Associations between neighbourhood street pattern, neighbourhood socioeconomic status and sleep in adults.

Sleep duration is a risk factor for poor health and all-cause mortality. Evidence suggests that neighbourhood characteristics such as built environment and socioeconomic status (SES) may affect sleep duration in adults. This study examined the relationship between neighbourhood built environment (i.e., measured via the street pattern) and SES with sleep duration in adults (n = 797) from 12 neighbourhoods in Calgary (Canada). Covariate adjusted linear and multinomial logistic regression models estimated the associations between street pattern (grid, warped-grid, curvilinear), SES and sleep duration. We also tested if the interaction between street pattern and SES was associated with sleep duration. Although neighbourhood street pattern and neighbourhood SES were not independently associated with sleep, the interaction between street pattern and neighbourhood SES, was associated with mean sleep duration. Individuals living in curvilinear low SES neighbourhoods had the shortest sleep duration (6.93 h per day; 95% CI 6.68, 7.18), while those living in curvilinear high SES neighbourhoods slept the longest (7.43 h per day; 95% CI 7.29, 7.57). Neighbourhood street pattern and SES, as well as their interaction, were not associated with the odds of sleeping shorter or longer than 7 to 8 h per day. Our findings suggest that the combined effect of the neighbourhood built environment and SES is potentially important for influencing sleep duration. More research is needed to understand the complex interrelationships between the built environment, SES, and sleep.

Knee confidence in youth and young adults at risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis 3-10 years following intra-articular knee injury.

OBJECTIVES: To examine differences in knee confidence between individuals with a history of youth sport-related knee injury and uninjured controls. DESIGN: Historical cohort study. METHODS: Participants include 100 individuals who sustained a youth sport-related intra-articular knee injury 3-10 years previously and 100 age-, sex- and sport-matched uninjured controls. Outcomes included: Knee confidence (Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score); fat mass index (FMI; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry); and weekly physical activity (modified Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Questionnaire). Mean within-pair differences (95% CI) were calculated for all outcomes. Unadjusted and adjusted (FMI and physical activity) conditional (matched-design) logistic regression (OR 95% CI) examined the association between injury history and knee confidence. RESULTS: Median age of participants was 22 years (range 15-26) and median age at injury was 16 years (range 9-18). Forty-nine percent (95% CI; 39.0, 59.0) of previously injured participants were bothered by knee confidence, compared to 12% (5.5, 18.5) of uninjured participants. Although there was no between group difference in physical activity, injured participants had higher FMI compared to controls (within-pair difference; (95% CI): 1.05kg/m2; (0.53, 1.57)). Logistic regression revealed that injured participants had 5.0 (unadjusted OR; 95% CI; 2.4, 10.2) and 7.5 times (adjusted OR; 95% CI: 2.7, 21.1) greater odds of being bothered by knee confidence than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Knee confidence differs between individuals with a previous youth sport-related knee injury and healthy controls. Knee confidence may be an important consideration for evaluating osteoarthritis risk after knee injury and developing secondary prevention strategies.

Dog-walking and sense of community in neighborhoods: implications for promoting regular physical activity in adults 50 years and older.

This study investigates whether dog-ownership and neighborhood characteristics are associated with sense of community (SC) and neighborhood-based recreational walking (NRW) for older adults. A random sample of adults ≥50 years of age (n=884) provided information on SC, dog-related factors, neighborhood walking, and socio-demographics in telephone and postal surveys. Associations between dog-ownership, neighborhood characteristics, and NRW were estimated using logistic regression (i.e., odds ratios (OR)). Frequent dog-walkers (≥4 times/wk) were more likely than those not owning a dog to report a heightened SC (OR=1.94, p<.05) and to achieve ≥150min/wk of NRW (OR=10.68, p<.05). SC was also tested but not found to mediate associations between neighborhood characteristics, dog-ownership and NRW. Older adults who walk dogs often in their neighborhoods may benefit from both increased physical activity and heightened sense of community to an extent that supports healthy aging. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore directions of associations among these factors.

Effect of a dairy- and calcium-rich diet on weight loss and appetite during energy restriction in overweight and obese adults: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A diet rich in dairy and calcium (Ca) has been variably associated with improvements in body composition and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to determine if a dietary pattern high in dairy and Ca improves weight loss and subjective appetite to a greater extent than a low dairy/Ca diet during energy restriction in overweight and obese adults with metabolic syndrome. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 49 participants were randomized to one of two treatment groups: Control (low dairy, ≈ 700 mg/day Ca, -500 kcal/day) or Dairy/Ca (high dairy, ≈ 1400 mg/day Ca, -500 kcal/day) for 12 weeks. Body composition, subjective ratings of appetite, food intake, plasma satiety hormones, glycemic response and inflammatory cytokines were measured. RESULTS: Control (-2.2 ± 0.5 kg) and Dairy/Ca (-3.3 ± 0.6 kg) had similar weight loss. Based on self-reported energy intake, the percentage of expected weight loss achieved was higher with Dairy/Ca (82.1 ± 19.4%) than Control (32.2 ± 7.7%; P=0.03). Subjects in the Dairy/Ca group reported feeling more satisfied (P=0.01) and had lower dietary fat intake (P=0.02) over 12 weeks compared with Control. Compared with Control, Dairy/Ca had higher plasma levels of peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY, P=0.01) during the meal tolerance test at week 12. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was reduced at 30 min with Dairy/Ca compared with Control (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a dairy- and Ca-rich diet was not associated with greater weight loss than control. Modest increases in plasma PYY concentrations with increased dairy/Ca intake, however, may contribute to enhanced sensations of satisfaction and reduced dietary fat intake during energy restriction.

Sex- and age-specific seasonal variations in physical activity among adults.

BACKGROUND: To examine seasonal variations in self-reported physical activity among an urban population of Calgarian adults. METHOD: Telephone surveys were conducted with two independent random cross-sectional samples of adults in summer and autumn 2007 (n=2199) and in winter and spring 2008 (n=2223). Participation and duration of walking for recreation (WR), walking for transportation (WT), moderate (MODPA) and vigorous physical activity (VIGPA) undertaken in a usual week were captured. Seasonal comparisons of participation related to these activities and sufficient MODPA (≥210 min/week) and VIGPA (≥90 min/week) physical activity were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared with winter, participation in WR was significantly (p<0.05) more likely in summer (OR 1.42), autumn (OR 1.35) and spring (OR 1.40), WT was more likely in autumn (OR 1.27), and MODPA was more likely in summer (OR 1.42). Achievement of sufficient MODPA was significantly more likely in summer (OR 1.80), autumn (OR 1.31) and spring (OR 1.24). Although there was no seasonal variation in sufficient VIGPA overall, variations in seasonal pattern among sub-populations were observed. Sex- and age-specific seasonal patterns in physical activity were also found. CONCLUSION: Measuring physical activity throughout the year, rather than at one time point, would more accurately monitor physical activity and assist in developing seasonally appropriate physical activity interventions. Moreover, in countries that experience extreme weather conditions, creating physical activity-friendly environments that help overcome these conditions might contribute to year-long physical activity participation.

Childhood obesity: perceptions held by the public in Calgary, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perceptions about causes and prevention of childhood obesity held by the adult public in Calgary, Canada. DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional survey design, adults were recruited from a shopping mall located in a region of Calgary, Alberta characterized by mixed ethnic and socio-economic residents. SUBJECTS: 264 adults in Calgary, Canada. MEASUREMENTS: Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that involved rating the importance of 25 potential causes of obesity and 13 potential preventive measures, using a four-point Likert scale anchored by "not important" and "very important". Demographic information including age, sex, educational level, parental status, and self-reported weight and height was also collected. RESULTS: Principal components analysis of questionnaire items revealed five "cause" factors ('parental responsibility', 'over-consumption and media promotion of unhealthy foods', 'misuse/overuse of modern technology', 'children's lack of knowledge and motivation', 'physical activity environment') and two "prevention" factors ('healthy public/private policy and targeted intervention', and 'media campaigns and compulsory physical education'). Tests for group differences revealed that women ranked 'over-consumption of unhealthy foods and media influence' and 'physical activity environment' as more important causes of childhood obesity than men. Additionally, persons classified as obese ranked 'misuse/overuse of modern technology' and 'healthy public/private policy and targeted intervention' as more important than those persons classified as under/normal weight. CONCLUSION: By providing a snapshot of views held by the public regarding childhood obesity in this large Canadian city, this study offers preliminary guidance about publicly acceptable intervention strategies for use by health promotion researchers and policy-makers.

Physical fitness and health indices in children, adolescents and adults with high or low motor competence.

The overall purpose of the study was to examine if individuals with low motor competence achieve age-adequate fitness and health. A group of 149 children, adolescents, and adults with low or high motor competence participated in motor, fitness, and health assessments. Individuals with low motor competence did not differ on their basic physiological health parameters, but they had less optimal levels of overall health and fitness indices than those with high motor competence. As a function of age, musculoskeletal fitness was significantly compromised for the low motor competence group. The metabolic indices suggested that the low motor competence group had significantly higher BMI's compared to the high motor competence group. Motor skills and static balance were significant predictors of the BMI. Exercise intensity differed between children in the low and high motor competence group. The findings suggest that individuals with low motor competence have compromised health-related fitness. In order to discriminate between individuals with high and low motor competence, fitness assessment should include at least back extension, curl ups, and sit and reach. In addition, health-related fitness measurements such as BMI, waist circumference, blood lipid profile and bone mineral density are also recommended.

Hairy cell interactions with extracellular matrix: expression of specific integrin receptors and their role in the cell's response to specific adhesive proteins.

Integrin/extracellular-matrix interactions are central to the migration, localization, and subsequent function of lymphocytes within tissues. In hairy cell leukemia (HCL) the malignant cells display a highly characteristic tissue distribution in which interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM) are often prominent. Therefore, we used HCL as a model in which to investigate the poorly understood integrin/ECM interactions that underlie the migratory behavior of malignant B lymphocytes. Using a combined approach involving immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and immunoprecipitation analysis, hairy cells (HCs) were shown to have a consistent and distinctive phenotype (mainly alpha 4 beta 1, alpha 5 beta 1, alpha v beta 1, and alpha v beta 3). Furthermore, functional studies utilising adhesion assays, time-lapse video-microscopy and image analysis showed that the HCs displayed very specific adhesive behaviour in response to relevant adhesive protein ligands. HCs were able to adhere to different extents on all the adhesive proteins examined, but, on laminin and collagen, binding was weak with little cytoplasmic spreading. In contrast, the cells showed strong adhesion both to fibronectin (FN) and to vitronectin (VN). On FN, the cells spread extensively with nonpolarized cytoplasmic projections, whereas on VN cytoplasmic projections were markedly polarized. This polarized morphology was shown to reflect cell motility. Investigation of the role of individual integrin receptors in the cell movement response suggested that alpha v beta 3 is the major integrin responsible for this motile behavior. These results are discussed in relation to the limited previous data on leukemic and activated B-cell integrins, and we suggest that the HC integrins play a significant role in the characteristic behavior of HCs within tissues.

Autologous bone marrow transplantation for myeloma patients using PNA- and CD19-purged marrow rescue.

A new method of in vitro bone marrow purging using a lectin and monoclonal antibody in combination has been used for the first time in vivo. Two patients with advanced myeloma were treated with high-dose melphalan and total body irradiation and then rescued with autologous bone marrow which had been purged in vitro to remove malignant cells by using a combination of a plasma cell-binding lectin (peanut agglutinin, PNA) and the anti-B lymphocyte monoclonal antibody anti-CD19, bound to magnetised microspheres. Both patients showed rapid engraftment of the purged bone marrow and remain well 36 and 46 months later with normal bone marrow morphology, although one patient still has a low level of circulating paraprotein. This is a promising form of therapy for what has been an invariably fatal condition.

The function of c-fms in hairy-cell leukemia: macrophage colony-stimulating factor stimulates hairy-cell movement.

Hairy cells (HCs) and some activated B cells express high levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) (CSF-1) receptor, but the functional effects of the cytokine on B cells have not been previously identified. Using video microscopy, image analysis, and migration assays, M-CSF was shown to induce chemokinetic and chemotactic movement of HCs. This movement response involved transition to a highly mobile, rounded cell form and was accompanied by distinctive changes in F-actin polymerization and distribution. Furthermore, the M-CSF-induced motility was substantially modified by the adhesive protein used as a substratum and involved qualitative changes in the function of the alpha v beta 3 integrin of HCs. It is suggested that the findings are relevant to the pathophysiology of hairy-cell leukemia (HCL) in particular, and to the biology of B-cell migration in general.

Musculoskeletal origins of chronic pelvic pain. Diagnosis and treatment.

Musculoskeletal dysfunctions often contribute to the signs and symptoms of chronic pelvic pain and in many cases may be the primary cause. The traditional team approach to chronic pelvic pain has not, however, routinely included a practitioner skilled in musculoskeletal examination and treatment. Characteristics of musculoskeletal pain are reviewed as are specific dysfunctions commonly found to produce lower abdominal and pelvic floor pain. A screening examination is presented to assist the gynecologic physician in identifying patients who may benefit from physical therapy.

A method for clinical purging of myeloma bone marrow using peanut agglutinin as an anti-plasma cell agent, in combination with CD19 monoclonal antibody.

Previous studies have shown that the lectin peanut agglutinin (PNA) binds bone marrow plasma cells in the majority of patients with myeloma and does not bind to normal haemopoietic progenitors. This lectin has been used in combination with anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody (moAb) in a system for purging myeloma bone marrow. This has now been scaled up for application to ex vivo treatment of large volumes of bone marrow suitable for autologous bone marrow transplantation. Four bone marrow harvests from patients with myeloma containing 9.5 +/- 4.9% plasma cells were depleted of erythrocytes and mature granulocytes by Ficoll separation using the Haemonetics V50 cell separator. The mononuclear fraction was then purged with magnetic beads coated with PNA and anti-CD19 moAb. The system proved highly efficient with removal of all detectable plasma cells and CD19+ cells. Average mononuclear cell recovery following purging was 71% of the concentrated marrow with 78% yield of CFU-GM. Normal progenitor recovery related to patients' weight is predicted to be adequate for haemopoietic reconstitution following ablative chemoradiotherapy. This system is therefore feasible for large-scale clinical purging.

Effective concentration of bone marrow mononuclear cells using density gradient separation within an automated cell separator.

An effective method for concentrating bone marrow is described. Concentration was achieved using an intermittent flow cell separator. Elimination of mature haemopoietic cells was enhanced by the addition of a density separation medium (Ficoll-metrizoate) which was then removed by washing. All procedures were undertaken using the cell separator, this allowed for standardization of procedure and less manipulation which is associated with enhanced mononuclear cell recovery and less risk of microbial contamination. Mature granulocytes were depleted by 86.8% and red cells by 97.7% whilst mononuclear cells showed a 49% recovery. Marrows processed in this way and subsequently purged and/or cyropreserved were shown to successfully engraft when reinfused.

Continuous flow cell separator use for bone marrow processing.

Many techniques have been described for processing bone marrow prior to transplantation, purging or cryopreservation. Effective techniques incorporate centrifugation and, or, density separation to produce an ideal marrow concentrate. We report on the use of a continuous flow cell separator (COBE Spectra) for marrow processing. Preliminary results indicate that the improved technology incorporated in this machine together with the new algorithm control of its collection functions allows for rapid collection of an ideal marrow concentrate. The addition of an inert sedimenting agent prior to processing enhances differential mononuclear cell collection and elimination of red blood cells and granulocytes. By this technique a volume depletion of 87% was achieved with recovery of 76.4% mononuclear cells and 86.5% CFU-GM progenitor cells. Marrow processed in this manner has been successfully transplanted; patients receiving such marrow show no delay in engraftment and their grafts have been sustained.

Ascaris suum antigens incorporated into liposomes used to stimulate protection to migrating larvae.

Four- to 8-week-old SPF pigs were immunized, using antigens of Ascaris suum incorporated into liposomes, via intestinal cannula or orally. Avridine was also incorporated in the liposomes in one experiment and interleukin-2 (IL-2) injected into pigs in another experiment. A priming dose of embryonate eggs (80-470 eggs/pig) were given in four of six experiments. Compared to control animals, the greatest protection of pigs to migrating ascarid larvae from a challenge dose of 10,000 embryonated eggs occurred where pigs received (1) a priming dose of eggs plus second-stage ascarid larval wall incorporated into liposomes, with or without avridine or IL-2, or (2) a priming dose of eggs plus ascarid intestinal aminopeptidase incorporated into liposomes with IL-2. The degree of protection was not statistically significant due, in part, to the variability in the responses of animals in the same treatment groups and the small number of animals per group. In general, only low titers of specific serum antibodies were detected and specific antibodies were not detected in the intestinal washing.

Bordetella bronchiseptica and toxigenic type D Pasteurella multocida as agents of severe atrophic rhinitis of swine.

Bordetella bronchiseptica and toxigenic type-D Pasteurella multocida were cultured from pigs in each of five herds diagnosed as having severe atrophic rhinitis (AR). B. bronchiseptica alone, P. multocida alone, or both organisms isolated from four herds were inoculated intranasally into 1-week-old gnotobiotic pigs which were necropsied 4 weeks post-inoculation (PI). Nasal turbinate atrophy in B. bronchiseptica-inoculated pigs was moderate to severe, while P. multocida-inoculated pigs had slight to severe atrophy. Pigs inoculated with both organisms had moderate to complete turbinate atrophy. P. multocida was reisolated at necropsy from all pigs receiving the organism except those having no turbinate damage. B. bronchiseptica and P. multocida from a fifth herd were simultaneously inoculated into six naturally farrowed 6-day-old SPF pigs. Necropsy performed 4 weeks PI revealed severe to complete turbinate atrophy. Nasal turbinates were normal for control pigs in both experiments.

Immunity of swine to Ascaris suum.

Swine were hyperimmunized to Ascaris suum by giving multiple oral inoculations of embryonated eggs. Sera and lymphocyte lysate from these pigs were administered parenterally to 4-week-old pigs. The latter animals were no more resistant to larval migration than control pigs receiving sera or lymphocyte lysate from non-immunized pigs. Other pigs were infected with transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus, allowed to recover and challenged with embryonated ascarid eggs. They likewise were no more resistant to ascarid larval migration than control pigs.

Blocking of nonspecific IgG in indirect radioimmunoassay for detecting Ascaris suum antigens.

The sensitivity of an indirect radioimmunoassay (IRIA) used for detecting larval body wall (LBW) antigens of Ascaris suum was enhanced by using various blocking agents which prevented nonspecific binding of immunoglobulin G (IgG) or free 125I without preventing binding of specific antibodies to the antigen. The use of blocking agents reduced counts for both positive and negative sera, resulting in an increase in calculated binding ratios (BR) and deltas and, thus, in the sensitivity of the assay. The relative effectiveness of blocking agents, in decreasing order, were turkey serum (TS), rabbit gamma globulin (RGG), rabbit whole serum (RS), bovine serum albumin (BSA), rabbit IgG (RIgG), bovine alpha globulin (BAG), bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and Tween-20.

A repartitioning agent to improve performance and carcass composition of broilers.

Clenbuterol [benzyl alcohol, 4-amino-alpha-(t-butylamino)methyl-3,5-dichloro] was tested in the finisher ration of broilers in three series of experiments for its effects on performance and carcass characteristics. In Experiment 1, administration of clenbuterol at feed levels of .25, .5, 1, 2, and 4 ppm from 28 to 49 days of age resulted in significant sex combined weight gain improvements at all levels except 4 ppm and significant feed efficiency improvements at all levels tested. Uneviscerated body composition analysis indicated that clenbuterol treatment significantly increased body protein and water content and decreased body fat in female birds. In males, body fat was significantly reduced by 1, 2, and 4 ppm clenbuterol. From these results the 1 ppm level was selected for further testing. In Experiments 2 and 3, clenbuterol fed from 28 to 49 days of age significantly improved sex combined weight gain and feed efficiency and both male and female 49-day weights. Carcass yield was significantly increased in males and females by 1.11 and 1.91 percentage points, respectively. Abdominal fat was significantly reduced by clenbuterol feeding only in females. Carcass analysis indicated that clenbuterol-fed birds had a significantly lower carcass fat content. In Experiments 4 to 7, clenbuterol was administered at 1 ppm in the finishing feed but was withdrawn 3 to 5 days prior to terminal performance and carcass evaluations. Clenbuterol significantly improved sex combined weight gain and feed efficiency, and 49-day weights for both sexes. Carcass yield was significantly increased in males and females by .54 and .98 percentage points, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)