Recipient Venule Selection and Anastomosis Configuration for Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis in Extremity Lymphedema: Algorithm Based on 1,000 Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: The lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has three components, lymphatics, venules, and anastomosis, and all of them influence the anastomotic pressure gradient. Although it has been demonstrated that venule flow dynamics has an independent impact on the outcomes regardless the degeneration status of lymphatic vessels, recipient venules (RV) have been mainly neglected in literature. METHODS: From January 2016 to February 2020, 232 nonconsecutive patients affected by extremity lymphedema underwent LVA, for a total of 1,000 LVAs. Only patients with normal-to-ectasic lymphatic collectors were included to focus the evaluation on the RV only. The preoperative collected data included the location, diameter, and continence of the selected venules, the expected number, the anastomoses configuration, and their flow dynamics according to BSO classification. RESULTS: The 232 patients included 117 upper limb lymphedema (ULL) and 115 lower limb lymphedema (LLL). The average size of RV was 0.81 ± 0.32 mm in end-to-end (E-E), 114 ± 0.17 mm in end-to-side (E-S), 0.39 ± 0.22 mm in side-to-end (S-E), and 0.76 ± 0.38 mm in side-to-side (S-S) anastomoses. According to the BSO classification, on a total of 732 RV, 105(14%) were backflow venules, 136 (19%) were slack, and 491 (67%) were outlet venules. Also, 824 (82%) were E-E, 107 (11%) were E-S, 51 (5%) were S-E, and 18 (2%) were S-S anastomoses. CONCLUSION: Based on 1,000 LVAs with similar lymphatic characteristics, we propose our algorithm that may aid the lymphatic microsurgeon in the selection of RV and the consequent anastomosis configuration, in order of obtain the best flow dynamic through the LVA. This therapeutic study reflects level of evidence IV.

Induction and Maintenance of Systemic Acquired Resistance by Acibenzolar-S-Methyl in Three Cultivated Tobacco Types.

Induction and maintenance of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in 'N' gene containing burley, flue-cured, and oriental tobacco cultivars were assessed by monitoring decreases in the number of local lesions caused by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) following treatment with acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM). Leaf samples were collected from lower, middle, and top positions on seedlings at 3-day intervals over 21 days following ASM treatment and subsequent inoculation with TMV under laboratory conditions. Local lesion number for each leaf was recorded 7 days postinoculation. Reductions in TMV local lesion numbers on ASM-treated versus nontreated tobacco varied over time, and differed for each tobacco type. Based on reduced local lesion numbers, SAR was induced in burley and flue-cured tobacco by 3 and 6 days postinoculation, respectively, while oriental tobacco responded by 9 days. SAR was maintained in burley tobacco from 3 to 9 days after ASM application, and from 9 to 15 days after application in oriental tobacco. ASM treatment reduced local lesion numbers in flue-cured tobacco significantly at 6, 12, and 21 days postapplication, but not at 15 and 18 days after treatment. The SAR response was similar among lower, middle, and top leaves with no effect of ASM on response by leaf position, although TMV local lesion numbers were greater on lower leaves than on middle and top leaves 6 days after treatment, but significantly less on lower leaves 18 days after treatment compared to middle and top leaves.

Updated survival and outcomes for older adults with inoperable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer treated with cisplatin, etoposide, and concurrent chest radiation with or without consolidation docetaxel: analysis of a phase III trial from the Hoosier Oncology Group (HOG) and US Oncology.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiation with etoposide and cisplatin (EP/XRT) is standard treatment for inoperable stage III locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). Consolidation docetaxel (D; Taxotere) after EP/XRT resulted in increased toxicity but no improvement in survival compared with observation (O). We report updated survival for the entire study population and include an analysis of efficacy and tolerability of EP/XRT with or without D in patients aged ≥ 70 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hoosier Oncology Group LUN 01-24 enrolled 243 patients with LA-NSCLC and randomized 166 after EP/XRT to three cycles of D versus O. the trial was terminated after an analysis of the first 203 patients demonstrated futility of D. RESULTS: Median survival time (MST) for the overall study population was 21.5 months, and 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates were 30.7%, 18.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. No differences in MST or 3-year survival were noted between D and O arms. Older patients had similar MST (17.1 versus 22.8 months for younger patients, P = 0.15) but higher rates of grade 3/4 toxicity and hospitalization during induction. CONCLUSIONS: Consolidation docetaxel after EP/XRT does not improve survival in LA-NSCLC. Fit older adults with LA-NSCLC benefit from concurrent chemoradiation similarly as younger patients but experience higher rates of hospitalization and toxicity.

Sorafenib in combination with weekly topotecan in recurrent ovarian cancer, a phase I/II study of the Hoosier Oncology Group.

OBJECTIVE: This trial determined the efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib and weekly topotecan in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) or primary peritoneal carcinomatosis (PPC). METHODS: Primary endpoints were maximum tolerated dose of sorafenib with weekly topotecan (phase I) and response rate (phase II). Secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity, and rate of clinical benefit. Eligibility included recurrent platinum-resistant OC or PPC, <3 prior regimens, normal end-organ function. 3+3 dose escalation was used for phase I, sorafenib being tested at 400mg and 800 mg orally daily. Topotecan dose was reduced from 4 mg/m(2) to 3.5mg/m(2) IV weekly. The phase II regimen was sorafenib 400mg daily and topotecan 3.5mg/m(2) weekly on days 1, 8, 15 of a 28 days cycle. RESULTS: 16 patients were enrolled in phase I and 14 patients in phase II. Median age was 52.5 years (range 35-79), 27 patients had OC, and 3 PPC. Median number of cycles administered was 2.5 (0-15). There were 5 partial responses (PR) (16.7%), and 14 patients (46.7%) with stable disease (SD). Four PRs were recorded during phase I and 1 during phase II. One of those PRs occurred in a patient with platinum-sensitive disease. Grade 3/4 toxicities included leukopenia/neutropenia (23%), thrombocytopenia (17%), anemia (10%), fatigue, nausea, vomiting (7% each). One case of grade 3 hand-foot syndrome was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of sorafenib and topotecan causes significant toxicity, precluding administration of full doses and resulting in modest clinical efficacy in platinum resistant OC or PPC.

Behavior problems in children at time of first recognized seizure and changes over the following 3 years.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this 36-month study of children with first recognized seizures were: (1) to describe baseline differences in behavior problems between children with and without prior unrecognized seizures; (2) to identify differences over time in behavior problems between children with seizures and their healthy siblings; (3) to identify the proportions of children with seizures and healthy siblings who were consistently at risk for behavior problems for 36 months; and (4) to identify risk factors for behavior problems 36 months following the first recognized seizure. Risk factors explored included demographic (child age and gender, caregiver education), neuropsychological (IQ, processing speed), seizure (epileptic syndrome, use of antiepileptic drug, seizure recurrence), and family (family mastery, satisfaction with family relationships, parent response) variables. METHODS: Participants were 300 children aged 6 through 14 years with a first recognized seizure and 196 healthy siblings. Data were collected from medical records, structured interviews, self-report questionnaires, and neuropsychological testing. Behavior problems were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist and the Teacher's Report Form. Data analyses included descriptive statistics and linear mixed models. RESULTS: Children with prior unrecognized seizures were at higher risk for behavior problems at baseline. As a group, children with seizures showed a steady reduction in behavior problems over time. Children with seizures were found to have significantly more behavior problems than their siblings over time, and significantly more children with seizures (11.3%) than siblings (4.6%) had consistent behavior problems over time. Key risk factors for child behavior problems based on both caregivers and teachers were: less caregiver education, slower initial processing speed, slowing of processing speed over the first 36 months, and a number of family variables including lower levels of family mastery or child satisfaction with family relationships, lower parent support of the child's autonomy, and lower parent confidence in their ability to discipline their child. CONCLUSIONS: Children with new-onset seizures who are otherwise developing normally have higher rates of behavior problems than their healthy siblings; however, behavior problems are not consistently in the at-risk range in most children during the first 3 years after seizure onset. When children show behavior problems, family variables that might be targeted include family mastery, parent support of child autonomy, and parents' confidence in their ability to handle their children's behavior.

Academic problems in children with seizures: relationships with neuropsychological functioning and family variables during the 3 years after onset.

OBJECTIVES: Children with long-standing epilepsy have a significantly increased risk of academic underachievement compared with healthy controls. We prospectively followed children from seizure onset to assess the relationship between change in neuropsychological functioning and change in academic achievement and to explore the risk and protective moderating effects of demographic, seizure, and family variables. METHODS: As part of a larger study, neuropsychological and academic data were collected at both baseline and 36 months for 219 children 6-14 years of age with seizures. Prior factor analysis of results from a battery of well-standardized neuropsychological tests yielded four factors: language, processing speed, attention/executive/construction, and verbal memory/learning. Academic achievement was measured with the Woodcock-Johnson Revised Achievement Test Battery. Correlation coefficients and linear mixed models were used for analysis. RESULTS: The reading and math scores of children with seizures and siblings did not differ at baseline, but children with seizures had lower scores than siblings at 36 months. Writing scores were significantly lower for affected children than siblings at both times. Among children with seizures, there were positive correlations between neuropsychological functioning and academic achievement at baseline and 36 months. Changes in language and in verbal memory/learning were positively correlated with change in reading achievement (r = 0.25 and r = 0.17, respectively). Age at onset moderated the association between change in neuropsychological functioning and change in reading and writing achievement (P ≤ 0.006), with stronger relationships among younger children (ß = 0.25-0.44). The association between change in language and change in writing achievement was moderated by caregiver anxiety (P = 0.04; stronger for more anxious parents, ß = 0.40), and the association between change in processing speed and change in math achievement was moderated by etiology (P = 0.02; stronger for symptomatic/cryptogenic vs idiopathic, ß = 0.29). Gender and other family variables did not have significant moderating effects. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in neuropsychological function were associated with changes in academic achievement following onset of seizures, with risk factors being younger age at onset, lower caregiver education, high parental anxiety, and symptomatic/cryptogenic etiology. Academic performance should be closely monitored in children with early-onset seizures.

Population Structure, Mating Type, and Mefenoxam Sensitivity of Phytophthora nicotianae in Virginia Tobacco Fields.

Black shank is an important disease of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) caused by the fungus-like organism, Phytophthora nicotianae. Three physiological races (0, 1, and 3) have been documented in the United States. Shifts in the pathogen population structure have become a concern due to the widespread use of cultivars possessing resistance to race 0 arising from a single gene (Php or Phl). A comprehensive statewide survey conducted throughout major tobacco-growing areas during summer 2006 and supplemented by additional isolates in 2007 and 2008 yielded 217 isolates from flue-cured, burley, and dark fire-cured tobacco fields. After determining species identity using a single-strand conformational polymorphism fingerprinting technique, the race identity of isolates was assessed via greenhouse tests using three differential cultivars (Hicks, L8, and NC1071). Approximately 76% of the isolates belonged to race 1, 21% to race 0, and the remaining 3% were race 3. This race structure was comparable with those in the other tobacco-producing states in the United States. Approximately 94% of isolates belonged to A2 mating type and merely 6% were A1. These data suggest that it is unlikely that sexual recombination serves as a major mechanism enhancing the genetic diversity of the pathogen in Virginia. All isolates were also evaluated against mefenoxam at 5 µg/ml. None were insensitive; 98% of isolates were either highly sensitive or sensitive and the remaining 2% were intermediately sensitive. These results indicate that mefenoxam remains effective for control of black shank in Virginia. The results of this study can assist breeders to develop cultivars possessing the most appropriate set of disease resistance traits, as well as extension specialists, county agents, and tobacco growers in their decision-making process to manage tobacco black shank in Virginia.

Festival testing: A survey of suspected drugs seized from New Zealand music festivals, December 2018 to March 2019.

Music festivals and other recreational events are common settings for illicit drug use with the intention of socialising, relaxing and creating a memorable experience. The use of stimulants is commonly reported at music festivals, with a general preference for MDMA, cocaine, cathinones and LSD. The results from this survey of drugs seized at New Zealand music festivals show a similar trend, with MDMA accounting for two-thirds of the 305 samples seized. The second most popular drug in this survey was cannabis plant material, which is not generally noted as being a common festival drug but reflect New Zealand drug culture. On-site drug testing services can provide valuable information and education to potential drug users. In this study, a handheld Raman spectrometer was able to correctly identify at least one of the components in 54% of the samples analysed, meaning a large proportion of samples tested were unable to be identified using this device. A collaborative testing approach between on-site testing services and laboratory-based scientists is recommended in order to improve testing accuracy and provide additional information that might assist in harm reduction from drug use at music festivals.

Effects of external influences on synthetic cannabinoid trends in New Zealand, 2014 to 2020.

Over the past decade, synthetic cannabinoids have inundated the global market and now form the largest category of new psychoactive substances. Once these chemicals are available on the global market, they can be applied to plant material in a clandestine environment to create an end-product that is smoked by the user. The synthetic cannabinoids AMB-FUBINACA and 5F-ADB were most frequently detected between 2017 and the beginning of 2019. More recently, these two appear to have been replaced by different synthetic cannabinoids. This investigation summarises the recent trends in synthetic cannabinoids detected in New Zealand between 2017 and 2020 and outlines the potential factors influencing these trends.

The phenomenon of para-Fluorophenylpiperazine (pFPP) in combination with the synthetic cannabinoid AMB-FUBINACA in seized plant material in New Zealand.

New psychoactive substances have emerged as a vast and diverse group of illicit drugs over the past decade, with synthetic cannabinoids comprising the largest of the categories. Commonly, a single synthetic cannabinoid is applied to plant material, creating a product that is designed to be smoked by the user. The clandestine preparation process can result in an unevenly distributed product, with varying concentration within and between plant materials. This investigation describes the novel co-detection of the synthetic cannabinoid AMB-FUBINACA, with the piperazine para-fluorophenylpiperazine (pFPP), in a number of plant material samples analysed in New Zealand in 2017. Of 157 samples of plant material containing AMB-FUBINACA, pFPP was detected in 55 of them. A range of pFPP concentrations was observed between the plant material samples, as well as intra-batch variation. The presence of both drugs may be designed to enhance, prolong or balance the psychoactive effects caused from smoking the plant material. However the intended purpose has not been verified. This is the first reported combination of a synthetic cannabinoid and a piperazine in plant material.

Association of microinjected myosin and its subfragments with myofibrils in living muscle cells.

Purified skeletal muscle myosin was labeled with iodoacetamidofluorescein and microinjected into cultured chick myotubes. The fluorescent myosin analogue became incorporated within 10-15 min after injection, into either periodic (mean periodicity = 2.23 +/- 0.02 micron) bands or apparently continuous fibrillar structures. Comparison of rhodamine-labeled alpha-actinin with coinjected fluorescein-labeled myosin suggested that myosin fluorescence was localized at the A-bands of myofibrils. In addition, close examination of the fluorescent myosin bands indicated that they were composed of two fluorescent bars separated by a nonfluorescent line that corresponded to the H-zone. Once incorporated, the myosin underwent a relatively slow exchange along myofibrils as indicated by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Glycerinated myofibrils were able to bind fluorescent myosin in a similar pattern in the presence or absence of MgATP, indicating that actin-myosin interactions had little effect on this process. Fluorescent heavy meromyosin did not incorporate into myofibrillar structures after injection. Light meromyosin, however, associated with A-bands as did whole myosin. These results suggest that microinjected myosin, even with its relatively low solubility under the cytoplasmic ionic condition, is capable of association with physiological structures in living muscle cells. Additionally, the light meromyosin portion of the molecule appears to be mainly responsible for the incorporation.

Formation and alignment of Z lines in living chick myotubes microinjected with rhodamine-labeled alpha-actinin.

We have used fluorescence analogue cytochemistry in conjunction with time lapse recording to study the dynamics of alpha-actinin, a major component of the Z line, during myofibrillogenesis. Rhodamine-labeled alpha-actinin microinjected into living cultured chick skeletal myotubes became localized in discrete cellular structures within 1 h and remained specifically associated with structures for up to 4 d, allowing individual identified structures to be followed during development. In the most immature cells used, alpha-actinin was found in diffuse aggregates, some of which displayed sarcomeric periodicity. Aggregates were observed to coalesce into better defined structures (Z bands) that were approximately 1.0-micron wide. Z bands condensed into narrow, more intensely fluorescent Z lines in 4-48 h. During this period, Z lines grew laterally, primarily by the addition of small beads of alpha-actinin to existing Z lines or by the merging of small Z lines. In more mature cells, alpha-actinin added to Z lines without going through a visible intermediary structure. Mean sarcomere length did not change significantly during the stages examined, although the variability of sarcomere length did decrease markedly over time for identified sets of sarcomeres. At early stages, myofibrils frequently shifted position in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. Neighboring myofibrils were frequently associated for one or more sarcomeres sporadically along their length, such that the intervening sarcomeres were often misaligned. Associations between myofibrils were often transitory. Shifts in myofibril location in conjunction with the formation, breaking, and reformation of lateral associations between myofibrils facilitated the alignment of Z lines through a trial and error process.

Effect of a Chromosome Segment Marked by the Php Gene for Resistance to Phytophthora nicotianae on Reproduction of Tobacco Cyst Nematodes.

Host resistance is an important strategy for managing Globodera tabacum subsp. solanacearum and G. tabacum subsp. tabacum, important nematode pests of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in Virginia, and cigar wrapper tobacco (N. tabacum) in Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively. Field research from 1992 to 2005 evaluated reproduction of G. tabacum subsp. solanacearum on genotypes with and without a chromosome segment from N. plumbaginifolia containing a gene (Php) that conferred resistance to race 0 of Phytophthora nicotianae (causal agent of tobacco black shank). Ratios of G. tabacum subsp. solanacearum eggs/500 cm3 soil at the end versus the beginning of experiments (Pf/Pi) were significantly lower in cultivars and breeding lines possessing the Php-containing chromosome segment from N. plumbaginifolia compared with genotypes without the segment. Numbers of vermiform G. tabacum subsp. solanacearum juveniles in roots were similar among genotypes but numbers of swollen and pyriform nematodes were significantly lower for the known G. tabacum subsp. solanacearum resistant cv. NC 567 and in genotypes possessing the Php gene compared with genotypes and cultivars without the gene. In a 2003 greenhouse test, the percentage of plants with visible G. tabacum subsp. tabacum cysts was also significantly lower for parental and progeny genotypes homozygous and heterozygous, respectively, for Php compared with similar lines without the gene. These results indicate a close linkage or association between a likely single, dominant gene (Php) for resistance to P. nicotianae and suppressed reproduction by G. tabacum subsp. solanacearum and G. tabacum subsp. tabacum. Further research to accurately elucidate the relationships among these genes could lead to significant improvements in tobacco disease control.

The identification and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids seized in New Zealand in 2017.

There has been an explosion of new psychoactive substances (NPS) over the past decade, with synthetic cannabinoids comprising one of the more extensive and chemically diverse groups. Synthetic cannabinoids, like other NPS, are continually evolving with slight alterations in chemical structure, which can lead to unintended and harmful effects for the user. Furthermore, the clandestine preparation of plant material containing one or more synthetic cannabinoid can result in an unevenly distributed product, which poses an additional risk to the user of increased doses. This investigation aimed at providing a snapshot of synthetic cannabinoids in New Zealand in 2017, including the concentrations of synthetic cannabinoids in plant material. Overall, ten different synthetic cannabinoids were detected, with AMB-FUBINACA and 5F-ADB comprising the majority of samples analysed. The synthetic cannabinoid AMB-FUBINACA displayed the greatest range of concentration in plant material, from 5 to over 400 g of synthetic cannabinoid per kilogram of plant material. There was also geographical variation in the synthetic cannabinoids depending on where in New Zealand they were seized from.

Osteopontin immunoreactivity in the ileum and ileocecal lymph node of dairy cows naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

Osteopontin (Opn), a highly acidic glycoprotein, promotes cellular adhesion and recruitment and has been shown to be upregulated in the granulomas of mycobacterial infections. Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is associated with granulomatous enteritis. The objective of this experiment was to identify Opn in the ileum and ileocecal lymph node (ICN) of dairy cows naturally infected with MAP and to compare the frequency and intensity of staining between noninfected healthy controls, subclinical and clinical cows. Sections from these three groups of animals were selected from a tissue archive. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the location and expression of Opn. The frequency and intensity of staining was also reported. Confirmation of acid-fast bacilli in the tissue sections was achieved by the Ziehl-Neelsen method. Within the ileal tissue, macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells stained positive for Opn. Clinical cows expressed Opn at a greater frequency in the lamina propria. Control and subclinical cows did not have areas of granulomatous inflammation but cells staining for Opn were equally intense for the three groups. The frequency of staining for Opn in the ICN was not affected by MAP infection. Results of this study confirm for the first time, the expression of Opn in the ileum and ICN of MAP-infected cattle.

Capacity fade in high energy silicon-graphite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.

A silicon-graphite blended anode is paired with a high capacity LiFePO4 reference/counter electrode to track irreversibility and lithium inventory. The LiFePO4 electrode provides a reliable, flat potential for dQ dV-1 analysis of LixSi and LixC electrochemical reactions. We relate this electrochemistry to the morphological and physical changes taking place.

Modulation of angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction by endothelium-derived relaxing factor in the isolated microperfused rabbit afferent arteriole.

Although endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) has been studied extensively in large vessels, little is known about its role in the preglomerular afferent arteriole (Af-Art). We tested the hypothesis that EDRF, which is produced locally in the Af-Art, modulates arteriolar responses to angiotensin II (AII). A single rabbit Af-Art with its glomerulus intact was microperfused in vitro at 60 mmHg. When 0.1 microM AII was first applied, luminal diameter decreased by 49 +/- 7.0% (n = 9; P less than 0.0001); however, constriction waned, with the decrease becoming 15 +/- 3.5% at 1 min. After washing the Af-Art, repeated AII caused less constriction (13 +/- 4.0%; P less than 0.0002 vs. first application), showing tachyphylaxis. Pretreatment with Nw-nitro-L-arginine (N-Arg), which inhibits synthesis of nitric oxide (an EDRF), decreased basal diameter by 18 +/- 3.0% (n = 14; P less than 0.0001). N-Arg also augmented AII-induced constriction (86 +/- 6.8%; P less than 0.02 vs. nontreated Af-Art) and rendered it persistent (82 +/- 6.9% at 1 min). Even after pretreatment with N-Arg, repeated AII caused a weaker response, which was restored by washing with kidney homogenate rich in angiotensinase. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that local production of EDRF is an important determinant of the tone of the Af-Art. Our results suggest that the transient nature of AII-induced constriction of the Af-Art may be due to production of EDRF, while tachyphylaxis may be the result of long lasting receptor occupancy.

Relationship between Fear of Falling and Preceived Difficulty with Grocery Shopping.

Fear of falling is associated with self-imposed restrictions of basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL), leading greater risk for functional decline and falls. The inability to independently grocery shop, a food-related IADL, negatively affects nutritional status and survival among seniors. Thus, this study examined the relationship between the fear of falling and difficulty with grocery shopping among seniors (n=98, mean age=82, 83% female), taking into account their functional capacity. Demographic profile, eating problems, physical fitness (mobility, balance, endurance, leg strength), and fear of falling (balance confidence, falls efficacy) were measured. Fifty-six percent of participants reported difficulty with grocery shopping. Those who reported difficulty had significantly lower scores for dynamic balance, balance confidence and fall efficacy compared to those who did not. This study revealed a relationship between the fear of falling and perceived difficulty with grocery shopping. Interventions should address fear of falling among the frail seniors.

Nutritional, functional and psychosocial correlates of disability among older adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the nutritional, functional and psychosocial correlates of disability among 54 older adults aged 65 years of age or older. METHODS: Using validated questionnaires and tests, nutritional risk (Mini-Nutritional Assessment), functional capacity (mobility, balance, endurance, grip strength and lower extremity strength), the psychosocial factors (life satisfaction, depression, and social support) and level of disability of the participants were examined. RESULTS: The study showed that functional mobility was the strongest correlate of disability, even after controlling for age, gender and residential living status (p<.05). Life satisfaction and nutrition risk had marginal significance as being related to disability. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study have implications for the development of evidence-based health promotion interventions for older adults.

Stimulation of normal erythropoiesis in vitro by macrophages from erythroleukemic mice.

The erythroleukemia induced in mice by the Friend virus complex is caused to regress by macrophages. To determine whether the effect of macrophages on leukemia is due to their role in the regulation of erythropoiesis, investigators examined the influence of macrophages from normal and leukemic mice on in vitro colony formation by erythroid progenitor cells [colony-forming units of erythroid progenitor cells (CFU-E)]. Plasma clot cultures of CFU-E were grown over monolayers of macrophages separated from the CFU-E cultures by a layer of agar. Macrophages from progressors (those leukemic mice that will not undergo leukemia regression) significantly stimulated CFU-E, whereas macrophages from regressors (those that will undergo leukemia regression) had no effect on colony formation. Monolayers of normal resident macrophages did not affect in vitro erythropoiesis, while less mature macrophages (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) or nonspecifically activated macrophages (exudate induced) in monolayer stimulated CFU-E. Stimulation by macrophages from leukemic mice was dependent on the presence of virus-producing cells. CFU-E from erythroleukemic mice were resistant to stimulation by leukemic macrophages. These results demonstrated that macrophages from progressively leukemic mice influenced normal colony formation of CFU-E in vitro and that these effects could be related to the ability of macrophages to cause leukemia regression.