Determination of Lead, Mercury and Cadmium in Wild and Farmed Barbus sharpeyi from Shadegan Wetland and Azadegan Aquaculture Site, South of Iran

Lead, mercury and cadmium concentrations were measured in muscle, liver and gill in wild and farmed Barbus sharpeyi from Shadegan Wetland (SW) and Azadegan Aquaculture Site (AAS). Significant variation in metal values were evaluated in Students’ tests at p > 0.05. Results showed: In B. sharpeyi high levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury were measured in gill (0.34, 0.68, and 0.06 mg kg⁻¹ dw). The concentration of metals was not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) in the muscle between SW (Cd, 0.24; Pb, 0.49 and Hg, 0.04) and AAS (Cd, 0.23; Pb, 0.49 and Hg, 0.04). Lead concentration was higher than cadmium and mercury in different organs (p > 0.05). Cadmium, mercury and lead in different tissues of SW were higher than AAS and there was no significant difference between them (p ≥ 0.05). Metal levels in different tissues were higher than WHO standard.     

Threshold analysis in the presence of both the diagnostic and the therapeutic risk

The well-established a priori probability of illness threshold in medical decision making, introduced by Pauker and Kassirer (N Engl J Med 293:229–234, 1975; N Engl J Med 302:1109–1117, 1980), involves the diagnostic risk only. We generalize the threshold analysis by adding the therapeutic risk, i.e., in accounting for the risk that a treatment might sometimes fail. We derive a priori probability of illness threshold as a function of the probability of successful treatment, as well as the inverted function, where the successful treatment probability threshold is a function of the a priori probability of illness. The thresholds in the general model are higher than those in the special cases where one of the two risks is absent. Applications show that the changes in the thresholds can be substantial. Our general model might explain empirical findings of much higher thresholds than the Pauker–Kassirer model suggests.     

WIC Participation and Breastfeeding at 3 Months Postpartum

Objectives Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been associated with lower breastfeeding initiation and duration. This study examines breastfeeding-related factors among WIC participants and nonparticipants that might explain these previous findings. Methods Respondents to the 2007 Infant Feeding Practices Study II who were income-eligible for WIC were categorized as follows: no WIC participation (No-WIC); prenatal participation and infant entry while ≥60 % breastfeeding (WIC BF-high); prenatal participation and infant entry while <60 % breastfeeding (WIC BF-low). Percent breastfeeding was the number of breast milk feeds divided by the total number of liquid feeds. Using propensity scores, we matched WIC BF-high respondents to No-WIC respondents on demographic and breastfeeding factors. We used logistic regression to estimate the impact of WIC participation on breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum in the matched sample. Within-WIC differences were explored. Results Of 743 income-eligible respondents, 293 never enrolled in WIC, 230 were categorized as WIC BF-high, and 220 as WIC BF-low. Compared to matched No-WIC respondents, WIC BF-high respondents had increased odds of breastfeeding at 3 months, though this difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.92; 95 % CI 0.95–3.67; p value 0.07). WIC BF-high respondents were more similar on breastfeeding-related characteristics to No-WIC respondents than to WIC BF-low respondents. Conclusions for Practice Accounting for prenatal breastfeeding intentions and attitudes, we find no negative association between WIC participation and breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. This is in contrast to prior studies, and highlights the importance of understanding within-WIC differences.     

Unprecedented synthesis, in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer evaluation of novel triazolonaphthalimide derivatives

An efficient synthesis method for fusing triazole ring onto the naphthalimide core was described. The anti-cancer activities of the generated triazolonaphthalimide derivatives were evaluated with five cancer cell lines. The compounds generally displayed higher potency than amonafide. 4d,4e carrying two amino side chains showed the strongest cytotoxicities. N-oxide 5, a prodrug of 4a, was designed and synthesized. The agent was expected to be activated under the hypoxic condition in tumor tissue. Compared with 4a, 5 manifested much lower cytotoxicity both in cancer cell lines and human normal cells in the in?vitro assays. However, N-oxide 5 performed potent anti-cancer activity in?vivo using S-180 sarcoma bearing mice. All the results suggested that 5 was a promising anti-cancer agent.     

Surveillance of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the Indian Ocean Region between January 2010 and December 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to trace the emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) on Reunion Island, a French overseas territory well suited for the surveillance of CPE emergence in patients from the entire Indian Ocean Region.

Homecare Robots to Improve Health and Well-Being in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Stage Dementia: Results From a Scoping Study

Objectives

This scoping study is the first step of a multiphase, international project aimed at designing a homecare robot that can provide functional support, track physical and psychological well-being, and deliver therapeutic intervention specifically for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

Associations of Alcoholic Beverage Consumption with Dietary Intake,Waist Circumference,and Body Mass Index in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2012

Background

Findings from studies of alcohol and obesity measures (eg, waist circumference [WC] and body mass index [BMI; calculated as kg/m²]) are conflicting. Residual confounding by dietary intake, inconsistent definitions of alcohol consumption across studies, and the inclusion of former drinkers in the nondrinking comparison group can contribute to the mixed literature.

Consumption of alcohol and cardiovascular disease mortality: a 16 year follow-up of 115,592 Norwegian men and women aged 40–44 years

We tested whether teetotalism explains the upturn in cardiovascular risk for non-drinkers and whether wine is a more favorable alcohol type. We studied 115,592 men and women aged 40–44 years who participated in the age 40 program in Norway in 1994–1999 and were followed for an average of 16 years with 550 cardiovascular deaths. Self-reported number of glasses of beer, wine and spirits during 14 days was transformed to alcohol units/day. One unit is approximately 8 grams of pure alcohol. The mean and median number of alcohol units/day were 0.70 and 0.46. Teetotallers had higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than alcohol consumers, multivariate adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) 1.97 (1.52–2.56). The use of alcohol-related deaths as endpoint substantiated a selection of previous alcohol users to the teetotal group. Without teetotallers there was no association between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease mortality. However, the multivariate adjusted hazard ratio per one unit/day of wine was 0.76 (0.58–0.99). The corresponding figures for beer and spirits were 1.04 (0.94–1.15) and 0.98 (0.75–1.29). The upturn in risk for non-drinkers could be explained by a higher risk for teetotallers who likely included previous alcohol users or teetotalers who started to drink during follow-up. Wine gave the most favorable risk estimates.     

Symptoms of Depression Postpartum and 12 years Later-Associations to Child Mental Health at 12 years of Age

Children of depressed mothers have been shown to express behaviour problems to a greater extent than children of non-depressed mothers. The purpose of this study was to examine the persistence of depressive symptoms in mothers and to evaluate the relative importance of symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) and concurrent maternal symptoms of depression, on child behaviour at age 12. A birth cohort of 1,707 children and their mothers was followed from 3 months after birth to 12 years after birth. Self-reported symptoms of depression in mothers were assessed at baseline and 12-year follow-up where 893 mothers (52.3 %) and their children participated. The mothers’ reports on the behaviour of their children at age 12 were used. Multivariate analysis was used to assess factors that increased the risk of child behaviour problems. At baseline, 10.4 % scored above the cutoff for symptoms of postpartum depression. At follow up, 18.2 % scored above the cutoff for depressive symptoms. Multivariate analysis showed that ongoing maternal symptoms of depression, as distinct from PPD-symptoms, was the strongest predictor of child behaviour problems at age 12. The gender of the child and socio-demographic factors at baseline were additional factors that affected the risk of behaviour problems in the 12 year old children. Children of mothers who reported symptoms of depression, both postpartum and at follow-up, were at a greater risk of behaviour problems compared to children of women with no depressive symptoms on either occasion. Our findings indicate that recurrent and ongoing maternal depressive symptoms significantly increase the risk of child behaviour problems as reported by mothers, while symptoms of PPD do not seem to result in an increased risk of behaviour problems in 12 year olds. High maternal socio-demographic life stress at childbirth constitutes an important risk factor for later child behaviour problems.     

Dynapenia and Metabolic Health in Obese and Nonobese Adults Aged 70 Years and Older: The LIFE Study

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dynapenia and metabolic risk factors in obese and nonobese older adults.

Associations between Sleep and Dietary Patterns among Low-Income Children Attending Preschool

BackgroundSleep disturbances and low-quality diets are prevalent among children in low-income settings, yet the nature of their relationship remains unclear. In particular, whether aspects other than sleep duration, including timing and quality, are associated with dietary patterns has rarely been examined, especially among preschool-aged children.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether nightly and total sleep duration, sleep timing, differences in timing and duration from weekdays to weekends, and sleep quality were related to dietary patterns.DesignA cross-sectional analysis of children attending preschool. Parents completed questionnaires about children’s sleep habits as well as a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire.Participants/settingThree hundred fifty-four English-speaking children (49.9% boys) with no serious medical conditions aged 3 to 5 years who were enrolled in Head Start in Michigan (2009-2011) with complete information on sleep and diet.Main outcome measuresDietary pattern scores derived from food frequency questionnaire.Statistical analyses performedPrincipal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Separate linear regression models with dietary pattern scores as the dependent variable and continuous sleep measures as independent variables were used to evaluate associations between sleep and diet, adjusting for sex, age, parent education level, and sleep hygiene.ResultsThree dietary patterns were identified: Vegetables, Healthy Proteins, and Sides; Breads and Spreads; and Processed and Fried. Longer average weekend sleep duration and a greater difference in weekend-to-weekday sleep duration was related to lower Vegetables, Healthy Proteins, and Sides pattern scores. Later sleep midpoint during weekdays was related to lower Vegetables, Healthy Proteins, and Sides pattern scores, whereas later sleep midpoint on the weekend was associated with higher Processed and Fried pattern scores. Similarly, a larger weekend–weekday midpoint difference was associated with higher Processed and Fried pattern scores.ConclusionsLater sleep timing and differences in sleep duration and timing from weekends to weekdays were related to less-optimal dietary pattern scores in young children.     

Sexual Well-Being and Quality of Life Among High-Functioning Adults with Autism

The current research addresses the effect that being in an intimate relationship has on quality of life and well-being among high-functioning young adults on the autism spectrum (HFA). The research included 31 participants: 14 involved in intimate relationships (HFA-R) and 17 not (HFA-NR). In this integrated (quantitative and qualitative) research, participants completed on-line questionnaires on demographics, quality of life and sexuality. We hypothesized that HFA-R will report higher quality of life and sexual well-being than HFA-NR. Further, a correlation was predicted between quality of life (including: satisfaction, productive capacity, social belonging/community inclusion and independence and empowerment) and sexual well-being (including: self-esteem, sexual depression and sexual preoccupation/sexual worries), especially among HFA-R. Despite the lack of significant differences in quality of life, differences were found in the indices’ content areas. There was a higher sense of social belonging/community inclusion among HFA-R, and a positive correlation between sexual well-being and productive capacity among this group. A correlation was found between high productive capacity and low sexual worries among HFA-R, but not among HFA-NR. Contrary to expectations, a positive correlation was found between sexual well-being and satisfaction among HFA-NR, while no such correlation was found among HFA-R. The findings are discussed in the context of healthy sexuality and social development and acclimation of people with HFA. The results highlight the importance of promoting social dialogue and research on the subject.     

Dietary Changes Impact the Gut Microbe Composition in Overweight and Obese Men with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy

Background

Diet and obesity influence prostate cancer risk and progression–effects that may be mediated through the gut microbiome.

Development and Validation of a Technology-Based System for Tracking and Reporting Dietary Intake at School Meals

Objective

This report describes the development and validation of a technology-based system that integrates data on food choice, nutrition, and plate waste to generate feedback reports summarizing students' dietary intake at school meals.

Physiological effects of caffeine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and exercise in overweight and obese women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of a 10-week exercise program with ingestion of caffeine and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and strength in overweight and obese women. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled approach, overweight and obese women (n = 27) were randomly assigned to treatment groups with exercise (an active-supplementing group with exercise (EX-Act) and a placebo group with exercise (EX-PL)) or without exercise (an active-supplementing group without exercise (NEX-Act) and a placebo group without exercise (NEX-PL)). All participants consumed 1 drink per day for 10?weeks; EX-Act and EX-PL participated in a concurrent endurance and resistance training program. Changes in body composition were assessed using a 4-compartment model. Changes in muscle mass (MM) were evaluated using a DXA-derived appendicular lean-soft tissue equation. There was a significant time?× treatment interaction for MM (p = 0.026) and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.047), and a significant time?× training interaction for peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.046) and upper-body and lower-body strength (p?< 0.05). Significant differences between the EX groups and NEX groups for percentage change in MM and peak oxygen consumption, and upper-body and lower-body strength, were revealed. Clinical markers for hepatic and renal function revealed no adverse effects. TC significantly decreased for the active-supplementing groups (EX-Act, NEX-Act). The current study suggests that implementing a caffeine-EGCG-containing drink prior to exercise may improve MM, fitness, and lipid profiles in overweight women.     

Lookism hurts: appearance discrimination and self-rated health in South Korea

Background

Despite a growing body of evidence suggesting that discrimination harms health, the association between appearance discrimination and health has been understudied. Our study investigated the association between perceived appearance discrimination and self-rated health among emerging adults using a nationally representative cohort study in South Korea.

Methods

We analyzed the 2nd-10th (2005–2013) waves of cohort data from the Korean Education Employment Panel (KEEP). KEEP consists of two groups of individuals who were 15 (group I) and 18 (group II) years old at the 1st wave of the survey (2004) and were followed annually. Appearance discrimination was assessed at baseline (19 years old: 5th wave for group I, 2nd wave for group II) and at follow-up (24 years old: 10th wave for group I, 7th wave for group II). Responses of appearance discrimination at the two-time points were classified into four groups: 1) never (no discrimination at both baseline and follow-up); 2) repeated (discrimination at both baseline and follow-up); 3) incident (discrimination only at follow-up); and 4) in error (discrimination only at baseline). Multivariate logistic regression was applied to examine the association between reporting patterns of appearance discrimination and poor self-rated health, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Compared to those who did not experience appearance discrimination, ‘repeated’ (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 2.19–6.27) and ‘incident’ (OR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.99–4.83) groups had a higher odds ratio of poor self-rated health after adjusting for potential confounders including respondents’ body mass index change and baseline self-rated health. However, no significant association was observed among those who reported appearance discrimination ‘in error’.

Conclusions

These results suggest that perceived appearance discrimination is associated with the health of Korean emerging adults considering participants’ reporting patterns of appearance discrimination.