Fifty Men, 3510 Marathons, Cardiac Risk Factors, and Coronary Artery Calcium Scores.

Introduction/Purpose: Many male marathon runners have elevated coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores despite high physical activity. We examined the association between CAC scores, cardiovascular risk factors, and lifestyle habits in long term marathoners. Methods: We recruited men who had run >=1 marathon annually for 25 consecutive years. CAC was assessed using coronary computed tomography angiography. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CAD) risk factors were measured with a 12-lead ECG, serum lipid panel, height, weight, resting blood pressure and heart rate, and a risk factor questionnaire. Results: Fifty males, mean age 59 +/- 0.9 years with a combined total of 3,510 marathons (median 58.5; range 27-171), had a mean BMI of 22.44 m2/kg +/- 0.4, HDL and LDL cholesterols of 58 +/- 1.6 and 112 +/- 3.7 mg/dL, and CAC scores from 0 to 3,153. CAC scores varied from zero in 16 runners, to 1-100 in 12, 101-400 in 12, and >400 in 10. There was no statistical difference in the number of marathons run between the 4 groups. Compared to marathoners with no CAC, marathoners with moderate and extensive CAC were older (p=0.002), started running at an older age (p=0.003), were older when they ran their first marathon (p=0.006), and had more CAD risk factors (p=0.005); and marathoners with more CAC had higher rates of previous tobacco use (p=0.002) and prevalence of hyperlipidemia (p=0.01). Conclusion: Among experienced males who have run marathons for 26-34 years and completed between 27-171 marathons, CAC score is related to CAD risk factors and not the number of marathons run or years of running. This suggests that among long-term marathoners, more endurance exercise is not associated with an increased risk of CAC. (C) 2017 American College of Sports Medicine

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Validity and Reliability of Assessing Body Composition Using a Mobile Application.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the LeanScreenTM (LS) mobile application that estimates percent body fat (%BF) using estimates of circumferences from photographs. Methods: The %BF of 148 weight-stable adults was estimated once using DXA. Each of two administrators assessed the %BF of each subject twice using the LS app and manually measured circumferences. A mixed model ANOVA and Bland-Altman analyses were used to compare the estimates of %BF obtained from each method. Inter- and intrarater reliability was determined using multiple measurements taken by each of two administrators. Results: The LS app and manually measured circumferences significantly underestimated (p

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Hockey Fans in Training: A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) is a gender-sensitized weight loss and healthy lifestyle program. We investigated: 1) feasibility of recruiting and retaining overweight and obese men into a pilot pragmatic randomized controlled trial; and 2) potential for Hockey FIT to lead to weight loss and improvements in other outcomes at 12 weeks and 12 months. Methods: Male fans of 2 ice hockey teams (35-65 years; body-mass index >=28 kg/m2) located in Ontario (Canada) were randomized to intervention (Hockey FIT) or comparator (Wait-list Control). Hockey FIT includes a 12-week active phase (weekly, coach-led group meetings including provision of dietary information, practice of behaviour change techniques, and safe exercise sessions plus incremental pedometer walking) and a 40-week minimally-supported phase (smartphone app for sustaining physical activity; private online social network; standardized emails; booster session/reunion). Measurement at baseline and 12 weeks (both groups), and 12 months (intervention group only), included clinical outcomes (e.g., weight) and self-reported physical activity, diet, self-rated health. Results: Eighty men were recruited in 4 weeks; trial retention was >80% at 12 weeks and >75% at 12 months. At 12 weeks, the intervention group lost 3.6 (95% CI: -5.26, -1.90) kg more than the comparator (p

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Greater effect of east vs. west travel on jet-lag, sleep and team-sport performance.

Purpose: Determine the recovery timeline of sleep, subjective jet-lag and fatigue, and team-sport physical performance following east and west long-haul travel. Methods: Ten, physically-trained males underwent testing at 09:00 (AM) and 17:00 (PM) local time on four consecutive days two weeks prior to outbound travel (BASE), and the first four days following 21 h of outbound (WEST) and return (EAST) air travel across eight time-zones between Australia and Qatar. Data collection included performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], 20-m sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 [YYIR1] test) and perceptual (jet-lag, motivation, perceived exertion and physical feeling) measures. In addition, sleep was measured via wrist activity monitors and self-report diaries throughout the aforementioned data collection periods. Results: Compared to the corresponding day at BASE, the reduction in YYIR1 distance following EAST was significantly different to the increase WEST on day 1 post-travel (p

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Editorial: Infections, reproductive health, non - communicable diseases and health systems dominate articles in this June issue of African Health Sciences

No Abstract

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Letter to editor: Emerging epidemic of drug resistant tuberculosis in vulnerable populations of developing countries

No Abstract

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Letter to editor: Humidity is an ambient parameter to development of Zika virus: an Indonesian case

No Abstract

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Recovery from severe dysphagia in systemic sclerosis - myositis overlap: a case report

Background: Dysphagia is common in inflammatory myopathies and usually responds to corticosteroids. Severe dysphagia requiring feeding by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is associated with significant morbidity and high mortality.

Clinical case: A 56-year old African Black woman initially presented with systemic sclerosis (SSC) - myositis overlap and interstitial lung disease. She responded to high dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide followed by azathioprine, with improvement in her lung function and regression of the skin changes. Six years later she had a myositis flare with severe dysphagia. Her myositis improved after high doses of corticosteroids, azathioprine and two doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). As her dysphagia persisted, she was fed via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube and given a course of rituximab. Her dysphagia gradually resolved and the PEG tube was removed within two months. She received another dose of rituximab six months later and continued low dose prednisone and azathioprine. Her muscle power improved, weight returned to normal and she remained well 20 months after hospital discharge.

Conclusion: Our patient with SSC-myositis overlap and severe dysphagia requiring PEG feeding, improved with high dose corticosteroids, azathioprine, two courses of IVIG and rituximab, and remained in remission 20 months after hospital discharge.

Keywords: Severe dysphagia, systemic sclerosis, myositis overlap

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Effect of economic and security challenges on the Nigerian health sector

No Abstract

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Responsible conduct of research: enhancing local opportunities

Introduction: Research integrity is the foundation of credible research and a pre-requisite for a successful academic research environment. Lately, a lot of revelations of fraud and other unacceptable behaviour in research have been highly publicized in scientific journals and mass media. Whereas institutions in developed countries have developed guidelines and regulations to ensure responsible conduct of research and appropriately deal with cases of research misconduct, low- and middle-income countries seem to be lagging behind. In Uganda, there seems to be lack of coordinated efforts to address the problem of research misconduct both at the national and institutional level.

Objective: To propose a framework for fostering scientific integrity and deterring misconduct in research in Ugandan research and academic institutions.

Methods: A review of literature on scientific integrity, scientific misconduct, responsible conduct of research, and international ethical guidelines was done.

Results: Basing on the 2012 Inter-Academy Council policy report, initiatives to promote responsible conduct of research in Ugandan research and academic institutions are proposed.

Conclusion: With the proposed framework, an honest and trustworthy research enterprise in Uganda based on principles of scientific integrity is envisioned.

Keywords: Research misconduct, scientific integrity, responsible conduct of research

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Psychosocial health challenges of the elderly in Nigeria: a narrative review

Background: Globally, national health systems are challenged to build successful aging models to prepare for biomedical, psychological and social changes. The integral component of psychosocial health in overall quality of life and well-being, however, is underscored and requires greater focus. Changing demographics in Nigeria, in addition to cultural considerations and absence of a social security system, present unique challenges to elderly.

Objective: We aimed to review the literature that describes the current situation and challenges in psychosocial health status in the elderly in Nigeria and provide recommendations that promote health and well-being during the aging process.

Results: Four primary factors affect psychosocial health status of elderly Nigerians, namely: changes in family dynamics, increased demand for healthcare services, increased economic stress, and decreased functional independence.

Conclusion: Like other developing countries, the Nigerian national system faces similar challenges in preparing a national framework that can maximize coverage to citizens in the midst of demographic changes in aging. By focusing on five target areas such as the educational system, health services, community-based initiatives, local or regional policies and national strategies, current framework in Nigeria can be modified to prepare for changing demographics in aging.

Keywords: Aging, family support, Nigeria, psychosocial

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Characterization and antitumor activity of camptothecin from endophytic fungus Fusarium solani isolated from Camptotheca acuminate

Background: Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent drug against cancers, originally from plants. The endophytic fungi could produce the secondary metabolite same as the host and is used as medicine.

Objectives: The aim of this paper was to investigate an endophytic fungal CPT with anti-neoplastic activity.

Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated from Camptotheca acuminata in China. CPT from strain S-019 was characterized by TLC, HPLC and EI-MS analysis. Anti-tumor activity of fungal CPT was detected by MTT and fluorescent dye methods using Vero and PC-3 cells.

Results: A total of 94 endophytic fungi strains were isolated from tissues of C. acuminata and 16 fungi strains displayed cytotoxic activity on Vero or PC3 cells. Of which, the fungal strain S-019, classified as Fusarium solani, displayed impressive cytotoxic activity on cancer cells and was found to produce CPT by analysis of TLC, HPLC and EI-MS methods. Bioassay studies confirmed that the fungi CPT had potent cytotoxicity on Vero cells and induced apoptosis of Vero cells.

Conclusion: The endophytic fungi from camptotheca trees are a reliable source for natural anticancer compounds. The endophytic fungi could produce CPT same as plant. The fungal CPT exhibited effective activity at inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis on Vero cells.

Keywords: Endophytic fungi, camptothecin, anti-tumor, Camptotheca acuminate

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Vitamin B6 and homocysteine levels in carbamazepine treated epilepsy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Objectives: The study focused on the plasma levels of vitamin B₆ and homocysteine in different genotypes of MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and GABRG2 (C588T, C315T) genes in carbamazepine resistant epilepsy in the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Methodology: Patients who were possible candidates for carbamazepine therapy were followed for six months for their seizure control. Plasma levels of vitamin B₆ and homocysteine were determined using immunoassay based techniques at baseline and after six months. MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and GABRG2 (C588T, C315T) genes were genotyped using restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Seizure control during therapy was recorded on a standardized proforma.

Results: Low vitamin B₆ levels and hyperhomocysteinemia were found in 61.7% of resistant patients (n=34). Resistant patients had the following frequencies of variant genotypes (677CT=38.1% and 677TT=24.4%; 1298AC=42.2% and 1298CC=26.1%; 588CT= 47.6% and 315TT= 33.3%) of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) and GABRG2 (C588T and C315T) genes. A significant decline in vitamin B₆ (P<0.0001) and hyperhomocysteinemia were found in variant genotypes of MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) and GABRG2 (C588T, C315T) genes.

Conclusion: Following six months of carbamazepine of therapy in heterozygous variant genotypes of MTHFR (677CT and 1298AC) and GABRG2 (588CT and 315CT) genes, we observed a significant fall in vitamin B₆ levels and hyperhomocysteinemia.

Keywords: Carbamazepine, epileptics, homocysteine, seizure control, RFLP, vitamin B₆

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Why should modified Atkins diet be encouraged for treating epilepsy in emerging countries?

No Abstract

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Near vision spectacle coverage and barriers to near vision correction among adults in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Purpose: To determine the near vision spectacle coverage and barriers to obtaining near vision correction among adults aged 35 years and older in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study design was adopted and 500 out of 576 participants aged 35 years and older were examined from 12 randomly selected clusters in Cape Coast, Ghana. All participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination which included: distance and near visual acuities measurements and external and internal ocular health assessments. Distance and near refractions were performed using subjective refraction technique. Information on participants' demographics, near vision correction status, near visual needs and barriers to acquiring near vision correction were obtained through a questionnaire administered as part of the study.

Results: The mean age of participants was 52.3±10.3 years of whom 280 (56%) were females and 220 (44%) were males. The near vision spectacle coverage was 25%, 33% "met need" for near vision correction in the presbyopic population, and 64% unmet need in the entire study population. After controlling for other variables, age (5^th and 6^th decades) and educational level were associated with "met need" for near vision correction (OR=2.7 (1.55-4.68), p =0.00, and OR=2.36 (1.18-4.72), p=0.02 respectively). Among those who needed but did not have near vision correction, 64 (26%) did not feel the need for correction, 55 (22%) stated that they were unaware of available interventions, and 53 (21%) found the cost of near vision correction prohibitive.

Conclusion: There was a low near vision spectacle coverage in this population which suggests the need for strategies on health education and promotion to address the lack of awareness of spectacle need and cost of services.

Keywords: Presbyopia, near vision, spectacle coverage, unmet needs, Ghana

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Family type, domestic violence and under-five mortality in Nigeria

Background: Nigeria still showcases unacceptably high under-five mortality despite all efforts to reduce the menace. Investigating the significant predictors of this occurrence is paramount.

Objective: To examine the interplay between family setting, domestic violence and under-five death in Nigeria.

Methods: Cross-sectional secondary data, the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, (NDHS) women dataset was utilized. Subset of 26,997 ever married and ever had childbirth experience respondents were extracted from the nationally representative women dataset. Dependent and Independent variables were recoded to suit the statistical analysis for the study.

Results: The study revealed that 33.7% of the respondents were in polygyny family setting; one-quarter of the ever married women reported ever experiencing one form of domestic violence or the other. The results of the logistic regressions indicate that family type and domestic violence were significant predictors of under-five children mortality in Nigeria.

Conclusion: The study concludes that women who belong to polygyny family setting and who ever experienced sexual domestic violence are highly susceptible to experience under-five children mortality than their counterparts. The study recommends that strategies and policies aimed at improving child survival should strengthen women empowerment initiatives, discourage multiple wives and campaign against domestic violence in Nigeria.

Keywords: Polygyny, monogamous, domestic violence, Nigerians

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Secular trend of the leading causes of death in China from 2003 to 2013

Background: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and secular trends of the leading causes of death in China.

Methods: Data on the leading causes of death was collected from the Statistical Yearbook of China. Data for 11 years, from 2003 to 2013, was analyzed by regression analysis and chi-square test.

Results: The top 3 causes of death from 2009 to 2013 were cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiopathy, with the role of cardiopathy increasing over time (P<0.01). The proportion of deaths related to cardio-cerebrovascular diseases in urban and rural areas increased to 41.9% and 44.8%, respectively, in 2013, and was significantly higher than that for cancer, 25.5% and 22.4% (both P<0.01). Injury and poisoning in urban or rural areas represented the fifth leading cause of death. In 2006, endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases were the sixth main cause of death, with 3.3% in urban areas. The role of genito-urinary,
respiratory, and digestive system diseases in urban areas and genito-urinary system diseases in rural areas decreased during this period (all P<0.05).

Conclusion: Cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiopathy accounted for more than 67% of all deaths from 2007 to 2013 in China, and significantly increased in proportion from 2003 to 2013.

Keywords: Causes of death; China; cancer; cardiovascular disease

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Lifestyle factors influencing bone health in young adult women in Saudi Arabia

Aim: To analyze risk factors leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis among young female students.

Methods: Quantitative Ultrasonography measurements were performed in the calcaneal region of 101 young Saudi females. Dietary habits, exercising and sun exposure were assessed using questionnaires. The association between the different studied factors was assessed by Pearson test and multiple linear regression model.

Results: Participants diagnosed with either osteopenia or osteoporosis (>33%.) showed significant higher soft drinks consumption, reduced exercise, limited intake of milk and dairy products, calcium and vitamin D supplementation compared to the healthy group. Multiple regression analysis showed that T-score and Z-score were negatively associated with soft drink intake and positively associated with exercising, milk and dairy products consumption, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation use (p <0.05)

Conclusion: High soft drink intake, lack of exercising and limited calcium and vitamin D supplementation are the combined lifestyle factors leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis among young Saudi females. These findings might serve as a basis of nutrition education intervention to promote healthy bones among this population.

Keywords: Lifestyle factors, osteoporosis, osteopenia, young women, Saudi Arabi

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Disordered eating attitudes: demographic and clinico-anthropometric correlates among a sample of Nigerian students

Objectives: We set out in this study to determine the demographic and clinico-anthropometric correlates of disordered eating attitudes among undergraduate students of two higher institutions in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1,054 participants after written informed consent. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were administered to the participants. In addition, their blood pressure, height and weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

Results: The study participants comprised of 561(55.6%) males with median age of 21.4 years. The mean (±SD) score on EAT-26 was 11.52(±8.54), and 16% of all the respondents were categorized as having disordered eating attitude. A significant relationship was found between disordered eating attitude and age (p= 0.027), gender (p= <0.001), institution of study (p= 0.005), systolic blood pressure (p=0.019), BMI (p= 0.027) and psychological distress (p=0.005).

Conclusion: Our study observed disordered eating attitude to be prevalent among young adults, and demographic along with clinico-anthropometric factors constituted associated factors. Our findings strengthen the basis to incorporate health awareness programs aimed at improving nutrition and eating behavior among the young adult population. Future research is needed.

Keywords: Anthropometric, correlates, disordered eating attitudes, Nigeria, students

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Major limb amputations in a tertiary hospital in North Western Nigeria

Background: Amputation is the removal of whole or part of a limb, often as a life saving measure. It is a mutilating surgical procedure altering the body image and producing severe functional deficit. It is a common orthopedic surgical procedure performed worldwide.

Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and indications for amputation in Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria; between January 2008 and December 2014, in a bid to proffer preventive measures.

Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who had major limb amputations at the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria; between January 2008 and December 2014. Case notes of patients were retrieved with relevant information extracted and analyzed.

Results: A total of 112 amputations were studied. The age range of patients was between 3-89 years. Amputation in 23.5% of patients was due to trauma, followed by diabetic foot gangrene in 21% of cases. About 42.9% of the amputations were above knee, followed by below knee amputations in 37% of cases. The lower limbs were involved in 84.8% of cases and upper limbs in 15.2% of cases.

Conclusion: Trauma was the most predominant indication for amputation in this study. This was followed by diabetic foot gangrene. This is usually due to the high rate of road traffic accidents and consequent mismanagement by traditional bone setters.

Keywords: Limb amputations, tertiary hospital, North Western Nigeria

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Effect of low-dose ketamine on post-operative serum IL-6 production among elective surgical patients: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Surgery and Anesthesia cause an excessive pro-inflammatory response. Mulago Hospital is faced with staff shortage making post-operative pain management difficult.Interleukin-6 (IL-6) drives inflammatory pain, endothelial cell dysfunction and fibrogenesis. Ketamine is cheap and, readily available. We hypothesized that its attenuation of serum IL-6 was a surrogate for clinical benefit.

Materials and methods: Institutional Review Board's approval was sought and RCT was registered at clinical trials.gov (identifier number: NCT01339065). Consenting patients were randomized to receive pre-incision intravenous ketamine - 0.5mg/kg or 0.9% saline placebo in weighted dosing. Blood samples were collected and laboratory analyzed at baseline, post-operatively in PACU, 24 and 48 hours respectively.

Results: We recruited 39 patients of whom 18 were randomized to the ketamine arm and 21 in the placebo arm with follow up at 24 and 48 hours. Serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were analyzed using ELIZA assay of pre-coated micro wells. Ketamine suppressed serum IL-6 at PACU with reduced increase at 24 hours. There was no reaction in 98% of IL-1β assayed.

Conclusion: Low-dose ketamine attenuated early serum IL-6 levels due to surgical response with reduced 24 hour increase, but the difference was not statistically significant and we recommend more studies.

Keywords: Ketamine, post-operative inflammation, interleukin 6, interleukin 1- β

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Distraction-related road traffic collisions

Objectives: We aimed to prospectively study distraction-related road traffic collision injuries, their contributory factors, severity, and outcome.

Methods: Data were prospectively collected on all hospitalized road traffic collision trauma patients in Al-Ain City who were drivers at the collision time over one and half years. Driver's inattentive behaviors preceding the collision were collected by interviewing the admitted drivers.

Results: There were 444 drivers, 330 of them were fully oriented patients, out of them only 44 (13%) were distracted. Nineteen (5.8%) drivers were distracted by using mobile phones, 12 (3.6%) were pre-occupied with deep thinking, six (1.8%) were talking with other passengers, four (1.2%) were picking things in the vehicle, and three (0.9%) were using entertainment systems. The maximum distraction occurred during the time of 6 am - 12 noon when the traffic was crowded. There were no significant differences between distracted and non-distracted drivers in demographical and physiological factors, injured regions, and outcomes.

Conclusion: Distraction of alert drivers causes 13% of road traffic collisions in Al-Ain city. About 40 percent of the distracted drivers involved in road traffic collisions (RTC) were using mobile phones. Our study supports the ban of use of cell phones while driving.

Keywords: Distraction, prevention, road traffic collision, mobile phone

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Expression of miR-126 and its potential function in coronary artery disease

Objective: This study aimed to explore the role of miR-126 in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and the potential gene targets of miR-126 in atherosclerosis.

Methodology: A total of 60 CAD patients and 25 healthy control subjects were recruited in this study. Among the 60 CAD patients, 18 cases were diagnosed of stable angina pectoris (SAP), 20 were diagnosed of unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and 22 were diagnosed of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Plasma miR-126 levels from both groups of participants were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. ELISA was used to measure plasma level of placenta growth factor (PLGF).

Results: The results showed that the miR-126 expression was significantly down-regulated in the circulation of CAD patients compared with control subjects (P<0.01). Plasma PLGF level was significantly upregulated in patients with unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with controls (both P<0.01) the miR-126 expression in AMI was significantly associated with PLGF.

Conclusion: miR-126 may serve as a novel biomarker for CAD.

Keywords: miR-126; PLGF; PCR; coronary artery disease; atherosclerosis

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Assessment of hospital-based adult triage at emergency receiving areas in hospitals in Northern Uganda

Background: Limited health service resources must be used in a manner which does "the most for the most". This is partly achieved through the use of a triage system. Whereas efforts have been made to introduce paediatric triage in Uganda such as Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment Plus (ETAT+), it is not clear if hospitals have local protocols for adult triage being used in each setting.

Objectives: To determine the presence of existing hospital triage systems, the cadre of staff undertaking triage and barriers to development/improvement of formal triage systems.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Acholi sub-region was randomly selected for the study among the three sub-regions in Northern Uganda. The study was conducted in 6 of the 7 hospitals in the region. It was a written self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Thirty-three participants from 6 hospitals consented and participated in the study. Only one hospital (16.7%) of the 6 hospitals surveyed had a formal hospital-based adult triage protocol in place. Only 2 (33.3%) hospitals had an allocated emergency department, the rest receive emergency patients/perform triage from OPD and wards. Lack of training, variation of triage protocols from hospital to another, shortage of staff on duty, absence of national guidelines on triage and poor administrative support were the major barriers to improvement /development of formal triage in all these hospitals.

Conclusion: Formal adult hospital-based triage is widely lacking in Northern Uganda and staff do perform subjective "eyeball" judgments to make triage decisions.

Keywords: Triage, "eyeball" triage, emergency receiving areas, and emergency health conditions

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Complex Pediatric Constipation: A Case Study of a Child With a Malone Appendicostomy

Constipation is the chief complaint at approximately 3% to 5% percent of pediatric outpatient clinic visits (Borowitz, 2016). This diagnosis is challenging at times and is defined by the North American Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition as "a delay or difficulty in defecation present for two weeks or more and sufficient to cause significant distress to the patient" (Borowitz, 2016, p.1). Additionally, up to 25% of all visits to pediatric gastroenterologists are for constipation-related complaints (Nurko & Zimmerman, 2014).

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Gene Expression Networks in the Murine Pulmonary Myocardium Provide Insight into the Pathobiology of Atrial Fibrillation

The pulmonary myocardium is a muscular coat surrounding the pulmonary and caval veins. Although its definitive physiological function is unknown, it may have a pathological role as the source of ectopic beats initiating atrial fibrillation. How the pulmonary myocardium gains pacemaker function is not clearly defined, although recent evidence indicates that changed transcriptional gene expression networks are at fault. The gene expression profile of this distinct cell type in situ was examined to investigate underlying molecular events that might contribute to atrial fibrillation. Via systems genetics a whole lung transcriptome dataset from the BXD recombinant inbred mouse resource was analysed, uncovering a pulmonary cardiomyocyte gene network of 24 transcripts, coordinately regulated by chromosome 1 and 2 loci. Promoter enrichment analysis and interrogation of publicly available ChIP-seq data suggested that transcription of this gene network may be regulated by the concerted activity of NKX2-5, serum response factor and myocyte enhancer factor 2, and also, at a post-transcriptional level by RNA binding protein motif 20. Gene ontology terms indicate that this gene network overlaps with molecular markers of the stressed heart. Therefore, we propose that perturbed regulation of this gene network might lead to altered calcium handling, myocyte growth and contractile force contributing to aberrant electrophysiological properties observed in atrial fibrillation. We reveal novel molecular interactions and pathways representing possible therapeutic targets for atrial fibrillation. In addition, we highlight the utility of recombinant inbred mouse resources in detecting and characterizing gene expression networks of relatively small populations of cells that have a pathological significance.

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Application of Response Surface Methods To Determine Conditions for Optimal Genomic Prediction

An epistatic genetic architecture can have a significant impact on prediction accuracies of genomic prediction (GP) methods. Machine learning methods predict traits composed of epistatic genetic architectures more accurately than statistical methods based on additive mixed linear models. The differences between these types of GP methods suggest a diagnostic for revealing genetic architectures underlying traits of interest. In addition to genetic architecture, the performance of GP methods may be influenced by the sample size of the training population, the number of QTL, and the proportion of phenotypic variability due to genotypic variability (heritability). Possible values for these factors and the number of combinations of the factor levels that influence the performance of GP methods can be large. Thus, efficient methods for identifying combinations of factor levels that produce most accurate GPs is needed. Herein, we employ Response Surface Methods (RSMs) to find the experimental conditions that produce the most accurate GPs. We illustrate RSM with an example of simulated doubled haploid (DH) populations and identify the combination of factors that maximize the difference between prediction accuracies of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and support vector machine (SVM) GP methods. The greatest impact on the response is due to the genetic architecture of the population, heritability of the trait, and the sample size. When epistasis is responsible for all of the genotypic variance and heritability is equal to one, and the sample size of the training population is large the advantage of using the SVM method versus the BLUP method is greatest. However, except for values close to the maximum, most of the response surface shows little difference between the methods. We also determined that the conditions resulting in the greatest prediction accuracy for BLUP occurred when genetic architecture consists solely of additive effects, and heritability is equal to one.

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Echocardiography and passive leg raising in the postoperative period: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Signs of hypovolaemia are frequent in the postoperative period, but not all patients need or respond to fluid administration. An increase in cardiac output (CO) after passive leg raising (PLR) has been demonstrated to be useful as a volume response predictor in non-surgical, spontaneously breathing patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of transthoracic echocardiography after PLR to predict fluid responsiveness in post-surgical patients. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: A tertiary hospital between January and July 2015. PATIENTS: Fifty-one spontaneously breathing postoperative patients with suspected hypovolaemia (arterial hypotension, oliguria, tachycardia or delayed capillary refill) were considered for the study. INTERVENTION: Demographic and personal data were collected, as well as heart rate variations, mean arterial pressure during PLR and after administering 500 ml of Ringer's lactate solution. CO was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was measurement of CO before and after PLR and Ringer's lactate administration. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included in the study (six patients were excluded because of a poor echocardiographic window and four because of misalignment of the Doppler and outflow tract of the left ventricle). Twenty-two patients (54%) were considered responders to fluid therapy, with an increase of stroke volume greater than or equal to 15% after 500 ml lactated Ringer's infusion. The highest area under the curve was found for an increase in CO (0.91 +/- 0.05; 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.97). An increase in CO greater than 11% after the PLR manoeuvre predicts a volume response with 68% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSION: This is the first study showing that measurement of CO after PLR can predict volume response in spontaneously breathing postoperative patients. (C) 2017 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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Anaesthetic management of patients with myopathies.

: The anaesthetic management of patients with myopathies is challenging. Considering the low incidence and heterogeneity of these disorders, most anaesthetists are unfamiliar with key symptoms, associated co-morbidities and implications for anaesthesia. The pre-anaesthetic assessment aims at the detection of potentially undiagnosed myopathic patients and, in case of known or suspected muscular disease, on the quantification of disease progression. Ancillary testing (e.g. echocardiography, ECG, lung function testing etc.) is frequently indicated, even at a young patient age. One must differentiate between myopathies associated with malignant hyperthermia (MH) and those that are not, as this has significant impact on preoperative preparation of the anaesthesia workstation and pharmacologic management. Only few myopathies are clearly associated with MH. If a regional anaesthetic technique is not possible, total intravenous anaesthesia is considered the safest approach for most patients with myopathies to avoid anaesthesia-associated rhabdomyolysis. However, the use of propofol in patients with mitochondrial myopathies may be problematic, considering the risk for propofol-infusion syndrome. Succinylcholine is contra-indicated in all patients with myopathies. Following an individual risk/benefit evaluation, the use of volatile anaesthetics in several non-MH-linked myopathies (e.g. myotonic syndromes, mitochondrial myopathies) is considered to be well tolerated. Perioperative monitoring should specifically focus on the cardiopulmonary system, the level of muscular paralysis and core temperature. Given the high risk of respiratory compromise and other postoperative complications, patients need to be closely monitored postoperatively. (C) 2017 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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Quiz: Capnography for kids: unique considerations

Test your knowledge on the challenges of assessing and treating children with capnography

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Gait analysis on force treadmill in children: comparison with results from ground-based force platforms.

Gait analysis (GA) typically includes surface electromyographic (sEMG) recording from several lower limb muscles, optoelectronic measurement of joint rotations, and force recordings from ground-based platforms. From the latter two variables, the muscle power acting on the lower limb joints can be estimated. Recently, gait analysis on a split-belt force treadmill (GAFT) was validated for the study of adult walking. It showed high reliability of spatiotemporal, kinematic, dynamic, and sEMG parameters, matching those obtainable with GA on the basis of ground walking. GAFT, however, still needs validation in children. Potential differences with respect to adult GAFT relate to (a) possible high signal-to-noise ratio, given the lower forces applied; (b) higher differences between treadmill and over-ground walking; and (c) limited compliance with the experimental setup. This study aims at investigating whether GAFT provides results comparable with those obtainable from ground walking in children and consistent with results from GAFT in adults. GAFT was applied to three groups of healthy children aged 5-6 years (n=6), 7-8 years (n=6), and 9-13 years (n=8) walking at the same average speed spontaneously adopted overground. The results were compared with those obtained from another study applying GA to an age-matched and speed-matched sample of 47 children, and with those obtained from GAFT in adults. The reliability (as indicated by the SD) of both spatiotemporal and dynamic parameters was higher in GAFT compared with GA. In the 5-6-, 7-8-, and 9-13-year-old groups, at average speeds of 0.83, 1.08, and 1.08 m/s, step length was shorter by 9.19, 3.57, and 2.30% compared with GA in controls at comparable speeds, respectively. For the youngest group, a lower power generation from the plantar flexors (peak power: 1.35+/-0.32 vs. 2.11+/-1.02 W/kg) and a slightly more flexed posture of the hip, knee, and ankle joints were observed during GAFT compared with GA in controls. The other gait parameters were very similar between the GAFT and the GA groups. The shortening of step length during GAFT, relative to GA at superimposable speed, was on average of all children 6.8%, in line with the 8% decrease found in adults. The profiles of sEMG and joint rotations, and all of the weight-standardized joint power parameters, matched those recorded in adults. The entire experimental session lasted about 1 h. All children complied with the experimental setting and easily completed the requested tests. In conclusion, GAFT seems to be a promising alternative to conventional GA in children. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Blunt Traumatic Injury to the Aortic Root and Aortic Valve.

No abstract available

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Opioid Reduction Following Interventional Procedures for Chronic Pain: A Synthesis of the Evidence.

The past decade has witnessed the tremendous growth of procedures to treat chronic pain, which has resulted in increased third-party scrutiny. Although most of these procedures appear to be associated with significant pain relief, at least in the short and intermediate term, their ability to improve secondary outcome measures, including function and work status is less clear-cut. One of these secondary outcome measures that has garnered substantial interest in the pain and general medical communities is whether interventions can reduce opioid intake, which is associated with significant risks that in most cases outweigh the benefits in the long term. In the article, we examine whether procedural interventions for chronic pain can reduce opioid intake. Most studies that have examined analgesic reduction as a secondary outcome measure have not separated opioid and nonopioid analgesics, and, among those studies that have, few have demonstrated between-group differences. Reasons for failure to demonstrate opioid reduction can be broadly classified into procedural, design-related, clinical, psychosocial, biological, and pharmacological categories, all of which are discussed. In the future, clinical trials in which this outcome is examined should be designed to evaluate this, at least on a preliminary basis. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Blood Product Utilization Among Trauma and Nontrauma Massive Transfusion Protocols at an Urban Academic Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-wide massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) primarily designed for trauma patients may lead to excess blood products being prepared for nontrauma patients. This study characterized blood product utilization among distinct trauma and nontrauma MTPs at a large, urban academic medical center. METHODS: A retrospective study of blood product utilization was conducted in patients who required an MTP activation between January 2011 and December 2015 at an urban academic medical center. Trauma MTP containers included 6 red blood cell (RBC) units, 5 plasma units, and 1 unit of apheresis platelets. Nontrauma MTP containers included 6 RBC and 3 plasma units. RESULTS: There were 334 trauma MTP activations, 233 nontrauma MTP activations, and 77 nontrauma MTP activations that subsequently switched to a trauma MTP ("switched activations"). All nontrauma MTP activations were among bleeding patients who did not have a traumatic injury (100% [233/233]). Few patients with a nontrauma activation required ad hoc transfusion of RBC units (1.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3%-3.7%]) or plasma (3.4% [95% CI, 1.5%-6.7%]), and only 45.5% (95% CI, 39.0%-52.1%) required ad hoc transfusion of apheresis platelets. Compared to trauma and switched activations, nontrauma activations transfused a lower median number of RBC, plasma, and apheresis platelet units (P

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Maternal Salvage With Extracorporeal Life Support: Lessons Learned in a Single Center.

The American Heart Association scientific statement on cardiac arrest in pregnancy did not endorse extracorporeal life support for lack of cohort data. We studied all pregnancy and peripartum cases of extracorporeal life support in 1 medical center (n = 11), including collapse due to infection (n = 6, 55%), thromboembolism (n = 3, 27%), and cardiac disease (n = 2, 18%). Half of the cases (n = 5, 45%) involved extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most mothers survived (n = 7, 64% [95% confidence interval, 32%-88%]). Deaths were attributable to oxygenator blockage (n = 1) and late sepsis (n = 3). The 2 unique clinical challenges were maintenance of high peripartum cardiac outputs and balancing anticoagulation with hemostasis. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Improves the Diagnosis of Perioperative MI.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) after noncardiac surgery has traditionally relied on using relatively insensitive contemporary cardiac troponin (cTn) assays. We hypothesized that using a recently introduced novel high-sensitivity cTnT (hscTnT) assay would increase the detection rate of perioperative MI. METHODS: In this ancillary study of the Vitamins in Nitrous Oxide trial, readjudicated incidence rates of myocardial injury (new isolated cTn elevation) and MI were compared when diagnosed by contemporary cTnI versus hscTnT. We probed various relative (eg, >50%) or absolute (eg, +5 ng/L) hscTnT change metrics. Inclusion criteria for this ancillary study were the presence of a baseline and at least 1 postoperative hscTnT value. RESULTS: Among 605 patients, 70 patients (12%) had electrocardiogram changes consistent with myocardial ischemia; 82 patients (14%) had myocardial injury diagnosed by contemporary cTnI, 31 (5.1%) of which had an adjudicated MI. After readjudication, 67 patients (11%) were diagnosed with MI when using hscTnT, a 2-fold increase. Incidence rates of postoperative myocardial injury ranged from 12% (n = 73) to 65% (n = 393) depending on the hscTnT metric used. Incidence rates of MI using various hscTnT change metrics and the presence of ischemic electrocardiogram changes, but without event adjudication, ranged from 3.6% (n = 22) to 12% (n = 74), a >3-fold difference. New postoperative hscTnT elevation, either by absolute or relative hscTnT change metric, was associated with an up to 5-fold increase in 6-month mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The use of hscTnT compared to contemporary cTnI increases the detection rate of perioperative MI by a factor of 2. Using different absolute or relative hscTnT change metrics may lead to under- or overdiagnosis of perioperative MI. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Bispectral Index Measurements Are Not Degraded During Aeromedical Evacuations.

For a decade, depth of anesthesia monitoring has become a reality in the operating room. It provides valuable help for managing anesthesia, especially for unstable patients. This might be particularly relevant during aeromedical evacuation. In this study, we aimed to assess the validity of the bispectral index (BIS) during long-range patient transportation aboard fixed-wing aircraft. BIS was recorded in 30 patients, 25 under anesthesia and 5 awake, during aeromedical evacuations performed by the French Air Force. BIS index was available and analyzable (signal quality index above 50%) more than 90% of time. Despite potential pitfalls related to mechanical or electrical interference, BIS monitor can be reliably used to monitor depth of anesthesia during individual strategic aeromedical evacuations. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Perioperative Fluid Management.

No abstract available

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Organizational Contributors to the Variation in Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices in Cardiac Surgery: Survey Results From the State of Michigan.

BACKGROUND: While large volumes of red blood cell transfusions are given to preserve life for cardiac surgical patients, indications for lower volume transfusions (1-2 units) are less well understood. We evaluated the relationship between center-level organizational blood management practices and center-level variability in low volume transfusion rates. METHODS: All 33 nonfederal, Michigan cardiac surgical programs were surveyed about their blood management practices for isolated, nonemergent coronary bypass procedures, including: (1) presence and structure of a patient blood management program, (2) policies and procedures, and (3) audit and feedback practices. Practices were compared across low (N = 14, rate: 0.8%-10.1%) and high (N = 18, rate: 11.0%-26.3%) transfusion rate centers. RESULTS: Thirty-two (97.0%) of 33 institutions participated in this study. No statistical differences in organizational practices were identified between low- and high-rate groups, including: (1) the membership composition of patient blood management programs among those reporting having a blood management committee (P= .27-1.0), (2) the presence of available red blood cell units within the operating room (4 of 14 low-rate versus 2 of 18 high-rate centers report that they store no units per surgical case, P= .36), and (3) the frequency of internal benchmarking reporting about blood management audit and feedback practices (low rate: 8 of 14 versus high rate: 9 of 18; P= .43). CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify meaningful differences in organizational practices between low- and high-rate intraoperative transfusion centers. While a larger sample size may have been able to identify differences in organizational practices, efforts to reduce variation in 1- to 2-unit, intraoperative transfusions may benefit from evaluating other determinants, including organizational culture and provider transfusion practices. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Warning criteria for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring.

Purpose of review: Intraoperative changes in somatosensory (SEP) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) may indicate potential injury to the spinal cord and will require timely intervention to prevent permanent damage. This review focuses on the validity of currently recommended warning criteria for intraoperative evoked potential monitoring. Recent findings: Current guideline recommends a decrease in SEP amplitude by 50% and MEP amplitude by 50-100% as warning signals for injury to the ascending sensory and descending motor pathway, respectively. On the basis of cohort studies, the diagnostic accuracy of SEP and MEP to predict postoperative neurologic deficits was variable. Importantly, 0.1-4.1% of monitored patients suffered postoperative neurologic deficit despite apparently normal SEP and MEP recordings (i.e. false negative events). These data suggested that the true warning criteria may be lower than previously acknowledged. A systematic review of studies that reported changes in SEP or MEP monitoring and postoperative neurological outcome showed an association between changes in monitoring signals and postoperative neurological deficits. However, the confidence intervals were wide and it is not possible to determine a threshold value in SEP or MEP amplitude beyond which may indicate neurologic deficit. Summary: Current recommendations for warning criteria during intraoperative evoked potential monitoring are empirically derived. Until a threshold that predicts spinal cord injury can be accurately determined, it remains difficult to define the clinical utility of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Regional anesthesia in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to summarize recent relevant literature regarding regional anesthesia in the diabetic neuropathic patient and formulate recommendations for clinical practice. Recent findings: Diabetic neuropathic nerves, but not nerves of diabetic patients per se, exhibit complex functional changes. As a result, they seem more sensitive to local anesthetics, and are more difficult to stimulate. When catheters are used postoperatively, diabetes is an independent risk factor for infection. Summary: The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying diabetic polyneuropathy are complex. Several pathways are thought to contribute to the development of diabetic neuropathy, triggered most importantly by chronic hyperglycemia. The latter induces inflammation and oxidative stress, causing microvascular changes, local ischemia and decreased axonal conduction velocity. Regional anesthesia is different in patients with diabetic neuropathy in several regards. First, the electric stimulation threshold of the nerve is markedly increased whereby the risk for needle trauma in stimulator-guided nerve blocks is theoretically elevated. Second, the diabetic nerve is more sensitive to local anesthetics, which results in longer block duration. Third, local anesthetics have been conjectured to be more toxic in diabetic neuropathy but the evidence is equivocal and should not be a cause to deny regional anesthesia to patients with a valid indication. Lastly, when peripheral nerve catheters are used, diabetes is an independent predisposing factor for infection. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Acupuncture for chronic pain: an update and critical overview.

Purpose of review: Acupuncture is now recommended for several chronic pain conditions. Despite supportive evidence of its effectiveness, this ancient approach is often misunderstood, and may still be underused in mainstream practice. A critical review on its effectiveness and practice integration, and mechanisms of action is essential to the medical community that is continuing to seek nonopioid therapies for chronic pain. Recent findings: Mounting evidence supports the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat chronic low back, neck, shoulder, and knee pain, as well as headaches. Additional data are emerging that support the use of acupuncture as an adjunct or alternative to opioids, and in perioperative settings. Findings related to its mechanisms of action include transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid 1 activation in the periphery, microglial suppression in the cerebral cortex and spinal cord, and regulation of cytokines and other key inflammatory factors in the spinal cord. Incremental integration of acupuncture into pain medicine practices and training programmes continues to grow. Summary: Acupuncture is effective, safe, and cost-effective for treating several chronic pain conditions when performed by well-trained healthcare professionals. Further studies on its use as an adjunct or alternative to opioids, and in perioperative settings are needed. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Coagulation management in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures.

Purpose of review: Management of coagulation in neurosurgical procedures is challenging. In this contest, it is imperative to avoid further intracranial bleeding. Perioperative bleeding can be associated with a number of factors, including anticoagulant drugs and coagulation status but is also linked to the characteristic and the site of the intracranial disorder. The aim of this review will be to focus primarily on the new evidence regarding the management of coagulation in patients undergoing craniotomy for neurosurgical procedures. Recent findings: Antihemostatic and anticoagulant drugs have shown to be associated with perioperative bleeding. On the other hand, an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and hypercoagulative state after elective and emergency neurosurgery, in particular after brain tumor surgery, has been described in several patients. To balance the risk between thrombosis and bleeding, it is important to be familiar with the perioperative changes in coagulation and with the recent management guidelines for anticoagulated patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, in particular for those taking new direct anticoagulants. We have considered the current clinical trials and literature regarding both safety and efficacy of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in the neurosurgical population. These were mainly trials concerning both elective surgical and intensive care patients with a poor grade intracranial bleed or multiple traumas with an associated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Summary: Coagulation management remains a major issue in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. However, in this field of research, literature quality is poor and further studies are necessary to identify the best strategies to minimize risks in this group of patients. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Transdermal Scopolamine Withdrawal Syndrome Case Report in the Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Population

Abstract: Sialorrhea in children with cerebral palsy (CP) results in aspiration, decreased social integration, and poor quality of life. Management options include transdermal anticholinergics such as the scopolamine patch. A controlled clinical trial has proven botulinum toxin (BTX) injections into the salivary glands are an effective alternative to transdermal anticholinergics with a safer side effect profile. Multiple studies of the injections in diverse populations demonstrate reduction in saliva production with improvement in quality of life and decrease in hospitalization-associated costs. The authors describe a 15-year-old boy with spastic quadriplegic CP who developed emesis, nausea, and lethargy 1 day after the first injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) to his salivary glands for sialorrhea management. The authors ascribed his symptoms to scopolamine withdrawal. Given the lack of exposure in the medical literature, there is minimal awareness of the withdrawal syndrome from transdermal scopolamine in children with or without CP, resulting in delayed diagnosis and potential complications. Treatment of the withdrawal syndrome has been successful with meclizine though safety and efficacy has not been established in children younger than 12 despite frequent clinical and over-the-counter use. Prompt diagnosis of the transdermal scopolamine withdrawal syndrome can result in quicker treatment and a shorter hospital stay.

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Inflammatory Mediators and Pain in the First Year After Acute Episode of Low-Back Pain in Elderly Women: Longitudinal Data from Back Complaints in the Elders—Brazil

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the course of plasma levels of inflammatory mediators (interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], soluble TNF receptor 1 [sTNF-R1]) and the severity of low-back pain (LBP) over 6 to 12 months after an acute episode of LBP in elderly women and to establish an association between inflammatory mediators and LBP recovery. Design: This was a longitudinal study of a subsample (155 elderly women with acute LBP, aged ≥65 years) of the international Back Complaints in the Elders cohort study. Plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and sTNF-R1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and pain severity using the numerical pain scale. Results: There was a decrease in the severity of LBP (P = 0.033) and in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (P

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Gender and Ethnic Diversity in Academic PM&R Faculty: National Trend Analysis of Two Decades

Abstract: Over the years, a number of studies have demonstrated an increase in gender and ethnic diversity among US physicians. Despite substantial progress in eliminating gender and racial inequities in the field of medicine, women and ethnic minorities are still underrepresented among medical faculty at academic institutions. This study aims to describe the trends in gender and ethnic diversity among Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) faculty through statistical analysis of data describing gender and ethnicity of full-time academic faculty gathered from the Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Roster from 1994 to 2014. Proportions representing the percentages of females and ethnic minorities of a given faculty position in medical schools were compared across each of the other faculty ranks. Results showed that the average yearly percent increases in the proportion of female PM&R faculty in associate professor (0.68%) and full professor (0.54%) positions were greater than those in instructor (0.30%) and assistant professor (0.35%) positions. In contrast, the average yearly percent increase in the proportion of non-Caucasian PM&R faculty in full professor positions (0.19%) was less than those in instructor (0.84%), assistant (0.93%), and associate professor (0.89%) positions. Overall, trends among faculty exhibit a steady increase in gender and ethnic diversity, although promotion disparity continues to exist among specific academic positions for some groups. This study provides a current perspective on recent changes in diversity among faculty in PM&R and may prove useful when defining strategies to improve workforce diversity.

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Aerobic Exercise Training in Very Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise training in patients with very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases using the following as search terms: COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Exercise, and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of subjects with forced expiratory volume in the first second of less than 35% of the predicted normal value enrolled in in-patient, outpatient, or home- or community-based training programs lasting at least 4 weeks with respect to usual care. We included RCTs with outcome measures including the 6-minute walking test and/or health-related quality of life assessed by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: Of 580 articles screened, 10 were included. The programs' duration ranged from 4 to 52 weeks with 1 to 5 sessions per week lasting 15 to 40 minutes each. The intervention group improved in 6-minute walking test [weighted mean difference, 67.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.897–98.927); standardized mean difference, 3.86 (95% CI, 2.04–5.67)], and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire [weighted mean difference, −8.041 (95% CI, −15.273 to −0.809); standardized mean difference, −1.23 (95% CI, −2.14 to −0.31)]. Conclusions: Exercise training improves exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life in patients with very severe COPD. However, because few studies on severely affected patients are available and the training programs are Highly heterogeneous, larger RCTs are needed.

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Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Without Local Anesthesia in Patients With Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis without local anesthesia. Methods: The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to September 2015 for randomized controlled trials comparing ESWT without local anesthesia versus placebo for treatment of plantar fasciitis in adults. The primary outcome was the 12-week post-intervention success rate of reducing the visual analog scale score by 60% from baseline at the first step in the morning, reducing the VAS score by 60% from baseline during daily activities, reducing the Roles and Maudsley score, reducing overall heel pain, and reducing pain after applying a force meter. Results: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, ESWT significantly improved the success rate of reducing overall heel pain, reducing the VAS score by 60% at the first step in the morning and during daily activities, improving the Roles and Maudsley score to excellent or good, and reducing heel pain after application of a pressure meter. Conclusions: ESWT seems to be particularly effective in relieving pain associated with RPF. ESWT should be considered when traditional treatments have failed. To Claim CME Credits: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://ift.tt/1l80W45 CME Objectives: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to (1) understand the recovery rates for nonsurgical treatment of plantar fasciitis, (2) understand the role of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, and (3) understand the indications to incorporate ESWT in the treatment plan of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Level: Advanced Accreditation: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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Chronic Resistance Training Does Not Ameliorate Unloading-Induced Decrements in Neuromuscular Function

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of long-term resistance training in preventing the detrimental effects of muscle unloading on neuromuscular function. Design: Eleven untrained men and 11 men with extensive backgrounds in resistance training were tested for several parameters of neuromuscular function at various isokinetic contractile velocities before and after 7 days of muscle unloading. Measurements included muscle mass, strength, power, total work, electromyography, and neuromuscular transmission efficiency using superimposed electrical stimulation of maximally contracting muscles. Results: Muscle performance was superior in resistance-trained subjects before and after unloading. In both groups of participants, unloading resulted in significantly (P

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Evaluation of an Outpatient Rehabilitative Program to Address Mobility Limitations Among Older Adults

Abstract: Live Long Walk Strong is a clinical demonstration program for community-dwelling older patients. It was designed to be consistent with current fall prevention guidelines and reimbursed under the Medicare model. Patients were screened within primary care and referred to a physiatrist followed by systematic assessment and treatment within an outpatient rehabilitative care setting. The treatment included behavioral modification, fall prevention education, community/home exercise integration, and exercise targeting strength, power, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Treatment duration and frequency varied with each patient based on baseline presentation, clinical judgment, and patient preference. Program feasibility and preliminary effectiveness were evaluated by assessing participation and changes in physical performance, respectively. There were 266 patients referred to the program, and 147 were willing to participate. Of these, 116 patients completed all scheduled visits (10.8 ± 3.9 visits). The noncompleters (n = 31) had a higher rate of falls in the previous 6 months and lower baseline Short Physical Performance Battery composite score. At the completion of care, the adjusted mean change in Short Physical Performance Battery was 1.66 units, surpassing a large clinically meaningful threshold (1 unit). The Live Long Walk Strong program appears to be feasible to implement and demonstrates preliminary effectiveness in enhancing mobility among older adults.

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Nonsurgical Treatment Choices by Individuals with Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation in the United States: Associations with Long-term Outcomes

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate differences between patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation who received physical therapy (PT) and those who did not; (2) identify factors associated with receiving PT; and (3) examine the influence of PT on clinical outcomes over the course of 1 yr. Design: An observational cohort study using data from the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial was conducted. This study included 363 patients with intervertebral disc herniation who received nonsurgical management within 6 wks of enrollment. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients who received PT and those who did not. Multivariate logistic regression examined factors predictive of patients receiving PT. Mixed effects models were used to compare primary outcomes (Short-Form Survey 36 bodily pain and physical function and modified Oswestry Index) at 3 and 6 mos and 1 yr after enrollment. Results: Forty percent of the nonsurgical cohort received PT. Higher disability scores, neurological deficit, and patient preference predicted PT use. Compared with other nonsurgical management strategies, standard care PT was not associated with a significant difference in pain, disability, or surgery over 1 yr. Conclusions: Many patients with intervertebral disc herniation seek secondary care for persisting symptoms and pursue nonsurgical management. The best management strategy is unclear and further research is needed to examine appropriate sequencing and selection of treatment.

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Physician Burnout in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R): Should We Focus More on Physiatrists' Mission?

No abstract available

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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Audioverbal Memory in Stroke Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the left temporoparietal area improved audioverbal memory performance in stroke patients. Design: Twelve stroke patients with audioverbal memory impairment participated in a single-masked, crossover, and sham-controlled experiment. The anodal or sham transcranial direct current stimulation was applied during the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, which evaluates the ability to recall a list of 15 heard words over five trials. The number of correctly recalled words was compared between the anodal and sham conditions and the influence of transcranial direct current stimulation on serial position effect of the 15 words was also examined. Results: The increase in the number of correctly recalled words from the first to the fifth trial was significantly greater in the anodal condition than in the sham condition (P

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The Effect of Elective Rotations on the Self-assessment Examination Results of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents: Implications for Minimizing Educational Resource Disparities in Taiwan

Objective: The aims of the study were (1) to assess whether a knowledge disparity existed between physical medicine and rehabilitation residents from community hospitals versus those from medical centers, before the introduction of short-term elective training at the end of 2008 and (2), if such disparity existed, to determine whether 1-month short-term elective training was associated with minimizing such disparity, as reflected in the self-assessment examination scores. Design: Self-assessment examination scores from 2007–2016 were analyzed in each of the following three topics: (a) cardiac rehabilitation, (b) pulmonary rehabilitation, and (c) orthotics. Student's t tests were used to identify score discrepancies between both groups. Results: (1) At baseline (2007–2008), trainees from community hospitals scored lower in all three topics (P

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Ultrasound Findings of Young and Traumatic Amputees With Lower Extremity Residual Limb Pain in Turkey

Objective: The current study was designed to document clinical and ultrasound (US) findings of patients with residual limb pain (RLP) after amputation and to investigate the relationship between these findings. Materials and Methods: A chart review was performed to identify demographic and clinical data including the age (current and at the time of injury), time since amputation, gender, reason for amputation, affected limb number, side and level of limb loss, and ultrasonographic findings of young and traumatic amputees with RLP. Results: The study included a total of 147 patients. Inflammation and neuroma were the leading pathologies in 20–29 years and 30–39 years age groups, respectively. Inflammation/edema were detected significantly more in patients with 5 years since amputation (P = 0.051). The percentage of neuromas in below-the-knee amputees was significantly higher than in non–below-the-knee amputees (45.8% vs. 28.6%). Neuroma formation was detected in 50% of the patients with land mine–related amputation and at 27% in patients with amputation secondary to other traumatic reasons. Regression analysis showed below-the-knee-level amputation to be an associated factor for US abnormality. Conclusion: The leading US findings were inflammation/edema, neuroma, and infection/abscess in traumatic amputees with RLP. The US findings might be different in patients according to the time since amputation. Patient with land mine–related amputations may have different US findings.

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Hierarchical Linear Modeling for Analysis of Ecological Momentary Assessment Data in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research

Abstract: Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods collect real-time data in real-world environments, which allow physical medicine and rehabilitation researchers to examine objective outcome data and reduces bias from retrospective recall. The statistical analysis of EMA data is directly related to the research question and the temporal design of the study. Hierarchical linear modeling, which accounts for multiple observations from the same participant, is a particularly useful approach to analyzing EMA data. The objective of this paper was to introduce the process of conducting hierarchical linear modeling analyses with EMA data. This is accomplished using exemplars from recent physical medicine and rehabilitation literature.

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Sockets Manufactured by CAD/CAM Method Have Positive Effects on the Quality of Life of Patients With Transtibial Amputation

Objective: Patients with amputation need prosthesis to comfortably move around. One of the most important parts of a good prosthesis is the socket. Currently, the most commonly used method is the traditional socket manufacturing method, which involves manual work; however, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is also being used in the recent years. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of sockets manufactured by traditional and CAD/CAM method on clinical characteristics and quality of life of patients with transtibial amputation. Design: The study included 72 patients with transtibial amputation using prosthesis, 36 of whom had CAD/CAM prosthetic sockets (group 1) and 36 had traditional prosthetic sockets (group 2). Amputation reason, prosthesis lifetime, walking time and distance with prosthesis, pain-free walking time with prosthesis, production time of the prosthesis, and adaptation time to the prosthesis were questioned. Quality of life was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire and the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales. Results: Walking time and distance and pain-free walking time with prosthesis were significantly better in group 1 than those in group 2. Furthermore, the prosthesis was applied in a significantly shorter time, and socket adaptation time was significantly shorter in group 1. Except emotional role limitation, all 36-item Short Form Healthy Survey questionnaire parameters were significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales activity limitation scores of group 1 were lower, and Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales satisfaction with the prosthesis scores were higher than those in group 2. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the sockets manufactured by CAD/CAM methods yield better outcomes in quality of life of patients with transtibial amputation than the sockets manufactured by the traditional method.

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Paraplegia Following Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection in a Patient With a Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Abstract: We report a patient with a previously undiagnosed spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) who became acutely paraplegic following a lumbar epidural steroid injection for lumbar spinal stenosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple flow voids and serpentine vessels on the cord surface with cord edema extending from T3 through the conus. Spinal angiography confirmed an SDAVF fed by the left lateral sacral artery, which was subsequently endovascularly embolized, and the patient had a partial return of function. Presence of an undiagnosed SDAVF should be considered in patients presenting with lower-extremity weakness without pain and considered a contraindication to lumbar epidural steroid injection.

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Ultrasonographic and Electrophysiological Evaluation of Ulnar Nerve Instability and Snapping of the Triceps Medial Head in Healthy Subjects

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between ulnar nerve instability and snapping of the triceps medial head during elbow flexion. Designs: Twenty-six healthy individuals were recruited. The primary outcome measures were ultrasonographic and electrophysiological parameters of the ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve instability was classified into three types based on the degree of ulnar nerve movement: no dislocation (Type N), subluxation (Type S), and dislocation (Type D). Results: In the elbow 90-degree position, the incidences of Type N, S, and D were 41 (78.8%), 8 (15.4%), and 3 (5.8%) elbows, respectively; in the full flexion position, the incidences of Types N, S, and D were 24 (46.2%), 19 (36.5%), and 9 (17.3%) elbows, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficients between ulnar nerve instability and snapping of the triceps medial head in the elbow 90-degree and full flexion positions were 0.808 and 0.889 (P

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The Effect of Nebulized Glycopyrrolate on Posterior Drooling in Patients with Brain Injury: Two Cases of Different Brain Lesions

Abstract: Posterior drooling, which can lead to substantial respiratory morbidity, including unexplained lung diseases and recurrent pneumonia, is an important issue in the rehabilitation unit. There are various treatment options for posterior drooling, including pharmacologic therapy, oral motor or behavioral therapy, biofeedback, local glandular injection of botulinum toxin, irradiation, and surgery. Among them, nebulized glycopyrrolate has the following advantages: It is noninvasive and is relatively free of central adverse effects because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier unlike other anticholinergics. Although there has been one case report regarding the effectiveness of nebulized glycopyrrolate for drooling in a motor neuron patient, there have not been any reports on its effectiveness for posterior drooling. Herein, we report two cases (an 82-year-old male bilateral hemiplegic stroke patient and a 1-year-old female cerebral palsy infant with bilaterally spastic hemiplegia of posterior drooling treated with nebulized glycopyrrolate) and identify salivary aspiration and the effect of nebulized glycopyrrolate using radionuclide salivagram. Considering its advantages and effectiveness, nebulized glycopyrrolate should be considered as one of the reliable methods to manage posterior drooling in patients with impaired cognition or swallowing difficulties, such as severe brain injury.

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The Effect of Different Exercise Programs on Size and Function of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscles in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Neck pain is one of the major public health problems, which has a great impact on people's lives. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to systematically review published studies conducted on the effect of different exercise programs on activity, size, endurance, and strength of deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, OVID, Google scholar, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Databases were searched to determine relevant articles published from 1990 to March 2016. The articles were qualitatively assessed based on the Physiotherapy Evidence Databases scale for randomized controlled trials studies. Results: Nine articles were identified and evaluated in the final analysis. Four studies had moderate quality, and five studies had good quality. From those nine studies, eight studies gave support to the effectiveness of specific low-load exercise training on DCF muscles parameters, while one study reported no significant difference between this exercise and other cervical exercise programs. Conclusion: The results of reviewed studies are in favor of specific low-load craniocervical flexion exercise, which seems to be a highly effective exercise regimen compared to other types of exercises in improving DCF muscles impairments in patients with chronic neck pain.

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Unusual Location of Intramuscular Lipoma Presenting as an Extensor Tendon Tear: A Diagnostic Dilemma

No abstract available

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Paramedic - Lander County EMS

Requirements: NREMT, Nevada certification or ability to obtain a Nevada certification, ACLS, PALS, CPR, EVOC, PHTLS or ITLS. Rural EMS experience preferred but not required.

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ATM loss leads to synthetic lethality in BRCA1 BRCT mutant mice associated with exacerbated defects in homology-directed repair [Genetics]

BRCA1 is essential for homology-directed repair (HDR) of DNA double-strand breaks in part through antagonism of the nonhomologous end-joining factor 53BP1. The ATM kinase is involved in various aspects of DNA damage signaling and repair, but how ATM participates in HDR and genetically interacts with BRCA1 in this process is...

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MRG15-mediated tethering of PALB2 to unperturbed chromatin protects active genes from genotoxic stress [Genetics]

The partner and localiser of BRCA2 (PALB2) plays important roles in the maintenance of genome integrity and protection against cancer. Although PALB2 is commonly described as a repair factor recruited to sites of DNA breaks, recent studies provide evidence that PALB2 also associates with unperturbed chromatin. Here, we investigated the...

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Genome sequence of a diabetes-prone rodent reveals a mutation hotspot around the ParaHox gene cluster [Genetics]

The sand rat Psammomys obesus is a gerbil species native to deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, and is constrained in its ecology because high carbohydrate diets induce obesity and type II diabetes that, in extreme cases, can lead to pancreatic failure and death. We report the sequencing...

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Disruption of a horizontally transferred phytoene desaturase abolishes carotenoid accumulation and diapause in Tetranychus urticae [Genetics]

Carotenoids underlie many of the vibrant yellow, orange, and red colors in animals, and are involved in processes ranging from vision to protection from stresses. Most animals acquire carotenoids from their diets because de novo synthesis of carotenoids is primarily limited to plants and some bacteria and fungi. Recently, sequencing...

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Identifying predictors for postoperative clinical outcome in lumbar spinal stenosis patients using smart-shoe technology

Approximately 33% of the patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) who undergo surgery are not satisfied with their postoperative clinical outcomes. Therefore, identifying predictors for postoperative outcome...

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Officer forced to drive ambulance while EMTs treated stabbing victim

The victim's injuries were so severe that an officer was tasked with driving the ambulance while EMTs kept the 16-year-old in stable condition

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Users report OnePlus5 phones malfunction when dialing 911

The Android phone was filmed restarting after an attempt to call for an emergency

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Health-Related Quality of Life for Women Ever Experiencing Infertility or Difficulty Staying Pregnant

Abstract

Introduction

Information on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for women with infertility is limited and does not account for the co-occurrence of chronic conditions or emotional distress.

Methods

We used data from state-added questions on reproductive health included in the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in seven states. HRQOL indicators included: self-reported health status; number of days in the past 30 days when physical and mental health was not good; number of days in the past 30 days that poor physical or mental health limited activities. We computed rate ratios for HRQOL for women ever experiencing infertility or difficulty staying pregnant compared with women never reporting these conditions; interactions with chronic conditions and depressive disorders were assessed.

Results

Of 7,526 respondents aged 18–50 years, 387 (4.9%) reported infertility only and 339 (4.3%) reported difficulty staying pregnant only. Infertility was associated with an increase in average number of days with poor physical health for women with chronic conditions [rate ratio (RR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–3.29] but was protective for women without chronic conditions (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29–0.75). Difficulty staying pregnant was associated with an increase in average number of days of limited activity among both women with chronic conditions (RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32–3.45) and women with depressive disorders (RR 1.72 95% CI 1.14–2.62).

Discussion

Many HRQOL measures were poorer for women who had infertility or difficulty staying pregnant compared to their counterparts; the association was modified by presence of chronic conditions and depressive disorders.

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Is bacterial luminescence response to low-dose radiation associated with mutagenicity?

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 177
Author(s): T.V. Rozhko, O.A. Guseynov, V.E. Guseynova, A.A. Bondar, A.N. Devyatlovskaya, N.S. Kudryasheva
Luminous marine bacteria are widely used in bioassays with luminescence intensity being a physiological parameter tested. The purpose of the study was to determine whether bacterial genetic alteration is responsible for bioluminescence kinetics change under low-dose radiation exposure. The alpha-emitting radionuclide ²⁴¹Am and beta-emitting radionuclide ³H were used as the sources of low-dose ionizing radiation. Changes of bioluminescence kinetics of Photobacterium phosphoreum in solutions of ²⁴¹Am(NO3)3, 7 kBq/L, and tritiated water, 100 MBq/L, were studied; bioluminescence kinetics stages (absence of effect, activation, and inhibition) were determined. Bacterial suspension was sampled at different stages of the bioluminescent kinetics; the doses accumulated by the samples were close or a little higher than a tentative limit of a low-dose interval: 0.10 and 0.85 Gy for ²⁴¹Am, or 0.11 and 0.18 Gy for ³H. Sequence analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene did not reveal a mutagenic effect of low-dose alpha and beta radiation in the bacterial samples. Previous results on bacterial DNA exposed to low-dose gamma radiation (0.25 Gy) were analyzed and compared to those for alpha and beta irradiation. It is concluded that bioluminescence activation and/or inhibition under the applied conditions of low-dose alpha, beta and gamma radioactive exposure is not associated with DNA mutations in the gene sequences tested.



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Radionuclide biokinetics in the Russian sturgeon and phylogenetic consistencies with cartilaginous and bony marine fishes

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 177
Author(s): Ross A. Jeffree, Scott J. Markich, Francois Oberhaensli, Jean-Louis Teyssie
The biokinetics of eight radionuclides (²⁴¹Am, ¹⁰⁹Cd, ¹³⁴Cs, ⁷⁵Se, ⁵⁴Mn, ^110mAg, ⁶⁵Zn, ⁶⁰Co) absorbed from the aquatic medium by juvenile Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) were experimentally determined in fresh (0.42‰) and brackish (9.0‰) waters, of a similar salinity range to the Caspian Sea, and in conjunction with chemical speciation modelling. Uptake and loss rate constants were determined for each radionuclide for a 14 day exposure at each salinity and during 28 days of exposure to radionuclide-free conditions. Whole body (wet): water concentration factors (CF) achieved over 14 days for these eight radionuclides were used in a comparison with the same radionuclide CFs previously determined experimentally for six species of marine teleosts and chondrichthyans, to further test a phylogeny-based model of multi-nuclide bioaccumulation based on marine chordates. Multivariate analyses (multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering) identified the relative affinities among these taxa and also those radionuclides which distinguished most between them, in their differing CFs. They consistently showed that sturgeon aggregated as a group, which was also slightly differentiated with salinity. Sturgeon were distinguished from all teleosts and chondrichthyans but were more dissimilar from chondrichthyans than teleosts, in accordance with sturgeon's different periods of divergence from them in evolutionary time. Variable salinity among experiments may also cause changes in radionuclide bioaccumulation due to variations in (i) bioavailability (ii) osmolarity, and (iii) competitive inhibition of a radionuclide's bioaccumulation by its stable analogue or metabolic model. Their potentially confounding effects on these patterns of radionuclide CFs among taxa were critically evaluated for those radionuclides which discriminated most between sturgeon and teleosts or chondrichthyans. Bioavailability, osmolarity and competitive inhibition effects were identified among salinity treatments, however they were not appreciable enough to override the phylogeny-based signal. The results of this study are thus consistent with a phylogeny-based model of radionuclide bioaccumulation by marine chordates being valid for a fish species living in lower salinity regimes.

Graphical abstract

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A finite element model development for simulation of the impact of slab thickness, joints, and membranes on indoor radon concentration

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 177
Author(s): E. Muñoz, B. Frutos, M. Olaya, J. Sánchez
The focus of this study is broadly to define the physics involved in radon generation and transport through the soil and other materials using different parameter-estimation tools from the literature. The effect of moisture in the soil and radon transport via water in the pore space was accounted for with the application of a porosity correction coefficient. A 2D finite element model is created, which reproduces the diffusion and advection mechanisms resulting from specified boundary conditions. A comparison between the model and several analytical and numerical solutions obtained from the literature and field studies validates the model.Finally, the results demonstrate that the model can predict radon entry through different building boundary conditions, such as concrete slabs with or without joints, variable slab thicknesses and diffusion coefficients, and the use of several radon barrier membranes. Cracks in the concrete or the radon barrier membrane have been studied to understand how indoor concentration is affected by these issues.



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How do pain, fatigue, depressive, and cognitive symptoms relate to well-being and social and physical functioning in the daily lives of individuals with multiple sclerosis?

Publication date: Available online 18 July 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Anna L. Kratz, Tiffany J. Braley, Emily Foxen-Craft, Eric Scott, John Murphy, Susan L. Murphy
ObjectiveTo examine the relative association between daily change in pain, fatigue, depressed mood, and cognitive function, and four outcomes (positive affect and well-being, ability to participate in social roles and activities, upper extremity (UE) functioning, and lower extremity (LE) functioning).DesignRepeated-measures observational study including a baseline lab visit, followed by seven days of home monitoring that included ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of symptoms (pain, fatigue, depressed mood, and cognitive function) and end-of-day diary surveys of outcomes of interest. Multilevel mixed models were used to test study hypotheses.SettingGeneral community.ParticipantsAmbulatory adults (n=102) with MS recruited through [masked] and the surrounding community.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome Measure(s)Customized short-forms of the Neuro-QOL Positive Affect and Well-Being, Upper Extremity Functioning, and Lower Extremity Functioning item banks and the PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activity item banks, adapted for daily use and administered as end-of-day diaries.ResultsAbove and beyond the effects of demographic and clinical covariates, daily pain was associated with three of the four outcomes; days of higher pain were related to lower same-day social participation (B=-1.00, p=0.002), UE functioning (B=-1.04, p=0.01), and LE functioning (B=-0.71, p=0.04). Daily fatigue and depressed mood were independently related to daily positive affect and well-being; days of worse fatigue (B=-0.54, p=0.006) and depressed mood (B=-1.17, p<0.0001) were related to lower same-day well-being.ConclusionsResults demonstrate the role of fluctuations in symptoms in daily functioning and quality of life of individuals with MS. Daily increases in pain intensity are related to social and physical functioning, whereas increases in fatigue and depressed mood is related to daily lower levels of well-being. Findings implicate a person-centered approach to monitoring and treating symptoms.



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