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Journal of the American Geriatrics... Feb 2021Physical activity (PA) preserves mobility, but few practices screen older adults for mobility impairment or counsel on PA. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Physical activity (PA) preserves mobility, but few practices screen older adults for mobility impairment or counsel on PA.
DESIGN
"Promoting Active Aging" (PAA) was a mixed-methods randomized-controlled pilot, to test the feasibility and acceptability of a video-based PA counseling tool and implementation into practice of two mobility assessment tools.
SETTING
Three primary care practices affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults aged 65 years and older who presented for primary care follow-up and were willing and able to answer self-report questions and walk 4 meters (n = 59).
INTERVENTION
Video-based PA counseling intervention versus control video, "Healthy Eating."
MEASUREMENTS
Potential participants completed mobility assessments: self-report (Mobility Assessment Tool-short form (MAT-sf)) and performance based (4-meter walk test). We assessed PAA's implementation-feasibility, acceptability, and value-via interviews and surveys. Effectiveness was measured via participant attendance at a PA information session.
RESULTS
Of 92 patients approached, 89 (96.7%) agreed to mobility assessment. Eighty-nine completed MAT-sf, and 97.8% (87/89) completed 4-meter walk test. Sixty-seven (75%) met eligibility criteria, and 59 (88%) consented to be randomized either to the PA counseling intervention (Video-PA) or to active control (Video-C). Most participants viewed the walk test positively (51/59; 86.4%). Staff reported that completion of patient surveys, MAT-sf, and videos required significant staff time and support (median = 26 minutes for all), resulting in low acceptability of MAT-sf and the videos. Attendance at a PA information session did not differ by randomization group (Video-PA = 11/29 (37.9%); Video-C = 12/30 (40%); 95% confidence interval for difference in proportion = -0.29 to 0.25).
CONCLUSIONS
Mobility assessment, particularly a 4-meter walk test, was feasible in primary care. Tablet-based assessment (MAT-sf) and video counseling tools, selected to reduce staff effort, instead required significant time to implement. Future work to promote PA should identify effective ways to facilitate adoption of PA in sedentary older adults that do not burden staff.
Topics: Aged; Exercise; Feasibility Studies; Female; Health Promotion; Health Services Accessibility; Healthy Aging; Humans; Implementation Science; Male; Mobility Limitation; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Pilot Projects; Preventive Health Services; Primary Health Care; Remote Consultation; Walk Test
PubMed: 33006763
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16838 -
International Journal of Dentistry 2023This study aims to identify the pH level and subsequently the erosive potential of beverages including their sugar content.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to identify the pH level and subsequently the erosive potential of beverages including their sugar content.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Beverages were purchased from a local convenience store, and some of the beverages were freshly prepared. The acidity of each beverage was identified using a calibrated pH meter. The pH was obtained in triplicate, and the results were expressed in average values with standard deviations. The pH values were then used to determine their erosive potential and the sugar content was obtained from the packaging and recorded.
RESULTS
A total of 167 beverages were purchased and categorized. The beverages were categorized into 15 groups: milk tea, hawker drinks, instant drinks, fresh fruit juices, milk, energy drinks, designer coffee, soda, canned drinks, cultured milk, vegetable juices, cordials, bottled fruit drinks, tea, and mineral water. The pH value ranges from 2.65 to 7.85. Seven beverages (4.2%) were classified as extremely erosive, 53 beverages (31.1%) were classified as erosive, and 36 beverages (21.6%) were classified as minimally erosive. In total, 57.5% of the beverages were potentially erosive, and most of the soda and energy drinks were erosive. The highest sugar content per 100 g was BOH Teh Tarik Original (71.8 g), whereas the highest sugar content per serving was Carabao energy drink (10.8 g).
CONCLUSION
High sugar content and low acidic content of beverages could have a negative impact on the dentition. An intervention is required from a public health perspective to regulate the consumption of sweetened and flavored beverages.
PubMed: 36845626
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9924186 -
International Journal of Clinical... 2020To compare the cariogenic and erosive potential of seven commonly prescribed pediatric liquid medicaments (PLMs) by pediatricians in Kempegowda Institute of Medical...
AIM
To compare the cariogenic and erosive potential of seven commonly prescribed pediatric liquid medicaments (PLMs) by pediatricians in Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru. The selected medicaments are:Syp paracetamol (antipyretic).Syp amoxicillin-clavulanate (antibiotic).Syp cetirizine (antihistamine).Syp dextromethorphan (antitussive).Syp salbutamol (antiasthmatic).Syp phenytoin (anticonvulsant).Syp multivitamin (nutritional supplement).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Quantitative endogenous sucrose estimation: Lane-Eynon volumetric copper reduction method was used for the estimation.Endogenous pH estimation: The endogenous pH was measured using a digital pH meter at 10% dilution.Quantification of endogenous erosive potential: few caries and restoration-free, exfoliated or extracted primary teeth were utilized to produce 1-1.5 g of enamel powder. A 50 mg of enamel powder was then added to 1 mL of individual PLM. The mixtures were maintained for three-time intervals, 1 minute, 10 minutes, and 8 hours. The samples were then prepared for the estimation of calcium using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.
RESULTS
Sucrose was seen in all the PLMs except amoxicillin-clavulanate. Calcium was found to be present in all the PLMs except cetirizine. The highest calcium dissolution was seen within Syp salbutamol and the least with Syp paracetamol.
CONCLUSION
Syp phenytoin can be regarded as medicament with the highest cariogenic potential and Syp salbutamol with the highest erosive potential and Syp paracetamol with the lowest cariogenic and erosive potential among the compared and tested PLMs.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Considering syrups that have high cariogenic and erosive potential, greater knowledge about the detrimental effects of these drugs should direct us to evolve effective programs to alert parents to follow proper oral hygiene practices or to search for alternative drugs void of such detrimental effects.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Singana T, Suma NK. An Assessment of Cariogenic and Erosive Potential of Pediatric Liquid Medicaments on Primary Teeth: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(6):595-599.
PubMed: 33976481
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1824 -
Current Biology : CB Apr 2020Fossils of the Ediacaran macrobiota (∼571-539 mya) record phylogenetically diverse marine palaeocommunities, including early animals, which pre-date the "Cambrian...
Fossils of the Ediacaran macrobiota (∼571-539 mya) record phylogenetically diverse marine palaeocommunities, including early animals, which pre-date the "Cambrian Explosion" [1-4]. Benthic forms with a frondose gross morphology, assigned to the morphogroups Rangeomorpha [5] and Frondomorpha (see also Arboreomorpha) [6-8], are among the most temporally wide-ranging and environmentally tolerant members of the Ediacaran macrobiota [6] and dominated deep-marine ecosystems ∼571-560 mya [9-11]. Investigations into the morphology [12-14], palaeoecology [10, 15, 16], reproductive strategies [17, 18], feeding methods [9, 19], and morphogenesis of frondose taxa together constrain their phylogenetic position to the metazoan (for Rangeomorpha) or eumetazoan (e.g., Arborea) total groups [14, 20], but tighter constraint is currently lacking. Here, we describe fossils of abundant filamentous organic structures preserved among frond-dominated fossil assemblages in Newfoundland (Canada). The filaments constitute a prominent component of the ecosystems, and exhibit clear physical associations with at least seven frondose taxa. Individual specimens of one uniterminal rangeomorph taxon appear to be directly connected by filaments across distances of centimeters to meters. Such physical linkages are interpreted to reflect evidence for stolonic connections: a conclusion with potential implications for the phylogenetic placement and palaeoecology of frondose organisms. Consideration of extant stoloniferous organisms suggests that Ediacaran frondose taxa were likely clonal and resurrects the possibility that they may have been colonial (e.g., [21, 22]). VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Ecosystem; Fossils; Invertebrates; Newfoundland and Labrador
PubMed: 32142705
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.052 -
Heliyon Feb 2020Urinary dipsticks are often used for the diagnosis of kidney, liver, metabolic, and urogenital diseases in cattle clinical practice for the simplicity of use and ease of...
Urinary dipsticks are often used for the diagnosis of kidney, liver, metabolic, and urogenital diseases in cattle clinical practice for the simplicity of use and ease of access. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the agreement between urinary dipsticks and pH-meter for the urine pH in dairy cattle, and also to compare the urine pH before and after centrifugation from each method. The agreement between urine dipstick and pH-meter methods before and after centrifuge were calculated by Passing-Bablok regression analysis demonstrated constant differences (intercept) at 0.60 and -1.01 and positive proportional differences (slope) at 0.94 and 1.13; respectively. Total bias estimated by Bland-Altman plot analysis before (0.20) and after (0.14) centrifuge were lower than the acceptable bias in urine samples. The regression analysis of this study emphasized that the urinary dipstick can be used to determine the cattle urine.
PubMed: 32055734
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03316 -
Journal of Sport and Health Science May 2022Soccer match-play is typically contested over 90 min; however, in some cup and tournament scenarios, when matches are tied, they proceed to an additional 30 min, which... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Soccer match-play is typically contested over 90 min; however, in some cup and tournament scenarios, when matches are tied, they proceed to an additional 30 min, which is termed "extra-time" (ET). This systematic review sought to appraise the literature available on 120-min of soccer-specific exercise, with a view to identifying practical recommendations and future research opportunities.
METHODS
The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Independent researchers performed a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO in May 2019, with the following keywords entered in various combinations: "soccer", "football", "extra-time", "extra time", "extratime", "120 minutes", "120 min", "additional 30 minutes", and "additional 30 min".
RESULTS
The search yielded an initial 73 articles. Following the screening process, 11 articles were accepted for analyses. Articles were subsequently organized into the following 5 categories: movement demands of ET, performance responses to ET, physiological and neuromuscular response during ET, nutritional interventions, and recovery and ET. The results highlighted that during competitive match-play, players cover 5%-12% less distance relative to match duration (i.e., meters per minute) during ET compared to the preceding 90 min. Reductions in technical performance (i.e., shot speed, number of passes and dribbles) were also observed during ET. Additionally, carbohydrate provision may attenuate and improve dribbling performance during ET. Moreover, objective and subjective measures of recovery may be further compromised following ET when compared to 90 min.
CONCLUSION
Additional investigations are warranted to further substantiate these findings and identify interventions to improve performance during ET.
Topics: Athletic Performance; Movement; Soccer; Humans
PubMed: 32445903
DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.03.008 -
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &... Oct 2023Acidic urine pH is associated with rapid hydrolysis of N-glucuronide conjugates of aromatic amines into metabolites that may undergo metabolism in the bladder lumen to...
BACKGROUND
Acidic urine pH is associated with rapid hydrolysis of N-glucuronide conjugates of aromatic amines into metabolites that may undergo metabolism in the bladder lumen to form mutagenic DNA adducts. We previously reported that consistently acidic urine was associated with increased bladder cancer risk in a hospital-based case-control study in Spain. Here, we conducted a separate study in northern New England to replicate these findings.
METHODS
In a large, population-based case-control study conducted in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, we examined bladder cancer risk in relation to consistent urine pH, measured twice daily by participants over 4 consecutive days using dipsticks. In parallel, we collected spot urine samples and conducted laboratory measurements of urinary acidity using a pH meter. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate associations, adjusting for age, gender, race, Hispanic status, and state. Analyses were further stratified by smoking status.
RESULTS
Among 616 urothelial carcinoma cases and 897 controls, urine pH consistently ≤ 6.0 was associated with increased bladder cancer risk (OR = 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.57), with the effect limited to ever-smokers. These findings were supported by analyses of a spot urine, with statistically significant exposure-response relationships for bladder cancer risk overall (Ptrend = 5.1×10-3) and among ever-smokers (Ptrend = 1.2×10-3).
CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with a previous study in Spain, our findings suggest that acidic urine pH is associated with increased bladder cancer risk.
IMPACT
Our findings align with experimental results showing that acidic urine pH, which is partly modifiable by lifestyle factors, is linked to hydrolysis of acid-labile conjugates of carcinogenic aromatic amines.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Case-Control Studies; New England; Amines; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37351876
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-22-0801 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jan 2023Water quality monitoring allows communities to achieve sustainable management of water resources, which is crucial for life-supporting processes. Water quality is...
Water quality monitoring allows communities to achieve sustainable management of water resources, which is crucial for life-supporting processes. Water quality is determined by measuring chemical, physical, and biological parameters, requiring sophisticated meters and trained specialists to perform the measurement. However, in low-income communities, water quality is determined by using human senses-smell, color, and taste-since meter acquisition is limited by costs and most people do not know how to monitor water quality. Therefore, accessible technology is necessary to empower communities to have a sustainable lifestyle. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of PortAqua, a 2-parameter water quality meter (WQM), to promote training on water quality measurement. Using basic electronic components, PortAqua is capable of measuring pH with an error of 0.4, and conductivity with an error of 33% at 85 µS cm, and 8.7% at 1413 µS cm. To demonstrate its preliminary effectiveness as a WQM and its science communication capabilities, the meter has been used in a hands-on workshop with undergraduate and graduate students. During the workshop, attendees participated in a short lecture about water quality measurement techniques and local regulations. Then, they collected water samples from a local source, measured the samples using PortAqua, and discussed the results based on the concepts and regulations. The workshop's effectiveness was evaluated through pre- and post-assessments which revealed increased knowledge of water quality regulations, measurement, and parameters at the end of the activity.
Topics: Humans; Water Quality; Environmental Monitoring; Students; Communication
PubMed: 36705766
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10804-3 -
Current Biology : CB Jul 2022Path integration is a computational strategy that allows an animal to maintain an internal estimate of its position relative to a point of origin. Many species use path...
Path integration is a computational strategy that allows an animal to maintain an internal estimate of its position relative to a point of origin. Many species use path integration to navigate back to specific locations, typically their homes, after lengthy and convoluted excursions. Hymenopteran insects are impressive path integrators, directly returning to their hives after hundreds of meters of outward travel. Recent neurobiological insights have established hypotheses for how path integration vectors could be encoded in the brains of bees, but clear ways to test these hypotheses in the laboratory are currently unavailable. Here, we report that the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, uses path integration while walking over short distances in an indoor arena. They estimate accurate vector distances after displacement and orient by artificial celestial cues. Walking bumblebees also exhibited systematic search patterns when home vectors failed to lead them accurately back to the nest, closely resembling searches performed by other species under natural conditions. We thus provide a robust experimental system to test navigation behavior in the laboratory that reflects most aspects of natural path integration. Importantly, we established this assay in an animal that is both readily available and resilient to invasive manipulations, as we demonstrate with the retention of the homing behavior post-anesthesia and surgery. In the future, our behavioral assay can therefore be combined with current electrophysiological techniques, opening a path toward directly probing the neural basis of the sophisticated vector navigation abilities of bees.
Topics: Animals; Ants; Bees; Cues; Homing Behavior; Orientation; Walking
PubMed: 35640624
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.05.010 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2020Estimating evapotranspiration (ET) has been one of the most critical research areas in agriculture because of water scarcity, the growing population, and climate change.... (Review)
Review
Estimating evapotranspiration (ET) has been one of the most critical research areas in agriculture because of water scarcity, the growing population, and climate change. The accurate estimation and mapping of ET are necessary for crop water management. Traditionally, researchers use water balance, soil moisture, weighing lysimeters, or an energy balance approach, such as Bowen ratio or eddy covariance towers to estimate ET. However, these ET methods are point-specific or area-weighted measurements and cannot be extended to a large scale. With the advent of satellite technology, remote sensing images became able to provide spatially distributed measurements. However, the spatial resolution of multispectral satellite images is in the range of meters, tens of meters, or hundreds of meters, which is often not enough for crops with clumped canopy structures, such as trees and vines. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can mitigate these spatial and temporal limitations. Lightweight cameras and sensors can be mounted on the UAVs and take high-resolution images. Unlike satellite imagery, the spatial resolution of the UAV images can be at the centimeter-level. UAVs can also fly on-demand, which provides high temporal imagery. In this study, the authors examined different UAV-based approaches of ET estimation at first. Models and algorithms, such as mapping evapotranspiration at high resolution with internalized calibration (METRIC), the two-source energy balance (TSEB) model, and machine learning (ML) are analyzed and discussed herein. Second, challenges and opportunities for UAVs in ET estimation are also discussed, such as uncooled thermal camera calibration, UAV image collection, and image processing. Then, the authors share views on ET estimation with UAVs for future research and draw conclusive remarks.
Topics: Agriculture; Aircraft; Crops, Agricultural; Plant Transpiration; Remote Sensing Technology; Soil
PubMed: 33182824
DOI: 10.3390/s20226427