Handgrip strength and physical activity in frail elderly

Abstract OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between handgrip strength (HS) and physical activity in physical frailty elderly. METHOD Cross-sectional quantitative study with a sample of 203 elderly calculated based on the population estimated proportion. Tests were applied to detect cognitive impairment and assessment of physical frailty. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis by binary logistic regression were used, and also Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS A total of 99 (64.3%) elderly showed decreased handgrip strength and 90 (58.4%) elderly presented decrease in physical activity levels. There was a statistically significant difference between these two components (p=0.019), in which elderly who have decreased HS have lower levels of physical activity. For low levels of physical activity and decreased HS, there was no evidence of significant difference in the probability of the classification as frail elderly (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The components handgrip strength and physical activity are associated with the frail elderly. The joint presence of low levels of physical activity and decreased handgrip strength leads to a significantly higher probability of the elderly to be categorized as frailty.

The Smiling Project: development of a new program for gait and balance training

Introduction: The SMILING project, a multicentric project fundedby the European Union, aims to develop a new gait and balance trainingprogram to prevent falls in older persons. The program includes the"SMILING shoe", an innovative device that generates mechanical perturbationwhile walking by changing the soles' inclination. Induced perturbationschallenge subjects' balance and force them to react to avoidfalls. By training specifically the complex motor reactions used to maintainbalance when walking on irregular ground, the program will improvesubjects' ability to react in situation of unsteadiness and reduce theirrisk of falling. Methods: The program will be evaluated in a multicentric,cross-over randomized controlled trial. Overall, 112 subjects (aged≥65 years, ≥1 falls, POMA score 22-26/28) will be enrolled. Subjectswill be randomised in 2 groups: group A begin the training with active"SMILING shoes", group B with inactive dummy shoes. After 4 weeksof training, group A and B will exchange the shoes. Supervised trainingsessions (30 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks) include walkingtasks of progressive difficulties.To avoid a learning effect, "SMILINGshoes" perturbations will be generated in a non-linear and chaotic way.Gait performance, fear of falling, and acceptability of the program willbe assessed. Conclusion: The SMILING program is an innovative interventionfor falls prevention in older persons based on gait and balancetraining using chaotic perturbations. Because of the easy use of the"SMILING shoes", this program could be used in various settings, suchas geriatric clinics or at home.

Release of soil phosphorus during runoff as affected by ionic strength and temperature

Selostus: Ympäristöolosuhteiden vaikutus maan fosforin liukenemiseen pintavalunnan aikana

Influence of magnetic field strength and image registration strategy on voxel-based morphometry in a study of Alzheimer's disease.

Multi-centre data repositories like the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) offer a unique research platform, but pose questions concerning comparability of results when using a range of imaging protocols and data processing algorithms. The variability is mainly due to the non-quantitative character of the widely used structural T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Although the stability of the main effect of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on brain structure across platforms and field strength has been addressed in previous studies using multi-site MR images, there are only sparse empirically-based recommendations for processing and analysis of pooled multi-centre structural MR data acquired at different magnetic field strengths (MFS). Aiming to minimise potential systematic bias when using ADNI data we investigate the specific contributions of spatial registration strategies and the impact of MFS on voxel-based morphometry in AD. We perform a whole-brain analysis within the framework of Statistical Parametric Mapping, testing for main effects of various diffeomorphic spatial registration strategies, of MFS and their interaction with disease status. Beyond the confirmation of medial temporal lobe volume loss in AD, we detect a significant impact of spatial registration strategy on estimation of AD related atrophy. Additionally, we report a significant effect of MFS on the assessment of brain anatomy (i) in the cerebellum, (ii) the precentral gyrus and (iii) the thalamus bilaterally, showing no interaction with the disease status. We provide empirical evidence in support of pooling data in multi-centre VBM studies irrespective of disease status or MFS.

Fly Ash Concrete Compressive Strength and Freeze-Thaw Durability, MLR-81-06, 1981

The current study investigated the effect of fly ash class, source and amount on the compressive strength and freeze-thaw durability of fly ash concrete. Concrete aggregates of varying quality were also included as test variables. The current results and those obtained from previous laboratory and field work indicate that compressive strength can·be affected by fly ash class, source and amount while aggregate quality is shown to have no effect on strength. Freeze-thaw durability of fly ash concrete is strongly affected by aggregate quality and to a lesser degree by fly ash class, amount and source.

ATP citrate lyase activity is post-translationally regulated by sink strength and impacts the wax, cutin and rubber biosynthetic pathways.

Cytosolic acetyl-CoA is involved in the synthesis of a variety of compounds, including waxes, sterols and rubber, and is generated by the ATP citrate lyase (ACL). Plants over-expressing ACL were generated in an effort to understand the contribution of ACL activity to the carbon flux of acetyl-CoA to metabolic pathways occurring in the cytosol. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants synthesizing the polyester polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from cytosolic acetyl-CoA have reduced growth and wax content, consistent with a reduction in the availability of cytosolic acetyl-CoA to endogenous pathways. Increasing the ACL activity via the over-expression of the ACLA and ACLB subunits reversed the phenotypes associated with PHB synthesis while maintaining polymer synthesis. PHB production by itself was associated with an increase in ACL activity that occurred in the absence of changes in steady-state mRNA or protein level, indicating a post-translational regulation of ACL activity in response to sink strength. Over-expression of ACL in Arabidopsis was associated with a 30% increase in wax on stems, while over-expression of a chimeric homomeric ACL in the laticifer of roots of dandelion led to a four- and two-fold increase in rubber and triterpene content, respectively. Synthesis of PHB and over-expression of ACL also changed the amount of the cutin monomer octadecadien-1,18-dioic acid, revealing an unsuspected link between cytosolic acetyl-CoA and cutin biosynthesis. Together, these results reveal the complexity of ACL regulation and its central role in influencing the carbon flux to metabolic pathways using cytosolic acetyl-CoA, including wax and polyisoprenoids.

L'arrêt cardiaque: quelle réalité et quelle formation pour le praticien [Heart arrest: which reality and which training for the practitioner?]

Sudden death related to out-of hospital cardiac arrest is an important cause of mortality, which is mainly caused by ventricular fibrillation, a potentially reversible condition. The prognosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains dismal despite well developed emergency medical services. Witnessed arrest, ventricular fibrillation as the initial arrhythmia, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation are systematically associated with better survival. Key interventions must therefore be enforced to improve survival from out-of-hospital cardiac, introducing the concept of a "chain of survivals". The aim of the present article, which is illustrated by local results, is to review this important public health issue, to emphasize the role of the general practitioner in the chain of survival, and to promote education and training of basic and advanced life support.

Metrical strength and contradiction in turkish Makam music

In this paper we investigate how note onsets in Turkish Makam music compositions are distributed, and in how far this distribution supports or contradicts the metrical structure of the pieces, the usul. We use MIDI data to derive the distributions in the form of onset histograms, and comparethem with metrical weights that are applied to describe the usul in theory. We compute correlation and syncopation values to estimate the degrees of support and contradiction, respectively. While the concept of syncopation is rarelymentioned in the context of this music, we can gain interesting insight into the structure of a piece using such a measure.We show that metrical contradiction is systematically applied in some metrical structures. We will compare thedifferences between Western music and Turkish Makam music regarding metrical support and contradiction. Such a study can help avoiding pitfalls in later attempts to perform audio processing tasks such as beat tracking or rhythmic similarity measurements.

Structured running program for health and performance promotion in hospital employees.

Introduction Our institution (University hospital) is encouraging physical activities for health through various popular sporting events in the city of Lausanne, the biggest of which is a road race of 2, 4, 10 and 20km. Objective To create an efficient and sustainable training program in preparation of the race for a group of motivated hospital employees without any prior experience with structured training and to identifying the benefits and limitations encountered.. Methods Subjects of various fitness levels were recruited by add and agreed to undergo lab and field testing before a 12-week 3 times/week running program, based on maximal aerobic speed (MAS-30/30 sec intervals), running technique exercises and endurance training. The interval session was the only one supervised. Their goal was the 10km (11 subjects) and the 20km (6 subjects). Results A group of 17 subjects (7 male and 10 female), mean age 36.6±7.3 years, VO2max 44.0±5.5 ml/kg/min, filed test interval MAS 15.1±2.4 km/h started the program. 2 were lost because of injury (while skiing). Adherence to interval sessions was excellent, although 3 weekly training sessions proved to be difficult for most of the subjects. Performance in the race was satisfying for all of them, 6/7 subjects having improved their running time from the previous year, the others participated for the first time and 7/8 completed the race satisfyingly, one DNF-ed because of sinusitis. Repeat MAS field test was available for 6 subjects, who improved by 5.9% (p<0.01). Subjectively, all of the participants were very satisfied with improvement, interaction with colleagues from various professions, and with self achievement and confidence. Conclusions Implementation of a structured training program for recreational or non-athletes can be very successful in creating a better self-confidence, a better working environment inside a hospital facility and obviously in improvement of physical fitness and athletic performance. Above all, it can only encourage health institutions to promote the health of their own employees through physical activity, which can allow people to connect through sports. As a result, subjects in this study tend to encourage other employees to be more active and are hungry for more advice and continued offers for physical activities benefiting both them and the institution through better efficiency at work and less absenteeism common to more active people.

Tie Strength and Family Formation : which Personal Relationships are Influential ?

Based on the analysis of qualitative interviews in western Germany, we argue that personal relationships have a strong impact on individuals' family formation processes and fertility intentions. We identify persons who influence individuals' fertility choices. Strong ties, such as those among core family members (i.e., parents and siblings), are an important contributing factor, but we are also able to show that weak ties, such as those among colleagues, and acquaintances need to be considered when examining social influence on family formation processes. Apart from single network partners, we have identified influential groups of persons. Such groups serve as a comparative standard regarding the timing of having one's first child and subsequent children.

Single cell tuning of Myc expression by antigen receptor signal strength and interleukin-2 in T lymphocytes.

Myc controls the metabolic reprogramming that supports effector T cell differentiation. The expression of Myc is regulated by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2). We now show that the TCR is a digital switch for Myc mRNA and protein expression that allows the strength of the antigen stimulus to determine the frequency of T cells that express Myc. IL-2 signalling strength also directs Myc expression but in an analogue process that fine-tunes Myc quantity in individual cells via post-transcriptional control of Myc protein. Fine-tuning Myc matters and is possible as Myc protein has a very short half-life in T cells due to its constant phosphorylation by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and subsequent proteasomal degradation. We show that Myc only accumulates in T cells exhibiting high levels of amino acid uptake allowing T cells to match Myc expression to biosynthetic demands. The combination of digital and analogue processes allows tight control of Myc expression at the population and single cell level during immune responses.

Short-term HIIT and Fatmax training increase aerobic and metabolic fitness in men with class II and III obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two different 2-week-long training modalities [continuous at the intensity eliciting the maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax ) versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT)] in men with class II and III obesity. METHODS: Nineteen men with obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg(.) m(-2) ) were assigned to Fatmax group (GFatmax ) or to HIIT group (GHIIT ). Both groups performed eight cycling sessions matched for mechanical work. Aerobic fitness and fat oxidation rates (FORs) during exercise were assessed prior and following the training. Blood samples were drawn to determine hormones and plasma metabolites levels. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR). RESULTS: Aerobic fitness and FORs during exercise were significantly increased in both groups after training (P ≤ 0.001). HOMA2-IR was significantly reduced only for GFatmax (P ≤ 0.001). Resting non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin decreased significantly only in GFatmax (P ≤ 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Two weeks of HIIT and Fatmax training are effective for the improvement of aerobic fitness and FORs during exercise in these classes of obesity. The decreased levels of resting NEFA only in GFatmax may be involved in the decreased insulin resistance only in this group.

Natural and synthetic fibres improving tensile strength and elongation of paper products

The theory part of the Master’s thesis introduces fibres with high tensile strength and elongation used in the production of paper or board. Strong speciality papers are made of bleached softwood long fibre pulp. The aim of the thesis is to find new fibres suitable for paper making to increase either tensile strength, elongation or both properties. The study introduces how fibres bond and what kind of fibres give the strongest bonds into fibre matrix. The fibres that are used the in manufacturing of non-wovens are long and elastic. They are longer than softwood cellulose fibres. The end applications of non-wovens and speciality papers are often the same, for instance, wet napkins or filter media. The study finds out which fibres are used in non-wovens and whether the same fibres could be added to cellulose pulp as armature fibres, what it would require for these fibres to be blended in cellulose, how they would bind with cellulose and whether some binding agents or thermal bonding, such as hot calendaring would be necessary. The following fibres are presented: viscose, polyester, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene and bicomponent fibres. In the empiric part of the study the most suitable new fibres are selected for making hand sheets in laboratory. Test fibres are blended with long fibre cellulose. The test fibres are viscose (Tencel), polypropylene and polyethylene. Based on the technical values measured in the sheets, the study proposes how to continue trials on paper machine with viscose, polyester, bicomponent and polypropylene fibres.