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Gonadal responses of the male tau mutant Syrian hamster to short-day-like programmed infusions of melatonin.

Changes in the duration of the nocturnal peak of the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion by the pineal gland mediate pohotoperiodic control of reproductive cycles in mammals. The present study examined whether the tau mutation of the circadian clock of the Syrian hamster altered the ability of the animals to exhibit photoperiodic, gonadal responses to timed infusions of exogenous melatonin. Pinealectomized tau mutant and wild-type hamsters received s.c. infusions of vehicle or melatonin solution (50 ng/h) for either 8 h or 6.67 h (i.e., 83% of 8 h, a reduction by the same proportion as circadian period is shortened by the mutation, 20 h vs. 24 h) once every 20 h for 6 wk. Testicular weight and serum levels of LH and prolactin were measured to assess the effects of the infusions on the reproductive axis. Both genotypes exhibited significant gonadal regression to the 8 h and 6.67 h melatonin signals, versus saline controls, although in taus the magnitude of the response to 6.67 h melatonin was significantly greater and more consistent than in wild-types. Compared to saline-infused hamsters, animals that received infusions of melatonin of either duration showed significantly reduced serum levels of LH and prolactin. There was no significant difference between the two genotypes in the observed endocrine responses to melatonin infusions. These preliminary data demonstrate that tau mutant hamsters can respond to programmed systemic infusions of melatonin in a manner comparable to that observed in wild-type hamsters, and therefore, that the tau mutation of the circadian clock has not impaired the ability of the hamster to measure photoperiodic time, as represented by melatonin.

Animals↗

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of extensive, ambulatory, non-pharmacological obesity treatment program].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was an attempt to answer following questions: 1. Is extensive, non-pharmacological obesity treatment programme effective and is reduced body weight likely to be maintained in the long term? 2. What is the influence of the programme on some components of metabolic syndrome? 3. What is the effect of the programme on levels of leptin and insulin as indexes of weight reduction effectiveness? An informed consent to participate in the treatment was given by 37 women (GB) aged 19-47 yrs. (mean 36 +/- 7.7); with BMI 36 +/- 4.9 kg/m2. Control group (GK) was composed of 16 women aged 21-40 yrs. A 3-month extensive, ambulatory, non-pharmacological obesity treatment programme was offered to study subjects. Anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal assessment was performed before treatment (0), after 3 months--at the end of treatment (3), and after one year (R). After 3 months a reduction of body weight was observed in 34 persons (92%) whereas in 1 person (2.7%) body weight was stable and in 2 (5.4%) body weight increased. Body weight reduction was accompanied by beneficial changes in metabolic parameters. After one-year follow-up reduced body weight was maintained in 33 persons (89%), however, insulin and leptin levels and HOMA index increased significantly when compared to those observed during active treatment and were comparable with initial values. In the control group a significant increase in BMI, insulin and leptin levels and HOMA index was observed after one-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The extensive, non-pharmacological obesity treatment programme is effective because enables the reduction of body weight by 10% and patients are likely to maintain reduced body weight for one year. 2. The programme brings out metabolic benefits and enables to maintain them after its discontinuance. 3. The rebound increase in leptin and insulin levels after 9 months since active treatment has been discontinued may be an unfavourable prognostic factor in terms of maintenance of reduced body weight and indicates that the programme should be repeated in some patients groups.

Adult↗

Effects of diet and exercise interventions on control and quality of life in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Evidence suggests that diet and exercise are associated with improved glucose tolerance for patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Seventy-six volunteer adult patients with NIDDM were each assigned to one of four programs: diet, exercise, diet plus exercise, or education (control). Each program required ten weekly meetings. Detailed evaluations were completed prior to the program and after three, six, 12, and 18 months. Evaluations included various psychosocial measures, measures of the quality of life, and fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and relative weight determinations. Of the 76 original participants, 70 completed the 18-month follow-up study. At 18 months, the combination diet-and-exercise group had achieved the greatest reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin measures. In addition, this group showed significant improvements on a general quality of life measure. These improvements were largely uncorrelated with changes in weight. The authors conclude that the combination of dietary change and physical conditioning benefits NIDDM patients, and that the benefits may be independent of substantial weight loss.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Adolescent pregnancy.

Teen birth rates have decreased steadily over the past decade, but the United States still has the highest birth rates among all developed countries. Young women who give birth as adolescents are likely to have poor school performance, and come from families with low socioeconomic status, a history of teen pregnancies, and low maternal education. The fathers of babies who are born to teen mothers are likely to be unsuccessful in school, have limited earnings, have high rates of substance use, and have trouble with the law. Infants who are born to teen mothers are at risk for low birth weight and physical neglect and abuse; at school age, these children are more likely than children born to adult women to have trouble with school achievement, and they are at risk for becoming teen mothers or fathers themselves. Programs that are successful in reducing teen birthrates are usually multifactorial and combine comprehensive sexuality education with youth development activities; reduction in repeat pregnancies is associated with home visits by nurses combined with long-acting contraceptive use.

Adolescent↗

Three days fast in sportsmen decreases physical work capacity but not strength or perception-reaction time.

This study investigates, in young nonobese healthy athletes, the consequences of a 3-day fast coupled, or not, to enhanced physical activity. Eight male subjects, aged 21+/-2 years, fasted for 3 days on two separate occasions, 4 weeks apart. On the first occasion, subjects continued their daily training activities. On the second occasion, a daily physical exercise program was added to these activities. Subjects were evaluated before and after 24 hours and 72 hours of fasting. Evaluation consisted of body composition, basal respiratory exchange ratio, plasma metabolic parameters, perception-reaction time (both simple and discriminant), hand grip strength, and physical work capacity at 170 beats per minute (PWC170). Fasting determined significant reductions in body weight, body fat, and muscle mass. These reductions were not affected by enhanced physical activity. Basal respiratory exchange ratio decreased with fasting but was not influenced by increased training activities. Fasting determined a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, while plasma proteins, urea, uric acid, and free fatty acids increased. Perception-reaction time and hand grip strength were unmodified during fasting. By contrast, PWC170 was significantly and progressively reduced during fasting, and this decrease was not reversed by an increase in training activities.

Adult↗

Scoliosis treatment using spinal manipulation and the Pettibon Weighting System: a summary of 3 atypical presentations.

BACKGROUND: Given the relative lack of treatment options for mild to moderate scoliosis, when the Cobb angle measurements fall below the 25-30 degrees range, conservative manual therapies for scoliosis treatment have been increasingly investigated in recent years. In this case series, we present 3 specific cases of scoliosis. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient presentation, examination, intervention and outcomes are detailed for each case. The types of scoliosis presented here are left thoracic, idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington rod instrumentation, and a left thoracic scoliosis secondary to Scheuermann's Kyphosis. Each case carries its own clinical significance, in relation to clinical presentation. The first patient presented for chiropractic treatment with a 35 degrees thoracic dextroscoliosis 18 years following Harrington Rod instrumentation and fusion. The second patient presented with a 22 degrees thoracic levoscoliosis and concomitant Scheuermann's Disease. Finally, the third case summarizes the treatment of a patient with a primary 37 degrees idiopathic thoracic levoscoliosis. Each patient was treated with a novel active rehabilitation program for varying lengths of time, including spinal manipulation and a patented external head and body weighting system. Following a course of treatment, consisting of clinic and home care treatments, post-treatment radiographs and examinations were conducted. Improvement in symptoms and daily function was obtained in all 3 cases. Concerning Cobb angle measurements, there was an apparent reduction in Cobb angle of 13 degrees , 8 degrees , and 16 degrees over a maximum of 12 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: Although mild to moderate reductions in Cobb angle measurements were achieved in these cases, these improvements may not be related to the symptomatic and functional improvements. The lack of a control also includes the possibility of a placebo effect. However, this study adds to the growing body of literature investigating methods by which mild to moderate cases of scoliosis can be treated conservatively. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether curve reduction and/or manipulation and/or placebo was responsible for the symptomatic and functional improvements noted in these cases.

Journal Article↗

Supported treadmill training for gait and balance in a patient with progressive supranuclear palsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Impaired balance, gait disturbances, and frequent falls are common problems in people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This case report describes the use of a modified body weight support treadmill training program to reduce falls and improve the balance and gait of a patient with PSP. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 62-year-old man diagnosed with PSP. His major problems were impaired balance and frequent, abrupt falls. METHODS: Physical therapy included walk training, balance perturbation, and step training using body weight support with a treadmill. Training sessions lasted 11/2 hours and occurred 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Fall incidence, balance, and gait were assessed before, during, and after the program. OUTCOMES: The patient reported fewer falls during and after training. Balance and gait improved after training. DISCUSSION: This case report is the first to report fall reduction, improved gait, and improved balance following physical therapy for a person with PSP.

Accidental Falls↗

Restoration of ultrafiltration capacity of peritoneal membrane in patients on CAPD.

Among 55 uremic patients who entered our CAPD program, 7 of them showed a reduction or loss of the ultrafiltration capacity (UF) of the peritoneal membrane (PM). They have been treated with high dose of Furosemide (F) to force residual urine output. Four appeared "responders" to drug administration with a significant increase in urine volume, Na excretion and, within a week period gained their dry body weight (BW). In the remaining 3 patients drug therapy resulted ineffective, and fluid removal was obtained by hemofiltration (HF). In both groups we noted an increase in the UF capacity of PM when their dry BW was obtained either by pharmacological or technical approach. These results support the assumption that the over-hydration status of the PM plays a major role in maintaining the UF process.

Body Weight↗

Effect of 6-month adherence to a very low carbohydrate diet program.

To determine the effect of a 6-month very low carbohydrate diet program on body weight and other metabolic parameters.Fifty-one overweight or obese healthy volunteers who wanted to lose weight were placed on a very low carbohydrate diet (<25 g/d), with no limit on caloric intake. They also received nutritional supplementation and recommendations about exercise, and attended group meetings at a research clinic. The outcomes were body weight, body mass index, percentage of body fat (estimated by skinfold thickness), serum chemistry and lipid values, 24-hour urine measurements, and subjective adverse effects.Forty-one (80%) of the 51 subjects attended visits through 6 months. In these subjects, the mean (+/- SD) body weight decreased 10.3% +/- 5.9% (P <0.001) from baseline to 6 months (body weight reduction of 9.0 +/- 5.3 kg and body mass index reduction of 3.2 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2)). The mean percentage of body weight that was fat decreased 2.9% +/- 3.2% from baseline to 6 months (P <0.001). The mean serum bicarbonate level decreased 2 +/- 2.4 mmol/L (P <0.001) and blood urea nitrogen level increased 2 +/- 4 mg/dL (P <0.001). Serum total cholesterol level decreased 11 +/- 26 mg/dL (P = 0.006), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased 10 +/- 25 mg/dL (P = 0.01), triglyceride level decreased 56 +/- 45 mg/dL (P <0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level increased 10 +/- 8 mg/dL (P <0.001), and the cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio decreased 0.9 +/- 0.6 units (P <0.001). There were no serious adverse effects, but the possibility of adverse effects in the 10 subjects who did not adhere to the program cannot be eliminated.A very low carbohydrate diet program led to sustained weight loss during a 6-month period. Further controlled research is warranted.

Adult↗

Decline in infant mortality of Alaskan Yupik Eskimos from 1960 to 1980.

A 1960-62 study of southwestern Alaskan Eskimos documented an infant mortality rate--102.6 deaths per 1,000 live births--that was four times greater than that of U.S. whites. In 1980-81, 20 years after the original study, a similar cohort was identified in this population so that changes in infant mortality and other birth characteristics could be examined. Average birth weight and the amount of prenatal care received by the mothers increased from 1960 to 1980. Birth weight and prenatal visits were positively correlated. Results of the followup also revealed a 1980-81 infant mortality rate--17.1 deaths per 1,000 live births--that was less than a fifth of the 1960-62 rate and no longer significantly different from the national rate. Major changes associated with the decrease in mortality during the first 28 days of life (neonatal mortality) were a significant increase in the proportion of infants born in hospitals and an associated decrease in the number of deaths of infants weighing less than 2,500 grams at birth. The reduction in mortality during the rest of the first year of life was related to a decrease in deaths due to infectious diseases, particularly measles and pertussis. Changes in infant mortality reflect the increased availability of health care in this region, improved immunization programs, and the establishment of the Bethel Prematernal Home in Bethel, AK.

Adult↗

"Structure-size me:" weight and health changes in a four week residential program.

The prevalence of obesity has been drastically increasing over the past 20 years. Other obesity related conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, have also increased in a corresponding manner and, in 2005, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) reduced the cut-off for defining impaired blood glucose. Evidence suggests that just a modest amount of weight loss can improve obesity related co-morbidities. The present study first, investigated changes in health measures after participation in a four week residential weight loss program. Second, individuals were classified according to the 2005 criteria for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes to determine if glucose regulation changed after weight loss. A total of 93 individuals were categorized as normal glucose (n=56), impaired fasting glucose (n=23) or diabetic range (n=14) after initial blood laboratory screening. After four weeks and a 6.5% weight reduction, participants showed significant improvements in health risks. Further, most participants with elevated fasting glucose shifted into a healthier range. Findings are discussed in terms of health improvements that occur after weight loss within a four week lifestyle intervention.

Adult↗

Review of outcomes of neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis versus non-screening in Europe.

We reviewed the published results of European prospective cohort and controlled studies and 1 randomized controlled study to assess whether newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) leads to an improved prognosis. We used long-term survival, early mortality, nutritional and pulmonary status, and the number of hospital admissions as outcome measures. Effects on reproductive behavior of the parents and relatives were also assessed. In 2 studies, a similar trend for improved long-term survival rate of the screened cohort was observed, whereas in 2 other studies CF NBS appeared to prevent CF-related deaths in infancy and early childhood. Screened patients born in the last 2 decades showed normal growth for height and weight from infancy until late childhood. In most studies, patients who were screened were found to have less lung damage than their non-screened peers. CF NBS significantly reduced the number of affected children who ever required hospitalization. In Brittany, France, a reduction of 15.7% in CF prevalence at birth was attributed to the introduction of a NBS program for CF. We conclude that there is accumulating evidence that CF NBS prevents early CF-related deaths and leads to a substantial and prolonged health gain for patients with CF.

Adolescent↗

Is ribosomal capacity a potential metabolic marker of muscle development? Measurement by muscular biopsy.

Metabolic markers of muscle metabolism could help geneticists and nutritionists predict the breast meat development of chickens. The aim of the current study was to test the ribosomal capacity (CS), a potential metabolic marker, and to evaluate a simple biopsy method on the pectoralis major muscle. Ribosomal capacity was measured in three commercial meat chicken genotypes differing in their growth rate. Fast-, medium-, and slow-growing male chickens were fed using three commercial dietary programs of increasing energy and protein concentration (nine treatments). Biopsy was performed at 4 wk of age on the p. major 12 chickens per treatment. Fast-, medium-, and slow-growing chickens were slaughtered at market weight, i.e., 6, 8, and 12 wk of age, respectively, and breast meat (right and left p. major + minor) was dissected. A significant reduction in BW at slaughter (-1 to -3%) and breast meat yield (-4%) occurred only in biopsied medium-growing chickens but not in the other two types. Slow-growing chickens had a significantly lower CS (8.75 microg/mg) than the two other chicken types (9.40 and 9.46 microg/mg for fast- and medium-growing chickens, respectively). No significant dietary effect or interaction of dietary treatment with genotype was measured. The CS was not significantly correlated to breast meat development. Under conditions of the present experiment, CS may not be a relevant marker of subsequent breast meat development at 4 wk of age. The biopsy technique can easily be applied to other markers.

Aging↗

Hip fracture prevention in postmenopausal women.

UNLABELLED: Hip fracture is a devastating outcome associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. This fracture causes considerable pain, disability, diminished quality of life, and mortality. Although bone loss is an important factor associated with hip fracture, there are other demographic and clinical factors such as those that increase the risk of falling (e.g., unsteady gait, medications) that contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a hip fracture. Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce hip fracture risk include regular weight-bearing exercise, fall intervention programs, and external hip protectors. Patients should receive calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation as necessary. Among available pharmacologic options, the bisphosphonates, risedronate (Actonel) and alendronate (Fosamax), have reduced the risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Raloxifene (Evista), salmon calcitonin nasal spray (Miacalcin), and teriparatide (Forteo) have not demonstrated hip fracture risk reduction in controlled clinical trials. Hormone therapy (HT) reduced hip fracture risk in a recent large placebo-controlled trial; however, the risk/benefit profile of HT has resulted in recommendations to consider alternatives for the management of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis should receive adequate calcium/vitamin D supplementation, be encouraged to exercise, and institute risk factor interventions. Treatment with a bisphosphonate should be considered for those who are also at increased risk for hip fracture. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologyists, Family Physicians LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article the reader should be able to list the demographic risk factors for osteoporosis and related fractures, to outline the cost and consequences of hip fractures, and to summarize the various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions used to reduce the risk of hip fracture.

Aged↗

Evaluation of group versus individual nutrition education in overweight patients with myocardial infarction.

Thirty-nine obese patients (weighing in excess of 110% of ideal weight) were studied for 52 weeks following admission to the Coronary Care Unit with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the study was to compare, chiefly by anthropometric measurements, the response to a structured nutrition education program provided by a dietitian using three different levels of time involvement with the patients, firstly individual patient education, secondly group education and thirdly the issuing of written material only. Although there was no significant difference in the mean weight loss between the three education groups (8.1, 7.5 and 8.9 kg respectively) there was a trend towards more uniform weight reduction in those who received individual education. All but two of the 28 who attended at 52 weeks achieved weight loss. Thirteen patients attained 110% or less of their ideal weight, a 46% success rate. Reduction in body weight and most of the other anthropometric measurements occurred in the first twelve weeks of study, with no further significant weight change to 52 weeks. While these observations suggest that the overweight patient with acute myocardial infarction need not be subject to intensive nutrition education at the time of presentation, a more aggressive follow-up programme in subsequent months is recommended.

Body Weight↗

Who will lose weight? A reexamination of predictors of weight loss in women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze pretreatment predictors of short-term weight loss in Portuguese overweight and obese women involved in a weight management program. Behavioral and psychosocial predictors were selected a priori from previous results reported in American women who participated in a similar program. METHODS: Subjects were 140 healthy overweight/obese women (age, 38.3 +/- 5.9 y; BMI, 30.3 +/- 3.7 kg/m2) who participated in a 4-month lifestyle weight loss program consisting of group-based behavior therapy to improve diet and increase physical activity. At baseline, all women completed a comprehensive behavioral and psychosocial battery, in standardized conditions. RESULTS: Of all starting participants, 3.5% (5 subjects) did not finish the program. By treatment's end, more than half of all women had met the recomended weight loss goals, despite a large variability in individual results (range for weight loss = 19 kg). In bivariate and multivariate correlation/regression analysis fewer previous diets and weight outcome evaluations, and to a lesser extent self-motivation and body image were significant and independent predictors of weight reduction, before and after adjustment for baseline weight. A negative and slightly curvilinear relationship best described the association between outcome evaluations and weight change, revealing that persons with very accepting evaluations (that would accept or be happy with minimal weight change) lost the least amount of weight while positive but moderate evaluations of outcomes (i.e., neither low nor extremely demanding) were more predictive of success. Among those subjects who reported having initiated more than 3-4 diets in the year before the study, very few were found to be in the most successful group after treatment. Quality of life, self-esteem, and exercise variables did not predict outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Several variables were confirmed as predictors of success in short-term weight loss and can be used in future hypothesis-testing studies and as a part of more evolved prediction models. Previous dieting, and pretreatment self-motivation and body image are associated with subsequent weight loss, in agreement with earlier findings in previous samples. Weight outcome evaluations appear to display a more complex relationship with treatment results and culture-specific factors may be useful in explaining this pattern of association.

Journal Article↗

Body-weight-support treadmill training improves blood glucose regulation in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury.

The impact of a 6-mo body-weight-supported treadmill training program on glucose homeostasis and muscle metabolic characteristics was investigated. Nine individuals (31 +/- 3 yr, 8.1 +/- 2.5 yr postinjury; means +/- SE) with incomplete spinal cord injury trained three times weekly for a total of 6 mo. Training session duration and intensity (velocity) increased by 54 +/- 10% (P < 0.01) and 135 +/- 20%, respectively. Muscle biopsies and a modified glucose tolerance test (100 g glucose with [U-(13)C]glucose) were performed before (Pre) and after training (Post). Training resulted in a reduction in area under the curve of glucose x time (-15 +/- 4%) and insulin x time (-33 +/- 8%; both P < 0.05). Oxidation of exogenous (ingested) glucose increased as a result of training (Pre = 4.4 +/- 0.7 g/h, Post = 7.4 +/- 0.6 g/h; P < 0.05), as did oxidation of endogenous (liver) glucose (Pre = 3.8 +/- 0.3 g/h, Post = 5.2 +/- 0.3 g/h; P < 0.05). Training resulted in increased muscle glycogen (80 +/- 23%; P < 0.05) and GLUT-4 content and hexokinase II enzyme activity (126 +/- 34 and 49 +/- 4%, respectively, both P < 0.01). Resting muscle phosphocreatine content also increased after training (Pre = 62.1 +/- 4.3, Post = 78.7 +/- 3.8, both mmol/kg dry wt and P < 0.05). Six months of thrice-weekly body-weight-supported treadmill training in persons with an incomplete spinal cord injury improved blood glucose regulation by increasing oxidation and storage of an oral glucose load. Increases in the capacity for transport and phosphorylation glucose in skeletal muscle likely play a role in these adaptations.

Adult↗

Evaluation of dexfenfluramine in a weight loss program for obese infertile women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of dexfenfluramine as an adjunct to a group treatment program for obese infertile women. METHOD: Twenty-one obese infertile women were referred by the Reproductive Medicine Unit. They attended a 24-week group program which included exercise and educational sessions. Dexfenfluramine and placebo were given, each for 12 weeks, in a double-blind crossover design. RESULTS: Dexfenfluramine treatment was not associated with greater loss of weight. The mean weight loss during dexfenfluramine treatment was 3.21 kg (SD 3.09) and during placebo was 3.31 kg (SD 3.15). Self-esteem, anxiety, and depression ratings all improved significantly over the 24 weeks. DISCUSSION: The group treatment program appeared to be equally effective with or without dexfenfluramine. Previous studies have found dexfenfluramine to be effective in combination with individual treatment, but it has not previously been evaluated as an adjunct to group treatment. It is unclear whether dexfenfluramine may be less effective in combination with group treatment programs, or whether its usefulness is restricted in this particular population of obese patients. No differences were found associated with the order in which active and placebo treatments were given. Patients showed improvement in self-esteem and reduction in depression and anxiety, but dexfenfluramine treatment was not associated with any difference in these measures, compared to placebo.

Adult↗