability and drug retention of the liposomes, albeit with moderate luciferin-induced membrane perturbations. The correlation between luciferin loading, expressed as LE% and LC, and nL(add) was established, and under our conditions the maximum LC was attained using an nL(add) of around 2.6μmol. Higher amounts of luciferin tend to pronouncedly perturb the liposome stability and luciferin retention. Our theoretical model furnishes a fair quantitative description of the correlation between nL(add) and luciferin loading, and a membrane permeability coefficient for uncharged luciferin of 1×10(-8)cm/s could be determined. We believe that our study will prove very useful to optimize the remote-loading strategies of moderately polar carboxylic acid drugs in general. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Distribution and progression of add power among people in need of near correction.

PubMed

Han, Xiaotong; Lee, Pei Ying; Liu, Chi; He, Mingguang

2018-04-16

This study helps to better understand the need and trend in presbyopic add power in the aging society. Distribution and progression of presbyopic add power in East Asian population is largely unknown. Prospective cohort study. About 303 participants from a population-based study of residents aged 35 years and older in Guangzhou, China. Visual acuity (VA) test and non-cycloplegic automated refraction were performed at baseline in 2008 and the 6-year follow-up per standardized protocol. Participants with presenting near VA ≤ 20/40 underwent distance subjective refraction and add power measurement by increasing plus lens at a standard distance of 40 cm at each visit. Add power at baseline and follow-ups. Mean (standard deviation) age of the study participants was 57.6 (11.1) years and 50.2% were female. The mean add power at baseline was 1.43, 1.73, 2.03 and 2.20 diopters (D) for individuals in the age groups of 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65+ years, respectively. Participants with older age and lower educational level had significantly higher add power requirements (P < 0.001). The overall 6-year increase in add power was 0.15D (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.25), and was smaller in myopic subjects (P = 0.03). Baseline age and add power, but not changes in biometric factors, were associated with longitudinal change in add power (P < 0.001). Distribution and progression of add power in Chinese was different from that previously suggested by Caucasian studies. More studies are needed to establish up-to-date age-related add power prescription norms for population of different ethnicities. © 2018 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Body image issues in women with breast cancer.

PubMed

Helms, Rebecca L; O'Hea, Erin L; Corso, Marlaena

2008-05-01

Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer affects women physically as well as psychologically. There are many obvious and real factors that are related to psychological distress in women coping with breast cancer, such as facing a life-threatening illness, painful and impairing treatments, and significant role changes. Although these factors are clearly important, issues related to body image in women faced with breast cancer can also add to psychological distress. Women, in general, are concerned with their appearance, their weight, and their body, with recent studies suggesting 89% of women reported concerns with weight. Such premorbid concerns are often deeply ingrained and can contribute to psychological distress in women treated for breast cancer. The present article is a summary of the literature that has examined body image issues and related psychological adjustment in women with breast cancer. Implications for clinical practice and recommendations for future investigations are discussed.

Ultra-Tunable Micro-Power Converters

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

These advantages come at the expense of potentially difficult to integrate magnetic materials and magnetic property limitations/losses that may...that add greatly to the size/weight of a system (or whose properties /efficiency may be compromised to accommodate space constraints). Given the...thin film magnetic core (such as NiFe ). “Taps” are periodically provided through a series of microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches. In the example

Confirmation of Down syndrome critical region by FISH analysis in a patient with add(21)(p11)

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

Matsumoto, Naomichi; Niikawa, Norio; Mikawa, Makoto

1995-12-04

We have studied a patient with clinical Down syndrome (DS) who has a mosaic 46, XX/46, XX, 21p+ karyotype. The patient was born at 39 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 3,025 g to healthy parents. At age 2 months, she was diagnosed clinically to have DS; she had flat facies, upslanted palpebral fissures, epicanthal folds, telecanthus, flat nasal bridge, abnormal dentition, malformed ears, short neck, short fingers, clinodactyly with single flexion crease of the fifth fingers, hyperextension of joints, pes planus, distal axial triradii, and bilateral tibial arch patterns. Chromosome analysis showed mosaicism consisting of a normalmore » 46,XX cell line and a line with a 21p+ chromosome, the final karyotype being mos46,XX[57]/46,XX,add(21)(p11)[43]. Although the origin of an additional segment on chromosome 21 was not identified with conventional banding analyses, it was suspected to represent partial trisomy 21 on the basis of clinical manifestations. 6 refs., 2 figs.« less

Sex differences in adult outcomes by changes in weight status from adolescence to adulthood: results from Add Health.

PubMed

Chung, Arlene E; Skinner, Asheley Cockrell; Maslow, Gary R; Halpern, Carolyn T; Perrin, Eliana M

2014-01-01

Changes in weight status from adolescence to adulthood may be associated with varying social, vocational, economic, and educational outcomes, which may differ by sex. We studied whether there are differences in adult outcomes by sex for different weight status changes in the transition to adulthood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, participants were categorized by weight status from adolescence into adulthood. We examined self-reported outcomes in adulthood for living with parents, being married, being a parent, employment, receipt of public assistance, income, and college graduation by weight groupings (healthy-healthy, healthy-overweight/obese, overweight/obese-overweight/obese, overweight/obese-healthy). The effect of changes in weight status on the adult outcomes was modeled, controlling for sex, age, parental education, and race/ethnicity. There were differences by sex for many of the self-reported outcomes, especially educational and economic outcomes. Female subjects who became overweight/obese between adolescence and adulthood or remained so had worse economic and educational findings as adults compared to male subjects. Overall, for female subjects, becoming and remaining overweight/obese was associated with worse outcomes, while for male subjects, adolescent obesity was more important than isolated adult obesity. The relationship between obesity and life situations may be more negative for female subjects in the transition to adulthood. The findings emphasize that adolescent obesity, and not just obesity isolated in adulthood, is important for characteristics achieved in adulthood. Copyright © 2014 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The influence of psychological factors on post-partum weight retention at 9 months.

PubMed

Phillips, Joanne; King, Ross; Skouteris, Helen

2014-11-01

Post-partum weight retention (PWR) has been identified as a critical pathway for long-term overweight and obesity. In recent years, psychological factors have been demonstrated to play a key role in contributing to and maintaining PWR. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between post-partum psychological distress and PWR at 9 months, after controlling for maternal weight factors, sleep quality, sociocontextual influences, and maternal behaviours. Pregnant women (N = 126) completed a series of questionnaires at multiple time points from early pregnancy until 9 months post-partum. Hierarchical regression indicated that gestational weight gain, shorter duration (6 months or less) of breastfeeding, and post-partum body dissatisfaction at 3 and 6 months are associated with higher PWR at 9 months; stress, depression, and anxiety had minimal influence. Interventions aimed at preventing excessive PWR should specifically target the prevention of body dissatisfaction and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. What is already known on this subject? Post-partum weight retention (PWR) is a critical pathway for long-term overweight and obesity. Causes of PWR are complex and multifactorial. There is increasing evidence that psychological factors play a key role in predicting high PWR. What does this study add? Post-partum body dissatisfaction at 3 and 6 months is associated with PWR at 9 months post-birth. Post-partum depression, stress and anxiety have less influence on PWR at 9 months. Interventions aimed at preventing excessive PWR should target body dissatisfaction. © 2013 The British Psychological Society.

Adherence of pregnant women to Nordic dietary guidelines in relation to postpartum weight retention: results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study.

PubMed

von Ruesten, Anne; Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Haugen, Margaretha; Meltzer, Helle Margrete; Mehlig, Kirsten; Winkvist, Anna; Lissner, Lauren

2014-01-24

Pregnancy is a major life event for women and often connected with changes in diet and lifestyle and natural gestational weight gain. However, excessive weight gain during pregnancy may lead to postpartum weight retention and add to the burden of increasing obesity prevalence. Therefore, it is of interest to examine whether adherence to nutrient recommendations or food-based guidelines is associated with postpartum weight retention 6 months after birth. This analysis is based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Diet during the first 4-5 months of pregnancy was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire and maternal weight before pregnancy as well as in the postpartum period was assessed by questionnaires. Two Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores were applied to measure compliance with either the official Norwegian food-based guidelines (HEI-NFG) or the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (HEI-NNR) during pregnancy. The considered outcome, i.e. weight retention 6 months after birth, was modelled in two ways: continuously (in kg) and categorically (risk of substantial postpartum weight retention, i.e. ≥ 5% gain to pre-pregnancy weight). Associations between the HEI-NFG and HEI-NNR score with postpartum weight retention on the continuous scale were estimated by linear regression models. Relationships of both HEI scores with the categorical outcome variable were evaluated using logistic regression. In the continuous model without adjustment for gestational weight gain (GWG), the HEI-NFG score but not the HEI-NNR score was inversely related to postpartum weight retention. However, after additional adjustment for GWG as potential intermediate the HEI-NFG score was marginally inversely and the HEI-NNR score was inversely associated with postpartum weight retention. In the categorical model, both HEI scores were inversely related with risk of substantial postpartum weight retention, independent of adjustment for GWG. Higher adherence to either the official Norwegian food guidelines or possibly also to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations during pregnancy appears to be associated with lower postpartum weight retention.

Adherence of pregnant women to Nordic dietary guidelines in relation to postpartum weight retention: results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Pregnancy is a major life event for women and often connected with changes in diet and lifestyle and natural gestational weight gain. However, excessive weight gain during pregnancy may lead to postpartum weight retention and add to the burden of increasing obesity prevalence. Therefore, it is of interest to examine whether adherence to nutrient recommendations or food-based guidelines is associated with postpartum weight retention 6 months after birth. Methods This analysis is based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Diet during the first 4-5 months of pregnancy was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire and maternal weight before pregnancy as well as in the postpartum period was assessed by questionnaires. Two Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores were applied to measure compliance with either the official Norwegian food-based guidelines (HEI-NFG) or the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (HEI-NNR) during pregnancy. The considered outcome, i.e. weight retention 6 months after birth, was modelled in two ways: continuously (in kg) and categorically (risk of substantial postpartum weight retention, i.e. ≥ 5% gain to pre-pregnancy weight). Associations between the HEI-NFG and HEI-NNR score with postpartum weight retention on the continuous scale were estimated by linear regression models. Relationships of both HEI scores with the categorical outcome variable were evaluated using logistic regression. Results In the continuous model without adjustment for gestational weight gain (GWG), the HEI-NFG score but not the HEI-NNR score was inversely related to postpartum weight retention. However, after additional adjustment for GWG as potential intermediate the HEI-NFG score was marginally inversely and the HEI-NNR score was inversely associated with postpartum weight retention. In the categorical model, both HEI scores were inversely related with risk of substantial postpartum weight retention, independent of adjustment for GWG. Conclusions Higher adherence to either the official Norwegian food guidelines or possibly also to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations during pregnancy appears to be associated with lower postpartum weight retention. PMID:24456804

The relationship between sleep and weight in a sample of adolescents.

PubMed

Lytle, Leslie A; Pasch, Keryn E; Farbakhsh, Kian

2011-02-01

Research to date in young children and adults shows a strong, inverse relationship between sleep duration and risk for overweight and obesity. Fewer studies examining this relationship have been conducted in adolescents. The purpose of the article is to describe the relationship between sleep and weight in a population of adolescents, controlling for demographics, energy intake, energy expenditure, and depression. This is a cross-sectional study of 723 adolescents participating in population-based studies of the etiologic factors related to obesity. We examined the relationship between three weight-related dependent variables obtained through a clinical assessment and three sleep variables obtained through self-report. Average caloric intake from dietary recalls, average activity counts based on accelerometers, and depression were included as covariates and the analysis was stratified by gender and grade level. Our results show that the relationship between sleep duration and BMI is evident in middle-school boys (β = -0.32, s.e. = 0.06: P < 0.001) and girls (β = -0.18, s.e. = 0.08: P = 0.02) but largely absent in high-school students. Differences in sleep patterns have little association with weight in males, but in high-school girls, waking up late on weekends as compared to weekdays is associated with lower body fat (β = -0.80, s.e. = 0.40: P = 0.05) and a healthy weight status (β = -0.28, s.e. = 0.14: P = 0.05). This study adds to the evidence that, particularly for middle-school boys and girls, inadequate sleep is a risk factor for early adolescent obesity. Future research needs to examine the relationship longitudinally and to study potential mediators of the relationship.

The association between sleep duration and weight gain in adults: a 6-year prospective study from the Quebec Family Study.

PubMed

Chaput, Jean-Philippe; Després, Jean-Pierre; Bouchard, Claude; Tremblay, Angelo

2008-04-01

To investigate the relationship between sleep duration and subsequent body weight and fat gain. Six-year longitudinal study. Community setting. Two hundred seventy-six adults aged 21 to 64 years from the Quebec Family Study. More than half of the sample is drawn from families with at least 1 parent and 1 offspring with a body mass index of 32 kg/m2 or higher. Body composition measurements and self-reported sleep duration were determined. Changes in adiposity indices were compared between short- (5-6 hours), average- (7-8 hours), and long- (9-10 hours) duration sleeper groups. After adjustment for age, sex, and baseline body mass index, short-duration sleepers gained 1.98 kg (95% confidence interval: 1.16-2.82) more and long-duration sleepers gained 1.58 kg (95% CI: 1.02-2.56) more than did average-duration sleepers over 6 years. Short- and long-duration sleepers were 35% and 25% more likely to experience a 5-kg weight gain, respectively, as compared with average-duration sleepers over 6 years. The risk of developing obesity was elevated for short- and long-duration sleepers as compared with average-duration sleepers, with 27% and 21% increases in risk, respectively. These associations remained significant after inclusion of important covariates and were not affected by adjustment for energy intake and physical activity participation. This study provides evidence that both short and long sleeping times predict an increased risk of future body weight and fat gain in adults. Hence, these results emphasize the need to add sleep duration to the panel of determinants that contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Smartphone applications to support weight loss: current perspectives

PubMed Central

Pellegrini, Christine A; Pfammatter, Angela F; Conroy, David E; Spring, Bonnie

2015-01-01

Lower cost alternatives are needed for the traditional in-person behavioral weight loss programs to overcome challenges of lowering the worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity. Smartphones have become ubiquitous and provide a unique platform to aid in the delivery of a behavioral weight loss program. The technological capabilities of a smartphone may address certain limitations of a traditional weight loss program, while also reducing the cost and burden on participants, interventionists, and health care providers. Awareness of the advantages smartphones offer for weight loss has led to the rapid development and proliferation of weight loss applications (apps). The built-in features and the mechanisms by which they work vary across apps. Although there are an extraordinary number of a weight loss apps available, most lack the same magnitude of evidence-based behavior change strategies typically used in traditional programs. As features develop and new capabilities are identified, we propose a conceptual model as a framework to guide the inclusion of features that can facilitate behavior change and lead to reductions in weight. Whereas the conventional wisdom about behavior change asserts that more is better (with respect to the number of behavior change techniques involved), this model suggests that less may be more because extra techniques may add burden and adversely impact engagement. Current evidence is promising and continues to emerge on the potential of smartphone use within weight loss programs; yet research is unable to keep up with the rapidly improving smartphone technology. Future studies are needed to refine the conceptual model’s utility in the use of technology for weight loss, determine the effectiveness of intervention components utilizing smartphone technology, and identify novel and faster ways to evaluate the ever-changing technology. PMID:26236766

Differential Influences of Parenting Dimensions and Parental Physical Abuse during Childhood on Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents.

PubMed

Mößle, Thomas; Kliem, Sören; Lohmann, Anna; Bergmann, Marie Christine; Baier, Dirk

2017-03-07

Besides other explanatory variables, parenting styles and parental violence might also be responsible for setting a path towards overweight/obesity in childhood. While this association has consistently been observed for adults, findings for adolescents still remain scarce and inconsistent. Therefore, the goal of this study is to add evidence on this topic for children and adolescents. Analyses are based on a sample of 1729 German, ninth-grade students. To analyze associations between parenting dimensions and weight status, non-parametric conditional inference trees were applied. Three gender-specific pathways for a heightened risk of overweight/obesity were observed: (1) female adolescents who report having experienced severe parental physical abuse and medium/high parental warmth in childhood; (2) male adolescents who report having experienced low or medium parental monitoring in childhood; and (3) this second pathway for male adolescents is more pronounced if the families receive welfare. The importance of promoting parenting styles characterized by warmth and a lack of physical abuse is also discussed. This is one of only a few studies examining the association of parenting dimensions/parental physical abuse and weight status in adolescence. Future studies should include even more parenting dimensions, as well as parental physical abuse levels, in order to detect and untangle gender-specific effects on weight status.

Longitudinal associations between key dietary behaviors and weight gain over time: Transitions through the adolescent years

PubMed Central

Laska, Melissa N.; Murray, David M.; Lytle, Leslie A.; Harnack, Lisa J.

2012-01-01

Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results in documenting the association between key dietary factors and adolescent weight change over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which changes in adolescent sugar-sweetened beverage, diet soda, breakfast and fast food consumption were associated with changes in BMI and percent body fat (PBF), both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Our sample included 693 Minnesota adolescents followed over two years. Adjusting for physical activity, puberty, race, socio-economic status, age, and total energy intake, cross-sectional findings indicated that for both males and females, diet soda consumption was significantly and positively associated with BMI and PBF, and breakfast intake was significantly and negatively associated with BMI and PBF among girls. In longitudinal analyses, however, there were no significant associations after adjusting for the number of tests performed. This study adds to previous research through its methodological strengths, including adjustment for physical activity and energy intake assessed using state-of-the-art methods (i.e., accelerometers and 24-hour dietary recalls), as well as its evaluation of both BMI and PBF. Additional research is needed to better understand the complex constellation of factors that contribute to adolescent weight gain over time. PMID:21701567

Sex differences of anthropometric indices of obesity by age among Iranian adults in northern Iran: A predictive regression model.

PubMed

Hajian-Tilaki, Karimollah; Heidari, Behzad

2015-01-01

The biological variation of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with age may vary by gender. The objective of this study was to investigate the functional relationship of anthropometric measures with age and sex. The data were collected from a population-based cross-sectional study of 1800 men and 1800 women aged 20-70 years in northern Iran. The linear and quadratic pattern of age on weight, height, BMI and WC and WHR were tested statistically and the interaction effect of age and gender was also formally tested. The quadratic model (age(2)) provided a significantly better fit than simple linear model for weight, BMI and WC. BMI, WC and weight explained a greater variance using quadratic form for women compared with men (for BMI, R(2)=0.18, p<0.001 vs R(2)=0.059, p<0.001 and for WC, R(2)=0.17, p<0.001 vs R(2)=0.047, p<0.001). For height, there is an inverse linear relationship while for WHR, a positive linear association was apparent by aging, the quadratic form did not add to better fit. These findings indicate the different patterns of weight gain, fat accumulation for visceral adiposity and loss of muscle mass between men and women in the early and middle adulthood.

Cooled Ceramic Matrix Composite Propulsion Structures Demonstrated

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaskowiak, Martha H.; Dickens, Kevin W.

2005-01-01

NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) Program has successfully demonstrated cooled ceramic matrix composite (CMC) technology in a scramjet engine test. This demonstration represented the world s largest cooled nonmetallic matrix composite panel fabricated for a scramjet engine and the first cooled nonmetallic composite to be tested in a scramjet facility. Lightweight, high-temperature, actively cooled structures have been identified as a key technology for enabling reliable and low-cost space access. Tradeoff studies have shown this to be the case for a variety of launch platforms, including rockets and hypersonic cruise vehicles. Actively cooled carbon and CMC structures may meet high-performance goals at significantly lower weight, while improving safety by operating with a higher margin between the design temperature and material upper-use temperature. Studies have shown that using actively cooled CMCs can reduce the weight of the cooled flow-path component from 4.5 to 1.6 lb/sq ft and the weight of the propulsion system s cooled surface area by more than 50 percent. This weight savings enables advanced concepts, increased payload, and increased range. The ability of the cooled CMC flow-path components to operate over 1000 F hotter than the state-of-the-art metallic concept adds system design flexibility to space-access vehicle concepts. Other potential system-level benefits include smaller fuel pumps, lower part count, lower cost, and increased operating margin.

Runtime Performance Monitoring Tool for RTEMS System Software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, B.; Kim, S.; Park, H.; Kim, H.; Choi, J.; Chae, D.; Lee, J.

2007-08-01

RTEMS is a commercial-grade real-time operating system that supports multi-processor computers. However, there are not many development tools for RTEMS. In this paper, we report new RTEMS-based runtime performance monitoring tool. We have implemented a light weight runtime monitoring task with an extension to the RTEMS APIs. Using our tool, software developers can verify various performance- related parameters during runtime. Our tool can be used during software development phase and in-orbit operation as well. Our implemented target agent is light weight and has small overhead using SpaceWire interface. Efforts to reduce overhead and to add other monitoring parameters are currently under research.

Improving anti-bullying laws and policies to protect youth from weight-based victimization: parental support for action.

PubMed

Puhl, R M; Suh, Y; Li, X

2017-04-01

Weight-based bullying is a prevalent problem among youth with overweight and obesity, but remains neglected in existing policy-level strategies to address youth bullying. Parental support is an influential catalyst motivating political will for policy decisions affecting youth, but has received limited research attention. To assess levels of, and predictors of, parental support for school-based policies and state/federal legal measures to address weight-based bullying in 2014 and 2015. Identical online questionnaires were completed by two independent national samples of parents in 2014 and 2015 (N = 1804). Parental support for all policy actions was high (at least 81%) and significantly increased from 2014 to 2015 for legal measures that would a) require state anti-bullying laws to add protections against weight-based bullying, and b) enact a federal anti-bullying law that includes weight-based bullying. These findings can inform policy discourse about remedies for youth bullying, and suggest that parental support for improved legal protections against weight-based bullying is present, consistent, and strong. © 2016 World Obesity Federation.

Metacomputing on Commodity Computers

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-05-01

on NOWs, and this has contributed to the popularity of systems such as PVM [59], MPI [67], Linda [33], and TreadMarks [2]. 26 Challenges Given that...presents the performance of Calypso and Persistent Linda (PLinda) [77] programs and compares how they can tolerate failures. A biological pattern...adds fault tolerance to Linda programs by using light-weight transac- tions, whereas Calypso uses the combination of eager scheduling and two-phase

Hospital outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants after introduction of donor milk to supplement mother's milk.

PubMed

Verd, Sergio; Porta, Roser; Botet, Francesc; Gutiérrez, Antonio; Ginovart, Gemma; Barbero, Ana Herranz; Ciurana, Anna; Plata, Isabel Iglesias

2015-04-01

This study evaluated the impact of an exclusive human milk diet to nourish extremely low birth weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. This multicenter pre-post retrospective study included all inborn infants <1,000 g admitted to four Level IV neonatal intensive care units either before or after implementing a donor human milk policy. The feeding protocol was unchanged in both periods. Collected data included maternal/infant demographics, infant clinical data, and enteral intake as mother's own milk, donor milk, and formula. Two hundred one infants were enrolled. Infant growth and other clinical outcomes were similar in both groups. Exposure to mother's own milk at discharge was not different. Median time in oxygen and duration of mechanical ventilation were significantly higher among formula-fed infants (63 versus 192 hours [p=0.046] and 24 versus 60 hours [p=0.016], respectively). Our results add evidence supporting the safety of donor milk. This study also found an association between exposure to formula in preterm infants and the requirement for respiratory support, a finding that warrants further investigation.

The Situation Awareness Weighted Network (SAWN) model and method: Theory and application.

PubMed

Kalloniatis, Alexander; Ali, Irena; Neville, Timothy; La, Phuong; Macleod, Iain; Zuparic, Mathew; Kohn, Elizabeth

2017-05-01

We introduce a novel model and associated data collection method to examine how a distributed organisation of military staff who feed a Common Operating Picture (COP) generates Situation Awareness (SA), a critical component in organisational performance. The proposed empirically derived Situation Awareness Weighted Network (SAWN) model draws on two scientific models of SA, by Endsley involving perception, comprehension and projection, and by Stanton et al. positing that SA exists across a social and semantic network of people and information objects in activities connected across a set of tasks. The output of SAWN is a representation as a weighted semi-bipartite network of the interaction between people ('human nodes') and information artefacts such as documents and system displays ('product nodes'); link weights represent the Endsley levels of SA that individuals acquire from or provide to information objects and other individuals. The SAWN method is illustrated with aggregated empirical data from a case study of Australian military staff undertaking their work during two very different scenarios, during steady-state operations and in a crisis threat context. A key outcome of analysis of the weighted networks is that we are able to quantify flow of SA through an organisation as staff seek to "value-add" in the conduct of their work. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Residential mobility and trajectories of adiposity among adolescents in urban and non-urban neighborhoods.

PubMed

Jones, Antwan

2015-04-01

Using data from the 1994-2008 National Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (Add Health), this research examines the relationship between residential mobility and weight gain over time among urban and non-urban young adults. It is theorized that changes in residence act as a barrier to achieving an active lifestyle, which would increase an individual's body mass index (BMI) over time. Relying on linear mixed-effects growth curve models, the results indicate that mobility is protective against weight gain over time after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. For young adults who are residentially stable in urban neighborhoods, increases in physical activity are associated with a linear decline in BMI. In non-urban areas where respondents are residentially mobile, body weight does not fluctuate as sedentary behavior increases. However, in those areas, weight increases as sedentary behavior increases for those who did not move. Overall, the results suggest that the effect of mobility on weight gain is partially due to the kind of health behaviors that one engages in as well as whether or not one lives in an urban area. Policies geared toward relocating residents (such as Moving to Opportunity), and neighborhood processes that can lead individuals to change residences (such as foreclosures or gentrification) may have adverse health effects depending on whether they are occurring in urban or non-urban areas.

Birth weight, childhood socioeconomic environment, and cognitive development in the 1958 British birth cohort study

PubMed Central

Jefferis, Barbara J M H; Power, Chris; Hertzman, Clyde

2002-01-01

Objectives To examine the combined effect of social class and weight at birth on cognitive trajectories during school age and the associations between birth weight and educational outcomes through to 33 years. Design Longitudinal, population based, birth cohort study. Participants 10 845 males and females born during 3-9 March 1958 with information on birth weight, social class, and cognitive tests. Main outcome measures Reading, maths, draw a man, copying designs, verbal and non-verbal ability tests at ages 7, 11, and 16, highest qualifications achieved by 33, and trajectories of maths standardised scores at 7-16 years. Results The outcome of all childhood cognitive tests and educational achievements improved significantly with increasing birth weight. Analysis of maths scores at 7 and of highest qualifications achieved by 33 showed that the relations were robust to adjustment for potential confounding factors. For each kilogram increase in birth weight, maths z score increased by 0.17 (adjusted estimate 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.21) for males and 0.21 (0.20, 0.14 to 0.25) for females. Trajectories of maths z scores between 7 and 16 years diverged for different social class groups: participants from classes I and II increased their relative position on the score with increasing age, whereas classes IV and V showed a relative decline with increasing age. Birth weight explained much less of the variation in cognition than did social class (range 0.5-1.5% v 2.9-12.5%). Conclusions The postnatal environment has an overwhelming influence on cognitive function through to early adulthood, but these strong effects do not explain the weaker but independent association with birth weight. What is already known on this topicWeight at birth is associated with later cognitive developmentThis is maintained across the range of normal birth weightsWhat this study addsSocial class at birth and birth weight have independent effects on maths scores in childhood, but social class at birth explains more of the variation in the scoresThe relation between maths scores and birth weight persists across birth weights after adjustment for gestational age, parental education, and other potential confounding factorsTrajectories of maths attainment diverge, with more affluent social groups increasing their relative advantage whereas the effect of birth weight remains constant over time PMID:12169505

'I've put weight on cos I've bin inactive, cos I've 'ad me knee done': moral work in the obesity clinic.

PubMed

Webb, Helena

2009-09-01

As governments and healthcare systems grow increasingly concerned with the current obesity 'epidemic', sociological interest in the condition has also increased. Despite the emergence of work discussing obesity as a social phenomenon, the sociological dimensions of medical weight-loss treatments for obesity remain underexplored. This paper reports on a conversation analytic (CA) study and describes how moral issues surrounding weight and patienthood become visible when doctors and patients discuss obesity. Consultations in two UK National Health Service clinics were video-recorded and analysed to identify recurring patterns of interaction. This paper describes how patients answer opening questions: questions which begin the consultation, enabling patients to report their medical status. Analysis reveals that when producing their answers, patients typically imply either 'success' or 'lack of success' in their weight-loss progress. Whilst doing so, they construct their personal agency in different ways, crediting themselves for implied successes and resisting responsibility for lack of success. Through interaction the doctor and patient collaboratively construct obesity as a moral issue. The moral obligations invoked share similarities with certain perceived normative dynamics surrounding obesity and the responsibilities of patienthood. These findings have relevance to healthcare practice and add to sociological understanding of the modern obesity 'crisis'.

A randomized trial Examining The Impact Of Communicating Genetic And Lifestyle Risks For Obesity.

PubMed

Wang, Catharine; Gordon, Erynn S; Norkunas, Tricia; Wawak, Lisa; Liu, Ching-Ti; Winter, Michael; Kasper, Rachel S; Christman, Michael F; Green, Robert C; Bowen, Deborah J

2016-12-01

Genetic testing for obesity is available directly to consumers, yet little is understood about its behavioral impact and its added value to nongenetic risk communication efforts based on lifestyle factors. A randomized trial examined the short-term impact of providing personalized obesity risk information, using a 2 × 2 factorial design. Participants were recruited from the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative (CPMC) and randomized to receive (1) no risk information (control), (2) genetic risk, (3) lifestyle risk, or (4) combined genetic/lifestyle risks. Baseline and 3-month follow-up survey data were collected. Analyses examined the impact of risk feedback on intentions to lose weight and self-reported weight. A total of 696 participants completed the study. A significant interaction effect was observed for genetic and lifestyle information on intent to lose weight (P = 0.0150). Those who received genetic risk alone had greater intentions at follow-up, compared with controls (P = 0.0034). The impact of receiving elevated risk information on intentions varied by source and combination of risks presented. Non-elevated genetic risk did not lower intentions. No group differences were observed for self-reported weight. Genetic risk information for obesity may add value to lifestyle risk information depending on the context in which it is presented. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

Effectiveness and tolerability of second-line treatment with vildagliptin versus other oral drugs for type 2 diabetes in a real-world setting in the Middle East: results from the EDGE study

PubMed Central

Saab, Charles; Al-Saber, Feryal A; Haddad, Jihad; Jallo, Mahir Khalil; Steitieh, Habib; Bader, Giovanni; Ibrahim, Mohamed

2015-01-01

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic progressive disease that requires treatment intensification with antihyperglycemic agents due to progressive deterioration of β-cell function. A large observational study of 45,868 patients with T2DM across 27 countries (EDGE) assessed the effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin as add-on to other oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) versus other comparator OAD combinations. Here, we present results from the Middle East countries (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates). Methods Patients inadequately controlled with OAD monotherapy were eligible after the add-on treatment was chosen by the physician based on clinical judgment and patient need. Patients were assigned to either vildagliptin or comparator OADs (sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, or metformin, except incretin-based therapies) based on the add-on therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction of >0.3% without peripheral edema, hypoglycemia, discontinuation due to a gastrointestinal event, or weight gain ≥5%. One of the secondary endpoints was the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% without hypoglycemia or weight gain. Change in HbA1c from baseline to study endpoint and safety were also assessed. Results Of the 4,780 patients enrolled in the Middle East, 2,513 received vildagliptin and 2,267 received other OADs. Overall, the mean (± standard deviation) age at baseline was 52.1±10.2 years, mean HbA1c was 8.5%±1.3%, and mean T2DM duration was 4.2±4.0 years. The proportion of patients achieving the primary (76.1% versus 61.6%, P<0.0001) and secondary (54.8% versus 29.9%, P<0.0001) endpoints was higher with vildagliptin than with the comparator OADs. The unadjusted odds ratios for the primary and secondary endpoints were 1.98 (95% confidence interval 1.75–2.25) and 2.8 (95% confidence interval 2.5–3.2), respectively, in favor of vildagliptin. Vildagliptin achieved a numerically greater reduction in HbA1c (1.7%) from baseline versus comparator OADs (1.4%). The overall incidence of adverse events was comparable between studied cohorts. Conclusion In real life, treatment with vildagliptin was associated with a higher proportion of patients with T2DM achieving better glycemic control without tolerability issues in the Middle East. PMID:25750538

Effectiveness and tolerability of second-line treatment with vildagliptin versus other oral drugs for type 2 diabetes in a real-world setting in the Middle East: results from the EDGE study.

PubMed

Saab, Charles; Al-Saber, Feryal A; Haddad, Jihad; Jallo, Mahir Khalil; Steitieh, Habib; Bader, Giovanni; Ibrahim, Mohamed

2015-01-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic progressive disease that requires treatment intensification with antihyperglycemic agents due to progressive deterioration of β-cell function. A large observational study of 45,868 patients with T2DM across 27 countries (EDGE) assessed the effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin as add-on to other oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) versus other comparator OAD combinations. Here, we present results from the Middle East countries (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates). Patients inadequately controlled with OAD monotherapy were eligible after the add-on treatment was chosen by the physician based on clinical judgment and patient need. Patients were assigned to either vildagliptin or comparator OADs (sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, or metformin, except incretin-based therapies) based on the add-on therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction of >0.3% without peripheral edema, hypoglycemia, discontinuation due to a gastrointestinal event, or weight gain≥5%. One of the secondary endpoints was the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c<7% without hypoglycemia or weight gain. Change in HbA1c from baseline to study endpoint and safety were also assessed. Of the 4,780 patients enrolled in the Middle East, 2,513 received vildagliptin and 2,267 received other OADs. Overall, the mean (±standard deviation) age at baseline was 52.1±10.2 years, mean HbA1c was 8.5%±1.3%, and mean T2DM duration was 4.2±4.0 years. The proportion of patients achieving the primary (76.1% versus 61.6%, P<0.0001) and secondary (54.8% versus 29.9%, P<0.0001) endpoints was higher with vildagliptin than with the comparator OADs. The unadjusted odds ratios for the primary and secondary endpoints were 1.98 (95% confidence interval 1.75-2.25) and 2.8 (95% confidence interval 2.5-3.2), respectively, in favor of vildagliptin. Vildagliptin achieved a numerically greater reduction in HbA1c (1.7%) from baseline versus comparator OADs (1.4%). The overall incidence of adverse events was comparable between studied cohorts. In real life, treatment with vildagliptin was associated with a higher proportion of patients with T2DM achieving better glycemic control without tolerability issues in the Middle East.

Irregular menses linked to vomiting in a nonclinical sample: findings from the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in high schools.

PubMed

Austin, S Bryn; Ziyadeh, Najat J; Vohra, Sameer; Forman, Sara; Gordon, Catherine M; Prokop, Lisa A; Keliher, Anne; Jacobs, Douglas

2008-05-01

Using data from an eating disorders screening initiative conducted in high schools across the United States, we examined the relationship between vomiting frequency and irregular menses in a nonclinical sample of adolescent females. A self-report questionnaire was administered to students from U.S. high schools participating in the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in 2000. The questionnaire included items on frequency of vomiting for weight control in the past 3 months, other eating disorder symptoms, frequency of menses, height, and weight. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted using data from 2791 girls to estimate the risk of irregular menses (defined as menses less often than monthly) associated with vomiting frequency, adjusting for other eating disorder symptoms, weight status, age, race/ethnicity, and school clusters. Girls who vomited to control their weight one to three times per month were one and a half times more likely (risk ratio [RR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-2.2), and girls who vomited once per week or more often were more than three times more likely (RR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.3-4.4), to experience irregular menses than were girls who did not report vomiting for weight control. Vomiting for weight control remained a strong predictor of irregular menses even when overweight and underweight participants were excluded. Our study adds to the evidence that vomiting may have a direct effect on hormonal function in adolescent girls, and that vomiting for weight control may be a particularly deleterious component of eating disorders.

Saxagliptin efficacy and safety in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus stratified by cardiovascular disease history and cardiovascular risk factors: analysis of 3 clinical trials.

PubMed

Cook, William; Minervini, Gianmaria; Bryzinski, Brian; Hirshberg, Boaz

2014-10-01

To test the effectiveness and safety of saxagliptin 5 mg/d in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with and without history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. The authors conducted a post hoc analysis of data from 3 randomized studies that compared saxagliptin versus placebo as initial combination therapy with metformin for 24 weeks (N = 648) and versus placebo as an add-on to insulin with and without metformin for 24 weeks (N = 455), and assessed noninferiority to glipizide as an add-on to metformin for 52 weeks (N = 858). Efficacy outcomes were the adjusted mean change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, fasting plasma glucose concentration, and body weight and the proportion of patients achieving an HbA1c level < 7%. Pairwise comparisons were performed in subgroups with 1) history/no history of CVD, 2) ≥ 2 versus 0 to 1 CV risk factors, 3) hypertension/no hypertension, and 4) statin use/no statin use. Adverse events (AE) and hypoglycemia were monitored. In the initial combination therapy study, reductions in HbA1c level from baseline were greater with saxagliptin versus placebo in all subgroups (difference [saxagliptin - placebo], -0.38% to -0.67%). In the add-on to insulin ± metformin study, differences in adjusted mean change in HbA1c level versus placebo ranged from -0.23% to -0.58% across subgroups. In the noninferiority to glipizide study, adjusted mean changes in HbA1c level were comparable between saxagliptin and glipizide, across subgroups (difference, 0.08%-0.21%). No evidence suggested clinically relevant treatment-by-subgroup interactions in pairwise comparison. Incidences of ≥ 1 AE were comparable across subgroups. Incidences of confirmed hypoglycemia with saxagliptin were 0 in both metformin add-on studies and 1.2% to 7.8% with saxagliptin + insulin ± metformin. In patients with T2DM, saxagliptin 5 mg/d was similarly effective in improving glycemic control, with an AE profile similar to that of placebo, irrespective of CVD history, number of CV risk factors, hypertension, or statin use. www.ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT00327015, NCT00575588, NCT00757588.

The mechanical and thermal characteristics of phenolic foam reinforced with kaolin powder and glass fiber fabric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Wenya; Huang, Zhixiong; Ding, Jie

2017-12-01

In this work, kaolin powder and glass fiber fabric were added to PF in order to improve its thermal stability and mechanical property. Micro-structures of carbonized PF with kaolin powder were inspected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to demonstrate the filler’s pinning effect. SEM results illustrated modified PF had well morphology after high-temperature heat treatment. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) test was carried out and found that kaolin powder only physically dispersed in PF. The compression test and thermal weight loss test were done on two groups of modified PF (Group A: add powder and fabric; Group B: add powder only). Results showed that all modified PF were better than pure PF, while foams with powder and fabric showed better mechanical characteristic and thermal stability compared with foams with powder only.

Association of Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Birth Weight With Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children Aged 11 or 12 Years: The Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000 Eye Study.

PubMed

Ashina, Håkan; Li, Xiao Qiang; Olsen, Else Marie; Skovgaard, Anne Mette; Larsen, Michael; Munch, Inger Christine

2017-04-01

Both maternal smoking during pregnancy and low birth weight have been implicated in impaired development of the retina. To investigate the associations of maternal smoking during pregnancy and low birth weight with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in preadolescent children. The Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000 Eye Study is a prospective, population-based, birth cohort study that included all children (n = 6090) born in 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Maternal smoking data were collected through parental interviews. Birth weight, pregnancy, and medical history data were obtained from the Danish Medical Birth Registry. As a follow-up, the study performed eye examinations on 1406 of these children from May 1, 2011, to October 31, 2012, when the children were aged 11 or 12 years. The participants were predominantly (1296 [92.4%]) of European descent. Study data were analyzed from June 1, 2016, to October 1, 2016. Peripapillary RNFL thickness measured using optical coherence tomography at the 11- or 12-year examination. Of the 1406 children in the study, 1323 were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age was 11.7 [0.4] years; 633 [47.8%] were boys and 690 [52.2%] were girls). The mean (SD) RNFL thickness was 104 (9.6) μm. In 227 children whose mothers had smoked during pregnancy, the peripapillary RNFL was 5.7 μm (95% CI, 4.3-7.1 μm; P < .001) thinner than in children whose mothers had not smoked after correction for age, sex, birth weight, height, body weight, Tanner stage of pubertal development, axial length, and spherical equivalent refractive error. In low-birth-weight children (<2500 g), the RNFL was 3.5 μm (95% CI, 0.6-6.3 μm; P = .02) thinner than in normal-birth-weight children after adjustment for all variables. Exposure to maternal smoking during uterine life and low birth weight were independently associated with having a thinner RNFL at age 11 or 12 years. These observations support previous findings that intrauterine and perinatal factors can have long-lasting effects on the retina and the optic nerve. The results of this study add evidence to existing recommendations to avoid smoking during pregnancy and support measures that promote maternal and fetal health.

Environmental influences on small eating behavior change to promote weight loss among Black and Hispanic populations.

PubMed

Eldridge, Johanna D; Devine, Carol M; Wethington, Elaine; Aceves, Luz; Phillips-Caesar, Erica; Wansink, Brian; Charlson, Mary E

2016-01-01

Small eating behavior changes are proposed as more feasible to achieve and maintain than larger changes used in traditional behavioral weight loss studies. However, it is unclear whether overweight Black and Hispanic adults in a low-income urban setting experience small changes as feasible and what might influence feasibility. Participants' experiences in a 12-week pilot weight loss intervention were explored qualitatively to determine the feasibility of making small eating behavior changes in this population. After the intervention (69% retention), semi-structured interviews with 46 men and women (mean age 51, 50% Non-Hispanic Black, 43% Hispanic) revealed that making small eating changes was a process shaped by participants' intrapersonal and interpersonal eating environments. Participants responded to intrapersonal and interpersonal eating environmental challenges by adapting small change strategies, navigating eating environments, and negotiating household eating practices. Findings highlight how even small eating behavior changes called for adaptation, navigation, and negotiation of complex eating environments in daily life. These findings were used to improve the trial that followed and underline the importance of feasibility studies to inform community trials. Findings also add to understanding of contextual challenges and the skills needed to implement small changes in a low income, ethnic minority population. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Environmental influences on small eating behavior change to promote weight loss among Black and Hispanic populations

PubMed Central

Eldridge, Johanna D.; Devine, Carol M.; Wethington, Elaine; Aceves, Luz; Phillips-Caesar, Erica; Wansink, Brian; Charlson, Mary E.

2015-01-01

Small eating behavior changes are proposed as more feasible to achieve and maintain than larger changes used in traditional behavioral weight loss studies. However, it is unclear whether overweight Black and Hispanic adults in a low-income urban setting experience small changes as feasible and what might influence feasibility. Participants' experiences in a 12-week pilot weight loss intervention were explored qualitatively to determine the feasibility of making small eating behavior changes in this population. After the intervention (69% retention), semi-structured interviews with 46 men and women (mean age 51, 50% Non-Hispanic Black, 43% Hispanic) revealed that making small eating changes was a process shaped by participants' intrapersonal and interpersonal eating environments. Participants responded to intrapersonal and interpersonal eating environmental challenges by adapting small change strategies, navigating eating environments, and negotiating household eating practices. Findings highlight how even small eating behavior changes called for adaptation, navigation, and negotiation of complex eating environments in daily life. These findings were used to improve the trial that followed and underline the importance of feasibility studies to inform community trials. Findings also add to understanding of contextual challenges and the skills needed to implement small changes in a low income, ethnic minority population. PMID:26368577

Excessive Time on Social Networking Sites and Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Undergraduate Students: Appearance and Weight Esteem as Mediating Pathways.

PubMed

Murray, Marisa; Maras, Danijela; Goldfield, Gary S

2016-12-01

Social networking sites (SNS) are a popular form of communication among undergraduate students. Body image concerns and disordered eating behaviors are also quite prevalent among this population. Maladaptive use of SNS has been associated with disordered eating behaviors; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. The present study examined if body image concerns (e.g., appearance and weight esteem) mediate the relationship between excessive time spent on SNS and disordered eating behaviors (restrained and emotional eating). The sample included 383 (70.2 percent female) undergraduate students (mean age = 23.08 years, standard deviation = 3.09) who completed self-report questionnaires related to SNS engagement, body image, disordered eating behaviors, and demographics. Parallel multiple mediation and moderated mediation analyses revealed that lower weight and appearance esteem mediated the relationship between excessive time on SNS and restrained eating for males and females, whereas appearance esteem mediated the relationship between excessive time on SNS and emotional eating for females only. The study adds to the literature by highlighting mediational pathways and gender differences. Intervention research is needed to determine if teaching undergraduate students more adaptive ways of using SNS or reducing exposure to SNS reduces body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in this high-risk population.

Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity: Indirect Effects of the Family Check-Up in Early Childhood

PubMed Central

Smith, Justin D.; Montaño, Zorash; Dishion, Thomas J.; Shaw, Daniel S.; Wilson, Melvin N.

2014-01-01

The early signs of obesity are observable in early childhood. Although the most promising prevention approaches are family centered, few relevant early prevention programs exist. This study evaluated the effects of an evidence-based, home-visiting intervention, the Family Check-Up (FCU), on the trajectory of children’s weight gain. The FCU was designed to prevent the development of behavior problems by improving family management practices; children’s weight has not been an explicit target. On the basis of previous research and conceptual models, we hypothesized that intervention effects on parenting practices, specifically caregivers’ use of positive behavior support (PBS) strategies in toddlerhood, would mediate improvements in children’s weight trajectories. A total of 731 indigent caregiver–child dyads from a multisite randomized intervention trial were examined. Observational assessment of parenting and mealtime behaviors occurred from age 2 to 5. The child’s body mass index (BMI) was assessed yearly from age 5 to 9.5. Path analysis with a latent growth model revealed a significant indirect effect of the FCU on the trajectory of BMI in later childhood. Improvements in caregivers’ PBS in toddlerhood, which was related to the nutritional quality of the meals caregivers served to the child during the mealtime task, served as the intervening process. Further, findings indicate that the FCU prevents progression to overweight and obese status amongst at-risk children. These study results add to existing evidence that has demonstrated that family-based interventions aimed at improving general family management skills are effective at preventing weight gain. Future directions are discussed. PMID:25263212

Too Many Trustees Can Burden a Board, More Colleges Realize

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stripling, Jack

2012-01-01

It is easy to see why a college might want a big board. It is simpler to add trustees than to remove members who are no longer pulling their weight, and growth can be justified as an effort to broaden the diversity of opinions in a group. It is also true that there may be no better way to cultivate donors than to give them active policy-making…

40 CFR 63.3545 - How do I determine the add-on control device emission destruction or removal efficiency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., as appropriate, to measure gas volumetric flow rate. (3) Use Method 3, 3A, or 3B of appendix A to 40 CFR part 60, as appropriate, for gas analysis to determine dry molecular weight. You may also use as... monoxide content of exhaust gas in ANSI/ASME PTC 19.10-1981, “Flue and Exhaust Gas Analyses [Part 10...

EDIN design study alternate space shuttle booster replacement concepts. Volume 2: Design simulation results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Demakes, P. T.; Hirsch, G. N.; Stewart, W. A.; Glatt, C. R.

1976-01-01

Historical weight estimating relationships were developed for the liquid rocket booster (LRB) using Saturn technology, and modified as required to support the EDIN05 study. Mission performance was computed using February 1975 shuttle configuration groundrules to allow reasonable comparison of the existing shuttle with the EDIN05 designs. The launch trajectory was constrained to pass through both the RTLS/AOA and main engine cut-off points. Performance analysis was based on a point design trajectory model which optimized initial tilt rate and exo-atmospheric pitch profile. A gravity turn was employed during the boost phase in place of the shuttle angle-of-attack profile. Engine throttling add/or shutdown was used to constrain dynamic pressure and/or longitudinal acceleration where necessary.

Improving metabolic parameters of antipsychotic child treatment (IMPACT) study: rationale, design, and methods

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Youth with serious mental illness may experience improved psychiatric stability with second generation antipsychotic (SGA) medication treatment, but unfortunately may also experience unhealthy weight gain adverse events. Research on weight loss strategies for youth who require ongoing antipsychotic treatment is quite limited. The purpose of this paper is to present the design, methods, and rationale of the Improving Metabolic Parameters in Antipsychotic Child Treatment (IMPACT) study, a federally funded, randomized trial comparing two pharmacologic strategies against a control condition to manage SGA-related weight gain. Methods The design and methodology considerations of the IMPACT trial are described and embedded in a description of health risks associated with antipsychotic-related weight gain and the limitations of currently available research. Results The IMPACT study is a 4-site, six month, randomized, open-label, clinical trial of overweight/obese youth ages 8–19 years with pediatric schizophrenia-spectrum and bipolar-spectrum disorders, psychotic or non-psychotic major depressive disorder, or irritability associated with autistic disorder. Youth who have experienced clinically significant weight gain during antipsychotic treatment in the past 3 years are randomized to either (1) switch antipsychotic plus healthy lifestyle education (HLE); (2) add metformin plus HLE; or (3) HLE with no medication change. The primary aim is to compare weight change (body mass index z-scores) for each pharmacologic intervention with the control condition. Key secondary assessments include percentage body fat, insulin resistance, lipid profile, psychiatric symptom stability (monitored independently by the pharmacotherapist and a blinded evaluator), and all-cause and specific cause discontinuation. This study is ongoing, and the targeted sample size is 132 youth. Conclusion Antipsychotic-related weight gain is an important public health issue for youth requiring ongoing antipsychotic treatment to maintain psychiatric stability. The IMPACT study provides a model for pediatric research on adverse event management using state-of-the art methods. The results of this study will provide needed data on risks and benefits of two pharmacologic interventions that are already being used in pediatric clinical settings but that have not yet been compared directly in randomized trials. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT00806234 PMID:23947389

A Bayesian CUSUM plot: Diagnosing quality of treatment.

PubMed

Rosthøj, Steen; Jacobsen, Rikke-Line

2017-12-01

To present a CUSUM plot based on Bayesian diagnostic reasoning displaying evidence in favour of "healthy" rather than "sick" quality of treatment (QOT), and to demonstrate a technique using Kaplan-Meier survival curves permitting application to case series with ongoing follow-up. For a case series with known final outcomes: Consider each case a diagnostic test of good versus poor QOT (expected vs. increased failure rates), determine the likelihood ratio (LR) of the observed outcome, convert LR to weight taking log to base 2, and add up weights sequentially in a plot showing how many times odds in favour of good QOT have been doubled. For a series with observed survival times and an expected survival curve: Divide the curve into time intervals, determine "healthy" and specify "sick" risks of failure in each interval, construct a "sick" survival curve, determine the LR of survival or failure at the given observation times, convert to weights, and add up. The Bayesian plot was applied retrospectively to 39 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with completed follow-up, using Nordic collaborative results as reference, showing equal odds between good and poor QOT. In the ongoing treatment trial, with 22 of 37 children still at risk for event, QOT has been monitored with average survival curves as reference, odds so far favoring good QOT 2:1. QOT in small patient series can be assessed with a Bayesian CUSUM plot, retrospectively when all treatment outcomes are known, but also in ongoing series with unfinished follow-up. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hypervelocity Impact Experiments on Epoxy/Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composite Panels Reinforced with Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khatiwada, Suman; Laughman, Jay W.; Armada, Carlos A.; Christiansen, Eric L.; Barrera, Enrique V.

2012-01-01

Advanced composites with multi-functional capabilities are of great interest to the designers of aerospace structures. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) reinforced with high strength fibers provide a lightweight and high strength alternative to metals and metal alloys conventionally used in aerospace architectures. Novel reinforcements such as nanofillers offer potential to improve the mechanical properties and add multi-functionality such as radiation resistance and sensing capabilities to the PMCs. This paper reports the hypervelocity impact (HVI) test results on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber composites reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT). Woven UHMWPE fabrics, in addition to providing excellent impact properties and high strength, also offer radiation resistance due to inherent high hydrogen content. SWCNT have exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. BNNT (figure 1) have high neutron cross section and good mechanical properties that add multi-functionality to this system. In this project, epoxy based UHMWPE composites containing SWCNT and BNNT are assessed for their use as bumper shields and as intermediate plates in a Whipple Shield for HVI resistance. Three composite systems are prepared to compare against one another: (I) Epoxy/UHMWPE, (II) Epoxy/UHMWPE/SWCNT and (III) Epoxy/UHMWPE/SWCNT/BNNT. Each composite is a 10.0 by 10.0 by 0.11 cm3 panel, consisting of 4 layers of fabrics arranged in cross-ply orientation. Both SWCNT and BNNT are 0.5 weight % of the fabric preform. Hypervelocity impact tests are performed using a two-stage light gas gun at Rice University

Cascaded VLSI Chips Help Neural Network To Learn

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duong, Tuan A.; Daud, Taher; Thakoor, Anilkumar P.

1993-01-01

Cascading provides 12-bit resolution needed for learning. Using conventional silicon chip fabrication technology of VLSI, fully connected architecture consisting of 32 wide-range, variable gain, sigmoidal neurons along one diagonal and 7-bit resolution, electrically programmable, synaptic 32 x 31 weight matrix implemented on neuron-synapse chip. To increase weight nominally from 7 to 13 bits, synapses on chip individually cascaded with respective synapses on another 32 x 32 matrix chip with 7-bit resolution synapses only (without neurons). Cascade correlation algorithm varies number of layers effectively connected into network; adds hidden layers one at a time during learning process in such way as to optimize overall number of neurons and complexity and configuration of network.

Incentive or Habit Learning in Amphibians?

PubMed Central

Muzio, Rubén N.; Pistone Creydt, Virginia; Iurman, Mariana; Rinaldi, Mauro A.; Sirani, Bruno; Papini, Mauricio R.

2011-01-01

Toads (Rhinella arenarum) received training with a novel incentive procedure involving access to solutions of different NaCl concentrations. In Experiment 1, instrumental behavior and weight variation data confirmed that such solutions yield incentive values ranging from appetitive (deionized water, DW, leading to weight gain), to neutral (300 mM slightly hypertonic solution, leading to no net weight gain or loss), and aversive (800 mM highly hypertonic solution leading to weight loss). In Experiment 2, a downshift from DW to a 300 mM solution or an upshift from a 300 mM solution to DW led to a gradual adjustment in instrumental behavior. In Experiment 3, extinction was similar after acquisition with access to only DW or with a random mixture of DW and 300 mM. In Experiment 4, a downshift from DW to 225, 212, or 200 mM solutions led again to gradual adjustments. These findings add to a growing body of comparative evidence suggesting that amphibians adjust to incentive shifts on the basis of habit formation and reorganization. PMID:22087217

Load Variation Influences on Joint Work During Squat Exercise in Reduced Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeWitt, John K.; Fincke, Renita S.; Logan, Rachel L.; Guilliams, Mark E.; Ploutz-Snyder, Lori L.

2011-01-01

Resistance exercises that load the axial skeleton, such as the parallel squat, are incorporated as a critical component of a space exercise program designed to maximize the stimuli for bone remodeling and muscle loading. Astronauts on the International Space Station perform regular resistance exercise using the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). Squat exercises on Earth entail moving a portion of the body weight plus the added bar load, whereas in microgravity the body weight is 0, so all load must be applied via the bar. Crewmembers exercising in microgravity currently add approx.70% of their body weight to the bar load as compensation for the absence of the body weight. This level of body weight replacement (BWR) was determined by crewmember feedback and personal experience without any quantitative data. The purpose of this evaluation was to utilize computational simulation to determine the appropriate level of BWR in microgravity necessary to replicate lower extremity joint work during squat exercise in normal gravity based on joint work. We hypothesized that joint work would be positively related to BWR load.

Comparing physical activity and sedentary time among overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers enrolled in early learning programs: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Tucker, Patricia; Maltby, Alana M; Burke, Shauna M; Vanderloo, Leigh M; Irwin, Jennifer D

2016-09-01

Establishing appropriate physical activity and sedentary behaviours during early childhood is important to ensure children accrue the many associated health benefits. While physical activity levels have been reported as low within early learning programs, little research has explored the physical activity and sedentary time of Canadian preschoolers classified as overweight within these facilities. The purpose of this study was to compare objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time among preschoolers classified as overweight and nonoverweight in early learning programs. Direct assessment of physical activity and sedentary time of 216 preschool-aged children was collected via Actical accelerometers during early learning hours, while body mass index percentile was calculated based on preschoolers' objectively measured height and weight. Results of three 3-way ANOVAs suggest that rates of moderate to vigorous physical activity, total physical activity, and sedentary time (p > 0.05) did not significantly differ based on weight status, sex, and type of early learning facility. This study is one of few that has examined differences in overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers' sedentary time, and adds to the limited research exploring physical activity levels among overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers during early learning hours. Given the high rates of sedentary time reported, programming within early learning facilities is necessary to support preschoolers, regardless of weight status, to achieve increased physical activity levels and decreased sedentary time.

The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT): protocol for a cluster randomised trial.

PubMed

Leslie, Wilma S; Ford, Ian; Sattar, Naveed; Hollingsworth, Kieren G; Adamson, Ashley; Sniehotta, Falko F; McCombie, Louise; Brosnahan, Naomi; Ross, Hazel; Mathers, John C; Peters, Carl; Thom, George; Barnes, Alison; Kean, Sharon; McIlvenna, Yvonne; Rodrigues, Angela; Rehackova, Lucia; Zhyzhneuskaya, Sviatlana; Taylor, Roy; Lean, Mike E J

2016-02-16

Despite improving evidence-based practice following clinical guidelines to optimise drug therapy, Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) still exerts a devastating toll from vascular complications and premature death. Biochemical remission of T2DM has been demonstrated with weight loss around 15kg following bariatric surgery and in several small studies of non-surgical energy-restriction treatments. The non-surgical Counterweight-Plus programme, running in Primary Care where obesity and T2DM are routinely managed, produces >15 kg weight loss in 33% of all enrolled patients. The Diabetes UK-funded Counterpoint study suggested that this should be sufficient to reverse T2DM by removing ectopic fat in liver and pancreas, restoring first-phase insulin secretion. The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) was designed to determine whether a structured, intensive, weight management programme, delivered in a routine Primary Care setting, is a viable treatment for achieving durable normoglycaemia. Other aims are to understand the mechanistic basis of remission and to identify psychological predictors of response. Cluster-randomised design with GP practice as the unit of randomisation: 280 participants from around 30 practices in Scotland and England will be allocated either to continue usual guideline-based care or to add the Counterweight-Plus weight management programme, which includes primary care nurse or dietitian delivery of 12-20weeks low calorie diet replacement, food reintroduction, and long-term weight loss maintenance. Main inclusion criteria: men and women aged 20-65 years, all ethnicities, T2DM 0-6years duration, BMI 27-45 kg/m(2). Tyneside participants will undergo Magnetic Resonance (MR) studies of pancreatic and hepatic fat, and metabolic studies to determine mechanisms underlying T2DM remission. Co-primary endpoints: weight reduction ≥ 15 kg and HbA1c <48 mmol/mol at one year. Further follow-up at 2 years. This study will establish whether a structured weight management programme, delivered in Primary Care by practice nurses or dietitians, is a viable treatment to achieve T2DM remission. Results, available from 2018 onwards, will inform future service strategy. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN03267836 . Date of Registration 20/12/2013.

A recipe for free-energy functionals of polarizable molecular fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundararaman, Ravishankar; Letchworth-Weaver, Kendra; Arias, T. A.

2014-04-01

Classical density-functional theory is the most direct approach to equilibrium structures and free energies of inhomogeneous liquids, but requires the construction of an approximate free-energy functional for each liquid of interest. We present a general recipe for constructing functionals for small-molecular liquids based only on bulk experimental properties and ab initio calculations of a single solvent molecule. This recipe combines the exact free energy of the non-interacting system with fundamental measure theory for the repulsive contribution and a weighted density functional for the short-ranged attractive interactions. We add to these ingredients a weighted polarization functional for the long-range correlations in both the rotational and molecular-polarizability contributions to the dielectric response. We also perform molecular dynamics calculations for the free energy of cavity formation and the high-field dielectric response, and show that our free-energy functional adequately describes these properties (which are key for accurate solvation calculations) for all three solvents in our study: water, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride.

Resistance exercise-induced fluid shifts: change in active muscle size and plasma volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ploutz-Snyder, L. L.; Convertino, V. A.; Dudley, G. A.

1995-01-01

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the reduction in plasma volume (PV) induced by resistance exercise reflects fluid loss to the extravascular space and subsequently selective increase in cross-sectional area (CSA) of active but not inactive skeletal muscle. We compared changes in active and inactive muscle CSA and PV after barbell squat exercise. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify muscle involvement in exercise and to determine CSA of muscle groups or individual muscles [vasti (VS), adductor (Add), hamstring (Ham), and rectus femoris (RF)]. Muscle involvement in exercise was determined using exercise-induced contrast shift in spin-spin relaxation time (T2)-weighted MR images immediately postexercise. Alterations in muscle size were based on the mean CSA of individual slices. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and Evans blue dye were used to estimate changes in PV. Muscle CSA and PV data were obtained preexercise and immediately postexercise and 15 and 45 min thereafter. A hierarchy of muscle involvement in exercise was found such that VS > Add > Ham > RF, with the Ham and RF showing essentially no involvement. CSA of the VS and Add muscle groups were increased 10 and 5%, respectively, immediately after exercise in each thigh with no changes in Ham and RF CSA. PV was decreased 22% immediately following exercise. The absolute loss of PV was correlated (r2 = 0.75) with absolute increase in muscle CSA immediately postexercise, supporting the notion that increased muscle size after resistance exercise reflects primarily fluid movement from the vascular space into active but not inactive muscle.

Using mixed methods to develop and evaluate an online weight management intervention.

PubMed

Bradbury, Katherine; Dennison, Laura; Little, Paul; Yardley, Lucy

2015-02-01

This article illustrates the use of mixed methods in the development and evaluation of the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR) programme, an e-health intervention designed to support sustainable weight loss. The studies outlined also explore how human support might enhance intervention usage and weight loss. Mixed methods were used to develop and evaluate POWeR. In the development phase, we drew on both quantitative and qualitative findings to plan and gain feedback on the intervention. Next, a feasibility trial, with nested qualitative study, explored what level of human support might lead to the most sustainable weight loss. Finally, a large community-based trial of POWeR, with nested qualitative study, explored whether the addition of brief telephone coaching enhances usage. Findings suggest that POWeR is acceptable and potentially effective. Providing human support enhanced usage in our trials, but was not unproblematic. Interestingly, there were some indications that more basic (brief) human support may produce more sustainable weight loss outcomes than more regular support. Qualitative interviews suggested that more regular support might foster reliance, meaning patients cannot sustain their weight losses when support ends. Qualitative findings in the community trial also suggested explanations for why many people may not take up the opportunity for human support. Integrating findings from both our qualitative and quantitative studies provided far richer insights than would have been gained using only a single method of inquiry. Further research should investigate the optimum delivery of human support needed to maximize sustainable weight loss in online interventions. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? There is evidence that human support may increase the effectiveness of e-health interventions. It is unclear what level of human support might be optimal or how human support improves effectiveness. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods can be used to inform the design and implementation of interventions What does this study add? This paper demonstrates the value of a mixed methods approach when developing and evaluating an intervention. Qualitative methods provided complementary insights into the optimal level of human support. Brief human support is valued by some and may enhance usage and outcomes of an e-health intervention for weight loss. © 2014 The British Psychological Society.

Olanzapine and sibutramine have opposing effects on the motivation for palatable food.

PubMed

van der Zwaal, Esther M; Janhunen, Sanna K; Luijendijk, Mieneke C M; Baclesanu, Roxana; Vanderschuren, Louk J M J; Adan, Roger A H; La Fleur, Susanne E

2012-04-01

Both olanzapine and sibutramine target serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission and influence body weight, but in opposite ways. The second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine, an antagonist at serotonergic and noradrenergic receptors, frequently induces weight gain as a side-effect, whereas sibutramine, a noradrenaline/serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is known as a weight-reducing agent. To investigate whether altered motivation for palatable food influences the effect of these drugs on body weight, we determined their effects on responding for sucrose pellets under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement in rats. We found that a low dose of olanzapine selectively increased responding to sucrose, without affecting free-feeding intake of sucrose. In contrast, sibutramine dose-dependently reduced responding to sucrose and similarly reduced free-feeding intake. Furthermore, coadministration of a dose of sibutramine that failed to affect responding to sucrose when administered alone prevented the increase in motivation by the effective dose of olanzapine. These data show that increased motivation for palatable food is likely to be a significant contributor to olanzapine-induced weight gain. Moreover, the ability of sibutramine to reduce this motivation for palatable food may play an important role in the efficacy of sibutramine as an add-on treatment to counteract olanzapine-induced weight gain.

Prevalence and correlates of unhealthy weight control behaviors: findings from the national longitudinal study of adolescent health

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background A recent study examined the prevalence, clinical correlates, age trends, and stability of unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB; purging and diet pill use) in a nationally representative sample of Norwegian boys and girls. The purpose of this study was to provide similar, comparative analyses for a nationally representative sample of American youth. Methods Data were extracted from the restricted use data files of survey Waves I, II, and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), selecting all participants who at Wave I had provided information on age, sex, and UWCB. Using UWCB information, three groups were created (purging, diet pill use, and no recent UWCB “controls”) and compared on indicators of adverse health or mental health. Results Girls consistently were more likely than boys to report UWCB. UWCB were significantly associated with higher body mass index, self-perception of being overweight, low self-esteem, depression, and delinquency. Prevalence estimates for purging remained relatively constant across the three survey waves; in contrast, diet pill use was especially common at Wave III. Conclusions Age trends, gender differences, and clinical correlates of change in the likelihood of UWCB between Waves I-III were all identified in analyses comparing purging and diet pill use in American adolescents. Females and older adolescents were specifically more likely to engage in pill use than purging, and individuals with increased weight dissatisfaction, a history of delinquent behaviors, more depression symptoms, or lower self-esteem were more likely to engage in an unhealthy weight control behavior over time. While the Norwegian study found that prevalence of purging was lower among young adult participants, our results suggested that there were no significant differences in prevalence between age groups. PMID:24940509

Long-Term Results of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: 5 to 8-Year Results.

PubMed

Gadiot, Ralph P M; Biter, L Ulas; van Mil, Stefanie; Zengerink, Hans F; Apers, J; Mannaerts, Guido H H

2017-01-01

Although long-term results of sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remain scarce in the literature, its popularity as a stand-alone procedure has accounted for a global increase in LSG performance. In this retrospective study, the authors present 5 to 8-year follow-up results in terms of weight loss, failure/revision rate, and comorbidity resolution from a single center. A prospectively maintained database was reviewed for patients who underwent LSG between 2007 and 2010. Data analysis on weight loss, comorbid conditions, revision surgery, and mortality was conducted. Median percentage excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) was 59.0, and 53.9 %, and median percentage total weight loss (%TWL) was 25.1, and 22.9 % at 5 and 8 years, respectively. Revision to gastric bypass due to insufficient weight loss or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was performed in 42 patients (15.2 %). Resolution of comorbid condition was achieved in 91 % of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), 68 % of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), 53 % of patients with hypertension, and 25 % of patients with dyslipedemia. Loss to follow-up rate was 45 % at 5 years, 28 % at 6 years, 23 % at 7 years, and 13 % at 8 years. This study adds to the currently available data confirming the LSG to be a safe and effective procedure at long term. Data from high-volume studies are needed to establish the definite role of the LSG in the spectrum of bariatric procedures.

Equilibrium expert: an add-in to Microsoft Excel for multiple binding equilibrium simulations and parameter estimations.

PubMed

Raguin, Olivier; Gruaz-Guyon, Anne; Barbet, Jacques

2002-11-01

An add-in to Microsoft Excel was developed to simulate multiple binding equilibriums. A partition function, readily written even when the equilibrium is complex, describes the experimental system. It involves the concentrations of the different free molecular species and of the different complexes present in the experiment. As a result, the software is not restricted to a series of predefined experimental setups but can handle a large variety of problems involving up to nine independent molecular species. Binding parameters are estimated by nonlinear least-square fitting of experimental measurements as supplied by the user. The fitting process allows user-defined weighting of the experimental data. The flexibility of the software and the way it may be used to describe common experimental situations and to deal with usual problems such as tracer reactivity or nonspecific binding is demonstrated by a few examples. The software is available free of charge upon request.

Trunk muscle activation during dynamic weight-training exercises and isometric instability activities.

PubMed

Hamlyn, Nicolle; Behm, David G; Young, Warren B

2007-11-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of activation in various trunk muscles during dynamic weight-training and isometric instability exercises. Sixteen subjects performed squats and deadlifts with 80% 1 repetition maximum (1RM), as well as with body weight as resistance and 2 unstable calisthenic-type exercises (superman and sidebridge). Electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured from the lower abdominals (LA), external obliques (EO), upper lumbar erector spinae (ULES), and lumbar-sacral erector spinae (LSES) muscle groups. Results indicated that the LSES EMG activity during the 80% 1RM squat significantly exceeded 80% 1RM deadlift LSES EMG activity by 34.5%. The LSES EMG activity of the 80% 1RM squat also exceeded the body weight squat, deadlift, superman, and sidebridge by 56, 56.6, 65.5, and 53.1%, respectively. The 80% 1RM deadlift ULES EMG activity significantly exceeded the 80% 1RM squat exercise by 12.9%. In addition, the 80% 1RM deadlift ULES EMG activity also exceeded the body weight squat, deadlift, superman, and sidebridge exercises by 66.7, 65.5, 69.3, and 68.6%, respectively. There were no significant changes in EO or LA activity. Therefore, the augmented activity of the LSES and ULES during 80% 1RM squat and deadlift resistance exercises exceeded the activation levels achieved with the same exercises performed with body weight and selected instability exercises. Individuals performing upright, resisted, dynamic exercises can achieve high trunk muscle activation and thus may not need to add instability device exercises to augment core stability training.

Do more specific plans help you lose weight? Examining the relationship between plan specificity, weight loss goals, and plan content in the context of a weight management programme.

PubMed

Dombrowski, Stephan U; Endevelt, Ronit; Steinberg, David M; Benyamini, Yael

2016-11-01

The conditions under which planning for behaviour change is most effective are not fully understood. In the context of a weight management programme, we examined the interrelationship between plan specificity, type of behaviour planned (diet vs. exercise), and weight loss goals. Prospective design and content analysis of plans formed by participants of a 10-week weight management programme. Participants (n = 239) formulated two plans, for dietary and exercise behaviours, respectively. Plans were rated for specificity by examining the number of plan components. Weight loss goals were assessed by asking how much weight participants intend to lose. Weight was measured objectively each of the 10 weeks. Changes in body mass index (BMI) over time and the interactions between plan specificity and weight loss goals, for all plans and separately for diet and exercise, were estimated using linear mixed models. Plan specificity was unrelated to weight loss, but interacted with weight loss goals in predicting linear change in BMI (t = -2.48): More specific plans were associated with higher decreases in weight in participants with high weight loss goals. Separate interaction tests for plans formulated for diet and exercise change showed that more specific dietary plans, but not exercise plans, were associated with higher decreases in weight in participants with high weight loss goals (t = -2.21). Within a population that is highly motivated to lose weight, the combination of high weight loss goals and formulating detailed plans for changing dietary behaviours may be most effective in supporting weight loss. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? More specific plans are associated with increased performance of health-related behaviours. More motivated individuals form more specific plans. The interrelationship between plan specificity, plan content and behaviour-related goals in relation intervention effectiveness has not been explored to date. What does this study add? The effectiveness of forming specific plans may depend on the strength of behaviour-related goals as well as the behaviour selected for change. More detailed plans, in particular dietary plans, were related to greater weight loss, but only for participants with higher initial weight loss goals. Detailed exercise plans were not associated with weight loss, regardless of initial weight loss goals. © 2016 The British Psychological Society.

JPRS Report, West Europe

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-13

municipalities throughout the country. Yesterday the town of 13,000 opened a modern new command center costing just under 300,000 kroner. This means... MERCADO in Spanish 18 Mar 88 p 22 [Text] The NATO protests to the Spanish Government concerning the inclusion of the KIO Kuwaiti investment group in...of these statements, the office of the govern- ment spokesman told MERCADO that: "An unattribu- ted report carries no weight." And he went on to add

Water-Base Coatings

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

115 (General Mills Chemical Company, Inc. ) from the required amine value (the weight of potassium hydroxide in mg that is equiva- lent to the amine...amount of emulsifier to add to the pigment dispersion is about 3.33 times the FP value (33). Since the Acrysol GS is essentially polyacrylic acid, an...containing 500 gm of deoxygen- ated (boiled)-deionized water in which were dissolved 4. 0 gm potassium persulfate, 4. 0 gm sodium bicarbonate, and 2

Naval Enterprise Engineering: Design, Innovate and Train (NEEDIT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-04

world and we are somewhat able to stand on the shoulders of giants in Naval Engineering and inherit baseline designs that, in most cases, represent a...Set-Based Design) maximizes design flexibility ( Lamb 2003). However, it may add some risk to schedule or require program managers to trust that the...spiral or Set based design. A design philosophy is a weighted list of attributes used in the evaluation of alternatives ( Lamb 2003). Design leadership

Add on Exenatide Treatment is Beneficial in Poorly Controlled Obese Type 2 Diabetics under Intensive Insulin Regimens.

PubMed

Sönmez, Alper; Dinç, Mustafa; Taşlıpınar, Abdullah; Aydoğdu, Aydogan; Meriç, Coskun; Başaran, Yalcin; Haymana, Cem; Demir, Orhan; Yılmaz, İlker; Azal, Ömer

2017-04-01

Background: Intensive insulin treatment is bothersome in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. High insulin dosages further increase weight gain and the risk of hypoglycemia. Glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists decrease the insulin need, cause weight loss and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. There is limited data about the effect of exenatide on obese diabetics under intensive insulin regimens. Methods: This retrospective case series report the clinical outcomes of 23 obese (13 morbidly obese) patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (Age=59±10.44 years, body mass index 41.1±6.8 kg/m 2 , HbA1c 9.9±1.5%), under high dose (94.1±39.6 unit) intensive insulin. Exenatide twice daily was added for a mean follow-up period of 11.22±7.01 (3-30) months. Intensive insulin regimens were continued in 7 patients while the others were switched to basal insulin during the follow-up. Results: During the follow-up, mean HbA1c levels of the patients significantly improved (p=0.019), along with the significant decrease in body mass index and the total insulin need (p<0.001 for both). Baseline insulin dosages were significantly higher in the intensive regimen group (p=0.013) while other demographical and clinical characteristics were similar. No significant difference was present between the groups regarding the alterations of HbA1c, body mass index and the reduction in total insulin dosages. Conclusion: Add on exenatide appears to be a rational treatment modality in uncontrolled obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus despite intensive insulin regimens. Further prospective randomized studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Irregular Menses Linked to Vomiting in a Nonclinical Sample: Findings from the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in High Schools

PubMed Central

Austin, S. Bryn; Ziyadeh, Najat J.; Vohra, Sameer; Forman, Sara; Gordon, Catherine M.; Prokop, Lisa A.; Keliher, Anne; Jacobs, Douglas

2011-01-01

Purpose Using data from an eating disorders screening initiative conducted in high schools across the United States, we examined the relationship between vomiting frequency and irregular menses in a nonclinical sample of adolescent females. Methods A self-report questionnaire was administered to students from U.S. high schools participating in the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in 2000. The questionnaire included items on frequency of vomiting for weight control in the past 3 months, other eating disorder symptoms, frequency of menses, height, and weight. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted using data from 2791 girls to estimate the risk of irregular menses (defined as menses less often than monthly) associated with vomiting frequency, adjusting for other eating disorder symptoms, weight status, age, race/ethnicity, and school clusters. Results Girls who vomited to control their weight one to three times per month were one and a half times more likely (risk ratio [RR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–2.2), and girls who vomited once per week or more often were more than three times more likely (RR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.3–4.4), to experience irregular menses than were girls who did not report vomiting for weight control. Vomiting for weight control remained a strong predictor of irregular menses even when overweight and underweight participants were excluded. Conclusions Our study adds to the evidence that vomiting may have a direct effect on hormonal function in adolescent girls, and that vomiting for weight control may be a particularly deleterious component of eating disorders. PMID:18407039

Autonomy support and control in weight management: what important others do and say matters.

PubMed

Ng, Johan Y Y; Ntoumanis, Nikos; Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Cecilie

2014-09-01

Drawing from self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2002, Overview of self-determination theory: An organismic-dialectical perspective. In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 3-33). Rochester, NY: The University of Rochester Press.), we examined how individuals' psychological needs, motivation, and behaviours (i.e., physical activity and eating) associated with weight management could be predicted by perceptions of their important others' supportive and controlling behaviours. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 235 participants (mean age = 27.39 years, SD = 8.96 years) completed an online questionnaire. Statistical analyses showed that when important others were perceived to be more supportive, participants reported higher levels of more optimal forms of motivation for weight management, which in turn predicted more physical activity and healthy eating behaviours. In contrast, when important others were perceived to be controlling, participants reported higher levels of less optimal forms of motivation, which in turn predicted less physical activity and healthy eating behaviours, as well as more unhealthy eating behaviours. Significant indirect effects were also found from perceived support and control from important others to physical activity and eating behaviours, all in the expected directions. The findings support the importance of important others providing support and refraining from controlling behaviours in order to facilitate motivation and behaviours conducive to successful weight management. What is already known on this subject? Autonomy support is related to basic need satisfaction and autonomous motivation in the context of weight management. In turn, these variables are related to adaptive outcomes for weight management. What does this study add? Measurement of perceived controlling behaviours by important others. Measurement of perceived need thwarting. Structural model on how important others affect weight management behaviours of the individual. © 2013 The British Psychological Society.

Impact of weight loss with or without exercise on abdominal fat and insulin resistance in obese individuals: a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Trussardi Fayh, Ana Paula; Lopes, André Luiz; Fernandes, Pablo Rober; Reischak-Oliveira, Alvaro; Friedman, Rogério

2013-08-28

Evidence supports an important contribution of abdominal obesity and inflammation to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and CVD. Weight loss in obese individuals can reduce inflammation and, consequently, IR, but the role of training remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of body weight reduction with and without exercise over abdominal fat tissue (primary outcome) and IR. In this randomised clinical trial, forty-eight obese individuals (age 31·8 (SD 6·0) years, BMI 34·8 (SD 2·7) kg/m2) were randomised to either a diet-only group (DI) or a diet and exercise group (DI þ EXE). Treatment was maintained until 5% of the initial body weight was lost. At baseline and upon completion, the following parameters were analysed: biochemical parameters such as glycaemia and insulin for the determination of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and abdominal computed tomography for the determination of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. A total of thirteen individuals dropped out before completing the weight-loss intervention and did not repeat the tests. In both the DI (n 18) and DI þ EXE (n 17) groups, we observed significant and similar decreases of visceral adipose tissue (difference between means: 7·9 (95% CI 29·5, 25·2) cm2, P¼0·36), hs-CRP (difference between means: 20·06 (95% CI 20·19, 0·03) mg/l, P¼0·39) and HOMA (difference between means: 20·04 (95% CI 20·17, 0·08), P¼0·53). In the present study, 5% weight loss reduced abdominal fat and IR in obese individuals and exercise did not add to the effect of weight loss on the outcome variables.

Field Collection Methods for an EPA Pilot Study Evaluating Personal, Housing, and Community Factors Influencing Children’s Potential Exposures to Indoor Contaminants at Various Lifestages (EPA Pilot Study Add-On to the GreenHousing Study)

EPA Science Inventory

This compilation of field collection standard operating procedures (SOPs) was assembled for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Pilot Study add-on to the Green Housing Study (GHS). A detailed description of this add-on study can be found in the peer reviewed research...

Measuring Narcissism within Add Health: The Development and Validation of a New Scale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Mark S.; Brunell, Amy B.

2012-01-01

This study reports the development of a measure of narcissism within the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data set. In Study 1, items were selected from Wave III to form the Add Health Narcissism Scale (AHNS). These were factor analyzed, yielding a single factor comprised of five subscales. We correlated the AHNS and…

Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Trial of Triple Therapy With Dapagliflozin Add-on to Saxagliptin Plus Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Mathieu, Chantal; Ranetti, Aurelian Emil; Li, Danshi; Ekholm, Ella; Cook, William; Hirshberg, Boaz; Chen, Hungta; Hansen, Lars; Iqbal, Nayyar

2015-11-01

To compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with dapagliflozin versus that with placebo add-on to saxagliptin plus metformin in patients whose type 2 diabetes is inadequately controlled with saxagliptin plus metformin treatment. Patients receiving treatment with stable metformin (stratum A) (screening HbA1c level 8.0-11.5% [64-102 mmol/mol]) or stable metformin and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor (stratum B) (HbA1c 7.5-10.5% [58-91 mmol/mol]) for ≥8 weeks received open-label saxagliptin 5 mg/day and metformin for 16 weeks (stratum A) or 8 weeks (stratum B) (saxagliptin replaced any DPP-4 inhibitor). Patients with inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c 7-10.5% [53-91 mmol/mol]) were randomized to receive placebo or dapagliflozin 10 mg/day plus saxagliptin and metformin. The primary end point was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24. Secondary end points included fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, 2-h postprandial glucose (PPG) level, body weight, and proportion of patients achieving an HbA1c level of <7% (53 mmol/mol). Treatment with dapagliflozin add-on to saxagliptin plus metformin resulted in a greater mean HbA1c reduction than placebo (-0.82 vs. -0.10% [-9 vs. -1.1 mmol/mol], P < 0.0001). Significantly greater reductions in FPG level, 2-h PPG level, and body weight were observed, and more patients achieved an HbA1c level of <7% (53 mmol/mol) with treatment with dapagliflozin versus placebo. Adverse events were similar across treatment groups, with a low overall risk of hypoglycemia (∼1%). Genital infections developed in more patients with dapagliflozin treatment (5%) than with placebo (0.6%). Triple therapy with dapagliflozin add-on to saxagliptin plus metformin improves glycemic control and is well tolerated in patients whose type 2 diabetes is inadequately controlled with saxagliptin plus metformin therapy. © 2015 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

Effectiveness of Anti-Dementia Drugs in Extremely Severe Alzheimer's Disease: A 12-Week, Multicenter, Randomized, Single-Blind Study.

PubMed

Hong, Yun Jeong; Choi, Seong Hye; Jeong, Jee Hyang; Park, Kyung Won; Na, Hae Ri

2018-01-01

There is insufficient evidence to guide decisions concerning how long anti-dementia drug (ADD) regimens should be maintained in severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether patients with extremely severe AD who were already receiving donepezil or memantine benefited from continuing treatment. In this randomized and rater-blinded trial, 65 AD patients with a Mini-Mental State Examination score from 0 to 5 and a score of 6c or worse on Functional Assessment Staging were randomly assigned to an ADD-continuation group (N = 30) or an ADD-discontinuation group (N = 35). The current use of donepezil or memantine was maintained for 12 weeks in the ADD-continuation group and was discontinued after baseline in the ADD-discontinuation group. Efficacy measures were obtained at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline to the end of the study in Baylor Profound Mental State Examination (BPMSE) scores. The change in the BPMSE from baseline to the end of the study in the ADD-continuation group (a 0.4-point improvement) was not equivalent to that in the ADD-discontinuation group (a 0.5-point decline), as determined by two one-sided tests of equivalence. Study withdrawals due to adverse events (11.4% versus 6.7%) were more frequent in the ADD-discontinuation group than in the ADD-continuation group. Continued treatment with donepezil or memantine seems unequal and might be superior to withdrawal of the drugs in terms of the effects on global cognition in patients with extremely severe AD. Current Controlled Trials number: KCT0000874 (CRIS).

Sleeve gastrectomy with anti-reflux procedures

PubMed Central

Santoro, Sergio; Lacombe, Arnaldo; de Aquino, Caio Gustavo Gaspar; Malzoni, Carlos Eduardo

2014-01-01

Objective Sleeve gastrectomy is the fastest growing surgical procedure to treat obesity in the world but it may cause or worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease. This article originally aimed to describe the addition of anti-reflux procedures (removal of periesophageal fats pads, hiatoplasty, a small plication and fixation of the gastric remnant in position) to the usual sleeve gastrectomy and to report early and late results. Methods Eighty-eight obese patients that also presented symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were submitted to sleeve gastrectomy with anti-reflux procedures. Fifty of them were also submitted to a transit bipartition. The weight loss of these patients was compared to consecutive 360 patients previously submitted to the usual sleeve gastrectomy and to 1,140 submitted to sleeve gastrectomy + transit bipartition. Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were specifically inquired in all anti-reflux sleeve gastrectomy patients and compared to the results of the same questionnaire applied to 50 sleeve gastrectomy patients and 60 sleeve gastrectomy + transit bipartition patients that also presented preoperative symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Results In terms of weight loss, excess of body mass index loss percentage after anti-reflux sleeve gastrectomy is not inferior to the usual sleeve gastrectomy and anti-reflux sleeve gastrectomy + transit bipartition is not inferior to sleeve gastrectomy + transit bipartition. Anti-reflux sleeve gastrectomy did not add morbidity but significantly diminished gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and the use of proton pump inhibitors to treat this condition. Conclusion The addition of anti-reflux procedures, such as hiatoplasty and cardioplication, to the usual sleeve gastrectomy did not add morbidity neither worsened the weight loss but significantly reduced the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms as well as the use of proton pump inhibitors. PMID:25295447

Barriers and facilitators to health care professionals discussing child weight with parents: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

PubMed

Bradbury, Daisy; Chisholm, Anna; Watson, Paula M; Bundy, Christine; Bradbury, Nicola; Birtwistle, Sarah

2018-04-26

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges. However, obesity and its consequences are largely preventable. As parents play an important role in their children's weight-related behaviours, good communication between parents and health care professionals (HCPs) is essential. This systematic review provides a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies exploring the barriers and facilitators experienced by HCPs when discussing child weight with parents. Searches were conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE (OVID), Psych INFO (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), Web of Knowledge and CINAHL. Thirteen full-text qualitative studies published in English language journals since 1985 were included. Included studies collected data from HCPs (e.g., nurses, doctors, dieticians, psychologists, and clinical managers) concerning their experiences of discussing child weight-related issues with parents. An inductive thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings. Emerging subthemes were categorized using a socio-ecological framework into intra/interpersonal factors, organizational factors, and societal factors. Perceived barriers and facilitators most commonly related to intra/interpersonal level factors, that is, relating to staff factors, parental factors, or professional-parent interactions. HCPs also attributed a number of barriers, but not facilitators, at the organizational and societal levels. The findings of this review may help to inform the development of future weight-related communication interventions. Whilst intra/interpersonal interventions may go some way to improving health care practice, it is crucial that all stakeholders consider the wider organizational and societal context in which these interactions take place. Statement of contribution What is already known on the subject? Childhood obesity is one of the United Kingdom's most serious current public health challenges. Health care professionals are in a prime position to identify child weight issues during routine consultations. However, they often feel unable or unequipped to raise the topic and provide information on child weight management. What does this study add? To our knowledge, this is the first review to synthesize barriers and facilitators to discussing child weight. This review interprets key barriers and facilitators in the context of the socio-ecological model. Supports the development of interventions matched to the appropriate level of the socio-economic model. © 2018 The Authors. British Journal of Health Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Psychological Society.

Correlation between phosphorylation level of a hippocampal 86kDa protein and extinction of a behaviour in a model of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

PubMed

Pires, Rita G W; Pereira, Sílvia R C; Carvalho, Fabiana M; Oliveira-Silva, Ieda F; Ferraz, Vany P; Ribeiro, Angela M

2007-06-04

The effects of chronic ethanol and thiamine deficiency, alone or associated, on hippocampal protein phosphorylation profiles ranging in molecular weight from 30 to 250kDa molecular weight, in stimulated (high K(+) concentration) and unstimulated (basal) conditions were investigated. These treatments significantly changed the phosphorylation level of an 86kDa phosphoprotein. Thiamine deficiency, but not chronic ethanol, induced a decrease in a behavioural extinction index, which is significantly correlated to the phosphorylation level of the p86 protein. These data add to and extend previous findings by our laboratory implicating the involvement of hippocampal neurotransmission components in extinction of a behaviour which involves learning of environmental spatial cues.

Maternal anemia effects during pregnancy on male and female fetuses: are there any differences?

PubMed

Orlandini, Cinzia; Torricelli, Michela; Spirito, Nicoletta; Alaimo, Lucia; Di Tommaso, Mariarosaria; Severi, Filiberto Maria; Ragusa, Antonio; Petraglia, Felice

2017-07-01

Sideropenic anemia is a common pregnancy disorder. The relationship between anemia and adverse pregnancy outcome are contradictory, and it is related to the severity of the hemoglobin deficit. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between maternal mild anemia at third trimester of pregnancy, fetal birth weight and fetal gender. A retrospective study including 1131 single physiological term pregnancies was conducted. According to maternal Hb levels during the third trimester, pregnant women enrolled were divided in two groups: Group A (n = 156) with Hb ≤ 11 g/dl and Group B (n = 975) with Hb ≥ 11,1 g/dl. Maternal characteristics, gestational age at delivery, Apgar score and post-partum hemorrhage were similar between groups. However, when neonatal sex was considerate, female newborns of anemic women had a higher birth weight (p = 0.01). Moreover, anemic women showed a significantly higher rate of emergency cesarean section (p = 0.006), in particular when the newborn was a male (p= 0.03). Maternal mild anemia in third trimester of pregnancy correlates with fetal birth weight, influencing fetal growth and delivery outcome on the basis of fetal gender. Even though the reason of this phenomenon is still unknown, these new data may represent a novel parameter to add significant prognostic information in relation to maternal mild anemia and neonatal outcome.

Identification of patient-centered outcomes among African American women with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Miller, Stephania T; Akohoue, Sylvie A; Brooks, Malinda A

2014-12-01

African American women carry a disproportionate diabetes burden, yet there is limited information on strategies to identify outcomes women perceive as important intervention outcomes (patient-centered outcomes). This study presents a brief strategy to solicit these outcomes and to describe outcomes identified using the highlighted strategy. Thirty-four African-American women with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in group-based, diabetes/weight management interventions. A diabetes educator asked participants to write down their intervention expectations followed by verbal sharing of responses. Expectation-related themes were identified using an iterative, qualitative, team analytic approach based on audio-recorded responses. The majority of the expectation-related themes (6 of 10) were reflective of self-care education/management and weight loss-related patient-centered outcomes. The remaining themes were associated with desires to help others prevent or manage diabetes, reduce negative diabetes-related emotions, get rid of diabetes, and stop taking diabetes medications. This study adds to a limited body of knowledge regarding patient-centered outcomes among a group that experiences a disproportionate diabetes burden. Future work could include integrating outcomes that are less commonly addressed in diabetes-related lifestyle interventions (e.g., diabetes-related negative emotions), along with more commonly addressed outcomes (e.g., weight loss), to increase the patient-centeredness of the interventions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ursodeoxycholic acid potentiates dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin by enhancing glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease: a pilot randomized controlled and add-on study

PubMed Central

Ota, Tsuguhito; Kato, Ken-ichiro; Takeshita, Yumie; Misu, Hirofumi; Kaneko, Shuichi

2018-01-01

Objective We evaluated the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes with chronic liver disease. Research design and methods Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥7.0%) and chronic liver disease were included in this study. Sixteen patients (HbA1c level, 7.2%±0.6%(55.2 mmol/mol)) were randomized to receive 900 mg UDCA for 12 weeks followed by 50 mg sitagliptin add-on therapy for 12 weeks (UDCA-first group; n=8) or 50 mg sitagliptin for 12 weeks followed by 900 mg UDCA add-on therapy for 12 weeks (sitagliptin-first group; n=8). All patients underwent a liquid high-fat meal test before and after 12 or 24 weeks of treatment. Results The baseline characteristics were similar between the UDCA-first and sitagliptin-first groups. There was a decrease in body weight (72.5±8.4 to 70.6±8.6 kg; P=0.04) and the HbA1c level (7.0%±0.3% to 6.4%±0.5%(53.0 to 46.4 mmol/mol); P=0.01) in the UDCA-first group. The HbA1c level decreased further after sitagliptin administration (6.4%±0.5% to 6.0%±0.4%(46.4 to 42.1 mmol/mol); P<0.01). Although there were no initial changes in the weight and HbA1c level in the sitagliptin-first group, the HbA1c level decreased after UDCA addition (7.1%±1.1% to 6.6%±0.9%(54.1 to 48.6 mmol/mol); P=0.04). UDCA alone increased the area under the curve0–30 for GLP-1 response (115.4±47.2 to 221.9±48.9 pmol·min/L; P<0.01), but not the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide response, in the UDCA-first group. Conclusions UDCA treatment resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c levels, and an increased early phase GLP-1 secretion. Trial registration number NCT01337440. PMID:29607050

Maternal Lifetime Stress and Prenatal Psychological Functioning and Decreased Placental Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in the PRISM Study.

PubMed

Brunst, Kelly J; Sanchez Guerra, Marco; Gennings, Chris; Hacker, Michele; Jara, Calvin; Bosquet Enlow, Michelle; Wright, Robert O; Baccarelli, Andrea; Wright, Rosalind J

2017-12-01

Psychosocial stress contributes to placental oxidative stress. Mitochondria are vulnerable to oxidative stress, which can lead to changes in mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). We examined associations of maternal lifetime stress, current negative life events, and depressive and posttraumatic-stress-disorder symptom scores with placental mtDNAcn in a racially/ethnically diverse sample (n = 147) from the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) study (Massachusetts, March 2011 to August 2012). In linear regression analyses adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, prenatal fine particulate matter exposure, prenatal smoking exposure, and the sex of the child, all measures of stress were associated with decreased placental mtDNAcn (all P values < 0.05). Weighted-quantile-sum (WQS) regression showed that higher lifetime stress and depressive symptoms accounted for most of the effect on mtDNAcn (WQS weights: 0.25 and 0.39, respectively). However, among white individuals, increased lifetime stress and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms explained the majority of the effect (WQS weights: 0.20 and 0.62, respectively) while among nonwhite individuals, lifetime stress and depressive symptoms accounted for most of the effect (WQS weights: 0.27 and 0.55, respectively). These analyses are first to link increased maternal psychosocial stress with reduced placental mtDNAcn and add to literature documenting racial/ethnic differences in the psychological sequelae of chronic stress that may contribute to maternal-fetal health. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Maternal fitness at the onset of the second trimester of pregnancy: correlates and relationship with infant birth weight.

PubMed

Bisson, M; Alméras, N; Plaisance, J; Rhéaume, C; Bujold, E; Tremblay, A; Marc, I

2013-12-01

What is already known about this subject A healthy life begins in utero and a healthy pregnancy requires a fit and healthy mother. Physical activity during pregnancy provides a stimulation that is essential for promoting optimal body oxygenation and composition as well as metabolic fitness during pregnancy. Although a higher maternal fitness is expected to provide a beneficial fetal environment, it is still unclear whether physical fitness during pregnancy contributes to perinatal health. What this study adds Participation in sports and exercise previously and at the beginning of pregnancy can benefit maternal health by improving cardiorespiratory fitness during pregnancy, irrespective of maternal body mass index. Maternal strength, an indicator of muscular fitness, is an independent determinant of infant fetal growth and can positively influence birth weight. It is still unclear whether maternal physical activity and fitness during pregnancy contributes to perinatal health. The aims of this study were to characterize maternal physical fitness at 16 weeks of pregnancy and to examine its effects on infant birth weight. Maternal anthropometry (body mass index [BMI] and skin-folds), physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak) and muscular fitness (handgrip strength) were assessed at 16 weeks of gestation in 65 healthy pregnant women. Offspring birth weight was collected from maternal charts after delivery. A higher VO2 peak was associated with physical activity spent at sports and exercise before and in early pregnancy (P = 0.0005). Maternal BMI was negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (P < 0.0001) but positively related to muscular strength (P = 0.0001). Unlike maternal cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength was positively associated with infant birth weight (r = 0.34, P = 0.0068) even after adjustment for confounders (adjusted r = 0.27, P = 0.0480). A positive relationship between maternal muscular fitness and infant birth weight highlighted maternal strength in pregnancy as a new determinant of infant birth weight. © 2012 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity © 2012 International Association for the Study of Obesity.

Ipragliflozin Add-on Therapy to a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (AGATE): A 52-Week Open-Label Study.

PubMed

Ishihara, Hisamitsu; Yamaguchi, Susumu; Nakao, Ikko; Sakatani, Taishi

2018-06-20

Few data are available regarding ipragliflozin treatment in combination with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This multicenter study (consisting of three periods: a 4-week washout period, a 6-week observation period, and a 52-week open-label treatment period) included patients aged ≥ 20 years who received a stable dose/regimen of a GLP-1 receptor agonist either solely or in combination therapy with a sulfonylurea for ≥ 6 weeks, with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of ≥ 7.5% and a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of ≥ 126 mg/dL. Ipragliflozin treatment was given at a fixed dose of 50 mg/day for 20 weeks, followed by 50 or 100 mg/day for 32 weeks. Changes from baseline in glycemic control and other parameters were examined; safety was also assessed. The mean changes in HbA1c and body weight from baseline to end of treatment were - 0.92% and - 2.69 kg, respectively, in all ipragliflozin-treated patients (n = 103). Overall, sustained reductions from baseline were observed for HbA1c, FPG, self-monitored blood glucose, and body weight during the 52-week treatment. The dose increase of ipragliflozin to 100 mg/day resulted in better glycemic control and weight reduction for patients in whom the 50-mg dose was insufficient. Overall, 46.6% (48/103) of patients experienced drug-related adverse events. The most common drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were pollakiuria (9.7%), hypoglycemia (8.7%), constipation (6.8%), and thirst (5.8%). Combined therapy with ipragliflozin and GLP-1 receptor agonists/sulfonylureas was significantly efficacious in reducing glycemic parameters in patients with T2DM with inadequate glycemic control, and no major safety concerns were identified. The results from this study suggest that ipragliflozin can be recommended as a well-tolerated and effective add-on therapy to a GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of T2DM. ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02291874). Astellas Pharma Inc., Tokyo, Japan.

Significant treatment effect of add-on ketamine anesthesia in electroconvulsive therapy in depressive patients: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Li, Dian-Jeng; Wang, Fu-Chiang; Chu, Che-Sheng; Chen, Tien-Yu; Tang, Chia-Hung; Yang, Wei-Cheng; Chow, Philip Chik-Keung; Wu, Ching-Kuan; Tseng, Ping-Tao; Lin, Pao-Yen

2017-01-01

Add-on ketamine anesthesia in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been studied in depressive patients in several clinical trials with inconclusive findings. Two most recent meta-analyses reported insignificant findings with regards to the treatment effect of add-on ketamine anesthesia in ECT in depressive patients. The aim of this study is to update the current evidence and investigate the role of add-on ketamine anesthesia in ECT in depressive patients via a systematic review and meta-analysis. We performed a thorough literature search of the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, and extracted all relevant clinical variables to compare the antidepressive outcomes between add-on ketamine anesthesia and other anesthetics in ECT. Total 16 articles with 346 patients receiving add-on ketamine anesthesia in ECT and 329 controls were recruited. We found that the antidepressive treatment effect of add-on ketamine anesthesia in ECT in depressive patients was significantly higher than that of other anesthetics (p<0.001). This significance persisted in both short-term (1-2 weeks) and moderate-term (3-4 weeks) treatment courses (all p<0.05). However, the side effect profiles and recovery time profiles were significantly worse in add-on ketamine anesthesia group than in control group. Our meta-analysis highlights the significantly higher antidepressive treatment effect of add-on ketamine in depressive patients receiving ECT compared to other anesthetics. However, clinicians need to take undesirable side effects into consideration when using add-on ketamine anesthesia in ECT in depressive patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.

ECLAMC Study: prevalence patterns of hypospadias in South America: multi-national analysis over a 24-year period

PubMed Central

Fernández, Nicolás; Pérez, Jaime; Monterrey, Pedro; Poletta, Fernando A.; Bägli, Darius J.; Lorenzo, Armando J.; Zarante, Ignacio

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate prevalence trends of hypospadias in South-America it is essential to perform multicenter and multinational studies with the same methodology. Herein we present systematic data as part of an international multicenter initiative evaluating congenital malformations in South America over a 24-year period. Materials and Methods A nested case-control study was conducted using the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC), between January 1989 and December 2012. Cases were stratified as isolated (IH) and non-isolated hypospadias (NIH). Global prevalence was calculated and discriminated by country. Associations between birth weight and gestational age, and NIH distribution by associated abnormality and severity of hypospadias, were analyzed. Results A total of 159 hospitals from six countries participated, reporting surveillance on 4.020.384 newborns. A total of 4.537 hypospadias cases were detected, with a global prevalence of 11.3/10.000 newborns. Trend analyses showed in Chile, Brazil and Uruguay a statistically significant increase in prevalence. Analysis of severity and associated anomalies did not to find an association for distal cases, but did for proximal (RR=1.64 [95% CI=1.33-2.03]). Conclusion This is one of only a few Latin American multicenter studies reporting on the epidemiology of hypospadias in South America in the last two decades. Our data adds to evidence suggesting an increase in some countries in the region at different times. There were also variations in prevalence according to severity. This study adds to literature describing associated anomalies at a hospital-based level. PMID:27802003

ECLAMC Study: Prevalence patterns of hypospadias in South America: Multi-national analysis over a 24-year period.

PubMed

Fernández, Nicolás; Pérez, Jaime; Monterrey, Pedro; Poletta, Fernando A; Bägli, Darius J; Lorenzo, Armando J; Zarante, Ignacio

2017-01-01

To evaluate prevalence trends of hypospadias in South-America it is essential to perform multicenter and multinational studies with the same methodology. Herein we present systematic data as part of an international multicenter initiative evaluating congenital malformations in South America over a 24-year period. A nested case-control study was conducted using the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC), between January 1989 and December 2012. Cases were stratified as isolated (IH) and non-isolated hypospadias (NIH). Global prevalence was calculated and discriminated by country. Associations between birth weight and gestational age, and NIH distribution by associated abnormality and severity of hypospadias, were analyzed. A total of 159 hospitals from six countries participated, reporting surveillance on 4.020.384 newborns. A total of 4.537 hypospadias cases were detected, with a global prevalence of 11.3/10.000 newborns. Trend analyses showed in Chile, Brazil and Uruguay a statistically significant increase in prevalence. Analysis of severity and associated anomalies did not to find an association for distal cases, but did for proximal (RR=1.64 [95% CI=1.33-2.03]). This is one of only a few Latin American multicenter studies reporting on the epidemiology of hypospadias in South America in the last two decades. Our data adds to evidence suggesting an increase in some countries in the region at different times. There were also variations in prevalence according to severity. This study adds to literature describing associated anomalies at a hospital-based level. Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.

The influence of preburial insect access on the decomposition rate.

PubMed

Bachmann, Jutta; Simmons, Tal

2010-07-01

This study compared total body score (TBS) in buried remains (35 cm depth) with and without insect access prior to burial. Sixty rabbit carcasses were exhumed at 50 accumulated degree day (ADD) intervals. Weight loss, TBS, intra-abdominal decomposition, carcass/soil interface temperature, and below-carcass soil pH were recorded and analyzed. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in decomposition rates between carcasses with and without insect access prior to burial. An approximately 30% enhanced decomposition rate with insects was observed. TBS was the most valid tool in postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. All other variables showed only weak relationships to decomposition stages, adding little value to PMI estimation. Although progress in estimating the PMI for surface remains has been made, no previous studies have accomplished this for buried remains. This study builds a framework to which further comparable studies can contribute, to produce predictive models for PMI estimation in buried human remains.

Neural network for processing both spatial and temporal data with time based back-propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villarreal, James A. (Inventor); Shelton, Robert O. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

Neural networks are computing systems modeled after the paradigm of the biological brain. For years, researchers using various forms of neural networks have attempted to model the brain's information processing and decision-making capabilities. Neural network algorithms have impressively demonstrated the capability of modeling spatial information. On the other hand, the application of parallel distributed models to the processing of temporal data has been severely restricted. The invention introduces a novel technique which adds the dimension of time to the well known back-propagation neural network algorithm. In the space-time neural network disclosed herein, the synaptic weights between two artificial neurons (processing elements) are replaced with an adaptable-adjustable filter. Instead of a single synaptic weight, the invention provides a plurality of weights representing not only association, but also temporal dependencies. In this case, the synaptic weights are the coefficients to the adaptable digital filters. Novelty is believed to lie in the disclosure of a processing element and a network of the processing elements which are capable of processing temporal as well as spacial data.

Design and Evaluation of a Web-Based Symptom Monitoring Tool for Heart Failure.

PubMed

Wakefield, Bonnie J; Alexander, Gregory; Dohrmann, Mary; Richardson, James

2017-05-01

Heart failure is a chronic condition where symptom recognition and between-visit communication with providers are critical. Patients are encouraged to track disease-specific data, such as weight and shortness of breath. Use of a Web-based tool that facilitates data display in graph form may help patients recognize exacerbations and more easily communicate out-of-range data to clinicians. The purposes of this study were to (1) design a Web-based tool to facilitate symptom monitoring and symptom recognition in patients with chronic heart failure and (2) conduct a usability evaluation of the Web site. Patient participants generally had a positive view of the Web site and indicated it would support recording their health status and communicating with their doctors. Clinician participants generally had a positive view of the Web site and indicated it would be a potentially useful adjunct to electronic health delivery systems. Participants expressed a need to incorporate decision support within the site and wanted to add other data, for example, blood pressure, and have the ability to adjust font size. A few expressed concerns about data privacy and security. Technologies require careful design and testing to ensure they are useful, usable, and safe for patients and do not add to the burden of busy providers.

Piezoelectric pushers for active vibration control of rotating machinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palazzolo, Alan B.; Kascak, Albert F.

1988-01-01

The active control of rotordynamic vibrations and stability by magnetic bearings and electromagnetic shakers have been discussed extensively in the literature. These devices, though effective, are usually large in volume and add significant weight to the stator. The use of piezoelectric pushers may provide similar degrees of effectiveness in light, compact packages. Tests are currently being conducted with piezoelectric pusher-based active vibration control. Results from tests performed on NASA test rigs as preliminary verification of the related theory are presented.

Piezoelectric pushers for active vibration control of rotating machinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palazzolo, A. B.; Lin, R. R.; Alexander, R. M.; Kascak, A. F.; Montague, J.

1989-01-01

The active control of rotordynamic vibrations and stability by magnetic bearings and electromagnetic shakers have been discussed extensively in the literature. These devices, though effective, are usually large in volume and add significant weight to the stator. The use of piezoelectric pushers may provide similar degrees of effectiveness in light, compact packages. Tests are currently being conducted with piezoelectric pusher-based active vibration control. Results from tests performed on NASA test rigs as preliminary verification of the related theory are presented.

Network Frontier Workshop 2013

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-11

between Resources on Nodes and Weighted Connections 3:45 – 4:15 Coffee Break Schedule 4:15 – 5:00 Bruce J . West (Army Research Office, USA)Tutorial...of Boolean Networks: The Joint Effect of Topology and Update Rules 3:40 – 4:10 Coffee Break 4:10 – 4:45 Peter J . Mucha (University of North Carolina...indicates a crucial smart design principle for tomorrow’s sustainable power grids: add just a few more lines to avoid dead ends. Reference: P. Menck, J

United States Air Force Summer Research Program 1991. Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) Reports. Volume 6. Armstrong Laboratory, Wilford Hall Medical Center

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-09

necrosis and thus maintain viability during acute condi- tions of ischemia and compartmental syndrome . It is not known. how- ever, if HBO will continue...adds considerable incentive for flexible database design. Adding to the complexity of the database are emitter sector coverage, radiating power, and...rather, it supplements the time-weighted average(TWA) limit where there are recognized acute effects from a substance whose toxic effects are

An Overview of Advanced Data Acquisition System (ADAS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mata, Carlos T.; Steinrock, T. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The paper discusses the following: 1. Historical background. 2. What is ADAS? 3. R and D status. 4. Reliability/cost examples (1, 2, and 3). 5. What's new? 6. Technical advantages. 7. NASA relevance. 8. NASA plans/options. 9. Remaining R and D. 10. Applications. 11. Product benefits. 11. Commercial advantages. 12. intellectual property. Aerospace industry requires highly reliable data acquisition systems. Traditional Acquisition systems employ end-to-end hardware and software redundancy. Typically, redundancy adds weight, cost, power consumption, and complexity.

Regulatory role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 for transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c.

PubMed

Kim, Kang Ho; Song, Min Jeong; Yoo, Eung Jae; Choe, Sung Sik; Park, Sang Dai; Kim, Jae Bum

2004-12-10

Adipocyte determination- and differentiation-dependent factor 1 (ADD1) plays important roles in lipid metabolism and insulin-dependent gene expression. Because insulin stimulates carbohydrate and lipid synthesis, it would be important to decipher how the transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c is regulated in the insulin signaling pathway. In this study, we demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 negatively regulates the transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c. GSK3 inhibitors enhanced a transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c and expression of ADD1/SREBP1c target genes including fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), and steroyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) in adipocytes and hepatocytes. In contrast, overexpression of GSK3beta down-regulated the transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c. GSK3 inhibitor-mediated ADD1/SREBP1c target gene activation did not require de novo protein synthesis, implying that GSK3 might affect transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c at the level of post-translational modification. Additionally, we demonstrated that GSK3 efficiently phosphorylated ADD1/SREBP1c in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, these data suggest that GSK3 inactivation is crucial to confer stimulated transcriptional activity of ADD1/SREBP1c for insulin-dependent gene expression, which would coordinate lipid and glucose metabolism.

Efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin as an add-on therapy to sitagliptin and metformin in Korean patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Han, Kyung-Ah; Chon, Suk; Chung, Choon Hee; Lim, Soo; Lee, Kwan-Woo; Baik, SeiHyun; Jung, Chang Hee; Kim, Dong-Sun; Park, Kyong Soo; Yoon, Kun-Ho; Lee, In-Kyu; Cha, Bong-Soo; Sakatani, Taishi; Park, Sumi; Lee, Moon-Kyu

2018-06-04

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin versus placebo as add-on therapy to metformin and sitagliptin in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, phase 3 study was conducted in Korea in 2015-2017. Patients were randomized to receive either ipragliflozin 50 mg/day or placebo once daily for 24 weeks in addition to metformin and sitagliptin. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to end of treatment (EOT). In total, 143 patients were randomized and 139 were included in efficacy analyses (ipragliflozin: 73, placebo: 66). Baseline mean (SD) HbA1c levels were 7.90% (0.69) for ipragliflozin add-on and 7.92% (0.79) for placebo. The corresponding mean (SD) changes from baseline to EOT were -0.79% (0.59) and 0.03% (0.84), respectively, in favor of ipragliflozin (adjusted mean difference: -0.83% [95% CI -1.07 to -0.59%]) (P<0.0001). More ipragliflozin-treated patients than placebo-treated patients achieved HbA1c target levels of <7.0% (44.4% vs. 12.1%) and <6.5% (12.5% vs. 1.5%) at EOT (P<0.05 for both). Fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum insulin, body weight, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance decreased significantly at EOT, in favor of ipragliflozin (adjusted mean difference: -29.55 mg/dL, -1.50 μU/mL, -1.72 kg, and -0.99, respectively) (P<0.05 for all). Adverse event rates were similar between groups (ipragliflozin: 51.4%; placebo: 50.0%). No previously unreported safety concerns were noted. Ipragliflozin add-on to metformin and sitagliptin significantly improved glycemic parameters and demonstrated a good safety profile in Korean patients with inadequately controlled T2DM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Short-term combined treatment with liraglutide and metformin leads to significant weight loss in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and previous poor response to metformin.

PubMed

Jensterle Sever, Mojca; Kocjan, Tomaz; Pfeifer, Marija; Kravos, Nika Aleksandra; Janez, Andrej

2014-03-01

The effect of metformin on weight reduction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often unsatisfactory. In this study, we investigated the potential add-on effect of treatment with the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on weight loss in obese nondiabetic women with PCOS who had lost <5% body weight during pretreatment with metformin. A total of 40 obese women with PCOS, who had been pretreated with metformin for at least 6 months, participated in a 12-week open-label, prospective study. They were randomized to one of three treatment arms: metformin (MET) arm 1000 mg BID, liraglutide (LIRA) arm 1.2 mg QD s.c., or combined MET 1000 mg BID and LIRA (COMBI) 1.2 mg QD s.c. Lifestyle intervention was not actively promoted. The primary outcome was change in body weight. Thirty six patients (aged 31.3 ± 7.1 years, BMI 37.1 ± 4.6 kg/m²) completed the study: 14 on MET, 11 on LIRA, and 11 on combined treatment. COMBI therapy was superior to LIRA and MET monotherapy in reducing weight, BMI, and waist circumference. Subjects treated with COMBI lost on average 6.5 ± 2.8 kg compared with a 3.8 ± 3.7 kg loss in the LIRA group and a 1.2 ± 1.4 kg loss in the MET group (P<0.001). The extent of weight loss was stratified: a total of 38% of subjects were high responders who lost ≥5% body weight, 22% of them in the COMBI arm compared with 16 and 0% in the LIRA and MET arm respectively. BMI decreased by 2.4 ± 1.0 in the COMBI arm compared with 1.3 ± 1.3 in LIRA and 0.5 ± 0.5 in the MET arm (P<0.001). Waist circumference also decreased by 5.5 ± 3.8 cm in the COMBI arm compared with 3.2 ± 2.9 cm in LIRA and 1.6 ± 2.9 cm in the MET arm (P=0.029). Subjects treated with liraglutide experienced more nausea than those treated with metformin, but severity of nausea decreased over time and did not correlate with weight loss. Short-term combined treatment with liraglutide and metformin was associated with significant weight loss and decrease in waist circumference in obese women with PCOS who had previously been poor responders regarding weight reduction on metformin monotherapy.

Effects of 6-month sitagliptin treatment on glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure, body weight and renal function in type 2 diabetic patients: a chart-based analysis.

PubMed

Yanai, Hidekatsu; Adachi, Hiroki; Hamasaki, Hidetaka; Masui, Yoshinori; Yoshikawa, Reo; Moriyama, Sumie; Mishima, Shuichi; Sako, Akahito

2012-08-01

Sitagliptin is one of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors which prevent the inactivation of incretins, increasing the endogenous active incretin levels. Incretins stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and inhibit glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells, which is favorable for the treatment of diabetes. Sitagliptin is released on December, 2009, in Japan. We retrospectively studied effects of 6-month-treatment with sitagliptin on glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure, body weight and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes by a chart-based analysis. We retrospectively studied 220 type 2 diabetic patients who have taken sitagliptin for 6 months by a chart-based analysis. Subjects studied include patients treated with sitagliptin monotherapy, sitagliptin add-on therapy, and switching from glinide to sitagliptin. We selected patients who have both data before and after 6-month sitagliptin treatment and compared the data before the sitagliptin treatment with the data at 6 month after the sitagliptin treatment started. Body weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum lipids, and estimated glomerular filtration rate in type 2 diabetic patients were measured almost at the same time points before and after 6-month-treatment with sitagliptin. Body weight was significantly reduced after 6-month sitagliptin treatment by 0.8 kg. HbA1c levels were also significantly decreased after the sitagliptin treatment by 0.6%. We found a significant and negative correlation between change in body weight and body mass index at baseline. We also observed a significant and negative correlation between change in HbA1c and HbA1c levels at baseline. The number of patients who showed the absence of urinary glucose was significantly increased after the sitagliptin treatment.

School Obesity Prevention Policies and Practices in Minnesota and Student Outcomes: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

PubMed

Nanney, Marilyn S; MacLehose, Richard F; Kubik, Martha Y; Davey, Cynthia S; O'Connell, Michael J; Grannon, Katherine Y; Nelson, Toben F

2016-11-01

The School Obesity-related Policy Evaluation (ScOPE) Study uses existing public surveillance data and applies a rigorous study design to evaluate effectiveness of school policies and practices impacting student behavioral and weight outcomes. The ScOPE Study used a cohort of 50 combined junior-senior and high schools in Minnesota to evaluate the change in weight-related policy environments in 2006 and 2012 and test the effect of policy change on students attending those schools in 2007 and 2013. Exposure variables included school practices about foods and beverages available in school vending machines and school stores, physical education requirements, and intramural opportunities. Primary study outcomes were average school-level ninth grade student BMI percentile, obesity prevalence, daily servings of fruits/vegetables, and daily glasses of soda. Availability of fruits/vegetables in schools was associated with a significant increase in total daily intake among ninth grade students by 0.4 servings. Availability of soda in schools was associated with a significant increase in total daily intake among ninth grade boys by 0.5 servings. Less-healthy snack and drink availability in schools was associated with a small, significant increase (1%) in student BMI percentile at the school level. Use of a school-level longitudinal cohort study design over a 6-year period uniquely adds to the methodologic rigor of school policy and practice evaluation studies. The ScOPE Study provides marginal evidence that school policies and practices, especially those that restrict vending and school store offerings, may have small effects on weight status among ninth grade students. Copyright © 2016 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The income body weight gradients in the developing economy of China.

PubMed

Tafreschi, Darjusch

2015-01-01

Existing theories predict the income gradient of individual body weight to change sign from positive to negative in process of economic development. However, there are only few empirical studies which test this hypothesis. This paper adds to the literature on that topic by investigating the case of China. Using individual and community data from 1991 to 2009 waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey regression analyses suggest that after controlling for important confounding factors (1) higher income is positively related to future growth of individuals' BMI in less developed areas (i.e. BMI growth is 0.7-1.5 percentage points higher when comparing the richest with the poorest individuals), but negatively related to BMI growth in more developed areas (i.e. BMI growth is 0.8-1.6 percentage points lower for the richest individuals), and (2) that concentrations of overweight are "trickling down" to lower income ranks as regions become more developed. Moreover, the reversal of the income gradient appears to happen at earlier stages of development for females. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of ractopamine-HCl supplementation for 28 days on carcass characteristics, muscle fiber morphometrics, and whole muscle yields of six distinct muscles of the loin and round.

PubMed

Gonzalez, J M; Johnson, S E; Stelzleni, A M; Thrift, T A; Savell, J D; Warnock, T M; Johnson, D D

2010-07-01

This study evaluated the effects of ractopamine-HCl (RAC) supplementation on carcass characteristics, muscle fiber morphometrics, and tenderness. Thirty-four steers (2 groups, 4 replicates) were fed RAC or carrier for 28 days prior to harvest. Seventy-two hours postmortem, the Longissimus lumborum (LL), Gracilis (GRA), Vastus lateralis (VL), Rectus femoris (RF), Semimembranosus (SM), and Adductor (ADD) were dissected from each carcass. Commodity weight, denuded weight, and muscle dimensions were collected. RAC supplementation tended to affect dressing percentage (P=0.15) and muscle firmness (P<0.15), and significantly affected lean maturity (P<0.05) and marbling score (P<0.05). With the exception of the LL and GRA (P<0.05), RAC had no effect on muscle dimensions. RAC did not influence the tenderness of vacuum-packaged, aged steaks as measured by Warner-Bratzler shear force. Muscle fiber size within the six muscles was unchanged (P>0.05) by RAC. Thus, RAC improves carcass parameters without a negative impact on tenderness. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Case for Deep Space Telecommunications Relay Stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chandler, Charles W.; Miranda, Felix A. (Technical Monitor)

2004-01-01

Each future mission to Jupiter and beyond must carry the traditional suite of telecommunications systems for command and control and for mission data transmission to earth. The telecommunications hardware includes the large antenna and the high-power transmitters that enable the communications link. Yet future spacecraft will be scaled down from the hallmark missions of Galileo and Cassini to Jupiter and Saturn, respectively. This implies that a higher percentage of the spacecraft weight and power must be dedicated to telecommunications system. The following analysis quantifies this impact to future missions and then explores the merits of an alternative approach using deep space relay stations for the link back to earth. It will be demonstrated that a telecommunications relay satellite would reduce S/C telecommunications weight and power sufficiently to add one to two more instruments.

Sparse and stable Markowitz portfolios.

PubMed

Brodie, Joshua; Daubechies, Ingrid; De Mol, Christine; Giannone, Domenico; Loris, Ignace

2009-07-28

We consider the problem of portfolio selection within the classical Markowitz mean-variance framework, reformulated as a constrained least-squares regression problem. We propose to add to the objective function a penalty proportional to the sum of the absolute values of the portfolio weights. This penalty regularizes (stabilizes) the optimization problem, encourages sparse portfolios (i.e., portfolios with only few active positions), and allows accounting for transaction costs. Our approach recovers as special cases the no-short-positions portfolios, but does allow for short positions in limited number. We implement this methodology on two benchmark data sets constructed by Fama and French. Using only a modest amount of training data, we construct portfolios whose out-of-sample performance, as measured by Sharpe ratio, is consistently and significantly better than that of the naïve evenly weighted portfolio.

Longitudinal associations between key dietary behaviors and weight gain over time: transitions through the adolescent years.

PubMed

Laska, Melissa N; Murray, David M; Lytle, Leslie A; Harnack, Lisa J

2012-01-01

Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results when documenting the association between key dietary factors and adolescent weight change over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which changes in adolescent sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), diet soda, breakfast, and fast-food consumption were associated with changes in BMI and percent body fat (PBF). This study analyzed data from a sample of 693 Minnesota adolescents followed over 2 years. Random coefficient models were used to examine the relationship between dietary intake and BMI and PBF and to separate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Adjusting for total physical activity, total energy intake, puberty, race, socioeconomic status, and age, cross-sectional findings indicated that for both males and females, breakfast consumption was significantly and inversely associated with BMI and PBF, and diet soda intake was significantly and positively associated with BMI and PBF among females. In longitudinal analyses, however, there were fewer significant associations. Among males there was evidence of a significant longitudinal association between SSB consumption and PBF; after adjustment for energy intake, an increase of one serving of SSB per day was associated with an increase of 0.7 units of PBF among males. This study adds to previous research through its methodological strengths, including adjustment for physical activity and energy intake assessed using state-of-the-art methods (i.e., accelerometers and 24-h dietary recalls), as well as its evaluation of both BMI and PBF. Additional research is needed to better understand the complex constellation of factors that contribute to adolescent weight gain over time.

combustibility of loose fiber fill cellulose insulation: the role of borax and boric acid

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

Day, M.; Wiles, D.M.

1978-07-01

The influence of borax and boric acid on the resistance of cellulose insulation to smouldering and flaming combustion has been examined using material treated by a wet application process. Boric acid has been shown to be required at an add-on level of at least 11.6 parts to 100 parts (by weight) of cellulose if resistance to smouldering combustion by cigarette ignition is to be achieved. In order to increase the resistance of the material to flaming combustion, however, it has been shown that borax is required in the formulation. Moreover, in order to maintain the resistance to smouldering combustion itmore » has been found necessary subsequently to increase the add-on of boric acid. the relationship between the amount of boric acid required to maintain resistance to smouldering combustion while providing for resistance to flaming combustion with borax is given by: boric acid required (pph) = 11.6 + (0.185 x (borax used)).« less

Effectiveness of family work interventions on schizophrenia: evidence from a multicentre study in Catalonia.

PubMed

Tomás, Esther Pousa; Hurtado, Gemma; Noguer, Sílvia; Domènech, Cristina; García, Montse; López, Nuria; Negredo, Maríacruz; Penadés, Rafael; Reinares, María; Serrano, Dolors; Dolz, Montse; Gallo, Pedro

2012-11-01

Despite their proven efficacy, family work interventions on families of patients with schizophrenia are not being implemented in routine clinical practice in contexts where expressed emotion levels among caregivers are relatively high. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a family work intervention in a Mediterranean environment in Catalonia, Spain. Participants were 23 patients and 35 key relatives in five different clinical settings. The family intervention was provided by 10 trained health care professionals during a nine-month period. A six-month follow-up was also conducted. Statistically significant improvements were found in patients' clinical status, global functioning and social functioning levels, as well as in caregivers' burden of care. These results were maintained during follow-up. This is the first study to explore the effectiveness of family intervention in a high-expressed emotion context in Catalonia. The findings add weight to the growing literature supporting these interventions in different cultural settings.

Long-term safety and efficacy of tofogliflozin as add-on to insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes: Results from a 52-week, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, open-label extension, Phase 4 study in Japan (J-STEP/INS).

PubMed

Terauchi, Yasuo; Tamura, Masahiro; Senda, Masayuki; Gunji, Ryoji; Kaku, Kohei

2018-05-01

To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of tofogliflozin as an add-on treatment to insulin over 52 weeks. This 52-week, multicentre, Phase 4 study consisted of a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase and a 36-week open label extension phase (NCT02201004). Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 20 to 75 years, with suboptimal glycaemic control (7.5%-10.5%) receiving insulin monotherapy (basal-bolus, bolus, premix [low and high] and basal) or receiving combination therapy with basal insulin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor were eligible for participation. Patients who received tofogliflozin throughout the study (52 weeks) were referred to as the 'tofo-tofo group' and patients who received placebo and tofogliflozin (36 weeks) were referred to as the 'pla-tofo group'. A total of 210 patients received treatment per randomization. Hypoglycaemia was the most common treatment-emergent adverse event (AE) (42.9% in the tofo-tofo group and 29.4% in the pla-tofo group). Patients reported genital infection, urinary tract infection, excessive urination and AEs related to volume depletion (2.1%, 2.1%, 7.1% and 10.0% of patients in the tofo-tofo group, and 0%, 1.5%, 2.9% and 7.4% of patients in the pla-tofo group, respectively). Mean HbA1c and body weight at baseline (mean changes ± standard error from baseline to Week 52) in the tofo-tofo and pla-tofo groups were 8.53% (-0.76% ± 0.077) and 8.40% (-0.73% ± 0.102); 68.84 kg (-1.52 kg ± 0.207) and 72.24 kg (-2.13 kg ± 0.313), respectively. This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of tofogliflozin as add-on to insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, offering a new therapeutic solution to diabetes management. © 2018 The Authors. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Modern rotor balancing - Emerging technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zorzi, E. S.; Von Pragenau, G. L.

1985-01-01

Modern balancing methods for flexible and rigid rotors are explored. Rigid rotor balancing is performed at several hundred rpm, well below the first bending mode of the shaft. High speed balancing is necessary when the nominal rotational speed is higher than the first bending mode. Both methods introduce weights which will produce rotor responses at given speeds that will be exactly out of phase with the responses of an unbalanced rotor. Modal balancing seeks to add weights which will leave other rotor modes unaffected. Also, influence coefficients can be determined by trial and error addition of weights and recording of their effects on vibration at speeds of interest. The latter method is useful for balancing rotors at other than critical speeds and for performing unified balancing beginning with the first critical speed. Finally, low-speed flexible balancing permits low-speed tests and adjustments of rotor assemblies which will not be accessible when operating in their high-speed functional configuration. The method was developed for the high pressure liquid oxygen turbopumps for the Shuttle.

Global analysis of double-strand break processing reveals in vivo properties of the helicase-nuclease complex AddAB

PubMed Central

Badrinarayanan, Anjana; Cisse, Ibrahim I.

2017-01-01

In bacteria, double-strand break (DSB) repair via homologous recombination is thought to be initiated through the bi-directional degradation and resection of DNA ends by a helicase-nuclease complex such as AddAB. The activity of AddAB has been well-studied in vitro, with translocation speeds between 400–2000 bp/s on linear DNA suggesting that a large section of DNA around a break site is processed for repair. However, the translocation rate and activity of AddAB in vivo is not known, and how AddAB is regulated to prevent excessive DNA degradation around a break site is unclear. To examine the functions and mechanistic regulation of AddAB inside bacterial cells, we developed a next-generation sequencing-based approach to assay DNA processing after a site-specific DSB was introduced on the chromosome of Caulobacter crescentus. Using this assay we determined the in vivo rates of DSB processing by AddAB and found that putative chi sites attenuate processing in a RecA-dependent manner. This RecA-mediated regulation of AddAB prevents the excessive loss of DNA around a break site, limiting the effects of DSB processing on transcription. In sum, our results, taken together with prior studies, support a mechanism for regulating AddAB that couples two key events of DSB repair–the attenuation of DNA-end processing and the initiation of homology search by RecA–thereby helping to ensure that genomic integrity is maintained during DSB repair. PMID:28489851

Efficacy and safety of triple therapy with dapagliflozin add-on to saxagliptin plus metformin over 52 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Mathieu, C; Herrera Marmolejo, M; González González, J G; Hansen, L; Chen, H; Johnsson, E; Garcia-Sanchez, R; Iqbal, N

2016-11-01

We previously reported that dapagliflozin versus placebo as add-on to saxagliptin plus metformin resulted in greater reductions in glycated haemoglobin (A1C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body weight (BW) after 24 weeks of treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we report results after 52 weeks of treatment. Patients stabilized on open-label metformin and saxagliptin 5 mg/day for 8-16 weeks were randomized to placebo or dapagliflozin 10 mg/day plus open-label saxagliptin plus metformin for 52 weeks. Changes from baseline to week 52 were greater with dapagliflozin versus placebo in A1C (-0.74% vs. 0.07%), FPG (-27 vs. 10 mg/dL) and BW (-2.1 vs. -0.4 kg). More patients achieved A1C <7% with dapagliflozin (29.4%) versus placebo (12.6%). Adverse events were similar with dapagliflozin (66%) and placebo (71%), and hypoglycaemia was rare (≤2%). Genital infections occurred more often with dapagliflozin (6%) than with placebo (1%); frequency of urinary tract infections was similar between the two groups (9% vs. 10%). Triple therapy with dapagliflozin add-on to saxagliptin plus metformin is a durable, effective and well-tolerated intervention for the treatment of T2D. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Associations of Child Temperament with Child Overweight and Breakfast Habits: A Population Study in Five-Year-Olds

PubMed Central

Skogheim, Thea Steen; Vollrath, Margarete Erika

2015-01-01

This study examines the associations of child temperament with overweight/obesity and breakfast habits. Participants were 17,409 five-year-olds whose mothers partake in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), and completed a questionnaire at the child’s 5th birthday. Temperament was assessed as externalizing, internalizing and sociable temperament. Breakfast habits differentiated between “every day”, “4 to 6 times a week”, and “0 to 3 times a week”. The child’s weight status was determined by Body Mass Index-percentiles and categorized as normal weight versus overweight/obese. Children with externalizing temperament had higher odds of being overweight and higher odds of not eating breakfast daily. Children high in internalizing temperament had higher odds of not eating breakfast daily, but not of being overweight. Children with average scores of sociability were more prone to being overweight but had normal breakfast habits. All results were adjusted for key confounders. That five-year-olds high in externalizing temperament had a higher risk to be overweight adds important information to the literature. The association of externalizing temperament with child breakfast habits so early in life is intriguing, as parents mostly control eating patterns in children that young. Mechanisms mediating this association should be explored. PMID:26633494

Associations of Child Temperament with Child Overweight and Breakfast Habits: A Population Study in Five-Year-Olds.

PubMed

Skogheim, Thea Steen; Vollrath, Margarete Erika

2015-12-03

This study examines the associations of child temperament with overweight/obesity and breakfast habits. Participants were 17,409 five-year-olds whose mothers partake in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), and completed a questionnaire at the child's 5th birthday. Temperament was assessed as externalizing, internalizing and sociable temperament. Breakfast habits differentiated between "every day", "4 to 6 times a week", and "0 to 3 times a week". The child's weight status was determined by Body Mass Index-percentiles and categorized as normal weight versus overweight/obese. Children with externalizing temperament had higher odds of being overweight and higher odds of not eating breakfast daily. Children high in internalizing temperament had higher odds of not eating breakfast daily, but not of being overweight. Children with average scores of sociability were more prone to being overweight but had normal breakfast habits. All results were adjusted for key confounders. That five-year-olds high in externalizing temperament had a higher risk to be overweight adds important information to the literature. The association of externalizing temperament with child breakfast habits so early in life is intriguing, as parents mostly control eating patterns in children that young. Mechanisms mediating this association should be explored.

Initiation of once daily insulin detemir is not associated with weight gain in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from an observational study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Obesity is common in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and all-cause mortality. This analysis describes weight changes associated with insulin detemir initiation in real-life clinical practice. Methods Study of Once-Daily Levemir (SOLVE) was a 24-week international observational study of once-daily insulin detemir as add-on therapy in patients with T2DM receiving oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs). Results 17,374 participants were included in the analysis: mean age 62 ± 12 years; weight 80.8 ± 17.6 kg; body mass index (BMI) 29.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2; diabetes duration 10 ± 7 years; HbA1c 8.9 ± 1.6%. HbA1c decreased by 1.3 ± 1.5% during the study, with insulin doses of 0.27 ± 0.17 IU/kg. Patients with higher BMI had higher pre-insulin HbA1c, and similar reductions in HbA1c with insulin therapy. Weight decreased from 80.8 ± 17.6 kg to 80.3 ± 17.0 kg (change of -0.6 [95% CI -0.65; -0.47] kg), with 35% of patients losing >1 kg. Patients with the highest pre-insulin BMI lost the greatest amount of weight: BMI < 25: +0.8 [95% CI: 0.6; 0.9] kg, 25 ≤ BMI < 30: -0.2 [95% CI: -0.3; -0.8] kg, 30 ≤ BMI < 35: -1.0 [95% CI: -1.1; -0.8] kg; BMI ≥ 35: -1.9 [95% CI: -2.2; -1.6] kg. Minor hypoglycaemia decreased with increasing BMI: 2.3 and 1.3 events per patient year for BMI <25 and  ≥ 35, respectively. Conclusions Overall, patients with poorly controlled T2DM achieved significant reductions in HbA1c after initiation of once-daily insulin detemir therapy, without weight gain. The favourable impact of insulin detemir on weight may not apply to other insulin preparations. Trial registrations ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00825643 and NCT00740519 PMID:24499517

Skin dose saving of the staff in 90Y/177Lu peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with the automatic dose dispenser.

PubMed

Fioroni, Federica; Grassi, Elisa; Giorgia, Cavatorta; Sara, Rubagotti; Piccagli, Vando; Filice, Angelina; Mostacci, Domiziano; Versari, Annibale; Iori, Mauro

2016-10-01

When handling Y-labelled and Lu-labelled radiopharmaceuticals, skin exposure is mainly due to β-particles. This study aimed to investigate the equivalent dose saving of the staff when changing from an essentially manual radiolabelling procedure to an automatic dose dispenser (ADD). The chemist and physician were asked to wear thermoluminescence dosimeters on their fingertips to evaluate the quantity of Hp(0.07) on the skin. Data collected were divided into two groups: before introducing ADD (no ADD) and after introducing ADD. For the chemist, the mean values (95th percentile) of Hp(0.07) for no ADD and ADD are 0.030 (0.099) and 0.019 (0.076) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Y, and 0.022 (0.037) and 0.007 (0.023) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Lu. The reduction for ADD was significant (t-test with P<0.05) for both isotopes. The relative differences before and after ADD collected for every finger were treated using the Wilcoxon test, proving a significantly higher reduction in extremity dose to each fingertip for Lu than for Y (P<0.05). For the medical staff, the mean values of Hp(0.07) (95th percentile) for no ADD and ADD are 0.021 (0.0762) and 0.0143 (0.0565) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Y, and 0.0011 (0.00196) and 0.0009 (0.00263) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Lu. The t-test provided a P-value less than 0.05 for both isotopes, making the difference between ADD and no ADD significant. ADD positively affects the dose saving of the chemist in handling both isotopes. For the medical staff not directly involved with the introduction of the ADD system, the analysis shows a learning curve of the workers over a 5-year period. Specific devices and procedures allow staff skin dose to be limited.

Calorie restriction in overweight older adults: Do benefits exceed potential risks?

PubMed

Locher, Julie L; Goldsby, TaShauna U; Goss, Amy M; Kilgore, Meredith L; Gower, Barbara; Ard, Jamy D

2016-12-15

The evidence regarding recommendations of calorie restriction as part of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention to promote weight loss in obese older adults has remained equivocal for more than a decade. The older adult population is the fastest growing segment of the US population and a greater proportion of them are entering old age obese. These older adults require treatments based on solid evidence. Therefore the purpose of this review is three-fold: 1) to provide a more current status of the knowledge regarding recommendations of calorie restriction as part of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention to promote weight loss in obese older adults, 2) to determine what benefits and/or risks calorie restriction adds to exercise interventions in obese older adults, and 3) to consider not only outcomes related to changes in body composition, bone health, cardiometabolic disease risk, markers of inflammation, and physical function, but, also patient-centered outcomes that evaluate changes in cognitive status, quality of life, out-of-pocket costs, and mortality. Seven randomized controlled trials were identified that examined calorie restriction while controlling for exercise intervention effects. Overall, the studies found that calorie restriction combined with exercise is effective for weight loss. Evidence was mixed regarding other outcomes. The risk-benefit ratio regarding calorie restriction in older adults remains uncertain. Greater long-term follow-up is necessary, and complementary effectiveness studies are needed to identify strategies currently used by obese older adults in community settings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Availability and night-time use of electronic entertainment and communication devices are associated with short sleep duration and obesity among Canadian children.

PubMed

Chahal, H; Fung, C; Kuhle, S; Veugelers, P J

2013-02-01

What is already known about this subject Short sleep duration is a risk factor for obesity. Television (TV) in the bedroom has been shown to be associated with excess body weight in children. Children increasingly use other electronic entertainment and communication devices (EECDs) such as video games, computers, and smart phones. What this study adds Access to and night-time use of EECDs are associated with shortened sleep duration, excess body weight, poorer diet quality, and lower physical activity levels. Our findings reinforce existing recommendations pertaining to TV and Internet access by the American Academy of Pediatrics and suggest to have these expanded to restricted availability of video games and smart phones in children's bedrooms. While the prevalence of childhood obesity and access to and use of electronic entertainment and communication devices (EECDs) have increased in the past decades, no earlier study has examined their interrelationship. To examine whether night-time access to and use of EECDs are associated with sleep duration, body weights, diet quality, and physical activity of Canadian children. A representative sample of 3398 grade 5 children in Alberta, Canada, was surveyed. The survey included questions on children's lifestyles and health behaviours, the Harvard Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency questionnaire, a validated questionnaire on physical activity, and measurements of heights and weights. Random effect models were used to assess the associations of night-time access to and use of EECDs with sleep, diet quality, physical activity, and body weights. Sixty-four percent of parents reported that their child had access to one or more EECDs in their bedroom. Access to and night-time use of EECDs were associated with shortened sleep duration, excess body weight, poorer diet quality, and lower physical activity levels in a statistically significant manner. Limiting the availability of EECDs in children's bedrooms and discouraging their night-time use may be considered as a strategy to promote sleep and reduce childhood obesity. © 2012 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity © 2012 International Association for the Study of Obesity.

The 40-Something randomized controlled trial to prevent weight gain in mid-age women.

PubMed

Williams, Lauren T; Hollis, Jenna L; Collins, Clare E; Morgan, Philip J

2013-10-25

Obesity prevention is a major public health priority. Despite the health risks associated with weight gain, there has been a distinct lack of research into effective interventions to prevent, rather than treat, obesity particularly at high risk life stages such as menopause in women. This paper describes the rationale for and design of a 2-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) (the 40-Something Study) aimed at testing the feasibility and efficacy of a relatively low intensity intervention designed to achieve weight control in non-obese women about to enter the menopause transition. The study is a parallel-group RCT consisting of 12 months of intervention (Phase 1) and 12 months of monitoring (Phase 2). Non-obese pre-menopausal healthy females 44-50 years of age were screened, stratified according to Body Mass Index (BMI) category (18.5-24.9 and 25-29.9 kg/m²) and randomly assigned to one of two groups: motivational interviewing (MI) intervention (n = 28), or a self-directed intervention (SDI) (control) (n = 26). The MI intervention consisted of five consultations with health professionals (four with a Dietitian and one with an Exercise Physiologist) who applied components of MI counselling to consultations with the women over a 12 month period. The SDI was developed as a control and these participants received print materials only. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, three, 12, 18 and 24 months and included weight (primary outcome), waist circumference, body composition, blood pressure, plasma markers of metabolic syndrome risk, dietary intake, physical activity and quality of life. Analysis of covariance will be used to investigate outcomes according to intervention type and duration (comparing baseline, 12 and 24 months). The 40-Something study is the first RCT aimed at preventing menopausal weight gain in Australian women. Importantly, this paper describes the methods used to evaluate whether a relatively low intensity, health professional led intervention will achieve better weight control in pre-menopausal women than a self-directed intervention. The results will add to the scant body of literature on obesity prevention methods at an under-researched high-risk life stage, and inform the development of population-based interventions. ACTRN12611000064909.

Creating "Intelligent" Ensemble Averages Using a Process-Based Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Noel; Taylor, Patrick

2014-05-01

The CMIP5 archive contains future climate projections from over 50 models provided by dozens of modeling centers from around the world. Individual model projections, however, are subject to biases created by structural model uncertainties. As a result, ensemble averaging of multiple models is used to add value to individual model projections and construct a consensus projection. Previous reports for the IPCC establish climate change projections based on an equal-weighted average of all model projections. However, individual models reproduce certain climate processes better than other models. Should models be weighted based on performance? Unequal ensemble averages have previously been constructed using a variety of mean state metrics. What metrics are most relevant for constraining future climate projections? This project develops a framework for systematically testing metrics in models to identify optimal metrics for unequal weighting multi-model ensembles. The intention is to produce improved ("intelligent") unequal-weight ensemble averages. A unique aspect of this project is the construction and testing of climate process-based model evaluation metrics. A climate process-based metric is defined as a metric based on the relationship between two physically related climate variables—e.g., outgoing longwave radiation and surface temperature. Several climate process metrics are constructed using high-quality Earth radiation budget data from NASA's Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument in combination with surface temperature data sets. It is found that regional values of tested quantities can vary significantly when comparing the equal-weighted ensemble average and an ensemble weighted using the process-based metric. Additionally, this study investigates the dependence of the metric weighting scheme on the climate state using a combination of model simulations including a non-forced preindustrial control experiment, historical simulations, and several radiative forcing Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. Ultimately, the goal of the framework is to advise better methods for ensemble averaging models and create better climate predictions.

Development and Preliminary Validation of a Comprehensive Questionnaire to Assess Women’s Knowledge and Perception of the Current Weight Gain Guidelines during Pregnancy

PubMed Central

Ockenden, Holly; Gunnell, Katie; Giles, Audrey; Nerenberg, Kara; Goldfield, Gary; Manyanga, Taru; Adamo, Kristi

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an electronic questionnaire, the Electronic Maternal Health Survey (EMat Health Survey), related to women’s knowledge and perceptions of the current gestational weight gain guidelines (GWG), as well as pregnancy-related health behaviours. Constructs addressed within the questionnaire include self-efficacy, locus of control, perceived barriers, and facilitators of physical activity and diet, outcome expectations, social environment and health practices. Content validity was examined using an expert panel (n = 7) and pilot testing items in a small sample (n = 5) of pregnant women and recent mothers (target population). Test re-test reliability was assessed among a sample (n = 71) of the target population. Reliability scores were calculated for all constructs (r and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC)), those with a score of >0.5 were considered acceptable. The content validity of the questionnaire reflects the degree to which all relevant components of excessive GWG risk in women are included. Strong test-retest reliability was found in the current study, indicating that responses to the questionnaire were reliable in this population. The EMat Health Survey adds to the growing body of literature on maternal health and gestational weight gain by providing the first comprehensive questionnaire that can be self-administered and remotely accessed. The questionnaire can be completed in 15–25 min and collects useful data on various social determinants of health and GWG as well as associated health behaviours. This online tool may assist researchers by providing them with a platform to collect useful information in developing and tailoring interventions to better support women in achieving recommended weight gain targets in pregnancy. PMID:27916921

Aldosterone Is Not Associated With Metabolic and Microvascular Insulin Sensitivity in Abdominally Obese Men.

PubMed

Schütten, Monica T J; Kusters, Yvo H A M; Houben, Alfons J H M; Scheijen, Jean L J M; van de Waarenburg, Marjo P H; Schalkwijk, Casper G; Joris, Peter J; Plat, Jogchum; Mensink, Ronald P; de Leeuw, Peter W; Stehouwer, Coen D A

2018-02-01

Impaired insulin-mediated muscle microvascular recruitment (IMMR) may add to the development of insulin resistance and hypertension. Increased aldosterone levels have been linked to these obesity-related complications in severely to morbidly obese individuals and to impaired microvascular function in experimental studies. To investigate whether aldosterone levels are associated with IMMR, insulin sensitivity, and blood pressure in lean and moderately abdominally obese men, and to study the effect of weight loss. In 25 lean and 53 abdominally obese men, 24-hour blood pressure measurement was performed, and aldosterone levels were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by determining whole-body glucose disposal during a hyperinsulinemic clamp. IMMR in forearm skeletal muscle was measured with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. These assessments were repeated in the abdominally obese men following an 8-week weight loss or weight stable period. Sodium excretion and aldosterone levels were similar in lean and abdominally obese participants, but sodium excretion was inversely associated with aldosterone concentration only in the lean individuals [lean, β/100 mmol sodium excretion (adjusted for age and urinary potassium excretion) = -0.481 (95% confidence interval, -0.949 to -0.013); abdominally obese, β/100 mmol sodium excretion = -0.081 (95% confidence interval, -0.433 to 0.271); P for interaction = 0.02]. Aldosterone was not associated with IMMR, insulin sensitivity, or blood pressure and was unaffected by weight loss. In moderately abdominally obese men, the inverse relationship between sodium excretion and aldosterone concentration is less than that in lean men but does not translate into higher aldosterone levels. The absolute aldosterone level does not explain differences in microvascular and metabolic insulin sensitivity and blood pressure between lean and moderately abdominally obese men. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

Gender, Stress in Childhood and Adulthood, and Trajectories of Change in Body Mass

PubMed Central

Liu, Hui; Umberson, Debra

2015-01-01

Despite substantial evidence of the linkage between stress and weight change, previous studies have not considered how stress trajectories that begin in childhood and fluctuate throughout adulthood may work together to have long-term consequences for weight change. Working from a stress and life course perspective, we investigate the linkages between childhood stress, adulthood stress and trajectories of change in body mass (i.e., Body Mass Index, BMI) over time, with attention to possible gender variation in these processes. Data are drawn from a national longitudinal survey of the Americans’ Changing Lives (N=3,617). Results from growth curve analyses suggest that both women and men who experienced higher levels of childhood stress also report higher levels of stress in adulthood. At the beginning of the study period, higher levels of adulthood stress are related to greater BMI for women but not men. Moreover, women who experienced higher levels of childhood stress gained weight more rapidly throughout the 15-year study period than did women who experienced less childhood stress, but neither childhood nor adulthood stress significantly modified men’s BMI trajectories. These findings add to our understanding of how childhood stress—a more important driver of long-term BMI increase than adult stress—reverberates throughout the life course to foster cumulative disadvantage in body mass, and how such processes differ for men and women. Results highlight the importance of considering sex-specific social contexts of early childhood in order to design effective clinical programs that prevent or treat overweight and obesity later in life. PMID:26151391

Maternal prepregnancy obesity is an independent risk factor for frequent wheezing in infants by age 14 months.

PubMed

Guerra, Stefano; Sartini, Claudio; Mendez, Michelle; Morales, Eva; Guxens, Mònica; Basterrechea, Mikel; Arranz, Leonor; Sunyer, Jordi

2013-01-01

Maternal prepregnancy obesity has been linked to the offspring's risk for subsequent asthma. We determined whether maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of wheezing phenotypes early in life. We used data on 1107 mother-child pairs from two birth cohorts from the INMA-INfancia y Medio Ambiente project. Maternal height was measured and prepregnancy weight self-reported at enrolment (on average at 13.7 ± 2 weeks of gestation). Maternal prepregnancy body mass index was categorised as underweight, normal, overweight and obese according to WHO recommendations. Information on child's wheezing was obtained through questionnaires up to the age of 14 (± 1) months. Wheezing was classified as infrequent (<4 reported wheezing episodes) or frequent (≥ 4 episodes). Weight and length of infants were measured by trained study staff at 14.6 (± 1) months of age and weight-for-length z-scores computed. Although maternal obesity did not increase the risk of the child to have any or infrequent wheezing, children of obese mothers were more likely to have frequent wheezing than children of normal-weight mothers (11.8% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.002). In fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression models, including infants' weight-for-length z-scores and other covariates, maternal prepregnancy obesity was associated with increased risk of frequent [adjusted relative risk (RR) 4.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55, 11.3] but not infrequent (RR 1.05 [95% CI 0.55, 2.01]) wheezing in their children. Maternal prepregnancy obesity is independently associated with an increased risk of frequent wheezing in the infant by the age of 14 months. These findings add evidence on the potential effects of in utero exposures on asthma-related phenotypes. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Low-glycemic load decreases postprandial insulin and glucose and increases postprandial ghrelin in white but not black women.

PubMed

Brownley, Kimberly A; Heymen, Steve; Hinderliter, Alan L; Galanko, Joseph; Macintosh, Beth

2012-07-01

Alterations in appetite hormones favoring increased postprandial satiety have been implicated in both the glycemic control and potential weight-loss benefits of a low-glycemic diet. Racial differences exist in dietary glycemic load and appetite hormone concentrations. This study examined the impact of glycemic load on appetite hormones in 20 black women [10 normal weight, BMI = 22.8 ± 1.42 (mean ± SD); 10 obese, BMI = 35.1 ± 2.77] and 20 white women (10 normal weight, BMI = 22.9 ± 1.45; 10 obese, BMI = 34.3 ± 2.77). Each woman completed two 4.5-d weight-maintenance, mixed-macronutrient, high-glycemic vs. low-glycemic load diets that concluded with a test meal of identical composition. Blood samples collected before and serially for 3 h after each test meal were assayed for plasma ghrelin and serum insulin and glucose concentrations. Compared with the high-glycemic load meal, the low-glycemic load meal was associated with lower insulin(AUC) (P = 0.02), glucose(AUC) (P = 0.01), and urge to eat ratings (P = 0.05) but with higher ghrelin(AUC) (P = 0.008). These results suggest the satiating effect of a low-glycemic load meal is not directly linked to enhanced postprandial suppression of ghrelin. Notably, these effects were significant among white but not black women, suggesting that black women may be less sensitive than white women to the glucoregulatory effects of a low-glycemic load. These findings add to a growing literature demonstrating racial differences in postprandial appetite hormone responses. If reproducible, these findings have implications for individualized diet prescription for the purposes of glucose or weight control in women.

[Prospective observational study of insulin detemir in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating insulin therapy for the first time (SOLVE Study)].

PubMed

Orozco-Beltrán, Domingo; Artola-Menéndez, Sara

2016-02-01

Describe the experience in the primary care setting with insulin detemir in patients with poorly controlled type2 diabetes mellitus that need to add-on insulin to their oral antidiabetic drug therapy. Prospective observational study of 6 months of follow up, performed in 10 countries. In Spain, participating sites were only from the primary care setting. Eligible patients were those with poorly controlled type2 diabetes mellitus adding-on once-daily insulin detemir to their existing oral antidiabetic therapy in the month prior to their enrollment. The change of Hb1Ac and of weight at the end of the study and the incidence of hypoglycemia and adverse reactions, were analyzed. We report the results obtained in the Spanish cohort. Overall 17,374 patients were included, 973 in Spain [mean age 64.8 years (SE 12); duration of diabetes 9.4 years (SE 6.2); Hb1Ac 8.9% (DE 1.4)]. In the sample analyzed for efficacy (n=474) the mean change of Hb1Ac was -1.6% (95%CI: -1.75 to -1.42; P<.001), mean change of weight was -2.9 kg (95%CI: -3.72 to -2.08; P<.001). Only one episode of severe hypoglycemia was reported, which was also the only serious adverse reaction reported in the study. The incidence rate of non-severe hypoglycemia was 2.44 events/patient-year. In this cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving newly initiated insulin therapy, once-daily detemir improved the glycemic control, with low incidence of hypoglycemia and a significant reduction of the weight. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A force plate measurement system to assess hindlimb weight support of spinal cord injured rats.

PubMed

Chang, Ming-Wen; Chang, Ching-Ping; Wei, Ying-Chieh; Hou, Shang-You; Young, Ming-Shing; Lin, Mao-Tsun

2010-05-30

This paper describes a force plate system for quantitative measurement of the hindlimb weight support of rats. The system is built around a microcontroller and uses strain gauges to measure individually the weight applied by each limb and also the general hindquarters of the rat. The sum of weights on the individual force plates adds up to the total weight of the rat. Mathematical comparison of the weights of the different force plates allows calculation of the weight percentage of the hindquarters (W%HQ=(hindquarters weight/total weight)x100%). When hindlimb impairment is high, the W%HQ is high and vise versa, allowing hindlimb weight support to be evaluated by the W%HQ. An actual laboratory embodiment is demonstrated and real experiments are performed on spinal cord damaged rats. W%HQ results are compared with Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor behavioural test results on the same rats at approximately the same time. When a rat is placed in the correct position of the test chamber, the user can use a local keypad/LCD display (standalone mode) or the PC keyboard/display to control the system and access the current data. Comparing our results with those of the BBB method confirms the proposed hardware and W%HQ metric represent very well the recovery of a rat after spinal cord injury. Medical investigators report that under actual use, the presented system is stable, accurate and easy to use. Additional advantages of the presented force plate system include stand-alone capability, non-dependence on subjective human judgement and quantitative results. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recruitment of young adults for weight gain prevention: randomized comparison of direct mail strategies.

PubMed

Crane, Melissa M; LaRose, Jessica Gokee; Espeland, Mark A; Wing, Rena R; Tate, Deborah F

2016-06-08

Recruiting young adults (ages 18-35 years) into weight gain prevention intervention studies is challenging and men are particularly difficult to reach. This paper describes two studies designed to improve recruitment for a randomized trial of weight gain prevention interventions. Study 1 used a quasi-experimental design to test the effect of two types of direct mailings on their overall reach. Study 2 used a randomized design to test the effect of using targeted messages to increase recruitment of men into the trial. For Study 1, 60,000 male and female young-adult households were randomly assigned to receive either a recruitment brochure or postcard. Visits to recruitment websites during each mailing period were used to assess response to each mailing. Study 2 focused on postcard recruitment only. These households received either a targeted or generic recruitment postcard, where targeted postcards included the word "Men" in the headline text. Response rates to each type of card were categorized based on participant report of mailing received. The reach of the postcards and brochures were similar (421 and 386 website visits, respectively; P = 0.22). Individuals who received the brochure were more likely to initiate the online screener than those who received a postcard (P = 0.01). In Study 2, of those who completed the telephone screening, 60.9 % of men (n = 23) had received the targeted postcard as compared to the generic postcard (39.1 %, P = 0.30). The reverse was true for women (n = 62, 38.7 vs. 61.3 %, P = 0.08). These studies suggest there was little difference in the reach of postcards versus brochures. However, recipients of brochures were more likely to continue to the next stage of study participation. As expected, men's response to the weight gain prevention messages was lower than women's response; but using targeted messages appears to have modestly increased the proportion of male respondents. These studies add to the limited experimental literature on recruitment messaging and provide further indication for using targeted messages to reach underrepresented populations while providing initial evidence on the effect of mailing type on message reach. The Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01183689 ) on 13 August 2010.

Sparse and stable Markowitz portfolios

PubMed Central

Brodie, Joshua; Daubechies, Ingrid; De Mol, Christine; Giannone, Domenico; Loris, Ignace

2009-01-01

We consider the problem of portfolio selection within the classical Markowitz mean-variance framework, reformulated as a constrained least-squares regression problem. We propose to add to the objective function a penalty proportional to the sum of the absolute values of the portfolio weights. This penalty regularizes (stabilizes) the optimization problem, encourages sparse portfolios (i.e., portfolios with only few active positions), and allows accounting for transaction costs. Our approach recovers as special cases the no-short-positions portfolios, but does allow for short positions in limited number. We implement this methodology on two benchmark data sets constructed by Fama and French. Using only a modest amount of training data, we construct portfolios whose out-of-sample performance, as measured by Sharpe ratio, is consistently and significantly better than that of the naïve evenly weighted portfolio. PMID:19617537

A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin plus a sulphonylurea.

PubMed

Moses, R G; Kalra, S; Brook, D; Sockler, J; Monyak, J; Visvanathan, J; Montanaro, M; Fisher, S A

2014-05-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin as add-on therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin plus a sulphonylurea. In this 24-week, multicentre, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind study, outpatients aged ≥18 years with type 2 diabetes, body mass index ≤40 kg/m(2) and inadequate glycaemic control, received saxagliptin 5 mg or placebo once-daily added to background medication consisting of a stable maximum tolerated dose of metformin plus a sulphonylurea. The primary end point was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24. Safety and tolerability assessments included adverse events (AEs), hypoglycaemia and body weight. A total of 257 patients were randomized, treated and included in the safety analysis (saxagliptin, n = 129; placebo, n = 128); 255 were included in the efficacy analysis (saxagliptin, n = 127; placebo, n = 128). HbA1c reduction was greater with saxagliptin versus placebo [between-group difference in adjusted mean change from baseline, -0.66%; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.86 to -0.47 (7 mmol/mol, -9.4 to -5.1); p < 0.0001]. The proportion of patients with ≥1 AE was 62.8% with saxagliptin and 71.7% with placebo. In the saxagliptin and placebo groups, rates of reported hypoglycaemia were 10.1 and 6.3%, respectively, and rates of confirmed hypoglycaemia (symptoms + glucose < 2.8 mmol/l) were 1.6 and 0%. Mean change in body weight was 0.2 kg for saxagliptin and -0.6 kg for placebo (p = 0.0272). Addition of saxagliptin 5 mg/day in patients inadequately controlled on metformin and sulphonylurea effectively improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effectiveness and tolerability of second-line therapy with vildagliptin vs. other oral agents in type 2 diabetes: A real-life worldwide observational study (EDGE)

PubMed Central

Mathieu, C; Barnett, A H; Brath, H; Conget, I; de Castro, J J; Göke, R; Márquez Rodriguez, E; Nilsson, P M; Pagkalos, E; Penfornis, A; Schaper, NC; Wangnoo, S K; Kothny, W; Bader, G

2013-01-01

Aim Real-life studies are needed to confirm the clinical relevance of findings from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of vildagliptin add-on vs. other oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) added to OAD monotherapy in a real-life setting, and to explore the advantages and limitations of large-scale ‘pragmatic’ trials. Methods EDGE was a prospective, 1-year, worldwide, real-life observational study in which 2957 physicians reported on the effects of second-line OADs in 45,868 patients with T2DM not reaching glycaemic targets with monotherapy. Physicians could add any OAD, and patients entered either vildagliptin or (pooled) comparator cohort. The primary effectiveness and tolerability end-point (PEP) evaluated proportions of patients decreasing HbA1c > 0.3%, without hypoglycaemia, weight gain, peripheral oedema or gastrointestinal side effects. The most clinically relevant secondary end-point (SEP 3) was attainment of end-point HbA1c < 7% without hypoglycaemia or ≥ 3% increase in body weight. Results In this large group of T2DM patients, a second OAD was added at mean HbA1c of 8.2 ± 1.3%, with no baseline HbA1c difference between cohorts. Second-line OAD therapy attained the PEP in the majority of patients, with higher attainment in those prescribed a vildagliptin-based regimen. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.42, 1.55; p < 0.001). In patients with baseline HbA1c ≥ 7%, SEP 3 was achieved by 35% of patients on a vildagliptin-based combination and by 23% of those receiving comparator combinations. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.85, 2.07; p < 0.001). Safety events were reported infrequently and safety profiles of vildagliptin and other OADs were consistent with previous data. Conclusion EDGE demonstrates that in a ‘real-life’ setting, vildagliptin as second OAD can lower HbA1c to target without well-recognised OAD side effects, more frequently than comparator OADs. In addition, EDGE illustrates that conducting large-scale, prospective, real-life studies poses challenges but yields valuable clinical information complementary to RCTs. PMID:23961850

Some New Estimation Methods for Weighted Regression When There are Possible Outliers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

about influential points, and to add to our understanding of the structure of the data In Section 2 we show, by considering the influence function , why... influence function lampel; 1968, 1974) for the maximum likelihood esti- mator is proportional to (EP-l)h(x), where £= (y-x’B)exp[-h’(x)e], and is thus...unbounded. Since the influence function for the MLE is quadratic in the residual c, in theory a point with a sufficiently large residual can have an

Design and Testing of an Erosion Resistant Ultrasonic De-Icing System for Rotorcraft Blades

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

need for pneumatic slip rings , and the potential of holes located on the blade to clog. The 11-gallon tank adds significant weight and only protects...icing were the need of heavy pneumatic slip rings , and the need for a coating able to protect against both rain and sand erosion. 14 1.1.4.6...feet in diameter at an RPM of 1000 (see Figure 49). Four slip rings carry 48 signal channels and 24 power channels from the rotating frame of the

Review of the Clinical Effect of Orlistat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Xiguang

2018-01-01

Obesity has been a main risk for the development of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and many other chronic problems worldwide. Lifestyle modification is the best way to lose weight but very hard to implement, thus pharmacotherapy is regarded as a good add-on to dietary and lifestyle therapies. This review provides an overview of the olistat, a drug for obesity approved by FDA, about its mechanism of action, efficacy for obesity and some other diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, as well as its safety and adverse effects.

Spawning strategy in Atlantic bobtail squid Sepiola atlantica (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Marcelo; Garcí, Manuel E.; Troncoso, Jesús S.; Guerra, Ángel

2011-03-01

This study aimed to determine the spawning strategy in the Atlantic bobtail squid Sepiola atlantica, in order to add new information to the knowledge of its reproductive strategy. A total of 12 females that spawned in aquaria were examined. Characteristics of the reproductive traits and egg clutches were similar to those of other known Sepiolidae. Clutch size varied from 31 up to 115 eggs. Females of this species had incorporated up to 1.58 times of their body weight into laid eggs. The size of laid eggs showed a positive correlation with maternal body size, supporting the idea that female size is a determinant of egg size. Our data suggest that S. atlantica is an intermittent terminal spawner , and that its spawning strategy comprises group-synchronous ovary maturation, multiple egg laying, and deposition of egg clutches in different locations. The obtained data provide insights for future comparative studies on reproductive allocation.

A Longitudinal View of the Relationship Between Social Marginalization and Obesity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apolloni, Andrea; Marathe, Achla; Pan, Zhengzheng

We use 3 Waves of the Add Health data collected between 1994 and 2002 to conduct a longitudinal study of the relationship between social marginalization and the weight status of adolescents and young adults. Past studies have shown that overweight and obese children are socially marginalized. This research tests (1) if this is true when we account for the sample size of each group, (2) does this phenomenon hold over time and (3) is it obesity or social marginalization that precedes in time. Our results show that when the sample size for each group is considered, the share of friendship is conforming to the size of the group. This conformity seems to increase over time as the population becomes more obese. Finally, we find that obesity precedes social marginalization which lends credence to the notion that obesity causes social marginalization and not vice versa.

The obesity penalty in the labor market using longitudinal Canadian data.

PubMed

Chu, Filmer; Ohinmaa, Arto

2016-12-01

A Canadian study of weight discrimination also known as the obesity wage-penalty. This paper adds to the limited Canadian literature while also introducing a causal model, which can be applied to future Canadian studies. A general working-class sample group is utilized with personal income, which removes many biases introduced in other studies. The evidence suggests that a 1-unit increase in lagged BMI is associated with a 0.7% decrease in personal for obese Canadian females. Similar to other studies, the male results are inconsistent. The evidence brought forward in this study can provide an effective financial incentive for health promotion among Canadians for law and policy makers. Beyond health reasons, these results can also be applied as empirical evidence of gender discrimination based on body image perception. The evidence suggests that male physique is not a contributing factor in income, but larger female physique is associated with lower personal income. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Body mass index gain between ages 20-40 years and lifestyle characteristics of men at ages 40-60 years: The Adventist Health Study-2

PubMed Central

Japas, Claudio; Knutsen, Synnøve; Dehom, Salem; Dos Santos, Hildemar; Tonstad, Serena

2014-01-01

Background Obesity increases risk of premature disease, and may be associated with unfavorable lifestyle changes that add to risk. This study analyzed the association of midlife BMI change with current lifestyle patterns among multiethnic men. Methods Men aged 40-60 years (n=9864) retrospectively reported body weight between ages 20-40 years and current dietary, TV, physical activity and sleep practices in the Adventist Health Study II, a study of church-goers in the US and Canada. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, odds ratios for BMI gain were calculated for each lifestyle practice controlling for sociodemographic and other lifestyle factors and current BMI. Results Men with median or higher BMI gain (2.79 kg/m2) between ages 20-40 years were more likely to consume a non-vegetarian diet, and engage in excessive TV watching and little physical activity and had a shorter sleep duration compared to men with BMI gain below the median (all p<0.001). In multivariate logistic analysis current BMI was significantly associated with all lifestyle factors in multivariate analyses (all p≤0.005). BMI gain was associated with lower odds of vegetarian diet (odds ratio [OR] 0.939; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.921-0.957) and of physical activity ≥150 minutes/week (OR 0.979, 95% CI 0.960-0.999). Conclusions These findings imply that diet and less physical activity are associated with both gained and attained BMI, while inactivity (TV watching) and short sleep duration correlated only with attained BMI. Unhealthy lifestyle may add risk to that associated with BMI. Longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to infer causal relationships. PMID:25434910

Does body image influence the relationship between body weight and breastfeeding maintenance in new mothers?

PubMed

Swanson, Vivien; Keely, Alice; Denison, Fiona C

2017-09-01

Obese women have lower breastfeeding initiation and maintenance rates than healthy weight women. Research generally focuses on biomedical explanations for this. Psychosocial factors including body image and well-being after childbirth are less well understood as predictors of breastfeeding. In obese and healthy weight women, we investigated changes in body image between 72 hrs post-delivery and 6-8 weeks post-natal, studying how women's body image related to breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. We also investigated how psychological distress was related to body image. Longitudinal semi-structured questionnaire survey. Body image and psychological distress were assessed within 72 hrs of birth and by postal questionnaire at 6-8 weeks, for 70 obese and 70 healthy weight women initiating exclusive (breastmilk only) breastfeeding or mixed feeding (with formula milk) in hospital. Breastfeeding was re-assessed at 6-8 weeks. Obese women were less likely to exclusively breastfeed in hospital and maintain breastfeeding to 6-8 weeks. Better body image was related to maintaining breastfeeding and to lower post-natal psychological distress for all women, but education level was the most significant predictor of maintenance in multivariate regression including body image and weight status. Body image mediated, but did not moderate the relationship between weight and breastfeeding maintenance. Body image was lower overall in obese women, but all women had low body image satisfaction around childbirth, reducing further at 6-8 weeks. Health professionals should consider women's body image when discussing breastfeeding. A focus on breast function over form may support breastfeeding for all women. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Obesity can negatively affect breastfeeding initiation and maintenance, but there is little information about how psychosocial factors affect this relationship. Body image may be an important factor, but has not been studied in relation to breastfeeding maintenance. What does this study add This article examines the influence of body image on obese and healthy-weight women's breastfeeding maintenance at 6-8 weeks. Different aspects of body image mediated but did not moderate the relationship between weight status and breastfeeding maintenance, but in multivariate regression, maternal education level was the most significant predictor. Obese women had poorer body image and were less likely to maintain breastfeeding; however, for all women, body image became more negative in this postpartum period. Interventions should normalize positive aspects of women's postnatal bodies, including function rather than form. Addressing body concerns could encourage new mothers to maintain breastfeeding, irrespective of weight status. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

Tolerability of saxagliptin in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes: results from 6 phase III studies.

PubMed

Davidson, Jaime A

2014-02-01

Oral antihyperglycemic drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vary in safety and tolerability. Treatment-related hypoglycemia and weight gain can exacerbate underlying disease.  To evaluate the tolerability of saxagliptin using data from phase III clinical trials.  Six 24-week randomized studies in 4,214 patients with T2DM were assessed. Saxagliptin 2.5 mg or 5 mg was compared with placebo in 2 trials of monotherapy in treatment-naïve patients and in 3 trials of add-on therapy to metformin, glyburide, or a thiazolidinedione; initial combination therapy with saxagliptin 5 mg plus metformin was compared with metformin monotherapy in treatment-naïve patients. Data from the monotherapy and add-on studies were pooled; data from the initial combination study were analyzed separately. No statistical analyses of between-group comparisons across studies were conducted for these safety analyses because of multiplicity of end points and relative lack of statistical power and because small differences not reaching statistical significance have the potential to be clinically relevant.   In the pooled analysis, incidence rates for adverse events (AEs) with saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and placebo were 72.0% (635/882), 72.2% (637/882), and 70.6% (564/799), respectively; rates for serious AEs (SAEs) were 3.5% (31/882), 3.4% (30/882), and 3.4% (27/799); rates of discontinuation due to AEs were 2.2% (19/882), 3.3% (29/882), and 1.8% (14/799). AEs reported in ≥ 2% of patients receiving saxagliptin and occurring ≥ 1% more frequently with saxagliptin than with placebo were sinusitis, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, and vomiting. In the initial combination study, AE incidence rates with saxagliptin 5 mg plus metformin and metformin monotherapy were 55.3% (177/320) and 58.5% (192/328), respectively; incidence rates for SAEs were 2.5% (8/320) and 2.4% (8/328); and rates of discontinuation due to AEs were 2.5% (8/320) and 3.4% (11/328).  Saxagliptin 2.5 mg or 5 mg was generally well tolerated as monotherapy, add-on combination therapy with other oral antihyperglycemic drugs, and initial combination with metformin.  

The MMPI-168(L) and ADD in Assessing Psychopathology in Individuals with Mental Retardation: Between and within Instrument Associations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDaniel, William F.; Passmore, Corie E.; Sewell, Hollie M.

2003-01-01

A study involving 58 adults with mental retardation and mental disorders found few correlations between the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Assessment of Dual Diagnosis (ADD). The major exception was the Mania scale of the MMPI, which correlated moderately well with the ADD Schizophrenia and Dementia scales. (Contains…

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and childhood growth and overweight: results from a large Norwegian prospective observational cohort study

PubMed Central

Botton, Jérémie; Brantsæter, Anne-Lise; Haugen, Margaretha; Alexander, Jan; Meltzer, Helle Margrete; Bacelis, Jonas; Elfvin, Anders; Jacobsson, Bo; Sengpiel, Verena

2018-01-01

Objectives To study the association between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and the child’s weight gain and overweight risk up to 8 years. Design Prospective nationwide pregnancy cohort. Setting The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Participants A total of 50 943 mothers recruited from 2002 to 2008 and their children, after singleton pregnancies, with information about average caffeine intake assessed at mid-pregnancy. Outcome measure Child’s body size information at 11 age points from 6 weeks to 8 years. We defined excess growth in infancy as a WHO weight gain z-score of >0.67 from birth to age 1 year, and overweight according to the International Obesity Task Force. We used a growth model to assess individual growth trajectories. Results Compared with pregnant women with low caffeine intake (<50 mg/day, 46%), women with average (50–199 mg/day, 44%), high (≥200–299 mg/day, 7%) and very high (≥300 mg/day, 3%) caffeine intakes had an increased risk of their child experiencing excess growth in infancy, after adjustment for confounders (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.22, OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.45, OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.93, respectively). In utero exposure to any caffeine was associated with higher risk of overweight at age 3 years and 5 years, while the association persisted at 8 years, only for very high exposures. Any caffeine intake was associated with increased body mass index from infancy to childhood. Children prenatally exposed to caffeine intake >200 mg/day had consistently higher weight. Very high caffeine exposures were associated with higher weight gain velocity from infancy to age 8 years. Conclusion Any caffeine consumption during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of excess infant growth and of childhood overweight, mainly at preschool ages. Maternal caffeine intake may modify the overall weight growth trajectory of the child from birth to 8 years. This study adds supporting evidence for the current advice to reduce caffeine intake during pregnancy. PMID:29685923

[Passive tactile stimulation and its clinical and neurophysiological repercussions (P300) in blind children with symptoms of attention deficit disorder].

PubMed

Serrano-Marugán, Isabel; Herrera, Begoña; Romero, Sara; Nogales, Ramón; Poch-Broto, Joaquín; Quintero, Javier; Ortiz, Tomás

2014-02-24

Tactile stimulation is key for the posterior brain re-organization activity and attention processes, however the impact of tactile stimulation on attention deficit disorder (ADD) in blind children remains unexplored. We carried out a study with children having or not ADD (four per group). The subjects have been exposed during six months to tactile stimulation protocol consisting in two daily sessions (morning and afternoon sessions) of 30 minutes each. We have measured the ability to detect an infrequent tactile stimulus, reaction time, latency of P300, sources of brain activity, and ADD clinical symptoms, before and after tactile training. Passive tactile stimulation significantly improves ADD clinical symptoms, particularly attention, behavior and self-control of involuntary movements and tics. In addition, tactile stimulation changes the pattern of brain activity in ADD blind children inducing activity in frontal and occipital areas, which could be associated to a compensation of the attention deficit. Passive tactile stimulation training may improve ADD clinical symptoms and can reorganize the pattern of brain activity in blind ADD children.

Impact of Anxiety and/or Depressive Disorders and Chronic Somatic Diseases on disability and work impairment.

PubMed

Bokma, Wicher A; Batelaan, Neeltje M; van Balkom, Anton J L M; Penninx, Brenda W J H

2017-03-01

Anxiety and/or Depressive Disorders (ADDs) and Chronic Somatic Diseases (CSDs) are associated with substantial levels of health-related disability and work impairment. However, it is unclear whether comorbid ADDs and CSDs additively affect functional outcomes. This paper examines the impact of ADDs, CSDs, and their comorbidity on disability, work absenteeism and presenteeism. Baseline data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (n=2371) were used. We assessed presence of current ADDs (using psychiatric interviews, CIDI) and presence of self-reported CSDs. Outcome measures were disability scores (WHO-DAS II questionnaire, overall and domain-specific), work absenteeism (≤2weeks and >2weeks; TiC-P) and presenteeism (reduced and impaired work performance; TiC-P). We conducted multivariate regression analyses adjusted for socio-demographics. Both ADDs and CSDs significantly and independently impact total disability, but the impact was substantially larger for ADDs (main effect unstandardized β=20.1, p<.001) than for CSDs (main effect unstandardized β=3.88, p<.001). There was a positive interaction between ADDs and CSDs on disability (unstandardized β interaction=4.06, p=.004). Although CSDs also induce absenteeism (OR for extended absenteeism=1.42, p=.015) and presenteeism (OR for impaired work performance=1.42, p=.013), associations with ADDs were stronger (OR for extended absenteeism=6.64, p<.001; OR for impaired work performance=7.51, p<.001). Both CSDs and ADDs cause substantial disability, work absenteeism and presenteeism, but the impact of ADDs far exceeds that of CSDs. CSDs and ADDs interact synergistically on disability, thereby bolstering the current view that patients with physical mental comorbidity (PM-comorbidity) form a severe subgroup with an unfavourable prognosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging at 7 T: Improved diagnosis of cerebral cavernous malformations and associated developmental venous anomalies☆☆☆

PubMed Central

Frischer, Josa M.; Göd, Sabine; Gruber, Andreas; Saringer, Walter; Grabner, Günther; Gatterbauer, Brigitte; Kitz, Klaus; Holzer, Sabrina; Kronnerwetter, Claudia; Hainfellner, Johannes A.; Knosp, Engelbert; Trattnig, Siegfried

2012-01-01

Background and aim In the diagnosis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) magnetic resonance imaging is established as the gold standard. Conventional MRI techniques have their drawbacks in the diagnosis of CCMs and associated venous malformations (DVAs). The aim of our study was to evaluate susceptibility weighted imaging SWI for the detection of CCM and associated DVAs at 7 T in comparison with 3 T. Patients and methods 24 patients (14 female, 10 male; median age: 38.3 y (21.1 y–69.1 y) were included in the study. Patients enrolled in the study received a 3 T and a 7 T MRI on the same day. The following sequences were applied on both field strengths: a T1 weighted 3D GRE sequence (MP-RAGE) and a SWI sequence. After obtaining the study MRIs, eleven patients underwent surgery and 13 patients were followed conservatively or were treated radio-surgically. Results Patients initially presented with haemorrhage (n = 4, 16.7%), seizures (n = 2, 8.3%) or other neurology (n = 18, 75.0%). For surgical resected lesions histopathological findings verified the diagnosis of CCMs. A significantly higher number of CCMs was diagnosed at 7 T SWI sequences compared with 3 T SWI (p < 0.05). Additionally diagnosed lesions on 7 T MRI were significantly smaller compared to the initial lesions on 3 T MRIs (p < 0.001). Further, more associated DVAs were diagnosed at 7 T MRI compared to 3 T MRI. Conclusion SWI sequences at ultra-high-field MRI improve the diagnosis of CCMs and associated DVAs and therefore add important pre-operative information. PMID:24179744

Short-term combined treatment with liraglutide and metformin leads to significant weight loss in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and previous poor response to metformin

PubMed Central

Jensterle Sever, Mojca; Kocjan, Tomaz; Pfeifer, Marija; Kravos, Nika Aleksandra; Janez, Andrej

2014-01-01

Objective The effect of metformin on weight reduction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often unsatisfactory. In this study, we investigated the potential add-on effect of treatment with the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on weight loss in obese nondiabetic women with PCOS who had lost <5% body weight during pretreatment with metformin. Methods A total of 40 obese women with PCOS, who had been pretreated with metformin for at least 6 months, participated in a 12-week open-label, prospective study. They were randomized to one of three treatment arms: metformin (MET) arm 1000 mg BID, liraglutide (LIRA) arm 1.2 mg QD s.c., or combined MET 1000 mg BID and LIRA (COMBI) 1.2 mg QD s.c. Lifestyle intervention was not actively promoted. The primary outcome was change in body weight. Results Thirty six patients (aged 31.3±7.1 years, BMI 37.1±4.6 kg/m2) completed the study: 14 on MET, 11 on LIRA, and 11 on combined treatment. COMBI therapy was superior to LIRA and MET monotherapy in reducing weight, BMI, and waist circumference. Subjects treated with COMBI lost on average 6.5±2.8 kg compared with a 3.8±3.7 kg loss in the LIRA group and a 1.2±1.4 kg loss in the MET group (P<0.001). The extent of weight loss was stratified: a total of 38% of subjects were high responders who lost ≥5% body weight, 22% of them in the COMBI arm compared with 16 and 0% in the LIRA and MET arm respectively. BMI decreased by 2.4±1.0 in the COMBI arm compared with 1.3±1.3 in LIRA and 0.5±0.5 in the MET arm (P<0.001). Waist circumference also decreased by 5.5±3.8 cm in the COMBI arm compared with 3.2±2.9 cm in LIRA and 1.6±2.9 cm in the MET arm (P=0.029). Subjects treated with liraglutide experienced more nausea than those treated with metformin, but severity of nausea decreased over time and did not correlate with weight loss. Conclusions Short-term combined treatment with liraglutide and metformin was associated with significant weight loss and decrease in waist circumference in obese women with PCOS who had previously been poor responders regarding weight reduction on metformin monotherapy. PMID:24362411

Properties of planetary ices in the NH3 + CO2 ± H2O ternary system using neutron diffraction and ab initio calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, C. M.; Wood, I. G.; Fortes, A. D.; Vocadlo, L.

2016-12-01

BackgroundInteractions between simple molecules are of fundamental interest across diverse areas of the physical sciences, and the ternary system NH3 + CO2 ± H2O is no exception. In the outer solar system, interaction of CO2 with aqueous ammonia is likely to occur, synthesizing `rock-forming' minerals [1], with CO2 perhaps playing a role in ammonia-water oceans and cryomagmas inside icy planetary bodies - the discovery of ammonium carbonates in a crater of Pluto's moon Charon [2] adds weight to CO2 occuring in these planetary environments. In the same context, ammonium carbonates may have some astrobiological relevance, since removal of water leads to the formation of urea. On Earth, combination of CO2 with aqueous ammonia has relevance to carbon capture schemes [3], and there is interest in using such materials for hydrogen storage in fuel cells [4]. Consequently, from earthly matters of climate change to the study of extraterrestrial ices, understanding the structures and properties of ammonium carbonates are important. Despite this, our knowledge of ammonium carbonates is limited under ambient conditions of pressure and temperature and is entirely absent at the higher pressures, severely limiting our ability to model the behaviour of NH3 + CO2 ± H2O solids and fluids in planetary environments. ResultsWe report the results of several experiments using variable pressure and temperature neutron diffraction work on ammonium carbonate monohydrate, ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate, with complementary Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The excellent agreement between experiments and DFT calculations obtained so far adds weight to the accuracy of calculated material properties of ammonium sesquicarbonate monohydrate and several polymorphs of urea where little empirical data exists. These experimental and computational studies provide the structural, thermoelastic and vibrational information required for accurate planetary modelling and remote identification of these material on planetary surfaces. [1] Kargel (1991) Icarus 94 , 368-390. [2] De Sanctis et al. (2016) Nature Letters, 1-4. [3] Han et al. (2013) Int. J. Greenhouse Gas Control 14 , 270-281. [4] Lan et al. (2012) Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 37 (2), 1482-1494.

Nutritional status of Palestinian preschoolers in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The authors examined factors associated with nutritional resilience/vulnerability among preschoolers in the Gaza Strip in 2007, where political violence and deprivation are widespread. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2007 using random sampling of kindergartens in order to select 350 preschoolers. Binary logistic regression was used to compare resilient (adequate nutrition) and vulnerable (stunted) groups with those with moderate nutrition. Results Approximately 37% of the subjects demonstrated nutritional resilience and 15% were vulnerable. Factors associated with nutritional resilience were child younger age, normal birth weight, actively hand- or spoon-feeding when the child was below two years, and residential stability in the past two years. The only factor associated with nutritional vulnerability was lower total score on the mother's General Health Questionnaire, which we interpret as a marker of maternal mental health. Conclusions Children with low-birth weight and older children had worse nutritional resiliency outcomes. Further, poorer outcomes for children were associated with lower maternal mental health status, as well as increased family residential instability. Our results add to the large literature on the pervasive effects of violence and instability on children and underscore the need for resources for early intervention and for the urgent resolution of the Palestinian and other armed conflicts. PMID:22236142

Nutritional status of Palestinian preschoolers in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Massad, Salwa G; Nieto, F J; Palta, Mari; Smith, Maureen; Clark, Roseanne; Thabet, Abdel-Aziz

2012-01-11

The authors examined factors associated with nutritional resilience/vulnerability among preschoolers in the Gaza Strip in 2007, where political violence and deprivation are widespread. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2007 using random sampling of kindergartens in order to select 350 preschoolers. Binary logistic regression was used to compare resilient (adequate nutrition) and vulnerable (stunted) groups with those with moderate nutrition. Approximately 37% of the subjects demonstrated nutritional resilience and 15% were vulnerable. Factors associated with nutritional resilience were child younger age, normal birth weight, actively hand- or spoon-feeding when the child was below two years, and residential stability in the past two years. The only factor associated with nutritional vulnerability was lower total score on the mother's General Health Questionnaire, which we interpret as a marker of maternal mental health. Children with low-birth weight and older children had worse nutritional resiliency outcomes. Further, poorer outcomes for children were associated with lower maternal mental health status, as well as increased family residential instability. Our results add to the large literature on the pervasive effects of violence and instability on children and underscore the need for resources for early intervention and for the urgent resolution of the Palestinian and other armed conflicts. © 2012 Massad et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

What money can buy: family income and childhood obesity.

PubMed

Jo, Young

2014-12-01

This paper investigates the relationship between family income and childhood obesity. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99 (ECLS-K), I report three new findings. First, family income and childhood obesity are generally negatively correlated, but for children in very low-income families, they are positively correlated. Second, the negative association between family income and Body Mass Index (BMI) is especially strong and significant among high-BMI children. Third, the difference in obesity rates between children from low- and high-income families increases as children age. This study further investigates potential factors that might contribute to a rapid increase in the obesity rate among low-income children. I find that their faster weight gain, rather than slower height growth, is a greater contributor to the rapid increase in their BMI over time. On the other hand, I also find that the faster weight gain by low-income children cannot be attributed to any single factor, such as participation in school meal programs, parental characteristics, or individual characteristics. These findings add to the current obesity debate by demonstrating that the key to curbing childhood obesity may lie in factors generating different obesity rates across income levels. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Add-on deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) for the treatment of chronic migraine: A preliminary study.

PubMed

Rapinesi, Chiara; Del Casale, Antonio; Scatena, Paola; Kotzalidis, Georgios D; Di Pietro, Simone; Ferri, Vittoria Rachele; Bersani, Francesco Saverio; Brugnoli, Roberto; Raccah, Ruggero Nessim; Zangen, Abraham; Ferracuti, Stefano; Orzi, Francesco; Girardi, Paolo; Sette, Giuliano

2016-06-03

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) can be an alternative treatment to relieve pain in chronic migraine (CM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-frequency dTMS in add-on to standard treatment for CM in patients not responding to effective abortive or preventive drug treatment. We randomized 14 patients with International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (ICHD-3) treatment-resistant CM to add-on dTMS (n=7) or standard abortive or preventive antimigraine treatment (n=7). Three sessions of alternate day 10Hz dTMS consisting of 600 pulses in 10 trains were delivered to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), bilaterally, but with left hemisphere prevalence, for 12 sessions spread over one month. The add-on dTMS treatment was well tolerated. Patients treated with dTMS showed significant reduction of pain intensity, frequency of attacks, analgesic overuse, and depressive symptoms during treatment and one month later, compared to the month preceding treatment and at the same time-points compared to the control group. As compared to standard pharmacological treatment alone, add-on high-frequency dTMS of the bilateral DLPFC reduced the frequency and intensity of migraine attack, drug overuse, and depressive symptoms. This study supports the add-on dTMS treatment in treatment-resistant CM. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Early versus late GD-DTPA MRI enhancement in experimental glioblastomas.

PubMed

Farace, Paolo; Tambalo, Stefano; Fiorini, Silvia; Merigo, Flavia; Daducci, Alessandro; Nicolato, Elena; Conti, Giamaica; Degrassi, Anna; Sbarbati, Andrea; Marzola, Pasquina

2011-03-01

To compare early versus late enhancement in two glioblastoma models characterized by different infiltrative/edematous patterns. Three weeks after inoculation into nude mice of U87MG and U251 cells, T1-weighted images were acquired early (10.5 min), intermediate (21 min) and late (30.5 min) after a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA at 300 μ mol/kg dosage. EARLY(TH) and LATE(TH) were the corresponding volumes with an enhancement higher than a threshold TH, defined by the mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ) on a contralateral healthy area. ADD(TH) was the enhancing volume found in LATE(TH) but not in EARLY(TH). T2 imaging of both tumors was performed, and T2 mapping of U251. In all tumors, LATE(TH) was significantly higher than EARLY(TH) for TH ranging from μ+σ to μ+5σ. The ADD(TH) /EARLY(TH) ratio was not significantly different when U251 and U87MG tumors were compared. In the U87MG tumors, some enhancement was observed outside the regularly demarcated T2-hyperintense area. In the U251 tumors, irregularly T2 demarcated, a large portion of ADD(μ+3σ) had normal T2 values. At histology, U251 showed a higher infiltrative pattern than U87MG. In these models, the increase over time in the enhancing volume did not depend on the different infiltrative/edematous patterns and was not closely related with edema. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effects of the Healthy Start randomized intervention trial on physical activity among normal weight preschool children predisposed to overweight and obesity.

PubMed

Händel, Mina Nicole; Larsen, Sofus Christian; Rohde, Jeanett Friis; Stougaard, Maria; Olsen, Nanna Julie; Heitmann, Berit Lilienthal

2017-01-01

There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of primary interventions aiming to prevent excess weight gain among young children. Evaluating behavioral changes, such as physical activity (PA), may add to future development of efficient interventions. The objective was to evaluate the effect on PA outcomes of the 15 month Healthy Start intervention that focused on changing diet, PA, sleep and stress management among normal weight but obesity-prone preschool children. Children were defined as obesity-prone if they had a birth weight > 4,000 g, mothers with a pre-pregnancy body mass index of > 28 kg/m2, or mothers with ≤ 10 years of schooling. From a baseline study population of 635 normal weight 2-6 year old preschool children from the greater Copenhagen area, parents of 307 children had given information on PA at both the baseline and follow-up examinations. PA was obtained from a 7 days recording in the Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire. Time used for sport activities were combined with outdoor playing time to achieve a proxy of total PA level of moderate to vigorous intensity. Linear regression analyses revealed that at follow-up the intervention group spent more time on sports and outdoor activities combined per week than the control group (ITT analyses: intervention: 400 min/week; 95% confidence interval (CI): 341, 459 versus control: 321 min/week; 95% CI: 277, 366; p = 0.02), although no significant intervention effects were seen for each of the subcategories, e.g. sports participation, outdoor activities, screen time, or commuting frequency. Our results suggest that the overall time spent on sports and outdoor activities combined was increased at follow-up among normal weight obesity-prone children, as a result of the Healthy Start intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01583335.

Effects of the Healthy Start randomized intervention trial on physical activity among normal weight preschool children predisposed to overweight and obesity

PubMed Central

Larsen, Sofus Christian; Rohde, Jeanett Friis; Stougaard, Maria; Olsen, Nanna Julie; Heitmann, Berit Lilienthal

2017-01-01

Background There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of primary interventions aiming to prevent excess weight gain among young children. Evaluating behavioral changes, such as physical activity (PA), may add to future development of efficient interventions. The objective was to evaluate the effect on PA outcomes of the 15 month Healthy Start intervention that focused on changing diet, PA, sleep and stress management among normal weight but obesity-prone preschool children. Children were defined as obesity-prone if they had a birth weight > 4,000 g, mothers with a pre-pregnancy body mass index of > 28 kg/m2, or mothers with ≤ 10 years of schooling. Method From a baseline study population of 635 normal weight 2–6 year old preschool children from the greater Copenhagen area, parents of 307 children had given information on PA at both the baseline and follow-up examinations. PA was obtained from a 7 days recording in the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire. Time used for sport activities were combined with outdoor playing time to achieve a proxy of total PA level of moderate to vigorous intensity. Results Linear regression analyses revealed that at follow-up the intervention group spent more time on sports and outdoor activities combined per week than the control group (ITT analyses: intervention: 400 min/week; 95% confidence interval (CI): 341, 459 versus control: 321 min/week; 95% CI: 277, 366; p = 0.02), although no significant intervention effects were seen for each of the subcategories, e.g. sports participation, outdoor activities, screen time, or commuting frequency. Conclusion Our results suggest that the overall time spent on sports and outdoor activities combined was increased at follow-up among normal weight obesity-prone children, as a result of the Healthy Start intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01583335 PMID:28991907

Individual differences in striatum activity to food commercials predict weight gain in adolescents.

PubMed

Yokum, Sonja; Gearhardt, Ashley N; Harris, Jennifer L; Brownell, Kelly D; Stice, Eric

2014-12-01

Adolescents view thousands of food commercials annually, but little is known about how individual differences in neural response to food commercials relate to weight gain. To add to our understanding of individual risk factors for unhealthy weight gain and environmental contributions to the obesity epidemic, we tested the associations between reward region (striatum and orbitofrontal cortex [OFC]) responsivity to food commercials and future change in body mass index (BMI). Adolescents (N = 30) underwent a scan session at baseline while watching a television show edited to include 20 food commercials and 20 nonfood commercials. BMI was measured at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Activation in the striatum, but not OFC, in response to food commercials relative to nonfood commercials and in response to food commercials relative to the television show was positively associated with change in BMI over 1-year follow-up. Baseline BMI did not moderate these effects. The results suggest that there are individual differences in neural susceptibility to food advertising. These findings highlight a potential mechanism for the impact of food marketing on adolescent obesity. © 2014 The Obesity Society.

Compositional Changes in Foliage Phenolics with Plant Age, a Natural Experiment in Boreal Forests.

PubMed

Wam, Hilde Karine; Stolter, Caroline; Nybakken, Line

2017-09-01

The composition of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) extensively impacts ecosystem functioning. It is vital that we understand temporal patterns in the plants' allocation of resources to PSMs, particularly those influenced by human activity. Existing data are insufficient in the long-term perspective of perennial plants (age or ontogeny). We analysed phenolic concentrations in foliage from birch (Betula pubescens Ehr.) considered to be undamaged and growing on 5, 10 and 15 years old clear-cuts in two boreal forest landscapes in Norway, sampled at the peak of the growing season. In sum, low molecular weight phenolic concentrations decreased with age. Apart from one apigenin glycoside, the low molecular weight phenolics co-varied similarly at all ages, suggesting a lack of temporal compound-specific prioritisation of this group. In contrast, the concentration of MeOH-soluble condensed tannins increased with age. The compositional shift fits well with several hypotheses that may provide proximate explanations for age patterns in PSM allocations, including both resource constraints and external pressures. Regardless of these explanations, our study adds an important perennial perspective (plant age) to temporal PSM patterns already well-known in boreal plant phenology (foliage age).

Multi Criteria Evaluation Module for RiskChanges Spatial Decision Support System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olyazadeh, Roya; Jaboyedoff, Michel; van Westen, Cees; Bakker, Wim

2015-04-01

Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) module is one of the five modules of RiskChanges spatial decision support system. RiskChanges web-based platform aims to analyze changes in hydro-meteorological risk and provides tools for selecting the best risk reduction alternative. It is developed under CHANGES framework (changes-itn.eu) and INCREO project (increo-fp7.eu). MCE tool helps decision makers and spatial planners to evaluate, sort and rank the decision alternatives. The users can choose among different indicators that are defined within the system using Risk and Cost Benefit analysis results besides they can add their own indicators. Subsequently the system standardizes and prioritizes them. Finally, the best decision alternative is selected by using the weighted sum model (WSM). The Application of this work is to facilitate the effect of MCE for analyzing changing risk over the time under different scenarios and future years by adopting a group decision making into practice and comparing the results by numeric and graphical view within the system. We believe that this study helps decision-makers to achieve the best solution by expressing their preferences for strategies under future scenarios. Keywords: Multi-Criteria Evaluation, Spatial Decision Support System, Weighted Sum Model, Natural Hazard Risk Management

Low-energy isovector and isoscalar dipole response in neutron-rich nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vretenar, D.; Niu, Y. F.; Paar, N.; Meng, J.

2012-04-01

The self-consistent random-phase approximation, based on the framework of relativistic energy density functionals, is employed in the study of isovector and isoscalar dipole response in 68Ni,132Sn, and 208Pb. The evolution of pygmy dipole states (PDSs) in the region of low excitation energies is analyzed as a function of the density dependence of the symmetry energy for a set of relativistic effective interactions. The occurrence of PDSs is predicted in the response to both the isovector and the isoscalar dipole operators, and its strength is enhanced with the increase in the symmetry energy at saturation and the slope of the symmetry energy. In both channels, the PDS exhausts a relatively small fraction of the energy-weighted sum rule but a much larger percentage of the inverse energy-weighted sum rule. For the isovector dipole operator, the reduced transition probability B(E1) of the PDSs is generally small because of pronounced cancellation of neutron and proton partial contributions. The isoscalar-reduced transition amplitude is predominantly determined by neutron particle-hole configurations, most of which add coherently, and this results in a collective response of the PDSs to the isoscalar dipole operator.

Evaluation of add-on devices for the prevention of phlebitis and other complications associated with the use of peripheral catheters in hospitalised adults: a randomised controlled study.

PubMed

Martínez, J A; Piazuelo, M; Almela, M; Blecua, P; Gallardo, R; Rodríguez, S; Escalante, Z; Robau, M; Trilla, A

2009-10-01

The aim of this study was to assess the role of add-on devices for the prevention of phlebitis and other complications associated with the use of peripheral catheters. Patients admitted to an infectious diseases ward and requiring the insertion of a peripheral catheter for at least 24h were randomly allocated to be managed with or without add-on devices. Incidence of phlebitis and all complications were the primary outcomes. Extravasation, inadvertent withdrawal, obstruction and rupture were considered to be mechanical complications, and analysis was performed using survival methods. Of 683 evaluated catheters, 351 were allocated to the add-on device arm and 332 to the control arm. Despite randomisation, patients in the add-on device group were older (P=0.048), less likely to have human immunodeficiency virus (P=0.02) and more likely to have received antibiotics (P=0.05). After adjustment for these variables, the hazard ratio for phlebitis remained non-significant (hazard ratio: 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.7-1.3), but the risk of mechanical complications became lower in the add-on device arm (0.68; 0.5-0.94). This translated into a trend towards a lower risk of any complication (0.83; 0.67-1.01). The beneficial effect on mechanical or all complications was noticeable after six days of catheterisation. Add-on devices do not reduce the incidence of phlebitis but may prevent mechanical complications. However, the impact of add-on devices on the incidence of all complications is at most small and only apparent after the sixth day of catheter use.

Comparison of the effects of tolvaptan and furosemide on renal water and sodium excretion in patients with heart failure and advanced chronic kidney disease: a subanalysis of the K-STAR study.

PubMed

Tominaga, Naoto; Kida, Keisuke; Inomata, Takayuki; Sato, Naoki; Izumi, Tohru; Akashi, Yoshihiro J; Shibagaki, Yugo

2018-06-22

Tolvaptan (TLV) is known to increase electrolyte-free water clearance. However, TLV actions on renal electrolytes including urine sodium (uNa) excretion and its consequences are less well understood. This subanalysis investigated the effect of add-on TLV compared to increased furosemide (FUR) on both electrolyte-free water and electrolyte clearance in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) complicated by advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Kanagawa Aquaresis Investigators Trial of TLV on HF Patients with Renal Impairment (K-STAR) was a multicenter, open-labeled, randomized, and controlled prospective clinical study. Eighty-one Japanese patients with CHF and residual signs of congestion despite oral FUR treatment (≥ 40 mg/day) were recruited and randomly assigned to a 7-day add-on treatment with either ≤ 40 mg/day FUR or ≤ 15 mg/day TLV. Electrolyte-free water clearance, electrolyte osmolar clearance and electrolyte excretion were compared between the two groups before and after therapy. The change (Δ) in electrolyte-free water clearance was significantly higher in the add-on TLV group than in the add-on FUR group. However, Δelectrolyte osmolar clearance was also higher in the add-on TLV group than in the increased FUR group. This was primarily because ΔuNa excretion was significantly higher in the add-on TLV group than in the increased FUR group, since Δurine potassium excretion was significantly lower in the add-on TLV group than in the increased FUR group. Add-on TLV may increase both renal water and Na excretion in CHF patients with advanced CKD to a greater degree than increased FUR.

Enzymic aromatization of 6-alkyl-substituted androgens, potent competitive and mechanism-based inhibitors of aromatase.

PubMed Central

Numazawa, M; Yoshimura, A; Oshibe, M

1998-01-01

To gain insight into the relationships between the aromatase inhibitory activity of 6-alkyl-substituted androgens, potent competitive inhibitors, and their ability to serve as a substrate of aromatase, we studied the aromatization of a series of 6alpha- and 6beta-alkyl (methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-pentyl and n-heptyl)-substituted androst-4-ene-3,17-diones (ADs) and their androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) derivatives with human placental aromatase, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among the inhibitors examined, ADD and its 6alpha-alkyl derivatives with alkyl functions less than three carbons long, together with 6beta-methyl ADD, are suicide substrates of aromatase. All of the steroids, except for 6beta-n-pentyl ADD and its n-heptyl analogue as well as 6beta-n-heptyl AD, were found to be converted into the corresponding 6-alkyl oestrogens. The 6-methyl steroids were aromatized most efficiently in each series, and the aromatization rate essentially decreased in proportion to the length of the 6-alkyl chains in each series, where the 6alpha-alkyl androgens were more efficient substrates than the corresponding 6beta isomers. The Vmax of 6alpha-methyl ADD was approx. 2.5-fold that of the natural substrate AD and approx. 3-fold that of the parent ADD. On the basis of this, along with the facts that the rates of a mechanism-based inactivation of aromatase by ADD and its 6alpha-methyl derivative are similar, it is implied that alignment of 6alpha-methyl ADD in the active site could favour the pathway leading to oestrogen over the inactivation pathway, compared with that of ADD. The relative apparent Km values for the androgens obtained in this study are different from the relative Ki values obtained previously, indicating that there is a difference between the ability to serve as an inhibitor and the ability to serve as a substrate in the 6-alkyl androgen series. PMID:9405288

Clinical Manifestations of Human Brucellosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Dean, Anna S.; Crump, Lisa; Greter, Helena; Hattendorf, Jan; Schelling, Esther; Zinsstag, Jakob

2012-01-01

Background The objectives of this systematic review, commissioned by WHO, were to assess the frequency and severity of clinical manifestations of human brucellosis, in view of specifying a disability weight for a DALY calculation. Methods/Principal Findings Thirty three databases were searched, with 2,385 articles published between January 1990–June 2010 identified as relating to human brucellosis. Fifty-seven studies were of sufficient quality for data extraction. Pooled proportions of cases with specific clinical manifestations were stratified by age category and sex and analysed using generalized linear mixed models. Data relating to duration of illness and risk factors were also extracted. Severe complications of brucellosis infection were not rare, with 1 case of endocarditis and 4 neurological cases per 100 patients. One in 10 men suffered from epididymo-orchitis. Debilitating conditions such as arthralgia, myalgia and back pain affected around half of the patients (65%, 47% and 45%, respectively). Given that 78% patients had fever, brucellosis poses a diagnostic challenge in malaria-endemic areas. Significant delays in appropriate diagnosis and treatment were the result of health service inadequacies and socioeconomic factors. Based on disability weights from the 2004 Global Burden of Disease Study, a disability weight of 0.150 is proposed as the first informed estimate for chronic, localised brucellosis and 0.190 for acute brucellosis. Conclusions This systematic review adds to the understanding of the global burden of brucellosis, one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. The severe, debilitating, and chronic impact of brucellosis is highlighted. Well designed epidemiological studies from regions lacking in data would allow a more complete understanding of the clinical manifestations of disease and exposure risks, and provide further evidence for policy-makers. As this is the first informed estimate of a disability weight for brucellosis, there is a need for further debate amongst brucellosis experts and a consensus to be reached. PMID:23236528

Measurement of Gamma-Irradiated Corneal Patch Graft Thickness After Aqueous Drainage Device Surgery.

PubMed

de Luna, Regina A; Moledina, Ameera; Wang, Jiangxia; Jampel, Henry D

2017-09-01

Exposure of the tube of an aqueous drainage device (ADD) through the conjunctiva is a serious complication of ADD surgery. Although placement of gamma-irradiated sterile cornea (GISC) as a patch graft over the tube is commonly performed, exposures still occur. To measure GISC patch graft thickness as a function of time after surgery, estimate the rate of graft thinning, and determine risk factors for graft thinning. Cross-sectional study of graft thickness using anterior segment optic coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was conducted at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital. A total of 107 patients (120 eyes, 120 ADDs) 18 years or older who underwent ADD surgery at Johns Hopkins with GISC patch graft between July 1, 2010, and October 31, 2016, were enrolled. Implantation of ADD with placement of GISC patch graft over the tube. Graft thickness vs time after ADD surgery and risk factors for undetectable graft. Of the 107 patients included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age of the cohort was 64 (16.2) years, 49 (45.8%) were male, and 43 (40.2%) were African American. The mean time of measurement after surgery was 1.7 years (range, 1 day to 6 years). Thinner grafts were observed as the time after surgery lengthened (β regression coefficient, -60 µm per year since surgery; 95% CI, -80 µm to -40 µm). The odds ratio of undetectable grafts per year after ADD surgery was 2.1 (95% CI, 1.5-3.0; P < .001). Age, sex, race, type of ADD, quadrant of ADD placement, diagnosis of uveitis or dry eye, and prior conjunctival surgery were not correlated with the presence or absence of the graft. Gamma-irradiated sterile corneal patch grafts do not always retain their integrity after ADD surgery. Data from this cross-sectional study showed that on average, the longer the time after surgery, the thinner the graft. These findings suggest that placement of a GISC patch graft is no guarantee against tube exposure, and that better strategies are needed for preventing this complication.

Influence of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Friction-Related Disease on the Severity of Dry Eye.

PubMed

Vu, Chi Hoang Viet; Kawashima, Motoko; Yamada, Masakazu; Suwaki, Kazuhisa; Uchino, Miki; Shigeyasu, Chika; Hiratsuka, Yoshimune; Yokoi, Norihiko; Tsubota, Kazuo

2018-02-16

To evaluate the effect of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and friction-related disease (FRD) on the severity of dry eye disease (DED). Cross-sectional observational study. This study enrolled 449 patients with DED (63 men and 386 women; mean age, 62.6±15.7 years [range, 21-90 years]) for analysis. Subjective symptoms, the ocular surface, tear function, and the presence of MGD and FRD (superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctivochalasis, and lid wiper epitheliopathy) were investigated. Schirmer value, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and keratoconjunctival score. We classified the participants into aqueous-deficient dry eye (ADDE; n = 231 [51.4%]) and short TBUT dry eye subtype (TBUT-DE; n = 109 [24.3%]) subgroups. The TBUT was shorter in patients with MGD than in those without MGD, whereas other ocular signs showed no difference (TBUT: MGD present, 1.97±1.02 seconds; MGD absent, 2.94±1.63 seconds [P < 0.001]; ADDE/MGD present, 1.94±1.08 seconds; ADDE/MGD absent, 2.77±1.61 seconds [P < 0.001]; short TBUT-DE/MGD present, 2.07±0.97 seconds; short TBUT-DE/MGD absent, 2.94±1.23 seconds [P = 0.01]). The ADDE patients with FRD showed a worse TBUT than ADDE patients without FRD (TBUT: ADDE/FRD present, 2.08±1.39 seconds; ADDE/FRD absent, 2.92±1.54 seconds; P < 0.001). This study showed associations between MGD, FRD, or both and ocular signs in DED. In the presence of MGD, FRD, or both, TBUT was significantly shortened regardless of the dry eye status or subtype. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diffusion Tensor Tractography of the Cerebellar Peduncles in Prematurely Born 7-Year-Old Children.

PubMed

Shany, Eilon; Inder, Terrie E; Goshen, Sharon; Lee, Iris; Neil, Jeffrey J; Smyser, Christopher D; Doyle, Lex W; Anderson, Peter J; Shimony, Joshua S

2017-04-01

The objective of this study was to correlate neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm-born children and their perinatal clinical and imaging characteristics with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of the three cerebellar peduncles at age 7. Included in this prospective longitudinal study were 140 preterm-born children (<30 weeks gestation) who underwent neurodevelopmental assessment (IQ, motor, language, working memory) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at age 7 years. White matter tracts in the superior, middle, and inferior cerebellar peduncles were delineated using regions of interest drawn on T2-weighted images and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps. Diffusion measures (mean diffusivity (MD) and FA) and tract volumes were calculated. Linear regression was used to assess relationships with outcome. The severity of white matter injury in the neonatal period was associated with lower FA in the right superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) and lower tract volumes of both SCPs and middle cerebellar peduncles (MCPs). In the MCP, higher IQ was associated with lower MD in the whole group and higher FA in right-handed children. In the SCP, lower motor scores were associated with higher MD and higher language scores were associated with higher FA. These associations remained significant in multivariable models. This study adds to the body of literature detailing the importance of cerebellar involvement in cognitive function related to reciprocal connections with supratentorial structures.

Littermate presence enhances motor development, weight gain and competitive ability in newborn and juvenile domestic rabbits.

PubMed

Nicolás, Leticia; Martínez-Gómez, Margarita; Hudson, Robyn; Bautista, Amando

2011-01-01

Interest has been growing in the influence siblings may have on individual development. While mammalian research has tended to emphasize competition among siblings for essential but often limited resources such as the mother's milk, there is also evidence of mutual benefits to be had from sibling presence, most notably for altricial young in enhanced thermoregulatory efficiency. In the present study we asked whether littermates of an altricial mammal, the domestic rabbit, might gain other developmental benefits from sibling presence. From postnatal days 1 to 25 we raised rabbit pups either together with their littermates or alone except for the brief, once daily nursing characteristic of this species, while controlling for litter size and ambient nest box temperature. At weaning on Day 25 the young were then transferred to individual cages. Before weaning, we found that pups raised separately from their littermates obtained less milk, and showed lower weight gain and slower development of the ability to maintain body equilibrium than their litter-raised sibs. This was the case even though the two groups did not differ in birth weight or in the ratio of converting milk into body mass in their temperature-controlled nest boxes. Postweaning, the isolation-raised animals were also less successful in competing for food and water when tested after deprivation than their litter-raised sibs. The present study adds to the growing evidence of the influence, in this case positive, that sibs (or half sibs) may have in shaping one another's development. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

17beta-Estradiol and testosterone in drainage and runoff from poultry litter applications to tilled and no-till crop land under irrigation.

PubMed

Jenkins, Michael B; Endale, Dinku M; Schomberg, Harry H; Hartel, Peter G; Cabrera, Miguel L

2009-06-01

Thirteen million [corrected] metric tons of poultry litter are produced annually by poultry producers in the U.S. Poultry litter contains the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone, endocrine disruptors that have been detected in surface waters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of poultry litter applications on estradiol and testosterone concentrations in subsurface drainage and surface runoff in irrigated crop land under no-till and conventional-till management. We conducted an irrigation study in fall of 2001 and spring of 2002. Four treatments, no-till plus poultry litter, conventional-till plus poultry litter, no-till plus conventional fertilizer, and conventional-till plus conventional fertilizer, were evaluated. Flow-weighted concentration and load ha(-1) of the two hormones were measured in drainage and runoff. Soil concentrations of estradiol and testosterone were measured. Based on comparisons to the conventional fertilizer (and control) treatments, poultry litter did not add to the flow-weighted concentration or load ha(-1) of either estradiol or testosterone in subsurface drainage or surface runoff. Significant differences were, however, observed between tillage treatments: flow-weighted concentrations of estradiol were greater for no-till than conventional-till plots of the June irrigation; and runoff loads of both estradiol and testosterone were less from no-till than conventional-till plots for the November irrigation. Although the differences between no-till and conventional-tillage appeared to affect the hydrologic transport of both hormones, the differences appeared to have inconsequential environmental impact.

Functional Body Composition and Related Aspects in Research on Obesity and Cachexia

PubMed Central

Müller, M.J.; Baracos, V.; Bosy-Westphal, A.; Dulloo, A.; Eckel, J.; Fearon, K.C.H.; Hall, K.D.; Pietrobelli, A.; Sørensen, T.I.A.; Speakman, J.; Trayhurn, P.; Visser, M.; Heymsfield, S.B.

2014-01-01

The 12th Stock Conference addressed body composition and related functions in two extreme situations, obesity and cancer cachexia. The concept of “functional body composition” integrates body components into regulatory systems relating the mass of organs and tissues to corresponding in vivo functions and metabolic processes. This concept adds to an understanding of organ/tissue mass and function in the context of metabolic adaptations to weight change and disease. During weight gain and loss there are associated changes in individual body components while the relationships between organ and tissue mass are fixed. Thus, an understanding of weight regulation involves an examination of organ-tissue regulation rather than of individual organ mass. The between organ/tissue mass relationships are associated with and explained by cross-talk between organs and tissues mediated by cytokines, hormones, and metabolites that are coupled with changes in body weight, composition, and function as observed in obesity and cancer cachexia. In addition to established roles in intermediary metabolism, cell function and inflammation, organ-tissue cross-talk mediators are determinants of body composition and its’ change with weight gain and loss. The 12th Stock Conference supported Michael Stocks’ concept of gaining new insights by integrating research ideas from obesity and cancer cachexia. The conference presentations provide an in-depth understanding of body composition and metabolism. PMID:24835453

Venturi vacuum systems for hypobaric chamber operations.

PubMed

Robinson, R; Swaby, G; Sutton, T; Fife, C; Powell, M; Butler, B D

1997-11-01

Physiological studies of the effects of high altitude on man often require the use of a hypobaric chamber to simulate the reduced ambient pressures. Typical "altitude" chambers in use today require complex mechanical vacuum systems to evacuate the chamber air, either directly or via reservoir system. Use of these pumps adds to the cost of both chamber procurement and maintenance, and service of these pumps requires trained support personnel and regular upkeep. In this report we describe use of venturi vacuum pumps to perform the function of mechanical vacuum pumps for human and experimental altitude chamber operations. Advantages of the venturi pumps include their relatively low procurement cost, small size and light weight, ease of installation and plumbing, lack of moving parts, and independence from electrical power sources, fossil fuels and lubricants. Conversion of three hyperbaric chambers to combined hyper/hypobaric use is described.

Case-Control Pilot Study on Acute Diarrheal Disease in a Geographically Defined Pediatric Population in a Middle Income Country

PubMed Central

Farfán-García, Ana E.; Zhang, Chengxian; Imdad, Aamer; Arias-Guerrero, Monica Y.; Sánchez-Alvarez, Nayibe T.; Shah, Rikhil; Iqbal, Junaid; Tamborski, Maria E.

2017-01-01

Introduction Acute diarrheal disease (ADD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age. Understanding of the etiology of ADD is lacking in most low and middle income countries because reference laboratories detect limited number of pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility to conduct a comprehensive case-control study to survey diarrheal pathogens among children with and without moderate-to-severe ADD. Materials and Methods Microbiology and molecular-based techniques were used to detect viral, bacterial, and parasitic enteropathogens. The study was conducted in Bucaramanga, Colombia, after Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Results Ninety children less than 5 years of age were recruited after a written informed consent was obtained from parents or guardians. Forty-five subjects served as cases with ADD and 45 as controls. Thirty-six subjects out of 90 (40.0%) were positive for at least one enteropathogen, that is, 20 (44.4%) cases and 16 (35.5%) controls. Conclusions The three most common enteric pathogens were enteroaggregative E. coli (10.0%), Norovirus (6.7%), and Salmonella spp. (5.6%). The E. coli pathogens were 18.8% of all infections making them the most frequent pathogens. Half of ADD cases were negative for any pathogens. PMID:28855919

Cost-effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine as add-on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes in China.

PubMed

Gu, Shuyan; Wang, Xiaoyong; Qiao, Qing; Gao, Weiguo; Wang, Jian; Dong, Hengjin

2017-12-01

To estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily as add-on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The Cardiff Diabetes Model was used to simulate disease progression and estimate the long-term effects of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. Patient profiles and treatment effects required for the model were obtained from literature reviews (English and Chinese databases) and from a meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials comparing exenatide twice daily with insulin glargine once daily add-on to OADs for T2DM in China. Medical expenditure data were collected from 639 patients with T2DM (aged ≥18 years) with and without complications incurred between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 from claims databases in Shandong, China. Costs (2014 Chinese Yuan [¥]) and benefits were estimated, from the payers' perspective, over 40 years at a discount rate of 3%. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed. Patients on exenatide twice daily + OAD had a lower predicted incidence of most cardiovascular and hypoglycaemic events and lower total costs compared with those on insulin glargine once daily + OAD. A greater number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs; 1.94) at a cost saving of ¥117 706 gained was associated with exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. (i.e. cost saving of ¥60 764/QALY) per patient. In Chinese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled by OADs, exenatide twice daily is a cost-effective add-on therapy alternative to insulin glargine once daily, and may address the problem of an excess of medical needs resulting from weight gain and hypoglycaemia in T2DM treatment. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score Plus D-Dimer for Acute Aortic Syndromes: The ADvISED Prospective Multicenter Study.

PubMed

Nazerian, Peiman; Mueller, Christian; Soeiro, Alexandre de Matos; Leidel, Bernd A; Salvadeo, Sibilla Anna Teresa; Giachino, Francesca; Vanni, Simone; Grimm, Karin; Oliveira, Múcio Tavares; Pivetta, Emanuele; Lupia, Enrico; Grifoni, Stefano; Morello, Fulvio

2018-01-16

Acute aortic syndromes (AASs) are rare and severe cardiovascular emergencies with unspecific symptoms. For AASs, both misdiagnosis and overtesting are key concerns, and standardized diagnostic strategies may help physicians to balance these risks. D-dimer (DD) is highly sensitive for AAS but is inadequate as a stand-alone test. Integration of pretest probability assessment with DD testing is feasible, but the safety and efficiency of such a diagnostic strategy are currently unknown. In a multicenter prospective observational study involving 6 hospitals in 4 countries from 2014 to 2016, consecutive outpatients were eligible if they had ≥1 of the following: chest/abdominal/back pain, syncope, perfusion deficit, and if AAS was in the differential diagnosis. The tool for pretest probability assessment was the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS, 0-3) per current guidelines. DD was considered negative (DD-) if <500 ng/mL. Final case adjudication was based on conclusive diagnostic imaging, autopsy, surgery, or 14-day follow-up. Outcomes were the failure rate and efficiency of a diagnostic strategy for ruling out AAS in patients with ADD-RS=0/DD- or ADD-RS ≤1/DD-. A total of 1850 patients were analyzed. Of these, 438 patients (24%) had ADD-RS=0, 1071 patients (58%) had ADD-RS=1, and 341 patients (18%) had ADD-RS >1. Two hundred forty-one patients (13%) had AAS: 125 had type A aortic dissection, 53 had type B aortic dissection, 35 had intramural aortic hematoma, 18 had aortic rupture, and 10 had penetrating aortic ulcer. A positive DD test result had an overall sensitivity of 96.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.6-98.6) and a specificity of 64% (95% CI, 61.6-66.4) for the diagnosis of AAS; 8 patients with AAS had DD-. In 294 patients with ADD-RS=0/DD-, 1 case of AAS was observed. This yielded a failure rate of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1-1.9) and an efficiency of 15.9% (95% CI, 14.3-17.6) for the ADD-RS=0/DD- strategy. In 924 patients with ADD-RS ≤1/DD-, 3 cases of AAS were observed. This yielded a failure rate of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1-1) and an efficiency of 49.9% (95% CI, 47.7-52.2) for the ADD-RS ≤1/DD- strategy. Integration of ADD-RS (either ADD-RS=0 or ADD-RS ≤1) with DD may be considered to standardize diagnostic rule out of AAS. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02086136. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Double-blind, randomized, clinical trial of metformin as add-on treatment with clozapine in treatment of schizophrenia disorder.

PubMed

Hebrani, Paria; Manteghi, Ali Akhoundpour; Behdani, Fatemeh; Hessami, Elham; Rezayat, Kambiz Akhavan; Marvast, Majid Nabizadeh; Rezayat, Amir Akhavan

2015-04-01

One of the major causes of death in schizophrenia is a metabolic syndrome. The clozapine has the highest rate of weight gain among antipsychotics. It has been shown that metformin can promote weight loss. We aimed to investigate the effect of metformin as an adjunctive therapy with clozapine to prevent metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. A total of 37 patients consisting metformin group (19 cases) and a group of placebo consisting of 18 cases were evaluated. A brief psychiatric rating scale score (BPRS) and metabolic profiles was determined for all patients. All of the variables were also determined at 2, 8, 16, and 20 weeks after the onset of the study. The mean age of the group of metformin was 47.2 ± 10.4 compared with 45.8 ± 10.2 for the group of placebo. The difference in mean waist circumference and serum level of triglyceride at baseline compared with the end of study showed a statistically significant difference between two groups (P = 0. 000). A statistically significant difference was also observed in a comparison of mean difference of weight and body mass index at baseline compared with end of study (P = 0. 000). There was a statistically significant difference of fasting blood sugar (P = 0.011) and serum high-density lipoprotein (P = 0.000) between two groups but this difference was not significant for mean BPRS scores, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum level of triiodothyronine, thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone, serum low-density lipoprotein and serum cholesterol. Metformin could be considered an adjunctive therapy with clozapine to prevent metabolic syndrome in schizophrenic patients.

[P wave dispersion increased in childhood depending on blood pressure, weight, height, and cardiac structure and function].

PubMed

Chávez-González, Elibet; González-Rodríguez, Emilio; Llanes-Camacho, María Del Carmen; Garí-Llanes, Merlin; García-Nóbrega, Yosvany; García-Sáez, Julieta

2014-01-01

Increased P wave dispersion are identified as a predictor of atrial fibrillation. There are associations between hypertension, P wave dispersion, constitutional and echocardiographic variables. These relationships have been scarcely studied in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between P wave dispersion, blood pressure, echocardiographic and constitutional variables, and determine the most influential variables on P wave dispersion increases in pediatrics. In the frame of the PROCDEC II project, children from 8 to 11 years old, without known heart conditions were studied. Arterial blood pressure was measured in all the children; a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram were done as well. Left ventricular mass index mean values for normotensive (25.91±5.96g/m(2.7)) and hypertensive (30.34±8.48g/m(2.7)) showed significant differences P=.000. When we add prehypertensive and hypertensive there are 50.38% with normal left ventricular mass index and P wave dispersion was increased versus 13.36% of normotensive. Multiple regression demonstrated that the mean blood pressure, duration of A wave of mitral inflow, weight and height have a value of r=0.88 as related to P wave dispersion. P wave dispersion is increased in pre- and hypertensive children compared to normotensive. There are pre- and hypertensive patients with normal left ventricular mass index and increased P wave dispersion. Mean arterial pressure, duration of the A wave of mitral inflow, weight and height are the variables with the highest influence on increased P wave dispersion. Copyright © 2013 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Sex differences in the relationships between BMI, WHR and incidence of cardiovascular disease: a population-based cohort study.

PubMed

Li, C; Engström, G; Hedblad, B; Calling, S; Berglund, G; Janzon, L

2006-12-01

Body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the risk could be very different for individuals with the same body mass. The present study explored whether regional fat distribution, as measured by waist-hip ratio (WHR), could modify the impact of BMI on the risk of CVD in men and women. Prospective population-based study. A total of 10 369 men and 16 638 women, 45-73 years old, from general population in Malmö, Sweden. All subjects were followed over 7 years for the incidences of first-ever cardiac event (CE) and ischemic stroke in relation to BMI category (<25.0, 25.0-29.9, > or =30.0) and WHR. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 39.4 and 13.0%, respectively. During follow-up, 1280 subjects suffered a CVD event (750 CE, 530 ischemic stroke). The risk of CVD in women increased with increasing levels of WHR, irrespective of BMI category. In men, WHR (per 1 s.d. increase) was associated with increased incidence of CVD in those with normal weight (relative risk (RR)=1.24; 95% CI: 1.13-1.37) after adjustments for confounding factors. However, WHR was not related to CVD in overweight men (RR=1.06; 95%CI: 0.94-1.20) or obese men (RR=1.04; 95%CI: 0.87-1.24). A significant interaction was observed between sex and WHR on the CVD risk. The effect of WHR on incidence of CVD is modified by the overall body weight and by gender. WHR adds prognostic information on the cardiovascular risk in women at all levels of BMI, and in men with normal weight.

Haptic object matching by blind and sighted adults and children.

PubMed

Withagen, Ans; Kappers, Astrid M L; Vervloed, Mathijs P J; Knoors, Harry; Verhoeven, Ludo

2012-02-01

The present study describes a tactual object matching task based on the study of Lederman and Klatzky (1987) for the dimensions Exact shape, Weight, Volume and Texture. Participants were congenitally blind children and their sighted classmates, congenitally blind adults and sighted adults. To study a possible effect of familiarity the task was performed four times. Based on Millar's CAPIN (Convergent Active Processes in Interrelated Networks) model of spatial processing (Millar, 1994) it was thought that this manipulation would add redundant information to the experiment from which the children and blind participants could benefit. The results showed that accuracy was affected more by age than visual status, especially for the dimension Exact Shape. With regard to response times, children were in most cases faster than adults, especially the sighted adults. Familiarization had a significant effect on response times for all dimensions. Extra exercise only increased accuracy for the dimension Texture. These results were generally in line with the CAPIN model. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trajectories of BMI from early childhood through early adolescence: SES and psychosocial predictors.

PubMed

Lane, Sean P; Bluestone, Cheryl; Burke, Christopher T

2013-02-01

This study examined the ways in which body mass index (BMI) percentile - an identified risk factor for overweight and cardiovascular disease in adulthood - develops from birth through early adolescence. In addition, we examined whether psychosocial factors, such as parenting style and maternal depression, mediated the link between socio-economic status (SES) and BMI growth. Design. Data were obtained from phases 1-3 of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) - a longitudinal study that followed children from 10 communities in the United States from birth to age 11. We applied growth mixture models to identify distinct subtypes of BMI development. Within these models, we performed between- and within-class mediation analyses to examine whether SES predicted class membership or differences in development within each class via maternal depression and parenting styles. Results identified three prototypic trajectories of BMI percentile growth, elevated, steady increase, and stable. We found evidence for both between- and within-class mediation, suggesting multiple pathways by which SES can affect BMI development. These findings add to the research that suggests that being in a family with a low SES is associated with falling into patterns of development characterized by early and lasting increases in BMI relative to one's peers, and that this association is partly accounted for by maternal depression and parenting styles. What is already known? Past research has found evidence that patterns of childhood overweight are impacted by socioeconomic status through psychosocial factors like parenting and depression. This evidence is often limited to individual points in time where neglectful, permissive, and authoritarian parenting and higher levels of maternal depression are associated with higher levels of overweight status among children from infancy to adolescence. However, little research has linked together whether the children who receive non-authoritative parenting and are overweight in infancy are the same children who are overweight in adolescence. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: • Evidence for 3 different prototypes of BMI percentile growth over the course of childhood approaching adolescence. • Adds complexity re the influence of parenting styles as an influence on patterns of weight gain. • Buttresses existing research as to early and lasting effects of SES on patterns of BMI. © 2012 The British Psychological Society.

An experimental therapeutics test of whether adding dissonance-induction activities improves the effectiveness of a selective obesity and eating disorder prevention program.

PubMed

Stice, E; Rohde, P; Shaw, H; Gau, J M

2018-03-01

Compare the Healthy Weight obesity and eating disorder prevention program, which promotes participant-driven gradual lifestyle changes to bring energy intake and expenditure into balance, to a new intervention, Project Health, which adds activities to create cognitive dissonance about unhealthy eating, a sedentary lifestyle, and excess body fat, and an obesity education video-control condition. College students at risk for both outcomes because of weight concerns (N=364, 72% female) were randomized to condition, completing pretest, posttest, and 6, 12 and 24-month follow-up assessments. Project Health participants showed significantly smaller increases in measured body mass index (BMI) through 2-year follow-up than both Healthy Weight participants and controls (both d=-0.18), and significantly lower onset of overweight/obesity over 2-year follow-up than Healthy Weight participants and controls (13 vs 21% and 22%). Healthy Weight and Project Health participants showed significantly greater eating disorder symptom reductions than controls through 2-year follow-up. Healthy Weight and Project Health participants showed marginally lower eating disorder onset over follow-up than controls (3 and 3% vs 8% respectively). The reduced increases in BMI and future overweight/obesity onset for Project Health relative to both an active matched intervention and a minimal intervention control condition are noteworthy, especially given the short 6-h intervention duration. The reduction in eating disorder symptoms for Healthy Weight and Project Health relative to controls was also encouraging. Results suggest that adding dissonance-induction activities increased weight loss effects. Yet, effects for both were generally small and the eating disorder onset prevention effects were only marginal, potentially because intervention groups included both sexes, which reduced eating disorder incidence and sensitivity.

The effect of gestational period on the association between maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and birth weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Cherak, Stephana J; Giesbrecht, Gerald F; Metcalfe, Amy; Ronksley, Paul E; Malebranche, Mary E

2018-04-24

Studies exploring the relations between maternal stress and fetal development show an association between increased maternal stress and adverse birth outcomes. A frequently proposed mechanism linking maternal prenatal stress and adverse birth outcomes is heightened concentrations of maternal cortisol. To date, studies exploring this association have reported conflicting results because of the diverse approaches taken to measuring cortisol and the wide variety of possible birth outcomes explored. To add clarity to the growing body of literature, this systematic review and meta-analysis reports empirical findings on the association between maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and newborn birth weight. Searches for relevant papers published up until November 2017 were run in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Non-English language papers were included and experts were contacted when necessary. We included data from human observational studies that were designed or had an underlying intention to measure maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and newborn birth weight. We only included data from measurements of salivary cortisol to prevent rendering of the review unsuitable for meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility and quality. For every maternal-fetal dyad, an area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) of maternal cortisol was calculated to determine a Pearson's correlation coefficient with a continuous measure of newborn birth weight. Correlation coefficients were then pooled across all stages of gestation. To examine if there are critical gestational periods in which the fetus may be more susceptible to elevated concentration of maternal salivary cortisol, a meta-analysis was performed on separate correlations calculated from gestational trimesters. Nine studies with a total of 1606 maternal-fetal dyads demonstrated a negative correlation between pooled maternal salivary cortisol and birth weight (-0.24, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.20), but there was a high degree of heterogeneity between studies (I 2  = 88.9%). To investigate heterogeneity, subgroup analysis by trimester of the pooled correlation between salivary cortisol and birth weight was performed with the following correlations found: first trimester, -0.18 (95% CI -0.32 to -0.03, I 2  = 97.3%); second trimester, -0.20 (95% CI -0.28 to -0.12, I 2  = 98.3%); and third trimester, -0.30 (95% CI -0.33 to -0.26, I 2  = 85.4%). A consistently negative association was observed between maternal cortisol and infant birth weight. The review highlights specific gaps in the literature on the relationship between maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and newborn birth weight. Although a significant negative correlation was found, substantial heterogeneity of effects and the likelihood of publication bias exist. The third trimester was revealed as a possible critical gestational period for heightened maternal cortisol concentration to affect birth weight. Challenges faced in this body of research and recommendations for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stressors in elite sport: a coach perspective.

PubMed

Thelwell, Richard C; Weston, Neil J V; Greenlees, Iain A; Hutchings, Nicholas V

2008-07-01

We examined the varying performance and organizational stressors experienced by coaches who operate with elite athletes. Following interviews with eleven coaches, content analysis of the data revealed coaches to experience comparable numbers of performance and organizational stressors. Performance stressors were divided between their own performance and that of their athletes, while organizational stressors included environmental, leadership, personal, and team factors. The findings provide evidence that coaches experience a variety of stressors that adds weight to the argument that they should be labelled as "performers" in their own right. A variety of future research topics and applied issues are also discussed.

LIGO Triggered Search for Coincidence with High Energy Photon Survey Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Camp, Jordan

2009-01-01

LIGO is about to begin a new, higher sensitivity science run, where gravitational detection is plausible. A possible candidate for detection is a compact binary merger, which would also be likely to emit a high energy electromagnetic signal. Coincident observation of the gw signal from a compact merger with an x-ray or gamma-ray signal would add considerable weight to the claim for gw detection. In this talk I will consider the possibility of using LIGO triggers with time and sky position to perform a coincident analysis of EM signals from the RXTE, SWIFT, and FERMI missions.

Real-time optical multiple object recognition and tracking system and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chao, Tien-Hsin (Inventor); Liu, Hua Kuang (Inventor)

1987-01-01

The invention relates to an apparatus and associated methods for the optical recognition and tracking of multiple objects in real time. Multiple point spatial filters are employed that pre-define the objects to be recognized at run-time. The system takes the basic technology of a Vander Lugt filter and adds a hololens. The technique replaces time, space and cost-intensive digital techniques. In place of multiple objects, the system can also recognize multiple orientations of a single object. This later capability has potential for space applications where space and weight are at a premium.

The potential impact of new power system technology on the design of a manned space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fordyce, J. S.; Schwartz, H. J.

1984-01-01

Larger, more complex spacecraft of the future such as a manned Space Station will require electric power systems of 100 kW and more, orders of magnitude greater than the present state of the art. Power systems at this level will have a significant impact on the spacecraft design. Historically, long-lived spacecraft have relied on silicon solar cell arrays, a nickel-cadmium storage battery and operation at 28 V dc. These technologies lead to large array areas and heavy batteries for a Space Station application. This, in turn, presents orbit altitude maintenance, attitude control, energy management and launch weight and volume constraints. Size (area) and weight of such a power system can be reduced if new higher efficiency conversion and lighter weight storage technologies are used. Several promising technology options including concentrator solar photovoltaic arrays, solar thermal dynamic and ultimately nuclear dynamic systems to reduce area are discussed. Also, higher energy storage systems such as nickel-hydrogen and the regenerative fuel cell (RFC) and higher voltage power distribution which add system flexibility, simplicity and reduce weight are examined. Emphasis is placed on the attributes and development status of emerging technologies that are sufficiently developed so that they could be available for flight use in the early to mid 1990's.

The potential impact of new power system technology on the design of a manned Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fordyce, J. S.; Schwartz, H. J.

1984-01-01

Larger, more complex spacecraft of the future such as a manned Space Station will require electric power systems of 100 kW and more, orders of magnitude greater than the present state of the art. Power systems at this level will have a significant impact on the spacecraft design. Historically, long-lived spacecraft have relied on silicon solar cell arrays, a nickel-cadmium storage battery and operation at 28 V dc. These technologies lead to large array areas and heavy batteries for a Space Station application. This, in turn, presents orbit altitude maintenance, attitude control, energy management and launch weight and volume constraints. Size (area) and weight of such a power system can be reduced if new higher efficiency conversion and lighter weight storage technologies are used. Several promising technology options including concentrator solar photovoltaic arrays, solar thermal dynamic and ultimately nuclear dynamic systems to reduce area are discussed. Also, higher energy storage systems such as nickel-hydrogen and the regenerative fuel cell (RFC) and higher voltage power distribution which add system flexibility, simplicity and reduce weight are examined. Emphasis placed on the attributes and development status of emerging technologies that are sufficiently developed so that they could be available for flight use in the early to mid 1990's.

Efficacy and safety comparison of add-on therapy with liraglutide, saxagliptin and vildagliptin, all in combination with current conventional oral hypoglycemic agents therapy in poorly controlled Chinese type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Li, C-J; Yu, Q; Yu, P; Zhang, Q-M; Ding, M; Liu, X-J; Yu, D-M

2014-09-01

To compare the efficacy and safety of adding liraglutide, saxagliptin and vildagliptin to current therapy in Chinese type 2 diabetes subjects with poor glycemic control.A 24-week, randomized, open-label, parallel clinical trial was performed. A total 178 patients completed the trial who had been randomly assigned to add-on once daily liraglutide (1.2 mg/day injected subcutaneously), to saxagliptin (5 mg once daily) or to vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, fasting and postprandial blood glucose (FBG and P2BG), body weight, body mass index (BMI), episodes of hypoglycemia and adverse events were evaluated.Over the 24-week treatment period, greater lowering of mean of HbA1c was achieved with 1.2 mg liraglutide (-1.50%, 95% CI [-1.67, -1.34]) than with saxagliptin (-1.23%, 95% CI [-1.36, -1.11]) and vildagliptin (-1.25%, 95% CI [-1.37, -1.13]). There was no significant between-group difference of percentages of subjects who reached a target HbA1c<7.0%, but significantly more subjects with liraglutide achieved HbA1c≤6.5% compared with saxagliptin and vildagliptin. The mean reduction of FBG value from baseline was 2.23 mmol/L with liraglutide, much greater than 1.83 mmol/L with saxagliptin (p=0.013), but similar to 2.03 mmol/L with -vildaglitpin group. As to the P2BG value, greater reductions was found with liraglutide (-4.80 mmol/L) than -3.56 mmol/L with saxagliptin (p=0.000) and -3.57 mmol/L with vildagliptin (p=0.000). Moreover, greater mean reductions of body weight and BMI with liraglutide (-6.0 kg and -2.1 kg/m(2)) were achieved than with saxagliptin and vildagliptin (both p<0.001), whereas no significant difference was found between saxagliptin and vildagliptin group. The incidence of hypoglycemia was recorded low and similar in each treatment group. Nausea was more common with liraglutide (27%) than with saxagliptin (3.2%) and vildagliptin (5.2%), but no significant between-group difference was reported in other AEs.Adding liraglutide demonstrated superiority to saxagliptin and vildagliptin for reductions of HbA1c and weight loss in Chinese subjects with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control with conventional oral hypoglycemic agents. These findings support the add-on of liraglutide could offer notable advantages over DPP-4 inhibitors in both efficacy and safety. © J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effects of Vildagliptin Add-on Insulin Therapy on Nocturnal Glycemic Variations in Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Li, Feng-Fei; Shen, Yun; Sun, Rui; Zhang, Dan-Feng; Jin, Xing; Zhai, Xiao-Fang; Chen, Mao-Yuan; Su, Xiao-Fei; Wu, Jin-Dan; Ye, Lei; Ma, Jian-Hua

2017-10-01

To investigate whether vildagliptin add-on insulin therapy improves glycemic variations in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to patients with placebo therapy. This was a 24-week, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Inadequately controlled T2D patients treated with insulin therapy were recruited between June 2012 and April 2013. The trial included a 2-week screening period and a 24-week randomized period. Subjects were randomly assigned to a vildagliptin add-on insulin therapy group (n = 17) or a matched placebo group (n = 16). Scheduled visits occurred at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed before and at the endpoint of the study. A total of 33 subjects were admitted, with 1 patient withdrawing from the placebo group. After 24 weeks of therapy, HbA1c values were significantly reduced at the endpoint in the vildagliptin add-on group. CGM data showed that patients with vildagliptin add-on therapy had a significantly lower 24-h mean glucose concentration and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE). At the endpoint of the study, patients in the vildagliptin add-on group had a significantly lower MAGE and standard deviation compared to the control patients during the nocturnal period (0000-0600). A severe hypoglycemic episode was not observed in either group. Vildagliptin add-on therapy to insulin has the ability to improve glycemic variations, especially during the nocturnal time period, in patients with uncontrolled T2D.

The 40-Something randomized controlled trial to prevent weight gain in mid-age women

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Obesity prevention is a major public health priority. Despite the health risks associated with weight gain, there has been a distinct lack of research into effective interventions to prevent, rather than treat, obesity particularly at high risk life stages such as menopause in women. This paper describes the rationale for and design of a 2-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) (the 40-Something Study) aimed at testing the feasibility and efficacy of a relatively low intensity intervention designed to achieve weight control in non-obese women about to enter the menopause transition. Methods and design The study is a parallel-group RCT consisting of 12 months of intervention (Phase 1) and 12 months of monitoring (Phase 2). Non-obese pre-menopausal healthy females 44–50 years of age were screened, stratified according to Body Mass Index (BMI) category (18.5-24.9 and 25–29.9 kg/m2) and randomly assigned to one of two groups: motivational interviewing (MI) intervention (n = 28), or a self-directed intervention (SDI) (control) (n = 26). The MI intervention consisted of five consultations with health professionals (four with a Dietitian and one with an Exercise Physiologist) who applied components of MI counselling to consultations with the women over a 12 month period. The SDI was developed as a control and these participants received print materials only. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, three, 12, 18 and 24 months and included weight (primary outcome), waist circumference, body composition, blood pressure, plasma markers of metabolic syndrome risk, dietary intake, physical activity and quality of life. Analysis of covariance will be used to investigate outcomes according to intervention type and duration (comparing baseline, 12 and 24 months). Discussion The 40-Something study is the first RCT aimed at preventing menopausal weight gain in Australian women. Importantly, this paper describes the methods used to evaluate whether a relatively low intensity, health professional led intervention will achieve better weight control in pre-menopausal women than a self-directed intervention. The results will add to the scant body of literature on obesity prevention methods at an under-researched high-risk life stage, and inform the development of population-based interventions. Trial registration ACTRN12611000064909 PMID:24156558

Associations between Dopamine and Serotonin Genes and Job Satisfaction: Preliminary Evidence from the Add Health Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Song, Zhaoli; Li, Wendong; Arvey, Richard D.

2011-01-01

Previous behavioral genetic studies have found that job satisfaction is partially heritable. We went a step further to examine particular genetic markers that may be associated with job satisfaction. Using an oversample from the National Adolescent Longitudinal Study (Add Health Study), we found 2 genetic markers, dopamine receptor gene DRD4 VNTR…

Digging Postholes Adds Depth and Authenticity to a Shallow Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Virtue, David C.; Buchanan, Anne; Vogler, Kenneth E.

2012-01-01

In the current era of high-stakes testing and accountability, many social studies teachers struggle to find creative ways to add depth and authenticity to a broad, shallow curriculum. Teachers can use the time after tests are administered for students to reflect back on the social studies curriculum and select topics they want to study more deeply…

Marriage and Health in the Transition to Adulthood: Evidence for African Americans in the Add Health Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Kathleen Mullan; Lee, Hedwig; DeLeone, Felicia Yang

2010-01-01

This article explores the relationships among early marriage (before age 26 years), cohabitation, and health for African Americans and Whites during the transition to adulthood using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The study examines three categories of health outcomes relevant to young adulthood: physical…

Using systematic reviews and meta-analyses to support regulatory decision making for neurotoxicants: lessons learned from a case study of PCBs.

PubMed

Goodman, Michael; Squibb, Katherine; Youngstrom, Eric; Anthony, Laura Gutermuth; Kenworthy, Lauren; Lipkin, Paul H; Mattison, Donald R; Lakind, Judy S

2010-06-01

Epidemiologic weight-of-evidence reviews to support regulatory decision making regarding the association between environmental chemical exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children are often complicated by lack of consistency across studies. We examined prospective cohort studies evaluating the relation between prenatal and neonatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and neurodevelopment in children to assess the feasibility of conducting a meta-analysis to support decision making. We described studies in terms of exposure and end point categorization, statistical analysis, and reporting of results. We used this evaluation to assess the feasibility of grouping studies into reasonably uniform categories. The current literature includes 11 cohorts of children for whom effects from prenatal or neonatal PCB exposures were assessed. The most consistently used tests included Brazelton's Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, the neurologic optimality score in the neonatal period, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 5-8 months of age, and the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities in 5-year-olds. Despite administering the same tests at similar ages, the studies were too dissimilar to allow a meaningful quantitative examination of outcomes across cohorts. These analyses indicate that our ability to conduct weight-of-evidence assessments of the epidemiologic literature on neurotoxicants may be limited, even in the presence of multiple studies, if the available study methods, data analysis, and reporting lack comparability. Our findings add support to previous calls for establishing consensus standards for the conduct, analysis, and reporting of epidemiologic studies in general, and for those evaluating the effects of potential neurotoxic exposures in particular.

The impact of maternal obesity and race/ethnicity on perinatal outcomes: independent and joint effects

PubMed Central

Snowden, Jonathan M; Mission, John F; Marshall, Nicole E; Quigley, Brian; Main, Elliott; Gilbert, William M; Chung, Judith H; Caughey, Aaron B

2016-01-01

Objective We characterized independent and joint impacts of maternal race/ethnicity and obesity on adverse birth outcomes, including preeclampsia, low birthweight (LBW), and macrosomia. Methods Retrospective cohort study of all 2007 California births using vital records and claims data. Maternal race/ethnicity and maternal BMI were the key exposures; we analyzed their independent and joint impact on outcomes using regression models. Results Racial/ethnic minority women of normal weight generally had higher risk as compared to white women of normal weight (e.g., African-American women, preeclampsia aOR, 1.60, 95% CI: 1.48 – 1.74, versus white women). However, elevated BMI did not usually confer additional risk (e.g., preeclampsia aOR comparing African-American women with morbid obesity to white women with morbid obesity; 1.17, 95% CI: 0.89 – 1.54). Obesity was a risk factor for LBW only among white women (morbid obesity aOR, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.04 – 1.49, versus white women of normal weight), and not among racial/ethnic minority women (e.g., African-American women, 0.95, 0.83 – 1.08). Conclusions These findings add nuance to our understanding of the interplay between maternal race/ethnicity, BMI, and perinatal outcomes. While the BMI/adverse outcome gradient appears weaker in racial/ethnic minority women, this reflects the overall risk increase in racial/ethnic minority women of all body sizes. PMID:27222008

Improving record linkage performance in the presence of missing linkage data.

PubMed

Ong, Toan C; Mannino, Michael V; Schilling, Lisa M; Kahn, Michael G

2014-12-01

Existing record linkage methods do not handle missing linking field values in an efficient and effective manner. The objective of this study is to investigate three novel methods for improving the accuracy and efficiency of record linkage when record linkage fields have missing values. By extending the Fellegi-Sunter scoring implementations available in the open-source Fine-grained Record Linkage (FRIL) software system we developed three novel methods to solve the missing data problem in record linkage, which we refer to as: Weight Redistribution, Distance Imputation, and Linkage Expansion. Weight Redistribution removes fields with missing data from the set of quasi-identifiers and redistributes the weight from the missing attribute based on relative proportions across the remaining available linkage fields. Distance Imputation imputes the distance between the missing data fields rather than imputing the missing data value. Linkage Expansion adds previously considered non-linkage fields to the linkage field set to compensate for the missing information in a linkage field. We tested the linkage methods using simulated data sets with varying field value corruption rates. The methods developed had sensitivity ranging from .895 to .992 and positive predictive values (PPV) ranging from .865 to 1 in data sets with low corruption rates. Increased corruption rates lead to decreased sensitivity for all methods. These new record linkage algorithms show promise in terms of accuracy and efficiency and may be valuable for combining large data sets at the patient level to support biomedical and clinical research. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Disentangling body image: The relative associations of overvaluation, dissatisfaction, and preoccupation with psychological distress and eating disorder behaviors in male and female adolescents.

PubMed

Mitchison, Deborah; Hay, Phillipa; Griffiths, Scott; Murray, Stuart B; Bentley, Caroline; Gratwick-Sarll, Kassandra; Harrison, Carmel; Mond, Jonathan

2017-02-01

The distinctiveness and relative clinical significance of overvaluation, dissatisfaction, and preoccupation with body weight/shape remains inconclusive. This study sought to add to the evidence by testing associations between these three body image constructs and indicators of clinical significance. Male and female secondary students (N = 1,666) aged 12-18 years completed a survey that included measures of dissatisfaction with, overvaluation of, and preoccupation with weight/shape, psychological distress, eating disorder behaviors, and basic demographic information. Conditional process analysis was employed to test the independent and mediating effects of overvaluation, dissatisfaction, and preoccupation on distress, dietary restraint, and objective binge eating. Overvaluation, dissatisfaction, and preoccupation were highly correlated (r = 0.47-0.84). In girls, preoccupation demonstrated the strongest independent and mediating effects on distress, dietary restraint, and binge eating; whereas neither the direct or indirect effects of dissatisfaction on distress and overvaluation on binge eating were significant. Among boys however, the direct and indirect effects of overvaluation, dissatisfaction, and preoccupation on distress and eating disorder behaviors were relatively equal. Preoccupation with weight/shape may be particularly clinically significant in girls, whereas all constructs of body image disturbance may be equally clinically significant in boys. The findings are consistent with the view that these constructs, while closely related, are distinct. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:118-126). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of High-Speed Digital Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-08

1 (sub2 sub 16 2 (sub3 sub 16) 3 (sub4 sub 16) 4 (eub5 sub 16) 5 (sub6 sub 16) 6 ( sub7 sub 16) 7 (addi add 16) 8 (add2 add 16) 9 (add3 add 16) 10...seB uub5 J2 16 se5) 15 (se6 sub6 JI 16 soO) 18 (se7 sub7 J5 16 se7) 17 (aol addi Dl 16 aol) 18 (a921 add2 add7 18 a02) 19 (&922 add2 add5 16 a02) 20...de4l D4 add4 16 de4) 33 Wd942 D4 sub4 16 de4) 34 (de~i D5 sub7 16 de5) 35 (deS2 D5 add8 16 deS) 36 (jell Ji add7 16 jel) 37 (je12 JI D5 16 jel) 38 (je2

The Integration of the Neurosciences, Child Public Health, and Education Practice: Hemisphere-Specific Remediation Strategies as a Discipline Partnered Rehabilitation Tool in ADD/ADHD.

PubMed

Leisman, Gerry; Mualem, Raed; Machado, Calixto

2013-01-01

ADD/ADHD is the most common and most studied neurodevelopmental problem. Recent statistics from the U.S. Center for Disease Control state that 11% or approximately one out of every nine children in the US and one in five high school boys are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. This number is thought to be increasing at around 15-20% per year. The US National Institute of Mental Health's Multi-modal Treatment Study has shown that medication has no long-term benefit for those with ADHD. To effectively address ADD/ADHD from within the framework of child public health, an interdisciplinary strategy is necessary that is based on a neuroeducational model that can be readily implemented on a large-scale within the educational system. This study is based on previous findings that ADD/ADHD children possess underactivity between sub-cortical and cortical regions. An imbalance of activity or arousal in one area can result in functional disconnections similar to that seen in split-brain patients. Since ADD/ADHD children exhibit deficient performance on tests developed to measure perceptual laterality, evidence of weak laterality or failure to develop laterality has been found across various modalities (auditory, visual, tactile). This has reportedly resulted in abnormal cerebral organization and ineffective cortical specialization necessary for the development of language and non-language function. This pilot study examines groups of ADD/ADHD and control elementary school children all of whom were administered all of the subtests of the Wechsler Individual Achievement Tests, the Brown Parent Questionnaire, and given objective performance measures on tests of motor and sensory coordinative abilities. Results measured after a 12-week remediation program aimed at increasing the activity of the hypothesized underactive right hemisphere function, yielded significant improvement of greater than 2 years in grade level in all domains except in mathematical reasoning. The treated group also displayed a significant improvement in behavior with a reduction in Brown scale behavioral scores. Non-treated control participants did not exhibit significant differences during the same 12 week period in academic measurements. Controls were significantly different from treatment participants in all domains after a 12-week period. The non-treatment group also demonstrated an increase in behavioral scores and increased symptoms of ADD/ADHD over the same time period when compared to the treated group. Results are discussed in the context of the concept of functional disconnectivity in ADD/ADHD children.

Development of FQ-PCR method to determine the level of ADD1 expression in fatty and lean pigs.

PubMed

Cui, J X; Chen, W; Zeng, Y Q

2015-10-30

To determine how adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1 (ADD1), a gene involved in the determination of pork quality, is regulated in Laiwu and Large pigs, we used TaqMan fluorescence quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) to detect differential expression in the longissimus muscle of Laiwu (fatty) and Large White (lean) pigs. In this study, the ADD1 and GAPDH cDNA sequences were cloned using a T-A cloning assay, and the clone sequences were consistent with those deposited in GenBank. Thus, the target fragment was successfully recombined into the vector, and its integrity was maintained. The standard curve and regression equation were established through the optimized FQ-PCR protocol. The standard curve of porcine ADD1 and GAPDH cDNA was determined, and its linear range extension could reach seven orders of magnitudes. The results showed that this method was used to quantify ADD1 expression in the longissimus muscle of two breeds of pig, and was found to be accurate, sensitive, and convenient. These results provide information regarding porcine ADD1 mRNA expression and the mechanism of adipocyte differentiation, and this study could help in the effort to meet the demands of consumers interested in the maintenance of health and prevention of obesity. Furthermore, it could lead to new approaches in the prevention and clinical treatment of this disease.

A retrospective comparison of pregnancy outcomes between women with alpha-thalassaemia 1 trait and normal controls.

PubMed

Traisrisilp, Kuntharee; Jatavan, Phudit; Tongsong, Theera

2017-11-01

The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare pregnancy outcomes between low-risk pregnant women with alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait and normal controls. The database of the Maternal-Foetal Medicine unit was used to identify low-risk singleton pregnant women complicated by alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait who gave birth between January 2002 and October 2014. The low-risk pregnancies with non-carrier status for thalassaemia were assigned into the control group, with a control-to-case ratio of 10:1. During the study period, 595 women with alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait and 5950 normal controls were identified. There was no significant difference in the incidence of preterm birth and most obstetric outcomes between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was detected between them in terms of gestational age at delivery, 37.76 ± 2.81 vs. 38.11 ± 2.50 weeks (p = .001), birth weight, 2876 ± 581 vs. 2948 ± 527 g (p = .002) as well as the rate of low-birth weight, 17.1 vs. 12.8% (p = .002). In conclusion, this study provides new insights that alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait has minimal effect on gestational age at delivery and low-birth weight whereas other common adverse pregnancy outcomes are not increased. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Thalassaemia trait is associated with some degree of anaemia. What the results of this study add: The prevalence of common adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, stillbirth, low Apgar scores and pregnancy-induced hypertension were not significantly different between both the groups, possibly caused by too small sample size to gain enough power. However, the rate of low-birth weight was significantly increased among pregnancy with alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: The information may be provided for alpha thalassaemia-1 trait mothers and their families. Physicians should guard against the occurrence of adverse pregnancy in these mothers. Prospective control study should be conducted to overcome the limitation of retrospective nature.

Efficacy and safety of add on low-dose mirtazapine in depression.

PubMed

Matreja, Prithpal S; Badyal, Dinesh K; Deswal, Randhir S; Sharma, Arvind

2012-03-01

Although antidepressant medications are effective, they have a delayed onset of effect. Mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant is an important option for add-on therapy in major depression. There is insufficient data on mirtazapine in Indian population; hence this study was designed to study the add-on effect of low-dose mirtazapine with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in major depressive disorder (MDD) in Indian population. In an open, randomized study, 60 patients were divided into two groups. In Group A (n=30) patients received conventional SSRIs for 6 weeks. In Group B (n=30) patients received conventional SSRIs with low-dose mirtazapine for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks. There was significant improvement in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) scores (P<0.05) in both groups. Mirtazapine in low dose as add on therapy showed improvement in scores, had earlier onset of action, and more number of responders and remitters as compared to conventional treatment (P<0.05). No serious adverse event was reported in either of the groups. Low-dose mirtazapine as add-on therapy has shown better efficacy, earlier onset of action and more number of responders and remitters as compared to conventional treatment in MDD in Indian patients.

Ischemia and reperfusion induce differential expression of calpastatin and its homologue high molecular weight calmodulin-binding protein in murine cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Parameswaran, Sreejit; Sharma, Rajendra K

2014-01-01

In the heart, calpastatin (Calp) and its homologue high molecular weight calmodulin-binding protein (HMWCaMBP) regulate calpains (Calpn) by inhibition. A rise in intracellular myocardial Ca2+ during cardiac ischemia activates Calpn thereby causing damage to myocardial proteins, which leads to myocyte death and consequently to loss of myocardial structure and function. The present study aims to elucidate expression of Calp and HMWCaMBP with respect to Calpn during induced ischemia and reperfusion in primary murine cardiomyocyte cultures. Ischemia and subsequently reperfusion was induced in ∼ 80% confluent cultures of neonatal murine cardiomyocytes (NMCC). Flow cytometric analysis (FACS) has been used for analyzing protein expression concurrently with viability. Confocal fluorescent microscopy was used to observe protein localization. We observed that ischemia induces increased expression of Calp, HMWCaMBP and Calpn. Calpn expressing NMCC on co-expressing Calp survived ischemic induction compared to NMCC co-expressing HMWCaMBP. Similarly, living cells expressed Calp in contrast to dead cells which expressed HMWCaMBP following reperfusion. A significant difference in the expression of Calp and its homologue HMWCaMBP was observed in localization studies during ischemia. The current study adds to the existing knowledge that HMWCaMBP could be a putative isoform of Calp. NMCC on co-expressing Calp and Calpn-1 survived ischemic and reperfusion inductions compared to NMCC co-expressing HMWCaMBP and Calpn-1. A significant difference in expression of Calp and HMWCaMBP was observed in localization studies during ischemia.

Optimization of composite tiltrotor wings with extensions and winglets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kambampati, Sandilya

Tiltrotors suffer from an aeroelastic instability during forward flight called whirl flutter. Whirl flutter is caused by the whirling motion of the rotor, characterized by highly coupled wing-rotor-pylon modes of vibration. Whirl flutter is a major obstacle for tiltrotors in achieving high-speed flight. The conventional approach to assure adequate whirl flutter stability margins for tiltrotors is to design the wings with high torsional stiffness, typically using 23% thickness-to-chord ratio wings. However, the large aerodynamic drag associated with these high thickness-to-chord ratio wings decreases aerodynamic efficiency and increases fuel consumption. Wingtip devices such as wing extensions and winglets have the potential to increase the whirl flutter characteristics and the aerodynamic efficiency of a tiltrotor. However, wing-tip devices can add more weight to the aircraft. In this study, multi-objective parametric and optimization methodologies for tiltrotor aircraft with wing extensions and winglets are investigated. The objectives are to maximize aircraft aerodynamic efficiency while minimizing weight penalty due to extensions and winglets, subject to whirl flutter constraints. An aeroelastic model that predicts the whirl flutter speed and a wing structural model that computes strength and weight of a composite wing are developed. An existing aerodynamic model (that predicts the aerodynamic efficiency) is merged with the developed structural and aeroelastic models for the purpose of conducting parametric and optimization studies. The variables of interest are the wing thickness and structural properties, and extension and winglet planform variables. The Bell XV-15 tiltrotor aircraft the chosen as the parent aircraft for this study. Parametric studies reveal that a wing extension of span 25% of the inboard wing increases the whirl flutter speed by 10% and also increases the aircraft aerodynamic efficiency by 8%. Structurally tapering the wing of a tiltrotor equipped with an extension and a winglet can increase the whirl flutter speed by 15% while reducing the wing weight by 7.5%. The baseline design for the optimization is the optimized wing with no extension or winglet. The optimization studies reveal that the optimum design for a cruise speed of 250 knots has an increased aerodynamic efficiency of 7% over the baseline design for only a weight penalty of 3% - thus a better transport range of 5.5% more than the baseline. The optimal design for a cruise speed of 300 knots has an increased aerodynamic efficiency of 5%, a weight penalty of 2.5%, and a better transport range of 3.5% more than the baseline.

Medication Incidents Related to Automated Dose Dispensing in Community Pharmacies and Hospitals - A Reporting System Study

PubMed Central

Cheung, Ka-Chun; van den Bemt, Patricia M. L. A.; Bouvy, Marcel L.; Wensing, Michel; De Smet, Peter A. G. M.

2014-01-01

Introduction Automated dose dispensing (ADD) is being introduced in several countries and the use of this technology is expected to increase as a growing number of elderly people need to manage their medication at home. ADD aims to improve medication safety and treatment adherence, but it may introduce new safety issues. This descriptive study provides insight into the nature and consequences of medication incidents related to ADD, as reported by healthcare professionals in community pharmacies and hospitals. Methods The medication incidents that were submitted to the Dutch Central Medication incidents Registration (CMR) reporting system were selected and characterized independently by two researchers. Main Outcome Measures Person discovering the incident, phase of the medication process in which the incident occurred, immediate cause of the incident, nature of incident from the healthcare provider's perspective, nature of incident from the patient's perspective, and consequent harm to the patient caused by the incident. Results From January 2012 to February 2013 the CMR received 15,113 incidents: 3,685 (24.4%) incidents from community pharmacies and 11,428 (75.6%) incidents from hospitals. Eventually 1 of 50 reported incidents (268/15,113 = 1.8%) were related to ADD; in community pharmacies more incidents (227/3,685 = 6.2%) were related to ADD than in hospitals (41/11,428 = 0.4%). The immediate cause of an incident was often a change in the patient's medicine regimen or relocation. Most reported incidents occurred in two phases: entering the prescription into the pharmacy information system and filling the ADD bag. Conclusion A proportion of incidents was related to ADD and is reported regularly, especially by community pharmacies. In two phases, entering the prescription into the pharmacy information system and filling the ADD bag, most incidents occurred. A change in the patient's medicine regimen or relocation was the immediate causes of an incident. PMID:25058321

Medication incidents related to automated dose dispensing in community pharmacies and hospitals--a reporting system study.

PubMed

Cheung, Ka-Chun; van den Bemt, Patricia M L A; Bouvy, Marcel L; Wensing, Michel; De Smet, Peter A G M

2014-01-01

Automated dose dispensing (ADD) is being introduced in several countries and the use of this technology is expected to increase as a growing number of elderly people need to manage their medication at home. ADD aims to improve medication safety and treatment adherence, but it may introduce new safety issues. This descriptive study provides insight into the nature and consequences of medication incidents related to ADD, as reported by healthcare professionals in community pharmacies and hospitals. The medication incidents that were submitted to the Dutch Central Medication incidents Registration (CMR) reporting system were selected and characterized independently by two researchers. Person discovering the incident, phase of the medication process in which the incident occurred, immediate cause of the incident, nature of incident from the healthcare provider's perspective, nature of incident from the patient's perspective, and consequent harm to the patient caused by the incident. From January 2012 to February 2013 the CMR received 15,113 incidents: 3,685 (24.4%) incidents from community pharmacies and 11,428 (75.6%) incidents from hospitals. Eventually 1 of 50 reported incidents (268/15,113 = 1.8%) were related to ADD; in community pharmacies more incidents (227/3,685 = 6.2%) were related to ADD than in hospitals (41/11,428 = 0.4%). The immediate cause of an incident was often a change in the patient's medicine regimen or relocation. Most reported incidents occurred in two phases: entering the prescription into the pharmacy information system and filling the ADD bag. A proportion of incidents was related to ADD and is reported regularly, especially by community pharmacies. In two phases, entering the prescription into the pharmacy information system and filling the ADD bag, most incidents occurred. A change in the patient's medicine regimen or relocation was the immediate causes of an incident.

Effects of vildagliptin as add-on treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: insights from long-term clinical studies in Japan.

PubMed

Odawara, Masato; Sagara, Rieko

2015-01-01

Vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, is wildly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with mono- or combination-therapy. We review two previously published open-label studies to extract insights on the long-term efficacy and safety of vildagliptin. Two studies were conducted in Japan to assess the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin as an add-on to other oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) for 52 weeks. These studies were performed under the similar protocol in Japanese patients with T2DM who were inadequately controlled with OAD monotherapy [excluding other dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors]. Addition of vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily) to other OAD monotherapy [sulfonylurea (SU), metformin, thiazolidinedione, alpha-glucosidase inhibitor and glinide] reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels by -0.64 %,-0.75 %,-0.92 %,-0.94 % and - 0.64 %, respectively, over 52 weeks of treatment. Overall, the incidence of hypoglycemia was low and was slightly higher in the add-on to SU treatment group compared with the other groups. The incidences of adverse events were comparable among the treatment groups, and vildagliptin was well-tolerated as add-on therapy to other OADs. The evidence from the two studies indicates that vildagliptin as an add-on therapy to other OADs is a clinically reasonable option for Japanese patients with T2DM who respond inadequately to other OAD monotherapy.

An Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Weight Gain of Very Low Birth Weight Babies with or without Addition of Coconut Oil to Breast Milk.

PubMed

Arun, Sumitha; Kumar, Manish; Paul, Thomas; Thomas, Nihal; Mathai, Sarah; Rebekah, Grace; Thomas, Niranjan

2018-03-23

Nutritional guidelines involving the feeding of very low birth weight babies (VLBW) recommend addition of Human Milk Fortifiers to breast milk. Owing to financial constraints, it is a practice in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to add coconut oil to aid better weight gain. There are inadequate data on improvement of growth parameters with oral coconut oil supplementation of breast milk. In this randomized controlled trial, we measured growth parameters and body composition of 60 babies who received either breast milk with coconut oil or breast milk alone. Randomization was stratified according to intrauterine growth appropriate for gestational age (n = 30) and small for gestational age (n = 30). There was no difference in weight gain between the two groups. The weight gain velocity was 15 ± 3.6 and 14.4 ± 3.4 g/kg/day (p value = 0.49) in the breast milk alone and in the breast milk with coconut oil group, respectively. There was no difference in increase in head circumference and length. Triceps skinfold thickness (n = 56) was similar in both groups, but subscapular skinfold thickness was significantly more in the coconut oil group. Total body fat percentage did not differ between the groups (25.2 ± 4.3 vs. 25.5 ± 4.3%, p = 0.79). Oral supplementation of coconut oil along with breast milk did not increase growth parameters or result in change in body composition in very low birth weight (VLBW) babies.

A comparative study of American and Chinese college students' motives for food choice.

PubMed

Pearcey, Sharon M; Zhan, Ginny Q

2018-04-01

Previous cross-cultural research has examined college students' food choice decisions in different countries. The current study aimed to add to the literature by examining similarities and differences in motives for food choice between American (N = 328) and Chinese (N = 333) college students. The Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) was used to measure the participants' motives for food choice. Students' perceptions on the importance of diet and on their body satisfaction were also obtained. Results show that, while there are many similarities between the two cultural groups on the FCQ items, there are also significant differences. Specifically, the two groups view sensory appeal, weight, health, mood, and familiarity in a similar way, but the American participants score higher on price and convenience whereas the Chinese score higher on natural content and ethical concerns. We believe contextual cultural factors of each country may be related to these results. Women view sensory appeal and weight as significantly more important than men. Interactions between culture and gender are also found. For example, American women score significantly higher than American men on mood whereas there is no gender difference in the Chinese group; on the other hand, Chinese men score significantly higher on price than Chinese women whereas there is no gender difference in the American group. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity and specificity of the amer dizziness diagnostic scale (adds) for patients with vestibular disorders.

PubMed

Al Saif, Amer; Alsenany, Samira

2015-01-01

[Purpose] To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of a newly developed diagnostic tool, the Amer Dizziness Diagnostic Scale (ADDS), to evaluate and differentially diagnose vestibular disorder and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the scale and its usefulness in clinical practice. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred subjects of both genders (72 males, 128 females) aged between 18 to 60 (49.5±7.8) who had a history of vertigo and/or dizziness symptoms for this previous two weeks or less were recruited for the study. All subjects were referred by otolaryngologists, neurologists or family physicians in and around Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On the first clinic visit, all the patients were evaluated once using the ADDS, following which they underwent routine testing of clinical signs and symptoms, audiometry, and a neurological examination, coupled with tests of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex function, which often serves as the "gold standard" for determining the probability of a vestibular deficit. [Results] The results show that the ADDS strongly correlated with "true-positive" and "true-negative" responses for determining the probability of a vestibular disorder (r =0.95). A stepwise linear regression was conducted and the results indicate that the ADDS was a significant predictor of "true-positive" and "true-negative" responses in vestibular disorders (R(2) =0.90). Approximately 90% of the variability in the vestibular gold standard test was explained by its relationship to the ADDS. Moreover, the ADDS was found to have a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 96%. [Conclusion] This study showed that the Amer Dizziness Diagnostic Scale has high sensitivity and specificity and that it can be used as a method of differential diagnosis for patients with vestibular disorders.

Food Aversions and Cravings during Pregnancy on Yasawa Island, Fiji.

PubMed

McKerracher, Luseadra; Collard, Mark; Henrich, Joseph

2016-09-01

Women often experience novel food aversions and cravings during pregnancy. These appetite changes have been hypothesized to work alongside cultural strategies as adaptive responses to the challenges posed by pregnancy (e.g., maternal immune suppression). Here, we report a study that assessed whether data from an indigenous population in Fiji are consistent with the predictions of this hypothesis. We found that aversions focus predominantly on foods expected to exacerbate the challenges of pregnancy. Cravings focus on foods that provide calories and micronutrients while posing few threats to mothers and fetuses. We also found that women who experience aversions to specific foods are more likely to crave foods that meet nutritional needs similar to those provided by the aversive foods. These findings are in line with the predictions of the hypothesis. This adds further weight to the argument that appetite changes may function in parallel with cultural mechanisms to solve pregnancy challenges.

Synthetic and Crystallographic Studies of a New Inhibitor Series Targeting Bacillus anthracis Dihydrofolate Reductase

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

Beierlein, J.; Frey, K; Bolstad, D

2008-01-01

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, poses a significant biodefense danger. Serious limitations in approved therapeutics and the generation of resistance have produced a compelling need for new therapeutic agents against this organism. Bacillus anthracis is known to be insensitive to the clinically used antifolate, trimethoprim, because of a lack of potency against the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme. Herein, we describe a novel lead series of B. anthracis dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors characterized by an extended trimethoprim-like scaffold. The best lead compound adds only 22 Da to the molecular weight and is 82-fold more potent than trimethoprim. An X-ray crystal structuremore » of this lead compound bound to B. anthracis dihydrofolate reductase in the presence of NADPH was determined to 2.25 A resolution. The structure reveals several features that can be exploited for further development of this lead series.« less

Comparison Review of Short-Acting and Long-Acting Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists.

PubMed

Uccellatore, Annachiara; Genovese, Stefano; Dicembrini, Ilaria; Mannucci, Edoardo; Ceriello, Antonio

2015-09-01

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are useful tools for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. In their recent position statement, the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes recommend GLP1-RAs as add-on to metformin when therapeutic goals are not achieved with monotherapy, particularly for patients who wish to avoid weight gain or hypoglycemia. GLP1-RAs differ substantially in their duration of action, frequency of administration and clinical profile. Members of this class approved for clinical use include exenatide twice-daily, exenatide once-weekly, liraglutide and lixisenatide once-daily. Recently, two new once-weekly GLP1-RAs have been approved: dulaglutide and albiglutide. This article summarizes properties of short- and long-acting GLP-1 analogs, and provides useful information to help choose the most appropriate compound for individual patients.

Adaptive salinity management in the Murray-Darling Basin: a transaction cost study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loch, A. J.

2017-12-01

Transaction costs hinder or promote effective management of common good resource intertemporal externalities. Appropriate policy choices may reduce externalities and improve social welfare, and transaction cost analysis can help to evaluate policy choices. However, without measurement of relevant transaction costs such policy evaluation remains challenging. This article uses a time series dataset of salinity management program to test theory aimed at transaction cost-based policy evaluation and adaptive resource management over a period of 30 years worth of data. We identify peaks and troughs in transaction costs over time, lag-effects in program expenditure, and calculate the decay in transaction cost impacts. We conclude that Australian salinity management programs are achieving flexible institutional outcomes and effective policy arrangements with long-term benefits. Proposed changes to the program moving forward add weight to our assertions of adaptive strategies, and illustrate the value of the novel data-driven tracnsaction cost analysis approach for other jurisdictions.

Experimental Assessment of Moringa oleifera Leaf and Fruit for Its Antistress, Antioxidant, and Scavenging Potential Using In Vitro and In Vivo Assays

PubMed Central

Luqman, Suaib; Srivastava, Suchita; Kumar, Ritesh; Maurya, Anil Kumar; Chanda, Debabrata

2012-01-01

We have investigated effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and fruit extracts on markers of oxidative stress, its toxicity evaluation, and correlation with antioxidant properties using in vitro and in vitro assays. The aqueous extract of leaf was able to increase the GSH and reduce MDA level in a concentration-dependent manner. The ethanolic extract of fruit showed highest phenolic content, strong reducing power and free radical scavenging capacity. The antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of both fruit and leaf was higher in the in vitro assay compared to aqueous extract which showed higher potential in vivo. Safety evaluation studies showed no toxicity of the extracts up to a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Our results support the potent antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera which adds one more positive attribute to its known pharmacological importance. PMID:22216055

Hexagonalization of correlation functions II: two-particle contributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleury, Thiago; Komatsu, Shota

2018-02-01

In this work, we compute one-loop planar five-point functions in N=4 super-Yang-Mills using integrability. As in the previous work, we decompose the correlation functions into hexagon form factors and glue them using the weight factors which depend on the cross-ratios. The main new ingredient in the computation, as compared to the four-point functions studied in the previous paper, is the two-particle mirror contribution. We develop techniques to evaluate it and find agreement with the perturbative results in all the cases we analyzed. In addition, we consider next-to-extremal four-point functions, which are known to be protected, and show that the sum of one-particle and two-particle contributions at one loop adds up to zero as expected. The tools developed in this work would be useful for computing higher-particle contributions which would be relevant for more complicated quantities such as higher-loop corrections and non-planar correlators.

Drive Fan for the Icing Research Tunnel

NASA Image and Video Library

1944-11-21

View of the drive fan for the Icing Research Tunnel at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio. The tunnel was built in the early 1940s to study the formation of ice on aircraft surfaces and methods of preventing or eradicating that ice. Ice buildup adds extra weight, effects aerodynamics, and sometimes blocks airflow through engines. The original 4100-horsepower induction motor was coupled directly to the 24-foot-diameter fan. The 12 wooden fan blades were protected on their leading edge by a neoprene boot. The system could create air speeds up to 300 miles per hour through the tunnel’s 6- by 9-foot test section. The large tail faring extending from the center of the fan is used to guide the airflow down the tunnel in a uniform way. A new 5000-horsepower motor was installed in 1987, and the original fan blades were replaced in 1993.

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and childhood growth and overweight: results from a large Norwegian prospective observational cohort study.

PubMed

Papadopoulou, Eleni; Botton, Jérémie; Brantsæter, Anne-Lise; Haugen, Margaretha; Alexander, Jan; Meltzer, Helle Margrete; Bacelis, Jonas; Elfvin, Anders; Jacobsson, Bo; Sengpiel, Verena

2018-04-23

To study the association between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and the child's weight gain and overweight risk up to 8 years. Prospective nationwide pregnancy cohort. The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. A total of 50 943 mothers recruited from 2002 to 2008 and their children, after singleton pregnancies, with information about average caffeine intake assessed at mid-pregnancy. Child's body size information at 11 age points from 6 weeks to 8 years. We defined excess growth in infancy as a WHO weight gain z-score of >0.67 from birth to age 1 year, and overweight according to the International Obesity Task Force. We used a growth model to assess individual growth trajectories. Compared with pregnant women with low caffeine intake (<50 mg/day, 46%), women with average (50-199 mg/day, 44%), high (≥200-299 mg/day, 7%) and very high (≥300 mg/day, 3%) caffeine intakes had an increased risk of their child experiencing excess growth in infancy, after adjustment for confounders (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.22, OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.45, OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.93, respectively). In utero exposure to any caffeine was associated with higher risk of overweight at age 3 years and 5 years, while the association persisted at 8 years, only for very high exposures. Any caffeine intake was associated with increased body mass index from infancy to childhood. Children prenatally exposed to caffeine intake >200 mg/day had consistently higher weight. Very high caffeine exposures were associated with higher weight gain velocity from infancy to age 8 years. Any caffeine consumption during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of excess infant growth and of childhood overweight, mainly at preschool ages. Maternal caffeine intake may modify the overall weight growth trajectory of the child from birth to 8 years. This study adds supporting evidence for the current advice to reduce caffeine intake during pregnancy. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Effect of Donor Milk on Severe Infections and Mortality in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants: The Early Nutrition Study Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Corpeleijn, Willemijn E; de Waard, Marita; Christmann, Viola; van Goudoever, Johannes B; Jansen-van der Weide, Marijke C; Kooi, Elisabeth M W; Koper, Jan F; Kouwenhoven, Stefanie M P; Lafeber, Hendrik N; Mank, Elise; van Toledo, Letty; Vermeulen, Marijn J; van Vliet, Ineke; van Zoeren-Grobben, Diny

2016-07-01

Infections and necrotizing enterocolitis, major causes of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants, are reduced in infants fed their own mother's milk when compared with formula. When own mother's milk is not available, human donor milk is considered a good alternative, albeit an expensive one. However, most infants at modern neonatal intensive care units are predominantly fed with own mother's milk. The benefits of add-on donor milk over formula are not clear. To determine whether providing donor milk instead of formula as supplemental feeding whenever own mother's milk is insufficiently available during the first 10 days of life reduces the incidence of serious infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality. The Early Nutrition Study was a multicenter, double-blind randomized clinical trial in very low-birth-weight infants (birth weight <1500 g) admitted to 1 of 6 neonatal intensive care units in the Netherlands from March 30, 2012, through August 17, 2014. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed. Infants received pasteurized donor milk or preterm formula during the first 10 days of life if own mother's milk was not (sufficiently) available. The primary end point was cumulative occurrence of serious infection (sepsis or meningitis), necrotizing enterocolitis, or mortality during the first 60 days of life. A total of 930 infants were screened for inclusion; 557 were excluded, resulting in 373 infants (183 receiving donor milk and 190 receiving formula) who were evaluated by intent-to-treat analysis (median birth weight, 1066 g; mean gestational age, 28.4 weeks). Own mother's milk comprised 89.1% and 84.5% of total mean intake during the intervention period for the donor milk and formula groups, respectively. The incidence of the combined outcome was not different (85 [44.7%] [formula] vs 77 [42.1%] [donor milk]; mean difference, 2.6%; 95% CI, -12.7% to 7.4%). The adjusted hazard ratio was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.63-1.19; P = .37). In the current study, pasteurized donor milk and preterm formula as supplemental feeding during the first 10 days of life yielded similar short-term outcomes in very low-birth-weight infants regarding safety and efficacy when own mother's milk availability was insufficient. Future studies investigating longer duration of use of human donor milk on short-term and long-term outcomes are necessary. trialregister.nl Identifier: NTR3225.

Sodium and nutrition labelling: a qualitative study exploring New Zealand consumers' food purchasing behaviours.

PubMed

McLean, Rachael; Hoek, Janet

2014-05-01

Dietary sodium reduction is an important public health intervention that would reduce blood pressure and chronic disease. An understanding of how New Zealand consumers' food purchasing behaviour is influenced by perceptions of dietary sodium will inform future sodium-reduction strategies. The present qualitative study used in-depth interviews of adult consumers to explore consumer knowledge, understanding of food labels and food purchasing behaviour with respect to dietary sodium. New Zealand. A convenience sample of sixteen adult grocery shoppers. A thematic analysis of the transcripts showed New Zealand consumers lacked the background knowledge necessary to understand and regulate their own salt intake and were unable to interpret existing food labels with respect to dietary salt. The findings add further weight to calls for food labels that do not require background knowledge or numerical skills and highlight the need for population-based public health interventions. Education of New Zealand consumers on the health benefits of sodium reduction and how this may be achieved would complement this approach.

Aeroelastic effects in multi-rotor vehicles with application to a hybrid heavy lift system. Part 1: Formulation of equations of motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkatesan, C.; Friedman, P.

1984-01-01

This report presents a set of governing coupled differential equations for a model of a hybrid aircraft. The model consists of multiple rotor systems connected by an elastic interconnecting structure, with options to add any combination of or all of the following components; i.e., thrusters, a buoyant hull, and an underslung weight. The dynamic equations are written for the individual blade with hub motions, for the rigid body motions of the whole model, and also for the flexible modes of the interconnecting structure. One of the purposes of this study is to serve as the basis of a numerical study aimed at determining the aeroelastic stability and structural response characteristics of a Hybrid Heavy Lift Airship (HHLA). It is also expected that the formulation may be applicable to analyzing stability and responses of dual rotor helicopters such as a Heavy Lift Helicopter (HLH). Futhermore, the model is capable of representing coupled rotor/body aeromechanical problems of single rotor helicopters.

Study to eliminate ground resonance using active controls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, F. K.

1984-01-01

The effectiveness of active control blade feathering in increasing rotor body damping and the possibility to eliminate ground resonance instabilities were investigated. An analytical model representing rotor flapping and lead-lag degrees of freedom and body pitch, roll, longitudinal and lateral motion is developed. Active control blade feathering is implemented as state variable feedback through a conventional swashplate. The influence of various feedback states, feedback gain, and weighting between the cyclic controls is studied through stability and response analyses. It is shown that blade cyclic inplane motion, roll rate and roll acceleration feedback can add considerable damping to the system and eliminate ground resonance instabilities, which the feedback phase is also a powerful parameter, if chosen properly, it maximizes augmentation of the inherent regressing lag mode damping. It is shown that rotor configuration parameters, like blade root hinge offset, flapping stiffness, and precone considerably influence the control effectiveness. It is found that active control is particularly powerful for hingeless and bearingless rotor systems.

Research Ethics Committees and Participatory Action Research With Young People: The Politics of Voice.

PubMed

Yanar, Zeynep M; Fazli, Mehria; Rahman, Jahanara; Farthing, Rys

2016-04-01

Participatory action research (PAR) is a methodological approach that seeks to maximize the participation of people whose lives it researches. It is underpinned by an ethical concern to research "with" people, rather than "on" people. However, this ethical approach to research is often, paradoxically, problematized by universities' research ethics committees (RECs). This article explores one site of tension between PAR and RECs-the requirement for anonymity for below 18-year-olds. It explores this tension by exploring a case study of a peer-to-peer research project undertaken by young women in East London, and using our own experiences and perspectives, it argues that anonymity can be unjust, disempowering, and unnecessary, and can reduce "pride." Without wanting to develop specific recommendations, given the limited scope of our case study, this article uses firsthand experiences to add weight to the broader discussions calling for a critical rethink of REC guidelines. © The Author(s) 2016.

Expanded Normal Weight Obesity and Insulin Resistance in US Adults of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PubMed Central

Martinez, Keilah E.; Bailey, Bruce W.

2017-01-01

This study aims to expand the evaluation of normal weight obesity (NWO) and its association with insulin resistance using an NHANES (1999–2006) sample of US adults. A cross-sectional study including 5983 men and women (50.8%) was conducted. Body fat percentage (BF%) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Expanded normal weight obesity (eNWO) categories, pairings of BMI and body fat percentage classifications, were created using standard cut-points for BMI and sex-specific median for BF%. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were used to index insulin resistance. Mean ± SE values were BMI: 27.9 ± 0.2 (women) and 27.8 ± 0.1 (men); body fat percentage: 40.5 ± 0.2 (women) and 27.8 ± 0.2 (men); and HOMA-IR: 2.04 ± 0.05 (women) and 2.47 ± 0.09 (men). HOMA-IR differed systematically and in a dose-response fashion across all levels of the eNWO categories (F = 291.3, P < 0.0001). As BMI levels increased, HOMA-IR increased significantly, and within each BMI category, higher levels of body fat were associated with higher levels of HOMA-IR. Both high BMI and high BF% were strongly related to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance appears to increase incrementally according to BMI levels primarily and body fat levels secondarily. Including a precise measure of body fat with BMI adds little to the utility of BMI in the prediction of insulin resistance. PMID:28812029

Predictors of head start and child-care providers' healthful and controlling feeding practices with children aged 2 to 5 years.

PubMed

Dev, Dipti A; McBride, Brent A; Speirs, Katherine E; Donovan, Sharon M; Cho, Hyun Keun

2014-09-01

Few child-care providers meet the national recommendations for healthful feeding practices. Effective strategies are needed to address this disparity, but research examining influences on child-care providers' feeding practices is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of child-care providers' healthful and controlling feeding practices for children aged 2 to 5 years. In this cross-sectional study, child-care providers (n=118) from 24 center-based programs (six Head Start [HS], 11 Child and Adult Care Food Program [CACFP] funded, and seven non-CACFP) completed self-administered surveys during 2011-2012. Multilevel multivariate linear regression models were used to predict seven feeding practices. Working in an HS center predicted teaching children about nutrition and modeling healthy eating; that may be attributed to the HS performance standards that require HS providers to practice healthful feeding. Providers who reported being concerned about children's weight, being responsible for feeding children, and had an authoritarian feeding style were more likely to pressure children to eat, restrict intake, and control food intake to decrease or maintain children's weight. Providers with nonwhite race, who were trying to lose weight, who perceived nutrition as important in their own diet, and who had a greater number of nutrition training opportunities were more likely to use restrictive feeding practices. These findings suggest that individual- and child-care-level factors, particularly provider race, education, training, feeding attitudes and styles, and the child-care context may influence providers' feeding practices with young children. Considering these factors when developing interventions for providers to meet feeding practice recommendations may add to the efficacy of childhood obesity prevention programs. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Add+VantageMR® Assessments: A Case Study of Teacher and Student Gains

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Briand, Cathy

2013-01-01

This case study analyzes the effect of the Add+VantageMRRTM (AVMR) program on a teacher's pedagogy and on her students' progress in mathematics. AVMR, a professional development program in early mathematics, trains teachers to assess their students' progress and apply those insights to their teaching pedagogy. The AVMR assessment uses a…

Predicting survival in AIDS: refining the model.

PubMed

Hutchinson, S J; Brettle, R P; Gore, S M

1997-11-01

We tested the validity of a previously-published AIDS staging system by examining AIDS-defining diseases (ADDs) and CD4 counts as prognostic factors for survival of the 248 AIDS patients in the Edinburgh City Hospital Cohort, of whom 56% were injecting drug-users (IDUs). Cox regression was used to model the proportionality of risk of death as the CD4 count declined and more ADDs were experienced, and dependence upon post-AIDS treatment. Using the system of Mocroft et al. (Lancet 1995; 346:12-17) to grade severity, our data were well enough modelled, but we suggest: (i) regrading of HIV dementia (RR 3.9, 95% CI 2.5-6.0), mainly attributed to the drug users, to a very severe ADD; (ii) reduction in risk from zidovudine (RR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-1.0) during AIDS follow-up for patients starting treatment at or after AIDS diagnosis; (iii) improved management of first mild ADDs (from 1987-89 to 1994-95: 40% reduction in IDUs appearing with mild index diseases, and an approximate three-fold reduction in risk associated with a mild ADD). This study supports previous findings on the significance of ADDs and lowest CD4 count in predicting the lifetime of AIDS patients.

Primary hepatocytes as an useful bioassay to characterize metabolism and bioactivity of illicit steroids in cattle.

PubMed

Giantin, Mery; Gallina, Guglielmo; Pegolo, Sara; Lopparelli, Rosa Maria; Sandron, Clara; Zancanella, Vanessa; Nebbia, Carlo; Favretto, Donata; Capolongo, Francesca; Montesissa, Clara; Dacasto, Mauro

2012-10-01

Cattle hepatocytes have already been used in veterinary in vitro toxicology, but their usefulness as a multi-parametric screening bioassay has never been investigated so far. In this study, cattle hepatocytes were incubated with illicit steroids/prohormones (boldenone, BOLD; its precursor boldione, ADD; dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA; an association of ADD:BOLD), to characterize their transcriptional effects on drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and related nuclear receptors (NRs), on cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) apoprotein and catalytic activity as well as to determine ADD and BOLD metabolite profiling. DHEA-exposed cells showed an up-regulation (higher than 2.5-fold changes) of three out of six NRs, CYP2B22 and CYP2C87; likewise, ADD:BOLD increased CYP4A11 mRNA levels. In contrast, a reduction of CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 mRNAs (lower than 2.5(-1)-fold changes) was noticed in ADD- and DHEA-incubated cells. No effect was noticed on CYP3A gene and protein expression, though an inhibition of 6β-, 2β- and 16β-hydroxylation of testosterone (higher than 60% of control cells) was observed in ADD- and BOLD-exposed cells. Finally, 17α-BOLD was the main metabolite extracted from hepatocyte media incubated with ADD and BOLD, but several mono-hydroxylated BOLD and ADD derivatives were detected, too. Collectively, cattle hepatocytes can represent a complementary screening bioassay, useful to characterize growth promoters metabolite profiling and their effects upon DMEs expression, regulation and function. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Operation of the ISO-DALT system: Seventh edition

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

Tollaksen, S.L.; Anderson, N.L.; Anderson, N.G.

1984-05-01

The ISO-DALT system of two-dimensional electrophoresis was developed as a series of modifications of the original technique of O'Farrell. We have written a series of recipes and more detailed laboratory procedures that incorporate refinements and ''tricks of the trade'' as they have developed during our use of the system. The present collection is the seventh version in this series and represents the state of art as of May 1984. The seventh edition has been prepared to incorporate the changes that we have found helpful, as well as to add a few new sections such as silver staining, transfer gels, ACIDOs,more » and BASOs. Although these directions are specific for our laboratory, we hope that they will be helpful in other laboratories as well. Although some disagreement still exists, we recommend that gel patterns be oriented with acid isoelectric points (pIs) to the left and high sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) molecular weights at the top. This results in a system of pI and molecular weight values that run according to the Cartesian convention and facilitates the use of the charge and molecular weight standards described herein. 67 refs., 14 figs.« less

[Intractable diarrhoea and severe weight loss by roflumilast].

PubMed

Horna, Oihana; Toyas, Carla

2013-08-04

Roflumilast is a recently marketed drug, indicated for maintenance treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis in adult patients with a history of frequent exacerbations as add on to bronchodilator treatment. The safety data of this drug have always been subjected to controversy and concerns. The Food and Drug Administration rejected the drug after the first evaluation, asking the company to clarify the adverse reactions during the investigation process, the European Medicines Agency approved the drug including a Risk Management Plan, designed to promote a safe use of the drug. During the first months after the marketing process, the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System has already been acquainted of several adverse events notifications; therefore, these patients may be closely monitored, mainly because of digestive and psychiatric disorders. Here we report the case of a female patient who showed a serious digestive clinical profile and a severe weight loss, more than 25% of her initial weight, when a treatment with roflumilast was started. The suspicion of a side effect as the cause of the reported clinical profile and its resolution required 3 hospital admissions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED IMAGING OF THE LIVER: TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS

PubMed Central

Lewis, Sara; Dyvorne, Hadrien; Cui, Yong; Taouli, Bachir

2014-01-01

SYNOPSIS Diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) is a technique that assesses the cellularity, tortuosity of the extracellular/extravascular space and cell membrane density based upon differences in water proton mobility in tissues. The strength of the diffusion weighting is reflected by the b-value. DWI using several b-values enables quantification of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). DWI is increasingly employed in liver imaging for multiple reasons: it can add useful qualitative and quantitative information to conventional imaging sequences, it is acquired relatively quickly, it is easily incorporated into existing clinical protocols, and it is a non-contrast technique. DWI is useful for focal liver lesion detection and characterization, for the assessment of post-treatment tumor response and for evaluation of diffuse liver disease. ADC quantification can be used to characterize lesions as cystic/necrotic or solid and for predicting tumor response to therapy. Advanced diffusion methods such as IVIM (intravoxel incoherent motion) may have potential for detection, staging and evaluation of the progression of liver fibrosis and for liver lesion characterization. The lack of standardization of DWI technique including choice of b-values and sequence parameters has somewhat limited its widespread adoption. PMID:25086935

A novel missense mutation in ANO5/TMEM16E is causative for gnathodiaphyseal dyplasia in a large Italian pedigree

PubMed Central

Marconi, Caterina; Brunamonti Binello, Paolo; Badiali, Giovanni; Caci, Emanuela; Cusano, Roberto; Garibaldi, Joseph; Pippucci, Tommaso; Merlini, Alberto; Marchetti, Claudio; Rhoden, Kerry J; Galietta, Luis J V; Lalatta, Faustina; Balbi, Paolo; Seri, Marco

2013-01-01

Gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia (GDD) is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by frequent bone fractures at a young age, bowing of tubular bones and cemento-osseus lesions of the jawbones. Anoctamin 5 (ANO5) belongs to the anoctamin protein family that includes calcium-activated chloride channels. However, recent data together with our own experiments reported here add weight to the hypothesis that ANO5 may not function as calcium-activated chloride channel. By sequencing the entire ANO5 gene coding region and untranslated regions in a large Italian GDD family, we found a novel missense mutation causing the p.Thr513Ile substitution. The mutation segregates with the disease in the family and has never been described in any database as a polymorphism. To date, only two mutations on the same cysteine residue at position 356 of ANO5 amino-acid sequence have been described in GDD families. As ANO5 has also been found to be mutated in two different forms of muscular dystrophy, the finding of this third mutation in GDD adds clues to the role of ANO5 in these disorders. PMID:23047743

Effects of add-on treatment with sitagliptin on narrowing the range of glucose fluctuations in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients receiving insulin therapy.

PubMed

Mori, Yutaka; Taniguchi, Yukiko; Miyazaki, Shigeru; Yokoyama, Junichi; Utsunomiya, Kazunori

2013-03-01

In an earlier continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-based study, we reported that sitagliptin not only reduced 24-h mean glucose levels but also suppressed postprandial glucose increases, thus reducing the range of glycemic fluctuations in type 2 diabetes patients. In this study, we investigated whether sitagliptin might provide similar benefits in type 2 diabetes patients receiving insulin therapy by using CGM. The study included a total of 13 type 2 diabetes patients in whom stable glycemic control had been achieved after admission for glycemic control. Insulin regimens used included long-acting insulin preparations once daily in four patients and biphasic insulin preparations twice daily in nine, with the daily insulin dose being 19.0±12.7 U. During the CGM-based study, the patients were given insulin therapy alone on Days 1 and 2 and were given sitagliptin 50 mg/day as add-on treatment on Days 3-6, with their daily insulin doses maintained. The add-on treatment with sitagliptin led to significant decreases in 24-h mean glucose levels and SDs of 288 glucose levels measured by CGM for 24 h, as well as in the indices for magnitude of glucose variability and proportion of time in hyperglycemia, compared with insulin therapy alone (P<0.01), whereas there was no significant change seen in regard to the proportion of time in hypoglycemia with or without add-on treatment with sitagliptin. This CGM-based study clearly demonstrated that insulin therapy alone, whether with long-acting or biphasic insulin preparations, does not provide adequate glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. In contrast, add-on sitagliptin was shown to narrow the range of 24-h glucose fluctuations in these patients, suggesting that add-on treatment with sitagliptin is effective for postprandial glucose control in type 2 diabetes patients receiving insulin therapy.

Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Response to High Fat Diet in Female Mice Conceived by In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Ovarian Stimulation Alone

PubMed Central

Chen, Miaoxin; Wu, Linda; Wu, Fang; Wittert, Gary A.; Norman, Robert J.; Robker, Rebecca L.; Heilbronn, Leonie K.

2014-01-01

Individuals conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be at increased risk of cardio-metabolic disorders. We recently reported that IVF conceived male mice displayed impaired glucose metabolism at normal and high body weights. In this study, we examined glucose metabolism in mature female C57BL/6J mice that were conceived by natural conception (NC), by ovarian stimulation (OS) or by IVF following chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. By design, litter size was comparable between groups, but interestingly the birth weight of IVF and OS females was lower than NC females (p≤0.001). Mature IVF female mice displayed increased fasting glucose as compared to NC and OS mice, irrespective of diet. Mature IVF and OS mice were also more susceptible to the metabolic consequences of high fat diet as compared with NC females, with impaired glucose tolerance (p≤0.01), whereas peripheral insulin resistance and increased hepatic expression of gluconeogenic genes Ppargc1α, Pck1 and G6pc was observed in IVF mice only (p<0.05). This study suggests that ovarian stimulation alone and IVF program distinct metabolic effects in females, but that high fat diet may be required to unmask these effects. This study adds to the growing body of literature that assisted reproduction procedures may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in an obesity prone environment. PMID:25405530

Sociodemographic profiles regarding bitter food consumption: cross-sectional evidence from a general French population.

PubMed

Andreeva, Valentina A; Martin, Christophe; Issanchou, Sylvie; Hercberg, Serge; Kesse-Guyot, Emmanuelle; Méjean, Caroline

2013-08-01

Certain beneficial foods taste bitter (e.g., cruciferous vegetables) and might be aversive to consumers. Here, individual characteristics according to bitter food consumption patterns were assessed. The study included 2327 participants in the SU.VI.MAX antioxidant-based randomized controlled trial (1994-2002). The sample was drawn from the general French population. Dietary data were obtained from a minimum of twelve 24-h dietary records provided during the first 2years of follow-up. Two bitter food consumption scores were computed - one assessing the variety of items consumed (unweighted score) and the other reflecting exposure to bitterness estimated via complementary sensory panel data from the EpiPref project (weighted score). Associations with sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors were analyzed with multiple linear regression. Among men, the variety of bitter foods consumed was positively associated with educational level and alcohol intake and inversely associated with physical activity and rural area of residence. Among women, the same outcome was positively associated with alcohol intake and inversely associated with diabetes. In turn, Body Mass Index displayed a significant inverse association with the bitterness-weighted score across sex, whereas educational level was supported only in women. This study adds to the presently scant knowledge about non-genetic determinants or moderators of actual bitter food intake. Future studies should elucidate the impact of diabetes and body size on bitter food intake patterns. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predictors of orthorexic behaviours in patients with eating disorders: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Brytek-Matera, Anna; Rogoza, Radosław; Gramaglia, Carla; Zeppegno, Patrizia

2015-10-15

The construct of orthorexia in eating disorders (EDs) has received very little attention despite clinical observations of a possible overlap between the two. The aim of this study was: 1) to assess orthorexic behaviours, eating disorder pathology and attitudinal body image in ED patients; 2) to identify possible predictors of orthorexia nervosa among ED patients. Fifty-two women diagnosed with EDs were recruited. Patients' assessment included the following: the ORTO-15 test (Polish version) for orthorexic behaviours; the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) to identify ED symptoms; the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (Polish version) to assess body image. A latent class analysis was performed and differences between identified classes were assessed. The main differences concerned weight, ED pathology and orthorexic behaviours within the same group of ED patients. In order to examine predictors of orthorexia nervosa, we investigated a structural equation model, which excellently fitted to the data (χ(2)(17) = 23.05; p = .148; CFI = .962; RMSEA = .08; p = .25; SRMR = .05). In ED patients, orthorexic behaviour was negatively predicted by eating pathology, weight concern, health orientation and appearance orientation. The assessment of the orthorexia construct in EDs may add to the paucity of studies about this issue and may help to clarify the relationship between the two. Differences and similarities seem to exist between these disorders, and may benefit from specific treatment approaches. Moreover, these preliminary findings open tracks for future research in the field of the psychology of eating.

Adding prandial GLP-1 receptor agonists to basal insulin: a promising option for type 2 diabetes therapy.

PubMed

Goldenberg, Ronald M; Berard, Lori

2018-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is a serious and increasingly prevalent condition in Canada and around the world. Treatment strategies have become increasingly complex, with a widening array of pharmacological agents available for glycemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). New therapies that act in concert with available basal insulins may represent alternatives to basal insulin intensification with prandial or pre-mixed insulin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have recently shown promise as useful additions to basal insulin, with significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin and potentially beneficial effects on body weight. This review will focus on pivotal clinical trials to assess the potential benefits of adding prandial GLP-1 RAs to basal insulin in patients with T2DM. Clinical studies combining prandial GLP-1 RAs and basal insulin (published between 2011 and July 2017) were identified and reviewed in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (Issue 6, June 2017), and clinicaltrials.gov. Most of the studies presented in this review show that the addition of a prandial GLP-1 RA to basal insulin results in equal or slightly superior efficacy compared to the addition of prandial insulin, together with weight loss and less hypoglycemia. The results of the studies suggest that a prandial GLP-1 RA as an add-on to basal insulin may be a safe and effective treatment intensification option (vs basal-plus or basal-bolus insulin).

Relationship between ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in Madeira Island.

PubMed

Sousa, Ana Célia; Palma Dos Reis, Roberto; Pereira, Andreia; Borges, Sofia; Freitas, Ana Isabel; Guerra, Graça; Góis, Teresa; Rodrigues, Mariana; Henriques, Eva; Freitas, Sónia; Ornelas, Ilídio; Pereira, Décio; Brehm, António; Mendonça, Maria Isabel

2017-10-01

Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex disease in which physiological, environmental, and genetic factors are involved in its genesis. The genetic variant of the alpha-adducin gene (ADD1) has been described as a risk factor for EH, but with controversial results.The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of ADD1 (Gly460Trp) gene polymorphism with the EH risk in a population from Madeira Island.A case-control study with 1614 individuals of Caucasian origin was performed, including 817 individuals with EH and 797 controls. Cases and controls were matched for sex and age, by frequency-matching method. All participants collected blood for biochemical and genotypic analysis for the Gly460Trp polymorphism. We further investigated which variables were independently associated to EH, and, consequently, analyzed their interactions.In our study, we found a significant association between the ADD1 gene polymorphism and EH (odds ratio 2.484, P = .01). This association remained statistically significant after the multivariate analysis (odds ratio 2.548, P = .02).The ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism is significantly and independently associated with EH risk in our population. The knowledge of genetic polymorphisms associated with EH is of paramount importance because it leads to a better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of this pathology.

Relationship between ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in Madeira Island

PubMed Central

Sousa, Ana Célia; Palma dos Reis, Roberto; Pereira, Andreia; Borges, Sofia; Freitas, Ana Isabel; Guerra, Graça; Góis, Teresa; Rodrigues, Mariana; Henriques, Eva; Freitas, Sónia; Ornelas, Ilídio; Pereira, Décio; Brehm, António; Mendonça, Maria Isabel

2017-01-01

Abstract Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex disease in which physiological, environmental, and genetic factors are involved in its genesis. The genetic variant of the alpha-adducin gene (ADD1) has been described as a risk factor for EH, but with controversial results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of ADD1 (Gly460Trp) gene polymorphism with the EH risk in a population from Madeira Island. A case-control study with 1614 individuals of Caucasian origin was performed, including 817 individuals with EH and 797 controls. Cases and controls were matched for sex and age, by frequency-matching method. All participants collected blood for biochemical and genotypic analysis for the Gly460Trp polymorphism. We further investigated which variables were independently associated to EH, and, consequently, analyzed their interactions. In our study, we found a significant association between the ADD1 gene polymorphism and EH (odds ratio 2.484, P = .01). This association remained statistically significant after the multivariate analysis (odds ratio 2.548, P = .02). The ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism is significantly and independently associated with EH risk in our population. The knowledge of genetic polymorphisms associated with EH is of paramount importance because it leads to a better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of this pathology. PMID:29049185

Relative contributions of lean and fat mass to bone strength in young Hispanic and non-Hispanic girls.

PubMed

Hetherington-Rauth, Megan; Bea, Jennifer W; Blew, Robert M; Funk, Janet L; Hingle, Melanie D; Lee, Vinson R; Roe, Denise J; Wheeler, Mark D; Lohman, Timothy G; Going, Scott B

2018-05-22

With the high prevalence of childhood obesity, especially among Hispanic children, understanding how body weight and its components of lean and fat mass affect bone development is important, given that the amount of bone mineral accrued during childhood can determine osteoporosis risk later in life. The aim of this study was to assess the independent contributions of lean and fat mass on volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), geometry, and strength in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bones of Hispanic and non-Hispanic girls. Bone vBMD, geometry, and strength were assessed at the 20% distal femur, the 4% and 66% distal tibia, and the 66% distal radius of the non-dominant limb of 326, 9- to 12-year-old girls using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Total body lean and fat mass were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Multiple linear regression was used to assess the independent relationships of fat and lean mass with pQCT bone measures while adjusting for relevant confounders. Potential interactions between ethnicity and both fat and lean mass were also tested. Lean mass was a significant positive contributor to all bone outcomes (p < 0.05) with the exception of vBMD at diaphyseal sites. Fat mass was a significant contributor to bone strength at weight bearing sites, but did not significantly contribute to bone strength at the non-weight bearing radius and was negatively associated with radius cortical content and thickness. Bone measures did not significantly differ between Hispanic and non-Hispanic girls, although there was a significant interaction between ethnicity and fat mass with total bone area at the femur (p = 0.02) and 66% tibia (p = 0.005) as well as bone strength at the femur (p = 0.03). Lean mass is the main determinant of bone strength for appendicular skeletal sites. Fat mass contributes to bone strength in the weight-bearing skeleton but does not add to bone strength in non-weight-bearing locations and may potentially be detrimental. Bone vBMD, geometry, and strength did not differ between Hispanic and non-Hispanic girls; fat mass may be a stronger contributor to bone strength in weight-bearing bones of Hispanic girls compared to non-Hispanic. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Assessment of Vulnerability to Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California.

PubMed

Shriber, Jennifer; Conlon, Kathryn C; Benedict, Kaitlin; McCotter, Orion Z; Bell, Jesse E

2017-06-23

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and California. Its incidence has increased, potentially due in part to the effects of changing climatic variables on fungal growth and spore dissemination. This study aims to quantify the county-level vulnerability to coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California and to assess the relationships between population vulnerability and climate variability. The variables representing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity were combined to calculate county level vulnerability indices. Three methods were used: (1) principal components analysis; (2) quartile weighting; and (3) percentile weighting. Two sets of indices, "unsupervised" and "supervised", were created. Each index was correlated with coccidioidomycosis incidence data from 2000-2014. The supervised percentile index had the highest correlation; it was then correlated with variability measures for temperature, precipitation, and drought. The supervised percentile index was significantly correlated ( p < 0.05) with coccidioidomycosis incidence in both states. Moderate, positive significant associations ( p < 0.05) were found between index scores and climate variability when both states were concurrently analyzed and when California was analyzed separately. This research adds to the body of knowledge that could be used to target interventions to vulnerable counties and provides support for the hypothesis that population vulnerability to coccidioidomycosis is associated with climate variability.

Assessment of Vulnerability to Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California

PubMed Central

Conlon, Kathryn C.; Benedict, Kaitlin; McCotter, Orion Z.; Bell, Jesse E.

2017-01-01

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and California. Its incidence has increased, potentially due in part to the effects of changing climatic variables on fungal growth and spore dissemination. This study aims to quantify the county-level vulnerability to coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California and to assess the relationships between population vulnerability and climate variability. The variables representing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity were combined to calculate county level vulnerability indices. Three methods were used: (1) principal components analysis; (2) quartile weighting; and (3) percentile weighting. Two sets of indices, “unsupervised” and “supervised”, were created. Each index was correlated with coccidioidomycosis incidence data from 2000–2014. The supervised percentile index had the highest correlation; it was then correlated with variability measures for temperature, precipitation, and drought. The supervised percentile index was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with coccidioidomycosis incidence in both states. Moderate, positive significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between index scores and climate variability when both states were concurrently analyzed and when California was analyzed separately. This research adds to the body of knowledge that could be used to target interventions to vulnerable counties and provides support for the hypothesis that population vulnerability to coccidioidomycosis is associated with climate variability. PMID:28644403

Relevance of a Hypersaline Sodium-Rich Naturally Sparkling Mineral Water to the Protection against Metabolic Syndrome Induction in Fructose-Fed Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Biochemical, Metabolic, and Redox Approach.

PubMed

Pereira, Cidália Dionísio; Severo, Milton; Araújo, João Ricardo; Guimarães, João Tiago; Pestana, Diogo; Santos, Alejandro; Ferreira, Rita; Ascensão, António; Magalhães, José; Azevedo, Isabel; Monteiro, Rosário; Martins, Maria João

2014-01-01

The Metabolic Syndrome increases the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Increased fructose consumption and/or mineral deficiency have been associated with Metabolic Syndrome development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks consumption of a hypersaline sodium-rich naturally sparkling mineral water on 10% fructose-fed Sprague-Dawley rats (Metabolic Syndrome animal model). The ingestion of the mineral water (rich in sodium bicarbonate and with higher potassium, calcium, and magnesium content than the tap water used as control) reduced/prevented not only the fructose-induced increase of heart rate, plasma triacylglycerols, insulin and leptin levels, hepatic catalase activity, and organ weight to body weight ratios (for liver and both kidneys) but also the decrease of hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity and oxidized glutathione content. This mineral-rich water seems to have potential to prevent Metabolic Syndrome induction by fructose. We hypothesize that its regular intake in the context of modern diets, which have a general acidic character interfering with mineral homeostasis and are poor in micronutrients, namely potassium, calcium, and magnesium, could add surplus value and attenuate imbalances, thus contributing to metabolic and redox health and, consequently, decreasing the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

New Germplasms of the Culinary-Medicinal Button Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Agaricomycetes): Two Wild Strains from the Tibetan Plateau (China).

PubMed

Li, Bin-Bin; Jiang, Si-Ping; Xu, Ai-Guo; Dorji, Phurbu; Wang, Wen-Jing; Wang, Xiao-Liang; Wei, Tie-Zheng; Zhang, Zu-Tang; Yao, Yi-Jian

2017-01-01

Agaricus bisporus is one of the most important commercially cultivated culinary-medicinal mushrooms worldwide. In China, most of the cultivated strains of the fungus were introduced from other countries and cultivated in the eastern provinces. In this study, 2 wild strains of A. bisporus, 2091 and 2094, isolated from fresh specimens collected from the Tibetan Plateau, were domesticated and cultivated alongside a commercial hybrid strain, As2796, in Lhasa, China, for comparison in order to provide new germplasms for cultivation. Basic characteristics, mushroom yield, dry weight, polysaccharide contents, and antioxidant activities of the tested strains were analyzed. Compared with strain As2796, the 2 wild strains displayed good values for mycelial growth, time to fruiting, mushroom yield, dry weight, and polysaccharide contents, and their basidiomata had distinct morphological characteristics (e.g., brown or pale brown caps with some white scales). In addition, the antioxidant activities (reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging effect) of strain 2094 were significantly higher than those of the other 2 strains. Domestication of the 2 wild strains would add more genetic variation into the germplasm of A. bisporus for cultivation, especially in China, and might help to address the problem inherent to the nearly monoculture crop lacking genetic diversity in China.

The connectomes of males and females with autism spectrum disorder have significantly different white matter connectivity densities

PubMed Central

Irimia, Andrei; Torgerson, Carinna M.; Jacokes, Zachary J.; Van Horn, John D.

2017-01-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a set of neurodevelopmental conditions whose striking sex-related disparity (with an estimated male-to-female ratio of 4:1) remains unknown. Here we use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) to identify the brain structure correlates of the sex-by-ASD diagnosis interaction in a carefully selected cohort of 110 ASD patients (55 females) and 83 typically-developing (TD) subjects (40 females). The interaction was found to be predicated primarily upon white matter connectivity density innervating, bilaterally, the lateral aspect of the temporal lobe, the temporo-parieto-occipital junction and the medial parietal lobe. By contrast, regional gray matter (GM) thickness and volume are not found to modulate this interaction significantly. When interpreted in the context of previous studies, our findings add considerable weight to three long-standing hypotheses according to which the sex disparity of ASD incidence is (A) due to WM connectivity rather than to GM differences, (B) modulated to a large extent by temporoparietal connectivity, and (C) accompanied by brain function differences driven by these effects. Our results contribute substantially to the task of unraveling the biological mechanisms giving rise to the sex disparity in ASD incidence, whose clinical implications are significant. PMID:28397802

High frequency capacitor-diode voltage multiplier dc-dc converter development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kisch, J. J.; Martinelli, R. M.

1977-01-01

A power conditioner was developed which used a capacitor diode voltage multiplier to provide a high voltage without the use of a step-up transformer. The power conditioner delivered 1200 Vdc at 100 watts and was operated from a 120 Vdc line. The efficiency was in excess of 90 percent. The component weight was 197 grams. A modified boost-add circuit was used for the regulation. A short circuit protection circuit was used which turns off the drive circuit upon a fault condition, and recovers within 5 ms after removal of the short. High energy density polysulfone capacitors and high speed diodes were used in the multiplier circuit.

Soft decoding a self-dual (48, 24; 12) code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, G.

1993-01-01

A self-dual (48,24;12) code comes from restricting a binary cyclic (63,18;36) code to a 6 x 7 matrix, adding an eighth all-zero column, and then adjoining six dimensions to this extended 6 x 8 matrix. These six dimensions are generated by linear combinations of row permutations of a 6 x 8 matrix of weight 12, whose sums of rows and columns add to one. A soft decoding using these properties and approximating maximum likelihood is presented here. This is preliminary to a possible soft decoding of the box (72,36;15) code that promises a 7.7-dB theoretical coding under maximum likelihood.

Structural Analysis in a Conceptual Design Framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padula, Sharon L.; Robinson, Jay H.; Eldred, Lloyd B.

2012-01-01

Supersonic aircraft designers must shape the outer mold line of the aircraft to improve multiple objectives, such as mission performance, cruise efficiency, and sonic-boom signatures. Conceptual designers have demonstrated an ability to assess these objectives for a large number of candidate designs. Other critical objectives and constraints, such as weight, fuel volume, aeroelastic effects, and structural soundness, are more difficult to address during the conceptual design process. The present research adds both static structural analysis and sizing to an existing conceptual design framework. The ultimate goal is to include structural analysis in the multidisciplinary optimization of a supersonic aircraft. Progress towards that goal is discussed and demonstrated.

Liver injury induced by herbal complementary and alternative medicine.

PubMed

Navarro, Victor J; Seeff, Leonard B

2013-11-01

Herbal and dietary supplement use is common. Most marketed products consist of complex mixtures. Although they are perceived as safe, instances of hepatotoxicity attributable to these products underscore their potential for injury, but the exact component that is responsible for injury is difficult to discern. The lenient regulatory environment in the United States, which opens the possibility of adulteration and contamination, adds to the challenge of disease attribution. Although many different herbal and dietary supplements have been reported to cause liver injury, in the United States, products used for bodybuilding and weight loss are the most commonly implicated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on growth trajectories in young Ethiopian children: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Taye, Bineyam; Enquselassie, Fikre; Tsegaye, Aster; Amberbir, Alemayehu; Medhin, Girmay; Fogarty, Andrew; Robinson, Karen; Davey, Gail

2016-09-01

Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with early childhood growth impairment in high- and middle-income countries; however, few studies have examined this relationship within low-income countries or have used a longitudinal design. The possible effects of H. pylori infection on growth trajectories were examined in a cohort of young Ethiopian children. In 2011/12, 856 children (85.1% of the 1006 original singletons in a population-based birth cohort) were followed up at age 6.5 years. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to mothers provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. Height and weight were measured twice, and the average of the two measurements was used. Exposure to H. pylori infection was assessed using a rapid H. pylori stool antigen test. The independent associations of positive H. pylori infection status (measured at ages 3 and 6.5 years) with baseline height and weight (age 3 years) and height and weight growth trajectory (from age 3 to 6.5 years) were modelled using hierarchical linear models. At baseline (age 3 years), the children's mean height was 85.7cm and their mean weight was 11.9kg. They gained height at a mean rate of 8.7cm/year, and weight at a mean rate of 1.76kg/year. H. pylori infection was associated with lower baseline measurements and linear height trajectory (β=-0.74cm and -0.79cm/year, respectively), after controlling for demographics and markers of socio-economic status. However, the positive coefficient was associated with quadratic growth in height among H. pylori-infected children (β=0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.49, p<0.01), and indicated an increase in height trajectory as the child increased in age. A non-significant difference in baseline and trajectory of weight was observed between H. pylori-infected and non-infected children. These findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting that H. pylori infection is inversely associated with childhood growth trajectory, after controlling for a range of factors associated with reduced growth and H. pylori status. Further follow-up will be important to confirm possible catch-up in height trajectory among H. pylori-infected children as they grow older. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Adding pegylated interferon to entecavir for hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B: A multicenter randomized trial (ARES study).

PubMed

Brouwer, Willem Pieter; Xie, Qing; Sonneveld, Milan J; Zhang, Ningping; Zhang, Qin; Tabak, Fehmi; Streinu-Cercel, Adrian; Wang, Ji-Yao; Idilman, Ramazan; Reesink, Hendrik W; Diculescu, Mircea; Simon, Krzysztof; Voiculescu, Mihai; Akdogan, Meral; Mazur, Wlodzimierz; Reijnders, Jurrien G P; Verhey, Elke; Hansen, Bettina E; Janssen, Harry L A

2015-05-01

Entecavir (ETV) is a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B viral replication, but long-term therapy may be required. We investigated whether adding on pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) to ETV therapy enhances serological response rates. In this global investigator-initiated, open-label, multicenter, randomized trial, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with compensated liver disease started on ETV monotherapy (0.5 mg/day) and were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either Peg-IFN add-on therapy (180 µg/week) from week 24 to 48 (n = 85) or to continue ETV monotherapy (n = 90). Response was defined as HBeAg loss with HBV DNA <200 IU/mL at week 48. Responders discontinued ETV at week 72. All patients were followed until week 96. Response was achieved in 16 of 85 (19%) patients allocated to the add-on arm versus 9 of 90 (10%) in the monotherapy arm (P = 0.095). Adjusted for HBV DNA levels before randomized therapy, Peg-IFN add-on was significantly associated with response (odds ratio: 4.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-14.0; P = 0.004). Eleven (13%) of the add-on-treated patients achieved disease remission after ETV cessation versus 2 of 90 (2%) of those treated with monotherapy (P = 0.007), which was 79% (11 of 14) versus 25% (2 of 8) of those who discontinued ETV (P = 0.014). At week 96, 22 (26%) patients assigned add-on versus 12 (13%) assigned monotherapy achieved HBeAg seroconversion (P = 0.036). Peg-IFN add-on led to significantly more decline in hepatitis B surface antigen, HBeAg, and HBV DNA (all P < 0.001). Combination therapy was well tolerated. Although the primary endpoint was not reached, 24 weeks of Peg-IFN add-on therapy led to a higher proportion of HBeAg response, compared to ETV monotherapy. Add-on therapy resulted in more viral decline and appeared to prevent relapse after stopping ETV. Hence, Peg-IFN add-on therapy may facilitate the discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogs. © 2014 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Effect of Intra- and Extrauterine Growth on Long-Term Neurologic Outcomes of Very Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Guellec, Isabelle; Lapillonne, Alexandre; Marret, Stephane; Picaud, Jean-Charles; Mitanchez, Delphine; Charkaluk, Marie-Laure; Fresson, Jeanne; Arnaud, Catherine; Flamand, Cyril; Cambonie, Gilles; Kaminski, Monique; Roze, Jean-Christophe; Ancel, Pierre-Yves

2016-08-01

To determine whether extrauterine growth is associated with neurologic outcomes and if this association varies by prenatal growth profile. For 1493 preterms from the EPIPAGE (Étude Épidémiologique sur les Petits Âges Gestationnels [Epidemiological Study on Small Gestational Ages]) cohort, appropriate for gestational-age (AGA) was defined by birth weight >-2 SD and small for gestational-age (SGA) by birth weight ≤-2 SD. Extra-uterine growth was defined by weight gain or loss between birth and 6 months by z-score change. Growth following-the-curve (FTC) was defined as weight change -1 to +1 SD, catch-down-growth (CD) as weight loss ≥1 SD, and catch-up-growth (CU) as weight gain ≥1 SD. At 5 years, a complete medical examination (n = 1305) and cognitive evaluation with the Kauffman Assessment Battery for Children (n = 1130) were performed. Behavioral difficulties at 5 years and school performance at 8 years were assessed (n = 1095). Overall, 42.5% of preterms were AGA-FTC, 20.2% AGA-CD, 17.1% AGA-CU, 5.6% SGA-FTC, and 14.5% SGA-CU. Outcomes did not differ between CU and FTC preterm AGA infants. Risk of cerebral palsy was greater for AGA-CD compared with AGA-FTC (aOR 2.26 [95% CI 1.37-3.72]). As compared with children with SGA-CU, SGA-FTC children showed no significant increased risk of cognitive deficiency (aOR 1.41[0.94-2.12]) or school difficulties (aOR 1.60 [0.84-3.03]). Compared with AGA-FTC, SGA showed increased risk of cognitive deficiency (SGA-FTC aOR 2.19 [1.25-3.84]) and inattention-hyperactivity (SGA-CU aOR 1.65 [1.05-2.60]). Deficient postnatal growth was associated with poor neurologic outcome for AGA and SGA preterm infants. CU growth does not add additional benefits. Regardless of type of postnatal growth, SGA infants showed behavioral problems and cognitive deficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Catalyst for Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Patricia; Brown, Kenneth; VanNorman, John; Brown, David; Upchurch, Billy; Schryer, David; Miller, Irvin

2010-01-01

In many applications, it is highly desirable to operate a CO2 laser in a sealed condition, for in an open system the laser requires a continuous flow of laser gas to remove the dissociation products that occur in the discharge zone of the laser, in order to maintain a stable power output. This adds to the operating cost of the laser, and in airborne or space applications, it also adds to the weight penalty of the laser. In a sealed CO2 laser, a small amount of CO2 gas is decomposed in the electrical discharge zone into corresponding quantities of CO and O2. As the laser continues to operate, the concentration of CO2 decreases, while the concentrations of CO and O2 correspondingly increase. The increasing concentration of O2 reduces laser power, because O2 scavenges electrons in the electrical discharge, thereby causing arcing in the electric discharge and a loss of the energetic electrons required to boost CO2 molecules to lasing energy levels. As a result, laser power decreases rapidly. The primary object of this invention is to provide a catalyst that, by composition of matter alone, contains chemisorbed water within and upon its structure. Such bound moisture renders the catalyst highly active and very long-lived, such that only a small quantity of it needs to be used with a CO2 laser under ambient operating conditions. This object is achieved by a catalyst that consists essentially of about 1 to 40 percent by weight of one or more platinum group metals (Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os, Pt being preferred); about 1 to 90 percent by weight of one or more oxides of reducible metals having multiple valence states (such as Sn, Ti, Mn, Cu, and Ce, with SnO2 being preferred); and about 1 to 90 percent by weight of a compound that can bind water to its structure (such as silica gel, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, hydrated alumina, and magnesium perchlorate, with silica gel being preferred). Especially beneficial results are obtained when platinum is present in the catalyst composition in an amount of about 5 to 25 (especially 7) percent by weight, SnO2 is present in an amount of about 30 to 40 (especially 40) percent by weight, and silica gel is present in an amount of 45 to 55 (especially 50) percent by weight. The composition of this catalyst was suggested by preliminary experiments in which a Pt/SnO2 catalyst was needed for bound water to enhance its activity. These experimental results suggested that if the water were bound to the surface, this water would enhance and prolong catalyst activity for long time periods. Because the catalyst is to be exposed to a laser gas mixture, and because a CO2 laser can tolerate only a very small amount of moisture, a hygroscopic support for the catalyst would provide the needed H2O into the gas. Silica gel is considered to be superior because of its property to chemisorb water on its surface over a wide range of moisture content.

Study on the postmortem submersion interval and accumulated degree days for a multiple drowning accident.

PubMed

Mateus, M; Vieira, V

2014-05-01

Recreational accidents in aquatic environments leading to death by drowning are quite frequent. Even if they do not usually require forensic investigation, they may provide useful information on the post mortem submersion interval (PMSI) and its relation with accumulated degree days (ADD). This is particularly useful to forensic science since most studies dealing with these matters rely mostly on animal carcasses as human analogues. In this work we report on a multiple drowning accident resulting in 6 victims. ADD was calculated based on the PMSI and water temperature during this period. PMSI varied between ∼7.4 days and ∼11.4 days, and estimated body drift from the accident site ranged from 0.5km to 8.0km. Surface water temperature in the accident area showed little variation during the PMSI (14.5-16.0°C). Estimated ADD varied between 115°C and 174°C, and between 104°C and 191°C when considering the cumulative lower (ADDmin) and upper (ADDmax) limits for ADD. We compare the results with recently published data on two similar cases, and suggest a range for ADD that can be assumed as necessary before body floatability is regain after a drowning accident. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Arizona. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Hawaii. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Connecticut. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Exenatide once weekly versus daily basal insulin as add-on treatment to metformin with or without a sulfonylurea: a retrospective pooled analysis in patients with poor glycemic control.

PubMed

Grimm, Michael; Li, Yan; Brunell, Steven C; Blase, Erich

2013-09-01

Basal insulin (b-INS) is typically the add-on treatment of choice for patients with poor glycemic control (ie, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] level ≥ 8.5%), but it is unclear whether b-INS is the best option. In this post hoc analysis, the efficacy and tolerability of exenatide once weekly (EQW) were compared with those of b-INS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a baseline HbA1c level 8.5% who were undergoing treatment with metformin ± a sulfonylurea. Data were pooled from two 26-week, randomized, controlled trials (EQW vs insulin glargine and EQW vs insulin detemir [EQW, N = 137; b-INS, N = 126]). Treatment with either EQW or b-INS for 26 weeks was associated with significant improvements in HbA1c level compared with baseline, although patients treated with EQW experienced a significantly greater decrease in HbA1c level than those treated with b-INS (least squares [LS] mean ± SE: -2.0% ± 0.08% vs -1.6% ± 0.08%; P = 0.0008). Treatment with EQW was associated with a weight loss of 2.4 kg ± 0.23 kg (LS mean ± SE), whereas treatment with b-INS was associated with a weight gain of 2.0 kg ± 0.24 kg (LS mean difference between groups, -4.4 kg ± 0.33; P < 0.0001). Patients in the EQW group were significantly more likely to achieve the composite endpoint of an HbA1c level < 7.0%, no weight gain, and no hypoglycemic events (defined as a blood glucose level < 54 mg/dL requiring self-treatment or assistance to resolve) than patients in the b-INS group (33.6% vs 3.2%; P < 0.0001). The exposure-adjusted hypoglycemic event rates were 0.08 and 0.37 events per patient-year in the EQW and b-INS groups, respectively. Gastrointestinal adverse events occurred at a higher rate in patients who underwent EQW treatment than those who were treated with b-INS. These results show that EQW treatment was associated with significantly greater improvement in HbA1c level compared with b-INS treatment among patients with poor glycemic control, with the added benefits of weight loss (vs weight gain with b-INS therapy) and a lower incidence of hypoglycemic events. These results suggest that EQW is an alternative treatment to b-INS for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a baseline HbA1c level ≥ 8.5%.

Chance of reimbursement for ADD-ON therapies in Poland and in the world - review of the reimbursement recommendations

PubMed

Borowiack, Ewa; Marzec, Magdalena; Nowotarska, Anna; Jarosz, Joanna; Orkisz, Agata; Prząda-Machno, Patrycja

2018-01-01

Oncology drugs combined with standard therapies (so-called add-on therapies, e.g. bevacizumab, palbociclib) often receive negative recommendations regarding the legitimacy of public financing, issued by government agencies responsible for their assessment, i.e. health technology assessment agencies. The aim of the study was to estimate the scale of the problem related to the reimbursement of add-on therapies used in the treatment of breast and genitourinary cancers in Poland and in the world. A multimodal approach was used to select add-on therapies. The reimbursement routes were analysed in 8 reference countries (Poland, Canada, England, Wales, France, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand). Based on a systematic search, data for breast and urogenital cancers were included. A total of 68 reimbursement documents for add-on therapies were identified. The analysis showed that in Poland, 20% of innovative schemes including add-on therapies should be reimbursed, while in the world the percentage of positive recommendations reaches 56%. It was observed that globally (including data for Poland) the chance for a favorable reimbursement recommendation for add-on therapies is 53%, with 29% being positive recommendations with limitations. In Poland, the majority of negative recommendations concern genitourinary cancers in comparison to breast cancer (83% vs 75%). Poland is at the head of the countries in terms of the number of negative reimbursement recommendations. Bearing in mind the world’s need of modifying the criteria for the evaluation of oncological therapies in the context of the possibility of their reimbursement, one should expect a change in the approach to the assessment of the legitimacy of financing innovative add-on therapies in Poland.

Is mandibular asymmetry more frequent and severe with unilateral disc displacement?

PubMed

Xie, Qianyang; Yang, Chi; He, Dongmei; Cai, Xieyi; Ma, Zhigui

2015-01-01

To investigate the prevalence of mandibular asymmetry (MA) within the symptomatic unilateral anterior disc displacement (ADD) patients, and analyze the influence TMJ factors of the MA severity. Patients aged under 20 years old with symptomatic unilateral ADD and asymptomatic volunteers with normal disc-condyle relationship diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in this study. Posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs were taken to measure MA. Condylar height, disc length and disc displacement were measured by MRI. The prevalence and severity of MA were compared between the ADD and the control groups. The correlation between the severity of MA with the amount of condylar height shortage, disc deformity and distance of disc displacement were also evaluated within the ADD group. There were 165 cases in the unilateral ADD group, and 156 cases in the control group. One hundred and nineteen cases had MA which accounted 72.12% (119/165) in the ADD group; while in the control group, only 25.64% (40/156) exhibited MA. The mean horizontal menton deviation and condylar height shortage in the unilateral ADD group were significantly larger than that in the control group (5.62 mm vs. 4.19 mm; 3.14 mm vs. 1.32 mm, p < 0.01). The severity of MA was significantly correlated with the amount of disc displacement, disc deformity and condylar height shortage (correlation coefficient: 0.80, 0.70, and 0.82). MA is much more common and severe in young unilateral ADD patients. The severity of MA is correlated with the height of condyle and the status of the disc. Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

dAdd1 and dXNP prevent genome instability by maintaining HP1a localization at Drosophila telomeres.

PubMed

Chavez, Joselyn; Murillo-Maldonado, Juan Manuel; Bahena, Vanessa; Cruz, Ana Karina; Castañeda-Sortibrán, América; Rodriguez-Arnaiz, Rosario; Zurita, Mario; Valadez-Graham, Viviana

2017-12-01

Telomeres are important contributors to genome stability, as they prevent linear chromosome end degradation and contribute to the avoidance of telomeric fusions. An important component of the telomeres is the heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a). Mutations in Su(var)205, the gene encoding HP1a in Drosophila, result in telomeric fusions, retrotransposon regulation loss and larger telomeres, leading to chromosome instability. Previously, it was found that several proteins physically interact with HP1a, including dXNP and dAdd1 (orthologues to the mammalian ATRX gene). In this study, we found that mutations in the genes encoding the dXNP and dAdd1 proteins affect chromosome stability, causing chromosomal aberrations, including telomeric defects, similar to those observed in Su(var)205 mutants. In somatic cells, we observed that dXNP and dAdd1 participate in the silencing of the telomeric HTT array of retrotransposons, preventing anomalous retrotransposon transcription and integration. Furthermore, the lack of dAdd1 results in the loss of HP1a from the telomeric regions without affecting other chromosomal HP1a binding sites; mutations in dxnp also affected HP1a localization but not at all telomeres, suggesting a specialized role for dAdd1 and dXNP proteins in locating HP1a at the tips of the chromosomes. These results place dAdd1 as an essential regulator of HP1a localization and function in the telomere heterochromatic domain.

Reporting the national antimicrobial consumption in Danish pigs: influence of assigned daily dosage values and population measurement.

PubMed

Dupont, Nana; Fertner, Mette; Kristensen, Charlotte Sonne; Toft, Nils; Stege, Helle

2016-05-03

Transparent calculation methods are crucial when investigating trends in antimicrobial consumption over time and between populations. Until 2011, one single standardized method was applied when quantifying the Danish pig antimicrobial consumption with the unit "Animal Daily Dose" (ADD). However, two new methods for assigning values for ADDs have recently emerged, one implemented by DANMAP, responsible for publishing annual reports on antimicrobial consumption, and one by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA), responsible for the Yellow Card initiative. In addition to new ADD assignment methods, Denmark has also experienced a shift in the production pattern, towards a larger export of live pigs. The aims of this paper were to (1) describe previous and current ADD assignment methods used by the major Danish institutions and (2) to illustrate how ADD assignment method and choice of population and population measurement affect the calculated national antimicrobial consumption in pigs (2007-2013). The old VetStat ADD-values were based on SPCs in contrast to the new ADD-values, which were based on active compound, concentration and administration route. The new ADD-values stated by both DANMAP and DVFA were only identical for 48 % of antimicrobial products approved for use in pigs. From 2007 to 2013, the total number of ADDs per year increased by 9 % when using the new DVFA ADD-values, but decreased by 2 and 7 % when using the new DANMAP ADD-values or the old VetStat ADD-values, respectively. Through 2007 to 2013, the production of pigs increased from 26.1 million pigs per year with 18 % exported live to 28.7 million with 34 % exported live. In the same time span, the annual pig antimicrobial consumption increased by 22.2 %, when calculated using the new DVFA ADD-values and pigs slaughtered per year as population measurement (13.0 ADDs/pig/year to 15.9 ADDs/pig/year). However, when based on the old VetStat ADD values and pigs produced per year (including live export), a 10.9 % decrease was seen (10.6 ADDs/pig/year to 9.4 ADDs/pig/year). The findings of this paper clearly highlight that calculated national antimicrobial consumption is highly affected by chosen population measurement and the applied ADD-values.

The relationship of document and quantitative literacy with learning styles and selected personal variables for aerospace technology students at Indiana State University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Royce Ann

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent that student scores on a researcher-constructed quantitative and document literacy test, the Aviation Documents Delineator (ADD), were associated with (a) learning styles (imaginative, analytic, common sense, dynamic, and undetermined), as identified by the Learning Type Measure, (b) program curriculum (aerospace administration, professional pilot, both aerospace administration and professional pilot, other, or undeclared), (c) overall cumulative grade point average at Indiana State University, and (d) year in school (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior). The Aviation Documents Delineator (ADD) was a three-part, 35 question survey that required students to interpret graphs, tables, and maps. Tasks assessed in the ADD included (a) locating, interpreting, and describing specific data displayed in the document, (b) determining data for a specified point on the table through interpolation, (c) comparing data for a string of variables representing one aspect of aircraft performance to another string of variables representing a different aspect of aircraft performance, (d) interpreting the documents to make decisions regarding emergency situations, and (e) performing single and/or sequential mathematical operations on a specified set of data. The Learning Type Measure (LTM) was a 15 item self-report survey developed by Bernice McCarthy (1995) to profile an individual's processing and perception tendencies in order to reveal different individual approaches to learning. The sample used in this study included 143 students enrolled in Aerospace Technology Department courses at Indiana State University in the fall of 1996. The ADD and the LTM were administered to each subject. Data collected in this investigation were analyzed using a stepwise multiple regression analysis technique. Results of the study revealed that the variables, year in school and GPA, were significant predictors of the criterion variables, document, quantitative, and total literacy, when utilizing the ADD. The variables learning style and program of study were found not to be significant predictors of literacy scores on the ADD instrument.

A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of add-on therapy in moderate-to-severe Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Zhao, Shifu; Cheng, Rongchuan; Zheng, Jian; Li, Qianning; Wang, Jingzhou; Fan, Wenhui; Zhang, Lili; Zhang, Yanling; Li, Hongzeng; Liu, Shuxiao

2015-10-01

The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of droxidopa as add-on therapy in improving stiffness, tremors and other motor functions and activities of daily living for moderate-to-severe Parkinson's disease (PD). PD patients, above Hoehn-Yahr III (including Hoehn-Yahr III), were randomly assigned to drug therapy (droxidopa 600 mg/day for 8 weeks) or placebo. Efficacy indicators were the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part I, II, III subscale, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) rating score, and individual symptom scores (e.g. stiffness, tremors), to evaluate motor function and activities of daily life. There are 109 patients in the droxidopa group, and 110 in the placebo group, at baseline, there were no differences between the two groups for age, body weight, disease severity and previous drugs therapy. At days 14 and 57 of droxidopa add on treatment, UPDRS-II scores reflecting activities of daily life and UPDRS-III scores reflecting motor functions were significantly different compared to the pre-treatment baseline scores (P < 0.01), UPDRS- II and UPDRS-III scores at day 14 and day 57 were also significantly different (P < 0.01) between the two groups. Individual motor symptoms such as stiffness, resting tremor, and alternate hand motion were also significantly improved with droxidopa on days 14 and 57 of treatment (P < 0.01 vs placebo), showing that droxidopa is effective in improving rigidity, tremor and alternate motion of hand. Droxidopa was effective as symptomatic adjunct therapy, improved significantly motor function and activities of daily living, benefited patients with signs of tremor and Stiffness. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of adding modified zirconium oxide-titanium dioxide nano-particles on mechanical properties of orthodontic adhesive: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Felemban, Nayef H; Ebrahim, Mohamed I

2017-01-13

The purpose of this in-vitro study was to examine the effect of incorporating different concentrations of Zirconium oxide-Titanium dioxide (ZrO2-TiO2) nanoparticles, which can have antibacterial properties, on the mechanical properties of an orthodontic adhesive. ZrO2-TiO2 (Zirconium oxide, HWNANO, Hongwu International Group Ltd, China) -Titanium dioxide, Nanoshell, USA) nanopowder were incorporated into orthodontic adhesive (Transbond XT, 3 M Unitek, Monrovia, USA) with different concentrations (0.5% weight nonofiller and 1% weight nanofiller). The size of nanoparticle was 70-80 nm for ZrO2 and less than 50 nm for TiO2. For measuring the shear bond strength of the three groups of orthodontic adhesives [Transbond (control), Transbond mixed with 0.5% weight ZrO2-TiO2, and Transbond mixed with 1% weight ZrO2-TiO2], 30 freshly extracted human first premolars were used and bonded with stainless steel metal brackets (Dentaurum®, Discovery®, Deutschland), using the 3 orthodontic adhesives and 3 M Unitek; Transbond TM Plus Self-Etching Primer (10 samples in each group). The recorded values of compressive strength and tensile strength (measured separately on 10 samples of orthodontic adhesives (add the 3 D size of sample, light cured for 40 s on both sides) of each orthodontic adhesives), as well as the shear bond strength in Mega Pascal unit (MPa) were collected and exposed to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc tests. orthodontic adhesive with 1% weight ZrO2-TiO2 showed the highest mean compressive (73.42 ± 1.55 MPa, p: 0.003, F: 12.74), tensile strength (8.65 ± 0.74 MPa, p: 0.001, F: 68.20), and shear bond strength (20.05 ± 0.2 MPa, p: 0.001, F: 0.17). Adding ZrO2-TiO2 nanoparticle to orthodontic adhesive increased compressive strength, tensile strength, and shear bond strength in vitro, but in vivo studies and randomized clinical trials are needed to validate the present findings.

Childhood obesity affects postural control and aiming performance during an upper limb movement.

PubMed

Boucher, François; Handrigan, Grant A; Mackrous, Isabelle; Hue, Olivier

2015-07-01

Obesity reduces the efficiency of postural and movement control mechanisms. However, the effects of obesity on a functional motor task and postural control in standing and seated position have not been closely quantified among children. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of obesity on the execution of aiming tasks performed in standing and seated conditions in children. Twelve healthy weight children and eleven obese children aged between 8 and 11 years pointed to a target in standing and seated position. The difficulty of the aiming task was varied by using 2 target sizes (1.0 cm and 5.0 cm width; pointing to the smaller target size needs a more precise movement and constitutes a more difficult task). Hand movement time (MT) and its phases were measured to quantify the aiming task. Mean speed of the center of pressure displacement (COP speed) was calculated to assess postural stability during the movement. Obese children had significantly higher MTs compared to healthy-weight children in seated and standing conditions explained by greater durations of deceleration phase when aiming. Concerning the COP speed during the movement, obese children showed significantly higher values when standing compared to healthy-weight children. This was also observed in the seated position. In conclusion, obesity adds a postural constraint during an aiming task in both seated and standing conditions and requires obese children to take more time to correct their movements due to a greater postural instability of the body when pointing to a target with the upper-limb. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

I am pregnant and want to do better but i can't: focus groups with low-income overweight and obese pregnant women.

PubMed

Chang, Mei-Wei; Nitzke, Susan; Buist, Diana; Cain, Deborah; Horning, Stefanie; Eghtedary, Kobra

2015-05-01

This study was conducted to identify factors that influenced stress, healthy eating and physical activity among low-income overweight or obese pregnant women. We conducted seven focus groups with 96 low-income overweight and obese pregnant women. Common themes were identified from audio tapes and transcripts. Women said that poor communication affected their relationships with spouses or significant others. They were frustrated or upset with significant others for three key reasons: failure to understand or listen to the pregnant women's pregnancy concerns, refusal to be helpful when asked and being overly concerned with the woman's safety. Most women said that they were emotional and took naps throughout the day after becoming pregnant. Many withdrew from their social interactions. They also faced numerous challenges that made healthy eating more difficult, e.g., craving for unhealthy foods and eating foods for comfort. To eat healthier, some reminded themselves to avoid overeating or stop eating in the car. Women were not physically active because of tiredness, lack of motivation, inadequate social support, or bad weather. Some stayed physically active to prevent excessive pregnancy weight gain and have an easier labor. Women equivocally said weighing themselves to manage weight would add to their stress and make them feel more depressed. When designing interventions to help low-income overweight and obese pregnant women avoid excessive pregnancy weight gain, it is important to include information and practical advice on stress management, emphasizing effective communication skills with significant others and helping them plan effective ways to manage negative feelings.

Attention Deficit Disorder. NICHCY Briefing Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fowler, Mary

This briefing paper uses a question-and-answer format to provide basic information about children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Questions address the following concerns: nature and incidence of ADD; causes of ADD; signs of ADD (impulsivity, hyperactivity, disorganization, social skill deficits); the diagnostic ADD assessment; how to get…

Mid-Frequency Environmental and Acoustic Studies from SW06, and Applications to Asian Littoral Waters

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-30

Development (ADD), Hanyang University ( HYU ), to undertake collaborative research programs in shallow water acoustics in Asian littoral waters...coast of Korea with the U.S. NRL, ADD and HYU that occurred in August 2008, as part of the Transverse Acoustic Variability Experiment (TAVEX

Evaluation of the adhesive properties of the cornea by means of optical coherence tomography in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction and lacrimal tear deficiency.

PubMed

Napoli, Pietro Emanuele; Coronella, Franco; Satta, Giovanni Maria; Galantuomo, Maria Silvana; Fossarello, Maurizio

2014-01-01

The aim was to determine the influence of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and aqueous tear deficiency dry eye (ADDE) on the adhesive properties of the central cornea by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to investigate the relationship between corneal adhesiveness and classical tear tests, as well as the reliability of results, in these lacrimal functional unit disorders. Prospective, case-control study. Twenty-eight patients with MGD and 27 patients with ADDE were studied. A group of 32 healthy subjects of similar age and gender distribution served as a control group. The adhesive properties of the anterior corneal surface were measured by OCT, based on the retention time of adhesion marker above it, in all participants. An excellent (≥5 minutes), borderline (within 3-5 minutes), fair (within 1-3 minutes) and poor (<1 minute) values of corneal adhesiveness were found, respectively, in 0%, 7.1%, 64.3% and 28.6% of MGD, in 0%, 7.4%, 63% and 29.6% of ADDE, and in 31.3%, 65.6%, 3.1% and 0% of healthy patients. The differences in time of corneal adhesiveness between MGD and healthy patients, as well as between ADDE and healthy patients, were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001; p<0.001; respectively). Conversely, no statistical significant differences between MGD and ADDE were found (p = 0.952). Data analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between corneal adhesiveness and clinical tests of dry eye, as well as an excellent degree of inter-rater reliability and reproducibility for OCT measurements (p<0.001). ADDE and MGD share similar abnormalities on OCT imaging. Decreased adhesive properties of the anterior cornea were identified as a common feature of MGD and ADDE. This simple OCT approach may provide new clues into the mechanism and evaluation of dry eye syndrome.

Association between genetic variants of the ADD1 and GNB3 genes and blood pressure response to the cold pressor test in a Chinese Han population: the GenSalt Study.

PubMed

Wang, Laiyuan; Chen, Shufeng; Zhao, Qi; Hixson, James E; Rao, Dabeeru C; Jaquish, Cashell E; Huang, Jianfeng; Lu, Xiangfeng; Chen, Jichun; Cao, Jie; Li, Jianxin; Li, Hongfan; He, Jiang; Liu, De-Pei; Gu, Dongfeng

2012-08-01

Genetic factors influence blood pressure (BP) response to the cold pressor test (CPT), which is a phenotype related to hypertension risk. We examined the association between variants of the α-adducin (ADD1) and guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) β-polypeptide 3 (GNB3) genes and BP response to the CPT. A total of 1998 Han Chinese participants from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity completed the CPT. The area under the curve (AUC) above the baseline BP during the CPT was used to measure the BP response. Twelve single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADD1 and GNB3 genes were selected and genotyped. Both single-marker and haplotype association analyses were conducted using linear mixed models. The rs17833172 and rs3775067 SNPs of the ADD1 gene and the rs4963516 SNP of the GNB3 gene were significantly associated with the BP response to CPT, even after adjusting for multiple testing. For the ADD1 gene, the AA genotype of SNP rs17833172 was associated with lower systolic BP (SBP) reactivity (P<0.0001) and faster BP recovery (P=0.0003). The TT genotype of rs3775067 was associated with slower SBP recovery (P=0.004). For the GNB3 gene, the C allele of SNP rs4963516 was associated with faster diastolic BP recovery (P=0.002) and smaller overall AUC (P=0.003). Haplotype analysis indicated that the CCGC haplotype of ADD1 constructed by rs1263359, rs3775067, rs4961 and rs4963 was significantly associated with the BP response to CPT. These data suggest that genetic variants of the ADD1 and GNB3 genes may have important roles in BP response to the CPT. Future studies aimed at replicating these novel findings are warranted.

Elagolix for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids: results from a phase 2a proof-of-concept study.

PubMed

Archer, David F; Stewart, Elizabeth A; Jain, Rita I; Feldman, Robert A; Lukes, Andrea S; North, Janine D; Soliman, Ahmed M; Gao, Jingjing; Ng, Juki W; Chwalisz, Kristof

2017-07-01

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of elagolix vs. placebo and elagolix with low-dose E 2 /progestogen add-back therapy. Proof-of-concept, dose-ranging, multiple-cohort study. Clinics. Premenopausal women with fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding (menstrual blood loss [MBL] >80 mL per cycle). Three months' treatment with elagolix alone: 100 mg twice daily (BID), 200 mg BID, 300 mg BID, 400 mg once daily (QD), or 600 mg QD (all but the 600 mg QD arm were placebo controlled); or elagolix plus add-back therapy: 200 mg BID plus continuous low-dose E 2 0.5 mg/norethindrone acetate 0.1 mg or elagolix 300 mg BID plus E 2 1 mg continuously and cyclical P 200 mg. Least-squares mean percentage change in MBL; adverse events (AEs). Mean age was 41.8 years; 73.8% were black; mean baseline MBL was 267 mL. Of randomized women (elagolix alone, n = 160; placebo, n = 50; elagolix with add-back therapy, n = 61), 228 of 271 completed the 3-month treatment period. The MBL percentage change from baseline to last 28 days was significantly greater with elagolix alone (range, -72% to -98%; dose-dependent reduction was highest with 300 mg BID) vs. placebo (range, -8% to -41%); mean percentage changes with add-back regimens were -80% to -85%. Overall AEs were dose independent (elagolix alone, 70.0%-81.3%) but lower with placebo (56.0%) and add-back regimens (55.6%-70.6%). Hot flush was the most common AE (elagolix alone, 45.5%-62.5%; placebo, 12.0%; add-back regimens, 18.5%-26.5%). Elagolix significantly reduced heavy menstrual bleeding in women with fibroids. Low-dose add-back regimens substantially reduced flushing. NCT01441635. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors influencing the dissolved iron input by river water to the open ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krachler, R.; Jirsa, F.; Ayromlou, S.

The influence of natural metal chelators on the bio-available iron input to the ocean by river water was studied. Ferrous and ferric ions present as suspended colloidal particles maintaining the semblance of a dissolved load are coagulated and settled as their freshwater carrier is mixed with seawater at the continental boundary. However, we might argue that different iron-binding colloids become sequentially destabilized in meeting progressively increasing salinities. By use of a 59Fe tracer method, the partitioning of the iron load from the suspended and dissolved mobile fraction to storage in the sediments was measured with high accuracy in mixtures of natural river water with artificial sea water. The results show a characteristic sequence of sedimentation. Various colloids of different stability are removed from a water of increasing salinity, such as it is the case in the transition from a river water to the open sea. However, the iron transport capacities of the investigated river waters differed greatly. A mountainous river in the Austrian Alps would add only about 5% of its dissolved Fe load, that is about 2.0 µg L-1 Fe, to coastal waters. A small tributary draining a sphagnum peat-bog, which acts as a source of refractory low-molecular-weight fulvic acids to the river water, would add approximately 20% of its original Fe load, that is up to 480 µg L-1 Fe to the ocean's bio-available iron pool. This points to a natural mechanism of ocean iron fertilization by terrigenous fulvic-iron complexes originating from weathering processes occurring in the soils upstream.

Factors influencing the dissolved iron input by river water to the open ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krachler, R.; Jirsa, F.; Ayromlou, S.

2005-05-01

The influence of natural metal chelators on the bio-available iron input to the ocean by river water was studied. Ferrous and ferric ions present as suspended colloidal particles maintaining the semblance of a dissolved load are coagulated and settled as their freshwater carrier is mixed with seawater at the continental boundary. However, we might argue that different iron-binding colloids become sequentially destabilized in meeting progressively increasing salinities. By use of a 59Fe tracer method, the partitioning of the iron load from the suspended and dissolved mobile fraction to storage in the sediments was measured with high accuracy in mixtures of natural river water with artificial sea water. The results show a characteristic sequence of sedimentation. Various colloids of different stability are removed from a water of increasing salinity, such as it is the case in the transition from a river water to the open sea. However, the iron transport capacities of the investigated river waters differed greatly. A mountainous river in the Austrian Alps would add only about 5% of its dissolved Fe load, that is about 2.0 µg L-1 Fe, to coastal waters. A small tributary draining a sphagnum peat-bog, which acts as a source of refractory low-molecular-weight fulvic acids to the river water, would add approximately 20% of its original Fe load, that is up to 480 µg L-1 Fe to the ocean's bio-available iron pool. This points to a natural mechanism of ocean iron fertilization by terrigenous fulvic-iron complexes originating from weathering processes occurring in the soils upstream.

Dietary acrylamide intake during pregnancy and anthropometry at birth in the French EDEN mother-child cohort study.

PubMed

Kadawathagedara, M; Tong, A Chan Hon; Heude, B; Forhan, A; Charles, M-A; Sirot, V; Botton, J; The Eden Mother-Child Cohort Study Group

2016-08-01

Acrylamide is a contaminant formed in a wide variety of carbohydrate-containing foods during frying or baking at high temperatures. Recent studies have suggested reduced foetal growth after exposure to high levels of acrylamide during pregnancy. To study the relationship between maternal dietary acrylamide intake during pregnancy and their offspring's anthropometry at birth. In our population of 1471 mother-child pairs from two French cities, Nancy and Poitiers, dietary acrylamide intake during pregnancy was assessed by combining maternal food frequency questionnaires with data on food contamination at the national level, provided by the second "French Total Diet Study". Newborns weighing less than the 10th percentile, according to a customised definition, were defined as small for gestational age (SGA). Linear and logistic regression models were used to study continuous and binary outcomes respectively, adjusting for the study centre, maternal age at delivery, height, education, parity, smoking during pregnancy, the newborn's gestational age at birth and sex. The median and interquartile range of dietary acrylamide intake were 19.2μg/day (IQR, 11.8;30.3). Each 10μg/day increase in acrylamide intake was associated with an odds-ratio for SGA of 1.11 (95% Confidence Interval: 1.03,1.21), birth length change of -0.05cm (95% CI: -0.11,0.00) and birth weight change of -9.8g (95% CI: -21.3,1.7). Our results, consistent with both experimental and epidemiological studies, add to the evidence of an effect of acrylamide exposure on the risk of SGA and suggest an effect on foetal growth, for both weight and length. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stiripentol add-on therapy for focal refractory epilepsy.

PubMed

Brigo, Francesco; Igwe, Stanley C; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi

2018-05-10

This is an updated version of the Cochrane review last published in 2015 (Issue 10). For nearly 30% of people with epilepsy, seizures are not controlled by current treatments. Stiripentol is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) that was developed in France and was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2007 for the treatment of Dravet syndrome as an adjunctive therapy with valproate and clobazam, with promising effects. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of stiripentol as add-on treatment for people with focal refractory epilepsy who are taking AEDs. For the latest update, we searched the following databases on 21 August 2017: Cochrane Epilepsy Specialized Register, CENTRAL , MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We contacted Biocodex (the manufacturer of stiripentol) and epilepsy experts to identify published, unpublished and ongoing trials. Randomised, controlled, add-on trials of stiripentol in people with focal refractory epilepsy. Review authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted data. Outcomes investigated included 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency, seizure freedom, adverse effects, treatment withdrawal and changes in quality of life. On the basis of our selection criteria, we included no new studies in the present review. Only one study was included from the earlier review (32 children with focal epilepsy). This study adopted a 'responder enriched' design and found no clear evidence of a reduction in seizure frequency (≥ 50% seizure reduction) (risk ratio (RR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 2.82, low-quality evidence) nor evidence of seizure freedom (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.31 to 4.43, low-quality evidence) when add-on stiripentol was compared with placebo. Stiripentol led to a greater risk of adverse effects considered as a whole (RR 2.65, 95% CI 1.08 to 6.47, low-quality evidence). When specific adverse events were considered, confidence intervals were very wide and showed the possibility of substantial increases and small reductions in risks of neurological (RR 2.65, 95% CI 0.88 to 8.01, low-quality evidence) or gastrointestinal adverse effects (RR 11.56, 95% CI 0.71 to 189.36, low-quality evidence). Researchers noted no clear reduction in the risk of study withdrawal (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.47, low-quality evidence), which was high in both groups (35.0% in add-on placebo and 53.3% in stiripentol group, low-quality evidence). The external validity of this study was limited because only responders to stiripentol (i.e. patients experiencing a ≥ 50% decrease in seizure frequency compared with baseline) were included in the randomised, add-on, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase. Furthermore, carry-over and withdrawal effects probably influenced outcomes related to seizure frequency. Very limited information derived from the only included study shows that adverse effects considered as a whole seemed to occur significantly more often with add-on stiripentol than with add-on placebo. Since the last version of this review was published, we have found no new studies. Hence, we have made no changes to the conclusions of this update as presented in the initial review. We can draw no conclusions to support the use of stiripentol as add-on treatment for focal refractory epilepsy. Additional large, randomised, well-conducted trials are needed.

Psychometric Properties and Norms of the German ABC-Community and PAS-ADD Checklist

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zeilinger, Elisabeth L.; Weber, Germain; Haveman, Meindert J.

2011-01-01

Aim: The aim of the present study was to standardize and generate psychometric evidence of the German language versions of two well-established English language mental health instruments: the "Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community" (ABC-C) and the "Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disabilities" (PAS-ADD) Checklist. New…

Project DyAdd: Visual Attention in Adult Dyslexia and ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laasonen, Marja; Salomaa, Jonna; Cousineau, Denis; Leppamaki, Sami; Tani, Pekka; Hokkanen, Laura; Dye, Matthew

2012-01-01

In this study of the project DyAdd, three aspects of visual attention were investigated in adults (18-55 years) with dyslexia (n = 35) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n = 22), and in healthy controls (n = 35). Temporal characteristics of visual attention were assessed with Attentional Blink (AB), capacity of visual attention…

Lack of independent relationships between left ventricular mass and cardiovascular reactivity to physical and psychological stress in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

PubMed

Markovitz, J H; Raczynski, J M; Lewis, C E; Flack, J; Chesney, M; Chettur, V; Hardin, J M; Johnson, E

1996-09-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether exaggerated blood pressure (BP) reactivity to stress and psychosocial characteristics are related to left ventricular mass (LVM) in a large cohort of young adults. Analyses were conducted with 3,742 participants of the CARDIA study (945 white men, 1,024 white women, 781 black men, and 992 black women), evaluated in 1990 to 1091 with echocardiographic measurement of LVM. Analyses were stratified by gender and race. The relationships of LVM/height2.7 and cardiovascular reactivity to physical and psychological stressors (treadmill exercise, cold pressor, video game, and star-tracing tasks), were examined in both univariate and multivariate analyses adjusting for baseline BP, weight, and other relevant biobehavioral variables. The relationships between LVM and several psychosocial characteristics (hostility, anger suppression, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and education) were also assessed. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) reactivity to exercise was significantly related to LVM in black and white men; LVM was 10% greater among white men with exaggerated (upper quintile) peak exercise SBP than among other white men. SBP reactivity to the cold pressor test was related to LVM in all race/gender groups, although the relationship remained significant only among white men and women in the multivariate analysis. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reactivity to the video game was related to LVM only among black men in adjusted analyses. After adjusting for resting BP, weight, and other covariates in linear multiple regression models, SBP reactivity to exercise explained only 3% of the variance in LVM among white men. Otherwise, reactivity to other stressors or psychosocial variables accounted for no more than 1% of the variance in LVM. It was concluded that among a cohort of young adults, blood pressure reactivity to physical and mental stressors did not add substantially to the prediction of LVM when resting BP, weight, and other covariates were taken into account.

Design of a cluster-randomized trial of electronic health record-based tools to address overweight and obesity in primary care.

PubMed

Baer, Heather J; Wee, Christina C; DeVito, Katerina; Orav, E John; Frolkis, Joseph P; Williams, Deborah H; Wright, Adam; Bates, David W

2015-08-01

Primary care providers often fail to identify patients who are overweight or obese or discuss weight management with them. Electronic health record-based tools may help providers with the assessment and management of overweight and obesity. We describe the design of a trial to examine the effectiveness of electronic health record-based tools for the assessment and management of overweight and obesity among adult primary care patients, as well as the challenges we encountered. We developed several new features within the electronic health record used by primary care practices affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. These features included (1) reminders to measure height and weight, (2) an alert asking providers to add overweight or obesity to the problem list, (3) reminders with tailored management recommendations, and (4) a Weight Management screen. We then conducted a pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial in 12 primary care practices. We randomized 23 clinical teams ("clinics") within the practices to the intervention group (n = 11) or the control group (n = 12). The new features were activated only for clinics in the intervention group. The intervention was implemented in two phases: the height and weight reminders went live on 15 December 2011 (Phase 1), and all of the other features went live on 11 June 2012 (Phase 2). Study enrollment went from December 2011 through December 2012, and follow-up ended in December 2013. The primary outcomes were 6-month and 12-month weight change among adult patients with body mass index ≥25 who had a visit at one of the primary care clinics during Phase 2. Secondary outcome measures included the proportion of patients with a recorded body mass index in the electronic health record, the proportion of patients with body mass index ≥25 who had a diagnosis of overweight or obesity on the electronic health record problem list, and the proportion of patients with body mass index ≥25 who had a follow-up appointment about their weight or were prescribed weight loss medication. We encountered challenges in our development of an intervention within the existing structure of an electronic health record. For example, although we decided to randomize clinics within primary care practices, this decision may have introduced contamination and led to some imbalance of patient characteristics between the intervention and control practices. Using the electronic health record as the primary data source reduced the cost of the study, but not all desired data were recorded for every participant. Despite the challenges, this study should provide valuable information about the effectiveness of electronic health record-based tools for addressing overweight and obesity in primary care. © The Author(s) 2015.

Excretion of endogenous boldione in human urine: influence of phytosterol consumption.

PubMed

Verheyden, Karolien; Noppe, Herlinde; Vanhaecke, Lynn; Wille, Klaas; Bussche, Julie Vanden; Bekaert, Karen; Thas, Olivier; Janssen, Colin R; De Brabander, Hubert F

2009-10-01

Boldenone (17-hydroxy-androsta-1,4-diene-3-one, Bol) and boldione (androst-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, ADD), are currently listed as exogenous anabolic steroids by the World Anti-Doping Agency. However, it has been reported that these analytes can be produced endogenously. Interestingly, only for Bol a comment is included in the list on its potential endogenous origin. In this study, the endogenous origin of ADD in human urine was investigated, and the potential influence of phytosterol consumption was evaluated. We carried out a 5-week in vivo trial with both men (n=6) and women (n=6) and measured alpha-boldenone, beta-boldenone, boldione, androstenedione, beta-testosterone and alpha-testosterone in their urine using gas chromatography coupled to multiple mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). The results demonstrate that endogenous ADD is sporadically produced at concentrations ranging from 0.751 ng mL(-1) to 1.73 ng mL(-1), whereas endogenous Bol could not be proven. We also tested the effect of the daily consumption of a commercially available phytosterol-enriched yogurt drink on the presence of these analytes in human urine. Results from this study could not indicate a relation of ADD-excretion with the consumption of phytosterols at the recommended dose. The correlations between ADD and other steroids were consistently stronger for volunteers consuming phytosterols (test) than for those refraining from phytosterol consumption (control). Excretion of AED, bT and aT did not appear to be dependent on the consumption of phytosterols. This preliminary in vivo trial indicates the endogenous origin of boldione or ADD in human urine, independent on the presence of any structural related analytes such as phytosterols.

Staff perspectives on the provision of end-of-life care in a community residence for older adults with developmental disabilities.

PubMed

Kirkendall, Abbie M; Waldrop, Deborah

2013-09-01

The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of community residence (CR) staff who have cared for older adults with developmental disabilities (ADDs) that are at the end of life. This exploratory, descriptive study utilized qualitative methods that involved semistructured interviews with CR staff members. The setting was a CR that was also an intermediate care facility (ICF) that provided 24-hour residential treatment for medical and/or behavioral needs. At least one registered nurse was present at all times. A CR with at least one resident who was over the age of 40 and had a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness was chosen. Participants included three frontline workers, four managers, and one registered nurse. In-person interviews included open-ended questions about end-of-life care for older ADDs. Demographics such as age, length of time working with ADDs, and education were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographics such as age, and length of time working with ADDs. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Four themes illuminated unique elements of the provision of end-of-life care in a CR: (1) influence of relationships, (2) expression of individuality, (3) contribution of hospice, (4) grief and bereavement, and (5) challenges to end-of-life care. The results provided insight into the unique needs of older ADDs at the end of life and how this influences their care. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of specialized care that involved collaborations with hospice for older ADDs who remain in a CR at the end of life.

Thermal Protection Supplement for Reducing Interface Thermal Mismatch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, David A. (Inventor); Leiser, Daniel B. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A thermal protection system that reduces a mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients CTE between a first material layer (CTE1) and a second material layer (CTE2) at a first layer-second layer interface. A portion of aluminum borosilicate (abs) or another suitable additive (add), whose CTE value, CTE(add), satisfies (CTE(add)-CTE1)(CTE(add)-CTE2)<0, is distributed with variable additive density,.rho.(z;add), in the first material layer and/or in the second material layer, with.rho.(z;add) near the materials interface being relatively high (alternatively, relatively low) and.rho.(z;add) in a region spaced apart from the interface being relatively low (alternatively, relatively high).

Piezoelectric pushers for active vibration control of rotating machinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palazzolo, A. B.; Kascak, A. F.; Lin, R. R.; Montague, J.; Alexander, R. M.

1989-01-01

The active control of rotordynamic vibrations and stability by magnetic bearings and electromagnetic shakers was discussed extensively in the literature. These devices, though effective, are usually large in volume and add significant weight to the stator. The use of piezoelectric pushers may provide similar degrees of effectiveness in light, compact packages. Analyses are contained which extend quadratic regulator, pole placement and derivative feedback control methods to the prescribed displacement character of piezoelectric pushers. The structural stiffness of the pusher is also included in the theory. Tests are currently being conducted at NASA Lewis Research Center with piezoelectric pusher-based active vibration control. Results performed on the NASA test rig as preliminary verification of the related theory are presented.

AMPS sciences objectives and philosophy. [Atmospheric, Magnetospheric and Plasmas-in-Space project on Spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmerling, E. R.

1975-01-01

The Space Shuttle will open a new era in the exploration of earth's near-space environment, where the weight and power capabilities of Spacelab and the ability to use man in real time add important new features. The Atmospheric, Magnetospheric, and Plasmas-in-Space project (AMPS) is conceived of as a facility where flexible core instruments can be flown repeatedly to perform different observations and experiments. The twin thrusts of remote sensing of the atmosphere below 120 km and active experiments on the space plasma are the major themes. They have broader implications in increasing our understanding of plasma physics and of energy conversion processes elsewhere in the universe.

Optically interconnected phased arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhasin, Kul B.; Kunath, Richard R.

1988-01-01

Phased-array antennas are required for many future NASA missions. They will provide agile electronic beam forming for communications and tracking in the range of 1 to 100 GHz. Such phased arrays are expected to use several hundred GaAs monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs) as transmitting and receiving elements. However, the interconnections of these elements by conventional coaxial cables and waveguides add weight, reduce flexibility, and increase electrical interference. Alternative interconnections based on optical fibers, optical processing, and holography are under evaluation as possible solutions. In this paper, the current status of these techniques is described. Since high-frequency optical components such as photodetectors, lasers, and modulators are key elements in these interconnections, their performance and limitations are discussed.

Production of a Biosurfactant from Torulopsis bombicola

PubMed Central

Cooper, D. G.; Paddock, D. A.

1984-01-01

Two types of carbon sources—carbohydrate and vegetable oil—are necessary to obtain large yields of biosurfactant from Torulopsis bombicola ATCC 22214. Most of the surfactant is produced in the late exponential phase of growth. It is possible to grow the yeast on a single carbon source and then add the other type of substrate, after the exponential growth phase, and cause a burst of surfactant production. This product is a mixture of glycolipids. The maximum yield is 70 g liter−1, or 35% of the weight of the substrate used. An economic comparison demonstrated that this biosurfactant could be produced significantly more cheaply than any of the previously reported microbial surfactants. PMID:16346455

A tilt and roll device for automated correction of rotational setup errors.

PubMed

Hornick, D C; Litzenberg, D W; Lam, K L; Balter, J M; Hetrick, J; Ten Haken, R K

1998-09-01

A tilt and roll device has been developed to add two additional degrees of freedom to an existing treatment table. This device allows computer-controlled rotational motion about the inferior-superior and left-right patient axes. The tilt and roll device comprises three supports between the tabletop and base. An automotive type universal joint welded to the end of a steel pipe supports the center of the table. Two computer-controlled linear electric actuators utilizing high accuracy stepping motors support the foot of table and control the tilt and roll of the tabletop. The current system meets or exceeds all pre-design specifications for precision, weight capacity, rigidity, and range of motion.

Electric machine and current source inverter drive system

DOEpatents

Hsu, John S

2014-06-24

A drive system includes an electric machine and a current source inverter (CSI). This integration of an electric machine and an inverter uses the machine's field excitation coil for not only flux generation in the machine but also for the CSI inductor. This integration of the two technologies, namely the U machine motor and the CSI, opens a new chapter for the component function integration instead of the traditional integration by simply placing separate machine and inverter components in the same housing. Elimination of the CSI inductor adds to the CSI volumetric reduction of the capacitors and the elimination of PMs for the motor further improve the drive system cost, weight, and volume.

Prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder on a psychiatric inpatient ward and the value of a screening question.

PubMed

Veale, David; Akyüz, Elvan U; Hodsoll, John

2015-12-15

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) on an inpatient ward in the UK with a larger sample than previously studied and to investigate the value of a simple screening question during an assessment interview. Four hundred and thirty two consecutive admissions were screened for BDD on an adult psychiatric ward over a period of 13 months. Those who screened positive had a structured diagnostic interview for BDD. The prevalence of BDD was estimated to be 5.8% (C.I. 3.6-8.1%). Our screening question had a slightly low specificity (76.6%) for detecting BDD. The strength of this study was a larger sample size and narrower confidence interval than previous studies. The study adds to previous observations that BDD is poorly identified in psychiatric inpatients. BDD was identified predominantly in those presenting with depression, substance misuse or an anxiety disorder. The screening question could be improved by excluding those with weight or shape concerns. Missing the diagnosis is likely to lead to inappropriate treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Price-Weight Relationships of General Aviation, Helicopters, Transport Aircraft and Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Joseph L.

1981-01-01

The NASA must assess its aeronautical research program with economic as well as performance measures. It thus is interested in what price a new technology aircraft would carry to make it attractive to the buyer. But what price a given airplane or helicopter will carry is largely a reflection of the manufacturer's assessment of the competitive market into which the new aircraft will be introduced. The manufacturer must weigh any new aerodynamic or system technology innovation he would add to an aircraft by the impact of this innovation upon the aircraft's cost to manufacture, economic attractiveness and price. The intent of this paper is to give price standards against which new technologies and the NASA's research program can be assessed. Using reported prices for sailplanes, general aviation, agriculture, helicopter, business and transport aircraft, price estimating relations in terms of engine and airframe characteristics have been developed. The relations are given in terms of the aircraft type, its manufactured empty weight, engine weight, horsepower or thrust. Factors for the effects of inflation are included to aid in making predictions of future aircraft prices. There are discussions of aircraft price in terms of number of passenger seats, airplane size and research and development costs related to an aircraft model, and indirectly how new technologies, aircraft complexity and inflation have affected these.

Cryogenic Moisture Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fesmire, James; Smith, Trent; Breakfield, Robert; Baughner, Kevin; Heckle, Kenneth; Meneghelli, Barry

2010-01-01

The Cryogenic Moisture Apparatus (CMA) is designed for quantifying the amount of moisture from the surrounding air that is taken up by cryogenic-tank-insulating material specimens while under typical conditions of use. More specifically, the CMA holds one face of the specimen at a desired low temperature (e.g., the typical liquid-nitrogen temperature of 77 K) while the opposite face remains exposed to humid air at ambient or near-ambient temperature. The specimen is weighed before and after exposure in the CMA. The difference between the "after" and "before" weights is determined to be the weight of moisture absorbed by the specimen. Notwithstanding the term "cryogenic," the CMA is not limited to cryogenic applications: the low test temperature can be any temperature below ambient, and the specimen can be made of any material affected by moisture in air. The CMA is especially well suited for testing a variety of foam insulating materials, including those on the space-shuttle external cryogenic tanks, on other cryogenic vessels, and in refrigerators used for transporting foods, medicines, and other perishables. Testing is important because absorbed moisture not only adds weight but also, in combination with thermal cycling, can contribute to damage that degrades insulating performance. Materials are changed internally when subjected to large sub-ambient temperature gradients.

Comparison of body weight and gene expression in amelogenin null and wild-type mice.

PubMed

Li, Yong; Yuan, Zhi-An; Aragon, Melissa A; Kulkarni, Ashok B; Gibson, Carolyn W

2006-05-01

Amelogenin (AmelX) null mice develop hypomineralized enamel lacking normal prism structure, but are healthy and fertile. Because these mice are smaller than wild-type mice prior to weaning, we undertook a detailed analysis of the weight of mice and analyzed AmelX expression in non-dental tissues. Wild-type mice had a greater average weight each day within the 3-wk period. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), products of approximately 200 bp in size were generated from wild-type teeth, brain, eye, and calvariae. DNA sequence analysis of RT-PCR products from calvariae indicated that the small amelogenin leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP), both with and without exon 4, was expressed. No products were obtained from any of the samples from the AmelX null mice. We also isolated mRNAs that included AmelX exons 8 and 9, and identified a duplication within the murine AmelX gene with 91% homology. Our results add additional support to the hypothesis that amelogenins are multifunctional proteins, with potential roles in non-ameloblasts and in non-mineralizing tissues during development. The smaller size of AmelX null mice could potentially be explained by the lack of LRAP expression in some of these tissues, leading to a delay in development.

Population-based study of presbyopia in Shahroud, Iran.

PubMed

Hashemi, Hassan; Khabazkhoob, Mehdi; Jafarzadehpur, Ebrahim; Mehravaran, Shiva; Emamian, Mohammad Hassan; Yekta, AbbasAli; Shariati, Mohammad; Fotouhi, Akbar

2012-12-01

There is limited information regarding the prevalence of presbyopia in different parts of the world. The add power and the prevalence of presbyopia by age and gender in general population of Shahroud, north of Iran, were studied. Population-based cross-sectional study. Using random cluster sampling, 6311 people from the 40- to 64-year-old population of Shahroud were invited. Of the invited population, 5190 individuals (82.2%) participated in the study. Presbyopia was defined as the correction of near vision to logMAR 1 (N8 point) with at least 1 D of add power. Near visual acuity of participants was evaluated with a logMAR chart at a distance of 40 cm. Mean add power in the age groups of 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-64 years was 0.65, 1.30, 1.70, 1.87 and 2.08 D, respectively. For each 5-year increase in age, a 0.35 D increase in add power was noted. The prevalence of presbyopia was 58.15% (95% confidence interval: 56.46-59.84). Presbyopia was more prevalent in women (P < 0.001) and increased with ageing more in women than in men (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in the 60-64-year-old age group, 11% of men and 23% of women were not presbyopic. Compared with other reports, the add power in different age groups was 0.5 D less, and presbyopia was less prevalent. More than 50% of the over 45-year-old individuals were presbyopic and 17% of the over 60 individuals were free of this condition. © 2012 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2012 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Right colic artery anatomy: a systematic review of cadaveric studies.

PubMed

Haywood, M; Molyneux, C; Mahadevan, V; Srinivasaiah, N

2017-12-01

Complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer may offer an oncologically superior excision compared to traditional right hemicolectomy through high vascular tie and adherence to embryonic planes during dissection, supported by preoperative scanning to accurately define the tumour lymphovascular supply and drainage. The authors support and recommend precision oncosurgery based on these principles, with an emphasis on the importance of understanding the vascular anatomy. However, the anatomical variability of the right colic artery (RCA) has resulted in significant discord in the literature regarding its precise arrangement. We systematically reviewed the literature on the incidence of the different origins of the RCA in cadaveric studies. An electronic search was conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses recommendations up to October 2016 using the MESH terms 'right colic artery' and 'anatomy' (PROSPERO registration number CRD42016041578). Ten studies involving 1073 cadavers were identified as suitable for analysis from 211 articles retrieved. The weighted mean incidence with which the right colic artery arose from other parent vessels was calculated at 36.8% for the superior mesenteric artery, 31.9% for the ileocolic artery, 27.7% for the root of the middle colic artery and 2.5% for the right branch of the middle colic artery. In 1.1% of individuals the RCA shared a trunk with the middle colic and ileocolic arteries. The weighted mean incidence of 2 RCAs was 7.0%, and in 8.9% of cadavers the RCA was absent. This anatomical information will add to the technical nuances of precision oncosurgery in right-sided colon resections.

Additional low-dose antimuscarinics can improve overactive bladder symptoms in patients with suboptimal response to beta 3 agonist monotherapy

PubMed Central

Shin, Jung Hyun; Kim, Aram

2017-01-01

Purpose We aimed to assess the patient-reported outcome (PRO) and efficacy of add-on low-dose antimuscarinic therapy in over-active bladder (OAB) patients with suboptimal response to 4-week treatment with beta 3 agonist monotherapy (mirabegron, 50 mg). Materials and Methods We enrolled OAB patients with 4-week mirabegron (50 mg) treatment if the patients' symptoms improved, but not to a satisfactory extent (patient perception of bladder condition [PPBC] ≥4). Enrolled patients had 8-week low-dose antimuscarinics add-on therapy (propiverine HCl, 10 mg). Patients recorded 3-day voiding diary at screening, enrollment (after 4 weeks of mirabegron monotherapy) and after 8 weeks of add-on therapy. We assessed the change of PRO (PPBC) as a primary end point and the efficacy of add-on therapy (change of frequency, urgency, urinary urgency incontinence [UUI] based on voiding diary) as a secondary end point. Results Thirty patients (mean age, 62.3±12.8 years; mean symptom duration, 16.0±12.3 months) were finally enrolled in the study. The mean PPBC value was 4.3±0.4 after mirabegron monotherapy, and decreased to 3.2±1.0 after 8-week add-on therapy. The mean urinary frequency decreased from 10.1±3.1 to 8.8±3, the mean number of urgency episodes decreased from 3.6±1.6 to 1.8±1.2 and the number of urgency incontinence episodes decreased from 0.7±1.0 to 0.2±0.5 after add-on therapy. No patients had event of acute urinary retention and three patients complained of mild dry mouth after add-on therapy. Conclusions Add-on therapy of low-dose antimuscarinics exhibits good efficacy and safety in patients with suboptimal response after 4-week of mirabegron (50 mg) monotherapy. PMID:28681036

Additional low-dose antimuscarinics can improve overactive bladder symptoms in patients with suboptimal response to beta 3 agonist monotherapy.

PubMed

Shin, Jung Hyun; Kim, Aram; Choo, Myung-Soo

2017-07-01

We aimed to assess the patient-reported outcome (PRO) and efficacy of add-on low-dose antimuscarinic therapy in over-active bladder (OAB) patients with suboptimal response to 4-week treatment with beta 3 agonist monotherapy (mirabegron, 50 mg). We enrolled OAB patients with 4-week mirabegron (50 mg) treatment if the patients' symptoms improved, but not to a satisfactory extent (patient perception of bladder condition [PPBC] ≥4). Enrolled patients had 8-week low-dose antimuscarinics add-on therapy (propiverine HCl, 10 mg). Patients recorded 3-day voiding diary at screening, enrollment (after 4 weeks of mirabegron monotherapy) and after 8 weeks of add-on therapy. We assessed the change of PRO (PPBC) as a primary end point and the efficacy of add-on therapy (change of frequency, urgency, urinary urgency incontinence [UUI] based on voiding diary) as a secondary end point. Thirty patients (mean age, 62.3±12.8 years; mean symptom duration, 16.0±12.3 months) were finally enrolled in the study. The mean PPBC value was 4.3±0.4 after mirabegron monotherapy, and decreased to 3.2±1.0 after 8-week add-on therapy. The mean urinary frequency decreased from 10.1±3.1 to 8.8±3, the mean number of urgency episodes decreased from 3.6±1.6 to 1.8±1.2 and the number of urgency incontinence episodes decreased from 0.7±1.0 to 0.2±0.5 after add-on therapy. No patients had event of acute urinary retention and three patients complained of mild dry mouth after add-on therapy. Add-on therapy of low-dose antimuscarinics exhibits good efficacy and safety in patients with suboptimal response after 4-week of mirabegron (50 mg) monotherapy.

[The use of lamotrigine in female patients].

PubMed

Schmitz, B; Bergmann, L

2007-08-01

Gender aspects are important when assessing the tolerability of antiepileptic drugs (AED). Due to its broad spectrum of action and to the lack of evidence for teratogenicity in monotherapy, lamotrigine (LTG) is an AED of first choice for women with epilepsy with child-bearing potential. In an observational study over 6 months including 832 women with epilepsy, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of LTG in monotherapy and add-on therapy, with a special focus on parameters of particular importance for women including changes in weight, skin, hair, and patterns of menstruation. Of the treated patients, 94% had seizure reduction of at least 50%. Adverse events occurred in 7.3%; 1% experienced serious adverse events, all of which were reversible. Ninety-six percent continued treatment throughout the observation period, and 83% reported improvement in quality of life by the end of the study. Cognition, functioning at work, and mood improved in 43-54% of patients. In most of them, weight remained stable. Those who were switched from valporate (VPA) or carbamazepine (CPZ) to LTG lost 3.2 kg and 3.1 kg (means), respectively. Many of the women described problems related to menstruation at the beginning of the study: variability in cycle length (31.2%), hypermenorrhea (17.3%), and pains (10%). Skin and hair problems were reported by 18.4% and 17.3%, respectively. There was improvement in all of these aspects at the end of the study, particularly for those women switched from VPA or CBZ to LTG. In summary, this observational study confirms the good tolerability of LTG with respect to issues particularly relevant to women. More complete elucidation of the correct LTG dosage, which varies widely according to the accompanying medication, will further improve treatment safety.

l-Carnosine As an Adjunctive Therapy to Risperidone in Children with Autistic Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Hajizadeh-Zaker, Reihaneh; Ghajar, Alireza; Mesgarpour, Bita; Afarideh, Mohsen; Mohammadi, Mohammad-Reza; Akhondzadeh, Shahin

2018-02-01

This study aimed at investigating the efficacy and tolerability of l-carnosine as an add-on to risperidone in the management of children with autism. This was a 10-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Seventy drug-free children aged 4-12 years old with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. (DSM-5) who had an Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) scale irritability subscale score of ≥12, entered the study. The patients were randomly assigned to l-carnosine (800 mg/day in 2 divided doses) or placebo in addition to risperidone titrated up to 2 mg/day (based on body weight) for 10 weeks. The children were assessed by using ABC-C at baseline and weeks 5 and 10 post-baseline. The primary outcome measure was the mean change in the ABC-C irritability subscale score, and other subscale scores were defined as secondary outcomes. Using the general linear model repeated measures, no significant effect was observed for time × treatment interaction on the irritability subscale scores. However, significant effect was detected on the hyperactivity/noncompliance subscale [F (1.62, 64.96) = 3.53, p-value = 0.044]. No significant improvements were obtained on the lethargy/social withdrawal, stereotypic behavior, and inappropriate speech subscale scores. Significantly greater score reduction in the hyperactivity/noncompliance subscale occurred in the l-carnosine group compared with the placebo group at the end of the trial. Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale Scores and its changes did not differ between the two groups. The frequency of other side effects was not significantly different between the two groups. Although no significant difference was detected on the irritability subscale scores, l-carnosine add-on can improve hyperactivity/noncompliance subscales of the ABC-C rating scale in patients with ASD.

The Art of Satire: English.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauer, Joy S.; VanZandt, Priscilla

The purpose of the course on satire in the Quinmester Program is to make the student more aware of satire in literature and the other media, in order to add to his enjoyment of literature and add to his perception of human nature. The course includes the study of art, cartoons, movies, television, and editorials in addition to literature.…

Authoritarian Parenting and Asian Adolescent School Performance: Insights from the US and Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pong, Suet-ling; Johnston, Jamie; Chen, Vivien

2010-01-01

Our study re-examines the relationship between parenting and school performance among Asian students. We use two sources of data: wave I of the Adolescent Health Longitudinal Survey (Add Health), and waves I and II of the Taiwan Educational Panel Survey (TEPS). Analysis using Add Health reveals that the Asian-American/European-American difference…

Fetal programming of body dimensions and percentage body fat measured in prepubertal children with a 4-component model of body composition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, deuterium dilution, densitometry, and skinfold thicknesses.

PubMed

Elia, Marinos; Betts, Peter; Jackson, Diane M; Mulligan, Jean

2007-09-01

Intrauterine programming of body composition [percentage body fat (%BF)] has been sparsely examined with multiple independent reference techniques in children. The effects on and consequences of body build (dimensions, mass, and length of body segments) are unclear. The study examined whether percentage fat and relation of percentage fat to body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) in prepubertal children are programmed during intrauterine development and are dependent on body build. It also aimed to examine the extent to which height can be predicted by parental height and birth weight. Eighty-five white children (44 boys, 41 girls; aged 6.5-9.1 y) had body composition measured with a 4-component model (n = 58), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (n = 84), deuterium dilution (n = 81), densitometry (n = 62), and skinfold thicknesses (n = 85). An increase in birth weight of 1 SD was associated with a decrease of 1.95% fat as measured by the 4-component model (P = 0.012) and 0.82-2.75% by the other techniques. These associations were independent of age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical activity, BMI, and body build. Body build did not decrease the strength of the associations. Birth weight was a significantly better predictor of height than was self-reported midparental height, accounting for 19.4% of the variability at 5 y of age and 10.3% at 7.8 y of age (17.8% and 8.8% of which were independent of parental height at these ages, respectively). Consistent trends across body-composition measurement techniques add strength to the suggestion that percentage fat in prepubertal children is programmed in utero (independently of body build and BMI). It also suggests birth weight is a better predictor of prepubertal height than is self-reported midparental height.

Biogenic emissions from Pinus halepensis: a typical species of the Mediterranean area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, V.; Dumergues, L.; Solignac, G.; Torres, L.

2005-03-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions by vegetation present in the Mediterranean area are not well known. They may contribute with anthropogenic VOC emissions to the tropospheric ozone formation that reaches important level in the European Mediterranean region. The present work, carried out as part of the European ESCOMPTE project «fiEld experimentS to COnstrain Models of atmospheric Pollution and Transport of Emissions», adds a new contribution to the inventory of the main natural hydrocarbons sources likely to participate in the ozone production. The corresponding measurement campaign was conducted in La Barben, a site close to Marseilles (France), with the aim to quantify the terpenic emission pattern and the behaviour of Pinus halepensis, an important Mediterranean species slightly studied. The determination of biogenic emissions from P. halepensis was done by the enclosure of an intact branch in a Teflon cuvette. Main emitted monoterpenes were β trans-ocimene and linalool. The total monoterpenic emission rates thus recorded were found to reach maximum values around 30 μg g dry weight-1 h -1. The normalized emission rates calculated at 30 °C and 1000 μmol m -2 s -1 with Guenther's algorithm was 14.76, 8.65 and 4.05 μg g dry weight-1 h -1, respectively, for the total monoterpenes, β trans-ocimene and linalool.

Diagnostic interest of acid-labile subunit measurement in relationship to other components of the IGF system in pediatric patients with growth or eating disorders.

PubMed

Barrios, V; Argente, J; Muñoz, M T; Pozo, J; Chowen, J A; Hernández, M

2001-03-01

To analyze the possible utility of measuring acid-labile subunit (ALS) in some types of pathologies in which the IGF system is altered and to compare it with the clinical implications of measurements of other components of this axis. We studied serum ALS concentrations in 20 children with normal variants of short stature (NVSS) at diagnosis and 24 with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), 18 obese patients and 18 girls with anorexia nervosa at diagnosis and during a follow-up period. In patients with GHD and anorexia nervosa, mean ALS concentrations were significantly reduced, but there was a high percentage of overlap with control values. At diagnosis, ALS concentrations were normal in obese patients and children with NVSS. During follow-up, these values normalized in children with GHD who were treated with GH, tended to normalize in those with anorexia nervosa who showed weight gain, and did not change in obese children upon weight loss. However, ALS measurement was less accurate than that of IGF-I or IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 in diagnosis of GHD. The correlations found between ALS and some IGF system components at diagnosis either decreased or were non-significant during follow-up of these clinical conditions. ALS adds little information to that obtained with IGF-I and IGFBP-3 determinations.

Osteoarthritis 2012 year in review: rehabilitation and outcomes.

PubMed

Roos, E M; Juhl, C B

2012-12-01

Recent scientific advances in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) relating to education, exercise, weight control and passive non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments such as manual therapy, orthoses/orthotics and other aids are described. A systematic literature search was performed in Medline from July 2011 to 10 April 2012 using the terms 'osteoarthritis, knee', 'osteoarthritis, hip' rehabilitation, physical therapy, exercise therapy and preoperative intervention; both as text words and as MeSH terms where possible. Trials evaluating rehabilitation interventions were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews. Outcome papers were identified by combining the initial search with the terms 'outcome', 'measure*', 'valid*', 'reliabil*' or 'responsiveness'. Outcome studies were included if they contributed methodologically to advancing outcome measurement. The literature search identified 550 potentially relevant papers. Seventeen RCTs on rehabilitation were selected and the results from these were supported by six systematic reviews. Sixteen outcomes papers were considered relevant, but did not add significantly to current knowledge about outcome measures in OA and so, were not included. The current research focus on non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments for hip and/or knee OA, when combined in systematic reviews, is improving the available evidence to identify best practice treatment. Education, exercise and weight loss are effective in the long term and supported as cost-effective first-line treatments. Copyright © 2012 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor heterozygous mutant rats show selective cognitive changes and vulnerability to chronic corticosterone treatment.

PubMed

Gururajan, A; Hill, R A; van den Buuse, M

2015-01-22

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a widely expressed neurotrophin involved in neurodevelopment, neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity. It is also implicated in a range of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Stress during adolescence/young adulthood can have long-term psychiatric and cognitive consequences, however it is unknown how altered BDNF signaling is involved in such effects. Here we investigated whether a congenital deficit in BDNF availability in rats increases vulnerability to the long-term effects of the stress hormone, corticosterone (CORT). Compared to wildtype (WT) littermates, BDNF heterozygous (HET) rats showed higher body weights and minor developmental changes, such as reduced relative brain and pituitary weight. These animals furthermore showed deficits in short-term spatial memory in the Y-maze and in prepulse inhibition and startle, but not in object-recognition memory. CORT treatment induced impairments in novel-object recognition memory in both genotypes but disrupted fear conditioning extinction learning in BDNF HET rats only. These results show selective behavioral changes in BDNF HET rats, at baseline or after chronic CORT treatment and add to our understanding of the role of BDNF and its interaction with stress. Importantly, this study demonstrates the utility of the BDNF HET rat in investigations into the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders. Copyright © 2014 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A common reference-based indirect comparison meta-analysis of eslicarbazepine versus lacosamide as add on treatments for focal epilepsy.

PubMed

Brigo, Francesco; Trinka, Eugen; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi; Nardone, Raffaele; Milan, Alberto; Grillo, Elisabetta

2016-11-01

Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) and lacosamide (LCM) have recently emerged as add-on treatments in patients with focal epilepsy experiencing seizures despite adequate monotherapy. Both drugs enhance slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. To date no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has directly compared ESL with LCM as add-on treatments for focal epilepsy. Our aim was to indirectly compare the efficacy of ESL and LCM used as add-on treatments in patients with focal epilepsy using common reference-based indirect comparison meta-analysis. We systematically searched RCTs in which ESL or LCM has been used as add-on treatment in patients with focal epilepsy and compared with placebo. Following outcomes were considered: ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency; seizure freedom; treatment withdrawal for any reason; ≥25% increase in seizure frequency. Random-effects Mantel-Haenszel meta-analyses were performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) for the efficacy of ESL or LCM versus placebo. Adjusted indirect comparisons were then made between ESL and LCM using the obtained results, and comparing the minimum and the highest effective recommended daily dose of each drug. Eight studies were included. Indirect comparisons adjusted for dose-effect showed no difference between ESL and LCM for responder rate, seizure freedom, and withdrawal rates. We could not assess increase in seizure frequency due to lack of data. Indirect comparisons failed to find a significant difference in efficacy between add-on ESL and LCM in patients with focal epilepsy. Direct head-to-head clinical trials comparing ESL with LCM as add-on antiepileptic treatment are required to confirm these results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Gesture Imitation in Alzheimer's Disease Dementia and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.

PubMed

Li, Xudong; Jia, Shuhong; Zhou, Zhi; Hou, Chunlei; Zheng, Wenjing; Rong, Pei; Jiao, Jinsong

2016-07-14

Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD) has become an important health problem in the world. Visuospatial deficits are considered to be an early symptom besides memory disorder. The gesture imitation test was devised to detect ADD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). A total of 117 patients with ADD, 118 with aMCI, and 95 normal controls were included in this study. All participants were administered our gesture imitation test, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Patients with ADD performed worse than normal controls on global scores and had a lower success rate on every item (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for the global scores when comparing the ADD and control groups was 0.869 (p < 0.001). Item 4 was a better discriminator with a sensitivity of 84.62% and a specificity of 67.37%. The AUC for the global scores decreased to 0.621 when applied to the aMCI and control groups (p = 0.002). After controlling for age and education, the gesture imitation test scores were positively correlated with the MMSE (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), the MoCA (r = 0.572, p < 0.001), and the CDT (r = 0.514, p < 0.001) and were negatively correlated with the CDR scores (r = -0.558, p < 0.001). The gesture imitation test is an easy, rapid tool for detecting ADD, and is suitable for the patients suspected of mild ADD and aMCI in outpatient clinics.

Dapagliflozin--do we need it registered for type 2 diabetes?

PubMed

Doggrell, Sheila A; Tuli, Rinku

2014-08-01

Inhibitors of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) promote the excretion of glucose to reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Canagliflozin was the first SGLT2 inhibitor to be approved by the US FDA for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and recently dapagliflozin has also been approved. We evaluated a recent Phase III clinical trial with dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin was studied as add-on therapy to sitagliptin with or without metformin, and was shown to lower HbA1c levels and body weight. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was low with dapagliflozin, but it did increase the incidence of urogenital infections. As no clear benefits have been identified for dapagliflozin over canagliflozin, which was the first gliflozin registered by the FDA, we do not fully understand why it was necessary to register dapagliflozin. Given that there are no completed cardiovascular/clinical outcome studies with dapagliflozin, and therefore no evidence of beneficial effect, it also seems premature to be using it extensively or considering it as an alternative to the clinically proven metformin.

Neuroimaging of the Periaqueductal Gray: State of the Field

PubMed Central

Linnman, Clas; Moulton, Eric A.; Barmettler, Gabi; Becerra, Lino; Borsook, David

2011-01-01

This review and meta-analysis aims at summarizing and integrating the human neuroimaging studies that report periaqueductal gray (PAG) involvement; 250 original manuscripts on human neuroimaging of the PAG were identified. A narrative review and meta-analysis using activation likelihood estimates is included. Behaviors covered include pain and pain modulation, anxiety, bladder and bowel function and autonomic regulation. Methods include structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional connectivity measures, diffusion weighted imaging and positron emission tomography. Human neuroimaging studies in healthy and clinical populations largely confirm the animal literature indicating that the PAG is involved in homeostatic regulation of salient functions such as pain, anxiety and autonomic function. Methodological concerns in the current literature, including resolution constraints, imaging artifacts and imprecise neuroanatomical labeling are discussed, and future directions are proposed. A general conclusion is that PAG neuroimaging is a field with enormous potential to translate animal data onto human behaviors, but with some growing pains that can and need to be addressed in order to add to our understanding of the neurobiology of this key region. PMID:22197740

Ancestry and BMI Influences on Facial Soft Tissue Depths for A Cohort of Chinese and Caucasoid Women in Dunedin, New Zealand.

PubMed

Baillie, Louisa J; Mirijali, Seyed Ali; Niven, Brian E; Blyth, Phil; Dias, George J

2015-09-01

This study measured and assessed facial soft tissue depths (FSTDs) in adult female Chinese and New Zealand (NZ) Europeans (Caucasoids). Ultrasound was used to obtain depths at nine landmarks on 108 healthy subjects (51 Chinese, 57 NZ European), erect positioned, of same age group (18-29 years). Height and weight were also recorded. Statistical analysis focused on comparison of tissue depth between the two ancestry groups and the influence of Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m2). Results showed mean depth differences at Supra M2 and Infra M2 landmarks significantly greater for Chinese than Caucasoid women for all three BMI Classes (BMI<20, 20≤BMI<25, 25≤BMI<30), even BMI<20. For both groups BMI positively correlated with FSTD values at all landmarks except Labrale superius. This study enabled ancestry and BMI influence on FSTDs to be observed and compared for two distinct groups. Results add to knowledge about facial tissue depth variation. © 2015 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Early add-on lacosamide in a real-life setting: results of the REALLY study.

PubMed

Villanueva, Vicente; Garcés, Mercedes; López-Gomáriz, Elena; Serratosa, José María; González-Giráldez, Beatriz; Parra, Jaime; Rodríguez-Uranga, Juan; Toledo, Manuel; López González, Francisco Javier; Bermejo, Pedro; Giner, Pau; Castillo, Ascensión; Molins, Albert; Campos, Dulce; Mauri, José Ángel; Muñoz, Rosario; Bonet, Macarena; Serrano-Castro, Pedro; del Villar, Ana; Saiz-Díaz, Rosa Ana

2015-02-01

Many patients with epilepsy are treated with antiepileptic drug (AED) polytherapy. Several factors influence the choice of early add-on therapy, and deciding on the most appropriate drug can be difficult. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of lacosamide as early add-on therapy in patients with partial-onset seizures. REALLY (REtrospective study of lAcosamide as earLy add-on aLong one Year) was a multicenter, retrospective, 1-year, real-life study. Patients included were aged older than 16 years, had partial-onset seizures, and were treated with lacosamide as add-on therapy after one or two prior AEDs. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical records. The primary study objective was to assess the efficacy of lacosamide over 12 months (seizure-free and responder rates), and the secondary objective was to assess the tolerability of lacosamide at 3, 6, and 12 months [adverse events (AEs) and discontinuation]. One hundred and ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the study; 89 patients (44.7 %) had tried one AED and 110 patients (55.3 %) had tried two AEDs before lacosamide. At 12 months, the proportion of patients who were seizure free was 44.9 %, and 76 % of patients were responders. The seizure-free rate at 12 months for patients who had previously received one or two AEDs was 58 and 34.3 %, and the responder rate at 12 months was 83.0 and 70.4 %, respectively. The AE rate was 21.5 % at 3 months, 27.1 % at 6 months, and 31.2 % at 12 months, with 7.0 % of patients discontinuing treatment because of an AE. The most common AE reported was dizziness (11.6 %). Cryptogenic epilepsy, a higher number of prior AEDs, and the use of a sodium channel blocker at onset were associated with a worse outcome. The number of concomitant AEDs decreased over 1 year (Z = 5.89; p < 0.001). Twenty-two patients were converted to lacosamide monotherapy with at least one evaluation ≥6 months from the beginning of monotherapy conversion. Lacosamide was effective and well tolerated as early add-on treatment in patients who had received one or two previous AEDs.

A Method to Analyze and Optimize the Load Sharing of Split Path Transmissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krantz, Timothy L.

1996-01-01

Split-path transmissions are promising alternatives to the common planetary transmissions for rotorcraft. Heretofore, split-path designs proposed for or used in rotorcraft have featured load-sharing devices that add undesirable weight and complexity to the designs. A method was developed to analyze and optimize the load sharing in split-path transmissions without load-sharing devices. The method uses the clocking angle as a design parameter to optimize for equal load sharing. In addition, the clocking angle tolerance necessary to maintain acceptable load sharing can be calculated. The method evaluates the effects of gear-shaft twisting and bending, tooth bending, Hertzian deformations within bearings, and movement of bearing supports on load sharing. It was used to study the NASA split-path test gearbox and the U.S. Army's Comanche helicopter main rotor gearbox. Acceptable load sharing was found to be achievable and maintainable by using proven manufacturing processes. The analytical results compare favorably to available experimental data.

The working patterns and retirement plans of general dental practitioners in a Midlands Health Authority.

PubMed

Morris, John; Harrison, Rachel; Caswell, Martin; Lunn, Howard

2002-10-01

With the problems of access to NHS primary dental care services in the last few years attention has focused on manpower considerations for dentistry. This paper presents the results of a simple survey of general dental practitioners in South Staffordshire. The response rate was 88%. Most dentists (76%) reported working over 30 hours a week. A small number reported working more than 50 hours a week. Woman dentists were more likely to report working fewer than 31 hours a week. Younger male dentists tended to work longer hours than older male dentists, whereas younger women dentists tended to work fewer hours than older women. The reported retirement plans suggested that around 16% of dentists in their 40s and 50s were planning to retire before 60. The findings add weight to the view that woman dentists tend to work fewer hours but studies of cohorts are required to examine the impact of premature retirement and the reasons behind this apparent gender difference.

Rank acquisition in rhesus macaque yearlings following permanent maternal separation: The importance of the social and physical environment.

PubMed

Wooddell, Lauren J; Kaburu, Stefano S K; Murphy, Ashley M; Suomi, Stephen J; Dettmer, Amanda M

2017-11-01

Rank acquisition is a developmental milestone for young primates, but the processes by which primate yearlings attain social rank in the absence of the mother remain unclear. We studied 18 maternally reared yearling rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that differed in their social and physical rearing environments. We found that early social experience and maternal rank, but not individual traits (weight, sex, age), predicted dominance acquisition in the new peer-only social group. Yearlings also used coalitions to reinforce the hierarchy, and social affiliation (play and grooming) was likely a product, rather than a determinant, of rank acquisition. Following relocation to a familiar environment, significant rank changes occurred indicating that familiarity with a physical environment was salient in rank acquisition. Our results add to the growing body of literature emphasizing the role of the social and physical environment on behavioral development, namely social asymmetries among peers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of coccidiosis control program and feeding plan on white striping prevalence and severity degree on broiler breast fillets evaluated at three growing ages.

PubMed

Dalle Zotte, A; Tasoniero, G; Russo, E; Longoni, C; Cecchinato, M

2015-09-01

This study investigated the impact of 2 coccidiosis control systems (vaccine vs anticoccidial) and 2 feeding plans (standard energy vs low energy content, the latter supplemented with threonine and enzymes in the second half of the production cycle) on white striping (WS) prevalence and severity in chicken broiler breasts at commercial slaughter age (51 d). The age of lesion onset was also investigated with the sacrifice of 80 chicks at 12, and 80 chicks at 25 d of age. Seven hundred and twenty ROSS 708 strain male chicks were divided into 4 groups: a non-vaccinated group fed with standard diet (CONTROL); two groups vaccinated against coccidiosis but fed either a standard diet (VACC) or a low-energy diet supplemented with threonine and enzymes (VACC-LE plus); and a fourth group fed a standard diet containing anticoccidial additive except during the finishing period (COX). After live performance, yields, and fillet pH were measured, the breasts were weighed and scored as level 0 (no WS), level 1 (moderate WS), and level 2 (severe WS) at each of the 3 ages; data were covariate for slaughter weight. The results suggest an ameliorative effect of coccidiosis control systems when compared to the control group in terms of live weight, breast yield, and whole breast weight, with heavier fillets characterized by higher pH values. WS appeared at 25 d of age with an average prevalence of 11.5% and with lesions of moderate severity. There were no statistically significant differences due to the experimental treatment at this age. At commercial slaughter age, total average prevalence was 96%, with COX birds showing higher level 2 prevalence (77.6%). This could be related to the higher slaughter weight reached by the COX group (P<0.001) and the treatment effect (P<0.01) that probably adds to the effect of live weight. Diet had no effect on overall live performance of VACC-LE plus chickens, which were similar to those of the VACC group. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Immunometabolic parameters in overweight dogs during weight loss with or without an exercise program.

PubMed

Vitger, A D; Stallknecht, B M; Miles, J E; Hansen, S L; Vegge, A; Bjørnvad, C R

2017-04-01

The influence of physical activity on metabolic health in overweight dogs is unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate biomarkers of immunometabolic health in relation to changes in physical activity and adiposity. Client-owned overweight dogs participated in a 12-wk intervention based on caloric restriction combined with a training program (fitness and diet [FD] group, n = 8), or caloric restriction alone (diet-only [DO] group, n = 8). Physical activity was monitored by accelerometry. All dogs were fed the same diet and achieved similar weight loss. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 6- and 12-wk intervention. Insulin resistance was evaluated from plasma insulin and C-peptide as well as homeostasis model assessment. Inflammation and dyslipidemia were evaluated from circulating leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemoattractant factor-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and cholesterol. Accelerometer counts in both groups were high compared with previous reports of physical activity in overweight dogs. No difference in blood parameters was evident between groups, evaluated by linear mixed-effects model (P > 0.05). Within the groups, the following changes were significant by t-test (P < 0.05): leptin decreased in both groups. Within the FD group, IL-8, MCP-1, and CRP decreased at 6 wk and IL-8 and cholesterol at 12 wk. Within the DO group, C-peptide and HOMA decreased at 6 wk and C-peptide at 12 wk. We conclude that, for both groups, weight loss resulted in minor indications of improved immunometabolic health, whereas this level of physical activity did not add further benefits. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reference values for the 6-minute walk test in healthy children and adolescents in Switzerland

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, low tech, safe and well established, self-paced assessment tool to quantify functional exercise capacity in adults. The definition of normal 6MWT in children is especially demanding since not only parameters like height, weight and ethnical background influence the measurement, but may be as crucial as age and the developmental stage. The aim of this study is establishing reference values for the 6MWT in healthy children and adolescents in Switzerland and to investigate the influence of age, anthropometrics, heart rate, blood pressure and physical activity on the distance walked. Methods Children and adolescents between 5–17 years performed a 6MWT. Short questionnaire assessments about their health state and physical activities. anthropometrics and vitals were measured before and after a 6-minute walk test and were previously defined as secondary outcomes. Results Age, height, weight and the heart rate after the 6MWT all predicted the distance walked according to different regression models: age was the best single predictor and mostly influenced walk distance in younger age, anthropometrics were more important in adolescents and females. Heart rate after the 6MWT was an important distance predictor in addition to age and outreached anthropometrics in the majority of subgroups assessed. Conclusions The 6MWT in children and adolescents is feasible and practical. The 6MWT distance depends mainly on age; however, heart rate after the 6MWT, height and weight significantly add information and should be taken into account mainly in adolescents. Reference equations allow predicting 6-minute walk test distance and may help to better assess and compare outcomes in young patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and are highly warranted for different populations. PMID:23915140

Dynamical Signatures of Structural Connectivity Damage to a Model of the Brain Posed at Criticality.

PubMed

Haimovici, Ariel; Balenzuela, Pablo; Tagliazucchi, Enzo

2016-12-01

Synchronization of brain activity fluctuations is believed to represent communication between spatially distant neural processes. These interareal functional interactions develop in the background of a complex network of axonal connections linking cortical and subcortical neurons, termed the human "structural connectome." Theoretical considerations and experimental evidence support the view that the human brain can be modeled as a system operating at a critical point between ordered (subcritical) and disordered (supercritical) phases. Here, we explore the hypothesis that pathologies resulting from brain injury of different etiologies are related to this model of a critical brain. For this purpose, we investigate how damage to the integrity of the structural connectome impacts on the signatures of critical dynamics. Adopting a hybrid modeling approach combining an empirical weighted network of human structural connections with a conceptual model of critical dynamics, we show that lesions located at highly transited connections progressively displace the model toward the subcritical regime. The topological properties of the nodes and links are of less importance when considered independently of their weight in the network. We observe that damage to midline hubs such as the middle and posterior cingulate cortex is most crucial for the disruption of criticality in the model. However, a similar effect can be achieved by targeting less transited nodes and links whose connection weights add up to an equivalent amount. This implies that brain pathology does not necessarily arise due to insult targeted at well-connected areas and that intersubject variability could obscure lesions located at nonhub regions. Finally, we discuss the predictions of our model in the context of clinical studies of traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders.

MESSI: metabolic engineering target selection and best strain identification tool.

PubMed

Kang, Kang; Li, Jun; Lim, Boon Leong; Panagiotou, Gianni

2015-01-01

Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology are synergistically related fields for manipulating target pathways and designing microorganisms that can act as chemical factories. Saccharomyces cerevisiae's ideal bioprocessing traits make yeast a very attractive chemical factory for production of fuels, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals as well as a wide range of chemicals. However, future attempts of engineering S. cerevisiae's metabolism using synthetic biology need to move towards more integrative models that incorporate the high connectivity of metabolic pathways and regulatory processes and the interactions in genetic elements across those pathways and processes. To contribute in this direction, we have developed Metabolic Engineering target Selection and best Strain Identification tool (MESSI), a web server for predicting efficient chassis and regulatory components for yeast bio-based production. The server provides an integrative platform for users to analyse ready-to-use public high-throughput metabolomic data, which are transformed to metabolic pathway activities for identifying the most efficient S. cerevisiae strain for the production of a compound of interest. As input MESSI accepts metabolite KEGG IDs or pathway names. MESSI outputs a ranked list of S. cerevisiae strains based on aggregation algorithms. Furthermore, through a genome-wide association study of the metabolic pathway activities with the strains' natural variation, MESSI prioritizes genes and small variants as potential regulatory points and promising metabolic engineering targets. Users can choose various parameters in the whole process such as (i) weight and expectation of each metabolic pathway activity in the final ranking of the strains, (ii) Weighted AddScore Fuse or Weighted Borda Fuse aggregation algorithm, (iii) type of variants to be included, (iv) variant sets in different biological levels.Database URL: http://sbb.hku.hk/MESSI/. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Differential investment in body girths by sex: Evidence from 3D photonic scanning in a Thai cohort.

PubMed

Shirley, Meghan K; Cole, Tim J; Charoensiriwath, Supiya; Treleaven, Philip; Wells, Jonathan C K

2017-08-01

Life history trade-offs may manifest between competing organs and tissues in the body. Sexual dimorphism in tissue investment is well-established in humans, with sex-associated body shape differences linked to natural and sexual selection. This study uses three-dimensional (3D) photonic scanning to test whether males and females differentially invest energy in various body regions in relation to two independent proxies of growth. Body shape data (multiple girths) came from a Thai cohort (n = 11,610; 53% female; age range 21-88 years). Weight was considered a proxy for recent energy acquisition. Stature represented completed growth, a proxy for energy acquisition earlier in life. The data were analyzed using growth-proxy by sex interaction log-log regression models adjusting for age, salary and number of children. For a given percentage increase in weight, females showed greater percentage increases than males in girths of the arm, chest, hip, thigh, knee and calf (p < 0.001), whilst males exceeded females in head and waist girths (also p < 0.001). For a given percentage increase in height, weight and all girths showed greater proportional changes in males than females (p < 0.001). These results indicate sex-specific life history strategies wherein the direction and timing of energy investment in girths varies between the sexes. The results add to literature suggesting that sexual dimorphism in body morphology is not a fixed trait; rather, differential energy allocation to specific body regions appears to be a plastic strategy adjusted in relation to energy acquisition across the life course. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The new nordic diet--consumer expenditures and economic incentives estimated from a controlled intervention.

PubMed

Jensen, Jørgen Dejgård; Poulsen, Sanne Kellebjerg

2013-12-02

Several studies suggest that a healthy diet with high emphasis on nutritious, low-energy components such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood tends to be more costly for consumers. Derived from the ideas from the New Nordic Cuisine--and inspired by the Mediterranean diet, the New Nordic Diet (NND) has been developed as a palatable, healthy and sustainable diet based on products from the Nordic region. The objective of the study is to investigate economic consequences for the consumers of the NND, compared with an Average Danish Diet (ADD). Combine quantity data from a randomized controlled ad libitum dietary 6 month intervention for central obese adults (18-65 years) and market retail price data of the products consumed in the intervention. Adjust consumed quantities to market price incentives using econometrically estimated price elasticities. Average daily food expenditure of the ADD as represented in the unadjusted intervention (ADD-i) amounted to 36.02 DKK for the participants. The daily food expenditure in the unadjusted New Nordic Diet (NND-i) costs 44.80 DKK per day per head, and is hence about 25% more expensive than the Average Danish Diet (or about 17% when adjusting for energy content of the diet). Adjusting for price incentives in a real market setting, the estimated cost of the Average Danish Diet is reduced by 2.50 DKK (ADD-m), compared to the unadjusted ADD-i diet, whereas the adjusted cost of the New Nordic Diet (NND-m) is reduced by about 3.50 DKK, compared to the unadjusted NND-i. The distribution of food cost is however much more heterogeneous among consumers within the NND than within the ADD. On average, the New Nordic Diet is 24-25 per cent more expensive than an Average Danish Diet at the current market prices in Denmark (and 16-17 per cent, when adjusting for energy content). The relatively large heterogeneity in food costs in the NND suggests that it is possible to compose an NND where the cost exceeds that of ADD by less than the 24-25 per cent.

The new nordic diet – consumer expenditures and economic incentives estimated from a controlled intervention

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Several studies suggest that a healthy diet with high emphasis on nutritious, low-energy components such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood tends to be more costly for consumers. Derived from the ideas from the New Nordic Cuisine – and inspired by the Mediterranean diet, the New Nordic Diet (NND) has been developed as a palatable, healthy and sustainable diet based on products from the Nordic region. The objective of the study is to investigate economic consequences for the consumers of the NND, compared with an Average Danish Diet (ADD). Methods Combine quantity data from a randomized controlled ad libitum dietary 6 month intervention for central obese adults (18–65 years) and market retail price data of the products consumed in the intervention. Adjust consumed quantities to market price incentives using econometrically estimated price elasticities. Results Average daily food expenditure of the ADD as represented in the unadjusted intervention (ADD-i) amounted to 36.02 DKK for the participants. The daily food expenditure in the unadjusted New Nordic Diet (NND-i) costs 44.80 DKK per day per head, and is hence about 25% more expensive than the Average Danish Diet (or about 17% when adjusting for energy content of the diet). Adjusting for price incentives in a real market setting, the estimated cost of the Average Danish Diet is reduced by 2.50 DKK (ADD-m), compared to the unadjusted ADD-i diet, whereas the adjusted cost of the New Nordic Diet (NND-m) is reduced by about 3.50 DKK, compared to the unadjusted NND-i. The distribution of food cost is however much more heterogeneous among consumers within the NND than within the ADD. Conclusion On average, the New Nordic Diet is 24–25 per cent more expensive than an Average Danish Diet at the current market prices in Denmark (and 16–17 per cent, when adjusting for energy content). The relatively large heterogeneity in food costs in the NND suggests that it is possible to compose an NND where the cost exceeds that of ADD by less than the 24–25 per cent. PMID:24294977

Preliminary, open-label, pilot study of add-on oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in chronic post-traumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

Roitman, Pablo; Mechoulam, Raphael; Cooper-Kazaz, Rena; Shalev, Arieh

2014-08-01

Many patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) achieve but partial remission with current treatments. Patients with unremitted PTSD show high rates of substance abuse. Marijuana is often used as compassion add-on therapy for treatment-resistant PTSD. This open-label study evaluates the tolerance and safety of orally absorbable Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for chronic PTSD. Ten outpatients with chronic PTSD, on stable medication, received 5 mg of Δ(9)-THC twice a day as add-on treatment. There were mild adverse effects in three patients, none of which led to treatment discontinuation. The intervention caused a statistically significant improvement in global symptom severity, sleep quality, frequency of nightmares, and PTSD hyperarousal symptoms. Orally absorbable Δ(9)-THC was safe and well tolerated by patients with chronic PTSD.

Long-term prediction of prostate cancer diagnosis and death using PSA and obesity related anthropometrics at early middle age: data from the malmö preventive project

PubMed Central

Assel, Melissa J.; Gerdtsson, Axel; Thorek, Daniel L.J.; Carlsson, Sigrid V.; Malm, Johan; Scardino, Peter T.; Vickers, Andrew; Lilja, Hans; Ulmert, David

2018-01-01

Objectives To evaluate whether anthropometric parameters add to PSA measurements in middle-aged men for risk assessment of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and death. Results After adjusting for PSA, both BMI and weight were significantly associated with an increased risk of PCa death with the odds of a death corresponding to a 10 kg/m2 or 10 kg increase being 1.58 (95% CI 1.10, 2.28; p = 0.013) and 1.14 (95% CI 1.02, 1.26; p = 0.016) times greater, respectively. AUCs did not meaningfully increase with the addition of weight or BMI to prediction models including PSA. Materials and Methods In 1974 to 1986, 22,444 Swedish men aged 44 to 50 enrolled in Malmö Preventive Project, Sweden, and provided blood samples and anthropometric data. Rates of PSA screening in the cohort were very low. Documentation of PCa diagnosis and disease-specific death up to 2014 was retrieved through national registries. Among men with anthropometric measurements available at baseline, a total of 1692 men diagnosed with PCa were matched to 4190 controls, and 464 men who died of disease were matched to 1390 controls. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine whether diagnosis or death from PCa were associated with weight and body mass index (BMI) at adulthood after adjusting for PSA. Conclusions Men with higher BMI and weight at early middle age have an increased risk of PCa diagnosis and death after adjusting for PSA. However, in a multi-variable numerical statistical model, BMI and weight do not importantly improve the predictive accuracy of PSA. Risk-stratification of screening should be based on PSA without reference to anthropometrics. PMID:29464033

Long-term prediction of prostate cancer diagnosis and death using PSA and obesity related anthropometrics at early middle age: data from the malmö preventive project.

PubMed

Assel, Melissa J; Gerdtsson, Axel; Thorek, Daniel L J; Carlsson, Sigrid V; Malm, Johan; Scardino, Peter T; Vickers, Andrew; Lilja, Hans; Ulmert, David

2018-01-19

To evaluate whether anthropometric parameters add to PSA measurements in middle-aged men for risk assessment of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and death. After adjusting for PSA, both BMI and weight were significantly associated with an increased risk of PCa death with the odds of a death corresponding to a 10 kg/m2 or 10 kg increase being 1.58 (95% CI 1.10, 2.28; p = 0.013) and 1.14 (95% CI 1.02, 1.26; p = 0.016) times greater, respectively. AUCs did not meaningfully increase with the addition of weight or BMI to prediction models including PSA. In 1974 to 1986, 22,444 Swedish men aged 44 to 50 enrolled in Malmö Preventive Project, Sweden, and provided blood samples and anthropometric data. Rates of PSA screening in the cohort were very low. Documentation of PCa diagnosis and disease-specific death up to 2014 was retrieved through national registries. Among men with anthropometric measurements available at baseline, a total of 1692 men diagnosed with PCa were matched to 4190 controls, and 464 men who died of disease were matched to 1390 controls. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine whether diagnosis or death from PCa were associated with weight and body mass index (BMI) at adulthood after adjusting for PSA. Men with higher BMI and weight at early middle age have an increased risk of PCa diagnosis and death after adjusting for PSA. However, in a multi-variable numerical statistical model, BMI and weight do not importantly improve the predictive accuracy of PSA. Risk-stratification of screening should be based on PSA without reference to anthropometrics.

Project DyAdd: Implicit Learning in Adult Dyslexia and ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laasonen, Marja; Väre, Jenni; Oksanen-Hennah, Henna; Leppämäki, Sami; Tani, Pekka; Harno, Hanna; Hokkanen, Laura; Pothos, Emmanuel; Cleeremans, Axel

2014-01-01

In this study of the project DyAdd, implicit learning was investigated through two paradigms in adults (18-55 years) with dyslexia (n?=?36) or with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n?=?22) and in controls (n?=?35). In the serial reaction time (SRT) task, there were no group differences in learning. However, those with ADHD exhibited…

Thermal fluctuation based study of aqueous deficient dry eyes by non-invasive thermal imaging.

PubMed

Azharuddin, Mohammad; Bera, Sumanta Kr; Datta, Himadri; Dasgupta, Anjan Kr

2014-03-01

In this paper we have studied the thermal fluctuation patterns occurring at the ocular surface of the left and right eyes for aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) patients and control subjects by thermal imaging. We conducted our experiment on 42 patients (84 eyes) with aqueous deficient dry eyes and compared with 36 healthy volunteers (72 eyes) without any history of ocular surface disorder. Schirmer's test, Tear Break-up Time, tear Meniscus height and fluorescein staining tests were conducted. Ocular surface temperature measurement was done, using an FL-IR thermal camera and thermal fluctuation in left and right eyes was calculated and analyzed using MATLAB. The time series containing the sum of squares of the temperature fluctuation on the ocular surface were compared for aqueous deficient dry eye and control subjects. Significant statistical difference between the fluctuation patterns for control and ADDE was observed (p < 0.001 at 95% confidence interval). Thermal fluctuations in left and right eyes are significantly correlated in controls but not in ADDE subjects. The possible origin of such correlation in control and lack of correlation in the ADDE subjects is discussed in the text. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of vildagliptin relative to sulfonylurea as dual therapy with metformin (or as monotherapy) in Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes fasting during Ramadan in the Middle East: the VIRTUE study.

PubMed

Hassoun, Ahmed A K; Al-Arouj, Monira; Ibrahim, Mohamed

2017-01-01

To assess the effect of vildagliptin relative to sulfonylurea (SU) on hypoglycemic events, in Muslim patients from the Middle East with type 2 diabetes who fast during Ramadan. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least one hypoglycemic event (HE) during the fasting period. Secondary endpoints included change in weight, HbA1c levels, treatment adherence and overall safety. This multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study enrolled Muslim adult T2DM patients from Middle Eastern countries who received treatment with vildagliptin or SU as add on to metformin or monotherapy. During a ∼16 week observation period, data was collected up to 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after Ramadan fasting. A total of 584 patients from the Middle East enrolled in the study; 308 patients received vildagliptin and 265 received SU. Significantly fewer vildagliptin patients reported at least one HE (3.7% vildagliptin vs. 25.5% SU; p < .001). No grade 2 HEs were reported in vildagliptin patients versus two in SU patients (p = .128). Mean change in HbA1c at the end of study showed -0.18% between treatment difference in favor of vildagliptin, p = .001. Mean body weight change at the end of study showed -0.68 kg between treatment difference in favor of vildagliptin, p < .001. Treatment exposure and adherence were high and similar in both cohorts. There were 4.3% adverse events reported in vildagliptin compared to 25.3% in the SU cohort, with hypoglycemia being the most experienced event in both cohorts. Being observational and not mandating HE confirmation with blood glucose measurement (though it was done in a large number of patients) were key limitations. Anti-hyperglycemic treatment with vildagliptin led to significantly fewer hypoglycemia events compared to sulfonylurea treatment among Muslim diabetic patients who fast during Ramadan. Good glycemic control, weight control and safety results supported this outcome.

Pragmatic pharmacology: population pharmacokinetic analysis of fentanyl using remnant samples from children after cardiac surgery

PubMed Central

Van Driest, Sara L.; Marshall, Matthew D.; Hachey, Brian; Beck, Cole; Crum, Kim; Owen, Jill; Smith, Andrew H.; Kannankeril, Prince J.; Woodworth, Alison; Caprioli, Richard M.

2016-01-01

Aims One barrier contributing to the lack of pharmacokinetic (PK) data in paediatric populations is the need for serial sampling. Analysis of clinically obtained specimens and data may overcome this barrier. To add evidence for the feasibility of this approach, we sought to determine PK parameters for fentanyl in children after cardiac surgery using specimens and data generated in the course of clinical care, without collecting additional blood samples. Methods We measured fentanyl concentrations in plasma from leftover clinically‐obtained specimens in 130 paediatric cardiac surgery patients and successfully generated a PK dataset using drug dosing data extracted from electronic medical records. Using a population PK approach, we estimated PK parameters for this population, assessed model goodness‐of‐fit and internal model validation, and performed subset data analyses. Through simulation studies, we compared predicted fentanyl concentrations using model‐driven weight‐adjusted per kg vs. fixed per kg fentanyl dosing. Results Fentanyl clearance for a 6.4 kg child, the median weight in our cohort, is 5.7 l h–1 (2.2–9.2 l h–1), similar to values found in prior formal PK studies. Model assessment and subset analyses indicated the model adequately fit the data. Of the covariates studied, only weight significantly impacted fentanyl kinetics, but substantial inter‐individual variability remained. In simulation studies, model‐driven weight‐adjusted per kg fentanyl dosing led to more consistent therapeutic fentanyl concentrations than fixed per kg dosing. Conclusions We show here that population PK modelling using sparse remnant samples and electronic medical records data provides a powerful tool for assessment of drug kinetics and generation of individualized dosing regimens. PMID:26861166

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Texas

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Texas. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Acute liver failure caused by 'fat burners' and dietary supplements: a case report and literature review.

PubMed

Yellapu, Radha K; Mittal, Vivek; Grewal, Priya; Fiel, Mariaisabel; Schiano, Thomas

2011-03-01

Globally, people are struggling with obesity. Many effective, nonconventional methods of weight reduction, such as herbal and natural dietary supplements, are increasingly being sought. Fat burners are believed to raise metabolism, burn more calories and hasten fat loss. Despite patient perceptions that herbal remedies are free of adverse effects, some supplements are associated with severe hepatotoxicity. The present report describes a young healthy woman who presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring emergent liver transplantation caused by a dietary supplement and fat burner containing usnic acid, green tea and guggul tree extracts. Thorough investigation, including histopathological examination, revealed no other cause of hepatotoxicity. The present case adds to the increasing number of reports of hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements containing usnic acid, and highlights that herbal extracts from green tea or guggul tree may not be free of adverse effects. Until these products are more closely regulated and their advertising better scrutinized, physicians and patients should become more familiar with herbal products that are commonly used as weight loss supplements and recognize those that are potentially harmful.

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Minnesota

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Minnesota. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Indiana

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Indiana. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Florida

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Florida. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Maine

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Maine. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Vermont

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Vermont. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Acute liver failure caused by ‘fat burners’ and dietary supplements: A case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Radha Krishna, Y; Mittal, V; Grewal, P; Fiel, MI; Schiano, T

2011-01-01

Globally, people are struggling with obesity. Many effective, non-conventional methods of weight reduction, such as herbal and natural dietary supplements, are increasingly being sought. Fat burners are believed to raise metabolism, burn more calories and hasten fat loss. Despite patient perceptions that herbal remedies are free of adverse effects, some supplements are associated with severe hepatotoxicity. The present report describes a young healthy woman who presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring emergent liver transplantation caused by a dietary supplement and fat burner containing usnic acid, green tea and guggul tree extracts. Thorough investigation, including histopathological examination, revealed no other cause of hepatotoxicity. The present case adds to the increasing number of reports of hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements containing usnic acid, and highlights that herbal extracts from green tea or guggul tree may not be free of adverse effects. Until these products are more closely regulated and their advertising better scrutinized, physicians and patients should become more familiar with herbal products that are commonly used as weight loss supplements and recognize those that are potentially harmful. PMID:21499580

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Michigan

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Michigan. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Dapagliflozin (Forxiga) for type 2 diabetes?

PubMed

2013-09-01

In the UK, diabetes mellitus affects around 3 million people, of whom over 90% have type 2 diabetes. Aims of treatment include minimising long-term complications (e.g. cardiovascular disease, blindness, chronic kidney disease, premature mortality) and avoiding unwanted effects of treatment (e.g. severe hypoglycaemia, weight gain). Management of diabetes includes patient support and education; addressing symptoms; lifestyle modification; targeting associated risk factors for cardiovascular disease; and surveillance for, and management of, complications including treatment-related hypoglycaemia. Dapagliflozin (Forxiga) belongs to a new class of oral glucose-lowering drugs that inhibit renal glucose reabsorption and promote glycosuria. It is licensed in the UK in adults with type 2 diabetes as monotherapy when diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate glycaemic control and who are unable to tolerate metformin; or, as add-on therapy, with other glucose-lowering agents including insulin, when these, with diet and exercise, do not provide adequate glycaemic control. The company's advertising materials claim that dapagliflozin provides a "novel method of controlling excess glucose" with "secondary benefit of weight loss". Here, we review the evidence for the use of dapagliflozin in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Alabama

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Alabama. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of New Hampshire

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of New Hampshire. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology usedmore » in the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of New Mexico

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of New Mexico. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology usedmore » in the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Colorado

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Colorado. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Washington

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Washington. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Montana

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Montana. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Dynamic and Structure of Polymer-Cellulose Composite Electrolyte for Li-ion Battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Pengfei; Maranas, Janna

Crystalline PEO6LiX complex is a tunnel-like polymer/salt structure that promotes fast Li motion. The application is limited because high ion conductivity is only observed with short molecular weight PEO, as the molecular weight increase, tunnels are misaligned and the conductivity is decreased. High aspect ratio nanofillers based on cellulose nanowhiskers are hypothesized to promote the formation of tunnel structures. Compared with unfilled electrolyte, the room temperature ion conductivity increased as much as 1100% in filled electrolyte. With wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), we observe that the structure transitions from amorphous phase to crystalline phase as we add cellulose nanowhiskers and this is because the interaction between cellulose surface and polymer chain enhances the crystallization. From the temperature dependence of conductivity, the calculated Li+ hopping activation energy is shown to be lower in acidic cellulose nanowhisker filled samples. Our quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) indicates with acidic surface, the rotation of PEO6 channels are more stabilized and this could be the origin of the low activation energy and high conductivity

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the District of Columbia

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the District of Columbia. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Massachusetts

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Massachusetts. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Oregon

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Oregon. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Wisconsin

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Wisconsin. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Ohio

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Ohio. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of South Carolina

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of South Carolina. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology usedmore » in the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of North Carolina

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of North Carolina. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology usedmore » in the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Cost Effectiveness of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for the State of Iowa

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

Hart, Philip R.; Athalye, Rahul A.; Xie, YuLong

2015-12-01

Moving to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 (ASHRAE 2013) edition from Standard 90.1-2010 (ASHRAE 2010) is cost-effective for the State of Iowa. The table below shows the state-wide economic impact of upgrading to Standard 90.1-2013 in terms of the annual energy cost savings in dollars per square foot, additional construction cost per square foot required by the upgrade, and life-cycle cost (LCC) per square foot. These results are weighted averages for all building types in all climate zones in the state, based on weightings shown in Table 4. The methodology used for this analysis is consistent with the methodology used inmore » the national cost-effectiveness analysis. Additional results and details on the methodology are presented in the following sections. The report provides analysis of two LCC scenarios: Scenario 1, representing publicly-owned buildings, considers initial costs, energy costs, maintenance costs, and replacement costs—without borrowing or taxes. Scenario 2, representing privately-owned buildings, adds borrowing costs and tax impacts.« less

Monotone Increasing Binary Similarity and Its Application to Automatic Document-Acquisition of a Category

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Izumi; Mikami, Yoshiki; Ohsato, Ario

A technique that acquires documents in the same category with a given short text is introduced. Regarding the given text as a training document, the system marks up the most similar document, or sufficiently similar documents, from among the document domain (or entire Web). The system then adds the marked documents to the training set to learn the set, and this process is repeated until no more documents are marked. Setting a monotone increasing property to the similarity as it learns enables the system to 1) detect the correct timing so that no more documents remain to be marked and to 2) decide the threshold value that the classifier uses. In addition, under the condition that the normalization process is limited to what term weights are divided by a p-norm of the weights, the linear classifier in which training documents are indexed in a binary manner is the only instance that satisfies the monotone increasing property. The feasibility of the proposed technique was confirmed through an examination of binary similarity and using English and German documents randomly selected from the Web.

2017 National Household Travel Survey - California Add-On |

Science.gov Websites

Transportation Secure Data Center | NREL 7 National Household Travel Survey - California Add-On 2017 National Household Travel Survey - California Add-On The California add-on survey supplements the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) with additional household samples and detailed travel

Etiology of Attention Disorders: A Neurological/Genetic Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grantham, Madeline Kay

This paper explores the historical origins of attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) as a neurological disorder, current neurological and genetic research concerning the etiology of ADD/ADHD, and implications for diagnosis and treatment. First, ADD/ADHD is defined and then the origins of ADD/ADHD as a…

Investigation of parabolic computational techniques for internal high-speed viscous flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, O. L.; Power, G. D.

1985-01-01

A feasibility study was conducted to assess the applicability of an existing parabolic analysis (ADD-Axisymmetric Diffuser Duct), developed previously for subsonic viscous internal flows, to mixed supersonic/subsonic flows with heat addition simulating a SCRAMJET combustor. A study was conducted with the ADD code modified to include additional convection effects in the normal momentum equation when supersonic expansion and compression waves were present. It is concluded from the present study that for the class of problems where strong viscous/inviscid interactions are present a global iteration procedure is required.

The Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Jinlida as Add-On Medication in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Ineffectively Managed by Metformin Monotherapy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial

PubMed Central

Lian, Fengmei; Tian, Jiaxing; Chen, Xinyan; Li, Zhibin; Piao, Chunli; Guo, Junjie; Ma, Licheng; Zhao, Lijuan; Xia, Chengdong; Wang, Chong-Zhi; Yuan, Chun-Su; Tong, Xiaolin

2015-01-01

Background Metformin plays an important role in diabetes treatment. Studies have shown that the combined use of oral hypoglycemic medications is more effective than metformin monotherapy. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, we evaluated whether Jinlida, a Chinese herbal medicine, enhances the glycemic control of metformin in type 2 diabetes patients whose HbA1c was ineffectively controlled with metformin alone. Methods A total of 186 diabetes patients were enrolled in this double-Blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either Jinlida (9 g) or the placebo TID for 12 consecutive weeks. All subjects in both groups also continuously received their metformin without any dose change. During this 12-week period, the HbA1c, FPG, 2h PG, body weight, BMI were assessed. HOMA insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA- β) were also evaluated. Results At week 12, compared to the HbA1c level from week 0, the level of the Jinlida group was reduced by 0.92 ± 1.09% and that of the placebo group was reduced by 0.53 ± 0.94%. The 95% CI was 0.69 - 1.14 for the Jinlida group vs. 0.34 - 0.72 for the placebo group. There was a very significant HbA1c reduction between the two groups after 12 weeks (p < 0.01). Both FG and 2h PG levels of the Jinlida group and placebo group were reduced from week 0. There were a very significant FG and 2h PG level reductions between the two groups after 12 weeks (both p < 0.01). The Jinlida group also showed improved β-cell function with a HOMA-β increase (p < 0.05). No statistical significance was observed in the body weight and BMI changes. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion Jinlida significantly enhanced the hypoglycemic action of metformin when the drug was used alone. This Chinese herbal medicine may have a clinical value as an add-on medication to metformin monotherapy. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR-TRC-13003159 PMID:26098833

The Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Jinlida as Add-On Medication in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Ineffectively Managed by Metformin Monotherapy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial.

PubMed

Lian, Fengmei; Tian, Jiaxing; Chen, Xinyan; Li, Zhibin; Piao, Chunli; Guo, Junjie; Ma, Licheng; Zhao, Lijuan; Xia, Chengdong; Wang, Chong-Zhi; Yuan, Chun-Su; Tong, Xiaolin

2015-01-01

Metformin plays an important role in diabetes treatment. Studies have shown that the combined use of oral hypoglycemic medications is more effective than metformin monotherapy. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, we evaluated whether Jinlida, a Chinese herbal medicine, enhances the glycemic control of metformin in type 2 diabetes patients whose HbA1c was ineffectively controlled with metformin alone. A total of 186 diabetes patients were enrolled in this double-Blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either Jinlida (9 g) or the placebo TID for 12 consecutive weeks. All subjects in both groups also continuously received their metformin without any dose change. During this 12-week period, the HbA1c, FPG, 2 h PG, body weight, BMI were assessed. HOMA insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β) were also evaluated. At week 12, compared to the HbA1c level from week 0, the level of the Jinlida group was reduced by 0.92 ± 1.09% and that of the placebo group was reduced by 0.53 ± 0.94%. The 95% CI was 0.69-1.14 for the Jinlida group vs. 0.34-0.72 for the placebo group. There was a very significant HbA1c reduction between the two groups after 12 weeks (p < 0.01). Both FG and 2 h PG levels of the Jinlida group and placebo group were reduced from week 0. There were a very significant FG and 2 h PG level reductions between the two groups after 12 weeks (both p < 0.01). The Jinlida group also showed improved β-cell function with a HOMA-β increase (p < 0.05). No statistical significance was observed in the body weight and BMI changes. No serious adverse events were reported. Jinlida significantly enhanced the hypoglycemic action of metformin when the drug was used alone. This Chinese herbal medicine may have a clinical value as an add-on medication to metformin monotherapy. Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR-TRC-13003159.

Understanding tourists' preference for mammal species in private protected areas: is there a case for extralimital species for ecotourism?

PubMed

Maciejewski, Kristine; Kerley, Graham I H

2014-01-01

Private Protected Areas (PPAs) often use wildlife-based ecotourism as their primary means of generating business. Achieving tourist satisfaction has become a strong driving goal in the management of many PPAs, often at the expense of biodiversity. Many extralimitral species, those which historically did not occur in an area, are stocked in PPAs with the intention of increasing ecotourism attractions. Even though the ecological and economic costs of stocking these species are high, the social benefits are not understood and little information exists globally on the ecotourism role of extralimital species. This study assessed the value of stocking extralimital species using questionnaire-based surveys and observing tourists in Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. No difference was found between indigenous and extralimital species with regards to the tourists' weighted scoring system, average amount tourists were willing to pay, total viewing time, average viewing time or the likelihood of stopping to view species when encountered on game drives. During game drives a strong preference was found for the elephant (Loxodonta africana), lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus) and cheetah (Acynonix jubatus). With the exception of the cheetah, these species are all members of the "big five" and are indigenous. Species availability and visibility, however, may influence the amount of time tourists spend at an animal sighting. Our analysis suggests that certain extralimital species (typically larger and charismatic species) contribute to tourist satisfaction, while particularly the smaller extralimital species add little to the game viewing experience, but add to the costs and risks of the PPAs. We recommend that extralimital species introductions for ecotourism purposes should be approached with caution with regards to the risks to the sustainability of PPAs.

Understanding Tourists’ Preference for Mammal Species in Private Protected Areas: Is There a Case for Extralimital Species for Ecotourism?

PubMed Central

Maciejewski, Kristine; Kerley, Graham I. H.

2014-01-01

Private Protected Areas (PPAs) often use wildlife-based ecotourism as their primary means of generating business. Achieving tourist satisfaction has become a strong driving goal in the management of many PPAs, often at the expense of biodiversity. Many extralimitral species, those which historically did not occur in an area, are stocked in PPAs with the intention of increasing ecotourism attractions. Even though the ecological and economic costs of stocking these species are high, the social benefits are not understood and little information exists globally on the ecotourism role of extralimital species. This study assessed the value of stocking extralimital species using questionnaire-based surveys and observing tourists in Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. No difference was found between indigenous and extralimital species with regards to the tourists’ weighted scoring system, average amount tourists were willing to pay, total viewing time, average viewing time or the likelihood of stopping to view species when encountered on game drives. During game drives a strong preference was found for the elephant (Loxodonta africana), lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus) and cheetah (Acynonix jubatus). With the exception of the cheetah, these species are all members of the “big five” and are indigenous. Species availability and visibility, however, may influence the amount of time tourists spend at an animal sighting. Our analysis suggests that certain extralimital species (typically larger and charismatic species) contribute to tourist satisfaction, while particularly the smaller extralimital species add little to the game viewing experience, but add to the costs and risks of the PPAs. We recommend that extralimital species introductions for ecotourism purposes should be approached with caution with regards to the risks to the sustainability of PPAs. PMID:24505426

Short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as add-on to insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes: A review.

PubMed

Albèr, Anders; Brønden, Andreas; Knop, Filip K

2017-07-01

A large proportion of patients with type 1 diabetes do not reach their glycaemic target of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) and, furthermore, an increasing number of patients with type 1 diabetes are overweight and obese. Treatment of type 1 diabetes is based on insulin therapy, which is associated with well-described and unfortunate adverse effects such as hypoglycaemia and increased body weight. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are the focus of increasing interest as a possible adjunctive treatment to insulin in type 1 diabetes because of their glucagonostatic and extrapancreatic effects. So far, the focus has mainly been on the long-acting GLP-1RAs, but the risk-benefit ratio emerging from studies evaluating the effect of long-acting GLP-1RAs as adjunctive therapy to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes has been disappointing. This might be attributable to a lack of glucagonostatic effect of these long-acting GLP-1RAs in type 1 diabetes, alongside development of tachyphylaxis to GLP-1-induced retardation of gastric emptying. In contrast, the short-acting GLP-1RAs seem to have a preserved and sustained effect on glucagon secretion and gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes, which could translate into effective lowering of postprandial glucose excursions; however, these observations regarding short-acting GLP-1RAs are all derived from small open-label trials and should thus be interpreted with caution. In the present paper we review the potential role of GLP-1RAs, in particular short-acting GLP-1RAs, as add-on to insulin in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Desorden Deficitario de la Atencion. Segunda Edicion. NICHCY Briefing Paper [and] El Desorden Deficitario de la Atencion: Una Bibliografia de Materiales en Ingles y Espanol (Attention Deficit Disorder. Second Edition. NICHCY Briefing Paper [and] Attention Deficit Disorder: A Bibliography of Materials in English and Spanish).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fowler, Mary

This briefing paper uses a question-and-answer format to provide basic information about children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Questions address the following concerns: nature and incidence of ADD; causes of ADD; signs of ADD (impulsivity, hyperactivity, disorganization, social skill deficits); the diagnostic ADD assessment; how to…

Add-on unidirectional elastic metamaterial plate cloak

PubMed Central

Lee, Min Kyung; Kim, Yoon Young

2016-01-01

Metamaterial cloaks control the propagation of waves to make an object invisible or insensible. To manipulate elastic waves in space, a metamaterial cloak is typically embedded in a base system that includes or surrounds a target object. The embedding is undesirable because it structurally weakens or permanently alters the base system. In this study, we propose a new add-on metamaterial elastic cloak that can be placed over and mechanically coupled with a base structure without embedding. We designed an add-on type annular metamaterial plate cloak through conformal mapping, fabricated it and performed cloaking experiments in a thin-plate with a hole. Experiments were performed in a thin plate by using the lowest symmetric Lamb wave centered at 100 kHz. As a means to check the cloaking performance of the add-on elastic plate cloak, possibly as a temporary stress reliever or a so-called “stress bandage”, the degree of stress concentration mitigation and the recovery from the perturbed wave field due to a hole were investigated. PMID:26860896

A Longitudinal Study on Human Outdoor Decomposition in Central Texas.

PubMed

Suckling, Joanna K; Spradley, M Katherine; Godde, Kanya

2016-01-01

The development of a methodology that estimates the postmortem interval (PMI) from stages of decomposition is a goal for which forensic practitioners strive. A proposed equation (Megyesi et al. 2005) that utilizes total body score (TBS) and accumulated degree days (ADD) was tested using longitudinal data collected from human remains donated to the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University-San Marcos. Exact binomial tests examined the rate of the equation to successfully predict ADD. Statistically significant differences were found between ADD estimated by the equation and the observed value for decomposition stage. Differences remained significant after carnivore scavenged donations were removed from analysis. Low success rates for the equation to predict ADD from TBS and the wide standard errors demonstrate the need to re-evaluate the use of this equation and methodology for PMI estimation in different environments; rather, multivariate methods and equations should be derived that are environmentally specific. © 2015 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Add-on unidirectional elastic metamaterial plate cloak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Min Kyung; Kim, Yoon Young

2016-02-01

Metamaterial cloaks control the propagation of waves to make an object invisible or insensible. To manipulate elastic waves in space, a metamaterial cloak is typically embedded in a base system that includes or surrounds a target object. The embedding is undesirable because it structurally weakens or permanently alters the base system. In this study, we propose a new add-on metamaterial elastic cloak that can be placed over and mechanically coupled with a base structure without embedding. We designed an add-on type annular metamaterial plate cloak through conformal mapping, fabricated it and performed cloaking experiments in a thin-plate with a hole. Experiments were performed in a thin plate by using the lowest symmetric Lamb wave centered at 100 kHz. As a means to check the cloaking performance of the add-on elastic plate cloak, possibly as a temporary stress reliever or a so-called “stress bandage”, the degree of stress concentration mitigation and the recovery from the perturbed wave field due to a hole were investigated.

Frailty and the prediction of dependence and mortality in low- and middle-income countries: a 10/66 population-based cohort study.

PubMed

At, Jotheeswaran; Bryce, Renata; Prina, Matthew; Acosta, Daisy; Ferri, Cleusa P; Guerra, Mariella; Huang, Yueqin; Rodriguez, Juan J Llibre; Salas, Aquiles; Sosa, Ana Luisa; Williams, Joseph D; Dewey, Michael E; Acosta, Isaac; Liu, Zhaorui; Beard, John; Prince, Martin

2015-06-10

In countries with high incomes, frailty indicators predict adverse outcomes in older people, despite a lack of consensus on definition or measurement. We tested the predictive validity of physical and multidimensional frailty phenotypes in settings in Latin America, India, and China. Population-based cohort studies were conducted in catchment area sites in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, Peru, India, and China. Seven frailty indicators, namely gait speed, self-reported exhaustion, weight loss, low energy expenditure, undernutrition, cognitive, and sensory impairment were assessed to estimate frailty phenotypes. Mortality and onset of dependence were ascertained after a median of 3.9 years. Overall, 13,924 older people were assessed at baseline, with 47,438 person-years follow-up for mortality and 30,689 for dependence. Both frailty phenotypes predicted the onset of dependence and mortality, even adjusting for chronic diseases and disability, with little heterogeneity of effect among sites. However, population attributable fractions (PAF) summarising etiologic force were highest for the aggregate effect of the individual indicators, as opposed to either the number of indicators or the dichotomised frailty phenotypes. The aggregate of all seven indicators provided the best overall prediction (weighted mean PAF 41.8 % for dependence and 38.3 % for mortality). While weight loss, underactivity, slow walking speed, and cognitive impairment predicted both outcomes, whereas undernutrition predicted only mortality and sensory impairment only dependence. Exhaustion predicted neither outcome. Simply assessed frailty indicators identify older people at risk of dependence and mortality, beyond information provided by chronic disease diagnoses and disability. Frailty is likely to be multidimensional. A better understanding of the construct and pathways to adverse outcomes could inform multidimensional assessment and intervention to prevent or manage dependence in frail older people, with potential to add life to years, and years to life.

Does pediatric body mass index affect surgical outcomes of lower-extremity external fixation?

PubMed

Fedorak, Graham T; Cuomo, Anna V; Otsuka, Norman Y

2015-06-01

Obese patients are highly prevalent in the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon's practice and obesity is an increasing issue in the United States. Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with increased complications in pediatric orthopaedic patients, but no study has looked specifically at external fixation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether obesity is a risk factor for increased complications in lower-extremity procedures requiring external fixation. A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients who underwent external fixation as definitive operative treatment for any condition at a tertiary care hospital over a 15-year period. Patients were grouped into normal weight, overweight, and obese based on Centers for Disease Control definitions. All orthopaedic complications were recorded. A total of 208 patients with a mean age of 11.2 years were identified. Ninety-four children were obese at the 95th percentile BMI or higher, 22 were overweight and 93 were normal weight. External fixation was applied to the tibia in 82 cases, to the femur in 77 and to both in 49. Mean duration of fixation was 160 days (range, 31 to 570 d) and patients were followed for a mean of 3.9 years (range, 1.0 to 12.0 y). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of complications between the 3 groups (P=0.61). In the obese group complications occurred in 68.1% versus 66.7% in the overweight group and 61.3% in normal weight. In the setting of external fixator use for lower-extremity pathology in pediatric patients, there is no association between an increase in complications and obesity as defined by BMI. Complication rates are high when external fixation is utilized for the lower extremity, however, patients and families should not be counseled that increased BMI will add to the burden of orthopaedic complications in this situation. Level II-prognostic.

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Seattle Rideshare Fleet Adds EVs, Enjoys

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The Source for ADD/ADHD: Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richard, Gail J.; Russell, Joy L.

This book is intended for professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing educational programs for children with attention deficit disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). Chapters address: (1) myths and realities about ADD/ADHD; (2) definitions, disorders associated with ADD/ADHD, and federal educational…

[Isolation of children with attention deficit disorder in their classrooms].

PubMed

Mino, Y; Yasuda, N; Ohara, H; Nagamatsu, K; Yoshida, T

1990-10-01

The isolation of children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) among peers was examined by conducting sociometric tests in 28 classrooms to which ADD children belonged. The conclusions are as follows: 1. Among ADD children, 39.3% were classified as isolated children who received no Social Choice votes, a proportion that was significantly higher than normal controls. 2. Results suggests that isolation was correlated with such characteristics of ADD children as higher grade in school, later first consultation and lower IQ levels. 3. Classroom characteristics which correlated with isolation of ADD children were larger number of children per class and stronger class cohesion. It is thought that reducing the number of children in each class will be effective in preventing isolation of ADD children. 4. The possibility of an association between assessment of parents for social relationships of ADD children and their isolation exists and needs to be assessed. The authors emphasize the need for ADD children to have support in their interpersonal relationships, and discuss ways of intervention to prevent their being isolated in their classrooms.

Response inhibition in Attention deficit disorder and neurofibromatosis type 1 – clinically similar, neurophysiologically different

PubMed Central

Bluschke, Annet; von der Hagen, Maja; Papenhagen, Katharina; Roessner, Veit; Beste, Christian

2017-01-01

There are large overlaps in cognitive deficits occurring in attention deficit disorder (ADD) and neurodevelopmental disorders like neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This overlap is mostly based on clinical measures and not on in-depth analyses of neuronal mechanisms. However, the consideration of such neuronal underpinnings is crucial when aiming to integrate measures that can lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Inhibitory control deficits, for example, are a hallmark in ADD, but it is unclear how far there are similar deficits in NF1. We thus compared adolescent ADD and NF1 patients to healthy controls in a Go/Nogo task using behavioural and neurophysiological measures. Clinical measures of ADD-symptoms were not different between ADD and NF1. Only patients with ADD showed increased Nogo errors and reductions in components reflecting response inhibition (i.e. Nogo-P3). Early perceptual processes (P1) were changed in ADD and NF1. Clinically, patients with ADD and NF1 thus show strong similarities. This is not the case in regard to underlying cognitive control processes. This shows that in-depth analyses of neurophysiological processes are needed to determine whether the overlap between ADD and NF1 is as strong as assumed and to develop appropriate treatment strategies. PMID:28262833

Safety and tolerability of dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin in combination: Post-hoc analysis of concomitant add-on versus sequential add-on to metformin and of triple versus dual therapy with metformin.

PubMed

Del Prato, Stefano; Rosenstock, Julio; Garcia-Sanchez, Ricardo; Iqbal, Nayyar; Hansen, Lars; Johnsson, Eva; Chen, Hungta; Mathieu, Chantal

2018-06-01

The safety of triple oral therapy with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus metformin versus dual therapy with dapagliflozin or saxagliptin plus metformin was compared in a post-hoc analysis of 3 randomized trials of sequential or concomitant add-on of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin to metformin. In the concomitant add-on trial, patients with type 2 diabetes on stable metformin received dapagliflozin 10 mg/d plus saxagliptin 5 mg/d. In sequential add-on trials, patients on metformin plus either saxagliptin 5 mg/d or dapagliflozin 10 mg/d received dapagliflozin 10 mg/d or saxagliptin 5 mg/d, respectively, as add-on therapy. After 24 weeks, incidences of adverse events and serious adverse events were similar between triple and dual therapy and between concomitant and sequential add-on regimens. Urinary tract infections were more common with sequential than with concomitant add-on therapy; genital infections were reported only with sequential add-on of dapagliflozin to saxagliptin plus metformin. Hypoglycaemia incidence was <2.0% across all analysis groups. In conclusion, the safety and tolerability of triple therapy with dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin, as either concomitant or sequential add-on, were similar to dual therapy with either agent added to metformin. © 2018 The Authors. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Activated forms of astrocytes with higher GLT-1 expression are associated with cognitive normal subjects with Alzheimer pathology in human brain.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Eiji; Nakano, Masako; Kubota, Kenta; Himuro, Nobuaki; Mizoguchi, Shougo; Chikenji, Takako; Otani, Miho; Mizue, Yuka; Nagaishi, Kanna; Fujimiya, Mineko

2018-01-26

Although the cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is believed to be caused by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), several postmortem studies have reported cognitive normal subjects with AD brain pathology. As the mechanism underlying these discrepancies has not been clarified, we focused the neuroprotective role of astrocytes. After examining 47 donated brains, we classified brains into 3 groups, no AD pathology with no dementia (N-N), AD pathology with no dementia (AD-N), and AD pathology with dementia (AD-D), which represented 41%, 21%, and 38% of brains, respectively. No differences were found in the accumulation of Aβ plaques or NFTs in the entorhinal cortex (EC) between AD-N and AD-D. Number of neurons and synaptic density were increased in AD-N compared to those in AD-D. The astrocytes in AD-N possessed longer or thicker processes, while those in AD-D possessed shorter or thinner processes in layer I/II of the EC. Astrocytes in all layers of the EC in AD-N showed enhanced GLT-1 expression in comparison to those in AD-D. Therefore these activated forms of astrocytes with increased GLT-1 expression may exert beneficial roles in preserving cognitive function, even in the presence of Aβ and NFTs.

N-Acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Pediatric Trichotillomania: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Add-On Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bloch, Michael H.; Panza, Kaitlyn E.; Grant, Jon E.; Pittenger, Christopher; Leckman, James F.

2013-01-01

Objective: To examine the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for the treatment of pediatric trichotillomania (TTM) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, add-on study. Method: A total of 39 children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years with pediatric trichotillomania were randomly assigned to receive NAC or matching placebo for 12 weeks. Our primary…

triADD: The Risk for Alcohol Abuse, Depression, and Diabetes Multimorbidity in the American Indian and Alaska Native Population

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tann, Sheila S.; Yabiku, Scott T.; Okamoto, Scott K.; Yanow, Jessica

2007-01-01

This study examined the risk for alcoholism, diabetes, and depression (triADD) in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in the U.S. Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a series of descriptive statistics and regression models were used to examine the interrelationships among these disorders in AI/AN populations.…

Strengthening Families in Head Start: The Impact of a Parent Education Programme on the Emotional Well-Being of Latino Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duch, Helena; Rodriguez, Carmen

2011-01-01

This study explores the impact of a Head Start add-on programme, a matrix of services for parents which provides educational and vocational supports, on maternal depression and children's behaviour in Latino families. We hypothesise that after having completed training, parents who participated in the add-on programme would have lower levels of…

Water disinfection: A relationship between ozone and aldehyde production

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

Gilli, G.; Scursatone, E.; Palin, L.

In the water potabilization plant of Turin city (Italy), the oxidation process is carried out with ozone. Due to its well-known insufficient performance, it is necessary to add alternative oxidants (hypochlorite ion and chlorine dioxide). In this paper, the authors discuss the formation of linear carbonyl groups during surface water treatment in Turni. The results obtained in the field confirm the synthesis of some aliphatic carbonyl compounds of low molecular weight. This phenomenon happens preeminently during the ozone disinfection process and, secondarily, during the other disinfection processes. Experimental results show that, in this last event, chlorine reacts with organic substances,more » and in a second moment, after organics consumption, if chlorine is still in a sufficient concentration, oxidizing them.« less

Sexual Dimorphism Analysis and Gender Classification in 3D Human Face

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yuan; Lu, Li; Yan, Jingqi; Liu, Zhi; Shi, Pengfei

In this paper, we present the sexual dimorphism analysis in 3D human face and perform gender classification based on the result of sexual dimorphism analysis. Four types of features are extracted from a 3D human-face image. By using statistical methods, the existence of sexual dimorphism is demonstrated in 3D human face based on these features. The contributions of each feature to sexual dimorphism are quantified according to a novel criterion. The best gender classification rate is 94% by using SVMs and Matcher Weighting fusion method.This research adds to the knowledge of 3D faces in sexual dimorphism and affords a foundation that could be used to distinguish between male and female in 3D faces.

Nutrition and muscle loss in humans during spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, T. P.

1999-01-01

The protein loss in humans during spaceflight is partly due to a normal adaptive response to a decreased work load on the muscles involved in weight bearing. The process is mediated by changes in prostaglandin release, secondary to the decrease in tension on the affected muscles. On missions, where there is a high level of physical demands on the astronauts, there tends to be an energy deficit, which adds to the muscle protein loss and depletes the body fat reserves. While the adaptive response is a normal part of homeostasis, the additional protein loss from an energy deficit can, in the long run, have a negative effect on health and capability of humans to live and work in space and afterward return to Earth.

More box codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, G.

1992-01-01

A new investigation shows that, starting from the BCH (21,15;3) code represented as a 7 x 3 matrix and adding a row and column to add even parity, one obtains an 8 x 4 matrix (32,15;8) code. An additional dimension is obtained by specifying odd parity on the rows and even parity on the columns, i.e., adjoining to the 8 x 4 matrix, the matrix, which is zero except for the fourth column (of all ones). Furthermore, any seven rows and three columns will form the BCH (21,15;3) code. This box code has the same weight structure as the quadratic residue and BCH codes of the same dimensions. Whether there exists an algebraic isomorphism to either code is as yet unknown.

Oxygen diffusion barrier coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unnam, Jalaiah (Inventor); Clark, Ronald K. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A method for coating a titanium panel or foil with aluminum and amorphous silicon to provide an oxygen barrier abrogating oxidation of the substrate metal is developed. The process is accomplished with known inexpensive procedures common in materials research laboratories, i.e., electron beam deposition and sputtering. The procedures are conductive to treating foil gage titanium and result in submicron layers which virtually add no weight to the titanium. There are no costly heating steps. The coatings blend with the substrate titanium until separate mechanical properties are subsumed by those of the substrate without cracking or spallation. This method appreciably increases the ability of titanium to mechanically perform in high thermal environments such as those witnessed on structures of space vehicles during re-entry

[Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid for anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint].

PubMed

Long, X

2017-03-09

Anterior disc displacement (ADD) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is regarded as one of the major findings in temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It is related to joint noise, pain, mandibular dysfunction, degenerative change and osteoarthritis. In the mean time, the pathological changes were found in synovial membrane and synovial fluid. Hyaluronic acid is a principal component of the synovial fluid which plays an important role in nutrition, lubrication, anti-inflammation and cartilage repair. The synthesis, molecule weight, and concentration of hyaluronic acid are decreased during TMD and cause TMJ degenerative changes. The clinical conditions, pathological changes, the mechanism of action for hyaluronic acid and the treatment of anterior disc displacement of TMJ are discussed in this article.