Evaluación de la realización del cribado del pie diabético en Atención Primaria

AimTo ascertain whether patients with type 2 diabetes are screened for diabetic foot, and to analyze the factors related to patients and centers associated to performance of such screening.Material and methodsA multicenter, epidemiological, cross-sectional study was conducted. The clinical records of 443 patients with type 2 diabetes monitored at Primary Care for at least 12 months were reviewed. Demographic and healthcare variables and characteristics of the primary care center were recorded.ResultsIn the previous year, 51.2% of patients had been trained on foot self-care, 56.4% had undergone foot inspection, 39.5% had been examined with a monofilament, and palpation of peripheral pulses and measurement of the ankle-brachial index were performed in 45.8 and 10.1% of patients, respectively. Diabetic foot screening (inspection, monofilament testing, and palpation of peripheral pulses) was performed in 37% of study patients. Ulcer risk stratification was done in 12.4% of patients. A significant association was found between diabetic foot screening and presence of foot deformities (P < .001), history of neuropathy (P = .005), and history of peripheral artery disease (P < .05). Screening was also associated to some characteristics of the center, such as reception of information about goal achievement (P < .001) and economic incentives for goal attainment (P < .001).ConclusionsCompliance with diabetic foot screening and ulcer risk stratification in patients with type 2 diabetes in Primary Care was poor.     

High frequency vibration conditioning stimulation centrally reduces myoelectrical manifestation of fatigue in healthy subjects

ObjectiveVibration conditioning has been adopted as a tool to improve muscle force and reduce fatigue onset in various rehabilitation settings. This study was designed to asses if high frequency vibration can induce some conditioning effects detectable in surface EMG (sEMG) signal; and whether these effects are central or peripheral in origin.Design300 Hz vibration was applied for 30 min during 5 consecutive days, to the right biceps brachii muscle of 10 healthy males aged from 25 to 50 years. sEMG was recorded with a 16 electrode linear array placed on the skin overlying the vibrated muscle. The test protocol consisted of 30% and 60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) as well as involuntary (electrically elicited) contractions before and after treatment.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between PRE and POST vibration conditioning when involuntary stimulus-evoked contraction and 30% MVC were used. Significant differences in the initial values and rates of change of muscle fibre conduction velocity were found only at 60% MVC.Conclusions300 Hz vibration did not induce any peripheral changes as demonstrated by the lack of differences when fatigue was electrically induced. Differences were found only when the muscle was voluntarily fatigued at 60% MVC suggesting a modification in the centrally driven motor unit recruitment order, and interpreted as an adaptive response to the reiteration of the vibratory conditioning.     

Muscle fiber conduction velocity in different gait phases of early and late-stage diabetic neuropathy

We investigated the muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) during gait phases of the lower limb muscles in individuals with various degrees of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Forty-five patients were classified into severity degrees of DPN by a fuzzy model. The stages were absent (n = 11), mild (n = 14), moderate (n = 11) and severe (n = 9), with 10 matched healthy controls. While walking, all subjects had their sEMG (4 linear electrode arrays) recorded for tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF). MFCV was calculated using a maximum likelihood algorithm with 30 ms standard deviation Gaussian windows. In general, individuals in the earlier stages of DPN showed lower MFCV of TA, GM and BF, whilst individuals with severe DPN presented higher MFCV of the same muscles. We observed that mild patients already showed lower MFCV of TA at early stance and swing, and lower MFCV of BF at swing. All diabetic groups showed a markedly reduction in MFCV of VL, irrespective of DPN. Severe patients presented higher MFCV mainly in distal muscles, TA at early and swing phases and GM at propulsion and midstance. The absent group already showed MFCV of VL and GM reductions at the propulsion phase and of VL at early stance. Although MFCV changes were not as progressive as the DPN was, we clearly distinguished diabetic patients from controls, and severe patients from all others.     

Comparison of Different Diagnostic Criteria for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on the 75-G Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: A Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo compare the different diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) proposed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), World Health Organization (WHO), and Australian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) in a 75-g, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and to investigate their effects on neonatal birth weight.MethodsHealthy pregnant women were enrolled in a cohort study to undergo a 75-g OGTT during 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy and then followed up to delivery. ADA criteria and recommendations were used for the management of patients.ResultsAmong 670 pregnant women, GDM was diagnosed in 41 (6.1%), 81 (12.1%), and 126 (18.8%) on the basis of ADA, WHO, and ADIPS criteria, respectively. The kappa value was 0.38 (P < .0001) for the agreement between ADA and WHO criteria, 0.41 (P < .0001) for agreement between ADA and ADIPS criteria, and 0.64 (P < .0001) for agreement between WHO and ADIPS criteria. WHO-only “positive” women had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (87.9 versus 102.2 mg/dL; P < .0001) and 1-hour plasma glucose levels (146.4 versus 200.5 mg/dL; P < .0001) but higher 2-hour plasma glucose levels (150.1 versus 109.1 mg/dL; P < .0001) than women diagnosed with GDM by only ADA criteria. The correlation coefficient between 1-hour glucose level and neonatal birth weight was 0.09 (P < .02). The adjusted odds ratio of macrosomia associated with GDM according to ADA criteria was 1.34 (95% confidence interval, 0.15 to 12).ConclusionThe frequency of occurrence of GDM was 6.1% in a 75-g OGTT based on ADA criteria, and there was fair agreement between ADA and WHO criteria, moderate agreement between ADA and ADIPS criteria, and strong agreement between WHO and ADIPS criteria. A modest correlation was found between the 1-hour serum glucose value and neonatal birth weight. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:312-317)     

Computational and clinical investigation on the role of mechanical vibration on orthodontic tooth movement

The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanics for orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) subjected to concurrent single-tooth vibration (50 Hz) with conventional orthodontic force application, via a clinical study and computational simulation. Thirteen patients were recruited in the clinical study, which involved distal retraction of maxillary canines with 1.5 N (150 g) force for 12 weeks. In a split mouth study, vibration and non-vibration sides were randomly assigned to each subject. Vibration of 50 Hz, of approximately 0.2 N (20 g) of magnitude, was applied on the buccal surface of maxillary canine for the vibration group. A mode-based steady-state dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted based on an anatomically detailed model, complying with the clinical protocol. Both the amounts of space closure and canine distalization of the vibration group were significantly higher than those of the control group, as measured intra-orally or on models (p < 0.05). Therefore it is indicated that a 50 Hz and 20 g single-tooth vibration can accelerate maxillary canine retraction. The volume-average hydrostatic stress (VHS) in the periodontal ligament (PDL) was computationally calculated to be higher with vibration compared with the control group for maxillary teeth and for both linguo-buccal and mesial-distal directions. An increase in vibratory frequency further amplified the PDL response before reaching a local natural frequency. An amplification of PDL response was also shown to be induced by vibration based on computational simulation. The vibration-enhanced OTM can be described by mild, vigorous and diminishing zones among which the mild zone is considered to be clinically beneficial.     

Utilización del POMA en nuestro medio para la valoración del equilibrio y la marcha en una población de personas mayors residentes en la comunidad

Objectivesto study the balance and the gait by the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) in the population of people ≥ 65 years in function of age, gender; relation with the capacity to develop the activities of daily living, physical exercise, perception of health and previous falls.Material and methodsWe study a cohort of 443 people, 262 women and 181 men, representative of the population ≥ 65 years, resident in the community and able to walk from the city of Mataró. The evaluation was made with the 22 items POMA. Basic and instrumental activities of the daily life (Katz Index and Lawton), physical activity, health perception (Iowa test) were also assessed.Results29.3% of subjects did not present abnormalities in any of the items, 22.6% presented one abnormality, 12.4% two, and 35.7% three or more. 35.9% and 50.2 of subjects did not present abnormalities in the static and dynamic components respectively. Women had greater number of abnormalities than men (42.0% vs 20.6%) for the global and also for each of the two components (static and dynamic) (p < 0.0001). The number of abnormalities increased significantly with age, specially on those 75 years and older (p < 0.0001). A greater number of errors was correlated with less independence on the basic and instrumental activities of daily living, with less physical activity, health perception and with antecedents of previous falls.     

BDNF serum concentrations in first psychotic episode drug-naïve schizophrenic patients: Associations with personality and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism

AimsTo investigate the relationship among brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum concentrations, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and personality profile in drug-naïve schizophrenic patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and healthy participants.Main methodsThis cross-sectional study included fifty FEP patients and fifty healthy participants who served as controls. To study their personality profile the standardized Greek version of the Alternative Five-Factor Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ) was administered. Serum BDNF levels were measured and genotyping of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was performed in patients and healthy subjects.Key findingsFEP patients presented lower BDNF serum concentrations (P = 0.002) and higher scores in ZKPQ Neuroticism (P = 0.001) and Aggression–Hostility (P = 0.002) scales while lower scores in the ZKPQ Sociability scale (P < 0.001) than healthy participants. Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of being assessed with FEP were 0.4 times lower in those with higher BDNF values (P < 0.001) and 1.8 times greater in those with higher Neuroticism scores (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences with respect to the Val66Met polymorphism between patients and healthy participants.SignificanceReduced BDNF serum concentrations along with higher Neuroticism scores might be associated with FEP. A complex interplay between BDNF serum concentrations, personality traits, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, and psychotic symptomatology has been arisen but further investigation is needed to better clarify the observed associations.     

Effect of functional electrical stimulation on the effort and walking speed,surface electromyography activity,and metabolic responses in stroke subjects

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with conventional rehabilitation program on the effort and speed of walking, the surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity and metabolic responses in the management of drop foot in stroke subjects.MethodsFifteen patients with a drop foot resulting from stroke at least 3 months prior to the start of the trial took part in this study. All subjects were treated 1 h a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks, including conventional stroke rehabilitation program and received 30 min of FES to the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the paretic leg in clinical settings. Baseline and post-treatment measurements were made for temporal and spectral EMG parameters of TA muscle, walking speed, the effort of walking as measured by physiological cost index (PCI) and metabolic responses.ResultsThe experimental results showed a significant improvement in mean-absolute-value (21.7%), root-mean-square (66.3%) and median frequency (10.6%) of TA muscle EMG signal, which reflects increased muscle strength. Mean increase in walking speed was 38.7%, and a reduction in PCI of 34.6% between the beginning and at end of the trial. Improvements were also found in cardiorespiratory responses with reduction in oxygen consumption (24.3%), carbon dioxide production (19.9%), heart rate (7.8%) and energy cost (22.5%) while walking with FES device.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the FES may be a useful therapeutic tool combined with conventional rehabilitation program to improve the muscle strength, walking ability and metabolic responses in the management of drop foot with stroke patients.     

Associations between diet quality, health status and diabetic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid obesity

ObjectivePatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) demonstrate low dietary adherence and this is further aggravated with comorbid obesity. The aim of the present study was to assess diet quality in patients with T2DM and comorbid obesity compared to patients with T2DM alone and to examine the associations between comorbidities and diet quality.MethodsThe sample consisted of 59 adult patients with diabesity (T2DM and comorbid obesity) and 94 patients with T2DM alone. All diabetes comorbidities and complications were recorded and diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI).ResultsMean raw HEI of the diabese subjects was 81.9 ± 7.1 and the diabetic subjects was 80.2 ± 6.9. When HEI was adjusted to the sex, age and weight status, the diabese demonstrated a higher HEI. Among comorbidities, only renal disease decreased HEI. According to the principal component analysis of the total sample, adequate diet quality was explained by cardiovascular disease, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, peptic ulcer, sex, diabesity and diabetic foot syndrome. In the diabese, adequate HEI was explained by diabetic foot syndrome, smoking, drinking alcohol and having a family history of diabetes.ConclusionsAdult patients with T2DM demonstrate adequate diet quality. Different factors are associated with the adoption of a high quality diet between the diabese and the T2DM alone.     

Comparison and relationship of thyroid hormones,IL-6, IL-10 and albumin as mortality predictors in case-mix critically ill patients

ObjectiveTo compare the ability of thyroid hormones, IL-6, IL-10, and albumin to predict mortality, and to assess their relationship in case-mix acute critically ill patients.MethodsAPACHE II scores and serum thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4, and TSH), IL-6, IL-10, and albumin were obtained at EICU admission for 79 cases of mix acute critically ill patients without previous history of thyroid disease. Patients were followed for 28 days with patient’s death as the primary outcome. All mean values were compared, correlations assessed with Pearson’ test, and mortality prediction assessed by multivariate logistic regression and ROC.ResultsNon survivors were older, with higher APACHE II score (p = 0.000), IL-6 (p < 0.05), IL-10 (p = 0.000) levels, and lower albumin (p = 0.000) levels compared to survivors at 28 days. IL-6 and IL-10 had significant negative correlation with albumin (p = 0.001) and FT3 (p ⩽ 0.05) respectively, while low albumin had a direct correlation with FT3 (p < 0.05). In the mortality prediction assessment, IL-10, albumin and APACHE II were independent morality predictors and showed to have a good (0.70–0.79) AUC-ROC (p < 0.05). Despite that the entire cohort showed low FT3 serum levels (p = 0.000), there was not statistical difference between survivors and non-survivors; neither showed any significance as mortality predictor.ConclusionsIL-6 and IL-10 are correlated with Low FT3 and hypoalbuminemia. Thyroid hormones assessed at EICU admission did not have any predictive value in our study. And finally, high levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in conjunction with albumin could improve our ability to evaluate disease’s severity and predict mortality in the critically ill patients. When use in combination with APACHE II scores, our model showed improved mortality prediction.     

Correlation of IL-12, IL-22, and IL-23 in patients with psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. Preliminary report

BackgroundPsoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterised by proliferation of keratinocytes, primarily due to cytokines Th1 and Th17. This profile is involved in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, a frequently found comorbidity in patients with psoriasis.ObjectiveIn this study we determine the correlation of levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-23, IL-12, and IL-22 in patients with psoriasis with and without metabolic syndrome and clinically healthy controls.MethodsWe included 55 patients with plaque psoriasis: 30 with metabolic syndrome (PPMS), 25 without metabolic syndrome (PP), 15 healthy subjects (HS) and 15 with metabolic syndrome (MS). Quantification of serum levels of IL-12, TNF-α, IL-22, and IL-23 was done by ELISA.ResultsWe observed that serum levels of IL-12 were more elevated in PP group, while the lowest levels of TNF-α were seen in HS group. IL-22 was found to be higher in PP than in PPMS (p < 0.05). PP patients with PASI scores rating as severe showed higher levels of IL-12. TNF-α level analysis showed significant differences in HS group compared with the others; levels of this cytokine were lower in patients with PP and moderate PASI scores than in MS group (p < 0.05). We found no correlation between cytokine levels and psoriasis or between cytokines and PASI scores. In PP group, a positive correlation was observed between IL-23 and fasting glucose (r = 0.432, p < 0.05), as well as a negative correlation between IL-23, IL-22, and IL-12 versus waist circumference (r = −0.504, r = −0.556 and r = −0.511, respectively; p < 0.05).ConclusionsPsoriasis is not just a skin disorder, but rather a condition with systemic implications, with intervention of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to metabolic syndrome and other comorbidities, which in turn increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.     

Utilidad de la estación unipodal en la valoración del riesgo de caídas

Aimsto compare posturographic test with One-Leg Balance test in the elderly.Methodswe studied 59 healthy men and women living in the community who were at least 65 years of age. All of them were evaluated with One–Leg Balance (defined as the ability to stand on one leg unsupported for 5 seconds) and Modifies Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance by the Balance Master (Neurocom®). We distributed the patients in two groups. Group A included those who couldn’t perform one-leg balance and group B those who could perform it.Results62.6% of subjects could perform one-leg balance and 37.2% could not perform it. On a firm surface with opened eyes, the A group made a variation of 0.4 deg/s (0.28-0.6) in the gravity center position and the B group 0,2 deg/s (0.1-0.3) (p = 0.010). On a firm surface with closed eyes, the A group made a variation of 0.5 deg/s (0.3-0.8) and the B group 0.3 deg/s (0.1- 0.4) (p = 0.002). On a foam surface with open eyes, the A group made a variation of their gravity center position of 1.10 deg/s (0.90-1.60) and the B group 0.9 deg/s (0.73-1.30) (p = 0.045). On a foam surface with closed eyes the A group made a variation of their gravity center position of 6 deg/s (4-6) and the B group 2.3 deg/s (1.63-3.08) (p < 0.001).Conclusionselderly patients who can perform one-leg balance, make less variations of their gravity centre. The results are the same when visual and propioceptive afferences are suppressed.     

Investigating micronucleus assay applicability for prediction of normal tissue intrinsic radiosensitivity in gynecological cancer patients

BackgroundPelvic organs morbidity after irradiation of cancer patients remains a major problem although new technologies have been developed and implemented. A relatively simple and suitable method for routine clinical practice is needed for preliminary assessment of normal tissue intrinsic radiosensitivity. The micronucleus test (MNT) determines the frequency of the radiation induced micronuclei (MN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, which could serve as an indicator of intrinsic cell radiosensitivity.AimTo investigate a possible use of the micronucleus test (MNT) for acute radiation morbidity prediction in gynecological cancer patients.Materials and methodsForty gynecological cancer patients received 50 Gy conventional external pelvic irradiation after radical surgery. A four-field “box” technique was applied with 2D planning. The control group included 10 healthy females.Acute normal tissue reactions were graded according to NCI CTCAE v.3.0. From all reaction scores, the highest score named “summarized clinical radiosensitivity” was selected for a statistical analysis.MNT was performed before and after in vitro irradiation with 1.5 Gy. The mean radiation induced frequency of micronuclei per 1000 binucleated cells (MN/1000) and lymphocytes containing micronuclei per 1000 binucleated cells (cells with MN/1000) were evaluated for both patients and controls.An arbitrary cut off value was created to pick up a radiosensitive individual: the mean value of spontaneous frequency of cells with MN/1000 ± 2SD, found in the control group.ResultsBoth mean spontaneous frequency of cells with MN/1000 and MN/1000 were registered to be significantly higher in cancer patients compared to the control group (t = 2.46, p = 0.02 and t = 2.51, p = 0.02). No statistical difference was registered when comparing radiation induced MN frequencies between those groups.Eighty percent (32) of patients developed grade 2 summarized clinical radiosensitivity, with great variations in MNT parameters. Only three patients with grade 2 “summarized clinical radiosensitivity” had values of cells with MN/1000 above the chosen radiosensitivity threshold.ConclusionThe present study was not able to confirm in vitro MNT applicability for radiosensitivity prediction in pelvic irradiation.     

An 'Importance' Map of Signs and Symptoms to Classify Diabetic Polyneuropathy: An Exploratory Data Analysis

Aims/Hypothesis

Early diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is critical for a good prognosis. We aimed to identify different groups of patients, based on the various common clinical signs and symptoms of DPN, that represent a progressive worsening of the disease before the onset of plantar ulceration or amputation. We also sought to identify the most important DPN-related variables that can discriminate between groups, thus representing the most informative variables for early detection.

Methods

In 193 diabetic patients, we assessed 16 DPN-related signs, symptoms, and foot characteristics, based on the literature and the International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. We used multiple correspondence analysis and the Kohonen algorithm to group the variables into micro and macro-classes and to identify clusters of patients that represent different DPN conditions.

Results

Four distinct groups were observed. One group showed no indication of DPN. The remaining groups were characterized by a progressive loss of the vibration perception, without a worsening of symptoms or tactile perception. The 2 intermediate groups presented different aspects of DPN: one showed mostly DPN symptoms and the other showed the incipient vibration impairment, callus and crack formation, and foot arch alteration. The fourth group showed more severe foot and DPN conditions, including ulceration and amputation, absence of vibration and tactile perception (irrespective of how many compromised foot areas), and worse foot deformities and callus and crack formation.

Conclusion

Vibration perception was more informative than tactile sensitivity in discriminating early DPN onset because its impairment was evident in more groups. Symptoms and callus and cracks did not discriminate the severity status and should be interpreted in association with other clinical variables. Reconsideration of the current screening techniques is needed to clinically determine the early onset of neuropathy using tactile perception.     

The interaction between body position and vibration frequency on acute response to whole body vibration

PurposeThe present study was designed to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) response in leg muscles to whole-body vibration while using different body positions and vibration frequencies.MethodsTwenty male sport sciences students voluntarily participated in this single-group, repeated-measures study in which EMG data from the vastus lateralis (VL) and the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) were collected over a total of 36 trials for each subject (4 static positions × 9 frequencies).ResultsWe found that vibration frequency, body position and the muscle stimulated had a significant effect (P-values ranged from 0.001 to 0.031) on the EMG response. Similarly, the muscle × frequency and position × muscle interactions were significant (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the frequency × positions interactions were not significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that lower frequencies of vibration (25–35 Hz) result in maximal activation of LG, whereas higher frequencies (45–55 Hz) elicit the highest responses in the VL. In addition, the position P2 (half squat position with the heels raised) is beneficial both for VL and LG, independently of the vibration frequency.     

3 T homogeneous static magnetic field of a clinical MR significantly inhibits pain in mice

AimsIn recent years nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) systems have proliferated worldwide. This imaging/spectroscopy technique utilizes a strong homogeneous static magnetic field, much smaller time-varying gradient magnetic fields, and radiofrequency radiation. Many studies addressed the question of potential adverse side effects induced by MR, but less attention has been paid to its potential beneficial, therapeutical effects. The present study shows that whole body exposure of mice to the 3 T homogeneous static magnetic field of a clinical MR resulted in a statistically significant antinociceptive activity.Main methodsAntinociceptive activity was studied in the writhing test, where pain was elicited by the intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid in the mouse. No imaging sequence of the MR was used during the experiments. Mice could freely move in their cage without any restraint.Key findingsAn antinociceptive activity of 68 ± 2% (p < 0.001, n = 18) was found. Subcutaneous injection of naloxone (0.2 mg/kg) in the mice reversed the magnetic field-induced antinociceptive activity. The effect of noise, vibration and lighting stimuli could be neglected. Although motion-induced effects generated in the body of the mice could not be completely excluded, their influence on pain perception was estimated to be below threshold.SignificanceMR's static magnetic field should be regarded as a potential therapeutical tool.     

Long-term tillage effects on soil organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in a purple paddy soil of Southwest China

The impact of conservation tillage practices on soil carbon has been of great interest in recent years. Conservation tillage might have the potential to enhance soil carbon accumulation and alter the depth distribution of soil carbon compared to conventional tillage based systems. Changes in the soil organic carbon (SOC) as influenced by tillage, are more noticeable under long-term rather than short-term tillage practices. The objective of this study was to determine the impacts of long-term tillage on SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) status after 19 years of four tillage treatments in a Hydragric Anthrosol. In this experiment four tillage systems included conventional tillage with rotation of rice and winter fallow system (CTF), conventional tillage with rotation of rice and rape system (CTR), no-till and ridge culture with rotation of rice and rape system (NT) and tillage and ridge culture with rotation of rice and rape system (TR). Soils were sampled in the spring of 2009 and sectioned into 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, 40–50 and 50–60 cm depth, respectively.Tillage effect on SOC was observed, and SOC concentrations were much larger under NT than the other three tillage methods in all soil depths from 0 to 60 cm. The mean SOC concentration at 0–60 cm soil depth followed the sequence: NT (22.74 g kg^?1) > CTF (14.57 g kg^?1) > TR (13.10 g kg^?1) > CTR (11.92 g kg^?1). SOC concentrations under NT were significantly higher than TR and CTR (P < 0.01), and higher than CTF treatment (P < 0.05). The SOC storage was calculated on equivalent soil mass basis. Results showed that the highest SOC storage at 0–60 cm depth presented in NT, which was 158.52 Mg C ha^?1, followed by CTF (106.74 Mg C ha^?1), TR (93.11 Mg C ha^?1) and CTR (88.60 Mg C ha^?1). Compared with conventional tillage (CTF), the total SOC storage in NT increased by 48.51%, but decreased by 16.99% and 12.77% under CTR and TR treatments, respectively. The effect of tillage on DOC was significant at 0–10 cm soil layer, and DOC concentration was much higher under CTF than the other three treatments (P < 0.01). Throughout 0–60 cm soil depth, DOC concentrations were 32.92, 32.63, 26.79 and 22.10 mg kg^?1 under NT, CTF, CTR and TR, and the differences among the four treatments were not significant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, NT increased SOC concentration and storage compared to conventional tillage operation but not for DOC.     

Anosmia does not impair the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in mice

AimThe inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil has anxiolytic-like effects in animal models and humans, but its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. The inhalation of essential oils can induce anxiolytic effects through the central nervous system (e.g., lung absorption and bloodstream transport) or stimulation of the olfactory system and secondary activation of brain regions. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the perception of lavender essential oil aroma, when inhaled, is necessary to obtain its anxiolytic-like effects in mice tested in the marble-burying test.Main methodsAnosmia was induced by irrigating the nasal cavity with zinc gluconate + zinc acetate so that the mice could not detect odors in the olfactory discrimination test. The marble-burying test was used to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects of inhaled lavender essential oil.Key findingsAnosmia did not interfere with the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in the marble-burying test at concentrations of 2.5% (number of marbles buried: vehicle, 4.7 ± 1.0; zinc, 6.2 ± 2.2; p > 0.10) and 5% (number of marbles buried: vehicle, 3.4 ± 0.8; zinc, 4.3 ± 0.9; p > 0.10). Lavender essential oil at a concentration of 0.5% was ineffective.SignificanceThese results suggest that olfactory system activation is unlikely to participate in the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation.     

Postural stability in subjects with temporomandibular disorders and healthy controls: A comparative assessment

Purpose of the studyThe influence of the stomatognathic apparatus on body posture is a continuously discussed topic with contrasting results. The aim of this study is to analyze differences in postural stability between subjects with and without myogenous TMD.Methods25 subjects affected by myogenous TMD according with DC/TMD (6 males, 19 females; mean age 31.75 ± 6.68 years) and a healthy control group of 19 subjects (4 Males, 15 Females; mean age 27.26 ± 3.85 years) were enrolled in the study.Both groups underwent a posturo-stabilometric force platform exam under different mandibular and visual conditions. Sway area and sway velocity of the COP (Center Of foot Pressure) posturo-stabilometric parameters were evaluated and compared applying Mann-U-Whitney statistical test.ResultsThe sway area and sway velocity parameters resulted statistically significantly higher in the TMD group (sway area p < 0.01; sway velocity p < 0.05) in mandibular maximum intercuspation and rest positions with eyes open.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a significant difference in body postural stability between subjects with myogenous TMD and healthy controls. In particular, sway area and sway velocity postural parameters are increased in these subjects.     

Quality of life and radiotherapy in brain metastasis patients

AimThe primary objective of this study was to assess whether there was an improvement in QoL for patients with brain metastases after radiotherapy treatments.BackgroundAssessment of quality of life (QoL) in brain metastasis patients has become increasingly recognized as an important outcome.Materials and methodsPatients treated for brain metastasis in our department during 2010 were included in our prospective study. QoL assessments were conducted at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after completion of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Wilcoxon test for multiple comparisons was calculated to detect significant differences in global QoL scores.ResultsThirty-nine patients with brain metastases completed the EORTC QLQ-C30/BN-20 questionnaire independently. Median age was 59.9 years (from 37 to 81 years). Our results report differences between the baseline and 3 months in worsening of a global health status (p = 0.034) and cognitive function (p = 0.004), as well as drowsiness (p = 0.001), appetite loss (p = 0.031) and hair loss (p = 0.005). There is a tendency for deterioration of physical function (p = 0.004), communication deficit (p = 0.012), and weakness of legs (p = 0.024), between the baseline and 1 month evaluation. There was no difference in a global cognitive status between different evaluations. Median survival time was 3 months (CI 95% 1.85; 4.15).ConclusionsOur findings indicate a small deterioration for a global QoL status, and large deterioration for cognitive function after radiation treatments, as well as worsening of brain metastasis related symptom items. Further research is necessary to refine treatment selection for patients with brain metastases, since it may at least contribute to the stabilization of their QoL status.