Which cancer survivors are at risk for a physically inactive and sedentary lifestyle? Results from pooled accelerometer data of 1447 cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has beneficial effects on the health of cancer survivors. We aimed to investigate accelerometer-assessed physical activity and sedentary time in cancer survivors, and describe activity profiles. Additionally, we identify demographic and clinical correlates of physical activity, sedentary time and activity profiles. METHODS: Accelerometer, questionnaire and clinical data from eight studies conducted in four countries (n = 1447) were pooled. We calculated sedentary time and time spent in physical activity at various intensities using Freedson cut-points. We used latent profile analysis to identify activity profiles, and multilevel linear regression analyses to identify demographic and clinical variables associated with accelerometer-assessed moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time, the highly active and highly sedentary profile, adjusting for confounders identified using a directed acyclic graph. RESULTS: Participants spent on average 26 min (3%) in MVPA and 568 min (66%) sedentary per day. We identified six activity profiles. Older participants, smokers and participants with obesity had significantly lower MVPA and higher sedentary time. Furthermore, men had significantly higher MVPA and sedentary time than women and participants who reported less fatigue had higher MVPA time. The highly active profile included survivors with high education level and normal body mass index. Haematological cancer survivors were less likely to have a highly active profile compared to breast cancer survivors. The highly sedentary profile included older participants, males, participants who were not married, obese, smokers, and those < 12 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors engage in few minutes of MVPA and spend a large proportion of their day sedentary. Correlates of MVPA, sedentary time and activity profiles can be used to identify cancer survivors at risk for a sedentary and inactive lifestyle.

Influence of Pythium oligandrum on the bacterial communities that colonize the nutrient solutions and the rhizosphere of tomato plants.

The influence exerted by the biocontrol oomycete Pythium oligandrum on the bacterial populations proliferating in the rhizosphere of tomato plants grown in a hydroponic system and in the circulating solutions is studied in the present experiment. Quantitative PCR and single-strand conformation polymorphism were used to investigate the genetic structure and dynamics of the bacterial communities colonizing the root systems and the various circulating solutions. Quantitative PCR assays showed that bacteria heavily colonized the rhizosphere of tomato plants with, however, no significant density changes throughout the cultural season (April-September). Single strand conformation polymorphism fingerprints revealed the occurrence of transient perturbations in the rhizospheric indigenous bacterial communities following P. oligandrum introduction in the root system of plants. This effect was, however, transient and did not persist until the end of the cropping season. Interestingly, the genetic structure of the bacterial microflora colonizing either the roots or the nutrient solutions evolved throughout the cropping season. This temporal evolution occurred whatever the presence and persistence of P. oligandrum in the rhizosphere. Evidence is also provided that bacterial microflora that colonize the root system are different from the ones colonizing the circulating solutions. The relationships between these 2 microflora (at the root and solution levels) are discussed.

Walking, Sedentary Time and Health-Related Quality Life Among Kidney Transplant Recipients: An Exploratory Study.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives of this study were to: 1) establish walking and physical activity prevalence and sedentary time estimates; and 2) determine associations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with objectively assessed walking, self-reported physical activity, and sedentary time among kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, kidney transplant recipients received a survey package containing measures of sedentary time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and HRQoL, and a step pedometer. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants returned a completed survey, for a response rate of 82% (32 of 39 interested participants). The average steps per day were 9752 steps (SD = 3685) and 59% achieved public health guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week. Total sedentary time during the week was 11.6 h/d whereas total sedentary time during the weekend was 8.9 h/d. Compared to those not achieving at least 10,000 steps/d, respondents who were achieving at least 10,000 steps/d had a significantly higher physical component score for HRQoL (Mdiff = 7.8, P = .018). Similar patterns emerged for meeting physical activity guidelines and sedentary time. CONCLUSION: For kidney transplant recipients, greater participation in walking, overall physical activity, and lower engagement in sedentary activity, was associated with better HRQoL.

High glucose variability is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: In neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), hypo- and hyperglycemia have been associated with poor outcomes. However, glucose variability has not been reported in this population. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between serum glucose variability within the first 24 hours and two-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates cooled for HIE. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, glucose, clinical and demographic data were documented from 23 term newborns treated with whole body therapeutic hypothermia. Severe neurodevelopmental outcomes from planned two-year assessments were defined as the presence of any one of the following: Gross Motor Function Classification System levels 3 to 5, Bayley III Motor Standard Score <70, Bayley III Language Score <70 and Bayley III Cognitive Standard Score <70. RESULTS: The neurodevelopmental outcomes from 8 of 23 patients were considered severe, and this group demonstrated a significant increase of mean absolute glucose (MAG) change (-0.28 to -0.03, 95% CI, p = 0.032). There were no significant differences between outcome groups with regards to number of patients with hyperglycemic means, one or multiple hypo- or hyperglycemic measurement(s). There were also no differences between both groups with mean glucose, although mean glucose standard deviation was approaching significance. CONCLUSIONS: Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in whole body cooled HIE neonates are significantly associated with MAG changes. This information may be relevant for prognostication and potential management strategies.

Segregation induced instabilities of granular fronts.

Experimental investigation of granular flows containing particles of several sizes and moving down slopes shows that segregation of coarse-grained, irregularly shaped particles induces a fingering instability at the propagating front. The size-segregation mechanism involves percolation of small particles downward and a corresponding migration of large ones toward the flow surface. Large particles at the flow surface experience velocities that are greater than average so that they migrate forward and begin to collect at the flow front. In the case of dry cohesionless flows, the instability depends upon these large particles at the flow perimeter being more angular and thus more resistant to flow than the smaller rounder ones in the interior. A simple analytical model predicts the fingering instability when friction of the flow front is greater than that of the following flow. The presence of viscous liquid inhibits both size-segregation and the development of the instability. Fluidization of dry flows permits segregation of large particles to flow perimeters, thus increasing permeability and permitting a similar instability that owes its development to the dry frictional perimeter that surrounds a partly fluidized interior. (c) 1999 American Institute of Physics.

Biological control of plant pathogens: advantages and limitations seen through the case study of Pythium oligandrum.

The management of certain plant beneficial microorganisms [biological control agents (BCAs)] seems to be a promising and environmental friendly method to control plant pathogens. However, applications are still limited because of the lack of consistency of BCAs when they are applied in the field. In the present paper, the advantages and limitations of BCAs are seen through the example of Pythium oligandrum, an oomycete that has received much attention in the last decade. The biological control exerted by P. oligandrum is the result of a complex process, which includes direct effects through the control of pathogens and/or indirect effects mediated by P. oligandrum, i.e. induction of resistance and growth promotion. P. oligandrum antagonism is a multifaceted and target fungus-dependent process. Interestingly, it does not seem to disrupt microflora biodiversity on the roots. P. oligandrum has an atypical relationship with the plant because it rapidly penetrates into the root tissues but it cannot stay alive in planta. After root colonisation, because of the elicitation by P. oligandrum of the plant-defence system, plants are protected from a range of pathogens. The management of BCAs, here P. oligandrum, is discussed with regard to its interactions with the incredibly complex agrosystems.

Glaucoma surgery: trainee outcomes and implications for future training: southeast Scotland.

AIM: Postoperative outcome of trainee glaucoma surgery compared with glaucoma specialist consultant surgery. Survey of Scottish consultant ophthalmologists' views on trainee surgery. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 128 trainee and 176 consultant trabeculectomies, with minimum postoperative follow-up of 2 years. Prospective postal survey of 80 Scottish consultant ophthalmologists. RESULTS: Trainees operated mainly on cases of chronic open angle glaucoma, while consultants operated on significantly more complicated glaucomas (P=0.0004). Trainee cases had more bleb leaks (P=0.01), hypotony (P=0.05), early (P=0.01) and late (P=0.03) return to theatre, and bleb interventions (P=0.01). Trainee mitomycin trabeculectomies were associated with higher rates of return to theatre (P=0.002), and cataract extraction within the first postoperative year (P=0.002). Trainee cases of pseudoexfoliation had more early complications (P=0.024), and trainee cases of low tension required more bleb interventions (P=0.05). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between average intra-ocular pressure control (IOP) at postoperative visit year 1 between consultant (14.3 mm Hg) and trainee (13.9 mm Hg) cases. More than 50% of the 80 Scottish ophthalmology consultants surveyed, indicated that glaucoma surgery training requirements should be retained. CONCLUSIONS: Trainee trabeculectomy cases showed significantly higher rates of early complications, return to theatres, and bleb interventions compared with consultant cases. Satisfactory IOP control was achieved in both groups at postoperative year 1. Trainee cases require careful preoperative selection, avoiding complicated glaucomas including pseudoexfoliation and low tension, and those that require mitomycin. The majority of Scottish consultants wish to retain glaucoma surgery within the remit of generic training.

A randomised prospective double-masked exploratory study comparing combination photodynamic treatment and intravitreal ranibizumab vs intravitreal ranibizumab monotherapy in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of standard-fluence verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) delivered on the first day of a ranibizumab regimen for choroidal neovascularisation secondary to age-related macular degeneration compared with ranibizumab monotherapy. METHODS: Patients were randomised to sham or standard-fluence verteporfin PDT at baseline. The first of three monthly loading doses of ranibizumab was given on the same day, and thereafter patients received monthly treatment with ranibizumab as required. All patients underwent monthly visual acuity and OCT assessment and 3-monthly fluorescein angiography with follow-up to 1 year. RESULTS: In all, 18 patients were recruited. The PDT group gained a mean of 2.2 ETDRS letters at 1 year and the sham group gained a mean of 4.4 letters (P=0.47). Both groups required a mean of 1.3 injections of ranibizumab following the 3-month loading phase. Fluorescein angiography at 1 month demonstrated marked choroidal hypoperfusion in all patients treated with PDT with reduced choroidal perfusion persisting to month 12. This did not occur in the sham group. CONCLUSION: The addition of standard-fluence verteporfin PDT at baseline to a ranibizumab regimen conferred no benefit in terms of visual acuity or number of ranibizumab injections required at 1 year. The combination of these treatments resulted in persistent reduced choroidal perfusion, which raises potential safety concerns.

South-East Scotland trabeculectomy survey.

AIM: Assessment of trabeculectomy in South-East Scotland (SESTS) with comparison to National Survey of Trabeculectomy (NST) and outcomes of consultant and trainee surgery. METHOD: A retrospective study of 304 consecutive, primary trabeculectomies, in two Scottish centres (Edinburgh and Dunfermline) with two glaucoma specialists and higher surgical trainees, was performed. The study group had primary open angle glaucoma (65.5%), pseudoexfoliation (6.9%), normal tension glaucoma (7.6%), pigment dispersion syndrome (1.6%), and other complicated glaucoma (18.4%). All patients underwent trabeculectomy by the glaucoma specialist (57.6%) and higher surgical trainee (42.4%) with close scrubbed supervision. RESULTS: Compared to the NST, the waiting time for surgery (<3 months) was significantly less in the SESTS (P<0.001). There was also significantly more use of intraoperative antimetabolites (P<0.01), bleb intervention (P<0.001), and a higher rate of early complications (P<0.025). There was no significant difference in outcome at intraocular pressure (IOP)<2/3 listing IOP (qualified and unqualified) between the SESTS and the NST. Significantly, more patients achieved an unqualified success of IOP<21 mmHg (P<0.01) and an unqualified success of IOP<16 mmHg in the SESTS than the NST (P<0.05). At 1 year post surgery, visual loss of greater than one Snellen line was more common in the NST (P<0.01) as was the use of anti-glaucoma medication (P<0.001). Trainee cases returned to theatre more frequently (P<0.025) and merited more bleb intervention (P<0.01) than consultant cases, but the long-term outcome was similar. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights significant changes in the practice and outcome of trabeculectomy compared to the national survey conducted a decade ago.

Exercise preferences among a population-based sample of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors.

In the present study, we examined the exercise preferences of a population-based sample of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) survivors. A secondary purpose was to explore the association between various demographic, medical, and exercise behaviour variables and elicited exercise preferences. Using a retrospective survey design, 431 NHL survivors residing in Alberta, Canada completed a mailed questionnaire designed to assess exercise preferences, past exercise behaviour, and various demographic variables. Overall, 77% of participants preferred or maybe preferred to receive exercise counselling at some point after their NHL diagnosis. An overwhelming majority indicated that they would possibly be interested (81%) and able (85%) to participate in an exercise programme designed for NHL survivors. The majority of participants (55%) listed walking as their preferred choice of exercise. Logistic regression analyses indicated that NHL survivors' exercise preferences were influenced by body mass index (BMI), exercise behaviour, and gender. Eliciting exercise preferences from the population in question yields important information for cancer care professionals designing exercise programmes for NHL survivors. Furthermore, tailoring exercise programmes to the preferences of NHL survivors may be one method to potentially enhance exercise adherence in this population both inside and outside of clinical trials.

Localization of the intracellular activity domain of Pasteurella multocida toxin to the N terminus.

We have shown that Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) directly causes transient activation of Gqalpha protein that is coupled to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase Cbeta1 in Xenopus oocytes (B. A. Wilson, X. Zhu, M. Ho, and L. Lu, J. Biol. Chem. 272:1268-1275, 1997). We found that antibodies directed against an N-terminal peptide of PMT inhibited the toxin-induced response in Xenopus oocytes, but antibodies against a C-terminal peptide did not. To test whether the intracellular activity domain of PMT is localized to the N terminus, we conducted a deletion mutational analysis of the PMT protein, using the Xenopus oocyte system as a means of screening for toxin activity. Using PCR and conventional cloning techniques, we cloned from a toxinogenic strain of P. multocida the entire toxA gene, encoding the 1,285-amino-acid PMT protein, and expressed the recombinant toxin as a His-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli. We subsequently generated a series of N-terminal and C-terminal deletion mutants and expressed the His-tagged PMT fragments in E. coli. These proteins were screened for cytotoxic activity on cultured Vero cells and for intracellular activity in the Xenopus oocyte system. Only the full-length protein without the His tag exhibited activity on Vero cells. The full-length PMT and N-terminal fragments containing the first 500 residues elicited responses in oocytes, but the C-terminal 780 amino acid fragment did not. Our results confirm that the intracellular activity domain of PMT is localized to the N-terminal 500 amino acids of the protein and that the C terminus is required for entry into cells.

Terminations of treatment with gold sodium thiomalate in rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment terminations with gold sodium thiomalate (GST) in 200 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were analyzed using the life table method. The termination rate was 27% at 6 months, 48% at 12 months and 84% at 48 months. The major reason for termination was mucocutaneous reaction. Pretreatment clinical and laboratory status of the RA did not influence terminations significantly. Concurrent administration of oral corticosteroids had no significant effect on gold terminations. Complete control of synovitis was achieved in 38% of patients by a median time of 6 months but sustained for greater than 12 months in only 19%.

Identification of a tetrameric hedgehog signaling complex.

Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction requires a large cytoplasmic multi-protein complex that binds microtubules in an Hh-dependent manner. Here, we show that three members of this complex, Costal2 (Cos2), Fused (Fu), and Cubitus interruptus (Ci), bind each other directly to form a trimeric complex. We demonstrate that this trimeric signaling complex exists in Drosophila lacking Suppressor of Fused (Su(fu)), an extragenic suppressor of fu, indicating that Su(fu) is not required for the formation, or apparently function, of the Hh signaling complex. However, we subsequently show that Su(fu), although not a requisite component of this complex, does form a tetrameric complex with Fu, Cos2, and Ci. This additional Su(fu)-containing Hh signaling complex does not appear to be enriched on microtubules. Additionally, we demonstrate that in response to Hh Ci accumulates in the nucleus without its various cytoplasmic binding partners, including Su(fu). We discuss a model in which Su(fu) and Cos2 each bind to Fu and Ci to exert some redundant effect on Ci such as cytoplasmic retention. This model is consistent with genetic data demonstrating that Su(fu) is not required for Hh signal transduction proper and with the elaborate genetic interactions observed among Su(fu), fu, cos2, and ci.