Maternal feeding styles in infancy predict child body mass index z-scores at 72 months: findings from a cohort of Jamaican children.

Objective: To explore whether maternal feeding styles at 12 months predict child Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores at 72 months and evaluate whether BMI z-scores at 18 months mediates the association. Methods: Data from 239 mother-child pairs participating in a parenting intervention were analyzed. Feeding information was ascertained at 12 months by questionnaire with feeding styles identified using factor analysis. Children's weight and length/height were measured at 18 and 72 months and BMI z-scores computed. Maternal sociodemographic data, depressive symptoms and language skills were obtained by questionnaire. Multilevel linear regression analysis was used to examine whether feeding styles predicted 72 month BMI z-scores. Complete case analysis was conducted and multiple imputation used to treat missing values of explanatory and outcome variables at 18 and 72 months. Mediational analysis was performed to assess the indirect effects of feeding styles on 72 month BMI z-scores via 18 month BMI z-scores. Results: Restrictive feeding at age 12 months predicted higher 72 month BMI z-scores in both complete case analysis [ß (95%CI): 0.19 (0.02, 0.37)] and multiple imputation [ß (95%CI): 0.20 (0.02, 0.39)]. Uninvolved, forceful, indulgent and responsive feeding styles were not significant predictors of 72 month BMI z-scores. A significant indirect effect was observed between restrictive feeding and child BMI z-scores at 72 months via 18 month BMI z-scores [ß (95% CI) 0.12 (0.03, 0.22)]. Conclusion: Restrictive feeding at 12 months was associated with higher BMI z-scores at 72 months and appeared to be mediated by BMI z-scores at 18 months.

Association of Perceived Neighbourhood Walkability with Self-Reported Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in South African Adolescents.

Adolescence is a life stage critical to the establishment of healthy behaviours, including physical activity (PA). Factors associated with the built environment have been shown to impact PA across the life course. We examined the sociodemographic differences in, and associations between, perceived neighbourhood walkability, PA, and body mass index (BMI) in South African adolescents. We recruited a convenience sample (n = 143; 13-18 years; 65% female) of students from three high schools (middle/high and low-income areas). Participants completed a PA questionnaire and the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS)-Africa and anthropometry measurements. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine various relationships. We found that, compared with adolescents living in middle/high income neighbourhoods, those living in low-income neighbourhoods had lower perceived walkability and PA with higher BMI percentiles. The associations between neighbourhood walkability and PA were inconsistent. In the adjusted models, land use diversity and personal safety were associated with club sports participation, street connectivity was positively associated with school sports PA, and more favourable perceived walkability was negatively associated with active transport. Overall, our findings suggest that the perceived walkability of lower income neighbourhoods is worse in comparison with higher income neighbourhoods, though the association with PA and BMI is unclear.

Sharp Excision and Electrocautery Dermabrasion in the Treatment of Rhinophyma.

What is rhinophyma? Why might an individual seek treatment of rhinophyma? Are surgical or nonsurgical methods preferred when treating rhinophyma? What are the advantages and disadvantages to common surgical techniques in the treatment of rhinophyma?

A cross-sectional analysis of investigator needs for non-communicable disease research at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the needs of academic staff conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) research at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. METHODS: Utilizing a cross-sectional design an online survey was created using the research electronic data capture application (REDCap); it was disseminated via email to 708 academic staff members in the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Science & Technology between September and November 2018. Participants were asked to indicate their level of access to expertise, training and equipment for conducting research. Descriptive analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. RESULTS: Most respondents were women (74.2%), predominantly scientists (33.1%) or specialist physicians (22.6%). Less than 2/3 of respondents reported publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals, with a quarter not disseminating their research findings in any medium. Resources for field research/data collection, epidemiological methods and principles, and data management/data analysis were generally available. However, there was limited access to training, expertise and equipment in emerging techniques for NCD research such as metabolomics, bioinformatics/analysis of large-scale data sets and health economics. Additional challenges included limited access to financing for research, inadequate workspace and poor administrative support for conducting research. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for more local research seed funding, stronger administrative support for researchers, and opportunities for training in cutting edge NCD research techniques. Jamaican researchers could benefit from being part of a regional research centre of excellence with critical research skills and equipment that builds research networks and strengthens the NCD research response.

A cross-sectional analysis of investigator needs for non-communicable disease research at the University of the West Indies, Mona

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To describe the needs of academic staff conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) research at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. Methods. Utilizing a cross-sectional design an online survey was created using the research electronic data capture application (REDCap); it was disseminated via email to 708 academic staff members in the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Science & Technology between September and November 2018. Participants were asked to indicate their level of access to expertise, training and equipment for conducting research. Descriptive analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. Results. Most respondents were women (74.2%), predominantly scientists (33.1%) or specialist physicians (22.6%). Less than 2/3 of respondents reported publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals, with a quarter not disseminating their research findings in any medium. Resources for field research/data collection, epidemiological methods and principles, and data management/data analysis were generally available. However, there was limited access to training, expertise and equipment in emerging techniques for NCD research such as metabolomics, bioinformatics/analysis of large-scale data sets and health economics. Additional challenges included limited access to financing for research, inadequate workspace and poor administrative support for conducting research. Conclusions. There is a need for more local research seed funding, stronger administrative support for researchers, and opportunities for training in cutting edge NCD research techniques. Jamaican researchers could benefit from being part of a regional research centre of excellence with critical research skills and equipment that builds research networks and strengthens the NCD research response.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Describir las necesidades del personal académico que investiga las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) en el Campus de Mona de la Universidad de las Indias Occidentales, en Jamaica. Métodos. Mediante un diseño transversal, se elaboró una encuesta en línea con RedCap, una aplicación para la captura de datos electrónicos para la investigación, y se divulgó por correo electrónico a los 708 miembros del personal académico de las Facultades de Ciencias Médicas y Ciencia y Tecnología entre septiembre y noviembre del 2018. Se pidió a los participantes que indicaran su nivel de acceso a conocimientos, capacitación y equipo para llevar a cabo investigaciones. El análisis descriptivo se realizó con STATA, versión 14. Resultados. La mayoría de los entrevistados fueron mujeres (74,2%), predominantemente científicas (33,1%) o médicas especialistas (22,6%). Menos de dos terceras partes de los entrevistados informó que publicaban los resultados de sus investigaciones en revistas arbitradas y una cuarta parte declaró que no divulgaba los resultados de sus investigaciones en ningún medio. Por lo general, tenían a su disposición recursos para la investigación de campo o la recopilación de datos, métodos y principios epidemiológicos, así como para la gestión y el análisis de datos. Sin embargo, tenían poco acceso a conocimientos, capacitación y equipo en las técnicas emergentes para la investigación sobre ENT como la metabolómica, la bioinformática o el análisis de conjuntos de datos a gran escala y economía de la salud. Otros retos incluyeron poco acceso al financiamiento para la investigación, espacios de trabajo inadecuados y un apoyo administrativo deficiente para investigar. Conclusiones. Se necesita más capital inicial destinado a la investigación local, un mayor respaldo administrativo a los investigadores y oportunidades de capacitación en las técnicas más recientes de investigación de ENT. Los investigadores jamaiquinos podrían sacar provecho de formar parte de un centro regional de excelencia para la investigación con el equipo y las capacidades de investigación fundamentales para contribuir a la formación de redes de investigación y fortalecer la respuesta investigadora a las ENT.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Descrever as carências enfrentadas pelo grupo acadêmico que realiza pesquisa em doenças não transmissíveis (DNT) na Universidade das Índias Ocidentais, campus de Mona, Jamaica. Métodos. Uma pesquisa transversal online foi desenvolvida com o uso da plataforma de captura eletrônica de dados de pesquisa (RedCap) e distribuída por e-mail a 708 integrantes dos grupos acadêmicos nas Faculdades de Ciências Médicas e de Ciência e Tecnologia entre setembro e novembro de 2018. Foi pedido aos participantes que informassem o grau de acesso a conhecimento especializado, capacitação e equipamentos para a realização de pesquisa. Uma análise descritiva foi realizada com o uso do software STATA versão 14. Resultados. Participaram, na sua maioria, mulheres (74,2%), com o predomínio de pesquisadores científicos (33,1%) ou médicos especialistas (22,6%). Menos de 2/3 informaram publicar os resultados de suas pesquisas em periódicos científicos com avaliação por pares e 25% disseram que não divulgavam seus resultados em nenhum veículo. Afirmaram que, em geral, havia recursos para realizar pesquisa de campo/coleta de dados, métodos e procedimentos básicos epidemiológicos e gerenciamento/análise de dados. Porém, era limitado o acesso a capacitação, conhecimentos especializados e equipamentos para empregar métodos emergentes de pesquisa de DNT como metabolômica, bioinformática/processamento em larga escala de grandes conjuntos de dados e economia da saúde. Outras dificuldades citadas foram limitação de financiamento para pesquisa, inadequação dos locais de trabalho e apoio administrativo deficiente à realização de pesquisas. Conclusões. Faz-se necessário mais financiamento para projetos iniciantes locais, firme apoio administrativo aos pesquisadores e oportunidades para capacitação em métodos de ponta de pesquisa de DNT. A situação dos pesquisadores jamaicanos poderia melhorar se fizessem parte de um centro de excelência regional com recursos e equipamentos essenciais para a realização de pesquisa que lhes permitisse formar redes de pesquisadores e fortalecer a resposta da pesquisa de DNT.

A cross-sectional analysis of investigator needs for non-communicable disease research at the University of the West Indies, Mona / Análisis transversal de las necesidades de los investigadores de las enfermedades no transmisibles en la Universidad de las Indias Occidentales en Mona / Uma análise transversal das carências dos pesquisadores envolvidos em pesquisa de doenças não transmissíveis na Universidade das Índias Ocidentais, Mona

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the needs of academic staff conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) research at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. Methods. Utilizing a cross-sectional design an online survey was created using the research electronic data capture application (REDCap); it was disseminated via email to 708 academic staff members in the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Science & Technology between September and November 2018. Participants were asked to indicate their level of access to expertise, training and equipment for conducting research. Descriptive analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. Results. Most respondents were women (74.2%), predominantly scientists (33.1%) or specialist physicians (22.6%). Less than 2/3 of respondents reported publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals, with a quarter not disseminating their research findings in any medium. Resources for field research/data collection, epidemiological methods and principles, and data management/data analysis were generally available. However, there was limited access to training, expertise and equipment in emerging techniques for NCD research such as metabolomics, bioinformatics/analysis of large-scale data sets and health economics. Additional challenges included limited access to financing for research, inadequate workspace and poor administrative support for conducting research. Conclusions. There is a need for more local research seed funding, stronger administrative support for researchers, and opportunities for training in cutting edge NCD research techniques. Jamaican researchers could benefit from being part of a regional research centre of excellence with critical research skills and equipment that builds research networks and strengthens the NCD research response.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir las necesidades del personal académico que investiga las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) en el Campus de Mona de la Universidad de las Indias Occidentales, en Jamaica. Métodos. Mediante un diseño transversal, se elaboró una encuesta en línea con RedCap, una aplicación para la captura de datos electrónicos para la investigación, y se divulgó por correo electrónico a los 708 miembros del personal académico de las Facultades de Ciencias Médicas y Ciencia y Tecnología entre septiembre y noviembre del 2018. Se pidió a los participantes que indicaran su nivel de acceso a conocimientos, capacitación y equipo para llevar a cabo investigaciones. El análisis descriptivo se realizó con STATA, versión 14. Resultados. La mayoría de los entrevistados fueron mujeres (74,2%), predominantemente científicas (33,1%) o médicas especialistas (22,6%). Menos de dos terceras partes de los entrevistados informó que publicaban los resultados de sus investigaciones en revistas arbitradas y una cuarta parte declaró que no divulgaba los resultados de sus investigaciones en ningún medio. Por lo general, tenían a su disposición recursos para la investigación de campo o la recopilación de datos, métodos y principios epidemiológicos, así como para la gestión y el análisis de datos. Sin embargo, tenían poco acceso a conocimientos, capacitación y equipo en las técnicas emergentes para la investigación sobre ENT como la metabolómica, la bioinformática o el análisis de conjuntos de datos a gran escala y economía de la salud. Otros retos incluyeron poco acceso al financiamiento para la investigación, espacios de trabajo inadecuados y un apoyo administrativo deficiente para investigar. Conclusiones. Se necesita más capital inicial destinado a la investigación local, un mayor respaldo administrativo a los investigadores y oportunidades de capacitación en las técnicas más recientes de investigación de ENT. Los investigadores jamaiquinos podrían sacar provecho de formar parte de un centro regional de excelencia para la investigación con el equipo y las capacidades de investigación fundamentales para contribuir a la formación de redes de investigación y fortalecer la respuesta investigadora a las ENT.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever as carências enfrentadas pelo grupo acadêmico que realiza pesquisa em doenças não transmissíveis (DNT) na Universidade das Índias Ocidentais, campus de Mona, Jamaica. Métodos. Uma pesquisa transversal online foi desenvolvida com o uso da plataforma de captura eletrônica de dados de pesquisa (RedCap) e distribuída por e-mail a 708 integrantes dos grupos acadêmicos nas Faculdades de Ciências Médicas e de Ciência e Tecnologia entre setembro e novembro de 2018. Foi pedido aos participantes que informassem o grau de acesso a conhecimento especializado, capacitação e equipamentos para a realização de pesquisa. Uma análise descritiva foi realizada com o uso do software STATA versão 14. Resultados. Participaram, na sua maioria, mulheres (74,2%), com o predomínio de pesquisadores científicos (33,1%) ou médicos especialistas (22,6%). Menos de 2/3 informaram publicar os resultados de suas pesquisas em periódicos científicos com avaliação por pares e 25% disseram que não divulgavam seus resultados em nenhum veículo. Afirmaram que, em geral, havia recursos para realizar pesquisa de campo/coleta de dados, métodos e procedimentos básicos epidemiológicos e gerenciamento/análise de dados. Porém, era limitado o acesso a capacitação, conhecimentos especializados e equipamentos para empregar métodos emergentes de pesquisa de DNT como metabolômica, bioinformática/processamento em larga escala de grandes conjuntos de dados e economia da saúde. Outras dificuldades citadas foram limitação de financiamento para pesquisa, inadequação dos locais de trabalho e apoio administrativo deficiente à realização de pesquisas. Conclusões. Faz-se necessário mais financiamento para projetos iniciantes locais, firme apoio administrativo aos pesquisadores e oportunidades para capacitação em métodos de ponta de pesquisa de DNT. A situação dos pesquisadores jamaicanos poderia melhorar se fizessem parte de um centro de excelência regional com recursos e equipamentos essenciais para a realização de pesquisa que lhes permitisse formar redes de pesquisadores e fortalecer a resposta da pesquisa de DNT.

Level of agreement between adolescents' self-assessment and parent proxy report of health-related quality of life in adolescents with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: We aim to assess the levels of agreement between parents, as proxies, and Jamaican adolescents living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the reporting of the adolescent's quality of life. PROCEDURES: This cross-sectional study assessed 102 patient/proxy pairs on quality of life of adolescents with SCD using the PedsQL-SCD module. The level of agreement among pairs was assessed starting with broad group-level approaches (the Wilcoxon signed-rank test augmented by exploring percentage agreement) tapering to individual-level approaches (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] supplemented with Bland-Altman plots). RESULTS: Most patients (76.5%) had homozygous SS disease (45.1% females; mean age 15.2 ± 1.5 years). Median total pediatric quality of life (PedsQL) scores were 79.1 (adolescent report) and 80.2 (parental report) (P = .60). There were 11.8% underestimation and 12.7% overestimation of overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by parents. The highest perfect agreement existed on the "pain and hurt" domain for both male and female adolescents (85.7% and 84.4%, respectively). Overestimation was highest on the "social communication" domain for both male and female adolescents (19.6% and 34.8%, respectively). Parents exhibited good agreement on total PedsQL scores in male adolescents (ICC = 0.70), but moderate agreement (ICC = 0.43) in female adolescents. Generally, parents underestimated their male child's functioning and overestimated the female child's functioning on the various domains. CONCLUSIONS: Parents and adolescents exhibit fair agreement in assessment of the adolescent's overall HRQOL but differ on subjective domains. Agreement varies by sex of the affected teen where girls' HRQOL is generally overestimated by the parental proxy. Interventions to improve parents' understanding of their children's psychosocial needs are needed.

The impact of exercise intensity on whole body and adipose tissue metabolism during energy restriction in sedentary overweight men and postmenopausal women.

This study aimed to establish whether vigorous-intensity exercise offers additional adipose-related health benefits and metabolic improvements compared to energy-matched moderate-intensity exercise. Thirty-eight sedentary overweight men (n = 24) and postmenopausal women (n = 14) aged 52 ± 5 years (mean ± standard deviations [SD]) were prescribed a 3-week energy deficit (29302 kJ∙week-1) achieved by increased isocaloric moderate or vigorous-intensity exercise (+8372 kJ∙week-1) and simultaneous restricted energy intake (-20930 kJ∙week-1). Participants were randomly assigned to either an energy-matched vigorous (VIG; n = 18) or moderate (MOD; n = 20) intensity exercise group (five times per week at 70% or 50% maximal oxygen uptake, respectively). At baseline and follow-up, fasted blood samples and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained and oral glucose tolerance tests conducted. Body mass was reduced similarly in both groups (∆ 2.4 ± 1.1 kg and ∆ 2.4 ± 1.4 kg, respectively, P < 0.05). Insulinemic responses to a standard glucose load decreased similarly at follow-up relative to baseline in VIG (∆ 8.6 ± 15.4 nmol.120 min.l-1) and MOD (∆ 5.4 ± 8.5 nmol.120 min.l-1; P < 0.05). Expression of SREBP-1c and FAS in adipose tissue was significantly down-regulated, whereas expression of PDK4 and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) was significantly up-regulated in both groups (P < 0.05). Thus, when energy expenditure and energy deficit are matched, vigorous or moderate-intensity exercise combined with energy restriction provide broadly similar (positive) changes in metabolic control and adipose tissue gene expression.

Schneiderian-Type Papilloma of the Middle Ear: A Review of the Literature.

Schneiderian-type papilloma of the middle ear is a rare finding. We present a 46-year-old Aboriginal man with a large tympanic membrane perforation and a Schneiderian-type papilloma filling the middle ear. The aim of this study is to familiarize clinicians with this uncommon disease through discussion of its clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations and management. A search of English-language peer-reviewed literature was undertaken using the key words "Schneiderian-type papilloma," "inverted papilloma," and "middle ear." A total of 29 cases (including the present case) of Schneiderian-type papilloma involving the middle ear were reviewed. Common presenting symptoms include hearing loss, otalgia, and otorrhea. Middle ear disease is associated with higher rates of recurrence and malignant transformation than its sinonasal counterpart. Radical surgical resection is the only curative treatment. Schneiderian-type papilloma is a benign, but locally aggressive, epithelial neoplasm most commonly arising in the sinonasal tract. Whilst involvement of the middle ear is extremely rare, knowledge of this condition is important due to its propensity to recur and the high rate of malignant transformation.

Dramatic tuning of ligand donor properties in (Ttz)CuCO through remote binding of H+ (Ttz = hydrotris(triazolyl)borate).

Complexes with bulky hydrotris(triazolyl)borate (Ttz) ligands, TtzCuCO, were used to probe how acids change the donor properties of Ttz ligands. (Ttz(tBu,Me))CuCO shows four distinct protonation states and a gradual increase in the CO stretch. The increased electrophilic nature of the Cu center upon protonation leads to enhanced C-H activation catalysis.

Inhibition of islet immunoreactivity by adiponectin is attenuated in human type 1 diabetes.

CONTEXT: Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived cytokine with insulin-sensitizing and antiinflammatory properties. These dual actions have not previously been examined in the context of human disease. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to examine the adiponectin axis in type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is an autoimmune inflammatory disease resulting from pancreatic ß-cell destruction, in which insulin resistance associates with progression to disease. DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: We measured circulating adiponectin and adiponectin receptor expression on blood-immune cells from 108 matched healthy, T1D, and type 2 diabetic subjects. We tested adiponectin effect on T cell proliferation to islet antigens and antigen-presenting function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mDCs). Lastly, we assessed the effect of a 3-week lifestyle intervention program on immune cell adiponectin receptor expression in 18 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Circulating concentrations of adiponectin were not affected by T1D. However, expression of adiponectin receptors on blood monocytes was markedly reduced and inversely associated with insulin resistance. Reduced adiponectin receptor expression resulted in increased T cell proliferation to islet-antigen presented by autologous mDCs. We demonstrated a critical role for adiponectin in down-regulating the costimulatory molecule CD86 on mDCs, and this function was impaired in T1D. We proceeded to show that lifestyle intervention increased adiponectin receptor but reduced CD86 expression on monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that T cells are released from the antiinflammatory effects of adiponectin in T1D and suggest a mechanism linking insulin resistance and islet immunity. Furthermore, we suggest that interventions that reduce insulin resistance could modulate the inflammatory process in T1D.

Effect of short-term reduced physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors in active lean and overweight middle-aged men.

OBJECTIVES: An experimental reduction in physical activity is a useful tool for exploring the health benefits of physical activity. This study investigated whether similarly-active overweight men show a more pronounced response to reduced physical activity than their lean counterparts because of their atherogenic phenotype (i.e., greater abdominal adiposity). METHODS: From 115 active men aged 45-64years, we recruited nine active lean (waist circumference <84cm) and nine active central overweight men (waist circumference >94cm). Fasting blood samples and responses to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured at baseline and following one week of reduced physical activity to simulate sedentary levels (removal of structured exercise and reduced habitual physical activity). RESULTS: Glucose and insulin areas under the curve (AUC), CRP, ALT, TAG were all higher in the overweight group and remained so throughout (P<0.05). Insulin and glucose AUC responses to an OGTT, as well as fasting triglyceride (TAG) concentrations, increased in both groups as a result of the intervention (P<0.05). There was no change in interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), Tumour Necrosis Factor-α, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1, or alanine transaminase (ALT). CONCLUSION: One-week of reduced activity similarly-impaired glucose control and increased fasting TAG in both lean and overweight men. Importantly, in spite of very similar (high) levels of habitual physical activity, central overweight men displayed a poorer profile for various inflammatory and metabolic outcomes (CRP, ALT, TAG, glucose AUC and insulin AUC).

Radiology and pathology correlation in common infiltrative cardiomyopathies.

Infiltrative cardiomyopathies generally pose a diagnostic dilemma as current diagnostic tools are imprecise. Invasive endomyocardial biopsy is considered as the gold standard however it has some limitations. Recently cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is emerging as an excellent technique in diagnosing infiltrative cardiomyopathies and is increasingly being used. Characteristic pathologic and radiologic findings in most common infiltrative cardiomyopathies (amyloid, sarcoid and Fabry's) are discussed and correlated with relative CMR and histologic examples. There is fairly good correlation between the non-invasive radiologic and the invasive histologic findings in common infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Non-invasive CMR with its high sensitivity and specificity has an excellent role in establishing the diagnosis and improving the prognosis of common infiltrative cardiomyopathies.

Hydrotris(triazolyl)borate complexes as functional models for Cu nitrite reductase: the electronic influence of distal nitrogens.

Hydrotris(triazolyl)borate (Ttz) ligands form CuNO(x) (x = 2, 3) complexes for structural and functional models of copper nitrite reductase. These complexes have distinct properties relative to complexes of hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) and neutral tridentate N-donor ligands. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of five-coordinate copper complexes show rare nitrogen superhyperfine couplings with the Ttz ligand, indicating strong σ donation. The copper(I) nitrite complex [PPN](+)[(Ttz(tBu,Me))Cu(I)NO(2)](-) has been synthesized and characterized and allows for the stoichiometric reduction of NO(2)(-) to NO with H(+) addition. Anionic Cu(I) nitrite complexes are unusual and are stabilized here for the first time because Ttz is a good π acceptor.

Multifamily group psychoeducation and cognitive remediation for first-episode psychosis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Multifamily group psychoeducation (MFG) has been shown to reduce relapse rates among individuals with first-episode psychosis. However, given the cognitive demands associated with participating in this intervention (e.g., learning and applying a structured problem-solving activity), the cognitive deficits that accompany psychotic disorders may limit the ability of certain individuals to benefit from this intervention. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine whether individuals with first-episode psychosis who participate simultaneously in MFG and cognitive remediation--an intervention shown to improve cognitive functioning among individuals with psychotic disorders--will be less likely to experience a relapse than individuals who participate in MFG alone. METHODS/DESIGN: Forty individuals with first-episode psychosis and their caregiving relative will be recruited to participate in this study. Individuals with first-episode psychosis will be randomized to one of two conditions: (i) MFG with concurrent participation in cognitive remediation or (ii) MFG alone. The primary outcome for this study is relapse of psychotic symptoms. We will also examine secondary outcomes among both individuals with first-episode psychosis (i.e., social and vocational functioning, health-related quality of life, service utilization, independent living status, and cognitive functioning) and their caregiving relatives (i.e., caregiver burden, anxiety, and depression) DISCUSSION: Cognitive remediation offers the possibility of ameliorating a specific deficit (i.e., deficits in cognitive functioning) that often accompanies psychotic symptoms and may restrict the magnitude of the clinical benefits derived from MFG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials (NCT): NCT01196286.

Active middle-aged men have lower fasting inflammatory markers but the postprandial inflammatory response is minimal and unaffected by physical activity status.

Physical activity modifies some postprandial responses such as glycemic control, although it is unclear whether this translates into lower postprandial inflammation. Our objective in this study was to determine whether postprandial inflammatory markers are lower in active compared with sedentary middle-aged men. Thirteen active and twelve sedentary middle-aged men consumed a mixed meal on one occasion. Blood was taken via a cannula before and up to 8 h after the meal and with a single-use needle before and 8 h after the meal. Active men had lower fasted IL-6 (0.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.3 pg/ml; P = 0.004) and C-reactive protein (1.3 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.6 mg/l; P = 0.04) concentrations than sedentary men. Cannula blood IL-6 concentrations increased by 3.49 pg/ml in the 8 h following the meal (P < 0.001); however, this increase was minimal (0.36 pg/ml) in blood taken via a single-use needle from the contralateral arm (P = 0.013). The sedentary group had larger glucose (P = 0.034), insulin (P = 0.013), and triacylglycerol (P = 0.057) responses to the meal. These results provide further evidence that physical activity is associated with lower inflammatory marker concentrations in a fasted state and a lower postprandial metabolic response to a meal. However, this does not translate into lower postprandial inflammatory markers since the only evidence of postprandial inflammation (a large increase in serum IL-6) was actually due to the cannula used for blood sampling.

Confusion and conflict in assessing the physical activity status of middle-aged men.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (including exercise) is prescribed for health and there are various recommendations that can be used to gauge physical activity status. The objective of the current study was to determine whether twelve commonly-used physical activity recommendations similarly classified middle-aged men as sufficiently active for general health. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We examined the commonality in the classification of physical activity status between twelve variations of physical activity recommendations for general health in ninety men aged 45-64 years. Physical activity was assessed using synchronised accelerometry and heart rate. Using different guidelines but the same raw data, the proportion of men defined as active ranged from to 11% to 98% for individual recommendations (median 73%, IQR 30% to 87%). There was very poor absolute agreement between the recommendations, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (A,1) of 0.24 (95% CI, 0.15 to 0.34). Only 8% of men met all 12 recommendations and would therefore be unanimously classified as active and only one man failed to meet every recommendation and would therefore be unanimously classified as not sufficiently active. The wide variability in physical activity classification was explained by ostensibly subtle differences between the 12 recommendations for thresholds related to activity volume (time or energy), distribution (e.g., number of days of the week), moderate intensity cut-point (e.g., 3 vs. 4 metabolic equivalents or METs), and duration (including bout length). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity status varies enormously depending on the physical activity recommendation that is applied and even ostensibly small differences have a major impact. Approximately nine out of every ten men in the present study could be variably described as either active or not sufficiently active. Either the effective dose or prescription that underlies each physical activity recommendation is different or each recommendation is seeking the same prescriptive outcome but with variable success.