Diagnosis Between Chaos and Control: Affect and Hospital Clinicians' and Older Adult Patients' Narratives of Urinary Tract Infections.

Research has observed that older adults are frequently overdiagnosed with urinary tract infection (UTI) and unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics in hospitals. In this article we explore the overlooked affective dimension of experiences of diagnosis and prescribing. Drawing on interviews with doctors, nurses and older adult patients ( = 41) on UTI diagnosis in two UK hospitals and Arthur Frank's work on illness narratives we identified two affective ways of experiencing diagnosis.

Evaluation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression in nondiabetic and diabetic atherosclerotic mice using PET tracer Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4.

Cardiovascular effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist therapies are potentially mediated by anti-inflammatory effects on atherosclerosis. Our study demonstrates that Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4, a radioligand specifically targeting GLP-1R, detects GLP-1R expression in inflamed atherosclerotic lesions in nondiabetic and diabetic hypercholesterolemic mice. Immunofluorescence staining suggests that GLP-1R is primarily localized in M2 macrophages in lesions.

Conflicting experiences of health and habitus in a poor urban neighbourhood: A Bourdieusian ethnography.

An ethnographic study of health and wellbeing was undertaken in a deprived urban neighbourhood in the UK Midlands. Drawing on Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, capital and field, we discerned three different, even conflicting, ways of understanding and acting on health: (i) older adults discussed their wellbeing in relation to the local context or field, walking the dog, helping at the community centre and visiting the off licence, (ii) young professionals and students who lived in the neighbourhood were oriented towards leisure facilities, career opportunities and supermarkets outside of the neighbourhood, disdaining local facilities and (iii) community activists and carers discussed health in terms of providing for others but not themselves. Bourdieu is frequently used in medical sociology to highlight how poor people's lifestyle is constrained by their habitus; we suggest paying more attention to its both enabling and differentiating contradictions as well as the constraints it entails.

Therapeutic Antibody Against Phosphorylcholine Preserves Coronary Function and Attenuates Vascular F-FDG Uptake in Atherosclerotic Mice.

This study showed that treatment with a therapeutic monoclonal immunoglobulin-G1 antibody against phosphorylcholine on oxidized phospholipids preserves coronary flow reserve and attenuates atherosclerotic inflammation as determined by the uptake of F-fluorodeoxyglucose in atherosclerotic mice. The noninvasive imaging techniques represent translational tools to assess the efficacy of phosphorylcholine-targeted therapy on coronary artery function and atherosclerosis in clinical studies.

Gaps in communication between different staff groups and older adult patients foster unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections in hospitals: a qualitative translation approach.

Background: Studies have reported large scale overprescribing of antibiotics for urinary tract infection (UTI) in hospitalised older adults. Older adults often have asymptomatic bacteriuria, and clinicians have been found to diagnose UTIs inappropriately based on vague symptoms and positive urinalysis and microbiology. However, the joined perspectives of different staff groups and older adult patients on UTI diagnosis have not been investigated.

Overprescribing antibiotics for asymptomatic bacteriuria in older adults: a case series review of admissions in two UK hospitals.

Background: Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) with antibiotics is a concern. In older adults, diagnosis of UTI using near-patient urine tests (reagent strip tests, dipsticks) is advised against because the age-related increase in asymptomatic bacteriuria can cause false-positive results. Instead, UTI diagnosis should be based on a full clinical assessment.

Amyloid-Targeting PET Tracer [F]Flutemetamol Accumulates in Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of oxidized lipids in the artery wall, which triggers an inflammatory response. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) presents amyloid-like structural properties, and different amyloid species have recently been recognized in atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, we studied the uptake of the amyloid imaging agent [F]Flutemetamol in atherosclerotic plaques.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression after myocardial infarction: Imaging study using Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 positron emission tomography.

Background: Activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling protects against cardiac dysfunction and remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the study was to evaluate Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 positron emission tomography (PET) for assessment of GLP-1R expression after MI in rats.

Methods And Results: Rats were studied at 3 days, 1 and 12 weeks after permanent coronary ligation or a sham-operation.

Digital health - a new medical cosmology? The case of 23andMe online genetic testing platform.

This article argues that commercial digital health platforms and devices commodify participatory features of the digital creating a new medical cosmology. Drawing on sociology on medical cosmologies, research on digital media and marketing and an analysis of the 23andMe online genetic testing platform, I identify three features of this cosmology. First, digital health seeks to foment 'flow' or enjoyable, continuous immersion in health.

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis with F-GE-180, a Radiotracer for Translocator Protein (TSPO).

Intraplaque inflammation plays an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) expression is upregulated in activated macrophages, representing a potential target to identify inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. We preclinically evaluated F-GE-180, a novel third-generation TSPO radioligand, in a mouse model of atherosclerosis.

Aluminum fluoride-18 labeled folate enables in vivo detection of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation by positron emission tomography.

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. Because the folate receptor β (FR-β) is selectively expressed on macrophages, an FR targeted imaging agent could be useful for assessment of atherosclerotic inflammation. We investigated aluminum fluoride-18-labeled 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid conjugated folate (F-FOL) for the detection of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation.

Findings of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Sitting and Exacerbations Trial (COPD-SEAT) in Reducing Sedentary Time Using Wearable and Mobile Technologies With Educational Support: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Background: Targeting sedentary time post exacerbation may be more relevant than targeting structured exercise for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Focusing interventions on sitting less and moving more after an exacerbation may act as a stepping stone to increase uptake to pulmonary rehabilitation.

Objective: The aim of this paper was to conduct a randomized trial examining trial feasibility and the acceptability of an education and self-monitoring intervention using wearable technology to reduce sedentary behavior for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to hospital for an acute exacerbation.

Imaging of αβ integrin expression in experimental myocardial ischemia with [Ga]NODAGA-RGD positron emission tomography.

Background: Radiolabeled RGD peptides detect αβ integrin expression associated with angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling after myocardial infarction. We studied whether cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) with [Ga]NODAGA-RGD detects increased αβ integrin expression after induction of flow-limiting coronary stenosis in pigs, and whether αβ integrin is expressed in viable ischemic or injured myocardium.

Methods: We studied 8 Finnish landrace pigs 13 ± 4 days after percutaneous implantation of a bottleneck stent in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery.

Effects of atorvastatin and diet interventions on atherosclerotic plaque inflammation and [F]FDG uptake in LdlrApob mice.

Background And Aims: Uptake of the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 2-deoxy-2-[F]-fluoro-d- glucose ([F]FDG) into macrophages is a sensitive marker of inflammation in atherosclerosis. To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of statins, we studied whether atorvastatin therapy reduces aortic [F]FDG uptake in hypercholesterolemic mice deficient in low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr), and expressing only apolipoprotein B-100 (LdlrApob).

Methods: Thirty-six LdlrApob mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and then allocated to receive a HFD (n = 13), chow diet (Chow, n = 12), or HFD with added atorvastatin (HFD + A, n = 11), for another 12 weeks.

Evaluation of Ga-labeled peptide tracer for detection of gelatinase expression after myocardial infarction in rat.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2/9) play a role in extracellular matrix remodeling after an ischemic myocardial injury. We evaluated Ga-DOTA-peptide targeting MMP-2/9 for the detection of gelatinase expression after myocardial infarction (MI) in rat.

Methods: Rats were injected with 43 ± 7.

Leukocyte trafficking-associated vascular adhesion protein 1 is expressed and functionally active in atherosclerotic plaques.

Given the important role of inflammation and the potential association of the leukocyte trafficking-associated adhesion molecule vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP-1) with atherosclerosis, this study examined whether functional VAP-1 is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and, if so, whether it could be targeted by positron emission tomography (PET). First, immunohistochemistry revealed that VAP-1 localized to endothelial cells of intra-plaque neovessels in human carotid endarterectomy samples from patients with recent ischemic symptoms. In low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice expressing only apolipoprotein B100 (LDLRApoB), VAP-1 was expressed on endothelial cells lining inflamed atherosclerotic lesions; normal vessel walls in aortas of C57BL/6N control mice were VAP-1-negative.

Study protocol for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Sitting and ExacerbAtions Trial (COPD-SEAT): a randomised controlled feasibility trial of a home-based self-monitoring sedentary behaviour intervention.

Introduction: An acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) marks a critical life event, which can lower patient quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Patients with COPD tend to lead inactive and highly sedentary lifestyles, which may contribute to reductions in functional capacity. Targeting sedentary behaviour (SB) may be more attainable than exercise (at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity) for behaviour change in patients following an exacerbation.

Type 2 diabetes enhances arterial uptake of choline in atherosclerotic mice: an imaging study with positron emission tomography tracer ¹⁸F-fluoromethylcholine.

Background: Diabetes is a risk factor for atherosclerosis associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate arterial choline uptake and its relationship to atherosclerotic inflammation in diabetic and non-diabetic hypercholesterolemic mice.

Methods: Low-density lipoprotein-receptor deficient mice expressing only apolipoprotein B100, with or without type 2 diabetes caused by pancreatic overexpression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II/LDLR(-/-)ApoB(100/100) and LDLR(-/-)ApoB(100/100)) were studied.

Effect of levosimendan therapy on myocardial infarct size and left ventricular function after acute coronary occlusion.

Background: Levosimendan is an inotropic agent with cardioprotective and vasodilating properties used for the management of acutely decompensated heart failure. We studied the effects of levosimendan treatment on the size of myocardial infarction (MI) and left ventricular (LV) function in experimental pig model of post MI heart failure.

Methods: After occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, animals received levosimendan 5 mg/kg/day orally for 8 weeks (n=7) or no treatment (n=18).

[18F]FDG Accumulation in Early Coronary Atherosclerotic Lesions in Pigs.

Objective: Inflammation is an important contributor to atherosclerosis progression. A glucose analogue 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) has been used to detect atherosclerotic inflammation. However, it is not known to what extent [18F]FDG is taken up in different stages of atherosclerosis.

Cardiac remodeling in a new pig model of chronic heart failure: Assessment of left ventricular functional, metabolic, and structural changes using PET, CT, and echocardiography.

Aims: Large animal models are needed to study disease mechanisms in heart failure (HF). In the present study we characterized the functional, metabolic, and structural changes of myocardium in a novel pig model of chronic myocardial infarction (MI) by using multimodality imaging and histology.

Methods And Results: Male farm pigs underwent a two-step occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery with concurrent distal ligation and implantation of a proximal ameroid constrictor (HF group), or sham operation (control group).

The utilization of stable isotope analysis for the estimation of the geographic origins of unidentified cadavers.

The number of unidentified cadavers is increasing worldwide and the effective methods which reveal their geographic origin are not well known. This study reports on the utilization of δ(18)O, δ(13)C, δ(2)H and δ(15)N ratios gained through stable isotope analysis of urine samples collected from eight locations: Chiba, Japan; Fuzhou, China; and Denpasar, Indonesia in our pilot study with data from healthy volunteers from five further locations from healthy volunteers: Melbourne and Perth, Australia; Qingdao, China; Turku, Finland and Oklahoma, USA. This study posits that the utilization of δ(18)O and δ(2)H is more feasible than δ(13)C and δ(15)N stable isotope ratios in differentiating or estimating the origin of human samples.

[18F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in atherosclerotic plaques is associated with reduced coronary flow reserve in mice.

Objectives: Coronary microvascular dysfunction, observed as impaired coronary vasodilator capacity, is an early manifestation of coronary artery disease. Inflammation plays an important role in different stages of atherogenesis. To study the role of vessel wall inflammation in the development of coronary dysfunction, we compared [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the aorta and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in atherosclerotic mice.

Dimeric [(68)Ga]DOTA-RGD peptide targeting αvβ 3 integrin reveals extracellular matrix alterations after myocardial infarction.

Purpose: We evaluated a dimeric RGD-peptide, [(68)Ga]DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of myocardial integrin expression associated with extracellular matrix remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) in rat.

Procedures: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied at 7 days and 4 weeks after MI induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery and compared with sham-operated controls.

Results: In vivo imaging revealed higher tracer uptake in the infarcted area than in the remote non-infarcted myocardium of the same rats both at 7 days (MI/remote ratio, 2.