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Our study aimed to compare explosive performance and underlying mechanical determinants explored through F-V profiles in jumping and sprinting among young soccer players based on their playing position. Ninety elite soccer players were categorized into the following positions: goalkeepers, central defenders, wide defenders, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. Two testing sessions were conducted to measure the 30-metre sprint time (T30) using an over-ground sprint test and jump height (Hmax) through the SJ test. Results demonstrated performance variations among positions. In sprinting, forwards showed greater T30 (4.5 ± 0.14 s) compared to other positions, with goalkeepers exhibiting the lowest T30 (4.86 ± 0.18 s). Forwards also displayed higher maximal theoretical velocity (8.8 ± 0.4 m.s−1) and power output (Pmax) (19.4 ± 2.6 W.kg−1) than other positions, while goalkeepers had the lowest Pmax (16.5 ± 2 W.kg−1). In jumping, forwards (33.2 ± 3.9 cm) and wide-midfielders (33.6 ± 3.8 cm) achieved higher Hmax compared to goalkeepers (29.2 ± 5 cm) and central-midfielders (29.2 ± 3.8 cm). Wide-midfielders (28.5 ± 4.8 W.kg−1) and forwards (27.1 ± 4.3 W.kg−1) surpassed goalkeepers (23 ± 2.8 W.kg−1) and central-midfielders (25.1 ± 3.8 W.kg−1) in Pmax. Our findings reveal substantial position-related disparities in F-V profiles among elite young soccer players, in sprinting and jumping emphasizing the need for position-specific training programmes to optimize player development and on-field performance from an early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increasing demand for safe and natural products from both industries and consumers, paired with the recent ban of decried molecules (i.e. octinoxate, avobenzone or octocrylene) due to their high negative impact on humans and the environment (i.e. endocrine disruption, coral bleaching), safe bio-based alternatives are a necessary and promising surrogate to substitute current commercialized petroleum-based UV filters. In this context, a class of bio-based molecules, displaying interesting UV-B filtering properties and great photostability were developed from furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), using the Knoevenagel condensation with a set of green conditions to minimize the impact on environment. Furthermore, those furfural- and HMF-based molecules demonstrated antimicrobial properties as secondary activity, highly sought by industries. Some furan derivatives being recognized to exhibit toxicological risks, in silico and in vitro assays were conducted and demonstrated the absence of endocrine disruption activity for these new molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent ban of some organic UV-filters – such as oxybenzone or octinoxate – considered toxic for coral reef, has heightened the need for eco-friendly alternatives, especially those synthesized using green approaches that reduce the carbon footprint. In this context, several thiobarbituric acid derivatives were synthetized from bio-based p-hydroxybenzaldehydes (e.g. vanillin, syringaldehyde) through a high-yielding sustainable Knoevenagel condensation, and their UV-filtering activity, stability and antiradical properties were investigated. The results showed promising UVA and blue light coverage over time, as well as competitive EC50 values in comparison to commercial antioxidants (i.e. BHA and BHT). In order to evaluate the potential of these molecules as substitutes to current petroleum-based UV-filters, the potential toxicity and fate in environment of these new compounds were evaluated in silico. This screening did not show a critical potential for toxicity, making them promising candidates for further in vitro and in vivo assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a growing global epidemic. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, many people with T2D require insulin at some point, most commonly a long-acting (basal) insulin to assist with 24-h control of glucose levels.Objective: This opinion paper provides an overview of considerations for primary care providers (PCPs) in intensifying the treatment regimen when basal insulin therapy is inadequate.Results: Control of mealtime hyperglycemia, in addition to fasting hyperglycemia, has been shown to be crucial in reaching A1c goals of <7.0%. However, initiating and optimizing mealtime insulin therapy can be challenging for both people with T2D and PCPs, due to a perceived lack of efficacy and burden of insulin treatment, causing "psychological insulin resistance" in people with T2D and clinical inertia among PCPs. Successful implementation of mealtime insulin therapy requires not only choosing appropriate treatment strategies, but also addressing patient-related behavioral and emotional barriers. Simplified treatment algorithms, combined with the use of advanced technology (devices such as insulin pens, pumps, and patches), and collaborative decision-making can help decrease barriers to effective mealtime insulin therapy.Conclusions: It is possible to implement an effective basal-bolus insulin regimen in people with T2D in a way that improves glucose control while minimizing negative effects on quality-of-life, treatment satisfaction, and psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuing use of medication is key to effective treatment and positive health outcomes, particularly in chronic conditions such as diabetes. However, in primary care, non-persistence (i.e. discontinuing or interrupting treatment) with insulin therapy is a common problem among patients with type 2 diabetes. To help primary care physicians manage patients who are non-persistent or likely not to be persistent, this review aimed to provide an overview of modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with insulin non-persistence as well as practical strategies to address them. Data were extracted from published studies evaluating factors associated with non-persistence among patients with type 2 diabetes. A targeted literature review was performed using PubMed to identify recent studies (2000-2016) reporting measures of non-persistence with insulin therapy. Practical strategies to identify and prevent non-persistence were based on the authors' direct experience in primary care. Non-modifiable factors associated with non-persistence included gender, age, prior treatments, and cost of therapy. Before/at insulin initiation, modifiable factors included patients' perception of diabetes, preference for oral medication, and concerns/expectations about treatment complexity, inconvenience, or side effects. After initiation, modifiable factors included syringe use, difficulties during the first week of therapy, side effects, and insufficient glycemic control. Open-ended and patient-centered questions and a blame-free environment can help physicians identify, prevent, and reduce non-persistence behaviors. Possible questions to start a conversation with patients are provided. Effective physician-patient communication is essential to the management of diabetes. Primary care physicians should be familiar with the most common reasons for insulin non-persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: People with T2DM who initiate basal insulin therapy often stop therapy temporarily or permanently soon after initiation. This study analyzes the reasons for and correlates of stopping and restarting basal insulin therapy among people with T2DM.Methods: An online survey was completed by 942 insulin-naïve adults with self-reported T2DM from Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UK, and US. Respondents had initiated basal insulin therapy within the 3-24 months before survey participation and met criteria for one of three persistence groups: continuers had no gaps of ≥7 days in basal insulin treatment; interrupters had at least one gap in insulin therapy of ≥7 days within the first 6 months after initiation and had since restarted basal insulin; and discontinuers stopped using basal insulin within the first 6 months after initiation and had not restarted.Results: Physician recommendations and cost were strongly implicated in patients stopping and not resuming insulin therapy. Continuous persistence was lower for patients with more worries about insulin initiation, greater difficulties and weight gain while using insulin, and higher for those using pens and perceiving their diabetes as severe. Repeated interruption of insulin therapy was associated with hyperglycemia and treatment burden while using insulin. Resumption and perceived likelihood of resumption were associated with hyperglycemia upon insulin cessation. Perceived likelihood of resumption among discontinuers was associated with perceived benefits of insulin.Conclusion: Better understanding of the risk factors for patient cessation and resumption of basal insulin therapy may help healthcare providers improve persistence with therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often interrupt basal insulin treatment soon after initiation. This study aimed to describe the experiences during and after basal insulin initiation among people with T2DM with different persistence patterns.Methods: Adults with T2DM from France, Germany, Spain, UK, US, Brazil, and Japan were identified from consumer panels for an online survey. Respondents who initiated basal insulin 3-24 months prior to survey date were categorized as continuers (no gaps of ≥7 days in insulin treatment); interrupters (first gap ≥7 days within 6 months of initiation and restarted insulin); and discontinuers (stopped insulin for ≥7 days within 6 months of initiation without restarting).Results: Among 942 participants, continuers were older than interrupters and discontinuers (46, 37, and 38 years, respectively, p < .01). Continuers reported having fewer concerns before and after insulin initiation than interrupters and discontinuers, while interrupters had the most concerns. Continuers also reported fewer challenges during the first week of insulin use. Continuers were more likely to respond that insulin use had a positive impact on specific aspects of life than interrupters and discontinuers, for example on glycemic control (73.0%, 63.0%, and 61.8%, respectively; p < .01 vs. continuers).Conclusion: Among people with T2DM with different persistence patterns after basal insulin initiation there were significant differences in patient characteristics and experience during and after insulin initiation. Interrupters and discontinuers more frequently reported having concerns and challenges during the initiation process, negative impacts after initiation, and less improvement in glycemic control than continuers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Motor control; pointing task; precision; uncontrolled manifold; focal and postural components EN Motor control pointing task precision uncontrolled manifold focal and postural components S427 S429 3 01/29/21 20191002 NES 191002 1. The Un-Controlled Manifold (UCM) approach has emerged as a sensitive quantitative method to evaluate the ability to control and stabilize a task-specific performance variable (Lewis et al. [3]). [Extracted from the article]

Spin trapping with cyclic nitrones coupled to electron spin resonance (ESR) is recognized as a specific method of detection of oxygen free radicals in biological systems, especially in culture cells. In this case, the detection is usually performed on cell suspensions, which is however unsuitable when adhesion influences free radical production. Here, we performed ESR detection of superoxide with four spin traps (5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrrolineN-oxide, DEPMPO; 5-diisopropoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrrolineN-oxide, DIPPMPO; (4R*, 5R*)-5-(diisopropyloxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-4-[({[2-(triphenylphosphonio)ethyl]carbamoyl}oxy)methyl]pyrrolineN-oxide bromide, Mito-DIPPMPO; and 6-monodeoxy-6-mono-4-[(5-diisopropoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide)-ethylenecarbamoyl-(2,3-di-O-methyl) hexakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)]-β-cyclodextrin, CD-DIPPMPO) directly on RAW 264.7 macrophages cultured on microscope coverslip glasses after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. Distinct ESR spectra were obtained with each spin trap using this method. CD-DIPPMPO, a recently published phosphorylated cyclic nitrone bearing a permethylated β-cyclodextrin moiety, was confirmed as the most specific spin trap of the superoxide radical, with exclusive detection of the superoxide adduct. ESR detection performed on cells attached to coverslips represents significant advances over other methods in terms of simplicity, speed, and measurement under near-physiological conditions. It thus opens the way for numerous applications, such as medium-throughput screening of antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-modulating agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study conducted in the U.S. to know ethnic differences in diabetes involvement by family members. Topics include less distress and burden reported by White non-Hispanics as compared to ethnic minorities, most diabetes burden experienced by Chinese Americans, quality of life (QoL) same among all ethnic groups and association of higher diabetes involvement of family members with negative psychological outcome.

Objective: To assess differences in psychological outcomes as well as risk and protective factors for these outcomes among several USA ethnic groups and identify correlates of these psychological outcomes among adults with diabetes in the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2*) study. Research design and methods: The core USA DAWN2 sample was supplemented by independent samples of specific ethnic minority groups, yielding a total of 447 White non-Hispanics, 241 African Americans, 194 Hispanics, and 173 Chinese Americans (n¼1055). Multivariate analysis examined ethnic differences in psychological outcomes and risk/protective factors (disease, demographic and socioeconomic factors, health status and healthcare access/utilization, subjective burden of diabetes and social support/burden). Separate analyses were performed on each group to determine whether risk/protective factors differed across ethnic groups. Main outcome measures: Psychological outcomes include well-being, quality of life, impact of diabetes on life domains, diabetes distress, and diabetes empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin initiation, which was traditionally the province of specialists, is increasingly undertaken by primary care. However, significant barriers to appropriate and timely initiation still exist. Whilst insulin is recognized as providing the most effective treatment in type 2 diabetes, it is also widely considered to be the most challenging and time consuming. This editorial identifies that the organization of existing healthcare services, the challenges faced by patients, and the treatments themselves contribute to suboptimal insulin management. In order to improve future diabetes care, it will be necessary to address all three problem areas: (1) re-think the best use of existing human and financial resources to promote and support patient self-management and adherence to treatment; (2) empower patients to participate more actively in treatment decision making; and (3) improve acceptance, persistence and adherence to therapy by continuing to refine insulin therapy and treatment regimens in terms of safety, simplicity and convenience. The principles discussed are also applicable to the successful management of any chronic medical illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biostratigraphical ranges, geographical distribution and taxonomy of 45 dinoflagellate cyst species are described based on the analysis of 99 samples from the Upper Cenomanian–Lower Turonian outcrop sections of Puentedey, Fuentetoba, Condemios and Tamajón in northern Spain. A specific rank for Coronifera hebospina (formerly Coronifera oceanica subsp. hebospina) and the new combination Exochosphaeridium majus are proposed. The generic assignment of Implestosphaeridium? clavulum and Implestosphaeridium? polytrichum are questioned. Early Turonian range tops for Coronifera albertii, Cyclonephelium vannophorum and Palaeohystrichophora palaeoinfusa are confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

AbstractObjective:The objective of this study was to psychometrically evaluate a tool to measure adult caregivers’ level of satisfaction with the delivery device used to administer injections of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to a child – the Satisfaction Measure of the Injection of Growth Hormone Therapy (SMIGHTy* *SMIGHTy is a trademark of Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.) questionnaire.Research design and methods:One hundred caregivers who administer rhGH to a child using an injection device completed the SMIGHTy questionnaire at baseline and 7–14 days later, and also completed other measures of treatment adherence and treatment satisfaction at baseline.Main outcome measures:SMIGHTy reliability (inter-item and test–retest) and external validity (association with other study measures) were assessed.Results:Analyses revealed good inter-item agreement and test–retest reliability for the SMIGHTy questionnaire. External validity, measured by associations with adherence and other measures of treatment satisfaction, was high.Study limitations:This study assessed only adult caregivers; the instrument was not validated for use by young or adult patients.Conclusions:The SMIGHTy instrument is more comprehensive than existing instruments for assessing the growth hormone treatment experience. It is multidimensional, assesses both positive and negative aspects of the treatment experience (Device Satisfaction, Negative Events, Benefits), and has separate measures of overall satisfaction and preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective:To examine predictors of physician perceptions of an inhaled insulin, willingness to prescribe that insulin, and estimates of patient initiation of therapy with that insulin.Research design and methods:The study was an Internet survey of a US national sample (n  602) of physicians who treat adults with diabetes. Respondents were given a brief description of potential clinical benefits and administration procedures for the study inhaled insulin (SII).Main outcome measures:Measures included clinical beliefs, benefit ratings and overall evaluation of SII relative to other mealtime insulins, willingness to recommend SII, and estimates of patient initiation of therapy with that insulin. Multivariate regression assessed significant independent associations controlling for respondent and patient case-mix characteristics.Results:Physicians who self-identified as medical innovators or who reported high levels of involvement with patients tended to rate the SII higher, while respondents who self-identified as diabetes experts or who avoided using insulin tended to rate the SII lower. Medical innovators and those who rated the SII high on efficacy in avoiding discomfort and inconvenience were more likely to say they would recommend the SII to their patients and that their patients would use it. Family physicians were most likely and endocrinologists least likely to say they would recommend the SII for a variety of patient profiles.Conclusions:Physicians see a variety of important benefits for the SII, and would recommend inhaled insulin to patients with different treatment regimens and treatment needs, especially those patients who are hesitant to initiate insulin therapy or concerned about taking more insulin injections. These findings should be considered in light of study limitations, including the fact that responses were based on expected benefits, and not on benefits actually experienced by physicians in the study, the fact that no information was provided about the cost of the SII, though this could have an important influence on prescription decisions, and the fact that the study sample was a self-selected group, rather than a representative sample of all physicians treating patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTObjective: This study examined the epidemiology of worry about weight among adults with diabetes and whether this weight worry was associated with worse quality of life and diabetes self-management.Research design and methods:Participants were 5088 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes from the multi-national DAWN study. Random samples of approximately 500 were obtained from each of 11 countries/regions in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. All measures were self-reported data obtained during structured interviews. High weight worry was represented by the highest level of agreement with the statement ‘I feel very anxious about my weight.’Results:One-quarter (25.1) of respondents reported high weight worry. Using multivariate logistic regression to assess independent relationships, high weight worry was significantly (p < 0.05) more common among respondents who were women, less educated, had type 2 diabetes and more comorbidities, were diagnosed more recently and reported weight gain with diabetes. Using multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding factors, high weight worry was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with most of the adverse outcomes examined, including lower self-rated health, poorer reported regimen adherence and diabetes control, more diabetes-related distress, poorer psychological well-being, and more psychological treatment.Limitations:The cross-sectional, correlational analysis could not assess causal relationships among patient reported outcomes, and the study did not include objective outcome measures.Conclusions:High weight worry was common among adults with diabetes and associated with several adverse outcomes, including multiple indicators of diabetes-related distress, poor physical and psychological well-being, and regimen non-adherence. These findings suggest that healthcare providers should assess and address weight worry among their patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the way in which physicians perceive insulin pens and the factors that affect their recommendations and their patients'' pen initiation/use.Research design and methods: Primary care physicians ( N ¼ 300; 108 family practice, 192 internal medicine) and endocrinologists (N = 225) were recruited from national databases (IMS and AMA) to participate in an Internet survey. All data are self-reports. Measures include five dependent variables (the extent of suitability for patient segments, two pen-related behaviors – their frequency of presenting patients with the pen as a treatment option and strength of pen recommendation – and extent of their patients'' pen initiation and use) and several potential correlates: practice characteristics; therapeutic philosophy and practices; perceptions of insulin pens (convenience, facilitation of self-care, blood glucose control efficacy, cost/coverage). Correlates of dependent variables were examined using multiple linear regression.Results: Significantly (p < 0.05) more patient pen use and/or successful pen initiation was reported by physicians who: (1) were more involved in clinical practice, were early adopters of clinical innovations or instructed their patients regarding insulin use; (2) reported less insulin mixing or therapeutic inertia; (3) perceived pens as efficacious and facilitating self-care; and (4) presented and recommended pens to their patients. More frequent presentation of pens to patients and/or stronger recommendation of pen use was reported by physicians who were early innovation adopters, reported less insulin mixing or therapeutic inertia, and perceived pens as convenient and efficacious (p < 0.05).Limitations: The study is a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire yielding unverified self-reports. Physicians treating few patients with diabetes mellitus or prescribing no insulin were excluded from the study.Conclusions: Physicians'' pen-related actions are a function of their personal and practice characteristics as well as their perceptions of pens. Physicians'' presentation of pens as an option is strongly associated with perceived pen convenience, but physicians'' pen recommendations and the estimated pen use/initiation of their patients are most strongly associated with the perception of clinically relevant pen attributes – glucose control efficacy and/or self-care facilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A morphological study of three different types of dispersed Circumpolles pollen grains from the Toarcian-Aalenian of the Fuentelsaz section (Spain) was performed using conventional wide field and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM). The CSLM data allowed scanning electron microscope-like three-dimensional reconstructions to be made and showed that the most part of the studied pollen have taxonomic features characteristic of the Mesozoic genus Classopollis. At the species level, Classopollis torosus and Classopollis classoides were identified. The third form studied is characterized by the presence of Ubisch bodies adhering to the pollen wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess treatment satisfaction in patients using pramlintide who had not previously achieved glycemic targets with insulin therapy alone. Assessment included the association between treatment satisfaction and clinical outcomes (changes in post-prandial glucose [PPG], glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA(1c)], weight, and insulin requirements). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this open-label study 240 participants with type 1 diabetes and 160 participants with type 2 diabetes added pramlintide to their established insulin regimen. Mealtime insulin doses were subsequently adjusted to optimize glycemic control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Seven-point glucose profiles, weight, and insulin requirements were obtained at baseline and months 1, 3, and 6; HbA(1c) levels were obtained at baseline and months 3 and 6. Participants completed a treatment satisfaction questionnaire (TSQ) at months 1, 3, and 6. RESULTS: Participants rated the study treatment regimen including pramlintide significantly (p < 0.001) superior to their pre-study regimens in terms of 'glucose control', 'eating-weight control', and 'general benefits' at all three TSQ administrations. Regression analysis of treatment satisfaction at 6 months revealed several independent predictors (p < 0.05). Participants who were able to reach the maximum dosage of pramlintide per protocol, and those who experienced more reduction in PPG and insulin requirements during the study, reported higher satisfaction with glucose control and general benefits; those who lost more weight reported higher treatment satisfaction on all three TSQ measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Greater satisfaction with the study regimen was reported on all treatment satisfaction factors at all three TSQ administrations, with all advantages representing large treatment effects. Treatment satisfaction was higher for patients who experienced better clinical outcomes (decreases in weight, insulin dose requirements, and PPG levels). Study limitations include the fact this was an open-label study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was designed to assess treatment satisfaction in patients using pramlintide who had not previously achieved glycemic targets with insulin therapy alone. Assessment included the association between treatment satisfaction and clinical outcomes (changes in post-prandial glucose [PPG], glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], weight, and insulin requirements).Research design and methods: In this open-label study 240 participants with type 1 diabetes and 160 participants with type 2 diabetes added pramlintide to their established insulin regimen. Mealtime insulin doses were subsequently adjusted to optimize glycemic control.Main outcome measures: Seven-point glucose profiles, weight, and insulin requirements were obtained at baseline and months 1, 3, and 6; HbA1c levels were obtained at baseline and months 3 and 6. Participants completed a treatment satisfaction questionnaire (TSQ) at months 1, 3, and 6.Results: Participants rated the study treatment regimen including pramlintide significantly (p < 0.001) superior to their pre-study regimens in terms of ''glucose control'', ''eating-weight control'', and ''general benefits'' at all three TSQ administrations. Regression analysis of treatment satisfaction at 6 months revealed several independent predictors (p < 0.05). Participants who were able to reach the maximum dosage of pramlintide per protocol, and those who experienced more reduction in PPG and insulin requirements during the study, reported higher satisfaction with glucose control and general benefits; those who lost more weight reported higher treatment satisfaction on all three TSQ measurements.Conclusions: Greater satisfaction with the study regimen was reported on all treatment satisfaction factors at all three TSQ administrations, with all advantages representing large treatment effects. Treatment satisfaction was higher for patients who experienced better clinical outcomes (decreases in weight, insulin dose requirements, and PPG levels). Study limitations include the fact this was an open-label study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-nitroso species have recently been detected in animal tissues. Protein N-nitrosotryptophan is the best candidate for this N-nitroso pool. N-nitrosation of N-blocked trytophan derivatives like melatonin (MelH) by N2O3 or peroxynitrite (ONOOH/ONOO- ) has been observed under conditions of pH and reagent concentrations similar to in vivo conditions. We studied the reaction of with MelH. When was synthesized by γ-irradiation of aqueous neutral solutions of nitrate under anaerobic conditions, detected oxidation and nitration of MelH were negligible. In the presence of additional nitrite, when NO√ was also generated, formation of 1-nitrosomelatonin increased with nitrite concentration. Nitrosation is not due to N2O3 but could proceed via successive additions of and NO√. For comparison, peroxynitrite was infused into a solution of MelH under air leading to the same products as those detected in irradiated solutions but in different proportions. In the presence of additional nitrite, the formation of nitroderivatives increased significantly while N-formylkynuramine and 1-nitrosomelatonin were maintained at similar levels. Mechanistic implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How successful has managed care been in controlling costs and consumers' inappropriate use of health care services? This study compares national data from 1992 and 1996 to determine the effect of managed care on appropriateness of ED utilization. ED utilization was described in two ways as defined in Gooding, Smith, and Peyrot (1996): (1) urgency of visit (urgent vs. non-urgent), and (2) appropriateness of visit taking into account the care provided upon visits (including treatment and diagnostic procedures) and disposition of visit (admit, transfer, and discharge against medical advice). Potentially appropriate visits were the non-urgent cases at which treatment procedures and/or non-routine diagnostic procedures were performed. All urgent visits were defined as appropriate. Study results reveal that consumers' ED misuse changed in complex ways over the period examined. Contrary to our assumptions based on earlier research, the pattern of change was not the same for the two different measures of misuse. Non-urgent use decreased, as hypothesized, but there was an increase in non-urgent use which we have defined as inappropriate (i.e., no treatment and no non-routine diagnostic tests). ED misuse did not decrease more for insured than uninsured consumers, nor more for managed care than feeforservice consumers. These findings bring into question the efficacy of efforts to address rising health care costs through controlling consumer utilization of services via managed care, efforts mirrored by many feeforservice indemnity plans. Future research is needed to determine why this consumer misuse of the ED appears to continue and how the recent increase in the marketing of ED services may exacerbate this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined the factors associated with the purchase of a foreign product, a Toyota automobile, in the United States. Methodology; Results; Discussion.

The genesis and course of a social problem results from the interplay of political and historical forces. This paper formulates a cyclical model of social problem development in which the history of drug abuse as a social problem is a function of the political processes which shape its course. The developmental cycle comprises five stages, with the fifth stage initiating a new cycle through the stages. Political struggles at each stage over the choice of definition and remedy are analyzed to explicate how the outcomes of earlier struggles become historical contingencies for subsequent stages. Institutionalized remedial approaches become entrenched and may not be superseded by subsequent approaches, leading to an accretion of institutional forms. Current drug abuse policy and programs, a patchwork accumulation of conflicting approaches instituted during different historical eras, exemplify this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the reliability and construct validity of the Conner's Abbreviated Symptoms Questionnaire, sometimes referred to as the Hyperactivity Index. Diagnosis of hyperactive children; Description of the questionnaire categories; Confirmatory factor analysis.

The feasibility of making a frequency doubler for integrated optics is studied with the electromagnetic theory of gratings and graded-index waveguides as a tool. The device consists of a first waveguide filled with a sol-gel nonlinear material doped or grafted with a nonlinear chromophore whose thickness is chosen to generate a second-harmonic Cerenkov radiation in a dispersive glass substrate. The Cerenkov radiation is coupled into a second waveguide through a graded-index layer produced by ion exchange into glass, lying on top of an ion-etched grating coupler. The aim of the study is to optimize the optogeometrical parameters of the device in order to obtain a resonance line of the second waveguide modes that has an angular width large enough to match the experimental constraints, and which leads to a good enough coupling coefficient. The electromagnetic theory of grating couplers is developed into an S -matrix propagation algorithm form in order to be combined with the electromagnetic analysis of the thick graded-index waveguide with a view to analysing the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Dynamic stability; step initiation; elderly; angular momentum; biomechanics EN Dynamic stability step initiation elderly angular momentum biomechanics S186 S187 2 01/29/21 20191002 NES 191002 1. Introduction Evidence suggests that humans regulate the angular momentum about the body's centre of mass (CoM), commonly referred to as whole-body angular momentum (WBAM), for maintaining dynamic balance during daily living activities (Robert et al. [3]). We hypothesize that older adults (OA) would exhibit higher ranges of WBAM than young adults (YA) during initiation of stepping, suggesting a greater balance control challenge in the elderly. [Extracted from the article]

These APA are manifested by a lateral shift of the centre of pressure (CoP) toward the swing foot, which acts to propel the centre of mass (CoM) toward the stance leg prior to swing foot, thereby attenuating the subsequent lateral CoM fall (Rogers et al. [4]). It has been reported that young individuals are able to finely tune the temporo-spatial features of APA and the mediolateral swing foot placement at heel-contact time so as to maintain mediolateral dynamic stability unchanged during gait initiation whatever the gait speed (Caderby et al. [1]). To quantify mediolateral dynamic stability, we calculated the margin of stability (MoS) at the time of heel-contact (Hof et al. [2]). [Extracted from the article]

Recent studies underline the potential health risks associated to the “nano” revolution, particularly for the workers who handle engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) that can be found in the formulation of several commercial products. Although many Health & Safety agencies recommend the use of protective gloves against chemicals, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of these gloves towards nanoparticle suspensions. Moreover, the data that are available are often contradictory. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of protective gloves against nanoparticles in suspension. For this purpose, a new methodology was developed in order to take into account parameters encountered in the workplace such as mechanical deformations (MD) that simulate hand flexion and sweat. The effects of the precise experimental protocol on the concentrations of nanoparticles that were detected in the sampling suspension were assessed. Several samples of nitrile rubber gloves (73 µm thick), taken from different boxes, were brought into contact with gold nanoparticles (5 nm) in water. During their exposure to ENPs, the glove samples submitted systematic mechanical deformations and were placed in contact with a physiological solution simulating human sweat. Under these conditions, results obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) showed that the 5 nm gold nanoparticles passed through the protective gloves. This result was acquired, in spite of the observation of significant losses during the sampling phase that will be important for future experiments evaluating the effectiveness of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The author comments on the article by Sheehan and Gormley, which reports that reduced muscular strength of the lower limbs in obese individuals could lead to gait adaptations. He refers to several studies that support appropriate prescription in obese people to reduce biomechanical load in walking and prevent the onset of musculoskeletal diseases. Browning and Kram proposes that obese adult would need to walk at about 1.1 m/second while Ehlen and colleagues pointed out the need to walk faster.

The article discusses the impact of patient's awareness on the measurements performed towards their running mechanics. The research makes use of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test whether the subjects' awareness induce changes in the mechanical parameters measured. The research shows that the level of subjects' awareness and information on the measurements performed affects the locomotion pattern.