A Systematic Review of Workplace Physical Activity Coaching.

Aim Studies show that about 60 min of moderate physical activity (PA) per day compensate for sitting all day at work. However, the workplace offers an ideal setting for health-promoting interventions such as PA coaching as a person-centered intervention aimed at achieving lasting health behavior changes. Given a good evidence base of health coaching studies in general, this systematic review aims to provide an overview of workplace PA coaching interventions. Methods This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies published up to July 2021 were considered based on the following inclusion criteria: (1) longitudinal intervention studies, (2) analysis of PA at work, (3) sedentary employees, (4) PA coaching in the workplace as intervention, (5) increasing workplace PA. Results Of 4323 studies found, 14 studies with 17 interventions met inclusion criteria. All 17 interventions indicated an increase in at least one PA outcome. Twelve interventions indicated significant improvements in at least one workplace or total PA outcome. There is a high variation within the different coaching parameters, such as behavior change techniques and communication channels. The study quality showed a moderate to high risk of bias. Conclusions The majority of interventions provided evidence for the effectiveness of workplace PA coaching. Nevertheless, the results are inconclusive with regard to the variety of coaching parameters and thus no general statement can be made about the effectiveness of individual parameters. However, this variety of parameters also leads to a high degree of individualization of workplace PA coaching interventions to increase PA for different groups of employees and different types of workplaces.

Pubertal induction and transition to adult sex hormone replacement in patients with congenital pituitary or gonadal reproductive hormone deficiency: an Endo-ERN clinical practice guideline.

An Endo-European Reference Network guideline initiative was launched including 16 clinicians experienced in endocrinology, pediatric and adult and 2 patient representatives. The guideline was endorsed by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society for Endocrinology and the European Academy of Andrology. The aim was to create practice guidelines for clinical assessment and puberty induction in individuals with congenital pituitary or gonadal hormone deficiency. A systematic literature search was conducted, and the evidence was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. If the evidence was insufficient or lacking, then the conclusions were based on expert opinion. The guideline includes recommendations for puberty induction with oestrogen or testosterone. Publications on the induction of puberty with follicle-stimulation hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are reviewed. Specific issues in individuals with Klinefelter syndrome or androgen insensitivity syndrome are considered. The expert panel recommends that pubertal induction or sex hormone replacement to sustain puberty should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team. Children with a known condition should be followed from the age of 8 years for girls and 9 years for boys. Puberty induction should be individualised but considered at 11 years in girls and 12 years in boys. Psychological aspects of puberty and fertility issues are especially important to address in individuals with sex development disorders or congenital pituitary deficiencies. The transition of these young adults highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, to discuss both medical issues and social and psychological issues that arise in the context of these chronic conditions.

Combining super-resolution microscopy with neuronal network recording using magnesium fluoride thin films as cover layer for multi-electrode array technology.

We present an approach for fabrication of reproducible, chemically and mechanically robust functionalized layers based on MgF2 thin films on thin glass substrates. These show great advantages for use in super-resolution microscopy as well as for multi-electrode-array fabrication and are especially suited for combination of these techniques. The transparency of the coated substrates with the low refractive index material is adjustable by the layer thickness and can be increased above 92%. Due to the hydrophobic and lipophilic properties of the thin crystalline MgF2 layers, the temporal stable adhesion needed for fixation of thin tissue, e.g. cryogenic brain slices is given. This has been tested using localization-based super-resolution microscopy with currently highest spatial resolution in light microscopy. We demonstrated that direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy revealed in reliable imaging of structures of central synapses by use of double immunostaining of post- (homer1 and GluA2) and presynaptic (bassoon) marker structure in a 10 µm brain slice without additional fixing of the slices. Due to the proven additional electrical insulating effect of MgF2 layers, surfaces of multi-electrode-arrays were coated with this material and tested by voltage-current-measurements. MgF2 coated multi-electrode-arrays can be used as a functionalized microscope cover slip for combination with live-cell super-resolution microscopy.

Selected Metabolic Markers in Girls with Turner Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Turner syndrome (TS) predisposes an individual to obesity and related metabolic disorders. As the TS population is at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and malformations, research into laboratory markers of metabolic complications has been ongoing. Special significance has recently been attributed to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their inhibitors (TIMPs), and neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF and GDNF. OBJECTIVE: To establish whether cardiometabolic risk in patients with TS is reflected in the concentrations of metalloproteinases and neurotrophic factors. METHOD: The concentrations of circulating MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, BDNF, GDNF, and VEGF were measured in 17 patients with TS. The control group was composed of 11 girls with nonpathologic short stature and normal karyotype. RESULTS: There were no differences in chronological or bone age. No significant differences were observed in mean weight, although the Z-score BMI was higher in the study group. The mean baseline values of MMP-1 and BDNF were significantly lower in the control group than in the study group (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between MMP-1 concentrations and Z-score BMI (r = 0.36, p = 0.047) and between BDNF and Z-score BMI (r = 0.48, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Our pilot study showed that MMP-1 may be a potential indicator of a higher risk of cardiometabolic complications in girls with TS. The elevated concentrations of BDNF in normal-weight girls with TS need to be studied further, taking into consideration the influence of estrogen-androgen imbalance.

Fabrication of self-assembled spherical Gold Particles by pulsed UV Laser Treatment.

We report on the fabrication of spherical Au spheres by pulsed laser treatment using a KrF excimer laser (248 nm, 25 ns) under ambient conditions as a fast and high throughput fabrication technique. The presented experiments were realized using initial Au layers of 100 nm thickness deposited on optically transparent and low cost Borofloat glass or single-crystalline SrTiO3 substrates, respectively. High (111)-orientation and smoothness (RMS ≈ 1 nm) are the properties of the deposited Au layers before laser treatment. After laser treatment, spheres with size distribution ranging from hundreds of nanometers up to several micrometers were produced. Single-particle scattering spectra with distinct plasmonic resonance peaks are presented to reveal the critical role of optimal irradiation parameters in the process of laser induced particle self-assembly. The variation of irradiation parameters like fluence and number of laser pulses influences the melting, dewetting and solidification process of the Au layers and thus the formation of extremely well shaped spherical particles. The gold layers on Borofloat glass and SrTiO3 are found to show a slightly different behavior under laser treatment. We also discuss the effect of substrates.

Circulating adipokines and organ involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, mediators synthesized in the adipose tissue, the so-called adipokines, have been reported to play important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To compare serum leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy controls. To find possible relationship between serum levels of adipokines and organ involvement with focus on interstitial lung disease in SSc patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Lung involvement was assessed functionally (body plethysmography, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and six-minute walk test) and radiologically (using average disease extent on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs according to the percentage of interstitial changes) in 29 SSc patients. Quantitative sandwich ELISA was used to measure resistin, leptin and adiponectin concentrations in sera of patients and 30 healthy controls. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences in serum resistin, leptin and adiponectin levels between SSc patients and the controls. However, serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in active than in inactive patients, they also correlated positively with vital capacity (VC) (p=0.04) and negatively with Valentini activity score (p=0.04). Serum resistin levels were significantly elevated in patients with digital ulcers (p=0.03) and serum concentrations of leptin were associated with the duration of SSc symptoms other than Raynaud's phenomenon (p<0.01) CONCLUSIONS: Serum adiponectin should be further investigated as a candidate for SSc activity marker and resistin may play a role in ulcer development in SSc patients.

Blood serum levels of amino-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: Angiogenesis is a prominent feature of rheumatoid synovitis and contributes to perpetuation of joint disease. The aim of presented study was to evaluate the association of inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction parameters with serum levels of amino-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proCNP), a surrogate measure for a potent regulator of vascular tone and angiogenesis, CNP. MATERIAL/METHODS: We included in this study 40 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (36 female, four male) and 30 healthy controls (28 female, two male). Disease activity score (DAS28), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQDI), Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI) and visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and arthritis were determined. The concentrations of the following laboratory parameters (serum C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble (s) L-, sP-, sE-selectin, NT-proCNP, IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies) were measured using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The concentrations of NT-proCNP in RA patients were significantly increased when compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). In RA patients we found significant correlations only between sE-selectin and NT-proCNP levels (p=0.02). No significant associations were found between serum NT-proCNP and soluble selectin levels and patients' age and sex. Also, the parameters of clinical profile in the RA group (HAQ, RADAI, DAS28, VAS-pain, VAS-arthritis, swollen and tender joint counts) showed no association with serum NT-proCNP, sE-, sP- and sL-selectin. CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentration of NT-proCNP reflecting serum CNP level is likely secondary to the activation of endothelium. Nevertheless, the results of our study encourage to further studies over the role of CNP in the pathogenesis of RA, preferably on tissue level.

Silicon nanowire-based solar cells on glass: synthesis, optical properties, and cell parameters.

Silicon nanowire (SiNW)-based solar cells on glass substrates have been fabricated by wet electroless chemical etching (using silver nitrate and hydrofluoric acid) of 2.7 microm multicrystalline p(+)nn(+) doped silicon layers thereby creating the nanowire structure. Low reflectance (<10%, at 300-800 nm) and a strong broadband optical absorption (>90% at 500 nm) have been measured. The highest open-circuit voltage (V(oc)) and short-circuit current density (J(sc)) for AM1.5 illumination were 450 mV and 40 mA/cm(2), respectively at a maximum power conversion efficiency of 4.4%.

Autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus in two families. Molecular analysis of the vasopressin-neurophysin II gene and functional studies of three missense mutations.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (adFNDI) is a rare disease with symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria and dehydration caused by arginine vasopressin deficiency. Disease onset is within infancy or adolescence. A variety of disease-causing mutations of the arginine vasopressin neurophysin II gene (AVP) on chromosome 20p13 have been described. METHODS: Two Polish families with adFNDI were screened for mutations. Processing of wild-type (WT) and mutant AVP was monitored using immunocytochemical methods in stably transfected Neuro2A cells. AVP secretion into the cell culture supernatant was investigated with an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In the first family a heterozygous p.G96D mutation was identified. Some patients additionally carried a novel heterozygous mutation p.A159T. The second family presented with a heterozygous mutation p.C98G. Confocal laser microscopy unveiled accumulation of p.G96D and p.C98G prohormones in the cellular bodies, whereas WT and p.A159T prohormones and/or processed products were located in the tips of cellular processes. Reduced levels of AVP in supernatant culture medium of p.G96D and p.C98G transfected cells in comparison to p.A159T and WT cells were found. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the p.G96D and p.C98G mutations cause adFNDI in the two reported families. The sequence variant p.A159T does not seem to have disease-causing effects.

Validation of growth charts for girls with Turner syndrome.

Growth charts, which describe the natural course of growth in Turner syndrome (TS) patients, are commonly used in studies in lieu of control groups. While analysing data, various charts produce different final height estimations and height-gain predictions. The choice of an appropriate chart should be the first task when assessing effects of growth hormone treatment. The purpose of this study was to establish the most appropriate growth chart for the subsequent analysis of growth rate in the patients with TS observed initially for a short time without treatment in our clinic. We propose the criteria that a standardised chart should meet. The obtained height-standardised values (height standard deviation score -- Ht SDS) should represent normal distribution with a mean of 0 and standard deviation of 1; their initial mean value and mean change in these values during observation without treatment should not be different from 0. We studied 62 untreated girls with TS using three different growth charts. The values of Ht SDS based on the Lyon chart showed a significant difference from normal distribution (p < 0.05). Only the mean value of an initiaent from 0 (p = 0.088). The mean change of the Ht SDS value based on Lyon and Ranke charts during the follow-up period was not statistically different from 0 (p > 0.05), whereas the difference was statistically significant when the Wisniewski chart was used. Only the Ranke chart correctly characterised TS girls in our clinic. This analysis indicates the importance of careful selection of an appropriate growth chart for an observed population, before applying it to evaluate the effects of hormonal therapy.

Acute glomerular upregulation of ornithine decarboxylase is not essential for mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion in anti-Thy-1-nephritis.

BACKGROUND: Pathways of L-arginine metabolism including nitric oxide, agmatine and polyamine synthesis are upregulated during glomerular inflammation in experimental glomerulonephritis. In anti-Thy-1-glomerulonephritis L-arginine-deficient diets ameliorate the disease course in this model. However, it is unclear which metabolic pathway is affected by this substrate depletion. Since polyamines are important proproliferative molecules, we studied the effect of specific polyamine synthesis blockade in vivo on mesangial cell proliferation and glomerular fibrosis in this model. METHODS: Anti-Thy-1-glomerulonephritis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by single-bolus injection of monoclonal ER4-antibodies. Rats were treated with difluoromethylornithine (0.5-2% in the drinking water), a selective inhibitor of the rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine synthesis, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion were evaluated in PAS-stained kidney tissues. Glomerular TGF-beta and biglycan-mRNA-expression were determined by Northern blot analysis and albuminuria was measured using a competitive ELISA. Data were compared to untreated controls. RESULTS: Though complete inhibition of ODC activity was achieved at any time point, difluoromethlornithine treatment had no significant effect on albuminuria, glomerular matrix protein expression and mesangial cell count in this model. CONCLUSIONS: The acute upregulation of glomerular ODC activity above baseline in anti-Thy1-glomerulonephritis is not pathophysiologically important for disease development however, biological effects of available polyamine pools cannot be excluded by our study.

[Nitric oxide, L-arginine and the kidney. Experimental studies of new therapy approaches]. / Stickstoffmonoxid, L-Arginin und die Niere. Experimentelle Studien zu neuen Therapieansätzen.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) is a small gaseous molecule with multiple biological effects. NO is produced from the semi-essential amino acid L-arginine by NO synthases (NOS). In the kidney, neuronal NOS (bNOS), which is localized in the macula densa, and endothelial NOS (ecNOS) are involved in the regulation of glomerular hemodynamics. Dysfunction of these enzymes may cause glomerular hypertension and increased intraglomerular platelet aggregation. NO production in high tissue concentrations can be achieved by activation of an inducible NOS isoform (iNOS) and may act as a potent mediator of inflammation in immune-mediated renal diseases. Selective inhibition of iNOS may, therefore, become a novel anti-inflammatory approach in the treatment of glomerulonephritis. Based on experimental data, the potential importance of NO and other metabolites of L-arginine in the pathophysiology and therapy of renal diseases is summarized in this article. CONCLUSION: Modulation of the renal L-arginine/NO-system represents a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of acute an chronic kidney diseases.

SAW devices for consumer communication applications.

An overview of surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter techniques available for different applications is given. Techniques for TV IF applications are outlined, and typical structures are presented. This is followed by a discussion of applications for SAW resonators. Low-loss devices for mobile communication systems and pager applications are examined. Tapped delay lines (matched filters) and convolvers for code-division multiaccess (CDMA) systems are also covered. Although simulation procedures are not considered, for many devices the theoretical frequency response is presented along with the measurement curve.

[Effect of long term systemic steroid therapy on the cardiac muscle]. / Wplyw przewleklej systemowej kortykosteroidoterapii na serce.

In asthmatic patients treated on a long term basis with steroids echocardiographic examination of the heart disclosed morphological and functional changes in the heart muscle. Such changes were not found in asthmatic treated occasionally with steroids. Differences between both groups depended on decreased contractibility of the heart muscle and concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle present in asthmatic treated on a long term basis with systemic steroids.

[Management of chronic obstructive lung diseases]. / Behandlung von chronisch-obstruktiven Lungenerkrankungen.

In 183 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COB, COPD) grades I to IV horses were treated with bronchospasmolytic and secretolytic drugs, corticosteroids, mass infusions of physiological saline solution and with combinations of these treatments. The long-term effects of the above described methods of treatment based on questionnaire with the owners will be discussed. The results are to be considered successful if there is no evidence of irreversible alterations of the lungs, and if the horse is kept away from dust as much as possible.