Eccentric Cycling Training Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents with Obesity

IntroductionWhile eccentric (ECC) training appears to be more efficient than concentric (CON) training at improving body composition in adolescent with obesity, its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has never been studied.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare the effects of 2 cycling training modalities, i.e., ECC vs. CON, in adolescents with obesity on HRQOL and health perception (HP).MethodsA total of 24 adolescents with obesity, aged 12–16 years, were randomized to either a 12-week ECC or a CON cycling training program performed at the same oxygen consumption (VO₂). Anthropometric measurements, body composition, maximal incremental tests, HRQOL (Vécu et Santé Percue de l''Adolescent [VSP-A], Medical Outcome Study Short Form [SF-36]), and HP were assessed at before and after training.Results and ConclusionBoth CON and ECC cycling trainings promoted significant improvements in BMI, VO_2peak, total fat mass, and fat-free mass, with better improvements in body composition parameters in the ECC group (p < 0.05). The VSP-A total score increased after CON (p < 0.01) and ECC (p < 0.001) training, with better enhancement for the ECC group (p < 0.05). The SF-36 physical score increased after both CON (p < 0.01) and ECC (p < 0.001) trainings. The global HP score increased only after ECC training (p < 0.001). Except for the energy-vitality item, no significant correlation was found between changes in HRQOL and its subdomains and anthropometric, body composition, and functional parameters. Both ECC and CON cycling trainings are associated with positive changes in HRQOL and HP. However, ECC seems to induce greater improvements in HRQL and HP than CON cycling training, which is probably not due to the anthropometric, body composition, and functional changes.     

Potential for Use of the Seegene Anyplex MTB/NTM Real-Time Detection Assay in a Regional Reference Laboratory

Requests for direct molecular diagnosis of mycobacterial disease are increasingly warranted. The Anyplex MTB/NTM assay demonstrates sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values of 1.00, 0.96, 0.93, and 1.00 for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and 1.00, 0.97, 0.75, and 1.00 for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) detection, respectively, making it a suitable screening test for mycobacterial detection.     

Effect of chronic pre‐treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on skeletal muscle mitochondrial recovery after ischemia/reperfusion

Impaired skeletal muscle energetic participates in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patient’s morbidity and mortality. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi), cornerstone for pharmacologic risk factor management in PAD patients, might also be interesting by protecting skeletal muscle energetic. We therefore determined whether chronic ACEi might reduce ischemia‐induced mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction in the frequent setting of hindlimb ischemia–reperfusion. Ischemic legs of rats submitted to 5 h ischemia induced by a rubber band tourniquet applied on the root of the hindlimb followed by reperfusion without (IR, n = 11) or after ACEi (n = 14; captopril 40 mg/kg per day during 28 days before surgery) were studied and compared to that of sham‐operated animals (n = 11). The effect of ACEi on the non‐ischemic contralateral leg was also determined in the ACEi group. Maximal oxidative capacities (V_max) and complexes I, II and IV activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain of the gastrocnemius muscle were determined using glutamate–malate, succinate and TMPD–ascorbate substrates. Arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased after ACEi (124 ± 2.8 vs. 108 ± 4.19 mmHg; P = 0.01). Ischemia–reperfusion reduced V_max (4.4 ± 0.4 vs. 8.7 ± 0.5 μmol O₂/min/g dry weight, ?49%, P < 0.001), affecting mitochondrial complexes I, II and IV activities. ACEi failed to modulate ischemia‐induced dysfunction (V_max 5.1 ± 0.7 μmol O₂/min/g dry weight) or the non‐ischemic contralateral muscle respiratory rate. Ischemia–reperfusion significantly impaired the mitochondrial respiratory chain I, II and IV complexes of skeletal muscle. Pharmacologic pre‐treatment with ACEi did not prevent or increase such alterations. Further studies might be useful to improve the pharmacologic conditioning of PAD patients needing arterial revascularization.     

Assessment of condoms as probe covers for transvaginal sonography

PURPOSE: This prospective study assessed the incidence of transvaginal probe contamination and breakage of condoms used to cover those probes during transvaginal sonography. METHODS: Over a 9-month period, 214 women underwent transvaginal sonography with probes that had been coated with gel and then covered with a latex condom. Condom defects were detected after the scans by inspection, by adding hydrogen peroxide, and by filling the condoms with 500 ml of water. After the condoms were removed, the probe was either wiped with a dry tissue (during the first 18 weeks of the study) or wiped first with a dry tissue and then with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe. Probe head contamination was assessed by periodic swab sampling and culturing for bacteria and herpes simplex virus. Samples of the sonographic gel also were tested for bacterial contamination at approximately weekly intervals. RESULTS: A total of 217 condoms were used, 3 of which broke and were discarded while being applied to the probe. Two of the 214 condoms used (0.9%) were found upon visual inspection to have perforations. None of the other 212 condoms leaked upon being filled with water; none of the 204 condoms tested with hydrogen peroxide showed bubbles. Only 1 of the 46 probe swab samples was positive for bacteria (Acinetobacter species); none of the 26 probe swab samples cultured for viruses or the 25 gel samples cultured for bacteria were positive. CONCLUSIONS: Condoms used to cover transvaginal probes showed a low rate of perforation. Disinfection of the probe with isopropyl alcohol wipes further reduced the risk of contamination.     

Abnormal sweat electrolytes in a case of celiac disease and a case of psychosocial failure to thrive. Review of other reported causes

Sweat electrolytes were initially elevated in a child who was diagnosed as having celiac disease and also in one with psychosocial failure to thrive. Subsequent sweat tests were normal after nutritional status of the patients had improved with therapy. The reports of elevated sweat electrolytes in conditions other than cystic fibrosis are discussed. It is emphasized that sweat test methods other than the quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis method are not reliable. The occurrence of false-positive sweat tests demonstrates the need for care in the interpretation of elevated sweat electrolytes and the necessity of performing repeat quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis for the establishment of the diagnosis of CF. Celiac disease and malnutrition from other causes may cause sweat electrolytes to be elevated.     

Endoscopic decontamination: an audit and practical review

A comprehensive audit of endoscopic decontamination practices throughout a 1200-bedded teaching hospital trust was undertaken, prior to a review of the current policy and consideration of alternative disinfectants. Pharmacy records of glutaraldehyde usage, occupational health staff survey data of glutaraldehyde exposure, discussions with all departments where endoscopy might be conducted and information from all companies supplying endoscopes and allied equipment were reviewed. In total, 56 endoscopes were found to be in use in 16 areas of the Trust. In the main designated endoscopy units, compliance with the established policy was generally good, but in other areas, equipment which could tolerate autoclaving was being disinfected with chemical sterilants; some units were still using endoscopes which were not fully immersible and there was widespread use of disinfectant troughs, rather than automated washer-disinfectors. In most cases, this was because staff were concerned about endoscopy equipment passing to a central processing department with potential delays and losses. An updated Trust-wide endoscopy policy, using glutaraldehyde and incorporating the current British Thoracic Society, British Gastroenterological Society and British Urological Society guidelines, has now been implemented. The issues around this and alternative disinfectants are discussed.