bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Favourable metabolic effects of a eucaloric lower‐carbohydrate diet in women with PCOS
Authors: Gower Barbara A. , Chandler‐Laney Paula C. , Ovalle Fernando , Goree Laura Lee , Azziz Ricardo , Desmond Renee A. , Granger Wesley M. , Goss Amy M. , Bates G.Wright
Published: February 2013

Objective

Diet‐induced reduction in circulating insulin may be an attractive nonpharmacological treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among whom elevated insulin may exacerbate symptoms by stimulating testosterone synthesis. This study was designed to determine whether a modest reduction in dietary carbohydrate (CHO) content affects β‐cell responsiveness, serum testosterone concentration and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.

Design

In a crossover design, two diets (‘Standard,’ STD, 55:18:27% energy from carbohydrate/protein/fat; lower‐carbohydrate, 41:19:40) were provided for 8 weeks in random order with a 4‐week washout between.

Patients

Thirty women with PCOS.

Measurements

β‐cell responsiveness assessed as the C‐peptide response to glucose during a liquid meal test; insulin sensitivity from insulin and glucose values throughout the test; insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR); and total testosterone by immunoassay.

Results

Paired t‐test indicated that the lower‐CHO diet induced significant decreases in basal β‐cell response (PhiB), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR, total testosterone and all cholesterol measures, and significant increases in insulin sensitivity and dynamic (‘first‐phase’) β‐cell response. The STD diet induced a decrease in HDL‐C and an increase in the total cholesterol‐to‐HDL‐C ratio. Across all data combined, the change in testosterone was positively associated with the changes in fasting insulin, PhiB and insulin AUC (P < 0·05).

Conclusions

In women with PCOS, modest reduction in dietary CHO in the context of a weight‐maintaining diet has numerous beneficial effects on the metabolic profile that may lead to a decrease in circulating testosterone.
Maternal thyroid parameters, body mass index and subsequent weight gain during pregnancy in healthy euthyroid women
Authors: Pop Victor J. , Biondi Bernadette , Wijnen Hennie A. , Kuppens Simone M. , LVader Huib
Published: February 2013

Context

Obesity and too much weight gain during gestation have a negative effect on obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Objective

To determine the relationship between thyroid hormone parameters, body mass index (BMI) and weight gain during gestation.

Design

Prospective follow‐up study of thyroid parameters and gestational weight gain.

Setting

Healthy pregnant women, included at first antenatal consultation.

Patients

Thyroid function (TSH, FT4 and TPO‐Ab) was assessed at 12, 24 and 36 weeks’ gestation in 1035 Dutch Caucasian women who delivered at ≥37 weeks. BMI (WHO criteria) was assessed at eight weeks, and weight gain throughout gestation was also assessed using the US Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria.

Measurements

Primary outcome measure: a possible relationship between maternal thyroid parameters and BMI at the first trimester. Secondary outcome measure: the relationship between thyroid parameters and weight gain throughout gestation.

Results

At 12 weeks’ gestation, BMI correlated with FT4 (r = −0·14, P < 0·001), but not with TSH (r = 0·04, P = 0·89). 415 (40%) of the women met the IOM criteria for appropriate weight gain, 326 (32%) showed less weight gain and 294 (28%) gained too much weight. At all trimesters, the latter group of women showed higher median TSH and lower median FT4 compared with those with normal weight gain. FT4 at 24 weeks’ gestation (OR: 0·84, 95% CI: 0·77–0·91), younger age (OR: 0·97, 95% CI: 0·95–0·99) and primiparity (OR: 0·51, 95% CI: 0·38–0·68) were independently related to too much weight gain.

Conclusions

Maternal thyroid parameters are related to both prepregnancy BMI and weight gain throughout gestation.
Prolactin in obese children: a bridge between inflammation and metabolic‐endocrine dysfunction
Authors: Chirico Valeria , Cannavò Salvatore , Lacquaniti Antonio , Salpietro Vincenzo , Mandolfino Mattia , Romeo Petronilla Daniela , Cotta Oana , Munafò Caterina , Giorgianni Grazia , Salpietro Carmelo , Arrigo Teresa
Published: February 2013

Objective

Adipocytes, regulated by insulin, represent the major peripheral source of prolactin (PRL), which play a pivotal role in energy balance, acting on adipogenesis and lipolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PRL was associated with obesity‐related inflammatory status and metabolic parameters. The diagnostic and prognostic role of PRL for metabolic syndrome (MS) was assessed. The effects of short‐term lifestyle therapy on PRL levels were evaluated.

Subjects

Prolactin was assessed in 94 obese patients and compared with 40 healthy children (HS).Patients were followed up for 1 year. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was employed to find the best cut‐off values capable of identifying MS in obese children for PRL, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Kaplan–Meier curves were also generated. Adjusted risk estimates for MS were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. An obesity intervention programme was administered for 12 months.

Results

Prolactin levels were lower in obese patients than controls (P < 0·0001). PRL was found to be inversely correlated with BMI, IL‐6 and HOMA‐IR, whereas a direct correlation was found with HDL values. At ROC analysis, PRL showed higher sensitivity and specificity than IL‐6 and TNF‐α in identifying MS in obese children. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that PRL predicted MS independently of other potential confounders. The lifestyle intervention improved PRL and metabolic parameters.

Conclusions

Prolactin represents a prognostic marker for obese children and a predictive factor for progression to MS. PRL measurement may be useful as part of the endocrine work‐up of obese children.
Planning of dental implant size with digital panoramic radiographs, CBCT‐generated panoramic images, and CBCT cross‐sectional images
Authors: Correa Leticia Ruhland , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Stavropoulos Andreas , Schropp Lars , da Silveira Heloísa Emília Dias , Wenzel Ann
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To compare the implant size (width and length) planned with digital panoramic radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐generated panoramic views, or CBCT cross‐sectional images, in four implant systems.

Material and methods

Seventy‐one patients with a total of 103 implant sites in the upper premolar and/or lower molar regions were examined with digital panoramic radiography (D‐PAN) and (CBCT). A metal ball 5 mm in diameter was placed in the edentulous area for the D‐PAN. CBCT data sets were reformatted to a 10‐mm thick CBCT panoramic view (CBCT‐pan) and 1‐mm cross‐sections (CBCT‐cross). Measurements were performed in the images using dedicated software. All images were displayed on a monitor and assessed by three observers who outlined a dental implant by placing four reference points in the site of the implant‐to‐be. Differences in width and length of the implant‐to‐be from the three modalities were analyzed. The implant size selected in the CBCT‐cross images was then compared to that selected in the other two modalities (D‐PAN and CBCT‐pan) for each of the implant systems separately.

Results

The implant‐to‐be (average measurements among observers) was narrower when measured in CBCT‐cross compared with both D‐PAN and CBCT‐Pan. For premolar sites, the width also differed significantly between D‐PAN and CBCT‐pan modalities. The implant‐to‐be was also significantly shorter when recorded in CBCT‐cross than in D‐PAN. In premolar sites, there were no significant differences in implant length among the three image modalities. It mattered very little for the change in implant step sizes whether CBCT‐cross was compared to D‐PAN or CBCT‐pan images.

Conclusion

Our results show that the selected implant size differs when planned on panoramic or cross‐section CBCT images. In most cases, implant size measured in cross‐section images was narrower and shorter than implant size measured in a panoramic image or CBCT‐based panoramic view.
Effects of Combination Therapy with Levamlodipine and Bisoprolol on Stroke in Rats
Authors: Gui Huan , Guo Yong‐Fei , Liu Xia , Zhang Jing‐Ming , Yang Yan‐Ling , Huang Gao‐Zhong , Liu Jian‐Guo
Published: February 2013

Aim

To examine the effects of combination with levamlodipine and bisoprolol on stroke in rats.

Methods

For acute study, Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart period (HP) were monitored in conscious stroke prone‐spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR‐SP) and sinoaortic denervation (SAD) rats before and after intragastric administration of either drug at a single dose. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral arterial occlusion (MCAO) half an hour after drug administration; sacrificed 24 h later to measure the infarct size. For long‐term study, drugs (either alone or in combination) were delivered via food to SHR‐SP. The survival time was recorded.

Results

SBP was significantly reduced by combination therapy both in SHR‐SP and SAD rats. Neutralization on heart rate (HR) was observed in combination. The drug combination increased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and reduced SBP variability (SBPV). In chronic experiments, the lifespan of SHR‐SP rats exposed to the drug combination was longer than that in rats exposed to either drug alone. The infarct area was the smallest in subjects receiving drug combination in SD rats both with and without SAD.

Conclusion

Combined use of levamlodipine and bisoprolol produced better protection against stroke.
Factors influencing pharmacy services in opioid substitution treatment
Authors: Chaar Betty B. , Wang Holly , Day Carolyn A. , Hanrahan Jane R. , Winstock Adam R. , Fois Romano
Published: February 2013

Introduction and Aim

Heroin dependence is a serious health burden in Australia. Opioid substitution treatment (OST) has been delivered in Australian community pharmacies since 1985. The effectiveness of pharmacy‐based OST is evident and the demand is increasing; however, the participation rate of community pharmacies is low, with over 60% non‐providers. While previous Australian studies have focused on perspectives of community pharmacists providing the service, the views of non‐providers have not yet been explored. This study aimed to further investigate factors influencing pharmacists' participation in provision of OST in the community pharmacy setting in New South Wales, Australia.

Design and Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 35 NSW community pharmacists (20 providers, 15 non‐providers). Transcripts of interviews were thematically analysed.

Results

Factors influencing non‐providers were mainly stigma and fear, the nature of an opt‐in scheme, professionals' moral responsibilities, lack of awareness and knowledge, disproportionate distribution of clients and lack of financial support for OST clients. Providers were motivated by positive attitudes, functional relationships with OST clients/stakeholders, professional satisfaction and financial rewards. Recommendations to improve participation in OST services were offered by both groups.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study explored views from both OST providers and non‐providers, revealing a number of previously undocumented barriers that affect the uptake of OST provision in New South Wales community pharmacies. There were also profound ethical issues raised for consideration. These findings may help inform future policies aimed at encouraging pharmacists' provision of OST, to address the unmet needs of the ever‐increasing number of heroin‐dependent clients in the community. [Chaar BB, Wang H, Day CA, Hanrahan JR, Winstock AR, Fois R. Factors influencing pharmacy services in opioid substitution treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev2013;32:426–434]
Embryonic fibroblasts represent a connecting link between mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells
Authors: Yusuf Batul , Gopurappilly Renjitha , Dadheech Nidheesh , Gupta Sarita , Bhonde Ramesh , Pal Rajarshi
Published: February 2013

It is well established that fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) share several characteristics with subtle differences. However, no study highlighting the versatility of fibroblasts beyond their multipotentiality has been reported so far. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) are widely used as feeder layers to support the growth of embryonic stem cells (ESC). We hypothesized that MEF may retain ES‐like features in concurrence to their developmental hierarchy in addition to their multipotent nature. Hence, we performed a comparative assessment of MEF and ESC to determine their ability to differentiate into cell types other than mesoderm as well as capacity to form teratoma using routine in vitro and in vivo techniques. MEF were derived by trypsin/ EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) digestion from E13.5 embryos after removing heads and viscera following plastic adherence. MEFs robustly proliferated in culture until passage 15 and formed aggregates by hanging drop method. Flow cytometry, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of key MSC markers such as CD90, CD73, Sca‐1, CD44, CD29, Vimentin and absence of CD45. Additionally, they expressed SSEA‐1, Oct‐4, Nanog, Sox‐2 and ABCG2 as pluripotency markers; Nestin, β‐III tubulin, Otx‐2 (ectoderm); MEF‐2, Mesp2, GATA‐2 (mesoderm) and GATA‐4, α‐amylase, PDX‐1 (endoderm) as tri‐lineage markers. Furthermore, MEFs formed representative tissues from all three germ layers upon transplantation into Balb/c mice. These unique abilities of MEF to exhibit pluripotency, in addition to fibroblast characteristics and their ready availability with less ethical concerns and low maintenance requirements make them an attractive model for further exploration as a possible tool for regenerative medicine.
Medical strategies to reduce amputation in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Malik R. A. , Tesfaye S. , Ziegler D.
Published: February 2013

Lower extremity amputation is a common and disabling complication of Type 2 diabetes. Whilst the introduction of specialist multidisciplinary teams has led to a reduction in the incidence of lower extremity amputation in some centres, the overall prevalence of diabetes‐related amputation has actually increased in recent decades. The aetiology of diabetes‐related amputation is complex, with neuropathy, macrovascular and microvascular disease contributing significantly. Ulceration, previous amputation, increasing diabetes duration and poor long‐term control of glycaemia and lipids are important risk factors for amputation in populations with diabetes. Major randomized intervention trials of blood glucose‐lowering or anti‐hypertensive therapies in populations with diabetes have shown limited reductions in neuropathy and/or macrovascular disease, and no benefit on amputation rates. In contrast, a recent analysis from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study showed a significantly reduced rate of minor, but not major amputations in patients with Type 2 diabetes treated with fenofibrate. Mechanistic studies are clearly needed to understand the basis of this benefit.
The long‐term effect of calcium hydroxide application on dentin fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Batur Yusuf B. , Erdemir Ugur , Sancakli Hande S.
Published: February 2013

Objective

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the long‐term effect of calcium hydroxide (CH) on the microtensile fracture strength (MTFS) of endodontically treated human teeth.

Materials and Methods

A total of 105 caries‐free extracted human mandibular incisors were used. The teeth were divided into seven experimental groups of 15 teeth each. The root canals of all the teeth were rotary instrumented. The teeth in the control group were immediately obturated and tested for MTFS. The rest of the teeth were vertically compacted with CH and a sterile saline solution mixture and sealed with temporary filling. The teeth were stored in a moist environment for 30, 90, 180, 270, 360, and 540 days. On scheduled dates, the root canals were obturated and then the teeth were tested for MTFS with an Instron testing machine. The Kruscal–Wallis test and a post hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test was utilized. The statistical significance level was established at P < 0.05.

Results

The introduction of CH into the root canals seems to decrease the MTFS of teeth statistically significantly through the 180th, 270th, 360th, and 540th days, respectively, compared with the control group. The results clearly indicated that there are statistically significant differences between group 2 and group 7 (P < 0.001) and between group 3 and group 7 (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the rest of the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results indicate that long‐term CH treatments can significantly reduce the strength of the teeth, causing an increase in fracture risk.
On the genus Bursaphelenchus Fuchs, 1937 (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchinae) associated with wood and insects from declining forest trees in the Czech Republic
Authors: Čermák V. , Vieira P. , Gaar V. , Čudejková M. , Foit J. , Zouhar M. , Douda O. , Mota M.
Published: February 2013

An overview of the genus Bursaphelenchus in the Czech Republic is presented, based on a recent survey for monitoring the presence of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, as well as on previous reports of this genus in the country. In addition, we provide a morphological and molecular characterization of four Bursaphelenchus species (B. eremus, B. pinophilus, B. vallesianus and B. borealis) found during the monitoring programme for forest pests, conducted during 2006–2010, within the Moravian and Bohemian regions. Nematodes were extracted from over 1917 insects and 1493 wood samples collected from deciduous and coniferous trees exhibiting wilting and declining symptoms. Bursaphelenchus species were found only in 0.73% of insects and 0.47% of the total number of wood samples. Bursaphelenchus borealis and B. pinophilus dauer juveniles were found associated with the insect vectors Dryocetes autographus and Pityogenes bidentatus, respectively. While a total of seven Bursaphelenchus species are now reported from the Czech Republic, the status of B. xylophilus remains as absent.
Kynurenic acid, by targeting α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, modulates extracellular GABA levels in the rat striatum in vivo
Authors: Beggiato Sarah , Antonelli Tiziana , Tomasini Maria Cristina , Tanganelli Sergio , Fuxe Kjell , Schwarcz Robert , Ferraro Luca
Published: February 2013

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an astrocyte‐derived non‐competitive antagonist of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and inhibits the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) competitively. The main aim of the present study was to examine the possible effects of KYNA (30 – 1000 nm), applied locally by reverse dialysis for 2 h, on extracellular GABA levels in the rat striatum. KYNA concentration‐dependently reduced GABA levels, with 300 nm KYNA causing a maximal reduction to ~60% of baseline concentrations. The effect of KYNA (100 nm) was prevented by co‐application of galantamine (5 μm), an agonist at a site of the α7nAChR that is very similar to that targeted by KYNA. Infusion of 7‐chlorokynurenic acid (100 nm), an NMDAR antagonist acting selectively at the glycineB site of the receptor, affected neither basal GABA levels nor the KYNA‐induced reduction in GABA. Inhibition of endogenous KYNA formation by reverse dialysis of (S)‐4‐(ethylsulfonyl)benzoylalanine (ESBA; 1 mm) increased extracellular GABA levels, reaching a peak of 156% of baseline levels after 1 h. Co‐infusion of 100 nm KYNA abolished the effect of ESBA. Qualitatively and quantitatively similar, bi‐directional effects of KYNA on extracellular glutamate were observed in the same microdialysis samples. Taken together, the present findings suggest that fluctuations in endogenous KYNA levels, by modulating α7nAChR function, control extracellular GABA levels in the rat striatum. This effect may be relevant for a number of physiological and pathological processes involving the basal ganglia.
Biological agents and cell therapies in periodontal regeneration
Authors: Larjava Hannu , Yang Yi , Putnins Edward , Heino Jyrki , Häkkinen Lari
Published: February 2013

Regeneration of periodontal structures is a complex challenge for periodontal wound healing. As by Wikesjö et al. in this issue, wound space provision, primary stability, and healing by primary intention serve as critical factors for attempts to regenerate the periodontium. Barrier membranes for space maintenance can be cumbersome to use in a clinical setting and have proven to provide only partial success in regenerative therapies. Not surprisingly, investigators and clinicians have started to search for biological molecules and cell technologies that could help to either speed up or modify the healing process that depends on migration and differentiation of several different cell populations. In this chapter, we will briefly review the technologies that are currently in use or in clinical trials. Readers are welcome to review in‐depth publications for further details on this complex and evolving area of research.
Optimal direct mailing modelling based on data envelopment analysis
Authors: Mahdiloo Mahdi , Noorizadeh Abdollah , FarzipoorSaen Reza
Published: February 2013

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a mathematical programming technique that is frequently used for measuring and benchmarking efficiency of the homogenous decision‐making units (DMUs). This paper proposes a new use of DEA for customers scoring and particularly their direct mailing modelling. Moreover, because DEA models suffer from some weaknesses, that is, unrealistic weighting scheme of the inputs and outputs and incomplete ranking among efficient DMUs, the present paper compares different ways of solving these problems and concludes that common set of weights method, as a result of some advantages, outperforms other procedures.
Forests, development and the globalisation of justice
Authors: Forsyth Tim , Sikor Thomas
Published: February 2013

Norms of justice are often invoked to justify the globalisation of forest policies but are rarely critically analysed. This paper reviews elements of justice in the values, knowledge, access and property rights relating to forests, especially in developing countries. Rather than defining justice in general terms of distribution of benefits and recognition of stakeholders, we argue that these processes are mutually defining, and can foreclose what is distributed, and to whom. Much recent forest policy, for example, emphasises forest carbon stocks and the benefits to indigenous peoples; but these terms de‐emphasise livelihood outcomes for forests, and non‐indigenous smallholders. Accordingly, we argue that current operationalisations of justice in forest policy based on John Rawls' principles of fair allocation to known actors need to be replaced by Amartya Sen's more deliberative and inclusive vision of justice that focuses instead on how different users experience different benefits, and seek to achieve multiple objectives together.
The political economy of the ‘just transition’
Authors: Newell Peter , Mulvaney Dustin
Published: February 2013

This paper explores the political economy of the ‘just transition’ to a low carbon economy. The idea of a ‘just transition’ increasingly features in policy and political discourse and appeals to the need to ensure that efforts to steer society towards a lower carbon future are underpinned by attention to issues of equity and justice: to those currently without access to reliable energy supplies and living in energy poverty and to those whose livelihoods are affected by and dependent on a fossil fuel economy. To complicate things further this transition has to be made compatible with the pursuit of ‘climate justice’ to current and future generations exposed to the social and ecological disruptions produced by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Here we seek to identify and analyse the immensely difficult political trade‐offs that will characterise collective attempts to enact and realise a just transition. We explore procedural and distributional aspects of energy politics and practice in particular as they relate to the just transition: energy access for those who do not have it; justice for those who work within and are affected by the fossil fuel economy; and attempts to manage the potential contradictions that might flow from pursuing energy and climate justice simultaneously.
Decreased serum transforming growth factor‐β1 concentration with aging is associated with the severity of emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kamio Koichiro , Ishii Takeo , Motegi Takashi , Hattori Kumiko , Kusunoki Yuji , Azuma Arata , Gemma Akihiko , Kida Kozui
Published: February 2013

Aim

Age‐associated changes of the lung might increase pathogenetic susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Decrement in serum transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 concentration is reported in elderly people. As impaired TGF‐β1 signaling could cause emphysema‐like changes, we hypothesized that decreased TGF‐β1 with aging is correlated with emphysema.

Methods

Symptomatic patients with or without COPD and healthy normal subjects without COPD were recruited (COPD, n = 182; smoking controls, n = 73; normal, n = 26). We investigated the correlation between TGF‐β1 and extent of emphysema and airway wall thickness, which were defined as the percentage of low‐attenuation area (LAA%) and large airway wall area (WA%) on pulmonary high‐resolution computed tomography, respectively. The correlation of pulmonary function test parameters and TGF‐β1 was evaluated. TGF‐β1 was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

TGF‐β1 significantly decreased with age (P = 0.0009). When the correlation between age and TGF‐β1 was analyzed in each group, a significant inverse correlation was found in COPD patients and smoking controls (P = 0.0095 and 0.0132, respectively), whereas no correlation was observed in healthy older adults. Among COPD patients with severe emphysema, LAA% was inversely correlated with TGF‐β1 (n = 89, P = 0.0104), whereas WA% and pulmonary function test parameters were not.

Conclusions

Although no correlation was found between TGF‐β1 and the severity of COPD, TGF‐β1 significantly decreased as emphysema became more severe. Age‐related decrease of TGF‐β1 in COPD might be associated with emphysematous alterations of the lungs in elderly subjects. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 1069–1075.
Age and gender differences in correlations of leisure‐time, household, and work‐related physical activity with physical performance in older Japanese adults
Authors: Tsunoda Kenji , Soma Yuki , Kitano Naruki , Tsuji Taishi , Mitsuishi Yasuhiro , Yoon Ji‐Yeong , Okura Tomohiro
Published: February 2013

Aim

This study aimed to compare relationships of leisure‐time, household, and work‐related physical activity (PA) with physical performance by age and gender in older Japanese adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 525 community‐dwelling older adults (73.3 ± 5.2 years) recruited in 2009–2011 in Kasama City, rural Japan. We used the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to assess PA variables. Physical performance was evaluated by 11 performance tests: grip strength, single‐leg balance, functional reach, sit‐and‐reach, standing time from long sitting position, sit‐to‐stand, timed up and go, habitual walk, hand working, and simple and choice reaction times.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, leisure‐time PA in young‐old (≤74 years) men correlated significantly with eight performance tests (absolute value of Spearman's partial rank correlation coefficient: r = 0.18–0.39), whereas in old‐old (≥75 years) men it correlated with three performance tests (r = 0.20–0.23). Although leisure‐time PA correlated with six performance tests (r = 0.19–0.22) in young‐old women, there were no significant correlations between leisure‐time PA and performance tests in old‐old women. Household PA of young‐old men (r = 0.20–0.23) and old‐old women (r = 0.26–0.34) correlated with four performance tests. In old‐old men and young‐old women, no significant correlation was found between household PA and performance tests. Work‐related PA did not relate significantly to any performance tests in any groups.

Conclusion

This study showed that leisure‐time PA is related to physical performance, especially in young‐old men and women, and household PA is especially related in young‐old men and old‐old women. Our findings suggest that supporting strategies for maintaining physical functions would differ by gender and age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 919–927.
Effects of an internal medicine floor interdisciplinary team on hospital and clinical outcomes of seniors with acute medical illness
Authors: Yoo Ji Won , Kim Sulgi , Seol Haesun , Kim Sun Jung , Yang Janet Miyoung , Ryu Woo Sang , Min Too Jae , Choi Jong Bum , Kwon Minkyung , Nakagawa Shunichi
Published: February 2013

Aim

To examine whether an internal medicine interdisciplinary floor team enhances the hospital and clinical outcomes for seniors with acute medical illness.

Methods

Seniors admitted to medical floor teaching services of a USA teaching hospital were recruited and allocated to the interdisciplinary (ITD; n = 236) and usual care teams (n = 248). Compared with the usual care team, the interdisciplinary team physicians carried out daily “geriatric” assessment and management, and led the interdisciplinary team meeting designed for improving interprofessional collaboration.

Results

After controlling for patient and physician characteristics, the mean hospital length of stay in the ITD team (6.1 days; 95% CI 5.2–7.7 days) was 0.7 days shorter than that in the usual care team (6.8 days; 95% CI 5.7–8.3 days; P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in delirium and 30‐day hospital readmission between care groups.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding partly positive associations, the results from the present study suggest that interdisciplinary team‐based care is, at best, associated with enhancing the clinical and hospital outcomes for seniors with acute medical illness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 942–948.
Pharmacokinetic interaction between etravirine or darunavir/ritonavir and artemether/lumefantrine in healthy volunteers: a two‐panel, two‐way, two‐period, randomized trial
Authors: Kakuda TN , DeMasi R , van Delft Y , Mohammed P
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Etravirine is a substrate and inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and a substrate and inhibitor of CYP2C9 and CYPC2C19. Darunavir/ritonavir is a substrate and inhibitor of CYP3A. Artemether and lumefantrine are primarily metabolized by CYP3A; artemether is also metabolized to a lesser extent by CYP2B6, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. Artemether has an active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin. The objective was to investigate pharmacokinetic interactions between darunavir/ritonavir or etravirine and arthemether/lumefrantrine.

Methods

This single‐centre, randomized, two‐way, two‐period cross‐over study included 33 healthy volunteers. In panel 1, 17 healthy volunteers received two treatments (A and B) in random order, with a washout period of 4 weeks between treatments: treatment A: artemether/lumefantrine 80/480 mg alone, in a 3‐day course; treatment B: etravirine 200 mg twice a day (bid) for 21 days with artemether/lumefantrine 80/480 mg from day 8 (a 3‐day treatment course). In panel 2, another 16 healthy volunteers received two treatments, similar to those in panel 1 but instead of etravirine, darunavir/ritonavir 600/100 mg bid was given.

Results

Overall, 28 of the 33 volunteers completed the study. Co‐administration of etravirine reduced the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) of artemether [by 38%; 90% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.80], dihydroartemisinin (by 15%; 90% CI 0.75–0.97) and lumefantrine (by 13%; 90% CI 0.77–0.98) at steady state. Co‐administration of darunavir/ritonavir reduced the AUC of artemether (by 16%; 90% CI 0.69–1.02) and dihydroartemisinin (by 18%; 90% CI 0.74–0.91) but increased lumefantrine (2.75‐fold; 90% CI 2.46–3.08) at steady state. Co‐administration of artemether/lumefantrine had no effect on etravirine, darunavir or ritonavir AUC. No drug‐related serious adverse events were reported during the study.

Conclusions

Co‐administration of etravirine with artemether/lumefantrine may lower the antimalarial activity of artemether and should therefore be used with caution. Darunavir/ritonavir can be co‐administered with artemether/lumefantrine without dose adjustment but should be used with caution.
Experimental respiratory Marburg virus haemorrhagic fever infection in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Smither Sophie J. , Nelson Michelle , Eastaugh Lin , Laws Thomas R. , Taylor Christopher , Smith Simon A. , Salguero Francisco J. , Lever Mark S.
Published: February 2013

Marburg virus causes a highly infectious and lethal haemorrhagic fever in primates and may be exploited as a potential biothreat pathogen. To combat the infection and threat of Marburg haemorrhagic fever, there is a need to develop and license appropriate medical countermeasures. To determine whether the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) would be an appropriate model to assess therapies against Marburg haemorrhagic fever, initial susceptibility, lethality and pathogenesis studies were performed. Low doses of virus, between 4 and 28 TCID50, were sufficient to cause a lethal, reproducible infection. Animals became febrile between days 5 and 6, maintaining a high fever before succumbing to disease between 8 and 11 days postchallenge. Typical signs of Marburg virus infection were observed including haemorrhaging and a transient rash. In pathogenesis studies, virus was isolated from the animals’ lungs from day 3 postchallenge and from the liver, spleen and blood from day 5 postchallenge. Early signs of histopathology were apparent in the kidney and liver from day 3. The most striking features were observed in animals exhibiting severe clinical signs, which included high viral titres in all organs, with the highest levels in the blood, increased levels in liver function enzymes and blood clotting times, decreased levels in platelets, multifocal moderate‐to‐severe hepatitis and perivascular oedema.
Oxygen Distribution of Fluorine‐doped Tin Oxide Films Coated on Float Glass along Depth Before and After Heat Treatment
Authors: Zhao Hongli , Kiwi John , Pulgarin Cesar , Yang Jingkai
Published: February 2013

Fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) films were deposited on float glass to create low‐emissivity glass (low‐E glass) by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). Heat treatments were carried out to assess its antioxidant properties. The surface morphology, crystal structure, and the oxygen and tin concentrations in the FTO films were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Auger electron spectrometer (AES), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The results indicated that the electrical properties determined by the four‐point probe method remained constant up to 600°C with increasing temperature. The FTO films exhibited nonstoichiometry with a ratio of [O]/[Sn] >2 on the top surface and <2 in the film. The sheet resistance of the film strongly depended on the oxygen concentration on the film surface. When the heating temperature reached 700°C, the sheet resistance increased rapidly from 9.4 to 86.7 Ω/□ with a concomitant increase in the oxygen concentration on the top surface.
Laparoendoscopic single‐site versus conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Tugcu Volkan , Ilbey Yusuf Ozlem , Sonmezay Erkan , Aras Bekir , Tasci Ali Ihsan
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the potential benefits of laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty over conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Methods

Between October 2009 and January 2012, 39 patients were enrolled in a prospective study and randomized to undergo a laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty (n = 19) or conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty (n = 20). The outcomes in the two groups were compared by using Mann‐Whitney U‐test and χ2‐test, and considering a P‐value less than 0.05 as statistically significant.

Results

There was no difference in blood loss (55.67 ± 6.71 vs 45.84 ± 5.22 mL, P = 0.60), transfusion rates (0% for both) and hospitalization time (2.12 ± 0.23 vs 2.06 ± 0.34 days, P = 0.72) between the laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty and conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty groups. The time to return to normal activities was shorter (8.65 ± 1.25 vs 11.53 ± 1.28 days, P = 0.01), and median operative time (195.21 ± 12.15 vs 145.62 ± 15.34 min, P = 0.001) was longer in the laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty group compared with the conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty group. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in either group. Compared with conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty, laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty yielded better cosmetic results and patient satisfaction. The mean follow‐up period was 19.7 months (4–28 months). The success rate was 95% in both the groups. Both the visual analog scale and the postoperative use of analgesics were significantly lower in patients who underwent laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty can offer faster recovery and higher patient satisfaction than conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Thus, this novel technique promises to become the treatment of choice in minimally‐invasive management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
Cold stress induces lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Imamura Tetsuya , Ishizuka Osamu , Nishizawa Osamu
Published: February 2013

Cold stress as a result of whole‐body cooling at low environmental temperatures exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms, such as urinary urgency, nocturia and residual urine. We established a model system using healthy conscious rats to explore the mechanisms of cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity. In this review, we summarize the basic findings shown by this model. Rats that were quickly transferred from room temperature (27 ± 2°C) to low temperature (4 ± 2°C) showed detrusor overactivity including increased basal pressure and decreased voiding interval, micturition volume, and bladder capacity. The cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity is mediated through a resiniferatoxin‐sensitve C‐fiber sensory nerve pathway involving α1‐adrenergic receptors. Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 channels, which are sensitive to thermal changes below 25–28°C, also play an important role in mediating the cold stress responses. Additionally, the sympathetic nervous system is associated with transient hypertension and decreases of skin surface temperature that are closely correlated with the detrusor overactivity. With this cold stress model, we showed that α1‐adrenergic receptor antagonists have the potential to treat cold stress‐exacerbated lower urinary tract symptoms. In addition, we showed that traditional Japanese herbal mixtures composed of Hachimijiogan act, in part, by increasing skin temperature and reducing the number of cold sensitive transient receptor potential melastatin channels in the skin. The effects of herbal mixtures have the potential to treat and/or prevent the exacerbation of lower urinary tract symptoms by providing resistance to the cold stress responses. Our model provides new opportunities for utilizing animal disease models with altered lower urinary tract functions to explore the effects of novel therapeutic drugs.
The challenges of implementing Enhanced Recovery Programme in urology
Authors: Koo Vincent , Brace Helen , Shahzad Ali , Lynn Naing
Published: February 2013

Enhanced Recovery Programme (ERP) or fast‐track programme involves the application of evidence‐based best practice into surgery to optimize patient recovery post‐operatively. Results have been very promising especially in complex surgical procedures, where patient length of hospital stay had been significantly reduced and there has not been a significant increase in patient complication or readmission rate. These favourable outcomes are potentially cost‐effective for the health care team and hospital trust especially in the present economic climate. Within our department, we have recently implemented ERP in all patients undergoing radical cystectomy procedure since September 2009. In this paper, we discuss the elements of ERP, share our experiences and challenges in the implementation of ERP at different stages from prior‐ to post‐surgery. We concluded that the key for successful implementation of ERP is the active collaboration involving the whole health care team including the nurses, nurse specialists, doctors, surgeons and anaesthetist, to ensure every team member is accountable and contribute to the implementation process. From the nursing perspective, there is a significant role to be played especially in the pre‐ and post‐operative care of patients.
Tacrolimus‐induced thrombotic microangiopathy in orthotopic liver transplant patients: case series of four patients
Authors: Nwaba A. , MacQuillan G. , Adams L. A. , Garas G. , Delriviere L. , Augustson B. , DeBoer B. , Moody H. , Jeffrey G. P.
Published: February 2013

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a potentially fatal complication in solid organ and bone marrow transplant patients, with reported incidence of 0.5–3% and mortality of about 75%. To emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and prompt commencement of therapy results in improved clinical outcomes. A retrospective study of all patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) at the Western Australian Liver Transplantation Service from May 1994 to December 2010 was conducted to identify patients who developed tacrolimus‐induced TMA. We identified four patients with tacrolimus‐induced TMA post‐OLTX, derived from a cohort of 104 patients treated with tacrolimus in our institution. The mean age at diagnosis was 40 years, and the mean time of onset was 63 ± 7.5 weeks after OLTX. The indications for OLTX in the four patients were fulminant hepatic failure in three (Wilson disease, paracetamol overdose and post‐partum thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) and hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis. All patients had tacrolimus post‐OLTX. At diagnosis, tacrolimus was discontinued in all patients, and three of the four patients underwent plasma exchange and all patients improved clinically. Mean duration of follow up was 15 ± 7.5 months. There was no mortality 6 months post‐TMA. Early diagnosis with immediate discontinuation or conversion of calcineurin inhibitors and plasma exchange should be offered to OLTX patients with TMA as it results in good outcomes.
Role of nurses in a nuclear disaster: experience in the Fukushima Dai‐ichi nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Noto Y. , Kitamiya C. , Itaki C. , Urushizaka M. , Kidachi R. , Yamabe H.
Published: February 2013

Background

A severe earthquake occurred in Japan on 11 March 2011. The giant tsunami devastated many coastal communities in eastern Japan and caused the Fukushima Dai‐ichi nuclear power plant incident. The Japanese government conducted a large‐scale survey of residents affected by the nuclear and natural disasters in Fukushima prefecture and in response to the government's request, H University dispatched a Radiation Exposure Research Team to Fukushima.

Purpose

This article explains the activities of the Radiation Exposure Research Team and the role of nurses in a nuclear disaster.

Conclusion

As a nurse in the field of radiation medicine, our role is to protect the health of those affected and to reduce their anxiety. In addition, as the persons responsible for implementing these projects, it is also necessary that we educate and foster the development of medical care personnel with the appropriate knowledge and skills to carry out the measures required.
Detection of influenza C virus by a real‐time RT‐PCR assay
Authors: Pabbaraju Kanti , Wong Sallene , Wong Anita , May‐Hadford Jennifer , Tellier Raymond , Fonseca Kevin
Published: February 2013

Background

Influenza C virus can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and has been reported to be prevalent in children. However, these infections have been under‐diagnosed, and epidemiological data available are limited due to the lack of convenient detection assays.

Objective

Design and validate a real‐time reverse‐transcriptase PCR (rt RT‐PCR) assay for the detection of influenza C.

Study design

Respiratory samples from two primary settings, namely, children who were hospitalized or seen in the emergency department, and respiratory outbreaks for which no other viral etiology was found were used for the detection of influenza C.

Results and Conclusions

The assay was sensitive and specific for the detection of influenza C. Eleven of 474 (2·32%) patients, all less than 10 years of age, were positive for influenza C. The strains clustered into two lineages, namely C/Kanagawa and C/Sao Paulo, based upon sequencing of the hemagglutinin‐esterase gene. Epidemiological data showed that a higher proportion of influenza C infections occur in younger children and during the winter months. This is the first report of the detection of influenza C in Alberta, Canada, and suggests that the detection of this virus should be included in respiratory virus testing panels.
Water‐bottom multiple attenuation by Kirchhoff extrapolation
Authors: Spadavecchia Emmanuel , Lipari Vincenzo , Bienati Nicola , Drufuca Giuseppe
Published: February 2013

Despite being less general than 3D surface‐related multiple elimination (3D‐SRME), multiple prediction based on wavefield extrapolation can still be of interest, because it is less CPU and I/O demanding than 3D‐SRME and moreover it does not require any prior data regularization. Here we propose a fast implementation of water‐bottom multiple prediction that uses the Kirchhoff formulation of wavefield extrapolation. With wavefield extrapolation multiple prediction is usually obtained through the cascade of two extrapolation steps. Actually by applying the Fermat’s principle (i.e., minimum reflection traveltime) we show that the cascade of two operators can be replaced by a single approximated extrapolation step. The approximation holds as long as the water bottom is not too complex. Indeed the proposed approach has proved to work well on synthetic and field data when the water bottom is such that wavefront triplications are negligible, as happens in many practical situations.