Composite nerve conduction scores and signs for diagnosis and somatic staging of diabetic polyneuropathy: Mid North American ethnic cohort survey.

Introduction/aims: In the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), the minimal nerve conduction (NC) criterion for diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) was abnormality of NC in more than one peripheral nerve without specifying the attributes of NCs to be evaluated. In the present study, we assess individual and composite scores of NCs meeting the DCCT criterion and signs for improved diagnosis and assessment of DSPN severity.

Methods: Evaluated were 13 attributes and 6 composite NC scores and signs and symptoms in 395 healthy subjects (HS) and 388 persons with diabetes (DM).

Postsurgical Remote Patient Monitoring Outcomes and Perceptions: A Mixed-Methods Assessment.

Objective: To determine how postsurgical remote patient monitoring (RPM) influences readmissions and emergency visits within 30 days of discharge after operation and to understand patient and surgeon perspectives on postsurgical RPM.

Patients And Methods: This study was conducted at a US tertiary academic medical center between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. This mixed-methods evaluation included a randomized controlled trial evaluation of RPM after operation and a qualitative assessment of patients' and surgeons' perceptions of RPM's acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness.

Measurement of fidgeting in patients with anorexia nervosa using a novel shoe-based monitor.

Objective: To objectively assess seated non-exercise physical activity in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) relative to healthy controls (HCs) and examine the associations between this physical activity, eating disorder pathology, and levels of anxiety and depression.

Method: Eleven inpatients with AN and 10 HCs wore a shoe-based accelerometer (SmartShoe) at three time points: a) while eating lunch, b) filling out questionnaires, and c) watching television for 1h.

Results: Across all three tasks, patients with AN were significantly more active than HCs, thereby engaging in a greater degree of restless or fidgeting behavior.

Assessment of the motivation to use artificial sweetener among individuals with an eating disorder.

Eating disorders are associated with a range of abnormalities in eating behavior. Some individuals consume large amounts of non-caloric artificial sweeteners, suggesting abnormalities in appetitive responding. The current study aimed to quantify hedonic and motivating effects of artificial sweetener in individuals with and without an eating disorder.

The reinforcing effect of exercise in anorexia nervosa: Clinical correlates and relationship to outcome.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relative reinforcing effect of exercise compared to a non-monetary alternative reinforcer (leisure activity), and to money, before and after weight restoration in an inpatient population with anorexia nervosa (AN). Sixty-two inpatients with AN completed a progressive ratio (PR) task to earn exercise, leisure activities, or cash at low weight and after weight restoration. Measures of pathology and motivation to exercise were completed and post-treatment discharge weights were collected.

Physical activity and post-treatment weight trajectory in anorexia nervosa.

Objective: This study compared an objective measurement of physical activity (PA) in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) at low-weight, weight-restored, and post-treatment time points, and also compared PA in AN with that of healthy controls (HC).

Method: Sixty-one female inpatients with AN wore a novel accelerometer (the IDEEA) which measured PA at three time points: a) low-weight, b) weight-restored, and c) one month post-hospital discharge. Twenty-four HCs wore the IDEEA at one time point.

Validation of two novel monitoring devices to measure physical activity in healthy women.

Measurement of physical activity is increasingly important in health research. We sought to determine the accuracy and sensitivity to non-exercise activity of three activity monitors worn simultaneously by healthy adult women participating in a structured activity protocol. Ten normal-weight women wore the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA), the SmartShoe, and the SenseWear Armband, during activities that included standing, sitting still, sitting and fidgeting, lying down, and walking at varying speeds.

Exercise reinforcement, stress, and β-endorphins: an initial examination of exercise in anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence.

Background: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are abused primarily in the context of intense exercise and for the purposes of increasing muscle mass as opposed to drug-induced euphoria. AASs also modulate the HPA axis and may increase the reinforcing value of exercise through changes to stress hormone and endorphin release. To test this hypothesis, 26 adult males drawn from a larger study on AAS use completed a progressive ratio task designed to examine the reinforcing value of exercise relative to financial reinforcer.

Comparison of three immunoassays for detection of antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis.

Due to the limited sensitivities of stool-based microscopy and/or culture techniques for Strongyloides stercoralis, the detection of antibodies to this intestinal nematode is relied upon as a surrogate for determining exposure status or making a diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection. Here, we evaluated three immunoassays, including the recently released InBios Strongy Detect IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (InBios International, Inc.

Assessment of fat taste in individuals with and without anorexia nervosa.

Objective: Avoidance of dietary fat is a highly characteristic eating behavior of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). To date, no study has determined whether these individuals are better able to perceive the fat content of foods than individuals without AN. The goal of this study was to compare blinded taste ratings of fat-free, low fat, and regular cream cheese in patients with AN and in normal controls (NC).

Behavioral assessment of the reinforcing effect of exercise in women with anorexia nervosa: further paradigm development and data.

Objective: To use a Progressive Ratio (PR) computerized "work" paradigm to measure course and correlates of exercise motivation in in-patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).

Method: Sixteen inpatients with AN participated in a PR task assessing the relative reinforcing effect of two different increments of cash versus the opportunity to exercise for upto 30 min, twice; at low weight, and, for n = 10 participants, after weight restoration.

Results: There was a trend toward a higher work for exercise with 2 versus 5 increments of cash as the alternative reinforcer.

Adipose tissue distribution after weight restoration and weight maintenance in women with anorexia nervosa.

Background: Body image distortions are a core feature of anorexia nervosa (AN). We, and others, previously reported abnormalities in adipose tissue distribution after acute weight restoration in adult women with AN compared with body mass index-matched healthy control women. Whether these abnormalities persist over time remains unknown.

Screening mammography utilization in Tennessee women: the association with residence.

Context: Approximately 70% of US women over age 40 report mammography screening within 2 years. However, rates are likely to vary by age, income, educational level, and residence.

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of screening mammography and associated factors in women living in rural and urban areas of Tennessee.

SEPT9 mutations and a conserved 17q25 sequence in sporadic and hereditary brachial plexus neuropathy.

Background: The clinical characteristics of sporadic brachial plexus neuropathy (S-BPN) and hereditary brachial plexus neuropathy (H-BPN) are similar. During attacks, inflammation of the brachial plexus nerves has been identified in both conditions. SEPT9 mutations (Arg88Trp, Ser93Phe, 5'UTR c.

Validity of 2 devices for measuring steps taken by older adults in assisted-living facilities.

Background: This 2-part study examined validity of selected motion sensors for assessing physical activity in older adults residing in assisted-living communities.

Methods: Twenty-one older adults (mean age = 78.6 +/- 13.

Ageism revisited: a study measuring ageism in East Tennessee, USA.

Research literature over the past 50 years has addressed ageism, but few studies have examined the measurement of ageism or how to combat it. This study utilized Palmore's Ageism Survey to measure the frequency of occurrence of ageism and to examine the types of ageism reported by older adults in the East Tennessee region of the USA. A convenience sample of 247 community-dwelling older adults was recruited from eight senior centers and nutrition sites.

Relative reinforcing value of exercise in inpatients with anorexia nervosa: model development and pilot data.

Objective: This study sought to quantify, among patients hospitalized for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN), the reinforcing value of exercise, defined as the amount of work a patient would expend for the opportunity to exercise.

Method: Sixteen inpatients with AN performed a computerized progressive ratio (PR) task for the opportunity to exercise for either 15 or 30 min, or a monetary voucher. Exercise "breakpoint" was calculated and compared with clinical measures.

Physical activity and cortisol in anorexia nervosa.

Elevated physical activity is commonly observed among patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and can manifest in several forms. While elevated physical activity may play a key role in the pathophysiology of this disorder, much remains unknown about it, including the relationship among its various manifestations, and their underlying mechanism(s). The purposes of the current study were to (1) quantify locomotor activity in inpatients with AN using an accelerometer, (2) determine the association between locomotor activity and exercise history and (3) determine the association between urinary cortisol and physical activity.

Artificial sweetener use among individuals with eating disorders.

Unlabelled: Women with eating disorders report using large quantities of artificially sweetened products, but this has not been quantified.

Objective: The authors assessed the use of selected artificially sweetened low-calorie products among women with eating disorders compared with controls.

Method: Thirty women with anorexia nervosa (18 with the restricting subtype [AN-R] and 12 with the binge/purge subtype [AN-B/P]), 48 women with bulimia nervosa (BN), and 32 healthy control women completed a survey of frequency and amount of consumption of chewing gum, artificially sweetened low-calorie beverages, and packets of artificial sweetener in the previous month.

Depressive symptoms predict hospitalization for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To examine the role of self-reported depressive symptoms in predicting hospitalization for complications of diabetes mellitus over a period of up to 2 years.

Study Design: Two hundred thirty-one adolescent outpatients (age range: 11-18 years) with type 1 diabetes completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, a self-report measure of depressive symptoms. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were also assessed, to account for this known predictor of hospitalization.

Translational approaches to understanding anorexia nervosa.

Translational research has fostered significant gains in neuroscience and psychiatry and has been identified by the NIMH as a "priority area" for further funding. As applied to anorexia nervosa (AN), "translational research" describes the application of principles and methodologies employed in related fields to advance the understanding, and ultimately treatment and prevention, of this disorder. Several promising areas of translational research in AN are identified.

Using CD-ROM technology to increase folic acid knowledge among physician assistant students.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of incorporating CD-ROM technology to increase the knowledge of folic acid among physician assistant students. Participants included 76 first-year physician assistant students enrolled in a Women's Health course. A pretest and posttest was used to evaluate the knowledge gain after viewing the CD-ROM over a 2-week period.

Exercise "addiction" in anorexia nervosa: model development and pilot data.

Background: Excessive exercise has long been observed to be a problematic behavior of many patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, many questions remain as to the exact role exercise plays in this disorder. In particular, it has been suggested that exercise holds "addictive" properties in persons with AN, but that remains to be demonstrated.

Eating disorders: clinical features and pathophysiology.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are disorders of eating and weight-related behavior that together afflict some 1-3% of women in the United States. One of the remarkable features about each of the eating disorders is how persistent the disordered eating behavior becomes once it has begun. Substantial psychological, social, and physiological disturbances are associated with eating disorders, and it has been very difficult to disentangle those factors that may result from the disturbed behavior from the factors that may have predisposed individuals to, or precipitated the development of, the disorder.