Maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy and molar incisor hypomineralisation and hypomineralised second primary molars in the offspring at 7-9 years of age: a longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate associations between maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM) among children. METHODS: The study had a longitudinal design using prospectively collected data from 176 mother and child pairs. Mothers were initially recruited in a randomised controlled trial to assess a pregnancy exercise programme. Along with the 7-year follow-up, we invited the children to a dental examination. The exposure variable was maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in gestational weeks 18-22 and 32-36, categorised as insufficient (< 50 nmol/l) and sufficient (≥ 50 nmol/l). Negative binomial hurdle models were used to analyse potential associations between the exposure variables and MIH or HSPM. The models were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among the children (7-9 years old), 32% and 22% had at least one tooth with MIH or HSPM, respectively. A significant association was found between insufficient maternal vitamin D measured in gestational weeks 18-22 and the number of affected teeth among those with MIH at 7-9 years (adjusted RR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.13-2.93). CONCLUSION: Considering any limitations of the present study, it has been shown that insufficient maternal serum vitamin D at mid-pregnancy was associated with a higher number of affected teeth among the offspring with MIH at 7-9 years of age. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate whether this finding is replicable and to clarify the role of maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy and MIH, as well as HSPM, in children.

Skeletal effects of plyometric exercise and metformin in ovariectomized rats.

Estrogen deficiency causes bone loss and skeletal muscle dysfunction, and attenuates the musculoskeletal effects of exercise. The anti-diabetic drug metformin has been suggested to promote beneficial skeletal effects. To explore whether metformin can improve musculoskeletal training response during estrogen deficiency, we investigated the skeletal effects of plyometric exercise and metformin, in an ovarectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. Female Sprague Dawley rats, 12 weeks of age, rats were allocated to a sham-operated group (Sham), and four OVX groups; metformin (OVX-Met), exercise (OVX-Ex), combined metformin and exercise (OVX-MetEx) and a control group (OVX-Ctr), n = 12/group. Dual X-ray absorptiometry, micro computed tomography, fracture toughness testing, histomorphometry and plasma analyses were performed to explore skeletal effects. All intervention groups exhibited a higher gain in femoral bone mineral density (BMD) than OVX-Ctr (p < .01). The combined intervention also resulted in a higher gain in femoral and spine BMD compared to OVX-Met (p < .01). Both exercise groups displayed improved microarchitecture, including both cortical and trabecular parameters (p < .05). This was most evident in the OVX-MetEx group where several indices were at sham level or superior to OVX-Ctr (p < .05). The OVX-MetEx group also exhibited an enhanced toughening effect compared to the other OVX groups (p < .05). The beneficial skeletal effects seemed to be mediated by inhibition of bone resorption and stimulation of bone formation. The training response (i.e. jumping height) was also greater in the metformin treated rats compared to OVX-Ex (p < .01), indicating a performance-enhancing effect of metformin. Both exercise groups displayed higher lean mass than OVX-Ctr (p < .05). In conclusion, the combination of plyometric exercise and metformin improved trabecular microarchitecture and bone material properties relative to OVX controls. However, no additive effect of the combined intervention was observed compared to exercise alone.

Maximal strength training improves musculoskeletal health in amphetamine users in clinical treatment.

Amphetamine use leads to impaired skeletal health and elevated risk of osteoporosis. In the current study, we document that maximal strength training (MST), as a part of clinical treatment, works as a countermeasure, improving muscle force generating capacity, body composition, and skeletal health at sites particularly prone to osteoporotic fractures. INTRODUCTION: Amphetamine users have attenuated musculoskeletal health. MST with heavy loads, few repetitions, and emphasis on maximal mobilization in the concentric phase may increase muscle force generating capacity and skeletal health. This study investigated if MST-induced improvements in force generating capacity improved bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score, and body composition in amphetamine users participating in 3-months clinical treatment. METHODS: Of 40 randomized patients, 23 completed the study: 11 in the supervised training group (TG; 8 men, 3 women, 34 ± 10 years) and 12 in the control group (CG; 9 men, 3 women, 32 ± 8 years). The TG performed hack-squat MST three times a week for 12 weeks with an intensity of ~90% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Both groups attended conventional clinical treatment. Pre-training and post-training, we assessed hack-squat 1RM and rate of force development (RFD), BMD, body composition and trabecular bone score by dual X-ray absorptiometry, and serum bone metabolism markers. RESULTS: MST induced increases in 1RM (70%) and RFD (86%), and resulted in BMD improvements at lumbar spine (3.6%) and total hip (2.4%); all improvements were different from CG (p < 0.05). Both the 1RM and RFD increases were associated with BMD improvements (lumbar spine: r = 0.73 (1RM), r = 0.60 (RFD); total hip: r = 0.61 (1RM); all p < 0.05). No differences were observed in trabecular bone score or bone metabolism markers. CONCLUSIONS: MST improved force generating capacity and skeletal health at sites prone to bone loss in amphetamine users, and advocate that MST should be implemented as a clinical strategy to restore the patients' musculoskeletal health.

Impaired skeletal health and neuromuscular function among amphetamine users in clinical treatment.

SUMMARY: This study examined musculoskeletal health in amphetamine users, compared with healthy age-matched controls. We show that amphetamine users have reduced bone mass at several skeletal sites and attenuated maximal muscle strength and force development capacity in the lower extremities. INTRODUCTION: Amphetamine use may cause poor bone quality and elevated risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether amphetamine users exhibit reduced regional and whole body bone mineral density (BMD), altered bone metabolism, and how muscle function may relate to the patient groups' skeletal health. METHODS: We assessed hip, lumbar spine and whole body BMD, and trabecular bone score (TBS) by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and bone metabolism markers in serum and maximal strength and force development capacity in 36 amphetamine users (25 men, 30 ± 7 years; 11 women 35 ± 10 years) and in 37 healthy controls (23 men, 31 ± 9 years; 14 women, 35 ± 7 years). RESULTS: Whole body BMD was lower in amphetamine users (8% in males and 7% females, p < 0.01), as were BMD at the total hip and sub-regions of the hip (9-11% in men and 10-11 % in women, p < 0.05). Male users had 4% lower TBS (p < 0.05) and higher serum level of type 1 collagen amino-terminal propeptide (p < 0.01). This coincided with reduced lower extremity maximal strength of 30% (males, p < 0.001) and 25% (females, p < 0.05) and 27% slower muscular force development in males compared to controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that amphetamine users suffer from a generalized reduction in bone mass, which was associated with attenuated maximal muscle strength and force development capacity in the lower extremities.

Effects of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-δ agonist GW501516 on bone and muscle in ovariectomized rats.

Estrogen deficiency promotes bone loss and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have 3 subtypes (α, δ, and γ). PPARγ agonists induce bone loss, whereas PPARα agonists increase bone mass. Although PPARδ agonists are known to influence skeletal muscle metabolism, the skeletal effects are unsettled. This study investigated the musculoskeletal effects of the PPARδ agonist GW501516 in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats, 12 weeks of age, were allocated to a sham-operated group and 3 OVX groups; high-dose GW501516 (OVX-GW5), low-dose GW501516 (OVX-GW1), and a control group (OVX-CTR), respectively (n = 12 per group). Animals received GW501516 or vehicle (methylcellulose) daily for 4 months by gavage. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry at the femur, spine, and whole body. Bone microarchitecture at the proximal tibia was assessed by microcomputed tomography, and dynamic histomorphometry was performed. Quadriceps muscle morphology and the relative expression of mitochondrial proteins were analyzed. Bone metabolism markers and metabolic markers were measured in plasma. After 4 months, the OVX-GW5 group displayed lower femoral BMD than OVX-CTR. Trabecular separation was higher in the GW-treated groups, compared with OVX-CTR. The OVX-GW5 group also exhibited lower cortical area fraction and a higher structure model index than OVX-CTR. These effects coincided with impaired bone formation in both GW groups. The OVX-GW5 group displayed elevated triglyceride levels and reduced adiponectin levels, whereas no effects on muscle morphology or mitochondrial gene expression appeared. In summary, the PPARδ agonist GW501516 negatively affected bone properties in OVX rats, whereas no effects were detected in skeletal muscle.

A 4-year evaluation of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in the general population and in women of reproductive age in central Italy.

This study aimed to estimate possible changes in seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in people living in the area of Massa and Carrara (central Italy), in recent years. Serum samples from over 13 000 individuals were tested for both IgG and IgM anti- Toxoplasma antibodies using an immunoenzymatic method (Access® Toxo IgG, and Access® Toxo IgM II, Beckman Coulter Inc., USA). Our survey showed a decreasing trend of overall seroprevalence of 24.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.62­25.71] in 2010 compared to 31.0% (95% CI 29.29­32.72) in 2007. A positive trend according to age was found, with low positivity observed in younger age groups. For women of reproductive age the prevalence of IgG antibodies was 30.2% (95% CI 28.44­31.96) in 2007 and 23.6% (95% CI 22.05­25.20) in 2010. IgM seroprevalence in women of this age group also progressively decreased from 1.6% to 0.97% during the study period. Our study confirms a decline of toxoplasmosis in Western countries.

Concurrent strength and endurance training improves physical capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients suffer from reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, which causes impaired walking ability. Plantar flexion (PF) endurance training and maximal strength training (MST) induce distinct types of improvements in walking ability in PAD. However, the combined effects of both exercises are still not explored in these patients. This study examined whether concurrent MST and PF training would induce similar training responses as each training mode alone. Ten patients with PAD underwent 8 weeks of concurrent leg press MST and PF training, three times a week. The reference group (n=10) received recommended exercise guidelines. The training group improved treadmill peak oxygen consumption and incremental protocol time to exhaustion with 12.7 ± 7.7% and 12.6 ± 13.2%. Leg press maximal strength and rate of force development improved with 38.3 ± 3.1% and 140.1 ± 40.3%, respectively, along with a 5.2 ± 6.2% within group work economy improvement. No changes appeared in the reference group. Compared with previous studies, concurrent MST and PF training appear to induce similar training responses in PAD patients as when each training mode is executed alone, and without any adverse effects.

Changes in serum interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, and interleukin-12 cytokine levels in anti-histamine type 2-treated allergic rhinitis patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Markedly elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) synthesis characterizes allergic diseases. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) regulate IgE synthesis. It has been shown that immunotherapy and histamine type 2 (H2) receptor antagonists induce a clinical improvement, decrease IgE antibodies, and increase T-cell subsets, which express a suppressor function. In addition, immunotherapy brings about a reduction in the amount of IL-4 in T-cell clones of allergic individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the profile of cytokines IFNgamma and IL-4 that occurs in vivo in anti-H2-treated patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Enrolled were 65 AR patients with sensitivity to a single allergen, the Parietaria, 36 of whom were randomly assigned to treatment with ranitidine at a dosage of 1 mg/kg per day intravenously for 20 days, and 29 to placebo treatment. RESULTS: A comparison of the serum cytokine values recorded before and after anti-H2 treatment showed a significant increase in INF-gamma serum level (P = .003) and a decrease in IL-4 (P = .016). Negligible variations were found in the placebo-treated group. CONCLUSION: H2 antagonists probably induce their effects by enhancing the amount of IFN-gamma and by reducing IL-4 cytokines, which, respectively, induce a decrease and an increase in the IgE synthesis.

Survival of Agrobacterium radiobacter K84 on various carriers for crown gall control.

Screening was performed on nine carriers to find an improved formulation for Agrobacterium radiobacter K84 cells. The survival data showed that it is possible to preserve A. radiobacter cells on dry solid supports for a long time provided that the storage temperature is 4 degrees C and that the inoculation volume for 4 x 10(9) CFU g-1 is not less than 0.15 ml g of carrier-1. On the other hand, a substantial carrier water content was necessary for room temperature storage. Many materials proved to be suitable as microbial carriers; in some cases, vermiculite allowed long storage times comparable to those reported for peat or carboxymethyl cellulose, which are already employed in some commercial A. radiobacter K84 products. Furthermore, vermiculite assured full and immediate biological activity in the prevention of crown gall, showing that it is suitable for a new formulation of strain K84. A hypothesis to explain the different survival abilities in wet and dry conditions is presented.