Waist circumference is associated with locomotive syndrome in elderly females

Background

Central obesity has been proved to be a strong risk factor for numerous health-related problems as well as mortality. However, there have been no studies on the relationship between central obesity and locomotive syndrome (LS). The present study investigated the influence of central obesity on LS.

Methods

A total of 217 females between the ages of 60 and 79 years (mean 68.2 ± 5.0 years) who completed the questionnaires, physical examination and physical performance tests in the Yakumo study in 2011–2012 were enrolled in this study. Participants were assessed according to the 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25), visual analog scale (VAS) for lower back pain (LBP) and knee pain, and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). LS was defined as having a score of >16 points on the GLFS-25. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, % body fat and bone mineral density were measured. Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were calculated. The timed up-and-go test, one-leg standing time with eyes open, 10-m gait time and maximum stride were assessed. Back muscle strength and grip strength were measured. The relationships between obesity-related parameters and GLFS-25, RDQ, VAS and physical performance tests were analyzed.

Results

The GLFS-25, LBP and knee pain showed significant correlation with most of obesity-related parameters. Among obesity-related parameters, WC was most strongly related to the GLFS-25, LBP and knee pain. When participants were stratified by WC, larger WC was significantly associated with a higher GLFS-25 score, higher prevalence of LS and higher VAS for LBP and knee pain as well as poorer results in some physical performance tests even after adjustment by age.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that central obesity is significantly associated with LS, and WC can be a useful parameter to assess the risk of LS in elderly women.     

Delayed renal dysfunction after total body irradiation in pediatric malignancies

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of delayed renal dysfunction after total body irradiation (TBI) in long-term survivors of TBI/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Between 1989 and 2006, 24 pediatric patients underwent TBI as part of the conditioning regimen for HSCT at Chiba University Hospital. Nine patients who survived for more than 5 years were enrolled in this study. No patient had any evidence of renal dysfunction prior to the transplant according to their baseline creatinine levels. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 6 years old (range: 1–17 years old). The follow-up period ranged from 79–170 months (median: 140 months). Renal dysfunction was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The TBI dose ranged from 8–12 Gy delivered in 3–6 fractions over 2–3 d. The patients were treated with linear accelerators in the supine position, and the radiation was delivered to isocentric right–left and left–right fields via the extended distance technique. The kidneys and the liver were not shielded except in one patient with a left adrenal neuroblastoma. No patient required hemodialysis. The eGFR of four patients (44.4%) progressively decreased. The remaining patients did not demonstrate any eGFR deterioration. Only one patient developed hypertension. By evaluating the changes in eGFR, renal dysfunction among long-term survivors of TBI/HSCT could be detected. Our results suggested that the TBI schedule of 12 Gy in 6 fractions over three consecutive days affects renal function.     

Estimation of the functions of viral RNA silencing suppressors by apple latent spherical virus vector

Virus Genes - Apple latent spherical virus (ALSV) is a latent virus with wide host range of plant species. In the present study, we prepared ALSV vectors expressing RNA silencing suppressors (RSSs)...     

Primary orbital neuroblastoma in a 1‐month‐old boy

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor predominantly occurring in children and usually arising from the adrenal gland or sympathetic ganglia. We describe a neuroblastoma in a 1‐month‐old boy arising from his left orbital cavity. This tumor was refractory to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, requiring enucleation of the left eye for complete removal of the intraorbital tumor. Thereafter, he received high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and has been in complete remission for 3 years. Unlike neuroblastomas arising from the adrenal gland or sympathetic ganglia, primary orbital neuroblastoma may be refractory even in early infancy.     

A case of intrahepatic splenosis: usefulness of splenic scintigraphy

Abdominal Radiology - We report a 39-year-old male with intrahepatic and peritoneal splenosis, focusing on scintigraphic findings. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) showed a 3 cm lesion in...     

Effects of dietary fiber on vascular calcification by repetitive diet-induced fluctuations in plasma phosphorus in early-stage chronic kidney disease rats

Vascular calcification progresses under hyperphosphatemia, and represents a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We recently indicated that phosphorus (P) fluctuations also exacerbated vascular calcification in early-stage CKD rats. Dietary fiber intake is reportedly associated with cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the effects of dietary fiber on vascular calcification by repeated P fluctuations in early-stage CKD rats. Unilateral nephrectomy rats were used as an early-stage CKD model. For 36 days, a P fluctuation (LH) group was fed low-P (0.02% P) and high-P (1.2% P) diets alternating every 2 days, and a P fluctuation with dietary fiber intake (LH + F) group was fed low-P and high-P diets containing dietary fiber alternating every 2 days. The effect on vascular calcification was measured calcium content. Effects on uremic toxin were measured levels of indoxyl sulfate (IS) and investigated gut microbiota. The LH + F group showed significantly reduced vessel calcium content compared to the LH group. Further, dietary fiber inhibited increases in blood levels of IS after intake of high-P diet, and decreased uremic toxin-producing intestinal bacteria. Dietary fiber may help suppress progression of vascular calcification due to repeated P fluctuations in early-stage CKD rats by decreasing uremic toxin-producing intestinal bacteria.