JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
S. D. Killops
A study of the molecular composition of oil inclusions in the Maui field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, reveals compositional variation in oil during the filling history of the Paleocene reservoir. The homogenization temperatures of aqueous inclusions in quartz suggest that oil in genetically associated inclusions first reached the proto-Maui structure about 7.0,7.5 Ma ago, and that an effective trap was present at the Paleocene F-sands level, given the abundant oil inclusions. This date coincides with what is believed to represent the early stages of structural development of the trap. The Maui or Pihama sub-basin appears the most likely kitchen for this early charge. The quartz-included oil exhibits a biomarker distribution with a slightly more marine-influenced signature than an oil stain from the same core plug, oil included in authigenic feldspar, and oil-production samples from the overlying Eocene D sands as well as the F sands. The greater similarity of the feldspar-included oil to the production oils together with its possibly slightly lower maturity suggest that the feldspar inclusions formed later than the quartz inclusions. Otherwise, all oil samples examined (inclusion oil, oil / bitumen in sandstones and producible oil) are of similar maturity. [source]

SURVEY OF MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE, TRAUMATIC COMPARTMENT SYNDROME OF THE LEG IN AUSTRALIA

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2007
Christopher J. Wall
Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency and is associated with significant morbidity if not diagnosed promptly and treated effectively. Despite the urgency of effective management to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes, there is currently little consensus in the published reports as to what constitutes best practice in the management of acute limb compartment syndrome. Methods: A structured survey was sent to all currently practising orthopaedic surgeons and accredited orthopaedic registrars in Australia to assess their current practice in the management of acute, traumatic compartment syndrome of the leg. Questions were related to key decision nodes in the management process, as identified in a literature review. These included identification of patients at high risk, diagnosis of the condition in alert and unconscious patients, optimal timeframe and technique for carrying out a fasciotomy and management of fasciotomy wounds. Results: A total of 264 valid responses were received, a response rate of 29% of all eligible respondents. The results indicated considerable variation in management of acute compartment syndrome of the leg, in particular in the utilization of compartment pressure measurement and the appropriate pressure threshold for fasciotomy. Of the 78% of respondents who regularly measured compartment pressure, 33% used an absolute pressure threshold, 28% used a differential pressure threshold and 39% took both into consideration. Conclusions: There is variation in the management of acute, traumatic compartment syndrome of the leg in Australia. The development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines may be beneficial. [source]

Association Between Interleukin-6 and Lower Extremity Function After Hip Fracture,The Role of Muscle Mass and Strength

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 6 2008
Ram R. Miller MDCM
OBJECTIVES: To examine whether an effect on muscle mass or strength explains the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and lower extremity function in the year after hip fracture. DESIGN: Analysis of data from a longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Two Baltimore-area hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling women aged 65 and older admitted to one of two hospitals in Baltimore with a new, nonpathological fracture of the proximal femur between 1992 and 1995. MEASUREMENTS: At 2, 6, and 12 months postfracture, serum IL-6, appendicular lean muscle mass (aLM), and grip strength were measured, and the Lower Extremity Gain Scale (LEGS), a summary measure of performance of nine lower extremity tasks was calculated. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the longitudinal relationship between IL-6 tertile and LEGS. Whether muscle mass or strength explained the relationship between IL-6 and LEGS was examined by adding measures of aLM, grip strength, or both into the model. RESULTS: Subjects in the lowest IL-6 group performed better on the LEGS than those in the highest tertile by 4.51 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.50,7.52) points at 12 months postfracture. Adjusting for aLM and grip strength, this difference was 4.28 points (95% CI=1.14,7.43) and 3.81 points (95% CI=0.63,7.00), respectively. Adjusting for both aLM and grip strength, the mean difference in LEGS score was 3.88 points (95% CI=0.63,7.13). CONCLUSION: In older women, after hip fracture, reduced muscle strength, rather than reduced muscle mass, better explains the poorer recovery of lower extremity function observed with higher levels of the inflammatory marker IL-6. [source]

ANALYSIS AND FORMATION OF ACRYLAMIDE IN FRENCH FRIES AND CHICKEN LEGS DURING FRYING

JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2006
W.H. CHUANG
ABSTRACT The analysis and formation of acrylamide in French fries and chicken legs during frying were studied. Results showed that the most appropriate extraction solvent was ethyl acetate, with C-18 cartridge for purification and 5-mL deionized water as elution solvent. Dibromination of acrylamide followed by dehydrobromination to 2-bromopropionamide in the presence of triethylamine was necessary for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography,mass spectrometry. The most appropriate temperature programming condition was as follows: 70C in the beginning, raised to 150C at a rate of 10C/min, maintained for 1 min and to 240C at a rate of 30C/min, maintained for 5 min. Detection was carried out using selected-ion monitoring mode, and N,N -dimethylacrylamide was used as internal standard for quantification. French fries and the outer flour portion of chicken legs fried at 180C generated a higher level of acrylamide than at 160C. Compared to soybean oil and palm oil, a lower amount of acrylamide was produced in French fries and the outer flour portion of chicken legs fried in lard. However, no acrylamide was detected in the inner meat portion of fried chicken legs. [source]

Direct in situ detection of cells in deep-sea sediment cores from the Peru Margin (ODP Leg 201, Site 1229)

GEOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
L. MAUCLAIRE
ABSTRACT Microbiological investigations of deep-sea sediments recovered from the Peru Margin during the ODP Leg 201 (Hole 1229A, 1,110 mbsf) demonstrated that microoganisms were a consistent component throughout the profile. Optimization of the dilution factor and DAPI-staining procedures for direct cell counts allowed the determination of the abundance of the entire microbial community, which was about 108 cells per g dry sediment. Microbial diversity in discrete samples taken from the 110-m profile was analysed using horseradish-peroxydase-rRNA-probes. In general, the majority of the detected cells belonged to the Eubacteria kingdom with a dominance of sulphate-reducing bacteria. The composition of the suflate-reducing community varied with depth. Desulfobacteriaceae were dominant in the uppermost sulphate-reducing zone and Desulfovibrionaceae at deeper depths in the upward diffusing sulphate-rich brines. Both sulphate-reducing groups were also detected in the methanogenic zone. Similarly, Archaea were detected throughout the profile, not only in the methanogenic zone but also in the upper and lower sulphate-reducing zones. [source]

Archaeal phylotypes in a metal-rich and low-activity deep subsurface sediment of the Peru Basin, ODP Leg 201, Site 1231

GEOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
K. B. SØRENSEN
ABSTRACT Site 1231 of the Ocean Drilling Project (ODP) was characterized by low concentrations of organic carbon, as well as low cell numbers and biological activity rates. A 16S rRNA survey was performed in order to analyse the microbial community composition of these central oceanic sediments. Archaeal 16S rRNA genes from subsurface sediments at Site 1231 (1.8, 9.0, and 43 mbsf) were affiliated with uncultured lineages from subsurface or hydrothermal vent habitats. Members of the Marine Group I (MGI) found in the 1.8 mbsf sediment formed distinct clusters, some dominated by phylotypes from Site 1231 and other subsurface environments. The archaeal community survey at Site 1231 indicated that several archaeal lineages were widespread in subsurface environments, marine sediments as well as hydrothermal habitats. [source]

Palaeomagnetic records of the Brunhes/Matuyama polarity transition from ODP Leg 124 (Celebes and Sulu seas)

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2000
Hirokuni Oda
Palaeomagnetic records of the Brunhes/Matuyama geomagnetic polarity transition were obtained from deep-sea sediments of ODP Leg 124 in the Celebes and Sulu seas. Advanced piston core (APC) samples with high magnetization intensities (2,200 mA m,1,) and high sedimentation rates (8.4,10 cm kyr,1,) were recovered from this cruise. Rock-magnetic measurements revealed the carrier of the remanence to be nearly pure magnetite in the pseudo-single-domain range. Pass-through measurements at intervals of 5 mm on APC cores across the Brunhes/Matuyama polarity transition for Holes 767B, 769A and 769B were deconvolved with the magnetometer sensor response using the ABIC-minimizing method. Discrete samples were also taken from the polarity transition zones and subjected to either thermal or alternating field stepwise demagnetization. The results were generally consistent with the pass-through data after the deconvolution. Results from the three holes are in good agreement, particularly those from the two holes 100 m apart at Site 769. The transitional VGP paths from these two holes show two small loops near New Zealand before the equator is crossed. The VGPs continue to swing eastwards to the North Atlantic and then move to the northeastern margin of the Pacific Ocean. The positions of the VGP loops obtained from Site 769 are different from the VGP clusters obtained from both the known volcanic records and the sediment records at the Boso Peninsula and the North Atlantic sites with high sedimentation rates. Such a difference may imply the predominance of the non-dipole field during the transition. Relatively stable mid-high northern latitude VGPs are recognized on all three cores just after the reversal, lasting about 4000 years. The plot of relative intensity versus VGP latitude for the sediment records from the North Atlantic (DSDP Hole 609B) shows a remarkable similarity with our records. Similar patterns were also obtained for the plot of the palaeointensity versus VGP latitude for the La Palma volcanic lava records. These results may suggest the existence of a metastable state of the geodynamo, producing a zonal component just after the Brunhes/Matuyama boundary, which may have played a role in the change of the field intensity. [source]

Rock magnetism and paleomagnetic stratigraphy of forearc sediments of the Japan Trench, ODP Sites 1150 and 1151

ISLAND ARC, Issue 1 2004
Toshiya Kanamatsu
Abstract Magnetic measurements were carried out to investigate rock magnetic properties and paleomagnetic directions of late and middle Miocene sediments recovered from the land side of the Japan Trench during the Ocean Drilling Program Leg 186. Because the low coercive component in natural remanent magnetization (NRM) normalized by anhysteretic remanent magnetization shows that the drilling-induced magnetization is severe in the sections obtained by the advanced hydraulic piston coring method, careful analyses of demagnetization of NRM using the ,demagnetization plane' were carried out to decompose the direction and intensity. Magnetostratigraphic correlation down to the upper Miocene, supplemented by biostratigraphic data, revealed that the sedimentation rates are characterized by drastic changes, with the early Pliocene having the highest rate. This high sedimentation rate is related to the subsidence of the southern deep-sea terrace of the Japan Trench. [source]

Changes in Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Power but Not Physical Function Are Related to Testosterone Dose in Healthy Older Men

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2008
Thomas W. Storer PhD
OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of graded doses of testosterone on physical function and muscle performance in healthy, older men. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: General clinical research center. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling healthy men aged 60 to 75 (N=44). INTERVENTION: Monthly treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist plus 25, 50, 125, or 300 mg/wk of intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate for 20 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was estimated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Leg press strength was measured by one repetition maximum, leg power by Nottingham Leg Rig, and muscle fatigability by repetitions to failure in the leg press exercise. Stair climbing, 6-meter and 400-meter walking speed, and a timed-up-and-go (TUG) test were used to assess physical function. RESULTS: Significant testosterone dose- and concentration-dependent increases were observed in SMM (P<.001) and maximal strength (P=.001) but not muscle fatigability. Leg power also increased dose-dependently (P=.048). In contrast, changes in self-selected normal and fast walking speed over 6 or 400 meters, stair climbing power, and time for the TUG were not significantly related to testosterone dose, testosterone concentrations, or changes in muscle strength or power, or SMM. CONCLUSION: Testosterone administration was associated with dose-dependent increases in SMM, leg strength, and power but did not improve muscle fatigability or physical function. The observation that physical function scores did not improve linearly with strength suggests that these high-functioning older men were already in the asymptotic region of the curve describing the relationship between physical function and strength. [source]

Tests of Muscle Strength and Physical Function: Reliability and Discrimination of Performance in Younger and Older Men and Older Men with Mobility Limitations

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2008
Nathan K. LeBrasseur PT
OBJECTIVES: To compare the reliability of muscle strength and physical function measures in younger and older men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Academic research center. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty younger men, 31 older men, and 39 older men with mobility limitations. MEASUREMENTS: Test,retest measures of one repetition maximum (1 RM), unloaded and loaded 50-m walk and stair climb, and a lift-and-lower task. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: Leg and chest press 1 RM measures identified significant differences between the groups, exhibited excellent test,retest reliability in younger men, older men, and older men with mobility limitations (ICCs=0.946,0.994) and minimal bias between Trials 1 and 2 (Bland-Altman=improvement of 21.1 and 1.1 N for leg and chest press, respectively). Test,retest measures of the time to walk 50 m and climb 12 steps also demonstrated excellent agreement (ICCs=0.980,0.988 and 0.942,992, respectively) and minimal bias (Bland-Altman=0.755,1.007 and 0.141,0.361 seconds faster, respectively). When a subject repeated these measures carrying a modest load, ICCs remained greater than 0.940, bias was similar, and the tests better discriminated between the groups. The lift-and-lower measure demonstrated excellent agreement (ICCs=0.925,0.947) and minimal bias (1.4,2.9 more shelves) and revealed significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Measures of muscle strength and physical function can be performed in younger men, older men, and older men with mobility limitations with high reliability. In future clinical trials, more-challenging measures of performance may better discriminate between higher-functioning study participants. [source]

Recanalization of the Collecting Lymphatics in Rabbit Hind Leg

MICROCIRCULATION, Issue 5 2006
FUMITAKA IKOMI
ABSTRACT Objective: This study was designed to examine whether mature collecting lymphatics can regenerate in the adult tissue or not. Materials and Methods: The X-ray lymphograms were used to detect network of the collecting lymphatics in rabbit hind leg. Regeneration of the lymphatics was observed after surgical removal of the popliteal lymph node or a part of the popliteal afferent lymphatic. Structure and mechanical properties of the lymphatics were also examined by light and electron microscopes and in vitro functional experiments. Results: One week after removal of the lymph node, only an afferent lymphatic and a deposit of the contrast medium at the popliteal region were observed. Four weeks after the removal, the connection of the afferent and efferent lymphatics at the popliteal region, and collateral lymphatics were present in the leg. Further, 4 weeks after 1-mm excisions of a part of the lymphatic, recanalization was observed between the central and peripheral cut ends of the lymphatic but not after 3- and 10-mm excisions. Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells could be observed by electron microscope, and contractile proteins, and alpha-smooth muscle actin SM1 and SM2 were immunofluorescently detected in both intact and the regenerated lymphatic walls. In both lymphatics, norepinephrine and acetylcholine induced dose-dependent constriction and dilation of the vessels, respectively. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that mature collecting lymphatics are able to regenerate in the adult tissues. [source]

An Infant with an Indurated Patch on the Leg

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Stephen Stahr
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Stature estimation in an early medieval (XI-XII c.) Polish population: Testing the accuracy of regression equations in a bioarcheological sample

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Giuseppe Vercellotti
Abstract Accurate stature estimation from skeletal remains can foster useful information on health and microevolutionary trends in past human populations. Stature can be estimated through the anatomical method and regression equations. The anatomical method (Fully: Ann Med Leg 36 [1956] 266,273; Raxter et al.: Am J Phys Anthropol 130 [2006] 374,384) is preferable because it takes into account total skeletal height and thus provides more accurate estimates, but it cannot be applied to incomplete remains. In such circumstances, regression equations allow estimates of living stature from the length of one or few skeletal elements. However, the accuracy of stature estimates from regression equations depends on similarity in body proportions between the population under examination and those used to calibrate the equations. Since genetic affinity and body proportions similarity are not always clearly known in bioarcheological populations, the criteria for selection of appropriate formulae are not always straightforward. This may lead to inaccurate stature estimates and imprecise accounts of past life conditions. Prompted by such practical and theoretical concerns this study aimed at (1) estimating living stature in an early medieval (XI-XII c.) Polish sample (40 male; 20 female) through the anatomical method and developing population-specific regression formulae; and (2) evaluating the accuracy of estimates obtained with regression methods commonly employed in European populations. Results indicate that when applied to the skeletal remains from Giecz, our formulae provide accurate estimates, with non-age-corrected formulae performing better than age-corrected ones. Our formulae provide better estimates than those calibrated on recent populations and their use in medieval Polish populations is preferable. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Randomized Nonblinded Comparison of Convalescence for 2 and 7 Days After Split-Thickness Skin Grafting to the Lower Legs

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2009
BEN TALLON MBChB
BACKGROUND There is an increasing expectation of shortened postoperative recovery times and a suggestion that shorter convalescence times may not compromise lower leg split-thickness skin graft results. OBJECTIVE To determine whether mobilization after 2 days of convalescence compromises graft survival or patient morbidity. METHODS AND MATERIALS A pilot study was initiated in which patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting to the lower legs were randomized to 2 or the routine 7 days of convalescence. Baseline characteristics were determined, and patients were followed up in dressing clinics and with a standardized telephone interview. RESULTS There was no difference in baseline patient comorbidities and no significant difference in the number of grafts lost, the number of dressing clinics, bleeding, or wound infections. CONCLUSION The results suggest that 2 days of convalescence after split-thickness skin grafting to the lower legs may not compromise graft survival or increase patient morbidity. Further study with larger numbers is required to confirm this finding. [source]

Microfoam Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy of Varicose Veins in 100 Legs

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2004
John M. Barrett FRNZCGP
Objective. To demonstrate the efficacy of duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy measured against patient symptom relief and quality of life. Methods. An analysis was performed of 100 randomly chosen legs with varicose veins treated with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy with a mean follow-up of 22.5 months. Results. An average number of 2.1 treatments using an average of 8.7 mL of foam sclerosing solution were required to close incompetent varicose veins. Thirty-one percent of leg varicose veins required a second treatment at 3 months; 100% of patients felt that their legs were successfully treated with resolution of all symptoms in 85% and resolution in all varicose veins in 92%. Conclusion. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is effective in treating varicose veins with high patient satisfaction with results and improvement in quality of life. [source]

Intranasal fentanyl in 1,3-year-olds: A prospective study of the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl as acute analgesia

EMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 5 2009
Joanne Cole
Abstract The primary objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl analgesia in children aged 1,3 years with acute moderate to severe pain presenting to the ED. We also aimed to gather information on the safety and acceptability of intranasal fentanyl in this age group. Two paediatric ED enrolled children aged 1,3 years, with acute moderate or severe pain. Intranasal fentanyl was administered (1.5 µg/kg) via a mucosal atomiser device using a 50 µg/mL solution of fentanyl. Physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturations and level of consciousness) were measured at regular intervals. Objective pain assessment was completed using the Faces, Legs, Arms, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score. Forty-six children presenting with acute moderate to severe pain were included. The median FLACC score before intranasal fentanyl administration was 8 (interquartile range [IQR] 5,10), decreasing to 2 (IQR 0,4) 10 min post fentanyl (P < 0.0001) and 0 (IQR 0,2) 30 min post fentanyl (P < 0.0001). A clinically significant decrease in FLACC scores was seen in 93% of children 10 min post fentanyl administration and 98% of children 30 min post fentanyl. Intranasal fentanyl delivery using a mucosal atomiser was well tolerated by all children. There were no adverse drug reactions or adverse events detected. Intranasal fentanyl is an effective, safe and well-tolerated mode of analgesia for children aged 1,3 years with moderate to severe pain. [source]

Seismic constraints on the three-dimensional geometry of low-angle intracrustal reflectors in the Southern Iberia Abyssal Plain

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008
S. M. Dean
SUMMARY Several lines of evidence suggest that simple shear rifting of the continental crust, in the form of low-angle detachment faulting, occurred during the final stages of continental breakup between West Iberia and the Grand Banks. The primary evidence for such faulting is the occurrence of low-angle, high amplitude reflectors within the basement adjacent to the ocean,continent transition zone. Here we present a series of intersecting, depth migrated seismic reflection profiles that image one such reflector, the H-reflector, located on the southern edge of Galicia Bank. ,H' lies beneath several boreholes drilled during ODP Legs 149 and 173, in a region where the oceanward extent of extended continental crust steps at least 150 km westward from its location in the southern Iberia Abyssal Plain to its location off the relatively shallow Galicia Bank. In our profiles ,H' appears to define a surface that extends over a region of at least 200 km2 and that dips down ,19° to the north, towards Galicia Bank. The profiles show that a close affinity exists between ,H' and the most seaward continental crust. Based on geophysical data and ODP drilling results, we infer that the basement above ,H' is composed of continental crust deformed by extensional faults into a series of wedge-shaped blocks and thin slivers. These basement wedges have a complex 3-D geometry. ,H' rises to the basement surface on a number of the seismic profiles and appears to define locally the oceanward extent of continental fault blocks. [source]

The FLACC behavioral scale for procedural pain assessment in children aged 5,16 years

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 8 2008
STEFAN NILSSON MSN RN
Summary Objectives:, To evaluate the concurrent and construct validity and the interrater reliability of the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale during procedural pain in children aged 5,16 years. Background:, Self-reporting of pain is considered to be the primary source of information on pain intensity for older children but a validated observational tool will provide augment information to self-reports during painful procedures. Methods:, Eighty children scheduled for peripheral venous cannulation or percutaneous puncture of a venous port were included. In 40 cases two nurses simultaneously and independently assessed pain by using the FLACC scale and in 40 cases one of these nurses assessed the child. All children scored the intensity of pain by using the Coloured Analogue Scale (CAS) and distress by the Facial Affective Scale (FAS). Results:, Concurrent validity was supported by the correlation between FLACC scores and the children's self-reported CAS scores during the procedure (r = 0.59, P < 0.05). A weaker correlation was found between the FLACC scores and children's self-reported FAS (r = 0.35, P < 0.05). Construct validity was demonstrated by the increase in median FLACC score to 1 during the procedure compared with 0 before and after the procedure (P < 0.001). Interrater reliability during the procedure was supported by adequate kappa statistics for all items and for the total FLACC scores (, = 0.85, P < 0.001). Conclusions:, The findings of this study support the use of FLACC as a valid and reliable tool for assessing procedural pain in children aged 5,16 years. [source]

Cutaneous melanoma in Swedish women: Occupational risks by anatomic site,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2005
Beatriz Pérez-Gómez MD
Abstract Background Few occupational studies have addressed melanoma in women. Accordingly, our aim was to identify occupations with higher risk of cutaneous melanoma, overall and by site, in Swedish female workers. Methods All gainfully employed Swedish women were followed-up from 1971 to 1989, using Death/Cancer Registers. Occupational risk ratios adjusted for age, period, town size, and geographic zone were computed for each site. Risk patterns for different sites were then compared. Results High risks were observed among educators, bank tellers, dental nurses, librarians/archivists/curators, horticultural workers, and hatmakers/milliners. Telephone operators and textile workers had increased risk, mainly in the leg. Other occupation-specific site excesses were also found. Upper-limb risks were correlated with head/neck and thorax, though these two sites were not associated. Legs registered a special pattern, with a moderate correlation with upper limbs or thorax, and no correlation with head/neck. Conclusions Some occupations with possible exposure to arsenic/mercury displayed increased risk. The generalized excess risk among hatmakers/milliners warrants further attention. The weak correlation between legs and other sites suggests site specificity in melanoma risk factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Management of mixed arterial and venous leg ulcers,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 9 2007
M. L. Humphreys
Background: The aim was to assess healing in patients with mixed arterial and venous leg ulcers after protocol-driven treatment in a specialist leg ulcer clinic. Methods: The study included consecutive patients referred with leg ulceration and venous reflux over 6 years. Legs without arterial disease (ankle : brachial pressure index (ABPI) above 0·85) were treated with multilayer compression bandaging and patients with severe disease (ABPI 0·5 or less) were considered for immediate revascularization. Those with moderate arterial compromise (ABPI above 0·5 up to 0·85) were initially managed with supervised modified compression and considered for revascularization if their ulcer did not heal. Healing rates were determined using life-table analysis. Results: Of 2011 ulcerated legs, 1416 (70·4 per cent) had venous reflux. Of these 1416, 193 (13·6 per cent) had moderate and 31 (2·2 per cent) had severe arterial disease. Healing rates by 36 weeks were 87, 68 and 53 per cent for legs with insignificant, moderate and severe arterial disease respectively (P < 0·001). Seventeen legs with moderate and 15 with severe arterial disease were revascularized. Of these, ulcers healed in four legs with moderate and seven with severe disease within 36 weeks of revascularization (P = 0·270). Combined 30-day mortality for revascularization was 6·5 per cent. Conclusion: A protocol including supervised modified compression and selective revascularization achieved good healing rates for mixed arterial and venous leg ulceration. Copyright © 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Waist-to-hip ratio and adipose tissue distribution: Contribution of subcutaneous adiposity

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2003
Mark Daniel
The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) reflects the relative distribution of adipose tissue in the human body. However, whether this is due to the musculoskeletal structures of the waist and hip or the overlying subcutaneous adipose tissue has been disputed. We measured waist and hip girths in 11 male and 11 female cadavers, aged 55,94 years, before and after complete removal of skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Girths measured following removal of subcutaneous adipose tissue were termed "waist gx" and "hip gx", and their ratio "WHRx". Masses of regional adipose tissue segments were obtained by complete dissection, and the adipose mass ratios "trunk/arm-plus-leg", "trunk/leg", "internal/arm-plus-leg", and "internal/leg" were derived. As assessed by analysis of variance, WHR accounted for significant (P < 0.05) portions of the variance in all adipose mass ratios; adjustment for internal adipose mass increased the significance of all these relationships (P < 0.005). The ratio WHRx was not related to any ratio of regional adipose masses. Waist girth was related to trunk (P < 0.001) and internal (P < 0.05) adipose masses, and hip girth was related to arm-plus-leg adipose mass (P < 0.0001) and leg adipose mass (P < 0.0001), but waist gx and hip gx were not related to dependent variables. The results indicate that the ability of WHR and waist and hip girths to reflect the regional distribution of adipose tissue in the body is dependent upon the subcutaneous adipose tissue mass of the waist hip area, not its musculoskeletal constituency. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:428,432, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Muscle metaboreflex control of the circulation during exercise

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2010
R. Boushel
Abstract This review covers the control of blood pressure, cardiac output and muscle blood flow by the muscle metaboreflex which involves chemically sensitive nerves located in muscle parenchyma activated by metabolites accumulating in the muscle during contraction. The efferent response to metaboreflex activation is an increase in sympathetic nerve activity that constricts the systemic vasculature and also evokes parallel inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart to increase cardiac output. The metaboreflex elicits a significant blood pressure elevating response during exercise and functions to redistribute blood flow and blood volume. Regional specificity in the efferent response to the metaboreflex activated from either the leg or the arm is seen in the balance between signals for vasoconstriction to curtail blood flow and signals to increase cardiac output. The metaboreflex has dual functions. It can both elevate and decrease muscle blood flow depending on (1) the intensity and mode of contraction, (2) the limb in which the reflex is evoked, (3) the strength of the signal defined by the muscle mass, (4) the extent to which blood flow is redistributed from inactive vascular beds to increase central blood volume and (5) the extent to which cardiac output can be increased. [source]

Training response of mitochondrial transcription factors in human skeletal muscle

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010
J. Norrbom
Abstract Aim:, Mitochondrial function is essential for physical performance and health. Aerobic fitness is positively associated with mitochondrial (mt) biogenesis in muscle cells through partly unknown regulatory mechanisms. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of exercise and training status on key mt transcription factors in relation to oxidative capacity in human skeletal muscle. Methods:, The basal mRNA and protein levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), mitochondrial transcription factors B1 (TFB1M) or B2 (TFB2M), and mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF), were measured in a cross-sectional study with elite athletes (EA) and moderately active (MA) and the basal mRNA levels of these factors were measured during a 10-day endurance training programme with (R-leg) and without (NR-leg) restricted blood flow to the working leg. Results:, TFAM protein expression was significantly higher in the EA than in the MA, while protein levels of TFB1M and TFB2M were not different between the groups. There was no difference between EA and MA, or any effect with training on TFAM mRNA levels. However, the mRNA levels of TFB1M, TFB2M and mTERF were higher in EA compared with MA. For TFB1M and TFB2M, the mRNA expression was increased in the R-leg after 10 days of training, but not in the NR-leg. mTERF mRNA levels were higher in EA compared with MA. Conclusion:, This study further establishes that TFAM protein levels are higher in conditions with enhanced oxidative capacity. The mRNA levels of TFB1M and TFB2M are influenced by endurance training, possibly suggesting a role for these factors in the regulation of exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. [source]

Forearm and leg amino acid metabolism in the basal state and during combined insulin and amino acid stimulation after a 3-day fast

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2009
J. Gjedsted
Abstract Aim:, Fasting is characterized by a progressive loss of protein, but data on protein kinetics are unclear and few have studied the effects of re-feeding. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that a combined infusion of insulin and amino acids after fasting would induce compensatory increases in protein synthesis and reductions in protein breakdown at the whole body level and in muscle. Methods:, We included 10 healthy male volunteers and studied them twice: (1) in the post-absorptive state and (2) after 72 h of fasting. Amino acid kinetics was measured using labelled phenylalanine and tyrosine, whole body energy expenditure was assessed and urea nitrogen synthesis rates were calculated. Results:, After fasting we observed an increase in arterial blood concentration of branched chain amino acids and a decrease in gluconeogenic amino acids (P < 0.05). Isotopically determined whole body, forearm and leg phenylalanine fluxes were unaltered apart from a 30% decrease in phenylalanine-to-tyrosine conversion (2.0 vs. 1.4 ,mol kg,1 h,1, P < 0.01). During infusion of insulin and amino acids, amino acid concentrations increased. Conclusion:, Our data indicate that after a 72-h fast basal and insulin/amino acid-stimulated regional phenylalanine fluxes in leg and forearm muscle are unaltered. During fasting concentrations of gluconeogenic amino acids decrease and hepatic and/or renal phenylalanine-to-tyrosine conversion decreases. Thus, as opposed to glucose and lipid metabolism, fasting does not induce insulin resistance as regards amino acid metabolism. [source]

Heat shock protein translocation and expression response is attenuated in response to repeated eccentric exercise

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2009
K. Vissing
Abstract Aim:, This study hypothesized that heat shock protein (HSP) translocation and upregulation is more probable to occur after eccentric exercise than after concentric exercise or repeated eccentric exercise. Methods:, Fourteen young, healthy, untrained male subjects completed two bench-stepping exercise bouts with 8 weeks between bouts, and were compared with a control group (n = 6). Muscle biopsies collected from m. vastus lateralis of both legs prior to and at 3 h, 24 h and 7 days after exercise were quantified for mRNA levels and/or for HSP27, ,,-crystallin and inducible HSP70 content in cytosolic and cytoskeletal protein fractions. Results:, The first bout of exercise reduced muscle strength and increased muscle soreness predominantly in the eccentric leg (P < 0.05). These responses were attenuated after the repeated eccentric exercise bout (P < 0.05), suggesting a repeated bout adaptation. Increases in inducible HSP70 and HSP27 protein content in cytoskeletal fractions were observed exclusively after eccentric exercise (P < 0.05). For HSP27, an approx. 10-fold upregulation after first-bout eccentric exercise was attenuated to a an approximately fourfold upregulation after the repeated eccentric exercise bout. mRNA levels for HSP70, HSP27 and ,,-crystallin were upregulated within approximately two to fourfold ranges at time points 3 and 24 h post-exercise (P < 0.05). This upregulation was induced exclusively by eccentric exercise but with a tendency to attenuated expression 3 h after the repeated eccentric exercise bout. Conclusion:, Our results show that HSP translocation and expression responses are induced by muscle damaging exercise, and suggest that such HSP responses are closely related to the extent of muscle damage. [source]

Human soleus muscle protein synthesis following resistance exercise

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2004
T. A. Trappe
Abstract Aim:, It is generally believed the calf muscles in humans are relatively unresponsive to resistance training when compared with other muscles of the body. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the muscle protein synthesis response of the soleus muscle following a standard high intensity bout of resistance exercise. Methods:, Eight recreationally active males (27 ± 4 years) completed three unilateral calf muscle exercises: standing calf press/heel raise, bent-knee calf press/heel raise, and seated calf press/heel raise. Each exercise consisted of four sets of 15 repetitions (,15 repetition maximum, RM, or ,70% 1RM). Fractional rate of muscle protein synthesis (FSR) was determined with a primed constant infusion of [2H5]phenylalanine coupled with muscle biopsies immediately and 3 h following the exercise in both the exercise and non-exercise (resting control) leg. Results:, FSR was elevated (P < 0.05) in the exercise (0.069 ± 0.010) vs. the control (0.051 ± 0.012) leg. Muscle glycogen concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in the exercise compared with the control leg (Decrease from control; immediate post-exercise: 54 ± 5; 3 h post-exercise: 36 ±4 mmol kg,1 wet wt.). This relatively high amount of glycogen use is comparable with previous studies of resistance exercise of the thigh (i.e. vastus lateralis; ,41,49 mmol kg,1 wet wt.). However, the exercise-induced increase in FSR that has been consistently reported for the vastus lateralis (,0.045,0.060% h,1) is on average ,200% higher than reported here for the soleus (0.019 ± 0.003% h,1). Conclusions:, These results suggest the relatively poor response of soleus muscle protein synthesis to an acute bout of resistance exercise may be the basis for the relative inability of the calf muscles to respond to resistance training programs. [source]

Fate of fatty acids at rest and during exercise: regulatory mechanisms

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2003
M. D. Jensen
Abstract Fatty acids are a major fuel source for humans both at rest and during exercise. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA), although present only in micromolar concentrations, are the major circulating lipid fuel. FFA availability can increase two- to four-fold with moderate intensity exercise. Other potential sources of fatty acids include circulating very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides (TGs) (,1/5 the fuel availability of FFA) and intramyocellular TGs (,2 mmol kg,1 muscle). At rest ,40% of systemic FFA uptake occurs in the splanchnic bed and uptake in legs is ,15,20%. During leg exercise the uptake of FFA in leg tissue increases to 30,60% of systemic uptake and splanchnic uptake decreases to 15%. The fate of VLDL TG fatty acids has not been adequately studied. Intramyocellular TG hydrolysis increases during exercise, but the factors that regulate this response are not clear. The fact that contraction of isolated muscles can stimulate the hydrolysis and oxidation of intramyocellular TGs (in the absence of hormonal or neural input) suggests an intracellular regulation of this process. Additional regulation from changes in catecholamines and insulin may also occur. During moderate intensity exercise circulating FFA and intramyocellular TG provide roughly equal portions of fatty acids for oxidation. In addition to endurance training, dietary factors have been shown to modulate the fatty acid oxidation response to exercise. Much remains to be learned about fatty acid trafficking during exercise. What role do VLDL TG play? How is the oxidation of intramyocellular TGs regulated? Techniques to address these questions in humans are only now becoming available. [source]

In vivo determination of muscle viscoelasticity in the human leg

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2001
S. Fukashiro
The purpose of this study was to examine the methodological validity of the free vibration technique for determining individual viscoelastic characteristics of the human triceps surae muscle-tendon complex (MTC) in vivo. Six subjects sat with first phalangeal joint of the forefoot on the edge of a force-plate. The special frame on the knee was loaded with weight (0,40 kg) for testing. Oscillations of the triceps surae MTC system were initiated with a hand-held hammer by tapping the weight. In order to keep the same posture, the output of the force plate was displayed on the oscilloscope and subjects were asked to maintain the beam on the oscilloscope at a particular location in relation to a reference line. The damped oscillations in conjunction with the equation of motion of a damped mass-spring model were used to calculate the viscosity of muscle (b) and the elasticity of muscle fibres and tendon (k) in each subject, considering moment arm of the ankle joint. With this arrangement, we have obtained high reproducibility in this method. The coefficient of variations (CVs) of b and k in five trials at each weight were quite small (range: 0.5,18.7% in b and 1.0,15.1% in k). There were no significant differences in viscoelastic coefficients between right and left legs. Therefore, it appears that free vibration technique, used here, is adequate in describing the viscoelastic characteristics of the triceps surae in vivo in humans. [source]

Classification of Compression Bandages: Practical Aspects

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2008
HUGO PARTSCH MD
BACKGROUND Compression bandages appear to be simple medical devices. However, there is a lack of agreement over their classification and confusion over the use of important terms such as elastic, inelastic, and stiffness. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to propose terms to describe both simple and complex compression bandage systems and to offer classification based on in vivo measurements of subbandage pressure and stiffness. METHODS A consensus meeting of experts including members from medical professions and from companies producing compression products discussed a proposal that was sent out beforehand and agreed on by the authors after correction. RESULTS Pressure, layers, components, and elastic properties (P-LA-C-E) are the important characteristics of compression bandages. Based on simple in vivo measurements, pressure ranges and elastic properties of different bandage systems can be described. Descriptions of composite bandages should also report the number of layers of bandage material applied to the leg and the components that have been used to create the final bandage system. CONCLUSION Future descriptions of compression bandages should include the subbandage pressure range measured in the medial gaiter area, the number of layers, and a specification of the bandage components and of the elastic property (stiffness) of the final bandage. [source]

Serum Iron and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Variations in Limbs Affected by Chronic Venous Disease and Venous Leg Ulcers

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2005
Paolo Zamboni MD
Background. Severe chronic venous disease (CVD) is characterized by both dermal hemosiderin accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) hyperactivation. The iron-driven pathway is one of the recognized mechanisms of MMP hyperactivation. Objective. To investigate the potential consequences of leg hemosiderin deposits on both iron metabolism and activation of MMPs. Methods. We contemporaneously assessed the following in the serum of the arm and ankle veins of 30 patients (C4,6) with CVD and 14 normal subjects: ferritin, transferrin, iron, percentage of transferrin iron binding capacity (%TIBC), and MMP-9. Optical microscopy examinations with Perls' staining of chronic wounds were also performed. Results. Histology consistently revealed iron deposits. Serum ferritin, iron, and %TIBC were significantly increased in the legs affected by severe CVD compared with the arm of the same subjects or the controls. In addition, iron and %TIBC were significantly elevated in the legs of ulcer patients. The rate of activation of MMP-9 was significantly elevated in CVD. Conclusions. The increased iron deposition in legs affected by CVD seems to be more instable in ulcer patients, leading to iron release in the serum of the affected leg. Our data suggest the iron-driven pathway as a further mechanism for MMP hyperexpression leading to tissue lesion. [source]