Variation in Cortical Density Within the Cortical Shell of Individuals Across a Range in Densities and Ages

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine variability in cortical volumetric bone density (vBMD) from a single slice tibia image over a range of vBMD readings and ages. METHODS: Males and females (N=80; aged 6-80) were randomly selected from a previous study. Cortical vBMD at the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral regions as well as the endocortical, mid-cortical, and pericortical regions of the cortical shell were determined using pQCT. RESULTS: Mean anterior ROI cortical vBMD (1111±11 mg/cm(3)) was lower than the posterior and lateral ROIs (1169±7 mg/cm(3) and 1151±9 mg/cm(3), respectively), (p CONCLUSIONS: Variability in cortical vBMD was higher among young individuals and those with lower overall cortical vBMD, while lowest in older individuals and men. The anterior ROI had lower mean cortical vBMD than posterior or lateral regions, and endocortical vBMD was lower than the mid- and pericortical regions

Left ventricular clefts - incidental finding or pathologic sign of Wilson's disease?

Background: Wilson’s disease is an inherited autosomal recessive multi-systemic disorder characterized by reduced excretion and consequently excessive accumulation of copper in different organs, such as the heart. Results: In a prospective controlled trial, which is the largest to date, we evaluated 61 patients with Wilson’s disease, age- and sex-matched to 61 healthy patients, for cardiac manifestation using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were under stable disease and had no signs of heart failure at the time of examination. We detected a left ventricular cleft, an invagination penetrating more than 50% wall thickness of the adjoining compact myocardium in diastole, in 20% of the patients (12 out of 61) compared to 5% among control patients (3 out of 61, p = 0.013). No correlation between the incidence of cleft and a certain genotype of Wilson’s disease was found. All described cases were incidental findings and none of the patients showed other signs of cardiac involvement. Conclusions: To conclude, the results of this study suggests that the increased occurrence of left ventricular clefts is due to Wilson’s disease. Large studies with a long observation period are needed for further evaluation

Study of ozone smog episodes by Lidar 3D measurements in Lyon and Paris during summer 1999

Every summer, ozone smog episodes systematically take place in large agglomerations. In order to prevent them, a better understanding of formation dynamics is needed using numerical models. These models must, however, be validated. Lidar is a unique tool for this task since it provides 3D measurements, for example combining 2D spatial measurements with time in an "animation movie". We present here two recent examples of such ozone Lidar measurement campaigns: the first over Lyon, was mainly used to evaluate a UAM-V type photochemical model and obtain ozone inter comparison data between ground level monitors and Lidar results. The other was performed in Paris and dedicated to validating the Lidar measurements themselves

Focus on stochastic flows and climate statistics

The atmosphere and ocean are examples of dynamical systems that evolve in accordance with the laws of physics. Therefore, climate science is a branch of physics that is just as valid and important as the more traditional branches, which include particle physics, condensed-matter physics, and statistical mechanics. This 'focus on' collection of New Journal of Physics brings together original research articles from leading groups that advance our understanding of the physics of climate. Areas of climate science that can particularly benefit from input by physicists are emphasised. The collection brings together articles on stochastic models, turbulence, quasi-linear approximations, climate statistics, statistical mechanics of atmospheres and oceans, jet formation, and reduced-form climate models. The hope is that the issue will encourage more physicists to think about the climate problem

Near fatal posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome complicating chronic liver failure and treated by induced hypothermia and dialysis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinico-neuroradiological entity characterized by headache, vomiting, altered mental status, blurred vision and seizures with neuroimaging studies demonstrating white-gray matter edema involving predominantly the posterior region of the brain.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a 47-year-old Caucasian man with liver cirrhosis who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and who was managed with induced hypothermia for control of intracranial hypertension and continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration for severe hyperammonemia.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We believe this is the first documented case report of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with cirrhosis as well as the first report of the use of induced hypothermia and continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration in this setting.</p

Aging Anxiety and Physical Activity Outcomes among Middle and Older Age African Americans

Aging is a natural process but may lead to aging anxiety due to physical and mental health changes. Aging anxiety is more prevalent among African Americans compared to Whites. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between aging anxiety, its four constructs including fear of older adults (contact with older adults), psychological concerns (personal/internal issues), physical appearance (physical changes), and fear of loss (loss of autonomy and social relationships), with the different types of physical activity (PA), as well as the attitudes toward PA. A total of 178 African American adults aged 40 years and older completed an online Qualtrics survey. The Lasher and Faulkender survey was utilized for the purposes of obtaining data on aging anxiety. PA was measured using questions derived from the National Health Interview Survey questionnaire and miscellaneous Questions for PA attitudes. The results revealed that fear of loss was the most anxiety-inducing factor among the participants. Females were more fearful of older adults and more anxious about aging than males. Possessing an enjoyable attitude toward PA was associated with less fear of older adults, fewer psychological concerns, and a lower total score of aging anxiety. Physical appearance constructs were correlated with age and strengthening exercises. Younger participants were more worried about their appearance than older participants. Fear of loss was higher among single and lower-income participants. Interventions and mental health programs should consider addressing the fear of loss and promoting a positive attitude toward PA to alleviate aging anxiety among middle-aged and older African Americans

Sclerostin: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

In recent years study of rare human bone disorders has led to the identification of important signaling pathways that regulate bone formation. Such diseases include the bone sclerosing dysplasias sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease, which are due to deficiency of sclerostin, a protein secreted by osteocytes that inhibits bone formation by osteoblasts. The restricted expression pattern of sclerostin in the skeleton and the exclusive bone phenotype of good quality of patients with sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease provide the basis for the design of therapeutics that stimulate bone formation. We review here current knowledge of the regulation of the expression and formation of sclerostin, its mechanism of action, and its potential as a bone-building treatment for patients with osteoporosis