Skeletal muscle stem cell defects in burn-induced cachexia

..In an intriguing recent paper published in The Journal of Physiology, Fry and colleagues (Fry et al. 2016) explore the potential involvement of SCs and myonuclei apoptosis in young burn patients, a condition characterized by hyper-metabolism and extreme muscle wasting... ...The authors hypothesized that severe burn trauma could induce myonuclear apoptosis along with increased SC activation, in order to counteract the loss of myonuclei. In brief, the major findings by Fry and colleagues were (summarized in Table 1): (1) burn trauma induces myonuclear and SC apoptosis, (2) SC content is decreased although the content of active SCs is increased in burn patients, and (3) the latter two are associated with a generalized regenerative response (increased central nuclei and embMHC positive fibres) in burn patients

The Cosmic Causal Mass

In order to provide a better understanding of rotating universe models, and in particular the G\"{o}del universe, we discuss the relationship between cosmic rotation and perfect inertial dragging. In this connection, the concept of \emph{causal mass} is defined in a cosmological context, and discussed in relation to the cosmic inertial dragging effect. Then, we calculate the mass inside the particle horizon of the flat $\Lambda$CDM-model integrated along the past light cone. The calculation shows that the Schwarzschild radius of this mass is around three times the radius of the particle horizon. This indicates that there is close to perfect inertial dragging in our universe. Hence, the calculation provides an explanation for the observation that the swinging plane of a Foucault pendulum follows the stars.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figure

The Peripheral Kynurenine Pathway and Psychosomatic Comorbidity in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Background: The Kynurenine pathway (KP) is involved in various disorders, but little is known about the KP and psychosomatic complaints. The aim was to study the peripheral KP and psychosomatic comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity. Methods: Psychosomatic comorbidity (perceived general health, muscle-skeletal pain, well-being, mood disorders, fatigue, self-esteem, sleepiness, and sense of humour) was registered, and serum samples were collected six months before and after bariatric surgery. Results: A total of 141 subjects (men/women, 116/25) with a mean age of 43.0 (SD 8.7) years and BMI of 42.1 (SD 3.8) kg/m2 were included. No significant associations were seen between the psychosomatic disorders and the KP. There was a significant downregulation of all KP metabolites after surgery, a reduction in CRP, and strong associations between CRP and the KP, particularly with the ratios of Kynurenine/Tryptophan and Quinolinic acid (QA)/Xanthurenic acid (XA). The QA/XA ratio was negatively associated with diabetes. Conclusions: The peripheral KP seemed to be of minor importance for the psychosomatic comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity. The downregulation of all KP metabolites after bariatric surgery indicated reduced inflammation. The QA/XA ratio seemed to be a marker of insulin sensitivity and favourable glucose control.The Peripheral Kynurenine Pathway and Psychosomatic Comorbidity in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric SurgerypublishedVersio

Alternative vs. conventional treatment given on-demand for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomised controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Alternative treatments are commonly used for various disorders and often taken on-demand. On-demand treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with pharmaceutical products is an established, cost-effective strategy. Comparisons between alternative medicine and pharmaceutical products are rare. The aim of this trial was to compare on-demand treatment with a pectin-based, raft-forming, natural, anti-reflux agent (PRA) with that of esomeprazole 20 mg (Eso20) in patients with mild/moderate GERD.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Patients with mild/moderate GERD were randomised to a six weeks' on-demand treatment with PRA or Eso20 in a pragmatic, open, multicentre trial. Overall satisfaction with treatment, satisfactory relief on a weekly basis, reflux symptoms, and treatment preferences were noted.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seventy-seven patients were included in the analyses. Eso20 was significantly superior to PRA for proportion of overall satisfied patients (92% and 58% respectively; p = 0.001), reduction of symptoms (mean symptom scores at the end 5.9 and 8.0 respectively; p = 0.019), proportion of weeks of satisfactory relief (89% and 62% respectively; p = 0.008) and proportion preferring continuation with the same treatment (85% and 42% respectively; p < 0.001). Older patients were more satisfied than younger, and patients preferring on-demand treatment had lower symptom scores at inclusion than those preferring regular treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>On-demand treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg was clearly superior to the pectin-based raft-forming agent. Most patients preferred on-demand treatment to regular treatment. Those preferring regular therapy had significantly more symptoms at inclusion.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00184522.</p

APOE – a genetic marker of comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity

Background: In population-based studies, the genetic variability of the APOE E alleles have been associated with health outcomes. Health problems are common in subjects with obesity. This study explored associations between the APOE E alleles and comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity. Methods: The study included consecutive subjects referred for evaluation of bariatric surgery with morbid obesity (defined as BMI > 40 or > 35 kg/m2 with complications related to obesity). The subjects followed a conservative weight loss program for 6 months before surgery and had a follow-up visit 12 months after surgery. Demographic data and a set psychosomatic scores (musculoskeletal pain, WHO-5 Well-Being Index, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Hopkins Symptom Check-list 10; Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Fatigue Severity Scale) were collected, and blood samples were analysed for haematological and biochemical parameters and APOE alleles. Results: One hundred and forty subjects (men/women: 32 (23%)/108 (77%) with mean age 43.0 (SD 8.7) years and BMI 42.1 (SD 3.8) kg/m2 were included. One hundred and eight and 92 subjects had data after conservative treatment and 12 months after surgery, respectively. The prevalence of the APOE alleles were: E2E2: 1 (0.7%), E2E3: 13 (9.3%), E2E4: 4 (2.9%), E3E3: 71 (50.7%), E3E4: 47 (33.6%), and E4E4: 4 (2.9%). The prevalence rates were as anticipated in a Norwegian population. The weight loss during conservative treatment and after bariatric surgery was independent of E allele variability. E2 was associated with a significant or clear trend toward improvement of all psychosomatic disorders. There was a significant fall in CRP during the two treatment periods with weight loss. E2 and E4 were significantly associated with high and low CRP, respectively, but no associations were seen between CRP and comorbidity. Conclusions: The most marked finding was the association between E2 and improvement of all psychosomatic disorders. The positive and negative associations between CRP and E2 and E4, respectively, could indicate effects on inflammation and immunological reactions.acceptedVersio

Constipation and diarrhoea - common adverse drug reactions? A cross sectional study in the general population

BACKGROUND: Constipation and diarrhoea are common complaints and often reported as adverse drug reactions. This study aimed at finding associations between drugs and constipation and diarrhoea in a general population. METHODS: A selection of inhabitants in Oppland County, Norway participated in a cross-sectional survey. Information about demographics, diseases including gastrointestinal complaints classified according to the Rome II criteria and use of drugs were collected on questionnaires. Constipation was defined as functional constipation and constipation predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and diarrhoea as functional diarrhoea and diarrhoea predominant IBS. Associations between drugs and constipation and diarrhoea were examined with multivariable logistic regression models. Based on the multivariable model, the changes in prevalence (risk difference) of the abdominal complaints for non-users and users of drugs were calculated. RESULTS: In total 11078 subjects were invited, 4622 completed the questionnaires, 640 (13.8%) had constipation and 407 (8.8%) had diarrhoea. To start using drugs increased the prevalence of constipation and diarrhoea with 2.5% and 2.3% respectively. Polypharmacy was an additional risk factor for diarrhoea. Use of furosemide, levothyroxine sodium and ibuprofen was associated with constipation, and lithium and carbamazepine with diarrhoea. The excess drug related prevalence varied from 5.3% for the association between ibuprofen and constipation to 27.5% for the association between lithium and diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: Use of drugs was associated with constipation and diarrhoea in the general population. The associations are most likely adverse drug reactions and show that drug-induced symptoms need to be considered in subjects with these complaints

Drugs and Constipation in Elderly in Nursing Homes: What Is the Relation?

Introduction. Constipation is a common adverse drug reaction. Objective. Study associations between drugs and constipation in nursing home residents. Design. Cross-sectional study. Material and Methods. Nursing home residents above 60 years of age were included. Demographics, diet, physical activity, activity of daily living, nutritional status, use of drugs, and diseases were recorded. Constipation was defined as functional constipation or constipation-predominant IBS according to the Rome III criteria and/or regular use of laxatives. Drugs were classified according to the Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical Classification System (ATC), and anticholinergic effect was noted. Results. In all, 79 men and 188 women with a mean age of 85.4 (SD 7.1) years were included. The prevalence of constipation was 71.5%. Use of drugs in general, including polypharmacy, was not associated with constipation. Reduced activity of daily living (OR = 0.71, 95% CI : 0.60–0.84, P < 0.001), other antidepressants (N06AX) (OR 3.08, 95% CI : 1.09–8.68, P = 0.03), and benzodiazepine derivatives (N05BA) (OR = 2.80, 95% CI : 1.12–7.04, P = 0.03) were significantly associated with constipation; drugs with markedly anticholinergic effect (OR = 3.7, 95% CI : 0.78–17.53, P = 0.10), natural opium alkaloid (N02AA) (OR = 5.01, 95% CI : 0.95–25.94, P = 0.06), and propionic acid derivatives (M01AE) (OR = 7.00, 95% CI : 0.75–65.08, P = 0.09) showed a trend. Conclusion. In elderly with constipation, focus should be on specific groups of drugs and nonpharmacological factors, not on drugs in general

Measurement and rendering of complex non-diffuse and goniochromatic packaging materials

Realistic renderings of materials with complex optical properties, such as goniochromatism and non-diffuse reflection, are difficult to achieve. In the context of the print and packaging industries, accurate visualisation of the complex appearance of such materials is a challenge, both for communication and quality control. In this paper, we characterise the bidirectional reflectance of two homogeneous print samples displaying complex optical properties. We demonstrate that in-plane retro-reflective measurements from a single input photograph, along with genetic algorithm-based BRDF fitting, allow to estimate an optimal set of parameters for reflectance models, to use for rendering. While such a minimal set of measurements enables visually satisfactory renderings of the measured materials, we show that a few additional photographs lead to more accurate results, in particular, for samples with goniochromatic appearance

Changes in circulating sirtuin 1 after bariatric surgery

Background and aims: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Weight loss after bariatric surgery improves the inflammatory state and risk of cardiovascular disease. Improvement in metabolic dysfunction might be associated with changes in the activity of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and we aimed to investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on its circulating levels. Methods and results: This is a sub-study of a prospective cohort study, including 110 subjects with morbid obesity. The surgical procedure was either laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Blood was sampled at inclusion and six and 12 months after surgery. SIRT1 was measured in EDTA plasma with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean age in the population was 43 years, 80% were women and mean body mass index (BMI) was 38.8 kg/m2. RYGB and SG were performed in 89 and 21 subjects, respectively. SIRT1 concentration was significantly reduced from baseline to six and 12 months after surgery, with mean values (SD) 156.8 (82.6), 119.5 (65.6) and 94.9 (45.6) ng/mL, respectively, (p 0.002, all), accompanied by significant reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP), BMI and triglycerides from inclusion (p < 0.001, all). Type of surgery did not differently modify SIRT1 levels (p Z 0.09). CRP and tri glycerides were both positively predictive of SIRT1 levels (p 0.001, both). Conclusion: SIRT1 concentration was significantly lower six and 12 months after bariatric surgery. CRP and triglycerides independently predicted SIRT1 levels, suggesting that reduction in SIRT1 levels might not intrinsically be related to weight reduction, but to improvement in metaflammation.publishedVersio