Objectively measured daily-life physical activity of moderate-to-severe Brazilian asthmatic women in comparison to healthy controls: A cross-sectional study

Considering the complex relationship between asthma symptoms and exercise, asthmatics are usually believed to be less active in daily life than healthy subjects. However, few studies have objectively assessed daily-life physical activity (DLPA) of asthmatic adults. Objective: To objectively assess DLPA of a sample of Brazilian asthmatic women in comparison to healthy controls, and to investigate the associations between DLPA and asthma control, health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression levels, and the Six-minute walk test (6MWT) in this population. Methods: Sixty-six women were included, 36 in the asthma group (AG) and 30 in the control group (CG). The AG was composed by clinically stable moderate-to-severe asthmatics. The CG was composed by apparently healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent DLPA assessment (considered as the average of steps taken during six consecutive days measured by a pedometer) and performed the 6MWT. Additionally, participants in the AG were assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire, the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: There was no difference between the AG and the CG regarding DLPA (7490.3 ± 3330.2 vs 6876.4 ± 3242.1 steps respectively, p = 0.45), even after adjustment for covariates. DLPA was significantly correlated to the activity limitation domain of the AQLQ among asthmatics (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Despite the association between self-perceived activity limitation and DLPA among asthmatics, there were no differences regarding DLPA between a sample of moderate-to-severe Brazilian asthmatic women and apparently healthy controls.     

戒烟时间对稳定期重度慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者运动耐力的影响

目的 通过比较重度慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)男性患者戒烟6个月时与戒烟12个月时两次测得相关肺功能指标及心肺运动试验(cardiopulmonary exercise test,CPET)结果,探讨戒烟时间对稳定期重度COPD患者运动耐力的影响.方法 随访52例处于稳定期的重度COPD男性患者,分别于其戒烟6个月时及戒烟12个月时两次进行静态常规肺功能(pulmonary function test,PFT)及CPET,测定相关肺通气功能参数、心肺运动功能参数,并将两次测得数据进行配对样本t检验.结果 ①此52例COPD患者于戒烟6个月时和戒烟12个月时两次测得的PFT结果显示,FEV1、FEV1％pred、FEV1/FVC、D(1.)CO两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).戒烟12个月时的IC[(2.21±0.62)L]高于戒烟6个月时的IC[(1.83±0.47)L],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).戒烟12个月时的RV[(4.02±0.82)L]、TLC[(7.30±1.21)L]、RV/TLC[(51.43±7.67)％]均低于戒烟6个月时的RV[(4.75±0.26) L]、TLC[(7.71±0.84)L]、RV/TLC[(56.33±8.79)％],差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);②CPET测定结果显示,此52例COPD患者戒烟12个月时的Peak Load[(91.21±15.12)W]、Peak(v)O2[(1 327.21±281.42) ml/min]、Peak(v)O2 ％pred[(63.07±17.15)％]、Peak(v)O2/kg[(21.58±4.13)ml·min-1·kg-1]、Peak(v)E[(38.33±8.79)L/min]、dO2/dW1[(8.67±0.73)ml·min-1·watt-1]、Peak O2 pulse[(10.62±2.67)ml/beat]均高于戒烟6个月时的Peak Load[(81.26±16.32)w]、Peak (v)O2 [(1075.18±276.45) ml/min]、Peak(v)O2 ％pred[(54.13±16.14)％]、Peak(v)O2/kg[( 17.49±4.37)ml·min-1·kg-1]、Peak(v)E[(34.29±7.12)L/min]、dO2/dW1[(8.51±0.72)ml·min-1·watt-1]、Peak O2 pulse[(9.57±2.47)ml/beat],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)；戒烟12个月时的Lowest(v)E/(v)CO2[(28.38±3.4)]低于戒烟6个月时的Lower(v)E/(v)CO2[(31.5±3.21)],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);③PFT中IC改善值与CPET中Peak(v)O2、Peak(v)O2/kg、Peak(v)E、Lowest(v)E/(v)CO2的改善值有良好的相关性,而FEV1的改善值与上述CPET的参数改善无显著相关.结论 戒烟时间的长短能影响COPD患者综合心肺能力和运动耐量,戒烟对于重度COPD患者仍有较大意义.IC值对于预估COPD患者的运动耐力受损程度有较大意义.     

广东省龙川县1620例宫颈癌机会性筛查结果分析

目的研究龙川县接受宫颈癌机会性筛查的妇女宫颈癌及癌前病变的发病状况,并探讨液基细胞学检查（TCT）及阴道镜等在宫颈癌筛查和诊断中的临床意义及应用价值。方法收集分析龙川县人民医院2008年1月-2013年6月妇科门诊进行宫颈癌机会性筛查的1620例病例,对TCT阳性者进行阴道镜下宫颈活检及病理检查,确诊宫颈病变及宫颈癌。结果 1620例受检者中,TCT阳性为258例（15.9%）,活检证实为宫颈上皮内瘤变（CIN）者64例（3.95%）,宫颈浸润癌2例（0.12%）。在TCT阳性（258例）病例中,阴道镜检出异常者130例（50.4%）,其中活检结果为湿疣17例、CIN或浸润癌72例,阴道镜与活检诊断符合率为68.4%（89/130）。此外,不同年龄组对比发现宫颈癌发病率差异有显著性（P〈0.05）,定期筛查组（各机关事业单位及部分企业计划定期普查发现宫颈癌前病变及宫颈癌患者）阳性检出率显著低于非定期筛查组（随机抽查同期来龙川县人民医院就诊发现宫颈癌前病变及宫颈癌患者）（P〈0.05）。结论宫颈癌前病变及早期宫颈癌高发年龄在30~49岁,TCT结合阴道镜检查是较好的宫颈癌筛查手段之一。开展宫颈癌前病变定期筛查工作能显著降低宫颈癌的发生和发展机率。     

Mechanisms of type 2 diabetes resolution after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for the reduction of weight and resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM). The objective of this study was to longitudinally assess hormonal and tissue responses after RYGB.MethodsEight patients (5 with T2 DM) were studied before and after RYGB. A standardized test meal (STM) was administered before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months. Separately, a 2-hour hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (E-clamp) and a 2-hour hyperglycemic clamp (H-clamp) were performed before and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was infused during the last hour of the H-clamp. Body composition was assessed with DXA methodology.ResultsEnrollment body mass index was 49±3 kg/m² (X±SE). STM glucose and insulin responses were normalized by 3 and 6 months. GLP-1 level increased dramatically at 1, 3, and 6 months, normalizing by 12 and 15 months. Insulin sensitivity (M of E-clamp) increased progressively at 3–12 months as fat mass decreased. The insulin response to glucose alone fell progressively over 12 months but the glucose clearance/metabolism (M of H-clamp) did not change significantly until 12 months. In response to GLP-1 infusion, insulin levels fell progressively throughout the 12 months.ConclusionThe early hypersecretion of GLP-1 leads to hyperinsulinemia and early normalization of glucose levels. The GLP-1 response normalizes within 1 year after surgery. Enhanced peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin starts at 3 months and is associated with fat mass loss. β-cell sensitivity improves at 12 months and after the loss of ≈33% of excess weight. There is a tightly controlled feedback loop between peripheral tissue sensitivity and β-cell and L-cell (GLP-1) responses.     

Measurement of partner compatibility: further validation and refinement of the CQ test

Abstract

The Compatibility Quotient (CQ) was developed to assess the degree of similarity within an established or potential couple across domains likely to be important in determining long-term happiness. Validity was supported by correlations with Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment scores and norms presented that enabled CQ scores to be arranged on a normal curve similar to that used for IQ (intelligence) ratings. Here we replicate the validity findings with an independent, larger and more representative sample of British couples (N = 204), compare item validities with ratings of perceived importance of the various issues, and consider the claims of five new items for inclusion within the CQ. A revised (Mark 2) CQ questionnaire consisting of 25 revised items is recommended for future use.     

A new assessment for syndesmosis injury – The ‘Chertsey test’

IntroductionIf a syndesmosis injury is not detected, or not treated appropriately, it can lead to pain and arthritis. Various techniques have been described to look for the presence of a syndemosis injury. If concern is raised regarding malreduction, the most recognised way of checking accuracy of the reduction (of the fibula into the incisura) is bilateral postoperative ankle CT scans. This not only exposes the patient to further radiation, but can normally only be done once the surgery is completed and so if adjustment is needed, this requires a further operation, encompassing further surgical risks.We developed a simple assessment, which both gives accurate intra-operative demonstration of an injury to the syndesmosis and also can check how well the fibula has been reduced (if required), without the need for further radiological investigation or surgical intervention.The objectives were to test how easy it was to perform the test and apply it to a number of different ankle fractures.MethodsPeri-operatively, 2–4 ml of contrast medium was injected into the ankle joint in cases where there was concern about injury to the syndesmosis. If there was a ‘positive’ test, and a ‘blush’ of dye leaked into the surrounding soft tissues, then fixation of the syndesmosis was performed (as per the surgeon's preferred technique). After fixation was completed, a further injection of contrast medium was injected to see if the fibular had been anatomically reduced into its incisura. The test was performed on 15 ankles.ResultsThere were no difficulties in performing the test and no complications reported. The test clearly demonstrated where there had been an injury to the syndesmosis and also confirmed the accurate reduction of the fibula when there had been stabilisation of the syndesmosis.ConclusionsIt has proved to be an easy and reliable adjunct to ankle fixation surgery and may have further indications.