Association of sedentary patterns with body fat distribution among US children and adolescents: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Children and adolescents spend a substantial amount of time being sedentary. The impact of prolonged sedentary patterns on fat distribution has not been elucidated especially in the context of physical activity level. Our objective is to examine the independent and joint associations of prolonged sedentary patterns and physical activity level with fat distribution among children and adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This included US children (8-11 years) and adolescents (12-19 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006. Sedentary patterns comprise accelerometer-measured average sedentary bout duration and self-reported time of sitting watching TV/videos. Fat distribution (trunk and total fat percentage) was determined via dual X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Among 810 children and 2062 adolescents, average sedentary bout duration was associated with greater total and trunk fat percentages only among male children, after adjusting for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) level by accelerometer. Prolonged sitting watching TV/videos was associated with higher total and trunk fat percentages in male children and all adolescents, independent of levels of MVPA (all P for trend <0.05). Compared with ≤1 h/day, male children who spent ≥4 h/day sitting watching TV/videos had 4.43% higher trunk fat (95% CI, 1.69-7.17%), with similar associations for female (3.53%; 95% CI, 1.03-6.03%) and male adolescents (4.78%; 95% CI, 2.97-6.60%). About 13-17% children and adolescents spent <1 h on MVPA and ≥4 h sitting watching TV/videos per day. Compared with the most active group (MVPA ≥ 1 h/day and sitting watching TV/videos ≤1 h/day), trunk fat in this least active group was 6.21% higher in female children, 9.90% higher in male children, 6.84% higher in female adolescents, and 5.36% higher in male adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged time spent on sitting watching TV/videos was associated with fat accumulation among children and adolescents, independent of physical activity level.

Deep infiltrating colorectal endometriosis treated with robotic-assisted rectosigmoidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis with bowel involvement is one of the most aggressive forms of endometriosis. Nowadays, robotic technology and telemanipulation systems represent the latest developments in minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this study is to present our preliminary results and evaluate the feasibility of robotic-assisted laparoscopic colorectal resection for severe endometriosis. METHODS: Between September 2009 and December 2011, 10 women with colorectal endometriosis underwent surgery with the da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). We evaluated the following parameters: short-term complications, clinical outcomes and long-term follow-up, pain relief recurrence rate, and fertility outcomes. RESULTS: Extensive ureterolysis was required in 8 women (80%). Ovarian cystectomy with removal of the cystic wall was performed in 7 women (70%). Torus resection was performed in all women, with unilateral and bilateral uterosacral ligament resection in 1 woman (10%) and 8 women (80%), respectively. In addition to segmental colorectal resection in all cases, partial vaginal resection was necessary in 2 women (20%). An appendectomy was performed in 2 patients (20%). The mean operative time with the robot was 157 minutes (range, 90-190 minutes). The mean hospital stay was 3 days. Six patients had infertility before surgery, with a mean infertility time of 2 years. After a 12-month follow-up period, 4 women (67%) conceived naturally and 2 (33%) underwent in vitro fertilization. CONCLUSION: We show that robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of deep infiltrating bowel endometriosis is feasible, effective, and safe.

DNA-Functionalized Ti3C2Tx MXenes for Selective and Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Gene.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging human infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2, initially called novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV) virus. Thus, an accurate and specific diagnosis of COVID-19 is urgently needed for effective point-of-care detection and disease management. The reported promise of two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides (Ti3C2Tx MXene) for biosensing owing to a very high surface area, high electrical conductivity, and hydrophilicity informed their selection for inclusion in functional electrodes for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Here, we demonstrate a new and facile functionalization strategy for Ti3C2Tx with probe DNA molecules through noncovalent adsorption, which eliminates expensive labeling steps and achieves sequence-specific recognition. The 2D Ti3C2Tx functionalized with complementary DNA probes shows a sensitive and selective detection of nucleocapsid (N) gene from SARS-CoV-2 through nucleic acid hybridization and chemoresistive transduction. The fabricated sensors are able to detect the SARS-CoV-2 N gene with sensitive and rapid response, a detection limit below 105 copies/mL in saliva, and high specificity when tested against SARS-CoV-1 and MERS. We hypothesize that the MXenes' interlayer spacing can serve as molecular sieving channels for hosting organic molecules and ions, which is a key advantage to their use in biomolecular sensing.

Noble-Nanoparticle-Decorated Ti3C2T x MXenes for Highly Sensitive Volatile Organic Compound Detection.

Two-dimensional transition-metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have been regarded as promising sensing materials because of their high surface-to-volume ratios and outstanding electronic, optical, and mechanical properties with versatile transition-metal and surface chemistries. However, weak gas-molecule adsorption of MXenes poses a serious limitation to their sensitivity and selectivity, particularly for trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at room temperature. To deal with these issues, Au-decorated MXenes are synthesized by a facile solution mixing method for room-temperature sensing of a wide variety of oxygen-based and hydrocarbon-based VOCs. Dynamic sensing experiments reveal that optimal decoration of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on Ti3C2T x MXene significantly elevates the response and selectivity of the flexible sensors, especially in detecting formaldehyde. Au-Ti3C2T x gas sensors exhibited an extremely low limit of detection of 92 ppb for formaldehyde at room temperature. Au-Ti3C2T x provides reliable gas response, low noise level, ultrahigh signal-to-noise ratio, high selectivity, as well as parts per billion level of formaldehyde detection. The prominent mechanism for Au-Ti3C2T x in sensing formaldehyde is elucidated theoretically from density functional theory simulations. The results presented here strongly suggest that decorating noble-metal NPs on MXenes is a feasible strategy for the development of next-generation ultrasensitive sensors for Internet of Things.

Nanohybrids of a MXene and transition metal dichalcogenide for selective detection of volatile organic compounds.

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides, known as MXenes, have been recently receiving attention for gas sensing. However, studies on hybridization of MXenes and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides as gas-sensing materials are relatively rare at this time. Herein, Ti3C2Tx and WSe2 are selected as model materials for hybridization and implemented toward detection of various volatile organic compounds. The Ti3C2Tx/WSe2 hybrid sensor exhibits low noise level, ultrafast response/recovery times, and good flexibility for various volatile organic compounds. The sensitivity of the hybrid sensor to ethanol is improved by over 12-fold in comparison with pristine Ti3C2Tx. Moreover, the hybridization process provides an effective strategy against MXene oxidation by restricting the interaction of water molecules from the edges of Ti3C2Tx. An enhancement mechanism for Ti3C2Tx/WSe2 heterostructured materials is proposed for highly sensitive and selective detection of oxygen-containing volatile organic compounds. The scientific findings of this work could guide future exploration of next-generation field-deployable sensors.

Surface Functionalization of Ti3C2Tx MXene with Highly Reliable Superhydrophobic Protection for Volatile Organic Compounds Sensing.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbides (Ti3C2Tx MXene) have received a great deal of attention for potential use in gas sensing showing the highest sensitivity among 2D materials and good gas selectivity. However, one of the long-standing challenges of the MXenes is their poor stability against hydration and oxidation in a humid environment, limiting their long-term storage and applications. Integration of an effective protection layer with MXenes shows promise for overcoming this major drawback. Herein, we demonstrate a surface functionalization strategy for Ti3C2Tx with fluoroalkylsilane (FOTS) molecules through surface treatment, providing not only a superhydrophobic surface, mechanical/environmental stability but also enhanced sensing performance. The experimental results show that high sensitivity, good repeatability, long-term stability, and selectivity and faster response/recovery property were achieved by the FOTS-functionalized when Ti3C2Tx was integrated into chemoresistive sensors sensitive to oxygen-containing volatile organic compounds (ethanol, acetone). FOTS functionalization provided protection to sensing response when the dynamic response of the Ti3C2Tx-F sensor to 30 ppm of ethanol was measured over in the 5 to 80% relative humidity range. Density functional theory simulations suggested that the strong adsorption energy of ethanol on Ti3C2Tx-F and the local structure deformation induced by ethanol adsorption, contributing to the gas-sensing enhancement. This study offers a facile and practical solution for developing highly reliable MXene based gas-sensing devices with response that is stable in air and in the presence of water.

Sulfur-Doped Titanium Carbide MXenes for Room-Temperature Gas Sensing.

Two-dimensional titanium carbide MXenes, Ti3C2Tx, possess high surface area coupled with metallic conductivity and potential for functionalization. These properties make them especially attractive for the highly sensitive room-temperature electrochemical detection of gas analytes. However, these extraordinary materials have not been thoroughly investigated for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which hold high relevance for disease diagnostics and environmental protection. Furthermore, the insufficient interlayer spacing between MXene nanoflakes could limit their applicability and the use of heteroatoms as dopants could help overcome this challenge. Here, we report that S-doping of Ti3C2Tx MXene leads to a greater gas-sensing performance to VOCs compared to their undoped counterparts, with unique selectivity to toluene. After S-doped and pristine materials were synthesized, characterized, and used as electrode materials, the as-fabricated sensors were subjected to room-temperature dynamic impedimetric testing in the presence of VOCs with different functional groups (ethanol, hexane, toluene, and hexyl-acetate). Unique selectivity to toluene was obtained by both undoped and doped Ti3C2Tx MXenes, but an enhancement of response in the range of ∼214% at 1 ppm to ∼312% at 50 ppm (3-4 folds increase) was obtained for the sulfur-doped sensing material. A clear notable response to 500 ppb toluene was also obtained with sulfur-doped Ti3C2Tx MXene sensors along with excellent long-term stability. Our experimental measurements and density functional theory analysis offer insight into the mechanisms through which S-doping influences VOC analyte sensing capabilities of Ti3C2Tx MXenes, thus opening up future investigations on the development of high-performance room-temperature gas sensors.

Selective Detection of Ethylene by MoS2-Carbon Nanotube Networks Coated with Cu(I)-Pincer Complexes.

The plant hormone ethylene (C2) can induce premature fruit ripening and flower senescence at levels below 1 ppm, which has motivated efforts to develop cost-effective methods for C2 monitoring during the transport and storage of climacteric fruits. Here, we describe a nanocomposite film composed of exfoliated MoS2, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SCNTs), and Cu(I)-tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate complexes (Cu-Tm) for real-time detection of C2 at levels down to 100 ppb. A copercolation network of MoS2 and SCNTs was deposited onto interdigitated Ag electrodes printed on plastic substrates and then coated with Cu-Tm with a final conductance in the 0.5 mS range. Reversible changes in relative conductance (-ΔG/G0) were measured upon C2 exposure with a linear response at sub-ppm levels. The thin-film sensors were highly selective toward C2, and they responded weakly to other volatile organic compounds or water at similar partial pressures. A mechanism is proposed in which Cu-Tm behaves as a chemically sensitive n-type dopant for MoS2, based on spectroscopic characterization and density functional theory modeling. Cu-Tm-coated MoS2/SCNT sensors were also connected to a battery-powered wireless transmitter and used to monitor C2 production from various fruit samples, validating their utility as practical, field-deployable sensors.

Surface Functionalization of Layered Molybdenum Disulfide for the Selective Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds at Room Temperature.

Semiconducting two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are considered promising sensing materials due to the high surface-to-volume ratio and active sensing sites. However, the reported strategies for 2D TMDCs toward sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present with some drawbacks. These include high operation temperatures, low gas response, and complex fabrication, limiting the development of room-temperature gas sensors. In this study, 2D MoS2 nanoflakes were prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation, and their surface was functionalized with Au nanoparticles (NPs) through a facile solution mixing method. MoS2 decorated with Au NPs with an average size of 10 nm was used as a material platform for an electrochemical sensor to detect a wide variety of VOCs at room temperature. Through dynamic sensing tests, the enhancement of gas-sensing performance in terms of response and selectivity, especially in detecting oxygen-based VOCs (acetone, ethanol, and 2-propanol), was demonstrated. After Au functionalization, the response of the gas sensor to acetone improved by 131% (changing from 13.7% for pristine MoS2 to 31.6% for MoS2-Au(0.5)). Sensing tests under various relative humidity values (10-80%), bending or long-term conditions, indicated the sound robustness and flexibility of the sensor. Density functional theory simulations suggested that the adsorption energy of VOC molecules on MoS2-Au is significantly higher than that on pristine MoS2, contributing to the gas-sensing enhancement; a VOC-sensing mechanism for Au-decorated MoS2 nanoflakes was proposed for the first time for the highly sensitive and selective detection of oxygen-based VOCs.

Adverse Effects of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Dementia, According to the Pharmacovigilance Databases of the United-States and Canada.

This survey analyzes two national pharmacovigilance databases in order to determine the major adverse reactions observed with the use of cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia. We conducted a statistical analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Database (CVARD) concerning the side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. The statistics calculated for each adverse event were the frequency and the reporting odds ratios (ROR). A total of 9877 and 2247 reports were extracted from the FAERS and CVARD databases, respectively. A disproportionately higher frequency of reports of death as an adverse event for rivastigmine, compared to the other acetylcholinesterase inhibiting drugs, was observed in both the FAERS (ROR = 3.42; CI95% = 2.94-3.98; P<0.0001) and CVARD (ROR = 3.67; CI95% = 1.92-7.00; P = 0.001) databases. While cholinesterase inhibitors remain to be an important therapeutic tool against Alzheimer's disease, the disproportionate prevalence of fatal outcomes with rivastigmine compared with alternatives should be taken into consideration.

Staphylococcal infection in the University Hospital of the West Indies

An analysis of 1,425 infections with coagulase positive staphylococci at the University Hospital of the West Indies for a forty-two month period (July 1958-December 1961) was made. This was analysed for the incidence by month, year, ward and among out-patients and in-patients. Sensitivity patterns were also reviewed and phage typing done where possible. There was a tendency for lower percentages of staphylococcal infections during the cooler period from November to February and an increased incidence during the warmer months from July to September. Among inpatients the highest percentages of staphylococcal infection were found in the paediatric and obstetric wards. Antibiotic sensitivity studies revealed the greatest incidence of resistance to be against penicillin and the least against chloramphenicol. Group I (particularly phage type 80/81) and Group III phages were the predominant strains discovered. Methods to reduce staphylococcal infection were recommended (AU)

Serogroup frequency and drug sensitivity of Shigella strain encountered at the University Hospital of the West Indies

Serogroup frequency and sensitivity to four standard drugs of Shigella strains isolated at the University Hospital in the two years between July, 1983 and June, 1985 were studied. Three hundred and thirty-four strains were isolated during this period of which 217 (65percent) were Shigella flexneri and 117 (35 percent) Shigella sonnei. There were no isolates of Shigella dysenteriae or Shigella boydii. Three hundred and thirty of the strains (98.8 percent) were susceptible to ampicillin, 328 (98.2 percent) to tetracycline, 330 (98.8 percent) to cotrimoxazole, 332 (99.4 percent) to chloramphenicol and 325 (97.3 percent) to all four drugs. Of the nine resistant strains, six were resistant to one drug (two to ampicillin, three to tetracycline and one to cotrimoxazole), one was resistant to two new drugs (tetracycline and cotrimoxazole) and two strains were resistant to all four drugs. Although there are reports of a very high incidence of drug resistance among Shiellae in other parts of the world, currently it is not a major problem in Jamaica. Ampicillin and tetracycline still remain the drugs of first choice in treatment of Shigellosis in our environment. The occurrence of a few strains resistant to all four drugs, however, is a case for concern. Patients infected with such strains should be carefully monitored to prevent dissemination of the strains in the community. Nalidixic acid is described as an alternative agent in the treatment of infections due to such strain (AU)

The epidemiology of leptospirosis in Jamaica

An analysis of cases of leptospirosis from 1953-1961 was presented. Studies were made with regard to occupation, age, sex, soil, rainfall and location in Jamaica. The highest incidence was found in the parishes of St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth. The role of farm irrigation was discussed. There was serological evidence of this disease in domestic as well as wild animals and it was stressed that the leptospirae known to affect animals are potentially pathogenic for humans (AU)

Further studies on the antihelminthic drug CI-416

A follow-up study of the antihelminthic drug CI-416, produced by Parke Davis and Company, was carried out against hookworm, ascaris and trichuris cases using single dose treatment. Fifty cases of hookworm were also treated with alcopar for comparison. Stools were analysed by egg counts. While statistical significance could not be declared between the CI-416 and alcopar groups, CI-416 did not appear to be very effective in reducing ova counts among these nematodal infections (AU)

The epidemiology of leptospirosis in Jamaica

L. icterohaemorrhagiae and L. kremastos are known to exist in Jamaica. The kremastos type, a member of the hebdomadis serogroup, was first isolated in January in 1956. An analysis of cases of leptospiral infection from 1953-1963 was made with regard to sex, occupation, soil and rainfall distribution as well as the incidence in different parts of the island. The study incorporated both clinical and survey sera. The results show the greatest incidence in the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth. A serological investigation of domestic and wild animals also revealed evidence of leptospiral antibodies. Cows, equines and pigs have been the highest reactors. The leptospires known to affect animals are potentially pathogenic for man. These facts emphasize the need for further research in this field (AU)

Haemophilus influenzae as an agent of urinary tract infection

Two cases of urinary tract infection due to H. Influenzae, an unusual urinary pathogen, are described. One was an adult female who presented with endometritis; the other was a male infant who had posterior urethral valves. Increased awareness of the potential existence of this at this site is a prequisite to diagnosis since it does not grow on the conventional media used for urine cultures (AU)

Some laboratory, epidemiological and clinical features of strongyloides stercoralis infection in a focus of low endemicity

Data are presented on the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in patients seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies during the period January, 1980 - December, 1981. Only 1 percent of all stool samples was positive for strongyloides; 46 percent of all cases occurred in the 46-55 year-old group, and 64 percent of the cases were in males. There was a mean higher larval density (300-500 larvae/ml stool) in the 26-65-year-old groups. Also, there was a direct relationship between morbidity and larval density in stools. Asymptomatic cases had a very low infestation rate (<100-larvae/ml stool), and were generally in the younger age group (mean age, 18 years). Mildly symptomatic (100-350 larvae/ml), severely symptomatic (350-500 larvae/ml) and suspected hyperinfected patients (>1000 larvae/ml), did not fall into statistically significantly different age groups (mean age, 50 years). An example is given of the difficulty of managing one of the suspected hyperinfected cases. The patient was repeatedly treated with effective doses of thiabendazole (750 mg twice daily for 10 days) but there was recurrence of infestation. Most of the mean monthly cases were detected in November, 2 months after the peak of the wet season. There was no statistically significant correlation between case detection and precipitation (AU)

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of cefotaxime after eight years of its usage at the University Hospital of the West Indies - abstract

Cefotaxime is one of the commonly used third generation cephalosporines in many parts of the world. The antibiotic was introduced at the University Hospital of the West Indies in 1983 and its use is being closely monitored by the Department of Microbiology. After 8 years of judicious usage, we evaluated the efficacy of cefotaxime against 493 multi-resistant strains (strains resistant to 3 or more antibiotics) of gram-negative bacilli, except pseudomonas, encountered during the period January, 1991 to November, 1992 in this hospital. The vast majority of strains tested (66 per cent) were resistant to 5 or 6 antibiotics. Cefotaxime was effective against 94 per cent of resistant E. coli, 90 per cent of Klebsiella and 100 per cent of Proteus mirabilis strains. These 3 organisms together account for over one-half of all Gram-negative infections in this hospital. Overall, the compound was effective against 86 per cent of all multi-resistant strains encountered during the period. Of the 68 cefotaxime-resistant isolates, 20 (30 per cent) were Enterobacter and 28 (41 per cent) were Acinetobacter strains. Bacterial resistance to third generation cephalosporins such as cefotaxime is often due to the production of an extended spectrum chromosomal class-1 betalactamase. The gene encoding this enzyme has translocated and is also found on the plasmid site. Potential for increase in resistance to these antibiotics by increase in usage therefore exists and is being reported in recent years. It is therefore essential that hospitals institute appropriate antibiotic policies for judicious usage of cefotaxime and other valuable broad spectrum agents to prolong the life span of these antibiotics and retain their value as antibiotics of last resort (AU)

Increasing incidence of penicillin and tetracycline resistance in strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica - abstract

The levels of resistance to penicillin and tetracycline in strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica between 1989 and 1991 were analysed and the data compared with those obtained ten years ago in 1980 - 1981. Virtually all strains were susceptible to both the antibiotics in 1980 - 1981. Only one out of 143 was found to be resistant during that period. The levels of resistance, however, have increased over the years. In 1989, 16 out of 67 or 24 percent of the strains were resistant to pencillin and this increased to 40 percent in 1991. Tetracycline resistance was low in 1989 (1.5 percent). This, however, has increased dramatically in 1990 and 1991 to attain levels of 25 percent and 44 percent, respectively. By 1991, 21 percent of all strains were resistant simultaneously to both penicillin and tetracycline. The results suggest that penicillin and tetracycline should no longer be the front line antibiotics for the empirical therapy of gonococcal infections. The therapy should be guided by the susceptibility data and hence the need for routine culture of specimens in the diagnosis of gonococcal infections. Ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, spectinomycin and erythromycin are some of the alternatives and these should be included in the susceptibility testing of gonococcal strains. There is a need for a coordinated national or regional gonococcal susceptibility programme to monitor the minimum inhibitory concentrations, betalactamase production and plasmid profile of local strain (AU)

A survey of parasitic infection in two communities in Jamaica and a drug trial on positive cases

An analysis of 1,953 stools - 194 from Lawrence Tavern and 1,659 from Bellevue Hospital - was done. In the rural area (Lawrence Tavern) the predominant parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Entamoeba coli and Trichuris trichiura. In the urban area (Bellevue Hospital) there was a reversal of this order - Trichuris trichiura being the main finding followed by Entamoeba coli, Necator americanus and Ascaris lumbricoides. Stools from a small percentage of Hookworms and Ascaris cases were studied by egg counts and a comparison of direct examination and concentration methods was made. Positive cases of Hookworm, Ascaris and E. histolytica were treated with CI-416 and Humatin and with current drugs for comparison. The results show that CI-416 is not as effective as Alcopar and Antepar respectively, against Hookworm and Ascaris. Humatin on the other hand seems to be very effective against E. histoytica. Side effects with the trial drugs were minimal and were limited to minor gastrointestinal symptoms in a few cases (AU)