Rural vs. Non-rural Differences and Longitudinal Bone Changes by DXA and pQCT in Men Aged 20-66 Years: A Population-Based Study

The purpose of this research was to determine whether there were differences in estimated means and rates of change in BMC, bone area, BMD and measures of bone geometry among men (n=544) from three distinct populations (Hutterite [rural], rural non-Hutterite, non-rural), and whether activity levels or calcium intake explain these population differences. Men were enrolled in the South Dakota Rural Bone Health Study and followed for 7.5 years to estimate means and rates of change in bone mass, density, size and geometry. Femoral neck (FN) and spine measurements were obtained every 18 months by DXA and distal radius (4% and 20%) measurements by pQCT. Activity measurements and calcium intake were obtained quarterly for the first 3 years and at 54, 72, and 90 months. Rural men had greater percent time in moderate plus vigorous activity (mean ± SD: 22 ± 10 vs. 15 ± 8%,

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

Unilateral thalamic infarction presenting as vertical gaze palsy: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Vertical gaze palsy is a recognized manifestation of midbrain lesions. It rarely is a consequence of unilateral thalamic infarction.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 48-year-old African-American woman who presented to our facility with vertical gaze palsy and evidence of left medial thalamic infarct on diffusion-weighted imaging without coexisting midbrain ischemia. The etiology of infarct was determined to be small vessel disease after extensive investigation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This report suggests a possible role of the thalamus as a vertical gaze control center. Clinicoradiological studies are needed to further define the role of the thalamus in vertical gaze control.</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

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

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