Methods of Physical Activity Assessment for Older Adults

Introduction: The goal of this study was to evaluate the convergent validity of physical activity (PA) assessment methods widely used with older adults with an accelerometer-based pattern recognition monitor, the Sensewear Pro 3 Armband (SP3). The ActiGraph (ACT) accelerometer and the Seven Day Physical Activity Recall (7DAY) physical activity questionnaires (PAQ) are two of the most popular methods of PA assessment; however the understanding of their use with an older adult population is limited. PAQs designed specifically for older adults such as the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS), Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS), Physical Activity Survey for the Elderly (PASE), and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) are currently lacking comparison with objective criterion measures. The purpose of the study was to establish validity for PA assessment methods, designed for both the general population and older adults, which are lacking comparison with objective criterion measures in an older adult population. Methods: The participants (n=27; age=74.4 y 6.5) wore the SP3 and ACT for 7 days of normal activities of daily living and completed the PAQs to recall their activity over the same time frame. ACT physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) was calculated with the Freedson equation (ACT-F) and Work-Energy-Theorem and Freedson combination (ACT-C). The ACT-F and Matthews cutpoint (ACT-M) were used for estimates of minutes per week of PA. A one way ANOVA was used to find differences between genders. Pearson and Spearman correlations examined significant relationships. Paired samples t-tests and Bland-Altman plots investigated differences between methods. Results: ACT estimates of step count were highly related at 0.96 (p\u3c0.01) with the SP3 although there were differences between methods. The ACT-C showed moderate relationships (r=0.54, p\u3c0.01) with the SP3 in PAEE estimates. A trend of underestimation was present of 78kcal per day. The ACT-M was moderately related (r=0.64, p\u3c0.01) to the SP3 for minutes of PA. It underestimated 47 minutes per week of PA. No significant differences were found between the ACT-C and ACT-M with the SP3. The 7DAY and YPAS correlated moderately well with the SP3 for PAEE (r=0.69 & 0.85, p\u3c0.01) and for minutes of PA (r=0.68 & 0.84, p\u3c0.01). Spearman rank order was 0.73 (p\u3c0.01), 0.56 (p\u3c0.01) and 0.39 (p\u3c0.05) for the 7DAY, YPAS and PASE with the SP3 for PAEE. Rank order was 0.70 and 0.64 (p\u3c0.01) for the 7DAY and YPAS with the SP3 estimates of PA minutes. Significant differences were not found for 7Day and YPAS with the SP3. Wider limits of agreement existed for the YPAS under Bland-Altman analysis. The CHAMPS showed no significant relationships with the criterion measure. Analysis of the RAPA was not possible due to a small, highly active sample. Discussion: The ACT had reasonable agreement with the SP3 for estimating PAEE and minutes spent in PA. The results support the use of the 7DAY to estimate PAEE in a healthy older adult population. The PAQs designed specifically for older adults such as the YPAS and PASE may only have use for group rankings, while the RAPA may only be useful for classification as active or sedentary. The CHAMPS requires further research with an objective criterion measure before being used for estimates of PA in an older adult population

The Effects of a Pyk2 Kinase Inhibitor on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Introduction: Regenerative endodontic procedures are an effective treatment option for immature teeth with infected necrotic pulps to allow for healing and potential continued root development, yet challenges to ideal treatment outcomes remain. Consistent development of root length and width of dentin remains a challenge, as does development of the pulp-dentin complex. Previous in vitro studies have assessed the role of different growth factors and bioactive molecules in combination with scaffolds to potentially facilitate continued development of the pulp-dentin complex using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is linked with osteoblast activity and the regulation of bone mass. Further, the Pyk2 inhibitor PF-4618433 (PF-46) has been shown in previous studies to enhance osteoblast activity and mineral deposition in vitro. However, whether Pyk2 targeting promotes the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs remains unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a Pyk2 inhibitor, PF-46, on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of human DPSCs. Materials and Methods: Human DPSCs were cultured in 24-well plates with α-MEM with 10% FBS, and containing 0 μM (vehicle control) or 0.1 μM, 0.3 μM, or 0.6 μM PF-46. Fresh media and treatments were replaced every 2-3 days. After 1 day incubation, cytotoxic effects were evaluated by using an MTS proliferation assay. After 4 days of treatment, direct cell counting was performed. To induce osteogenic differentiation, ascorbic acid and β-glycerol phosphate were added to the culture media and the DPSCs were cultured with PF-46 for 14 days. Then, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and mineral deposition assay were performed. Differences between treatment groups were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA followed by pair-wise tests conducted using Tukey’s multiple comparisons procedure with a 5% significance level. Results: The 0.6 μM PF-46 group had a significantly higher cell count, ALP activity and mineral deposition when compared to 0 μM PF-46. The 0.1 and 0.3 μM PF-46 groups also had significantly higher ALP activity compared to the 0 μM PF-46 group after 14 days of incubation. There was a general trend of increased differentiation and mineral deposition as the concentration of PF-46 increased from 0.1 μM to 0.6 μM. Conclusion: There was a general concentration-dependent increase in cell count, differentiation, and mineral deposition by human DPSCs as the concentration of PF-46 increased from 0 μM up to 0.6 μM, with the highest activity observed with 0.6 μM PF-46. Although further research is needed, these results suggest that strategies that target Pyk2 may potentially be used to improve the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs to aid endodontic regeneration

Factors associated with multiple transitions in care during the end of life following enrollment in a comprehensive palliative care program

BACKGROUND: Patients often experience changes or transitions in where and by whom they are cared for at the end of life. These cause stress for both patients and families. Although not all transitions during the end of life can be avoided, advance identification of those who could potentially experience numerous transitions may allow providers and caregivers to anticipate the problem and consider strategies to minimize their occurrence. This study examines the relationship between patient characteristics and the total number of transitions experienced by the patient from the date of admission to a palliative care program (PCP) to death and during final weeks of life. METHODS: Subjects included all adults registered with the PCP in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada between 1998 and 2002 and who had died during that period. Data was extracted from the regional PCP database and linked to census information. Transitions were defined as either: 1) a change in location of where the patient was cared for; or 2) a change in which service (specialist groupings, primary care, etc) provided care. Descriptive statistics were calculated plus rate ratios for the association between patient characteristics and total number of transitions. RESULTS: In total, 3972 patients made 5903 transitions during the study period. Although 28% experienced no transitions, over 40% experienced one and 6.3% five or more. At least one transition was made by 47% during the last four weeks of life. Adjusted results suggest women, the elderly and more recent death are associated with experiencing fewer transitions. Multiple transitions were associated with a hospital death and a cancer diagnosis. During the last month of life, age was no longer associated with the total number of transitions, cancer patients were found to experience a similar number or fewer transitions than patients with a non-cancer diagnosis and pain and symptom control become a significant factor associated with a greater number of transitions. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest there is some variation in the number of transitions associated with the demographics and diagnoses of patients. Associations with gender and age require further exploration as does the contribution of caregiver supports and symptom issues

Larger Black Flour Beetle in Southern High Plains Homes

3 pp., 2 photographsLarger black flour beetles have invaded homes and other buildings in some Southern High Plains counties in Texas. This publication explains how to identify the beetles, find and eliminate the source, and exclude the insects from the house

A TPX2 Proteomimetic Has Enhanced Affinity for Aurora-A Due to Hydrocarbon Stapling of a Helix

Inhibition of protein kinases using ATP-competitive compounds is an important strategy in drug discovery. In contrast, the allosteric regulation of kinases through the disruption of protein-protein interactions has not been widely adopted, despite the potential for selective targeting. Aurora-A kinase regulates mitotic entry and mitotic spindle assembly and is a promising target for anticancer therapy. The microtubule-associated protein TPX2 activates Aurora-A through binding to two sites. Aurora-A recognition is mediated by two motifs within the first 43 residues of TPX2, connected by a flexible linker. To characterize the contributions of these three structural elements, we prepared a series of TPX2 proteomimetics and investigated their binding affinity for Aurora-A using isothermal titration calorimetry. A novel stapled TPX2 peptide was developed that has improved binding affinity for Aurora-A and mimics the function of TPX2 in activating Aurora-A's autophosphorylation. We conclude that the helical region of TPX2 folds upon binding Aurora-A, and that stabilization of this helix does not compromise Aurora-A activation. This study demonstrates that the preparation of these proteomimetics using modern synthesis methods is feasible and their biochemical evaluation demonstrates the power of proteomimetics as tool compounds for investigating PPIs involving intrinsically disordered regions of proteins

Inventory Locating with Quuppa: The Design and Development of a Real-Time Process Monitoring Web Application Solution

Viasat, Inc. requires precise inventory tracking at their production facility in San Diego, CA. Viasat has installed the Quuppa indoor real-time locating system (RTLS), which it uses to track the real-time position of high-value work-in-process items. In its current state, the system only displays in-the-moment location information, with no available functionality for storing historical data for review, analysis, or visualization. In addition, the data displayed is noisy and prone to significant random error. This paper provides an overview of RTLS methods and technologies, assesses alternative solutions to Viasat’s issue, demonstrates our RTLS integrated web app solution, analyzes its impact, and offers recommendations for future development

Lunar-sourced GEO Powersats: An Integrated ISRU System

Solar power satellites (powersats) can be built almost entirely from lunar resources. When C-class asteroids are also included as ore bodies a complete powersat can be built through insitu resource utilization (ISRU) given appropriate processing and transportation technology.This article provides an in-depth overview of the technical feasibility and economic viabilityof lunar construction and operations for powersat component construction and delivery togeostationary earth orbit (GEO). Techno-economic analysis suggests a return on investmentin seven years assuming a three percent discount rate. Electrical power collected in GEO andbeamed to terrestrial receivers by the powersats can be sold as baseload power in the wholesale electricity market to generate revenue. This work presents a complete concept of operationsfrom initial rocket launches to regolith harvesting through transport to GEO. Lunarinfrastructure can be constructed of modules to optimize size and weight for launch costs.Future growth can be derived from using ISRU to build additional processing bases. A scale-up in this manner can provide 22% of the world’s energy needs by the end of a 20-year period.This work builds upon previous studies and completes the architectural description ofpredominantly lunar-sourced GEO powersats