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The case of a 17-year-old female with a benign osteoblastoma in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is reported. The patient had a 2.5-year history of reduced mouth opening accompanied by tenderness and swelling in the left TMJ. Initial treatment included stabilization of the occlusion with a splint, jaw exercises, and analgesics. At first the patient's symptoms decreased, but they then increased 18 months later, prompting a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation of the joint. The radiographic findings showed a somewhat ill-defined, radiolucent, expansile lesion containing small scattered calcifications located in the temporal articular tubercle. The lesion was removed under general anaesthesia and sent for histopathological examination. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient had normal TMJ function without clinical symptoms. CBCT examination showed a small recurrence of 3 mm. Another 12 months later, CBCT showed a 1-mm increase in the recurrence. Her function was normal, with slight tenderness lateral to the left TMJ. The decision from a multidisciplinary meeting was further annual follow-up. The present case illustrates the importance of initial radiographic examination together with clinical examination in patients with TMJ dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Factors affecting the symptomatology of fibromyalgia (FM) are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of weight status with pain, fatigue, and stiffness in Spanish female FM patients, with special focus on the differences between overweight and obese patients. The sample comprised 177 Spanish women with FM (51.3 ± 7.3 years old). We assessed tenderness (using pressure algometry), pain and vitality using the General Health Short-Form Survey (SF36), and pain, fatigue, morning tiredness, and stiffness using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). The international criteria for body mass index was used to classify the patients as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Thirty-two percent were normal-weight, 35% overweight, and 32% obese. Both overweight and obese patients had higher levels of pain than normal-weight patients, as assessed by FIQ and SF36 questionnaires and tender point count (p < .01). The same pattern was observed for algometer score, yet the differences were not significant. Both overweight and obese patients had higher levels of fatigue, and morning tiredness, and stiffness (p < .05) and less vitality than normal-weight patients. No significant differences were observed in any of the variables studied between overweight and obese patients. In conclusion, FM symptomatology in obese patients did not differ from overweight patients, whereas normal-weight patients significantly differed from overweight and obese patients in the studied symptoms. These findings suggest that keeping a healthy (normal) weight is not only associated with decreased risk for developing FM but might also be a relevant and useful way of improving FM symptomatology in women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MOD17A2 provides operational gross primary production (GPP) data globally at 1km spatial resolution and 8-day temporal resolution. MOD17A2 estimates GPP according to the light use efficiency (LUE) concept assuming a fixed maximum rate of carbon assimilation per unit photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the vegetation (εmax). Minimum temperature and vapor pressure deficit derived from meteorological data down-regulate εmax and constrain carbon assimilation. This data is useful for regional to global studies of the terrestrial carbon budget, climate change and natural resources. In this study we evaluated the MOD17A2 product and its driver data by using in situ measurements of meteorology and eddy covariance GPP for 12 African sites. MOD17A2 agreed well with eddy covariance GPP for wet sites. Overall, seasonality was well captured but MOD17A2 GPP was underestimated for the dry sites located in the Sahel region. Replacing the meteorological driver data derived from coarse resolution reanalysis data with tower measurements reduced MOD17A2 GPP uncertainties, however, the underestimations at the dry sites persisted. Inferred εmax calculated from tower data was higher than the εmax prescribed in MOD17A2. This, in addition to uncertainties in fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) explains some of the underestimations. The results suggest that improved quality of driver data, but primarily a readjustment of the parameters in the biome parameter look-up table (BPLUT) may be needed to better estimate GPP for African ecosystems in MOD17A2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose was to compare data obtained from a modified, long, self-administered version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-A) with objective data obtained in parallel from Actigraph accelerometers, and VO(2)max in adolescents. The study comprised a total of 2018 adolescents (46% male) from ten European cities participating in the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study. Physical activity was assessed over seven consecutive days by accelerometry and expressed as min/day of moderate, vigorous, and moderate to vigorous (MVPA) physical activity (PA). PA was also assessed with the IPAQ-A. VO(2)max was estimated from a 20-m shuttle run test. Poor to fair correlations between the two methodologies were found for the whole study sample and when stratified by age and gender (r(s) = 0.08-0.26, p < 0.01). On average, the self-reported time spent in moderate PA was higher compared to the time measured with the accelerometer, while the differences between both instruments were less clear for vigorous intensity. Adolescents reporting high levels of PA (3rd tertile IPAQ-A) also showed higher levels of PA (accelerometers) in all the study variables (moderate, vigorous and MVPA), compared to adolescents reporting low PA (1st tertile IPAQ-A) (all p < 0.001). Both methods were moderately correlated with estimated VO(2)max. Within the HELENA-study, the IPAQ-A showed the modest comparability with the accelerometer data for assessing PA in each intensity level and was the highest for vigorous intensity. Both instruments are able to detect the adolescents with the highest cardio respiratory fitness, which are the most active adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: One of the most frequently applied methods for integrating controls on primary production through satellite data is the light use efficiency (LUE) approach, which links vegetation gross or net primary productivity (GPP or NPP) to remotely sensed estimates of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR). Eddy covariance towers provide continuous measurements of carbon flux, presenting an opportunity for evaluation of satellite estimates of GPP. Here we investigate relationships between eddy covariance estimated GPP, environmental variables derived from flux towers, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and GPP across African savanna ecosystems. MODIS GPP was found to underestimate GPP at the majority of sites, particularly at sites in the Sahel. EVI was found to correlate well with estimated GPP on a site-by-site basis. Combining EVI with tower-measured PAR and evaporative fraction (EF, a measure of water sufficiency) improved the direct relationship between GPP and EVI at the majority of the sites. The slope of this relationship was strongly related to site peak leaf area index (LAI). These results are promising for the extension of GPP through the use of remote sensing data to a regional or even continental scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We analysed the secular trends in health-related physical fitness in Spanish adolescents between 2001–2002 and 2006–2007. Two representative population studies were conducted 5 years apart in adolescents (12.5–17.5 years) from Zaragoza (Spain) that participated in the AVENA study in 2001–2002 and in the HELENA-CSS study in 2006–2007. Both studies used the same tests to assess physical fitness: the handgrip strength, bent arm hang, standing broad jump, 4×10m shuttle run and 20m shuttle run tests. Performance in 4×10m shuttle run and 20m shuttle run tests was higher in 2006–2007 (Cohen''s d ranging from 0.2 to 0.4, p <0.05), whereas performance in handgrip strength and standing broad jump tests was lower in 2006–2007 (Cohen''s d ranging from 0.3 to 1.1, p <0.001). Adjustment for age, pubertal status, fat mass, fat free mass and parental education did not alter the results. The odds ratio (OR) of meeting the FITNESSGRAM Standards for healthy cardiorespiratory fitness was higher in 2006–2007 in both boys (OR, 95% CI: 2.123, 1.157–3.908) and girls (OR, 95% CI: 2.420, 1.377–4.255). The results indicate that levels of both speed/agility and cardiorespiratory fitness were higher in 2006–2007 than in 2001–2002, whereas muscular strength components were lower in 2006–2007. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: In adults, obesity is characterized by a state of chronic low-grade inflammation accompanied by moderately high concentrations of acute phase inflammatory proteins. Recent results regarding C-reactive protein (CRP) point to a similar status in adolescents; however, studies of associations of the serum inflammatory proteins CRP, ceruloplasmin, and complement factors C3 and C4 with body fat distribution remain scarce. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish the possible relations of serum inflammatory proteins with body fat estimates and body fat distribution in an apparently healthy adolescent population. DESIGN: This report included 472 adolescents (248 males and 224 females) aged 13-18.5 y who were recruited from the Spanish cross-sectional multicenter AVENA Study for whom anthropometric and immunologic data were complete. The concentrations of the serum proteins and the in vitro production of cytokines (interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) by isolated and stimulated white blood cells were measured. Relations with anthropometric measurements were explored by using simple and partial correlations. RESULTS: CRP, C3, and C4 were correlated with central obesity (as measured by waist circumference) and total body fat in both sexes (P < 0.01) and with ceruloplasmin in females only. After further adjustment for BMI, C3 remained independently associated with central obesity (P < 0.05). Production of the cytokines by white blood cells did not seem to be affected by an excess of body fat. CONCLUSIONS: Total body fat seems to be associated with a chronic low-grade systemic inflammation in apparently healthy adolescents. Central obesity is independently associated with C3 concentrations, which makes this marker especially interesting for further studies of obesity-related diseases. Copyright © 2006 American Society for Nutrition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study estimated the effect of maternal sociodemographic, obstetric and lifestyle factors on the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in a Russian town. Methods. All women with singleton pregnancies registered at prenatal care centres in Severodvinsk in 1999 comprised the cohort for this study (n =1559). Analysis was based on spontaneous Live singleton births at the maternity home (n =1103). Multivariable Logistic regression was applied to quantify the effect of the studied factors on the risk of preterm birth. Differences in gestation duration were studied using multiple linear regression. Results. In total, 5.6% of All spontaneous births were preterm. Increased risks of preterm delivery were found in women with lower levels of education and in students. Placental complications, stress and a history of fetal death in previous pregnancies were also associated with elevated risks for preterm delivery. Smoking, hypertension and multigravidity were associated with reduced length of pregnancy in metric form. Conclusion. In addition to medical risk factors, social factors are important determinants of preterm birth in transitional Russia. Large disparities in preterm birth rates may reflect the level of inequalities in transitional Russia. Social variations in pregnancy outcomes should be monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L’allaitement maternel (AM) a été impliqué dans la réduction du risque cardiovasculaire à l’âge adulte. Une inflammation de bas grade caractérise le risque cardiovasculaire, même chez des enfants apparemment sains. L’objectif était d’évaluer le possible effet modulateur de l’allaitement sur les marqueurs de l’inflammation d’adolescents sains. Les informations sur l’AM étaient recueillies par questionnaire parental, chez 484 des 1040 adolescents de l’étude HELENA. Les marqueurs dosés étaient la protéine réactive C ultra sensible, les facteurs 3 and 4 du complément, la L-sélectine et E-sélectine soluble, la molécule soluble d’adhésion vasculo-cellulaire 1, la molécule d’adhésion intercellulaire 1 et le facteur de croissance mitogène beta 1. Après une analyse univariée, un score de propension entrait les facteurs de confusion potentiels pour étudier le lien entre l’AM et les marqueurs sélectionnés. Il n’existait pas d’association significative entre l’AM et aucun de marqueurs de l’inflammation après ajustement sur le score de propension et le sexe. Cette étude ne met pas en évidence d’association entre l’AM dans l’enfance et l’inflammation de bas grade d’adolescents sains, suggérant que le bénéfice cardio vasculaire de l’AM est lié à un autre mécanisme que l’inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]