scholarly journals Peripheral edema: A common and persistent health problem for older Americans

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260742
Author(s):  
Soroush Besharat ◽  
Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk ◽  
Shan Gao ◽  
Changyong Feng ◽  
Frank Akwaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minority Groups ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Mobility Limitations ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Peripheral Edema ◽  
Limited Range Of Motion ◽  
Low Activity

Peripheral edema (i.e., lower limb swelling) can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. However, few studies have examined its prevalence in the U.S. or its association with demographics, comorbidities, activity, or mobility. This study used data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of U.S. adults (age 51+/ N = 19,988 for 2016), to evaluate time trends and correlates of peripheral edema using weighted descriptive statistics and logistic regressions, respectively. Peripheral edema was assessed with the question “Have you had… // Persistent swelling in your feet or ankles?” The weighted prevalence of edema among older U.S. adults was 19% to 20% between 2000 and 2016. Peripheral edema was associated with older age, female sex, non-white race, low wealth, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, pain, low activity levels, and mobility limitations (odds ratios ranging from 1.2–5.6; p-values ≤0.001). This study provides the first estimates of national prevalence and correlates of peripheral edema among older Americans. Peripheral edema is common and strongly associated with comorbidities, pain, low activity levels, and mobility limitations, and disproportionately affects poorer and minority groups. Peripheral edema should be a focus of future research in order to develop novel and cost-effective interventions.

scholarly journals Drosophila have distinct activity-gated pathways that mediate attraction and aversion to CO2

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floris van Breugel ◽  
Ainul Huda ◽  
Michael H. Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Respiratory Acidosis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Yeast Fermentation ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Broad Signal ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Low Activity

Carbon dioxide is a volatile and broad signal of many organic processes, and serves as a convenient cue for insects in search of blood hosts1–6, flowers7, decaying matter8–11, communal nests12, fruit13, and wildfires14. Curiously, although Drosophila melanogaster feed on yeast that produce CO2 and ethanol during fermentation, laboratory experiments suggest that flies actively avoid CO215–25. Here, we resolve this paradox by showing that both flying and walking fruit flies do actually find CO2 attractive, but only when they are in an active state associated with foraging. Aversion at low activity levels may be an adaptation to avoid CO2-seeking-parasites, or succumbing to respiratory acidosis in the presence of high concentrations of CO2 that are occasionally found in nature26,27. In contrast to CO2, flies are attracted to ethanol in all behavioral states, and invest twice as much time searching near ethanol compared to CO2. These behavioral differences reflect the fact that whereas CO2 is a generated by many natural processes, ethanol is a unique signature of yeast fermentation. Using genetic tools, we determined that the evolutionarily ancient ionotropic co-receptor IR25a is required for both CO2 and ethanol attraction, and that the receptors previously identified for CO2 avoidance are not involved. Our study lays the foundation for future research to determine the neural circuits underlying both state- and odorant-dependent decision making in Drosophila.

scholarly journals A Review of Range Extenders in Battery Electric Vehicles: Current Progress and Future Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Manh-Kien Tran ◽  
Asad Bhatti ◽  
Reid Vrolyk ◽  
Derek Wong ◽  
Satyam Panchal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Charging Infrastructure ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Gasoline Vehicles ◽  
Range Anxiety

Emissions from the transportation sector are significant contributors to climate change and health problems because of the common use of gasoline vehicles. Countries in the world are attempting to transition away from gasoline vehicles and to electric vehicles (EVs), in order to reduce emissions. However, there are several practical limitations with EVs, one of which is the “range anxiety” issue, due to the lack of charging infrastructure, the high cost of long-ranged EVs, and the limited range of affordable EVs. One potential solution to the range anxiety problem is the use of range extenders, to extend the driving range of EVs while optimizing the costs and performance of the vehicles. This paper provides a comprehensive review of different types of EV range extending technologies, including internal combustion engines, free-piston linear generators, fuel cells, micro gas turbines, and zinc-air batteries, outlining their definitions, working mechanisms, and some recent developments of each range extending technology. A comparison between the different technologies, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each, is also presented to help address future research needs. Since EVs will be a significant part of the automotive industry future, range extenders will be an important concept to be explored to provide a cost-effective, reliable, efficient, and dynamic solution to combat the range anxiety issue that consumers currently have.

Impairment Tutorial: Rating Tears of the Acetabular Labrum

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Charles N. Brooks ◽  
Richard E. Strain ◽  
James B. Talmage
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Hip Arthroscopy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Labral Repair ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Acetabular Labrum ◽  
Complete Excision ◽  
Limited Range Of Motion

Abstract The primary function of the acetabular labrum, like that of the glenoid, is to deepen the socket and improve joint stability. Tears of the acetabular labrum are common in older adults but occur in all age groups and with equal frequency in males and females. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), Fifth Edition, is silent about rating tears, partial or complete excision, or repair of the acetabular labrum. Provocative tests to detect acetabular labrum tears involve hip flexion and rotation; all rely on production of pain in the groin (typically), clicking, and/or locking with passive or active hip motions. Diagnostic tests or procedures rely on x-rays, conventional arthrography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and hip arthroscopy. Hip arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis but is the most invasive and most likely to result in complications, and MRA is about three times more sensitive and accurate in detecting acetabular labral tears than MRI alone. Surgical treatment for acetabular labrum tears usually consists of arthroscopic debridement; results tend to be better in younger patients. In general, an acetabular labral tear, partial labrectomy, or labral repair warrants a rating of 2% lower extremity impairment. Evaluators should avoid double dipping (eg, using both a Diagnosis-related estimates and limited range-of-motion tests).

Physical and Psychological Benefits of Written Emotional Expression

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 242-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Éva Kállay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Expressive Writing ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Cost Effective Treatment ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract. The last several decades have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of individuals suffering from both diagnosable and subsyndromal mental health problems. Consequently, the development of cost-effective treatment methods, accessible to large populations suffering from different forms of mental health problems, became imperative. A very promising intervention is the method of expressive writing (EW), which may be used in both clinically diagnosable cases and subthreshold symptomatology. This method, in which people express their feelings and thoughts related to stressful situations in writing, has been found to improve participants’ long-term psychological, physiological, behavioral, and social functioning. Based on a thorough analysis and synthesis of the published literature (also including most recent meta-analyses), the present paper presents the expressive writing method, its short- and long-term, intra-and interpersonal effects, different situations and conditions in which it has been proven to be effective, the most important mechanisms implied in the process of recovery, advantages, disadvantages, and possible pitfalls of the method, as well as variants of the original technique and future research directions.

The Correlation of the Limitations of Movement of the Shoulder Joint with the Functional Ability of Frozen Shoulder Patients at the Medical Rehabilitation Institute Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 88-96
Author(s):  
Ine Sintia ◽  
Nyimas Fatimah
Keyword(s):  
Functional Ability ◽  
Shoulder Joint ◽  
Frozen Shoulder ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Medical Rehabilitation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Shoulder Joints ◽  
Limited Range Of Motion ◽  
Active Flexion ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Background: Frozen shoulder is a condition of the shoulder joint that experiences inflammation, pain, adhesions, atrophyand shortening of the joint capsule resulting in limited motion. In frozen shoulder patients, the limited range of motion ofthe shoulder joint can affect and reduce functional ability. This study aims to analyze the correlation between the limitedarea of motion of the shoulder joint with the functional ability of frozen shoulder patients at the Medical RehabilitationInstallation Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang. Methods: This study was an observational analytic study, correlationtest, with a cross sectional design. There were 29 frozen shoulder patients who met the inclusion criteria in the MedicalRehabilitation Installation Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang in November 2018 was taken as a sample using consecutivesampling techniques. Functional ability was assessed using the quickDASH questionnaire and the area of motion wasmeasured using a goniometer, then analyzed. Results: The results of the correlation test showed significant resultsbetween functional abilities and the area of motion of the shoulder joints. Active flexion (p = 0.000; r = -0.669), activeextension (p = 0.004; r = -0.520), active abduction (p = 0.000; r = -0.663), active adduction (p = 0.022; r = -0.423 ), passiveflexion (p = 0.001; r = -0.589), passive extension (p = 0.002; r = -0.543), passive abduction (p = 0.000; r = -0.676), passiveadduction (p = 0.038; r = -0.388). Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between limited joint motion andfunctional ability in frozen shoulder patients at the Medical Rehabilitation Installation of Dr. Mohammad HoesinPalembang

Motivating Compliance: Firm Response to Mandatory Disclosure Policies

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-119
Author(s):  
Colleen M. Boland ◽  
Chris E. Hogan ◽  
Marilyn F. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Policy Adoption ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Regulated Firms ◽  
Firm Response ◽  
Disclosure Rules ◽  
The Impact

SYNOPSIS Mandatory existence disclosure rules require an organization to disclose a policy's existence, but not its content. We examine policy adoption frequencies in the year immediately after the IRS required mandatory existence disclosure by nonprofits of various governance policies. We also examine adoption frequencies in the year of the subsequent change from mandatory existence disclosure to a disclose-and-explain regime that required supplemental disclosures about the content and implementation of conflict of interest policies. Our results suggest that in areas where there is unclear regulatory authority, mandatory existence disclosure is an effective and low cost regulatory device for encouraging the adoption of policies desired by regulators, provided those policies are cost-effective for regulated firms to implement. In addition, we find that disclose-and-explain regulatory regimes provide stronger incentives for policy adoption than do mandatory existence disclosure regimes and also discourage “check the box” behavior. Future research should examine the impact of mandatory existence disclosure rules in the year that the regulation is implemented. Data Availability: Data are available from sources cited in the text.

379 Do Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Insomnia and Physical Activity?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A150-A151
Author(s):  
Jamie Walker ◽  
Rebecca Campbell ◽  
Ivan Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p < .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p < .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

scholarly journals Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater: a comprehensive and critical review

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naef A. A. Qasem ◽  
Ramy H. Mohammed ◽  
Dahiru U. Lawal
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Ions ◽  
Large Volume ◽  
Heavy Metal Ions ◽  
Membrane Separation ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sludge Formation ◽  
Metals Removal

AbstractRemoval of heavy metal ions from wastewater is of prime importance for a clean environment and human health. Different reported methods were devoted to heavy metal ions removal from various wastewater sources. These methods could be classified into adsorption-, membrane-, chemical-, electric-, and photocatalytic-based treatments. This paper comprehensively and critically reviews and discusses these methods in terms of used agents/adsorbents, removal efficiency, operating conditions, and the pros and cons of each method. Besides, the key findings of the previous studies reported in the literature are summarized. Generally, it is noticed that most of the recent studies have focused on adsorption techniques. The major obstacles of the adsorption methods are the ability to remove different ion types concurrently, high retention time, and cycling stability of adsorbents. Even though the chemical and membrane methods are practical, the large-volume sludge formation and post-treatment requirements are vital issues that need to be solved for chemical techniques. Fouling and scaling inhibition could lead to further improvement in membrane separation. However, pre-treatment and periodic cleaning of membranes incur additional costs. Electrical-based methods were also reported to be efficient; however, industrial-scale separation is needed in addition to tackling the issue of large-volume sludge formation. Electric- and photocatalytic-based methods are still less mature. More attention should be drawn to using real wastewaters rather than synthetic ones when investigating heavy metals removal. Future research studies should focus on eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable materials and methods.

scholarly journals Engagement with daily testing instead of self-isolating in contacts of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex F. Martin ◽  
Sarah Denford ◽  
Nicola Love ◽  
Derren Ready ◽  
Isabel Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Negative Test ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Close Contacts

Abstract Background In December 2020, Public Health England with NHS Test and Trace initiated a pilot study in which close contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19 were given the option to carryout lateral flow device antigen tests at home, as an alternative to self-isolation for 10–14 days. In this study, we evaluated engagement with daily testing, and assessed levels of adherence to the rules relating to behaviour following positive or negative test results. Methods We conducted a service evaluation of the pilot study, examining survey responses from a subset of those who responded to an evaluation questionnaire. We used an online cross-sectional survey offered to adult contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases who consented to daily testing. We used a comparison group of contacts who were not offered testing and instead self-isolated. Results Acceptability of daily testing was lower among survey respondents who were not offered the option of testing and among people from ethnic minority groups. Overall, 52% of respondents reported being more likely to share details of people that they had been in contact with following a positive test result, if they knew that their contacts would be offered the option of daily testing. Only 2% reported that they would be less likely to provide details of their contacts. On the days that they were trying to self-isolate, 19% of participants reported that they left the house, with no significant group differences. Following a negative test, 13% of respondents reported that they increased their contacts, but most (58%) reported having fewer risky contacts. Conclusions Our data suggest that daily testing is potentially acceptable, may facilitate sharing contact details of close contacts among those who test positive for COVID-19, and promote adherence to self-isolation. A better understanding is needed of how to make this option more acceptable for all households. The impact of receiving a negative test on behaviour remains a risk that needs to be monitored and mitigated by appropriate messaging. Future research should examine attitudes and behaviour in a context where infection levels are lower, testing is more familiar, and restrictions on activity have been reduced.

P080 Acroosteolysis: a rare complication or a co-occurrence with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makhlouf Yasmine ◽  
Miladi Saoussen ◽  
Fazaa Alia ◽  
Sellami Mariem ◽  
Souabni Leila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Plain Radiograph ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Acute Phase Reactants ◽  
Limited Range Of Motion ◽  
Macular Rash ◽  
Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
Dysmorphic Syndrome

Abstract Background Acroosteolysis refers to a destructive process involving the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes that may extend to metacarpals or metatarsals. Rarely idiopathic, the diagnosis of primary acroosteolysis requires ruling out other causes. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an exceptional aetiology of acroosteolysis occurring mainly in psoriatic arthritis. Here by a case of juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated with acroosteolysis of the toes. Methods A 13-year-old girl with no past medical history, presented to our department of rheumatology with oligoarthritis affecting both wrists and knees. She had no familiar history of psoriasis nor rheumatic diseases. She described a dull ache and recurring swelling of knees evolving for >6 years associated with a macular rash of the chest without fever. On examination, the knees were swollen with a limited range of motion of < 90°. Examination of the spine and sacroiliac joints was unremarkable. There was no deformity, no dysmorphic syndrome nor ligamentous hyper laxity. The mucocutaneous examination was normal. Similarly, there was no hepatosplenomegaly or swollen lymph nodes. Laboratory investigations showed high acute phase reactants and normal blood count. Rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and antinuclear antibodies were also negative. Besides, she was negative for HLAB-27. Ophthalmic examination did not show any sequelae of uveitis. Results Plain radiograph of the feet revealed bone resorption of the second and fifth distal phalanges without signs of reconstruction. Other secondary causes of acroosteolysis were ruled out. The diagnosis of oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis was made. In view of the involvement of the distal phalanges, the phenotype of psoriatic arthritis was probable. The patient was initially treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as intraarticular injections of corticosteroids in knees. As the flares persisted, she was put on Methotrexate at a dosage of 15 mg per week with marked clinical improvement. Conclusion Our case illustrates a possible occurrence of acroosteolysis of the feet in the field of an active juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is important to rule out other causes and make a rapid diagnosis in order to ensure appropriate management decisions.

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