Tonsillectomy and Weight Gain in Children, Is There a Correlation?

The relationship between tonsillectomy and postoperative weight gain in children has been studied across the globe. Indications for tonsillectomy include chronic recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea. This phenomenon of weight gain postoperatively and the many possible causes were the focus of this systematic review. Relationships between adenotonsillectomy/tonsillectomy, dietary habits, obstructive sleep apnea, motor activity, hyperactivity, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin growth factor binding protein -3, and weight gain were investigated. Findings supported a relationship between adenotonsillectomy/tonsillectomy and postoperative weight gain, decreased sleep apnea, decreased motor activity and hyperactivity, an affinity for sugary and fatty foods, and an increase in insulin growth factor binding protein -3 in children. While an increase in weight was found postoperatively, an increase in height was not found to be statistically significant. With increasing concerns regarding the rise in obesity in our society, further research in this area regarding this phenomenon may lead to the development of guidelines for post recovery dietary and exercise habits. These guidelines could then be utilized to educate parents and primary care providers in an effort to minimize or prevent the occurrence of obesity in children post adenotonsillectomy/tonsillectomy

Alien Registration- Doucette, Dora M. (Portland, Cumberland County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/24040/thumbnail.jp

Alien Registration- Doucette, Helen M. (Lewiston, Androscoggin County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/29316/thumbnail.jp

Alien Registration- Doucette, Dora M. (Portland, Cumberland County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/24040/thumbnail.jp

The effects of graphical fidelity on player experience

Graphical assets in video games have become increasingly complex over the years, but little is known about their effect on player experience (PX). In this paper, we present results of a controlled study with 48 participants comparing how abstract and stylized graphics influence player experience in casual games. Our results show that high-fidelity graphics result in a more positive impression of the game. However, we also show that many effects are only present in the game with a more challenging mechanic. This shows that casual games can be compelling and enjoyable to play despite simplistic graphics, suggesting that small game developers and researchers need not focus on elaborate visuals to engage players. Copyright © 2013 ACM

Adaptation to Aquatic Risks due to Climate Change in Pangnirtung, Nunavut

We use a vulnerability framework to examine how residents of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, perceive the risks of aquatic activities in the context of adaptation to a changing climate. Our findings suggest that community members identify climate change as increasing the risk of many aquatic activities and have adapted some practices accordingly. However, further adaptation to these changing risks is impeded by three main barriers: (1) financial constraints, (2) Inuit resistance to adopting what some consider Euro-Canadian water safety practices, and (3) issues with the design of flotation devices. Participants suggested the following practical changes: (1) make personal flotation devices, lifejackets, and floater suits available to all residents at local stores at a subsidized rate, or provide them free of charge through the community; (2) create water safety promotional items that feature locally developed messages in both Inuktitut and English; (3) include traditional knowledge in water safety campaigns; and (4) use the local pool to train residents in water safety. These changes would not only help residents adapt to changing risks, but also help incorporate climate considerations into policies and programs.Nous utilisons un cadre de vulnérabilité pour examiner comment les habitants de Pangnirtung, au Nunavut, perçoivent les risques inhérents aux activités aquatiques dans le contexte de l’adaptation au changement climatique. Cette étude nous a permis de constater que les membres de la collectivité estiment que le changement climatique augmente le risque de nombreuses activités aquatiques et qu’ils ont modifié certaines de leurs manières de faire en conséquence. Cependant, trois grands obstacles entravent une adaptation plus poussée de ces risques : 1) les contraintes financières, 2) la résistance des Inuits à adopter ce que certains considèrent comme des méthodes eurocanadiennes plus sécuritaires, et 3) des problèmes de conception des appareils de flottaison. Les participants ont suggéré les changements pratiques suivants : 1) faire en sorte que des dispositifs de flottaison personnels, des gilets de sauvetage et des survêtements protecteurs soient à la disposition de tous les résidents à des prix subventionnés aux magasins de la région ou encore, qu’ils soient distribués aux gens gratuitement;2) créer du matériel promotionnel élaboré localement, en anglais et en inuktitut, pour promouvoir la sécurité sur l’eau; 3) faire en sorte que des connaissances traditionnelles soient intégrées aux campagnes relatives à la sécurité sur l’eau; et 4) montrer aux habitants de la région des techniques de sécurité sur l’eau à la piscine locale. Ces initiatives aideront non seulement les résidents à s’adapter aux risques changeants, mais également à tenir compte des considérations climatiques dans le cadre de leurs programmes et politiques

Pleurocidin-family cationic antimicrobial peptides are cytolytic for breast carcinoma cells and prevent growth of tumor xenografts

Introduction: Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) defend against microbial pathogens; however, certain CAPs also exhibit anticancer activity. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of the pleurocidin-family CAPs, NRC-03 and NRC-07, on breast cancer cells. Methods: MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and acid phosphatase cell-viability assays were used to assess NRC-03- and NRC-07-mediated killing of breast carcinoma cells. Erythrocyte lysis was determined with hemolysis assay. NRC-03 and NRC-07 binding to breast cancer cells and normal fibroblasts was assessed with fluorescence microscopy by using biotinylated-NRC-03 and -NRC-07. Lactate dehydrogenase-release assays and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the effect of NRC-03 and NRC-07 on the cell membrane. Flow-cytometric analysis of 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide- and dihydroethidium-stained breast cancer cells was used to evaluate the effects of NRC-03 and NRC-07 on mitochondrial membrane integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. Tumoricidal activity of NRC-03 and NRC-07 was evaluated in NOD SCID mice bearing breast cancer xenografts. Results: NRC-03 and NRC-07 killed breast cancer cells, including drug-resistant variants, and human mammary epithelial cells but showed little or no lysis of human dermal fibroblasts, umbilical vein endothelial cells, or erythrocytes. Sublethal doses of NRC-03 and, to a lesser extent, NRC-07 significantly reduced the median effective concentration (EC 50) of cisplatin for breast cancer cells. NRC-03 and NRC-07 bound to breast cancer cells but not fibroblasts, suggesting that killing required peptide binding to target cells. NRC-03- and NRC-07-mediated killing of breast cancer cells correlated with expression of several different anionic cell-surface molecules, suggesting that NRC-03 and NRC-07 bind to a variety of negatively-charged cell-surface molecules. NRC-03 and NRC-07 also caused significant and irreversible cell-membrane damage in breast cancer cells but not in fibroblasts. NRC-03- and NRC-07-mediated cell death involved, but did not require, mitochondrial membrane damage and ROS production. Importantly, intratumoral administration of NRC-03 and NRC-07 killed breast cancer cells grown as xenografts in NOD SCID mice. Conclusions: These findings warrant the development of stable and targeted forms of NRC-03 and/or NRC-07 that might be used alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of breast cancer.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Factors associated with comprehensive medication review completion rates: A national survey of community pharmacists

Background Completion rates for medication therapy management (MTM) services have been lower than desired and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has added MTM comprehensive medication review (CMR) completion rates as a Part D plan star measure. Over half of plans utilize community pharmacists via contracts with MTM vendors. Objectives The primary objective of this survey study was to identify factors associated with the CMR completion rates of community pharmacies contracted with a national MTM vendor. Methodsl Representatives from 27,560 pharmacy locations contracted with a national MTM vendor were surveyed. The dependent variable of interest was the pharmacies' CMR completion rate. Independent variables included the pharmacy's progressiveness stratum and number of CMRs assigned by the MTM vendor during the time period, as well as self-reported data to characterize MTM facilitators, barriers, delivery strategies, staffing, selected items from a modified Assessment of Chronic Illness Care, and pharmacist/pharmacy demographics. Univariate negative binomial models were fit for each independent variable, and variables significant at p < 0.05 were entered into a multivariable model. Results Representatives from 3836 (13.9%) pharmacy locations responded; of these, 90.9% (n = 3486) responses were useable. The median CMR completion rate was 0.42. Variables remaining significant at p < 0.05 in the multivariable model included: progressiveness strata; pharmacy type; scores on the facilitators scale; responses to two potential barriers items; scores on the patient/caregiver delivery strategies sub-scale; providing MTM at multiple locations; reporting that the MTM vendor sending the survey link is the primary MTM vendor for which the respondent provides MTM; and the number of hours per week that the pharmacy is open. Conclusions Factors at the respondent (e.g., responses to facilitators scale) and pharmacy (e.g., pharmacy type) levels were associated with CMR completion rates. These findings could be used by MTM stakeholders to improve CMR completion rates