Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide and Ultrasound on Biomass Reduction and Toxin Release in the Cyanobacterium,Microcystis aeruginosa

Cyanobacterial blooms are expected to increase, and the toxins they produce threaten human health and impair ecosystem services. The reduction of the nutrient load of surface waters is the preferred way to prevent these blooms; however, this is not always feasible. Quick curative measures are therefore preferred in some cases. Two of these proposed measures, peroxide and ultrasound, were tested for their efficiency in reducing cyanobacterial biomass and potential release of cyanotoxins. Hereto, laboratory assays with a microcystin (MC)-producing cyanobacterium (Microcystis aeruginosa) were conducted. Peroxide effectively reduced M. aeruginosa biomass when dosed at 4 or 8 mg L⁻¹, but not at 1 and 2 mg L⁻¹. Peroxide dosed at 4 or 8 mg L⁻¹ lowered total MC concentrations by 23%, yet led to a significant release of MCs into the water. Dissolved MC concentrations were nine-times (4 mg L⁻¹) and 12-times (8 mg L⁻¹ H₂O₂) higher than in the control. Cell lysis moreover increased the proportion of the dissolved hydrophobic variants, MC-LW and MC-LF (where L = Leucine, W = tryptophan, F = phenylalanine). Ultrasound treatment with commercial transducers sold for clearing ponds and lakes only caused minimal growth inhibition and some release of MCs into the water. Commercial ultrasound transducers are therefore ineffective at controlling cyanobacteria.     

协定肢伤Ⅰ方口服、热敷治疗四肢闭合损伤大样本随机平行对照研究

[目的]观察协定肢伤I方口服热敷治疗四肢闭合损伤疗效。[方法]使用大样本随机平行对照方法,将2468例门诊及住院患者按掷骰子法随机分为两组。对照组1212例协定肢伤I方(红花、延胡索各15g,桃仁、川芎、赤芍、生三七粉另包冲服、当归、泽泻、桂枝、牛膝、山楂各10g),1剂/d,水煎300mL,早晚温服;蜡疗机熬化粗石蜡装塑料袋敷于患处,12h/次。治疗组1256例协定肢伤I方药渣加水送入湿热敷机内与敷布同煮30min,于伤后或术后24h将敷布外套棉布贴敷于伤处,30min/次,2次/d;协定肢伤I方口服同对照组。连续治疗7d为1疗程。观测临床症状、疼痛积分、肿胀指数、不良反应。治疗1疗程,判定疗效。[结果]治疗组痊愈922例,显效248例,有效63例,无效23例,总有效率98.16%。对照组痊愈705例,显效278例,有效105例,无效124例,总有效率89.76%。治疗组疗效优于对照组(P0.05)。相关指标两组均有改善(P0.05),治疗组改善优于对照组(P0.05)。[结论]协定肢伤I方口服热敷治疗四肢闭合损伤效果显著,值得推广。     

Reorganization of muscle activity in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders

ObjectiveTo investigate whether reorganization of muscle activity occurs in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and, if so, how it is affected by symptomatology severity.MethodsSurface electromyography (sEMG) of masticatory muscles was made in 30 chronic TMD patients, diagnosed with disc displacement with reduction (DDR) and pain. Two 15-patient subgroups, with moderate (TMDmo) and severe (TMDse) signs and symptoms, were compared with a control group of 15 healthy subjects matched by age. The experimental tasks were: a 5 s inter-arch maximum voluntary clench (MVC); right and left 15 s unilateral gum chewing tests. Standardized sEMG indices characterizing masseter and temporalis muscles activity were calculated, and a comprehensive functional index (FI) was introduced to quantitatively summarize subjects’ overall performance. Mastication was also clinically evaluated.ResultsDuring MVC, TMDse patients had a significantly larger asymmetry of temporalis muscles contraction. Both TMD groups showed reduced coordination between masseter and temporalis muscles’ maximal contraction, and their muscular activity distribution shifted significantly from masseter to temporalis muscles. During chewing, TMDse patients recruited the balancing side muscles proportionally more than controls, specifically the masseter muscle. When comparing right and left side chewing, the muscles’ recruitment pattern resulted less symmetric in TMD patients, especially in TMDse. Overall, the functional index of both TMDmo and TMDse patients was significantly lower than that obtained by controls.ConclusionsChronic TMD patients, specifically those with severe symptomatology, showed a reorganized activity, mainly resulting in worse functional performances.     

Age-based normative data for a computerized dynamic posturography system that uses a virtual visual surround environment

Background: Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) is the gold standard to differentiate between sensory, motor, and central adaptive impairments to postural control.

Objective: To obtain normative values in healthy adults age 20–69 for a CDP system that uses a full-field dynamic visual surround. This is in contrast to the mechanically movable visual surround used in traditional CDP systems.

Methods: Fifty healthy adults divided into five age groups were tested during the three test protocols for CDP: sensory organization test (SOT), motor control test (MCT), and adaptation test (ADT). Outcomes were compared across age groups and to published normative CDP values. Repeatability was assessed in five different subjects (23–30 years old) on 2 days, 1 week apart.

Results: Most outcomes were comparable to published norms with notable differences in SOT condition 4 and ADT. SOT composite and conditions 4–6, all MCT translations, and ADT toes up showed moderate to good repeatability (r?=?0.60 to 0.99). Age group and gender differences were not substantial.

Conclusions: Some but not all CDP outcomes with a virtual visual environment were comparable to published norms. The differences are likely related to the virtual surround having a more compelling effect on balance even in conditions with a stationary surround.     

Examining health literacy among urban African-American adolescents with asthma

Objective: This exploratory study assessed health literacy among urban African-American high school students to improve understanding of the association between adolescent health literacy and asthma. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the control group (n = 181) of the Puff City randomized controlled trial (2006–2010), a web-based intervention to promote asthma management among students, grades 9 through 12. A validated self-report 3-item health literacy screening instrument was completed at final online follow-up survey. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between health literacy, demographic characteristics, quality of life, asthma management, and health care utilization. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that an overall inadequate health literacy score was associated with students who were more likely to be younger (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.44–0.84), not on Medicaid (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.17–0.76), have at least one hospitalization (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.07–1.56); and a lower overall quality of life (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.59–0.95). Those lacking confidence in filling out medical forms, needing help reading hospital materials, and having difficulty understanding written information were more likely to not have a rescue inhaler (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25–0.94), have one or more emergency visits (OR 1.21 95% CI 1.02–1.43), and one or more hospitalizations (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.01–1.41), respectively. Conclusions: The findings indicate a significant association between inadequate health literary and suboptimal asthma management. It is important to advance understanding of adolescent health literacy, especially those at-risk, as they assume asthma self-management tasks and move toward independent adult self-care.     

Empagliflozin,a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor,in the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Introduction: Available anti-hyperglycemic therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is currently restricted to insulin, pramlintide, and pancreas or islet cell transplantation. The imperfect replication of normal insulin secretion and glucose control has been a driver for development of other anti-hyperglycemic agents for this population. Empagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is currently under investigation as an add-on therapy to insulin in T1DM.

Areas covered: Within the drug evaluation, the authors describe the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors and preliminary results from studies investigating treatment in rodent models and in individuals with T1DM.

Expert opinion: Studies on adjunct therapeutic effects of empagliflozin in individuals with T1DM are limited, but initial reports show favorable effects on reducing HbA1c, body weight, total daily insulin dose and hypoglycemic events. Intriguingly, this drug may confer a degree of renal protection by reducing glomerular hyperfiltration that can arise in the diabetic state. Currently, the primary concern seems to be the presence of ketone levels indicating an under-insulinized state. Long-term effects can only be inferred from studies in type 2 diabetes mellitus at this time. Empagliflozin represents a novel non-insulin-mediated therapy that warrants further investigation.