Is MIBG a substrate of P-glycoprotein?

Purpose Radionuclide therapy with ¹³¹I-labelled meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([¹³¹I]MIBG) is effective in cases where it is difficult to carry out surgical resection or debulking of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). However, it has recently been reported that P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is expressed in these NETs. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether MIBG is a substrate of P-gp or not. In this study, using a human cell line which overexpresses P-gp, LLC-GA5-COL150, we investigated this question. Methods The transcellular transport and accumulation of [¹²⁵I]MIBG were measured using monolayer cultures grown in Transwell chambers. [¹²⁵I]MIBG was added to either the basolateral or the apical side, aliquots of the incubation medium on the other side were taken at specified times, and the radioactivity was measured. For accumulation experiments, the cells on the filters were solubilised and the radioactivity in aliquots was measured. Results There were no significant differences in the transport of MIBG between LLC-PK₁ and LLC-GA5-COL150 monolayers in either direction until 60 min. With respect to the accumulation of MIBG, there were no significant differences between LLC-PK₁ and LLC-GA5-COL150 cells in either direction. Conclusion MIBG is not a substrate of P-gp. Therefore, radionuclide therapy with MIBG would be useful in the treatment of NETs expressing P-gp.     

Is there a long-term health legacy of required physical education?

This article documents current literature on the potential long-term effects of school physical education on various outcomes in adults. A first observation is the rarity of publications on this topic. Nevertheless, the available literature suggests that physical education should offer a variety of either lifelong physical activities or sports in order to reach children with differing interests. In some children, competitive sports may generate a lifelong interest in physical activity, but most children may be better socialized by lifelong physical activities. In order to expose children to such a wide choice of physical activities, more time should be allocated to physical education instruction. Substantial further research is needed to increase our understanding of the long-term impact of school physical education programmes.     

Is a lateral view essential in management of hip fracture?

Introduction

Neck of femur accounts to about 86,000 cases per annum in UK. AP and lateral radiographs form an essential investigation in planning the management of these fractures. Recently it has been suggested that lateral view does not provide any additional information in majority of the cases.

Materials and methods

We looked retrospectively at 25 consecutive radiographs with intracapsular and extracapsular fracture neck of femur each presenting to our department between May 2010 and January 2011. These radiographs were put on the CD in 2 folders as AP and lateral. It was reviewed by 2 observers who suggested their preferred treatment. The results were compared for the intra observer agreement to assess the necessity of the lateral view of the radiographs. We also compared the treatment options with the gold standard.

Results

Our results showed that lateral view did not make any difference in the management in majority of the cases with excellent agreement based on kappa statistics.

Conclusion

We feel that the lateral view does not make any difference in most of the cases as shown by a good intraobserver agreement.     

Is compressive load a factor in the development of tendinopathy?

Tendons are designed to take tensile load, but excessive load can cause overuse tendinopathy. Overuse tendinopathy results in extensive changes to the cells and extracellular matrix, resulting in activated cells, increase in large proteoglycans and a breakdown of the collagen structure. Within these pathological changes, there are areas of fibrocartilaginous metaplasia, and mechanotransduction models suggest that this response could be due to compressive load. As load management is a cornerstone of treating overuse tendinopathy, defining the effect of tensile and compressive loads is important in optimising the clinical management of tendinopathy. This paper examines the potential role of compressive loads in the onset and perpetuation of tendinopathy, and reviews the anatomical, epidemiological and clinical evidence that supports consideration of compressive loads in overuse tendinopathy.     

Is a Dental Health Risk Assessment predictive of dental health?

A complete dental examination is the basis for identifying the dental readiness of Air Force Reserve Command members. Historically, these were done on an infrequent basis. Recently, an annual dental examination has been mandated for all military members. Current dental personnel manning and resources are not sufficient to accomplish this dramatic increase in dental examination workload. To help alleviate this demand, a Dental Health Risk Assessment questionnaire was developed and tested to see if it could accurately screen out a dental problem severe enough to make a member non-worldwide deployable (Dental Readiness Classification of 3). These members would be scheduled for a dental examination first. The questionnaire asked members to self-identify dental health problems. Their answers were compared with the findings from the military dental examination. Unfortunately, the results did not match the survey's expectation. Accurately predicting who needed to be scheduled for a comprehensive dental examination, based on how a member answered the survey questions, was not accomplished. It is hoped that further research and refinement may make a predictive Dental Health Risk Assessment possible.     

Is motivation for marathon a protective factor or a risk factor of injury?

This research investigated whether and how self‐determined motivation predicts perceived susceptibility to injury during competition (marathon). Two correlational studies including 378 (Study 1) and 339 (Study 2) marathon runners were conducted. Participants filled out a questionnaire the day before the race measuring self‐determined motivation, perceived susceptibilities to marathon‐related injury and to keep running through pain, and control variables. Study 1 showed that self‐determined motivation was negatively related to perceived susceptibility to marathon‐related injury. Study 2 replicated this finding and showed that this relationship was partially mediated by perceived susceptibility to keep running through pain during the race. Moreover, results indicated that the predictive role of self‐determination was mostly driven by controlled forms of motivation, and more particularly external regulation. These results suggest that self‐determined motivation for sport is a protective factor of injury.