Satellite cell proliferation in adult skeletal muscle

Novel methods of retroviral-mediated gene transfer for the in vivo corporation and stable expression of eukaryotic or prokaryotic foreign genes in tissues of living animals is described. More specifically, methods of incorporating foreign genes into mitotically active cells are disclosed. The constitutive and stable expression of E. coli .beta.-galactosidase gene under the promoter control of the Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat is employed as a particularly preferred embodiment, by way of example, establishes the model upon which the incorporation of a foreign gene into a mitotically-active living eukaryotic tissue is based. Use of the described methods in therapeutic treatments for genetic diseases, such as those muscular degenerative diseases, is also presented. In muscle tissue, the described processes result in genetically-altered satellite cells which proliferate daughter myoblasts which preferentially fuse to form a single undamaged muscle fiber replacing damaged muscle tissue in a treated animal. The retroviral vector, by way of example, includes a dystrophin gene construct for use in treating muscular dystrophy. The present invention also comprises an experimental model utilizable in the study of the physiological regulation of skeletal muscle gene expression in intact animals

Non-Lignite Marker Beds in the Sentinel Butte formation, McKenzie and Dunn Counties, North Dakota

Non-lignite marker beds in the Sentinel Butte Formation have been noted by several authors (Fisher, 1953; Meldahl, 1956; Clark, 1966; Royse, 1970; Cherven, 1973; Johnson, 1973). Five non-lignite marker beds listed by Royse (1970): 1) basal sand bed, 2) blue bed, 3) lower yellow bed, 4) upper yellow bed, and 5) upper sand bed. These are shown in Figure 1. The purpose of this study was to map the blue bed, the lower yellow bed, and the upper yellow bed, to determine their stratigraphic position, and to record the characteristics of the three beds

George M. Stancel, PhD, Oral History Interview, January 24, 2012

Major Topics Covered: Personal and educational background Research: estrogen and uterine cancer Transformation of laboratory science and laboratory technologies Early years of the University of Texas Medical School; Building the Department of Pharmacologyhttps://openworks.mdanderson.org/mchv_interviewsessions/1190/thumbnail.jp

Developments and methodological challenges in international large-scale assessments in education: an IEA perspective

Ongoing societal and technological developments in education and changes in the global debate about education continue to promote the value of international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) in education. ILSAs are expanding their sphere of influence, evolving to cover novel target populations and subject domains. Advances in the methods and technology available to collect, scale, and analyze data present continuous methodological challenges, but also foster rapid developments of the methodological research and respective technology. Most ILSAs in education are now enforcing a transition to computer-based assessment. Recent research has suggested new approaches for addressing nonresponse, novel methods to improve measurement invariance evaluation, and explored innovative methodologies for statistical data analyses. This paper reflects on IEA\u27s extensive experience of ILSA research to identify the most important contemporary challenges, contextualized by historical developments. The authors discuss these developments considering their potentials, drawing conclusions and giving recommendations on best practice. (DIPF/Orig.)Die Autorinnen und die Autoren dieses Beitrags formulieren aus der Perspektive der International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) aktuelle Entwicklungen und methodische Herausforderungen im Kontext von international vergleichenden Schulleistungsuntersuchungen. (DIPF/Orig.

Narodowy Rejestr Chorych na Cukrzycę w Polsce : program pilotażowy

Wstęp. Pilotażowy projekt Rejestru Dorosłych Chorych na Cukrzycę w Polsce został przeprowadzony w latach 2006–2009. Został on sfinansowany z funduszy Ministerstwa Zdrowia. Celem projektu była ocena jakości opieki diabetologicznej w kilka lat po przystąpieniu Polski do Unii Europejskiej. Materiał i metody. Kwestionariusze dotyczące danych pacjentów z cukrzycą były wypełniane przez lekarzy diabetologów w 39 różnych ośrodkach diabetologicznych w Polsce. Dane zawarte w kwestionariuszach zawierały pytania o: wiek, płeć, BMI, typ i czas trwania cukrzycy, rodzaj leczenia hipoglikemizującego, HbA1c, profile glikemii, lipidogram, ciśnienie tętnicze, powikłania cukrzycy, choroby towarzyszące i ich leczenie oraz inne aspekty opieki. Kwestionariusze były analizowane w centralnym ośrodku. Wyniki. Uzyskano dane 7606 pacjentów: 15,0% z typem 1 cukrzycy (T1DM), 80,9% z typem 2 cukrzycy (T2DM), 1,9% z innymi typami cukrzycy i 2,2% z cukrzycą ciążową. Grupa chorych z T1DM i T2DM charakteryzowała się odpowiednio: liczebnością 1134 (52,4% kobiet) i 6119 (55,5% kobiet), średnim wiekiem 40,9 i 63,8 lat, średnim czasem trwania cukrzycy 14,6 i 9,7 lat. Średni poziom HbA1c wynosił dla T1DM i T2DM odpowiednio 7,69 i 7,25%. Parametry gospodarki lipidowej dla T1DM i T2DM wynosiły: cholesterol całkowity 4,84 i 5,06 mmol/l; LDL-cholesterol 2,73 i 2,90 mmol/l; HDL-cholesterol 1,58 i 1,30 mmol/l; triglicerydy 1,26 i 1,95 mmol/l; ciśnienie tętnicze 127,4/77,7 i 139,8/81,8 mmHg. Odsetek pacjentów spełniających kryteria wyrównania wynosił odpowiednio dla: HbA1c £ 7,0% i £ 6,5%: T1DM 39,4 i 22,6%, T2DM 52,1 i 32,8%; cholesterol całkowity < 4,5 mmol/l: T1DM 40,1%, T2DM 32,6%; triglicerydy < 1,7 mmol/l: T1D 82,1%, T2D 53,2%; ciśnienie tętnicze < 130/80 mm Hg: T1DM 31,9%, T2DM 12,9%. Częstość występowania mikronaczyniowych powikłań cukrzycy wynosił odpowiednio dla chorych z T1DM i T2DM: retinopatia 38,4 i 23,4%; nefropatia 15,2 i 8,5%; neuropatia obwodowa 25.3 i 25.4%; neuropatia autonomiczna 9,6 i 5,4%. Wnioski. Dane uzyskane w Rejestrze obrazują obecny stan opieki diabetologicznej w Polsce, który wykazuje tendencję do poprawy w porównaniu do badania DEPAC przeprowadzonego w krajach Europy środkowo-wschodniej, w tym w Polsce w okresie przystąpienia do Unii Europejskiej (2004). Pomimo tego trendu większość pacjentów wciąż nie spełnia kryteriów wyrównania cukrzycy rekomendowanych przez krajowe i międzynarodowe zalecenia. (Diabet. Klin. 2012; 1, 1: 3–11)Background. Over the years 2006–2009 a pilot project of the Polish Diabetes Registry for Adults financed by the Polish Ministry of Health was performed. The objective was to assess outpatient diabetes care a few years after joining the European Union. Material and methods. Questionnaires for randomly enrolled patients were completed by diabetologists in 39 outpatient diabetes centers in different parts of Poland. Data concerning age, sex, BMI, diabetes type and duration, hypoglycemic treatment, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids levels, blood pressure (BP), diabetes complications, concomitant diseases and their treatment, and other aspects of medical care were collected. The questionnaires were analysed centrally. Results. Data on 7606 individuals were available: 15.0% with type 1 diabetes (T1DM); 80.9% with type 2 diabetes (T2DM); 1.9% with other types of diabetes; and 2.2% with gestational diabetes. T1DM and T2DM cohorts consisted of 1134 (52.4% women) and 6119 (55.5% women) patients, mean age 40.9 and 63.8 years, mean diabetes duration 14.6 and 9.7 years, respectively. Mean HbA1c for T1DM and T2DM was 7.69 and 7.25%. Lipid parameters for T1DM and T2DM were as followed: mean total cholesterol (TC) 4.84 and 5.06 mmol/l; mean LDL-cholesterol (LDL) 2.73 and 2.90 mmol/l; mean HDL-cholesterol (HDL) 1.58 and 1.30 mmol/l; mean triglycerides (TG) 1.26 and 1.95 mmol/l; mean blood pressure (BP) 127.4//77.7 and 139.8/81.8 mmHg. The following proportion of the patients within target were recorded: for HbA1c (£ 7.0% and £ 6.5%): T1DM 39.4 and 22.6%, T2DM 52.1 and 32.8%; for TC levels (< 4.5 mmol/l):T1DM 40.1%, T2DM 32.6%; for TG levels (< 1.7 mmol/l):T1DM 82.1%, T2DM 53.2%; for BP (< 130/80 mm Hg):T1DM 31.9%, T2DM 12.9%, respectively. Prevalence of microvascular complications among T1DM and T2DM was as followed: retinopathy 38,4 and 23,4%; nephropathy 15,2 and 8,5%; peripheral neuropathy 25.3 and 25.4%; autonomic neuropathy 9,6 and 5,4%. Conclusions. The data show the current quality of diabetes care in Poland, which seems to show some improvement as compared to the DEPAC survey performed at the accession to EU (2004). Nevertheless, the current Registry also indicates that most patients still do not meet the criteria of diabetes control defined by the local and international guidelines. (Diabet. Klin. 2012; 1, 1: 3–11

The Polish Diabetes Registry for Adults — a pilot study

Background. Over the years 2006–2009 a pilot project of the Polish Diabetes Registry for Adults financed by the Polish Ministry of Health was performed. The objective was to assess outpatient diabetes care a few years after joining the European Union.Material and methods. Questionnaires for randomly enrolled patients were completed by diabetologists in 39 outpatient diabetes centers in different parts of Poland. Data concerning age, sex, BMI, diabetes type and duration, hypoglycemic treatment, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids levels, blood pressure (BP), diabetes complications, concomitant diseases and their treatment, and other aspects of medical care were collected. The questionnaires were analysed centrally.Results. Data on 7606 individuals were available: 15.0% with type 1 diabetes (T1DM); 80.9% with type 2 diabetes (T2DM); 1.9% with other types of diabetes; and 2.2% with gestational diabetes. T1DM and T2DMcohorts consisted of 1134 (52.4% women) and 6119 (55.5% women) patients, mean age 40.9 and 63.8 years, mean diabetes duration 14.6 and 9.7 years, respectively. Mean HbA1c for T1DM and T2DM was 7.69 and 7.25%. Lipid parameters for T1DM and T2DM were as followed: mean total cholesterol (TC) 4.84 and 5.06 mmol/l; mean LDL-cholesterol (LDL) 2.73 and 2.90 mmol/l; mean HDL-cholesterol (HDL) 1.58 and 1.30 mmol/l; mean triglycerides (TG) 1.26 and 1.95 mmol/l; mean blood pressure (BP) 127.4//77.7 and 139.8/81.8 mmHg. The following proportionof the patients within target were recorded: for HbA1c (£ 7.0% and £ 6.5%): T1DM 39.4 and 22.6%, T2DM 52.1 and 32.8%; for TC levels (&lt; 4.5 mmol/l):T1DM 40.1%, T2DM 32.6%; for TG levels (&lt; 1.7 mmol/l):T1DM 82.1%, T2DM 53.2%; for BP (&lt; 130/80 mm Hg):T1DM 31.9%, T2DM 12.9%, respectively. Prevalence of microvascular complications among T1DM and T2DM was as followed: retinopathy 38,4 and 23,4%; nephropathy 15,2 and 8,5%; peripheral neuropathy 25.3 and 25.4%; autonomic neuropathy 9,6 and 5,4%.Conclusions. The data show the current quality of diabetes care in Poland, which seems to show some improvement as compared to the DEPAC survey performed at the accession to EU (2004). Nevertheless, the current Registry also indicates that most patients still do not meet the criteria of diabetes control defined by the local and international guidelines. (Diabet. Klin. 2012; 1, 1: 3–11

Tracking of TV and video gaming during childhood: Iowa Bone Development Study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tracking studies determine the stability and predictability of specific phenomena. This study examined tracking of TV viewing (TV) and video game use (VG) from middle childhood through early adolescence after adjusting for moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), percentage of body fat (% BF), and maturity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>TV viewing and VG use were measured at ages 5, 8, 11, and 13 (n = 434) via parental- and self-report. MVPA was measured using the Actigraph, % BF using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and maturity via Mirwald predictive equations. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to assess stability and logistic regression was used to predict children "at risk" for maintaining sedentary behaviors. Additional models examined tracking only in overfat children (boys ≥ 25% BF; girls ≥ 32% BF). Data were collected from 1998 to 2007 and analyzed in 2010.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The adjusted stability coefficients (GEE) for TV viewing were 0.35 (95% CI = 0.26, 0.44) for boys, 0.32 (0.23, 0.40) for girls, and 0.45 (0.27, 0.64) for overfat. For VG use, the adjusted stability coefficients were 0.14 (0.05, 0.24) for boys, 0.24 (0.10, 0.38) for girls, and 0.29 (0.08, 0.50) for overfat. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for TV viewing were 3.2 (2.0, 5.2) for boys, 2.9 (1.9, 4.6) for girls, and 6.2 (2.2, 17.2) for overfat. For VG use, the OR were 1.8 (1.1, 3.1) for boys, 3.5 (2.1, 5.8) for girls, and 1.9 (0.6, 6.1) for overfat.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>TV viewing and VG use are moderately stable throughout childhood and predictive of later behavior. TV viewing appears to be more stable in younger children than VG use and more predictive of later behavior. Since habitual patterns of sedentarism in young children tend to continue to adolescence, early intervention strategies, particularly to reduce TV viewing, are warranted.</p

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy for the Treatment of Vestibular Migraine, and the Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Outcome: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular migraine (VM) is a common condition; individuals experience dizziness with migraine symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has been reported as an effective treatment for VM, however, evidence is limited. VM and traumatic brain injury (TBI) can co-occur, and some suggest that TBI can induce VM. There is limited evidence on the effect a history of TBI has on VRT in patients with VM. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 93 (f = 63, m = 30) participants with VM and underwent VRT (mean age 48.62; SD 15.92). Pre- and post-treatment self-reported outcome measures and functional gait assessment were extracted from the participants health records and evaluated. The impact of TBI on VRT outcome in participants with VM was analyzed. Individuals with TBI and no history of migraine (n = 40) were also extracted to act as a control. RESULTS: VRT significantly improved self-reported dizziness on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), with a mean change of -18 points (p < 0.000) and +5 points on the functional gait assessment (FGA) (p < 0.000) in patients with VM. A history of TBI significantly impacted outcome on the DHI (p = 0.018) in patients with VM.VRT significantly improved all outcome measures for individuals with TBI, with a mean change of -16 points on the DHI (p = 0.001) and +5 points on the FGA (p < 0.000). VM presence significantly impacted outcome. CONCLUSION: VRT should be considered as a treatment option to reduce dizziness and the risk of falls in individuals with VM. TBI may negatively impact VRT outcomes in individuals with VM

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy for the Treatment of Vestibular Migraine, and the Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Outcome: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular migraine (VM) is a common condition; individuals experience dizziness with migraine symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has been reported as an effective treatment for VM, however, evidence is limited. VM and traumatic brain injury (TBI) can co-occur, and some suggest that TBI can induce VM. There is limited evidence on the effect a history of TBI has on VRT in patients with VM. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 93 (f = 63, m = 30) participants with VM and underwent VRT (mean age 48.62; SD 15.92). Pre- and post-treatment self-reported outcome measures and functional gait assessment were extracted from the participants health records and evaluated. The impact of TBI on VRT outcome in participants with VM was analyzed. Individuals with TBI and no history of migraine (n = 40) were also extracted to act as a control. RESULTS: VRT significantly improved self-reported dizziness on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), with a mean change of -18 points (p < 0.000) and +5 points on the functional gait assessment (FGA) (p < 0.000) in patients with VM. A history of TBI significantly impacted outcome on the DHI (p = 0.018) in patients with VM.VRT significantly improved all outcome measures for individuals with TBI, with a mean change of -16 points on the DHI (p = 0.001) and +5 points on the FGA (p < 0.000). VM presence significantly impacted outcome. CONCLUSION: VRT should be considered as a treatment option to reduce dizziness and the risk of falls in individuals with VM. TBI may negatively impact VRT outcomes in individuals with VM