Concordant changes of plasma and kidney microRNA in the early stages of acute kidney injury: time course in a mouse model of bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome characterized by the rapid loss of the kidney excretory function and is strongly associated with increased early and long-term patient morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of AKI is challenging; therefore we profiled plasma microRNA in an effort to identify potential diagnostic circulating markers of renal failure. The goal of the present study was to investigate the dynamic relationship of circulating and renal microRNA profiles within the first 24 hours after bilateral ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury in mice.

Computer-adaptive balance testing improves discrimination between community-dwelling elderly fallers and nonfallers.

Objectives: To build an item response theory-based computer adaptive test (CAT) for balance from 3 traditional, fixed-form balance measures: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and dynamic gait index (DGI); and to examine whether the CAT's psychometric performance exceeded that of individual measures.

Design: Secondary analysis combining 2 existing datasets.

Setting: Community based.

Designing a resident research program.

Purpose: The development of a resident research program and the role of the residency research advisory board (RRAB) in the program are described.

Summary: Over the past decade, there have been numerous barriers to successfully implementing a residency research program. An RRAB was subsequently developed to assist with research mentoring to help prepare residents to incorporate research into future positions.

Enhancement of the antimicrobial properties of bacteriophage-K via stabilization using oil-in-water nano-emulsions.

Bacteriophage therapy is a promising new treatment that may help overcome the threat posed by antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, which are increasingly identified in hospitalized patients. The development of biocompatible and sustainable vehicles for incorporation of viable bacterial viruses into a wound dressing is a promising alternative. This article evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of Bacteriophage K against Staphylococcus aureus over time, when stabilized and delivered via an oil-in-water nano-emulsion.

Effect of a home-based exercise program on functional recovery following rehabilitation after hip fracture: a randomized clinical trial.

Importance: For many older people, long-term functional limitations persist after a hip fracture. The efficacy of a home exercise program with minimal supervision after formal hip fracture rehabilitation ends has not been established.

Objective: To determine whether a home exercise program with minimal contact with a physical therapist improved function after formal hip fracture rehabilitation ended.

Computed tomography-based muscle attenuation and electrical impedance myography as indicators of trunk muscle strength independent of muscle size in older adults.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the associations of computed tomography-based x-ray attenuation and paraspinal electrical impedance myography measures of trunk muscles with absolute and relative (normalized by body weight) trunk extension strength, independent of muscle cross-sectional area.

Design: This is a cross-sectional study of mobility-limited community-dwelling older adults (34 women, 15 men; mean [SD] age, 78.2 [7.

Psychometric properties of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument: a systematic review.

Background: The choice of measure for use as a primary outcome in geriatric research is contingent upon the construct of interest and evidence for its psychometric properties. The Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) has been widely used to assess functional limitations and disability in studies with older adults. The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current available evidence for the psychometric properties of the LLFDI.

Effects of gangliosides on the activity of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase.

Control of intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) is essential for neuronal function, and the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) is crucial for the maintenance of low [Ca(2+)]i. We previously reported on loss of PMCA activity in brain synaptic membranes during aging. Gangliosides are known to modulate Ca(2+) homeostasis and signal transduction in neurons.

Clouds in the atmosphere of the super-Earth exoplanet GJ 1214b.

Recent surveys have revealed that planets intermediate in size between Earth and Neptune ('super-Earths') are among the most common planets in the Galaxy. Atmospheric studies are the next step towards developing a comprehensive understanding of this new class of object. Much effort has been focused on using transmission spectroscopy to characterize the atmosphere of the super-Earth archetype GJ 1214b (refs 7 - 17), but previous observations did not have sufficient precision to distinguish between two interpretations for the atmosphere.

Intraoperative targeted optical imaging: a guide towards tumor-free margins in cancer surgery.

Over the last several decades, development of various imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography greatly facilitated the early detection of cancer. Another important aspect that is closely related to the survival of cancer patients is complete tumor removal during surgical resection. The major obstacle in achieving this goal is to distinguish between tumor tissue and normal tissue during surgery.

What physical attributes underlie self-reported vs. observed ability to walk 400 m in later life? An analysis from the InCHIANTI Study.

Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate and contrast the physical attributes that are associated with self-reported vs. observed ability to walk 400 m among older adults.

Design: Analysis of baseline and 3-yr data from 1026 participants 65 yrs or older in the InCHIANTI (Invecchiare in Chianti) study was conducted.

Antibodies against low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 induce myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). MG is frequently caused by autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and a kinase critical for NMJ formation, MuSK; however, a proportion of MG patients are double-negative for anti-AChR and anti-MuSK antibodies. Recent studies in these subjects have identified autoantibodies against low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), an agrin receptor also critical for NMJ formation.

Which neuromuscular attributes are most associated with mobility among older primary care patients?

Objective: To identify the neuromuscular attributes that are associated with self-reported mobility status among older primary care patients.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Metropolitan-based health care system.

Oral risedronate sodium improves bone mineral density in non-ambulatory patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

Aims: Investigate the efficacy of risedronate sodium (Procter and Gamble, Cincinnati, USA) for treating reduced lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) in non-ambulatory patients.

Methods: Nine (10-39 years, mean age 23.0 years, 7 males) in the risedronate arm and 10 (10-35 years, mean age 21.

The UDP-glucose dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli K-12 displays substrate inhibition by NAD that is relieved by nucleotide triphosphates.

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (Ugd) generates UDP-glucuronic acid, an important precursor for the production of many hexuronic acid-containing bacterial surface glycostructures. In Escherichia coli K-12, Ugd is important for biosynthesis of the environmentally regulated exopolysaccharide known as colanic acid, whereas in other E. coli isolates, the same enzyme is required for production of the constitutive group 1 capsular polysaccharides, which act as virulence determinants.

Patient-centered approach to ensuring appropriateness of care through blood management.

Background: Concerns have been raised about the safety and efficacy of blood transfusions. Blood products are in demand and a decreasing supply is projected, with resource conservation a global concern. A consultant group determined that the transfusion rate at Mease Countryside Hospital was higher than an average baseline.

A comparison of straight- and curved-path walking tests among mobility-limited older adults.

Background: Habitual gait speed (HGS) and the figure-of-8 walking test (F8WT) are measures of walking ability that have been associated with mobility outcomes and disability among older adults. Our objective was to contrast the physiologic, health, and behavioral attributes underlying performance of these two walking tests among older adults with mobility limitations.

Methods: HGS and F8WT were the primary outcomes.

Is kyphosis related to mobility, balance, and disability?

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association of increased kyphosis with declines in mobility, balance, and disability among community-living older adults.

Design: The 18-mo follow-up visit data from 2006 to 2009 for 620 participants from the population-based Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly Boston Study of older adults was used. Cross-sectional multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between kyphosis (measured using the kyphosis index) and measures of mobility performance (Short Physical Performance Battery), balance (Berg Balance Scale score), and disability (self-reported difficulty walking a quarter of a mile or climbing a flight of stairs).

Cronobacter: an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with neonatal meningitis, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Members of the genus Cronobacter are an emerging group of opportunist Gram-negative pathogens. This genus was previously thought to be a single species, called Enterobacter sakazakii. Cronobacter spp.

Moving the boundaries of international collaboration on clinical trials and QoL: experiences in oncology and legislation within the European Parliament.

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer undertook another successful event with their third annual conference addressing quality of life matters in cancer clinical trials. More than 40 presentations were made over a 3-day period hosted at the European Parliament on 17-20 October 2012, in Brussels. The conference managed to get speakers and policy makers together to debate all the key issues in cancer clinical trials, design and reporting, including future policy and regulatory concerns.

Positron emission tomography imaging of tumor angiogenesis with a (61/64)Cu-labeled F(ab')(2) antibody fragment.

The objective of this study was to characterize the in vitro and in vivo properties of the F(ab')(2) fragment of TRC105, a human/murine chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds with high avidity to human and murine CD105 (i.e., endoglin), and investigate its potential for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of tumor angiogenesis after (61/64)Cu-labeling.

Nutritional immunomodulation in critically ill children with acute lung injury: feasibility and impact on circulating biomarkers.

Objective: Respiratory failure caused by acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with significant morbidity in children. Enteral nutrition enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid, γ-linolenic acid and antioxidants (eicosapentaenoic acid + γ-linolenic acid) can safely modulate plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles, reduce inflammation, and improve clinical outcomes in adults. There is little information regarding the use of enteral eicosapentaenoic acid + γ-linolenic acid to modulate plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles in children.