bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression and Cardiovascular Risk - Association Among Beck Depression Inventory, PCSK9 Levels and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Macchi Chiara , Favero Chiara , Ceresa Alessandro , Vigna Luisella , Conti Diana Misaela , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , Racagni Girogio , Corsini Alberto , Ferri Nicola , Sirtori Cesare Riccardo , Buoli Massimiliano , Bollati Valentina , Ruscica Massimiliano
Published: October 2020

Background. Depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the most common causes of disability in high-income countries, depression being associated with a 30% increased risk of future CV events. Depression is twice as common in people with diabetes and is associated with a 60% rise in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, an independent CVD risk factor. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, has been related to a large number of CV risk factors, including insulin resistance. Aim of this study was to investigate whether in a population of obese subjects, more susceptible to depressive symptoms, the presence of depression could affect PCSK9 levels and how these changes may mediate a pre-diabetic risk. Results. In 389 obese individuals, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was significantly associated with PCSK9 levels. For every one-unit increment in BDI-II score, PCSK9 rose by 1.85 ng/mL. Depression was associated also with the HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment index of insulin resistance), 11% of this effect operating indirectly via PCSK9. Conclusions. This study indicates a possible mechanism linking depression and insulin resistance, a well-known CV risk factor, providing evidence for a significant role of PCSK9.
Combining targeted IASTM applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study
Authors: Mylonas Konstantinos , Angelopoulos Pavlos , Billis Evdokia , Tsepis Elias , Fousekis Konstantinos
Published: October 2020

Backround

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of the combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques, and neuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area on the improvement of the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP).

Methods

Twenty patients with neck pain and FHP were randomized and received eight treatment sessions of either targeted IASTM in combination with neuromuscular exercises (Group A), or classical massage and the same set of exercises (Group B). The cervical vertebral angle, cervical range of motion (ROM) and strength, and pain and disability were measured throughout the treatment period and in the two and four week post-treatment period.

Results

The combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercise (Group A) contributed to a significant improvement in FHP and disability. Both interventions improved cervical ROM and strength in the short term. Pain was also improved for both groups in both short and long term.

Conclusions

Combining IASTM and exercises for the cervical and thoracic area can induce positive postural adaptations and improve the neck pain patient's functional status.

Registration number

ISRCTN54231174
Acute skeletal muscle wasting and dysfunction predict physical disability at hospital discharge in patients with critical illness
Authors: Mayer Kirby P. , Bastin Melissa L. Thompson , Montgomery-Yates Ashley A. , Pastva Amy M. , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E. , Parry Selina M. , Morris Peter E
Published: October 2020

Background: Patients surviving critical illness develop muscle weakness and impairments in physical function, however, the relationship between early skeletal muscle dysfunction and physical function at hospital discharge remains unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if changes in muscle size, strength and power assessed in the intensive care unit (ICU) predict physical function at hospital discharge. Methods: Study design is a single-center, prospective, observational study in patients admitted to the medicine or cardiothoracic ICU with diagnosis of sepsis or acute respiratory failure. Rectus femoris (RF) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle ultrasound images were obtained day one of ICU admission, repeated serially and assessed for muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), layer thickness (mT), and echointensity (EI). Muscle strength, as measured by Medical Research Council-sum score, and muscle power (lower-extremity leg-press) were assessed prior to ICU discharge. Physical function was assessed with performance on 5-times sit-to-stand (5STS) at hospital discharge. Results: Forty-one patients with median age of 61 years (IQR 55-68), 56% male, and sequential organ failure assessment score of 8.1 ± 4.8 were enrolled. RF muscle CSA decreased significantly a median percent change of 18.5% from day 1 to 7 (F = 26.6, p = 0.0253). RF EI increased at a mean percent change of 10.5 ± 21% in the first 7 days (F = 3.28, p = 0.081). At hospital discharge 25.7% of patients (9/35) met criteria for ICU-acquired weakness. Change in RF EI in first 7 days of ICU admission and muscle power measured prior to ICU were strong predictors of ICU-AW at hospital discharge(AUC = 0.912). Muscle power at ICU discharge, age and ICU length of stay were predictive of performance on 5STS at hospital discharge. Conclusion: ICU-assessed muscle alterations, specifically RF EI and muscle power are predictors of diagnosis of ICU-AW and physical function assessed by 5x-STS at hospital discharge in patients surviving critical illness.
Heart transplantation of patients with ventricular assist devices: impact of normothermic ex-vivo preservation using organ care system compared with cold storage
Authors: Kaliyev Rymbay , Lesbekov Timur , Bekbossynov Serik , Nurmykhametova Zhuldyz , Bekbossynova Makhabbat , Novikova Svetlana , Medressova Assel , Smagulov Nurlan , Faizov Linar , Samalavicius Robertas , Pya Yuriy
Published: October 2020

Background: Organ Care System (OCS) minimizes the cold ischemic time and allows for optimization of logistics and meticulous recipient preparation. Impact of normothermic ex-vivo preservation using OCS compared with cold storage (CS) for prolonged heart preservation especially beneficial for high-risk recipients bridged to transplantation with Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS).Methods: Between 2012 and 2018, we performed a retrospective single-center review of prospectively collected data. All patients who underwent heart transplantation with MCS using the OCS Heart (n=25) versus standard cold storage (n=10) were included in this study. Results: During this period, 353 patients were implanted with left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) and 35 (10 %) were bridged to heart transplantation. There was no significant difference in donor and recipient characteristics and risk factors. The Index for Mortality Prediction after Cardiac Transplantation (IMPACT) score was a trend towards higher estimated risk of death at 1y in the OCS group (14.2 vs. 10.8% p= 0.083). Mean total ischemic time during preservation was statistically significantly longer in CS vs OCS group (210 (23) Vs 74.6 (13) min p=0.001). Median ex vivo normothermic heart perfusion time in OCS was 348.4(132; 955) min. There was significant difference in total out of body time between OCS group 423(67) Vs CS group 210(23) min p=0.002). All patients were alive on the 30th days post implant in CS groups and 96% in OCS group (p=0.5).Conclusion: Normothermic ex-vivo preservation of the allograft during transportation with the organ care system might be beneficial for long-time out of body organ preservation in comparison of cold storage especially for recipients on mechanical circulatory support.
Spectrum of Movement Disorders in GNAO1 Encephalopathy: In-Depth Phenotyping and Case-by-Case Analysis
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon , Shim YoungKyu , Ko Young Joon , Park Soojin , Jang Se Song , Lim Byung Chan , Kim Ki Joong , Chae Jong-Hee
Published: October 2020

Background: GNAO1 encephalopathy is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distinct movement presentations and early onset epileptic encephalopathy. Here, we report the in-depth phenotyping of genetically confirmed patients with GNAO1 encephalopathy, focusing on movement presentations.Results: Six patients who participated in Korean Undiagnosed Disease Program were diagnosed to have pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in GNAO1 using whole exome sequencing. All medical records and personal video clips were analyzed with a literature review. Three of the 6 patients were male. Median follow-up duration was 41 months (range, 7–78 months) and age at last examination was 7.4 years (range, 3.3–16.9 years). Initial complaints were hypotonia or developmental delay in 5 and right-hand clumsiness in 1 patient, which were noticed at median age of 3 months (range, 0–75 months). All patients showed global developmental delay and 4 had severely retarded development. Five patients (5/6, 83.3%) had many different movement symptoms with various onset and progression. The symptoms included stereotyped hands movement, non-epileptic myoclonus, dyskinesia, dystonia and choreoathetosis. Whole exome sequencing identified 6 different variants in GNAO1. Three were novel de novo variants and atypical presentation was noted in a patient. One variant turned out to be inherited from patient’s mother who had mosaic variant. Distinct and characteristics movement phenotypes in patients with variant p.Glu246Lys and p.Arg209His were elucidated by in-depth phenotyping and literature review. Conclusions: We reported 6 patients with GNAO1 encephalopathy showing an extremely diverse clinical spectrum on video. Some characteristic movement features identified by careful inspection may also provide important diagnostic insight and practice guidelines.
Resuscitation refresher training in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – instructor-led training outperforms self-directed learning.
Authors: O’Donnell Alice , Pawar Aniela , Hardy Emma , Percival Harriet , Coffin Nicholas , Hulme Jonathan , Owen Andrew , Alderman Joseph
Published: October 2020

Background: survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is worse in the United Kingdom than in many other developed countries, possibly due to below average delivery of early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Training laypeople how to perform CPR is vital, but skill decays quickly. Most methods of training require face-to-face contact which is challenging during the Covid-19 pandemic. The optimal method of delivering CPR refresher training is not yet known. Our aim was to understand how basic life support (BLS) performance decays over time, and how best to deliver refresher training in terms of timeframe and training method – are methods with limited instructor / student contact effective? Methods: this quasi-randomised trial allocated participants to receive refresher training one, two, or three years after their initial BLS training. Participants’ baseline BLS performance was assessed by a trained instructor, and then they were randomly allocated to receive refresher training via one of three methods: one-to-one instructor led training, video assisted learning with self-directed practice, or a written information guide alone. BLS performance was assessed again following refresher training. Results: 42 participants were recruited - all completed all study stages. Baseline BLS performance was poor – only 21% of participants passed a formative assessment. Students who had received BLS training most recently showed better BLS performance than those where greater time had elapsed. one-to-one training was the most effective refresher training modality, and video assisted training did not lead to significant improvement in BLS performance. Conclusion: one-to-one BLS refresher training outperforms self-directed methods with more limited instructor contact, though it requires greater resource and planning. It may be impractical to deliver instructor-led BLS refresher training during the Covid-19 pandemic. The video we chose to use for our training was not interactive, though such tools exist. Alternative video-led approaches (with or without instructor guidance) should be explored to investigate if they are more effective than the tool we used in this study.
A Conceptual Design for Deflection Device in VTDP System
Authors: Gao Yongwei , Zhang Jianming , Wang Long , Chen Bingzhen , Wei Binbin
Published: October 2020

The effectiveness of the Vectored Thrust Ducted Propeller (VTDP) system is not high currently, especially the lateral force is not large enough. Thus, a conceptual design for a deflection device of a VTDP system was proposed to achieve effective hovering control. The magnitude of the lateral force that was applied to maintain balance while hovering was examined. A comparison between the experimental and numerical results for the 16H-1 was made to verify the numerical simulation approach. The deflection devices of the X-49 and the proposed design were analyzed using numerical simulations. The results indicated that a larger lateral force and lower power consumption were presented in the proposed design. The results of this article provide a new idea for the design of the VTDP system.
Total Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Multifocal Infection in Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis: a retrospective observational Study
Authors: Henkelmann Jeanette , Denecke Timm , Pieroh Philipp , Einhorn Stephanie , Hoeh Nicolas H. von der , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Voelker Anna
Published: October 2020

Background

Due to the unspecific symptoms of spondylodiscitis (SpD), an early radiological examination is necessary. However, controversially discussed is the need for an magnetic resonance imaging of the entire spine to exclude multisegmental infections and to determine the required surgical interventions. The aims of this study were to assess the incidence of multilevel non-contiguous pyogenic SpD and compare comorbidities, pain symptoms, and subsequent surgical strategies between unifocal (uSpD) and multifocal (mSpD) SpD.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the data of patients with confirmed, surgically treated, pyogenic SpD who had received a total spine MRI in a single spine center between 2016 and 2018. MRI findings were classified according to Pola-classification and demographics, duration of clinical symptoms (pain and neurology) and Charlson Comorbidity-Index (CCI) results were compared between uSpD und mSpD groups. Surgical therapy was evaluated in patients with mSpD.

Results: 
uSpD was detected by MRI in 69 of 79 patients (87%). Of these, mSpD was detected in 10 patients (13%) with 21 infected segments (cervical and/ or thoracic and/ or lumbar region). Age and CCI were similar between uSpD and mSpD and 24 of all SpD regions were clinically unapparent. All patients with uSpD were treated operatively. In seven patients with mSpD, all infected levels of the spine were treated surgically in a one-stage procedure; one patient had a two-stage procedure and one patient had surgery at the lumbar spine, and an additional infected segment of the upper thoracic spine was treated conservatively. One patient died before a planned two-stage procedure was performed.

Conclusions

Due to mSpD being found in approximately 13% of SpD cases, and considering the risk of overlooking an mSpD case, MRI imaging of the total spine is recommended. The detection of multiple infection levels can have an impact on the therapeutic strategy chosen.
Metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents in Low and Middle Income Countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bitew Zebenay Workneh , Alemu Ayinalem , Ayele Ermias Getaneh , Tenaw Zelalem , Alebel Anmut , Worku Teshager
Published: October 2020

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, which is rising in the low and middle income countries (LMICs). There are various studies with inconsistent findings that are inconclusive for policy makers and program planners. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of MetS and its components in LMICs.Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in international databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE (Elsevier), Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Science direct (Elsevier), Food Science and Technology Abstracts (FSTA), Global Health and Medline, and other sources (World Cat, Google Scholar, and Google). The pooled estimates were computed in the random effect model. The pooled prevalence was computed using the three diagnostic methods (IDF, ATP III and de Ferranti). Publication bias was verified using funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed to identify the possible sources of heterogeneity among the included studies. Result: In this study, 142,142 children and adolescents from 76 eligible articles were included to compute the pooled prevalence of MetS and its components in LMCIs. MeTs among overweight and obese population was computed from 20 articles with the pooled prevalence of 24.09%, 36.5%, and 56.32% in IDF, ATP III and de Ferranti criteria, respectively. Similarly, a total of 56 articles were eligible to compute the pooled prevalence of MetS in the general population of children and adolescents. Hence, Mets was found in 3.98% (IDF), 6.71% (ATP III) and 8.91% (de Ferranti) of study subjects. Regarding the components of MetS, abdominal obesity was the major component in overweight and obese population and low HDL-C was the most common component in the general population. This study also revealed that males were highly affected by MetS than females.Conclusion: This study illustrates that MetS among children and adolescents is an emerging public health challenge in LMICs, where the prevalence of obesity is on the move. Preventive strategies such as community and school based intervention need to be designed. Promoting physical activities and healthy eating behaviors could avert this problem.
LINC01123 Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Alleviates Carotid Atherosclerosis by Modulating miR-1277-5p/KLF5
Authors: Weng Guohu , Gu Minhua , Zhang Yifan , Zhao Guangfeng , Gu Yong
Published: October 2020

Background: The pathophysiological mechanism of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) involves endothelial cell dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophage activation, which ultimately leads to fibrosis of the vessel wall. lncRNA works weightily in the formation of CAS, but the function and mechanism of lncRNA LINC01123 in CAS are still equivocal.Methods: We collected blood samples from 35 CAS patients as well as 33 healthy volunteers. VSMCs treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were utilized as the CAS cell model. We applied qRT-PCR for detecting LINC01123, miR-1277-5p and KLF5 mRNA expression, CCK-8 method and BrdU test for determining cell proliferation, Transwell test for measuring cell migration, as well as Western blot for assaying KLF5 protein expression. Dual-luciferase reporter experiment was adopted for assessing the interaction between LINC01123 and miR-1277-5p, as well as KLF5 and miR-1277-5p.Results: LINC01123 and KLF5 expression was dramatically up-regulated, while miR-1277-5p expression was down-regulated in CAS patients and ox-LDL-induced CAS cell models. Overexpressed LINC01123 notedly promoted VSMC migration and proliferation. LINC01123 knockdown repressed cell proliferation and migration. Also, LINC01123 targeted miR-1277-5p and down-regulated its expression, while miR-1277-5p could negatively regulate KLF5 expression.Conclusion: LINC01123 is highly expressed in CAS patients and is capable of being utilized as a latent target for treating CAS.
Diabetes impairs the protective effects of sevoflurane postconditioning in myocardium subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: important role of Drp1
Authors: Yu Jing , He Jiandong , Yang Wenqu , Wang Xiang , Shi Gaoxiang , Duan Yinglei , Wang Hui , Han Chongfang
Published: October 2020

Background
Sevoflurane postconditioning (SevP) is an effective way in relieving myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, which doesn’t work well in diabetic myocardium unfortunately. Prior studies have noted the importance of increasing oxidative stress in diabetic tissues. Noteworthily, mitochondrial fission mediated by dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is an upstream pathway of reactive oxygen production. Whether Drp1 dependent mitochondrial fission is associated with the ineffectiveness of SevP in diabetic myocardium remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the important role of Drp1 in diabetic myocardium and investigate whether Drp1 inhibition could restore the cardioprotective effect of SevP.
Methods
In the first part, adult male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were divided into 6 groups. Rats in diabetic groups were fed with high-fat and high-sugar for 8 weeks, and then received a injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Myocardial IR was induced by 30 min occlusion of left anterior descending branch of coronary artery followed by 120 min reperfusion༎SevP was applied by continuous inhalation of 2.5% sevoflurane 1 min before reperfusion, which lasted for 10 min. In the second part, mdivi-1 was used to investigate whether Drp1 inhibition could restore the cardioprotective effects of SevP in diabetic myocardium against I/R injury. The myocardial infarct size, pathology, mitochondrial ultrastructure, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, total SOD activity, MDA content, and Drp1 expression were detected.
Results
The diabetic myocardium displayed severer injury with greater infarct size and apoptosis. Up-regulated Drp1 expression concomitant with increased mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress were observed in diabetic myocardium subjected to I/R. The deteriorated changes were alleviated in normal but not in diabetic rats. Importantly, mdivi-1 administration significantly suppressed mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress, and the beneficial effects of SevP were restored by mdivi-1.
Conclusions
The present study indicates a crucial role of Drp1 dependent mitochondrial fission in diabetic myocardium subjected to IR. Drp1 inhibition may be effective in restoring the effect of SevP in reducing diabetic myocardial IR injury.
The Distribution Pattern of Periprostatic Neurovascular Bundles Examined with Successive Celloidin Slices
Authors: Li Xuemei , Wu Jianhui , Cai Qiliang , Pan Janming , Meng Qingguo , Zhang Ping , Xu Yong , Zhai Lidong
Published: October 2020

Background: Although several distribution patterns of periprostatic neurovascular bundles have been proposed, variant dissection technique based on these patterns still confused surgeons.The aim of this study was to describe the periprostatic neurovascular bundles and their relationship with the fascicles around prostate and provide the accurate morphologic knowledge of periprostatic tissue for prostate operation.Methods: The pelvic viscera were obtained from 26 adult male cadavers. They were embedded in celloidin and cut into successive slices. The slices were explored with anatomic microscopy. 3-Dimensional reconstruction was achieved with celloidin sections and series software.Results: The prostatic capsule which surrounded the dorsal, bilateral aspect of the prostate was attached ventrally to anterior fibrous muscular stroma (AFMS). The lower part of the striated sphincter completely embraced the urethral; the upper part of this muscle covered the lower ventral surface of prostate. The upper ventral surface of prostate is covered by the circular muscle of detrusor. The levator fascia and the capsule adhered on the most convex region of the lateral prostate, but separated on the other region. The pelvic neurovascular bundles (PNVB) divided into the anterior and posterior divisions. The anterior division continued as dorsal vascular complex (DVC). The distal part of DVC entered into penile hilum. The posterior division continued as neurovascular bundles NVB, and then as the cavernous supply (CS). The distal part of CS joined into pudendal neurovascular bundles. Conclusions: The capsule and AFMS formed a pocket like complex. There were anterior and posterior neurovascular approaches from PNVB to penile hilum.
Development and Evaluation of A New Measure of Children’s Play: The Children’s Play Scale (CPS)
Authors: Dodd Helen , Nesbit Rachel J. , Maratchi Laura
Published: October 2020

Background There is increasing recognition of the importance of children’s play from a public health perspective given the links between play and children’s physical and mental health. The present research aimed to develop and evaluate a new parent-report questionnaire that measures the time children spend playing and how adventurously children play, across a range of places.Method The questionnaire was developed with input from a diverse group of parents and experts in children’s play. It was designed to yield a range of metrics including time spent playing per year, time spent playing outside, time spent playing in nature and level of adventurous play. The reliability of the questionnaire was then evaluated with 245 parents (149 mothers, 96 fathers) of 154 children aged 5 to 11 years. All participants completed the measure at time 1. At time 2, an average of 20 days later, 184 parents (111 mothers and 73 fathers) of 99 children completed the measure again. Results Cross-informant agreement, evaluated using Concordance Correlation Coefficients (CCCs), ranged from 0.36 to 0.51. These fall in the poor to moderate range and are largely comparable to cross-informant agreement on other measures. Test-retest reliability for mothers was good (range 0.67 - 0.76) for time spent playing metrics. For fathers, test-retest reliability was lower (range 0.39 - 0.63). For both parents the average level of adventurous play variable had relatively poor test retest reliability (mothers = 0.49, fathers = 0.42). This variable also showed a significant increase from time 1 to time 2. This instability over time may be due to the timing of the research in relation to the Covid-19 lockdown and associated shifts in risk perception.Conclusions The measure will be of value in future research focusing on the public health benefits and correlates of children’s play as well as researchers interested in children’s outdoor play and play in nature specifically. The development of the measure in collaboration with parents and experts in children’s play is a significant strength. It will be of value for future research to further validate the measure against play diaries or activity monitors.
The Effects of Pre-Response Before COVID-19 Outbreak on Strategic Decision Making
Authors: Jung Jae Hun , Kim Daewook , Jung Il Hyo
Published: October 2020

Background: In the case of COVID-19, many countries have introduced their own policies for prevention. In Sweden, herd immunity policy was implemented and it was difficult to reduce the number of fatalities. In South Korea, the number of fatalities was not high because the public had earlier received a risk warning from the government and followed the policy well. In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the government’s policy is important, but it is also important for people to agree and follow the policy. As such, an individual’s behavior such as preventive measures and pre-responses may be linked to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. Methods: To evaluate the effect of strategy selection between individuals and groups when pre-response action, we incorporate a compartmental epidemic model into a game-theoretical framework and use this to fit the cumulative confirmed data of Sweden (Feb. 27 - Mar. 12) and South Korea (Feb. 4 - Mar. 3). Results: The transmission rate (β) is estimated from the fitted model, and the reproduction numbers (R0) of two countries, Sweden and South Korea are estimated by 6.93 and 3.71, respectively. The probability of infection (φ p) of Sweden is about 12% higher than that of South Korea. As the probability of attack that an epidemic occurs (θ) increases, the individual’s equilibrium gradually increased than group optimum. Conclusions: When comparing the prevention policies of Sweden and South Korea, it was confirmed that pre-response can be an appropriate preventive strategy against the transmission of infection. The selection of a strategy between individuals and groups can lead to the collapse of altruism that tends to select an action strategy for personal benefit, as the probability of the epidemic attack increases.
Motor Variances in Arm Cranking as a Function of the Resistance
Authors: Mravcsik Mariann , Botzheim Lilla , Zentai Norbert , Piovesan Davide , Laczko Jozsef
Published: October 2020

Background: Arm cycling on an ergometer is common in sports training and rehabilitation protocols, but has not been widely studied from an aspect of neural control. The hand movement is constrained along a circular path, and the user is working against a resistance, maintaining a cadence. Even if the desired hand trajectory is given, there is the flexibility to choose patterns of joint coordination and muscle activation, given the kinematic redundancy of the upper limb. With changing external load, motor noise and changing joint stiffness may affect the pose of the arm even though the endpoint trajectory is unchanged, unless a control mechanism maintains the same arm configuration in corresponding time points of the cycles. However, the effect of crank resistance on the variances of arm configuration and muscle activation has not been investigated, yet. Methods: Fifteen healthy participants performed arm cranking on an arm-cycle ergometer both unimanually and bimanually with a cadence of 60 rpm against three crank resistances. We investigated arm configuration variances and muscle activation variances. Arm configuration was given by inter-segmental joint angles, while muscle activation by surface EMGs of arm muscles. Applying multifactorial ANOVA we evaluated the effects of resistance conditions. Results: Arm configuration variance in the course of arm cranking was not affected by crank resistance, while muscle activation variance was proportional to the square of electromyographic muscle activity. Furthermore, the shape of the variance time profiles for both arm configuration and muscle activation was not affected by crank resistance independently on cranking being performed unimanually or bimanually. Conclusions: Contrary to the prevailing assumption that an increased motor noise would affect the variance of auxiliary movements, the influence of noise doesn’t appear at the arm configuration level even when the system is redundant. Our results suggest that neural control stabilizes arm configurations against altered external force in arm cranking. This may reflect the separation of kinematic- and force-control, via mechanisms that are compensating for dynamic non-linearities. Arm cranking may be suitable when the aim is to perform training under different load conditions, preserving stable and secure control of joint movements and muscle activations.
Application of [68Ga]Ga-citrate PET/CT for Differentiating Prosthetic Joint Infection from Aseptic Loosening After Joint Replacement Surgery
Authors: Xu Tingting , Zeng Yalan , Yang Hongbin , Cai Liang , Ding Haoyuan , Liu Nan , Zhang Li , Lei Lei , Qi Chi , Zhang Yan , Liu Lin , Zhang Xiaoling , Wang Junzheng , Fan Dongmei , Liu Guangfu , Du Tao , Xiang Ke , Wang Peng , Jiang Fei , Chen Yue
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Preoperative differentiation of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and aseptic loosening (AL) is challenging. We aimed to evaluate the utility of visual analysis and semi-quantitative parameters of [68Ga]Ga-citrate positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the differentiation of PJI and AL.
Methods

Sixteen patients with suspected PJI or AL underwent [68Ga]Ga-citrate PET/CT imaging. Results were evaluated by three nuclear medicine doctors based on (1) visual analysis of the attenuation correction (AC) and non-attenuation correction (NAC) based on tracer uptake intensity and range; (2) maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of lesions and the SUVmax of the target area/SUVmax of the non-target area (bone and muscle; T/NT [bone] and T/NT [muscle]). The final diagnosis was based on the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria, intraoperative findings, and histopathological and microbiological examinations.
Results

Overall, 10 (62.5%) and 6 (37.5%) patients were diagnosed with PJI and AL, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the areas under the curve for SUVmax, T/NT (bone), and T/NT (muscle) were 0.617 (cut-off = 2.243, P = 0.4312), 0.850 (cut-off = 2.844, P = 0.0052), and 0.850 (cut-off = 5.983, P = 0.0003), respectively. AC, NAC, and T/NT (bone) exhibited high differential diagnostic values (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 90.0%, 83.3%, and 87.5%, respectively). The diagnostic efficacy of T/NT (muscle) was the second highest (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 60.0%, 100%, and 75.0%, respectively). SUVmax demonstrated the poorest diagnostic efficacy (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 70.0%, 66.7%, and 68.8%, respectively).
Conclusion

Our results suggest that [68Ga]Ga-citrate may differentiate PJI and AL.
The Origin of Conductive-Pulse Sensing Inside a Nanopore and the Role of Electro-Hydrodynamics
Authors: Lastra Lauren , Nguyen Michelle , Farajpour Nasim , Freedman Kevin
Published: October 2020

Despite the highly negatively charged backbone of DNA, electroosmotic flow (EOF) within a nanopore can lead to DNA travelling opposite to electrophoretic force (EPF) at low ionic strengths. However, EOF pumping and its role in producing current-enhancing events is ambiguous due to the complicated interactions between nanopore walls, DNA grooves, ion mobility, and counterion clouds. Here, we discuss how current-enhancing DNA events could be the result of a flux imbalance between anions and cations. The contributing factors for driving a flux imbalance within a nanopore include pore size, voltage bias, and type of alkali chloride electrolyte. Once the mechanism behind conductive events is established, the physics of transducing a DNA translocation into an electrical signal can be further exploited for improving DNA sequencing and, more broadly, bio-sensing.
A committed fourfold increase in ocean oxygen loss
Authors: Oschlies Andreas
Published: October 2020

Less than a quarter of ocean deoxygenation that will ultimately be caused by historical CO2 emissions is already realized, according to millennial-scale model simulations that assume zero CO2 emissions from year 2021 onwards. About 80% of the committed oxygen loss occurs below 2000m depth, where a more sluggish overturning circulation will increase water residence times and accumulation of respiratory oxygen demand. According to the model results, the deep ocean will thereby lose more than 10% of its pre-industrial oxygen content even if CO2 emissions and thus global warming were stopped today. In the surface layer, however, the ongoing deoxygenation will largely stop once CO2 emissions are stopped. Accounting for the joint effects of committed oxygen loss and ocean warming, metabolic viability representative for marine animals declines by up to 25% over large regions of the deep ocean, posing am unavoidable escalation of anthropogenic pressure on deep-ocean ecosystems.
Are The 50’s, The Transition Decade in Choroid Plexus Aging?
Authors: Palha Joana Almeida , Tahira Ana , Marques Fernanda , Lisboa Bianca , Feltrin AS , Barbosa André , Oliveira KC de , Pereira CA de Bragança , Leite Renata , Grinberg Lea , Suemoto Claudia , Ferretti-Rebustini Renata de Lucena , Pasqualucci Carlos Augusto , Jacob-Filho Wilson , Brentani Helena
Published: October 2020

Background: The choroid plexus (CP) is an important structure for the brain. Besides its major role in the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it conveys signals originating from the brain and from the circulation, therefore shaping brain function in health and in pathology. In accordance, previous studies in rodents revealed altered transcriptome during aging and in various diseases of the central nervous system including Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: In the present study we performed a high-throughput sequencing of the CP transcriptome in clinically healthy humans throughout aging, from the ages of 50’s years into the 80's. Results: The date shows an age-related profile, with the main changes occurring in the transition from the 50 ́s to the 60’s, stabilizing thereafter. Specifically, neuronal and membrane functions distinguish the transcriptome between the 50’s and the 60’s, while neuronal and axon development and extracellular structure organization differentiate the 50’s from the 70’s. Conclusions: These findings suggest that changes in the CP transcriptome occur early in the aging process and may precede later onset brain disabilities, associated with memory and cognitive impairment.
Microbiomes of clownfish and their symbiotic host anemone converge before their first physical contact
Authors: Gilbert Émie Audet , Sylvain François-Étienne , Bouslama Sidki , Derome Nicolas
Published: October 2020

BackgroundOne of the most charismatic, and yet not completely resolved example of mutualistic interaction is the partnership of clownfish and its symbiotic sea anemone. The mechanism explaining this tolerance currently relies on the molecular mimicry of clownfish epithelial mucus, which could serve as camouflage, preventing the anemone's nematocysts' discharge. Resident bacteria are known as key drivers of epithelial mucus chemical signature in vertebrates. A recent study has proposed a restructuration of the skin microbiota in a generalist clown fish when first contacting its symbiotic anemone. We explored a novel hypothesis by testing the effect of remote interaction on epithelial microbiota restructuration in both partners. MethodsWith metataxonomics, we investigated the epithelial microbiota dynamic of 18 pairs of percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and their symbiotic anemone Heteractis magnifica in remote interaction, physical interaction and control groups for both partners during a four weeks trial.ResultsPhysical and Remote Interaction groups’ results evidence gradual epithelial microbiota convergence between both partners when fish and anemone were placed in the same water system. This convergence occurred preceding any physical contact between partners, and was maintained during the two-weeks interaction period in both contact groups. After the interaction period, community structure of both fish and anemone’s epthelial community structures maintained the interaction signature two weeks after fish-anemone pairs separation. Furthermore, the interaction signature persistence was observed both in Physical and Remote Interaction groups, thus suggesting that water-mediated chemical communication between symbiotic partners was strong enough to shift the skin microbiota durably, even after the separation of fish-anemone pairs. Finally, our results suggest that fish-anemone convergent microbiota restructuration was increasingly associated with the parallel recruitment of three Flavobacteriaceae strains closely related to a tyrosinase-producing Cellulophaga tyrosinoxydans. ConclusionsOur study shows that bacterial community restructuration, in the acclimation process, does not only rely on direct physical contact. Furthermore, our results challenge, for the first time, the traditional unidirectional chemical camouflage hypothesis, as we argue that convergence of the epithelial microbiota of both partners may play essential roles in establishing mutual acceptance.
Treatment with 5-azacytidine Increases UCP2 levels in Hep3B and HT-29 Cells but Not in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Kim Dae Yeon , Jung Bae Dong , Cheong Hee Tae , Ra Chang Six , Kimura Kazuhiro
Published: October 2020

Background: The function of the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is different for each cancer cell, and the mechanism of production is unclear. DNA methylation affects protein expression and is one factor that transforms normal cells into cancer cells. The hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B and HepG2 cells and colorectal cancer HT-29 cells were treated with 5-azacytidine (5-aza), a DNA demethylation agent, to observe the modification of UCP2 production and the methylation degree in the UCP2 promoter region.Methods: Promoter basal activity and degree of UCP2 production were measured in Hep3B, HepG2, and HT-29 cells. In addition, methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was performed to investigate the degree of methylation in the UCP2 promoter region. The methylation region in the UCP2 promoter was confirmed based on bisulfite sequencing.Results: In Hep3B cells in which UCP2 mRNA was not transcribed, the promoter basal activity was significantly higher than in HT-29 or HepG2 cells in which UCP2 mRNA was transcribed. Treatment with 5-aza increased UCP2 expression in Hep3B and HT-29 cells; however, the expression in HepG2 cells was unchanged. The UCP2 promoter in Hep3B cells has numerous methylated regions compared with HT-29 and HepG2 cells.Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that inhibition of UCP2 production in Hep3B cells was due to multiple methylation of the promoter region. Investigating the mechanism that induces UCP2 production in cancer cells is important to understand the function of UCP2, which could aid in cancer treatment.
Thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome in a child with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A rare Case Report
Authors: Dong Rong-Jing , Lei Su-Yun , Li Jun , Yang Xin-Ping , li yuye , Zhang Yun-Gui
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUNDAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a noninflammatory autoimmune disorder induced by antiphospholipid antibodies, which exceedingly rarely occurs in pediatric population and even more rarely reported in HIV positive children.CASE SUMMARYA 11 years old boy had a sudden onset left lower extremity swelling with pain and the symptoms gradually worsened. Initial one-month topical treatment was ineffective and the symptoms aggravated until suddenly spread to the root of his thigh, accompanied by left lower extremity dyskinesia. Both ultrasonography and vascular CT scan on left lower extremity revealed deep venous thrombosis. His serum aPLs antibodies were tested positive. He experienced a virology failure with substantial HIV viral load (VL) despite receiving regular antiretroviral therapy (ART). The symptoms recovered after aggressive antithrombotic and high-dose corticosteroids treatments.CONCLUSIONWhen pediatric individuals develop thrombotic disease, APS also needs to be ruled out. The autoantibodies levels should be routinely tested to look for recurrent thrombosis in children with HIV/AIDS.
Optimization of nano-encapsulation on neonatal porcine islet-like cell clusters using polymersomes
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Kim Hyun-Ouk , Kang Jung-Taek
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveResearches proving methods for nano encapsulation of neonatal porcine islet-like cell clusters (NPCCs) using polymersomes (PSomes) formed using polymers of polyethylene glycol-block-poly lactide (PEG-b-PLA). Herein, our studies present efficient nano encapsulation procedure with minimal damage and loss of NPCCs. MethodsWe used N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) on the N-terminal of PSomes to induce binding of amine groups in the extracellular matrix surrounding NPCCs. F-10 culture medium with bovine serum albumin was used in the nano-encapsulation procedure to minimize damage and loss of NPCCs. Finally, we induced crosslinking between bi-functional PSomes (NHS-/NH2-PSomes). ResultsF-10 culture medium containing 0.25% BSA with pH of 7.3 minimized the damage and loss of NPCCs after nano-encapsulation as compared with using basic HBSS buffer (pH 8.0). Also, we induced the efficiency nano encapsulation through conjugation of PSomes using bi-functional PSomes (NHS-/NH2-PSomes).
Activin A activation Drives Renal Fibrosis through the STAT3 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Ni Lihua , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: October 2020

Background: The present study investigated whether TGF-β1 promotes fibrotic changes in HK-2 cells through the Activin A and STAT3 signalling pathways in vitro. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis of microarray profiles (GSE20247 and GSE23338) and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to select hub genes. For the in vitro study, HK-2 cells were exposed to TGF-β1. The expression of Activin A and STAT3 was assayed, and the effect of Activin A and STAT3 expression on fibrosis was assessed (Collagen I and Fibronectin). Results: The bioinformatics study revealed TGF-β1 and Activin A as hub genes. The in vitro study showed that Activin A expression was significantly increased after TGF-β1 incubation. Blocking Activin A by follistatin attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrosis. In addition, Activin A blockade attenuated TGF-β1-induced STAT3 signalling pathway activation and related fibrosis. More importantly, STAT3 inhibition by S3I-201 alleviated TGF-β1-induced fibrosis.Conclusion: Activin A promoted cellular fibrotic changes through the STAT3 signalling pathway. Attenuating Activin A expression to mediate the STAT3 signalling pathway might be a strategy for potent renal fibrosis treatment.
Neck Pain and Other Location Patterns in Episodic and Chronic Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Utiumi Marco Antonio Takashi , Küster João Guilherme Bochnia , Godk Keryn Sporh , Kotsifas Nikolai José Eustátios , Kowacs Pedro André , Piovesan Elcio Juliato
Published: October 2020

Background: The pain location of migraine has limited diagnostic value and has usually been assessed using non-standard verbal descriptors.Methods: This study uses non-verbal descriptors of pain location in episodic and chronic migraineurs seen at 3 centers of different complexities (tertiary-level hospital and outpatient clinics) and from different sectors (public and private). The explicit pain location was recorded by asking patients to indicate in an electronic form 3 points on the anterolateral side and 3 points on the posterolateral side of the head and neck. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to assess the association of different pain location patterns with demographic and clinical variables.Results: Ninety-seven episodic migraine and 113 chronic migraine patients were included, with the most commonly affected sites being the frontal (73% and 65%, respectively), temporal (67% and 73%, respectively) and parietal (27% and 34%, respectively) regions. The posterior cervical site was most often involved in the chronic migraine group (21% vs. 33%, p=0.034). No other locations showed a significant difference. The adjusted model showed that diffuse pain (OR=13.74, CI=4.89-49.85) and the presence of medication overuse associated with tactile allodynia (OR=2.65, CI=1.05-6.87) were associated with increased odds of neck pain. Disease duration was marginally relevant (p=0.078).Conclusions: The migraine attacks most commonly involve the fronto-temporal regions, although neck pain can be more often found in chronic migraine. Some features commonly found in this group such as more diffuse pain, tactile allodynia, and medication overuse are associated with this extratrigeminal site of pain.